Four Tips On Roofing For New Homeowners

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I can't believe that New Year's Day will mark one year since we moved into our new house! It has been a year full of learning, to say the least! I really thought I was good at being a grown up, but as it turns out, I really had no idea of what I was getting into! I mean, hot water heaters, mailbox installation, privacy fence rules, are you kidding me right now? One of the biggest things that I quickly learned when we moved in was that I had NO actual idea about roofing. As soon as we hired our home inspector, he quickly schooled me in all things roofing, and passed along some valuable tips that every new homeowner should know.  Here's just a few things that I have learned in the last year: 

#1. Know Your Roof's Age

The age of your home is not equal to the age of your roof. In many cases, your home's roof will have been replaced several times before you ever move in. And roofs do not last forever. One of the biggest things our home inspector taught me was to know the age of your roof, and to pay careful attention to that age, especially as your roof begins to reach the end of it's lifespan. I began to pay careful attention to this when I started to notice several of my neighbors replacing their roof this spring. Many times, once a roof starts to reach the end of it's lifespan, it will start to need costly repairs. These repairs, in some cases, can be close to the same as the cost of replacing the roof. This is why knowing the age of your roof is helpful, so you can start to save up some money for when it is time to replace it. 

#2. Find a Trusted Roofing Contractor

Even if you are not in the market currently for roofing repairs, it is a good idea to find a licensed roofing contractor in your area, just in case the need arises. There are so many great roofing contractors, like Greater American Roofing, but you will have to do your research and find one in your area. Having a roofing company that you trust is a must, even if your roof is not currently experiencing any problems. Your roofing contractor can help to inspect your roof and let you know if there are any potential problems that might be lurking around the corner. Cracked or peeling shingles, debris on your roof, nearby trees that could cause damage, or attic issues can all be problems on down the road. A roofing contractor can help to pinpoint these issues and give you a head's up as to things that could be costly issues for you on down the road. 

#3. Don't Forget The Attic

One thing that I didn't know was how much the attic is related to the health of the roof. Did you know that ventilation problems or insulation issues can cause problems for your roof, and vice versa? Make sure to have someone check your attic to make sure it is properly insulated and that warm or wet air is ventilating properly so that you won't have to worry about any issues. Likewise, it is important to have someone (a Louisville Roofing Contractor, for example) to check your roof for any leaks that could cause horrible issues with your attic on down the road. Even though it might seem like a pain in the butt now, a little work will go a long way towards prolonging the life of your roof. If you are not sure how to go about doing that type of thing, you can get advice from a roofing contractor or general handyman on that. 

#4. Do Your Part

Another thing that it is important to remember, is that you can't just count on a professional to take care of everything for you. It's really important to do whatever you can on your own to try to prevent any roofing issues. For example, if you can periodically check your roof for any debris, especially after a storm, that can be a good first step. Also, remember to keep an eye on any trees that might have limbs or branches sticking out near your roof. It doesn't take a very long amount of time for a wayward branch to cause a hole to develop in a roof, so pay attention to that. If you do notice debris or limbs on your roof, use a blower or a soft brush or broom to clean the roof off to prevent problems from developing. Another important tip? Check your gutters too while you are getting debris off the roof. Clogged up gutters can also cause huge roof issues if left untreated, so make sure to check those from time to time. A good rule of thumb is to clear those gutters out at the change of seasons. 

As you can see, none of the things shared here about roofing are exactly rocket science. They are all just things that are easily overlooked, especially if you are a new homeowner like me. I am really making a concerted effort to learn more about being a responsible homeowner. There really are lots of things that you can do on your own to take care of your home, but it is still a great idea to find a trusted professional to contact just in case you do come across something that is beyond what you can handle on your own. 

Do you have any tips for new homeowners that you can share? Let us know in the comments! 

4 Things To Do After Getting An Injury

 4 things to do after getting an injury

No one enjoys having an injury. It can be totally frustrating and debilitating. Activities that once seemed simple like making a coffee or dropping your kids off at school seem unbearable, and you wish you could just recover as quickly as possible.

While injuries aren’t pleasant, they are often a fact of life. There’s no point beating yourself up about it. Instead, you need to try to adapt your routine and make life as easy for yourself as it can be while you recover. Here are 5 things to do after getting an injury. 

Contact a lawyer

If your injury occurred because of someone else’s negligence or inappropriate behavior, you may wish to contact a lawyer. For example, you might have tripped on a hazard at work or had a car accident because of a drunk driver. A lawyer might be able to talk you through the next steps and assess whether you are entitled to compensation. If you don’t know how to go about finding a lawyer, check out personalinjury.com. It’s always worth finding out more information so you can make sensible choices.  

Speak to your boss

It’s common to be worried about your work situation after getting injured. You might not be able to work at all, or your boss might need to make some adjustments. While the thought can be frightening, it’s important to speak to your boss as soon as possible. A good boss will support you through this difficult time and help to make your working day as straight forward as possible. You might be able to work from home or reduce your hours while you recover. So, have the conversation and make sure your needs are met.    

Make home adjustments

You might find that your home is difficult to navigate when you’re injured. If you have a leg injury, for example, you might struggle to get upstairs. While some injuries recover quicker than others, you should try to make your home as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. This might mean rearranging furniture or installing assistance rails. You should be comfortable and relaxed in your own home, so don’t overlook the importance of home adjustments.   

Ask for help

While you might be tempted to soldier on alone, we all need to ask for help every now and then. An injury can have a huge impact on your everyday life, and there’s no point in suffering in silence. This is especially important if you have children or other caring duties, as their needs still need to be met. You might find that the school run is challenging or you’re struggling to cook and clean the house. There’s no shame in asking for help, and friends and family members won’t want you to suffer alone. Ask for help while you recover.