Home Improvement Blog

5 signs for new roof replacement/installation; Contractor Monroe, NY

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Feb 04, 2023 @ 10:54 AM

Here in Orange County, NY we experience all forms of weather systems year round that impact our area in various different ways. Part of the Tri-State area which includes New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we have a true four season location. Known for our unique geography of mountains and low lying valleys, plentiful with lakes, streams and rivers plus vast woodlands make for a tranquil environment to live. Situated within close distance to the Atlantic Ocean and many different water outlets make it desirable to beach dwellers and boaters while campers and hikers can enjoy the beautiful countryside. Within a few hours you can visit the Great Lakes Region and even go into Canada or go to one of the many surrounding cities, especially New York City. The topography of our area is absolutely wonderful and gorgeous but we are also surrounded by vast bodies of water. These bodies of water can create extreme amounts of moisture in the atmosphere and can result in a plethora of weather systems year round.

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Your roof is one of the main components of your home when it comes to protecting you and your loved ones from the harsh elements. From harsh winter snows to heavy spring rains and summer thunderstorms, your roof needs to be ready to efficiently shed water away from your home rapidly. With installation of a new roof will provide you with many years of protection.

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 Signs you may need a new roof installation:

  • Roof shingles visibly buckling
  • Soft spots on roof decking
  • Leaking water through roof shingles
  • Ice damming backing up
  • Insufficient roof ventilation

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A properly installed roof requires more than just installing roof shingles on your roof decking. First off a clean, solid roof deck needs to be in place prior to any installation of roofing components. A poor roof deck will comprise the integrity and longevity of your new roof installation. Once existing roof shingles have been stripped down to existing roof decking, cleaned thoroughly and inspected for any potential damages, installation can begin. For new roofs the same procedure is performed minus the removal of existing shingles.

Components of new roof installation:

  • Ice and water shield installed on eaves of roof deck(code 3ft in from exterior wall)
  • Ice and water shield installed in valleys and under flashings
  • ice and water shield installed on roof rake ends of roof deck(not required by code)
  • New vent boots around existing vent lines
  • Aluminum drip edge around perimeter of all edges of roof
  • Vapor barrier paper installed on entire roof deck minus ares where ice and water shield has been installed
  • Attic fan(not code but can be added)
  • Installation of roof shingles(most commonly used is 30 year architectural shingle)
  • Installation of ridge vent

Most common roof shingle on the market has become the popular 30 year architectural shingle which provides superior performance and enhanced esthetic appearance compared to the original  three tab roof. Three tab roof shingles are still available and used at a slightly lower cost than architectural but perform at about half when it comes to wind ratings. Architectural shingles create a much nicer curb appeal due to the 3D appearance and with that a much thicker and durable shingle. In some cases where existing shingles are installed, architectural shingles may be installed over existing roof in areas where codes allow. (Not code or recommended for roofs with two layers in place already) Three tab shingles may also be used in re-roofing but not advised as architectural shingles are heavier and lay flatter.

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Longevity and efficiency for your home/roof relies on adequate ventilation and attic insulation for proper air flow and controlled heat/moisture throughout your attic. Inadequate attic ventilation allows stagnant air to buildup. Extreme summer heat can cause dry rot and potentially damage to air conditioning units due to overworking in high temperatures especially with lack of fresh air movement. Higher heat with no ventilation will shorten the lifespan of your roof. During winter heat loss becomes an issue due to inadequate insulation that may lead to ice damming. Ice damming occurs during the winter months with snow buildup that backs up under your shingles during the freeze and thaw process. Ice damming is very common in the northeast and can cause potential water damage.

5 Different types of roof ventilation installs:

  • Ridge vents installed at top peaks of roof
  • Soffit vents installed under soffits
  • Gable vents installed on gable ends of roof peaks
  • Attic fan(s) installed in roof powered by electric or solar and activated by a thermostat 
  • House fan installed that brings fresh air from outside into living areas of home and into attic

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On most any roof you will have a gutter system installed for removing water off of roof and away from the home. Some areas that receive excessive snowfall amounts may opt out to leave gutters off to prevent ice damming. The roof of your home removes tremendous amounts of liquid due to the square footage that collects and needs to be discarded efficiently. Without roof gutter systems water may collect around your foundation and possibly cause water infiltration into your basement. During end of winter with melting snows followed by heavy spring rains the ground water tables rise fast creating hydrostatic pressure buildup which could cause damage to your foundation. Adding extra unwanted roof water to ground water increases pressure dramatically causing your homes Footing Drains to work harder to remove water. When possible it is strongly recommended to extend downspouts away from your home to excrete water away. 

Most new roof replacements can be performed in one day considering size and condition of roof decking when shingles have been removed. Added protection and value to for your home may be to look into the installation of an Egress Window

 

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Topics: orange county ny, General Contractor, remodeling, Construction, construction-general--monroe, Roofing Monroe NY, footing drain, insulation, egress windows, ice control, water damage, Sullivan County ny, roof replacement, roofing contractor

5 Benefits and 7 key components to a new roof installation of your home

Posted by william bateman on Tue, Dec 13, 2022 @ 09:13 AM

Your home is most likely your largest investment in life. Protecting it from the harsh elements we experience is essential for maintaining and adding value to your home. Water damage is the cause for billions of dollars in damage every year and can be avoided with a professional roof installation. Here in Orange County, NY we experience severe weather at times from severe thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes to crippling snowstorms. Having a good roof protects you and your family during these events. Heavy winter snows followed by heavy spring rains doubles the amounts of water that has the high potential of water infiltration into your homes roof. Ice damming can also occur with higher temperatures melting snow followed by freezing at gutter line causing water backup. On another note, keep in mind water can buildup around your basement foundation walls from these weather events causing flooding and structural damage if your footing drains are failing.

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5 Benefits of a new roof installation:

  • You and your loved ones protected from the harsh elements
  • Eliminating possible water infiltration that can water damage
  • Perfect time to check gutters and downspouts for functionality or add gutter system 
  • Eliminate hazardous health ailments from the growth of mold and mildew caused by water infilitation
  • Add value to your home along with stunning appearance with new 30 year architectural shingles

There is more to your homes roof than just the appearance. What's underneath that you don't see is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Few different components are necessary when installing a new roof and when all used in conjunction with each other help create an efficiently controlled environment for your homes roof and attic.

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The two factors to deal with in any home is a battle between moisture and heat. Keeping air flow is crucial to maintaining a controlled environment in your attic allowing it to breathe. Not only will proper ventilation give your longer life out of your new roof installation it can make your home more efficient cutting down of heating and cooling costs.

5 key components when installing a new roof:

  • Aluminum drip edge around perimeter of roof to shed water away and prevent capillary action
  • Installation of ridge vents to expel heat from attic
  • Installation of ice and water shield minimum 3 ft up from roofs end(if roof has overhang 3 ft in from interior wall) in valleys and around chimneys and flashings
  • Installation of felt paper or equivalent vapor barrier on rest of roof deck 
  • Attic fan to remove heat from attic during the hot summer days
  • Soffit vents are beneficial in moving more fresh air through your attic
  • Gable vents are also beneficial in moving air in and out of your attics upper atmosphere 

Most newer homes may already have these components in place as compared to older homes. Not all homes may be a candidate for all these installations but all homes a ridge vent can be easily installed when installing a new roof. Keep in mind that flat roofs and cathedral ceilings drastically cut down on ventilation and air flow sometimes cutting roof life in half. Styrofoam baffles may be installed in between rafters and insulation from the inside increasing air flow but this would most likely be install during new construction or renovation.

Most new roof installations can be installed in one day depending on the size and condition. Roof is first stripped and inspected for any damages that may have occurred and replaced if necessary before underlayment and shingles are installed. Property is cleaned of any debris and removed to an approved landfill facility for proper disposal. A good roof installation will give you years of functionality and peace in mind against one of natures strongest forces, WATER!!!!

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Topics: General Contractor, Construction, construction-general--monroe, Roofing Monroe NY, insulation, drainage, ice control, bi-level, ice damming

Is your roof in need of replacement?

Posted by william bateman on Wed, Nov 26, 2014 @ 03:20 PM

Here in the northeast we can experience some pretty brutal winters that can leave our homes at high risk if you don't have a good roof. The strongest part of your home may be the foundation but without a adequate roof, your home is worthless! Crippling snowstorms are very common in our area and the weight load of snow on our roofs can result in collaspe of your roof, as we have just seen in Buffalo, NY

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Click here and fill out our contact page for a free estimate!

 

 

Another common problem is ice damming. Ice damming occurs when heat loss from your home due to inadequate insulation melts snow and it freezes when it reaches the soffit of your home. As ice forms water backs up under the shingles causing major water damage to the interior of your home.

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A poor roof can leave a home with very little value due to the damage it can do. Sometimes the damage can go unnoticed for years until it is too late! Rot and mildew can run rampant if issues aren't corrected quickly and efficiently!

 

What are the risks of a poor roof?:

  • Interior water damage

  • Rotten wood

  • Dry rot

  • Mold/mildew

  • Health problems

  • Allergies

  • Termites

  • Carpenter ants

  • Roof collapse

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    With a new roof replacement you want to do it right. New architectural shingles on the market are rated for 30 yrs. Thats a long time but if not installed correctly, roof will fail!!! 

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    Call today for a free roof estimate

    845-590-5336

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Topics: Monroe NY, orange county ny, construction-general, Construction, construction-general--monroe, Roofing Monroe NY, Roofing, Architectural shingles, improvements, windows, insulation, certainteed, anderson, egress windows, additions

Wood vs. Steel vs. Fiberglass Doors. Whats the best choice?

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Dec 08, 2012 @ 02:58 PM

Wood Doors vs. Steel Doors vs. Fiberglass Doors

Even after 25 years, fiberglass remains the most advanced material for entryways — able to satisfy both today’s and tomorrow’s homeowners by giving them the look of wood doors and the strength of steel doors, without the compromises of either. In fact, fiberglass doors offer just what homeowners want* — the optimum combination of security, energy efficiency, performance and aesthetics. Therma-Tru not only pioneered the fiberglass door category but we continue to lead the industry.

 

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Benefits of wood doors:

  • Beautiful wood grain

  • High end look

  • Warm feel and touch

  • Scratches easily fixed

 

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Benefits of steel doors:

  • Lower maintenance

  • No cracking or bowing

  • Less exspensive

  • Energy efficient

  • Good insulating value

  • Secure

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Benefits of fiberglass doors:

  • Lowest maintenace

  • Resists cracking and denting

  • Offers smooth or wood grain finishes

  • Won't rot, deteriorate or rust

  • Can be painted or stained

  • Energy efficient

  • Won't warp, bow or twist

  • Five times the insulating value of wood

  • Secure

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Therma-Tru offers decorative glass options:

  • Increase curb appeal and the perceived value of your home

  • Allow more light into your home

  • Reflect your personal style

  • Are offered in impact rated glass options to increase security and protection from severe weather

 

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 After looking at all three door choices, fiberglass seems to be the best choice all around. Wood still has the best appearance and steel is right in the middle with economy and insulating values. When remodeling  your home with a new door upgrade the options can be endless. Therma-Tru has thousands of different choices and configurations to choose from. Call WMB Construction today for your next door installation!

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, remodeling, remodel, Construction, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe, Roofing Monroe NY, Roofing, improvements, windows, insulation, siding

Attic insulation installed incorrectly

Posted by william bateman on Sun, Apr 10, 2011 @ 01:01 PM

Insulation plays a very important role in maintaining the efficiency of your home. Without it your home would be a very uncomfortable atomosphere. Basically every home has some form of insulation in the walls and ceiling but most homes don't have nearly enough. This is why many people add more insulation to what they have already. Increasing your R-value saves you thousands over years and creates a greener tomorrow with less energy and raw materials being used.

Can insulation be installed incorrectly?

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Apparently it can! This is what I found in an attic where the customer paid to have insulation added to her attic. The contractor installed R-30 faced fiberglass insulation in between the rafter bays instead of over the ceiling joists. home improvements orange county ny

The contractor achieved nothing by installing insulation between the rafters and would have dry rotted the entire roof if left like that.

How we corrected the problem:

  • The original insulation installed when the house was built was unfaced so we removed it

  • We removed the R-30 insulation from in between the rafter and reused it in between the ceiling joists, vapor barrier facing down

  • We took the original unfaced insulation and layed it over the R-30 insulation

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A simple mistake could have cost this customer thousands down the road. The proper way is always to add unfaced insulation on top of faced insulation. You never want two faced insulations together that create a double vapor barrier.

Benefits of adding insulation:

  • Keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer

  • Lowers heating and cooling bills

  • Added vapor barrier

  • Helps prevent ice damming

  • Sound barrier

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Over insulating is not recommended either. Insulation must remain fluffy to maintain its R-value. Too much insulation creates dry rot especially in between roof rafters where the summers sun cooks roofs. The only time insulation is installed in between roof rafters is with cathedral ceiling and then baffles should be installed.

 

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Topics: orange county ny, remodeling, construction-general--monroe, insulation

Vinyl siding remodel

Posted by william bateman on Wed, Apr 06, 2011 @ 09:30 PM

You may be interested in enhancing the exterior of your home and vinyl siding is the first thing that comes to mind. Vinyl siding offers your home a complete transformation in a matter of weeks. With a variety of colors and styles available on the market the options become endless. With the wrong installation the problems can be endless too!

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Vinyl siding benefits:

  • Instant added value to your home

  • Maintenance free home

  • Added insulating values

  • Home protected from the elements

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Installing vinyl siding should be left in the hands of a professional. Poor installations can leave you with thousands of dollars in damage. The sad part is that most customers are unaware what is right and what is wrong. In the end the customer will suffer.

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Problems due to poor installations:

  • Water damage

  • Dry rot

  • Termites

  • Carpenter ants

  • Blown off siding

  • Buckled siding

The #1 problem in a poor siding job is overlooking flashing. A good contractor will foresee any water issues and correct the problem before it is a problem. I have seen it way too often when flashing was install incorrectly. Nobody will see the results until the real damage has been done.

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A quality siding job consists of:

  • Removal of old siding to expose any damage and ensure proper nailing of new siding

  • Tyvek paper and/or styrofoam instalation

  • Proper flashing installation

  • Good quality vinyl siding that carries wind ratings and a thick mil rating

  • Quality aluminum bending that leaves no open voids for water penetration.

  • Quality caulking. Leave caulking to a minimum and where necessary be clean and neat. All caulking will eventually shrink and discolor.

  • Pressure bends on aluminum facias will strenghten and help eliminate wavy facias.

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 Make your home transform into the home of your dreams!!!

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Topics: orange county ny, construction-general, construction-general--monroe, insulation, siding, egress windows

Home insulation tips? Are you wasting money every month? Attached video!!

Posted by william bateman on Mon, Jan 24, 2011 @ 09:29 PM

I am in my own personal home right now in Monroe, NY and it is 5 below zero. It is January and the weather is very unpredictable this time of year. Besides snow, the temperature has been lower than the regular average raising my heating costs above normal. To much of my surprise, I realized that I have been heating my attic instead of my home. The insulation originally installed was an R value of R-13 instead of an R-38. A difference of 13 inches of insulation! Now that is an enormous amount of heat transfer loss within my home!

After realizing that the R-value of my home has been outdated by 30 yrs., I found myself at the lumber yard purchasing R-38 unfaced fiberglass insulation to add on top of my existing insulation. I have now installed it and thanks to Owens Corning, my home is warmer than ever and my heating bills have decreased. Instead of heating my attic, I now heat my living area.

 

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Insulation is the cheapest way to lower your heating costs.

What to look for when determining inadequate insulation:

  •  R-38 is 16" thick and is the current building code for new construction. Most older homes only have 3 inches. Adding 16 inches to three inches will increase your R-value beyond industry standards which means even more savings.
  • Look for cold drafts and areas of possible heat loss.
  • Make sure your original insulation has vapor barrier.(you can check this by making sure the insulation has a paper backing that faces towards your living area.) 
  • If you own an older home, Pre. 1940, you probably have wool insulation. Wool insulation was good in its time but very insufficient by todays standards.

 

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Lets face it, heating costs have been on a rise forcing us to think greener! Whether you have oil, gas or electric heat, you have been feeling the impact of heating costs. Think about today and tomorrow to try to reserve our natural resources! Also keep in mind that added insulation keeps your home cooler in the summer.

Topics: Monroe NY, construction-general, Roofing, insulation