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Helpful tips and advice for home maintenance from your roof to your porch.
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Choosing a roofing contractor is never an easy task. If it’s your first time researching roofing contractors, it can certainly seem like an intimidating process. Like any large investment, it takes a lot of time and research to choose a high quality contractor, like the flat roof specialists, Boyd Construction Co Inc, that fits within your budget, yet still delivers expert services.
Where to Start When beginning the research phase to choose the right roofing contractor, asking for referrals from friends and family members is a great place to start. This will help you identify reputable and trustworthy companies at an early stage, saving you the hassle of going through a huge list of contractors to determine the best candidates. When you have a decent list of around four or five contracting contacts, it is then time to take a deeper look into investigating what each roofing contractor has to offer. The best roofing contractor will have:
7/18/2017
drainage solutions for flat roofsThe Proper Flat Roof Drainage System Can Help Preserve Your Roof’s Integrity
Flat roofs have a long history in the Washington DC area.. However, flat roofs depend greatly on proper drainage of rain and snow melt to preserve their integrity. Without it, pooling water can occur and cause leaks, deterioration in the roof membrane and ice formation during winter. Washington DC, flat roof specialist, Boyd Construction Co Inc, explains, below, the three types of drainage used most often on flat roofs. Interior Drains This drainage system is composed of drains placed at intervals near the center of the roof and an internal network of gutters and pipes that move the water to the exterior of the building. The drains are often topped by a strainer that prevents leaves and debris from getting into the pipes. These are often a good solution for large roofs on which water tends to collect in the center. They are aesthetically pleasing because all of the components are located inside the roof and invisible to someone looking at it from the outside. However, these tend to be more costly to install than exterior drainage systems and represent a significant investment. Scuppers Scuppers are outlets placed on the edges of the roof that project water that drains off the roof away from the building. They keep the walls of the building dry and prevent the foundation from being destabilized by too much exposure to water. Scuppers are more cost effective than inner drains, but they work best when all of the water is directed to them using a tapered insulation system or a sloped structure. They are a good solution for areas that frequently get heavy rains, but are not ideal for dealing with snow melt. Gutters Gutters are open pipes that are attached to the edges of the roof. They collect water as it drains off the roof and carry it away from the building. They are generally the most cost effective drainage solution since they can be attached to a finished roof without any modification to the roof itself. They are also good at dealing with variable levels of rain and snow. As with drains and scuppers, gutters do regularly need to be cleared of debris and cleaned in order to continue functioning properly. Deciding what type of drainage is best for your facility should be determined by your engineer or building design team. In addition, you should always make sure that the roofing contractor you hire is experienced in installing all three of these drainage systems. While a proper drainage system design is essential for the overall reliability of the roof, a quality installation ensuring the design is implemented properly is key. If you are ready to install your roof and drainage system, please call Boyd Construction Co Inc at 202-223-ROOF today to schedule an appointment or consultation. If you are like most home or business owners, you would think roof damage mainly comes from heavy rain, wind and hail storms. Rightly, these do indeed offer some pretty damaging challenges. However, in particular situations, the heat and humidity of a typical Washington DC summer offers its own set of issues with regard to the maintenance of your residential roof.
Boyd Construction Co Inc offers these 4 tips for summertime maintenance on your roof: 1. Do a gutter check. Check your gutters for debris, but also to be sure they are attached properly and are draining the way they are intended. Leaves build up in gutters, causing water to pool and back up under the eaves of your home. The prolonged weight of the debris can also cause your gutter to separate from the roof and impede the water flow. Clean your gutters once a month and check them after each storm to ensure proper water flow. 2. Check for buildup on your roof. Do a visual inspection each summer for moss on your roof. Moss and algae grow rampantly in the summertime and can quickly cover a residential roof. Moss causes moisture damage and rotting of the wood underneath. On a dry day, you may be able to brush the moss off with a broom, but over time the moss will become more attached and may require a pressure washing to remove. Be sure to consult with a professional roofer, like the experts at Boyd Construction Co Inc, for this. 3. Check ventilation. Check your attic for proper ventilation. Hot air rises through the attic and can become trapped without proper ventilation. This leads to moisture problems that, without fail, shorten the life of your roof. 4. Inspect your shingles. Do a visual inspection once a month – walk around your home and look for sagging, or missing shingles. Of course any internal signs of water seepage such as stains on your ceiling or bubbling paint indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Regular inspections help keep small problems small. If caught in time, a repair may be in order instead of a complete roof tear-off and install. Call Boyd Construction Co Inc at 202-223-ROOF, and let the experienced professionals inspect your roof today. |
Boyd Construction CoFamily owned and operated in the greater Washington DC area since 1932. Archives
September 2019
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