Blog
What’s the Best Roofing Material for Me?
There are many different types of roofing material available on the market today, and choosing the right one for your home can be a daunting task. However, there are a few factors you can take into account to help you make the best decision for your needs. First, consider the climate in your area. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, you’ll need a roofing material that can withstand high winds and heavy rain.
Second, think about the overall look you want for your home. If you want a traditional look, asphalt shingles may be the best option. However, if you’re looking for something more unique, metal roofing could be a good choice. Finally, consider your budget. Roofing materials can vary widely in price, so it’s important to choose one that fits within your budget. By taking these factors into account, you can be sure to choose the best roofing material for your home.
About Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials on the market, and it’s easy to see why. They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to install and offer a wide range of style options. Asphalt shingles are made from a base of fiberglass or organic matting that is coated with asphalt and then covered with ceramic granules. The granules not only add color and texture, but they also help to protect the shingles from UV damage. The lifespan of asphalt shingles varies depending on the quality of the materials and the installation, but most shingles will last for 20-30 years. When it’s time to replace your roof, asphalt shingles can be recycled or disposed of in a landfill.
About Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles are two of the most popular roofing materials on the market today. Both have a long history of providing effective protection against the elements, and both can be found in a variety of styles to suit any taste. However, there are also some important differences between these two types of tiles. Clay tiles are made from natural clay that is fired in a kiln, making them extremely durable and weather-resistant. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are made from a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water. While they are not as durable as clay tiles, concrete tiles are much lighter in weight and easier to install. As a result, they are often the preferred choice for homeowners who are looking for an attractive and cost-effective roofing option.
About Slate
When it comes to roofing materials, slate has long been prized for its beauty and durability. A natural stone product, slate is formed over millions of years as the sedimentary rock is slowly compressed by the weight of the earth. This process gives the slate its unique strength and hardness, making it an ideal material for roofing. In addition, slate is resistant to fire and() mold, making it an excellent choice for homes in fire-prone areas. While slate roofs can be costly to install, their long lifespan often makes them a wise investment in the long run. With proper care, a slate roof can last for centuries, providing generations with protection from the elements.
What Is a Roof Boot and Why Is It Important?
A roof boot is a type of flashing that is used to seal the area where a pipe or vent passes through a roof. Boots are typically made of rubber or metal, and they are installed around the base of the pipe or vent to create a watertight seal. Without a boot, water can easily leak through the opening and cause damage to the interior of the building. In addition, a boot helps to prevent pests from entering the building through the opening. By creating a barrier around the pipe or vent, a roof boot helps to keep the building safe and dry.
The Purpose of a Roofing Boot
The purpose of a roofing boot is to provide a watertight seal around the base of a vent pipe. Vent pipes are installed in roofs to allow for proper ventilation, and they must be sealed in order to prevent water from entering the home. Roofing boots are made from rubber or plastic, and they have a metal flashing that attaches to the pipe. The boot is then covered with shingles, creating a watertight barrier. In addition to preventing water damage, roofing boots also help to extend the life of the vent pipe by protecting it from the elements.
Roof Boot Benefits
Roof boots are an important part of any roofing system. They are installed at the base of roof penetrations to provide a water-tight seal and prevent water from seeping into the building. Roof boots also help to protect against ice dams, which can cause significant damage to roofs. In addition, roof boots provide an additional layer of protection against wind and hail damage. By installing roof boots, property owners can help to extend the life of their roofs and avoid expensive repairs.
Why Are Roof Boots Important?
As any experienced roofer will tell you, roof boots are an essential part of any roofing system. Roof boots are installed at the base of each vent pipe to create a watertight seal. This seal helps to prevent water from seeping into the attic or living space below, which can cause significant damage. In addition, roof boots help to keep out pests and rodents, which can also cause problems if they gain access to the attic. Roof boots are typically made of rubber or PVC, and they are easy to install. However, they should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good condition and that the seals are intact. With proper care, roof boots can help to extend the life of your roof and protect your home from water damage.
What to Look for When Considering a Roof Boot
One of the most important parts of a roof is the boot. A boot is a rubber or metal cover that goes over the area where the wires or pipes enter the roof. The boot helps to keep water from entering the home through these openings. When considering a roof boot, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the boot is the right size for the opening. The boot should fit snugly around the opening, with no gaps. Second, check to see that the material is durable and will not crack or tear easily. Third, make sure that the boot is properly sealed to prevent water from getting in. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to choose a roof boot that will provide years of protection for your home.
Can McDonough Roofing Help with a Roof Boot?
Yes, McDonough Roofing can help with a roof boot. We are a full-service roofing company that can handle any repair or replacement job, no matter how big or small. We are committed to offering the best possible service at the most competitive prices. We offer a wide range of roofing services, including repairs, replacements, and installations. We also offer a variety of financing options to fit your budget. In addition, we provide a free consultation to help you determine the best course of action for your roofing needs. Whether you need a new roof or just a few repairs, McDonough Roofing is here to help.
A roof boot is a small device that is installed at the base of a vent pipe to seal the opening and prevent water from entering the home. Over time, roof boots can become cracked or damaged, allowing water to leak into the home. If you suspect that your roof boot needs to be replaced, we highly recommend calling a professional roofer for an inspection. We will be able to quickly determine if the boot needs to be replaced and install a new one in no time. So if you’re in need of a roof boot replacement, don’t hesitate to call McDonough Roofing!
Tips for Converting an Attic Into a Living Space
Whether you need additional living space or want to utilize what you already have, converting an attic into a living space is a great idea. For most homes, available usable space is sparse. Getting additional living space is usually an expensive and impossible mission. In those situations, converting an attic into a living space is the best idea. However, renovating your attic can be an ambitious venture. To prepare for possible problems, you should consult with an architect. This article will discuss tips for converting an attic into a living space.
Before you start
When thinking about converting an attic, you should be aware of potential obstacles. Before you start, familiarizing yourself with the roofing terminology is always a good idea. Understanding decking, ridge, saddle, valley, and similar terms will help you comprehend architectural language. Your home structure can be your biggest enemy in this venture. It would help if you also explored building codes for the legal requirements. The research can be long and exhausting if you are not familiar with the construction and building codes. Consulting an expert will speed up things and save you time and nerves.
The Rule of Sevens
The rule of seven is designed to help you check if your space meets the necessary criteria. Building codes demand a minimum of 70 square feet. Access standards define width and height minimum as seven by seven feet. If all of the above demands are met, your attic is ready for converting. Certainly, you should check the state of your roof before starting any attic conversion. Additionally, you should have a place to install insulation and ventilation. If your attic doesn’t meet the criteria, there is always a more expensive option – the total roof reconstruction.
Secure a building permit
When you have checked the rule of seven, getting a building permit is the next thing you need. If you are thinking of doing the work discreetly without a permit, we would strongly advise that you don’t do it. Works performed without a building permit may haunt you later, and the fines for unsanctioned work can be costly.
Plan the stairs
Finding enough space for stairs can be tricky. That is why it’s better to plan adequate space for stairs before starting work on your attic. You must meet minimums for head clearance and rise and run calculations. Above all, you must achieve safe access to the attic during regular entry or emergencies.
Selecting a contractor for converting your attic
Converting an attic into a living space can be a fun family project, or it can turn out to be a very challenging experience. While it can be fun, doing it yourself can be life-threatening and dangerous. The safety and stability of your home and family must come first. For this reason, you should always choose an experienced contractor. As the roof is an integral part of the house, it is much better if professionals handle it. A good contractor will be able to determine if your attic floor needs additional support and will indicate any potential issues.
Budget planning for converting an attic into a living space
Whenever you plan to do some home renovation creating a budget is fundamental. The budget will most likely define your options for converting your attic. Building code complying converted attic into a living space can be pricey, and conversion projects sometimes have unpredictable issues. You must plan your budget to cover those unexpected expenses. Additionally, all your stuff stored in the attic will probably need to be moved. If you forgot to move your possessions or don’t have enough space for your attic stuff, storing at Fairfax Transfer and Storage might be the right choice for you. Don’t forget to add this expense into your budget calculations.
Temperature control when converting an attic
When converting an attic, you should know that it can be the coldest and hottest place. Controlling the temperature can be challenging depending on the time of the year. Proper planning will help you to overcome temperature challenges easily.
HVAC system
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: HVAC is the system created for controlling the temperature. The main problem when converting an attic is how to extend your current HVAC system. This venture might require structural floor reconstruction.
Adding insulation
Selecting the appropriate insulation for your attic will provide you with financial benefits. The proper insulation will establish a temperature barrier. The quality barriers will keep your attic hot during winter and cold during summer. Although insulation has benefits, it can not replace heating and air conditioning. Combining both insulation and HVAC will achieve the best effect. There are several ways to insulate your attic:
- Rigid insulation boards
- Batt insulation
- Structural insulated panels
- Loose-Fill insulation
Soundproofing when converting an attic into a living space
As a result of attics being used for storage, most of them don’t have sound insulation. Converting an attic without adding sound insulation can create discomfort in the rooms beneath the attic. You will need to take care of this issue. Make sure that your budget has space for soundproofing.
Storing and moving things from the attic into the living room
Attics are, as mentioned before, most likely filled with things you don’t use daily. Moving stuff from the attic will make your conversion easier and more practical. Movers will recommend that you not pack things in the attic but take them down first. Unfortunately, most living rooms will not have enough space for all the possessions you were storing in the attic. In this case, you should look into renting a storage unit while you are converting the attic. Storing things makes renovation easier, and a great option for this is to find your local storage and moving company that will provide you with additional information.
Final touch
Converting an attic into a living space will also require a little of your creativity and imagination. When converting the attic, don’t forget to explore all available possibilities. The results of the attic conversion can be breathtaking. Try to avoid a DIY approach to attic conversion to ensure that your imagination will become a reality. The best tip anyone can give you is to hire professional roofing experts. Professional roofers will know how to skip complications and save you money. Hiring professionals will also ensure that all finished work has a warranty. Being open, attentive, and patient with your architect and contractor will get you the best results. The roof and the attic are inseparable parts of the house., but with the help of the right professionals, you can convert your attic easily.
How Attic Insulation Can Help Your Roof
The attic is an integral part of any home for many reasons. However, did you know that quite a lot of heat or cool air escapes through your attic? Nearly half of the heat or cool air in your home escapes through the attic. An easy way to this fix is to install attic insulation, preventing air leaks from moving forward. And this is only one of the reasons why this type of insulation benefits your roof and home overall. Still not convinced? We’ve put together a list of how insulation of your attic can help your roof.
It minimizes the effects of ice damming
The term ice dam is when ice, snow, and any other kind of moisture gather, forming large icicles on the roof’s edge. This is bad for many reasons: first off, it can cause water to back into your home. Second, it can cause shingles on your roof to loosen up, leading to many more problems. Finally, in extreme cases, ice damming can rip gutters off your home. Needless to say, all of these are pretty bad, and calling roof inspection experts when you notice ice damming is a good idea. However, if you install attic insulation, you won’t have to worry as much. The insulation helps control the temperature in your attic and even helps melt accumulated ice and snow. As such, while not preventing it outright, insulation helps make the effects of ice damming much less dangerous for your roof.
It helps prevent pest damage
Without insulation, it’s easy for insects and smaller animals to get into your attic and cause damage. Even though they’re small, insects and small rodents that get into your attic can damage your roof and attic. Insect infestations are hard to eliminate, so doing what you can to prevent them is a good idea. Insulation of your attic is an excellent way to reduce the chances of this happening. When your attic is adequately insulated, there are almost no paths for pests to take into your home. This is why it’s imperative to – when professionals help you to move into a new home – immediately check if the attic is insulated. For example, if you just go through a long-distance move in Georgia and get the necessary help to make a move more manageable, the last thing you want is to find an infestation in the attic after a few days.
It reduces temperature fluctuations
As we briefly mentioned, most of your home’s hot and cold air escapes through the attic. This leads to energy loss as your HVAC system replaces the lost air. However, sudden fluctuations in temperature can cause some damage when it comes to your roof. Of course, a roof is built to last, and the heat difference between the home and outside isn’t enough to damage it immediately. However, let’s take summer as an example: the inside of your home is cool, but the outside is scorching. This difference can be pretty severe, and when the cool air escapes your home, it can wear down your roof over time. This will lead to needing residential roof repairs much more often, reducing the roof’s lifespan overall and making your HVAC system work overtime. This makes attic insulation very helpful in the long run.
It helps prevent structural issues
Your roof’s rafters are pretty crucial for their structural stability. Over time, the rafters can develop cracks and other problems, leading to severe consequences. This is why routinely checking your roof for damage is very important, especially if your roof is getting old. However, when you have an attic that is insulated, the risk of damage is significantly smaller. Cracks in your rafters often happen due to temperature shifts which cause them to expand and contract. Insulation prevents the temperature in your home from changing drastically, preventing the rafters from cracking due to temperature changes. Additionally, experts from verifiedmovers.com note that, while you should always ensure a house has no structural issues before buying it, you should also check the roof for structural damage as soon as you move in. Especially if the new home doesn’t have an attic that is insulated, damage can happen between buying and moving in.
It reduces the risk of leaks
Leaks in your roof are, obviously, bad; they lead to issues such as mold and wood rot, which are both annoying and expensive to fix. And while your roof is designed to keep rain and snow out of your home, leaks happen over time. Adding attic insulation adds another layer of protection against any leaks which could occur. Leaks can still happen: the insulation wears out over time, leading to leaks. Still, leaks take a lot more time to form with insulation. Remember, leaks can lead to many serious issues, so any way you can prevent them is good. It would also help if you considered some roof insulation options to assist in the long run. Adding insulation to your roof as well makes your home safer from leaks and helps with energy loss. All in all, you can’t go wrong with it.
How attic insulation can help your roof – closing thoughts
Insulation of your attic is a great thing to have, generally speaking. It helps keep the temperature in your home stable and reduces energy loss due to your HVAC system replacing lost air. This is a great way to reduce your costs and stay comfortable in your home. But, this insulation is also beneficial for your roof. The temperature regulation is an excellent way to avoid severe damage, and it also serves as an extra barrier against pests that might try to make it into your home. You can’t go wrong with insulating your attic, as it’s all beneficial in the long run. We hope this list of how attic insulation can help your roof has convinced you that having your attic insulated is the right choice, and we wish you a great rest of your day.
Best Roof Insulation Options That Will Save Money and Energy
Choosing the right insulation for your roof can make a noticeable impact on your bills. This is because proper insulation will ensure that your home stays cool when it’s warm and hot when it’s cold. Doing this means you won’t have to rely on heating or air conditioning to keep your home comfortable. However, choosing the right insulation can be difficult, as there are many different types of roof insulation. Whatever is right for you depends on many factors, but ultimately the decision is yours. It’s important to inform yourself about the difference between the types of insulation. To help with that, we have put together a list of the best roof insulation options to save money and energy in the long run.
What to look for in an insulation
Before considering the options themselves, we must know what factors make insulation good. There is really only one thing you should keep an eye on the R-value of roof insulation. Simply put, R-value represents how effective insulation is at keeping the heat in. The higher the R-value, the better and more effective the roof insulation will be. Most homes these days have an R-value of R-11 to R-40. Typically, the recommended R-value for roof insulation is from R-30 to R-38. Specialized systems such as the radiant barrier insulation system are quite effective, as they work by keeping heat inside your home during the winter and repelling it during the summer. Still, if your home doesn’t have insulation at all, you should consider installing it as soon as possible. You’ll notice the difference immediately.
Rigid insulation boards
The first on the list of roof insulation options we want to mention are rigid insulation boards. Made of plastic which is then made into panels or sheets, they have a few things going for them. Because this insulation is plastic, it doesn’t rot or decay and is quite resistant to moisture. The main advantage of rigid insulation boards is the resistance to mold growth and ease of installation. However, this type of insulation tends to be more on the expensive side. Also, it tends to gather moisture if installed away from a vapor barrier. While this doesn’t affect the insulation, it can cause many other issues. Experts from peakservices.com recommend you regularly check on this type of insulation, preferably with professionals. And, if you detect any problems with it, try to solve them as soon as possible.
Batt insulation
This is the most common type of residential insulation. It’s made from loose, fluffy fibers, which are then compressed into rolls (batts). Batt insulation comes in various levels of thickness, depending on the application. For example, the thickness has to be different in walls compared to a roof or attic. This type of insulation is cheap and incredibly easy to install, but it’s very susceptible to mold and moisture. You must maintain it regularly so it will stay effective and avoid possible problems.
Additionally, it’s also quite flammable, and there needs to be a vapor barrier in the place of installation. So, while it’s cheap and readily available, Batt insulation has a few drawbacks. However, if you need a roof replacement, it’s the fastest and easiest roof insulation option. Although, replacing it would be an entirely different process later.
Structural insulated panels
Made from two outer sheets of oriented strand boards surrounding a foam core, structural insulated panels are suitable for more than just insulation. They come in varying sizes, shapes, and thicknesses and are pretty easy to install. Structural insulated panels help with energy efficiency and act as both air and sound barriers. All sound transmission from outside will be reduced by up to 50%. Because the panels are structural, you can sheather only one side of the panel. The drawbacks of SIPs are their susceptibility to mold growth, moisture, and insect infestations. Specifically, you need to regularly check SIPs for issues because of the exposure to insects. However, this insulation won’t interfere with other types of maintenance, such as roof cleaning. Still, you should rely on pros for this task, as roof cleaning can be dangerous.
Loose-Fill insulation
Next on the list of best roof insulation options, Loose-Fill insulation is tiny particles applied as dry powder. These particles are made from fiberglass, vermiculite, rock wool, or cellulose. The application process is relatively easy, as the dry powder is simply blown into a cavity, where it then expands. Because loose-fill insulation expands after application, it is very effective at filling in voids or gaps. Also, because of this, it doesn’t require an air or vapor barrier to be present. However, no type of insulation is without a disadvantage. Because loose-fill insulation is a powder, dust masks are a must during installation, although the process is quite simple. Still, it can be dangerous, highlighting the dangers of DYF roofing projects. This type of insulation is also susceptible to moisture and mold, leading to all sorts of issues if not handled correctly.
Best roof insulation options that will save money and energy – wrap up
Roof insulation for your home is significant for a lot of reasons. On the one hand, it protects your home from the elements and keeps the temperature comfortable year-round. On the other hand, it reduces your bills by making sure you rely on your heating and air conditioning less. Additionally, because you’ll be using your heating and air conditioning less often, you won’t have to perform maintenance on them as often. Installing roof insulation is an excellent investment if your house doesn’t already have it. We hope this list of the best roof insulation options to save money and energy helps you find the right type of insulation for your home.
7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
There are quite a few reasons why you would want to replace or at least repair your roof. Even just a leak is a problem that should be fixed immediately. However, how do you know, when it’s time to commit to replacing your roof? There are several signs you should look out for. Today, we hope to help you figure that out, as we have put together a list of 7 signs it’s time to replace your roof, and we hope it helps you avoid any serious issues with your roofing.
1. Your roof’s age
One very easy sign it’s time to replace your roof is if it’s getting old. Generally speaking, while materials can have an effect on longevity, a roof should be replaced every 20 or so years. Some materials last longer, and roof maintenance is a big factor too. Still, in general, if your roof is older than 20 years, you should consider having it replaced. Of course, when looking for residential roofing replacement services, you should only consider the best roofers. After all, the roof is one of the most important parts of a house, so you should be careful. This is a job that shouldn’t be left up to amateurs, and you should make sure the people you are hiring are reliable and up to the task.
2. Curled or buckled shingles
In order to be effective, shingles need to lie flat on the roof. If your shingles start buckling or curling or are otherwise damaged, it’s time to replace your roof. If you think your roof is nearing the end of its life, start checking your gutters for shingle granules. When shingles start to get damaged, granules tend to fall into the gutters around your house. However, consider cleaning out your attic before you hire someone to replace your roof. An easy way to do this is to rent out a storage unit until the roof is replaced, and you can get help in no time when it comes to packing everything up. Professionals that offer packing services will have your belongings well organized quite quickly.
3. Missing tiles or shingles
As we mentioned before, damaged shingles are a bad thing. If some of your shingles are completely missing off your roof, that’s a pretty clear sign it’s time to replace your roof. You can spot this problem easily, and if ignored, it will lead to leaks. At best, you can simply replace the missing shingles and keep going. However, missing shingles or tiles are a pretty clear sign the roof is nearing the end of its usefulness, and a replacement is probably the best call.
4. Rusty roof valleys
A roof valley is, typically, a V-shaped metal channel that can be found in the folds of a roof. The purpose of a roof valley is to direct snow and rain off of the roof and into the gutters. When roof valleys get rusty, your roof can start leaking into your home, and if this is ignored, it can lead to much more serious problems with your roofing. As such, it goes without saying that if you notice rust on your roof valleys, it’s time to replace them. However, spotting this can be a bit difficult before it becomes a problem. As such, getting a roof inspection to make sure your roof doesn’t have such issues is a great idea.
5. Moss and sagging
Trapped moisture can cause a lot of damage to your roof, as well as what’s under it. Therefore, when a roof starts trapping moisture, it should be replaced immediately. There are a few easy ways to spot this problem: check the insulation on your attic, and if it’s moist, you likely have a problem. Additionally, look for moss or mold growing along the roof, as they are good indicators of leaks and trapped moisture. Finally, if your roof is sagging in places, then it’s time for it to be replaced immediately, as sagging is a clear sign of structural damage. Experts from movesafari.com note that some of their clients had to move out of their homes because they ignored this for too long, and it led to further structural damage to the home.
6. Gaps in flashing
Vents, chimneys, and skylights have flashing in order to protect against leaks. If there are any breaks, cracks, or gaps in this flashing, water has a direct way into your home. It is especially important to make sure flashing around your chimney isn’t damaged, as it tends to be made from tar or cement. Metal flashing tends to last longer, but you should be just as careful to keep it maintained. And when you need to replace it, always contact professionals to do it for you. There are dangers of DIY roofing projects which you shouldn’t take lightly.
7. Sunlight through roof boards
A particularly easy way to tell if your roof is damaged is to visit your attic on a sunny day. If you can see sunlight getting through the boards in your roof, it’s time to get it replaced. If sunlight can get through the boards, so can water, and leaks can lead to much more serious issues if ignored for a long time. As such, you should get the problem fixed before it becomes much more expensive to deal with.
7 signs it’s time to replace your roof–conclusion
The roof is one of the most important parts of any home. As such, learning to spot problems with it is fairly important. After all, even the smallest issues with your roof can evolve into something serious if ignored for long enough. We hope this list of 7 signs it’s time to replace your roof helps you spot problems on time, and we hope you have a wonderful rest of your day.
Call Us: (678) 806-7489