Why Do I Need To Clean My Gutters?

May 10, 2021Best PracticesRIslate15

When it come’s to your home’s exterior, your gutters are likely an afterthought. After all, your roof protects your home, your siding provides it with curb appeal, and your windows offer natural light & ventilation, making it easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of your home’s exterior shell, your gutters. However, your gutters offer invaluable protection for your home, and keeping them clean and free of debris is essential, as neglecting the upkeep they need can end up causing significant damage to your property. Interested in learning more about why you need to clean your gutter system? Keep reading below for more information!

Protect Your Roof

The first reason you need to keep your gutter system clean is that having too much debris in the system can end up causing damage to your roof! If your gutters are full of debris, they won’t be able to drain the water rolling off your roof properly. This can end up causing water damage to your roof as the water spills out of your gutters and under your starter shingles, causing rot in your roof deck. However, this isn’t the only way clogged gutters can cause damage.

Watch Out For Your Foundation

While of course your roof is in danger due to it’s close proximity to the gutter system, clogged gutters can end up damaging a far more important aspect of your home; it’s foundation. If water pours over your gutter systems and rains down on the ground below it, it can seep down and end up causing cracks in your foundation, which can seriously damage your home.

Think About Your Foliage

Another important consideration is all of the plants, shrubs & trees planted below your gutter. If water is overflowing out of the system, it is very likely that the plants below are being overwater, which in certain cases can end up killing the plants. If you have any foliage planted beneath the system, it is essential that you keep your gutter system clean and free flowing!

Contact Us Today

If your roof needs to be replaced or repaired this year, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! You can contact our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with all of your roof replacement & repair needs!

Longest Lasting Roofing Materials

March 24, 2021news, roofing, slate roofingRIslate15

When it comes to roofing materials, they don’t always offer the same benefits. Some materials offer better aesthetic benefits, and some are more durable. It’s important when replacing your roofing material to consider what you value most of of a material. Ultimately, when most homeowners think about what they want out of their roof, the top priority is a roof that lasts for a long time. Interested in learning a bit about which materials tend to outlast the rest? Check out our blog to learn more about which materials last the longest!

Asphalt Shingles

To begin, let’s discuss the most popular roofing material in the country; asphalt shingles. Trusted by homeowners across the country for decades, asphalt shingles are manufactured by an enormous amount of companies, making it easy to find the right shingle for your budget and aesthetic needs. However, with so many different kinds of shingles, it can be tough to know which style to choose, and which style last the longest. The base model of shingle 3-tabs, tend to last between 20-30 years, however, architectural shingles, the most expensive style, usually last between 30 and 50 years.

Clay Tile Roofing

Next up, let’s discuss a material that tends to be very popular in the south-west United States and overseas; clay tile. This material, made out of hardened clay is not only environmentally friendly, it is also incredibly long-lasting. Clay tile tends to last between 40-80 years, meaning for most homeowners, once you install a clay tile roof, you will never need to worry about installing another roof! However, there are are some materials that are ever longer-lasting, which brings us to our last option.

Slate Roofing

When it comes to long-lasting roofing materials, none are better than slate tile. Produced in slate mines, slate roofing is as environmentally friendly as clay tile, fully recyclable at the end of it’s lifespan. However, it is even more durable, and lasts longer than clay tile. How much longer you may ask? Well, a properly installed and maintained slate roof is capable of lasting well over a century. In fact, when driving through the rural New England, it is not uncommon to see slate roofs that are over 200 or 300 years old, at least partially. If you’re looking for a material that will truly stand the test of time, none are better than slate tiles!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in installing a slate roof on your home this year, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! If you’re interested in learning more about our team’s services, reach out today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Preparing Your Roof & Gutters For Spring

March 11, 2021Best Practices, news, roofingRIslate15

With spring just around the corner in Rhode Island, now is the time to start thinking about your home maintenance, and ensuring that your home is prepared for the windy, rainy spring & summer months ahead! When it comes to exterior maintenance, one of the most important areas to examine is your roof & gutter system. Since they offer your home so much protection from the elements, keeping your roof & gutters in working order is essential for the health of your home! Interested in learning a bit more about what you should keep an eye out for this spring? Keep reading below for more information!

Check For Damage

The first thing you should do is examine your roof & gutters for damage. While it is best to enlist the help of a professional to be certain, you can perform a quick check for yourself from the ground. Walk around your home, taking a step back to examine as much of your shingle system as possible. On your roof, keep an eye out for missing shingles, or signs of damage such as broken, cracked, or warped shingles, rusty flashing, or a sagging roof deck. On your gutter system, you will want to check all of your fasteners to ensure that the system stays water tight. Also keep an eye out for any sagging in the system, as the boards that your gutters are attached to can rot as well.

Clear Debris From The Systems

The next thing you will want to do after examining the system for damage is to clear it of debris. While a few leaves on your shingles aren’t a big deal, if there are any large branches on your roof, or rubbing across your shingle system, you will want to have them cut back to protect the granules.

More importantly, you will want to clean your gutter system of any debris. As the winter thaw begins to melt, you can remove any gunk that was trapped in the system, which is important for allowing water to flow freely and not spill over the sides of the system where it can cause water damage to your siding, foundation, and shingle system. While it is a good idea to clean your gutters twice a year, cleaning them during the spring is the most important time, as spring showers will test the limits of the system!

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance installing a new roof or gutter system on your home this spring, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today to get started by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your needs!

Maintenance Tips for Asphalt Shingle Roofs

January 27, 2021roofingRIslate15

North America’s most popular shingle option is certainly known for it’s strength & durability, but just like any other roofing option, it is prone to its maintenance issues, and keeping up with the needs of the system is essential for getting the most out of your shingle roof. If you’re one of the millions of homeowners in this country who has an asphalt shingle roof, it is important to understand what needs to be done in order to keep your roof in good repair, and your home protected from the elements. If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the maintenance you should be performing on your roof, keep reading below for more information!

Clear Off Debris

The first tip is important for keeping your shingles safe from moisture damage, and for ensuring that the granules on your roof stay in place. If there is any debris on your roof, including sticks, dead leaves, or pine needles, it is a good idea to clean the system off debris periodically. While most homeowners don’t consider cleaning their roof of leaves or sticks, they can hold moisture on the system, which can be particularly damaging come winter when it freezes. Furthermore, sticks and branches can end up dislodging granules, which can have a significant impact on the lifespan of the shingles. Cleaning debris off of the system is a good idea for the health of the system!

Check For Moisture Damage

One roofing issue that tends to have a more significant impact on asphalt shingles than slate or clay tiles is moisture. Moisture can end up seeping into asphalt shingles, and the damage can reveal itself in a variety of ways. One of the telltale signs of moisture damage in asphalt shingles is curling or buckling at the edges of the shingles. This indicates absorption of water, and by the time it’s showing in your shingles, it has likely impacted your roof deck, which can lead to far more serious damage. If you see signs of moisture, it is best to have the system inspect by a professional!

Clean Your Gutter System

Another important piece of maintenance for any style of roof is to clean your gutter system. Making sure you have a properly working gutter system is important for not only keeping your roof protected, but also your siding and foundation! Prevent ice dams and other rot damage by keeping your gutters in working order!

Contact Us

If you need to replace your home’s asphalt shingle roof, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting you!

FAQ’s About New Roofs

January 4, 2021Best Practices, roofingRIslate15

The time has finally come, its time for a roof replacement. Most homeowners have quite a few questions about what their roof replacement will look like. Do I need to do anything special to prepare? Which materials should I consider using for my replacement. If you’re ready to replace your home’s roof, check out our FAQ to learn a bit more about the process!

Which Material Should I Use?

One of the most common questions we get from homeowners looking to install a new roof is which material is right for my home? The answer is that there is no right answer! When it comes to roofing materials, while there are some materials that are better suited to particular applications, such as rubber roofing on flat buildings, most materials come down to homeowner preference!

While asphalt shingles are the industry standard, our team also happily installs a number of other roofing options including clay-tile, and of course slate roofing, which we recommend to homeowners in search of a durable, long-lasting option.

There are other options too, including metal & cedar shingles, which means ultimately, what you choose to install on your home comes down to your preference!

What Maintenance Should I Be Performing

When it comes to roofing maintenance, the answer is dependent largely on your property & climate. For homeowners who are trying to be diligent about their roof and keep it protected as much as possible, there are a few best practices.

First, it’s a good idea to clear off debris as much as possible. If your home is surrounded by trees, it’s quite likely that you tend to have leaves and sticks accumulate on the roof. While these are generally safe to leave, they do have the potential to hold moisture on the roof and cause damage. If you’re serious about keeping your roof protected, cleaning them off gently with a roof rake can help protect your home as long as you take care not to tear off the granules of your shingles.

Additionally, if you have a great deal of snow on your roof, it is a good idea to remove the snow to take extra stress off of your home.

Have It Inspected Annually

Lastly, it is a good idea to have your roof inspected on a yearly basis to check for any signs of wear & tear. While generally your roof while be in good repair for the first few years after a replacement, having a roof inspection can often provide peace of mind knowing that everything is well maintained!

Contact Us Today

Are you ready to replace your home’s roof this winter? Our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Historic Slate Work at RISD

January 4, 2021historic roofing, slate roofingRIslate15

Our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing recently worked on some of the historic slate roofs at the Rhode Island School of Design! Our team was happy to work with the school and complete the roof restorations on the school’s beautiful buildings!

Our team was thrilled to be involved on this project. We replaced a number of old roofs around the campus, making repairs where we could. The beautiful slate roofs at RISD have withstood rain, snow, even hurricanes, but eventually even slate needs to be repaired!

We visited these beautiful buildings, and examined the roofs for damage, making repairs where possible, and replacing the entire roof in situations where it was warranted.

From minor repairs to full roof replacements, our team was happy to do anything it took to restore these slate roofs! We’re happy we were able to be a part of this project, and we look forward to working with RISD again in the future!

If you need to repair or replace the slate roof on your home, business, or historic building this winter, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist with your needs! Reach out to our team today to learn more about our roofing services.

Signs Your Flat Roof Needs To Be Replaced

December 16, 2020roof repair, roof replacement, roofingRIslate15

While most homeowners have asphalt shingle roofs installed on their home, flat roofing is used by those without traditionally pitched roofs, or more often by businesses! This style of roofing is durable and long-lasting, but just like any other material, it is still susceptible to damage and maintenance issues. This means that you will need to keep an eye on the system to ensure that everything is in good repair, and address any issues as they arise! Are you interested in learning more about the signs your flat roof needs to be replaced that you may have overlooked? Keep reading below to learn more about the signs you may have overlooked!

Tears in the System

Of course, the first sign that your flat roofing needs to be replaced is an obvious one; there are tears in the roofing system. The most common area this occurs is along the seems in the roofing, as moisture works its way into the system. If you notice that your roofing system is beginning to separate, either from itself or the roof deck, you will need to repair or replace the system!

Pooling on the Roof

The next reason you may need to consider replacing your flat roof is that you’re beginning to notice water pooling on the system. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that your roof needs to be replaced, it does mean that you will need to adjust the system to ensure that the water is draining properly. This could be a matter of adding a drainage method to the system, or you may need to install a brand new roof to mitigate the issue. Either way, if you see pooling on your flat roof, it is an indication that something needs to be changed!

Your Roof Is Difficult To Work With & Repair

Finally, when it comes to flat roofing, there are a number of different roofing options that homeowners install. While the most common is a PVC membrane, there are other options including gravel roofing, which can be notoriously hard to work on. If there are any leaks in a gravel membrane, you may not be able to pinpoint where it’s coming from to repair the system, necessitating a full roof replacement.

Contact Us Today

If you need to install a new flat roof on your Rhode Island home or business this winter, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing has you covered! Reach out to our team today to learn more about our services by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling our out team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting you!

Winter Roof Maintenance Tips

December 9, 2020winter tipsRIslate15

With winter just around the corner in Rhode Island, homeowners will soon need to think about what they need to do to keep their home’s protected this winter! When it comes to winter maintenance, most homeowners immediately think about their windows & doors, in an effort to keep their home energy efficient. However, perhaps even more important, is keeping your roof well-protected! Interested in learning a bit more about what you should be doing to protect your home’s roof this winter? Keep reading below for a few tips!

Inspect Your Roof

The first thing you should do is have your roof inspected before the snowfall begins. If there are any issues with your roof, the winter will expose them, and it could cause a significant amount of damage to your roof! Have a professional come to assess the integrity of roof, checking for any broken shingles, leaks, or damaged flashing. This will ensure that when the snow begins to fall, your roof will be ready to handle it!

Make Sure Your Attic Is Properly Ventilated

One thing that many homeowners don’t know is that ventilating your attic properly can significantly reduce, or completely eliminate, any ice dam issues you may have! Since ice dams are formed when the air beneath your shingles is warmer than the snow, by properly ventilating your attic, you can limit the formation of ice dams by stopping the snow on your roof from melting! This is essential for homeowners who tend to deal with ice dams during the winter months!

Clear The Snow

Another tip for homeowners looking to protect their homes is to clear of snow as it settles on your roof. If ice dams tend to be an issue for your home, you can limit their formation by removing the snow, ensuring it can’t melt and create any ice dams. Simply get a roof rake to remove the snow and keep your roof protected!

Clear Debris

Lastly, before the snowfall begins, be sure to clear of debris from your roof to keep the system protected. Whether it freezes to your roof, or ends up in your gutters, debris can cause damage, so if you’re trying to protect your roof this winter, remove any debris before the snowfall begins!

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance with your roof replacement needs this winter, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting with your installation needs!

How To Remove Algae & Mold From Your Shingles

October 29, 2020Best Practices, roof repair, roofingRIslate15

New England is known for being rainy and humid for a good portion of the year, and those conditions tend to cause damage over time. While your roof is designed to withstand rain and moisture, over time, a constant exposure to moisture, without ample time to dry, can cause your shingle system to begin to grow mold, mildew, or algae. If you’ve noticed that your shingles are grown a layer of mold, and you’re curious about how to safely remove the mold and protect your shingle system, keep reading below for more information!

What Is Roof Algae & How Does It Form

The most common roof algae, which resembles dirt to many homeowners, is Gloeocapsa Magma. This algae forms on your roof due to a combination of moisture in the form of humidity, mixed with sample sunlight. The algae will eat away at the limestone filler in your shingles and spread across the entirety of your roof over time. While generally, this is relatively harmless, over time, it has the potential to wear away at the integrity of your shingles, giving water an opportunity to seep into your roof deck and cause damage to your home.

Often even more concerning is the mold and mildew that follows. Algae begins to hold moisture to your roof, and this provides the perfect opportunity for mold & mildew to follow, eventually causing far more significant damage than the algae would have. This means it is important to deal with roof algae before it has the chance to develop into a more significant issue.

How To Remove Roof Algae

There are really two different routes to take in this case; preventive maintenance, or removal. If you’re interested in preventing the algae from growing in the first place, try installing zinc strips on your roof, which should prevent the growth before it can begin.

However, if you need to remove algae that has already formed, the process is relatively straightforward. You will need to make a mixture of bleach, water, and a heavy duty cleaner like Tri-sodium phosphate, which will help break the algae down. Mix this together and spray it over your shingles. It will make the shingles slippery, so be very careful when performing this maintenance. If possible, its better to call a professional!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in replacing your home’s roof this fall, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today to learn more about our services by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting with your roofing needs!

How To Find A Roof Leak

October 29, 2020Best Practices, roofingRIslate15

It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare; a leaking roof. Your roof functions are your home’s first and primary line of defense against water damage, so a leak in your roofing system can be extremely detrimental for the health of your home, and it is important to have it addressed as soon as possible. However, the issue with roof leaks is that oftentimes, it can be incredibly difficult to pinpoint exactly where your roof is leaking from! While many homeowners opt to call in a professional to help them discover the source of the leak, with a bit of determination and knowledge, you can often find the source of the leak yourself! Interested in learning more? Keep reading below for a few tips!

Take A Look At Your Roof

Whether you’re able to spot a potential roof leak depends in large part on your willingness to talk a walk around your roof. If you feel comfortable using a ladder and walking along the roof, you can take a look at your shingle system and see if you can spot any major signs of damage. If your leak was caused by missing or broken shingles, you will be able to identify the source of the damage and make any necessary spot repairs.

However, finding roof damage isn’t always so simple. Sometimes the source of the leak is far more subtle, and it requires additional steps to identify the source!

Hop Into Your Attic

Next, if you weren’t able to identify your roof leak from the exterior of your home, you’ll want to take a look inside your attic and look for signs of a leak internally. Oftentimes, after a leak has been happening for a couple of weeks or more, there will be signs of a leak in the roof deck or attic in the form of water spots. If there is a significant trail of damage, you may be able to follow the water spots back to the source of the leak. However, if there isn’t a clear path back to the roof, you may not be able to pinpoint exactly where the water was leaking from, which leads us to our last tip.

Spray The Roof With A Hose

As a last resort, grab a hose & have a friend go into your attic with a flashlight. You will want to slowly spray your roof down with water, section by section, and have someone inside the roof to examine it for signs of a leak. If you take your time and move across the roof one section at a time, it should be relatively easy to pinpoint exactly where the leak is coming from.

Contact Us Today

Are you in need of a roof replacement this fall? Our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof replacement needs!