Roofing Central

Tips for Proper Care of Your Roof - The next time you step outside, take a good look at the roof over your home. Basic questions to ask: Are there trees touching it? Do you see loose or damaged shingles? Are some of them covered with black streaks?  If so, your roof is well overdue for a maintenance checkup... Click to download rest of article (need Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Attic Insulation - A Hot Topic - For five or six months out of the year, it's difficult to even broach the subject of one's attic, an area that can accurately be described as “hot as Georgia asphalt".  So we tend to avoid for the most part.  But cool or hot, when was the last time you ventured up there?  We mustn’t forget the attic not only as a way to control the temperature of the house but a true cost center that can save or waste lots of money of the year... Click to download rest of article

Finding the Right Roofing Partner - Finding a roofer in Atlanta is like finding kudzu...if you can't find any then you're not looking.  Due to the lack of state certification, consumers have to be on guard when selecting a quality vendor.  Here are some question you might want to ask to close the gap on going with someone who, in the long run, could do more damage than good.  If the roofing contractor prospect has a problem with answering these, then I advise continuing to look.. Click to download rest of article

Roofing Remedies During the "Slower" Times - I don't know anyone who hasn't been effected by the economic slowdown of late.  I look at it as an opportunity to re-examine the ways we're spending money.  No matter whether the economic surroundings are good or bad, our roofs must be cared for as one of our primary assets.  That said, here are some ways in which we can "choke up on the bat" when money isn't as accessible as we would like... Click to download rest of article

5 Steps to Hail Damage Control - Earthquakes, fires, floods, tornados...all God's way of reminding us that we live on an Earth that's alive and dynamic. But for us homeowners, natural disasters can be (at the minimum) severe on our finances. This is why we always need to be aware of our surroundings, protect as much as we can, and follow the best process of damage control in case things do happen...  Click to download rest of article

How to Select a Gutter System - There are two keys to a good roofing system.  The first is, of course, the roof itself. The second, which a lot of homeowners overlook, is an effective drainage system, also known as the gutter system... Click to download rest of article

Knowing your Roof's Enemies -

A roof system's performance is affected by numerous factors. Knowing about the following will help you make informed roof system buying decisions:

• Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.
   
• Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.
   
• Wind: High winds can lift shingles' edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.
   
• Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at a roof's overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn off a house or building.
   
• Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.
   
• Moss and algae: Moss can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to a roof system's surface, causing rot. In addition, moss roots also can work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating a black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.
   
• Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system's surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage.
   
• Missing or torn shingles: The key to a roof system's effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.
   
• Shingle deterioration: When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as possible.
   
• Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

 

Looking for information we haven't shared here? Give us a call..we look forward to speaking with you.  Our number is 404-525-6565.