Category Archives: Roofing Tips

How to Get Rid of Moss on Your Roof

You may think a bit of moss growth on your roof adds character to your home, but that green carpet covering your shingles can wreak havoc on your roof. Moss grows in areas that get little to no sunlight but a decent amount of moisture buildup. This is why you will typically see moss growing on the north side of trees, fence posts and yes, roofs.

But no matter where you see moss growing on your roof you should address it as quickly as you can to avoid damages.

The Dangers of Moss Growth

In nature, moss plays its part. But on man-made structures, moss can have a devastating effect. Moss grows in blankets and establishes its roots on the shingling of your roof. These roots can actually start to lift your roofing shingles and deteriorate them over time. This will result in the immediate need to spend money and replace broken or damaged shingles.

In the long run, though, shingles that have been lifted up by moss roots can expose the underlayer of your roof to moisture which can cause even more damage. This is the beginning of roof erosion.

This exposure to moisture can cause mold and bacteria growth, which can eat away at your roofing and cause leaks and holes. Not to mention the respiratory health issues caused by breathing in mold. The exposed roofing can allow water and moisture into your inner roofing structure and even your home.

Besides the structural and health dangers that moss can lead to, it is dangerous to walk on a roof that is covered in moss because it can be very slippery. If you feel that moss on your roof has already caused significant damage, reach out to a roofing company to check it out for you. On the other hand, you just need to get the moss off your roof but no damage has been done, keep on reading!

Getting Rid of Moss and Dispelling Popular Misconceptions

So you are aware of the dangers and are ready to get rid of your moss but which method should be used. First, some misconceptions about getting moss off your roof should be addressed:

  • Bleach – It is often recommended that homeowners use bleach to weaken and wash away moss. This is a method that needs to be executed very carefully for it to be a viable option. That’s because bleach is very corrosive and can eat away at your flashing, which can cause leaks in the future. Bleach can also discolor your shingles, making them look uneven or older than they actually are. Your vapor barrier can be compromised if you spray your roof with bleach and there are broken or cracked shingles. Bleach will kill moss, but it can also kill other plants and vegetation that you did not intend to kill.
  • Pressure Washing – Pressure washing your moss away should only be done if you are very experienced with the practice. Pressure washers can cause more damage to your roofing and shingles than moss and in much less time.

Both of these methods are still technically viable, but you have to be way more careful with them than other methods such as:

  • Hand Scrubbing – You can start by gathering your garden hose and a sturdy scrubbing brush and wetting down the moss affected areas moderately. When the moss is good and soft, you can go to work on them with the scrubbing brush.
  • Roof Cleaning Solutions – If scrubbing isn’t enough, you may want to consider a ready-made roof cleaning solution. Many roof cleaners are moss and mildew specific. Some can be mixed with water and applied to the affected areas without having to rinse. They work by killing the moss so that it deteriorates and fades away altogether. Other store-bought solutions can be hooked up to your hose and sprayed on the moss-covered section of your roof. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, see if you can find a roofing contractor near you to clean it professionally.
  • Home Made Solutions – There are also safe home roof cleaning solutions you can make. One of them is a mixture of 8 ounces of dish soap (you can replace the dish soap with 1 and a half to 3 and a half cups of vinegar) and 2 gallons of water. You can apply this mixture with a garden sprayer or backpack sprayer.

Keeping Moss off Your Roof

Now that you have the moss off of your roof, it’s time to think about prevention, so you don’t have to tackle this chore again. Here are some ways you can prevent moss from growing on your roof:

  • Trim Trees – One of the simplest ways to ensure that moss doesn’t grow on your roof is addressing a root cause: lack of sunshine. Moss can’t grow where the sun goes so make sure you trim overhanging limbs from trees and branches that are blocking direct sunlight from your roof.
  • Zinc and Copper Strips – Applying a bit of science can go a long way. Zinc and copper are the natural enemies of moss. Pick up some zinc or copper strips from your local hardware store and place them under the uppermost layer of shingling on your roof.
  • Clean you Gutters – Gutters that are clogged with leaves and plant debris are a breeding ground for moss. Keeping your gutters clean will lessen the likelihood of moss growing on your roof and soffits.
  • Clean your Roof – Moss needs a substrate, such as dirt, to grow in the first place, so cleaning your roof once or twice a year is a great way to prevent moss growth. After each cleaning, you can also put some baking soda on the ridgeline of your roof since the baking soda will make an unsuitably high pH condition in which moss cannot grow.

How to Prepare Your Roof for the Rainy Season

Are you ready for the rainy season ahead? Protecting your roof before the rainy season comes along will prevent you from damaging your roof any further and allow for a safe and enjoyable season. If you don’t prepare your roof for the rainy season, you leave your home susceptible to leaks and other water damage. This water damage can lead to even bigger problems throughout your home if you ignore them. Read on to learn more about things that you can do to get your roof ready for the rain.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters are your best line of defense against a heavy, rainy season. Without clear gutters, rainwater has nowhere to go when it falls on your roof. This can lead to heavy consequences in the future for not only your gutters themselves but your home’s foundation as well. If there are trees around your gutters, be sure to trim those as well in order to prevent excess debris from clogging up your gutters.

Clean Off Debris

Be sure to clean off all of the leaves, dirt, and other gunk that’s on your roof. Keeping your roof clear gives rainwater a clear path to get off of your roof once a rainstorm comes. Standing water can eventually lead to leaks and even worse problems for your home in the long run. We don’t recommend getting on top of your roof because of the potential danger, so enlist a professional roofer to help you out with this task.

Check Your Attic

As you are spring cleaning or putting away holiday decorations, take the time to check out the roof. Checking out your roof from the inside of often overlooked by homeowners, but it’s often the best way to check out problems when they’re in their earliest stages. If there’s any light coming in from the roof, then you may be dealing with a leak. Check the shingles out for any mold accumulation as well. If you smell something strange but don’t see anything, don’t ignore it. This might be a clue towards a deeper problem.

roof repair

Look Into Your Shingles

As you deal with heavy rainstorms, there’s a greater chance to deal with leaks and further damage to your roof. That’s why it’s important to check over your shingles before the rainy season begins. Your shingles are a very important part of your roof; they’re your first line of defense against any type of precipitation. Check for broken, curled, warping, or shrinking shingles. They all are damaged in some way and need to be replaced as soon as possible. Also, check for stained shingles as well. This may be evidence of a leak or a deeper problem within your home.

Inspect Your Flashing

If you’re not aware, a roof’s flashing is the material that’s used over joints in the roof and wall construction in order to prevent water from seeping in. This makes them incredibly important during the rainy season. Check around your home for any imperfections throughout your flashing and replace them as quickly as you can.

Fix Your Skylights

If you have skylights built into your roof, now’s the time to ensure that they’re properly in place. If they aren’t, then that may lead to water seeping through the cracks and getting into your home. Additionally, if they aren’t sealed well it could cause precious heating or cooling within your home to slip away. This will inevitably cause your energy bills to rise because of that.

Get Rid of Moss

Moss feeds off of moisture and damp environments. That makes now the perfect time to get rid of it. Moss can also lift your shingles and cause long term problems to your roof. Take the time out to get rid of the moss that may be lingering on your roof, as well as other plant growth that you see.

Check Your Vents

We rely on our vents in order to keep our home temperature-controlled and as comfortable as possible. But, what we may not realize is that water and other debris may be getting into our home through the ventilation system. Bring a professional in to inspect the vents and ensure that they’re designed to keep rainwater out. If they’re not, then it may be time to replace them before the heavy rain season is upon you.

Check Your Drains

Our drains are used to direct water away from our homes. But, what happens when these drains are clogged up? Before the rainy season, check your drains to see whether they’re clear or clogged. If they’re clogged, that can cause water to sit on your roof and eventually cause leaks in the long run.

Read Over Your Home Insurance

If a horrible storm or another worst-case scenario comes up and severely damages your home, you want to make sure that you’re covered. Also, now would be a great time to look over what’s covered by your home insurance policy and what isn’t so you can make sure that you won’t run into any unnecessary fees. If you don’t believe that your current home insurance plan will fully protect your home during this rainy season, call up your local insurance agent in order to figure out a plan that’ll work best for you. It’s always better to call your insurance company up before a disaster happens, instead of after. Taking care of your home can be an expensive task. But, in the long run, it’s totally worth it in order to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Dealing with the rainy season can be frustrating if you don’t prepare your roof for it. Choosing to be proactive instead of reactive with your roof can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Your roof is a very important part of your home; as it’s meant to protect you and your family from the harsh weather that may be lurking around. Putting forth the effort to making sure that it’s in tip-top shape is a great way to ensure its lifespan and prevent larger problems in the future.

 

6 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Roof

Spring is the perfect time to get some fresh air and prepare your home for the beautiful and optimistic season ahead. Whether you are a renter in a cold-weather, expensive city like Chicago; or a homeowner in Minnesota or a property manager in Dallas,  Your roof is an incredibly important part of your house and it deserves your love just as much as the inside of your house does. Spring cleaning your roof will help repair your roof from the harsh conditions that the winter can bring so your roof can be the best it possibly once the springtime comes. Interested in learning more about protecting your roof? Read on to learn about tips that can fully strengthen your roof to protect you and your family through the warmer months.

1. Check Your Roof From the Inside

Sometimes, the best thing that you can do is check your roof from the inside. It’s one of the most looked over tasks by homeowners. They often think that you can see all of your roof’s shortcomings from the outside, but that’s just not the case. You can easily check around for mold and mildew growth when you’re looking at your from the attic. If you see any light coming from the outside that may be the first chance of witnessing a leak in your roof. Additionally, if you smell something but don’t see anything; don’t ignore it. That may be a hint of an inner source of damage. Take note of it for later and hire a professional in order to take a better look at it.

2. Examine Your Shingles

When it comes to your roof, the shingles are the first line of protection. Shingles are the flat, rectangular shapes that overlap to fully protect your roof. Checking out your shingles will help you understand what exactly you need to fix throughout your roof in order to strengthen your roof for the warmer months. We recommend that you don’t get on top of your roof in order to check out your shingles. This can end up being very dangerous, especially if you’re completing the task alone. Do the best examination that you can from the ground.

Keep a lookout for any gaps in the shingles or loose shingles that look like they’re about to fly away. These shingles are often the ones that need to be replaced fully. Loose shingles often come from bad installation or poor ventilation. Also, be sure to look out for shingles with weird staining as well. Stained shingles might be evidence that your roof has a leak or the ventilation system throughout your roof is broken. The shingles are what hold your roof together so it’s important that they stay in tip-top shape at all times.

3. Clean Out Your Gutters

After the winter season, your gutters are probably filled with debris and gunk. This is exactly why you need to take the time out to clean them. If your gutters are clogged they won’t be able to do the job that they’re made to do; drain your roof of precipitation. While you’re cleaning, you should look for evidence of wear and tear on your gutters. Things like rust and corrosion are signs that you might have to get your gutters replaced. If you do, then don’t procrastinate on the task. Gutters are an important part of your home and could lead to dire circumstances in the long run.

roof spring cleaning

4. Trim Nearby Branches

One of the biggest enemies against your roof is often nearby trees and their branches. This is often where most of the debris is coming from and what’s clogging your gutters and taking over your roof. Also, if those branches are close enough to your roof they can scrap it and damage the protective granules on top of the shingles. If you have the proper equipment to trim those branches in a safe manner then you may be able to take on this task yourself. But, if you aren’t confident in those abilities then hiring a professional arborist would do the trick just the same. It’s best to take care of this task before the full bloom of spring hits so you can have less foliage to deal with.

5. Clear Away Debris

Whether it’s dirt, leaves, or other debris, getting that gunk off of your roof can do nothing but help the quality of your roof. Also, since that debris is often unsightly to look at, cleaning the debris can give it a brand new look for the new season. Along the way, make sure that you’re using a cleaning substance that’s specified for roofs in particular. For example, bleach can strip away the color of your roof and damage your roofing materials.

6. Get Rid of Mold

If you see that your shingles are discolored, you might be dealing with mold. Mold can be very destructive to your roof. Dealing with mold is even more prevalent if you’re living in a wetter climate than usual. Some of the home remedies that you can try out on the mold are lead control strips or utilizing zine on the affected areas. If your mold was caught early enough, then these home remedies may be the only things that you need to take care of the problem. If it’s covered a large area of your roof, then you may need to call a professional roofer. Once the mold seeps deeper into your home it could negatively affect you and your family’s health. It’s important to be proactive towards mold so you don’t have to be reactive in the long run.

Winter can be a very harsh season. Your roof is often the first line of defense against these harsh conditions, so taking the time to clean your roof in time for the spring season is very important. Each of these tasks prepares your roof for the season ahead and repairs it from the storms and precipitations that may have happened throughout the winter. Often, you spring clean the inside of your house, why not spring clean the outside of your house as well? It will save you a lot of time, stress, and money that comes from neglecting one of the most important parts of your home: the roof.

 

 

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Getting a Roof Replacement? Here’s How To Save Some Money

A roof is expensive, but a necessary investment for your home. And when it comes time to replace your roof, you want the best quality, but you also want to get a reasonable price as well.

It’s estimated that a typical asphalt roofing job for a residential home can range from $8,000 to $16,500. And while there are a variety of factors that go into determining the price, we’re going to take a look at ways you can save a few bucks without sacrificing quality work.

Research & Learn

Thanks to the Internet, you have access to virtually every piece of information regarding roofing. Before you even talk to a roofing contractor, research materials, labor costs, and terminology, so you know exactly what you agree to when you negotiate. Also, keep in mind that you’ll likely have disposal fees and recycling fees to contend with when tearing down your old roof, so make sure you know approximately what those should be in your area before you agree to a price. Being informed means, you’re less likely to be taken advantage of.

Get a Roof Inspection

Getting a professional to come in and expect your roof is an excellent idea because it gives you a clear picture of the work that needs to be done. We’re not saying that all contractors are shady, far from it, but it’s better to know the work that needs to be performed by a third party rather than someone who may be trying to get a little more money out of you by selling you on something you may not need.

Getting a roofing inspector is relatively inexpensive, and you can generally get one for under $300. An inspector will be able to pinpoint any damage and advise you on whether you need a full-on roof replacement or if you can get by with a minor repair for now.

Lastly, when you hire an inspector, make sure you get someone who’s not associated with a company you may employ to do the work. As we said, they may not be as unbiased in their recommendation as you would like.

Repair or Replace

This goes hand-in-hand with getting a roof inspection because a proper inspection will help you decide whether you need a full-blown replacement or if you can get by with a repair. In many cases, what seems like a significant problem such as water leakage can be fixed with relatively inexpensive repairs.

Of course, you’ll eventually have to replace your roof at some point, but there’s no reason for spending the money now if you don’t have to. Repairing now allows you to begin setting aside money for when you’re going to replace it down the road.

Check For Warranties

Depending on when you purchased your home, there may be a warranty that’s attached to the roof from a previous replacement. If you don’t have this information, contact the previous owners and ask. Some roofs also come with manufacturer’s warranties, so be sure to check for that as well.

Depending on whether your roof has any warranty coverage will determine how much you have to spend to repair or replace it.

Get Plenty of Estimates

Just like when you’re shopping for a vehicle, it’s a good idea to shop around to try and get the best price. Most people have access to a variety of roofing contractors where they live, and you’re not doing anything wrong by getting estimates from all of them. Ask if they offer any warranties on their work and be careful of extremely low bids because that might indicate that you’re going to get substandard work.

Also, depending on how long you’ve lived in the neighborhood, you should ask your neighbors who they recommend to do the work. Chances are someone on your street had a roof replaced and will gladly point you in the right direction.

roof replacement

Check Out Financing Options

Because roof replacement can be so expensive, many of us don’t have that kind of cash laying around, and putting it on a credit card isn’t always the best option unless you have an amazing interest rate.

So, check out to see what financing options are available either through your bank or through the roofing manufacturer.

Of course, unless the roof is entirely shot, you’re probably better off doing a minor roof repair that’s going to buy you a year or two, and then begin budgeting so you can pay cash for that roof in a few years instead of having to finance and pay the extra fees.

Consider Alternate Materials

Just because your home came with an asphalt roof doesn’t mean you have to stick with that. True, asphalt is the most common and least expensive roofing material, which will save you money, but often there are incentives for going with different material such as something more energy efficient. You may get tax breaks and breaks on your homeowner’s insurance depending on the material you choose. And, you may end up getting a roof that lasts longer, which means you’ll save money from not having to replace it more frequently.

Consider The Timing

Most people opt for putting roofs on in the summer or early fall, which is when the contractors are the busiest, which means you’ll pay more. If you time your roofing project for early spring or early winter, you’ll likely get a much better deal on the labor.

DIY

If you’re handy, and if you have the time, try doing some of the work yourself. Removing the old roofing material before your contractor begins work saves them time and saves you money on labor costs.

Any way you slice it, a new roof is going to be expensive, but with a little planning, a little education and consideration, you can get a price that’s easier to handle than if you went in blind and went with the first estimate you were given.

 

 

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Common Types of Roof Damage to Look Out For

Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home because it’s the barrier between you and the elements. Because of its importance in protecting your home, and because it’s constantly exposed to the weather, your roof will wear out in time and become damaged.

Knowing that your roof will become damaged, it’s essential that you conduct regular inspections to assess that damage and catch and rectify small problems before they turn into massive, expensive fixes.

In this article, we’re going to look at several types of roof damage and how to know when it’s time to call a roof repair company.

 

Cracks in Your Roof

If your roof is comprised of wood, tile, or asphalt shingles, then it’s more likely to develop cracks than roofs made from other materials such as slate or metal.

Roofs made from these materials suffer cracks mainly due to high winds, so if you live in an area that’s affected by storms in the summer months, it’s a good idea to perform regular inspections after the season to see if there’s any damage due to flying debris that’s impacted the roof.

To look for cracks, get up on the roof and note any damaged or missing shingles. This damage can be shingles that are split, curled, or blown entirely away.

The good news is that if there’s light damage (a few shingles), then the roof repair won’t be that expensive.

The key is to assess the damage regularly and not wait until a few small cracks that are easy to fix becomes an entire roof replacement that can cost in the thousands.

 

Roof Damage Due To Heat

If you live in a hot climate or a region that experiences hot summers, then your roof is susceptible to heat damage. Find professionals that are experienced with hot climates, like a Plano roofing company.

 Intense heat from the sun beating down on your roof for days on end causes cracks and curls in your roof’s shingles depending on the material used. Asphalt shingles and wood are among the most susceptible to heat damage, while metal, rubber, and clay are your best bet if you live in a hot climate. 

As with damage due to winds, you need to inspect your roof for damage regularly. Look for shingles that have shrunk due to the heat; you can spot this by seeing any nails that have popped up from below causing blisters to the shingles. Also, be aware that intense heat can affect the wood rafters, causing the joints to expand, which can lead to leaks.

 

Water Damage on Your Roof

Your roof bears the brunt of everything Mother Nature has to throw at it, which includes heavy rains and storms. Water is an incredibly destructive force when it comes to roofing and wreaks havoc on your home once it gets inside in the form of mold.

If the area in which you live gets heavy rain and snow on a regular basis, then it’s vital that you conduct periodic inspections on your roof.

What to look for when it comes to water damage is pooling water or water accumulation after heavy rain. This pooling occurs mainly in the attic. Also, check the ceilings for any sign of discoloration, which may indicate a water leak. Water spots can also appear on the exterior walls of your home as well, so when inspecting your roof, also do a quick walk around the house and look for spots.

If you do find any water in the home, or signs of damage outside, it’s vital that you call in professionals to do a more thorough inspection and recommend a roof repair as quickly as possible.

As mentioned, water damage can lead to serious health problems with mold and mildew, and it gets more expensive to repair the longer you wait.

 

Object Damage

When we speak of object damage, we mean physical objects that strike the roof due to high winds or an accident.

In most cases, object damage is caused during storms when tree branches and other objects are blown against the roof, but sometimes repair crews can inadvertently cause damage by dropping tools or being careless with equipment.

As before, it’s a good idea to check your roof for signs of damage at least once a season. Do a thorough inspection inside and outside and look for cracked, loose, blistered, or missing shingles.

It’s important to remember that most roof damage — when caught early — can be repaired quickly and at little expense. The last thing you want is to wait until the problem gets big enough that you need an entirely new roof.

 

Neglect

As much as all of the above can lead to roof damage, perhaps the number one cause is neglect. With proper maintenance, regular checkups, and repairs, your roof should last up to 30 years depending on the materials used.

Neglecting your roof when it becomes damaged radically shortens its lifespan and leads to more substantial expenses down the road. Even if your roof came with a warranty or if you have homeowners insurance it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many warranties and policies don’t cover things such as damage due to having a dish or cable installed.

Also, remember that many insurance companies require you to do regular inspections on your roof to ensure it’s properly maintained.

Take care of your roof, and your roof will take care of you.

As mentioned, your roof is on the front line of protecting your home and bears the brunt of all types of weather and climate. While it’s a pain in the butt, and a job that no one likes to do, it’s vital that you regularly inspect your roof and repair small problems before they become large ones.

Your home’s roof not only protects your entire house and its contents, but it also protects your family too. Having a beautiful, well-kept roof enhances your home’s curb appeal, and makes it more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell it down the road.

 

 

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Detecting Roof Leaks: Fixing it Yourself vs Hiring a Professional

Of probably all components of a home, the roof often gets ignored the most. That is likely because they last very long, with most of them lasting 25 years or longer. So it makes sense that many homeowners ignore the condition of their roofs until they encounter a massive leak which they need to then hire somebody to fix. Then, the problem goes away for a while, but because the roof has not been repaired completely, another leak (or three) occurs. And then the cycle repeats: You get somebody to fix this newer, more intense leak, then you finally realize that you probably need to replace the entire roof.

All of this could have been stopped if you just knew how to detect a leak in your roof and fix it before additional problems arise. This will save you quite a bit of time and money in the long run. Some leaks need to be fixed by a professional, but some can be fixed by yourself.

In order to determine if you can indeed fix a roof leak in your home by yourself, you first need to learn how to detect it. There are numerous causes for a roof leak, but most of them revolve around the same issues and that is a combination of normal wear and tear as well as damage caused by acts of nature, trees or animals and other wildlife that may be on the roof of your home. Now the common roof is fairly strong, and it is not necessary for you to check the roof of your home every week for leaks. Once a month could be excessive for some, but it is ideal if you want to prevent a leak from happening.

What Exactly Causes Leaks?

According to some experts in the field, roof penetrations are the biggest source of leaks and, of course, they are likely the most overlooked. Water stains, mold, and black marks in the plumbing, roof vents, chimneys or dormers in the roof can cause a leak. If it is not fixed properly, the leak could spread and become something much worse. If could lead to mold which can infect the roof penetrations. Approaching these penetrations through the attic is the best way to find these leaks. If that is not possible, you will need to approach the leak from the roof itself.

That describes how to find a leak and where most of them come from. The specifics of these are also useful in detecting roof leaks and then figuring out if you can fix them yourself or if you should hire somebody. Roofing Calculator has listed ten direct causes of roof leaks. There are some similarities within them, but they also exist some differences as well.

Roofing professionals say normal wear and tear, eroded brick chimneys, missing shingles, vent boots between the roof and the piping, roof holes, outdated architecture, clogged gutters, and frozen nails in the attic (known as “shiners”) can all cause roof leaks. These are easy to check for, and you can fix most of them alone. However, there are tasks that require the service of a roofing company.

When is it Possible to Fix Leaks Yourself?

It’s not always necessary to hire a professional for every small repair your house needs to make after detecting a leak. Sometimes you can fix the problem yourself, which saves you money. Any leak that is caused by deterioration, erosion or any kind of break down due to wear and tear can usually be fixed on your own. It’s only a matter of gathering up the proper materials and putting in the time and effort. If a leak is caused due to a lack of cleaning, then you should definitely handle the task yourself. Something as simple as cleaning out a gutter costs nothing except a few moments of your time.

The roof leaks that require a professional roofer are often the ones that require multiple repairs. Old, worn down shingles are a great example of something that would likely require you to hire roofers to either repair the shingles or, in most cases, install a completely new roof. Missing a few shingles is alright and you can often replace them yourself. But if there are any missing shingles or shingles that are torn up, it would save you more money, in the long run, to get a new roof installed.

Another instance where you will eventually need to hire a professional to fix a leak is if the repair is only a temporary fix. A good example is if the flash metal around the base of the chimney, or any structure on the roof, that needs to be resealed. It is possible to reseal it yourself, but this only serves as a short term resolution. Unless you want to keep making these changes over and over, it would be best just to pay a professional and replace the entire roof.

Small leaks are usually solved by making repairs yourself. The best example of this involves shiners. Recall that shiners are nails in the attic that have been frozen over. When it gets warmer, the formerly frozen nails melt, producing condensation and causes leaks. This is easily solved by clipping the nails while they are frozen. This will permanently solve your shiner issue causing leaks.

When you see a leak in your home, the very first thing that you should be thinking about is when you are going to get a new roof. Because the majority of house leaks can only really be eliminated on a short term basis, the long term solution to (more or less) any house leak is to prepare to get a new roof installation. Just consider that the reason these leaks exist is because of important foundational parts of the roof that are transitioning from experiencing normal wear and tear to completely falling apart. To prevent this transition from happening, it would benefit you to start saving up enough money and allowing enough time to get a new roof installed.

Things to Ask a Contractor When Getting a Roofing Quote

There are numerous things to consider when replacing and repairing your roof. Making changes to the roof of your house is a very long, labor-intensive, and possibly costly process that involves many decisions and many people. Additionally, when you make the decision to alter the roof of your home, you are committing to making nearly permanent changes to the home. These things all must be kept in mind before even considering getting roof work done.

Probably the very first thing that you should consider is if you even need roof work done at all. There are plenty of roof repairs that you can do yourself if they only require some user-friendly materials or other things that do not require contractors. For example, cleaning or painting a roof does not require a contractor. That is something that you can do yourself. It is the same with cleaning out gutters or even removing and replacing some fractured shingles on the roof.

If this is the case for your roof, then it is not too difficult to search out some resources on how to make minor repairs on your roof by yourself. If you do this, you will save much more money than you would spend by hiring a contractor. And hiring a roofing company to repair a roof is not cheap. Most contractors will charge $3.50-$5 per square foot. The average roof is 1,700 square feet. Doing the math on this, it costs roughly $10,000 to install a completely new roof. This does not include the cost of replacing an old roof or anything else that might need to be done on a roof, as well. Those things should be factored in as well, and when everything is considered, it can get extremely costly to repair and replace a roof. This is why it is suggested that before you consider hiring any roofing contractors, you learn to perform minor repairs on your roof yourself. This will save you much more money.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Contractor

The first thing to keep in mind when hiring a roofing contractor is the price you are willing paying. This is much different than if you are renting a place and you call in the maintenance crew to fix something. Those individuals get paid by the hour and respond to hundreds of calls to work on hundreds of properties daily. Contractors sent in to work on a home are much different. Different ones will have different rates. So before asking any questions to the contractors, you should ask yourself a few:

“How much am I willing to pay?”

“How long do I need these contractors?”

“What kind of work am I paying these contractors to do?”

Before hiring a contractor, or anybody to do anything, for that matter, it is very important to weigh your options. Unless you just have money to throw away, you should always consider how long something will take and how much it will cost. This may appear to sound like common sense, but it is surprising how many people choose not to pay enough attention to this part of the process. Once you answered the necessary questions, for what you want to hire in a contractor fand how money you are willing to spend, you are now ready to prepare questions for the contractors.

Questions to Consider Asking Potential Roofing Contractors

As mentioned previously, roofing contractors have numerous responsibilities when they are at work. There are also numerous details that go into roofing in general, many of which will be mentioned here. So besides the usual “how much do you charge, how long with this project take,” and other basic questions, there are a host of many more specific questions that should be answered if you wish to hire a roofing contractor. Some of these questions may make sense, and some require a bit of explanation. However, they are all very important.

Some of these questions make sense, such as asking the contractors if they are licensed, if they have worker’s compensation insurance, and if they have general liability insurance. It is common sense for a good contracting organization to have these because the work they do can be dangerous, and if the contractors have all of these it means your assets will be protected. There is no real complication with these questions as they do not deal with the roof itself. Other questions, such as asking if the contractors have someone to contact while working, contact info for the company itself, and if they have written estimates are also matters of common sense.

The second set of questions you should have for contractors is if they can remove the old roof if they are going to install drip edge or edge metal when installing the new roof and if they are going to use ladder stabilizers and/or standoffs when to protect the gutters. These questions deal with how these contractors are going to directly affect your roof. Removing the old roof is obvious; it certainly is not ideal to simply lay down shingles on top of an old roof. Many contractors would claim that this can save money, but it will lead to future problems which will cost more money in the future. Drip edge is material that is placed under the shingles and it allows runoff to flow into the gutters instead of behind them. This is very important in preventing water damage. Ladder stabilizers will protect said gutters from being damaged when the contractors climb up to the roof.

The final set of questions involves making sure your neighborhood will not be too affected. Asking what contractors do with refuse material is important for this reason. Asking what they do if there is unsavory weather is also important. You should also ask how the contractors are going to protect the landscaping–and assume that they will do this.

Armed with the information that you will get from contractors by asking these questions, you will have a much easier time in your process of getting your roof replaced.

 

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Telling Signs That it Might be Time to Get a Roof Replacement

All things considered, it seems like there could not be many things that affect a roof to where it needs to be replaced. This is especially true if your home is in a place that is not around trees and other materials that could damage the roof. Like so many structures of a house, the roof is one structure of a house that very few know how to replace, much less when to know when it needs to be replaced.

Like with many things that need replacing, knowing when to replace a roof can prevent a lot of future costs. When you refuse to learn how to detect when your roof needs to be replaced, you run the risk of spending more money in the future as well as having to hire contractors for longer jobs. To prevent this, it is a good thing to know when to replace your roof.

Another reason to know when to replace your roof is to protect your home itself. A damaged roof could affect other structures of the house causing you to spend more money. Roof damage can cause leaks, or in more extreme cases, permanent damage to the upper structures of your home. This can happen when there is strong rain or winds. There is a reason why many suggest that you check the roof of your home to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced twice a year; it is to save money on replacing a roof by just repairing a damaged part of the roof.

Depending on the material it is made of, most roofs last about 25 years before they need to be replaced. This is another reason why it is good to check twice per year to see if a roof needs to be replaced. Unless you built the house you live in yourself or have just recently replaced your roof, you do not know how long it has been since the roof in your home has been replaced.

Potential Things to Look for That Show You Might Need a Roof Replacement

There are quite a few things to check to see if a roof needs to be replaced. Because it costs so much money and time, it is not very ideal to replace an entire roof if one shingle appears damaged. That said, if you wish to spend that kind of time and money and have it to spare, you can replace your roof as frequently as you wish. In fact, if you live in a place that regularly sees hurricanes, tornadoes, or other acts of nature that can damage large structures, it may be necessary to replace your roof many more than 20 or so years since the last replacement.

The first thing to look for when finding out if your roof needs to be replaced is to inspect the shingles. The shingles are the largest component of your roof and are also the most important. If you know that your roof has not been replaced in 20 or so years, or see that most of the shingles are worn out and heavily damaged, then that is one thing that means that your roof must be replaced. There are certain degrees of damage to shingles and if there is minor damage, you can even fix things yourself if you have the right materials for it. But as a general rule, if you see many damaged and worn out shingles, it would be better to replace the entire roof.

There are many other issues involving shingles that could warrant that your entire roof should need to be replaced. Nearly half of these items provide a solid set of signs that a new roof may be necessary. Most issues involve shingles, and it covers everything from curling shingles, cracked shingles, missing shingles and shingles that are covered with algae. This proves that the very first thing to look for when seeing if your roof needs to be replaced is the condition of the shingles. Also, some articles say, a couple of worn-out shingles can be fixed on your own. But when there are quite a few shingles that need to be replaced, that is a clear sign that the entire roof should be replaced.

It seems that there are a great many Do-It-Yourself solutions to roof repairs. So one useful thing to do is to inspect all the components of your roof and figure out for yourself whether you need to hire roofers or perform the repairs yourself. One thing that likely does require you to hire roofers if there are punctures in the roofing material. Like with heavily damaged shingles, punctures require repairs that often entail replacing an entire roof. It may be possible to fix punctures by yourself, but most roofing companies and contractors would argue that it is better to replace the entire roof.

Another portion of the roof that should be inspected to see if it needs to be replaced is the gutters. If there are granules in the gutter, it may also mean that your roof needs to be replaced. However, like the shingles, there is a matter of degree with this. If the roof is brand new, or even if it has been a few years since you have replaced the roof, nothing really needs to be done other than cleaning out the gutters. If it has been over 10 years since the roof has been replaced, it means that the granules that protect the shingles are subject to being burned away from the sun. This can cause the shingles to deteriorate over time. To prevent any further damage to the foundation of the home, it would behoove you to replace the roof.

Replacing a roof is ideally something that should be done rarely, and if you inspect the roof of your home properly, you can tell exactly what signs to look for when it comes to replacing a roof. However, there are also small repairs to a roof that you can do yourself instead of replacing a roof. In order to save the most money and time, it is very important to know when to do roof repairs yourself and when to get the roof replaced.

 

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Hurricane Season: What to Check for and How to Prep Your Roof

People who live on the coast know all about hurricane season and all of the damage these storms can do. The common home is no exception. How many times have we heard about a hurricane ripping apart a whole neighborhood of houses? Who hasn’t seen footage containing the aftermath of such hurricanes? During hurricane season, your home is in danger. This is a fact almost everyone has to deal with. It just comes with the territory of living on the coast.

However, a silver lining does exist. While your home is in imminent danger during hurricane season, there are numerous ways to prepare your home for when these storms hit. There are many methods that exist which will cost little money and time. As many who have dealt with hurricanes would say, there is no such thing as being “too prepared” for hurricane season. And the roof of your home, and other things involving it, is no exception.

What to Expect During Hurricane Season  

This section is for anybody who is not familiar with places that are frequently hit by hurricanes. Hurricanes contain intense high powered wind, followed by heavy rain. This wind can take debris and throw it into your car or home. Anything and every car or home you own, no matter what, is suspect to getting some semblance of damage when a hurricane hits. It cannot be avoided, but the damage that your home, roof in particular, can be drastically lessened if you just prepare properly.

The Most Common and Popular Ways to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season

Preparing your roof for hurricane season is not as difficult or as time-consuming as you may think. There are many things that you can do to make sure that your roof can survive as much as it possibly can during hurricane season. Although it can be a nuisance, and most roof work is, if you do these things, they will ensure that your roof will be protected as much as it can be. Certain things are only ideal for certain rooftops, and this will be mentioned in the list below.

  1. Use roof tie-downs: While this is not easy nor time-consuming, it may be necessary if you live in a crowded area that could be affected by a hurricane. A roof tie-down will essentially lock your roof in place, this way it doesn’t get blown around as much as the same roof would if a strong hurricane hits.
  2. Update the shingles on your roof: Compared to using tie-downs, this is much easier to do and can save quite a bit of time. If you do not live in a crowded area or you have a relatively new roof that may just need some of the shingles re-tightened. This is fairly easy to do. Just apply roof adhesive to any loose shingles. If this is done 2 to 4 weeks before hurricane season begins, it will ensure that the shingles on your roof do not fly off of your roof during hurricanes.
  3. Trim the trees around your house: This is another method that is very simple. It is almost necessary to do this if you live in a place that has a lot of trees. If you forget or just decide to ignore this task, these trees could get blown apart during a hurricane, landing on your roof and then damaging your roof.
  4. Clean the gutters and drain systems: This is not pleasant work. It can be time-consuming as well as dirty. But it is a very important thing to do to prepare your roof for hurricane season. If you do not clean the gutters and drain the system, you run the risk of backing up water from entering the drains. This can overfill the gutters and cause them to tumble down. Being from a place that is privy to hurricanes, I have actually witnessed this happen. While cleaning out the gutters, look for granules, which are fragmented shingles. Unless you have a brand new roof, granules in the gutter is usually a sign that a roof needs to be replaced.
  5. Reinforcing the roofing system (if necessary): This is an unconventional, yet efficient way to prepare your roof for hurricane season. There are two methods of doing this: The first is to just hire a roofer to do it. The second way is to attach and overlap 2×4 pieces of wood along the trusses of the roof, leaving roughly 11 and ½ feet of space in between each piece of wood. This method can cost some time and money, but it will protect your roof from a hurricane.
  6. Using hurricane straps: What does everyone do to their windows during hurricane season? That’s right, they place shutters in front of the windows. Would it not also be a good idea if you could place shutters on your roof? Hurricane straps function as shutters, but for a roof. They will protect the roof from everything involved in a hurricane.

Routine Roof Maintenance Should Never be Ignored

Among the aforementioned preparation procedures, some of them do indeed require you to hire a professional roofing contractor to do work. But there are certain things that do not require hiring a roofer that you can do to prepare for hurricane season. Things, like trimming the trees around the house and cleaning the gutters, can go a long way in making sure your home will be as protected as it can for the hurricanes to come.

The reason why these kinds of things are ignored is that they are not part of a routine. When something is not part of a routine, it can be ignored for weeks, months, or even years. Making sure your roof is in decent condition and ready for hurricane season would seem like it should only be a preparation to make once a year. But if you do this once a month, it will become a routine, which will then become a habit. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on repairing a roof after a hurricane, then you should consider inspecting your roof at least once a month.

This begs the question: How does one inspect a roof? Are you supposed to just walk around on the roof looking for torn up shingles, nails that can be hammered down, and rust on the flashings? According to some professionals, it is dangerous to casually walk on a roof. Most experts suggest climbing above the roof of your house, and with a pair of binoculars, seeing what needs to be taken care of. Then hiring the necessary crew (if any) after that.

Preparing for anything, let alone a roof for hurricane season, can be tedious. It can appear like a waste of time and something that is permissible to be ignored. However, long term consequences should be considered, especially when it comes to something like a home that you own. The few hours that you spend every month to make sure that your roof is in good shape will ensure that you will not need to spend as much money preparing your roof down the road.

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What to Check on Your Roof After the Winter Season

The cold, hard winter can be a trying time for your roof. It’s the part of your house that can get the worst damage from winter’s harsh elements. From ice dams to melting snow, it can be hard to bandage your roof after winter’s long gone. But if you know what to look for and what problems may reveal themselves dealing with the damage might be easier than you think.

Roof Damage from the Inside

There are many ways that you can check for winter roof damage without even leaving the comfort of your own home. Be on the lookout for water damage and discoloration on the ceiling. That may be a sign of a leaky roof which can lead to bigger problems down the road dealing with rain and snow. Your roof might not be completely sealed. Head up to the attic with a flashlight and look for more signs of water damage like mold and discoloration. Make note of the location of the damage so you can look for the opening on the outside of the roof.

Even if there isn’t any obvious damage to the inside of the roof, there still might be an opening that could cause more damage in the future. Turn all the lights off in the attic and look for any part of the roof that reveals the sunshine of the inside. The crack, no matter how small, will make problems for you in the future. Also, check around the protrusions of your home like vents and chimneys. These are places where cracks often form in the shingles. If you make checking your attic into a routine then you’ll be able to catch problems before they turn into a big deal.

Roof Damage from the Outside

As the weather’s beginning to get warmer, it’s the perfect time to get outside and check out your roof. Before you climb onto the roof, make sure that you find a helper to spot you while you’re climbing up there. This can turn into a dangerous situation very quickly and you need to make sure that someone’s looking out for you when you’re up on the roof. Once you have a helper strap on some gloves, get a sturdy ladder, and start the investigation.

If there are places on your roof that you know have been cemented or sealed in the past, make sure to give those a look. They might have cracked due to the cold weather. After that, go check out your shingles. There could be obvious damage like a broken shingle, but be sure to look out for less significant damage like cracks or raising. This could have happened due to the sudden temperature change that can happen during the winter season, or in the transition from winter to spring. There also might be snow or ice on it that had randomly thawed, causing the shingle to raise. Depending on the damage, the shingle might not even have to be replaced. It could just need to be resealed.

Inspect your gutters and eaves. If you see water damage through these areas, it might have to do with the area being overtaken with ice. This often happens because the snow thawed and froze at a fast rate, causing things to expand and holes to form throughout your roof. As soon as the weather gets consistently warm and you feel comfortable checking out your roof, you should do so as soon as possible. This will give you a base of problems that you’ll need to take care of as spring blooms throughout your home.

Preventive Roof Maintenance for Next Winter

Investing in preventative care for your roof will prevent hefty price tags in the future. Once you have realized the types of problems that your roof often has you can pay a premium now to save money and hassle in the future. Be sure to check your gutters and downspouts making sure that they’re clean and open. These places are often where ice dams occur. Things like leaves and debris can pack up gutters during other seasons. This makes for improper drainage. When improper drainage occurs it can back up the whole water system and make for very costly damage come winter.

Keep the ventilation levels high in the attic and seal the vents. This will reduce heat levels on the roof and cause snow and ice to melt at a less rapid rate to prevent pooling at the roof’s edge. Keep an eye out for the snow that might be lying around on the roof. If it’s looking to be a lot (for example, over 12 inches) you might want to try and remove it from the roof. Make sure that you do this as safely as possible if you wish to attempt it.

Consistently check parts of the roof that cause breaks in the infrastructure such as vents and chimneys. These parts have more potential to crack and break than other parts of the roof. Once you catch a problem, be sure to reseal the shingles or replace them as needed. Be sure to make it a habit to consistently check the current status of your roof and make sure that you are aware of the age of your roof. Winter is the worst possible time to notice that you have a serious problem with your roof, or that it’s a lot older than you thought it was. If you incorporate some of these things into your roof maintenance routine you will save yourself a headache along with a few hundred bucks.

After the winter season, your roof deserves all the TLC that it possibly can. It can go through many different problems that will force you to invest your time, money, and effort into getting your roof back in shape. But it will do you nothing but good to attempt to catch these problems early. If you’re proactive about the damage to your roof, the future will be even better. Winter won’t even know how to feel about it, and you can relax in your home for seasons on seasons to come.

 

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