Month: April 2022

Even the smallest roof leaks can seriously damage your home, and the longer you wait to get it fixed, the more costly and severe the destruction will be. After handling damage control inside your home, locating the source of the leak should be one of your next steps.

From the Landmark Exteriors team, here are four steps to help you find a roof leak and get it repaired:

Use Your Senses

When it comes to finding a leak in your roof, start by using your senses. 

• Look for any leaking water, water stains on your ceiling, bulging patches on your interior walls, and spots of water damage on your exterior walls. 
• Listen carefully for any sounds of dripping water. 
• Smell for any musty and unpleasant odors.

Any of these signs can point to a leak in your roof. But it’s important to be aware that the first place you notice the leak may not actually be where the leak in your roof is coming from. 

Inspect Your Attic

The next step to finding that pesky roof leak is to head to the attic and look for evidence. Grab your flashlight, watch your head, and look for water stains, mold, and black marks along the roof sheathing. If you don’t have access to an attic space, you’ll have to go directly to the roof. 

When inspecting the attic, you want to rule out any other possible causes of the leak. One particular place to check is around exposed nails; when moisture from the below floors meet the attic’s cold air, it condenses around the nail and then melts throughout the day, creating a water drip. 

Make It Rain

If your home and attic inspections are turning up dry trying to identify where the hole in your roof is, it’s time to simulate some rain; you’ll just need the help of two friends! Have one person waiting inside where you believe the leak is entering your home. Then have someone watch your ladder as you carefully climb up to your roof. Use a handy garden hose to shower one section of your roof at a time for a few minutes, and have your friend inside shout when they see a drip.  

Contact a Professional For Repairs

The best and safest way to ensure your roof is fully repaired is to contact your local roofing professionals. They will be able to inspect and repair any leaks and other issues with your roof quickly and safely. You’ll feel at ease knowing your roof will be back to tip-top shape before you know it.  

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Have you started your spring cleaning yet? Homeowners, year after year, make long lists of work that needs to be done to get their house ready for the spring and summer seasons, but too often is the roof overlooked. 

From the Landmark Exteriors roofing experts, here are a few tasks to add to your spring cleaning checklist to protect your roof:

1. Clear Off Debris

The fall and winter weather has likely left your rooftop a bit cluttered. Debris such as sticks, branches, and leaves left on your roof can clog up your gutter system and cause damage to your shingles. You can remove this debris either by hand or with the help of a leaf blower. If you can’t complete this task safely on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out to Landmark Exteriors for help.  

2. Cut Back Trees

If you have any trees with branches overhanging your roof or trees that look unstable, consider removing them asap; you never know when the next storm can come and knock them down on your home. 

3. Wash Off Mold And Mildew

If your roof has any leaks or is holding in moisture, you may notice mold and mildew growth. This is a serious concern because it can be dangerous for you and your family’s health. Look for any discolored streaks on your roof, and be sure to have it thoroughly cleaned by a professional.  

4. Look For Signs Of Damage

It’s possible the seasonal changes in weather, and heavy storms have left your roof with some concerning damages that you need to get fixed this spring. Be on the lookout for curled, missing, or broken shingles that need to be replaced and any holes or leaks, and don’t delay getting those repairs completed.  

5. Examine The Attic

One of the most important places to inspect for leaks and mold is the attic. If holes or leaks are present, have them addressed as soon as possible before the damage and your costs increase. It’s possible to also have mold and mildew growth even without a leak if there isn’t adequate ventilation, so be on the lookout for discoloration and foul smells signaling fungi growth. 

6. Check And Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutter system twice a year should be on every homeowner’s list of to-dos, especially in the spring. Clear out any debris from your gutters and downspouts and look for any cracks that need to be fixed to ensure they can handle all the rain on its way. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Gutters serve an essential function in the well-being of your home, but the truth is, many homeowners take them for granted. At least twice a year, it’s crucial to clean out your entire gutter system because even one clog can lead to serious problems.  

From the Landmark Exteriors team, here are a few tips to help you handle your gutter cleaning safely:

Have The Right Tools Ready

First, you’ll need something to help you reach the gutters; a sturdy ladder should do the trick. Next, you’ll want to wear protective clothing and accessories such as a long-sleeved shirt, goggles or glasses, and gloves. Then, make sure you have a bag, bucket, or tarp ready to toss all your gutter muck into after removal. Lastly, make sure you have a hose, gutter scoop, or any other materials you are using to clean out the debris ready.  

Don’t Do It Alone

Never clean your gutters on your own; enlist the help of a friend or family member to ensure the job gets done safely. Your partner should be there to hold the ladder securely and hand you the tools you need while cleaning out the system.  

Scoop Out Debris

The best way to get those cluttered pieces of leaves, sticks, dirt, and more out of your gutters is to simply grab them and pull them out. Either use your gloved hands or a gutter scooping tool to get the job done. However, do not use a metal gutter scooping tool since scraping the bottom of your gutters can lead to serious rust and cracks after repeated use. 

Flush The Gutters

Now that you’ve scooped out all that gunk, grab your garden hose and let the water flush out your gutters to ensure a clean and functioning system. This will eliminate any last pieces of debris stuck throughout the unit and check for any leaks. 

Don’t Forget The Downspouts

Downspouts are very prone to clogs but are often forgotten about when it comes to gutter cleaning. A strong stream of water may be enough to rinse out the downspouts, but if not, you may want to be certain all those chunks of debris are out with the help of a trusty plumber’s snake.

Contact Landmark Exteriors for gutter repairs and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s gutter system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

How Rain Causes Roof Damage

Springtime in Connecticut means plenty of rain, wind, and more rain. Though that means we can expect lots of beautiful flowers once May comes, your roof may suffer some damage in the process. 

Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against severe weather, but heavy storms can compromise and damage your roofing system in many ways. Intense rainfall and fast winds can cause shingles to blow off, curl, or crack, leaving your roof vulnerable to even worse damages such as leaks: the most serious and common destruction caused by storms. If water finds its way into your house, you also may be left to deal with unsightly and dangerous mold or rot. 

Seeking help from your local roofing experts to repair any storm-caused damage and regular inspections is essential for maintaining a safe and functioning roofing system to protect you, your family, and your home. 

Tips To Prevent Roof Leaks

As previously mentioned, heavy rain storms can cause damage to your roofing system, resulting in leaks. The best way to rest assured that your roof is strong and less likely to spring leaks is with these tips:

• Routine maintenance and inspections – Enlisting the help of a roofing professional for regular maintenance and inspections can extend the lifespan of your roof and prevent serious and costly damages. 
• Inspect on your own – Make time to periodically check your roof, attic, and walls for any evidence of leaks or other damage that may need attention. 
• Check your drainage system – Give your gutters a lookover to make sure they are working properly and are safely draining water off your roof and away from your house’s foundation. As well, make sure there are no areas of your roof where water could be pooling. 
• Remove debris – Any debris such as sticks, branches, and leaves should always be removed from your roof to prevent clogs in the drainage system and avoid damage to the shingles.

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.