Categories for Maintenance

Minneapolis Roofing – Protect Your Biggest Asset This Winter

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

The winter season in Minneapolis may be a magical time for many, but those cold months are not without their challenges. When winter arrives, it often ushers in a season filled with strong storms, high winds and heavy snow.

If your home, and especially your roof, are not prepared, you could be spending the rest of the winter recovering from the damage. With winter right around the corner, you cannot afford to leave anything to chance, and now is the time to make sure your home’s roof is up to the challenge. Here are some essential pre-winter checks to protect your roof from winter dangers.

Look for Missing Shingles

From high winds to hail, the summer storm season can really take a toll on your roof and take your shingles for a ride. And if you fail to replace those missing shingles promptly, your roof could be in for even worse damage when the cold of winter finally arrives.

Now is the time to check your roof for missing shingles, so grab the ladder or schedule a professional inspection today. Having your roof checked now will give you time to make the necessary repairs in plenty of time for those dangerous winter storms.

Check Your Gutters

Preexisting gutter damage can increase the odds of winter roof damage, but you still have time to make repairs. So check your entire drainage system now, from the downspouts that carry water away from the foundation to the gutters that send that moisture where it belongs.

If your gutters are constantly getting clogged with leaves and other debris, you might want to invest in a gutter coverage system. These units help protect the drainage system for your home, so you can rest easy and avoid ice jams, clogged gutters and other winter roof damage.

Watch Out for Snow Accumulation

Heavy snow can put a severe strain on your roof, especially when the storms just keep coming. If the snow has been falling faster than the sun can melt it, you may need to clear the accumulation manually.

For a DIY approach to a single-story dwelling, a long-handled shovel could be all you need, but for higher roofs and multistory properties may require the help of a professional. Having your roof cleared of snow can be a wise investment, however, one that could protect your home and prevent even more costly damage.

Trim Your Trees

If you have mature trees in your yard, overhanging branches could become missiles in a winter windstorm. If you want to protect your roof from winter (and summer) storms, it is important to keep those trees trimmed.

Removing overhanging branches is an essential part of storm planning, so contact an arborist or tree care expert before the snow starts to fly. While they are onsite, ask them to assess the health of the tree itself; dead or dying trees are much more likely to come down and cause damage during the winter storm season.

The cold and snow of winter will be here before you know it, but you still have time to get your roof ready. The winter season can really take a toll on your roof, and the sooner you get ready the sooner you can rest easy under that newly prepared roof.

 

Troubling Signs You Need Roof Repair

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

There is a reason people call their homes the roof over their heads. The roof is arguably the most important part of any home, and when it fails it is a real emergency.

 

Unfortunately, roof damage can often go undetected, especially if you do not know what to look for. And by the time you recognize the visible warning signs, like water pouring into your rooms, it is probably too late to work on minor roof repair. By that point, it is probably time for a new roof – and a full roof replacement is an expensive undertaking.

Here are some key warning signs that roof repair might be in your future.

 

Shoddy Construction

A home that was poorly constructed from the start is much more likely to suffer serious roof damage from storms and normal wear and tear. If you have doubts about your home’s construction, it is important to have the property inspected by a professional.

 

If your home’s roof was poorly constructed, it may be best to have it replaced now – before it has a chance to fail. The cost of a roof replacement may be high, but so is the cost of replacing everything inside your four walls.

 

Wet Spots on the Ceiling

Wet spots on the ceiling are often the first signs of a failing roof, and you should inspect the entire ceiling carefully after a heavy rainfall. If you see wet spots or water dripping, it is time to contact a roofing technician for a full inspection.

 

Other things can cause these wet spots, so moisture on the ceiling is not necessarily a sign of a failing roof. Even so, you can never be too careful, especially when your home is at stake.

 

Loose or Missing Shingles

The shingles on your roof are your home’s first line of defense, and a break in those defenses could be extremely dangerous. If you see missing, broken or damaged shingles, it is time to get immediate help. Damaged and missing shingles constitute a roofing emergency, and you cannot afford to wait.

 

If you have waited to replace damaged, missing or broken shingles, you should schedule a thorough roof inspection without delay. Your roof could have sustained hidden damaged in the interim, and fixing that damage now could potentially save the structure.

 

A History of Storm Damage

If your home previously suffered storm damage, your roof may have been compromised. If you did not have a thorough inspection conducted in the wake of the storm damage, it is time to call an experienced roofer.

 

Storm damage alone does not necessarily mean your roof is in need of repair, but it is one of the risk factors. If you live in an area that is prone to storm damage, you need to be especially vigilant for other common signs of roof trouble.

 

Last but not least, if your roof is more than two decades old, you should be on special alert. Even the best roof will not last forever, and the sooner you have your roof inspected the better. If your roof is till in great shape, you will get peace of mind. If not, you will be able to make the necessary roof repairs before a sudden failure turns your life upside down.

 

 

Assessing Storm Damage on Your Roof

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms and hurricanes can tear shingles from your roof and give your roof a beating with tree branches. Follow these steps to check for storm damage to your roof:

• Inspect your attic for any water leaks. Also check if any water stains appear on your ceiling or walls.

• Look for signs of storm damage by assessing any missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia from the ground.

• Evaluate any debris making contact with your home – such as branches or larger items.

• In cases of hail, check your siding and windows for any signs of damage.

• Stay safe & avoid going on the roof to check for damage yourself.

Sela Roofing & Remodeling is here to help you with your storm damage – we provide free inspections of your roof and handle the hassles of dealing with your insurance company!

Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Damage this Winter

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

As we head into winter, stay ahead of the game by keeping signs of snow and ice damage on your radar. Whether it’s routine snow removal to prevent ice dams, or emergency service to remove ice from a leaky roof, you can trust Sela to tackle any job, big or small.

Sela specialists have been safely taking care of our homeowner’s snow and ice headaches for years. The Sela experts can handle snow and ice removals from the entire roof, or just focus clearing channels in your ice dams, which ever better suits your budget. For the extreme ice problems, Sela also offers steam ice removal service.

Contact us today to learn more, and #JustSaySela

Chimney & Fireplace Restoration & Repair by Sela

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

As summer winds to a close, it’s important to think about home improvement and repair projects that can be completed before the snowy season starts. For many homes, the fireplace and chimney are a centerpiece to a living space; a central location where people gather, share, and relax. After all, what’s more cozy than curling up in front of a roaring fire when there’s a chill in the air? Before winter arrives, check your chimney and fireplace for signs of wear and tear. While some damage may be purely aesthetic, other types can create long-term performance issues. A poorly functioning chimney can create health problems, increase utility bills and cause loss of heat.

Why Chose Sela?

Sela’s team of experienced master masons specialize in chimney repair and restoration projects. For more than 25 years, Sela Roofing has been delivering quality chimney repair services to residents throughout the state of Minnesota on homes of any age. During your risk-free initial consultation, a trained, licensed and insured chimney repair professional will determine the exact scope of your project. From there, Sela Roofing will suggest various solutions in a variety of possible combinations. Whether your home requires a straightforward rebuild due to brick and mortar breakdown, tuck pointing, metal flashing and/or a concrete cap, Sela Roofing can provide a customized approach specifically designed for your home’s structure with consideration to your current material layout and color scheme to ensure a hassle-free chimney repair project.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your chimney restoration or repair project by calling (612) 823-8046 for a risk-free evaluation.

Checklist For Getting Your Home Ready For Spring

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

Once the long winter is over, people begin thinking about the outdoor activities they will soon enjoy. You can get a head start on your plans by doing a thorough assessment of your property as soon as the worst of the winter is over.

snow

Here is a good checklist:

 

Roof and Gutter Damage

If you have had significant snowfall or icing during the winter, you should have your roof and gutters inspected for small problems that could lead to larger issues in the future. Heavy icing can damage your gutter system, rusting connectors and causing a hazard to anyone standing or walking below.

 

Outdoor Porches, Decks, and Patios

The outdoor structures on your home, such as porches, decks, and patios, may have experienced wear and tear from the moisture and weight of snow. These structures should be carefully inspected to ensure that the wood floors and railings are intact and secure. Problems, especially structural ones, should be repaired immediately so that you can enjoy your summer and spring safely.

 

Yard Debris

The winter snow and ice may have pulled down a number of branches from your trees and shrubs. In some cases, the damage will be complete, while in other cases, pruning may be all that’s needed to stabilize these plants. If broken limbs have caused a safety issue, you might  be able to restore the integrity of these plants on your own; but if the damage is significant, contact a tree and landscaping professional to ensure the repair is done right. Once this aspect is safely remedied, you will be able to remove the minor leaf and twig debris in readiness for spring lawn maintenance and gardening.

 

Garden Areas

If you are an avid gardener, you probably await the thaw with eager anticipation. As soon as most of the snow has melted, you can assess your garden and find areas for new plantings. Homeowners often find that garden beds and fencing need repairs or tidying before the planting can begin. Make a list of supplies, such as additional top soil, new fencing, landscape cloth, or other items that can help you get a head start on your gardening efforts.

 

Foundation Inspection

Homeowners should also take a stroll around the perimeter of the home to inspect the condition of the foundation. The freezing and thawing of the ground around foundation walls can widen small cracks that let in moisture. After inspecting the exterior, also check the interior walls to note any changes in the condition, and make note of any increase in moisture inside the home.

 

Outdoor Play Equipment

Homeowners should begin inspecting outdoor play areas and equipment immediately after the worse of the snowfall. Children are likely to start using these areas of the yard at the first sign of warm weather. To prevent accidents from damaged or hazardous equipment, check the chains or ropes on tree swings and play sets; inspect metal surfaces for rusting, breakage, and sharp edges; and check fasteners and connectors on all parts of the equipment. Also check the surface below swings, slides, and other components to make sure they are free of hazards. You may wish to resurface this area to ensure a “soft landing.”

 

Maintaining these areas of your property will allow you to begin enjoying outdoor activities as soon as warmer temperatures arrive. You will also ensure your family’s safety, which will give you peace of mind as you tend to other tasks.

 

When you need help, remember to Just Say Sela!

Prevent Ice And Snow Damage This Winter

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

The snow is starting to fall in Minnesota. Ice and snow accumulations bring the potential for headaches beyond those associated with white-knuckle driving: it can also damage a home’s roof and gutters.

Damage from ice and snow can occur for two reasons. The first is that the sheer weight of snow can dislodge gutters from a building. Several inches of snow on a fairly flat roof can also carry enough weight to collapse the roof. A roof that is under stress can make the doors and windows of the house difficult to open, or the homeowner will hear popping or creaking noises.

The second, and more prevalent, cause of roof and gutter damage is the formation of ice dams. An ice dam is created when heat emanating from a home’s attic melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes after it trickles into the gutters. The ice buildup prevents melt water from flowing through the gutters and out the downspouts. Ice dams can cause melt water to back up and go under the roof’s shingles, that leads to leaks and water damage to the roof, fascia and soffit. An ice dam can also cause water to spill over the side of the gutter and soak into the ground next to the home’s foundation. In turn, this leads to foundation damage or water seeping into the basement or crawlspace.

icedam

Excessive snow on the roof is easily removed using a roof rake. This tool is available at most hardware stores. It is normally made of lightweight aluminum, has a telescoping handle and allows the homeowner to stand on the ground and pull snow off the roof. Removing excess snow is one way to prevent ice dams as well.

There are three more ways a homeowner can do to prevent ice dams. First the home should have good attic insulation. A well insulated attic prevents heat loss that leads to the formation of ice dams. Attic ventilation should also be considered, as a poorly ventilated attic is likely to trap ambient heat. Second, cleaning leaves and other debris out of guttering in the fall keeps the paths open for water to flow freely. Third, in areas where heavy snows are routine, adding heating cables to the roof prevents the buildup of snow and keeps water from refreezing in the gutters. Heating cables are only appropriate for roofs made of noncombustible tab shingles and inclined roofs, however.

Preventive measures may not be part of a homeowner’s routine in areas that are normally snow-free. Once the snow and ice are gone, be sure to inspect the roof and guttering for any damage it may have left behind.

Insulation – What You Know Can Make A Difference!

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

When  insulating your attic you will need to choose from batt or roll insulation, and loose fill insulation. So what are the differences between the two? We thought  we would spell it out for you so you have a general knowledge of the differences.

insulation

Batt or Roll Insulation – The more common type of insulation that comes in the form of a roll that consists of flexible fibers, usually fiberglass. You also can find rolls made from minerals, wool, plastic and natural fibers, such as cotton or sheep’s wool.
Rolls are available in widths of standard spacing of wall studs, and attic or floor joists.They are available with or without facings. Manufacturers often attach a facing to act as a vapor or air barrier. Rolls with special flame-resistant facing are available where the insulation will be left exposed. A facing also helps with  fastening during installation. However, it’s recommended that you use unfaced rolls if you’re reinsulating over existing insulation.

Loose Fill Insulation – Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other material. These particles form an insulation material that conforms to any size or type of space. The ability to conform makes loose-fill insulation well suited for retrofits and for situations  where it’s difficult to install other types of insulation.
Most material used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool. These materials are made using recycled materials. Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass contains 20%–30% recycled glass. Mineral wool is usually produced from 75% post-industrial recycled content.

If you need help making a decision, we are here to help!

Is It Time For A New Roof?

Posted on
by Sela Roofing

When is it time to get a new roof?

When buying a new house, or getting a roof put on, you get a roofing material that is rated for a period of time. For years, the most common was a twenty- or twenty-five year asphalt shingle. Now, roofing materials are much more adventurous and better looking. You can look around your neighborhood and see some great-looking roofs on houses very similar to your own. You may still have ten years on your twenty-year shingles, but is that a good enough reason to put off getting a roof you really like? If you’ve done frequent roof repair, or have discovered that a different roof may save money on your power bill, or even if you’ve seen a roof that would make your house look great, you should consider getting a new roof.

Exterior Expansions

What options are there in roofs?

Asphalt roofs can usually have up to three layers, so you can get a new roof without having to do a tear off. Newer asphalt shingles have exciting new cuts and colors and are rated for a much longer period of time than common 3-tab. Laminated shingles have designs called architectural or presidential, and they can give a roof a much more three-dimensional look.

Metal roofs look much better than in past years when they were used more for industrial and commercial buildings. Now, they are a top-of-the-line residential product. Newer metal roofing panels are treated to absorb heat in the winter and reflect it in the summer and they’ve gotten much more durable.

Composite materials have also enjoyed a surge in the roofing market do to sustainable building practices and green living. Roofing tiles made from recycled tires and building materials are quite strong. They also offer color options you won’t find anywhere else.

Where is the best place to find a roof?

A roofing contractor like Sela will be your best source in finding the roof you want. We have the experience, product knowledge and contacts needed to get prices and make an informed decision. Do you really want to spend another ten years doing roof repair? Or do you want to have a spectacular-looking roof with the Sela guarantee?