Here, you are going to find the best selection of relevant blog posts, advice, and tips on how to properly attend your residential roofing system. Every week stop by to read only the best roofing tips coming from The Cool Roofing Company, the best residential roofing company in Atlanta. With our skills and experience in roofing for many years till now, we are able to provide the necessary guides for our customers across Atlanta metropolitan area.
Except reading the recent news and tips regarding residential roofing, you will have the opportunity to read about our recent projects as well. So, don’t miss out reading our blog posts on time, and we assure you’ll be up to date with the latest roofing trends. We are offering our services to everyone in need across Atlanta metropolitan area, and we’re always glad to help with professional advice.
How To Finance Your First Home
Financing Basics for First-Time Homebuyers
Most of the first-time homebuyers face a dilemma on how to finance their debut property acquisition. Some make avoidable mistakes, which end up costing them time and money.
If you are a first-time homebuyer, you should do a little bit of research to be aware of the workings of the property market. For instance, do you know that the location of your would-be property would earn you some benefits from your financier?
According to The Cool Roofing Company, the best residential roofing contractor in Atlanta, GA, the most important thing to note is that whatever financing option you go for, it must meet your investment needs and friendly to your pocket.
Loan types
You have a broad range of mortgage loans from which you can sign for the most favorable to your financial plans. Before you sign for one, however, you must carefully scrutinize the loan structure: interest rate, prior-charges, grace period, repayment period, etc. and the financial institution lending you.
Some of the mortgage loans available include:
Conventional loans
They are mortgage loans offered at fixed interest rates and are not insured or guaranteed by the federal government. Though much cheaper than guaranteed mortgages, they are harder to access. This is because you must meet a set of stringent requirement to qualify. These include, you must place a down payment, have a good credit score, and income to service it and meet certain costs such as insurance. They come in different structures and brand names, which you can get by consulting individual financiers.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is a section of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, offers mortgage loans with friendly terms. They are easier to access than conventional loans. They are ideal for you as a first-time home buyer since you will pay fewer upfront charges and their interest rates are as low as 3.5%. But the maximum amount you can borrow is limited by the federal government limits.
Veterans Affairs (VA) loans
The US Government’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not offer the loans but rather guarantees them. A select of qualified lenders offer the home loans to veterans and service people at favorable terms because of the government guarantee. They require no down payment, and in most cases, they are easier to qualify for than conventional loans. They have limits, and you must get an eligibility certificate from the VA before you can apply for a loan.
Sponsored programs
You also have the option of securing financing from anyone among the many state and local governments and agencies sponsored programs.
These programs seek to facilitate growth in investment in home ownership in specific regions.
Equity and income requirements
Your financiers will determine the interest rate of your mortgage by evaluating your creditworthiness. They will consult three major credit bureaus to check on your Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) score. This will help them to calculate two official statistics, which they will apply to set the rate charged on your loan.
First, they will calculate your loan-to-value (LTV) by dividing the amount you are borrowing by the price of the home you are buying. The higher the ratio (LTV), the higher your interest rate will be on your mortgage. This is because you have a higher chance of failing to service your mortgage.
Secondly, they will calculate the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), which is your ability to service your mortgage. They will divide your monthly net income by the mortgage costs. If your ratio (DSCR), is higher, the abler you will be to service the mortgage. This is why it is advisable to include either your sources of income, including a part-time job or business you have to leverage and negotiate a better mortgage deal.
Fixed vs. floating rate mortgages
You need to decide whether your mortgage loan will have a fixed- or floating-rate.
A fixed-rate mortgage: The rate will not change for the entire period of the loan. It allows you to know your monthly payment for the whole period.
A floating-rate mortgage: The rate can change – upwards or downwards – during the loan period. According to The Cool Roofing Company, a company in Atlanta, Georgia, they are ideal for first-time home buyers who expect a pay rise over the loan period.
- Published in Residential Roofing
Short interesting tips on how to inspect a roof yourself
Tips on DIY roof inspections
Once a homeowner installs a roof on top of its house, he or she usually thinks the job is done. No more problems for at least a decade. However, the truth is far from it. To keep it properly functioning at all times, a roof needs to be maintained and inspected not just annually, but biannually if possible.
Some things should be left to the experts. Any kind of procedure that requires specific knowledge and modus operandi is better left for professionals to handle. However, some things you can do on your own. Inspecting your roof is one of those things you can do on your own. Following are some tips on what to look out for while inspecting your roof, and some expert tips on how to maximize your endeavour and spend as little as possible.
First of all, to make one thing clear – if you have any kind of problem when it comes to dealing with heights, you needn’t climb a ladder. Simply arm yourself with a pair of binoculars and inspect the damage from the ground.
Second of all, here are some things you should look out for:
- Any appearance of moss or lichen, be it small or large, shouldn’t be neglected. It can mean your plywood base is decaying
- Cracked flashing
- Any sign of rusting
- Any kind of damage done to your chimney
- Missing shingles
- Broken shingles
- Colored grit in the gutter is generally a bad sign since it means there is no safety layer between the asphalt and the outside
Third of all, as mentioned earlier, some things don’t require an expert’s attention. Small repairs could be done easily and professionally, even if you’re an amateur. Those problems would include singular shingles being cracked or missing, a nail that popped out of its place. If you’re careful and if you educate yourself on the matter, there shouldn’t be a problem. When it comes to the finances, you shouldn’t worry much. All of these repairs take up very little of your money and your time. It may seem as if you’re okay without actually doing anything, after all, it’s just a small crack. But a single crack is enough for your entire roof to collapse over time. You might think you would notice any serious damage, but you would be amazed how little attention you pay to your roof every day.
Major repairs should always be left to the professionals. After all, they are professionals.
If you’re a resident of Atlanta and are in need of a roof service, don’t hesitate to call the best commercial roofing contractor in Atlanta . Our premium service, paired with our exquisite materials and affordable price is what makes us the number one choice for homeowners in the Atlanta area. Our goal is a happy customer with a high-quality product. Contact us today and set up a consultation!
- Published in Residential Roofing
Getting familiar with roof ventilation
THINGS YOU HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT VENTILATION
Roof venting is one of the most spoken about roofing topics on each roofing blog. Sometimes things can get messy due to so many posts and guides on that subject. As a roofing company with a lot of experience and years of venting different types of roofs, we’ve finally decided to bring you some valuable information on roof venting. What we can say with certainty that a vented attic is pretty underestimated in the roofing industry. If done properly, a vented attic and roof can do wonders for your household, and it will function in all types of climate- because that it the purpose of venting. However, some unreliable roofers and roofing companies spread around wrong information and incorrect advice on roof venting, so a lot of homeowners do it incorrectly. Improper venting can lead to massive energy loss, mold, rot or ice dams. That is why you should always hire a professional to do it for you and always check the background of the roofing company you hire. This article will explain the basic principles of venting and what you need to now about it. So, no matter if you are our client or you intend to be, sit back and read the information given to you by your favorite Atlanta commercial roofing company.
WHAT VENTING REALLY IS?
It is crucial to know what venting is and why is it desirable. You can’t appreciate something if you don’t know what it is and how it can be used and efficient. What the primary purpose of venting is, depends on the climate homeowner is located in. When it comes to the type of venting; attic or roof, it is pretty much the same, and it gives the same results.
For homeowners placed in cold climates, ventilation serves to maintain a cold roof temperature. Now, why would one want that? By keeping the roof cold, you can avoid ice dams which are created by melting snow and cause major leaks and problems. Venting in cold climate also helps vent any moisture that comes from te living space to the attic.
When it comes to hot weather, things are a little bit different, but venting is equally important. The primary purpose of venting in warm locations is to expel hot air from the attic that is a result of Sun’s heat. By doing that, building’s cooling load can be reduced and you can significantly lower the amount of energy spent on air-conditioning. That’s how you can save hundreds of dollars. When it comes to mixed climates, ventilation can serve in both ways.
So, no matter where you are and what are the weather conditions you live in, venting of your attic and roof simply can’t be a wrong decision.
VENTING THE ATTIC
Venting the attic is a lot easier than venting roof deck because you don’t have to keep in mind valleys dormers, slopes, and hips. A homeowner should make sure that the attic place is completely cleared out. There shouldn’t be any furniture, things you collect and things you will never use. Get rid of those if you want to ventilate your attic. While we recommend you to call a professional to do it for you, there are many DIY guides on how to vent your attic.
WHAT ABOUT VENTING THE ROOF DECK?
When it comes to the roof deck, it will be a more complicated process to vent the roof deck. If you have a simply constructed roof, the procedure should be easier and less time-consuming. However, roofs with hips, valleys, skylights or dormers will be hard or impossible to vent. You have to know the exact measures and strictly follow the guides. While venting is an amazing thing, there are some drawbacks. If you live in a cold climate, you have to be careful that snow won’t enter the ridge vents because ti can melt and cause a leak or rot. On the other hand, living in coastal climate can also bring difficulties. Moisture can enter the vents cause damage
The most important thing about venting is realizing the right approach and doing thins by the guide. While some DIY’s are perfect, we honestly recommend you to call a trustworthy roofing company skilled enough to install the ventilation properly. Venting is an incredible strategy but only if done correctly, so call The Cool Roofing Company and treat your home the way it deserves.
- Published in Residential Roofing
Preventing roof damage
The roof over our heads is probably the most precious thing in our lives. The roof is the one that allows us to feel safe and protected from wind, sun, snow, storm, and sun. It transforms our houses into sanctuaries. That’s why we should always try to prevent any potential roof damage. Even though it isn’t easy to think about everything, it’s necessary to invest some time in roof maintenance. After all, the last thing that you want is a roof leak or even a roof collapse.
How to prevent roof damage
Although it seems tricky to protect your roof from the outside effects (because he’s the one that’s protecting you) it certainly isn’t impossible. There are a few tricks that can help you to prevent roof damage.
1. Check your gutters
The importance of gutters in protecting the roof is enormous. If your gutters are old, you should check are they still properly attached to fascia cover. If there’s any space, your safety may be disrupted since they won’t be able to handle any additional weight.
Also, don’t forget to clean the gutters from debris and leaves. Accumulated debris can cause serious damages on your gutters and roof when winter arrives. So, check your gutters now and prevent roof damage.
2. Don’t be afraid of heat
Heat can be your best friend during the winter months, so don’t be afraid of it. Installing heating cables just beneath your roof (or at the bottom of it) will help your roof to get rid of any additional weight from snow or ice. Weight can cause serious roof damages. If you prevent the accumulation of snow on your roof – you may save your roofing system’s life.
3. Don’t ignore the SOS signals from your roof
If you’ve already noticed that something isn’t right, don’t ignore it. Your roof is sending you signals for help. If you see that there is a stain on your ceiling – find the source of the roof leak and fix it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might end up with a roof collapse, mold, and many other problems. Also, if you have problems with opening the doors during the winter time, be sure to look at your roof. The overloaded roof can cause that kind of problems, so be sure to check it and prevent any additional roof (and house) damages.
Since our house is our sanctuary, it’s important to properly maintain it. If we neglect the roof, we might end up with a roof collapse that can damage the entire house. If you want to find out how to protect your roof from any additional damages, don’t hesitate to contact your most trusted commercial roofing contractor The Cool Roofing Company from Atlanta, GA. Our licensed and experienced experts will find the right solution for any problem you may have. Prevent roof damages, save your house and provide a shelter for your family because it’s the most important thing in life.
- Published in Residential Roofing
You need to clean your gutter
Generally speaking, a roof is that barrier between you, your possessions, and the outside world. Since most of us prefer a functional roof that fulfills its duties, a certain amount of effort is required to succeed in having that perfect roof.
One of the aforementioned functions of your roof is to drain any water and debris that accumulates during the seasons. That’s why a gutter was invented.
A gutter is long metal tube of sorts that usually follows the upper edge of your house. It follows the line between your exterior walls and your roof providing a means to divert any possible rainwater or leaves that may fall down.
This is an important segment of your roof and it should be treated as such. In order to keep it as functional as possible, it requires regular maintenance.
In case you wish to oversee the maintenance of your gutter, you will mostly likely face leakage and corruption of the foundations.
To prevent such disasters from happening, here are some helpful tips on how to properly clean and maintain your gutter.
How to clean your gutter
There are a couple of ways to clean your gutter, each being effective in its’ own way.
First of all, if you want to keep it simple, you can always climb a ladder and use your hands to remove the accumulated waste. You can always ease the task by using certain tools, but don’t forget to keep it safe. Gloves, long-sleeved t-shirts and such should be an essential tool when it comes to manually removing the waste.
Second of all, you could try and attach a tool of your liking to a wet shop vac and have fun while blasting the debris out of your precious gutter.
These are the most popular solutions, however feel free to use any combination of the aforementioned to achieve your own personal style, suited to your needs.
How to maintain your gutter
Following the common rules of maintaining a residence, it is absolutely fine to check your gutter once a year, following additional check-ups of your household.
Although, following the newest tips in roofing, experts recommend checking your gutter twice a year to reduce the possibility of damage and unexpected situations.
When checking, you could also take time to remove any residual dirt clenching to the sides of your gutter. The easiest way to do that is to scrub the dirt off or to spray it down using a water hose.
One of the advanced tips of maintaining a gutter is to watch the slope of your gutter. You can easily do that by flushing water down the gutter. Observe its speed and readjust the slopes to achieve the perfect result.
If you’re living in a normally humid area, our team at The Cool Roofing Company from Atlanta, GA, best company for commercial roofing in Atlanta, suggests arranging the fall of your downspouts into a dry well, or a dump of some sort. By diverting the possible rainfall away from the foundations of your home into a dry well, you are securing the longevity of your household.
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- Published in Residential Roofing
How To Save On Roofing Without Sacrificing Quality
Everyone wants to save money on their roofing project, but nobody wants to sacrifice quality to do it. It is in fact possible to get quality roofing for a good price, but only if you know what to do. Find out with The Cool Roofing Company.
- Published in Residential Roofing
Save on Residential Roofs in Atlanta.
The Cost of a Roof in Atlanta
Nobody wants to need a new roof. Among the most expensive of all home repairs, it pays to know all the options available for repairs and avenues available to save if/when roof work is required. An investment in the future, knowing how to save money without sacrificing quality is essential, as cheap spot-fixes end up costing considerably more in the long run than investing in quality work. While most simply cut costs at the expense of quality, it is possible to save without sacrificing quality, and doing so starts with finding a reputable roofer who knows how to leverage the materials and techniques available to provide you a quality roof that is less likely to need work in the future.
Balancing Quality and Cost
Roofing can be a difficult market to navigate, so it’s important that you investigate the reputation of a few roofers before selecting the one you choose to contract. Many will try and rope you in with tantalizingly cheap offers, only to produce a roof that needs work in another 2 years. Getting in touch with Atlanta Better Business Bureau and investigating online reviews can go a long way to determining who should and should not be trusted with working on your roof. Though the price of roof work can be extreme, it’s important that you treat this as an investment as opposed to an expense, as trying to reduce the price of your roof work will almost certainly cost you more in the long run.
The Cool Roofing Company
The Cool Roofing Company is one of Atlanta’s industry leaders in residential roofing. With an A+ rating with the Atlanta Better Business Bureau, you can trust us to complete our work to the highest standards of quality. We distinguish ourselves from the competition by specializing in Cool Roof technology, which can passively save you hundreds of dollars a year on energy costs by providing your house with a roof that reflects solar energy. Perhaps the best way to save on a roof investment, invest in a Cool Roof with The Cool Roofing Company to take advantage of lifelong savings that can passively reduce the impact of a roof investment. For the best quality roof work and comprehensive expertise in Cool Roofing, save money on roof work without sacrificing quality by getting in touch for commercial roofing with The Cool Roofing Company, Atlanta’s best residenital roofing company.
- Published in Residential Roofing
4 Benefits to a Cool Roof in Georgia
In Georgia, your home or business is dealing with persistent sun beating down on its roof, heating your building and the surrounding area. Most people don’t recognize the costs associated with dealing with this heat, and the benefits of a roof that address them.
- Published in Commercial Roofing, Residential Roofing