3 Steps for removing moss from your roof

The moss starts as a thin green layer on and between the shingles, but then it proceeds to lift those shingles up as it grows, allowing the water to seep underneath and causing wood rot and leaks. 

Moss can drastically shorten your roof's lifespan, if left untreated, the clumpy greenery can cause virtually any roofing material to degrade, most commonly wood and asphalt, but also metal, clay and concrete. Fortunately, removing moss is a fairly simple task that you can perform on a seasonal or as needed basis to keep your roof weathertight and great looking.

At US ROOFING Contractors located in Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez, we give you 3 simple steps to clean off moss and keep it from coming back:

Step #1

Climb up a ladder near to the area of moss growth and hose off the area with plain water, spraying at a downward angle. Then, use a long handled soft bristle scrub brush to remove the moss from the roof, scrubbing from the top down to avoid lifting shingles. As you continue, rub gently but don’t scrape, scour, or pound on the roof and work in one small section at a time to avoid ripping, cracking, or breaking the shingles. Do not use a pressure washer on the roof. The high-powered water jets can damage shingles and remove the shingle granules that protect the roof.

Step #2

If your moss problem requires more than just a simple cleaning, there are a wide variety of commercial cleaning solutions or if you prefer you can hire a professional roofing contractor, they will get the job done. Just wait for the next cloudy day before you head out to the roof with your cleanser of choice as this will prevent the solution from evaporating too quickly. Whichever you choose, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the application; Some cleaners should be rinsed off after use, while others specify to be left on.

Step #3

Prevent a moss problem from returning by asking your roofing contractor to install strips of coated zinc or copper coated sheet metal just below the top ridge on both sides of the roof. Copper is more toxic to moss and algae, but zinc is much less expensive. You can buy sheet metal in rolls and ask the roofing professional to cut it into strips of two to four inches and fix it to the ceiling using nails or roofing screws with a rubber washer. You also should consider pruning any tree limbs that overhang the roof—natural sunlight is a powerful moss preventive.

At US ROOFING Contractors Augusta-Georgia our commitment is to make you and your family feel safe! 

If you are in need of roofing or siding installation, roofing, siding or gutter services in the Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez areas, please Call Us: (855) 877-6631 and visit us at  www.augustaroof.com for a free estimate.

3 Ways to preparing your Roof for Winter

Winter is a magical season, and it’s the time of year when we should button up our homes as well as our jackets. It is important that you prepare your roof for the possibility of severe weather. By preparing your roof for winter, you will prevent the need for more extensive roof repair in the future. 

At US ROOFING Contractors located in Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez, we give you three basic maintenance steps that you can do to prepare your roof for winter.

1. Clean the gutters:

When leaves and debris collect in your gutter system, eventually, it will create a clog in the downspouts. Rain water will overflow the gutters, damaging your roof, trim and siding. The added weight of the wet leaves and water could also cause your gutters to pull loose from the anchor point or collapse.

To prevent these problems and unforeseen repair costs, make sure to keep your gutters relatively clear through the winter. And, once the trees around your home are bare, do a thorough cleaning. 

2. Clear off debris:

It’s important to remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the surface of your roof. Even small bits of debris will hold moisture and possibly rot or mold, which will break down your roofing material.

If you’re confident and experienced in walking on your roof, get up there and broom or blow off the debris that has collected on your roof, paying special attention to the valleys, which are most vulnerable to water damage. Make sure they are free and clear of debris so as to allow water to flow.

3. Check for damages and deterioration:

With a clean roof, scan the surface for missing shingles or ones that have cracked curled or frayed edges. You can use binoculars to inspect from the ground or climb up to the roof to have a look.

Also check for damaged flashing around vent stacks, chimneys, and skylights. These areas are the usual suspects when you have a leak. Repairing flashing yourself may not always provide the results you expect, so give us a call and we’ll make sure everything is sealed properly before the rain hits.

At US ROOFING Contractors Augusta-Georgia our commitment is to make you and your family feel safe! 

If you are in need of roofing or siding installation, roofing, siding or gutter services in the Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez areas, please Call Us: (855) 877-6631 and visit us at  www.augustaroof.com for a free estimate.

Choosing a proper Roofing Contractor

At US ROOFING Contractors located in Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez, we give you some tips and key questions that you need to ask before choosing the right roofing contractor for your roofing project:

- The first and most important thing to consider when looking for a roofing contractor is references, ask those same friends, family, and neighbors for a referral. Although, the best references your contractor can provide you are their previous customers, so ask your contractor if you may contact some of their previous customers and follow through.

- Another important element in choosing your contractor is responsibility. Does your contractor carry General Liability Insurance? Insurance is not only for the contractor’s protection, but also your protection should things go awry on the job site. 

- Will the contractor offer you a written estimate and contract signed by both? It is important to put the specifications and job prices on paper; this ensures your contractor remains responsible for fulfilling your contract. 

- Does your contractor offer a warranty? Most responsible and reputable roofing contractors offer a warranty on their work.

At US ROOFING Contractors Augusta-Georgia our commitment is to make you and your family feel safe! 

If you are in need of roofing or siding installation, roofing, siding or gutter services in the Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez areas, please Call Us: (855) 877-6631 and visit us at  www.augustaroof.com for a free estimate.

4 Ways to prepare your home's exterior for Winter

Winter weather can be tough on all of us. When the cold weather sets in, it can be pretty hard on the exterior of homes and can bring along other weather conditions that make your home’s exterior vulnerable. The good news is, there’s something you can do to keep your house happy and in good shape to handle the elements. It’s as simple as taking the time to complete a good deep clean before the season hits.

At US ROOFING Contractors located in Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez, we give you four important ways to prepare your home´s exterior for winter:

1. Protect your Siding:

If snow comes into contact with your home’s exterior, it can also create a huge problem for your siding. If you have any weak areas of siding on your home, it should be fixed or replaced by a professional before it gets too cold. The snow can get through the siding and damage areas of the house that the siding is supposed to protect. You should also remove any snow that builds up around your house, in addition to sidewalks and other walkways.

2. Check Foundation:

Check the exterior of your home’s foundation to look for any cracks. If there are cracks in the foundation and snow builds up around them, you could end up with a wet basement. Furthermore, the cold temperatures can make the cracks in the foundation worse.

3. Gutter cleaning:

It’s very important to clean out your gutters before it gets too cold. If your gutters are clogged up with leaves and debris, they can get backed up and fill with water. When the first heavy rainstorm hits, your gutters can overflow, causing water to leak out and damage your home’s siding, roof, or foundation.

When the cold temperatures arrive and it begins to rain, ice or snow, ice dams can form on your roof or in your gutters. This can lead to buildups of ice that can create roof leaks.

4. House washing:

A good cleaning before the winter weather hits can help prevent buildup of mold, mildew, moss, and algae from taking hold. This can be in the form of a good scrub, or power washing, depending on the surface. During the house washing, it’s also a good time to clear away debris and clean the foundation of your home. This helps to prevent damage, and also helps you spot any existing damage. These substances can flourish in winter weather conditions, thanks to the often damp weather. Any accumulated dirt can also help create ideal conditions for them to grow during the season.

At US ROOFING Contractors Augusta-Georgia our commitment is to make you and your family feel safe!

If you are in need of roofing or siding installation, roofing, siding or gutter services in the Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez areas, please Call Us: (855) 877-6631 and visit us at  www.augustaroof.com for a free estimate.