Types of Roofs and How to Install Them

Jerry Bridges Roof Services , , , , ,
Roofing Services

Roofs cover the top of a building and protect it from the elements. There are many different roofs, including flat, pitched, vaulted, and domed. The type of roofing material used depends on aesthetic and technical criteria. Learn about the different types of roofs and their properties. Choosing the suitable material for your roof will also depend on its shape and size. You may be surprised to learn that you can even get a roof that looks like a dome! Read on for some tips and tricks for roofing.

Roofing ServicesOverlays are another way to enhance the looks of your roof. The process of overlaying your roof is known as reroofing. Commercial Roofing Sacramento will install a new roof over an old one without tearing off the old one. However, it is essential to note that the entire process may only be done once. With this method, you can only install two layers of shingles over a roof. This method is often preferred because it prevents the shingles from curling.

When installing a roof, it is important to consider the type of shingles. There are several types of shingles, and each one has its benefits and disadvantages. While most people would prefer tearing off the old roofing, it is sometimes impossible. A method of reroofing involves removing existing roofing and replacing it with a new one. While it may seem tedious, the benefits of reroofing a roof are worth it.

One of the best options for reroofing is a less expensive option than total replacement. You won’t have to remove the entire old roof, which will reduce the cost and labor involved. Once you have the new roof, you can begin installing it. And, if you’re not replacing the roof completely, reroofing can be a great option because it doesn’t require a full tear-off.

Another type of roofing is called ply-roofing. This type of roofing uses several layers, including a protective granule layer. In most cases, the ply is the last layer, while asphalt roll-roofing requires big sheets of roofing material. As with asphalt, it’s important to use an asphalt primer that absorbs dust and improves the adhesion of self-adhering membranes. Also, the back surfacing of the shingles helps keep the shingles in place and protects the rafters.

The eaves and rakes of a roof are two other important components to consider when building a new roof. These two eaves and rakes will handle the water drainage and protect the roof against wind-driven rain. Once these parts of the roofing system have been installed, you can begin adding more layers of roofing material. It’s unnecessary to replace the entire roof, but it is still important to address leaks that may have developed in these areas.

Stone lintels have been used as roof supports since prehistoric times but cannot span a distance. The stone arch, meanwhile, was used extensively in ancient. The ribs of this form allowed it to span spaces up to 45 meters across. For about 2,000 years, stone arch structures were the primary roofing materials used in major architectural works. Then, during the Industrial Revolution, iron beams replaced stone arch structures. Paxton’s Crystal Palace was a great example of a stone arch structure.

There are also some common types of roofs. For example, the sod roof is an example of a green roof. Green roofs are popular for their insulating properties. It is also considered a way to “green” the Earth. The vegetation and soil act as living insulation, helping to moderate the temperature of a building. A roof with clay material can even serve as living space! If you choose this method, you should remember to research the construction process before starting the roofing project thoroughly.

Roofing is a crucial part of building a home, so choose the right one for your project. If you’re planning to install a new roof, you should understand the various roofing terms. Learn about the different terms, such as roofing pitch, roof deck, flashing, membrane, and underlayment. This knowledge can make the process much easier and more affordable. The best way to learn about your roof is to contact a roofing company in your area and have them evaluate your roof.

While it is easy to get confused about roofing materials, it is important to understand the different types. It would be best to understand that a roof’s type and quality would determine its cost. If you are looking for a low-cost roof, you may want to consider metal roofing. The low cost of this type of roofing is comparable to that of asphalt shingles. While metal roofing is light and durable, it can be noisy during rainstorms and dent if hit with hail.

The Benefits of eCommerce for Businesses

Daren Rios Digital Marketing , , , ,
Digital Marketing

With the growing popularity of eCommerce, businesses must consider the advantages it offers their customers. Most online shoppers use search engines to find products, but a physical store is often limited to a specific geographic area. While physical stores still have a place in a local community, online stores have an advantage over brick and mortar businesses in terms of branding and large traffic volume from search engines. Internet users have become more street-savvy and understand the benefits of online shopping. Check Amazon Automation Reviews to learn more.

Digital MarketingIn addition to increasing the number of sales, an eCommerce site can use customer information for cross-selling purposes and to send promotional emails. Moreover, it provides a means to contact the business owner, as a customer, whenever they want to. Besides, the site owner can train a customer service agent to respond to questions or resolve any problems. Further, the online store owner can monitor customer satisfaction and identify any problems with their products. A customer review on an online store can be shared with potential customers.

The Benefits of eCommerce for businesses are multifaceted and have boosted the growth of many small and medium-sized enterprises around the world. It has helped thousands of individuals launch their own companies and has helped established companies expand globally. Its advantages for both the seller and the buyer are numerous. eCommerce has many advantages and is worth the investment to ensure a successful business. The following are just a few of them. So, when you think about them, eCommerce is definitely the future of online shopping.

Local stores tend to attract customers in their vicinity. However, if a product is uniquely beneficial, it might draw customers from further away. The advantages of ecommerce include access to products from around the world. Customers can buy goods directly online without visiting a physical store, making it a more convenient and profitable option for many. The downside is that it can make your customers angry, ultimately leading them to choose a competitor who offers what they are looking for.

Using a website for ecommerce can increase your business visibility and reach a broader audience. Most consumers start their product search online or on their mobile phones. Besides this, ecommerce websites provide information on working hours and how to order a product. In the future, this can translate into increased revenue and coverage for your business. 

In addition to lowering costs, ecommerce has several advantages that physical businesses can’t compete with. In addition to reducing expenses, an eCommerce business can be open twenty-four hours a day, which makes it possible to hire VAs from different time zones. This eliminates the problem of restricted working hours, which can drive away customers. In addition, ecommerce stores also provide customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Using ecommerce is beneficial to established and new businesses. It allows business owners to reach customers across the country and even around the world, while at the same time reducing overhead costs. Additionally, ecommerce enables businesses to sell their products on other websites or on eBay, and customers can also buy products by clicking on an ad. However, if you are new to the ecommerce world, a brick-and-mortar location may be necessary for you to grow.

Starting an ecommerce website is cheaper than a brick-and-mortar store, as the business only requires a storage space for the products and inventory. Since ecommerce doesn’t require a storefront, its overhead costs are much lower as well. Online stores also don’t require inventory and staffing costs, which are very high for a physical store. The advantages of eCommerce are clear. It can increase your revenue and make a big difference to your bottom line.

Besides making product comparisons easier, ecommerce also helps reduce the amount of paper a business needs. Online stores can use data to find thriving markets for products. A customer base is virtually limitless and you can hire talent from anywhere – even from the most remote areas. You can use data to find successful markets and hire local talent. The benefits of eCommerce are plentiful. You can expand your business and make a name for yourself while at the same time keeping overhead costs low.

The benefits of eCommerce can be life-changing. In addition to the environmental and economic benefits, eCommerce allows you to create a greener and more sustainable business. Businesses that practice sustainability will gain more trust from customers and the environment. Ultimately, these benefits will be a win-win situation for your business and the planet. So, if you’re interested in pursuing an online business, it’s time to take advantage of all it has to offer.

Choosing the Right Shingles for Your Roof

William Romaine Roofing
Choosing the Right Shingles for Your Roof

When your roof finally comes of age, and it’s time to re-shingle and replace it, many people don’t understand what they are trying to evaluate. Many people think that shingles are shingles and may pick them based on the style or color. However, they may not know why some shingles are recommended for their house or area over others. You should ask your roofing contractor a lot of questions about shingle types and what’s best for your house style and the area where you live. You should be well informed when you step up to bat to put a cap on your house.

You should consider these structural factors

Weight limits of your house

While shingles are often seen as light compared to the components of the rest of the house, the fact is that they are frequently a considerable portion of the mass of a house. Not all houses are built to support all types of shingles. The weight limit of most typical house roofs is around 15 pounds per square foot of roof, which is a reasonably robust but not infinite amount of weight. Some heavier types of shingles can easily exceed this mark, and older houses that haven’t been kept up properly could shudder and shake under that kind of weight.

So, knowing the per-square-foot weight limit of your roof is going to be a large part of making the right choice to keep your home dry and standing for years to come.The slope and pitch of your roof

First off, let’s make sure we’re understanding these terms correctly. The slope of your roof is the amount the roof rises in inches for each foot of its depth into the house, so a house with a roof that rises one inch per foot would have a very shallow slope, whereas one that rises eight inches per foot would be incredibly steep. The slope is expressed as a ratio, 1:12 for the first house and 8:12 for the second.

The pitch of a roof is a fraction that represents the rise of the whole roof from edge to peak over the entire span of the roof. So, a roof that was 100 feet in span that rose 10 feet up would have a pitch of 10/100 or 1/10.

Depending on the pitch and slope of your roof, certain types of shingles might not be appropriate for your house. Larger clay and stone shingles, for example, might slide right off a steeper roof or have trouble staying in place in the long term. Again, this is something you should know before you go shopping to avoid setting your sights on something that’s not available for your home.

Environmental factors to consider

Where your home is in the world and what the environment is like will have a significant impact on what types of shingles you want to protect your roof. For example, a set of shingles that works beautifully for houses in a dry, warm climate like the Southwest might be inappropriate for a house that has to endure the cold winters and snow of the Mideast. Likewise, different kinds of tiles will provide different benefits and last different amounts of time depending on where you are in the world. So, it’s worth taking a beat to plan that out for yourself.

How much snow and rainfall does your region have each year?

The amount of snow or rain that falls on your roof is going to determine how appropriate certain types of shingles are for your area. For example, wood shingling will be better suited for a drier climate than most asphalt, rubber, or plastic roofs will be due to the increased pressure from bugs and mold that is going to be applied to even the best antifungally treated wood shakes.

A large amount of freezing and thawing will put a lot of strain on clay or stone roofs that would otherwise last an incredibly long time. So, while it won’t make them useless, it’s essential to recognize how precipitation is going to inform the longevity of your purchase.Are moisture and algae a problem in your neighborhood?

In a similar vein, different colors and materials are better equipped to deal with algal growth in moister areas where that’s likely to be an issue. It’s worth looking around your neighborhood to see whose roofs look the best in your local environment. It’s hard to beat the information you’ll get from looking at an older roof in your area because their owners have made similar choices and their roofs have been subjected to the same pressures yours will face.Winds—how high are they where you live?

If your area is subject to high winds, as in coastal environments or the Midwest, it’s worth considering whether your shingles might actually just blow away. Lighter types of shingles, such as plastic shingles or light metal roof panels, can be snatched up by fierce winds and tossed away. This makes it very worthwhile to invest in heavier shingles that will stay tightly latched to the roof and is one of the reasons slate and clay tiles are frequently so popular in coastal areas.The temperature range in your area

Last, the temperature of your environment is going to have a considerable impact on your choice. In hotter environments, clay and stone shingles can have significant cooling properties, which can help keep your house comfortable in hot summers but might make them less than ideal for places with sharp, brutal winters. The color of your shingles can also modify this a great deal, with darker shingles absorbing more heat from the sun and retaining it through the day, while brighter colors reflect more of the heat away from your house.

Make sure that you consider your house’s environment as you think about what you want it to look like.

Lifestyle factors to consider

A roof is more than just the hat that keeps your house warm. It’s also one of the most obvious statements that your house makes to people who visit you. So, it has to match the style of your house, and it has to look good with the color of the house.

Style

A house that has a hyper-modern aesthetic might struggle not to clash with slate roofing or wood shakes. Your house is the most significant stylistic choice you make in your life, and you don’t want to purchase something that makes it look questionable. That said, if your roof has a higher pitch, you have more visible surface area to play with, and the flatter your roof is, the less visually important the color of the roof is likely to be.

If you have a flat roof, a duller color could let the eye focus elsewhere, and a sharper color could be harder to pull off. In contrast, a taller roof gives you the opportunity to strike out with a color or tone with your choice of shingles.Neighborhood blend

You also want to make sure that your choice is not going to cause problems with your neighbors or make your house stand out in a bad way. For example, being the only house with bright orange clay tiles in your neighborhood could be lovely, but if it’s a clash with the houses around it, an otherwise lovely-looking roof could be made to look gauche.Maintenance needs

Certain types of roofs, most notably wood, clay, and slate, all require more constant maintenance and attention to keep them in order. If you’re not going to be happy to be taking care of your roof in a more active way, then perhaps these might be more of a headache than you actually want to deal with.

Costs

Finally, we get to brass tacks and cost. Depending on how long you plan on staying in your current home, certain purchases may simply not make sense. For example, you can pay more for much more longevity on your roof, with some stone roofs getting up to 200 years of durability with proper maintenance, but if you’re not planning to hand your house on to your heirs, it may not make complete sense to pay for a century of use that you’re not going to use. Similarly, solar tiles are a potential boon to a homeowner, but the precise economics of them may or may not make sense for a particular homeowner.

TypeCost per Square (100 sq./ft.)LifespanAsphalt$350 – $50020 yearsRubber or Plastic$550 – $1,10030 yearsMetal Panels$600 – $1,20050 yearsWood Shingles or Shakes$80030-40 years based on maintenanceSolar Tiles$2,100 – $2,500 (additional electrical wiring costs)30 yearsStone and Slate$1,50070-200 years based on maintenanceClay$1,50050-100 years based on maintenance

Now you’re armed to go forward and shop for a new roof, knowing what you need to get started on the journey of picking a roof that will keep you dry and warm for at least the next twenty years.

The post Choosing the Right Shingles for Your Roof appeared first on Mr Roof.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Traditionally, asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing used in residential homes across the United States. That being said, this doesn’t mean that asphalt is the perfect roofing material—it comes with several upsides, but asphalt shingles carry a number of downsides, as well. Therefore, before deciding whether or not you would like to install an asphalt roof, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of this popular material.

Different roofing materials will suit different homes, and there is no one true “perfect” option. No matter who you are, however, it’s essential to ensure the strength and durability of your roof—without this protection, your home could suffer serious damage, such as water damage or flooding. If your roof needs constant repair, not only will this compromise the safety of your home, but it is also an expensive problem to deal with. To avoid these issues, it’s a good idea to have the best possible roofing material installed in the first place.

Could asphalt shingles be the ideal roofing material for you?

What are asphalt shingles?

The base of an asphalt shingle is constructed of either an organic material or fiberglass. This base is saturated in asphalt before it is covered in even more asphalt, either on a single side or both sides. Finally, the top of the shingle is coated in a mixture of schist, mica, slate, quartz, stone, or ceramic. The back is instead covered in talc, sand, or mica. This helps prevent the individual shingles from getting stuck together.

Although there are numerous types of asphalt shingles to choose from, the most common is known as “three-tab” shingling. This name is a reference to how the shingle is cut and how it is installed.  Shingles are stylistically versatile and come in a fair variety of colors, shapes, and styles.

The pros of asphalt shingling


Owens Corning

Let’s begin by discussing the positives of asphalt shingles, which may make them a superior option to other roofing materials.

Asphalt is quite inexpensive to install
This is possibly one of the upsides that most commonly leads homeowners to install asphalt shingles.

In terms of installation cost, asphalt is considerably more affordable than other popular materials. If you’re on a budget but urgently need a new roof, then asphalt shingles are likely the pick for you.Shingles do provide curb appeal
Of course, functionality isn’t the only variable you’re probably considering as you decide upon a roofing material. Most homeowners also care about the appearance or curb appeal of their property, and the roof you select can have a powerful impact. In addition, if you ever plan on selling your home, then its appearance becomes even more critical—curb appeal is a vital factor in determining the overall value of a property.Asphalt shingles are a reasonably flexible option
This means you can likely find shingles that perfectly suit the aesthetics, style, and color scheme of your home. In addition, you can find shingles in an array of styles, including (but not limited to) three-tab, laminated, and even premium varieties. In any case, it isn’t hard to install shingles that look perfectly in place on top of your home.Installing asphalt shingles is quick and easy
Not only is installation cheap, but it’s also a quick process to have asphalt shingles installed—and considering how much stress a roofing replacement can add to your day-to-day life, this can be desirable.

Most notably, asphalt shingles are easy to cut and lighter than many other roofing materials. This means that the roofing team won’t need to perform much prep work before they can install your new roof. There also isn’t any requirement for special tools or equipment. Not only do these variables make the installation process faster and simpler, but they also contribute to the lower cost of installing asphalt shingles.You can easily replace asphalt shingles
Although needing to re-install your roof isn’t desirable, it might still be a necessity in the future. As such, it’s a possibility that you should account for if you’d like to save your future self a headache.

Replacing shingles doesn’t even need to entail replacing your entire roof. It’s possible to replace a single shingle at a time if they become damaged without needing to tear out the roof and start from scratch.

The quick and simple installation process supports this ease of replacement.

The cons of asphalt shingling

Although there are numerous positives to installing an asphalt roof, there are also some disadvantages worth considering. In addition, certain downsides may impact certain individuals more than others—for instance, the weather conditions where you live could make some cons more detrimental.

Shingles are more susceptible to wind damage
If you live in a region with frequent high winds, asphalt shingles may not be the most practical material for you. Although this is mainly applicable to cheaper varieties of asphalt shingles, they tend to be more vulnerable to uplift.

Strong winds can cause individual shingles to detach from your roof, which in turn makes your roof more susceptible to developing leaks. A leaky roof is a big problem—leaks can lead to a variety of serious issues, including mold and severe water damage. In addition, much of the damage caused by leaks will require pricey repairs, especially if they go unnoticed and are left to worsen over time.Asphalt can crack
Asphalt shingles are a light roofing material, as was mentioned earlier. While this leads to several perks, it can also cause problems for your roof in other areas. Notably, asphalt is light enough that it is more vulnerable to cracking compared to other roofing materials.

If your shingles are exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature, then cracks are even more likely to begin forming. These fluctuations can lead to your shingles expanding and contracting, which eventually could cause cracks in the material. However, high temperatures can also promote the cracking of asphalt shingles, even without fluctuation.

So, if you reside in an area with extreme temperatures, make sure to take the possibility of cracking into account.Shingles shouldn’t be installed in cold weather
Generally speaking, it’s recommended that homeowners install asphalt shingles when the weather is warm. However, this can be seen as inconvenient as it restricts the times of the year when shingles can be installed. If you need an urgent roof replacement in the dead of winter, asphalt shingles might not be the most appropriate material.

This is especially true if the temperature outside is below freezing. These cold temperatures can cause the shingles to become damaged as they are being installed. As the temperature warms back up, this can also cause the shingles to become misaligned or be knocked out of place due to the resulting expansion.Shingles don’t look unique

Although shingles can look nice and have the ability to support the curb appeal of your property, they’re not necessarily the most distinctive option.

Other roofing materials, such as metal, tend to be better known for their extreme level of customizability. Although it’s easy to find asphalt shingles that fit the style and color of most homes, it’s going to be challenging to step outside the box.

If you’re hoping to make your home stand out from the rest on your block, then asphalt shingles aren’t the most effective way to accomplish that.Asphalt shingles don’t have the highest longevity
Are you hoping to install your new roof and then never have to go through the process again? If so, then keep the low longevity of asphalt shingles in mind before choosing this material.

Asphalt shingles are lighter and cheaper than other roofing materials, but this also means that they’re more likely to become damaged or wear down over time. Typically, you can expect properly installed shingles to last for up to 20 years before they need to be replaced. This can be compared to the longevity of metal roofing, for instance—that material can last for up to 70 years if it’s correctly installed.

Other types of asphalt shingles

Fortunately, if you enjoy the appearance of shingles on your home, there are options other than traditional asphalt shingling. Fiberglass asphalt and polymer modified asphalt are popular alternatives.

These other types of asphalt tend to be more durable than the traditional variety and are considerably more resistant to weather. Polymer-modified asphalt, in particular, is an excellent pick if you live in an area with frequent extreme weather conditions. Whether you’re faced with wind, hail, or heavy rain, polymer-modified asphalt is better able to hold up than traditional asphalt shingles.

Contact Able Roof Today

Do you believe that asphalt shingles are the roofing material for you—more specifically, fiberglass asphalt or polymer-modified asphalt shingles? If you’re in Central Ohio, then be sure to reach out to Able Roof. Our expert roofers can quickly and efficiently install your brand-new shingles in such a way that maximizes their longevity. Or, you can look into our other roofing options instead.

Able Roof even offers free estimates through our website.

The post Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles appeared first on Able Roof.

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How to Hang Christmas Lights Correctly

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
How to Hang Christmas Lights Correctly

Everyone loves the warm glow of Christmas lights in the dark months of the year. However, setting them up correctly can be a daunting task if you don’t approach it with a plan. To make things easier, we’re sharing some tips for setting up your yuletide display for success.

Plan your design and make your budget

When you are starting a project like this, it’s an excellent first step to establish a budget. You want to make sure that your joyous display is something that’s going to continue to spark joy, not something that you finished over your estimate. Going in, knowing your number is going to make sure that you’re happy with your result.

As you’re looking around your property, you’re going to want to know how much a given area will need. A good rule of thumb is that you’ll need 100 lights for every 1.5 feet of tree or shrub that you’re hanging, and you can use a similar figure for covering 1.5 square feet of roof or siding. This will help you get your head around how much design you have to play within your budget.

Where are you going to place your lights?

When you’re placing your Christmas lights, you want to start by establishing a few features of your house or property that are going to be focal points of your design. Many houses are asymmetrical or weighted more heavily on one side or the other, which is frequently offset by the architect with architectural or landscape features, but the asymmetry may look awkward if you just light up everything.

Good places for focal points tend to be windows, large trees, door frames, pillars, posts, and the eaves but try to pick only one or two to focus around and leave the other areas less fully populated to emphasize the places where you’ve put in the work. Window boxes and planters that you already have are also usually instinctively placed around these areas and can be lit up to accent the features they’re near. If you’re hanging and you feel like something’s off-balance, don’t be afraid to subtract lights from the side that feels too heavy. Taking away something is free, but adding more things can be a lot of work while only making the problem worse.

Carefully choose the lights you plan to hang

Your power supply and the type of lights you choose can also determine how much lighting you can afford in your design. For example, a lot of people favor incandescent bulbs for their warm glow. However, these lights tend to overheat if left on for an extended time, and you are only likely to be able to attach three to six light strands per outlet, which means that you have to be more strategic in your placement and more attentive to when you turn them off.

If you are looking to be more ambitious with your lighting designs, it’s likely that you’ll want to go with LED string lights, which can fit up to 25 strands per outlet on most standard circuits. They also don’t overheat as much and are much more energy efficient. However, regardless of which type you choose, you want to make sure to buy all your lights in a single type or color at a time as year-to-year variations in manufacture can lead to mismatched lights, which will make your display less peaceful.

For expanding beyond your initial wiring system, there are weatherproof battery-powered light packs of both varieties. However, these need frequent maintenance, and you’ll want to make sure you have backup rechargeable batteries on hand to keep those lights running night in and night out. Otherwise, a significant portion of your carefully plotted design could go down.

Numerous lighting styles are available

For different effects, you may want to pick different sizes of lights. The largest lights are C9 Christmas lights (1¼ inches diameter and 2½ inches tall), while smaller ones are available down to C7 (¾ inch diameter and 1⅛ inches tall). Of course, a bigger light will provide brighter output and fill more space, so plan for the size of your light as you’re considering applications.

For roof lines, overhangs, and peaks, there are some styles that you might consider as an accent instead of a simple outline. For example, icicle and raindrop lights hang down in chains from a single line that attaches to the gutter or the drip edge and give a nice cascade effect in these areas.

It’s also worth considering whether you want to have twinkling or stationary lights. With programmable lights, the motion of light displays can get quite intricate. However, some people find these effects to be overwhelming. So be judicious about using them and consider exactly how much of your house or tree you want to be dancing. Done right, it can be lovely, while done wrong, it can be a bit much.

Don’t forget to gather all the tools you’ll need

Once you’ve got your design in place, you want to double check that you have the appropriate tools for the job. One of the first things you need to check is that all of your extension cords and lights are UL rated for outdoor use. If a light display isn’t safe, it will not be very effective at bringing peace and joy.

You’re also going to be working upon an elevated surface, so in addition to making sure that your extension ladder is in good repair, you’re also going to want to invest in a tool belt or over-the-shoulder bag. This ensures that your hands can remain free while climbing. You’ll also want your sturdiest and best traction shoes to make sure you stay ON the roof.

In your kit, you should avoid nails or staples whenever possible at all, instead of opting for plastic clips. There are a few different kinds of plastic clips which attach to the edge of shingles without going under or to the dripline or gutter.  Some of these clips combine simple hooks or latching hooks, and there are specific roof peak clips that attach to the side of the shingle while sitting on top of it. These will make removal easy come spring and prevent you from punching holes in the roof. Clips are generally sized to go with the size of your bulbs, so make sure you know whether you’re using C7 or C9 clips.

For vertical spaces like windows, columns, or the side of your house, there are adhesive clips that stick to the surface and allow you to hang lights vertically up the side of the building. These are great as for many applications. You can put them up without even getting on a ladder, and they let you adorn otherwise unavailable spaces.

Last, it’s very smart to invest in app-controlled smart plugs or timer plugs that will save on your electricity bill and prevent you from leaving them on. If you’re using a smart plug, make sure your internet is secured, as you don’t want to find out if you have a mischief-maker in the neighborhood.

Check roof condition and the weather forecast

When you’re ready to head up there, the first thing you absolutely need to check is what the weather is going to be. You should never work on a roof when it’s wet or uncleared, and you should plan to be up there for a few good hours, so check the weather report and look around at the clouds.

Get someone to help you

You have to have someone with you to hold your extension ladder as you head up after you’ve secured and leveled it. People hurt themselves every year by not asking someone to just do this one small thing, but you don’t have to be one of them.

Line up your lights

Untangle your lights on the ground, not up on the roof, and take the time to inspect and test each line. You’re going to be much better equipped to fix any problems with the lines and detect any fraying, loose bulbs, or damage when you’re not also trying to stay up on the roof. Once they’re untangled, carefully coil and pack them so that they come out of the bag or off the shoulder cleanly.

Clips need to go on first

As most people are rarely on their roof, you want to take the time to set up your clips first and make sure that you’re setting the shingles back correctly with no gaps underneath. Then, after that’s all set, you can return to string the lights knowing that you did the first job correctly.

Now that you have your lights all fixed up, you can enjoy their glow all season long, knowing that you’ve set yourself up for success and that come spring packing the kit away won’t be a huge problem. Of course, it’s also worth taking time to inspect your lines when they come down and to stow them away as untangled as you can get them.

The post How to Hang Christmas Lights Correctly appeared first on Mr Roof.

How to Hang Christmas Lights Without Damaging Your Roof

William Romaine Roof Services
How to Hang Christmas Lights Without Damaging Your Roof

’Tis the season to bring out the holiday decorations! Although decorating your home for Christmas each year can be an exciting tradition, it’s essential to keep the potential risks in mind. Christmas lights, for instance, can damage your roof if they’re not installed wisely. At the end of the holiday season, the last thing you want is to be faced with expensive roofing repairs—repairs that could have been avoided if you correctly hung your Christmas lights.

So, don’t rush to get all your lights strung up. Instead, make sure to go about the process carefully and with the following pieces of advice in mind.

Don’t use nails or staples

Sometimes, it can be tempting to use nails or staples to keep Christmas lights in place. This makes sense, on the surface—it is a secure option, and you can remain confident that your lights aren’t going to plummet to the ground when you least expect it.

Nevertheless, this sense of security isn’t worth it—especially as nails and staples aren’t the only way to securely fasten Christmas lights to your roof.

Consider putting aside the staple gun and nails this holiday season. It can be easy to accidentally staple or nail into your shingles if you have asphalt shingles on your roof. Whenever you puncture your shingles in this way, the holes you create can lead to severe problems down the line.

For instance, these holes can welcome water or moisture into your home. This can be an especially serious risk during the winter months—after a snowstorm, you don’t want the melted snow to flood directly into your home. This water can eventually damage the structure of your home. It could also lead to the development of mold or rot, which will cause a significant health hazard to the inhabitants of your home—especially if these inhabitants have sensitivities or allergies.

Well, then what’s the alternative? Rather than busting out the nails or staple gun, you can instead turn to clips that are specifically designed to hang Christmas lights. These aren’t difficult to get your hands on, and they allow homeowners to easily hang their lights while posing minimal risk to their roof’s integrity. There’s no reason to put holes in your roofing system.

Familiarize yourself with the kinds of plastic clips

On a related note, there is more than just one kind of plastic clip for you to choose from. Be sure to review each of the possibilities to ensure that you choose the best type for your particular roof and lighting style.


Christmas Designers

A few of the most common varieties of clips are:

All-in-one clips
Generally, all-in-one clips are the best option if you’re hanging lights from your shingles or gutters. That being said, it’s generally not a good idea to hang any lights directly from your shingles if this can be avoided. Shingles are a lightweight, often cheaper material, meaning that they’re more likely to be damaged or pulled out of place by your lights. Instead, try to position most (if not all) of your lights around the eaves and gutters of your home.Clay tile roof clips
As the name would imply, this is a clip designed for those with a clay tile roof. This way, you can minimize the risk of damage with a clip designed especially for your unique roofing material—even if it’s not the most common type.Eave clips
Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to hang Christmas lights from the eaves of your home rather than directly from the asphalt shingles. You can even purchase special clips that are designed specifically for this purpose.Clips for the ridge of your roof
You can also purchase another variety of clips explicitly designed for the ridge (or peak) of your roof.

Where to install your lights: gutter or shingles?

Rather than hanging your Christmas lights haphazardly across your home, be sure to put some serious consideration into the process. In particular, you can break the arrangement into two distinct sections: Lights that are best hung from the gutters and lights that you should be hanging from the shingles. Different kinds of lights can fall into one of these two categories, and it is vital to be aware of their ideal placement. Otherwise, you could be putting the safety of your roof at an increased risk.

However, if you don’t have gutters on your home, you can instead consider hanging lights from the shingles located along your roofline.

But what if you do have gutters? If that’s the case, then try picking up some icicle-style Christmas lights. You can break out the all-purpose clips and begin installing these lights along the gutters of your home.

Once you’ve sorted out where your lights will be hung, you can begin considering the arrangement and kinds of lights that look best on your home. Of course, every roof and home are different, so try working with whatever suits your property the best—as long as it is safely secured to your roof, of course.

Before you hang lights, clean your gutters

While it’s generally a good idea to clean out your gutters regularly, it is especially important to take care of cleaning before hanging up your Christmas lights. While this is an important step to take, it is also one that is often overlooked, as not everyone realizes how it relates to roof safety and hanging Christmas lights. In reality, they go hand in hand with one another.

Like most kinds of lights, Christmas lights are going to warm up. As the areas surrounding your lights grow warmer, this can cause debris to begin drying up. For example, if you have a large number of leaves piled up in your gutters, these can be dried out by your lights.

Ultimately, these dried-up leaves can create a preventable fire hazard. If the lights come into direct contact with the dried-up leaves, a fire can begin.

So, before you begin putting up Christmas lights (or, at least, before you’ve finished the job), remember to clean out your gutters, getting rid of any fallen leaves or debris. It’s also worth noting that cleaning out your gutters can offer other benefits to your roof and home, especially at this time of year. For example, if you are hit by snowstorms this winter, the melting snow will lead to a large quantity of water. Your gutters will then be responsible for diverting this water away from your home to prevent flooding or water damage.

However, leftover debris can lead your gutters to become clogged. If the water can’t flow freely away from the structure, it will build up in your gutters and leak or overflow. To minimize the chances of water damage during the winter, make sure to give your gutters a thorough cleaning before the start of the season.

Be careful (if you step foot on your roof)


Home Depot

It is often feasible to hang up all the Christmas lights you desire without actually having to step on the surface of your roof. Of course, this is the ideal scenario if you’re looking to prevent damage during the hanging process. But what if treading onto your roof can’t be avoided?

If that’s ever the case, you will need to remain as careful as possible—not only to ensure your safety but to protect the safety of your roof. Make sure that you are moving carefully across the surface to avoid loosening the granules that coat the surface of your shingles. These granules are there for a good reason—they help ensure the durability of your roof. Without them, your asphalt shingles will become far more susceptible to damage. Unfortunately, this can also decrease their overall longevity, leading you to need a replacement earlier than expected.

Still, be sure to prioritize your own safety. For example, if you aren’t confident climbing on top of your roof to hang Christmas lights, don’t do it. Instead, you could consider hiring a professional to hang your lights in your place—you don’t even need to sacrifice the arrangement or design you’d initially planned.

Protect and repair your roof with Able Roof

Homeowners across Central Ohio know who they can turn to if they’re looking to keep their roofs in peak condition: the roofing experts at Able Roof.

Before you begin hanging your Christmas lights this holiday season, consider having your roof inspected by one of the professionals at Able Roof. We can ensure that there’s no damage to your asphalt shingles, which could be further exacerbated by the light hanging process—even if you take all the precautions that we’ve listed.

If your roof has experienced damage, Able Roof is also prepared to take care of the repairs. If you need to have your entire roof replaced, we are also ready to take on the job with ease and efficiency.

Interested in learning more or getting started? You can visit our site to learn more about our roofing or gutter services, or you can request a free estimate today.

The post How to Hang Christmas Lights Without Damaging Your Roof appeared first on Able Roof.

Is a Metal Roof Worth the Investment?

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
Is a Metal Roof Worth the Investment?

Is a Metal Roof Worth the Investment?

When researching new roofing options, discerning home-owners should consider more than just the price. We’ve made it easy by breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of having a metal roof, so you know exactly how far your dollar will stretch!


Metal panel roofs give a sleek and classic look all at once while being one of the most reliable roofing systems possible. Odds are that if you’re reading this, your roof is due for an upgrade and you’re considering metal! Let us help you kickstart your research with our breakdown of pros and cons of a metal roof.



dvantages of Metal Roofing

Metal panels are highly durable. Metal roofs are tremendously wind and weather resistant, so this eliminates the stress of losing a few tiles or shingles during a storm.Metal roof systems have a high capability for fire safety. A metal roof won’t ignite or feed a flame like some traditional roofing materials.Metal roofs reflect light, which means lower energy use for you. A roof that reflects sunlight works hard to keep your home cool in summer months, so you may see a drop in energy costs!Metal roofs are one of the most long-lasting roof systems available. An expertly installed metal roof can last 40-70 years with minimal need for maintenance!Metal is very customizable to suit your ideal look for any home. There are a range of specialty metals to choose from (i.e. copper, zinc, aluminum, etc.) along with paint colors and finishes.Metal roofs are erosion-resistant, which is particularly important for coastal climates. Irritants like saltwater and sand in tropical climates can erode traditional roofing materials like shingles much faster than roofs in a dry climate.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

Metal panels are an expensive material, and hiring a roofer to install with the proper training and resources comes at a cost, as well.A metal roof can be noisy during storm events if not insulated well. If you are installing metal on your home in a climate that experiences storms more often, you should consider your insulation options to prepare for the investment.Improper installation can cause problems and financial burden in the long run with aspects like expansion and contraction in metal panels. Extra care should be taken when researching experienced roofers to install this roof system.

It’s true that there are more advantages than disadvantages to metal roofing, but every home and home owner’s need are unique. If you still have questions about how metal stacks up with other roofing options for your home, contact or team by clicking below!

Need more detailed help? Our Home Exteriors by Baker team serves homeowners in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and are ready to answer your questions!

Click here to request a quote.

By Shelby Zeuli

Alex has worked at Baker for 5 years! When not at work, she loves spending time outside with her Goldendoodle and her husband Cole, hanging out with her family & friends, trying all the new restaurants in Raleigh, and watching a good movie!

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A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

As the weather gets colder and we move toward huddling up inside for a few months, we have an opportunity to inspect our houses and make sure that our family stays happy, healthy, and well throughout the cold months. There’s a lot to do, but we have time to do it if we put our minds to it. So, in these last dry days, when it’s still easy to jaunt around outside the house, it’s a good idea to inspect every inch of the place so that if something’s wrong, you find it when it’s easy to fix.

Electrical and heating—consider energy audit now

Before we enter the coldest months, you should consider an energy audit while you can still get it done. You’re about to use a lot of energy to keep your house warm, and having someone come by to help you minimize that is not a bad idea.

During an audit, you can also check your heating and air conditioning systems for function and leaking and flip your filters so that you know everything is in order to keep you warm and toasty. There is nothing worse than finding out that your furnace is broken on the first morning that’s cold enough for you to want it. 

Make sure your chimney is clean

You’re also about to use your chimney for the first time in months, so you should make sure it’s clean and order firewood because it’ll be harder to get in the midst of winter.

The change of the seasons is also time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Not only is it good to regularly check them, but you’re also going to be burning a lot more material this season if you have a fireplace or woodstove.

Check the outside of the house next

Outdoors you want to go around your house and check your paint, caulk, and the seals on your exterior wood, as it’s all about to be much wetter for a few months. If you see anything that’s crumbling or gapping, just scrape off that paint or caulk and apply fresh.

You should also check your decks, concrete, or asphalt on your patio, driveway, or walkway. You have time now to seal it and let it cure, but waiting till later will have an entire season of damage with minimal opportunity to fix it. Just apply some water to the surfaces and see if it soaks in. If it does, it’s time to reseal them.

Your drains in your gutters and your foundation also need some care. Any pooling or settling around your foundation can be filled with soil before the spring floods. Check the downspouts to make sure they point away from the foundation. Gutters should be securely fastened and freely draining as they’re about to get burdened with snow, and that could bring them right down.

Any sad-looking trees around your house should also be cut down before they get loaded with snow and come down on their own. Getting a tree removed in the fall is much easier than trying to drag it out in the dead of winter. It’s a good idea to get ahead of the curve wherever you can. Might even get some firewood out of it!

Stow your stuff

Last, make sure that your outside amenities are all properly treated for the season. For example, all of your outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems, or pools should be drained and turned off to make sure that they don’t freeze and burst on the first big one.

Your lawn care equipment that uses gas will be happier in the spring if you drain the gas out of them. Similarly, you might consider testing the snowblower and filling it up before you need it on a cold morning. At the very least, you should bring your snow shovels out into an easily accessible place.

When you find you haven’t been out on the patio for a week or so, you should cover the furniture to prevent damage from the snow and leaves over the winter. Of course, it doesn’t all have to come inside, but you can save yourself some heartache come spring just by giving it a nice cover-up layer.

Enjoy your holidays

Now that that’s all done, you can settle into the holidays with a massive weight off your mind and a feeling of peace in your heart. Of course, every season, there is a list of things to do to prepare, but once it’s done, you can truly relax and let your home be a place of peace rather than a place of concern.

The post A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather appeared first on Mr Roof.

How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

William Romaine Roofing
How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Each season brings new weather conditions, and with new weather conditions come new risks to your home.

During the bitter winter months, in particular, your home is at a higher risk of particular kinds of damage. However, if you take the proper precautions, you can significantly lower your risk of experiencing these cold-weather problems.

During the fall, it’s the perfect time to begin getting your home ready for winter. Here are some of the preparations you should consider making before the coldest months come around.

Check your roof for damage

If you have asphalt shingles, in particular, this can be an especially vital precaution to take. If any of your shingles are currently damaged or otherwise out of place, it can make your home more susceptible to leaks.

Once the winter storms and melting snow come around, this can cause leaks to occur. Roof leaks can quickly become a severe problem, especially if they’re not repaired as soon as possible. Eventually, leaks can lead to mold or rot growing within your home, posing a health risk.

Other forms of water damage can also cause huge problems, especially if they damage the structure of your home. Water damage often requires pricey repairs—repairs that could have been avoided if you’d kept your roof in top shape.

Give your heating system a tune-up

No one wants their heater to suddenly shut down, especially not in the dead of winter. This is why it’s so important to address any heating problems before the temperatures outside plummet.

The fall months are the best time to have your heater inspected by a professional. This professional can ensure that there aren’t any problems with your heater, which could make repairs (or even replacement) necessary.

For instance, if your heater isn’t at peak efficiency, this could cause significant problems—especially if you’re looking to minimize your HVAC bills during the winter.

Stop ice dams in their tracks

For many homeowners, ice dams can be one of the most frustrating issues to plague their homes during the winter.

If ice dams are allowed to build up on your roof, it means water will remain trapped on the surface. As more water builds up and more ice freezes around the rim of your roof, the more likely it is that your roof will leak. If you have damaged shingles, as well, then your roof will be especially susceptible to leaking.

If your home’s attic is poorly insulated, or if it is suffering from air leaks, ice dams are more likely to form. This is because the edges of your roof can become colder than the rest due to the rest of your roof being heated from within. Ice and snow on the surface of your roof will then melt, while ice along the rim will remain frozen, trapping moisture. Eventually, this trapped water will freeze as well, causing the ice dam to grow gradually higher.

So, before winter rolls around, consider having your attic inspected for air leaks or problems with insulation.

Clean the gutters

It isn’t uncommon for debris, such as leaves and sticks, to become trapped in gutters. During the winter, however, it can turn into a far more serious issue.

Whenever gutters become clogged by debris, it means that leaks or flooding will be considerably more likely to form. In addition, snowstorms and melting snow can put a severe strain on your gutters due to the sheer quantity of water that needs to be drained away from your home. If your gutters aren’t functioning at max efficiency during the winter, then you could be putting your home at risk of water damage, flooding, and more.

Clogged gutters can lead to many kinds of damage. This backed-up water can damage your roof, wood trim, siding, basement, and more. Check your gutters for debris and give them a thorough cleaning out before the start of winter. Additionally, make sure your gutters aren’t damaged—if you find missing fascia or gutter boards, be sure to perform repairs or replacements immediately.

Contact Able Roof

At Able Roof, we strive to keep the roofs of Central Ohio in their best possible shape. So, before the start of winter, consider bringing in one of our experts to look over your roof and gutters. We can check for damage, and if that damage exists, we’re well-equipped to take on the necessary repairs.

Interested in our services? Then make sure to reach out to Able Roof today. Or, you can start by requesting a free estimate. There’s no obligation.

The post How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter appeared first on Able Roof.

The Best Mr. Roof Materials for Your Roofing Project

William Romaine Roof Services
The Best Mr. Roof Materials for Your Roofing Project

A roof is the most critical part of a house. It protects it from rain, snow, and wind, which can be devastating for your home. A bad roof can also cause leaks that ruin ceilings and floors. If you have a leaky roof, it’s not only going to cost you more money in repairs, but it will also devalue your property if you ever want to sell or rent out the space again.

Mr. Roof is the leading provider of roofing products and services for homeowners. It offers a number of services to help keep your roof in top shape and free of damage. You may prevent significant expenses from roofing damage by working with Mr. Roof for new construction projects, resolving an issue on your present home, or proactively keeping your roof in excellent condition. In order to achieve the best roof possible for your home, the following are some of the best Mr. Roof materials to use on your roofing project:

Shingles


Owens Corning Shingles

Your first choice of materials is to decide on the shingles you want.  Shingles from Mr. Roof can withstand the harshest weather conditions and last a long time, making them the perfect choice for any homeowner who wants to protect their investment in their property by choosing high-quality materials that will give them peace of mind with every storm season.

Shingles can be installed in a variety of types and colors to fit your particular design preferences, making it easy to complement the architecture of your house while still getting all of the benefits that shingles offer, including protection against weather extremes like strong winds, hail, heavy snowfall, and more. They also help keep debris out of gutters, which can help prevent the build-up of ice dams.

Fasteners

Mr. Roof fasteners are the best for your roofing project because they are guaranteed to be solid and reliable. Mr. Roof uses Trident 3 fasteners, which are specially designed for installations of aluminum and steel roofs. They are also resistant to rust, which is a huge problem when trying to attach a metal roof to a structure that is already rusting. Mr. Roof fasteners have three times the power of a typical smooth shank nail, which means your roof will be secure against any harsh weather.

Underlayment

The next selection you must make is for the underlayment. The underlayment is the material between the shingles and the decking that helps make sure nothing sticks directly to a wooden deck. When you’re building a new home, one of the most important decisions to make is what material you will use for this part of the roof. There are many options out there, but if you want to get it done right the first time, then Mr. Roof underlayment should be your go-to option. Its ThunderShield technology within the underlayment offers excellent coverage because it was specifically designed with longevity in mind, so that even after years of exposure to harsh elements, this product can still do its job without any problems at all.

This material also comes in different types to accommodate the various kinds of roofs that you might have, so it is very versatile and can be tailored to fit your exact requirements. You can also get complete assurance of utmost protection because Mr. Roof’s underlayment is made from the most advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. That means your roof can last for decades without needing to be replaced.

Ice guard

Icicles on roof

The ice guard is an essential product that can be used in cold climates to protect your roof from any potential damage caused by water, ice, or snow. It works by sealing all vents and valleys on the roof with a waterproof asphalt membrane that adheres to the roof, keeping it protected against moisture that could cause trouble if ice and snow are allowed to accumulate. Having a roof with a proper ice guard system makes it much easier to keep the snow from getting too heavy and causing structural damage or even the worst-case scenario of a collapse. As one of Mr. Roof’s most popular products for colder climates, this is a great way to keep your home safe and roof up to standard during winter months.

Chimney cap

The chimney cap is the best for your roofing project because it protects the chimney from seasonal elements like leaves, debris, rain, and snow, which could cause significant damage to your roof and living space. The cap also helps prevent animals like birds, squirrels, and raccoons from entering the chimney. If you have a fireplace in your home, then you know how important it is to protect it. A chimney cap will keep all those elements out while allowing smoke to escape through its opening. This prevents smoke buildup inside your home, which poses health risks, among other problems. Many people who invest in a chimney cap are pleased to find that it also enhances the exterior aesthetics of their home. The chimney cap is without a doubt one of the best Mr. Roof materials for your roofing project.

Drip edge

Another type of Mr. Roof material that is great for roofing projects is a drip edge. This type of material helps protect the roof from rain that falls from sloping rooftops. A drip edge is one of the most effective ways to protect a home’s structure, and it helps cut down on the amount of water damage to a home’s interior. A drip edge can be installed quickly and does not require any special tools or skills.

A prefabricated metal sloped surface typically works well as a drip edge because it can be easily attached without having to use any masonry adhesive or mortar. A prefabricated metal surface like this will also help with the durability and longevity of the roof.

Once a drip edge has been installed, it is important to take care of this material so that it will continue to protect the roof. This means that homeowners need to keep gutters clean and clear of debris, which will help water make its way away from the roof and down to the ground. This is important because debris can damage a drip edge as well as other types of roof materials.

Homeowners should also avoid using any harsh cleaning chemicals, which can strip the protective coating off a drip edge and cause it to rust. One of the best ways to clean a drip edge is by using a simple garden hose and warm water, which will help keep it in good condition and functioning correctly.

Taking good care of a drip edge will help maintain the integrity of a roofing project as well as protect it from damage.

Sealant

Roof

Sealant is hands down one of the best Mr. Roof materials for your project. Liquid sealants are used to make surfaces waterproof and airtight. They can be applied to seams, windows, doors, tanks, and of course, roofs.

The most common types of sealants are asphalt-based and silicone-based. Asphalt-based products can be adhesive or non-adhesive, while silicone-based products usually have an adhesive quality to them that makes them easier to install in hard-to-reach places around a roof. In order for a sealant to work effectively, it must conform perfectly with the surface you’re applying it on. This task can be extremely tricky, which is why contacting a roofing company like Mr. Roof to install a professional quality sealant instead of trying it yourself can save you a lot of time and energy while ensuring a top-quality installation.

Roof vent

When it’s hot outside, the air gets warm and wants to go up. It then flows into your house and makes it hotter. While problematic, you can stop the air from getting in with a roof vent. With a roof vent, the air can’t get in because there is a cover on top of the vent, forcing the airflow to go somewhere else.

The best Mr. Roof materials for your roofing project are the ones that will make it last as long as possible and still look good. Hands down, this is a roof vent. This should be installed straight away to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. At Mr. Roof, we can supply you with vents that won’t let water creep into your house or rot your wooden ceiling boards. The roof vent is the first line of defense for your roof and should be considered as important as anything else on it.

Connect with Mr. Roof today

As you can see, there are many types of Mr. Roof materials that can be installed as part of your roofing project. These high-quality, durable materials can help protect your home for years to come. If you’re interested in learning more about the best Mr. Roof materials or how they can be installed, contact Mr. Roof today to learn more and begin your roofing project with the best materials available on the market.

The post The Best Mr. Roof Materials for Your Roofing Project appeared first on Mr Roof.