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The Roofing Experts Speak: Don’t Forget Your Roof When Preparing for Winter

Winter is in full swing here in Southeast Michigan.  The harsh weather winter throws at us during these next three months is especially hard on your homes roof.  The presence and continual thawing and refreezing of snow and ice tends to create roofing issues that can be quite costly to repair when not addressed properly.  Our roofing contractors will address common problems that your roof may face during the winter season.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm air meets with cold surfaces.  When an attic is not properly insulated condensation can form and lead to mold and mildew that damages the interior structure of the home. In order to prevent condensation homeowners must make sure their attics have proper ventilation.  When a roof is inadequately ventilated damage can occur to the roof or roof decking.  It will also promote ice dams, all of which will shorten the lifespan of your roof. 

Leaks in Flashing

Flashing refers to the metal strips that are on the front edge, corners, and ridges of the roof, around the chimney, and the skylights.  Leaking flashing is a common issue of sloped roofs.  If flashing is not properly installed or we are experiencing a common Michigan winter storm the flashing can start to pull away which can lead to leaks.  To prevent this the flashing on your homes roof should be inspected every six months to avoid this common problem. 

High Winds

Although wind storms are not common in Southeast Michigan, they do happen.  Strong wind speeds can loosen asphalt shingles.  If you start noticing little bits of roofing on the ground it is important to contact the professional roofing contractors at Kearns Brothers to have your roof inspected.  The sooner the shingles are replaced the less damage that will occur. 

Tree Limbs

One of the biggest benefits of living in Michigan is the number of trees that surround us.   Trees are both a blessing and a curse when it involves your home.  Large trees add privacy to the landscape but also can cause damage if left untrimmed.  Overhanging tree branches can end up damaging the surface of the roof by scraping the protective layer on the shingling.  Falling branches can also cause problems for homeowners. In order to protect your homes roof from damage it is important to keep branches trimmed.  This also helps to prevent small critters from getting up on the roof. 

Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common issue that homeowners in Southeast Michigan have to deal with.  An ice dam is when the upper areas on an icy roof start to thaw while the lower perimeter of the roof are frozen over.  Snow and ice continue to melt from the warmer sections of the roof and refreeze when they come in contact with the lower section of the roof and gutters, thus creating an ice dam.  As the water continues to flow it can pool behind the dam which can cause a leak. Ice dams are impossible to eliminate however, with proper attic insulation and ventilation, they can be curtailed.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

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The Importance of Your Homes Exterior Appearance

There are many ways to add aesthetic value to your home; the trick though is to get a return on your investment along with it.  Most homeowners think about the interior of the home when considering upgrades however, renovations on the exterior of the home are just as important.  Exterior home improvements that boost your homes curb appeal can go a long way in increasing the value of your home.  First impressions often make or break how buyers look at a home.  The exterior appeal of your home can literally change the way your home is perceived to future buyers.

Of course, most homeowners don’t move forward with renovations to our homes because we will one day will sell the home.  We make upgrades to improve the quality of our experiences in the home.  It is important homeowners consider both their personal enjoyment and added value.  Here are five exterior projects that we believe will add value now and later.

Add a Deck and/or Porch

Sitting in a comfortable chair enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine on your porch or deck is a feeling better than any amount of money.  Even the smallest of homes with a yard of any size can enjoy the benefits of a space outdoor that is able to be used as a livable space.  It is important that the area be in proportion with the landscape.  The addition of the deck or porch should only consist of 1/5th of the overall space.  Even a small patio space, set aside, can make a world of difference.  The perception, and hopefully the reality, is that it is a space that used to relax and contemplate the beginning or end of the day.

Replace the Front Door

The first thing you see when you come upon your home is the front door.  An older style door can really date your home.  The front door of a home not only adds to the appeal of your home it is a big part of the home’s safety.  Consider replacing an older front door with a new steel or fiberglass front door with a little bit of artistry to add to the overall look of the home and entry way.

New Window Installation

New windows for a home can be quite expensive; most homeowners don’t consider replacing windows until they absolutely need to.  That however, can be a huge mistake.  Your homes windows are crucial in providing light, ventilation, and insulation.  New windows are a great way to improve the energy efficiency within the home while increasing the appeal to the exterior.  Windows are one of the first renovations to consider in older homes as advancements in windows with both durability and energy efficiency far surpasses that of older window technologies.

Maintenance: Roof, Gutters, Siding, and Landscape

Twice a year it is important to take time to do complete a thorough cleaning of the exterior of your home.  This is above and beyond the normal weekly maintenance.  A homes roof should be inspected and maintained at the beginning of spring and the end of fall.  This will ensure that any cracks in the caulking are filled, missing shingles replaced, and leaks are caught before causing damage to the structure of the home.

Gutters should be cleaned as well during this time to ensure that leaves and extra debris are removed, and the gutters are allowing water to properly flow away from the home.  There are many problems that come from improperly functioning gutters including ice dams that lead to roof and structural damage.

It is important to keep up on your homes exterior such as siding and masonry.  Power washing and touch ups should be performed as needed to prevent any major build ups of mold, algae, or fungus.  This will keep the siding in tip top shape both structurally and aesthetically.

Your homes landscaping is another element that cannot be ignored.  It is a huge part of the exterior view of your home.  Homeowners are wise to complete weekly maintenance such as mowing, weeding, and watering on-top of the chores that need to be completed at least twice a season such as tree trimming, edging, fresh mulch, separating over grown plants, and grass care.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan’s interior and exterior construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

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Springtime Checkup for Maintaining Your Homes Exterior

Owning a home is synonymous with home improvements and maintenance.  The perfect time to take inventory of what needs to be done around your home in order to keep it running full speed ahead is during the first month of spring.  This is especially true with the homes exterior.  The snow has melted meaning that the landscape and roof are no longer covered and can be thoroughly examined.  Your home has gotten through the tough months of winter and will start to show signs of wear that will need to be taken care to prevent further, more expensive repairs or replacements later down the road.  As with all home improvements, maintaining your home is important and it is crucial that any maintenance and repairs are done by professional contractors that are licensed and insured.

Spring Checkup for Exterior Home Maintenance

  • Your homes roof is one of its most important features.  It provides necessary protection to the structure of the home and is also your families first defense against the harsh winter elements.  What this means is that come spring your roof is one of the most important regions of your home to maintain.  Dead decaying leaves have made their home on your roof for the last six months.  Moss has been given the perfect opportunity to make a home.  Now only is it important aesthetically to take care of the debris it is important to the overall condition of your roof.

By hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof you are guaranteed that cracks and leaks are found.  Often homeowners have no idea what to look for when it comes roof damage.  Professional roofers will check the roofs vents, louvers, flashing, and roof valleys to ensure that the caulking is intact and free of damage.  Shingling will be checked for blistering, buckling, missing shingles and more as well.  Maintaining your roof is a lot more practical than replacing it.  By maintaining the existing roof, you are looking at expanded the lifespan of your roof well past the manufacturer’s warranty.

  • Gutters are another element of the exterior of your home that is crucial in protecting the structure of your home from water damage. Gutters must be cleaned regularly as debris that can build up will prevent water from draining properly.  Water that backs up within the gutter will find it’s way under the shingling and into your home if not maintained.  Loose or leaking gutters should be repaired as well.
  • Chimneys are many peoples saving grace through the long, cold Michigan winters. It is important that after being used non-stop throughout the winter months that your chimney is given special attention.  Chimneys should be examined and repaired.  It is also a good time to have your chimney cleaned professionally.  Soot build up can often hide areas that need maintenance.
  • To preserve summer fun have your deck inspected at the beginning of spring. It is a great time to check for loose boards, soft wood, or signs of damage from water.  You can also determine from the amount of discoloration if the deck needs to be resealed.  Spring is a perfect time to prepare the deck for when temps warm up and stain and sealant can be applied.

Spring comes along to wake us from our long winter slumbers where we can procrastinate and put things off until the temperatures warm up.  Spring temps allow exterior work to be done without the baking sun of summer.  Maintenance done in the spring also means time spent enjoying the Michigan summer instead of weekends stuck at home while work is done on your home.  As your landscape awakens and buds start to form throughout your homes landscaping call to schedule a professional exterior home inspection to perform the necessary maintenance on your home.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.