Generally, no matter how much you clean and how hard you try to keep pests out of your home, a few are going to creep by you. So now that you’ve come to terms with the fact that you’ll never truly be pest-free (and in some cases, this isn’t actually a bad things since some bugs are beneficial), here are some tips offered by roofing experts to eliminate or dissuade mice – one of the most common household pests – from your home using some common household items.

Okay, this might seem gross, but roofing professionals say it’s a truly effective way to keep mice out of areas where they commonly lurk (garages, basements, etc.). Place used (that’s right – USED) cat litter in small containers and strategically place these containers around areas where you’ve seen mice hanging out. If you aren’t sure where mice are hanging out, look for droppings – roofing agents say that’s usually a tell-tale sign. Don’t have a cat? If you can bring yourself to ask a neighbor or friend who does, you might get a strange look, but those strange looks come with the benefit of no longer having to deal with mice in your home. The reason this roofing tip works is because mice will smell the cat and instinctively stay away, thinking they’re in danger. Another great tip to get rid of mice: adopt a cat.

If the used kitty litter is just too gross for you, buy a mesh laundry bag and fill it with moth balls (roofing specialists recommend about five boxes to do the trick). Hang the moth ball-filled bag in areas where mice live or near doors. This will not only repel mice, but will also repel birds and bugs.

Not a fan of moth balls? Then there is no pleasing you! Well, there might be another roofing tip: steel wool pads. Stick these suckers in areas where mice are getting through and you’ll find a guaranteed blockade. They will not chew through steel wool and will likely just mouse on over to someone else’s home.

Last but not least, use peppermint extract to deter mice from entering your home. This is the perfect roofing solution for areas in your home where food is present. Mice are often drawn to pantries, so sprinkling a bit of peppermint extract in the area or on boxes will stop mice from inviting themselves to your food stash.

As any smoker (or non-smoker) knows, cigarette smoke is one of the most stubborn odors to remove from a house. Especially to non-smokers, even the slightest hint of a lit cigarette can be overwhelming; but take a house or business where smoking takes place regularly and roofing specialists say you are sure to have an area where the air almost seems thick because of the odor. Even if you’re a smoker, you probably don’t want your home to smell like a giant ashtray. But how can you get rid of the smell? Here are some tips offered by roofing professionals!

Roofing Tip #1: Smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em…outside.

Making the decision to only smoke outside can be a tough transition, but roofing experts say if you truly want a home or business that doesn’t even have the slightest hint of cigarettes, that’s the absolute best way to ensure you have a clean-smelling home. However, make sure not to smoke around open doors or windows, or else the smoke can waft into your home accidentally.

Roofing Tip #2: The Smoker’s Lounge

Many homeowners and business owners dedicate one area of their home or business where they can light up. Roofing agents say designating one particular space not only saves the rest of your home from the long-standing wrath of cigarette smoke, but it also ensures that only those items in that particular room are affected, thus if you ever want to get rid of the smell, you have fewer items that may need professional cleaning or a roofing crew to remove altogether to eliminate the smell.

Roofing Tip #3: Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are good to have in your home anyway, regardless of if you smoke or not, according to roofing practitioners. However, air purifiers only work (unless you have a lot of money to invest in a very expensive unit) in the area they are located. With that said, it’s helpful to see the paragraph above and add an air purifier to that advice.

Rafters are the main support system for your roof, which protects the rest of your home from the elements and dangers posed by falling tree limbs and heavy winds. Your roof also keeps heat in during the winter and defects the sun’s rays during the summer to keep your home cool. Since your roof has such an important job, it would make sense that the rafters underneath are one of the most important parts of your home, which is why they should be professionally inspected by your local Miami roofing contractors.

Having your rafters inspected is especially important if dark spots or strains begin to appear on them. These symptoms can indicate a leak, which means your roof is in need of repair and possibly even replacement if the damage or deterioration is severe enough. Water leaks can cause serious stress to your Miami roofing rafters and can cause them to sag. If you see any indications of sagging, it is important to call your Miami roofing contractor right away before the rafter snaps or gives way.

You may think that replacing a rafter is an easy enough task, but Miami roofing professionals discourage the attempt to repair or replace the rafter yourself. Your Miami roofing expert will know the right kind of materials and techniques to best repair/replace the rafter without endangering your home or your family. He may also have a bevy of tools you don’t have access to in order to perform the job correctly.

It is important to have your roof and rafters inspected at least once a year. Continual inspections will allow Miami roofing technicians to discover small issues early on when low-cost solutions are more likely or before something disastrous occurs.

Tar paper, also known as felt paper, is an underlayment that is used between the decking and shingles. Tar paper comes in two different weights – 15 pounds and 30 pounds. If your roofer is using tar paper, you need to make sure he is using the correct weight recommended by the manufacturer. If the incorrect tar paper weight is used, the warranty may become invalid, leaving you with the burden of covering extra costs if something goes wrong.

Tar paper underlayments are particularly vital to your roof’s capacity to protect the rest of your home from water damage. However, it is important to realize that felt paper can tear effortlessly, so it should be installed by a veteran roofer. Oftentimes leaks happen due to a tear or a rip in the tar paper, which will cause stains or leaks in your attic.

Roofing professionals discourage homeowners from trying to install tar paper on their own. Roofing technicians wear special shoes that allow them to maintain a good footing while working on felt paper that homeowners don’t have. Homeowners could easily slip and fall and become seriously hurt or worse.

If you have excessive water, leaves or other debris collecting on your roof, you are essentially generating your own compost pile. The pooling water on your roof becomes highly acidic and will cause the tar paper to deteriorate if any of it seeps through.

Make it a point to have regular Miami roofing inspections performed to stop small issues from becoming costly repairs. If you think the tar paper may be torn or has a hole in it, don’t hesitate to call your Miami roofing company right away.

Chimneys are a very important part of your home’s structure. Keeping them cleaned, maintained and protected is just as important as other areas of your home such as your plumbing, structure, etc. Many roofing companies have expanded their services to include chimney inspections and cleanings. If you are having any roofing work done or perhaps a roof inspection, that may be the perfect time to also have your chimney inspected.

As water and debris enter your chimney, they can cause corrosion and even become a fire hazard. In order to stop water, debris and animals from entering your chimney, your roofing professional may suggest a chimney cap. Properly installed chimney caps prevent anything from getting inside your chimney while allowing you to use your fireplace without worry.

Roofing experts suggest having your chimney inspected at least once a year to ensure that the structure is sound and it is free of debris, animals and anything else that could compromise the safety of your home. Many roofing companies also perform chimney cleaning. Regardless of whether or not you have an active fireplace, you should have this service performed. Roofing professionals advise that you have your chimney cleaned if you find smoke is filling your fireplace, you have excessive amounts of water coming through the chimney or if you have animals coming into your home. It is especially important to call your local roofer if water is a problem because this can also cause damage to your roof and the rest of your home.

Call your roofing contractor today and schedule an appointment to have your chimney inspected and/or cleaned.

Most people are well-aware that when you’re looking to hire anyone to perform any type of skill, experience is a highly sought-after attribute. This is especially true when hiring a roofing company.

Experienced roofers will already be licensed and will offer you a contract. This shows that they are professionals and are looking out for the interests of both parties involved. Why? Because an experienced roofer knows there can be complications and disputes and a contract will ensure that both parties are clear on the expectations. It cannot be stressed enough that you should never do business with a roofing company that does not offer contracts. Contracts are designed to protect you more than anything.

An experienced roofer will also be familiar with building codes. The last thing you want to do is have a roof built only to find out that it is six inches too high. You won’t have to worry about getting the information from your local building inspector to relay to the roofer; instead he will show up and be ready to work and construct you a roof that is well within code.

Another advantage of hiring an experienced roofer is being able to rely on that same company if there are problems once the roofing project has been completed. Experience means familiarity and if you have a problem with your roof, an experienced roofer won’t have to spend a bunch of time (and your money) trying to pinpoint the problem.

Don’t let the fear of insulting someone hold you back from doing what’s in your best interest; make sure to ask your local roofer for previous job experiences.

All professional working relationships should have a contract. Regardless of how friendly the relationship and interactions may seem at the beginning, that “friendliness” can fall by the wayside when one or both parties do not fulfill their end of the bargain.

Most roofing professionals would not think this way, but if you do not insist on a contract, you may be viewed as a less valuable client. Your needs for your project may be pushed aside in favor of the needs of someone who has a contract and has legal recourse if certain goals are not met or the performance is not up to par. A contract allows you to assert your rights and expectations when it comes to your roofing services.

A contract will also spell out all the intimate details. All the expectations of both parties are clearly spelled out from start to finish – especially the finish. Some clients may expect that the property be cleared of leftover materials and debris while the roofing company doesn’t see this as their job or their responsibility. A contract will make sure that if that’s what you expect and it’s written down, that’s what should happen.

A contract also protects you from not having the roofing project completed. Even if there is a breakdown in the relationship, the roofing company still has an obligation to complete the work. If they refuse to do so for whatever reason, your contract assures your legal recourse.

Many roofing professionals will not work without a contract, as it benefits them as well. They expect to be paid and if you decide you don’t want to pay them, they have legal recourse to make you do so. Don’t be afraid to ask for a contract; any responsible and reputable roofing company will be happy to oblige.

It is a big step to decide to jump on the “green” bandwagon and transform your roof into an environmental contributor. There are many aspects you need to consider when installing a green roof, one of which is the additional weight that will be added to your structure. Unfortunately, installing a green roof isn’t as easy as swapping the old roof out for a new one, so you will need to work with your roofing company to ensure that your new installation will not compromise the rest of your home.

Roofing experts suggest that adding a green roof can add 20 to 150 extra pounds per square foot to your roof’s structure. It will be necessary to reinforce the existing roof so it will be capable of holding up under the extra weight. In some cases, especially when dealing with a retrofit, a structural engineer will have to be consulted to make sure that your house will not collapse under the pressure of the new roofing option. If your roofing company does not have a structural engineer on staff, they may be able to point you in the direction of a qualified engineer who can help out on this project.

It is important to have a reputable roofing company install your green roof. The retrofit or new installation needs to be constructed correctly, as your entire home’s safety (and the inhabitants inside) depends upon their expertise.

Green roofs are becoming trendy, despite the added costs. Many homeowners and commercial property owners are seeing the benefits of having a green roofing option as more important that spending a little extra money. But how much exactly does a green roof cost to install?

Most roofing experts say that installing a green roof will surpass typical roofing costs by $ 8-$ 25 per square foot. This extra cost accounts for the additional materials, manpower and time that is necessary to install this type of roofing, as well as adding reinforcements to an existing structure so the weight of the green roof does not compromise the frame.

You can minimize your costs by having a simple design, because more intricate and complex roofs are going to cost more, especially if it requires a certain amount of expertise. There are also the added costs of installing an irrigation system if it is necessary to keep the weight of pooled water off the roof.

If you want a better understanding of the costs associated with installing a green roof, call your local roofing company today and ask to schedule a consultation.

Green roofs, also known as rooftop gardens,” “living roofs” or “eco-roofs” are becoming more and more prevalent on the American horizon.  Instead of using typical roofing shingles and slates, these roofs have growing mediums and plants as their primary roof layer. Green roofs have been used by people for thousands of years with early versions flourishing in ancient Babylon, Iceland and Europe. So why would someone want a green roof?

Going green is all about reducing our dependency on electric and gas energy. Green roofs help to manage the structure’s interior climate by reducing the amount of heat that is absorbed through the roof during the warmer months, and by slowing the transfer of heat from inside to out during the colder months. They also give the horizon a bit of character by breaking up the monotonous stretch of cookie-cutter roofs by adding unique and attractive textures and colors. Green roofs also create a small ecosystem that attracts and gives home and sustenance to birds, wildlife and butterflies. Roof runoff is reduced and filtered so the water is cleaner when it reaches the ground or the storm sewer. These roofing systems also lengthen the life of your roof by reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the roofing materials.

If you think a green roof is a good idea, call your local roofing company today!