Metal roofing materials are classier than ever. Galvanized and painted metal roofing panels are available in a variety of color and trim options that freshen and upgrade homes of nearly all architectural styles. These roofing materials are long lasting and low maintenance, two traits that make them ideal for busy families and retired homeowners. (more…)

Degraded vent-stack waterproofing is a common cause of roof leaks on shingled house tops. Vent stacks are pipes that carry stinky gas up and away from your plumbing or gas lines. Usually, they extend above your roof, although some vents are designed to be flush with the roof for better curb appeal. Wherever there's a roof stack, there's a hole made in the roof decking to accommodate the pipe. In order to prevent water and pest penetration around the pipe, several layers of waterproofing are used under and over the shingles and around the stack. If you notice leaks under the location of vent stacks, you must have the roof inspected and any holes around stacks repaired. (more…)

Since a roof can cost several thousand dollars to replace, it's in your best interest as a homeowner to make sure your current asphalt shingles stay in good shape. Asphalt shingles are incredibly durable, but they do wear out more quickly in certain environments and conditions. Here are some tips for extending the life of your asphalt shingles, giving you a little longer to save for roof replacement. Even if your roofing material is brand new, taking steps now to prevent premature wear and tear can save you money and time.  (more…)

Your home's roof is your first defense from the elements. When your roof wears out or becomes irreparably damaged, it's vital to replace the current model with high-quality roofing materials as soon as possible. Reroofing is a large-scale project that often takes several days. Unfortunately, some homeowners fail to account for the amount and intensity of work necessary, which can lead to property damage, delays, or even injury. Whether you're having your home reroofed by a contractor or you plan to strap on a harness and tackle the job yourself, you must first prepare your property adequately. In this blog, we list the fundamental steps needed before the reroofing begins. Get a Timeline Regardless of who's completing the roof removal and replacement, you must establish a basic timeline for the project. If you're going through a contractor, he or she will be able to give you time estimates on how long each step of the project should take. Even if you are DIYing your new roof, you'll need to check when you can expect materials to arrive, how long you can keep any rented equipment, and so on in advance. Notify Your Neighbors If your home is on a smaller lot or is located near the edge of your property, debris and building materials may fall into your neighbors' yards during the reroofing process. The extensive construction necessary can also be loud enough

More than anything else, roofs serve a hugely practical purpose. But your roof also serves an aesthetic purpose. Depending on how your roof slants, it's a major part of what passersby can see of your house from the street. If you have a garish roof, even if it's completely functional and leak-free, your curb value goes down, as does your home's resale value. If you're planning a new roofing project, then you have to do much more than choose your new roof's material. You also have to choose its color and ensure it matches your home's current color and style. Below, we'll give you a few tips so you can find the perfect color to complete your home. 1. Decide if You Want a Darker or Lighter Roof First, think on a macro level: before you decide which shade you want your new roof to be, decide whether you want it to be lighter or darker. Don't forget to consider your climate before you make the choice-if you choose a darker color, the roof will trap more heat, which could make your home less efficient. You can always combat this problem by adding better insulation to your attic. If you live in a sunny climate, a light roof could help you save a little bit of money and keep your home at a more comfortable temperature. Of course, you can get the same effect by choosing a different roofing material. For instance, regardless of their color, some metal roofs reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it to keep your entire home cooler. If you want a

With the winter weather quickly approaching, you probably take some steps to prepare your home for the oncoming snow and icy winds. But have you thought to take the same measures with your roof? Like the rest of your house, your roof requires a little extra TLC at the beginning of each season. Especially before winter strikes, you should take several steps to ensure your roof can withstand the weight of snow piles and the force of winter winds. Below, we’ve provided you with some tips you can use to prepare your roof for the winter season. Read on to discover how you can fortify and protect this exterior feature.

1. Clear Away Debris

Throughout the year, your roof will accumulate different kinds and amounts of debris. For example, during the spring, you may notice scattered piles of seeds, twigs, or grass along your roof. In the fall, you may see small branches and piles of leaves across the entire structure. If you leave this debris on your roof, it will collect moisture from fall rains and winter snows. The more moisture the debris retains, the greater the risk for mold, algae growth, and rot. Use a sturdy ladder to climb onto your roof. Use a broom or air blower to remove the leaves and twigs from your roof. Spend a little extra time cleaning out the valleys of your roof, since leaves are more likely to stick in these corner crevices. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this cleanup yourself, call a roofing professional to perform the service

If you look up at your roof and see black stains covering the shingles, you may immediately think your home is now home to a deadly fungus. Luckily for everyone in the area, what you're seeing probably isn't black mold, but rather a type of algae. Algae growth on the roof is common throughout the eastern United States and along the western coastbasically anywhere with relatively high humidity. If your roof is covered in black streaks, you're likely wondering what exactly it is, how it affects your roof, and what you can do about it. What is Algae? When you think of algae, you probably think about underwater plants that blanket the bottom of the neighborhood pond. How did that get onto your roof? "Algae" is actually a broad term used to describe many different varieties of organisms that rely on photosynthesis for nutrition. All algae lacks connective tissues that transport nutrients between cells, meaning each cell must absorb its own nutrients. This nonvascular system sets algae apart from plants and is the reason why most algae thrives in underwater environments. The algae on your roof is Gloeocapsa magma, also known as blue-green algae. It's a single-celled organism with a unique ability to build a protective sheath around itself to shield it from UV radiation. Because the algae that grows on your roof is a colony, rather than a single organism, it doesn't need to be submersed in water to thrive. And because of the prote

You love the idea of your home covered in lush green vines. Houses covered in ivy look romantic, picturesque, or classic, and the greenery makes the buildings stand out in their neighborhoods.

However, ivy isn't for everyone. While ivy looks beautiful, it can damage your home-and if you change your mind about ivy, it's highly difficult to remove.

If you're not sure if ivy is for you, keep reading. This blog will cover when ivy works, when it doesn't, and how to remove it if it's already climbing all over your home.

When Is Ivy Okay?

Usually, you see ivy growing on homes with brick walls. If your house is not too old, has mortar between the bricks, and is in good condition, the ivy will probably be fine. While ivy does sink roots into existing cracks, it can't usually make new fissures in the brick. Your solidly constructed walls should be able to support the ivy without getting damaged.

When Is Ivy a Problem?

Generally, any wall that is not newer brick in good condition should not have ivy. Avoid the following:

• Siding. If you have any kind of siding, ivy is not for you. The roots will work their way into the seams, widening them dangerously. Your siding could sustain a lot of damage.
• Old or damaged brick. If the brick or mortar is already weak, the ivy's roots will further deteriorate it. The roots could widen t

Your roof is one of the most important features of your home. Beyond protecting you and your family from the elements, it also helps define the style of your home's exterior. However, many homeowners choose to stick with traditional options like asphalt shingles when replacing their roof. American Building & Roofing offers a wide variety of roofing materials especially asphalt shingles and metal roofing.  While asphalt is an effective and inexpensive option, you may be interested in choosing a material that will make your home really stand out. Throughout history, different communities refined specialized roofing techniques to best protect their home from a specific environment. Modern technology allows homeowners to focus more on style than on functionality, as nearly any material can be treated to increase longevity and become weather resistant. If you're looking to give your home a distinctive look, or have it reflect a certain style, consider replacing your roof with one of the materials in this blog. 1. Wood Shingles Wood shingles were historically used in Europe and the North American colonies, as well as in more modern architectural styles such as the Tudor Revival. Red cedar is the most common wood used for these shingles, as it is more resistant to decay and more durable than many other types of wood. Modern wood shingles are carefully cut from a wood block to create a uniform look across the roof. Because the shingles tend to be

It's finally feeling like summer in the Puget Sound region.  Stop by one of our seven locations in Western Washington at Mt. Vernon, Everett, Snohomish, Poulsbo or Eastern Washington at Wenatchee, Yakima or Pasco.  Let our amazing team help you find the right roofing materials for your home!  Thanks to Amy Fulton sharing this image with us.