How to Winterize Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Although it is only the end of October and it seems like you just prepared your home for the change from summer to fall, the cold winter weather is on its way and will be here for good before you know it. That means it’s time to start winterizing your home to make sure that you’re all set to face the cold temperatures that lie ahead!

When it comes to your roof, it’s especially important to prepare for winter early since low to freezing temperatures and icy weather conditions make it very difficult to do roof work during the winter months. See below for a few things you should be doing now to begin winterizing your roof: 

1.    Reapply caulking at any seams where cracks or leaks are evident.

2.    Check to make sure your attic is thoroughly insulated and if not, add insulation wherever it is needed.

3.    Inspect your flashing for any signs of wear and tear from the previous season.

4.    Clean out your gutters to make sure they are free of leaves and other debris that may have built up over the past several weeks.

If while you perform this routine maintenance you notice any damage to your roof, or if you’d like assistance with winterizing your roof, contact Phil’s Main Roofing today! At Phil’s Main Roofing, we specialize in roof repair and replacement for both commercial and residential customers and are also available to help with cleaning and preventive maintenance to make sure your roof is kept in good shape. For more information on how we can help, please visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today.

Pros and Cons of EPDM Roofing

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

EPDM rubber is another available roofing material that many low-slope or low-pitched buildings and homes use for their roofs. Although it is relatively new to the industry, for property owners that are looking for an alternative to traditional asphalt shingles or a late favorite, metal based roofs, EPDM rubber is a solution that can satisfy all your roofing needs. But like any other material, EPDM rubber has pros and cons of its own, which are extremely important to consider as you make your decision about your new roof.

Thanks to doityourself.com, we've put together a brief list of a few pros and cons of EPDM rubber roofs that can help guide you in the decision making process; see below:

Pros:

• EPDM rubber is waterproof, reducing the likelihood that you will experience water damage to your roof or housing structure.
• EPDM rubber roofs are projected to have a life expectancy of 30-50 years.
• EPDM rubber reflects heat and can act as an insulator, which can result in decreased heating and cooling costs over time.

Cons:

• EPDM rubber is susceptible to damage from falling branches and other debris.
• It can be difficult to find the source of a leak in EPDM rubber roofs when present.
• HVAC systems, chimneys and piping do not always agree with EPDM rubber and have the potential to open a pathway for leaks around these areas.

Are you beginning to consider EPDM rubber for your next roof? Contact Phil's Main Roofing for help! We are fully licensed and insured to install EPDM rubber roofs for both commercial and residential customers and are available to provide you with more information about the product. For more information, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Removing Fall Debris From Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Although they seem harmless, leaves and other fall debris are some of the most common causes of dirty shingles. Since as a homeowner, keeping your property neat and clean is likely a priority, it's important to realize that the upkeep of your roof's appearance is crucial to maintaining a fully groomed home, even though it's not usually the first thing a passerby would notice.

As the rate at which leaves fall begins to pick up due to the change in season, we recommend dedicating some time to removing the debris that piles up on your roof on a regular basis. It's easy! See below for three of the best ways to eliminate all debris from your roof:

By Hand: Although this would require you to get on your roof, removing debris by hand is one of the best ways to ensure that you've completely eliminated every leaf, stick or branch that may have found your roof to be their latest resting place.

By Blower: If you're looking for a clean and easy way to rid your roof of fall debris, try using a blower. Blowers allow you to tackle a large chunk of your roof at once and make cleaning your roof a much less manual process since you don't have to pick off the debris one at a time.

By Broom: While again, using a broom would require you to step foot on your roof, sweeping off debris is simple and can be done with just a few flicks of your wrist!

Of course, the best way to ensure that your roof is completely free of all debris would be to contact a professional for help. Professional contractors have all the tips and tricks needed to make sure that your roof is spotless, and the best part is, it requires no additional work on your part! If you're located in Fairfield County or the surrounding areas and need to have your roof cleaned, call Phil's Main Roofing today! For more information or to schedule an appointment for service, please visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today.

Staying Safe On Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

When presented with roof damage, many homeowners first look to see if they can handle it on their own and perform a quick do-it-yourself fix. However, even if the problem is as simple as one loose shingle that needs to be fastened down, the task of just getting on your roof can be quite dangerous. That's why it's so important to take a few minutes prior to beginning work and focus on your safety! See below for a few safety precautions we recommend taking both before and during the time you're working on your roof:

1. Check to make sure that your ladder is on a solid surface before beginning the climb up to your roof. 
2. Always wear a safety harness and other protective gear such as a hardhat, padding and safety glasses.
3. Only wear shoes that have excellent traction to reduce the likelihood of slipping.
4. Keep an eye out for potential hazardous objects on or around the roof, such as electrical wires or tools that you've brought up to assist you with the job.
5. Always perform repairs with a partner and have someone close by on the ground to keep an eye on your ladder.

Even though some repairs can be done by the homeowner his or herself, we always recommend calling in a professional for help! Having a contractor complete the job for you is the number one way to guarantee your safety since your feet will never have to leave the ground! If you're located in Norwalk, Connecticut or the surrounding areas and notice damage on your roof, call Phil's Main Roofing today! Our technicians are available to perform a variety of roof repairs and will do all the work for you so that you're not subjected to the dangers that come with working on a roof.

For more information on how we can help, please visit us on the web or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

5 Common Roof Problems

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Since a roof is one of the most important components of any home or building, finding damage can place a lot of stress on the property owner. While most of the time damage can easily be spotted, other times it can be difficult to truly locate the source of the problem, making it even more difficult to determine what kinds of repairs are necessary.

Do you suspect that there's damage on your roof? The following are 5 of the most common roof problems to help you figure out where the damage lies:

1. Fascia: The front board along your roof, known as the fascia, can easily be damaged by moisture.
2. Soffit: Small animals such as birds and insects often find the wood beneath the roof overhang to be a popular resting place. Their overwhelming presence can lead to cracks, holes and rotting of the soffit.
3. Flashing: The flashing, which is the material used around vents and pipes, is very susceptible to water leaks and damage in general.
4. Gutters: Since water and debris can easily build up in your gutters, mold and mildew often develops under the roof.
5. Shingles: When shingles become discolored, start to curl, or are missing, the wood underneath is likely to rot or start to develop holes.

Are you struggling with roof damage? Contact Phil's Main Roofing for help today! We are a fully licensed and insured roofing company located in Norwalk, CT that is available to perform a variety of roof repairs. For more information on how we can help, please visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545.

Follow Phil's Main Roofing on Social Media!

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Did you know that Phil's Main Roofing is LIVE on several social media platforms? As a leading contractor in the roofing industry, it's our goal to keep residential and commercial property owners up to date with the latest roofing news and tips in order to help them make sure their roof is in good standing. Whether you're looking for tips on how to perform your fall maintenance or need advice on how to fix a leaky roof when the wet weather takes over, we have the solutions you need!

But where can you find them? Follow the links below to find us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philsmainroofing

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilsMRoofing

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/117912705440242261883/posts

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/114625390@N03/

And don't forget that you can now subscribe to our blog! When you subscribe via email, you'll receive a notification every time a new blog is published, so you won't have to look far to get the information you need! Check out our subscribe feature, located on the right hand side of our blog's home page!

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company that has been serving Connecticut and New York for over 65 years. We are fully licensed and insured in the state of Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, and install only the top roofing brands to make sure that your roof is built to last. For more information on how we can help, please visit us on our website or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Do I Need To Tear Off My Old Roof?

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Is it time to replace your roof? For most homeowners, roof replacement only happens once or twice in their lifetime, but that's just another reason why it should be done right the first time! After approaching a contractor about the job, the first question asked is usually whether or not the old roof must be completely torn off. While it is possible to install a new roof over an existing one, there is a lot that needs to be considered before doing so. See below:

The Law: Even if your home can withstand the weight of a new roof, your local building codes may not permit it. Always check with your town's building department to see which roofing practices are accepted before starting any work.

Weight: Adding a second layer of materials to your roof is bound to put added stress on your roof's structure and even the walls of your home. Before opting out of tear off and replacement, it's a good idea to inspect your home's overall structure to make sure that the roof won't cave in shortly after the job is done.

Roof Decks: Choosing to re-roof over an existing one means your contractor won't be able to inspect the roof deck and replace any wood that seems rotted or worn down. If the potential for damage is there, you might want to consider tear off and replacement so that it can all be taken care of at once.

Can't decide between tear off and replacement and re-roofing over your current roof? Contact Phil's Main Roofing today! Our technicians can provide you with more information about both processes and will suggest which one is right for you. For more information, contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Which Contractor Is Right For me?

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Although some home improvement projects can be a quick fix that only require some time and effort on your part, most involve the use of a professional contractor and their expertise in the field. Especially in the event that you must repair or replace your roof, chances are you will need a contractor to assist with the project since these improvements can be much more strenuous and extensive.

Are you in the process of selecting a roofing contractor? The following is a brief guideline to help you determine which contractor is right for the job:

Referrals:
Before researching contractors on your own, ask family and friends if there are any that they've used and recommend.

Interview:
Once you've compiled a list of potential contractors, call each to find out the answers to basic questions such as, "how long have you been in business" and "are you licensed and insured?" While you're on the phone, try to gain a sense of how comfortable you feel with each person you talk to.

Red Flags:
Always be on the lookout for things that seem out of the ordinary. For example, if your contractor says they only accept cash and must be paid up front, you might want to consider other options.

If you're located in Fairfield, CT or the surrounding area and are in need of a roofing contractor, connect with Phil's Main Roofing today! We are fully licensed and insured in the state of Connecticut and Westchester County, NY, and have been helping residential and commercial customers with their roofs for over 65 years.

For more information on the services we provide or to speak with a representative, visit us on the web or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!