Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continual flow of outside air through the attic, protecting the efficiency of the insulation and helping to lower temperatures in the living space.
Gregor Roofing Company realizes ventilation is an important component to your roofing system. You can trust us to make sure proper ventilation is in place on your new roof, protecting your investment for the long term.
Proper roof ventilation consists of a balance between air intake (at your eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your roof ridge).
The U.S. FHA (Federal Housing Administration) recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation (both intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic space.
Why Take Risks?
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation. Why? Because most people are unaware that attic ventilation can impact the longevity of their entire home!
In the summer, improper ventilation can cause attic heat to build in excess of 160°F. This super-heated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation into the living area below.
Types of damage that can result include:
Premature aging of your roofing system (“fried” shingles)
Warping, cracking, or breaking down of wood framing
Damage to siding, exterior or interior paint, and wallpaper
A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the load on your air conditioner by moving the super-heated air out of your attic before it builds up and causes damage.
In the winter, various household appliances, bathtubs, showers, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture build-up. Improperly ventilated attics will allow this moisture to collect and cling to the underside of the roof. The moisture will condense and fall, soaking the attic insulation and reducing its efficiency.
Additional structural damage can include:
Roof deck warping and rotting of the wood frame
Mildew growth
Buckling of shingles and felt
Preventing Ice Dams
Finally, attics should be properly ventilated to help prevent ice dams in cold northern climates. During our tough Pittsburgh winters, ice and snow on a roof will melt and run down the deck to the cooler eaves. This run-off can re-freeze, creating an ice dam that may force water back up under the shingles and leak into your home — causing hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage to your ceilings and walls. Adequate attic ventilation reduces the amount of initial melting that occurs on your roof, thereby reducing the chance that ice dams will form.
Roof Ventilation Problems
Just like water, trapped air can cause problems for homes. The difference is, it can be a lot harder to see whether or not you have poor ventilation — it’s pretty obvious if your basement is flooding, for example, but it’s not always readily apparent if your attic airflow is constricted.
Today’s homes are more airtight than ever, and while this can be beneficial from an energy consumption standpoint, it can also cause serious issues if ventilation isn’t properly managed.
Without the right kind of ventilation system, your home can trap pollutants like carbon monoxide and potentially damaging moisture. Moisture produced in the home from normal activities like showering and cooking needs to be effectively handled before it can cause mold, water damage, and potential structural issues.
How Much Does it Cost to Add Home Ventilation Systems
There are a variety of ways you can add or improve the ventilation systems throughout your house, and there’s generally a solution for just about every budget. For example, if you need more air circulation in the kitchen or dining room, you might be able to replace the oven’s exhaust hood for a higher-powered fan.
Similarly, upgrading bathroom fans can encourage healthier airflow. Roof and attic fans are a common choice to help ventilate a stifling attic, and home, by extension. Roof ventilation is another effective way to manage your home’s humidity, and these can often be installed for a cost between $300 and $600 depending on the type of roof fan and the installation requirements.
Installation costs for home ventilation systems can cost between $300 and $600 depending on the fan model and installation specifications. It may be that a simple ceiling fan could improve your home’s ventilation system, and these can generally be installed for around $500. Adding a whole house fan can be a very efficient way to increase home ventilation, and are typically between $700 and $1000 to install.
Should I Repair or Replace Home or Roof Ventilation Systems?
Like so many home-related questions, this one depends on factors like the home’s age, the type and condition of the existing ventilation system, and the degree of problems you’re currently experiencing related to poor air circulation.
What to Look For:
There are a few signs that can indicate it’s time to replace your home’s ventilation system:
Excessive mold, mildew, window condensation, general moisture throughout the home
Expensive or rising utility bills
Residents experiencing respiratory symptoms like cough, asthma, or irritation
Peeling paint or wallpaper
If you’re noticing some of these issues at home, but not all, you may be able to update your home’s existing ventilation infrastructure. Adding an attic or roof fan, for example, or having your furnace and air conditioner serviced can sometimes resolve minor ventilation issues and prevent too much moisture being trapped inside to cause trouble.
If you’re seeing signs around your home that it’s not properly ventilated but you’re not sure what to do next, it’s always a good idea to get a professional opinion.
The right airflow and ventilation balance in your home helps prevent both minor home headaches and major, costly repairs. If you have any questions about home ventilation, roof and attic fans, moisture problems, and more, our roofing and ventilation professionals can help you navigate the process of home ventilation system maintenance. Call 724-969-4145 or send us a message: info@gregorroofing.com
Gutters and Downspouts: What You Should Know
The key to preventing potentially extensive, and expensive, home water damage is properly installed — and properly maintained— gutters and downspouts. Though gutters can to be overlooked when it comes to home maintenance, the reality is without them, your home could face serious problems. From the foundation itself to siding, landscaping, basement flooding and more, water is responsible for some of the biggest, most costly home repairs imaginable. As a result, proper water management around your home contributes to the best preventive maintenance you can undertake as a homeowner.
If you’re noticing water flooding over the tops of your gutters when it rains, or water pooling in places where it shouldn’t, it could spell serious trouble for your roof, siding, driveway or sidewalks, and more. The right gutters and downspouts, correctly installed, ensure that water is funneled safely away from the home, helping mitigate potential water damage to some of the most expensive components of your home.
How Much Does it Cost to Install Gutters and Downspouts?
Gutter and downspout installation cost varies depending on the size of your home, the structure of your roofline, and the gutters themselves. Like many other products, you can choose a cheap gutter or an expensive gutter, and the full range in between. Gutters also come with additional features and upgrades, like leaf guards and on-site extruding, that can increase the price.
For an average gutter on a typical house expect to spend about $1,000. Gutter installation price can range easily from the mid $500s to $9,000 or $10,000.
Replacing vs. Repairing Gutters and Downspouts
It’s usually pretty simple to tell if it’s time to replace your gutters, or if you can manage to have them repaired:
Repair your gutters if:
Gutters have concentrated damage in one area. For example, if falling tree branch compromised the gutter in one section of the roofline, you could realistically expect to repair your gutter effectively.
You notice one or two cracks or leaks in the gutter or downspout system.
One or two gutters or downspouts is leaking, but can be fixed with added sealant or alignment.
Replace your gutters if:
They’re detached from the roofline or each other. Most often, if gutters are detaching from themselves or the roof, it’s a sign of systemic gutter failure.
Rust, cracks, and holes — for most gutter systems, if you can see rusting and decay, it means they’re simply too old or too worn to function properly.
Sagging — If you notice gutters sagging anywhere this can also indicate complete system failure and will generally need replacing.
Flooding — Whether it’s in your basement, driveway, sidewalk, or yard, standing water anywhere near your home can indicate gutter failure in one form or another.
More Signs it’s Time to Replace Gutters
Paint problems are a high-profile indicator that gutters are nearing the end of their useful life. Examine areas where you might be noticing fading or peeling paint along siding or the gutters themselves and chances are you’ll find a compromised gutter or downspout.
If you have seamless gutters and you notice any of these issues, or something has happened to compromise part of the gutter then it’s best to replace the entire system because of the way they’re constructed.
Gutters protect your home from costly maintenance and prevent the failure of everything from your roof to your foundation, so if you have any questions at all about whether yours are functioning properly, or if it’s time to replace them, contact our roofing and gutter professionals. Call 724-969-4145 or send us a message: info@gregorroofing.com
Skylight Leaks: What You Should Know
Skylights can be an effective way to bring natural light into your home, especially areas of that might not otherwise be well lit. Whether it’s a bathroom, dark hallway, or attic, skylights can add appeal and airiness to spaces that can feel dark and confining. They’re also a great choice for bringing light into spaces where privacy is a concern, such as bathrooms or closets.
As nice as they are however, skylights are not without their headaches for homeowners. Aging skylights especially can leak easily, so it’s important to stay on top of your skylight maintenance to protect both the skylight itself and the surrounding roofing.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Skylight?
Many factors influence the cost of skylight installation, from the rooflines and materials to the specific skylight model and more. Assuming you choose an average skylight however, and pay a median installation cost, you can expect to pay between $1000 and $2500.
Should I Repair or Replace Problematic Skylights?
If you have problem with an existing skylight, the extent of the damage generally determines whether you can repair or replace a skylight. On average, repairing a skylight can cost anywhere from $900 to $2,500. The components of the skylight — glass, motor, etc. — can often be replaced individually and can cost less than replacing the entire system as a result.
Since leaking is typically the most common problem skylights have, it can be worth it to repair the leak rather than replace the entire unit. There are two common reasons skylights leak: flashing and the glazing seal. If your skylight happens to have one of these problems, you can likely get away with repairing the skylight for around $500.
Skylights are also prone to impact and debris damage — things like falling branches, high winds, and even UV light can compromise the structure and performance of skylights. If your skylight has undergone this type of damage, it’s likely best to replace the entire light to make sure the rest of the structure remains uncompromised from moisture damage. This also protects against more serious water damage that can impact the structural integrity of the surrounding roofing.
Skylight Leaks: Signs and Symptoms
A leaky skylight manifests in a few ways, and luckily they’re pretty noticeable. The first is water dripping or discoloration on the flooring beneath the skylight. If the leak has gone unnoticed or is more serious, there may be pooling water in or around the skylight.
While dripping and pooling water are common indicators of a leaky skylight, you’ll want to rule out potential condensation causing the moisture. Skylights can be prone to increased condensation in the home especially if the placement is near bathrooms or kitchens where moisture tends to be released into the air during normal activities.
Bad flashing can also cause a leaky skylight. You’ll want to check the flashing around the skylight and look for areas where it might be pinched or compromised. Damaged or improperly installed flashing can also lead to minor leaks that can impact the moisture levels you see in and around the skylight.
Skylight maintenance in your home helps prevent both leaking skylights and dripping water. If you have questions about skylights, roofing problems, and more, our roofing and ventilation professionals can help you navigate everything from skylight installation to roofing maintenance. Call 724-969-4145 or send us a message: info@gregorroofing.com
How To Tell If The Warranty That Comes With Your New Roof Is The Best In The Business
What is the Golden Pledge Warranty and how can you tell if it’s the best warranty in the business? Gregor Roofing Company is a GAF Certified Master Elite Contractor. We provide the Golden Pledge Warranty on every roof we install.
What does the Golden Pledge Warranty cover?
The Warranty covers 100% of all workmanship, material and labor. Not all warranties cover all three components; workmanship, material AND labor. The warranty is also 100% transferrable.
What is the duration of the Golden Pledge Warranty?
25 Years for 100% of all workmanship, material and labor and it extends to 50 years for all material, 100%. This means that you’ll never need a new roof on your home again. Other warranties typically provide 10 year coverage.
Who can provide the Golden Pledge Warranty?
Only a GAF Certified Master Elite Contractor is able to provide this warranty. Only 3% of all roofing contractors are awarded the Ceritified Master Elite Contractor status by the manufacturer. The manufacturer must have the utmost confidence in the workmanship and professionalism of the contractor to trust them enough with this certification.
What if I sell my house?
The warranty is fully transferrable to the new owner of your home within the first 20 years. This makes for an added selling benefit. GAF supplies a written copy of the warranty for your records and transfer.
Let Gregor Roofing Company help you Protect Your Home by providing you with the best warranty in the industry.
Gregor Roofing COVID-19 Message
At Gregor Roofing Company, while we are able to continue installing new roofs in Pittsburgh during the Covid-19 crisis, we are taking customer health and employee safety very seriously. We take every measure to implement social distancing. We are wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, not entering any homes and speak with our customers and each other at a 6’ distance.
Our work can be completed outdoors. We are able to provide estimates without entering homes and utilize Eagleview satellite reports that show roof dimensions and other useful information to help us measure and estimate your job.
We thank you for your continued support. Our Best to you and your family for safety and health during this challenging time.
Correct Flashing Installation is Key
Correct Flashing Installation
No homeowner wants to deal with a leak after your new roof has been installed. Improperly installed flashing can contribute to the failure of a new roof. Protect your investment by trusting the expertise of Gregor Roofing Company.
We are a GAF Certified Master Elite™ Contractor. To earn this certification, we have proven to provide proper installation of all aspects of the roofing system. Proper flashing installation is a key component of a watertight roof insuring the longterm performance of your new roof.
We are here to help answer any questions, comments or concerns you may have. Send us a message and we will respond as soon as we can.