Month: June 2017

Perhaps you associate gutter cleaning with autumn, but spring is also an important time to address this chore. It is particularly essential if you have large trees near your house. Bud castoffs and general gunk can cause issues in gutters just as much as fallen leaves. In addition to preventing the free flow of rainwater, accumulated debris can weigh down gutters and cause them to loosen or pull away from the eave. Debris can also clog downspouts.

If you choose to clean your gutters, here are a few bits of advice to keep in mind:

1. Watch for power lines. Do not put your ladder near electrical lines, even if you believe the ladder is non-conductive.
2. Always wear gloves. Gutters have lots of sharp points and metal screws that can scratch and cut your hands. The last thing you need is gutter gunk in fresh wounds. Safety goggles and a face mask would also be prudent.
3. Use a leaf blower. If the debris isn’t too soggy, a leaf blower can quickly remove much of the debris.
4. Use a gutter scoop. A scoop costs about four dollars, which is well worth the investment in terms of time savings.
5. Hose it down. After removing as much debris as possible, run water along the gutter to ensure there are no blockages through the downspouts.

If your gutters are one story off the ground and you can easily reach them with a tall stepladder or short extension ladder, perhaps you can clean them by yourself. However, gutters two stories or higher can be dangerous to clean on your own and are best left us to professionals. Even one-story gutter cleaning and repair by experts can save you a lot of hassle and avoid safety concerns. To learn more, contact us at Premiere Roofing for a free consultation.

Buying a new home? Congratulations! But don’t wait until after you’ve bought it to find out the condition of the roof. Having the roof inspected for damages should be one of the first things on your to-do list when looking to purchase a new home.

Roof problems can potentially damage the structural integrity of you home.

Ask the seller how old the roof is. (A well-kept roof has a 30+ year life span.) Additionally, you should ask about any storm or tree damage that might have occurred in recent years.

By having a roof inspection, you might save yourself time, expenses, and disappointment even before.

A roofing inspection will look for:

• Damaged shingles or tiles. See if any have cracked, warped, loosened, gathered moss, or fallen out.
• Rust streaks or stains. Check for faulty gutters or drainage piping.
• Worn seals. Focus on where the roof meets vents, chimney work, and window frames.
• Sagging parts of the house or roof. Dry rot could be the cause.
• Rotted or broken trees around the property. Has the roof been slammed by tree limbs?

Inside the house:

• Water spots or dark seams. Look on or along the ceilings and walls. Seepage can mean roof damage.
• Signs of moisture. Check around the fireplace structure and in the basement.
• Newly painted drywall panels. If you see them, especially on the ceiling, find out why.

Before signing any paperwork, you should ask to see the seller’s inspection and disclosure documents. South Carolina requires sellers and lessors to disclose the condition of the roof, chimney, and additional structural parts of the home, among other things.

During negotiations, having a roofer check the roof can be a sensible, cost-effective call. Premiere Roofing can help. Contact us today for more information, for answers to your questions, or to schedule an inspection.