R&A Magazine: Ask the Experts » Exterior : Roofing / Siding / Driveways

We've all seen it, those dark black streaks on a roof. Sometimes they look more like ugly blotches than streaks, but either way they don't do a lot for the appearance of a house.

The black streaking and staining is actually algae or fungal growth. It begins when a small spore lands on your roof and takes up residence. Over time it often spreads and grows. Typically, you'll notice the staining on the north-facing sides of a home or on roof sections that get a lot of shade. However, it is not necessarily limited to those areas and I have seen it many times on south-facing, sunny roof sections as well. This type of staining seems to have become much more prevalent in the last 10-20 years in our area. Some say that this can be attributed to the increased use of crushed limestone as filler in roofing shingles. The calcium carbonate in limestone supports algae growth.

Most new shingles come with some type of warranty against staining, usually lasting 5-15 years. Shingles are generally manufactured with zinc or copper granules mixed in with the colored stone granules. When it rains the zinc or copper are released and inhibit algae growth. Zinc or copper are expensive additives so adding enough to prevent staining for the life of the shingle would simply make the roof cost too much.

In most cases, using a safe, manufacturer recommended cleaning solution, combined with a low-pressure rinse, algae stains can be removed from your roof without damaging the shingles. Your roof can actually look new again! The "ideal candidates" are roofs that are in fair condition or better. If your shingles have aged to the point where we feel that they may not be able to handle the low-pressure rinse, we won't attempt to clean them, not to mention the fact that it may not be a wise investment if your roof needs to be replaced within a few years.

Costs will vary greatly depending on factors such as; roof size, roof pitch (steepness), and degree of staining among other things. Also, we do not guarantee that the stains won't return. However, in most cases it took years for the black staining to grow to the level where it is on many roofs. If you notice new staining, it can typically be removed easily and inexpensively, without having to clean the entire roof. Another option is to install new zinc strips that will prevent new algae growth.

There are thousands of homes with roofs like yours in our area—roofs that have lots of life left in them but that appear old, worn, and downright ugly due to algae staining. Cleaning roofs like this can be a great way to restore curb appeal. It's also a smart idea for folks looking to sell their home. Even though the functionality of the roof may be top-notch, if it appears worn out it can put a lot of caution flags into a potential buyer's mind.

If you'd like us to take a look at your roof to determine if it's a good candidate for a roof cleaning, don't hesitate to give us a call. We don't charge for estimates and our roofing professionals will give you an honest answer as to the best course of action for your home.

Your roof is designed to protect your home from the elements. Too many homeowners take their roof for granted and don't act until a problem has surfaced. By then, serious home damage may have occurred.

Another function of your roof is to aid in heating and cooling. A new roof that has adequate insulation and is made from efficient materials prevents hot air from escaping as it rises to the attic, reducing your need for home heating. This saves money on heating fuel and helps the environment since you'll use less gas, oil or electricity to keep your home warm.

One thing that many homeowners overlook is that your choice of roofing material can have a long-term impact on your energy costs. The sun's rays beat down on your roof all day and cause the roof and attic to heat up. This in turn causes your air conditioner to work overtime keeping your home cool. Some roofing products do a better job at reflecting the sun's rays, keeping the attic cooler and giving your air conditioning system a break. Studies have shown that white or light colored roofing can keep your attic temperature significantly lower and reduce energy costs for cooling your home by nearly a third. Energy-saving asphalt shingle manufacturers have recently started using high-tech ceramic granules on their shingles that are designed to reflect the sun's rays. Many of these shingles are so effective at reducing energy costs that they have earned an Energy Star rating.

As far as your situation is concerned, the first step is to have a professional walk the perimeter of your roof looking for the proper ventilation (breathing is what we call it). They will then go on the roof and inspect all flashing's (notorious leak sources), making sure that all edge metals are properly functioning, checking any valleys and or crickets are working and are installed properly (these are where angles change and the water, snow, ice, and debris will accumulate).

Next should be a visual inspection of your interior walls, ceilings, skylights, or other through roof penetrations. You should also check your attic and inspect for any apparent structural issues, water damage, mold, and any other roofing related concerns. Once all of the above is completed, have your chosen professional go over the issues of the roof, the suggested solutions and the recommended products.

The entire roof system and the products installed should be covered by the manufacturer's warranty and as in most cases the better the product the better the warranty. Keep in mind that the entire system must be installed to the manufacturer's specs and also the system must be installed by certified installers.

The most important thing to remember is your roof is only as good as the installer who installs it. Since the guarantee for a 30-year roof is contingent upon proper installation, it's critical that your installers know what they're doing. While short cuts give the industry a bad mark—they give homeowners their worst nightmare.

For more information, please give us a call at 569.3700 or, better yet, come visit us and browse through our showroom while you're here!

Over the years I'm sure many of you have dealt with the headache of repairing a clogged gutter or downspout or faced the frightening prospect of the annual gutter cleaning event, braving an old, rickety ladder or steep roof edge and risking a broken leg (or worse).

While these tasks are thankless (no one notices that your gutters are clean and working well), dirty, and often dangerous, they are very important. Why? Because WATER KILLS HOUSES! Plain and simple.

Gutters that aren't functioning properly can lead to all kinds of problems, like rotted face boards and roof edges, wet and moldy basements and washed out landscaping and yards, just to name a few!

So how do we keep the water flowing through our gutters and away from our houses without going through all that risk and pain? The solution is proper gutter protection...a product that keeps debris from piling up and clogging up your gutters in the first place. What is that product? Well, it seems that everyone has a solution. At last count I'm told there are over 80 gutter protection products on the market—and counting. It's a bit mind boggling!

So how does one decide? There are several things to look for when trying to find the best value in gutter protection but by far the most important is...

Performance. Does it work?
Ask your contractor to give you several references that have had the product installed on their home or business for at least 1 year. If they are unable to do so, don't buy their product!

Other important things to consider...
Cost. I'm amazed at what some people pay for their gutter protection! There are plenty of products out there that work effectively but don't cost you an exorbitant amount. Get 2 or 3 quotes from reputable contractors before signing!

Aesthetics. Many of the products on the market are large, bulky and plain down ugly. They can significantly detract from your home's appearance. Make sure you understand how the product will look on your home after it is installed.

Roof Connection. At Eby Exteriors we are also roofers. We know that it is best to leave the bottom edge of your roof un-tampered. Many gutter protection products are designed to slide under the shingles. This can cause the bottom edge of your roof to be more susceptible to wind-blown shingle loss. If there are ever shingles blown from the edge, the shingle manufacturer typically will not warrant the problem because the original roofing system has been altered.

Warranty. Does the product have a warranty? Does the contractor offer a workmanship warranty? Are they in writing? It's important to know that you have a manufacturer and a contractor that will stand behind the product being installed.

Feel free to contact us if you would like to see our selection of gutter protection products. You can come to our showroom in Akron or we'd be happy to visit your home or place of business. And as always we offer free, no obligation quotes.

There are many ways to dress up the exterior of your home without spending a lot of money! I routinely notice homes that with a few inexpensive exterior changes could easily go from ordinary to eye-catching. Beyond the personal enjoyment of feeling good about how your house looks, improving your home's appearance will most likely increase its value. The added curb appeal could more than pay for the cost of the improvement. With that in mind, I'd like to share a few of the more popular, low-cost ideas that we use to create better-looking homes all over central PA.

Replace a Bay/Bow Window. Old, worn out bay/bow windows can greatly detract from your home's overall appearance because they are usually a large part of the facade. They also tend to "date" a house. Aesthetics aside, you're probably losing a substantial amount of energy through that old glass as well! Today's bay/bow windows come with a tremendous amount of interior and exterior options including multiple colors, pre finished wood or laminate interiors, Corian seats, decorative art glass, etc. Also, a new bay/bow window provides a great opportunity for our next idea...

Add Specialty Roofing. Small sections like a bay/bow window, a porch roof, or a "pent" roof provide an ideal location for a specialty roofing product. Standing-seam copper or steel, synthetic slate shingles, or designer luxury shingles in a variety of colors can provide a beautiful accent to the front of your home.

Add Specialty Siding. A front porch and reverse gable in the front of your home are great places to add a specialty siding like cedar shakes, scalloped shakes, or board and batten siding. The definition and character that specialty siding provides will add a huge "wow" factor to your home's appearance.

Replace your Front Door and/or Storm Door. For most homes, the front door is the focal point of the house! New doors are surprisingly inexpensive and they can dramatically improve the aesthetics of your home! The styles and options are almost limitless. Also, many homes have an attractive front door that is covered up by an old, unattractive storm door. Adding a new "full-view" storm door in a color that matches or enhances your entry door can do wonders for your home's appearance. Again, for both of these options, you will most likely increase your energy efficiency as well.

Add or Replace Shutters. Shutters are a great way to add color and definition to a home. They are easily installed and come in a wide variety of refinished colors that will never need to be painted. Styles include louvered, raised-panel, board and batten and more. Arched or elliptical tops can be added to match similar windows. Decorative pieces such as "S" hooks and hinges can also be added to enhance an authentic, traditional look.

Add Window and Door Headers and Surrounds. Headers and surrounds can take an ordinary-looking window or door and give it character and class. These options are available in a large selection of pre-finished colors and styles. Surround profiles can be subtle with a basic flat option or molded profiles and keystones can be used to add more flair. Overhead garage doors, which often dominate the front of a home, can be greatly enhanced with the addition of a surround system such as a wide header with a keystone and fluted pilasters along the sides.

These are just a few of the possibilities that can be employed to increase your home's curb appeal without spending a lot of money. Most of them can also be done with minimal intrusion into your home and your lifestyle. At Eby Exteriors, Inc., we gain a lot of satisfaction from improving the appearance of the homes we are privileged to work on! We'd love the opportunity to meet with you and share some ideas as to how we can take YOUR HOME from ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY. (717) 733-9142 ebyexteriors.com Route 272, Akron.

Regarding roof repair versus replacement, all homeowners struggle with this question. Your roof always appears to be doing its job of keeping you dry, but its color may be fading a bit. On the other hand, you might be noticing some dark spots, or some other ominous sign that has you wondering about your roof. Regardless, before calling roofers and having them bid on a roof replacement, you can do a little of your own research.

The web site www.repairvsreplace.com is an incredible tool that can give you a general idea of the status of your roof. Before logging onto the site, take a few moments to walk around your home and assess your roof. Afterwards, take the seven-question quiz on repairvsreplace.com. In just minutes, you will be given an idea of whether your roof is healthy, may require some repair, or should be replaced immediately.

It's important to note—if your roof is beginning to look a little ragged or you’re questioning whether it should be replaced—you should have it inspected. In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends you have this performed at least once a year. While your home may not appear to be leaking now, spots and discoloration can be signs that a leak is beginning. Repairvsreplace.com also is a great resource to find qualified roofing companies who can perform these inspections honestly and give you a true status report of your roof.

On the issue of who is doing the work, our recommendation is don't trust your home to just anyone! Look for the Technician Seal of Safety.

Inviting a contractor or service employee into your home is an important event. Why? Well, you’ve heard it on the news from time to time—someone assaulted in their home, or family heirlooms go missing after a service call. How do you protect against strangers taking advantage of you while in your home?

Look for the Seal of Safety! What is the Seal of Safety? It means three things: first, all employees are subject to periodic drug-screening; second, employees go through an intensive criminal background check as part of the hiring process; and third, each employee is professionally trained to be "best in the business."

Making sure your family and home are safe and secure during a service visit is a very important part of what Hackman Roofing does. Look for the Seal of Safety on their employees' identification cards. Better yet, DEMAND the Seal of Safety from anyone entering your home on any service call.

There are many factors to consider in selecting a roofing contractor. Rest assured that safety, service and quality workmanship are all important parts of what HACKMAN Roofing • Siding • Spouting will bring to your home—along with a guaranteed solution to your roofing problems. Discover how easily you can experience the HACKMAN Roofing • Siding • Spouting way of doing business. Call 717-367-2348, today!

Stamped concrete is very durable. Concrete has been around for a long time because of its durability & strength. The next time you are on a main highway take note that it is probably made of concrete. In the south a lot of driveways are made of concrete since it is cooler and more durable than blacktop.

Stamped concrete has come a long way in duplicating the look of many hardscapes for considerable less cost than for example real flagstone or brick. There are many border and Patina staining options to give your patio your own personal fl air or character.

Stamped concrete is typically installed in about half the time of a deck or hardscapes so you can enjoy your patio investment sooner rather than later. As for maintenance there is the reseal every 2-3 years that needs done to protect and retain the original beauty. The sealer has other benefits as well. It keeps moss from growing on your patio, which can be an issue with real hardscapes, causing it to become slippery, because a sealer is not applied periodically. Plus the mortar in some hardscapes will deteriorate over time and pieces of stone or slate become loose and create a tripping hazard.

With regards to stamped concrete installation and product quality, we recommend a 4000 psiconcrete mix, a rebar mat, fibermesh, and 2 coats of sealer. Make sure there is a 4-6 inch compacted clean stone base put down prior to installing concrete. A solid base is as important to your patio as footers are to your house foundation. Also insist that your concrete contractor use an anti skid in both coats of sealer otherwise the concrete will be a slipping hazard when wet.

Another part of quality is integral color. We feel if the color is added to the concrete in the truck, instead of broadcasting it on the surface, it is a better job. Because if the concrete is ever chipped, it will expose white concrete. If the color is throughout you can apply sealer to the chip and it will blend in. Remember a quality job is not always the cheapest price. Quality does cost
a little more up front and only takes a little more time & care to produce a quality job. Poor workmanship with concrete can typically only be corrected by removal and starting over. Research your concrete contractor well before choosing one.

As with all types of businesses, there are a lot of “here today and gone tomorrow” concrete installers. Building a business with quality and relationships as the 1st priority will mean a happy customer and a growing company; this is what we strive for at Stampcrete of Lancaster.

Asphalt pavement needs time to cure, typically 18-24 months. During this time the oils that make up the asphalt pavement will remain soft and pliable on the surface, especially on hot and humid days. Once the new pavement has been installed, we recommend that you keep any vehicles off of your new pavement for a minimum of 3 days to a week, unless special considerations are discussed.

When using your new driveway, take care not to turn your vehicle wheels back and forth while in a stationary position or make sharp turns. Radial tires will often grip the surface of the pavement and ‘tear’ the surface, leaving noticeable marks. This is referred to as ‘tire scuffing.’ Tire scuffing on new asphalt pavement is generally minor, and while it looks rather severe, it will heal in time. One would have a difficult time actually finding these scuff locations later in the life of the pavement.

Whenever possible, avoid gasoline and oil spills on your new asphalt surface. If this should occur, a degreasing product such as Simple Green or another comparable water-based product can be used to assist in cleaning the surface. Gasoline and oil will soften and breakdown the oils that make up your asphalt driveway and cause premature deterioration of your pavement surface, which may need attention from an asphalt installer.

Beware of placing heavy objects such as jacks, motorcycle kickstands, etc. directly on the pavement. We recommend placing a piece of plywood on the surface of the paving to more evenly distribute the weight of the object you wish to place on the asphalt surface.

With regard to asphalt sealers, we recommend that you wait to seal your new driveway until the pavement has had two full years to cure. Applying sealers to the surface of asphalt does not guarantee increased longer life of your asphalt surface.

Sealers are primarily used to blacken or paint asphalt pavement, which has aged and has become ‘bleached’ by the sun where the oils become less pliable and hairline cracks may result. Thus, sealers are used to cover over these cracks, but in time these cracks may reappear again as the pavement ages. It is important to know that applying driveway sealers too often may result in premature deterioration of your driveway. So the question often debated is: do I put money into sealing my drive every couple years or do I save that money and invest it in an asphalt overlay when my drive is showing age and distress after 10 -15 years?

People often want to dress up their black or faded asphalt driveway to compliment their landscaping and home. A new decorative product known as “Street Print” is an alternative to consider. ‘Street Print’ is an imprinted design installed in the asphalt pavement, which offers various shapes and patterns of brick and stone. A colored sealer coating is then added to the surface to create a highly attractive asphalt driveway. It offers an affordable enhancement to any homeowner's property.

A paved surface area is an investment that should last a long time. Quality and careful application is critical for longevity. As you are considering the condition of your paved surface, we invite you to cal lour Paving Sales department at B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. and visit our web site at www.brkreider.com.