When autumn begins and weather chills, it is time to think about your roof weathering the winter.

Prepare your home's roof with some do-it-yourself preparations.

• Check your shingles for loose, damaged or missing pieces.  Have any damaged areas repaired or replaced.
• If you are aware of leaks have them repaired to prevent further and consequential damage.
• Clear the roof surface and gutters of debris that can cause ice to build-up and dam.  Cleaning gutters allows water to flow easily preventing costly ice damage.  Make sure downspouts are also clear and water flows smoothly down and away from the house.
• Make sure the roof is properly ventilated.  This will prevent ice build up and the likelihood of ice dams.
• Check your ceilings and attic for leaks you are not yet aware of.  Look for dark spots, sagging, mold and insects.  Look for light coming in indicating openings in the roofing.
• Look for weak spots.  These areas become a problem when heavy snow adds weight to the roof structure.
• Check flashing and attachments for tight fit.

Be sure to consult a professional roofing contractor for evaluation and repair to protect your warranty and ensure properly completed repairs.

Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality residential roofing in South East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in asphalt shingle roof replacement.
www.craiggoukerroofing.com     (412)664-7679

Mold grows indoors when spores in the air land on wet surfaces caused by roof leaks, plumbing problems, ventilation issues, and other moisture sources.  Molds produce allergens and in some cases toxic substances that can cause reactions in people with allergies and asthma.  Mold spores grow when moisture is present so keeping your home dry will prevent a problem in the first place.  After cleaning up mold, if the water problem isn't solved, mold will return.  It is important to accurately assess a mold problem and have clean-up and moisture problems handled professionally.

For more information on Mold, check out the EPA's Guide to Mold, Moisture, and your Home.
Or this article on the dangers of mold from a leaky roof  and this article on mold removal from Water Damage Advisor.

Clogged gutters and downspouts can result in costly damage.  Water overflow can damage your roof by seeping in where water shouldn't.  It will also cause ice to build up in the winter causing damage.  Water overflowing down the outside of your house can damage siding and paint.  Water that is not properly drained away from the home can cause basement flooding problems and even damage foundations.  Clogged gutters are heavy.  This will cause them to sag and come loose or fall off.  Debris sitting in gutters can attract unwanted pests, including ants and mosquitoes, and mildew.

Now prepare for the job.  You will need a garden trowel, kitchen utensil or homemade plastic scoop to get the debris out of the gutters.  Gloves are also recommended.  The you will need to decide how you want to collect the debris.  Some like to take a bucket or bag up the ladder with them, others prefer to drop it to the ground.  Using a tarp can make this method easier to clean up.  All are acceptable and come down to homeowner preference.  A sturdy ladder with either a ladder stabilizer or stand-off will protect the gutters from damage from the ladder.  A garden hose or power washer will clean up and unclog.

If you have gutter covers, you will need to remove those first.  Check the gutters for loose spike and repair or replace.  Check for holes or broken seals and re-caulk.  If your gutters are older and rust, clean off the rust, sand and repaint to minimize further problems.

Then begin to scoop out the debris and put it into your chosen disposal method.  Once the gutters are clean, check the downspout for clogs by spraying water down the spout with your hose.  If you find the water isn't coming out the bottom with equal amount or pressure you have a clog.  Pushing the hose into the spout or using a plumbers snake will usually unclog most problems.  With debris-free and unclogged downspouts, rinse the gutters by starting at the end furthest from the downspout and spraying water from the hose or power washer toward the downspout.  

Homeowners should clean their gutters and downspouts twice a year in the spring and fall.  If you are leery of climbing up to your roof, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaner.  The time or money spent will save you future hassle, damage and costly repairs.

Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality residential roofing in South East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in shingle roof replacement.
www.craiggoukerroofing.com     (412)664-7679

When you think of holiday season decorations, twinkling outdoor lights come to mind.  Before climbing up on the roof there are some important things to keep in mind when decorating your roof line.

Plan ahead!  Planning your project is important to an appealing and safe display.  After you decide on the look you want, measure carefully and be sure to get all the supplies you need to save time and hassle later.  Check your lights before you get on the roof.  Make sure they work and look for broken lights and exposed wire as this could be a fire hazard.  Choose light strings made for outdoor  use.  Plan how you will string the lights together and keep in mind that too many lights on one power source could also be a fire hazard.  Check the manufacturers safety instructions and take note of installation instructions and placement near other decorations.

The best place to hang lights is your gutters, but if you have to attach them to your roof, there are good clips that can be purchased in most holiday decorating departments.  These will allow you to attach the lights to your roof without damaging the shingles.  Clips can attach to gutters or slide under the shingles and secure to the roof edge.  NEVER staple or nail into your shingles!  This will leave a small hole where water will penetrate and cause damage to the roof and wood.  Clips are inexpensive compared to repairing or replacing a roof damaged by nails or staples and are easily removed and reused.

The siding on your home is more than just a design feature.  It protects and insulates your home from the outdoor conditions.  There are many signs that it is time to repair or replace your homes exterior.

• Damaged or Worn Siding - If your siding is cracked or damaged from hail or other impact, you should repair or replace as it no longer can properly protect your home.  Another sign of damage or wear is loose siding that is hanging or separated from itself.  Missing or cracked caulking and protruding nails are also signs of wear indicating that the siding has moved or shifted since its installation.
  
• Siding Blistering - bumps or bubbles in the siding is an indication that temperatures and moisture are wrecking havoc on your exterior. It is important to identify and correct the cause and repair or replace the damaged areas.
  
• Animals and Insects - Siding should also protect against small animals and insects invading your home.  If you notice holes in the side of your house, they are likely caused by insects boring through the exterior covering.  Replacing the siding will keep the pests out.