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Home Improvement Blog

Four Home Projects to Get Ready for the Summer

Once the weather begins to warm up and the last of the winter storms have blown through, many families will take a fresh look at home projects and upgrades. Whether you would like to increase the value of your property or simply make your home more comfortable, here is a look at four great spring projects that you can start working on immediately.

Re-Caulk Doors and Windows

Even if you caulked your doors and windows last fall, changing temperatures and humidity levels will eventually damage this material and lead to efficiency problems. Doors and windows that are improperly sealed could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year in increased energy bills. Caulking these areas of your home can be carried out in just a few hours. It’s one of the best home projects to finish up before the first heat wave.

Exterior Paint

There is no better time to give the outside of your home a fresh coat of paint. In addition to having temperate weather, you might also be able to undo some of the damage that was caused by winter storms. When it comes to painting a home, prepping the surface will give you more durable and attractive results. This includes removing cracked paint and lightly sanding the surface.

Replace Your Roof

A traditional asphalt roof has a life expectancy of just 12 to 20 years. This depends on how well it is maintained and the local weather. Homeowners who are looking to increase the value of their property might want to consider upgrading to a metal roof which has a life expectancy of nearly 70 years. In addition to having a longer lifespan, metal roofs can also reduce energy bills by as much as 25 percent. This is one of the larger home projects to tackle. However, it will not only improve the durability of your home, but the aesthetics as well.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to residential HVAC systems, a little maintenance goes a long way. Homeowners themselves can often carry out some basic maintenance tasks such as switching out filters and cleaning debris away from the outdoor condenser. Professional HVAC technicians can take this project a step further and inspect the ducts, electrical wiring, and fluid levels.

These four spring home projects will perfectly prepare your home for summer.

Categories
Metal Roofing Blog

What Are The Benefits Metal Roof Panels?

There are many roofing materials available. However, metal roof panels are preferred by many homeowners. There are a number of benefits that can be reaped from having metal roof panels.

Many homeowners agree that metal roofing can be a great option for their house, especially in windy, rainy, and snowy locations.

Below is a list of some of the most popular benefits.

Longevity

Because a roof can be an expensive investment, people want it to last as long as possible. A metal roof that is cared for properly can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Furthermore, metal roof panels are extremely durable. In fact, they can withstand winds up to 140 miles per hour. They are also impact-resistant.

Unlike many other types of roofs, metal roofs do not require a lot of maintenance. However, it is wise to periodically inspect these types of roofs in order to make sure no repairs are necessary.

Fire Resistant

Metal roof panels have received a Class A fire rating. A Class A fire rating means that the material is most resistant to fire. Metal roofs are also non-combustible. However, it is important to note that if you are applying a metal roof over a combustible material, such as wood shingles, then it will have a lower fire rating.

Energy Efficient Option

Even though a metal roof can be expensive, it can actually help you save money. One of the ways that a roof can help you save money is by reducing solar heat gain during the summer time. This will help you keep your home cooler so that you will be able to rely on your air conditioner less. In fact, you can cut your cooling costs by anywhere from 10 to 25 percent by getting metal roof panels.

Environmentally-Friendly Option

If you are looking for a roofing option that is environmentally-friendly, then you will definitely benefit from getting a metal roof. Metal roofing is typically made out of 25 to 95 percent recycled material. As a homeowner, you can also recycle your own metal roof once you no longer need it.

Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services Blog

Signs You Need Your Roof Repaired

Your roof is one of the most important components of your house, and if it fails you could be a in a world of hurt. That’s why it’s important to look for signs both inside and outside your house. These signs mean that your roof could be near failure. These four signs typically mean that you need to have your roof repaired. The earlier you spot these signs, the easier the repair will be, and you may avoid a full replacement.

Water inside your home

One major sign that you need to have your roof repaired is if water is inside your home. If you notice wet spots or dampness in your attic or you see water stains on the ceiling or walls on the upper floors of your home, it’s a likely sign that your roof is leaking. A leaky roof is always a sign that you need roof repair, but if you call in professionals soon enough, they will not have to replace the whole thing.

Missing or broken shingles

If you have any shingles that are broken or missing completely, you could have a real problem with your roof. Any place that shingles aren’t protecting can damage your house. They create a place where water can get in, or where wind and hail can wreak havoc. If you notice any missing or broken shingles, have a roof contractor inspect your roof as soon as possible. Missing shingles are typically a sign of only a minor repair.

Shingle dust

When shingles are damaged or excessively worn, it isn’t always readily apparent. Instead of breaking off in big chunks that you can see, your shingles may degrade slowly. They begin shedding small pieces known as shingle dust or shingle sand. If you see a fine dust or sand in your gutters or around the foundation of your home, it’s a likely sign that your shingles are starting to degrade, which can lead to an eventual failure.

Sagging roof

If your roof appears to sag, you’ve got a big problem. A sagging roof is a sign that the structure of the roof is starting to fail, which can lead to major damage and, in a worst-case scenario, injuries to you and your family. A sagging roof is an issue that needs immediate attention. Instead of having to get your roof repaired, you will most likely need a full replacement.

If you see any of these signs of roof failure, you need to have them evaluated right away by a roofing contractor for possible repair or replacement.



		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Blog Home Improvement				

			


			
How to Plan a Home Renovation

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
		


	


	
	


		


			
If you are thinking about having a home renovation done in the near future, you will want to develop a reasonable plan for getting the work done. Below are some of the main points homeowners should keep in mind when preparing to have their homes wholly or partially renovated.


Establish a renovation plan


Although it may be tempting to remodel your entire home, or several rooms, practical concerns might limit what you can reasonably hope to accomplish in a given time frame. To create your home renovation plan, start with the area that needs the most attention. This could be an aging bathroom, out-of-date kitchen, or a decaying roof. Or you can choose a project that will render more usable living space. This could be remodeling the basement for extra storage space or for a family room. If the project goes smoothly, you can perhaps plan another one soon.


Select a qualified builder


When you have a plan, start looking for a suitable contractor or builder. Contact the chamber of commerce, ask friends and coworkers for referrals, or check online local listings. Contact at least two or three. Make sure you request photos of previous work as well as references you can contact. If they pan out, ask for a detailed quote for the home renovation you have in mind. Compare credentials, availability, and pricing to make your final selection.


Designate an affordable budget


A home renovation can be exciting and lead you to spend more than you originally intended. For example, when updating the living room by removing a wall, you may decide new windows and flooring are needed along with track lighting. You will also want to consider the cost of quality materials. It’s easy to spend more than planned, so work on a renovation budget that you can live with. Regardless of if you are paying at the end of the project or over several months and years on a home improvement loan, you want to stick to budget. Ask your contractor for a quote so that you can plan your budget.


Plan your home renovation project so that you won’t be caught by surprise or be tempted to overspend when the work gets underway. A little extra thought now can save time and money later.


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
					Categories				
				

					Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services				

			


			
Winter Roofing: How To Deal With Ice Dams

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
		


	


	
	


		


			
If you happen to live in a part of the United States that gets very cold during the winter, you have probably had ice dams on your roof. Ice dams can cause problems that result in damage to your home. We’ll go over why these occur, and what you can do to prevent them from happening.


What Are Ice Dams?


Ice dams occur when melting snow flows from the top of your roof. The resulting water gets re-frozen at the edge of the roof.


This makes the water run down the length of your roof and get turned into ice when it reaches the areas that aren’t heated. An ice dam will grow in size as more water accumulates at the edge of the roof and becomes frozen.


If the problem isn’t dealt with quickly, it can result in horrible water damage to your home that will require emergency roof repair.


Preventing Ice Dams


The most effective way to handle these is to prevent them from forming in the first place. In order to protect your house from ice dams, there are various actions you can take.


Steps to Prevent Them:


• When there is a storm, make sure you immediately clear your roof after it passes. A roof rake is a good tool to use to take the snow off of your roof. Inspect your roof afterward to make sure that there isn’t a large amount of snow remaining.

• Clear out your downspouts. If you keep your downspouts clean, it will be easier for the melted snow to run down your gutters instead of piling up at the edge of the roof.


If these two steps are done immediately after storms, you greatly reduce your chances of creating them.


Removing Them


If you were unable to keep the ice dam from forming, you have to remove it as soon as you can. If you don’t, it will cause water damage. This can result in costly repairs later on.


• Go to your roof and push the ice dam off of your roof.

• Buy some calcium chloride and use it to melt the ice. The best way to do this is to pour the calcium chloride vertically along the length of the dam.


It’s important to deal with ice dams as soon as they appear. Otherwise, they can cause a lot of damage to your roof.


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
					Categories				
				

					Blog Residential Roofing				

			


			
What To Look For In a Roofer

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
		


	


	
	


		


			
A homeowner has put one too many buckets beneath leaking areas of the ceiling whenever it rains. It’s time to call in a professional roofer. But what should one look for when the time comes to get the roof taken care of? Here are some tips:


Do the Research


Homeowners shouldn’t just flip open the Yellow Pages and pick any contractor randomly! The roof of a home, barn or place of business is too important to be left to a substandard contractor. A client should do a bit of research before hiring a roofing professional. This includes asking neighbors to recommend a roofer they’ve been satisfied with to checking a roofing contractor’s reviews on the Better Business Bureau’s website. Former clients should ideally not only be happy with the job, but would use that contractor again. This is ultimately the most important step in finding a reputable roofing contractor.


Meet With the Roofer Face-to-Face


It’s always a good idea to invite the professional over to the property. That way, the contractor can have a better idea of the job, and the client can have a better idea of the roofer. The roofing contractor should be courteous, knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions the client has. He should be ready and able to perform whatever roofing job the client requires. He should be ready to show a potential client proof that he’s licensed and insured.


Another thing to keep in mind is that some types of roofs require special skills to install or maintain. These include metal roofs, flat roofs and slate roofs. If the client has one of these special-case roofs, she should make sure the roofer knows how to handle it.


Ask for References


A roofer should also provide references, and if it is possible, to let the potential client take a look at previous worksites. If not the actual site, there should be images taken of previous roofing projects that they would be happy to show you.


Put Everything In Writing


When the job is agreed upon, the client and the roofer need to draw up a detailed contract. This contract will cover everything from the payment schedules to the date the job starts and ends to the materials used. It should also cover worker’s compensation and other liabilities.


By doing this, you will be able to find reputable roofing professionals who will meet your needs and expectations.


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
					Categories				
				

					Metal Roofing Blog				

			


			
4 Reasons to Choose Metal Roofing Panels

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
		


	


	
	


		


			
The roof is one of the most important components of your home. It is responsible for keeping your family and your personal belongings protected from the elements. Neglecting the roof can cause serious damages to the structure of your home. It can also pose a health risk, should mold and mildew occur from a leaking roof. If you are considering replacing the roof on your home, you will have several roofing materials to choose from, including metal roofing panels.


Why Choose Metal Roofing Panels?


Metal has become a popular choice in roofing materials because of the number of benefits it provides. There are many benefits of metal roofing panels, which we discuss below.


Maintenance and Longevity


One of the best benefits of choosing metal roofing panels is the low maintenance requirements. There is little to no maintenance required and a metal roof can last 50 years or longer, even in the harshest weather conditions. Metal roofing panels are unable to grow mold, so it maintains the aesthetic appeal without the need to routinely clean it.


Weather Resistant


Unlike asphalt shingles that can be ripped away in high winds or break down due to high UV exposure, metal is not easily ripped away and it does not break down. Environmental elements, such as snow and rain can wreck havoc on asphalt shingles, especially when the moisture is allowed to sit on the shingles. Metal is resistant to high winds, snow, rain and heat. Melting snow and rain simple run off of the metal as opposed to puddling, which can damage the structure of your home.


Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly


The majority of metal roofs is treated with a specialized paint that reflects the heat of the rays of the sun. This makes a metal roof incredibly energy efficient, even in the hot summer months. It is common for many people to think that metal is not a very eco friendly roof, but the truth is, it is one of the most environmentally friendly materials used. The metal used for roofing materials is typically recycled metal and if you ever decide to replace the roof, the metal can be recycled again.


Increased Home Value


A metal roof can add significant value to your home. Because of the ease of maintenance and the longevity of the metal, a prospective home buyer knows they don’t have to worry about replacing the roof immediately after purchasing the home. Metal roofing panels may also help save money on your homeowners insurance, because it is fire resistant.


A metal roof can also be installed to resemble other traditional materials, such as cedar shake, asphalt shingles or tile. Metal roofing panels are available in a number of beautiful colors and styles, and can enhance the look of any style or age home.


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
					Categories				
				

					Blog Residential Roofing				

			


			
Avoiding Winter Roof Damage

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
		


	


	
	


		


			
The first official day of winter is almost here, making it a great time to think about protecting your home from extreme weather conditions. Heavy snow and ice have the potential to cause some serious winter roof damage. A snow and icicle-covered roof couldn’t look more magical. However, this beauty could end up costing you thousands of dollars to both the outside and inside of your home.


The Weight of Snow


As snow piles up on the roof, it compacts and becomes heavier. A square foot can easily end up weighing about 50 pounds. This is a lot of weight sitting on the roof of your home. Older homes are especially vulnerable because they are not always rated to support that kind of weight.  While full roof cave-ins are rare, the stress can easily cause cracks in your drywall. This often leads to further winter roof damage.


Ice


Ice dams can also occur once the snow begins to melt. As water freezes, it can cause significant damage to the roof and inside of your home. Water can seep under shingles and refreeze. This causes it to expand and causes even bigger problems that lead to leaks and cracks on the ceiling and walls of your home. For this reason, trapped water on your roof needs to be removed immediately.


What You Can Do


Being prepared before the first snow falls is always the best idea. Having to scrape snow and frozen water off a roof can damage shingles and take years off its life. Snow protection systems like snow guards can help prevent ice damming as well as damage to gutters. Being prepared will save you money in the long run from having to repair the roof and possible interior areas of your home.


If you are not sure if your roof is winter-weather ready, have an expert out to ensure you will avoid winter roof damage and keep your home safe.


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Metal Roofing Blog				

			


			
3 Reasons to Consider Metal Roof Installation

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
		


	


	
	


		


			
If you are considering hiring a roofing company for metal roof installation, there are many things you should think about. The popularity of metal roofing products has increased rapidly over the previous years. This is because there are many benefits to choosing this type of roofing material. Despite the fact that metal is still not quite as popular as other materials, it can be a favorable, and money-saving alternative for many homeowners. Here are some reasons to consider metal roof installation.


Life Expectancy


Proper metal roof installation has a remarkably long lifespan. It is resistant to many of the issues that plague other roofing types. Any roofing company will tell you that it is not uncommon for a high-quality metal roof to outlive the structure itself, even with little maintenance. Metal roofs also provide superior protection against adverse weather conditions, fire, mildew, and mold. In terms of roofs, they also provide some of the best protection against water damage as well.


Weight


Compared to other roofing products, metal is relatively lightweight. This means that metal roofing can be installed on top of an existing structure without the need for a complete removal. This saves you money since there is no need to totally demolish the existing roof. Before you contact a roofing company, you should remember that even though metal is lightweight, it can still provide the same degree of protection as other materials.


Ease of Metal Roof Installation


Metal roofing products come in multi-shingle sections with fairly large panels. This means that your roof can be installed in a shorter time than you would typically expect. Metal roofs are infamously simple to install, and can be quickly applied in the event that your roof sustains severe damage after a storm.


Final Thoughts


In short, a metal roof can be a great alternative for many homeowners. An established roofing contractor can easily install your roof in a relatively short period of time. Homeowners hoping to save money on roofing costs should definitely consider purchasing a metal roof.


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
					Categories				
				

					Blog Residential Roofing				

			


			
Finding the Right Roof Type

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
		


	


	
	


		


			
Having a solid roof over your head is as important as the metaphorical expression implies. Not just any structure will protect you from the outdoor elements and ensure that your home runs efficiently. Roofs are also a key element to the aesthetic value of your home. There are several different roofing options, and you should learn about the qualities of each to see which roof type can best serve your needs.


A Variety of Options


Each roof type offers different benefits. It is best to familiarize yourself with multiple types of roofing materials to learn which one is best for you and your climate.


Rubber Roofing


Rubber roofing is an excellent choice for ensuring both durability and water-tightness. If you are worried about water damage or leaks, this may be the ideal choice. Rubber roofing is easy to maintain and calls for little maintenance.


Metal Roofing


Metal roofs offer a secure structure with a polished finish. These pre-painted roofs never need painting and typically come with a 35-year warranty. Metal roofs are energy efficient and can be up to 20% cooler than any other roofing material. You can easily customize metal roofs, as they are available in a large variety of colors. You can choose to have a color that matches your exterior, or one that is a drastic, eye-catching color.


Shingles


Shingles and slate roofing is another option that is popular for areas where metal roofing is not a viable option. Typically, roofing shingles are less expensive option that can offer a traditional look to your home. Be sure to get in touch with a roofing contractor to learn more about these different types of roofs.


A Worthwhile Project


Once you have decided on the ideal roof for your space, you should be able to meet with a roofing contractor in person to evaluate the cost of the project. If you work with the right team, installing new roofing can actually be an affordable experience.  The job can be done professionally and promptly by those who have experience with installing roofs. These contractors will work efficiently and make sure that the job is done right. Once the project is finished, you can enjoy peace of mind that both your home and family are protected.


		


	


	

		
		


			

		


		
	


	



	
	


		

		
	
	


	




			

		
		
		




		
		
		
		

		
		  



		

			
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