What homeowners need to know about their roofs

 

Of course we can't do anything about physical damage like a tree falling on a roof, but so many "blow-offs" and leaks are a result of improper installation.

 

A few tips you can do yourselves:

Binoculars are an easy, safe way to check your roof without getting on a ladder. You can check for physical damage or missing shingles that may have blown off, nail pops where the nails have pushed the shingle up in the air and granules in your downspouts could indicate premature wear or a product failure.

 

Prepare now ! Once we have feet of snow on the roof, it's much more difficult to do repairs.

 

People often don't realize the damage clogged gutters can cause to a roof and we certainly got a lot of rain this weekend. When water isn't properly drained away from the house, it can lead to mold and mildew under the roof. Keeping your gutters clean is the easiest thing you can do to prolong the life of your roof.

 

Things you can't see:

Your shingles may look ok but it's always the things you can't see - flashing, sealants, ventilation, underlayment and nailing - which are critical to a healthy roof. One of many things we see during tear-offs in older homes is under insulated attic areas and improperly installed flashing, which can cause ice damming.

We really take a good look at the underlayment and the age of what's underneath shingles. Sometimes there's a problem with pipe flashings, sometimes with dormers and the way they were flashed (or not flashed) - any sort of penetrations that weren't installed properly can cause expensive damage. Birds and critters will get into the eaves and overhangs, and make a big unhealthy mess.

 

What are some energy-saving possibilities with roofing materials?

Energy Star shingles, especially if you can get a tax credit. You should also consider your carbon footprint and who manufactures the shingles. We use CertainTeed shingles that are manufactured in North Carolina. We have found them to be the most trouble free, aesthetically pleasing and very durable. Each state offers different incentives - please check with us to see what incentives you may be eligible for.