Chimney Leak Repair

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Mike

How To Repair A Leaking Chimney

How Chimney’s Are Sealed

Chimney leaks are almost always related to the lead flashing’s that lay on top of the shingles, and direct water away from the chimney. Lead flashing is installed on the lower edge first, and sealed into the mortar of the chimney. Then lead step flashing is used to go up the side, over lapping each piece directly below it, and woven into each row of shingles. A cap is placed on top that covers and overlaps the step flashing.

Lead flashing used for chimney sealing will usually last the life of the roof and should always be replace when your home is being re roofed.

Why Chimneys Leak

  • High winds blow up a piece of flashing
  • Flashing is broken (usually do to flying object)

Chimney Repairs

If you discover a broken piece of flashing, it should be ground out of the mortar, and a new piece should be attached. It is possible to use tars and sealants to seal a leaking chimney for a few years. If the lead seal around your chimney wears out before you need to replace the rest of your roofing system. You can usually buy some time with sealants.

Properly installed flashing do not require tar and sealants. If you live in the upper north east, you should first wrap your chimney in ice and water shield as a counter flashing. Counter flashing’s are sometimes used encase water should penetrate your primary flashing.

In extreme wind driven rain situations even the best sealed chimney may leak some. (100 year storm scenario).

Posted in Chimney Repair | Tagged chimney leaks, chimney repairs, chimneys, leak repair | Leave a comment

Preventing Ice Dams

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Mike

How to Prevent Ice Dams if you Live in the Merrimack Valley Massachusetts

Ice dams usually form close to the lower edge of the roof. Massachusetts building code states that the effected area for ice dams is 3 feet inside a heated wall. This is why today’s roofers install ice and water shield on all lower edges, on all new roofing installations in New England. Ice and water shield comes in a roll that is 3 foot x 50 feet. If you do not account for the soffit area, and only use the three foot length, you will leave the effected area exposed.

Why Ice Dams Form on Lower Roof Edges

Do to poor insulation and ventilation to much heat escapes the living space (poor insulation), then it gets trapped against the roof (poor ventilation). Once heat escapes the living space it should be vented out of the house. Once the escaped heat melts roof snow, water hits established dams, or creates new ones, and water backs up under the shingles. Older roofs do not have ice and water shield underlayment, so the water comes into the dwelling.

Ice Dam Prevention

1. Get the snow off your roof, do not allow it to sit there. Either remove the snow yourself, or hire a roofing company to maintain your roof.
2. Remove the lower 6 rows of shingles and install ice and water shield.
3. Make sure you have good air flow from your soffit to your ridge vent (good ventilation).
4. Make sure you have adequate insulation, and that your insulation does not block your ventilation.
5. Install metal standing seam roofing.

Other Common Areas Ice Dams Form

1. Dormers: It is difficult to insulate and ventilate most older dormers, and they tend to be low sloped. These should be completely covered in ice and water shield.
2. Bay and Bow windows: again for the same reason, poor insulation and ventilation.
3. Walls: Older homes with blown in insulation, insulation settles and allows to much heat to escape through the siding.

If you would like to discuss your roof, or would like a free insulation and ventilation inspection, we would be glad to audit your home. Please call 978-788-9100

Posted in Ice Dams - Roof Leaks | Tagged ice dam, ice dam prevention, ice dams, leaky roof, prevent ice dams, roof leak, roof leaks, snow roof | Leave a comment

Roofing Contractors in Massachusetts

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Mike

Massachusetts Roofing Contractors

Good Better Best – Elite

“The good is the enemy of the best” -Unknown

When it comes to roofing in New England, good will just not do. There are a plethora of roofing contractors, and unfortunately most fall into the category of good. There are also a wide range of roofing materials available to choose from. Again, failure to choose the appropriate level of quality, may leave you frustrated.

Today, because of the economy you have many builders entering the general contractors arena. Most general contractors and builders alike use sub contractors to do their roofing. Which not only brings up questions of quality of work and materials, but of liability if you should need a repair or worse, someone is injured on the job.

We have a large in house staff of highly trained professional. We will use sub contractors from time to time to meet demand. But, we work with know the quality of the work, and we order and make available all supplies. There is never any ambiguity when it comes to responsibility, we offer blanket coverage, and terms of your warranty are written in the contract.

Posted in General | Tagged estimates, expert, five star, massachusetts, roofers, roofing contractor, roofing contractors, roofing professionals, roofing specialists | Leave a comment

Asphalt Pro Starter Strips

Posted on August 1, 2010 by Mike

When installing a new shingle roof it is important to remember one of the weakest points on the roof are the roof edges. This is a typical area of damage due to wind. Roof eves and rakes should have a starter strip installed before the shingles are installed.

Many roofers will not use starter strips, or they will just cut the tabs off a three tab shingle, flip it upside down and install it as a starter course. This is a clear case of the good being the enemy of the best. Installing a shingle starter strip course designed specifically for the roof edges, will protect the roof system, and reduces the need for costly repairs, 95% better than other systems.

Starter strips are an essential part of a shingle installation roofing system. This is why we use Weather Blocker Pro starter strips from GAF on every asphalt roof installation we do. GAF Pro Started Strips have been tested to resist winds up to 120 mph.

Get you home improvement done right the first time, and avoid the need for costly repairs down the road. Contact

Posted in Roofing Products | Tagged asphalt roof, costly repairs, gaf, home improvement, roof edges, roof eves, roofers, roofing system, shingle installation, shingle roof, shingles, starter course, starter strip | Leave a comment

6 Questions to ask a roofer

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Mike

It is important to ask your potential roofing contractor some questions before you go ahead and hire them.

1. Is there anything that is not included that may cost me extra money, over and above the estimate?
2. Do you have proof of insurances?
3. Do you have a list of references?
4. Will you pull a permit for this job?
5. How long will the job take?
6. When will you begin and end this work?

Not only should all these questions be asked of your potential contractor, but most should be outlined in the contract.

Most contractors will address each of these questions without your need to inquire, but should these issues are not addressed, you could be opening your self up to a host of head-aches and financial losses. Answering why to ask each of these questions could be a several complete blog post them-selves.

We would enjoy a chance to bid your home improvement or answer more questions.
978-973-6048

Contact Page

Posted in Roofing Advice | Tagged home improvement, roofing contractor | Leave a comment

How Much for a New Roof

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Mike

Whats a new Roof Cost?

We have a sample roof estimate listed below, this details area, materials, and labor. If you need an explanation, or want us to provide you with a free roof estimate for your home or business, please call. We would enjoy a chance to bid your home improvement. 978-973-6048

Asphalt Shingle Roof

Scope of Work:

Proper removal and disposal of all layers of roofing material. (all layers)
Replacement of 100 square feet of roof board included (three sheets), any board needed after that would be replace at a additional cost of $2.00 per square foot.
Installation of 6 feet of Grace Ice and water shield along lower roof edges.
Installation of grace ice and water shield in all valleys, around chimney, as well as vent pipe flanges.
Installation of new 6″ drip edge on all roof edges.
Installation of GAF Deck Armor Underlayment.
Installation of GAF/ELK Pro starter strips
Installation of new GAF/ELK 30 year high definition laminated architectural shingles. All shingles to be hurricane nailed to increase blow off rating to up over 100 mph.
Installation of GAF/ELK 30 year Timbertex hip and ridge Caps
Installation of new vent pipe flanges.
Re-leading of standard size Chimney

Materials and labor for job as outlined above to be performed for $400.00 per 100 square feet
EXAMPLE
10 Foot X 10 Foot area = 100 Square Feet
18 Foot X 40 Foot area = 720 Square Feet

30 year warranty, 20 years of 100% coverage non prorated and transferable for free 1 time, remaining 10 years are pro-rated.

If you need a professional estimate for your homes new roof, please call for a free estimate. (978) 973-6048

Posted in Roofing Estimates | Tagged cost of new roof, price for new roof, roof costs, roof estimate, roof prices, roofing costs, roofing estimate, roofing prices | Leave a comment

Roof Repairs – High Winds

Posted on May 1, 2010 by Mike

Northern Massachusetts has been getting hit by some high winds this spring. If you live in an area not protected by other buildings or trees you are more susceptible to these high winds.

We are seeing a lot of damage to asphalt shingle roofs. Repairs are ranging from 1-2 missing shingles, to 8-10 in a area. The cost of these roof repairs are generally under $800.-

It is important to address these right away. One good rain storm can damage many ceilings, or worse mix with the electrical.

Posted in General | Tagged asphalt shingle roofs, free estimate, high winds, northern massachusetts, shingles | Leave a comment

Green Lighting via Tubular Skylights

Posted on April 22, 2010 by Mike

solar lightingA great “earth friendly” way to draw in some natural light into just about any room is with a tubular skylight.

The collectors are mounted on the roof, and the light travels down a tube, the light being multiplied as it travels, then it is finished off in the ceiling with a fixture, much like a pot light.

Man using remote to control solar lightThe fixture can be controlled with a solar powered remote controlled shade/diffuser.

Eliminating the need for electricity.

I personally like these in bathrooms where there is generally a small window or no natural lighting.

dome skylight collector

The 10″ and 14″ collectors are completely water tight and simple to install on a shingle roof. They come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Posted in Roofing Products | Tagged green building, green construction, green roofing, shingle roof, tubular skylight, tubular skylights | Leave a comment

Roofing Estimate Service

Posted on March 31, 2010 by Mike
How much does roofing cost?

How Much?

How much will a new roof cost???

We do not charge home owners for this service. Please call to schedule your free estimate. Contact

How much do roof repairs cost?

It depends what the damage has been done, and what type of roof you have. We are happy to report that roof repair estimates are also free for home owners.

Storm Damage Insurance Estimates

We charge $75.00 to provide your insurance company with a detailed estimate. We including high definition pictures with an itemized materials list. This Estimate is then emailed to you and them.

Posted in Roofing Estimates | Tagged estimate service, free estimate, insurance estimates, repair estimates, roof repairs, roofing, storm damage | Leave a comment

Roofing Sealant – Advice / Tips & Application

Posted on March 20, 2010 by Mike

If you want the best roofing sealant for your next; roof installation, roofing repair, or quick patch, then you want to use Geocel. Geocel is a tripolymer sealant, and is far superior to all other roofing adhesives.

Silicone adhesives have gone the way of the dinosaur. They simply do not work for long, they do not expand and contract with temperature change.

Roofing Applications: Flashing, Leak Repair, Roof Projections, Roof Seams, Screw & Nail Heads, Skylight Frames, Termination Points, Valleys.

Construction Tripolymer Sealant

  • CARB VOC Compliant
  • Adheres to wet & oily surfaces
  • Stays flexible – will not crack
  • Superior ultraviolet protection
  • Applies in any temperature
  • 50 year service life
  • Paintable – contains no silicone
  • Available in clear or many other colors

Demonstration Video

Posted in Ice Dams - Roof Leaks | Tagged geocel, hydrolic cement, leak repair, roof tar, roofing repair, sealant | Leave a comment