Weymouth Here's Your DIY Roof Inspection Guide

The Do It Yourself Roof Inspection



Certainteed LandMark Shingles

Your Weymouth (and all other towns on the South Shore of Massachusetts) roof is exposed to scorching sun, high winds, driving rains and heavy snowfalls, which make it one of home’s toughest-working systems. All that contact with Mother Nature can wreak havoc on the surface and interior structures. A regular inspection is essential to its longevity, especially as we enter what is shaping up to be an active hurricane season.

Read on for a three-part plan that will help you identify problems and potential solutions.

1.    Inspect the exterior. On a warm, dry day, inspect your entire roof for loose tiles, warped shingles and detached flashing. On some roofs, you can see a lot by using a pair of binoculars. Experienced roof workers can also climb on the roof to inspect the surface. We wouldn’t recommend that you climb on the roof yourself, but if you do be sure to recruit a family member or neighbor to be your spotter and ensure that you get up and down safely. NEVER climb on the roof alone.
 

Solution: If you do find damage, make plans to replace the shingles and reattach flashing. You should also call Almar Building & Remodeling, (Hanover Ma) to do a more thorough roof inspection and go over your repair and replacement options with you in detail.

2.    Inspect the interior attic space. Look for damaged wood and any indications of water penetration. The presence of mold can indicate poor ventilation; wet building materials; or an improperly vented bathroom, kitchen, and dryer exhaust. Mold growth in attics cause potentially hazardous living conditions, not to mention property depreciation and or structural damage.

Solution: If you find moisture issues in your attic, it’s best to call in the professionals. Almar Building& Remodeling can repair leaks or make recommendations for a roof replacement, if necessary. You can sometimes reverse mold issues by clearing out the affected insulation that is blocking soffit vents. Other times, an electric attic fan and humidistat is necessary. A pro, (Like Almar) can also seal wire holes, light, or pipe penetrations, or redirect exhaust vents.

3.    Look for moss.  Moss thrives on roofs that face north and areas that see little sun. The presence of moss will dramatically reduce the lifespan of your roof because it traps moisture and holds it in place. Wet shingles are prone to rot, and the excess moisture will promote more damage in freeze-thaw conditions.

Solution: Using a pressure washer to clean off moss is not recommended because the high-powered stream will force water beneath your shingles, potentially causing more long-term water damage. Instead, start by brushing off the majority of the moss with a large broom. Then apply a moss remover specifically formulated for roofs. Call in a moss removal specialist for the safest and quickest removal. If you decide to do it yourself, call in a friend to be your safety spotter.  Again, Almar recommends you never climb on your roof alone.

4.    Check and clean your gutters. On a warm day, inspect your gutters for blockage. A blocked gutter can force water back up and into your roof. You also want to also want to look for any cracks, holes and sags.

 Almar finds that many leak issues are caused by gutters not being properly cleaned out. This is your first line of defense.

Solution: Using your gloved hand, clean out gutters by scooping out the debris into a trashcan. You can follow up the cleaning by rinsing the interior of the gutter with the hose. Use gutter repair compound to fix any cracks and holes. For sagging gutters, add or replace gutter hangers in the areas that need it.

As always if you’d prefer to have one of Almar Building & Remodeling’s  (Hanover, Ma )professionals come and inspect your roof just give us a call 781-826-2577.  Making sure your roof is in good working order is so important because it really is your homes first line of defense from water damage.

Almar’s team can replace your roof in no time. And whether you want a standard sturdy single like Certainteed’s XT (25 or 30), and Architectural Shingle with a bit more dimension and style to it like Certainteed’s Landmark, or something a bit fancier like the Certainteed Hatteras we can make suggestions that fit your budget, needs, and style just let us know what you need.

2012 Air Condition Appreciation Tips for Keeping Cool

We have had some hot days here in New England this summer, and I am sure we all have a renewed appreciation for our working Air Conditioning systems. This is why celebrating Air Condition Appreciation Days from July 3rd – August 15, 2012 seems like such a good idea. And as I sit here in my office researching good bits of Air Condition (A.C.) information to share with you, boy am I glad.

For most people in the United States A.C. seems like and absolutely essential utility, one that we cannot live without. 5% of electricity produced in the U.S. that is used to run air conditioners. This can be evidenced by the $11 Billion dollars a year we spend to run our A.C. units.[i] But just over 100 years ago long hot summer days and nights was the norm for everyone. Willis Haviland Carrier is attributed with creating the first successful Air Conditioner in 1902 for commercial applications. But it wasn’t until a 1906 patent application by Carrier that the term Air Conditioning was used by a textile engineer Stuart H. Cramer. Cramer used the phrase 'air conditioning' in a 1906 patent claim filed for a device that added water vapor to the air in textile plants - to condition the yarn.[ii]

Whether you have a window unit, mini-split wall unit, or a central air unit here is some ways you can stay cool, appreciate your air conditioner and give it a long shelf life:

·         Change the air filter every month. If you have central air.
·         Have it serviced every year. It will last longer and more efficiently.
       20%-50%- Percent of energy home owners could save by switching to high-efficiency air conditioners.[iii]
·         Turn your air conditioner down when you’ll be gone for a few hours.

·         When it’s time to replace or upgrade your unit purchase one with a temperature and timer control.

·         Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t using. Lights generate heat and will cause your air conditioner to work harder

·         Keep your blinds or shades down so the sun doesn’t heat up your rooms

·         Do not use your clothes dryer at the same time as your air conditioner. The dryer will produce excess heat
·         Cooking in the oven and using air conditioning is counter-productive when it’s seriously hot outside.

·         Don’t block the air ducts or the path of the air (Keep curtains, shades, plants, animals, mini-blinds away from the front and sides.)

·          Keep your central outdoor system free from any obstructions

·         Close any gaps between your air conditioner and the window sills with weather stripping

If you need your A.C. unit service Almar Building and Remodeling, Hanover Ma has teamed up with another fabulous local company Davis Mechanical in Braintree, Ma. Like Almar, Eric Davis and his team understand that your home is your castle and when you are home you want to be comfortable. They have ensured the comfort of many businesses and residences in the Greater Boston and South Shore area. Your concerns regarding rising energy costs, indoor air quality, energy tax credits and investing in name brand innovative products are just what they are focused on to better serve you.[iv] Check out some special offers from Davis Mechanical.

 

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[i] Air conditioning facts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy

[ii] http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa081797.htm

[iii] Air conditioning facts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy

[iv] http://www.davismechanical.net/about-us.php

Not Just Carpenters, but Local Craftsmen.

by: Allison Q Guido, CS

Craig and I were fortunate to get to take a few days off over the Fourth of July holiday. We headed to head to central Vermont. As we took our Giovanni to some of the sites like Sugarbush Farm, Simon Pearce Glass, Danforth Pewter, Long Trail and Harpoon Breweries, the Windsor Farmers market, Frozen Memories homemade ice cream and Edgewater Farms I started thinking about how great it was to spend a vacation seeking out small local companies that are making things by hand.

I was so excited to see the skills and talents of these hardworking craftsmen and to be able to support them. We were able to visit the small, local businesses everyone is so hot to talk about these days. These are the companies and people who work in the companies that Small Business Saturday was created to support. They are the Americans making things at home, and giving hope to their employees and neighbors. In a world where we hear so much in the news about outsourcing, it was awesome to be able to stand in a small factory and see things being made.

2011 Team Outing

Then I realized that in many ways my team at Almar is just like all of these fine craftsmen. The skill level and dedication that the Almar team brings to each and every project is outstanding. Just like these various artisans the carpenters and tradesman I work with everyday are building and creating something unique and special.

In remodeling every project is different. There is no “cookie cutter” package. Each renovation is specially designed to serve each homeowner’s unique needs. Every home we work in is that “small factory.” And Almar is lucky enough to have some of the most talented people on the south shore to do that for our clients.

June 2012 Educational Team Meeting

When I sat down to write this blog I didn’t intend for it to be an editorial about how great Almar is, but I did want to share my realization of how special and talented the Almar team is. In a day and age where there is so much focus on locally made, grown, support local businesses I guess I always attributed that to farmers and craft makers but I didn’t fully realize how many other professions also fit that mold.   I have always been proud of my carpenters and remodeling team, but I am just a little more proud of them today as I think about the impact they are making and the legacy they leave behind at each home Almar Building & Remodeling has renovated for the last 53 years and counting.

A Little Shade Can Go a Long Way

The hot days of summer are upon us. If you’re thinking of ways to reduce your summer energy bills, you might consider investing in a home improvement that will keep your home cool, stylish and comfortable: shade awnings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. You can use awnings to shade individual windows, or you can order an awning custom-made to shade the entire side of your house. If you don’t want an awning all year around, you can order models that retract or roll up when you don’t need them.

 

Types of Awnings

A small, horizontal awning will completely shade a south-facing window during the summer. An east- or west-facing window needs an awning that extends down to cover a larger part of the window. Sideless awnings, called Venetian awnings, can be adjusted as the angle of the sun changes. Venetian awnings, however, are usually not effective at blocking direct sunlight on south-facing windows. Hood awnings are more effective because they come with sides that block out additional sun. Hip awnings project out and down to accommodate casement windows that open outward.

Fabric Choices

In the past, most awnings were made of metal or canvas, which need to be re-covered every five to seven years. Exposure to sun, wind and water wore them out over time. Today, awnings are made from synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic and polyvinyl laminates, that are water-repellent and treated to resist mildew and fading. No matter which fabric you choose, you should select one that is opaque and tightly woven. Also, opt for a light-colored awning that will reflect instead of absorb more sunlight.

Adequate Ventilation
Awnings require ventilation to keep hot air from becoming trapped around the window. Grommets or other openings along the tops and sides of an awning can provide ventilation. The awning may also open to the sides or top to vent hot air.


Almar Building & Remodeling Co is a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years. As a fulls ervice general constrution company, we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohassett, Avon, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Pembroke, Ma: Garage Door Safety Tips

June is National Safety Month, so The International Door Association and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association have designated June as Garage Door Safety Month. Your garage door is probably the single largest operating piece of machinery in the house and it is vital to your families safety, so you should make sure it is operating correctly.

The website GarageDoorSafety.com states that their mission is “To provide home owners with the most comprehensive residential garage door and opener safety risk assessment available.” This site helps homeowners identify potential dangers created by garage doors. You can also see injury statics such an estimated 7,557 Pinch/Crush Section injuries were reported in the United States in 2007. These injuries were defined as “Fingers caught between section joints, includes amputations, avulsions, etc.”

The Overhead Door Corporation is offering consumers 10 safety and security tips to ensure protection throughout the year.

·         Make sure the garage door opener control button is out of the reach of small children.

·         Do not let children play with garage door remote controls.

·         Never place fingers between door sections. Explain the dangers to children and consider pinch-resistant door panels.

·         Consult the owner's manual and learn how to use the garage door's emergency release feature.

·         Visually inspect the garage door each month. Look at springs, cables, rollers and pulleys for signs of wear. Do not attempt to remove, adjust or repair these parts or anything attached to them. These parts are under high tension, and should only be fixed by a trained door technician.
 

·         Test the garage door opener's reversing mechanism monthly by placing a 2x4 board or a roll of paper towels in the door's path. If the door does not reverse after contacting the object, call a qualified garage door professional for repair. If the opener has not been replaced since 1993, replace the garage door opener with a new one that has safety sensors and auto-reverse as a standard feature.

·         While on vacation, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a wall vacation lock console security switch, which renders remotes unusable and is an optional accessory to most openers.
 

·         Do not leave the garage door partially open. When activated again, it may travel downward and come in contact with an object in its path. This also compromises a home's security.

·         If the opener does not have rolling-code technology, be sure to change the manufacturer's standard access codes on the opener and remote control, or consider investing in a newer model with rolling-code technology which changes the access codes each time the opener is used.

·         Never leave the remote control in the car when given to a parking attendant. A stolen remote leaves you more susceptible to home invasion. Always lock your car when left unattended. It's a small inconvenience for safety and security.

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1dtU1)

So please be sure to consider these tips to protect your family. And if your unit is old and starting to fail please consider replacing it with a more energy efficient unit that will be more safe and secure.

Scituate Ma: Latest in Windows, Doors & Siding

By: Craig H. Guido, CS

As professional Remodelers it is so important that we take the time out of the office and job site to stay on top of the latest products and industry news. So our Production Manager Mark Caruso and I recently took a trip to the HarveyBuilding Products Trade Expo at Gillette Stadium to see what is new for 2012.

Annually Harvey’s holds the Northeast's largest building and remodeling trade shows designed for people in the building trade. Through demonstrations and vendor displays, these trade shows help build sales skills and productivity, informing you of the latest products and installation techniques in the marketplace today.

Mark and I came away with a lot of good information that will certainly help Almar and the clients that we work with. We got the latest updates on Harvey Windows & Sunrooms, Therma TruDoors, and many more products. But one new product really peaked our interest. Almar installs a lot of Certaineed Vinyl Siding, including their CedarImpressions. According to Certainteed’s website Cedar Impressions provides homeowners with “all the charm of cedar without the high cost and maintenance…”

But there is now a product available to those clients whose budgets might need an additional option as well. TheFoundry Vinyl Siding by the Tapco Group might be an option to consider. According to their website; “Its limited lifetime warranty and enhanced color protection mean your home’s charm can stand up to unrelenting sun, serious rainy seasons, frigid winters and blizzards...Foundry premium siding is crafted from hundreds of real cedar and stone molds, providing nature’s exact texture. The industry’s most comprehensive color palette elevates a full range of architectural styles, from Craftsman to Cape Cod and Victorian. Explore The Foundry to envision your dream exterior.”

Foundry siding offers options in: Shingles, Shakes, Stone, and Shapes.

            Shakes: Deep texture is the hallmark of Foundry Cedar Shake siding. With the look of hand-split cedar, its random grooves and grain demonstrate extraordinary authenticity.

            Shingles: Shingles from The Foundry showcase classic style. They provide naturally-textured surfaces and sophisticated detail.

 

            Stone Collection: Created with molds cast from real stone, Foundry Stone Collection Siding provides uncompromising detail and vibrant color that reflect the authentic, rugged qualities of hand-cut limestone.

            Shapes: Signifying attention to detail, Foundry shapes distinguish a home with exceptional dimension.

You can visit their website (http://www.foundrysiding.com/homeowners/virtual-remodelerH.aspx) for Virtual Remodel where you can upload a photo of your own home and see how new vinyl siding can enhance you homes curb appeal.

So when you are ready to review all of your options for installing new vinyl cedar shingle siding on your house give Almar Building a call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.

As a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohassett, Avon, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Should you DIY or hire a pro?

May was National Home Improvement Month. And in honor of that Almar Building & Remodeling CoInc offers homeowners advice before they tackle their spring projects: namely, whether to do-it-yourself (DIY) or hire a professional during the busy remodeling season.

According to a consumer poll from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Website NARI.org, the largest determining factor for deciding to DIY or hire a professional was cost, at 40 percent. Thirty percent of respondents placed project type and know-how as the second most important factor, and level of difficulty was close behind at 25 percent. Safety and length of time required to complete the project were last, with 2 and 3 percent respectively.

According to Terry Quinn “Almar frequently gets call to come in and fix or finish a project that a homeowner had thought they could DIY. But once they get in to it find that they don’t have the time or skills to get it done quickly and looking right. And unfortunately in most cases this attempt to do it yourself and save a few dollars costs you a lot more in time money and stress to your personal relations ships.”

 In reality, the home improvement process—though varied across project type—can be very costly and involved for anyone, not to mention a beginner. That’s why it’s important to weigh all considerations before you begin work to prevent a DIY disaster.

Quinn says “Homeowners need to consider if they have they the necessary skills to do the project – will doing it yourself help or hurt your home’s value? Do they have the time? When you work all day long do you want to come home and start a construction project when you could be spending quality time with your family? What’s the true cost savings to doing it myself? We find in most cases none. And if you need to call a professional in after the fact it will cost you twice what you initially thought.

The most important considerations for homeowners have to do with physical ability, skills, time and understanding of what needs to be.

Quinn says that homeowners should have basic skills when it comes to using tools or knowing which tools are necessary, measuring, installing and following product manufacturer instructions.

Quinn also says that homeowners should plan the process from beginning to end to ensure they have time to complete.

And then homeowners should consider the costs. Permits, materials, time and costs associated with correcting mistakes must be factored into the total cost.

 Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure. Visit the NARI Website to access a DIY quiz, designed to help you decide whether you are going to need to hire a professional.

If you find out that you do need to hire a professional, hiring someone who is qualified and competent to do the work is just as important as preventing a DIY disaster. Make sure you do your homework, hiring an unlicensed untrained contractor because he’s the lowest price can be worse than taking on a project yourself that you can’t handle. Get copies of licensees and insurance, choose a NARI contractor, make sure you are comfortable with the paperwork. Both the Almar (www.almarbuilding.com and NARI (www.nari.org) websites is a great place to find more tips on choosing the best professional.

As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed new regulations to address a lead safety concern in homes built before 1978. The Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is designed to train professional remodelers how to minimize lead dust in the home to reduce exposure to children under 6 years and pregnant women. Remodel-ready homeowners should make themselves aware of lead-safe practices in their homes during a remodel, either by a professional or as a do-it-yourself practitioner, to keep their families safe. Please learn more at www.nari.org/leadsafety