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Top Roof Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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  Common Roof Replacement Mistakes to Avoid Roof replacement is a big project, and if errors are committed, it can lead to costly repairs or a premature death for your roof. Whether a contractor is hired or a do-it-yourself job is chosen, knowing these common mistakes such as when a roofer left the roof exposed can help save money, time, and stress. Let’s dive into some of the most common mistakes to stay away from when replacing roofs: Avoid These Common Roof Replacement Mistakes 1. Selecting the Wrong Roofing Material Homeowners often commit a big mistake in roof replacement by choosing roofing material unsuitable for the weather and their budget. Not every roof material is destined to withstand all types of weather. Standard weather will suffice for asphalt shingles, but metal roofs can serve better in flood zones or heavy snowfall. What can go wrong during a roof replacement? Poor material choice, improper installation, or lack of expert consultation can lead to costly repairs....

The Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning for a Healthy Home

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The proper operation of gutters protects your house from experiencing water damage. Rainwater removal through gutters protects your roof along with walls and foundation which, in turn, blocks costly damage. Gutters become ineffective in funneling water to drains after gathering leaves debris and dirt inside their channels. Proper home care requires regular gutter cleaning because leaving them unclean will result in various detrimental effects. Let’s talk about why it’s so crucial to keep your gutters clean and how it can protect you against costly home repair work. Top Reasons to Clean Your Gutters Regularly 1. Stops Water Damage One of the most important reasons cleaning your gutters should be your priority is to prevent those great water damages. When gutters are left clogged with leaves and debris, rainstorms will cause leaks through your roof and walls onto your foundation. Over time this may result in structural damages, which will diminish the market value of your house. 2. Gua...

Vinyl or Aluminum Gutters: Which Is Better for Your Home?

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Gutters are most essential for protecting your home from water damage. It is a dilemma that most homeowners face to choose between vinyl and aluminum gutters. Each material has some good and bad aspects, which will ultimately help you make a more informed decision for your home. Vinyl vs. Aluminum Gutters: A Detailed Comparison 1. Durability and Longevity Vinyl Gutters:  These gutters are made of durable PVC plastic that is resistant to rust and corrosion. On the other hand, they become brittle with age, especially in extreme hot or cold temperatures. In cold weather they crack or break, and reduce their lifespan. Vinyl gutters usually last from 10-20 years. Aluminum Gutters:  They are tougher than vinyl and may withstand some very nasty weather. Since aluminum does not rust, this means it is longer-lasting. With reasonable care, you can expect your aluminum gutters to last anywhere from 30 years and more.  Winner:  Aluminum gutters are more durable. 2. Cost and Affo...

Is Rock Salt a Safe Option for Melting Snow and Ice on Your Roof?

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  The winter months see homeowners searching for ways to scrape away the snow and ice from their roofs. Rock salt is perhaps the most obvious choice in many situations, since one would use it for de-icing sidewalks or driveways. But is it really safe for the roof? Let’s examine the pros and cons of rock salt and rock salt shells with regards to other routes that are less harmful to the homeowner’s roof. How Rock Salt Works Rock salt (sodium chloride) reduces the freezing point of water, which inhibits ice from forming and melts snow. It’s widely used on roads, sidewalks, and driveways due to its cost-effectiveness. Yet, as effective as it is on horizontal surfaces, a salt roof situation can be quite different. Why Rock Salt Can Be Dangerous to Your Roof 1. Damage to Roofing Materials Rock salt is extremely corrosive. One pollution can damage shingles, metal flashings, and gutters, which will turn out to be very expensive if not monitored closely. Proper  roofing maintenance ...

Best Methods to Eliminate Ice Dams from Your Roof

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  Snow in winter time looks wonderful, but it also brings along certain problems. One of these is the formation of ice dams.  These annoying ice buildups can cause severe damage to your house if they go untreated. Besides being a pain when it causes water retention, ice dams can create leaks within your home.  Thankfully, there are effective and safe treatments to remove roof ice and prevent future occurrences. This article depicts simple ways to help you deal with this problem. What are Ice Dams? Before starting to remove the ice dams, let’s take a moment to understand what exactly an ice dam is. Ice dams happen when warm air from your house melts snow on the roof, causing water to run down to the edge of the roof where it refreezes. This can form a thick layer, sometimes several inches high, of solid ice. The dam backs up the water and ultimately accrue damage that may, thereafter, occur inside the house because of leaks. Best Solutions to Remove Ice Dams 1. Employ a Ro...

Reroof vs. Roof Replacement: Which Is Best for You?

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  The time to evaluate rooftop conditions and their damages brings several potential solutions into consideration. People typically have two different approaches for managing their roofs, which include  reroofing  and roof replacement. When debating whether to reroof or install a new roof, understanding these differences together, with the advantages and disadvantages of both choices, enables you to pick the home solution that suits your property the most. What is Reroofing? Reroofing, otherwise referred to as overlaying or “re-roof,” entails putting a fresh layer of shingles over your old roof. This means adding a new layer on top of the existing roofing material to restore its protective function. It is the perfect quick solution if your roof shows signs of aging, but is structurally sound. The entire process is relatively less laborious compared to having your roof entirely replaced, thereby more cost-efficient and quicker turnover. What Is Roof Replacement? The instal...