Renovation,roof repair and theft prevention – by BT Khoo

It is now a norm that owner of new houses install security alarm system to protect their house from theft.

There are many types of security alarm system available in the market and they mainly consist of magnetic contact and vibration sensors to be installed at doors or windows to detect any intrusion. There are also infra red sensor to detect any movement within any particular space such as living room etc.

While the magnetic contact or vibration sensors will trigger the alarm whenever there is an intruder entering through the door or window. Infra red sensor will detect movement but that include the movement of pet or rat.

Some intruder may choose to enter the house through the roof by removing the roof tiles. The infra red sensors can be used for the space below the roof tiles within the roof truss area above the ceiling but that will cause a lot of inconvenience to the occupant of the house as alarm will be triggered when ever there rats moving above the ceiling area. So most owner will compromise safety for the sake of convenience.

But if you are renovating your house and if your renovation works include the replacement of roof tiles, then you can take the opportunity to install a layer of galvanised iron steel sheet or plywood immediately below the roof tiles location to completely cover the roof area before the roof tiles are being relaid on the galvanised sheet or plywood. The steel sheet or plywood will prevent easy entry of thief as any cutting of those material will create noise and takes time which the thief surely do not want.

Moreover if you choose to use galvanised iron steel sheet to cover the roof below the roof tiles, the roof will be almost completely leak proof thus serving two purposes of theft prevention and leak prevention.

Mr BT Khoo is the webmaster of Malaysia Property Blog and Malaysia Real Estate & Property

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Removing Snow From Roof Using Roof Rakes – by Andrew Caxton

Removing Snow From Roof Is A Demanding Job

Removing snow from your roof is not the same as the removing snow from your garden. Where there is a possibility of snow, the roofs are made inclined and this is a major reason why the mechanical tools cannot be used by the house-owner. Either he has to use manual tools or he has to call for an expert in roof raking. Fortunately, the gravity works for the house-owner and if the snowfall is not continuous and long lasting, the nature itself would melt the snow and a minor effort on part of house-owner will ensure that no ice collects on the roof.

Roof Rakes Are Made Of Aluminum Or Hard Plastic

For roof raking aluminum ladder and roof rakes are required. The roof rakes are attached at the end of a tube. They are made of aluminum or hard plastic. Aluminum is preferred over plastic as they are not as tough as the aluminum ones. Aluminum ladder is necessary, as roof is slippery, inclined and thus not safe for access. Whatever portions can be reached with the help of the tube extensions, are cleared of collected snow and the other portions left out in as is condition.Chemical deicers if available in market can be used.

Safety In Roof Raking

Do not do the following when clearing the snow from roof.

1. Never ever, climb on the roof to clear the snow. All the ingredients for an accident are present the roof. A slippery surface and slope are sufficient for hurtling you downwards.

2. Do not work on the snow by mechanical means, that means no pounding or chopping.

3. Aluminum ladder should have a firm footing, and it should be anchored firmly. It should not topple down.

Roof Raking Alternatives

To reduce the manual effort required in roof raking and removing snow from roof, roof and gutter de-icing cable can be installed on the roof. This has to be installed on the roof in a zigzag pattern and parallel to the gutter. A controller situated in your house will ensure that the temperature of the area under the cable does not get hot.

Andrew Caxton is the webmaster of http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . A guide on lawn mowers and garden tractors and how to choose the right type for your garden;including snow removal tools for the winter season such as snow blowers and roof rakes http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/snow-removal-equipment/roof-rake.html

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Removing Moss And Algae From ROOFS – by Jonathan Harwood

Perhaps, like many people around the world, you have moss or algae growth on the roof of your house. This can occur on most common roofing materials: asphalt, cedar shakes, concrete tiles, etc., and will shorten the life of your roof. People with moss or algae growth on their roofs tend to live in areas with higher than normal rainfall and humidity levels.

Lichen spores are broadcast across roofs with even a light wind, and the spores will grow and develop into mature moss clump formations. In the Northern hemisphere, Moss grows more on the North face of a roof, or in areas with overhanging branches. Shady areas created by branches or other obstructions tend to foster the growth of moss and algae. Morning dew and rainfall will evaporate slower on these surfaces because of the minimal amount of direct sunlight the surfaces receive. Obviously, surfaces that receive more sunlight are less likely to be affected by moss or algae growth.

Moss can be of great concern to the homeowner, and will shorten the life of the roof if left untreated. Just like a household sponge, the shallow root system of thick Moss growth can suck up and store more than four times its weight in water. That is exactly what your moss-laden roof is doing: bearing weight on your sheathing, rafters, etc. In addition, root activity and moisture significantly speed up the deterioration of your shingles.

What Now?

Fortunately, moss can be a fixable problem if the homeowner doesn’t wait until the roof is too far-gone. Hiring an experienced professional for this dangerous work is an important first step. The proper use of meticulous roof cleaning tools gently removes heavy moss clump formations. The job is very tedious–the roof must be cleaned shingle by shingle, with careful attention paid to all other elements of the roof. This first step in removing the moss should not be over aggressive–typically the total moss removal at this step is 80% to 95%; the remaining 5% to 20% that was too tight or difficult to remove is then treated with an appropriate roof cleaning mixture. What a difference this will make to the look and life of your roof!

What can a Homeowner do to Prevent Moss and Algae Growth?

Preventing or minimizing moss and algae growth on your roof can be as easy as pruning any overhanging branches to decrease the amount of shade on your roof. The additional sunshine will inhibit the growth of moss and algae. In addition, air circulation over the roof will improve, speeding up the drying process after precipitation, and there will be far less organic debris from branches to hold moisture and feed moss and algae growth.

About the Author

Jonathan Harwood runs Mr. Sparkle Exterior Cleaning in Nanaimo, B.C., Canada, and has been in the roof cleaning business since 1992.

For more information, please visit:

Mr. Sparkle – Nanaimo Gutter Guard and Gutter Cleaning, Roof and Vinyl Siding Cleaning

http://www.mrsparkle.net/

Jonathan Harwood runs Mr. Sparkle Exterior Cleaning in Nanaimo, B.C., Canada, and has been in the roof cleaning business since 1992.

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Reflective Roof Coatings Institute Formed – by Ken Bowman

The Reflective Roof Coatings Insitute is a non-profit trade organization that will promote the benefits of reflective roof coatings in extending the life of roof systems while reducing energy consumption and demand for the building envelope. Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) December 31, 2005 — Several companies engaged in the development and manufacture of reflective roof coating materials have banded together to form the Reflective Roof Coatings Institute (RRCI). The purposes of the Institute are: 1. To promote the benefits of reflective roof coatings in extending the life of roof systems while reducing energy consumption and demand for the building envelope; 2. To promote the highest standards in product promotion, application training and product performance within the reflective roof coating industry; 3. To promote the development and research of data relating to the application, performance and value of reflective roof coatings; and 4. To advance the best interests of the reflective roof coatings industry. The first organizational meeting was held in Chicago in November where Jim Leonard, president of ERSystems, Rockford, MN, was named the interim president of RRCI. “Because of the growing importance of the California Energy Commission’s Title 24 program, we felt the time was right to form an organization that would not only promote reflective roof coatings but also provide a means to educate the end-users of their benefits”, stated Leonard at the recent organization meeting. At present the RRCI is engaged in actively recruiting new members and have had twenty companies become Founding Members of the Institute. Ken Bowman, president of the Robstan Group, Inc – an association management company located in Kansas City, MO – has been retained to act as the executive director and help manage RRCI. Bowman said, “With our experience in managing construction related associations, we are very proud that the Robstan Group has been chosen to be RRCI’s partners in getting this association started.” The next meeting of RRCI will be held in Las Vegas on February 12, 2006 at the Tropicana Resort & Casino that will be open to the entire industry. “At this meeting, we will continue the business of establishing the Institute but we are also going to have general sessions to discuss issues facing our industry. We feel this meeting will be a great start for RRCI in helping provide an educational venue for reflective roof coatings”, stated Leonard. There are three categories of membership in RRCI: Manufacturer, Raw Material Supplier and Associate, which includes sales representatives, design professionals, consultants, architects and engineers. For more information about the Reflective Roof Coatings Institute, please contact Ken Bowman at 816.472.8870 or visit www.reflectivecoatings.org. # # #

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Recovering After The Storm: Roof Repair Tips – by Mark Sheppler

Storms can do great harm to roofs. After the storm has completely passed, you should immediately check for roof damage. Check your roof from one end to another so you can properly diagnose the storm effects. If you miss just one spot or neglected one problem area, you may pay dearly, not just for roof repairs but also for replacement of damaged valuable furniture and home furnishings.

The Need for Temporary Storm Damage Roof Repair

Unless you are a trained carpenter or an engineer, or you know someone skilled who can get to work immediately, all you can do is try to perform minor and temporary repairs on your roof immediately after a storm. Temporary roof repair is necessary so that you can prevent further damage when another storm hits before you get your roof permanently repaired. Temporary roof repair is also necessary to ensure your home’s integrity and ensure that your family has adequate protection against the elements.

After you have assessed your roof and identified problem areas, get to work. The most pressing problem is roof holes. You need to plug up these holes immediately. Obviously, holes in the roof will mean leaks when it rains. They also mean that cold air or hot air can escape from your home. This inefficiency will cost you dearly in your electricity bills. Sure you may be able to do a little stargazing from the comfort of your living room recliner, but I think most would agree that a hole in the roof is very high priority on temporary repair lists.

How to Do Storm Damage Roof Repair

The most expedient way to repair your roof after a storm is to spread tarpaulin or water-proof canvass over your entire leaky roof. It is better to use the tarpaulin over your roof rather than under the roof and inside your house since doing the latter will lead to water collecting and leaking inside your home.

Remember to do this very carefully and with adequate assistance from capable members of your family. Be sure, too, to cover your roof up really tightly so that the wind cannot get under the tarpaulin or canvass and rip it and the rest of your roof off. After you have pulled the covering over your roof as tightly as you and your assistant(s) can manage, secure the ends with strong ropes and nails so that even a fairly strong gust of wind will not be able to undermine your temporary storm damage repair.

One other way of doing temporary storm damage roof repair is by going up there and sealing holes up with roof sealant. Use the appropriate safety paraphernalia like safety ladders and rope support so that you can prevent any accident from happening.

The Need for Permanent Storm Damage Roof Repair

After you have secured your home and fixed your storm damaged roof the best way you can, you need to call an expert carpenter or contractor to proceed with permanent storm damage control and repair to your roofs. An expert can perform the proper maintenance and thereby help you properly repair the damage the storm wrought on your roof.

Hiring a professional to repair your storm-ravaged roof may be expensive. However, in the long run, this is the most effective way of preventing other more catastrophic and more expensive damage to your home. Your initial assessment and your temporary roof repair efforts will never be enough to ensure your home’s survival on the next storm.

Mark Sheppler is a handyman and home improvement writer. During storms he is rarely far away from a standby generator.

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Proper Ventilation for Your OR Roof – by Mark Starr

Ventilation is a vital component to any good roofing job in Portland OR. In addition to installing a quality rooftop, your roofing contractor in Portland should construct an adequate ventilation system. Learn more about the importance of proper ventilation for your OR roof.

Adequate Roofing Ventilation Increases the Longevity of Your OR Roof

Your roofing contractor in Portland can describe for you how proper ventilation is the most important element in the lifespan of your roof. A solid ventilation system for your OR roof can increase its longevity by as much as a decade. In fact, while inadequate roofing materials or the workmanship might be contributing factors to premature roof damage, the cause is most often due to poor roof ventilation.

The Benefits of Roof Ventilation — Moisture Control

A quality roofing job in Portland OR consists of a ventilation system that helps to regulate moisture levels within the home. Most homes produce an average of five pounds of water vapor each day. Without proper ventilation for your OR roof, the woodwork inside your home can start to rot, the insulation can lose its efficiency and your home can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Components of a Proper Roof Ventilation System

Your roofing job in Portland should result in a properly installed ventilation system that effectively balances airflow and controls the temperature underneath the roofing structure. Adequate ventilation for your OR roof consists of two parts: intake and exhaust.

The intake and exhaust hoses create an air exchange system to prevent the temperature under the roof from getting to hot. Hot air flows out, while cool air from the outside flows in.

Your roofing contractor in Portland will install roof vents to help circulate air and prevent condensation. The number and placement of vents should be in compliance with Portland building codes.

Roofing Portland OR — Types of Ventilation for Your Roof

Proper roof ventilation for your home can be achieved through a variety of methods. Common roof vents include dormer vents, turbine vents, gable vents, ridge vents and circular vents.

The most adequate ventilation system is comprised of vents that not only maximize the balance of airflow, but also work well with the appearance of your home. Consult with your roofing contractor in Portland to determine which type of ventilation system will work best for your OR roof.

Mark Starr covers articles on roofing in Portland OR for Elements Roofing, an Oregon based company specializing in new roof installations and OR roof repair.

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Power Washing Roofs – by Henry Bockman

There are a few ways to clean roofs but they all rely on the same principle, low pressure cleaning with the use of a cleaning agent. Most roof cleaners use a sodium hydroxide base or sodium Hypochlorite. Bleach is used most often, but sometimes with disastrous results. GAF roofing says that the use of bleach immediately voids any warranty on an asphalt roof because it breaks down the composition of the shingle. These stains are impossible to remove without the aid of chemicals. Caustics are inexpensive and very effective for killing mold. No matter which method or cleaner you use they can cause significant plant damage around the home or to the roof if not used properly. Safety is also a huge factor in roof cleaning, using an OSHA approved safety harness and ropes are a must. Never attempt cleaning a roof without proper safety precautions; even the flattest roof can become slippery and hazardous when wet.
Most roof cleaning requests will be for removing green mildew or black streaks and stains (mold algae also known as ‘gloeocapsa magma’). These stains significantly affect the look of any home. On occasion you will also notice moss growing on roofs, what the home owner may not realize is that mildew and moss can actually eat away the roofing on the home.
In the past, the only way to get rid of them was to replace the roof. It has been estimated that as much as 50% of all roof replacements have been done because of the appearance of the roof and not actually because of its functionality.
We suggest using the following method: First, using an X-Jet, wet the roof slightly to cool it down. Also soak the ground and any plants near the downspouts to dilute the cleaner. Second, using a chicken ladder along with a roped harness or another OSHA approved method, apply your roof cleaner. This can be done with an X-Jet, pump up sprayer or Shurflow pump, no matter which method you use apply it to the shingles from the lowest part of the roof up to the peak. When applying cleaners make sure you don’t shoot them under the shingles, if using an X-Jet shoot above the roof and allow the cleaner to “fall” onto the roofing like rain. After applying your cleaner, allow the cleaner to work for about 15 minutes then begin power washing with 100-300PSI from the peak of the roof down. Always make sure the spray from your wand is aimed down the roof, never across or up the incline. This will shoot water under the shingles and cause leaks. It will also get cleaner on the nails that fasten down the shingles. Most roof cleaning chemicals will cause rapid rusting of fasteners.
Finally, rinse the surface and plants around the area well. Rinsing of the roof can be done from the ground using your X-Jet.

Henry Bockman has received environmental and wood certifications from the Power Washers of North America, Wolman, ABR and numerous awards for his company Henry’s Housework Inc.
http://www.henryshousework.com
His company uses professional power washing products from http://www.SunBritesupplymd.com

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