Roofing FAQs – All Your Questions Answered

We get a lot of questions when it comes to roofing, especially around springtime when the snow has all finally melted away and we can actually see our roofs. So, here is a list of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you out!

Does a leaking roof have to be replaced?

Not necessarily. In many cases, a leaking roof is a sign that your flashing (the stripping along edges where your roof meets a wall or chimney) is not doing it’s job. If it’s just the flashing that’s causing your roof to leak, there’s no need to replace your roof - a simple repair will do!

If the leak is contained to one small area, the damage may be able to be patched up and repaired without doing a complete roof replacement.

If you need help figuring out what’s causing the leak in your roof, our professional roofers can help! Contact us to talk to a home improvement specialist.

See our 5 signs that you need a roof replacement.

When is the best time to make repairs to a roof?

As soon as you notice the damage! The sooner you make repairs, the less likely it will grow into a bigger problem. We recommend tackling roofing projects in weather above freezing—when it’s below 32ºF, shingles can become brittle and difficult to work with.

When is the best time to replace a roof?

Many people put off replacing their roof until fall when winter is just around the corner and they’re starting to think about the snow that will be piling on soon. But we recommend spring as the best time to replace your roof – although we have expert roofers that work year-round on roofing replacement projects!

What qualities should I look for in a roofing contractor?

There are 4 main factors that you should look out for when hiring a roofing contractor: insurance, licenses, guaranties/warranties (on both materials and labor), and references.

You should also make sure that you feel you can communicate clearly with your contractor every step of the way.

What can I do to help prolong the look and quality of my roof?

A new roof is a pretty big investment, so you want it to last as long as possible! At Aspen Home Improvements, we offer Scotchgard Protector on every roof we install to help keep your roof looking new and in great condition for longer. Scotchgard Protector helps to prevent against algae growth (which causes those terrible dark streaks on shingles) and works on any roof.

Do you have any additional questions about roofing or roof replacements? Contact our team today!  

How To Start Shopping for Any Home Improvement Project

Does just the thought of remodeling your home leave you feeling overwhelmed?

Whether you’re redecorating one room or giving your home’s exterior a total overhaul, it can be stressful. We see it all the time here at Aspen Home Improvements. Most people don’t even know where to begin, and that’s why we’re here to help guide you through the process of starting your home improvement project.

Be Inspired

Gathering inspiration from websites like Pinterest or Houzz can be a big help when you’re trying to decide exactly what you want to do with your home.

Did you know that on Houzz you can search the work of local companies like ours? You can see before and after images from previous projects, as well as customer reviews that we have worked with in the past.

When you discover images representing what you’d like to do with your own home, make sure to save them – they can come in handy when meeting with a professional.

Get Up Close and Personal

Stop by showrooms in your area and get an up-close look at the items you’re thinking about using in your renovation.

This is the fastest way to actually meet with home improvement specialists and see the products in person, rather than online. Our showroom has a diverse display of all the products we offer, and someone is always available to answer your questions and help you find what is right for your home!

Set Your Budget

Now that you’ve decided what you’d like to do with your home and have taken a look at some of the products your likely be using (hopefully you’ve taken a look at the showroom price-tags), you can set your budget.

Determine how much you can spend and then prioritize your spending to make sure you can afford to finish the most important/necessary aspects.

If you’re taking on a larger project, you can also consider home improvement financing.

Get Professional Help

There are some projects that you can do yourself, but we recommend talking to one of our home improvement specialists to see if you should tackle the project yourself or get professional help.

Our team has seen a lot of DIY mistakes in the past that we have had to correct. DIY projects can sometimes cause more damage to your home, resulting in an even more expensive home renovation.

If you’re thinking about any exterior renovations (windows, doors, roofing, and/or siding) Aspen Home Improvements’ specialists are here to assist you!

Send us a message or give us a call at 717-569-3700, we’d love to talk and help you turn your home into your dream home.

5 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

The roof is one of those things that most of us really don’t start to pay attention to until something goes wrong. Your home’s roof is one of the most important parts of your house; it protects you all year long, so now it’s time for you to protect it.

So what are some signs that it’s time for you to replace your roof? Let’s take a look:

1. Attic Leak

This should seem obvious, but if your attic has puddles after a rainstorm, it might be time for your roof to be replaced. This problem could arise due to a variety of issues such as: inadequate shingle underlayment, poorly installed flashing (the aluminum or steel pieces between joints), or deterioration. Wind is one likely culprit of a leaky roof, and ice damage is another (we all know how the Pennsylvania snow can be sometimes).

2. Blistering/Peeling Paint

When the paint inside or outside you home begins to blister or peel off, it may be because of a high amount of moisture in the house. The cause of this is the air not being able to ventilate correctly.

3. Stains, Mold, or Mildew on Ceilings and Walls

Let hope you’re able to catch stains on your walls and ceilings before mold starts to grow, but any of these things inside your home could be warnings that it’s time to replace your roof. Failing shingle underlayment may be causing water to manage to seep into your house.

4. Dark Spots

Dark dirty looking spots could just be dirt, but it could also mean mold, fungus, algae, or vegetation growth! This doesn’t necessarily mean your roof needs to be replaced, but it definitely should be taken care of. At Aspen Home Improvements, we offer roofing complete with Scotchgard™ Protector to help protect against algae on your shingles.

5. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

Your roof’s shingles are out in the sun all day long, and over time the sun can slowly dry them out. If you can touch your roof’s shingles and they fall apart, it’s time for a new roof. While a single broken shingle may just need a quick repair, multiple damaged shingles could require replacement.

If your home is experiencing any of these signs (or all, yikes!), contact us. There’s no better time to replace your roof than before the winter snow hits!

4 Common Roof Problems

If you’ve got a roof over your head, you’ve got a place to get away from the elements and keep yourself and your family safe. But what if that roof isn’t quite doing it’s job?

Overtime, the shingles or tiles on your roof naturally become weathered and need either repairing or replacing. If your roofing is in bad shape, the underlying roof material becomes prone to dry rot or mold, which can then lead to leaks and major repairs later on.

There are a few factors that can worsen your roof quickly overtime if action isn’t taken to fix the problem. Here are a few common roofing issues that we’ve seen throughout Central and Eastern Pennsylvania at Aspen Home Improvements:

Improper Installation: Although many roofers in the area are highly qualified, it may happen that your shingles or tiles have not been properly installed. If your contractor does not offer a lifetime grantee on both material and labor like we do here at Aspen, it may be a costly fix. Improper roof installation can lead to quicker wear and improper water drainage, which can be harmful during the winter months.

Poor Maintenance: After a new roof is installed properly, some maintenance may be needed to keep debris from clogging drains. Minor fixes may also be needed from time to time. If ignored, they could lead to larger problems.

Weathering: This is the most common problem, and it is completely natural, but the amount of time that it takes for a roof to weather depends on the type of material used. See which types of roofing we use at Aspen Home Improvements under “Quality Roofing and Accessories” on our roofing page.

Flashing Issues: Flashing refers to the weather resistant barrier that is installed between joints on a roof. If flashing is improperly installed or poorly adhered to the surface, you may encounter a leaky roof.

If you’re having problems with your home’s roof in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Reading, Chester, or Berks, contact us! We’re here to help!

Summer Savings

Summer is a great time to think about renovating your home and finally making the repairs that you’ve been putting off.

With longer days and more opportunities to entertain guests, many homeowners are ready to take the time to invest in an upgrade. Even small changes can make a big difference in the overall appearance of a home.

This summer, Aspen Home Improvements is offering big savings on windows, doors, roofing, and siding to ensure that you get quality service at an affordable price!

50% Off Window Replacement. Aspen's offering 50% off labor on all replacement windows! Having sustainable and energy efficient windows can, in itself, save you around 45% on heating and cooling costs. Aspen offers Starmark windows, which provide exceptional insulation and have a design that’s easy to clean and maintain.

Free Patio Door Installation. Another summer special from Aspen is a free patio door installation. Nothing beats a summer afternoon on the deck, and the entrance is often the first impression of an outdoor space to a guest. Aspen offers an amazing selection of custom doors that are not only elegant, but strong and sturdy. Don’t let an opportunity like this pass you by!

$500 Roof Replacement Service. Aspen is also giving all clients $500 off a new roof replacement service. While it’s easy to overlook the maintenance and upkeep of your roof, having quality roofing can drastically influence a home’s overall appearance. You won’t regret investing in quality roofing that could not only provide a lifetime of protection, but ultimately save you time and money as well!

30% Off Siding. Siding can greatly improve the curb appeal of your home. Efficient and sustainable, Aspen’s siding service can protect your home from everything from noise to extreme winds. However, one of the biggest advantages will be the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is safe from the elements.

Take advantage of these opportunities while they last!

Contact Aspen Home Improvements today to learn more about which service is right for you and how they can benefit your home!

An Investment in Scotchgard Protector is an Investment in Your Home

Why are Atlas shingles better with Scotchgard?

Scotchgard Protector contains a special blend of copper coated granules that allow copper ions to slowly release over time, stopping algae from ever starting to grow on your roof. This non-chemical treatment is built into the shingle, so once it’s applied, no future cleaning is needed, so you’ll never after to worry about unsightly staining on your roof or expensive roof cleanings!

Aren’t all shingles supposed to be algae resistant?

Most brands of shingles are designed be algae resistant - but only in the short run. Scotchgard Protector’s unique formula provides the exact amount of copper granules in each shingle guaranteed to provide a lifetime of algae growth protection. Don’t let the other manufacturers fool you!

Why should I invest?

The look of your home’s roof can make or break its curb appeal. Proper algae protection could save you precious time and hundreds of dollars from pricey cleaning treatments. Furthermore, if you’re looking to sell later on, a potential buyer’s first impression can mean the difference between an easy sale or months of roof cleaning to restore damage caused by algae growth.

How do I know when to get new shingles?

There are clear signs to look for to help you know that it’s time to switch to Atlas with Scotchgard Protector, which you can read about here. At Aspen Home Improvements, we believe it’s important to check for damaged or loose shingles. Often times, your roofing could be the cause of stains on your walls or ceiling after a heavy rain. At this point, you should consider new, more resilient roofing.

If you are ready to replace your home's shingles give us a call! We offer great customer service and will give you a free estimate. For more info on our roofing products, visit our website!

Common Problems with Older Houses

The aging process doesn’t just affect us. Did you know that your house also experiences an aging process? In fact, in the construction industry, it’s estimated that every building has, on average, a 50-year “useful” life. That estimate includes even those of you who practice the best maintenance on your home.

If you are planning to buy or sell an older home, you will want to have a home inspector look over everything. Unfortunately, they often come across problems that can stop the buying/selling process. Don’t let it get this far before you're aware of any problems – learn what types of warning signs to pay attention to in advance to avoid costlier, more extensive fixes in the future.

No insulation. If your older home’s insulation hasn’t already begun to deteriorate, chances are it didn’t have any to begin with. Sometimes older houses are built with non-insulated windows and without insulation in walls, floors, and attics at all. Hire a professional to add insulation throughout your house – it’s going to need to be done eventually. Then enjoy lower energy costs!

Improper drainage. Draining that occurs close to the back of your home could pose a problem. Excess moisture could lead to rot in your walls and even movement or unsettling in your foundation. Correcting foundation problems is one of the most expensive problems you will have to fix, so don’t put it off – it will only add to the final bill.

Roofing damage. As your home ages, so does your roof. This can lead to a higher risk of water damage, both to your roof and the interior of your home. Warning signs of damage: curling, lifting, splitting, cupping, or rotting shingles. If your roof is improperly installed, it will speed along the aging process. Make sure that you hire trusted professionals to do the job right the first time!

Faulty wiring. Home regulation standards are constantly changing in an attempt to keep you and your family safer. However, this means that outdated systems are very common in older homes. Also, because of constant usage, wiring wears down easily. These electrical problems require immediate attention because they are usually to blame as the cause of most house fires.

Outdated HVAC systems. Inefficient heating/cooling systems will greatly impact the temperature inside your home. If these systems are outdated, you will see a significant increase in heating/cooling costs every year. This is a sign that it’s time to upgrade!

These problems are not something to set aside and come back to later. The longer you wait, the more extensive the project will be. Not to mention, you could be adding thousands to your bill every year that these problems sit on your to-do list.

Take action and contact us today! We will be happy to give you a FREE estimate before we tackle these problems. You are in good hands with Aspen Home Improvements!

Prolong the Life of Your Roof

Is your roof brand-new or a few years old? Your answer to this question doesn’t matter. You can apply these tips for making your roof last longer to any roof! But keep in mind – the older the roof, the more temporary these solutions will be.

Scheduling a roof replacement is a commitment. An expensive commitment. Once you have finally made the decision to replace your old roof, you’re going to want to care for it. So get the most from your roof! The more you protect it, the less often you will have to replace it. (Imagine what you could do with all that extra money!)

Prolong the life of your roof by following this checklist we have put together for you.

Clear away leaves. Piles of leaves sitting on top of your roof are not a good thing. The longer they sit there, the more moisture they collect. As a result, more moisture will begin to build up in your roof. If they are dry, removing them is not very difficult. You can even use a leaf blower. If they are wet, however, you may need to use your garden hose.

Tip: Never use a pressure washer. A stream that strong can force water underneath your shingles.

Trim surrounding branches. Take a few hours during your weekend to trim away branches that are touching or close to touching your roof. Constant rubbing from branches irritates your roof and will eventually lead to damaged or broken shingles. Also, animals (like squirrels) use branches like bridges to your roof. They, too, can irritate shingles by scratching or biting.

Tip: If the branches are large in size, hire a professional for help. You don’t want to cause further damage.

Clean gutters regularly. Not many people love this part of being a homeowner, but most homeowners don’t realize that clogged gutters can hurry up roof rot. A few hours of work could save you thousands in the future.

Look for warning signs. Every once in a while (or after any high winds or major storms) look for damage to your roof. The biggest warning signs are loose, missing, or broken shingles. If you catch these early on, it could mean a quick fix and a lower cost of maintenance.

If you have any additional questions – or have seen warning signs that may indicate the need for a roof repair or replacement – contact our team of professionals! We want to help you keep your home in tiptop shape.