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If you don't want to spend your summer dealing with roofing issues, make sure to invest in some preventive maintenance before it becomes an issue.
One of the most important ways to get your roof ready for the summer is to inspect it. Inspecting your roof will give you time to identify any potential problems and fix them.
Some of the things that you will want to look out for are missing shingles, cracked or warped plywood, and moss or lichen growth.
The weather is unpredictable, and a roof can take a beating. Anything from hail to snow can cause damage to roofing shingles. And with the extreme conditions of wintertime, shingles are likely to weaken and disappear in one storm. And when roof shingles are missing, you don't know what you're going to get in terms of water seepage and other problems like mold.
Missing shingles happen because of wind and hail damage, fire damage, or a construction accident. If you don't address this problem soon enough, it will result in water seepage and mold growth which will cause structural damages to your home.
When the heat is on, so is the risk of roof failure. Hot days cause rooftops to up their heat absorption by up to 20%. Heat causes significant damage to the roofing material and can lead to a loss of structural integrity.
Concrete and brick structures can lose their structural integrity due to the effects of heat. As a result, concrete can lose its ability to maintain its strength and durability, and the chances of it cracking increase.
Stay Dry Roofing has additional tips for post-winter roofing care before the summer heat. Learn more about them below.
Roof Care Tips for Taking Care of Your Roof After Winter
Tree Limbs
In taking care of your roof once winter has turned to spring, it is important to make sure that you keep all tree limbs and bushes and other landscape foliage trimmed back and away from your home. Make sure tree limbs don’t touch your roof. Tree limbs can easily rub against the roof during storms or in windy conditions, and this can scrap off the protective covering of the shingles, It can even dislodge the shingles, and damage the underlying roof structure.
This will severely reduce the life of a roof, making it more susceptible to water damage and other structural issues. Taking care of your roof by keeping it free of overhanging or touching limbs can go a long way in helping you preserve the structural integrity of your home. Leaf Matter on the Roof
A little leaf buildup on the roof is fine. In taking care of your roof, you do not have to clean off it after every single storm. However, if leaf matter is allowed to build, accumulate, and get deep enough to hold moisture, then it needs to be cleaned off. Moisture held against the roof can cause water damage and promote other issues, such as rot and mold.
A rake or air blower can be used to clear the roof, but it is important to use care. You do not want damage the shingles or blow or tear any of them off along with the leaf litter you are removing. This is one of the most important ways you can make sure you are taking care of your roof! (Continued)
You can always trust us at Slaving Home Improvements to provide you with the best results for your roofing needs in Farmington CT. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.
Your tenants pay for wear and tear after you've deducted the amount from their initial deposit. Tenants who occupied your property and left right after a heavy rainstorm might not receive their initial deposit because of the roof's possible damages. As a result, landlords have renovation cash on hand in any case.
Some landlords immediately reinvest this cash for roof replacements. We highly agree that this is a wise choice because your roof might face further hazards in the future. However, we also agree that roof replacements aren't always necessary.
Your roof's overall condition is the first anchor of roof replacement decisions. Professional roofers can perform inspections and give you complete insight into your roof's condition. As a result, you get an accurate picture of your roof's condition after your tenants leave and get to make the best call for roof repairs or replacements.
However, having regular roof maintenance during your tenant's stay guarantees that your roof is in excellent condition with 95-98% wear and tear damage. Therefore, you can call your roofing specialists only after a heavy rainstorm creates leaks on your roof.
On the other hand, you might need to have roof replacements during your tenant's stay. Here are some excellent guidelines you can follow, according to SunVek.
DOES THE ROOF NEED AN IMMEDIATE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT?
What constitutes an emergency? Do you need to immediately replace the roof? In general, roofing is an issue of habitability. If the roof’s condition means that the property is no longer safe to live in, it’s your responsibility as the landlord to replace it. If you don’t replace it, your tenant may start withholding rent (and paying it into an escrow account) or file a complaint with housing authorities, which could result in an official investigation.
If a roof is leaking, you likely need to get it fixed or replaced. A leaking roof may eventually lead to mold and mildew, which can be a health concern. Mold, mildew, and other consequences of roof leaks may result in costly damages to both your property and your tenant’s.
If a roof is structurally damaged, it needs to be replaced or repaired immediately. It could present a danger to the occupants. However, if a roof is simply old and coming up on being replaced, that doesn’t mean you need to replace it immediately. You can wait until the current lease is up and then complete the repairs before signing another lease. An old roof by itself is not an issue of habitability unless the roof is damaged to the point where it could become a danger.
CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
As a landlord, you should have a “Landlord’s Policy.” This is a type of homeowners insurance policy that is specifically targeted towards landlords. If your roof recently experienced damage, it’s likely that your insurance company will cover that damage. Part of that damage includes the fact that the tenants won’t be able to stay in the home while the roof is being replaced or repaired. (Continued)
Slavin Home Improvements is always here to help you repair and maintain your roof in Farmington, CT, to its optimal state. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.
Gutters might not be the biggest and most character-contributing roofing components. However, they play a huge role in preserving your roof and yard. Without gutters, water will soak and spoils your yard. Plus, your property's concrete foundations will likely suffer from massive damages.
Here are three easy ways to keep your gutters in excellent shape.
These small mesh walls reduce dust and prevent leaves from contaminating your gutters. Unfortunately, huge debris is a significant contributor to gutter blockage. To remove clogs in gutters, you'll need to call professional roofing specialists in Farmington, CT.
High-quality professional specialists can install direct downspouts to your gutters. These downspouts can direct water away from your yard straight to your property sewage line. But, on the other hand, they can store it straight in your rainwater storage tanks for reuse.
Lastly, you'll want to use experienced roofing specialists, such as Slavin Home Improvements, to keep your roofing gutters in top shape. These specialists will inspect your gutters and give you a rundown on their current condition. Then, they can perform small, regular repairs that are a fraction of the total gutter costs.
Mr. Handyman has an excellent post about the consequences of poorly maintained gutters. Read more about it below.
What Damage Can I Expect from Unmaintained Gutters?
Foundation - Underperforming gutters put your home’s foundation at an unnecessary risk. One of the primary functions of any gutter system is to displace the water that erodes the soil around the foundation. Every homeowner wants to avoid expensive foundation repairs.
Basement flooding - More water landing at the base of your home means a higher risk of water entering the basement. Preventing water from entering here can stop problems with mold and mildew, as well as preserve walls that might otherwise be exposed to moisture and fungal growth. Driveways, sidewalks, and other finished surfaces - A good gutter system is also an investment to protect driveways, sidewalks, and patios. If water is being moved from these paved areas, soil is far less likely to be shifted or eroded by rain/snow running from the roof.
Mosquitoes - Clogged gutters make a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mating mosquitoes love stagnant water, so clogged gutters are perfect safe havens. If you have mosquitoes buzzing near your home, your gutters might be a good place to look. Also be on the lookout for containers of standing water such as rain in pots, kiddie pool, sandbox cover, tire or wheelbarrow. Besides causing itchy bites, mosquitoes carry diseases such as West Nile virus. Young children and older adults will be much safer if you take care of mosquito breeding grounds on your property. (Continued)
If you have yet to find an excellent roofer, you can always count on us at Slavin Home Improvements. Contact us to learn more about our services today.
Nowadays, all your trusted roofers, including Slavin Home Improvements, do roofing consultations online. Most of these services are available online anytime at your convenience. However, nothing compares to having an actual roofer helping you learn about the flaws and issues concerning your property by climbing on your roof and using their own eyes to observe it. Yet, many homeowners have seen results working with online roofing consultations.
Consulting with your roofer using the internet is easy. You need only to provide an online meeting schedule. Then, the roofer will ask about your existing roofing issues. Using various simple technologies, smartphone camera sticks, midway ladder climbs and just describing your roof's condition, roofers can advise regarding the roof's condition.
It's better if you can climb your roof. But, those who can't need only to use their camera or just provide the roofer sufficient descriptions. In doing so, roofers can give suitable advice to improve any roof's condition and prolong the property's lifespan, performance and supply cost-effective solutions.
To learn more about this process, Hook Agency has a great explanation to get you started. Read more about it below.
One way Stephanie Craig and Urbach Roofing are using technology is through zoom calls to do their re-roofing estimates. They are also not accepting checks and are instead taking credit and cards over the phone to eliminate contact.
Gigi of Allied Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc said they have been taking full advantage of modern times and is using much of what’s available to them. Gigi said they have been doing their billing electronically and paperless, as well as doing their estimates with a particular software they have, as well as with licensed and equipped drones. Gigi stated that this process can be done from the office, so they do not have to come into contact with the homeowner.
It’s amazing what can still be done during these times with the technology we are provided with. The roofing contractors taking advantage of these tools have not noticed much of a change in business and continue to work and get business during these times.
If you’re one of those businesses that are finding it hard to continue business during these times, do some research on the different options out there that you can implement into your processes. You could find the answer you’ve been looking for. PRECAUTIONS ROOFING CONTRACTORS ARE TAKING
The roofing community is taking several precautions to keep their customers, and themselves at lower risk of getting and spreading the Coronavirus.
One way Jenny Odom and Centennial Roofing are taking precautions is by having their homeowners send over pictures themselves, so they can diagnose damage and move on from there. Another way Centennial Roofing is taking precaution is by entering through the homeowner’s attic if they have one so they don’t have to enter the home. (Continued)
Work only with the most reliable roofers in your area. If you have yet to find them, you can always count on Slaving Home Improvements for your property development needs. Contact us today!
Making sure your roof is in top shape against all the weather-borne challenges it'll face is troublesome enough. However, you'll need to deal with one other issue: small animals damaging your residential roof. While small creatures wandering around the village and town looks beautiful, you wouldn't want to see them wandering in your attic or on your roofing materials.
Bird nests above asphalt shingle roofs look beautiful and photogenic. If you quickly search images about it, many photographers have captured its visual magic. However, these animals can cut your roof's lifespan extremely short. Birds have a highly-acidic diet, making their droppings dangerous to your asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and slate tiles' welfare.
Squirrels look cartoonish and have their respectively adorable traits. However, these cute critters are the stuff of nightmares once they start chewing against your vents and asphalt shingles. Squirrels are attracted to warm places, especially when your heater reaches your well-insulated attic. They'll use your attic as their residence and droppings area. Regular cleaning and roofing consultations can keep them away from your roof.
Whittles Roofing has an excellent post about addressing animal roofing damages. Read more about it below.
Seeing an animal on your roof could at first be a delightful sight. Upon further consideration, though, you might wonder whether they could damage something up there. In fact, you should get a ladder out and go check. Even a small animal could do substantial damage. Here are some of the most common culprits.
SQUIRRELS: CHEWING ON VENTS AND SHINGLES
Squirrels seem harmless, but they are commonly found nesting in attics for a reason. They look for areas that are warm in which to nest. If they want to nest in your attic, they may decide to cut straight through the shingles and vents. Squirrels are very good chewers; it may not take them much time at all to cut through even solid structures.
Once you've gotten rid of your squirrels, you may need to have your roof patched. A roofer will be able to find their entryways and deal with them appropriately. Without patching, water is eventually going to leak into your attic. In the short term, this will cause mold and mildew; in the long run, it can cause rot.BIRDS: BLOCKED GUTTERS AND ACID DAMAGE
Nesting birds can be pleasant and sweet, but they can also cause damage. Birds can block your gutters with their nests, thereby making it more likely that your roof will flood during intense rains. This flooding isn't great for the birds, either: their nests or eggs may easily be washed away.
Acid damage is another problem. Birds excrete acids naturally. The acid from their droppings will slowly wear through your shingles and your paint. Not only will these stains be unattractive and difficult to clean, but they could contribute to mold and mildew damage. The acid from bird droppings could also eventually bore through your shingles and lead to leaking and other damage. (Continued)
If you're facing residential roofing problems without any recourse, you can always count on us at Slavin Home Improvements to provide you with the best solutions. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do with you.
Many Farmington homeowners understandably save up for metal or clay tile roofing. After all, if you really wanted a roof that guaranteed exceptional long-term lifespan and performance, these roofing materials are the best. However, asphalt shingles roofs have a ton of benefits that can benefit any homeowner as much as metal roofs. Such as:
True: you'll have minus 70 years when you use asphalt shingles instead of metal roofs. However, the 25-30-year-old average asphalt shingle roofing lifespan is perfect because you have peace of mind for another 30 years instead of second-guessing your durable roof's performance once it reaches halfway into its lifespan.
Class 3 asphalt shingle roofs of the highest quality perform perfectly during the strongest hailstorms. Like wood shingles, if the roofing material does not split, it's still useful and capable of protecting the property.
High-quality manufacturers across Farmington provide you with tried-and-proven roofing materials that comply with all standards and homeowner expectations.
Additionally, you always have the best Farmington roofers for all your roofing needs. With many homeowners still using asphalt shingle roofs, you can trust these professionals to have all the necessary experience to deliver the roofing quality your property needs.
If you ever needed to spice up your property, asphalt roofs are available from virtually every hardware supplier at affordable bundle prices.
Sanderson Roofing has an excellent post about why you should choose asphalt shingle roofs. Read more about them below.
The Asphalt Shingle Advantage
The main reason why homeowners keep choosing asphalt roofing shingles is that they offer the most economical option. However, the benefits of shingles extend far beyond them simply being affordable. Shingles also provide a high level of durability for the price, offering a similar lifespan to other roofing materials. Modern shingle roofs carry warranties as long as 50 years.
Asphalt shingles are lightweight, so they won't be putting any undue strain on your roof's supporting structures. They are also waterproof, repelling moisture and helping to keep it out of your attic.Finally, shingles are also chosen often for their appearance. Asphalt shingles come in styles and colors which can complement the overall curbside appeal of any home. Shingles can also be made to convincingly mimic the look of roofing materials such as wood, slate, and tile. (Continued)
If you have yet to find a dependable roofer, you can always count on us at Slavin Home Improvements. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.
As highly-experienced roofers in South Windsor, CT, we cannot stress the critical importance of having roofing maintenance during autumn, the season before winter. The consecutive season brings many destructive forces capable of aggravating and causing massive damage to your roofing material and property. With roofing maintenance, your roofers can conduct minor fixes guaranteeing the roof's prolonged and assured performance throughout the cold season.
Roofing maintenance continues to save many South Windsor, CT homeowners so much money because it costs only 10% of a typical roofing repair service to have two scheduled routine maintenance. Commercial properties continue to have third-party professional roofing maintenance services because of its enormous benefits and guaranteed roofing protection each time.
Winter can create ice dams, which push through low and high-slope roofs. Consequently, these cause massive damages to your roofing material, molding, and structure. You might have roof heaters, but you'll be in deep trouble if they're not effectively working -- something a third-party roofing maintenance service will never ignore.
While it's a bit late into the season, autumn is the perfect roofing maintenance season. Pfister Roofing lists the best reasons why. Read more about it below.
If you’re considering replacing or repairing your roof, it’s best to wait for the autumn season for the following reasons:
End of the stormy season
Severe weather events that damage roofs are far more likely during the spring and summer. Fall is the ideal time to assess any damage that may have occurred during the stormy months and determine what roofing services are necessary. Drier weather during the autumn months makes them ideal for roof work, as rain can cause delays in roofing work and impact its quality.
Conditions are perfect. Experts agree that roofing is best installed when the temperature is between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
This is particularly true if your roofers are installing asphalt shingles, the most commonly used type of roofing material. Temperate temperatures help facilitate better thermal sealing of asphalt shingles, ensuring that they firmly adhere to the roof. Also, cooler fall temperatures make work more comfortable for the professionals installing or repairing your roof.Cold winter temperatures make shingles more difficult to work with
When temperatures are cold, shingles tend to become brittle and more likely to break when roofers are nailing them to the roof. They often have to put aside their roofing guns and hand nail shingles, causing delays and higher costs.
Proper sealing
By getting the work done in autumn, new shingles have enough time to adequately bond to the roof before wet winter weather arrives. This helps them better insulate your home from cold temperatures and moisture. (Continued)
You can always count on us at Slavin Home Improvement for all your roofing installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Contact us today to learn more.
For most South Windsor CT homeowners, it's challenging to face the fact to repair or replace a roof. Roofing repairs are already expensive, but full tear-off and replacement roofing services cost even more. While virtually every homeowner sees sense in repairing and replacing roofs, it's never easy to part with an enormous dent on your budget.
The best South Windsor CT roofing maintenance services, including observation and minor repair services for South Windsor CT homeowners, are the best alternatives to roof repair and replacements. These procedures allow roofers to repair small problems while still manageable upon receiving the homeowner's permission to conduct observation and repairs for a small, subscription-style fee.
However, if it's inevitable your roof needs repairs or replacements, but you're confused about which you should go for, it's always wise to use this simple rule of thumb.
If your roofing repair costs go beyond 50% of a full-on roof tear-off and replacement service, it's best to replace your roof.
Truthfully, it's not a rule set in stone. If your 30-year-old roof has repair costs that go below a roof replacement service, it's wiser to replace it than do otherwise. Most asphalt shingle roofs have 25-30-year lifespans. Therefore, it's always best to replace aging roofs while repairing younger ones.
First American Roofing has a great post that shows the aesthetic signs of needing roofing replacement. Read more about it below.
1. Your Roof Fails A Visual Inspection
Does your roof look just plain worn out? Do you see moss or dark streaks throughout (both can be a sign of moisture, which is damaging to your roof)? Does your entire roof appear to be sagging? Do you see inconsistent coloring across your shingles? This could mean granules have sloughed off for one reason or another. Granules are your shingles’ first line of defense against bad weather, once the granules are gone, your roof is susceptible to further damage and leaks.
While this may seem like a simplistic approach, you’d be surprised how much information you can gain by simply hopping on the roof and taking a gander. Checking your roof after any significant storm for damage is a good rule of thumb. Damage that goes unchecked will inevitably cause more extensive problems down the road.2. Many Of Your Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs
Are any of your neighbors replacing their roofs? The homes in your neighborhood were likely all built around the same time, so that could certainly be a sign that it’s time to seriously consider a roof replacement. This can also be the case after a severe storm comes through. If your neighbors sustained substantial roof damage, there’s a good chance you did as well. It could be worth an inspection and contacting your homeowner’s insurance regarding widespread damage claims.
Furthermore, if you are looking at selling your house shortly, then replacing your roof may be a wise decision. Down the road, if all your neighbors’ roofs are newer than yours, potential buyers could get hung up on that. Keeping your home up to date with your surrounding neighbors’ curb appeal is a good idea for both roofing and siding.
3. The Shingles On Your Roof Are Curling. (Continue Reading)
Slavin Home Improvements has decades of experience to handle every home roofing project you need. Contact us today to learn more about our roofing services and everything else we can do for you!
When you purchased your roof from a reputable roofing manufacturer, you expect it to last 25-30 years. You've invested in a high-quality brand of asphalt shingles. However, in just five years, you're plagued with numerous roofing material problems, leading to a negative review of their products online. Why does this happen?
Truthfully, roofing manufacturers do their best in every variable they can control, such as manufacturing practices and quality control guidelines. However, replicating real-world scenarios during stress testing can be difficult or take much time and resources. Therefore, they use ready data available from the average lifespan customers report.
Manufacturing a high-quality roof is truthfully every manufacturer's goal. Unfortunately, extraordinary situations that the smallest margin of errors can cause are truthfully unavoidable, even for leading manufacturers working with a comprehensive quality control team.
Lastly, roofing manufacturers only entrust installations to qualified and certified roofing personnel in South Windsor, CT. If you used an unqualified roofer to install your roof, chances are it can fail to protect you promptly in the near future.
The Spruce has an excellent post about the average lifespans of most roofing materials in the market. Read more about it below.
Asphalt roll roofing is made from large rolls of the same material used in asphalt shingles. Used for relatively flat pitches, such as angled shed roofs, roll roofing is installing by laying strips lengthwise across the roof in overlapping courses. Roll roofing is a fairly easy material to install, and many DIYers do this themselves. But it is better suited for sheds, garages, and perhaps porch roofs, and is not a very good solution for most home roofs.
Asphalt roll roofing can be expected to last from 5 to 10 years, at most. Getting maximum life from the roofing is really just a matter of keeping it clear of debris and quickly patching any punctures or damage that occurs.
Asphalt roll roofing is normally installed on roofs with a relatively flat peak, so a 2,000 square foot house will have very close to 2,000 square feet of roof area. Average costs for installing this roof are about $2.25 per square foot, for a total average cost of roughly $4,500. But assuming that this roof will likely need to be replaced perhaps 12 times over 100 years, total costs over this period, in today's dollars, can be as high as $54,000 over 100 years.
If you have yet to find a dependable roofer, you can always count on Slavin Home Improvement to help you with all your needs. Contact us today to learn more!