Removing Snow For A Healthy Roof

Best Practices

Preventing ice dams from forming is crucial to the overall health of your home’s roof. In order to do this, you need to make sure you aren’t neglecting your roof in regards to snow removal. The standard rule when it comes to roofs and snow is that removal should be completed after 6 inches. This will work to make sure that there is not an abundance of snow piling up on your roof, allowing you to avoid the stress of worrying about any further damage.

Snow Characteristics

In addition to paying attention to how much snow accumulates on your roof, it’s also very important to consider the weight of the snow as well. Some snow if lighter than other kinds and for that reasons, 6 inches of snowfall doesn’t always weigh the same. If it is a particularly wet and dense snowfall it may be smart to be safe rather than sorry and remove any snow present. If ignored, this problem can compound if there is another storm in the upcoming forecast. The weather is an important thing to keep in mind as the upcoming forecast can play a big role in helping you decide whether or not you should remove the snow from your roof. If the forecast calls for days of sunshine following the initial snowfall, then you may be able to get away without removing snow from your roof. Although, if there is going to be another storm shortly following the first then it is generally recommended that you look into how you can start removing the snow.

More often than not, a roof rake can be used to keep snow off your roof throughout the winter months as they are ideal to use on a variety of homes. Clearing the overhangs is essential in making sure that ice dams are prevented, and the weakest part of your roof is protected Sometimes, if your roof is too tall or a storm leaves behind too much snow to be removed by a rake, it is best to resort to shoveling as a way to clear the snow off of your roof. Shoveling can take care of accumulations of snow that are too heavy for a rake and is a great way to ensure that your roof in completely snow free.

Is your roof damaged from an Ice Dam? Have it replaced by Rhode Island Slate Roofing today!

Water damage that results from an ice dam building up within your roof can cause lasting damage to many other areas of the home including the walls, insulation and more. For this reason, it is crucial to replace any roof that has been damaged to avoid any more developing. Contact the team of experts at Rhode Island Slate Roofing for more information about us and our available services!

Checklist For Winterizing Your Roof

winter tips

Any homeowner who lives in a region of the country that experiences cold winter weather knows that winterizing the exterior of a house is extremely important. If you fail to take certain steps during the late summer or autumn months, you could find yourself facing a world of trouble in the springtime. It’s much easier to winterize properly than to deal with damage after it has already been done!

This guide will specifically teach you how to get your roof ready for wintertime. Taking a few minutes to learn what you can do to protect this important part of your home during the coldest months of the year is a responsible choice that will pay off in the end. Hopefully, you will learn something new as you read, but even if you already know all of these tips, a refresher course is always useful!

Winterization Tip #1: Start the process early.

The earlier you begin getting the outside of your home ready for winter, the easier it will be to complete all the tasks you want to. Sometimes, especially if the first freeze comes early, projects you intended to finish don’t get done, to the detriment of your home. If you begin getting ready for winter in mid-September in most areas of the country, you should be in good shape. If you live a particularly northerly region, you might want to begin winterizing even earlier.

Winterization Tip #2: Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear.

Your gutter system must be in good working order to prevent your roof from sustaining damage during the wintertime. If leaves, twigs, or any other debris are blocking the flow of water, melting ice and snow will just sit on your roof, ultimately causing potentially serious damage. The best option is to have a professional clean your gutters well at the end of fall, after the last leaves have fallen.

Winterization Tip #3: Trim all trees near your house.

During the winter, tree branches become even heavier than usual due to mounting ice and snow. This can present a major problem if any branches protrude over your roof. Whether they actually fall off onto your roof or simply lay there for months, damage can occur. Make sure all overhanging tree branches are professionally trimmed prior to the first frost.

Keep Your Roof Clear This Winter with Help from Rhode Island Slate Roofing!

These are not difficult tasks and, if you neglect them, you could face lasting damage to your roof that insurance may not cover. Instead of risking that, hire a qualified professional like those found at Rhode Island Slate Roofing to inspect your home’s roof and perform these winterization projects. You will be glad you did! For more information about us and our available services, contact us today!

Common Winter Roofing Issues

winter tips

When the cold weather arrives, it brings a whole new set of home maintenance complications.  Your roof is particularly susceptible because it can quickly accumulate piles of snow and ice.  These have the potential to cause damage if left unattended. Below we’ll discuss some of the most common roofing issues and why you need to address them:

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, slowly thawing the snow that was sitting at the top of your roof, which then rolls down the roof and re-freezes when it reaches the roof’s edge where the temperature is lower.  This process carries on all winter until eventually, a large barrier of ice has formed which the melted snow further up the roof where it stays liquid because the heat from the roof keeps it melted.  Having water sitting on your roof in this manner can cause significant damage, particularly if your roof doesn’t have an ice and water barrier installed far enough up the roof deck. If you notice ice dams forming on your roof, be sure to address them as soon as possible before they cause water damage to your roof, attic, and ceiling.

Icicles

While knocking them down is a favorite winter pastime for kids, icicles can be dangerous and cause damage to your roof, as well as people and pets.  To protect yourself and your roof, ensure to safely break down any icicles that form and be sure to clean out your gutters to discourage icicles from being able to form.

Wind

While the biggest danger from a Nor’easter is certainly all the snow it brings, the high winds that pair with it can also cause damage to your roof.  If your roof edges were not properly installed, or the starter shingles lost their adhesive, a strong gust of wind could easily begin to dismantle your roof.  A strong roof starts with the edges, so it is important to ensure that the edges of your roof are properly installed to mitigate any major damage from those pesky Nor’easters.

Call Today

If you are looking for Maintenance & repair work, or you’re in need of a new roof entirely, be sure to reach out to Rhode Island slate roofing! Contact us today for more information about us and our available services!

What to Look For in a Roof When You’re Buying a Home

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Buying a new home is a massive milestone in anyone’s life regardless of whether or not it’s their first home buy or just another in a long line of many. There is are so many factors to consider when trying to decide which home is best for you that it can be hard to keep track of them all as well as which may be more important to pay attention to than others. One of these aspects that everyone should be focused on when buying a new home is the condition of the roof. Knowing what to look for in a roof when buying a home can help to greatly accelerate your decision-making process. This is due to a variety of both positive and negative impacts a roof can have on the home depending on its condition.

Ventilation

When buying a home, the first thing to know about a roof is how well it is ventilated. A properly ventilated roof is important for a variety of reasons that pertain to not only the roof itself but also the home as a whole. Even if the home you’re thinking about buying has a brand-new roof, it will soon become a massive issue if it is not outfitted with the proper ventilation. When buying a home, a roof with a ventilation system that was correctly installed is a must have. The reason for this being that sunlight and air that can easily come and go allows for a healthy flow of air, keeping a variety of problems such as increased energy costs and mold, at bay.

Breaks or Leaks

Another dangerous issue to keep an eye out for is any potential break or leak within the roof. Any leak that is present within your roof will not hesitate to snowball into a variety of other problems that reach for from the home’s roof, affecting the home’s structure itself. Unwanted water leads to numerous issues such as furniture damage, ruined paint, and even wood rot which can be hazardous to those living inside of the potentially unstable structure.

Contact Rhode Island Slate Roofing for a new roof today!

If you are living in, or have recently purchased a home that needs a new roof, be sure to contact the experts at Rhode Island Slate Roofing by calling 401-255-2003 for a free estimate. Our staff has the extensive knowledge needed to replace your roof today.

How Hurricanes and Storms Can Impact Your Roof

roof repair

Unfortunately for homeowners, especially those who live on the Southeastern U.S. coast, hurricanes and severe storms are a fact of life. If your house has recently survived a hurricane, you and your family are undoubtedly extremely grateful. However, you still need to take the time to assess any damage that your home did sustain. Even residences that are located inland often have some damage, so it is crucial to take a look around, even if you weren’t in the direct path of the storm.

Roofs tend to take a beating when hurricanes and other strong storms hit. Due to this, one of the first things you should do when the storm clears is have a well-respected roofing contractor inspect your home’s roof for problems. As you continue reading this guide, you will learn about a few of the primary issues hurricane-force storms usually cause to roofs.

Exterior damage should be assessed.

The first thing your inspector is likely to do is look for obvious damage. Strong storms frequently cause shingles to come loose, leaving the underlayment of your roof exposed and, perhaps, damaged as well. Furthermore, hurricanes can even cause parts of residential roofs to completely collapse, leaving gaping holes that look into the interior of a house.

Look out for interior issues.

Even if your roof seems intact after a bad storm, you need to keep your eyes peeled for interior problems that could signify that there is roof damage after all. Leaks that didn’t exist before the storm, for instance, are a major red flag. You should also look for peeling wallpaper or paint, which can be a warning that there is water dripping from your ceiling down into your walls. Let your contractor know right away if you experience any interior issues.

Don’t let problems go.

It can be tempting to let roof issues go after a hurricane or a bad storm, especially if other people in your area are dealing with significantly worse damage. However, there is a reason you pay for homeowner’s insurance and there is no reason for you and your family to suffer later on. Damage that is left alone only gets worse, ultimately causing serious problems, including potential mold infestations or critters living in your home.

Instead of risking these situations and others, get some quotes and select a reputable roofer like Rhode Island Slate Roofing to fix your home as soon as possible. This will ensure that you and your family stay safe and dry for years to come. Trusting an expert with the job is a wise choice because you will be able to rest assured that things will be done right the first time.

The Benefits of Roof Ventilation

Best Practices

If you find yourself asking if your home needs roof ventilation the answer is almost always guaranteed to be yes. The reason for this is because proper ventilation provides a variety of benefits to any style of roof. Even roofs that have ventilation that is not quite up to par can experience numerous problems that are a result of this issue. To make sure that your home is properly ventilated it is important to do a throughout review of the roof as well as the attic and whatever existing insulation is already there. The temperature inside of an attic is crucial when discussing the health of a roof because extreme temperature, whether hot or cold, can play a large part in problems that develop. Without the correct amount of ventilation inside of an attic, hot air can become encased which leads to moisture and other liquid building up. This build-up can evolve into dangerous black mold. In addition to the black mold, this unwanted heat can cause snow to melt on your roof before refreezing into ice. By ensuring that your home has proper insulation will provide it with many benefits while avoiding the issues discussed here.

Extends the life of your roof:

Quite often individuals are fascinated by icicles hanging off the side of their roof. Although this buildup, called ice damming, can be causing damage to your roof that is invisible to the eye. The reason why this damage is hard to see is that it can back up underneath roofing materials which leads to your entire roofing system, attic, and walls suffering.

Reduces energy costs:

Proper ventilation within a roof is what gives heat the ability to escape a home which reduces the workload on air conditioners. When the temperature outside is high, the goal is to keep the home cool on the inside. A cheaper air conditioning bill can help save energy during these hot months.

Reduces indoor temperature extremes:

Often individuals complain of upstairs rooms being hotter than rooms found downstairs in the home. The same can go for those in ranch style homes, as their feet are often cold due to heat being trapped by the ceiling of rooms. These issues often arise due to roofs without proper insulation and can be resolved by getting the proper ventilation installed.

Rhode Island Slate Roofing Can Fix Your Roof!

Rhode Island Slate Roofing can help individuals with damaged property repair or replace their roofs today. We are happy to offer top of the line roofing services at an affordable price. Contact us at 401-225-2003

 

When Your Porch Needs a New Roof

roof replacement

A roof that is in good condition is something that most individuals are looking for when purchasing a new home. For this reason, having an appealing roof can add value to your home the same way a nice porch can. To take things a step further, an appealing roof on top of your home’s porch is something that should also be kept in top condition to ensure that your home’s value, as well as structural integrity, are kept intact.­­­ In order to make sure you’re fulfilling this commitment it is ideal to know exactly what signs to look out for that could indicate it is time for your porch to get a new roof. There are a variety of things to look out for such as the following:

Bulges and Dips:

Roofs are often compromised in terms of their structural integrity when exposed to the elements, specifically water, over a long period of time. More often than not, when a roof is bulging, it can be blamed on erosion caused by moisture. When these problems are allowed to persist without being addressed they can end up negatively impacting the safety of the roof as a whole.

Water Leaks/Rot:

Sometimes a dip in the roof can be the result of wood that is rotting underneath. Obviously, any type of rot is not good and can even lead to a porch collapsing entirely. Checking that your roof is free of dips, bulges and stains while at the same time being devoid of deformations is crucial when trying to avoid damage from water and other potential leaks.

Shingle Damage:

Adequate ventilation is required when roofs are initially installed. If it is not properly implemented during installation, the lack of ventilation can lead to damage as opposed to the extended lifetime that is a result of proper ventilation. If you inspect your porch and native that it’s roof has shingles that are curling, missing, etc. it may be best to reach out to a roofing professional such as those at Rhode Island Slate Roofing!

 

Rhode Island Slate Roofing Is Your Local Roofing Expert!

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is proud to staff professionals with the extensive experience needed to know when and how to repair your porch roof. We are happy to offer top of the line roofing services at an affordable price. Contact us at 401-225-2003

 

4 Benefits of New Roofs

roof replacement

The Benefits of a New Roof

One of the most important parts of any house in terms of value as well as structural integrity is the roof. Not many individuals pay as much attention to this part of their house as they should because the thought of getting a new roof can be quite daunting. Individuals can debate whether or not to purchase a new roof for years and years before finally reaching a decision. This is because the thought of getting a new roof can be quite daunting. Despite the fact that purchasing a new roof is a big decision, there are many benefits that one will experience once the project is complete such as:

Energy Efficiency:

HVAC systems need to work overtime in order to achieve your desired indoor temperature when you have an old roof that is prone to leak air, this leads to increased energy costs. In addition to this, newer roofs are more effective at reflecting solar rays and decreasing solar heat gain.

Curb Appeal:

40 percent of your home’s curb appeal is directly linked to your roof according to Realtor estimates. This is extremely important to consider if you are ever trying to sell a house. Homes that would soon be in need of an expensive new roof often encourage prospective buyers to walk away, while properties that display newly installed roofs with features such as windows or skylights help to convince individuals that the property is worth investing in.

Safety:

Purchasing a new roof helps to avoid hazards such as mold and mildew, keeping your family safe. Other hazards such as collapsing roofs or unstable homes can be the result of old, dilapidated roofs which become more dangerous the longer they are left without repair.

Return on Investment (ROI):

One of the best home improvement projects around is purchasing a new roof. This is due to their average ROI of 67-70%.

Our Roofing Services

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is proud to offer roofing services to individuals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts! Our experts are knowledgeable regarding all kinds of roofing, including:

  • Clay Tile Roofing
  • Slate Roofing
  • Historic Roof Repair
  • Rubber Roofing
  • Specialty Roofing
  • Residential Roofing
  • Asphalt Shingles
  • Asbestos Tiles

Contact Us

If you are interested in or need a roof as soon as possible, feel free to contact us or call us directly at 401-255-2003.

Healthy Practices for a Healthy Roof

Best Practices

Regarding roofs, the old saying “Out of sight, out of mind”, is one that still holds true. But those who do acknowledge their roofs existence as well as know the tips and tricks of keeping it in top condition, reap the benefits for years on end. Although, the same cannot be said for those who pay little to no attention to their roof. This is because the building is secured both structurally and financially thanks to these proactive steps, which leads to homeowners saving a wealth of dollars down the line.

In an effort to lengthen to the lifespan of your roof, it is never too late to start implementing these procedures, regardless of if your roof is brand new or a few years old. Being such a big investment, this is especially true for the roof of a home. There are numerous steps homeowners can take to minimize the impact elements have on their roof as well as maximize its lifespan when faced with the unpredictable New England weather.

 

4 Ways to Keep Your Roof in Good Health

Promptly Fix Issues:

Immediately address any issue that is identified as problems can quickly evolve into expensive and potentially dangerous scenarios. The roof can become rotted and structurally unsound from curling or missing shingles as well as leaks.

 

Inspect Twice Yearly:

Inspections are crucial to preventative roof maintenance. Twice yearly inspections may seem obvious and even a bit overboard, but this is not the case as. A simple inspection can reveal an easily resolved problem that would have otherwise turned into an expensive issue thanks to the roofing experts that are trained to identify issues that most homeowners would not even know to look out for.

 

 

Clean Gutters:

When gutter health is not maintained properly, there are numerous issues that can arise regardless of the season. Gutters should be checked regularly to ensure that they’re not hanging as clogged or hanging gutters allow water to enter the roof which is why they should be kept clear of leaves and other debris.

 

Cut Close Branches:

Overgrown trees pose one of the greatest dangers to roofs throughout the year is. Large branches snap off of trees and damage roofs thanks to the strong snow and winds here in the Northeast. Even if the overgrowth does not fall and break, it can collide with your roof thanks to high winds or even direct growth into your roof.

 

 

 

Rhode Island Slate Roofing Can Handle All Your Roofing Needs!

The experts at Rhode Island Slate Roofing can help if you have determined that the best option is to have your roof repaired or even entirely replaced after having an inspection. We are happy to offer top of the line roofing services at an affordable price. Contact us at 401-225-2003

New Slate Roofing Job

slate roofing

The crew at Rhode Island Slate Roofing has successful completed another slate roofing job this past week.  This beautiful home was in need of a new roof, and the owner decided to go with slate tiles. 

The third picture shows why so many homeowners of these types of homes. The slate tiles go beautifully with the classic brick exterior of the home. On a recent blog post we talked about the importance of flashing on roofs as well as the different types of flashing.

The first picture shows the attention to detail that goes into to the laying of copper flashing. Some roofing contractors overlook laying down the flashing properly and rush to get the job done. If this happens, you create areas of weakness in your roof that can result in moisture build up and eventually leaks.

Interest in slate roofing? Looking for someone qualified to make repairs to your flashing or existing slate roof? Get in touch with Rhode Island Slate Roofing today!