Archives for March 2018

If you’re looking into installing a roof, there are several options you need to consider:

• How much weight will be bearing down on your home? Will the roof require reinforcement with a special frame?
• Can you get it in colors or an aesthetic that works with your home?
• Does the material conflict with local fire codes?
• Is there any extra work to installing or maintaining the roof?
• How well does it handle the weather common to your area?
• What’s its cost, durability and warranty?

#1: Asphalt Shingling

Asphalt is cheap ($70-120/square), easy to install and can be improved with fiberglass or cellulose without affecting their look. While you can get them in many colors, asphalt shingles are poor insulators, known to last less than 25 years and of variable quality.
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Gutter systems are an essential part of a house, and your home needs one. They may look insignificant, but they are crucial as a roof over your head. Leaks and basement issues can be resolved by having gutters installed by professionals, or you can do it yourself and have them at no extra cost.

Do-it-yourself gutters are mainly aluminum or steel systems, but professionally installed gutters are seamless aluminum. They are all available at the retail stores near you.

Installing gutters requires a few things to be done before you go ahead an purchase your material. Professional gutter system installers do the following to make sure that your gutters are going to last 20-30 years, with repairs done on time and inspections done regularly.

Be prepared! Like we all know, wear protective gear when doing ant work that will involve machinery or flying objects. Leather gloves, goggles, long sleeved shirt and jeans. Be practical for crying out loud, don’t dress inappropriately and when you get hurt, who are you going to blame? No one, that’s for sure.

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For some the winter is an excellent time to play in the snow, others prefer being inside with a cup of hot chocolate and your bed, but in the end, your roof will need to be clear of the excess weight on it, that is the snow and ice that has formed.

No one wants to be up in the morning getting ready for some strength training in the form of getting rid of snow on their roof, it’s not something you want to do, but alas, you have to do what you have to do. Dangling icicles, are hazardous to you and your family as well as your house.

Its taxing and a bore of a job, thus we have a few hacks for you that will make it easy for you to get rid of the snow and ice dams.

Before we are knee deep in snow, here are a few got-to-know tips of when you are required to get rid of that beautiful layer of snow on your roof.

After 6 inches of snow, clean your roof. Its a rule that is commonly known, but not familiar to most people. This prevents ice dams from forming, and cave-ins are not going to happen.

If you want to avoid creating a cave in your house, you should wait for a foot of snow to accumulate before you can get it off.

All in all, it depends on what Mother Nature has decided to shower on your roof, if its heavy snow, get it off immediately, if its lightweight, meh, clean it depending on what you deem heavy. Also, if you get 6 inches of snow and the temperatures are freezing, get rid of the snow ASAP. In case you want to call professionals, preferably call them after the second storm is to arrive. You will pay once for the price of two snow removals, cheap thrills this is.

The tips and tricks for getting snow off your roof.

Shovel and ladder.
A classic tip that is cheap, makes you break a sweat, work on your arms, back, chest and abs also you get to be outside up in the air, maybe a story or two. Though not safe, this is great as you get to dump all the snow at one spot! Involve your kids, make them do it and supervise, means of building character and they can learn about team building at the same time, and communication too!

Attic and Roof Repairs.
During the summer, when the sun is high, and all you can think about is lemonades, fix your attic and roof in preparation for the onslaught that winter will bring. Add insulators on your attic floor, weatherstripping to the attic windows and doors if any, and more ventilation to remove excess heat to maintain the consistent temperature of your roof.

In the process check your shingles, asphalt and flashing for damage. Install a guard to allow ice and snow to slide off the roof while collecting water. It is an expensive project and time consuming, but this will get rid of most of the snow on your roof.

Rake.
Specifically the snow rake. This equipment will do most of the work for you if heights give you chills and make you break out, try this out. The telescoping handle allows you to get the snow off your roof like magic. It will take a lot of time, therefore don’t be in a rush when doing this.

It is convenient, and secure to use. The dump site will be your driveway or sidewalk. A slow process yet satisfying once it’s done. You’ll need a ladder though to clean the gutters and unclog them.

Heating Cables.
Some people often think of this as an alternative to snow removal, but it is a process. For the elderly or those who aren’t able to get to your roof, this is the most convenient means for you to get rid of the snow. All you’ve got to do is switch on the heaters, and the snow melts into your rain gutters. Easy peasy!

The downside, easy to be contaminated as they are tiny and can be a fire hazard. They generate heat about four inches in every direction, meaning it has to be laid out correctly or it won’t work. Also, your gutters need to be unclogged, or else you’ll have a swimming pool in your basement.

Get professionals to do this for you if you are going to be Garfield and flip a switch, watch telly and let the snow fall right off your roof. Other people will be in the cold; you’ll be neck deep in your blanket nursing a drink and watching telly.

The 2017 hurricane season was the most expensive in history. It’s been estimated to have caused more than 200 billion dollars in damage from hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and fourteen other major storms in the last half of the year. Lots of that damage, apart from flooding, was due to high winds, hard rain, and in some cases, hail. Those three elements take a terrible toll on roofs.

If you’re in the danger zone for strong hurricanes, nor’easters, or tornados, you should take a good long look at your roof. Will it withstand winds exceeding 130 mph (like Harvey and Irma) or 155 mph (Maria)? Has it lost shingles in less serious storms? Is it time to upgrade materials?

Most importantly, can you save a little off the cost of replacement by lowering your homeowner’s insurance premium?

Homeowner’s Insurance Discounts
Many homeowners don’t realize that there are many ways to receive discounts on your homeowner’s insurance policy, simply by making improvements. These improvements can be as small as installing a new alarm system, or as big as upgrading your heating and cooling system, behind-the-walls-plumbing, or your electrical box.
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