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What Every Homeowner Should Know About Ice Dams
In the Redmond area, roof repairs are often due to damage inflicted by ice dams. Ice dams are thick, heavy ridges of ice that can be found at the edge of the roof. If not addressed promptly, ice dams can cause significant damage to your home, and require costly roof repairs. It is possible to prevent ice dams, even in northern climates. A roofing company can help you with this.
Why Ice Dams Form
Ice dams develop when certain wintry conditions are met. First, the roof must have snow on top of it. Second, the higher elevations of the roof must be above freezing on the exterior, and the lower part of the roof must be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures, if sustained over time, will cause the snow at the higher elevation to melt. The water will run down the roof, and freeze at the lower section. The result is an ice dam.
How Ice Dams Cause Water Damage
Once an ice dam forms at the edge, snow continues to melt and flow down toward the dam. The freezing water will make the ice dam grow larger. Once the dam is large enough, the melting snow will no longer reach the parts of the roof that are at or below the freezing point. It will remain liquid, and this allows it to seep into cracks. The result is water damage in the attic, and eventually, the lower parts of the home.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
It’s possible for homes to be more susceptible to ice dams if the roofs weren’t properly installed. Consider asking a reputable roofing company to do an inspection. To prevent future damage throughout your home, it may be worthwhile to get a roof replacement before the next winter. Other steps to take include sealing all areas in the ceiling to prevent heated air from transferring from the main part of the house up to the attic. Heated air in the attic will cause the top of the roof to warm up, which allows snow to melt and form ice dams. Some homeowners take the extra step of having additional insulation placed in the attic.
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Spotlight on Highlander® Architectural Shingles from Malarkey
When you are shopping for new roof shingles in Redmond , you will want to find a product that offers exceptional durability and style. The Highlander® line of architectural shingles from Malarkey Roofing has been carefully engineered to provide your home with superior performance and protection. These high-quality shingles can withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour. With their solar reflecting properties, Highlander® shingles can also improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Along with helping to protect your home from the elements, Highlander® shingles are also ready to provide you with superior style, throughout the years and seasons. Malarkey has constructed their Highlander® shingles with special materials that resist algae, streaking, and color fading. When you invest in new Highlander® shingles, you can rest assured that your roof will maintain its gorgeous appearance for decades. If you are looking for asphalt shingles that represent the cutting edge of roofing design, the Highlander® series from Malarkey may be the right roofing materials for your needs.
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FAQs About Roof Repairs
You never want to wait around when it comes to roof repair in Bellevue. It doesn’t take long for extensive problems to develop, which will make the repair process even more expensive and involved. If you’ve never had to reach out to roofing companies to have yours repaired, you might be wondering where the problems usually lie. Knowing the signs that are typical of roof failure will help you notice signs quickly so you can deal with them. Handy homeowners may think they can repair their own roofs, but it’s best to leave this kind of work to the professionals. Here are some FAQs about roof repairs.
What usually needs to be repaired?
Your roof protects you and your home, but in doing so it can take a significant amount of damage itself. That’s why roofs are prone to specific types of malfunctions. Storms and heavy rains can take their toll on your shingles, which will be one of the first elements of your system that the inspector looks at. Shingles might be deteriorated or completely broken, which can lead to roof leaks. In addition to letting moisture into the home and potentially causing a mold problem, this can contribute to further roof damage. Rotting fascia and clogged gutters are also common culprits.
What signs should I look for?
It’s best to catch damage as soon as possible, which means you need to know what to look for. If you can tell that there are shingles missing from your roof just from standing on the sidewalk and looking at your house, you need to seek repair before a hole or leak develops. You should also call for repairs if you notice granules all over your gutters or around the perimeter of your house. If a tree falls onto your house, have it removed and have your roof inspected.
Should I repair my own roof?
Repairing your own roof isn’t safe, and you might end up doing more harm than good. Call your roofing contractor and have the professionals do what they do best. You can just sit back and enjoy the results.
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Common Types of Roof Repairs
Your roof will experience natural wear and tear over the course of the years. By keeping up on the roof repair requirements of your home, you can prevent a damaged roof from causing structural problems throughout your property. A company that specializes in roof repair and roof cleaning in Redmond will be able to assist you with all of your home’s roofing maintenance requirements. To help you determine when it is time to call your local roofers, here is a look at some of the most common types of roof repairs.
Fascia Replacement
The fascia is the portion of the roof that protects its lower edges. Typically, a roof’s fascia will be crafted out of solid wooden boards. Since the fascia provides your roof with its first layer of protection against the elements, this part of your roof can often suffer from water damage. If your fascia has begun to rot, mold, or warp, you will need to hire a team of roof repair technicians to replace this damaged roofing component.
Shingle Replacement
Your roof’s shingles are another component that may suffer from excessive wear and tear. Along with providing your roof with exceptional style, your roofing shingles are also designed to protect the structural components of your roof from water damage, UV exposure, and high winds. When you start to notice that several of your shingles are broken or missing, this is a clear indication that you need to schedule a shingle replacement with your local roofing company.
Gutter Cleaning
When heavy rains arrive in your area, your gutters will protect your roof and foundation from water damage. Gutter cleaning is among the most common types of roof repairs that homeowners schedule for their properties. Throughout the course of the fall and winter season, falling leaves and debris can clog up a gutter system and cause it to bend or sag. If your gutters are clogged or broken, do not hesitate to set up professional roof repair services for your home.
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The Importance of Good Attic Ventilation
When homeowners think about their roofing, the color and design of the roof shingles, along with the slopes and angles of the structure , are usually what come to mind. However, the attic vents play a critical role in protecting your roof and home. Watch this video to learn why overlooking attic ventilation for your roof in Redmond can be a costly mistake.
A properly designed and installed attic ventilation system promotes a continuous flow of air through the attic. To help reduce heat and moisture buildup, attic ventilation is essential year-round. In the summer, heat can accumulate in the attic and warm up your home, promoting high air conditioning bills. In winter, a lack of attic ventilation can lead to ice dams that damage roofing. To help protect your home and roof, ensure that your attic is well-ventilated.
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What’s the Difference Between Architectural and 3-Tab Shingles?
When you are shopping for new roofing materials to use during your roof replacement near Redmond , you may find yourself choosing between architectural and 3-tab shingles. Both types of roofing shingles will provide a durable and attractive exterior layer for your new roof. Ultimately, your choice between architectural and 3-tab shingles will come down to your personal style preferences and desired durability. Here is an overview of some of the main difference between architectural and 3-tab shingles.
Style
One of the most easily recognizable differences between architectural and 3-tab shingles is their different style and aesthetic properties. While 3-tab shingles will provide your roof with a traditional appearance, architectural shingles can be used to create a bold and distinctive style. If you desire the appearance of wood or tile shingles, but want to remain in the asphalt price range, architectural shingles may be right for your needs. With a 3-tab shingle installation, your roof will have a more conventional look and feel.
Weather Resistance
Another major point of variation between architectural and 3-tab shingles is the relative durability and weather resistance of each type of roofing shingle. Conventional 3-tab shingles are designed to last for up to 30 years before they need to be replaced. With an architectural shingle installation, you can expect your shingles to last up to twice as long. With their terrific resistance to wind, rain, and sun exposure, architectural shingles are a durable choice for your roofing needs.
Weight
Architectural shingles are typically much heavier than 3-tab shingles. When you install new architectural shingles on your roof, you can rest assured that your roofing will be heavy enough to remain intact under high wind conditions. The heavier weight of an architectural shingle allows it to resist wind speeds that reach nearly 120 miles per hour. By contrast, 3-tab shingles may come loose in winds reaching 60 miles per hour or less. If you want to make sure that your roof can withstand the next big storm, you might want to consider an architectural shingle installation.
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Understanding Your New Roof
When your home is in need of a roof replacement, you will want to make sure that your new roof is constructed with quality materials. This video provides essential information about how to understand the most important components of your new roof. To ensure a quality construction, your roofing contractors near Redmond will need to use roofing felt, underlayment, and high quality roofing shingles.
By investing in quality roofing materials from a local roofing supply company, you can rest assured that your new roof will be able to protect your home, throughout every season of the year. After you have researched the different components that are used to construct a new roof, you will be ready to embark on the roof replacement process.
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When to Add a Dormer to Your Roof
When you embark on a roof replacement for your home, you may want to consider adding a dormer to your existing roofline. Roofing contractors near Redmond can help you determine whether a dormer will fit into the existing structure and style of your current roof. By choosing to include a dormer in your roof, you can expand the ceiling height and natural light of your top floor room. Before you embark on a new dormer installation, there are a few factors that you will need to consider.
In order to determine whether a dormer will make a good fit for your roof, you will want to consider the overall style of your home. Dormers look best when they are installed in homes that are classic in style. If you want to achieve better functionality from your attic, a new dormer installation may be the ideal addition to your roof. Before you hire roofers to design and install a new dormer, you will also need to make sure that you can obtain the necessary permits.
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The Importance of Fixing a Leaking Rooftop Vent Pipe
Your roof’s vent pipes are continually exposed to water, sunlight, and other damaging elements. In this video from This Old House, you will learn about the importance of fixing a leaking vent pipe on your roof. If your vent pipe starts to leak, your roof and attic could suffer from water damage. A team of roofing contractors near Redmond will have the tools and materials that are needed to fix a leaking rooftop vent pipe.
After your roof vents have been repaired, you can rest assured that your vent and surrounding roofing materials are protected from water damage. Caulking, flanges, and other special roofing materials can be used to completely seal off the vulnerable areas of the vent.
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See How the Pros Apply Asphalt Roof Shingles
When your property is in need of new roofing materials, you will want to trust your installation to a company that specializes in roofing near Redmond. In this video from Bob Vila, you will take a look at how professional roofing contractors install new shingles on a roof. In order to secure the roofing shingles in place, a contractor uses special roofing nails.
Rather than attempting to repair your roof on your own, be sure to get in touch with a certified roofing company when you are in need of repairs. A team of roofers will be able to provide you with the services that are needed to restore your roof and install a panel of brand new roofing shingles . After you have replaced your shingles, your roof will be restored to perfect condition.