A roof is not a single structure; it is a complex construction composed of multiple individual parts. You should know the significance of each of these parts so you can tell which of them are critical and require careful consideration during construction. Here are some parts of the roof to give careful consideration.

1. Materials

You can choose from dozens of roofing materials for your next roof, and all of them mean different things for your roof. Your choice of roofing material determines the following things:

Roof leaks are dangerous because they affect not only the integrity of the roof but can also damage the interior fixtures and household items. Here are some of the typical causes of roof leaks to watch out for.

Negligent DIY Repair

DIY repair can save you loads of cash but only if you do everything right. You can damage your roof if you don't have the right skills or tools to fix roof damage. For example, a poor DIY repair can leave you with the following problems.

When house hunting, don’t be too quick to buy a house that has all the features you want. First, make sure the home has a strong and sturdy roof before finalizing the sale. If the home doesn't have a strong roof, this can lead to a number of issues.

Look for Signs of a Damaged Roof

When looking at homes to purchase, keep an eye out for signs of a damaged roof. A damaged roof can decrease the value of a home.

An unbalanced roof ventilation system can act much like an inadequate one; it won't effectively remove moist air from the roof's underside like it should. In some cases, the entire lower slope of the roof may be effectually unventilated if an imbalanced ventilation system causes this kind of malfunction.

Here are three reasons your roof could have an unbalanced ventilation system.

1. Too Much Outflow Was Installed

Working with an expert roofing contractor can help ensure that you end up with not only the right amount of attic ventilation but also the right proportions. Make sure you do not have more outflow ventilation than intake.

Cedar shake roofing is made from natural cedar that has been cut by hand. Although cedar shakes do require regular maintenance, this all-natural roofing material has many positive qualities that make it desirable to owners of high-end homes.

Are you considering cedar shake roofing for your home? Learn what you need to know about this classic roofing material.

Nothing Compares to the Beauty of Cedar Shakes

Siding can be a great way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home's exterior, improve energy efficiency, and even boost home value. Numerous factors come into play when selecting the right siding. For example, you must consider costs, climatic conditions, durability, and the style of your home.

Fiber cement is one of the most popular siding options. If you want the right balance of longevity, versatility, aesthetics, and lifecycle costs, fiber cement might be an excellent choice.

If you want to install new siding, read on to learn more about fiber cement siding so you can make an informed decision.

Having access to safe drinking water is a basic necessity in American homes. Yet, for an increasing number of homeowners, the rising costs of water are making this basic necessity seem more like a luxury that many people are struggling to afford.

In over 30 major cities across the country, water bills rose by over 40 percent between 2010 and 2015, and this upward trend shows no sign of abating. For this reason, a growing number of people are choosing to install rainwater collection systems to supplement or entirely replace their municipal water consumption.

If you have an older, historic home, the original exterior finish is usually clapboard siding, wooden shakes, bricks, or stucco. Many modern homeowners who are used to low-maintenance siding options like vinyl and aluminum may not know how to care for old wood siding.

However, when cared for properly, old wood siding offers beauty and character that no other siding option can provide. If your siding is currently in good repair, you can keep it that way by following these care and maintenance tips. 

If you're new to Minnesota and snow storms, brace yourself. Legendary amounts of snow fall everywhere.

Brace your roof, too. This autumn, take the following six steps to winterize the top of your home and avoid winter home emergencies.

1. Inspect the Works Up Above

You'll soon be joining your fellow Minnesotans as they winterize their homes in the most vital of yearly survival rituals. Your roof should be one of your main areas of concern when winterizing.

Your roof must be able to valiantly support an insane amount of snow. If you come from Texas or California, you must experience this snow firsthand to understand the complexities of it. 

Snow is heavy and wet. If you have loose shingles or flashing on your roof, melting snow drains into the open spots directly onto the framing of your roof. Water can seep throughout the underlayment, soaking all of the decking. Eventually, the roof decking may rot or collapse.

It's best to let professionals inspect your roof. There are many components on a roof that you may not realize are missing or inadequate. You do not want to face 80 inches of snow with a "maybe it will work" roofing solution. 

Complex roofs with many dormers, gables or other features must be inspected thoroughly before winter comes. Other areas that must be checked include:

• Plumbing vent stacks 

• Chimneys

• Skylights and sun tubes

• Gutters

• Roof trim

• Attic vents

• Attic insulation

It's a good idea to have your contractor check all of the gutters and trim. These features should be securely and properly attached to the roof framing. If not, icicles and ice dams can easily jar gutters and cause them to crash to the ground.

2. Have the Trees Trimmed for the Season

Check around your home for overhanging limbs or diseased trees that might not survive a heavy snow load. Large dead limbs wreak havoc on roofs during snow and ice storms.

Have your tree service trim any overhanging limbs. Have the trees checked for overall health. 

3. Clean Up the Messes on Top

The last thing you want on your roof is a pile of rotting leaves under a fat layer of seeping snow. Your roof should be swept clean prior to the start of snow season. Small branches, nests, Frisbees and other debris should be removed from the roof.

The gutters must be functioning at top capacity to deal with melting snow throughout the spring thaw. Have the gutters thoroughly cleaned so they flow smoothly. The pitch and connections of your gutters are also keys to reliable water diversion when the snow melts.

4. Repair the Openings for Optimum Survival

Wherever flashing is loose, bent or missing, have it reinstalled. Broken vents should be repaired. Any roof component listed above needs to be repaired if it's rotting or damaged. Pest damage due to chewing or pecking must also be dealt with, and some deterrent must be put in place.

Check all decking, rafters and trusses under the roof to be sure the wood is stable and fasteners are in place. The roof must be able to hold up a certain amount of weight to comply with most building codes. Damaged framing or decking must be repaired before winter.

Insulate your attic to keep heat from escaping off of your roof. Snow is less likely to melt and then refreeze. When the snow melts and refreezes over and over, ice dams and other problems result. 

The positive side to protecting your roof with attic insulation is the way your home will stay much warmer when the temperatures go low. Your contractor can suggest other ways to winterize your roof and help you stay cozier through a long winter. Each home has its own individual roofing quirks, but they must all be addressed before the cold season comes.

5. Seal Everything Well Against the Coming Flakes

Funny how delicate those lovely individual snowflakes are. When you throw a few of them together and they melt, snowflakes can invade the smallest leak or crack in your roof's armor.

All of the roofing components listed above should be sealed at the point where roof material meets component. There are all sorts of gaskets, glues and other materials to seal both the decking and the top surface of your roof. Products are made to work around chimneys, vents and skylights.

Your contractor has proven methods and materials to seal the vulnerable spots. Every place you have sealed before winter is a leak you won't need to fret over in spring.

6. Assemble the Tools to Fight the Storm

Most homeowners in snowy regions of the U.S. have tricks and tips to remove snow from their roofs and carports. Snow rakes, brooms and blowers are some of the tools used. These tools often have really long handles.

It's best to watch Minnesotans manage their roof snow and do as the diligent natives do. Ask advice about how to safely manage your roof snow and icicles when winter is here.

D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. is ready to help new residents and native Minnesotans winterize their homes and their roofs. Survive the snow season in St. Paul and the Twin Cities by scheduling a complete professional roof inspection today.

A backyard deck can add immense value to your property, expand your outdoor living space and facilitate family bonding. While even the most basic deck can provide these benefits, upgrading your deck can make the space even more functional, beautiful, and welcoming.

The right features for your deck depends on the architecture of your home, the main purposes for the space, and your preferences, but if you're building a deck you should consider the following 10 upgrades.