4 Things To Consider When Hiring A Northern Kentucky Roofing Contractor
If you are getting work done on your home it is always essential to choose the right person to carry out the work correctly safely. There are numerous variables that you must consider when evaluating your Northern Kentucky roofing contractor, with each one important in its own unique way. You must put a little work into your research before deciding on the right Northern Kentucky roofing contractor for your project, as your decision could have a major impact on the outcome.
Roofing is a skill that requires a lot of training and experience to do right, and not just anyone can open up a business and start doing roofing overnight. You must examine each potential Northern Kentucky roofing contractor that you are considering carefully to make sure they are capable of delivering what you need. A project as basic as some exterior painting would require some research, so you must do the same, and more, for your roof.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips on what you should look for in a Northern Kentucky roofing contractor.
Are Their Employees Insured?
Before you agree to start any work or sign any documents, you must protect yourself. Any reputable Northern Kentucky roofing contractor should have their own insurance policy that covers workers in case of an onsite accident. If they don’t have any insurance the liability could fall directly on you, and that is certainly not worth risking. Make sure to discuss this as early as possible with your contractor.
Research Your Northern Kentucky Roofing Contractor
It is now easier than ever to find out what others think about any business in a specific area of the country. The internet is a massive resource for customer reviews, testimonials, and even pictures of past projects. If your contractor is not as professional or experienced as you may have hoped, you can find out very quickly with a quick Google search. You don’t want to accidentally hire someone who does power washing for a living to fix your roof, so be sure you do your due diligence when it comes to research.
Don’t Focus On Cost
The majority of people out there will most likely have a tight budget when it comes to major home repairs and renovations. Money is more difficult to hold onto these days than ever before, and you may be enticed by some very low prices. You must not base your decision on the overall cost when fixing your roof, you must make sure it is the right professional doing the work. Spending a little more on a Northern Kentucky roofing contractor who is experienced and reputable, could save you a lot of money in repair work down the line.
Ask Questions
There is no rule against asking your Northern Kentucky roofing contractor as many questions as you need to. You must feel comfortable with the cost you are absorbing and the quality of the work and materials that are coming with it. If there is anything that doesn’t make sense or needs clarification, just ask your contractor.
It Pays To Be Picky
Whether you are hiring someone to do a basic chimney sweep or you are having your roof re-shingled, you must pick the right person to do it. There are too many things that could go wrong with a bad contractor, and you must protect your investment, your home, and your family. Take the time to investigate any potential choices and don’t sign any documents until you are completely confident that you have found the right Northern Kentucky roofing contractor for your roofing project.
- Published in Northern Kentucky Chimneys, Northern Kentucky Gutters, Northern Kentucky Roofing, Northern Kentucky Storm Damage, Northern KY roofing, Residential Roof Replacement, Roofing Companies, Roofing Contractor, Storm Damage on Roofs
A Quick Guide to Northern Kentucky Residential Roofing Repairs
“You need roofing repairs,” is never a fun phrase to hear. If you have found yourself in a situation where you need Northern Kentucky residential roofing repairs, you may be feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed. These are standard emotions when it comes to a roofing fix. In this short guide, you will be informed of a quick guide to the top four roofing repairs that you may need.
1. A Northern Kentucky residential roofing leak
One of the most worrisome Northern Kentucky residential roofing repairs is a water leak. How long has the leak occurred? Was it due to power washing, weather, or has the leak been slow and ongoing for years? If you notice water suddenly, it is better than a slow leak. A leak that you see immediately can be repaired quickly without much damage to your structure. However, a slow leak can have caused wood rot to your beams and internal roofing structure. It most likely has destroyed the insulation and mold growth may even be occurring.
2. Structural damage
Another repair that can be needed to your roof is due to structural damage after a tornado or high winds. Tree branches can fall on the roof and HVAC system causing a hole in the roof that needs to be repaired immediately. In addition, the painting on the siding may be stripped, or the siding could be completely missing. Weather can be dangerous in Kentucky and although no one wants to have to deal with the aftermath of a hole in the roof, destroyed AC unit, or installation of new siding, thank your lucky stars that you and your family are safe after a severe storm.
3. Shingle replacement
If your shingles are starting to blow off with windy conditions or they have been on the house for decades, it is time for the shingles to be replaced. This is a great time to replace the gutters as well since most drainage systems have been in place since the home was built. Most homeowners will go with an asphalt or composition type shingle as it is durable, long-lasting, and is relatively inexpensive. Remember that safety always comes first so if you are not comfortable replacing your shingles, call a professional roofer to do the job for you.
4. Improper installation
The last and most frustrating Northern Kentucky residential roofing repair that you may need is due to improper installation. If your home starts having leaks, it may be due to mismatched shingles, the wrong type of nail usage, an incorrectly installed flashing, inaccurate chimney repairs, or lack of a drip edge. These are all issues that came with an installation that was not done correctly. These issues need to be repaired immediately as they can lead to increased water damage including mold and mildew growth.
As you can see, there are multiple roofing issues that can occur and need repairs. Whether you find yourself in a situation where you have a hole in the roof, a water leak, or new shingles placed, you will have the insight to know to call an experienced handyman or professional team to assist you in this endeavor. If you follow our advice on the top four Northern Kentucky residential roofing repairs that you may need, you will be on top of any issues when they occur and have the best looking and most secure roof in all of Kentucky!
5 Considerations when Choosing your Northern Kentucky Residential Roofing Material
Are you in the process of building a new home in the Kentucky area? Do you already own a home, but need to make updates to your gutters or roof? If so, you are in a position to choose many things about the roof that you will be installing. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top five considerations when choosing your Northern Kentucky residential roofing materials.
1. Area
The first item to consider when selecting Northern Kentucky residential roofing material is the area in which you live. If you live in a rainy, snowy, or humid climate, which Kentucky can fall into all three, you need to be diligent in your selection. You want a material that will be strong and durable, but one that can breathe in the summer as well. Make sure to investigate if the material can have power washing performed on it as well, as some roof warranties will not cover that procedure.
2. Design
The next thing to consider when selecting Northern Kentucky residential roofing materials is the design and style of your home. Do you have a modern, sleek looking style or is your plan more traditional? Do you enjoy a contemporary feel with painting hues in a more neutral form? You may own a home with an old-world feel. If that is the case, you may want clay tiles over asphalt, as the clay will go much better with the style of your home. Make sure the roofing materials you choose match the style of your home.
3. Longevity of your Northern Kentucky residential roofing
Another essential question to ask is how long you will be living in this house. Are you going to relocate for your work? If so, you may want to go with a more inexpensive roofing material as you will be selling your home. If you plan to stay in your house, then think about the longevity of the materials you choose. Just as you do not want to go with a lesser quality HVAC system or a quick chimney repair, you do not want to cheap out on your roof. A new roof can be expensive, but if you choose wisely, the materials can last for decades without a worry in sight.
4. Cost
The next item to consider in roofing material selection is cost. If you have a budget, you need to follow it, as roofing materials, as well as labor, can get expensive. Make sure to select a quality material. Slate is very durable and long-lasting, but it is much more expensive than asphalt or composition roofing. Asphalt is very common and is relatively inexpensive with many options in both color and style. Think long and hard before remodeling the roof, as you will have this choice for years.
5. Type
The last essential consideration in choosing your roofing materials is the type of materials on the market. There are multiple options to choose from that range from inexpensive to costly. You have choices such as concrete roof tiles, clay tiles, slate roofing, wood shakes, metal roofing, living roofs of plants and foliage, and asphalt shingles. In addition, solar is an excellent option for energy efficiency so consider this when making your roofing material choice.
As you can see, there are multiple factors to think about when it comes to your roofing materials. Whether you select your new roof for cost, design, the area in which you live, or the longevity of the roof, you will have made a solid decision to keep your family safe and secure. If you follow our advice on the top five considerations when choosing your Northern Kentucky residential roofing materials, you will have the most durable and well-valued roof in all of Kentucky!
What Does Winter mean for your Northern Kentucky Gutters and Downspouts?
Winter can be hard on your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts because the temperature often plummets to below freezing. If you have a home in the northern Kentucky area, then you know how hard the constant warming and thawing can be on your home, HVAC system, as well as the roofing and even the exterior painting on the siding. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four problems that winter can mean for your gutters and downspouts.
1. Ice dams in your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts
Ice damming is one of the worst issues that can arise in the dreary and frigid Kentucky winter. Ice damming occurs when warm heat loss melts the snow on the roof rapidly causing it to melt and fall into the gutters. The problem with this is that the drains are still ice cold. When the rushing water hits the icy gutters, the liquid refreezes and causes an ice block in the troughs as well as the downspouts. The weight of the ice can even bend and crack the existing gutters to the point they will need significant repair or new installation in the spring.
2. Leaky roof
A leaky roof is never a good find. The most important aspect when you notice a leaking roof is to locate where the leak is occurring. Is it around the chimney flashing? Do chimney repairs need to happen to correct the issue? Heavy snowfall with attic heat loss can cause the snow to melt and seep into the roof deck causing wood rot and mold. The snow and ice can also melt rapidly and cause ice damming that was explained above. Make sure you are inspecting your roof in the fall before winter arrives.
3. Frozen pipes
Another winter complication that can occur in your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts as well as the rest of your home are frozen water pipes. Make sure you are frequently checking the insulation around your water pipes as they can freeze in frigid temperatures. A pipeline that freezes has water inside of it that expands and causes added pressure to the pipe. This additional pressure can cause the pipe to burst and can flood your home with water. Get in the habit of checking the insulation around the water pipes yearly as rodents and critters can steal the insulation to make a nest in their dens.
4. Non-existent insulation
The last essential tip to keep your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts in good working condition this winter is to verify that the attic and other upstairs rooms are not losing their heat to the roof. Make sure they are insulated correctly and have a local handyman come and place additional insulation if you are lacking. You also need to make sure you keep the attic slightly cooler as this will also keep the roof at an even temperature and prevent ice damming from occurring in the troughs of the gutters.
As you can see, multiple issues can arise in the winter with your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts. Whether you have to deal with frozen pipes, ice dams in the gutters, a leaky roof from heavy snowfall, or many other issues, once they are repaired, your home will be able to take on the bone-chilling temperatures for many years to come. If you follow our advice on the top four problems that winter can mean for your gutters and downspouts, you will have the best-prepared home in all of Kentucky!
5 Common Northern Kentucky Roofing Repairs and How to Identify Them
If you live in the Northern Kentucky area, you know how bleak and bitterly cold the temperatures can get in the winter. With frigid temperatures come snowfall which lands and remains on your roof. This heavy snowpack can cause damage and can require substantial roofing repairs, which are not fast or cheap. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top five common Northern Kentucky roofing repairs and how to identify them.
1. Missing shingles
One of the most straightforward roofing issues to spot that need repair is missing shingles. When you notice the color difference on your roof, this is a sign of shingles that are no longer attached to your roof. This requires a call to a professional roofing team to fix the shingles as soon as possible. The shingles are there to protect your roof from water damage from snow and ice. Without shingles, you have no protection and a leak could occur.
2. Northern Kentucky roofing leaks
Unfortunately, unless you can see daylight between the beams in your attic, a roof leak is not always easy to identify. A leak can be insidious, slowly causing damage without you any the wiser. Signs to be on the lookout for include damp insulation, a musty smell, a black film that is spreading, or softness in some regions of the wood. These are all signs you may have a water leak. Do not delay in repairing this obstacle as it may have been occurring for some time now.
3. Damaged flashing
Another roofing repair to watch for this winter is an issue with your roof flashing. Flashing is used around the chimney, and if it has been wind-whipped or hailed on, it can become damaged allowing water to seep in around the flashing. This may mean a roofing repair needs to occur as well as chimney repairs depending on how long the flashing was damaged before you noticed it. Perform an inspection often to check all the flashing on your roof as well as your gutters, the exterior painting, and the HVAC system. It will not take long and can save you a massive headache in the end.
4. Mold growth
Another essential Northern Kentucky roofing repair to watch for is mold growth on your shingles and roof deck. Mold is caused by moisture that is never allowed to dry. If you have missing shingles that are not there to protect your roof, you could have water seeping into the roof deck, which will not only cause mold growth, but also wood rot. Make sure you are looking for black spots on your roof, shingles, and wood and if you see them, call in the professionals immediately.
5. Roof damage from blow-offs
High winds are notorious to cause sections of your roof to blow off. This can occur in all seasons, but it is most destructive in the winter. This is because it repeatedly snows and the moisture can then leak into the unprotected section of the roof and cause seepage, mold growth, wood rot, and multiple other problems. Make sure you examine your roof anytime there are high winds to prevent future damage to the exterior of your home.
As you can see, multiple Northern Kentucky roofing repairs may be needed on your roof at one point or another. It is imperative to be able to identify them and get them repaired immediately. Whether you are dealing with mold growth, missing shingles, blow-offs, flashing issues, or a roof leak, you will be able to see the complication and call in a local and experienced handyman or a professional roofing crew to fix the problem. If you follow our advice on the top five Northern Kentucky roofing repairs and how to identify them, you will have the strongest and most durable roof in all of Kentucky!