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

Pittsburgh winters are unpredictable.  One day it is 40 degrees, the next so bitter cold that schools close. We can have 2 feet of snow and have it all melted a day later. ​When the cold weather arrives in PIttsburgh, that doesn't mean you have to wait until spring to get that new roof.  You can schedule your roof replacement during the winter months.
A qualified, knowledgeable roofer will know when and if any extra steps need to be taken to properly apply asphalt shingles in various temperatures and conditions.  If a problem develops over the winter, leak or weather damage, it is better to get it checked and repaired or replaced instead of waiting until warmer temperatures. By that time a small issue might be a big problem.

There is an advantage to getting a new roof in the cold season. Roofers are usually less busy and will likely be able to get to your job sooner and with more manpower than in the busy spring and summer seasons.

If you know a new roof is on the horizon, don't be afraid to call a professional roofing contractor with a track record of quality work to get the job started at any time of year.

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

Winters in Pittsburgh mean snow.  Sometimes that snow can be very wet and heavy, which is dangerous for your roof.  

It can be difficult to know if the snow on your roof should be removed.  Consider the age of the roof, home structure and the condition it is in.   If the snow on the ground is heavy when lifted with a shovel, you can be sure that the snow on the roof is also heavy.  Watch weather and news reports.  Often they will mention if recent weather could cause roof collapses.  Look inside your house.  Do the interior doors stick or did the drywall crack around the door frame?  These could be signs of extra weight on the roof, especially if you see these signs on the top floor.

What should you do?  Check the weather forecast.  If warm weather is coming, the snow will melt on its own.  If not, you should remove the snow to prevent damage and ice dams from forming.  Ice dams are a build up of ice along the edges of the roof that prevent water from properly running off the roof.  This can cause water to seep inside instead.  

There are two ways to remove excess snow from the roof.  The safest way is to hire a professional. They have the knowledge to remove snow without damaging the roof and the equipment to do it safely.  If your roof is lower and you can reach it from the ground with a long handled rake, you can try to do it yourself.  Many home improvement stores carry special snow removal rakes for this purpose.  They are still difficult to work with on very heavy snow.  Be careful not to stand directly under where the snow will fall from the roof.  You should start at the bottom with the overhangs and work your way up going about a foot at a time.  Be sure to watch for dangers such as power lines hanging near the roof.  Remember the goal is to remove the excess snow, not all of the snow.

If you need to get on the roof and shovel the snow to remove it, it is best to hire a professional.
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When the winter snow comes, consider the effect it has on your roof and take the necessary steps to protect your investment.

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.