Hire a Professional Roofer

If you are looking at repairing or replacing your roof, know that doing it yourself is not the best approach. Call around for estimates and compare customer reviews for local contractors but go with a professional that has a good reputation and feedback from prior clients. There are many benefits to hiring a professional roofing company, including the following:

Safety

Anytime that you work on a roof, there are safety risks. If you hire a non-professional roofer that is not bonded and insured, you are liable if they become hurt or injured. Professionals have safety equipment and experience that every layman does not have; play it safe and hire a pro.

Warranty

Do you have any home warranties? Allowing someone other than a professional roofing contractor to work or modify a roof could devoid and inactivate your warranty. The best way to determine this is by referring directly to your home warranty for more details.

Damage

Anytime that anyone other than a professional contractor climbs on your roof, you put yourself at risk for property damage. The strain and stress on the shingles could cause leaks, and over time, these could allow moisture inside the home. This moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and damage that is costly to resolve.

Quality

Want the job done right? Contact a professional and consult with others in your area or online reviews to determine the quality of work and satisfaction experienced by other customers. Many roofing contractors will guarantee their work for their valued customers. Be wary of those with little to no feedback, as well. Ask around to find who neighbors and coworkers have had good experiences with, too.

Reliability

Depending on your roofing situation, you need a reliable contractor that you can trust to do the job right. It is that simple; your roof protects your home, which protects your family. It is what stands between your loved ones and the elements; don’t trust your home’s roof to just anyone.

Need a new roof? Is your current roof in need of repairs? Do not skimp when it comes to protecting your home investment; hire a professional roofer for the job. The benefits of hiring a professional roofing company make it money well spent.

Causes of Roof Damage

Causes of Roof Damage

The beauty and overall “health” of a home can be greatly spoiled if there is uncorrected roof damage. Roof damage can result in leaks that leave watermarks on the ceilings and damage to interior walls and floors. Then, mold and mildew can thrive in wet materials causing health problems in the home. Roof damage and leaks can happen to any home, but there is no reason to panic. Most problems can be fixed quickly. However, there are two important words to know: “Don’t wait.”

Causes of Roof Damage

Some of the causes of roof damage are:

A crack in the flashing—the thin metal sheeting that surrounds chimneys.
Lack of sealant in the valleys of a roof—where two slopes come together and where water may pool.
Cracked vent booting—the wraparound “boot” at the base of vent pipes on the roof.
Ice dams which can force water up beneath roof shingles.
Bad, or clogged gutters that cause water to back up underneath shingles.
Cracked chimneys.
Improperly installed or sealed skylights.
Wear and tear on the roof, caused by too much foot traffic on the roof. Also, the natural long-term effects of weather which cause roofing material to blister, buckle, split, or crack.
Hail and wind damage which can puncture or blow away shingles.
Broken, cracked, or missing shingles caused by the age of the roof or by tree branches that scrape the roof.
Improper roofing material installation.
Rotten or damaged facia behind guttering.

Signs of Roof Damage

If you have experienced a serious storm, check for any roof damage. Additionally, keep a close eye on your roof throughout the year for other signs of damage or potential damage:

Hail damage evidenced by divots in the shingles or by dents on cars or other items on your house or in your yard.
Missing, cracked, curled, or broken shingles.
A large amount of shingle granules in the rain gutters or deposited out of a downspout.
A very faded roof with bare areas where there should be an abundance of shingle granules.
Water stains or leaks.
Moss spores on sections of the roof.
Curled, damaged, or corroded flashing.
Broken or damaged gutters.

Don’t Wait on Roof Repairs

Contact an experienced and reputable roofing contractor to inspect your roof and perform necessary repairs. Procrastination can result in more damage and cost more money.

Roof Inspection Warning Signs

Roof problems are some of the most damaging, stressful and costly-to-fix issues that homeowners face. Avoiding roof leaks, wind and sun damage, and other roof headaches through professional roof inspection is the best tactic to prevent structural damage to your house–and to your wallet. Learn what roof damage clues to watch for and how to avoid property damage.

Are You Overdue for a Roof Inspection?

This crucial, preventative home maintenance step, scheduled annually, helps protect you from sudden, expensive, (and sometimes dangerous), roof damage disasters.

Watch for these telltale warnings of roof leaks, surface roof damage, or even roof collapse about to happen:

Moldy smells or insect infestations in the attic: You may have a roof leak, which your roof inspector can pinpoint quickly.
Roof moss: Moss growth can be a sign of roof decay, while algae is typically nothing to worry about (although it can be unsightly).
Rusty roof flashing or cracked vent pipe boots: These issues can compromise your roof, allowing destructive moisture inside. You could end up with rotted joists and/or unhealthy mold growth.
Blistering or curled roofing material: Changes in roof tile shape and texture can be a small fix, or a big problem. Let your roof inspector help you with expert advice.
Missing or broken roof shingles: This can be an easy fix, but your inspector should look for underlying damage first.
Roof grit (from asphalt roofing) in the gutters: That sandy substance provides important protection against UV damage to shingles. When it wears away, it leaves your roof exposed.
Old roof: Keep ahead of roof repairs–and avoid early roof replacement–with yearly professional roof inspections.
And more.

Where to Get an Expert Roof Inspection in ______

A professional roof inspector can help catch roof damage early and locate minor roof repair issues. An ideal time for your annual roof inspection is late summer or fall, before rough weather sets in. You’ll also want an inspection if you notice any of the roof warning signs above, or even for peace of mind after a major storm has passed. Get your roof inspected annually to extend its life and get the most out of your investment. With regular roof inspection, roof problems can be fixed before causing expensive damage or creating a hazardous living situation for your family!

If you’re overdue for your annual roof inspection, or you’ve noticed possible roof damage you want checked out — schedule your professional roof inspection today.

Pest Problems Around Roofs

Pest Problems around Roofs

The roofs and attics of homes provide very appealing opportunities for unwanted pests to take up residence, and establish themselves as nuisances until major steps must be taken for their removal. Once entrenched, these pests can cause some serious damage to their new environment, and that can cost you a ton of money, in addition to what it would cost to have them removed. Here are some of the ways that undesirable pests can impact your roof and attic areas.

Bird droppings

If local birds decide that your roof is an ideal stopping place, you may find that your roof becomes covered with droppings. These droppings can be highly acidic, given the fact that much of a bird’s diet consists of substances high in acid. If you don’t clean these droppings off regularly, you’re likely to sustain damage to the shingles and sheathing.

Fungus and dropping from bats

You might think you have an airtight roofing system, but bats are capable of squeezing through an opening no bigger than 3/8″ wide, and nesting in your attic. If a group of them sets up there, you could have bat droppings in the attic, and there’s also a possibility that they could spread a fungus which is present in the droppings. This fungus can become airborne and travel throughout the rooms of your home, and when inhaled, it can install a life-threatening infection in the lungs.

Squirrel nests

Squirrels are notorious for chewing through roof shingles and setting up shop in attics. You’ll probably become aware of an infestation pretty quickly, because their urine is particularly pungent, and is unmistakable. If they do go unnoticed, this urine can build up and weaken or destroy wood in your attic, and then you’ll have a bigger problem.

Roof rats chewing on wires

When roof rats burrow into your home through the roof, they leave holes large enough for rain and snow to enter the house, and begin to weaken the superstructure. These pests will also chew through insulation, pipes, and wiring, and all of these can be problematic. Roof rats have been known to cause electrical fires by chewing through the wiring in an attic or elsewhere in the home. In some cases, the rats have been killed by chewing electrical wires, but that presents a different problem – the smell of dead rats.

Termites eating through wood

Termites may be the single most damaging kind of pest that can invade your home. These vermin will eat through wood voraciously, causing major damage to your home’s structure, as well as to deck areas or any other sections made of wood. Unless you make a point of checking for them regularly, termites can do a great deal of damage before they’re even detected.

Advantages of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing offers a distinctive look with plenty of options to suit your style and household needs. Beyond these basics, customers have many more great reasons for choosing a metal roof.

Metal Roof Benefits for High Altitude Homes and Businesses

High altitude living requires more than boiling eggs longer than you would at sea level. The weather can be rough, with high winds, lightning storms, and forest fires are a risk. At high elevations, the sun is more intense and can be hard on many kinds of roofing. A durable metal roof can be the perfect solution.

Metal roof installation brings multiple advantages for local homeowners and businesspeople, including:

Beauty: Your metal roof can create a streamlined, classic appearance, yet its color, powder-coating, texture, and style options make it very versatile. Depending upon the architectural style of your home or business location, a metal roof can fit right in. It can enhance an industrial vibe, rustic look, or modern appearance. On a more ornate home, metal roofing can also create impressive curb appeal.
Strength and weather resistance: Metal roofing can be made from aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc, and more. Interlocking panels, properly installed, make metal roofing especially wind-resistant. Roofing is installed in a weather-tight manner to avoid leaks and also resists abrasion and impact.
Lightweight: A metal roof is half as heavy as asphalt shingles.
Low noise: When properly installed, metal roofs are surprisingly quiet–even in a rainstorm. An insulating sheathing material is placed between the metal roof and the existing roof surface.
Low-maintenance: Most metal roofs are practically carefree, requiring little to no maintenance.
Safety: Metal roofing is fire resistant, which is especially helpful in forested areas at high altitudes. Metal roofs don’t attract lightning–but if the roof does get struck, it’s less likely to catch fire than other roofing materials. Snow guards can prevent rooftop snow from sliding onto people or property below roof edges.
Eco-friendly: Metal roofs contain up to 95% recycled metal and are themselves recyclable.
Budget-friendly: Metal roofs help you save money by reflecting solar (radiant) heat, which could lower your cooling costs by up to 25%. Metal roofing can last 50+ years. Metal roofing often lasts 3X as long as asphalt shingles, delaying future roof replacement costs.
And more.

Where to Get Metal Roofing with Expert Installation

If you’re interested in a new metal roof, remember that skilled installation matters. Our expert roofers can provide flawless metal roofing installation, tailored to your preferences, style, and the unique needs of your home or building. Contact us today.

Choosing The Right Roofing

Some things to know about your green-roofing options

If you want to reduce your impact on the earth and minimize the carbon-footprint that you leave behind, consider green-roofing options. Whether you are refurbishing or building, implement a roofing-material that is eco-friendly and energy-efficient whenever possible. These options will also provide a roof that can protect your home and function for many years to come.

Some things homeowners should know about green-roofing options include:

Living roofs. A living roof is an ideal way to replace the vegetation footprint absorbed by the area taken up by your home, and will provide vegetables, produce, and foliage to enjoy. These roofs are heavy, and most homeowners will find that they need to reinforce and add support to their home’s structure before implementing. These are a great prospect for large, flat-roofs.

Before choosing this option, make sure that you are aware of the following related to living roofs:

Living roofs will attract wildlife; plan on the upkeep from these visitors to your property.
You can’t plant it and forget it; living roofs require maintenance- just as a garden does.
Consult with the experts to ensure the plants that you grow don’t have intricate root systems that can interfere or damage the home over time. For instance, trees are not ideal for living roofs.

Recycled roofing. Recycled materials are eco-friendly and cost-efficient. These might be found via the shingles that you use or the timbers that you salvage.

Tile roofs. Tile roofs reflect heat and maintain energy inside the home, which could result in seeing utility savings on monthly bills. Tiles are recyclable and will last for hundreds of years. Tile roofs are heavy, however, and typically involve professional handling and installation for best results.

Wooden roofing. Cedar and wood shakes are recyclable and eco-friendly. They reflect less heat, and due to the uneven surface, don’t necessarily maintain energy inside the home. To optimize their potential, paint the shingles white before installation. Since wood is not fire-resistant, it also makes sense to plan on treating wood roofing with some sort of fire-retardant, as recommended by roofing manufacturers and professionals.

Reduce the carbon-footprint left by your home with an eco-friendly, green roof. Talk to roofing contractors and professionals to find out the most viable solution for your distinct property, as well as to learn of other options that may be suited to your structure. Let these suggestions inspire you to find a way to utilize recyclable and living options that give back to the world around you.

Contact Lynnrich today for all of your roofing needs.

Summer Storms and Roof Damage

Was your house hit by the recent hail storm? If so, give us a call today so that we can inspect your roof and siding have damage.

Summer is upon us and while the warmer days and longer night make such an appealing daydream, it also means that dramatic hail storms, violent lightning storms, and even possible tornadoes are upon us. It may not be all that bad, unless you are someone who has had to struggle with an insurance company to cover your end of a replacement roof.

If you are concerned about damage to your roof from a storm, give Lynnrich a call to evaluate your roof for you, and Lynnrich can even help you to take the next steps with your insurance company to ensure that your home stays protected from the elements with a functional roof. Document, document, document… Document the damages to your roof , so that your insurance company can’t question the how or when damage happened.

Determine if your roof has been damaged

You should be able to check the majority of damage from the street or yard of your home. Obviously the best thing would be to walk the roof and check for damage up close. But the roof can be a dangerous place, and you may just want to call Lynnrich for an up close inspection. But, if you want to do the preliminary check on your own, head out to the street or backyard—if you’re in the street please be sure to check for cars—and inspect the roof.

With all of the hailstorms that we’ve encountered in the past few years, check to if the hail has taken out entire sections of asphalt shingles. Also, shingles will bruise or dent from hail , although these dents or bruises are not always visible. A set of binoculars to check the roof can be beneficial. Don’t forget to check the downspouts of gutter for grit that has been pelted from the shingles during the storm.

Even if you cannot see damage from the street, in the event that there is grit from the shingles either in the downspouts, on the ground at the base of downspouts, or in the gutters, it may be time to call a professional to check your roof. If you have spotted damage to your roof post-storm, make sure to document the damage, if possible, with photographs.

If your home or business suffered damage in any hail storm, please contact Lynnrich today!

Winter Roofing Care Tips MT

Icicles hanging from the roof can appear beautiful, like a nostalgic image of winter. But icicles, especially an abundance of icicles are also a sign of a poorly ventilated roof. And an ice dam on the roof can be a big problem. Ice dams can damage the roof shingles, the siding, the soffit, tear out the gutters, even drip down water into your home, drip water into the walls, through electrical wiring, etc.—it’s a big problem. But, there are ways to fix an ice dam, having quality venting at the eaves, and properly insulate the attic spaces. Lynnrich Siding offers several products which work in combination with a properly insulated home to ensure that there will virtually never be an ice dam on your roof. And Here’s how to make sure that an ice dam never appears on your roof.

Ventilation

While the products at Lynnrich are wonderful to look at, and add real beauty to the outside of your home, the soffit/fascia/gutters systems are also designed to move water away from your home properly, and also to properly vent the ridge line of the house, where it’s possible for hot and cold zones to meet. An ice dams develops when the warm air inside the home heats the underside of the roof, causing the melt to then trickles down the roof to the cold eaves, where it then freezes; the water continues to melt, freeze, backs up beneath the shingles, leaking the melt up and beneath the shingles and down into the home. Soffit vents circulate cold air beneath the entire underside of the roof, thereby keeping the roof at a constant temperature.

Insulation

In addition to the soffit/fascia/gutters systems Lynnrich offers, you can also add insulation to the areas of the attic that most need it. Ice dams are also a sign of an improperly vented attic. Adding proper insulation keeps the heat retained within the home where it belongs.

If you have any other questions about ice dams, or how Lynnrich’s products will protect your home from the elements, while also contributing greatly to your home’s curb-appeal, call Lynnrich today.

HELP! I’ve Got an Ice Dam on The Roof

Winter is here, that means snow and ice have arrived and are causing havoc. There’s more snow and more cold temps and that could mean ice dams on the roof of your home. It’s a common problem for a lot of homes in the winter. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof. This ice can damage the gutters and the roofing, and even though the icicles hanging down look beautiful, that ridge of ice also prevents the snow melt from draining off the roof. The melt backs up on the roof and leaks down into the home. That water could cause very serious damage.

Ice Dam on Your Roof???, siding billings mt

Also, newer gutter systems help to prevent debris from accumulating and blocking down spouts. Blocked gutters can cause ice jams. If your gutters are old or clogged, clean them out. When the downspouts of the gutters plug, the melting snow just accumulates in the gutter and freezes, breaking the gutter, starting an ice dam, and possibly sending melting snow down into your home.

Ice dams begin by the heat collecting in the attic, warming the entire roof, except for the eaves. The snow that melts on the rest of the roof re-freezes at those colder eaves.

While there are methods in the winter time for dealing with ice dams—raking the roof, taking a box fan to the attic and blowing cold air at where it leaks. In the warmer months it may be time to better ventilate and, also, insulate your roof. Upgrading a poorly insulated roof is a good start. Adding vents around the inside of the roof will help to keep the warm air passing through and keep the entire roof cold. Also, soffit vents will help to keep the roof cold. If there are places in the home that may leak air, plug them up. That leaking air is rising, and leaving via the roof, melting the snow in the process. While ice dams are not entirely preventable, mother nature doles out what she chooses, you can do a lot of preventable maintenance around your home.

Selling Your Home? Remember To Update The Curb Appeal

You’re not going to be in the market for a new home, often. In fact, many people find that if they’ve built that perfect custom home, they want to live in it for years, maybe forever— good construction will withstand time. But, what many people don’t consider, when they’re purchasing a new home, is the land around the home—the lot. While landscape is much more easily changed then, say, the amount of square footage in the home, it’s still something that should be given consideration.

Selling Your Home? Remember To Update The Curb Appeal

Consider the curb-appeal of your home. Will a concrete driveway, leading up to a garage, suffice as the home’s only initial walkup, or would a path made of stone, or pavers, or stamped concrete that leads from the street to the front door compliment your personality and style? Is the front yard all grass, or are there decorative islands of stone and shrubbery?

Consider the backyard of the home. Many people today are building enormous food gardens, or kid-play-areas. If you’re an in-and-outdoors type of person, you’ll want your style and the area around the home to reflect your style.

Decks and porches are great places to spend time outside on your own property, enjoying the outdoors. Consider how the home will be built. If it’s just one level, maybe even a stamped concrete patio would suite your needs, although multi-levelled homes might be well-equipped with a multi-level deck. Three tiers of space on a deck leaves plenty of room for entertaining guests. A front porch, or a sun porch—places for reading, and enjoying your morning coffee while the warm rays of the sun creep up the walls. Front porches are great ways to enjoy a summer evening, enjoying someone’s company, or enjoying the serene quiet of your neighborhood.

Regardless what type of person you are, the outside of your home will play a part in your overall, customized home design. That’s why you buy a fully custom-built home from a reputable contractor, because your getting the entire package—everything you want—in one place.

If you are looking for roofing, siding, windows or doors to add to your home for curb appeal, please contact Lynnrich today!