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Adding a skylight to various parts of your home can bring multiple long-term benefits. Not only can it cut heating and cooling costs, but it can also influence a positive atmosphere, as natural light brings energy to a room. Here are the places where a skylight can provide the most improvements.

1. Kitchen

Your kitchen is a place where an upbeat atmosphere is essential. Natural light can brighten the space, reducing mystery and uncertainty. It’s crucial for an individual working with knives to have sufficient light to see what they are cutting. A skylight in the kitchen is an excellent source of light for cooking, cutting, and for dining.

2. Bedrooms

Since bedrooms are designed for privacy with an emphasis on window coverings, light can be limited, which leads to using electric lighting often. A skylight, however, reduces the need for electric power.  A master bedroom usually requires the most privacy and should be a top consideration for a skylight.

3. Bathrooms

Another private place in the home is the bathroom, which is an ideal place since it should be bright all the time. Letting in light from a skylight creates a positive, clean atmosphere while reducing energy usage.

4. Hallways

When electricity is not being used, the darkest place in a home (other than the attic, closets, or garage) is often the hallways. Hallways tend to not have or be near windows. This is why it’s an effective idea to install skylights in these areas of the home to let in natural light, especially for long hallways.

Work with an Experienced Installer

You should only hire a reputable, certified and insured skylight specialist to ensure installation is done properly. Working with an installer who is passionate about the local community is essential. Furthermore, the more experienced an installer is, the more you will be able to verify their reputation by researching customer reviews.

Where is the best place to install a skylight?

The best place in a home to install a skylight comes down to where light is needed the most to avoid using electric lights. It’s ideal not to let in excessive sunlight because it can cause furniture, flooring, and other items to fade. Strategically placing your skylights in the proper places is a customization aspect to talk over with your contractor after they first inspect your home and assess where natural lighting would bring the most benefits.

J. Carnes & Son Roofing proudly serves New Hampshire’s Seacoast and surrounding areas. Connect with us today with your skylight questions. We can advise on the best place to add a skylight, their benefits, and all the aspects of the installation.

When you look at your roof, it’s easy to assume it’s one big, single piece. It just goes to show you there’s more to a roof than meets the eye. When the roof is manufactured by Owens Corning, it features an integrated system of layers and components that helps it perform in three critical ways: sealing, defending, and breathing.

Why sealing is important

Sealing helps create a waterproof barrier – one of the fundamental goals of any roof. Proper sealing does more than stop driving rain from entering your home. It also blocks the slow drips of water which so often lead to rot and mold – and potentially thousands of dollars in damage.

A waterproof barrier also protects a roof from water which tends to collect in the valleys, vents, skylights, and near the chimney. By blunting water accumulation, a proper barrier can also blunt the formation of ice dams – ice ridges that form when water freezes on a roof.

Why defending is important

Defending your roof and home against the outdoor elements is no small feat. You may think rain is the toughest element a roof must stand up to, but it’s really the constant presence of the wind. Naturally, winds whipped up in storms can tax a roof. You’ve probably seen proof of this in shingles strewn about your yard after a particularly ferocious rainstorm. But it’s those steady breezes and occasional wind gusts that place the greatest stress on the shingles.

An Owens Corning roof defends against shingle “blow-offs,” as well as the ensuing water infiltration which occurs in vulnerable regions, especially the eaves and peaks.

Why breathing is important

It’s easy to forget that a roof needs to breathe – in other words, to be ventilated. Even in cold weather, there should be a consistent flow of air. It not only moderates temperatures but also guards against heat and moisture buildup.

A roof “breathes” with the help of intake vents that bring fresh air into an attic and exhaust vents that usher it out. It can be a delicate balance, but one that can be achieved when you have the right roofing expert working on your behalf.

Hampton Falls homeowners know they can depend on the experts at J. Carnes & Son Roofing to install the industry gold standard: an Owens Corning roof. You can, too, when you choose us to install your Owens Corning roof.

Chimney flashing is an important component of your roof’s construction for many reasons, including the creation of a watertight seal between the chimney and the roof.

Like your roof, however, flashing may deteriorate and need repair during its lifespan, and proper maintenance protects both your roof and your home’s interior.

1. How Does Flashing Deteriorate?

Flashing is a sheet of metal or similar material installed in the area where the chimney meets the roof. As mentioned, one of its most important roles is to help keep water out of the home.

But chimney flashing can wear out over time for a variety of reasons, including these:

• Age
• Weather damage
• Improper installation
• Rust
• Dents and separation

2. How Long Does Flashing Typically Last?

With proper installation, regular inspection, and consistent maintenance, chimney flashing can last up 30 years. But the longevity of flashing depends on many variables, including where you live, the type of material used, the size of your roof, and the type of roof shingles you have.

3. Can Anything Make Flashing Age Faster?

Many factors play into how long chimney flashing may last, including climate, weather damage, and cracked sealant, which blocks water from entering your home between the chimney and the flashing.

Another issue is water damming at the chimney, which can occur when shingles are installed incorrectly. In this case, water dams up behind the chimney and begins to seep into the home.

4. Can Proper Installation Make Flashing Last Longer?

Installation problems not only cause leaks around your chimney but hasten the deterioration of its flashing. Chimney leaks are often the result of faulty installation, which allows moisture to penetrate your roof’s inner structure. In turn, water seepage can cause mold, mildew, and shorten the lifespan of your roof.

5. Why You Should Use an Experienced Contractor For Flashing Repair

Chimney flashing repair and installation are challenging and best left up to the professionals. An experienced, knowledgeable roofing contractor will use proven chimney flashing techniques and make sure that any repair work prevents water leaks in the present and future.

J. Carnes & Son Roofing is the one to call when your New Hampshire home needs new chimney flashing or flashing repair work. Get in touch with us today.

Good attic ventilation is roughly one-third of the formula for a successful roof. The other two factors? Suitable roofing materials and a great roofing contractor to properly install them.

In the hands of an experienced, knowledgeable roofer, ventilation can increase your roof’s life span and lower energy costs. It’s worth considering how ventilation affects human comfort in your Dover, Hampstead, or Seabrook home:

Life Span

Under the harsh conditions of New Hampshire winters, a typical fiberglass-shingle roof lasts 15 to 20 years. You can add to your roof’s life span with adequate attic ventilation. Though no roofer has a crystal ball, with proper ventilation, you could see up to 10 additional years of useful service before normal wear and weathering spell the end of your shingle roof.

Energy Efficiency

A properly ventilated attic has the same temperature as the outside air. With good insulation forming a barrier between occupied space below and ventilated attic space above, your home’s energy bills should stay steady year-round. Furthermore, a well-ventilated attic can actually lower cooling costs in summer by ensuring proper airflow through the attic and out the ridge vents.

In summer, a poorly-ventilated attic = high cooling costs. In winter, it can easily lead to ice dams. Ice dams signal heat escaping from your home up into the attic; that’s wasted energy and unhealthy for your roof.

Human Comfort

Without good ventilation, an attic will build up moisture every season. With condensation in winter and evaporation in the summer, attic moisture damages your roof and leads to miserable living conditions.

Attic moisture in winter will appear as frost on roofing nails, ice on the sheathing, and dripping water around roof piercings (chimneys and sanitary stacks). In spring and summer, showers, stoves, and attic-installed heat pumps or central air conditioners add moisture throughout your home and attic.

The mechanical systems in your home treat indoor air for ideal humidity and temperature. Working against comfortable humidity levels are human activities like cooking and cleaning. Water evaporates upward, or is circulated by your HVAC system, and escapes into the attic. Without good attic ventilation, that moisture builds up, making your family miserable and damaging your roof.

J. Carnes & Son does roofing—and roof ventilation—the right way. We know the purpose of proper attic ventilation. We are your local, reliable roofers ready to solve your problems with water infiltration, poor ventilation, or high energy bills. Please contact us today!

Skylights bring energy and natural light to the indoors, adding comfort to a home. They represent a strong statement to your neighborhood that you care about both energy efficiency and the environment. Here are four specific ways skylights improve home energy efficiency.

1. Bring In Natural Light

Windows on roofs describe skylights in the most basic way. The sunlight shines down into a room during daylight hours, reducing the need for electric lighting. This type of traditional lighting reduces glare in the room, creating a more balanced appearance.

2. Cut Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gases

Using less electric lighting translates into enormous energy savings over time. In the process, you’ll be reducing greenhouse gases from a utility that is powered by fossil fuel. The more you save energy the more you contribute to sustainability. It also amounts to less wear and tear on the environment.

3. Visual Blending with the Outdoors

The aesthetics of skylights are sometimes understated even though they add beauty and the value of modern technology to a home. Skylights may allow you to see the sky, trees, and birds during the day and stars at night. These visual effects help bring occupants closer in touch with nature, as you are constantly reminded of the outside world.

4. Extended Roof Longevity

Some of the ways in which skylights help protect the longevity of your roof is by providing ventilation and reducing moisture. Certain features such as mirrored reflectors with insulated glazing and low-emissivity coatings allow for lighting without heat gain or loss, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Although not all skylights provide ventilation, certain models release air through a small hinged panel. Some skylights have moisture sensors that close the skylight when it rains while others use a slope that helps prevent the buildup of moisture and leaves. Moisture is a major reason for roof degradation.

When you choose to add skylights to your home, you are making an investment in increasing your home value and using energy more efficiently. Contact J. Carnes & Sons Roofing to learn more about how skylights can bring you natural light at lower costs.

Proper attic ventilation is vital for saving money on energy costs and for the health of your family. Your roofing, no matter how well installed, should be periodically inspected, especially after a heavy storm, to catch minor leaks and other issues before they develop into major problems. Here are three key reasons you need to make sure your attic ventilation is in top condition.

1. Ventilation Affects Roof Life

The life span of your roof is directly related to how well you take care of it. Maintaining proper ventilation in the attic is a key factor. If the attic gets too heated in the summer it can lead to moisture that contributes to the degradation of wood and other roofing materials.

Moisture attracts mold and other contaminants, which is unhealthy and causes roof damage to spread. It also causes condensation, which makes metal rust. Adequate airflow is necessary to prevent the buildup of heat and moisture in the attic. Too much heat leads to the cracking of roofing materials.

2. Frozen Gutters in the Winter

If too much heat is trapped in the attic during colder months you run the risk of dealing with problems such as ice dams. A warm attic and roof decking leads to snow and ice melting at the ridge and the resulting water flowing down the gutters and eaves to refreeze. As ice backs up under the roofing system, frozen gutters cause damage to walls and ceilings. It’s best to have a certified professional inspect the roof after a severe storm to make sure ice dams have been cleared.

3. Attic Heat Affects Energy Costs

Letting heat build in the attic not only shortens the lifespan of a roof, but it also leads to higher energy bills, as you tend to use the air conditioning more in the summer. The hotter the attic gets the more heat transfers back into the home. Understanding this process is crucial to preventing costly maintenance bills down the road. Combining this knowledge with energy conservation measures will help keep energy bills to a minimum.

Part of ensuring your roof has a long life is routinely monitoring the temperature of the attic. Preventing the attic from overheating and making sure it has proper insulation and ventilation are keys to your roof’s longevity. Contact us here at J. Carnes & Sons Roofing to learn more about optimizing your home for energy efficiency.

While flat roofs have slopes up to 2 inches per foot, low slope roofs have pitches of 2 or 3 inches per foot. Both types of roofing are subject to leaks, especially as they age. One way to tell if it’s time for a low slope roof repair is to ask yourself when the roof was last inspected. If the answer is “decades ago” or “can’t remember,” it’s time for at least an inspection. 

How Low Sloped Roofs Develop Leaks

Any leak for any type of roof should be taken seriously since it can keep growing if it isn’t fixed in the early stages. Several different factors can cause leaks, such as poor installation, loosely attached seams or flashing, and severe wind damage. Once you notice water drips in your home or moisture on the walls or ceiling, it’s definitely time to call a professional contractor for an evaluation of what needs to be done. 

The more moisture spreads, the more it can degrade wood and attract mold and mildew. By that point, the damage will start to get expensive if you don’t act quickly. One of the problems with a low sloped roof is water accumulation can drain slowly. While modern versions of this roofing are now made to resist water buildup due to membrane coverings, older low sloped roofs still present drainage problems. 

Other causes of leaks and roof damage include UV rays from the sun, the combination of freezing and thawing or frequent expansion and contraction from temperature changes. Excessive water can also accelerate the lifespan of asphalt materials on your rooftop.

Signs Repair Work Is Necessary

One of the key indicators that a low sloped roof needs repair is when it begins to sag and lose its 10 to 14-degree angle. As this angle diminishes, it becomes more difficult for the water to drain, forming ponds. Commercial building owners who allow vehicles to drive on the roof are just adding weight which could lead to or worsen the sagging of the wood supporting the roof. By then you should call a dependable roofing specialist who understands low slopes for a thorough inspection.

Low sloped roofs automatically have slower water drainage systems than sloped roofs. Contact us at J. Carnes & Son Roofing to learn more about how we can preserve the life of your roof.

The proper maintenance of your low slope roof can increase its lifespan and enhance its overall effectiveness. If your commercial building features a low slope roof, there are steps you can follow for maintaining it, ensuring its year-round performance, all while protecting the rest of your structure.

1. Have Your Roof Installed by a Proven Professional

The most common cause of low slope roof damage is poor installation. Make sure your roofing contractor is qualified to install a low slope roof.

2. Limit Roof Traffic

Treat your roof with care regarding foot traffic. Haphazard or overly-frequent traffic on a roof can easily lead to damage.

3. Beware of Ponding Water

“Ponding” water refers to an accumulation of water that doesn’t evaporate or disappear within 48 hours after appearing. The excess water can deteriorate your low slope roof faster than normal conditions due to algae formation or more intense UV rays.

UV rays, among other factors, can break down your low slope roofing membrane and cause cracking. Another common cause of cracking is excess weight on your roof. No matter what the reason, however, cracking can lead to more severe issues in the future.

5. Blistering

Proper low slope roof maintenance includes taking care of blistering, which occurs when a liquid becomes trapped between membrane plies. The trapped liquid causes the vapor to expand as temperatures increase. Blistering can cause serious harm to the integrity of your low slope roof if not maintained.

6. Repair Loose Fasteners

Regular inspection and repair of fasteners is another crucial component of roof maintenance because loose fasteners will no longer anchor your roof to your building as intended. 

An experienced, adept roofing contractor knows what type of fasteners best suit your roofing system.

7. Snow Build Up

Excess snow doesn’t slide off of a low slope roof as easily as it does on a moderate or steep-sloped roof, and it can overload your roof and potentially cause it to collapse. 

Or, the snowmelt can cause ponding when the roof isn’t draining correctly.

8. Report Issues Immediately

Proper low slope roof maintenance also includes calling your roofing contractor at the first sign of leaks or other damage.

If the roof on your New Hampshire Seacoast home needs maintenance or repair, call the experts at J. Carnes & Son Roofing. They’re also experts in installing low slope roofs.

Low slope roofs work well on many commercial buildings. Low slope roofs are relatively cheaper to install, easier and safer to clean than high-pitched roofs, and can last decades.

Despite the list of benefits associated with low slope roofs, this type of roofing system has drawbacks. Low slope roofs are susceptible to leaks as water tends to stagnate on the flatter surface of the roof. However, this situation is preventable and treatable with regular inspection and maintenance.

Common Causes of Leaks in Low Slope Roofs and How to Rectify Them

1. Poor Drainage

Ponding is the greatest issue of concern for property managers or business owners. Though low slope roofs are designed to allow water to find its way to the gutters and other drain points, water can stand on the rooftop for 24 hours due to poor drainage. This situation leads to the additional weight on the roof, making it vulnerable to leaks and damage.

Keep your roof clean and clear of debris. Don’t allow piles of wet leaves stay on the roof; remove them as quickly as possible. Ensure the gutters and downspouts are cleaned regularly. Finally, contact New Hampshire Roofing Contractors to install more drainage lines and fix low spots on your roof.

2. Improper Workmanship

The main cause of water leaks in low slope roofs is human error. If the coating is not sealed correctly or a mistake is made during installation, it can lead to future leakage.

To avoid this problem, hire a professional roofer who understands low slope roofs. Pros know the best techniques to increase the waterproof property of your roofing system.

3. Unqualified People on Your Roof

Since flat roofs offer adequate space for the installation of solar panels and rooftop gardens, allowing unqualified technicians to perform any task on your roof can lead to costly damage. 

For instance, installing rooftop equipment could create holes in the roof that’d cause water leakage during the rainy season. Be sure you hire the right person for the job and consider the age of your roof before installing any equipment—the older the roof, the more likely it is to develop leaks.

Are you looking for experts to fix your flat roof leaks? Contact J. Carnes & Son Roofing at 603-686-7763 for top-notch roofing services in New Hampshire.