Archive for: residential roofing

Your Guide to Gutter Cleaning

Gutters might be the most underrated part of your roofing system. They never truly get the credit they deserve- they’re integral to how your roof is supposed to work. And with the weather that we get here in Florida, these unsung heroes need to be ready to perform their duties for your property. All that rain and other precipitation needs somewhere to go. But, with the importance of the gutters to your roof, you don’t want to go up to check and clean the gutters unprepared.

Doing so can lead to damage to your roof, your home, and even yourself. That’s why we’ve gathered some of our best tips and tricks to help you safely and effectively get those gutters up to code.

 

Ladder Safety

 

First things first, always make sure that you’ve let someone know that you’ll be performing some gutter maintenance before you get going, just in case of an accident. Even the most experienced ladder users can fall if a gust of wind comes rolling through, so make sure you inform someone that you’ll be using a ladder.

 

Also, you’re going to want to inspect the ladder. A small issue could mean that your ladder isn’t safe to use. And once you’ve inspected it for safety, you’ll want to attach a bucket for the dirt and debris that is in your gutter. Secure that bucket with a lanyard so you don’t have to carry it around while you’re going up and down the ladder. And the last step- make sure there are no power lines or tree branches that will be blocking your path.

 

The Right Materials

 

Along with a safe ladder, you’ll want to get all of your materials before you get up on that roof. One of the most important things you’ll want to grab is a good, sturdy pair of gloves. Your hands need some protection against the debris that’s clogging your gutters, as it’s likely full of bacteria. Those gloves will also protect you from cuts from any shards that may have found their way into your gutter. Protective eyewear is also important as you never know what could come out of those downspouts.

 

And as for the actual cleaning of the gutters, there are two important items you’ll want to have: a scooper and a hose. You could use your hands to scoop out the debris in your gutter, but that scooper makes the job even easier. The technology has come a long way with the scooper, so you’ll be able to find a scooper specific for your gutters. And as for the hose, a pressurized spray nozzle attachment will help you with those final cleaning steps. You can also use it to confirm that water will safely travel through your gutters, down your downspouts, and away from your home’s foundation.

 

Pre-Cleaning

 

Now, we’ve talked a lot about the preparation that goes into cleaning your gutters. But, with the right steps, the actual cleaning should be a breeze! The first prep step is to get a tarp to put under you and your ladder to catch any debris that drops from your gutters. This tarp can also protect your landscaping and sidewalks.

 

Next, you’ll want to sweep or rake-off any excess debris that’s on your roof. You don’t want to go through all the work of cleaning your gutters just for the next rainstorm to push all the roof’s debris right back into your gutters.

 

Finally, the Actual Cleaning of the Gutters

 

We’ve made it! You are ready to get your gutters into tip-top shape. If you’ve performed all the necessary steps listed above, then we are at the easy part of the day! Make sure your ladder is safe and secure, your bucket is ready for debris-catching, and get to scooping that dirt out of your gutters! Once you’ve gotten as much as possible out of your gutters, run your hose to collect any remaining debris and ensure that rain and melting snow have a path away from your home.

All in all, it’s really a simple process. But this simple process is so important to make sure that your roofing system is operating properly. If you have any questions about how to properly clean your gutters or any other roofing services, you know where to find us, so call us today!

Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

The day has come. You’re at the point of your roof’s life where you know it needs some help. But just what needs to be done? There are usually two main options when it comes to helping out an old roof: repair or replace. And it’s usually not too obvious which one you should do. You don’t want to replace it too soon because it’s almost always the more expensive option. But you also don’t want to wait too long or you’ll end up with leaks and damage, which could end up being more costly than the replacement. So how do you know if you should repair or replace your roof? Check out some factors below!

 

The first thing you should consider is the age of your roof. If your roof has already lived beyond its expected lifespan, you’re most likely going to want to replace the roof rather than repair. Eventually, every roof will need to be replaced, but whether or not that time is here could depend on how old your roof is. Repairing a roof that is already up there in age might just turn into a quick fix that you have to continuously do, so in that case, replacing may serve your needs better.

 

Another factor is how widespread your problem is on your roof. If it’s just a missing shingle or a small crack, there’s a good chance that repairing will be the way to go. However, if water has seeped into the underlayment of your roof or there is major damage, a repair might not be the way to go. You may need to go the replacement route if there’s substantial damage.

 

I know we just mentioned it but it’s worth repeating: if there is moisture damage to your roof deck, you are more than likely going to want to replace the roof rather than repair. The repairs would be like slapping a band-aid onto a broken bone in this case, as the foundation of your roof would have significant damage.

 

You should also ask, even if it is just a small repair, how much more a replacement will cost. While repairs are almost always going to be the cheaper option, sometimes a somewhat costlier replacement could have you sitting pretty for years to come while a repair might need to be done again in a short while. If it’s only a little bit more expensive, you might want to think about going for that replacement so you can have even more peace of mind.

 

Lastly, and this one is just aesthetic, but how important is it that your roof completely matches? There’s a very good chance that, with a repair, the shingles will be slightly off. It could be just that they are new while the rest of the roof is a little bit more worn down, but either way, there could be a few spots with slightly different colors or materials. So, if you take pride in how your roof looks (why wouldn’t you??), then you may want to consider a replacement when there is damage to your roof.

Now, there are plenty of other factors that go into the decision of repairing or replacing a roof. But this is a good place to start when the time comes to get some roof work done! Any professional roofer will be more than happy to explain all of your roofing options in detail and answer any questions you may have, but these are a few things to think about while talking to that professional roofer.

 

Simple Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof

The average lifespan of a residential roof made with traditional materials like asphalt shingles or wood shake is 20 to 30 years. While this does not take extreme weather or other external factors into account, it is still a good estimate for most homeowners.

Extreme conditions notwithstanding, there are many things that you can do as a homeowner to either shorten or extend the lifespan of your residential roof. Today, the All Area Roofing team is sharing five very simple ways that you can extend the lifespan of your residential roof. Read all about how to do it below!

5 Simple Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Residential Roof

Schedule regular inspections

Just like yearly physicals are key to keeping your body healthy and detecting problems before they become major, annual (or even bi-annual with our wacky Florida weather) roofing inspections are vital to keeping your roof in great condition. Regular inspections can help detect problems early, allowing you to take action before they become so big that a replacement is your only option.

Keep Up with Routine Maintenance

Staying on top of routine maintenance can go a very long way in extending the lifespan of your residential roof. Homeowners are often unaware that seemingly harmless things such as clogged gutters, moss growth, or debris on their roof can lead to serious damage if left untreated. Hiring a professional to take care of these problems is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive, so don’t be afraid to call in a pro if you notice any of these issues.

Acting Quickly on Repair Needs

Roof repairs don’t always come cheap, but acting on repairs as soon as they are detected is always going to be less expensive than waiting until the damage is even worse and you are now in need of major work or even total replacement. Listen to your local residential roof professional if they say you need to make repairs and act on them as quickly as possible to save you even more trouble and money in the long run.

Don’t Forget the Attic

Your attic is a major part of your roofing system, but it can sometimes be neglected. Factors such as improper ventilation and/or insulation, wood rot, mold or mildew growth, and hidden leaks can all impact the longevity of your roof. Be sure to include your attic in inspections too!

Trim Nearby Trees

Tree branches that have grown so long they extend over your residential roof may look nice, but they can also cause major damage to your roof if left alone. Storms, critters, and wood rot can all cause the overhanging branch to snap and fall on your roof, puncturing your shingles as it lands. Trimming tree limbs before they become a problem is an extremely easy way to protect your property.

Your home is one of the biggest investments you will make over the course of your life. Protect your investment by treating your roof and the rest of your property with extreme care. If you are in the central Florida area and in need of a bit of help protecting your roof, the All Area Roofing team is here to help. Call our team today to schedule your free inspection before the holidays!