1. Trim and Prune Trees.

If you have trees in your backyard that are tall enough to reach your roof, you will need to make sure they are pruned and trimmed. A bad storm is all that it takes to send a limb crashing on to your roof, and this can cause quite a bit of damage. If you have mature trees and you’ve never done this before, you may want to hire a tree service to take care of it for you. This is a step that will do more than just protect your roof, it could save lives.

2. Look for aging caulk and replace it.

If your roof has been caulked, tarred or sealed in any way, it is important to note that this material will age and become less effective over time. Fall is a great time to get up on your roof to inspect for any of these issues. If the caulk looks crinkly or the tar is fading, you’ll want to replace it to make sure that you’re not dealing with leaks all winter long.

3. Tighten loose flashing.

Check around your chimney and other areas of your roof where you have flashing up. This frequently comes loose and in addition to make a lot of noise when the wind blows, it can also lead to leaks which in turn can cause a lot of water damage. Take some roofing screws up with you and if you find any areas that are loose, just screw them down while you are there.

4. Clean the chimney.

If you have a fireplace, it needs to be cleaned at least twice a year and the chimney should be thoroughly swept. This removes any debris that could be a fire hazard, and can also reduce the risk of having dangerous carbon monoxide gases building up in your home. Hire a professional chimney sweep if you have never done this before since it can be a bit dangerous and you don’t want to end up stuck.

5. Look for moisture in the attic or crawlspace.

Before you finish, you’ll also need to check for any trouble spots on the inside. Get in to your attic or crawlspace and inspect for mold, moisture or any sign that leaking may occur. If your insulation is old, this is a great time to replace it while you’re in there.

These simple steps will help you get your home ready for winter, and ensure that you and your family stay warm and dry even in the worst weather.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-11-18 05:29:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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When the proper safety precautions are taken, and when you have the right tools, you can fix your own roof. However, some leaks may require professional assistance, and it may be cheaper in the long run to have someone do it for you. Before you step one foot on your roof, carefully consider all of your options and put your safety first.

The first step to take when fixing your roof is to determine where the leak is and where the water is coming from. In some cases, the leak may not even be from the roof at all, such as when air conditioning lines leak. The first place to look are skylights and the flashing around your roof. Commonly, flashing around the chimney is the first place that leaks start since this can be blown off in bad weather.

If you are noticing water stains on your ceilings, the leaks may be harder to trace. The first step is to access either the attic or the crawlspace. You should be able to have a better idea of the origination of the leak from there. If you have several leaks, it may take a lot more time to track down each spot that is causing the problem.

Once you have determined the location of the leak, it’s time to head up to the roof to start fixing it. One leak will usually not require replacing the entire roof, and it is best to try to spot fix first before going to the extra trouble and expense of replacing a roof. Before you go up, you’ll need to have the right tools at your disposal. Purchase extra flashing to match what you already have, and have extra pieces of your roofing material ready to go.

You will also need a hammer, screwdrivers and a staple gun, depending on the type of roofing material you have. Access your roof safely and inspect the material and flashing. You should also take a look at the flashing by your gutters, since this is another trouble area. Once you have found the exact spot of the leak on the roof, you can better evaluate what needs to be done. Take your time and make sure that you do the job right to avoid having to go back up to re-fix what you might have missed.

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Originally posted 2008-08-28 05:20:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Picking the Insulation –

You’ll need to find out what the insulation rating is for your home and what is recommended for your area. Basically, you really can’t have insulation that is too strong, so go a little higher than normal if necessary. For most attics, we recommend the batting type of insulation, simply because if you ever plan on renovating your attic in the future, it will be a lot easier than having to deal with blown in insulation. However, if your attic space is very small and not conducive to fixing up, blow in insulation will be the easiest.

It is important to select an insulation that comes with a vapor barrier. Humidity gets into insulation and ruins it, so you want to do all that you can to prevent it. Even the driest climates still have some moisture in the air, so it is best to err on the side of caution and get the insulation with the vapor barrier. It is a bit more expensive, but you won’t need to replace it as often since it will hold up better.

Installing the Insulation –

Once you’ve picked out the insulation you’re going to use, you’ll need to prep the attic. If it doesn’t have a finished floor and most don’t, we recommend carting plywood sheets up there to lay across the beams. It is simply too difficult and dangerous to try to straddle and balance on those beams while you’re working. If you can’t find plywood that can withstand your weight, go with a nice thick board that can be easily moved around.

Once you have that board or plywood in place, you can begin bringing up the insulation. If you’re using batting, start unrolling it and tucking it into place between the beams. Make sure that all of the empty spaces are completely covered. If your attic does not have insulate walls, you’re going to want to take care of those as well. Some prefer to use strips of insulation padding for both floors and walls in attics, but the choice is up to you.

Make sure that you wear the proper safety equipment, such as goggles and gloves while you are installing your insulation. It contains tiny fiberglass fibers that can cut you and hurt your eyes if it gets in there. If you are using blow in insulation, we recommend goggles, a mask and gloves.

To install blow in insulation (see picture), rent a blower, and get a secure spot where you can stand in the attic without being covered in insulation. Start in the far corner and keep blowing it in until the floor is completely covered. You should now find that your heating costs are greatly reduced and your house will feel a lot warmer.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-09-09 05:20:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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