Thursday, June 28, 2012

Five Reasons To Keep Gutters Clean


Are there reasons to keep gutters clean or should they just be allowed to remain full of the awful rubbish year after year? With spring now upon us, is there any way this job can be avoided?

Along with the budding of the leaves and the bright green shrubs come those gritty, grimy outside tasks. Chores like potting, planting, gardening, mowing and the most dreaded one, cleaning dirty gutters, have become synonymous with spring.

The buildup of fallen leaves, mud, mold and sticks make this one of the least desired of all springtime jobs. There are those who believe in just leaving the gunk as it has built up. The following are at least five reasons to keep gutters clean.

#1. Damage Discovery

During the winter months, rain, wind and cold weather can damage gutters in many ways. Leaving the dregs that have developed over the winter months will conceal any damage that occurred during that time period. Cleaning out the residue will give the property owner the knowledge of what needs to be fixed before the damage gets worse and is just one of several reasons to keep gutters clean.

#2. Hinder Root Growth

During the winter months, the buildup of dirt, mud and leaves provide an environment similar to compose. This earthy medium will catch hold of seeds or roots and it is not unusual to find small trees or plants that have taken root. Keep gutters clean to prevent this from happening.

#3. Prevent Roof And Wall Damage

During the harsh winter months, ice, snow and wet debris sit next to or piled on the roof. This causes the moist rubbish to sit against the wood next to the house and settle under the slats on the roof causing damage. Another reason for cleaning the gutters is to keep the wooden roof and wall dry, thus preventing damage from the resulting condensation.

#4. Keep Gutters From Overflowing

Gutters that are not regularly cleaned, preferably twice a year, cause water from debris that is overflowing to rain down onto the foundation of the house. As this water collects, it stands and pools, thus causing damage to the support system of the house. This is just another reason to keep gutters clean.

#5. Protect Landscape

The landscape around the house is used not only to make the house look nice but also to prevent soil erosion. Gutters that are not regularly cleaned allow for excessive rain and water to collect and pool under the gutters. This pooling erodes the soil around bushes and shrubs and allows greenery to become damaged at the root.

That first breath of fresh, spring air is wonderful after a hard, cold winter. However, the thought of spring cleaning is not much to look forward to, especially the thought of cleaning those gutters. The five reasons to keep gutters clean mentioned above are reason enough to make sure this chore remains at the top of the priority list.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7068726

Monday, June 25, 2012

Roofing: Four Common Roof Repairs


The roof, like any part of your home, can wear down over time and begin to have visible and invisible issues. These issues can start out small, but if they aren't dealt with accordingly, they can become large and very expensive to fix. That's why it's important to have your roof checked out on an annual basis, and opt to take care of minor issues while they're still minor. There are five common roof issues that present the need for a prompt repair. If you're experiencing any of these problems, get on them as quickly as possible.
Leaks. This is a pretty easy problem to spot, is almost universally known as a problem -- there are no good roof leaks, after all. A number of reasons could be behind a leaky roof, from poorly-installed flashing to compromised seams. If you see signs of a leak, you should take action because it will likely get worse as time goes on.
Bad installation. If your previous roofing company did a poor job installing your roof, you might be suffering the consequences of that shoddy workmanship. Having another company come in to check out the work and possibly do some repair work is probably the best way to solve this particular problem.
No maintenance. Your roof should do a great job protecting you and your home from the elements after its installed, but only if you keep up with the required maintenance. After all, a car will drive fine after it comes off of the assembly line, but you can't expect it to run just as well a decade later without regular oil changes, tire rotations and realignments. Your roof will need check-ups and adjustments, too. Don't neglect these needs.
Shrinkage. On roofs that use what is called a single-ply membrane, the possibility exists that the roof could eventually suffer from "shrinkage," when the single membrane being to contract. Evidence of shrinkage can be seen near the flashings on the roof, where the single-ply membrane will start to pull away as it shrinks. Allowing this shrinkage to continue will inevitably lead to issues down the line.
Homeowners should keep their eyes peeled for these four signs, as in most cases it means that a roof repair is needed to address a particular issue. Catching these problems early and dealing with them quickly can help save you money by not allowing the problems to grow into bigger, more expensive problems that take a harder toll on your wallet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7061627

Friday, June 22, 2012

5 Key Signs That You Need A New Roof


We attend a lot of home shows throughout Illinois and homeowners frequently ask us "How Do I Know When I Need A New Roof?". So here are 5 telltale signs that will help you to determine if your roof needs to be replaced.
1. Inspect your roof with binoculars and look closely. Asphalt shingles will begin to curl up around the edges when they become worn. If more than a few shingles are showing signs of heavy wear, it's time to call an expert contractor to discuss a new roof.
2. Inspect the shingles for loss of their granules.
3. Look for bare patches where both the granules and the asphalt coating have worn down. If you see these bare patches over any part of your roof, this is an indication that it is definitely time for repairs or even a completely new one.
4. Inspect the shingles for tears, cracks, buckling or places where the asphalt is peeking through. Any tears or cracks will allow moisture to leak through the roof. Buckling up of the shingles can allow water to enter under the shingle and penetrate the roof. Any areas where the black asphalt is showing is also a sign that the shingles are in need of replacement.
5. What is the age of the shingles? The normal lifespan for roofing shingles is 20 years. For multi-dimensional, architectural shingles the usable life can go up to 30 years or longer. If your roof has not been replaced in more than 20 years, its expected life may be coming to an end and the time for a roof replacement could be soon.
Always keep safe when inspecting your roof. It is not recommended that you climb up onto your roof to perform an inspection. This is not necessary. All you need is a pair of binoculars to visually inspect your roof. If you are unable to see your roof from the ground level, then call an expert to get up onto your roof so you can avoid the hazards of climbing on a ladder. Any good roofing contractor will perform this service absolutely free of charge.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7066100

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Best Time of Year to Replace Your Roof


The best time of year to replace your roof actually depends on a number of factors. Obviously, the condition of your roof should always be the most important consideration in roof replacement, but when there are no imminent threats to your roof and ultimately your property, you have some flexibility as to when to replace your roof. Still, even when your roof is in reasonably good condition, i.e. not currently leaking or likely to start leaking in the near future, the timing of roof replacement can affect the overall cost of the job. In most cases, the cost of the job and the risk associated with the job will determine the best time of year to replace your roof.

So let's talk about money. Depending on your geographic location and the weather of that location, roofers tend to have busy seasons. In rainy climates, roofers are considerably busier during the late summer and fall because this is when the weather is most cooperative. Some roofing structures cannot be replaced when there is risk of rain or dampness, and as such these roofs can only be replaced during the driest months. As such, late summer and fall are the most expensive seasons for roof repair or replacement. Alternatively, warm, sunny climates that see little rainfall allow for much more flexibility with regards to the timing of roof replacement.

In addition, the risk associated with replacing your roof not only affects the cost of the replacement, but also the safety of the roofers. But even discounting the roofer's personal risk, an unexpected rain shower can mean thousands of dollars worth of water damage. The best roofing contractors watch the weather closely, and the most responsible professionals ensure that they do not conduct replacements when the weather is likely to turn sour. This factor relates back to the busiest seasons, as weather is much more predictable throughout the summer and early fall than winter and spring.

Nevertheless, not everybody has the luxury of replacing their roof at a particular time. Ask any experienced roofer and he (or she) will be able to recall plenty of cases where a catastrophic leak was discovered at the worst possible time. In fact, major leaks are not typically a problem during the dryer seasons; homeowners are most likely to discover a problem during inclement weather. As such, it is important for homeowners to take preventative steps to ensure the quality of their roofs. Regular inspections by a professional roofer can help you spot minor problems before they develop into major problems. Spots on the ceiling, sagging ceiling material, wet or darkened wood features, and other signs of water damage are not usually apparent until you have developed a major leak. So, to prevent a costly emergency repair or replacement, be sure to hire a roofing professional to inspect all aspects of your roof at least every other year.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7128283

Saturday, June 16, 2012

What's on Top of Your Roof Matters


Are you considering building a home, buying a home, or selling the one you're in? If you are, then the question of the roof is sure to come up. No one wants to purchase a home knowing that they'll immediately have to repair or replace the roof. Likewise, if you're selling, you'll have to fix that old or damaged roof before you'll be able to secure a buyer. The three key issues to consider when choosing a roof are the expense, maintenance required, and durability of the material you choose. There are many options to consider today when you're selecting a roof.

Most homeowners choose asphalt or fiberglass shingles because they are inexpensive, look good on most homes, generally last 10-15 years, and are one of the easiest to install. They don't require any maintenance unless you experience severe wind, and there's a large selection of colors. However, they aren't very eco-friendly because they must be sent to a landfill when they're removed.

Some people prefer the charm of wooden shakes on their homes. I'm sure most buyers are aware of the danger of fire unless you select pressure treated, fire-retardant shakes. They do help insulate your attic and allow the roof to breathe. If you choose wood, you should also be sure to watch for mold, rot, and possible insect problems. Each wood roof has its own particular look, so choose a qualified, experienced installer.

If you want something with a different look, you may want to choose clay or slate tiles. They can give your home an old-world charm and they won't burn, rot, or attract insects. In fact, there's hardly any maintenance at all unless you try to walk on them. They are expensive, however, and are so heavy that they may require that your roof be given extra reinforcement. These could last longer than your home though, so if you're looking for durability this is a great place to start.

A popular style today that actually began back in the 1700's is the metal roof. It's lightweight, energy efficient, durable, and fire retardant. There's a variety of colors and patterns available, but you might want to consider whether you'll enjoy hearing the sound of rain or hail hitting this metal topper.

Technology today has produced synthetic and concrete tile roofing as yet another option available to consumers. Both the synthetic tiles and concrete tiles come in a variety of styles and colors, are light and durable, reasonably priced, and environmentally friendly. They are produced to resemble other types of shingles, and the ones offered recently are also lighter. No matter what style of roof you choose, be sure to consider the three key issues: cost, maintenance, and durability. After you have chosen the style, finding the right installer is just as important. Hiring a roofer that does not know what they are doing will likely result in the hiring of a roof repair company as your next step!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7115350

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Jesse the Dog Stars in GAF Commercial for Timberline Roof


Jesse the Jack Russell Terrier appears in the new GAF commercial, called "Scary Experience," for Timberline roofing shingles.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

5 Reasons Why Doing Your Own Roof Sucks!


If you are dealing with any roofing issues in your life, it can be one headache after another. Many people like to learn how to tackle projects themselves and save a little coin at the same time. But, roofing is a bad place to exercise your inner handyman, as it can end up costing your more in the long run. Make sure to find out what goes into doing serious roofing and try to assess whether this really a viable option for you. Here are a few reasons why roofing can be one of the most grueling home improvement projects you can undertake.
The first issue with roofing is an obvious one, it is hot up there. I don't think any amount of description can prepare someone for how truly hot it is doing roof work. One piece of advice is that you should not be doing any roofing in shorts, which makes roofing nearly unbearable. If you are not a fan of face-melting temperatures, roofing may not be the best endeavor to embark upon without preparation.
Secondly, roofing requires a lot of specialized tools and this can end up setting you back a pretty penny. Granted, many tools can be rented from your local hardware retailer, but even then it is not a cheap undertaking. You are going to need a shingle remover, roofing nail gun, ladders, and a whole lot more. These tools are absolutely necessary and you will have to spend a considerable amount of money to acquire them.
Thirdly, you will need to convince some friends to help. Everyone hates asking friends for a favor that they know will not be desirable. Not only do you have to go through the awkward scenario of asking them, but now you owe them a favor. Even when dealing with a small roof, it can be nearly impossible to accomplish a repair alone. It is critical that you acquire some help when doing any roofing or you are going to end spending more time than imaginable with your roof torn apart.
Fourthly, roofing is a very specialized skill and you can damage your home if you do not thoroughly research each step. There are many intricate details when installing a roof and you cannot afford to make mistakes. Finishing a project that is nothing but grueling labor only to find out during the next rainstorm that your valley shingles have been installed wrong and developed leaks can be a very disheartening experience. If you plan to do your own roof repair, it is highly advisable to do copious amounts of research in preparation.
Lastly, roofing is pure backbreaking labor and you should be prepared to work long and hard if you want to fix your own roof. Every aspect of doing your own roofing work is tough work. Each element of the job, from carrying your supplies onto the roof to removing your old shingles is going to drain a lot of energy. The workload is something that most will consider, but still never realize how truly hard of a job roofing can be until each task has been started.
While roofing can be a rewarding experience because of the savings and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with tackling a tough home improvement project, there are many tough aspects that need to be considered before undertaking one of the harder projects around the house. No matter how prepared you may be there will always be speed bumps and unforeseen troubles that come up during a roofing job.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7102028




Leave the hard work to the professionals , call ABOVE ALL ROOFING CO.! We are a family owned and operated contractor located in Vacaville, California; serving the surrounding counties and the Bay Area. We are here for all your roofing needs.  We have extensive knowledge, with 37 years of experience in many types of roofing systems. Our goal is to provide you with quality workmanship, timely service and fair pricing. Our estimates are always free. We are licensed, bonded and insured and a member of the Better Business Bureau.
707-446-8819

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Monday, June 4, 2012

Fix All Roof Damage Before It Gets Out Of Control - Home Maintenance


 Watch this video if you're interested in finding out how a small problem becomes something larger. If you can fix a problem when it's just starting to become a problem, it usually won't become a big problem in cost you a lot of money to make the repairs.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Do I Need To Clean My Roof - Home Maintenance And Inspection


Watch this video to learn more about roofing problems that homeowners might not be aware of. Sometimes a few leafs, branches and a little bit of dirt can create bigger problems than you ever imagined.