Residential

Spring time is here! It is time to clean out those gutters and get protection on them.  Why you might ask? Because, uncovered gutters can cause  a number of problems. For example:

Backed up water from clogged gutters can make its way through your roof and cause cracking and leaking in you home.

Rotten fascia and soffit are also common problems caused by clogged gutters.

Over flowing gutters that do not drain properly allow the ground to become soaked and weaken possibly causing cracks in foundation. 

Difficulty cleaning gutters contribute to over 700,000 accidents from falling each year.

Midwest Roofing Services offers several different types of gutter protection. One type of gutter protection is a pliable gutter filtration. This type of gutter protection fills the entire gutter opening so that nothing but water can get in. When installed this product  allows rainwater to pass easily through the filter material and quickly flow to the downspout.  Leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other debris stay on top but does not impede the flow of water. Air flows both under and over the debris so it dries quickly and blows away on the next breezy day.  The filter material is invisible from the ground so no need to match gutter colors. The filtering material washes clean with every rainfall and is tough, absorbent and dries quickly.

Another option is a screen type gutter protection that handles large amounts of rainfall and keeps debris from ever entering the gutter. It is installed directly to the gutter lip so it does not move or shift over time. This type of guttering provides a clean and virtually invisible installation and it does more that just keep your gutter clean, it can help strengthen the gutter while providing superior water dispersion. 

We have a number of different types of gutter covers that also can be matched to your gutter as well.  So feel free to ask one of our professionals for what will better serve your gutter needs.

It is that time of year again, the weather is getting a bit cooler as the fall and winter seasons begin. Dropping temperatures will inevitably affect energy costs. So as you look at ways to keep your energy costs down, remember to consider your roof.  

Steps to reducing energy costs:

* Find drafts and seal them

* Replacing old insulation

*Checking your vinyl siding and windows for wear and tear

These few steps will help but without a good roof they may be futile to keeping your energy costs under control.

* NEW ROOF

If your roof is old and worn out your efforts to heat your home may be going through the roof. Just as a hat keeps you warm in the winter your roof functions in a similar way.

The value of a New Roof can be most beneficial.  Replacing your roof is an investment, helping to cut your energy costs and increase the value of your home. So if your roof is old and worn out  remember the benefits could be just what you need to reduce your energy costs through the winter and summer months and give you that peace of mind that your money is not floating out through the roof. If you are interested in replacing your old roof contact one of our Service Writers and we will be able to come out and help you with your roofing decisions.  Midwest Roofing Services is going green one step at a time and wants to help us all benefit from Eco friendly thinking.

Residential roofing is typically made up of a multitude of materials and surfaces.  The primary purpose of your roof is to maintain a barrier between the outisde and interior from the weather.  The most pervasive and difficult weather element to control is water. Roof flashing is usually the last line of defense in the battle against water penetration.

The most common locations for roofing flashing are at the valleys, chimneys, roof penetrations, eaves, rakes, skylights, ridges, and at the roof to wall intersections. Flashing must be configured to resist the three mechanisms of water penetration: gravity, surface tension, and wind pressure. To achieve this, flashing can be lapped shingle style, sodered or sealed to function as a continuous suface or can beconfigured with non- continuous profile to defeat water surface tension.

Flashing materials must be durable, low in maintenance requirements, weather resistant, able to accomodate movement, and be compatible with adjacent materials.  With properly installed flashing in the correct areas, flashing for your roof can help extend the lifetime of your roof as well.  Midwest Roofing Services can help determine which type of flashing is need as well as correctly install flashing to help maintain the lifetime of your roof. If you have flashing that is damaged and needs repair Midwest Roofing Services has certified Service Writers who can help you with the decision to either replace or help with any repair that you may need.  So give Midwest Roofing Services a call for your roofing needs. 

All roofs should be checked periodically to be sure they are free of debris and drains are clear. A quarterly roof inspection will help to keep your roof maintained.  The best preventative maintenance is to inspect and identify problems as they occur.  Roofs get more abuse from the elements and preventative maintenance is a key element to saving money on your roof by providing a longer service life.

How to check and maintain your new roof.

*     Clean debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will advance roof deterioration, especially if the roof is asphalt based.

*     If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips. Keep all algae off the roof surface.

*     Check all flashings and make sure they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.

*     Replace any damaged shingles.

*      Keep all gutter free from debris. Make sure downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.

*     Trim back any overhanging tree branches.

*     Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean area before applying new polyurethane caulking.

*      Check the mortar on chimneys in between brick and on top.  If it is damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck pointed.  Any mason can perform this work.

Quarterly checking of your new roof will help to extend the lifetime of your roof.  Midwest Roofing Services is always here for any additional needs that may arise from wind damage to hail damage or anything in between. Our certified Service Writers are here to assess and help you with your roofing needs. Midwest Roofing Services wants to help you maintain and extend the life of your new roof.