With Summer officially here it is important to know just how the summer heat can affect your roof. Roofs are strong, so it is not uncommon to overlook the impact the summer climate can have on a roof. Here are the main ways your roof can be affected this summer and how to handle it.

Overall Attrition

With roofs exposed to the hot summer sun, a roof can experience plenty of wear and tear. Roofs can technically last for decades, but as each summer comes and goes, it can leave a mark on roofs before the season changes. After a handful of years go by, a roof will only be able to take so much more sunlight heat exposure. Check on your roof periodically and if it looks like it’s about to cave in after this Summer, consider a new roof.

Overall Humidity

Summer in New England states is prone to high humidity levels. These humidity levels can affect roofs by creating moisture that can lead to water leaks. Water leaks and moisture accumulating on a rooftop can lead to mold, which is a separate problem within itself. Keep the humidity levels in your mind this Summer.

Contract & Expand

The Summer climate can cause your roof to expand and contract.  In other words, this can stretch out parts of your roof without you knowing and weaken parts of the structure.

Measures To Protect Your Roof In The Summer

If the Summer weather has affected your roof, you have probably wondered how to better protect your roof in the Summertime. Here are a few measures you can put into place to help your roof resist the summer heat.

1. Add Ventilation To Your Roof

Ventilating your roof can help combat the Summer heat while limiting mold and moisture at the same time.

2. Add Insulation To Your Roof

Insulation for a roof can go a long way, especially if your roof does not receive any shade from nearby trees. Insulation serves as an extra layer of protection for roofs and it may be just what your roof needs to fight off the hot summer sun.

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Rhode Island Slate Roofing offers roof installations throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts towns. If your roof needs services at any point this year, contact us! We would be happy to help out!

Water leaking from the roof is one of the most unpleasant things a homeowner can encounter. In New England states such as Rhode Island, roof leaks are not uncommon. This is because roof leaks can get worse before you know it and the cause of the roof leak is not always so cut and dry. Here is all you should do as soon as possible when you notice your roof leaking.

Do Not Ignore It

Some homeowners may see leaks from the roof and think no big deal. Well, this belief would be a mistake. Waiting around will slowly make the situation worse. Once a roof starts leaking, it is not going to fix itself on its own. Being proactive in life is generally a good thing and especially with your roof.

Grab A Bucket

As soon as you see water dripping down from your ceiling, have something contain it. You do not want the water to accumulate on your floor and cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. It can also create quite a mess if you let water drip down on your floor continuously.

Remove Valuable Items From Affected Area

There is no way to know just how bad a roof leak can get so it is best to play it safe. Once you know your roof is leaking, take valuable items out of the affected area and place them elsewhere temporarily.

Take A Look At Your Roof If You Can

If you are comfortable being on your roof, get up there and see if you can spot the problem. Rook leaks are often tied to broken shingles, cracked flashing, poor sealing or deffective gutters.

Contact A Professional Roofing Company

If handling a roof leak is something you are struggling with or you do not know what to do, do not worry and just call a professional roofing company. Professional roofers can assess the damaged area and see what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Professional Roofing Services In Smithfield, RI: Rhode Island Slate Roofing

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is an experienced and dedicated roofing company that proudly services Rhode Island communities and nearby Massachusetts ones. Contact us today with any roofing inquiries.

A roof leak is something a homeowner never wants to see but unfortunately, it can happen to anyone. As strong and durable as roofs are, they are not invincible and any roof can be prone to leakage. When a roof leak occurs, the first thing you want to figure out is what is causing it and how to stop it. Here are the most likely culprits responsible for your roof leaking.

Cracks In Your Roof

One of the main reasons a house could see leaking is due to roof cracks. Roof cracks can be due to a roof being old, subpar roof installation, inclement weather, etc. In most cases, cracks in a roof is not the fault of a homeowner, but rather some unfortunate luck. Despite that, once you notice or know your roof is partially cracked, it is time to be proactive.

Broken Or Missing Shingles

Broken or missing shingles are similar to cracks in a roof but are completely different. Broken or missing shingles tend to happen due to wear and tear. Being exposed to different types of weather for a while can take a toll on shingles, especially in the Northeast. Shingles act as an extra layer of protection on your roof and when any of them are defunct, it can lead to roof leakage.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are as bad as they sound. When your gutters are clogged, it is inviting water to seep through your roof. Preventing water from getting backed-up in your gutter system is definitely something all homeowners can do. Check on your gutter system periodically and remove leaves and debris when they are present.

An Archaic Roof

Sometimes, a roof leak is as simple as having an outdated roof. Roofs typically hold up for about 15 years, so if your roof is significantly older than that, it may explain roof leaks.

Poor Maintenance

Neglecting your roof by not giving it the proper maintenance is another reason your roof may leak. Roofs should be maintained a few times a year, via a homeowner or a professional.

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Being a homeowner can come with many challenges and jobs. One of those challenges is the maintenance and repair of the roof. While some like to imagine that the roof will last forever, that isn’t the case. In fact, most roofs last around 25 years. If you fail to monitor your roof and potential problems, 25 years can easily be cut short. This year, make it a priority to watch for common roofing problems.

Roof Leaks

Leaks can be disastrous in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, leaks are the most commonly experienced problem with roofs. They can occur due to lost, moved, or damaged shingles, faulty flashing points, and other roofing failures. To check for leaks, you will need to climb up in your attic with some extra light and search for any mold, mildew, water damage, or water spots. The presence of any of these signs means that you should consider calling in a professional to fix your roof.

If you do not have an attic, you will likely need a roofing professional to check things out from the outside. They will need to get on the roof and examine the shingles, flashing, and other areas of your roof to ensure that everything is as it should be. Not monitoring your roof for leaks could result in a hefty repair bill and the loss of belongings to water damage.

Damaged Shingles

Sometimes shingles get damaged. Although it might seem as though the loss of a couple of small shingles on your large roof couldn’t possibly be that important – they are. Without a roof fully covered in shingles, you will have some real problems to deal with.

Shingles adhere to the roof, but strong winds and other weather can work them free. Animals such as rodents and birds can also damage shingles. Or, if you have an older roof, the shingles could easily come off. Replacing a loose or lost shingle is a simple process that can prevent severe damages in the near future.

Trees are Hazardous to a Roof

A tree damaging a roof isn’t always like the movies – an entire tree or large branch doesn’t have to crash into the roof to cause damage. Truthfully, it is more common for trees to damage roofs over time. Small branches that scratch, scrape, and drag over roofing erode the top layer of the shingle, leaving it without a necessary protective layer. Before your roof requires repairs, trim your trees!

While fallen trees are less common in the way of damaged roofs, it still does happen on occasion. Prevent a tree from falling through your roof by cutting dead trees down quickly. You will also want to ensure that any tree that poses a threat is removed.

Don’t Skip Out on Roof Maintenance

Don’t wait for a difficult lesson to be learned about roof maintenance. Our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing can address your roofing problems and find a resolution. Contact us today!

Are you dreading the coming roof inspection on your home? If your roof shows some signs of wear and tear, you know the day for re-roofing or a complete roof replacement is coming. Be prepared for the right choice. Knowing the pros and cons of each option can aid you in making the best decision for you and your home.

Benefits of Re-Roofing

Re-roofing is essentially installing new shingles on top of old shingles. By placing new on top of old, your home will have an updated look and add an additional barrier against leaks. The most significant benefit to re-roofing is the decreased cost. Between labor, time, and materials, the process for re-roofing costs significantly less than that of replacement. With the saved time by placing the new materials directly on top of the old, re-roofing is far faster than a total replacement.

Benefits of Roof Replacement

As a long-term solution to your roof problems, a replacement has a number of benefits. A newly installed roof requires the removal of the old, resulting in a clear view of any damages that need fixing. Choosing a roof replacement means choosing long-term safety and security. A brand new roof also can save money over time, as it will likely be several years before any repairs are necessary.

Re-Roofing vs. Roof Replacement

While there are benefits to re-roofing and a roof replacement, respectively, there are also disadvantages to both. In this case, the penalties may be what ultimately decide for you. It is important to note that not all roofs are eligible for re-roofing. If your roof has been re-roofed previously, it is not likely that you’ll be able to do it again. Building codes typically restrict homes from having more than two layers of shingles. In this case, you will have to get a roof replacement.

Should you decide to go with re-roofing, the roof will not last as long as a new one. This is commonly due to the existing damages beneath the first layer of shingles. Those damages cannot be seen if the roof is not removed first. If longevity is important to you in this instance, a replacement is the better option. However, with a lower budget, re-roofing may be the only option, as a full replacement is a highly costly job.

Get Help with Your Decision

Are you struggling with the decision to re-roof or replace your existing roof? It can be a difficult choice, as the comparison has described. Fortunately, experienced roofing professionals such as Rhode Island Slate Roofing can help with your decision! We can quickly assess your roof and provide you with the details you need to make your decision easier. Contact us today!

As of yesterday, Summer is officially behind us. The Fall season is fully underway and it is time to get ready for the new season. The climate and temperature in the Fall is significantly different than in the Summer and that can affect your roof. In New England, it can snow as early as October. Do not wait until the first drop of snow before you handle roof maintenance. Here are the best things to do to ensure your roof is in the best shape to do its job this fall.

Clean Your Gutters

It is recommended that you clean your gutters every few months and before the Winter season. Cleaning out your gutter is never a fun chore, but it is essential. Over time, your gutters will accumulate a water backup or debris. Failing to clear out is in your gutter can cause water damage and overall damage to your exterior.

Inspect Your Roof

Inspecting your roof a few times a year is also important. An inspection of your roof can help you notice any cracks, flaws, or needed repairs. Snow can do damage to your roof so it is best to make sure your roof is squared away before winter arrives. Ceiling leaks caused by a faulty roof are no fun either. If you are not comfortable inspecting your roof, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional.

Verify Your Ventilation System

Your ventilation system or lack thereof has a direct impact on how your roof performs.  When your ventilation system is firing on all cylinders, it can prolong the lifespan of your roof, reduce your energy bills, and keep your house warm on a cold night. Check your ventilation system yourself or have a professional check out your ventilation system before winter begins.

Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

Need your Roof checked out before Winter arrives? Our professionals at Rhode Island Slate Roofing can help you with that. We can fix minor roof problems or take on a big roofing project. Whatever your roof needs, we can deliver. Contact us today to learn more!