Author: splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Thanksgiving is approaching quickly, and for many of us, that means it’s nearly time to haul those boxes of holiday lights from the attic. Before you get swept up in the excitement, though, here are a few tips on how to hang holiday outdoor lights safely and efficiently:

DECIDE WHERE TO PLACE LIGHTS

Before you purchase and hang your holiday lights, it’s a good idea to decide exactly where you’ll be putting them. A well-thought-out display will save you time and perhaps even money, as you’ll be less likely to buy too many (or too few) light strands.

Popular places for hanging festive lights include posts and pillars, around doors and windows, along the roofline, and adorning trees, bushes, and hedges.

CHOOSE A HANGING SURFACE

Holiday lights can be affixed to your home by attaching them to your gutters or roofing shingles. Check the thickness of your shingles and the design of your gutters before deciding which would better support your holiday lighting.

Consider using light clips instead of messy-looking staples or clothespins when you’re ready to hang your lights. Inexpensive and simple to use, light clips are easy to remove at the end of the season and can be reused.

CHOOSE A FOCAL POINT

Without a focal point to attract the eye, a holiday light display can end up looking haphazard and even messy. There’s no point investing your time and money in a display that’s visually overwhelming or hard to look at.

The more lights you use, the more important it is you choose a good focal point. A home’s front door makes an excellent focal point, as do pillars, trees, and shrubs.

Once you’ve chosen your focal point, begin decorating there first and work outward as you build your holiday light display.

MEASURE

Knowing how many strands of lights you’ll need to make your decorating project a reality isn’t always a simple matter. Holiday decorating isn’t an exact science, but measuring any straight lines you’ll be lighting can give you a good idea of how many lights you’ll need.

When it comes to decorating shrubs and trees, the number of lights to use is largely a matter of personal taste. Experts suggest using one hundred lights for every foot and one-half of a tree or shrub is a good rule of thumb.

Light Nets are another option to consider when decorating shrubs. Woven strands of holiday lights, Light Nets are designed to be draped over hedges, trees, or shrubs.

INSPECT YOUR LIGHTS

Now you’ve decided where to hang your lights, you’ve chosen a focal point for your holiday display, and you’ve measured to get an idea of how many strands of lights you’ll need. You’re almost there, but don’t go climbing any ladders just yet…

Before you begin hanging, be sure to inspect every strand of lights you’ll be using. Check for any fraying of the wires, especially near or around plugs. Keep in mind that a single faulty strand of lights can affect or even damage your entire holiday display.

Never use anything but UL-approved extension cords rated for outdoor use to power your display.

Once you’ve checked to make sure all your lights work and that the wiring is intact, you’ll want to double-check the color of your lights. The color of holiday lights can vary by manufacturer and also by the type of bulb used. For example, white LED holiday lights produce a slightly bluish tint, whereas traditional incandescent bulbs burn with an orange tint.

Choosing between incandescent and LED lights is largely a matter of preference, though LED lights are more energy-efficient and less likely to overheat.

There are many sizes and types of holiday lights, and part of the fun in creating a display is incorporating these different elements. To create beautiful, eye-catching displays, group like styles of lighting together.

HANGING YOUR HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Now that you’re done with the preliminaries, it’s time to hang those lights. Whether your goal is a tasteful, minimalist design or a holiday tableau that’ll be visible from the International Space Station, hanging out lights safely should always be your first consideration.

When it comes to hanging lights safely, a helper is always recommended. It’s never a bad idea to have someone handy to steady your ladder, hand up clips, and keep strands of lights from becoming tangled and even broken as you work.

Using light clips, attach your holiday lights to your roof or gutter. Remember, as you work, to begin at your focal point and build outward from there.

DRUMROLL, PLEASE…

You’ve done all the work; now’s the time to gather the family, friends, and neighbors for the inaugural lighting.

Decorating your home and yard for the holiday season can be fun and rewarding. Savvy homeowners know that it’s also an excellent opportunity to check the condition of their gutters. While you’re right there hanging your lights, why not check the state of your gutters and clear them if necessary? Doing so can save a lot of wear and tear on your roof over the winter months and beyond.

To learn more about gutter and roof maintenance, or for more helpful tips on how to maintain your roof, contact a trusted roofing company like Southpaw Roofing, or visit Southpaw online now.

For many of us, our homes will be the single most significant investment we make in our lifetimes. Having a roof over our heads and a dry, comfortable space to call home is a key component of the American dream, and we work hard to make it a reality.

So what can you do when the roof over your head begins to leak following a storm? Or when heavy winds and rain have damaged or even removed roofing shingles?

The answer, of course, is to make a storm damage roof repair claim with your homeowner’s insurance company. Before you do, though, consider seriously the many benefits of having a professional roof inspection prior to involving your insurance company. A professional roofing company can:

ASSESS ROOF STABILITY

During a professional roof inspection for storm damage, the first thing an inspector will assess is whether your roof has sustained any structural damage that may affect its stability. The inspector will visually inspect all supports to be sure they haven’t buckled. In some cases, supports may have shifted, leaving portions of your roof vulnerable and even structurally unsound.

Assessing the stability of your roof is an integral part of the roof inspection process, especially if a storm has caused tree limbs and branches to fall on your house.

INSPECT CONDITION OF ROOFING SHINGLES

Heavy rains, winds, and ice (among other things) can damage roofing shingles. Sometimes the damage is apparent, as when shingles warp, come loose, begin to curl at the ends, or even fall off the house. Other times, though, the damage is not as easy to see. A professional roof inspector can assess the damage to your shingles and give you an idea of how much life is left in them.

INSPECT FOR LEAKS AND POTENTIAL LEAKS

You might think it would be impossible to miss a leak in your roof; after all, the primary function of a roof is to keep you dry. Much the same as damage to roofing shingles, though, leaks in your roof may not be evident until the next big storm. By that time, of course, it will be too late.

While performing a professional roof inspection for storm damage, inspectors will check for any openings that require repair. By carefully inspecting all spaces, corners, joints, and connectors on your roof, a professional inspector will be able to identify any leaks and even potential leaks in your roof.

A leak in your roof that goes unrepaired will only get worse over time, causing further damage that will be more costly to fix.

ASSESS DAMAGE TO INSULATION

When most people think of roof damage, they think of leaks or damage to roofing shingles. Professional roof inspectors know that it’s just as important to assess any damage to your roof’s insulation following storm damage.

A professional roof inspector will let you know if the insulation around a storm-damaged area has been damaged, and if so, how badly.

HELP FACILITATE INSURANCE CLAIMS

Dealing with insurance companies can be a hassle at best and a nightmare at worst. Having a professional roofing company inspect your roof can be highly beneficial if you need to file a storm damage roof repair claim with your insurance company.

For one thing, having a professional inspection of your roof will support any insurance claims you need to make. Having a professional estimate of the repairs necessary will also help ensure you receive enough compensation from your insurance company to have any and all necessary repairs done correctly.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Suppose you’ve sustained storm damage to your roof. In that case, professional roofers like the experts at Southpaw Roofing Augusta GA and Charleston SC can even submit the insurance paperwork for you so that the repairs can begin as soon as possible.

Storm damage to your roof can come in a variety of forms, many of which are not readily visible to the untrained eye. Having a professional roofer inspect your roof after a storm before you contact your insurance company can save you a lot of time and potential headaches.

If you believe your roof has been damaged by sustained winds, rain, ice, or falling limbs, don’t assume the damage to be merely cosmetic. For safety’s sake, as well as your own peace of mind, contact experienced, licensed roofing professionals like the folks at Southpaw Roofing Augusta Ga and Charleston SC to schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible.

You may have a vague understanding of the need for adequate ventilation in your home’s roof. The gable vents, for example, were long considered more of a decoration than a necessary part of the ventilation system essential for the home.

In cooler northern climates, attic air flow doesn’t land on most people’s list of critical requirements. But roof ventilation for southern homes has always been one of the most important parts of cooling and warming the home.

In your home that’s constantly subjected to high temperatures every day for most of the year, your air conditioning struggles without proper roof ventilation. Even in the most demanding conditions, your attic temperature should always maintain 10 to 20 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature.

If your attic temperature climbs to over 100 degrees or even 150 degrees, that’s a sign your attic desperately needs ventilation. As you can see, roof ventilation for southern homes is essential because in the South, the heat becomes unbearable, and your roof takes the brunt of the heat. We’ll discuss the most important reasons your home needs roof ventilation.

Extending the Life of Your Roof

With adequate roof ventilation, you can expect a cooler home in the summer, and warmer on the cooler days that inevitably come around now and then in the South. With your attic temperature properly regulated, the cooler air filtering through the area takes moisture away from critical areas susceptible to moisture damage like crawl spaces and other areas in the attic, including any stored items there.

With that cooler air circulating, your roof structure also lasts longer because it’s not subjected to super-heated air temperatures and the accompanying moisture-filled humidity.

Roof ventilation systems that follow standards of good design will help eliminate moist, humid air from infiltrating your attic and crawl spaces, and moving the super-heated air to the outdoors. Your home needs to breathe and the best way to make that happen is to prepare your roof and attic areas for the most efficient airflow design possible.

It’s a good idea to have the pros at Southpaw Roofing in Augusta Ga and Charleston SC stop by and help you with expert advice about the best steps to prevent severe damage to your roof and home.

Save Energy and Money

Living in the South has its advantages, and it’s how well you deal with the not-so-pleasant effects of the scorching sun baking the exterior of your home that determine the level of comfort inside.

For example, roof ventilation in Augusta GA is a challenge by any measure, but with careful planning and a good understanding of the requirements to prepare your roof and attic areas for efficient airflow, you will see a reduction in your heating and cooling bills.

As your home reaps the benefits of an efficient roof ventilation system, your air conditioning in the summer and furnace in the winter won’t struggle and run excessively. That leads to energy savings and of course, savings in money, time, and effort in keeping your home comfortable.

As with roof ventilation in Augusta, you can say the same about roof ventilation in Charleston GA, too. One exception is the proximity to the Atlantic ocean. Living on the water is wonderful, but yet again it presents another set of challenges that require knowledge of the environment.

Fortunately, Southpaw Roofing in Augusta GA and Charleston SC is a local company fully prepared to help with any circumstance that requires professional results and flawless advice to guide you to a reasonable and affordable solution.

The Requirements of Adequate Roof Ventilation

If you stand under your roof overhang and look up, look for grates called soffit vents placed strategically in the overhand of your roof. Qualified roofers understand their importance and place them to provide airflow in the attic.

Other vents, called ridge vents, are very common today. They’re inexpensive and provide a continuous vent at the roof’s peak. Ridge vents provide easy access for airflow and contribute to roof ventilation in Augusta GA homes.

Homes with gable vents help with airflow throughout the attic because both ends of the roof open into the attic area. But it’s essential to consider how well air moves through the area as it circulates and tries to keep the airflow uniform and beneficial to your home.

Roof ventilation in Charleston GA, as well as areas along the Atlantic coast, have special considerations with airflow and protection from the elements. The design of appropriate roof ventilation is a specialty of the pros at Southpaw Roofing in Augusta GA and Charleston SC. Call or go online today!

Fixing Roof Damage from Summer Storms

Your roof has a crucial job to perform, protecting your home from the elements twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This task becomes even more vital during bad storms, and especially hurricanes.

It’s important to know what happens to a roof during a storm, so you can be prepared for the worst and take proactive steps to minimize any potential damage. If severe weather has left your home in need of storm damage roof repair Augusta Ga, or hurricane damage roof repair in Charleston SC, be sure and contact experienced roofers like the dedicated professionals at Southpaw Roofing as soon as possible.

WIND DAMAGE TO YOUR ROOF

The first thing we think of when we hear the word “hurricane” is strong winds, and with good reason. For a tropical storm to be designated a hurricane, it must produce sustained winds of seventy-four miles per hour or more. However, powerful hurricanes have been known to generate gusts up to one-hundred-fifty miles per hour and higher.

Hurricane-force winds can inflict a lot of damage on your roof. Often high, sustained winds will loosen and remove roofing tiles. In some cases, hurricane winds have even blown the roofing decks completely off of houses.

Strong winds can also rip the gutters from your roof, causing damage where they were attached.

Another danger of hurricane-force winds is the potential for falling tree limbs. A heavy branch that’s fallen from a significant height has the potential to do catastrophic damage to your roof.

Hurricane and summer storm winds can do significant harm to your roof, but you can take preventative measures to help minimize roof storm damage. For example, be sure to trim any tree limbs that extend over your house. You can also have a roofer install roof tie-downs or hurricane clips. Doing so will not only keep your roof safer, it may even save you money on your homeowner’s insurance premium.

HEAVY RAIN ROOF DAMAGE

Along with heavy winds, hurricanes often bring torrential rains. Ordinarily, a downpour would be no problem for your roof to handle, but it can become a real problem when coupled with hurricane-force winds.

Rain can penetrate your roof through missing tiles, leaks, and connectors that have come loose to flood your attic. Water damage can be costly to repair and only gets worse over time if left untreated. Floods can also facilitate the growth of harmful toxic mold if all affected areas are not correctly restored.

HAIL TO ROOFS

Though less common an occurrence than torrential rains, hurricanes often produce hail. Depending on the size of the stones, this can do a great deal of damage to your storm-battered roof, especially when combined with heavy wind and rain.

LIGHTNING

The odds of your roof being hit by a bolt of lightning during a hurricane are slim, to be sure, but it does happen, and when it does, the results can be catastrophic. A strong enough lighting strike can puncture your roof and damage several floors of your home.

A direct strike isn’t the only way lightning can cause roof storm damage, though, nor is it the most likely. Lightning hitting nearby trees and causing limbs to fall on your roof is the greater concern.

HIGH TEMPERATURES

Hurricanes and summer storms aren’t the only things that can affect your roof during hurricane season. Excessive heat, over time, can do lasting damage to your roof.

Sustained high temperatures can result in swollen roofing materials and cracked shingles, both of which lead to other problems. For example, broken shingles and tiles can quickly become leaks, and swollen roofing can affect your home’s ventilation, causing it to become uncomfortably warm.

PREVENTION

Few of us fully understand what happens to a roof during a storm or how that damage can worsen over time or during the next weather event. Luckily, roofing professionals like the experts at Southpaw Roofing do more than repair storm damaged roofs; they can perform a professional inspection of your roof so you know what to expect during the next storm and what, if any, repairs need to be made.

Waiting to repair storm damaged roofs is a mistake, as some damage may not be evident until the next time it rains heavily. Instead, it’s far better to be proactive and fix minor problems before they become larger, more costly ones.

If you find yourself in need of storm damage roof repair Augusta GA, or Hurricane damage roof repair Charleston SC, call the pros at Southpaw roofing, or visit us online at www.southpawroofing.com.

Water Spots on the Ceiling Can Mean Big Trouble

Many homeowners may not know the cause of water spots on the ceiling. They may dismiss this as a cosmetic concern and put it on their to-do list for later. However, ignoring the spots, regardless of their size can quickly become a costly problem. Calling about water damage roof repair at the first sign of a leak can save time and money.

Understanding Potential Causes

The cause of water spots on the ceiling is of course associated with some type of water damage. While we at Southpaw Roofing commonly see this with a leaking roof, sometimes the cause is not immediately apparent. These additional causes can include but are not limited to:

• Plumbing Issues
• Faulty Appliances
• Accidental Spills/Overflow

In these cases, it is possible for water to pool in a space above, especially if the dwelling has an upstairs.

Getting Rid of Water Spots

The first thing you may think of is about getting rid of the water spots by painting over them or putting up a new piece of ceiling panel. This is not a remedy to the situation. If the problem that caused the water to pool is not corrected, the leaking will continue. Attempting to paint over it can also prove to be dangerous as the ceiling in that area becomes weakened and may fall as a result.

Correcting the Problem the Right Way

We at Southpaw Roofing understand how frustrating it can be when water spots on the ceiling seemingly come out of nowhere, but we can help. Our friendly and professional team can come out to the home to inspect the damage and review the options and costs with you. In some cases, we are even able to work with your insurance company to ensure that there is no huge out-of-pocket expense. Whether you have just noticed these troublesome spots or they have been lingering for awhile, visit our website here for more information.

Basics of Home Roof Repair

Top roof repair problems are often characterized by varying degrees of damage. It is not uncommon for a simple leak to be accompanied by some reasonably severe roof repair problems. Whether it’s a minor repair or a major overhaul, the result is still the same: the safety of your home and family is put at risk. It’s essential to immediately address any roof repair issues as soon as possible because roofing problems can often escalate and require increased amounts of repair.

To ensure that your home’s roof will be safe in the future, you need to take an active role when it comes to its maintenance. Homeowners need to be aware of the types of repairs and replacements appropriate for their particular situation. There are a wide variety of different roofing materials, so there is no reason to skip step one: roof repair. The first thing you need to do is identify the origin of the leak. If it is not a structural problem, such as a missing flash, the leak is likely from weathering or decay.

You should assess the roof to determine whether it is structurally sound. If you cannot determine the problem, then it is time to move on to the next step in roof repair problems. Luckily, today’s technology allows roof repair specialists to easily assess the roof and recommend the proper course of action. A qualified roofer should have a few options for assessing the roof’s condition, but one option that many will suggest is a visual inspection.

Roofs leak for a variety of reasons. Some leaks are caused by poorly-installed flashing. Other roof repair problems can result from shingles that aren’t properly maintained over time. While roofing may seem like a simple issue to solve, it is imperative to address roof repair problems as they arise. If you find yourself forced to choose between continued roof damage and potential loss of home equity, it is often best to hire an expert to address the issue.

The first thing that a roof repair specialist will do is inspect the roof. A roofer needs to look at all roof repair problems, including ones that may be small or seemingly insignificant. The inspector will look for signs of damage, such as loose tiles, missing tiles, or other evidence of wear and tear. The inspector will also inspect the underlayment and underlying structure for signs of damage.

Once the roof inspection is complete, the next step is to assess the extent of the damage. If there is a minor leak, the roof repair specialist may suggest covering the leak with rubber and adding additional insulation to the area. If the leak is fairly large, the roof specialist may suggest replacing the entire roof. The roofing material you choose to use will determine the extent of the repair needed and its cost.

Another key aspect of repairing your roof is identifying and eliminating the sources of damage. Many roof repair problems, such as missing or cracked shingles, can be solved by simply adding more shingles. Other problems, such as leaky pipes or damaged flashing, can only be repaired with added materials. If you are having trouble determining which problems are yours, a roofing company can usually estimate. If you want to make sure that you have a quality roof, hire the top roof repair specialists in your area.

Having a good roof on your home is important for more than just looking nice. Effective weather protection is important for your property and your health. A strong, leak-proof roof will cut down on the risk of your home being destroyed by harsh weather and increase its overall value. By hiring top roof repair professionals in your area, you can avoid costly repairs that could leave your property in worse shape than before. Keep your roof maintained, and you will have a long, healthy life.

If you are having roofing problems in Augusta GA, you shouldn’t attempt to repair most of them yourself. Attempting to roof repair problems in Augusta GA means that you could face serious injuries. That’s why it’s important to get in touch with a professional like Southpaw roofing, so we can help with all your roofing needs. Getting help with Southpaw roofing today will be the best thing you can do.

While homeowners consider a lot of things in their houses as the seasons change, roofing is not usually among the top priorities.

However, as you sit under your roof and watch the temperatures change from extreme winter cold to extreme summer heat, you might also suffer roof wear and tear from weather changes. But how exactly does the weather cause wear and tear to your roof?

How Hot Weather Can Affect Your Roof

UV exposure
Unfortunately, there is no way for you to protect your roof from the long days of being exposed to the hot summer days.

After being exposed to the UV sun rays for a long time, your roof starts to dry out, causing wood structures around the roof to bleach and become weak and may even break, as well as shrinkage. For the tile roofs, the tiles might start to buckle or split.

As shrinkage occurs, the joints between the tiles can also loosen.

Thermal shock
This is one of the greatest effects of heat on your roof. It happens when the day temperatures are higher than average but rapidly drop after sunset.

That extreme temperature and moisture change in the atmosphere over a short period may cause your roof, especially if it is made of metal, to expand and contract rapidly, greatly affecting the integrity of the roof. That can sometimes lead to warping.

Blistering
Heat makes a lot of things expand, including water. After being exposed to the sun for long periods, your roof absorbs a lot of heat. If there was any water trapped beneath your roof’s surface, it expands and evaporates.

That pushes the surface of your roof up, causing what looks like blisters to appear on the roof surface.

Growth
If your roof has some gaps under or between the tiles, water might have collected in the gaps over time. After being exposed to the sun, there will be a lot of warmth in those moist cracks, which will create a conducive environment for the growth of moss and mold.

If left unattended, the moss and mold could spread all through your roof and may even cause it to rot and fall off.

How Cold Weather Can Affect Your Roof

Water damage
Frozen water could cause serious damages to your roof, especially if it freezes up in your gutters, preventing water from properly draining. More water damage could happen if you live in an area that receives high rainfall.

The excess rainwater could find its way under the roof shingles and tiles or may slip through some unnoticed cracks. That will not only damage the roof but the wooden structure around and beneath it.

Snow damage
Snow, though uncommon in this area,  may look good on the ground, but it is a bad thing for your roof, especially if it is a flat one or builds up in a way that can’t fall off the roof easily.

Thanks to the heat coming from your home, the snow can melt fairly quickly, but if you are in a location that snows a lot, you face the danger of the snow sipping under the roof tiles or shingles.

That may not only damage the roof, but also it might become too heavy for your roof to handle, and it may collapse.

Wind damage
Cold weather is associated with winds, and sometimes they may become so strong that they blow off part or all of your roof. This is most common if your roof has suffered snow or ice damage, making it weak.

Icicles and ice dams
This is one of the worst roof damages caused by cold weather, mainly attributed to poor ventilation or insulation around your home. As with snow, it is uncommon in this area, but can be a definite problem as homeowners in the south normally don’t prepare for such circumstances.

When the ice and snow on your roof melts, it may start flowing, and when it comes to a cooler part of the roof, it may collect and form a large ice mass which may prevent water from flowing off the roof. That may result in massive roof damage and leaks.

If you experience roof wear and tear from weather conditions, it is best to contact a roofing contractor to have a look and repair your roof, which is why Southpaw Roofing is here for you.

Southpaw Roofing has the most experienced workers and the highest quality of roofing materials to ensure that you do not have to worry about leaks during the summer or winter.

To book an appointment or make any inquiries, you can visit our website or give us a call Monday to Friday 8:30 am- 4:30 pm at (706) 860-6650 in Augusta GA, or (843) 998-0211 in Charleston SC.