You don’t have to climb on top of your roof to take care of it. By doing what you can from the ground and by hiring the right professionals, you can maintain a functional and serviceable roof. Here’s what you need to know about roof maintenance. 

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Although it’s easy to overlook your chimney during roof maintenance, the chimney is an important part of the roof and has several key vulnerabilities. If you’re thinking of buying a house with a chimney, don’t let the chimney escape your notice (or your home inspector’s notice). Check for these six chimney problems. (more…)

Roof flashing is the number one defense (and in some cases the only defense) your roof has against leaks at edges and other susceptible spots. And you’re often the only thing standing between the flashing and a roof leak because of neglect. Keeping an eye on your roof and its flashing contingent should be near the top on your roof maintenance priority list. (more…)

What does tarping your roof after a storm, giving the roof a good cleaning each fall, and walking on the roof to inspect it have in common? They’re all a lot more hazardous than they sound — and not just for the person doing the work. These are just a few roof projects that can result in severe damage to the roof if done by inexperienced personnel.

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You were leaving your house the other day and noticed a shingle popping up off of the roof or one that was simply missing. Though this kind of minor perfection on your home annoys you, you didn’t think that was a cause for alarm. Sadly, that’s not the case.

Very small issues with a roof can slowly become leaks that may cause damage through your whole home. To prevent large problems later, you need early intervention. Learn why in this blog.

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Does your roof need gutters? The short answer: probably, but not always. It may seem strange to see a house without gutters, but every once in a while you might encounter one. In fact, whether your home actually needs gutters depends on the build of your home, where your home is, and whether your home experiences water-related issues. Here’s everything you need to know about gutters or gutter installation. (more…)

If you would like to have more light in your home, consider adding a skylight. Of course, skylights work best in rooms that are directly below the roof, although solar tubes can make skylights possible in rooms below attics. Understanding the pros, cons and different types of skylights will help you make an informed decision. (more…)

As a landlord, you’re responsible for the habitability of your rental property. Yet, it can be difficult to juggle serious repairs if you have tenants. What should you do if you have to do something serious, such as replace the roof of your home? (more…)

Many people recognize external condensation (such as rainfall or snow) but overlook the potential effects of internal condensation. Thus, internal condensation can cause serious damage before you notice it. Unfortunately, excessive condensation interferes with your roof’s durability. (more…)

Homeowners are usually looking for ways to add livable space to their house. The desire is often to add outdoor living areas. The common method for adding outdoor living space is to install a first-story deck or patio. However, if you have a multi-story house, you have even more potential space for increasing your outdoor living space in the form of an upper-story deck.

That said, as with any home addition, you have many considerations to keep in mind. You’ll want to consult with local contractors about building codes and engineering. Indeed, you should hire contractors to do the work as your second-floor deck needs to be architecturally sound. Below are some style practicalities to also add during the planning stage. (more…)