Blog

How To Inspect Your Roof From The Ground Each Month

roof damage

Roof Damage Is Best Repaired Early On, So Spotting It Early Can Save You Thousands!

Everyone knows that you need to have your asphalt shingle roof inspected annually. This is the only way to make sure your roof lasts for its full lifespan. However, what do you do during the rest of the year? Today we will discuss a quick and easy way that you can perform minor inspections for your roof from the safety of the ground. While this method can replace the necessity of an annual inspection, it can help you spot potential damages early on, before the become costly repairs!

Essentially this method only requires you to walk around your home, while you look up at the roof. Below, we have provided a list of the red flags you need to keep an eye out for! Feel free to use binoculars if they can give you a better view of the roof.

Damage Or Missing Shingles

The number one cause of leaks is damaged or missing shingles. Your shingles are the roof’s number one defense against water damage, so even the smallest damages can leave your roof vulnerable. Keep a close eye out for shingles that no longer lie flat, as well as shingles that are crooked or cracked. Aging shingles tend to curl upwards, and any blank areas on the roof are a bad sign too.

Asphalt Granules

While you walk around the outside of your home, be mindful of any asphalt granules that may have fallen on the ground or in the gutters. This indicated shingle damage, and balding shingles do not provide proper protection to your roof.

Debris

Last but not least, keep an eye out for debris. This includes leaves, dirt, pollen, and sticks. Debris on your roof can capture moisture, which in turn can lead to rotting roof materials, leaks, and mold.

If you spot any of the above damages, be sure to call the roofing experts at 513-563-9988 for fast and affordable repairs!

Benefits of Algae Resistant Shingles

Roof Needing Algae Resistant Shingles

Don’t Let Algae and Moss Ruin Your Roof! Call and Ask About Algae Resistant Shingles Today.

When the time comes for you to replace your current shingle roof, you may be thinking about the possibility of upgrading. If you want to stick with the appearance of a shingle roof, but live in an area of high humidity, consider upgrading to algae resistant shingles. These shingles prevent moss and algae from being able to grow on you roof, which provides many excellent benefits for your home. Cincinnati Gutters & Roofing can provide additional information about algae resistant roofing systems.

Why Choose Algae Resistant Shingles?

It may not seem like that big of a deal, but algae growing on your roof can be a serious problem with limited solutions. Usually removing algae growth from the roof requires either a roof replacement, which can be expensive, or a power wash, which can damage the roofing materials. Here are some additional reason to consider installing algae resistant shingles.

Higher Property Value
Algae can make your roof look bad. It creates dark spots on your shingles. This impacts the symmetry of the roof and lowers the overall curb appeal of your home. Algae resistant shingles retain their appearance even in the most humid of climates, which can increase the curb appeal and value of your home.

Better Energy Efficiency
Algae creates dark spots on your roof. These dark spots absorb a lot of heat from the sun. This heat is transferred into your attic, which will raise the internal temperature of your home. With algae resistant roofing, you won’t have to worry about the impact your roof is having on your energy bills.

If you would like more information about algae resistant shingles, contact our office at 513-563-9988. We are hear to answer all your questions. Let us help you understand what type of roof is best for your home or business.

What You Need to Know About Gutters

Gutter facts

How Much Do You Know About Your Home’s Gutters?

Your home’s rain gutters perform a vital function in the overall protection and longevity of your roof and home. To make sure that your gutters are working correctly, it is a good idea to check them out every now and then. However, it is definitely important to inspect them for damage when the seasons change, and also following major weather events. Today, we will explain a few of the important things you need to know about your home’s gutters! 

Installation

The best gutter systems are made with high quality materials. As something that needs to withstand high winds and all of the pressure the weather will put on it, your gutter system needs ti be top notch. Additionally, you want a gutter system that not only appears nice and neat, but additionally works perfectly to protect your roofing and foundation.  The fasteners used should be good quality as well, and should not damage your fascia.  Gutter systems applied with proper installation methods will serve your house for decades to come!

Repair

When it comes to the well-being of your drainage system, there are simple signs that indicate you need repairs. Peeling paint and spots of rust are two signs which a homeowner should easily notice from the ground. Additionally, knowing how old the gutters are, and recognizing signs of corrosion is a great way to tell if you will need repairs soon. When rust and peeled paint become apparent, you definite;y need a new installation. Punctures or splits in sections of your gutter system, however, can often be replaced or repaired in sections. Wood rot, mold, and mildew all become consequences if these repairs aren’t conducted ASAP, so don’t neglect them! Another issue to watch out for is detachment from your home, which a fall hazard for your family, as well as a potential source of serious home damages.

To learn more about gutters, or to schedule your new gutter installation in Cincinnati, OH dial 513.563.9988 for quick, professional work.

Choosing a Skylight For Extra Natural Light

sky lights

Skylights are a great way to increase the property value and style of your home!

When choosing a new home, many potential buyers prefer a house with a lot of natural light. This is no surprise, since the health and mood benefits of brighter homes are well known. Depending on where your house is located, and how it is designed, you will experience different levels of natural light through your windows. If you truly want to add a significant amount of natural light to your home, a skylight may be the best course of action!

Benefits of adding a skylight:

  • Lower light bills.
  • Some can be opened, allowing you to release hot air from the home in the summer.
  • Most can be added to nearly any roofing system.
  • All skylights are coated, so they will not let additionally heat into your home.
  • All skylights are equipped with advanced seals, to prevent leaks.
  • Skylights that open can be opened with a remote, or by hand.
  • Skylights provide natural light that can improve your mood, as well as increase the value of your home.

If you are interested in learning about more roofing options in Cincinnati, OH or the surrounding areas, give our expert roofers a call today at (513) 563-9988. We are dedicated to providing superior customer service, and we look forward to serving you!

 

What to Consider in Your Roof Installation

Tile RoofA new roof installation can be very exciting. After all, your roof is one of the first things people see when approaching your home. However, there are many roofing system solutions, so choosing the one that’s right for you can seem overwhelming. Consider these factors when choosing your roofing material.

 

Climate Conditions

When deciding what sort of material to use in your roof installation project, think about your local climate. High humidity, rainy climates will need a roofing material that can resist heavy moisture, while dry, arid climates should choose a material that can withstand dry weather without cracking or separating. Areas with extreme weather such as heavy storms and snow will need a roofing material that is durable under pressure.

 

Budget Planning

How much you wish to spend on your roof installation will be a deciding factor in the material you choose. Metal roofs are comparatively inexpensive but don’t last as long as their more pricey counterparts like tile or slate. Composition shingles are usually the most inexpensive choice but have the shortest lifespan, which could lead to more expenses down the road. When deciding on your roofing budget consider repair and replacement needs along with current pricing to get an accurate idea of what your potential roof may cost.

 

Maintenance Time

Some roofing systems require more care and attention than other types. Clay tile or slate roofing systems will require little to no maintenance but are usually the priciest solutions. Wood shakes are beautiful, but require a large amount of maintenance, as do composition shingles. Furthermore, maintenance can vary between materials. Some materials only require maintenance when repairs are needed while other choices require regular maintenance whether or not it has been damaged.

 

When planning your home’s roof installation in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati Roofing will help choose the perfect roofing system for you.

Sun Damages: UV Rays And Your Roof

With the summer finally here, everyone is eager for days of fun in the sun. However, due to the damaging nature of the sun’s rays, it is important that we always wear sunscreen to protect our skin. Other materials can also be damaged by the sun’s rays, including fabrics, paints, and even your roofing materials!

sun on the roof

Protect Yourself And Your Roof From The Sun This Summer!

Over time, UV rays can severely damage your shingles by breaking down the oils that keep them flexible. Without the help of the oil, your shingles fade, dry out, and can become very brittle. Once they are no longer flexible, your shingles may crack, curl, or fall off of your roof! The fading is not particularly pleasing in an aesthetic sense, but the sun damages are deeper than just the surface. Dried out shingles leave your roof vulnerable to water leaks and even minor roof leaks can lead to serious structural damage.

 

To protect your roof this summer, schedule an inspection, and consider a “cool roofing” technique. A trained professional will be able to spot any warning signs on your roof, and the sooner you catch the symptoms, the more you can minimize the damages! Cool roofing involves a roof system that is far lighter than the traditional shingle roof. You can have your roof painted with an acrylic coating to achieve a lighter color, or get new shingles that are less susceptible to sun damages. Cool roofing also increases the energy efficiency of your home, and will help you keep your heating and cooling bills low!

If you need help protecting your roof this summer, give us a call at 513-563-9988 to schedule your inspection today!

Roofing Tips For New Homeowners

Photo of roofingBuying a new home is a very exciting and new experience. Once you settle in, you may begin considering changes you want to make to the house. However, one of the biggest things you should look at updating is your roof. Roofing systems should be inspected when you are moving in to ensure your new home and property will be protected when you officially move in.  Once inspected and repaired, how can you keep a roof healthy during your ownership?

Top Tips For A Healthy Roofing

#1 Get Regular Inspections and Maintenance For Your Roof

When you first move in, it is a good idea to have your new roof inspected. This can help you by allowing a roofing contractor to find and fix any issues with your roofing system. Having your roof fortified means it will be able to handle the next storm. From here regular maintenance and inspections can keep your roof healthy and protect your home.

#2 Make Sure Your Gutters Stay Clean

Your gutters keep your roof at its best, They do this by taking water and debris away from your home, depositing it on the ground safely. Your gutter system can become clogged, causing backup and allowing water to attack your roof. Ensuring your gutters are clean will allow the water o move freely away from your home.

#3 Choose A Local Roofer

Picking a local roofer to call in the future is good for when there are emergencies. When selecting a roofer, make sure they are licensed professionals. Try to get recommendations from your neighbors to see who they would call in the event of a roofing emergency.

Cincinnati Gutters & Roofing roofing contractors are your local experts. We are always available to assist you when you need it in Cincinnati, OH. Let’s get started! Give us a call at (513) 563-9988 today for your roofing inspection and service.

Tools You Need To Clean Out Your Gutters

Cleaning out gutters is an important part of keeping our roofs in good condition. While it might not seem necessary, using proper tools to clean your gutters will not only make the job faster but also a lot safer. Here are some gutter tools you should use when you clean out your roof’s gutters.

gutter tools.

Use Gutter Tools Like Gloves to Clean Your Home’s Gutters.

Gloves

Gloves aren’t necessarily gutter tools, but they are an important part of cleaning the gutters. A nice, sturdy pair of gloves will ensure that your hands are fully protected. There could be animals or sharp debris in the gutters, so gloves will guarantee your hands won’t get damaged.

A Scoop

If you aren’t planning to use gloves, other gutter tools like a scoop or a tool that can grab stuff are really beneficial. This way you don’t have to use your hands to pull out wet leaves and debris and make the process faster.

Power Sprayer

Sometimes debris can get lodged in the gutters or even in the downspout of the drain. It can be difficult getting the debris out by hand or scoop, which is why having a power sprayer or gutter flusher on hand is key. The pressurized water will be able to push out tough debris that other tools can’t.

Bucket or Trash Bag

When you are cleaning out the gutters, you need to be able to place the leaves and debris somewhere. Throwing it on the lawn will only make your lawn messy, so attaching a bag or bucket to your ladder can help.

If you need professional gutter cleaning in Cincinnati, OH, give the experts at Cincinnati Gutters and Roof Protection a call at 513-563-9988

Should You Install Seamless Gutters?

House with Aluminum Seamless GuttersThere are many types of gutter materials and styles you can have installed on your home. Seamless gutters are becoming a popular options for most homeowners. But how do they differ from the frequently-used sectional gutter systems? We’ll give you the run down on seamless gutters and their benefits.

Seamless gutters are made with with long lasting materials. The most popular material used is aluminum. Because seamless gutters are created from a single sheet of metal, aluminum is used due to easily forming into the correct shape.  The gutters are created right before being installed on your home too, so you’ll be getting a custom made system that fits perfectly to your home.

Without seams, the gutter system is completely uniform without spaces or cracks for debris to start collecting in. This makes it much easier to maintain your gutters. Cleaning out a seamless gutter system is a quicker process compared to gutters connected by seams. The seamless nature of the gutters also prevent blockages since there isn’t anywhere for debris to catch up and start accumulating.

Seamless gutters are not prone to leaks. Gutters that are installed with seams require a sealant in order to keep the section from leaking around the joints that hold the system together. This sealant does not last forever though. As it starts to wear away, the gutters can begin to leak and will require repairs to prevent damage to your siding and foundation.

If you are looking for seamless gutter installation in the Cincinnati, OH area, contact Cincinnati Gutter & Roof Protection today! Our team is dedicated to installing and repairing high quality gutter systems. We can also assist you with roofing and siding needs as well. Just give us a call at 513-563-9988 to learn more!

Roof Leaks: 4 Common Causes

Roof leaks are one of the most common damages done to a home’s roof and one of the most stressful things a homeowner can deal with. Not only is putting a bucket down every time it rains annoying, but the thought of cost and repairs can leave your head spinning. So how do you know if it’s going to be a quick repair or a complete roof replacement? Knowing the common causes for roof leaks can save you time, money, and anxiety.

Leaky roof

Flashing

The flashing is thin pieces of material that are installed to prevent water from permeating into a structure. Leaks can start where the flashing is damaged or missing. If it’s left unrepaired, it can seep under the roofing.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are supposed to help move water away from your roof. When the gutters aren’t properly or frequently cleaned, it can cause the gutter to become clogged. Clogged gutters stop the flow of water and then build up water in one area of the roof, which might cause water to leak into cracks.

Damaged Shingles

Shingle damage can cause roof leaks in a couple of ways. The first cause is that shingles are missing; inclement weather and wind can tear shingles from the roof, exposing the area and making it vulnerable to water leaks. Another cause is broken shingles; the shingles can be broken from an object falling on the roof or they shingle are past their prime and will start to erode.

Ice Dams

Snow not only causes icy roofs, but they can also cause snow buildup. An ice dam forms on a roof when the heat from your attic is above freezing, which causes the snow to melt. Water will then run down and get caught in the snow on the roof’s edge creating a dam. If the dam grows heavier, the water will start to drip into your house.

If you’re interested in a roof inspection to get your roof winter ready, call the professionals at Cincinnati Roofing.  We have been serving the Cincinnati, OH area since 1991, and we are ready to assist you! Give us a call today at 513-563-9988