Main causes of roof damage

Damage to the roof is a common problem for homeowners, and if they are left unattended, it can cause bigger issues; Leaks can cause damage to the interior of the ceilings and furniture, resulting in moisture and mold. It is vital that you check your roof regularly and fix any problems or damage before it gets out of hand.

At US ROOFING Contractors located in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah and Alabama, we will tell you the most common problems that your Roof probably can have:

- Weather damage:

The biggest culprits of roof damages are the winter and summer weather. During the summer, the sun’s UV rays can deteriorate the materials, particularly asphalt shingles. They will crack and split, eventually coming loose and falling from the roof entirely. Flash floods and storms will loosen and wash away any loose or damaged parts, as will heavy winds. During the winter, water will freeze under the shingles and flashing, lifting them from their place and loosening them when it melts. 

- Ponding water:

Another common problem in all types of roofs is pond water. Areas that have been damaged can collect water, allowing it to pool and create ponds. This will eventually damage the rest of the roof, and will lead to bigger problems. The cause will have to be found, and a professional roofing contractor will have to carry out roof repairs.

- Leaks and Moisture:

These are some of the most common problems especially for places that receive a lot of precipitation, which causes roofing materials to rot and deteriorate faster. Wind, rain, hail, snow, ice, and debris can lead to moisture getting under the layers of roof and causing everything from leaks to mold and rot.

- Using improper materials:

Trying to repair the roof to fix a leak or roof damage yourself may seem like a more cost-effective option, but this could lead to higher expenses later on. Many people have to call a professional roofing contractor to fix roof repairs that they themselves have caused or made worse by using improper materials. It is always better to consult with an expert, before taking on a task yourself.

- Lack of maintenance:

Maintenance is one of the most effective ways to prolonging your roof. Improper or lack of maintenance often reduce the structural integrity of your roof. 

The key to avoiding roof damage is to ensure that it is well maintained and regularly checked. Many small problems, such as an overhanging branch or a blocked gutter, can be easily corrected. But if left unattended, they can cause serious damage. Regular inspections will save you a lot of time, money and roof repairs in the long run.

At US ROOFING Contractors our commitment is to make you feel safe!

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

Gutter cleaning tips

Gutters protect siding, windows, doors, and foundations from water damage and help prevent flooding in basements.

Damaged or clogged gutters deviate water under roof shingles and into basements which can lead to costly water damages. If you take some time to schedule regular gutter maintenance you can help prevent this.

At US ROOFING Contractors located in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah and Alabama, we give you some tips to help you properly clean  your gutters: 

1. You should be scheduled to clean the gutters twice a year, once in the autumn and again in the spring. Falling leaves, twigs and other debris obstruct rain gutters in the autumn, while wind, snowfall and ice damage the gutters during the winter.

2. Choose a dry day with minimum winds. You will have to use a ladder, so you should avoid cleaning the gutters in a day when the ground is soft and damp.

3. Begin cleaning the gutters around the downspout holes, starting at the bottom, which is where the largest amount of debris accumulates. You must remove all debris. You should wear gloves and protective clothing, as you may find dirty and unpleasant surprises while cleaning the gutters.

4. Once you remove the debris, rinse the gutter with a garden hose, again starting at the bottom.  If you start from the top you could pack any remaining clogs tighter. This helps detect areas where there may be standing water and blockages in downspouts.

5. Check sagging gutters for loose bracket nails or spikes. You must screw in the existing nails or replace them with new screws if is necessary. Loose spikes may need to be removed and screwed back near to the original hole. If you need to do this, you’ll need to seal the original hole with gutter sealant.

6. Look for signs of rust, holes and leaks. You can remove the surface with light sanding. If most rain gutters are rusty, the entire gutter may need to be replaced.

At US ROOFING Contractors our commitment is to make you feel safe!

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

Roofing maintenance guide

If you have had reports from your renters or in your home has found damage to the roof during severe weather conditions, and you want to inspect and repair the damage, you will need to take precautions. Don’t try to do it during bad weather, due to the danger of high winds and even the possibility of a lightning strike.

Regular roof maintenance is key to avoiding dangerous and costly damage to your house. Also, regular roof inspections are the key to a good roof system maintenance routine. 

At US ROOFING Contractors located in the Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah or Alabama areas, we give you a guide to learn how to inspect your roof for early signs of damage and when to replace or repair your roof:

1. Roof Maintenance:

You should make roof inspections frequently. If you spot damage right away, you can repair it before it grows into a bigger and more expensive problem. You must consider evaluating the condition of your roof after any heavy storm or high wind.

2. What to look for:

The best way  to evaluate their roof after severe weather is to use binoculars and look for these warning signs of roof damage:

-Tree limbs or other large debris on the roof.

-Shingles that are curling at the edges.

-Missing shingles.

-Shingles on the ground.

-Peeling flashing.

-Penetrations in the roof.

-Sagging gutters.

-Wet spots in your attic or ceiling.

3. After damage has been caused:

If you spot any of the above warning signs, it’s time to call in a professional roofer to determine the full extent of any damage and the best way to repair it. 

Ask a few simple questions to help you and the professional roofer understand the extent of the damage:

-How severe the damage is? Can you see the damage?

-Is water leaking into the property?

-Does the damage involve a chimney?

-Which part of the roof is affected - is it the ridge (at the top), at one end, shingles in the centre, etc?

4. When to replace your roof:

If the inspection reveals problems, sometimes you can handle simple roof maintenance, like nailing down loose shingles or removing debris. But if there are numerous missing shingles or a lot of cupping or curling of the shingles, then it would be best to have the roof replaced or repaired by a professional roofing contractor.

At US ROOFING Contractors our commitment is to make you feel safe!

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

Different Siding options for homes

Improving or replacing your exterior siding can be a hard decision. Mainly because of all the choices you have to make on the different types of siding for homes. Insulated vinyl or fiber cement are just a few of the siding options and materials you have as a homeowner. A correct investigation is key to making a comfortable and calculated decision that will allow you to sleep well at night.

The good thing about all these types of siding is that for every style of house and budget there is a suitable siding option waiting for you.

At US ROOFING Contractors located in the Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah or Alabama areas, we show you the most important types of Siding to give protection, add color and definition to the exterior of your house.

Vinyl Siding:

Vinyl siding is attractive due to its combination of durability, color options, and low cost which make it attractive to the budget-conscious homeowner.

-Vinyl siding is durable.

-The color options of vinyl are many, with hundreds of color palettes to choose from.

-It is versatile and can be textured like wood without the disadvantages of decay or termites.

-Simple and easy to clean, vinyl siding just needs a power hose and some water

-Vinyl siding is probably the cheapest option when upgrading your exterior siding

Fiber Cement Siding:

Fiber Cement is another popular siding option like Vinyl Siding. This is a mixture of wood fibers, sand, and cement. It is built to imitate the look and feel of natural wood siding, with less hassle of maintenance, insects, and cost.

-You can get the look and feel of real wood without the high cost or susceptibility to wood insects.

-Fiber cement is extremely fire resistant.

-Not prone to rot or decay like wood as well as resistant to salty air for coastal areas.

-Easy to maintain and is guaranteed up front for 15 years not to fade.

-Very versatile in its finish and texture offering many design and color options such as brick and stone textures.

At US ROOFING Contractors our commitment is to make you feel safe!

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

Different types of Gutters

If you have a new house or if you want to renovate your home, there are some elements that you need to keep in mind when choosing the type of gutters you’ll add to your house’s exterior. These include the aesthetic appearance you’re looking for, the budget you’re working with, and the amount of gutter repair you’re ready to schedule. 
With these aspects in mind, at US ROOFING Contractors located in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah and Alabama, we give you four types of gutters that you can choose from:

1. Aluminum Gutters:

Aluminum gutters are durables, easy to install, lightweight and have low prices; they have a longer life span than those made out of vinyl. Comes in various colors and can be painted. They are also rust proof, but aluminum gutters more commonly dent or become misshaped over time.

2. Vinyl Gutters: 

This is one of the most popular types of gutters, vinyl gutters are lightweight, inexpensive and durable, but the disadvantage of vinyl gutters is their tendency to crack after years of use or being exposed to colder temperatures.  Its color is susceptible to fading from UV sunlight.

3. Copper Gutters:

Copper gutters are much more expensive than other gutter types but have an exceptional beauty. They are durable and can withstand multiple temperatures, won’t rust and don't need painting. The appearance of copper gutters can add an elegant, rich look to a home’s exterior. Are used primarily on high-end residences and historic restorations.

4. Steel Gutters:

Priced somewhere in-between vinyl and copper gutters, steel gutters are a sturdy solution. You can choose from galvanized or stainless steel, but be prepared to schedule more routine gutter maintenance on steel gutters as they tend to rust over time. Comes in many colors and can be painted.

At US ROOFING Contractors our commitment is to make you feel safe!

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

Spring Roof care and maintenance

Prevention is better and far cheaper than a roof repair or a roof replacement. The lack of maintenance can result in major problems including premature degrading of the roof covering, dampness, leaks and may even invalidate your roof covering guarantee. 
During the winter months, your roof is seriously beaten so in the spring you should do a basic maintenance to make sure your roof is looking great throughout this season and keeping you and your family safe and happy.

At US ROOFING Contractors, we give you eight simple spring roof maintenance tips for your home:

1. Clean all debris from the roof surface, rainwater outlets, chutes, gutters, etc.

2. Examine any wear near the roof valleys. Water runs down these valleys and into the gutter, so they are prone to water damage.

3. Cut back the branches of the trees that overhang the roof to give a 3 ft clearance, this will significantly reduce the risk of blockages caused by leaves.

4. For asphalt shingles, look for cracks in the shingles. These will appear as black areas or lines.

5. For shingle roofs, look for curled pieces. They may turn upward or be broken, split or missing.

6. Examine the area surrounding the vent pipes and chimney. Look for gaps, cracks or missing caulk.

7. Examine the trim, flashing and area around the chimney for cracks, loose shingles and wear.

8. Inside the home, look underneath the roof for signs of discolored or stained ceilings.

At US ROOFING Contractors our commitment is to make you feel safe!

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

Spring Outdoor Cleaning Tips

Your home is a reflection of your personality and by taking care of it and making it fresh and presentable after accumulating months of winter dirt, you make a better impression on neighbors and guests. If you plan outdoor activities in the spring and summer, a fresh, clean home is more enjoyable and you'll find yourself wanting to spend even more time outside. Exterior cleaning can also help you transform your grass, garden, and yard from an inactive winter state to a renewed spring appearance, ready for growth and blooming.

At US ROOFING Contractors located in the Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah or Alabama areas, we give you our top spring cleaning jobs for the outside of your home.

1. Repair the Roof:

Take a good look at your roof. Scan for missing shingles, uneven surfaces indicating damage, or other evidence that the roof needs repair, then give us a call if you need any roof repairs

2. Clean Your Gutters:

Cleaning out rain gutters is a fall chore for many homeowners, but checking them again in the spring will ensure that no debris has become clogged in them during winter storms, so give them a good clean out with a pair of gloves and a plastic scoop and remove all those leaves, twigs and gunk. A blast with the hose will help you figure out if the spout is clogged or if your gutters are leaky. If you don’t feel comfortable climbing a ladder, hire a professional roofing contractor who can do the work for you.

3. Clean Your Siding:

Pressure wash the siding of your home to remove grime. Be sure to start at the highest points of your home to avoid washing dirt down onto clean areas.

4. Wash your windows:

The incessant rain of the winter months will have left dirt on your windows, so you should give them a good clean. You can make your own natural cleaner by mixing white vinegar with water which will leave your windows very clean.

Here at US ROOFING Contractors, we know how important it is to take care of your home. That’s why we are specialized in roof maintenance as well as fitting and installing. 

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