Category: roofing-related

A new roof is a big investment, and many homeowners are hesitant to commit to the cost and inconvenience associated with roof replacement. However, paying for costly roof repairs over the years will end up costing more than a roof replacement. A damaged roof can also affect the structural stability of your home and increase your risk of leaks, mold and mildew, water damage, high energy bills, and pest or animal infestations. A roof replacement offers peace of mind and long-term protection for the safety, comfort, and value of your home. Preparing for a roof replacement and understanding what to expect from the process will make it go more smoothly for you and your family. Here is what you can expect when you invest in roof replacement in Baltimore County, MD.

How Do You Know if You Need a New Roof?

Most roofing systems last 20-50 years, depending on the materials they are made out of, the regional climate, and whether they have gotten regular care and maintenance. Avoiding roof repairs will increase your risk of needing a new roof sooner rather than later. You should schedule a roofing inspection every three to four years if your roof is in the latter half of its expected lifespan, and a roofing contractor can determine the condition, structural stability, and safety of your roof. Here are some of the signs you may need a roof replacement:

• Your roof is over 25 years old.
• Your roof needs regular repairs that are getting more and more expensive.
• You have multiple damaged shingles or roofing tiles.
• The roof has bald spots.
• The roof is sagging or buckling.
• There is more than one leak or a major leak.
• There is a major pest or animal infestation.
• There is significant mold or mildew.
• The roof has major storm damage or fallen branches have punctured the roof membrane.
• The roof is structurally unsound and could cause issues with your home’s safety.

How to Find a Qualified Roofing Contractor

If you need a roof inspection, repairs, or a new roof installation, it’s important to hire an experienced, qualified roofing contractor. Your contractor should be fully licensed and insured, and should have years of experience. You can start by asking friends and family for recommendations. If you are working with other home improvement professionals like an architect or plumber, you can also ask them to recommend a reputable local roofing contractor. Evaluate the contractor’s biography and website to determine how much experience they have and what services they offer. Read through customer reviews and testimonials to make sure they have a good reputation. You can also check their license on the Maryland Home Improvement Commission website and make sure it is valid with no violations or complaints filed. Next, schedule an initial consultation and evaluate the contractor’s communication style and ask any questions you have. You should also get estimates from more than one contractor. When you choose a contractor, be sure to get a contract or scope of work in writing that includes a timeline and cost estimate.

Preparing for Roof Replacement

A roof replacement is a complex, noisy, and lengthy process, and you and your family should be prepared. Before work begins, you should move your vehicles out of the garage or driveway and relocate any valuables or fragile items. You should move all toys, bicycles, patio furniture, potted plants, or anything else that could be in the way or get damaged. Remove landscape lighting, security cameras, statues, water features, wind chimes, and anything else that is near or hanging from your roof. You should also cover up plants, your pool or hot tub, and anything else that could be damaged by dust or debris. Mark ponds and sprinklers so the roofing team can avoid them. You should also let your neighbors know that you are having a roof replacement so they can prepare for the dust, noise, and disruption. Other steps you can take to prepare include:

• Clearing out your attic
• Protecting the attic floor
• Securing windows
• Taking photos, mirrors, and artwork off the walls
• Securing fragile or valuable items on shelves and tables
• Plan to have your pets elsewhere or keep them secured whenever workers are on your property

Budgeting for the Cost of Roof Replacement

The cost of your roof replacement will depend on a number of factors: the type of roofing system, the materials used, the architecture of your home, the condition of your existing roof, and the prices in your region. Getting quotes from multiple roofing contractors will help you get a sense of the cost of a roof replacement so that you can budget. If you don’t have the money up front, you can apply for a home improvement loan or construction loan to finance your roof replacement. You can often get roof replacement financing through your bank, credit card company, your local credit union, or a private lender. The average cost of a roof replacement in Maryland is between $15,000-45,000.

The Roof Replacement Process

On the day of your roof replacement, the roofing contractors will need access to the roof and the attic. If you have any special instructions about where they should park or whether they can use your bathroom, make sure they know ahead of time. They should arrange a dumpster rental to collect old roofing materials and debris, and should put down tarps to reduce the mess. They will begin by removing your old roofing materials and they will then inspect your roof deck and flashing. They may need to do minor repairs or replace the roof deck. They will then install the underlayment, which is the protective barrier that prevents moisture and debris from damaging the roof deck. Then they will install shingles, roofing tiles, or the roofing materials. They may need to install or replace vents, fascia, or soffits. They may also need to replace or install a gutter system.

What to Expect After Roof Replacement

When the roofing contractors are done with your roof replacement, they should do a walk-through with you so you can inspect their work. They should also go over roofing care and maintenance. They will remove all debris, roofing materials, hardware, tools, equipment, and the dumpster rental. They should also completely clean up after themselves and do a final check for loose nails and other debris. They will also go over your roofing warranty and any labor warranty they offer.

Call for a Free Estimate for Roof Replacement in Baltimore County

If you need to schedule a roof inspection or roof replacement in Baltimore County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, or anywhere else in the Baltimore metropolitan area, our team at Badger Contracting can help. Call us today or contact us online to get a fast, free estimate. We have years of experience and are an employee-owned and operated local business. We offer honest and fair pricing with detailed estimates. We even offer free gutters with every roof replacement or roofing installation. We specialize in windows, roofing, and siding and offer unparalleled craftsmanship and quality products. Call us today to find out how we can improve the comfort and safety of your home.

You can expect colder temperatures and more inclement weather as winter rolls in. Your roof protects you through the winter months, but you may be in trouble if you don’t protect your roof. At Badger Contracting, we understand the importance of roof maintenance and prep.

Repair Your Flashing

One of the first winter maintenance steps is to check your roof’s flashing. Even if you had the correct installation years before, it could become warped over time. If you see any warping or damage, you need to have it fixed as quickly as possible to prevent moisture from entering your roof.

Remove Snow and Debris Promptly

Do not let snow build up on your roof. While the snow may look beautiful, it can also cause issues when left for too long. The weight on your roof may lead to significant damage. When you see snow or ice on the roof, try to remove it as quickly as possible while paying attention to safety. Sometimes it is safer to have the debris removed by a professional.

Additionally, ice can also accumulate in your gutters. You should check your gutters for ice dams regularly. Gutters can struggle to hold the weight of ice and can tear away from your roof, leading to more extensive repairs and costs.

Follow Up After Heavy Winds

When a storm rolls through your area, you will want an inspection performed as soon as the storm passes. After the wind dies, you may see broken, damaged, or missing shingles. When you have vulnerable areas on your roof, you are more likely to have leaks and moisture issues. This can encourage the growth of mold, bacteria, and mildew which can lead to health risks.

If you want to ensure your roof is in the best possible shape for winter, schedule a roof inspection with a trusted professional, like Badger Contracting. We can ensure the work is completed correctly, so you don’t have to worry about the condition of your roof. Contact us today by calling 410-417-6972 or email us for more information!

With winter being around the corner, it’s time to take a look at your to-do list. Preparing your home for the winter may not be listed on the top at the moment, however, it is important to start doing home maintenance tasks. Look, we get it, most of us would rather spend our free time enjoying the various fall activities such as hiking, apple picking, or sipping pumpkin-spiced lattes. But, here’s the reality: you can’t procrastinate if you want your home to be prepared for the winter elements.

Cold weather, ice, and snow can do a lot of damage to your home. If you take the time to prepare your home before the winter chill takes hold, it will allow you to properly winterize your home and make it a lot more enjoyable when the temperature drops.

Roof and Gutter Inspection

Having a leaky roof is the last thing you want to deal with this winter. Before a huge snowstorm, inspect your roof for any damage such as missing or broken shingles, cracked caulk, or rust spots on flashing. If you’re not comfortable inspecting your roof on your own, hire a roofing company that can take a look and report back on what they see regarding roof damage. If you’re not comfortable inspecting your roof, hire a roofing company that can take a look and gives you any details they see regarding roof damage. In addition to a roof inspection, make sure to take a look at your gutters. Clogged rain gutters or downspouts can damage your home’s foundation and cause ice dams. To avoid expensive repairs, remove any leaves, twigs, or build-up to allow water flow. Also, ensure your gutters aren’t sagging and trapping water, tighten any loose screws, and replace any worn or damaged materials.

Tree Branch Trimming

Before a winter storm hits your area, make sure you trim any tree branches or limbs over your roof. This can cause excess water to seep into cracks in your home’s roof or siding creating more expensive damage to the structure of your home. Including tree trimming on your home maintenance to-do list will prevent any further damage from occurring to both your roof and house.

Fire Place Inspection

A visual inspection of both inside and outside of your home can ensure that your fireplace is in good working condition for the burning season. During an outdoor inspection, there are many things to look out for. From bird nests or debris buildup to crumbling or missing pieces on the chimney, it’s imperative to make sure that your fireplace, whether wood-burning or gas is safe to use during the burning seasons. When inspecting your gas fireplace, make sure to look for any structural issues including cracks or latch issues, or even the positioning of gas logs You’ll also want to test the gas valve and igniter to make sure they’re working. You can do this by attempting to ignite a fire, which can also help point out any clogged burner holes that need to be cleared. Additionally, when conducting an indoor inspection you want to confirm that:

• The flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly
• There are no combustible materials, such as animal nests, or other foreign objects in the flue
• The fireplace surround, hearth, and firebox have no cracked bricks or missing mortar

If any damage is spotted, reach out to a professional to install a new fireplace or inspect the old one. These can cost on average between $80- $500, depending on what level of inspection you’re ordering.

Window Insulation

Poorly insulated windows can drive up the cost of your energy bill. To prevent this from happening, you can hire a professional to insulate your windows. By reducing drafts from your windows, you can lower your home’s energy costs by up to 20% per year according to the U.S Energy Department, while also making your living space cozy.

Ensuring that all of your home maintenance tasks are prepared for winter will help you breathe easy throughout the winter months. For your next inspection, contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-774-5122 or email us to make sure your home is ready for winter.

Roof Ventilation is Crucial to Your Home’s Well-Being

When it comes to home improvement projects, roofing projects are among the most common. When maintaining your roof, be sure to show the vents some attention. Your roof’s vents directly affect the air quality in your home and the structure’s components. To keep your roof functional, you need to ensure that your vents are in working order at all times.

Functioning Vents Control Moisture

When the air in your attic becomes stagnant, all moisture present will condense and settle into the framing and insulation. These moist areas create the perfect breeding ground for mold, rot, and mildew. Rot can cause the roof to sag and the insulation to clump. Fortunately, functioning roof vents can keep the moisture from collecting and condensing, thus preventing the problem altogether.

Functioning Vents Protect Roof Shingles

Poorly functioning vents can affect both the interior and exterior of your home. When the air in your attic heats up, it transfers to the roofing material. Overheated shingles can decrease in durability and may have to be replaced before the end of their lifecycle.

Functioning Vents Control Temperature

You may think that the temperature of the attic has very little relevance to the rest of your home. Unfortunately, as hot air accumulates in the attic, it can start moving through the entire house, raising the temperature in every room. Not only will it be uncomfortable, but it will also force your HVAC system to work harder, costing you more in utilities.

When you decide to inspect, remodel, or perform maintenance on your roof, never forget about your roof vents. Without proper ventilation, you could encourage mold growth and high energy bills. For residential roofing solutions, contact Badger Contracting today!

If your roof develops a leak, no matter how minor it may appear, it is crucial to have it repaired immediately. Even the smallest leaks can lead to bigger problems over time. Sometimes, what appears to be a small leak on the surface, may be causing severe problems that are not yet visible. When you put off repairing a leak of any kind, you are setting your home up for the following problems.

Mold and Mildew

When moisture does not dry out of a home properly and continues to form, mold and mildew become especially likely. If your or family members have allergies or respiratory illnesses, this could lead to severe symptoms.

Electrocution

Electricity can be lethal and water is its most dangerous conductor. If the water comes into contact with bad wiring, anyone who later comes into contact with that combination may suffer electrocution. This may range from a minor shock to a potentially fatal incident.

Structural Damage

If leaks remain unrepaired for too long, you risk structural damage. In fact, by the time you recognize you have a leak, structural damage may have already started. Water from a leak can cause the foundational pieces of your home to rot and rust, which can lead to a structurally unsound home.

Slip-and-Fall

Depending on the type of floors you have, water may present a slip risk in the home. Tile and hardwood floors may be especially likely to cause someone to slide when wet. If you have children or seniors in the home, the risk of serious injury from a fall may be higher than normal.

Insulation Damage

The attic insulation may not recover from the moisture if left for too long. In fact, the water may cause the insulation to clump. This will lead to reduced performance, which can cause your heating and cooling bills to skyrocket. Wet insulation may also become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Big Bills

The longer your roof goes unrepaired, the worse the problem becomes and the more damage it causes. The worse the issue, the more expensive the repair. Your insurance company may also refuse to foot the bill if it is discovered that you allowed the problem to persist.

Your home is one of the most important investments you will ever make. Secure that investment by ensuring you keep a leak-free roof over your head. Contact Badger Contracting for a quote today.