"It's a pretty decent system, I think. They send you the pieces and you install them yourself, which is pretty easy. The only real problem I have is that one sensor is too far away from the panel...or there's some interference, and they haven't been able to fix that. It's an interior door, so it's not the end of the world, just a little annoying. Their customer service is pretty good though. Nice, smart customer service people on the other end, very polite and helpful."
Tile roofs, including clay, concrete, and slate, are considered low-maintenance materials that require fewer repairs and less care than many other roofing options.
Clay tiles require minimal maintenance. They stand up well to the elements and UV radiation, repel water, and do not easily stain, discolor, or fade in direct sunlight. Clay tiles do not need sealing. Maintenance is typically only required to replace cracked tiles, which can be caused by foot traffic, extreme weather, or fallen tree limbs.
Concrete tiles are also low-maintenance but require more upkeep than clay. They need to be sealed every few years to maintain water resistance, and their color tends to fade more quickly than clay.
Aside from these material-specific needs, general maintenance for tile roofs includes annual inspections, routine gutter cleaning, and addressing repairs as they arise. A well-maintained tile roof can provide 50 to 100 years or more of protection for your home.
While a few icicles on your roof are standard, a large accumulation can be a sign of a bigger problem, such as poor insulation. This is particularly true if you are also dealing with ice dams. If you have numerous large icicles, it is recommended to have a roofing contractor diagnose potential insulation issues and create a plan to solve them.
You can secure roof decorations like inflatables and other Christmas decor by tying a rope or attacking bungee cords to your roof clips. Depending on the pitch of your roof, you can use sandbags for extra support. Like with Christmas lights, avoid using staples or duct tape.
Generally, hailstones that are one inch in diameter or larger can cause significant damage to a roof. However, smaller hail can also cause damage, particularly when accompanied by strong winds, if it strikes an aging or poorly maintained roof, or if hailstorms are frequent in your area. Hail that is ¼ inch (pea-sized) or smaller poses a minimal risk of immediate, permanent damage, but cumulative impacts can cause deterioration over time. The extent of the damage also depends on the roofing material; hail-resistant tiles like slate or certain types of asphalt shingles can withstand impacts better than other materials. If you are concerned about potential damage after a storm, it is always a good idea to have a professional roofer conduct an inspection.
You may not always be able to see a soft spot on the roof from the exterior. If the underlying damage isn’t yet severe enough to cause the shingles to buckle or show other signs of damage, you may not be able to see that there’s a problem from the outside. A roof inspection will be able to identify soft spots. When a roofer walks on the surface of your roof, they’ll be able to find soft or spongy sections.
The Wrangell, AK homeowners’ guide to chimney inspection services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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