Heritage Construction Residential Roofs
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Roof Winterization Tips

Why Roof Winterization is Important

Just as the garden needs tended to and protected before the change of weather, the following roof winterization tips will properly prepare your home for snow, rain, and of course, all those festive holiday lights that make the season bright.

While likely not at the top of your favorite things to do on a weekend, roof maintenance is vital when it comes to protecting your home.  From burst pipes to collapsed roofs, there IS something you can do to ensure your roof is ready for the chilly days ahead.

Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams happen when water accumulates behind ice blockages. Once the ice begins to melt the water can quickly leak into your home. You can prevent the formation of ice dams by making sure your roof always remains the same temperature as the eaves. This might mean adding more insulation or blocking off any air leaks.

Prune Trees

When ice and snow form on tree branches they get weighed down and can snap. If low branches are located above your roof, their potential to cause damage in the winter increases. Make sure you trim all trees before winter starts and you’ll hopefully avoid any roof damage from their limbs.

Inspect the Chimney

To ensure the safe use of your wood-burning fireplace, make sure you get a yearly chimney inspection.

Insulate Pipes

Avoid the mess of a frozen pipe burst and potential home flooding by insulating your pipes with fiberglass and heating tape.

Check for Missing Shingles

While you can climb up on the roof and inspect for the damage yourself, it always helps to have a professional roofing contractor do the professional work such as checking for missing shingles. By catching missing shingles before winter arrives you can quickly make minor repairs that could turn into costly repairs later.

Inspect Flashing

Make sure flashing is properly sealed to prevent any winter roof leaks. 

Clean Gutters

Gutters are made to direct the water away from your roof, which prevents flooding and mold growth. Be sure to clear all debris from the gutters before winter’s rain or snowfall.

Contact Us

From inspections to full roof replacement, Heritage Construction is here to help you secure your home before Old Man Winter knocks. Contact us today for all of your commercial or residential roofing needs.

heritage construction residential roofing
By heritagecctx Do It Yourself • Uncategorized • • • • • • 0 Comments

Is Your House Haunted?

Signs You’re Living in a Haunted House in Need of Roofing Repairs

Is your house haunted with neglected roofing repairs? We’re not talking ghosts or goblins, rather those pesky problems that WON’T go away. You know what they are. (Or do you?)

BOO!

Here are 5 home conditions that become downright scary the longer you ignore them.

(They’ll be back…)

Dry Rot

A common bacterial problem caused by moisture, dry rot causes wood to break down and weaken. These nasty little fungi reproduce five million spores PER MINUTE and thrive whenever moisture is present. In fact, it can lie dormant for years and come back whenever moisture returns.

Any areas that have a water source on your roofing system should be periodically checked for dry rot. This includes gutters, wood window panes and sills, downpipes, and any other edges of your home that collect water. Signs of dry rot may include split wood, discolorations, and cracking. An easy test to confirm dry rot is to use a screwdriver and press on the wood. If the wood flakes or can easily be penetrated that means dry rot is active and ready to spread further.

Dry rot multiples quickly. You’ll need to get a home inspection to determine the source of moisture and make any repairs including on the roof. Regular maintenance and inspections will prevent dry rot from occurring in the first place.

Leaking Roofs

Roof leaks can wreak havoc on your home and safety. Not only do you risk belongings being damaged, but the interior paint, ceiling plaster, lights, and fans can also be affected.

When you suspect a roof leak, check ceilings for telltale signs. If you notice water stains, it’s vital you get the problem checked out. Leaking roofs can cause mold to spread and also impose a fire hazard from a shorted wire. Leaks are serious business and can’t be fixed by placing a bucket under the problem. A professional roofer can help you determine the next course of action that prevents further structural damage.

Mold

Mold is one of the costliest home repair problems that continue to grow when it’s left alone. Mold is unlike algae which are actually a healthy, natural flora. Mold is dangerous to your health and has a rancid rotten smell as well. Its slimy appearance is proof that your roof is suffering from moisture deposits.

Footsteps in the Attic

Do you hear creepy crawling noises above your ceiling? There are many different types of animals that can set up residence in homes and buildings. Scampering noises, thumping and animal cries are telltale signs that something up there is alive. Squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice and more can all enter your home through the roof, vents, soffits, and more.

Wild animals do much more damage than just leaving behind their droppings and mess. The can chew through wires, damage ductwork, and ruin pipes. That’s why it’s so important to get rid of any animals living in your attic. A wildlife removal specialist is an expert at trapping and removing wild animals safely.

Black Spots

Common in rainy areas, blackish-green spots on the roof are caused by algae. When algae isn’t stopped it will continue to spread and will eventually contribute to roof rot as well as leaks. Humidity and dampness are the two main triggers of algae growth. If you have green or black spots on your shingles or in your gutters, it’s time for a professional roof inspection to prevent further unsightly damage.

Contact Heritage Construction

Whether it’s a leaky roof or an issue with mold, roof damages affect the value of your home. Contact Heritage today and we’ll take the scary sights away. (Except for the animals.) Book a free inspection now.

Heritage Construction residential Roofing
By heritagecctx General Information • • • • • • 0 Comments

Glossary of Roofing Terms

Definitions of Roofing Terms

Whether you’re replacing your roof or just curious about various parts, these definitions of roofing terms will help you understand all the basics overhead.

Asphalt Shingles- Shingles made from asphalt-impregnated felt covered with granules.

Bare spots- Areas on the roof that are exposed to the elements.

Boot- A flange placed over the vent pipe to seal the opening.

Caulking– Sealant used around small areas such as windows to prevent water leakage.

Deck- A surface installed over trusses, where the roofing material is applied.

Drip Edge– Non-staining material used along the roof eaves to allow water run-off.

Felt- Used as a secondary layer of protection, felt is a saturated sheet of material that is placed under the shingles of your roof. Felt is also known as a common underlayment.

Finial- A finishing adornment placed on the ridges of the roof.

Flashing- Materials used to waterproof around any penetration spots or along the roof to wall. Flashing should be inspected every few years for damage and wear.

Grout- Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, grout is used to fill in cracks in masonry.

Gutter- Installed to direct water from the eaves to the downspouts.

Inspection– Heritage Construction does a free 25-point free roof inspection on all residential and commercial buildings. This inspection will detail the condition of the roof’s surface as well as all components of the roofing system.

Insurance- Heritage Construction takes pride in being expert roofing insurance claim specialists. We will inspect your roof and help submit the claim to your insurance so that you’ll receive all the insurance benefits you deserve.

Limited Warranty– Heritage Construction provides a lifetime workmanship warranty on all of our roofs. It’s important to have your roof inspected yearly for any damage, especially after a storm.

Pitch- The pitch is the angle or the slope of your roof. For a visual, think of the low-pitched roofs of mid-century modern homes versus the high roof pitches of the Victorian era. Roof pitches are destined to change based on architectural design trends.

Repair– Roofs can often be repaired without a total roof replacement. Contact Heritage Construction for a free roof inspection and we’ll evaluate your roof system and present you with the best, most affordable option.

Re-Roof- When only the best will do, you’ll need a new roof. No matter the stage of your current roof, Heritage can fully replace all parts of your roofing system so that your building remains safe and secure.

Ridge- A ridge is where two sloped roof sections meet.

Ridge Vents- Venting is installed at the highest peak of the roof and allows for air intake and exhaust so that attic spaces are fully ventilated.

Roof System- The basics of what a roof is compromised of which includes the covering, insulation, vapor barriers, and decking.

Shingles– The top decorative layer of your roofing system. Shingles are made from several materials including asphalt, tile, and slate.

Skylight- A window-like structure that is designed to admit light.

Squares- Squares are a measurement term. 1 roof square= 100 square feet.

Tabs- The bottom of a shingle that’s separated by cut-outs.

Valley- Whenever two adjoining roof planes meet they create a “V” shape known as a valley.

Learn More About Your Roofing System

Heritage Construction specializes in residential and commercial roofing. We serve the greater Texas area and are experts in storm restoration. Whether you need a free roof inspection or are curious about what these basic roof terms mean, contact your neighborhood roofing professionals today. We’re always here to help. (That’s the Heritage Way!)