Updating the exterior siding of your home will give it an instant fresh and clean look.  It is a significant investment that gives homeowners a high return by increasing a home’s curb appeal.  Consider preparing an exterior siding budget before beginning your project.

Exterior Siding Options

When choosing your siding material, it is important to remember that besides from a physical standpoint, exterior siding plays an important role in protecting your home.  There a number of options when it comes to siding materials, but they all range in durability, affordability, and appearance options.

When considering an exterior siding’s budget, factor in maintenance, element vulnerability, eco-friendliness, and energy efficiency.   Vinyl siding and James Hardie siding are two exterior siding options that most homeowners gravitate towards for their benefits when these factors are considered.  Both siding options are also visibly appealing with an array of color choices to choose from.  [Read more…]

As cooler weather arrives here in Cincinnati, it is important to make sure your home is ready for it.  Review the tips and tricks below on how to ensure your home is maintained during the season change.  Fall maintenance is critical for preparing your home for the temperatures and harsh winter weather that may arrive. 

Gutter Maintenance 

Quarterly checking and cleaning of a home’s gutters help to prevent potential problems before they arise and prepare your property for harsher weather the winter months have to offer.  Check your gutters for any damage.  This includes making sure your gutters are securely attached to your home.  Winter months can bring strong winds with the potential to strip gutters off homes if not properly secured. 

Check for any accumulating debris in the gutters or downspouts.  Falling leaves from surrounding trees will typically gather during the fall months, clogging gutters and not allowing water to properly drain off your roof.  Clogged gutters can lead to more serious and costly damages if not addressed.  Clogged gutters can potentially lead to: 

• Improper roof water runoff 
• Water pooling on top of the roof 
• Rotting roofing materials 
• Leaking roofs 
• Decaying soffits and fascia 
• Potential replacing of roof 
• Breeding ground for algae 
• Growing of mold in attic spaces 
• Landscaping decay due to pools and puddles forming from gutter flooding 
• Soil erosion 

As you can see from the list above, clogged gutters can cause havoc on your home if left untreated.  Gutter maintenance should be the top item on your fall checklist.  To keep your gutters in good health, clean them out at least twice annually, more if your property has a good amount of surrounding trees.    

Fall Roof Inspection 

It is never a bad idea to get your roof inspected ahead of winter, especially if you suspect any underlying conditions.  A roof inspection will check for any damage like missing, cracked or loose shingles.  Inspecting your roof in the autumn months will give you time before the snow or ice arrives and prevents any roofing repairs from being made.  Small problems that may be able to be identified in the fall will prevent bigger issues later on.  A strong, durable roof in the winter will prevent excessive repair costs.  If you need assistance in your roof’s fall maintenance, contact EMA construction’s qualified roofers for a full inspection

Window and Door Maintenance  

Take the time to go through your home and check each window or outdoor door for any drafts.  If you feel a hint of a draft, caulk around the window or door.  You do not want to allow any energy loss during the cooler months to escape.  Also replace any cracked windows or broken doors that are insufficient energy savers, you will end up saving money in the long run. 

Siding Maintenance  

Besides contributing to the overall look of your home, a home’s siding prevents outdoor elements from effecting the inside of your home.  As siding gets older, it is more exposed to these elements and eventual damage.  Siding maintenance can assist in preventing a number of different issues as well as keeping your home looking new.  To ensure your siding in Cincinnati, OH can survive the winter months maintain it while there is still some warmer weather outside. 

Unless you have mold-resistant siding, power washing your home’s siding with water and the right cleaning products will prevent dirt and mildew from damaging your siding.   

Summer heat and rain can cause a number of issues to arise in your siding.  Inspect your siding for cracks, holes, rot, or parts of siding wanting to pull away from the home.  If any of these are listed, siding replacement is probably necessary.  Call the experts at EMA Construction, a Cincinnati siding contractor serving Liberty Township and West Chester, Ohio, for more information on siding replacement. 

Similar with checking your windows and doors, ensure that all gaps are sealed where siding meets windows or doors.  If you see any gaps, caulk them.  

Conclusion  

The fall transition into the winter months is the perfect time to inspect your home for any maintenance needed.  Whether a home’s gutters, roof, windows, or siding the experts at EMA Construction can assist you in upkeep and repairs before the cold arrives and it is too late!  Save money and worry and contact us today for your fall maintenance tasks. 

Gutters are meant to handle much of the rainfall on your roof but how do you know the right gutter size for your home?  The good news is you don’t have to be an engineer to figure out the size your gutters should be to maximize rainwater outpour.

Most homes actually typically use one of two gutter sizes, either the 5-inch K-style or the 6-inch half round. K-style gutters are the most widely used residential gutter thanks to their affordability, ability to be made in most materials, and their shape.  A K-style gutter comes with 2 x 3 inch or 3 x 4 inch downspouts maximizing the amount of water they can hold and the force they can sustain.  Half-round gutters, as their name suggest, are completely round or have a straight back.  Their wide diameter and smooth shape allows for water to drain faster and are somewhat self cleaning which is very appealing to homeowners.  

Square Footage of Drainage Area

The total square footage of the drainage area, or the area from which water will run off, will help determine how to find the right gutter size for your home.  For a standard, gable roof you only need to calculate the slope multiplying length by width to determine square footage.  Calculating the total square footage for roofs with more than one facet will require a little more work since you will need to calculate each square footage and combining them to find the total square footage.  Once you have determined the square footage, write these numbers down and save to refer to in the next steps.

Factor in Roof-Pitch

Now you will need to factor in the roof-pitch into the square footage of your drainage area to know the roof’s steep.  Why does roof steepness help determine into the gutter size of your home?  The steeper a roof, the more rainwater it will collect during windy conditions and the bigger it the gutter size will need to be.  To calculate your roof’s pitch you will need a ladder, a level, a ruler, and maybe a person to assist.  If you have an extremely steep roof please contact an EMA professional for safety purposes. 

Once on top of your roof place the level at the center of the top ridge.  Holding one end, level it against the roof and measure the distance between the roof and the middle point of the level underneath.  The level should read 12-inch runs so if your level shows a 5 inch gap then your pitch is 5-in-12 pitch.   Compare what you measure with the table below to find your roof-pitch factor.

Roof Pitch	Roof-Pitch Factor
12 in 12 or higher	1.3
9 in 12 to 11 in 12	1.2
6 in 12 to 8 in 12	1.1
4 in 12 to 5 in 12	1.05
Flat to 3 in 12	1

Rainfall Intensity

Next, you will need to find the rainfall intensity for your home’s location.  This is provided by the Weather Bureau which calculates rainfall at it’s highest intensity in a 5-minute interval or inches per hour.  The higher your rainfall intensity, the bigger a gutter size your home needs in order to not be overwhelmed during a heavy storm.  If your location is not recorded, just find the nearest location to you.

Gutter Size

Now that you have the above calculations, you can find the adjusted square footage by multiply the original drainage square footage by the roof-pitch factor and then the rainfall intensity.  Compare your numbers with the chart below to find the recommended gutter size for your home.

K-Style:

Five-inch 5,520 square feet

Six-inch 7,960 square feet

Half-round:

Five-inch 2,500 square feet

Six-inch 3,840 square feet

If different areas of your roof call for different gutter size, go with the bigger sized gutter.

Gutters are an important factor in your roof and overall well being of your home.  If you need any assistance with finding the right gutter size for your home or have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact our EMA Construction professionals.

During the summer months, the surface of a home’s traditional, black roof can be 50 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.  These sunny days do not only increase your roof’s temperature but raises the temperature inside your home as well, increasing your air conditioning and energy costs.  So how can homeowners cool off their roof during the hot days of summer?

A cool roof, according to the U.S Department of Energy, is “one that has been designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof.”  Cool roofs are able to do so through special material such as paint, shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials that are highly reflective.  To understand the concept of a cool roof, think about why you would wear a light colored shirt on a hot day versus a darker colored shirt.  A lighter color shirt absorbs less heat than a darker shirt thus keeping you cooler.  The same works with a roof.  Cool roofs can be applied to residential or commercial roofing projects and are not as expensive as some may initially think, especially if you are already in need of roof replacement.

Benefits of a Cool Roof

There are many benefits to a cool roof for the inside occupants and for the environment:

• Decrease air conditioning use which in turn lowers the cost of your energy bills/
• For spaces that do not use air conditioning (garages, car ports, etc.) lower temperatures, increasing overall comfort.
• Overall decrease in roof temperature, which will in most cases, extend the lifetime of your roof.
• Lower urban heat island effect.  According to Wikipedia, an urban heat island (UHI) is an urban area or metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities.
• Reduction in emissions like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and mercury from buildings that use excessive energy to cool their interiors.
• Decrease peak electricity demand.
• Rebates and incentives for owners.
• Extension of roof lifespan.
• HVAC downsizing.

Cost of a Cool Roof

The surface of a roof is what makes it a cool roof or not.  Any roof, existing or new, can become a cool roof by its surface material.  With that being said, if your roof is need of replacement, the cost of a cool roof will be much less expensive than if you a converting an existing roof, with no issues, to a cool roof.

When considering a cool roof, factor in the following items:

• Your climate
• Your current roof’s insulation
• Your current roof’s type (tile, shingle, etc.)
• Your cooling and heating systems efficiency

Cool roofs do not necessarily save money in colder climates.  In colder climates during the winter months they could potentially increase your energy costs because they do not allow your home to benefit from heat gains.

If you are considering installing a new cool roof, use this Cool Roof Calculator to estimate how much you could possibly save on energy in your home.  Also check for rebates and tax credits offered in your area.

Cool roof expenses are much like any other roofs if installing on a new project.  Majority of costs include materials and labor, sometimes specialized, and ongoing maintenance like repair, coating, and cleaning.

Types of Cool Roofs

There are a number of different types of cool roofs.  Choose a type of cool roof based on it’s slope, your budget, and the style of your home. 

Paint, glazes, and waterproofings can often turn roofing tile or metal roofs into cool roofing materials unlike shingles.  It is best to purchase cool asphalt shingles that granules are better suited for solar reflections.  Other common cool roof materials include single-ply membranes, modified bitumen sheet membranes, and spray polyurethane foam.

Conclusion

Roofs can reach temperatures as high as 150°F higher during the summer months in hot climates.  A cool roof can assist lower your home’s energy costs during this time of year by lowering that temperature by as much as 50°F. 

EMA Construction’s qualified roofers are here to advise homeowners on the best roofs for their individual homes.  If you have any questions relating to cool roofs or other alternatives, please contact us.

Preventing water damage to your home is one of the most important aspects of your home’s well being.  Water can find it’s way into your home through plumbing issues, foundation cracks, walls, and yes, even your roof.  Even a few drops of water can potentially cause structural damage, mold, and other humidity problems within in your home.   The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to waterproof your roof.

The goal of your roof is to withstand the harshest weather conditions without ever allowing a droplet of moisture inside the interior of your home.  In order for your home to be able to do this, it must be in it’s best condition.

Inspect and Repair Your Roof

If you live in an extremely cold or hot weather climate be sure to inspect the condition of your roof before the peak winter and summer months in order to get it repaired before the arrival of the harsher weather.  While inspecting your roof, look for any broken or cracked shingles or tiles that are in need of replacement to avoid any leaks and severe water damage.  Also make sure to inspect the flashing around your chimney, or any other areas, in case it needs to be replaced.    For more information on how to maintain your roof, read our blog post “DIY: Minor Roofing Problems That You Can Handle.”

Clean Out Debris in Your Gutters

Debris, like leaves, can block your gutter’s downspout, preventing water from draining off of your roof.  To avoid this, clean out your gutters before each new season.  This includes the eaves, troughs, and drainpipes to remove any leaves, tree branches or shingles that may be in your gutters.  Then wash out any smaller pieces of debris with a water hose forcing the debris down the downspout of your gutters and monitoring for any clogging that may occur. 

If you ever notice any water pooling in your gutters, it is a clear sign that the downspout is clogged.  Attend to your gutters as quickly as possible to prevent any water spilling out of and down the house’s exterior that could cause major dampness and leak issues internally in your home.

Also inspect the condition of your gutters, if they appear to be damaged or rusted in any area they more than likely need to be replaced with new ones.

Trim Tree Branches

Cut any dead tree limbs that may be hovering near your house.  Strong storms may cause dead branches to break and fall on your roof causing further damage.  This is another good thing to do before the beginning of each season, especially the summer season when heavy rainfall is most present.

Water proofing your roof will give you a sense of ease about damage to your home.  Taking the time to complete these proactive tasks regularly will greatly eliminate any water damage caused by your roof.  If you do ever feel like your roof is leaking, call our expert, qualified roofers at (513) 279-8362 immediately.

With the change of the seasons to longer and warmer days, it is always a good idea to check in on your home’s roof maintenance.  Here are some basic roof maintenance tips to look for as spring approaches to make sure it is strong and healthy.  These items can be performed by the homeowner or a roofing expert. 

Examine Roof Shingles

After winter, especially a year with severe cold weather, examine your roof’s shingles for any broken or damaged shingles that need to be replaced.  The summer’s sunshine rays can harm already damaged shingles even more causing them to crack or buckle so it is best to go ahead and replace these to not cause any further damage to your roof.  Any shingles missing a good amount of granules on them are also at risk with the hotter temperatures since these are what shield the shingles from ultra violet rays. 

If you are unaware of what your shingle damage should or should not look like, factor in the type of shingle on your home’s roof.  A damaged asphalt shingle will have cracks in them that appear as black areas or lines on the shingles surface.  A cedar shingle will be curled on the ends or appear broken, split or missing if damaged.  Inspect a slate roof for any black areas where the slate may be missing.

While examining shingles, also examine flashing around any vents, skylights, or chimneys for replacement or repair.

Inspect for Fungus, Algae, or Mold

While inspecting your roof for damaged shingles, also look for any invaders such as fungus, algae, or mold.  These can begin growing on your roof and eventually creep into the inside of your home.  If you do find instances of algae or fungus, they can usually be cleared up with a treatment of zinc.  Mold is a more serious issue and will need to be treated by a professional.  If you have any hesitation, it is always best to consult with a professional roofing contractor.

Check Your Gutters

Check your home’s gutters for any leaks or damage.  With the springtime, heavy rains arrive that can damage your roof if drainage errors are occurring.  Specifically check your roof’s valleys as they are prone to water damage as they send water down to the gutters.  This is also a good time of the year to clean your gutters out of any leaves or other debris to prevent any clogging.

View Walls for Water Damage

Review the inside of your home’s walls and ceilings for any discolored areas due to water damage.  This will be a sign of roof damage that is causing some sort of leakage in the interior of your home and will need to be addressed. 

Review Energy Savings

Roofs can be a great source of energy savings in your home.  While checking your roof’s maintenance always review the most recent energy and cost saving items available in the market.  You can review the offerings with your local contractor to know what is available to you and your home.  This is also a good time for a professional to check your homes insulation.

Trim Tree Limbs

If you have any trees around the surface of your roof, examine them for any weak low-bearing limbs that could fall on the top of your roof.  During the winter months, trees tend become weaker, especially if they have had to bear the weight of heavy snow fall.

Roof maintenance is the hardest home maintenance item and often goes ignored since we are not physically walking or viewing our roofs on a normal basis.  That’s why homeowners have to consciously make it a point to check their roof for maintenance.  It is easiest to do this with the yearly seasonal changes during the year.  EMA construction’s qualified roofers and staff are here to assist you with your roofing maintenance when needed, click here to contact us.