Month: February 2021

Replacing the roof is often one of the costlier repairs a homeowner makes. Although a well-maintained roof can last 20 to 30 years, climate and weather conditions can reduce its useful lifespan. However, there are steps you can take to extend the life of a roof.

Trim Overhanging Branches

The more branches brush up against the side of the house or bang against the roof during a storm, the more they weaken and damage the shingles’ structure. Branches also shade the roof, making it easier for mold to thrive. Pruning tree limbs minimizes damage and can reduce the chances that small creatures use them to find a way into your attic or crawl space.

Clean Gutters Frequently

When gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris, they can get backed up when it rains. This can damage not only the shingles but the roof underneath. Clean the gutters in the spring and fall to reduce the potential for damage.

Check for Damage

When left untreated, minor issues can result in major repairs. What starts as a small leak under a single shingle can expand, causing the wood to swell and result in significant water damage. Check the roof after a storm and repair any damaged or worn shingles immediately. A small fix now can save thousands of dollars in repair costs later.

Have Regular Roof Inspections

Even if you take a look at the roof a few times a year, nothing beats a professional residential roof inspection. Experienced roofers know what to look for; they can pinpoint potential issues and document damage such as:

• Shingles with curled or ragged edges
• Asphalt shingles have cracks or bald spots
• Dark streaks signaling algae or moss may be thriving
• Flashing around a chimney or at the border of the roof is damaged

At Badger Contracting, we offer comprehensive roof inspections and replacement roofing systems. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today to schedule an appointment and to discuss your roofing needs.

Icicles are beautiful as they hang from the roof of your home. Depending on the lighting, they can really add to the ambiance and aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, they’re not all they’re cracked up to be. Yes, they’re fun to look at, but they will cause a host of serious issues with your roof if you’re not careful.

Icicles Are a Sign of Ice Dams

Not all icicles mean you are dealing with ice dams and not all ice dams are connected to icicles, but it’s still something you should watch out for. For both ice dams and icicles to form, a few things need to happen. There needs to be snow on the roof, heat inside the attic to melt the snow, and cold enough weather to refreeze that melted snow once it hits the eaves of your home where there’s no insulation. Sometimes that water will freeze into an ice dam, and other times it will begin to drip off the roof to form an icicle.

Ice Dams Can Cause Serious Damage

Your home becomes susceptible to severe damage when you have ice dams on the roof. The weight of the ice could begin to pull the gutters away from the roof. This opens up gaps where moisture can seep down into the structure of your home. That moisture will cause paint to peel, insulation to get wet and eventually moldy, and dampness to permeate your home.

You Can Prevent Damage From Ice

Regardless of how much you do, you’re going to run into issues with your home. The good news is you can take some preventative measures to avoid ice damage to your roof and home:

1. Have the roof installed correctly to begin with. Part of our asphalt shingle roofing system includes an underlayment with a leak barrier that prevents water buildup and ice dams.
2. Take inventory of the insulation in your attic. When you add insulation to the floor of your attic, the warm air stays inside your home, rather than making its way into the attic to melt the snow on top.

Learn More About Your Roof

Keeping your roof in good condition is essential to the quality of your home. Contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or sending us an email to learn more about your roof and what can be done to protect it.