Pests That Can Damage Your Roofing

There are many reasons why you might notice damage to your home’s roofing. Heavy wind and rainfall often result in missing shingles, dislodged flashing, and leaks, but pests may also cause structural problems. (If you have a pest issue, consider contacting Aptive exterminators to handle that for you.) From time to time, roofing contractors recommend that you inspect for the following handful of insects and rodents.

What Are the Most Common Pests to Look Out For? 

1. Termites 

Roofing contractors caution against termites, who are usually drawn to areas of your roof that contain mold, mildew, or dry-rotted spots. They build colonies within these soft, compromised materials, making your roof more vulnerable to collapse. These critters also tend to chew through insulation, making your home less comfortable and energy-efficient.

2. Bees & Woodpeckers

Carpenter bees create tunnels through the boards and beams of your roof, which weakens the structure. To make matters worse, woodpeckers feast on carpenter bee larvae, and they may peck through the wood to find their food source. As a result, you may notice punctures or sagging in your roof. 

3. Bats & Birds

Bats and birds tend to make their nests in attics and roofing materials. They leave unsightly droppings that have unpleasant smells and may put you at risk of serious illnesses. These winged creatures typically access roofing materials through damaged fascia boards. 

4. Mice & Rats

Like ants and termites, mice and rats chew through wood, but they also tear away at plumbing and electrical wiring. In addition to causing extensive damages, this may create fire and flood hazards. 

5. Squirrels

Squirrels have sharp claws and teeth to help them climb and break open acorns, but they can also use these features to scratch and gnaw through roofing shingles. If they work their way through the roof, they can build nests in the attic and, like mice and rats, chew through insulation or wires. 

Protect your roofing materials from these pests with routine inspections and maintenance. Contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today 717.898.6000.

In response to COVID-19

As we all adjust to our new normal with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) causing disruption in our families, communities, and businesses - Greenawalt Roofing Company is doing all we can to effectively serve, and responsibly protect our workers and customers. 

As you all know, Governor Tom Wolf has ordered a shutdown of all “Non-life-sustaining” businesses in Pennsylvania. We will be closing our doors to the public and adhering to the strict guidelines given to us. We are taking all the recommended precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus.

We will continue to operate for EMERGENCY INSTALLATIONS ONLY to ensure your home continues to be the place you feel the safest. We are also able to continue free estimates and storm damage inspections utilizing our no-contact procedures. 

In response to COVID-19, we have put together a comprehensive business plan to continue these limited operations in a safe manner with our current and new customers.

Our procedures will consist of the following during this pandemic, and until further notice:

• Inspections, consultations, and installations will be completed with zero physical contact.

• If you would like to review samples of our products, such as siding, or shingle colors, we will have a Greenawalt representative drop them off at your front door.

• Our software system allows us to offer digital paperwork and e-signatures as paperwork will be sent directly to your personal devices (or snail mailed if requested).

• Digital paperwork gives our small business the ability to continue inspections, consultations, and construction as seamlessly and safely as possible during this unprecedented time.

• In an effort to stay aligned with current health safety guidelines, all emergency replacements will be done with a construction crew as small as possible without affecting your install (less than 10 people).

All employees, who are able to do so, will be working from home until further notice. They are available to take all of your calls, emails, and text messages. This is an uncertain time for the world, for local businesses like us, and for individuals. As the situation progresses and evolves over the upcoming days and weeks, we will continue to modify our business to ensure we can continue to serve those who need us at this time of uncertainty.

Our hope and prayers are for the safety and good health of everyone! Your home is where you should always feel the safest. Greenawalt Roofing Company will go to great lengths to ensure your safety. 

SHOULD I USE MY TAX REFUND ON A NEW ROOF?

Are you receiving a tax refund this year? Like most people, you may find yourself tempted to splurge and spend it on something frivolous and fun. However, why not make a smart choice and invest the money back into something beneficial, such as your most important asset…your home. Is your roof coming to the end of its life? Did you discover new leaks this winter? You may need a roof replacement.

ROOF REPLACEMENT

It’s no secret that a roof replacement is a major expense. However, having an extra chunk of cash from your tax refund can soften the blow and make now the perfect time to undertake this project. Pennsylvania’s climate is not particularly friendly with roofs either. Missing shingles and tiles often lead to further damage of your roof’s structure, and leaving them un-repaired for too long will often damage your roof beyond repair. Call today for your FREE estimate, and let the experts at Greenawalt educate you on if your roof should be repaired or replaced.

ROOF MAINTENANCE

Getting a roof inspection and maintenance service is a great way to prevent roof problems from becoming serious issues. A maintenance service will often include an inspection for issues that may have developed as well as minor repairs and cleaning services to keep your roof functioning to the best of its ability. For roofs which are coming to the end of their life, these maintenance services are important to prevent any small problems from suddenly growing into a serious issue that can lead to an urgent need for full replacement. Maintenance will also include gutter inspections, cleaning, debris clearing, and more. Depending on the condition your roof is in, you should consider having this done either once or twice per year.

Greenawalt Roofing operates every day with the goal of achieving 100 percent customer satisfaction by doing whatever it takes to exceed expectations. We only use the highest quality materials with a precision installation on every job. In fact, we’re so committed to a superior installation that we offer an exceptional warranty on all of our roofing and gutter systems.

Home Exterior Projects for This Spring

As the snow melts and the brown foliage emerges, you can start to see your home’s exterior again. This means it is time for exterior maintenance! Spring brings a variety of outdoor projects that can reveal some problems with your exterior and/or yard. To help, we created a list of what you should do and the problems you might encounter when doing so.

Front Door

Project: Inspect your doorway and wipe it down.

Problem: If there is any squeaking or rattling, your door could be misaligned. Your door might not be properly insulating your home. If you have a squeaky and dented door, you may want to replace it. Front entry doors have a fabulous return on investment.

Walkways

Project: Look over your walkway and driveway.

Problem: If you have uneven or cracked pavement, seal any cracks and replace parts that are unrepairable.

Lights

Project: Check your outdoor light bulbs.

Problem: Are they old or broken? Replace the bulbs with LED energy efficient bulbs.

Siding

Project: Walk around and inspect your siding.

Problem: If your siding rattles, appears melted, is missing parts, or has dents, you should replace that section as soon as possible. If your wood siding gives and seems mushy, you will want to replace that right away, too. If you see a lot of these siding issues, consider replacing your home’s siding.

 Windows

Project: Clean the outside of your windows.

Problem: Moisture, warping, rattling, and drafty windows should be replaced this spring. You can find very cost effective windows that are energy efficient. Here are 4 signs you need to replace your windows.

Roof

Project: Inspect your roof from the ground.

Problem: Damaged or missing shingles need to be replaced. Here are some Common Signs of a Bad Roof.

Chimney

Project: If you have a chimney, see how the exterior of it looks.

Problem: Blockages, creosote build up, and cracks in the flue pose a threat to your home. Have your chimney cleaned out by a professional, don’t let it sit dirty until fall.
 

Appliances

Project: Clean your air conditioner.

Problem: Refrigerant leaks, corrosion, and electrical issues are a few problems you may face if you don’t properly maintain your air conditioner.

Faucets

Project: Check your outdoor faucets for any visible damage.

Problem: If you turn on the outdoor faucet and no water comes out, call a plumber right away.

Gutters

Project: Clean out your gutters.

Problem: Your gutters may be loose, rusty, or have holes in them. If there are too many issues with your gutters it may be best to replace them. They are important for keeping water away from your home’s foundation.

Yard

Project: Walk around your yard and look for problems.

Problem: If areas of your yard have some flooding or lack of grass, you may need to install a drainage system or reseed these areas.

 Mulch

Project: Add some new mulch around your trees, shrubs, and plants. Don’t add mulch until the ground thaws.

Problem: Using too much mulch can cause root decay, attract rodents, and fungi. This can harm the plants you are trying to protect.

Tools

Project: Clean and take inventory of your yard tools.

Problem: Broken, old, or dirty yard tools may not work properly and may harm you.

Trees

Project: Take a look at your trees. Any sick or broken branches should be pruned right away. Wait to prune the rest of your branches until early spring to stimulate growth.

Problem: Pruning the wrong way can harm your tree. Prune the proper way at the right time.

Plan

Project: Create a budget for any repairs or improvements you want to make to your home's exterior.

Problem: Without a plan, you may not have enough money saved up to complete your project.

Need to replace your gutters, siding, roof, or windows? Greenawalt Roofing Company has you covered. We offer a variety of roofing, siding, and windows to fit your home’s style and needs. Contact us today for your FREE estimate at 717-898-6000.