Benefits of Roof Insulation

July 15, 2021Best Practices, roofing, winter tipsRIslate15

When it comes to your home’s roof, there is quite a bit of maintenance that’s required to keep the system in good repair. From weather damage, to aging, to pests, your roofing system can become damaged in a variety of ways, but your roof maintenance doesn’t end on the exterior of your roof. One of the most important parts of your roofing system is your insulation, but many homeowner’s are unaware of it’s importance, or how to ensure that their roof is properly insulated. Curious in learning more about the benefits of roof insulation? Keep reading below for more information about our services!

Heat Control

Of course, one of the primary reasons that homeowners need insulation in their roof is in order to control the heat gain & loss in the building. Your roof is one of the biggest sources of heat gain & loss in your home, so having proper insulation in place can help make your home more temperate no matter what time of year. In the summer, insulation will keep the heat in your attic, and in the winter it will keep it in your home. Insulation is easily of the the most important aspects of keeping your home comfortable, no matter the season.

Ice Dam Prevention

Another reason that insulation is so important to install in your home is that it helps to prevent ice dams, which can cause plenty of damage to New England home. Ice dams form when the heat escaping from your home reaches your attic, and heats up your shingle roof from the inside of your home. When this happens, it causes the snow on your roof to melt, which leads to it running down your roof, and refreezing in your gutter system

However, proper attic insulation can stop ice dams from ever forming! By insulating your attic, you can prevent heat from escaping into the attic and causing the snow to melt off of your roof. Combined with proper roof ventilation, insulation will prevent ice dams from forming and causing damage to your roofing system. This makes attic insulation as good for your utility bills as it is for your home!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in installing a new roof on your home this summer, 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 your roofing needs!

Signs My Asphalt Shingle Roof Needs To Be Replaced

July 6, 2021Best Practices, news, roof replacement, roofingRIslate15

Determining whether or not your roof needs to be replaced is never easy. However, by knowing which signs you should be keeping in eye out for, you can often quickly determine the best course of action, or get a roof inspector involved who can provide you with a more educated assessment on the quality of your roof. To help you get started, here are a few of the signs you should consider replacing your home’s asphalt shingle roof!

Missing Shingles

Let’s start with the obvious; if you have missing shingles, it’s certainly time to consider a roof replacement. While it’s possible that strong gust of wind, or broken branch, may have caused shingles to fall off of your roof, the more likely scenario is that your roof is beginning to age, and the fastenings are coming loose. In this case, a missing shingle is just a symptom of a larger issue.

Warping or Buckling Shingles

Sometimes the damage to your shingles isn’t quite as drastic as missing shingles. Oftentimes, the signs of damage will be far more subtle. A couple of the most important ones to look out for are warping or buckling shingles. This happens when your shingles, and roof deck, begin to absorb water. This leads to warping & buckling, which gives water more room to infiltrate your roof. If you begin to see signs of warping, you’ll want to have the roof inspected immediately.

Granules in Your Yard or Gutters

Another reason you might want to consider a roof replacement is because you’re beginning to find granules in your gutter system or yard. Your granules are essential for the health of your roof, helping to keep the system protected from UV rays which can otherwise damage the shingles. Once your shingles begin to lose their granules, it’s generally a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced.

The Age Of The Roof

Do you know when your roof was installed? If you can’t answer that question, you should at the very least by inspecting your roof annually. Once an asphalt shingle roof is over 20 years old, the signs of damage will quickly begin to show, and waiting to replace it for signs of imminent failure could mean that you’re exposing other parts of your home to water damage or weathering as well.

Contact Us Today

If you need to replace your home’s asphalt shingle roof this summer, 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 your roof replacement needs!

Signs Your Roof Needs Repairs

June 1, 2021news, roof repair, roofingRIslate15

Did you know you should be inspecting your roof every spring? Annual roof inspections performed by the homeowner or a roofing contractor are proven to extend the life of your roof. During the inspection, damage and areas of concern can be noted and then repaired by the roofing contractor. Repairs that are done correctly and in a timely fashion can make the difference between a total roof replacement in the near future or a healthy roof that has years of life left in it. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs you need to schedule your roof repairs ASAP.

Shedding Granules

Asphalt shingles have small granules on their surface. These granules stay put until shingles begin to get worn out and old. Granules look like small pieces of black sand and you’re most likely to notice them when you’re cleaning out your gutter system.

Damaged or Missing Shingles

Shingles that are curling, cracked, or showing other signs of damage need to be replaced. Damage and curling typically occurs when asphalt shingles shrink after being exposed to the sun for so long. The shrinking process makes them more brittle and more likely to blow off the roof during a storm too. If you see a spot where shingles should be but aren’t, it’s safe to assume they already went through the shrinking process and blew off in the last storm.

Leaks or Light in the Attic

Go into your attic and look for signs of light or moisture coming in from the roof. Going up during or right after a rainstorm is the best way to look for water leaks. If you see a leak, mark the spot on the floor and ceiling of the attic to show a roofing contractor later. Light that shines through your roof into the attic during the day is a sign that there’s missing shingles that need to be replaced or a hole in one of the existing shingles that needs to be repairs.

Excess Moisture on Shingles

During the roof inspection, if there are shingles that seem to be holding onto moisture, that’s a sign of a bigger problem. Shingles that hold moisture can trap that moisture under the surface and lead to mold or water damage inside the home. You may also see mold or algae growth on shingles that aren’t draining water properly.

Contact Us Today

If you’re in need of a roof replacement this summer, 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 your roof replacement needs!

Summer Roof Maintenance

May 31, 2021news, roofingRIslate15

The roof of your home is arguably the single most important part of your house. A good roof protects against bad weather, harsh temperatures, pests, and so much more! Maintaining your roof throughout each year will help extend the life of the roof and save you some serious cash. Use these roof maintenance tips each summer to determine how your roof held up over a long winter and keep it in good condition all year long!

Check Your Shingles

If you see shingles that are missing, cracked, or curling, they should be replaced ASAP. Damaged shingles put your roof at risk of water damage and creates a weak spot for pests to enter the home. Checking and replacing shingles may sound like a simple task, but there’s more to it than you’d think. Inspecting the shingles requires close attention to detail and precision to avoid stepping on a damaged area of the roof. Replacing your shingles with the wrong type of shingle or securing it incorrectly leaves your roof at risk for mold or algae growth too. A professional roofer can come out every summer to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs so you don’t have to!

Inspect the Roof from the Attic

Go into your attic and look up at the ceiling. The ceiling of your attic is just the back of your roof, so this is a great way to get a different perspective. If you see any holes or areas where light is shining through into the attic, your roof is in need of repair.

Remove Debris

Debris and limbs on your roof can lead to water damage and harm your homes ability to reflect light to prevent overheating in the summer. Use a leaf blower to clean debris off the hard to reach areas and take your time removing larger debris to avoid a slip or fall.

Clean and Repair Your Gutters

While you have the ladder out, clean the leaves and other debris from your gutter system. A blocked gutter system will lead to improper water drainage from your roof that can result in water damage, foundation damage, and ice dams on your roof in the winter. Flush the gutter system with a hose after you’re done to ensure there’s no blockages out of your view in the downspout. Gutters that are leaking, cracked, or otherwise damaged will need to be repaired or replaced.

Contact Us Today

If you need to repair your home’s roof this summer, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing can be reached at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! Reach out to our team today to get started on your project!

Comparing Slate & Clay Tile Roofs

May 11, 2021roofing, slate roofingRIslate15

When it comes to roofing materials, the first thing that comes to mind for most North American homeowner is asphalt shingles. Long known as the standard of the roofing industry, homeowners across the country have trusted asphalt shingles for decades to keep their home’s protected. However, before asphalt shingles were used, there were other materials, some of which are still used today, including slate & clay tiles. While they aren’t as popular as they once were, both of these roofing materials are still fantastic roofing options, used by homeowners who are looking to give their home an extra touch of ambiance. Are you interested in learning a bit about each material and how they compare to one another? Keep reading below to learn more!

Curb Appeal

When it comes to the aesthetic of each roofing material, they are both beautiful options in their own right. Slate roofing is known for it’s rustic-looking, gray slabs, although it is available in a variety of colors. It is widely regarded as being one of the most beautiful roofing options, and an array of color options ensures you can find the right fit for your tastes. Clay tile roofing offers an ever wide array of color options, as the material can be dyed a variety of different colors, as well as a variety of shapes, including Mission, Spanish, Flat, & French styles! This wide variety of colors and shapes ensures you can always find the right option for your home!

Longevity

Next up, let’s discuss the durability & longevity of each material. Both material have enjoyed long histories as some of the world’s most popular roofing materials due in large part to their incredible longevity. In fact, these two materials are well known for being two the longest lasting materials on the market. Clay Tile is durable and weather resistant, and when properly installed, you can expect a clay tile roof to last up to 100 years, and potentially even longer with a bit of preventive maintenance along the way. Slate is even more durable than clay! Slate roofing is essentially impervious to the elements, and the only way it be truly be damaged is with blunt force, such as falling branches. This means that it’s not uncommon to see slate roofs well over 100 years. In fact, if you drive around the New England countryside for long enough, you’re bound to see a slate roof with it’s year of installation built into the pattern of the roof, some of which may date back two or three hundred years!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in installing a new slate or clay tile roof on your home this spring, reach out to our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing today to get started! You can 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!

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!