No matter what season you’re in, it’s important to make sure your house is protected from water leakage so you don’t let water rain on your parade, literally.

Owens Corning offers their WeatherLock® Flex Flexible Self-Sealing Ice & Water Barrier, which provides excellent roof deck protection against water infiltration and is an essential part of the Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System.

WeatherLock® Flex has a modified asphalt and flexible poly surface combination that allows it to adhere to irregular shapes and angles even in cold-weather applications. Its slip-resistant surface will ensure first-rate traction and safe installation to prevent your home from unwanted leakages. Not only will you have quality roof protection from water flow, but WeatherLock® Flex can also withstand UV exposure for up to 30 days without any edge curling or performance deterioration.

So, don’t let your new roof get damaged by rain, ice, and the elements; Owens Corning’s WeatherLock® Flex Flexible Self-Sealing Ice & Water Barrier offers both high protection and high performance that will keep your roof in top condition all year round.

If you’re looking to boost your home’s appearance, safety, and insulation levels – all at the same time – it may be time to have a new door installed.

To determine if you need a new door, inspect the door jamb and threshold for signs of damage or decay. Rotten or warped materials let in moisture and make it easier for a criminal to gain entry. If you’re looking to install a larger door, or if the old one is beyond repair, a prehung model is your best bet. Before trying to install a new door, take careful measurements of the width and height of your door opening.

Once you’ve decided to replace your door, you’ll need to choose what material to use:

• Wood.  A classic material popular among homeowners for its beauty and warmth, a new wooden door is usually more expensive compared to other materials. A glossy finish extends the lifetime of this type of door. If you plan to install the door yourself, make sure to stain or seal both the top and bottom wooden panels to keep out moisture. Wooden doors tend to be more sensitive to moisture and sunlight, so replace them if they show signs of rot or warping. To protect your wooden door from the elements, consider enclosing the entryway inside an external foyer.
• Metal.  The cheapest and most versatile material used today, metal doors tend to be simpler in design than ones made using wood. Most metal doors are filled with foam for added insulation. Resistant to warping and cracking, metal is a popular choice for doors that see lots of daily use. Harsh or wet climates can be hard on metal doors, however, causing them to rust quickly.
• Fiberglass composite.  A nearly maintenance-free, dent-resistant material that can be formed to mimic almost any style, fibreglass doors are gaining popularity among homeowners. Fiberglass doors are immune to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for wet or harsh climates. The foam core at the center of most fiberglass composite doors provides a solid insulation barrier, reducing heating costs. To ensure a proper fit, have your fiberglass door installed professionally. Most manufacturers offer warranties that last as long as the home does.

To get a reliable and secure fit, buy components such as handles and hinges from the same manufacturer who built the door. You can either choose a door that matches your home’s overall look, or opt for one that offers a compelling contrast of color and style.

Weather protection and reliable security are key doorway features to look out for. Reinforced windows built into a door let in light and add a touch of class. Whatever style of door your choose, and whatever the material it’s made of, a brightly colored door will add character to even the most plain facade.

A new door can boost your home’s appearance, make it safer, and increase its energy efficiency. For help with choosing and installing your new door, contact the construction and remodeling experts at AROCON.

As the weather turns warmer, it’s time to get your roof and gutters ready for Spring showers. Snow and ice can damage even the sturdiest roof, meaning that an inspection and some repairs may be necessary.

One way to inspect your roof is by looking at it through binoculars from ground level. Have another person on hand and be careful when climbing onto your roof to remove larger items such as branches and wind-blown leaves. If it’s necessary to get onto your roof, but you don’t feel comfortable doing it, or if your insurance policy forbids it, call in professional help.

1. Remove Any Foreign Objects.
The first step in preparing your roof for Spring-time is to remove any debris you might find. Sticks, pine-needles, and other plant matter will clog gutters and ventilation stacks, possibly causing water damage as well as excess moisture buildup in the attic.

2. Check Your Roof For Damage.
Make note of any missing or damaged shingles or tiles. Shingles that are buckling or appear smooth should be replaced. Torn or missing flashing, which is the material that covers the chimney where it passes through the roof, needs immediate attention. Otherwise, rainwater can get into places it shouldn’t be able to reach. Ventilation stacks help your attic shed moisture, allowing the top part of your house to ‘breathe.’ If they’re showing signs of damage, fix them as soon as possible. Caulking and weatherstrips stop moisture from creeping under your roofing materials and into your home. Remember to replace rotten and loose caulking with a fresh application of a weather-proof, silicone caulk.

3. Check Your Attic For Holes.
From inside your attic or crawlspace, check for signs of water or daylight intrusion. If you find damp beams, dripping water, or patches of standing water, chances are there’s a leak that needs attention. Water flows downhill, so remember to check along the roof’s peak when looking for leaks. Look for and get rid of patches of mold inside your home. These are likely caused by excessive moisture buildup.

4. Fix Any Damage.
Make sure all downspouts and gutters are firmly attached. Ice and snow can be too heavy for some gutters and will pull their anchors loose. Replace any missing tiles, shingles, flashing, and caulking. Plug existing holes, or use chalk to mark their location and call in a roofing expert for help. The sooner damage is fixed, the sooner you’ll rest easily knowing your home will stay safe and dry during the next Spring downpour.

Taking care of your roof and gutters with some basic spring maintenance will help extend their lifespans, saving you money in the long run. At AROCON Roofing and Construction, we offer the roof tune-up that includes shingle repair, caulking, and more!

With fall well underway, it is important for homeowners to maintain their gutters. The falling leaves are great to look at, but they also pose a risk for property damage. Fallen leaves and other debris can clog up your gutters, increasing the chance that your gutters will malfunction during the winter.

If gutter damage is a concern for you, break out your fall sweaters and check out this five step guide to proper fall gutter maintenance:

Step One – Safety Precautions.

While fall gutter maintenance is essential to good home maintenance, it can be a dangerous job. You should never perform gutter maintenance without proper glove wear and eye protection.

Additionally, you should always use a standalone ladder while working on your gutter system. Remember, safety should always be your first priority in any fall gutter maintenance.

Step Two – Remove Leaf Debris

Leaf debris are the leading cause of fall gutter damage. Accumulated leaves can prevent water flow, leading to extensive exterior damage to your home.

Neglected leaves can also rot, weighing down your gutters and potentially damaging your whole gutter system. Regularly clear your gutters of leaf debris in the fall, and it will pay off in the winter.

Step Three – Water leak test

After your gutters are clear of debris, you should perform a water leak test. Run a steady stream of water through your gutters. This will reveal any leaking spots within your gutter system. Doing so will notify you of problem areas before they result in extensive damage.

Step Four – Seal Cracks

Once you have identified cracks and leaks, you should seal them as soon as possible. You should be able to address any minor leaks with a quality sealant. However, for more severe damage, you should consult a professional.

Step Five – Consult a Professional

If your gutter system has legitimate damage that should be addressed by a professional, contact a local contractor to ensure your gutters receive quality, cost-efficient maintenance.

Even if you don’t spot any serious problems, it’s always a good idea to get your gutters inspected periodically as a preventative measure. At AROCON Roofing and Construction, we offer gutter tune-up services which includes cleaning, caulking, and tightening your gutters, plus more.

There are millions of roofs in America, and thousands of contractors who service them. Most of these contractors are upstanding individuals who do their work honestly, quickly, and well. A few contractors, however, are just out to make a quick buck off of unsuspecting homeowners. If your house is located somewhere mother nature often wreaks havoc, or if your roof is visibly damaged, here are some common roofing contractor scams to watch out for.

1. The disappearing down payment. Frequently, a shady contractor will claim he needs money up-front to buy materials before any items are delivered or any of his tools are stored on-site. Be careful not to sign over insurance or settlement checks to roofing contractors at the beginning of the project. Trustworthy contractors will generally invest some of their own money into your project at the beginning without asking for a large up-front sum.

2. The storm chaser. He’ll ring your doorbell in the aftermath of a destructive storm, when you’re still in shock and haven’t had the time to calmly assess the full extent of damage to your property. Roofing scammers have been known to offer free roof inspections, then simulate wind and hail damage by tearing off shingles or using a ball-peen hammer to make round holes on your roof.

3. The high-pressure salesman. He’ll keep telling you that you have to “buy now to get the best price!” As with any big purchase, consider researching the average cost of a new roof or roofing repairs by getting quotes from several different contractors. If the salesman mentions needing money up front, refuses to leave when you ask him to, or demands that both homeowners be there to make a decision on the spot, he’s likely not to be trusted. Call the police if he won’t leave your house when you tell him to.

4. The surprisingly low-cost estimate. If a contractor promises an offer too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Shady roofing contractors are infamous for not mentioning expensive materials up front, and then inflating their true price when it’s time to pay.

It’s OK to move slowly with roofing contractors, especially when large-scale repairs or lots of money are involved. Before signing a contract, make sure it specifies when work will start and finish.

Feel free to ask to see a physical copy of a roofing contractor’s proof of insurance and licensing paperwork, as well as references that you can speak to. You can even take the time to drive by the office of anyone you plan on hiring – to make sure that they actually have an office and aren’t flying by night.

With a bit of diligence and research, you’ll be able to avoid any contractor scams in your quest to repair or replace your roof!