When was the last time you had your roof inspected?
If you’re a Maryland homeowner, chances are you haven’t checked your roof in a little while. It’s the middle of winter and conditions aren’t exactly ideal for climbing up onto your roof right now.
But with spring right around the corner, you’ll want to make checking your roof a top priority. The average lifespan of a roof varies but many factors can cause premature roof damage.
The earlier you can spot damage on your roof, the better. Because should you need to replace it in the next few years, you can avoid and spot early damage in the meantime.
Here are 8 common warning signs of roof damage you won’t want to ignore.
1. Shingle Damage
Have you noticed that your roof is missing a number of shingles? Or, does it appear that your shingles are curling or have cracks in them?
Missing or damaged shingles are one of the tell-tale signs of roofing damage. Over time, they wear down and lose their resistance to external conditions.
High winds are often the leading cause of shingle damage. If your shingles weren’t properly installed, your roof is more susceptible to damage. Fix loose, missing, or damage shingles as soon as you spot them.
2. Water Stains & Leaks
Have you recently spotted water stains or leaks on your ceilings? Are any of your ceilings or walls currently forming water bubbles or mold?
If you’re experiencing one or both of these problems, there is likely a roof leak. Leaks are especially common in the wintertime when lots of snow can accumulate on your roof.
The weather itself is not exactly the cause of the problem. Leaks suggest that there is a problem with your roof that is allowing water and air to seep through.
You don’t have to wait for the signs of a roof leak to show up, either. You can check for frosted nails in your attic, holes, and cracked caulking on your windows.
There are lots of other ways to check for a leaking roof. You may be able to fix them yourself, but it’s better to have a professional do the job.
3. Poor Ventilation
When something is amiss with your roof, your home’s ventilation will take an immediate hit. What are some signs that indicate you may have poor roof ventilation?
Do your energy bills seem much higher than usual? If air is getting trapped in your attic, your HVAC system has to work harder to heat or cool down your home.
Trapped air in your attic can lead to moisture buildup. You should check for mold growth, condensation, and damaged insulation.
Mold and fungi growth can cause excessive dirty spots to accumulate on your roof, as well. Your roof may also exhibit signs of rust, or the paint and wallpaper in your home may even be peeling.
4. Tree Branches
Anytime there are periods of high winds, you may notice a lot of tree branches finding their way onto your roof. A roof that’s properly installed should be able to handle small tree branches. But you’ll want to pay attention to the trees in your yard nonetheless.
If tree branches are close enough to your home that they can rustle and rub against your roof, this is a problem. This can cause cracked and chipped tiling and damage to the fascia boards.
5. Moss Spores
Areas of your roof that aren’t always exposed to the sun can develop pockets of moss spores. While moss may seem harmless, it can disrupt the matting under and between your shingles. When this occurs, your home is more susceptible to leaks, damaged shingles, and wood rot.
You may be wondering how to remove moss from your roof. If moss spores have only recently developed, you can easily remove them with a scrub brush and water.
If there is an excessive amount of moss, you may need to use a chemical treatment. You may need to use a pump sprayer and scrub each shingle and tile individually.
6. Curled/Corroded Flashing
When assessing your home for roof damage, you should pay attention to the roof flashing.
The flashing is the thin layer of metal that’s often connected from your roof to your chimney. Your roof may have flashing near any vents, skylight windows, valleys, or against the walls.
The purpose of flashing is to redirect water away from being able to pool and collect. This helps to prevent moisture growth and roofing damage.
But sometimes the roof flashing is susceptible to curling, cracking, or corrosion. If any areas of the flashing aren’t intact, you’ll need to replace them. When checking the flashing, you should check any nearby tiling, as well.
7. Gutter Problems
Checking your gutters is an important project to do come springtime. But on the next clear day, you can easily check your gutters for the following:
- Twigs/branches
- Foreign objects
- Leaves
It’s natural for objects to accumulate in your gutters. The problem is when clogged gutters block water and prevent it from flowing away. Be sure to check your gutter’s downspout cage and any hangers, elbows, and seams.
Should there be a light rainy day in Maryland soon, you can observe how the water flows out of your gutters. If water seems to be pooling and overflowing on the roof, there may be a clog.
8. Animal Infestation
If it seems like a critter has joined your household, there could be a hole somewhere in the roof.
Before inspecting the roof, check your attic for rodent feces or other signs of wildlife. You may be able to spot their point of entry and exit.
Lay out a couple traps and check back the following day. If nothing turns up but you still suspect an infestation, check your roof. You’ll need to seal off any points of entry.
Depending on the extent of the infestation, you may need to call a professional to remove them.
Is Your Home Showing Signs of Roof Damage?
If you suspect that your home has roofing damage, checking for these 8 signs is a good place to start. They’re certainly indicative that you’ll need to invest in the necessary repair work. But they could also mean that you need a new roof altogether.
To know for certain, it’s important to have a professional assess the extent of your roof damage. That way, you can determine exactly what your roof needs to function at its finest.
Do you live in Annapolis, Maryland or in the surrounding areas of Southern Maryland? If so, contact us to schedule repairs, roof replacing, or an assessment.
Don’t Leave It ‘Til it’s Too Late: The Dangers Of Not Repairing A Leaky Roof
/in Roofing/by G.H. Clark ContractorsDoes your home’s roof have a tiny leak in it? If so, you might be tempted to hold off on making repairs to it since it might not seem like it’s having much of an impact on your home.
After all, the average cost of a roof repair is right around $800. So why pay that much money to make a repair to a leaky roof when the leak might not be that bad yet?
This is the wrong attitude to have. While you might not love the sound of spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair a leak in your roof, it’ll prevent you from encountering all kinds of problems down the line.
Here are 5 dangers you could face if you choose not to repair a leaky roof right away.
1. Leads to Further Damage to the Roof
If you have a tiny leak in your roof right now, it means you have a small hole in the roof that’s allowing water to enter your home. But if you don’t do anything about that small hole, it’ll only be a matter of time before it grows larger.
It’ll also only be a matter of time before water is able to seep into the lower levels of your roof and cause them to rot. When this happens, it’ll make portions of your roof weak—and it could even cause them to collapse at some point.
What was once a small problem with your roof will suddenly be a big problem that’ll force you to either make major repairs to your roof or replace it altogether. And roof replacement will cost you a whole lot more than it would have cost to repair your roof in the first place.
2. Damages Everything in an Attic Space
At first, a tiny leak in your roof won’t allow much water to work its way into your home. But as the leak intensifies, more and more water will be able to find a way into the upper levels of your house.
If you have an attic in your home, the water that sneaks in through the hole in your roof will start to do damage to it right away. It’ll cause damage to:
In some cases, water can also get down to your wall framing and do damage to that as well. If and when that takes place, it could make your entire home structurally unsound.
Water will also ruin almost everything that you keep up in your attic. From your Christmas decorations to the family heirlooms that you have stored up there, they’ll all be at risk when they’re exposed to water.
It’s why it’s a good idea for a homeowner to poke their head up into an attic space every now and then to inspect their roof from the inside. If you see sunlight shining through any portion of your roof, it’s reason enough to call on a roofing company to come and inspect your roof.
3. Creates a Fire Hazard in an Attic
Most homes have electrical wiring running through their attic spaces. This is one of the most practical places for electricians to put wiring when they’re first installing an electrical system in a home.
The problem with this is that it could put electrical wiring into harm’s way if there is ever a leak in a roof. When electrical wiring is exposed to water on a regular basis, there is a chance it could short circuit and cause a fire to start.
If you ever have a leak in your roof and suspect it may have led to electrical wiring getting wet, it’s smart to get in touch with both a roofer and an electrician. The roofer can make repairs to your roof to stop water from coming into your home while the electrician works to make repairs to your electrical system.
4. Causes Damage to Ceilings
When water first starts leaking into your home as a result of a tiny hole in your roof, most of it will end up in your insulation. But eventually, the insulation won’t be able to hold it back anymore, at which time it’ll come into contact with your home’s ceilings.
You’ll be able to tell that this is happening by looking at the ceilings located right under your attic. When they get wet, you’ll see dark spots on them that will indicate an issue.
Believe it or not, there are some homeowners who will try to “fix” this problem by painting over the spots. But this won’t take care of the root of the problem. Water in your attic space will continue to damage your ceilings until they give way and collapse.
5. Promotes the Growth of Mold and Mildew
If you allow a leaky roof to spiral out of control, it’ll do more than cause damage to the rafters, insulation, and ceilings in your home. It’ll also promote the growth of mold and mildew.
Mold and mildew will often begin by growing in your attic space. But over the course of just a few months, they can also spread to other parts of your home.
Once you have mold spores in your home, your HVAC system can take them and move them throughout it. It won’t be long before you have mold and mildew growing in various parts of your house and causing a whole host of health problems for you and your family.
Repair Your Leaky Roof Today
Repairing a leaky roof might sound like the last thing you want to do right now. But if you don’t do it, there will be consequences.
Failing to fix a leaky roof could put your entire home in jeopardy and lead to serious health issues if you’re not careful. It could also force you to do roof replacement way sooner than you may have hoped.
Contact us today to have roofers come out to your home to fix the leak that you have in your roof.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Hello, Spring! The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your Roof
/in Roofing/by G.H. Clark ContractorsSpring is fast approaching. Are you ready?
When you think of spring cleaning, most people think about dusting, decluttering, cleaning out closets, and so forth. The outside of the home usually gets neglected. But it’s so important to care for the outside of your home as much as the inside.
Have you added cleaning the roof to your spring cleaning checklist? If not, you should. Cleaning the roof is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home in shape.
Why Should You Clean Your Roof?
A roof takes the brunt of the winter. From icicles, cold winds, and heavy snows there’s plenty of chances for your roof to suffer.
Cleaning and checking it in the spring can catch problems before they become larger issues and patch up some of the damage left behind by winter. Even more so, it gets your house for spring months.
Without proper inspection and care of your roof, many other parts of your house could deteriorate including the foundation.
6 Tips To A Cleaner Roof This Spring
Ready to head to the roof? Add these tasks to your spring cleaning guide to make sure your roof is good as new.
1. Gutters
Winter is a prime time for gutters to collect much debris such as leaves, dirt, or twigs from nearby trees. Having clear gutters is essential to the health of your roof. Clogged gutters can be the cause of foundation problems and other roofing issues.
The best way to ensure clear, clean gutters is by hiring a professional. They remove all the waste and flush out the gutters. Also, ask them to check for signs of wear and tear.
2. Look For Damage
It’s possible that winter could wreak havoc to your home, depending on the severity. Be on the lookout for broken shingles, heavy branches that may have been frozen and fell, rotting, or other signs of damage.
If you notice anything strange, or just seems out of place, or notice significant roof damage, always call a professional because they know how to safely handle damages.
3. Remove Twigs and Branches
If you find several branches or twigs on your roof, you may want to consider trimming them back. As branches freeze and harden in the winter they have the capacity to hurt your roof severely.
Take a look at the surrounding trees outside your home and evaluate whether or not they’re potentially damaging to your roof. It’s important to take care of them soon to save your roof.
4. Don’t Forget the Inside
Water can leak into your home or attic and condensation can cause rooting wood. If left unchecked, it’s breeding ground for mold or mildew which cannot only ruin your home but offers serious health concerns.
It’s also possible that bugs found their way into your home during the cold months, so be on the lookout for possible signs of infestations.
5. Fix Shingles if Broken
Winter winds can be harsh. They can loosen shingles or even blow them off. Missing shingles exposes your roof to serious damage from wind or other weather.
While jumping on the roof to check your shingles is not recommended, try walking around the perimeter of your home looking for gaps or misplaces shingles. A professional is definitely needed for this job, and calling someone right away avoids further damage and more expensive repairs.
6. Give it A Wash
Grime, dirt, and other growths like mildew could build up on your roof. When it’s not cleaned off they could eat away at the shingles on your roof.
Avoid using a pressure washer to clean because it could hurt your shingles. A garden hose works just fine in this case.
Add Roof to Your Spring Cleaning Checklist
When crafting your spring cleaning checklist, don’t forget to add your roof. It’s a vital part of your home and deserves the same care as the interior.
Are you looking for a professional roof company in the Maryland area? Contact us for more information on how we can help you get your roof in great shape.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]A Roof For A Lifetime: The Ultimate Guide To Preventative Roof Maintenance For Annapolis Homeowners
/in Roofing/by G.H. Clark ContractorsYou’re enjoying a nice evening of TV when you hear a noise come from your roof. When you go outside to inspect you see that a shingle fell off. This sadly hasn’t been the only one this week.
It might be time for you to have your roof inspected. Your roof is one of the largest investments when it comes to your home because if you don’t take care of it, it can lead to several different problems in your house later on down the road. You can’t just wait around and hope that it takes care of itself, you have to act.
Here are a few roof maintenance steps that you’re going to want to perform regularly in order for the roof to keep doing its job.
1. Check the Shingles
You need to grab a pair of binoculars or climb a ladder to check your shingles after a big storm has brushed through your area. The main things that you need to be looking for when you’re checking over your roof are cracked shingles, missing shingles, curling shingles, peeling shingles, peeling flashing, and missing granules.
If you notice any of these things your roof will be vulnerable to further damage until the problem is fixed. While you can certainly check for the problem, it’s best to call out a professional to actually fix it.
2. Get an Inspection Done
Again, you can look over your roof and try to detect problems but if you aren’t a professional there are many things that you could miss that only an inspector would notice. They can also give you a rough estimate of how much life your roof has left.
The average cost for an inspection is around $300 or more which sounds like a lot but it’s cheaper than some of the repairs that you would have to make to fix problems on down the road.
It’s recommended to have one of these inspections done around twice a year but if you really want to be through, you might want to bump that up to once a year.
3. Look for Leaks
Water damage can lead to some of the most serious roof problems and the most costly repairs. That’s why you want to look for leaks on a regular basis to try and catch the damage before it’s too late to fix it.
One of the largest signs is water stains on your ceiling or in your attic. You may also notice a musty odor, or spots and bulging patches on your interior and exterior walls. Once you’ve identified a leak you can call a professional in to locate it and patch it up or if you feel comfortable with it, this is a repair you can make yourself as well.
4. Wash the Roof
If you leave dirt and algae on your roof it can cause your shingles to rot after a little bit. Rot is harder to deal with than just cleaning your roof on a regular basis. The good news is, it’s really not hard to clean it.
All you have to do is spray it with a mixture that’s half water and half bleach. The bleach will kill anything that causes rot. So, next time you’re able to set aside a day to just clean your home, incorporate your roof into the equation.
5. Clean the Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is disgusting but necessary if you want to extend the life of your roof. Fortunately for you, it only needs to be done twice a year, once in the Fall, and once in the Spring.
If you skip this step of roof maintenance then the gutter will get clogged and the water will back up into the roof. This will cause water damage and rot throughout your roof and home which is the last thing you want.
6. Trim Branches
Trimming branches that are hanging over your roof is a good idea for quite a few reasons. The most obvious one is that when a bad storm hits these branches can fall off and cause serious damage to your roof.
The other, less obvious reason is animals. Animals can and will jump from a hanging branch to your roof and either nest in the crevices or get into your attic and be difficult to get rid of. Either way, they can cause quite a bit of damage to both the inside of your home and out.
7. Patch the Chimney
No maintenance list would be complete without checking around your chimney. You’re going to be checking for any cracks or missing mortar. If you see anything you need to call out a contractor out right away to fix it.
Falling bricks can damage your roof. Also, a crumbling chimney causes structural problems to your home and roof. Trust us, fixing a few cracks is a lot easier and cheaper than having an entire collapsed chimney repaired or rebuilt.
Your Guide to Roof Maintenance: Extend the Life of Your Roof
Your home isn’t complete without your roof. It’s essential for protecting you and your family from the elements so, it only makes sense that you return the favor by taking care of it.
Use these roof maintenance steps to extend the life of your roof. After all, replacements are expensive.
No matter how many repairs you make and how hard you try to fight off the inevitable, your roof will eventually need to be replaced. Contact us to see what we can do for you.
When, Where, Why And How: Your Guide To A Roof Inspection In Southern Maryland
/in Roofing/by G.H. Clark ContractorsReplacing the roof on your home can be very expensive. On average, Americans pay more than $7,500 for roof replacement, and there are some roofs that can cost upwards of $30,000 to replace.
There will come a time when you will inevitably need a roof replacement on your home. But you can avoid having to do it ahead of schedule by having a semi-annual roof inspection in Southern Maryland done.
During a roof inspection, a roofing company will climb up on your roof and inspect all the various aspects of it. They’ll let you know if you need to make any roof repairs and stop small roofing problems from turning into larger ones. They’ll also speak with you about the different ways in which you can maintain your roof.
Here is your complete guide to having roof inspections in Southern Maryland done.
When Should You Do Roof Inspections?
There has been some debate over the years as far as when people should have their roofs inspected and how often they need to have it done. There are some people who have their roofs inspected religiously several times every year and others who go for years at a time without inspecting their roofs at all.
Generally speaking, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that people should inspect their roofs twice every year. They also recommend that people should have their roofs inspected in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes, and other bad storms.
Experienced roofing companies can inspect your roof at almost any time of the year as long as it’s free of snow and ice and safe to climb on. But most companies will encourage people to have roof inspections done once in the spring and then once again in the fall when the weather is on the mild side.
By inspecting your roof in the spring and fall, you’ll ensure that it’s equipped to handle whatever the summer and winter throw at it. You’ll also get the chance to make repairs to any damage that may have been done to it during the previous summer or winter.
Just make sure you have a reputable roofing company handle your inspection as opposed to trying to do it yourself, regardless of when you choose to have your inspection done. Inspecting a roof can be a dangerous job, which is why you should leave it up to the professionals.
Where Will Roofers Look During Inspections?
Hiring a roofing company to perform a roof inspection for you will keep you safe. You won’t have to worry about climbing up and down a ladder and walking all over your roof.
But there’s also another reason why it’s important to bring a roofing company on board for your roof inspection. They’ll know exactly what to look for on your roof while they’re conducting an inspection.
To the untrained eye, a roof might look like it’s in great condition. As long as there are no obvious signs of trouble, you might be under the impression that your roof is holding up just fine. But a roofer can spot potential problems that you don’t see.
Here are some of the things that roofers will look for during an inspection:
A good roofing company will have a long checklist of things that they’ll look for during your roof inspection. They’ll take a look at every single aspect of your roof before climbing off it and providing you with a full report.
Why Are Roof Inspections So Important?
Having roof inspections done on a regular basis is important for a number of reasons.
First, it’ll prevent you from living with a leaky roof over your head. There are a lot of people who have leaks in their roofs and don’t even realize it. This won’t be a concern for you when you hire roofers to inspect your roof twice every year.
It’s also important because there are many roof manufacturers that offer extended warranties on their roofing materials. But often times, those warranties will not be honored if you don’t make an effort to inspect and maintain your roof.
There are even some people who could run into trouble with their homeowner’s insurance companies if they fail to have their roofs inspected. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what their policy is on roof inspections.
How Can Roof Inspections Benefit You?
By now, you should be well aware of the different ways in which a roof inspection can help you. But just to review, here are some of the ways that you’ll benefit from investing in semi-annual roof inspections:
Inspecting your roof will cost you a little bit of money on the front end. But it’ll be a worthwhile investment on your part.
Schedule a Roof Inspection Today
Would you like to have the roof of your home inspected this spring? It’s a great way to prepare your roof for the summer and for the remainder of the year.
We can set you up with the roofing services you need. Whether you have an asphalt shingle roof, a metal roof, or another kind of roof, we can inspect it, repair it, or replace it for you.
Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection for your home.
8 Common Signs of Roof Damage Home Owners Often Ignore
/in Roofing/by G.H. Clark ContractorsWhen was the last time you had your roof inspected?
If you’re a Maryland homeowner, chances are you haven’t checked your roof in a little while. It’s the middle of winter and conditions aren’t exactly ideal for climbing up onto your roof right now.
But with spring right around the corner, you’ll want to make checking your roof a top priority. The average lifespan of a roof varies but many factors can cause premature roof damage.
The earlier you can spot damage on your roof, the better. Because should you need to replace it in the next few years, you can avoid and spot early damage in the meantime.
Here are 8 common warning signs of roof damage you won’t want to ignore.
1. Shingle Damage
Have you noticed that your roof is missing a number of shingles? Or, does it appear that your shingles are curling or have cracks in them?
Missing or damaged shingles are one of the tell-tale signs of roofing damage. Over time, they wear down and lose their resistance to external conditions.
High winds are often the leading cause of shingle damage. If your shingles weren’t properly installed, your roof is more susceptible to damage. Fix loose, missing, or damage shingles as soon as you spot them.
2. Water Stains & Leaks
Have you recently spotted water stains or leaks on your ceilings? Are any of your ceilings or walls currently forming water bubbles or mold?
If you’re experiencing one or both of these problems, there is likely a roof leak. Leaks are especially common in the wintertime when lots of snow can accumulate on your roof.
The weather itself is not exactly the cause of the problem. Leaks suggest that there is a problem with your roof that is allowing water and air to seep through.
You don’t have to wait for the signs of a roof leak to show up, either. You can check for frosted nails in your attic, holes, and cracked caulking on your windows.
There are lots of other ways to check for a leaking roof. You may be able to fix them yourself, but it’s better to have a professional do the job.
3. Poor Ventilation
When something is amiss with your roof, your home’s ventilation will take an immediate hit. What are some signs that indicate you may have poor roof ventilation?
Do your energy bills seem much higher than usual? If air is getting trapped in your attic, your HVAC system has to work harder to heat or cool down your home.
Trapped air in your attic can lead to moisture buildup. You should check for mold growth, condensation, and damaged insulation.
Mold and fungi growth can cause excessive dirty spots to accumulate on your roof, as well. Your roof may also exhibit signs of rust, or the paint and wallpaper in your home may even be peeling.
4. Tree Branches
Anytime there are periods of high winds, you may notice a lot of tree branches finding their way onto your roof. A roof that’s properly installed should be able to handle small tree branches. But you’ll want to pay attention to the trees in your yard nonetheless.
If tree branches are close enough to your home that they can rustle and rub against your roof, this is a problem. This can cause cracked and chipped tiling and damage to the fascia boards.
5. Moss Spores
Areas of your roof that aren’t always exposed to the sun can develop pockets of moss spores. While moss may seem harmless, it can disrupt the matting under and between your shingles. When this occurs, your home is more susceptible to leaks, damaged shingles, and wood rot.
You may be wondering how to remove moss from your roof. If moss spores have only recently developed, you can easily remove them with a scrub brush and water.
If there is an excessive amount of moss, you may need to use a chemical treatment. You may need to use a pump sprayer and scrub each shingle and tile individually.
6. Curled/Corroded Flashing
When assessing your home for roof damage, you should pay attention to the roof flashing.
The flashing is the thin layer of metal that’s often connected from your roof to your chimney. Your roof may have flashing near any vents, skylight windows, valleys, or against the walls.
The purpose of flashing is to redirect water away from being able to pool and collect. This helps to prevent moisture growth and roofing damage.
But sometimes the roof flashing is susceptible to curling, cracking, or corrosion. If any areas of the flashing aren’t intact, you’ll need to replace them. When checking the flashing, you should check any nearby tiling, as well.
7. Gutter Problems
Checking your gutters is an important project to do come springtime. But on the next clear day, you can easily check your gutters for the following:
It’s natural for objects to accumulate in your gutters. The problem is when clogged gutters block water and prevent it from flowing away. Be sure to check your gutter’s downspout cage and any hangers, elbows, and seams.
Should there be a light rainy day in Maryland soon, you can observe how the water flows out of your gutters. If water seems to be pooling and overflowing on the roof, there may be a clog.
8. Animal Infestation
If it seems like a critter has joined your household, there could be a hole somewhere in the roof.
Before inspecting the roof, check your attic for rodent feces or other signs of wildlife. You may be able to spot their point of entry and exit.
Lay out a couple traps and check back the following day. If nothing turns up but you still suspect an infestation, check your roof. You’ll need to seal off any points of entry.
Depending on the extent of the infestation, you may need to call a professional to remove them.
Is Your Home Showing Signs of Roof Damage?
If you suspect that your home has roofing damage, checking for these 8 signs is a good place to start. They’re certainly indicative that you’ll need to invest in the necessary repair work. But they could also mean that you need a new roof altogether.
To know for certain, it’s important to have a professional assess the extent of your roof damage. That way, you can determine exactly what your roof needs to function at its finest.
Do you live in Annapolis, Maryland or in the surrounding areas of Southern Maryland? If so, contact us to schedule repairs, roof replacing, or an assessment.
7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Gutter Maintenance
/in Gutters/by G.H. Clark ContractorsOwning a home comes with more ups than downs. Some of the downs include paying of pricey repairs and perform tedious housework such as cleaning the gutters.
While it’s a task dreaded by many, it’s necessary to get it done. Failure to perform the proper gutter maintenance means you could be putting your home at risk.
Read on for reasons why you should perform regular gutter maintenance.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Cleaning the Gutters
Cleaning out the gutters might not seem like an important job, however, neglecting to do so can have serious consequences.
Here are 7 reasons why you should never neglect cleaning out your gutters:
1. Your Property Can Suffer Structural Damage
It might seem like clogged and dirty gutters are nothing more than a few dirty leaves and debris. The truth is dirty gutters can make more extensive damage than you may know.
Damaged gutters can cause shifts in the foundation, erosion in the soil, flooding in the basement, cracks in the walls and more.
The siding of your house might also be prone to rotting and water damage which can expand to the walls and windows.
2. You Might Have to Deal With Pests
If you don’t maintain your gutters, you could be unaware of the pests you’re bringing in.
The debris that fills the gutters often provides a humid and inviting environment for pests such as mice, squirrels, mosquitos, and even birds.
Unfortunately, these pests don’t stay on the outside of the home. Damaged gutters often cause cracks and holes in the walls, which can create a perfect nest for pests.
Not only will you be repairing the damage from the gutters, but you will also have to call the exterminator.
3. Exposing Your Family to Allergies and Illnesses
Debris plus humidity and water equal mold and even higher pollen counts. The mold and pollen counts will make it more difficult for your family to breathe.
It might even worsen or develop allergies. Make sure you stay alert if you notice any signs of mold developing in your home.
4. Damage to the Roof Can be Expensive
As we mentioned in previous points, clogged gutters can cause damage to the foundation, but they can also cause damage to the roof.
If the roof gets damaged, the price tag could be a lot to handle for any homeowner.
By not cleaning your gutters, you put them at risk for ice dams on the roof and other problems. Depending on how extensive the damage is, you might have to
replace the entire roof.
You should also know most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover this type of damage.
5. Dirty Gutters are Not Pretty to Look at
Your home is your pride and joy, which is why you always want to make sure it looks the best.
Dirty and clogged gutters will not help your home’s curb appeal. Not cleaning your gutters means it will start to look dirty and everyone who visits your home will notice.
If you wait until the damage is extensive, it will look as if you don’t care about the house. It might even bring down the value of the home if you plan on selling it in the near future.
It’s easy to avoid your house from looking neglected by doing a little gutter clean up.
6. Your Could be Voiding the Warranty
If you had a new roof installed in the last few years or any other type of work done to the outside of the home, you could be jeopardizing the warranty.
Most companies will put a clause in the contract stating you have to take care of the gutters or they will void the warranty.
7. You Could be Inviting Water Damage
The purpose of the gutters is to have a channel that takes the water away from your home protecting the structure. If the gutters are dirty or clogged, it means the water won’t be able to flow freely when it rains.
Instead of flowing through the gutters as intended, the water will overflow and damage your house.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
After you realize the importance of not putting off cleaning your gutters, you might be wondering how often you need to do so.
The good news is you don’t have to get on a ladder and clean your gutters every day. Professionals recommend you clean your gutters two times a year — in the spring and the fall.
However, you might need to clean your gutters more often depending on the place where you live. If you live in a house surrounded by trees, you should clean your house a bit more often.
You might have to also clean the gutters more often if you live in a climate that freezes in the winter. The water might not have a way to flow after it unfreezes if the gutters are not clean.
Can You Clean the Gutters Yourself?
It is possible to clean the gutters yourself if you’re on a budget or you like to do housework. If you decide to do it yourself, here are a few ways you can do it.
You can clean out the gutters by using a leaf blower. Before you start using the leafblower, make sure you take the precaution of using gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
Get a gutter cleaning kit from your local home improvement store, which can attach to the leafblower.
You can also clean it by hand using a gutter scoop or trowel. Keep a bucket nearby so you can dispose of the debris.
If you prefer to have a professional clean the gutters, we can take care of it for you.
Gutter Maintenance: The Bottom Line
Now that you know the importance of gutter maintenance, it’s time you take care of business. Neglected gutters can cause water damage, roof damage, structural issues, and an unsightly home.
Are you ready to take care of your gutters? If so, contact us at G.H. Clark Contractors for a free gutters estimate.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]The Search Is Over: How to Find the Best Roofers Annapolis
/in Roofing/by G.H. Clark ContractorsEach year, hail causes more than $1 billion in damages to property and crops. While hail isn’t a huge issue in Annapolis, it is a concern that strikes a few times a year. When hail falls, damage to homes is inevitable.
If you have noticed roof damage, due to hail, or any other cause, then finding quality roofers in Annapolis is a must. However, when you begin the search for this professional, you are going to discover just how many options there are.
To help ensure you find the right roofer for your needs, use the tips and information here.
Go Local
There are more than a few roofing companies out there. In fact, this industry is growing by 11 percent year over year, which is much faster than other service-based industries.
However, this doesn’t mean you should choose the roofing service with the most memorable advertisement, or most well-known name – especially if they aren’t headquartered locally. Finding a local roofer means you can verify their credentials and have confidence they will be there tomorrow.
Find Out How Long a Roofers in Annapolis Have Been in Business
Chances are, you wouldn’t even consider taking your vehicle to a mechanic who had only been on the job for a few weeks. As such, you shouldn’t hire a roofing contractor that doesn’t have a track record of high-quality work.
There are too many times homeowners allow the price to be the deciding factor when it is time to hire a contractor. However, just like many other things in life – you get what you pay for. Chances are, you can’t get a bargain basement price and a list of happy and satisfied customers.
Ask About Insurance
It’s also important to find out if the contractor you are considering hiring is properly insured. They should have two types of insurance – liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance.
Before the roofer starts any work, be sure you see their insurance certificates. It’s also a good idea to contact the roofer’s insurance carrier to ensure they are valid. This can help protect you from liability if an accident were to occur.
Take a Look at the past Work the Roofer Has Done
For the majority of businesses that offer a service, their reputation is everything. Think about the last time you went to a new dentist, visited a new restaurant or anything else for that matter. Chances are you asked others for recommendations.
Today, you can also find reviews for service providers online. Before you spend money on roof repairs or replacement, it’s going to pay off for you to do your homework.
Take time to see what other people have to say about the contractor being considered. Also, as a company representative for any homeowners, you can call for a reference. By getting real, honest reviews from other people, you can feel confident in the roofer you ultimately hire.
Don’t Base Your Decision on Price Alone
If you have ever had any type of renovation project done on your home in the past, then you may have heard that getting three estimates is a good idea. However, there’s no real “rule” in place about how many estimates you should get.
In all reality, there’s no reason to just limit yourself to a specific number. Get as many as you need to feel comfortable. This number may be different for everyone. Take time to find a roofing company that is going to provide the services needed, and that offers a fair price.
Find out Who’s Going to Handle the Installation
It’s important to find out who is going to come to your home to perform the roof repairs or replacement. After all, the last thing you want to worry about is never knowing who is going to be at your house, day after day.
The fact is, though, there are some roof companies that outsource their work to subcontractors. This isn’t a good company to work with. Instead, find a company that has its own crew to provide the services need.
Make Sure Everything is Put in Writing
A good way to protect you and the roofing company you hire is by making sure that all aspects of the job are clear and understood by all parties involved. Also, make sure that everything is put in writing.
When everything is in writing, both parties will have a contract to refer to if questions ever arise. Be sure this contract includes things like the cost of the job, timeline, warranty information, when payments are due for the work, and more. This will ensure you get what you pay for.
Ask About a Warranty
Any quality roofing company is going to provide customers with a warranty that protects the investment they have made. If the roofer doesn’t come out and let you know what this warranty is, be sure to ask.
If the roofer you are thinking about hiring doesn’t offer a warranty, then you need to look for services elsewhere. Essentially, this is the company stating that they don’t stand behind their work.
Finding the Right Roofer: Now You Know
As you can see, there are more than a few factors to consider when it comes to hiring roofers in Annapolis. Use the tip and information here to find the roofer that will suit your needs and provide the services that will restore the integrity of your roof.
If you need more information about the type of roof repairs that you need to be done, feel free to reach out to us. We can provide a free and fair estimate for your specific situation.
7 Signs You Need a New Roof: A Guide for Annapolis Homeowners
/in Roofing/by G.H. Clark ContractorsAll homeowners know that they will eventually need to install a new roof, but most simply don’t want that moment to come. Roofs can be very expensive, so homeowners will typically look past a few issues with their roof. Unfortunately, this might only increase costs even further.
There are many signs you need a new roof. Some of these will be very direct, while some may be harder to realize. You should definitely try to be very aware of the changes that your home is going through so that you know when to replace your roof.
Here are 7 signs that you might need a new roof.
1. Time Has Passed
Even if you don’t notice any issues on your roof, time is very telling on how your roof can hold up over time. Even if you haven’t noticed that your roof is starting to falter, all roofs have a lifespan. If you’re getting up to this lifespan soon, you may want to replace your roof before you start to notice these problems.
For reference, the lifespan of a roof varies based on the roof material. An asphalt roof will only last 15 to 30 years, wood shingles will last about 20 years, and metal roofs can last over 50 years. Based on the type of roof you have, you may want to start looking into a replacement based on the last time you installed a roof.
There are ways that you can try to extend the lifespan of your roof. These strategies include cleaning your roof often and making repairs instantly.
2. Leaks
When you think of roof issues, your mind may immediately go to a leaky ceiling. This is a natural conclusion to make, and leaks are one of the biggest reasons people actually get their roof replaced.
Leaks in your home can be very dangerous to your home’s structural integrity and your health, so they should be dealt with immediately.
If you’re noticing that your home has leaked, this may be because shingles have fallen or broken and are letting water go through. While this may be fixed with a repair, it is also a sign that the shingles are weakening and getting more susceptible.
Be sure to regularly check for leaks in any attics that you have. Also, make sure that your walls do not have any sign of water damage, as this is one way that leaks often manifest themselves.
3. Animal Infestations
Roofs are not just there to keep the weather out, they also make sure that no creep critters can enter your home. If you’re noticing an abundance of pests like squirrels or rats in your home, there may just be a roofing issue.
Roofs with small holes in them may allow for these animals to crawl through and invade your home. This is especially true if you’re finding these animals in your attic. If this is a trend you’re noticing, check to see if your roof has any openings that these animals are exploiting.
4. Recent Hail
If your area has recently been hit with a hailstorm, the first thing you should worry about is your roof. Hail has a merciless impact on roofs, as it can often dent the roof and destroy various shingles, depending on the size of the hail itself.
If you’ve recently endured a hailstorm, be sure to get an inspector over right away. They will help you assess if the hail did enough damage to your home to need repairs or replacement. Hail can instantly compromise your roof’s strength, so be sure to stay on top of the situation.
5. Compromised Valleys
The valleys of your roof are the areas where snow and rain will fall and drain into your gutters. If you have noticed that the shingles on your valleys are faltering, this should be cause for alarm.
Your valleys are especially susceptible to allowing water through, which can contribute to leaking.
While simple repairs may sound like an option, a compromised valley can often be ruined by a few heavy rainfalls. The water will seep into the valley and will damage your ceiling inside your home. If your valley is compromised and not immediately fixed, a new roof will definitely be in order.
6. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the section of your roof where different angles are connected, such as your chimney to your main roof area. Flashing is very important as these angles are especially susceptible to rainwater or other types of leaks. If your flashing has been damaged, you may want to consider a new roof.
When installing new flashing, consider looking to more permanent solutions such as metal. Metal is not as susceptible to long-term damage and will be effective in shoring up these difficult angles. Replacing flashing can be key when getting a new roof.
7. Curling or Damaged Shingles
The most noticeable and obvious signs you need a new roof is damage to the shingles themselves. There are many ways you can detect this damage. One very visual hint is the curling of the shingles, where the shingles will curve up to expose more of the lower roof after difficult weather.
The shingles may also start to decay and lose their material. If you notice pieces of shingle in your gutter, it is probably because your shingles are starting to break away. When you do notice this, you’ll want to start thinking of a new roof.
Once one shingle begins to break down, the others quickly follow.
What To Do Once You See the Signs You Need a New Roof
Once you notice any of these signs you need a new roof, you have two options: repair, or replace. While roof repair may seem like a better, cheaper option, constant roof repairs can be increasingly expensive. And, at the end of it all, you’ll eventually need a new roof anyway.
Once you’ve decided on roof replacement, be sure to look to the very best professionals to carry it out. Your roof is arguably the most important aspect of your home, so make sure it’s installed right.
Contact us for professional roof installment or for any of your home’s exterior needs.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]When It Rains, It Pours: Here’s How Storm Doors Can Improve Your Annapolis Home
/in Doors/by G.H. Clark ContractorsWhen you have a new front door placed on your home, you should make every effort to protect it from the weather at all costs.
One of the ways you can do it is by installing a storm door in front of it. A storm door can prevent rain, hail, snow, and more from coming into contact with and doing damage to your front door. It can also stop the wind from blowing debris directly into your front door.
Storm doors offer up a bunch of other great benefits for homeowners, too. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways storm doors can improve your Annapolis home.
Enhances Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Does it look like something is missing from the front of your home when you look at it?
You might love the way that your vinyl siding, your windows, and even your front door look. But if it just feels like your home needs something extra, storm doors are an excellent option. They’ve been known to give curb appeal a big boost when they’re added to certain homes.
Storm doors are available in all different materials. They also come in a wide range of colors and styles. You can find one that would look great on your home and improve your curb appeal in a big way.
Makes Your Home More Energy Efficient
Most Americans are trying to find ways to make their homes more energy efficient these days. They’re willing to try just about anything if it means cutting their energy costs.
If you’re looking for an effective method for making your home more energy efficient, think about putting screen doors over any of the entryways into your home.
Most newer entry doors are already designed to prevent air from outside from leaking into your home. This alone can bring your utility bills down. But adding storm doors over those doors will provide you with another layer of protection against the elements.
When you have a storm door installed properly, you shouldn’t have any air leaking into or out of your house at any time. That should reduce the amount of time you have to spend heating and cooling your home dramatically.
Increases the Security of Your Home
There are roughly 4 million home burglaries that take place every year all across the U.S. About 1 million of them occur when someone is inside of a house.
Do you want to cut down on your chances of ever being a victim of a home burglary? You should obviously start by making sure you have a strong and sturdy front door on your home.
But you should also place a storm door in front of it. When you’re inside your home, you can lock this storm door and make it even harder for someone to break into your house.
Many storm doors have large glass windows on them. Those windows will break and shatter if someone tries to break in. It will cause a noisy scene and deter people from trying to bust down a storm door in the first place.
Allows Sunlight and Fresh Air to Enter Your Home
Do you wish that there was a way for you to bring more sunlight and fresh air into your home?
You can have new windows installed in it to make this possible. There are all kinds of great windows that you can use to your advantage when you install them in your home.
But putting up a storm door is another effective way to welcome sunlight and fresh air into your home.
You’ll be able to open up your front door on sunny days to let the sun stream in. Many storm doors also come equipped with screens that will let you bring some fresh air inside if you want.
Don’t be fooled by their name! While calling them “storm” doors might give you the impression that they’re only useful in inclement weather, you can also put them to good use when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping.
Prevents Pests From Getting Into Your Home
Is there anything worse than dealing with mosquitos, flies, and other insects that have found a way to get into your home?
They can really prove to be a nuisance. They can also bite you and potentially even present health risks in some situations.
Rather than allowing insects to weasel their way into your house, put up a storm door that will stop them dead in their tracks. You won’t have to worry about bugs flying in every time you open your front door to walk into or out of your home.
Increases the Value of Your Home
Installing a new storm door in your home isn’t necessarily going to add the kind of value to it that, say, a new front door or a new set of windows would. But it’ll still add some value nonetheless.
A storm door also won’t require a huge investment on your part. You can find a high-quality storm door that will provide you with all the benefits listed here for an affordable price.
It’ll make your home a lot more attractive to buyers one day when you go to sell it. It’ll also keep your front door in pristine condition and bring in more buyers once it hits the market.
Consider Adding One of Our Storm Doors to Your Home Today
If you’re interested in adding storm doors to your home, we can show you a handful of options and talk to you about the benefits of them.
You can pick out the ones you like best and have them installed on your home right away. From the minute they go up, you’ll notice a difference in the way your home looks and feels, both on the inside and outside.
You can also check out some new entry doors to go along with it. Read our blog to learn more about why a craftsman door might be the best option for your home.
Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Which Is Best for Your Annapolis Home?
/in Roofing/by G.H. Clark ContractorsReady to raise the roof? Not until you pick which roof you want to raise.
Your roof is one of those parts of your home that you don’t pay much attention to unless something goes wrong. Still, it affects your home’s look and longevity far more than you realize.
That’s why it’s so important to choose the right type of roofing material. One of the first choices any homeowner needs to make is deciding between a metal roof vs shingles. Below are the pros and cons you should consider.
Metal Roof vs Shingles: How to Choose
When it comes down to it, choosing between metal and shingles for your roof depends on your specific situation. Here are the basics you need to compare.
Pros of Metal Roofs
in the short term and long term alike, there are some clear benefits of a metal roof.
Long Life
If you’re a fan of the low-maintenance lifestyle, look no further. A typical metal roof can last for 50 years or more. Compare that to an asphalt shingle roof which you can expect to replace about every 15-25 years.
That long life isn’t just easier on your schedule. It also means that in the long run, a metal roof is more cost-effective.
Resilience Against Most Types of Weather
When it comes to weather, metal roofing and shingles each have their weaknesses. Overall, though, metal holds up against more types of weather than shingles do.
In particular, metal roofs are less likely to sustain wind damage. In the winter, they shed snow and ice more easily as well. To top it all off, they’re naturally resistant to algae, mold, and mildew. Shingles don’t measure up in any of these areas.
Fire Resistance
When it comes to fire resistance most metal roofs have Class A ratings because the material is non-combustible.
This is particularly helpful in protecting your home against external fires. For instance, perhaps a tree is on fire and a branch falls on your roof. Maybe a flying ember or spark lands on the roof. In either case, shingles could catch on fire while metal won’t.
Cons of Metal Roofs
As you might expect, metal roofs aren’t without their drawbacks.
High Initial Cost
For many homeowners, the cost is the largest barrier. While they last longer, metal roofs do cost more money to buy and install.
Not only are the materials pricey, but there aren’t as many roofing contractors who can install metal roofing well compared to shingles. Though the roof’s long life offsets that cost over the years, some homeowners still can’t afford the upfront price.
Noise During Certain Weather
As you might expect, rain and hail can be noisy when you have a metal roof. While some homeowners see this as a plus, not everyone does.
Potential for Roadblocks
Some homeowners would love a metal roof, but other factors take the option off the table.
For instance, homeowners’ associations might not allow metal roofs because they want all the homes to look more consistent. Make sure you find out your HOA’s policy before you start the roofing process.
Pros of Shingle Roofs
It’s clear that shingle roofs are still the most popular options, and there are several reasons for this.
Lower Initial Cost
In terms of initial installation, a shingle roof is far less expensive than a metal one.
As we mentioned above, shingle roofs do cost more in the long run because you have to replace them more often. If you’re trying to stay on a budget today, though, a shingle roof might be your best option/
Easier Repairs
While the downside is that shingle roofs get damaged more often than metal ones do, the good news is that they’re also easier to repair. You’ll have more choices when it comes to hiring a roofing repair contractor, too.
With shingles, you can just repair the shingle or two that have broken or fallen off. For a metal roof, though, the sheets are larger so you need to replace a bigger section for the same size of damage.
Well-Suited to Coastal Air
Annapolis may not be quite as Atlantic as some of us would like, but we do have the Chesapeake Bay to enjoy. The problem with that is that the bay puts some salt into the air, and salt and metal don’t get along.
Some areas of the Annapolis metro have more problems with salt than others. If you do, a shingle roof may withstand the local atmosphere better.
Cons of Shingle Roofs
Despite the ways they can be homeowner-friendly, shingle roofs do have plenty of disadvantages as well.
Not So Eco-Friendly
If you want to be as environmentally friendly as possible, shingle roofing can make that difficult. While shingles are recyclable, they’re far harder to recycle so most end up in landfills.
Asphalt shingles are also made from petroleum oil, which has major environmental issues. In addition, shingles tend to absorb heat. That means your air conditioner will have some extra work to do in the summer, increasing your carbon footprint.
Limited Color Selection
If you’re someone who enjoys bright colors or if you have a specific vision in mind for your roof, you might have better luck with metal.
While shingles are more easily accessible than metal roofing, they don’t always have as many color and style options.
Heavy Weight
No matter how strong you think your home’s structure is, it’s important to take your roof’s weight into consideration. Shingles come out on the bottom in that competition.
Because they weigh more, shingles require a more hardy roofing structure to hold them up. If your house doesn’t have what it takes, heavy shingles could lead to far more expensive repairs down the line.
Choosing Your Home’s Roof
Your roof is one of the most important and expensive choices you’ll make for your house. No pressure. The tips above can help you weigh your options and find the perfect choice for your situation.
If you’d prefer a more specific professional opinion on a metal roof vs shingles, call our roofing team to discuss your home’s situation.
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