4 Exterior Home Improvements That Will Sell Your Home

Update/repair roof and improve home’s exterior

The exterior of the home is the first impression you will give to potential buyers. When you clean a home, you clean it top to bottom and when you improve your exterior, you do the same. The roof is going to draw the eye first, especially if it has some sores. If it’s obvious some places within the roof need repairing, patch them. And if the roof has dark spots that you can either pressure-wash or repair, do that. If you can’t avoid the roof problem inexpensively, consider investing in and advertising the “brand new roof”.

Landscaping and curb appeal

Make sightly repairs to the front of the home and frame the walk way and porch with attractive and low maintenance plants, surrounded by an attractive, contrasting mulch. It’s been proven that potential buyers sometimes drive by in the evening or night, so replace and consider adding new lights that will showcase your home nicely. A popular trend that has charmed home buyers has been to paint the door a bright color and change its fixtures to be more charming.

Add a deck

Adding an extra place for a family to gather and make memories, such as a deck, serves all the new residents, no matter their age or interests. For you, it can be an investment that ALMOST pays for itself but may be the element that turns a buyer’s maybe into a resounding ‘yes!’. In the West, you can expect the investment to pay for itself 100%, but in the South, about 90% of the investment is returned upon resale.

Replace windows

If you live in a large city, it’s said that replacing the windows will more than be returned on your investment in the end. Otherwise, the investment typically returns 90% back, however, replacing windows if you live in hot climates does not return as much (62% in the Las Vegas area).

It’s apparent that researching which investments to make is wise. Ask your listing agent for recommendations on repairs and replacements, and do your own online research before making any decisions. If you are on a limited budget for making your home as appealing as possible to buyers, always make the necessary repairs first; leaks, broken windows, structural integrity issues, etc. Home buyers will much more appreciate a structurally sound home than an attractive one!

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Christmas Light Hanging Safety

1. The Safest Supplies

The first step in outdoor holiday decorating is choosing the lights you’ll use. There are traditional string lights, lit-up figures, net lights for trees and shrubs, and large ornaments for hanging from trees. ALWAYS purchase outdoor grade lights. These will be waterproof or resistant and have a tag marked underwriters laboratories (UL) which means that they meet national industry standards. This rule also applies for the extension cords you’ll need. Always get outdoor grade/water-resistant cords and materials labeled for outdoor use. If hanging lights, you’ll need a plastic hook product to wrap them around or hang them on, rather than severing and exposing electrical cords with nails. In point 2, we discuss using the proper outlet for the job. If you don’t already have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, you can pay an electrician to install one or purchase a portable unit from the local hardware store for 20 dollars or less.

2. A Grounded Outlet

Essentially, a GFCI outlet is a grounded outlet with the capability of shutting off when its overloaded which can easily happen when our family goes holiday-decor-happy. The GFCI should ideally have its own fuse. Having this outlet in place may be the most important element of your holiday decorating safety regimen because in case of an overcurrent, it can prevent your home’s lights from turning off and in the worst circumstances, can prevent a fire.

3. Placement of Extension Cords

Again, make sure you are using outdoor grade extension cords. A lot of these precautions are especially for those who live in extreme cold climates with rain, ice, or snow. When placing extension cords, you want to make sure that they are secured above any ground, water, or snow. This might seem common-sensical, but be sure to avoid high traffic areas where people may be walking. Tape them as necessary to keep them out of the way of anyone’s feet or hands

4. Ladder Safety

The best ladders have a wider spread between the legs, rust-proof hardware, heavy side rails, and a firm stance when opened. If your current ladder doesn’t reach the areas and capabilities you’d dreamed of, you should purchase a ladder that does or alter your vision. When using a ladder, make sure it is locked in place, don’t climb too high (above 2^nd step from the top), always be facing the ladder, and don’t place it near doors.

Be safe this and every winter with these safety tips, and have a very merry holiday season from our families to yours!

 

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How to properly inspect your roof for signs of damage

One of the best pieces of advice that we can give any homeowner is to examine their home on a regular basis. Catching minor damages in time can save you a ton of money and inconvenience. Periodic inspection is especially important in case of your roof as you don’t actually see your roof that often. But, how to inspect your roof correctly to spot the early signs of damage? Well, let’s find out!

When to inspect your roof?

The best practice is to inspect your roof twice a year. Once in late Spring and once again in late Summer or early Fall. Apart from these routine checks, make sure to inspect your roof after extreme weather conditions such as storms, hail and heavy snow.

If you experience a problem such a leak, dampness or crack, make sure to call a roofing expert to get things looked at before the problem intensifies. If your roofing material is getting old and nearing its warranty period, you should increase the frequency of inspection. The goal is to catch any problem when it is still minor and easily manageable.

What exactly to check?

Merely looking at your roof is not enough. Make sure that you pay close attention to the following things during the inspection.

• The surface of the roof: Check for the condition of the shingles. Look for missing, cracked or damaged shingles and make arrangements to replace them promptly.
• Check the flashing: Flashing is the metal pieces that cover chimney. Make sure you are looking for rust, cracks and other signs of damage to this area. If the flashing is leaky, water and snow can leak in and start rotting the roof.
• Gutters: Make sure that your gutters are clean and clog-free. Remove the dead leaves and other debris regularly and make sure that there is no obstruction for the rainwater or snowmelt.
• The underside of the roof: Look for sagging ceiling, leakage and holes on the underside of the roof from your attic. There should be no sunlight pouring through the gaps in the ceiling. Make sure that if you see small holes in your ceiling, you get professional help to correct it as soon as possible.

Always remember that your safety is of paramount importance. If possible, use a pair of binoculars inspect your roof closely. Stay safe on ladders and around electric wires.

Checking your roof regularly can help you identify minor problems quickly before they get out of hand. The best way to get this job done is to have a checklist ready before you start the inspection. Make a strategy and note down any anything that out of the ordinary, even any minor issue such as peeled paint or patch of moisture.

If you observe any issue, get it looked at by professionals. Call Beneficial Roofing to schedule an appointment for a thorough roof inspection. Our experts will help you assess, repair and prevent the damage to your roof and keep you and your family safe.

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What are Roof Stains & How to Remove Them!

Do you have stains on your Roof? If So, here is how to get rid of them..

The common cause for roof staining is from organisms like moss, lichens, and algae. These organisms are known to feed off the organic roof material in shingles. The longer it is left untreated, the worse the damage to roofs. This is why removing stains should be a priority for homeowners. Roof stain is essentially fungus and mildew spores which are embedded in the shingles from nearby shrubbery, trees, and plants. All roofing are vulnerable to stain damage and that is why it is important to know how to remove roof stains and maintain them.

DIY solutions

Home owners who would like to make some savings on roof stain removal cost can resort to DIY solutions. But before we start we want to warn you that climbing onto your roof is extremely dangerous and it can cause injuries if you are not careful. This is especially with houses that have large roofs.

The requirements include non-corrosive and non-toxic roof cleaning chemical, a garden hose, a garden sprayer and a full-body harness. Special tool applicators and even rinsing tools may be required for severe roof staining. The roof cleaning product that is selected should be safe for the environment and non-corrosive. There are a good number of brands available in the market to this regard.

The ideal day to remove roof stains is a cool/ overcast day that is characterized by little to no wind. This will allow the spray to properly hit the shingles. Furthermore, the cleaning solutions can only soak deeply into the numerous algae colonies in such weather conditions.

It is equally important to properly prepare the roof stain removal area by cleaning the downspouts and gutters, repairing any loose flashings or shingles. This is what will allow the roof stain-cleaning chemicals to drain freely.

Lawn furniture should be moved and vegetation covered to protect them from inevitable overspray. Good preparation work is necessary as it significantly reduces the cleanup time and effort that would have otherwise been used later.

It is advisable to work from the bottom row and slowly work your way up to the roof peak. The cleaner should be sprayed on the shingles to the point of saturation. Any areas of the roof that dry out in the process should be sprayed again immediately.

Professional solutions

There are several cleaning solutions that roof contractors use to remove roof stains, the notable ones include the following:

Low-pressure cleaning

This technique requires the use of high-grade eco-friendly products. It produces complete and instant results. The technicians of roof cleaning companies use equipment that is precisely designed for gentle and safe roof cleaning.

Chlorine bleach

This method employs the use of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) mixed in very high concentrations of trisodium phosphate (TSP). This is sprayed on the roof and left to dry. The results are not immediate because the stains take some time to come off. It is affordable compared to other methods.

High-pressure power washing

This method is used by a few roof cleaning contractors. This particular technique of removing roof stains is not very effective because it may leave behind root systems and this leads to a quick return of algae. This can be done with your regular inspections to make sure those pesky algae won’t come back.

Conclusion

Removing roof stains is an inevitable home improvement and maintenance exercise. This is why it is important to hire qualified contractors like us to undertake it. You’ll save not only time but money in the long run because maintaining good roof in an investment. Well-maintained roof means higher resale value if ever you want to sell your house in the future.

So, what are you waiting for?

Call Beneficial Roofing today for a FREE Roof Estimates. And we will make sure to remove all those roof stains that ruin the image of your home.

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Best Practices for Taking Care of Your Roof

Your roof is susceptible to decay, damage, cracks, and leakage. Even when you have used the best quality materials and installed everything properly, there is need to follow best roof caring practices. It helps you avoid roofing problems. Fix a roofing problem as soon as you notice it, otherwise, it will develop into a bigger problem. Proper care and maintenance, as well as timely repair, are essential to keep your roof in good condition for years to come. It does not require lots of effort and resources. Just inspect your roof at least once a month and take appropriate action if you notice any problems in your roof.

What Should You Look For?

It depends on the type of roof you have. When shingles are nearing the end of life, you will notice peeling and curling problems. If you notice shingle granules in the gutters, it indicates your roofing material may be in need of replacement. Go to the attic and inspect the ceiling surface. If you find stains on the surface of the ceiling, it indicates moisture or water seepage. Moss, algae and fungus are destructive to the house construction materials. Do not try to clean these things on your own. Call Beneficial Roofing for FREE Roof Inspections.

If your home has weathered storms and high wind incidents, you may have a bald spot on your roof due to missing shingles. Repair works are needed to fix these problems. Once you have identified the root cause of your roofing problem, it becomes easy to look for the right solution. Follow the best roof caring practices to avoid future problems.

Regular Inspections

Visually inspect your roof once a month. Roofing problems that are obvious can be detected this way but you may miss the underlying problems that are not visible. For this reason, you should always hire a professional roofing contractor at least once a year for a thorough and professional roof inspection.

Do Not Let Anything Gather in Your Roof

Debris like tree leaves and branches on the roof should not be allowed to rot for long. Make sure the downspouts and gutters are cleaned regularly. Water causes extensive damage to the building materials, especially the ones that are porous and absorb water. Keep your roof clean so the water does not collect on it. Cleaning All parts of the roof including gutters should be cleaned as and when required. It is important to remove moss and algae that retain moisture. Moss affected spots become a breeding ground for microorganisms. Keep your roof in good condition with regular maintenance.

DIY Repairs

Never try to repair any part of the roof on your own, it can turn into an easy repair work to massive repair work if not properly repaired. It is dangerous and can lead to serious injuries. Always take help of trained and experienced roofing contractors to diagnose and fix the roofing problems. Damaged roof parts should be repaired as early as possible to avoid future problems. You will have to pay less money to repair simple problems than to big problems resulted to improper repairs.

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance helps you avoid frequent roof repairs. A clean and well-maintained roof gives the whole house a beautiful look. It helps you command higher rental and resale value for your house. Complete roof replacement is an expensive project. You can avoid such a large investment for several years if you maintain your roof regularly.

Follow these practices to have a long lasting and healthier roof. Also, These practices can save you tons of money in the long run.

Call us today, so we can start offering you security and peace when it comes to your roof, and come up with solutions for you that meet your needs.

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Beneficial Roofing Youtube Channel Videos

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5 Tips for Preparing your Roof for a Storm

Roof Storm Preparedness Tips

If you own a home, it is important to make sure that you are always prepared for disasters that might strike. One of such disaster that might occur now and then includes storm. Storm can cause damage not only to your roof but to your entire house too. This is why it is important to be prepared at all times to ensure that when it occurs such damages do not happen. Your roof is very crucial because it is the one that protects your house from such occurrences. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your roof is strong and in good condition to be able to withstand all the effects brought about by storm. To assist you in this process, here are some of the roofing storm preparedness tips you need to apply.

TIP 1: Perform thorough inspection of your roof

One of the greatest tips you need to apply to ensure that your roof is safe from a storm is to check if it has any weaknesses. You should carry out a visual inspection in order to note if there are any loose or missing shingles. It is also important that you check for cracks or gaps between the roof and the rest part of the house. This will ensure that such gaps are filled to avoid leakage that might arise as a result of the storm. Make sure that you recognize any issues with your roof that might get worse with the storm so that they are handled well in advance. Call Beneficial Roofing for FREE Roof Inspections.

TIP 2: Look Out For Trees

You should also check if there is any tree near your property that might fall on your roof if the storm escalates. In case there is any, you should call an arborist to come and cut it down or remove branches that might fall on the roof.

TIP 3: Repair your roof

If your roof has aged or was installed many years back, it is advisable that you do a thorough renovation. This is necessary because an old roof has high chances of being destroyed completely by the storm compared to a new one. It might cost you some money to do the renovation, but it is worth the cost because you might even spend more in case it gets damaged by the storm. Or if you wait for storm damage- insurance may be liable for repairing/replacing the roof.

 

TIP 4: Make sure you have contacts of water damage repair services

When there is storm there are always risks of water damage from occurring. The water damage can even affect your roof or any other part of the house. This is why you need to have phone contacts of the nearest water damage professional service so that you can call them in the case of any emergency.

TIP 5: Last but not least…

If you follow all our tips you shouldn’t be worried about the incoming storm. The thing you should do now is always be prepared for the worst and know a professional and trusted roofer in your area.

In case the worst happens and your roof suffered damages from the storm. Make sure to call us so we can start offering you security and peace of mind when it comes to your roof.

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Recover from the damage caused by hail storms

Priority #1: Remain safe in the hail storm

A hail may occur during any strong storm; That is, hail represents a threat everywhere. When hail falls, roof coatings can be destroyed and water can damage ceilings, walls, floors, appliances, and your personal possessions. Knowing what ceiling coatings offer good impact resistance can save you money and trouble.

Know your limits

Most roofing jobs can not be done by yourself. Unless you have experience replacing roof coatings, hire a professional roofing contractor.
Before re-roofing, check with local building officials about what local building codes are.

Know the lining of your roof

If you are replacing the old, worn roof tile with asphalt shingles, make sure they have a Class 4 rating under Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 2218. A Class 4 rating ensures that a sample of the product did not crack after being hit twice in the same area by a two-inch steel ball.
The UL 2218 standard is a practical method for performing impact resistance testing, although it is not perfect and works best for some roof liners than for others. The UL standard measures whether a product cracks after receiving an impact. Some roof coverings, especially some made of metal, may not crack but have dents and holes.
Therefore, even if they pass the test well, they may not be practical. Keep this in mind when using a UL standard to measure the quality of a ceiling coating.

Stay safe in case of a storm

If you are indoors when there is a storm with large chunks of hail, stay there. Because large hail can shatter windowpanes, close your drapes, blinds, or curtains to prevent wind from throwing broken glass into the house. Stay away from skylights and doors. If it is outside, immediately get under a shed.

For more information on protecting your home from hail damage, visit the Business and Home Safety Institute or contact your local Beneficial Roofing Office.

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There’s roofing. And there’s Beneficial Roofing. (VIDEO)

Here is a recent video commercial that we had done.. Check it out, let use know what you think.

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10 Best Indoor and Outdoor Easter Egg Hiding Places

A few key points are important to remember when deciding where to place your Easter eggs for a hunt this year. The first is safety. This article will outline a number of safety precautions when hiding Easter eggs for children to find. To make the day the safest, you can also create a couple maps to assist you and the children, one map only of the designated area the eggs are hidden so that children don’t go beyond the parameters and another “cheat sheet” that tells you where all the eggs are hidden. For the most safety, designate adults with bunny ears to supervise and help the children as they hunt. The last thing to consider is the children’s ages. Eggs should be hidden in pretty plain view if the children are younger than 5 years old, and require a little bit more effort if they are older. If the children are mixed ages, employ both! Here are some of the best places to hide your Easter eggs.

Indoor

1. Between books on the book shelf
2. The silverware basket of the dishwasher
3. In candle holder or tooth brush holders
4. Inside shoes
5. On the window sills behind the curtains

Outside

1. In the mailbox
2. Buried in a sandbox
3. Behind the legs of outdoor furniture
4. Under safe plants, in plain view or just behind a leaf
5. Inside gardening tools such as watering cans, gloves, coiled garden hose, etc.

Safety Tips

• Keep in mind children’s ages by keeping eggs hidden at or below the level of the children’s eyes
• Don’t hide eggs around glass items. If you removed them from plain view like previously suggested, you won’t have to worry
• Don’t hide eggs in natural holes in the ground or trees
• Don’t hide eggs around animals, their sleeping, eating or play areas
• Don’t hide eggs near potentially dangerous rooms of the home such as the attic or basement
• Don’t hide eggs near thorny or otherwise dangerous plants

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How to choose the best Roofing Company

Repairing or replacing your home’s roof can be one of the most daunting home repair projects a homeowner can face. On the one hand, you’re probably not qualified to do the job yourself, so you’ll have to hire a professional roofing company to do it.

One of the most important things to do to find the best roofing company is to ask around for recommendations. Some of the best advice you will get will come from local friends and family. Here are some questions you should ask every potential roofing contractor:

Do you offer the services that are required to do the job that I need?

It’s not enough to assume that every roofing company can tackle every roofing job. Be specific about what you need (ideally by showing the roofer where the damage is) and ask whether the company feels they can handle the job. If you detect hesitation or get a vague answer, move on to another candidate.

Do you offer a free quote?

You should never have to pay for a quote or sign anything up front to get a quote. Reputable companies will be confident enough in the quality of their work that they will happily provide you with a free quote.

What kind of warranty is offered on the job?

Does the warranty cover labor and products use? Get this information in writing, too.

When can you start the work?

If your roof is leaking, you need it fixed urgently. But what if the company you are considering does not have an opening in their work schedule for another six weeks? Be sure they can tackle the job on the timetable you require.

How long have you been in business?

It may be a good idea to do business with a company that has been established for a while rather than a new start-up.

By taking the time to ask for recommendations from people you trust and by asking the right questions, you should be able to find the best roofing company.

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Chimney Care You Should Know About

This article mainly highlights the chimney products and services you should know about to care properly for your chimney during its lifetime. Whether you in the process of deciding whether to maintain, restore, or remove your chimney, first consider how easily you can keep this charming feature in your home.

Roofer Relationship

Your locally trusted roofer is going to be the professional service you will want to be acquainted with to inspect your chimney at least once. Because the chimney often runs vertically through the entire home, it can be a source for lots of problems including animal and insect infestation, as well as water damage. A chimney that acts as an invitation for both can quickly cause costly damage to the home, so don’t put off scheduling an inspection and acting on any problems that arise quickly. You will want to build this relationship in person and have their number on hand for future reference anyway.

Top Products

Provided your roof is in good condition already, without repair needs, there are two products that will improve the longevity of your chimney, roof, and home’s foundation. The first is what is known as “crown coating” which is a water-proof lining that discourages water damage to the brick of the chimney structure, as well as water damage surrounding the chimney. After the coating has been installed, find a good “rain cap” as a topper to the chimney. This is often a metal roof for the chimney that ventilates by mesh, but keeps out unwanted rain and sometimes more important, animals.

Wildlife Agency and Exterminator

Speaking of animals, if you find you have an infestation of your chimney, you’ll want to know these two entities. Birds and animals might be protected by law in your city or state, so before you act on finding these creatures dwelling in your home you want to find out if you are even allowed to act without special handling. Some birds, even invasive ones, are protected due to their endangerment status or cultural importance. The Wildlife Agency can assist you with information and removal of such creatures. If you are dealing with a common insect critter infestation, an exterminator can help you with their experience and expertise.

Aerolator

An aerolator is another helpful product, our favorite kind, the kind that saves you money on your energy bills. Because traditional fireplaces and chimneys are fueled by the air in the home, you are wasting preciously energy heated or cooled air on this exchange. An aerolator is a product that allows the chimney to instead, use the air from outside your home to fuel its fire. Your local roofer can also offer you additional information and recommendations on this product type.

If after reading this and doing adequate research, you decide that removing your fireplace and chimney is a better modification than keeping it, your local roofer can help you carry out this process as well. There are many reasons to remove a chimney including removing the maintenance tasks, the uncleanliness soot can cause, and the opening up of new space in the home due to the removal of the vertical system currently taking up space. This decision largely depends on your preference if you plan to live in the home for a number of years. If you decide to keep it, however, protect that investment by employing the options talked about in this article.

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Your Guide To Choosing Home Exterior Paint

Work With Pre-Existing Materials

If parts of your home or walk are made of stone or brick, these materials are ones you’ll want to consider color matching around. Any items that you plan on keeping as part as your landscape should be considered in the color decision. Find the underlying tones in the pieces for a place to begin finding colors you may want to paint the exterior. If you aren’t in love with the swatches you find of these colors, consider looking for its opposite in regard to color temperature. Consider painting trim a few shades lighter. If these specific methods aren’t working for you, perhaps you can pull many brochures of predetermined color schemes and compare them to your house. Other things to consider when choosing your paint color are the colors of your neighbor’s homes.

Take Technology Generated Recommendations

Every neighborhood hardware store carries different paint brands, but all will likely have a technology kiosk that can assist you in choosing the right color for the exterior of your home, considering some of the colors that are pre-existing. For example, Behr is a brand carried by Home Depot and Home Depot has a Color Solutions kiosk. If you don’t have a Home Depot or choose to visit another hardware store, you can always take the color recommendation from their kiosk and have it color matched in another brand quite easily. Bring in existing materials for color matching, such as the brick or wood on or around your home that you’d like to incorporate going forward, ask an associate for help at a kiosk, and leave with some swatches or samples to think on awhile.

Have Patience and Test Some Colors

Painting the exterior of your home is a money and time investment you don’t want to rush, so if you are between colors, buy samples of both and paint swatches right on your house to see it in real life. Be sure to paint an adequate space on the North and South sides of the home where light can make a dramatic difference. Take a step back. What do you think?

Additional Tips

Be sure to spend an adequate amount on quality paint such as Marquee Exterior Paint & Primer in One. No corners should be cut on this project, nor quality compromised. Once you’ve spent the money on the quality stuff and painted the home, you will be grateful you won’t have to be up on your ladder in 6 months to a year patching and repainting spots.

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4 Common Roofing Styles

Metal

Metal roofing options are growing in popularity. The industrial look can give your home a modern edge and it’s very sensible to boot. They are most used down south due to their harsh weather and durable roofing needs. In climates where water damages most other roofing materials, metal is a winner. It’s a more expensive choice, but will pay for itself over time. The roof can last you up to 60 years vs. the most popular roofing material, asphalt shingles, that only last 20. Because of its light weight, it will also bear less weight on your home’s foundation and walls.

Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are the number one choice of homeowners in the U.S. They are the most readily available, affordable, as well as aesthetically pleasing to the eye. There are two categories of asphalt shingles, fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles are less durable than organic, but less expensive and get the job done. As mentioned previously, you can expect a fiberglass asphalt shingled roof to last you approximately 20 years. Organic shingles are made of recycled felt paper. Both these options are coated with a water resistant coating and then sprinkled with ceramic pieces to reflect the sun’s UV rays.

Cedar Shake

Cedar shake are shingles made of wood coated with a fire resistant coating. It is an expensive option, but can look really beauiful and also help you save money on your energy bills going forward. In fact, you will make back your investment in heating and cooling because of the roof’s ability to insulate. This roofing option is durable and does well in high heat places, as well as in places where mother nature is extremely unpredictable (for example hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, etc). One major downfall is that this roofing option needs special installation, so before you commit to it be sure you find a roofing company with experience in cedar shake roofing that you trust.

Tile

Tile roof shingles are made of ceramic or slate and come in a variety of colors, but are most commonly purchased in a orange/terracotta hue. They are very durable and can last you 50-100 years or more. They withstand the elements well, specifically the heat of the sun, so they are popular choices in hot climates. This choice can also effect your heating and cool bills in a positive way, due to its good heat resistance.

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Gutter Cleaning Products You Need To Know About

There are many times of gutter products that are meant to make their maintenance easier for you and allow you to clean them out less. These products include systems of gutter covers, gutter guards, and heating systems for colder climates. Other products for making cleaning easier include tongs, vacuums, sprayers, and more. There are many factors to consider here. First you have to consider which products will actually work with your current home or gutter system. Not all products will fit your home’s design and current gutter structure. Some solutions might even suggest you replace your entire gutter system like a gutter and cover in one product. The next thing you need to consider is your budget. Are you willing to spend less and clean more? With any solution you consider, you should thoroughly research and review products before purchasing. Most professionals can agree that there are pros and cons to every single option and you should weigh them heavily before deciding. To make things easier, you might make an appointment for your trusted roofer to assess your situation. They might be able to help you with other roofing recommendations, installation, or gutter cleaning if you choose to put off making the decision. Here are 4 of many really good products to consider.

Bottle Brush Gutter Guard

A bottle brush gutter guard is a less expensive option to consider making your gutters efficient longer between cleanings. The brush product you insert into the gutters collects debris and keeps it from clumping and preventing the passage of water. It seems to work really well for people who’ve chosen to use this product. Just like gutters, it needs to be cleaned out periodically, but less than gutters usually do and it shouldn’t cause you any problems (clogging) in the mean time. Other gutter guards are made of a mesh or foam material that catches debris as well, but getting the proper fit for your gutters might be problematic and each product seems to be hit or miss about doing its job.

Gutter Cover and Heat Cable System

Only homes in cold climates will need to consider this option. When ice and snow build on the eaves of the home, it can cause icicles and build up and potentially damage the home. The gutter cover and heat cable system will heat the ice and snow and send the melted water away from the home, preventing water or damage from the heaviness of sitting snow. If sitting ice and snow has been problematic for you in recent years, you may consider installing this system to prevent the costly damages in the future. The only con is that the installation is best done by a professional. Ask your roofer if they recommend the system and if they are able to order and install it.

Gutter Tongs

Cleaning your gutters is recommended twice per year. If you don’t mind doing it yourself, there are products available that can make your life easier. Many people just climb a ladder and use their hands to remove debris that has clogged their gutter system. Gutter tongs can save your hands and prevent you from injuring yourself by being an extension of you and preventing imbalance and falling from the ladder. Extensions of the tongs might be available to keep you from even having to climb a ladder, but seeing if you’ve removed all the debris could be problematic if you don’t get up there yourself.

Gutter Vacuums

Again, if you clean your own gutters and have a shop vac, you can purchase a gutter vacuuming extension. This might do a better job than tongs can do and make the task easier for you. There is definitely an extension for this product so you won’t have to climb a ladder to do it, but you run the same risk of not seeing whether you’ve removed all the debris.

If money is a non-issue, support your local roofing company and employ them to clean your gutters the twice per year that’s needed. The average cost is 175.00-275.00 and depends usually on the size of your home and gutter system. Don’t forget that properly maintaining your home will prevent costly damage later on and can improve resale value in the future.

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The Face Of Homes Through The Decades

White trim around doorways and windows, against a darker hue on the body of the house was a popular look in New England during the early 1900s. This time also marked the era of the beginning popularity of craftsman style homes. Craftsman style homes often use triangular columns, wide porches, muted porches, and gabled roofs.

By the 1920s using mixed materials to design the exterior of houses became a popular concept. Lots of texture was provided by creating walkways and stairwells made of different stones or bricks. Metal details and a texture rich home continue the tradition as the eye is drawn up. As the era moved toward the 1930s, sophisticating farm house styles became a trend. Painting homes red with white trim like a barn became a thing. Barn doors and other farm stylized accessories added charm. The 40s and 50s were nearly opposite, being separated only by World War II in 1939-1945. During the war, the home building trend was understated details. The homes were neutral colored, usually cape cod or cozy cottage looking, nothing too loud. The most contrasted detail of the homes were white shudders. By 1950, the trend was to paint the exterior kitschy and uplifting colors such as yellow, light blue, and teal.

The 1960s were all-American looking and employed the most classic, colonial elements. White clapboard siding, shudders, and decorative roof domes called cupolas were especially popular. The 1970s were all about earthy and natural colors, both in fashion and in home style. Brown, brown, brown!

The 1980s ushered in styles unrelated to every other decade in every sense. “Contemporary” style began then and interiors as well as exteriors became more eclectic, but are still embraced widely today. Neutral colored stucco replaced traditional siding options and a variety of different shaped windows became popular. The 1990s tended to trend backward, reverting back to some older styles such as using streamlined columns and the 2000s brought about curated color palettes for the home’s exterior to accentuate its best features. The boldest color chosen? Bold paint colors for front doors became a cool, yet subtle way for your home to stand out and have a personality.

The 2010s to today have trends that aren’t as easily visible, as technology has blown up over the decades. Standing out from the crowd is in the details, maybe the homeowner only knows about. Statement shingles such as staggered patterns and innovative materials are a newer trend, and having entire window walls open up to the outside landscape.

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Is Solar Roofing Right for Your Home?

Your roof is a simple, yet valuable investment for your home, as any reputable roofing company will tell you. The roof’s sole purpose is to keep your home safe from the wind, water, and the sun. What if the sun could be converted into a natural resource for your home? That is the purpose of solar roof panel shingles: to turn this sustainable resource into energy. But how do you know if such an investment is right for you?

1. You are a permanent resident in your home and plan to live there for many more years.

Solar shingles are a large investment. Homeowners who intend to live in their home for many years to come will often find that the purchase of solar shingles will benefit them in the long run.

2. It meets your HOA restrictions

Depending on where you live, your home might fall under the purview of a homeowners association. If this is the case, you might want to check with the organization to make sure that solar shingles will not violate any restrictions or rules. Some gated communities may not allow solar panels of any kind. Other HOAs may have restrictions about the types of shingles you may use. Be sure to check with your local association if you have one when working with your roofing company.

3. Your home is in direct sunlight

While the idea of solar shingles as part of your roof’s single system may appeal to you, they would serve no purpose if your home is in the constant shade or only gets sunlight for two or three hours per day. If your home has high exposure to the sun’s rays from the south, it might be a prime candidate for solar shingles on your roof.

If you own a home and want to tap into this precious natural resource, look into solar shingles . These are a smooth and aesthetically pleasing alternative to regular, large solar panels. If you have questions or want to try solar shingles, Beneficial Roofing is the premier roofing company in Cumberland to offer the service.

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What Is A Living Roof?

A living roof, or sometimes called a green roof, is a roof covered by a waterproofing membrane and then covered partially or completely by vegetation and growing mediums that retain water and transfer it back into the atmosphere through natural means. Installing green roofs conserve a notable amount of energy, but have additional benefits such as beautifying a building and increasing it’s value and improving the air quality around it, among other things.

Benefits

Commercial building owners as well as homeowners can benefit from installing a green roof. Aside from being a green concept that keeps other roofing materials out of landfills and has its own recycled products, the green roof can save you money on your energy bill. Roofs are the main culprit for retaining unwanted heat in the summer and letting wanted heat escape in the winter. With a green roof, you can expect a significant drop in your air conditioning needs (up to 75%) and heating as well. This is because the plants absorb the heat. Rain and storm water is also absorbed by the substrate, then sucked up by plants that need it, and evaporated back into the atmosphere. This reduces the risk of water damage, and slows the run off process and purifies the water naturally on the way down. Having a green roof also improves the air quality and reduces electromagnetic radiation tremendously (some studies report up to 99.4%). The plant matter acts as a natural fire retardant and can save a home significant damage if this unfortunate event occurs. The attraction of the green roof for commercial buildings is on the rise, due to city planning trends and goals. The industry could expect a lot more jobs made to meet the demand of people wanting these energy efficient and meaningful statement roofs.

Types

A living roof or green roof goes by even more names. You might hear it being called a roof garden or a garden roof as well. Like the tiny house movement, there are endless possibilities for design. Roofs can be designed with aesthetics heavily in mind, or made of plants chosen for different purposes. Some look covered in strictly grass, others spotted with flowers, some even have small trees. Some look tightly groomed and others, wild. In some cultures this clever roofing is as old as the 19^th century. Sod roofs were the most common roof type in Scandinavia at the time. They were made of loose roof boards covered in layer upon layer of birch bark and sod as the final layer. Green roofs today might employ additional modern technologies to care for the roof such as drainage and irrigation systems.

Additional Information

Unlike a traditional roof, the green roof when properly cared for, can last you 35-50 years or more. If you’re interested in green roofing, you should know that in most cases you will need a permit to make one. Some people require the guidance of a landscape architect or architect and a pre-evaluation to determine whether your roof is strong enough to support a living system. You’ll be happy to know that you can start small. Many people try it first using a small building such as a garage or shed. If you try it out and decide it’s not for you, you’ll still have a beautiful sight to see on your property.

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What Happens When Gutters Aren’t Maintained

Gutters are channels added to the perimeter of your home’s roof to carry water and any environmental debris to a safe drainage area, away from the home and its foundation. If you don’t maintain your gutters they might fall apart themselves, but that damage can be easier repaired than the damage it can cause to your home. Here are the most common threats posed by under-maintained gutters.

Damage To The Foundation

If gutters aren’t cleaned out, they can build up with debris and overflow in places. The water and moisture build up will flow onto the roof, down the home, and eventually to the basement and foundation of the home since it is not being directed away from the house. If too much moisture sits near the foundation of the home, the surrounding ground can become soft, and the foundation can form cracks. Even worse, if cold weather ensues the water can freeze and cause the structure to contract and expand, causing cracks.

Damage To The Basement

If water is sitting near the foundation of the home over a long period of time, it inevitably will seep directly into the basement walls themselves. The moisture is hard to get rid of and will cause unpleasant odors and mold. In more severe cases the water can cause flooding and permanent damage.

Damage To The Roof

Overflowing gutters is the worst problem to have when winter is coming. It causes ice and snow to sit on the home, rather than falling or melting off of it. The additional weight and moisture on the roof can cause holes and penetrate the attic, ceilings, and walls.

Insect Infestation

The ideal home for an insect is in moist places where organic debris is rotting. The gutters are a great home for many critters to eat and nest. If winter is coming, the warmth of the home will be attractive and they will move inside. Termites and carpenter ants are some of the biggest potential threats.

How And When To Clean Your Gutters

Just as you’d inspect your roof once a month and after storms, you should check your gutters at the same time to look for obstruction of drainage. Clean out any debris you can and then take a hose to the inside to remove as much dirt as possible. If you are physically unable to perform the task or don’t have the supplies to do it, you can call your local roofers for gutter servicing.

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Wildlife That Damages Roofs and Homes

Animals need shelter, just as humans do. When a creature is enticed by the warmth in your home and the food you might provide through garbage, per food, and bird seed they will find a way to nest in or around your home. The extent of damage these pests can do might be the least of your worries when animals can diseases, rabies, and parasites like fleas and ticks into your home. Damage can include ruined electrical wiring, insulation, damaged wood, infestation and feces. Here’s what you need to know.

Common Threats

Depending on where you live, different creatures will prefer dwelling in homes. Your State Wildlife Agency can be a resource for information about which animals to look out for and how to prevent them from being attracted to dwelling in or around your home. Common animals that can hurt your home are bats, birds, rats, raccoons, rodents, skunks, snakes, and squirrels. Common bugs that can affect your home are termites, carpenter ants, bees, wasps, and anything that nests.

Precautions

Occasionally inspect openings under your porches, basements, and your attic. If you find any evidence that an animal has been there, research further prevention and seal any openings as best you can. Keep tight fitting lids on your garbage cans and pet food containers if they are kept outside. Clean your pet’s bowls after feeding. Maintain your roof well. This includes trimming nearby trees so their branches don’t puncture the roof and allow an opening for creatures, and purchase a chimney topper that makes it difficult for animals to get in through the chimney.

After Infestation

If an animal has made a habit of coming and going from the home, has made it a permanent dwelling place, or has raised young there it’s time to get serious about preventing this problem from getting worse. Many cities and states have strict enforcement to protect certain wild life and endangered species, so check with your Wildlife Agency if you are thinking about capturing, poisoning, or killing any wild animal in or around your home. Also do proper research about your options with pesticides if you’re thinking about calling a pest control company. If at all possible use the lowest toxicity products possible first, and gradually introduce stronger product if necessary. Read labels and instructions thoroughly before handling any pest control situation on your own.

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Check Out Our Crossville Google Reviews

Check Out Our Google Reviews for Beneficial Roofing in Crossville, Tennessee. 

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Pick The Best Crossville Roofing Company

When you are looking for a Great Crossville Roofing Company look no further than Beneficial Roofing!

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