DIY Tips For Cleaning Your Gutters

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

By definition, a rain gutter is a narrow channel on your roof system that collects and diverts rainwater from the roof. The main purpose of this system is to protect your home or building's foundation by directing water away from its base. Further, gutters work to prevent leaks in basements or crawlspaces as they keep water flowing away from the home. Since gutters are an extremely important component of your roof, it's important to know how to take care of them to make sure they continue to work properly. Thanks to the DIY Network, below are a few tips you can use to clean your gutters:

• Use a ladder and clean out the gutters by hand. This includes removing any leaves, branches, or other debris that may have collected over time. 
• Check that all the spikes that are supposed to go through the gutter, through the fascia and into the rafter are in place. Many times these spikes tend to completely miss the rafters simply because they have been displaced over the years. If you notice this on your home, make an effort to get new gutter spikes since they help to keep your gutter attached to your home and working properly.
• Look for any leaks that may be coming from holes in the gutters or cracked caulking in the seams. With an old chisel, scrape out any old caulking, let the area dry out, and then recaulk to keep water from going behind the gutter.
• If your budget allows, invest in a pressure washer to thoroughly clean down gutters once all steps have been completed by hand.

For more tips on how to clean and repair your gutters, click here.

At Phil's Main Roofing, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide quality roofing services to both the commercial and residential sectors. We know how important it is to have an effective drainage system, which is why we offer services that can assist you with your gutters and downspouts. To prevent water from entering your home and to make sure water is being shed from your roof properly, contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

How to Prepare Your Roof for a Storm

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

From late spring through summer, it's not unusual to experience thunderstorms in your area. In fact, for some regions, these seasons bring some of the most severe thunderstorms, including hail, wind and flooding. Whether your area is prone to intense storms or not, you're going to experience some kind of severe weather conditions at some point, so it's better to be prepared at all times. When it comes to storm damage, although you can't prevent everything, by taking a few precautions you can help reduce the amount of damage that occurs. The following is a list of ways you can prepare your home for spring and summer storms:

1. Material: Know what kind of roofing you have ahead of time. Some materials are more resistant to hail and heavy winds then others, so discuss this with your contractor in advance if your area is known for experiencing severe storms.

2. Security: Routinely check your roof to see if there are any curled, loose, or missing shingles or tiles. Intense storms can often dislodge the materials, so make an effort to see how your roof is holding up, especially right before and after a storm. Make sure to repair or replace any damaged tiles as soon as possible.

3. Foliage: One of the most common, and often most dangerous, types of damage comes from falling trees and branches. If you notice any dead or hanging branches or limbs near your roof, have them removed quickly.

4. Siding: In addition to your roof, always check that your siding is in place before a storm. Loose, cracked, or broken siding can easily been torn off by heavy winds, leaving gaps in your homes exterior design.

5. Caulking/Weather Stripping: Inspect the exterior of your home to make sure that there are no spaces between windows or where your roof and siding meet. Any gaps or cracked caulking allow wind or rain to enter the home, so seal any areas that seem weak before a storm.

6. Gutters: Since heavy rain can cause flooding, it's important to make sure that your home's drainage system is working properly. Any excess leaves or branches can clog your gutters, impeding their ability to do their job. In addition to clogging, too much excess material can actually weigh down your gutters, causing them to break or collapse.

 At Phil's Main Roofing, we understand the importance of being prepared before a storm. That's why we offer repair and preventive maintenance programs that can help prepare your home or building for any storm. In addition to these programs, we are also available to inspect for storm, wind, or hail damage, and our experienced team of roofers can assist you with any repairs that may be necessary. For more information, contact us at 203-838-4545 today!

Look Out! Warning Signs When House Hunting

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of
Kittisak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Buying a home is an exiting time in any person's life, especially if it's your first home. As you look at properties, it's important to remember that what you see on the outside might not always reflect what's on the inside - and we don't just mean the actual interior of the home. When house hunting, one should not forget to examine the architecture of the home and the elements that it is comprised of to make sure that you're investing your money into something that will last. Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens, we've compiled a list of common home defects that you should be aware of as you set out on your journey to buy a new home:

• Rotted Wood: Any wood that is exposed to moisture will rot and deteriorate over time. As you go through the home, specifically inspect the wood in the kitchen and bathroom since these spots are more likely to experience excess moisture. 
• Ventilation: Head to the attic and make sure that it is properly ventilated. If it's not, beware that you might be in need of a new roof before you've even finished unpacking!
• Poor Drainage: A poor drainage system around the exterior of your home could lead to flooding in your basement, garage, or crawl space. Not only does this damage your personal belongings, but it also weakens the foundation of your home.
• Electricity: Old or inadequate electrical systems can result in your breaks failing or unfortunately, a fire. If the person before you has lived in the house for quite some time, ask if any of their circuits have been replaced and make sure any repairs were done by a professional - faulty wiring is extremely dangerous.
• Heating, Cooling and Plumbing: A dated heating and cooling system is likely to need maintenance by the time you start to use it. Not only is this an unwanted expense, but not knowing is potentially dangerous since these systems can release carbon monoxide fumes. Don't forget to check the plumbing as well to make sure there are no drips or leaks from any faucets.

Last but certainly not least, always inspect a home's roof before signing. Old roofs may contain damaged or weak shingles or improper flashing. It's also important to make sure your home is equipped with the proper roofing accessories such as gutters and soffits to ensure an easy move in experience. Should you suspect any roof damage, address it immediately!

At Phil's Main Roofing, we are available to help you with all of your roofing concerns. Our licensed team of professional roofers specialize in new construction, re-roofing, leak detection repair, waterproofing and more, and are available to provide repair and preventive maintenance to make sure no further problems arise. Contact us at (203) 838-4545 for help today!

True or False? Metal Roof Myths

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Since metal roofs are continuing to gain popularity, it's beneficial for property owners to know the truth behind the material. People often shy away from using a particular product because of what they hear about it from others, but this process can result in one missing out on something great when what they hear isn't true. When it comes to metal roofing, many myths have been started due to the number of transformations that have taken place over the years. Before you turn down a metal roof, check out these common myths that people believe to be true when in reality, they aren't; you just might find that it is the right material for you!

1. Metal Roofs Attract Lightning: Just because metal conducts electricity doesn't mean it attracts it. Metal roofs are actually non-combustible and prove to be extremely resistant to storm damage. In many cases, metal roofs can be safer than other types of materials.

2. Metal Roofs are Too Noisy: While metal roofs can be a little noisy during a rainstorm, they aren't necessarily as noisy as you expect. In fact, in order for a metal roof to actually be loud, you need to have sheets of metal placed over open rafters. Most of the time, however, metal roofs are placed over an existing roof so they might be quieter in the long run.

3. Metal Roofs Will Be Damaged by Hail: Although hailstorms are known for denting metal, unless the hailstones are unusually large, your metal roof is safe.

4. You Can't Walk on Metal: If you need to get up on your metal roof, you can walk on it as long as you know how to properly. Make sure to discuss this with your contractor during installation, or if you suspect any damage, call a professional for help.

5. Cold vs. Hot: Metal roofs generally have no effect on making your home hotter or colder. In fact, it's really the insulation in your attic that keeps your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

For more metal roofing myths, click here.

At Phil's Main Roofing, we know the truth about all roofing materials. Our team of roofing professionals are educated and knowledgeable about all manufactured products and are available to help you choose a material that works best for you. For more information on how we can help you with your roofing needs, contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Pixabay

When replacing your roof, there are several types of shingles you can choose from. Depending on certain aspects such as your location, budget, and preference, certain shingle types prove to be more suitable than others. One type of shingle that often acts as the popular choice is asphalt shingles, but like any other material, this option comes with pros and cons of its own. In our previous blog, we told you the pros and cons of metal roofing, so now we'll focus on the pros and cons of asphalt shingles.

Pros:

1. Affordability: Asphalt shingles are one of the least expensive roofing materials you can use. This material is extremely beneficial for individuals working with a tight budget.
2. Weather: If you live in a location that experiences heavy wind, rain, or snow, asphalt shingles are a great choice since they are very resistant to extreme weather conditions. They also have a reputation for withstanding extreme temperatures.
3. Maintenance: Asphalt shingles are one material that require little maintenance. While they still require some maintenance, they may not require as much as other materials. Also, when damaged, asphalt shingles are easy to repair and don't usually require a completely new roof.

Cons:

1. Thermal Protection: This type of roofing generally provides very little thermal protection. In fact, asphalt shingles often attract heat to the home rather than deflect it. This means that you will need to spend extra time and money making sure your attic is properly ventilated to prevent too much heat from entering the home.
2. Durability:  In terms of their lifespan, asphalt shingles typically do not last as long as other materials. Though choosing this material seems to be the affordable route, you may find yourself needing to spend more in the long run since you will have to replace your roof sooner than later.
3. Rot: When shingles are exposed to dampness, moisture, and shade, there is a chance they will begin to rot. While this can be repaired, if not noticed early, rot could spread to the underlying structures of your roof causing unnecessary damage.

Is it time to replace your roof? If you're in the process of selecting materials, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of all available materials to make sure you're choosing one that fits your budget, style and location. At Phil's Main Roofing, we're available to assist you in selecting the material that is right for you, then, we'll install it! We work with some of the top roofing manufacturers and install the top roofing brands to ensure your roof is built to last. Schedule your free estimate today; contact us at (203) 838-4545!

Roof Damage: Tips for Roof Insurance Claims

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As a property owner, insurance is a topic that must be covered in order to prevent any unexpected charges when damage occurs. During stormy seasons, wind, hail, or snow damage can leave property owners stuck owing hundreds to thousands of dollars due to major roof repairs or replacements. When choosing an insurance company, it is crucial to know what damages will be covered under your policy, and it's even more important to understand how the insurance claim process works. Thanks to usclaimexpert.com, we've created a guideline you can follow when making an insurance claim on roof damage:

1. Identify Damage Quickly: Damage from a wind or hail storm can easily be missed from the ground level. If you suspect even the slightest bit of damage after a storm, have a professional roofer inspect your roof.

2. Temporary Repairs: Bad storms can cause small cracks, missing shingles, or broken seams. If this is the case, use a tarp for temporary repairs in order to prevent leaks; leaks would only create a larger problem in the future. Without temporary repairs, you could even run into insurance problems in the long run.

3. Make Your Claim Immediately: It's important to contact your insurance company's 24 hour claim hotline immediately to make a claim rather than wait to get in touch with your agent. You know the saying; the sooner, the better!

4.  Do Research: Always research different roofing materials first, and ask your insurance company for a list of products that may come with a discount on your home insurance policy. Research methods may include using the Internet, going to your local supply store, or even talking to a roofing contractor to get suggestions.

5. Carefully Choose Your Contractor: When choosing which roofing contractor you'll work with, make sure to question how they handle insurance claims and the claim process. This will only help you down the line, especially if you find yourself in a sticky situation.

Are you struggling with roof damage? Call Phil's Main Roofing for help! We are a fully licensed and insured roofing company that is able to assist you with all of your roofing needs. We guarantee quality service and will make sure you're never left without a roof over your head; we offer 24 hour emergency service! For help with roof repairs and replacement, contact us at (203) 838-4545!

Choose Phil's Main Roofing For Your Home Improvement Project!

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Now that spring has sprung, many homeowners are beginning to tend to the outdoors, tackling projects that involve outdoor maintenance or repairs. For some, this may include repairing roof damage that occurred to the harsh winter weather, and for others, it may mean installing a new roof completely. So, are you on the search for the perfect roofing contractor? If you are, choose Phil's Main Roofing!

At Phil's Main Roofing, we are family owned an operated and have been serving Fairfield County and the surrounding areas for over 65 years. Working with popular manufacturers such as GAF, Master Elite, Sika, and Firestone, we pride ourselves on our ability to guarantee quality service while meeting your needs and installing the top brands in roofing. We are available to provide services to both the commercial and residential sectors. The following is a list of services we offer:

Commercial:

• New construction                                                      
• Modified roofing
• Leak detection/repair
• Waterproofing
• Structural repair
• Repair and preventive maintenance

Residential:

• New construction/re-roofing
• Tear off and replacement
• Resealing
• Slate, Cedar, Tile, Asphalt, EPDM
• Cleaning and maintenance programs
• Storm, wind, hail damage

For a complete list of services, see the following: Commercial Services and Residential Services

All of the technicians at Phil's Main roofing are factory certified and professionally trained. We are fully licensed and insured and are currently members of the North East Roofing Contractors Association as well as the Norwalk Master Builders Association.

Choosing the right roofing contractor is essential; after all, your roof is one of the most important elements of your home! Call us today at (203) 838-4545 and put your roof in the right hands!

Simple Roofing Repairs: A DIY Guide

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Part of being a homeowner or building owner involves the responsibility of maintaining your property and doing minor repairs when situations call for them. Since your roof is one of the most important elements of your home or building, it's essential to be prepared to handle any problems that may arise. Thanks to experts from the DIY Network, we've collected a few tips that can help you when it comes to roof repairs:

How to Replace a Tile:
If nails are holding your tile in place, start by removing those nails. Then, life the old tile free using a furring strip, and place the end of a new one over the furring strip. Any tiles that over lap or inter lock should be wedged up next to the damaged one in order to undo the interlocking joints and give you the room needed to insert anew tile. Once you've replaced the damaged tile, make sure that all tiles are secure.

How to Replace a Slate:
Start by removing any lose pieces of slate, and then cut away any nails that still remain. Next, nail down a strip of lead over the exposed joint between slates and make sure it is securely fastened to the the furring strip underneath it. Lastly, put a new piece of slate in the empty space, and bend the lead piece over the new slate to secure it.

Image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How to Replace a Wood Shingle:
Begin by using a hammer and chisel to remove the damaged shingle. After, carefully using a hackshaw blade, cut through the shingle's nails to remove any that may be left over. Once you have removed the nails, place the new shingle into position and hold it down with new nails. Try to place the new nails as close as possible to the row of shingles above it. Don't forget to finish by using a sealant to seal the edges of the new shingle and the nail heads.

How to Replace an Asphalt Shingle:
To replace an asphalt shingle, use a pry bar to loosen the nails in the damaged strip and then remove it completely. It's also important to loosen the nails in the strip of shingles above the damaged one so that you can slide a new shingle underneath it. After it is removed, insert the new strip and nail it down.

For more information on repair projects including images to guide you, click here.

While some projects call for simple DIY repairs, others require help from a seasoned professional. That's where we come in! At Phil's Main Roofing, we are available to assist you with all of your roofing needs. From new construction to preventative maintenance and more, our licensed roofers specialize in both commercial and residential roofing and will install the top roofing brands to make sure your roof is built to last. For help, call us at (203) 838-4545 today!