Welcome to October, everyone! Here at the Dream Team Blog, we're going to drill down on one subject this month, and that's shingled roofing. Each week this month, we're going to focus on one element of your roof and when having it is the most important.
To kick it off, let's talk about what happens when you replace a roof, in order.
1. Removal of existing roof to plywood: If you didn't know, your home is allowed to have up to three full layers of shingle, stacked one on top of the next, leading to a very, very thick roof. Sometimes this much shingle can hide serious problems that replacement will make come up. We want to know, so that we can head these problems off at the pass - and you want us to know, because the very safety of your home could be at stake. Plus, if there's any problem with the plywood, we can replace it right then, to keep your roof looking good and being safe.
2. Insulation Installation: The next step in the process is to install all the various forms of insulation on top of your plywood. The first of these is a strip of metal known as a drip edge, which is placed between your gutters and the fascia board behind, to insure that runoff is directed into the gutter only and not to the vulnerable wood behind - we'. Placed on top of this is a layer of material referred to as an "ice & water shield'. This protects your roof from water damage and protects the vulnerable wood underneath.
3. Shingles: There's some technical data about installing shingles specifically, but just knowing what goes before is the point of this post.
Not as simple as we all thought, huh?
That's why we need qualified roofers!
9/30/2012
9/23/2012
Chimney Checkup Time!
Ladies and gentlemen, we're getting back into the cooler weather, and between that and the posts here from the last two weeks, you've guessed rightly that September is sort of a 'chimney month' here at Dream Team. We worry about it so you don't have to. And now that we're looking at using our chimneys, we want to mention a couple of problems that could make your life difficult in the coming months.
Problem #1: Wildlife!
As you can see to the right, all kinds of wildlife seem to enjoy nesting in our chimneys. To the right, you see members of species procyon ictor, better known as the common raccoon. Normally, they exist as scavengers and nest inside hollowed-out, dead trees. But when humans build, we often remove these fire hazards as impediments to our lifestyle, depriving the animals who naturally live in them of a place to give birth to their (admittedly very cute) young. But having animals of any kind in your chimney is never good. There are many dangers - both to your home and to the animals. To us, there's a matter of both allergens and disease. To them, chimneys get very hot and smoke-filled, and these living blockages are as likely to be harmed by carbon monoxide as the humans, and in a chimney fire, they will be the first casualties.
Solution: Call your local chimney contractor!
Rather than calling an exterminator who might kill these innocent creatures - and not care about the safety of your home, your local chimney contractor is skilled enough and qualified to remove these animals - without doing additional damage to your chimney. In addition, unlike an exterminator, a contractor can also quickly put on a chimney cap to make sure the problem goes away forever.
Problem #2: Water and Ice
As we've said before, enemy number one to your home is water. And water has a bad habit around this time of year and in the coming months. It freezes. And when water freezes, it expands very powerfully - cracking masonry and bricks with ease. If your chimney freezes, and you go to use it, it's very possible to develop a leak or cracks in the masonry, which can indicate serious danger to your family.
Solution: Call your local chimney contractor!
Your local chimney contractor can help you to protect your chimney against bad freezes with two very important tools: a chimney cap (which also protects against rain and wildlife) and an apex crown. Each of these two tools can protect you a bit more. There's no need to worry with that, as a well-done cap and crown will protect you for several years.
Well, that's a couple of problems and one very sound solution. Call Dream Team today and get a free estimate on your home before any problems start.
Problem #1: Wildlife!
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| Animals endanger themselves & the people they're squatting with. |
Solution: Call your local chimney contractor!
Rather than calling an exterminator who might kill these innocent creatures - and not care about the safety of your home, your local chimney contractor is skilled enough and qualified to remove these animals - without doing additional damage to your chimney. In addition, unlike an exterminator, a contractor can also quickly put on a chimney cap to make sure the problem goes away forever.
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| Ouch! I wouldn't want this on my roof! |
As we've said before, enemy number one to your home is water. And water has a bad habit around this time of year and in the coming months. It freezes. And when water freezes, it expands very powerfully - cracking masonry and bricks with ease. If your chimney freezes, and you go to use it, it's very possible to develop a leak or cracks in the masonry, which can indicate serious danger to your family.
Solution: Call your local chimney contractor!
Your local chimney contractor can help you to protect your chimney against bad freezes with two very important tools: a chimney cap (which also protects against rain and wildlife) and an apex crown. Each of these two tools can protect you a bit more. There's no need to worry with that, as a well-done cap and crown will protect you for several years.
Well, that's a couple of problems and one very sound solution. Call Dream Team today and get a free estimate on your home before any problems start.
9/16/2012
What is a Chimney Inspection?
Some of you out there may have heard your local contractors advertising for a free chimney inspection with a chimney sweep. Dream Team does, and so do many others - it's a smart idea, and makes sure that your chimney is at its safest at all times. After all, just last week, you read on this blog about the danger that a sweep can prevent. Inspections can point out serious safety dangers to your home and your family.
There are three levels of inspection, increasing in severity, as defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in their standard titled NFPA 211. The NFPA divides the types of inspections three categories, or levels. A Level I inspection is the most basic level of inspection while Level II and Level III inspections are progressively more detailed and comprehensive.
Paraphrasing from that standard and interpretation found online, the levels are pretty much as follows:
Level I
A Level I inspection is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued service is needed and the conditions of use are not changing. Most likely, unless you're changing an appliance for one of the same type, you're likely to receive a Level I chimney inspection during your annual chimney sweep. It's limited to the readily available sections of the chimney, accessible connections, and connected appliances.
Your chimney technician does this for several reasons, but the biggest ones are: see that there is no heat-related damage to the chimney or its connected appliances, ensure that the flue is not constricted or blocked in any way (especially by creosote or other buildups), and to ensure that the exterior of the chimney is sound and functioning properly.
Level II
A Level II inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level I inspection. It's recommended when conditions of use for the appliance or venting system are changing, or when a Level I inspection reveals the need for a more detailed inspection.
A Level II inspection is required when any changes are made to the system, upon the sale or transfer of a property, or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, earthquakes, and severe weather are all indicators that this level of inspection may be needed. A Level II inspection is a more in-depth inspection.
A Level II inspection includes everything in a Level I inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will also address proper clearances from flammable material in accessible locations. There are no special tools required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level II inspection. A Level II inspection also includes a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish is needed with a Level II inspection.
Level III
When a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level III inspection is recommended. A Level III inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and includes inspection of concealed areas of the building. However, examination of concealed areas will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated otherwise. A Level III inspection includes all areas covered in a Level I and Level II inspection, plus an inspection of concealed areas, to investigate known or suspected problems.
A Level III inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level I and a Level II inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) is needed only when necessary - to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level III inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.
It's kind of a dry read, I know. But by reading through and understanding what it means, you'll learn a little of what your technician needs to do to keep you safe. After all, you do need a safe home to live in - it's the only kind of home where your family can flourish and a point of pride for you and yours.
There are three levels of inspection, increasing in severity, as defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in their standard titled NFPA 211. The NFPA divides the types of inspections three categories, or levels. A Level I inspection is the most basic level of inspection while Level II and Level III inspections are progressively more detailed and comprehensive.
Paraphrasing from that standard and interpretation found online, the levels are pretty much as follows:
Level I
A Level I inspection is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued service is needed and the conditions of use are not changing. Most likely, unless you're changing an appliance for one of the same type, you're likely to receive a Level I chimney inspection during your annual chimney sweep. It's limited to the readily available sections of the chimney, accessible connections, and connected appliances.
Your chimney technician does this for several reasons, but the biggest ones are: see that there is no heat-related damage to the chimney or its connected appliances, ensure that the flue is not constricted or blocked in any way (especially by creosote or other buildups), and to ensure that the exterior of the chimney is sound and functioning properly.
Level II
A Level II inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level I inspection. It's recommended when conditions of use for the appliance or venting system are changing, or when a Level I inspection reveals the need for a more detailed inspection.
A Level II inspection is required when any changes are made to the system, upon the sale or transfer of a property, or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, earthquakes, and severe weather are all indicators that this level of inspection may be needed. A Level II inspection is a more in-depth inspection.
A Level II inspection includes everything in a Level I inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will also address proper clearances from flammable material in accessible locations. There are no special tools required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level II inspection. A Level II inspection also includes a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish is needed with a Level II inspection.
Level III
When a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level III inspection is recommended. A Level III inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and includes inspection of concealed areas of the building. However, examination of concealed areas will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated otherwise. A Level III inspection includes all areas covered in a Level I and Level II inspection, plus an inspection of concealed areas, to investigate known or suspected problems.
A Level III inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level I and a Level II inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) is needed only when necessary - to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level III inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.
It's kind of a dry read, I know. But by reading through and understanding what it means, you'll learn a little of what your technician needs to do to keep you safe. After all, you do need a safe home to live in - it's the only kind of home where your family can flourish and a point of pride for you and yours.
9/09/2012
Chimney Fires: Destruction you can Prevent!
This week, we're moving towards the heating season again here in New Jersey and New York, so it's a good time to pay attention to that chimney. There's still some time left to enjoy the last bits of summer before diving into the fall. So we decided that this would be a good time to point out something that's probably not been on your mind. Your home plays host to a fire, every single year - especially if you have a fireplace in your home (or more than one). It is the ultimate statement of man's authority over Nature - that we can tame her most destructive force and bend it to our will.
Unfortunately, like all wild things, fire sometimes strikes back - and when it does, that means danger to your family and (potentially) destruction to your home. The image to the right is one that no homeowner ever wants to dream of - let alone really see - and that one, thanks to the brave fireman standing beside it (and his crew, obviously out-of-frame), is a (relatively) small fire. There is no question that chimney fires are extremely dangerous. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) states that in 2007 alone, there were 27,200 chimney-related fires and in those, 20 people died (there are no available reports on injuries). Those are 20 lives lost that could have - and more importantly, should have been prevented by a simple annual chimney sweep. There are no statistics on injuries due to chimney fires.
Your local chimney contractor understands these dangers, and the necessity of having a clean chimney. A clean chimney is the only kind of safe chimney. While sites like eHow will tell you how to put out a small chimney fire, even they state two very telling things:
1. An uncontrollable chimney fire is scary and may be disastrous to your home or even life threatening for your family. Taking the proper precautions and steps to extinguish a chimney fire is vital. (emphasis added)
2.The best way to prevent a chimney fire is to have the chimney's soot cleaned out frequently by a chimney sweep and have the fireplace checked prior to and during the months of use. (emphasis added)
Call your local chimney contractor today to schedule a chimney estimate for a sweep - If you live anywhere in New Jersey, or in Westchester or Orange Counties in NY, that's Dream Team.
Now, you may be wondering what a trained chimney sweep is looking for in your chimney. Here's just a very short list of the most dangerous items:
In short, there are many warning signs to prevent this danger to your home. It's a quick and easy process to keep your home and family safe.
Why not call today?
Unfortunately, like all wild things, fire sometimes strikes back - and when it does, that means danger to your family and (potentially) destruction to your home. The image to the right is one that no homeowner ever wants to dream of - let alone really see - and that one, thanks to the brave fireman standing beside it (and his crew, obviously out-of-frame), is a (relatively) small fire. There is no question that chimney fires are extremely dangerous. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) states that in 2007 alone, there were 27,200 chimney-related fires and in those, 20 people died (there are no available reports on injuries). Those are 20 lives lost that could have - and more importantly, should have been prevented by a simple annual chimney sweep. There are no statistics on injuries due to chimney fires.
Your local chimney contractor understands these dangers, and the necessity of having a clean chimney. A clean chimney is the only kind of safe chimney. While sites like eHow will tell you how to put out a small chimney fire, even they state two very telling things:
1. An uncontrollable chimney fire is scary and may be disastrous to your home or even life threatening for your family. Taking the proper precautions and steps to extinguish a chimney fire is vital. (emphasis added)
2.The best way to prevent a chimney fire is to have the chimney's soot cleaned out frequently by a chimney sweep and have the fireplace checked prior to and during the months of use. (emphasis added)
Call your local chimney contractor today to schedule a chimney estimate for a sweep - If you live anywhere in New Jersey, or in Westchester or Orange Counties in NY, that's Dream Team.
Now, you may be wondering what a trained chimney sweep is looking for in your chimney. Here's just a very short list of the most dangerous items:
- "Puffy" creosote, with rainbow colored streaks, that has expanded beyond creosote's normal form
- Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber, connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney
- Cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles with large chunks missing
- Discolored and distorted rain cap
- Creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground
- Roofing material damaged from hot creosote
- Cracks in exterior masonry
- Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners
In short, there are many warning signs to prevent this danger to your home. It's a quick and easy process to keep your home and family safe.
Why not call today?
9/02/2012
Heavy is the head that bears the crown
Hey, folks. It's Monday again, and it's time for Dream Team to help you, the customer, learn about the many valuable services a licensed contractor can provide for your safety and comfort in your home. One of the things this writer has seen quite a few of lately is chimney crowns, also known as an apex crown. Some of you might not know why you need this service, so let's answer three crucial questions.
1. Why do I even need a crown on my chimney?
A crown on your chimney acts as a protective roof or covering that shields the chimney’s structural elements from weather-related deterioration. You've seen before what rain, snow, and wind can do to a home in previous posts. Unfortunately, the mortar on the top of a chimney is extremely prone to wear from the elements due to the amount of water, heat, and cold it can be forced to absorb simultaneously. Sealing it with a chimney crown and cap is the best option you have to protect your home from the ravages of nature.
2. How do you build a chimney crown?
1. Why do I even need a crown on my chimney?
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| Remember, water did that! Imagine what it will do to your home! |
There are several ways to build them, but today let's talk about cement/concrete. A skilled mason will create an angled slab of concrete with a lip that extends a few inches beyond the main chimney, known as a "kerf". This ridge, when built correctly (this is why you need a skilled mason), causes water and moisture to run off and away from your chimney, keeping it safe for years to come. If you'll take note of the image to the right, you'll notice the significant difference between a well-built crown and a badly built one. A badly built crown does not extend over the chimney, causing water to run in the grooves of the masonry down the chimney, eroding it with every drop of rain, every snowflake, every bit of possible moisture hitting the chimney. You don't want that for your home. You definitely don't want your home falling apart around you.
3. How will I know if I need a chimney crown?
That's really quite simple to answer. Look at the top of your chimney. If you don't see that kerf, you need a chimney crown. Call your local skilled chimney contractor to get a free estimate on installing this necessary part of your home. If you live in New Jersey, or Orange & Westchester County, New York, call Dream Team at 888-382-2001. We'll make your dreams come true so you can sleep easy.
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