Homeowners Archives | Brandstetter's KangaRoof

How to Reinforce Your Home for Storms

Posted on July 30, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

Between the high winds, heavy rain, and occasional hailstones, summer storms can do a lot of damage. Learn what you can do to beef up the protection and make your home more storm resistant.

1. Start with the roof

The roof and the windows are the two most important areas to protect from storm damage. Once these are damaged, other areas of the home are vulnerable. During storms, the roof is subject to high pressure from heavy winds.

Assess your roof. Is it new and in good shape, ready to withstand a storm? Or is it aging with crumbling shingles that would fly off if hit by hurricane winds? Rather than guess, schedule a roofing inspection. A roofing professional will assess the condition of your roof and make their recommendations for roof repairs or replacement.

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Why You Should Invest in Proper Gutter Maintenance

Posted on July 23, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

You may have heard that your gutters should be cleaned twice a year, but do you know why? Cleaning your gutters regularly removes leaves and debris to deliver these three benefits.

1. Protect Your Roof

Servicing the gutters may extend the life of your roof. While gutters aren’t the only factor in determining how long a roof lasts, neglecting the gutters will shorten the lifespan of your roof. Since replacing a roof is a major cost, it makes sense to do what you can to save money.

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Top Concerns When Installing Skylights and How to Combat Them

Posted on July 19, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

While skylights can be a great way to brighten a dark home, there are downsides. When skylights are installed or maintained incorrectly, they cause a range of problems. Discover the top concerns with improperly installed skylights and how to avoid them.

1. They let in too much light

If your home is a cave, you might be confused as to how too much light can be a problem. High levels of light beam UV rays into the home. These cause furniture fading. Light can create glares and cause the home to heat unevenly. If it feels like you’re in a sauna needing sunglasses to see, the skylight is in the wrong place. The best choice for skylight installation is a shady area that does not receive much natural light.

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Five Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer

Posted on July 16, 2021July 21, 2021 by kangaroofing

A roof is a major household expense, and you want to have trust in the contractor you choose to do the job. Hire the right contractor for the job by asking these 5 questions when you screen roofing contractors.

1. Are you licensed in this state?

It is important to choose a contractor who is licensed in your state for several reasons. Licensing requires that contractors be up to date on building codes and other requirements, so by selecting someone who is licensed, you know they have the skills and experience to do the job.

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Home Maintenance Tasks to Prep for the Summer

Posted on June 25, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

With summer upon us, it’s time to clean your home and catch up on seasonal maintenance tasks. Use this checklist to keep up with needed tasks that will prepare your home for summer and help you and your family enjoy the season.

1. Service your AC units

The air conditioner is going to run full steam during the summer, but is the air it’s circulating in your home clean? The best way to ensure that your AC is in good condition and to preserve indoor air quality to have your units serviced. This will remove dust from the unit to protect air quality, while also helping your AC operate efficiently, which saves money.

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Financial Budgeting Tips for New Homeowners

Posted on June 18, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

Buying a house is expensive. If you’ve just closed on a house, use these budgeting tips to furnish your home and set yourself up for a secure future.

Shop Thrift Stores

It costs a lot of money to furnish your home, but you can save if you visit thrift shops and estate sales, or by shopping online through Facebook Marketplace.

Budget for Bills

It’s hard to know how much your bills will be after a move, since you don’t yet have a good idea of average costs. Monitor your bills for a 3 to 6 month period to get a good idea of what the costs might be. This will give you an average range, so you can factor your bills into your budget from here on out.

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How the Summer Heat Affects Vinyl Siding

Posted on June 11, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

Vinyl siding tends to be low maintenance, but there are some exceptions to know about. One of those is the effect of heat on vinyl siding. Learn about the potential problem of vinyl siding plus what to do if your siding becomes damaged.

Storm Damage

Summer storms can damage vinyl siding. Strong winds may blow the siding loose, while hail can cause holes to develop in the siding. If the damage is small, you may be able to replace a few pieces of vinyl siding, but if the damage is extensive, it may be better off to replace the siding.

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What to Do if You Have a Chimney Fire

Posted on May 14, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

Smoke is supposed to go up the chimney, so you can enjoy a fireplace, but what happens if the chimney actually catches fire while you’re using it? Chimney fires are rare but they can happen. Learn the warning signs of a chimney fire.

How Does a Chimney Fire Start?

Flammable substances such as creosote can stick to the sides of the chimney during normal operation. It becomes dangerous when these substances build up, as they can become hot and even catch fire.

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Popular Rain Gutters for You to Consider

Posted on May 7, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

Gutters direct water away from the home, preventing water damage to the roof and foundation. Learn how to tell if you need gutters, then review popular gutter styles.

When a House Needs Gutters

If you live near Cincinnati, your home probably needs gutters. Homes in temperate climates where the roof only has a short overhang tend to need gutters because water remains in proximity with the home for longer than in arid climates, where it evaporates quickly. If your house is surrounded by concrete, you can skip the gutter, as concrete protects the foundation, but if you have a lawn, we wouldn’t recommend it.

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Five Factors Included in Roof Replacement Cost

Posted on April 30, 2021July 16, 2021 by kangaroofing

Home Advisor prices the average roof replacement at $7,336, but there are variables that affect the cost you’ll pay for a new roof. Explore five factors that affect every estimate for roof replacement, so you can understand the bids you receive, compare financing options, and get the work you need.

1. Time of Year

When demand is high, contractors can charge higher fees for their work. You can expect to pay premium fees during the busy season for roofers, which tends to run from summer into fall. If you’re looking to save money on roofing replacement and can afford to wait, you might get a better price in a shoulder season, such as late fall or spring.

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