It is time to wipe the winter away with some spring cleaning? In South Florida especially, it is very important to take the time to make sure your roof is in great condition before the hurricane season starts and the winds start shaking things up. So here are our spring cleaning tips.

Remove the Branches Over the Roof

Start the roof cleaning process with pruning any nearby branches that may be shedding leaves all over the roof and clogging up gutters.  There is a simple reason to start with pruning. If you start with the gutters and then prune you will end up having to clean the gutters a second time as debris is likely to find its way to the gutters while pruning.  The rule of thumb is to keep branches about 10 feet away from your roof.

Moss, Leaves, and Dirt

Next on the list is an overview of the roof. Over time, moss, dirt, and debris can compromise or weaken your roof. It is a good idea to clean it up, but when cleaning your roof, avoid power washing as you may do more damage than good. There are plenty of regular cleaning methods that can help with this. The reason you want to do this as your second step is that whatever water you use to clean the roof will probably end up in the gutter and if you clean the gutter before the roof, well you get the idea.  While you are up there watch out for any loose or broken shingles, check any pipes, vents or chimneys you may have and make sure everything is undamaged. If you find any sign of damage, now is the time to fix it.

Clean Those Gutters

Now we can finally get to cleaning the gutters without worrying about having to circle back to it. Look for any weak spots and address accordingly. Clean up any clogs you may find in order to avoid future water damage, but avoid using a hose as you may cause a leak or compromise the drainage system.  Make sure they are attached properly and that there are no visible gaps or signs of damage that you need to address. Also, ensure that you take a look at the flashing and determine nothing is compromised.

You Can also Contact Aastro Roofing

South Florida’s sun can be tough to deal with; even spring temperatures can reach very uncomfortable digits. If like most people you do not relish the idea of climbing on a roof in the heat, then you are in luck. As South Florida natives with over 30 years of experience, our friendly staff at Aastro Roofing will be happy to make sure your roof is in tip-top shape and ready to handle whatever nature wants to throw at it. Give us a call anytime at (561) 623-3710 or to schedule a free estimate today.

Skylights are a great way to let natural light into your home or business. Even better, they can help save you money on heating and lighting costs by using the power of the Sun to provide all the energy. Unfortunately, sometimes skylights can break. Be it a leak, a loss of insulation, or even shattered glass, a broken skylight is something that needs to be handled correctly and quickly. Here is a practical guide to making home skylight repairs.

Identify Any Leaks

When it comes to a skylight repair, the first thing you need to do is to check for leaks. Often, it can be difficult to determine if a leak is the result of the skylight itself, or possibly another area of the roof, so it is important to make sure the skylight is fully closed to determine the source of the leak.

Once you have checked the interior for the source of the leak, head outside. Make sure that the roof is free from clutter, debris from leaves or broken shingles. This should help to improve the natural flow of water off the roof. If this does not solve the issue, you may need to consider replacing your skylight.

Check the Glass Quality

One thing you may not think about initially when it comes to skylight repair is the quality of the glass. After all, the glass was fine when it was installed, right? Unfortunately, insulated glass frames may lose their insulation and seal over the course of time

To check the seal of your skylight’s glass, look closely for any signs of condensation. There may also be a slight opaqueness to the glass. A window that is correctly sealed, however, should be clear. If the window’s seal appears to be compromised, it is likely time to replace the entire skylight.

Check the Skylight’s Flashing

The flashing is the metal installed around the skylight’s curb in order to match the surrounding roofing. The skylight’s flashing, however, also serves to provide a water-tight seal for the skylight.  In many cases, the cause of a leaking skylight is due to failures in the flashing itself.

If there is a problem with your skylight’s flashing, it may be a simple fix. Most local home improvement stores sell flashing kits or roof flashing cement which can temporarily halt any further damage. It is important to note, however, that these inexpensive kits are temporary solutions – and only a full repair can solve the problem permanently.

Call a Roofing Professional

You should always consider hiring a trained professional to ensure that your home’s integrity is maintained and the job is done correctly.

If you believe that your skylight is in need of repair, it is essential that you contact a qualified repair company immediately. A small leak in a skylight can lead to much bigger headaches down the line, including replacing the entire roof. The roofing experts at Aastro Roofing have over 30 years of experience repairing, installing and maintaining roofs in South Florida. You can feel secure contacting us today at (561) 409-3280 for a free estimate.

Is your roof in need of repairs? Are you thinking of fixing it yourself? If so, you are not alone. Many DIY enthusiasts think that roof repairs and replacement is something they can handle by themselves.

They assume that watching a few YouTube how-to videos might be enough to put their trusted home toolkit to good use.

Unfortunately, it is not as easy as that. The roof is one of the most important elements on your home, and it must be able to withstand the harshest rigors of weather. Roof repairs should best to left to professionals who are a part of the roofing industry. Here’s why.

Assessing the Damage Requires Expertise

It takes professional skill and expertise to assess the extent of damage your roof has sustained and to locate the leaky spots and other problematic areas that need to be fixed.

If the roof is irreparably damaged, it might have to be replaced altogether. The assessment of damage is something that only a trained professional can do most effectively.

Fixing the Damage Requires Art and Science

Even if you somehow manage to locate the leak and assess the extent of damage to your roof, you might not be able to fix the problem, owing to your lack of training and experience. In addition, you may not have the necessary professional tools to do a safe and solid repair job on your own.

Professionals can be more Cost-Effective

Many people think that they can save money by repairing the roof on their own rather than hiring a professional. It is not true at all. Professional roofers get discounts on roofing materials and supplies, which reduces the overall cost of the project.

Moreover, a professional can fix your damaged roof in one shot, whereas you might have to do it repeatedly because of your lack of experience, and spend more money at each attempt.

Choosing the Right Materials

When it comes to repairing a roof, choosing the right materials is of utmost importance. Professional roofers know exactly what kind of material is best suited for your roof. You, on the other hand, might not.

Manufacturer Warranty

In most cases, manufacturer warranties for roofing materials are applicable only if the roof is repaired or replaced by professionals. This is one of the main reasons why you should not attempt to repair or replace the roof by yourself.

Safety

This is, without a doubt, the single biggest reason why DIY roof repair projects are best avoided. Roofing professionals are not only trained, but are also equipped with the right kind of ladder, toolkit, safety harness, and other such protective equipment.

In the absence of a proper fall protection mechanism, the risk of falls and other such accidents increases significantly. It is precisely why fixing a roof is a job best left to a professional roofing company.

Professional Roofing Services in South Florida – Raise the Value of Your Home!

Aastro Roofing is one of the most experienced roofing contractors in South Florida. We are a family-owned company in Boca Raton. With more than 30 years of experience, we serve a large number of clients in several areas including Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Boca Raton.

We can install, repair, replace, and maintain all kinds of roofs – for residential as well as commercial properties. We offer more value and have more options than anyone else in South Florida. Simply put – if there is a problem with your roof, Aastro Roofing can fix it! Call us at 561-409-3280 and make an appointment for a free estimate.