Seasonal Advice

Summer Advice -

Importance Of Checking Your Roof For The Summertime

Start Preparing for the summer, in the Spring. The summertime is a great time to check the roof for any necessary maintenance. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and heat can cause damage to the roof, so it’s essential to inspect it regularly and make any necessary repairs.

A damaged roof can lead to water infiltration, which can cause serious damage to your home. So be sure to keep an eye on your roof in the summer and take steps to maintain it properly.

The summer sun can significantly impact the roof, especially if the roof is not properly maintained. The sun can fade the roofing material, causing it to lose its color and eventually requiring replacement.

The heat can cause the roof to expand, leading to cracks and leaks. UV rays can also cause asphalt coating of roof shingles and cause them to wear out. This situation can lead to water damage when it rains.

The heat can also affect the roof’s durability since the roof’s coating will absorb the radiation, causing the coating to deteriorate.

Check Your Attic

Did you know your attic can heat up to 150 degrees during the summer? Your roof absorbs a lot of heat from the sun’s rays during the day, and it radiates into your attic air. A poorly ventilated attic with heat buildup can shorten the lifespan of your roof. The heat can cause your shingles to crack and curl, resulting in roof leaks. This is why attic insulation is critical in keeping the heat and moisture out during the summer. Poor attic ventilation can yield all kinds of problems, including high energy bills in the summer. Not all homeowners make the connection between roofing and energy loss. However, the truth is that an inefficient roof can cause a 25% energy loss in the home.

Does your roof have intake vents? These vents bring in the fresh air that flows through the soffit or the eave.

Does your roof have outtake vents? Located under the ridge cap shingles, these vents are critical for achieving adequate airflow in the attic space.

Without both of these vents, you’ll notice high energy bills and even ice dams in the winter.

Here are some signs of roof mold damage you can see from your attic:

1. -If you discover watermarks along the ceiling or walls of your attic, your roof may have a hole.
2. -If your attic smells musty and you spot mildew across your ceiling, you have a roof leak.
3. -Discolored rafters mean the wood has absorbed the water from a leak above on your roof
4. 
   

Replace Missing Shingles

Replacing shingles may seem like a simple job, but placing new shingles over old ones or using the wrong nails can lead to further damage. The wrong shingle could fade, crack, or even grow algae! Even small patchwork repairs may impact the overall health and safety of your roof. It’s because of these problems, that many homeowners hire professionals to inspect and replace missing shingles.

Remove Any Debris

Clean up any debris on your roof that has collected over the summer. That includes twigs and branches that can poke holes and cause roof leaks. Did you know that a clean roof without debris can adequately reflect the sun’s rays and keep your home from overheating in the summer?

If you plan on removing debris from your roof on your own, safety should be your top priority. Make sure to wear slip-resistant shoes and consider using a leaf blower to clear parts of the roof that you cannot reach. Never power wash your roof! Power washing can lift shingles and expose your roof to further damage by winds.

Clean Up & Replace Loose Gutters

It’s important to clean your gutters regularly in the summer since many things can clog up your gutters and drains, including leaves, dirt, birds’ nests, and more. If you see insects crawling around in your gutters, there is a chance they are clogged. Animals like mice and squirrels use the debris in clogged gutters to make their nests.

If your gutters are clogged, water will accumulate on your roof and sit underneath your shingles – a perfect breeding ground for mold and decay. It’s a good idea to check on your gutters after a severe storm since debris might have found its way into your gutters.

Have you noticed your gutters sagging? If the gutters have not been cleaned for a long time, the debris can collect and eventually cause your gutter to bend and sag. They may even begin to pull away from your house. Lastly, check to see if any granules are in your downspouts. If you see large amounts, it is more likely that you have shingle damage.

Check for Mold, Moss, and Algae

Humidity promotes the growth of mold, moss and algae. Moss, as well as algae, will take a toll on your roof. This is especially true for algae, which can quite literally eat away at your roof shingles.  Algae can be found not only on roofs but also gutters due to the water buildup. Algae can be found not only on roofs but also gutters due to the water buildup.
If your roof has green patches or black streaks, this is another sign it's time for a roof replacement. This is a sign of mold or fungus growth. 

Call In For A Roof Inspection

Your roof is important, do not skip out on having it properly checked by professionals. Many people don't realize the extent that heat, humidity, storms, and regular debris can affect the integrity of roofs. Roof inspections are a critical part of roof maintenance. Call us today and for a fee of $395 we will provide you with a full roof report of our findings, photos and an estimate if any work is needed. If work is needed, and you decide to sign with us, the $395 would be reimbursed to you. 

Winter Advice -  

Importance Of Checking Your Roof For The Wintertime

Start preparing for the winter, in the fall. Harsh winter weather is no friend to your roof. Not only does the sheer weight of heavy snow, ice, and sleet cause roofing layers to erode, but water can seep inside causing extensive damage in its path. It is important to remain proactive with preventive roof maintenance to secure the structural integrity of your home.  

Ensure you have a well-insulated and ventilated attic

Insulation is the most critical component of roof protection in the winter.  Homes that are less than 20 years old typically have adequate insulation. With the increasing ice and snow storms hitting Illinois each year, it’s important to ensure that your home is insulated effectively. Proper insulation keeps the heat from escaping into the attic and warming the roof. Melted snow is the number one cause of ice dams on roofs. Insulation must cover the home’s ceiling level effectively so the attic stays as cold as possible in the wintertime. 

BEWARE OF ICE

Ice can be very heavy, but more than that, it can lead to an ice dam which is dangerous on any roof. As water on your roof flows towards your gutters and temperatures drop overnight, it freezes in and around the guttering. This can lead to a backup of any other water which can also freeze, causing damage to your shingles and creating leaks.  Ice dams are also caused from inadequate insulation. Be sure to contact an electrician to install heat cables in your gutters. Heat cables are not a permanent solution but they can prevent ice dams. Be sure to contact an electrician to install heat cables in your gutters. Heat cables are not a permanent solution but they can prevent ice dams. 

Fix Your Flashing

Even if your flashing was put in correctly just a few years ago, flashing could quickly become loose or warped, leading to many problems. Broken flashing can allow snow and icy water to enter your roof, leading to potential leaks inside your home. Broken flashing can allow snow and icy water to enter your roof, leading to potential leaks inside your home. 

Check Your Gutters Regularly

If you have a problem with ice and snow, your gutters are usually the first place that you’ll see problems. If you see icicles hanging from your gutters, you likely have a problem.  If you leave your gutters to fill with ice, they’re going to have much more weight than they can handle and become weak. In worst-case scenarios, they can come away from your home and cause a lot of structural damage.

Call In For A Roof Inspection

Your roof is important, do not skip out on having it properly checked by professionals. Many people don't realize the extent that heat, humidity, storms, and regular debris can affect the integrity of roofs. Roof inspections are a critical part of roof maintenance. Call us today and for a fee of $395 we will provide you with a full roof report of our findings, photos and an estimate if any work is needed. If work is needed, and you decide to sign with us, the $395 would be reimbursed to you.