How to Safely Remove Outdoor Christmas Lights

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Ready to remove your outdoor lighting now that Christmas has come and gone? Taking them down safely is just as important as putting them up. Between tangled wires and gutter damage, there are a number of things that can go wrong if you’re not careful about the process.

Because your safety is our number one priority, we put together a few tips for when it comes time to remove your holiday lights:

Unplug.
Before you start untangling your lights and unclipping them from your gutters, be sure to unplug the lights from your outlets and power strips. This will not only help to preserve your lights for next year, but it will most importantly prevent any accidental electric shock.

Avoid tugging.
It might be tempting to tug your lights off of your roof for quick removal, but in doing so you could cause damage to your home. Instead, unravel your lights slowly, using one hand to loop them around your elbow. This will help to keep your lights in working order for next year! 

Watch for powerlines.
Do you have power lines that hang low to your roof? If so, they should be fixed for obvious reasons. But if you haven’t gotten around to adjusting low power lines yet, be wary when removing your lights, as they can easily get tangled. Not to mention it is a major fire hazard.

Check for damage.
Look for pinched or stapled wires, or even broken bulbs. All these types of damages can cause a fire hazard or can be dangerous to touch. If you notice that your lights are damaged, take precaution by making sure all wires are unplugged and you’re wearing proper gear, such as gloves and protective glasses.

If you come across any dangers or roof damage while removing your Christmas lights, turn to Phil’s Main Roofing. Our roofing professionals are here to help with all kinds of repairs your roof might need this month and throughout the year! For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Prep Your Home for Vacation

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Leaving on a jet plane this holiday season? Before you pack your bags and get on your way, be sure your home is safe and secure. We know that getting ready for vacation can be stressful, so we’ve put together the below checklist to help you get your home in order before you walk out the door:

Set alarms. Let your security company know that you will be away and make sure your security alarms are working properly. It also helps to give your security codes to close family members, neighbors, or friends.

Ask for help. If you’re giving security codes to a few trusted people in your social circle, kindly ask them to also keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. And if you have pets at home, ask if they don’t mind looking after them. And don't forget: offer to return the favor when they plan their next vacation!

Trim trees. Winters can oftentimes bring unexpected storms and heavy gusts of wind, so trim any low-hanging tree limbs to prevent damage to your home or your neighbor’s home. This rule especially applies to ones that are close to your roof, as a falling tree limb can cause an expensive repair.

Light it up. An obvious sign that tells you’re away on vacation is a dark home. So be subtle about your getaway by setting timers for lights inside and outside the home. That way, no one will know the difference.

Clear gutters. If it rains when you’re away, you can almost guarantee there will be damage if your gutters, downspouts, and drains aren’t cleared away. So before you leave be sure you clear any leaves and debris from these areas.

Protect your home and family this holiday vacation by taking a few precautions, such as the ones listed above! If you come across any roofing issues while you’re away, turn to Phil’s Main Roofing! We are an award-winning roofing company, serving Norwalk and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today! 

Snow Removal Services for Winter

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Are you anxiously awaiting the first blizzard of the winter season? If you’re a commercial property owner, you know how stressful it can be to clear away all those inches of snow. Between sidewalks, driveways, and gutters, there’s a lot of mess to clean up after a snowstorm. If you need a helping hand, turn to Phil’s Main Roofing!

Now you might be asking yourself, “Isn’t Phil’s Main Roofing a roofing company?" Although we take great pride in helping commercial property owners will all of their roofing needs, we also make safety our number one priority. That is why we offer additional snow removal services for all of our commercial clients. So the next time Mother Nature drops 12 inches of snow on Norwalk, Connecticut, turn to your trusted Norwalk roofing company to clear the mess!

Below are just a few of the benefits you will receive when choosing professional snow removal:

• Fast and efficient clearing of the property
• Sanding and salting to prevent slippery conditions
• Peace of mind knowing your business can operate on time
• Lower risk of injury from heavy lifting

For more information on our snow removal services, please give us a call at 203-838-4545 or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com.

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company serving Connecticut and New York for over 65 years. Fully licensed and insured and staffed with factory certified technicians, Phil's Main Roofing is classified as a contractor who receives automatic warranty release upon completion with several manufacturers. To learn more, visit www.philsmainroofing.com.

Top Roofing Tips

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Preparing to install a new roof or make a few repairs? Your roof is one of the most fundamental components of your home, which means maintaining it can be tricky. That being said, it’s crucial to stay safe and make smart choices by keeping these top roofing tips in mind:

Stay safe.
You know what they say - safety comes first! Before starting any DIY roofing project, protect yourself from danger by wearing the necessary clothing and using the proper equipment. For example, if your ladder is wobbly, consider purchasing a new one. If your shoes don’t have gripped souls, buy or borrow ones that do. Know when you should avoid going up on the roof and be patient if problems arise.
 
Ask about insurance.
Make sure your roofing contractor has workers’ compensation and liability insurance in case any accidents occur. Ask to see certificates to prove this information and make a quick call to the insurance carrier to ensure that the insurance is valid.

Choose quality.
When it comes to choosing a new roof for your home, come to a fair compromise between quality and aesthetics. Your roof is a huge investment and has the potential to boost your home’s value, so while you want to choose a beautiful material, you also want your roof to last a long time. For example, asphalt shingles are more sturdy than wood shakes, but can mimic a similar style. However, what's most important is that you know the climate you live in and which material will best suit your home’s needs. 

Keep gutters clear.
No matter the season, be sure your gutters are free of leaves, snow, debris, and rain water. Your roof can suffer from clogs if your gutters aren’t cleaned periodically, so wait until the weather clears up after a winter storm or spring shower passes and inspect the situation.

At Phil’s Main Roofing, we know that sometimes homeowners want to tackle tricky projects themselves, but just know we are here to help when you need us! We are fully licensed and insured in the state of Connecticut and Westchester County, NY, and have been helping residential and commercial customers with their roofs for over 65 years. For more information on our services, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545.

How to Safely Remove Snow from Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

 

Once winter officially arrives, you can almost always guarantee that there will be snow in Connecticut. Although snow looks light and fluffy, large amounts of it can damage your roof if it’s not removed.

Snow removal requires the proper tools and guidelines to ensure that your roof stays in top shape for the winter. That being said, below are a few tips to keep in mind when it snows:

Skip the shovel - You might think that using your snow shovel is the best tool for removing snow from our roof when the truth is it can possibly damage your shingles. As snow blower can be dangerous as well, so use a roof rake insted and be gentle with your roof.

Avoid sprinkling salt - When your walkway is covered in ice, you probably sprinkle some salt to avoid accidental slipping. But when it comes to your roof, avoid applying salt products to your roof as this can discover your shingles.

Stay alert - When removing snow on your own, be sure to look out for any large chunks of snow or ice that might unexpectedly slide off your roof, especially if you roof has a sleep slope. 

Hire a professional - If the snow is excessive, then snow removal might be tricky. If this is the case, your safest bet is to call a professional to get the job done, as this can be a dangerous and tricky job to tackle on our own.

Are you prepared to handle any snow that comes your way this winter? If at any time you feel like this job is more than you can handle, turn to 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, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 !

Timeless Exterior Colors for Your Home

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

As a homeowner, one of the most essential projects you can take on is boosting your home’s curb appeal. When it comes to sprucing up your home’s exterior, the first thing to think about is the color of your home.

At Phil’s Main Roofing, we know that first impressions are lasting impressions. That is why we have put together a list of timeless exterior colors that you will love for years to come:

Warm Beige - Beige is always a safe bet when designing your home’s exterior, but sometimes it can feel a bit cold. To give this neutral shade a more cozy feel, consider a warm beige hue for your siding.

White - It never goes out of style! Whether you choose white for your siding or window trims, this color helps to neutralize your home. It also matches almost any roofing color you choose!

Earthy green - Want a more organic appeal? If so, then earthy green shades are an ideal option! A muted green with a summit gray undertone keeps the exterior of your home looking neutral, but also provides a more colorful alternative.

Red - Going red might be a bold move, but it’s also one of those colors that we haven’t seen go out of style yet. Stick with a traditional brick or barn red to mimic a classic, rural look. Plus, it will make your home feel more cozy!

Slate Blue - Time and time again, we see homes painted in slate blue - typically for colonial homes, as this color tends to blend well with the suburban architecture.

Most important factor to take into consideration when choosing a hue for your home’s exterior is to find one that will not only match the architecture, but also the color of your roof. Selecting colors for your home is a major decision, so even if you don’t plan on starting your next project until spring blooms again, it’s never too early to start planning ahead!

If you need help deciding which colors will look best for your home (including the color of your roof), turn to 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, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

How to Clean Roof Shingle Stains

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Have you hung up your holiday lights yet? If so, you may have noticed that the shingles on your roof are stained. With a sunny weekend ahead of us, you might want to head outside and take care of the mess. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered!

Below are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning your shingles:

Use the right chemicals
Do you spy algae stains? Typically, you can remove them using a mixture of chemicals, such as trisodium phosphate, bleach, and water. However, it’s important to not overuse these harsh chemicals, as they can shorten the lifespan of your shingles.

Grab the necessary tools
Once you settle on the right cleaning products to get rid of those unwanted roof stains, here are a few tools you will need to grab prior to cleaning: 

• Garden hose (with spray nozzle)
• Old clothing
• Gripping shoes
• A ladder

Be safe
Not only will you need the necessary chemicals and tools to clean those stains off your shingles, but you will also need protective gear. For instance, be sure to wear rubber gloves and goggles to keep your hands and eyes safe from dirt and debris. 

Take preventative measures
One of the best steps you can take to protect your roof from algae and other types of stains is to take preventative measures. For example, once your roof is clean, install a strip of copper or zinc coated sheet metal on each side of your roof and below the ridge.

For more tips on how to clean roof shingle stains, click here.

If you're looking for a trusted roofing contractor to help you get rid of those pesky roof stains, contact Phil’s Main Roofing! Our cleaning and maintenance programs are top of the line and will leave you with the cleanest roof in your neighborhood. For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

How to Safely Hang Your Christmas Lights

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Got the holidays on your mind? We know we do! If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to light up your home with your favorite holiday decorations. Although Christmas lights seem perfectly harmless, the truth is they can actually cause harm if you’re not careful.

Before you get up on your ladder, keep the following tips in mind:

Test your lights. Before hanging up your holiday lights, plug them in and carefully inspect. Look for broken or missing bulbs or worn out wiring. Replace your lights if necessary, as any of these deficiencies can be a fire hazard.

Be smart with a ladder. Before climbing your way up to your roof, be sure you place your ladder firmly on solid, flat ground. Then, rest it against the eaves of your roof at an angle that will be comfortable for when standing. If you lean your ladder against your gutter, place a 2 by 4 inside the gutter to secure the ladder and keep your gutters protected as well.

Strategically hang your lights. The safest place to hang your lights without damaging your roof is along the eaves. Use plastic clips that cling firmly and rest the lights inside the hook - this will protect your roof and avoid you from having to staple or pin down your decorations instead.

For more tips on how to safely hang your Christmas lights this season, click here.

 If you come across any dangers or roof damage while hanging up your Christmas lights, contact Phil’s Main Roofing. Our roofing professionals are here to help with all kinds of repairs your roof might need this month and throughout the year! For more information, please visit our website or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today.