Keeping Your Gutters Clean This Fall

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

While you might enjoy watching the leaves change or seeing them create a puddle of colors on your lawn, your gutters feel a bit differently about the collection of leaves that happens during the fall season. Since gutters are designed to catch and hold rainfall, it is not unusual for other debris to build up and collect over time. However, when debris like tree branches and fall leaves consume your gutters, it makes it difficult for them to function properly and can be one of the main reasons you start to experience water problems in and around your home.

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we want to make sure your gutters are in tact and ready to keep rain flowing away from your home despite the fact that the leaves will soon begin to fall. That's why we recommend cleaning your gutters regularly throughout the season! The following are a few tips you can follow when cleaning your gutters:

• Whether they are going to physically help you clean your gutters or just monitor your work station to help keep you safe, always approach this task with a helper.
• Use a 4-legged, metal ladder that is sturdy and can hold a bucket that you can use to collect debris in. Make sure that you secure the bucket to the ladder so that it won't fall out of reach.
• Be sure to wear protective gloves so that your hands are not exposed to sharp branches, rotting leaves or sharp metal pieces that might be sticking out of your gutters.
• Since cleaning your gutters can cause dust or other particles to enter the air, wear protective glasses to keep your eyes safe.

Although cleaning gutters is a job that you can do, you'll receive the best results when you get help from a professional. Contact Phil's Main Roofing for help! We are a fully licensed and insured roofing company that specializes in both commercial and residential roofing; we've got a service to help you with all of your roofing needs!

For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us today at (203) 838-4545.

Roofing Terms Defined

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

As a property owner looking to make improvements to their roof, you are bound to do some research to help you make an educated decision on which approach will work best. During your research, however, you'll probably come across roofing terms that you are unfamiliar with, which could potentially get in the way of you making the right decision.

At Phil's Main Roofing, we want you to be as informed as possible so that your roofing project comes at no surprise. Thanks to GAF, the following is a list of some common terms that you might need to understand as you research possible roofing solutions:

Asphalt: A bituminous waterproofing agent that is used in a variety of roofing materials.

Blistering: Bubbles, usually moisture related, that appear in roofing materials. In shingles, blisters are usually caused by moisture under the material or moisture trapped in the material.

Counter Flashing: The metal or siding material that is installed over roof-top base flashing systems.

Drip Edge: A lip that keeps your shingles off the deck at the edges and extends shingles out over the eaves and gutters.

Eaves: The roof edge that extends from the fascia to the structure's outside wall. Typically, the first three feet across a roof is considered the eave.

Flashing: The materials used to waterproof a roof.

Ice Dam: When snow melts on a roof and then re-freezes at the eaves. These force water to back up under shingles and can cause a leak.

Tear-Off: The removal of existing roofing materials down to the roof deck.

Underlayments: Asphalt-based materials that are designed to be installed under the main roofing material for added protection.

Valleys: The area where two adjoining sloped roof planes intersect on a roof, usually creating a "V" shaped depression.

Family owned and operated for three generations, Phil's Main Roofing is a licensed and insured roofing company located in Norwalk, CT. All of our technicians are highly educated and factory certified, and our reputation for quality workmanship has placed us on a list of contractors who receive automatic warranty release upon completed with several manufactures.

For more information on how we can help, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Fact or Fiction? 4 Myths About Roof Vents

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Ventilation is one of the most important aspects of a roof; it allows for air to flow throughout your home and prevents the wood from rotting or deteriorating by reducing moisture levels. Although the concept of roof vents can seem quite simple, they are actually very complex in nature and are often overlooked.

Have you ever been advised about roof vents by a friend, family member, or even a contractor and assumed what they said to be true? While much of what you heard probably holds some truth, it's always best to double check before making any decisions about your home's structure.

Thanks to Angie's List, the following are 4 common myths about roof vents and the truth behind them:

Myth: Vents are only necessary in warm places.
Truth: No matter the climate of your region, roof vents are important to keep air flowing throughout your home. In fact, roof vents are extremely important in colder climates because they can help eliminate moisture, which often leads to mold.

Myth: Any roof vent will work.
Truth: There are many different kinds of roof vents available - ridge vents, soffit vents and wind turbine vents, to name a few. The type of vent you choose heavily depends on the location and design of your home, which is why it's important to talk to a roofing professional before purchasing or having one installed.

Myth: The more ventilation, the better.
Truth: Although you'd think this is true, there is actually a limit on how much ventilation your roof should possess. Take a look at the square footage of your attic before deciding how you will approach ventilating your roof.

Myth: Ventilation means cool air.
Truth: Although ventilation does permit air to flow, which can remove heat from your attic, even the best ventilation won't match your attic's temperature to the temperature outside; your roof will radiate heat into the attic naturally regardless of ventilation!

Phil's Main Roofing is a fully licensed and insured roofing company that has been serving CT and NY for over 65 years. We offer our roofing services to the commercial and residential markets and install the top roofing brands to ensure that any roof is built to last. For more information on our services and how we can help, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Things to Consider When Buying a Home

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make, so it's extremely important that you purchase something that will be worth your while. Of course it's important to research the neighborhood and take a close look at the exterior of a home when house hunting, but there is a lot more that you need to consider beyond what an inspection will tell you. Thanks to Houzz, we've collected some of the factors you must analyze before sealing the deal on a new home:

1. Lot Grade: Although you might feel comfortable inside the home, carefully examine the steepness of the land around you. If it's too difficult to walk on or puts limits on the additions you can make to your home, it might not be the best choice for you.

2. Window Placement and Size: Windows can prove to be one of the nicest features of a home, but they are often the most expensive feature to adjust. Take a good look at the size and placement of a home's windows before making anything official.

3. Natural Light: Have you ever seen something that looks great during the day but not so much at night? Though often overlooked, it's best to check out your potential home at different times of the day to make sure that you like the look and feel of it whether it be morning or night.

4. Street Parking: Even with a driveway large enough to park all of your cars, always take a look at street signs to learn the rules and regulations of your future street. You never know when you'll have company or need extra parking!

5. Staircase Steepness: While it may not pose a problem at the moment, if you plan on having children or housing an elderly relative, steep stairs could be a problem in the future. Furthermore, if you need to bring furniture up the stairs, the steepness could heavily impact your ability to do so.

Of course, don't forget to look out for obvious warning signs such as leaky faucets or a damaged roof; all of these factors combined will help you make the best, educated decision when choosing your next home.

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company that has been serving Fairfield County and the surrounding areas for over 65 years. We find ourselves among an elite list of roofing and sheet metal contractors and are available to assist both commercial and residential property owners. For more information on how we can help, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Dry, Dry...Wet? Warning Signs Of A Leaky Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

This week, more than 5 inches of rain fell on Norwalk, CT and the surrounding areas. While flooded streets and water-logged cars were obvious results of the heavy rainfall, your home may have been affected in more subtle ways than you're even aware of.

As the highest point of your home, your roof was the first structural component to feel the strength of the storm. Since the storm was so unexpectedly powerful and overbearing with water, you might not have had time to thoroughly inspect your home and take the proper precautions to ensure that no damage would occur. With that said, have you started to notice any of the storm's aftermath flowing into your home? If you find that more water is inside your home than outside, you might be experiencing the effects of a leaky roof.

The following are a few warning signs that suggest there might be a leak in your roof:

• Puddles, both small and large, are beginning to form on the floor of your attic or the floor of the highest room in your home.
• Water spots are evident on your ceiling.
• Your ceiling seems to be soft to the touch.
• Parts of your ceiling look like they are sagging.
• Mold is beginning to form on your ceiling or is spreading from the ceiling to the walls.

Does your home currently possess any of these warning signs? If you suspect that your roof is leaking, it's important to address it as soon as possible to ensure that the structure of your roof is not compromised by too much water. 

In a previous blog, we provided some quick tips to help you fix a leaky roof. However, at the first sign of a leaky roof, we suggest contacting a professional roofer so that you can be sure that the leak is sealed properly. Call Phil's Main Roofing! We offer leak detection and repair services that can help keep you dry.

For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us today at (203) 838-4545!

What To Consider Before Adding a Dormer

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Do you have attic space that seems to be going to waste? Homeowners often find themselves with an abundance of attic space that remains unoccupied because of it's layout. With slanted ceilings it is difficult to build rooms fit for living, and if you're looking to install a room such as a bathroom, it can be difficult to do so without blowing out the roof. With aspirations to expand their living space, many accept adding a dormer as the perfect solution.

Like all other home improvement projects, there are several things you must consider before tackling a dormer. See below:

1. Permits - Most of the time you will need to obtain a building permit before making changes to your home. The process of obtaining a permit can be a lengthy one, so be sure to check with your local building department well in advance.
2. Style -  There are several different styles of dormers that homeowners can choose from. Though the most popular is usually a gable dormer, also known as "doghouse dormers," there are other options available, such as shed-roof dormers and hip roofs.
3. Size - Since the purpose of a dormer is to improve on the amount of space your home has, you must consider how much space you're looking to add. Dormers can be used solely for the purpose of adding light to a room, or they can be used to add a whole new floor to your home. Of course, keep in mind that the cost of your dormer is likely to increase as you request more space to be made.

Are you looking to have work done to your roof? At Phil's Main Roofing, we can help you with all of your roofing needs! Some of our services include new construction, re-roofing, leak detection and repair, waterproofing and maintenance programs. For more information on how we can help, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 to speak with a representative today!

Getting Your Roof Ready For Fall

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Although it's still only the beginning of August, it's never too early to start preparing your home for the upcoming season. In order to keep your home, and particularly your roof, in tip top shape, we recommend performing routine maintenance at least twice a year; once in spring and once in fall. By sticking to a good maintenance program, you can catch any potential problems or damage before it escalates, and ultimately, you can help lengthen the lifespan of your home's structural components.

The following are a few things to keep in mind as the fall season approaches:

• Keep an eye out for any missing, damaged or curling shingles.
• Check your roof for any existing fungus or algae. If you're in the clear, check for any signs that may warn of fungus or algae in the future.
• Observe the area around your chimney to make sure that the caulking hasn't cracked. If it has, be sure to reseal it as soon as possible.
• Clean out your gutters by removing any leaves, sticks, needles and other debris to prevent them from clogging.
• Take a trip up to your to your attic and check for any dark spots on the ceiling, mold or dampness that could be a sign of leaking.

If while performing maintenance you notice any damage, it's important to connect with a roofing contractor as soon as possible. By addressing the issue sooner rather than later, you can put an end to the problem before it requires extensive repairs. If, on the other hand, you aren't sure of what to look for, you should also reach out to a roofing contractor and ask them about their maintenance programs so they can take a look for you. At Phil's Main Roofing, we are available to do both! We can perform maintenance on your roof AND help you with any problems that might arise!

For more information on our services and how we can help, contact us at (203) 383-4545 today!

Connect with Phil's Main Roofing on Social Media!

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

As a property owner, it's important to be informed about how to keep your property in tip top shape. And since you want your property to last, it's helpful to connect with businesses who specialize in different home improvement verticals in order to make sure that your building materials and design are safe and up to date. When it comes to caring for your roof, Phil's Main Roofing has the information you need!

At Phil's Main Roofing, we relay important roofing news and tips to our customers and readers to ensure that they are educated on different roofing topics. If you're looking for ideas on which roofing materials to use or need instructions on how to perform quick roof repairs, we have the answers!

To keep up with our updates, follow us on all of our social media pages! The following is a list of our social media pages as well as the links to where you can find us:

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/

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company that has been serving CT and NY for over 65 years! We are fully licensed and insured and will install the top roofing brands to make sure that your roof is built to last. For more information on how we can help, or to schedule your FREE estimate, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!