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Your roof is your shield against harsh weather conditions and you want to take good care of it so that it protects your home from external adversities. In winters snow and ice can turn out to be real menace because if proper care is not taken, they may end up spoiling your roof and home interiors. Getting the right roof is the first step in the attempt to safeguard your home in winters. So how do you know what is right for you? The safest bet in this regard would be to engage a professional roofing NJ contractor. He is the one person who can guide you through selecting the right roofing material for your home and help you base your choice on some strong factors. He will make suggestions according to where you live, what your personal preferences are and what is the budget that you are looking at.

Roofing does not end with installing the roof and forgetting about it. If you stay in Montgomery County then by now you should have faced chilling winters where your entire house gets buried under snow. All the snow must have caused a lot of inconvenience especially if you are away from home and cannot do anything to get the situation under control. Talking to a roofing Montgomery County PA contractor can help you to a great extent. With roofing knowledge and good experience, he would be in a better position to advice on what kind of actions should be implemented when you are facing serious problems because of merciless winters.

The state of Pennsylvania being in the north faces extreme winter conditions. Heavy snowfall is not new to this state and if you don’t take proactive measures to tackle the situation, you may end up paying a lot in getting a new roof installed. Hiring the right roofing Bucks county PA contractor can save you a lot of money in the long run. As he knows how winters can damage a house roof, he will install the roof preparing it to face winter at its peak. Before getting the roof installed, it is always advisable to talk to the contractor in person as he will understand what your concerns are and you will understand how he plans to address those concerns using his skill, team of workers and knowledge about roofs.

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Gutter maintenance made easy for you

Every place where people dwell needs regular cleaning and keeping the surroundings clean is mandatory. After all, you wouldn’t want to get affected with various air-borne and water-borne diseases which can make you terribly sick. The gutter and water flushing system especially should be flawless and should be free of debris and slush. Sometimes heavy rain can fill up your gutter with water and the entire gutter over flows and can make your home look very shabby. It becomes a good breeding place for mosquitoes and other insects. If you wish to avoid all this and keep your home free from diseases, then gutter maintenance is quite important. Many people do not come forward to clean their gutters and they might handover the job to gutter maintenance and cleaning services. But those who wish to save money and ensure that their gutters are free of debris can use simple techniques that save time yet wash away filth.

Usually dry leaves from trees fall into gutters and they block the water from running down into the main drain. These leaves are great hurdles and they lead to water stagnation and gutter cleaning becomes a herculean task. That slush can release a filthy smell and you just cannot tolerate it. You can use a long pressure washer that forces the leaves down into the gutter and then you can collect the debris in a sack. If gutter cleaning is neglected, you might have to look at gutter replacement options which will make you shell out money. If you have a small gutter it is all the more easy to clean and you can scoop up the debris from it. To prevent further clogging of your gutters, use gutter screens and keep them clean from leaves and dirt.

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Many home owners wait until something goes wrong with the roof during the winter season to get the repair done. This can be avoided with a few things kept in mind and a little bit of care. It is always advisable to start the roof inspection during the autumn season before the winter arrives to avoid all the unnecessary complications. By performing the pre-winter maintenance required by the roof, one can save lots of money that is further spent in the roof repair during the winter season.

The first step would be the removal of all the debris from the roof. This can be easily done with the help of leaf blower. Once you complete the debris removal, perform a thorough roof inspection to find out if there are any minor cracks or damages as these would cause a great deal of damage in the future. This will also help to alleviate the need for expensive repairs as one can notice all the small problems at an earlier stage and can avoid unnecessary complications. Many number of times when home owners notice some leakage problem, they mistake it for plumbing problems whereas the fault lies with the roof itself. Once you complete the inspection, it is the time that you fill in the cracks that are identified. This can be done with the help of mastic. One has to make sure that they fill the cracks completely with the mastic from the starting point of the crack to the ending point to avoid any further leaks. However, if you feel that the repair is just getting too much, then it is advisable to go for the installation of a new roof.

Before one performs all these actions, one should not forget to prepare a perfect roofing estimate for the things to go well. Finally when all the cracks are sealed, one has to check the ridges and valleys of the home. Once you find any cracks, ensure that you fill them with mastic by ensuring that you do not clog the roofing tabs. With these few roofing tips before winter, one need not bother about the maintenance of the roof and can happily enjoy your winter season to the fullest.

To make sure that your roof fully qualifies for the incoming winter, schedule a professional roof inspection with our company.

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Roofing construction can become a disaster unless you accept the specialized assistance from a roofing contractor. Roof installation is an activity which is a collection of activities which are closely interconnected and if any one of the routines is not given it’s due attention, an entire strategy may go haywire. Being a home-owner when you’re deliberating on roof construction you’ve numerous issues hovering above your head. You have to plan for a financial budget, hire a professional, work out costs, look for the materials as well as whole lot of different endless things. In the middle of all of this you will possess simply no time remaining to ponder over the problem of roof installation. Even though you do, there are opportunities that you’ll miss out on the good details associated with roof construction and find yourself burning your pocket.

Roof construction requires skilled contractor care. Only a professional roofing professional recognizes what direction to go. An average roof structure application technique starts off by obtaining the truss in place. A truss is actually a skeleton like structure which supports the roof structure intact. The roofing contractor primary creates the truss and also the rafter. The rafter is actually the material which supports the truss. Once this is successfully done, nails will be fixed as well as the truss is installed. Then the roofing product is brought in position and in line with the structure the material is supposed to be laid, it is laid and constructed permanent. This is only the basic image and also there are several steps that can come in the middle. These kind of procedures are generally handled correctly only by a roof service provider. Some sub steps likewise require the help of a few people and that’s where the roof service provider gets his team to accomplish the entire process of roofing construction.

But before you get a roofing builder for roof installment there are a few precautions you need to remember. You have to talk about in detail with your builder regarding the prices involved in the project. Communication needs to be very clear and it has to exist in all the roof design and installation process. You should know of the sort of products getting used, the estimated time period for the completion of the installation and also the estimates which some other building contractors have to offer. After figuring out these facts you should go ahead with roofing installation.

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What are the benefits of metal roof?

Majority of people don’t have the understanding of metal roofing technology. It is really not that complicated. Metal roof is one of the best roofing materials available. It eco friendly, saves money, resistant to the elements and lasts longer.

A lot of people worry that metal roof has a higher chance of getting struck by a lightning because it is made out of metal. Metal roof does not increase the chances of getting struck by lightning. When a house with a metal roof indeed gets struck by a lightning, metal roof will dissipate the charge and the roof will not catch fire especially since it is made out of noncombustible material. Steel roof, a type of metal roof, is classified as the most fire safe type of roof available out there Metal roof is fire resistant. When comparing to other roofs, this one doesn’t make noise when it rains outside. It withstands the toughest abuse form bad weather and provides a desirable color.

Another great benefit of metal roof is that is its extremely durable. Once it is installed it lasts years to come. It is susceptible to rust and any dents. Extremely high winds will not dent any metal roof.

In today’s economy everyone wants to limit their spending. When it comes to buying a roof for the house, it really is a big purchase that costs a lot of money. Believe or not one can save some big bucks on a huge purchase such roofing is. One would think metal roof costs a lot of money but it really does not. There’s not a big gap between prices among roofs unless one plans on buying coal roof material which costs a fortune. Metal roof is a great investment because it is priced fairly the same as the rest of the roof types, and is super durable.

The cost of metal roof is indeed higher than an asphalt roof and that is because it requires professional application for installation, also metal roof is a premium product that does not deteriorate after installation. Metal roof automatically increases the value of a house.

Not only that it also saves money on cooling and heating costs. Up to 50 % of savings in energy costs during summer months and winter. It is a great insulator of heat and cold. Metal roof has a higher heart reflectivity than any other product. It makes buildings cooler in summertime, by reflecting away sunlight and reducing the heat transmitted into the building. In winter, it makes buildings warmer by reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the building. This amazing thermal reflectivity translates into energy savings by reducing heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. Everyone wants metal roof.

Metal roofs are completely walk-able, but running shoes are mostly recommended because they will provide good traction for feet when on the roof. Another fact about metal roof is that it is lighter than other types of roofs because it is made out of metal. Visit our metal roofing section if you want to find out more about metal roofing in your place in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

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Siding types – which one will fit you best

There are many types of siding available, each with its own distinctive look. Homeowners should consider the style and material that best suits not only their budget but also home’s architectural style. The most common types of siding material are as follows:

Vinyl Siding – Vinyl siding is affordable and durable. It can withstand any weather, form high temperatures to high winds. It is not susceptible to termites or rot, comes in variety of colors. Although it is moisture resistant but can trap moisture underneath it, which causes new set of problems. Vinyl is a PVC plastic, which means it can crack or fade but don’t have to. Also it should be washed at least once a year.

Wood Clapboard Siding -Is organic and sustainable, and can look simple and rustic or rich and sophisticated. Wood can provide you with a wealth of architectural style options, especially since there is so many types of wood to choose from such as redwood, fir, pine, cedar, spruce, larch and cypress. Each type offers its own unique qualities and varies in price.

Cedar  Shake Siding – can last up to 30 years, but need a relatively low maintenance every five years to prevent rot and mildew. Is made of cedar wood, shingles can be stained with variety of earthy colors. Staining minimizes peeling as opposed to painting. Shingle siding is natural, beautiful and most well-suited to northwest and northeast wooded environments.

Engineered Wood Siding – is also known as composite wood, come in inexpensive panels that are easy to install. Engineered wood is made from wood product mixed with other materials. Its stronger than real wood and also lighter. It comes ready to paint or pre-finished which helps to lower installation costs. This type of wood looks like real wood, it is cheaper, requires lower maintenance and is more resistant to all types of weather.

Seamless Steel Siding – Steel siding is extremely strong, will not rust, bulge, crack or chip. It is fire and bug resistant. Also, can be custom made and come in any color which can add a little bit more price to it, but a good investment always pays off. This type of siding is extremely durable and does not need much maintenance. Steel siding comes in any color.

Aluminum Siding –vinyl or aluminum siding is a low-cost, low-maintenance siding alternatives. Aluminum won’t crack like vinyl and is very durable. It is termite-proof, fire-proof and won’t rot. It can dent or require painting every once in a while but for the most part it is a great option for a low-budget siding option.

Stucco Siding – stucco has been used for centuries and is one of the oldest forms of siding. It can be finished in a many different ways (smooth, raked, swirled) to create different looks It can be also be sprayed on. Color can be added to the mix, or it can be painted. Mock stucco is made with synthetic materials and is lighter than real stucco. Real stucco will absorb moisture, but dries quickly. Genuine stucco is solid, hard, and more durable and water-resistant

Stone – Is often seen in commercial structures such as hotels and condo complexes. It is very expensive, elegant and sophisticated. It’s also one of the most durable building materials. Granite, slate, and other stones are beautiful and hardy, and can withstand weather extremes.

Brick and Brick Veneer Siding – Brick is extremely durable, doesn’t rot or fade or require painting. It can last a lifetime and won’t need a repair or maintenance. It is made from fired clay and comes in variety of attractive tones. Brick is also expensive but brick veneers are also available at a lower cost. Veneers are also fireproof and durable but won’t last as long as brick itself.

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Cedar shingle / shake

Cedar shake

Cedar shake roofing is a traditional type of a roof building material that has been used for hundreds of years. It comes in two varieties, shingles and shakes. A shake is much thicker than a shingle and is split to reveal the uneven natural grain of the wood on the face. A shingle has a uniform appearance and is smooth and tapered on both surfaces.

Cedar shake roofing creates such a distinct look that asphalt shingles or metal roof manufactures have entire product lines that try to mimic wood. People choose cedar shake roofs because they are very easy to install, look beautiful and repairing them is very simple. Cedar is naturally bug-resistant and provides great thermal protection. It’s not as efficient at reflecting the sun’s rays as a metal roof but it definitely can save some bucks on heating and cooling costs. For many homeowners, traditional cedar shakes roofing is attractive because it mellows to a silver-gray with exposure to the elements and time. Wood roofs are very resistant to any winds, hail, and storms. They have the highest impact resistance standards required by the insurance industries.

However wood roofs need maintenance and the help of chemicals to keep them healthy. They are commonly associated with moss growth. Fungus and mildew can be a problem in humid climates, in such case the wood roofs should be treated with a fungicide after the first year.

The most recent alternative to cedar shake roofing is composite shake roofing tiles. For many years traditional cedar shake roofing was the roofing material of choice for many homeowners. Lately people have been rethinking cedar shake roofing shingles because of the cost and fire safety, and have turned to composite shake roofing, which is available in many colors and styles that are easy to install and is less expensive. It is highly resistant to fire and is considered very safe. In fact, many states have required that shake roofs must be replaced with fire retardant treated shake roofs or composite roof tiles that resemble traditional cedar shake roofing materials.

Composite shake roofing does not require special tools for each shingle and are less expensive. They also appear very similar to wood shake roofing. Composite shake roofing is made of composite materials that resemble traditional cedar shakes. They are often indistinguishable from their wood counterparts and manufactured with wood grain and colors that are found on natural cedar shake roofing materials.

Traditional cedar shake roofing shingles need more attention during the process of installation and very often roofers need to custom shape each shingle to make sure it fits and matches the surrounding shingles. Composite shingles are placed on sheets which make it extremely easy and quick to install. They are readily available and easy for a homeowner to obtain for home roofing replacement project. The only disadvantage is that composite shake shingles don’t have a long product lives. Usually it lasts for approximately 20 to 30 years. However, they are considered very durable roofing material.

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Why choose a metal roof?

Metal roofing style

A metal roof outperforms any other roofing material. Metal roofing lasts longer, stands up to the elements, saves money and is better for the environment. Majority of people don’t have the understanding of metal roofing technology. Total Roofing makes it all crystal clear for those who want to learn more about metal roofing.

The most popular myths that people fall for is that a metal roof has a higher risk of getting struck by a lightning. Metal roof does not increase the chances of the house getting struck by a lightning. The truth is, when a house does get struck, metal roof will help to dissipate the charge and the roof will not catch fire since it is a noncombustible material. Steel roof is classified as a noncombustible roofing material and it is the most fire safe type of roof available out there. Also, a lot of people are worried that a metal roof will make noises when it rains. This is not valid because modern metal roofs are usually installed over a play wood, solid sheathing, or over already existing roof. Metal roofs shield the noise form rain and bad weather, and are much quieter than a non-metal roof.

Is a metal roof expensive? One would think metal roof costs a lot of money but it really does not. In the long run metal roof is a great investment, it will save homeowners a lot of money versus other roofing products. The cost of a metal roof can be substantially more than an asphalt roof. Two factors that contribute to such cost is as follows: it takes more skilled application for installation and metal roof is a premium product that doesn’t deteriorate as soon as it is installed. Not only will it increase the value of the house but will also save money on cooling costs, up to 50% of savings in energy costs during summer months. That’s because metal roof has a higher heat reflectivity than other roofing products. During the summer it makes buildings cooler by reflecting away sunlight and reducing the heat transmitted into the building. It makes buildings warmer in the winter by reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the building. This amazing thermal reflectivity translates into energy savings by reducing heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.

Metal roof is durable, once it is installed it lasts years to come. In addition, metal roof is susceptible to rust. Steel metal roofing has a metal coating protection layer made with aluminum or zinc, which is bonded to steel and then painted with high quality paint. It withstands the toughest abuse form bad weather and provides a desirable color.

Metal roof is susceptible to dents. Extremely high winds will not dent a metal roof; many metal roofing systems are rated for 120mph winds. Metal roofs are completely walk-able, but running shoes are mostly recommended because they will provide good traction for feet when on the roof. Rule of thumb is to avoid walking on the roof when it’s raining out. Stay off the roof whenever its surface is wet.

A lot of people ask if metal roof weighs more than asphalt/fiberglass shingles, the answer is no, metal roofs are significantly lighter than other types of roofs. They are 75% lighter than clay or concrete also weigh less than one-third of weight of asphalt/fiberglass shingles. Metal roofing is the modern type of a roof which with its innovative technology makes the life easier, better and safer.

If you need a professional advice or / roof replacement / re-roofing / new roof installation call our local roofing contractor: Total Roofing & Siding or just fill out the roofing contact form. Our personnel will contact you right away.  We offer free estimates and roof inspections!

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Your roof after heavy weather conditions

Trenton ChimneyThis winter brought unusually heavy snows to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, setting the stage for roofing jobs. Chris Szymkiewicz, president of Total Roofing & Siding says there are three main reasons his company gets a lot of calls. Ice damming is on the top of the list. Ice damming  appear where snow or ice blocks gutters and downspouts, causing water to pool or back up and very often find its way inside the building.  The best defense against ice damming, says Chris, is to install an ice and water guard. In another words you need a self-sticking waterproof membrane running up under the roof as much as 2 feet over the heated area of the shingles. “We also recommend our clients to increase roof insulation and ventilation to the attic area,” Chris says, because escaping heat can cause snow to melt. Calls sometimes also involve skylights problems. Proper flashing while roofing installation forestalls such complaints, except when rain leaks through the frame or around glass. Skylights are problematic, Chris says, but homeowners get used to daylight and are afraid to get rid of them. Where leaks develop as a result of a worn or faulty skylight unit, Total Roofing & Siding offers a skylight replacement. The third major reason of calls is improperly flashed chimneys, or chimneys needing re-pointing or other masonry work. But still, hidden leaks, are still the biggest problem with most leaks the result of improper flashing and nailing.

Trust only the best. Call Total Roofing & Siding today and ask for a free estimate. Total R&S is a local New Jersey roofing company serving roofing & siding services in NJ and PA.

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Hiring the right roofer

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New tile roof

There are many ways to not succeed a roof installation, but only one way to do it is right. We will present you most of the common mistakes and how to avoid them. Read these carefully:

  1. The first step and one of the most overlooked one is to only build in the right weather conditions. Roofing job should not be attempted under 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This is mostly due to safety reasons. You always need a dry working area, otherwise it can get very slippery. Always look at the roof before going up. Roofing in NJ is especially limited by the weather where dominate low temperatures and rain.  If it looks moist, stay away from it. If you find this to be harsh, try doing something else in the meantime, bring your roofing supplies closer, analyze what has been done so far, do some measurements, re-size the materials if needed. Only a part from a roof installation is actually done on the roof.
  2. Avoid walking on a fresh installed roof. This is critical when it comes to tile roofs or slate roofs. A professional roofer will avoid this at almost any cost, and will always have an escape route, which doesn’t affect the already installed portions of roof. This is a very good way to detect inexperienced roofers.  Even with metallic sheet roofs, this should be avoided, because although they are very unlikely to break, they can bend and can remain that way.
  3. Use a professional roof consultant. The amount you will pay, will probably be one of the best investments you ever made in your home improvement history. There are many hidden dangers that can affect the quality of your new roof. Getting your facts and priorities has proven time and time again an invaluable factor. Making an informed choice and getting a glimpse in what your future roof should look like is sometimes the best choice available and can save you the cost of many mistakes.
  4. Get the flashing right. Flashing is an important part in regards to a roof’s durability. A poorly made job can screw up an entire roof. This is not the most difficult task at hand, but it is crucial to get it right. First make sure you get the right supplies as the flashing metal must come in an appropriate size. Typically there are two ways of acquiring flashing overlapping and soldering. Soldering is the most difficult one to properly get it installed correctly. It is usually used for chimneys and low slopes. Get those corners right and make sure that water can’t leak from the chimney. If by any chance a contractor puts a strong emphasis on the underlayment you should have all the alarm bells ringing. A good roof may actually require no underlayment at all. It is a sign that the builder is not very confident in its own work. So please make sure that the overlapping is positive and that soldering jobs are done with the thermal contraction and expansion in mind. This also means that you should always do your flashing consistently, meaning that you should use the same metal on all the roof.
  5. Get the right roofing materials meaning that all the materials you buy should have just about the same durability. If you are building a slate roof designed to last 200 years, it is not very wise to use plywood which will stay for 20 years. On the other hand, if your intention is to build a roof with small durability as a temporary solution, plywood will do just fine. Nails are also very important. They can be easily overlooked and are seen by the contractors as a mean to cut costs. The problem is that you will get what you pay for. Go the extra mile and buy some decent nails or at least make sure that the contractor does.
  6. When dealing with New Jersey roofing contractors make sure that everything is specified in the contract. The type of material used down to every single detail, the time required and the payment options. Look carefully before you sign anything. This is extremely important as one you sign that contract you engage yourself in a very long and possible hard ride. Be careful and read everything.
  7. Stay away from inexperienced contractors. This is critical. Before you actually choose a contractor ask for a portfolio and some proof of their qualification, friends can be priceless as their advice based on experience can help you to quickly locate a good contractor. Total Roofing & Siding  is an expert in New Jersey roofing & siding installation. Call our toll free number 1-888-ROOF-908 or fill out the form to get a  free roofing or siding estimate or to discuss some roofing options. We install all types of roofing serving customers in New Jersey and Bucks County PA.
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