The South Florida summer storm season is right around the corner, so now is the time to think about preparing for all the wind and rain.[…]
Any suspicious growth on your roof may pose danger to its longevity. Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish whether the culprit is roof mold or algae.[…]
The great majority of the time, any issues identified during a roof inspection can be fixed and remediated before they become a larger problem.[…]
Although you may not think much about the roof line of your residential home or commercial business, the type of roof on the building makes a big difference.[…]
The truth is, many homeowners are finding new and innovative ways to utilize the area above their heads which is often wasted space. If you are looking for some extra room in your current home, perhaps you only need to look up! […]
Although you may not automatically think of a roof as a component which can add value to your home, the right roof absolutely can.[…]
When it comes to living in Florida, solar power just seems to make sense. In fact, here in the Sunshine State the idea of installing solar panels as a primary source of power is catching on. Why Go Solar in 2019? There is a 30% federal tax credit which is applicable to solar systems installed before December 31, 2019. (There are smaller credits for systems installed in subsequent years.) If you have been meaning to investigate this form of alternate power, this is your year! Some Quick Statistics About Solar Energy Systems It is estimated that it will take you 9 1/2 years to reach “payback” for installing a solar system, and that you will save approximately $50,000 over the life of the system once capital expenditures have been covered. With solar, you will pay an average of 7 cents per kwh. The average forecast for standard energy is 24 cents over the next 25 years. Florida currently ranks 11th in the United States in solar power consumption. Although cost savings are an incentive, many people are primarily drawn to solar power for its “green” benefits. Preparing Your Roof for Solar Panels Most new solar panel systems will last for up to 25 years. Therefore it is important that your roof be newer (or installed new just before the solar panels are implemented) in order to be sure that the roof does not fail before the system. In addition to having a new roof, there are some steps you will need to follow in order to safely install solar on your home. Determine if your home is positioned correctly for a solar array. For instance, a large portion of your roof must face the south or southwest, and the roof’s slope should have a pitch which presents optimal exposure to sunlight. A flat roof will afford you the best results, while a sharply sloped roof may not be feasible. Be sure to ask the professional installer for recommendations, as they have the expertise you’ll need. Once the suitable area (s) of your roof are identified, all obstacles will need to be cleared. Roof vents will need to be relocated, as will satellite dishes or antennas. Skylights will need to be tiled over prior to installation. Identify and remove any trees or tree branches which will cast a shadow on the system. Important to note: proper permits may be required to move roof vents. Do consult a professional. Measure the area of your roof where you will install the system. Determine the length and width of the roof section beginning at the eaves; multiply these numbers to determine the area of the roof. Experts recommend that you have a 200- to 400-square-foot area of roof space available. Contract with a certified structural engineer or architect to verify that your roof will be able to withstand the additional weight and stress of solar panels over the years. They can make recommendations as to any reinforcement or structural changes which will allow for […][…]
For those planning to complete a DIY roof repair - or installing a completely new roof - here are some of the most common mistakes we see.[…]
With all the things you need to think about every day, your gutters may not exactly be at the top of your mind. Just like many home maintenance issues, you will probably never think about your gutters – that is, until they clog and begin to cause problems for your home. Cleaning out clogged gutters may not seem exciting, but it’s an essential part of keeping your roof healthy and long-lasting. You should check your gutters after every major storm, as well as clean them out on a regular basis. To make things easy, schedule your gutter cleaning one the same day as your annual roof inspection, and be sure to have your roofing professional check the integrity of the gutters at that time. Clogged Gutters – Potential Issues Sagging Gutters: Gutters which are clogged with debris, whether a bird’s nest or tree leaves, can get quite heavy. Gutters which are sagging not only make your house appear in obvious disrepair, but they can put pressure on the rest of your roofing structure.Depending on how the gutters are attached, they can pull down on roofing materials. Your fascia or soffits may therefore sustain holes, gaps, or other damage as the heavy gutters pull away. The backed up water in clogged gutters may also cause these areas to erode and rot, resulting in more issues in the long run. Backed Up Water: A clogged gutter does not allow water to flow freely. During one of our Florida rainstorms the water can back up rapidly. Because water always seeks out the path of least resistance, it will look for another pathway down, and unfortunately this is often through tiny cracks in the roof.Any vulnerability in your roof may be made worse if water continually travels through it, eventually resulting in a full-blown roof leak. Even if it never gets too serious, backed-up water can pool on your roof and cause erosion of shingles over time. Waterlogged Interiors: If water is backing up and looking for a pathway, it may find its way into your attic or insulation, causing water damage and possibly mold. Worse yet, the water can travel all the way to interior walls and ceilings, looking like a roof leak. Although the problem is not with the roof per se, you could find yourself dealing with damage to the inside of your home. Damage to the Foundation – and More: The gutter and downspout system is designed to route water away from your home. If clogged gutters are impeding the pathway, water may instead pour over into unexpected places.Over time, too much water falling directly in one area can cause damage to your home’s foundation, as well as to patios, landscaping, or pathways. Water pooling at the base of your home with no method of runoff is the most serious of these concerns. Amazingly, something as simple to fix as clogged gutters can actually cause structural damage to your home. Dangerous Conditions: As stated, clogged gutters will cause water to […][…]
Here are some tips to help you put two roof repair estimates on an even playing field, in order to decide the best value for your Florida home.[…]