When buying a new home, there is a massive checklist of things to look at, in-depth conversations with the realtor, financial decisions, and a complete review of the inspection report. All of these tasks are doubled if you have to sell your home as well. The whole process can be stressful, daunting, and overwhelming.
Let’s just focus on the roof in this article. What must be considered when looking at the roof? Some items can be reviewed from ground level or looked at from a distance. Other items must have a closer view. Here are 5 things you can do as you look the home over.
Mold Free
Mold is an indication there is excessive water damage present. Mold is a fungus that grows in different colors. Some mold could be dark or light, green or black. Be sure to look around the areas where water could collect, including any chimneys, pipes, or the gutter system. Not only is mold bad for your roof, but if not addressed, it can seep down into your home and cause damage to your walls and ceilings. Mold can also cause severe health risks if left untreated. Mold and mold spores can spread quickly so this is something to watch out for.
Do a Thorough Gutter Inspection
Gutters have the main purpose of diverting the water from the roofing surface, away from the foundation, and home. If the gutters are rusty, falling off, pulling away from the roofing material, or barely holding on, the next big thunderstorm could do them in. Look in the home for any evidence of past flooding which could have been a result of a faulty gutter system.
Breaks in the Material
Shingles that are breaking, falling apart, cracked, or completely missing are an indication that a new roof is on the horizon. If you notice any of these issues with the shingles, it is wise to double-check the interior again. Do you see evidence of previous water damage?
Perhaps if it is within your budget, a new roof is something you want to explore if you notice broken or missing shingles. A new roof, depending on the material you choose, could be the last roof you have to install for the remainder of your home ownership. That is something to consider!
Proper Ventilation
Even though a roof could look wonderful in many ways, if the ventilation system is under par, there will be issues down the road. Roof ventilation not only affects the condition of the roof but the home’s heating and cooling system as well. It provides continuous airflow through the attic. It helps to remove moisture and overheated air, which reduces moisture formation in the home. Too much mold and mildew can become a health hazard, which is a whole other battle to contend with.
A Warped Roof
Look at your potential home from a distance. Does the roofline look wavy? A few reasons why a roofline can look warped are due to the plywood or the felt underneath the shingles, the expansion and contraction from the weather changes, misaligned shingles, or poor craftsmanship. Learn the reasons for the wavy roofline and then a wise decision can be made whether it is work fixing or not.
The stress that goes into home purchasing can be overwhelming. There are a great number of decisions to be made, in a short amount of time. If you need assistance with a thorough roof inspection, place your trust in Royal Roofing & Solar in Kansas City. We can give you the facts of what is going on with the roof and whether it has life left in it or if a roof replacement is needed. We are here to help make sure you and your family are safe and protected. Give us a call to see if we can help ease your mind as you seek to purchase a new home and new roof in the Kansas City area.
Springtime offers a change of pace. It’s time to open the windows and let the warm airflow through your home, refreshing the scent. Flowers planted last autumn begin to poke their sweet tops up, emerging through the dirt and grass to bring smiles to our faces. Children begin to spend longer moments outside relearning how to rollerblade and play on the slides of a playground. A sweet sense of openness brightens our once-gloomy days.
Along with the fabulous aspects of springtime, there are a few downfalls. Allergies for some begin to grab hold. Hail accompanies the many rainstorms pounding against our rooftops creating damage. We notice areas of our homes that need roof repairs after a chilly winter.
Let’s just focus on one aspect of the good, the bad, and the ugly of springtime. Hail. As mentioned above, severe storms can bring those irritating chunks of ice with them, creating damage to our vehicles, outdoor decorations, and our homes.
What Should We Do After a Storm?
After a storm has passed, it is wise to safely go outside and inspect the condition of the home. Make note of any damages and take pictures if necessary. Here is a small list of things to look out for when doing an inspection.
Cracked shingles
This is an obvious indication of damage. The corners may be lifted and parts of the shingle may be present on the ground. This damage must be fixed soon or a future rainstorm can cause more damage and you may find an unwanted puddle of water in your home from the leakage.
Granule Loss
This may only be noted if you look inside your gutters. As the hail hits your roof, it loosens the granules, which are then gently carried to the gutter system. A small amount of granule loss shouldn’t be concerning, but if you notice bare spots on your shingles, call a professional roofer to come and evaluate the situation.
Dented Gutters and Downspouts
Gutter and downspouts are made of metal, and the pounding hail can easily dent them. You may not need to replace the gutters and downspouts, depending on the extent of the damage.
These last three items may require the assistance of a professional roofing contractor to help detect them. Many of us just aren’t trained to know what we are truly looking for.
Dents in the Roof
Depending on the size of the hail, the dents will vary in size. Some could be small little dimples while others are substantial in size. These areas will need to be repaired as the damage could be deeper than what appears.
Dark Spots
How strange to be looking for areas that are darker in color. That is because the black asphalt under the surface is revealed due to the impact of the hailstones. The dark areas will continue to become weaker with every storm unless they are properly repaired.
Missing Flashing
The flashing helps to move the water from the roof to the gutters, downspouts, and away from the home. Water will find the path of least resistance, and if the flashing is damaged, that then becomes the path. A professional roofer can replace and secure these areas as they should.
The most qualified local company to contact after a storm with hail is Shull Remodeling in Emporia! We can come out and assess the damage, offer you proper solutions, and assist with any storm damage repairs. We have the knowledge and expertise to evaluate the damage, as we have seen enough hail-damaged roofs to predict the outcome if not repaired. We are a trusted contractor in the Emporia community and have probably already helped many of your friends, neighbors, or family members with their roofing needs. Contact us for an inspection after a major storm, and get back to enjoying the quality and special aspects of a lovely spring.
The longer days of springtime are almost upon us. Emporia weather turns from chilly cold wintery days to comfortable temperatures of the 70s and 80s in spring. The short sleeves and shorts can come out while the coats and hats get packed away. Spring is a time to mow the grass, plant some flowers, and open the windows to let the fresh air in. It is also a time to access the exterior of a home for any damages that need to be addressed. What are some common things to look for when inspecting your roof every spring?
Curled Shingles
Shingles can warp and split due to cold temperatures, especially on the edges of a roof. Also look for areas of shingle loss, bent edges, or buckling of the shingles. An annual inspection is a perfect time to also evaluate the edges of your roof to make sure they are prepared for the upcoming year.
Clean the Gutters
Believe it or not, the gutter system plays a vital role in a healthy roof. Inspect the condition of the gutters when you look at the roof. If there is any debris buildup in the gutter system, this is a perfect time to clean them out and make sure water flows freely. The spring rains will be upon the rooftops soon, and there needs to be a place for all of that water to flow to. (Learn why you need gutter guards.)
If you don’t have gutters guards, perhaps it is wise to consider investing in some. Gutter guards are a mesh or screen used to keep large substances out of the gutter system. Small debris and particles can still filter through, but no more pine needles, nests, or piles of leaves.
Pests Issues
This beautifully leads to our next point, pests. Those little critters are adorable in nature, but certainly not when they raise their families in or on a roof! Those small animals come out of hibernation in the spring and are ready for food and creating nests. A gutter is a perfect shape to build a small nest and many animals begin there. Look for evidence of squirrels, mice, ants, raccoons, or birds making their little home on your home.
Failed Sealants
Many roofing materials contract and expand slightly due to the changes in seasons. Sealants should be inspected to make sure they can withstand another warm season. Sealants surround the rooftop flashing and protecting it from water sneaking and damaging the surfaces underneath. Many times it is hard for the homeowner to determine if the sealants are still strong enough to protect. This is an excellent opportunity to contact a roof professional in Emporia who can detect the quality of the sealant.
Damage from Trapped Moisture
Were you able to do a fall inspection in preparation for winter? Many times, we forget about that one! There may be a pile of old leaves and pine needles nestled in a corner holding in moisture. That is a sign there could be potential damage underneath. The moisture along with added rainstorms may not allow this area of a roof to fully dry out. Make sure to remove the wet, damp areas before the critters find them.
A thorough inspection in the spring will prepare your roof for an enjoyable summer ahead. This is a perfect time to address any issues and make sure all is sound and secure. If you have any questions or concerns about the inspection and evaluation of your roof, please do not hesitate to contact Shull Construction in Emporia.
We have had members of our crew work for us since 2002! We have seen it all and worked on it all when it comes to all things roofing. We maintain the highest standards on your property and the materials we use are top-of-the-line. We are true roofers and true neighbors! We cherish the communities we work in and treat all of our customers as if we are family. Contact us today and let’s set up that inspection to make sure your roof is prepared for another season.
Shull Construction in Emporia is proud to offer Decra and DaVinci synthetic tile options for your next roofing project! Synthetic tile shingles are a modern improvement on a construction classic. Made from combinations of plastic and rubber, synthetic tile is designed to mirror the beauty and uniqueness of authentic tile without the expense of installation headaches, all while being a longer-lasting shingle. Synthetics are made by injection-molding petroleum-based materials into metal forms that are cast from authentic tile. Some brands of synthetic tile shingles are manufactured with virgin rubber or plastic, while other products incorporate recycled rubber or plastic, mineral dust, or cellulose fibers. Recycled content usually consists of high-quality post-industrial materials; only a few incorporate post-consumer recycled materials.
Here’s a look at the benefits that synthetic tile provides without sacrificing the aesthetic value of traditional tile:
Cost and Longevity
On a scale comparing the costs of conventional roofing materials, the initial cost of installing synthetic tile shingles falls in the middle—it’s more expensive than asphalt and architectural shingles and less expensive than authentic materials. Unlike less expensive asphalt shingles, however, synthetic tile roofs can last for up to 100 years, and the majority of synthetic tile shingles have 50-year warranties. The long life expectancy of this material means that a roof doesn’t have to be replaced in 15 or even 30 years, and also that fewer repairs are needed during the roof’s lifetime.
Safe and Energy Efficient
Synthetic tile is considered a “green” building alternative—even those that use virgin materials—because all types of synthetic tile can be recycled at the end of a roof’s usable life. Synthetic tile shingles are more durable than authentic tile, as they contain advanced ultraviolet inhibitors to reduce wear from the sun.
Safety is never an afterthought with synthetic tile. Synthetic tile typically contains impact modifiers to help withstand storm damage; in fact, most are certified by Underwriters Laboratories for Class 4 impact resistance, the highest level for roofing materials. Many synthetic tiles also have a Class A fire-resistance rating, which means they’re the most effective against severe exposure to external fires, are not readily flammable, and do not spread the fire.
Smooth Transportation and Installation
Transportation and installation of synthetic tile shingles are easier and less expensive than other roofing materials. Synthetic tile shingles are lighter than all asphalt shingles and are only a quarter the weight of authentic tile shingles. Their light weight also means that a standard roof structure can support synthetic tile shingles with no special reinforcement, making them practical for mainstream residential construction. During installation, synthetic tile shingles can easily be field-cut with a utility knife and nailed into place with standard roofing nails and a pneumatic nail gun. These characteristics are in sharp contrast with those of authentic tile installation, which requires precision cutting and nailing of heavy shingles that chip and crack easily.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see how you can maintain the pleasing aesthetic of a traditional tile roof without having to sacrifice key features, such as durability or energy efficiency, and even save time and money while doing so! That said, synthetic tile roofing material may not be right for everybody or every roof. If you’re ready to see if synthetic roofing is right for you, contact Shull Construction best roofing company in Emporia today for a free estimate. Our team is ready to help you take your roof to new heights, so don’t wait, give them a call!
Cleaning gutters is a filthy job on the to-do list. The job involves climbing the ladder, scooping out the wet sopping leaves, removing the pine needles, and making sure the water flows freely. If only there was a simpler way to complete this job!
There is! Gutter Guards!
This ingenious tool is so helpful in keeping the gutters working at their peak! They come by a variety of names including gutter covers, gutter toppers, gutter screens, or gutter filters. But they all do the same thing. Gutter Guards are a mesh or screen that covers the entire gutter, eliminates huge branches and twigs from clogging the channels, and keeps animals from forming homes.
Here are five common questions regarding gutter guards we are commonly asked:
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Will the gutter guard filter out all kinds of materials?
Generally, gutter guards will keep all but the smallest of debris out of your gutter. The screen or mesh-type covers can’t keep all debris out, but the majority will be guided elsewhere.
Will roof shingles be damaged when the gutter guards are installed?
Great question! The professionals at Shull Roofing in Emporia are skilled and knowledgeable in the proper techniques of installing gutter guards to avoid damage to the shingles.
Can leaves accumulate on top of the gutter cover and block water drainage into the gutter itself?
Some gutter guards display this type of problem. Our team will work with you and determine the best guard for your home. It can depend on nearby trees which can drop leaves on the roof.
Can the gutter cover become loose or be damaged easily?
We, at Shull Roofing, only use high-quality products that will be durable and long-lasting under normal weather patterns.
Will the leaf filter look good on my gutters?
Gutter guards come in a variety of colors so we can beautifully match the guard to the existing gutter and offer a crisp seamless appearance to your home.
What are some of the amazing benefits of installing gutter guards?
Save Time and Money
Cleaning out gutters will be something you don’t need to worry about as much when you have gutter guards installed. The gutters will be easier to maintain and the water will have a chance to flow freely away from the home. Rust will not occur as often since there won’t be a debris buildup forcing the water to stagnate in one spot.
Avoid Animal Infestation
A gutter can make a fabulous home for some small critters. It is a comfortable shape and can hold a small vermin family nicely. But it is only nice for them. Not for the homeowner! Keep bats, squirrels, mice, birds, and other small animals from making their homes in your gutters by installing the guards.
Improve Gutter Water Flow
As indicated above, with gutter guards, the water can easily flow to the downspout. The likelihood of leaves, branches, and debris is minimized with the guards. This is especially helpful for those with a rainwater barrel connected to the downspout. The amount of debris collected in the barrel is less when the guards do their job properly.
Place your trust in Shull Roofing when it comes to gutter health. Your new gutter guards will create a more effective and efficient drainage system for your property. Plus with the added curb appeal, this is a wise choice.
One of the toughest decisions when it comes to roof replacement is the type of material to install. There are many different benefits to each type and the decision may be daunting. Here are some reasons why metal roofing should move to the top of your list.
Long Lasting
Metal roofing systems in Emporia last for decades, many times for the life of the home. This is always listed at the top of benefits when compared to asphalt shingles. On average, a metal roof can last nearly 40 to 50 years. If the roof has regular maintenance and inspections, it can last nearly 70 years. Even though the cost of metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles, the life duration is two to three times as long which makes this a wise financial decision.
Durable
Metal roofing can sustain a variety of weather conditions. Snow and ice slide off of a metal roof easier than on an asphalt roof. The surface of the metal sheet is hard and slippery which makes the snow and water unable to grip. The sliding snow off of the roof is a significant benefit, reducing the weight of the home.
Most metal roofing systems carry the highest rating possible against fire damage, a Class A fire-resistant rating. A common cause of residential fires occurs when wind-blown embers get trapped under asphalt shingles, so metal roofs offer much-needed protection in fire-prone areas.
Easy to Maintain
Maintenance on a metal roof is minimal.
For starters, it is important to keep your gutters clear of debris, especially if you live surrounded by a lot of trees.
Branches and trees can scratch up your roof, which could cause damage to the sheets.
Keep an eye on any dirt or stains after severe storms.
Cleaning the roof with a mild detergent mixed with water is an excellent way to keep your roof looking new.
Usually, twice a year is an excellent schedule for roof maintenance.
Eco-friendly
Metal roofing has been shown to reduce interior cooling costs by as much as 20% because the reflective sheets diminish the warm rays of the summer sun. This results in less heat being transferred into the interior of the home.
Rarely do metal roofs become waste in a landfill, unlike asphalt roofing material. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 11 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in our landfills. Metal roofing can be 100% recycled. Here is a small list of what can be done with recycled metal roofing.
Outdoor shelving
Install as a backdrop in the kitchen area
Raised garden area
Fencing
Outdoor shower
Creative headboard for your bed
Ceiling tiles
Value
As stated above, metal roofs can last decades, making the investment in a metal roof a great value. The initial cost of metal roof installation will be greater than the cost of an asphalt roof, however, it is well worth the cost when the lifespan of the roof is considered. A metal roof can improve the resale value of a home by up to 6% when compared to an asphalt shingle roof.
These are just a few of the many reasons why a metal roof should be considered for your new roofing project. Shull Roofing in Emporia is anxious and excited to work with you and create your vision with a new roof. We deliver superior quality with outstanding service backed up by our customer-focused philosophy. Give us a call today and let’s begin the project together!
