Inspect your roof and chimney
The recent bout of destructive weather has left homeowners scrambling to make repairs to torn roof shingles, eaves, gutters and chimneys.
But even if you were not affected by the storm, September is an ideal time to think about inspecting your roof and chimney before the cold weather arrives.
"The hurricane did a number on a lot of homes, so we’ve been extra busy," said Chet Janiec, owner of Janiec Roofing in Lodi (janiecroofing.biz, 201-797-1189). "But even so, the best times for inspection are in the spring or right before the winter."
Roof Inspection and Repair
The typical life span of a roof is between 18 and 20 years, Janiec said, but problems certainly arise along the way — "Too often, people wait until there’s a leak or some damage." He warned that even a few ripped shingles or loose flashing can result in rotted wood in the frames, electrical wiring mishaps or soggy sheetrock.
Still, procrastination can result in a bigger, more expensive project.
Routine maintenance and minor repairs entail nominal fees for materials and labor, Janiec said, whereas total replacement — especially when the damage involves indoor wall structures — can run thousands.
Flat roofs need to be inspected for worn spots, depressions and proper drainage, and touched up or replaced as necessary.
There are dozens of styles and materials available for installing new roofs or for repairing existing roofs.
"There are designer styles, but most people opt for the standard shingles," Janiec said. He uses GAF products, which carry a lifetime guarantee.
Chimneys, Inside and Out
This time of year also gets you thinking about warm, cozy nights in front of the fireplace. That means having your chimney and fireplace checked for any repairs that might need to be made.
Whether your chimney is an extension of a fireplace or a furnace, it should be cleaned or "swept" at least once a year, for several reasons.
First, creosote — a black, sticky by-product of smoke — often adheres to the inside of the fireplace chimney. Because of its chemical nature, creosote can actually ignite at nearly 3,000 degrees, rapidly causing a chimney fire and potential damage to the rest of the home.
Burning wood at a relatively low temperature (your cooking stove flame is actually hotter than a fireplace) causes incomplete combustion of the oils found naturally in the wood. When the smoke from a fire rises into a chimney, the residual chemicals may stick to the inside of the chimney walls or liner. This residue becomes creosote.
Second, soot and dust build-up can clog a chimney and diminish heat output. A furnace flue may accumulate a layer of sulfuric acid or chlorine, which can cause erosion and big problems down the road.
"A good rule of thumb is to not ever assume your chimney is functioning properly, even if you rarely use it," said Ken Chalmers, owner of Clifton-based Dream Team Construction (dreamteamconstructionnj.com, 1-888-382-2001), Clifton. "Animals, leaves and moisture from a buildup of snow or rain need to be taken care of before safe use of your fireplace."
He also recommended a thorough check for any shifting that may have occurred over the years. "Years ago, chimneys were built with a section near the top made of terracotta," he said. "Over time, these sections sometime move, causing the potential for leaks of carbon monoxide through the seams and even a backdraft."
In addition to a good cleaning, chimney inspection includes checking for leaks in the flashing around the chimney, which can cause wood rot and condensation. This, in turn, can damage electrical wiring and present a fire hazard.
"Every year, hundreds of homes burn down or suffer serious damage from chimney fires," Chalmers said. "Once there’s even a small problem that isn’t addressed, it’s like a cancer that spreads and creates bigger problems."
Servicing also involves checking the damper, which restricts air flow and keeps warm air indoors when the fireplace is not in use. The damper, which works like a lid, is controlled by a chain or metal cable and must be opened before you start a fire so smoke can escape up the chimney.