No one wants to deal with having a sagging roof over their head, but many homeowners struggle with determining whether they should look into repair costs or simply get a new roof installed. Severe damage from the elements can cause the roof to give way and weaken the home's underlying structure. Once the roof starts to sag, it will only get worse and require more expensive repairs. Learn the best way to allocate your home improvement budget toward roof protection.

Before putting a home up for sale, should the entire roof be replaced? It's a question homeowners often ask themselves before placing a house on the market, and the answer likely depends on several different factors. Here's a look at the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a roofing company to replace the roof before putting a home up for sale.

In addition to simply being annoying, roof leaks are often a sign of more widespread roofing issues. Leaks can be caused by even a minor problem with a home’s roofing system, which is complex, delicate, and vulnerable to the elements. Left untreated, a small leak can quickly cause mold, mildew, and structural damage, so it’s essential to contact a professional before the problem becomes more serious—and expensive. Here are three of the most common causes of roof leaks.

Broken or Missing Shingles

Heavy rain, strong winds, and flying debris from trees can all wreak havoc on a home’s shingles, breaking them or even knocking them off completely. When a section of broken or missing shingles can’t adequately protect a roof from water, there’s no stopping the leaks that may follow. Fortunately, damaged or missing shingles are often easy to spot, which makes it simple to find the source of an interior leak and remedy it.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters allow rainwater to form pools, which can seep into tiny cracks and holes in the roof and cause leaks. Like missing or broken shingles, clogged gutters are often easy to diagnose. From the ground, homeowners may be able to see buildups of leaves, branches, and other debris in the gutters, or they may notice that downspouts are emitting little to no water during a storm or heavy rainfall. If the gutters are broken, sagging, or pulling away from the roofline, a new gutter installation may be needed.

Improperly Sealed Valleys

Roof valleys are the straight lines that form where two different planes of a roof meet. Because valleys are usually sloped, they experience lots of water flow when it rains. If a roof valley isn’t adequately sealed, rainwater can easily get in and cause leaks. Valley problems are best diagnosed by checking for wet spots along the interior roof seams. Improperly sealed or cracked roof valleys will need to be repaired to prevent ongoing issues with leaks.

Because roof leaks can quickly lead to water damage, mold, mildew, and structural problems, they should be assessed and diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible. In addition to solving leak issues, Action Roofing provides homeowners in the Billerica area with roofing repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. For a free estimate, contact us today by calling 978-726-9709.

The roof of any building is vital in protecting it against the elements. Not only does proper roof installation provide protection, but it also augments the architectural design of the building. The durability and elegance of a roof depend on the roofing material and installation technique used during construction. Asphalt roofing has become widely used due to its wide variety of colors, shapes, and texture and other benefits.

Asphalt Shingles Can Be Unique

Asphalt shingles come in a wide array of colors and texture to match the style of the building. Unlike other roofing materials, asphalt can be modified to mimic the appearance of wood, cedar, or even slate roofing. In addition, asphalt shingles are available in various unique shapes. Most roofing service companies have rectangular and square shingles arranged in either a flat or overlapping pattern.

Durable and Easy to Maintain

Properly installed asphalt roofs are exceptionally durable, oftentimes with a lifespan of 30 years or more. Asphalt shingles are neither too heavy nor too light, so they’re not prone to uplift and don’t require reinforcement. Moreover, installing asphalt with fiberglass matting makes it resistant to extreme temperatures and fire. Asphalt roofs also have an upfront installation procedure and are easy for homeowners to maintain.

Asphalt Shingles Are Affordable and Recyclable

For anyone looking to install or repair a roof, asphalt roofing is a great, cost-effective choice. Asphalt shingles are not expensive to purchase, and most roofing contractors offer installation services at affordable prices. In addition, asphalt is eco-friendly and does not vitiate with recycling. Asphalt shingles are often recyclable even after being in use for over 20 years.

Using asphalt roofing and selecting a competent roofing services provider can make a considerable improvement in the quality and durability of your roof. At Action Roofing, our team is experienced, licensed, and reliable. With our premium roofing materials and free estimates, it’s easy and affordable to have a durable, attractive roof. Contact us to request installation, repair, or maintenance services in Billerica, MA.

A beautiful snowy day creates the perfect winter wonderland, but too much of it can potentially harm a homeowner’s property. Preventing roof damage from snow accumulation is critical to ensuring that the rough winters of Massachusetts don’t wreak havoc on one’s home.

Making Preparations in Advance

Before the snow and ice hits, it’s good practice for a homeowner to get their roof inspected. Make sure the roof is in the best shape possible to handle the predicted amount of accumulation before the winter season. Homeowners should take care of any issues or damages before the first snowfall. Preventative maintenance, such as making fixes and cleaning out the gutters, is necessary to avoid costly roof damage down the line.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Before major disasters occur, there are usually warning signs that homeowners can look out for. For example, pay close attention to sagging ceilings, major water leaks, and any cracks in the wall or loud cracking sounds. It’s best to call a roofing service right away if any of these issues should arise at home. Leave roof repairs up to the professionals so that the roof is sturdy enough to endure the rest of the winter months.

Removing the Snow

The reality is that a roof can only handle so much weight in snow accumulation at a time. If a homeowner is in the danger zone and fears the roof can’t support the amount of snow on the house, he or she should get in touch with a professional snow removal service to make sure the home is protected.

If you’re concerned that there’s too much snow on your roof, reach out to roofing experts to avoid a potentially disastrous situation. Action Roofing offers a licensed, insured, and professionally trained team to deliver reliable roofing services that will help keep your roof in excellent condition. Contact us today for an estimate on removing snow from your home and preventing roof damage.

Choosing roofing materials goes beyond aesthetics and economics. The angle of the roof, commonly referred to as the pitch, can impact which materials will have the best performance. To make an informed decision, a homeowner should learn how roof pitch relates to the choice of roofing material.

Basics of Roof Pitch

Roof pitch refers to the steepness (angle, slope, or slant) of a roof. The pitch is shown by a fraction, where the numerator represents the height and the denominator refers to the width. For instance, a roof pitch of 4/12 means there’s a 4-inch rise in height for every 12 inches of width.

In most residential properties, pitch ranges from 4/12 (a moderate pitch) slope up to 8/12 (a fairly steep roof pitch). However, some properties have nearly flat roofs or an extremely steep roof. An extremely steep roof pitch is great for keeping water off, but it can be difficult to repair. A flat roof, on the other hand, requires a special drainage system, which can be costly.

Roof Pitch and Roofing Materials

The roof pitch dictates the ideal roofing material for a structure. It is often one of the first things a roofing contractor considers when recommending a new roof. The roof slope also affects the quantity of roofing materials and, therefore, the overall cost. Here are the best roofing materials for different roof slopes.

• Low-pitch roofs: A low-pitch roof can go as low as 0.25/12. These are easy to maintain, often less expensive to install, but prone to pooling water. A flat or low-pitch roof works best with commercial-grade roofing applications, including built-up roofing (BUR), "torch-down" roofing, tar and gravel, rubber, or standing seam metal.
• Average-pitch roof: Most residential properties have an average-pitch roof, which ranges from 4/12 to 8/12. The best materials for this type of roof pitch include wood and slate shingles, asphalt composite shingles, clay, or cement tiles.
• High-pitch roofs: High-pitch roofs, which range from 9/12 to 18/12, are the most expensive roof systems to install and maintain. High-pitch roofs are more efficient for drainage but are impractical for larger buildings. Steep roofs require lighter and cheaper materials to cover the larger roof area. The best roofing materials for this roof pitch include clay or cement tiles and composite or asphalt shingles. These materials lock tightly and are also light.

If you are looking for dependable roofing services in Billerica, MA or the surrounding areas, you can rely on the fully licensed and insured professionals of Action Roofing. We offer quality roofing solutions for both residential and commercial clients, and we’re GAF Master Elite Certified. Contact us today for a free roofing quote.

Soon, the leaves will begin to change and the hot summer days will turn into chilly fall mornings. Before the frigid New England temperatures begin to roll in, you should take preventive measures to keep extreme temperatures and precipitation from affecting the structural integrity of your roof. Following a few simple steps can help you prepare your home’s exterior for winter and avoid the stress and expense of preventable damage.

Clear All Debris From Gutters and Roof

The first step to readying your roof is cleaning your gutters and clearing all excess debris from the roof’s surface. You can use a broom or a leaf blower to remove sticks, leaves, dirt, and foliage. Never use a pressure washer, as they can loosen shingles and trap water underneath. Cleaning your gutters better enables precipitation to successfully run off your roof and drain properly.

Check for Visible Damage

Once your roof and gutters have been cleaned, take a close look at your roof for any obvious damage. This may include shingles that are loose, cracked, frayed, or missing, which may indicate the need for a roof repair or replacement. Also, be sure to check metal flashings, which can allow water leaks if they’re structurally compromised.

Inspect Attic Insulation and Ventilation

During the day, sunlight heats your attic, causing an increase in hot air. If your attic is not properly ventilated, the hot air inside cannot escape and condenses when it comes into contact with cooler roof supports, causing a buildup of moisture and potentially mold. If left untreated, this can destroy your roof. Insulation is critical, as well, as it helps retain the optimal temperature of your home. Without proper insulation, you’ll likely spend more on electric bills.

Action Roofing has extensive experience providing residents in the Greater Boston area with comprehensive roof repair, maintenance, replacement, and installation services. If you need assistance preparing your roof for winter or repairing existing damage, call us today at (978) 726-9709 for a free estimate.

For homeowners, installing a much-needed new roof is often an exciting and satisfying experience. But the process of replacing a roof can also be noisy and hazardous, and there are several things to keep in mind to keep family members, pets, and belongings safe. Here are a few tips for preparing for a roof replacement.

Move Vehicles Far From Construction Areas

Keeping all cars, trucks, and other vehicles far away from a roof replacement construction area is important for two key reasons. First, it reduces the chances of any falling debris or other hazards damaging the vehicles. Second, it gives the roofing team plenty of room for their own vehicles and equipment, and it opens up more space for them to move around. Additionally, homeowners with garages should keep them closed for the duration of the construction to keep them free of debris.

Prepare Children and Pets

The noise and activity of home renovations can be frightening for small children and pets. Talking to children ahead of time about what to expect can help prepare them, and parents might also consider allowing kids to stay elsewhere with relatives or friends during construction. Similarly, pets can also be moved to another location during construction, but remember to keep them safely away from construction areas if they are to stay at home during the replacement.

Clean Up Outside of the House

Just as it’s important to relocate vehicles, it’s also a good idea to move outdoor furniture, ornaments, plants, and other objects to protect them and keep them out of the way of workers. Homeowners should also trim any tree branches that are close enough to present a hazard. In addition, cutting the grass before a roof replacement can also make collecting debris easier when it’s time to clean up later. Additionally, any satellite dishes, antennas, or decorations should be removed from the roof before work begins.

The team at Action Roofing provides Billerica-area residents with a variety of roofing services, including replacements, installations, repairs, and snow removal. Request a free estimate today by contacting us online or calling (978) 726-9709.

After installing their gutters, many homeowners forget about the gutter system. However, homeowners need to make sure that gutters are properly maintained and regularly replaced to prevent damage to the roof, outside walls, and even the foundation. Here’s how to know when gutters need to be replaced.

Visual Cracks

On a dry, clear day, it may be possible to see large cracks in the gutter. In addition to these visible signs of damage, there are often smaller, more insidious cracks that may not be noticeable until it begins to rain. Both types of cracks are equally dangerous, as they can compromise the drainage system. Although it’s possible to repair individual cracks, homeowners should fully replace the gutters if there are extensive cracks and leaks.

Rot Found on Wood Trim

Many homeowners may notice rot on external wooden features of their home without realizing it is a sign of failing gutters. This rot can be a result of malfunctioning gutters that allow rainwater to leak across the siding of a home. This seemingly unrelated problem may signify that gutter replacement is overdue.

Peeling Paint

Similarly, peeling paint around the exterior of a home may seem like an isolated problem. In reality, when paint peels beneath the gutters, it may be a result of water cascading down the side of the home due to a faulty gutter system. Small flecks of orange rust may also reveal water damage that could be addressed by replacing the gutters. As this is a sign that water is remaining on the roof for too long, ignoring it may require roof replacement down the road. 

Sagging Gutters

One of the most obvious signs that gutters need to be replaced is when they begin to sag or pull away from the home. This is often caused by drainage issues that make the gutters too full of water and debris, thereby buckling under the pressure. Sagging gutters can lead to significant roof damage that requires repairs. After checking the system for blockage, homeowners with this problem should have their gutters replaced as well.

Gutters are one of the most important lines of defense that a home has against water damage, so it’s crucial to keep them well maintained and up-to-date. If you live in the Greater Boston Area and would like more information about how we can install gutters for your home, call Action Roofing at (978) 726-9709 today to request your free quote. Our team is licensed, insured, professionally trained, and we offer year-round availability.

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