Get Connected With Phil's Main Roofing

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Ever wondered how to find a leak in your roof? We can tell you! What about how to repair a shingle quickly while you wait for a professional to help you out on a larger scale? We can educate you on that too! Last but not least, do you need some more information about how to maintain your roof throughout the different seasons? Yep, you guessed it - we have all of that information and more!

As a roofing company that has provided quality residential and commercial services for over 65 years, we have an endless amount of knowledge about the industry and best practices, and have made it a priority to share that with all who are seeking it! That's why we update our social media pages regularly and encourage you to connect with us on them! See below to learn where you can find us elsewhere on the web:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Google+:

In addition to following us on the above sites, we also encourage you to subscribe to our blog. By entering your email address into the subscribe box on the right hand side, you'll be signed up to receive a notification whenever a new post of ours is live! It doesn't get much easier than that.

So what do you say? Are you ready to get connected with us? We sure hope so!

To learn more about the roofing services we are able to provide to residential and commercial customers throughout Connecticut and New York, please visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545. And don't forget, you can sign up for your FREE estimate right on our website!

Three Ways You Are Harming Your Home

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Clean this, replace that - whether you've been a homeowner for several years or are new to the housing scene, we're sure you've heard the word "maintenance" a slew of times and have probably even been told about the important role it plays in the success you have while living in your home. But even when you follow the most strategic and routine maintenance plans such as changing your air conditioner's filter in the summer and winterizing your pipes to prevent a disaster in the winter, it's easy to let certain things slide and therefore, harm your home (even when it's unintentional).

Since your home is likely one of your biggest investments, we at Phil's Main Roofing know that the last thing you would want is for it to be damaged due to a small oversight on your part; that's why we've compiled a list of three ways that you can harm your home so that you know what actions to be aware of:

1. Power Washing: Though it is one of the easier methods to use when cleaning the exterior of your home, it can leave you with a sore sight if not done properly. For example, if the setting is too high and water is hitting your home too hard, paint can start to peel and siding can start to come loose and be displaced. Even for a surface as tough as brick, power washing could cause scratches when done incorrectly! And don't forget about its impact on your roof - using high pressure power washers to clean roof stains can be damaging to your shingles and isn't necessarily always effective as it is!
2. Planting: Of course it's nice to have some shady spots around your home, but when trees grow to tall heights and have branches leaning up against the exterior of your home, you just might be in trouble! Since sharp branches can scratch your windows, siding and roof shingles, it's important to be aware of where you're planting and know how tall certain plants and trees will grow if they are in close proximity to your home. Not to mention, you wouldn't want a tree toppled over on your roof in the event of a serious storm, would you?
3. Poor Planning: When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? And we mean really cleaned - as in you pulled out the ladder and climbed up to your roof to remove dirt and debris by hand, followed by a nice spritz from your garden hose. Even though they may seem like a small component of your roofing system, gutters are so important due to the way that they divert rainwater away from your home. If you're in need of some gutter cleaning tips, we covered a few in one of our recent posts.

Although we've mentioned your roof in each of these examples, we hope you haven't forgotten about the importance of maintaining your roof in general! For example, if you find a leak in your roof it is critical that you have it repaired right away to prevent further structural damage. Same goes for missing shingles or stains! By repairing and cleaning right away, you can help keep your roof in good shape for years to come.

For information on how Phil's Main Roofing can help with routine roof maintenance, cleaning and more, please visit www.philsmainroofing.com or call (203) 838-4545 today.

Memorial Day Parades In Connecticut

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

It's the Friday before the long Memorial Day weekend, and while many may already have their plans set in stone, others might still be looking for something to do to celebrate. If you're located in Connecticut there are tons of things to do and places to go, but one of our favorites is the traditional Memorial Day parades! To help you plan your weekend, we put together the following list of parades taking place around town this year:

Norwalk:

Beginning at 10 AM at Veterans park, a variety of bands, organizations and other community members will march in honor of Memorial Day! If you're looking for a top viewing spot, note that the parade will run east on Van Zant street, then head north on East Avenue and will conclude at the Norwalk Green.

Fairfield:

The parade, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, is set to begin at 10 AM, rain or shine! Like years past, the parade will follow the traditional route along Post Road; it will later conclude at South Benson and Old Post roads. For additional details about the parade's path, please click here.

New Canaan:

New Canaan's Memorial Day parade kicks off at 9:30 AM Monday morning! Starting at St. Mark's Church on Oenoke Ridge, the parade will travel to Main Street and then make its way to the Lakeview Cementary, where a ceremony will be held.

Stamford:

This year, the Stamford Memorial Day parade will begin on Sunday, May 24 at 12:00 PM sharp! To catch a glimpse of the parade at the start of the afternoon, be sure to secure your spot at the corner of Summer and Hoyt streets!

Westport:

The theme of this year's Westport parade is "Thank You Veterans!" Kicking off at 9 AM near Saugatuck Elemtnary school on Monday, participants will head down Riverside Avenue and over Post Road until they make their way to town hall. Throughout the event, floats will be judged based on the theme mentioned previously. And don't forget about the coffee and doughnuts! The Westport Kiwanis Club will be in charge of Memorial Day treats from 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM.

Regardless of which parade you attend, we're sure you'll have an awesome experience celebrating the holiday with family and friends! From all of us at Phil's Main Roofing, we hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company located in Norwalk, CT that serves residential and commercial customers in Fairfield County and the surrounding areas. All technicians are factory certified and quality work is always guaranteed. For more information, please call (203) 838-4545.

A Breakdown Of Roofing Materials

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Towards the end of the roofing process, we know that property owners have already had to make quite a lot of decisions. But, after figuring out the more common details such as when the project will get completed, which contractor will do the job and how much is available in the budget to spend, we'd like to say that it's time to answer the more exciting question - what roofing material and color will be used? Of course there are a ton of factors that must be considered in order to choose one that is most appropriate for the property, but before we get into more of the specifics, we want to take this time to provide an overview of some of the materials that are available:

Asphalt: Starting with one of the most popular, asphalt shingles are likely what you see most when driving around your neighborhood. As one of the more affordable options, this material is great if you're working within a tight budget or simply want to stick with a traditional look.

Wood: Possessing an average life expectancy of 25 years, wood roofs are often made from cedar, redwood or southern pine shingles. However, if budget is a concern, keep in mind that this option can cost approximately double that of asphalt shingles.

Metal: Moving on up towards one of the more expensive options, metal roofs have become increasingly popular. Why? They are extremely durable and can withstand many of the elements! As explained in an article from Bob Villa, metal roofs can come in the form of aluminum, steel, copper, copper/asphalt and lead, to name a few.

Slate: Similar to metal, slate is also an extremely durable material that can be beneficial for those worried about how their roof will hold up. And although it can be quite expensive, if durability and longevity are two of the top factors influencing the decision, it may certainly be worth it.

While these may only be four of the available roofing materials, they are a great place to start when narrowing down your options. But if these aren't exactly what you're looking for, don't forget about other possibilities such as tile and EPDM!

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we specialize in a variety of commercial and residential roofing services and are available to install a multitude of materials depending on each customer's individual needs. For more information about the services we can provide, please visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today.

Tips For Cleaning Your Gutters In Spring

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

When you think of your roof, what comes to mind first? Shingles? Flashing? Ventilation? Though these are all vital components of a roofing system, there is one other that many often overlook - that's your gutters. While your gutters and your roof are technically two separate systems that contribute to the design of a home, they are highly connected in several ways. Let's look at one specific example:

Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of roof leaks. Since your gutters are meant to help water travel away from the roof, when they are clogged the water has nowhere to go and therefore, it tends to back up on the roof itself. From there, it becomes much easier for water to seep through cracks, even when they are relatively minor.

Since clogged gutters can be a source of damage when it comes to your roof, we encourage you to dedicate some time this spring to cleaning them out! Here are a few simple tips to help you before you get started:

• Wear protective clothing like rubber gloves to keep yourself safe. Although there probably isn't too much lurking in your gutter system, there could be sharp debris that you certainly don't want interfering with your skin.
• Check that your ladder is on sturdy ground before beginning the trek up towards your roof. And even when you are completely confident that all is well, check again and have a buddy stand at the foot of the ladder in case of an emergency.
• Rather than dump all of your mess onto your lawn, bring a bucket or a bag up that can easily be reached up. This way, you can place all of the debris in one place and make the cleanup process easier.
• After you've cleared away all of the debris, go back down and grab your garden hose to give your gutters a final cleaning. This will help you ensure that you haven't missed any spots and will confirm that water can flow freely through your system.

As one of Connecticut's leading roofing contractors, we understand how essential it is to have a functioning gutter system working alongside your roof. Did you know that we also provide gutter and downspout services for this very reason? For more information about how we can help your property have a successful spring, please visit us on our website or give us call at (203) 838-4545 today.

When To Have Your Roof Inspected

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

When you think of home inspections, what comes to mind first? Having a home inspected before buying? Having a home inspected before selling? Although buying and selling are popular times for people to experience this process, it is imperative that property owners are aware that these aren't the only times when inspections should take place. Now let's get into the specifics.

In terms of an investment quite as big as a roof, there are several situations other than those listed above that require an inspection by a professional; they are:

1. When a new roof has been installed.

2. Immediately following a major storm.

3. As you go through household maintenance routines.

Why? Right after you have your roof installed, a professional inspection can ensure that everything has been completed according to your local town codes. As for major storms, even if you can't see damage initially, an inspector can let you know if you are in need of repairs with enough time left to file an insurance claim if necessary. Lastly, when it comes to the general upkeep of your home, it's important to have your roof inspected routinely simply to ensure that there is no threatening structural damage or pressing problems such as leaks and damaged or worn materials.

But let's go back to household maintenance for just a moment. Did you know that we offer maintenance programs to assist residential and commercial property owners with their roofs? To learn more about how we can help you keep your roof over your head for years to come, as well as to discover more information about our construction roofing services, please visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Connecticut Brunch Spots For Mother's Day

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Mother's Day is Sunday, and that means it's time to finalize the plans you have to celebrate and honor mom. If you're located in Connecticut, and specifically the Fairfield County area, there are plenty of things to do to show mom just how much you appreciate her. Should brunch be on the agenda for this weekend, check out this list of some of the top spots to consider:

Strada 18 - Norwalk, CT

Enjoy a prix fixe menu that includes appetizers, entrees and desserts!
Get more information here. 

Match - Norwalk, CT

With a menu stocked with classic brunch favorites, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Check out the menu here.

Harlan Publick - Norwalk, CT

Give mom a taste of summer by treating her to a brunch that includes items from the upcoming summer menu!

More information is available here.

Harlan Social - Stamford, CT

Designed by the executive chef, this Mother's Day menu includes everything from belgian waffles to grilled NY strip steaks!

Learn more here.

Napa and Co. - Stamford, CT

Join other diners while you and mom enjoy great wine and food, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Reservation information available here.

For an additional list of restaurants that you can check out for Mother's Day brunch, please click here. Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company located in Norwalk, CT that serves residential and commercial customers in Fairfield County and the surrounding areas. All technicians are factory certified and quality work is always guaranteed. For more information, please call (203) 838-4545.

DIY Shingle Repair Tips

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

DIY, or "do it yourself," is a term that has quickly gained popularity in the world of home improvement. And though some tasks are difficult and better off when left to the pros, there are a handful of homeowners whose immediate reaction is to DIY the moment a repair is needed - what type of person are you?

If you fall into the category of homeowners who rely on DIY tips day in and day out, you've come to the right place for guidance on roof repairs - today we're covering how to replace a damaged shingle! Whether you have one or several that are in need of some patching up, the below instructions can help you get started:

Step 1: Start by gently prying at the damaged shingle to detach it from the roof and the shingles around it. Typically they have 8 nails holding them in place (4 in the center and 4 through the shingle above it), so you'll have to lift some of the adjacent pieces that cover the nails you need to remove. But be careful! Shingles can rip easily, so you'll want to make sure that your handling each with care as to not cause further damage to those that are still in good shape.

Step 2: Once all of the nails are loose, push a flat bar or similar tool under the damaged shingle near the nail so that you pull up the shingle and the nail at the same time; don't try to remove the nails by grabbing them from the top, always work from underneath.

Step 3: After you successfully remove all of the center nails, repeat the process until all nails have been successfully taken out. But remember, since you will have to lift the shingle above the damaged piece, be aware of how rough you are being to ensure that no further harm is done to the shingles you aren't targeting.

Step 4: Almost done! At this point the damaged shingle should be out, leaving with you a space for a brand new one. Start by sliding the new shingle into place, then nail it down until it is secure.

And that's it! But although shingle repair can be relatively simple, it is truly a delicate task that requires a professional's hands! If you're looking for roof repair services in Fairfield County, Connecticut or the surrounding areas, be sure to call Phil's Main Roofing the next time you have a shingle or two that needs some care. For more information about our commercial and residential roof repair services, please visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545!