Category Archives: Residential Roofing

When the seasons start to change and the weather starts getting worse, it’s important to do some home maintenance to make sure you’ll be safe and damage-free in the coming months. And this maintenance also includes the roof. 

Over the years, your roof can sustain some wear and tear, and the fall storms and rains may cause any outstanding issues to grow bigger. Therefore, doing a bit of maintenance and checking up on your roof can go a long way towards preventing bigger damages, as well as ensuring your roof lasts as long as possible.

So, use this time before the days become even shorter, cooler, and rainier to follow up on our tips and properly prepare your roof for fall.

Remove All the Debris

The first thing you should do is remove all the debris from the roof and around the house. This usually includes twigs, leaves, dirt, and other misplaced items. If you have trees in your yard, make sure to trim the branches and shake off the leaves to minimize them piling up in the following weeks. Fallen tree limbs, branches, and other debris can all damage the shingles on your roof and eventually lead to costly roof repairs that could have been prevented by simply cleaning the debris.

Clean the Gutters

Neglecting to clean the gutters could lead to them clogging and overflowing, thus causing the water to pool on the roof and eventually leading to leaks. We recommend cleaning the gutters at least twice a year: once in the fall and again in the spring. Doing this will reduce the debris build-up, as well as the risk of gutters overflowing and leaking. Making sure your gutters are free and clear of debris will protect your home from unnecessary and potentially costly water damage down the line.

Ensure the Attic Ventilation Works Properly

A properly functioning roof and attic ventilation will help keep the air circulating properly in your home, so the next step is to check the moisture levels in your attic. If you’ve noticed condensation on your ceilings, walls, or anywhere in the attic, it’s likely that the moisture levels are too high. The occurrence of moisture means your ventilation system is not working properly, and it needs to be checked and repaired.

Your roof vents might also need to be cleaned and insulation installed to keep the cold out so that you can stay comfortable during the upcoming colder days.

Assess Potential Roof Damage

One thing that you should never forget is that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Even if you think your roof is strong and stable, it’s still wise to conduct periodic checks to see, for example, if there are any missing or damaged shingles. Because one of the most common types of roofing problems are precisely those with shingles, usually caused by hail and high winds. Therefore, take a look at your roof, and if you see anything damaged or simply suspicious, call your roofer to check it out.

Schedule a FREE Roof Inspection with Martin Exteriors!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your roofers for an inspection anytime, as it can save you and your roof from potentially serious issues. At Martin Exteriors, we’re your go-to experts in spotting damaged areas, checking for possible leaks, and we’ll also be happy to advise you on how to prevent further roof damage.

Call your best roofers Rockford IL and we’ll help keep your roof in top condition this fall and much longer.

Your roof is here to keep your entire family safe and to protect you from the elements. But no matter how durable and strong it might be, at some point, every roof can experience unexpected issues, be it from old age or due to extreme weather conditions.

To ensure your loved ones’ safety, it’s always a good idea to educate yourself about some of the most frequent issues you might come across, as well as how to spot them quickly. This is a sure-fire way to react in a timely manner should any issues unexpectedly arise. 

Below, we’ve listed some of the most common residential roofing issues to help you stay prepared and vigilant. Read on!

Cracked or Blown-Off Shingles

One of the most common issues many homeowners face are damaged, sometimes even blown-off shingles due to extreme weather. Storms and heavy winds can wreak havoc on your roofing system and tear off the flashing, as well as the shingles. On top of that, it’s not uncommon for shingles to break due to constant exposure to the sun either, so check your roof no matter the weather and make sure to get help if you see any signs of damage.

Tree Branches That Are Dangerously Close to Your Home

This is an accident waiting to happen. All it takes is a heavy storm or high winds, and those branches can fall on your roof, damaging not only your property but possibly your family members. It goes without saying that you should trim those branches ASAP because nothing is worth putting your entire family and home at risk.

Roof Leaks

As you might be aware, roof leaks can lead to much more serious issues if not dealt with on time. This means that the moment you spot dark water stains on your walls or ceilings, you should call your roofing contractor to come and inspect your property. The sooner you find the cause of the leak, the sooner you can get it fixed and feel safe in your home.

Damaged Flashing

While flashing is meant to strengthen and preserve the roofing structure, as well as prevent water from seeping into your home, unfortunately, nothing is made to last forever. Have your roofer come and thoroughly inspect your flashing after a particularly severe storm to make sure it hasn’t been damaged or to repair it if needed. 

Clogged Gutters

If you’ve noticed that your gutters have started falling off, it could mean serious trouble for your property. On top of that, clogged gutters are a sure-fire way to ensure water gets inside your home. All you need to do is occasionally check your gutters and clean them when needed, otherwise, you’ll be putting your home in unnecessary danger.

Animals and Insects

If there are any holes or cracks on your roof, you can be sure that insects and critters will crawl inside and make themselves comfortable. Additionally, animals are also likely to build a nest on your roof, and occasionally even burrow through it. So, make sure to look out for all of these possible issues and call a professional before you’re faced with even greater damage.

Inadequate Ventilation

If your roof ventilation is faulty, meaning that it’s not regulating the temperature inside your home as it should, you could end up dealing with serious issues. For example, there will almost certainly be moisture and heat accumulation, which will lead to the damaged sheathing, insulation, and shingles, not to mention increased energy bills. Simply have your ventilation inspected from time to time, and you won’t have to worry about any of this.

Call in Your #1 Experts Who Care

Most of us take our roofs for granted, even though it’s the hardest-working part of a home. All of these issues could cause a lot of damage, but luckily, you can easily prevent them by working with a trusted roofer who doesn’t cut corners. 

At Martin Exteriors, we care about our customers and we want to do right by you every time. No matter the issue, we promise to help you find the perfect solution that will ensure your roof gets back to its previous shape as soon as possible.

Call your best residential roofing specialists in the area for any of your roofing needs, no matter how big or small. We’re here to provide the best possible service and the most efficient roofing solution for your home.

Winter can have a very negative impact on our roofs as they take the greatest hits in the form of rain, snow, wind, or hail.

For this reason, with the arrival of spring, it’s necessary to check whether your roof requires maintenance and/or repairs. Such inspections should actually be done twice a year, at each significant change of season.

The more often and more thoroughly you check your roof, the less likely it will need to be repaired or replaced. Luckily for you, there are many ways to check your roof for damage and prepare your roof for spring. Read on and find out how!

If you live in a snowy location, then there is a good chance of ice dams forming on top of your roof during winter. Ice dams can cause roof damage if not taken care of as soon as possible but luckily, there are some preventative steps that you can take to minimize the risks.

Understanding how ice dams form will also help you in this process, so make sure to read on, find out why they form and what you can do to prevent them.

The cold winter weather and freezing temperatures can put an additional strain on your roof and lead to some serious roofing issues. Luckily, there are some preventative steps you can take to help keep your roof in good condition throughout the harshest of seasons. 

Here is a cold-weather roof care guide to help you ensure the winter weather does not cause roof damage that can lead to hefty home roof repairs.