If
you have been a resident of the Roofing Contractor in New Castle County, DE for a considerable length of
time, you would realize that our homes are subjected to weather conditions that
are quite a challenge to the roofs. One day it is a wonderful sunny fall day,
and the next thing you know, a winter storm will bring ice, snow, or even cold
winds to test the durability of the roofs. For most people who own a house, the
roof is one of those things you do not give a thought to until it gets broken,
for instance, when your attic starts leaking a little or a shingle has gone
missing after the occurrence of a spring storm. But as we have been working in
our communities for years, we have known that a little care and knowledge can
go a long way in saving one from a lot of trouble and money which could be
unnecessarily wasted.
At
Robinhood Exterior, we like to think that we are more than just a roofing
company. We are neighbors as well, and through the experience of working with
local homeowners, we have learned a lot of valuable lessons that we want to
share so that everyone in Chester County can become more confident in the care
of their roofs.
Local Roofing Challenges in Chester County
Weather That Keeps Roofs Busy
The
weather in Chester County is never dull, and that is the main reason why roofs
should always be prepared for different conditions. Summers may become very hot
and humid which may lead to the degradation of shingles little by little.
However, cold winters bring ice and snow that may cause the formation of ice
dams and, thus, hidden leaks. In addition, we may have winds, rains, and sudden
storms in spring and fall seasons that, among other things, can make the
shingle lifting and the gutter parts damaging.
I
can remember a West Chester home where an April sudden storm caused the blowing
off of several shingles on the south-facing side of the roof. The homeowner did
not notice any damage because the view from the ground was all right. It is a
typical story here that our weather can quietly deteriorate a roof, and it is
only after a storm that the damage becomes clear in most cases.
Age and Character of Local Homes
The
majority of the houses that are located in Chester County are very charming;
nevertheless, it is this charm that sometimes causes the houses to become a
source of some problems for roofs of new homes. In general, the older the
house, the more likely it is that roofing problems will exist. One might find
that shingles have started curling or cracking, the flashing around the chimney
or vents has become worn, and gutters have gradually gotten clogged or broken
apart.
It
is very common for us to hear from people who say, "Our roof is just 15 or
20 years old and thus it is fine." However, even a roof that is only a few
years old can harbor minor issues like granule loss or moss growing which can
eventually lead to leaks. The main thing is to always be watchful and take the
initiative even when your roof seems to be in perfect condition.
Popular Materials and How They Hold Up
Almost
all houses in Chester County use asphalt shingles, which are pretty durable and
perform well in our climate, though, they are not without limitations. More and
more people, especially those living in historical houses, decide to install
metal roofing as it is a long-term solution, however, they need to pay close
attention to the fasteners and expansion. Some residents have chosen
spectacular or composite roofing which offer good protection against the
elements, but require special handling to prevent crack and water intrusion.
Knowing the kind of roof you have will help you understand what to look out for
and when to maintain it.
Lessons From Working With Chester County
Homeowners
Spotting Problems Before They Grow
One
significant lesson that we have come to learn is that small problems are
manageable and can save you from a lot of major headaches if found early. A
walk around your property after a storm or binoculars viewing from your yard
can give you a chance to discover missing shingles, minor debris buildup, small
leaks before they expand into something serious.
To
illustrate, a neighbor in Exton saw a small water stain in their attic after
the melting of the winter snow. Upon further examination, we uncovered a small
leak due to ice damming and some curling shingles. Taking care of it on that
spot saved them the trouble of water infiltrating the interior walls which not
only saved time but also money.
Simple Maintenance Tips That Work
The
roof maintenance is non-complicated and does not necessarily require a deep
pocket. We usually give these handy tips to the homeowners which they can
easily put into practice:
1.
Make sure you clean your gutters on a regular basis: Leaves, twigs, and other
rubbish can hold water at the edges of your gutter, resulting in leaks or rot
2.
Get rid of the debris from the roof: Branches, leaves, and even moss can soak
moisture, thus, the rate of wear will be accelerated.
3.
Inspect after storms: Look for missing shingles, dented areas, or pooling water
near gutters.
4.
Be on the lookout for moss or algae growth: Moss patches or green streaks can,
in the long run, even take to the breaking of the shingles if no action is
taken.
Spending
even a few minutes to observe your roof every season can have a great positive
impact on its life span.
Mistakes
We Often See
Good
intending people who own homes do, however, sometimes make errors, which in due
course become their biggest problems. Among the mistakes they make are those
of:
1.
Not addressing the small issues for a long time: A single leaked corner or a
tiny scale of the roof that may lead to a huge one if becoming disregarded.
2.
Using generic advice blindly: The advice for the roof in Philadelphia or
Lancaster might be very different considering the climate and materials, thus,
it could bring the wrong result for Chester County homes.
3.
Not observing their roofs as a routine: After winter snow, spring storms, and
even strong summer winds, roofs need to be checked as well.
Stories From the Neighborhood
One
of the best things about working in Chester County is to listen to the stories
that homeowners tell. Usually, neighbors notify each other about the problems,
which if not, would have been unnoticed, caused by the wind, ice dams, or
clogged gutters.
It
is so vivid in my memory when a citizen of Kennett Square whose rooftop got hit
by the wind, was able to spot the problem early only because his friend who had
gone through the same storm last year gave him a heads-up. That small help kept
the water out and thus, the house saved from a costly repair.
Another
case is that of the Malvern family whose roof was old. They saw moss growing in
the shaded parts and by getting to it early, they prevented the long-term
damage and kept the shingles in good shape for years. Such kind of stories
tells a lot about the importance of community awareness and the benefits of
proactive measures, which are the things you see most in Chester County.
Making Roof Care Part of Your Routine
The
point of roof maintenance in Chester County is not that one should be
trembling. Adding a few seasonal checks - I.e. Inspecting shingle after storms,
removing the debris from the gutters, and also, keeping an eye on the moss or
algae - is one way of extending the lifespan of your roof significantly. Chat
with your neighbors and tell them what works for you; oftentimes the best
pieces of advice come from the people who have had the same weather and house
problems as you in your community.
In
fact, taking care of your roof is like being a great neighbor to your own
house. A little care now can definitely save you from big trouble later, give
your interior a layer of protection, and have you at peace with it in every season.
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