Article In Roofing An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound Of Cure

When it comes to your home it is important to properly maintain all aspects of the home. Carpets are cleaned, filters are changed, tubs scrubbed, lawns cut; all of these are as important as the next in ensuring your home is running smooth and being maintained. Homeowners are often wrapped up in the interior of the home and put exterior repairs on the back burner. This can prove to be extremely problematic especially when it comes to your homes roofing.

Roofing damage can lead to structural damage within the home. It is important to know what signs to watch for when it comes to your roof. Often time's simple roof repairs are enough to ensure further damage is not done but as with everything your roof can wear out. Think about the abuse your roof takes on a daily basis. In states with four seasons that can include intense heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail and everything in between.

If you do have an asphalt shingle roof installed on your roof there are a few obvious signs that a new shingle roof is in your future. The first sign and a major one at that would be missing shingles. If this is the case you will need to replace the shingle and check to see how viable the tar seal is on the rest of the shingles. If you begin to see shingles loose or coming up all over the roof you can guarantee a new roof is in your homes future.

Asphalt shingles are made with a granule covering that protects the tar surface on the base of the shingle. Over time the granule covering will begin to loosen and wear off. Once this happens, usually between 15-20 years after the roof is installed, the shingle will start to dry out and crack. This will expose the underlayment and will compromise the protection the shingle is offering to your home. Shingles may also start curl. When this happens a new roof is needed as well. Curling shingles happens from poor roof ventilation or a dry asphalt shingle base.

Don't trust a contractor that says a second layer of shingles laid over the top of a previously shingled roof will last as long as one in which you start with a fresh base. Your roofing contractor should strip all the old shingles off and start with a fresh roof base. This is also a great way to check for damage on the roofs structure. Never layer shingles on top of one another. This just spells disaster in the long run and will cost you as the homeowner more in the long run.

Algae are another item that can destroy your roof. If you find that there are spots where algae and moss are accumulating on your roof pay a professional roof contractor to inspect the roof. Often times the algae can be cleaned and copper added to the roof line to help prevent future growth. Copper is acidic and creates a layer that makes the shingle hard for the plant life to cling to. No matter what don't take it upon yourself to scrub the roofing shingles, this will ruin the roofing and remove the protective granules.

If you do find yourself purchasing a new roof take that time to become educated on taking care of the roof. Roofing contractors will offer advice on your roof dependant on where you live. Rotting leaves, ice and snow all have variable affects on your roof and can all be handled with a little intervention. Take time to maintain your roof; replacing it is costly.

Getting Rid Of Mold On Your Shingle Roof

Mold accrues on shingle roofs frequently.  Roofing is susceptible to mold and mildew when it does not receive enough sunlight or wind movement to properly dry the shingles leaving them with excess moisture and normal bacteria’s which cause green algae and mold to build up on the shingles. A common question from homeowners is how to get rid of the unsightliness without doing damage to the roofing or shingles.

The mold that can be seen some times is green mossy or black mold can appear in blotches or streaks on the roof.  This is especially true of light colored asphalt shingles. The blue-green mossy algae are usually found in warm climates or humid summers.  Although it is unsightly it does not usually do damage to the roofing material itself.

As for getting rid of the algae there are several ways to go about it.  The first is to completely remove and replace the shingle roofing material with dark shingles.  This will remove the issue currently and hopefully help you disguise the staining and moss growth later on down the road.  Replace the roofing material with shingles that have copper granules and this will prevent the algae from forming as the copper is lethal to algae.  A complete roof replacement is only needed if the current roofing material is in need of being replaced.  This is the least cost effective manner in which to rid your roof of algae and moss.

Another technique that can be used to remove the algae on the shingle roof and is least expensive is to spray the roof down with a mixture of bleach and water.  A 50/50 mix is best and will leave the roof clean without removing the granules on the shingles or bleaching the color out.  No matter what do not use a power washer.  This will remove the granules on the. shingle which will lead to the deteriorating of the material.  Also it is important if you have landscaping below make sure you saturate the landscape with clean water before and after the job.  Plants are notorious for not thriving in an environment when covered in bleach water.

To keep the algae from coming back add a piece of six inch strip of copper under the shingles at the roofs peak.  The metal molecules will wash down with the water and will prevent algae from being able to foot into the shingles in the future. This is the same true of the copper flashing around the chimney. Look around at the roofs around you.  Any of them with copper flashing are probably free of algae.

As always I do believe it is best to have a professional come and evaluate the situation.  I think this is the best practice to ensure that there are not other issues that are causing the mold issue on the shingles.  They also can remove the mold and algae and prevent damage to the shingles. As homeowners we tend to over clean the shingles which damages the structural components of the shingling.

Your Roof's Enemies

Your home is your fortress. The first layer of protection on any fortress is the roof and siding materials. It is the first layer enemies have to penetrate before damaging the structural materials holding the home together. Many people don't recognize the enemies that the home's outside layer are forced to protect against day in and day out. When it comes to protecting your home and roofing material it is important to know what types of opponents it will be facing.

Depending on the elements in which your fortress is built you will face varying obstacles when it comes to your roof. The performance of the roofing material is affected by many factors and choosing the right material for your climate is crucial for the roof to perform well for you.

Sun: The sun is an enormous enemy of you your roof. The rays of the sun cause roofing material to deteriorate at a faster pass when exposed directly to them. This is the number one reason that asphalt shingling is rarely seen in climates where the sunny season is the majority of the year.

Rain/Condensation: Moisture can wreak havoc underneath shingles and cedar shakes. Water can also work underneath the barriers used to install a new roof, if not properly installed, and cause damage to the roof deck and cause structural damage as well. When performing your yearly home maintenance check be sure to look for signs of moisture in the attic around the roofing beams so that water issues can be immediately taken care of at the roofing level.

Wind: Another of Mother Nature's evil elements from the view of your roof. Wind damage can occur when high winds lift shingles leaving a void or damage shingles peeling at the corners. Once the roofing material is damaged form the wind, the roof is more susceptible to water, debris and extensive damage to the roof.

Snow and ice: Winter weather is another major issue when it comes to keeping your roof intact. If your home is located in a winter weather climate it is important that you prevent ice dams from building up at the edge of the roof. Roof dams prevent proper drainage and can cause the water to seep underneath the roofing material. This can cause issues with the material on the roof, the gutters and downspouts.

Moss and algae: Moss is an issue from any home without adequate light to allow the roofing material to thoroughly dry. It is a catch twenty two, too much sun and your roof deteriorates, too much and you get algae. Both moss and algae can cause your homes roof to rot and deteriorate faster than it should. More than anything the growth is unsightly and a nuisance to remove. If you choose to have the substance removed hire a professional roof cleaning company. It is a delicate process. Then prevent the moss from reappearing by trimming trees that shade the roof and make sure the roof has proper drainage.

Your roof takes a beating as the first layer of protection for the homes structure. It is important as homeowners we do our best to take care of issues as soon as they begin rather than waiting until a problem exists. If you are aware of outside elements that are beating up your roof you will be able to keep an eye out for damage and fix it right away, prevent issues from accumulating. New roofs are expensive, roof repairs aren't and will increase the lifetime of your roof.

Materials Commonly Used In Roofing

When it comes time to replace your roof many things go through your mind including what type of shingle is best for your home as well as your budget.  When deciding what material to use for your homes new roof consider all of the pros and cons related to the variety of shingles on the market today.  You may also consider a consultation with a few local roofing contractors to get a few opinions and prices on materials that will work well within the region of the country you live in.

The best material for your roof will be determined a lot on the climate in which you live.  The most common roofing material for homes within our north eastern region is asphalt shingles.  They are the most frequently used material in roofing because they are inexpensive.  They tend to last on a well cared for roof for between twenty and thirty years and can earn major tax credits when they meet the Energy Star standards for cooler roofing.  Laminated and architectural asphalt shingles are a bit pricier than their thinner three-tab shingle counterpart and therefore usually have a longer life expectancy.

A material that is also common for use in shingles is wood.  Hardwood shingles such as Cedar and Redwood will provide protection for your roof from anywhere between thirty and fifty years.  For this reason you can understand why they are a bit pricier than asphalt shingles.  Harwood shingles are aesthetically pleasing because of their natural appearance.  They are especially beautiful when used on cabin homes.

Metal roofing is another favorite.  Once popular only in the northwest and mountain region, metal is becoming a more popular material for homes throughout the country.  Metal works well with flat roofs or roofs that have steep rooflines.  Because metal roofing is known for its longevity it can be rather expensive in comparison to asphalt often costing double.  Consider though that the metal roof will last twice as long when deciding between the two different materials.

Slate shingling is a material that is popular in the northeastern portion of the country as slate is quarried throughout the region.  Slate has been known to last over fifty years and remain intact and leak free even in some older homes with original slate roofing. Slate is expensive however incredibly durable and is very pleasing architecturally.

Tile shingles are incredibly expensive but are the longest lasting roofing material on the market.  Many roofs shingled with tile have been known to last for eighty plus years.  The only drawback to tile besides the cost is that some homes are not structurally sound enough to withstand the weight of the shingles.  The unique appearance of tile shingles makes them a popular choice with Spanish styled homes as well as home throughout the southwest.

When looking into roofing materials for your home make sure to get several quotes from different roofing contractors.  All contractors have different rates for their services and the materials in which they use for your homes roof.  It is in your best interest to talk with several contractors and choose one not only on the cost of goods and services they provide but also on how competent and reliable they seem to be.

Choosing A Perfect Colored Shingle For Your Roof

Curb appeal is such an important aspect of homeownership. When considering the atheistic value of your home how often do you consider the color of the shingles on your roof? It is definitely not the most exciting aspect of your home. Choosing the color of your shingles may seem intimidating when you first begin the hunt to find the right color however below you will find four tips to narrow the selection down.

Consider Your Home's Color When Choosing the Color of the Shingling

What color is the home's vinyl siding, brick or stone? This is the most important thing to take into account when selecting the color of the shingle. It is too expensive to change the color of the exterior of your home. So naturally this is the first thing you should consider when choosing a shingle color to compliment your home's roof. Contact a local roofing contractor to get shingle samples to find one that works with your home. A few colors that shingles come in might be absolutely out of the question for your home so ditch them from the selection process right away.

The Home's Trim Should Compliment the Shingle Color

Although the trim and home's siding should ultimately coordinate with one another already sometimes they don't. Shingles should be a color that complement and enhance both the trim and the home's exterior coloring. If the roofing shingle color doesn't work for both the siding and the trim then it is not a contender for your roof unless you are willing to repaint all the home's trim. Which seriously, are you even considering that at the point in which you already are in need of a new roof?

The Location of the Home Is a Large Element in Picking A Shingle Color

The last thing you want is for your home to be known as "that home" when choosing the color of the shingling. You don't want your home to stick out like the sore thumb of the neighborhood. Consider the shingles that you have narrowed your choices down to and then look around to see which best compliments the shingles on the neighbor's roofs as well.

Contemplate Shingle Coloring with the Style of your Home

Look at the style of your home when you are choosing a roof shingle color. Different styles warrant different colors. For instance if you have a Spanish style home blue shingles are not the best option. If the shingles compliment the exterior trim and siding but don't fit the homes architecture then that is not the color for your home.

Find some ideas using the internet and looking in different home improvement magazines. Find homes similar in style, color and location as yours and see what has worked in the way of shingling color for them. The perfect shingle will soon be found and installed, by a professional roofing contractor, accentuating your home's exterior. Hiring a professional roofing contractor will save you tons of money, time and energy no matter what color shingle you choose in the end.

Ensure Your Are Hiring A Quality Roofing Contractor With The Tips Below

When hiring any type of contractor to work on your home we are all looking to get the biggest bang for our “buck”.  This is especially true when it comes to larger projects such as kitchen or bathroom remodeling, roof replacement, basement transformation as well as landscaping.  The more money we are about to put the better the deal we are looking to get.  On top of this we are looking to hire a professional who is in it to give us a great deal while completing the job in a timely fashion and correct the first time.  How can a homeowner ensure they are hiring the best roofing contractor for their roof replacement or roofing repair?

One thing to look for when hiring a roofing contractor is their licensing.  The required licenses that are needed for a roofing contractor in each area of the state and country are going to be different.  To determine what is needed when doing work in your area, on your home, it is best to call the local building department.

Insurance is another area of concern when it comes to hiring a contractor that will be working on your home.  Without proper insurance, if someone gets hurt or materials are broken, you as the homeowner will be responsible if the contractor does not have proper business insurance.  Always get a copy of the insurance policy before any contracts are signed or work is done on the home.
Some local municipalities will require that you have permits pulled for work within or around your home.  If they are required you or the contractor will need to pull permits before the job is begun.  This is information that can be acquired at your local building department.

Roofing contractors vary on the warranties on their products and services along with warranty offers from the manufactures. All guarantees and warranties should be in writing when the contractor gives you the original estimate.

Finding a reputable, reliable roofing contractor can be difficult.  One of the best ways to tell if you are hiring someone trustworthy and dependable is to talk to previous clients.  This will be a good way of determining how the contractor you are hiring does business and the results of their work.
When receiving an estimate for job needed on your roof the best way to ensure you are getting what you are paying for is to ask for a breakdown list of materials and labor costs.  Take all of the bids that you have received and compare them side by side to see if the quotes you are getting are all on the same playing field.  If there are drastic differences find out the reasons. Maybe one contractor offers extended warranties on labor or materials.  This may be worth a few extra dollars for you.

If everything is even with the contractors that you are looking into consider the outside factors.  Pay attention to the details like how the contractor presents him or herself.  How the bids are presented and how prompt they were in their communication with you.  This is helpful in determining how communication will be in future dealings as well.

Like Us On Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus To Keep Up With The Latest Roofing Information

  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Pro-Roofing/225836740845265?ref=hl
https://plus.google.com/b/105036876237525225877/105036876237525225877/posts
 https://twitter.com/HomeProRoofing

Check us out today!  Feel free to leave comments, ask questions or check out work we have done!