Roofs & Gutters Articles

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Occasionally, gutter seams or joints open, producing major leaks. Knowing how to repair plastic gutter seams early on reduces the chance of further damage and, possibly, a major repair. Repairing the seal in a plastic gutter seam will keep the water from pouring into your woodwork.

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Cleaning roof shingles can restore your home's curb appeal. If you know how to clean the roof shingles, you can get rid of those streaks or discolorations that can cause a perfectly good roof to look worn and tattered. Keeping your shingles clean doesn't just make your neighbors happy; it also gets rid of mildew and moss, which ultimately damages shingles to the point where they need to be replaced. You'll need these supplies: 1 cup liquid chlorine bleach, 1 cup powdered laundry detergent, 1 gallon hot water, a bucket, a garden hose, a pump sprayer, a stiff-bristle broom, a stir stick, and a ladder tall enough for you to reach the roof. For safety: rubber-soled shoes, safety glasses, a harness.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Applying preservative to wood shingles protects the wood. By learning how to apply preservative to wood shingles, you can restore the natural oils to the wood fibers, safeguard the roof from fungus and rot, and protect the roof from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Wood shingle preservatives come as both oil-based and water-based preservatives. The oil-based type is preferable because it penetrates deeper, combats weather stress better, and lasts longer. Most preservative applications last three to five years, depending on the climate. Keeping the roof clean and free of debris helps extend the lasting quality of the preservative and the life of the roof. Pigmented preservatives have added ultraviolet protection. The pigment actually masks the sun’s ultraviolet rays, preventing them from damaging the wood. The pigment also blends together, into one color, older and newer replacement shingles. Although you can apply preservative with a garden-type pump sprayer, you can do a more thorough job using an airless paint sprayer. You can rent one for about the same cost as a pressure washer. The process is simple: Spray the oil onto the roof. When the surface becomes shiny, stop spraying in that area and move on. Apply preservative when no breeze is blowing, so that the majority of the product ends up on the roof and not on the neighbors’ new car. Work backward from the low end to the high side, being careful not to walk on an already treated area, which may be slippery.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Although in some areas, roofs must be inspected regularly for wind damage, it's always important to inspect your roof and gutters before winter sets in. So, what do you look for when inspecting these items? You should check the following: Look for any loose or missing shingles and replace them. If you live in an area that gets the occasional hail storm, check your roof and gutters for dents and damage like small tears and holes. Contact your insurance company for assistance in replacing these damaged shingles. Check the flashing around the chimneys or other roof projections, which prevents melting ice and snow (or rain) from getting into your home. Add some extra insulation to your attic or upper crawlspace. This insulation will prevent the formation of ice dams on the roof. Clean the leaves and debris out of your gutters; use a hose to rinse the gutters and send water through the downspouts. You might have to use a chimney or pipe-cleaning brush to further clear the downspouts. Rake up and remove any debris that you remove from the spouts or the gutters. Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Patrick Herrera Install leaf guards on the gutters to prevent more falling leaves from accumulating and undoing your hard work. Add extensions to your spouts to send the melting ice and snow farther away from the base of your home. Check the attic, upper crawlspace, or upstairs ceilings for stains and potential leaks. If you find any areas that look suspicious, check them again right after a rainstorm. If they feel damp, call a professional roofer or immediately repair the leaking area. If your roof is more than 15 years old, you might consider replacing all or part of it. Older roofs are expensive to replace, but the damage that a leaking roof might cause can be way more expensive.