The roof overhead

How to know your roof needs to be replaced (http://phoenixroofingteam.com)

People often ask why I frequently talk about home maintenance, and specifically the importance of maintaining the roof. The reason is simple; many issues can develop with an improperly maintained or neglected roof. Besides allowing water to penetrate directly into the inside of your home from a leaky roof, water can also penetrate a basement when the roof and gutters are not properly directing water away from the foundation.

Besides leaving unsightly stains, water entering the home from a leaking roof can seep through walls and ceilings deteriorating drywall and even possibly weakening floor trusses/beams. Water from improperly moved water can create standing water around the home, and enter into the basement. Additionally, any water penetration into the home has the potential to promote mold growth; which not only can affect your health but your home’s structure as well.

It’s obvious that a leaking roof is a problem; and now you know how an unchecked leak can damage your home over time. The good news is that proper maintenance can prevent major leaks and resulting damage. Visually checking the roof (from the ground) regularly can make you aware of general condition of the shingles, flashing, gutters and downspouts. Curling, lifting, broken or missing shingles as well as missing or broken flashing are potential water entryways into your home; and it may be an indication that you should call a licensed roofer to further inspect and repair the roof.

Debris on the roof can not only damage the roofing material, it can also clog or damage the gutters and downspouts. The purpose for gutters and downspouts is to carry water away from the home so as to prevent soil erosion around the home’s basement and foundation; which is a common cause of outside water penetration into the basement. Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts should also be repaired in a timely manner. Experts recommend to clean and inspect the gutters and downspouts twice a year to ensure proper function.

The two most common roof types are the flat roof and the pitched roof. Flat roofs are typically covered by a membrane, and are thought to be more vulnerable to weather than pitched roofs because of the limitation of gravity’s water draining action. Pitched roofs can be covered in a number of materials. Although shingled roofs are very common, metal roofs are becoming more popular because of its durability. Shingles can be made of many different materials for aesthetic and architectural needs (including solar panel shingles); but in our region the asphalt shingle is most common, and generally has a life expectancy of twenty to fifty years (depending on the quality).

If it’s time to replace the roof, have several roofing contractors provide you with estimates detailing the materials used and estimated labor. A cheaper estimate may not only be the difference in the quality of shingles; but also may not remove the old shingles, leaving them intact under the new roof. Make sure your estimate includes contractor clean up, so you’re not left with piles of old roofing material in your yard.

Always hire a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) licensed contractor. The MHIC maintains a Guaranty Fund that compensates homeowners for actual monetary losses due to poor workmanship or failure to perform a home improvement contract; however, The Fund only applies to work done by licensed contractors. The contractor’s license can be checked on the MHIC website (dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic).

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Copyright © Dan Krell

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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

Is Your Home Ready for the Rains?

by Dan Krell
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With spring’s arrival come blooming cherry blossoms and flowers, nesting birds, and the light yellow haze of pollen on your car. Additionally, springtime means there will be sustained rains and water saturated lawns. Is your home ready for the springtime showers? With regular maintenance and scheduled inspections, your home’s roof, gutters and downspouts, sump pump and windows will withstand the springtime showers (as well as year round rains and snow) and prevent your home from becoming a water hazard.

Obviously, a leaking roof can be problematic. However, with proper maintenance, you can prevent any major leaks; regular checks can determine the condition of the roof system including the shingles and flashing. Roof systems and materials vary from home to home and wear may vary. However, curling, lifting, broken and missing shingles as well as failing flashing should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent ice dams and water penetration through sheaving and membranes.

A common cause of outside water penetration into a basement is due to clogged gutters and downspouts. When gutters and downspouts become blocked, water is not efficiently carried away from the home. Instead the water pools around the home’s foundation. Debris on the roof can not only damage the roofing material, it will clog the gutters and downspouts and should be removed immediately. You should have the gutters cleaned and inspected at least twice a year to ensure proper function.

Water may also enter your home because of a failed sump pump. The purpose of the sump pump is to remove excess water from the home that has collected in the sump pit from excess drainage around the foundation. A sump pump has a typical life span of ten years, and because parts often need servicing it should be tested regularly. If your sump pump is connected to the home’s electric system, you might consider having a battery backup system to ensure the pump is operative when you need it the most.

Windows are often overlooked when there is a leaking problem. However, water can enter around windows and seep down the walls of your home. This can happen if windows are sealed or installed improperly. A visual inspection of the window exterior can determine if the caulking or sealant around the windows is cracked or missing and in need of repair.

If you find that water has infiltrated your home, call a professional immediately- waiting can make the damage more extensive. If it is safe to do so, you may want to remove your valuables from the water. You should refrain from using any electrical equipment in and around the water; don’t use your household vacuum to clear excess water, nor should you use electrical appliances while standing in the water.

Once the source of the water penetration has been repaired, your focus will be on water removal and cleanup. To ensure proper cleanup, you might consider one of the many professional cleanup and restoration services; proper cleanup can reduce incidences of mold and mildew that arise from water damage.

Regular inspection and maintenance can prevent water damage to your home. To prevent injury, it is recommended you hire a professional for inspections and repairs.

This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. This article was originally published in the Montgomery County Sentinel the week of April 28, 2008. Copyright © 2008 Dan Krell.