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Is The Hot Summer The Best Time To Install A New Roof On Your Home?

The hot summer may be the most popular time to install a new roof on your home, but it is not necessarily the best time. While many homeowners prefer to have their roof replaced in the summer months when the weather is warm and dry, there are some drawbacks to doing so. Here are a few things to consider before deciding if the hot summer is the best time to install a new roof on your home.

The first and most important consideration is the temperature. Temperatures during the summer months can be extremely hot, especially in areas with high humidity. This heat can cause the roofing materials to expand, potentially making it difficult to accurately fit the roof pieces together. Furthermore, the intense heat can cause certain roofing materials to become too hot to touch, making it unsafe for the roofers to work on the roof.

Second, the summer months tend to be the busiest time of year for roofing contractors. This means that it may be difficult to find a contractor who is available to complete the job in a timely manner. Furthermore, the competition for contractors can drive up the cost of the project and make it more expensive than it would be during the winter months.

Third, summer storms can also affect the quality of the roof installation. Strong winds, heavy rain, and hail can all damage the roof and make it more difficult to properly install. This can lead to premature wear and tear on the roof, or even cause it to fail entirely.

Finally, the summer months are also the hottest time of year for many areas. This means that the roofers are likely to be uncomfortable and will not be able to focus on their work as well as they would in cooler temperatures.

For these reasons, it is important to consider all of the potential drawbacks of installing a new roof during the summer months. The warm weather may make the job more uncomfortable for roofers and it can also increase the chances of problems with the installation. It may be best to wait until the cooler winter months to install a new roof, as this will help to ensure that the job is done properly and safely.

Things To Ask Before Hiring A Roofer

Your home’s roof is a critical part of your house and property investment. Keeping it in good shape is vital for your safety and comfort. Maintaining the condition of your home’s roof is also essential to ensure it adds value to the property rather than detracting from it.

Questions to Ask Your Roofer

There are several things to ask before hiring a roofer to fix or maintain your roof, which will get you the best possible service and results. These questions will also help ensure you protect yourself and your property from unscrupulous companies.

1. Ask the Community

Your best route is to ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors about roofing companies they’ve used. This approach is the quickest way to learn which roofing companies have excellent reputations and which do not.

If you use a local Tennessee roofing company with close ties to the neighborhood, the chances are also good that they are invested in preserving a good reputation in the community. News travels fast, so they won’t easily take shortcuts if they want more work in the Clarksville area. Local referrals are like gold because they’re good references for the roofing company and assure you that the roofer is trustworthy and reliable.

2. Is the Roofer Licensed, Insured, or Both?

Does the roofer have a license? If they are not required to have a license in your state, then you’ll want to ask them if they have sufficient insurance to cover the costs of labor injuries while at work. You don’t want this responsibility, so ask the roofing company to provide proof of their worker insurance certificate.

3. Manufacturer Material Installation Certification

Ask the roofing company to show you proof of certification to work with specific manufacturer materials. You will feel confidant if the roofing company can demonstrate proper training for installing your roofing product.

4. Does the Company Offer Roof Warranties?

You should enquire about a warranty for your roof.  An extensive warranty for materials and labor is advisable to insure your investment for the future. Plus, this type of warranty is transferable once to the next property owner if you sell the property.

Using a qualified roofer and a solid warranty is vital for protecting yourself and your property, as problems can take a while to appear, if at all. If you don’t have a warranty and the roof starts falling apart in two years, you will be out of pocket and need to make a similar investment without the safety net a warranty provides.

5. How Much Experience Do They Have?

Besides the questions above, you need to know how much experience your roofer has in the industry. Other than the years of experience, consider asking the roofer the following questions:

  • Can they provide you with certified references from previous customers attesting to the quality of their materials and labor?
  • Will they provide you with a written estimate for the job?
  • Will they include ice and water barriers following a thorough evaluation, if necessary?
  • Will they fit a synthetic underlayment for additional protection?
  • Do they ensure that they comply with all the local building codes and provide proof thereof?
  • Will they ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in the roofing system?

The Roofing Professionals

The Gutter Professionals in Clarksville, TN, are roofing professionals. We have been providing the region with expert roofing and roofing systems for decades. For an investigation and quote for your roofing needs, call us at (931) 551-0078 or complete our online form for a free estimate of your Clarksville home’s roof.

Tips for Spring Cleaning Clarksville Gutters and Roofs

Each year as the ice and snow chances recede with the change of season, spring cleaning signals a time for homeowners to take stock of their yards and their homes- and in particular, their Tennessee roofs and gutters. Ice and snow can cause damage to shingles during the winter months, and a buildup of leaves and other debris can cause gutters to clog and sag. Gutters play a vital role in redirecting water away from your home’s roof, siding, soffits, and foundation. It pays to ensure your gutters are ready to handle the spring rains and summer storms.

Inspecting Your Roof for Winter Damage

Aside from brushing away any large pieces of debris that could lead to clogs in gutters, running the following diagnostic checks on your roof will alert you to any red flags that could require a professional assessment:

  • Visually survey your roof for worn or missing shingles, hail damage, or signs of rot
  • Shine a flashlight into your gutters to check for blockage
  • Check for signs of water damage (chipped paint, waterlogged wood, or discoloration) beneath your home’s eaves
  • Walk the perimeter of your home’s foundation to check for holes or gullies caused by water

Taking pictures and documenting your findings will allow you to obtain a more accurate estimate from a certified Clarksville roof and gutter company.

Don’t Forget Your Gutters

Your gutters truly are the unsung heroes of your roof, even if they’re hardly noticeable from the street. A properly functioning gutter system protects your home by diverting rainwater and snowmelt away from your home, preventing soil erosion and wood rot that can damage your roof, fascia board, sidings, and foundation. It’s advisable to clean and flush out your gutters twice a year to maintain their longevity, at the start of spring and the end of fall, to avoid costly repairs from water or mold damage.

How to Check for Gutter Damage

Keep an eye out for sagging gutters, pools of water near the foundation, water stains on the siding below the gutters, and loose gutter pins. Loose gutter pins and sagging gutters are signs of damage to the fascia board – addressing this early on will prevent more costly damage later. When gutters sag, more water will spill and accelerate damage to your home’s siding and foundation.

Cleaning Your Gutters

There are no two ways about it, gutter cleaning is a vital – but dirty – job. While no specialized knowledge or tools are required, the following tips can help make the process a little bit simpler:

  1. Choose the right gloves. While you can use a hand trowel or even a plastic cup to remove debris, oftentimes scooping by hand is easier, particularly when clearing debris under gutter hangers (the supports running along the top side of the gutter). Waterproof, machine-washable, and splinter-resistant gloves will make the job easier.
  2. Pre-soak your gutters and use a hand trowel. Spraying your gutters with a hose and allowing them to soak for a half hour before cleaning will make it easier to remove any caked debris from the bottom of your gutters. Using a hand trowel can help with scooping the debris away, as hand trowels have flattened sides.
  3. Start with the drainpipes. Using a hose with a high-flow nozzle, spray water down the drainpipes to clear any debris and check for blockages mid-pipe. By clearing the drainpipes first, you’ll ensure no backups occur when cleaning the rest of your gutters.
  4. Bring a bag with you. Gutter debris can be dirty and less than pleasant-smelling. Rather than scooping your gutter debris onto your yard, using a bag to collect the debris as close to the source as possible will save you cleaning time. Line a painter’s bucket with a heavy-duty plastic bag and hang it from your ladder while you clean.

Invest in Gutter Guards

If you don’t have them already, having a professional team install a Clarksville gutter guard system is the more surefire way to eliminate the need for routine gutter cleaning. Gutter guards are a plastic or metallic mesh that allow water to pass through while preventing larger debris from building up and causing a clog. These guards make gutter cleaning a thing of the past.

Contact the Gutter Pros for a free estimate on an inspection or gutter guard installation.

How to Choose the Right Roof Shingles

How to Choose the Right Roof Shingles

An asphalt shingle roof can transform your Clarksville, TN home instantly. As long as you choose the right color and style, you will love the new look. However, it is also a big investment and must be done in the best way possible. Asphalt shingles have been used for over a century in the US since their invention in 1901. They are fire-resistant and durable roofing materials. Besides that, they are beautiful and available in many colors. Before you decide on the right roof shingles for your home, here are a few things you should consider:

Style

The modern architectural shingles make it easy for homeowners to find something stylish for their roofs. You will find asphalt roof shingles that replicate the dimensions and texture of wood shingles and will give your home an excellent appearance. The architectural shingles are also long-lasting and hold up properly because they are thick and made with better construction.

There is no good or bad choice, the best style is what you find most suitable for your home. Remember, a roof is costly and something you will live with for years. If you are looking forward to choosing the ideal style, you can choose one of the three primary asphalt shingles classes:

  • Strip shingles- Strip shingles are also called three-tab shingles. They are basic style and the most common shingle style. They get their name from the shape of their cut and are a flat layer of asphalt.
  • Dimensional shingles- These asphalt shingles are called architectural shingles and are the popular roofing style for most American homes. They come with more than one layer of laminated asphalt and will create a multi-dimensional appearance that gives a natural wood-like appearance.
  • Luxury shingles- These shingles are luxury and classy laminate shingles. They withstand weather elements better than other styles and are available in richer shades, sophisticated designs, and excellent gradations. The shingles add value, beauty, and durability to a home’s exterior.

Color

The color of your roof is important and not something you can overlook. It defines the beauty of your home and not something you can quickly change like the wall colors. It also determines how energy efficient a home is. Having a black asphalt shingle roof means your hose will capture a lot of heat. A light-colored one affects the amount of heat generated by the roof.

Depending on your region’s weather, choose a roof that suits your energy savings. A dark-colored roof captures heat from the rare winter sunshine, which is common in northern states. However, having the same roof in the south will increase the power used to cool a home significantly. Other colors that you may consider are white, green, light brown, dark brown, and blue hues.

Impact Resistance

This is one of the beneficial features of asphalt roof shingles. The impact resistance is available in four levels and you can use it to measure how strong the shingles are against debris and bad weather. The strong shingles have a high rating, which is better than a lower rating. By using the highest impact resistance shingles available, you prepare your home for all weather conditions.

Wind rating

If you live in a region prone to storms and high winds or on the plains where tornados and hurricanes can occur, you must consider the wind rating of shingles. Even though the winds may take years to come, you will save a lot. No matter where your home is located, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Warranty

Most shingles manufacturers claim to offer a lifetime warranty. But, it’s not what it sounds like, the roofing parlance it’s not real life. The warranty lasts for around 10 years and after that, you are on your own. Besides that, most roofing warranties do not cover damages due to natural calamities such as a storm and high winds. You need a homeowner’s insurance to cover the costs of such repairs or pay from your pocket.

If you would like to use solar panels in the future, make sure the shingle’s warranty accepts it. Some warranties become void once you install solar panels on the roof.

After choosing the best shingles for your home, get a professional contractor to do the work. Some manufacturers will recommend credible contractors who know how to handle their products and install them perfectly.

Also, check with your homeowner’s insurance provider, they may have a good network of experienced contractors. The right company to handle the project should have at least five years of experience in the industry and an excellent reputation.

Look for local references and check if they have the required local and state licenses. They should also have active insurance certificates. Getting the right shingles for your home will not give you desired results if you hire a qualified roofing company or contractor.

Clarksville Roofing Company

Contact us today for a free roofing consultation. The Gutter Professionals is a trusted provider of residential and commercial roofing systems with years of experience.

The Importance of Professional Gutter Cleaning

Gutters are vitally important to protect your home, even more so than many people realize. The number one function of gutters is to take rainwater that falls on your roof, collect it, and divert it safely into areas it can be drained to without causing any damage along the way. When this process is not working the way it should, water damage to your house is sure to happen. What many people don’t realize is the extent of damage that can be done over little periods of time when gutters are not clear of all leaves, debris, and other material clogs the drainage system.

Even little drizzles of water or small rainstorms cause a lot of water to fall onto your rooftop, and this water can add up quickly. If this water cannot be seamlessly collected into a gutter and find its way through the downspout, it will find other ways down to the ground, and this will mean damaging anything that gets in its way. Common things that are damaged by clogged gutters include doors and windows, siding, and even the foundation of the home.

All of these are expensive to fix, but the foundation can suffer the most extensive damage over time. The very stability of the house can be compromised when water eats away at it. This can happen quicker than many people realize, so it is imperative to keep your gutters clear.

It is not uncommon for a homeowner, after a small amount of rain, to find their basement flooded. The reason for this often turns out to be a clogged gutter. People are often surprised at how fast clogs can build up in gutters when not checked on a regular basis, even if they check them occasionally.

Gutter cleanings do not mean just cleaning the inside of the gutters, either. Thorough cleaning means that the outside of the gutter will remain sparkling clean as well. This will maintain the appeal of a house and ensure that it never looks dirty or unpleasant to the eye. When clean, gutters blend into the look of the house and remain unnoticed. However, dirty gutters stick out and draw unwanted attention to the home.

Gutter Cleaning and Lawn Maintenance

Gutters not only protect your house from water damage, but they are also a major component of keeping a lawn looking beautiful. When water is not being diverted to the drainage area, rainwater flows away from the house in an unregulated manner. This means that lawn erosion will happen, and results in large ditches and ravines in your lawn. Once these ditches start forming in your lawn, more erosion follows, and the damage perpetuates itself quickly.

Lawn care is hard work, but when done properly, it makes houses and neighborhoods something to be proud of. There is no sense putting money, time, and effort into keeping a pristine lawn, only to find clogged gutters have caused major damage to it after a single rainstorm.

Gutter Cleaning Using High-Powered Machines

The idea of cleaning a gutter often evokes images of someone on a ladder with gloves on, manually picking out leaves and debris. This kind of gutter cleaning involves a lot of hassle, including finding the right size ladder, spending large amounts of time inspecting the system, and doing all the legwork yourself. Even after all this time, a DIY cleaning does not come close to the efficiency of a professional gutter cleaning.

The Gutter Professionals of the Clarksville, Tennessee, area utilize the latest, high-powered cleaning technologies and expert techniques to make sure that your gutters are thoroughly cleaned and that they stay that way. We use equipment such as high-pressure washers that have every attachment needed to clean out all the nooks and crannies of the gutters and downpipes. We have specialized cleaning agents for whatever type and material your gutters are made out of.

It doesn’t matter what size your gutters are because we specialize in cleaning all gutter sizes. We have all the equipment necessary to get the job done, whether big or small.

Protecting Your Well-Being

Climbing high on a ladder to clean gutters always comes with risk to the average person. Professionals are highly trained in safety when cleaning gutters. To avoid accidents, many people opt to use a professional service instead of trying to clean their gutters themselves. Someone who doesn’t clean gutters often will likely find the process awkward and time-consuming, and then there is a tendency to try to rush the cleaning process. This desire to get the job done quickly without the proper tools can cause accidents to happen.

Gutter Maintenance

Keeping gutters clear of blockage is a key component in preventing water damage to the house and yard, but this may not be enough to keep the integrity of your gutter system intact. Just like every part of your house, your gutters will need repairs or even replacing from time to time. Professional gutter maintenance means that experts will periodically check your whole system for any signs of instability and can foresee problems that may not yet be visible to the average person.

Gutter maintenance also includes monitoring and checking if your gutters need to be replaced. No matter how high quality your gutter system is, there will come a time when it will no longer be able to handle the job of efficient water drainage and will have to be replaced. Professional gutter repair and cleaning companies can help you decide when it is better to invest in new gutters instead of paying for repairs.

Cleaning Different Gutter Types

The Gutter Professionals are experienced in cleaning and maintaining all different gutter types. Each gutter type has its own unique needs and care. Gutter types that are sold in sections have a much higher likelihood of leakage and buildup of debris. In the cases of gutters that are held in place by brackets, they often need extra care to make sure that they are being held onto the roofline without sagging.

Seamless gutters also need close inspection to make sure they are working the way they are supposed to. These types of gutters are more resistant to forming clogs, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have a professional look at them from time to time.

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance Services We Offer

The Gutter Professionals offer many different services to the Clarksville area. We can stop by for a quick clog removal, a thorough cleaning or maintenance inspection, or to maintain your gutters on a scheduled ongoing basis.

We will always show up with all our own equipment and have everything necessary to get the job done. When you utilize our services, it means that you have no need to worry about ladders. We take care of all that for you. Some of the services we offer include:

The Full Monte

The Full Monte is a thorough cleaning of your gutter system that will leave it clear of all debris, leaves, and anything else that might lead to a clog in the system. However, cleaning isn’t the only part of the process. This service includes a full inspection of your system. This means that if there is any damage, even if hard to see, we will spot it. We will also identify any weak places in the gutter or downpipes so that you won’t be caught off-guard by a failure during a bad rainstorm.

The Storm Plug

The storm plug means that we will make a quick trip to your residence to unclog the gutters after a storm or a sustained amount of rainfall. This process is done efficiently and will not take much time. It’s much easier than trying to do it yourself!

Bi-Annual Cleaning

Bi-Annual Cleaning is one of our most popular services. When signing up in advance for cleaning and maintenance services, you will receive gutter cleaning and maintenance twice a year at a discounted rate. This is the preferred service by many because it means that they do not have to remember to schedule appointments for cleaning and maintenance. It is easy to forget about your gutters when you are busy with your work, family responsibilities, and the other time requirements that result from living your everyday life. It’s easy to forget about the health of your gutters, but if they fail and water floods your basement or otherwise damages your house, you will likely be kicking yourself that you forgot to take preventative measures.

You will never be caught off guard when you’re signed up for bi-annual cleaning. You likely have enough to worry about, and this means that there is one less thing on your list of items a homeowner needs to remember to take care of.

Contact The Gutter Professionals of Clarksville, Tennessee

No matter what your gutter cleaning and maintenance needs are, we are confident that we have the answer for you in the price range you can afford.

The Gutter Professionals are the best experts in gutter cleaning and maintenance in the Clarksville area, and we take pride in our outstanding reputation. We will never charge you for an estimate. We understand that water damage repair is an expense that is unnecessary and quality cleaning and maintenance is a must for our customers to prevent these expenses. Contact us today with any questions or to request an estimate.

Why Gutters Are Important

When installed and functioning correctly, gutters blend in with the aesthetics of your house, and it’s easy to not give them a second thought. However, gutters are vitally important to the health of your house, protecting it from water damage that can be expensive and devastating.

A strong, well-built roof may seem like enough of a defense against rain to keep a house safe, and many new homeowners believe that this will be enough to protect their home from the weather. However, the truth is that even a little drizzle can lead to disaster for a home, and the water from little downfalls can still quickly collect on the roof and lead to damage.

No matter where you live, your house will benefit from gutters. Even people who live in a climate that sees little rain should invest in gutters because even a little water can mean a lot of problems. Anyone from Clarksville knows that Tennessee sees its share of rainstorms every year, so leaving a house without gutters is not an option!

Once water builds up on a roof without gutters, it finds its way to the foundation of the house with surprising force. The structural foundation of your home will be quickly damaged from this water, and structural instability will lead to costly repairs. In worst-case scenarios, a home will suffer irreparable damage from a structure that is no longer able to function properly.

Rainwater not diverted away from the house properly may also lead to expensive damage to the siding, windows, and doors.

A lack of properly functioning gutters is the number one reason for basement flooding. Flooding damages the walls and floors of your basement and will lead to rot and even the growth of dangerous molds. Expensive electrical equipment, irreplaceable family heirlooms, and anything else stored in that basement risks being destroyed. This is not worth it, especially when this all could be avoided by simply installing and maintaining gutters — and letting the professionals handle it.

Your lawn, gardens, and flowerbeds are also protected when a home has professionally installed and maintained gutters. When water has nowhere to go, and cannot be diverted properly by a gutter system, it flows wherever it is able to. The water will find a way down and flow away from your house one way or another, and when not controlled, it can flow away from the house, causing erosion and deep ditches that cut through your lawn. The soil in flower beds is no match for this water flow, and this will not only cause deep ravines but may also take out the flowers with it or destroy their root systems.

Pooling water around your house also provides mosquitos and other pesky bugs a perfect breeding ground. While mosquitos are a nuisance, more and more mosquito-borne illnesses are becoming prevalent in the Clarksville area. It’s best to get rid of all water pooling around your house, just to be safe.

Gutter Types

The Gutter Professionals replace and repair a wide variety of gutters that are commonly found on any type of household. Whether it’s repairing leaks or inefficient drainage to a makeover of the whole system, we are here to help. Below are a few of the gutter types we install, maintain, and repair. It is always advised that you work with a professional to figure out just the right kind that will add to the look of your home while keeping it safe from water.

Half-Round Gutters

Half-Round Gutters are a popular choice for water protection. These gutters are shaped like a tube, but the top portion is open. This means that these gutters will catch the rainwater as it drains off the roof, and help it flow safely through to the places it’s supposed to go. Brackets keep these half-round gutters in places and stabilize them, so they stay balanced and drain the water thoroughly.

Many people feel this type of gutter has an old-style feel to it, and often invokes images from the past. If a simple structure that creates nostalgia for classic American neighborhoods is what you are looking for, this type of gutter will work well with your home.

K-Style Gutters

K-style gutters are a popular choice for a few specific reasons. One is that you can nail these gutters right onto the fascia boards of the roof. The fascia boards are found where the roof connects to the walls of the house, and this is usually referred to as the roofline. This means that, unlike half-round gutters, a K-style gutter does not need a bracket system to stabilize it.

Another reason that k-style gutters are often chosen is that they can deal with more water than a half-round gutter. They have flat bottoms and sides that are angled just right to catch the water and create an efficient water flow. This unique style looks like a K, and that is where they get their name from.

Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are a popular choice for homeowners who want a custom look to their home with gutters made specifically for that house. These gutters are called seamless because they are not sold in parts or sections. For this reason, the system is less likely to break down or leak.

These gutter systems are preferred for those homeowners who want gutters installed that usually don’t need cleaning. These gutters are known to be resistant to clogging. Furthermore, these gutters will never sag away from the roofline or become disconnected from your home. However, this does not mean that they don’t need an inspection, and should not be taken for granted.

Because these types of gutters are custom-made, they can be designed in the color you want for the aesthetics of your house and your own personal taste. The Gutter Professionals can design a seamless gutter that is right for your Clarksville home.

Professional gutter removal and replacement is the best defense against water damage to your windows, doors, siding, and foundation. It gives you the peace of mind that your basement is protected from flooding.

Gutter Sizes

Calculating the correct size gutters and downspouts is a complicated process that must take into account the size of the house, the square footage of the area that water will be drained into, and the type of roof. The local climate and average rainfall will also factor into the size of gutter you will need. For example, a Clarksville resident will need a different size gutter system than someone living in drier climates. A professional gutter installation and repair company can help you get the right fit for your home.

Gutter Cleaning

The Gutter Professionals of Clarksville, TN, offer many different gutter cleaning services that will keep your gutters clean of debris and drain all that house-damaging water far away from your home. This includes everything from performing quick stops to remove a clog to a full, thorough cleaning of the gutters that is preventative for future clogs and debris buildup.

When people think of gutter cleaning, they often think about the inside of the gutters and forget that the outside of the gutters needs cleaning, too! Without the outside of the gutters being cleaned, they start to really take away from the beauty of the house as a whole.

Rain gutter guards will usually need professional cleaning to keep functioning the way they should. The Gutter Professionals are able to clean rain gutter guards thoroughly and keep them functioning for many years to come.

Clarksville Gutter Professional Maintenance

Gutter Maintenance

Once water has leaked into your basement, damaging doors and windows, rotting out siding, and hurting the foundation, it is too late to prevent expensive repairs. With professional maintenance, potential gutter problems will be taken care of long before water damage happens. Close inspections for any weak spots in the structures and sections that might need replacing are all part of taking care of your home. The Gutter Professionals maintenance means that you have no need to pull out your ladder and climb up to the roof to do these inspections yourself. Furthermore, our experts may uncover more subtle problems that are often missed by the average homeowner.

The Gutter Professionals offer bi-annual cleaning and maintenance that, when you sign up for in advance, will keep your gutters clean and working at a discounted rate. Twice a year, we will make sure your gutters are working in peak condition without any hassle to yourself. You won’t have to deal with water damage just because you’ve forgotten to make an appointment.

Soil Drainage Installation

Soil draining is an innovative way to stop the erosion of your lawn in its tracks. This can protect your landscaping from costly damage, all with a system that is out of sight. Your lawn will always look its best and be something to be proud of. The Gutter Professionals are experts at installing these systems so that they are not noticeable by even the keenest observer.

Contact The Gutter Professionals Today

The Gutter Professionals is the premier gutter repair, replacement, cleaning, and maintenance company serving the Clarksville area. It is always recommended that gutter maintenance and rainwater drainage is installed and watched over by professionals. It is not worth the risk to utilize less thorough methods, only to have to deal with water damage later. Contact us today for any questions you may have or a free estimate.

Keeping Your Clarksville Home Looking Great With Basic Maintenance

Home maintenance isn’t just about aesthetics: Regular cleaning can reduce unnecessary wear and help you cut back on unnecessary service calls. Whether you feel the urge to perform some Spring Cleaning, are trying to maintain a New Year’s resolution, or are simply in the mood to focus on your Clarksville home, it’s always a good time to check some maintenance elements off your checklist. Here are some simple home maintenance steps to perform on a regular basis.

Rain Gutters

Rain gutters are an essential part of your roof, and they need to be cleaned regularly. At least once a year, make sure to use your hose and wash away any leaves that have collected. Make sure your gutters properly drain, as blockage can damage your gutters and lead to early wear on your roof. Make sure to note if your water pools anywhere after it’s been drained, to look for signs of staining or wood rot.

Inspect Shingles-Clarksville Roofing

Inspect Your Shingles

Similar to gutters, shingles provide important protection for your roof. Take a look at your shingles on occasion, especially if you’ve experienced heavy winds or snow. Even seemingly minor shingle damage can lead to rot and potential water incursions in your home, which can cause mold. Shingle replacements are far cheaper than the problems damaged or missing shingles can cause.

Clean Windows and Screens

Windows generally don’t need to be cleaned frequently, but the process is fairly simple and serves as an easy way to upgrade your home’s look. Screens, however, can become damaged due to neglect. Take out your screens, give them a thorough wash, and patch any damage that’s occurred. Before reinstalling them, clean your window frames while they’re easy to access.

Set Your HVAC Filter Schedule

Air conditioning and furnace filters need regular replacement. Look in your manuals to find out how frequently replacements are needed, and make sure to mark your calendar to ensure you have a replacement filter ready when it’s needed. If you’re overdue for a replacement, make sure to pick up a filter promptly to ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently and isn’t wearing down prematurely.

Clean and Inspect Your Deck and Fences

Wooden decks and fences need to be cleaned on occasion to avoid staining and rot. In addition, proper sealing is often required for pressure-treated wood. Look out for signs of early rot so you can address the problem as soon as possible. In most cases, resealing is fairly easy to perform on your own, and it can lead to a much longer deck lifespan.

Flush Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of your hot water heater, reducing its contact with the heating element and potentially causing water flow problems. Make sure to flush your water heater at least once a year, and be sure to follow safe guidelines to avoid scalding and other injuries.

Oil Your Garage Door Tracks

Most of us have experienced a squeaky garage door at some point. Fortunately, the solution is simple: Oil the tracks. Doing so helps you avoid annoying squeaking, but it also makes for easier operation and helps prevent further problems from developing.

Repair Your Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping tends to wear down over time, so make sure to inspect it regularly. Finding out your weatherstripping is compromised during a rainstorm can leave you scrambling to mitigate damage, and damaged weatherstripping can raise your heating and cooling bills significantly. Fortunately, it’s generally easy to replace.

Clarksville home-basic maintenance-touch up walls

Touch Up Your Walls

Chipped paint and minor scratches generally don’t cause damage, but they do diminish the look of your home. Check for signs of damage and perform touch-up work as needed. If necessary, set aside some time to repaint your walls.

Inspect Fireplace Dampers

Because fireplaces tend to go unused during warmer months, they become a popular place for animals. Birds, in particular, find fireplace dampers to be a great place to nest. Before using your fireplace, make sure to inspect the damper and remove any debris that’s accumulated.

Tree Trimming

Tree branches inevitably grow, and branches that contact your home or wires can cause a number of problems. Set a schedule to check out your tree branches on occasion, as they’re often easier to trim well before they reach your home. Note that tree trimming using a ladder is notoriously dangerous, so consider calling an expert and be extra cautious around power lines.

Scheduling home maintenance is important, but there’s plenty you can do on your own. Set your seasonal cleaning schedule and stick with it to enjoy an attractive home and to keep your Tennessee home in excellent condition.

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Roofer

Our roofs provide protection from the elements. Although some people without expertise may be able to perform some roofing work on their own, hiring a professional is typically the preferred way to go. If you’re in need of roofing work for your Clarksville home, here are five reasons to hire a professional.

Safety

Roofing work is notoriously dangerous. In fact, roofing is regularly listed as one of the most deadly jobs in the United States. Although there are steps you can take to perform roofing work in a safer manner, only qualified roofers have the experience and equipment needed to ensure they perform the job as safely as possible. It’s easy to make small mistakes when taking on any job you aren’t familiar with, and one small misstep can lead to severe injuries and even death.

Avoid Expensive Mistakes

Roofs are more complex than most people recognize, and it’s easy to make minor mistakes that can compromise your roof’s integrity. These mistakes can be costly, as a minor mistake made years in the past can culminate in far more expensive repairs in the future. Furthermore, mistakes might manifest as leaks in the coming years, leaving you with expensive interior repairs, mold, or pest infestations. Think of your roof repair work as an investment in your home and as insurance against future expenses.

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Roofer

Save Time

We’ve all been there before. We think we know how long a do-it-yourself job will take only to find that we severely underestimated the work involved. Experienced roofers know how to work at a quick pace, and they’re great at estimating how long your roof will be compromised as repair work is underway. Furthermore, roofers typically work in teams, which can save on time spent hauling materials up to the roof and performing installation work. Your time is valuable, and hiring roofers ensures you’re not losing unnecessary hours on a job that might need to be redone in the future.

Understanding Local Conditions

It’s easy to find information online about nearly every potential DIY task. However, online guides about roofing can rarely account for local conditions in Tennessee, potentially leading you to use the wrong material for the job. Using the wrong material or installation technique can lead to catastrophic results, as excessive rain, snow, or even sunlight can compromise your roof’s integrity and leave you footing a large bill in the future. By hiring a local expert, you gain the valuable knowledge and experience they’ve developed working in your area.

Ensure You’re Up to Code

State and local building code requirements aren’t merely suggestions, and failing to have a roof that’s up to code can leave you stranded in the future. Should you try to sell your home, improper repair work has a high risk of nixing a potential deal. Furthermore, potential buyers might demand that the roof be repaired or even replaced before they’re willing to sign a contract. Home inspectors know the signs of an improper roof repair, and seemingly small mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars in the future.

Having a strong DIY toolkit can help you save on repair bills over the years. However, knowing when it’s the right time to hire an expert is invaluable. If you’re considering performing roofing repair work on your own, make sure you know the risks. When in doubt, make sure to hire an expert.