With the impending arrival of cold, rainy, and snowy weather, now is the time to winterize your house. It’s critical to begin winterizing your roof well in advance of the inevitable weather in your location. While your HVAC system is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your house during freezing weather, your winterization strategy should also incorporate your home’s roofing system. So, how do you protect your roof in winter? If you’re unsure what to do, here’s a checklist   that could help.

Checklist For Winterizing Your Roof

Begin With An Inspection

Before doing any repair, you should inspect the condition of your roof. Once the rain and snow begin to fall, even the tiniest anomaly or deficiency might become a significant problem.

What you’re searching for are splits and punctures (which are the primary source of leaks), as well as wind-induced uplifts. The latter is dependent mainly on geography, and if you live in a windy neighborhood, this is more probable. These roof damage indicators are readily evident to the naked eye.

Replacement Or Repair?

When you notice anything wrong with your roof, you’ll need to decide whether to fix or replace it. For instance, if a shingle is missing, its repair is a no-brainer. The issue with this is that it often necessitates repairing a little greater area of the roof.

Those who neglect roof upkeep the most suffer the most when winter approaches. A roofing system might develop several weak points over time. These weak points deteriorate significantly throughout the winter when destructive external forces target them. As a result, it is essential to make required repairs, such as replacing broken or loose shingles.

Reduce Or Trim Tree Limbs

Even the healthiest tree branches might fall on your roof due to strong winds or the weight of ice and snow. If the trees surrounding your property have grown higher than your roof and pose a hazard to your roofing system, immediately prune the tree branches. This can help you avoid costly emergency repairs and safeguard your house from water damage.

Clean Your Roof Gutters

Before the winter months arrive and freezing temperatures make an appearance, clean your roof and roof gutters entirely. Algae growth on your roof might infiltrate under the tiles. This problem can worsen throughout the winter, when cold temperatures force the algae to grow, exposing your roof to potentially destructive elements.

Rain gutters are also critical for the proper maintenance of your roofing system. A blocked or broken rain gutter causes water to permeate your roof, attic, and house, wreaking havoc on your yard and potentially your home’s foundation.

Examine Attic Insulation

Insulation maintains a comfortable temperature in the winter and a cool temperature in the summer. It is critical to regularly inspect your attic’s insulation to verify that it is in excellent condition. To safeguard your roof, remove or block moist or moldy insulation. When necessary, insulate your attic to save energy, increase comfort, and protect your roofing system.

Examine Flashings

Roof leaks are often evident to the untrained eye; have a look at your flashings. Susceptible areas such as roof areas touching the wall, skylights, or vent penetrations, it’s advisable to get ahead of the incoming rain and get a free roof assessment from an expert.

Get Professional Roof Inspections Regularly

As a homeowner, you might enjoy DIY projects and be tempted to climb onto your roof and try some of these suggestions, such as shingle repair. However, you must understand that this is not a safe activity! Walking on a roof is risky; a single mistake or misstep may result in catastrophic results. Additionally, stepping on a roof may result in damage to adjacent tiles or shingles.

As a result, the most effective method of protecting your roof and preparing it for the winter season is to book a professional roof check. Not only will this assist extend the life of your roofing system, but it will also help increase and maintain the efficiency of the heating and cooling system.

Contact Gold Star Contracting Today!

If you haven’t had a professional roof check recently, now is a good time to do it. You will extend the life of your roofing system and increase the efficiency of your house. For actionable information on winterizing your home or schedule roofing services, call Gold Star Contracting today!

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With the fall season typically comes strong fall winds. Accounting for the wind and the substantial debris caused by falling leaves, homeowners need to get their house ready for the winter months ahead. Prevention is key in preventing possible issues down the line and ensuring everything stays in order.

This article provides some important fall roof maintenance tips to help homeowners prepare their residential roofs for the coming colder months.

6 Important Fall Roof Maintenance Tips

Roof care is especially essential in the fall as it ensures your residence has adequate protection against severe winter ice and snow. In case of roof damages, you should contact Gold Star Roofing to handle the project for you. The following are roof maintenance tips to keep your residential roofing durable and last as long as possible:

1. Visual Inspection Is Necessary

An external, visual examination of your roof is an ideal starting point for roof maintenance routines. You should climb to the top of your roof and look for missing shingles or other issues that may lead to damage or leaks. You can handle this step on your own or contact a qualified roofing specialist like Gold Star Contracting to come around for inspection if it is not something you can do.

Note the region around chimneys and vents, as well as the roof’s margins. Don’t forget to inspect for holes, rips, disintegrating materials, buckles, bulges, curling, and places where the roofing is peeling away at the edges. In case you have a flat roof, check for any water pooling that has formed. If you are unsure what to look for, contact the professionals at Gold Star Contracting for advice – anything out of the usual may be a reason for worry.

2. Trim The Trees

When leaves starting shedding all over, tree limbs might appear to be somewhat encroaching the house vicinity. Cut those branches before they eventually pose a threat to your roof. Doing this as fall is just starting might also help curtail the number of leaves that clog your guttering system.

3. Have Your Gutters Cleaned

To ensure water flows off the roofline properly, you will need to keep your gutters clean. It is critical to ensure that debris does not accumulate on your home’s roof or gutters. Clogged gutters will cause water to bounce back onto the roof, causing cracking, mildew, and other damage.

Before the autumn leaves begin to fall, clean up your gutters and keep an eye on them throughout the season. If you reside in windy areas, it is advisable to check them more often than usual. Check the drains and spouts for any blockages that may be obstructing water flow.

4. Put Gutter Guards In Place

Gutter guards are quite inexpensive, and they will save you a lot of time when it comes to cleaning up your gutters. These simple caps cover the gutter structure to keep leaves out. Small holes in the caps allow water to enter, but big debris will only get dried and come off. This reduces your cleaning efforts significantly.

5. Perform Any Required Repairs Immediately

If your roof inspector says you need repairs done on a specific area of your roof, ensure you do it as soon as possible. Before the wet, cold weather arrives, now is the time to handle maintenance and repairs. Small issues in the fall may quickly escalate into major issues in the winter, so it is advisable to go into the cold season with a robust, solid roof. You will worry less about high repair expenses by keeping your roof well-maintained over the year.

An annual maintenance and inspection schedule may help your roof last for many years to come. Checking for damage and debris takes just a few minutes, and the time invested is well worth it for peace of mind.

6. Warm Up Your Roof

Since winter follows fall, preparing your roof is part of the maintenance process. This entails doing everything possible to avoid ice dams, which develop when snow accumulates on the roof and inhibits adequate runoff drainage.

Residential and multifamily roofing systems may be severely harmed by the freeze/thaw cycle. As ice builds up on the roof, it adds weight, which may compromise its structural integrity or possibly destroy the membrane.

You must also be wary of “scrubbing.” Scrubbing occurs when ice travels over the roof as a result of temperature fluctuations, damaging the membrane. There is also the issue of your roof’s age and present state; an older, compromised roof is more prone to taking a beating from freeze and thaw.

Your roofer may perform preliminary work to guarantee that the roofing system can withstand wet and cold weather. The easiest and most cost-effective method to maintain your residential roof in good shape is preventative maintenance. With appropriate upkeep and care, your roof may last decades with the right contractor. You may save money on repair and replacement expenses in the long run through regular maintenance.

Fall Is Coming: Are You Prepared?

People have a habit of neglecting their roof system until there is an issue like leakages in the building. Unfortunately, considerable damage to the roofing system and decking may occur without being detected.

You can trust that your roof will be prepared for fall with our qualified roofing contractors. Gold Star Roofing offers inspection and maintenance services that can help you avoid damage from roof leakages, and you can anticipate your current roof to last for as long as possible.

Whether you need roof repairs, want to save on heating, or simply want to keep everything running smoothly with your roof, call us today. It’s the perfect time to prepare for fall and anticipate changes before they happen.

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It is easy to overlook roof maintenance during the summer. When no rain or snow is hitting the roof, many homeowners forget about what is above them. Roofs are not visible like a kitchen, so that people may overlook the need for repairs. Homeowners need to regularly inspect their roof for repairs as it will help preserve it and save costs in the long term. Use our top 5 tips for summer roof maintenance to help protect your roof from future damage.

Top 5 Tips For Summer Roof Maintenance

It’s not always enough to simply clean out your gutters. It is a good idea to check your roof regularly to make sure it can survive the summer months and manage what is coming in autumn. This advice goes for both residential roofing and commercial roofing clientele. Fortunately routine maintenance and inspections should only take a few hours and could prevent against costs that could occur from a repair or replacement.

Here are a few helpful hints for keeping your summer roof in tip-top shape:

Keep An Eye Out For Warning Signs

Now that summer is here and your roofing system is clean, carefully climb aboard and check for any indications of issues with the roof. Examine the flashing for any missing shingles or damaged areas. Make a mental note of anything that looks out of place or damaged.

If you can identify issues that need minor repairs early on, you can prevent them from becoming major repairs. Not only are larger repairs pricey, but they may also have an impact on the house’s interior.

One roof leak may cause significant internal damage, which can have a cascading impact. If you do not feel confident enough to inspect the roof yourself, contact a roofing professional to conduct a roof inspection for you. After all, winter is approaching! Getting your roof ready this summer is crucial.

Clean Out Rains And Gutters

One of the essential things you can do for your roof is to keep your gutters and downspouts clean all year long. Many people clean them out in the autumn to remove apparent leaf litter, but items may stay trapped in them all year. Your gutters and drains aid in diverting water away from your roof and house. If this channel gets clogged, water will not be diverted effectively, resulting in a blockage.

Blockages in your gutters and drains may result in a variety of problems for your roof. If your systems get clogged, water can pool on your roof. This can cause damage to the decking and attic. Check that your gutters have not loosened over the severe weather months, in addition to gutter obstruction. Anyone entering or leaving your house may be put in danger from a loose gutter combined with heavy debris.

Drains may not seem to be a part of regular summer roof care, but they may have a significant impact on your roof. Looking for shingle particles in your drains is a fantastic method to identify issues. This is an indication that your roof needs some TLC.

Check For Fungus

Look for potentially hazardous fungus, algae, or mold while doing summer roof maintenance. These are not only terrible for your roof, but they may also be dangerous to the people who live there if they start to enter the roof or walls.

Zinc allows fungi and algae to thrive. It is possible to remove moss off your roof, but be sure you are going out this process safely! Wear work gloves and have someone nearby to hold your ladder for you.

If mold has infiltrated your attic, you should not try to remove it on your own. Hire a professional to remove the mold from your attic using the proper masks and equipment. Mold inhalation carries a slew of health hazards.

Trim Your Trees

Strange weather patterns are becoming more frequent. Storms may occur at any time of year. Even summer storms may cause property damage. Consider the trees that surround your roof while conducting summer roof maintenance.

Trim or remove trees that are too near to your house or have branches that dangle over the roof. Big trees and larger branches are not only hazardous, but they may also totally damage a well-maintained roof.

The weight of snow on the trees around your roof can weaken them throughout the winter. Your trees may be somewhat affected by the time summer arrives. During major storms, unhealthy trees are always a danger.

Cut off the branches and eliminate any trees that seem to be at risk of falling over in a strong wind. Keeping your gutters and drains clean will be easier if you remove branches that extend into your roof area. It is better to have a minimal amount of debris on your roof.

Examine Your Vents

The importance of ventilation in maintaining the condition of your roof cannot be overstated. Take a look at the monthly energy bill before going up to the attic to inspect your vents. If your bill has seen any significant increases or changes outside of typical seasonal fluctuations, your ventilation system may be malfunctioning.

Your bill may have changed due to a loss of ventilation efficiency. If you can detect ventilation problems early on, you can correct them before they cause significant roof damage.

It is also important to check out the metal stripping around your vents, ridge, and chimney is in good shape. Your stripping may have fallen free during severe storms. Replace your weatherstripping before it deteriorates and allows leakages.

Get Your Inspection Before It’s Too Late!

We hope you thought these top 5 tips for summer roof maintenance was helpful! Make summer roof care a priority, even if you have not given much thought to it this summer. Your roof may seem to be in good condition at first glance, but careful inspection may reveal problems that need to be addressed. Early detection of problems can benefit both your house and your pocket.

If you get your roof examined, you will be notified if there are any problems. It will make it easier to detect drainage problems, fungus, mildew, and stripping concerns. It is the safe and smart choice to hire someone to trim your trees and branches for you.

If you need to inspect or repair your roof, Gold Star Contracting, has a qualified team ready to help. We provide high-quality professional roof services for both commercial and residential clients. Get your roof ready for the summer and catch all issues before they impact your home in the long-term.

We aren’t your average roofing company. Contact us today and see the Gold Star difference!

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Whether you are trying to buy a house, need a home inspection or are evaluating the extent of damage on your current roof, this process can be tricky. To help you determine the steps for your roof, we’ve put together a list of the most popular FAQs about residential roofing below.

Unless a visible leak or discoloration has begun to appear, it can be hard to detect a problem with your residential roofing system without the assistance of inspectors. In most cases, a homeowner discovers the problem when it is much too late. As a result, if you see any cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, or peeling wallpaper, this most likely indicates a leaking roof.

Consider a roof examination twice a year to catch any problems that may go unnoticed! You’ll save money in the long run and alleviate the unnecessary stress it can cause.

Roofing FAQ

To help you determine the help your roof needs, we’ve listed the most asked residential roofing questions and answers.

What options do I have if I wish to re-roof?

When it comes to re-roofing, you have two alternatives. You have the option of having a total replacement or having the existing one restored. If you want to replace your roof, you will have to remove the old one and install another.

On the other hand, restoring it merely entails the replacement of the roofing system without changing the base. If your roof has previously been restored or repaired, you may need to consider replacing it, especially if your roof problems persist. A full replacement will get to the bottom of consistent issues that are plaguing your roof. Most roofing experts recommend a full replacement every 15-20 years.

Is it necessary to replace my roof entirely if it is leaking?

Certainly not. The degree of the damage will determine whether repairs or replacements are necessary. Roof leaks are frequently caused by loose flashings or a piece of the roof system that is damaged. You don’t want water leaking through your roof deck – this could spell even more issues throughout your home’s structure.

Water damage may also be due to a poorly installed roofing system. If this is the case, you will need to replace it. In any event, you should speak with the roofing professional first.

Is it possible for me to complete the job myself?

While certain repairs may be simple, doing so on your own is not recommended. Major roof repairs or replacements are complicated procedures that require specialized knowledge. They should always be left to a professional to avoid damage, additional difficulties, and possible danger. That way, you will be certain that the issue has been resolved properly and won’t cause problems later on.

What is the expected lifespan of my roof system?

The lifespan of your roof is primarily determined by the roofing materials used in its construction and its maintenance. The better the materials, the longer the roof will last and, the better it will age. A professionally built roofing system, on the other hand, can endure up to 20 years!

What is the price of a new roof system?

The cost of a new roof is determined by several factors, including the materials used, the contractor performing the job, the size of the house, the location of the home or structure, and labor rates.

Request bids from respected contractors to obtain a solid idea of how much it will cost to construct a new roof; this will also help you pick a contractor who can work on the project while staying within your budget. Before you get any work done with a company or even allow them to quote, always ask for referrals from friends, family, and local businesses and look at their evaluations.

At Gold Star Contracting, we pride ourselves on the quality we bring to our clients. Feel free to read our reviews here.

How can you determine if your roof needs repair or replacement?

Unfortunately, the only way to tell whether you need roofing repairs is if you have a leak or if your roof has been damaged by severe weather. It is common to have a leaky roof and not even realize it, so it is always a good idea to inspect your roof area for leaks or any damage inside regularly or hire a roofing professional to do it for you. They will also be able to inspect the condition of your roof from the outside securely.

An expert residential roofing contractor will look for cracked, warped, or missing shingles, loose seams and deteriorating flashings, excessive surface granules gathering in gutters or downspouts, and other indicators of roofing issues on both the interior and outside. A leaky roof may do a lot of damage over time, so inspecting it periodically is a good idea so that any problems that are discovered can be fixed promptly to limit the damage. A competent roofing contractor will always inspect your roof and provide an estimate for installation or repair.

Is it possible to fix a leak or damage in one section of my home’s roofing?

Unless a roof is very old, it is usually possible to repair and replace missing, cracked, broken, or curling shingles or tiles to stop a leak. Roofs with broken tiles, structures, or insulation and roofs with repeated leaks or more extensive problems should be replaced.

The Gold Star Standard

Gold Star Contracting specializes in all types of roofing refurbishing, new roof construction, and flat roofing services for companies, new build building builders, and residential properties.

We specialize in all areas of slated, tiled, thermoplastic, steel, flat, and fiberglass-covered roofs, from slate replacement to new roof installations, re-roofing, and roof repairs. We only utilize high-quality materials, so you can be assured that your roof will be sturdy, waterproof, and long-lasting.

All roofing projects are scrutinized for proper product application, thermal performance, and environmental effect. As a local roofing company, we make sure txhat all of our roof installations adhere to current industry building standards.

These are only the top common questions about residential roofing. If you have additional homeowner questions about residential roofing, contact us to get answers and for inspection.

Contact us today!

Homeownership comes with plenty of responsibilities. You might find it a tad difficult to adjust to owning a home if you have only previously leased a home or apartment. If your home needs repairs, you are solely responsible for resolving them. Installing a new roof on a home can be costly, but it is well worth the investment. Check out these 5 reasons to replace your residential roof.

Because of our many years in the roofing industry, we understand that our customers may put off having a new roof until it is absolutely necessary. However, it is not recommended to go without a new roof when certain indications are apparent. The following are some of the reasons why replacing your roof may be the best decision for you.

1. Several Houses On Your Block Are Getting New Roofs

With good maintenance, you can trust residential roofing to last between 20 years and 25 years. New residences are frequently part of a larger development project that encompasses a large area of land. This suggests that all of the houses in the area are about the same age and will require roof replacement around the same time. It may be time to consider a new roof if you notice multiple roof replacement projects in your neighborhood.

2. Debris In the Gutters

If you have noticed a substantial volume of debris in your gutters, your aging roof might be the cause. Your roof may start to deplete and shed its material as it ages. The winter months are particularly taxing on your roof. When your roof begins to show indications of wear and tear, it is always a good idea to check with one of our roofing contractors to see if you need a roof replacement.

3. Curling and Buckling Shingles

Asphalt shingles are designed to last for a certain number of years. Once the layers of shingles start nearing the end of their typical lifespan, the signs of dilapidation will be obvious. This is why you need a roof that can withstand precipitation in all weather conditions.

When roof shingles curl and buckle like a dry piece of paper, it is an indication that the elements have done irreparable damage to your roof, and it is time to replace it. Otherwise, the curled roof will start trapping water, which will eventually cause rot and leakages. You may need to remove or replace these architectural shingles for safety.

4. Roof Discoloration

The sun will fade the color of your roof gradually. Rain, sleet, and snow, among other weather components, can degrade the appearance of your roof. If you see dark areas on your roof, you should contact us right once. Discoloration does more than only detract from the appearance of your home; it can also indicate that your residential roofing is failing.

5. There Are Bald Spots On The Roof

Roof bald patches provide the ideal conditions for moisture to infiltrate into your home and cause water damage. It is critical to contact us as soon as your roof starts to deteriorate. A few bald areas can quickly evolve into a wood rot and mold problem in your home if ignored.

Leaks are the most obvious evidence that you have a problem with your roof and that it may need to be replaced. You may notice discolorations on your ceilings, which may signal that moisture is leaking in from your roof.

Water will follow gravity and pass through the insulation and even along with the wiring of your home’s internal system when it enters your home. It is time to call a roofing contractor if you have any leaks or signs of moisture.

Contact Gold Star Contracting Today!

We hope these 5 reasons to replace your residential roof were helpful. The warning signals listed above often mean that your roof needs to be replaced. Trying to avoid these problems is a formula for catastrophe, and it will almost always result in major water damage. When you consider the difficulties that a new roof can avert, the money spent on it is well worth it.

If you are still unsure whether a roof replacement is required, give us a call. We can send someone out to your property to inspect your roof’s structural condition.

Our roofing experts at Gold Star Contracting are committed to helping homeowners restore their homes by installing a high-quality roof. Our experts are always willing to assist! We offer a variety of services including roof maintenance, roof repairs and roof replacements and so much more. We can also repair or replace a variety of types of roofs including metal roofs and slate roofing.

Contact us today for your free consultation.

When should you replace your multifamily property’s roof?

You would be surprised at how many clients we talk to who don’t realize the importance of keeping their roof in top condition or what the warning signs are for needing a new roof. 

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your multifamily property. Not only does it protect your residents and the interior of the building from the elements, but it also takes a beating if harsh weather conditions occur. Your roof is the first line of defense!

Many property owners are worried about other things and the roof is the last thing on their minds. However, small, unnoticed damages pile up quickly. Before you know it they have spiraled into bigger issues that are costly to fix.

To help you avoid extra expenses and the worst-case scenario with your roof, Gold Star Contracting is here to help. With decades of experience in roofing services, we know the roofing industry inside and out. Save money and gain peace of mind with our roofing experts leading the way.

When To Replace A Multifamily Roof

A multifamily property is any residential property that has more than a single housing unit. This includes duplexes, townhomes, apartment complexes, and condominiums. Multifamily properties, due to their nature and high resident turnover, often see lots of wear and tear. 

These properties bring their own challenges when it comes time for a roof replacement or repair. 

If you think your multifamily property may need a roof replacement, start by evaluating with our tips below.

Missing Shingles 

Take a look at your property’s roofing system. Is the roof missing any shingles? Particularly after a storm or weather, there’s a high chance your roof may be missing a shingle or two.

Often missing shingles are the result of hail damage. Especially in Minnesota, any local can attest to the harsh winter weather conditions. Because of its location in North America, Minnesota’s temperatures are extreme.

A single missing shingle may seem unimportant, but it exposes your roof to increased vulnerability. Water can find its way under the roof and cause mold damage, rotting the underlying elements over time. The shingles of your roof are its armor. If your armor is ineffective or missing pieces, you are exposing yourself to potential damage.

Rotting Fascias 

Fascia is the wood alongside the overhang of your roof. The gutters sit above the facia board. Their primary functions are to help the gutters stay in place, prevent water damage to the roof deck and cover open or exposed ends of rafters.

If your gutters become clogged, bacteria can grow, causing the fascia to rot. If the fascia rots, it’s very likely other elements of your roof are rotting too. This can be a very obvious sign your roof may need to be replaced.

Water Stains On The Ceiling 

If your tenants are complaining about spotting water stains on the ceiling, this could be a sign of a serious problem. 

There has to be a serious amount of water for it to drip down through the ceiling. This means there is a major roof issue that has gone unresolved for some time. 

Sagging Roof 

Unlike other, smaller signs of damage, this is easier to spot. Water damage can cause rotting on the structural elements which can lead to a sagging roof. Excess weight, such as from a large amount of snow and storm damage can also cause your roof to sag. While a little bit of caving is normal over time, it must be fixed as soon as it is obvious. 

A sagging roof should be addressed by a roofing professional as it can be complex to fix. Gold Star Contracting offers free roof inspections if you would like to get started or concerned your roof is sagging.

Mold, Dark Spots 

Have you ever noticed strange dark streaks or spots on your roof? This is usually a build up of algae due to water damage. If a roof is properly set up and installed, there shouldn’t be algae. This is also another sign your roof might need an immediate replacement. 

Noticed Any Of These Signs On Your Multifamily Roof?

If you have noticed any of the above signs, it’s probably time to replace your multifamily roof. A rule of thumb is age – if your roof is over 20 years or older, that’s a major sign its no longer in good condition and it’s time to be replaced.

At Gold Star Contracting, we are experts in helping multifamily property owners and managers solve their roofing problems. We can tackle any roofing project. Our experienced team can assist navigating the entire roof repair and replacement process. We’ll handle your new roof installation from start to finish. We’ll make this process as smooth and affordable as possible for you and your tenants.

If you are ready to begin replacing your multifamily property’s roof, contact our team today for your free estimate. With 13 years of experience you can trust that when you work with Gold Star, your roof is in great hands.

We have repaired and replaced multifamily roofs, commercial roofs and residential roofs. We are here to provide you with the  high quality service our customers have expected from us for over 10 years. Here is what some of our clients say about us. 

We aren’t your average roofing company. 

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