Home Improvement Roofs and Gutters

Whether you are in need of a new roof on your current home or coming to a decision about a roof for a new build, there are different varieties for everyone. Traditionally speaking, 3-tab shingles are the preferable route. They are much more cost-effective, and that is oftentimes what drives these projects.

Your roof is a crucial part of your home. It prevents the elements from leaking into your home, and it also helps keep your home insulated and secure. For some, a roof is even a beautiful and relaxing part of the dwelling. Roof decks and rooftop living areas have become increasingly common.

Without proper ventilation, humid air can stagnate and lead to build-ups of mold in your home. Including a ridge vent on your roof is one of the most effective ways to avoid that unhealthy situation.

When you’re trying to fortify your home and shed, roofing is going to be a major part of your investment. Roofing is what keeps your stuff dry and acts as the barrier between your stuff and the elements. Roof felt is a layer of waterproof, tar-based paper that is meant to help keep water outside of your rooftop and slow down rot. In recent years, people have been searching out different alternatives to roof felt, but what are they?

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home because it protects you from all of the elements and provides insulation. However, if your roof is old or in poor shape, then it could be making your house unbearably cold during the winter months.

In areas that experience high rainfall throughout the year, effectively moving water away from your home is critical. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of the importance of protecting their foundations from water infiltration. Gutters, downspouts, and drains are critical components of protecting your home’s foundation from water infiltration.

Roof leaks are extremely common, particularly around vent pipes. Many components protect your vent pipes, and any of them can get damaged. Home repairs usually cause headaches, but leaks near your vent pipe are typically easy to remedy.

Gutters are a necessity for every homeowner, particularly if you live in a windy, rainy climate. Leaves and debris that enter your gutter can cause sagging, clogs, and expensive damage. Gutter guards are a way to get around expensive gutter maintenance. So, do gutter guards work with existing gutters?

Roof decking, or sheathing, is the thin sheets of plywood (or some other material) that support your roof. If your roof decking is exposed to moisture, it can result in rot which impacts the structural integrity of your roof. This problem often goes unnoticed, as damage to roof decking is hidden above your attic insulation and underneath your roofing shingles.

Roof systems come in all shapes and sizes but can generally be classified into two categories: flat and pitched. Both types of roof systems can be ideal for a wide range of buildings.

Roof sheathing is typically a wooden layer that connects your trusses to your roof’s outermost material, e.g. asphalt shingles. Roof sheathing is usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Other materials may be used for different buildings, but these two are the most common for residential homes.

Gutters are a commonly understated component of your home’s exterior. When they start to malfunction, they can cause a lot of hassle and headaches for homeowners. Broken, damaged, warped, sagging, or faulty gutters are issues that often lead to a much bigger problem down the line.

Believe it or not, your roof is one of the most important aspects of the exterior of your home. Since roofs typically last around 20 years, the shingle color you choose is a major decision to make and one you will likely be stuck with for quite a while. As such, choosing the right shingle color will ensure that your home has curb appeal and looks beautiful for years to come. In order to make an informed decision, you must consider the style of your home, the climate you live in, and the look you’re trying to achieve.

For most homes, the roof is the biggest form of defense. Roof ventilation permits air flow through the metal roofing system to keep your roof performing as best as possible. The proper roof ventilation system is crucial to extending the life of your roof, saving you money on your energy bills, and ensuring that your home is a much healthier environment.

The roof is one of the most important parts of the home. To ensure the roof is secure and leak-proof, roof felt—otherwise known as tar paper—is put down before the shingles are. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends using roof felt to waterproof a roof. But can roof felt be put down on a wet roof? Such is the question this article answers.

If you live in an area where severe weather is prevalent, your roof should be your top priority. When choosing a new roof for your home, you want to make sure it can withstand high winds. Before making your decision, research the best roof for you and your needs. 

Roofing repair is a headache for any homeowner. It can also be costly as contractors are not cheap. If you have experience doing home repairs, you may be able to save money by sheathing your roof yourself.  

On average, roofs last about 20 years. However, homeowners with wood shingle or shake roofing may get 30 years out of their roof but asphalt roofs can last as little as 15 years. The lifespan of your roof is also impacted by how severe the weather is in your area. When the time comes to perform extensive repairs or replace the roof completely, it’s important to understand what’s involved in hauling away the waste.

The purpose of a roof is to protect the ceiling above you from natural elements. When a roof works effectively, all water will slide down it and eventually find the gutters along the roof’s perimeter. Normally water can flow with the force of gravity naturally to the ground. 

Keeping a roof over your head is only half the battle. That roof must also be waterproof and sturdy enough to handle all weather conditions. So, homeowners usually install flashing to help improve their home’s appearance and keep it protected.

There are many reasons why a roof might need replacing or repaired. Homeowners looking into getting a new roof or having a roof repaired also understand the expense involved. It is also very likely that they now realize and value the need for having a good roof. The good news is our roofs generally do not require much of our time or attention. When we do need to replace or repair that roof though, it will demand more than just our attention. It will also often cause us to ask a few questions, like why those new roof shingles don’t lay flat.

Birds are beautiful. But that doesn’t mean you want them nesting in the gutters hanging from your roof. Letting birds make nests in your gutters can spell trouble. So, what are you supposed to do?

When the clouds open up and a downpour begins, your roof better be able to withstand the relentless onslaught of rain. If it can’t, leaks are bound to happen, and these can compromise the structural integrity of a building while also paving the way for mold, mildew, and other dangerous spawns.

Gutters help to safeguard your home from flood damage caused by heavy rainfall. However, gutters can become clogged as well, which is why gutter guards were developed. Do gutter guards, on the other hand, withstand heavy rain?

Reshingling a roof is a project you won’t frequently encounter if you keep up with regular roof maintenance and cleaning. On average, reshingling a roof should happen every 20 years or so, depending on the shingle material. When it’s time to reshingle the roof, though, how long can you expect the roofing crew to take?

There is a never-ending list of codes that your home must be compliant with in order to pass inspection. Roofs are among the most susceptible to inspection issues and can be the reason why your house doesn’t pass. So, is drip edge required by code?

Gutter cleaning is a time-consuming and often risky task. When you have to climb up on a ladder to clean your gutters regularly, you put yourself in danger of falling and injuring yourself. Gutter guards keep gutters from becoming clogged, deter unpleasant creatures from breeding inside.

One of the most significant differentiators between roofs is the slope, or the roof’s vertical rise over its horizontal run. Roofs with a low slope are nearly flat, while roofs with a high slope are steeper. But what constitutes a roof as a low-slope system?

Black roof shingles are a common choice due to their versatility and aesthetically-pleasing appearance. But does the common knowledge that the color black absorbs heat apply to roofs as well?

Many homeowners are likely unaware that different-sized gutters exist, and we’d venture to suggest that even more homeowners are unaware of the size of the gutters on their property! It’s a crucial detail to understand because it affects the performance of your gutter system significantly.

It pours when it rains. When the rain stops, all of the rainfall ends up in your gutter system. We have a big problem on our hands if your gutter system captures little to no rainwater at all. A drip edge is frequently built on your roof to divert water towards the gutter. However, this isn’t always enough.

A leaky roof can be very problematic. Failing to do something about the leak ahead of time makes your home vulnerable to passing thunderstorms. Your ceiling and other parts of your home may end up badly damaged due to a previously small leak opening up.

For a contractor to get a permit, they must prove that they are licensed with each city where they work. As a homeowner, this is important for your insurance and to cover anything on your property. Pulling a permit is just a phrase contractors use to state they are applying for a permit, but what if your roofer did not pull the permit?

Roofing is a complicated endeavor. There are more than a few reasons why it is not recommended that you take on major roofing work yourself. That is because these are professionals that not only know what they are doing but follow codes and regulations that hold them to a standard of quality.

The terms “hot roof” and “cold roof” come up frequently when discussing roofing, but what do they really mean? What’s the difference between them? And which one is the better choice for your home?

Understanding roof pitch is vital, especially when having any work done to your home. But, what exactly constitutes a steep roof pitch versus a low pitch?

While a specific shape and size may come to mind when you think about gutters, they are actually available in numerous shapes and sizes. Gutters are more diverse than many assume, and understanding your options can help you decide which gutter product is the ideal fit for your home. So, this brings us to the question that is likely on your mind: “What size gutters do I need?”

The structure of a building can be quite complex. Your eye normally only sees the walls, exterior and roof shingles. There is, however, a plethora of more intricate structures and networks hiding behind the facade.

A tree has fallen onto your roof or there are leaks from long-term roof disrepair. You know you need to replace your roof but can’t do it just yet. The quickest fix is to add a tarp. A tarp is a large sheet of strong, water-resistant or waterproof material that’s typically made of canvas or polyester and is coated with polyurethane or made of plastics such as polyethylene.

Ventilation is an often overlooked yet extremely important aspect of your home’s energy consumption. Ridge vents and attic fans are the two most common types of attic exhaust systems. So, what is the difference between a ridge vent and an attic fan?

Roofing is a critical component of a home’s structural stability. The roof protects a house from the elements and is frequently the first line of defense against issues such as wind and moisture. Unfortunately, this can lead to a roof’s deterioration or the development of problems that necessitate repair.

Ventilation is one of the most important parts of living comfortably in your home. You will find soffit vents in countless homes and they are some of the best ways to improve your home’s ventilation. So, how many soffit vents do you need?

Gutters are great for keeping rain where it belongs — away from your house. Your gutters add an aesthetic appeal to your home, but their real purpose is to direct rain away from your home’s exterior and foundation and prevent water damage. But during a downpour, what do you do if rainwater overshoots the gutter?

After binge-watching real estate shows, you might think you need to fix everything in your house before you can list it. But the truth is, you can overdo it. Some things just aren’t worth repairing or upgrading before you sell. However, there are undoubtedly home fixes you must complete before selling. 

Many homeowners may never experience having to replace the roof on their homes. If you are like me and live in an area prone to high winds and large hailstorms, roof replacement is a fact of life. Many people don’t realize that a roof is a complex system of layers that protect your home. Many homeowners raise one question: Does the drip edge go under or over the tar paper?

Gutter helmets, or gutter guards, are systems designed to protect your gutters. Nobody likes gutter-cleaning. It’s quite gross. Therefore, gutter guards can help you keep leaves and debris from creating clogs in your gutters.

Gutter guards are a sought-after solution to clogged gutters that are a no-brainer for most homeowners. It is tempting to go out and install gutter guards right away to experience the benefits, but there are many variables. So, do gutter guards attach under shingles?

The roof is an extremely important part of a home. After all, it protects you and your loved ones from the elements and keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When your roof starts to leak, you may think your only option is to get a  roof replacement. Luckily, this isn’t always the case.

Drip edges and gutter aprons are essential when installing a roof system. It’s also applicable to gutter systems. This will have an impact on the effectiveness of your entire gutter system if it is not built properly.

Roofs come in all sorts of materials, and each type has a different method of installation and expiration date. If you are looking to change up your roof, you are likely painfully aware that the process can involve significant labor and lots of money.

There are many inspections and various processes to complete before purchasing a house. But one aspect of the home that’s often neglected is the roof. This is unfortunate because a large portion of homeowners insurance claims has to do with roof issues like leaks.

Gutters are a critical part of any home or building. Their primary purpose is to keep your home or property structurally sound by directing water away from your property’s foundation. This will help prevent erosion, flooding, staining of the property’s exterior, discoloration of paint, and prevent mold and mildew growth.

Let’s face it, most people can’t wait for the winter to end. The prospect of a colorful, warm spring is enough to get you through even the coldest winter days. However, you can set yourself up for a perfect spring if you prepare at the end of winter.

If your cutters snag too many leaves, they won’t work correctly. Then, you’ll have streams of water coming down the side of your house. And excess moisture can cause expensive damage. So, how do you keep leaves out of gutters in the first place?

If you’re looking for clear, easy-to-follow instructions on cutting corrugated metal roofing, you’re in the right place. Builders and homeowners have a variety of choices when it comes to roofing material.  Metal roofing can be a sustainable and energy-efficient choice.

As a homeowner, the list of tasks to complete to keep your house well-maintained often seems never-ending. Roof cleaning is one of those tasks that makes many people wonder, “Is that really necessary?” So is roof cleaning something that absolutely needs to get done, or is it just another expensive chore to avoid?

Are you getting ready to replace your roof system? Across most regions in the United States, fall is the busiest time for roofers as most property owners are trying to deal with any roofing issues prior to wintertime. Conversely, the winter months are easily the least busy times. So, can you replace a roof in the winter?

Fascia boards are vertical behind the gutter. It is the board that the gutter is anchored to in between the gutter and the roof. Like all boards over time, the fascia boards may show rotting signs and need to be replaced.

So, it’s time to replace your roof. This is often an expensive and time-consuming project, and you may wonder whether avoiding gutter removal will make it easier. Or perhaps the opposite is true, and taking your gutters off could speed up the process.

You may be wondering how many layers of shingles you can put on a roof. This is a question that comes up often, and the answer depends on the size of your roof as well as the number of layers that have been installed in previous years.