Welcome to the HowTo Corner! Presented by TheStormGuy.com
There are a lot of things you need to know to properly care for a house. The Storm Guy realizes that it would take years of research to figure it all out on your own. That’s why we created the HowTo Corner.
Here you will find all kinds of usefull tips, tricks and just plain good advice on how to take care of your home.
Check out the yearly maintenance schedule article.
and more to come…
- The Storm Guy
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Roofing Storm Damage
Storm Damage
Most of the time, it is during the rainy season that the need for roof repairs comes up. This is often the case when the homeowner would already see traces of leaks seeping through the ceiling. The wife would either prompt her husband to do the work or she’d immediately call in a roofing contractor. Since roofing repair contractors are probably called in mostly during these times, the husband will often attempt to do it. However, storm damage in roofs is usually more difficult to fix than those caused by lack of maintenance or weathering. A lot of times, hurricanes and strong winds can damage the roof so hard that it is totally not advisable to attempt to conduct repair even by professionals. The risks of having to encounter flying debris or getting struck by lightning must be avoided if possible.
However, when weather permits it, repairs amid the storm can be done as it can minimize further storm damage. A loose metal edge flashing, for example, can be immediately repaired to prevent peeling, lifting and blowing-off of the roof.
Furthermore, professional roofing repair contractors would most likely know how to deal with storm damage on roofs more than non-professional homeowners. Guessing, gut-feel and intuition can only do so much. They will also know when or when not to take the risk when the storm is still ongoing. This is why, when it comes to roofing storm damage, seeking the help of the professional is always the right way to go.
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Do-It-Yourself Roofing Repair
A leaking roof is probably one of the most frustrating sights for any homeowner. This is especially true during the rainy season when the damage will become noticeable as it seeps through the ceiling. Not only will it require you to immediately fix the roof when then the rain stops, it will most likely prompt you to repaint your ceiling. Hence, delaying roofing repairs is not one of the smartest things to do. In fact, it is advised that roofing repairs should immediately be done as soon as you see trouble to avoid doubling your repair cost. Also, roof maintenance and inspection should be a regular routine for homeowners to ensure that the home is in good condition.
Emergency and minor roofing repairs can be done by the homeowners themselves if and when the weather permits. One may attempt to perform tasks such as removing leaked water inside the house, locating the source of leak on the roof, unclogging drainage and the flashing, and even application of various materials like sealants and roof tapes.
However, if the condition of the roof is more than a non-professional can handle, it is always good to seek the help of an expert roofing repair contractor to avoid further mishaps. Also, a non-professional should avoid performing roofing repair while winds are strong and the rain is still heavy. Attempting to do the repair this way can lead to danger and can do more harm than good. It is much better to tolerate a leaking house than performing risky do-it-yourself roofing repair then putting yourself in danger.
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Winterizing Activities
As winter approaches and the summer time activities come to a close we need to start our fall clean up and winterizing activities. Night falls quicker and time can fly by trying to get all your last minute get togethers done, not to mention it is football season! And where I come from it is a season in its own right, but now is the time when a bit of prevention goes a long way.
Small opening in your doors and windows can drain money right out of your wallet. Weatherizing strips are easy to install and relatively inexpensive. Window plastic will also prevent warm air from leaking out of your home and homes with older windows are more susceptible.
If your home has an air exchange unit you need to adjust the setting for winter conditions. Your home manual should have the settings, but if you didn’t get one or have misplaced it over the years, you can pull the manufactures name/model off the system and do your research by visiting their website.
Have your furnace checked! Our local utility company has a service plan for many appliances and different systems in your home, of course for an additional charge, but replacing a furnace would of cost us way more then the $99 we pay for the yearly maintenance check they preformed.
These are a few things to get you started.
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When To Call A Roofing Repair Contractor
When you have a leaking roof, you would most likely want to get the job done immediately. Some homeowners, especially the fathers of the house, would often rise to the occasion and volunteer their services to perform the task. But more often than not, they don’t really have a clue on what to do and how to do it. They usually rely on gut-feel and intuition in analyzing what the problem is and how to solve it. Unfortunately, roof repairs are not always as easy as they sound. They often end up frustrated and tired that they would eventually seek the help of professional roofing repair contractors.
Therefore, it would be worthwhile to note certain conditions and repair problems that would require the expertise of roofing repair contractors.
Leaks that have been caused by bad weather like hurricanes, hails and storms are usually those that require professional roofing repair contractors to do permanent fixing.
Temporary fixing performed by homeowners themselves will eventually need proper fixing. Most of the time, these are stop gap fixings that have been effective for quite sometime and would not hold for a long time because of the materials used. Proper know-how on the right materials used is one of the things that only professional roof repairmen are knowledgeable of. They would be able to determine the appropriate material for a roof condition or the type of material the roof is made of. Also, the right amount and way of application are among the many things that a roofing repair contractor would know. This is why for most roofing problems, it is best to call on the professionals. It is better not to take chances and call on the help of roofing repair contractors.
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Large Hail
Large hail reported in Chuska Mountains Arizona, Defiance Plateau Arizona, Yayapai County Mountains Arizona, Coconino Plateau Arizona, Four Corners Colorado, Upper Dolores River Colorado, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Southeast Utah, South Central Utah & San Rafael Swell Utah. If you live in one of these areas you may want a Pre-Screened Roofing Contractor to look at your home for hail damage. Hail can cause damage to shingles and siding to your home. If left un repaired it could lead to other problems with your home.