Tag Archive for: damage

4 Signs That May Indicate You Need a New Roof

Water damage is one of every homeowner’s worst nightmares. It’s essential to know the signs of a faulty roof to detect areas of concern early before they escalate.

The truth is, when water is leaking from the ceiling, it’s already a sign your roof or surrounding areas (like the flashing, soffit, and fascia) are failing. By the time the water penetrates through the attic, insulation, and gets into your home, the chances are high that you’ve got a significant issue to address.

Learning the early signs of needing a new roof will help you head-off concerns; call a professional before your home (and the items under your roof) are damaged. Here are 4 signs that may indicate you need a new roof. If you notice any of them, call a Weather Tight professional for a no-obligation in-home estimate.

 

4 Signs You May Need a New Roof

 

1. Leaking & Water Damage

The most obvious sign of a leaking roof is water damage (or dripping water) on your ceiling or upper walls. If you notice dripping, it’s an indication there’s a big issue. It’s essential to look at the source of the leak. For example, water damage to the lower part of a wall, in the basement, or middle of your home may come from a leaking pipe or another source rather than your roof.

The first step toward addressing a ceiling leak is going into the attic and finding the source of the moisture. This investigation will help you determine if the problem is coming from your roof, gutter, soffit and fascia, or another area of your home.

One thing is for sure—a leak means it’s time to call a professional. Homeowners may attempt DIY measures like patching or caulking to stave off the leak. While DIY efforts are a temporary solution, they ultimately won’t stop the leak if the problem is bigger than patchwork. These DIY hacks can even end up trapping water in your ceiling or in between your wall, leading to even more significant damage down the road. Never use a shortcut to address a leak. If the water is coming from your roof, call someone who will help you find a solution and determine if it’s time for a roof replacement.

2. Bubbling Paint on the Ceiling

Hand-in-hand with water damage is bubbling and cracking ceiling paint. When plaster in the walls becomes damp, the paint on the surface will eventually bubble up and change. You may notice flaking, cracking or discoloration, like black, red, rust, or green spotting. This paint change is usually the first sign of a leaking roof noticed by a homeowner.

Ceiling paint damage should be recognized and addressed quickly. These changes are typically a sign that more considerable damage could come down the road if you ignore the problem. Painting over the damage won’t make the problem go away, either. You need to call a professional to get to the root of the issue.

Again, paint changes don’t always indicate that you need a new roof, but they do show a moisture problem with your home. If there’s water coming in near your chimney or vent, it could mean there’s an issue with the flashing or a compromised seal. While this doesn’t always mean you need a roof replacement, it’s crucial to figure out the source and work on an early solution. If water is getting into your home, the leak has likely been going on for some time. It’s essential to call an expert right away to mitigate the damage!

3. Granules and Shingle Particles in the Gutter

The life of most roofs runs about 15-20 years. This lifespan isn’t a hard and fast rule, though, and it certainly depends on many factors, including the original materials, weather, ventilation in your home, and more. Even though some roofing materials come with a guarantee, improper installation or ventilation may negate a warranty. This dilemma is another reason why it’s so important to choose a professional roof installer you trust.

Older asphalt shingles (and even some low-quality, newer shingles) start to “shed” or lose particles as they age. If you see roof granules and shingle particles in your gutter or surrounding your home, it’s a sign that the shingles have degraded. Shedding shingles means it’s time to consider a new roof sooner rather than later.

In Wisconsin, the harsh winters can be tough on roofs. Houses are heated and cooled frequently, which causes shingles to degrade and decline over time. Winter weather, snow, and ice add to the problem. Icicles can damage your roof and gutters (and often mean your home’s ventilation isn’t working correctly). It’s essential to pay attention to any changes you notice in your shingles.

4. Curling or Blistering Shingles

Another sign that shingles are reaching the end of their life is curling and blistering. You may notice your roof no longer looks flat. The edges of the shingles start to curl up and appear warped or blistered.


To see an example of curling shingles, take a look at this video from Home Improvement Tips from Tod & Todd:

 


Curling and blistering shingles are especially noticeable in homes without proper ventilation. Because heating and cooling cause expansion and contraction, shingles must be flexible to accommodate these shifts. Eventually, as your roof begins to age, you will notice shingles loosening, curling, and blistering. Your roof may not leak water (yet), but it could mean your roof is damaged and possibly needs replacing.

Curling shingles are a sure sign the roof is beyond its prime and will start to fail over time. You’re better off replacing your roof now before it looks worse or causes further damage to your home. Your Weather Tight professional will address your concerns with the ventilation by using proper soffit and facia, so your new roof will stand the test of time.

These days, there are excellent roofing options built from more durable and longer-lasting materials than roofing materials 15 or 20 years ago. These roofing materials are flexible enough to stand up to harsh conditions, last, and beautify your home. Many affordable options will look great and protect your home for years to come.

If you see any of these signs of a failing roof, contact your Weather Tight representative for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll come out, discuss your options, and help you decide on the best solution for your home and situation.

What You Should Know When Considering Roof Replacement

In the spring, the sun comes out, the snow melts…and many homeowners start to worry about their roof. If winter was unkind to your roof, you may be considering roof replacement.

Roof replacement seems like a big undertaking, but it’s not as bad as you may think. Better yet, roof replacement adds to the look, comfort, and value of your home. It’s an investment, but one that quickly pays for itself in surprising ways. For almost all homeowners, the cost is the biggest concern when considering roof replacement, but the truth is, the benefits of a great roof often outweigh the cost.

Is it time to replace? And if so, what you should expect in the process? Here’s what you need to know about roof replacement.

Image shows a large white home with grey roofing

The Number One Reason Roofs Fail

Obviously, the roof on your home is necessary for your protection and to keep out the weather elements, but most homeowners often overlook factors in their roof’s ventilation performance (or the lack thereof). We often forget how important ventilation is in our homes. When you have living, breathing families on the inside, they’re producing heat, moisture, and air. Not only is the roof keeping the air and bad weather out of your home, but it’s also holding in the air and heat.

Often the roofing problems we see come down to ventilation issues. If you think about the function of a roof, the cool air should enter from the eaves into the ventilation (the grids on the underside of your eaves). The air should be exhausted in an equal amount at the ridge of the roof. The hot air should escape from the top. When warm air doesn’t escape and becomes trapped, it gets very hot, causing the shingles to curl and eventually break.

Another indicator of a ventilation problem with your roof is the appearance of icicles underneath the gutter line. This is a sign your attic is too hot. Your home is melting the ice and snow underneath the top, forming an ice dam. That moisture seeps into and under the shingles, causing major problems like leaking, damage to the ceiling or insulation, and mold.

Some companies might simply tell you the problem can be fixed by patching with shingles, but that’s not a sustainable, long-term solution. In the long run, a patch job will end up costing you, the homeowner, a lot more money because it doesn’t address the underlying issue.

Instead, a trained professional should do proper measurements to factor in the amount of exhaust, heat, and ventilation. Not only do these factors contribute to the life of your roof, but they ensure your warranty stays valid as well. Putting new shingles on a damaged roof may invalidate your warranty and cause bigger problems in the future. Think of it as a band-aid to an injury.


 

To learn more about the importance of roofing ventilation, don’t miss our video.

 

 


Is It Time to Consider Roof Replacement?

Is it time to start considering roof replacement? While ventilation-related concerns aren’t the only area to examine, they’re a big determining factor. Other roofing-related concerns to look at include:

  • Roof staining and discoloration indicate water damage.
  • The state of the flashing. Is it loose, detached, or cracking?
  • The state of the gutters. Are they clogged, leading to water seepage and other issues? Are they properly attached and working?
  • The interior ceiling of the home. Look for any water damage, leaking, or signs of roof failure.

When considering roof replacement, it’s easy to focus on price, but it’s also important to ensure your new roof will address ventilation or the root cause of your roofing issues. When our Weather Tight experts assess your roofing needs, they always look at the underlying factors like the ventilation system, the state of the flashing, the gutters, and the interior of your home.

Your free in-home roof assessment and estimate begin with a satellite image of your roof, giving our experts the dimensions, pitches, and protrusions they need to consider. This helps them to gather exact measurements for their report. Our consultants will go inside your attic, given that they have ample availability to do so, to examine the area that’s supposed to be ventilated. They’ll take a look at the state of your insulation, the ventilation system, and areas like the roof deck for moisture, damage, and breakage.

There are many factors indicating when roof replacement is needed. Your Weather Tight expert will walk you through many of the considerations. If you decide to compare, it’s important that any expert walks you through all your options and explains the process.

A great roof replacement assessment will consider and cover all these factors:

  • Is the old roof being torn off, or is the new roof material being layered over the top?
  • What type of underlayment is being used?
  • How is the roof being installed, and what is the process?
  • What brands or products are used?
  • How are the nails placed, and how many were used?
  • Was the ventilation assessed, and how is it being considered in your new roof plan?

Whatever your choice for roof replacement, we’ll help you explore your best options. Our Weather Tight team works carefully to protect your home, so replacing your roof is a relatively painless process. There will be some noise, dust, debris, and vibration, particularly in the attic, but most customers report the process was faster and easier than they imagined.

Our Weather Tight experts are happy to discuss your options and do a free assessment and demonstration on your current roof. If you’re considering roof replacement, let us help improve the look, energy efficiency, and comfort of your home today!


Post images 1 & 2 licensed for use via Pxhere.

How To Prevent Window Condensation

Here at Weather Tight, we get a lot of questions about condensation buildup on windows. First of all, it’s important to know: window condensation doesn’t always indicate there’s a problem with the window!

The window can be perfectly installed and sealed tight, and window condensation may still occur. It’s a natural phenomenon for windows brought on by cold air from the outside and warm air on the inside of your house (something we all face regularly here in Wisconsin).

But window condensation still becomes a nuisance and can be an eyesore to homeowners. Here’s why window condensation occurs and what you can do to combat the buildup of condensation on your windows.

Image shows water droplets building up along the interior frame of a window

 

Is Window Condensation Normal?

Condensation, or tiny droplets of water, build up on your windows. It’s certainly a bit unnerving when you suddenly notice your window is wet or the windowsill is damp. This leads many people to worry the windows are leaking or not working properly.

First, the good news is when you see the buildup of condensation on your windows, it’s totally normal. This occurs when a cold surface temperature meets warm air. The glass between the outside and the inside becomes covered in tiny droplets of moisture. The moist air is actually coming from inside the home, not a leak from outside.

Weather forecasters describe the condensation phenomenon as the “dewpoint.” It’s when a cool air mass meets a warm air mass. With the right dewpoint or humidity in the surrounding air, water (or, in the case of weather, rain) is going to occur. Window condensation doesn’t necessarily mean your window is broken or defective! In fact, it’s simply a natural occurrence, similar to the mirror in your bathroom fogging up during a shower or the “sweating” you see on glassware filled with an icy beverage.

Even with condensation, the window can still perform as it’s supposed to—bouncing heat off the glass in the wintertime and keeping the heat inside your home. Your home can be stable and warm, and your heating bills are low, yet you may still see condensation on your windows. In the summer, your windows keep the warm air outside and the cool air inside, but with a lot of humidity in the home, you may still see window condensation.

Condensation is moisture, however, and moisture can cause problems for your home, including (but not limited to):

  • Rot and mildew of the windowsill.
  • Mildew and damage to the window trim and caulk.
  • Moisture damage to the paint and surrounding furniture.

 

Check out our video on window condensation for more information. While window condensation is a natural occurrence, it’s still not ideal. There are factors in your home that may contribute to the condensation. By understanding the cause, you can start to troubleshoot a solution.
 

 


What Causes Condensation Build-Up on Windows?

There are many aspects of your home and lifestyle that contribute to window condensation. Often, people notice condensation in the winter months because the house is more closed off, trapping moisture. Over the humid summer, moisture builds up in the house, and at the beginning of the heating season, you see more condensation. Homes with recent construction and newer building materials may also contain extra moisture adding to the window condensation, but the moisture will usually dissipate after the first few months of heating.

Homeowners can control or prevent some of the causes of window condensation. Others may require you to work around.

Here are the leading causes of window condensation in your home.

1. Human Beings

Yes, YOU could be a major part of the window condensation issue. Humans are made up of 60% water and exhale approximately a cup of water into the air each day. While a cup seems like a minor amount, a family of four exhales a gallon of water every four days. It’s easy to see how this adds up quickly. However, short of holding our breath, there’s not much we can do about the amount of water we give off.

2. Number of Showers

When you shower, water naturally goes into the air. This is especially true of a hot shower which gives off steam. Lowering the temperature of your shower and running the bathroom fan will make a big difference in dispensing moisture. Still, if the mirror in the bathroom is fogged after you shower, chances are your windows will show condensation as well.

3. Laundry

Laundry is another source of moisture in the air of your home. If you wash clothes in hot temperatures, steam and hot water will escape into the air. If your washer drains openly into a sink or drains in the floor, even more water is getting into the surrounding atmosphere. This is why laundry rooms and basements often feel damp. Washing your clothing at a lower temperature will eliminate a little of the moisture. Avoid air-drying your clothes indoors, which adds to the moisture too.

4. Kitchen Activity

Cooking, running the dishwasher, and the sink all contribute to window condensation. A boiling pot of water on the stove, a slow cooker, or a rice cooker gives off steam, causing moisture buildup on your windows. Running your kitchen fan whenever you’re using the stove or a water-related appliance helps to keep the air dry. Check all plumbing leaks and take care of them right away.

5. Pets

Just like humans, our furry companions also give off moisture in the air. Additionally, water dishes and fountains are another source of water in your house. Do you own a fish tank? Evaporation from the tank contributes to condensation in the surrounding air as well. This is why fish owners often see condensation on the top of their aquariums.

6. Plants

Plants give off water in a process known as transpiration—essentially, evaporation through the plant leaves. An oak tree gives off an unbelievable 40,000 gallons of water in a year! Now, chances are, you don’t have an oak tree in your living room, but if you own several houseplants, you may see increased window condensation even from smaller greenery.

7. Humidifiers

Often people with health concerns and allergies are told to run a humidifier in their home. Humidifiers are especially effective for those with asthma and respiratory issues. Often, humidifiers are even recommended by doctors. In Wisconsin, our average outdoor humidity is around 72% and stays fairly consistent throughout the year. Inside your home, the relative humidity varies based on temperature and all the factors listed here, including, of course, the use of a humidifier. Comfortable home humidity levels are usually around 30-40%.

8. Register Placement

The heat registers in your home also affect the levels of window condensation. Many registers are located right beneath windows in your home. When the furnace kicks on, it’s blowing warm air and moisture right onto the surface of the window above. This creates the window condensation you see on the glass.

9. Age of Your Home

Newer homes built in the last 35 years feature standard six-inch walls filled with insulation. In newer attics, you’ll see 20-30 inches of insulation. These newer homes were designed to hold in heat and keep temperatures consistent inside. One of the effects of the extra insulation is keeping humidity and moisture inside the home…resulting in window condensation. Older homes may not have the same issues, but older musty basements and other issues also contribute to window condensation.

10. Location and Water Table

Depending on where you live and the water table you live on, you may also experience water coming up from the ground and pressing on your foundation. If your basement has a sump pump, for example, or simply feels “damp,” it may add to the moisture in the air of your home. If you’re close to a body of water, you may see more water in the air as well.

How to Prevent Window Condensation

Now, the above factors all play a role in the window condensation of your home, but for most of us it’s impractical to rearrange the heat registers, throw out our plants, or give up showering and cooking. Window condensation is a result of living comfortably in our homes.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to combat window condensation easily.

Turn on ceiling fans to circulate the air

If you own a ceiling fan, turning it on will keep the air circulating and reduce condensation buildup on your windows. In the winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to run clockwise on a lower speed. This will draw cool air up and push warm down.

Turn on kitchen and bath fans

When you’re cooking up a storm or taking a hot shower after a long day, run your ventilation fans. Check the crawl space in your attic to ensure your fan is ventilating properly. If the moist air is blowing into your attic, you will run into other problems. On warmer days, you may also want to keep a window cracked in those rooms while you’re showering or cooking.

Opening your blinds, drapes, and curtains

Blinds, drapes, and curtains trap moist air close to your window and increase the buildup of window condensation. By keeping your window coverings open as much as possible, you’ll increase the air circulating around your windows.

Lowering the humidity control on your thermostat

Check the thermostat in your home and turn down the humidity control level. Many newer digital thermostats, like the Aprilaire offer a humidity control feature. Many homeowners overlook this easy ability to control the humidity in their homes. If you haven’t checked your humidity levels recently but notice window condensation, turning them down is an easy way to counteract moisture.

Install a dehumidifier

Lastly, if humidity and window condensation continue to be an issue in your home, you may want to purchase a dehumidifier. These units aren’t too expensive and really help decrease the moisture in your air before it becomes a further problem in your home.

Window condensation isn’t indicative of a window problem, but it can become a nuisance. Use these tips to cut back on the extra moisture in your home and keep your windows dry all season long!


Post image licensed for use via Pixabay.

Autumn Prepardness- Gutter tips for keeping fall yard maintenance, a breeze.

Oh sweet, sweet summer.. slowly turning to fall in its vivid, vibrant glory.

fall-leave-gpxI stand at my kitchen window each morning, overlooking the sprawling old (& messy) locust tree & my barren patio. I slowly sip my coffee & mentally make a note for myself to get out there and start with the transitional work on the yard from summer to fall. Autumn is my favorite season, but I grow nostalgic for my poor hibiscus that is barely able to force out its blooms, for my daisies that stopped reaching up at the sun weeks ago &, well, my tomato plants which have all but shed their very roots.