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.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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 22, 2010
Gutter Guards
Purpose of a Gutter Guard:
There are many products that claim to be gutter guards. They can be anything from a piece of chicken wire to complete vinyl covers with a slit allowing water to go through. When attached to your gutter, the guard is supposed to keep leaves and debris out so you don't have to climb up a ladder, reach over and clean the gutter. Some claim to keep you from ever having to clean your gutter out again. But the truth is, while most do an excellent job of keeping out the big leaves, other debris does get in the gutter. You will have to take the guards off and clean the build-up inside the gutters once in a while.
How the Guard Works:
The guard is attached to, placed in or placed over the gutter, depending on the type. As leaves fall, the guard prevents them from getting into the gutter. Twigs and seed pods also fall from trees, and the debris may pile up on top of the guard. As it rains and the wind blows the debris blows off the top of the guard and the water runs into the gutter and out the downspout. If some roof gravel
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for gutter cleaning in New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx! The professional staff will work hard to make your gutters spotless. Choose A Real Advantage Construction for your next gutter cleaning needs!
There are many products that claim to be gutter guards. They can be anything from a piece of chicken wire to complete vinyl covers with a slit allowing water to go through. When attached to your gutter, the guard is supposed to keep leaves and debris out so you don't have to climb up a ladder, reach over and clean the gutter. Some claim to keep you from ever having to clean your gutter out again. But the truth is, while most do an excellent job of keeping out the big leaves, other debris does get in the gutter. You will have to take the guards off and clean the build-up inside the gutters once in a while.
How the Guard Works:
The guard is attached to, placed in or placed over the gutter, depending on the type. As leaves fall, the guard prevents them from getting into the gutter. Twigs and seed pods also fall from trees, and the debris may pile up on top of the guard. As it rains and the wind blows the debris blows off the top of the guard and the water runs into the gutter and out the downspout. If some roof gravel
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for gutter cleaning in New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx! The professional staff will work hard to make your gutters spotless. Choose A Real Advantage Construction for your next gutter cleaning needs!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Problem Rain Gutters
When it starts raining outside an incredible amount of water beats down on the roof of your house. Your roof principally does the job of protecting your house and everything in it from this rain. Most roofs are sloped in order that the water can run off and prevent heavy collections of rainwater gathering in pockets all over the roof.
If this were to happen the roof can become severely damaged and eventually holes will form where the rainwater once was (it would now be underneath the hole that has formed).
The damage that rainwater can cause.
If left to it’s own devices the rain water would run down the sloped roof and subsequently continue to pour down the wall of the house passing over window frames, windows, door frames, doors and possibly onto the damp proofing at the bottom of the house. Here it would collect in puddles that would take a long time to evaporate. All in all this would cause damage to the structure of your house, it can rot away wooden window and door frames and cause cracks in paving amongst other problems. During winter this damage does not take long to manifest itself and can cause further damage itself.
What drainpipes do.
The gutter and down pipes are there to prevent this from occurring. They collect the rainwater once it has reached the end of its descent. From there the slight slope in the guttering will encourage the rain water into the down pipe, subsequently carrying it down into the drain and safely away.
The effect of having improperly pitched gutters can have a similar effect, and in some cases it can be even worse. Improperly pitched gutters that are pitched away from the wall with even a slight gap is the equivalent of having no gutter whatsoever and you will face similar problems. However if you have improperly pitched gutters that cause all the rain water to collect in one area, this rainwater is then likely to run down one area of the wall.
Instead of all the rainwater from one day or one week being spread over the whole wall it is now being concentrated in just one area. The power of the water can erode the brickwork and the cement work causing serious structural damage and internal damp and rot. Both of these occurrences will cost you a lot more to right than having your drainpipe fixed or even having your improperly pitched gutters completely ripped down and replaced.
The dire consequences of improperly pitched gutters.
Improperly pitched gutters can end up costing you a very large amount of money and it is important that you regularly check that everything is running smoothly. You can easily tell whether a gutter is pitched properly by watching when it rains. However, you should have it checked regularly when you have your roof checked to make sure that the water isn’t running back into the roof because this will also cause serious damage and it is difficult to tell unless you know what you are looking for.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens New York! Choose them for all your roofing needs!
If this were to happen the roof can become severely damaged and eventually holes will form where the rainwater once was (it would now be underneath the hole that has formed).
The damage that rainwater can cause.
If left to it’s own devices the rain water would run down the sloped roof and subsequently continue to pour down the wall of the house passing over window frames, windows, door frames, doors and possibly onto the damp proofing at the bottom of the house. Here it would collect in puddles that would take a long time to evaporate. All in all this would cause damage to the structure of your house, it can rot away wooden window and door frames and cause cracks in paving amongst other problems. During winter this damage does not take long to manifest itself and can cause further damage itself.
What drainpipes do.
The gutter and down pipes are there to prevent this from occurring. They collect the rainwater once it has reached the end of its descent. From there the slight slope in the guttering will encourage the rain water into the down pipe, subsequently carrying it down into the drain and safely away.
The effect of having improperly pitched gutters can have a similar effect, and in some cases it can be even worse. Improperly pitched gutters that are pitched away from the wall with even a slight gap is the equivalent of having no gutter whatsoever and you will face similar problems. However if you have improperly pitched gutters that cause all the rain water to collect in one area, this rainwater is then likely to run down one area of the wall.
Instead of all the rainwater from one day or one week being spread over the whole wall it is now being concentrated in just one area. The power of the water can erode the brickwork and the cement work causing serious structural damage and internal damp and rot. Both of these occurrences will cost you a lot more to right than having your drainpipe fixed or even having your improperly pitched gutters completely ripped down and replaced.
The dire consequences of improperly pitched gutters.
Improperly pitched gutters can end up costing you a very large amount of money and it is important that you regularly check that everything is running smoothly. You can easily tell whether a gutter is pitched properly by watching when it rains. However, you should have it checked regularly when you have your roof checked to make sure that the water isn’t running back into the roof because this will also cause serious damage and it is difficult to tell unless you know what you are looking for.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens New York! Choose them for all your roofing needs!
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!
The Right Siding for Your Home!
When you are looking at the options that are available for siding your home - whether you're renovating the property or you are going to be building a new home from the foundation up - there are a number of things that you will want to consider. One of the primary choices that you will need to make when you choose siding for your home involves the type of siding that you will use.
The appearance that you want your home to have, your lifestyle and even the construction of your property will have an impact on the exterior siding that you choose - and the material that the siding is made of. Therefore, when you are looking into the options that are available for siding your home, one thing that you'll want to be sure of is that you understand what siding materials are available.
The most basic siding that you're going to find is made from sheets of PVC plastic. While vinyl siding will not rot, there are some concerns about the impact of PVC plastics on the environment and there are also cases in which vinyl siding cracks, fades or simply stops looking as nice as it did when you installed it. Similar to vinyl sheet siding - if you like the idea of siding with vinyl but don't like the look of the sheets - is vinyl coating. When it's done well, it looks great, but there have been a number of complaints from homeowners whose contractors did not properly mix the polymers and resins before applying them to the home.
Those who are looking for the easy maintenance that comes with vinyl siding who are looking for an alternative to vinyl are going to want to be sure that they are looking into aluminum siding. This option is fireproof and won't crack the way vinyl sometimes does, but the color can fade and the material can dent. Seamless steel siding is also available for those who are looking for something that's tailored to their home; likewise seamless steel siding holds up to temperature changes, is custom fit to your home by a reputable contractor, and comes in a variety of looks and textures.
Of course, other options are available as well. If you are choosing siding for your home and you are looking for a more traditional look, you will also be able to look into stucco siding or synthetic stucco. For those who want to have a home sided with wood, cedar shingle siding is an option - and, for those who are looking for the look of wood who want something more durable as well as those whose areas require them to have fireproof materials, there is cement fiber siding that requires less maintenance but just as much character.
Character is important to most homeowners, but the reality is that there are going to be a number of questions that go far beyond the types of siding available. If you focus on working with a contractor who will be able to explain your options, the benefits and drawbacks of each and who will be able to help you find your best option.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for all your siding repair and installation needs in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, New York! Choose them for all your siding needs!
The appearance that you want your home to have, your lifestyle and even the construction of your property will have an impact on the exterior siding that you choose - and the material that the siding is made of. Therefore, when you are looking into the options that are available for siding your home, one thing that you'll want to be sure of is that you understand what siding materials are available.
The most basic siding that you're going to find is made from sheets of PVC plastic. While vinyl siding will not rot, there are some concerns about the impact of PVC plastics on the environment and there are also cases in which vinyl siding cracks, fades or simply stops looking as nice as it did when you installed it. Similar to vinyl sheet siding - if you like the idea of siding with vinyl but don't like the look of the sheets - is vinyl coating. When it's done well, it looks great, but there have been a number of complaints from homeowners whose contractors did not properly mix the polymers and resins before applying them to the home.
Those who are looking for the easy maintenance that comes with vinyl siding who are looking for an alternative to vinyl are going to want to be sure that they are looking into aluminum siding. This option is fireproof and won't crack the way vinyl sometimes does, but the color can fade and the material can dent. Seamless steel siding is also available for those who are looking for something that's tailored to their home; likewise seamless steel siding holds up to temperature changes, is custom fit to your home by a reputable contractor, and comes in a variety of looks and textures.
Of course, other options are available as well. If you are choosing siding for your home and you are looking for a more traditional look, you will also be able to look into stucco siding or synthetic stucco. For those who want to have a home sided with wood, cedar shingle siding is an option - and, for those who are looking for the look of wood who want something more durable as well as those whose areas require them to have fireproof materials, there is cement fiber siding that requires less maintenance but just as much character.
Character is important to most homeowners, but the reality is that there are going to be a number of questions that go far beyond the types of siding available. If you focus on working with a contractor who will be able to explain your options, the benefits and drawbacks of each and who will be able to help you find your best option.
A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for all your siding repair and installation needs in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, New York! Choose them for all your siding needs!
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!
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