Roofing is the most important element of your home and an important investment in your home's value. It's the one thing that separates the interior of your home from the exterior world and protects it from snow, rain, ice, hail, wind, sun, heat, branches and other debris. In addition to protecting your home from the elements, it also provides structural support and insulation. A poorly functioning roof can result in high energy costs and thousands of dollars of associated repair expenses ranging from water damage to structural damage.
Anderson Gutter Company works with neighbors throughout Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky to ensure the best possible solution for roofing that not only functions well, but also looks great and adds value to one of your most important investments, your home. We’ll consult with you on materials, style, functionality, durability, longevity and budgeting needs to ensure you’re 100% satisfied on installation.
Metal Roofing
Metal Roofs have become a popular choice in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, due to their long life span (ranging from 40 to 70 years), durability and function to withstand harsh elements like heavy winds, extreme temperatures and exterior fires. Metal roofs are also fabricated with a rust proof coating that prevents corrosion and cracking. Another benefit to metal roof installation, is that many manufacturer warranties are between 20 and 50 years. In addition to metal roofs protecting your home, being energy efficient and lowering energy costs, metal roofs are also fully recyclable, come in a variety of colors and boost your home’s curb appeal.
Types of Metal Roofing
Exposed fastener panel metal roofs are the most economical form of metal roofing. They’re called exposed fastener because the fasteners remain visible once installed and are painted to match the color of the roof. Metal roof panels are then overlapped and fastened directly to the roof deck or framing, through the face of the metal.
Standing seam metal roofs have panels that snap together and don't have exposed fasteners. The design of the standing seam metal roof panels allows them to expand and contract with changing temperatures. They’re a little more expensive than exposed fastener panel metal roofs, but the design of the standing seam metal roof panels reduces the amount of wear and tear on the roof deck, which increases the life expectancy of the roof.
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
More durable than asphalt shingles. | More expensive than asphalt shingle roofing. |
Can sometimes be installed over existing asphalt shingle roofing. | More difficult to Install than shingles and repair costs are higher. |
Can last upwards of 60+ years. | More environmentally friendly than asphalt shingle roofing. |
Can reflect solar heat, which helps reduce energy bills. |
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingle roofs are a more cost-effective solution than metal roofs and is a popular choice for many home owners. The three main types, luxury, three-tab or dimensional, come in two types of base materials, organic and fiberglass. Both base types contain an asphalt-saturated base with a granule top surface that blocks Ultraviolet (UV) light.
Additionally, asphalt shingle roofs are easy to install and repair, come in a wide array of colors and styles and are manufactured with varying levels of quality that can be considered when budgeting for roof replacement and repair. The better the quality of the asphalt shingle, the longer it will withstand damage from the elements.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Less expensive than metal roofing. | Periodic inspections for damage, algae and moss are essential. |
Easier to install than metal roofing and can sometimes go over existing asphalt shingles. | When discarded in a land fill, even environmentally friendly shingles can release toxic pollutants. |
A wide array of available colors and styles make it easy to customize for maximum appeal. |
Signs That It May Be Time To Replace Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
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The Roof Shingles are curling in the middle or on the edges.
When shingles start curling and warping, it can put your home at risk for leaks, which can then lead to extensive and costly damages to other parts of your home including walls, ceilings, support beams and more.
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You notice granules from shingles in your gutters.
If you notice shingle granules in your gutters and your roof is over 10 years old, that is a sign that the shingles are degrading and it is time to contact a roofing contractor to come inspect your roof for replacement.
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Many of the shingles are missing, cracked or damaged.
It's important to inspect your roof or have it inspected by a professional regularly, especially after bad storms and heavy winds. It is not uncommon for shingles to be missing or damaged after bad storms and it's important to get them replaced to avoid any further damage. Sometimes the missing or damaged shingles can be replaced, but there are also times when a full roof replacement is necessary.
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When in your attic you can see light coming through.
Gable, soffit and ridge vents all let a minimal amount of light in while they do the job of circulating air in your attic, but if you notice light coming in at other areas, inspect for water damage. If you notice that there is some water damage, it's best to call a roofer to inspect the damages and assess how to proceed.
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Your roof is 20 to 30 years old.
If your asphalt shingle roof is at least 25 years old, it's probably time to start considering a replacement.
Anderson Gutter Company offers free roofing inspections and estimates, so feel free to reach out to us if you have any concerns or questions about your roof and we will send a technician to inspect your roof and determine if it’s in need of repair or replacement. We carry the following asphalt shingles:
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Certainteed Landmark Series Asphalt Shingles
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Owens Corning Duration Series Asphalt Shingles
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Owens Corning Oakridge Series Asphalt Shingles
To learn more about product features, color options, warranty and more, call us at 513-668-8666 or contact us for a free estimate and we’ll provide options to help you decide on the best asphalt shingle for your home.
Fascia / Soffit Repair and Replacement
Fascia and soffit are an integral part of gutter and roofing systems. They function to protect and preserve your roof and home, while also adding a finished look. Fascia serves to protect the ends of your rafters and they support the last line of shingles on your roof. The soffit is located underneath the overhang, where the roof meets the siding. This overhang allows rain and snow to flow away from your house.
What is Fascia Board and Why is It Important?
Fascia boards are a thin long board that run parallel across the entire roofline where the roof rafters and trusses end. Fascia Boards prevent rafters from rotting, support the roof structure and hold up the gutters. Fascia is attached directly to the lower ends of the roof trusses and heavily supports the bottom row of roof tiles. The primary function of fascia board is to protect your home from interior and exterior moisture related damage.
Common Fascia Board Materials
Wood is the most traditional and common material used for fascia board, because of its beautiful and natural look, but there are several other materials often used including PVC, vinyl, aluminum and composite board. When planning an installation, there are a number of different factors to consider when deciding on which material to invest in. The key takeaway, is knowing what fascia board material will work best for you so you can set initial and long term budgets and plan for any necessary repair and maintenance that may be needed down the road.
Pros and Cons of Wood, PVC, Vinyl, Aluminum and
Composite Board Fascia Materials
Fascia Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Wood Fascia | Aesthetically pleasing, affordable, when painted it's water resistant, sturdy and resilient. | Compared to other materials, repair and maintenance costs are higher, high quality primer and paint is necessary for maximum durability. |
PVC Fascia | Durable and won’t split, warp or rot, low maintenance, easily cleaned, water resistant, maintains color, can be molded via heat. | If outer 'skin' is damaged, repairing is difficult, high up-front cost. |
Vinyl Fascia | Easy installation, durable, large color selection, low repair and maintenance cost, discoloration from debris can be wiped down with soap and water. | Tight seal needed to waterproof, can be damaged by moisture seeping in, expands and contracts with temperature, color will eventually fade from sun exposure. |
Aluminum Fascia | Very flexible and versatile, often used with wood fascia for weather protection, durable with low maintenance costs, can be painted. | Specialized skills needed for install, more expensive to install, not as durable and subject to scratches and dents, if installed with steel nails, over time, rust will show. |
Composite Board Fascia | Material doesn’t rot and is durable, colorfast and doesn’t decay easily, like wooden fascia, it can be cut, screwed and nailed for an easy installation. | Limited color choices, can’t be refinished, not as affordable as other materials, high repair cost. |
Causes of Fascia Damage
The three main factors contributing to fascia board damage, is improper installation, poorly functioning gutters and elemental damage from weather or debris.
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An improperly installed roof allows water to flow down and remain on the fascia board, which causes the fascia board to rot.
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Gutters mount to the fascia board, so any issues with the gutters can lead to fascia board damage like improper installation. Additionally, clogging of gutters, downspouts or underground drains, which lead to the gutters overflowing, causes the fascia board to stay wet and overtime, causes significant damage.
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Weather events can result in fascia damage depending on fascia material and condition.
Avoiding Fascia Board Damage
Ensuring proper installation and function of your gutters is essential in preventing fascia board rot. Inspecting and cleaning gutters several times a year should be top priority in avoiding damage to the fascia board. If you have any difficulty inspecting your fascia, consider having a professional inspect the fascia system to ensure proper installation and function. If fascia board damage is not addressed, the rot will spread to other parts of the structure which can lead to structural damage and ongoing water damage. Rotting fascia board will also lead to the gutters pulling away from the home or falling off completely, which can lead to openings between the roof and gutters giving wildlife access to your home.
If you’re concerned about or suspect your fascia board is damaged, feel free to call us 513-668-8666 or contact us to get a free, no obligation, estimate.
What is a Soffit and Why is It Important?
The soffit covers the underside of your roof and provides a clean, sleek and finished look to your home. It functions to expel hot and humid air and it provides needed ventilation that guides airflow away from delicate areas of your home while also controlling temperature by promoting the flow of fresh air into attic spaces. Additionally, soffits serve as weatherproofing by covering and protecting your home’s eaves from wind and precipitation and creating closures in areas where wind can force moisture into roof crevices. Ensuring proper soffit installation and function means less maintenance, long term.
Common Soffit Materials
There are a range of soffit materials available for your home, each one delivering different quality levels that impact aesthetics, durability, longevity and maintenance. Common materials to choose from when installing soffit are wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement.
Pros and Cons of Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum and Fiber Cement Soffit Materials
Soffit Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Wood Soffit | Aesthetically pleasing, can be painted. | Susceptible to damage resulting from weather, can peel, chip, splinter or rot, high flammability. |
Vinyl Soffit | Lower maintenance than wood, it can be painted, lower cost and more affordable. | Plastic-based and a cheaper look, can be easily damaged by temperature swings that cause swelling, buckling and cracking, high flammability. |
Aluminum Soffit | More durable and weather-resistant, won’t rot or warp due to weather elements, low maintenance, low flammability. | Quality of its appearance can wane over time becoming chalky and faded, regular repainting needed to prevent degradation. |
Fiber Cement Soffit | Durable and long-lasting, flame retardant, rot-resistant, keeps its color, doesn’t warp with temperature changes, can be painted. |
Causes of Soffit Damage
Soffit damage can occur from clogged gutters, leading to overflowing water coming inside the roof, clogged downspouts, presence of pests and insects and prolonged weather exposure.
Avoiding Soffit Damage
Protect your home by ensuring your soffit is intact and not damaged. A damaged soffit can lead to more extensive and costly damage if not addressed. If you’re concerned about or suspect your soffit is damaged, feel free to call us 513-668-8666 or contact us to get a free, no obligation, estimate.
