Author: Betty Mullen

The Roof Replacement Process – What To Expect From Start To Finish

Betty Mullen Roofing , , , ,

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home. If yours needs replacement, it can be a complicated project to manage.

A good Ellingson Roofing LLC contractor will follow several meticulous steps to replace your roof. These steps are outlined below:

roofing

Permits

One of the most important first steps in a roof replacement is obtaining any necessary building permits from your local municipality. This ensures that your contractor is working within the guidelines of your area’s zoning laws, and will help avoid any potential headaches down the road if the city finds out you haven’t followed the proper process for getting a permit.

The next step is the roof inspection and planning stage, where your roofing contractor will take a close look at your existing roof. This will include a visual inspection of the structure, as well as an interior inspection to assess any potential water damage that may have occurred over time.

After the inspection, your roofing contractor will give you a cost estimate for the roof replacement and provide you with a timeline of when the work will begin. This is a good opportunity to discuss your preferences for the new roof, including the type of material and color. Your roofing contractor will also ask about any special needs your roof might have, such as skylights or solar panels.

During this phase, your roofing team will set up your job site. This will involve covering plants, furniture, and other things that could be damaged by falling debris. Then, your roofing team will begin the tear-off of your old roof. This includes tearing off the old shingles and underlayment down to the roof deck.

Your roofing crew will then remove the old materials and haul them away to be disposed of properly. Most of the materials will be recycled, and some may even be used in future roof projects. The rest will be taken to a special construction dump, which is specifically designed to handle all the different materials used in the roof construction industry.

Once the old materials have been removed, your roofing contractor will inspect the roof deck to make sure it is in good condition. If any areas are weakened or cracked, they will be repaired to provide a stable base for the new roof.

Before the roof removal begins, it is a good idea to clear out your attic and move any items that are stored there to another location. The hammering involved in the roof removal can cause vibrations that might knock things off your walls, so it’s best to move any decorations or other fragile items ahead of time.

Setup

When homeowners decide to replace their roofs, they often have many questions about the process. While it may seem like a big task, a professional roofing contractor will help you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and efficient process. We’ll discuss why you might want to replace your roof, how the process works, and what you can expect from start to finish.

The first step in the roof replacement process is to remove the existing roof. This is a messy and time-consuming part of the job, but your contractor will take multiple precautions to protect your property. They’ll cover sensitive areas of your home and yard with tarps, and use wooden boards to protect things like your garden and air conditioning unit. They’ll also have a dumpster delivered to dispose of the old materials and coordinate the delivery with the tear-off so that they can begin loading your new roof right away.

Once the old shingles are removed, the contractor will inspect and clean the gutters to make sure they’re free of debris. They’ll also blow out any vents on your roof and install a new metal drip edge at the bottom of the roof to prevent water damage. Next, they’ll install a layer of starter shingles on the edges of your roof to provide extra strength and protection where wind and weather tend to do the most damage.

After that, the main shingles will be installed on your roof. They’ll be overlapping each other starting at the eaves and moving toward the peaks. The shingle tabs will be staggered and covered with a sticky adhesive to prevent water from seeping in between them. Finally, the peaks and rake ridges will be capped with specialized ridge vent shingles for additional protection from rain and wind.

Then, the contractors will clean up the entire area around your home. They’ll put the tarps back down and roll them up, and they’ll also have a magnet to pick up any stray nails in your yard. They’ll also clean up any materials that have been tossed into your driveway and garage. This is a crucial step to ensure that your home is protected during the replacement.

Removal Of Existing Roof

If you’re replacing an old roof, the first step is removing the existing one. Many roofing contractors recommend doing a full tear-off of the existing roof, instead of re-roofing over the top. Re-roofing is an option, but it won’t give you the same benefits of a new roof, such as boosted energy efficiency and enhanced curb appeal.

Before beginning the actual work of tearing off an old roof, the contractor will cover bushes and shrubbery that could be damaged by falling debris with tarps. They will also place tarps on the ground to protect areas where they’ll be working, such as around the chimney. They’ll then install their roof jacks, and attach a 2×10 board to help prevent the shingles from sliding off the roof. It’s best to complete this part of the job during clear weather, as it will be easier and faster – not to mention less risky.

Once the roof jacks are in place, your roofing contractor will begin to remove the shingles from the roof in 2- or 3-foot sections. They’ll start with the ridge caps, which are the shingles at the peak of the roof. They’ll work their tool under the shingles, and then pry them loose to let them slide down onto the roof jacks. Once the shingles are removed, the roof deck will be exposed.

The roof deck will be inspected for any damage that may impact the new roofing system, including wood rot or mold growth. The contractor will then sweep the roof, and if necessary, use a power washer to remove any remaining debris.

A small amount of the sheathing may need to be replaced, depending on how old it is and whether or not any areas have been impacted by storms. This is where it becomes crucial to get the right professional on the project, as they’ll know exactly what materials are required and how to replace them.

The remaining pile of shingles and roof components will be hauled away and disposed of. This is a messy process, but it’s necessary to ensure that the new roof is installed in a clean and pristine environment.

Installation

Replacing your roof is a major project that will be a huge disruption to your daily routine and will take up a lot of time. However, it is important to replace your old and worn roof to avoid further damage to your home and escalating costs.

The installation phase will begin after the roofing contractor has made sure that all the necessary permits have been obtained and that the property is safe for construction. Then, they will cover any parts of your yard or garden that are not directly under the roof with tarps and a dumpster will be brought to collect the old material. Then the roofing crew will start the process of removing your old shingles or tiles. The roofers will also inspect the roof deck for any areas that need to be repaired or replaced.

Once all the old materials are removed, a new layer of underlayment will be added to the roof deck before the new shingles or tiles are laid down. It is vital to ensure that the underlayment is fully watertight before the new shingles or tiles are placed on top, as this will prevent any leaks and protect the structure of your roof for many years to come.

After the underlayment has been installed, the roofing crew will install the new shingles or tiles on your roof. Depending on the type of roof you have, this could be a variety of different types of asphalt shingles, metal tiles, or even wood shakes and slate. The new shingles or tiles will be attached using a strong adhesive, and the edges of your roof will be sealed to protect the interior of your house from rainwater and wind-driven debris.

Finally, the gutters will be cleaned out to remove any shingle or tile debris and the flashing around your chimney, vents and other features of your roof will be replaced as needed. It is essential to use high-quality flashing, which is typically aluminum or galvanized steel, to avoid any water leaks in the future.

The length of time it takes to complete the roof replacement will vary depending on a few factors, such as the size of your roof and the type of new roof you have. The roofing contractors will let you know when the job is scheduled to be completed, and they will work hard to complete the job as quickly as possible to minimize any inconvenience to your home life.

Preventative Measures To Avoid Costly Plumbing Problems

Betty Mullen Plumbing , , , , ,

Leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues can cause significant damage to your home and cost you a fortune. The good news is that many of these problems can be prevented with preventative maintenance.

Plumbing Company Shreveport recommends that homeowners regularly inspect their faucets, shower heads, and toilets for signs of leaks. Leaks that are left unattended can escalate into major problems, including water damage and mold.

Inspect Your Drains Annually

plumbing

Drains, sewer lines, and plumbing fixtures are prone to clogging and other problems if left unattended. These issues can lead to costly repairs, health concerns, and property damage. Fortunately, many of these issues are preventable with routine inspections and maintenance. Taking these steps will help you avoid the most common plumbing disasters and save you money in the long run.

Costly plumbing problems often stem from drains that are blocked or clogged by hair, food particles, grease, and other debris. These clogs can worsen over time and prevent water from flowing out of your home, causing flooding and other dangerous situations. Keeping up with professional drain cleaning every 6-12 months can prevent build-up and keep your drains functioning properly.

Leaky pipes and fixtures can waste gallons of water, leading to high utility bills. In addition, they can also cause odors and structural damage to your home. You can check for leaks by checking the water meter in your home when no one is using water and looking for signs of water damage, like stains or discoloration. If you find a leak, call your plumber right away to fix it before it gets out of hand.

Clogged drains and pipes can be prevented by installing drain covers, using strainers in sinks and bathtubs, avoiding pouring grease down the drain, and implementing a regular drain cleaning routine. If you have hard water, a water softener can also be helpful to prevent mineral build-up.

Drains, pipes, and fixtures will wear out over time due to daily use and the natural aging process. These parts are prone to cracks, rust, and other damage if not regularly inspected, cleaned, and maintained. In addition to preventing clogs and other problems, these measures can also help extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.

The money you may think you’re saving by skipping a routine plumbing inspection could wind up being aimed at expensive repairs, replacements, and your monthly utility bill. The same applies to fixing minor issues, such as leaking faucets or toilets, that could become worse over time. Remember the old saying, “The longer you leave a wound untreated, the more likely it is to infect.”

Hire A Plumber For Routine Inspections

When it comes to plumbing issues, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular inspections of pipes, fixtures, and water heaters by a licensed plumber can help to identify current or potential problems and provide the necessary repairs before they become costly emergencies.

For example, clogged drains can lead to backflow problems, while hidden leaks can result in water waste and potentially damage interior surfaces. Leak detection devices can detect the presence of water and alert homeowners, allowing them to shut off the water supply before the problem worsens. Installing these devices near sinks, bathtubs, and toilets can also help to conserve water.

Aside from preventing costly emergencies, maintaining your plumbing system can save you money on your monthly utility bills. For instance, a plumbing inspection can help to identify leaks and address them promptly before they result in water damage, which can cause your monthly water bill to rise significantly.

Another benefit of plumbing inspections is preserving the value and marketability of your home. Resolving a minor leak or pipe issue before it causes structural damage can prevent the need to spend thousands of dollars on renovations and repairs.

In addition, routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures. For example, a poorly maintained water heater can suffer from premature deterioration, leading to rust and corrosion that shortens its life expectancy. Conversely, a water heater that is regularly serviced by licensed plumbers can remain in peak condition and function well beyond its expected lifespan.

Plumbing inspections can also help to save on your insurance costs. Since water damage accounts for the majority of homeowner’s insurance claims, it is essential to invest in preventive measures to lower your risk. An annual plumbing inspection is a great place to start.

Plumbing emergencies can strike at any time, so it is essential to plan by taking the above preventive measures. By implementing these simple strategies, you can reduce your risk of a plumbing emergency and save on repair costs. Whether it is checking for leaks, insulating your pipes, or scheduling routine plumbing inspections, these preventative measures can significantly improve the quality and lifespan of your pipes and fixtures.

Keep Trees And Shrubs Away From Your Sewer Line

Roots can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage by infiltrating sewer lines and causing clogs. Luckily, there are preventative measures that can help you avoid this costly problem.

When you plant trees and shrubs in your yard, keep them a safe distance from your home’s sewer line. Ideally, the plants should be planted at least as far away from the sewer lines as they will be at full-grown. For this reason, it is important to consult a plumber before planting if you are unsure of where the pipes are located on your property. They can send a professional out to mark them with paint or a camera for you.

Tree roots are attracted to the water, oxygen, and nutrients in sewer lines. Since a pipe crack or loose joint provides easy access to these resources, it is no wonder that they would grow into the line and cause a break or a clog.

To prevent this, use a root growth inhibitor or install a barrier that will stop the roots from penetrating the sewer line. A metal or wood barrier that is buried six inches to a foot deeper than the pipes can serve as a physical deterrent to the roots. Chemical treatments like copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide can also discourage roots from growing into the sewer lines.

If you see warning signs of a broken sewer line, such as multiple drains backing up at once or foul odors coming from your toilets and showers, don’t wait to call a professional. They can clear the clogs and check for any structural damage to the pipes that might need repair.

Staying away from plants with aggressive root systems and regularly hiring a plumbing expert for inspections can save you a lot of money in the long run. It is much cheaper to take these preventative measures than it is to deal with the costly damages caused by trees and shrubs that infiltrate the sewer lines. It is also much less stressful and time-consuming to make these decisions before the problem arises than dealing with it once it becomes an emergency.

Insulate Your Pipes

A burst pipe during the winter can cause extensive damage to your home and require expensive repairs. One way to avoid this problem is to properly insulate your pipes. This can be especially important for pipes in unheated parts of the home, like crawl spaces and attics.

According to the International Business and Home Safety (IBHS), installing proper pipe insulation can help prevent a pipe from freezing, and even reduce the likelihood of a freeze if it does happen. It can also be very affordable—IBHS estimates that most homes can get the job done for just $10, which is significantly less than you’ll pay for a bottle of aspirin or an insurance deductible.

Pipe insulation does a couple of critical things to protect your plumbing system: it keeps cold water in and hot water out, and it creates a barrier that regulates the temperature. These are vital functions in the winter, and they are what makes pipe insulation a common preventative measure among homes in climates that experience frigid winter temperatures.

The other thing that pipe insulation does is limit condensation on the surface of your pipes. This can corrode the surface of the pipes, and eventually lead to leaks and failure. Fortunately, special vapor barriers and other types of insulation can keep condensation from occurring.

If your pipes are not insulated, it is time to invest. You can start by identifying any exposed pipes in unheated areas of the house and using foam or heat tape to wrap them. The next step is to insulate any unused or uninsulated piping throughout the house, including the sewer line that runs underground from your home to the municipal sewer line on the street.

The most common way to insulate your pipes is with traditional pipe-wrap insulation, which is inexpensive and easy to install. Simply duct tape the end of the insulating strip to the pipe, and begin wrapping it around the pipe in spiral loops. Continue to do this until the pipe is fully insulated. For longer lengths of pipe or sections with many bends, you can use foam insulation sleeves. These are easy to cut to size and come in 6-foot lengths. They will fit over your existing pipe and are a great alternative to heat tape.

When to Call an Electrician

Betty Mullen Electrician , , , ,

Electrical problems are a severe issue for homes. They often lead to fire hazards, which can be deadly. Regular inspections by professional electrical contractors can help prevent accidents from happening.

Electrician

Electrical services can also include the repair or replacement of old wiring. This is a standard service that many homeowners need to have done. Visit https://www.ampi-electricinc.com/boca-raton-electrician/ to learn more.

Residential electrical services include fixing wiring problems in a house and installing new fixtures. These services are vital to a home’s safety and efficiency. A residential electrician has the training and experience to perform these tasks correctly and safely. A homeowner can also perform some residential electrical services, such as replacing light fixtures or adding outlets. However, it’s important to know when to call a professional for help.

The electric service to a house consists of three insulated cables that run from the power pole to the house. Two of these wires are wrapped in black rubber, while the third is bare and connects to the overhead or neutral cable. Each of these wires carries 120 volts. Residential electric services typically deliver a total of 240 volts.

A homeowner can determine the size of their residential electrical service by talking to the power company. They may ask how much voltage their home receives and where they’d like to place their electric meter. If they’re building a new house, they can work with the POCO to pre-determine many of these items. For example, in a tract home development, the builder may already have a POCO contact and have agreed on things like the electrical service size and where the meter will be placed.

Normally, the power line that runs from the utility company to your home’s electric meter is owned and maintained by the utility. The meter is what registers the electricity use in your house and determines how much the utility charges you on your monthly electric bill. The electric meter can be located on the outside of the house or in a basement inside the house.

Some homeowners don’t understand exactly what their responsibility is for the line portion of their electric service. They may think that the POCO is responsible for all equipment and wiring up to the point where it connects to their house. However, this is not always the case. In some cases, the utility only owns and maintains the electric meter and nothing beyond it. Other times, homeowners are responsible for everything up to the meter including installation, repair, and maintenance costs.

Commercial

Commercial electrical services are needed to maintain or install electrical systems in larger commercial structures like office buildings, shopping malls, hospitals and warehouses that use a significant amount of electricity for lighting, data networks and other needs. A faulty electrical system can cause safety hazards for those working inside the structure and disrupt business operations.

Electricians who specialize in commercial work are able to handle more complex jobs that may require more than just replacing a broken outlet or repairing a faulty section of wiring. Having a trusted commercial electrician available can ensure that all electrical issues are addressed quickly so that a company can continue operating without disruption.

One of the most common tasks for a commercial electrician is rewiring. This can involve replacing old or outdated electrical wiring with new, safer cables and connectors. It may also include adding circuits to accommodate more appliances or equipment and ensuring that the existing power can support those demands.

Another common job for a commercial electrician is to inspect and repair electrical services. This includes checking that the service drops and laterals have the proper clearances, inspecting the service entrance conductors for damage or deterioration and examining the grounding and bonding. The inspector should also be able to identify the location of each service and any associated fuses or disconnects.

Many commercial electricians are called on to perform maintenance and inspections of air conditioning units, power points / outlets and security alarms. They may also be responsible for assisting with the design of a new building or installing and integrating smart technology into existing buildings.

While some commercial electricians are contracted on an as-needed basis, others may have a long-term contract with a building or business. This allows the commercial electrician to get familiar with the layout of a particular location and become more proficient at performing the necessary services.

Despite the best efforts of commercial electricians, sometimes things go wrong with electrical systems. Whether it’s a power outage caused by a storm or a breakdown of critical equipment, having a trusted commercial electrician on call can be the difference between getting back to work immediately and losing valuable time and revenue.

Industrial

Industrial electrical services encompass all work related to the wiring, lighting systems and power distribution networks in industrial or commercial spaces. This includes the creation of wiring diagrams for new installations, as well as maintenance, inspections and electrical repairs to existing systems. Compared to residential or commercial space, industrial electrical systems require a higher level of power due to the number and size of machinery and other equipment. This requires that the wiring be designed and built to meet specific standards, such as a higher voltage and current capacity.

The duties of industrial electrical services also often include analyzing a site’s present and future electrical needs to plan and implement upgrades and modifications. These are often large projects, such as a complete facility overhaul. The goal is to ensure that all components are in working order and that the new electrical system meets both current and future needs.

When it comes to new installation, an industrial electrical contractor will help develop a blueprint for the system and work with construction teams to get the job done. They will also help with determining what electrical equipment is needed and ensuring that the system meets all necessary building codes and safety regulations.

Once the project is underway, the industrial electrical contractor will monitor and adjust the wiring as required. This is a critical process as any issues or problems can have serious consequences, especially in large industrial facilities. To prevent these issues, it is important that all components are inspected regularly and maintained as necessary.

An industrial electrician will also be responsible for creating easy to maintain and access junction boxes. This is a necessity because the wiring will typically be placed in hard-to-reach areas. This way, when a problem arises, it can be easily isolated and corrected. Additionally, they will make sure the system complies with all applicable national and local electrical codes and safety standards.

An electrical company can offer a wide variety of industrial electrical services to meet the unique needs of your business. From installing lighting fixtures, 3-phase service installations and refrigeration power to rewiring your entire facility, an experienced and reputable electrical contractor can provide the quality, affordability and on-schedule performance you need.

Other

Whether you want to install an electrical fixture or an appliance, licensed electricians can help. They can also wire new appliances into your home, such as refrigerators or microwaves. This includes installing dedicated circuits to ensure that your new appliances don’t overload your home’s current capacity. This is done to prevent fires and injuries that can result from faulty wiring or overheated outlets.

Electricians can also repair existing electrical systems, including wiring and outlets. They can also perform safety inspections to make sure that the wiring in a building is functioning correctly. Regular electrical maintenance services can prevent problems from occurring that can be expensive to fix, such as overheated wires or fire hazards.

Another service that electrical contractors provide is replacing outdated wiring. Older wiring is more prone to failure, which can lead to dangerous conditions like melted insulation. This can cause a fire hazard or injury, so it’s important to have your wiring inspected by a professional on a regular basis.

Licensed electricians can also repair or replace your electrical panel, which is often known as the breaker box. It is the central hub that distributes electricity throughout a home, and it can be damaged by power surges or other issues. The panel contains circuit breakers and fuses that protect wiring in walls from overheating. When a problem occurs, the circuit breaker trips, cutting off power to that particular circuit. This prevents overheating and fires, and it allows the breaker to be reset.

There are different types of electrical services, depending on the amount of power used in a home or business. For example, some homes have 120V service, which is ideal for small loads. Other options include 208V and 347V, which are commonly used in commercial settings to power larger loads. Lastly, some homes use a three-phase electric service, which is usually found in large industrial buildings and requires more power from the utility company than single-phase services.