Three Tips for Preparing Your Roof for Winter
Soon, the leaves will begin to change and the hot summer days will turn into chilly fall mornings. Before the frigid New England temperatures begin to roll in, you should take preventive measures to keep extreme temperatures and precipitation from affecting the structural integrity of your roof. Following a few simple steps can help you prepare your home’s exterior for winter and avoid the stress and expense of preventable damage.
Clear All Debris From Gutters and Roof
The first step to readying your roof is cleaning your gutters and clearing all excess debris from the roof’s surface. You can use a broom or a leaf blower to remove sticks, leaves, dirt, and foliage. Never use a pressure washer, as they can loosen shingles and trap water underneath. Cleaning your gutters better enables precipitation to successfully run off your roof and drain properly.
Check for Visible Damage
Once your roof and gutters have been cleaned, take a close look at your roof for any obvious damage. This may include shingles that are loose, cracked, frayed, or missing, which may indicate the need for a roof repair or replacement. Also, be sure to check metal flashings, which can allow water leaks if they’re structurally compromised.
Inspect Attic Insulation and Ventilation
During the day, sunlight heats your attic, causing an increase in hot air. If your attic is not properly ventilated, the hot air inside cannot escape and condenses when it comes into contact with cooler roof supports, causing a buildup of moisture and potentially mold. If left untreated, this can destroy your roof. Insulation is critical, as well, as it helps retain the optimal temperature of your home. Without proper insulation, you’ll likely spend more on electric bills. Action Roofing has extensive experience providing residents in the Greater Boston area with comprehensive roof repair, maintenance, replacement, and installation services. If you need assistance preparing your roof for winter or repairing existing damage, call us today at (978) 726-9709 for a free estimate.
Tips for Preparing a Home for a Roof Replacement
For homeowners, installing a much-needed new roof is often an exciting and satisfying experience. But the process of replacing a roof can also be noisy and hazardous, and there are several things to keep in mind to keep family members, pets, and belongings safe. Here are a few tips for preparing for a roof replacement.
Move Vehicles Far From Construction Areas
Keeping all cars, trucks, and other vehicles far away from a roof replacement construction area is important for two key reasons. First, it reduces the chances of any falling debris or other hazards damaging the vehicles. Second, it gives the roofing team plenty of room for their own vehicles and equipment, and it opens up more space for them to move around. Additionally, homeowners with garages should keep them closed for the duration of the construction to keep them free of debris.
Prepare Children and Pets
The noise and activity of home renovations can be frightening for small children and pets. Talking to children ahead of time about what to expect can help prepare them, and parents might also consider allowing kids to stay elsewhere with relatives or friends during construction. Similarly, pets can also be moved to another location during construction, but remember to keep them safely away from construction areas if they are to stay at home during the replacement.
Clean Up Outside of the House
Just as it’s important to relocate vehicles, it’s also a good idea to move outdoor furniture, ornaments, plants, and other objects to protect them and keep them out of the way of workers. Homeowners should also trim any tree branches that are close enough to present a hazard. In addition, cutting the grass before a roof replacement can also make collecting debris easier when it’s time to clean up later. Additionally, any satellite dishes, antennas, or decorations should be removed from the roof before work begins. The team at Action Roofing provides Billerica-area residents with a variety of roofing services, including replacements, installations, repairs, and snow removal. Request a free estimate today by contacting us online or calling (978) 726-9709.
Four Warning Signs You Need New Gutters
After installing their gutters, many homeowners forget about the gutter system. However, homeowners need to make sure that gutters are properly maintained and regularly replaced to prevent damage to the roof, outside walls, and even the foundation. Here’s how to know when gutters need to be replaced.
Visual Cracks
On a dry, clear day, it may be possible to see large cracks in the gutter. In addition to these visible signs of damage, there are often smaller, more insidious cracks that may not be noticeable until it begins to rain. Both types of cracks are equally dangerous, as they can compromise the drainage system. Although it’s possible to repair individual cracks, homeowners should fully replace the gutters if there are extensive cracks and leaks.
Rot Found on Wood Trim
Many homeowners may notice rot on external wooden features of their home without realizing it is a sign of failing gutters. This rot can be a result of malfunctioning gutters that allow rainwater to leak across the siding of a home. This seemingly unrelated problem may signify that gutter replacement is overdue.
Peeling Paint
Similarly, peeling paint around the exterior of a home may seem like an isolated problem. In reality, when paint peels beneath the gutters, it may be a result of water cascading down the side of the home due to a faulty gutter system. Small flecks of orange rust may also reveal water damage that could be addressed by replacing the gutters. As this is a sign that water is remaining on the roof for too long, ignoring it may require roof replacement down the road.
Sagging Gutters
One of the most obvious signs that gutters need to be replaced is when they begin to sag or pull away from the home. This is often caused by drainage issues that make the gutters too full of water and debris, thereby buckling under the pressure. Sagging gutters can lead to significant roof damage that requires repairs. After checking the system for blockage, homeowners with this problem should have their gutters replaced as well.
Gutters are one of the most important lines of defense that a home has against water damage, so it’s crucial to keep them well maintained and up-to-date. If you live in the Greater Boston Area and would like more information about how we can install gutters for your home, call Action Roofing at (978) 726-9709 today to request your free quote. Our team is licensed, insured, professionally trained, and we offer year-round availability.
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