Signs of Roof Damage

Your roof provides constant protection from rain, wind, pests, and more. Thus, damage to your roof can in turn cause extensive damage to your home or business if it is not identified and repaired quickly. Learning how to spot the signs—which are sometimes subtle—of roof damage can help you protect your property and its occupants. Even if your roof appears to be fine, regular inspections performed by a roofing professional can help to spot smaller signs of wear and damage that could be affecting your roof and its performance.

Visible Roof Changes

One of the easiest ways to spot roof damage is to inspect your roof and its materials. Areas of buckling or sagging indicate places where the roof is not properly ventilated or its supporting structure has failed. After a storm, you may find puddles on your roof if the slope is no longer sufficient to properly drain the water. Other signs of roof damage include cracked, missing, rotting, or discolored shingles. Hailstorms are a common cause of roof damage, often leaving behind circular dark spots (sometimes called “bruises”) that dislodge granules and can cause the shingles to crack. A bruised shingle may also feel soft to the touch, like a bruised piece of fruit. Flashing or metal components of your roof may show visible indentations or other damage from hailstones. In some cases, signs of roof damage may not be visible from the ground and require a close-up inspection from the rooftop to uncover. If you don’t feel comfortable accessing your roof on your own, a roofing professional has the equipment and know-how to safely access your roof and look for signs of damage.

Leaks or Evidence of Water

When your roof is damaged, cracks and holes can allow water to seep into your home. Signs of water damage that may be associated with your roof include dark streaks on ceilings, walls, and siding. If you can access your attic, you should also inspect this area as well. Look for streaks under your eaves, visible holes in the ceiling, and areas of standing water or moisture. Mold growth is another sign of water damage, as mold can spring up and spread quickly in areas that are consistently damp. Buckling or sagging ceilings inside your home are another indicator that water has been allowed to enter your home through the roof.

Dislodged Shingles

In some cases, you can spot roof damage by looking down rather than up. Check your yard for shingles or pieces of shingles that have been dislodged from your roof by wind, rain, or snow runoff. You should also inspect your gutters regularly for shingle pieces or particles, which can build up inside the troughs. While some small amount of shingle debris is to be expected, extreme buildup of shingle granules or larger pieces inside your gutters is a sign that your roof is deteriorating more rapidly than normal and should be repaired or replaced.

As your home’s first line of defense against the elements, your roof plays a vital role in the value and safety of your property. If you spot signs of roof damage or suspect your roof might need repairs, don’t hesitate—contact a roofing repair specialist for a professional inspection. You can find out more about roofing maintenance repair in Arlington, Alexandria, and McLean on our website. 

What Is Green Roofing?

Today, many new buildings utilize green building materials and practices to reduce environmental impact in many ways. Even if you own an older home or business, you can still take advantage of technological advancements in roofing to gain benefits. Green roofing is a class of roofing materials, styles, and techniques that either employ green materials or green practices to reduce the carbon footprint of your property and save you money on your heating, cooling, and roof repair bills.

Types of Green Roofing

There are many types of green roofing available today. In the strictest sense, “green roofing” refers to roofs that are covered with gardens or other greenery. These roofs utilize a waterproof membrane to protect the building beneath while supporting and containing the soil needed for rooftop vegetation. Alternatively, the term “green roofing” can be applied to any roofing materials or technique that offers small- or large-scale environmental benefits. Energy-efficient or “cool” roofing materials reflect much of the incident light from the sun, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to cool your home or business. Often, such energy-efficient roofs achieve these results by utilizing special paint or pigments designed to reflect rather than absorb sunlight. Green roofing materials may also be made from recycled or reclaimed materials. Long-lasting and durable roofing options are also considered green because they need replacement less frequently, generating less waste over the lifetime of your property.

Benefits of Green Roofing

Opting for green roofing offers you many benefits as a property owner. Vegetative roofing acts as additional insulation for your home or office, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature with less energy consumption. Green roofing can also reduce the amount of stormwater runoff from your roof, providing additional flood protection for your property and foundation. Installing energy-efficient roofing materials can keep your roof 50-100 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than a standard roof, saving you up to 50% on your annual cooling bills. In new construction, this reduced cooling requirement means you can install a smaller, less costly air conditioning system to maintain indoor comfort. Installing an energy-efficient roof in an existing building can prolong the lifetime of your current cooling system and allow you to purchase a smaller HVAC unit when it is time for a replacement. On a larger scale, your green roof will also reduce the amount of overall heating in your area (called the heat island effect) as well as diminish the amount of fossil fuels released into the atmosphere to maintain comfort in your home or office. Even if you simply choose to replace your current roof with a more durable roofing material, you will enjoy benefits. Roofing that is more durable offers better performance over a longer timescale, reducing the amount of money you will spend on repairs and replacement.

Are you interested in finding out more about your green roofing options in Fairfax County? We invite you to visit our website to explore your full range of green, solar, and other roofing options for your residential or commercial property. You can also contact a roofing expert online to receive a next-day estimate for any roofing repair, replacement, or maintenance job.

Proper Garbage Disposal Use and Maintenance

Garbage disposals make modern life more convenient by breaking up food wastes so they can be flushed through your plumbing after meals. However, even these appliances cannot handle all types of food wastes. Putting some types of food down your disposal can damage the appliance or cause a plumbing clog that will back up your sink. Learning how to use and maintain your garbage disposal properly can help to prevent problems so you can enjoy this appliance for years to come.

How to Use Your Garbage Disposal

Although using your disposal is quite easy, there are a few tips that can enhance its operation and maintain its function. Always run cold water while using your disposal to prevent grease or fat clogs. Use your disposal on a regular basis—infrequent use can allow food debris to remain in the drain, promoting bacterial growth and gumming up the blades. Never try to grind anything in the disposal that is not food waste—plastics, metals, glass, and other items could damage the appliance and cause injury if placed down the disposal. It’s important to recognize that not all food wastes can go down your disposal, either. Bones, seeds, and hard fruit rinds can damage the blades. Rice, pasta, and instant “just add water” foods can expand inside your disposal or drain, causing clogs. Other foods you should avoid putting down the disposal include eggshells, coffee grounds, and cooking grease or fats. Grease and fat may be liquid while hot, but they can cool and congeal inside your drain or your pipes to cause stubborn clogs. These food wastes should be kept in a jar or coffee tin and disposed of with your solid garbage.

How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

Maintaining your garbage disposal will ensure it remains clean and functioning properly for years to come. To clean the disposal, place a few ice cubes down the drain. Follow with a cup of rock salt or vinegar, then run cold water and turn on the disposal for 10-15 seconds. This will clean any debris off the blades and help to sharpen them. You can flush the drain and plumbing line running from your disposal by plugging the drain and filling your sink with two to four inches of cold water. Unplug the drain and run your disposal, allowing it to clear all the water from your sink. This action will flush away any removing food debris to clear the line. To keep your disposal clean, use a sponge and dish soap to wipe off the drain’s rubber components regularly to prevent bacterial growth. You can also place a few drops of dishwashing liquid down the drain and run your disposal with cold water after washing the dishes to keep the unit clean. To freshen your disposal and prevent foul odors, grind a few orange or lemon peels inside your disposal on a regular basis.

Are you having trouble with your disposal, refrigerator, dishwasher, or any other home appliance? Visit our website for more information about our expert appliance repair services in Portland and Vancouver. You can find additional maintenance and cleaning tips for your appliances by clicking through the articles on our blog.

Lesser-Known Plumbing Problems

Clogged drains, a malfunctioning water heater, and backed-up toilets are the most common plumbing issues you’ll encounter. These issues are also well-known and frequently-discussed on plumbing blogs and websites. However, it’s also important to be aware of some of the less-publicized plumbing problems you may experience over the years. Although the plumbing problems highlighted below aren’t as well known among homeowners, they can cause significant damage to your plumbing and your home if they happen to you.

Burst Washing Machine Hose

Did you know that your washing machine could cause a major plumbing problem in your home? Burst washing machine hoses are one of the top reasons homeowners make insurance claims. What is a washing machine hose? Two rubber hoses provide hot and cold water to your washer on laundry day. Unfortunately, these rubber hoses are often quite flimsy and degrade over time. Furthermore, every time your washing machine shuts off the water during a cycle, it creates a shockwave in your plumbing that can break or dislodge the hoses. If not addressed quickly, a burst washing machine hose can cause a major home flood. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from this little-known plumbing problem in many ways. First, replace your hoses regularly—most plumbers recommend doing so every four years. You can have your plumber complete this task easily if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.  To provide additional protection, replace the rubber hoses with steel-braided hoses. Keep in mind that even steel-braided hoses should be replaced every four to five years. Second, find your washer’s water supply and turn off the valve whenever the appliance is not in use. This will reduce pressure on the hoses and prevent random bursting episodes. It’s also a good idea to know where your water supply shutoff is located in case you might need to shut off the water during a flood. Third, never leave your home unattended while washing a load of laundry. If a hose does burst, you want to be present so you can address the situation immediately.

Sediment Buildup Inside Pipes

The water that flows through your plumbing pipes often contains minerals, dirt, and other debris. Over time, these materials build up inside your pipes, slowly making their diameter smaller. This process chokes the pipes and reduces the amount of water that can flow through them when you turn on the tap. Too much sediment will cause a drop in water pressure or even a complete lack of water altogether. Additionally, older plumbing pipes made of galvanized or cast iron will themselves deteriorate over time, producing sediment that may clog other pipes or faucets in the process. If you notice a drop in water pressure or silt and debris visible in your water, your pipes may need to be either flushed or replaced. Contact your plumber to evaluate the situation and advise you on the best course of action. If you live in an area with hard water, installing a water softener system can reduce the amount of minerals present in your water and slow the process of sediment buildup inside pipes and drains. Regularly flushing your water heater to remove sediment inside the tank can also help to prevent transferring that sediment into your plumbing pipes.

A qualified plumber can help you handle any problem you may encounter in your home. Click through our website for a full listing of our plumbing services in Santa Rosa, Windsor, Petaluma, and beyond. You can find additional plumbing tips, information, and suggestions on our blog.  

Septic Tanks 101

A septic system is a type of on-site sewage facility that treats your home’s wastewater directly on your property. These types of sewage facilities are common in areas where city sewer mains are not accessible. Approximately 25% of American homes use septic systems to manage wastewater safely. If your home uses a septic system, keep reading to learn more about how this sewage treatment solution works and how you can maintain it to prevent damage to your property and high repair bills.

How Septic Tanks Work

If your home uses a septic system, a septic tank is buried beneath the soil in your yard. Rather than using a sewer drain to transport wastewater from your home to a sewer main, your home’s wastewater is drained into your septic tank. Inside the tank, solid wastes in the water separate into a layer of scum, which floats on the top. Bacteria and other organisms inside the tank process these solids to create energy. The cleaned water is drained via pipes into another section of your yard, called the drainfield. The pipes running through the drainfield are perforated at regular intervals, allowing water to seep evenly into the ground. Organisms in the soil of your yard remove any remaining wastes and allow the treated water to return to the environment.

How to Protect Your Septic Tank

Although your septic tank is largely autonomous, it does need regular care and maintenance or it will fail. Professional inspections every one to three years are necessary to detect problems that could cause backups in your home or flooding in your drainfield. If you notice issues such as plumbing backups, a soggy lawn, or a strong odor coming from your septic tank, you should have it checked by a professional as soon as possible. Your septic tank must be pumped at regular intervals to clear it of all solid waste. This will prevent clogs and other issues from affecting the tank’s performance as well. Factors such as water usage, the size of your tank, and the type of wastes in your water will determine the frequency with which your tank must be pumped. Avoid using septic additives, even those that purport to improve the performance of your tank. There is no research to support the claims made by these products and in most cases, they are unnecessary. Additionally, avoid using chemical drain cleaners—these solutions can kill the bacteria in your tank, affecting its ability to clean your wastewater. Never drive or park vehicles or heavy machinery over your drainfield, as their weight can compact the soil or damage the pipes, affecting drainage. While taking care of your septic tank does require a small investment of time and money on your part, these simple steps will prevent damage that could cost thousands of dollars to repair and the need for an entirely new septic system.

Talk to your Santa Rosa plumber about scheduling regular inspections and maintenance for your septic tank. Check out the articles on our blog to learn more about septic and sewer systems and their importance for your home. If you have plumbing questions or need to speak with a plumber, visit our website to contact a plumbing professional in Sonoma County.

How to Spot Signs of Plumbing Problems

Many homeowners dread plumbing problems. These issues seem to occur out of nowhere, causing water damage and inconvenience at any time of the day or night. However, making a monthly check of your home’s plumbing can provide the clues you need to address a plumbing issue before it causes a disaster. Keep reading to learn how you can spot signs of plumbing problems in your Houston home.

Check Your Water Pressure

Water pressure is often a gauge of a home’s plumbing health. In many cases, a noticeable drop in water pressure is due to sediment buildup inside your pipes. This is a sign that the pipes are nearing the end of their usable lifetime and must be replaced. If you aren’t sure whether your water pressure is starting to suffer, you can purchase a water pressure gauge at your local hardware store. Check the water pressure at various points outside your home, both with and without the water running inside. Make note of your readings and compare them each month to spot a progressive problem with your water pressure.

Check Your Faucets

Leaky faucets are a common source of wasted water—and wasted money on your monthly utility bills. Once a month, check every faucet inside and outside your home for leaks or drips. This task is especially important if you have faucets in little-used areas of your home, such as a garage or basement. If you spot a leak, contact your plumber to address the issue as soon as possible. The sooner your leak is fixed, the sooner you will enjoy paying less for water each month.

Check Your Washing Machine Hose

One of the most common causes of home flooding is a broken washing machine hose. Most homes employ a simple rubber hose to connect the washing machine to its source of water. However, rubber hoses should be replaced every three to five years to prevent breakage due to age. Check your hose regularly and replace it immediately if you see indications of wear or cracking. Additionally, the next time you replace your hose, consider purchasing a steel braided hose rather than a rubber one. These hoses are more durable and less likely to cause problems, but should still be replaced every five years.

Check Your Floors, Walls, Ceilings, and Yard

Hidden leaks can cause extensive water—and mold—damage to your home if they aren’t caught and addressed. Every month, do a quick check of your home’s walls, ceilings, and floors. Look for signs of water damage such as dark stains, rust or mold, bubbling wallpaper, and cracked or buckling tiles. When you’re done checking your home’s interior, take a walk through your yard to search for spongy, soggy patches that could indicate problems with your water main or sprinkler system. If you do encounter signs of a leak but aren’t sure of the source, contact your plumber to perform an assessment of your home’s plumbing to find the problem and fix it.

Could your home use a plumbing check-up? Visit our website to find out more about our residential plumbing services or to request a residential plumbing assessment in the Houston area. Take a look through the articles on our blog for more tips on home plumbing troubles and how to spot them. 

Go Green This Spring: Eco-Friendly Plumbing Tips

There are many ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Reducing the impact of your daily life on the environment has many benefits, from saving you money on your monthly water bills to preserving the Earth’s precious natural resources. Eco-friendly plumbing practices don’t need to impact your comfort at home; take a look at the steps below to find out how you can “green your plumbing” to begin making a difference today!

Change Your Fixtures

Older plumbing fixtures tend to use more water than newer ones. Swapping out your older fixtures and faucet aerators for new ones can reduce your home water usage by 40% or more. Older showerheads use an average of seven gallons per minute, while low-flow showerheads can reduce that amount to two and a half gallons per minute. Low-flow showerheads inject air into the stream of water as it is dispensed, meaning you will enjoy the same water pressure during your shower while using less water to bathe. Additionally, older sink faucets—even those with aerators—use approximately three to five gallons per minute. Replacing your old sink faucet aerators with new models—which cost only a few dollars each—can reduce your water usage to two gallons per minute, adding up to even greater water savings.

Fix Your Leaks

Do you have leaky faucets, showerheads, or appliances in your home? It may seem inconvenient to contact a plumber to fix these issues, but you could be wasting thousands of gallons of water each year that you don’t fix even small leaks. A single call to your plumber to eliminate leaks in your home could save you enough water to do nearly 300 loads of laundry each year. Not only will you rest assured that all the water in your home is going to a good use (rather than down the drain without serving any purpose), you’ll also enjoy significantly lower water bills as well.

Use Natural Drain-Cleaning Methods

Do you use chemical drain cleaners when you encounter a stubborn plumbing clog? These caustic chemicals can seep into groundwater and affect the local environment, especially if you home uses a septic tank rather than a sewer. Instead of using a chemical drain cleaner, try choosing an eco-friendly enzymatic drain cleaner the next time you’re dealing with a slow drain. These cleaners use natural bacteria or enzymes to break down clogs and are less harmful to skin, plumbing, and the environment. Alternatively, you can save even more money and unclog your drain with baking soda and vinegar, two completely safe (and very cost-effective) ingredients. Plunging a stubborn drain is another chemical-free and simple solution that eliminates clogs by breaking them up using suction so the pieces can be flushed through the pipe.

Whether you are looking for ways to update your plumbing fixtures or just searching for a simpler drain-clearing solution, going green could be easier than you think! You can find even more Earth-friendly plumbing solutions that could save you money on your monthly bills by clicking through the articles on our blog. Visit our website to contact a plumber in the Anderson area for 24-hour plumbing assistance or personalized advice for your home.