How Can Hail Affect Roofing Shingles?

Posted by admin on

Hail isn’t the most common thing in the North East but when it happens, it’s a sight to see! For a homeowner, after you dodge falling hail, you need to understand that hail can damage your home and in particular, your roof’s shingles.

Hail damage isn’t always noticeable which can be extremely frustrating. It can cause latent damage which over time can result in your shingles to prematurely damage. Without visual damage, there is no real way to tell how much damage has occurred.

In other instances, you can tell if your roof has been damaged because of hail. Damage can be seen as indents on your roof or shingles breaking apart.

Most Common Types of Roof Damage: 

Loss of Granules: Parts of the roof that get hit by hail can see the individual granules start to fall off the shingles.

Cracks: Points of impact may radiate the shingles outward and cracks can be even more noticeable if high winds blow shingles back.

Exposed Fiberglass Mat: When hail shatters an asphalt roof, it could cause it to break away from the fiberglass mat.

Fractured Fiberglass Mat: Similar to exposing the fiberglass matt and creating cracks in the shingles, but the underlayer of fiberglass mat can also break apart due to hail damage.

The quality of roofing install and the level of shingles that are protecting your house both directly impact how any roof handles nature day in and day out. Whether you want to protect your house against hail or are looking for repairs or a replacement, be sure to work with a trusted company.

Within 2017, there was only 1 hail report around the Boston area but it was one that caused damage.

For more information about how hail could have damaged your roof or to talk with us about roofing repairs or replacements, we can be contacted over the phone at 781-344-2420 or through our online contact form.

Why Summer is the Best Time to Install Replacement Windows

Posted by admin on with 0 Comment

It seems obvious that window replacement should be done during the warmer months. Homes are open to the outside air, and a bulk of the work will be performed outside. In those conditions, houses will maintain a more comfortable temperature if window replacement is performed in the summer. However, there are other reasons that make summer the best time to install replacement windows. Read on to find out more.

Caulking adheres better in the warmer weather than in the cold: Ideally, caulking should be applied when the temperature ranges from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If this is not the case, silicone may be used to apply it, but you will need to warm the caulk before applying so it will flow smoothly and evenly. If you are hiring a contractor, all this can add to time and labor costs.

Movement of substrate: Certain materials that are used in window replacement, like vinyl and aluminum, expand in warmer weather and contract in the cold. If caulk is applied to windows when the weather is cold, it could crack and split when the materials expand as temperatures increase.

Keeps Heating Bills Low: If you replace windows during the winter, and allow cold air into your house, it will make your heater work harder, driving up your heating bill.

If you do need window replacement done in the winter, do your best to try and schedule work to be done on a relatively warm day. Try to make sure your contractor is using silicone-based caulking and encourage them to use a sealant with high joint movement capability. This will help with performance as the weather gets cold.

Replacing windows during the summer is a good choice for maintaining comfort in your household and getting the most out of your installation. Aim for this season when you are thinking about window replacement. Here’s to great new windows that provide an updated appearance to your home!

Mario’s Roofing Registered the Most SureStart PLUS Warranty Jobs in 2017!

Posted by admin on

Mario’s Roofing is happy to receive some great news from CertainTeed!

Out of all the companies in Massachusetts, we registered the most SureStart PLUS warranty jobs. We also registered the 26th highest amount in North America!

SureStart PLUS™ Coverage Details

In order to qualify for SureStart PLUS extended warranty coverage, the roof system must be installed by a contractor with an up-to-date ShingleMaster™ or SELECT ShingleMaster™ credentials

It’s important that our customers get the warranty they deserve. We are proud to have such a skilled and experienced team that installs the best asphalt roofing in the area!

Click here to learn more about this accomplishment.

Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding

Posted by admin on with 0 Comment

At Mario’s Roofing, we work with James Hardie for all fiber cement siding projects and customers LOVE IT! James Hardie is the leader in the fiber cement siding industry, but so many people are uneducated about the material as a whole. So… what is fiber cement and what are the advantages of choosing it?

Fiber cement siding is a wonderful alternative to traditional siding, and it’s a great replacement option for siding that is seriously weather-beaten. This kind of siding is applied to the exterior of your home, just like conventional siding. There are a wide range of colors to choose from and a number of styles. The shingles are mostly made from sand, cement, and wood fiber, and sometimes even recycled wood fiber. What you get is an incredibly durable material that can withstand the elements.

Durability: 

Fiber cement costs more than vinyl, but it’s still more affordable than cedar wood. It’s also seriously going to outlast the competition. It puts up a great defense against rain, wind, insects, and even fire. Not only is it durable, but it’s also recommended for all climates. Did you know that no matter how wet it gets, fiber cement siding will never rot? It’s also termite-resistant.

Maintenance Free: 

Thanks to this durability, fiber cement siding lowers your maintenance costs. It’s also a material that does not harm the environment, even though it cannot be recycled. Homeowners are just now opening their eyes to the benefits of fiber cement. But this material has actually been around for almost 100 years or more!

Visual Options: 

The most popular form of fiber cement planks that you’ll find today are either wood-grained or come with a smooth finish. They also come in widths of 4 to 12 inches. Because there is so much variety, it’s possible to match the current siding on your home when building an addition. You can also replace patches of your current siding without noticing the difference. It’s possible to find wall panels with vertical grooves and soffit panels.

Painting Options:

You can choose to either prime and paint your siding on the building site, or it can be done at a factory. That being said, factory-primed and painted siding comes with a warranty of up to 25 years, so that’s a huge bonus. If you’re doing the priming and painting yourself, manufacturers will ask you to use an alkaline-resistant primer, as well as a 100% acrylic top coat.

Another great thing about fiber cement is that you can change the color at a later date. Be sure to choose a water-based acrylic paint. You’re going to find that fiber cement does not contract or expand as much as wood siding, and that means that the paint is just going to endure longer. Lastly, fiber cement is available in a number of different home improvement centers and lumberyards. James Hardie is a great manufacturer to start with.

Angie's List Service Award

Angies List Super Service Award

Posted by admin on

Mario’s Roofing is happy to announce that we have been awarded the 2017 Angie’s list Super Service Award. Customer service, high-quality results and a long lasting product are extremely important in our eyes! Achieving this award from Angie’s List provides additional confirmation that offer the high level of service that we strive for.

5 Must-Ask Questions for Your Roofing Contractor

Posted by admin on

With home remodeling contractors, specifically roofing, you should make sure that you do your homework. Before going ahead and picking someone, try and ask them these questions.

Do You Have Experience?

Okay, let’s start out with the essential question. Do you know what the heck you’re doing? You want to be guaranteed that the person working on your roof has knowledge, expertise, and certifications. A roofing contractor needs to be diverse in their skills, able to replace, repair, and maintain things. If the contractor is not experienced in what they do, then you simply need to look elsewhere.

Are You Local?

It can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to find someone who is a local contractor. They know your area, they know the weather, and they have a solid track record. Finding a local isn’t that hard. You can ask around and see who everyone else trusts their roof to, and you can also check through the Better Business Bureau. When you find a roofing contractor that is established in your area, then you can be guaranteed that they’re going to provide the highest quality work.

Do You Have a Presence Online?

These days, it’s essential that your roofing contractor have a website. Why is that? You want to be able to read reviews. By asking the contractor if they have a social media stamp, or even just reviews on home advisor sites or consumer review sites, you’re taking matters into your own hands and learning the truth. Be weary of contractors that have absolutely no online presence.

Are You Certified?

It’s a simple question, but you’d be surprised how many contractors are actually not certified. Be sure to find a roofing contractor who has the necessary credentials to get the job done, and that they’re able to handle the size and scope of your project. Find out what licenses they have, insurance, permits, etc. Also check for GAF Master Elite certification and Green Roofer certification.

How Long is My Roof Warranty?

This is one of the most important questions that you can ask your contractor. There are usually two kinds of coverage on your roof. One part covers errors in workmanship and the other covers materials. Know the length of these warranties, and the extent.

How to Tell if I Need New Windows

Posted by admin on with 0 Comment

Windows undoubtedly transform your home in several ways, but all too often, homeowners don’t recognize when they need new windows. While windows allow natural light into the home, they also boost curb appeal and they improve energy-efficiency. However, older windows can make your home drafty which can easily increase your energy bill.

Let’s explore some signs that your home needs new windows:

  1. Energy Bills

If you notice your energy bills have been consistently higher, this could indicate that your windows aren’t doing their job. If you stand near the window on a cold day, does it feel much cooler than the rest of the home? If so, consider replacing your windows.

Another way to test out your windows is by placing a candle near a closed window and if the candle flickers or the smoke moves, this most likely means a draft is coming through.

  1. Difficulty Opening the Window

When your windows are consistently difficult to open, it’s absolutely time to have them replaced. Not only is this a major fire hazard but it’s incredibly challenging to let fresh air into your home. A sealed window could be due to the paint job, warped frame, or a shift in your home’s foundation.

  1. Condensation

One of the biggest signs that it’s time for a new window is when condensation begins to form. If you notice ice in the window even when it’s shut and locked, consider purchasing new windows. Mold will most likely grow which will rot the window frame.

  1. Outside Noise is Much Louder

There’s nothing more frustrating than hearing traffic at all hours of the day, your neighbor’s dog barking, or any other outside commotion. If these sounds appear as if they’re directly in your home, this is a clear indication that your windows are poorly insulated. Again, this will lead to an increase in energy bills.

  1. Outdated & Unappealing

Although your windows could be functioning properly, an outdated window is quite unattractive. If you’ve recently updated your home or you have a beautiful exterior, you may want to upgrade your windows to match the aesthetics.

Contact Mario’s Roofing for Energy-Efficient Windows

The team at Mario’s Roofing has years of experience providing homeowners with new energy-efficient windows. With our expertise and guidance, we’ll provide you with new windows without going over your budget. If you’re ready for new windows, give us a call at 781.344.2420.

Ice Dam on Home

How do I prevent Ice dams?

Posted by admin on with 0 Comment

Ice dams can be devastating for your roofing system. They occur when some portions of your roof are above thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit and other portions are below that temperature.

As snow that is on the portions of the roof above freezing melts, it flows down onto the colder parts of the roof and refreezes into ledges of ice at the edge of the roof. Though these ledges are quite beautiful, they can cause a real problem.

The water caught behind these dams remains right where it is, unable to flow off the roof. It can then seep into your attic spaces or into your walls under the siding. So, how do you, as a homeowner prevent this icy disaster? By the time you have finished reading this blog post, you will know exactly what to do.

Freeze Your Roof

Ice dams occur when a part of your roof is above freezing while the rest is below. This usually happens because heat rises up into your attic, warming the roof shingles above.

This warming causes the snow to melt and run down the roof before refreezing at the edge. Therefore it’s necessary to keep your roof and attic cold. But how do you do that?

The first step is to close all the attic bypasses. A third of the heat lost from a house is through the ceiling into the attic. Close up any gaps in the drywall. Stop up any cracks around light fixtures or windows, and make sure your walls, ceilings and roofs are properly insulated. Doing all these things has a bonus, too. By stopping ice dams, you also will lower your heating and cooling bills.

Insulate the Attic

Check the levels of attic insulation. Building codes say it should be twelve to fourteen inches deep. However, if it is less than eight inches deep and you’ve had ice dam issues, you need to apply more to reach building code specifications. Blown-in fiberglass or cellulose is better than that which you place by hand as it wraps more easily around joists and other attic obstructions. Also, you won’t save very much money by doing this yourself. It’s definitely time to call in a professional.

Ventilate The Attic

Adding roof and soffit vents can actually cool your attic and roof. They do this by pulling in cold outdoor air. This air expels the less dense warm attic air. This displacement of heat also cools the attic and the roof in the process, which keeps ice dams from forming and condensation from damaging your roof’s decking.

Conclusion

Ice dams can cause a lot of damage, wasted money and problems for you. That is why it is necessary to prevent them. You stop ice dams in their tracks by keeping the roof cold. This will keep the snow from melting and refreezing in the first place. If your roof has no ice dams, then it is a truly beautiful winter.

Home Maintenance Tips For The Winter

Posted by admin on with 0 Comment

Winter in New England depending on the year can be absolutely brutal! We all saw what happened a couple years ago with the snow. Homes are at the forefront of this abuse that mother nature throws at us. To better help prepare your home for the next 3-4 months ahead of us, we have put together a helpful checklist of items.

  1. Ice Dams: If you have had ice dams in the past, you would have noticed a whole bunch of ice form up at the edge of your roof. This happens when the roof temperature is cooler at the bottom of the roof in comparison to the top. Ice and snow then melt and refreeze as they reach the bottom of your roof.
  2. Trim Your Trees If Needed: Tree limbs and branches become vulnerable to snapping when covered in snow and ice. Make sure that no branches are hanging over your house because if fallen can cause a whole set of problems.
  3. Ensure Windows & Doors Are Sealed: If you live in an older house, or if you know your windows and doors haven’t been replaced in a while, make sure they are still keeping your home warm. Cold air infiltrating into your house is a significant contributor to an increased heating bill.
  4. Clean Gutters: To help prevent against Ice dams and other gutter related issues make sure that your gutters are cleaned after all the leaves have fallen.
  5. Store Outside Items: Whether it be a hammock, chairs or other items that have you been utilizing during the summer and fall outside, be sure to bring them inside. A winter storm could ruin them.

It is very important to maintain your house, so all the assets can last as long as possible. For more information, please feel free to reach out. We can be contacted by the phone at (781) 344-2420 or through our online contact form.

Fall Home Maintenance To-Do’s

Posted by admin on

Fall is a great time to touch up your house on all fronts before winter arrives. Summer weekend getaways happen on a less frequent occurrence, giving you more time to maintain the quality and integrity of your house. With this being the first full week of fall, here are some maintenance tips to help you out:

  1. Trim Trees & Shrubs: Winter can be extremely harsh on trees, so make sure that the ones on your property are healthy. Falling limbs and trees cause tremendous damages to roofs and siding every year, so make sure you are ready.
  2. Gutters & downspouts: Once most of the leaves have fallen, farther into Autumn it is crucial that you clean out your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters during the winter can lead to leaks through your roof.
  3. Exterior Repairs/Replacements: Going into winter, you want to make sure your house as a whole is structurally sound. A whole in the roof or broken siding board could cause some issues during the winter. A proper inspection can go a long way for your:
  4. Prepare Deck: Make sure that your porch or deck aren’t in need of repairs. Cover and store all chairs and accessories that you have been using. This even means that emptying pots are essential because the dirt can freeze causing pots to crack.
  5. Look Interior: After you have done your do-diligence outside, the fall is also a great time to plan any interior remodeling jobs you have been thinking about.

Mario’s Roofing is a leading exterior remodeling company in Massachusetts. If you need any help with your roof, siding, windows or gutters, feel free to reach out! We can be contacted over the phone at 781-344-2420 or through our online contact form.