Connecticut Roofing Articles

What Makes a Good Roof

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

The roof just might be the single most important part of your Connecticut house. It is what makes your home a true shelter from the elements. Roofs certainly take a beating so they need to be built strong enough to endure anything Mother Nature can conjure up. If a roof isn't installed correctly using only high-quality materials, your home can end up in serious danger.

Roofs have to stand up to many different climate types depending on where in the world your house is located. Some roofs must survive below-freezing temperatures in the winter, scorching temperatures in the summer, ultraviolet rays from the sun, as well as rain, snow, hail and ice falling on them year-round. The quality of roof you use can determine how long it lasts throughout the years in these conditions.

Popular Mechanics writes that asphalt shingles are "the great workhorse of the modern American roof." They have been in use for more than a century because of their affordable cost and durability. There are many other roof types, and doing your research ahead of time can help you knowledgeably discuss options with a roofing contractor. As Popular Mechanics writes, the common denominator in all roofing is that they consist of several layers work together as a system, and each element from the roof deck up contributes to resisting weather.
Roof leaks are another problem that can strike if a roof is not installed properly or using sub-par materials. Roofer 911 recommends that when you spot a leak you should try and identify the source of it. They also provide a list of places where roof leaks can commonly be found:

The fields of shingles
Valleys in the roof
Skylights
Wall step flashings
Chimneys
Plumbing vent flashings
Furnace or B-vent flashings
Ice dams

Once you've found the source of your roof leak, it's important to move anything of value away from the leak so there is not damage. Call a professional roofing contractor to come and take care of the problem for you to ensure that it is done correctly.

Our Connecticut roofing contractors are highly skilled and reliable professionals. Browse through our directly or give us a call today and let us help find you the right roofer near you!

Roof Safety Tips

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Roof maintenance is no easy task and should not be taken on lightly. Professional Connecticut roofing contractors have experience in roof maintenance and are the most qualified for this dangerous job, but there are still do-it-yourselfers out there who believe they can tackle roofing themselves with no problems.

For those who insist on going up to their roofs themselves, or who just want to take a look and see what’s going on up there before calling a roofer, here are some roof safety tips to keep in mind.

Ladders are essential when working on a roof. When using a ladder, it should be on a level and sturdy surface and stabilized in some way. If you can, have someone else with you to hold the bottom of the ladder and be your “spotter.”

If you are unable to have someone with you, secure the ladder to the house using nails or rope. To keep yourself from having to climb up and down a ladder while holding tools, a good transportation idea might be to tie a bucket to some rope.

A good safety harness is vital if you plan on walking around on a rooftop. A fall from a height of even a couple of stories can cause serious injuries. Before you get up on the roof, check and double check that safety harness to ensure it’s secure, tight, adjusted and safe. The harness must fit you properly, as well.

Before you go up onto the roof, make sure the surface is safe enough to walk on. Don’t go up there if it’s wet or has an abundance of leaves strewn about because you run the risk of slipping and falling. If you really need to get up to the roof, clean the surface off first using a broom or something similar.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast as well. During summer, thunderstorms can appear seemingly out of nowhere so make sure the sky is clear when you go up to the roof. The last thing you need is to get caught on the roof in a downpour or, even worse, getting struck by lightening. You should also steer clear of the roof if it’s exceedingly windy outside. A strong gust of wind might cause you to lose your balance.

Whenever working on the roof or some other high location, always take every safety precaution. Calling a professional and reliable local roofing contractor is still your best bet, though. Contact us online or give us a call so we can help you find a Connecticut roofer near you.

Cleaning and Preventing Mold on Roof Shingles

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Having mold or mildew growing on the roof of your home is unsightly, but the black, brown, or green discolorations should be gotten rid of for reasons more than cosmetic. The powdery specks and streaks can actually eat roofing materials, which eventually may lead you to have to install a partial or entire new roof. The long process and financial strain will make you wish that you had eradicated the problem when it began. Getting rid of mold on the roof is relatively simple for the do-it-yourself homeowner�"provided you’re not afraid of heights. So climb the ladder and follow these steps to a mold and mildew-free roof.
    First, make sure that what you see isn’t just dirt. The best way to determine this is to mix water and a little chlorine bleach and dab it carefully onto the area. If it’s mold the stain will go away. Dirt will stay. Also, before you begin, spray the surrounding plants around your house with water. It will fortify them from damage caused by the treatments.
    There are two chemical solutions that will kill mold on your roof.   The first one calls for one part bleach to three parts water. Use a hand-pump sprayer to apply it to all discoloration. You may want to add some tri-sodium phosphate. This will clean the shingles as well as kill the mold. After you spray, let it sit for fifteen minutes. Rinse with a hose. If any area still feels slimy, a second application is necessary, but only after the shingles are dry. Be thorough in rinsing the bleach because, like mold, its composition will damage your shingles if left to sit for long.
    The other treatment to rid your roof of mold is mixing copper sulfate and water. When this is applied to the affected area, the mold should turn brown, or lighter than it had been. Use a push broom to sweep the mold off the roof. After, rinse the roof with a hose.
    Mold grows in moisture, so the most affected areas of your roof are likely the ones that get the least amount of sunlight. It may be necessary to trim overhanging branches to let in the light, air, and stop incessant spore growth. Foliage shouldn’t be touching the roof. Keep the gutters clean. Zinc strips can be purchased at the hardware store. You can install the strips beneath the shingles at the edge of the roof, where gutters and drainpipes collect rainwater. The zinc inhibits the chemicals in the moisture that promote spore growth. If you are installing a new roof, consider asphalt shingles that have a copper additive in their surface granules. Copper discourages the multiplication of spores.
    As always, when you’re working on a roof, be careful. Mold is slimy and slippery. Use caution with water and chemicals.