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.

How To Plan Your Roofing Project

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Before, during and after any home improvement job, there are several important things you must consider as a homeowner. In the initial stages of your project, it's especially important to consider how your renovations will affect you and those around you while making some difficult decisions in the process. Although your contractor is able to assist and educate you during the decision making process, the more you know in advance, the easier your project will be. Sounds nice, right?

Image courtesy of
digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

First and foremost, before beginning any construction it's essential that you connect with town officials to go over building codes. Depending on where you live and the size of your property, you may need to obtain a permit for your project. Even if you don't think you need one, it's always best to check to make sure you won't need one in the future. Remember, starting work without being cleared could result in a fine or other consequences.

Once you've gotten the "ok" to move on with your project, work with your contractor to decide how you will dispose of your old roof's materials. We all know construction can get messy, so by planning ahead, you can eliminate the amount of debris you or your contractor have to clean up after the project is complete. Keep in mind that any shingles, felt and nails can and should be recycled, so designate an area separate from wood, metal and other debris where you can place these materials for easy disposal.

After you've decided how to get rid of your old materials, it's time to bring in the new ones. As you plan your roofing project, take your time deciding on a shingle style, shingle color and a warranty. While these decisions can be time consuming, it's better to take your time since what you choose might follow you for the rest of your life!

Lastly, during and after construction, always keep an eye on the status of your roof and begin to practice good maintenance habits in order to guarantee its lifespan. For more information on how to plan your roofing project, click here.

At Phil's Main Roofing, we pride ourselves on providing quality service that can meet all of your roofing needs. Our team of professional roofers specialize in commercial and residential roofing and can provide a variety of services including new construction, modified roofing, structural repair, waterproofing and tear off and replacement. Additionally, we are available to inspect your roof for any damage and can provide preventative maintenance programs to help preserve your roof. Put your roof in the right hands; call us today at (203) 838-4545 to speak with a representative!