Gutter Maintenance Tips for Rainy Climates

Well-maintained functional gutters can protect your home’s foundation from water damage. This, in turn, can translate into better structural integrity thereby maintaining the value of your investment. Sagging and clogged gutters can overflow, causing damage to the soffit and fascia of your home. By taking care of your roof's drainage system, you not only extend the life of your roof, you can also boost the value of your home and help prevent water damage to your home. Regular maintenance of your homes gutters and roof is crucial especially in regions that receive a significant amount of precipitation.

Unmaintained, dirty, full gutters can decrease the value of your home.  This occurs because of a phenomena known as “tiger stripes”, unsightly marks and stains along the outside walls of a home’s gutter system. Mold can begin to fester along these stripes blackening the whole surface and destroying the original aesthetic look of your precious home.

The steps below apply whether you are utilizing the services of a professional contractor or you are a DIY, do-it-yourself.

Clean Gutters

Clean gutters ensure the rainwater flows freely. They also see to it that leaves and other debris brought about by the rain do not clog the drainage system causing damage to the home. Part of cleaning the gutter involves repairing sagging or loose gutters and replacing the gutter spikes with gutter screws. Gutter screws hold much better than standard gutter spikes, thus providing support and security.

Seal Leaks Promptly

Due to wear and tear, gutters will often have leaks. Inspect these thoroughly and use a water hose to check for leaks in the joints and seams. Most gutter repair experts will recommend using silicone caulk to seal leaking gutters.

Repairing Downspouts

The downspout is the pipe that typically drains rainwater from the roof to the ground level (and away from the building’s foundation). A well-functioning downspout is a must in order to protect your home from water damage. Because this system sometimes becomes clogged, it is important to inspect it regularly for leaves and debris to ensure rainwater continues to flow unimpeded.
In conjunction with a functional downspout is a system of splash blocks that utilize an irrigation pipe. These work together to ensure water flows freely and is diverted from the roof and away from the home's foundation.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Thinking About Replacing Your Roof? Consider These Few Upgrades

Replacing your roof is a big decision that takes careful consideration. The whole process can not only prove to be a daunting one but can also disturb your home remodeling budget greatly. Furthermore, it can also disturb your normal routine activities because of the construction work going on in your home. Therefore, before you opt for the idea of re-roofing or replacing your roof, consult local roofing contractors and consider these few upgrades that can not only improve the curb appeal of your home but also enhance its value. Have a look at these roof upgrade ideas:

Overlaying

This upgrade method has a lot of perks. It is less costly and requires less labor. Instead of stripping off the roofing material altogether, a layer of shingle is installed on the existing one to give the roof a new and improved look. Since the old roof is not completely stripped off; thus, it doesn’t take a longer duration if you are opting for overlaying. Furthermore, all other costs and expenses related to constructing a new roof are eliminated. This factor makes it a cost-efficient method.
For the best overlaying results, you need to rely on a reputed local shingle roofing company that excels in providing roof overlaying services.

Go for a Different Shaped Shingling

When reroofing, it is advised to go for different shaped shingles rather than opting for the traditional ones. It will give your home a distinct look and add value to it. For a different look, you can opt for zigzags or diamond shape. You can also take help of your local roofing contractors in this matter.

Reflective Shingles

Whether you are going for overlaying or tearing off, make sure you are going for reflective shingles. Not only they are aesthetically pleasing but energy-efficient as well. Since they reflect the sunlight, it doesn’t enter your home, as a result, your home can stay cooler during the hot summer days. There will be a reduced dependency on cooling systems, which will help to bring the electricity bills down. A prominent feature of reflective shingles is that they are now available in an array of materials and colors; thus, you can have an array of choice to select the best ones for your roof.

Make Sure the Roof is Ventilated

Last but not the least, it is important to make sure that your new roof is ventilated. It will help to keep your home cooler. A ventilated roof is particularly helpful for homes that have an attic. In case the roof is not ventilated, attics will heat up.
There are different ways to make a roof ventilated. Contact your local roofing contractors and they will be able to suggest the best possible ways after a thorough inspection of the roof.
Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.