Tag Archives: maintenance

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.

What Is Roof Certification?

Roof certification is conducted by a licensed roofer who inspects the roof to assess its condition. Typically, this inspection is performed on the exterior as well as the interior of the roof. The inspector takes down information as well as photographs from a variety of angles to determine if there are leaks or other damage and then gives you an estimate on the state of the roof.

This process is helpful for people who are looking at purchasing a new home and don’t want to get stuck with expensive roofing repairs in a year.

Keep in mind. However, a roof certification isn’t a guarantee, but rather the opinion of the roofer you hired to do the job. Two different roofing contractors may give two different opinions regarding the state of your roof, so be aware of that fact when deciding whether or not to pay for the service.

When to Get a Roof Certification

When you’re in the market for a new home, one thing you’re going to want to know is how stable is the roof of the house you’re looking to purchase. The last thing you want is to buy a home and to find out a year later that the roof leaks and is need of replacement.

roofing companies

You should know that in many cases, a roof inspection isn’t included in the routine inspection of the house, and the condition of the roof may not be written down in your contract, and depending on where you live, your seller may not have to repair the roof before selling you the home.

Having said all that, a roofing certification isn’t always necessary. For example, depending on the market and your need to buy a home, you might find your dream property that happens to have a shoddy roof. If the price is right, then you might forego the roofing certification and just factor in a new roof to your budget. If, on the other hand, the market favors the buyer, you can opt for a roofing certification in the event that you might find an issue, which can drive down the price.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, in some cases, your homeowner’s insurance company may require you to get a roofing certification before they issue you a policy for the home you’re purchasing.

Do You Really Need a Roof Certification?

As mentioned above, you don’t need a roofing certification, however, it can be a good idea to get one to assess the state of the roof and let you know if you’re going to have to begin saving for a new roof now or if it’s something you can put off until later. Also, as stated, a roofing certification isn’t a guarantee, it’s an opinion of the particular contractor you hired to do the job. While one contractor might tell you the roof has a good three to five years left, another one might see things differently and suggest that you replace the roof as soon as possible.

In many cases, getting a roof certification is like getting a diagnosis from a doctor; you may want to get a second opinion just to be sure, especially when you’re talking about the expense of putting on a new roof.

How Do Roofing Certifications Work?

When you hire a roofer to perform a roofing certification, they’ll consider a variety of factors to determine whether or not your roof is in good shape and will stand up over time. Your roofer will look at:

  • The type of roof and materials used
  • How old is the roof
  • The roof’s pitch
  • How many layers are involved
  • Any prior roofing repairs
  • All of this information will be documented along with photographs of any problem areas that go into the contractor’s final determination.

Benefits of a Roof Certification

So, you don’t always need a roofing certification, and getting one is no guarantee that the roof is going to last as long as the inspector says, however, there are many benefits to getting one.

  • Detect Water Damage It’s tough to tell just by looking at the exterior of the roof whether there’s been any water damage, but a good inspector will see it and let you know if it’s going to involve a major or minor repair to fix it.
  • Saves Money Although you’re going to be shelling out money for the cost of hiring a roofing inspector, it’s peanuts when compared to the money you can save by detecting small problems before they become big, expensive fixes down the road.
  • Provides Protection As stated, getting a roofing certification gives you a degree of protection should it come time to file a roofing claim with your homeowner’s insurance company. Also in that regards, if you’ve been through a rough storm that’s caused damage to your home, a roofing certification will prove beneficial when dealing with your insurance company because you’ll have an expert’s idea of just how severe the damage is.
  • Extends Roof’s Lifespan It’s a good idea to have regular inspections performed on your roof because it allows you to find problems and fix them quickly. Little issues like broken shingles or water damage can be repaired relatively inexpensively, but if you let them go, they can become much more expensive to fix down the road.

What a Roofing Certification Isn’t

It’s important to keep in mind that a roofing certification isn’t a guarantee or a warranty on your roof — it’s just a person’s opinion. Remember that just because you have a roofing certification that says your roof is good for another three years, your roofing contractor likely won’t honor that if your roof suffered damage due to a natural disaster or damage caused by a worker installing a satellite dish.

A roofing certification is an excellent way to give you an idea as to the state of the roof, and it’s a quick and relatively inexpensive process that you should consider when you’re looking at purchasing a new home.

 

What Are The Different Types Of Impact Resistant Roofing?

A Plano roofer says, living in the great state of Texas has many advantages, but it has some drawbacks, too. One particular problem living here is the challenge of protecting your home against those yearly hailstorms that are so common in this part of the country.

Nearly 50% of all homeowner claims to insurance company comes as a result of damage caused by hail. Across the nation, total claims in property and crop damage from hail total $1 billion annually. Most of these claims come from the states Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas.

At 80 to 100 mph of force, hail is one of the most destructive natural forces against even the most solidly built roofs. In an effort to cut back on claims, insurance companies have started to offer incentives for homeowners choosing to install impact-resistant roofing.

What Is Impact Resistant Roofing?

Roofing materials are rated based on their ability to absorb high impact contact from hail or flying debris. The weakest material receives a rating of one, and the material that can absorb the most impact enjoys a 4 rating. Most roofing material with a class 4 impact rating is considered impact-resistant roofing. A soundly built roof with class 1 material will not last long in a hail prone or high weather area, no matter how much care and attention was put into its construction.

What Are The Different Types Of Impact Resistant Roofing?

Asphalt

The most common type of roofing is asphalt shingles because of its affordability and ease of install. Likewise, the most common impact-resistant roofing also comes in the form of asphalt shingles. Depending on the manufacturer, these shingles have some degree of rubberized backing to increase the amount of bounce, thereby making it better able to absorb the impact of hail coming in at 80 to 100 mph.

TPO

Other options include rubberized slate shingles, which are basically rubber shingles made to resemble the look of slate. It’s also called TPO, or Thermoplastic Polyolefin. It’s installed in a similar manner as slate shingles and has a natural bounce similar to impact-resistant asphalt shingles. TPO shingles come with a 50-year warranty and a 100-year life expectancy.

Slate

Slate is considered impact-resistant. However, you’ll need to pay attention to the thickness of the slate you’re choosing. 5/8″ slate typically receives a Class-4 rating, making it impact resistant. 1/4″ slate is not as strong, and will usually come with a class 3 rating.

Metal

Metal roofs come with many advantages such as energy efficiency, curb appeal, and environmental friendliness. Perhaps the most significant benefit is that they are naturally very resistant to hail. Most metal roofs come with a class 4 rating.

How Much Extra Can You Expect To Pay?

Prices vary depending on the specific type of impact-resistant roofing. Labor costs should remain fixed whether you’re installing traditional roofing or impact-resistant roofing. This includes stripping the old roof down to the deck, inspecting and fortifying the deck, installing the new roof, and hauling the debris away.

The only change in the price you should expect when you’re moving from a traditional roof in one material to an impact-resistant roof in the same type of material is a shift in material price. To determine how much you should expect the cost to jump, do your homework ahead of time. Price out the different material options per foot, so you know what you should expect when asking for an estimate from a roofer.

Is Impact Resistant Roofing Worth The Cost?

No roof is hail proof. But impact-resistant roofs do a much better job protecting your home than a class 1 or 2 roofs featured on most homes. If you live in a heavy weather region of the country where your roof takes an awful lot of impact abuse, then you may want to consider installing one.

In these areas insurance companies usually offer a discount on insurance premiums as an incentive for purchasing an impact-resistant roof. Typical discounts range around the 20% mark.

But, a word of caution here. Look for loopholes. Some insurance companies will not cover cosmetic damage to the roof. This is particularly important to know for anyone choosing a metal roof option. Dings and dents may not be of concern to an insurance provider.

Depending on how much more you pay for an impact-resistant roof, you should be able to make up the difference in cost within a few years if your insurance company has given you a discounted premium. Also, the installation of an impact-resistant roof will up the value of your home, which helps you recover some of those expenses when the time comes to sell.

How Is Impact Resistant Roofing Installed?

This type of roofing is installed in much the same way as other roofing. Impact-resistant shingles are installed with a nearly identical method to traditional shingles:

  • remove overhanging branches
  • strip roof down to the decking
  • inspect the roof for damage
  • renail roof deck
  • seal roof deck against water intrusion
  • install flashing
  • install high impact shingles
  • install roof vents

How To Choose An Impact Resistant Roof

A few factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing an impact-resistant roof: budget, resale value.

Budget

Asphalt shingles tend to be the most economical choice for roofing, including impact-resistant roofing. It’s an excellent choice for those who may have tighter budgets, those who already have shingle roofs, and those who live in neighborhoods where asphalt shingle roofs are standard.

Resale Value

Second to budget is resale value. Choosing an impact-resistant roof should already increase your home’s value, thereby fetching a higher resale price. However, some particular roofs are more desirable than others. And some materials are not as appealing to potential buyers. Do some research to see what’s popular in your area, and what particular materials will up the resale price of your home.

Aesthetics

If you are counting on living in your home for the next twenty years or so, you may want a roof that will protect you well and be aesthetically pleasing. Everyone has different tastes in roofing whether it be slate, metal, or asphalt shingles.

Take into consideration your budget, potential insurance discounts, peace of mind knowing you’re protected, resale value, and personal preference when deciding whether or not to make your next roof an impact-resistant one.

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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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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The Keys to Commercial Roof Maintenance

Nobody wants to talk about the quality of their roof. There are more exciting things to talk about. As a property owner, you have to take care of the roof as best as possible to ensure the happiness of the people that are inside. If you don’t take good care of the roof of your building, you’re going to deal with bigger and more stressful problems down the road. So, turn off the computer and put the pencil down for a couple of minutes. Trust me, it’s all going to still be there once you’ve taken a good, solid look at the roof.

The Power of Being Proactive

The best defense against roof problems is to always be aware of the status of your roof. If you catch a problem early, you’ll be able to take care of it as quickly as possible so you can save more money in the long run. The cost benefits are staggering and should be noted. Owners and property managers that only deal with problems when they’re obvious (reactive maintenance) pay an average of 25 cents a square every year for maintenance. On the flip side, owners and property managers that keep on top of their roof (proactive maintenance) pay an average of only 14 cents a square. That money adds up. Your business will thank you in the long run when you make a habit out of inspecting and repairing your roof.

Sometimes, you can even notice a roof problem without even having to go outside. If you notice water damage such as discoloration on the ceiling, that’s a sign that there might be a leak. Also if you notice mold in the building, and you have no idea where it’s coming from, it might be coming from a roof leak. Once even the smallest cracks are exposed in the infrastructure of the roof, you need to find it and take care of it before it turns into a problem that’s going become more costly if you put it off.

If you notice any of these things, you should plan a time to head to the roof yourself or schedule an appointment with your local roofing professional. When there are signs on the inside of your building, then you never know what’s going on on the outside of the roof.

What to Look For On the Outside

If you choose to head to the roof yourself, be sure to have someone that can spot you and make sure that nothing dangerous happens when you’re checking out the roof. Prolonged moisture is something that you look for. Check for things like puddles or bubbles. The moisture can cause deterioration and aging to your roof if they linger for too long. Places like chimneys and vents are popular places for cracks once they already broke through the roof’s infrastructure. You should also be on the lookout for things like cracked and lifted shingles or loose sealing.

You should definitely get your roof inspected after your building deals with extreme weather, such as a hurricane or a snowstorm. These instances can often weather down a once strong roof, bit by bit, until it finally breaks down. You never know what storm is going to be that last straw. It’s best to check each level of your roof to make sure that it never gets to that point of no return.

Finding a Professional

If you’re looking for professional guidance throughout this journey, be sure that you do your research first. Before contacting a professional, make sure to check the areas around the building that you can reach. Be sure to tell them everything you discovered throughout your walk-through so they can have an idea about what they will be looking for before they even walk in the door. Before you give money to them, you want to make sure that they’re as informed as possible about the building. Tell them things like how old the building is, when was the last time the roof was replaced, and other things that you’ve discovered while searching for roof damage. These tips will assure you that your money is well spent.

When determining a price range, you should think about who is going to save you time and money in the long run. You shouldn’t just be worrying about the amount of money that each job is going to cost. You might find low-price options that offer quick fixes, but end up spending more money long-term on maintenance than you would have if you paid that premium price upfront. Finding professional roofers with expert knowledge and quality technology provides you with the best service possible along with the ability to establish a lifelong relationship that will benefit you, your business, and your roof. Your main goal should be to maximize the safety of your employees by extending the life of your roof. This will make the time between each maintenance job longer and longer. This will, of course, be saving you the mighty dollar and unnecessary stress.

Experience is key. If you pick roofers that tend to be than experienced than other roofers, it can lead to faulty work and create bigger problems for you in the future. When you are confident in your choice for a professional to handle the maintenance of your roof,  you’ll know who to go to for not only costly problems but for advice that’ll help you get ahead of your roof and be more proactive in the future also.

To have a solid business structure, you need a solid roof. It’s a part of a building that can often be forgotten in a fast-paced work atmosphere. If you fit roof maintenance into your work routine you will not only be prepared, but you can also be proactive. When you’re proactive you prevent problems before they start and have more time to work on different aspects of your business. So, make sure to put roof maintenance on your to-do list today so you can soon breathe easy as you cross it off.

 

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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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How to Detect Roof Leaks

When it rains, it pours. But, you don’t want to feel those raindrops in your humble home. Roof leaks are a problem that homeowners are bound to deal with at one time or another in life. The trick is to catch the roof leak early so you deal with the situation in the best way possible, and get back to loving your home. Here are the ins and outs of dealing with roof leaks, from finding the source to choosing whether to DIY the solution.

Signs of a Roof Leak

Finding a roof leak is often the hardest part of the process. It can start from an incredibly small crack in the infrastructure and turn into an emergency situation. Some of these super small leaks can cause rot and other damage throughout your roof before you notice the leak. So, the moment that you notice a water stain in your home is the moment to take action.

There are a couple of places in the roof that water might be able to get into. It could be coming through worn, broken, or missing shingles. Nails throughout your roof might have gotten loose, leaving a space for water to get into. If your roof isn’t sealed correctly around vents, skylines, or chimneys it can get through in between the wood. The leak might be a couple of layers below or off to the side. Try to think about the way that water would flow through a roof, and search for the leak with that thought in mind. Once you find where the leak started, you have to go on the hunt for moisture.

If that’s not a possibility, you can use a garden hose to try and create a man-made leak. Have a helper stay inside the house and begin to soak different areas of the roofline along with the chimney or a vent. Make sure that the hose is running for several minutes before you move on to the next area. That’ll give enough time for the hose to start making a leak of its own. Tell your helper to yell when they start seeing the physical appearance of a leak. After this process, you’ll definitely have a solid starting point to find the source of the leak.

Finding a Roof Leak

Take a look into your attic during the daytime, and make sure that you bring a bright flashlight with you to make sure that you don’t miss a drop. Be sure that you’re only stepping onto large support beams. Don’t step onto the insulation or the top part of the ceiling. They’re not built to support your weight, you will fall through. You definitely don’t need a hole in the ceiling, along with a leaky roof. Try to go shortly after heavy rain. Start your search above where you noticed the leak, and keep looking up for wetness along with the framing members. If this isn’t a new phenomenon, look out for watermarks, stains, or discoloration that moisture would cause. There might also be mold lying around, so make sure that you’re protected with a mask and some gloves. If you can’t find these factors then, try to turn off the light and see if you can find a hole where daylight is shining through. No matter how small, that hole might be the place that the water is getting into.

If you don’t have attic access, you might have to head onto the roof and look for these warning signs on the other side. This is a dangerous decision to make, so you might want to call a professional to go on the hunt for you. If you choose to go by yourself, be sure to go on a dry day. Moisture makes the shingles slippery, and you surely don’t want to deal with all of that. Ask someone to be your “spotter” on the ground. If an accident occurs you need to have someone that you trust looking out for you to take the next step.

D.I.Y or Call a Professional?

Knowing which leaks you can fix yourself and which leaks you have to call a professional on can make the difference between completely getting rid of the problem or creating a new, more serious problem into the future. If you can easily find the source of the leak then it might be a good candidate for a D.I.Y project. A good example of a possible D.I.Y project would be a fresh, new leak that didn’t cause any long-term problems to the shingles around it.

On the flip side, you should call a professional if the leak has caused some serious damage to the surrounding shingles. If you can’t easily find the source of the leak there may be a bigger problem lies on your roof. Calling a professional and nipping it in the bud now will definitely save you some of your hard-earned cash in the future.

Unless you are super confident in your abilities as a roof DIY’er, it may be worth it to call a professional in either one of these situations and at least get a repair quote so you can be aware of your options as a homeowner. Most roofing companies will provide quotes for free or at a low price, so it would definitely be worth it to get a professional opinion as soon as you can identify the leak.

Leaky roofs cause anxiety and fear for homeowners across the nation. But, if you’re proactive about finding the leak you can make the right decisions for you in order to fix the source of the leak as soon as possible. No matter if you call a professional or choose to handle the situation all by yourself, you should do as much research as possible in order to educate yourself on the situation and give your roof the TLC that it needs in order to get back to tip-top shape. The quicker that you notice the leak the more money you save and the less stress you’ll have as a homeowner. Once you patch up that leak, you can stop worrying about the leak and get back to enjoying your beautiful home.