The decision to replace your roof is a big one and you may find yourself wondering if it’s worth it. There are many reasons to get a new roof including wanting a different aesthetic, updating an old roof, or replacing a roof that’s damaged. So if you’re contemplating whether to freshen your roof along with your spring cleaning, here are 5 signs you need a new roof.
The age of your roof can let you know if the time has come to replace it. While different roof types can have different lifespans, asphalt and wood-shingled roofs generally last anywhere from 20-50 years depending on the weather conditions where you live.
You don’t want to wait until the roof is no longer holding up to replace it. Once a roof becomes damaged and begins to leak, more problems will be created. You’ll want to keep ahead of these problems by knowing your roof’s expected lifespan.
You can also know if your roof is aging out if you live in a neighborhood with homes that were built around the same time. Because these houses are around a similar age, you will be in sync with your neighbors’ new roof needs. So if roofs around you are starting to be replaced, you may need to do the same.
Shingle damage and loss of granules are significant problems that may be a sign your roof needs replaced. Your house shingles should be flat against your roof and should not have curling, disfiguration, broken pieces, or lifting. Sometimes shingle damage only needs repairs, however, damaged shingles can cause problems requiring a whole roof replacement. For example, lifted shingles can expose the roof underneath and curled shingles can lead to leaking.
Unscathed shingles and granules are essential for roof preservation. Granules protect shingles from exterior damage, including damage from the sun. It’s normal for shingle granules to fall off and wear down over time, but too many lost and worn can mean it’s time for a replacement. You can tell if you are having significant granule loss if you notice loose shingle granules gathered in your gutters and downspouts.
Your roof should be protecting you from the weather, so having leaks and holes is a big sign you’ll be needing repairs or a new roof. If you live in a location that gets a lot of rain and snow, it’s good to consistently check your roof for leaks and deterioration. One easy way to check is to go into your attic after it rains and look for any leaks. Additionally, going into the attic during the daytime will help you see if there are any spots with light coming through.
Leaking roofs are more than just annoying, they can wreak havoc on your family and home through structural damage, higher utility bills, and health issues from mold. Additionally, leaks can also cause roof rot and interior ceiling stains. You can check for sagging areas on your roof to see if rot might be present. It’s important to note that you should avoid and not walk on any of these sagging spots.
If you’re noticing plants making a home on your roof, you’ll want to pay attention. Vegetation and moss growing on top of your house can be a sign of roof damage. You can occasionally clean off spreading greenery without needing roof repair or replacement. Unfortunately, other times this is indicative of a bigger issue as vegetation on your roof can be a sign of trapped moisture and water damage.
If you’re spotting black streaks on your roof, you are seeing algae. Sometimes this is only an aesthetic flaw that owners want to have removed. However, at times this algae can cause damage by trapping moisture and accelerating granule loss, both things that shorten the lifespan of roof shingles.
Lastly, it might be time to replace your roof if you have the budget and want something different. You can decide on something new before your roof ages out or becomes damaged. We love helping owners create a unique home that has their own personal touch and style. Each house deserves to be one-of-a-kind, just like the people that live in it!
At E&E Contracting we are always here to help! Contact us today for a complimentary quote and more information on roof consultations, repairs, and replacements.
When the weather cools down and the leaves begin to fall, it’s critical to get your home ready for the chilly temperatures ahead. Performing regular maintenance can help you avoid permanent damage and expensive repairs down the road. Here are a few home fall home maintenance tips and tasks that will ensure that your home is ready for the upcoming season.
Thousands of gallons of water are drained off your house’s exterior and foundation walls each year by your roof’s drainage system, so it’s crucial to keep it running properly. Clogged gutters can cause flooding in your basement, as well as damage to your home’s exterior. Additionally, when clogged, gutters are more prone to corrosion and rust. So, make sure that gutter cleaning is part of your fall maintenance to-do list. After cleaning, you can also cover your gutters with mesh guards to prevent debris from accumulating.
Luckily, cleaning gutters is a simple task that most homeowners can do on their own. All you’ll need is a ladder, some eye and hand protection, and a gutter scooper. Gather leaves and other debris with your hands, then use the gutter scooper to clear out more compacted waste. Once clean, you should also make sure that your gutters and downspouts are free-flowing by pouring some water down them.
Damaged pathways, driveways, and steps are dangerous all year round, but they’re even more hazardous during the winter, especially when they ice over. By addressing these issues in the fall, you’ll be able to prevent these small cracks from becoming costly repairs in the future.
When inspecting these surfaces, look for cracks that are more than 1/8-inch wide and patch them with filler and sealer. Also, take note of any uneven sections or loose railings. Most simple repairs can be completed on your own, but a professional should take care of any significant damage.
Cold air and moisture can enter your home through gaps around windows, door frames, and where pipes enter the house. To help keep your house warm, make sure to use weather stripping or caulk to patch any holes that are larger than a nickel.
If drafts around your windows and doors continue, it may be time to get your windows replaced. A professional, such as those at E&E Contracting, can replace your defective windows with more energy-efficient ones, which will increase your comfort while lowering your heating bills.
As you continue your outdoor home maintenance, keep an eye out for peeling paint, which is likely an indicator that your paint is starting to deteriorate. Note that peeling paint is not only a cosmetic issue. Not addressing it early on may result in future costly repairs. A quick paint touch-up can help your siding and trim last longer. It’s also a good idea to apply a fresh coat of paint or sealant to any surface that may be covered with snow.
While autumn leaves may be visually appealing when strewn out on your lawn, it’s important to rake them on a regular basis. If left on the ground for an extended period of time, fallen leaves can potentially damage your grass.
Aside from cleaning up the leaves, also be sure to trim back the branches on trees close to your house. This will prevent them from collapsing and damaging your roof or home, especially after heavy winds or snowfall.
It’s beneficial to inspect your roof at least once or twice a year, and fall is a great time to do it because it will ensure that your roof is prepared for the cold temperatures, snow, and ice that winter may bring. Begin by inspecting your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars and a ladder if needed. Be on the lookout for shingles that are missing, loose, or damaged, and also check for damage to metal flashing around vents and chimneys. If there is any damage, it may be time for a total roof replacement.
Keep in mind that while a visual inspection of your roof can reveal some obvious external damage, it’s probably in your best interest to have a professional do a comprehensive inspection.
If you’ve identified some issues during your fall maintenance that you can’t fix by yourself, don’t be afraid to call a professional. E&E Contracting specializes in a wide range of home improvement and remodeling projects, from window and door replacement to roof repairs. Request a complimentary estimate today, and learn how we can help make sure your home is ready for the months ahead.
Water is water, right? You may be surprised to learn that there are three different kinds of water, and they can drastically change how you approach cleaning up the mess and mold that water damage leaves behind.
Clean water simply means that the water causing the damage is sewage and toxin-free. If your home is damaged by clean water it is typically caused by leaking or broken pipes, bathtubs that have overflowed, and issues with appliances.
Because it is non-toxic, clean water can typically be cleaned up and dried easily with minimal permanent damage.
Gray water typically comes from appliances like toilets, washing machines, or sub-pump backups. Because consuming or coming in contact with gray water can be harmful it is important that you use proper protective equipment when cleaning up damage caused by gray water.
Water damage and mold can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, and you might not even realize it is there until it is too late. Without the proper knowledge these things can seriously damage your home and leave you wishing you had taken the proper precautions before it was too late.
The first step in your water and mold damage cleanup process should be identifying the origin of the water damage and eradicating it. Common causes of residential water damage include leaking or bursting pipes, malfunctioning household appliances, HVAC systems malfunctioning, or heavy rains or floods in your area. If you are unable to identify the source of your water or mold damage you may want to find a professional in the area who specializes in water damage and mold removal and can give you a complimentary estimate.
Next, be sure to accurately record the damage for insurance purposes. Many insurance companies will cover the fees associated with cleanup and repairs if the damage was caused by a “covered peril.” To learn more about covered perils and if your insurance covers your situation be sure to contact your provider.
After you have assessed the damage and contacted your insurance company, it is time to dry out the affected areas to avoid further damage. The first step in the drying process should be to remove all rugs, carpeting, and furniture that have been affected. Items that have been affected by clean water can be dried outside or using a shop vac, but if they have been affected by gray or black water you should consider replacing them, as they may now hold contaminants.
Once all wet items have been removed from the space use fans to circulate air throughout the room. If a large space was affected, you can rent a high-capacity dehumidifier to dry out the space.
When cleaning up and drying out your space always remember; focus on the ceiling! Repairing a ceiling affected by water damage is imperative in minimizing the damage done to your home. To minimize damage as you are assessing, drill a hole in the central location of the water damage and place a bucket below the hole. This will stop the moisture from spreading through the drywall and creating further damage.
After you have put a halt to the ceiling damage, do all that you can to identify where the moisture is coming from. If you do not have access to an attic or crawl space, inspect the roof to identify any missing shingles, damaged flashing, or other irregularities. If you see damage, immediately contact a local professional to get the repair done to prevent further leaking.
Finally, cut away the damaged drywall and begin the repairs to your water damaged ceiling.
Finding mold in the house is scary, and it is important that you immediately take action to avoid the mold spreading and causing harm to your home or your family. There are steps you can take to remove the mold yourself, but you have to be sure you have removed all of it. If you are questioning yourself at any point, contact a professional.
Dealing with mold can be harmful, be sure to always use safety goggles without ventilation holes, respirators or n-95 masks, and rubber gloves to avoid direct exposure.
Depending on the severity of the mold in your home, you may be able to remove it yourself. If the mold is on hard surfaces like window sills and baseboards use a scrub brush, a bucket, heavy-duty detergent, and water. For less tough surfaces like drywall, stick to a heavy-duty washcloth so your surface isn’t damaged from the scrubbing.
You can also try a mold cleaner that is formulated specifically for eradicating and preventing mold.
Sometimes the water damage repair necessary is too much for the average homeowner to handle. At E&E Contracting, LLC we have been helping homeowners with water damage and mold issues for over 10 years. Our team of seasoned professionals have seen it all, and our processes ensure that your home is cleaner, safer, and more attractive than before the incident.
Each of our extensive remodeling projects begins with a thorough inspection of the home. First, we identify any and all problems causing the water. Next, we assess the problems and identify what needs to be repaired, and what needs to be replaced completely.
Our team of experts have decades of extensive remodeling experience. Whether your project is a simple roof patch or a complete remodel, we have the tools and manpower necessary to transform your property into something you are proud of.
During our extensive remodeling jobs our team is committed to maintaining a clean and courteous work environment. Homes damaged by water and mold require a serious cleaning before the work can be finished, during construction, and after the work is completed. Our team cleans up at the end of each work day, making sure we leave your property cleaner than we found it!
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and quote for your extensive remodeling project!
Spring cleaning is a part of many homeowners’ to-do list for the season. However, in addition to cleaning out your closets and dusting all your furniture, it’s important to pay attention to the outside of your home, too. Here are some key things to focus on during spring maintenance for your home’s exterior.
The first thing you should do when it comes to spring home maintenance is perform an initial inspection of the outside of your home. Take a walk around your property, and be on the lookout for anything that’s damaged or needs repair.
Especially after winter, certain elements of your home’s exterior are more susceptible to damage, like the roof, windows, gutters, and deck. Before moving forward with maintenance, it’s crucial to take the time to inspect all parts of your house and determine if anything needs repair in order to be fully prepared for the upcoming seasons.
Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to rotting, so make sure that your home’s gutters and downspouts are free of any leaves or debris. Additionally, if your area was hit with a lot of snow over the winter, be sure to check to make sure that the weight of the snow didn’t cause any of your gutters to detach from the house.
It’s also a good idea to check to see if your gutters are draining properly. This can be done by simply spraying some water on your roof with a hose and looking for leaks. If you come across any cracks or leaks, use some epoxy to fill them in as soon as possible.
Power washing is the best way to make your siding look as good as new, depending on the type of siding. Throughout the winter, mold and outdoor-related stains can accumulate, so it’s important to take care of these as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage that will necessitate a full siding replacement.
Checking other walls for cracks and openings is also important because leaving these seemingly insignificant imperfections can lead to small insects, like carpenter ants burrowing or termites, inside the walls of your house, causing even more damage. Performing routine maintenance and patching up and repairing problem areas is crucial in maintaining the integrity of your home’s exterior.
Windows are a very important aspect of spring home maintenance and should not be overlooked. First, take a look at the window seals, weather stripping, and caulking. If any of these are out of place or damaged, it can lead to unwanted air and water entering your home.
After you deem that your window seals and caulking are intact, it’s time for some window cleaning. Window cleaning solutions are sold in many stores, but you can also make your own with rubbing alcohol, white wine vinegar, and water. Remember to use a soft cloth or something gentle for window cleaning, as rough or abrasive materials can damage the glass.
While cleaning your windows, don’t forget about the screens. Over time, window screens are bound to accumulate a fair amount of debris and small bugs. There’s no way to prevent this from happening, but regular upkeep throughout the spring and summer will help prevent too much debris from building up. Feel free to remove the screen so you can effectively wipe it down without fear of it falling out of the window.
Your wood deck should definitely be inspected once it starts warming up outside. Make sure you are looking out for deteriorating or rotting wood because, if left untreated, it can be a serious safety hazard. Also keep an eye out for any damage from pests, like termites.
It’s a good idea to pressure wash your deck once a year, and spring is the perfect time to do this. It is recommended that you use the lowest pressure on the washer for wood decks. Higher pressures can damage the wood, causing it to crack or chip, which will need a deck replacement.
Winter storms can take a toll on your roof, so be sure to inspect it thoroughly once spring rolls around. Luckily, this doesn’t mean you have to grab a ladder and climb onto your roof in order to get a good look at things. A pair of binoculars and a sharp eye should be enough for spotting damage.
Be on the lookout for shingles that are missing or cracked, damaged flashing, or anything that just doesn’t look right. If you spot anything that needs to be fixed, it’s probably your best bet to hire a professional, as performing roof maintenance on your own can be dangerous.
While inspecting your home’s exterior, don’t forget to examine the foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for deterioration, cracking, or leaks. Even small cracks in your foundation can allow water to enter your home and cause potential trouble, so it’s essential to fix any damage right away.
Oftentimes, specialists are required to repair damaged foundations. A general rule of thumb is that if you can slide a coin into the crack in your foundation or concrete, it’s probably time to enlist in the help of a professional.
One of the final things you should do in terms of spring home maintenance is check out your landscape and vegetation. Trim your trees and shrubs back to prevent any protruding branches from causing damage to your home’s exterior. Additionally, consider raking up any leaves or twigs that are scattered across your lawn.
Aside from trimming overgrowth and raking up debris, think about planting some fresh vegetation in your yard. Buy some new trees and shrubs or plant your favorite flowers to make your yard look more beautiful and lush.
Need some professional help on your spring home maintenance? Get in touch with E&E Contracting today to find out what we can do for you and your home!