New Homes - Common Issues During Winter

Whether you have just moved into your house or have lived there for several years, you are bound to eventually face issues in the winter. If you live in a region susceptible to cold weather and snow, you definitely want to stay vigilant and be ready for problems that crop up while you are trying to stay warm. Here are just a few of the more common issues you, as a homeowner, could face in the later months.

Leaky Roof - If you find you are running your heater at a higher level than you should, it could be an indication that your roof has a leak. Roofs are built to ventilate properly so you don't experience too many problems with your HVAC system, but a leaking roof allows heat to escape your home at a faster rate, which in turn causes your heater to work harder. Your energy bills, as a result, rise. Therefore, it's wise to have a roof inspection before the weather gets too bad.

Moisture Problems - Notice any condensation streaking down your windows on the inside? When your windows are cold from the winter weather, the humidity in your home turns into moisture. If left untreated, you could find a growth of mold in your home, which in turns causes health problems for those breathing in the air inside the house. It's important to make sure proper ventilation keeps this from happening.

Freezing Pipes - You turn on the shower or sink and nothing comes out, or if it does the water flow isn't consistent. There could be a problem with pipes freezing in the wintertime, so it is good to take precautions to make sure it doesn't happen when you need hot water the most. You may wish to consult with your plumber for precaution so your water flows uninterrupted during the winter.

Garden Problems - Some plants are capable of surviving harsh weather, but if you want to keep your landscaping up through the colder months you may want to consult with a professional lawn service for advice on properly winterizing your grass and shrubbery.

Home ownership instills pride, and when you take care of your home it will take care of you through the later months when it is cold. Be aware of problems that could arise when it starts to snow or sleet, and you'll be ready to tackle them easily.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach roofing and Palatine plumbing services.

The Various Types of Roofs

Having a new home built? Perhaps you have lived in the same place for many years and are finally experiencing the wear and tear associated with age. No matter how long you have owned your home, the question of having the roof replaced will eventually occur. If you are interested in a new roof for your house, it may surprise you to know there are different styles available to keep your property protected and even your heating bills to a minimum. Whether or not you may have a different model installed depends on the structure, though a professional roofer can help you determine the best course of action.

Let's take a brief look at some of the available roof styles you may be able to get for your home:

Mansard - Also known as a French roof, the Mansard style is characterized as a four-sided model with two slopes on either side in order to maximize top floor or attic space. From a side view, the Mansard has the look of a triangle where the sides are bent slightly outward, not unlike the traditional barn shape. You may see the Mansard used on homes accented with dormer windows on the upper floors.

Hip Roof - The Hip roof style has no flat surface on top, but rather creates a downward slope on all sides starting at a point. One will not find room for gables here, given that Hip roofs are traditionally low-sitting on homes.

Pyramid - Similar to the Hip design, the Pyramid roof is aptly named. Four slopes meets at a point and form an even pyramid. As such, you are more likely to find this style on square buildings.

Flat Roof - As the name implies, the Flat roof is simply a flat surface that tops a building or home. It is not uncommon to find houses with flat roofs along a shoreline or beach area. It is believed that the roof construction is better able to withstand winds and tropical storms. However, the flat roof has a disadvantage in that it can collect debris more quickly and there is no way for snow or leaves to drain or fall away unless one goes up there to clean the roof regularly.

Gambrel - Similar to the Mansard style, the Gambrel is a two-sided sloping roof that overhangs on a building rather than covering at all corners. The typical barn design is topped with a gambrel, and its design allows for maximized space on top.

Consult with a professional roofer about your options if you are having a new home built. Roofs come in many styles and shapes, but all are design to provide protection.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach roofing and Eastern Shore roofing services.

Should You Repair Your Own Roof?

You've owned your home for a number of years, and have enjoyed the comfort and protection it provides. One day, however, you may sense something unusual - a drip from the ceiling, unusual noise, or chipping plaster. You look up and you realize there are problems with your roof. It won't do to live under a damaged top, so what's next? Having a roof replaced can be a costly process depending on your budget and finances, so is it wise to take on the chore of fixing it yourself?

While it may appear that fixing a roof is little more than applying shingles in places where there are gaps and tears, roofing is actually a fairly involved process that requires some planning. Homeowners may find that once they've scaled the ladder with a box of shingles and some nails that there are other things to consider about the roof. For one, will a patch job do the trick? Does the leaking problem extended deeper than a simple patch? Will the work you do affect how the roof currently ventilates?

Another thing to consider if you have thought about home repairs is the resale value of your home. Say after a few years you decide to sell. Prospective buyers will want to know the condition of the roof, especially if there is a possibility they will have to replace it themselves. Would a home buyer feel more confident knowing a contractor worked on your roof as opposed to an amateur handyman?

This is not to discourage anybody from attempting home fixes, but rather to guide homeowners toward the best decision regarding roof repair. The adjustments you make now should last a long time, so make sure the right person does the job.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach vinyl siding, Eastern Shore roofing and Virginia Beach roofing.

Benefits of Roof Inspection

Whether you already own your home or are looking into buying one, one task to consider for proper house care is a thorough inspection of the roof. The roof is what keeps the rest of the home secure and protected from the elements. Having a professional check the current state of a roof can help you save money and headaches, depending on your situation.

Why get your roof inspected? As a homeowner or potential buyer, it's important to know everything you can about the place you live.

Prevention: Regular roof evaluation - it is recommended to have a professional examine your house top every two or three years - can help determine if minor problems and leaks stand to become major issues in the future. These checks can spot damage by weather or rodents or other elements and allow you plan for timely repairs that may not cost you as much now as a larger fix would have down the road.

Value: If ever you think of selling your house, a buyer is going to want to know the condition of the roof. As it is the objective of the buyer to choose a home that doesn't require extensive repair, should your roof require great attention it can make selling a challenge. Regular inspections can alert you to repairs necessary before you put your home on the market, and they can help evaluate the selling price.

Renovation: Say you wish to remodel your home and have an addition built. Even if you don't plan to add a story to your house, a new room will require extension of your roof, and you want to be certain the structure matches your present one. Regular inspections can help you figure out what needs to be done to ensure the roof is even and strong.

Just a small payment for inspection can save you larger bills for repairs if you leave roof problems unnoticed and unattended.

K. Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach handyman services,  Virginia Beach roofing and Eastern Shore roofing.