Common Winter Roofing Problems To Lookout For

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

With each season comes a new set of potentially damaging situations that all homeowners should be aware of. Though such circumstances are usually not one hundred percent preventable, being educated on what to look out for prior to the onset of damage is half the battle when it comes to keeping your home in a stable condition.

From a roofing standpoint, there are three common problems that tend to manifest as the winter season unfolds:

1. Ice dams
2. Icicles
3. Condensation

All a result of natural weather conditions, these three problems place a large strain on any roofing structure and should be addressed as soon as possible. Since winter is not an ideal time to have work done to your roof, you'll want to do as much as you can to keep these problems from becoming more serious than they need to be - and that starts with increasing your awareness.

This winter, we want you to have a secure roof over your head, especially when the most damaging weather conditions hit. That's why we're available for service all throughout the year! Don't let your roof battle the harsh weather conditions on its own; contact Phil's Main Roofing for help instead! For more information on how we can help you this winter season, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today.

Home Winterization Checklist

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Last month, we offered four tips to help you winterize your roof prior to the start of the season. However, as a homeowner, you mustn't forget about the rest of your home when preparing for the frosty temperatures that are forthcoming.

With this week's holiday bringing an extended weekend for many, now is the perfect time to make sure that your entire home has been winterized. If you're unsure about where to start or what areas need to be covered, check out this home winterization checklist that we've created for you to follow as you go:

• Swap out all window and door screens for storm windows and storm doors and check that the weatherstripping around windows and doors is still in tact.
• Place important tools and materials such as your snow blower. snow shovel and ice melt towards the front of your garage or shed for easy access.
• Clean and/or replace your furnace's air filter to ensure that your home is able to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Remove or cover all air conditioners to keep the draft out and the warm air in.
• Turn off sprinklers and drain excess water from your outdoor pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

In order to have a successful winter, it's extremely important to spend time analyzing your home in its entirety to make sure it's all set to bear the brutal temperatures and weather conditions that the season brings. For a complete list of tips to help you winterize your home, please click here.

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company located in Norwalk, CT. Established in 1948, we have been providing commercial and residential roofing services to property owners in Connecticut and New York for over 65 years. If this winter season you find yourself battling roof damage that needs immediate attention, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545; our experienced team of roofs are always happy and ready to help!

How To Remove Snow From Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

If this year's winter is anything like the last, or, if the recent snow fall in Buffalo is any indication of what we can expect, then it's best to start thinking about how you will handle large snow accumulations on your roof now. Although snow looks light and harmless to the human eye, anyone who has had to shovel excessive piles understands how heavy and damaging it can truly be. Especially when it comes to your roof, it's important to keep an eye on how much snow has piled up since too much can place damaging stress on the structure and cause it to cave in.

When it comes to snow removal, using a snow or a roof rake is always recommended. That's because using a standard snow shovel can cause even further damage to your roof as it scrapes away at the surface when chipping away any snow and ice. Furthermore, although it sounds obvious, never bring a snow blower up to the roof as this is both dangerous and not a feasible way to get the job done.

Although a snow or roof rake is highly recommended, you still need to be mindful of the amount of force you are using since in reality, anything that comes in contact with your roof could be harmful. However, by using this tool as opposed to others, you can help reduce your chances of having to deal with further damage later on.

Are you prepared to handle the snow as it comes this winter? If at any time you feel like this job isn't for you, contact Phil's Main Roofing for help! Our team of licensed roofers would be happy to assist and are fully equipped with the proper tools and techniques to remove the snow from your roof. For more information on how we can help, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Dealing With The Aftermath: How To Assess Storm Damage

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Whether it be rain, snow, hail or wind, storms are a major threat to our homes and are often one of the leading causes of roof damage. Even though there are many ways to try and prevent our roofs from being damaged, storms are often much stronger than they appear to be and unfortunately, hold more control over our homes than we do. That's why after every storm, regardless of its severity, we heavily recommend inspecting your roof for any signs of trouble. Not sure where to start? See below for three tips that can help you along the way:

1. Always start by looking for obvious signs of damage such as missing shingles. This form of damage can easily be spotted by walking around the perimeter of your home, and is very common regardless of the type of storm and its strength.
2. In addition to looking for missing shingles, keep an eye out for pieces of metal fascia or other roof accessories such as your gutters that may have come loose or undone.
3. Check your attic for any signs of water damage. Aside from the obvious leak, be on the lookout for any water stains that may be forming on your roof.

Speaking of storms, have you inspected your roof since yesterday's heavy rainfall? If the recent weather conditions have negatively affected your roof, contact Phil's Main Roofing for help! At Phi's Main Roofing, we specialize in storm, wind and hail damage as well as leak detection and repair in order to make sure your roof is stable and in good standing immediately following any storm.

For more information about our residential and commercial roofing services, or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert roofers, please visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today.

Home Improvement Tips You Need To Know

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

 

Whether you've just bought a home that needs repairs or you're looking to make improvements to a home that you've been in for quite some time, there are several things you must consider before diving into your project. In addition to the most obvious things you must look at, such as the size of your home and your budget, there are many other smaller, and perhaps less obvious factors that need to be analyzed before any decisions can be made.

If the potential for remodeling your home is in the near future, check out these three home improvement tips that every homeowner should know:

Value:
Always start by asking yourself, "what value will this project add to my home?" While some projects add more value than others, every change you make will have an impact on the value of your home. Especially if you plan on selling your home, we recommend leaning towards projects that will bring the value of your home up at the greatest rate.

Time of Year:
If you have a long list of changes that need to be made, start by seeing which ones are the most pressing at that time of year. For example, during the winter, it's best to attack any projects that include re-caulking or resealing your home so that you are prepared to battle the cold weather.

To DIY or to Not DIY:
Many homeowners often feel like they can tackle parts of their home improvement project on their own. However, even when it seems doable, the act of actually completing the project is often harder than it looks. If you have any doubt that difficulties may arise, always contact a professional contractor for help.

For a complete list of home improvement tips you need to know, click here.

Is roof repair or replacement on your list of things you must complete this year? Contact Phil's Main Roofing for help today! At Phil's Main Roofing, we offer comprehensive residential roofing services to help you with all of your roofing needs. For more information on how we can help, please visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

How To Prevent Ice Dams From Forming On Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Throughout the winter season, one of the most troublesome problems that can occur on a roof is the formation of an ice dam. By nature, ice dams are the result of an ice build up on your roof, and are a leading cause of water damage in the home or building whose roof possesses one. Since the potential for damage is so high when ice dams are present, taking preventative measures to stop them from forming is essential.

Thanks to This Old House, we've uncovered three steps you must take in order to prevent an ice dam from forming on your roof this winter; see below.

1. Ventilate: Having eaves and ridges that are properly ventilated is one of the best ways to stop ice dams from forming. Since you need the roof to be the same temperature as the eaves, it is important to make sure that the right kind of ventilation system is installed.

2. Insulate: Before the start of the season, make sure that your attic is thoroughly insulated, especially on the floor. Doing so will help keep the heat in your home where it is needed and will prevent it from seeping through your soffit.

3. Cover the Hatch: Attic hatches or house fans that are not properly covered are one of the most common places where heat escapes from the home. Similar to the process of insulating, make sure your hatch is covered with adequate materials so that heat is kept inside.

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we want you to be as prepared as possible for the upcoming winter weather. That's why we offer a variety of preventive maintenance programs to help you get through every season! For more information on how we can help you prepare, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Caring For Your Flat Roof During The Winter

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

In a previous blog, we introduced you to some of the best techniques for winterizing your roof. However, it is important to note that the preventive maintenance programs for flat roofs differ slightly from pitched roofs when it comes to the winter season. Since flat roofs do not have the same functionality that pitched roofs have when it comes to draining water and shedding debris, it is easier for ice, snow and other winter weather to build up over the course of the season. That's why it is so important to prepare a flat roof for the change in season in advance! The following are three simple tips that we recommend following as you start to prepare:

1. Sweep any remaining fall debris off of your roof. When debris is left over from the previous season, it makes it more difficult to clean in the winter and can encourage water to pool up when the wet winter weather sets in.
2. Cut back any branches that hang over your roof before they have the chance to fall. In addition to damaging your roof on their own, fallen limbs can also lead to clogged drain spouts as they too encourage water to pool up when not removed.
3. Check your roof for any holes or trouble spots that may be left over from earlier in the year. While you do so, check to see if there is already standing water on your roof so that you can repair damaged or low areas of your roof now.

Does your home possess a flat roof that needs to be serviced before the start of the season? Contact Phil's Main Roofing for help today! At Phil's Main Roofing, we offer repair and preventive maintenance programs to commercial and residential customers to help them maintain the integrity of their roof all year long. For more information or to schedule an appointment for service, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545.

Residential Services at Phil's Main Roofing

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

For any homeowner, having a stable roof over their head is one of their top concerns. After all, it is the primary component of a home that protects you and your belongings from the outdoor elements. Since a roof plays such an important role in maintaining the comfort of your home, it's essential that you pay close attention to any warning signs that might suggest damage is on the way. Furthermore, in order to prevent such damage from occurring, it is extremely important that you perform seasonal maintenance on your roof and check up on it regularly to make sure that every nut and bolt is where it needs to be.

But what happens when damage does occur? Or, what if performing seasonal maintenance proves to be a much more difficult task than anticipated? This is where we come in! At Phil's Main Roofing, we specialize in residential roofing. That means we have the strategies and experience needed to assist with all of your roofing concerns! From new construction and re-roofing to structural repair, leak detection and more, we do it all. See below for a list of some of our residential services:

• Tear Off and Replacement
• Roof Drainage
• Resealing - Exterior Silicone
• Waterproofing
• Cleaning and Maintenance Programs

And that's not all! Click here for a complete list of the residential services we offer at Phil's Main Roofing.

If you're a homeowner in Connecticut or New York and are having trouble with your roof, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!