Keeping your roof maintained is one of the best things that you can do to help ensure that your home stays protected and that the roof lasts for decades to come. Neglecting important maintenance will only lead to trouble down the road.
In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about keeping your roof well maintained in 2022. No matter the season, there are small things you can do to take care of your home and your roof.
However, it’s important that you regularly inspect your roof and check-in with professionals who can do a thorough inspection of both the exterior and interior portions of the roof.
When the roof isn’t being inspected for damages, here are a few of the things you can do to keep it well maintained.
CLEAR AND REMOVE DEBRIS FROM THE ROOF’S SURFACE
One part of roof maintenance that many people neglect is removing debris like:
Leaves
Pine needles
Twigs
These items can easily get caught up in the shingles or on your gutters which can lead to leaks later down the line.
You also don’t want sticks and leaves rotting on the surface of your roof because that trapped moisture will cause your roof to deteriorate faster.
CHECK ALL OF THE PIPE BOOTS AND VENTS ON THE ROOF
Another common issue that people forget to check are the pipe boots and vents on their roof. Pipe boots can crack over time and become damaged causing problems and leaks down the road. Vents can get clogged or be kept from circulating air through the attic the way that they’re supposed to.
Trapped air and moisture build-up are two of the leading causes of mold in attics and roof systems.
INSPECT FOR ANY ANIMALS GETTING IN
Check for any animals that have found their way onto your roof and inside. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, mice, and more – can all cause problems by tearing shingles or insulation, or even making nests in areas of your home that can lead to serious problems.
If you’re seeing evidence of animal activity in your attic or on your roof, call an exterminator to help and then get your roofer out there to fix all of the damages so that no more animals get in.
CHECK FOR LOOSE OR MISSING CAULKING AND FLASHING
One of the most common causes of roof leaks is when caulking and flashing have become loose or missing. This can be caused by weathering, age, or even just improper installation in the first place.
If you notice any areas where caulking or flashing looks like it’s coming loose, get a professional out to take a look and fix the issue. If you’re feeling confident, you could possibly DIY this fix but, be sure you know what you’re doing.
CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY IF YOU HAVE ONE
If you have a chimney, it’s important to check the flashing and mortar around it every year. Getting water in and around the chimney can cause serious problems. It’s also good to have a chimney sweep out to your home occasionally to make sure that there’s no problems with the inside of the chimney.
Clogs and smoke build-up in a chimney can lead to house fires.
CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS
It’s a good idea to clean out your gutters on a regular basis, especially in the fall and spring when they’re more likely to get clogged with leaves, snow, and ice. Keeping all of the debris out of the gutters and making sure that they drain properly will make a big difference.
If water isn’t able to flow freely through your gutters, it will overflow and eventually find its way into your roof system and siding. If this happens a lot, you’ll be left with a headache and lots of problems. Talk with our Gutter Repair and Replacement experts for more info.
REMOVE SNOW AND PREVENT ICE DAMS
Another thing to keep in mind during the winter is removing snow from your roof to help prevent ice dams. Not every roof is going to have problems with ice dams, but if you know that your roof does, then it’s a good idea to check on it periodically and make sure that you can get ahead of it by removing the snow.
If you let a lot of snow build up on your roof, it will eventually turn into ice as it melts and refreezes. This can cause the gutters to back up with water and lead to some serious damage when it gets out of hand.
WHY IS ROOF MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT?
As you can see, there are a lot of things that go into keeping your roof in good condition. It’s not something that should be ignored and it’s definitely not a job that you should neglect if you want your roof to last for years to come.
Ultimately, the three things that you’re going to get out of regular roof maintenance are peace of mind, a long lifespan from your roof, and fewer future problems.
Our skilled team of MARS Roofing roofers are there for you to help make sure that your roof stays in good condition no matter what. We offer free roof inspections and can help to determine how long your roof will last.
It’s hard to know what roofing material you should choose for your home. There are so many different factors that can affect choosing a specific material.
But, one of the biggest reasons homeowners might choose a specific material is the lifespan. Today we’re going to break down material by material what you can expect and help you make an informed decision on your home’s next roofing material.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT WHAT YOU’LL CHOOSE
Before we dive right into the lifespans of all these different materials, it’s good for you to know that there are a few other reasons why you might or might not choose a specific material.
COST OF THE MATERIAL
The cost will be one of the #1 deciding factors on the material you choose. Obviously, the more expensive the roofing material, the more it will cost you upfront and in repairs down the road.
But, as with many things, cost does equal value in many ways. If you’re saving money on a material, it might not last as long or stand up to storms the same way a more expensive material would.
LOCATION OF YOUR HOME
Where you live geographically can also play a role in roofing material choice. If you live in an area with severe weather, you’ll want to choose a roofing material that can withstand hail, high winds, and other extreme conditions.
That’s not to say that people who live in mild climates shouldn’t worry about the material they choose – just that the considerations might be different. For example, a roofing material resistant to fire in one climate might not be as important in another.
Additionally, some states and cities will have restrictions on specific roofing materials, so be sure to check your local building code.
TIME SPENT INSTALLING
The time it will take to install a roofing material should also be considered. Asphalt shingles and metal roofing can be quickly installed in most conditions and temperatures.
But, other materials might need to be installed at a specific temperature. Other materials can take more than a week to install. If you’re trying to sell a home or move in then, you might not have time to spend ensuring that your roof is completed on time.
THE INTEGRITY OF THE ROOF STRUCTURE
Lastly, your home might only be able to handle a specific material. Slate and tile roofing is very heavy, and that extra weight might be too much for your home to hold. It’s a dangerous game if you’re pushing your roof past its limits and trying to put a material on it that isn’t made for that roof.
Check with your roofer and ask about the integrity of your roof. Sometimes it’s possible to modify the roof slightly and add some supports to help your home handle the weight more easily.
ROOFING MATERIALS AND THEIR LIFESPAN
Now that we have that out of the way let’s look into some of these different materials.
ASPHALT SHINGLES
Arguably, one of the best materials and products to come to homes throughout the world is asphalt shingles. These shingles have so much going for them, including affordable, fast installation, and long lifespan.
Lifespan: The average lifespan for asphalt shingles is 15-30 years, primarily depending on the quality of installed shingles and the weather they’re subjected to.
Average Cost: Asphalt shingles are reasonable, averaging around $1-$2 per square foot before labor and installation costs.
Time Needed for Installation: The time that you’ll need to install shingles will depend on how steep and difficult your home’s roof is. The average roof can be finished in 1-3 days.
STANDING SEAM METAL ROOFING
Standing seam refers to metal roofing made up of large sheets. These roofing materials are not only durable, but they’re also affordable. They’ve become very popular over the past few years because of recent advances and trends changing. They come in various colors and can be very attractive on homes, especially modern ones with large rooflines.
Lifespan: The lifespan for standing seam metal roofing is 20-50 years, depending on the quality of metal used and how it’s installed. Some metal roofs can last much longer when well maintained.
Average Cost: These roofs cost homeowners an average of around $50,000 or $6-$7 per square foot, depending on how large the roof is.
Time Needed for Installation: You can expect these roofs to take around 2-5 days to install. The projects are often fast, but they can take a bit longer if the roof lines are difficult to work with.
METAL SHINGLES OR TILES
For homeowners that want most of the advantages of metal roofing without having to deal with standing seam or the appearance of large panels, there are metal shingles. These shingles can look similar to that of asphalt or other shingles. But they’ll have the value and strength of a metal roof.
Lifespan: Like standing seam, metal shingles last for 30-50 years, with some roofs lasting twice as long when properly maintained.
Average Cost: The metal shingles or tiles are more expensive than standing seam and can run anywhere from $6-$12 per square foot, depending on the style you choose.
Time Needed for Installation: Installation time can vary, but expect your roof to be all finished in around 5 days.
CLAY TILES
Clay roofing tiles have been around for thousands of years, and they’re still going strong. They come in various shapes and sizes and add to a home’s aesthetic in big ways. This roofing material is pretty specific to southern states in the U.S. because they’re so heavy. Any added weight on top of a clay roof from snow or ice could cause problems.
Lifespan: Clay roofs basically last forever. These roofs can last for 50-100 years or more as long as they aren’t subjected to severe weather.
Average Cost: This roofing is difficult to install and lasts for such a long time. The average cost runs around $30 per square foot. That can make a simple roofing project pretty costly. But, you have the advantage of it lasting for a century.
Time Needed for Installation: Installation time for these roofs is pretty lengthy—plan for roughly a week and possibly more.
CONCRETE TILES
Concrete roof tiles are a great choice for homeowners who want concrete durability with the esthetic of clay roofing tiles. These tiles come in various colors and styles to fit any home. Concrete is how you can get different colors and even more styles than clay while still getting that long-lasting durability.
Lifespan: Concrete roofing tiles have a lifespan of around 50 years when they’re well taken care of.
Average Cost: This material is a bit cheaper than clay because it’s synthetic. Expect to pay around $15 per square foot.
Time Needed for Installation: These roofs can be installed around a week. Note that sometimes it can take longer if your roof is large or extremely steep.
SLATE ROOFING
Slate roofing has been a popular roofing material in the United States since colonial times. It’s heavy but durable and beautiful. The looks alone make it a popular choice, but one of the main reasons homeowners choose this roof is because it lasts forever.
Lifespan: Known as the forever roof, slate roofing lasts on average as long as 150 years and sometimes more than 200.
Average Cost: Despite being heavy and time-consuming to install, slate roofs actually aren’t all that expensive and run around $15 per square foot for some of the most expensive kinds.
Time Needed for Installation: You’ll likely need around 5-7 days to get this roofing material installed on your home.
SYNTHETIC/RUBBER SLATE TILES
This roofing material is a synthetic version of slate roofing tiles. It has similar durability and longevity, and look, but it’s much lighter and easier to install. You won’t quite get what you would out of a true slate roof, but it’s a much more affordable alternative that still looks great.
Lifespan: This material will last around 50 years on average.
Average Cost: Rubber tiles run around $3-$6 per square foot before installation and labor costs.
Time Needed for Installation: These roof tiles go on quickly and are easy for roofing companies to install. Expect around 2-5 days for installation.
RUBBER ROOFING
Rubber roofing isn’t common on most homes because it’s specific to low-slope roofs. But, if you can install it on your home, you might consider it a great option for you. More commonly, rubber roofing is used on commercial roofs or multi-family housing.
Lifespan: Rubber roofs require regular maintenance but won’t be fully replaced for 15-20 years.
Average Cost: These roofs are very cost-effective and cost less than $1 per square foot.
Time Needed for Installation: Rubber roofs can be installed in less than a few hours.
Cedar roofing shakes are one of the oldest roofing materials used in North America. They have a long lifespan and provide solid protection from snow, rain, and other harsh weather. Cedar roof shingles look gorgeous on cottages or homes with rustic aesthetics and modern homes that are looking for a more earthy aesthetic.
Lifespan: Cedar roofing is extremely durable and likely has a lifespan of around 40-50 years.
Average Cost: The cost of roofing shingles is around $17 per square foot but sometimes less.
Time Needed for Installation: Cedar shakes can be installed in as little as two days.
GREEN ROOFS
A green roof is a roof that has vegetation and a growing medium installed on it. This roofing option is becoming more popular as people seek more sustainable roofing options. Green roofs can help with insulation and roof longevity while providing shade, shelter for birds, and cleaner air quality in the surrounding area.
Lifespan: Green roofs have a lifespan of around 30 years. However, properly taking care of the roof could add decades to its life.
Average Cost: The average price for a green roof is around $11 per square foot before installation. Labor can be expensive for these roofs.
Time Needed for Installation: Most green roofs can be installed in around two days.
FINDING A CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST
At MARS Roofing, we can help you choose the right roof for your home. No matter the material that you’re looking into, give us a call, and we’ll offer you a free inspection as well as a second opinion on what material might be right for your home.
As a local roofing company, we’ve worked with a lot of the different materials used throughout Maryland. Reach out to us today!
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. And, as a homeowner, it’s going to be your responsibility to ensure that it stays healthy and safe from storms and damage.
But ultimately, there’s only so much you can do to keep it in good condition. So, when things happen, and your roof needs work done, who will you turn to and trust? It’s essential that you know about some of the common roof scams on the market and how to avoid them.
1. STORM CHASERS
When roofers talk about storm chasers, we’re not talking about the people that drive around looking for cool tornadoes. We’re talking specifically about roofers that drive around, sometimes far outside their service area, to pressure homeowners into working with them.
After a big storm, there’s likely a lot of damage done to several roofs throughout your community. Sometimes that damage can be easily fixed, and other times an insurance claim could lead to a full roof replacement.
PROBLEMS WITH STORM CHASERS
They aren’t local, and you likely won’t have any references.
Sometimes will leave jobs unfinished or take payment and run.
They won’t be around to check on the job after it’s completed.
2. CHEAP BID WITH “UNEXPECTED COSTS”
If a roofer approaches you with a bid that seems far too good to be true, then it probably is. Home projects aren’t cheap, and repairing your roof is no exception. A lot of work has to be done, and the materials used for roofing aren’t cheap by any means.
One common roofing scam or home improvement scam is to bid a job low and then find different problems or unexpected costs that lead to more costs for the homeowner. By doing this, the contractor will secure your business and money and then add more charges later on.
3. A ROOFER THAT CAUSES DAMAGE
If you’re not home and not watching the roofer‘s every step, you have to be able to trust them. A local company that has a reputation for excellence and a long-standing business is much easier to trust because you don’t have to worry about them damaging your property.
Unfortunately, some roofers will actually purposefully cause damage to your roof so that they can get paid to fix it. This is a really poor representation of the roofing industry, so we hope you don’t get the wrong impression. But it’s good to be aware that some individuals don’t always have the best intentions.
4. INSURANCE FRAUD
Working with insurance really isn’t as difficult as some make it out to be. But, it is important that if you let your roofer help with insurance that you still have a good idea of what’s going on with it.
Roofers can easily commit insurance fraud by exaggerating damages, quoting two different prices, or lying about the material that’s going to be used for the roof. Thankfully, your biggest concern only needs to be that you’re aware of what’s going on with insurance. Keep an eye on it and make sure that your roofer is telling you the same things as the insurance company.
5. ASKING FOR PAYMENT UPFRONT AND LEAVING
This roofing scam is a little rarer, but it does happen. Usually, this happens when the roofer asks for an unusually high amount of money upfront and jumps town, leaving you with no way to get ahold of them.
This is yet another reason why it’s so important that you vet and know your roofer before you choose them to work on your home. Ask if they have a website, social media, or other real customer reviews.
6. ROOFERS THAT WORK WITHOUT A LICENSE
Along with being a bit shifty, some roofers will save money by not working with a license. Avoiding the costs of a license might seem great in the short term, but it can lead to many problems for you as the homeowner.
One potential problem is property damage or an accident on your property that you end up responsible for. If that happens, it could cost you a significant amount as you may need to pay for the medical bills and damages out of pocket.
It’s always important to ask your roofer if they’re fully licensed and insured.
7. HIGH-PRESSURE SALES TACTICS
Some roofers will use high-pressure tactics to try and get the job. They may promise you a great roof at a low price or try to scare you into getting the roof done as soon as possible. While yes, they do need to sell the roof, they also need to respect that it’s your home, and you need to make a decision that’s best for you.
Don’t let high-pressure sales get to you. Instead, communicate firmly with the person you’re talking to and tell them that you need time to make the right decision.
8. USING CHEAP MATERIALS
Last but not least, you’ll need to watch out for poor quality or cheap materials. Sometimes you might get a competitive bid, but the roofer will turn a better profit by only providing you with a subpar roofing job and cheap materials.
Make sure that you ask your roofer about the type of materials they’re going to be using and get a sense of what the roof will be made up of. You shouldn’t be expected to know all about roofing materials, but you can Google the brand’s name to find reviews from customers.
At MARS Roofing, we want to do everything to be an honest, trustworthy, and upstanding roofing company. Sometimes that means helping to educate our customers and other potential customers, and other times it just means that we need to continue to provide good work.
If you’re looking for a Maryland roofing company that’s trustworthy, local, and professional. Reach out to MARS Roofing! We’d be happy to help with your next roofing project.
Annapolis is a beautiful and thriving city. But, we can’t just assume that it happened that way overnight. There were many years that this city grew and changed into what it has become today. MARS Roofing is located in Clinton, and we love the history and life our neighboring city of Annapolis brings.
Today, we will offer a simple Annapolis history timeline and lesson on how this city came to be. There’s a lot to cover, from a simple seaport town to a bustling metropolis!
FROM SETTLING TO 1649
In the United States, much of our calendars revolve around the year 1776, when our great nation was born. But, it’s important to know and realize that the history of North America stretches far beyond just that.
Traveling from England and seeking refuge from religious and moral discrimination, Puritan settlers found what is now known as the Chesapeake Bay. The town they established here was known as Providence.
This new town was true to its name and began quickly growing into what we know it as today.
KING WILLIAM’S SCHOOL 1696
Just under 50 years after the town had been established, a school started offering classes as a place to educate the New World.
Later known as St. John’s College, this school continues to educate students even today. It’s the third oldest university to ever be established in what later became The United States.
It wouldn’t have been uncommon to think of Providence and have several different names for it in those days. The city officials changed the name to Townland at Proctor’s and later to Ann Arundel’s Towne, named after the powerful Lord Baltimore’s wife.
It wasn’t until the city began serving as the capital to other surrounding colonies and cities that it received Annapolis from Governor Francis Nicholson. He renamed it after Princess Anne of England.
THE FIRST BRICK THEATER – 1771
It wasn’t the first theater in America, but Pioneering Theater was the first brick theater built-in 1771. Residents of Annapolis would have enjoyed plays and shows in the small brick building.
Today, locals and visitors can attend operas, plays, and other performances throughout the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. This much newer theater was constructed in the early 1930s and featured 800 seats.
Source: NatureSacred.com
A FEDERAL CAPITAL
More than just a city, America’s first president, George Washington, loved the way that Annapolis was built. He traveled there often and enjoyed the many different amenities and street configurations.
He would later designate it as the country’s capital. But, the U.S. government was only headquartered in Annapolis for nine months.
If you visit the historic district in Annapolis, you’ll be able to view Maryland’s State House, located right in the heart of this district. Different rooms are available to view throughout, including the old senate chamber.
Maryland’s capital building is the nation’s oldest. Here they hosted the Constitutional Convention and Annapolis Convention in the 1780s. Additionally, Congress both brought an end to the Revolutionary War and provided the Treaty of Paris from this location.
Maryland’s State House
A SEAPORT CITY
The Atlantic Ocean played a huge role in the city’s history. During the 1800s, fishing and shipping became Annapolis’ fastest growing and most prominent industry. Locals depended on the shipyards and harvest of sea creatures for their livelihood.
Today, the port is primarily used as a small port for recreational watercraft such as private yachts, racing vessels, or sailboats.
Fort Severn, located just outside of Annapolis, became the U.S. Naval Academy in 1845 and ranks as one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The campus there spans nearly 340 acres along the river. Guests of the Academy can see an assortment of models and artifacts at the museum.
STEPPING INTO THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
Building a city from nothing but dirt homes to something as advanced as our cities are today is nothing short of a miracle. Three decades after the Civil War ended in the United States, Annapolis Emergency Hospital began accepting patients. This hospital’s name was later changed to Anne Arundel General Hospital in 1949.
The military established two bases in Annapolis: Greenbury Point and Camp Admiral, later known as Fort Meade.
In June of 1950, Friendship International Airport took on some of its first passengers, and just two years later, residents of the city were walking across the new Chesapeake Bay Bridge. 1952 was also the first year of the Anne Arundel County Fair, and in 1958 Maryland’s first shopping mall opened.
FROM THEN TO NOW
The city has changed a lot and is still developing and changing every day. In 2004 the city’s airfield was renamed Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (it’s a bit of a mouth full). But, the name has meaning, and we love it because it honors the Supreme Court’s first African American judge, Thurgood Marshall. Marshall worked tirelessly for his entire career to bring an end to segregation.
In November 2007, Annapolis had the honor of hosting the Israel and Palestinian Authority talks that included over 40 nations.
As a whole, this city continues to serve its country in high capacity, and we’re proud of that.
While our job as roofers can seem small compared to what this city has been through, we hope that you’ll turn to MARS Roofing when you want a long-lasting and well-installed roof on your home.
Our team is ready to answer your call and provide a free inspection. Reach out to us today!
Clinton, MD, is home to parks that are perfect for spending quality time with people and nature. The parks in Clinton provide a great escape from city life. There’s plenty of room to enjoy an afternoon, picnic tables to dine on, and lots of greenery all around!
The hardest part about having lots of parks around you is picking which one you like best or which one you’ll choose to enjoy today. We’re here to help! We’ll be walking through some of our favorite parks throughout Clinton in today’s blog post.
LOUISE F COSCA REGIONAL PARK
If you’re looking for a large wide-open space that’s full of hiking trails and places to explore, this regional park is a great choice. Topping out at 690-acres, including a lake with paddle boats, campsites, picnic shelters, and a playground. The wooded areas throughout the park provide great opportunities to observe wildlife and see Maryland‘s nature for all that it is.
Basketball courts, lots of parking, a playground, and walking paths are all things that you’ll be able to enjoy at the Tanglewood Community Park. Nestled into a small neighborhood, traffic to this park is rarely busy, making it a great place to bring the kids.
Address: Clinton, MD 20735
Google Rating: 4.4 Stars
CLEARWATER NATURE CENTER
The Clearwater Nature Center is known as one of the best parks in all of Clinton. There are lots of animals, birds, and reptiles that can be observed while you’re walking on the trails. There’s also a butterfly garden and some places to enjoy the water near the park.
If you’re looking for a true escape into nature, this park is perfect for you.
Address: 11000 Thrift Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
Google Rating: 4.5 Stars
FOX RUN COMMUNITY PARK
This park features a large playground for kids to enjoy and walking trails around it for the parents. Shelters and picnic tables are perfect for family get-togethers.
With a tennis court, baseball field, football, and soccer field, it’s the perfect place to get some practice in or catch a youth game.
A huge playground and open fields make this park a popular attraction and place to enjoy as a community. Every year there are several fun events held here and youth sports tournaments and weekly games and practices.
Evenings are the busiest time of day for this park, so be aware of that before you pack up the family and head out there.
Address: 8200 Pinewood Dr, Clinton, MD 20735
Google Rating: 4.1 Stars
RODGERS PARK
A small and simple park in the community, Rodgers Park is the perfect spot to take your pup for a walk.
These smaller parks that are tucked-in neighborhoods are the best places to escape the business of city life and enjoy a walk throughout nature.
Address: 5002 Rodgers Dr, Clinton, MD 20735
Google Rating: 4.3 Stars
COSCA PARK PLAY AREA
The Cosca park on Thrift Road is great for younger kids and adults alike. There’s a huge playground, ball fields, and wide-open spaces to walk throughout.
Some of the amenities at the park include outdoor tennis courts, walking trails, a skateboard park, paddle boats on the lake, picnic areas, and a campground/RV park.
Address: 10927 Thrift Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
Google Rating: 4.5 Stars
HILLANTRAE COMMUNITY PARK
Another large community park is the Hillantrae Community Park. Here you’ll be able to enjoy family get-togethers or an evening out with the family where your kids can run and play for hours on end.
The picnic areas and walking trails make it easy to walk and talk with your loved ones or reflect as you walk.
Address: 3313 Strawberry Hill Dr, Clinton, MD 20735
Google Rating: 4.4 Stars
HENSON CREEK PARK
A scenic park that walks you right along the creek. The leaf-filled park features a 5.7-mile trail that can be enjoyed for walking, jogging, or cycling.
Some of the trails are full of nature and animals to see throughout different seasons. Every time you come to visit the park, you’ll be able to see something new and beautiful.
Address: 5601 Old Temple Hills Rd, Camp Springs, MD 20748
Just to the southeast of Clinton is the Rosaryville State Park. Hiking, biking, running, and even horseback riding are common activities throughout the State Park.
Another great thing to see while you’re at the park is the historic Mount Airy Mansion. Enjoy nature and history when you visit Rosaryville State Park.
Address: 7805 W Marlton Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Google Rating: 4.5 Stars
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of parks to enjoy throughout Clinton, Maryland. At MARS Roofing, we live and play in the communities we serve and work in. Be sure to say hello if you ever see us out and about. And if you need help with your home’s roof, we’d be happy to provide premium roofing services for you.
