Blog Post

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR ROOF FOR WINTER

  • By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin)
  • •
  • 15 Nov, 2016
  • •
Severe winter weather can take a toll on a roof that wasn’t properly prepared before the season set in. Use these three tips to prepare yours for snow, rain and hail.

Keep It Clean

Colorful autumn leaves are beautiful on the ground, but on top of your house they may mold and rot. You should also take care to clean out your gutters to prevent clogging and overflow. Water spilling out of gutters choked with leaves can damage roofs and siding and cause gutters to pull free from the house.

Check for Repair and Damage

Improperly sealed flashings, loose vents and missing shingles are all warning signs that you may have leaks. Be extra diligent when you check the flashings around chimneys and skylights, as these are common water entry points. Bear in mind that climbing onto your roof to inspect for damage and trying to fix problems on your own can be dangerous. When in doubt, call a professional to make your repairs.

Hire a Professional

There's only so much you can do on your own. Bringing in an expert to make a professional inspection and perform repairs immediately is your best bet for staying sound and leak-free this winter. Contact ABCO roofing at 615-834-ROOF (7663) to learn more about roof preparation and repair.

5 Common Types of Roof Shingles

By Admin • April 6, 2021
Roof shingles keep the house warm and provide a defense against harsh weather. To help you pick the right shingles, learn about the five main types.

Tips for Metal Roof Maintenance

By Admin • February 12, 2021
Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and relatively lightweight. Fortunately, caring for a metal roof is relatively simple. Learn more here.

2 Roofing Terms Every Homeowner Needs to Know

By Admin • January 11, 2021
Whether you perform periodic roof inspections yourself or employ an expert to advise you with regards to roofing problems, learn two roofing terms.

6 Warning Signs You Need Roof Repair

By Admin • December 23, 2020
Harsh weather elements, flying objects, and dust can cause your roof to develop problems over time. Learn some signs that mean you need roof repair.

Three Common Roof Designs and Their Advantages

By Admin • November 23, 2020
Roofs come in various designs or types. Read our blog to learn more about the most common design styles, and contact us today for roofing services.

3 Ways Your Roof Affects Your Home's Energy Efficiency

By Admin • October 26, 2020
Did you know your roof can affect your home's energy bill? Read our blog to learn about three ways your roof impacts your home's energy efficiency.

4 Tips to Prevent Tree Damage to Your Roof

By Admin • September 28, 2020
Learn to recognize when your trees pose a risk to your roof and act accordingly. See four tips that will help you prevent tree damage to your roof.

3 COSTLY AND CONFUSING ROOFING MYTHS

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • September 19, 2018
Home maintenance can be overwhelming. From landscaping and replacing dirty filters to repairing plumbing leaks, it's easy to see the challenges homeowners face. While most of these tasks are priorities, focusing on your home's roof is also important. Not only is the roof a key part of your home's structure, it also protects your family and belongings from the elements.

Unfortunately, you probably do not fully understand the importance of your roof and the maintenance that is required. By debunking these common roofing myths, you will learn the truth about your roof's durability, construction and maintenance.

4 Tips for Maintaining Your New Cedar Shake Roof

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • November 20, 2017
Cedar shake roofs are popular with homeowners because they offer clear benefits. Cedar shake roofs are known for their beauty, durability, and resistance to damage from everything  whether it's from insects to the elements.

While cedar shake roofs are also relatively low maintenance, it is still a good idea to follow these maintenance tips to keep your roof looking and functioning its best.


1. Have Your Roof Inspected Annually

The best way to protect and maintain your roof is to have it inspected once a year. You can start by inspecting it yourself, both from the ground and by climbing up on a ladder. Look for shingles that are curled, missing, cracked, or otherwise damaged by any wind storms you have experienced.


If you notice any issues, then have your roof inspected by professionals. Professional roofers can spot repair any issues and prevent further damage, which protects the life span of your cedar shake roof. By inspecting your roof regularly, you will notice issues early, before they become more serious.


2. Have a New Gutter System Installed

High-quality gutters and downspouts are key to protecting your roof. When having a new cedar roof installed, it makes sense to have a new gutter system installed at the same time.


High-quality gutters and downspouts in good repair will redirect rainwater, dead leaves, and snowmelt away from your roof, siding, and foundation. This will prevent unnecessary water damage, mold, mildew, and rot. It will also help you save money because you will avoid costly repairs down the road.


3. Have Your Trees Trimmed Regularly

If your trees are left untrimmed and overgrown, then you have an increased risk of your roof being damaged by branches. Dead branches that aren't removed are likely to fall off and inflict damage on your new roof. During storms, an overgrown tree that's precariously close to your roof is a recipe for disaster.

In addition, if your trees aren't trimmed regularly, the branches that are closest to your roof offer easy access to pests including squirrels and raccoons. These pests may damage your roof and try to get into your attic, where they can truly wreak havoc. Keeping your trees trimmed prevents a lot of unnecessary issues and keeps your trees healthier as well.


4. Keep Your Cedar Roof Free of Debris

Once or twice a year especially after heavy storms it's wise to remove dead leaves, branches, and other debris from your cedar roof. If these materials are allowed to accumulate, then they will add too much moisture to your cedar shingles, which can potentially lead to mold, rot, or growth of fungus. Piles of dead leaves and branches also make it harder for rain and snow to melt off of your roof.

If you are not comfortable climbing up on your roof to clean it yourself, then it's a good idea to have the professionals tackle this maintenance task for you. This also allows you to combine your annual inspection with a roof cleaning for maximum impact.

If your roof needs a more thorough cleaning, then you should definitely leave this task to the experts. Attempting to clean your cedar roof yourself with a pressure washer can lead to damaged shingles. Professional roofers know the right settings to use to get a clean roof without causing any damage.

Following these preventative maintenance tips will ensure your new cedar shake roof remains beautiful and in good repair for many years to come. When it's time to have a new roof installed or your current roof repaired, contact us at ABCO Roofing Company Inc.

WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR ROOF

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • July 18, 2017
A failing roof is no joke. Not only is it unsightly and your roofline does comprise a large portion of your house's facade but it can lead to long-term damage. Water leakage can warp the underlying structures of the roof and top floor of your house. What's more, drafts in the roof mean your house's envelope isn't airtight, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.

Take a walk around the perimeter of your house, and view the roof from different angles. Also inspect the rooms directly below the roof. While some minor issues can be spot-repaired, the following signs signify you should replace your roof in its entirety. 
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