penneyconstruction - Tumblr blog

[penneyconstruction]

How Do I Know If I Have A Roof Leak?

The most obvious sign of a roof leak is a damp patch on your ceiling or water dripping from the ceiling, but a roof leak can be much more insidious than that. Here are some less conspicuous signs that should send you looking for the source of the leak:

Moisture-laden air in your rooms – if the air inside your home has become stale lately and if you notice signs of dampness where previously there was none, you can suspect that the excessive moisture is coming through a crack or a hole in your roof;

Mold in your rooms – the sudden appearance of fungal infestations in your rooms might also indicate a roof leak through which the excessive, mold-causing moisture penetrates your interior spaces;

Excessive moisture or droplets of water in the attic – if the beams or other components in your attic have become covered in droplets of water, the sign also indicates that water can penetrate your attic space through an unwanted opening in the roof;

The sky visible when you stand in your attic and look up at the roof – in many cases, roof leaks can be detected looking up at the roof from the attic.  The roofing Wichita KS offers is some of the best, so have your roof inspected at least twice a year before the rainy seasons.

First Seen on: How Do I Know If I Have A Roof Leak?

[penneyconstruction]

Do Roofers Do Gutter Installations and Maintenance

Most roofers handle not only roof installation, repair and maintenance projects, but gutter-related projects as well, either separately from the projects that involve roofs or as part of the roofing project they are working for. Ideally, when you get a new roof, you should get new gutters as well and whenever you get your roof inspected and maintained, the process should involve the gutters as well. Here are the benefits of hiring a roofer to install and to maintain your gutters:

Peace of mind that the best type of gutter has been selected for your building – gutters come in many different sizes, types and material options and choosing the product that works best for your building is essential for ensuring efficiency. Roofers usually provide consultation about the gutters that are the most suitable for your application, so turning to them is a great way to ensure that you have durable gutters;

Professional installation and maintenance – gutters might not seem too difficult to install, but the process does require special tools and some know-how. Hiring one of the experienced Wichita roofing companies for the process of installing and, later, for maintaining your gutters ensures that your gutters are installed correctly and will last till the end of their warranty time without causing you any problems.

First Seen on: Do Roofers Do Gutter Installations and Maintenance

[penneyconstruction]

Are DIY Roof Repairs Recommended?

Most professional roofer advise homeowners not to undertake any major roof repair and roof installation, but there are many smaller tasks that can be safely performed by DIYers and are beneficial. Here are some:

Roof and gutter cleaning – both tasks are essential for maintaining the strength and the safety of Wichita roofing as well as of the adjacent parts. Start with the roof – get a broom or a brush on a long stick and run it on the roof surface either standing on a ladder or from your attic window, then get a scraper and remove any debris from the gutters and the downspouts, too;

Replace damaged components – if you have a couple of damaged tiles or shingles on your roof and you feel comfortable working at height, you can perform the replacement of the damaged parts, but before you climb up to the roof, make sure that you are familiar with the procedure and you have the right tools and materials for the replacement;

Gutter repair or replacement – if you notice that your gutters don’t work properly because one or several sections are damaged or sagging, you can climb up there and check the damage. Gutter replacement also requires you to stand firmly on your ladder and to have a great sense of balance, but it is not a very difficult task.

First Posted here: Are DIY Roof Repairs Recommended?

[penneyconstruction]

Are There Specific Roofing Products For Wichita?

There are no roofing products that have Wichita’s name stamped on them, but the climate that dominates the region in which the largest city in Kansas is located (in the transitional zone between humid subtropical and humid continental climate, with cold, dry winters, humid summers and lots of extreme weather events, such as hail and storms), along with the style and the purpose of the building for which the roofing products are chosen delimit the available options quite well. Here are the products that work best for Wichita:

Asphalt shingles – one of the most common roofing materials used across the country works perfectly for Wichita as well. The material is affordable, easy to install and to maintain and can last for about 20 tears;

Metal – modern metal roofs are attractive, resistant to the elements and offer a durability of up to 50 years without requiring any special maintenance, other than regular cleaning and inspections;

Clay and cement tiles – these solutions are higher-priced than the previous two and both clay and cement tiles are quite heavy, but they offer classic beauty, resistance to extreme weather as well as durability of up to one hundred years. These materials are also very easy to maintain and to repair for Wichita roofers.

First Seen over here: Are There Specific Roofing Products For Wichita?

[penneyconstruction]

Can Storm Damage To Your Roof Be Seen From Ground Level

There is some roofing damage that can be seen from ground level and this is why you should keep an eye on your roof, even in between the annual inspections made by specialists who also climb the roof.

Here is what to look for:

Missing or obviously damaged shingles

These problems are more common in old roofs, but can also occur following a severe storm.

Accumulations of leaves in certain areas of the roof, especially towards the edges, near the gutters. These residues not only retain moisture but also interrupt the drainage of water from the roof, being susceptible to block gutters and downspouts.

Loose gutters or downspouts

As a result of strong winds, the fixing accessories may give way, and gutters and downspouts can come off.

Tree branches hanging too close to the house, or above the roof

Trees that have branches hanging over the roof should be trimmed to remove the risk of roof damage. This will also reduce the moisture and mold problems caused by the shade they make, as well as the amount of vegetal residue that will accumulate in the gutters.

Moss, algae and fungi

They are formed mainly on ceramic tiles and, in addition to ruining the appearance of the roof, creating unsightly black spots, favor moisture and erode the roofing material.

To be sure your roof does not have damage that you can't see, call a professional roofing company like https://penneyconstruction.net to come out and conduct an inspection.  It's always good to repair minor damage to eliminate major damages.

Article Source here: Can Storm Damage To Your Roof Be Seen From Ground Level

[penneyconstruction]

Do Gutter Guards Really Work

Rainwater must benefit from the most advantageous route to drain safely from the roof and to resume a new cycle of circulation in nature. Gutters, especially those provided with guards, certainly contribute to this.

Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris lose their ability to drain water, often causing water leaks on the facades, damaging their aspect and structure. Gutter guards will keep them clean and you will get the following additional benefits:

You get rid of the seasonal cleaning operations - which can be expensive and dangerous at the same time

There are no more obstacles; rainwater will flow freely to the sewers

There is no more standing water on the roof, which will reduce moisture and the problems associated with it

Using gutter guards, you can keep your drainage system clean and efficient for a longer time, avoiding the danger of water overflow. They also prevent snow accumulation and the formation of icicles in winter.

The installation of the gutter guards is very easy and is done along the entire length of the gutters, "hidden" inside, thus preventing the penetration of dirt, twigs and leaves, as well as the associated moisture. The roofing companies Wichita KS has make it look easy.  The leaves - the main causes of clogged gutters - are dried on this sieve filter and taken by the wind, sooner or later.

Original Post on: Do Gutter Guards Really Work

[penneyconstruction]

What Is Involved With A Roof Replacement

When replacing a roof partly or entirely, you need to consider all the services associated with this complex work. In this way, you will be able to find out what are the stages or preparations for such a project.

The first step is to find a reliable local roof contractor and clarify in detail all aspects of the project, such as: the model and color of the roof and rainwater system, the surface and materials required for the new roof, the gutters and downspouts, the accessories, as well as delivery installation details.

Shortly after this, you will receive from the roofing company, a price offer for the replacement of the old roof. The offer must include all the important details about the roofing project (roof model, quality class, warranties, color, necessary accessories, rainwater system) and the related services (transport and workmanship).

After accepting the offer, it is time to sign the contract and the roof replacement work can start with removing the old roof.  By analogy, the installation of the new roof will be the reverse process of dismantling.

Dismantling the roof refers to the partial or total removal of the old roof, which consists of:

dismantling gutters and downspouts;

dismantling skylights;

removing the cover material and accessories

The partial or total dismantling of the roof aims to:

recovery, reconditioning, processing and management under the conditions established by law, of the resulting material resources

disposing safely the resulted debris

sorting the materials with the consent of the beneficiary, based on an economic justification

A roofing project is best left to roofing companies Wichita KS is home to for professional quality results.

  First Posted over here: What Is Involved With A Roof Replacement

[penneyconstruction]

How Soon After A Storm Should I Have My Roof Inspected

Severe weather can affect any roof. The older roofs are more vulnerable, but the new ones are not infallible either, especially if they are dealing with strong storms.

Soon after such a weather phenomenon, the roof must be inspected by someone such as Penney Construction in your area. And soon means immediately, otherwise you risk experiencing bigger problems.

Water infiltration on the last ceiling, under the roof, indicates that there is damage to the roof. But not all roof problems are as obvious, so you must walk inside the house, checking for wet spots where the walls and the ceiling meet the exterior walls. Then look outside the house, in the area where you saw the indoor infiltrations, for visible damage.  The rainwater system, i.e. gutters and downspouts, must not have loose, deformed or cracked elements; the area under the eaves must not show visible damage either.

Then proceed to the verification of the roof cover. Identify any problems, such as missing tiles, signs of hail damage, cracks or uncovered spaces caused by moving or missing tiles, etc. Finally, check the skylights or attic windows, chimneys, vents, solar panels mounted on roofs etc.

Write down what you noticed, take photos and contact an expert roofer as well as your insurer.

  First Seen right here: How Soon After A Storm Should I Have My Roof Inspected

[penneyconstruction]

A New Roof Is an Investment That Pays Off

When you are taking up a major house renovation project, consider having a new roof installed by roofing Wichita KS experts instead of repairing the old one. A new roof installation may be a major and expensive project, but it pays off in the long run.

  Let’s look at the numbers and explanations. According to statistics, installing a new roof will cost you anywhere between $5,348 and $10,709. This yields an average cost of $7,500.

  Option 1 – You Continue Living in the House

If you enjoy your home, you will be able to rest assured that your new roof will last you for a lifetime. A professionally installed new roof has a lifespan of around 80 years. This means that your adult children will eventually have to replace the roof, in their middle age.

  Option 2 – You Plan to Sell the House

If you are undertaking the renovation project in order to sell your house, then the new roof will bring you an extremely high ROI (return on investment). According to real estate agents, a new roof boosts the resale value of your home by up to $8,150. Looking at the average installation cost - $7,500 – and doing the math, this means a ROI of 109%.

Original Post over here: A New Roof Is an Investment That Pays Off

[penneyconstruction]

Leaking Gutters Can Cause Foundation Damage

Clogged and leaky gutters can damage your house in several ways. If water doesn’t drain properly from the roof, it will eventually infiltrate inside the attic. And if it is not properly diverted away from your house, it can damage the foundation.

  How Water Accumulation Damages the Foundation of a House

If the gutter is clogged, it may leak water right next to your house. No big deal, you’d say. But consider all the rains and the melting rain you had in just one year. That’s a lot of water. And when it accumulates around the foundation, it causes damage in more than one way:

  Land Erosion

In time, water can erode the land around the house foundation. Simply put, the soil washes away. In this case, you will note the basement walls bowing or angling. Also, you may note doors and windows jutting out.

  Foundation Sinking and Settling

When you built your house, you looked for a solid plot of land, not a mud hole, because it would not really hold the weight of the building and keep it upright. A leaking gutter, in time, will create this mud hole. And you will note that your basement floor becomes cracked and the walls are uneven and titled to one side. This is the effect of foundation settling and sinking.

  Basement Flooding

When the damage becomes severe, you will note water accumulating into your basement directly from the soil. In this worst case scenario, you need major repair works to the foundation of your house.  It's best to seek the help of Wichita general contractors to remedy the issues before they cause major damage.

Originally Posted here: Leaking Gutters Can Cause Foundation Damage

[penneyconstruction]

Gutters are a Necessary Part of a Roof

  No matter what architectural style a house has and what type of roof it has atop, all buildings have something in common: gutters. That simple system of drains and pipes installed as discreetly as possible to collect and direct rain water down to the ground is crucial to keep the roof in good condition.

  Why Should You Care about the Gutters on Your Roof?

Without gutters, rain water and melting snow would simply pool on the roof. In time, water finds its way through tiny cracks and rusts away metal. And soon enough you would have a serious infiltration and mold problem in the attic.

  Now, let’s get back to the gutters. You don’t just have to have them, you need to look after them and keep them clean. Not only water goes down the gutters, but also dead leaves, small pieces of wood, bird droppings and other types of debris. In time, they will cause a buildup and clog the gutter.  It is important to hire roofers experienced in roofing Wichita KS homes to keep the gutters maintained and in good working condition.

  This is why every responsible homeowner cleans their gutter especially at the beginning of spring and at the end of fall. These are the times when your gutters are most likely to get clogged. It takes a little work, but clean gutters are not just a good idea – they are essential!

First Posted on: Gutters are a Necessary Part of a Roof

[penneyconstruction]

Roof Inspections Play a Major Role in Roof Continuity

The roof is one of the crucial parts of any house. It keeps wind, rain and snow away and keeps the rooms warm and safe. And, because it has such an important role, your roof deserves your full attention and lots of TLC.

  The Roof Endures the Worst Wear and Tear of the Entire Building

Do you imagine what your roof has to go through year after year? It is pelted by rain, scorched by sun, hammered by hail and then freezes under a layer of snow. This is major wear and tear – mostly caused by temperature variations.

  This is why periodic roof inspections are extremely important if you want to have a solid roof over your house for a long time. A skilled roofing contractor can easily spot the first cracks and signs of damage and recommend simple and effective ways to fix them.

  If they pass unnoticed for some time, these small cracks will become larger, allow water to infiltrate and bring mold and fungi inside your house. This means that you will have to perform extensive repair and renovation works, not only to the roof, but also to the attic.

  All these costs and inconveniences can be avoided if you have your roof inspected by https://penneyconstruction.net at least twice per year so don’t put it off!

Article Source over here: Roof Inspections Play a Major Role in Roof Continuity

[penneyconstruction]

Tips for Summer Maintenance for Your Roof

Summer is a time for relaxation and fun, but it is also a busy time for homeowners who want to maintain their property in great condition. One of the maintenance tasks that should not be neglected, no matter how hot it gets, is roof maintenance – here is a checklist for keeping your roof strong and safe all summer:

Gutter and downspout maintenance – check your gutters and downspouts regularly for clogs and physical damage, such as cracks and breaks. Scrape out any clog and debris that you find and while you are up there, check the fasteners that hold the gutters in place and fix the ones that have become loose. Checking and cleaning the downspouts is also very important – they are responsible for directing the rainwater into the ground, so they should be free from clogs;

Check the roof vents – your roof vents should also be clog free to allow the unobstructed movement of air underneath the roof;

Check the roof valleys and any area covered in flashing – flashing stripes that are installed around the roof openings, such as the skylights and the chimneys and in roof valleys are sensitive to impact, so they must be regularly checked and, if necessary, repaired or replaced.  The flashing should all be inspected and repaired by Wichita roofing companies with experience in  your local area.

First Seen on: Tips for Summer Maintenance for Your Roof

[penneyconstruction]

Why It’s Important to Know if Your Contractor is Licensed

Many homeowners who need roofing services fall prey to unlicensed roofers who work cheap. Here is why you should avoid such contractors and why you should always hire a properly licensed expert like Penney Construction:

Permission to do roofing work in your state – roofer licenses are issued by the state the roofing business is registered and, in most states, obtaining a license is the only way for roofers to operate legally in a state;

A guarantee of quality – roofers study and practice a lot before they obtain their license and they also need to pass difficult exams to become licensed. The extensive learning and practice that is behind a roofer license ensure you that licensed roofers will perform a much better job on your roof than a cheap, unlicensed roofer would;

Work that meets all official requirements – licensed roofers are knowledgeable of local building codes and permitting regulations, therefore they can make sure that your roof complies with all applicable laws and regulations;

Insurance – it is only with a licensed contractor that you can be sure that the roofer will take responsibility, should any damage or accident occur while the contractor is working on your roof. In most states, legally operating roofers must carry various types of insurance policies, so a licensed roofer means safety as well.

Originally Posted here: Why It’s Important to Know if Your Contractor is Licensed

[penneyconstruction]

How to Choose a Color for Your New Roof

The color of your new roof is more than just a feature that affects the curb appeal of your building – it is also a feature that affects the energy-efficiency of your entire building. Here is how to choose the best hue:

Consider the color palette of the building – the color of your roof should match the colors used on your building exterior, the principle color as well as the color of the trim. Choose a matching color, rather one that is identical with the colors of the siding;

Choose a color that blends in with the houses in the neighborhood – if your home is located in a neighborhood with classic, terracotta roofs, you should choose a similar hue for your roof, too;

Consult local building codes and HOA regulations – many local building codes and HOA covenants have very strict rules about the colors that can and cannot be used on buildings in the area. Your roof color should comply with all those rules – otherwise you risk being made to remove the roof;

Consider the climate – as a general rule, darker colors absorb heat, while lighter hues are more reflective. If you live in a region characterized by hot spells, a lighter colored Wichita roofing will help a lot with keeping your building cool.

First Posted right here: How to Choose a Color for Your New Roof

[penneyconstruction]

How Animals Can Cause Damage to Your Roof and Gutters

The weather is one of the most common causes of damage sustained by roofs – the other most common culprit is the critters that set up home on and underneath the roof surface, in the roof vents and in the gutters. The damage caused by animals, such as insects like termites and wasps, smaller or larger rodents, including ratoons, mice and rats and birds can be mild or sever, visible or hard to detect – here are some examples:

Damage caused by rodents – these critters usually make their way into the attic through already existing holes underneath the roof or through holes that they create chewing and tearing material. They usually refuge themselves to attics to escape from extreme cold or heat and to breed, the damage they cause usually including torn or cracked roof covering elements to create suitable entry and exit points, chewed materials, such as wood components and cables and highly toxic excrement left behind;

Damage caused by insects – the most common form of damage caused by bugs is damage to the wooden components that they feed on or where they build their nests;

Damage caused by birds – the nests and the acidulous excrements are the most common dangers associated with birds. The nests built by birds in gutter pipes and in roof vents might cause obstructions that can lead to further damage in the form of roof leaks or roof overheating for Wichita roofers to repair.

First Posted right here: How Animals Can Cause Damage to Your Roof and Gutters

[penneyconstruction]

The Most Significant Questions to Ask a General Contractor Before Hiring Them

Are you looking to hire a general contractor to remodel your kitchen or bathroom? Maybe you’d like to turn your basement into a home theater or a lounge. In each case, the following questions will help you out when it comes to finding the right contractor for the job:

  Are you licensed and qualified to help me take care of the remodeling job or repair job that I need help with? You’ll want to find proof of their claims, such as a copy of their license as well as references and photographs that attest to the quality of their past projects.

Make sure to also ask whether they have the necessary insurance coverage to protect you in the event of any type of problem – from minor damage to your property, to a flunked remodeling job, to an employee of the company or a household member being injured during the job.

How long will it take to complete the project? You’ll want to know the exact time, especially if you plan a party or you’re thinking of selling your home afterwards.

Do you offer written estimates? Always ask a general contractor with roofing companies Wichita KS community to provide you with a written estimate, so you’ll not only know what the project entails and how much it’ll cost, but also be aware of the specifics of the work and what it will entail from start to finish.

Originally Posted over here: The Most Significant Questions to Ask a General Contractor Before Hiring Them