How to Clean and Maintain Your Gutters

A big part of protecting your home and keeping it in proper working order is to make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned and well maintained. Keeping your gutters free of debris helps to ensure your home keeps being watertight and resistant to seepage.

Why Clean Gutters are Important

Your home is a place where you can go to get away from the demands of the outside world. It should be well-maintained and prevent you from worrying. Not cleaning out your gutters can mean buildups of debris that will cause water to overflow and also create a perfect breeding ground for termites and other pests. But a clean, presentable gutter not only performs its job well, but gives your house a homelike appearance.

Do It Yourself?

Keeping your gutters in good working order isn’t a complicated process, but it sure is a time consuming one. Rather than get all the right tools and equipment you may need, as well as cleaning supplies and trash bags, a lot of homeowners find it more convenient and cost-effective to hire a professional. However, if that’s not for you, or you want to do the regular maintenance yourself, have no fear. It may seem like a daunting task, but armed with the right knowledge and tools, anyone can do it.

Choose the Right Tools for the Job

In addition to some protective gear, which need be only some old clothing and gardening gloves, you’ll need a trowel or small shovel to move the bigger pieces of debris, as well as a bucket or trash bag in which to put it. In addition, you might want to get a nozzle attachment for your hose to knock away any of the smaller pieces of grit.

Get Set Up

In order to reach the gutter you want to clean, you’ll probably need a sturdy ladder you can place on level ground. Next, spread a tarp or canvas sheet over the ground beneath where you are working to catch any falling debris.

Get To It!

Once you are all set up, just climb that ladder and start pointing the nozzle on the hose wherever you want to knock loose some debris. Again, it may take some time but soon you will start to see some of the progress you’re making.

One of the biggest responsibilities that goes hand in hand with owning a home of your own is making sure the gutters are well kept. Whether you clean them after every rainfall or it is a once a year thing for you, it can make a dramatic difference in how well your home is protected from things like water damage and playing host to the most unpleasant of pests. Even if you can’t make the time yourself, it is a very important chore that must be taken care of.

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Roof Pitch Explained

When looking to repair your roof, there are many aspects of the roof that need to be considered. Probably one of the most important parts of the roof that needs attention is the roof pitch. But what is it? Why is it important? How do you measure it? Before you look at repairing your roof, look at why the roof pitch plays a pivotal role in keeping your roof together.

WHAT IS ROOF PITCH?

The roof pitch is the most visible aspect of the roof. It is basically the slope of your roof. It is the measure of the steepness of the roof. This is expressed as the ratio of the vertical rise, or the change in height per unit, to the horizontal run, or change in distance. It is also defined as the “angle of the roof surface over the “flat” or horizontal plane.”

WHY IS ROOF PITCH IMPORTANT?

Water and snow on a roof can cause mold, leaks, and other damage to it. The biggest reason roof pitch is so important is to allow run-off of rain or snow and prevent damage. In areas where it is likely to rain or snow, homeowners are more likely to build a steeper roof. Many of these states have a minimum pitch level in their building codes. Pitch is also important because it determines the materials used for the roof and how the roof will last long term.

HOW TO MEASURE ROOF PITCH

The measurement of roof pitch is calculated by the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it is in depth. An example is a 6/12 roof pitch, which means it rises 6 inches for every 12 inches inward. There are two common ways to measure roof pitch. The first is at the top of the roof. There you measure the distance from the level to the surface. But, if the roof has a lot of shingles, this way could lead to an inaccurate measurement. The second way is by going to the bottom of the rafters in three different locations: the underside of a rafter at an overhang at the bottom of the roof, the underside of a rafter at the gable end, and the underside of a rafter in the attic.

TYPES OF ROOF PITCH

There are four common types of roof pitch:

• Flat: a pitch of 1/2:12 to 1:12
  
• Low-Slope: a pitch of 1:12 to 4:12. Not as efficient at allowing run-off
  
• Medium-Slope: a pitch of 4:12 to 9:12, most commonly 6:12.
  
• Steep-Slope: any pitch above 9:12. May require more fasteners

Most homes are steep-pitched because they are more attractive. High-pitched roofs may cost more because they are longer. Low-pitched roofs go well in light snow climates, as well as ranch homes. For higher snow areas, a higher pitch will give you a better run off. Some roofing materials like metal or concrete are better for a low pitch, while tile and shingles are better for higher pitches.

Looking for help finding the pitch of your roof, or need professional roof repairs? Contact Cox Brothers Roofing, a South Texas roofing company serving Cuero, Victoria, San Antonio, and more.

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DIY VS Professional Roofing Repairs

Working on a roof can be difficult. This is especially true when it comes to making repairs. You have two options and you don’t know which one to choose. You can either go at it alone or hire a professional. A lot of people opt to do roofing repairs by themselves. However, this comes with a lot of issues and can lead to more problems than solutions in the long term. A roof is a complicated thing, and many homeowners may not have the experience or skills necessary to repair it on their own.

Years of Experience Matter

The most important thing when it comes to working on a roof is the experience of the person doing the job. A professional will have more experience than an amateur. If you are looking to do the roofing repairs yourself, you might want to reconsider depending on your experience level. For everyone except the professional roofer, hiring someone else is the better choice. That is because with experience comes a lot of knowledge that cannot be gained in a short period of time. A professional will know exactly what to do in order to get the job done quickly. They will also know the most efficient ways of solving problems. This means you don’t spend more money than you need while repairing your roof.

Insurance and Other Liabilities

Another thing to think about is insurance. It may be very difficult for you to have your property insured once you have done the job yourself. It is a lot easier to show the work of a professional who is licensed and bonded. There are also many other aspects of the law concerning doing the repairs yourself. For example, if you filed an insurance claim when the roof got damaged, it would then be a complicated legal situation for you when you try to use that money to repair it yourself. There are many other aspects that make it quite tricky legally speaking to do repairs yourself.

The Warranty

Another thing that is often overlooked is the warranty. Most good professionals will give you a good warranty on their work. You have no such guarantees when doing the work yourself and you might find that you have to do the work multiple times to achieve the same results. This is obviously costly in the long term.

Professionals Have Tools You Don’t

Something else you have to consider is the normal startup cost that you have to take on. A professional roofer will already have the tools necessary to make repairs. They will have the most expensive ones since they use them on the daily. It might not make sense for you if you need to repair your roof just once. You may opt for the cheaper tools or even find yourself renting them. The cost and logistics might make it too expensive compared to just hiring a professional.

Safety

Safety is also an issue that is often overlooked. A professional will understand how to do the work safely and efficiently. You might find yourself getting hurt and then not only will your roof be left unfinished, but you will find yourself losing income since you cannot work.

Your Time is Better Spent Elsewhere

This isn’t your job. Your job might be something else, and every minute you spend working on your roof is the time you spend away from your work. You have to understand that opportunity costs are real and you might be paying more in the long term when you do the work yourself.

Looking for the perfect roofer to complete your roof repairs quickly and cleanly? Contact Cox Brothers Roofing, a South Texas roofing company, to speak to a professional about your roof.

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Storm Damage And Your Roofing System

It can be a joy to have a roofing system that’s in tiptop condition. It can be a nightmare to have one that’s weak and vulnerable. Inclement weather can wreak havoc onto roofing systems of all kinds. Storms can lead to significant and lasting roofing system destruction. If you realize that a severe storm has done a number on your roof, then you cannot ignore the pressing situation even for half a minute.

Indications That Your Roofing System Has Storm Damage

It’s critical for people to be able to accurately identify storm damage that affects roofing systems. If you’re unable to pinpoint any damage, then you may fail to be able to take action in a prompt manner. If you’re dealing with a severe case of storm-related damage, then you may just pick up on the presence of shingles all over your outdoor property. If you see seemingly random shingles scattered all throughout your otherwise pristine backyard, then you should take action. There are some storms that are so intense that they have the ability to literally force shingles off the tops of roofs.

Check Your Attic

If you want to pinpoint storm damage, then it may be wise to take a brief tour of your attic. If you spot any clues that may point to water damage, then a major storm could be responsible for them all. Water damage is in many cases related to roof damage. Don’t panic if you’re not equipped with any kind of attic at home, either. If you want to be particularly detail-oriented, you can take a close look at your ceiling. If you see any discoloration, staining or streaking, then a storm could be the culprit. Ceiling water damage can clue you in to all sorts of problems.

Check Your Gutters

You should put some time into thinking about gutter issues as well. If you see any splits that are on your gutters, you shouldn’t ignore them. If you see any big depressions or dips, then you shouldn’t brush them off, either. Don’t forget that seeing an abundance of tiny dips can denote the possibility of hail damage.

Check Your Shingles

Concentrate on the appearance of the shingles that are part of your roofing system. Do they appear to be fatigued in any way? Do they have conspicuous flaws of any kind, such as broken bits or being bent upwards? If you observe anything out of the ordinary with the way your shingles appear, then you should think about the possibilities of hail or storm damage. Prompt shingle replacement may be able to save the day for you.

How to Handle Roofing System Storm Damage

Storm damage to your roof can continue causing damage to your home through water leaks and more. That’s the reason it’s never something that you should try to take care of all by yourself. If you suspect that you have any degree of storm damage, then you need to call trained professionals for fast assistance. Look for a reputable local roofing company instead of storm chasers. Most roofing companies offer roof inspections for when you aren’t sure what type of damage has been done to your roof.

Has your roof experienced storm damage? Contact Cox Brothers Roofing, a premier roofing company serving all of South Texas, to learn how we can help.

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Asphalt Shingle Options

Most people aren’t savvy when it comes to roofing material. It is okay to not know what you are looking for or what the differences of products are. Depending on if you are looking for a full roof replacement or just replacing broken shingles your wants may change. One of the greatest types of shingles that have begun to be quite popular is asphalt shingles. Here we discuss the different types of asphalt shingles and why they’re important.

What Is An Asphalt Shingle

If you see the term “asphalt shingle” and don’t understand what it means, don’t be alarmed. It is nothing more than a shingle that is used for waterproofing a roof. It is mostly inexpensive and fairly simple to use. There are two basic types of asphalt shingles.

• Organic Shingles – These types of shingles are based on waste paper saturated with asphalt making it waterproof. It is usually coated with adhesive salt and ceramic granules on top. These are more durable than fiberglass, but are more prone to fire and less friendly to the environment because they have high oil based asphalt content.
• Fiberglass Shingles – These types of shingles are based with a layer of glass fiber reinforcing mat. This mat is coated with asphalt which contains mineral fillers to make the shingle waterproof. These are less flexible but also less prone to fire. In fact, they offer excellent fire protection. They are replacing organic shingles more and more.

Why Is Asphalt The Way To Go?

Now you know that asphalt shingles are not only super affordable but also safer for your home. Most asphalt shingles can last around 20 years. These shingles do vary for the better, though. Commonly, fiber cement asphalt shingles last about 20 years, premium brands can last up to 50 years.

There are different looks you can accomplish with these types of shingles as well. One of those is called the 3-Tab singles. These are flat and simple with a uniform shape. They use less material and are thinner. These types of shingles are the most commonly used for rental properties.

Another look that these shingles can provide is an “Architectural” or Dimensional shingle. These shingles are also thicker and stronger. They also can vary in shape and size which make it look more traditional and distinct. The architectural shingle can usually last at least 5-10 years if not a little more than regular 3-tab shingles.

What Are The Disadvantages To Asphalt Shingles?

Like any type of product for home improvement there are some disadvantages with having asphalt shingles. One of the biggest draw backs is that they cannot be recycled and therefore are regularly in landfills. Some other disadvantages include:

• Some cheaper 3-tab shingles can be uplifted by wind.
• Extreme heat can cause shingles to crack or loose color.
• Regular maintenance are needed to prevent damage
• They can be damaged if installed in below freezing temperatures

In the end you have to weigh what you think is best for you home. Asphalt shingles have a lot of positive sides to them, such as lower cost and fire resistant in the fiberglass types. They are a great way to be able to redo your roof in an attractive way that is cost-effective.

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Why You Should Get Your Roof Inspected

Getting your roof inspected is the first step to ensuring it will last for a long time. In fact, it is recommended that a roof inspection should take place two times each year. Ideally, a roof inspection should take place after winter and summer. Also, you can obtain an inspection as needed if there are any weather conditions that may warrant one. But, what are the specific reasons why a roof would need an inspection? We will answer this question so that you’ll know why you should get your roof inspected.

Excessive Aging and Weathering

With constant contact with the elements, a roof’s lifespan could easily get cut in half. So if a roof with a low-slope is expected to last for 30 years and the area is constantly stricken by major weather conditions then the lifespan could decrease tremendously. Plus, even if the roof ages without a lot of weather involved, many openings in the roof may start to appear which could allow moisture to enter the roof. With a roof inspection, you’ll be able to get to the source of the problem in order to make repairs as soon as possible.

Damage from Unrelated Maintenance

It is not uncommon for roof damage to occur from individuals who are simply performing HVAC or AC maintenance. The damage occurs mostly because the access panels are forgotten to be closed on a roof or containers of refrigerant and other types of debris are left behind. If the area you live in is constantly bombarded by high wind, then your roof could run the risk of having objects fly around to cause significant damage. You can easily include roof cleaning as part of your normal inspections.

Assess for Leaks

As soon as you notice a leak, you need to immediately schedule a roof inspection. But just because you notice a leak, you never know if there is an underlying problem that is much worse than just a leak. So, if you think about it, having a leak could be a blessing. This is because if you never had a leak, then an underlying problem would be able to continue its destructive nature by way of mold, corrosion, rotting, and many other possibilities.

Not just anybody can conduct an inspection to pinpoint a leak due to the unknown origin of the leak as it could be in a totally different area.

Generally, if your roof is a low slope then there will rarely be a case where a leak occurs in the roof’s center. Usually, a leak occurs in an area that is prone to problems such as flashings, expansion joints, and penetrations.

On the flip side, if a roof has severe deterioration, a leak may not even be visible if the leak runs over concrete and had migrated from the original source before finding an opening for the water to drip from. After a condition like this happens, the damage could be so extensive that the inspector may end up recommending a complete replacement of the roof.

Ensuring Drainage

Ensuring that a roof properly drains is an important aspect of roof inspections because it ensures that the roof is performing properly. If there is standing water on the roof, then you will have an increased risk for moisture to penetrate and cause leaks. Plus, getting rid of debris that accumulates on a roof will also eliminate the chance for standing water. So ensure that your roof is clear of debris as well as no clogs in the drain pipes and roof gutters.

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Why You Should Hire a Licensed Roofing Contractor

When a person is having a repair done or their roof or if they need their entire roof replaced it is important to work with licensed roofing professionals. These professionals have the skills and experience to make sure the roof is secure and safe. These are some reasons to hire only a licensed professional for roofing.

Know the Industry

To become licensed a person needs to go through training and meet specific standards. If they do not know what they are doing they will not be granted a license. These contractors often need to do some type of continuing education in the industry to keep their license valid. They will learn all of the new techniques and trends on roofing and can pass this knowledge on to their customers.

Roofing Types

There are some many different types of roofing out there such as slate, tile, and shingles. A licensed contractor will know how to work on each roofing type. They will have the skills to do the job based on the type of roof a person has. An unlicensed contractor often does not have the knowledge to work on all of the different types of roofing material.

Insurance

A licensed contractor will carry insurance. This insurance will protect them and the consumer in case there is any damage to the property while the contractor is working on the roof. The contract must carry this insurance. To get roofing insurance, a contractor must be licensed. Accidents do happen from time to time and the homeowner needs to be protected from things that are not their fault.

Payments

When a licensed contractor does a job they will want some form of a down payment. Common down payments can be 10 percent of the total project or around a thousand dollars depending on the cost of the repair. This will help cover materials. This amount is set by the state licensing board and the licensed contractors will follow these regulations. If the contractor wants all of the money upfront this can be a warning sign that they are not a legitimate company.

Contract

When working with a licensed roofing contractor the customer will be given a written contract. This contract will have the price and the cost of materials. A person will see everything that is included in the job and the price. This will protect them from a surprising amount once the job has been completed.

Guaranteed Work

A licensed roofer is a professional and they will guarantee their work for a specified amount of time. they have the skills and will stand behind the work that they do. With their knowledge and experience, they are confident that the roofing project will come out correctly and will be safe the first time.
These are some of the reasons why a person should work with only a licensed roofing contractor. The licensed contractor can make sure the project is done safety and their work will be guaranteed.

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