Tips For Roof Damage Repair

by Posted in Roof Maintenance Tagged , , , , ,

roof damage repair

A small leak in the roof can turn into a huge problem if it is not repaired immediately. If left untreated, the leaking seal can rot the entire section of the roof. Rotted sections of the roof are more expensive to repair. Fortunately, you can get your roof repaired without having to replace the whole section. Here are some simple tips for roof damage repair. First, identify the source of the leak. A leak may result from a loose shingle or an old ice dam.

Roofing Contractors can check your roof and provide a quote for the necessary repairs. Usually, the cost of roof repair will include both materials and labor. You can choose to pay for the repairs out of pocket or look for other funding sources. However, you must seek funding elsewhere if you cannot afford to hire a professional to repair your roof.

Another step in roof damage repair is to check the shingles and soffite. Roofs are made up of three major parts: the eaves, the ridge, and the roof’s tails. When these components are damaged, water can seep inside and cause damage. The repair cost can range from $300 to $3,000, depending on the type of roof damage and the severity of the damage. In some cases, there may be other parts of the roof that need to be checked as well.

After you find the source of the damage, you should contact your insurance company. If you have homeowner’s insurance, a claims adjuster will come to assess the damage and let you know if you can make a claim. Usually, it takes 30 days for a homeowner’s insurance company to decide if it will pay for roof damage repair. During this time, you should avoid making major repairs to the roof and document everything you do.

If you have noticed a leak in the roof, you can also consider hiring a professional to do the job. Roofing professionals are trained to tackle complicated and large jobs. If you are unsure whether you can do the work yourself, you should call several contractors to get a quote. You should also check the flashing and the nailing. The sealant on the metal flashing can deteriorate over time, causing cracks. It is a good idea to have the old flashing and nails removed and a new boot installed.

If the roof damage is minor, you might not notice it immediately. But if you notice water inside your home, that’s a sign of a leak. You should investigate the source of the leak – it can be hard to find if it is in the roof or the gutters. If you can’t pinpoint the source of the leak, it’s likely the problem is more in the gutters or fascia.

If you notice signs of damage in the roof, you should call a professional right away. The sooner you get the damage repaired, the better your chances of preventing further damage. You can also inspect the roof yourself from the ground, checking for obvious damage. You can also check for damp insulation and beams. Light from the roof is often another sign of roof damage.

A good contractor can spot a leak at its early stages and prevent further damage. A visual inspection of the roof will also reveal other issues, such as cracked or missing shingles. In addition, the contractor will also be able to spot any clogged gutters or missing flashing. Moreover, you can also check for rusty components, broken seams, and crumbling roofing cement.

The Best Mr. Roof Materials for Your Roofing Project

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

A roof is the most critical part of a house. It protects it from rain, snow, and wind, which can be devastating for your home. A bad roof can also cause leaks that ruin ceilings and floors. If you have a leaky roof, it’s not only going to cost you more money in repairs, but it will also devalue your property if you ever want to sell or rent out the space again.

Mr. Roof is the leading provider of roofing products and services for homeowners. It offers a number of services to help keep your roof in top shape and free of damage. You may prevent significant expenses from roofing damage by working with Mr. Roof for new construction projects, resolving an issue on your present home, or proactively keeping your roof in excellent condition. In order to achieve the best roof possible for your home, the following are some of the best Mr. Roof materials to use on your roofing project:

Shingles


Owens Corning Shingles

Your first choice of materials is to decide on the shingles you want.  Shingles from Mr. Roof can withstand the harshest weather conditions and last a long time, making them the perfect choice for any homeowner who wants to protect their investment in their property by choosing high-quality materials that will give them peace of mind with every storm season.

Shingles can be installed in a variety of types and colors to fit your particular design preferences, making it easy to complement the architecture of your house while still getting all of the benefits that shingles offer, including protection against weather extremes like strong winds, hail, heavy snowfall, and more. They also help keep debris out of gutters, which can help prevent the build-up of ice dams.

Fasteners

Mr. Roof fasteners are the best for your roofing project because they are guaranteed to be solid and reliable. Mr. Roof uses Trident 3 fasteners, which are specially designed for installations of aluminum and steel roofs. They are also resistant to rust, which is a huge problem when trying to attach a metal roof to a structure that is already rusting. Mr. Roof fasteners have three times the power of a typical smooth shank nail, which means your roof will be secure against any harsh weather.

Underlayment

The next selection you must make is for the underlayment. The underlayment is the material between the shingles and the decking that helps make sure nothing sticks directly to a wooden deck. When you’re building a new home, one of the most important decisions to make is what material you will use for this part of the roof. There are many options out there, but if you want to get it done right the first time, then Mr. Roof underlayment should be your go-to option. Its ThunderShield technology within the underlayment offers excellent coverage because it was specifically designed with longevity in mind, so that even after years of exposure to harsh elements, this product can still do its job without any problems at all.

This material also comes in different types to accommodate the various kinds of roofs that you might have, so it is very versatile and can be tailored to fit your exact requirements. You can also get complete assurance of utmost protection because Mr. Roof’s underlayment is made from the most advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. That means your roof can last for decades without needing to be replaced.

Ice guard

Icicles on roof

The ice guard is an essential product that can be used in cold climates to protect your roof from any potential damage caused by water, ice, or snow. It works by sealing all vents and valleys on the roof with a waterproof asphalt membrane that adheres to the roof, keeping it protected against moisture that could cause trouble if ice and snow are allowed to accumulate. Having a roof with a proper ice guard system makes it much easier to keep the snow from getting too heavy and causing structural damage or even the worst-case scenario of a collapse. As one of Mr. Roof’s most popular products for colder climates, this is a great way to keep your home safe and roof up to standard during winter months.

Chimney cap

The chimney cap is the best for your roofing project because it protects the chimney from seasonal elements like leaves, debris, rain, and snow, which could cause significant damage to your roof and living space. The cap also helps prevent animals like birds, squirrels, and raccoons from entering the chimney. If you have a fireplace in your home, then you know how important it is to protect it. A chimney cap will keep all those elements out while allowing smoke to escape through its opening. This prevents smoke buildup inside your home, which poses health risks, among other problems. Many people who invest in a chimney cap are pleased to find that it also enhances the exterior aesthetics of their home. The chimney cap is without a doubt one of the best Mr. Roof materials for your roofing project.

Drip edge

Another type of Mr. Roof material that is great for roofing projects is a drip edge. This type of material helps protect the roof from rain that falls from sloping rooftops. A drip edge is one of the most effective ways to protect a home’s structure, and it helps cut down on the amount of water damage to a home’s interior. A drip edge can be installed quickly and does not require any special tools or skills.

A prefabricated metal sloped surface typically works well as a drip edge because it can be easily attached without having to use any masonry adhesive or mortar. A prefabricated metal surface like this will also help with the durability and longevity of the roof.

Once a drip edge has been installed, it is important to take care of this material so that it will continue to protect the roof. This means that homeowners need to keep gutters clean and clear of debris, which will help water make its way away from the roof and down to the ground. This is important because debris can damage a drip edge as well as other types of roof materials.

Homeowners should also avoid using any harsh cleaning chemicals, which can strip the protective coating off a drip edge and cause it to rust. One of the best ways to clean a drip edge is by using a simple garden hose and warm water, which will help keep it in good condition and functioning correctly.

Taking good care of a drip edge will help maintain the integrity of a roofing project as well as protect it from damage.

Sealant

Roof

Sealant is hands down one of the best Mr. Roof materials for your project. Liquid sealants are used to make surfaces waterproof and airtight. They can be applied to seams, windows, doors, tanks, and of course, roofs.

The most common types of sealants are asphalt-based and silicone-based. Asphalt-based products can be adhesive or non-adhesive, while silicone-based products usually have an adhesive quality to them that makes them easier to install in hard-to-reach places around a roof. In order for a sealant to work effectively, it must conform perfectly with the surface you’re applying it on. This task can be extremely tricky, which is why contacting a roofing company like Mr. Roof to install a professional quality sealant instead of trying it yourself can save you a lot of time and energy while ensuring a top-quality installation.

Roof vent

When it’s hot outside, the air gets warm and wants to go up. It then flows into your house and makes it hotter. While problematic, you can stop the air from getting in with a roof vent. With a roof vent, the air can’t get in because there is a cover on top of the vent, forcing the airflow to go somewhere else.

The best Mr. Roof materials for your roofing project are the ones that will make it last as long as possible and still look good. Hands down, this is a roof vent. This should be installed straight away to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. At Mr. Roof, we can supply you with vents that won’t let water creep into your house or rot your wooden ceiling boards. The roof vent is the first line of defense for your roof and should be considered as important as anything else on it.

Connect with Mr. Roof today

As you can see, there are many types of Mr. Roof materials that can be installed as part of your roofing project. These high-quality, durable materials can help protect your home for years to come. If you’re interested in learning more about the best Mr. Roof materials or how they can be installed, contact Mr. Roof today to learn more and begin your roofing project with the best materials available on the market.

The post The Best Mr. Roof Materials for Your Roofing Project appeared first on Mr Roof.

Top 4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix a Leaky Chimney

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

The chimney is one of the most important parts of a fireplace. It is used to take the smoke and gases that come from a fire up and out of the house. When there’s a leaky chimney, many issues can arise that put the safety of your home and family at risk. If the leak is minor enough, you may not notice it for a while as smoke billows from the chimney into your home, but it’s vital that you don’t ignore the issue. If there is a significant leak in your chimney, it is best to have a professional inspect the issue. They will be able to tell you how much work needs to be done, if any at all.  Because there are several things that may go wrong with your chimney that have severe implications if they do, you should not put off getting it repaired for the following reasons:

The expense

Leaking chimneys can lead to more expensive repairs in the future. If you have an older home, there is a good chance that some parts of your chimney are made from clay and other materials. When moisture gets into these parts, they expand and begin to crack. This leads to the need for more extensive repairs in the future.

The negative health implications

The adverse effects on your health from breathing in all the smoke and soot can be severe and fill the house with danger for you and your family. If you have a leaky chimney, it is possible that soot and smoke will come into your home through the fireplace or any other area where the chimney is cracked or damaged. This can cause severe respiratory issues and even illness in some cases when inhaled. Also, if the fire in your chimney is not burning well, it could cause a carbon monoxide leak, which can be fatal.

More smoke than needed

The more smoke is leaking from the top of your chimney, the less it will be able to draw up the bottom of your chimney and out through the flue, which could mean that your chimney makes more smoke than it used to. This could be a sign that it is time to have your chimney inspected and repaired.

Internal home destruction

A leaky chimney can create soot and debris that will turn into black streaks on your ceilings and walls. This can be very frustrating, time-consuming to clean and reduces the value of your home for future resale. The best thing to do is have the leaky chimney inspected and repaired as soon as possible in order to avoid this destruction to your home’s infrastructure and decor.

Contact Mr. Roof

As you can see, there are several good reasons to have a leaky chimney repaired as soon as possible. Fortunately, it’s not complicated or overly costly to do so. Connect with Mr. Roof today for more information and start living in a healthy, smoke-free environment right away.

The post Top 4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix a Leaky Chimney appeared first on Mr Roof.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.ameristainroofing.com/?p=246

post

Fall 2021 Rebekah Baker Scholarship Recipients

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

Fall 2021 Rebekah Baker Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our Fall 2021 Rebekah Baker Scholarship recipients! 

The Rebekah Baker Scholarship was established in 2014 in loving memory of Becky Baker, our CFO and wife of Co-Chairman Frank Baker. Becky believed fiercely in helping those who were dealt difficult cards by life circumstances. This scholarship is Becky’s legacy and Baker’s mission to help relieve students of the financial burden of attaining higher knowledge. Employees and family members of employees enrolled in college are encouraged to apply each semester.

Our Scholarship Board was overwhelmed by the number of incredible applicants for the Fall semester and board members were moved to make more awards available to the deserving students. This year, the Board has granted 3 full scholarships and 3 partial scholarships. To learn more about the students, read below!

Bryanna

Campbell University – Biology

Bryanna is the daughter of an Accountant of Baker Roofing in Raleigh, NC. This Fall, she will be beginning her Freshman year pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Campbell University.

Nataly

Durham Technical Community College – Associate in Arts

Nataly is the daughter of a Baker Roofing Superintendant in Raleigh, NC. This Fall, she will be beginning her Freshman year pursuing an Associate’s degree at Durham Tech.

Peyton

ppalachian State University – Communication Sciences and Disorders

Peyton is the daughter of a Project Manager in our Home Exteriors by Baker division of Baker Roofing of Raleigh, NC. This Fall, she will be beginning her Freshman year pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Appalachian State University.

thiana

North Carolina State University – Sociology (Criminology)

Athiana is the daughter of a Foreman from Baker Roofing of Raleigh, NC. This Fall, Athiana will begin her Sophomore year at NCSU pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a focus in Criminology.

Marcus

University of Phoenix – Business with Operations Management Certification

Marcus is a Safety Manager out of Baker Roofing of Wilmington, NC. This Fall, he will begin his Sophomore year pursuing a degree in Business and an Operations Management Certification while working full-time.

Cristian

Southern New Hampshire University – Business Management

Cristian joined Baker Roofing Company in February 2020 and entered the Construction Management Program with a focus in estimating. This Fall, he will continue his pursuit of a Business Management degree from SNHU while working full-time in an estimating position in Raleigh’s Commercial Steep Slope department.

By Shelby Zeuli

Shelby joined the Baker Roofing marketing team in April 2021! When she’s not on top of roofs trying to get a good angle, she likes to capture portrait photography, skateboard, and watch movies with her dog, Sarge.

Back to Our Blog
Contact Us
Home Exteriors Services
Our Pinterest

The post Fall 2021 Rebekah Baker Scholarship Recipients appeared first on Baker Roofing Company.

post

Leak Investigation & Repair

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

Leak Investigation & Repair

Want to know what it looks like when our team comes out to identify the roof leak in your building? Read more here.

We are aware a leak is the last thing you want to find in your building. Although we may be the last call you want to make, we hope Baker Roofing Company is your first. Over 100 years of experience has proven to give us insight into the most efficient way to locate and repair your leak. We believe in transparency and education when it comes to our services. We thought it would be helpful to share what our team does on-site to find that pesky roof leak.

First, the salesperson will go inside the building and speak to the onsite point of contact. If there are any water stains or active indoor leaks, we will take a look at them then. If the business has ceiling tiles, then our team will remove those tiles and look at the type of deck on the building. The deck is accessible between the tiles and the roofline. At this point, we are looking for water or other obvious roof penetrations. We also like to determine if the water is from the air conditioning units’ condensation. Sometimes we identify roof penetrations this way and sometimes we do not.

The next step is to go on the roof. We will then search around any holes, open seams, or penetrations that might be open in the leak area. Depending on the job, we can utilize density gauges or infrared cameras (used at nighttime only) to see if any of the insulation is wet which allows us to track it at the point of entry.

At this point, we have thoroughly checked and identified the problem area. Now you can expect our team to work up a proposal with photo documentation to share our findings. Once the proposal or NTE (not to exceed) work order is signed, our service crew will be scheduled to come out and make the repair! You’ll be back to normal business before you know it. Not to mention, a nice and dry ceiling/roof!

By Alex Manring

Alex has worked at Baker for 5 years! When not at work, she loves spending time outside with her Goldendoodle and her husband Cole, hanging out with her family & friends, trying all the new restaurants in Raleigh, and watching a good movie!

Back to Our Blog
Contact Us
Home Exteriors Services
Our Pinterest

The post Leak Investigation & Repair appeared first on Baker Roofing Company.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.ameristainroofing.com/?p=215

post

Baker Roofing Celebrates Women in Construction Week 2021

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

Women in Construction Week 2021

Free #WICWeek sticker for all, just click the button below! GET YOUR FREE STICKER HERE!



The last year has been one full of change and adaptation for the construction industry. Technology is allowing us to do even more virtually and has forever changed the working environment. With all this change, it is important for our industry to still take this week to recognize the diversity, adaptability, and skill that women bring to the construction industry. So, we are excited to announce it is Women in Construction Week 2021!  At Baker Roofing we look forward to this week every year. It grants us the opportunity to appreciate our team members and have the chance to interact with other women from the construction industry! This year we want to shine the spotlight on Ashley Smith from our Greensboro branch. Ashley is a member of our Residential Sales Team. She spends her days inspecting roofs and diagnosing any issues. Her customers love working with her and we are lucky to have her as a part of Team Baker! Learn more about Ashley and her journey in the industry below!
Ashley Smith

shley Smith

Residential Sales – Greensboro, NC

What led you to a career in the construction industry?>

I had actually updated my resume on a job seeking website with the goal of attaining a position in sales in the health and wellness industry. Within a day, a roofing company that read my cover letter reached out to me offering me a position in residential sales if I was interested. It was intriguing so I gave it a shot. I climbed my first roof the next day, and that was it! I instantly loved it and just wanted more. It was exciting starting something new that I knew nothing about, and I welcomed the challenge.

What advice would you give a woman starting out in the industry?>

The best advice I would give anyone starting out in the industry is be ready and open to constantly learn. Find experts in your field, and ask questions. As the saying goes knowledge is power. And to the women out there, the only ceiling you have is the one you place on yourself. At the end of the day, if you’re driven to serve and succeed, your work ethic will take you anywhere you want to go.

How have you seen the changing demographic in your workforce positively impact your organization and industry?>

It’s no secret that I’m a woman working in a field that is dominated by men, but what I truly appreciate is that at Baker, I’m not treated any differently than any of the guys that I work with just because I’m a woman. Again it goes back to how respect is earned. Gender does not matter, work ethic does. Adaptability does. Ability to work well with your team does. Taking care of your customers does. I will say as someone who grew up in the Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm era with the commercials that empowered little girls to dream big, it makes me very proud to get up every day and be “different”. As a mother to daughters and sons, I love that they see mom as a roofer, and that’s normal to them. Why wouldn’t mom do that? That’s progress in equality.

What do you enjoy most about your career?>

This is a question I could write a book on haha! l thoroughly enjoy being a part of a winning team that is as employee focused as they are customer focused. Customer interaction is probably my favorite part of my job day to day. I take the approach of educating customers on roofing basics and details so that they can make the best informed decision possible for themselves. Your home is typically your largest financial investment, and I take great pride in ensuring that we are offering the best solutions to protect that. From the standpoint of my career at Baker, I love that there is so much room for growth within the company. You don’t get to be a 100+ year old well respected company without doing things the right way, and focusing on what matters most – your customers and your team. As someone who likes to be challenged, and always wants to learn more, Baker is the perfect place for me to grow.

By Alex Manring

Alex has worked at Baker for 5 years! When not at work, she loves spending time outside with her Goldendoodle and her husband Cole, hanging out with her family & friends, trying all the new restaurants in Raleigh, and watching a good movie!

Back to Our Blog
Contact Us
Home Exteriors Services
Our Pinterest

The post Baker Roofing Celebrates Women in Construction Week 2021 appeared first on Baker Roofing Company.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.ameristainroofing.com/?p=193

post

Are Pests Damaging my Roof?

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

re Pests Damaging my Roof?

When considering different kinds of potential roof damage, it may be from pests! It is common to have pests but it is not something you want to wait to get fixed!

Your roof is designed to handle almost anything, but summer pests might result in costly unexpected repairs. There are many pests that could be damaging your roof. Rats, mice, ants, squirrels and termites are all some of the critters that can overtake your home. They can significantly endanger your health and may cause serious damage to your roof. They have the potential to harm the energy efficiency of your home and decrease the value of your home. Pest Infestations are common but they are something that you want to take control of immediately.

Here are some additional pests that could be damaging your roof:

 

BirdsBeetlesAntsRatsSquirrelsHoney beesFire antsIndoor antsBed bugsCockroaches

By Alex Manring

Alex has worked at Baker for 5 years! When not at work, she loves spending time outside with her Goldendoodle and her husband Cole, hanging out with her family & friends, trying all the new restaurants in Raleigh, and watching a good movie!

Back to our Blog
Contact Us
Home Exteriors Services
Check out our Pinterest

The post Are Pests Damaging my Roof? appeared first on Baker Roofing Company.

post

What’s the Best Reinforced Weather Protection for My Roof?

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

No matter what your roofing system looks like, it is important to know how to take care of it. Though weather varies in different areas of the country, each roof needs to employ proper protection against weather, whatever that may look like. Because your roof is so central to your home’s stability and well-being, if it is not adequately prepared for weather events, you are likely to experience damage in your house as a whole. There are many ways to protect your roof against weather and ensure that your investment in your home and roof system is safe for years to come.

Seal your roof

The first thing you can do is make sure that your roof is properly sealed. There are natural seams in a roof, such as where the eaves come together, where the chimney meets the roof, and where the shingles meet the gutter system. Applying proper flashing and sealant to these areas ensures that no leaks occur. This also helps ensure that no moisture makes its way under the shingles and causes mold, mildew, cracks, or ice dams.

Insulate the attic

Insulating your attic and ensuring that it is adequately ventilated help ensure that snow doesn’t melt against the roof’s heat and create ice dams. This also deters mold and mildew growth and allows your roof to remain in a neutral temperature range no matter what is going on outdoors.

Install RoofGuard

By hiring a trusted Mr. Roof specialist, you can have a RoofGuard+ roofing system installed on your home’s roof to protect your shingles from wind, water, algae, and more. This system has been shown to extend the life of your roof without cracking or turning your roof an unsightly color. It is the single best thing you can do to make sure that your roof lasts the maximum amount possible.

Keep an eye on the roof

Make sure to examine your roof at least twice a year to ensure there are no visible signs of damage. If you see any cracked shingles coming off or missing, it is important to contact a Mr. Roof specialist right away. These are signs that there is a larger problem with your roof that could damage your whole home. Your examinations should always be done by the ground or while standing inside and looking through a closed window. If you cannot examine your roof this way, call an expert to do it for you.

Prepare your yard

When severe weather is predicted, or when it is a severe weather season in your area, be sure to clear your yard of furniture, toys, umbrellas, planters, and anything else that could be blown into the air. It may come as a surprise, but roof damage is often caused by flying backyard objects during a storm. Removing or securing these objects can help ensure that unnecessary damage does not occur. Roof damage can cost thousands of dollars, so it is worth taking the time to prepare.

Have your roof reinforced

Ask your local Mr. Roof specialist if roof reinforcement could help keep your home secure. This process involves a high-bond glue that is applied between the roof and the rafters. This helps ensure that the roof can’t blow off or separate from the rest of the house, which would be catastrophic to the home as a whole and lethal to the roof itself.

Review your insurance

It’s best to keep up to date on your policy and what it does and does not cover. Be sure you have proper coverage based on your area, as not all policies cater specifically to the weather patterns near you. Extra hurricane or flood insurance may be necessary but will often pay for itself tenfold in the event of a significant roof disaster. Reviewing your insurance can help you remain calm and focused during an emergency.

Call Mr. Roof

The experts at Mr. Roof are here to help you whenever you have questions or concerns about your roof. For over 50 years, our team has been serving homes around the country and making sure that they are braced for all kinds of weather. No situation is too big or too small for our experts to handle. Don’t wait until tragedy hits; prepare yourself andcontact your local Mr. Roof today.

The post What’s the Best Reinforced Weather Protection for My Roof? appeared first on Mr Roof.

post

All About Your Dormer Roof

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

Homes come in all shapes and sizes. Many families choose their homes based on the overall aesthetic rather than focusing on particular features. Though this is perfectly fine, it does reduce one’s ability to appreciate the finer details that go into a beautiful home. When it comes to roofing, it’s not uncommon to overlook design even further. When homeowners consider their roofs, it’s often in relation to their condition rather than their architectural design. This puts many people at a disadvantage when purchasing a new home or building a new construction. The architectural design of your roof can have a significant impact on the roof’s functionality and can be a benefit or a hindrance, depending on where you live. There are many distinct styles of roofs, but the dormer style is absolutely one of the most unique.

What is a dormer roof?

It’s probable that you’ve seen a dormer roof before but didn’t realize that it was a distinct style unto itself. These roofs are characterized by dormer windows, which are windows that stick out from vaulted roofs and have roofing that is separate from the rest of the home’s roof slope. This provides additional space into interior rooms that have vaulted ceilings and can create nooks that are great for beds and other uses. This style dates all the way back to the 1500s in Great Britain, but variations of this style were used as early as the 12th century. Throughout the centuries, this style has been used to bring additional space and light into attic areas that previously had very little. Now that electricity is the standard, they are generally added for additional natural light or to compliment the home’s overall shape and aesthetic.

Types of dormer roofs

The dormer genre has several subcategories that are each a little bit different but still classify as dormer roofs. Remember, these classifications refer to the dormer itself, not necessarily the overall roof. The dormer often has a different shape than the larger roof. Here are a few types of dormer roofs that you may find:

Gabled. This style involves a dormer that has two slopes and one peak on top.

Shed. The shed style is a simple, one-slope roof from the larger roof over the window. There is no roof slope on the sides. Despite the name, this style is often found on homes and not on garden sheds.

Arched. On these dormers, the roof over the window is curved. This style has a French history and has a distinctly European look.

Pedimented. The pedimented roofs have a similar shape to the gabled style but involve a crossbeam that creates a triangle at the top of the window. This detail may seem small, but its roots come from Greek architecture, and this small variation can have a big impact.

Wall. While most dormers exist entirely on the roof of a home, wall dormers exist at least partially on a wall of the home. These can be more aesthetically pleasing for homes that have relatively small roofs. A wall dormer’s roof can be altered, as this style is not defined by the roof shape.

There are several other styles of dormers that are possible for a home. However, these are the most commonly found styles and represent the basics of a dormer roof.

Dormer roof considerations

When looking at a home with a dormer roof, or if you are considering adding one to your home, there are several things you’ll want to think about. As with any home feature, the dormer roof has pros and cons that may sway you in one way or another.

dvantages:

Dormer roofs increase airflow. With the added window, you can get fresh air in attics or upstairs rooms that were previously blocked in by your roof.

Additional light. Dormer roofs create natural light in attics and upstairs spaces, which makes them more livable.

Added space. A dormer may seem like a small feature, but it can bring a significant amount of space into a room. Many people choose to put their bed or a reading area in the space a dormer roof provides.

Curb appeal. Dormer roofs are a desirable commodity for a home and add increased curb appeal to your property.

Disadvantages

Leak risks. Naturally, adding more roofing and window seams raises your chances of leaking. This risk can be mitigated by investing in a quality roofer to install and maintain your dormer roof.

Price. Dormer roofs can be expensive to install. Depending on the style, one window could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000.

You can’t do it alone. Even the most experienced DIYers won’t be able to install a dormer window by themselves and will need to call a professional.

Interior uses for dormer roofs

Dormer roofs don’t just make your home’s exterior look nice, but they add a significant amount of space and variation to inside rooms as well. There are several types of rooms that dormer roofs typically benefit from, and an endless amount of possibility for how to arrange and decorate each one.

Bathrooms. Attic bathrooms are a great way to turn the space from a living space into a master suite or private living quarters. Dormer roofs add enough headspace to move around comfortably and stand at a bathroom sink.

Bedrooms. Adding a window to your attic space can make it an official bedroom on the housing market and makes it more pleasant for you as well.

Living areas. You may choose to continue to use your attic space for a general living area. The natural light helps to make it a desirable place to read, play games, or sip coffee.

Of course, there are an infinite amount of possibilities of what you could do with your dormer roof space. With the additional light, you can customize your attic to function however you’d like.

Contact Mr. Roof

Whether you have an existing dormer or want to install one, the experts at Mr. Roof are here to help. For over 50 years, our professionals have been helping families create and maintain their dream homes. Whether you have a question or want a job done fast, we are always here for you.Contact us today for a free estimate. 

The post All About Your Dormer Roof appeared first on Mr Roof.

post

How to Prepare Your Roof for Tornado Season

by Posted in Roof Maintenance

Spring brings with it lots of happy events. The flowers start to bloom, the sun feels warmer, and the summer months are almost in reach. Though spring is generally a happy time of year, it is worth remembering that it also brings an increased risk of severe weather. Tornado season extends from March to June in most parts of the Midwest and plains areas. During this time, it’s important to be as prepared as possible in case an emergency does occur. Many people stock up on bottled water and flashlights in case of outages, and many families and schools make a plan in case a tornado strikes. As you are making these plans, it’s beneficial to remember to keep your home safe too. There are several things you can do to protect your home from a tornado and minimize the damage to your roof.

Have your trees trimmed

Maintaining your trees is a common task in the springtime for most homeowners, whether they live in a tornado-prone area or not. Trees that are especially old or tall fracture easily under the pressure of wind and flying debris. Have a landscaper inspect your tree and remove any dead branches or excess twigs that could easily fly off in a storm. By eliminating weak spots, you lower the chances of parts of your tree flying into your home. It’s best to inspect your trees in the spring, even if you had them pruned in the fall, as the weight of snow may have caused new damage to occur.

Secure outdoor furniture

It’s very important to have a plan for patio furniture. In the case of inclement weather or a storm in the forecast, secure your patio furniture or bring it inside. Though patio furniture is sturdier than indoor couches and chairs, it can still be swept up in tornado winds. If your patio furniture is projected into the air, it can crash into your home and cause damage to your walls and roof. The best course of action to avoid extra damage later is to put such items in a secure location.

Clean your gutters

Gutters are a natural gathering spot for debris in the springtime. As the snow melts, it brings every object from your roof down into your gutters. This debris can prevent water from effectively draining off of your roof, which becomes a problem in a storm. Without a clear gutter to direct it, the water can leak into your home, flood your yard or pool on your roof. All of these possibilities have expensive consequences. Clean gutters will direct the water away from your home and into the sewers where it belongs. While the gutters are being cleaned, make sure to secure any loose screws that are holding the metal to your roof. This small detail can prevent your gutters from being torn off by wind gusts.

Have your roof inspected

Tornado season is a perfect excuse to have your roof inspected. This should be done regularly anyway, and having it done in the springtime helps to ensure that your home is prepared for a storm. An expert will be able to tell you if there are any areas of concern or issues that make you particularly vulnerable to storm damages. Some examples of problems are:

Roof deterioration or rot. Excess moisture will eat away at your roofing materials. If left unchecked, these spots are extremely vulnerable to breakage during storms.

Loose nails. As with your gutters, securing all parts of your roof can help to ensure that nothing flies off during periods of strong wind.

Leaks. If there is a leak in your roof, there is the possibility of flooding and excess damage. Sealing leaks ensures that the inside of your home stays dry and protected.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible problems. A professional roofer will be able to thoroughly assess your roof and give you a detailed list of possible weak spots.

Contact Mr. Roof

In situations of extreme weather and potential damage, you need a roofing company you can trust. At Mr. Roof, we have over 50 years of experience in the roofing industry and understand the volatile nature of the Midwest tornado season. We have helped countless families avoid massive damage to their homes and have helped repair roofs for families who got hit especially hard. We give you as much peace of mind as possible during the spring storm season and do quality work on which you can rely. To begin your storm preparations, or for a free estimate on any other roofing or exterior home project,contact us today.

The post How to Prepare Your Roof for Tornado Season appeared first on Mr Roof.