Roof Contractor

5 Potential Signs of a Roof Leak

Posted on by cara

roof leak, professional roofing contractor

 

 

 

 

 

  

A leaky roof can quickly lead to other structural problems and not only depreciate the value of your home but also result in potential injuries to those who live within. Detecting a roof leak early is crucial to prevent further damage to your home. Let’s discuss five potential signs that may indicate a roof leak.

Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls

Trapped, flowing, or stagnant water inside walls can create havoc for your entire structure and potentially lead to health risks for its inhabitants. Look for discoloration or water stains on your ceilings or walls. These stains may appear as yellow or brown spots and often indicate water penetration from a roof leak.

Dripping or Water Sound

The sound of water droplets is normal outside, but inside, it can be a disaster. If you hear dripping sounds or notice water dripping from the ceiling during or after rainfall, it’s a clear indication of a roof leak. Investigate the source of the leak promptly to prevent further damage.

Mold or Mildew Growth

Industry experts debate just how serious mold is in a home, but most agree black mold is the most concerning type. Nonetheless, any type of mold spores can create respiratory problems or escalate existing health concerns. Excessive moisture from a roof leak can create a favorable environment for mold and mildew growth. If you notice a musty odor or see signs of mold or mildew on walls or ceilings, it may indicate an ongoing roof leak.

Buckling or Curling Shingles

Shingles can be aesthetically pleasing, but they also act as barriers to weather and debris. Shingles also need regular maintenance for that very reason. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell what caused the damage until they’re removed or inspected properly. If you’re unable to access your roof and inspect it properly yourself, always call a professional roofing contractor to do it. The inspection isn’t free, but it will give you insight into the condition of your roof. Damaged or deteriorating shingles can allow water to penetrate through the roof. If you or someone else can perform the inspection yourselves, look for shingles that are buckled, curled, cracked, or missing. These issues can compromise the integrity of your roof and lead to leaks.

Damaged Flashing or Roof Valleys

Flashing refers to the metal strips used to seal joints and transitions on the roof, such as around chimneys, vents, or skylights. If the flashing is damaged, loose, or missing, it can create openings for water to seep into your home. Similarly, roof valleys, which are the areas where two roof slopes meet, can be vulnerable to leaks if they are damaged or improperly sealed.

Any of the above signs can lead to weakening and decay throughout your home. So, If you observe any of these signs, it’s essential to address them promptly by contacting a professional roofer contractor. Give us a call to survey the situation. We can identify the source of the leak, and recommend the necessary repairs to prevent further damage.

 

5 Steps to Follow When Cleaning Gutters

Posted on by cara

cleaning gutters the modern prosGutters are responsible for removing water from your roof, but they can also easily collect leaves, debris, and other organic materials along the way. Cleaning gutters is an essential home maintenance task that should be done at least twice a year to prevent water damage to your home’s foundation and roof. Here are five steps to follow when cleaning gutters:

Prioritize Safety

Before you start cleaning your gutters, make sure you have the right equipment. This may include items such as a sturdy ladder, gloves, and safety glasses. Always make sure the ladder is stable and placed on a level surface to avoid accidental slips and injuries. It’s also a good idea to have someone hold the ladder steady while you’re on it. While cleaning gutters can be a one-person job, joining forces decreases the individual effort and overall time applied. 

Remove Debris

Chances are, there will be a lot of debris and gunk in your gutters. Use a small garden trowel or a gutter scoop to remove debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt from your gutters. Start at the downspout and work your way toward the opposite end of the gutter. Place the debris in a bucket or compost bin. If you absolutely need to use a garbage bag, make sure it’s strong enough to avoid ripping, and don’t overfill it. 

Flush All Gutters

After removing the larger debris, flush out your gutters with a garden hose to remove smaller debris and check for any clogs. If you have any doubts about the debris, remove it manually. Make sure the water flows freely through the downspout. Occasionally, rodents and other stubborn debris can get lodged or stuck in your gutters, so don’t hesitate to call in the pros if needed. 

Check for Damage

As you clean your gutters, check for any signs of damage such as cracks, rust, or loosened brackets. These issues can cause water to leak onto your roof, inside cracks, or overflow altogether, so it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. You can also see if there’s any unexpected roof damage within your eye line while you’re at it. 

Clean Up

After you’ve finished cleaning your gutters, be sure to clean up the surrounding area by raking up any debris that may have fallen on the ground. Dispose of the debris properly and make sure your ladder and other equipment are stored away safely. If you’ve had to remove the gutters for any reason, make sure you replace them and secure their brackets properly. 

Cleaning up can actually take as much time, if not more, than cleaning the gutter systems. This, of course, depends on the experience levels and the “helpers” involved. If you want to avoid any potential headaches, simply contact us to connect with a professional roofing contractor. Either way, by following these steps, you can ensure that your gutters are clean and functioning properly, helping to prevent water damage and protect your home.

 

4 Reasons to Replace Siding

Posted on by cara

replace siding, siding contractor in MichiganDepending on the type of siding materials used, the siding on your home or business can last between a decade or several decades. However, it will require proper maintenance regardless of which materials are chosen, and those maintenance costs can get out of control if you’re not careful or consistent. Sometimes common sense outweighs the cost factor, and it’s simply time for a replacement. But how can you tell if or when it’s time to replace siding? 

Heating or Cooling Bills Are Out of Control

Utility bills fluctuate regularly, and sometimes they can get out of control because of unforeseen issues that have nothing to do with the customer’s end. However, if your home or business can’t seem to maintain comfortable seasonal temperatures indoors and that’s affecting your electric and gas prices, chances are there are some structural concerns. The quick fix may be as simple as replacing your siding. 

Maintenance Or Matching Has Become Too Much 

Owning a home is a worthy venture, and it can save money in the long run over renting. However, with maintenance needs, there’s a lot of truth to the cliche, “When it rains, it pours”. UV rays and weather can take a serious toll on the color and condition of your siding, and there may be a time you can no longer match it with replacement materials. If your siding continuously requires maintenance or if those maintenance costs are getting out of control, it may be time to replace that siding once and for all. 

There’s Obvious External Damage 

Structural and external issues such as rodents or insects can cause obvious visual damage to your siding. Once you see holes or tears in the material, there’s a good chance something has burrowed inside it. The perpetrators can be mice, chipmunks, or other small critters using your home to hatch and protect their young or store their food stash for the season. But you could also have termites and other insects that reproduce by the mound or by the thousands. Rather than trying to repair the extensive damage, it may be easier and less expensive to just replace your siding.  

Your Home Is Rotting Or Decaying 

Mold of any kind in or outside of your home can be a disgusting, toxic mess. While all types of mold can release toxins and cause health issues, most professionals are primarily concerned with black mold. There’s some discrepancy between how dangerous the darker molds are, but they stain more and lead to uglier and more obvious signs of damage. Extensive water causes mold on siding or other building structures, lack of proper ventilation, and water damage. And it always needs to be removed by a professional or treated when it’s discovered. Mold and water damage can also lead to extensive decay of the siding or the materials beneath it. Contact us to discuss your concerns and options with a competent and experienced siding contractor in Michigan.