You water bill is sure to spike in the coming months, as you turn on your sprinklers more frequently and spend more time in the shower getting off all the sand from trips to the beach! As home maintenance experts, we have a few tips for toilet upgrades that can help you save water. Relax, you don’t have to buy a brand new toilet to benefit from the latest and greatest water-saving technology. Read on to find out what you can do.
Several new product kits replace the inner workings of toilets with dual flush units. One flush setting removes liquids and paper (it uses less water and is used more often), while the other removes solids (if you get my drift!) and uses more water. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that replacing a pre-1995 toilet (which consumes a whopping 3.5 gallons per flush) with a 1.28-gpf toilet can save a family of four up to $2,000 on water bills over the course of the toilet’s lifespan. Although variables like the cost of water in your area and your household size are factors, the savings speak are there nonetheless. Fixing leaks (caused by a broken toilet flapper) can save up to around 200 gallons of water a day, according to estimations by the EPA.
Showing posts with label leaking roofs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leaking roofs. Show all posts
Monday, May 16, 2011
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Do Reflective Roof Materials Work?
The temperature of your roof plays a very important part in a number of different environmental factors within your home. If your roof collects heat without reflecting any then your home will get incredibly hot during the summer months meaning you will have to pay more for energy bills to keep your air conditioning running or face long sweaty days with no reprise from the searing temperatures. This extra heat can also cause a build up of moisture inside your roof and eventually cause damage to the timber structure; this damage may manifest itself in the form of cracks, warped materials and leaks. Also in winter your home will get very cold and you will have to pay more for heating to keep your home at a reasonable temperature. There are essentially four main types of reflective roofing materials you may want to consider using for your roof.
Reflective roofing materials – metal roofs.
Aluminum, brushed stainless steel and other materials are used to create the metal roof New York. They are usually durable and hardy giving you an extended life on your roof and homeowners with metal roofs have reported savings of 20% on their annual energy bill. Don’t forget that cooling buildings accounts for an incredible 1/6th of all the energy that is used in the average home. The problem with metal roofs is that while they prevent the heat from being emitted in your home they actually trap it and so they do not actually reflect the heat as well as other types of reflective roofing material. If combined with a polymeric coating they become even more efficient and you could realize greater energy reduction within your home.
Reflective roofing materials – roofing tiles.
When considering roofing tiles New York as reflective roofing materials the most important factor to consider is the color of the tiles. Anyone who has been out on a summer day wearing a black t-shirt will know that dark colors do not reflect heat and anything they protect gets very hot very quickly. The same is also true when considering reflective roofing materials. Whether you choose ceramic or fabricated concrete you should select a light color that will do an effective job of reflecting the heat away from your home.
Reflective roofing materials - Roofing membranes.
Again, with roofing membranes New York it is important to opt for the right kind of color. Lighter is always better, and if you opt for the darker membranes that give your roof a similar appearance to that of one using slate shingles it will have very little reflective quality to it and you will need to pay through the nose for your air conditioning and you might also face damage to the roof itself.
Reflective roofing materials – metal roofs.
Aluminum, brushed stainless steel and other materials are used to create the metal roof New York. They are usually durable and hardy giving you an extended life on your roof and homeowners with metal roofs have reported savings of 20% on their annual energy bill. Don’t forget that cooling buildings accounts for an incredible 1/6th of all the energy that is used in the average home. The problem with metal roofs is that while they prevent the heat from being emitted in your home they actually trap it and so they do not actually reflect the heat as well as other types of reflective roofing material. If combined with a polymeric coating they become even more efficient and you could realize greater energy reduction within your home.
Reflective roofing materials – roofing tiles.
When considering roofing tiles New York as reflective roofing materials the most important factor to consider is the color of the tiles. Anyone who has been out on a summer day wearing a black t-shirt will know that dark colors do not reflect heat and anything they protect gets very hot very quickly. The same is also true when considering reflective roofing materials. Whether you choose ceramic or fabricated concrete you should select a light color that will do an effective job of reflecting the heat away from your home.
Reflective roofing materials - Roofing membranes.
Again, with roofing membranes New York it is important to opt for the right kind of color. Lighter is always better, and if you opt for the darker membranes that give your roof a similar appearance to that of one using slate shingles it will have very little reflective quality to it and you will need to pay through the nose for your air conditioning and you might also face damage to the roof itself.
Do You Need a New Roof?
This is the first question many roofing contractors New York get asked when dealing with a new potential customer. Often the answer is that repairs will do the trick. Other times a new roof or re-roof will be in order. We will discuss some common problems that occur and try to determine the best course of action for each. I’d like to note here that it is always best to seek the advice of a reputable, qualified professional. Early detection of problems is by far the most desirable option available. Yearly inspections by a knowledgeable, licensed professional can save you a ton of money in future repair, or replacement costs.
Exterior Inspection
A thorough exterior inspection should be the first step in making a decision on whether to replace or repair a roof New York. A frequent culprit is damaged or missing shingles. High winds as well as improper installation can cause shingles to become displaced. Some regions of the country (especially in the southeast) may have shingles permeated by algae or fungus which can lead to damage of the roof decking material. Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents may also be a source of potential problems. Checking rain gutters for granules and bits of rotten wood may also indicate trouble. It should be mentioned that loose granules found after application of new roofing should not alarm you, this is normal; on older roofs this indicates the need for replacement. Buckling of shingles may be a result of improperly installed felt, or shifting of the roof deck. Though there are other things to look for while inspecting the exterior of your roof an interior inspection is most likely to be the deciding factor when asking “Do I need a new roof?”
Interior Inspection
An interior inspection can be instrumental in deciding whether or not to go with a new roof New York. Deteriorated decking or decking that sags between the rafters (sometimes visible during an exterior inspection) is a sure sign that superficial repairs such as replacing a few shingles will not suffice. If both the decking and rafters are badly damaged it is time to consider a new roof. Re-roofing (placing a new roof over the existing one) when there is extensive damage to rafters and/or decking can lead to major future problems, even roof collapse in areas with heavy snow.
Exterior Inspection
A thorough exterior inspection should be the first step in making a decision on whether to replace or repair a roof New York. A frequent culprit is damaged or missing shingles. High winds as well as improper installation can cause shingles to become displaced. Some regions of the country (especially in the southeast) may have shingles permeated by algae or fungus which can lead to damage of the roof decking material. Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents may also be a source of potential problems. Checking rain gutters for granules and bits of rotten wood may also indicate trouble. It should be mentioned that loose granules found after application of new roofing should not alarm you, this is normal; on older roofs this indicates the need for replacement. Buckling of shingles may be a result of improperly installed felt, or shifting of the roof deck. Though there are other things to look for while inspecting the exterior of your roof an interior inspection is most likely to be the deciding factor when asking “Do I need a new roof?”
Interior Inspection
An interior inspection can be instrumental in deciding whether or not to go with a new roof New York. Deteriorated decking or decking that sags between the rafters (sometimes visible during an exterior inspection) is a sure sign that superficial repairs such as replacing a few shingles will not suffice. If both the decking and rafters are badly damaged it is time to consider a new roof. Re-roofing (placing a new roof over the existing one) when there is extensive damage to rafters and/or decking can lead to major future problems, even roof collapse in areas with heavy snow.
Choosing the Right Roof
Aside from choosing the right contractor for your roofing project New York perhaps the most important decision you will have to make, is choosing the roof itself. There are many options to choose from and many factors to consider, sometimes making it a very difficult decision indeed. A good roofing contractor can help you in making the right choice.
As you begin the process of deciding which roofing system is right for you, there are many questions you must ask yourself (and the contractor). How long will the roof last? This is a big question and one that ultimately depends on the type of system used. Some are designed to last for twenty years and others are built to last fifty or more.
Weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow will also need to be considered. Are there wildfires or intense heat in your area? If so heat resistant materials may be necessary in order to get the most out of your new roof.
Is the desired material too heavy for the existing roof structure? If you have an older wooden home it may not be able to support clay tile or other heavier materials.
Will the new roof New York compliment the style of my home? If you own a historic home you may want to apply the same material that was originally used, or a modern material (such as plastic polymers) that can match the look.
There are even synthetic materials that look like wood. Also, you will need to consider whether or not your roof has the right slope to accommodate the type of system you would like.
You will also need to determine if the local building codes allow using a particular roofing system New York. Again this is where a reputable, fully licensed and insured contractor can spare you a lot of headaches. And if there is a community association (you know the people that tell you what color your house can be) you may want to check with them as well.
As you begin the process of deciding which roofing system is right for you, there are many questions you must ask yourself (and the contractor). How long will the roof last? This is a big question and one that ultimately depends on the type of system used. Some are designed to last for twenty years and others are built to last fifty or more.
Weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow will also need to be considered. Are there wildfires or intense heat in your area? If so heat resistant materials may be necessary in order to get the most out of your new roof.
Is the desired material too heavy for the existing roof structure? If you have an older wooden home it may not be able to support clay tile or other heavier materials.
Will the new roof New York compliment the style of my home? If you own a historic home you may want to apply the same material that was originally used, or a modern material (such as plastic polymers) that can match the look.
There are even synthetic materials that look like wood. Also, you will need to consider whether or not your roof has the right slope to accommodate the type of system you would like.
You will also need to determine if the local building codes allow using a particular roofing system New York. Again this is where a reputable, fully licensed and insured contractor can spare you a lot of headaches. And if there is a community association (you know the people that tell you what color your house can be) you may want to check with them as well.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Leaks in the Roof
A skylight is an excellent source of both warmth and light for your home and they can enhance the overall appearance of your house as well as giving you a little extra air when required. There are a number of different factors that can lead to a leaky skylight but the most common factor is an improperly fitted or installed skylight. This inadequacy is usually brought about because having a skylight fitted by a professional roofing contractor can cost a lot of money, and people tend to revert to a handyman or, often worse still, doing it themselves.
Without proper knowledge of construction regarding the skylight fitting and the roof surrounding it, though, can lead to disastrous results. Even the inadequate fixing of an existing leaky skylight can make things worse. Roofing contractors tend to charge quite a high cost to fit a skylight because they would rather work on better paid, roof installments. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a reputable and highly skilled roofing contractor who will complete the job at a reasonable price. However, because fitting a skylight is a skilled job, as is all roofing, you will need to pay more to have one fitted properly by an expert when compare to paying a handy man to fit it.
The damage a leaky skylight can cause.
A leaky skylight causes relatively minimal damage in the short term, however over the long term this damage can become significant so you should make sure that the drops you saw coming off your skylight are actually condensation and not the first tell tale signs of a leak. You may end up having to replace wallpaper, carpets and worse still making structural repairs to the inside of your house (although only usually in extreme circumstances). A leaky skylight may also be indicative that you have bigger problems with your roof so you should get someone out to check it as soon as possible.
Without proper knowledge of construction regarding the skylight fitting and the roof surrounding it, though, can lead to disastrous results. Even the inadequate fixing of an existing leaky skylight can make things worse. Roofing contractors tend to charge quite a high cost to fit a skylight because they would rather work on better paid, roof installments. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a reputable and highly skilled roofing contractor who will complete the job at a reasonable price. However, because fitting a skylight is a skilled job, as is all roofing, you will need to pay more to have one fitted properly by an expert when compare to paying a handy man to fit it.
The damage a leaky skylight can cause.
A leaky skylight causes relatively minimal damage in the short term, however over the long term this damage can become significant so you should make sure that the drops you saw coming off your skylight are actually condensation and not the first tell tale signs of a leak. You may end up having to replace wallpaper, carpets and worse still making structural repairs to the inside of your house (although only usually in extreme circumstances). A leaky skylight may also be indicative that you have bigger problems with your roof so you should get someone out to check it as soon as possible.
Melting Snow and Roof Leaks
Looking after the roof of our house is the first and possibly most important step to caring for the long-term life of any house. Roof leaks are obviously a big problem in any house but knowing the correlation between melting snow and roof leaks can help you to prevent one of the major problems that many houses face. When snow melts and runs down the roof it often refreezes at it reaches the edge of the roof and the gutter.
You’ve probably stood back in awe looking at these ice dams that form, but these can cause havoc with the integrity of your roof. However, they are relatively easy to prevent and doing so will undoubtedly save you money and heartache in the future.
How ice dams form.
The warmth from your house melts the snow on the top of your roof because this is the warmest part of your roof. As this melted snow runs down the roof underneath the snow it then reaches the roof edge, which is at sub zero temperature; this drop in temperature causes the snowmelt to refreeze creating the dams that you often see on people’s houses in winter. The weight of these dams can cause a problem itself, however, the real problem occurs when further snowmelt collects in pools against the dams. This water eventually runs through the roof and into the house. Understanding this connection better melting snow and roof leaks is the first step to preventing it, and you basically have two options in order to do so.
Control the roof temperature.
There must be sub zero temperatures in order for the snow to be created initially, there then must above zero temperatures to melt the snow and there must be further sub zero temperatures to create the ice dams. Without all three of these factors you will not suffer from ice dams. For instance your shed is very unlikely to suffer ice dams because the entire surface of the roof is at a sub zero temperature. This means there is no build up of ice around the eaves. It is virtually impossible to keep the whole of your roof at temperatures above zero during very chilly winters, but it is possible to keep a new roof entirely at sub zero temperatures without compromising the temperature of the house. In order to avoid melting snow and roof leaks you need to have very good insulation, ventilation and an effective air barrier. This keeps the warm air in and the roof at a constant temperature thus eliminating melting snow and roof leaks from occurring.
You’ve probably stood back in awe looking at these ice dams that form, but these can cause havoc with the integrity of your roof. However, they are relatively easy to prevent and doing so will undoubtedly save you money and heartache in the future.
How ice dams form.
The warmth from your house melts the snow on the top of your roof because this is the warmest part of your roof. As this melted snow runs down the roof underneath the snow it then reaches the roof edge, which is at sub zero temperature; this drop in temperature causes the snowmelt to refreeze creating the dams that you often see on people’s houses in winter. The weight of these dams can cause a problem itself, however, the real problem occurs when further snowmelt collects in pools against the dams. This water eventually runs through the roof and into the house. Understanding this connection better melting snow and roof leaks is the first step to preventing it, and you basically have two options in order to do so.
Control the roof temperature.
There must be sub zero temperatures in order for the snow to be created initially, there then must above zero temperatures to melt the snow and there must be further sub zero temperatures to create the ice dams. Without all three of these factors you will not suffer from ice dams. For instance your shed is very unlikely to suffer ice dams because the entire surface of the roof is at a sub zero temperature. This means there is no build up of ice around the eaves. It is virtually impossible to keep the whole of your roof at temperatures above zero during very chilly winters, but it is possible to keep a new roof entirely at sub zero temperatures without compromising the temperature of the house. In order to avoid melting snow and roof leaks you need to have very good insulation, ventilation and an effective air barrier. This keeps the warm air in and the roof at a constant temperature thus eliminating melting snow and roof leaks from occurring.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Leaking Chimneys!
A fireplace can be a truly marvelous thing. They are usually the centerpiece of any living room they happen to be in. A fireplace provides ambiance, warmth, and mood, all while lowering your heating costs. But, to have one you must also have a big hole in your roof. This is where the potential for trouble comes in. These are the basics of getting a good, weather tight seal around your chimney.
When dealing with roof leaks, place flashing high on the list of usual suspects. It is the most common thing to go awry, and chimney leaks are no different. Flashing is sheet metal that keeps the transition between the chimney and the roof watertight. If water manages to get behind the flashing, it can do extensive damage to the roof decking, framing, and even the interior of your home. You will want this fixed immediately, in order to avoid expensive repairs.
To properly install flashing will require two layers. The first layer is called step flashing. L-shaped sections of sheet metal are woven into the shingle courses and lapped up the side of the chimney. The next layer of metal (counter-flashing) should be imbedded in the mortar joints of the chimney and folded down to cover the step flashing.
Even if installed by a skilled professional the corners will need a bit of extra attention. As the metal is cut and bent around the corners it leaves a very small gap that should be sealed with a quality urethane caulk. Please note that extra caulk is not a viable substitute for quality flashing work.
There are quite a few different metals used as flashing. Aluminum and galvanized steel are two of the most common types. Copper is available, and lasts a very long time, but as you may have guessed it also happens to be very expensive. Lead is also used, and its malleability makes it rather easy to work with.
If a chimney happens to be located at the bottom of a roof slope, it may be a good idea to build (or have built) a cricket. A cricket is a small diversion roof built on the high side of the chimney. This roof helps keep the flashing from being slammed against by water rushing down the length of a roof slope.
It is a very good policy to inspect the seal around your chimney every year or two. Look for missing or damaged flashing, as well as cracks in the masonry. Small cracks can be caulked with a masonry specific caulk. Some builders even recommend spraying the chimney with a silicone based sealant to keep moisture from soaking into the brickwork.
A Real Advantage Contruction is your #1 source for all your roofing needs in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York! Choose them for your next roof repair need!
When dealing with roof leaks, place flashing high on the list of usual suspects. It is the most common thing to go awry, and chimney leaks are no different. Flashing is sheet metal that keeps the transition between the chimney and the roof watertight. If water manages to get behind the flashing, it can do extensive damage to the roof decking, framing, and even the interior of your home. You will want this fixed immediately, in order to avoid expensive repairs.
To properly install flashing will require two layers. The first layer is called step flashing. L-shaped sections of sheet metal are woven into the shingle courses and lapped up the side of the chimney. The next layer of metal (counter-flashing) should be imbedded in the mortar joints of the chimney and folded down to cover the step flashing.
Even if installed by a skilled professional the corners will need a bit of extra attention. As the metal is cut and bent around the corners it leaves a very small gap that should be sealed with a quality urethane caulk. Please note that extra caulk is not a viable substitute for quality flashing work.
There are quite a few different metals used as flashing. Aluminum and galvanized steel are two of the most common types. Copper is available, and lasts a very long time, but as you may have guessed it also happens to be very expensive. Lead is also used, and its malleability makes it rather easy to work with.
If a chimney happens to be located at the bottom of a roof slope, it may be a good idea to build (or have built) a cricket. A cricket is a small diversion roof built on the high side of the chimney. This roof helps keep the flashing from being slammed against by water rushing down the length of a roof slope.
It is a very good policy to inspect the seal around your chimney every year or two. Look for missing or damaged flashing, as well as cracks in the masonry. Small cracks can be caulked with a masonry specific caulk. Some builders even recommend spraying the chimney with a silicone based sealant to keep moisture from soaking into the brickwork.
A Real Advantage Contruction is your #1 source for all your roofing needs in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York! Choose them for your next roof repair need!
Roofing Cost Estimates
As with any major job that needs doing to the house one of the most important factors that is likely to play on your mind is the cost. Roof price is made up of several factors, that we discuss below, and you should always be careful that you aren’t compromising quality or service in order to lower the roof price by a few dollars.
Many roofing contractors will provide similarly price quotes but you should always ensure that you are comparing them on a like for like basis and don’t forget that the cheapest offer isn’t necessarily the best value for money and the most expensive offer isn’t necessarily the worst value for money.
Materials.
Materials will be one of the biggest factors involved in calculating your roof price and while it is possible to reduce the cost by using different types of material you have to remember that this can often lead to a false economy. If using a different material means a saving of 10% on your roof price, but the material will last 30% less time then your best option is to choose the more expensive material. Obviously it is important that you select materials that are hard wearing and good looking where required but are also cost effective. You should have selected a roofing contractor that you have some faith in and discussing the particular materials with him or her will usually give you the answers you are looking for.
Labor.
Labor cost may vary slightly from one contractor to another but not by very much and it is certainly unlikely to be an area that can be negotiated. Within your roof price will be charges for all laborers including the people who strip your roof and load the skip. Any preliminary work you can do yourself is always advisable and if you are able to do any of the menial work yourself then you should consider this also. You need to check the terms of liability insurance with the roofing contractor first though and agree the tasks you will complete yourself before negotiating a contract. This really can make a difference to your roof price.
Profit.
This is the area that may have a little room for negotiation but every company needs to make a profit. Get quotes from small companies and from large companies and compare the roof price associated with these quotes. While small companies may not require the same level of profit as the larger companies, they will usually have to pay more for materials and other factors making the bottom line roof price very similar
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, New York! They have the background and experience to make sure that your roofing estimate is right on! Choose them for all your roofing repair needs!
Many roofing contractors will provide similarly price quotes but you should always ensure that you are comparing them on a like for like basis and don’t forget that the cheapest offer isn’t necessarily the best value for money and the most expensive offer isn’t necessarily the worst value for money.
Materials.
Materials will be one of the biggest factors involved in calculating your roof price and while it is possible to reduce the cost by using different types of material you have to remember that this can often lead to a false economy. If using a different material means a saving of 10% on your roof price, but the material will last 30% less time then your best option is to choose the more expensive material. Obviously it is important that you select materials that are hard wearing and good looking where required but are also cost effective. You should have selected a roofing contractor that you have some faith in and discussing the particular materials with him or her will usually give you the answers you are looking for.
Labor.
Labor cost may vary slightly from one contractor to another but not by very much and it is certainly unlikely to be an area that can be negotiated. Within your roof price will be charges for all laborers including the people who strip your roof and load the skip. Any preliminary work you can do yourself is always advisable and if you are able to do any of the menial work yourself then you should consider this also. You need to check the terms of liability insurance with the roofing contractor first though and agree the tasks you will complete yourself before negotiating a contract. This really can make a difference to your roof price.
Profit.
This is the area that may have a little room for negotiation but every company needs to make a profit. Get quotes from small companies and from large companies and compare the roof price associated with these quotes. While small companies may not require the same level of profit as the larger companies, they will usually have to pay more for materials and other factors making the bottom line roof price very similar
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, New York! They have the background and experience to make sure that your roofing estimate is right on! Choose them for all your roofing repair needs!
Cathedral Ceilings
Classic cathedral ceilings are beautiful and timeless. They give the home and open, airy feel but they are also more prone to moisture damage than a traditional ceiling. The design of a cathedral ceiling creates isolated air spaces, which are more difficult to treat. There has been an ongoing debate, for years, among experts who feel that ventilation is necessary for cathedral ceilings.say that it is required to help eliminate the moisture buildup, while others say that a simpler method will suffice. The question that may are asking is, “What is best?” The real answer, however, lies with only one question. “What is best for my home?” You, and only you, can make a well-informed decision about how to properly care for and protect your ceiling.
Say ‘Yes’ To Ventilation For Cathedral Ceiling
We believe that a ridge vent is, in fact, highly recommended for a cathedral ceiling. It will allow warm and moist damaging air to be released between the rafters. This moist air, which can cause a lot of damage if left alone, would otherwise be trapped between the rafters and would soon begin to cause the wood decking to rot. In addition, many other problems could begin to occur.
It is necessary to provide ventilation to cathedral ceilings in order to release the moisture and prevent it from worsening. The presence of moisture can cause a lot of damage to the roof’s structure, including rotting, weakening and a possible need for replacement. If left untreated, moisture can damage the ceiling, but also cause problems throughout the structure of the home itself.
Improper Ventilation For Cathedral Ceiling
Roof vents or a power fan would not be recommended for a cathedral ceiling home. The reasoning lies in that either of these types of vents will only ventilate the space between the rafters, but are not sufficient for completely eliminating moisture damage. These types of ventilation are most widely used for homes with wide open attic space, but not a cathedral ceiling. A ridge vent, on the other hand, will be able to properly handle ventilation for a cathedral ceiling.
Find A Local Contractor In Your Area
Unless you are certain about installing the proper ventilation for your cathedral ceiling, you should call a professional roofing contractor. They are trained and work daily with all types of roofing problems, including ventilation for cathedral ceilings and will be able to better inform you of your options to better protect your home. It is often recommended that you speak with several before making a final decision. Ask questions, get quotes and ask about warranties.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn in New York! Choose them for all your roofing needs!
Say ‘Yes’ To Ventilation For Cathedral Ceiling
We believe that a ridge vent is, in fact, highly recommended for a cathedral ceiling. It will allow warm and moist damaging air to be released between the rafters. This moist air, which can cause a lot of damage if left alone, would otherwise be trapped between the rafters and would soon begin to cause the wood decking to rot. In addition, many other problems could begin to occur.
It is necessary to provide ventilation to cathedral ceilings in order to release the moisture and prevent it from worsening. The presence of moisture can cause a lot of damage to the roof’s structure, including rotting, weakening and a possible need for replacement. If left untreated, moisture can damage the ceiling, but also cause problems throughout the structure of the home itself.
Improper Ventilation For Cathedral Ceiling
Roof vents or a power fan would not be recommended for a cathedral ceiling home. The reasoning lies in that either of these types of vents will only ventilate the space between the rafters, but are not sufficient for completely eliminating moisture damage. These types of ventilation are most widely used for homes with wide open attic space, but not a cathedral ceiling. A ridge vent, on the other hand, will be able to properly handle ventilation for a cathedral ceiling.
Find A Local Contractor In Your Area
Unless you are certain about installing the proper ventilation for your cathedral ceiling, you should call a professional roofing contractor. They are trained and work daily with all types of roofing problems, including ventilation for cathedral ceilings and will be able to better inform you of your options to better protect your home. It is often recommended that you speak with several before making a final decision. Ask questions, get quotes and ask about warranties.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn in New York! Choose them for all your roofing needs!
Black Mold
You may have heard about black mold on the news, a passing story about a baby who got sick or a family that discovered their house was overrun with the stuff. But do you know what black mold is and how it could affect your family?
Toxic molds such as the infamous black mold are a form of fungus, one of the most common forms, in fact. It spreads easily under the right conditions and unfortunately, the right conditions can be found in many homes these days. While an extreme quantity of any kind of mold can cause problems in humans, some people are more sensitive than others and black mold tends to trigger health problems in most of the population
What are the health problems caused by black mold? They are numerous and include difficulties breathing and allergic reactions. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic back in 1999, 37 million Americans suffer from mold-related sinus infections which are chronic in nature. Also, asthma has risen at an alarming rate the past few years and experts claim that this is due to mold exposure.
Small children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems (such as pregnant women and those suffering from HIV) are most at risk for problems related to black mold, although it can affect anyone exposed to it for long periods of time. Most of the time, the symptoms are fairly mild, simply allergic reactions. However, they can actually be deadly to some individuals and for this reason it is important to identify and remove any toxic mold from the home.
Black mold tends to grow in moist, dark places. Bathroom showers and in the cabinets under a sink are two very common places to find this mold. While these are areas that would normally be fairly damp and dark, leaking pipes or faucets and floods can also trigger the growth of this noxious fungus in areas such as the basement and inside the walls. If you have a leaking roof, you might also notice black mold growing on your ceiling and down the walls.
Once black mold has become established in one area, it can quickly spread. Unfortunately, this usually means that extensive renovations will need to be done in order to get rid of the mold entirely. That could mean replacing drywall, floor boards and baseboards, among other things. For the safety of your family, though, it is well worth the expense and the hassle.
Any leaks or flooding should be cleaned up immediately and the area dried thoroughly before any mold gets a chance to start growing. You should repair a leaking roof as soon as possible and keep your home well ventilated so that mold doesn’t have a chance to get a foothold.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 souce for fixing and preventing roof leaks in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx in New York! They have the background and experience to make sure that your home is perfectly fitted with a nice roof! Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roof repair needs!
Toxic molds such as the infamous black mold are a form of fungus, one of the most common forms, in fact. It spreads easily under the right conditions and unfortunately, the right conditions can be found in many homes these days. While an extreme quantity of any kind of mold can cause problems in humans, some people are more sensitive than others and black mold tends to trigger health problems in most of the population
What are the health problems caused by black mold? They are numerous and include difficulties breathing and allergic reactions. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic back in 1999, 37 million Americans suffer from mold-related sinus infections which are chronic in nature. Also, asthma has risen at an alarming rate the past few years and experts claim that this is due to mold exposure.
Small children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems (such as pregnant women and those suffering from HIV) are most at risk for problems related to black mold, although it can affect anyone exposed to it for long periods of time. Most of the time, the symptoms are fairly mild, simply allergic reactions. However, they can actually be deadly to some individuals and for this reason it is important to identify and remove any toxic mold from the home.
Black mold tends to grow in moist, dark places. Bathroom showers and in the cabinets under a sink are two very common places to find this mold. While these are areas that would normally be fairly damp and dark, leaking pipes or faucets and floods can also trigger the growth of this noxious fungus in areas such as the basement and inside the walls. If you have a leaking roof, you might also notice black mold growing on your ceiling and down the walls.
Once black mold has become established in one area, it can quickly spread. Unfortunately, this usually means that extensive renovations will need to be done in order to get rid of the mold entirely. That could mean replacing drywall, floor boards and baseboards, among other things. For the safety of your family, though, it is well worth the expense and the hassle.
Any leaks or flooding should be cleaned up immediately and the area dried thoroughly before any mold gets a chance to start growing. You should repair a leaking roof as soon as possible and keep your home well ventilated so that mold doesn’t have a chance to get a foothold.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 souce for fixing and preventing roof leaks in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx in New York! They have the background and experience to make sure that your home is perfectly fitted with a nice roof! Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roof repair needs!
Roofing Repair and Contractors
The primary concern of any house owner when he or she goes in for roof repairs is whether the contractor to whom they have awarded the contract is capable.
Is the contractor worthy of being given the responsibility for repairing the roof and other structures in the house? Does the claims which he makes as regards past repair and projects actually relate to his expertise in the field of repair. Can he be trusted? Is he qualified enough to suggest the replacement or repair of the roof? If you are plagued by these questions, then read on.
Whatever be your roofing repair or roof replacement needs, you need a qualified professional roofing contractor whom you can trust. This translates to finding a roofing contractor who knows good roofing practices. He must be aware of roof flashing details, on how to handle problem spots on building roofs and alternative roof covering products like shingle types,
grades, colors, low slope roofing, flat roofing materials, etc. A competent roofer will provide the client with sound advice on products, reasonable explanation of procedures, and, most importantly dependable results in the form of a strong and a durable roof.
It's difficult to determine the capabilities and reliability of a contractor just on face value or when he or she approaches you with a printed brochure. In order to select a qualified contractor there are few steps which are advised to be taken so that the client who is getting the repairs done gets a fair deal. These include doing a market survey of available contractors and their market credentials, meeting members of the local councils to get their suggestions and then homing on to a manageable list of contractors whom you think can do the job for you. Based on referrals and your meetings, you need to make a checklist of people who qualify for your job.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roofing repair in Bronx, Queens, and the Bronx in New York! They have the experience and background to make sure that your roof is repaired promptly and affordably. Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roof repair needs!
Is the contractor worthy of being given the responsibility for repairing the roof and other structures in the house? Does the claims which he makes as regards past repair and projects actually relate to his expertise in the field of repair. Can he be trusted? Is he qualified enough to suggest the replacement or repair of the roof? If you are plagued by these questions, then read on.
Whatever be your roofing repair or roof replacement needs, you need a qualified professional roofing contractor whom you can trust. This translates to finding a roofing contractor who knows good roofing practices. He must be aware of roof flashing details, on how to handle problem spots on building roofs and alternative roof covering products like shingle types,
grades, colors, low slope roofing, flat roofing materials, etc. A competent roofer will provide the client with sound advice on products, reasonable explanation of procedures, and, most importantly dependable results in the form of a strong and a durable roof.
It's difficult to determine the capabilities and reliability of a contractor just on face value or when he or she approaches you with a printed brochure. In order to select a qualified contractor there are few steps which are advised to be taken so that the client who is getting the repairs done gets a fair deal. These include doing a market survey of available contractors and their market credentials, meeting members of the local councils to get their suggestions and then homing on to a manageable list of contractors whom you think can do the job for you. Based on referrals and your meetings, you need to make a checklist of people who qualify for your job.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roofing repair in Bronx, Queens, and the Bronx in New York! They have the experience and background to make sure that your roof is repaired promptly and affordably. Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roof repair needs!
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