Ensuring the Integrity of Your Roofing
The dry weather means you’ll also have a dry roof. This is a good time to examine your roofing to see if there are any roof issues that were caused throughout the rainy season. If you have a tile roof on your home, use caution when walking on it so that you don’t cause damage as you search for cracked or missing tiles. However, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, you’ll want to not only search for curling or cracked shingles, but also for a lot of loose or missing granules. If you find these then it’s possible that your roof has started to degrade. Regardless of what type of roof issues you discover, the winter is the best time to hire a roofing company to come out and apply a sealant to help shore up your roof’s integrity so that it’ll last longer.

Dealing with Insulation Issues
Insulation is something you’ll want to check, especially if your roof is leaking, has condensation, or if your home is more than a few years old. Having enough insulation in your home is important because your air conditioner is already working diligently to keep your home cool, you don’t want it to have to work any harder. (If you don’t know how much insulation your attic should contain, make sure you talk to a roofing company about it.) This is also the best way to ensure that you don’t have any critters up in your attic stealing your insulation to use in their nests. When you replace your old, damp, compacted insulation with new insulation you’ll have confidence that the cool air from your air conditioner will stay in your home where it belongs next summer.

Checking on Your Gutters’ Health
Throughout the summer months, your gutters are responsible for transporting large amounts of rainwater. When they become blocked or damaged the water will start flowing slower or it may even become backed up. This causes your gutters to grow heavy and start sagging. Take time this winter to clean and repair them. Make sure water isn’t leaking out of them because this can lead to damage in your home’s foundation, interior walls, or landscaping.

Conclusion
Although Florida doesn’t deal with traditional winter roof issues, your roof must still be maintained so that it stays in good condition. Wintertime is the best time to inspect and maintain your roofing and the attic that lies beneath it. Now that you know more about the top three roof issues your home may be suffering from, isn’t it time to hire a roofing company to come out and check to make sure your home doesn’t have these issues before they turn into a big problem for you? Done Rite Insulation has many years of experience providing homeowners with high-quality insulation services. Contact us today to get the answers you need to have your insulation Done Rite!

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Use hurricane safety strategies

Having hurricanes is a fact of life for many homeowners residing close to the ocean. You can undertake many strategies for safeguarding the family and your home. Create an emergency plan and follow the evacuation orders. You need to stock up the supplies and have plans for power outages. Also, shutter the windows, clean the gutters and downspouts, stow outdoor equipment, and check the sump pump.

Make arrangements for pre-season inspection

Your roof will have a much better chance of making it unscathed through a season of severe hurricane attack when you have taken care of the areas of concern before the rough weather arrives. You need to schedule your roof inspection for damaged flashing and cracked shingles ahead of the hurricane season. It is also a good time for discussions on the ways of shoring up the roof for strong winds.

Provide extra support

When you are living in a region that is prone to these hurricanes it might be a good idea to reinforce the frames of your roof. Any professional roofing contractor will explain to you the pros and cons involved in various roof consolidation methods such as collar ties, braces, and strapping.

Select high-quality products

At the time of a hurricane, there are winds developed and they can result in powerful uplift that is capable of peeling off the shingles from your roof surface. Eaves and edges are especially vulnerable to this issue. After working on the shingles, this high wind will start working on the underlayment and pretty soon the roof becomes defenseless against all the pounding rain. The wind gusts are capable of carrying objects such as lawn furniture and tree branches turning them into dangerous projectiles causing damage to flashing and shingles. Some of the common roofing solutions include,

• Asphalt shingles.
• Asphalt cement.
• Synthetic underlayment.

Water and ice barriers

The ice and water barriers are designed for protecting the roof from the areas where the water is likely to collect such as vents, skylights, chimneys, and valleys. At the time of the hurricane, these winds may drive rain inside the horizontal sheets. If you have self-adhering underlayment, it will prevent the water from entering through the roof deck. In the regions that are prone to hurricanes, the contractors use ice and water barrier over the entire roof.

Be a careful homeowner

When it is time for hurricanes you need to prepare for it a lot better similar to reacting to an emergency. Maintain your house ready for the hurricanes providing regular inspections. Use reliable products that are designed for defending against driving rain, flying debris, and wind gusts.

Watch out for possible insurance discounts

The homeowners that are proactive in the protection of their homes are likely to benefit from certain insurance discounts. Many states require insurance providers to provide discounts to the homeowners that observe building codes related to hurricanes. You might be required to schedule wind mitigation inspections depending on the insurance carrier you are using. At the time of the assessment, the certified inspectors can determine how well the house can withstand strong winds. They can consider windows, siding, doors, and roofing.

Immediately when the roof of your home begins to display signs of wear and tear, or if you are looking to get a pre-hurricane season inspection done, you have to talk to independent roofing contractors. They will discuss the advantages of overall roof replacement vs. roof repair. After this, they can advise you about hurricane prevention strategies suitable for the current roofing condition. If you live in Pinellas County, FL area, opt for Done Rite Insulation to get professional help.

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There are many great options available today when it comes to roof efficiency. The three main types that you’ll hear about are metal, tile, and shingle. Many of these options will reduce the burden on your home’s cooling system. So, when you need to replace your roof you should consider the following options.

Metal Roofing

When it comes to roof efficiency one of your best choices is metal. These roofs are proven to last for up to 50 years when they’re properly installed. Their interlocking panels also provide great wind resistance. These roofs are relatively lightweight, reducing the stress on your home’s walls and foundation. Their roof insulation is also fireproof which is a significant advantage. When it comes to roof efficiency you’ll find that they’re very energy efficient. Additionally, with the wide array of colors and styles, they’re available in, they have universal appeal since there’s something to suit almost everyone.

Tile Roofing

When it comes to roof efficiency you’ll find that tile roofing has some unique advantages. One of its strongest points is that it’s perfect for roof insulation. This is because air easily circulates underneath the tiles so energy can be conserved regardless of the weather. Tiles are also fire resistant and stand up to storms quite well too.

Another reason for this roof efficiency is that it has a very long lifespan. This makes the roof and its accompanying roof insulation a great investment. Top this off with the fact that tiles come in a wide array of colors and styles and can be installed on almost any home so it looks aesthetically pleasing.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

When you’re seeking out roof efficiency in terms of energy savings, you should look at energy-efficient asphalt shingles. This is important to remember because some aren’t sold as energy-efficient. The difference is that in energy-efficient shingles there are special granules that help reduce heat’s absorption. This can make a huge difference in the temperature of your home.

Asphalt shingle roofing also provides some other great benefits for your home. To start with, these are one of the best roofing systems available today when it comes to cost-effectiveness. Besides saving you money they’re also one of the easiest types of roofing to install. Once installed, you’ll appreciate the fact that they’re able to withstand wind, rain, and fire. If privacy is of concern, you’ll have insulation against sound penetration which means that less noise from the outside will get into your home.

There’s also a special coating that you can have applied to your asphalt shingle roof. By doing so you’re adding protection to your home when it comes to impact resistance. This is of great importance in Florida where hurricanes whip up all kinds of debris. Besides their protective features, you’ll also appreciate the fact that they’re available in a wide array of colors and can be adapted into different shapes, all of which helps with curb appeal.

Conclusion

The best way to choose the right roof for your home is to consult with the experts. After all, they’re the ones who are experienced in working with these various types of roofs. For help choosing the right roof insulation for your home contact Done Rite Insulation in Clearwater, FL.

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Significance of roof insulation

Significantly, you perform both home insulation and roof ventilation for your house. The roof must be capable of keeping the warmth inside while allowing cool air to flow through the attic. Although it might read a bit counter-intuitive in the beginning, it is significant for the roofing in the winter months. When cooler air has to be kept inside the attic for preventing ice dams from developing and causing serious issues for the roof.

By sealing the air leaks and attic insulation you will prevent the occurrence of condensation and cause moisture damage. Both roof ventilation and insulation are critical during the summer when it is the cooling of the house that is the top priority. Once the attic is properly ventilated this extra hot air gets pushed out of the attic. This hot air rises naturally as it gains temperature. The roof insulation is useful for clocking the heat transfer due to the sun.

Without having the right system in place for helping roof insulation and energy efficiency, you may find yourself facing increased energy costs along with the deterioration of the insulation, dry rotting to the plywood, rust corrosion, and mildew or mold growth.

Tips for Roof insulation and Ventilation

Roof insulation keeps your home energy efficient through the hotter time of the year and it also helps in protecting the shingles of the roof by shedding their moisture. Most roofing systems in Florida normally employ one or more of the 3 basic kinds of ventilation alternatives. You may require two of these to work together for useful insulation. These three are a ridge vent, a soffit vent, and a gable vent. The most common method used for the roof ventilation is the ridge vent.

• Always use rafter and soffit vents for promoting adequate ventilation in the roof.
• In case it becomes hot, the installation of attic fans will cool down the attic and it is a great way of saving on energy costing.
• Use rafter vents for the installation of most of your home insulation before you cover the whole attic floor with insulation from the eaves.
• Ensure that the soffit vents are never covered with insulation.

For more recommendations and advice about preparing the home and roof for the summer, you can get in touch with professionals in the Clearwater area such as Done Rite Insulation before it starts to get hot.

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Adding New Roof Insulation over the Existing Layers

The new roof insulation can be added over the old layers of insulation unless it is wet. In case if it is wet or you can observe that the old insulation has been wet previously you need to take into consideration the reason for the wetness and then repair the issue. Wet insulation can be troublesome as it leads to mold mildew and many times rotting of roof rafters or the whole ceiling. In most cases, the roof installation professionals will handle the situation for you. However, keep in mind some tips about removing older insulation and installing the new one over the old one.

• You should not place faced insulation on top of the existing insulation inside the attic. When you try to install batt insulation or new roll on top of existing insulation inside the attic it has to be done without a face or vapor retarder. The face has to be placed on top or between various layers of insulation and can trap the moisture. All the existing roll or batt insulation in the attic should be facing the attic drywall flooring or otherwise not facing at all.
• The blown loose-fill insulation also called fiberglass or cellulose insulation or rolled and batt insulation may be installed over the old insulation.
• The roof insulation must be rolled out perpendicular to the joists and here you need to use unfaced rolls.
• It is not necessary to track down the rolled insulation. R-value may be reduced when the insulation is flattened or squashed.
• It is significant to test the vermiculite insulation found in the attic. In case this test reveals the presence of harmful chemicals, the vermiculture needs to be removed by certified professionals before you install more insulation.
• It is highly recommended to use air seals before installing new insulation as the air leaks will hinder the insulation performance and decrease the insulation performance. It will also decrease energy efficiency significantly and as a result, reduce the comfort levels of the house.

The Best Time for Roof insulation

The best time to do the roof insulation is when you are replacing the roof. It is typically true when you are installing rigid foam insulation. You are required to tear off the shingles for accessing the sheathing anyway. In many cases, the roofers help with blown-in insulation also. They just remove a small piece of decking and bring in the hoses from the rooftop. It might be a good idea to ask the roofer about the services they are providing.

Conclusion

After all this, it is important to remember that there is no need to worry about doing all this on your own. Insulation professionals such as Done Rite Insulation can do this in the Tampa, FL area for you. They will reply to all your queries about placing new insulation on top of the existing insulation. They can also handle the whole project from scratch.

The post Adding New Roof Insulation Over The Old Insulation appeared first on Done Rite Insulation.

The roof is the largest area coverage of your home and since it’s on top of the house it is out of sight and unfortunately too often out of mind.  People don’t look into the problems that a damaged or compromised roof can cause and end up with big bill or battle with the insurance companies.  Had one just kept a tab on the roofing as one does with one’s car, fewer mishaps might occur down the line.

First thing’s first, do a good look see, an inspection of the roof.  At a glance does something stick out of the ordinary?  What about a major reach you had no idea had occurred?  The scariest damage is the stuff you can’t see, the stuff underneath the tiles, shingles, or plates. Just one hole in the roof can allow for seepage and water damage can cause a plethora of problems, some so severe that it can cost a good chunk of change to correct.

You might have to clean off some debris to do a thorough inspection but that can be done with a broom or a water hose.  This will allow for an even better look see especially where the water falls.  You can go inside the attic to see if any water seeps in.  If so, it’s time to call a professional.

Some roofing materials just die out over time.  This is due to weather mostly but far too many homeowners don’t pay attention and end up having to do a full roof repair.  That’s expensive.

Animals and insects can be a menace as well.  Keep a good eye out for them.  Listen, sniff, eyeball.  Make sure not tree branches are touching the roof or looming over it. It’s a tempting invitation to squirrels and raccoon.  The worst case scenario is when bees or termites or ants gain access to the structure via the roof.  Exterminators only can handle that problem, and since these insects can destroy a home from the inside out, it’s not only imperative that you look out for these pests, but you do so often.

One thing you might want to d is see if your local trade schools or vocational schools hold any roofing repair classes.  Even just a little bit means a long way in taking responsibility for your home.  You might even get discounts on insurance so it’s best to ask your insurance agent to see if such goodies are available.

Finally, preservation is a major factor.  Check with your hardware store for products that you can apply to your roof and support structure that will prolong the life of the roofing.  Asphalt roofs will require different products than will tile or metal, so shop around, ask questions, and do some homework so that you can literally come out on top regarding your roofing needs.

The post Roof Maintenance Is The Key To Roofing appeared first on Done Rite Insulation.

First of all, one should do an eyeball scan of the roof itself.  Any debris laying on top of the roof materials should be brushed or swept off as well as power hosed.  Once that is done any damage to shingles or tiles should be easier to see.  Look for peeled back shingles or torn ones.  Tiles, look for cracks and missing tiles.  Other materials like metal should be looked at for mildew or mold. If you see anything out of the ordinary, this calls for greater inspection, usually by a roofing company to determine if something catastrophic could occur should the problem e left alone.

Looking at the structure at the roof’s interior is also required.  Of course, the first things to look for are holes fell roofing material, discolored or warped material.  Water stains running down the walls behind the insulation or water residue on top of the floor or items stored in the attic will show where the holes in the roof are and require immediate repair.  Water is the worst damage because it can be dramatic or subtle and do irreparable damage before you even detect there’s a problem. This could be costly as in the extreme, structural damage may have occurred.

Talking about structure, the chimneys are of equal importance.  A chimney not cleaned and operating efficiently can be the source of disaster.  It may take an expert eye to examine these structures and it’s a good idea.  The average person may not know what to look for where a professional can.  Considering the chimney reaches through the structure and is where fires will be stoked, you want no room for error.  There are special tools for cleaning chimneys, gutters, spouts, that are part of the home structure and each can affect the roof and vice versa. A dirty chimney, for example, can spew harmful particulates through its top and land on your roof.  Clogged gutters and spouts are a source for mold and mildew.  A clean roof is a safe roof, in this case.

If you see damage or debris or anything out of the ordinary, you can take it upon yourself to do a wee bit of fixing up.  With a solid ladder and person to spot you, use a broom or brush to gently remove such debris.  While doing so look again for holes and cracks, loose tiles or shingles.  Mark them down and go inside to the attic and see if the damage outside has reached inside.  You’ll know from your hardware store what tools and materials you can use to DIY if possible.  Don’t risk it, if it calls for professional skills, then get a pro in roof maintenance.

Image Credit: Jonathan M

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It may sound strange for someone to paint a shingle roof, but it’s not that uncommon and there are some benefits most people may not understand.

First of all, a shingle roof’s primary goal is to protect the home or structure. Goofing around with it could lead to damage occurring thus compromising the safety and durability of the roofing. Painting the shingle roof, however, can enhance safety and durability if done just right.

Luckily there are a variety of outdoor paints available for painting a shingle roof. These paints are engineered specifically for such, and it’s best to consult a roofing expert regarding your type of shingles, your roof’s specifications, weather, and more. You just can’t climb a ladder and slap any old paint on shingles. The roof has to be inspected first by a professional just in case there’s been a boo boo here and there. Once it’s determined your roof can be painted, it’s time to decide if you’ll do it or hire someone.

Since shingles come in a variety of constructs, some paints may or not adhere properly or have an unwanted chemical reaction. This is why you talk to an expert in roofing even if it’s just to get basic overall advice. Once you know what type of paint to use on your particular roof, it’s all about application from here on. If you live in an area of rough weather, then you want a paint that can hold muster. It’s got to hold up to heat and cold extremes, rain and snow as well. Wind is another factor. Debris and particulates can scratch or damage the surface and your paint has to live up to the challenge.

Since the paints come in a variety of colors you’ll have your choice of aesthetics to ponder. If you’re a fuel and energy efficient person, white or bright paint will reflect sunlight thus reducing the heat to the roof and structure overall. A good paint with a good UV coating is recommended here.

The combination of shingles and paint will then afford for double protection to your home, which is one of your biggest lifetime investments. A well done paint job and solid roofing maintenance cannot help but raise the equity in your home and provide the nice look and protection your investment deserves.

It’s all about good planning, educating yourself and getting the right consultation from a professional roofer that will get your home looking good and well protected.

Image credit: Ekaterina Bespyatova

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