Not only can a rain barrel help lower your water bills, but it helps the environment by conserving water and reducing the amount of pollution draining into our streams and rivers. One inch of rainfall in a 24-hour period can result in as much as 700 gallons of water running off your Portland Oregon roofing.

You can buy a commercially manufactured rain barrel, or make one yourself out of a large garbage can or other container. All you need is a gutter with a downspout, a screen or lid to keep out debris, and a spigot to access the water. Gravity does the rest of the work for you.

Here are some tips for effectively harvesting the rain runoff from your Portland Oregon roofing:

Mosquito prevention. Keep all openings in the barrel secure to prevent mosquitoes from entering. As a preventative, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water every season. There are also non-toxic mosquito prevention products available for rain barrels.

Proper drainage. If your rain barrel has an overflow valve, make sure the water drains away from any buildings and does not flow onto any sidewalks, driveways, patios or neighboring properties.

Safety. Keep the screen or lid on your barrel secure so kids and pets can’t fall in. Do not drink, cook or bathe with the water collected in your rain barrel.

Many experts recommend using a rain barrel, from environmentalists to roofers. Portland, OR receives plenty of rainfall every year, so why not make the most of it?

Find instructions for making your own rain barrel.

[ photo by: krossbow ]

Share It

Hide Sites

While it may seem odd at first glance, the concept of rooftop gardening has caught on in Portland as well as other communities around the nation. Some communities even require a certain percentage of new construction to have green roofs.

Benefits of Portland Roof Gardens

Even if you have space on the ground to garden, a green roof can provide a number of personal and environmental benefits, including:

• Longer roof life. A covering of plants helps protect the roof from damaging UV radiation, extreme fluctuations in temperature and other physical damage. Some Portland Oregon roofing companies say a green roof can last three times as long as a traditional one.
• Reduced heating and cooling costs. Roof gardens help insulate your home, often resulting in smaller heating and cooling bills.
• Protection from critters. If you live in an area where your garden is plagued by deer, rabbits, moles or other ground-based critters, growing plants on the roof is a great way to keep these nuisances out.
• Less rain runoff. A roof garden can reduce the rate and volume of rain runoff from your roof, storing the water for later use by the plants. It’s an environmental win-win.

Rooftop Gardening Tips

If you’re interested in creating a rooftop garden but aren’t sure how it might affect your Portland roofing, consult a professional roofer. Portland, OR is currently home to several successful green roofs, and there are plenty of local resources available to help you get started. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

• Rooftop conditions. If you’re in an urban area and surrounded by tall buildings, your roof may sit in the shade for much of the day. Conversely, if your roof receives a lot of direct sunlight, it could get much hotter up there than at ground level. These are important things to keep in mind when selecting plants.
• High winds. Roof gardens tend to receive higher winds than gardens on the ground, which can dry out your plants. Consider choosing drought-tolerant plants, as these tend to do well in roof gardens.
• Watch your weight. When choosing containers for your garden, go for lighter materials to reduce the strain on your Portland Oregon roofing – choose plastic instead of terra cotta, for example. If you decide to enhance your garden with large rocks, use false rocks made from fiberglass composite instead of the real thing.

[ photo by: pnwra ]

Share It

Hide Sites

This onerous Portland roofing repair should be performed at least twice a year, although some Portland roofing companies recommend doing it more often if you have a lot of trees in your yard. Pressure washers or gutter cleaning wands can make the job easier by using water pressure to force the debris out, or you can do it the old-fashioned way with a ladder and a pair of gloves.

Following are some gutter cleaning tips to help ensure your Portland roofing repair is done safely and efficiently:

Practice good ladder safety. Gutter-cleaning accidents are common, as it’s easy to slip or lose your balance while scooping out handfuls of muck. Lean the top of the ladder against your house – never against the gutter system itself, as the gutters will buckle under the weight. Make sure the base is on solid, level ground, with no mud or grease under its feet. A good rule of thumb is for every four feet of height, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the house.

Wear thick, sturdy gloves. Mold and bacteria can accumulate inside clogged gutters, so it’s important to protect yourself from exposure.

Remove debris. A garden trowel, kitchen spatula, gutter scoop or your gloved hands all work for scooping out the debris. Be careful not to overextend yourself by trying to clean farther than you can safely reach.

Clean the downspout. Before rinsing the gutter, check the downspout for clogs by running a garden hose into it and slowly turning on the water. A clogged downspout can be cleared with a plumbers snake, but be gentle, as the aluminum can be easily bent or damaged.

Rinse the gutter. Once the downspout is clean, flush the gutter with a garden hose, working toward the drain outlet. Take note of any leaks, and mark the locations with chalk so you can caulk them after the gutter dries.

Cleaning the gutters is something no homeowner looks forward to, but Portland Oregon roofing companies agree that it’s an essential part of your home’s regular maintenance.

[ photo by: raybdbomb ]

Share It

Hide Sites

While annual roof inspections are commonly advised within the industry, many Portland Oregon roofing companies suggest increasing the frequency to every four or five months due to the city’s heavy rainfall and abundant tree growth. You can perform the inspection yourself or hire a professional roofer; Portland, OR roofers can do the job safely and efficiently, and they know what to look for.

Following are some tips for performing a DIY roof inspection:

1. Check for leaks.

Begin your inspection on the inside of your home. Walk through the entire building and examine the ceilings and walls for any indications of leaking. Pay particular attention to any rooms that aren’t frequently used, such as the attic or other storage areas. Note any odd smells that may indicate the presence of mildew or wet drywall. Look for:

• Water spots.
• Soft or sagging spots in the ceiling.
• Dampness on the ceiling or walls.
• Mold or mildew growth.
• Seams in the ceiling where drywall tape may be peeling.

2. Examine shingles for damage.

Next, climb onto your roof to examine the shingles. Be sure to follow the roof safety practices recommended by Portland Oregon roofing companies. Look for:

• Algae growth, which appears as dark streaks and can indicate other roofing problems.
• Buckled or curling shingles, which indicate inadequate roof ventilation, a condition that can cause your roof to wear out prematurely.
• Granule loss, which occurs with age and exposure to extreme weather and indicates a weakening of the roof.

If you find any of the above, consult a Portland, OR roofer.

3. Inspect the flashing.

Flashing is the metal strips that seal the gaps around chimneys, skylights, valleys, and any other rooftop equipment, preventing water from seeping under the shingles. Damaged flashing is a common site for roof leaks, which means fixing it is a critical Portland roof repair that should be addressed promptly.

4. Note any pooling or moss growth.

Pooling is a sign of poor roof drainage, which can lead to early roof demise and other structural damage to your home. If you find signs of pooling, contact a roof repair professional to discuss improving the drainage.

Look for signs of moss, as well, which can shorten the lifespan of your roof. Moss growth usually begins at the top of the vertical spaces between a roof’s shingles, which is the last place water evaporates.

If you find any signs of damage to your roof during your inspection, don’t hesitate to contact a professional roofer. Portland, OR homes need all the protection from rain they can get.

[ photo by: Mark F. Levisay ]

Share It

Hide Sites

Insurance
One of the first things a homeowner may think when imagining a tree falling on their roof is, “Oh, the insurance company will take care of that.” The truth is that many home insurance policies may not cover such an event, especially if a home does not have an additional hazard policy. Roofing professionals have seen many instances of insurance companies denying claims because the type of damage caused by the tree was not specifically covered in the insurance policy. Insurance companies may also state the damage was a result of negligence on the homeowner’s behalf. By talking to your insurance agent, you can know for sure if your homeowner’s policy covers damage to your home if a tree falls onto it.

Prevention
A good way to avoid having a tree fall onto your home is to make sure that all the nearby trees are cared for and pruned. Doing so can make them healthy enough to withstand a storm. Planting trees far from the home can also lessen the chances of them crashing into your home in the event that they do fall.

If the unthinkable does happen, making sure your family is safe by moving them out of the home to a safe location (like a neighbor’s house) should be your first priority. Then, contact your insurance company and a local roofing professional. Many Portland roofing companies are willing to work directly with your insurance company, making the ordeal easier for you.

[ photo by: Shannon Kringen ]

Share It

Hide Sites

What to Look for in a Warranty

Coverage Offered
Read the fine print that accompanies a roofing warranty to see which parts of a roof installation and materials are protected. For example, a warranty may state it will not cover damage to a home as a result of a leaky roof. Instead, the warranty may only cover the costs to fix the leak. A warranty may also state that the manufacturer will not cover the labor costs associated with a roof repair, it will only cover a certain percentage of the labor expenses or it may only cover manufacturer defects. Homeowners should also learn if the warranty provides substitute materials if the current roofing materials are discontinued in the future.

Responsibility
An ideal roofing warranty will state that the manufacturer is the party responsible when there is a roofing claim. Although warranties stating that the roofing contractor is the responsible party may look attractive, there is no guarantee that the contractor will be in business when you need a future roof repair. A contractor should offer a separate craftsmanship warranty to guarantee the quality of the services provided.

Homeowner Responsibilities
While roof warranties can offer a significant amount of protection, it is up to a homeowner to holdup his end of the bargain. Homeowners should always follow through with regular roof inspections and maintenance. Not doing so can void a roof warranty. Additionally, placing items on a roof, such as a satellite dish, can void a warranty.

When considering what type of roof to purchase, consider the quality of the materials, along with their cost and reliability in addition to the warranty offered.

[ photo by: Monik Markus ]

Share It

Hide Sites

Notice if the inspector is evaluating the condition of your roof just from ground level. Good Portland roofing contractors will actually get up on a building to inspect a roof close-up, paying close attention to every detail. There are only a few reasons that an inspector should be unwilling to climb onto a roof; these reasons may include:

• Visible damage that may make the roof too dangerous
• Moss, ice, snow or generally slick-looking surfaces that may pose a danger
• The roof’s peak is too steep or high to make accessing it safe
• The property owners have ordered the inspector to stay off the roof. If you are considering purchasing a home and the owners selling the property will not allow an inspector to get on top of a roof, this should raise concerns about the safety and quality of the roof.

When considering buying a property or replacing the roof on one you currently own, hiring a professional contractor to inspect the roof can save you thousands of dollars. A professional roofing inspector in Portland can provide you with an approximate time frame for the roof’s life expectancy and make you aware of roof damage you did not see. Knowing how long the current roof will last can also help you make a well-informed decision about replacing it or about purchasing a property.

[ photo: Francisco Antunes ]

Share It

Hide Sites

Metal roofing

Anchoring Screws

On a metal roof, the screws are one of the weakest points because they are not watertight. Screws on metal roofs generally have a rubber gasket around their head, and this gasket is where problems are first likely to appear. With natural the expansion and contraction of a metal roof, the hole the screw fits through will begin to enlarge. When properly installed, the gasket should loose enough to allow for some movement, but not be so that that it damages itself when roof expands and contracts.

Joints

The joints of metal roofs are the areas that receive the brunt of Mother Nature. Consequently, they are the first places to show signs of pitting, rusting and corrosion. Keep an eye out for signs of such damage when you inspect your roof, and make sure the damage is not working its way to the plywood under the metal roof.

Water Damage

By the time metal roof damage is visible on the outside of a home, the inside areas of the roof that you cannot see will most likely have experienced major water damage that will require extensive repair. Check the plywood on the underside of the roof for water damage on a regular basis so you can catch any problems before they grow. Signs of water damage include dark rings, spots that are soft to the touch, visible mold and rot on the plywood.

If you suspect damage to any part of your metal roof, do not hesitate to call a professional Portland roofing contractor soon. The longer you wait to repair your metal roof, the more expensive the repairs will cost.

[ photo by: One-Fat-Man ]

Share It

Hide Sites

Roofing professionals often perform inspections, but many homeowners perform the task themselves. For those that choose this route, roof safety is paramount. There are dangers associated with a DIY roof inspection, and making the wrong move can land you in the hospital or worse. The following are a few ideas for the layperson to keep in mind to ensure safety during a roof inspection:

• Have a buddy. Emergency personnel and professional roofers alike never recommend being alone while on a roof. Many homeowners are seriously injured while working on roofs every year, and these injuries can be life threatening if you do not have another person around. A buddy can help spot you and contact emergency services if something goes wrong, so grab your spouse or a friendly neighbor.
• Own the right tools. The most important tool you need is a ladder. If your ladder is not tall enough to extend past the edge of your roof by a foot or two, do not use it. When setting the ladder up to get on your roof, plant it firmly on solid ground at an angle that is not too steep. If the angle is too steep, there is a potential for falling over backwards while climbing it. Also, it is a good idea to have your spotter keep the ladder firmly on the ground while you’re climbing on it.
• Consider the steepness of your roof. Flat roofs and ones that are not steep are relatively simple to inspect. If your roof is too steep, you should definitely contact a roofing professional to help you. The best way to tell if your roof is too steep is by listening to your gut. If you feel any anxiety at all about the slope of your roof, call a pro.
• Wear the right shoes. If your shoes do not provide sufficient traction, you may slip off the roof. Tennis shoes are generally recommended because they have a good grip and a relatively soft sole that will help lessen damage to the roof when you walk on it.
• Know thy roof. When you are considering inspecting your roof, make sure you know what type of materials make up your roof. Some materials, like terracotta or slate, are extremely fragile and can crack or shatter under your weight, causing damage to the roof. Wood, composite or metal roofs are less  likely to be damaged by walking on them.
• Always call a professional if you do not feel comfortable on a roof. No matter how many instructions or articles you read about inspecting a roof, there is no match for personal ability and confidence. It is not worth the anxiety and possible injuries you can receive by being on a roof if you do not feel comfortable doing so just to save some time or an extra buck. Keep in mind that good Portland roof contractors will provide roof inspections free of charge.

[ photo by: Nathaniel Robertson ]

Share It

Hide Sites

Asbestos in the Home

Only qualified inspectors can tell you if there is asbestos currently in your home. If you own a home built before the 1990s, and are considering a remodeling project, consider hiring an inspector to check the materials before removing them to see if there is a risk to you and your family. Inspections are especially important when replacing your roofing and attic insulation because the majority of asbestos-containing building materials for residential application are found here.

Asbestos Removal

The size of asbestos fibers are so small they can implant themselves into the skin and clothing, only to later be inhaled or imbibed unknowingly. When asbestos degrades, only a trained professional should remove the substance. If there is asbestos in your home, and the building material is in good condition, the safest option is to have a professional coat it with a special substance that will seal the harmful asbestos fibers as the material ages. Professional contractors trained in the removal of asbestos wear specialized clothing and respirators designed to keep the fibers off their bodies and out of their lungs. They can also take measure to prevent asbestos fibers from contaminating your home during the removal process.

When it comes down to it, dealing with asbestos is not a DIY project that a homeowner should take care of on her own. If you are concerned about the possibility of having roofing materials made from asbestos, have your roof inspected by a Portland roofing contractor.

[photo: Aaron Suggs]

Share It

Hide Sites