Year: 2021

All About Your Gable Roof

William Romaine Roofing
All About Your Gable Roof

Unbeknownst to many homeowners, the style of your roof can have a large impact on the functionality of your home. While aesthetics generally drive home purchases, it’s important to know how the details of your home may benefit or hinder your family’s wellbeing. When it comes to roofs, many people understand that having a well-made roof is essential to protecting the home as a whole and that replacing your roof is essential every 15 years or so. What some homeowners don’t realize is that the shape of the roof itself may affect how effective your roof is at protecting your family. Discovering the style of roof on your home allows you to look for common issues that crop up with that type of roof and may even affect what kinds of homes you look for in the future. A main category of roofing is the gable roof. You’ve undoubtedly seen this roof style before, though it’s common not to know much about it.

What is a gable roof?

Gable roofs are fairly basic. They consist of two roof slopes that meet at a single seam on the top of the house. This seam runs the length of the home, and there are no slopes on the other two sides of the house. If a child were to draw a simple picture of a house, they would likely draw one with a gable style roof, specifically a side gable. This style is common all over the world, with a particular presence in East Asian architecture. Many Gothic-style homes utilize gable roofs as part of their design as well. There are several subcategories of gable roofs that still fit the general description of a gable roof but with a different twist. These are some examples:

Front gable. In this style, rather than having the roof slopes cover the left and right sides of the home, the slopes come down the front and the back sides instead.

Crossed gable. In these homes, there are several gable roofs whose seams intersect. In the case of a crossed gable home with four peaks, the seams would make a cross shape from the top.

L-Shaped gable. On these homes, the roof comes down farther on one part of one side than it does anywhere else. The low part creates almost an A-Frame style, but only on one portion of the home. It is distinct, but it does happen.

Box gable. In this iteration of the gable roof, there is a crossbeam that goes from one of the eaves to the other. Essentially, this simply completes a triangle on the sides without eaves. It often indicates a distinct attic area rather than a full floor.

Gable roofs do not have to only involve straight edges, but many do. Some gable roofs have curved lines, and they can also have dormers of any kind.

Considerations about gable roofs

As with any home feature or style, gable roofing has some pros and cons. Depending on your family, lifestyle, and the climate in your area, a gable roof may not work. Before making any new home purchases, or before designing a new construction, consider these advantages and disadvantages of gable roofs:

dvantages:

They are effective at removing snow and rain. Because of the steep slope of most gable roofs, snow and rain easily run down the eaves and into the gutters. There is little risk of pooling or accumulation under normal weather circumstances.

They’re easy to make. Because of their basic design, gable roofs are fairly easy to build. This often makes them a less expensive option when building a new construction.

They’re affordable to maintain. For similar reasons, gable roofs are easy to maintain because they are so common. Most roofers will know how to work well with gable roofs.

Disadvantages:

They don’t stand up well to high winds. In weather events such as hurricanes or tornadoes, Gable roofs often don’t do well. In many cases, builders omit adding additional support to a gable roof to maximize living space. In the event of severe weather, a gable roof can easily collapse.

There is the potential for updraft damage. If there is a significant overhang on a gable roof, a strong gust of wind can catch under the lip of the roof and remove the roof from the rest of the home.

They aren’t always well made. Many DIY homeowners try to replace or install their own gable roofs. Because of the simplistic design, many amateur craftsmen believe that they can save money by doing the job themselves. However, this often leads to ill-fitting parts and unreliable support, only adding to the dangers. If you are buying a home with a gable roof, be sure to have it inspected by a professional to identify any homemade roof fixes.

For some people, the advantages of a gable roof far outweigh the disadvantages. For areas of the world that don’t receive hurricanes or lots of snow, gable roofs are an absolutely wonderful choice. For others, a different roofing option may be a better fit and provide more peace of mind.

Differences between a gable, mansard, and hip-style roof

The two other main categories of roofs that you will encounter are mansard and hip. The difference between these types is fairly simple to understand and can help you determine what style to look for. While a gable roof only has slopes on two sides of the home, a hip roof has slopes on all four sides. Other than the number of slopes, the possibilities for customization in hip and gable roofs are the same. A mansard roof is a little bit different. Mansard roofs have slopes on all four sides as well, but each side has two different slopes. The top slope of each side has a more gradual incline downwards, whereas the second portion of the slope is significantly steeper. This creates an angle on the sides of the home, giving it a distinct appearance.

Contact Mr. Roof

It’s never a good idea to attempt roofing projects without a professional to help. The experts at Mr. Roof have been serving American homeowners for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on creating quality, well-built roofs that are dependable and give our customers peace of mind. For any questions about roofing styles, to find a location near you, or to request a free estimate, contact Mr. Roof today.

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Benefits of Owens Corning Roofing Systems

William Romaine Roofing
Benefits of Owens Corning Roofing Systems

Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or replacing your home’s roof, it’s important to know your options regarding the roofing system you select because it provides the performance and reliability you expect to help protect your home.

Mr. Roof wants to be sure our customers have the information they need to make an informed decision. And a critical part of our roofing systems are shingles from Owens Corning® Roofing.  Owens Corning® is a leading brand among roofing manufacturers in the United States and offers a wide variety of shingle styles and colors to fit any home.

Owens Corning® Roofing Shingles

While a complete roofing system has many components working together to help protect your home, shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. In addition to the long-lasting protection they provide, they also offer curb appeal.

Versatile Design Options: exterior design considerations are important when making any major repairs or upgrades to your home. Owens Corning® architectural shingles have multiple granule colors blended together to add texture, in addition to shadow lines that give them depth and dimension on the roof. These ceramic-coated colored granules also help protect your shingle from UV degradation – damage caused by ultraviolet light from the sun.Superior Moisture Protection: One of your roof’s most important functions is protecting the inside of your home from water damage. A professionally installed roof should provide you the confidence that your home is protected. Owens Corning® shingles feature fiberglass mat at the core saturated with weathering-grade asphalt and are covered with colorful mineral granules to provide a water-shedding barrier to your home.  And Owens Corning® roofing shingles have a proprietary heat-activated sealant on each shingle that bonds the shingles together into a watertight unit.Patented Technology for Advanced Performance: Duration® Series shingles from Owens Corning® feature their patented technology called SureNail®^ , which is a fabric reinforcement in the nailing area to help protect against shingle blow offs.

Roofing System Options From Able Roof 

Every aspect of an Mr. Roof roofing system revolves around protecting your home from water damage and other elements. Mr. Roof offers three roofing system packages, which all include asphalt roofing shingles from Owens Corning®.

RoofGuard Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Oakridge® Shingles>Up to 2x better nail pull-resistance++Limited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡110 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*Available in popular colors

RoofGuard+ Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Duration® Series Shingles>Up to 2.5x better nail-pull resistance++Patented SureNail® Technology^ for reinforcement in the nailing zoneLimited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡130 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*TruDefinition® color platform in a wide variety of colors

ThunderGuard® Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Duration FLEX® Shingles>SBS modified asphalt that makes the shingles pliable and gives them greater flexibility and toughness42% better nail-pull resistance against the wind versus standard shinglesPatented SureNail® Technology^ for reinforcement in the nailing zoneLimited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡130 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*TruDefinition® color platform in a wide variety of colors

Duration FLEX® shingles are the most durable and reliable shingles if you are concerned about having the best possible moisture protection in your roof.

Choose The Best Roofing System For Your Home 

A roof repair or replacement is a big investment for a homeowner. It’s essential to choose a reliable roofing system that offers the value and performance you expect for many years to come. Mr. Roof proudly offers Owens Corning® shingles as part of Mr. Roof roofing systems.  Together we offer you high-quality roofing products and installation of your new roofing system. Contact us today for more information.

*see actual Owens Corning warranty for details, requirements and limitations.

++Owens Corning testing against competing shingles with a wide single-layer nailing zone when following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and nailed through the middle of the allowable nail zone.

^For patent information, please visit www.owenscorning.com/patents. SureNail® Technology is available only on Owens Corning® Duration® Series Shingles. SureNail® Technology is not a guarantee of performance in all weather conditions.

‡‡ For single family residences. 40-Year Limited Warranty on all other projects

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How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Your Roof

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Your Roof

Most of us understand basic science concepts whether we explicitly learned them in school or simply encounter them in day-to-day life. You don’t have to be an expert to understand most of these topics, and many times they are so integrated into our daily lives we barely notice how much we know about them. One of these topics is the concept of freezing water. Many of us have ice in our drinking water, use a freezer regularly, or live in an area where winter gets below freezing temperatures. In all of these situations, we have a basic understanding of the science behind water temperatures. As water freezes, it expands. This is why you can’t put cans of sparkling water or soda in the freezer — the expansion of the drink as it freezes will cause the can to explode. If you thaw an ice cube, it contracts and enters its liquid form — water. What many people don’t realize is that this very concept occurs outside naturally, and the effects of it can wreak havoc on your roof.

How freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage

Water and moisture are always in the air. That moisture finds its way into anything it can as a gas or a liquid in the atmosphere. Then, when temperatures drop, the water molecules start to expand. As the water expands, it puts pressure on the object it is inside of. In some cases, like basketballs or plastic buckets, the material that contains the moisture can stretch to accommodate the expansion. However, in things such as concrete or roofing tiles, there is no give in the material to allow it to expand. This means that the freezing water can cause cracks and breakages in the rigid object as it expands. This pressure is created multiple times per week as temperatures rise and fall above and below freezing levels. This cycle puts significant stress on your roof’s shingles and can cause lasting damage.

Signs of roofing freeze-thaw damage

Freeze-thaw cycles can create several problems for your roof, but they don’t all look the same. Here are some signs that your roof is taking a beating from freeze-thaw cycles:

Uneven or small space between shingles. Shingles should be evenly spaced. If they have moved or seem uneven, the expansion and contraction process has moved them loose.Ice Dams. Ice dams happen when the heating on your roof is not uniform or when the freeze-thaw cycle happens with greater frequency. In these instances, snow melts and runs down the roof as water. The water then gets stuck behind shingles and causes pressure beneath the shingles when it freezes again.Flashing is out of place. Roofs have metal flashing sheets that seal the cracks on the sides and seams of a roof. If the flashing on your eaves, peak, chimney, etc., has separated from an area, ice dams have likely created damage. These gaps can easily allow further moisture to enter your home and can even cause flooding if not addressed swiftly.

Though these situations can seem frightening, it’s possible to mitigate the damage they cause by addressing the issue early.

Long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle

There are other ways in which the freeze-thaw cycle can create long-term damage to your home, investment, and even your family’s health. Here are some long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle:

The freeze-thaw cycle brings moisture under your shingles and into your home. This moisture generally collects in the attic but can spread from there. The water that condenses inside is not clean and brings mold and bacteria with it. As these germs reach the warmth of your home, they are free to grow and spread, causing breathing problems, heightened allergies, and other serious health issues.The freeze-thaw cycle speeds up the damage process to your roof. Though all roofs go through wear and tear, if left untreated, the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle could leave you with repairs for which you were not prepared.Ice dams easily damage gutters or even remove them from the sides of the roof. When this happens, runoff cannot be directed to the gutters and often pools in your yard or basement.

How to protect your roof

The effects of the freeze-thaw cycle are extreme, and many people stress after discovering what it can do to their home. Fear not. There are steps you can take to protect your roof from significant damage. Follow these steps to protect your home this winter:

Remove the snow from your roof as soon as you can. Many people call a professional to handle this job safely. This process prevents ice dams.If an ice dam has already occurred, call a professional right away to have it removed. The longer you leave it, the more damage you can cause.The best thing you can do for your roof in the long term is to make sure that your attic is well ventilated. This airflow keeps the temperature of your roof even and keeps ice from forming.Schedule regular roofing inspections. It never hurts to have a professional inspect the state of your roof once or twice a year. If you catch roofing problems early, they are often far easier and less stressful to fix.

Hire a professional

Though technically you can remove ice dams and repair your roof on your own, we really don’t recommend doing so. It is easy to fall and injure yourself or even die when trying to work on a roof without proper equipment and experience. Even ground-based methods such as roof rakes don’t work well and often just create further damage to your shingles. It’s best to call a local, trusted roofer to help you maintain your roof and create a plan for dealing with any issues.

Contact Mr. Roof

For roofers who know all of the ins and outs of the freeze-thaw cycle,contact Mr. Roof. We have been battling ice dams and roofing problems for over 50 years, and there truly isn’t a situation we haven’t seen before. Our number one mission is to give you peace of mind with our craftsmanship and standout customer service. When you hire Mr. Roof, you know that the job will be done correctly and honestly and that the issue was fully resolved. Don’t wait on freeze-thaw cycle issues — call us today.

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Does My Roof Need Drip Edge?

William Romaine Roofing
Does My Roof Need Drip Edge?

Homeowners have a lot to think about. Though there are many enjoyable parts to homeownership, there are also many ways it is stressful. Keeping your roof in good condition may not be a glamorous or exciting part of owning a home, but it is necessary to ensure that your property remains in good condition and you protect your investment. Depending on the climate where you live, there are different ways to protect your home from natural weather patterns. However, for almost every home, a drip edge is necessary to keep a roof and home dry and intact.

What is a drip edge?

Before exploring the ins and outs of drip edges and why they are important, it is essential to understand the basics. A drip edge is a piece of plastic or metal that acts as a bridge between the edge of the roof and the gutter. This directs water into the gutter and prevents it from seeping under the shingles on the edges of your roof. It is a simple piece of machinery, but it is essential to protect your home from damage.

Why are drip edges important?

Though we may like to think that they’re impermeable, roofs are not seals. Most roofs function to protect us from the elements, but that doesn’t mean they are 100% successful. Shingle roofs leave a lot of room for damage, especially when moisture is involved. If water, ice, water vapor, or any other condensation makes its way underneath shingles, it will likely stay there as it goes through natural changes of form. For example, if it rains, the moisture from the sky can get underneath your shingles and become stuck. Then, let’s say that the temperatures drop in the evening. The water under your shingles will expand as it turns into ice, causing cracks and damage to the shingle as it moves. Drip edges ensure that runoff moisture does not make its way under the edges of your roof, and a major vulnerable point in your home’s roof is covered.

Homes that need drip edges

The reality is that drip edges are ideal for almost any home. Even if your roof is steeply sloped, water can pool or sit in small spaces that can end up causing damage. Moisture from the air and even water blown by wind can get underneath your roof’s edge and cause problems. There are many material options for drip edges, so there is a kind that can fit any home’s aesthetic. This small addition to your roof can protect your investment and ensure that your roof stays intact as long as possible. There is no home that would not benefit from installing a drip edge.

Contact Able Roof

For almost 30 years, the team at Able Roof has been helping install and maintain quality roofs. Our passion is protecting your home and investment from damage and helping you repair your roof when it gets damaged. We would be happy to install your drip edge for you and seal any other gaps or leaks your roof may have. Contact us today to get started.

The post Does My Roof Need Drip Edge? appeared first on Able Roof.

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What to Expect When Replacing Your Skylight

William Romaine Roof Services
What to Expect When Replacing Your Skylight

Skylights are a fantastic feature for many homes. Many homeowners love their skylight, and for good reason. Skylights bring in natural light, saving you money on electricity without compromising your privacy. These features are timeless and are a highlight of many homes around the globe. Despite their popularity, there is a lot about the installation and replacement processes that many people don’t understand. If you have a home with a skylight or are considering installing a skylight in your home, here are a few things you should know about the replacement process.

Replace with your roof

Whenever you can, it’s best to replace your skylight during a roof replacement. This is important for several reasons, including:

More reliable seal. It is extremely difficult to create a water-tight seal on your skylight without replacing the entire roof. A good seal is part of the roof as a whole, and separating the two only leaves more room for leaks.

It’s more cost-effective. Prices for skylight replacement go up if you are doing it separately from your roof replacement.

Both your roof and your skylight eventually need replacement. Neither of these features of a home lasts forever. If you replace your roof and not your skylight, you are simply offsetting the replacement times for each and creating unreliable overhead protection.

Mixing old and new materials causes leaks. It’s natural for wear and tear to occur over time. Generally, your skylight and your roof go through wear and tear together. Replacing your roof without your skylight creates an ill-fitting, old skylight, which can create damage to your new roof and cause leaks that could damage your home.

It preserves your investment. Replacing either your skylight or roof without the other one only opens you up to liability when the other one needs replacing. The replacement for one will likely damage the other, depreciating the quality of both.  Spend a little bit extra to ensure that your money is put toward quality work and that your investment is protected.

Understanding that a roof and a skylight should not be replaced independently of one another can feel intimidating. However, this is the best method for the overall health, safety, and longevity of your home.

Cost

If you decide to replace your skylight separately from your roof, it’s likely to cost you between $800 and $1500. This cost varies based on several factors, including the location of the skylight, condition of the skylight and roof, size of the skylight, and level of risk for the roofer. It can be frustrating not to know how much a project will cost, but accuracy is impossible without understanding all parts of your situation. A professional will be able to give you an accurate estimate for the job. Don’t forget to shop around to find the best prices and service, as you would with any other investment.

Process

The process of replacing a skylight will vary a bit depending on how you go about it. If you are doing it independently of a roof replacement, the process generally takes a few hours. Your roofing expert will remove the existing skylight and fit it in the new one. Once it’s in place, they will replace the seal or flashing around the window. They may need to also come inside to finish the installation and repair any small damages to your paint or trim done during the replacement.

Trust a professional

Though there are YouTube channels and DIY blogs that encourage you to tackle projects on your own, we don’t advise doing any sort of roofing project if you are not a professional. Though they seem otherwise, roofs are fairly delicate. One step in the wrong spot could permanently damage your roof and lead to injury. Amateur repairs can lead to further damage or leaks and could make a small repair into an expensive project. More importantly, it’s easy to fall or injure yourself while on your roof. In 2009,1/3 of all fatal falls occurred from roofs or ladders. Please do not take the risk with your home and your safety. Call a professional for all of your roofing needs.

Call Able Roof

For the best roofing and skylight repairs in the state of Ohio,contactthe experts at Able Roof. In our 30 years of business, we’ve replaced over 50,000 roofs and done over 10,000 exterior remodels. Our expertise allows us to give you the best quality service in the area and gives us a deep understanding of the ins and outs of roofing in a volatile climate such as the Midwest. We have family values and prioritize giving our customers great service, so you can rest assured that your roofing job will be done correctly when you call Able Roof. Don’t hesitate, call today.  

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All About Your Mansard Roof

William Romaine Roof Services
All About Your Mansard Roof

Homes have a lot of details that easily go unnoticed. Styles, colors, and materials all play into the home’s overall aesthetic, and many people only focus on the overall home rather than the details. This is a perfectly normal way of approaching homes, and in general, there is no harm in it. However, if you are a homeowner or looking to build a custom home, it’s best if you understand a little bit about the details that go into a home’s overall construction. One important aspect of a home is its roof, which not only affects the security and temperature control, it also indicates a lot about the overall style of the home. One common roofing style is the mansard roof—a style that has been around for centuries. To properly care for your home and make educated decisions about future designs, here is some basic information to keep in mind about the mansard roof.

What is a Mansard roof?

The first thing to understand about the mansard roof is just what the term means. This roof style originated in France, and the first application was in the 1550 construction of the building that would later become the Louvre. However, it was not given its name until much later, for architect Francois Mansart in the 17th century. Now, it is common all over the world for both commercial buildings and homes alike. The style is characterized by two slopes instead of one. The topmost slope has less of an incline than the lower slope, which is steep. In some cases, the top slope cannot even be seen from the street, as the incline is almost flat in comparison with the very steep lower slope.

Mansard roofs vs. other common roofs

Other common roof types may seem similar to the mansard roof, but there are important distinctions to remember. With mansard roofs, there are two slopes on every side of the building, with the top slope being gentler and the bottom slope being steep and quite a bit of overhang. For gable-style roofs, you will see one slope on the front and back of the home, with no slope or overhang on the sides of the home. There is no variance in the slope of the two sides of the roof. In a hip-style roof, there is also one consistent slope of the roof, but it exists on all four sides of the home rather than only on two like the gable. Hip and gable style roofs are the most commonly seen roofing styles, with mansard roofs more of a specialty or rarity.

dvantages of mansard roofs

There are many considerations to take into account when deciding on a roof shape for your home. There are some major perks to mansard roofs, as well as some disadvantages, which we will discuss in the next section. Here are some ways that mansard roofs are advantageous to their homes:

They make your home customizable. Because the sides of a mansard roof are nearly vertical, it is easier to add additional floors to homes with mansard roofs.

Increased attic space. Where many homes have cramped or inaccessible attics to be used only for storage, mansard roofs allow a home significant extra space in the attic. Depending on the layout and state of the home, a mansard roof attic could easily be an additional living space.

They’re classic. Though everyone has a different style and opinion, mansard roofs tend to give homes a very classic, timeless look. They have been in use for a very long time and haven’t gone out of style yet. They are not just a trend.

They can lower heating costs. Unlike other styles of roofs, mansard roofs allow heat to be evenly distributed throughout the top of your home. The heat is not concentrated to a narrow top but rather spread out across the wider roof.

Disadvantages of mansard roofs

Though they are timeless and add space to a home, mansard roofs do come with a few disadvantages that are important to note too:

They do not function well in extreme weather. For areas with excessive precipitation, the mansard roof may not be a good choice. If there is a blizzard or downpour, the gentle decline of the roof cannot move the water off the roof quickly enough. This can cause flooding or other roofing damage that will be costly to repair.

Higher installation and repair costs. Mansard roofs, though they may seem common, are, in fact, more difficult to install. There is an incredible amount of precision and technique involved, and not all companies know how to properly repair them. This can result in increased costs.

Potential local roadblocks. Depending on where you live, there may be ordinances or restrictions about the type of roof your home can have. Your city or town may also take the attic into account when calculating square footage, which can lead to additional taxes and paperwork for you.

Hire a professional

When making any decisions about roofing styles, repairs, or installation, it is important to call a licensed expert. Roofing injuries aresignificantly more dangerousthan other home projects and home construction jobs and result in many more fatalities every year. If you try to tackle a roofing project alone, there is a significant chance that you will get injured. Additionally, roofs are deceptively delicate. There are certain places where it is okay to stand and work and other places that could cause significant damage to your home if asked to hold the weight of a human being. It is always best to hire a professional for all of your roofing needs. Your safety is a top priority.

Contact Able Roofing

At Able Roofing, we take roof installation and repairs very seriously. We know how essential roofs are to the integrity of a home and aim to give you lasting peace of mind with our expertise and craftsmanship. We are always available to answer questions or address concerns about your roof and can provide insight into what style of roof may be right for a new construction home. No matter your roofing project, at Able Roofing, we are here to help you every step of the way.Contact us today to get started.

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Addressing Roof Damage Caused By Freeze-thaw Cycles

William Romaine Roofing
Addressing Roof Damage Caused By Freeze-thaw Cycles

We all learned a lot of things in school that do not necessarily affect our daily lives. Calculus and literary theory come in handy for a select few, but much of our basic knowledge lives in our brains without ever really being used. One contradiction to this is a lesson you likely learned in early science classes about how water expands when it’s frozen and contracts when it’s heated. As a teenager, it isn’t likely that you knew how important that lesson would one day be for the safety and security of your family. It turns out that the application of this particular scientific theory is very important as a homeowner. As the seasons change, the moisture in or around your house begins to expand when it freezes. For many materials in your home, this is no big deal. However, it can be a death sentence for your roof. It’s important to understand how the yearly freeze-thaw cycles can affect your roof, what you should look for, and what you can do about it.

Freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage to your roof

To understand what happens to your roof, you need to understand what happens during the freeze-thaw cycle here in Ohio. Simply put, water and moisture are constantly present in our air. That moisture makes its way into the cracks and crevices of most materials. When the moisture enters an object, it’s in a liquid or gaseous state. However, as temperatures drop, the water molecules begin to expand. If the expanding moisture is inside of a rigid object, such as rocks, cement, or roofing shingles, the expansion begins to put pressure on the object. Because temperatures can fluctuate a significant amount between daytime and nighttime, especially in the intermediary seasons of spring and fall, this pressure is created multiple times per week, causing significant wear and tear on the objects it inhabits.

Three signs of freeze-thaw damage to your roof

Freeze-thaw cycles can create a variety of problems for your roof, and they don’t always manifest in the same way. However, there are a few common ways you can identify freeze-thaw damage on your roof:

Ice Dams. Ice dams can occur when the heating on your roof is uneven or when there is a lot of freezing and thawing occurring in the environment. In these instances, melted snow runs down the roof, stopping around the eaves. The water goes behind shingles and gets stuck there, causing significant upward pressure when it freezes.Flashing has come loose. All roofs have metal sheeting called flashing that seals the cracks between roofing materials and roof features. If the flashing surrounding your chimney, eaves, vents, etc., has separated from the area it’s protecting, ice dams are likely the culprit, even if you didn’t catch them when they occurred. These gaps can let in further moisture and can even cause flooding, so make sure to address the issue right away.Uneven or minimized space between shingles. Shingles should be evenly spaced. If you see that some shingles are not, or the space has become smaller, it’s likely that the expansion and contraction has done some damage.

All of these issues can permanently damage your roofing shingles and other roofing materials and can cause expensive home repairs.

The long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle

There are several ways in which the freeze-thaw cycle can damage your home in the long term. Damages can be expensive and may affect your family in unexpected ways. These are a few examples:

Mildew and mold can grow in your home. Ice dams and the freeze-thaw cycle allow moisture to make its way inside your home, as well as under your shingles. This water is not purified or even clean and carries bacteria and mold spores. As those germs reach inside, they can easily grow in the climate-controlled environment, leading to significant problems for your home and health.Your roof’s lifespan is shortened. The freeze-thaw cycle accelerates damage to your roof, meaning you will likely have to repair and replace your roof sooner than anticipated.Your gutters could be destroyed. Ice dams have the ability to remove gutters from the sides of the roof. If this happens, any melted water is not safely rerouted away from your home, meaning it will likely find its way into your basement, freeze, and cause further damage, or both.

How to protect your roof

The effects of the freeze-thaw cycle are certainly alarming, but luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your home. The most immediate option is to hire professionals to remove snow from your roof. This prevents ice dams from forming. If you already have an ice dam, make sure to have it removed right away before it has time to cause further damage. In the long-term, the best thing you can do for your roof is to have a well-ventilated attic. This ensures that temperature fluctuations don’t have as strong of an effect on your roof, as it is temperature regulated. Finally, have your roof inspected regularly. If you catch damage early, you can save a lot of time, money, and heartache.

Call a professional

Though there are many online DIY tips about how to remove ice dams or repair your roof, these methods are never recommended. Falling from a roof or ladder is often lethal, and without the right support equipment, you could be endangering your life. Even methods such as roof rakes are not recommended, as they can cause further damage to your shingles as they remove snow. Your best course of action is to contact a professional and create a short-term and a long-term action plan for your roof.

Contact Able Roofing

For roofers that truly understand Ohio’s fickle freeze-thaw cycle,contact Able Roofing. For over 30 years, we have been keeping the roofs and families of Ohio safe from roofing catastrophes and safety hazards. We are passionate about performing quality, expert work on your roof, so you can have peace of mind all season long. Our family-oriented, award-winning team provides exemplary customer service and results that you can feel confident about. Don’t wait — call us today to schedule a free estimate.

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How to Prepare for a Roof Replacement

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
How to Prepare for a Roof Replacement

A roof replacement job is a relatively straightforward process, and a good roofer will let you know what to expect on your scheduled roof replacement day. While your roofing team will certainly provide some general guidance to prepare you for the work, it’s wise to take a few steps to prepare your property and minimize the cleanup you will need to address once the work is done.

Clear the area immediately around your home’s perimeter

Your roofing team will need to walk through your yard during your roof replacement, and they will also likely bring a dumpster and park it in your driveway. Roof replacement begins with removing the old roof, and your roofing team will likely start at the corner of your roof opposite the dumpster so that they can get as much as possible into the dumpster safely.

Before your scheduled roof replacement, move your vehicles out of your driveway, into your garage, or to the street, so they are not in the way. This will also protect them from falling debris as your roofing team works. Take time to move patio furniture, kids’ toys, grills, and other items away from the area immediately surrounding your home.

Protect and prepare your landscape

Many homeowners have gardens, flowerbeds, trees, and other vegetation surrounding their homes. If you have plants that you want to protect, it’s important to take a few precautions. Consider laying a tarp or protective netting over sensitive plants around your house. These will catch pieces of debris that could otherwise become lost, potentially harming your plants as they deteriorate. If you have any sensitive trees that you do not want to be harmed by the work, mark them with orange tape or ribbon and notify the roofing team to be careful around them.

It’s also wise to mow your grass before the roof replacement. This will make it easier for your roofing team to move around your home and make it much easier to locate pieces of debris scattered throughout the area. Unlock any gates on your property so your roofers can move around more easily. Roofers typically use metal detectors, magnets, and other instruments that allow them to locate lost nails and other metal pieces quickly and easily, but these precautions can reduce your chances of missing any debris that could later cause injury.

Prepare the interior of your home

The roof replacement process entails a great deal of vibration throughout your home. This means disruptive noises and the potential for vibrations to damage certain things inside your house. Your attic is especially vulnerable because the roofers will be working directly above the attic space. It’s a good idea to remove any fragile items or important keepsakes stored there and put them on your home’s ground level until the job is done.

Your roofing team will likely place wooden boards over your windows to protect them from falling debris. While they can help protect the exterior of your home, take time to remove any hanging artwork or framed photos that could fall from the vibrations of the roof replacement work. This is most important on your home’s top floors closest to where the roofers will be working.

It’s also important to be prepared for potential disruptions to your television service during the process. Your roofers will need to remove any fixtures or accessories attached to your roof, including solar panels and satellite TV dishes.

Warn your neighbors and prepare your family

You may be prepared to deal with roof replacement’s noise and vibrations, but it’s important to notify your immediate neighbors of the job in advance. This will help them prepare for the noise and debris that may fall into their yards. Your neighbors will appreciate this consideration.

If you have small children, make sure they stay inside during the roof replacement or have them spend the day with friends or relatives. Make sure they know that they must be careful in the yard afterward, so they do not accidentally step on any missed nails or other debris that could cause injury. Pets may also require special attention. Dogs, cats, birds, and other domesticated pets are sensitive to loud noises and vibrations, so it is worth considering a kennel or pet boarding service for the day. Otherwise, be sure to keep your pets inside as much as possible.

An experienced professional roofer will provide you with extensive instructions to help you prepare for your roof replacement, but taking the initiative in preparation will help the whole process go much more smoothly. If you are ready to replace your roof and want a professional team to handle the job, contact Able Roof today for more information about our roofing services.

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Increase the Value of Your Home With a New Roof

William Romaine Roof Services
Increase the Value of Your Home With a New Roof

Your home is an investment, regardless of whether you plan on living there for the rest of your life or intend to sell it eventually. It’s vital to make sound decisions when it comes to improving your home and increasing its value. Additionally, if you plan to remain in your home for the rest of your life and pass it on to your children, boosting its value can provide them with security and peace of mind for many years to come.

How much can a new roof improve home value?

According to a recent Cost Vs. Value report, the average American homeowner can expect to spend upward of $20,000 on a new asphalt shingle roof of medium-level quality. This translates into more than $15,000 additional property value, an almost 70% return on investment when it comes time to sell the home.

Interestingly, another report from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry claims that new roofs can provide more than a 109% return on investment. This means that investing in the right type of new roof for a home could turn a profit despite the high initial expense.

How to determine the strength of your investment

The main reason for any homeowner to arrange a roof replacement is to ensure the structure’s safety and security. If you need a new roof because of storm damage or simple wear-and-tear, there are a few steps you must take to ensure your investment in a new roof has the return you expect.

If you believe you need to replace your roof before selling your home, the first thing you must evaluate is the state of your current roof. It’s commonly understood that a homeowner selling their home must provide a potential buyer with a thorough list of all known issues with the house, including records of recent major improvements and renovations completed in recent years. A potential buyer will be much more interested in a home with a relatively new roof than a home with a roof that will likely require replacement soon.

If your current roof is in relatively good shape, it is still vital to consider the average lifespan. An asphalt shingle roof can last 20 to 25 years under normal conditions in most climates, but this is not a guarantee your roof will last this long. Based on this average, if your roof has less than 10 years left, it’s a good idea to consider replacing the roof to make it easier to sell your home and at a higher price than you might initially expect, thanks to the additional value the new roof offers. However, if you just had the roof replaced a few years ago and plan to sell it within the next year, investing in yet another roof replacement likely won’t yield much of a return.

Learn how to research your local market

Competition is present in every marketplace, including the real estate market in which you will list your home. It’s crucial to carefully research properties for sale in your region that are similar to your own. Look at square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and other listed amenities. You might be surprised to see many of the property values in your region for homes similar to your own. An experienced real estate agent will help you discern the appropriate price range for your home and may be able to offer more specific advice concerning your plans to replace your roof before listing your house for sale.

Choose your new roof materials carefully

It’s common for homeowners to make the mistake of assuming that investing in the highest quality roofing materials means they can increase the sale price of their home. The reality is that if your new roof stands out from your neighbors’ homes, it will reduce the visual cohesion of your immediate area and will likely have the opposite of the intended effect. Given a choice between high-end roofing materials that do not match your neighborhood and medium-quality materials that will appear more cohesive, choosing the latter will almost always be the preferable option with a higher return on your investment.

One of the best steps to boost property value with a new roof is to consult a reputable and experienced roofing team. At Able Roof, we understand that a new roof is a crucial investment for any homeowner. Contact us today to learn more about the roofing services we provide, and our team will help you select a new roof that yields the return you expect.

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How to Deal with Animals in Your Attic

William Romaine Roof Services
How to Deal with Animals in Your Attic

A pest problem is one of the last things any homeowner wants to experience in their home, but the reality is that virtually every homeowner will contend with some type of pest problem at some time. According to data from Consumer Affairs, the most commonly cited pest problems for US homeowners include ants, spiders, mice, and termites. Homeowners in different regions are more susceptible to certain types of pest problems than others. The aforementioned pests are not the only animals that can wreak havoc on a home once they make their way inside an attic or roof crawlspace.

Every homeowner should know the following tips for identifying and controlling a pest infestation problem. Being proactive in protecting your home can result in tremendous savings over time while also protecting you and your family from the many health hazards pest infestations are known to cause.

Stay alert for signs of roof infestations

One of the most important steps every homeowner must take in protecting their homes from pests is to stay vigilant for signs of a pest invasion. Some pest problems can go unnoticed for quite a long time. For example, you may have an ant problem developing near your property but will not know about it until they have invaded your kitchen. Similarly, many other pests can take up residence inside your roof if you are not careful.

Visual signs of pests such as squirrels, mice, and birds can include damage to the exterior of your home, cracks in roof eaves and gables, missing roof shingles, and droppings left in your attic or crawlspace. It’s also possible to detect a pest problem by sound, including scratching, knocking, and other sounds that might indicate an unwanted guest in your attic. Finally, pay attention to any odd smells that you detect in the upper level of your house.

Winter is one of the most common times of the year for homeowners to encounter pest problems. Mice, squirrels, birds, and even larger animals like raccoons can try and invade a home to keep warm during colder weather. It’s wise to inspect your roof and your attic or crawlspace once the weather starts to turn colder.

Understand the health risks of pests

All types of pests, from insects to mice, birds, and raccoons, can be incredibly destructive and cause a host of health problems for you and your family. Animals carry many different diseases that can be disastrous for humans to contract. Their feces and urine can encourage mold growth and attract additional pests. Mammals and birds often carry fleas, ticks, and other insects that can eventually make their way deeper into a home.

If left unchecked, any pest infestation can escalate into a serious health hazard for everyone in your home. If you discover any significant pest infestation, it is always best to leave removal and cleanup to a professional pest control service and then consult an experienced roofer if you discover that a vulnerability in your roof allowed the pests inside.

Fix your roof to prevent more pest problems

While insects and mice typically invade a home at ground level, the roof is the next most vulnerable point of potential entry. Raccoons, squirrels, birds, and flying insects can easily enter a home when there is any type of physical vulnerability in the roof, such as:

Damaged roof shingles. Small animals can easily squeeze into gaps created by missing or damaged shingles and chew their way through the roof decking below the shingles.Cracks in flashings around roof protrusions. These vulnerabilities are particularly problematic because they can also cause water damage to your home.Broken siding on roof gables. These sections of a roof can be particularly vulnerable if siding slats become damaged or dislodged.Damaged eaves. Most modern roofs have eaves with covered roof vents. This can potentially allow an animal to enter through gaps in the attic structures.Broken chimney structures. Using your fireplace regularly can deter pests from trying to enter your home through the chimney. If you have not used your chimney for an extended time, this structure could quickly become a vulnerability.

You might be surprised to see the very small entrances some animals can make to get into a home when looking for food or shelter from the cold. Some of these problems can be easy to miss, so consult a pest control expert if you are worried about pests invading your roof or attic. If you discover clear evidence of physical damage to your roof, contact a trustworthy roofer to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

The team at Able Roof has extensive experience handling all types of roof damage caused by pests. If you have recently had an exterminator remove a pest infestation from your attic, contact us to have any roof damage fixed quickly and efficiently to prevent further pest problems.

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