Roofing Contractors Archives - AVA Roofing & Siding

Are you in the market for a new roof? If you’re considering different roofing options, you may be surprised to learn about many of the latest trends taking place in the roofing world. From solar roofing to different colored roofing materials, there’s truly something for everyone.

As you research your options, here are some of the most current roofing trends of 2020:

Solar Roofing

Whether you’re committed to helping the environment or simply want to save on energy costs, solar roofing panels are a great option for any homeowner looking for a new and improved roofing system. In addition to being modern and sleek in appearance, solar panels are energy efficient and can save you a significant amount of money over a lifetime. Solar panels also extend the life of a roof, serving as a protectant from the elements of rain, sleet and snow.

Lighter Colors

While darker roofs used to be most prevalent, many homeowners are opting for lighter color roofs instead of dark gray and black shingles. There are many lighter roofing colors rising in popularity, such as soft blues, taupe and off white. Many people choose a color that complements the style of their home’s exterior. Another benefit to a lighter roofing color is that it keeps your home cooler by reflecting the sun’s UV rays, absorbing less heat during the warmest hours of the day.

Silicone Roof Coatings

In terms of roofing materials, silicone roof coatings have become more appealing for many reasons. As a coating applied directly over an existing roof system, silicone is applied directly over an existing roof, eliminating the need to remove the old roof. A silicone coating can also be helpful in extending the life of a current roof, protecting it from the elements. Furthermore, because of its quick and easy installation, silicone roofing requires far less labor and time than other materials.

Ready to Update Your Roof?

Being aware of the trends above will help you make the best roofing decisions for your home. Whether it be a full roof replacement or some updates or repairs, there are a multitude of roofing options that can improve your home. Are you ready to update your roof? Get in touch with AVA Roofing and let us walk you through the options!

When is the last time you’ve had your gutters cleaned? If you can’t remember, chances are this project is long overdue! Though gutter cleaning may not be the most glamourous thing on your to-do list, making a point of getting this household task completed every year is critical for the ongoing maintenance of your home.

If you’re new to gutter cleaning, here are some tips for getting started:

1. Establish a regular cleaning schedule.

Experts typically recommend having gutters cleaned every four to six months, especially in the spring and fall. The frequency can depend largely on how many trees are in your yard, as large amounts of debris from leaves can quickly cause your gutters to back up and overflow. Often a visual inspection of your gutters will indicate the need for cleaning and any possible repairs. Some of the warning signs of clogged or damaged gutters include accumulated water on your lawn or driveway; water leakage anywhere inside your home; and the incidence of rodents nesting in gutters.

2. Implement preventative solutions.

To rectify a build-up of debris, high-quality gutter covers or sealants are generally the best option for decreasing the amount of gutter maintenance you’ll have to do on a yearly basis. You can also consider installing gutter screens to filter out large amounts of debris and facilitate better drainage. Other simple preventive measures include trimming overhanging tree branches once a year, as well as cleaning your roof to eliminate additional debris from entering your gutters.

3. Hire a professional.

While many homeowners opt to do gutter cleaning themselves, the process can be dangerous – especially for someone who is new to the task! Rather than risk your own safety, it’s usually best to hire an insured professional who knows what to look for and can remediate any problems in the most effective and efficient way. A trained professional will not only clean your gutters but can make any necessary repairs that are needed to prevent any further damage to your roof or home at large. Hourly rates for professional services will generally depend on the length of your gutters, size of your home, and overall scope of work that will need to be done.

When it comes to effective gutter cleaning, consistency is key. Being proactive with regular gutter maintenance will ultimately prevent larger, more expensive repairs from being needed in the future.

Call AVA to Clean Your Gutters

Planning to get your gutters cleaned this summer? Contact AVA Roofing and learn how our team can assist with this process.

Did you know ice dams are one of the leading causes of interior damage to homes? The scary part about ice dams is that you often won’t notice their damage until it’s too late! Ice dams have the potential not only can harm your roof, but your gutters, paint, insulation and interior drywall.

While some ice dams are small in nature, the most damaging ones can weigh hundreds of pounds. Being proactive about preventing ice build-up is the first step to preventing ice dam problems that can cause unwanted moisture in your home, such as the growth of mold and mildew. Here are some ways you can prevent ice dams and protect your home:

Improve ventilation by closing attic bypasses.

When it comes to ice dam prevention, proper ventilation plays a major role. With most heat often being lost through your home’s ceiling into the attic, it’s important to rectify unblocked walls, gaps in drywall, and cracks of light fixtures or plumbing pipes. Taking action to prevent air leaks will allow for better insultation and reduce the likelihood of ice dams forming while reducing your heating and air conditioning bills.

Rake snow off roof after a heavy snowfall.

After a heavy snowfall, one of your best and most simple defenses against ice dams is a long-handled snow rake. As long as you’re careful not to damage your shingles (or hurt yourself in the process), raking snow off your roof after a major snowfall will prevent ice dams from forming at their source. Although you should never climb on your roof, you may be able to chip away some ice by hand if you’re able to reach the eaves on a ladder.

Hire a roofing professional.

Preventing and removing ice dams can be tedious and sometimes dangerous work, which is why hiring a professional is advisable in many situations. A professional roofer will be able to remove your ice dams with special equipment to safely melt ice from your roof and prevent severe damage before it becomes problematic. Your roof will also work with you on identifying and implementing long-term solutions to prevent ice dam issues in the future.

Solve Your Roofing Challenges with AVA

Are you struggling with ice dams on your home? Contact AVA Roofing and let our team resolve your roofing challenges this winter.

Does your home need to withstand substantial amounts of snow for several months of the year? If so, a cold roof system may be the most durable and efficient roofing option. With a “cold roof,” air outside of your home are can freely flow under your roof’s sheathing, preventing unwanted leakage and damage. Here are three of the main reasons to consider a cold roof system:

Prevention of ice dams and leakage

With a typical “warm roof,” snow that hits the roof directly quickly begins to melt, run down the roof and freeze when it reaches the edge of the roof. When this happens repeatedly, ice dams are likely to occur which can add significant pressure to your roof’s core structure. Ice dams, also commonly referred to as icicles, can cause major damage to your shingles, as well as leaks inside your home. With a cold roof, your roof will remain a cool temperature in winter weather, preventing the freezing of snow and formation of ice.

Condensation

Poor ventilation and insulation can cause severe condensation issues on your ceiling and walls, which can lead to damaged wooden fixtures or furniture, and even potential negative health effects. Excessive moisture can also lead to mold and decay, especially in areas of your home where moisture is most concentrated, including your kitchen and bathrooms. Because of how a cold roof works to prevent melting and refreezing, it can significantly reduce the incidence of humidity and moisture-related problems, reducing the likelihood of permanent damage to the interior of your home.

Easy installation

In many cases, a cold roof can be installed right over your existing roof. By stripping your roof down to its layer of plywood, your roofer will install several layers of new material, as well as an extra layer of insulation if needed. Through the cold roof system, there will be new space added between the first roof deck and the shingled roof layer, allowing air to easily come through in order to keep the top roof sheathing and shingles cold, while keeping your house warm.

Learn more about a cold roof system with AVA

Interested in exploring a cold roof system? Get in touch with our team at AVA Roofing and let us help you through this process!