Home Improvement Roofs and Gutters

Gutters are one of the many home essentials that are easy to forget about until something goes wrong with them. While gutter cleaning and maintenance should be performed on a seasonal basis, they are otherwise rarely given much attention until they fall apart. If you are hoping to replace your gutters before they are ruined and cause damage to your home, you might wonder how long gutters last.

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.

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.

When it’s time to replace or repair your roof, you shouldn’t delay. Of all major home repairs, the roof is as vital as it gets. Before deciding on the type of roof you want, research each option to make the best choice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

If it’s time to replace your roof, you may be wondering if there’s a less expensive solution. Layering shingles is an option, but is it a good one? And how many layers of shingles can a roof handle before they cause more harm than good?

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.

Keeping your home cool, especially during the summer months, is crucial. When people usually think of comfort during hot summer days and nights, they usually think of having the air conditioning going at full blast. However, the reality of the situation is that proper roof ventilation can do more for comfort than air conditioning.

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. 

Metal roofing can give your home a sleek, sophisticated finish. Plus, it’s exceptionally durable, and a well-maintained metal roof could last you an average of 45 years or more! With these qualities, you could definitely consider installing a metal roof an upgrade.

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.

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.

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.

Leaks in your roof are not only a nuisance, but they can be expensive to fix. Many homeowners search for cheap, quick fixes for roof leaks so that they can avoid costly repairs. Roof coatings have tons of benefits, but are they effective in stopping leaks?

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?

LeafFilter is one of the most popular options when it comes to gutter protection. Homeowners go for LeafFilter mostly for their long track of successful history and extensive customer satisfaction policies. But, an important consideration is what do LeafFilter gutter guards cost?

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.

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. 

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.

The best type of gutter for your home is the one that quickly and effectively directs the water away from your foundation and guards your siding from water damage. All other considerations come down to looks and pricing. Fortunately, gutters come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and prices to fit your particular budget and aesthetic desires.

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?

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?

If your home doesn’t already have gutters, then installing them is a must. Doing so will help you protect the investment that you’ve made in your home and outdoor landscape.

Watching the rainwater pour off your roof, splash against the walls of your home and run down into the gutters can give you pause. Where roof surfaces meet to form valleys, literal waterfalls can result from hard rain. Many people wonder if gutters are required by code with all the other codes in place to protect your home, many people wonder if gutters are required by code?

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.

When you picture the roof of a home the odds are the only object you imagine sticking out of the roof is a chimney. Indeed, chimneys are the most iconic object to stick out of a home’s roof. They are not, however, the only type of pipes on a roof.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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 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?

There are many areas of the home that homeowners don’t typically pay much attention to, like the roof. This may be a simple case of out of sight out of mind, after all, how many of us walk around looking up? This lack of attention could also be because these are parts of the house that don’t usually require or need much attention. That is until there is a problem that demands our attention, like a roof leaking around the chimney.

How long a steel roof lasts is one of the most pressing concerns potential home renovators, who are looking to upgrade the top of their house, have. These roofs can be pricey, so it’s important to understand their lifespan and how to prolong it.

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.  

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.

The roof over your home takes a beating on a regular basis. Protecting it with some kind of coating can prolong its life while also enhancing its appearance. Coating your metal roof with either Galvalume or paint are among the options you can consider.

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.

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.

No homeowner is prepared for the day a tree falls on their roof. Not only is it a terrifying experience, but it’s also the first step in a long and expensive process that involves many phone calls and repairs. Understandably, you’ll want to know what to do if a tree falls on your roof.

Buying a house can be stressful; there’s so much to look into, inspect, and evaluate! One aspect of purchasing a home that you may not have considered is the roof warranty. What happens to the warranty when ownership of the house changes hands?

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.

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.

Gutter guards are marketed by gutter providers as a maintenance-free alternative to gutter cleaning and maintenance. Gutter guards have benefits and drawbacks. Companies neglect to inform you that your gutters still require routine maintenance even with gutter guards, and they can be pricey to install.

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.

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 is a feeling of nostalgia when you see a thatched roof. It brings up memories of a colonial past, when things were simple and wholesome. If the thatched roof is made of palms, there may be an added feeling of tropical relaxation or an exotic thrill. Regardless of the feeling, thatched roofs always seem to evoke more emotion than other roofs.

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?