Posts made in April 2020

If you are lucky enough to have a historic home, you understand how important it is to keep a close eye on its upkeep, as older homes are more vulnerable due to the age and condition of their construction materials. If regular maintenance isn’t practiced, there’s a risk that deterioration will gain a foothold and could continue unabated. It’s a chance that you don’t want to take.

At Shelby Roofing & Exteriors, we know a lot about residential roofing in St. Louis and are providing this guide to help you choose the right roof for your historic home.

You want to maintain the historic appearance of your home, so perhaps you may want to consider repairing the roof rather than replacing it with a new one. If you opt for repairs, then you should use the same materials if possible for historical accuracy. This includes materials such as wood shingles, clay tiles, slate, or copper.

It might not be possible or practical to use these for your residential roofing in St. Louis, and in that case, you are going to want to replace the roof instead. Modern materials are much more durable than old ones and are available in many different shapes, styles, and colors that allow them to blend well into historical designs and modern ones alike.

When the spring comes, that’s the time to start your top-to-bottom home cleaning. And we mean that literally when we include the “top” because thorough cleaning and maintenance should include your home’s roof as well.

At Shelby Roofing & Exteriors, we are known for our skills in St. Louis residential roofing and have provided this checklist here so you can make sure your roof is in the best shape possible.

Your first step should be to inspect your roof visually. Look at the shingles and take note of missing, curled, blistered, or buckled shingles. Ones that are stained can also be indicative of a roof leak or damage to the roof’s ventilation system.

Make sure you are on the lookout for mold as well. It can quickly spread and damage your roof if not kept in check.

In addition to an external examination of your roof, it needs an internal checkup as well. Go into your attic and look for any sign of damage. Look for sources of light that indicate holes in the roof. You should also be on alert for water damage, mold, and mildew.

If you follow the steps on this checklist, your St. Louis residential roofing should be well-kept and maintained.

You’re convinced siding in St. Louis, MO, is the option for you. You don’t have to paint every couple of years. It reduces energy costs. And it’s almost maintenance-free. Now, the decision before you is what type of siding you should choose. You want to make sure you get a good deal on durable products that result in lower power bills. Do some research and talk to some experts.

What Matters with Siding

It’s time to learn about siding. You have a number of options before you. Consider these factors while exploring:

Material — Look at the pros and cons of different types of siding. Your choices include everything from vinyl to wood composite to cedar and more.

Energy Savings — Any type of siding provides a measure of energy savings. However, some offer more. The best way to do this is to look at the R-value. This rates its insulating quality.

Cost — There are significant differences in the prices, depending on material and brand. Compare your options and see what works best for you.

Durability — The right siding can last for years and years. Look at what the manufacturers say, and even talk to neighbors and friends.

Beauty — The way it looks matters. This will be the outside layer of your house. It’s what everyone will see when they drive or walk by. If you have some personal preferences, seek information about these first, and then consider others, too.

Mold can form on roof shingles that are in permanent shade and can damage the roof if left unattended. Extensive mold growth can also expose the interior of your attic to mold spores. You can quickly address the problem by contacting an expert in roofing and exteriors in St Louis, or you can also clean the mold off yourself.

Here are some steps to remove mold from your roof.

Protect Your Lawn and Plants – Cover plants with tarps or plastic sheeting to protect them from getting splashed with bleach. Make sure that you cover a wide radius around your home to be safe.

Make and Apply the Bleach Solution – Using rubber gloves and a mask, make a cleanser composed of 1/4 chlorine bleach and 3/4 water in a large bucket. Add one tablespoon of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and mix well. You don’t need specialized roofing and exteriors equipment. Just fill a handheld pump sprayer with the solution, and apply it only to the moldy shingles.

Rinse Well – Allow the solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. Next, rinse the shingles thoroughly with a garden hose at low pressure. Start from the top shingle and rinse downward to prevent water seepage. If any mold remains, apply the cleanser again, wait ten more minutes, and rinse again.

Many people are doing their part to help the environment by implementing more eco-friendly measures in their daily lives. But can the way you build a home help the environment? Are there building practices and materials used in residential home building that are eco-friendly and sustainable? If it’s time for you to build a new home or replace your roof, there are some environmentally friendly options for residential roofing in St Louis.

Here are the most popular eco-friendly roofing materials:

Wood Shingles – Wood shingles are experiencing a renaissance because of their “greenness.” Wood roofs generally last about 15 to 20 years. And not only can wood shingles be recycled, but the original shingles can be manufactured from reclaimed or recycled wood.

Metal Roofs – Metal roofs can also be produced from recycled metal products and be recycled after replacement. Metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more while reflecting heat and keeping energy costs down. This helps explain why they are quickly climbing in popularity as a residential roofing option.

Clay Tiles – Clay tiles are entirely recyclable. They are common in desert climates because of their durability and ability to reflect the heat. Also, homeowners who choose this option will save on electricity costs as clay tiles insulate against both heat and cold by creating an “air cushion” above and below the tiles.