light snow on a roof in the winter
light snow on a roof in the winter

With winter right around the corner, you’re probably already taking steps to prepare your home for the cold temperatures and heavy snows. Have you made time to take a look at your roof? You don’t want to wait until the first storm hits to realize you have a problem. It’s better to prepare your roof for winter ahead of time so you can relax inside the warmth of your home while the winter passes.


Clean Your Gutters

After windstorms and leaves falling, your gutters are going to be full of debris. Perhaps you’ve already noticed a problem when it rained and your gutters didn’t drain properly. Your gutters should be clean so when the ice on the roof begins to melt, it will have somewhere to go. You may also want to install a gutter protector to avoid future clogs and prevent more debris from collecting inside it.


Prevent Pest Infestations

When those cold temperatures hit, there are going to be a lot of pests looking for a warm place to hunker down for the winter. You don’t want your roof to become the access point at which they enter your home. Check the roof for damage such as holes and cracks that might allow the wildlife to get in. If your roof received damage from a storm, or just from regular wear and tear, keep the pests out by hiring professionals to preform necessary repairs.


Seal the Gaps

Typically, around your flashing, you’re going to find cracks and gaps. If these areas are not sealed properly, your home will be susceptible to leaks. If more serious damage is found while sealing the flashing, you’ll probably want to replace the flashing all together.


Getting your home ready for winter can be a long process, but it’s worth protecting such a huge investment. Contact Badger Contracting today by calling 410-417-6972 or sending us an email to schedule service for your roof.

Close up of an asphalt shingle roof
Close up of an asphalt shingle roof

Is it Time to Consider a Replacement?

The average residential roof lasts about 30 years, making it easy to push a roof replacement to the back of your mind. Unfortunately, you cannot forget about it altogether, at some point, it will need to be replaced. If it’s been a while since you have inspected your roof, take some time to do so before the cold weather hits. If your roof is experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consider a replacement.  


1. Damaged Shingles

There are a lot of ways shingles can get damaged, including weather, temperature, foliage, and more. When you look at your shingles, they should be lying flat against the roof. Shingles that have curled, buckled, cracked, or are missing altogether, could indicate serious problems ahead. You can also look around the perimeter of your home to check for loose granules that have fallen. Any of these issues with your shingles could mean a replacement is in the near future.


2. Attic Issues

There are a few signs to look for in the attic that can point to serious roof damage. Streaks or stains most likely indicate the past or current presence of a leak. Roof leaks can lead to serious damage and should be addressed immediately. While you’re inspecting the attic, keep an eye out for rays of light. This light means your roof is lacking proper coverage, leaving it vulnerable to the elements.


3. Old Age

You might maintain the most perfect and pristine roof, but like most things, it cannot last forever. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your roof, but eventually, it will need to be replaced. If you are unsure of your roof’s age, ask your contractor. We can help you locate the records that reveal when the roof was installed. If it was installed 25 to 30 years ago, a replacement might be in your best interest.


Getting Started

Maintaining your home is essential to good health and comfort. When your roof shows signs of wear and tear or old age, it’s time you contact Badger Contracting to discuss a roof replacement. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today for more information!


If your roof is not installed properly, you can end up paying way more in resulting damage than the roof installation itself. Improper installation will likely lead to leaks. Water from a roof leak can do significant damage to your home’s interior, as well as the overall structural integrity of your home. For reasons such as this, it is important to properly vet the contractor working on your roof.


Flexible Payment

A contractor may present a thousand plausible reasons for why he or she needs payment upfront. However, good contractors do not ask customers to assume all the risk by paying in full, upfront. Instead, work with a contractor who provides a good estimate and knows how to work with your insurance company or lender. Note that asking for money upfront and then disappearing is a common form of fraud.


General Liability Insurance Certificate

Speaking of insurance, your contractor should have a certificate showing proof of liability coverage. Some contractors may try to convince you they do not need insurance because they are “self-insured.” This is sometimes legal, but it puts you at risk. Should something go wrong, the company becomes personally liable and may try to get out of paying you.


Good Reviews and References

Few contractors are going to start the working relationship by telling you what customers disliked about their services. Do the research yourself by checking the reviews online. Googling the business is an easy starting point. You should also ask for a list of references. A contractor that is confident that they are providing good quality work will be more than happy to provide this list.  

Badger Contracting brings these and many other qualities to the table. We are dedicated to providing unparalleled craftsmanship on every project. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today to find out more.

You have a comfortable home with a roof over your head, but do you ever stop to think about the condition of that roof? Regular maintenance and repairs are an important part of ensuring you have a roof when you need one most. The following are four things you can do to care for your roof this summer.


1. Conduct Regular Inspections

It may be obvious you have a problem when water starts pouring through your ceiling, but wouldn’t it be nice to fix the problem before that happens? You can avoid those bigger issues by conducting regular inspections. First, stand outside your home and look up at the roof to see if there are any obvious issues you can see from the ground. Next, climb a ladder to get right up close so you can check for loose or cracked shingles, torn roofing materials, damaged gutters or other types of damages. If getting on a ladder doesn’t seem safe, or isn’t something you’re comfortable with, contact the professionals.


2. Repair the Damages

If you’ve noticed your roof has damage, be sure to get it repaired as soon as possible. Leaving small problems for any amount of time is only going to encourage the problem to get bigger. Repairing your roofing issues in a timely manner could also save you money.


3. Waterproof the Roofing

With humid summers and wet winters, your roof is likely to get hit with moisture on a regular basis. Waterproofing your roof can protect it from moisture, keeping it looking nicer and lasting longer.  It will also prevent damage to the interior structure of your home.


4. Replace the Roof

If your roof is 20 years old or more, there’s a chance you’ll want to improve or replace it. Summer is a great time to get that done, as the weather is a little more welcoming for your roofer. If you’d like to update the look of your house, consider a new style or color of roofing materials.


Contact the Professionals

Summer is the perfect time to take care of your roof. For more ideas on how to get it done, or to speak with a professional roofer, contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or emailing us today.

Roof damage due to storm or decay

Your roof is capable of withstanding a lot of wear and tear, so it can be difficult to know when it’s time for a repair service. Prevent a major roof issue with quality repair services in your local area. The following are a few things to watch out for that may signal the need for an emergency roof repair.


Water Leaks

If you notice any water damage or leaking water on the ceiling in your home, there’s usually already a significant leak. Water damage on your ceiling means that water has entered your roofline and ran through all your insulation. Immediately contact a professional roofing team to find the source of the leak and prevent it from causing even more damage to your insulation and drywall.


Cracked or Missing Shingles

Asphalt shingles can become damaged by UV rays, ice, and other issues. Older shingles may start to crack, cup, curl, or completely fall off. A missing shingle will cause a significant amount of water to enter your home during the next storm, so it is vital that you seek a prompt repair.


Sagging Roofline

Take a minute to look at your roof from the ground. Are there any points that seem to be sagging or bowing? A warped roof is usually caused by improper installation of sheathing or severe water damage. Damage to this structure could, over time, lead to a more significant issue.


Contact Badger Contracting Today

Receive emergency repairs at great prices with the team at Badger Contracting. Contact us today to request a quote and find out how you can enjoy quick, efficient repairs. If you don’t see any of these issues, consider an inspection to determine the state of your roof and see if there are any preventative maintenance steps that we can take. A minor repair may reduce the cost of your next major roof project. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today for more information!

Spring brings beautiful flowers and warm weather. Unfortunately, it can also bring roofing problems.  Roofing problems are usually a surprise, but this is the time of year when they may become visible. Learn more about why spring is the perfect time to have your roof inspected. 


Weather

As the weather gets warmer and you spend more time outside, consider taking a look at your roof. Now that the rain and snow have gone away, the sun can dry everything out. This makes it easy and safe to conduct a thorough inspection of all aspects of your roof, including shingles and gutters. While you could attempt this yourself, a roofing expert knows exactly what to look for and can spot any problems much more accurately.


Clear View

Now that the sun is shining, it’s easy to spot any damage that occurred during the winter. A professional contractor can clear away any leaves or debris from the roof and gutters as part of general maintenance. Then, they can inspect the roof for water damage, cracks, missing or loose shingles, and other signs of wear and tear. Detecting these problems early can save you from larger issues down the road.


Repair Schedule

Spring is the ideal time to schedule any maintenance or repairs before the weather changes again. If you do need to replace shingles or rotted wood, you can plan these repairs before summer, so any damage won’t affect your summer plans or energy bills. A professional contractor can help you figure out the necessary repairs and set up a timeline for fixing the issues.


Add Roof Inspection to Your Spring-Cleaning Checklist Today

Now that winter is over, it’s time to do some home maintenance. The cold weather can be harsh on your roof, but a springtime inspection can fix any problems. If you’re ready to take care of your roof, contact Badger Contracting today by calling 410-417-6972 or sending us an email to schedule a roof inspection or repairs.


While an extensive project, replacing your roof is also one of the most important when it comes to home improvement. While some people try to undertake the job on their own, it is a lot wiser to use a roofing contractor. After all, roofing installation consists of a lot of intricacies and key details that you need to keep track of.


You Have to Understand Roofing Material

Roofing contractors have the experience and knowledge to determine what material will suit your home the best. In order to choose the right material, the contractor factors in the local weather, the replacement roof budget, and the aesthetics for your home.

When you try to figure out the materials yourself, you may miss important details. While there are a number of different roofing materials, the most popular is asphalt shingles.


You Need to Know the Installation Process

Most people think that in order to install a replacement roof, you have to remove the old roof entirely. The truth is that you may be able to build your new roof on top of the old one. You do have to be careful that you don’t use materials that are too heavy for your roof. The contractor can help you determine whether you can build on top of the old roof or if you need to rebuild it entirely.


Choose Us!

When it comes to roof installation, you don’t want to do it on your own. When you try to roof your home, there are a number of details that you might forget about. These mistakes can cost you later on down the line. To have your roof installed correctly, you need the right roofing contractor for the job. Contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or sending us an email today to find out more about what a roofing contractor can do for you.

The structure of a home is the most important component of the build. This includes the foundation and all the supporting beams and walls that hold the house up and keep residents safe. Second in line is the roof. In fact, without a sound roof, moisture gets into the home and can cause irreparable damage to the structural integrity.

Because of this, if you have a leak, it’s important to find out where it’s coming from. Knowing the most likely sources can help make this easier.


Skylights

Glass additions to the roof to let in natural light are becoming increasingly common. The popularity of skylights in the master loft of tiny houses helped to spur this along. A stronger focus on sustainable living also fueled this. Unfortunately, they are prone to leaking. This may happen if the original installation was not completed properly.


Flashing

If you don’t have skylights, consider the flashing. In fact, this is one of the first places you should look. Leaking here also stems from instances where contractors do a subpar job during installation. Improper sealing also poses a problem. Materials may also deteriorate over time.


Roofing Material

Strong winds, heavier than normal snow loads, and other weather conditions can damage roof material. This can lead to missing shingles, pulled out nails, and other problems that result in leaks. Giveaways that this is the issue include cracks, buckling, corrosion, and excessive granulation.


Roof Valleys

When two sloping areas of a roof come together, it forms a valley. These areas fill with water and snow during rainy and cold seasons. In the fall and summer, they may also get filled with debris. Without proper drainage, this can accumulate and lead to leaks over time.


Call the Professionals

Sometimes identifying the source of a leak in your home requires professional expertise. Contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or sending us an email to see how we can help you to find the leak and fix your roof.

When you have a roofing job that you need completed, you don’t have time to waste on an unprofessional roofing contractor. Instead, you want to find the right roofer the first time. This may require you to do your due diligence beforehand to ensure that you have a roofing contractor who you can trust. If you are looking to hire a contractor, a few questions can help you to make a more informed choice.


Who Installs the Roof?

One of your first questions should involve inquiring about the roofing crew. Will it be subcontractors or employees of the company? You may want to find out if they have any current projects that you can stop by to see. You can also ask about availability and when you can expect to see the roofers on your job.


What Experience Do You Have?

Ask about your contractor’s experience. Find out how long the current owner has owned the business and how long the business, in general, has been around. You can also check online reviews and ask to talk to past customers.


Do You Have Permits and Licensing?

First, you want to ensure that you are using a contractor who has all of the proper certificates and licensing. In addition, you can ask about insurance and any workers’ compensation. If your roofing job requires specific permits, you can ask about that also.


Do You Follow Safety Protocols?

The last thing that you want is for there to be an accident on your property. It’s crucial that you ask what methods they use to keep their workers safe. You will also want to ask what measures they take to keep your family and anyone in the neighborhood safe.


As you prepare to have work completed on your home, it is important to find a roofing contractor who can answer all of your questions and offer full details on the job. For your roofing solutions, contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or emailing us today for more information!

If you’re looking for your next home remodeling project, consider updating your windows. Window replacement services, when performed by a professional, can add additional value to your home, lower your utility bills, and provide additional natural light and ambiance in your home. Learn more about these top three advantages to replacing your windows and prepare to schedule your next remodeling project today.


Energy Efficiency

Older windows can mean outdated materials. These older windows can also be improperly glazed or hung. Particularly old windows are only single pane, which are far less insulating than two-pane windows. If your windows feel cool or you experience a draft in your home near a window, window replacement services may help. Not only will it keep your house at the desired temperature, but you will be able to substantially reduce your energy bill. Many homes spend as much as 40% of their energy bill on heating and cooling, so reducing this large portion of your monthly costs could result in significant savings.


Add Value to Your Home

If you’re considering selling your home or taking out a second mortgage, new windows add great value to your home. Modern windows are easy to use, easy to clean, and offer an elegant look and feel. Choose windows that filter more UV rays in order to save even more on your heating bill. Buyers look at old windows with chipping paint and cracked glazing and correctly assume your energy bills are higher than necessary.


Improve Your Home’s Natural Lighting

Finally, replacement windows can be larger or easier to clean, which both result in more natural light in your home. Don’t be afraid to pull back the curtains and let the light in with the latest energy-efficient and beautiful window designs.


Get Started Today

If you’re ready to replace your outdated windows and invest in quality upgrades for your home, contact Badger Contracting. The highly experienced contractors at Badger Contracting can help you enjoy a fast, efficient, and leak-free installation of windows and other exterior home projects. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today to learn more!