How to Tell if You Need a New Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

As a homeowner, you might be wondering if it’s time for a new roof. But how can you tell? Knowing whether or not you need a new roof may sound tricky, but believe it or not, a quick inspection can give you the answers you need. So, as your Norwalk roofing contractor, we’ve compiled a few signs that suggest the time is right:

 
Your roof is aging. How old is your roof? If you know the last time you had your roof installed, you can determine whether it’s time for a re-do. Rule of thumb is that most roofs last between 20 and 25 years, depending on the material. However, keep in mind that you will most likely need a replacement if your roof was installed over an older layer.


Your shingles are curling and buckling. Shingles that are curled or distorted is another tell-tale sign that you may need to replace your roof. Look up at the slopes of your home that receive the most sunlight and quickly inspect for any curling. If you notice that your shingles look worn and torn, you may need a little reconstructing.

Your roof valleys are damaged. Roof valleys are an important part of your roof, so check to see if your shingles are falling apart in these areas. If you notice any damage, it’s a definite indicator that you need a new roof.

Your roof has loose granules. Look in your gutters; Is it loaded with shingle granules? If so, then consider new construction - roofs tend to lose more granules towards the end of their life expectancy.

If you’re in need of a new roof, contact the trusted contractors at 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!

How to Choose the Perfect Roof Shape

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

The shape of your roof is more than just a stylistic decision; it’s also about creating a safe design that will prevent potential hazards, such as leaks. All roofs, to some degree, need a slope so that rain has a surface to drain off of. But aside from this one basic necessity, you are generally free to select a design that suites your personal style.

When it comes to finding the perfect shaped roof for your home, the list of possibilities goes on and on. However, there are certain roof shapes that prove to be the most popular; they are:

Gable - a roof with two sloping sides that comes together to meet a ridge, which creates walls with a triangular extension (known as a gable) at the top of the house. Some homes can have more than one or two gable roofs, and the degree of its pitch can vary upon  preference. This roof style is one of the most popular choices and gives your home a more three-dimensional appearance.

Gambrel - a roof similar to a gable. The gambrel roof is ideal for country style homes, as it is commonly built for traditional Dutch houses and barns. Contractors achieve this design by breaking each sloping section of the roof into two parts - one that is almost flat and close to the ridge and one that has a steep drop and is closer to the eaves.

Curved - a roof that usually requires a lot of technical skill, so make sure you hire a professional roofing contractor. The architectural design of these roofs are unique and look different from one house to another, which is ideal if you’re looking for eye-catching architecture.

Octagon - a roof that features eight sides. This shape is often required when a building is either round or nearly round. The way contractors build these roofs is by dividing 360 degrees in half, and then in half two more times until it winds up to the angle that is needed to create eight sides.

To get a sneak peek at some other popular shapes to consider for your roof, please click here.

Whether you’re past the decision-making process or need a little extra help choosing the perfect roof, 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 variety of roofing designs depending on each customer's individual needs and preferences.

How To Get Rid of Roof Moss

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Moss - good for the yard, bad for your roof. When the weather warms up and the climate becomes moist, you might detect moss growing through the shingles on top of your house. And if you’ve experienced moss growth before, you know just how unappealing it can look. Luckily, there are ways you can get rid of these dense, flowerless plants. Below are three tips you can try to get your roof looking in tiptop shape again:

Disguise with color. The first thing to understand is that mold can leave stains. These black streaks that appear on your roof are commonly found on light-colored asphalt shingles, and while it does not damage your roof, it certainly is an eyesore. The trick here is to replace your roofing with new shingles that are dark enough to disguise the noticeable stains.

Use a spray wash. If you love the color of your roof too much to swap colors, you could try using a spray wash. This formula includes a perfect 50 percent mix of water and bleach. Just be sure to wet the plants first and rinse afterwards - plants don’t like bleach, so wetting them with water before hand will protect them. Bonus tip: use a brush before bleaching the roof to scrub off excess moss.

Keep it at bay. After you’ve killed the moss, make sure you keep it from coming back! Your best bet is to insert strips of copper and zinc under your roof’s shingles, preferably about 6 inches wide. Be sure to leave an inch or two of the lower edge exposed to the weather so that the metal molecules will wash away from the roof when it rains.

Looking to replace your roof with new colored shingles? 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 guide you towards the right roofing material and then install it.

Basic Types of Dormers

 Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Wouldn’t you love to expand the top floor of your house? With pitched ceilings and no front windows, one and a half story homes can be uncomfortable to live in. For homeowners who are looking to gain extra storage space, adding a dormer can be a great option.

If you decide you want to blow out your roof and add a dormer, you will first need to decide which type you would like to install. To help you out, below is a list of some basic types of dormers and the kinds of features they offer:

Doghouse Dormer - This popular choice adds charm to your home’s design without standing out like a sore thumb. An architectural element that can add more functionality, this option is great because it won’t take over the majority of your roof. Not to mention, doghouses naturally offer potential seating spaces for added comfort!

Shed Dormer - If you want to fully maximize your upstairs living space, you should consider adding a shed dormer. The shed dormer gets its name from the sheer fact that it looks like a shed that has been built on top of your roof. One thing to be wary of, though, is making sure your exterior proportions look accurate. In other words, if a shed dormer is not installed properly, your roof could look slanted from the outside.

Eyebrow Dormer - The design element of this option is perhaps one of the more appealing aspects of this dormer style. And similar to the shed dormer, this type also relies on proper installation due to its curvy shape. If you’re looking for a balance of style and functionality, the eyebrow dormer is an ideal medium between your other two options!

If you’re past the decision-making process and are ready to have work done to your roof, contact Phil's Main Roofing! Our services include construction, re-roofing, structural repair, as well as maintenance programs. For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

How to Prepare Your Home for Vacation

 Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

While you may be busy packing your bags for your summer vacation, it’s important to also take time to prepare your home before leaving. Why? Taking the necessary steps can prevent your home from being damaged on both the inside and outside. With that being said, the following checklist can help:

Step 1. Dust off your outdoor furniture and decorative accessories. Then, put these items indoors or in a storage unit to keep them from fading in the sun or getting damaged by heavy storms. 
 

Step 2. Check the caulking around your windows and doors to shield your home from nasty weather conditions. One of the last things you want is for wind and humidity to creep inside your home, so you must make sure that all cracks are sealed. 

Step 3. Turn off the water at its source. Shutting off the main valve can prevent plumbing problems, such as flooding, from occurring when you’re not home.

Step 4. Clean the gutters. Make sure that the downspouts are tilted away from your home so that rainwater doesn’t accumulate and drip into your basement. Ideally, what you want is for water to drain away from your home rather than towards it. 

Step 5. Lastly, you should always inspect the roof! Triple check for any debris or missing shingles that might be caught. If you don’t clean off debris, such as tree branches, you could be at risk for some serious dents and scratches.

Regardless of how busy you are getting ready for your vacation, it’s important to take precaution. But if you are pressed for time, don’t worry - Phil’s Main Roofing is here to lift a little of the weight off your shoulders! Contact us if you need help checking your roof for debris or want to schedule a pre-vacation cleaning or maintenance.

For a complete list of our services, visit our website or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today.

How to Choose the Right Material for Your Roof

 Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Remodeling your roof can be the perfect opportunity for you to connect with your inner designer, but with so many roofing materials on the market it’s not always easy to decide which route is best to take. But don’t worry, we can help you get started! If you’re taking advantage of the warm weather by installing a new roof this summer, here are a few popular options that may suit your style and budget:

Composition. This type of roofing is also referred to as asphalt shingles, which is possibly the most common material used on residential buildings. Two of the benefits of composition roofing is that it is affordable and durable. There are also plenty of colors to choose from so that you’re not stuck with only one or two options.

Laminated. Laminated shingles are another worthy option to consider for your roof’s makeover. This type is even thicker and heavier than composition roofing due to its multilayer paneling. If you live in a climate that is susceptible to heavy storms and winds, laminated roofing is an effective solution because it is also fire and wind resistant.

Metal. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, lightweight, and super safe choice, then opt for a metal roof. While they may not be ideal for summer (they have the tendency to conduct heat) you can be sure that they won’t rust, which makes metal a smart investment!

Slate. One of the richest textures you can install on your home is slate roofing. Slate is made of natural quarried stone, which was often used for historic homes. But don’t be fooled - this choice is still a popular option for homeowners today. Similar to composition, slate has a variety of colors from which you can choose. We should mention, though, that installation of slate roofs requires specialized skills - that’s why you should give Phil’s Main Roofing a call!

Looking for a little help choosing the right roofing material 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 guide you towards the right roofing material and then install it.

Celebrate July 4th in Connecticut

 Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

The Fourth of July is upon us, which means it’s time to step outside for cookouts and fireworks! Are you looking for last minute plans to celebrate the holiday? If your weekend festivities are still up in the air, consider the following list of celebrations in and around the Norwalk region:

Norwalk:
The entertainment will start at 5:30 PM! If you’re searching for a family outing, head to Calf Pasture Beach for “The Amazing Andy Show” and “Dance to the Music with DJ Nuzzo”! Then, gather together and enjoy tunes from the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band and firework show starting at 8pm.

Fairfield:
Celebrate the holiday with an explosive Grucci Firework show tonight, July 3rd, which is easily visible from either Penfield or Jennings Beaches. Want to hear some live music? Arrive at Jennings Beach anytime between 5pm and 7pm to hear Lalie Madriguera from Swing to Samba warm up before the big firework spectacular!

Westport:
Don’t miss the Westport Police Athletic League Fireworks at Compo Beach this July 3rd evening- make sure you grab tickets while they last! Sparks will light up the sky starting at 9pm - a show you surely don’t want to miss!

New Canaan:
Join the 35th Annual Family Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday at Waveny Park! Activities will include family picnicking, live music, and a special fireworks display -  fun for the whole family! To purchase your event passes, please click here.

Regardless of which city or town you’re in, or which event you choose to attend, we can guarantee that you’ll experience a weekend to remember! Phil’s Main Roofing wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

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)

How To Protect Your Home From Fourth of July Fireworks

 Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Did you know that thousands of people are injured from fireworks each year? These lights are a beautiful representation of our national holiday, but they can also be extremely dangerous! From house fires to devastating burns, fireworks are capable of causing many hazards.

So, how can we protect ourselves this weekend from possible injuries or fires? In preparation for the Fourth of July, here are four simple tips that can help you protect you and your home from the lights in the sky:

Trim your trees. It takes only a brief moment for sparks to catch onto tree limbs. This is especially dangerous for ones that hang low on your roof and have the ability of causing a house fire. To protect your home from damage, cut any low-hanging limbs around the house.

Clear out the gutters. Dry materials like leaves and twigs pose a threat if they are exposed to a flame. With that being said, make sure you clean your gutters before the weekend! Because your gutters are attached to your home, it’s very easy for a fire to ignite - don’t put off a simple task and put yourself in harm's way!

Talk to your neighbors. One of the most essential tips you can use to keep yourself safe is to talk to your neighbors. Ask if they plan on setting off firecrackers or if they are able to keep an eye on your house in the event that you’re on vacation or visiting a friend’s house - say you’ll return the favor!

Inspect the roof. Some of the most flammable materials can be found underneath your roof. Roofing tiles made from petroleum products can be hazardous, but so can dry tarpaper and sheathing (made of wood). If you need a proper inspection to ensure your safety, give Phil’s Main Roofing a call!

At Phil's Main Roofing, we understand how important it is to prepare your home for the upcoming holiday. If you have questions about the proper precautions that should be taken to protect your house (and your roof), or if you’re in need of a last minute maintenance check, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545.