Hey everyone!
For those that follow the blog, you'll know that all of October we've been talking about your shingle roof. Without dipping into stuff we're all sure you already know, we've been trying to educate our people about what we see when you call us to give an estimate on your roof. After all, you don't really need us to just tell you the obvious.
This post is meant as a nice wrap-up to it all. Firstly, we answer general questions posted through our Facebook page, our Twitter account, or comments here on the blog. If you have any questions about your home in specific, call us at 888-382-2001 and have one of our trained and experienced technicians come out to your home for a free estimate, where you can ask them anything you want.
Remember that your roof requires seasonal maintenance every few months. In the summer and spring, you have to watch out for heat and rain. In autumn and winter, you have to take care for falling leaves, snow, and other cold-related issues - especially ice dams. Remember to keep your attic at a controlled, even temperature through the use of attic vents and fans.
Your gutters don't exist independently either, requiring periodic cleanings and checks on their general structure to see that they're not a liability to your home.
There are many ways to protect your roof, and no one is more qualified to tell you about those options than a licensed roofer. So call us already!
Showing posts with label NY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NY. Show all posts
10/14/2012
Roofing Month, Week 3: What's a professional roofer good for, anyway?
The third post of our Roofing Month is going to focus on one question that's been asked of people like the office staff of Dream Team for many many years. Some homeowners have a very "do-it-yourself" opinion about their roof, gutters, and chimneys. But at the end of the day, contractors are necessary and a good one who trains their employees well, like Dream Team, are priceless. Remember, we are GAF certified - meaning that our technicians are trained by the material makers for the work they do.
There are several reasons to work with a roofer:
1. As said above, we know the material well. Unlike a homeowner (who might be coming in contact with shingles (and the dizzying array of shingles available) for the first time) we know our material, and we have professional ties with the material makers, GAF Roofing. If there's an issue, we'll know before it ever touches your home.
2. We have more skilled people available. Every one of our technicians are professionally trained before they go out to work and we never send just one person alone. And with that comes another major issue:
3. Your Safety. One of the first things we worry about is the safety of both the homeowner and the workers. We regularly check our tools (vehicles, ladders and safety equipment) to be sure that everyone is going to be safe when we go up to your roof. We follow all applicable professional safety codes.
4. Your Time. Let's be honest, this is a big reason too. Rather than spend hours up on the roof to do any work on your home, we work for you and allow you to keep going about your life while we work.
So overall, there is a great value in working with a roofer, rather than trying to work on your home by yourself.
And one thing I didn't mention: we provide warranties. We guarantee our work and the skill of our workers. The worst problems that a roof can have are bad installation and a lack of maintenance, which lead to major problems down the line (especially leaks and loss of shingles in windstorms). As a certified contractor, we know what a good roof is, and how to insure that every roof we work on is a good roof that will last for a long time.
There are several reasons to work with a roofer:
1. As said above, we know the material well. Unlike a homeowner (who might be coming in contact with shingles (and the dizzying array of shingles available) for the first time) we know our material, and we have professional ties with the material makers, GAF Roofing. If there's an issue, we'll know before it ever touches your home.
2. We have more skilled people available. Every one of our technicians are professionally trained before they go out to work and we never send just one person alone. And with that comes another major issue:
3. Your Safety. One of the first things we worry about is the safety of both the homeowner and the workers. We regularly check our tools (vehicles, ladders and safety equipment) to be sure that everyone is going to be safe when we go up to your roof. We follow all applicable professional safety codes.
4. Your Time. Let's be honest, this is a big reason too. Rather than spend hours up on the roof to do any work on your home, we work for you and allow you to keep going about your life while we work.
So overall, there is a great value in working with a roofer, rather than trying to work on your home by yourself.
And one thing I didn't mention: we provide warranties. We guarantee our work and the skill of our workers. The worst problems that a roof can have are bad installation and a lack of maintenance, which lead to major problems down the line (especially leaks and loss of shingles in windstorms). As a certified contractor, we know what a good roof is, and how to insure that every roof we work on is a good roof that will last for a long time.
10/07/2012
Roofing Month, Week 2: Ice Dams!
Week 2 of October, and we're looking at a nippy month, but we're still in decent temperatures. But this winter, our homes are going to have a few massive hazards. The worst and foremost amongst these is:
Ice Dams!
The first thing you should do is contact your local roofing contractor. Your roof needs maintenance, and beyond that, contractors have insurances, safety equipment, knowledge, and time that you might not. The simplest fix the contractors have is to take a roof rake and push broom and simply clear the snow off the roof to prevent formation of the dam. Otherwise, the insulation in your roof could be faulty and need repair. And there is one natural, permanent solution.
Now, I'm not going to sit here and argue with you about whether icicles look nice or not. But this collection of them on the side of a house is properly called an ice dam: a ridge of ice that forms at the
edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The
water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home. And we already know what water can do from this summer's posts, don't we?
This whole awful mess gets started when your roof is above freezing at the top (where the runoff begins), and below freezing by the time the water hits the edge (where the dam forms). There are a few solutions to this damaging and dangerous condition for your home.
The first thing you should do is contact your local roofing contractor. Your roof needs maintenance, and beyond that, contractors have insurances, safety equipment, knowledge, and time that you might not. The simplest fix the contractors have is to take a roof rake and push broom and simply clear the snow off the roof to prevent formation of the dam. Otherwise, the insulation in your roof could be faulty and need repair. And there is one natural, permanent solution.
Attic vents and fans help to keep the temperature in your attic even, which in turn keeps your roof temperature even, which prevents ice dams before they can even form.
So, if you're in Westchester or Orange Counties in New York, or anywhere in New Jersey call Dream Team Construction today at our toll-free number, (888)382-2001! Let's keep your home safe before you have to worry!
9/30/2012
Dream Team's Roofing Month
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!
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!
9/16/2012
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?
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