Are you ready to welcome the beautiful fall? Now, in the August, it seems that it is still too far away, but that is just an illusion. Soon September will be upon us, so it is time to get prepared! Today we want to talk about things you can do to make your roof ready for the fall!Clear off and debris and trim the treesAll little rubbish that found its way on your roof will surely end up in gutters. That is why we recommend cleaning your roof nicely. Cleaning off organic debris helps to ensure longevity of your roof, since fallen leaves and tiny branches can retain water. Remember that a constant source of moisture on your roof can lead to mold and mildew growth. Since it is only the beginning of August, you still have enough time to climb your roof or find a professional who will do this for you.Gutters cleaningThe next step is gutter cleaning! The reason why it is important to keep them clean is that dirty gutters can become a very cozy home for mold and pests. If tiny sticks, leaves, moss and other organic rubbish clogs gutters, it can result in a leaky roof.Schedule an appointment with a roof contractorHot months are usually a rough period for roofs. Heat can cause cracks, swelling, and other rather serious problems that should be solved as soon as possible. Do you suspect that something might be wrong? Then it is time to schedule an appointment with a professional and reliable roof contractor. Summer turns out to be the best time for the inspection because you will have enough time to fix any damage.Have a question to ask? You can call us at 847-483-9960 and our contractors will be happy to help you. Please, remember that you can get a free estimate, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
What is a skim coat and its purpose?Have you noticed newly developed cracks in the drywall? If so, it is high time to do some repairs. One of the easiest ways to get rid of shallow cracks, bad taping and other minor imperfections is skim coating.What is a skim coat?It is a thin layer of diluted joint compound that is commonly used to make a wall look smooth and flawless.When should you apply a skim coat?The problem with a skim coat is that the majority of people don't know when it needs to be applied. In order to save your time, money, and efforts, we have made a list of common cases when a skim coat is a must.
When installing new drywall.
Skim coating will help to achieve a flat and uniform surface.
After drywall repair.
It is needed to prepare a wall for paint.
When restoring a new-like appearance of the walls.
If you see that your walls need slight repair, skim coating is the best way to dress up your walls without replacing them.
When repairing drywall damage caused by wallpaper removal.
As so often the case, homeowners damage drywall when removing old wallpapers. Newly created gouges and tearings can be fixed with a skim coat.One of the biggest advantages of a skim coating technique is that it is not difficult at all. If properly prepared, you can avoid creating a mess. We also can’t ignore the fact that it is a relatively cheap solution.Disadvantages of a skim coat:
Drying process is very slow.
If you decide to skim coat your drywall and you don’t have special skills, the damaged area is going to be noticeable even after skim coating.
Skim coating is one of the best techniques to smooth the surface of walls and ceiling. However, we recommend consulting a specialist before starting repair. To learn more about this technique and its advantages, call us at 847-483-9960!
Are you anxiously waiting for the summer? So are we! As Charles Bowden said, summertime is always the best of what might be. However, it is not only about fun & joy, summer can pose a serious threat to a roof. Today we are going to consider how storms, hurricanes and other bad weather can affect it. Let’s get this topic covered to save us all the trouble!
Do you have a shingle roof? If so, it’s really important to know how it was installed. Unfortunately, an incorrect use of roofing nails can increase a risk of shingles falling off during a severe storm. What can we do to prevent this unpleasant outcome? Of course, schedule a roof inspection! If you see a missing shingle, don’t underestimate the situation. It is needed to be fixed before it gets worse, otherwise a more serious structural damage might happen.
There is at least one threat that is relevant to all roof types and that is a tree! The good news is that you can prevent the damage. Just have a look at the surrounding trees. If you see old ones with dead branches, call an arborist. They will help you to calculate the risk of a tree falling and offer the best possible solution.
You might wonder about what to do if a storm has already taken place, what one should do after. We recommend you to look for signs of storm damage. These are the following ones:
loose or cracked shingles;
newly appeared horizontal lines on shingles. If you notice them, it might mean that the shingle seal is damaged;
lots of granules at your downspout. If you see an abnormally high number of them, it probably means that some shingles are damaged;
something strange with the roof vents is also a worrying sign. It could be caused by blockage from storm debris or exposure from missing vent caps and covers.
Of course, this article could be longer, because severe storms can cause an impressive variety of problems, but we decided to cover the most common ones. As usual we at the Crown Roofing & Masonry recommend you to stay off the roof and leave the inspection to a professional. Believe us, this task could be more dangerous than it looks. However, our contractors encourage you to keep a watchful eye on downspout. Got a question about the state of your roof? Call us at (847) 483-9960!
Buying a home is both a very exciting and a little bit scary process, especially for a first-timer. There are so many things to take into account! We at Crown Roofing & Masonry want to make it easier for you, thus have made a list of 5 main things you should know about your roof.
Lifespan
Roof types differ in durability and longevity. Let’s review the most popular roofing materials and their estimated lifespan!
Wood shingles can last 25-30 years.
Wood shake lasts 35-40 years.
Asphalt roll has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.
Metal roofs have an estimated life expectancy of 30 to 50 years.
Slate endures 100 years.
Regardless of the roof type, its age or material it is made of, get your own roof inspection to check if everything is ok. Don’t rely on a current homeowner and your real estate agent because the information about roof problems could be deliberately omitted in order to keep the price high. Remember that roof repairing is almost always a very costly thing.
Proper maintenance is a key! An independent roofing contractor doesn’t only inspect the roof, they can give you essential roof maintenance tips. Please, don’t ignore them. Preventive maintenance will save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Schedule regular check-ups! As a ruse, the report given to you after inspection remains valid for 2 to 5 years. However, there are several cases after which it would be wise to call a contractor. These are:
heavy rains and snowfalls;
rapid moss growth;
cracked or loose shingles;
signs of leaks or mildew.
Get your house insured!
We urge you to be very careful because insurance claims for roof damage are tricky. Read the contract very carefully or even seek advice from a professional jurist if needed. The fact is that whether your costs will or won’t be covered depends on the policy you have chosen. Please, remember that insurance companies refuse to cover damage from improper maintenance, routine wear and an old roof.At Crown Roofing & Masonry, we are always happy to provide you with needed information on roof maintenance. Call us at (847) 483-9960 to schedule an appointment and stay tuned for more useful blog posts!
Though many homeowners don’t think much of shingle colors, this topic is still important. First of all, the aesthetics of the whole building depends on a harmonious combination of hues. If you choose mismatched colors, your house will stand out, but - unfortunately - not in a good way. It should blend with the surrounding! Still not convinced that shingle color is important?
We are sure that you will change your mind as soon as we tell you more about how shingle color affects room temperature. Everything is very simple; as you know, any roof either absorbs or releases heat. Light colors prevent overheating by reflecting the sun rays. Dark colors do completely the opposite, they absorb heat, increasing inner room temperature. Keep it in mind while looking for a perfect shingle color. In order to help you to find the right color, we have prepared a little guideline. Let’s see what factors a homeowner needs to take into account when choosing a suitable shingle color!
1. Location
Have you ever noticed that sunlight in the North differs from sunlight in the South? The first one has a bluish hue when the second one is warmer and reddish. It means that some colors might look either too dark or too washed out in the different areas. To understand how this or that color will look on your house, look at the samples in all possible light conditions.
2. Humidity
This is a huge factor that can’t be ignored! If your house is in a humid environment, we recommend shingles of dark colors to attract more sunlight and prevent algae.
3. Don’t be afraid to express yourself! If you are unsure what color to choose, use our table of matching colors! The most flattering shingles combinations are:
Red looks very good with grey, black, and dark brown;
Beige goes with almost every color, but it will look extremely good with brown, black, blue, grey, and even green;
Brown combines with green, grey, and blue. It is a match made in Heaven!
Of course, there are many other color combinations, we have just enumerated a few of them. We hope you find this article useful and, please, remember that Crown Roofing & Masonry is always here for you. Call us at (847) 483-9960 if you got any questions!
A leaking roof is a worrying sign. This unpleasant situation usually catches the majority of homeowners completely off guard - what to do and who to call, how to minimize the damage? So many questions! Believe us, we know how frustrating, worrying and even terrifying it could be. First of all, there is one thing that needs to be clarified: if the roof is leaking, there has been a certain roof damage that you simply didn’t know about. That’s why we want to warn you against climbing your roof and checking it by yourself. The surface can be tricky, not to mention that roof leaks are less dangerous than hand/foot breaks. So, what should one do if there is a leak?
Step 1.
If it is still raining, the best you can do is to find all the empty buckets and tubs that you have at your disposal to gather the water. Please, make sure that electrical systems haven’t been exposed to water. We recommend to shut it off at all for everyone’s safety. As soon as you finish, call a contractor and schedule an appointment.
Step 2.
Here comes a roof inspection! Their main task is to analyze the damage, find its source and remove it before it causes any more damage. While choosing a contractor, pay attention to all the credentials, don’t be shy to ask questions.
Step 3.
A house check-up!
Roof leaks usually lead to other problems, especially if a leak exists for quite some time. It can be mold, mildew and even the decay of the structure. Anyway, it won’t hurt to check!
That’s it! By the way, we wanted to remind you that Crown Roofing & Masonry offers free cost estimation. Don’t hesitate to call us at (847) 483-9960 if you require further information.
Are you ready to welcome the beautiful fall? Now, in the August, it seems that it is still too far away, but that is just an illusion. Soon September will be upon us, so it is time to get prepared! Today we want to talk about things you can do to make your roof ready for the fall!
Clear off and debris and trim the trees
All little rubbish that found its way on your roof will surely end up in gutters. That is why we recommend cleaning your roof nicely. Cleaning off organic debris helps to ensure longevity of your roof, since fallen leaves and tiny branches can retain water. Remember that a constant source of moisture on your roof can lead to mold and mildew growth. Since it is only the beginning of August, you still have enough time to climb your roof or find a professional who will do this for you.
Gutters cleaning
The next step is gutter cleaning! The reason why it is important to keep them clean is that dirty gutters can become a very cozy home for mold and pests. If tiny sticks, leaves, moss and other organic rubbish clogs gutters, it can result in a leaky roof.
Schedule an appointment with a roof contractor
Hot months are usually a rough period for roofs. Heat can cause cracks, swelling, and other rather serious problems that should be solved as soon as possible. Do you suspect that something might be wrong? Then it is time to schedule an appointment with a professional and reliable roof contractor. Summer turns out to be the best time for the inspection because you will have enough time to fix any damage.
Have a question to ask? You can call us at 847-483-9960 and our contractors will be happy to help you. Please, remember that you can get a free estimate, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Are you anxiously waiting for the summer? So are we! As Charles Bowden said, summertime is always the best of what might be. However, it is not only about fun & joy, summer can pose a serious threat to a roof. Today we are going to consider how storms, hurricanes and other bad weather can affect it. Let’s get this topic covered to save us all the trouble!
Though many homeowners don’t think much of shingle colors, this topic is still important. First of all, the aesthetics of the whole building depends on a harmonious combination of hues. If you choose mismatched colors, your house will stand out, but - unfortunately - not in a good way. It should blend with the surrounding! Still not convinced that shingle color is important?
We are sure that you will change your mind as soon as we tell you more about how shingle color affects room temperature. Everything is very simple; as you know, any roof either absorbs or releases heat. Light colors prevent overheating by reflecting the sun rays. Dark colors do completely the opposite, they absorb heat, increasing inner room temperature. Keep it in mind while looking for a perfect shingle color. In order to help you to find the right color, we have prepared a little guideline. Let’s see what factors a homeowner needs to take into account when choosing a suitable shingle color!
1. Location
Have you ever noticed that sunlight in the North differs from sunlight in the South? The first one has a bluish hue when the second one is warmer and reddish. It means that some colors might look either too dark or too washed out in the different areas. To understand how this or that color will look on your house, look at the samples in all possible light conditions.
2. Humidity
This is a huge factor that can’t be ignored! If your house is in a humid environment, we recommend shingles of dark colors to attract more sunlight and prevent algae.
3. Don’t be afraid to express yourself! If you are unsure what color to choose, use our table of matching colors! The most flattering shingles combinations are:
Red looks very good with grey, black, and dark brown;
Beige goes with almost every color, but it will look extremely good with brown, black, blue, grey, and even green;
Brown combines with green, grey, and blue. It is a match made in Heaven!
Of course, there are many other color combinations, we have just enumerated a few of them. We hope you find this article useful and, please, remember that Crown Roofing & Masonry is always here for you. Call us at (847) 483-9960 if you got any questions!
A leaking roof is a worrying sign. This unpleasant situation usually catches the majority of homeowners completely off guard - what to do and who to call, how to minimize the damage? So many questions! Believe us, we know how frustrating, worrying and even terrifying it could be. First of all, there is one thing that needs to be clarified: if the roof is leaking, there has been a certain roof damage that you simply didn’t know about. That’s why we want to warn you against climbing your roof and checking it by yourself. The surface can be tricky, not to mention that roof leaks are less dangerous than hand/foot breaks. So, what should one do if there is a leak?
Step 1.
If it is still raining, the best you can do is to find all the empty buckets and tubs that you have at your disposal to gather the water. Please, make sure that electrical systems haven’t been exposed to water. We recommend to shut it off at all for everyone’s safety. As soon as you finish, call a contractor and schedule an appointment.
Step 2.
Here comes a roof inspection! Their main task is to analyze the damage, find its source and remove it before it causes any more damage. While choosing a contractor, pay attention to all the credentials, don’t be shy to ask questions.
Step 3.
A house check-up!
Roof leaks usually lead to other problems, especially if a leak exists for quite some time. It can be mold, mildew and even the decay of the structure. Anyway, it won’t hurt to check!
That’s it! By the way, we wanted to remind you that Crown Roofing & Masonry offers free cost estimation. Don’t hesitate to call us at (847) 483-9960 if you require further information.