Category: Emergency Roof Repair Services

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Emergency Roof Repair Services

The Steps To Take When A Tree Falls On A House

What happens if a tree falls on a house?

No one wants to think about what would happen if there’s a storm, and major damage happens to your home. However, you can’t plan for everything and you may experience damage to your property. If a tree has fallen on your roof, what do you do?

Here’s a step-by-step guide as to how to put it right.

Create A Safety Plan 

You’ll have some safety plans already in place, such as what to do in case of a fire, but do you have one in case of a fallen tree? If you’re in an area that’s prone to storms, it’s something that you should have in place. Your plan should cover what to do if the worst does happen, so everyone knows what to do.

Designate a meeting spot that’s away from the home outside, where everyone knows to gather in case of an emergency. Ensure that everyone knows where all the exits are, including windows. You should also have an emergency bag near the front door, which contains clothes, water, food, and so on. This will cover you if you’re not able to get back into the house for some time. Finally, have an emergency roofing contractor on call, so you can put the roof right as soon as possible.

Go over your plan with your family, so they know what to do if anything does happen to your roof. The more you prepare, the easier it will be if something does happen. 

Evacuate Your Home

The very first thing you must do, if a tree has fallen on your home, is to get out as soon as possible. That tree will pose a danger to you while you’re still there, so you need to get out as soon as possible. It’s best not to move around more than necessary while you’re in the home, so call out to others to find out where they are. Get everyone out quickly and efficiently, assisting those that need it.

As soon as you’re all outside and away from the home, check for any signs of injury. Many injuries will be obvious, but others, such as concussions, won’t be. That way, you’ll be able to report any injuries to the medical staff as soon as they arrive.

Call 911

Even if you think no one is hurt and nothing’s damaged other than your home, you’ll next need to call 911. They will be able to send the right people out and help you take your next steps.

For example, you may think that everyone got out unhurt, but someone may have a head injury that has gone unnoticed. It happens more often than you’d think, so everyone should get checked out sooner rather than later. Plus, a fire crew will need to be sent to evaluate the area and ensure that there’s nothing that can cause harm to you or the public. Public utilities will need to visit too, to check for downed power lines or broken gas lines. Even if you can’t see the damage, it may have happened.

Call A Trusted Roofer

Now that everyone is out and safe, and there are no immediate safety issues that need to be addressed, your next step should be to call a roofing contractor. Ideally, you’ll have found one and saved their number before the tree hit your roof.

It’s not as hard as you’d think to find a good contractor. For these issues, you’ll want to find one that’s local to you, so they can come out and do repairs quickly. That also ensures that they aren’t ‘storm chasers‘, and won’t just take your money and run.

Also, check their experience. Have they been around for a long time? Do they have good reviews on their site? That shows they’re good, as they wouldn’t have stuck around for so long if they hadn’t.

Once you call them, they should come over right away to assess the damage. If there has been a storm, it’s very likely that water is leaking in. They will move to cover up holes with tarps right away, to ensure that there will be no additional damage to deal with. Then, they will fix up any structural damage, to ensure that the house doesn’t take on more damage.

Get A Place To Stay

Now the roof is secured, ensure that you have a place to stay. In some cases, the home will actually be safe to stay in. Your roofer will be able to let you know. If so, this won’t be a problem. If not, you’ll need to find somewhere that you can stay overnight. In some cases, you’ll be able to stay with a friend or family member, so plan this with them in advance if anything happens. If you can’t do this, you’ll need to book a hotel as soon as possible so you can have a place to sleep.

Call The Insurance Company

You have all the basics covered, so now that everything is secure, you can call your insurance company. You’ll need to talk to them as there may be some extra steps that you need to take with them. Also, you’ll need to see if you can claim the costs of repairing the roof on it. If you can, you need to be sure you’re following the right procedure. Ensure you’re taking pictures of the damage, so you’ll have evidence of what happened.

Secure Your Home And Leave

If you need to stay elsewhere, you’ll need to secure your home before you head out. That includes locking all the doors and windows, removing any important documentation, and any valuables. This stops them from being stolen or damaged by the weather.

If a Tree Falls on a House?

Now you know what to do, should anything happen in a storm. Make your plan now, and be prepared to handle everything should a tree land on your roof. Having a plan, and the number of a local emergency roofer in your phone is key. With that, you can make arrangements right away.

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Emergency Roof Repair Services

When To Contact a Professional About Roof Storm Damage

Roof storm damage can be detrimental to the integrity of your roof. It’s important to be able to assess your roof and to know when to call a professional.

No matter how well you take care of your roof, if a storm blows in, it can sustain damage. While it is worrying to see roof storm damage, you don’t need to panic. Most damage is easily corrected; you need to ensure that you get it done quickly to avoid any further damage such as leaks.

If you have experienced roof storm damage, can you fix it yourself, or should you call the experts? Here’s how to assess the damage and get the help you need.

Assessing Types Of Damage

If you’ve had a storm come through, the first thing you should do is assess your roof. This will show you if it has sustained any damage, and you’ll be able to check the severity of it. Remember to be safe while you do this. Usually, it’s best to do your assessment from the ground and see what your roof looks like. You can use a pair of binoculars to get a closer view if needs be.

There are a few different types of roof storm damage that you may encounter. Here’s what to look out for:

Rain damage:

If you’ve had heavy rains, then you need to be on the lookout for this. Rainwater is the number one enemy of the roof, as it can get in through any crack or gap and start wreaking havoc.

There are a few different ways water can damage your roof, most of them over more extended periods. Rotting roof timbers is a surefire sign of water damage from storms. If this is leftover some time, you’ll see some fundamental structural issues with your roof.

Water will often lead to roof leaks, too. You may see water dripping somewhere in your home, or there may be water stains on the ceiling. Follow these up into the attic, where you can see where it’s coming from. Be aware that not all leaks are due to roof damage, so be on the lookout for other causes too.

The last thing to look for is mold in your attic or elsewhere in your home. Mold thrives in damp environments, so if your roof is leaking, it’s perfect for it. If you do spot mold, it needs to be dealt with right away, as mold is dangerous to your health.

Wind damage:

Storms will often come with high winds, and this is problematic for your roof. If your roof was installed by professionals, then hopefully, the damage will be minimal. However, depending on your roof type, wind can be a real problem for you.

If you have a shingle roof, you may spot missing shingles when you go out to inspect it. It’s very easy for them to be lifted and blown away by high winds. These need to be replaced quickly, as those gaps in the roof will let water in if you see rain in the near future. 

If the wind is severe, then you may find other debris on your roof afterward. Some larger debris, such as tree limbs, can cause damage to the roof as it lands, so you need to be on the lookout for this, too.

Finally, high winds can blow debris such as leaves into your gutters. If this is allowed to sit, it will block them and let water back up onto the roof. This again leads to water leaks, so this needs to be addressed quickly too.

Hail damage:

The final kind of roof storm damage you’ll see is hail damage. It’s less common but can cause all types of damage. Usually, the damage you’ll see will include ‘bruising,’ where hail has hit the shingles and cracks and tears in them. If this is left for long enough, then again, water can make its way into your roof and start causing damage.

What Damage Can You Fix Yourself?

Now you’ve assessed the roof storm damage, and you’ll need to get it fixed. What can you handle yourself? If you’re a confident DIYer, then there are some minor repairs that you can easily do yourself and get your roof back into top shape.

For example, you can replace some shingles if only a few have come off the roof. Ensure you’re taking the proper safety precautions as you do this, so you can be secure as you do this repair.

If there’s debris in your gutter, this is another simple fix. You can scoop it all out into a trash bag to unblock the gutters, avoiding future issues. You can also install a gutter guard to stop it from happening again.

You can do some preventative work to avoid damage, too. For example, you can remove trees or trim tree branches near your roof to stop high winds blowing debris onto it.

When To Call In The Experts

So when should you avoid doing repairs yourself and call in an expert? Usually, if you’re at all unsure about a repair, you shouldn’t handle it yourself. Your roof is crucial to the health of your home, and so you want to ensure all repairs are done well. If you’re not sure how to go about a repair, always call in the experts.

You should also call professional roofers if the damage is severe. For example, if falling debris has left a hole in the roof, or you’ve spotted wood rot in the timbers, you’ll need their help. Again, you need an expert to handle the job and ensure your roof is left in top condition.

There are a few different ways roof storm damage may occur, and now you know how to assess that damage. With this knowledge, you’ll see what you can fix yourself and see when it’s time to call in the experts. Whatever you do, it’s always essential to call them in quickly so you won’t see ongoing roof storm damage.

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Emergency Roof Repair Services

How to Find the Best Roof Repair Company

Whether you’ve just gone through a storm, have just realized that your roof is hitting a significant anniversary, or are noticing other signs of wear and tear, roofing repair is not something to attempt on your own. Roof repair is undeniable, and is something for which you should seek out the best roof repair company possible.

Today, modern roofing materials, such as standing seam metal or rubber, provide longer life and less maintenance. However, when it’s time for repair or maintenance, choosing a qualified contractor is critical to making sure your home gets the best protection.

Here’s what to consider when searching for a contractor to perform roof repairs:

 

Your Contractor Should Work Effectively With Your Insurance Claim

If your repairs will be covered by your home or building insurance, take the time to find a contractor who is experienced with handling insurance claims.

A good roof repair company has the ability to navigate the complications of the claims process for you and can be your best ally.

When they are willing to work directly with the insurance company, it will streamline the process.

 

Your Roof Repair Company Should Have Experience

A good roofing company will have both the years of experience under their tool belt and the confidence to share references from satisfied customers.

Ask for them.

Follow up on them.

Ask how long the company has been in business in your area.

Reputable companies will have photos and locations that represent their completed work.

Quality roof repair companies are essential, and a good contractor will be open and transparent about previous jobs.

 

Your Roof Repair Company Should Be Local

Unfortunately, some contractors take advantage of home and business owners after a storm or another natural disaster that has happened in an area.

Avoid being taken in by the unscrupulous by making sure the roof repair company is local.

They should be licensed in your state.

If problems or warranty work needs occur down the road, a non-local company could leave, and be impossible to contact.

The popular line “Shop local” is definitely a winning proposition, when it comes to your roof repair company professionals.

 

 

Your Contractor Should Be Familiar With Your Roof Type

Virginia contractors that feature everything from lovely slate roofs to more traditional shingles to newer types, such as durable rubber should be on your list when deciding who to contact.

Be sure that they have the specialized experience that your roof material requires.

For example, although durable and low maintenance, rubber roofs can benefit from a regular check to ensure small problems are fixed quickly before they can progress.

Slate roofs, with their incredible longevity, should be only be serviced and installed by experienced professionals.

If there is a need for a slate roof alternative, your contractor should be well-versed in acceptable alternatives.

And, someone experienced with metal roofing should be your first choice when dealing with a replacement or repair of your stamped metal roof.

 

Your Contractor Should Understand the Special Needs of Your Type of Architecture

The Virginia area has a wide variety of architecture and buildings. From new construction to historic homes, there are special considerations to consider.

Because of this, roof repair companies must involve professionals who understand the different types of architecture around Virginia.

Standing seam metal roofs are one of the most popular roofs on old houses.

In fact, they have been used with almost every architectural style since the mid-1800’s.

Slate roofs are another traditional material, and your contractor should be able to understand both the historical significance of roof type, as well as be able to offer suggestions about repair and replacement.

If you are the proud owner of a historical home, do your homework when selecting your contractor.

Again, they should be able to show you a portfolio of previous work on similar homes, and offer references.

 

Your Contractor Should Be Able To Advise You on Accessories

For roof repair Fairfax, a good contractor will also be able to advise you on helpful upgrades, such as gutters or snow guards.

Snow guards can effectively halt roof avalanches and hold the ice in place until it melts. This makes a real difference in your enjoyment of winter.

The guidance of an experienced contractor on gutters can be invaluable.

From copper that will set off the natural elements of your home, to classic zinc that will enhance the elegance of your modern exterior, there are options that you may have never considered.

Both placement and material is equally important in maintaining an efficient and beautiful home. Allow your roof repair company to help you make the best decision.

 

 

Your Contractor Should Have the Highest Contractor Class Rating

In Virginia, the Class A Contractor’s License is the top ranking, and the one that you should insist upon when choosing your roof repair company. Contractors who have received this designation are qualified to take on any size project. They have also passed the original licensing exam, and must keep their license in annual good standing.

Your contractor should have adequate and verifiable insurance.

They should be able to provide you with proof of workers compensation and insurance that has been made for roofing: Code 5551.  If you do not receive a certificate, this means that the insurance is not valid. In other words, there is no protection in case something goes wrong and causes damage.

 

Your Contractor Should Provide a Warranty

They should supply a workmanship warranty to you. Any roof repair company who is not willing to do this should be a cause for caution.

As mentioned above, the contractor who installs or repairs your roof should be local and available in surrounding areas. This will provide you with a safety net should anything need repair during the warranty period.

Insist on this written warranty.

 

Your Contractor Should Come With Recommendations From Manufacturers and Distributors

A competent roof repair company will be well known and respected by customers. They will also be respected by the manufacturers and distributors of the materials they use on your home.

Checking with a local distributor about the contractors they are familiar with and would recommend can be an invaluable source of information.

 

Conclusion

Undertaking roof repairs is one of the most important tasks that you can undertake. It is essential in maintaining your home or building.

Ensuring that you find an experienced, local roof repair company with good references and expertise in the type of building and roofing you own and require will pay off in the long run.

A good roof repair contractor will provide a warranty first of all. They will also have a Class A contractor rating, and possess Code 5551 insurance for roofing. By following these guidelines, you’ll have a positive experience with your roofing project, no matter what the weather.

 

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Emergency Roof Repair Services

How Much Snow on Rooftops is Safe? When Is It Time To Call The Pros?

Snow on rooftops can cause havoc during the winter months, especially to your house. Your roof, pipes, walls, and flooring at all at risk during the winter, but mostly your roof – so, how much snow can a roof hold and when should you call in the professionals?

With the cold weather comes snow on your rooftop, and that means your whole home will be weighed down in a blanket of the white stuff. While it looks beautiful, it can actually pose a danger to your roof.

  • How much snow on rooftops is safe? How much can a roof hold before you look into removing it?
  • How should you remove it once you decide to do so?

This guide has all the answers.

How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?

The first thing to know is when the snow on rooftops pose a problem. A light dusting isn’t going to cause any problems at all, if your roof is well taken care of. If the snow is too thick though, that’s going to be a problem. How do you know if the snow is too thick and needs to be removed?

You won’t need to get up on the roof and measure it. Instead, go through your home and close every door you can. If the doors close easily, then you’re fine and can leave the snow. If the doors are difficult to close, sticking or being difficult to open back up again, that’s a sign there’s too much snow. The weight of the snow on rooftops is putting pressure on the rest of your home, causing problems.

Your Roof And Ice Dams

Heavy snow on rooftops can cause a lot of problems, the biggest being ice dams. These are a serious problem and need to be prevented and repaired wherever possible. These occur when snow on rooftops melt into the gutters. If the gutters are blocked, then the melted snow can’t run away as it normally would.

This can also happen if you have metal gutters, as the metal holds cold temperatures well. Instead, the water refreezes, creating an ice dam. This allows more water to collect at the bottom of the roof, leading to leaks, mold and worse in your roof.

Ice dams are a real concern to homeowners, as they lead to so much damage. The best thing to do is to try and stop them forming in the first place. The best way to do that is to manage the temperature in your attic. A hot attic is the number one cause of ice dams.

These usually happen when the attic isn’t properly insulated. Heat in the home rises up and through the roof, because there’s no insulation to stop it. Because the roof gets warm, the snow melts and then the ice dam forms.

The other way to stop ice dams forming is to get the snow off your roof. If there’s no snow on your roof, then it can’t freeze.

Roof Collapses

The other reason you want to remove snow on rooftops is because your roof may collapse. You don’t think of snow as heavy, but once a lot of it falls at once, you’ll be surprised at how heavy it is. It also depends on the density of the snow.

If the snow is wet and heavy rather than light and fluffy, it’s going to pose a greater risk to your roof, too. But, how much snow can a roof hold before it collapses?

Snow doesn’t pile neatly onto the roof, in an even layer. There will often be snow drifts too. This is where snow piles up more in valleys or next to a dormer. Having extra weight there means extra stress, which will more likely lead to damage.

The heavier the snow is, the more strain it will put on your roof. If the snow is left to collect over time, then it will eventually lead to a collapse. This of course is an expensive repair for your roof as you’ll need to do it as soon as possible.

How To Remove Snow On Rooftops

If you’ve looked at your roof and decided there’s too much snow on it, then it’s time to remove it. The first thing to remember is safety. Your roof is a dangerous place to be at any time of the year, but in winter that goes double.

With snow and ice on the roof, you’re more likely to slip and fall. It’s also important that you don’t get on a ladder to remove snow. This is because again, it’s cold and slippery, and a serious hazard. Instead, stand on the ground and reach up as high as you can to remove snow.

When you’re removing that snow, you actually want to rake it off, rather than shovel it. Shoveling requires you to get on the roof, and again, it’s far too dangerous to do that. Instead, use a rake to pull snow off the roof. This is a lot safer, and will ensure that you can stay on the ground to do this job.

If you are using a rake, do be careful not to over rake the snow. If you do it too often, it actually pulls the granules off the surface of the roof. These are what protect it from UV rays and other problems, keeping it in good condition. If you find granules in your gutters or on the ground, that’s a sign you’ve raked the roof too hard.

Other Way To Protect Your Roof This Winter

Determining how much snow a roof can hold is step number one. However, there are other ways you can ensure the winter weather doesn’t affect your roof too this winter. They include:

1. Trimming your trees

If a tree is too close to your roof, then the branches overhanging it will cause damage if there’s a storm. Trim the branches back, or even remove a tree if it’s too close to the house itself.

2. Inspecting your roof

It’s a good idea to check your roof regularly for damage. This means looking at it from both outside and the inside, from the attic.

3. Replacing shingles

It’s usually quite simple to replace shingles. If any are missing or broken, replace them as soon as you’re aware of this.

Now you know how much snow on rooftops is too much, and how to remove it safely. Keep on top of the snow, and you shouldn’t have to deal with any snow damage this winter.

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Emergency Roof Repair Services

How To Avoid Hail Damage To Your Roof

As winter approaches, many homeowners are concerned about snow. But hail damage to your roof can also cause heavy damage and require repair. Here’s how to avoid such damage before it happens.

Hail is something that can really cause damage to your roof. When the weather is particularly bad, it will send heavy hail onto your roof, which will lead to damage and repair bills. You can avoid this happening, however. Here’s what to do to stop that hail in its tracks.

How Does Hail Damage Your Roof?

The first thing to know is, how does hail cause damage to your roof? The odd hail shower won’t do much damage, but if it’s a particularly heavier shower then it can cause bruising to the shingles. This damages the integrity of the shingle, allowing water in and leading to water damage in your roof.

Because hail damages your shingles, it will also cause the granules to be disturbed and wash away over time. When they wash away, this exposes the asphalt underneath. This allows shingles to become damaged by the sun. You may see that they become cracked and warped, again allowing water into the roof.

Hail will often come with high winds, which can catch shingles from underneath. If the wind is strong enough, it will even rip the shingle right off the roof. If you see this has happened, you’ll need to replace the shingles right away.

How To Stop Hail Damage to Your Roof

If hail is heavy enough, then it will cause some damage no matter what you do. If you’re quick though, you can minimize the damage that it causes. Here’s what you can do.

A Note About Repairs

If you’re looking to stop hail damage, the best thing you can do is call in a roofer to come and help you. Even if you’re an expert at DIY, you may not be able to get the job done yourself. Plus, it’s often unsafe for you to be working on your roof.

A roofer will be able to get onto your roof and do the repairs needed to keep your roof safe. They’re also able to come and bring the proper safety equipment, so you’ll know the job is being done without risk to anyone.

If you’re thinking of guarding your roof against hail damage, it’s highly advised that you hire a roofer to help you out.

Before Hail Hits Your Home

If hail is on the horizon, you can take some steps to stop it damaging your home. Here’s what you can do.

1. Replace Any Missing Shingles

The first thing to do will be to check that there are no shingles missing from your roof. There could well be some missing or broken, and these need to be addressed before you do anything else.

If you’re able to plan ahead when replacing your roof, keep an extra box of shingles stored away. When you need to replace shingles, you’ll have shingles that match your current roof to hand.

2. Trim Trees and Plants Away from Your Home

If you have plants and trees near your roof, then you need to trim them away as soon as you can. You may not think that it’s a problem, but a heavy storm can lead to all sorts of problems.

  • Firstly, when the branches are close enough to the roof, it will allow pests such as squirrels to make their way into your roof. That’s going to lead to extermination costs and repair bills if you don’t prevent it.
  • As well as this, with hail storms you’ll get high winds. These often wreak havoc on trees, pulling at them and sometimes even breaking limbs off.

If those branches are already touching the roof, it’s in danger. The branches can be pulled across the roof, pulling off shingles. If a limb falls on the roof, it can cause damage that way. Cutting them back before a storm will prevent all kinds of damage.

4. Clear Out Your Gutters

Something else you need to be doing to keep your roof in good condition is clearing your gutters. In the colder months, debris, such as leaves, will end up in your gutters. If you’re not cleaning them out, then this is going to cause problems during a hail storm.

  • Water will overflow from the gutters and onto the roof.
  • If the hail has been washing away the granules, the water will start damaging the roof.

To clear out the gutters, all you have to do is get up on a ladder and start pulling the debris out of the gutters. If you want to stop it happening again, you can install a gutter guard for peace of mind.

After A Storm

Once the hail storm has passed, you’ll need to inspect your roof for hail damage. You’ll want to look for any bruising to your shingles, any cracking or missing shingles too. If you see any of this, these will need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Also, check there has been no damage from trees on your roof. You shouldn’t have this problem if you cut back your trees before a storm. If you didn’t, take a look and remove any leaves or branches from the roof. If they have done any damage, you’ll need to call in a roofer to handle that ASAP.

You’ll need to check that nothing has been pulled away or damaged by wind. That includes shingles, but also flashing or anything else on your roof. These will need to be repaired soon if they have been pulled loose.

Conclusion

If you do find any problems with your roof, the best thing to do will be to call in that roofer. They will handle the repairs for you, so you know that your roof is in safe hands.

Hail storms are capable of damaging your roof, so you need to be prepared if one is coming your way. Check your shingles, cut away your trees, and make sure you look at your roof after the storm has passed. If you follow these tips, your roof will be fine.

 

Read More:

Roofing In Winter: Is It A Good Idea?
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Emergency Roof Repair Services

How To Protect Your Home During The Atlantic Hurricane Season

With Atlantic hurricane season approaching, it’s time to think about how you’ll prepare for it. It’s frightening to think about, but with the right preparation, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way.

Here’s your full guide to preparing before the Atlantic hurricane season hits.

 

Preparing For the Atlantic Hurricane Season

1. Prepare an evacuation plan:

This is the very first thing you should do. If a hurricane happens, how will you evacuate?

Make a plan (and include pets in your plans too, if you have them). Be sure everyone in your home knows the plan. Are there evacuation shelters nearby? If so, decide which one is closest to you. If you’re looking to stay at home during a storm, make sure you’re allowed to do so in your area.

Also, tell loved ones your plans as well, so they’ll know where you should be if you need to evacuate in a hurry. 

2. Check your insurance:

Before anything even happens, you’ll want to check what your insurance covers.

Will your policy cover the costs of repairs in case of a hurricane? Depending on the severity of the storm, you may need help repairing your roof, windows, or even whole walls of your home. If you rent, remember you’ll need insurance for your belongings, as they could be damaged in a storm.

3. Put together an emergency kit:

You’ll need a kit to tide you over should you need to evacuate quickly.

In it, you’ll need things like blankets, water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, and any medication that you’ll need. You’ll want enough supplies to keep you covered for around two weeks. Pack everything into air-tight plastic bags, and have your kit somewhere you can easily grab it.

4. Document your home and valuables:

It’s a good idea to go around your home taking photographs of anything that’s valuable before the worst happens. That way, you’ll have evidence of your expensive possessions, which will make filing an insurance claim in the future much easier.

If A Hurricane Is Probable

1. Clear your gutters and down spouts:

If a storm is coming, you want to ensure that as much water as possible will be directed away from your roof. Excess water will cause damage and lead to costly repair bills afterwards.

It’s fairly easy to do, you just need a ladder and some gloves as you unclog them. It’s worth investing in a gutter guard, to ensure that they don’t get clogged up again during the storms.

2. Go over your plans:

Now’s the time to talk to your family and determine what you’ll do if the hurricane hits.

You should already have a plan in place, so make sure everyone knows what it is, and practice it if necessary. Work out where you’ll meet up if you need to, and how you’ll get there. The more planned out this is, the better.

3. Get reinforcing materials:

You’ll need to stock up on materials such as plywood, which will reinforce your windows and doors, including your garage door. If a hurricane happens, you’ll need to ensure that the weather can’t get into the house. With windows and doors protected, you’ll have much less damage to contend with after the fact.

4. Keep an eye on the news:

Local news channels should be keeping you up to date on the weather in your area. If you’re living in the Atlantic hurricane season, they will let you know when a hurricane approaches – so make sure you’re keeping an eye on them. You can also watch the progress of hurricanes online, so you can keep track of them in real time.

If A Hurricane Is Coming

1. Secure your home:

As soon as you know the hurricane is coming your way, it’s in your best interests to fortify your home as soon as you can. Secure any cars or boats, and board up doors and windows. Bring in any loose items from outside, such as trash cans.

2. Have your phone set up for alerts:

If you’re in an area at risk of hurricanes, you’ll know that you can get alerts sent straight to your phone. Set this up ahead of time and keep a close eye on your phone. If you get any official information or advice, make sure you pay attention to it and more importantly, follow it.

3. Charge your devices:

Speaking of your phones, as soon as you hear a hurricane is coming, plug everything in and get them charging up. The more power you have on your phones and devices, the better. It’s a good idea to invest in some portable chargers and keep them charged up too.

4. Stock up on water:

If you’re going to be without utilities for a while, you need to ensure you have enough water. You should have plenty in your emergency kit, but don’t forget you’ll need water for flushing toilets, brushing teeth, and cleaning, too.

Fill up your bathtub and larger containers with water that you can use for this and other tasks, just in case.

5. Fill the gas tank:

If you need to evacuate from a hurricane, you need to have enough gas to get you where you’re going. Go fill up your tank so you know you have enough fuel, no matter what happens.

6. Keep food safe:

You may be without power for a while. What’s the best way to keep your food safe while you wait out the storm? Check out the Department of Agriculture‘s site – there is plenty of advice there you can follow.

7. Evacuate if need be:

If you need to evacuate, make sure you do so as soon as possible. Follow your plan and get to your shelter in a safe manner.

 

Conclusion

With this guide, you should be able to stay safe during the Atlantic hurricane season. Plan your evacuation route, have an emergency kit ready, and keep a close eye on the local news. Stay prepared, and you’ll be safe should a storm head your way.

 

Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services

How To Find A Leak In A Metal Roof

Rain is the number one enemy of your roof, and July is the rainiest month of the year in Virginia. So this year, learn how to find a leak in a metal roof and keep your home safe.

As Virginia is pounded by rain this time of year, you need to be more vigilant than ever about leaks in your roof. How can you find them, and what do you do if there is a leak in your roof?

Here’s everything that you need to know.

 

How Does Heavy Rain Affect Your Roof?

No matter what your roof is made of, you’ll find that if you’re not careful about roof maintenance, water can get in and cause all kinds of damage. The main issues it causes is that of wood rot and mold.

When water gets in under the metal roofing, it will stay in the wood that’s underneath it, as it has nowhere to go. If wood stays wet for long enough, starting to rot away.

If the wood rots enough, it will significantly weaken the whole roof and lead to a whole replacement needing to be done. This is expensive and time consuming, so obviously you want to avoid this at all costs.

When mold gets into your home, it’s very difficult to remove. When you get a leak and it goes unnoticed for long enough, you’ll see that it can lead to mold developing in the rest of your home, too.

Mold is dangerous, especially if there’s anyone in your home with allergies. Mold is linked to several health issues, so stopping it from taking it hold is crucial.

 

How Does Water Get Under Your Roof?

If you find a leak in a metal roof, it’s because water got through.

So, how does water get into your roof? There are several ways in which this can happen.

  • Firstly, if there are seams on your metal roof that aren’t sealed or flashed properly, then you’ll be looking at a gap that water can get in through.
  • You’ll also find that if your gutters are blocked, water will overflow back onto the roof rather than through the guttering. The water again will have nowhere to go, so it will sit on your roof and get through any gaps it finds.

Your roof will be able to repel most water, but if any water gets underneath, then the underlay is meant to carry the water away from the roof structure.

If the underlay has failed in some way, then you’ll find that water will get under that and allow leaks to happen. The underlay can start to rot, or may not have been installed properly when you had the roof installed.

 

How To Find a Leak in a Metal Roof

So you know why your roof can start leaking, so now you need to be able to find a leak in a metal roof – and quickly.

1. Spots on Ceiling

Firstly, if you’re seeing damp spots or leaks happening on your ceilings, that’s a sign that the roof has started to leak. You’ll need to get up into your attic and find out where the water is coming from.

Be aware that in some cases, the roof may not actually be leaking, but poor ventilation is causing condensation to form and so creating leaks in your ceilings.

2. Inspect from the Outside

If you’re taking good care of your roof, then you’ll know the importance of regular inspections. When you’re taking a look at the outside of your roof, look for any signs that water is getting in.

Often, poor installation will lead to leaks. That means you’ll see:

  • Incorrectly installed flashing and seams
  • Failed sealant,
  • Incorrectly installed screws

Any of these can allow water in.

While you’re up on the roof, you may also see spots where the roof has been damaged, letting water in. This includes rust spots, holes, dents, and more. If there’s any damage, that’s a sign that water could be getting in.

3. Check the Attic

Finally, your attic will tell you a lot about what is getting through your roof. Get up into the attic and look around for any water or water damage you can see.

This will include wood rot and mold. If you see any, that’s a sign that water is getting in.

4. Perform a Water Test

If you’re still not sure where the leak is happening, you can perform a water test. This requires two people and a water hose.

One person stands inside the attic with a flashlight, and the other stand outside, flooding the roof with water. They will start from the eaves and work their way up.

As you watch, you should start to see where the water is coming from. You can then mark the spot with chalk, ready for repair.

Now that you know how to find a leak in a metal roof, what should you do after you find the source?

 

What to Do If You Spot a Leak

Now you’ve found a leak, what are you going to do? Luckily, you have a few options to get the leak fixed, and quickly.

Flashing

If the flashing or sealant is what’s causing the leak, you will need to repair it. You can DIY this job, or call in a professional to do it for you. The existing flashing will need to to be totally removed and replaced, to ensure there are no more leaks.

This is the same if there are parts of the roof that are letting in water, such as rotted underlayment or a damaged sheet of metal.

Water Damage Inside

Once the entry point has been repaired, you’ll need to handle the water damage inside as well. This means dealing with any wood rot or mold that you find in the eaves of your roof. In most cases, the wood will need to be taken out and replaced.

If you find a leak in a metal roof due to water damage, you’ll need an expert to repair rot, so ensure that you call a well respected roofer to do this job.

If there’s water damage anywhere else, such as in the ceiling or along the walls, then again this may need to be taken out and replaced. It’s no need to panic though, as replacing drywall is fairly simple and you won’t need to worry about it once it’s been done.

 

Conclusion

Learning that your seamless metal roof contains a leak can be a stressful thing.

Now you know how to find a leak in a metal roof, and what to do once you’ve found it. If you take good care of your roof, you’ll be able to stop leaks in their tracks.

If you’re still unsure about your roof leaks, contact Piedmont Roofing today.

 

Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services

Removing Snow from Roofs: 4 Techniques to Know

Snow is one of the worst enemies of your roof, luckily there are some techniques to help with removing snow from roofs, and protecting it in the future as well.

When left to collect on your roof, it causes all kinds of damage that’s costly to replace.

What do you do when snow lands on your roof?

Here are some of the most effective ways of removing snow from roofs, and ways of protecting it against snow damage.

 

Why Is Snow Such A Problem?

When you think of issues your roof faces, you’ll think of storms blowing tree branches onto the roof and knocking shingles off, or even punching holes through it.

Snow, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to be much of a problem.

What is it about snow that makes it such a danger to your roof?

– Water Damage

The problem is when your roof collects snow, which then melts but has nowhere to go.

The more water on your roof, the higher the risk of mold and mildew is.

If left unchecked for long enough, the water will get under the shingles and into the timbers of your roof, causing problems.

Rot can set in, which damages the roof and if left long enough, will lead to a roof replacement.

– Ice Dams

Then there’s the issue of ice dams. When snow falls on your roof, it will eventually start to melt off.

In a perfect system, the snow will melt into the gutters, where they will direct the water away from your house.

However, sometimes this isn’t what happens.

  • The heating from your home causes water to melt and run down to the gutters, where heat from the home can’t reach.
  • The water then freezes in the gutters, stopping more melted snow from escaping.
  • It refreezes and causes overflow, again risking water damage to your roof.

– Weight

Finally, there’s the issue with the weight of snow on your roof.

In most cases, you’ll never see a problem with weight.

That’s because if your roof is up to code, then you won’t see any damage to your roof.

However, if you experience an unusually heavy snowfall or your roof isn’t as sturdy as it should be, it can cause damage.

If you notice your upstairs interior doors are sticking, that’s a warning sign that the snow needs to be removed from your roof.

 

 

Removing Snow from Roofs (and How to Prevent Damage)

So you don’t want to experience damage to your roof due to snow.

What can you do?

There are several ways you can help with preventing snow from collecting, and removing snow from roofs safely.

Here’s a few methods you should consider before the colder weather comes around.

1. Insulate Your Home

Firstly, you’ll need to look at the insulation in your roof.

Ice dams often come about because the insulation isn’t enough to stop heat escaping your home.

When the heat comes through the roof, it melts snow which then refreezes in the guttering.

Now is the time to see if your insulation needs to be improved.

Take a look at it now, and you’ll see if it needs to be replaced.

In some cases, you can find assistance in insulating your roof, so take a look around to see what help is available.

2. Install Gutter Guards

You’ll have heard of regular gutter guards that are designed to keep leaves out of your gutters.

These are vital as they stop them getting clogged and overflowing onto your roof.

Did you know that you can buy versions that are designed to stop ice, too?

These gutter guards are heated, so when snow melts into the gutters, it can’t freeze up again and cause a blockage.

It stays warm, so it flows away easily and doesn’t cause any problems.

Now’s the time to install these guards on your home, so you can avoid ice dams forming.

3. Snow Brushes

If you’re worried about the weight of snow on your roof, then you can buy brushes that are designed to help you brush it off your roof.

They usually come with telescopic handles so you can reach every part of your roof without worry.

A word of warning, though:

If you’re removing snow from roofs, you should only do it from the ground.

It’s dangerous to get up on a ladder with snow and ice, so don’t risk it if you can’t get the snow off from the ground level of your home.

4. Call In An Expert

Finally, your last option is to call in a roofing expert to come remove the snow from your roof.

They’re able to access your roof safely, so it’s often much better to get them to do it, rather than attempting it yourself.

As well as this, they will be able to get every bit of snow off the roof, so there will be nothing left to cause any damage to your home.

 

 

What Happens After The Snow?

After the bad weather has subsided, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof, looking for any damage that may have occurred.

If you’ve followed the advice in this article, then you shouldn’t be up against anything much.

However, it’s always a good idea to check.

  • Get up on a ladder and take a look at the shingles. Have any come loose or are now missing? You’ll need to replace them ASAP. It’s usually a good idea to keep some shingles when you replace your roof, so you can easily grab some shingles that match your roof and replace them.
  • Check that there’s no ice in the gutters that’s causing ice dams and overflows. If you’re getting icicles on your gutters, that is a sign that they’re overflowing. If you’ve bought heated gutter guards though, this shouldn’t be a problem.
  • Get into your attic and take a look at your roof from the inside. If you see any moisture, there’s a leak somewhere in your roof that will need to be addressed.

With this guide, you can avoid the damage that snow brings to your roof. You also know the safety precautions to take when removing snow from roofs.

Install heated gutter guards, and check your roof to ensure that it’s in good condition.

Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services Blog

Roof Repair in Fairfax: The 6 Most Common Problems

After serving the state of Virginia for over 40 years, there are certain roofing problems that we commonly see while performing roof repair in Fairfax. Here are the most common issues in Fairfax.

A roof problem can be extremely problematic if not addressed on time. The sooner you get the roofing system of your home repaired, the better it is.

Sometimes the roofing problems are obvious, while in many cases, they are not visible until the situation gets out of hand.

A faulty roof can result in sleepless nights, lots of stress and in worst cases, may require moving temporarily to another location.

Most people do not realize that they need to hire a qualified roof repairing contractor until something disastrous happens, including people living in Fairfax County.

 

Important Weather Considerations of Fairfax County

Weather conditions and temperatures in Fairfax County, Virginia are no stranger to:

  • Snow
  • Hail
  • Rain
  • Wild winds

The residents of this region witness a complete spectrum including hot summer days and severe cold winter nights.

It is imperative to keep in mind that snow, hail, ice, storms, high heat and any other thing that Mother Nature showers upon Fairfax can affect roofing.

Thus, inspecting your roof is an important aspect of homeownership for people living here and their roofs need to be taken care of with regular inspection, repair and maintenance.

 

Should You Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor for Your Repairs?

A professional experienced roofing contractor should be considered when your property’s roof requires repair.

When looking to hire a contractor for roof repair in Fairfax, you should consider some tips:

  • Hire someone with experience as it would impact the quality of repair work.
  • Ask for references to have a clear picture of their experience and past.
  • Research and check online reviews about the contractor.
  • Talk to them and ask as many questions as you can.
  • Get a complete quote so that you don’t end up getting financial shocks.
  • Before finalizing a hire, make sure to meet the contractor in person.

 

The 6 Most Common Problems We See During Roof Repair in Fairfax

To make it easier to understand what common repairs their roofs may need, here are some of the most common issues we see during roof repair in Fairfax.

 

1. Damaged Shingles

Shingled roofs are the most commonly found roof types in the United States of America including Fairfax, Virginia.

These provide a classic look to the homes but damaged shingles can be a stressor if not repaired in time.

  • As time goes, these shingles wear out and reach a point, where these are merely pieces of wood or asphalt lying at the top of your house.
  • Cupped, curled and brittle shingles are common if the roofing is too old and it is time to get them repaired or replaced completely.

Replacing the old shingled roof with a new one is a good option but the best fix is to get it replaced with standing seam metal roofing, a better roofing type.

 

2. Leakage and Mold Problems

A roof that appears picture perfect may also have issues. It may have worn out and may have lost its quality causing leakages and moisture in a house.

If the leaking roofs are not repaired, soon it will give birth to a mold problem, and if it gets out of hand, it will spread.

Rubber roofing helps in protecting homes from leakages and moisture, and a perfect way to stay safe from any mold issues.

You can get these roofs repaired, or replace them with rubber or standing seam metal roofing.

 

3. Gutter and Spouting Damage

Many people think that gutters and spouting are just for enhancing the look or just an “after thought”. But they are more than that.

If you observe the gutter and spouting damaged, it may be tempting to put repairing them off but that decision is certainly not good for your property in the long term.

The best approach is to get it fixed.

No matter what roof type it is, this system needs to get repaired as soon as possible.

Damaged spouting or gutters let moisture into your homes and in severe cases may cause basement flooding.

 

4. Blown-off Finished Roofing

Heavy storms and high-speed winds can cause finished roofing to blow-off.

For many, it may not appear problematic but it could lead to many other problems.

This can cause leakage, moisture and disrupt the functionality of the HVAC system of the house.

It is best to install new durable roof types such as metal that can last longer than any other type of roofs.

 

5. Snow and Ice Damage

Winters are crucial time for roof repair in Fairfax. When snow gets accumulated on the roof, it melts into water which seeps into the home.

This is a problem in itself but if the water that seeps in begins to freeze, the ice will push the roof creating gaps in between, causing more water and snow to seep into the house.

To stay safe in winters and to make sure that the snow does not mess with your roofing system, the best way to address is to install snow guard systems.

A perfectly laid out snow guard system will keep your roof protected from any harmful surprises that snow may bring along.

 

6. Roof Painting & Coating Options

It is commonly believed that roof painting is just a part of aesthetics and nothing more.

Well, roof painting is so much more.

If the paint on your roof is removed due to rain snow or just because of the age of the roof, it is best to get your metal roof repainted.

Paint helps the HVAC system to perform better and also saves the roofs from leakage.

It will not only give a new look to your house but it will improve the condition of the roofing.

 

 

Conclusion

These are the most common roof repair in Fairfax that would need immediate attention.

Professional roofing services provide the best assistance in this case. A roofing company would be able to tell whether you whether your roof needs repairing or replacing.

  • Get your roof inspected as professionals make use of advanced equipment and techniques.
  • Regular roof maintenance helps in catching roof damage before it gets in a critical situation.

So, take the time and consider acquiring the services of a professional contractor in order to get all the roofing problems addressed and handled in the best manner.

Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services Blog

5 Simple Signs of Water Damage in Your Roof

No one wants to think about it, but if the worst happens, your roof can take water damage.

It’s a problem, but if you catch it quickly then you can rectify it without too much stress or cost.

Here’s 5 signs your roof has taken on water damage, and what you can do about it.

 

How Can Your Roof Take Water Damage?

There’s a few different ways in which your roof can be damaged by water.

– Holes

In most cases, the roof will have developed a chink in its ‘armor’, meaning that water has been allowed to get through.

For example, if there are shingles missing, then water can get underneath and start causing damage.

– Gutter Problems

You can also get damage if your guttering is overflowing.

This usually happens when there is debris in your gutters, meaning water overflows out of them and onto your roof.

It can also happen when water freezes in the gutters over the winter, and thaws out, overflowing onto the roof itself.

– From Within Your Home

Water damage in your roof can come from the inside of your home, too.

If there is poor insulation in your home, especially your roof, then condensation can start to form.

When this happens, water starts pooling and it can start to rot roof timbers. This is why it’s so important to check your attic space as well as the outside portion of your roof.

 

 

5 Signs Your Roof Has Taken Water Damage

So, how can you know if there’s water damage in your roof? Here’s the signs you should be looking for:

1. Curling Or Buckling Shingles:

This is a sign that you’ll spot as soon as you get up on your roof. Obviously, your shingles should be lying flat when they’re on your roof.

If they’re curling up at the edges, or buckling, that’s a sign that they’ve been in excessive contact with water.

Water could well be pooling beneath them, so you’ll want to address this as soon as possible.

2. Water Spots On Your Ceiling:

Nearly everyone has experienced water spots on their ceiling at one time or another.

If you see these in your home, it’s a sign that you need to handle a water leak, sooner rather than later.

Sometimes they may not be the sign of a leak, but you’ll want to check them out as soon as possible.

3. Mold In Your Attic:

If there’s condensation in your attic, then you’ll find that mold is building up.

This can be what’s causing the water spots on your ceilings.

This can be cleared up fairly easily, but you want to catch it quickly to ensure that it’s not causing more damage.

4. Loose Or Rusted Flashing:

This is the sign you want to look for when you don’t have an attic to go into and check.

When your flashing is loose or rusted, that’s a sign that water has got in underneath it and has started causing damage.

Check the damage, and have it repaired before you replace the flashing itself.

5. Missing Granules:

The granules on your roof will add texture to your shingles, but they also have several important uses.

They add to the roof’s UV protection, prevent fire damage, and make the shingles generally more durable.

Over time, you will lose some, but a lot of lost granules in a short amount of time isn’t good.

If you’re seeing granules around the perimeter of your house, then your roof is less protected from the rain and in danger of suffering water damage.

 

How To Check For Damage

Now  you know what you’re looking for, you’ll need to ensure that you’re checking your roof.

Twice a year, you want to get up on a ladder and check your roof for the signs of water damage above.

When you do, ensure you’re not walking on the roof unless you really have to. This keeps you safer, and prevents further damage to your roof that you’ll have to repair later.

You’ll also want to get into your attic space and take a look around.

Check carefully for water damage, and see if you can see light coming in through the roof. This is a sign that there’s shingles missing from your roof, which can let water in.

 

 

How To Prevent Water Damage In The Future

There’s a few things you can do to ensure that you keep your roof safe from leaks in the future.

1. Inspect Your Roof

Firstly, when you inspect your roof, take note of any missing shingles. You’ll want to replace them as soon as possible, to ensure that your roof is fully protected.

If you have a flat roof, you’ll want to be on the lookout for ‘ponding‘. This is when water begins to collect on the roof.

If you’re seeing any ponding on the roof, you’ll want to fix it as soon as possible.

If you don’t, the water can start making its way through and causing damage.

The best thing to do is call a roofing company and ask them to handle it for you, to stop anything from happening.

2. Keep Gutters Clear

You’ll want to keep your gutters clear, to stop them from overflowing.

You can get up there regularly and clear them out, or install a gutter guard that will stop debris from falling in.

3. Check Your Roof Flashing

Finally, check your flashing to ensure it’s not damaged or coming loose.

The flashing will protect any puncture points in your roof, such as from solar panel installation.

If you see damage, have it replaced as soon as possible.

 

How to Repair Your Roof After Finding Damage

In some cases, if you’re quite handy with home repair, you can repair some of the damage to your roof yourself.

This is especially true if you’ve caught a problem quickly. Issues like mold can be solved yourself, with the appropriate products and know how.

If there’s more established damage though, you’ll want to call in the experts.

An expert roofer can help repair the damage, and put in safeguards to ensure that you won’t suffer another leak again.

Now you know how to spot and prevent water damage on your roof. With regular inspections, you can keep your roof in good shape.

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