Your Fall Maintenance Checklist

 Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Taking good care of your roof is important, especially before cooler weather arrives. And if you live in Connecticut, then you know very well how fast the chilly temperatures can creep up on you. So while the weather is still nice outside, take some time over the weekend to get started on your fall maintenance checklist:

First things first - you’ll want to call your roofing contractor for an annual inspection. Hiring a professional for the job can put your mind at ease, knowing that your roof will be well taken care of! When your contractor arrives at your house, here are a few things they will be on the lookout for:

Cracks or rust on roof flashing - Luckily these are not difficult to replace.
Broken (or curling) shingles  - Curling shingles can be repaired, however, broken shingles require replacement.
Worn out rubber boots around your vent pipes - Usually this can be a fast and easy fix.
Signs of moss or lichen - Moss killers can be applied.

While you’re better off leaving the tricky work to the professionals, there are still a few things you can do to keep your roof protected during fall and winter. For example, if you find pieces of asphalt roof tiles in your gutters, you can grab a ladder, a pair of gloves, and scoop it all out. However, if you’re a little uncomfortable with heights, give us a call!

At Phil’s Main Roofing, we can help you complete your fall maintenance checklist before the first cold week! 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. To learn more about how we can assist you, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Make Your Roof Last for Decades

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Getting your roof to last a long time is easier than you might think. In fact, you don’t need to be an expert at all - all your roof really needs is a little TLC! Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through it! Here are three tips to help you make your roof last for decades:

Follow a maintenance routine. Like any household investment, one of the best ways to guarantee that your roof lasts for a long time is to develop and follow an active maintenance routine. While we know that doing home maintenance on your roof isn’t your ideal Saturday afternoon activity, you’d be surprised how much it can help make your roof last longer! Here’s what you should focus on:

• Sweep any debris off the roof’s surface
• Clear any build up in your gutters and downspouts
• Power wash areas that show signs of moss growth
• Check for any warning signs of leaks

Catch problems early on. Another way you can get the most out of your roof’s lifespan is to take preventative measures. Make an effort to check on your roof often, so you have an easier time of catching any problems before they cause even worse damage. Here are just a few things you’ll want to keep an eye out for:

• Worn, torn, or cracked shingles
• Loose material around your chimney, vent, or pipes
• Sagging or leaning
• Damaged gutters and downspouts
• Algae growth
• Wet spots on your ceiling

Hire a professional. Even if you’re up for a DIY project, we recommend that you contact your local roofing contractor when it comes to your roof. Working on your roof without the help of a professional can be risky, and if you don’t have the proper tools, you could end up causing more damage than you had to begin with. Professional roofing contractors are trained to perform proper inspections and can repair problems properly. If you don’t already have a roofer, make sure you choose the right one:

• Take time to interview a few
• Make sure your contractor is insured
• Ask about their prior experiences

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

Spring Cleaning For Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Cleaning around your home is likely already a part of your daily or weekly routines, but spring cleaning is where you have the opportunity to really show your home what you're made of. That's right, it's time to break out the elbow grease! Aside from your usual vacuuming and dusting, now is when you should be doing a thorough cleaning of all of the rooms (and we really do mean all) as well as the exterior of your home. 

The following details four things that you should be looking for when you finally make it to your roof:

Mold | If you have any discoloration on your roof or notice discolored streaks, there is a good chance mold is the culprit. To remove it and prevent it from spreading further, you'll need the right cleaning solutions or the help from a professional like us! But remember, if you choose to clean things up yourself, never power wash your shingles.

Leaves | A leaf here and there isn't necessarily a bad thing; it's when they start to pile up that you need to be concerned. Since leaves are notorious for holding moisture, they threaten your roof by their ability to encourage the spread of mildew.

Moss | Moss is a common result of a moist roof. As you survey your roof during your spring cleaning efforts, keep an eye out for any signs of moss growth. If it's visible, you'll need to use the proper chemicals to rid your roof of it, or, like we said for mold, contact a professional like Phil's Main Roofing to help!

When it comes to your roof, you can never be too hands on. Even though spring cleaning only happens once a year, we recommend checking up on it as often as possible to ensure that it is as clean and tidy as can be.

Ready to spring forward with your cleanest roof yet? If you're looking for a team to complete the job or simply want a second set of eyes to look over what you have already done, contact us today! our cleaning and maintenance programs are top of the line and will leave you with the cleanest roof on the block. For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (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!

Roof Maintenance Tips For Spring

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Spring may not have sprung just yet, but in terms of the calendar, it will have officially arrived in just a few short days! That being said, now is a great time to start discussing a few maintenance tips to help you prepare your home for the change in season. If you'll be using this weekend to your advantage to get some spring cleaning done, here are a few ways that you can incorporate your roof in the process:

1. Check for gutters that may be pulling away from your roof. Especially after the wet weather this winter brought, you'll want to make sure your gutters are still in tact.
2. Starting from the ground, complete a visual inspection for any signs of loose or missing shingles. Then, once you're sure you got a good look, take it one step further and get a closer look by heading up to your roof with a ladder.
3. If safe and accessible, clean out any debris that may have piled up in the valleys of your roof.
4. Look for any cracks around your chimney and flashing and reseal with caulk if necessary.
5. From the inside out and the outside in, check for signs of water damage or for leaks that could potentially turn into serious damage.

Although knowing what to look for can make seasonal roof maintenance rather simple, we understand that not everyone wants to let their feet leave the ground. If you're looking for a team of trusted roofing experts who can assist you with your maintenance in 2015, you've found one! At Phil's Main Roofing, we offer cleaning and maintenance programs to residential and commercial customers and would be more than happy to help you welcome in the spring. 

For more information about how we can help, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today.

Reasons To Clean Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Is your roof starting to look old and outdated? If so, has this encouraged you to think about roof replacement? Too often homeowners assume that it's time to replace their roof as soon as it starts to appear worn down. However, it's important to realize that this old, brittle look could be a result of a layer of dirt that has built up over time. Unless your shingles are approaching the 25 year mark or seem to be falling off, it's likely that you can eliminate your roof worries just by performing a thorough cleaning.

Thanks to Angie's List, we've put together a list of reasons why you should clean your roof before making the decision to replace it, see below:

• Those dark black stains you see are not necessarily indicators of roof damage. Such stains usually result from moss, which a proper cleaning can easily remove.
• Cleaning your roof regularly can actually strengthen and protect it from future damage. If you've repaired or replaced your roof recently, cleaning it is one of the best ways to ensure that the money you've put into it won't go to waste.
• The cost of cleaning your roof is significantly lower than the cost of total roof replacement. In fact, splurging on a roof cleaning every so often can prove to have financial benefits in the long run since it will help lengthen the lifespan of your current roof.

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we believe that cleaning your roof regularly is one of the best forms of preventive maintenance. In addition to increasing curb appeal and giving your home a freshly polished look, cleaning can often solve many of the issues you come across and prevent them from happening again in the future.

To ensure that your roof gets the best possible cleaning, we recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor to help you with the job. Contact us today! We offer outstanding cleaning and maintenance programs to help you will the upkeep of your roof. For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Getting The Most For Your Money: Ways To Make Your Roof Last

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Just like any other improvement you make to your home, replacing your roof is a huge investment. No matter how big or small your project may be, roof repair and replacement is one area of home improvement where it's absolutely necessary to make sure you're having quality work done, even if that means spending a bit more money than planned.

Since roof work often ends up being on the expensive side, and since a functioning roof is crucial for your safety, you'll want to take as many proactive measures as possible to make it last. The following are a few things you can do to lengthen your roof's lifespan and make your investment worth every penny:

1. Clean your gutters regularly. When leaves and debris pile up too high, water can seep into the roof and lead to the spread of roof rot.
2. Trim any branches around your roof to prevent leaves and branches from falling onto the surface. Not only can they damage your roof by falling, but overhanging branches also give outdoor animals access to your roof.
3. Inspect your roof after every major storm and look for any lose or missing shingles. It's also important to look for any damaged flashing around your vents, chimneys or skylights.
4. Remove leaves from your roof regularly, especially during the fall, to reduce the likelihood that they will pile up in your roof valleys or near chimneys. If not removed, a collection of leaves can cause moisture to build in your roof as they start to decompose.

Most importantly, one of the best things you can do to get the most out of your roof is have a professional clean it and perform preventive maintenance programs regularly. After all, they have the experience, education and solutions needed to ensure that your roof remains in tact. At Phil's Main Roofing, our roofing experts are available to perform all kinds of service to help you with your roof. Just ask us about our maintenance programs! We'll set you up with one that works best for you.

For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Getting Your Roof Ready For Fall

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Although it's still only the beginning of August, it's never too early to start preparing your home for the upcoming season. In order to keep your home, and particularly your roof, in tip top shape, we recommend performing routine maintenance at least twice a year; once in spring and once in fall. By sticking to a good maintenance program, you can catch any potential problems or damage before it escalates, and ultimately, you can help lengthen the lifespan of your home's structural components.

The following are a few things to keep in mind as the fall season approaches:

• Keep an eye out for any missing, damaged or curling shingles.
• Check your roof for any existing fungus or algae. If you're in the clear, check for any signs that may warn of fungus or algae in the future.
• Observe the area around your chimney to make sure that the caulking hasn't cracked. If it has, be sure to reseal it as soon as possible.
• Clean out your gutters by removing any leaves, sticks, needles and other debris to prevent them from clogging.
• Take a trip up to your to your attic and check for any dark spots on the ceiling, mold or dampness that could be a sign of leaking.

If while performing maintenance you notice any damage, it's important to connect with a roofing contractor as soon as possible. By addressing the issue sooner rather than later, you can put an end to the problem before it requires extensive repairs. If, on the other hand, you aren't sure of what to look for, you should also reach out to a roofing contractor and ask them about their maintenance programs so they can take a look for you. At Phil's Main Roofing, we are available to do both! We can perform maintenance on your roof AND help you with any problems that might arise!

For more information on our services and how we can help, contact us at (203) 383-4545 today!

Do You Need Gutters On Your Home?

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Flickr

If you're thinking about re-roofing your home, knowing exactly what is involved is vital. Often, home owners are unclear about whether or not installing gutters is an essential part of the roofing process, and the answer is typically yes. Gutters are an extension of the roofing system whose primary function is to direct water away from your home, so having gutters makes your home better prepared for any precipitation that may occur. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should have gutters installed:

1. Prevent Water in the Basement: Most water problems in the basement are directly linked with improper water shedding. If the landscape of your location slopes towards your home, then an excessive amount of water can end up right at your home's foundation. This may lead to cracks, leaks, flooding, and moisture, which results in unnecessary water, mold, and mildew damage.

2. Protect Exterior Walls: When water drips off the roof it can splash dirt and moisture on the exterior walls of your home. This could result in staining, rotting, or premature weathering of your homes exterior materials.

3. Prevent Soil Erosion: Properly guiding excess water away from the home and reducing the amount of energy created by falling water helps to prevent the erosion of the foundation. It also helps prevent erosion of any soil surrounding your home.

4. Protect Landscaping: While we know water is important for our grass and gardens, too much water can actually kill shrubs, grass and other plants.

5. Protect Fascia: Gutters with the correct flashing or apron will stop water from running over the lip of the roof and going back up under the roof (or fascia), which could cause damage down the line.

6. Protect Decks and Railings: Deck boards and railings are subject to damage by the drip-line created by a roof that is lacking a properly installed gutter system.

7. Protect Driveways, Concrete Slabs and Walkways: Excessive water falling from the roof can wash out the fill below your driveway, concrete slabs and sidewalks. When this happens, it can cause sinking and cracking.

8. Provide Winter Safety: Melted snow can freeze on your sidewalks and driveways, and the salts or other chemicals used to melt the ice can reduce the lifespan of your concrete or ashpalt. With gutters, the likelihood of this problem can be reduced.

9. Keep You Dry: Drip-lines created by a roof without gutters can create a sheet of water during storms that make it difficult to leave your home without getting wet.

10. Collect Rainwater For Irrigation: Collecting rainwater from the roof for irrigation on lawns and gardens is quickly becoming popular. Having gutters can assist you in this process, and could ultimately lower utility bills for those who use this method.

Now that you know how beneficial having gutters can be, are you ready to take the initiative to better your home? At Phil's Main Roofing, we will repair and install the most effective gutter system for your home or commercial building, ensuring that you're prepared for any potential damaging situations.  

Call us at 203-838-4545 to schedule your FREE estimate or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com today.

Preventing and Tending to Ice Dams: A How-To

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

With the weekend forecast calling for potential snow accumulations, it's important to recognize if and when your roof might be in trouble. Ice dams are one of the most damaging weather-related issues and are a direct result of high levels of snow buildup on the roof, so why not try to prevent them while you can? By taking these precautions, your roof (and your attic) could be ice dam free!

1. Don't heat the roof: To prevent an ice dam, keep your roof cold. This way, the snow on your roof will eventually dissipate without leaving too much water behind. Try your best to keep the underside of your roof deck under 30 degrees. 
2. Properly insulate: To maintain low temperatures, there must be adequate insulation and sealing gaps that let warm air pass into the attic from the house. Insulate the areas between the roof rafters, but keep a pathway between the roof deck and insulation to prevent condensation.
3. Ventilate your attic: When your attic is ventilated, cold air is introduced into it and heated air escapes quickly. Some contractors believe that heat passing through the attic helps prevent ice dams, but quite the opposite is true. While heat will melt the snow, once the water reaches the cold eves it freezes and forms an ice dam.

Homes with ice dams on the roof are often left with shadow lines, which are dark lines of moisture that appear on the ceiling. To remove the lines, clean off the mildew with a solution of 1 quart of bleach and 3 quarts of warm water, then rinse with clear water and let it dry. If it appears that the surface is stained, you will need to do some repainting.

Instead of taking a risk this winter, call Phil's Main Roofing and help us help you! Our team of roofing experts can prepare your home to withstand all circumstances, and with our repair and preventative maintenance programs, your roof will be ready to bear a storm in no time.

Call us at 203-838-4545 to schedule your free estimate or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com.