Tag: home maintenance

Categories
Residential Roofing

Do You Need Hail Damage Repair? Here Are The Signs

Your roof takes a lot of damage from all sides when it comes to the weather. High winds, rain, and more all take their toll. One thing that you need to look out for is hail damage. When you get hail, you’ll find that your roof can take a beating from them. What does it look like when your roof gets hail damage, and what should you know about hail damage repair?

The Signs of Hail Damage

After any hail storm, you’ll want to go outside and look at your roof as soon as possible. If there is any damage, getting it solved quickly is key. Here’s what you’ll need to know to look for.

Bruising: Hailstone bruising is when a hailstone hits a shingle hard enough to leave a dent or mark. It may not crack entirely, but that dent has still left damage. The shingle will no longer be in optimal condition, so you’re more likely to see leaks or other roof damage. 

Granule loss: The granule layer on your roof has an important function, protecting the roof from UV light damage and the elements in general. Over time you will see some granule loss, but hailstones can hasten that damage. When you check your roof, if you see any sections that look bare, the granules may have been knocked off or washed away. That will have to be handled quickly to prevent further damage. 

Cracked or broken tiles: Depending on the hailstones’ size or severity, they can crack your shingles. Look for any shingles that have been cracked, broken or knocked loose. If you see any, you’ll want to have them repaired as soon as possible to again prevent further damage. 

Missing shingles: It could be that the hailstones were bad enough to fully knock loose shingles on your roof. Check for any spots where shingles are missing, and replace them as soon as possible to ensure your roof stays waterproof. 

How Hailstones Affect Your Roof

Hailstones aren’t always the same size, so the impact they have on your roof can vary a lot. That’s something you want to keep in mind if you want to keep it in good condition. Smaller hailstones won’t have as much density, do the wind can carry them quickly. That gives them a rapid impact when they hit your roof. Meanwhile, larger hailstones can reach the size of a softball, and that’s when they can really do damage to your roof. They will fall directly from clouds as they’re heavier, so they have a bigger impact on your roof. 

The shape of the hailstones will affect your roof, too. While you’d expect them to have a smoother surface, like a snowball, they are crystallized. That means they have a lot more rough edges, leading to scratches and other damage to your shingles. Finally, consider the wind speed and direction of a hailstorm in your area. A hailstorm can carry hailstones at anywhere from 44 to 72mph. At those speeds, a large hailstorm can do some serious damage. 

How To Inspect Your Roof For Damage

Once the storm has passed, you’ll want to inspect your roof to ensure it’s still in good condition. Wait until the storm has passed, and then head out to look. Remember, safety should always come first. You should stay on the ground to inspect your roof visually. Typically, you should be able to see everything from the ground and get repairs booked in if necessary. You can also use a pair of binoculars to get a good look, should you want to. 

It’s also a good idea to get into your attic and look at the roof from the inside. It’s often easier to see where shingles are broken or missing as the light shines through. Plus, you can take a look for any other issues while you’re there, such as wood rot in the timbers. 

What Happens Next

Once you’ve had a hailstorm and you’ve spotted damage on your roof, what happens next? The important thing is that you call on a contractor to handle the damage as soon as possible. 

If the damage is left, that leaves your roof vulnerable to the next rainstorm or hailstorm that comes through. When there are gaps in your roof’s armor, that’s going to make it easier for water to get in and start wreaking havoc. For example, it can lead to rot in the timbers or water leaks in your home. 

That damage adds up fast, so you want to stop it. Not only will you stop the damage from happening, but you’ll also have a much cheaper repair bill when you’re simply replacing some shingles. 

Hail Damage Repair

Now you’ve identified the damage, you’ll want to call out a trusted contractor to help you put the damage right. It’s always better to have a contractor handle it, as they will be able to identify what needs to be done to get your roof back into top shape. You need to call the contractors as soon as possible, as time will be of the essence here. The sooner it’s replaced, the sooner your roof will be in good condition again. 

In some cases, if the damage is severe enough, you may need to have your roof replaced entirely. That will depend on several factors, such as the roof’s age, and your contractor will be able to advise you on this. You will also find that your insurance company can help you cover the cost of those repairs, but it’s important that you submit that claim quickly. 

Hailstones can do a real number on your roof, but if you’re quick about inspecting it and booking repairs, the damage should only be minimal. Take a good look after a hailstorm, and ensure that you’re getting help as soon as you need it. 

Categories
Roofing

6 Different Ways To Fix A Damaged Roof

There are lots of different ways that your roof can encounter damage. A falling tree branch, missing shingles, an ice dam, and more will all cause damage. Because of this, there are several different ways to fix your roof if it does take on damage. Here’s how to fix the most common damaged roof problems so you’re prepared should something happen.

When To Call The Professionals To Fix a Damaged Roof 

If you find yourself with a damaged roof, you first need to assess it and see whether it’s something you can handle for yourself. If the damage is minimal, you can fix that damage and carry on. However, if it’s too complex or has damaged a large section of your roof, then you’ll want to look into getting an expert to fix it for you.

Even if you’re an experienced DIYer, there will be some damaged roof repairs that you’re better off leaving to roofers. You don’t want to do the job wrong by accident or put yourself in danger by attempting a repair. If you’re ever unsure, make sure you talk to the experts.

1. Replacing Shingles

The most basic damaged roof repair is the replacement of shingles. These can get pulled off or broken by all kinds of things, such as high winds or hot sun. Whatever has damaged the shingles, you’ll need to repair them to ensure your roof is fully protected.

Find the damaged shingles, and use a flat pry bar to remove the first row of nails holding them in place. Once you have all nails out, you’ll be able to pop the shingle out. To replace it, you’ll place the new one in the same spot and nail it in with 11/4 inch roofing nails.

2. How To Find And Fix A Small Leak 

If your roof is leaking, there will be signs such as dripping water and ceiling stains. Seeing these signs? Then you’ll need to locate the leak. The best place to start is the attic. Take a look around, and see if there are any signs such as mold, water stains, or marks. If you find these, you’ll be able to track down the leak. If you still can’t find it, one trick is to get on the roof with a hose and start spraying water on the roof. If you work in sections, you’ll be able to see where the water is coming in.

If the leak is coming from an exposed part of the roof, you can replace the shingles, and that should solve the issue. Another common cause of leaking is misplaced nails. These are nails that missed the framing member when the roof was installed and so stick out. Moisture in the attic will condense on the nail and then warm up during the day, dripping down. You can easily fix this by clipping the nail to stop this from happening.

3. Fixing Ice Dams

Ice dams happen when snow melts off your roof and then refreezes at the edge of the roof. This causes a barrier, which stops water from running off the roof and leading to water damage. If you’re seeing this happening on your roof, there are ways to fix it.

If you see leaks from ice dams, you can stop them by installing suitable flashing under the soffit. To do this, you’ll need to remove the shingles and slip in an ice and water barrier into that gap. Once that’s done, you’ll need to add flashing behind the fascia board and reshingle the area.

This will stop the leaks, but you’ll also want to look at the insulation in your attic. A lot of ice dams happen because the warm air from your home rises to the attic, and if it’s not well insulated, then the warm air heats the roof, allowing snow to melt.

4. Replacing Flashing

The flashing on your roof is designed to protect the ‘seams’ in it, such as where the roof meets your chimney. With suitable flashing, no water should be able to get in and cause any damage. Over time, though, flashing gets worn and will not be able to do its job properly. That’s where you’ll need to replace the flashing and fix this problem.

To replace flashing, first, remove the old flashing by removing the shingles that sit over it. Then, remove the old flashing, and fix a new piece in place. Once you’ve done that, you can replace the shingles. It’s an easy fix, but one you should do before leaks start to occur.

5. Fix Small Holes In The Roof

If there are large holes in your damaged roof, then that’s something that you’ll need an expert to take a look at. More likely, though, you have small holes in your roof that need to be taken care of. These can be created by all sorts of things, like a satellite dish that has been removed from the roof. These holes are small, but they still can allow water in, so you’ll need to tackle them.

Many would try to fix the problem by caulking the holes, but this won’t provide lasting protection. The better move is to install flashing under the shingles that have holes, to protect underneath from weather damage.

6. Clear Blocked Gutters

Blocked gutters lead to leaks, as rainwater can’t be directed away from your roof. Instead, it overflows back under the shingles and then gets into the roof. This is a simple fix, though, as you need to clear out the blockage.

You can do this with a pair of gloves and a trash bag. The blockage is probably debris such as fallen leaves, so you can scoop it out and unclog the gutters. Add a gutter guard once you’ve done this, and you’ll avoid future blockages.

There are several damaged roof repairs that you can do yourself and help you keep it in top condition. Inspect it regularly, and carry out these repairs should you need to. If you ever need further help, always call an expert.

Categories
Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Can You Walk On A Metal Roof?

Can you walk on a metal roof? Absolutely! But before you do, make sure to take the proper precautions in order to stay safe.

If you’re considering getting a new roof, you’ll be looking at getting a metal roof. They have many advantages, such as a long life span, excellent fire resistance, and more. But really, can you walk on a metal roof?

That’s going to be a drawback when you need to get up there and do repairs. However, you absolutely can walk on a metal roof. You can walk on any roofing type as long as you take the proper precautions. Here’s what you need to know. 

Can You Walk On A Metal Roof? Well, Safety First

The first thing to remember when walking on any roof is safety. You’re high up, and you don’t want to slip and fall. Falls are common from roofs. In fact, one-third of construction-related deaths are roof fall deaths. This isn’t to frighten you, but you now see just how important it is to be safe. 

If you’re getting ready to walk on a metal roof, you should comply with OSHA safety standards. These dictate that you must have fall safety gear on if you’re going to go up there. Many professionals use a personal fall arrest system, also known as a PFAS. This consists of a harness, lanyard, and anchor point. 

Safety equipment can also include safety railings, parapets, warning lines with safety monitors, and more. This is why it’s usually best to leave extensive repair work to the professionals. They’ll have this safety equipment ready to use, so everyone involved is safe. 

Choose The Right Footwear

This is the first “step” in answering your question of can you walk on a metal roof. If you’re going to go up on your metal roof, you’ll need to choose the proper footwear for the job. On any roof, you should have soft-soled shoes. These are less likely to cause damage to the integrity of the look of the roof itself. 

You’ll also need a shoe with some grip on it. A metal roof is more slippery than other roofing materials, and that does create a safety hazard. Any good rubber-soled shoe should work. The best result is to feel as though the soles are slightly sticking to the metal. 

Which shoes should you choose? Many roofers prefer basketball shoes, like Converse, skate shoes or tennis shoes. These give you the grip you need, with a flat sole. 

Also, ensure that the soles of your shoes are clean. If there’s anything stuck in the ridges, such as gravel, that will affect the grip they have on the roof. Plus, that debris can scratch the finish on a metal roof. 

Wait For Good Weather

In most cases with roofing, it’s always better to wait for good weather. This is especially true when it comes to safety when walking on a roof. If it’s wet and rainy, then that metal roof is going to be slippery and dangerous. Even if you’re hiring professionals to work on the roof, you’ll see they’ll reschedule if you’re going to get bad weather. 

In some cases, you won’t be able to wait for good weather. For example, if a leak needs to be fixed, it needs to be dealt with right away. In these cases, professionals will use safety equipment, such as safety harnesses and a PFAS, to get the job done. 

Walking On Different Metal Roof Types

There are a few different types of metal roofs, and they all have their own needs. It’s important to know which one you have, as each one will require you to walk on it differently. Keep the following in mind:

Standing Seam Roof: 

You can walk pretty much anywhere you like on this roofing type without damaging it. Of course, you’ll still need to take the appropriate safety precautions when you do so. 

Metal Tile Roofing: 

This is roofing that is made to resemble tiles and shakes. On this type of roofing, you need to walk on the lower spots closer to the roof decking. 

Corrugated Panels: 

These are safe to walk on, as this roofing style is screwed directly onto the roof decking. When walking on them, though, it’s usually best to stick to the lower parts. 

Metal Shingles: 

It’s usually better to walk on the upper half of the shingles, where there’s little air space between the metal. If you think you’ll be walking on the metal a lot, then you can install foam backers on the shingles to help them take repeated foot traffic. 

In general, it’s always a good idea to walk on areas closest to the decking. Avoid any laps and ribs to avoid causing damage to your roof. Wear soft-soled shoes as mentioned above, and if you feel any debris underfoot, ensure you don’t grind it in. This will cause damage to the metal panel. 

Calling On The Professionals

Many homeowners aren’t worried about getting up on their roof to replace a missing shingle or other similar jobs. When it comes to more involved work, though, it’s usually best to find a trusted roofer near you. They will be highly trained and have the knowledge needed to stay safe on the roof. 

As well as this, they’ll have safety equipment, too. As a homeowner, you’re not likely to have safety supports on hand when you’re on your roof, so it’s usually better to call roofers to handle the work. 

As they’re professionals, too, you’ll get professional-level work done to your roof. They have the skills to spot the issue and make it right, so you will have them work on it in confidence. In many cases, it’s usually best to find a good roofer and let them handle it. 

While some people will tell you you can’t walk on a metal roof, that isn’t true. If you use the proper footwear and safety equipment, you can answer the question for yourself of can you walk on a metal roof. If you take reasonable precautions, you can walk on your roof whenever you need to. 

Categories
Residential Roofing

When To Replace Your Roof

When to replace your roof is often a hard question to answer. There are many variables that determine a roofs useful life. Learn more now.

Your roof is a crucial part of your home, but often you forget all about it. After all, you’re sitting underneath it, so you don’t look closely at it often. However, if you don’t keep an eye on your roof, it may get damaged and need repair or replacement. 

Even if you are taking good care of your roof, you will need to replace it eventually. Like all other parts of your home, it has a lifespan, and once it reaches the end of it, it will need replacement. How do you know when you should replace your roof? Here’s everything you need to know. 

The Lifespan Of Your Roof

Firstly, it’s important to remember that different roof types have different lifespans. Some roof types can go for decades, while others won’t last nearly as long. Here’s how long the average roof should last, depending on the type:

Composition shingles: 12 – 20 years

Asphalt shingle roof: 15 – 30 years

Wood shingles: 20 – 25 years

Rubber roofs: 30 – 50 years

Metal roofs: 50 – 75 years

Want to know how long your roof has left? You’ll need to know what material your roof is and when it was installed. It shouldn’t be that difficult to find out, and that way, you have an idea of how long that roof has been in place. 

What Affects A Roof’s Lifespan

Of course, just because you have a metal roof, it doesn’t mean it’s automatically going to last for 75 years. There are going to be certain things that affect how long it lasts, and when you will need to replace your roof. What should you be looking out for?

Weather Patterns: 

The weather where you live will have a tangible impact on your roof’s lifespan. For example, if you regularly get snow, you are more at risk of ice dams and water making its way under shingles. If you get high winds, you may find that things like tree branches are being swept onto the roof, causing damage. Even hot sun can crack and dry out some roofing materials. 

If you deal with any extreme weather, this will affect when to replace your roof. 

Maintenance: 

Once you have a new roof installed, you can’t just leave it and forget about it. It will help if you take good care of it to ensure that it doesn’t damage over time. The way you do this will depend on the type of roof that you have. 

For example, if you have a shingle roof, you’ll need to replace individual shingles if they break or go missing. If you have a metal roof, you will have less maintenance to do, but you will need to keep an eye out for leaks and water damage. 

If you’re not maintaining the roof, then you’ll have to replace it much sooner. 

Installation Quality: 

The way the roof was installed also affects the longevity of the roof. If you’ve picked a good roofer that cares about their work, then you’ll have the best chance of your roof lasting the entire lifespan. 

If you go with someone less than reputable, you may find that they didn’t take as much care and even skipped essential steps. That can lead to you needing to replace the roof sooner rather than later. 

How To Know When To Replace Your Roof

No matter how well you care for your roof, at some point, the question of when to replace your roof will come. How do you know if you need to call in the roofers? There are some signs that you need to look out for. 

It’s reached the end of its life span: 

If the roof has reached the end of its life span, and it’s suffering from several issues, then you’ll want to replace it rather than try and repair it. You certainly can do things like replacing shingles, but it’s a sticking plaster, and you will spend more money in the long run. 

The shingles are damaged: 

You may find that the shingles on your roof are suffering damage. For example, they are bruised from hail, have begun to curl, or ‘cup,’ are cracked, loose, or even missing. Again, shingles can be replaced, but if several are broken, then it can be time to replace the roof. If the damage isn’t restricted to one area of the roof, that’s a sign it’s time to replace it. 

The roof becomes covered in moss or algae: 

This on its own isn’t usually a problem, but it can make things worse for an older roof. If there’s a lot of growth, it can trap water against the roof and cause problems. Usually, homeowners decide to wash off the growth and damage the shingles in the process. 

If it isn’t too bad, you can leave the moss there. If not, then you can look at a replacement. 

The roof is sagging: 

This is usually a tell-tale sign that the roof is on the way out. Does it look as though it’s sagging in the middle? That’s a sign that the roof decking is damaged or wearing out. It can lead to further damage and even danger if you ignore it, so you need to address it as soon as possible. 

You can see light through the roof: 

When you are in the attic, can you see light coming through the roof? That’s a sign that the roof is on its way out. You shouldn’t have any gaps in the roof, as that’s how water will get in. If you see lots of gaps, it’s time to replace. 

How To Extend A Roof’s Lifespan

The best way to extend the roof’s lifespan is to have it inspected twice a year. An expert roofer can come and check it out, ensuring that it’s in good condition. They’ll let you know when it’s time to replace the roof. 

Now you know exactly when to replace your roof. Keep an eye on it, and take care of it to ensure that you’ll get the most out of the roof before replacement is needed.

Categories
Residential Roofing

Do I Need a Roof Upgrade Before Selling My House?

If you’re looking to buy or sell a house, there are many aspects of the asking price, including the state of the roof. But is it essential to get a roof upgrade?

When buying or selling a house, it is important to have as much information as possible about the roof.

  • A good roof helps provide comfort, protection, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal to your home.
  • A bad roof can cause structural damage, lead to mold and mildew problems, pose a fire hazard from shorted wires, leave ugly water stains, and provide poor climate control resulting in wasted energy.

Why Does a Roof Upgrade Matter When Selling a House?

Buying a house with a bad roof can lead to other dangerous and expensive problems down the line. If you are selling your house, but the roof is not in great condition, it can turn off buyers and lower your asking price.

Learning about the roof can help contribute to a smooth housing transaction for both buyers and sellers.

Roof Age

Buyers and sellers should note the roof’s age. This will provide an initial idea of how soon the roof will need replacement, which is an important factor for the selling price of a house. The life expectancy of a roof can range anywhere between 15 and 100 years depending on its type, maintenance, and climate. Roofs with normal asphalt shingles tend to be on the lower span, lasting 15 to 20 years, while slate tile roofs tend to last 60 to 100 years.

Roof Type

Given the great variation of life expectancy, it is important for buyers and sellers to understand the type of roof on the house.

Asphalt shingles are very popular for their general affordability and durability in a wide range of climates, making them an ideal choice for sellers putting on a new roof. They come in many colors and provide attractive results, but buyers should keep in mind that asphalt shingles are vulnerable to fading. This can result in color inconsistencies on the roof.

Metal roofs tend to last longer than asphalt tiles, but they are also more expensive. They are popular in upscale neighborhoods because of their durability, long life, and aesthetic appeal (they come in many colors and styles).

Slate roofs are often attractive to potential buyers, but it is important to remember that slate roofs may not hold up as well in cold weather climates.

Other roof types include architectural asphalt shingles, with a life expectancy between 25 and 30 years; wood shake roofs, which typically last 20 to 40 years; and metal roofs or concrete tile roofs that survive between 35 and 50 years.

Roof Inspection Results

A buyer should ask when the roof was last inspected and request a copy of the report. If the seller does not provide a recent report, potential buyers should arrange for their own professional roof inspection. A buyer may be able to identify a damaged roof if it is wavy, missing shingles, or has curled edges.

Results from a professional roof inspection are also important because they can reveal less obvious issues including weakened areas, rotting, or hidden leaks. The inspector can also provide information on the quality of materials used in the roof, which can have a significant impact on the roof’s lifespan. A roof inspection can alert sellers and buyers to the need for maintenance, repairs, or full replacement.

Given the importance of having a good roof, buyers and sellers should know some basics about the roof’s condition. Depending on the house size and market area, a new roof can cost $2,000 to over $30,000. Such a large expense should not come at an unexpected moment, but should be made with careful planning after understanding the roof’s age, type, and inspection results.

Signs You Need a Roof Upgrade Before Selling Your Home

If you’re having trouble selling your home because of your roof, it may be time to upgrade it. Damage and other minor issues might go unnoticed for years, and this can result in skyrocketing energy bills and a huge hit to your home’s value. Here is a look at some signs that your home needs a roof upgrade before selling your house.

Your Curb Appeal Is Dropping

No one wants to have their home stand out because of a damaged or deteriorating roof. If your home looks much older than it actually is due to your roof, then you might be ready for a roof upgrade. A new roof provides a great return on investment for homes of any age and within any price range.

Your Yard Is Filled With Granules

Granules pressed and glued together create asphalt shingle. After years of sun and water damage, the shingles will break into smaller pieces and scatter throughout your property. This is another clear sign that you need roof repair and your roof needs replacing within the next few seasons.

A Musty Smell in the Attic

Every homeowner should make a point of checking their attic for water damage a few times a year. Over time, a damaged roof will eventually allow moisture into the attic. This can result in flattened insulation, mold, mildew, and a musty smell. These issues will not only affect your home’s efficiency, but they might also affect your family’s health. If this is happening to your roof, you absolutely need a roof upgrade immediately before selling your home.

Conclusion

Your roof can make or break the sale of your home. These 3 signs that you need a roof upgrade may a bit more, but can positively impact your selling price. By doing yearly roof inspections, you can avoid some serious roof damage and repair.

Categories
Gutter & Spouting

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts This Spring

The maintenance of gutters and downspouts can get overlooked, especially during winter. But now that it’s spring, it’s the best time to do a thorough cleaning and inspection! Read more for some tips.

You don’t really notice your gutters and downspouts until they stop working properly. Neglecting to clean your gutters results in a higher chance that they will get clogged or damaged, especially during rainy seasons. If your gutters are clogged and not properly maintained, they can cause water damage to the foundation of your home which could add major expenses.

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is important and will save you money on repairs. The cleaning process is so simple that it should take no longer than an hour, which is why there is no reason not to do it!

Below is a guide to help you get started.

Check Your Entire Roof

Gutters help protect against roof rotting, so it’s a good idea to first check the entire roof for any damage or necessary maintenance, in case the gutters haven’t been cleaned in a long time.

It is very rare that we spend time up on our roofs. Because we rarely inspect our roofs, it can be difficult for us to know something is wrong until it’s too late. The last thing we want is for a rainstorm to come along and ruin our home because we weren’t aware of the problems in our roof.

The following are signs that tell you that there is something wrong with your roof or gutter system, and needs to be fixed:

  1. Water spots on your ceiling
  2. Water spots appear on exterior walls
  3. Your gutters are filled with granules and wash out the downspouts
  4. Cracking shingles
  5. Shingles are cupping
  6. The roof is missing shingles
  7. The roof leaks when the temperature fluctuates between warm and freezing
  8. There are black stains on the roof

It is important for a gutter to be installed correctly in order for water to efficiently transfer from your roof to the drainage system.

Caring for Your Gutters

When beginning to clean, you want to make sure that you have a stabilizer bar for your ladder to keep you and your gutters safe. You also want to make sure to wear gloves when cleaning tight areas. In addition, you want to have a bucket to put all the debris in so that it won’t dirty your yard, or worse cause slippery surfaces.

Gutters are made from different materials and can be different shapes. If you do need to replace your gutters or if you happen to be building a new house, the following information can help you decide what type of gutter to get.

Materials

  • Aluminum – Lightweight
  • Plastic – Lightweight, minimal maintenance
  • Copper – Durable, easy to install
  • Cast Iron – Very heavy, needs to be painted

Shapes

  • Half Round
  • Box
  • Square Line
  • K Line

Some gutters last longer than others. The life span of a gutter depends on the material it is made out of, as well as how well it is installed. You can install the gutters for your home, but it might be a good idea to call a professional to ensure the full lifespan of your gutters.

Because they deal with roofs on a daily basis, it is likely that they may catch problems before you do. With their experience, they may know to look for missing gravel, splitting or blistering of the roof, or even how to evaluate water staining or damage on the ceiling of your home.

Maintenance is Important

You should be cleaning your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, spring and fall, to make sure that there are no clogs so the water is able to drain. If your gutters are filled with leaves and debris, in addition to possible water damage on the home, it can cause damage to your gutters and even roof because of the additional weight caused by the leaves absorption of the water.

If you are a new homeowner and have been wondering what type of maintenance is recommended for the roof and gutters of your home, here are some tips:

1. You should inspect your roof at regular intervals. Because your roof is exposed to all of the elements, regular inspection is a must. By doing this, you will be able to tell if any damage may have occurred, or if any small repairs need to be completed before the next season’s weather hits, resulting in possible emergency roof repair.

2. Loose shingles are not such a big deal until they blow away in the wind. At this point, they become a major expense. Matching older shingles can be a lengthy and costly process, often resulting in a customer deciding to purchase a whole new roof because they cannot find shingles that adequately match.

3. Loose gutters and blocked downspouts can cause future roof problems that would be more easily fixed now.

CONCLUSION

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts seems like a chore that nobody wants to handle. If you’d rather prevent leaves from getting stuck in the gutters in the first place, you might want to consider having leaf-proof gutters installed.

Nonetheless, it is extremely important to have a strong gutter system on your home to avoid future problems and costs.

Read More:

How Are Clogged Gutters Ruining Your Home?
Categories
Gutter & Spouting

7 Tips to Improve Your House Gutters This Winter

You don’t know what type of debris you’ll get with the winter weather. That’s why it’s crucial to check up on your house gutters to ensure they’re working properly. Below are some helpful tips.

Most of the time, you never even think about your house gutters. Why would you, when there are so many other household tasks to deal with? The problem is, your gutters do more than you know. In the winter they’re under attack, so you need to prepare them.

Here’s how you can prepare your house gutters for winter and stop potential problems in their tracks.

Why Take Care Of Your Gutters?

Your gutters have an important job to do in keeping your home and roof safe from the elements. When it rains, water runs down your roof and into the gutters. The gutters carry the water away from your home, where the water can’t do any damage.

Water is a serious danger to your roof. If it gets into the roof, then it will cause mold and wood rot, damaging the entire structure. Left long enough, it will even necessitate a full roof replacement. That’s the last thing you want, so ensure that you’re taking good care of your house gutters.

1. Clear Your Gutters

The first thing you must do is clear your gutters. From the ground you can’t see that they’re filling up with debris, especially in the winter. Winds blow leaves onto the roof, and they slide down into the guttering. When they block them, water can’t get out and ends up overflowing back onto the roof. That means you’re going to see water in the roof, even leading to leaks throughout the home.

This is so easy to prevent, though. All you need to do is get up on a ladder, take a trash bag with you, and scoop out the debris that’s settled in them. When you’ve done that, the water can easily flow through and get away from the roof.

2. Trim And Remove Trees

Where is that debris coming from? The trees around your home are the main culprit, as they drop their leaves in the winter. If they’re close enough to the house, they can easily drop leaves onto the roof. You can stop this happening by trimming branches that hang too close to your roof. This will stop leaves dropping in the gutter and causing problems.

If you feel a tree is too close to your house, you can even have it removed. Talk to a tree removal technician and see what needs to be done. Remember, it’s not just the leaves. If a branch were to fall on your roof during a storm, it’s going to cause even more damage and repair bills for you.

3. Install Gutter Guards

Now that you’ve cleaned your gutters and removed offending branches, you need to protect them. The best way to prevent build up is to install gutter guards. These sit on or in your gutters, and stop debris from getting into the gutters. However, they don’t stop water so they’ll still be able to flow freely.

There are several different types of gutter guards on offer, so you can pick the one that suits you best. Mesh guards are a mesh that you place on top of the gutter, so the debris can’t get in but water easily gets through it. A brush guard is a long brush that sits in the gutter, catching the debris so it doesn’t sit and pile up in the gutter.

Remember, these guards are great but they aren’t foolproof. You’ll still need to get up there and inspect them from time to time, to ensure that they’re doing their job.

4. Add Heating Elements

Another issue you want to avoid is ice dams. These happen when snow on your roof melts, makes its way to the guttering, and then encounters freezing temperatures again. Because of this, the water will then freeze in the gutters, blocking them. This allows more water to collect on your roof and freeze, getting into the roof and causing issues.

One good way of stopping this from happening is to install heating elements to your gutters. When the water runs to the gutters, it will be warm so it won’t be able to freeze. This keeps the gutters flowing and stops them from freezing up.

5. Improve Your Attic Insulation

Why does snow melt on your roof in the first place? It’s thanks to the poor insulation in your attic. In the winter, you’re heating your home to keep it warm. When the heat rises, the insulation is meant to stop it escaping via the roof. When the insulation isn’t sufficient, though, you’ll see that the heat will rise through, melting snow in the process.

The way to stop this is to improve your attic insulation. Many homes don’t have enough insulation, which leads to ice dams. You’ll also need to improve the venting in your roof. This allows hot air, especially from the bathroom, to escape safely.

6. Reinforce Your House Gutters

Even the best gutters are no match for heavy snowfall. After a snowstorm, it’s not uncommon to see gutters broken as they couldn’t take the added weight of the snow. You can stop this from happening by reinforcing the brackets that hold your gutters up.

Gutter brackets are easy to pick up, and will keep your gutters safe in two ways. Firstly, they will ensure that the gutters can take the weight of snow that falls on them. Secondly, they’ll stop any current structural damage, so you won’t need to replace the entire gutter.

7. Add An Ice And Water Membrane

This step will have to wait until you need to replace your roof, but it’s a worthwhile investment. This membrane is designed to sit under the top roof layer, and keep water out. It’s a great way to protect your roof, so ensure you invest in one when the time is right.

Conclusion

These seven tips will help you keep your house gutters in top condition this winter. There will be no blockages, no ice dams, and certainly no water in your roof now. Take care of your roof this winter and prevent those repair bills.

Categories
Residential Roofing

4 Reasons You Need Proper Roof Ventilation

Do you know if your attic is getting the right amount of airflow? This can greatly affect not only inside your home, but your roof as well. Read below about why proper roof ventilation is important.

Ventilation is critical for your home, and that’s especially true for your roof. Without proper roof ventilation, a whole host of problems can crop up, costing you money and damaging your home.

Here are the top reasons why you need ventilation in your roof.

 

Why Is Ventilation So Important?

As you’ll see, the right balance of air coming in and out of your attic makes a real difference to the health of your roof. If there’s not enough air coming in or out, then temperatures rise and lead to all sorts of problems.

These problems will not only affect your roof and attic, but also the rest of your home. These problems include warped woodwork, blistering paint, leaks, and other damage.

It’s also important because modern living creates so much more hot air than it used to. Every day you’re using dryers, pots and pans, steamy showers, and so on. That hot air will rise to the top of your home, the attic.

If it doesn’t have anywhere to escape to, then that’s when it’s going to cause problems.

 

1. Super Heating Attics

Without proper roof ventilation, the air in your attic becomes super heated. What does that mean? The air in your home rises, and so will end up in your attic. If there’s no proper ventilation, then it can’t escape outside.

As it sits in the attic, with the sun beating down on it from outside, then it’s going to get hotter and hotter. That air will heat up the rest of your home too.

In the summer, you’re going to see your energy bills rise as your AC battles to keep the temperatures down.

 

2. Damage To Your Shingles

When your attic is super heated, it’s not just your home that will suffer. The shingles on the roof will too, as they’re heated from underneath. This will lead to them cupping, warping or breaking, leading you to need to replace them more often.

If left long enough, a broken shingle will let in water which will lead to more problems with your roof.

 

3. Warped Wood And Framing

If the air in your attic is getting too hot, then you’ll see that it will have a serious effect on your home as a whole.

When exposed to heat for long periods, the wood in your attic will start to warp out of place. This will have serious repercussions, as it will damage the walls and ceilings in the rest of your home.

When this happens, you may see warped walls and door frames, as well as blistered paint and wallpaper.

 

4. Moisture Damage In Your Attic

With higher temperatures in your attic comes higher humidity, which will cause all sorts of problems. It will lead to mold and mildew in your attic, which damages the wood and can lead to hefty repair bills.

Having mold in your attic will allow it to spread to to the rest of the home too. It is sometimes difficult to remove and will cause issues for anyone with allergies in your home.

You’ll also find that increased moisture will drip back onto your insulation, rendering it less effective and letting more heat out of your home in the colder months.

It damages your roof as well, as excess moisture leads to ice dams, which also cause leaks.

 

Types Of Proper Roof Ventilation

You see just why it’s so important that your roof is properly ventilated. Now you need to decide how you’re going to improve yours. There are several types of ventilation you can use, so read on to see which is right for you.

 

1. Intake And Exhaust Vents

A mixture of both of these vents is needed to get the best results in your attack.

An intake vent is usually fitted under the eaves, and lets air into your attic. The exhaust vent allows air back out, and is usually fitted on the peak of the roof. They’re usually boxed or capped to stop moisture and snow getting in.

 

2. Ridge Vents

This is an aesthetically pleasing style of vent, as they are virtually unnoticeable from the ground.

Installed in the ridge of the roof, they use a baffle to draw hot air out of the attic. When installed evenly along the roof, they create proper roof ventilation.

 

3. Soffit Vents

These vents are intake vents, and are usually installed under the eaves.

Again, this makes them virtually unnoticeable. Installing these with ridge vents helps you get the best ventilation in your home.

 

4. Box Vents

These vents are placed towards the peak of the roof. The box vent is placed over a hole in the roof that allows hot air to escape from your attic.

 

5. Wind Turbines

A wind turbine is a fan that spins when caught by the wind, allowing it to draw air out of your attic.

They do need some maintenance, such as being oiled if the fan starts to squeak. They’re best used in homes that are in areas that regularly get strong winds, or they won’t work as they should.

 

6. Power Attic Vents

These vents are designed to be powered by electricity, and usually have humidity sensors that switch the vent on when the humidity is too high.

As they’re designed to run quietly, you’ll need to go into your attic and check they’re still running as intended. This can be done as part of your regular roofing check.

 

Conclusion

As you’ve seen, there are all kinds of reasons why you need to ventilate your attic properly. Not doing so will lead to damage to your home, and costly repair bills that you could easily avoid. Now is the time to check on your attic, and see if it needs more ventilation.

If you’re not sure, call on a roofing repair expert to help you see where changes need to be made.

Luckily, it’s not too difficult to get roofing vents installed. Pick the right vents for your roof and needs, and you’ll find that you’ll get proper roof ventilation in your attic.

 

Read More:

9 Signs You Need a Roof Repair
Categories
Residential Roofing

Wind Damage On Your Roof? Here’s How To Tell

Roof maintenance is an essential part of keeping your home healthy; but with wind damage on your roof, you may not know that there are issues. Here’s how you can.

The weather can wreak all sorts of havoc with your roof.

How can you tell if the wind has damaged your roof?

There’s lots of ways to tell, so here’s how to inspect your roof and fix any problems that you come across.

 

Wind And Your Roof

Typically, wind won’t damage your roof. It will have been built with a certain wind resistance in mind.

That means if you suffer high winds, you may not encounter any problems at all with your roof. Over time though, wind will take its toll on the roof.

That’s because a rood isn’t uniformly affected by wind. It’ll suffer more stress at the edges and corners, places where wind can get underneath and start to pull at it.

  1. The first time it happens, it’ll cause a small amount of damage, leaving material just a little loose.
  2. The next time you get bad weather, it’ll pull at it a little more, now that it has more area to pull at on your roof.
  3. This cycle will keep happening until you get serious wind damage.

Wind damage leads to more serious damage over time. If anything is pulled loose, that means that the roof is no longer watertight.

The next time you get rain, that water will make its way into the roof, causing damage. If you don’t see it in time, that will lead to rot and mold, and possibly even a new roof entirely.

This is why it’s so important to keep inspecting your roof.

After every storm, get up on your roof and take a look at it.

Is there anything that’s loose or missing?

Replacing it now will save you more expensive repair bills down the line.

 

 

Signs Of Wind Damage On Your Roof

So, how do you know if there’s been wind damage on your roof? There are several signs that you should be looking for.

1. Loose or missing shingles:

This is one of the more obvious signs that you’ll see on your roof. If the wind has managed to get under your roof shingles, it’ll pull them loose or even blow them away.

This is easily solved, though. You’ll need to get some replacement shingles and replace those broken and missing shingles on your roof.

It’s usually a good idea to order an extra box when you replace your roof, so you have similar colored shingles to use.

2. Damaged or clogged gutters:

As the wind picks up, it’ll take debris with it. This debris easily ends up on your roof, especially if you have trees nearby.

When you take a look at your roof, look at the guttering. It could be full of leaves and debris. This clogging will lead water to overflow out of your gutters, causing water and mold problems.

You can easily unclog them by pulling the debris out. If you want, you can install a gutter guard in order to stop debris getting back in again.

While you’re looking at your gutters, take a look for any decay or damage they may have taken.

  • For example, are they loose or sagging?
  • Are they only loosely attached to the building?
  • Are there any sections missing?

If they’ve taken a lot of damage, it may be time to replace them.

3. Flat roof blisters:

Flat roofs are susceptible to damage as they don’t allow rain or debris to roll down them. That means it can collect on the roof, causing damage.

Take a look at your roof, looking for blisters on the surface, cracks, or tears. If you find anything, call a roofing company to come and repair the damage for you.

4. Tree damage:

As mentioned earlier, if there are trees near your home, then they can blow leaves into the gutters when the wind picks up.

Branches can even come down on the roof, causing unrecoverable damage.

  • If you see a branch on your roof, you’ll need to remove it as soon as possible to assess the damage.
  • If they fell hard enough, they can damage shingles and timbers on the roof, allowing water to come in.

Have the damage repaired as soon as possible.

5. Flashing damage:

Flashing is the material that’s used to seal joints around your roof, for example you’ll see it where your chimney meets the roof.

In high winds, this flashing will take damage. If it’s damaged, you’ll see that it’s buckled, or that it’s started to tear away from the roof.

This will need to be replaced quickly in order to protect your roof.

6. Indoor damage:

If the wind has damaged your roof, then the signs of it won’t just be on the outside. Take a look inside your home, especially at the ceilings.

  • Are there any water stains or marks? That could be a sign that water is making its way through the roof and into your home.
  • You’ll also want to get into the attic and take a look. You’re looking for any light that’s making its way through the roof, into the attic space. If you’re seeing light, that means that the roof has been damaged.

 

 

Call In The Experts

When it comes to roofing, it’s always a much better idea to call in the experts. You can get on the roof yourself, but the danger is you could get injured.

You don’t want to take that risk, so bring in roofers who are trained, and have the right equipment to keep themselves safe.

They’ll inspect the roof for you, and let you know if anything needs to be done.

They’ll undertake the repairs, ensuring that your roof is in good shape again in no time.

 

Conclusion

Now you know what you’re looking for to determine if there is wind damage on your roof. Inspect it regularly, and if you see any problems, bring in roofers to handle it.

The sooner you correct the problem, the easier, and cheaper it will be.

Categories
Gutter & Spouting Blog

Do I Need Gutter Protection Systems for Winter?

Your home is at risk during the winter months, so is it important to get gutter protection systems for the winter?

The cold weather brings all kinds of hazards for your roofing.

Wind, snow and rain all cause havoc, but did you know what kind of threat they pose to your gutter systems?

When the gutters are blocked or broken, your roof is at risk.

It’s vital to keep the gutters working, so here’s why you need to find gutter protection systems that work for your roof this winter.

 

How Good Guttering Works

When your guttering is in good condition, it will collect rainwater as it rolls down your roof, and direct it away from the roof.

Any water on your roof should collect directly in the gutters without pooling, so it will run down the downspouts and into the drains, away from your home.

They’re very simple but incredibly vital when it comes to the health of your roof.

 

What Happens When Guttering Goes Wrong?

There are several ways your guttering could be ineffectual or damaged, leading to further problems for your roof.

The most common issue is blockages.

If anything gets into your guttering and blocks it, water can’t drain off your roof properly.

In the worst cases, the water will gather in the gutters and overflow back onto the roof. When this happens, you’ll see that the water will:

  • Seep under tiles
  • Get into the roof timbers
  • Cause rot and mold

If left unchecked for too long, then this can cause serious structural damage to the roof.

Ice Dams

In the winter, you’re also at risk of ice dams.

These happen when snow on heated homes melts and runs down to a colder part of the roof.

This is usually the guttering, where there is no building heat.

Once the runoff reaches the gutters, it freezes and creates the ice dam.

The melted snow will continue to run down the roof and reach the dam, where it’s blocked and will keep freezing.

This extra water that can’t get off the roof will cause problems, and damage the roof itself; which is why gutter protection systems are essential.

 

 

Causes Of Gutter Issues

So how do these problems start happening?

  • Blocked Gutters: With blocked gutters, you’ll find that most often the blockage is debris such as leaves. These leaves find their way into the gutter after being blown in there by the wind. If they’re not removed, they build up and lead to the blockages as described above.
  • Ice Dams: With ice dams, the most common cause is a lack of insulation in your roof. The heat from your home rises up and melts the snow, starting the ice dam in your gutters. Good roof ventilation will also help.

In some cases, if your guttering is very old or has taken a beating from the weather, it won’t be able to drain off water as well as it should have.

When this happens, it will lead to the issues described above.

 

Gutter Protection Systems to Consider

Now you know what you’re looking to avoid when it comes to your guttering, how will you protect it?

There are several ways you can ensure you won’t have any problems during the cold season.

1. Inspections:

Firstly, you’ll want to inspect your gutters.

Are they all in good condition? If there’s sections that are worn out or broken, now’s the time to replace them.

They’re not too difficult to change out, if you’re using a good guide. Ensure you’re using new guttering that’s the same material as the old one, so it will match up correctly.

If you’re replacing all of the gutters, consider using modern materials like uPVC. This will hold up for years to come, without rusting or cracking.

2. Check Blockage:

Next, check to see if there’s anything blocking the gutters.

It’s very easy to remedy the problem if there are blockages, as you can just take the offending debris out with your hands.

Be sure to check the downspouts too, to ensure they’re clear. To stop blockages happening again, consider installing a gutter or snow guard.

These are often brush style devices you insert into the gutter, to stop leaves and other debris falling in. It’s a cost effective and simple way to stop blockages from happening.

Types of Gutter Guards

There are several different styles of gutter guards other than the bush.

For example, you can get guards that are a fine mesh that are screwed into place over the gutter.

All have their pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which one is right for you.

  • As for preventing ice dams, the most important thing you can do is insulate your roof properly.
  • You’ll want to call in insulation and roofing experts to carry this out for you.

Once this is done, much less heat will escape via your roof, so you’ll see that less snow melts off and causes these issues.

You can also look into adding ventilation to your roof, so the roof won’t warm up and cause melting.

These systems are often quite simple to install, but it’s usually best to again call an expert to handle it for you.

 

 

Take Care Of Your Gutters

All in all, it’s important to take good care of your gutters and find which gutter protection systems are best for you.

They’re a simple device but they play a vital role in keeping your roof in good condition. When they’re working properly, you won’t even think about them.

When they’re damaged though, they can cause a lot of problems that can cost you a lot of money in repairs.

Gutter Protection

Your gutter protection routine comes in two parts: observation and maintenance.

  • Firstly, you’ll need to be observing your gutters on a regular schedule.
  • Ensure that they’re intact, clear and free to drain as intended. If there’s anything that’s not working as it should, fix it right away.
  • Next is the maintenance. You can take steps to ensure you don’t have problems with your gutters.
  • Install insulation and gutter guards, and you’ll reduce the work you have to do on your roof in the future.

Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll never have to worry about your gutters or roofing this winter.

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