Articles and Information
Ice Damming Prevention
How do I protect my home against ice dams? Ice dams are formed when heat from the inside of a home escapes into the attic and warms the roof decking during the winter. This heat, combined with heat from the sun, can melt snow on the roof. Melting snow then runs down toward the eaves as water. When it reaches the cold eaves and gutters it refreezes. This continual thaw and re-freeze process creates ice dams. The result is water backing up under the roof shingles where it can soak through the roof decking or wall sheathing, causing damage to attics, ceilings and walls.
There are three ways to defend against the damage ice dams cause: attic insulation, attic ventilation system, and water-proofing shingle underlayment. All three work together. Ask us how we can help.
When to replace a roof
How do I know if it is time to replace my roof? Research indicates that the aging process for a roof begins soon after the shingles are installed and progresses rapidly during the initial curing phase of its life cycle. During this stage, granule loss may occur, small blisters may develop, or the shingles may curl slightly at their edges. You may even notice that this curling is more pronounced during cold weather and the shingles may lay flat as temperatures rise. The good news, however, is that after this curing stage the shingles enter a long period of slow aging, which lasts for the major portion of the shingle's natural life.
Wind Damage
Usually easy to notice. The shingle's will be found to be missing or loose. Results of wind damage will be exposure to the underlayment or the roof sheathing, and vulnerability to water penetration.
Hail Damage
Hail damage is a little less obvious to notice, but will result in a shorter lifespan of the shingle, if undetected. The most common ways to tell if you have hail damage is by looking a various aluminum flashing's or vents on the roof. There will be several indentation, as if it was hit with a ball pin hammer. Another way to decipher hail damage is to look for semi round areas on the shingles which are missing granules and the mat of the shingle is exposed. Usually you will find them to be all over the roof or on certain elevations of the home.
General Home Inspection Points:
Exterior:
Roof - check for leaking, curling shingles, granule loss, loose flashing's, and missing shingles.
Siding- check for exposed wood, peeling paint, missing siding, damaged siding, and foundation cracks.
Eave troughs - check for leaking, clogs in water flow, loose or missing gutter guards, and damaged eaves & down spouts.
Doors & Windows- check for failed weatherstripping, drafts, improper operating hardware, fogged glass, damaged screens, or any other damaged components.
Interior:
Kitchen & Bathrooms - check for leaking plumbing, dripping water fixtures, proper & functioning GFCI receptacles, and proper functioning appliances.
Heating & cooling systems - change filters per manufacturer's recommendations, check that the humidifier, if applicable, is properly functioning (change filter as required), and check for gas and freon leaks.
Inspect - light fixtures, receptacles (outlets), flooring-tripping-hazards, stairway handrails, and functioning carbon monoxide & smoke detectors. We recommend basement radon testing, especially if there is active living space.
Roof - check for leaking, curling shingles, granule loss, loose flashing's, and missing shingles.
Siding- check for exposed wood, peeling paint, missing siding, damaged siding, and foundation cracks.
Eave troughs - check for leaking, clogs in water flow, loose or missing gutter guards, and damaged eaves & down spouts.
Doors & Windows- check for failed weatherstripping, drafts, improper operating hardware, fogged glass, damaged screens, or any other damaged components.
Interior:
Kitchen & Bathrooms - check for leaking plumbing, dripping water fixtures, proper & functioning GFCI receptacles, and proper functioning appliances.
Heating & cooling systems - change filters per manufacturer's recommendations, check that the humidifier, if applicable, is properly functioning (change filter as required), and check for gas and freon leaks.
Inspect - light fixtures, receptacles (outlets), flooring-tripping-hazards, stairway handrails, and functioning carbon monoxide & smoke detectors. We recommend basement radon testing, especially if there is active living space.
