5 Home Maintenance Tips for Summer

 Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

With warmer temperatures and longer days of sunlight, summer is the ideal time for tackling those outdoor household projects - such as preparing your home for summer parties and gatherings! From your air conditioning to your swimming pool, keep the below checklist in mind of things you should inspect from the inside, out:

Air conditioning. Tune up your AC this summer to prevent unwanted hazards and emergencies. To keep the electric bills low throughout the season, be sure to check the refrigerant levels and clean your coils. Another way you can keep costs down is to change your air filters about once every month if you use your air conditioner on a daily basis.

Gutters. Ever notice all the blossoms and seeds that fall off your trees during the warmer seasons? If so, then you might be wondering how often they get caught in your gutters. It may surprise you just how easy it is for your gutter to clog up. In order to protect them from such problems, you’ll benefit from cleaning them regularly, even in the summer.

Windows. One of the worst problems you can encounter this season is an overheated house. If you want to keep your house optimally cool, make it a habit to routinely check your window sealant, making sure the inside and outside are secured. It’s also a good idea to look for any faults on your weather-stripping (for insulating windows) and replace it if needed.

Swimming pools. Do you own a swimming pool in the backyard? Depending on how often you use it throughout the year, it’s probably best to get it prepared now that summer is here. Make sure the pumps are working, the chemicals are balanced, and the debris are removed. In order to prevent hazards, you may want to start your maintenance a week prior to using it so that you stay safe from harmful chemicals.

Roofs. Last but not least, you should have your roof inspected to check for any potential problems. From spring showers to summer thunderstorms, detecting possible issues can prevent small leaks from turning into permanent water damage.

Do you need a roof inspection to complete your summer maintenance checklist? Contact Phil's Main Roofing today! We are fully licensed and insured in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, and would be happy to help you with all of your roofing needs. For more information about our services, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today.

4 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof

 Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Summer is here, which means it’s a perfect time to get started on those outdoor home improvement projects you’ve been eager to do! With the temperatures warming up, it’s a great idea to consider replacing your outdated roof with a new one. But before you do so, it’s important that you know what to expect from start to finish. In an attempt to help, we’ve put together a list of 4 things to consider before choosing to move forward with the project:

The age of your roof. How many years have you had your roof for? The answer to this question will help you to determine if it’s truly time for an upgrade. In terms of life expectancy, it all depends on the material. Asphalt roofs tend to last for about 20 years - if yours is any older, that’s probably a good indication that you’re ready to start your project. 

Loud noises. It may be an obvious reminder, but keep in mind that your roofing project is inevitably going to be noisey. With that being said, consider whether someone in your house is stressed out or has trouble falling asleep at night. Depending on a variety of life situations, you may need to reevaluate if now is the right time to have your roof replaced.

Replace vs. resurface. Are you looking to replace your roof completely or build over your old one? Before you go shopping for styles, it’s essential to ask yourself this question. Most building codes today allow you to layer two roofs at maximum due to safety purposes. Roof collapses do happen, so if you’re dealing with a very worn down roof, you might want to think about replacing it entirely. If you’re not sure which option is best, contact contact Phil's main Roofing for a professional opinion!

Choose a trusted contractor. Possibly one of the worst things that can happen is having a contractor that disappears when you need them. While you should be most concerned with having a contractor that shows up on time for your roof replacement, you should also remember that you will want help fixing a problem or have them available for a regular check-up. To prevent hiring the wrong company, gather a list of referrals either from people you know or from another trusted source.

If you’re in need of a trusted contractor for your summer roofing project, contact Phil’s Main Roofing! For over 65 years, our family owned company has proudly served Fairfield County and the surrounding areas with our expertise in residential and commercial roofing. For more information on the services we offer or to schedule an appointment for your FREE estimate, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your House

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? The answer to this old-age question may or may not be yes, but if a tree falls on your house, you can bet it does!

Earlier this month, we suggested you trim your trees for hurricane season, but what should you do if a tree has already fallen on your house? When a tree crashes from a lightning strike or a heavy gust of wind, you probably have a number of questions on your mind, like which steps to take first and how to handle the cost of repairs. As your trusted Norwalk roofing company, we’ve compiled the following list of FAQ’s to help you stay safe and resolve the issue:

A tree has fallen on my house. Now what?
The first order of business is to get out of the house using the safest route possible. Once you escape your property, make sure you call the police or the fire department. Safety should always come first!

Will insurance cover the cost of damage?
The answer to this question is usually yes. If a tree hits a covered structure, like your house, your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover it. With that being said, the next step to take after securing your safety is to contact your insurance company. Not only should they cover the expense of damage to your home, but they will usually agree to also cover the cost of tree removal.

What if a tree falls into my neighbor's yard?
It’s bad enough if a tree falls on your house, but if it falls into your neighbor’s yard, you have a more complicated situation on your hands. To answer the question simply, both you and your neighbor should submit a claim through your own homeowner’s insurance policy. This means that each of your companies should pay for the cost of removing parts that fell on your own property and vise versa for your neighbor.

For more tips on how to protect you and your home from a fallen tree, click here.

At Phil's Main Roofing, we understand how important it is to keep you and your home safe after a tree falls, especially on your roof. If you have more questions about how to prevent trees from hitting your house during a storm or need assistance fixing your roof damage, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545.

Celebrate Father’s Day in Connecticut

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Father’s Day is just a few days away, which means it’s time to put together some ideas that both you and Dad can enjoy. Whether you spend an afternoon brunch together or try an exciting new sport, there’s plenty to do if you live in Fairfield County.

Check out these five ways you can celebrate in Connecticut to let your father know how much you appreciate him:

Lakeside Watersports. Make a splash with Dad at Lakeside Watersports in Danbury with activities like wakeboarding, tubing, waterskiing, and kneeboarding - an experience you won’t be able to forget! Learn more here.

Tavern on Main. If you’re in Westport, take Dad out to a classic New England restaurant outside on the patio. Looking for a place to dine in the evening? Tavern on Main has a delicious array of steaks and sandwiches from which to choose. See a full list of their menu here.

Beardsley Zoo. You’re never too old for the zoo! Take Dad to visit exotic animals at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. They’re open all afternoon, and the best part is that Dad gets in for free, which makes this trip a perfect gift too! For more information, click here.

Summer Theatre Festival at Waveny Park. Are you a fan of classic movies like The Wizard of Oz? If the anticipated rain holds up this weekend, go to Waveny Park, which has a state-of-the-art open air tent theatre for the whole family to enjoy! Fathers get a free pass and you’ll have a “summer experience to remember”. Check out more info here.

Unbakeables. Does your dad have a sweet tooth? Treat him to a surprise gift from Unbakeables in Weston. They serve mouthwatering topped cookie dough bites in a countless number of flavors. Just 15 dollars for a 10-pack of desserts that he will love! Learn more about Unbakeables here.

What are your Father’s Day plans this year? Don’t forget to share them with us on our Facebook page!

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.

How to Pick the Best Roof Color for Your Home

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

If you plan on taking up a summertime home improvement project, one place you can start is your roof. However, changing up the color of your roof isn’t always easy since there are so many available options out there. With a multitude of shades to choose from, where do you start? Don’t worry - we’re here to help.

Here are 3 things to consider before choosing the color of your roof:

Dark vs. light. A common question asked is whether or not dark colors retain more heat. One study reveals that “plywood sheathing under black shingles was 10 degrees warmer than an identical white shingled roof on a sunny day.” With that being said, there is no evidence that other shades like gray and brown show much of a difference when it comes to heat retention. The best advice? Go with a roof color you think you'll love for a long time.

Use the color of your brick as a guide. Paint and shutter colors can always be altered. Bricks, on the other hand, cannot be changed, which is why you should compare roofing samples to the color of your brick. Looking at the color of your brick and finding the best complimentary shade can make a huge difference when it comes to buying a new roof.

Analyze samples under various circumstances. Understanding that roof samples don’t look the same at all hours of the day will be helpful in the decision making process. Try this helpful tip: place the roofing sample in a sunny place where you can see the brick colors, siding and paint together. Then, to see if it’s a good choice, come back at a later time in the day to ensure you still like what you see!

If you'll be updating your roof this summer we want to know - how did these tips work for you? Tell us on our Facebook page!

Looking for more advice on choosing the right roofing color for your home? Contact Phil’s Main Roofing by visiting us at www.philsmainroofing.com or giving us a call at (203) 838-4545! 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. 

Benefits of Cool Roofs

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Looking for an eco-friendly way to improve your home? If you’re on the bandwagon for going green, you might want to consider a cool roof - a growing choice for many commercial and residential owners. While traditional dark roofs are still in high demand to this day, an ENERGY STAR partners data report shows how shipments of cool roof products have grown exponentially, and there are many reasons why.

In an effort to help you decide if a cool roof is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top benefits:

Reduced energy use. Not all roofs can save you energy and money, which is why a cool roof is so beneficial. If you find yourself using your air conditioner way more than you’d like to this summer, you might want to think about investing in a cool roof to prevent excess heat from entering your home. In fact, this type of roof can remain 50 to 60 degrees cooler on hot, summer days.

Reduced air pollution. Did you know that a cool roof also has the ability to decrease air pollution? With all of the rainfall the northeast experiences in the spring and summer, it’s important that we do everything we can to protect our environment. In other words, cool roofs help us to protect our waters from pollution. These surfaces can soak up at least one-half inch of rain, which will delay rainfall runoff (a potentially harmful thing for our planet).

Improved health and comfort. Even if you’re in great health, that’s no reason not to take even more precautions. One of the most essential reasons to get a cool roof is to prevent health related risks. We know what you might be thinking: how can a roof improve my overall health and comfort? The first thing you should know is that heat can cause serious illness. By installing a cool roof, you can reduce air temperature inside your home even without the help of your AC.

If you’re looking for a safer, more energy efficient roof to help keep you cool this summer, this type of roof can be a great option. What are your thoughts? Be sure to visit us on our Facebook, Twitter or Google+ page to let us know.

For information on how Phil's Main Roofing can help you choose the best roof for your home, please visit www.philsmainroofing.com or call (203) 838-4545 today. We are licensed and insured in the state of Connecticut and Westchester County, New York and offer 24 hour emergency service.

How To Tell If Your Commercial Building Needs Help With Its Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

The roof - an absolutely essential component of any home or commercial building. Not only does it provide a barrier between a property's interior and the outdoors, but it also protects whatever and whoever is inside from being exposed to outdoor elements such as wind and rain. Knowing just how valuable a roof really is, we wanted to stress the importance of knowing what to look for to prevent serious damage from unfolding - today, we're focusing on commercial buildings.

Below, we compiled a list of three ways to tell if your commercial building's roof is in need of some help:

Pools of water: If standing water remains on the roof for a long period of time, it can cause aging and ultimately lead to the deterioration of the cover - both of which can cause leaks. Additionally, having excess water on the roof can weaken the structure since it is added weight. If you notice that water is pooling up on the roof and isn't going anywhere, your first priority should be having it removed immediately.

Bubbling: When a roof starts to bubble, it could mean that moisture has accumulated within the roof cover. As a result, your roof may develop leaks, age quicker or even lose some years off of its expected lifespan. Furthermore, bubbles could lessen the effectiveness of the entire system, making it difficult to withstand severe weather conditions. Should bubbles be forming on your roof, you'll need to have it addressed by a roofing professional right away to eliminate the bubbles and their cause.

Gaps in the flashing: Your roof's flashing is the metal strips installed along the perimeter of the roof's edge where the cover comes into contact with the wall. Flashing is also generally installed around various roof accessories in order to divert water away from seams that it could potentially damage. If there are obvious gaps in the flashing of your commercial building, your roof could be in danger of failing - it also makes it much simpler for water to enter or mold to form. To prevent such from happening, you'll need to have the flashing repaired as soon as possible.

For more commercial roofing tips, please click here.

In addition to our residential roofing services, we at Phil's Main Roofing are also available to help with a variety of commercial roofing needs. Our commercial services include, but are not limited to, new construction, flat roofs, leak detection, waterproofing and structural repair. For more information about how we can help with your commercial roof, please visit us on our website or give us a call at (203) 838-4545.

Ways To Prepare Your Home For Hurricane Season

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane season for those of us on the East Coast began on June 1 and will run through November 30. That means it's officially time to begin preparing your home and collecting all of the necessary items you need to be ready in the event that a severe storm rolls in.

Although Connecticut isn't notorious for experiencing hurricanes the way they do in states such as Florida, for example, it's still equally as important for all of us to take proactive measures to prepare just in case. To help you out, we've collected a few tips that will certainly come in handy for your home:

Secure the roof: The last thing you want during a major rain storm is for your roof to come crumbling down or blow away. While we don't literally mean that the roof will be swept up by the wind in its entirety, it is possible that shingles will come loose and blow off during periods of high wind. Therefore, using hurricane straps, it's a good idea to secure the roof to the frame of your home.

Trim the trees: While it's nice to see the trees in full bloom during the summer season, you definitely don't need them to be blooming directly above your house. When trees are hanging too low, your roof and the rest of your home are ultimately in danger since they could fall at any moment if the storm picks up. To better protect your home, we encourage you to spend some time trimming your trees - did you know that doing so can also help them resist the wind better?

Clean the gutters: If your gutters and downspouts are clogged, your home could be in jeopardy once the rain starts to fall - where will it all go? To ensure that excess rain water is carried away from the home and not towards the foundation where it could seep into your basement, it's important to have gutters that are completely clean and free of debris. While it isn't too hot out yet, now is the perfect time to take a trip up to your roof and clear out any remaining leaves and sticks from the winter season.

For more hurricane preparedness tips, please click here.

At Phil's Main Roofing, we understand how important it is to prepare your home (and especially your roof) for a number of weather conditions. If you're unsure about the proper precautions that should be taken, or if you have some outstanding roof damage that you need taken care of to make sure that your roof is strong enough to withstand a storm, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545.