A house with a garage and trees in the background that requires roof replacement.
By The Roof Mentors Residential Roofing • Roof Repair 0 Comments

Ten Biggest Dos and Don’ts of Your Residential Roof Maintenance

Besides providing comfort and security, a roof serves as a vital component of house protection from any weather conditions. Unfortunately, many homeowners tend to neglect their roof’s maintenance, which can lead to expensive repairs or a complete roof replacement. Of course, you’ll need to hire experts to check the condition of your roof, but there are a few things you can do by yourself and a few things you should avoid.

In this blog, we will provide the ten biggest dos and don’ts when it comes to residential roof maintenance, so make sure you check these things out so that you can react in time if needed.

DO

Check for Damage

When it’s raining, the raindrops have an easy passageway into your home, so you have to ensure that your roof is not leaking because that could cause catastrophic damage. Furthermore, strong winds can blow or damage your shingles, so check for any signs of wear or missing shingles.

Clean Your Gutters

When it comes to roofs, changing the seasons also means that a lot of dirt, leaves, and branches get blown into the gutters. To ensure that your gutters are working properly, we recommend checking them, and if you wish, you may run some water through them to ensure there are no leaks or blockages.

Address Leaks Immediately

Leaks can cause enormous damage to your house, so if you notice any leaks, call your roofing contractors immediately. The thing is, if you notice them and you do nothing about them, no matter how small leaks are, they can quickly escalate into a much bigger problem.

Trim Branches

Storms and high winds can cause branches to overhang, and therefore, these branches can damage your roof. You should, therefore, prune or remove any branches that are too close to your roof if you suspect they could cause serious damage to your home.

Call Inspection

Finally, after doing all the steps above to ensure the best possible protection and safety, you can invest in a proper professional roofing inspection. Schedule the inspection to ensure your roof is in the best condition possible and can endure the weather in the upcoming months.

DON’T

Ignore Small Problems

As mentioned earlier, minor problems shouldn’t be ignored. So, make sure you do not ignore leaks or other problems with your roof, as they can lead to expensive repairs or even result in a complete roof replacement.

DIY Repairs

There is a risk involved in attempting DIY repairs, and if you don’t take precautions, you may end up causing more harm than good. So it’s better to call a professional and ensure the job will be done correctly and with all the necessary knowledge and tools.

Neglect Ventilation

To ensure that your roof remains in good shape, it is important to maintain proper ventilation. The accumulation of moisture, caused by a lack of ventilation, may lead to the growth of mold and rot.

Ignore the Age of Your Roof

If you’re aware that your roof is near the end of its lifespan or you notice signs that indicate that, it’s essential to start planning a repair or replacement. Ignoring the age of your roof can lead to unexpected failure and significant damage to your home.

Choose Wrong Materials

The materials you choose for your roof should be compatible with the rest if you need to replace a section of your roof. Using incompatible materials can lead to leaks, damage, and other issues.

Don’t Hesitate to Contact Trusted Roofing Contractors

By doing these small things, you can improve the safety and condition of your roof in the long run. Having your roof inspected by a professional regularly is also an excellent idea to ensure it is in good condition. Taking time to prepare your roof can be intimidating, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for any assistance or concerns.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact The Roof Mentors, a roof repair company that is available for any questions.

A house with a green roof and a hole in it requires roof replacement.
By The Roof Mentors Roof Repair 0 Comments

Most Common Roofing Problems That Require Immediate Attention

At the end of the day, you want to come back home knowing it’s safe and comfortable while your roof protects you, are we right? But, unfortunately, like other parts of your home, your roof can run into problems. While some issues are due to aging, others could be due to poor maintenance or weather conditions. These problems can be small and easy to fix, or they can be extensive and costly. Also, some of these problems can carry health and safety hazards to your home, and you need to deal with them as soon as they occur.

Therefore, if you’re experiencing any of the following problems with your roof, it’s important to address them immediately to avoid significant damage.

The Appearance of Water Leakage

If you’re experiencing a water leak, you must immediately reach out your local roofing contractor. A water leak is one of the most common indications of a roofing problem that needs repair. The leak may be hidden within the roof structure or inside the walls, where you wouldn’t expect to see it. If you notice any signs of leakage inside your house, it could mean that the shingles are damaged or cracked or that the flashing is damaged. However, there could be other possible explanations for the leak. Therefore, it’s crucial to contact a professional roofer who can provide more detailed explanations and investigate the cause of the problem.

The Formation of Moss Growth

Your roof is constantly exposed to external elements, and it can easily become a breeding ground for mold and fungus if there are any areas where water can sit. This might be under raised shingles, on a flat roof, or even inside the structure if there is a leak. Moss and mold commonly grow on roof shingles, especially in the areas between shingles where spores can gather. In humid climates, moss can grow to be several inches thick. This stored water can seep underneath shingles and soak through the protective underlayment before reaching the wooden roof deck, potentially causing the mold growth in ceilings and walls if left untreated. Not only can this growth damage your roof, but it also poses a serious health risk.

Granules Are Filling Your Gutter

There are a few purposes for granules, including protecting against UV rays, equipping fire resistance, and providing the aesthetic aspect of your shingles. However, if you notice granules falling off your roof, this is a sign that the shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan since shingles shed their granules due to age and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, shingles deterioration could be a sign that you need to replace your roof, or there could be more underlying issues.

Indication of Dropping Roof

A drooping roof is a sign of structural damage. There are various reasons why this could happen, such as incorrect roof installation or poor ventilation, making your roof more susceptible to heat and changing shape.

Don’t Neglect Roof Problems. Start Repairing

There are a number of roofing problems that can arise and require immediate attention. Just like the explanation above, some of the most common include leaks, missing or broken shingles, and moss or algae growth. If you notice any of these issues on your roof, it’s important to take immediate action to address them.

Since a local roofing contractor is always the right solution for your roofing needs, if you live in the Raeford area, contact The Roof Mentors, the most trusted Raeford roofing company. Our goal is to help those in our community have a safe and protected home in this Raeford weather. Therefore, if you are considering getting a new roof or need repairs or maintenance, our friendly team is here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach us.

A roofing contractor performing roof replacement using a torch.
By The Roof Mentors Roof Repair 0 Comments

Why Choose a Professional Over a DIY Roof Repair?

We hope you’re one of the responsible homeowners who understand that roofs need care. But we also hope you’re reading this to decide if climbing to the roof and repairing it yourself is a good idea.

DIY roof repairs aren’t necessarily a bad idea. Yet you must know your limits. Or something from the list below might happen.

You Might Fall Off the Roof

There’s no need to sugarcoat things. Roofing is a dangerous job. If you aren’t a professional roofer, you shouldn’t do more than replace a missing shingle and clean gutters.

Some people forget that falling off the roof isn’t something that happens only in movies. Even pros sometimes take the wrong step and ruin their health. So if you don’t have to do it yourself, our advice is to call your roofer, especially if your insurance covers the damage.

You Might Pick Wrong Materials

Another mistake that happens during DIY roof repairs is using the wrong materials. People read stuff on forums without realizing that they live in a different climate. Or try to save money by using random shingles they find in their garages. Some homeowners put used shingles on their homes because it seemed like they’d work.

Don’t do that.

Even if you decide to replace a couple of shingles on your own, find the exact same model. Or call your roofer. It’s always best to pick someone local who has experience with North Carolina weather.

You Will Make Mistakes With Flashings

Everyone fears leaks. Yet some people approach flashing replacement like they aren’t a big deal. We’ve seen many poorly installed flashings in Dunn, NC. Most of them were DIY replacements, but it happens to some pros that they don’t seal everything properly.

So if you don’t have experience with flashings, please, don’t try to replace or repair them. There’s almost 100% that you won’t do a flawless job. And water finds its way under everything less than perfect.

You’ll Think You’re Nailing it; But Your Home Will Just Get Hammered

Replacing one or two missing shingles is a simple DIY roof repair, so we understand if you’re tempted to give yourself a go and nail those shingles to the roof.

However, the technique matters. You can’t just put 50 nails in a shingle; it’s not an old leather shoe. You can’t put 4 random nails either.

Your location determines the type of shingles your roofer recommends and the technique they use to install them. In Dunn, NC, rain and strong winds aren’t rare. So if you add new shingles without using the proper nails, technique, or nailing pattern – the repair will be for your eyes only (at best).

You Probably Postpone Problems, Not Resolve Them

Sorry for the pun(s) above.

For your eyes only means that your DIY roof repair might be simply masking the problem. Of course, if you have some experience, and the problem isn’t big, go ahead and bond with your kids or friends. But if you feel that reading blogs and watching roof repairs on YouTube isn’t enough, save yourself from trouble.

There are better ways to bond than replacing rusted flashings. Let us, the reliable local roofing experts from Dunn, NC take care of your roof. You’ll be sure it’s in perfect condition (and you’ll be sure you won’t fall from your roof).

The Gutter Masters is a gutter cleaning and roof installation company in San Diego, California.
By The Roof Mentors Gutters • Roof Repair 0 Comments

5 Unexpected Dangers of Clogged Gutters

Life in Raeford, NC, is beautiful. Yes, summers are hot, and rain can be annoying. But at least winters aren’t like the one from the Game of Thrones. In Raeford, most people don’t brace themselves before the winter comes.

And that’s a big mistake because Raerofd gets rain every month (and some snow during the coldest part of the year).

We won’t talk about the importance of a healthy roof. You know you need to replace a roof that leaks more than the colander. We’ll focus on gutters. People neglect them, which leads to the terrifying things you’ll see below.

Clogged Gutters Are Like a Fuse Around Your Home

Most people don’t think about this… Homeowners connect gutters only with rain and water. But another element is known to take advantage of neglected gutters.

“Fire!”

Yes. Dry leaves, twigs, granules from damaged shingles… All of that is perfect for catching a spark. However, it’s not very often that a fire starts in the gutters. So if that disaster doesn’t make you clean your gutters, the next one surely will.

How Much Faith in Your Foundations Do You Have?

Gutters are there to escort water away from your house. If they’re clogged during heavy rain, overflows are inevitable. Sometimes walls crack because of that much water. However, that’s not very often.

You’ll probably notice that paint peels at some places long before they crack (address that problem on time, so you don’t have to deal with serious issues later).

But… Even though seeing cracks in the walls of your home may seem scary, that’s not the cause of the problem. Walls cracks usually happen when the foundation of a house suffers water damage (or your roof leaks a lot).

Soil and concrete around the house absorb water and put pressure on the foundation. That’s where the real problem is. Yet, water damage on foundation walls is sneaky. People who never go to their basements don’t notice it on time. That’s why we suggest inspecting your whole house after every storm (especially if you had overflows).

Because if you don’t… You might get a free swimming pool. But it won’t make any of your neighbors jealous.

Do You Plan to Turn Your Basement into a Swimming Pool?

So let’s recap.

Clogged gutters can’t take water away from the house. That leads to overflows. And thanks to simple physics, water has nowhere to go but down. As you already know, that tests your foundation.

But if there’s too much water, your basement could flood even if your foundations were fine before that. Note that we used were fine instead of are fine because once your basement floods, you can expect water damage on your foundation.

Would You Like to Pay For Sidewalk Repairs?

We know you’re a good person who gives to charity and cares about people around you. But would you do your community a favor and pay for the new sidewalk in front of your house?

Yes. Not cleaning your gutters can cost you that much.

Concrete absorbs water. And water creates more space every time it passes. That’s how canyons are made over millennia. Yet, concrete is much softer than rocks, so it doesn’t take 10 million years to erode and crack.

Fascia Boards Aren’t Diamonds, Wood Isn’t Forever

We know that all those gutter scenarios are scary. Those are all serious issues. And they don’t happen all the time (but they aren’t rare either).

Still, leave all that debris in your gutters, and you’ll notice water damage on your roof. Wooden fascia boards are the first to suffer. Wood absorbs water and widens. That makes it crack, and as the board dries, it shrinks, which makes the paint peel (and widens the cracks).

Then because problems don’t come alone, you’ll start noticing other roof issues. And almost all of that could be prevented by showing your roof enough care.

So… Do what you can for your roof. Call the experienced Redford, NC roofer to do the rest. Even if your roof is new, letting pros inspect it once a year would make you sleep peacefully during storms.

How Does Summer Affect Your Roof 4 Summer Roofing Issues to Watch Out For
By The Roof Mentors Roof Repair • Roofing Tips 0 Comments

How Does Summer Affect Your Roof: 4 Summer Roofing Issues to Watch Out For

Summer is all fun and games until you notice one of the most common summer roofing issues. You hopefully won’t face any of the 4 problems we’ve listed below. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so pay attention. It may save you a lot of money, time, and nerves.

 

Don’t Become a Playground for Mold

The roof vent is one of the most crucial parts of the house. If your ventilation doesn’t work perfectly, your attic can become a playground for mold. High temperatures and humidity are perfect conditions for mold development, especially if you keep your living area cool. That creates a temperature difference which additionally speeds up the growth of the mold.

Other issues caused by poor ventilation aren’t that dangerous, but life is still simpler without them. A moist attic will make metal parts of your roof rust. All that moisture can even cause problems in the interior of your home. Peeling paint and high temperatures in the house are the most common.

 

Sun Will Try to Make Your Roof Crack

The hottest period of the year in Fayetteville, NC, is between late May and mid-September. The average temperature is 83°F, and the UV index is 7. A couple of months under such conditions (combined with high humidity and a lot of rain) is a big test for your roof.

Shingles may bend and crack if your coating is older than your kids. That might seem irrelevant, but it makes other parts of the roof vulnerable, which leads to leaking. However, leaks are more likely to occur in other elements.

 

Water vs. Roof Valleys And Flashings

July, August, and September are the months with the most rain in Fayetteville, NC, so summer is a big test for roof valleys and flashings. The most common water-related problem is leaking. You may not notice it until water starts dripping through the attic to your bedroom.

Even tiny imperfections in roof valleys can create space for water to accumulate. The longer the water stays there, the more serious the damage will be. However, flashings are even more vulnerable to water damage. If you don’t check flashings for signs of rust and small cracks, water will use them to penetrate your home.

 

Fayetteville Summer Winds May Move Shingles

Even though winds aren’t extreme during the summer, it’s always good to check your shingles. If you don’t do it, the wind will. Loose shingles may fall out and create a way for water to get in touch with less durable parts of your roof, such as the roof sheathing.

And don’t think that you can ignore a couple of missing shingles. They can cause one of the most common roofing problems – the domino effect. The more shingles go missing, the more serious the damage (and expenses) becomes. That’s why replacing your roof during summer can also be a great idea. But don’t neglect the weather forecast and choose a contractor who doesn’t miss deadlines.

 

Don’t Risk Getting a Summertime Sadness

Summer can be the fun part of the year or the time you’d love to forget. That largely depends on the condition of your roof. Common problems such as cracks, leaks, and moist-related issues aren’t difficult to avoid. Check all parts of your roof regularly.

And if you want to be 100% sure nothing can surprise you, call experienced roofers in Fayetteville, NC, to conduct an inspection. We’ll warn you about potential problems and suggest solutions. That will let you sleep peacefully regardless of the UV index or rainstorms.

A house with a rain gutter and the words the roofing masters.
By The Roof Mentors Roof Repair • Roofing Tips 0 Comments

Is Your Fayetteville Roof Ready for the Spring Rains?

For a lot of people, springtime is their favorite time of the year. The weather gets nicer, days are longer and warmer, and there are more outdoor activities. But along with all the good things springtime has to offer, there are some downsides, as well – especially for your roof. 

And in the Fayetteville area, this usually means rainy days, afternoon showers, thunderstorms, or a sudden rain that pops out from nowhere. So, when it comes to your home, you need to protect it from heavy weather conditions, meaning you have to keep the rain outside where it belongs. 

Even one small tear on your roof could lead to a hole that keeps leaking every time it rains, and this could lead to long-term water damage. 

That's why you need to make sure your roof is ready for the spring rains! 

But don’t worry, it’s not so stressful if you do it right. The Roof Mentors are here with some useful advice.

Why Inspecting Your Roof Matters

The two most important parts of your home are its foundation and its roof. Your roof is what defends your house from rain, making sure it stays nice and dry. Therefore, you should never ignore a problem with your roof. 

Even if there is just a small leak or if you see dampening stains on the inside of your house, it’s best to take care of it immediately because the problem won’t go away on its own – you have to take care of it. 

DIY home improvement is not a bad thing, but we advise you to always call the pros when you see the need for repair work because one bad DIY repair job could potentially lead to the need for a brand-new roof. 

Count Your Shingles

Okay, you don’t really need to count the exact number. However, you do have to check your roof to see if all of the shingles are in place and in good condition. This is probably the most important part of your roof. If you see a shingle or two missing, don’t ignore this issue. Have them replaced immediately. 

Otherwise, there could be a domino effect. If one shingle falls off because of the rain and heavy winds, the next time it rains, another one could fall off – or even a dozen at once. Before you know it, entire sections of the roof could be gone, and you could be looking at some major repairs. 

Make Sure There Are Plenty of Granules

As the years go by, your asphalt shingles will see signs of usage. If they are close to being worn out, you will most likely notice a lack of granules on them. Shingles need the texture of granules to provide your roof with adequate protection. Not just from the rain but also from hail, sun exposure, possible fires, and wind. 

This shingle wear and tear is the result of normal weathering, which is something beyond your control. What you can control, on the other hand, is how serious the issue will become. In other words, you should always address it quickly. 

In addition to that, when granules fall off, the problem usually spreads across groups of shingles. This is why homeowners replace them in bulk instead of doing micro repairs on one shingle at a time. 

Be Responsible and Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

A strong roof means a safe house. You can actually enjoy the rainy season if your roof is ready. In order to do that, run a preliminary inspection of your roof, and if you see anything potentially damaged, forget about DIY repairs. You don’t want to risk your safety by climbing the roof and doing repairs on your own.

Instead, call the experts!

The Roof Mentors are your best choice when it comes to roofing repair Fayetteville NC. Give us a call and we will gladly help you out with advice or an on-site inspection of your roof. And if there is any work that has to be done on your roof, we will take care of it quickly and efficiently, so you can relax.

An image of a tree on the roof of a house showcasing the need for roof replacement.
By The Roof Mentors Roofing Tips • Insurance Claims • Roof Repair 0 Comments

Here’s What to Do When Wind Damages Your Roof

Have you recently been hit by a storm?

Severe storms accompanied by high winds and heavy rain can be hazardous, so if you are concerned that your roof has sustained storm damage, you need to act quickly to prevent injuries and further damage. Every hour after the storm counts and makes a difference in the scope of the overall damage and repair cost.

Wind usually presents the biggest challenge for poorly installed roofs and roofs that have already been damaged, but it is known to affect even the most durable roofing systems. Strong winds blowing at around 60 mph can lift the shingles from your roof, cause the gutters to rip, or cause trees to fall on your house.

And when this happens, there are some crucial steps you should take to prevent long-term damages and safety risks. Read on to find out what they are!

 

Ensure Your Own Safety

The first thing you need to do during and after a storm is to make sure you and your family are safe. Stay away from trees, exposed wires, power lines, and structures that seem unstable. Be mindful of any other things that could create an unsafe environment, and make sure not to go outside or do any work until the storm has fully passed.

 

Inspect Your Roof 

Once the weather is clear and only when it’s safe to do so, you can go outside to check for any obvious damages around your home and on your roof. Look around for missing shingles, any holes and dents, pieces of stripped flashing, and similar damages. Make sure to do all this safely from the ground, without climbing on top of the roof and risking injuries. 

In addition to that, check if the gutters have become loose, dented, or completely torn away. While outside, you can also remove the debris around your house, but in no case should you remove a fallen tree. In such an event, make sure to call emergency services and a licensed roofing company.

You can assess and document all the damage you’ve noticed by taking photos and videos of the affected areas, which can come in handy when filing your insurance claim.  

 

Avoid Storm Chasers

In the aftermath of a severe storm, there is a great chance that you’ll be visited or approached by the so-called storm chasers. Storm chasers are exactly what you’d think and what their name suggests – roofing contractors who show up wherever a storm occurs, offering speedy and often cheap roofing services. 

However, these out-of-town roofers are not who you would want working on your roof, as they usually lack skill, proper training, knowledge, or even the will to do proper, quality roofing work. 

Therefore, it’s always best to steer clear of them and rely on your local roofers who have your best interest and safety at heart.

 

Contact Your Roofer and the Insurance Company

Now it’s time to get a professional inspection from your trusted local roofer and start the insurance claims process. 

Wind damage is usually covered under your homeowner’s insurance, but check your insurance policy just in case and contact your insurance provider to report the wind damage your roof has suffered. 

You will then have to gather all the needed documentation to file your claim and the insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to inspect the damage. You can also employ the help of your roofer throughout this entire process if they offer assistance with roofing insurance claims and let them help you file your claim successfully.  

 

The Roof Mentors Are at Your Disposal

If you need any type of help with wind damage repair or your insurance claim, The Roof Mentors are here to help! We offer complete roofing and roof insurance Fayetteville services, ensuring that everything goes as smoothly as possible. 

With us in your corner, your roof will be in top shape and your insurance claim approved in no time. So, call us today and increase your chances of resolving wind damage quickly and efficiently!

7 Major Benefits of Timely Roof Repairs
By The Roof Mentors Roof Repair 0 Comments

7 Major Benefits of Timely Roof Repairs

Your roof is one of the most important features of your home, and as such, it requires regular care and maintenance. After all, its primary purpose is to protect you from the severe outside elements, and if it isn’t up to par, it can no longer do its job properly.

If your roof has suffered any type of damage, whether from leaks, fallen tree branches, or extreme conditions, it’s of the utmost importance to call in a professional contractor ASAP to help you avoid further deterioration.

Timely repairs can save you lots of money in the years to come, but that’s not all! There are many other benefits to regular roof repair, and below, we’ve rounded up the biggest ones.

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