What You Need To Know Before Installing Solar Panels

Solar Panels on Roof of Home

Solar panels are a great addition to many homes. They promote clean energy flow and are very environmentally friendly. They are definitely a step in the right direction, but is your home ready for them? Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as just installing the panels overnight. Here’s what you should know before getting solar panels:

Your Roof Needs To Be Ready

In order to hold the panels up, you’ll need a strong foundation! Your roofing will keep them snug, but is your roof ready? If your roof has any kind of damage, like shingle curling or leaks, then you should reconsider. It could be very dangerous to your house’s foundation if you were to get panels before inspecting your roof. Make sure you get the proper repairs so it’s in tip-top shape! 

Which Way Do Your Slopes Face

Solar panels need to face the sun in order to work, so make sure you do research on which way they should go. You have different slopes on your roof, each going in a different direction. Usually, it’s advised that you have your panels facing the south side of your house. This is because there will be direct sunlight in this area for most of the day! 

Connecting To The Grid

You will have to connect your solar panels to the grid– to power your home of course! A lot of questions come with this like: How much will this cost? When will it get hooked up? How do I get credited for the electricity? Solar-estimate.org states that “In Connecticut, The advantages of installing solar panels in Connecticut are that there are both state-based incentives and the federal tax credit available.” Prices vary from state to state, as well as electricity crediting laws. 

When it comes to roofing, we know our stuff. We’d be happy to help you update your home before installing solar panels. Contact us at (203)838-3838 to discuss your options!

Spring Cleaning: Roofing Edition

When we think of spring cleaning, we often think of the interior of our home.! However, besides vacuuming and dusting, do you know what your spring cleaning checklist is missing? That’s right, your roofing. Here are some ways to clean up your roof in time for spring: 

Clean Those Gutters

Fall and winter are not very kind to gutters. They get filled with leaves, grime, and ice throughout these seasons. Check to make sure your draining system is working properly and ready for the spring showers. 

Check For Mold

If you notice that some parts of your roof on the outside have strange, dark spots, you may be dealing with some mold growth. Little mold spots can be dealt with by using bleach solutions or mold specific sprays. However, if you notice there is way more than just a little spot, you’ll want to call a professional to help clean it. 

Examine Your Shingles

If you notice that some of the shingles are curling and cracking, they might need to be replaced. Damaged shingles could also mean a roof leak, which if ignored, can lead to interior water damage. 

Look At Your Interior

If a sneaky roof is already present, your interior will show some common signs.It’s here you’ll be able to check for water damage, leaks or mold. Often missed when not actively looking for it. If there are sudden water spots on your ceiling or a strange smell in the attic, it might be time to call a professional. 

At Landmarks Exteriors, our professionals are here for all your roofing needs! Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items to emergency roof repairs. Contact us today to see how we can help!

5 Tips For Inspecting Your Roof

inspecting your roof

When it rains, it pours. Not only this month but next month as well! You should make sure your roof is ready to take on these intense weather patterns, or else you might be facing some roofing issues in the near future. Here are some tips for checking to make sure your roof is ready for the April showers ahead: 

1. Safety First

First and foremost, you should make sure you are inspecting your roof safely! Do not climb on a ladder while alone. If you don’t feel you need to get close and personal to check, look from a window or use a set of binoculars. 

2. Check Shingles

If you notice any cracking, curling, or missing shingles, that is a sign that your roof is not ready to take on heavy rain. If ignored, over time, water can leak into the home and lead to water damage down the road. 

3. Gutter Strength

Your gutter is a pivotal part of your draining system. Their job is to channel the rainwater away from your home and into your drainage system. When broken or lacking the proper strength to do the job, water will pool around your foundation and lead to damage to your home’s foundation. 

4. Examine The Inside Of Your Home

When a roof leak is present, there might also be water damage. Look around your home for signs of water spots, leaks or damage. If any is present, you’ll want to get your roof fixed ASAP.

Last But Not Least, Call A Professional

Making an appointment with roofing specialists can help make sure you don’t miss anything during your inspection. A team of professionals can spot minor things that you might have missed and will provide you with the best solution for you and your home. 

Knowing you’re in good hands is essential when it comes to the quality of your roof. When searching for a roofing specialist, be sure to contact the best. Landmark Exteriors Inc is dedicated when it comes to ensuring quality roofing. Contact our team of roofing specialists: (203) 838-3838. 

Dangers of Insufficient Ventilation On Your Roof

Closeup of a roof vent on a house.

Proper roof and attic ventilation might not be something you think about often, but without it, you could be looking at several issues. The effects of poor aeration can cause damage to your roof and can make it hard to salvage what is left. With the right insulation in your attic and airflow, you can avoid these dangers. 

Roof Damage

Without improper ventilation, excessive heat and moisture can cause your roof to corrode. The shingles and underlayment support can start to crack and break off, and they are both essential to the structure of your roof.

Mold Build Up

Mold grows in places where it’s overly damp or wet, and that could end up being your roof and attic! Without the right room to breathe, these areas of your house may remain moist for long periods, and with excess moisture comes the danger of mold growth.

Rust

Mold isn’t the only thing you need to worry about in your attic; you’ll want to look for rusting, too!. When excess moisture is present, the components that hold your roof together can rust, leading to shingle loss. Not to mention when condensation builds up in your act, parts of your air vents, plumbing, and heating can all be at risk of rusting, too.  

Landmark Exteriors Home Care division provides an extensive list of services to keep your home in great shape. From roof maintenance to attic ventilation, we can help protect your home before it experiences any serious damages! Contact us today to set up an appointment. (203) 838-3838