5 Roofing Tips For Summer

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and take care of home improvement projects you’ve been putting off all winter. If you have older kids at home on summer break, why not keep them busy by putting them to work painting that old fence or clearing brush from flower beds? Exterior home improvements will add beauty and value to your property. As the heat continues to rise, there are a few things we can do to prepare our homes for the season. These tips will help you keep your cool, as the temperature rises.

Prep Your Attic

You attic is largely overlooked, but is a focal point for keeping your home cool during these summer months. Did you know your attic can reach up to 150 degrees during the summer? That heat above you can rob your home of the cool air conditioning if it’s not properly insulated and maintained up there. It’s a must to inspect things like moisture in the plywood in your attic. As we know in the northwest; moisture can lead to mold. How about those exhaust fans from your kitchen and bathrooms? These, if improperly installed, can be a big contributor to the moisture buildup in your attic, ultimately causing costly repairs.

Correcting improperly-installed vent pipes can not only reduce moisture, it can also reduce heat build-up in your attic. Rerouting pipes or ductwork are fairly easy fixes for this issue. However, improper ventilation isn’t the only issue. Here are some tips to help make sure your attic and roof are ready for the summer season:

1. Check to make sure those exhaust fans are working well and are vented properly.

2. Make sure those drains and gutters on the roof are clean and clear of debris. This will help prevent an overflow and damage during a storm.

3. Make sure you check the attic and the roof for small signs of damage, and note them. These small spots can turn into large repairs if not attended to and monitored. Schedule a free roof inspection to catch anything before it gets out of hand.

4. Make sure there are no missing, damaged, or loose tiles or shingles.

5. Check your attic for any signs of pests. This (as we know) can turn into a major problem quickly. If you spot any signs, make sure to schedule an appointment with a pest elimination company as soon as you can.

As a note, make sure you have someone with you during your attic and roof check for safety. Feel free to schedule your inspection with us to identify the problems before they become major concerns.

Schedule a free roof inspection today, and Greenawalt Roofing Company will make sure your summer is a great one!  717-898-6000.

Top 5 Materials for a Residential Gutter Installation

Gutters are a vital part of your roofing system, protecting it from water damage and other outdoor elements. Without them, water runoff may seep through the roof into your interiors, or fall directly onto the ground, weakening your home’s foundation. Before you embark on gutter installation, carefully consider the materials you want to use, as this can impact aesthetic appeal, durability, and pricing, among other factors. 

What’s the Best Gutter Material for Your Home?

1. Vinyl

A popular choice among homeowners, vinyl gutters are easy to install and the most economical choice for gutter installation. Vinyl gutters come in a variety of colors, making it easy to find options that match the color scheme of your property. Vinyl is ideal in moderate climates, but doesn’t fair well in extreme temperatures.

2. Steel

Steel gutters are available in several varieties, such as galvanized and stainless. Of the two, stainless steel is more expensive, but it is a tougher material. Galvanized steel is a suitable alternative, but it’s more susceptible to rusting and corroding than its stainless steel counterpart.

3. Copper

Another steel alternative, copper gutters look beautiful and boost curb appeal. Copper is just as durable as stainless steel, but it costs more to install. However, because of their high visual appeal and monetary value, copper gutters are more prone to theft and can be stripped from buildings.

4. Aluminum

Aluminum gutters are perennial favorites to homeowners for the same reasons that vinyl is a top choice. However, aluminum has several advantages over vinyl, including superior weather-resistance and the ability to bond to paint more efficiently. These gutters come in sectional and seamless variations, both of which are easy to install. However, aluminum gutters are more susceptible to denting than other materials.

5. Wood

Typically found in older homes, wooden gutters are often used for restoration work. Gutter installation using this material is more delicate and needs extensive maintenance to prevent rotting or cracking. They are also relatively expensive, costing more than copper, but the returns come in the form of improved curb appeal.

At Greenawalt Roofing Company, we know how important gutter systems are and we use the same care with our gutter & spouting installation as we do with our quality roofing services. We offer a variety of gutter systems in a variety of colors and materials to complement the look of your home. For a free gutter estimate, contact Greenawalt Roofing Company at 717-898-6000.

Tips to Help You Make a Roof Maintenance Checklist

As a roofing expert, Greenawalt Roofing Company strongly recommends including roof maintenance in your regular home maintenance checklist. By staying aware of your roof’s condition and fixing small problems before they escalate, you will improve your roof’s lifespan, performance and appearance.

Roof Leak Warning Signs

You don’t need to climb on your roof to spot signs of trouble. It’s best to leave that to the professionals. Instead, examine your roof from the ground with a pair of binoculars, looking for damaged or missing shingles, rust spots or cracked caulk on your flashings, cracked or worn out rubber boots around vent pipes and masses of mold and lichen. Check your gutters for piles of asphalt granules, as well. Granules in your gutters can indicate that your asphalt shingles are nearing the end of their service life.

Other Signs of Roof Leaks

You can also check the other areas of your home for early signs of roof leaks. Go to your attic and look for wet insulation or sunlight peeking through the roof. Both signs mean your home is vulnerable to leaks. You can also look for dark areas on your ceilings, water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace and peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs. As a roofing specialist, we recommend calling us for a professional inspection if you spot any of these signs.

Our Roof Inspection Services

Our professional roof inspection and maintenance services will provide a more accurate picture of your roof’s condition. Water can travel from one end of your roof to another, making it hard to pinpoint the source of a leak without professional help. We can also determine the status of your roof underlayment and see if there is hidden damage to your roof’s structure. We can spot small problems before they cause costly water damage, so we suggest scheduling a professional inspection at least twice a year.

We can help you with all of your roofing maintenance, and replacement needs. Greenawalt Roofing Company is a Certainteed 5-Star SELECT ShingleMaster. By choosing Greenawalt Roofing Company for your roof replacement you are selecting a contractor in the top 1% of his profession who has met the most stringent credentialing requirements in the roofing industry. In other words, your home is in the very best of hands. Greenawalt Roofing Company has proven expertise in roof installations, is properly insured, and held to the highest standards of the program's code of ethics. Greenawalt Roofing Company is fully licensed and insured and we will provide a Certificate of General Liability and Worker’s Compensation for every job we perform. Call us today for your FREE estimate or schedule online!

Common Spring Roofing Problems

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. It’s also a great season to do some preventive maintenance around your home, including your roof. Problems with your roof can lead to widespread damage in your home that necessitates costly repairs.

Damaged Gutters

Extreme weather takes a toll on your gutters. If your gutters are clogged or leaky, we recommend investing in a replacement. Various factors like temperature changes and strong winds can contribute to your gutters’ deterioration.

Persistent Leaks

Persistent roof leaks are common in the spring, and are among the top causes of water damage in homes. Avoid extensive damage to your home by turning to a Greenawalt Roofing Company for home exterior services.

Animal Lodgings

The physical damage your roofing system sustains usually shows up in the form of loose shingles and a damaged chimney. These create breeding grounds for insects and small animals like birds and squirrels. Over time, the added weight of these critters and their nests can damage your roofing system.

Contact us today!

Our team of experts would love to come out and provide a FREE roof estimate for you, so that you can plan to take the right next step when the time is right. We’ll provide a free assessment and give you an honest feedback on your roof’s condition. We’ll even tell you if your roof is still able to provide adequate protection for a few more years. We can help you make an informed decision. Contact us today, 717-898-6000, or schedule your appointment online!