"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."
It’s possible that installing solar panels can lead to mold on the roof. The panels themselves are not the issue. Problems caused by improper installation—such as roof leaks and mounts that aren’t sealed properly—can cause mold. Another potential cause of mold is debris accumulation under panels, which can trap moisture. If you live somewhere with extreme snow, rain, or hail, your home could be more prone to mold.
Signs that you need a new shed roof include curling or buckling shingles, saggy or droopy spots, or plant life growing on your roof. Likewise, if you notice wet spots inside your shed after it rains or snows, you most likely have a leak problem that won’t go away on its own. It’s a good idea to replace your shed roof if it’s showing signs of wear before your entire shed becomes damaged.
Insurance might cover a 30-year-old roof, but it’s fairly rare. Most companies don’t offer coverage for roofs older than 20 years, but certain robust plans will handle it. However, even if the plan offers coverage for an aged roof, it could be diminished. Many plans only cover the original cost or the actual cash value (ACV) of the roof once enough time has passed. ACV is based on the roof's age and condition at the time of repairs.
The roof overhang, also known as the eaves, does count as part of the roof’s square footage because it must be covered with the roofing material. The overhang is one of the reasons why you can’t base your roof's square footage on the square footage of the house. The roof square footage must also account for the pitch of the roof as well as the eaves.
Chimney caps have a solid top but perforated sides so smoke can exit safely. If rain or snow falls downward, chimney caps can protect the chimney’s interior. Just note that if rain or snow blows in sideways, there’s a higher likelihood it will enter the chimney—but it's not often a cause for concern as long as you have a cap.
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.
Getting annual chimney inspections is essential for maintaining a functioning chimney. Prepare for a chimney inspection by understanding what to expect and how to prepare.
Stay on top of your chimney safety and maintenance with our chimney inspection checklist featuring expert tips on how to work with an inspector near you.
If you want to be sure your chimney is working properly, you’ll need a professional inspection. So who does chimney inspections? We’ve got all the info.
