Home Improvement Roofs and Gutters

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?”

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?

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?

Throughout the years, you’ve probably seen the terms ‘eavestroughs’ and ‘gutters’ used interchangeably, and you’ve probably wondered if they actually mean the same thing. There are a few tiny differences between them, even though they both pertain to similar characteristics of a property.

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.

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?

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?

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?

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 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.

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?

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 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.

Your gutters are crucial. They help keep water off your roof and away from the side of your house. But what happens when your gutters start overflowing? Is there a way to fix them fast? Here’s your answer.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

Today, more and more people want to do whatever they can to lessen their impact on the environment. However, renovating your home to be environmentally friendly can get expensive. So, are solar panels worth it?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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. 

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?

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.

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.

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?

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. 

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.

Gutters are essential structures for every building. They help direct water off your roof and away from your home. They are effective at reducing erosion and exterior damage, but you must clean and maintain them to ensure they function optimally. While every house has gutters, not everyone knows how to properly maintain them. 

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.