When you don’t handle roof damage, it goes from bad to worse really fast. What should have been a routine repair or overhaul can easily turn into roof repair and mold removal, beam replacement, etc.

In order to handle roof damage quickly and effectively, you need to be able to detect what kind of damage it is, as well as how severe it is. Knowing what you’re dealing with would help you plan your actions. 

Additionally, it will point the contractors in the right direction when they come in to do repairs. 

Pest Damage

Pests remain the most underrated form of roof damage, but they are definitely not harmless. Rodents can chew through shingles pretty easily. They usually chew through the roof in order to get to the attic. Before you know it, you have a leaky roof full of holes, as well as an attic full of rats.

Because it’s not instantly noticeable, pest roof damage can easily go unattended for a long time. 

If you have tree branches touching your roof, you should take precautions. Either trim the branches or check your attic regularly. Look for animal droppings, rodents, or chewed up cardboard and fabric. In case you find any of these, your next step should be a detailed roof inspection.

Hail Damage

In Chicago and NW Indiana, you’re no stranger to bad weather and hailstorms. Unfortunately, hail can lead to significant roof damage.

Most roofs can withstand strong hailstorms, and they only suffer minor damage. However, each storm wears the shingles out bit by bit. While the damaged shingles may still protect the roof to an extent, eventually they become vulnerable to mold and moisture. In addition, not replacing damaged shingles will cause them to break down, leaving holes in your roof.

Aside from shingle wear, hail can also easily shred your gutters to pieces, as well as damage to your flashing. If it goes through a hole in the roof, the hole could expand faster than usual and structural beams may be compromised. We suggest you inspect your roof after each and every hailstorm.

Leaks and Moisture

Most of the leakage is caused by rain and leaks in the roof. If you leave a leaky roof unattended for too long, you will eventually see damage on your walls and ceilings. Unfortunately, that’s mostly a sign that it’s too late to minimize the damage. Moisture can rot out your wooden beams quite fast, and you’ll need to remodel at least half of your house.

In addition to leaky roofs, moisture roof damage can also be caused by roof moss. Moss absorbs and retains moisture from the rain. All that moisture gets transferred to the roof, where it can cause the most damage.

Damaged Flashing

If you look closely, you will see that every joint on your roof is covered with a sheet of material (usually metal) called flashing. It’s typically made of aluminum, but it can also be from galvanized steel as well as other materials. If it weren’t for the flashing, all those wooden joints would be vulnerable to water damage.

The flashing has to be replaced every once in a while, just like the roof does. The exact lifetime of your flashing depends on the weather conditions and how well you maintain the rest of the roof. 

Pinhole-sized punctures are a clear sign that your flashing is damaged. If you happen to see these tiny holes on your flashing, you should replace it in order to avoid further roof damage.

Conclusion

Whatever type of roof damage you have, the most important thing you should do is call the roofing contractors immediately. In the long run, if you do regular roof inspections, you’ll save yourself an enormous amount of money, time, and stress.

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Elements threaten our homes all the time. You might think you’re safe just because there isn’t any heavy wind activity or if the skies are clear. But, the truth is, many weather conditions affect siding, even sunshine. Therefore, we need to keep a close eye on it and maintain it regularly. If the sun, water, or wind damage is minimal, we can often repair it quickly and move on. But, how do you determine what warrants a slight repair, and what the sure signs that you need to invest in new siding are?

Bubble Trouble

If some moisture seeps under the siding, it will cause bubbling on its surface. The bad news is that you’ll need to replace the siding even if the bubbles are small. Bubbling is the sign of not only a compromised siding but also of significant water damage underneath. So you don’t want to wait until it gets worse.

The Hidden Water Damage

Not all moisture damage will result in bubbling. Sometimes, water damage isn’t apparent from the outside, but it will show on the interior walls of your house. If your walls are moist, your paint or wallpapers are starting to peel — inspect the siding.

Cracks and Buckles

Another consequence of water damage, cracks in the siding usually mean that there might be extensive water damage underneath the siding. Unlike the cracks, buckling is a sign of a construction problem. Sometimes the siding material can collapse or push outward. Inspect the boards underneath to see what’s causing it. In both cases, you might get off with changing just one panel instead of the entire siding — depending on the amount of damage.

Color and Texture

Naturally, the color of our siding fades over time, due to sun or water exposure. What’s more, the texture may also change. You may notice your siding becoming more chalky or merely starting to peel. Both issues indicate that the siding is compromised and should be repaired or replaced.

However, if your siding loses color or changes texture quite rapidly, then you probably have some other issues you need to look into.

Holes Lead To Trouble

If you notice holes in your siding, you probably have an infestation of some sort. Holes are quite dangerous, as they are the perfect entry point not only for water but also for small animals like rodents. If there’s a lot of holes, you might even notice that your heating or cooling bills are much higher than they used to be. Higher energy costs are a sure sign that your siding or the insulation under it has reached the end of its lifespan.

Infestations

Burrowing their way under your siding is one of the most common pastimes for many insects and rodents. All jokes aside, you might find a nest or two of various wildlife under your siding that can endanger not only the siding but also the integrity of the structure beneath it. After they chew or dig through the siding, insects and rodents can then make your home theirs! To avoid that, keep an eye on all holes and potential infestations, and maintain your siding.

Panels and Seams

It’s crucial that we protect the interface under the siding. Loose panels or pulled seams can expose it to elements and lead to further damage. If you don’t notice this in time, replacing the siding will be just one of many jobs. If the water and sun damaged the interface, you’ll have to replace all the layers.

Rot and Organic Growth

As mentioned, just because your siding doesn’t look any different from the outside, that doesn’t mean trouble isn’t brewing underneath. Rot can eat the interface under the siding without affecting it at all. That’s why early detection is vital.

Other issues, such as moss, mold, and fungi, are also sometimes hidden. They can make the interface their new home without you noticing anything. What’s more, if any organic growth appears both on the inside and the outside of the siding, then the water damage is probably massive.

Storm Damage

Inspect the siding after storms with heavy wind or hale. These can potentially compromise the siding, which can lead to further damage. If a small storm left significant consequences on your siding, you might want to consider replacing the entire thing with a more durable material.

In Conclusion

There you have it — nine most common signs you need a new siding. Damaged siding can lead to a whole lot of trouble, so make sure you have it inspected and, if required, replaced in time. M&M Home Remodeling Services offers siding materials of the highest quality, that will keep your home protected for years to come!

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Check Downspouts

Each time hail hits your roof, the top granule layer will likely be knocked off of the shingles by the force of the impact. As rainwater continues to flow, these granules will get taken down the gutter to your downspout. Check for loose granules at the end of the downspout as an easy way to detect the granule loss of your roof’s shingles.

Check your Air Conditioner

AC units contain a condenser coil on the upward-facing side which is made from strips of fine aluminum fins. These fins are typically exposed to the elements and when they are hit by hail, they become visibly bent (limiting air circulation). If there are clear signs of damage, it is likely that your home and roof have sustained damage as well.

Look for Dents on Metal Components

Hail damage typically causes dents on soft or thin metals on your home such as gutters, gutter guards and downspouts. Look for dents in these surfaces by running a piece of chalk across the gutter or downspout. Dents will be identified by the spots the chalk doesn’t appear. Hail striking hard enough to dent this metal will have certainly caused additional damage to your roofing system and shingles.

Scan the Roof

Safely climb a ladder to the edge of the roof and scan for any obvious signs of loose granules or dents in the roofing system. You should only do this if you feel comfortable and own the proper safety equipment. Keep in mind, damage on shingles might be hard to spot with untrained eyes so it may be preferable to consult a professional at this time.

Regularly Take Photos

It’s always a wise decision to take inventory of your home before disaster strikes. Do yourself a favor and periodically take photos of your home for use in any future insurance claims. This will help solidify your case and ensure that you receive the maximum settlement for the damage your home has incurred.

In Conclusion

If you are not well-experienced with inspecting a roof for possible damage, do not hesitate to contact us today for a free estimate and diagnosis of any damage to your home. Most in-home estimates can be performed within 24 hours.

The post How to Spot Hail Damage appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Luckily, there are a few simple measures you can take right now to prevent further damage and more costly repairs until one of our roofing experts is able to assess the damage:

• First, you’ll want to prevent any further damage to the interior of the home by consolidating furniture and fabrics away from any affected areas. If the leak is causing a bulging spot in the ceiling, use a screwdriver or awl to poke a small hole near the center of the bulge, allowing the water to drain.
• Next, you’ll need to identify the source of the leak:

(Note: If the water spots dry between storms, you are very likely facing a leaking roof whereas the presence of water regardless of weather conditions could be caused by a plumbing leak).

Equipped with a flashlight, bucket and any necessary protective gear, carefully enter the attic. You’ll now need to locate the spot where the ceiling is saturated by observing visible wet spots or areas of water-compacted insulation between roof joists.

• Now you’ll need to trace the path back to the source of the leak — Remember that water will follow the easiest path, typically following rafters or structural beams.
• Once you’ve identified the entry point of the water, you can use a small piece of plywood or scrap wood laid across multiple ceiling joists to place a bucket or small garbage can to catch the incoming water. Do not place the bucket directly on ceiling tiles or drywall as the added weight of the bucket as it fills could cause it to break through the already-saturated ceiling.
• Additionally, look for any spots in the roof where daylight is shining through and insert a small dowel or straw in the hole to help easily spot the source of the leak from the exterior.
• Once the bucket is placed, you can choose to temporarily patch the hole with a bit of roofing tar and some scrap materials. To do this, use a putty knife to fill the hole or crack thoroughly with roofing tar. Next, press a spare shingle or small piece of plywood firmly against the tar-filled hole to create a seal, applying more roofing tar around the outsides of the shingle or plywood to further seal the patch from incoming water.
• When the storm subsides and the roof is dry, you can also apply additional roofing tar underneath the exterior shingles in the affected spot using the dowels or straws you placed earlier to easily locate the affected spots.
• If you aren’t able to find any visible holes or cracks in the roof, the water could be getting thru the roof’s flushing and can be addressed by covering a section of the roof with a tarp.
• To properly cover damaged spots with a tarp, measure the distance between the source of the leak (using the previously placed dowels) from the roof’s ridge. Now cut the tarp using a utility knife to the measured size, adding a couple extra feet on each end to ensure adequate coverage. In order to keep the tarp secured in place on the roof, use sandbags atop or attach 2x4s to opposite ends of the tarp using small nails or staples. (Note: Make sure the tarp is covering the ridge of the roof or water will continue to enter the roof).

As always, you can contact us here or give us a call at (855) 644-6655 to receive a free in-home consultation or to discuss preventative maintenance with one of our roofing experts.

The post How to Stop a Leaking Roof During a Storm appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

To tell the truth, windows don’t last forever. Despite that, high-quality ones can last more than twenty years if you maintain them well. Though you may fix some minor issues, it’s only a matter of time before you decide to replace your windows.

Like most homeowners, you may not be looking forward to doing that. After all, replacing your windows is a large investment. Still, that doesn’t mean you should brush off any potential issues. This article will cover the most common signs that your windows need replacement.

Are Your Windows Damaged or Hard to Operate?

If your windows need new hardware or weatherstripping, repairing them will do the trick. However, if the window frame or sash is warped or damaged, a repair is probably not the best way forward. Even though you may still be able to operate the windows, additional issues may occur.

As time goes by, your windows may start fogging up more often. Changing temperatures can either expand or contract the materials. As a result, the operable sashes don’t fit as they should. Furthermore, older windows collect moisture that can often break down or rust the moving hardware, rendering them inoperable.

Windows that stick easily or simply won’t close are another common issue. That may be because your handles, latches, and cranks don’t work properly. After all, opening and closing your windows should be an easy process. However, if it’s not, you may want to consider replacing them.

Has the Outside Noise Become More Noticeable?

Windows do not only keep the cold or polluted air from entering your home, but they also protect you from the noise outside. That is especially important if you live on a busy street.

If your windows are letting all the noise in, something is either wrong with the way they are sealed. That problem may arise for two reasons. Either the seals have become weaker over time, or they were poorly made in the first place. However, it’s not only the seals that are the issue — single-pane windows are to blame, as well. That poses our next question.

Do You Have Single-pane Windows?

If you are nodding your head in affirmation, that may be bad news for your energy bill and peace-and-quiet. Your house may have been built in the late ‘60s or earlier, and you still haven’t replaced your windows. Today’s windows use either two or three panes of glass. Single-pane windows are often drafty and unsafe if the glass shatters. On top of that, they are the worst at fending off UV light that may fade the colors of your furniture.

Single-pane windows are bad insulators. Only one pane is not enough to defend from outside temperatures, high or low. Surely, a single pane of glass is enough if you live in an area with mild seasonal temperatures. Still, it might give you a hard time cooling down or heating your home, thereby increasing your electricity bill. In fact, drafty and single pane windows account for up to 30% of energy use in a home.

Do You Live by the Coast or in a Stormy Area?

Living in a coastal region may have its aesthetic benefits. However, if you live near the coast, your windows have sustained some damage. The air in coastal regions contains high concentrations of salt. Therefore, it reacts with the different parts of your windows, which most often results in corrosion or rotting.

If the area you live in is prone to blizzards and storms, you wouldn’t want to risk your safety. After all, living in such regions entails the use of high-quality windows. Nevertheless, you might want to prepare for sudden severe weather by inspecting your old windows. One fault too many can prove disastrous, so replacement is probably the safest option.

Are You Renovating Your Home?

You’ll agree that windows affect the look of both the inside and the outside of your house. In other words, no matter how good your home looks, worn windows can stick out like a sore thumb. If your home is getting a long-deserved makeover, consider replacing your windows with larger ones. That way, not only will your home look better, but you’ll also fill it with more natural light.

In a Nutshell — The Pros and Cons of Window Replacement

The Pros

Today’s windows are energy efficient and greatly isolate outside noise. Moreover, they offer additional upgrading options. Aside from reducing maintenance costs, replacing your windows also comes with a fairly good ROI (return of investment) factor — between 71% and 78%.

The Cons

Window replacement is not a cheap undertaking. Luckily, we offer flexible payment options and plans for any budget.

Final Thoughts

Replacing your windows is not an easy decision to make. Therefore, you can contact us anytime for a free assessment the state of your windows and in-home consultation. In most cases, you’ll benefit quite a lot from installing new windows, as they offer countless options for making your home more beautiful, energy-efficient, and quiet.

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Driven Integrity, Growth, Generosity, and Excellence

Big congrats to those who took home prizes, our team’s dedication to our core values and doing right by our customers is second to none and we’re blessed to consider each and every member of the M&M Team a part of the family.

See some pictures from the event below:

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Common Signs That A Roof Is Ready for Replacement or Repair

Granular Loss

Granules are the stone coating on the surface of shingles. They are there to protect the asphalt that’s underneath from UV rays. If too many granules fall off from a shingle, the asphalt will dry out, crack, and probably leak. The older the shingles, the more granules they lose.

One of the main signs that it’s time for roof replacement is when shingle grit and granules build up in your gutters. You should also inspect the shingles just to make sure in which state they are. If you happen to see too much asphalt on them, then you should definitely consider hiring a roofing contractor.

Curling and Blistering

Curling and blistering might not seem serious at first. However, these two are some of the most common signs that leakage will happen during the next rain. The main reason behind this problem is that there was not enough asphalt on the shingles in the first place.

Furthermore, low-end shingles tend to dry out faster in the sun than some more expensive counterparts, causing them to curl and blister. That’s why you should always take time to carefully choose the right manufacturer.

Rain Slots

All those who have fiberglass or asphalt shingles on their roofs can prevent leakage if they inspect rain slots between the tabs. If rain slots or notches appear wider than on new shingles than the roof might leak. Rounded corners are another common sign that your shingles are ready for replacement. However, it’s also advisable to further inspect them for cracks, curls, and dents in order to see the actual scale of the problem.

Physical Damage

The shingles should look top-notch both from below and when you’re up on the roof. That’s why it is advisable to inspect them after every serious storm, even if none of them are missing. All shingles must lie flat against the roof for the ultimate performance. Therefore, if you find damage like cracks or buckling, they are ready for replacement. However, if your roof is metal, then you should look for rust or loose panels as signs for repair.

Damaged Flashing

A healthy flashing is vital because it prevents water penetration at vent pipes, chimneys, and skylights. Furthermore, it can even reduce indoor mold problems. Flashing is usually made from aluminum, copper, and lead that can become rusty after some time. Rust and objects that end up on your roof during heavy storms can cause cracks in flashing. As a result, leakage will most definitely happen. Therefore, it’s vital to check them for damage every now and then, especially if they are made out of roof cement or tar.

Moss and Fungi

Most of you have probably seen rustic homes with roofs covered in moss. Some of you even find it charming. However, moss is a serious indicator that there is moisture in your roof, threatening to ruin it completely. Mold and fungi are also prime indicators of this problem. If you simply brush them off, you won’t deal with the moisture effectively. Hence, it’s crucial to hire professionals that will address all underlying problems.

Sagging Spots

Sagging roofs should be taken care of immediately before they cause further damage to your home. If a roof loses its shape, you’ll probably have to deal with rotting boards or trapped moisture. The only way to permanently solve that problem is to hire professionals. However, do make sure to check the lowest points in the roof for sagging, as boards usually rot there first.

Check When Your Roof Was Made or Replaced

Finally, you should know that different materials have a different life expectancy. If you check when your roof was made, you will be able to roughly foresee the right time to replace it. Here are some of the examples:

Flat roofs — The life span of flat roofs depends on the material on top of it. For example, asphalt coverings usually last around 10, while rubber roofing can have a lifespan from 40 to 50 years.

Stone tiles — Slate and concrete tiles can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, while clay tiles last between 40 to 60 years.

Metal roofs — Steel roofs can last more than 50 years, while copper roofs can live up to a 100.

Wood shingles — Even though they are resistant to rot or insects, wood shingles usually last only up to 30 years.

Asphalt and fiberglass shingles — Asphalt shingles last from 20 to 40 years, depending on the manufacturer. On the other hand, fiberglass ones can last more than 50 years.

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