Tag Archive for: roofing

Soffit and Fascia Cleaning, Protection & Maintenance

Many homeowners aren’t familiar with a soffit and fascia or the purpose these components serve for your home. Essentially, the soffit and fascia help your home “breathe.”

These essential pieces of “trim” don’t usually require much attention unless something goes awry. However, because the soffit and fascia are critical to your home’s ventilation, improper soffit and fascia cleaning and maintenance can lead to significant concerns.

Without a working soffit and fascia, your shingles may curl and even come off the roof. Moisture, mold, and mildew can get into your home, wood can rot, and you can face tremendous problems. Don’t let yourself get in a predicament—learn about soffit and fascia upkeep so you can keep your home protected.

Here are some important soffit and fascia cleaning, maintenance, and protection tips to keep your home looking it's best

What’s the Purpose of Soffit and Fascia Anyway?

The subject of soffit and fascia usually comes up when a homeowner is exploring roof replacement, siding updates, new gutters, or when they run into an issue with their home’s ventilation. Think of your roof as two sides of a triangle for those who aren’t familiar with the terms. The soffit is the bottom part of the triangle, connecting the roof to the house’s sides. Soffits are ventilated, allowing your home (and roof) to receive proper airflow.

Fascia is a trim piece that covers the “side” of your roof. The fascia may also be known as “transition trim” because it adds finish between your house and roof. The fascia also serves two essential purposes. First, your home’s gutters are usually attached to the fascia, and the fascia also helps to support shingles, protecting them from moisture.

When it rains or snows, water pours over your roof. The water typically flows down your roof and into the gutters affixed to the fascia. Without clean, functioning gutters, a well-installed fascia, and the clean, ventilated soffit, water could get inside and cause significant damage.


To see how water can damage fascia not protected by gutters, explore this Home Improvement Tips video from Tod & Todd:

 


As you can see, the fascia and soffit of your home play a crucial role in keeping your home safe and functioning correctly. Damage to your soffit or fascia can be catastrophic.

How Do I Keep Up on Soffit and Fascia Cleaning and Maintenance?

The good news is that properly installed soffit and fascia are virtually maintenance-free. However, older soffits may require cleaning and upkeep, especially if they feature “cheese grater” style vents that can become clogged and dirty over time.

Wooden fascia or older aluminum versions can start to look dingy and worn over time. Because these pieces protect your home from water and moisture, they can begin to peel, chip, and even rot due to constant exposure to the weather. Older soffit and fascia may require cleaning, sanding, staining, painting, and more upkeep.

That said, you shouldn’t ignore soffit and fascia cleaning and maintenance. Because they play a critical role in protecting your roof, especially in winter weather (like the ice and snow we get every winter in Wisconsin), you must ensure these components of your home are in good working order. If you have gutters, they should also be flowing well, with no clogs or debris. Gutters protect your soffit and fascia, as well as the foundation of your home.

If you’re tired of cleaning, sanding, and painting your soffit and fascia, or if you feel your gutters aren’t doing their job, it may be time to consider a replacement. We offer an array of colors and styles to help you choose the proper trim to complement the look of your home. In addition, our durable soffit and fascia options are created by Quality Edge—a leader in the industry, for long-lasting, strong soffit and fascia.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Soffit or Fascia?

If you’re a homeowner considering roof replacement, you may also want to consider replacing the soffit and fascia as well as the gutters on your home. Of course, you can replace your soffit and fascia anytime—the job doesn’t need to accompany a roof replacement. For example, if your home is older and features wooden fascia boards, you may want to replace them to avoid maintenance and upkeep.

Look for signs of discoloration, peeling, mildew, and water damage to your fascia. If you notice cracks, dents, or other damage, it may be time to replace them.

As for the soffit, your roof will tell the tale. If you notice shingles are starting to curl up, fall of, or look uneven, you may be experiencing a ventilation problem. Ice damming in the winter can also indicate that your home’s ventilation is less than optimal. It’s important to address these concerns because they can lead to big problems down the road.

Your soffit should provide continuous ventilation for your roof. That means the ventilation should be appropriately spaced and adequate for the size and style of your roof. With the proper soffit, you shouldn’t need to clean or maintain it at all. It should have a beautiful, seamless look, complimenting your home.

Finally, your soffit will help protect the warranty on your roof. If your roof isn’t properly ventilated, you may not be covered under warranty, should something go awry. Most roofing manufacturers require that all ventilation meets a certain standard, which means that the soffit and fascia must be up-to-date and well maintained.

If you’re considering an update to your home, don’t overlook these crucial components. Contact us today to explore how the right trim can complement your roof replacement or new siding. We have options to give every home the right new look and a beautiful, maintenance-free finish.

 

What You Should Know About Fascia and Soffit Replacement

 

Your fascia and soffit are key components of your home, but many homeowners don’t know what they are or what they do until it’s too late. These little “trim components” play a huge factor in how your home breathes and functions.

Should something go wrong with your soffit and fascia, you can see significant problems like moisture damage, curling shingles, pests, and wood rot. You shouldn’t ignore or overlook these components—they’re critical to your home’s proper ventilation.

So before you look at fascia and soffit replacement, here’s what you need to know about these pieces.

What are Soffit and Fascia?

Soffit & Fascia

These funny words come up frequently when we’re discussing roof replacement, siding replacement, or addressing issues with peeling wood. Many homeowners aren’t very familiar with these terms. Unless you’ve looked at soffit and fascia before (or had a leak issue), you may wonder what the heck soffit and facia are!

The soffit is part of the overhang where your roof meets your siding. When rain or snow hits your roof, it runs down, and the overhang allows the water to flow away from your house. The soffit is underneath the overhang, between the roof’s edge and side of your home—the bottom of the triangle, if you will. Not every home features a soffit (depending on the roof style), but it’s a common component, especially in Wisconsin.

The soffit helps regulate your home’s temperature, allowing your roof to “breathe.” Cool, dry air is drawn into the soffit vent, and hot moist air is forced out of roof exhaust vents.

The fascia is the attractive board along the side of the overhang and the roof that helps your roof appear finished. Your gutter sits atop the facia board. The fascia is also known as a “transition trim” between the home and the roofline. The fascia supports the shingles and helps to keep moisture out.

Your soffit and fascia protect your roof and allow ventilation for your home. These are important components, but they usually don’t get (or require) much attention.

The reason why many homeowners don’t spend time thinking about soffit and fascia is that these components of your home are typically maintenance-free. The trim pieces, especially in a modern home, are often made from the same material as your siding or other trim, like aluminum, wood, or synthetic materials like vinyl and PVC.

In the case of newer homes, especially with synthetic, aluminum-covered soffit and fascia, there is no need to sand, paint, or stain the trim.

When Soffit and Fascia Replacement is Needed

Soffit and fascia are critical for preventing roof and shingle damage, primarily due to winter weather like rain, snow, and ice. Ice damming can seriously damage soffit and fascia. One of the biggest problems we see with soffit and fascia is improper installation, leading to issues with flashing.

Without proper flashing, you may see roof ventilation issues like rotting wood, peeling paint, damaged insulation, and even mold. Because the soffit and fascia are part of your roof’s ventilation system, it’s a crucial component.

How do you know if you need soffit and fascia replacement due to damage?

  • You’ll see rotting wood, or you’ll notice there’s a leak somewhere.
  • The fascia may look like it needs painting.
  • Paint may peel, or the surrounding areas may look discolored.
  • You may even see pests or small animals getting into your home.

In short, soffit and fascia issues are a big problem for the look and comfort of your home. If you’re having your siding replaced or your roof replaced, then it’s a good time to consider also replacing the soffit and fascia.

If you think it’s time to get your soffit and fascia replaced, contact your Weather Tight representative today. It’s important that you work with a company you trust, as many companies cut corners with soffit and fascia. It’s a vital component of roof ventilation and can even damage your warranty if it’s not installed correctly.


Watch this video from Tod & Todd’s Home Improvement Tips showing how important it is to consider fascia when doing a gutter or roof installation.

 

 


Adding to the Beauty of Your Home

You wouldn’t think a small component like soffit and fascia would have such an outsized impact on your curb appeal, but it really does. It’s incredible how much beautiful trim can add to brighten up the exterior of your house.

Color options for soffit and fascia are nearly endless. At Weather Tight, we use Quality Edge materials that come in a wide array of options. The Quality Edge components are some of the best in the industry, highly durable and long-lasting. You can choose colors to match or complement your trim, with plenty of designs and styles to select from, as well.

If you think your home may need soffit and fascia replacement, don’t wait. A problem with the soffit and fascia can quickly lead to more significant damage throughout your entire home. It’s also a good idea to explore soffit and fascia replacement if you’re replacing your roof or siding.

A new or updated soffit and fascia is a small investment in the long life and beauty of your house. Contact us today to explore the many soffit and fascia options available for you to choose from.

7 Surprising Advantages of an Asphalt Shingle Roof

So you’re considering a new roof. You may feel overwhelmed by the options out there, but if you’re going to invest in the look and comfort of your home, an asphalt shingle roof from Weather Tight is a solid choice.

There is an array of color selections available for asphalt shingles. Owen’s Corning (Weather Tight’s preferred partner for asphalt shingles) is known for durability and quality. These shingles are a beautiful choice to help you feel proud of the look of your roof and home.

If you’re considering a roof replacement, here are the most surprising advantages of choosing an asphalt shingle roof.

Image shows a black shingled roof on a white home

 

1. Reliable Quality

Like all Weather Tight jobs, we use the top products in the business for asphalt shingle roofing. When it comes to roofing, there’s no brand like Owen’s Corning. It’s one of the best in the industry, requiring no maintenance after installation.

Weather Tight is proud to be a Platinum Preferred Contractor by Owen’s Corning, an honor bestowed upon only 8% of Owen’s Corning vendors. An Owen’s Corning asphalt shingle roof is the highest quality thanks to features like the VentiSure ventilation system and a synthetic underlayment system to add an extra layer of protection between your shingles and roof deck.

2. Roof Assessment is Simple

Once a roof’s shingles start to show damage, fall off, discolor, or begin to curl, you know it’s time for a roof replacement. Of course, a roof replacement is a big worry for a homeowner.

If you think it’s time for a roof replacement, call Weather Tight for a free in-home assessment and estimate. As part of your evaluation, we will use satellite imaging to get the basic roof dimensions. Then our expert staff will send a product expert to verify the measurements, check the decking, and view your attic space, as well as discuss options with you such as colors and looks.

A proper assessment is a critical part of roof replacement to identify any concerns (such as ventilation issues, as seen in the Tod & Todd’s Home Improvement Tips video below). Rely on Weather Tight to perform due diligence throughout the installation process and ensure you get an asphalt shingle roof that lasts for years to come.


In this Tod & Todd’s Home Improvement Tips video, Tod & Todd explain why proper assessment is essential to catching any concerns that should be addressed during replacement, like ventilation issues.

 

 


3. An Asphalt Shingle Roof is Durable

Here in Wisconsin, Mother Nature throws a lot of weather at your roof. An asphalt shingle roof from Owen’s Corning is durable and will hold up to winter weather, snow, and ice as well as the brutal humidity and summer heat.

For winter peace of mind, during the proper installation of a new roof, steps are taken to prevent ice dams (layers of ice at the edge of a roof, preventing snow from adequately draining). These ice dams are often a result of poor ventilation and may lead to a myriad of problems down the road.

Owen’s Corning asphalt shingle roofs are algae-resistant. SureNail stripping ensures the asphalt shingles stay in place, delivering 130-MPH wind performance in tests. These shingles have a high impact rating and will hold up to the most severe weather.

4. Choose from a Variety of Colors

One of the benefits of roof replacement is it offers a chance to update and upgrade the look of your home. While curb appeal may seem like a minor concern compared to performance and durability, the truth is, it’s important you feel proud of your home and satisfied with your investment. In this case, looks count and it is an easy way to take your home to a 10!

 

Image shows a collage of before and after images on a home with siding and roof replacement

Fortunately, the asphalt roofing line from Owen’s Corning offers a wide variety of color options. You can choose from vivid, bold colors that are fade-resistant, eye-catching, and long-lasting. Pick a roof that accents the look of your home and makes you feel proud. Choose from wood shake appearance, slate shape, and standard shingle options to get the designer look and feel you want.

5. Reasonably Priced

When you invest in a new roof, you want to rest assured you’re getting a reasonable price. This is one of the reasons why Weather Tight works with Owen’s Corning—the product is durable, and the cost is reasonable. It is a sound investment for any homeowner. With the full service that Weather Tight offers and nearly 35 years in the business, Weather Tight is reputable and worth the extra money to have a contractor you trust.

A new roof will increase the value of your home, in addition to increasing your satisfaction. With proper installation, a roof will also increase your comfort and lower your concerns about heat loss, poor ventilation, leaks, and the other stressors caused by roof problems.

6. We Stand Behind Our Products

Weather Tight stands firmly behind our products and installation process. We’ve been in the business for nearly 35 years and we’re there for our homeowners if there is ever an issue or problem or just a general question. Fortunately, with asphalt shingle roofing, you can rest easy.

Owen’s Corning offers an excellent manufacturer’s warranty. Weather Tight will ensure that with the right ventilation and proper installation, your roof will hold up for decades to come. With durable, beautiful shingles, you won’t need to worry about roof replacement again for a long time. Unlike other contractors, Weather Tight also has a full-service in-house customer service team. We are staffed to take your calls and willing to have technicians out in the event you have any questions or concerns.

7. Stress-Free Installation

Many homeowners also worry about the installation process for a new roof. This is a big concern in the fall months, especially. Fortunately, we can install asphalt shingle roofs in most temperatures and year-round. During the installation process, a Weather Tight representative will keep you informed of the timeline and all considerations.

We’re pleased that homeowners frequently report our installation process is surprisingly stress-free. We carefully clean up the job site, and our contractors are bonded and insured for your peace of mind. We stand behind our work with an A+ rating from the BBB.

If it’s time to consider a roof replacement, an asphalt shingle roof is an excellent choice. Contact Weather Tight today for a free assessment and estimate on your roofing project. We’re happy to discuss your options and help you improve the look and comfort of your home!

 

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.

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.