Checking the roof for damage may not sound as exciting as remodeling the bathroom, but it’s a must do this time of year.

This is one home improvement project people tend to put off until there is a problem. By that time, it might be too late to salvage the roof or avoid interior damage. That’s why it’s a good idea to examine your roof a few times a year and after any major storms.

Checking the Roof

Of course, roof inspection is ideal if one has a tall, sturdy ladder and can handle the height. Otherwise, call a roofing contractor to get their assessment. Also glance out the windows to see if you see any spots where shingles are missing or worn.

There are several ways to tell if your roof has problems beyond the obvious holes and major wear and tear. Here’s a look at what a roofing contractor would check. One good tip is to check the downspouts for shingle granular that have washed off. This means the shingles are wearing out.

The Roof, The Chimney, What Else?

When checking the roof, one also should take a look at the chimney, as it could need home improvement help. Oftentimes, the roof might be leaking down the chimney or the chimney might be leaking into the fireplace. One never knows, so it pays to check the condition of the mortar and any point where the roof meets the chimney. It should have tight seals so no water gets through.

During an inspection one should understand the layout of the roof. This diagram helps show common problems, such as algae growth and curling, which can be indicators that a new roof is needed.

The roof should be a key part of any home improvement check up. Hopefully, an inspection finds nothing to fix or simply minor repair items.

If you’ve watched any of the home improvement television shows, you know they are quick to rush in, fix a problem, and leave. Unfortunately, that’s not always the way it works in real life. There are some remodeling projects you shouldn’t jump into lightly. Here are a few examples:

Pause for these Remodeling Projects

• Kitchen Remodeling. Kitchen remodels tend to be pretty complicated. The kitchen is one of the central rooms of the house, so think about what you really want. If you’re doing some quick fixes, how will they work in the long run? It might be tempting to replace the countertop, but will it still work when you buy new kitchen cabinets?
• Roofing Repairs. Climbing a ladder is not hard until it starts to tip over. If you’ve got minor repairs and can reach them with a short ladder, fine. Save the major fixes for a roofing contractor.
• Driveway Repair. Patching a driveway is fine, but don’t think you can dig up gravel and lay down bricks in a weekend or that you should do it at all. Driveways are big projects and they typically should be done by a contractor who works in that specialty.
• Room Demolition. While it’s common to see someone to take a crowbar and rip out a wall on a home improvement television show, there are numerous steps to consider before laying waste to a wall in your house. You should check for electrical and gas lines in the wall and make sure it’s not load bearing. Then, get ready for physical labor because the work is intense. You also should have the right tools, clothing, protective equipment, and debris hauling service.

Home Improvement Television Is Entertainment

While home improvement television shows can be great entertainment and provide lots of good remodeling tips, they should be taken with a little light hearted laughter at times. If you see eight people tearing apart a kitchen on television, don’t think you can do it yourself in a weekend. It’s just not realistic.

A rustling sound led me to a frightful realization. A mouse had sneaked into our basement. Not a life changing event, but a creepy one nonetheless. It was a good reminder that it’s that time of year. As the weather turns cool in many parts of the country, it’s time to think about those critters and how they might be trying to get in.

Check on Home Repairs

Look for ways to keep them out before their scurrying leads to home repairs! It’s also good to check for exterior home repairs before the weather turns. This is the type of home improvement project you can do yourself, unless you get into major home repairs. Keep those contractors’ names handy, just in case, but start this one yourself.

How About Roofing Repairs?

Walk around your house and look for holes that critters can use to sneak into your warm house. Also look around for other repairs you should do before winter, such as roofing repairs or gutter work. If you can’t reach your roof safely, most roofing contractors will do an inspection to let you know if there is damage. (Get a few estimates just to make sure you’re getting a good price and the real deal on what needs to be done).

Depending on what you find, call a local contractor or handyman, or make your own “to do” list. There are many home repairs you can do yourself–attaching loose screens, touch up painting, etc. Others you should call a contractor about major roofing repairs, replacement windows, and other projects that require tall ladders and specific contractor type expertise.

Now, here’s hoping Mr. Mouse (and any of his friends) will find another home-soon before we need too many home repairs!

As the summer winds down, it’s a good time to think about your roof and gutters. Think back to the last time it rained. Did any water run down the side of your house or spill over the gutters? If so, you could need roofing or gutter repairs.

Roofs and gutters work hand in hand to keep water out of your house. You may not notice a small leak until it’s too late, so it’s always good to have a roofing contractor inspect those areas every few years.

A Roofing Inspection

What should the roofing contractor look for? Well, for sure, he or she should get out a ladder and go up on the roof. This may sound obvious, but I’ve talked to a few home owners who had roofers try to give them an estimate from the ground. Isn’t that sort of like getting an estimate to fix your car over the phone?

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If you’re living in an area where winter happens—and has been happening rather dramatically this year – you appreciate the importance of a good roof.

During the cold climate, it’s important to look for any signs of leaks, damage, or ice damming so that you can act quickly. Otherwise you may end up with a major remodeling project in the spring. (This advice is also relevant for those in warmer climates, but you’ll have an easier time examining your roof!) read more »

If you’re in the market for a roofing contractor, don’t make the mistake some home owners make. They’ll see a roofing truck in the neighborhood, call the company and hire them on the spot.

While that company may be reputable, you really don’t know until you use them. By then, it might be too late to avoid shoddy workmanship or unreasonable prices. That’s why it pays to shop around. As with any remodeling work, it’s always good to call several roofing contractors and get estimates. read more »

A home’s roof is an extremely important part of it’s defense system.  It helps to protect all the inner workings of a home from all of Mother Nature’s harmful effects.  A home’s structural supports, electrical system and interior drywall and floors all owe their longevity to a strong roof.

When a roofing problem occurs it is extremely important that it is remedied as quickly as possible.  Because a leak can lead to much more costly, expensive and stressful project, the second you notice a problem with your roof you need to take action.  Roofing repair can be quite simple and quick when an experienced expert does the job right.

Your first step is to know how to spot roofing problems.  Most roofs are comprised of some sort of shingles.  Whether they are asphalt, wood, slate or composite, shingles are the out layer of your homes roof.  If you notice that any are missing, breaking, cracking or discolored you can be sure a leak is sure to follow.  You will also want to keep an eye on your roofs flashings.  These are the metal areas at the peak and edges of your roof.  If they become bent or are missing completely water is finding its way into the inner workings of your home.  The last is the most obvious, water stains and leaks.  If you find any areas of your ceiling that are dripping water you obviously have a leak.  Usually this will happen during strong storms so keep a careful eye during these times.

Once you’ve identified that your roof does have a problem, your next step is to find a skilled roofing repair professional to go over your options with you.  A good contractor will carefully inspect your roof to find out exactly what the problem is and what the best means of repair are.  Review an estimate of the repair costs and discuss the entire process with your roofing professional.  If caught soon enough and repaired correctly you can ensure your homes roof will continue to provide your home with the absolute best protection possible.

Don’t delay when you see a potential roofing problem.  It’s not worth the headache and stress of added projects and repair when left alone.  Identify troublesome spots and find the perfect contractor to fix them for you as soon as possible.

Professional roofing contractors can save you time and money, as roof replacement is one of the most expensive parts of home ownership. Most homeowners are unaware of the more subtle signs that signal roof repair or replacement. Following are two common problems to look out for.

1) Water Leaks: Most homeowners catch large leaks fairly quickly. But, it’s the small continuous leaks that can cause severe damage because they are not spotted as quickly or easily. Roof leaks can be caused by a number of things. However, they can usually be divided into two categories: weather conditions and poor roof installation. To spot water damage in your roof, look for the following:

(i) Water stains: If you see water stains on the walls or on wood in the attic, for example, then you have a leak somewhere. The key is to determine where it’s coming from. Herein lies the problem for inexperienced homeowners.

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Baltimore, MD, November 7, 2007—All Around the Home, an online home improvement contractor directory, has acquired Roofing-Directory.com (http://www.roofing-directory.com/). Unlike the All Around the Home website, Roofing-Directory will specialize in just roofing.

Roofing-Directory is a site where homeowners can find roofers who specialize in roof installation, roof repair, and roof replacement. Homeowners can request free estimates from roofers in their region. Roofing-Directory’s focus on roofing differs from larger home improvement sites like All Around the Home in that visitors to Roofing-Directory will be able to find more in-depth information about roofing, but not information on other home improvement specialties.

In contrast to Roofing-Directory, All Around the Home (http://www.allaroundthehome.com/) is an online directory where visitors can find read more »

Mount Freedom, NJ, August 31, 2007-American Home Improvement (http://www.americanhomeimprovementinc.com/), a home improvement company servicing New Jersey, has joined All Around the Home (http://www.allaroundthehome.com/) contractor directory. By becoming a part of All Around the Home, American Home Improvement will be able to take advantage of the directory’s services that benefit both contractors and homeowners. The contractor directory profiles all of its contractors, allowing them to post photos of their work and serves as a one-stop shop for homeowners needing home improvement work done.

For New Jersey homeowners who need home improvement work done, American Home Improvement specializes in windows, kitchen remodeling, roofing, and siding & doors. Whether homeowners are looking to build a new home or improve an older one, American Home Improvement can help make decisions easier through read more »