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.

Making your existing space feel like your dream space:

How Almar freshened up a kitchen without a major renovation

     by: Craig H. Guido, CS

Making your existing space feel like your dream space doesn’t always have to involve a major renovation. Almar recently completed a kitchen renovation here in Hanover, MA. But this wasn’t a typical renovation where we demoed all the existing cabinets and started over.

Several years ago when this client needed more space Almar also helped the navigate thru their wants and needs to create a unquite basement space that could serve as both a play space for the kids and an entertaining area for the adults without sactificing all of their storage space. So when they were ready to tackle remodeling the kitchen Almar was glad to help again.

In this 1990’s Colonial there were some features of the kitchen that were fine, the basic layout of the cabinet placement and some of the actual cabinet units themselves were in perfectly good condition and the homeowner liked them well enough. What she didn’t like was the limited storage space and the awkward island that was not really good for cooking prep and made the kitchen hard to navigate, and the out dated Formica countertop which was in rough shape.

Almar’s solution was to leave the existing cabinets as they were, remove the existing countertop, repurpose some of the cabinets in the island to make a peninsula instead leaving space for a beverage fridge, and then adding a bank of cabinets in the eating area.

By removing the existing island and creating a new peninsula we were able to open the floor space up, and create a defined kitchen and eating area. The new peninsula also gave added cooking prep space.

We then installed a new Granite countertop. On the new peninsula we overhung the countertop to create both an extra-large prep area, and a place for stools for countertop dinning.

We were able to fill in the existing hardwood floor with new oak and refinished the whole room so it looked uniform.

For the new pantry area we installed new Black Heritage Cabinets by Huntwood Industries. The black offset the white cabinets in the main kitchen area and provided a beautiful contrast that in not obtrusive to the eating area, and coordinates well with the table.

The floor to ceiling cabinets are split to allow for extra storage and feature pull out draws and soft close hardware. We also included one cabinet unit that is not split in order to store tall items like brooms close at hand, but with all matching doors everything from the exterior looks uniform.    

So this is one example on how you can redo your existing space without taking on an overwhelming project if there are aspects of your kitchen you already like.

Swans are not the only partners for life

5 Reasons Why Inspiring Windows and Hunter Douglas Are Strong Partners, Too.
     -    By: Tina Sousa-Vieira (Inspiring Windows)

Hunter Douglas

As a business that designs window fashions and advises individual and business clients on all things related to design, we knew that finding the right partners to work with is key to business success. That’s why we partnered with Hunter Douglas for window fashions back when we first opened in 1997.

We made our selection to be an exclusive partner with Hunter Douglas in much the same way that you might interview and select companies you wish to work with in your home or business. Here’s what was important to us and what we pass along to you:

• Form and Function go hand in hand: It’s not enough to be a beautiful window treatment, it must also serve a purpose to our clients and we recognize that Hunter Douglas marries these qualities with perfection
• Energy Efficiency is Paramount: Hunter Douglas has made a commitment to lowering the carbon footprint by 20% with their Hunter Douglas green program and we have always been committed to helping our clients channeling and exploiting the natural power of sunlight wherever possible.
• American Design and Craftsmanship: We feel there is no explanation necessary. Wherever possible, we advocate for American made.
• Child Safety: We know that your children and pets are the most important dwellers in your home. That’s why we felt it important to have a variety of lifting systems that are cordless or designed to prevent potential hazards
• Lifetime Guarantee: Who wouldn’t want a product they purchased to have a lifetime guarantee? We feel the replacement policy Hunter stands behind is second to none.

We welcome you to use these 5 steps next time you are choosing a company to work with or a partner for your business.

Inspiring Windows is owned and operated by Tina Sousa-Vieira and Teresa Tavares, sisters and business partners. Better known as your Design Guides, Tina and Teresa bring complementary skills and backgrounds to Inspiring Windows. Their mission is to provide a quality design and seamless implementation to clients; always on budget, on time, and with a friendly and thoughtful approach. You’ll remember working with Tina and Teresa and seek them out time and again for each and every design project.

We are ready, willing, and able to help you with all your business and home décor needs: everything from preliminary design, window treatments, color, light, kitchens, and so much more.

Visit our showroom at: 1112 Washington Street
Hanover, MA 02339
781-924-5399, email us at: info@inspiringwindows.com

Hours of Operation:Monday: 10am to 5pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Thursday: 10am to 7pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm

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.

Hingham Ma: Deck Safety Month 2012

By: Allison Q Guido, CS

The weather is improving and many of us are moving outside to enjoy the sunshine with our friends and family. This past weekend we celebrated the Christening of our son Giovanni and as everyone was coming back to the house to enjoy the company and food at the cookout it made me think that like many of our homeowners it was time to have Craig inspect the deck to make sure there were no issues that might cause a safety issue.

AlmarBuilding has an in depth Deck Evaluation Checklist provided by the North American Deck and Railing Association that we use to look for any potential problems on existing decks.

The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

According to the NADRA website, “The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck… Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers. Some of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected.”

Some tips the NADRA suggests homeowners consider when choosing a remodeling professional are:

* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA or NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).

* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.

* Pay attention to the deck builder's experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.

When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector knowledgeable about deck construction.

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Buildinga 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, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Milton Ma: Check Your Deck

Protect your family and friends
By: Allison Q Guido, CS

May is Deck Safety Month® A NADRA DECK SAFETY PROGRAM a Consumer Checklist

Decks and porches can be a great place to spend time with friends and family, but in some cases it can be the place where the fun day comes to a screeching halt. According to the NADRA* website, “The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck

 Almar Building & CAT Exteriors has an in depth Deck Evaluation Checklist provided by the North American Deck and Railing Association that we use to look for any potential problems on existing decks. But there are also some quick things you can do on your own as well.

 
      1.      Check for splitting or decaying wood.

2.      Is the Flashing sound and firmly in place?

      3.      Are there any missing, loose or corroded fasteners.

4.      Check that railings and banisters are secure and not loose.

5.      Check that stairs and handrails are secure.

6.      Check that stair treads are in place and there are no open stairs.

      7.      Clean away any leaves or debris, and make sure there is no mold or mildew.

8.      Make sure any source of fire or heat is places away from flammable surfaces.

9.      Lighting: make sure there is adequate lighting and that it works properly.

10.  Make sure there are no limbs or branches that might fall on the deck. 

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Building & CAT Exteriors 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 operated 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, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

 * The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

Pembroke Windows: National Window Safety Week: Important Safety Tips to Protect Your Child.

April 1 – 7, 2012 has been deemed National Window Safety Week. Windows are great they provide ventilation, emergency escapes and natural light but windows can also pose a risk of a fall
in the home if safety measures are not followed.

Massachusetts Building Codes are designed to require that at least one window in each room is large enough to act as an escape route if necessary. In addition window manufactures now design replacement windows to open easily, and so that screens an be removed without any special tools or knowledge if you need to utilize it as an escape route.

According to the National Safety Council’s 2011 Media Kit National Safety Week is important because, “Windows are one of the few things we enjoy both inside and outside our homes and business. Windows serve an important role in our lives by letting in natural light and soothing fresh air as we open them and by keeping out the elements when they’re closed. Some windows ─ larger units called egress or emergency escape and rescue windows ─ can take on an even greater role if we need to escape quickly in the event of a fire or other emergency, or if rescue workers need to enter through them in emergency situations.”

The National Safety Council also recommends reviewing the following tips about window safety:

1. Doors serve as the primary exits. Windows provide a secondary means of escape from a
burning home or for other emergencies. Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it. Remember that children may have to rely on a window to escape in a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances.

2. When performing spring repairs, take care to make sure that your windows are not painted or nailed shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.

3. Keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. When opening windows
for ventilation, open windows that a child cannot reach, or in the case of a double-hung window, open the top sash only.

4. Set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows or patio doors. Falling through an insect screen, open window or glass can be fatal or cause serious injury.

5. Keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. Children may
use such objects as a climbing aid.

6. If you have young children in your home and are considering installing window guards or window fall prevention devices, be aware that the window guards or devices you install must have a release mechanism so that they can be opened for escape in case of a fire or other emergency. Consult your local fire department or building code official to determine proper placement for window guards and window fall prevention devices.

7. Some homes may have window guards, security bars, grilles or grates already covering
their windows. Those windows are useless in an emergency if the devices on them do not have a functioning release mechanism. Time is critical when escaping a fire. Take time to update these devices to make sure they comply with industry standards and have appropriate release mechanisms.

8. Do not install window air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or
rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.

9. The degree of injury sustained from a window fall can be affected by the surface on
which the victim falls. Shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass beneath windows may lessen the impact if a fall does occur.

***

About the Window Safety Task Force
The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. This group is composed of members representing the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA), in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and other organizations, as well as leading manufacturers of windows, doors and screens. More information can be
found at nsc.org/windowsafetytaskforce.

Almar Building & Remodeling Co, Hanover Massachusetts (781-826-2577) is proud to be a
member of NARI and is committed to uphold the standards that all NARI members
represent. Almar’s entire team is ready to work with homeowners from all over the south shore of Massachusetts like Hanover, Pembroke, Hingham, Norwell, Scituate, and Cohasset. As a full service Design/Build remodeler Almar can handle all phases of remodeling: Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, and Sunroom projects.

*Photo Courtesy of Harvey Building Products: Tribute Premium Double Hung Window