Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Stay Ahead Of Major Roofing Concerns With Regular Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is crucial when it comes to staying ahead of major problems that can arise around your home.  It is easy to overlook simple safeguards when your home is functioning properly.  An easy way to ensure that your home is cared for on a regular basis is to create a weekly, monthly, seasonal and yearly plan of action to anticipate problems before they occur.   A roof inspection is one of the most important yearly inspections that you can do for your homes well being.
Three quarters of inspecting your homes roof can be done from the ground.  In fact the less you walk around on the shingles the better for your roof and the safer you will be.  Work around the home from the ground; grab a pair of binoculars to help view potential problems without ever getting on a ladder.
Here is what to look for:
–          Worn caulking that appears to be cracking
–          Rust build up or spots starting to show on flashing
–          Buckling, curling, cracking or blistered asphalt shingle materials
–          Shingles that are missing or broken
–          Rubber boots around vent pipes that are worn or cracking
–          Damage to the chimney cap
–          A build up of moss, algae or lichen as this can signal roof decay (It is important to note that black algae is cosmetic)
At any point if you see asphalt grit in the gutters it is a bad sign.  The granules from the asphalt protect the roofing shingles from the ultraviolet rays that can cause extreme damage.  If you begin to see your shingles are losing granolas it is a sure signal that you roof is aging and is close to the end of its life cycle.
Not all roofing problems require a professional roofing contractor to fix them.  However, if the homeowner is unsure of heights or has an issue with getting on the roof it is advisable that a roofing contractor is called in to repair even the most minor of issues.
Most homeowners can fix loose, damaged or missing shingles or replace cracked caulking around flashing.  Nails on the roof that have popped out of place can easily be tapped back into place by even novice do it yourselfers.  Simple roofing repairs require about half a day and can be done for around thirty dollars.  A bundle of asphalt shingles is about twenty four dollars and roofing caulk and tar costs around six dollars per tube.
If you notice that the caulk around the metal or vinyl flashing, chimneys, sky lights or attic vents is separating the old caulk should be removed, the area cleaned and new caulk installed.   If the vent boot or flashing itself has begun to visually deteriorate it is important that the piece itself is replaced.
When repairs are beyond what homeowners feel comfortable tackling on their own a professional should be called in.  When hiring a professional roofing contractor it is best to seek bids from at least two roofing companies.  Minor repairs can be done by most handymen inexpensively if you are in a hurry. It is best however to establish a relationship with a roofing contractor as you never know when an emergency is going to strike and you will need more than just an ordinary, everyday handyman.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Home Trends In 2016

Home trends change with the tides; from one year to another what is popular in home improvements evolve.  In 2016 trends for the home improvement industry look to include smaller homes with the addition of tech savvy features; homes that appeal to younger families who live the on the go life style.  Home purchasers are more intuitive than ever before. They know exactly what they are looking for n a home.  Whether the homes on the market are move in ready or ready for renovation eager first time home buyers are ready to change the direction of home improvements.
One trend in home improvements that is changing the way homeowners manage their homes revolves around smartphones.  Homeowners are eager to take advantage of the easy to use apps now available to manage their homes.  With the possibility of home management being at their finger tips homebuyers are looking to upgrade their homes for convenience. Smart apps make daily household chores less time-consuming while also creating an environment that reduces energy consumption and allows homeowners to live green.
Another popular trend in home improvement include open floor plans that allow the kitchen, dining and living room areas to flow into one another without the distraction of walls and barriers. What occurs when homes are renovated in this fashion is an area that creates a large gathering space.  IT is no secret that the kitchen space is the gathering hot spot in most homes.  While the homeowner/hostess is busy in the kitchen space they can continue to enjoy the presence of their other guests.  Open floor plans are the must have renovation of 2016.
An exterior trend in roofing that is sure to top the most popular home improvement projects of 2016 is incorporating solar energy.  Roofing contractors believe that this is the year that homeowners embrace the trend of harnessing the power of the sun to use that energy to run their homes.  This would reduce the cost of utilities while decreasing the negative effects on the environment.  Roofing contractor’s suggesting that the future of roofing is all about longevity, recyclability and what the roofing offers to the homeowner.
2016 is the year for homeowners to not only consider the environment in their home improvement projects but also themselves.  The get-away-room is a popular concept with the arrival of the open floor plan. Everyone needs a minute alone. Some homeowners choose a spa like bathroom for their retreat but this is not always optimal.  A space that is created to invite homeowners to relax and enjoy their homes alone is a popular home renovation in 2016; this includes small cozy reading nooks to recreation spaces.  Whatever space is assured to offer the homeowner peace and tranquility is a popular home improvement option in 2016.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.