Which energy efficient roof product is right for you?

How to pay for a new roof

Home improvement loan

Technically speaking, any loan you use to pay for home improvements could be termed a home improvement loan but for the sake of this discussion, we’ll refer to home improvement loans as loans borrowed against the equity in your home to pay for improvements. Since this is a type of secure loan with your home’s equity as collateral, this will have the best interest rates and will be the cheapest way to borrow. Unfortunately, you also risk losing your home to the bank if you default on it.

Personal loans and credit cards

Personal loans and credit cards are usually unsecured debts and come with higher interest rates, especially credit cards. While personal loans usually have a lower rate, they require a good credit score and can end up being more expensive depending on how long it takes to repay it. Credit cards are the better option if you can pay the debt down fast but will end up being far more expensive than a personal loan if you get caught in a cycle of just making the minimum payment month after month.

Other considerations

Don’t pay for your new roof up front. Either pay at the end, or if installments are required, make sure you and the contractor are in agreement about how often and how much each installment payment will be.



A new roof is expensive, but putting it off when it’s needed is even more expensive so if you need a new roof but money is tight, contact a Spokane roofing company today to discuss payment options.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Are rain gutter guards worth the cost?

Rain gutters are an often overlooked component of the roofing system. They serve a vital function: getting water off of the roof so it can’t back up and lead to roof leaks and premature roof failure. Spokane roofing companies are kept busy repairing roofs damaged by pooling water due to clogged rain gutters. In order to function properly, rain gutters need to be regularly cleared of any debris that accumulates there such as leaves, seed pods, and pine needles. If there’s too much blockage and rainwater can’t run freely, it can pool up. Of course, one way to combat this is regular rain gutter cleaning. But paying a professional every few months can be expensive and working your way around your home with a ladder can be tedious and physically demanding and not everyone is up to the task. An alternative solution is installing rain gutter guards that block out the majority of debris but allow rain water through to run through the gutters and down the downspouts. But having rain gutter guards installed typically costs between $7.50 and $10.00 per foot and the average home has 200 feet of rain gutters. That amounts to a cost of $1,500 to $2,000. Is it really worth the cost? It depends.



How much time/money will it save you?



First off, it’s important to note that rain gutter guards don’t completely stop debris from clogging your gutters. You may only need to clean them once a year instead of three, four, or even more times a year. Assuming the same 200 feet of rain gutters and assuming you would be paying for professional rain gutter cleaning four times a year at a cost of about $150 to $200 per cleaning, your rain gutter guards will pay for themselves once they’ve eliminated a total of ten cleanings which might be three or four years. Every year after that, your rain gutter guards would be saving you money.



But what if you typically clean out your own rain gutters? Then it’s a question of how much you dislike the work and how much you’re willing to pay upfront to reduce the workload for years to come.



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Source: duluthnewstribune.com/features/home/4335941-cost-gutter-guards-worth-it

Startup company, Roofr, to use satellite images to generate instant roofing quotes

Typically, when you know it’s time for a new roof and want to get an estimate, you have to call up a roofing company first who will send someone to look it over, estimate the amount of materials through measuring square footage, and make a bid. Well a Canadian startup company called Roofr is looking to change that.

How it works

With Roofr’s website, homeowners can get a roofing estimate in approximately 26 seconds without having to make a phone call. The way it works is the homeowner goes to the website and types in their address then requests the quote. The website then pulls data from Google Earth satellite images to calculate the approximate square footage and slope of the roof on that address and uses that data to generate an instant quote. Within 24 hours of receiving that initial free quote, a representative of the company will reach out to set up a company with one of Roofr’s contractor-partners who is willing to take on the project.

How is it free?

So how does Roofr plan to stay in business offering free estimates? The Google Earth data is already available online for free. All they did was write their own program to calculate roof measurements from it. They make their profit by connecting contractors who partner with them to customers and they’re paid a commission every time they succeed. Like hotel booking sites that help their partners sell vacant rooms, Roofr will help roofing contractors find more work.

For now the service is only available in Canada but they hope to soon move their headquarters to the US. If you need a roofing estimate in the Spokane area, you’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way by calling up a Spokane roofing company for a free estimate. But maybe in the future, satellite data can do it for you.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: digitaltrends.com/home/roofr-satellite-imagery/

Alabama roofing company offering gun to customers who get a new roof

An Alabama roofing company recently stirred up controversy when they aired a… er… patriotic commercial featuring stars, stripes, fireworks, and guns. What do guns have to do with roofing? Nothing really but that didn’t stop the company from offering a free AR-15 rifle for every customer who has a new roof installed. The move sparked controversy with 2nd amendment supporters praising the move and gun control advocates condemning it. It turns out, in this case, a little controversy is a good thing as new roof sales are up for the company and several other roofing companies around the country are matching the offer. In fact, the company who initially aired the commercial said they purposefully distributed the ad around pro second amendment and gun control groups knowing that it would stir up controversy and conversation, which is exactly what they wanted--attention.

The roofing company was quick to point out that they weren’t simply handing out AR-15s to any and everyone like candy on halloween. The company only gives a voucher to the homeowner. The homeowners still has to go in to make the purchase and meet all of the requirements to be able to actually do so. People who can’t pass criminal background checks obviously wouldn’t be able to redeem the free offer. Those that can legally purchase a firearm however, can do so and use the voucher to get it for free.

Who knows how long this bizarre buy-a-roof-get-a-free-gun trend will continue. Perhaps Spokane roofing companies will be doing it next.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: foxnews.com/us/2017/07/10/roofing-company-offering-free-guns-to-customers.html

How poor insulation can damage your roof

 

A roof system is so much more than just the actual shingles or tiles that make up the roof. Beneath the shingles is a waterproof membrane designed to keep any water that makes the shingles out of your home. Metal flashing lines the valleys of your roof and the areas surrounding chimneys, vents and skylights to channel water away from more vulnerable areas of the roof to the rain gutters. Even the rain gutter system is integral to the health of the roof since its job is to get water off the roof so it doesn’t pool up and lead to roof leaks. Another part of the roofing system and one that’s often overlooked is attic insulation.

 

What does attic insulation have to do with the roof?

 

Insulation in the attic ensures that the money you’re using to heat your home isn’t wasted on heating the attic. The reason good insulation is critical for your roofing system is because a warm attic space in the winter can lead to ice dams and roof leaks.

 

What are ice dams

 

Though you may not be familiar with the term “ice dam” you’ve certainly encountered them. If you’ve ever noticed icicles forming along the rain gutters of a home, that’s an ice dam. They form when a warm attic space causes the snow on the roof to melt prematurely. This melted snow refreezes at the edges of the roof and in the gutters. This can damage the rain gutters themselves because of the weight and the ice expands forcing gaps between shingles where water can get through and further damage the shingles and lead to roof leaks.

 

If you deal with ice dams in the winter, improved attic insulation is the only long-term solution that can fix the problem you should also contact a Spokane roofing company about inspecting the roof for damage as well.

 

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

 

Source: portlandtribune.com/pt-adv-insiders/360879-240973-3-important-summer-roofing-tips

A look at Tesla’s solar shingle product that goes on sale this week

Several months ago, the well-known electric car manufacturer, Tesla, generated some excited with the announcement of a new solar roofing product. Tesla teamed up with SolarCity to design the solar shingle. This week, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, announced that customers could now preorder the new solar shingles. With the release of this game-changing solar roofing product, here’s a closer look at what they are and what they’ll cost.

 

How they’re made

 

Tesla’s solar shingles are different than any other solar roofing product on the market due to the fact that the photovoltaic cells are built right into the shingle itself and not installed on top of an existing roof. They’re made of glass and are extremely durable. They come in four different styles: textured, slate, Tuscan, and smooth so they can complement the look of any home. The glass has a colored film that hides the photovoltaic cells from sight but still lets in the suns’ rays to generate electricity.

 

Calculating the cost

 

Not all of the shingles installed contain photovoltaic cells. That’s because the shingles with cells are much more expensive to manufacture and certain parts of the roof won’t get enough sunlight to justify the cost. The average roof will consist of 40% solar shingles and 60% non-solar shingles that look exactly identical but cost less than asphalt shingles. You can use Tesla’s cost calculator to get a free estimate of the cost as well as an estimate of how much the roof will save you over the course of 30 years.

 

If the high cost of Tesla solar shingles is impractical, you can contact a Spokane roofing company to ask about other energy efficient roofing options like metal or tile.

 

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

 

Source: popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a26454/tesla-solar-shingles/

 

How to inspect and repair rain gutters

A faulty rain gutter system can cause all sorts of problems for your home. Many homeowners take for granted their rain gutters and fail to inspect and maintain them. Rain gutters that are allowed to become clogged cause rainwater to backup onto the room causing premature roof damage and leaks. Water that spills over can damage the wood trim along the edge of the roof and lead to problems with wood rot. Water that spills over can also damage landscaping and the home’s foundation. With a few precautions, these problems can be avoided.

Regularly clean them out

Keeping the gutters free of leaves and other debris so that rainwater and snowmelt can run freely through them is the first step in maintaining a healthy rain gutter system. Make sure to work from a ladder when removing debris and not from the room. Don’t forget to clear out the downspouts as well.

Test your system

You don’t have to wait for strong rain to test your rain gutters. After you’ve cleaned them out, have a friend or family member hold a garden hose so that water runs freely into the rain gutter system. As the water runs, do a walk-around the home looking for any places where water is spilling over. Gaps between sections of rain gutters, rust, cracks, or bends in the gutters can all cause this. Make note of any problem areas.

Make repairs or replace

Bent sections of rain gutters may be bent back in shape. Gaps between sections can be sealed shut. If the rain gutters have pulled away from the home, they can be re-secured. Badly damaged gutters may need to be replaced altogether. If you suspect your roof may have been damaged due to faulty rain gutters, you can contact a Spokane roofing company to get an estimate for repairs.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: georgetown.wickedlocal.com/news/20170427/at-home-with-stephanie-checking-for-loose-and-leaky-gutters

Doing exterior home maintenance? The roof is a good place to start

Now that spring has officially begun, many homeowners are turning their attention to spring cleaning and home maintenance. Often times, it’s the home’s interior that gets all the attention but it’s always a good idea to take care of some exterior home maintenance as well and the roof is the logical best place to start if you’re going from top to bottom.

Start with a roof inspection

When was the last time you had your roof looked at by a professional? If your roof is more than a few years old and you’ve never had it inspected, it’s probably time to schedule an inspection. You can contact a Spokane roofing company about a free inspection. Most reputable roofing companies are glad to perform this service for free in exchange for a chance at your business should any roofing problems become evident during the inspection. As part of this inspection you’ll get a free estimate of any needed repairs.

Potential problems

The shingles themselves are obviously a top concern. During an inspection, a roofer will look for cracked, curling, or otherwise damaged roof shingles. These are all signs that water could be getting inside your home and causing damage. Other problems include a sagging roof deck, rot, algae or moss, gaps in the flashing around the chimney or vents, and clogged rain gutters which can lead to roof leaks or a damaged foundation.

Fix what needs fixing or consider a new roof

Depending on the extend of the damage, you may be able to get additional years out of your existing roof with a few repairs. If the damage is widespread and the roof is showing signs of failure, the roofer will recommend a new roof. Don’t be too quick to dismiss these suggestions because of the cost. Roof problems that go uncorrected have a way of becoming costlier over time so you’re better off taking care of repairs or getting a new roof if necessary.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: tennessean.com/story/sponsor-story/roscoe-brown/2017/03/13/tips-and-hacks-spring-home-maintenance/98870358/

Top 3 Roofing Questions

While there are many different roofing questions and concerns people have, we get asked the same 3 fairly often. Here are the top 3 roofing questions answered by Spokane roofing experts.  

1. How do I know if my roof needs to get replaced?

You should be inspecting your roof twice a year before and after winter since the winter season is when Spokane gets the hardest weathers. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it might be close to time to replace it. One way you can tell whether or not your roof needs to get replaced is whether or not the shingles are in good shape. Are many shingles lifting up or missing? Do you see a lot of shingles cracking? If you are in the attic with the lights off, do you see light shining through the roof? These are all signs a roof needs to get replaced.

2. What is roof flashing?

If you’ve heard about roof flashing but aren’t exactly sure what it is, you aren’t alone. Most people don’t even know they have flashing on their roof. It is a material put in place that keeps water from seeping into the home. If you don’t have flashing, you might see your stucco begin to crack from water. You are most likely to see it in the cracks of your home or edges of the roofing where it meets your house.

3. What can I do to protect my roof in an emergency?

If you have ever had emergency roof damage, such as a tree falling in your roof, you may need temporary protection while you wait for Spokane roofing experts to get to you. This is especially important after a big storm where there are many people who need help all at the same time. What you will want to do is get a large tarp and put it over the hole. Hold it in place with pieces of wood that is screwed into the roof. This will protect you until a professional can get in there and fix the damage.

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Source: thisoldhouse.com/ideas/29-your-toughest-roofing-questions-answered

General Roof Maintenance

Like everything in life, your roof may need more maintenance than you realize. Most people take extra good care of the inside of their homes without even realizing the outside of your home needs maintenance too. Your Spokane roof especially, after it takes a regular beating from the sun, wind, rain, and snow needs to have regular maintenance.

Inspect twice a year

It is recommended you inspect your roof at least once a year, though it is better to do it twice a year, once before the winter and once right after winter has ended. Spokane winters are definitely harsh, and you can expect the most damage to be done during that time of year. Inspecting before November or December ensures your roof will hold up to the storms. Inspections after will ensure any damage is repaired, so you don’t have any problems with it the rest of the year.

Visual inspection vs moisture inspection

Twice a year, you should do a visual inspection. If you don’t want to get a Spokane roofing expert to your place for these inspections, then at least take the time to look at your roof yourself. However, a moisture inspection needs to be done every few years as well. An expert will need to come to your home and use infrared scanners to ensure there aren’t any spots in your roof letting in water.

The moisture inspection is important because you may not notice a leaking roof until it is way too late, and you could end up with rotted wood or mold in your home you didn’t even know about. With the moisture inspection, you can be sure your roof isn’t leaking at all and that all potential spots that could be leaking have been patched up.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: facilitiesnet.com/roofing/article/Regular-Roofing-Maintenance-When-to-Inspect-the-Roof-Facilities-Management-Roofing-Feature--11893

Eco-friendly roof helping you save

It costs a lot of money to heat and cool your home throughout the year. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could save a little? If you are looking at options for replacing your roof or if you are building a new home, there are many different roofing options available to you. But picking the right one can help you save the environment and lower your bills.

Roofing that helps keep it cool and warm

One way to go eco-friendly with your roof is to get a tile roof. It is great for ventilation and will last for years. There are a lot of cool things you can do with a tile roof too like a living roof where you garden on the top of your home. Ventilation is also very important. The better your ventilation in the attic, the more you will be able to easily maintain a regular temperature in your home without spending too much cash. Spokane roofing experts can help you figure out the right tile roof for your home.

Solar panels

A big thing right now is to just get a solar panel roof. It is a really great backup in case the power goes out. You don’t ever have to rely on local utility companies to keep the lights up. Plus, it saves you a ton of money in electric bills. While it may be a big upfront cost, it is getting less expensive every day, and the options for solar panels are getting better.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: blueandgreentomorrow.com/features/make-home-eco-friendly/

Remodeling a roof: Do it now

If first impressions are as important as we think they are, then having a beautiful home starts from the outside. When doing a big remodeling project on an older home, many people don’t even consider updating the roof shingles. A big part of this is that replacing a roof can get very expensive, even if it is cheaper to do before there is a problem then waiting until a problem has already infected the home due to roof problems. Plus, it can really affect the overall look of your home.

New types of roofing materials available

Another thing to consider is that there are so many new options available for roofing that weren’t around 30 years ago. You can really update the look of your home with some new roofing. For example, solar panels have been popular for a while and go on top of the current roofing on your home. However new solar panel shingles give the appearance of a more traditional roof while also giving you the benefit of solar panel energy for your house.

What is your budget?

Another thing to consider is budget, while some Spokane roofing materials work better for the area than others or last longer, you may not be able to afford them since they are the most expensive options available. And honestly, most people don’t stay in their house long enough to reap the benefits of a more expensive roof. Less expensive options, such as Slate, will work well for your needs even if they aren’t as durable as other materials, such as slate. You can only make a look for your home that you can truly afford.

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Source: villagenews.com/health/roofing-materials-transform-look-functionality-home/

Will heat cables solve my ice dam problem?

Though icicles might look nice, they’re trouble for your roof and rain gutters. When ice is damming up in your rain gutters, the weight can bend your gutters and even cause them to pull free from your house. Ice dams also force snowmelt to seep between the shingles where it can refreeze and create gaps leading to roof leaks and costly damage. One of the ways homeowners tackle this problem is heat cables which are basically hot electrical wires that zig zag across the area just above the rain gutters. But do they really work?

Sometimes they do but more often than not, they’re a waste of money. Here are a few reasons why.

They’re a temporary fix

Perhaps the biggest reason to avoid heat cables is that they don’t address the root cause of the problem and as such, they aren’t usually the most effective solution. Ice dams form when the snow on your roof is melting before the temperatures are high enough for it to do so naturally. If the snow is melting due to warm temperatures, it won’t refreeze in your gutters. But if warm air from your home is leaking into the attic space and causing the snow on your roof to melt, you’re going to get ice dams. Heat cables don’t fix this problem and in some cases, the snow can still reach your rain gutters and freeze there.

They’re expensive

While the upfront cost for having heat cables installed might not be too much, they’re a huge drain on your energy bills which are probably high enough if you’ve got warm air from your home leaking into your attic.

They’re ugly

Even if heat cables were cost effective and worked 100% of the time, they simply don’t look good on your roof.

If you have had problems with ice dams in the past, contact a Spokane roofing company to see about an inspection. Not only can a roofer spot damage from ice dams, the roofer can also inspect your entire roof system to make sure it’s up to the task of preventing ice dams in the future

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: builderonline.com/newsletter/do-heat-cables-really-prevent-ice-dams_c

What does your roof warranty actually cover?

Your roof warranty isn’t something you think about until you need it. It’s a good idea to know about your roof warranty and what it actually covers before you need it.

Two warranties

Believe it or not, your roof may be covered by two different warranties depending on how old it is and how long the warranties last. First, the manufacturer of the roofing shingles has a warranty that covers any defect in the shingles themselves. If your roof fails prematurely and it’s not due to storm damage or improper installation, the manufacturer’s warranty will cover at least some of the cost for the repair or roof replacement.

Most reputable roofing companies warranty the installation as well. If there’s problems with the roof that aren’t caused by storm damage or shingle defects before the warranty is up, the roofer will cover at least some of the cost for the repair or replacement.

In addition to two warranties, you also have insurance that may cover the cost if a storm causes the damage.

How long do they last?

It varies per manufacturer and per roofer so the best thing to do is ask. Most roof warranties are limited lifetime warranties which means the entire cost is covered within the first ten years or so and it’s prorated after that. If you’re having a new roof installed in the Spokane area, always around with different Spokane roofing companies to find out what kind of warranty they offer.

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Source: koaa.com/story/33384988/do-you-know-what-your-roof-warranty-actually-covers

Five tips for a leak-free roof this winter

If your roof is going to spring a leak this year, chances are it’s going to be during the winter. Remember that even the smallest leaks can lead to major problems like mold, rot, and pest infestations. Here are five things you can do to decrease the likelihood of a roof leak this winter; some of them may surprise you.

Have your roof inspected and repaired

Of the five tips, this one should be the least surprising. If you want to prevent a roof leak you need to make sure your roof is in good shape before winter is underway. This starts with a professional roof inspection and ends with going ahead with any repairs the roofer recommends. There are Spokane roofing companies that will do the inspection for free and provide you with an estimate for any needed work.

Clean your rain gutters

This one may seem less obvious but your rain gutters have a lot to do with preventing roof leaks. They provide a way for water to get off your roof. If they’re clogged with leaves and other debris, water can pool up on the shingles and lead to roof leaks.

Clear debris off the roof

For the same reason you want to keep your rain gutters clean, you should keep the roof itself clean. Any debris that accumulates on your roof can impede water’s path off of your roof.

Trim tree branches

Trimming your trees will limit how often you need to clear debris out of your rain gutters and off of your roof, especially if you have a lot of taller trees that are near your home.

Replace attic insulation

What does attic insulation have to do with roof leaks? Proper insulation will keep the hot air in your home from melting snow and ice on your roof prematurely. When the ice and snow on your roof melt before it’s warm enough outside, it refreezes in the rain gutters leading to ice dams and roof leaks.

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Source: portlandtribune.com/pt-insiders/329493-209263-keep-your-roof-leak-free-this-winter

Three considerations to make before installing solar panels

The technology behind solar roofing panels has really improved a lot in recent years making them more energy efficient, more affordable, and lot more popular. But before you jump on the solar roofing bandwagon, there are a few things you’ll want to consider first.

Your roof warranty

Your roof is warrantied in two ways. The shingles/tiles themselves come with a manufacturer’s warranty should they fail prematurely through no fault of your own. The roofing company who installed the roof (assuming you went with a professional) most likely insures their work so if the roof fails due to improper installation and the manufacturer doesn’t cover it, the roofing company will. When you install solar panels on top of an existing roof, there’s a good chance it can void either or both warranties. To be safe, put the solar panel installer in contact with the roofing company so you know where you’ll stand with your roof’s warranties after a solar panel installation.

Cost vs. savings

Though the cost of solar roofing has come down, it’s still expensive. Solar installers will tell you that the initial cost up front is worth it when you consider the savings but that’s not necessarily true. Depending on your climate and which way your roof faces, solar may not make good financial sense. Also don’t assume you’ll earn a tax credit since that incentive isn’t always being offered.

Alternatives

Though solar roofing is the only type of roof that generates electricity, there are roofing materials out there like clay tiles or metal that are much more energy efficient than asphalt shingles that can drastically lower your energy bills.

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Source: tucson.com/will-putting-up-solar-panels-void-roof-warranty/article_5697b942-89ae-11e6-ab9e-d79e31f49564.html

Need a new roof? Be careful about who you hire to do the work

When John Plaff of Pasco, Florida paid John Iacovino, owner of Ike’s roofing, $8,800 for the roof he installed, he thought everything was squared away. What he didn’t know was that Iacovino never paid the roofing material supplier for the roof materials. As a result, Plaff ended up with a $3,700 lien against his home for the cost of the roof shingles. Plaff wasn’t the only one burned by Ike’s roofing. At least 15 other clients of Iacovino are seeking extortion charges against him and the Pasco Sheriff’s office says that approximately 70 properties have liens against them because Iacovino didn’t pay for the roofing materials. In total, Ike’s roofing owes about $150,000 for building materials to various suppliers in the area.

Iacovino is now behind bars but that does nothing for Plaff and other victims of Ike’s roofing who are not stuck with liens against their properties. Since this can happen to any unsuspecting homeowner, it’s important for people to be very careful about who they hire to do roofing work.

Get several estimates

One of the most important things homeowners can do is get multiple estimates for roofing work. If you only get one estimate and hire the first roofer who agrees to do the job, you have nothing to compare that roofer’s price to. If you get at least 3-4 estimates, then you can spot bids that seem especially low. In the case of Ike’s roofing, Iacovino could afford to bid low since he had no intentions of paying for roofing materials he was going to use. Automatically going with the lowest bid, especially when it’s significantly lower is risky since it’s often a sign that the roofer is cutting corners.

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Source: wtsp.com/news/local/sheriff-roofing-contractor-skips-bills-leaves-70-victims/324806379

Autumn the perfect time to prepare your roof for winter

Winter tends to be the hardest time of the year for your roof. If your roof is going to fail and let water into your home, it’s most likely going to happen during the winter months. The other downside to the winter is that it’s the hardest time to get out and do roof repairs when it’s cold and wet. Roofing experts recommend that homeowners start now to get their roofs ready for winter so that they’re in top shape before the severe weather hits. Here are a few maintenance tasks you should complete before the weather turns cold.

Replace damaged shingles

Over the years, shingles will wear out and become brittle. Some of your shingles may crack, curl, or become warped. Some may even come loose and blow away with a strong wind. Wherever you have damaged or missing shingles, your roof is vulnerable and can let water in. Replace these shingles now rather than waiting until it’s too late.

Examine your roof’s flashing

At the most vulnerable areas of your roof, around the edge and around the chimney, vents, and skylights you’ll have a metal underlayer called flashing. If your flashings have rusted or cracked, water can get through those areas so it’s important to inspect your roof’s flashing before winter hits.

Check the varge and fascia boards

The trim boards at the end of the roof that run from the eaves to the peak are called varge boards. The trim boards behind the rain gutters are called fascia boards. These protect the roof’s edges and keep the roof’s frame protected from moisture. If these boards are pulling loose or rotting, your roof may be compromised.

Repair your rain gutter system

Your rain gutters allow water to get off of your roof after rain or snow. Keep them clear of debris and make sure they’re securely attached to your roof. Watch for any rust or cracks in your system.

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Source: thedailyworld.com/lifestyle/nailing-it-down-autumn-weather-inspires-household-winter-prep

Ten tips for keeping a roof over your head

There are a few things worse for your home than a roof that has fallen into disrepair. Your roof is your first line of defense, when it’s compromised, your entire home is put in jeopardy. A damaged roof can lead to costly interior water damage and pest control problems. Here are ten tips to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.

1. Walk around your roof looking for shingles that have become dislodged or have fallen off completely.
2. Use a pair of binoculars to look for cracked, curling, or otherwise damaged shingles.
3. Keep an eye out for darker spots on your roof as this could be algae or mold.
4. For metal roofs, look for seams that aren’t aligned properly.
5. Inspect your chimney and the area immediately around it. There should be a tight seal around your chimney.
6. Check the area where the roof meets the walls of your home. Discoloration or rot in the eaves or fascia are a bad sign.
7. Make sure there are no holes permitting rodents to get into your attic space.
8. Look for mold and water damage in your attic space.
9. Keep your roof clear of debris such as leaves and branches.
10. Trim back branches that hang over your roof so they don’t scratch it on a windy day.

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Source: yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/ways-to-keep-a-good-roof-over-your-head/article_1247928c-32f7-50fd-9145-bb7b6d6b4d8e.html