Preparing Your Home For Hurricane Season

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

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Being that we are in the middle of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and Hurricane Arthur seems to be creeping up on the East Coast, it's important to discuss hurricane preparedness and how you can get your home ready to take on a threatening storm. Unfortunately, hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage and can leave your home in an unpleasant state. Although there is no way we can stop mother nature from running its course, as homeowners we do have the ability to reduce the chance of property damage by taking a few simple precautionary measures. The following is a list of a few ways that you can prepare your home, and more specifically, your roof, for a hurricane:

• Start by taking pictures and videos of the exterior of your home prior to the storm as well as after. Documentation is always important, as it can help you in the event that you need to make an insurance claim.
• Check your gutters and downspouts and make sure they are clear of any debris including leaves and branches. If your gutters are filled with debris beforehand, your drainage system will not be able to sustain excessive rainfall.
• Survey your home for any loose roof shingles or siding and take some time to secure them back to your home. 
• Inspect your attic from the inside out to make sure there aren't any existing leaks. If there are, be sure to patch them up as soon as possible to prevent water and heavy winds from tearing into your home.
• Take a look at your exhaust and intake fans and make sure that they are covered and securely fastened.

As always, don't forget to connect with a reputable roofing contractor who can help you before and after a storm. That's where we come in! At Phil's Main Roofing, we can perform preventative maintenance to your roof beforehand, and we are also available to detect and repair storm, wind and hail damage after a storm. Our licensed team of professional roofers understand the importance of staying safe in a storm, which is why we'll work with you to make sure your roof is in the best shape it can be. For more information, contact us at (203) 838-4545 and speak with a representative today!

How To Get Ready For Your Roofing Contractor

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

While you might think most of the preparation for a roofing project lies in the hands of your contractor, you can't forget that there are a few things you must do as well in order to get ready. Before any construction project, it's important for you, as the homeowner, to take certain precautions in order to reduce the chances of accidents or injuries throughout the process. The following is a checklist you can follow to get your home ready to take on a roofing project:

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• Remove all breakable objects from the walls or shelves. This may include pictures, vases, candles, or other sentimental objects that could easily be broken if knocked down.
• Park cars in a safe spot in order to prevent any falling debris from landing on them. Even if you think your car will be safe in front of your home, consider parking a few houses down just to be safe.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area. Not only can they be a distraction to workers, but they can also injure themselves on any tools or materials that are within arms reach.
• In the summer, avoid turning on your sprinklers anytime before or during construction. Although they might not be powerful enough to reach your roof, slippery surfaces can still be a hazard even if they're on the ground.
• Put all outside furniture and toys away in order to minimize the risk of any workers tripping and falling. If items are too large to be moved, be sure to cover them with a tarp to make them obvious and prevent damage from falling debris.

As with any construction project, it's important to take as many precautions as possible in order to keep both you and your contractors safe. How will you prepare for your next project? Leave a comment on our Facebook page and let us know!

Are you in need of a roofing contractor? Choose Phil's Main Roofing! We are a fully licensed and insured roofing company that has been serving Connecticut and New York for over 65 years. Our services extend to both the commercial and residential sectors, and we are available 24/7 for emergency service. Some of our services include new construction, re-roofing, structural repair, water proofing and leak detection! For more information, contact us at (203) 838-4545 and speak with a representative today!

Home Maintenance Tips For A Successful Summer

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

For many homeowners, summertime means entertaining family and friends with backyard BBQs or other outdoor events that require your home to be in good standing. If this sounds like something you plan on doing, it's important to take some time beforehand and make sure that your home provides a safe and comfortable place where guests can enjoy their time both inside and outside.

To help you get prepared, we've compiled a list of tips that can be used to get your home in tip top shape and guide you towards a successful summer. Check them out below:

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1. Tune Up Your Air Conditioner: If you plan on having guests over (and even for your own comfort), it's extremely important that your air conditioner is working properly. Even if you think you're home is cool as can be, it's a good idea to check with an HVAC professional and have them perform a routine maintenance check.

2. Roof Check: Every season, check your roof for any signs of damage that might pose a threat to the safety of your home. Especially if your location is prone to heavy rainfall during the summer, check your roof for any areas that might result in leaks. At Phil's Main Roofing, we can help detect any current roof problems and perform preventive maintenance programs to make sure no further problems arise.

3. Clean Gutters: Cleaning your gutters regularly will help prevent leaves, branches and other natural debris from clogging up your drainage system. Make sure to clean your gutters at least twice a year, especially in the early summer after flowers and other foliage are in full bloom.

4. Check Your Windows: To help keep the summer heat outside, check your window sealants to make sure there are no open spaces where air can flow into the house. If you notice any cracks, fill them with caulk to keep them sealed.

5. Pressure Wash: In addition to fixing any damaged materials, it's always a good idea to clean your homes exterior; this will help remove dirt, stains and mildew, giving your home an overall clean look.

6. Pool Maintenance: Since your pool has probably been out of commission for the last six month (depending on where you live), get it ready for summer by cleaning out debris, checking the water level, and making sure your pumps and chemicals are working how they should be.

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we are able to help you get your home ready for summer by assisting you with all of your roofing needs. Our licensed team of roofers excel in their ability to provide residential roofing services, such as re-roofing, leak detection repair, restoration, resealing and cleaning and maintenance programs. Start your summer with a visit from us and watch your home's appearance bloom; contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Intake vs. Exhaust Vents: A Comparison

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of domdeen / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As discussed in our previous blog, proper ventilation is essential to keep your roof working the way it should. Especially since attics are notorious for trapping the heat in summer and extreme cold in winter, it's necessary to create a space where air can circulate and enter/exit in order to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Thanks to the National Roofing Contractors Association, we've created a guide that explains the different types of attic and roof ventilation systems you should consider to keep air flowing:

Intake Vents: Intake vents are used so that air can flow into your attic or ventilation space. These are typically located near roof eaves or soffits, and tend to work best when exhaust vents are located at or near a roof assembly's peak. When installing intake vents, it's important to make sure they aren't blocked from the inside by any insulation or drywall. If you plan on installing insulation as well, be sure to use foam baffles between your rafters so there is still an even flow of air between the roof and your insulation.

Exhaust Vents: An exhaust vent's primary function is to allow the air in attics and ventilation spaces to exit the interior of your home. These should be placed at or near a roof assembly's ridge, and they work best with intake vents that are placed along the roof assembly's lowest eaves. In terms of exhaust vents, there are a few different types that can be used; they are as follows:

• Ridge vents
• Static vents
• Gable-end vents
• Turbine vents
• Powered vents

Located on different parts of the roof, each of these vents work to make sure air flows evenly throughout your attic, entering and exiting when necessary. For more detailed information on the different types of vents you can have installed, click here.

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we are well versed on the importance of ventilation and understand how important a well-designed ventilation system is in order to guarantee your roof's lifespan. Our certified technicians excel in their ability to perform a variety of tasks when it comes to roofing and are available for work in both the commercial and residential sectors.

Contact us at (203) 838-4545 for all of your roofing needs today!

Roof Design and Style Tips

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Image courtesy of ddpavumba / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

While a roof is just a roof, every homeowner will have to make different decisions due to the architecture of their home. Sitting at the highest point of a home, a roof is not usually the first thing a person notices. However, when it is noticed, it can say a lot about the style of the home or the even the person living in it! Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens, we've compiled a list of popular roof designs and styles that you can consider when making home improvements:

Ranch:
A ranch style roof is generally composed of gently sloping roofs, making it less noticeable overall. For this style, consider colors and materials that blend with your home's exterior.

Contemporary: 
If the nature of your home calls for it, think about a contemporary style roof. These kinds of roofs are typically flat and therefore only visible from a birds eye view. Although it doesn't quite matter what your roof looks like, the design is incredibly important to make sure you have an effective drainage system. 

Dutch:
Dutch style roofs are reflective of Dutch Colonial houses. They are characterized by steeply sloped roof sides and often cover most of two exterior sides of a second floor, making them very visible to the naked eye.

Materials Tip >> Mix It Up!
Who says you can only choose one material when designing your roof? Some unique homes have different sections to their roof, or first floor awnings around the home that require some roofing materials. If you really can't decide between two materials, then pick them both!

For more design and style tips, click here.

Are you thinking about re-roofing? If you're looking to make a change, choose Phil's Main Roofing to get it done! We are a family owned and operated roofing company that has been serving CT and NY for over 65 years. Services include but are not limited to new construction, tear off and replacement and structural repair, and we are available for work in both the commercial and residential sectors.

Begin to build the home of your dreams today; for more information on how we can help, contact us at (203) 838-4545 and speak with a representative!

How to Ventilate Your Roof: A DIY Approach

 Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

When it comes to roofing, proper ventilation is one of the single most important things you must have in order to guarantee your roof's life span. Without out, not only do you run the risk of moisture damage to your insulation and roof supports, but you also subject your attic to retaining excessive heat or cold air as the seasons change. If you're planning on a roof renovation, it's extremely important to discuss ventilation with your contractor to make sure it's being taken care of; after all, no one wants to be left without a roof over their head!

However, if you find yourself in a sticky situation and need to perform a quick fix to your home's ventilation, don't sweat it! Check out this video from the DIY Network for some tips that help you ventilate your roof correctly:

At Phil's Main Roofing, we know how important it is for your roof to be equipped with the proper ventilation system. That's why we want to help! From new construction to re-roofing and preventive maintenance programs, we offer a variety of roofing services to both the commercial and residential sectors. For more information on how we can help, call us at 203-838-4545 today!

Buying and Selling: Home Improvement Projects

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of phanlop88 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Buying or selling a home can be a very exciting time, but it also comes with a lot of questions and tough decision making processes along the way. Whether you're buying or getting ready to sell, an investment is being made somewhere along the way, so it's important to make sure that you're getting the most bang for your buck.

If you're preparing to put your home on the market, keep in mind that even the slightest renovations can add value to your home. Therefore, although it might seem like you're spending money you hoped to save, don't forget that it's likely to pay off once the sale is made. The following is a list of just some of the top home improvements that are likely to bring you the most return on investment:

• Front Door: Though it may seem minor, upgrading your front door is sure to add value to your home. Even if you're not looking to completely replace, a quick touch up with paint can make your home look more appealing, increasing resale value.
• Lighting: Today, many homeowners are concerned with open layouts and excess lighting. Before putting your house up for sale, take a look around and see where you can add lighting or brighten up rooms.
• Siding: Even if your interior is top notch and ready to go, you can always add resale value by updating the exterior. After all, it is the first thing potential buyers will see and you need to catch their attention!

In addition to updating your interior and exterior siding, one of the greatest ways you can increase the value of your home is by remodeling your roof. Since a roof is so essential, future homeowners are more likely to say yes if they know that the roof has recently been updated. This is likely due to the fact that they can rest easy by knowing they won't have to worry about leaks, rotting, deterioration, or other common problems for quite some time, if at all! Although it may seem costly, be sure to consider a roofing renovation before selling if you know your home is in need, as a roof that foreshadows problems could be a deal breaker.

For more popular home improvements, click here.

Once you've committed to a roof renovation, it's time to meet with a contractor that can help. Choose Phil's Main Roofing to work with you on your project! We offer a variety of residential roofing services to homeowners, including new construction/re-roofing, leak detection repair, structural repair, waterproofing and resealing. As a licensed and insured roofing company, we install top roofing brands that are sure to make your home stand out and increase curb appeal. For more information, contact us at (203) 838-4545!