Understanding your Roof
Origin of asphalt roofing materials
In the early to mid-1800’s, urban construction was on the up rise, and it became abundantly apparent that a new kind of roofing material was needed. This was particularly true for row houses, which often times had low slope roofs. Common roofing materials of the time consisted of wood or metal roofing systems, which with…
Read More
What are the black streaks on my roof and how do I remove them?
We’ve all seen those black streaks on shingle roofs that cause them to look old and dirty. Sometimes mistaken for soot, mold, or mildew, typically the discoloration is caused by algae. Fortunately, the algae can be removed with a bleach solution. The most common type of roof algae is called Gloeocapsa Magma, although it’s not actually…
Read More
Missing shingles
A bad storm rolls through and causes tree branches to fall down, knocks garbage cans over, and tears some shingles off your roof. We all know that missing shingles are unsightly, but how do they cause leaks? After all, just because one shingle is missing doesn’t mean the roof is open, does it? Actually, the…
Read More
What are those pipes sticking out of your roof?
Plumbing vent pipes are an important part of your plumbing system. They are responsible for safely carrying sewer gases out of your home or building. This is to keep the gases from becoming trapped or backed up and potentially causing you to become sick. Except for floor drains, just about all plumbing fixtures need a…
Read More