admin, Author at Beaumont Roofing

Ways to weather proof your Beaumont roof

Weather can be unforgiving to your roof. However, there is a lot you can do to keep a roof in excellent shape, making it resilient against harsh weather conditions. Weatherproofing is a popular technique to squeeze more life out of your roof.

But how do you go about it? Below we will share some of the best ways to weatherproof your roof.

1. Clean the gutters

Gutters require little maintenance, but it’s easy for homeowners to forget about cleaning them. Clearing dirt and debris from the gutters and downspouts will keep the system functioning well. It is best to clean gutters every six months, preferable in early spring or early fall.

If rainwater is not effectively channeled to the appropriate areas away from your home, it can damage basements and foundations. When water overflows, it can also end up running onto the fascia board, increasing the risk of rotting.

2. Install gutter guards

A gutter guard, also known as a gutter screen or helmet, is worth the investment, especially if several trees surround your house. It covers the gutters, preventing leaves and large debris from entering the gutter system. Wind will blow most of the litter off the roof. Even if this wasn’t the case, clearing that debris with a stiff bristle broom is easy, and you can complete the task within a short time.

3. Prune trees

Dropping leaves and debris is not the only inconvenience trees create. If branches are hanging over the roof, pruning them is one of the best ways to weatherproof your roof. That is because the heavy branches can fall on the roof if high winds or a storm hits the city.

Consequently, they can damage the metal sheets or asphalt shingles. Don’t underestimate lighter branches, as they can dent or scratch the roof surface, making it unsightly.

4. Install roof deicing cables

Ice dams are bad news. They can tear off gutters, clog the roof system, and loosen shingles. In the worst case, water can leak into your house.

If your roof is prone to ice dams, you can protect yourself against this problem using deicing cables. These self-regulating wires warm up the ice, melting it.

The melted ice and snow will flow freely into the gutters and away from your house.

5. Ventilate and insulate the attic

Some homeowners weatherproofing their roofs often overlook the attic insulation and ventilation aspect.

Without proper ventilation and insulation, excess hot air in your home can escape through the roof. If this happens when snow is covering the roof, ice can form and lead to the issues we have mentioned above.

In another scenario, heat can be trapped in your home when temperatures soar into the high ranges. Shingles can become baked from below, especially if you store items in the attic.

Creating sufficient ventilation and installing high-quality insulation in your attic can help you save on heating and cooling costs.

6. Use a seam tape

If you are trying to weatherproof a concrete roof, the seam tape can create the waterproof seal you need. It can help keep the moisture out of your building, preventing several issues.

Some types of waterproofing seam tapes can apply to metal, wood, and fiberglass roofing materials. The tape properties can allow it to conform to curves if necessary.

But we recommend consulting with a trusted roofing company before you purchase and apply it to your roof.

7. Troubleshoot the roof

After a storm, make an effort to inspect your roof thoroughly for damage. You will want to ensure there are no loose, missing, curled, or cracked shingles. Otherwise, replace them as soon as possible.

Leaving gaps in the shingles exposes the underlayment to wind and sun. Unfortunately, this deteriorates the roof quickly.

8. Waterproof under shingles

If you are building a new roof or replacing an old one, use a reliable waterproof material between the rafters and shingles.

Some solid materials for waterproofing under shingles are thermoplastic polyolefin, breathable TPO membranes, tar paper, and roofing felt.

Most of these ways to weatherproof your roof are DIY-friendly. In some cases, you may need to work with knowledgeable roofing experts. This is almost always the best course of action to avoid committing mistakes that could prove expensive to fix.

Financing A New Roof

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If you’ve been planning on replacing your existing roof, or are handling a new project, you need to invest right. A successful project means you have to get the right materials and a reliable contractor. All this requires enough money, an expense which you as a homeowner can handle in various ways.

In today’s article, we take you through some of the reliable financing options to help you pick the best, according to your needs. Take a look!

Choosing the Best Payment Method

The best way to finance a new roof mainly depends on the following factors:

The amount of money you have in your pocket

How many sacrifices you’re willing to pay to save money for your project

Your household’s total annual income

Is your current credit rating good or bad?

How worse are your roof damages?

We will cover all these factors as we weigh in on the various ways to pay for projects below:

7 Most Effective Payment Methods for Your New Roof

Check or Cash

Using cash or check to pay for your new roof, and all attached expenses are the easiest and most worry-free way around. However, due to the high expenses of such projects, only a few people can comfortably use this method, 100%. If your household’s annual income is good, and you have enough cash in your pocket, this method is best for you.

One of the reasons why this method is the simplest is that you get to skip all the complicated paperwork and approval processes involved in other payment plans. You simply have to sign a contract with the roofing company and everything else will flow according to your agreement. Most companies require you to deposit some cash and clear the remainder after installation. The deposit shows your seriousness towards the project.

Personal Loan

There are various lenders offering loads of personal loans for roofing, and other home improvement projects. However, the approval rate varies from lender to lender, and largely depends on your previous financial relationship and current credit rating.

If you have a good credit rating, you can easily get a personal loan from your preferred bank or financial institution within your locality. To get the most out of a personal loan, ensure you take some time shopping around for lenders with favorable terms. Check out the creditor’s loan length and the expected interest rate, and then go with the one that saves you some cash.

Credit Card

Most people assume that credit cards are for meeting basic household expenses, which is far from the truth. The truth is that you can finance home improvement projects on a credit card!

This option is ideal if your credit card offers generous incentives and users. If you can get a cash-back bonus, the better! Also, if your credit card is new, and offers a 0% interest over 12 months, it would be best if you use it to finance your project, then pay it off the following year.

But considering the high-interest rates charged by credit cards, it’s best to look out for other financing options, if you aren’t enjoying any incentives or no interest. You will save extra money and use it to pay a more gentle loaning option.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan loans you a fixed amount of money secured against your home. Their repayment terms are similar to those of mortgages and they adhere to a specific set term. They offer a predictable payment option and are perfect consideration if you already have equity built up on your home. You can check the availability of the home equity loan with your bank or preferred lender.

The major downside of this method is that your house is the collateral of your home, and you risk having your home foreclosed if you default. You also need to showcase a good credit score and a consistent annual household income.

Roof Company Financing

If you don’t prefer paying in cash, or don’t have enough cash in your pockets to pay for your project in full, consider using a roofing contractor that offers financing.

This method is ideal for big home improvement projects as it improves the commitment of both involved parties. It’s also simple, and straightforward.

Insurance Claim

This is one of the most difficult methods to use, because most insurance policies exclude normal wear and tear. But if your roof is severely damaged, from a storm or other natural causes, it will be easier to get a payout.

In Conclusion, the best way to pay for your roof entirely depends on you-your needs and preference.

Tips On Extending Your Roof Life

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Save On Expenses

The best way that you have of preserving your roof and extending the life of it is routine maintenance. Most people are unaware that there are things they can do to help with this. Below are some steps listed that you personally could do to make sure you get as many years out of it as possible. But remember, if you are in doubt or even if you just are not comfortable with getting on top, call a professional.

Inspection

If you are just moving into a home make sure to hire a professional for inspection. Damages taken care of now can save you a ton of money later. If this has been your home for a while, you can do the inspection yourself if you want. If you find any problems, contact a professional company and have them come do an inspection.

Tree Problems

Make sure that your trees are always cut back away from your house. Overhanging tree branches can scratch and puncture your shingles.

Other Debris

Clean all the leaves and sticks from your gutters. They clog up the gutters and keep water from flowing which will hold too much moisture can result in mold all around your home.

Clean Your Roof

Make sure to clean 2-3 times a year. Sweep off any sticks and leaves and also check for hanging or damaged gutters, replace what is bad.

Ventilation

If you do not have proper ventilation it can cause the wood to start to rot, insulation to be ineffective and shingles to start buckling.

Insulation

Make sure you have insulated properly. With poorly maintained insulation you won’t have the appropriate airflow needed for ventilation.

Check your shingles

Your house is constantly exposed to the elements of the weather. Weather can cause your shingles to tear or otherwise be damaged. Water can seep in and cause rot which leads to structural damage. Check your shingles once a year.

Animals

Animals love to make their nests and homes under and in the attic. As cute as they are, they can cause severe damage. Anything from tearing soffits open to ripping up your shingles. Make sure to check for these things twice a year.

Flashing

Check the flashing, the galvanized steel or aluminum, around the exhaust pipes, chimneys, and vents 4 times a year. Make sure that it isn’t bent or damaged. Check the sealant too. Loose or dried up sealant can cause leaks.

Moss

Moss can trap in water and cause severe damage to the structure. Keep an eye out on the shady, moist areas. If you see moss starting to grow, get rid of it.

Your roof is exposed to so many different weather conditions and those conditions will break down your shingles and other roofing material. Routine inspections will save you time and money by keeping it in top shape for as long as possible. Remember that unexpected damage, if not repaired soon enough, can cause major damage to interior, building structure, and things inside your home that you cherish, including the health of you and your family.

How to Check Your Roof After a Hurricane

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Hurricanes, thunderstorms are one of the main reasons why roofs get damaged and require expensive repairs. After a hurricane , taking advantage of havoc caused, some dishonest contractors interested in making quick money may try to convince the home owner to hire their services. However, though there may be a hurricane in the area, the extent of the damage will vary depending on various factors, like the wind speed, type and quality of roofing installed, design and age of the house. Hence it is advisable to assess the extent of the damage caused accurately before taking a decision.

Check surroundings

Usually due to the high speed hurricane wind, parts of the roof may break off. These parts will then fall to the ground around the house. So inspecting the area around the house for debris will give some indication of the extent of damage. If larger portions are found on the ground, it means that the roof is extensively damaged. If there is little or no damage, no debris will be visible.

Checks for Leaks Indoors

If part has been blown away or the roof has developed holes or cracks because of the hurricane rainwater can easily leak into the house through these holes. Using hurricanes are accompanied by heavy rainfall, so even if there is a very small hole, water will start leaking into the house. Hence it is advisable to inspect the house thoroughly to check for water leakage

Ground Level Inspection

In many cases, the damage is visible from the ground. In some cases, this damage may not be visible, from immediately below it. However, looking at the house from some distance away, like from the road near the house, the patches due to missing shingles will be visible. In other cases, the alignment of the roof may be affected.

Contact a Professional for Inspection

In case even a small problem is detected in the roofing after the preliminary inspection after the hurricane, it is advisable to call a professional roofing contractor for a thorough inspection. This ensures that the roofing problem is fixed at the initial stage itself, at a low cost which is more affordable. The roofing contractor has the tools, safety gear and experienced staff to handle all kinds of roofing problems, so that the roof can last for a long time.

Most Common Roofing Problems

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The roof is an essential part of our home. But sometimes, we take it for granted. At the time of making any home improvements, we always put living areas, bathrooms and yards in the first place. We eventually negate the condition, But major problems should not be ignored. You may think that it is durable enough at the time of installation. But after some years many problems may arise and affect the condition of the roof. So, you will have to know about problems and their solutions as well. If you want to protect your house then, you will have to spot some common problems and find out the solution for it.

Damaged shingles

It depends on the configuration. You may lose some shingles before you notice it. Apart from this, due to the extreme weather condition, you may have the damaged or lifted shingles. Too much sun heat may cause damage to your shingles.

To solve this problem, you may hire an experienced person and replace the shingle. At the time of installation, some companies or workers store a box of extra shingles in your house. You can fix this yourself or else you can call the expert.

Roof leaks and moisture

While you see the water spots in your ceiling from your room or living room then it is high time to call a roofing expert. Leaking is a big problem. It can damage your interior part of the home.

So, you need to hire an expert for inspection more often. Water travels from the top of its panels and then it will start to create damage and spot in the interior part of your home. So, an expert is needed in this case.

Poor installation and unsatisfactory workmanship

Poor installation can be the reason for your roofing problems. If you get unsatisfactory workmanship then, you will have to face a lot of problems and issues.

Installing a new one is one of the most costly solutions that you will have to do for your home improvement. But while it is done well then, you will get a highly satisfied and durable one. It will ensure the protection of your house. So, hiring the professional and expert roofing solution is the best choice for you to maintain the best condition.

Lack of maintenance

Your house needs proper and regular maintenance. You should not ignore the small problem. A small problem may lead to big issues. So, maintenance and repairing are very much necessary for avoiding any kinds of roofing problems.

For that, you need to hire the best roofing solution in the market. You will get expert advice from there and high-quality services will assure durability. The best material and solution will ensure the lifespan of the roof.

Apart from this, there are so many roofing problems such as shrinkage, crackling and snow and ice damage. So, you will have to hire the best installing and repairing company for the perfect solution.

Routine Maintenance Can Save You More Money Long Term

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If your home shows signs of damage, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. If you don’t keep it in good condition, it won’t do well to protect your family from hot heat, pouring rain, and heavy snow. It is a protector of your home and its people. Given the role it plays in your life, you must take care of the maintenance.

Just like many other areas of your home, your roof requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. Proper inspections and maintenance can help eliminate costly problems and even emergencies in the future. The cost of performing regular maintenance far outweighs the cost of an emergency repair or replacement.

Check the inside

When you think about maintenance for your home, you are probably thinking of going up to the top of your home and inspecting or repairing the structure. While this is an essential step in maintaining your home, you should start with the inspection inside your home. Look at the highest points in your home, including your attic, and look for any signs of water damage from light penetration to determine if there are any problems with the ceiling. If you notice any damage, it’s essential to act now before the damage gets out of hand.

Hire a professional

When the time comes to inspect the exterior, it is time to hire a professional. Only professional ceiling contractors understand ceiling inspection safety. They will know where to go and how to protect themselves to prevent further damage to the house or themselves. They also understand strictly what to look for and what maintenance needs to be done to ensure your roof’s longevity.

A homeowner inspecting is different from a professional looking at it! Your roofer will examine it thoroughly. He can offer you permanent solutions. He’ll also give you suggestions on how to keep the it intact. Once the inspection is complete, you will fully understand the cost of maintenance.

What are they looking for

Professionals will check gutters and shimmers, which is especially necessary after a long winter. If your gutters are clogged or broken, you could suffer significant water damage around your home. If the water does not flow freely, it will remain in the gutter, causing problems in the immediate areas outside your home as well as inside your home. There are more problems that professionals have only been trained enough to examine and think of solutions that are more economical and long-lasting.

Proper ceiling maintenance also requires a careful examination of each of the tiles or panels on the surface. Even if it’s a damaged or missing wood plank can cause severe damage to your home. With regular maintenance, you can repair panels or tiles without the entire thing having to be replaced. If this area is not immediately maintained and repaired, it will cause much more damage down the road, leaving you compelled to undertake repairs inside your home as well as potentially replacing, which can be a very costly repair.

The Dangers of Not Repairing a Roof Leak

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There are so many hidden issues as well as obvious issues to not fixing a leaky roof. It may seem smart to put off fixing a leaky home and that the homeowner will save money in the long run putting this very necessary repair off. A homeowner runs the risk of damaging his entire health as well as putting his family at risk.

Just because the leak may not be heard or seen you will see the effects of it eventually in your home. The damage will be widespread it is guaranteed if the leak is not fixed immediately. The following are some major but common problems that could occur from a leak:

Mold Risk a Guaranteed Realty

Whenever water is allowed to remain it will affect a home’s structure sooner or later and water damage and mold will appear. Mold will grow like weeds when water is present where it should not be in the home. Even if a leak is allowed to exist for a couple days mold and mildew will grow in dark areas of the home where it cannot be seen and immediately taken care of. Worse yet mold and mildew can grow on almost any surface on the house such as joints, structural joists, drywall, and insulation will all be compromised if mold or mildew grows on these surfaces. The efficiency of these surfaces will be compromised and their appearance will change as well. They will look unsightly as a result of sustained mold and mildew damage.

Roof Frame Compromised

Other ways roof repairs can be critical is concerning frame damage. If the leak being repaired is delayed it can cause the entire frame to be damaged which results in the rafters , joists, and the truss system (which is a basic part of the structure and integrity) weakening and eventually could collapse and at the very least make the it sag.

The sagging will weaken the structure and integrity of the walls of the house and in time the whole structure of the house will become weak and could collapse. What was a moderate repair has now become a major repair that costs thousands of dollars.

Heat Loss

A homeowner may wonder how letting fixing a leak go could affect the heating bill. Most homes are installed with fiberglass insulation. If fiberglass insulation becomes wet it will clump and compress. If this happens to the insulation your home will lose considerable heat and become noticeably less energy efficient. The heating bill will just keep going up until the house is repaired of all leaks and the insulation is replaced.

What was once a minor leak to repair has now turned into the it being repaired or rebuilt, The walls need to be repaired and the insulation has to be replaced. If any signs are noticed of a leak (ceilings droop, water bubbles in the ceiling,roof starts to sag) then take care of it immediately.

Finally, if you notice the first signs of a leak no matter how minor. Get it repaired as soon as you can and you will save yourself thousands of dollars in the long run in costly roof repairs.