If you are not familiar with the basics of ventilation, it involves the flow of air through a system of intake and exhaust. Roof ventilation is essential because it can extend the lifespan of your roof, lowers energy bills, and reduces indoor temperatures. Proper ventilation is achieved by allowing air to flow through your attic which prevents it from becoming like a sauna. The two primary methods to create the proper airflow in your attic. The mechanical method utilizes a power source and equipment to create airflow while the natural method uses the stack and wind effect to naturally circulate the air. A stack effect happens when hot air rises and creates higher pressure at the highest points in your attic. Hot air escapes through an exhaust but it can’t escape without an inlet for cooler, low-pressure air from an intake. The wind that blows against your roof increases the volume of intake and exhaust resulting in proper ventilation. This is known as the wind effect. During the winter season, icicles can build up on the edges of our roofs and gutters. This can cause major damage to your roof if left unattended. You can avoid ice damming by having proper roof ventilation. Ventilation also benefits your roof in the summer as well. When the mercury rises, your roof temperature can double which can make your attic very hot. Heat buildup can damage your roof shingles from the inside out. An evenly vented roof allows hot air to escape, keeping your attic and roof cooler than poorly ventilated ones. Air conditioning is great to have during the hot summer months. A properly ventilated roof helps heat to escape which reduces the workload of your AC. This will give you lower energy bills as well. If your home feels 10 degrees warmer whenever you climb up the stairs, you need proper ventilation. Indoor temperature extremes arise due to poorly vented roofs. You will notice the difference when you have your roof adequately vented by a roofing contractor that you can trust. Why Choose Xpress Exterior Design For Your Roof Ventilation? If you ever need roofing ventilation services, choosing Xpress Exterior Design is the best decision you can make. Our expert roofers take care of your home as if it were their own. You can ask around and you will discover that our business has grown through word of mouth. Word about the excellent services we provide goes around which results in many referrals from satisfied clients. If you need an estimate for roofing services in Delaware, Pennsylvania Or Maryland, give us a call at 1-855-699-7378 or fill up our contact form. Our roofers will gladly get back to you shortly.
These are some of the most common roofing terms and vocabulary that you might encounter when talking with roofing contractors. When you need roofing services, it’s vital to know the terminologies related to the industry so that you won’t get taken advantage of by scammers who are only out there to make a quick buck. It’s common for our roof experts to encounter roofs that are installed poorly and are prone to fail a manufacturer or code inspection. We have heard the horror stories of local families in Maryland, lamenting how their contractor failed and put their money down the drain. At Xpress Exterior Design we are committed to serving the community based on the following: Perfectly on time Genuine personalities Intelligent and organized Stunning craftsmanship ASPHALT SHINGLES Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials and are a common type we see in most Maryland homes at present. They come in an array of colors and are commonly used on sloped roofs, single homes, and smaller residential projects. Maryland homeowners love asphalt shingles because they are easy to install and provides flexibility in the installation process. You can now buy them in different textures and thicknesses plus they can already be treated against mold and mildew. ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES Back in the 80s, technological advancements to the traditional roofing shingle resulted in the production of high-quality asphalt roofing products we now know as architectural roofing shingles. Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, these roofing products are of the highest quality. They are usually made of heavy fiberglass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules that are ingrained in water-proof asphalt. CHIMNEY FLASHING When you hear about chimney flashing, this refers to a sheet of metal installed around the area where the chimney meets the roof. Flashing is installed to ensure that the connection between the roof and the chimney is sealed completely to prevent water from coming in. These metals may last long but they are prone to wear and tear. Leaks from your chimney flashing can cause major structural damage to your home and this needs immediate attention. FLAT ROOFING Flat roofing refers to any roofing system that is flat in appearance. Flat roofs are typical in malls, warehouses, apartments, schools, and apartment buildings. Flat roofing is perfectly flat but has a very low slope around ¼ to ½ inch per foot to allow draining of water. Most modern residential homes in the U.S. have steep pitches, but older houses have flat roofs or low slopes LOW SLOPE ROOF A roofing system that has a 4” vertical rise for every 12” of horizontal run is considered a low slope roof. No roof should be dead flat because it needs a slight slope to drain water. Modern low slope roofs use a continuous membrane covering which can get rid of pools of standing water. PIPE FLASHING Similar to chimney flashing when it comes to function, pipe flashing is needed to seal around pipes for a waterproof finish to any roof membrane. Pipe flashing is usually a thin piece of impervious material used in building construction that can prevent water from penetrating a joint in the building structure. These flashings are designed to fit the cylindrical contour of tubes and pipes and is used anywhere pipes penetrate a roofing system. ROOF PITCH When it comes to building construction, the roof pitch is the measure of the steepness of a roof. Roof pitch is also known as the “slope” of your roof and it tells you how many inches your roof rises for every 12-inch depth. Xpress Exterior Design: A Full-Service Roofing Company If you are a Maryland homeowner that is looking for a team that can help you build a roof that will last a lifetime, Xpress Exterior Design is here to serve you! Our company takes roofing services seriously and we can relate to every Maryland homeowner who encounters roofing problems due to faulty work. We are here to show the community that we are different, we care about people’s homes and it is our mission to provide excellent workmanship that is far beyond any other contractor. If you need professional roofing services you can give us a call at 855-MY-XPERT or fill out our contact form. Our roofing experts will get back to you shortly.
If you want to keep your home’s foundation in good condition, you need to keep your gutter system working properly. Once they get clogged, your home structure can be put in jeopardy. A gutter replacement service provider can help you repair or replace your gutters when problems arise. Gutters are meant to keep water from wooden structures and also channel it away from concrete foundational structures to prevent cracking. Gutter replacement professionals can ensure that new gutters are attached securely to your home. When old gutters start leaking, become bent or torn, you should replace them immediately to prevent your existing wood structures from rotting. A bad storm can take its toll on old leaky gutters. You should call the experts to check on your system for repairs or replacement. Choosing the wrong company can end up in a disaster and costly back jobs. To avoid this, you need to do your homework when looking for a professional company that can provide the services you need. The internet has made it easier to find a gutter replacement service that can suit your needs. Here are 3 things that you should look for when shopping for the best contractor that can do the job. Licensed and Insured for your Peace of Mind Gutter replacement services involve people working above ground using equipment that may cause property damage. This is when general liability insurance comes in handy. If your contractor is insured, you don’t have to worry if the unexpected happens while on the job, like a ladder falling and damaging your outdoor AC unit. Insurance will cover the damage and provide you with a new AC unit as soon as possible. Some states don’t require licensing for gutter replacement services, but you need them for work related to roof replacement and repair here in Maryland. Choosing a company with the proper credentials can give you peace of mind if you encounter problems as time goes by. Use of Premium Materials DIY experts often use low-cost and low-quality products in their gutter replacement projects. Their lack of experience and expertise in the area keeps them guessing on which materials are suited for your climate or what brands are known to be inferior. Professional roofers know the best materials to use and have access to premium products that last longer than the rest. This is an added value for homeowners when it comes to gutter repair and replacement. Expect to add a bit more than your hardware store variety, but you will surely get your money’s worth in the end. Excellent After Sales Service One-piece gutter systems are not the best solution for your gutter system. A customized system where the size and number of valleys and pitches on your roof are factored in will give the best results for your home. The proper sizing of a gutter is vital to the system’s performance. Systems that can’t handle the amount of rainfall you experience need larger gutters to collect and divert water away from your home’s foundational structure. A gutter system will need maintenance along the road, which is why you need to look for a provider that can install your new system and fix issues like caulk cracks, bent gutters, and missing rivets. The proper maintenance will extend your gutters’ life and curb appeal, and professionals with a licensed crew can give you the after-sales service you require. Xpress Exterior Design and Restoration: Gutter Replaclacement Service Maryland There is no one size fits all solution for every gutter replacement service. Every home has its unique requirements, which need customized solutions for better efficiency. Xpress Exterior Design can develop the best gutter replacement service in Maryland for your home or business location. If you have problems with excess rainwater pouring from your current gutter system, we can remedy the situation. Excess water may find its way into your home’s foundation and cause cracking plus mold and mildew problems. At Xpress Exterior Design and Restoration, we provide exceptional customer service, high-quality materials, and top-notch expert services. We are committed to keeping local families and businesses in Maryland safe, secure, and prosperous. Give us a call or send us a message on our website. Our team of expert technicians would be happy to discuss your gutter replacement issues and give you an estimate on gutter replacement costs.
Whenever winter season comes, homeowners should prepare their roofs for the cold and snowy months ahead. Keeping your family safe and secure all winter long can be achieved with the proper preparations and steps. Inspecting and preparing your roof for the winter should be part of home maintenance tasks and should be prioritized. Here are ten of the best tips you can apply to protect your home from roof damage as the mercury drops this winter. 1. Clean and Repair Your Gutters Gutters are an essential part of your roofing system, and they can help guide melted snow down and away from your roof and home foundational structure. You need to clean clogged gutters from leaves and debris to prevent water pooling and ice dam formation. 2. Remove Debris from Your Roof A dirty roof can cause all sorts of problems, especially during wintertime. Tiny objects can do some damage once they are tossed around by the strong winds. Bundles of stacked leaves can lead to mold and mildew problems if left alone. Before the first snowflake falls, make sure you clear your roof from potential issues. 3. Get Rid of Mold and Mildew If you notice that green, yellow, or black shine on your shingles, you may have a mold problem on your hands. Apart from the nasty smell, mold can damage your shingles and the sheathing underneath it. Call your trusted roofer for mold remediation steps you can take. 4. Call a Professional for Inspection Walking on your roof is a risky undertaking. Aside from physical danger to yourself, you can also cause unintended roof damage while moving around. With the advent of new technologies, roofers now utilize drones to inspect shingles and other areas of concern. 5. Replace Broken or Missing Shingles If you want to prevent moisture from leaking into your home during the cold season, you need to replace broken and missing shingles on your roof. Preventive maintenance is always a good idea to prevent costly roof repairs in the future. 6. Reseal Around Skylights, Piping, and Fixtures Whenever you install a new appliance on your roofs, you need to make punctures like a vent or cable antenna. These openings have the potential to introduce water into your home when not sealed properly. Check for damaged flashing and other materials that may serve as entry points for water during winter. Reseal them and protect your home from water damage. 7. Solve Pest Problems Trees are a lovely sight all over Maryland, but they can also bring pest problems that wreak havoc during the winter season. Squirrels, bats, mice, and rats would love to nest in a warm place once the temperature drops. You need to cover all entry points to protect your home from these unwanted visitors. 8. Trim Trees Near Your Roof Tree branches can get loose due to strong winds during summer storms. When left to themselves, they can damage shingles and cause problems to your roof. Have your trees trimmed by the professionals before the cold weather sets in. 9. Keep Interiors Insulated There are instances when roofs get damaged from the inside. Interior moisture can build up inside your home and cause beams and supports to rot and decay. Have your home appropriately insulated to prevent structural damage from happening. 10. Inspect Sidings for Signs of Damage Lastly, damaged sidings can affect the overall performance of your roofing system. Ask your roof contractor to check if your panels are securely in place and are ready for any snowstorm. Xpress Exterior Design Helps You Prevent Roof Damage in Winter Water damage is no joke. Roof leaks may cost you $400 to $1,100 to remedy, add to that replacing water-damaged electrical wiring, ceilings, insulation, and other appliances in your home. Not all homeowners can perform all the steps mentioned above for roof damage prevention during winter. Xpress Exterior Design can help you with all your winter roof preparation needs. Our goal is to keep your family safe and warm all winter long. Fixing roof problems can add to your home’s energy efficiency and lets you enjoy lower energy costs all winter long. The best time to schedule an inspection is before that first snowflake falls. Give our expert technicians a call or send us a message on our website. We would be happy to discuss your roof damage prevention plans for winter and give you a quote on how much you would spend.
The fall season is the best time of the year to have your roof inspected and prepared for winter. As the winter season approaches, Maryland homeowners must ensure their homes’ safety and comfort before the first snowstorm hits. You may inspect your property to ensure there’s no damage and that no cold air from the outside will find its way into the home. A vital part of home preparation for winter is to make sure your roof is prepared. Our roofs provide the first line of defense against the harsh elements, which makes it essential that you keep them in good condition. There are specific steps you can take to prepare your roof for winter. Most homeowners have no idea how to defend against hurricanes and heavy rainstorms. It’s irresponsible to assume that your home can withstand the potential damage that leaks and other incidents can do that pose a risk to your property. We share three steps that you can do to prepare your roof for winter. If you don’t have the experience or the equipment to perform the tasks, calling the professionals is always a good option. Roof preparation can pose a risk to your safety as you go above ground to perform the steps. A roofing expert makes the process easier and safer with certified and trained technicians that can do the job for you. Clean your Gutters to Prepare a Roof for Winter Gutters play a vital role in your roofing system, and you would want them to in top condition, especially during the severe conditions we face during winter. Clogged gutters need to be cleared from twigs, leaves, and other materials that would impede water flow. While you are at it, you should keep an eye on animal infestations and call a pest control specialist when needed. Anything on your roof will likely make it into your gutter system during a rainstorm. When clogging occurs, water will overflow and seep into your home’s foundational structure. The damage can be catastrophic. If cleaning your gutters is not enough, gutter replacement is your next best option. It may cost you an arm and a leg, but you can be sure that your home is secure from the elements as the winter season approaches. Check for Damage Some roof damage can be observed from the ground, but the best way to check is to get up on your roof and look closely. Getting on top of your roof to do an inspection is a risky move. It’s a good thing there are a few safer alternatives than having to climb your roof to check for damage. You can call the professionals to do it, use binoculars or use a drone. A roof inspection will reveal cracked or missing caulk around chimneys and pipes, loose tiles, or damaged underlayment. Once these issues are detected, you need to perform the necessary repairs to prevent further damage to your home interior. Using a drone is an easy, safe, and accurate way to diagnose roofing problems. Professional roofers offer drone inspections, which benefit home and business owners. Prepare for Winter By Reinforce Your Attic Maryland attics take a beating during winter due to leaks and condensation. A thorough attic inspection can give the added protection it needs to withstand the onslaught of winter. Any signs of discoloration in the ceiling or damp insulation should be repaired at once. With proper insulation, you can stop cold air from entering your attic and lower your home’s overall temperature. Poor insulation leads to higher energy bills all winter long. Ventilation is also essential to prevent mold from developing on wooden beams and insulation. Trained roofers can help you determine the right location for added ventilation if needed. Xpress Exterior Design and Restoration for Professional Roof Preparation in Winter After a comprehensive inspection of your roof, you should proceed with fixing all the problems and prepare your roof for winter weather. Xpress Exterior Design and Restoration can provide all the services you need, from inspection to repairs, so that your roof will be ready for winter. If you are looking for the best residential and commercial roofers in the business, you have come to the right place. Give us a call or send us a message on our website for a quotation today. Our team of expert roofers will be glad to help you with all your roof winterizing needs.
Every homeowner crosses their fingers and hopes for less damage whenever a major storm hits. For those with homeowners insurance, the question is, “does homeowners insurance cover a new roof? It will all depend on your policy and the former state of your home. Xpress Exterior Design can assist you with your insurance claims and help you establish grounds for your insurance company to pay for your new roof. Maryland homeowners overlook their roofs until a storm, fallen tree, or pest infestation causes irreparable damage. It is vital to fix roof problems at once to avoid more damage and costly replacement. Suppose your roof gets damaged and you don’t have the budget for repairs and replacement. You should check your homeowner’s insurance policy to find out if your insurance provider partially or fully covers your roof replacement. Instances When Homeowners Insurance Covers a New Roof Coverage depends on the policy. The majority of insurance policies cover roof replacement when damage is caused by an accident or an act of nature. If a tree falls on your roof and causes damage, you can expect your insurance to cover it in most cases. Your coverage will depend on location, your specific policy, and the cause and extent of the damage. If your roof has a hole or is torn off entirely, there is a good chance of coverage due to significant damage. Here in Maryland, you will need to meet your deductible before insurance coverage sets in. For example, Hurricane deductibles are imposed, which means you will have to pay a portion of hurricane and storm damages before your insurance company pays. If you experience significant roof damage, contact your insurance agent and know the steps needed in filing a claim. Don’t forget to ask about exclusions because you might end up doing work that doesn’t fall under insurance coverage. It is expected that you document evidence and submit them with your claim. Take plenty of photos up close that show the extent of the damage. If a storm caused the damage, you could find reputable news articles that can back your claim. Some insurance companies require at least three estimates from various roofing companies. All three contractors must stipulate that a roof replacement is necessary compared to roof repairs only. If you can establish that you have done your due diligence in roof maintenance and your roof did not need replacement before the damage happened, then you stand a chance that your policy will cover the roof replacement. Check your insurance companies specific requirements, and some may get denied due to late filing of improperly filled out claim forms. Times When Homeowners Insurance Refuses to Cover a Roof Replacement It is quite understandable that old roofing is not covered under most homeowner’s insurance policies. Age restrictions may vary per policy, but you can expect that anything 20 years or older is likely not covered. Most roofs have a life expectancy of 20 years unless they are made of more durable and expensive materials. This applies to the first layer of roofing on your home. It is common for homes to have two layers of shingles in place, so you should take note. Insurance does not cover normal wear and tear, and it can be challenging to get coverage for an older roof even in the event of a sudden accident or act of nature. Lack of basic maintenance can result in the rejection of your insurance claim. For a better chance of payment by your insurance company, you need to submit documents and photos proving that you maintain your roof regularly. Gutters should be cleaned, trees trimmed, and leaks repaired. Posts on social media showing these particular activities may help bolster your claim. You should also be aware that slate roofing requires a rider due to inflated costs. Hiring a licensed roofing contractor for maintenance work can extend your roof’s life and prove it’s a condition if you need to file a claim. If you want to know more about the roof requirements needed to make claims from homeowners insurance, you can ask our team of expert roofers at Xpress Exterior Design and Restoration. Insurance companies may refuse payment if the work is not completed by a licensed professional. At Xpress Exterior Design, you get a licensed and insured company that will surely fit your insurance companies requirements for a roofing contractor. Give us a call or send us a message on our website for a quotation today.