Archive for Repair Articles
Skill Of Popular Wooden Gates, Options And Prices
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Wooden gates are known more for being reasonable than stylish. Most of today’s time more properly and intricately created fences and gates are produced of embellished or other kinds of iron, but those made of wood offer a feeling of privacy that iron gates can not. Those who desire to know that their full yard is secure from prying eyes choose for wooden gates and fences. They come in a whole row of heights, and it is not uncommon to come across some that are above 5ft in height. This is great for anyone who is anxious about their privacy, or simply desires to be sure that their dog does not someway jump the fence. This higher privacy comes with a price, as with the majority of things. The issue with furniture or other items that are created of wood and are outside is that they can undergo consecutive degradation. It is not unusual for wooden gates or fences to experience wood rot over time, which makes substituting planks every so frequently a must. This can obtain pricey the longer you are in your home, which is something that deters a lot of from investing in these kinds of fences.
Another aspect that should be kept in head is that these gates and fences can be broken. Depending on the type of wood that is used, any number of degrees of influence can do harm to the fencing planks. Performing some proper research into the kinds of woods that are utilized in them in addition to the price ranges will offer you a positive concept as to whether they are the best answer for your home. Installation can also be an issue, as it can take longer to set these than it would the iron or aluminum dissimilarity. Attentively inspect this as well, as sometimes it is real to find simple install difference that are full rows of planks to make installation a snap – this is not always available, so it may be a good idea to shop around in your place or online.
Though they are plagued with a few disadvantages, the fact that wooden gates are the just real way to obtain privacy in your backyard makes them an alluring prospect. Nosey neighbors are always a slump, and comprehending that your pets and kids are secure within the confines of your home is always a relief. Be certain that you carefully weigh your alternatives before choosing any one type of fencing or gate to ensure that you get exactly what you need. There are more alternatives than ever at the present time, and white wooden gates are famous for being number one in privacy, they can not be exactly what you need. Price range depends on the gate’s level of workmanship, height and weight.
If you still confused about the best alternatives concerning wooden gates, visit our website!
Repairing Skylights In The Windy City
Posted by: | CommentsSouthwest Chicago Skylight Repair
One of the most common places for roof leaks to occur is around skylights. This is even a more common problem in places like Chicago where weather temperatures can change from real hot in the summer to extremely cold in the winter in a relatively short period of time.
This causes stress on just about everything, including the buildings, roofs, chimneys, and their skylights. If you are looking for repair work to be performed on your leaking skylight in Chicago and the Southwest suburbs, you came to the right place.
We aim to offer people the best service possible at a great price. In the current economic climate people are keen to save money where they can, whether it’s through using sites such as Lovemoney (http://www.lovemoney.com/) or by cutting back in certain areas. There are some repair companies who will break your budget fixing the smallest problem.
However you won’t have to worry about that with us! We give clients all the information they need, plus options for everything to be repaired. We make sure clients are well-informed up front, and we charge reasonable prices for our work. Hopefully you will find this website helpful and do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information.
There are some repair companies who will break your budget fixing the smallest problem. However you won’t have to worry about that with us! We give clients all the information they need, plus options for everything to be repaired. We make sure clients are well-informed up front, and we charge reasonable prices for our work. Hopefully you will find this website helpful and do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information.
You won’t have to worry about that with me! I give clients all the information they need, plus options for everything to be repaired. I make sure clients are well-informed up front, and I charge reasonable prices for my work. I hope this website is helpful. Feel free to contact me whenever I can help!
Causes of Skylight Leaks
Many leak problems begin when water gets under gaps in the skylight itself, the flashing around the skylight, or the flat roof membrane that goes up what is called the “curb.”
When this water freezes in the Windy City, it expands causing the gap to expand. After a few seasons of this expansion and contraction, it starts to leak.
Repairing Or Replacing?
Most often a skylight can be repaired rather than being replaced entirely. Even old skylights with cracked glass can be repaired with the right materials and know-how.
Replacing an existing light, or installing a new one, can be a major construction project. Many people are content with their current system, other than the leak. This can be repaired without, not only the added expense, but the mess and inconvenience of having an unwanted construction project in your home.
Finding the Leak
The first place that I check is around the rubber seal that runs along where the glass and the metal meet. There can also be flashing that surrounds the glass on the top of the skylight as well. If I see anything that looks worn, cracked, or having any large gaps, I make note and then continue the inspection.
Skylights on a Shingled Roof
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On a pitched shingle roof skylight, step flashing run under the shingles and along side of the skylight. Usually a counter flashing also covers the step flashing. The first thing I look for is exposed nails under the shingles.
Many times roofers nail the flashing to the roof deck and leave the nail exposed. Rather than nailing high, they put the nail low, thus leaving the nail exposed. While the shingle may cover the nail, the flashing is not. Over time water gets under the nail head, freezes, and actually lifts the nail up causing a skylight leak.
The proper way to nail the flashing to the roof deck is to have every piece of flashing cover the nail that is holding the piece below the other. Every piece of flashing should totally cover the nail holding the piece below it. This way water never touches the nail head, and you can’t see any nails even if you lift up the shingles.
This is the number one reason for leaks around skylight flashing on a shingle roof that I have come across. The funny thing is, this is a basic mistake! What’s the big deal with putting the nails up a few inches higher? I guess I’ll never know.
Skylights on Flat Roofs
A flat roof skylight does not actually sit directly on the roof. These sun tunnels sit on what is called a curb. Several types of flat roof membrane run up this curb. I look for cracks and what are called bird’s mouths in the membrane.
In some cases any cracks or gaps can simply be patched with the proper material. In other cases the damage may be more extensive and resurfacing may be the wiser option.
I like to re-roof at least two feet on the roof deck itself, as well as up the entire curb with the appropriate material for the particular roof membrane.
In some cases I will patch any minor areas with torch down rubber patch, and then apply a liquid roof coating, such as elastomeric coating, to the entire area around the skylight and the curb.
I have over 20 years experience in roofing, flashing systems, and skylight leak repair. I service the city of Chicago as well as the Southwest suburbs. 60477
Why perform roof maintenance in Chicago?
Posted by: | CommentsSouthwest Chicago Chimney, skylight, and roof leak repair
For roof repair in south west Chicago, skylight leak repair, chimney leak repair. Chicago roof repair specialist.
I offer total flashing system replacement on chimneys and skylights. Chimneys are a problem area that often require new flashing rather than just a tar patch to provide a long-lasting solution to chimney leaks.
My flashing systems are of the highest quality. All chimney, skylight and wall flashing systems are custom made on site with several choices of metal and color. I offer chimney leak repair including tuck pointing, as well as skylight and other flashing repair.
Out of sight out of mind
Question: “My roof is only seven to ten years old and has a twenty year warranty. It’s not leaking, so why not leave it alone until I have to do something?”
Few people would purchase a new car and not change the oil until the motor starts clacking. Unfortunately, because the roof is “out of sight,” we tend not to give it much thought until there is a problem. Many of the roofs that I repair are under three years old, and leaking because of the extreme weather conditions in Chicago, combined with less than professional workmanship. Few homeowners ever see their flat roof. A full roof inspection that includes photographs, combined with proper upkeep and repairs, solves the mystery and saves you money.
Chicago flat roofing systems
Most low slope or flat roofing systems in the Chicago area should receive maintenance at least every other year for several reasons. First, in most cases, this is a requirement for extended 10 and 20 year manufacture warranties. Second, you save money over the long term by extending the life of the roofing system to its maximum potential. Third, by preforming regular roof maintenance you prevent unnecessary and more costly repairs in the future (such as the expense of repairs to the interior of the home caused by water damage), not to mention the general aggravation and displeased tenants.
If your flat roof is more than five years old, it’s a good idea to have an inspection and appropriate degree of restoration performed.
A few of the most common flat and low sloped roofing problems:
1. Ice dam at roof end caused by frozen gutters causing back flow down the interior wall
2. Cracks along the transition from roof deck to parapet wall, especially in corners
3. Leaking around vent stacks and penetrations caused by worn boots, excessive cracks in roof membrane, and/or faulty seams
4. Loose or displaced chimney and/or wall flashing
5. Fishmouths, buckles, holes, tears and or cracks in roof membrane
6. Open seams
7. Skylight leaks
Don’t let this happen to you!
Chicago shingle roofing systems
The same applies for residential shingle roofing systems. By performing regular maintenance you can extend the life of your roof. In these tough economic times, repair and maintenance can put off the expense of complete replacement until better economic times.
These are some of the most common shingle roofing problems:
1. Dormer and other wall flashing failure
2. Valley leaks
3. Leaking around stacks, other penetrations and vents
4. Skylight flashing failure (normally caused by improper installation)
5. Chimney flashing failure
6. Deteriorated shingles
Contact me for all the details on my maintenance programs, repair services, and roof inspections.
