Residential Roofing: 5 Tips for a Leak-Free Winter

The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure definitely applies when it comes to wintertime roof leaks.

With that in mind, here are five tips to follow to ensure you enjoy a leak-free winter:

1. Keep your roof clean. Debris is one of the leading causes of roof damage and leaks. Ensure that it is free of dead leaves, wayward branches, garbage and other waste.
2. Trim overhanging tree branches. If you have trees with branches that hang over your roof, have the branches trimmed. This will greatly reduce the amount of organic debris that ends up on your roof in the first place, making the need for roofing repairs less likely.
3. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which can cause major problems in your attic and the upper floor of your home. Be sure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris before the temperature starts to drop below freezing on a regular basis.
4. Upgrade your attic insulation. A well-insulated attic can prevent a lot of roof leaks, since many winter leaks are caused by snow which melts because too much heat escapes through the roof you’re your home. Insulation inhibits heat transfer, making this scenario less likely to occur.
5. Use a roof rake. These handy products are ideal for removing excess snow accumulation from your roof, which is another excellent way to prevent roof leaks & ice dams. Just take care not to snag the rake on your gutters as you draw it back down.

Should you need any further advice on winter roof maintenance, or help with roofing repairs for your home, contact the roofing professionals at Griffin Roofing. We provide affordable, professional roofing repair and maintenance services to both residential and commercial clients throughout Georgia and the Southeast Region. (678) GET ROOF 

Tips: Energy-Efficient Roofs

If you've ever stood on a roof on a hot summer day, you know how hot it can get. The heat from your roof makes your air conditioner work even harder to keep your home cool.

Cool Roofs

If you are building a new home, decide during planning whether you want a cool roof, and if you want to convert an existing roof, you can:

• Retrofit the roof with specialized heat-reflective material.
• Re-cover the roof with a new waterproofing surface (such as tile coating).
• Replace the roof with a cool one.

A cool roof uses material that is designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. Cool roofs can be made of a highly reflective type of paint, a sheet covering, or highly reflective tiles or shingles.
By installing a cool roof, you can lower the temperature of your roof by up to 50°F and save energy and money by using less air conditioning. Cool roofs make spaces like garages or covered patios more comfortable.
As cool roofs become more popular, communities will benefit from fewer power plant emissions and less demand for new power plants. Cool roofs can lower outside air temperatures, reducing heat islands in urban areas.
Nearly any type of home can benefit from a cool roof, but consider climate and other factors before you decide to install one.

Green Roofs

You may also consider installing a green roof. Green roofs are ideal for urban buildings with flat or shallow-pit roofs, and can include anything from basic plant cover to a garden. The primary reasons for using this type of roof include managing storm water and enjoying a rooftop open space. Green roofs also provide insulation, lower the need for heating and cooling, and can reduce the urban heat island effect. This roof type can be much more expensive to implement than other efficient roof options, so you should carefully assess your property and consult a professional before deciding to install a green roof.
Visit the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities industry website for more information.

SBA

SBA Disaster Loans - A Major Source of Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: May 9, 2011
Release Number: 1973-023
» More Information on Georgia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Associated Flooding

ATLANTA, Ga. -- For many Georgia residents and business owners recovering from recent severe storms and tornadoes, completing a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application is a necessity. SBA disaster loans provide funds to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations for uninsured losses.
While federal grants are one form of disaster assistance available, most of the money for repairs or replacement of storm-damaged real estate, business inventory and personal property comes in the form of low-interest SBA disaster loans. A completed SBA disaster home loan application is an essential component for some disaster-related grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Applicants who receive SBA loan applications should complete and return them to be considered for FEMA grants that cover personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. However, no one is obligated to accept a loan.
Those living and working in one of the 25 federally declared Georgia counties – Bartow, Catoosa, Cherokee, Coweta, Dade, Greene, Habersham, Harris, Heard, Floyd, Gordon, Lamar, Lumpkin, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Spalding, Troup, Upson, Walker and White – may be eligible for an SBA loan. Homeowners, renters, certain private non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes can apply for SBA for losses not covered by insurance or other sources. Persons with home-based businesses or rental property who have been affected by the storms may also be eligible for SBA loans.
Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
Businesses may be eligible for up to $2 million in loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA also provides small business owners and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes with Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) that provide money for ongoing business expenses needed to recover from the adverse economic impact of a disaster. These disaster loans are available even if the business didn’t sustain physical damages from the storms.
Loan amounts and terms are determined on a case-by-case basis. Interest rates can be as low as
2.688 percent for homeowners and renters, three percent for non-profit organizations, and four percent for businesses. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition. Payment terms as long as 30 years make the loans more affordable.
To register for assistance, residents should call FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY/TDD 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing functional needs between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multi-lingual operators are available to answer calls during this time. Online registration is offered at www.disasterassistance.gov.
SBA representatives are available to assist with loan applications and to answer questions:

• In person at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operating in 13 of the federally declared counties.  Location of the nearest DRC is available when registering by phone or by going online to www.fema.gov/assistance/opendrcs.shtm.
• SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or 800-877-8339 TTY for anyone with speech or hearing functional needs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until further notice on Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.
• Online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
• Queries emailed to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Receive up to the minute Georgia disaster recovery information by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

FEMA

FEMA's Home Inspectors Recording Damage To Speed Assistance To Georgia Survivors 

Release Date: May 8, 2011
Release Number: 1973-022
» More Information on Georgia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Associated Flooding

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Several thousand Georgia residents are expected to seek federal assistance for their losses from the severe storms and tornadoes that began April 27, according to disaster recovery officials.
Recording the damage at each individual household is the responsibility of  inspectors sent by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Identifying damage is an early step in determining the amount and types of assistance that may be provided.
“Our inspectors have been averaging more than 200  households every day,” said FEMA’s Gracia Sczech, the federal coordinating officer. “Currently, it takes about two days from the time a survivor registers for assistance and the time he or she sees an inspector.”
Inspections are a key component in the recovery process. Being ready when the inspector visits can speed assistance.
To schedule an appointment to inspect your damaged home, a FEMA inspector will contact you at the number you provided FEMA when you registered. Please provide the inspector with clear, accurate directions to the damaged property.  A physical address is necessary; post office boxes do not show locations.
FEMA contracts for all inspections. The inspector is required to carry identification that includes his or her photo and ID number.  When the inspector comes to your home, ask to see the identification.
Be prepared to provide written proof of ownership, such as a tax receipt, deed, mortgage payment book, or home insurance policy showing the damaged property’s address.
The inspector will not ask you for your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card  number, or medical information. If someone claiming to be with FEMA asks you to provide such information, call “9-1-1” immediately.
Whether you are an owner or a renter, you must show that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster. Inspectors will accept a valid driver’s license or current utility bill (such as an electric, gas or water bill) as proof of occupancy.
The inspection is free. It usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour and consists of measuring the real property, inspecting its contents, and recording the findings.
Using a handheld electronic device, the inspector creates a digital “model” of the damaged home and uses it to indicate where damage occurred. The device — called an inspector’s pad —transmits information electronically to FEMA. This speeds up the process of providing assistance.
The inspector will ask to see damage to both real property and personal property in all areas of your home. This is to inventory both the type and extent of loss. For example, not all disaster damage results in a complete loss. The inspector’s report will show which items are total losses, which items can be repaired, and which are not affected. If an item can be repaired, FEMA will not replace it with a new one.
Finally, the inspector does not determine whether you are eligible for assistance and should not tell you what you may or may not receive. Typically, in 10 days or less after the inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter from FEMA containing an initial decision. This initial decision can be reviewed or clarified by calling 1-800-621-3362 or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.
More than a thousand homes have been inspected since the federal disaster declaration on April 29, 2011. More than $2.3 million has been approved for the almost 2,700 Georgia residents who have registered to date.
Additional information on the process is available at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Do I Need A New Roof?

You may be asking yourself, "Do I need a new roof?" If you are also asking yourself the following questions, then you want to seriously consider a roof replacement:

• Upon inspection of my roof, I noticed algae growth. Do I need a new roof?
• I noticed curling and blistering on my roof. Do I need a new roof?
• I see that some of my shingles are missing or broken. Do I need a new roof?
• I noticed some rotting. Do I need a new roof?
• I saw several dark patches and they appear dirty. Do I need a new roof?
• I observed some sagging and buckling in my roof's structure. Do I need a new roof?

If the answers to any of these questions are "yes," consider a simple formula of economics.
If you have a roof that is knowingly in need of repair, and may need a lot more maintenance in the future, would it be better to continue repairing your current roof or should you have it completely replaced? It may be less expensive in the long run, to spend money now on a new roof rather than continuously repairing one that is already damaged. In addition, a new roof may lessen the chance of extensive damage and insurance claims during a future storm or other inclement weather.
Before deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or deterioration. It's important to remember that, during inspection, avoid walking on your roof if at all possible as this may cause further damage to the structure. It is advisable to use binoculars or a ladder to get the best view possible. There are two ways to inspect your roof, which includes both an outside and inside inspection.
The outside inspection is, perhaps, the easiest and should be done first. Most outward signs of damage can be seen immediately. There are specific signs to indicate that your roof may need to be replaced, including algae growth, curling, blistering, missing or broken shingles, missing granules, rotting, damaged flashing, buckling, loose or exposed nails, dark patches that appear "dirty," sagging in the center of the roof or the presence of rust.
The inside inspection may take more time and effort, but is essential in determining the best outcome for your home. There are a number of indoor signs to indicate that your roof may be in need of replacing, including ceiling spots, sagging between the rafters or an outside light that is visible through the roof. The most obvious of the signs, which are ceiling spots, are easily visible and would be a clear indication of leakage. If a roof is found to be leaking, and appropriate repairs are not made, the water damage may cause additional damage to your insulation and increase energy costs. If you locate dark spots in the wood, test them to decide if the problem is one of immediate concern. If the spot feels soft to the touch or is damp, the indication would be that the problem is a current one. On the other hand, if the spot is dry, it's possible that this is a previous problem that has been corrected or is no longer an issue.
If you find any of these signs to be present, contact a roofing contractor for a professional evaluation. Before deciding for yourself, ask for their opinion and request an estimate. In some cases, a simple repair may be all that is needed to correct a problem. However, if the problem is going to be recurring, consider the possibility of replacing the roof entirely. For instance, if your roof shows signs of rotting, this could be a larger problem in the future if it has spread throughout the structure. If, on the other hand, a few shingles are in need of repair, you wouldn't necessarily want to replace the roof entirely. When making any major home improvement, consider each option carefully before making a final decision.
Call Griffin Roofing for a FREE Roof Analysis today!  (678) GET ROOF  www.griffinroof.com

GUTTERS

Gutters are an important part of your home’s weatherproofing system. For many homeowners, their gutter system is a secondary concern and often gets neglected. Don’t make that mistake! It is important that you maintain a free-flowing gutter system as your gutters prevent rain from running from your roof and falling too close to your house. Flowing water away from your house properly will protect your foundation, keep stains from developing on your siding, and keep walkways ice-free in the wintertime. There are four basic types of gutters available – aluminum, galvanized steel, vinyl and sometimes you will find wood gutters. Galvanized steel gutters, although the least expensive, also require the most attention and maintenance. Both aluminum and vinyl gutters offer the most maintenance-free solution as they are durable and resistant to corrosion.

Let GRIFFIN ROOFING help you with your gutter needs. Call today for a free quote (678) GET ROOF

H i n t s & T i p s for A l g a e D i s c o l o r a t i o n

The following pictures represent a worldwide problem that is common throughout most of the United States and is very prevalent in the southeastern and northwestern parts of the country. This particular problem was encountered approximately 35 miles outside of Kansas City, Kansas. The discoloration that you see is the result of algae. The build-up of algae will expedite deterioration of the roofing materials and can also raise energy costs. If the roof on a building is white it will help reflect the sun's rays and keep the interior of the building cooler. Roofs whose color is darkened by algae will absorb the sun's rays which can heat the interior and raise energy costs.

There are several ways to alleviate this problem. One is to hose down the roof with diluted bleach or chlorine. Bleach and chlorine are very effective but they also kill all the surrounding vegetation, cause a discomforting odor and upset the environmentalists. Another way is to install some algae-resistant shingles. But sometimes roofs that look bad aren't ready for replacement.There are two good ways to solve the problem. Take a look at the following picture. Notice below each penetration the roof is white like it’s supposed to be. This is because when rain runs off of zinc, it cleans the algae off of the shingles. Zinc strips installed along both sides of the ridge will eventually clean the algae from the roof.

Another good way is to apply environmentally friendly chemical compounds for immediate results.