Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Gutters - Seamless Gutters Compared With Sectional Gutters


Sectional gutters are sold in pieces that measure from 10- to 22-feet long. They are made out of vinyl, painted aluminum or even pre-painted steel. The gutter sections are joined together by various types of connectors and sealants.

All sectional systems have caps on the ends, corner pieces and drop outlets for connecting to the downspouts. These joints are also common to "seamless" gutters. From this perspective, even seamless gutters have seams in some areas. The difference is seamless gutters do not have seams where they are avoidable because they are manufactured on site to specific lengths.

The downside of sectional gutter systems is that there is a potential for leaks at the seams that is aggravated by weather over time. By definition and design, sectional gutters simply have more seams that can leak and discolor. The flexibility offered by manageable and predictable lengths is offset by the need to join them to maintain continuity of the water flow channeling system. This may be self evident but its disadvantages are overlooked or under communicated.

The simple truth is that gutters that are unattractive can disproportionately affect the value of your property because it is visually distracting and impacts buyers emotionally. The great popularity of home owners' educational television programming makes this point over and over. Ugly is ugly and when you are looking for top dollar, ugly is expensive.

While sectional gutters can be installed by the homeowner the drawbacks when considered against the advantages of seamless gutters are considerable which is why they are not as popular as they once were. The commonly accepted truth is that sectional gutters may even negatively impact the salability of your home because of their known limitations.

Generally, professional installers simply do not use sectional gutters except in the most unusual circumstances. At our company we have only used them in unusual commercial applications when extraordinary width was required. We have never used sectional gutters for home applications. Any well equipped professional gutter company will manufacture each section to the required length for each area of the house.

Sectional gutters are more popular among do-it-yourselfers because it is difficult to find seamless gutter companies that will "drop-off" seamless gutters sections that they manufacture on site. There is too much overhead involved to make it profitable for most.

Seamless gutters are the most popular type of gutter used today. They are usually made out of aluminum that has a durable baked-on finish, but seamless gutters may also be made from copper or steel that comes painted from the factory.

Most gutter installers bring a special machine to the job site so that they can manufacture the gutters to exact measurements that they take on the spot. These types of gutters cannot be produced by do-it-yourselfers because the needed machinery is expensive and heavy and is easily damaged if not operated properly and therefore not even available to non-professionals.

Overall, if you have the choice, seamless gutters provide the best value and should you sell your property, the best return on investment, but in an emergency, particularly if money is tight, the do-it-yourselfers can use a sectional gutter to resolve an immediate problem and prevent further damage.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2991119

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Above All Roofing FAQ's


Q: Are you licensed and insured?

A: Yes, we are licensed (#436690), bonded and fully insured.

Q: Are your estimates/inspections free and how long are estimates valid?

A: Estimates/inspections are free and are valid for 30 days. Past 30 days it is best to call us and ask if a re-estimate is needed. Often an estimate will be good beyond 30 days but this depends on material costs.

Q: Can I have my roof done in the winter or during bad weather?

A: Above All Roofing does roofing year round. It usually only takes 3-6 hours to actually tear of the existing roof and apply water tight underlayment. The new roof itself can often be installed in less than perfect weather.

Q: What does your price include?

A: Everything from A-Z. The weather stopper roofing system, all labor, materials, permit, dumpster, dump fees, clean up, and also AAR's experience, workmanship, and warranty.

Q: Is removing my old roof required?

A: Not always, but it is usually recommended. Primarily, it aids in assessing the condition of the roof deck or substructure. It is not uncommon for us to find unknown dry rot, wet decking, or pests at the time of tear off. With the roof removed, these problems can be addressed right away before any further damage occurs. Furthermore, removal of the old roof allows for the proper underlayments to be installed insuring long roof life.
Note: Local building codes often limit the numbers of roofing layers allowed (usually 2)

Q: What sort of warranty do you carry?

A: Warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Many have non-prorated, full replacement policy for a period of time, followed y a prorated period. AAR's relationship with several manufacturers extends standard warranties, lenghtening protection periods, in some cases up to 50 years, non-prorated.

Q: I plan on getting my roof done and my home sided/painted. Should I have to be done first?

A: Regarding construction jobs, you want to start at the top and work your way down. This prevents new materials from being damaged during roof removal.

Q: What is the difference between a fiberglass laminate and 3-tab shingles?

A: A laminate is composed of two shingle strips glues together in a way that creates a random appearance. They are rated for 25, 30, 40 and 50 years depending on the quality of thickness. The weight per square is a one layer, flat shingle. It has vertical key ways (slots) across it to create its pattern. It is available in 215 and 30 year ratings.

Q: I am planning to have my home re-roofed soon, but am concerned about my landscaping being damaged. What assurances do you have for these concerns?

A: Above All Roofing uses several techniques regularly to avoid landscaping damage. A brief inspection of your property helps develop a plan to prevent any and all damage to landscaping.

Q: How long does an average roofing job take?

A: Once we have started work on your home that work is not interrupted until it is completed - weather permitting. In general, most re-roofs take 1-2 days. When your job is scheduled, it is the only job for that crew until completion.

Q: My roof seems to be leaking and it is not raining. Why?

A: Condensation is most likely your problem. Vaulted ceilings are prone to this problem and may need to be vented, if possible, at the ridge and eaves. A moist crawl space can produce 20 gallons of water vapor per 1000 square feet and should be covered with 6 mil visqueen. Also, plants, bath vans, and other humidity all contribute to condensation problems. Another possibility could be plumbing leaks from toilets or sinks and the piping that connects to them.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

When Does A Rooftop Need Repairs?


The roof is a vital part of a properties structure and needs to be maintained to a high-standard to make sure it is able to offer the utmost level of protection. It is also the part of a property that he is likely to suffer more from adverse weather, which means the will roof need a regular schedule of inspection in place.

In order to decide when a pitched or flat roof might require maintenance work or a complete replacement, it helps if you are able to establish the actual age of the roof and the type of material it is constructed from. Older properties are likely to need repair work a lot sooner than some of the modern properties which are likely to be constructed with more hard-wearing and resilient materials. Certain older materials are known to deteriorate at a much quicker rate and therefore you need to complete inspections on a more frequent basis. If the regular schedule of inspecting, cleaning, and maintenance is in place, this can go a long way to prolonging the life expectancy of the properties rooftop surface.

Weather is a further reason that needs to be considered when establishing how often it might be necessary to carry out inspections or repairs on a particular roof top. Properties situated in areas that are likely to experience heavy winds, intense rain, and thick snowfall, are much like to need more attention and care.

It is generally found that the easiest method for checking whether or not a roof top requires remedial work is via a visual inspection. In order to achieve this, it would be necessary to give an in-depth inspection to search for chips, holes, breaks, or cracks in the roofs surface. If you don't actually feel comfortable inspecting a roof from roof height or a major defect in the roof structure is detected then it often benefits to call on the services of a professional roofing contractor to give an estimate on the required repair work.

If it becomes apparent that the roof defect is of such a significant size that it will be necessary to replace the roof, the roofing contractor will likely advice on the most resilient roofing material options to make sure it's able to last for the long-term. If contacting a roofing company, it is often helpful to get several estimates to make sure the figures quoted are at a reasonable and acceptable level.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7471591

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Roofing Maintenance Tips: When Is It Time for a Replacement?


The roof of a building is expected to withstand considerable abuse during its lifetime, from elements such as rain, hail, snow, fallen branches, and scalding temperatures. While a roofing structure is built to withstand these elements, at some point the roof can become damaged or could break down completely. Performing regular roofing maintenance will help a building owner get the most out of an existing roof, but at some point it will be time for a new roof. Do not make the mistake of keeping a shoddy roof for longer than it needs to be kept. Instead, install a new roof that will:
Eliminate the need for repairs
When hiring a roofing company to inspect the structure and provide roofing maintenance, the building owner is extending its lifespan. One of the most common repairs that building owners have to pay for is the removal of leaks. When a roof has a leak, it allows water and mold to accumulate within the structure. Retail and business owners also recognize that a leaky roof could leave the business susceptible to costly lawsuits due to the threat of slip-and-fall accidents. Roofing companies are also hired to replace shingles or repair areas of the roof that have decayed over time. Over time the cost of repairs will keep adding up until it becomes more cost effective to have a new roof installed instead. A replacement roof installed by a competent contractor will not require repairs for several years.
Be covered under a warranty
A roofing structure typically is protected by a warranty for a set number of years after its construction. An older roof has likely outlived its warranty, meaning that the building owner will be responsible for the full cost of roofing maintenance that becomes necessary down the line. Fortunately modern roofers will stand behind the quality of a new roof, offering a warranty at no additional cost. Some modern warranties cover the cost of semi-annual inspections so that the building owner discovers and is able to correct problems before they have a chance to grow into major issues. Since these warranties offer more protection against the cost of roofing maintenance, it will be cheaper to own and maintain a newly installed roof instead of keeping an older roof standing until it breaks down.
Boost the property value
When a house or other building is put up for sale, the owner usually invests thousands of dollars so that it is in a condition that is more appealing to potential customers. While the owner might replace the carpet, have the walls repainted, or renovate the kitchen, most neglect to install a new roof. However, a new roof offers a better return on investment (ROI) than the renovations mentioned above. This means that the property owner gets a higher percentage of what they spend on the roof back following the sale.
Replacing the roof on a building will allow the owner to reduce the amount of needed repairs, cover future roofing maintenance under a warranty, and boost the value of his or her property.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7468279

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Monday, January 14, 2013

Roofing Ventilation Myths

When most people think about roofing ventilation we have many different attic ventilation myths come to mind. We are going to discuss 5 of the biggest myths when it comes to roofing ventilation. There can be one of the most mis understood aspects of your roofing system. The American Institute or Architects claims that over 90% of the homes with in the United States has over the average moisture content in their homes.

Roofing Attic Ventilation Myths:
1. More Attic Ventilation is Good
The same as buying the right pair of pants, correct size shoes, making sure you have the right amount of attic ventilation for the size of home is equally as important in making sure things operate correctly. If your home has insufficient ventilation it can lead to a wide variety of problems, during the winter it can lead excess moisture build up in the attic and during summer months can lead to decreased efficiency of your HVAC system. On the opposite side of the spectrum too much attic ventilation can be equally as bad. In the most basic sense an additional roof vents creates an additional hole in your roof (roof penetration) which can act as another access point for water to enter into your home. You never want to increase the number of roof penetrations in your for no reason, this can lead to leaks from blowing rain or as an access point for sparks or smoke during a fire.

So, what amount of roof ventilation is the right amount? Without exception you should speak with a professional roofing contractor and have them conduct an inspection to determine the ventilation requirements of your home. As a general rule you can follow the 3-1 Ventilation Rule, so for every 300 sq/ft of ceiling space you want to have 1 sq/ft of attic ventilation. Ideally this would be 1 sq/ft of un obstructed intake ventilation (soffits) and 1st/ft of exhaust (roof vent). If your is sectioned off into various partitions determining the correct amount of ventilation can be more difficult.

2. Vents and Attic Ventilation is for Warmer Climates
The majority of people believe that the only importance of roof attic ventilation is to increase the energy efficiency during the summer months. Although proper attic ventilation can help with this it is equally as important to take into consideration shingle color, sun exposure, and insulation. In fact, the colder the climate the more likely that your home will benefit from having the proper attic ventilation. When dealing with warmer climates you don't need to deal with condensation- think about how often dew forms on your grass. In these climates, hot attic spaces are eliminated by installing a thermal barrier along the roof line, instead of the attic floor.

3. Roof Vents Remove Warm Air During Winter Months.
Many people get this misconception that because hot air rises, the attic ventilation draws all the heat upward in your home and pulls it out of your home causing un-necessary drag on your homes furnace equipment. If you are noticing increased strain on your homes HVAV system during the winter months you have much larger problems than attic ventilation and you should really be focusing on the insulation. In the majority of homes your furnace should not be heating your attic space, unless your home is designed with insulation directly on the roof deck and is designed without ventilation. The worst situation is when due to poor insulation warm humid moist air is allowed to enter the attic space from the interior of the home, when this warm moist air hits the roof it will likely form condensation which will deteriorate your roof decking, ruin the insulation you have and causing interior damage in the process. As an easy test for you wait until the sun goes down and enter into your attic with a digital thermometer and flashlight and take a reading, this reading should be almost the same as the exterior temperature.

4. Attic Ventilation Research
In some ways, roof ventilation is as much as an art as it is a science, and installing your own roof vents based on something you read online is like trying to diagnose a skin rash using WebMD. Finding a trusted and experienced roofer who has worked in your region for his or her entire career is a better judge for your particular roof than any research study or online "expert."

5. I have Roof Vents so I must have Ventilation
It is hard to find a group of people that will agree on what the best attic ventilation system is but everyone will agree on the importance of attic ventilation. For example systems such as a ridge vent which when installed correctly using the right product is arguably the best roofing system, while if you install a ridge vent without baffles that prevent outside air from crossing over the vent, a ridge vent may create almost no attic ventilation at all, as this outside air crosses over the vent and keeps air trapped inside your attic. Gable vents may circulate air through only a small percentage of your attic. Static, roof-line, vents are effective for ventilation, but generally aren't recommended due to issues with leaks. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic. Most effective ventilation uses a ridge-and-soffit continuous ventilation system, but even these designs can vary from roof to roof.

If you don't know how your roof vents work, or if you're unsure about your ventilation in general, you should talk to a roof inspector about your current system and any inherent weaknesses that may be at work. The risk/reward for having no attic ventilation or poor attic ventilation, along with the negligible cost of installing a good-working attic ventilation system makes them one of the unforgivable sins of home maintenance negligence.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6934802

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Importance of Professional Gutter Installation


Gutter installation is not usually something you want to do yourself. After all, most people don't want to try and bend material one way or the other to create an even flowing, effective system around the home. Though you could do it on your own, it may be a better option to have a professional handle the work for you. Doing so could make it far easier for you to get the job done and not have to worry about it for years to come. The question is, though, what is the benefit of having a pro do the work?

Customized Solutions

One of the biggest reasons to turn to a professional for gutter installation is simply because the system installed is right for your home. Often, they will build the gutters right on your property. They are customized to fit your specific needs. As a result, they often function better than any type of piece-by-piece project that you may purchase from a home improvement store. This is especially important for homes with numerous peaks and various twists and turns.

It Is Safer

No matter what time of the year or how many ladders you have, it is far riskier for you to handle the installation than for a team with ample tools and harnesses to keep them in place. That means that you do not have to worry about falling off the ladder or for your best friend or family member to fall if he or she is helping you with the installation. Hands down, having a pro do it will keep you from falling.

Minimizing Foundation Concerns

If the gutters are not put in properly, they can contribute to the problems you have with your foundation. As water runs through the system, if it is not flowing away from the home properly, it could push against the home's foundation. Water is incredibly dangerous because it washes away the soil surrounding your home. This makes it possible for moisture to enter your home or, even worse, for the foundation to weaken. You need to ensure that this system is pushing water away from your home and that the grading is done properly to avoid these risks.

You Get Guaranteed Service

If you invest in the right company and they install the system for you, but a problem happens a few weeks later, you want the ability to pick up the phone and get help. That's something you can do when you have a pro do it.

Getting a professional to handle gutter installation makes sense. The process is quick and easy. It can even be very affordable. It is a necessary step in maintaining your home.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7448344

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Essentials™ Accessory System Overview


Shingles are just one part of a much bigger picture. A healthy long lasting roof is actually made up of many parts that work together and if one of them is missing it can end up costing you in the long run. Owens Corning Roofing put together a system of products with everything your roof needs, the Essentials™ Accessory System.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

What to Know About Shingles


When most people purchase a house, they tend to forget that the shingles and other roofing materials are a very important part of it. After all, what would a house be without shingles? If you are here, you probably have the answer to that already and you know that at some point, you will need to replace or repair your roof. The question, however, is what type of shingles you will need, and even more importantly, what disaster could lead to the need for a total replacement. Let's talk about different shingle types and their lifespan to start.

Asphalt Shingles:

These are the most common shingles in the residential sector. They are indented, and they give more of a thatched appearance. In addition to that, they are very cheap. The average life expectancy of these shingles is 15 to 30 years, depending on weather conditions.

Wood Shingles:

These shingles are fairly expensive, but they will actually give you a more natural appearance. In addition to that, they will last much longer than asphalt. A lifespan of 30 to 50 years is usually expected with wood shingles, which will be reinforced if they are properly treated for fire.

Metal Shingles:

There are many different colors and styles when it comes to metal roofing, and they are very low maintenance. They are however very expensive and difficult to install. Metal shingles have the potential to last up to 50 years.

Tile Shingles:

Houses in dryer climates will benefit from tile shingles, and they work for different style homes. For example, French, Italian, and Spanish home styles look much better with tile singles. In addition to that, they are fireproof, ensuring a much longer lifespan. Keep in mind however that they are heavy, and you will need to ensure that the frame of your house can actually support it.

Slate Shingles:

These roofing solutions are aesthetically pleasing, but you should note that they are fairly expensive. They usually require a team of experienced professionals to complete the installation, and they can be very heavy. Like tile shingles, you will want to make sure that your roof can actually handle it.

As you can see, there are many different types of shingle available and roof maintenance is one of the most important things you can do for your home. It may not always be necessary to get a new roof, but there are circumstances under which you will need to perform that replacement. For example, if your roof becomes damaged in a hailstorm, or even collapses due to snow, you will need to know the extent of the damage, the cost to repair, and any warranty options that you might have. Repairing a roof and basic roof maintenance is not always the easiest thing in the world, but soon enough, you will have a great roofing solution, and you will be able to replace or repair your roof no matter what the circumstances. Search online today and find a good roof maintenance company to keep a roof over your head.

A professional roofing company will be able to discern between needing a new roof or some type of roofing maintenance.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7431091