The condition of the roof is the last thing most homeowners think about until an obvious problem arises.  Summer heat can burn protective coatings causing caulking to crack, shingles to curl, and flashing to seperate.   A roof must be working properly to last through the winter months.  I strongly recommend your roof be inspected by a licensed roofing contractor prior to the onset of frigid weather.

An experienced roofing contractor can spot problem areas during a roof inspection such as:

• Overall shingle appearance
• Properly working rain gutters
• Cracks in vent collar sealing boots
• Intact metal counter flashing on chimney
• Skylight and vent seals
• Flat roof membrane and perimeter metal edge flashing condition
• Interior water marks and peeling paint

The minimal cost of a roof inspection can save thousands of dollars and stress of roof failure during the winter months when roof repairs and new roof applications are most difficult.

To schedule a roof inspection contact ABLE Roofing and Siding Contractors.                         PA license # 043060

610-586-0909 or 610-328-5200

Your roof will inevitably become damaged and need repairs and eventually replacement. There is no question that roofing installation is a complicated and difficult job requiring the services of a professional. Just as important is to determine if the roofing company that you are considering is competent.

The following check list will help determine just that:

• Make sure the roofing company is licensed.
• Make sure the roofing company supplies a warranty.
• Make sure the roofing company specializes in roofing.
• Ask the company for completed job references.
• Make sure the company is insured.
• How long has the roofing company been established.
• Is the roofing company local. 

In addition to the above tips, you may also contact your local Better Business Bureau to see that the roofing company has no complaints against them.

In my inspection of various parts of a home, I am quite alarmed with the amount of mold and growth that seems to be forming everywhere. Why is this happening? I do not know exactly why but I fear that it may be the materials we are forced to use today.

Much of the low cost material is not American made and may be imported with little concern about quality control. I fear that the products are inferior and they even may contain things that are organic which promotes the growth of mold.

Make sure a contractor is using quality material.

Able Roofing and Siding Contractors.

Energy efficient windows have become easier to find.  Whether you are looking for new construction windows, replacement windows, or dual pane windows, they can save you money while making your home look more aesthetically pleasing.

I’m sure that you’ve heard the commercials admonishing you to stop throwing money out your windows by replacing them with new energy efficient vinyl replacement windows. With heating costs always on the rise now is the perfect time to follow this advice.

When considering energy savings, expect to reduce your heating and cooling bills by 10 to 25 percent per year.

All the benefits of new replacement windows make upgrading a good idea!

If you are looking to spruce up the appearance of your home one of the biggest impacts that you can make is to replace your home siding. It is also extremely cost effective with roughly 75% of the initial cost being recouped immediately as an increase in the resale value of your home.

House siding is not just a beautifier, it also serves a practical role as it seals your home against the effects of the elements. When looking to upgrade the appeal of your home, there are many choices in home siding that are available that will fit your needs.

The average life of the typical home’s roof is 25 years, sometimes 30 years. As one of the most important aspects of your home, it is vital that you take the steps necessary to get the longest life possible out of your roof.

During your time in your home, it’s probable that at one point or another you will come across problems with your roof. The most common problem homeowners face with their roof is leaking. This is usually a costly problem to sort out, but it is something that can be avoided by following some of our tips.

Many homeowners tend to neglect their roof and don’t have the experience or know-how to get onto their roofs and take a look over it to anticipate any problems. Once a leak has started, it is usually difficult to pinpoint its source or the path the water is travelling to your leak. For this reason, it’s important to know the most common leak sources.

1. If it penetrates the roof, you should pay special attention. Penetrations are the most common leak source. Look here first:

• Chimneys. The top leak source. Does the chimney have a cricket? Is it properly step flashed and counter flashed? Does it need to be sealed?
• Skylights. Water gets trapped behind them. Is the flashing in good repair? Is the skylight itself leaking?
• Plumbing vents. Do the vent stacks have neoprene or rubber that has cracked with age? Do they need to be sealed or painted? Have critters chewed on the pipe or flashing? Is the satellite or cable flashed properly?

2. Check the eaves and edges.

• A common leak source in the eaves and cause of wood rot is a missing drip edge. Wind-driven rain will enter the gap between the roof deck and fascia board.
• A drip edge also helps to keep out insects, critters, and snakes. Make sure to check the drip edge when looking for leaks.

3. Have you looked over your attic? Many times, homeowners think the roof is the culprit, but problems can come from improper ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning, condensation, vent fans, and animal or bug infestation in the attic. Be on the lookout for:

• Algae stains on interior plywood
• The “M” word: mold
• Soaked insulation when it hasn’t rained
• Black rings or rust around nails, which is the first sign moisture is condensing in attic spaces
• Is there a lack of ventilation that is causing the attic to overheat or accumulate moisture?
• Are the intake vents clogged with paint, spider webs, dust, or insulation?

4. What about those gutters? Many homeowners do not realize the importance of their gutters. They need to be installed and sloped properly to drain, tightly fastened, and free of debris. This is a job for a professional as climbing onto ladders can be risky and difficult. Lucky for you, Able Roofing & Siding offer servicing for gutters!

Source, original article (GAF ProBlog): //blog.gaf.com/5-maintenance-tips-to-help-prevent-roof-leaks/

Welcome to the new website for Able Roofing & Siding!

Need help with your next roofing project or home renovation? We’ll be glad to assist you! Visit our portfolio to see examples of our past work, look through our site for details about our services, or request a free quote.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call (610) 586-0909 or email us at jim-van@hotmail.com.