5 Common Types of Roof Shingles

Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and relatively lightweight. Fortunately, caring for a metal roof is relatively simple. Learn more here.

Whether you perform periodic roof inspections yourself or employ an expert to advise you with regards to roofing problems, learn two roofing terms.

Harsh weather elements, flying objects, and dust can cause your roof to develop problems over time. Learn some signs that mean you need roof repair.

Roofs come in various designs or types. Read our blog to learn more about the most common design styles, and contact us today for roofing services.

Did you know your roof can affect your home's energy bill? Read our blog to learn about three ways your roof impacts your home's energy efficiency.

Learn to recognize when your trees pose a risk to your roof and act accordingly. See four tips that will help you prevent tree damage to your roof.

Home maintenance can be overwhelming. From landscaping and replacing dirty filters to repairing plumbing leaks, it's easy to see the challenges homeowners face. While most of these tasks are priorities, focusing on your home's roof is also important. Not only is the roof a key part of your home's structure, it also protects your family and belongings from the elements. Unfortunately, you probably do not fully understand the importance of your roof and the maintenance that is required. By debunking these common roofing myths, you will learn the truth about your roof's durability, construction and maintenance.

Cedar shake roofs are popular with homeowners because they offer clear benefits. Cedar shake roofs are known for their beauty, durability, and resistance to damage from everything whether it's from insects to the elements. While cedar shake roofs are also relatively low maintenance, it is still a good idea to follow these maintenance tips to keep your roof looking and functioning its best. 1. Have Your Roof Inspected Annually The best way to protect and maintain your roof is to have it inspected once a year. You can start by inspecting it yourself, both from the ground and by climbing up on a ladder. Look for shingles that are curled, missing, cracked, or otherwise damaged by any wind storms you have experienced. If you notice any issues, then have your roof inspected by professionals. Professional roofers can spot repair any issues and prevent further damage, which protects the life span of your cedar shake roof. By inspecting your roof regularly, you will notice issues early, before they become more serious. 2. Have a New Gutter System Installed High-quality gutters and downspouts are key to protecting your roof. When having a new cedar roof installed, it makes sense to have a new gutter system installed at the same time. High-quality gutters and downspouts in good repair will redirect rainwater, dead leaves, and snowmelt away from your roof, siding, and foundation. This will prevent unnecessary water damage, mold, mildew, and rot. It will also help you save money because you will avoid costly repairs down the road. 3. Have Your Trees Trimmed Regularly If your trees are left untrimmed and overgrown, then you have an increased risk of your roof being damaged by branches. Dead branches that aren't removed are likely to fall off and inflict damage on your new roof. During storms, an overgrown tree that's precariously close to your roof is a recipe for disaster. In addition, if your trees aren't trimmed regularly, the branches that are closest to your roof offer easy access to pests including squirrels and raccoons. These pests may damage your roof and try to get into your attic, where they can truly wreak havoc. Keeping your trees trimmed prevents a lot of unnecessary issues and keeps your trees healthier as well. 4. Keep Your Cedar Roof Free of Debris Once or twice a year especially after heavy storms it's wise to remove dead leaves, branches, and other debris from your cedar roof. If these materials are allowed to accumulate, then they will add too much moisture to your cedar shingles, which can potentially lead to mold, rot, or growth of fungus. Piles of dead leaves and branches also make it harder for rain and snow to melt off of your roof. If you are not comfortable climbing up on your roof to clean it yourself, then it's a good idea to have the professionals tackle this maintenance task for you. This also allows you to combine your annual inspection with a roof cleaning for maximum impact. If your roof needs a more thorough cleaning, then you should definitely leave this task to the experts. Attempting to clean your cedar roof yourself with a pressure washer can lead to damaged shingles. Professional roofers know the right settings to use to get a clean roof without causing any damage. Following these preventative maintenance tips will ensure your new cedar shake roof remains beautiful and in good repair for many years to come. When it's time to have a new roof installed or your current roof repaired, contact us at ABCO Roofing Company Inc.

A failing roof is no joke. Not only is it unsightly and your roofline does comprise a large portion of your house's facade but it can lead to long-term damage. Water leakage can warp the underlying structures of the roof and top floor of your house. What's more, drafts in the roof mean your house's envelope isn't airtight, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Take a walk around the perimeter of your house, and view the roof from different angles. Also inspect the rooms directly below the roof. While some minor issues can be spot-repaired, the following signs signify you should replace your roof in its entirety.