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.

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.

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.

Your Guide To Choosing A New Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

A roof is just a roof, right? Although the concept of roofing seems pretty simple to most homeowners, the process of choosing a material is more than just flipping through a book of color swatches and comparing small examples of available materials like you would for other home improvement projects. Instead, you will need to invest some serious time and energy in researching how your home will take to certain materials depending on factors such as climate, shape, weight, and of course, your budget.

But what exactly should you consider before sealing the deal? When selecting a new material, always ask the following (once you've determined that it falls within your price range):

1. How long does this material last?

2. What weather conditions does it prove to be successful in?

3. Does this material comply with my local building codes?

4. Is my home strong enough to support this type of roof?

5. Will the material match the exterior of my home?

By answering each of these questions (and in detail, we might add), the process of choosing a material will seem almost effortless. In fact, you might even start to feel like the material chose you! 

And why are these questions so important? That's easy. If you choose a material without first figuring out how they will withstand your region's weather conditions or get clearance from your town, there is a good chance you will find yourself turning to your wallet down the road to either a) complete additional repairs or b) start the entire process over again. You wouldn't want to do either, would you?

To learn more about roofing materials and how to choose one for your next home improvement project, contact the team here at Phil's Main Roofing to receive a bit more guidance from roofing experts!

Located in Norwalk, CT, Phil's Main Roofing has been providing outstanding residential and commercial roofing to customers in Connecticut and New York for over 65 years. Get your FREE estimate for your next roofing project by calling (203) 838-4545 today.

How To Prepare For Rain and Storm Seasons

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Just when we thought we couldn't get away from it fast enough, snow has snuck back into our weather forecast for the upcoming weekend. And if that isn't enough, we are just a few weeks away from what is commonly known as as rainy month (you've heard the saying, April showers bring May flowers). Although the weather we experience here in Connecticut might not be the severe hurricanes and thunderstorms that touch down often in other parts of the country during the rainy season, it doesn't hurt to talk about storm preparedness. Check out the following list of tips we put together (with help from GAF) to prepare you and your home for the upcoming season:

1. Thoroughly clean your gutters. If winter debris is still jammed in your gutter system, it will be awfully difficult for rain water to be able to run its course.
2. Trim back any tree branches hanging closely above your roof or gutters. While you may not be in danger of having an entire tree topple onto your home, loose branches can be the cause of unwanted scratches.
3. Inspect your roof to ensure that all shingles are securely fastened to your home. If any have started to pull away, the experts at Phil's Main Roofing would be more than happy to put everything back in place.
4. Seek out information about your insurance and how you will be covered if any damage should happen to your home, and particularly your roof!

Aside from the fact that it's always good to be prepared for any weather condition, we highly recommend including even the slightest of roof maintenance in your spring maintenance plans. After the winter we had, we could all certainly use it! To learn how we can help commercial and residential customers with their seasonal roof maintenance, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Should I Insulate My Attic?

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Although Spring is in sight - at least in terms of the calendar - we still seem to be wrapped up in a vicious cycle of winter winter. Between the snow and the ice and its recurring nature, at this point it seems like it may never stop! That being said, we'd like to take today to cover a topic that often makes its way into the minds of homeowners - insulation.

Should you insulate your attic? The answer is yes. And not even just because it can help you save on heating and cooling costs or make your home more energy efficiency - proper insulation helps you maintain your home's overall comfort! And during winters like this, we know just how valuable a comfortable home really is. However, if your attic is unfinished and a lack of insulation is evident, there are a few things you should consider about your roof before you start the job -

1. Do you need any internal roof repairs?
2. Do you have the materials needed to keep air flowing between your roof and the insulation you plan to install?

After all of your hard work, we bet the last thing you would want is for your roof to come crumbling down due to a moisture problem, which is why it is so important to install baffles between your roof rafters; this will help keep air flowing despite the fact that insulation has been added. Furthermore, since you won't want to have to tear down your insulation if you notice roof damage mid way through the job, we recommend checking things out before you get started.

Still have questions about how insulating your attic could impact your roof? If you have any questions or concerns about your roof, 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.

The Dos and Don'ts of DIY Roofing

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Let's face it - when things go wrong with our home, most of us prefer to try and fix it ourselves before turning to our wallets to shell out for what could be a costly repair. But although a simple DIY fix is all it takes sometimes, if you aren't careful or don't have the right tools to complete the job, you might just wind up with a bigger problem than you started with.

The next time your roof sends you running to your toolbox, consider these DIY dos and don'ts before taking any action:

Dos:

1. Keep Things Clean: DIY roofing is hard enough as it is, so don't make it any harder by having your tools and materials scattered all about. Before you get started, make sure you have a plan on how you'll stay organized to ensure that too much doesn't wind up out of place.
2. Wear The Proper Attire: Regardless of what needs to be done once you're up there, just the act of getting on your roof is dangerous. Therefore, it's important to have the proper gear on before venturing on top of your home. Specifically, be sure you're wearing shoes with enough traction to reduce your chances of falling.

Don'ts:

1. Work Without A Partner: Even if you're just tightening a loose screw, never work on your roof without a buddy by your side. Whether they're on the roof with you or watching from below, having an extra set of hands at the ready can protect you from danger.
2. Forget To Check The Weather: The sun is out and the wind is minimal, so that means you're all clear to get started, right? While in some situations that might be the case, you can't forget that the weather can change at any moment. Before you head outdoors, check the weather forecast to make sure that rain or other damaging conditions won't come to knock you down.

If, on the other hand, DIY roof repair isn't for you, contact Phil's Main Roofing for help! No matter the severity of your roof's damage, our team will take care of it from start to finish so that you can keep your feet planted safely on the ground. For more information about how we can help, visit us on our website or contact us 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.

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!

Connect with Phil's Main Roofing on Social Media!

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

As a property owner, it's important to be informed about how to keep your property in tip top shape. And since you want your property to last, it's helpful to connect with businesses who specialize in different home improvement verticals in order to make sure that your building materials and design are safe and up to date. When it comes to caring for your roof, Phil's Main Roofing has the information you need!

At Phil's Main Roofing, we relay important roofing news and tips to our customers and readers to ensure that they are educated on different roofing topics. If you're looking for ideas on which roofing materials to use or need instructions on how to perform quick roof repairs, we have the answers!

To keep up with our updates, follow us on all of our social media pages! The following is a list of our social media pages as well as the links to where you can find us:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philsmainroofing

Twitter: https://twitter.com/philsmroofing

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/117912705440242261883/posts

Flickr:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/114625390@N03/

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company that has been serving CT and NY for over 65 years! We are fully licensed and insured and will install the top roofing brands to make sure that your roof is built to last. For more information on how we can help, or to schedule your FREE estimate, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Pros and Cons of a White Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

When it comes time to replace your roof, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is which materials you will use. Lately, many people have opted for eco-friendly solutions when deciding on materials and colors since the go green initiative has become so widespread. In order to stay within the boundaries of eco-friendly materials and colors, some homeowners have begun to accept “white roofs” as their roof of choice. But why? The following is a list of pros and cons of whiteroofs to provide some insight as to why they are increasing in popularity:

Pros:

First and foremost, no matter the material, choosing white for your roof’s color can significantly lower the temperature of both the roof and your home. This is because unlike black or other colors that attract the heat, white reflects the sun’s rays away from the home. Since they work to keep your home cool, white roofs also come with the benefit of reduced energy bills, since your cooling units won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Lastly, white roofs prove to be economical in terms of construction and material costs and are considered to be one of the least expensive eco-friendly options.

Cons:

Although the color has its benefits, the material you choose plays an important role in whether or not you’ve selected a truly eco-friendly solution. If your roof is made from asphalt shingles, even if it’s white, it may be difficult to recycle when it comes time to repair or replace pieces of the material.

Are you in the market for a new roof? At Phil’s Main Roofing, we specialize in commercial and residential roofing and are available to help you with all of your roofing needs. We work with some of the top manufacturers in our field to make sure that you’re getting the best materials for the best price! To get started on your roofing project, or for more information on how we can help, contact us today at (203) 838-4545!

How To Determine Roof Repair Costs

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Image courtesy of Gualberto107/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you in need of roof repair but fear your budget might get in the way? Although the focus of your budget may be on the actual construction and materials, there are several other factors that go into the cost of roof repair or replacement. The following are a list of 5 factors that heavily influence the cost of any roof repair or replacement project:

Roof Type:

Cost will vary depending on whether your roof is flat or sloped, high or low pitched, and metal or shingled. Further, since each material requires a different amount of work to be installed, be prepared for costs to fluctuate to compensate for increased or decreased labor needs.

Permits:

Location is one of the largest influences on roof repair costs. Depending on where you live, your contractor may advise that you need a permit before starting any work. The price of your permit may be decided by your geographical location or by your home’s size and proposed value.

The Repair:

Of course, the size of your repair will set the foundation for the cost of your project. Typically, contractors will determine a price based on the square footage of your roof.

Hidden Damage:

On occasion, contractors will find that there is more damage to the structure of your home than was visible. Always allow room for this in your budget, since fixing the damage is often necessary in order to proceed with the project.

Chimneys and Skylights:

Though often overlooked, chimneys and skylights can raise the cost of a roofing job simply because your contractor will have to work around them. However, we recommend being proactive and have your contractor assess them for any damage before the start of your project. This way, all repairs, if necessary can be done at once.

At Phil’s Main Roofing, we understand that budget is a concern for any home improvement project. That’s why our technicians will assess your home and provide you with a free estimate that outlines the cost for your project in an easy to understand way. For more information on how we can help, visit our website at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!