Feazel Roofing didn't win many friends when they sent out a mailing falsely telling recipients their roofs were defective and required a $49 roofing inspection. That was bad enough until someone in their organization posed as a customer and defended the company. Feazel has since apologized for the whole sordid mess. But beware of scare tactics like these from unethical contractors.
I didn't need another reason to love the Boston Red Sox, but I got one anyway. On Monday, the Sox unveiled a rooftop solar water heater system at Fenway Park. The system will generate enough heat to replace 37 percent of the gas traditionally used to heat water at the ballpark. Other green initiatives in the works, according to Boston's Metro newspaper, include the installation of solar-powered trash compactors and the collection of plastic bottles from fans during games. Go Sox!
I had heard of 'green roofs'—roofs that are designed to grow vegetation—on homes, but I had never before seen them on doghouses. Sustainable Pet Design's custom-built doghouses have green roofs which provide insulation, filter runoff water and dust while looking and smelling great. The doghouses are built to order to properly fit your dog and include the buyer's choice of style, color and plant type. Construction is done by hand using non-toxic materials. Sustainable Pet's online ordering system is being updated but interested parties are encouraged to contact the company directly.
Completed in May, Google's is the largest single corporate solar installation in the world. Known as the "Googleplex," the building is Google's U.S. headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. The company reports that the solar panels have cut its grid energy consumption by 30 percent and will pay for themselves in only seven years.
As you emerge from another long, harsh winter, it's time to think about your roof. Most roof damage occurs before it's visible from the ground so it's best to catch it early.
First, when you take out the ladder to do the inspection, make sure it stands on solid level ground and is secured at the top, extending three feet above the gutter. A good rule of thumb is to position the ladder so it stands one foot away from the roof for every four feet of height on the roof.
Here are some things to look for during your inspection as recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association:
Shingles that are buckling, curling or blistering.
Loose material or wear around chimneys and pipes.
Excessive amounts of shingle granules in the gutters.
Also be sure to inspect interior walls and ceilings for water damage. If you do spot a problem, call a professional roofing contractor but not before reading our article on finding the right contractor.
It's heart-wrenching to follow reports of wildfires that rip through portions of this country and are now ravaging California. We can all understand why there are fire codes to stop the spread of flames in these areas. But the truth is that residential fireproofing is important in every area of the country. My husband, an architect, cringes as he watches the flaming debris that falls around these houses. It reminds him of clients who opt for asphalt roof shingles that will not resist fire. At the very least, he says, they should choose fiberglass-based asphalt shingles instead of organic-based asphalt. Flying embers could happen for any number of reasons. Why not protect your roof? Especially since the ember, or "burning brand" as it's called, would be out of sight while it sets fire to your roof. The best solution is to select Class A shingles that will not ignite when exposed to an ember. Granted, we need to follow fire protection guidelines throughout the home, but the roof is typically the largest uninterrupted surface on any home. So, protect it when you get the chance by selecting roofing that will beat back a fire. You'll find there's probably an insurance break for that choice, too.
If you live in a windstorm-prone area, you should find out if your home's attic contains shiners— and I don't mean the frisky baitfish used to catch large-mouth bass. In homebuilding, shiner is a term used for exposed nails along the wood structure of the roof. If you have them, chances are the roof above them is improperly attached. How do you find shiners? If you have safe attic access, use a flashlight to look along the framing members in your attic. If you see shiny objects along the edges of the framing members, you've got shiners. That's bad news because the nails should be hidden inside the wood supports of the roof. If they are exposed, it may mean that your roof is more likely to come off in high winds. The good news is that a roof with shiners can be strengthened—so check for them now before it's too late. What if you don't live in an area prone to high winds? Homes nationwide are vulnerable to windstorms, whether from hurricanes, Nor'easters, straight-line winds, downslope winds, or tornadoes. Don't assume that because you don't live on the coast your home is immune from windstorms or shiners. Do a quick check now to avoid damage later.
