Although they may be small, gutters and downspouts are an essential part of any roof. And this is especially true during winter when snow and ice abound. If your gutters aren’t ready for the coming winter season, you could find yourself having to pay for expensive repairs to your roof, fascia, and soffit due to water damage.
Ensure that your gutters are well prepared for winter by checking for the following problems.
1. Clogged Gutters
Roof leaks are a problem that likely no homeowner wants to deal with, but fixing a roof leak as soon as possible is always recommended. Putting off repairs for a roof leak will only exacerbate the problem, as roof leaks are prone to getting worse over time. Discover four risks of postponing roof leak repairs.
1. Structural Damage
The primary concern when you have a roof leak is the damage that the leak can cause to your roof and to the rest of your home. A roof leak can cause beams, studs, and other parts of your home’s wooden frame to rot and sag until they eventually aren’t able to support the weight of the roof. Leaks can also cause water damage to your siding and ceilings and walls inside your home.
Solid wood is a beautiful option for your home’s siding. This sustainable material is environmentally friendly, with low global warming potential during manufacture, transport, and end-of-life.
However, wood products like building siding are susceptible to water damage and rot if the presence of water is sustained and prolonged without intervention. Wonder why your own siding might show unmistakable signs of water damage? Here are three reasons. (more…)
A roof renovation or repair job may represent a significant financial investment, but it can also pay off in numerous ways. In addition to enhanced comfort and safety, a much-needed roof renovation can boost your home’s resale value while preventing other costly damage to your residence.
An awareness of common roof problems can help you respond quickly by scheduling the necessary inspections, repairs, or renovations. Pay attention to these four common cries for help from your roof. (more…)
Is there a worry-free roof? While every roof requires some degree of care, some have significantly lower maintenance needs. If you don’t have the time, energy, or home improvement budget to constantly care for your roof, take a look at what you need to know about the low maintenance options.
Does Every Roof Require Maintenance?
Before you start a low-maintenance roof search, you need to understand the difference between low and no care. A 100 percent worry-free, no-care roof doesn’t exist. Simply stated — every roof requires some degree of maintenance. (more…)
Most people know that roofing materials are the primary determinants of roof longevity. For example, asphalt shingles rarely last as long as slate. However, other factors also play a critical role. Below are some of the factors, other than material, that determine roof longevity.
Weather
The local weather affects your roof’s integrity in multiple ways. For example:
You should install a cedar roof if you want a beautiful and eco-friendly roof. Here are some of the reasons cedar roofing is eco-friendly.
Cedar Is Durable
A cedar roof can last as long as 40 years. A durable roof is eco-friendly since it takes a long time before you have to replace it. The durability saves on the materials and resources you have to use on the roof for the duration you own the property.
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Homeowners that want a durable and long-lasting option for their home may want to learn more about rubber roofs. The material can withstand the elements and normal wear and tear. Rubber roofing materials are not only for flat roofs but can work with nearly any style of home. The flexibility of the rubber product makes it a convenient option for complex roof shapes.
Attractive Finished Appearance
Although some people consider a mossy roof attractive, the moss can actually lead to issues with your roof. Moss doesn’t have roots in the traditional sense, but it still can carpet a roof and cause ongoing damage to shingles and roof underlayment. It’s not necessarily the growth habit of moss that damages your roof, but the conditions that the moss creates.
Read on to see the concerns moss creates and how you can prevent it.
An ice dam occurs when a buildup of ice along the outside rim of the roof keeps melted snow from draining properly. The snowmelt backs up behind the ice dam, which then allows the water to get beneath the shingles and leak into your home. Ice dams can cause a lot of damage to both the roof and your home’s interior if you don’t spot and address them right away.
Signs of Ice Dams
Dams can be difficult to spot under a thick layer of snow, but fortunately you can look for a few signs of a forming dam.
