Author: Jayda Cleaveland

Your home has to have a roof, but gutters are optional. There are a number of reasons, however, why gutters are something you really should have. Here are just three of the most powerful reasons.

Protection From Erosion

Homes built to code sit on a slight slope to help guide the runoff water away from the foundation. If your roof doesn’t have gutters, the rain will flow right off the roof and cause massive amounts of erosion around your house. Every time it rains, more earth will get washed away. Your landscape will start to wear down and the runoff will flow into your home instead. The erosion allows the foundation to settle and you might start noticing cracks, uneven floors, and other issues.

Protect Landscaping

Many homeowners landscape around their houses to give it a heightened curb appeal and the perfect finishing touch. If your soil erodes because you don’t have gutters, the landscaping will be the first thing to go. Even minimal water in the wrong place can form puddles and kill plants and flowers.

Prevent Flooding

When your soil is saturated with water it becomes heavy around your house. This can easily happen when all of the rainwater from the roof is directed down. This puts a lot of pressure on the foundation of your home which could cause the walls to push inward and crack. Even tiny cracks can allow water to flow into the basement. Even if it doesn’t appear to be a lot, the moisture can grow mold, which is a huge health hazard.

There are plenty of other reasons to attach gutters to your home, but these three are enough to get you started finding the right options. You certainly don’t want erosion and flooding issues in your home. When you’re ready to look for the right gutters to care for your home, contact J. Carnes & Son Roofing. We custom fabricate seamless K-style gutter systems on-site using Englert .032 metals and accessories. So whether you’re looking for a new roof installation, seamless gutter system, or both, we’ve got you covered! 

Having snow covering your roof provides your home with some insulation from cold air, but it isn’t always good to leave it up there.

Snow can end up causing problems with your roof at times, resulting in the need for snow removal. Find out when you should get rid of snow from your roof and what kinds of issues it can cause.

When to Remove Snow From Your Roof

A little bit of snow on your roof generally won’t cause any problems. When you start getting 6 inches or more of snow building up, it’s a good idea to remove it. The heavy weight of large snow accumulations can put your roof at risk of having severe structural damage. You should also remove snow from your roof when it blocks your ventilation systems since this can lead to ice dams.

Other Problems with Snow on a Roof

Ice dams are the other main problem with snow to worry about. These dams form when snow at the ridge of your roof begins to melt on a sunny day or when your ventilation systems are covered. The heat which normally escapes through the blocked vents stays and warms your attic up enough to cause snow to melt quickly. As the melting snow drips toward your roof eaves and gutters, which are typically still frozen, it freezes again causing dams to form. As it melts, this moisture seeps into your home’s interior and causes serious water damage.

DIY vs. Professional Roof Snow Removal

Homeowners can remove snow on their own using a roof rake. However, this may not be enough to get all the snow off your roof. Professional roofers have the right equipment and experience to do thorough snow removal from rooftops, helping protect your home from structural damage and ice dams. Having professional snow removal also ensures vents are uncovered so snow won’t melt and refreeze at the eaves.

We offer reliable roofing services for homeowners in Hampton Falls. If you need snow removal from your roof contact J. Carnes & Son Roofing to keep your roof in good condition all winter long.

Winter can be an amazing time of year. Snowball fights, walks in the evening stillness, and sledding are all part of the fun. However, your roof may not like the snow as much as you do! Here’s what you need to know about when to remove snow, how to remove snow, and when it’s time to work with a professional for residential snow removal.

When to Remove Snow from Your Roof

Several problems can crop up when snow builds up on your roof. From ice dams to roof damage and beyond, there are different guidelines for residential snow removal depending on what you want to accomplish. Ice dams can form with just a few inches of snow. If you’re looking to prevent them, don’t let more than 6” (six inches) of snow build up on your roof and remove old accumulation before new snow falls.

To prevent damage to most roofs you’ll want to limit snow accumulation to 12” (twelve inches) or less. If your roof is old or already needed some repair before winter began, be cautious about letting snow become an issue. Wet snow is extremely heavy and can cause serious damage to your roof and its supporting structures.

How to Safely Remove Snow from Your Roof

Snow removal can be very dangerous. It may be hard to determine where those big clumps of snow will fall, especially if you don’t remove them properly. Fortunately, there are some tricks you can use to prevent snow buildup altogether and tools to direct the snow to fall a certain way. Heating elements can be installed on your roof prior to winter setting in, giving your roof some warming protection against snow buildup. If your roof is already covered with snow, you might want to check into a roof rake, a specialized tool that allows snow to be removed in a directed, cautious manner.

When to Call in the Professionals

Getting up on your roof can always be risky, but add in ice and snow and it becomes downright hazardous. Any snow removal requiring you to clamber up on the roof should be left to trusted specialists like the team at J. Carnes & Son Roofing. With the right tools, years of experience, and a sterling reputation, the dedicated team at J. Carnes can help get your roof in shape after a snowstorm. We can also advise on what steps to take before snow flies, such as heating element installation, to keep the snow at bay on your roof.

On most roofs, snow doesn’t accumulate evenly. Various factors affect exactly how snow builds up, including the weather, the roof’s architecture, and material, and whether the structure is sheltered or in the open. If there are six inches or more of buildup in any of the following areas, it’s time to schedule residential snow removal for your roof.

Intersections of Two Roof Planes

Snow tends to drift and collect in areas where different roof planes meet, such as valleys and around dormers or chimneys.

Sheltered Side of the House

If one side of your roof is sheltered from winter winds, snow is more likely to stay there and accumulate.

Steep-to-Shallow Pitch Transitions

A good example is where a steep main roof changes abruptly to the shallow-pitched roof of an attached porch. Because of the geometry, snow from the sloped roof will slide onto and stay on the shallow portion.

Edges or Eaves

Snow that lands on a sloped roof is likely to creep or slide down and collect along the edge. Any additional weight from ice forming during repeated thaw-freeze cycles can put this area under an extra heavy load.

Lower-Level Roofs

If your home has roof lines of different heights, snow is bound to accumulate on the lower roof(s).

Low-Slope or Flat Sections

It’s not uncommon for add-ons like porches and covered patios to have low-slope or even flat roofs. Snow sliding off higher roofs will land on such areas and build up.

Importance of Getting Snow Removed From Problem Areas

Safely removing snow from the above-mentioned areas of your roof before the amount gets extreme can prevent costly problems like:

• Ice damming. A buildup of heavy, packed snow and ice along the roof edge can form a dam and allow meltwater to get under your roofing and into the attic and exterior walls.
• Roof collapse. Snow accumulations in valleys, around dormers, and on low-slope and lower roofs can strain and damage the structure, or cause a collapse.
• Gutter damage. The weight of dense snow and ice along the roof edge can damage or tear off sections of your gutters.
• Water leaks. If piled-up snow on a lower roof partially covers any upper-story windows and there’s a thaw, water may seep inside the walls and damage your home’s interior.

When you need superior residential roof shoveling services in the Hampton Falls area, contact us at J. Carnes & Son Roofing.

Winter is right around the corner and so is the snow New Hampshire residents are all too familiar with.

Along with the heavy, wet snow, you also need to be aware of the health of your roof. With the snow comes the danger of ice dams forming. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of a roof and stops the melting store from draining off the roof into the gutter. If left unchecked, an ice dam can cause a backup of water that could leak into your home, causing roof damage and water damage to your insulation, walls, ceilings, or other areas.

As a homeowner, here is what you should know about ice dams to protect your roof and home this season.

What Causes Ice Dams?

There are three main conditions that work together to form an ice dam, including:

1. Amount of heat loss from your house
2. Amount of snow cover on the roof
3. Outside temperatures

An ice dam can form when the temperature of the upper part of your roof goes above freezing. This happens as heat has risen into the attic space and warms the roof. The rise in heat could also be caused by warmth from chimneys or bathroom exhaust systems running up through the attic to the roof. As the snow melts in the warmed areas of the roof, the water runs down the roof where it freezes into an ice dam when it reaches the colder sections of the roof.

How Can You Prevent an Ice Dam from Forming?

It is possible to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof through these steps.

• Improving the insulation in your attic to reduce the amount of heated air leaking in from living spaces
• Improving the ventilation of your roof to maintain a uniform temperature
• Upgrading the components of your roof, including roofing underlayment and making needed repairs to prevent leaks
• Roof shoveling when heavy snow has accumulated on your roof

Do not risk your or your family’s safety this winter with residential roof snow removal. Call J. Carnes & Son Roofing at (603) 686-7763 for residential roof snow shoveling and roofing solutions to prevent ice dams.

The purpose of this page is to increase awareness among homeowners about the potential for moisture problems in attics and how to avoid or resolve them.

How Can I Tell If I Have Moisture Problems?

If you suspect you have moisture problems in your attic, check for the following indications of excess moisture in the attic.

• Rust
• Moisture, frost, and ice buildup on roofing nails
• Dark stains
• Moisture or frost on the roof’s sheathing
• Water or drip marks scattered on the attic floor
• Buckled or damaged roof sheathing
• Moist or wet insulation

These signs can vary contingent on the catalyst of the problem, and are generally worse on north-facing or shady sides of roofs.

How Does Condensation Get In The Attic?

Moisture accumulation is most significant when outside temperatures are very cold because air holds less moisture as the temperature decreases. If there is excessive moisture accumulation in your attic it will condense on cold areas mainly on the underside of your roof deck.

During the winter months, the recommended relative humidity inside a house is anywhere between 30-50 percent. At higher levels, relative humidity condensation can even occur inside of the house on windows, cold walls, or ceiling surfaces. Depending on how tight a house is constructed and the outside temperature, even a relative humidity of 30 percent may be too high. Condensation may occur at low levels of humidity on single-pane windows or windows which are not sealed well.

Sources of moisture in a home can vary. Some of the common sources are baths, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, cooking, unvented gas or kerosene space heaters, and the overuse of humidifiers. Even the average person produces about 3 pints of water a day while breathing. These sources are generally not a huge contributor to excessive moisture in the house or attic unless the amount of moisture is unusually high, the house is extremely tight, or proper venting is not used.

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Can Moisture Accumulate Through Foundations & Slab Walls?

Another less noticeable, but common source, of moisture accumulation is water moisture penetrating through foundation walls and floor slabs. Even when basements, floor slabs, and crawl spaces do not appear excessively damp they can be a significant source for moisture. Because of the relatively moderate temperature in these areas, moisture can go unnoticed and may not cause any problems there. As the moisture migrates upwards to the colder attic areas during the winter months, the relative humidity is increased to the point that condensation can occur on cold surfaces. This can result in mold, rust, and deterioration of wood and structural fasteners.

A simple qualitative test can be performed to see if moisture is passing through a foundation wall or floor slab. Take an 18 by 18-inch square plastic sheet and tape it tightly to the concrete and leave it in place for at least 16 hours. The presence of moisture under the plastic sheet is a positive indication that excessive water/moisture is likely in the slab. However, a negative indication is not an assurance the slab is acceptably dry below the surfaces. It is recommended to perform this test in several different locations.

How Does Moisture Rise From The Basement To The Attic?

In the winter your home’s heating system warms the air throughout the house. When water meets warm air it evaporates. Moist air has a lower average molecular weight than dry air, so it is less dense. If the top floor of the house is not tightly sealed warm air will escape, causing the pressure inside the house to decrease. This then results in air infiltration from openings at the lower sections of the house. Infiltration can be caused by wind, negative pressurization of the building, or by air buoyancy forces also known as the stack effect. Any water vapor in the warm air rises until it reaches the cold roof deck area at which point it cools and condenses back to a liquid phase.

Most of the openings which allow air to escape into the attic can easily be overlooked. Some of the more common examples of openings found in a house include gaps at pull-down attic stairways or other access openings; gaps at the tops of the exterior and interior walls; poorly sealed ductwork; and openings in the ceiling at wall cavities above stairways and closets. A considerable amount of air can leak through relatively small gaps. Some openings can even provide a direct path from the basement or crawl space directly to the attic. Air infiltration is also a common cause of heat loss and can significantly increase the heating cost.

How Can I Eliminate Excess Moisture?

Most professionals will recommend increasing ventilation in your attic if ventilation is inadequate. However, this often does not solve the problem. Increased ventilation alone will increase the exfiltration of air, lowering the temperature of the attic. This may increase condensation and lower the effectiveness of the insulation. Also, because airflow is not uniform, significant condensation may still occur. A moist attic means moist insulation and moist insulation is less effective.

The best solution for controlling moisture is at its source. If the problem is the result of water or moisture penetrating the foundation or floor slab, there are many remedial actions that may help. These can include the installation of seamless gutters and downspouts. These should be cleaned regularly and be working properly. Re-grading the property near the perimeter of the foundation and sealing foundation walls or floor slabs are two more options. Using a dehumidifier and installing a perimeter draining system can further reduce moisture in the foundation or floor slab. Because of the many conditions which can cause foundation moisture penetration and the many solutions, each house should be individually evaluated to determine the cause and the best possible solution for the problem.

What Else Can Be Done?

After moisture penetration is controlled as best as possible, the next approach to reducing attic moisture is by controlling air infiltration. Simply by sealing the various possible paths of air leakage already discussed, infiltration will be reduced, therefore restricting the movement of air and eliminating the stack effect. Most handy homeowners should be able to handle this part on their own. If not, there are many weatherization contractors available to complete this type of project.

Keep in mind, when air leaks are properly sealed to reduce air infiltration into the house, the relative humidity is higher. This moisture is contained to the living space where it is desirable during the winter months. Tighter homes have reduced heating and cooling costs and are generally more comfortable. If a home is too tight the need for mechanical ventilation might be necessary to assure moisture or pollutants do not accumulate to unhealthy levels. However, this is not a concern even for most properly sealed homes.

What About My Attic Insulation?

Now that the house is properly sealed it is crucial to verify the attic’s thermal insulation is adequate and properly installed. The insulation on the floor of your attic needs to have an approved vapor barrier installed on the warm-in-winter side of the insulation. In most cases rolled or batt insulation will have a vapor barrier already attached. On the vapor barrier, the insulation should be labeled at least an R-30. If that number is lower you should add more insulation. If the attic has blown in cellulose check to see if there is a vapor barrier and confirm the cellulose insulation is spread evenly throughout the attic floor. Attics with pull-down attic stairs should have attic stair insulation covers installed.

Should I Do Anything About My Attic Ventilation?

The final step is attic ventilation. Attics need to have a balanced ventilation system consisting of an intake and an exhaust. The soffits work as the intake and roof vents or ridge vents work as the exhaust. This installation method actually promotes the stack effect to continuously move the air contained within the attic. When a properly balanced roof ventilation system is installed, any breeze blowing across the ridge of the house causes air to be drawn from the roof or ridge vents. The air is replenished through the soffit vents. When installing a balanced ventilation system it is important to block any older style gable vents located on the house. These vents will actually short-circuit the desired flow of air.

For more information on this subject visit our home page www.jcarnesroofing.com

J. Carnes & Son Roofing proudly serves New Hampshire’s Seacoast and surrounding areas.

Does your homeowner’s insurance policy cover roof repairs or replacement as the result of ice dams? While a quick perusal of the internet may lead you to believe, “yes” it’s worth a call to your insurance carrier to verify.

Not All Homeowners Insurance Policies Cover Ice Dam Damage

As a New Hampshire homeowner, your homeowner’s policy should cover at least the removal of ice dams, if not the removal and repair costs. Some insurance plans cover both ice dam removal as well as repairs. Others only cover removal as preventative maintenance, leaving you to cover the costs of any damage resulting from ice dams left in place. Inadequate insurance policies may not cover ice dam removal or repairs at all.

Not sure about your policy’s ice dam clauses? Give your insurance agent a call ASAP to review your policy’s coverage.

Ice Dams Lead to Expensive Repair & Replacement Costs

The formation of ice dams poses considerable risk to your roof and, therefore, the structural integrity of your home. The continual freeze-thaw-refreeze cycle of an ice dam eventually results in water leaks requiring professional roof repair. If you catch leaks early repairs are simpler and more affordable. Leaks caught later in the game require more expensive repairs, possibly even an entire roof replacement.

Preventing Ice Dams is the Best Solution

The best way to prevent leaks and ice-related roof issues is to prevent ice dams altogether.

• Performing routine roof maintenance (gutter cleaning, visual inspections, immediate attention to repair needs, etc.)
• Update inadequate attic insulation
• Close-up attic bypasses
• Schedule a professional roof inspection to see if improvements/updates are recommended
• Add roof and soffit vents
• Remove snow from the roof

Having an ice and water shield membrane installed is another measure of protection. It won’t stop ice dams from forming but is in place to help protect your home from leaks. It is installed on your decking up to 6 feet up from the edge. The purpose is to seal fasteners on your roof.

All of these features rely on you selecting the best professional roofer for the job, resulting in a high-quality roof designed to perform for our region’s specific climate challenges.

Ready to keep your roof clear of ice dams? Contact the team here at J. Carnes & Son Roofing to schedule roof shoveling after a storm. We’re happy to work with most major homeowners insurance and provide competitive pricing if your policy leaves you in the lurch.

Depending on the type of roof you have, you can expect it to last anywhere from 20 to 50 years.

This means the need to replace your roof is rare, although it will eventually happen. It also means most homeowners have no idea what to expect when it comes to having their roof replaced. The following is a brief overview of the roof replacement process of what you should expect and what you need to do.

The Roof Replacement Process

The following are the steps a roofer will take when it comes to replacing a roof in Hampton Falls, NH.

• Inspection – The first thing a contractor will typically do is to perform a thorough inspection of your roof to determine if your best option is to have your roof replaced. They will evaluate the condition of the shingles as well as the underlayment. If the underlayment is in good condition, then you may only need to replace the shingles. In some cases, you can even lay new shingles on top of the old roof.
• Estimate – After the inspection, the contractor will discuss options with you. They will provide an estimate based on the type of roof being installed, whether the existing shingles and/or underlayment need to be removed, the size and slope of your roof, the presence of roof features (such as chimneys, skylights, and vents), and more.
• Contract – You’ll want to make sure you sign a contract ahead of time that has all the terms and conditions you’ve discussed. It should include the estimate, the type of roof being installed, the terms of the warranty, and the start and end times.
• Protecting your property – On the day of the scheduled roof replacement, your contractor should take steps to protect your property. This means covering outdoor HVAC equipment to protect it from debris, covering plants and flowers near the house with netting, and more.
• Installing the roof – Reputable roofing contractors are highly experienced and should provide proof of license and insurance before they begin work. You can expect them to work efficiently and finish the project by the agreed-upon scheduled dates.
• Cleaning up – Once the roof has been installed, the contractor should make every effort to clean up after their work. Because a lot of debris may have fallen from the roof (including potentially dangerous nails), a reputable contractor will not only do several sweeps around the exterior of the property to pick up debris, they will use a specialized magnet to pick up any nails, screws, and other sharp, metallic items which may have fallen into your yard.

Preparing for Roof Replacement

There are a few things you will want to do in order to prepare your home for a roof replacement. Although a reputable roof replacement contractor will tell you the steps you should take, it’s good to know what to expect ahead of time. The following are some of the steps you’ll want to take to prepare for a roof replacement in Hampton Falls, NH.

• Make plans ahead of time – If you have pets or children, you’ll want to make sure they’re out of the house during the days your roof will be worked on. You won’t want them running around outside the house since it would be a safety risk for both them and the workers. You also may not want them inside since the roof replacement is going to be very loud and distracting.
• Turn your sprinklers off – You won’t want your sprinkler system going off while roofers are working on your property. Turning it off will keep their equipment dry and keep the work environment safe.
• Warn your neighbors – Be a good neighbor and tell the people in neighboring homes you’re getting your roof replacement and the dates this will occur so they can plan to be away if they don’t want to deal with the noise.
• Bring in outdoor furniture and decor – Bring in potted plants, patio furniture, and more. Not only could they potentially be vulnerable to damage from falling debris, but they may get in the way of the roofers.
• Take down items on the walls – Make sure you take everything down from the walls directly connected to the roof. There’s going to be a lot of hammering and drilling, which could shake the walls and cause items hanging from them to fall.
• Clear driveway – The contractor may want to park their truck close to your home to make access to their equipment easier, so keep your driveway clear for them.

If you’re in need of a shingle roof replacement in Hampton Falls, NH, be sure to contact us at J. Carnes & Son Roofing to schedule an appointment today.

A lot goes into purchasing and installing a new roof. Many people concentrate on the quality and the aesthetic part of the roof. They forget about one crucial aspect – the warranty! If you have no clue about warranties, this post is for you. Read on to discover 5 things you should know before making this important purchase.

1. Manufacturer and contractor roof warranties are different

Just as the name suggests, a manufacturer warranty is one from the main manufacturer. You get it when you purchase the product. On the other hand, is the contractor’s roof warranty. This one covers the workmanship. If there are any leaks or issues with installation, your contractor is obligated to repair them under this warranty.

2. Details of a warranty can vary

Don’t assume your manufacturer’s warranty covers the entire roofing system. This is rarely the case. Some warranties may cover the whole system, but it is more likely it only covers defective materials. Defective material can be hard to prove, so having more than the manufacturer’s warranty is needed. Even your roofer’s warranty can vary in what it covers. Training and certification can change the warranty drastically.

3. Warranties may or may not be transferable

If you have a transferable warranty, it means you can pass it on to another owner if you sell your home. This is an important detail to consider if you are not looking to settle permanently in the house. Details of transferring can also vary, reducing the rate of coverage for the next owner.

4. Quality of a roofing company matters a lot

Generally, new companies won’t guarantee you coverage over long periods of time. They may even go out of business long before you need repairs. As a rule of thumb, consider well-known companies that have been around for years for roofing solutions. They have a history to provide greater warranties.

5. Learn about money limits

Many roof warranties don’t have a specific monetary limit. They are referred to as No Dollar Limit warranties. However, there are some that cap repair cost at the original price of the roof, or per square foot (Penal Sum Warranty). Don’t forget to keep an eye on nullification and exclusion clauses.

If you are looking for a professional contractor to work on your roof, don’t hesitate to contact J. Carnes & Son Roofing today. We are certified and have a great track record when it comes to roof installation. And yes, we offer contractor warranties. Be sure you get quality workmanship by calling us for your roofing needs.