Blog - D.S. Bahr Constraction, Inc

Roofing Contractor Guide: Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:18:37 GMT

When it comes to choosing the best roofing material for your home, making an informed decision is crucial. As a trusted roofing contractor in Richfield, MN, D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. understands how important it is for homeowners to select the right roofing solution that can withstand local weather conditions while fitting their budget and preferences. Are you seeking long-lasting durability or low-maintenance efficiency? As your local roofer, we’ll explore the essential factors—like material longevity, maintenance, and overall cost—to help you invest wisely in your home’s future.

Weather Challenges in Richfield: What a Roofing Contractor Recommends

Richfield experiences significant seasonal changes, from harsh winters with heavy snow to wet springs and hot, stormy summers. As a leading roofing contractor providing services in Richfield, we see firsthand how these weather patterns affect residential roofs over time. Local homeowners must prioritize resilience and value when selecting the right material. Our expert roofer team’s job is to help you weigh options that will safeguard your investment against the elements.

Asphalt Shingles: Popular Choice for a Reason

Asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing options in the Richfield area, and for good reason. As a seasoned roofing contractor, we recommend asphalt shingles for their affordability, widespread availability, and straightforward installation. Many homeowners call us because their older shingles need replacement, and asphalt provides a familiar and cost-effective solution.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles:

Cost-Effective Installation: Compared to other options, this material is typically less expensive both in terms of product and labor.
Ease of Replacement: When repairs are needed, individual shingles can be swapped out quickly, making maintenance more manageable for your roofer.
Versatile Styles: Available in various colors and textures, giving homeowners flexibility to match their design tastes.

Cons of Asphalt Shingles:

Shorter Lifespan: Generally lasting 15-30 years, asphalt shingles may need replacing sooner than more robust materials.
Weather Sensitivity: Severe storms and heavy snowfall can cause granule loss, curling, or cracking, which means regular inspection by a skilled roofing contractor is vital.
Maintenance: Periodic checks and repairs are often needed to prevent leaks—a routine service provided by our roofer team.

For more on our roofing services and the materials we carry, visit our roofing options page .

Metal Roofing: Durability for Decades

Metal roofing has gained popularity among Richfield homeowners striving for longevity and performance. As an experienced roofing contractor, we frequently field questions about this material’s resilience and lifecycle costs. Metal roofs are known for their remarkable ability to withstand Minnesota’s ever-changing climate.

Pros of Metal Roofing:

Exceptional Lifespan: Often lasting 40 years or more, a properly installed metal roof offers peace of mind to homeowners unwilling to replace their roof frequently.
Weather Resistance: Superior durability against high winds, ice dams, hail, and even fire makes it a prudent choice for Richfield weather extremes.
Low Maintenance: Metal roofs rarely need repairs compared to shingle alternatives—a welcome relief for any property owner calling their roofer.

Cons of Metal Roofing:

Higher Upfront Cost: Initial installation costs run higher, though the longer lifespan may balance this expense over time.
Noise: During heavy rain or hail, some people notice more interior noise, but modern insulation can help mitigate this.
Aesthetic Limitations: While options exist, some homeowners prefer the look of traditional shingles—our roofing contractor team can show samples to help you decide.

If you want to learn about how to choose the right roofing contractor for metal installation and other important tips, check out this independent guide .

Maintenance, Lifespan, and Cost Comparison From Our Roofer Team

Regular maintenance is key to maximizing your roof’s value and longevity. As a professional roofing contractor operating in the Richfield area, we provide tailored maintenance programs for both asphalt and metal roofs. Here’s how they compare:

Asphalt : Annual inspections by a roofing contractor are essential, especially after large weather events. Repairs, granule replacement, and leak prevention are typical roofer tasks for asphalt surfaces.
Metal : Low-maintenance but still requires periodic checks for panel seams, fastener issues, and proper drainage. These inspections ensure a metal roof can reach its full lifespan with minimal intervention from your roofer.

Cost Comparison:

Asphalt shingles cost less initially but require more frequent roofer attention and replacement. Metal is pricier at first yet yields savings over decades due to fewer repair bills and replacements. We encourage you to research our company’s history and credentials by reading our about page .

Making the Right Choice in Richfield, MN

Every home is unique, so the best roofing material depends on your expectations, budget, and willingness to maintain your investment. As a reliable roofing contractor serving Richfield, we aim to empower homeowners with transparent information and trustworthy guidance. Whether your priorities are durability, efficiency, cost control, or style, our experienced roofer team is ready to help you evaluate each option with care.

Reach Out to Your Local Roofing Contractor Experts

If you’re undecided between asphalt shingles or metal roofing, or simply want an expert roofer’s opinion on your current roof, we invite you to connect with our knowledgeable team at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. As the preferred roofing contractor in Richfield, MN, we offer free consultations and customized quotes to help every homeowner make smart, lasting choices. For more details or to schedule an appointment, visit our contact page or call us directly at 612-722-1448 or 612-221-1008 . Let our roofer specialists guide you on the path to a safer, stronger home.

Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor in Eagan

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:41:37 GMT

Hiring the right roofing contractor in Eagan, MN, can make a big difference in your home’s safety and value. If you’re considering roof repairs or a new installation, asking the right questions upfront is crucial. D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. is here to help you understand what to ask so you can make a confident choice. Reach out today at 612-722-1448 to learn about affordable roof maintenance plans that can save you money in the long run.

Why asking questions matters when hiring roofers in Eagan, MN

Choosing the right roofers in Eagan, MN, isn’t just about price. It’s about quality, reliability, and peace of mind. When you ask your contractor detailed questions, you can avoid surprises and ensure you get the best service. Good communication helps you understand the scope, costs, and timeline clearly.

Key questions to ask your roofing contractor in Eagan, MN

Here are important questions to ask when interviewing roofing contractors:

1. Are you licensed and insured?

Always confirm that the roofing contractor holds proper licenses required in Minnesota. Insurance protects you from liability if accidents happen during work. Ask for proof of both.

2. What is your experience with roofing in Eagan?

Roofing materials and weather conditions vary by location. A contractor experienced with roofers in Eagan, MN, understands local challenges such as snow loads and humidity. This knowledge ensures your roof lasts longer.

3. Can you provide references or examples of past projects?

Reputable roofers will gladly share customer testimonials or photos of recent jobs. This helps verify their workmanship and professionalism.

4. What roofing materials do you recommend, and why?

Different roofs require different materials, like asphalt shingles, metal, or tile. Your contractor should explain pros and cons and tailor suggestions to your budget and home style.

5. How long will the project take?

Timelines vary depending on project size and weather. Knowing the schedule upfront helps you plan and avoid surprises.

6. Do you offer written estimates and contracts?

A detailed written estimate with costs and materials protects you. It also clarifies what’s included and what isn’t. Contracts ensure both parties agree on terms.

7. How do you handle unexpected issues or changes?

Sometimes problems arise during roofing work, such as hidden damage. Ask how the contractor manages these situations and communicates changes.

8. What warranty do you offer?

Reliable roofers provide warranties on both materials and labor. Understand what’s covered and for how long.

How preventative roof maintenance saves money

Many homeowners overlook the benefits of preventative roof maintenance. D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., a trusted roofing contractor in Eagan, MN, emphasizes that regular checkups can prevent costly repairs later.

The value of routine inspections

Seasonal inspections identify small problems like cracked shingles or clogged gutters early. Addressing these issues promptly can extend your roof’s life and avoid leaks.

Affordable maintenance plans from Bahr Construction

Our team offers customized maintenance plans designed to fit your needs and budget. These plans include scheduled inspections and minor repairs before they escalate. Investing in preventative care saves money by reducing emergency repairs and improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Signs your roof needs maintenance

Missing or curling shingles
Granules in gutters
Water stains on ceilings
Moss or algae growth

If you notice these signs, contact roofers in Eagan, MN, such as D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. We can assess your roof’s condition and recommend the best course of action.

Why choose D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. in Eagan, MN?

D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. has built a solid reputation for quality roofing work and customer service. We understand the local climate and how it affects roofing materials. Our licensed team delivers reliable results on time and within budget.

Our commitment to transparency

We believe in clear communication. That’s why we provide written estimates and explain every step. You’ll never be left guessing about costs or project details.

Skilled roofers in Eagan, MN

Our experienced roofers handle all types of roofing projects, from repairs to full replacements. We use only high-quality materials backed by strong warranties.

Customer-focused service

Customer satisfaction is our priority. We listen to your concerns and tailor solutions to fit your unique needs. With D.S. Bahr Construction, you get a roofing contractor in Eagan, MN, that cares. Explore our Eagan roofing page for more information.

How to contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc.

If you want a roofing contractor in Eagan, MN, who values quality and honesty, call D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. at 612-722-1448 . We offer free consultations and can help you design a maintenance plan to protect your investment. Learn more about our services on our contact page .

Asking the right questions can save you time, money, and stress when choosing roofers in Eagan, MN. From verifying licenses to understanding warranties, each detail matters. D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., offers expert guidance and affordable maintenance plans that keep your roof strong through every season.

Don’t wait until small problems become big headaches. Contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. today at 612-722-1448 for reliable roofing contractor services in Eagan, MN. Protect your home with the right partner by your side.

Top 5 Signs You Need a Roofing Contractor in Richfield, MN

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:19:49 GMT

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against Minnesota’s unpredictable weather. Whether it’s heavy snow, spring storms, or summer heat, it takes a beating year-round. If you’re starting to notice issues, it might be time to call a trusted roofing contractor in Richfield, MN. Here are the top five signs that it’s time to bring in the professionals.

1. Shingles Are Missing, Curling, or Cracked

One of the most visible signs of roof damage is deteriorating shingles. If you notice any that are curling at the edges, cracked, or completely missing, your roof is vulnerable to water damage. These issues often occur after storms or as your roof ages. A professional roofer can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action.

2. Water Stains or Leaks Inside Your Home

Water stains on your ceiling or walls are a red flag. These stains often indicate a leak in your roof that could be causing hidden damage to your insulation, drywall, and even your home’s structure. If you see any signs of water intrusion, it’s time to contact a roofing contractor to inspect and repair the issue before it worsens.

3. Sagging Rooflines

A sagging roofline is a serious structural concern. It can be caused by prolonged water damage, poor installation, or weakened framing. If your roofline appears to dip or sag, don’t wait—this is a clear sign that you need a professional inspection. A qualified roofer in Richfield, MN, can determine whether a repair or full replacement is necessary.

4. Granules in Your Gutters

Asphalt shingles shed granules over time, especially as they near the end of their lifespan. If you find a significant amount of granules in your gutters or downspouts, it’s a sign your shingles are deteriorating. This reduces their effectiveness and leaves your roof exposed to the elements. A local expert can help you decide whether it’s time for a new roof.

5. Your Roof Is Over 20 Years Old

Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, age is a major factor. Most asphalt shingle roofs last between 20 and 25 years. If your roof is approaching or past this age, it’s wise to schedule an inspection with a roofing contractor. They can evaluate its condition and help you plan for repairs or replacement before problems arise.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Richfield, MN, Home Today

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t delay. DS Bahr Construction, Inc. has been serving the Richfield, MN area with expert roofing services for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship, honest assessments, and customer satisfaction. Contact us at (612) 722-1448 to learn more or schedule a free consultation.

Residential Roofing Services in Bloomington, MN

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 08:15:48 GMT

When it comes to protecting your home, the roof is one of the most important features to keep in top condition. Whether you're dealing with aging shingles, storm damage, or considering a full roof replacement, working with a trusted residential roofing contractor in Bloomington, MN can make all the difference. That’s where DS Bahr Construction, Inc. comes in.

A reliable local contractor understands the climate, common roofing issues in the area, and the building codes specific to Bloomington. This knowledge is key to delivering a roofing solution that not only looks great but performs exceptionally well under Minnesota's demanding weather conditions.

Expertise That Brings Peace of Mind

DS Bahr Construction, Inc. brings decades of hands-on experience to every residential roofing project. Whether your roof is asphalt, cedar shake, or another material, a professional roofing team can provide tailored solutions that extend the life of your roof and enhance the overall appearance of your home.

The team is committed to safety, quality workmanship, and efficient service. From thorough inspections to complete roof replacements, every step is handled with care and attention to detail. This ensures your roof is both functional and built to last.

Benefits of Choosing a Professional Roofing Contractor

Here’s why hiring a professional residential roofing contractor in Bloomington, MN is a smart move:

Licensed & Insured : DS Bahr Construction, Inc. meets all local licensing and insurance requirements, giving you peace of mind during the entire project.
Expert Roof Inspections : Early detection of minor issues can prevent costly damage later. A skilled contractor knows exactly what to look for.
Quality Materials : Using only top-quality roofing materials ensures durability and long-term protection for your home.
Weather-Resistant Solutions : Minnesota weather is no joke. A local contractor knows how to build a roof that can stand up to snow, wind, and rain.
Timely Project Completion : You want the job done right, but also fast. Professionals respect your time and minimize disruption.

Your Roof, Your Investment

A well-maintained roof doesn’t just protect your home; it also adds value to your property. Whether you're planning to stay in your house for decades or considering selling in the near future, a high-quality roof is a smart investment.

Homeowners in Bloomington know how important it is to choose a contractor they can trust. That’s why so many turn to DS Bahr Construction, Inc. With an excellent reputation, countless satisfied clients, and a dedication to getting the job done right the first time, this is the team that delivers.

Let’s Get Started

If you're ready to upgrade your roof or need an expert opinion after a storm, now’s the time to reach out to a trusted residential roofing contractor in Bloomington, MN .

Give your home the care it deserves. Click roofing to visit our website and learn more about our services. Or call us today at (612) 722-1448 to schedule your free estimate. Trust the professionals at DS Bahr Construction, Inc. —we’re here to protect your home from the top down.

Top Tips for Choosing the Best Roofing Contractor

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:14:44 GMT

Hiring a Roofing Contractor in Richfield, MN

When it comes to ensuring the safety and integrity of your home, the roof plays a vital role. If you're in need of roofing services in Richfield, MN. With many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best roofer for your needs. Here are some essential tips to guide you through the selection process.

1. Check for Credentials and Insurance

Before hiring a roofing contractor, it's important to verify their credentials and insurance. A reputable roofer in Richfield, MN should be licensed and insured to protect both you and their workers in case of any accidents during the project. Make sure to ask for proof of insurance and licenses before making a decision.

2. Look for Experience and Expertise

Experience matters when it comes to roofing projects. A skilled roofer with years of experience is more likely to deliver quality workmanship. Look for contractors who have a proven track record of successful projects and positive reviews from satisfied customers in the Richfield area.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

To ensure you're getting a fair price for your roofing project, it's recommended to obtain multiple quotes from different contractors in Richfield, MN. This will allow you to compare prices, services offered, and the quality of materials used. Avoid choosing the cheapest option, as it may not always guarantee the best results.

4. Ask for References

One of the best ways to gauge the reliability and reputation of a roofing contractor is by asking for references from past clients. A reputable roofing contractor in Richfield MN will be happy to provide you with references that you can contact to inquire about their experience working with the contractor.

5. Check for Warranty

A reliable roofing contractor should offer a warranty on their workmanship and the materials used for the project. Make sure to ask about the warranty details and what it covers before signing any contracts. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

6. Review the Contract Thoroughly

Before starting the roofing project, ensure that all the terms and conditions are clearly outlined in the contract. This should include the scope of work, timelines, payment schedule, and any other details related to the project. If there are any discrepancies, make sure to address them before signing the contract.

Choosing the best roofing contractor requires thorough research and consideration. By following these top tips, you can make an informed decision and hire a reputable contractor for your roofing needs. Contact us today, visit our website for expert roofing services in Richfield, MN and the surrounding areas.

Apartment Shingle Roof Installation Considerations

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:38:34 GMT

As an apartment complex manager, the responsibility of maintaining your property’s structural integrity falls on your shoulders. One of the most critical components of this effort is ensuring that your complex’s roof is in top condition. If you are considering installing a new shingle roof, you need to understand the process, benefits, and potential challenges involved. A new shingle roof not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your complex but also enhances its value. By choosing the right roofing services and understanding the installation process, you ensure your tenants' safety and satisfaction.

Understanding Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofing is a popular choice for apartment complexes due to its durability and versatility. Shingles are available in various materials, including asphalt, wood, and metal, each offering unique benefits. Asphalt shingles are cost-effective and provide excellent weather resistance, while wood shingles offer a natural, rustic look. Metal shingles, on the other hand, are known for their longevity and energy efficiency. When selecting roofing for apartment complexes, consider the local climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences to determine the best fit.

Preparing for the Installation Process

Before the installation process begins, conduct a thorough inspection of the existing roof. Identify any areas that require repairs or structural reinforcement. Coordinate with professional roofing services to ensure that all necessary permits and documentation are in place. Proper preparation includes removing the old roofing material, assessing the roof deck's condition, and ensuring the work area is safe and accessible for the roofing team. By taking these steps, you minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth installation process.

Choosing the Right Roofing Services

Selecting the right roofing company is crucial to the success of your project. Look for a company with experience in apartment roof installation and a proven track record of quality workmanship. Check references and online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. Additionally, ensure the roofing service provider is licensed and insured, offering warranties on materials and labor. By partnering with a reputable company, you gain peace of mind knowing that your new shingle roof is built to last.

Understanding the Installation Timeline

The timeline for installing a new shingle roof depends on various factors, including the size of the complex and weather conditions. Typically, the process takes a few days to a week. Communicate with tenants about the expected timeline and any potential disruptions. Effective communication helps manage tenant expectations and minimizes inconvenience. During the installation, maintain regular contact with the roofing team to address any concerns promptly.

The Benefits of a New Shingle Roof

Investing in a new shingle roof offers numerous benefits for your apartment complex. A new roof enhances the property's curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential tenants. It also increases the building's energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills. Additionally, a well-installed roof provides improved protection against leaks, drafts, and other weather-related issues, ensuring long-term safety and comfort for your tenants. By investing in quality roofing for apartment complexes, you protect your investment and provide a better living environment.

Maintenance and Upkeep

After the installation, regular maintenance ensures the longevity of your new shingle roof. Schedule periodic inspections to identify and address any minor issues before they escalate. Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water damage. Promptly remove debris from the roof surface to avoid potential hazards. By keeping up with maintenance, you extend the lifespan of your roof and preserve the integrity of your apartment complex.

Installing a new shingle roof on your apartment complex is a significant investment that offers long-lasting benefits. By understanding the types of shingles available, preparing adequately, and selecting the right roofing services, you set the foundation for a successful project. A new roof enhances the aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency of your property while providing essential protection for tenants. Regular maintenance further extends the life of your roof, ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment.

Work with us at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. for expert roof installation services.

Why You Should Consider Fiber Cement Siding for Your Home

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:41:02 GMT

Selecting the appropriate siding material is vital for improving your home's exterior aesthetics. Among the many options available, fiber cement siding stands out as a top choice for homeowners seeking durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance. Here’s why you should consider fiber cement siding for your home.

Exceptional Durability

Fiber cement siding is renowned for its durability. Made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it is designed to withstand many environmental conditions. Unlike wood siding, which can rot, warp, or be susceptible to insect damage, fiber cement is highly resistant to these issues. It can endure harsh weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures, making it an excellent choice for areas with unpredictable climates.

Fire Resistance

Fiber cement siding offers superior fire resistance compared to many other siding materials. Its composition makes it non-combustible, meaning it won’t catch fire easily and can help protect your home from potential fire hazards. This fire resistance adds an extra layer of safety to your home and can be particularly valuable in areas prone to wildfires or where fire safety is a concern.

Aesthetic Versatility

Fiber cement siding comes in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes, allowing you to achieve the look you want for your home. Whether you prefer the classic appearance of wood grain, the sleek look of smooth panels, or the modern charm of board-and-batten, fiber cement can be customized to suit your aesthetic preferences. Additionally, it can be painted any color you choose, and the color typically lasts longer than paint on wood siding due to its resistance to fading.

Enhanced Insulation

Fiber cement siding can contribute to better insulation for your home. When combined with proper insulation materials, it can help improve your home’s energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain. This can lead to lower heating and cooling costs, making fiber cement siding an energy-efficient choice. The added insulation also enhances comfort within the home, keeping it more consistent in temperature throughout the year.

Eco-Friendly Option

For environmentally conscious homeowners, fiber cement siding is a sustainable choice. It is made from natural materials, including recycled cellulose fibers, and does not contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, its long lifespan means that it won’t need to be replaced frequently, reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposing of siding materials. Fiber cement siding’s durability also means fewer resources are used in repairs and replacements.

Increased Home Value

Investing in fiber cement siding can boost your home’s value. Its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal make it an attractive feature for potential buyers. Homes with fiber cement siding often have a higher resale value and curb appeal, making it a wise investment if you plan to sell your home in the future. The long-term benefits of fiber cement siding can provide a solid return on investment.

Pest Resistance

Unlike wood siding, fiber cement siding is resistant to pests such as termites, ants, and other insects. These pests can cause significant damage to wooden siding, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Fiber cement’s pest resistance ensures that you won’t have to worry about these issues, providing additional peace of mind.

Warranty Protection

Most fiber cement siding products come with extensive warranties. This warranty coverage reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s longevity and performance. It provides homeowners with added protection and assurance that their investment is well-protected.

Fiber cement siding offers a blend of durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic versatility that makes it an excellent choice for enhancing your home’s exterior. Its resistance to environmental factors, pests, and fire, combined with its eco-friendly and energy-efficient properties, makes it a standout option for homeowners. If you’re considering a siding upgrade, fiber cement siding should be at the top of your list for a long-lasting, beautiful, and practical solution.

For more information about this, contact us at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc.

Six Ways Your Family Can Utilize a Home Porch

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 18:11:00 GMT

A home porch is more than just an architectural feature; it’s a versatile space that can transform how your family interacts, relaxes, and enjoys your home. Whether your porch is a simple front stoop or an expansive wrap-around, there are numerous creative ways to make the most of this outdoor area. Here are six ways your family can utilize a home porch.

A Relaxing Retreat

One of the most popular uses for a home porch is as a relaxing retreat. With comfortable furniture such as rocking chairs, hammocks, or cushioned benches, your porch can become an inviting space to unwind after a long day. Add some soft lighting with lanterns or string lights, and consider incorporating elements like wind chimes or potted plants to create a serene atmosphere. This tranquil setting can serve as a personal haven for reading, meditating, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone or with loved ones.

Social Spot for Gatherings

Your porch can also be an excellent space for social gatherings. Families and friends can gather on the porch for casual get-togethers, barbeques, or even formal celebrations. Arrange seating to encourage conversation, and consider adding small tables for drinks and snacks. The open-air environment of a porch provides a unique blend of indoor comfort and outdoor freshness, making any event feel special and relaxed.

Children’s Play Area

For families with young children, the porch can be a safe and convenient play area. Equip the space with fun and educational toys, a chalkboard for creative drawing, or even a small table for arts and crafts. The porch allows children to enjoy the benefits of outdoor play while remaining close to the house, offering parents peace of mind. Additionally, the shaded area can protect kids from excessive sun exposure while they play.

Gardening Nook

If you have a green thumb, your porch can be transformed into a gardening nook. Use the space to house pots of herbs, flowers, and even small vegetable plants. A porch garden can bring vibrant colors and fresh scents to your home environment, as well as provide a relaxing hobby for the whole family. Involve children in planting seeds and tending to plants; this can be a fun and educational activity that teaches responsibility and the importance of nature.

Dining Al Fresco

Dining on the porch can offer a delightful change from the usual indoor meals. Set up a table and chairs to create an outdoor dining area where your family can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner while taking in the sights and sounds of your surroundings. This is particularly enjoyable during warm weather, and eating outside can add to the pleasure of delicious food and family bonding. Consider adding a shade or canopy to protect against direct sunlight or light rain, ensuring the space is usable in various weather conditions.

Home Office Alternative

In the age of remote work, a porch can serve as an alternative home office. Set up a small desk and a comfortable chair, and use the natural light and fresh air to boost productivity. The change in scenery from a traditional indoor office can stimulate creativity and reduce the monotony of working from home. Additionally, having a designated outdoor workspace helps create a clear boundary between work and leisure areas within your home.

A home porch offers endless possibilities for enhancing your family’s lifestyle. This versatile space can be a haven for relaxation, where you can unwind with a good book or simply enjoy the fresh air. For socializing, it provides the perfect setting for gatherings with friends and family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Children can use the porch as a safe area for playing, while gardeners can indulge in their passion by growing potted plants and flowers. If you’re ready to add a porch to your home, contact our team at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. for more information.

The post Six Ways Your Family Can Utilize a Home Porch appeared first on D.S. Bahr Constraction, Inc .

Important Home Roof Design Considerations

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:39:00 GMT

When building your dream home, selecting the right roof design is a critical decision that can significantly impact the overall aesthetic, functionality, and durability of your house. While exciting, this process can also be complex. Enlisting experienced roofers can provide invaluable insight into making the best choices for your unique needs. To support you in this crucial phase, here are some key roof design considerations to keep in mind.

Climate Compatibility

Understanding Your Local Climate

The region where your home is located greatly influences the type of roofing materials and design best suited for your home. In areas prone to heavy snowfall, steep-sloped roofs are advantageous as they prevent snow accumulation. Conversely, homes in hot, sunny climates benefit from materials that reflect sunlight, thereby reducing cooling costs.

Weather-Resilient Materials

Choosing the right materials is vital for ensuring that your roof can withstand local weather conditions. For instance, metal roofs are excellent for areas that experience hail, while clay tiles are well-suited for regions with high temperatures. Consulting with professional roofers can help you identify the most durable materials for your environment.

Architectural Style

Matching the Roof to Your Home’s Design

Your roof design should complement your home’s architectural style. Traditional homes might look best with gable or hip roofs, whereas contemporary designs can be enhanced with flat or shed roofs. The right roof can amplify your home’s overall aesthetic, adding to its curb appeal and value.

Enhancing Aesthetic Value

Professional roofers can help you select roofing materials and colors that match your desired architectural style. For instance, wood shingles might be ideal for a rustic look, while sleek metal panels could better suit a modern home.

Functionality and Utility

Roof Slope and Drainage

A vital aspect of roof design is ensuring effective drainage. Steeper slopes facilitate water runoff, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage. On the other hand, flat roofs require well-designed drainage systems to prevent water pooling.

Ventilation and Energy Efficiency

Proper roof ventilation is essential for regulating indoor temperatures and prolonging the longevity of your roofing system. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents are common solutions that roofers can install to enhance airflow and energy efficiency.

Budget Considerations

Balancing Cost and Quality

Budgeting is an integral part of the roof design process. While choosing less expensive materials is tempting, investing in higher-quality options can offer long-term savings due to reduced maintenance and replacements. Professional roofers can help you find a balance between cost and quality, ensuring you get the most value for your investment.

Financing and Warranties

Exploring financing options and understanding warranties is also crucial. Many roofers offer financing plans that can make higher-quality roofs more accessible. Additionally, comprehensive warranties can protect your investment by covering repairs and replacements for a specified period.

Future-Proofing Your Roof

Planning for Longevity

Selecting durable materials and designs can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof. Metal, slate, and tile roofs generally offer the best longevity, lasting many years with proper maintenance. Discussing long-term goals with your roofers can help you plan for a roof that stands the test of time.

Sustainability Considerations

If sustainability is a priority, consider eco-friendly roofing options such as green roofs or solar panels. Green roofs provide insulation and reduce stormwater runoff, while solar panels can significantly lower energy costs. Many roofers are now adept at integrating these sustainable solutions into home designs.

Local Building Codes and Permits

Compliance with Regulations

Ignoring local building codes and permit requirements can lead to costly fines and delays. Ensure that your roof design complies with all relevant regulations. Experienced roofers will be familiar with local laws and can guide you through the permitting process.

Safety Standards

Adhering to safety standards, both during construction and in long-term use, is crucial. Professional roofers are trained to follow stringent safety protocols, ensuring that your new roof not only looks good but is also safe and secure.

Designing the roof for your dream home is a pivotal task that requires careful consideration of various factors. Working closely with skilled roofers can help you navigate these complexities, ensuring that your roof is both beautiful and durable. If you need help designing your home roof, work with our professionals at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc.

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Choosing the Right Siding Materials for Your Home

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:37:00 GMT

When it’s time to give your home’s exterior a makeover, the right siding can make all the difference. It’s not just about aesthetics; the best siding materials offer a perfect blend of durability, insulation, and ease of maintenance. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the sea of options to help you make an informed decision for your home’s next big upgrade.

Benefits of Home Siding

Aside from giving your home a fresh look, new siding offers several benefits that can add value to your property.

Aesthetics

First impressions are critical, and the exterior of your home is the first thing anyone notices. The right siding can give your house an appealing finish and boost its curb appeal. Whether you’re in love with the rustic charm of traditional wood, the sleek modern look of vinyl, or the eco-friendly elegance of fiber cement, there’s a siding material to suit your style. Moreover, siding materials come in various colors, allowing you to create a customized look that sets your house apart from the rest on the block.

Durability

When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, you can’t compromise on durability. Siding helps shield your home against weather hazards, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Some siding types, like vinyl and fiber cement, are also resistant to rot and insect damage, providing your home with added protection.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Quality siding adds an extra layer of insulation to your home, thereby reducing heat loss during winter and heat gains during summer. This means less reliance on heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy bills over time. Vinyl and fiber cement siding, for example, are known for their superior insulation properties.

Siding Materials to Consider

In this section, we will walk you through some popular siding materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum siding offers an excellent balance between cost, durability, and ease of maintenance. It is resistant to severe weather conditions and offers a fireproof shield for your home. Though it’s not as insulating as some other materials, you can combat this with added insulation beneath the siding. On the downside, it can dent relatively easily, but its resistance to corrosion and pest infiltration makes aluminum a trusted choice.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding has been a game changer in the industry, delivering key advantages in terms of durability and ease of maintenance. Made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose, it can emulate the appearance of wood, stone, and brick sidings. It is fire and pest-resistant and has the ability to withstand severe weather. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but its longevity and minimal maintenance demands can offset the initial cost in the long run.

Steel

A step up from aluminum in terms of durability is steel siding. This material’s toughness can withstand high impact, making it a top choice for homes exposed to harsh weather. While it’s on the pricier side, it demands very little maintenance and can outlast other materials. Steel siding’s dent resistance makes it outshine many of its competitors, and, like aluminum, it’s also resistant to fire and pests.

Wood

For a classic look and a sense of timeless charm, wood siding is the go-to option. This material can give your home an organic, rustic appeal that’s hard to beat. But its beauty comes with a higher need for maintenance, and it’s not as resistant to fire or pests. Regular painting and sealing can boost the longevity of wood siding.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is a popular choice among many homeowners due to its affordability and wide range of color options. It is lightweight, easy to install, and fairly durable. While it’s not as eco-friendly or as effective at insulating as the higher-end options, it offers great value for money.

Choosing the right siding material is a balance of cost, durability, and energy efficiency. So, take your time, do your research, and make a choice that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Contact us at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. to learn more about your home siding options.

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Siding Damage: A Guide

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:15:00 GMT

Your home’s siding plays a key role in protecting your home and maintaining its curb appeal. However, over time, siding can sustain damage from various sources, such as severe weather, pests, and wear and tear. Recognizing siding damage early on and addressing it promptly can prevent further costly repairs down the line. In this blog post, discover how to recognize siding damage, how to address it, and when to contact professionals for help.

Know the Signs of Siding Damage

One of the most common signs of siding damage is visible cracks, holes, or warping in the siding. These issues are often the result of prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as hailstorms or strong winds, gradually weakening the material. Pest infestations, like termites, can also contribute to this damage over time.

Bulging or sagging siding may indicate water damage, likely from leaks or poor drainage systems. If left unattended, this water infiltration can create a breeding ground for mold, posing health risks and potentially leading to structural deterioration. Keep an eye out for discoloration, peeling paint, or loose siding panels, as these subtle signs could hint at more significant underlying damage that needs prompt attention to prevent further deterioration.

Address Siding Damage

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, address the damage promptly to prevent further issues. Start by inspecting the damaged area closely to determine the extent of the damage. Check for any underlying causes that may have led to the damage, such as water leaks or structural issues.

For minor cracks or holes, you can use caulk or sealant to seal the area and prevent water infiltration. Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying the caulk for optimal adhesion. For more significant damage, such as large holes or warping, you may need to replace the damaged siding panels entirely.

Consult a professional if the damage is extensive or if you are unsure about the repair process. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when repairing or replacing siding to ensure a safe and effective solution.

Contact Professionals

While some minor siding repairs might be possible do-it-yourself projects, recognize that more extensive damage might necessitate the skills of professionals in the field. If you find yourself uncertain about the severity of the damage or the appropriate course of action, reach out to a siding repair specialist for a thorough assessment.

Moreover, if you happen to observe any indications of water damage, mold growth, or structural concerns, seek professional assistance. Neglecting these warning signs could result in expensive repairs and potential safety risks in the future.

Prevent Siding Damage

To prevent potential damage to your home’s siding in the future, prioritize regular maintenance. Ensure your siding stays in top condition by cleaning it with a gentle detergent and water solution, paying close attention to any signs of wear or harm during at least an annual inspection.

Furthermore, safeguard your siding by trimming trees and bushes surrounding your property to avoid any branches causing scratches or harm. invest in high-quality siding materials known for their durability and resilience against adverse weather conditions.

In conclusion, maintaining your home’s siding is an essential part of homeownership. By doing so, you can protect your home from costly repairs and preserve its curb appeal. With proper care and maintenance, your siding can continue to shield your home from the elements and enhance its overall aesthetic appeal.

To learn more about siding damage, contact our company today. We will be happy to look over your siding, recommend various options, and provide you with the best siding possible for your home.

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Common Signs You Need a New Rooftop

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:02:00 GMT

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. However, the roof eventually deteriorates and becomes ineffective. Here are signs you need a new roof.

Your Neighbors Are Having Theirs Done

If your neighbors are having their roofs replaced, it is a sign that you may need to replace yours as well. This is because houses in the same neighborhood are often built around the same time and, therefore, have roofs that are the same age. As roofs age, they become more susceptible to damage and leaks. This is especially true in areas with extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, hail, and heavy snow.

Shingles Are Starting to Cup, Curl, or Claw

Shingles, the individual overlapping elements that form the outer layer of a roof, can experience issues such as cupping, curling, or clawing, often due to various environmental factors and material properties. Cupping occurs when the edges of the shingles turn upward, creating a concave shape. This can result from moisture absorption, inadequate ventilation, or poor installation techniques.

Curling involves the edges of the shingles curling upward or downward, leading to potential water penetration and diminished protection. Heat, age, and improper installation may contribute to this problem. Clawing, on the other hand, entails the middle of the shingle rising while the edges remain flat, creating a wavy appearance. Excessive moisture, inadequate ventilation, or the use of low-quality materials can cause this issue.

Water Damage in the Upstairs or Attic

Water damage in the upstairs or attic of a building can result from various causes, and its impact can be detrimental if not addressed promptly. Common sources of water damage include leaky roofs, clogged gutters, burst pipes, condensation, or inadequate ventilation. When water seeps into the attic or upper floors, it can lead to structural issues, mold growth, and compromised insulation.

Excessive moisture can weaken the structural integrity of the building, causing wood to rot, ceilings to sag, and walls to buckle. Addressing water damage in the upstairs or attic involves identifying and repairing the source of the water intrusion, drying out affected areas, replacing damaged materials, and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.

Roof Sags

Roof sagging occurs when the roof structure weakens or undergoes excessive stress, leading to a downward curvature or depression. This phenomenon can stem from several factors, such as inadequate support, subpar construction materials, or extreme weather conditions.

Inadequate support, often due to improper spacing of load-bearing walls or beams, can cause the roof to bear more weight than it can handle, leading to sagging over time. Subpar construction materials can also contribute to sagging, especially if they lack the necessary strength and durability to withstand the imposed loads.

Furthermore, extreme weather conditions, like heavy snowfall or prolonged exposure to moisture, can weaken the roof’s structural integrity, causing it to lose its original shape and succumb to gravity.

Additionally, poor maintenance practices, such as ignoring minor damages or neglecting timely repairs, can exacerbate the problem. Regular inspections, proper structural design, high-quality materials, and timely maintenance are crucial in preventing roof sagging and ensuring the longevity and safety of the structure.

Water Damage in the Upstairs or Attic

Water damage in the upstairs or attic is a sure sign that you have a leak in your roof. If you see any water stains, mold, or mildew, it’s important to call a roofing contractor right away to assess the damage and make repairs.

Granules Are in Your Gutters

Granules are the small mineral particles embedded in the asphalt shingles’ surface. Granules protect shingles from the sun’s UV rays and help to keep them waterproof. Over time, granules can wear off, leaving shingles vulnerable to damage.

If you see a lot of granules in your gutters, it’s a sign that your shingles are starting to fail and need to be replaced.

D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. can inspect your roof and determine whether replacement is necessary. We will then repair or replace your roof. Contact us now for more information.

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5 Common Causes of Shingle Damage and Deterioration

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 18:59:00 GMT

In every home, the roof serves as the primary defense against harsh weather conditions, which makes its condition important for the homeowner. Among various roof types, shingle roofs have become more prevalent as the standard roofing material. However, they are not impervious to damage and deterioration over time.

Understanding why and how your shingle roof may be at risk is integral to maintaining the longevity and safety of your home. Delve into five common causes of shingle damage and deterioration to give you the necessary knowledge to better care for your roof.

1. Severe Weather

Asphalt shingles are installed such that their edges overlap and provide a watertight seal. However, these shingles can become brittle and destroyed after prolonged exposure to severe weather.

Wind is one of the most common weather factors that can damage shingles. Winds can lift, bend, and rip shingles from a roof, revealing the roof’s substrate. This form of wind damage is most likely to occur to the shingles along the edges, corners, and ridge lines of your roof. Flying debris can also rip the roof to shreds and damage it under hurricane-force winds.

In addition to wind and rain, hail can be a problem for asphalt shingle roofs. Hail can damage shingles by knocking loose the granules that protect them from the sun’s rays and boost their ability to shed water. Loss of these granules exposes the asphalt covering and fiberglass mat beneath, significantly shortening the lifespan of the shingles.

2. Heat and Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Unprotected ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can break down the shingles over time. The asphalt in the shingles dries out and becomes brittle because the UV rays degrade the chemical connections inside the asphalt. This increases the likelihood that they will crack, break, and fall off the roof.

Damage can also occur from the daily expansion and compression of the shingles because of temperature fluctuations. Additionally, the constant stress generated from the sun’s heat can lead them to curl and break, making them even less reliable. This raises the possibility of roof leaks and water damage.

3. Debris

Tree limbs and other things that break off in high winds can cause water leaks and other issues by puncturing or loosening roof shingles. The weight of debris is a major factor in why it might cause damage to your roof.

For example, tree limbs might break off during a storm and crash down on your house. Depending on the weight and composition of the debris, it may be able to penetrate your roof and cause water leaks or other damage.

4. Poor Installation

Mistakes can happen when untrained people try to put the shingles themselves or when a novice or unqualified contractor is hired for the task. If you want to prevent premature degradation and other roofing issues, have a professional roofing firm install your shingle roof.

A qualified roofer will know that there is a certain method for laying shingles. This necessitates the right equipment and supplies and strict adherence to manufacturer specifications.

Incorrect installation of shingles can leave them not properly attached to the roof. This can make them easier to dislodge or lift in strong gusts. Incorrect nailing or positioning on the roof can cause the shingles to fracture or break.

5. Roof Growth

The growth of organic matter on a roof happens when organisms such as mold, moss, algae, and lichen establish themselves and multiply on the shingles. Even though they may look harmless at first glance, they can cause significant damage to a roof’s structural integrity and functionality.

Growth on a roof can cause damage to shingles because it traps moisture, which freezes and thaws repeatedly. Water can become stuck on a roof if it is home to mold, moss, or algae, which all prefer damp conditions. This accumulated moisture has the potential to infiltrate beneath the shingles, making them mushy and prone to breakdown. Because of this, the shingles can become brittle and easily broken.

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4 Organisms That Can Grow On and Damage Your Roof

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:09:00 GMT

As homeowners, the roof often stands as a silent, sturdy guardian. It’s our first line of defense against the harsh elements of nature, offering protection to those beneath it. But did you know that seemingly innocuous organisms could stealthily invade, grow, and cause significant damage to your roof?

Understanding these adversaries is the first step in proactively safeguarding your roof and home. This blog post delves into the deep-dwelling world of four common culprits that can damage your roof.

Roof algae frequently appears as black streaks or dark spots. Algae colonies like to colonize shingle fillers made of limestone and subsequently consume them. This facilitates their rapid expansion and multiplication, eventually reaching millions of separate colonies. Damage to the structure beneath the roof’s surface is possible as well as its visual appeal.

These algae thrive in stagnant water, which can degrade the wood underneath the shingles and eventually cause rot and the need for a roof repair. The wind can carry the algae to other structures on the estate and potentially to the neighbors’ houses, where it will cause an even worse problem.

The problem worsens since these colonies can serve as a fertile environment for mold. Stopping the spread of algae and dealing with its colonies promptly is crucial to avoid these problems.

Lichens are complex organisms that develop into a low, crusty, leafy, or branched growth. Fungi can form a symbiotic association with these organisms. Lichens colonize rooftops and cling tenaciously to the surfaces. This strong hold means that they typically peel off the shingle’s outermost layer—the color coat—leaving behind ugly scars.

Lichens can take on a variety of hues when they blossom, from green to white to even orange. They get their nourishment from the asphalt and have root-like organs that grow underneath the gravel particles on the roof. When lichen decays and dies, it results in a circular pattern of granule erosion that looks like hail splatter.

Lichen’s propensity to cling tenaciously to the surface of shingles and aggressively remove the color layer can lead to various problems, including roof discoloration, granule loss, and general deterioration. If you notice any lichens on your roof, routinely clean them off to avoid serious damage.

Mold and mildew are both forms of fungi. Mold appears as black, green, or white discoloration, while mildew usually forms a white coating in a damp environment. The most common types of mold and mildew thrive in warm, damp environments, and they may quickly spread across roof surfaces, coating them in a dark blanket.

By digesting the shingles and other roofing materials, mold and mildew can cause significant damage to a roof. This can lead to the need for pricey maintenance or replacement. Spores from mold and mildew can readily penetrate the roof and enter the home. For those susceptible to mold allergies, this can trigger a wide range of serious health problems.

Moss is a tiny, non-vascular flowerless plant that may grow vertically and out of control by absorbing water through its spores. Green clusters or mats of moss are typical, and they prefer moist, shady environments. Moss growth on rooftops presents several potential hazards.

First, a roof with too much moss might become too heavy. Since moss grows swiftly and in groups, each group becomes a sponge for the water it needs. Because of the weight of the moss, the additional water stresses the roof’s structure. Moreover, moss can spread and cover the entire roof if it is not removed, which places additional stress on the structure.

Second, mold and rot might flourish in the surplus moisture that has pooled there. Fragments of mold can be tracked indoors on shoes, posing a major health danger. Holes caused by rot render a roof vulnerable to leaks, which can lead to even more decay. It’s also possible for moss to grow below shingles, tiles, or slates, causing them to loosen and fall.

If your roof has been significantly affected by the development of these organisms, reach out to us at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. for roofing repairs and replacement.

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Common Types of Roof Insulation

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Roof insulation is crucial in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home throughout the year. It accomplishes this by keeping your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter, reducing the workload on your heaters and air conditioning units. To gain insight into commonly used types of roof insulation for your home, continue reading.

Polyester Insulation

Polyester insulation is a synthetic product created from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, typically sourced from items like drink bottles. It is designed for insulation in various applications, including roofs. Different forms are available, such as blankets, rolls, and batts.

Polyester insulation is safe to handle. It is non-allergenic, meaning it doesn’t trigger allergies, and non-irritant so that it won’t cause skin or respiratory irritation. Additionally, it is non-toxic, which means it does not release harmful chemicals into the air.

Polyester roof insulation is lightweight and easy to handle, making installation a hassle-free process. Its flexibility allows it to conform to various roof shapes and sizes, ensuring a seamless fit. The material is also resistant to moisture absorption, preventing the growth of mold and mildew and maintaining a healthier indoor environment.

Wood Fiber

Wood fiber emerges from the amalgamation of raw materials like wood, cane, or vegetable fibers alongside fillers or binders. This material can undergo asphalt impregnation or coating to enhance its resistance to moisture. Noteworthy advantages of wood fiber insulation include its reasonable strength and the convenience it offers for cutting and shaping.

Wood fiber roof insulation boasts impressive moisture management capabilities. It can effectively regulate humidity levels by absorbing and releasing moisture, preventing the buildup of condensation and reducing the risk of mold or mildew formation. This attribute ensures a drier and more breathable roof structure, promoting the longevity of the building.

Additionally, wood fiber insulation excels in sound insulation, effectively reducing unwanted noise transmission from the outside environment. This feature creates a quieter and more peaceful indoor atmosphere, allowing occupants to enjoy a tranquil living or working space.

Fiberglass Batts

Fiberglass batts serve as a popular insulation choice for rafters due to their affordability and their availability in various shapes and R-Values. They come in pre-cut sizes that fit standard roof joist or rafter spacing, making the installation process quick and straightforward. The batts can be easily trimmed to fit irregular spaces or around obstacles, ensuring a snug and seamless fit. This simplicity and flexibility of installation saves time and effort.

Glass Wool

Glass wool is an inorganic insulation material that manufacturers produce from recycled glass. They melt the glass at high temperatures and then draw thin glass threads from the molten glass during the cooling process. Afterward, they add a few additives to create glass wool.

Glass wool has excellent insulating properties due to its light structure, which allows it to retain a significant amount of air.

Loose-Fill

Loose-fill or blown-in insulation is a suitable choice for filling large spaces like attics or crawl spaces, and it can be made from fiberglass, cellulose, or recycled materials. A roofing expert can blow it into the space using a flexible tube, enabling insulation of hard-to-reach areas. With loose-fill insulation, you can exercise considerable control over the total amount of insulation, which helps in achieving the desired level for your specific climate.

Another significant advantage is that loose-fill insulation is highly durable. Once properly installed, it remains stable and effective for an extended period without settling or deteriorating over time. This longevity contributes to its cost-effectiveness, as it reduces the need for frequent insulation replacement or maintenance.

D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. emphasizes the importance of high-quality service and a personalized approach. Our expertise lies in roofing, siding, deck construction, and exterior remodeling, and we look forward to forward to extending our expertise to your property in the Minneapolis, MN, area. Contact us today to book an appointment.

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Questions You Should Ask Before You Hire a Roofer

Mon, 08 May 2023 17:59:00 GMT

The roof is one of the most important parts of any building because it protects the occupants and their belongings from the elements. As such, when it comes to roofing repairs or replacements, it is essential to hire a reputable roofing contractor. But how do you know if you are hiring the right contractor for your roofing needs? Here are some essential questions to ask before you hire a roofing contractor.

Are They Licensed and Insured?

One of the most important questions to ask a roofing contractor is whether they are insured and licensed. A properly licensed roofing contractor is required to abide by certain standards, and they have met the necessary requirements to perform roofing work in your state. Insurance is also important as it protects you from liability in the event of any accidents and damage to the property.

What Is Their Experience in the Roofing Industry?

Experience is critical when it comes to roofing. You want a contractor who has worked on similar roofing projects and has the expertise to handle any issues that may arise during the project. Ask the contractor how long they have been in the industry and the types of roofing projects they have worked on before.

Do They Offer a Warranty?

A warranty is a guarantee that the roofing work will be of good quality and that any defects or issues will be addressed. A quality roofing contractor will offer a warranty.

What Is Their Estimate for the Project?

Before hiring a roofing contractor, it is essential to get an estimate for the project. The estimate should include all the costs involved in the roofing project, including materials and labor. Ask the contractor to provide a written estimate that outlines all the costs involved.

What Materials Do They Use?

The type of roofing materials used is essential for the quality of your roof. Ask the roofing contractor about the materials they use. A reputable contractor should use high-quality materials that will last for many years.

Will They Remove the Old Roofing Materials?

Before installing a new roof, the old roofing materials must be removed. Ask the roofing contractor if they will remove the old materials and dispose of them properly. Make sure that the removal and disposal of old materials are included in the estimate.

How Long Will the Project Take?

The duration of the roofing project is another critical factor to consider. Ask the roofing contractor about the expected timeline for the project, including the start and end dates. This will help you plan accordingly and avoid any inconveniences.

Can They Provide References?

A reputable roofing contractor should provide references from prior clients. Contact the references and ask about their experience working with the contractor. Were they satisfied with the quality of work? Did the contractor complete the project within the agreed timeline and budget? These are some of the questions you can ask of prior clients.

Will They Obtain the Necessary Permits?

Depending on where you live, roofing work may require permits from the local authorities. Ask the roofing contractor if they will obtain the necessary permits for the project. This will ensure that the roofing work is done legally and that you avoid any legal issues.

What Is Their Safety Policy?

Roofing work can be dangerous, and safety should be a top priority. Ask the roofing contractor about their safety policy and how they ensure the safety of their workers and your property during the roofing project.

Hiring a good roofing contractor is essential to the success of your roofing project. If you have any roofing needs, please contact us at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc.

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How a New Roof Can Add Value to Your Home

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 21:47:00 GMT

If you’re a homeowner, you should look for ways to add value to your property. Installing a new roof is one of the most significant investments. A new roof not only improves the look of your home but also has several practical advantages. This blog will explore how a new roof will add value to your home.

Increased Curb Appeal

The roof is a noticeable part of the outside of a house, and how it looks can have a big effect on how the house looks and feels as a whole. A new roof makes a house that is old or out of style look modern and nice. An old, worn-out, or damaged roof can take away from the look of your home and make it look neglected.

Your house will have a fresh look if you choose a style that goes with the rest of your home. Choose a roof that complements your home’s architecture, color scheme, and other aesthetic features. You have a wide range of options to choose from, including materials, styles, and colors.

No Inspection Issues

A new roof increases your home’s value by eliminating problems that could come up during the home inspection process. Potential buyers often inspect a house for sale to identify any problems that require fixing before the sale can proceed. An old or damaged roof can be a red flag for buyers, which could cause problems during an inspection and make your home less valuable.

A new roof can also give potential buyers peace of mind since they won’t have to worry about paying for and dealing with replacing the roof soon after buying the house. Your home will be more appealing to buyers and raise its value.

Longevity and a New Warranty

A typical roof lasts for 25 to 50 years, depending on the materials used and the level of maintenance it receives. A new roof usually comes with a warranty from the manufacturer or contractor. This warranty covers any problems with how the product was made or put together. If any issues arise with the roof during this period, the buyer can have them fixed without paying extra money. Moreover, a new roof will save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Energy Efficiency

Modern roofing materials reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, which keeps your home cooler in the summer and lowers cooling costs by reducing the need for air conditioning. A new roof will give you better insulation, which keeps your home at a comfortable temperature all year. More and more people are looking for houses with energy-efficient roofs because they want to use less energy and save money in the long run.

You may be eligible for government incentives and rebates if you choose an energy-efficient roof. People are encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by using these incentives. These rebates can help cover some of the cost of putting on a new roof, making it a more affordable option for homeowners.

Adds New Technologies

Some roofing materials now have built-in solar panels that generate electricity and lower energy costs.

Other materials have sensors that can find leaks or other problems that prevent water damage and mold growth. Manufacturers design some roofing materials to be more durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions like wind and hail, protecting homes and saving money in the long run. In areas prone to wildfires, roofing materials are now fire-resistant.

At D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., we understand the value a new roof can add to your home. We dedicate ourselves to providing customized, top-notch roofing solutions that meet your needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation if you are considering a new roof for your home.

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5 Benefits of a Professional Roofing Service

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 20:28:00 GMT

Hiring a professional roofing service is a wise investment that can save you significant stress eventually. Explore five benefits you can enjoy when you hire a professional roofing service for all your roofing needs.

1. High-Quality Materials

Experienced roofers obtain materials of the highest caliber that would be hard to locate for the typical person. These materials can withstand severe weather and provide a roof that lasts longer.

For example, high-quality materials offer more protection against wind, hail, and rain damage, which may wreak havoc on less durable options. You could save future expensive repairs with such high-quality materials. Also, professional roofers frequently have access to these products at a lower cost than you would if you buy them yourself.

2. Safety

Professional roofers assure safety because they have the necessary safety training, which guarantees that they are conscious of the dangers of roofing and the safety precautions they must follow to safeguard their safety and the safety of their clients. They also leverage the proper tools and equipment for the job, which ensure a secure working environment.

Professional roofers also know how to install, repair, and maintain roofs safely because they have years of expertise climbing on and off the roof. Finally, they improve the house’s safety because a newly restored roof will shield the building and its occupants from weather conditions and other outside influences.

3. Expertise and Experience

Do-it-yourself can be difficult and requires specific equipment and supplies. If you lack experience, you could make expensive errors. Skilled roofers can offer you a speedier and more dependable service.

Qualified roofers have the skills and knowledge needed to execute roofing projects. They have undergone specialized training and have hours of practical work experience. As a result, they are competent in all facets of roofing, including installations, repairs, and inspections.

A qualified roofer can evaluate your roof and spot issues before they become more serious. They can guarantee that they will complete the job with accuracy and quality. Professional roofers can also give you precise quotes for repairs or replacements. This accuracy will enable you to save time, money, and energy.

Also, accurate estimates ensure the best possible condition for your roof at the most appropriate cost. Thus, you can feel more at ease knowing your roof is in good shape.

4. Warranties and Guarantees

A skilled and reliable roofing contractor can offer higher guarantees since they have manufacturer training. This warranty can guarantee that the roofer completes the job correctly the first time and covers repairs for unforeseen problems and flaws. This coverage can save a homeowner money on pricey repairs in the long term.

A qualified roofer can also perform routine maintenance and inspections to guarantee they promptly complete any repairs.

5. Aesthetic Appeal

Experienced roofers know the difficulties and complexities of roof installation and restoration. Thus, they can make sure that they place and seal every component correctly to ensure a long-lasting, attractive roof.

Professional roofers can also help you create the ideal property appearance with materials best suited for your unique roofing requirements, such as premium shingles, gutters, ridges, and overhangs.

Also, expert roofers can help you pick the ideal hues and designs to complement the appearance of your house. Lastly, contractors can help you maximize the value of the money you spend on roofing because they know which materials and methods will give you the best return on your investment if you decide to sell your home.

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6 Tips to Extend Your Roof’s Life

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:57:00 GMT

1. Unclog Gutters

Leaves, twigs, and other debris accumulate in gutters and interrupt the water flow when it rains. With nowhere to go, the pooled water can enter your home through any cracks, resulting in basement and foundation damage. Wet spots on the ceilings and walls are also likely to occur if your roof leaks.

If you leave the water to settle for too long in the gutters, your roof might start to deteriorate, and pests can clamor on the roof to hide. Cluttered gutters are also more likely to develop ice dams on the roof’s edges in cold weather.

Clean your gutters regularly, especially before rainy weather. Free-flowing gutters prevent ice dams and mildew and mold growth. However, cleaning gutters is risky, so contract the services of a professional roofer.

2. Avoid Power Washing

A deep clean restores your roof’s sheen, but your cleaning method may cause more harm than good. Many homeowners use powerful power blasts to clean the exterior, but avoid this method if you have a shingle roof.

Power washing dislodges the shingles’ coating granules, leaving them brittle and vulnerable to damage.

Soft-bristled brooms and leaf blowers are ideal cleaning tools for a shingle roof. Keep in mind that a slippery roof is a safety hazard for non-roofers, and you should leave the task to experts.

3. Trim Trees

Trees near your home provide beauty and shade, but your roof can suffer. Overhanging branches puncture roofs when they break, while leaves accumulate on the gutters and offer hiding places for pests.

Too much shade also prevents the roof from completely drying out, encouraging the growth of algae and moss. Sometimes, squirrels and other critters use branches to access your home and damage your insulation. Trim overhanging limbs regularly, and ensure branches are several feet from the roof.

4. Improve Attic Insulation

Poorly insulated attics facilitate moisture and condensation to form along the roof’s underside, leading to rot and mold growth. The heat build-up in the attic also accelerates the decay of shingles.

A well-insulated attic holds warm air inside in cold weather and cool air in summer and keeps your family comfortable. Additionally, attic insulation protects your roof from damage and extends its lifespan.

5. Apply Coatings

Roofing manufacturers offer various coatings to extend a roof’s lifespan. Coatings adhere to a roof’s surface and form a seamless membrane that withstands extreme weather conditions. For instance, a polyglass coating resists UV rays, makes your roof more energy-efficient, and reduces your energy bill. Stone, slate, and metal roofs also require sealants to maintain their appearance.

6. Schedule Regular Inspections

Roof issues start small before ballooning into bigger problems that cost a lot of money. Many homeowners assume that their roofs are all right if they can’t spot any glaring issue. However, identifying and dealing with wood rot, mold, corrosion, and wet insulation requires the trained eye of a professional roofer.

A roof inspection is especially vital after extreme weather to identify missing shingles, damaged gutters, and other types of roof damage. By fixing minor issues, your roofer spares your roof from extensive damage and ensures it lasts longer.

At D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., we offer reliable roofing replacement, installation, and repair services for budget-conscious homeowners. We understand that a roof is a significant investment for your family, and we work with you to install a durable roofing system that withstands extreme weather. Contact us today for roofing services you can trust.

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Types of Siding

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 19:37:00 GMT

Your home should be one of your sources of joy, satisfaction, and pride. One way to boost your home’s market value and exterior curb appeal is to install new siding. Also, new and good siding can improve your home’s insulation and lower your monthly utility bills.

Whether you want to replace your old siding or install new siding on your new home, you’ll find many options in the market. The many options can confuse you if you don’t have adequate information about various types of siding.

To help you make the right choice, explore detailed information about the types of siding you choose from.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is a good option if you want to save some money since it is affordable. With proper installation and maintenance, aluminum siding can last a long time and save you from unnecessary repair expenses. The lightweight nature of aluminum materials makes the installation of aluminum siding easy.

You won’t have to worry about corrosion on your aluminum siding since aluminum doesn’t absorb moisture. Because of moisture resistance, aluminum siding will also protect your home’s walls from possible water damage. In case of any damage to your aluminum siding, you can quickly and conveniently repaint or replace it.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is a good option if you want to protect your home from harsh weather or pests. The siding is also soundproof, so it’ll protect you from neighborhood noises and give you peace of mind. Also, fiber cement siding will save you money because of its long lifespan.

Common fiber cement siding options you can choose from are sheet form, stucco, shingle, and lap siding/clapboard.

Sheet form options have different textures and modern finishes to complement a property’s exterior appeal and feel. Stucco fiber cement siding doesn’t easily crack, while shingle siding has many finish options, like stained and prime finish. Lastly, clapboards vary in thickness and easily complement residential properties’ classic or contemporary styles.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is a good choice if you want to give your home’s exterior a classic look. Wood siding is environmentally friendly, easy to repair, and easy to paint. Also, the siding comes in a diverse array of styles to enable you to choose the one that will add to your home’s charm.

Common wood siding options you can choose from are redwood, pine, fir, cedar, and spruce. Redwood can survive in all seasons, while pine is more affordable and available than other species. Fir siding is easy to cut and install, while cedar siding is stable and not prone to swelling. Spruce siding have similar characteristics to pine siding.

But wood siding is prone to pests, like worms and insects, and moisture damage. So, adequate and regular maintenance is necessary to protect and extend your wood siding’s lifespan.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is popular in North American homes because of its resistance to fading, insects, and bad weather. Also, the siding comes in many color options and textures to fit different homes’ exteriors. Regular and simple cleaning will help maintain your vinyl siding and protect it from dirt or mold.

The two significant styles of vinyl siding are horizontal and vertical vinyl siding. Horizontal siding is common for residential properties, and it includes Dutch lap, traditional lap, and beaded siding. Vertical siding is common for farmhouses and barns, and it includes cedar shake, board and batten, and traditional shake.

New siding will give your home a unique feel and look and make it more comfortable to live in. But, you must hire an experienced siding contractor to benefit from your home siding. D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. , is a professional siding contractor you can trust to install or replace your home siding. Call today.

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4 Popular Flat Roof Material Options

Tue, 24 May 2022 18:12:00 GMT

A flat roof is a structure with a mostly flat surface with no pitch or slope. Flat roofs are standard for commercial as well as many residential buildings.

Flat roofs come in several material options. Each material is ideal for different situations and has its benefits and drawbacks. Additionally, water pooling is a major problem with flat roofs and is one of the key areas of consideration. Other critical factors include life expectancy, energy ratings, and ease of repair.

Choosing the right material can save you time and money down the line. Below is a list of the most common flat roof materials.

1. EPDM Rubber

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic material made from recycled rubber. EPDM is a versatile and effective roofing solution that can work for many building types.

Installation of rubber roofing involves seaming rubber strips with adhesive. Rubber roofing has gained popularity amongst homeowners and business owners because EPDM:

In spite of its many qualities, EPDM is not as energy-efficient, as it absorbs a lot of heat. Rubber roofing is also prone to shrinkage. And while rubber is easy to repair, the shrinkage easily breaks its seams, leading to leaks.

2. Build Up Roofs (BUR)

Build Up Roofs (BUR) is a tried-and-tested roofing technology that has been in use in the US for over 100 years. Since then, BUR materials and the installation process have evolved for the better.

Today, BUR installation involves alternating layers of bitumen and fabric and a topping layer of gravel or stone. The layers of bitumen are essential for the watertight protection of the roof. The gravel forms great traction for foot traffic and increases the roof’s fire rating.

On the downside, BUR takes a lot of time to install due to its multiple layers. Consequently, the building costs are high due to the labor and material costs. BURs are also very heavy, so you have to ensure the underlying structure is strong enough to handle the pressure.

3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is single-ply roofing material for both residential and commercial buildings. Installation of a PVC roof involves heat welding, making the roof impervious to water.

PVC is naturally resistant to fire and can also withstand strong winds. Therefore, if you live in an area prone to strong winds, PVC is a prudent choice.

With PVC, homeowners also have a wider variety of color options. Reflective bright colors are better for warmer climates, while dull hues are excellent for the winter season.

And with a lifespan of up to 30 years , PVC still makes for a good investment project despite its high installation cost.

4. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

Sprayed polyurethane foam is a plastic-based material that can form a continuous and seamless membrane. SPF is usually applied in layers using a spray gun, enabling the contractor to achieve an even application.

SPF roofing systems are lightweight, flexible, and durable. SPF roofs are also energy-efficient because they reflect heat and UV rays, keeping your home cooler in the summer months. Furthermore, SPF keeps moisture from entering your attic space and any pests trying to get inside your home.

Choosing the right roof material for your home or business can be a daunting task. The most important thing is to make sure you are well informed and choose the material that best meets your needs. Hopefully, the above guide has helped you understand some of the options that might work for many years.

If you want to know more about flat roofing options or want help determining which option is best for your home or business, contact us today.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 18:10:00 GMT

The Pitch of Your Roof

The pitch is the roof’s incline represented as a fraction. It determines the material you select since its variation also changes the roof’s ability to drain water. If the pitch does not allow your roof to drain water quickly, you need roofing materials that can handle the weight of the water and prevent it from leaking into your home.

For example, asphalt shingles are common for buildings with steep pitches. If your home has a low pitch, select a specialized product that is leak-resistant. For example, you can use torch-down roofing, rubber membranes, or standing seam metal.

The Authenticity of Your Roof

Architectural authenticity mainly applies when you replace your roof. Homes with traditional styles mostly have their materials predetermined by history. If your home has wooden shakes, masonry tiles, or slates, you’re often better off sticking to these materials during renovation.

Maintaining architectural authenticity prevents your building from depreciating. Traditional homes are only as prestigious as the number of original features you can keep. Therefore, adding contemporary materials might not complement the traditional attributes of your building.

In some areas, zoning regulations prevent you from using certain roofing materials. This is especially so if the area is a heritage site or the buildings have historical significance. Simply put, homes must have similar roofs to maintain their relevance.

The Maintenance Needs of Your Roof

Consider the costs of maintaining your preferred roof. A roof that needs frequent maintenance could prove expensive in the long run. Therefore, consider low-maintenance roofs such as composite, fiberglass, or asphalt shingles.

Read home improvement blogs to establish the maintenance needs of new roofing materials. Moreover, you could read customer reviews and consult with friends who have similar roofs to establish the maintenance protocols of the various roofs.

The Energy Efficiency of Your Roof

Roofing materials have varying energy efficiency levels. High energy efficiency helps control the internal temperatures since the house does not gain or lose heat rapidly.

First, consider the area’s weather and geological features. If your home is in hot-dry or cold climatic zones, consider the insulation qualities of your roof. The roofing material should contain the internal temperatures to ensure the air conditioning system does not strain.

The Pricing for Your Roof

Price is a critical concern for many homeowners. Therefore, compare the price points of the different brands. Most manufacturers consider durability when pricing their products. Therefore, establish the durability of the product to know if you will get value for your money.

You have several ways to examine a roof’s durability. For instance, check whether the manufacturer complies with international roof manufacturing standards. Besides, inquire if the roof undergoes stress tests to ensure it can withstand harsh weather such as storms and hailstones.

The product’s warranty will also give insights into its durability. Typically, a product with a warranty lasting several decades is more durable than one with a warranty lasting less than a decade. Expect to pay more for a durable product. However, this should not be a concern since most manufacturers and dealers offer discounts and complementary services such as installation to their clients.

Most homeowners lack the technical expertise necessary to compare and contrast the different roofing materials. They cannot always tell which manufacturer produces durable products. For these reasons, consult with experienced roofing contractors.

At D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., we have the expertise necessary to assess your roofing needs, supply quality materials, and install roofs. Contact us today for all your roofing needs.

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What You Need to Know About Winter Roof Prep in Minnesota

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 16:05:00 GMT

How Can Winter Impact Your Roof?

Each season comes with different potential roofing issues. The flooding rains of the spring can leak through a roof that has missing shingles, significant wear and tear, or damage. Summer storms and whipping winds can tear shingles off your roof, and hail can puncture or dent the roof’s outer layer. Autumn leaves can fill gutters, causing clogs and backups that leak into your home.

Like the other three seasons, winter comes with its own roofing risks. These primarily include:

The potential for wintertime problems means you need to adequately prepare your roof for the season. While you can’t prevent every issue, routine preseason maintenance can help you reduce the risks to your roof.

Should You Inspect Your Roof?

Your roof may have successfully made it through a Minnesota fall. But will it stand up to the cold temperatures, ice, and snow of the state’s winter? If you can’t answer this question or the answer is no, you need to schedule a professional inspection or maintenance service. A roofing contractor can:

Even though it’s best to hire a pro for a roofing inspection, you can note some issues you see inside or outside of your home. Damp patches on ceilings or the tops of walls, running interior paint, drips in the attic, and blisters or bubbles in paint could point to a leaky roof. Let the contractor know about these potential problems when they inspect the rest of the roof.

How Can You Prevent Midwinter Roofing Problems?

The inspection isn’t the last step of the prevention process. Proactively stop damage, leaks, and other roofing issues before winter is in full swing by making necessary repairs right now.

Even though you may not have budgeted for new shingles, flashing, gutters, or another roofing component, the money you spend in the fall can save you additional expenses in the spring.

Along with repairs/replacements, make sure the attic or space under the room is ventilated correctly. The roofer can assess this area and look for possible problems. A poorly ventilated attic can lead to excess heat buildup. This can compound snowmelt/refreezing issues and make it more likely that ice dams will form.

Do you need to schedule a roof repair service? Contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc ., for more information.

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Best Practices for Roof Maintenance

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:49:00 GMT

Maintaining your roof will help you prevent frequent damages, maintain its energy efficiency, and prolong its lifespan. However, you have to approach maintenance the right way to reap the maximum benefits. Below are some best practices for maintaining your roof.

Combine DIY and Professional Maintenance

Roof maintenance requires both DIY and professional approaches. Conduct the DIY inspections and maintenance as regularly as you can. Some maintenance practices you can do without a professional’s input include:

Professional inspection and maintenance are necessary to spot and deal with problems that DIY services might overlook. For example, a roofing professional might spot hidden leaks that you might miss. Professional inspection and maintenance frequency depend on various factors, but you should have a contractor maintain the roof at least once a year.

Mind Your Safety

Watch out so that you don’t suffer injuries or cause damage to the roof during DIY maintenance. These safety tips can help:

In addition, you should know and respect your limitations. For example, you should not brave up and go on the roof if you are afraid of heights. In such a case, leave the work to roofing professionals.

Match the Maintenance to the Roof

The roof type determines the necessary maintenance services. The design and materials are the major things that determine roof type. For example:

Understand your roof and create a customized maintenance plan that fits it.

Stick to the Schedule

Roof maintenance serves different purposes. For example, you maintain the roof to:

Thus, you should not skip roof maintenance even if your roof looks sound. The idea is to maintain the roof before and not after it develops problems.

Document the Maintenance

Documenting your roof maintenance practices can help you in two main ways. For one, the documentation can help you:

Secondly, the documentation may also help you if you ever want to sell your house. For example, you can use the documentation to prove how thoroughly you have maintained your roof to prospective buyers.

Consider Weather and Climate

Weather elements, such as wind, sunlight, and snow, are some of the biggest threats to your roof. Thus, your local weather should also influence how you maintain your roof. For example, you should:

A roofing contractor can help you match your roof’s maintenance to your local weather and climate.

D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. has over 25 years of roofing experience. We can help you install, inspect, maintain, and repair your roof. Contact us for quotes on all roofing services you need and benefit from our professional solutions.

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4 Elements That Might Be Damaging Your Roof

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:21:00 GMT

Many seemingly innocuous elements have the potential to contribute to the deterioration of your roof. The more you understand these elements, the better prepared you will be to protect your roof against permanent damage in the future.

Moisture is your roof’s worst enemy.

Moisture can take on many forms. Rain, snow, and ice are common types of moisture that homeowners think of when considering the health of their roof, but other types of moisture can be damaging as well. Humidity can also cause problems for residential roofing systems.

Any moisture that seeps into your roof can contribute to mold and mildew growth. Moisture also rots away the wood frame of your home, putting the structural stability of your residence in jeopardy.

You must ensure your rain gutters are functioning properly and that you invest in immediate repairs for minor leaks if you want to avoid serious moisture damage to your roof over time.

Strong winds are another element that can wreak havoc on the integrity of your roof.

Wind can damage your roof in one of two ways. A strong gust of wind can dislodge one or more shingles and leave your roof’s underlayment exposed. Wind can also carry items like branches, leaves, and other debris onto the surface of your roof.

When the underlayment is exposed, your roof is more susceptible to developing leaks. Debris that is left on the surface of your roof can contribute to the formation of puddles and ice dams that can cause catastrophic roof damage.

Be sure to check your roof for any signs of damage after a strong wind passes through so that you can contact an experienced contractor for immediate repairs.

Your roof is exposed to sunlight constantly. The only reprieve that your roofing materials may get from full-sun exposure is the shade provided by a nearby tree.

The UV rays in sunlight have the potential to damage your roofing materials over time. UV exposure can cause the microscopic bonds holding your shingles together to begin deteriorating. This leaves your shingles weak and vulnerable to damage.

The heat of the sun can also damage your roof. Heat causes shingles to expand. When the temperature cools at night, your shingles will contract. This constant expansion and contraction have the potential to contribute to long-term damage.

An experienced roofing contractor will be able to assess the condition of your roof and replace any shingles that have been damaged by sunlight.

The same trees that may provide your roof with a little bit of shade on a hot day can also pose a hazard to the integrity of your roofing material.

Overgrown can cause secondary damage by depositing leaves and twigs onto the surface of your roof. This type of organic debris can accumulate and trap moisture, causing the roofing materials below to sustain serious water damage.

Organic debris can also get flushed into your rain gutters and interfere with proper drainage.

An overgrown tree can also cause direct damage to your roof by puncturing through shingles with a sharp branch. These punctured areas create avenues where moisture can infiltrate your roofing system and cause serious damage.

Keep all trees near your home trimmed properly, and have your roofing contractor complete routine inspections to check for signs of tree-related damage.

You need to be aware of all the threats your roof faces if you want to provide proper maintenance and care.

Contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. for help protecting your roof.

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How to Better Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:18:00 GMT

Mold and mildew may also start to grow, creating unpleasant odors, horrible stains, and unhealthy mold spores. Luckily, you have many ways you can defend your home from moisture. To learn more, check out these three tips for protecting your home from water damage.

Without gutters, rainwater hitting the roof would run right off the edge of the house. This exposes the fascia and siding to more moisture than they should have to handle. The damage depends on the type of siding you have. Wood siding may start to rot, especially if you neglect to stain and protect the wood. Cement siding may experience divots where the water eroded the material.

However, even when you have gutters, problems can arise, making them inefficient or fully ineffective. Common issues with gutters include leaks, sagging, missing pieces, and broken downspouts. The gutters should have the right pitch so the water naturally flows toward the downspouts, and the downspouts should send the water away from the home’s foundation.

Even if your gutters are in good condition, debris can lead to major issues. Clogs from leaves and sticks prevent the water from naturally flowing to the downspout. This puts extra weight on the gutters, which is often the cause of sagging gutters. With nowhere to go, the water spills over the side of the gutters, creating the same problems as a home with no gutters.

In addition, in winter months, the trapped water can freeze, which allows snow dams to build. Snow dams are particularly problematic because they leave standing water on the roof.

Even with great gutters, your siding can experience moisture and water damage. However, some siding materials are better able to withstand water damage. Vinyl, for example, has grown in popularity for its many benefits, including moisture resistance. This means you don’t have to worry about rotting, which can lead to water damage inside the house, reduced value and curb appeal, and pest infestation.

Plus, you don’t have to do much to maintain vinyl and keep it water-resistant. You have no need to paint or stain the vinyl because the color doesn’t peel like paint on wood or other materials. With good care, however, vinyl siding can last up to 40 years.

One of the most important areas of your home to consider when protecting your home from water damage is the roof. Some roofing materials are more prone to water damage or need a lot more maintenance to keep them water-resistant, such as wood roofs.

Asphalt and metal are decent at preventing water damage, and they don’t require as much maintenance. However, they can still experience rot or rust without maintenance.

If you really want to make your roof water-resistant, rubber roof shingles may be the best choice. Besides being able to last up to 30 years, these roofs are energy-efficient and insulating, and they don’t require much maintenance. Many people use rubber shingles when they want the look of slate tile but can’t afford it or their roof can’t support it.

Water can be incredibly dangerous and damaging. It attracts pests and leads to rot. If ignored, this rot can spread and damage the entire structure of the home. If you would like to know more, or if you are ready to protect your home from moisture, contact us at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., today.

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Benefits of Asphalt Shingles

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:22:00 GMT

Asphalt shingles are commonly used in commercial and residential roofing primarily because of durability. A new roof is a substantial investment for any home or business. Thus, it helps to think about the lifespan of potential roofing materials. Explore the benefits of asphalt shingles below.

Durability

Asphalt shingles are incredibly durable and last for about 15 to 30 years. Moreover, the roofing is resistant to many kinds of damage, which means you get value for your money. However, don’t get the cheapest shingles even if you’re on a tight budget.

Since asphalt shingles are common, quality varies substantially between manufacturers. Thus, look out for a favorable hail rating, which indicates overall durability. Additionally, get a professional roofer to install asphalt roofing to ensure it holds up against damage.

Weather Resistant

Modern asphalt shingles are weather resistant because most manufacturers use multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass. The result is a durable roof that endures wind, hail, and other weather. Laminated asphalt shingles have especially become popular with customers for wet weather as they stand up well to the elements.

If your region endures severe weather and storms, look out for impact-rated asphalt shingles. You may even qualify for premium deductions on your insurance. For fire protection, buy shingles with a class A fire rating for superior protection.

Additionally, some asphalt shingles feature sound dampening for buyers interested in tranquility.

Easy Installation

When you buy shingles, you should choose a material that’s easy to install to keep installation costs down. Thankfully, it takes only a few days to get an asphalt roof over your head. However, don’t install the shingles yourself, as a poorly installed roof exposes you to the elements. Instead, get an expert roofer to do the job efficiently. Even if you want to upgrade your roof, there are rarely any problems during the installation of an asphalt roof.

Variety of Choices

Asphalt shingles come in various outstanding architectural styles, including 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury shingles. 3-tab shingles have a slate look and are the original asphalt shingles. However, dimensional shingles have become the most prevalent thanks to an aesthetic that mimics slate and cedar shake.

If you want a stunning appearance, luxury shingles offer realistic depictions of quarried slate and natural wood roofing. Roofers can even install shingles that mimic the style of random-cut stone tiles. Moreover, premium asphalts feature unique designs like geometric patterns and more.

If you want to boost your home’s or business’s curb appeal, asphalt shingles can come in handy. Asphalt shingles come in various colors, including earthy tones for a rustic appeal or black and white for a classical and minimalistic aesthetic. You can get dark or light hues, depending on the style you want to express.

Cost-Effective

The affordability of asphalt shingles is among the reasons why they’re prevalent. Due to high demand, shingle manufacturers produce them with cost-effective methods, resulting in cheaper products. If you have budget constraints, asphalt shingles are a good option. Moreover, the installation costs are low since most roofers know how to easily install and fix them.

Recyclable

Asphalt shingles don’t have to end up at the landfill as it takes about 300 years for them to decompose. If you’re replacing your roof, ask recycling centers near you if they accept asphalt shingles. An asphalt grinder pounds the shingles into smaller particles during recycling, which repave roads and fill potholes. Recycled asphalt shingles also make an excellent patching material for sidewalks, ramps, and bridges.

The benefits of installing asphalt shingles in your home or business are clear. Still, it’s best to discuss all your roofing options to get the best fit. Call a roofer from D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., today for expert roofing guidance.

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Mixing Roofing Materials: Benefits and Tips

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:00:00 GMT

You don’t have to use the same roofing material on your entire roof. You can use different roofing materials over the same house. In fact, some people consider mixing roofing materials trendy. Below are some of the benefits of and ideas for mixing roofing materials.

Benefits

Mixing roofing materials has multiple benefits. Below are some of them.

Curb Appeal

You can use different roofing materials to enhance your roof’s attractiveness. For example, you can mix metal and asphalt shingles and create different profiles on different parts of the roof. Materials with different colors will even create a bigger contrast – for those who like contrast on their roofs.

Many people consider premium-roofing materials, such as slate, as aesthetically more appealing than standardmaterials. You can use those premium materials on visible parts of the roof, such as the section above the porch, and improve your curb appeal.

Cost Management

As mentioned above, high-quality roofing materials come at a price. Materials like clay tiles and slate can cost thousands of dollars per square. Thus, you can reduce your roofing budget by restricting such premium materials to selected parts of the roof. For example, you can have expensive materials on the higher sections of the roof and
inexpensive materials on the lower parts.

Enhanced Protection

Some parts of the roof experience more wear and tear than others. Examples of vulnerable parts include:

Some materials are tougher and withstand wear and tear better than others. You can have the tough materials on the roof’s highly vulnerable parts and the main material on the other parts.

Tips

Even though you can mix different roofing materials, you will only enjoy the benefits if you get the design right. Below are a few tips to help you.

Use Digital Rendering

You should have an idea of how your roof will look with mixed materials before construction. The best way to do this is to request the roofing contractor for a digital rendering. Some online resources also have tools you can use to view mockups of different forms of mixed roofs if you are digitally savvy.

Don’t Mix Metals

Multiple combinations of roofing materials are possible. However, you should not mix different types of metals to avoid galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process in which reactive metal experiences accelerated corrosion if it’s in contact with a less reactive metal. That means mixing metals will corrode parts of
your roof faster than normal.

Opt for Contemporary Designs

You can mix roofing materials on any roof. However, the trend seems to work best on contemporary roofing designs. Contemporary designs work best with mixed roofing materials that contrast with each other. For example, you can use metal and asphalt shingles to give your industrial roof a striking look.

Consider Faux Materials

You don’t have to let everyone know that you have mixed roofing materials – if you don’t want to. Some roofing manufacturers have faux roofing materials that mimic other materials. For example, there are

You can mix the faux roofing materials with the materials they mimic. Few people will notice the mixed materials if you get matching colors too.

Your roof plays a big role in your home’s aesthetic appeal and durability. You don’t have to stick to conventional materials and designs. Talk to D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., for trendy and high-quality roofing installations. We have been active in the roofing industry in Twin Cities Metro Area for several decades. We understand what it takes to install a good roof.

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4 Ways a Roof Replacement Can Benefit Your Home

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:55:00 GMT

A roof replacement is a large project, but this is also an exciting time for your household. Replacing your roof comes with a few perks that many homeowners don’t initially expect. Discover four ways a roof replacement can benefit your home.

1. Roof Upgrades

Most people want their new roof to last as long as possible before another roof replacement is necessary. The material you choose for your new roof will have a bigger impact on its longevity and durability than any other factor. While you can get several decades out of common economical options like asphalt or wood shingles, you may never need another roof replacement with a long-lasting material like slate or clay.

When you replace your roof, take note of any weaknesses in your previous roof and choose upgrades that can eliminate those problems. If your roof had inadequate ventilation, ask your roofing contractor about installing extra ridge vents and soffit vents to improve airflow. Homes in areas with heavy snowfall during winter can benefit from installing eave flashing now to prevent ice dams next winter.

2. Energy Savings

Roofs are so important for protecting us from the elements that a common synonym for shelter is having a roof over your head . If your roof is in poor shape, it may cost much more than it should to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. In fact, after replacing your roof, you may see a significant return on your investment with energy savings.

A new roof can help make your home more energy-efficient whether you live in a warm or cool climate. Metal and other reflective roof materials stop much of the heat from the sun before it can enter your home. On the other hand, less conductive materials like slate or asphalt shingles trap heat in your home during cold weather with the help of your attic insulation.

3. Enhanced Safety

Your roof isn’t just important for keeping your home comfortable. The roof is an important element of the structural integrity of any home. When you replace your roof, you can be sure that your home is free of roof defects. Roof replacement can reveal mold infestations, water damage, roof rot, and other hidden problems that pose a safety risk in your home.

If you know a few subtle signs to look for, you may be able to detect some hidden roof defects on your own. For example, homeowners with roof leaks frequently notice water stains on their ceilings or walls. Even if you don’t see mold in your home, a lingering musty odor could point to a mold colony in hiding.

If you have asphalt shingles, your gutters can tell you a lot about the health of your roof. Asphalt shingles have granules of stone and ceramic that help them stand up to rain and high winds. When your shingles start to reach the end of their life, these granules may fall off easily when it rains or snows and collect in your gutters. If you see pebble-like material in your gutter troughs or below your downspouts, you need a roof inspection and likely roof replacement.

4. Increased Home Value

Even if you don’t plan to live in your current home permanently, replacing the roof can be worthwhile. Installing a new roof is a great way to increase the resale value of your home. A roof replacement lets you take advantage of modern roofing technology and materials that weren’t available at the time your home was built. These factors combined with the fresh look of a new roof can give your home an edge on the market.

Instead of seeing roof replacement as a chore, look at it as an opportunity to bring your home to the next level. If you are interested in the benefits of a roof replacement, call D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. , so we can find the perfect new roof for your home!

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Single Shingle Missing? An FAQ About This Seemingly Minor Issue

Wed, 19 May 2021 21:45:00 GMT

Is your roof missing a single shingle? Even though a missing shingle or two may not seem like an issue you need to address immediately, take a look at what you need to know about replacement, timing, potential problems, and your roofing options.

Should You Replace One, Two, or a Few Shingles?

Pest attack or damage is possible with timber trusses. Some types of timber are resistant to some pets. Some wood treatments can also reduce the risk of pest resistance, though the treatments might fade over time and might require retreatment. However, no pest will attack or damage the steel.

Wild weather, wear, and unexpected accidents can damage or completely remove asphalt shingles from your home’s roof. You may not immediately notice the loss, depending on where the shingles are located. But when you do spot the small bald spots — should you rush to a replacement?

Even though a missing shingle or two may only make up a small area of your roof, the absence of the protective material can cause immediate and long-term problems. Without a full set of shingles or a continuous asphalt barrier:

Whether your home has one, two, or an entire patch of missing shingles, replace these essential pieces of the roof.

How Soon Should You Replace a Missing Shingle?

Unlike an entire side of your roof or a complete roof failure, a single shingle may not raise a red flag or cause alarm. But this doesn’t mean you should wait days, weeks, months, or years to deal with what may seem like minor damage to you.

After you notice a missing asphalt shingle (or a few), take the next step and:

The sooner you call a roofer, the better this is for your home and your family. Again, over time, one or a few missing shingles can lead to serious water-related damage. Every day that goes by is a day that rain and moisture can enter your home.

Does your roof need a professional repair? Contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. , for more information.

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Why You Should Consider Steel Roof Trusses

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:37:00 GMT

A roof truss is a structural framework that provides support for the roof. Timber and steel are the most common materials for trusses. Many people use timber since it is relatively cheaper than steel. However, steel has several advantages that give it an edge over timber. Below are some of these advantages.

Pest Resistance

Fire Resistance

Fire damage can also damage your roof completely. The more fire-resistance materials you have on the roof, the more it will resist fire damage. Fortunately, steel resists fire damage better than timber.

Consider steel if you live in a fire-prone area. Though both materials eventually suffer damage due to prolonged fire, the metal will give you more time to fight the fire.

Weather Resistance

Exposure to different weather elements contributes to roofing material degradation. Temperature fluctuations and moisture are some of the biggest factors. Again, steel has better weather resistance than timber.

Timber can rot, expand, and crack when it absorbs moisture. Steel does not suffer such issues even with exposure to moisture. Some types of steel might rust on moisture exposure, but rust-related damage usually takes a long time.

Durability

Timber framing is likely to suffer more problems than steel framing. The frequencies of these issues accelerate the roof’s wear and tear. Thus, a roof with a steel truss is likely to outlast a roof with a timber truss.

No Span Restriction

Timber has a limited span — that is, you have a limit to the lengths of timber trusses. You often need to use another supporting structure, such as a column, to support timber if you exceed the span limit. Thus, you cannot use timber on large buildings without obstructions. Steel does not have such span restrictions.

Design Flexibility

Since wood is a natural product, it has some design restrictions. The natural growth of wood restricts:

You may be able to cut, join, and shape wood into different designs, but the result will not be as strong and uniform.

As a manufactured product, steel comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes. For example, you can more easily make a curved piece of steel than a curved wood piece. In most cases, you can get prefabricated steel pieces from the factory that matches your design considerations. Thus, steel is usually superior to timber for making unique architectural designs.

Eco-Friendliness

The construction industry affects the environment in various ways. For example, construction wastes in landfills pollute the natural environment. Fortunately, much of the steel in the building industry comes from recycled products. What is more, most steel pieces come in specific lengths and shapes, reducing the need for cutting and minimizing waste materials.

Accelerated Construction

Lastly, you are likely to get your new roof sooner with steel trusses than timber trusses. As previously mentioned, most roofing manufacturers fabricate their products to different specifications and deliver ready-to-use products. The roofing contractor will just assemble and install the products. Thus, steel trussing may accelerate construction time.

Different factors, such as budget, design, location, and building use, determine whether steel is better for your roof than timber. A roofing contractor can evaluate your project and advise you on the best material. D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., has been active in the roofing industry since 1990. Contact us for a quote and enjoy our professional roofing services today.

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Understanding the Different Layers of an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 17:27:00 GMT

Structure

The roof structure is the frame on which the other roofing materials rest. Roof structure includes things like:

Wood and metal are the common materials for roof structures. Residential houses mostly use wood, while commercial buildings tend to use metal.

Insulation

Roof insulation goes between the support structures of the roof. You can lay the insulation between the horizontal beams (joists) or angled beams (rafters). The main purpose of roof insulation is to slow down heat transfer through the roof. The insulation minimizes heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer.

Decking

Roof decking or sheathing is the first roof layer over the support structure. The decking provides the base for the other parts of the roof. Thus, the decking facilitates the attachment of other roofing materials. Wood, plastic, and concrete are all possible decking materials.

Starter Strip

The starter strip, which lines the lower edges of the roof, goes over the decking. The starter strip strengthens and seals the roof’s lower edge. Without it, strong winds or wind-driven rain would get under and damage the roof. The starter strip gives this part of the roof a double layer of shingles since the final shingle layer covers them.

Underlayment

Water penetration presents probably the biggest threat to your roof’s integrity. Moisture can cause metal to corrode, wood to rot, and insulation to degrade, among other effects. Snow, ice, and rain are the major sources of water on the roof.

The underlayment is the first roof layer for preventing water penetration. Felt, which is a mixture of paper and asphalt, is a common material or underlayment.

Water Barrier

Roofing contractors don’t rely on the underlayment alone to prevent water damage. Instead, they use a watertight material to prevent water penetration and associated effects. The barrier, a waterproof membrane, usually has an adhesive on its back to attach it to the underlayment.

Shingles

In most parts of the roof, the asphalt shingles form the topmost layer of the roof. Many people are familiar with shingles since they are common and visible even from the ground. Asphalt shingles come in three major types:

The shingles often come in different colors.

Flashing

Flashing also protects the roof against water penetration. Unlike other roofing materials, the flashing material doesn’t cover the entire roof. Rather, roofing contractors install flashing on intersecting parts of the roof since such areas are more likely to leak than other areas. For example, you often need flashing at the chimney-shingle intersection.

Ridge Caps

Just like flashing, ridge caps also don’t cover the entire roof. The ridge caps are unusually long shingles that cover the ridge — the topmost part of the roof where the sloping sides meet. The ridge cap has two main functions. First, the ridge cap keeps precipitation out of the house. Secondly, the ridge caps allow hot, moist air to escape out of the house.

Each layer of the roof is significant. That is why you need a skilled and experienced roofing contractor to design and install your roof. D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., has been active in the roofing industry since 1990. Contact us with all your roofing problems and enjoy our professional solutions.

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Why You Should Consider a Flat Roof

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 14:04:00 GMT

Flat roofing is a unique roof type that is not only attractive but also functional. Unlike sloped roofs, its surface is relatively flat, as the name suggests. This roofing system is an ideal option for homeowners and business owners who want to install or replace the existing roofs.

But why should you choose a flat roof? Flat roofs can fit different buildings; they blend well with diverse architectural designs of contemporary houses. Here are more reasons to select flat roofs.

More Affordability

Flat roofs are economical compared to other roofing types, and their affordability doesn’t come at the expense of their quality. Moreover, installing it is easier and quicker, which means that you will pay less on labor and end up with a quality roof.

Easy Maintenance

Maintenance is vital when you want an attractive and long-lasting roof. You can quickly inspect flat roofs as there are no hidden areas that might go uninspected. You only need a ladder or stairs to access the roof and carry out the maintenance practices.

While inspecting, you can walk across the entire roof, identify any significant problems on the roof or gutters, and hire roofing experts before they get worse.

More Space

Another advantage of flat roofs is that they give your home or commercial building extra space for other functions. For instance, you can put your air conditioner’s condenser on your roof, which is impossible with most sloped roof types.

Also, you can use the space for home additions. For example, you can turn your roof into a rooftop garden because it offers enough space for the vases and potted plants. You can also use the area for outdoor dining or entertainment.

Thus, a flat roof can come in handy when you want to hold a family party or other events. The flat rooftop is also great for commercial settings, such as restaurants that need extra service seating.

Moreover, you can use the space to add a new floor if you ever decided to expand your house. You only need to hire experts to assess if your building can support another story before you erect another structure on a flat roof.

Other than the exterior added space, flat roofs also create a spacious interior top space. If you love a structure with ample interior space, you should consider installing a flat floor.

Damage Resistance

Flat roofs are highly resistant to extreme elements such as rainfall, wind, or sunlight. Roof damage generally occurs on roof covers such as shingles. Since flat roofs don’t have these coverings, they are highly resistant to damage.

However, you still have to follow the right maintenance procedures because any roof can weaken when exposed to extreme climates over time.

Increased Durability

Generally, the materials for flat roofs are durable; they include tar, gravel, bitumen, and others. These are the materials used in most construction projects, and they can last for many years.

Most of them can last up to 30 years without major repairs or replacement. With the right maintenance strategies, therefore, you can save on repair and replacement costs.

Modern Style

If you want to have a contemporary house design, you cannot go wrong with a flat roof. Flat roofs have a modern feel that appeals to most people. Moreover, most architects find it easy to design different shapes on a flats roof, so you can choose a unique rooftop for your home.

Flat roofs are durable, affordable, and easy to maintain, which makes them an ideal roofing type for homes and commercial structures. Our company offers a wide range of roof installation, repair, and maintenance services. If you have questions or need our services, contact us now.

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5 Gutter Problems to Check for Before the Onset of Winter

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:57:00 GMT

Although they may be small, gutters and downspouts are an essential part of any roof. And this is especially true during winter when snow and ice abound. If your gutters aren’t ready for the coming winter season, you could find yourself having to pay for expensive repairs to your roof, fascia, and soffit due to water damage.

Ensure that your gutters are well prepared for winter by checking for the following problems.

1. Clogged Gutters

Minnesota sees quite a lot of snowfall each winter. Your gutters need to be free of debris if they are to channel the melting snow and ice away from your fascia, soffit, and siding. Gutter debris like leaves freezes in the winter. This can put a strain on your gutters, especially when the debris freezes. The weight of all that debris, ice, and snow could cause your gutters to sag or even fail.

Check your gutters for debris before the worst of the winter snow. If you can’t get rid of the debris yourself, hire a roofing service to remove it for you.

2. Blocked Downspouts

When you check your gutters for blockages, make sure you include your downspouts too. And if you flush away any blockages using a hose, for instance, make sure the debris doesn’t lodge inside your downspouts. If your downspouts contain debris when the colder winter weather arrives, the inside could freeze. This could then cause them to split open.

Make sure you flush all debris from your downspouts before the ice and snow arrive.

3. Sagging Gutters

Walk around your home and look for sections of your gutters that sag. When gutters sag, they no longer channel away water affectively. Instead, water collects in the gutter. This can lead to two main issues. If the water doesn’t drain effectively during heavy rainfall, that water could then spill over onto your home’s siding. And if the water freezes in winter, your gutter could crack open.

Faulty supports, such as the spikes or brackets that hold a gutter in place, are usually to blame for sagging. Replacing and repairing spikes and brackets in cold weather can be dangerous, which is why this is a job best left to a professional roofing service.

4. Leaky Gutters

Leaky gutters can lead to disastrous problems during winter. If your gutters are sectional gutters with seams dividing each section, you need to ensure that these seams aren’t leaking. During winter, sectional gutters are prone to ice damage, especially if they already have existing leaks.

When gutters freeze in winter, existing leaks worsen. And when the snow and ice begins to thaw, the resulting water could then leak over your fascia, soffit, and siding, leading to costly moisture damage.

If your gutters are leaking, now is a good time to replace them with seamless aluminum or steel gutters, which both hold up well in freezing conditions.

5. Improperly Pitched Gutters

This issue is similar to sagging because if your gutters aren’t pitched toward the downspouts, water will gather inside the gutters. When winter arrives, that water will freeze and potentially damage them, so check your gutters to see if the pitch is correct.

If you find that a section of your gutters is improperly pitched, you’ll probably need the help of a professional roofing service to correct them. You could try to correct an improperly pitched gutter yourself, but you might damage the gutter or even injure yourself in the process, especially if conditions are wet and icy.

Winter is almost here. This is a good time to repair or replace your gutters . If your gutters and downspouts need repair or replacement, contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., today for a free estimate. With almost 30 years’ experience in the roofing industry, we’re one of the most trusted roofing services in Minneapolis.

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4 Risks of Postponing Roof Leak Repairs

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:14:00 GMT

1. Structural Damage

The primary concern when you have a roof leak is the damage that the leak can cause to your roof and to the rest of your home. A roof leak can cause beams, studs, and other parts of your home’s wooden frame to rot and sag until they eventually aren’t able to support the weight of the roof. Leaks can also cause water damage to your siding and ceilings and walls inside your home.

A leaky roof also poses a fire hazard for your home. Water from a roof leak can make its way inside your walls, where it may come in contact with electrical wiring or your fuse box, depending on the location of the leak. Water in contact with any part of your wiring can cause wire corrosion and unsafe electrical shorts.

2. Increased Risk of Mold Growth

Mold growth is a possibility in any part of your home that stays dark and has a constant supply of moisture. A roof leak can create the perfect conditions inside your roof for mold to flourish. Even a new roof leak can cause a sudden mold infestation in only a couple of days if water drips from your roof continuously.

Mold growth is detrimental for both the health of your home and the health of people within your household. When left unchecked, mold can grow deep into porous wood and cause the material to rot or sag. Mold also releases spores that your HVAC system can pick up and circulate through the home. Breathing mold spores can cause allergic reactions and respiratory inflammation.

Mold from a roof leak can exhibit either limited growth or systematic growth. Limited growth means that mold only grows in the area directly around the leak, while systematic growth means mold spreads throughout your roof and often to other parts of your home. Runaway systematic growth can quickly necessitate professional mold remediation for the entirety of your roof and attic.

3. Expensive Repairs

The longer your roof has a leak, the more serious the damage is likely to be. Water running through your roof will gradually widen whatever gap is present to cause the leak, so the leak will get worse over time. Shingles, flashing, and other roofing materials around the leak will often deteriorate or detach from the roof. Putting off a roof leak repair will only result in a more expensive repair as more problems pile up.

4. Reduced Energy Efficiency

Your attic insulation plays a large part in maintaining your home’s energy efficiency. Inadequate attic insulation can allow conditioned air to escape as it circulates through your home, driving up your energy costs with no benefit. Unfortunately, a roof leak can render your attic insulation ineffective and result in the same energy loss.

Common attic insulation materials like fiberglass and cellulose cannot insulate properly if they are wet. Furthermore, these materials will deteriorate when they get wet, and even after drying, they won’t be as effective at insulating as they were before. Any insulation batting under a roof leak will need replacing once the leak is repaired to maintain energy efficiency.

You can’t guarantee that you will never have to deal with a roof leak in your home, but taking action quickly can minimize the damage to your roof. If your roof has a leak or needs any other repairs, contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. , today.

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3 Reasons Your Wood Siding Exhibits Water Damage

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:31:00 GMT

However, wood products like building siding are susceptible to water damage and rot if the presence of water is sustained and prolonged without intervention. Wonder why your own siding might show unmistakable signs of water damage? Here are three reasons.

Rain is a major cause of water damage to wooden siding, especially if runoff is unable to leave a roof properly. Normally a roof should overhang a certain distance beyond the exterior of a home to prevent rain from streaming down the walls. Some homes may lack a deep enough overhang to fully do the job correctly.

An older home with inadequate or no roof overhang can still safely divert rainwater away from the exterior of a home via a system of gutters and downspouts. Gutters catch rain and prevent it from dripping or gushing down the outside walls. Check existing gutters for leaks or missing sections that allow rain to make contact with wood siding.

You may have adequate roof overhang and gutters but still experience water damage to wood siding due to poor land grade and ground type. The lay of the land and type of ground around your home can mean the difference between wet walls and dry walls.

Ground should slope away from a structure to help water drain away from the foundation and walls. Land that grades toward your home means rainwater comes into contact with unprotected wood siding. Water collects at the base of your home to soak wood siding and creep upward via a capillary effect. The result is portions of siding with extreme water damage.

A home can still get wet during storms despite neatly graded ground. Falling rain can splash up and onto bottom portions of wood siding when it hits certain types of ground. Grassy ground absorbs rain better than concrete or rocky terrain, which encourages drops to bounce up and onto adjacent walls often with great force.

You might have to rethink your ground type around your home and how siding may be at risk. For example, consider additional roof overhang above patios and driveways. Concrete patios are more prone to splashes than flower beds with soft mulch. Or convert rocky areas into something more absorbent, like grass.

Wood siding is at risk for water damage even during the driest summer or fall on record for your area. Rain is not always the reason siding cracks, warps, or crumbles. Water from nearby irrigation sprinklers is often the source of destructive water, especially if your landscaping suffers from a drier-than-normal summer. Weather like this prompts homeowners to water their grass even more.

Whether your sprinklers are in-ground or at the end of your garden hose, it’s time to intervene and stop this habit before damage to wood siding worsens or spreads. Check the spray pattern of each head and aim water away from your home. Even sprinklers set well away from siding can wet those planks if the force of the water is too great. Replace broken heads that spurt water onto your siding.

Keep in mind that the wood siding on shady portions of your home is more likely to show signs of water damage. Be more mindful of north-facing walls as well as areas with heavy tree cover that creates deep shade.

Wood siding with water damage is frustrating but preventable. If you think it’s time for new gutters or a wood siding replacement on your home, call the professionals at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., for advice.

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4 Warning Signs That Your Roof Could Use Some Professional Help

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 19:24:00 GMT

An awareness of common roof problems can help you respond quickly by scheduling the necessary inspections, repairs, or renovations. Pay attention to these four common cries for help from your roof.

A healthy roof can withstand wind and rain without allowing water to creep through its protective outer layers. Unfortunately, a variety of problems can cause gaps in this protection, which, in turn, can lead to serious structural or cosmetic damage to your home.

If your home has a flat roof, you may struggle with ponding or standing water puddles after heavy rains. If this water doesn’t disappear within about 48 hours, you may have a problem with the roof’s drainage mechanisms. You may to have your roofing technician clear out clogged rains or even install additional drains.

Your flat roof may prove less flat than you thought. Sagging or improperly pitched areas may naturally collect water, indicating that you need to re-pitch the roof to a flatter standard.

Water can also collect on a traditional sloped residential roof, especially if you’ve installed gutters that lack the capacity to handle large amounts of runoff or angle inward toward the roof. Clogged gutters can also allow water to pool onto the roof, while damaged flashing can permit this backwash to permeate the underlying structures.

If your family has started experiencing asthma or allergies, these symptoms may indicate roof or attic moisture infiltration. A chronically soggy roof can start to rot, causing the roof to sag visibly. If you notice this change, you may need to replace the roof immediately to avoid a dangerous collapse.

Roofs exposed to the elements for many years may develop discolorations. These discolorations don’t just turn your home into an eyesore — they may also signal that the roof has developed functional problems.

The color of the stains can help you identify the probable cause. For instance, reddish-brown stains running down from the joints of the roof probably mean that your metal chimney flashing or antenna mount has started to rust. Darker stains may come from soot, algae growth, or accumulated organic debris.

Asphalt shingles get their rough texture from the countless tiny granules coating their top surfaces. These granules play some important functions in the shingles’ well-being, including protection against fire and ultraviolet radiation. Shingles that have lost their granules cannot protect your home the way they should.

If your roof features asphalt shingles, note any apparent changes in texture. Check your gutters and driveway for dark or sandy-looking specks that used to serve as shingle granules. These clues should trigger a call to your roofing service specialist for an inspection and possible shingle replacement.

A roof problem often has visual evidence such as a broken or missing roof component. Look at your roof, lawn, and driveway for signs of detached shingles following a heavy wind, hail, or rain storm. Address these gaps in your roof’s protection right away.

Roofing materials can fail while remaining firmly attached to the roof. Clay roof tiles may crack or break under pressure from ice storms or foot traffic. Wooden or asphalt shingles can also develop cracks, either from direct trauma or as a consequence of recurring thermal expansion and contraction.

Whether you want a whole new roof or you just need to replace some damaged shingles, D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., can help you strengthen and beautify this critical part of your home. Contact us today for an estimate.

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FAQ About Low-Maintenance Roofing

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 15:32:00 GMT

Does Every Roof Require Maintenance?

Before you start a low-maintenance roof search, you need to understand the difference between low and no care. A 100 percent worry-free, no-care roof doesn’t exist. Simply stated — every roof requires some degree of maintenance.

The amount of maintenance your roof will need depends on several factors, such as:

Even though every rood requires some care, lower maintenance materials won’t need constant upkeep. These options are ideal for homeowners who are on a budget, live in the home part of the year, or can’t keep up with routine home maintenance for any other reason.

What Type of Roof Is the Lowest Maintenance?

If you want a low-maintenance roof, metal is a top choice. This durable roofing material is easy to care for, won’t require extra attention, and is:

Unlike asphalt or other roofing materials, metal isn’t likely to crack easily. This lowers maintenance needs and reduces the need for repairs. This can save you money over time in service calls.

Are There Other Low-Maintenance Roofing Materials?

While metal is one of the lowest-maintenance options, it isn’t the only choice. Other roofing materials that won’t require a high degree of care include:

To learn more about the individual maintenance needs of each type of material, discuss the options with a professional. A roofing contractor can help you to make the best selection for your needs.

Do you need a new roof? Contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. , for more information.

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Beyond Material: Other Factors That Determine Roof Longevity

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 15:37:00 GMT

Most people know that roofing materials are the primary determinants of roof longevity. For example, asphalt shingles rarely last as long as slate. However, other factors also play a critical role. Below are some of the factors, other than material, that determine roof longevity.

Weather

The local weather affects your roof’s integrity in multiple ways. For example:

Moderate weather tends to be best for most roofs. Weather extremes, such as regular snowfalls or high temperatures, weaken the roof. Weakened roof structures and materials are more susceptible to damage from other sources — such as wind.

Pitch

The pitch (slope or steepness) of your roof determines how easily external forces affect it. Here are a few examples of the effect of pitch on roof integrity:

Note that both high-pitched and low-pitched roofs have their pros and cons. The roofing contractor will analyze your roof’s design, material, and your home’s location to come up with the best pitch.

Ventilation

Poor ventilation accelerates roof damage during both the summer and winter. During the summer, heat will penetrate the roof and heat up the attic. The hot air will damage the roof decking and materials.

During the winter, poor ventilation will allow heat from inside the house to accumulate under the roof. The hot air will condense and trigger corrosion and decay of the roofing materials. In both cases, the roof will deteriorate faster than it would with proper ventilation.

I nsulation

Roof insulation keeps the outside and inside temperatures separate. With poor insulation, all the layers of the roof will experience the full effect of temperature fluctuations. For example, the underlayment will heat up during the day when the sun is out and cool after dark. As mentioned above, temperature fluctuations accelerate the rate of roof degradation.

Maintenance

Some roofs are low-maintenance while others are high-maintenance — but they all need maintenance. Here are examples of how inadequate maintenance affects roof longevity:

Inadequate maintenance might not cause your roof to collapse. However, a poorly maintained roof won’t withstand problems, such as heavy snowfalls, that a properly maintained roof can withstand.

Other than the weather, most of the factors are things you can control to get a durable roof. With decades of experience in the roofing industry, D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., is the right company to help you get a durable roof. Contact us for a quote today, and we will work with you to install a durable roof.

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Factors That Make Cedar Roofing Eco-Friendly

Wed, 27 May 2020 17:15:00 GMT

You should install a cedar roof if you want a beautiful and eco-friendly roof. Here are some of the reasons cedar roofing is eco-friendly.

Cedar Is Durable

A cedar roof can last as long as 40 years. A durable roof is eco-friendly since it takes a long time before you have to replace it. The durability saves on the materials and resources you have to use on the roof for the duration you own the property.

Note that the durability of your cedar roof is not a guarantee. You have to maintain the roof to prevent damage that might necessitate premature replacement. Take these measures to help you prolong your roof’s longevity:

Get a professional roof inspection regularly to spot and fix emerging problems.

Cedar Is Recyclable

You don’t have to haul Cedar shakes or shingles to the nearest landfill when the time comes to replace the roof. You can recycle or repurpose the materials into other useful things. For example, you can:

Cedar shakes and shingles come with different treatments. Confirm which chemicals the materials have before you re-purpose them. Otherwise, you might contaminate the environment. Cedar is also biodegradable, so it won’t stay on the ground for long if you do discard it.

Cedar Is Weather Resistant

Cedar roofs are weather resistant. For example, cedarwood can survive a humid environment without much damage. The natural oils in cedar minimize the absorption of moisture.

In addition, the natural oils also give the cedar a degree of flexibility that limits the material’s contraction and expansion. Extreme expansion and contraction of materials lead to distortion or breakage. High-quality materials and installation, the severity of the weather, and the orientation of the roof (with respect to the sun) determine the rate of weathering.

Cedar Is Bug Repellent

Most chemicals are bad for the environment, so you should minimize your use of chemicals. A cedar roof can help you avoid the use of pesticides. Cedarwood has chemicals that affect most bugs, including termites. With a cedar roof, you don’t have to use lots of chemicals to ward off termites or bugs that would otherwise contaminate the environment.

Cedar Shakes Are Individually Replaceable

Even the best roofing materials might require repair or replacement sometime in their lifetime. Cedar roofs are not an exception. An extreme windstorm, record-breaking snow, or a fallen tree branch can damage a section of the roof.

Fortunately, the sectional nature of cedar roofs means you don’t have to replace the whole roof in case of a disaster. You only replace the damaged shakes or shingles and continue to use the roof as usual. The individual replacement minimizes resource-use after damage, which is good for the environment.

Cedar Is Sustainable

Lastly, cedar is sustainable because it is renewable. Responsible roofing manufacturers practice responsible harvesting of wood, participate in reforestation programs, and repurpose scrap or unused wood for various purposes. Ask your roofing contractor or manufacturer about their cedar sustenance programs.

You can make your cedar roof even more eco-friendly if you maintain it properly to prolong its lifespan. Contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., for further information on cedar roofing or other forms of eco-friendly roofing practices. We will be glad to give you more information, install, or repair your roof.

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Roof Replacement Option: Why Choose a Rubber Roof

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 19:07:00 GMT

Attractive Finished Appearance

Commercial buildings with flat roofs often have a poured rubber surface, but residential homes have other options to consider. Rolls of rubber roofing provide excellent protection against leaks. The rolls, however, do not appeal to all homeowners. Most people may want rubber shingles instead for a more traditional look.

The finished appearance of a roof with rubber shingles looks remarkably like one with asphalt shingles. The installation process also works about the same as asphalt. Rubber shingles also come in a few colors so homeowners can choose the shade that best compliments their home.

Durable for Years

Rubber shingles usually last much longer than other roofing materials. Rubber has an average lifespan of about 30 years, and some roofs will last for 50 years. Many brands come with a 30-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Proper installation prevents cracks and leaks, and any problems that may arise over time are typically easy to repair with a liquid rubber sealant. Proper care, like cleaning occasionally and only using sealants designed for use with rubber, will help the shingles to last longer and stay looking their best.

Rubber roofing materials can withstand the rays of the sun and extreme temperatures. The thermal shock tolerance of the material makes it possible for the roof to endure projectiles like hail without damage. Mold growth, a possible issue with rubber shingles, is easily resolved through regular cleaning.

Affordable Roofing Option

Rubber shingles often cost more to buy than asphalt shingles, but the initial investment in the material can save money in many other ways. The energy efficiency of rubber can help to lower heating and cooling costs. The durability of the roof reduces repair and replacement expenses. The ease of maintenance makes the upkeep of the roof inexpensive.

The installation of rubber may also cost less than other roofing systems. Rubber shingles weigh less than most roofing materials, so it is safe to install them over an old roof when other products would add too much weight. The ability to apply them over other roofing systems lowers the labor cost compared to a roof that needs the removal of the old shingles.

Lightweight rubber shingles are also easier to transport because of their lower weight. Lighter material costs can lower shipping and delivery charges. The effort to unload the shingles and move them to the roof is also easier. The time saved could result in fewer installation hours when a roof replacement takes place.

Smart Environmental Option

Manufacturers use recycled material, like tires, to create durable rubber roofing. Recycling the shingles when they reach the end of their life cycle also helps to protect the environment. The energy efficiency improvement the shingles provide also adds to their earth-friendly reputation.

Rainwater harvesters that use the water on their garden may also prefer rubber shingles over asphalt. Some types of asphalt can leach chemicals into the water. Materials like asphalt, wood, and clay can also cause more water loss (water left on the roof to evaporate) than rubber.

Homeowners that need to replace an existing roof will have many options to choose from. Consider the advantages of rubber roofing when planning your project. At D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. , we can answer any questions you may have about roofing materials. Contact us to schedule an inspection or for a quote.

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What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Moss on the Roof

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 19:15:00 GMT

Although some people consider a mossy roof attractive, the moss can actually lead to issues with your roof. Moss doesn’t have roots in the traditional sense, but it still can carpet a roof and cause ongoing damage to shingles and roof underlayment. It’s not necessarily the growth habit of moss that damages your roof, but the conditions that the moss creates.

Read on to see the concerns moss creates and how you can prevent it.

Concerns

The roof concerns with moss aren’t just limited to the plants themselves, but also with the environmental factors that lead to the moss growth in the first place.

Moisture Retention

Moss holds a lot of moisture, with some varieties able to hold 20 to 30 times their weight in water. The combination of wet moss beneath heavy snow could exceed the snow load rating for your roof. Further, all that trapped moisture against the roofing materials can lead to rot and material degradation over time.

Shingle Damage

Shingle damage can occur both from the trapped moisture and from the moss spreading beneath the shingle. Moss growing at the edge of a shingle may eventually work its way beneath, causing the shingle to lift. Moisture then seeps under this lifted shingle, resulting in a leak. Lifted shingles may not be obvious if they are hidden beneath a thick layer of moss.

Environmental Hazards

The conditions that lead to moss growth may also pose a danger to your roof. Trees above the house, which can create a protected and shaded roof, are often the culprit. Unfortunately, overhanging branches don’t just lead to moss growth — the branches are also more likely to scrape on the roof or break off in a storm, which can result in even more roof damage.

Prevention and Repair

The key to moss damage avoidance is a combination of removal of the existing moss, repair of any damage, and then the prevention of future moss growth.

Light Exposure

Moss tends to grow in shaded conditions, so it is more common on northern exposures or under heavy tree cover. Trim back trees or at least thin out the canopy to allow more light to reach your roof, and the moss problem may just solve itself.

Removal Techniques

You can remove the moss with a combination of rinsing and a moss killer. The washing removes the heavy blanket of moss, while the moss killer destroys the viability of the spores so that the moss won’t grow back. Keep in mind, moss treatment is not a one-and-done procedure as new spores are constantly blowing onto your roof. You may need to plan for annual treatment if your property is heavily shaded.

Roof washing is best left to professionals since too much pressure behind the water can lead to shingle damage.

Gutter Maintenance

Sometimes, increased moss growth is a result of clogged, overflowing, or poorly aligned gutters that are resulting in more moisture retention on the roof. When moisture can’t drain properly from the roof, it may become trapped. Moss growth that is especially heavy near the eaves of the roof could indicate gutter issues that need to be addressed.

Roof Improvements

Zinc strips on the roof can prevent future moss growth. When it rains, the zinc leaches out of the strips and coats the roof, killing moss and its spores. A roofer will install the strips near the peak of the roof so that the leaching zinc from a single strip can make its way from the peak to the eaves. The strips aren’t obvious on the roof, so they do not detract from the appearance of your home.

If you suspect that moss has damaged your roof or if you need to upgrade your roof to prevent future moss growth, contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc.

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Ice Dams 101: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 20:11:00 GMT

An ice dam occurs when a buildup of ice along the outside rim of the roof keeps melted snow from draining properly. The snowmelt backs up behind the ice dam, which then allows the water to get beneath the shingles and leak into your home. Ice dams can cause a lot of damage to both the roof and your home’s interior if you don’t spot and address them right away.

Signs of Ice Dams

Dams can be difficult to spot under a thick layer of snow, but fortunately you can look for a few signs of a forming dam.

Uneven Melt

Ice dams often form as a result of frequent melting and refreezing, which leads to the creation of a thick ice layer near the eaves of the roof. Go outside an hour or two after a snowfall and survey your roof. If you notice areas where the snow has already begun to melt, you may have a hot spot. Ice dams often form just down the roof from a hot spot.

Icicles

Icicles along the edges of the roof aren’t uncommon, but some icicles may indicate an ice dam. The concern is when large icicles begin to form along the outer edge of your gutters. Ice often forms first in the gutter. If the ice blocks the gutter completely, then the ice layer starts to build up behind the blocked gutter. Melt will result in the icicles forming as though they are overflowing the gutter, but behind them likely lurks a dam.

Interior Water Stains

Roof leaks are often associated with rain, not when water is locked up in ice and snow. An ice dam that is restricting the runoff of melt water can lead to water stains forming on the ceiling inside your home. If you suspect that you may have an ice dam, inspect the attic for early signs of leakage, such as wet insulation or water stains on the underside of the roof.

Prevention Tactics

Prevention is preferred over repair, so take a couple of steps to keep possible dams from forming.

Rake the Roof

Roof rakes resembles a wide hoe or squeegee, but they are attached to a long telescoping handle. The rake enables you to remove snow from your roof safely from the ground. If you suspect your roof is in danger of an ice dam, use a roof rake to remove the excess snow on your roof after a snowfall so a dam cannot form.

Manage Roof Temperature

A cold roof remains frozen, so melt water doesn’t occur and ice dams can’t form. Make sure the insulation level in your attic is sufficient to keep the interior heat from leaching out to the roof. Also, verify that your roof has adequate venting, particularly along the soffits, and that none of these vents are blocked.

Emergency Action

Once you have an ice dam, you need to act fast before the water trapped behind it begins to leak into your home.

Refreeze the Area

Sometimes the best tactic is to wait for an upcoming melt to get rid of the dam naturally. In this case, your goal is to keep the water trapped behind the dam frozen until the temperatures warm so that water won’t leak into your house. Take a fan into the attic and aim it right behind the dam, where the leak is forming. The cold air should refreeze the water and temporarily stop the leak.

Create Channels

Another option is to create a channel through the dam so melt water can flow off the roof instead of backing up beneath the shingles. Don’t try to chip out a channel, though, as this can damage your roof.

Instead, place a chemical ice melter into the leg from a pair of pantyhose or into a thin knee high sock. Lay this on top of the dam. The ice melt will melt out a channel, and the hose makes it easy to remove the chemical melt once the job is done.

Contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., for more help with your winter roof issues.

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3 Factors That Reduce Your Roof’s Life Expectancy

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:42:00 GMT

Every step of your roof’s life cycle is important, from its installation to its maintenance and repairs. At each step, a mistake could result in long-term repercussions, such as a shortened lifespan for your roof.

Here are several factors you may not have realized could reduce the life expectancy of your new roof.

1. Installing a Multi-Layer Roof

On first glance, you might think that extra layers of protection on your roof will make it last longer. But typically this isn’t the case. A second layer of roofing, instead of a tear-off and re-install, can actually shorten the life expectancy of the new roof. This unexpected result can have several reasons.

Any water trapped under the first layer of shingles (which probably isn’t totally watertight anymore, otherwise you wouldn’t need a new roof) will stay there, and the water damage won’t be repaired. This means that any water damage such as rot, mildew, and warping of the roof deck can continue to progress for quite a while, since water trapped under a roof won’t dry out easily.

Another reason the new roof layer can have a short life expectancy is because two layers of asphalt shingles trap heat better than one layer. Asphalt shingles already have to endure extreme levels of heat on a daily basis. If you expose them to more heat than they’re designed to handle, the shingles can wear out faster.

2. Attic Insulation and Ventilation Problems

As a homeowner, you probably think of attic insulation mostly in terms of energy efficiency. Like the other insulation in your home, such as wall and floor insulation, your attic insulation keeps heated and cooled air inside your dwelling.

However, inadequate or incorrectly installed attic insulation can also shorten your roof’s lifespan. For example, if insulation batts are stuffed into the soffit vents, the roof won’t be correctly ventilated. If it isn’t correctly ventilated, it can’t stay cool. This can cause heat damage. And vents blocked by insulation can also allow more moisture buildup, which leads to additional problems.

3. Inexperienced or Uninformed Cleaning

Keeping your roof clean is one of the fundamentals of roof maintenance, and routine maintenance is meant to help your roof last longer. However, many homeowners don’t know how to clean their roofs safely and gently. If you’re among them, your efforts could actually mean that your roof’s life expectancy takes a hit.

Two common mistakes homeowners make include vigorous brushing or spraying and any walking on the roof. Walking on the roof is extremely dangerous for your personal safety, but it can also damage shingles.

For example, walking on shingles can knock off protective granules. If that happens, the shingles no longer have the needed resistance to sunny weather that reflective granules give. But removing protective granules is not the only way you can damage the roof’s life expectancy by walking on your shingles.

If the shingles are brittle (such as during cold weather), walking on them could even fracture them. The reverse is also true: walking on shingles in warm or hot weather can damage the shingles because they’re softer and more malleable. Hard sprays of water, such as those produced by a power washer, could also be too vigorous for the surface of the shingles.

And spraying the shingles from the ground could result in water intrusion, since shingles shed water coming from the sky, not water coming from below.

These factors can all reduce your roof’s life expectancy, in some cases by directly causing damage and in others by simply increasing the speed or intensity of wear and tear. For more information on roof care and maintenance, get in touch with D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. today. We offer a variety of roofing types for both residential and commercial buildings.

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What Should You Do With the Space Under Your Deck?

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 03:20:00 GMT

What do you do with that giant space under your deck? Depending on where your deck is placed, the space could be one or two feet tall, or it could be nearly an entire story. This space has many potential uses. Read on for some interesting ideas that you could consider for your under-deck space.

Add an Under-Deck Patio

If your deck is high enough, you can add a secondary patio under your deck. Add patio paving stones or concrete, and even a fire pit, and you’ll have a cozy place to spend some time. An under-deck patio is a great place for rainy weather, and can become a relaxing retreat.

Consider adding some low fencing around it to section it off from the rest of your garden, or add some landscaping bushes around it.

Put a Dog House Under It

Under your deck is going to naturally be a nice, cool place for your pup to hang out. Consider turning it into a permanent dog house, by adding some fake grass, dog water bowls, and toys. You can add walls on either side to give your pup a bit of a wind break.

Install a Children’s Play Area

Is the area beneath the deck slightly too small for adults? Well, children might be able to fit perfectly! It’s the perfect place to create a children’s play area. You can add some toys and rubber gravel for playgrounds to make things extra fun.

Cordon off the area if you want to be able to let the younger children play there. The kids will be able to play even during rain, and they’ll have a special retreat that they can show off to their friends.

Keep Backyard Chickens or Bunnies

A chicken or bunny hutch is an excellent use for your under deck space. Not only will they be sheltered from the wind and rain, but they’ll also be appropriately set back from your neighbor’s houses. You can save some money because you won’t need to build an entire freestanding structure.

Use It for Additional Storage

The area beneath your deck can be used for additional storage. If it’s large enough, consider placing a storage bin underneath it.

You can also place things like riding mowers or other landscaping equipment under it, if the area has the space. For built-in storage, you can build a shed under your deck, complete with doors. That’ll add some functional space that you can use to keep your garage clear.

Install Skirting to Block It Off

Don’t want to use the deck space at all? You can install an attractive lattice or skirting to keep children and animals from getting under the deck. If your deck is low, a lattice will keep the wild animals from moving in.

You can also place vine plants around the skirting, to give it a more natural look. You may want to install cloth and gravel before you install the skirting, though, to keep weeds and grass from growing in an area that you now can’t access.

Grow a Lovely Shade Garden

If you’ve got some extra room and a green thumb, why not grow a shade garden? Shade gardens tend to be very difficult for gardeners to grow, because a home typically doesn’t have many areas that are usually shaded.

A deck gives you the opportunity to grow plants that you wouldn’t be able to grow elsewhere, such as tropical plants that usually grow beneath a forest canopy. Plus, you can install plastic sheeting around the deck during the winter, to help the plants through the frost.

Are you ready to get started on your deck? Not only does your deck itself offer some tremendous opportunities, but the space beneath it does, too. Contact D. S. Bahr Construction, Inc. to get started .

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Why Your Home Needs Vinyl Siding

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 13:15:00 GMT

Everyone wants their home to last as long as possible and to look good for as long as possible. Fortunately, vinyl siding can help you achieve both goals. This protective feature can go a long way toward a more beautiful and durable home. Plus, it offers a wide range of other benefits that make it a smart choice all around. Read on to learn the benefits of vinyl siding.

Affordable

Many people are under the mistaken impression that vinyl siding is incredibly expensive. However, this is not the case. Vinyl siding can actually be quite affordable and is often more affordable than other common types of siding, such as wood siding.

Remember, too, that you can always shop around and compare estimates from different companies to ensure that you get the best possible deal on quality vinyl siding.

Colorful

Something else to appreciate about vinyl siding is the fact that it’s not all the same. These days, vinyl siding is available in just about any color you can imagine. And, if you can’t find the exact color you’re dreaming of, you can customize it.

Being able to control the color and look of your home through vinyl siding means that you can enjoy a home that is exactly what you’ve always wanted. Better yet, vinyl siding retains bright, vibrant color for its entire lifespan, so your home will actually stay your desired color, with no fading, until you’re ready to change it.

Pristine

As mentioned above, vinyl siding will retain your chosen color with great fidelity, but it’s not just color that stays looking great.

Vinyl siding is designed not to show the wear and tear you usually see on painted homes. That means you won’t get peeling paint, visible scratches, bubbling, or any other visible type of wear and tear.

Vinyl siding allows your home to maintain a pristine, polished look for the life of the siding, which can help to increase your home’s value and curb appeal.

Weather-Resistant

Vinyl siding is, of course, designed to go on the outside of the home. That means that it will be subjected to all kinds of weather conditions, including extreme sun, heavy rain, and more.

None of these things need be a concern. Vinyl siding is completely weather-resistant and won’t be negatively impacted by rain, hail, snow, sleet, or even strong winds. You don’t have to do anything to specially prepare your vinyl siding when extreme weather happens. It’s just built tough and meant to stand up to the elements.

Guaranteed

No matter where you buy your vinyl siding, it will almost always come with some kind of warranty or guarantee to help protect your investment.

Warranties are great because they give you peace of mind about your purchase. They also serve as proof that the siding manufacturer believes in their product wholeheartedly.

Of course, warranties do vary depending on the exact type of vinyl siding you buy and where you buy it from. But, as long as you read the warranty carefully to understand its duration and what it covers and you compare warranties to find the best possible one, you can enjoy great purchase protection.

Easy

One final thing to appreciate about vinyl siding is the fact that it does not require any real maintenance or upkeep.

If you want to keep it looking fresh, you can wash it with a little water, but other than that, you have no maintenance to perform. Sanding, painting, and varnishing never come into play. You can just sit back and enjoy your siding.

If you’re ready to experience these benefits of vinyl siding, as well as many others, contact the siding experts at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc.

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4 Ways to Make Your Roof Greener and More Sustainable

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 14:45:00 GMT

Sustainability is becoming more important to homeowners. If your household is concerned with sustainability, one of the ways that you can make your home more environmentally friendly is by installing a sustainable roof. There are many ways that you can make your roof more eco-friendly. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Use Recycled Material

Some roofing materials can be recycled. Perhaps the most well-known and easily recyclable roofing material is metal. In fact, the metal used to create roofing material is mostly recycled.

When a metal roof has surpassed its service life, it can be recycled once again. In addition to being good for the environment, this also makes metal a very practical material that is easy (and inexpensive) to dispose of when the time comes to remove it.

There are other types of green roofing materials, in addition to metal. For example, reclaimed slate roofing is made from natural stone that can last for decades. In addition, rubber roofing has been growing in popularity. Rubber roofing is made from recycled tires and can be molded into many shapes, to make your home’s roof more attractive.

2. Insulate Your Attic

Attics can get very hot during the summer, and very cold during the winter. This can make regulating your home’s temperature a challenge. If your attic is very hot or cold, your home’s HVAC system will have to work much harder just to keep your home a comfortable temperature.

If you’re putting a new roof on your home, this may be the perfect time to insulate your attic. Work with your contractor to make arrangements for this to happen. Have the work done by an expert. Insulating the attic incorrectly could lead to a buildup of moisture or condensation, which could lead to a mold and mildew problem.

3. Choose a Lighter Color

One of the reasons that attics heat up in the summer is because so many people use dark-colored roofing materials to cover their home. Dark colors absorb heat, which can make your attic an extra hot place. You can mitigate this problem by replacing your dark colored attic with roofing of a lighter color. Light colored roofs bounce heat back into the atmosphere, and help keep your attic cool.

Some roofing materials are even white in color. White roofs occasionally need to be cleaned or they can start to look dingy, so keep this in mind as you decide whether a truly white roof is right for you. Work with your roofing contractor to find a roofing material that will help keep your home cool and efficient in the summer.

4. Buy Long-Lasting, Good Quality Materials

Roofs can last a long time: or at least, some can last a very long time. The longer your roof lasts, the less waste will be put into landfills. To ensure that your roof will last as long as possible, work with your roofer to find long-lasting, good quality roofing materials. Sometimes it’s hard to tell how long a roof will last just by reading the product description.

Your roofer can tell you which products are likely to stand the test of time. Look for products that have a good warranty. The longer the warranty, the longer the product is likely to last.

Contact a Roofing Contractor Today

If you’re a homeowner trying to repair or replace your roof, contact a roofing company with expertise in the field and a good reputation in your community. At D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc , we’re happy to answer your questions about green roof installation. Call us today to find out more about how we can help you install an eco-friendly roof on your home.

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3 Reasons Not to Choose the Lowest Roofing Job Estimate

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 12:59:00 GMT

If you’ve queried several roofing contractors for an estimate on your upcoming roof replacement or repair, it’s time to start making your final decision. You need to be careful not to let your final decision be driven solely by budget and dollar signs. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Take the time to read each job proposal, and do your research on each roofer to make sure they’re as highly qualified as they say they are. Here are three reasons that simply choosing the lowest-dollar estimate for the job won’t necessarily serve you well.

1. The Lowest Bid Could Be Based on Unrealistic Expectations

When trying to undercut other contractors’ bids, some roofing contractors may quote you the best-case scenario instead of considering a more reasonable expectation. For example, they may calculate the price for the fastest possible roofing job, but then when the job takes longer, they’ll still charge you for more.

An experienced, highly-rated contractor is more likely to have a realistic expectation of how long the job will take than someone new to the profession or who doesn’t specialize in roofing and construction. Talk to previous customers of that contractor to see how much the final price is likely to differ from the original quote.

2. The Lowest Bid May Not Include Everything You Need

Too many extra-cheap roofing jobs end up with a roof that has reused flashing or underlayment or no underlayment at all, any of which can significantly compromise the integrity of the roof. One reason you need to compare each proposal closely, not just the dollars but also the proposed process for the job, is so you can avoid this kind of problem.

If one proposal is for a roof overlay instead of a complete tear-off and re-roofing, that job will have a much lower labor cost because tear-off is such a big part of the job. But skipping the tear-off can have huge implications for not only your new roof’s lifespan but also for any hidden damage to the roof deck.

This is one area where the principle that you get what you pay for comes into play. Whether the lowest-bidding roofing contractor is planning to cut corners or whether they’re simply too inexperienced to know how much flashing and underlayment the job needs, you’ll be best served choosing a different contractor.

3. The Lowest Bid May Be From a Less Qualified Contractor

Check the roofing contractor’s qualifications before hiring. The best contractors are in higher demand and can afford to charge a reasonable price for their services rather than a bargain price. Someone who’s trying to work in the field without the correct qualifications or experience may use low bids to tempt you away from more qualified options.

If your contractor is unqualified, you have no way of knowing if they actually have the skills needed to install your roof correctly. Specific techniques and materials are needed to meet building code and protect your home from the elements.

Ending up with a roof that doesn’t meet building code or keep rain out can cost you much more than choosing a less bargain-basement estimate for your roofing job.

You can’t simply compare the prices on the roofing job proposals you receive. You have to also compare roofing contractor qualifications, what’s included in the job proposal, whether the contractor plans to use the correct materials, and whether they’re experienced enough to estimate the job scope accurately.

For more information on roofing replacement and repair jobs from a qualified contractor, contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. today to find out how we can help you with your roofing needs.

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4 Ways to Ensure Solar Panel Installation Doesn’t Damage Your Roof

Mon, 20 May 2019 19:12:00 GMT

Many homeowners have the mistaken impression that they can’t install solar panels on the roof because of the potential for roof damage. But the reality is that when you know which types of damage to watch out for and how to prevent them, you can practically eliminate this issue.

Here are four ways you can protect your roof from the potential hazards of solar panel installation.

1. Add Solar Panels During a Roof Replacement

Older roofs are more susceptible to damage from solar installation. For one thing, older asphalt shingles will be more brittle. Over time, they lose the granules designed to protect them from UV damage, and the UV damage makes the asphalt tar lose its elasticity. Additionally, an older roof may already have problems that could be exacerbated by walking on it.

Another reason to replace your roof at the same as (or just before) your solar installation is because of expected lifespans. Your solar panels will last around 25 or 30 years before declining significantly in their ability to produce energy.

If you install the panels on a roof that only has ten years of life left, you’ll likely run into extra problems and expenses. Replacing your roof when it has solar panels on it means uninstalling and then re-installing the panels, which can be quite expensive.

2. Choose a Roof Type That Allows No-Drill Installation

The fastening system is often a significant cause of roof damage on roofs with incautious or inexpert solar panel installation. On a typical asphalt shingle roof, the solar panels are anchored by drilling holes in the roof, since asphalt shingles offer no structural support. This increases the number of places on your roof where leaks can develop.

One way to avoid the drilling problem is to install a standing seam metal roof. This type of roof allows you to install snap-in support grids for the solar panels. The metal roofing material provides enough structural support for the panels without drilling.

A flat roof can also allow a non-drilling option that holds the panels in place using ballast.

3. Have a Professional Check the Flashing, Drainage, and Roof Condition

Assuming you find a great, high-quality professional to install your solar panels, they’ll be sure to add flashing to any holes they drill. But you’ll still want to have your roofing contractor come out to inspect the work afterwards.

Your roofer will make sure the panels have proper flashing and fix up any flashing issues. They can also check to make sure the installation won’t impede drainage from the roof. Water ponding or retention is a sure way to get a leak, so this is a critical step.

And finally, the roofer will check to make sure the solar installers didn’t accidentally damage the roof surface.

4. Inspect the Panels and Roof Regularly

Finally, your solar panels and the roof itself will need to be professionally inspected on an ongoing basis to catch any problems as they arise.

Frequent roof inspections can help ensure that the solar panel flashing stays in good condition and that no other damage occurs.

Your solar panels should also be inspected regularly. Because they have electrical components and are exposed to the elements, you’ll want to enlist a qualified solar panel expert for this job. The inspections should happen at least once every five years and up to a frequency of once per year if you’d like to be extra cautious.

These four options can help you choose the best and most relevant methods for your roofing system to protect it from any potential damage during or after the solar panel installation process. For more information on what solar panel flashing should look like or the best roofing materials for a solar array, get in touch with D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. , today.

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4 Potential Reasons for Spots or Streaks on Your Roof

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 14:13:00 GMT

Sometimes when you look up on your roof and see a dark spot, you immediately know that it’s the result of a missing shingle. Other times you may look up and see spots on the roof whose underlying causes aren’t so immediately obvious. Learn four reasons you could have spots or streaks on your roof.

When the granules on your roof wear away, the asphalt layer beneath is exposed. This may appear as bald spots that are patchy-looking and either dark or shiny. Some reasons the granules could be wearing away include:

Typically, the protective granules on the roof wear away slowly, with a few showing up in the gutters and downspouts with every storm. But if they’re coming off so fast that you see bald spots, you need to get your roof replaced. The exposed areas have no protection from UV rays, meaning they’ll soon start to flake away and allow water through to the underlayment.

A roof with dark spots and streaks (typically black or dark brown or gray) is most likely under the influence of a type of blue-green algae. You can choose between several solutions to this problem, such as cleaning the algae off with a chemical wash or choosing shingles with copper granules for your roof replacement.

A roofing company can help you install more algae-resistant shingles. Or, if you don’t have the budget for a roof replacement, the contractor can apply chemicals such as chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach and add flashing strips to your roof. These solutions will help decrease the algae growth in the future.

Lichen typically grows in small clumps that appear as spots on your roof. It tends to have a light to medium gray or gray-green color. Lichens are more tolerant of sun and dry conditions than moss is, so simply making sure that your roof isn’t shaded won’t prevent lichen. As with moss, though, prevention is better than removal.

Any attempt to simply scrape lichen off will bring many protective granules off the roof too. So if you do want the lichen removed, be sure to hire a professional who can carefully use a treatment such as a biocide or silicone treatment to kill the lichen.

Fortunately, lichens, like moss and algae, are vulnerable to metals such as copper and zinc. So moss-resistant roofing materials or strips of flashing can prevent both lichen and moss.

Sometimes, when you have dark streaks dotting your roof, the issue is not algae but rather a defective roofing product. The streaks are caused by something called extractive bleeding, which is a little bit like when you wash new clothes and the dye bleeds out onto other clothing items.

The part of the roofing material that’s bleeding out is called the bitumen. It’s supposed to be mixed into the asphalt layer of the shingles, but sometimes a bit escapes over time and runs down the roof, causing dark streaks. The bad news is that you can probably only fix this issue by installing higher-quality shingles next time.

The good news is that unlike lichen and algae, extractive bleeding is considered purely cosmetic and you don’t need to do anything. But how can you tell the difference between lichen and extractive bleeding? Algae will typically grow more on the north side of the roof, whereas the direction of the slope and the amount of shade shouldn’t affect extractive bleeding.

A good roofing contractor will be able to help you determine the cause of the streaks and what’s to be done about them.

These are four reasons why your roof may develop mysterious spots or streaks. If you suspect that any of these problems may be developing on your roof, get in touch with a reputable contractor like D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. Give us a call today to learn what we can do to help your roof out of any of these spotty situations.

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Apply Zen Garden Principles to Your Deck Design

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 14:33:00 GMT

Who doesn’t need a little more Zen in their lives? Zen gardening has made its way to the United States in part because of the peaceful ambiance it creates. Perhaps you don’t have the space to dedicate to a backyard Zen garden, though. Instead, you can apply the principles of the style to your deck, which is an ideal space for a peaceful retreat.

Start With Wood or Composite Decking

One of the principal materials used in Japanese landscaping is wood. Even within a Zen garden, you’ll often find platforms of wooden decking, so choosing this material for your Zen-inspired deck makes sense. Redwood and cedar are two of the most common hardwoods for deck construction, though Douglas fir, cypress, and pine are also popular.

If you want the look of wood without the maintenance, consider composite decking. Manufacturers mix wood scraps with plastic and form planks that look like solid wood. They also treat the planks with preservatives that make them impervious to rot, mildew, and mold. Between the incorporation of plaster and the preservatives, composite decking requires less maintenance than solid wood.

Incorporate Natural Stone

Rock gardens are a centerpiece of Japanese landscaping. If you can dedicate a corner of your deck to a rock garden, that would be ideal. You only need a small space with some gravel, a decorative rock, and an odd number of plants. Those are the basic elements of a Zen garden.

Concerning the deck itself, consider incorporating natural stone elsewhere as well. You might include a stone bench, firepit, or water fountain as part of your design. You can also choose stone for part of the decking itself, like for the railing posts.

Encourage a Meandering Path

Japanese gardening principles favor meandering paths over straight lines because it’s thought such paths discourage evil spirits from entering your home. This principle is the reason you sometimes see meditation paths incorporated into a Zen garden.

Try applying this principle to your deck layout without hindering its utility. You might accomplish this principle with a selection of smaller decks that make up the larger deck. This principle would be well-served with tiers of decks on a sloped yard.

You can also achieve the ideal with well-placed deck features. So, you could interrupt the straight line with a grilling station in one space, a firepit in another, and a water fountain in yet another. The goal is to create a clear path, but one that naturally winds around these features.

Include a Water Feature

Speaking of water fountains, water is another important element of Japanese landscaping. The water symbolizes purification and cleansing. However, running water also creates a pleasing sound, which speaks to the sensory nature of Zen gardening.

As described above, a built-in or standalone water fountain would be a good installation for your Zen deck. Still pools and koi ponds are also common. If you have the space available, consider incorporating one of those features as a focal point.

You can also use water as a transitional feature. For instance, you might have a decorative pond as part of your landscaping. Consider having a waterfall off the edge of the deck, which would provide a strong connection to the Zen principles.

Pay Attention to the View

In that vein, you likely want the view from your deck to be inspirational. After all, part of the rationale for creating a Zen garden is to create that feeling of Zen. When you sit on your Zen-inspired deck, you likely want to look out over a pleasing vista.

The principles of such landscaping call for creating a view that encourages contemplation. To that end, designers often pair the ephemeral with the permanent, say with an ornamental tree next to an ornamental boulder. They also pair the vertical with the horizontal, perhaps with a tall statue in the curve of a walkway.

Give your new deck a unique spin by utilizing the principles of Zen landscaping in its design. Let D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. , help design and build your new deck.

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4 Parts of the Roof You Shouldn’t Skimp On

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 20:08:00 GMT

A roof is not a single structure; it is a complex construction composed of multiple individual parts. You should know the significance of each of these parts so you can tell which of them are critical and require careful consideration during construction. Here are some parts of the roof to give careful consideration.

You can choose from dozens of roofing materials for your next roof, and all of them mean different things for your roof. Your choice of roofing material determines the following things:

Durability

No roofing material lasts forever, but some last longer than others. Asphalt shingles, for example, rarely last more than three decades . Slate, on the other hand, can last as long as 150 years. Choose your roofing material wisely if durability is important to you.

Maintenance

Slate, tile, and metal roofing are some of the low-maintenance options. Wood and asphalt shingles require relatively more maintenance than slate and tiles. Opt for slate if you have the money and want a roof that you can install and forget about other than the occasional cleaning.

Fire Resistance

The roofing industry places the fire resistance of roofing materials into three categories , Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A materials have the highest fire resistance, Class B materials have average resistance, and Class C have the least fire resistance. Class A materials are the best if your home faces high fire risks, for example, if your area experience frequent wildfires.

Proper roof ventilation ensures that the space between the roofing insulation and the roofing material is the same temperature as the outside temperature. Your roofing material suffers and deteriorates faster if the temperature in this place is above the outside temperature.

For example, if you don’t vent your roof properly, the air above the insulation will heat up and affect the materials above it. Damage due to inadequate ventilation also occurs when hot air melts the ice on the roof, and water from the melted ice refreezes on the edge of the roof to form ice dams. Ice dams increase the risk of roof leaks and gutter damage.

Roof insulation is necessary for energy efficiency and your home’s comfort. Without proper insulation, the outside temperature can affect your home, and your house can also lose heat to the outside environment. Such interference can easily leave your home colder or hotter than it should be, and your HVAC unit will also overwork.

These two factors determine how much insulation your house needs:

Skimp on insulation, for example, by use of inferior material, and you will pay for it in terms of energy inefficiency and discomfort.

Lastly, you must also ensure that your roofing material has the best structures to support it. Don’t buy high-quality shingles and then lay them over inferior materials that can’t last a decade or so. Things like support beams, tension bars, and braces must fit the shape, size, and location of the roof for maximum support.

The only way to ensure your roof is properly designed and constructed, with the right materials, is to let a professional roofing company work on it. D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., has the personnel, skills, and experience to give your home the roof it deserves. Contact us for a quote on all roofing services you may need.

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Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 20:46:00 GMT

Roof leaks are dangerous because they affect not only the integrity of the roof but can also damage the interior fixtures and household items. Here are some of the typical causes of roof leaks to watch out for.

Negligent DIY Repair

DIY repair can save you loads of cash but only if you do everything right. You can damage your roof if you don’t have the right skills or tools to fix roof damage. For example, a poor DIY repair can leave you with the following problems.

Poor Gutter Pitch

If you don’t know the right gutter pitch or how to create one, your gutters can spill water over the sides or allow water to soak up under the roof. The latter can accelerate the corrosion and rot of roof materials and even cause a leak.

Improper Nailing

If you want to nail replacement roof shingles, you must know where to nail, how many nails to use, how far to drive the nails, and even the size of the nails to use. Any mistake on these requirements can leave your shingles weak and increase the risk of roof leaks.

Poor or Negligent Maintenance

All roofs require regular maintenance to prevent damage and help the roofs last as long as possible. You risk roof leaks if you don’t maintain your roof at all or maintain it improperly. Negligent maintenance issues that may cause leaks include the following.

Dirty Gutters and Roof

Constant dirt or debris on the roof means the roof won’t dry off completely. Common culprits include leaves and windblown debris. The constant moisture on the roof may deteriorate the roofing materials and cause leakage.

Extreme Foot Traffic

Even if your roof is relatively strong, you risk damage to the roofing material if you or other people walk on the roof all the time. Too much foot traffic can damage the shingles, damage the flashing, and strip the protective granules on the shingles. Such damage increases the risk of roof leaks in case of a storm.

Snow Overload

Snow accumulation can lead to roof damage in two main ways. First, the weight of the snow may lead to a roof cave in if your roof is too old. Secondly, if the snow stays on the roof for a long time, the snow may melt and seep through tiny cracks on the roof.

Accidents

Freak accidents can damage even brand-new roofs and cause leaks. These are the two accidents you should worry about most.

Wind Damage

Strong winds can cause roof leaks when the winds uplift sections of the roof and strip off roof flashing. The damage is even more likely if the roof is old or doesn’t have strong fasteners.

Falling Trees

If you have trees around the house, they can crash through your roof and cause severe leaks. A strong storm can break off tree branches and crash them on the roof. Weak trees, such as those with rotten trunks, can also crash on the roof and cause leakage.

Material Defects

Some roofs leak because their roofing material came from the factory defective. Defective shingles, for example, may experience accelerated aging, lose their granules fast, and leak prematurely. Material defects can also affect other parts of the roof such as gutters and flashing.

Material Wear

All roofs eventually wear out, and worn-out roofs suffer all kinds of problems including leaks. Roof wear is mostly due to weather elements such as snow, rainfall, and temperature fluctuations. However, poor maintenance can also accelerate the rate of wear of roofing materials.

D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., can help you maintain your roofs and keep leaks at bay. We can also help you if your roof already leaks. Contact us for a quote for all your roofing needs.

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Assess the Condition of the Roof When Buying a Home

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 15:51:00 GMT

When house hunting, don’t be too quick to buy a house that has all the features you want. First, make sure the home has a strong and sturdy roof before finalizing the sale. If the home doesn’t have a strong roof, this can lead to a number of issues.

Look for Signs of a Damaged Roof

When looking at homes to purchase, keep an eye out for signs of a damaged roof. A damaged roof can decrease the value of a home.

While you are inside of a home, look for stains on the ceilings and walls, which can be signs of water damage. Look out for cracks on the walls as well, which can indicate that either the roof is damaged or the foundation is damaged.

On the outside of the home, look at the gutters and see if they are attached to the home and clean. Walk around the home and try to look at the roof itself. Look for signs of major damage, such as missing shingles, rusted flashing, or amateur-looking patchwork.

Knowing what to look for can help you avoid putting an offer on a home with a damaged roof. Knowing what to look for will also help you determine if you need a roof inspection instead of just a home inspection.

Get a Home and Roof Inspection

When you purchase a home, a home inspection is a common part of the purchasing process if you are financing the home through a bank. A home inspector’s job is to let you know about any major issues with the house.

When it comes to inspecting the roof, some home inspectors just stand on the ground and look at the roof with binoculars in order to spot major damage, and others actually climb up on the roof to examine it. Either way, keep in mind that home inspectors are not roofing contractors and are just trained to spot major home issues.

To get a comprehensive idea of the condition of the roof of the home you want to purchase, pay a little extra and have a roofer professionally inspect the roof. A professional roofer can give you an in-depth report on the condition of all elements of the roof, from the shingles to the decking to the flashing and gutter system. A roofing professional can also let you know the life expectancy of the roof.

The roof is responsible for protecting the home, which is why you want to have a solid idea of the condition of the roof before investing in a new home.

Figure Out Repair Costs

If the report from the home inspector or the roofing professional shows the roof is damaged, get a quote for fixing up the roof.

Keep in mind that fixing damage to a roof can run anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to over ten thousand dollars. Damage tends to be more expensive if the roof has damaged the interior of the home.

Spend Time Negotiating With the Seller

A damaged roof is not a reason to pass up on a home. Use the home inspection, professional roof inspection, and repair quote as a tool in the negotiations process.

If you are purchasing a home in a strong buyer’s market, you may get the homeowner to agree to fix the roof before the sale, or you may be able to get the price of the home reduced in order to account for the repairs you will need to do to the roof.

A damaged roof that a seller will not fix doesn’t mean you need to pass on the home; it just means you need to budget to fix the roof when you purchase the home.

If you have a new home you are interested in purchasing, call D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., before you finalize the sale. We have experts who can perform a roof inspection, draw up a repair quote, and work with you to fix the roof if you go through with the home purchase.

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3 Reasons Your Roofing Ventilation System Could Be Unbalanced

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:57:00 GMT

An unbalanced roof ventilation system can act much like an inadequate one; it won’t effectively remove moist air from the roof’s underside like it should. In some cases, the entire lower slope of the roof may be effectually unventilated if an imbalanced ventilation system causes this kind of malfunction.

Here are three reasons your roof could have an unbalanced ventilation system.

Working with an expert roofing contractor can help ensure that you end up with not only the right amount of attic ventilation but also the right proportions. Make sure you do not have more outflow ventilation than intake.

If you have too much outflow ventilation for the amount of usable intake ventilation present, the outflow vents won’t be able to draw enough air through the intake, so not all of the outflow vent will be able to function as outflow. This can lead to a short-circuit of the cycle; instead of drawing air up from below, the excess outflow vents may reverse into intake.

Once this happens, the airflow is simply flowing into one section of the ridge vent and out through another section, and it is not drawing air up across the underside of the roof like it should. This airflow pattern leaves that area of the roof deck open to condensation and other problems.

Any blocked vents can disrupt the functioning of the system. Both intake and outflow vents can become blocked by dust and cobwebs over time, so you should keep an eye on them and sweep them out or blow out the debris with an air compressor each year.

Intake vents commonly become blocked due to birds’ nests or rodent nests or when you place attic storage items too near the eaves. But these vents can also be blocked during insulation additions or even when you put small-mesh wire over them to exclude termites.

The smaller the gauge of the mesh, the more it can slow down airflow. Don’t let this discourage you from taking precautions against termites. Just check with your roofing contractor to make sure the mesh you’re planning to use won’t slow things down so much that you need to have more vents installed.

If your house was built with just gable vents for outflow but then a wind or electric turbine fan was added later, you could have a problem.

Although you may hear that adding a turbine fan can solve all your ventilation woes, the strong draw from a turbine fan can actually do more harm than good in some cases. For example, if it has a very strong pull, it could tip the balance and start drawing in more air than the inflow vents can provide.

In some cases this situation could cause air to pull in through the old outflow vents to short the cycle, or it can pull heated or air-conditioned air from the interior of your house. This can be especially wasteful if you haven’t sealed up your attic bypasses.

Attic bypasses (holes into the attic intended to allow wires, ducts, chimneys, fan vents, and other necessities through) are often large enough to allow quite a bit of airflow. Having a contractor fill them in so they’re no larger than necessary can help insulate your house better and reduce the energy loss through your attic, whether you have a turbine fan or not.

If you notice symptoms of unbalanced or inadequate ventilation, such as a condensation or mold problem in your attic, call D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. today for a free estimate.

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Considering Cedar Shake Roofing? Learn What You Need to Know

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:11:00 GMT

Cedar shake roofing is made from natural cedar that has been cut by hand. Although cedar shakes do require regular maintenance, this all-natural roofing material has many positive qualities that make it desirable to owners of high-end homes.

Are you considering cedar shake roofing for your home? Learn what you need to know about this classic roofing material.

Nothing Compares to the Beauty of Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes are most desirable because of their timeless beauty. As one of the original roofing materials, wood has an old-world charm that is unparalleled by any other material. Because wood is an organic material, cedar shakes naturally change in appearance over time. Shakes begin as a golden yellow color and then slowly fade to silvery gray. Over time, this silvery gray color darkens.

This process is natural and expected. However, if you prefer, the color of cedar shakes can be restored periodically with a cleaning from a pressure washer.

Cedar Is Environmentally Friendly

Cedar is harvested from sustainably grown forests. In addition, some cedar shakes are harvested from salvaged logs that otherwise might be left to rot in the forest. And when compared to asphalt or metal, cedar shakes require less energy from natural gas and fossil fuels in order to be produced. Cedar is also recyclable and can be made into mulch or chips for gardens. By contrast, asphalt shingles cannot be recycled and fill landfills as a result.

Cedar Shake Roofing Needs Regular Maintenance

Cedar shakes need regular maintenance or they can deteriorate quickly. Make sure you keep up with the following tasks:

Cedar shake roofing also benefits from periodic applications of wood preservative, which can prevent damage from moisture and fungus. Cedar shakes should never be sealed, however, as they are meant to breathe and must be allowed to do so.

Cedar Shakes Can Last 30 Years

Under the right conditions, shakes can last as long as 30 years. However, cedar shakes are sensitive to their environment, more so than many other roofing materials.

Shakes should not be cast in shade or left beneath overhanging branches. Most importantly, overhanging branches of trees should never rub against shakes. This rubbing action can cause the fasteners or shakes themselves to wear out prematurely.

Homeowners who trim overhanging trees to allow sunlight to reach the roof can help extend the life of their shakes. This must be done periodically, as overhanging trees may grow back with time.

Some Materials Mimic the Look of Cedar

Some metal roofing types and composite asphalt shingles are designed to mimic the look of cedar shakes. These materials are desirable to some homeowners because they require far less maintenance than cedar shakes but still achieve the sculpted look of real wood.

You should note, however, that these materials do not have the same beauty as cedar shakes. Even though they may look somewhat similar to wood shakes, close examination will reveal these materials to be not real wood. For this reason, homeowners who are concerned with authenticity or who own historic property often gravitate toward genuine cedar.

If you would like more information about cedar shake roofing material, speak to a roofing expert in your area. A good roofer can give you information about the pros and cons of cedar shakes as needed.

At D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., we’re happy to answer customer questions about cedar shakes and other types of roofing materials. To find out more, contact us today.

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Fiber Cement Siding: A Simple Guide for Homeowners

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:07:00 GMT

Siding can be a great way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior, improve energy efficiency, and even boost home value. Numerous factors come into play when selecting the right siding. For example, you must consider costs, climatic conditions, durability, and the style of your home.

Fiber cement is one of the most popular siding options. If you want the right balance of longevity, versatility, aesthetics, and lifecycle costs, fiber cement might be an excellent choice.

If you want to install new siding, read on to learn more about fiber cement siding so you can make an informed decision.

Basics of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement cladding is a type of cement that consists of four ingredients. These include water, wood pulp, fly ash, and Portland cement.

Water helps to dissolve the wood pulp, the wood pulp provides fortification, and fly ash works as a filler. The Portland cement, which constitutes of iron, clay, and limestone, holds together all the ingredients.

Types of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding comes in a variety of textures and styles. Some of the most popular choices include panel, lap, shingle, and brick fiber siding.

Panel

Panel fiber siding comes in the form of large sheets. Panels are available in a variety of textures and finishes.

Lap

Lap fiber cement siding is essentially thick clapboards installed one row after another. Some common finishes include wood-grain, smooth, and rough varnishes.

Lap cladding fits well with many home styles including modern, mid-century, and Victorian. This choice of siding also adapts well to different climates.

Shingle

Shingle fiber cement siding is available in separate shakes and foot strips. Depending on your home’s style, you could opt for shingles with a straight or patterned appearance.

While some shingles have a plain clean look, others come with decorative elements. Shingles are also commonly available in primed, stained, or painted finishes.

Brick

Also known as stucco, brick fiber cement siding is a great choice if you want a classic look for your home’s exterior. Brick fiber cement panels resemble traditional masonry and allow you to play with color and texture without the added cost of actual masonry work.

Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement outperforms many of its siding competitors in several ways.

Weather Resistant

Fiber cement siding performs well in different climates, requiring minimum care and providing a long service life. This siding is resistant to the effects of wildfires in arid areas, salt and humidity in coastal regions, and the freeze-thaw pattern in cold regions.

Structurally Stable

Some siding materials such as wood or vinyl tend to contract and expand drastically with fluctuations in climatic conditions.

However, fiber cement siding is relatively stable, making this material a good substrate for paint. This means the paint lasts longer, therefore minimizing the overall maintenance costs.

Aesthetically Appealing

Fiber cement siding is available in a wide array of styles, colors, and finishes. With fiber cement cladding, you can get the look of masonry, wood, or even fieldstone at a fraction of the cost of other siding options.

Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement cladding has a few downsides.

Weight

The cement component makes this type of cladding comparably weighty. Subsequently, the costs of handling and transporting fiber cement can add up quickly.

Installation

Although a popular choice, fiber cement is not a cheap cladding material. Additionally, professional installation, which involves the use of specialized tools, is necessary to ensure the best results.

While fiber cement siding will not last forever, with proper maintenance, this choice of cladding for your home’s exterior can provide a reasonably long service life.

If you want reputable home exterior contractors, look no further than D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. Call us today for a free estimate on new siding.

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3 Steps to Overhaul Your Roof and Gutters Before Installing a Rainwater Collection System

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 16:32:00 GMT

In over 30 major cities across the country, water bills rose by over 40 percent between 2010 and 2015, and this upward trend shows no sign of abating. For this reason, a growing number of people are choosing to install rainwater collection systems to supplement or entirely replace their municipal water consumption.

These collection systems consist of a water storage tank and an electrical pump which delivers the rainwater to the faucets in your home. The rainwater is collected from the roof of your home and flows into the storage tank via the gutters.

Setting up a rainwater storage system is relatively easy and the expense involved will soon be mitigated by the savings you’ll make on your water bills. However, if you want your water supply to be clean, safe and palatable, you may need to give your roof and gutters an overhaul.

This post discusses the three steps you should take to make sure that your home’s roof and gutters are suitable for collecting rainwater.

Although a home’s roof and gutters play a considerable role in protecting it from the elements, they’re often neglected until something goes wrong. This might be a leak, storm damage or other urgent situation that needs immediate attention. Unfortunately, this neglect often means that many roofs and gutters aren’t suitable for safe rainwater harvesting.

Common issues include a buildup of mold, mildew or animal droppings, all of which can contaminate the water you plan to consume. Damaged materials can also cause harmful chemicals or particles to be washed into your rainwater storage tank along with the water.

A thorough inspection and evaluation of both the roof and the gutters by a professional and experienced roofing contractor is vital. The professionals can identify any repairs or replacements that are required to make sure that your water supply will be clean and healthy for you and your family.

Before you begin to store and consume rainwater, you’ll need to attend to any necessary repairs or replacements that your roofing contractor has recommended. Failure to do so may result in the contamination of your tank, and these contaminants can be difficult to flush out once they’re inside.

One of the main roofing issues people have to deal with is roofing and gutter materials that aren’t safe for water collection purposes. If your roof or gutter materials contain lead, copper or asbestos, then you will need to replace them to prevent poisoning from your water supply. If you need to replace your roof, rubber or coated sheet metal roofing and guttering are the best choices.

If your roof and gutters are made from safe materials that are just a little worn-out, then your roofing contractor may be able to repair the materials instead of replacing them entirely. There are a number of coatings which can be applied to a variety of materials that will seal and protect your roof and gutters and create a hygienic and safe surface for water collection.

Whether you’re repairing or replacing your gutters, this is a good time to have a gutter guard fitted. These guards can be made from mesh or metal and they’re fitted over the top of your gutters.

The guards are designed to prevent large debris from entering the gutters, which could block the water flow or the debris could flow through and clog your tank’s intake pipe, both of which are problems.

Like any features of a home, your roof and gutters need to be regularly maintained so they stay in the best condition and can continue to provide optimal performance. When you’re relying on these features for protection as well as water, this regular maintenance is even more important.

Neglect of maintenance tasks can mean that your water supply deteriorates in quality, which could pose a health risk.

Some of the maintenance tasks your roofing contractor will perform are checking for damage to the roof and gutters, any buildup of contaminants such as moss, mold or animal feces. They’ll also clear out your gutters of debris buildup and make sure that nothing can or will pollute your water supply.

Ideally, these maintenance tasks should happen at least once a year or more frequently.

Before you install your home’s new rainwater collection and storage system, you should contact the helpful and experienced team at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc.

With over 30 years of experience with every aspect of roof and gutter repair, installation and maintenance, they’ll be able to provide you with a roof and gutters that are ready to start harvesting a clean, healthy and free supply of rainwater for your home.

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Old House, Wooden Siding: A Maintenance and Care Guide for Homeowners

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:16:00 GMT

If you have an older, historic home, the original exterior finish is usually clapboard siding, wooden shakes, bricks, or stucco. Many modern homeowners who are used to low-maintenance siding options like vinyl and aluminum may not know how to care for old wood siding.

However, when cared for properly, old wood siding offers beauty and character that no other siding option can provide. If your siding is currently in good repair, you can keep it that way by following these care and maintenance tips.

Good Siding, Bad Paint

Many times, older homes that have not been maintained have chipped, peeling paint. Homeowners mistakenly assume that the peeling paint means the siding itself is not worth saving. While peeling paint does put the wood underneath at greater risk of decay, it does not necessarily mean the wood is no longer able to be restored.

Have a siding company and a company that paints exterior siding come to assess the wood. Even if some areas are worn or broken, these can be replaced for less than residing the entire house. Old paint will need to be removed and the wood sanded in order to prepare for a new sealant, paint, or stain.

A house should be repainted at least once every three to seven years. This is a big gap, which is why you should keep an eye on the exterior paint. Lighter colors painted on mild days without exposure to intense sunlight will last longer.

Generally, paints with acrylic binders can have the greatest longevity before repainting. Oil based paints have deeper penetration, but they don’t expand and contract with the natural movements of the house like acrylic paints.

As soon as paint begins to crack or show wear, it’s best to plan a repainting job. You want to paint the house before the paint begins to seriously crack and flake, because then repainting is an even bigger job, requiring more scraping.

Sealers and Stains

If you’d rather highlight the natural beauty of your wood siding, you can choose to remove the layer of paint. Many older homes have wood siding that has beautiful patina and grain. With a stain, your house will have a natural look; you can really celebrate the unique wood of your home. If you go for a stain and sealer instead of paint, plan on restaining your siding every four years.

Inspections and Cleaning

Between painting and staining jobs, you’ll need to stay on top of cleaning. Cleaning and inspecting your siding on a regular basis is what helps to protect it from discoloration, moisture damage, and cracks from seasonal changes. You should:

Cleaning your siding and staying on top of annual inspections helps you to avoid more costly repairs for your siding. It’s easier to replace a few damaged clapboards than to backpedal after your siding has begun to rot from moisture exposure.

Section Repairs

When you notice a crack or a hole from a thrown rock or even a large hailstone, you’ll need to get the section repaired. It’s best to hire a siding company or a carpenter to replace the broken sections.

Professional attention is important because each board fits perfectly with the rest of the siding, especially if the board fits into a window or door molding. If not done properly, the replacement board won’t block out the elements.

Siding companies can help to match the grain and the color of your siding paint so the replacement blends with the remaining older boards. This is more challenging to do with older homes because new wood can look different from older growth clapboard, which is why professional carpentry is often the best choice.

For more information on wood siding restoration, installation, and maintenance, contact us at D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc.

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Winter Is Coming: 6 Ways for New Minnesota Residents to Ready Their Roofs for the Snow

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 09:16:00 GMT

If you’re new to Minnesota and snow storms, brace yourself. Legendary amounts of snow fall everywhere.

Brace your roof, too. This autumn, take the following six steps to winterize the top of your home and avoid winter home emergencies.

1. Inspect the Works Up Above

You’ll soon be joining your fellow Minnesotans as they winterize their homes in the most vital of yearly survival rituals. Your roof should be one of your main areas of concern when winterizing.

Your roof must be able to valiantly support an insane amount of snow. If you come from Texas or California, you must experience this snow firsthand to understand the complexities of it.

Snow is heavy and wet. If you have loose shingles or flashing on your roof, melting snow drains into the open spots directly onto the framing of your roof. Water can seep throughout the underlayment, soaking all of the decking. Eventually, the roof decking may rot or collapse.

It’s best to let professionals inspect your roof. There are many components on a roof that you may not realize are missing or inadequate. You do not want to face 80 inches of snow with a “maybe it will work” roofing solution.

Complex roofs with many dormers, gables or other features must be inspected thoroughly before winter comes. Other areas that must be checked include:

It’s a good idea to have your contractor check all of the gutters and trim. These features should be securely and properly attached to the roof framing. If not, icicles and ice dams can easily jar gutters and cause them to crash to the ground.

2. Have the Trees Trimmed for the Season

Check around your home for overhanging limbs or diseased trees that might not survive a heavy snow load. Large dead limbs wreak havoc on roofs during snow and ice storms.

Have your tree service trim any overhanging limbs. Have the trees checked for overall health.

3. Clean Up the Messes on Top

The last thing you want on your roof is a pile of rotting leaves under a fat layer of seeping snow. Your roof should be swept clean prior to the start of snow season. Small branches, nests, Frisbees and other debris should be removed from the roof.

The gutters must be functioning at top capacity to deal with melting snow throughout the spring thaw. Have the gutters thoroughly cleaned so they flow smoothly. The pitch and connections of your gutters are also keys to reliable water diversion when the snow melts.

4. Repair the Openings for Optimum Survival

Wherever flashing is loose, bent or missing, have it reinstalled. Broken vents should be repaired. Any roof component listed above needs to be repaired if it’s rotting or damaged. Pest damage due to chewing or pecking must also be dealt with, and some deterrent must be put in place.

Check all decking, rafters and trusses under the roof to be sure the wood is stable and fasteners are in place. The roof must be able to hold up a certain amount of weight to comply with most building codes. Damaged framing or decking must be repaired before winter.

Insulate your attic to keep heat from escaping off of your roof. Snow is less likely to melt and then refreeze. When the snow melts and refreezes over and over, ice dams and other problems result.

The positive side to protecting your roof with attic insulation is the way your home will stay much warmer when the temperatures go low. Your contractor can suggest other ways to winterize your roof and help you stay cozier through a long winter. Each home has its own individual roofing quirks, but they must all be addressed before the cold season comes.

5. Seal Everything Well Against the Coming Flakes

Funny how delicate those lovely individual snowflakes are. When you throw a few of them together and they melt, snowflakes can invade the smallest leak or crack in your roof’s armor.

All of the roofing components listed above should be sealed at the point where roof material meets component. There are all sorts of gaskets, glues and other materials to seal both the decking and the top surface of your roof. Products are made to work around chimneys, vents and skylights.

Your contractor has proven methods and materials to seal the vulnerable spots. Every place you have sealed before winter is a leak you won’t need to fret over in spring.

6. Assemble the Tools to Fight the Storm

Most homeowners in snowy regions of the U.S. have tricks and tips to remove snow from their roofs and carports. Snow rakes, brooms and blowers are some of the tools used. These tools often have really long handles.

It’s best to watch Minnesotans manage their roof snow and do as the diligent natives do. Ask advice about how to safely manage your roof snow and icicles when winter is here.

D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. is ready to help new residents and native Minnesotans winterize their homes and their roofs. Survive the snow season in St. Paul and the Twin Cities by scheduling a complete professional roof inspection today.

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Building a Deck? Consider These 10 Unique Upgrades

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 18:11:00 GMT

A backyard deck can add immense value to your property, expand your outdoor living space and facilitate family bonding. While even the most basic deck can provide these benefits, upgrading your deck can make the space even more functional, beautiful, and welcoming.

The right features for your deck depends on the architecture of your home, the main purposes for the space, and your preferences, but if you’re building a deck you should consider the following 10 upgrades.

1. Attached Structure

The construction of a new deck can provide the perfect opportunity to build other outdoor structures or connect existing structures to your home. This attachment makes all of your outdoor structures more accessible.

Consider creating a screened porch on a portion of your deck, building a greenhouse onto the deck or connecting a private gazebo to the main structure.

2. Built-Ins

While outdoor furnishings can make your deck comfortable, you can also achieve a luxurious, inviting space using built-ins. With the right contractor, you can build virtually anything onto or into your deck that you may want to use outdoors.

For example, a built-in outdoor kitchen is the perfect asset for a grill master, while permanent planters encourage the creativity of a gardener.

3. Decorative Railings

Your deck should complement your home’s exterior, landscaping and hardscaping. If these other outdoor elements have a lot of intricate detail, an unadorned deck may look out of place.

Consider wrought iron railings for a classic look to match a historical home or organically shaped spindles to help the deck feel like part of the scenery.

4. Lighting

Extend your deck’s usable hours by wiring for outdoor lighting. Your lighting choices can be as simple as hanging strands or as custom as under lighting for your stairs, rails or seating.

The best characteristic of this upgrade is that if the uses of your deck change in the future, you can always add more lighting to accent new features.

5. Pergola

Even if you use your deck for sunbathing, you may need some relief from direct sunlight during the day. To create a stylish source of shade, add a pergola to the deck.

Pergolas consist of an overhead structure made of slats of wood. This choice lets in more sunlight than an awning, but can also make the deck space comfortable enough to use when the sun is high in the sky.

6. Privacy Measures

If your backyard feels fairly open to your neighbors, a privacy measure can make your deck feel like a more personal, intimate space for just you and your family or invited guests. Privacy measures come in all shapes and sizes so it’s easy to find an option that matches the style, shape and uses of your deck.

For example, potted bamboo can create a fun, tropical screen, while outdoor curtains can make your backyard feel like a retreat at a high-class resort. To make these privacy measures a permanent fixture on your deck, discuss your desires with your contractor.

A built-in bamboo planter can ensure that you don’t sacrifice deck space for privacy, while incorporated curtain rods can keep your drapes billowing beautifully instead of blowing away whenever the wind picks up.

7. Seating

In addition to built-in features, you should also consider fixed furnishings. Benches can be easily incorporated into most deck designs, whether you prefer one long seating area for outdoor dining or several chair-like separate benches perfect for entertaining.These seating structures can also be the ideal place to store gardening equipment, barbeque tools and other outdoor essentials out of sight, but still on hand.

8. Skirtboards

To give your deck a more polished look and hide any items that you store beneath it, consider adding skirtboards to the design. These screens attach to the bottom of the deck, concealing the posts and anything else underneath the structure.

Skirtboards also provide the opportunity to add more decoration to the design by choosing an interesting pattern.

9. Tech

Just because your deck is outdoors doesn’t mean you have to abandon all the indoor luxuries you love to use it. Think about tech upgrades that will improve your use of the space.

For example, integrated speakers can turn your deck into a spa-like are with ambient noise or a perfect party location with the right music.

10. Windscreens

If you live in an area with frequent winds, like the Midwest, the breeze may occasionally interfere with your outdoor plans. You can reduce the effects of seasonal breezes with windscreens.

You can incorporate patterns into windscreens for extra decoration or install reinforced glass for an invisible asset against inclement weather.

Work these upgrades into your deck design to maximize the beauty and potential of your outdoor space.

If you want to build a deck as unique as your home, yard and family, discuss your options with D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. We have experience with all styles of wood decks, including second-story balconies and custom-shaped decks. We can help you decide on the right upgrades for your space.

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What Problems Can a Too-Mild Winter Pose for Your Minnesota Home?

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 17:11:00 GMT

Despite the cool temperatures that persisted through late May, the winter of 2016 and 2017 was the mildest on record . While this fact can be good news for Minnesotans who depend on natural gas or electricity to heat their homes (or who just hate shoveling feet of snow to make it out of their driveways), it can also create some unexpected maintenance and repair issues for homes in the north central U.S.

Read on to learn more about a few of the problems that can result from an extraordinarily mild winter and what you can do to protect your home from damage.

Flooding Can Cause Foundation and Drainage Problems

The “Land of a Thousand Lakes” was given this name for a reason, and a mild winter combined with several heavy rainfalls have left many parts of Minnesota soggy and submerged heading into the summer.

Foundation and Septic Damage

Even homes that appear to be well out of the flooding danger zone can suffer foundation or septic system damage due to sustained high levels of groundwater. When flood waters enter the drainage field of your septic tank, wastewater has nowhere to go—risking backed-up drains and bursting pipes if you haven’t had your septic tank recently pumped.

If your basement regularly floods during a rain despite your use of a sump pump or other drainage system, you may have already suffered damage to your foundation that’s allowing water to enter your home.

One way to prevent further damage and ensure proper drainage around your home is to install French drains. These drains have a sophisticated-sounding name but operate quite simply, consisting only of some trenches, drainage pipes, and gravel or another filter material. Digging these trenches around your home and providing rainwater (and rising groundwater) a clear path away from your foundation can go a long way toward minimizing the moisture in your basement.

Moisture Barrier Breaches

Those who have decks or other structures attached to their homes will also want to take care to ensure that there is sufficient moisture protection between these structures and your home’s support beams. In some cases, homeowners have been surprised to discover bare wood (or rotting plywood) between their old decks and their houses in lieu of any sort of moisture barrier.

Even if you can’t access this space without tearing off your deck, you may be able to ensure moisture isn’t making its way inside by carefully examining the walls inside your basement or crawlspace for signs of water damage.

Drywall that seems soft or crumbly, stains in the wooden support beams or concrete blocks that hold up the outside of your home, or any musty or mildewed odors can all point to water damage between your outer walls and deck or patio.

Insects Can Eat You Out of House and Home

Not only has the mild winter affected the health of various fruit crops, but it has led to a boom in the population of pesky insects like carpenter bees and termites. While many of the parasites that tend to thrive after mild winters feed only on humans (and animals) and don’t have much of an impact on inanimate objects, termites and carpenter bees can cause some major destruction to your home over a fairly short period of time.

Termites

Termites generally require targeted treatment. DIY kits can be tempting, especially if you’re not eager to shell out for a full-blown termite remediation, but taking a halfhearted approach to eradicating these wood-chewing pests will all but guarantee you’ll continue dealing with this issue for years to come. A professional exterminator can apply a specialized termite killer to the perimeter of your foundation while “bombing” your house with insecticides if termites have already made it inside.

Carpenter Bees

When it comes to carpenter bees, diversion and deflection may be your best strategy. These bees, which often resemble bumblebees, thrive on soft, untreated wood, with a special taste for the wood of dead or dying apple, cherry, or peach trees.

While commercial poisons and insecticides can sometimes successfully exterminate carpenter bees, some homeowners have opted for a gentler approach by luring these pollinators away from appetizing decks and support beams in favor of blocks of soft wood placed at the edges of their property.

Sealing your deck and other exterior wooden structures with a protective coat of polyurethane or other polymer-based stain can also make this wood unappetizing to carpenter bees. While you’re sealing your deck, you’ll want to thoroughly plug any holes that may have already been chewed by your resident carpenter bees; leaving these holes untouched can give your bees a direct pathway to interior (untreated) wood.

Although you may still be relishing your low winter utility bills, the mild winter you and other Minnesotans have just experienced isn’t without its own consequences. Keeping these tips in mind and giving your home’s exterior a good once-over now that temperatures have risen can ensure a stress-free summer.

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4 Reasons to Replace Your Home’s Siding

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:58:00 GMT

Americans are big fans of home remodeling and renovation projects. In fact, homeowners spend over $300 billion each year on modernizing and modifying their properties. These projects range from small scale jobs, such as repainting a room, to larger scale projects, such as replacing the roof.

When it comes to deciding which project to tackle, a few different factors come into play. Your available budget is a big factor and will determine how large a job you can realistically take on. It’s also important to consider what advantages you’ll gain from the project, whether it’s a project that will increase the equity in your home or whether it’s strictly necessary.

If you have an older style home, then replacing the siding is a mid-priced project that ticks all of these boxes. With an average spend of around $9,000, it’s affordable and will provide many measurable benefits for your home. Here are four reasons why replacing your home’s siding is a smart financial decision.

How much value a particular remodeling or renovation project will add to a property is called an ROI, which stands for Return on Investment. For example, if the ROI on a project is 50% and you spend $10,000, then you can expect to increase your property’s value by $5,000.

Replacing siding has a high expected ROI of almost 80%, which makes it one of the most financially sound home renovation projects that you can invest in. With the equity added to your home, the actual cost of siding replacement is less than 25% of the project value.

Replacing the siding also has the benefit of adding curb appeal, which is very important when it comes to resale. First appearances are vital in the real estate business. It doesn’t matter how amazing and expensive your kitchen or bathroom are. Many prospective buyers won’t even enter your home to view it if your exterior and siding are old, damaged, or dated.

Modernizing and repairing your siding is also an effective way to broaden your potential market when selling. Although some people may look past a shabby and old-fashioned exterior, many others will just see a home that needs a lot of expensive work. Often, they’ll assume the interior is in a similar condition.

Many older homes were built before homeowners understood the benefits of effective insulation. These days, people are far more aware of the greater levels of comfort, the reduction of energy consumption, and the lower heating and cooling bills that good quality insulation provides.

Replacing your home’s siding is a great way to up your insulation’s efficiency and reduce the transfer of heat and cold from the interior to the exterior. Many modern siding materials have insulation incorporated into their design. If you’re using a material that doesn’t contain insulation, then your building contractor can add in a layer of insulation before fitting the siding.

The most important thing to look for with insulated siding panels or separate insulation materials is a high R-value. The R-value is a rating of how effectively a material can block heat transfer from one side to the other. The higher the R-value you achieve with your siding and insulation, the more effective your home will be in retaining warmth in winter and reflecting heat in summer.

As well as making your home look attractive, siding plays an important role in protecting your home. It’s your home’s equivalent of your skin on your body, and siding provides protection against external elements. If your siding is damaged, is poor quality, or isn’t securely attached, the structure of your home may become compromised.

Water damage is a major problem when siding isn’t doing its job properly. Water can wreak havoc on timber, plasterboard, and electrical wiring. This exposure can mean big problems with big repair bills. It’s cheaper and safer, in the long run, to replace the siding before it allows water or moisture to permeate and trouble.

Old or damaged siding can also be bad news for your home during storm season. Even a tiny crack or gap may allow the wind to peel siding away from the side of your home. This kind of damage can cause a domino effect, peeling many siding panels off. The panels can also become projectiles that could damage surrounding structures. Siding that has been securely and accurately fitted and is air-tight can prevent this issue from occurring.

The team at D.S. Bahr Construction Inc. has extensive experience with all manner of home remodeling and renovation projects including the supply and installation of new siding. Contact us to discuss the plans for your siding project and to find out what materials and styles will be the best option for your home.

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Prevent Bird-Related Roof and Gutter Damage

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 16:30:00 GMT

While you may enjoy watching birds from your kitchen window, it can be frustrating to see new nests crop up in your gutters or on your roof. Spring is the most likely time for pest birds to settle on your property, since the birds will likely be preparing to lay and hatch eggs.

Unfortunately, these new nests can leave your home permanently damaged. In this blog, we list some of the most common types of damage left in the wake of flocks and how you can prevent birds from nesting in the most vulnerable areas of your home.

Types of Roof and Gutter Damage Caused By Birds

When you think of pests that threaten your home’s exterior, you probably think of insects like termites first. However, birds, especially birds that live in large flocks and leave excessive droppings behind, can be some of the most destructive home pests.

Common types of bird damage to roofs and gutters specifically include:

In addition to these forms of damage, it’s important to handle any pest bird problems as soon as possible since many of these species carry diseases that can be contracted through any contact with their droppings. With certain species, like pigeons, the risk of illness remains even after the droppings dry.

Types of Seasonal Damage Prevention

As the weather warms up, it’s important to take steps to prevent birds from calling the top of your house their new home. If you live in an area where pest birds are a common issue, consider the following types of bird-infestation prevention.

Decoys

If you know which bird species frequent your area most, you may be able to use a decoy to keep the flock from settling on your roof. For some smaller species, decoys that look like owls, hawks, or other predatory birds work best. For other birds, putting false snakes on the edge of the roof may prove most effective.

If you employ a decoy, you may need to move it periodically to convince determined birds that the false threat is real.

Gutter Covers

Making your rooftop and gutter system inhospitable may encourage would-be pests to move on to the next house. Start by putting hardware cloth or specialized gutter covers over the troughs.

Noise Deterrents

If your home suffers damage from particularly persistent birds, a noise deterrent may make your home seem like a poor place to nest and raise young. Noise deterrents can be used on their own or in tandem with decoys.

While predatory bird calls can work, the best noise deterrents actually shouldn’t bother you or your guests at all. Systems designed to discourage nesting emit ultrasonic sounds that birds can hear but you can’t.

Proactive Repairs

Perhaps the most effective way to prevent bird-related damage is to maintain your roof and gutter system. Have your roof inspected annually to ensure that there are no loose shingles or other openings that may let birds nest under your roofing materials.

You should also keep your gutters clean so that they don’t offer as many nest-building materials for birds looking for a place to live.

If you have noticed bird-related roof or gutter damage, contact a home exterior contractor from D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. Often, advanced bird damage requires that sections of the affected roof or gutter be replaced to ensure the home has the drainage and protection it needs.

Our team can evaluate the damage to your home and determine whether a thorough cleaning will do the trick or whether you need more in-depth repair measures to restore your home.

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Hello Spring! Four Spring Maintenance Tasks To Protect Your Home Exterior All Year Long

Wed, 17 May 2017 21:39:00 GMT

Here are four essential exterior maintenance tasks to get you started.

Clean Your Gutters

Blocked gutters can cause water to accumulate on the roof, leading to leaks and damaged shingles. Since spring brings April showers, it’s essential that your gutters are clear. Luckily, cleaning them out is much simpler than you might assume. Just follow these steps:

When cleaning your gutters, if you notice an excess of shingle granules, this could be a sign that your roof is beginning to deteriorate and is in need of replacement.

Wash Your Window Exteriors

As debris accumulates on the outside of your windows, it can start running down your siding and leaving streaks, so it’s best to tackle this task before you clean your siding. If you have double-hung windows that tilt inward, allowing you to access the exterior of the window from the inside, then just give them all a wipe down with a good quality window cleaner.

If you cannot access the window exteriors from inside your home, then you need to climb up on a ladder and clean them from the outside. The safest and most effective way to clean windows from this position is to use a strip applicator to apply soapy water. (Standard dish soap works well.) Next, use a squeegee to remove the soapy water and wipe the glass clean after each stroke. This should leave your windows clean and streak-free.

Power Wash Your Siding

The longer you let dirt sit on your siding, the more “ground in” it will become. Remove dirt promptly, and you’ll avoid stains. Cleaning your siding in the spring also gives you the chance to inspect this part of your home for any cracks or loose pieces.

If you do spot damage, contact your siding contractor to have them replace and repair the damaged sections before water starts seeping behind the siding and causing further problems.

To power wash your siding, use a multi-purpose soap that states, on the label, that it is safe for siding. Add this soap to your power washer’s reservoir. Then, put the soap tip on your washer: this creates a wider stream to distribute the soap properly.

Spray your siding, being careful to direct the stream downward and to the side so you don’t force water beneath the siding panels. Start at the top, and work your way downward.

Once the first side of your home is covered in soap, remove the soap reservoir from the sprayer, and change the tip to a general use one. Rinse the siding clean, once again holding the sprayer at a downward angle and moving from top to bottom.

If your home is more than one story, you may need to stand on a ladder to reach the higher segments. Have someone hold the base of the ladder for safety.

Remove Debris From Your Roof

Throughout the fall and winter, leaves, sticks, and other debris tend to accumulate on your roof. When the springtime rain comes rolling in, this debris gets wet, exposing your shingles to continual moisture. This can accelerate shingle decay and even lead to leaks in an older roof.

To clean debris off your roof, wait for a dry, non-windy day and climb on a ladder. Use a long-handled broom to push any debris off your roof. Make sure you remove the waste completely—don’t let it accumulate in the gutters. While you’re clearing the roof, keep an eye out for signs of roof damage, such as:

If you dedicate a weekend to cleaning your siding, windows, gutters, and roof, your home exterior will look so much better. Plus, you’ll catch any damage early on before it causes bigger issues. If you suspect you may be in need of a new roof, gutters, or siding, contact us to request an estimate.

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A Minnesota Homeowner’s Guide to Ice Dams

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 22:47:00 GMT

Winter weather comes with many potential threats to the safety, warmth, and structural integrity of your home, from gale force winds to heavy snowfall. One of the most common cold weather hazards is the ice dam.

Ice dams are most likely to form when the temperature fluctuates. So while you may breathe a sigh of relief to have a break from Minnesota’s well below freezing temperatures for a few days, higher temperatures do not negate the risks to your home. Ice dams are especially common in the late winter and early spring when the weather may warm up and then drop below freezing again unexpectedly.

In this blog, we provide the information you need to protect your home from ice dams and the damage they cause.

How Ice Dams Form

As the name suggests, an ice dam consists of a large section of ice near the edge of a roof that effectively dams precipitation and runoff. Ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts but refreezes before it flows off of the roof. Often, the snow melts due to warm attic temperatures at the highest point of the roof and freezes as the water reaches the colder edge of the roof.

Higher attic temperatures can happen due to inadequate insulation or ventilation. When you have poor attic insulation, the heat from your home may rise right into and out of the attic, creating warm spots on the roof.

Poor attic ventilation, on the other hand, prevents heat from escaping the attic space, raising the temperature much higher than usual. This lack of air circulation can also create warm areas on the roof and melt snow.

Ice dams may build up over time in layers every time conditions are right for snow to melt on the upper roof and freeze near the edge.

Ice Dam Prevention

The only way to prevent ice dams is to ensure that rooftop temperatures never rise above 32°F when there’s snow on the roof. Take these steps to minimize the risk of an ice dam forming on your roof:

If your home has a history of ice dams, consult with a contractor during warmer weather to reduce the risk of future damage.

Signs of an Ice Dam

It’s important to identify existing ice dams as quickly as possible. Look for the following signs.

Hot Spots on the Roof

As mentioned in the first section, ice dams often form when the roof heats up in certain areas enough to melt the snow. These sections are called hot spots and they may be visible from the ground.

Assess your roof, preferably while temperatures are below freezing. If you notice large sections of clear roof, your home may be at risk for an ice dam.

Interior Leaks and Water Damage

One of the biggest dangers of ice dams is that they trap water where your roof is more vulnerable to leaks. If you have a large enough ice dam, you may start to notice water intrusion inside your home.

Look for dripping leaks from the ceiling, water seeping in around window and door frames, water damage in your attic, and stains where the outermost walls meet the ceiling.

Oversized or Misshapen Icicles

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that icicles on the eaves of their roofs indicate the presence of an ice dam. While icicles and ice dams can appear simultaneously, the two ice formations are not always related.

If your icicles are particularly large, are attached to your gutters rather than your roof, or are attached to an ice formation that looks like a wave flowing over the edge of the roof, you likely have an ice dam.

If you notice one or more of these signs, assume that your roof has some form of ice dam on it.

Ice Dam Remediation

When dealing with an ice dam, put your safety first. If you can easily access your roof and you have the necessary safety equipment, you can attempt to remove the dam by applying ice melt to the affected area.

If the ice dam does not respond to this treatment or you cannot confidently access your roof, schedule professional remediation instead. A professional may use heated air, steam, or industrial ice melt to remove the dam. The technician will ensure that water drains off of your roof appropriately during the process and that measures are put in place to reduce the risk of ice dam formation for the rest of the winter.

Use the guidelines below to ensure that your home stays cozy and warm until the last of the snow melts away.

If you notice that ice dams have damaged your roof or warped your gutters, trust D. S. Bahr Construction, Inc. for repair or replacement .

The post A Minnesota Homeowner’s Guide to Ice Dams appeared first on D.S. Bahr Constraction, Inc .

What Do You Know About the Benefits of Vinyl Siding?

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 17:58:00 GMT

The post What Do You Know About the Benefits of Vinyl Siding? appeared first on D.S. Bahr Constraction, Inc .

5 Tips to Protect Your Siding From Water Damage

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 18:05:00 GMT

Your siding has a primary purpose: to protect your home. When installed correctly, your siding will keep your home warm during the winter and stop mold and mildew from compromising your home’s structure. Additionally, quality siding will keep out pests and absorb the everyday bumps, knocks, and bangs that would otherwise tear through your building.

But while your siding acts as your home’s first defense against damage, siding also has a primary weakness: water. If rain, snow, or ice slip through the slats, the water could soften and warp the wood of your walls and ceilings. And since the siding covers your home’s exterior, you might not notice the damage until it requires drastic repairs.

Fortunately, you can help your siding perform its role more effectively through a few small tasks. The following steps in particular reduce the likelihood of water damaging your siding.

1. Trim Plants and Trees

A few well-placed shrubs and flowers can significantly improve your home’s overall appearance. With the right landscaping, you can boost your property’s resale value and create a more relaxing and inviting environment for your family.

But plants also trap a lot of rainwater on their branches, and they release water vapor through the small pores on their leaves. If your bushes sit too close to your home, the branches may brush up against the siding and allow water to creep into the cracks.

To ensure proper air flow and allow for drying, trim any branches so they rest several inches away from your building.

2. Adjust Sprinkler Heads

Your sprinklers save you a lot of time and hassle. They ensure your lawn and garden receive adequate water without dragging around a heavy hose.

But sprinklers only work as installed. If the original installer pointed the heads in the wrong direction, you can bet that your sprinklers will spray water over your driveway, into the sidewalk, or against the foundation. And if your sprinklers hit your house every morning, you can bet that the constant spray will find its way past your siding.

If needed, adjust any wayward sprinkler heads that point toward your home. If you have any flowers or shrubs against your home that the sprinklers can’t reach properly, consider watering them by hand or installing a drip system.

3. Clear Your Gutters

Your siding isn’t the only thing protecting your home from the elements. Your gutters and downspout collect rainwater and redirect it away from your siding and foundation.

Yet if you neglect your gutters, you can increase the likelihood of water damage on your siding. When leaves, branches, and other debris clog your gutters, the water will overflow and spill onto your home’s siding.

Ideally, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year, during the fall and spring seasons. If you have large trees that shed a lot of organic material, you may need to clear your gutters more frequently.

Don’t feel comfortable cleaning the gutters so often? Invest in a gutter guard that will allow water to flow freely but will keep out leaves and pests.

4. Promptly Remove Snow and Ice

In Minnesota, the Twin Cities and the surrounding cities see some of the coldest average temperatures in the US. In fact, the Twin Cities have an average of 12 inches of snow per month in January and December and another 9 to 10 inches of snow per month in February, March, and November.

When winter storms hit, you may feel tempted to scrape away just enough snow to escape your driveway or to avoid slip-and-fall accidents on your sidewalk. However, if you leave snow piled next to your home, that snow will eventually melt against your siding and into your foundation.

While you don’t have to obsessively clear your property of every last inch of snow, do your best during the colder months to keep snow away from your home. Remember to use gentle movements with the shovel, as scraping and pounding against ice may dent or crack your siding.

5. Insulate Your Attic

As you look for ways to protect your home’s exterior, you might not initially think about what you can do to your home’s interior. But your insulation can have a profound impact on how much snow collects on your roof, and in turn, that snowmelt affects your siding’s lifespan.

Ice dams form when your shingles warm enough to melt the under layer of snow on your roof. The water then trickles down between the snow and the shingles until it reaches the eaves of your home, and then the water refreezes. As the snow repeatedly melts and refreezes, the water eventually backs up underneath your shingles and drips behind your eaves and your siding. If the ice becomes heavy enough, it can break away from your roof and pull gutters, shingles, and siding along with it.

Insulation, fortunately, keeps temperature fluctuations in check. It stops the heat in your attic from escaping through the roof. If you see frequent ice dams, ask a professional to assess whether your attic needs additional insulation.

Talk to a Contractor About Damaged Siding

These five steps can keep moisture buildup in check and stop water damage before it starts. However, if your siding already seems worse for wear, you may need to replace it to ensure your home stays dry throughout the year.

Talk to a contractor a D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. about repairing or replacing your damaged or aging siding. We’ll gladly install fiber cement, vinyl, wood, or steel siding at your request.

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How to Protect Your Deck from These 6 Common Pests

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 18:40:00 GMT

You recently installed a deck, and you look forward to the barbecues, parties, and lazy summer evenings you’ll spend on it.

However, as you’ve added patio furniture and décor, you’ve noticed that your deck attracts more than just human occupants. Inse cts, rodents, and other pests seem to enjoy it too. And you worry that these pests may ruin your deck or make it dangerous or uncomf ortable to use.

Don’t surrender your deck to these creatures. Instead, identify the animal invader, call a pest control company for removal, and the n fortify your deck against further infiltrations. We’ll tell you more about this process below.

Identify the Pest

You’ll often find these common pests living on, in, or under your deck.

1. Termites

These insects look like smaller, lighter ants, and they all have wings. When they eat through wood, they create tubes about a pencil’s width across. They can cause significant structural damage because they will eat through all the materials in your deck. They can also tun nel through foam, plaster, and other materials to reach wood.

2. Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants look like smaller ants-but they grow much bigger. They come in red or black. Like termites, they also bore holes throu gh wood. They don’t eat the wood, but they do like to live in it, and they’ll soon make your deck look like Swiss cheese. You’ll also see sm all piles of sawdust and dead insects around your deck.

3. Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees don’t cause as much damage as carpenter ants or termites, but they do bore holes in your wood or composite deck . The holes will appear about a half inch in diameter, and they’ll look perfectly round. These bees bore into wood or wood-like materials to build their nests.

Even though carpenter bees don’t cause as much damage as other pests, they do create a stinging hazard, so you should remove t hem.

4. Powderpost Beetles

You won’t likely see these beetles until they fly around lights late at night. They appear reddish brown, with skinny, flat bodies that gr ow about a quarter inch long. They also leave sawdust behind, and they create pinhead-sized holes. These beetles will also undermine you r deck’s structural integrity.

5. Mice and Rats

Rodents like to live in or under decks as well. You’ll know you have mice or rats because you’ll see their small, grayish bodies darting a nd scurrying. They also leave small, black, pointed droppings behind. And because they have dirty fur, they create grease trails when the y rub against your home’s surfaces.

These rodents spell disaster for your deck because they chew on the materials and make them weaker. Mice and rats also carry disea ses that could endanger your family.

6. Raccoons, Opossums, and Skunks

These larger rodents cause even bigger problems because they tear through deck materials more quickly. They also carry some of t he same diseases that mice and rats do, and they will bite and scratch to defend themselves. So if you see cat-like creatures under your d eck, call a pest control expert for assistance.

Fortify Your Deck

Now that you know what kind of pest has invaded your deck, you can take steps to remove it and ensure it never returns. Just mak e sure you don’t eradicate the rodent or insect on your own. Ants and bees will attack if you try to spray them, and you may face legal p enalties if you accidentally kill rodents like opossums. Leave the pest removal to a professional.

Once you’ve removed the pest, you can take the following steps to protect your deck:

Your pest control or deck expert may also have some more tips for you. For example, if you have raccoons, you should use zip ties to seal your garbage cans. If raccoons can’t get to the food inside your garbage cans, they’ll leave your yard in favor of a location with b etter access to food sources.

If pests have damaged your deck, get a deck expert to repair and restore it. If you have further questions about keeping your deck comfortable, safe, and pristine, check out the rest of our blog .

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Parties, Pilates, and Campfires, Oh My: 3 Ways to Use Your Deck This Summer

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 20:02:00 GMT

You wake up, peek through your eyelids, and catch sight of a few rays of light. You quickly jump up, rush to the window, push it open, and are flooded with the fresh scent of summer. You hear birds chirping and your heart catches in your chest-your favorite season is finally here.

With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan for upcoming outdoor activities and events. Grab your bathing suit, some suntan lotion, and head to your deck so you can lounge away the day and plan three different ways you can use your outdoor space this summer season.

1. Host a Party

Summer provides the perfect opportunity to gather your friends, neighbors, and family together to celebrate the warmest season of the year. Follow these tips to host one of the most memorable outdoor parties on your deck.

Keep Stress Levels Low and Plan in Advance

Don’t wait until the last minute to start planning your party. Make several lists (guest list, shopping list, and to-do list), invite friends to get involved, and split up responsibilities to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Wow Guests with Creative Décor

To some guests, décor is as important as what’s on the dinner menu. Set the mood with the following backyard accessories:

Lanterns

String lights

Tiki torches

Plants and flowers

You can also add a little personality with artwork. Buy a few canvases and some paint at the craft store and invite your kids to let their creative juices flow onto a blank canvas.

Satisfy Taste Buds with Delicious Grub

It’s not a party without food. What’s on the menu? Consider the following:

Steaks

Tacos

Fish

Grilled pizza

Plan the menu well in advance so you can stock up on all the right ingredients before it’s time to party.

Quench Thirst with Unforgettable Drinks

If there’s one thing to splurge on, it’s drinks. Load your fridge with all sorts of beverages, including the following:

Soda

Juice

Alcohol

Keep your guests happy and the mood light with a Moscow Mule. This cocktail includes:

Ginger beer

Vodka

Lime

First, mix together two parts ginger beer with one part vodka. Add lime to taste.

Set the Mood with Music

Prevent awkward silences with music that will please the entire crowd. Create a playlist with the following songs:

“I Started a Joke” by the Bee Gees

“Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” by Roberta Flack

“Born Too Late” by Dent May

“Paris 1919” by John Cale

“You Do Something to Me” by Leo Reisman & His Orchestra

If you want music to dance along to at your party, browse through dance playlists on iTunes or Spotify so you can keep your guests entertained at your outdoor deck party.

2. Get in Shape

Summer is bathing suit season. Use your deck as an outdoor gym and stay in shape with a combination of the following exercises:

Yoga

Pilates

Barre

Zumba

If you don’t want to do exercises on your deck surface, invest in a yoga mat to avoid splinters.

3. Camp Out

If the great outdoors are calling your name, you can heed its call in the comfort of your own backyard. Use these tips to transform your deck into the perfect outdoor campground.

Create a Campout Atmosphere

First, clean your deck so you don’t have to worry about loose nails, loose floorboards, broken lights, or spider webs during your camping extravaganza. Once you’ve swept, mopped, and dusted, gather the following items:

Pillows

Blankets

Sleeping bags

Fire pit (small grill)

Set up the bedding away from the fire to ensure your family stays safe during your campout. Create a Campout Menu

Excite your kids with a menu full of campout essentials, including the following:

Hotdogs, buns, and condiments (mix it up with onions, barbeque sauce, jalapenos, and banana peppers) Corn on the cob (don’t forget the butter, salt, or pepper)

Tin foil dinners (stay full on meat, potatoes, onions, peppers, and any other vegetables)

S’mores (it’s not a campout without plenty of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers)

You can always add an extra layer of sweet delight to s’mores with a dab of caramel or peanut butter.

Create a Campout Game Plan

When it comes time to campout on the deck with your kids, throw away any notion of bedtime. Instead, stay up late and stay entertained with one-or all-of the following activities:

Star gazing Charades

Singing

Storytelling

Take time to create a campout game plan so you can create fun and lasting memories for your entire family.

Whether you want to host a party, get in shape, or camp out, your deck offers the perfect outdoor space for you to stay entertained all summer long. Use these tips to amp up your summer entertainment. If you want to give your deck a makeover before summer arrives, contact your local deck contractors today.

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How to Choose New Siding

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:25:00 GMT

Siding is one of the most important features of the exterior of your home. The siding on your home will protect your home from bad weather and determine your home’s curb appeal.

When it’s time to choose the siding for your home, you may feel overwhelmed about all of the options. Homeowners can choose between sidings made of brick, vinyl, cellular PVC, wood, stone, stucco, aluminum, ceramic tile, or stainless steel. Many homeowners struggle to decide which siding is best for their home.

Here are a few tips to help you choose appropriate siding for your home.

Determine Your Budget

When you install siding on your home, you often increase the value of your home. However, new siding can be expensive to install and maintain. Before you decide what type of siding you want for your home, determine what you can afford.

Budget carefully the amount of money you can afford to spend on siding as well as labor fees. Once you have determined your budget, you can then select a contractor and move forward with the installation process.

Consider the Climate

When you begin to look at siding options, consider the climate in your area. For instance, if you live in a sunny area, bright-toned siding will often be overemphasized by bright sunlight. On the other hand, homes in rainy areas may look dreary and bland if they have darker-toned siding. Choose a siding that will make your home look beautiful even amidst common weather patterns in your area.

Additionally, consider durable siding if you live in an area that commonly experiences snow or rain storms. You can avoid having to replace your siding when you consider the weather hazards in your area and plan accordingly.

Research Possible Materials

Homeowners can choose from a wide selection of siding materials. The types of siding vary by flexibility, durability, longevity, and customization. Some of the most popular siding materials include the following:

Although many of these siding materials come in a variety of colors, not all colors are available for every material. Make sure the color you want is available with your chosen material before you make a decision.

If you are unsure about which type of material is best for your home, contact us today. We can help answer any questions about different materials, and get your project started in the right direction. Feel free to fill our our form to the right for a free estimate, or call us today at 612-722-1448.

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Rooftops Revealed: 6 Iconic Rooftop Scenes in Movies

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 20:25:00 GMT

According to your average homeowner, a rooftop is there to protect you from the elements. But according to Hollywood, the rooftop is a place of action, suspense, romance, and even magic.

Consider how often rooftops are featured in movies from just about every genre. Let’s take a look at some of the films that give a rooftop a starring role.

1. “Mary Poppins” (1964)

“Mary Poppins” certainly features its fair share of thrilling musical moments. Perhaps the most thrilling is “Step in Time,” which takes place on the rooftops of London. Bert and his fellow chimney sweeps perform terrifying choreography, including jumping from roof to roof and dangling each other off the edge.

The action reaches a whole other level as the chimney sweeps dance on top of chimneys. While the dance steps are truly impressive, the scene just wouldn’t be the same without its stunning rooftop location.

2. “Fiddler on the Roof” (1971)

Along with serving as the movie’s namesake, the fiddler on the roof serves as the symbol of Tevye and his family. At the beginning of the movie, a

fiddler plays a beautiful, mournful tune from the rooftop, setting the mood for the rest of the story.

As we watch Tevye and his family deal with a variety of challenges-from poverty to displacement-we can’t help but think of the fiddler. Like Tevye’s family, the fiddler is precariously balanced on top of the roof, trying to play a pleasant tune without falling over the edge.

3. “Aladdin” (1992)

A rooftop both starts and ends the magical scene where Aladdin and Jasmine fly above Arabia on a magic carpet. Aladdin first greets Jasmine on her balcony, convincing her to join him on his magic carpet. As the ride comes to a close, they park the carpet on top of a roof and watch the fireworks.

As they fly over the rooftops, Aladdin and Jasmine are in a place high above the rest of the world. They can finally share their love, free from the obstacles of class differences and family disapproval.

4. “The Santa Clause” (1994)

With Santa Claus as the main character, audiences likely expected “ The Santa Clause” to feature dozens of rooftop scenes. But actually, the whole plot of the movie hinges on what happens on a rooftop.

At the beginning of the movie, divorced father Scott notices Santa on top of his roof. He calls out to Santa, causing Santa to slip and fall off the roof. With no Santa to deliver toys to the children, Scott is forced to climb to the rooftop and take his place.

5. “The Walk” (2015)

After high-wire artist Philippe Petit saw a picture of New York’s Twin Towers, he dreamed of walking a high wire between them. But it took years and a team of conspirators to achieve his dream. The climax of the movie finds Philippe and his friends on top of the towers, illegally rigging a high wire between the two buildings. The cinematography from the tower’s rooftop is enough to give moviegoers vertigo.

6. “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016)

When two of the world’s favorite superheroes collide, what better place for the epic battle than on a rooftop? The precarious rooftop scene adds a backdrop of danger and thrill to the fight. In this treacherous location, we come close to losing one of these beloved heroes.

Where would these memorable scenes be without their rooftop settings? High above the world, rooftops are one of the best locations to create a sense of danger, love, and wonder.

While your rooftop might not be fit for a movie scene, it should still look its best. If your roof is looking a little worse for wear, call a roofing expert from D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. to repair or replace it.

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4 Things New Homeowners Should Know About Their Roof

Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:32:00 GMT

When you buy a home for the first time, you may make a few maintenance mistakes and assumptions about your property in the initial weeks and months of ownership.

For example, you might install a fire detector in your kitchen, only to discover that the alarm sounds every time you cook dinner. Or you might assume that your neighbors will love your new fence color, only to find out that the local homeowners association has strict exterior paint guidelines.

While some mistakes are laughable, other mistakes can cost you a great deal to fix. Fortunately, you can avoid serious problems and save thousands of dollars when you understand the following principals regarding your roof.

1. Your Roof Doesn’t Last Forever

When carefully maintained, a quality home can last generations. Many homes across the country have lasted well over 100 years, and they can still meet the same safety standards and building codes as their modern counterparts.

But though your home as a whole can withstand a great deal, your average roof cannot. Asphalt roofs need replacing every 15 to 20 years, and cedar shakes last approximately 30 to 40 years if installed correctly. With both roof types, individual shingles will need immediate replacement if cracked, curled, or missing.

As you move into a new home, don’t forget to ask about important details such as your roof’s age and any recent repairs it may have undergone. If that information is unavailable, hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof for damage.

2. Your Gutters Need Cleaning

Your gutters play a key role in protecting against basement and crawlspace floods. As rainwater pours from your roof, the gutters collect and redirect the water away from the vulnerable places of your home. Eventually, the downspout and splashguard guide the water to a safe patch of ground, and then the water can soak into the soil.

However, gutters can also contribute to leaks when you fail to clean them. As dirt, leaves, and twigs collect in gutters, water can no longer flow freely down the run and to the downspout. In severe storms, the water pools beyond your gutter and seeps under your shingles.

If you have trees that overhang your roof, take the time to clean your gutters every few months. For new builds with minimal landscaping, inspect and clean your gutters on a semi-annual basis.

3. Leaks Aren’t Always Obvious Holes

When you picture a leaking roof, you may envision obvious holes in your attic or upper floors. During a storm, you may comically place buckets, pots, and pans underneath the holes to catch the dripping water.

Though many movies and TV shows would have you believe in this imagery, most roofs don’t give you such obvious signs of damage. On many occasions, rainwater will slip in around a missing nail or snake its way along the underlayment before soaking into your ceiling and insulation.

If you notice bubbling paint on the ceiling, wall discoloration, or mold in your attic, you could have a leak. Algae growth and curling shingles could also indicate excess moisture collection on your roof. To avoid severe water damage, keep your eyes open for these subtle signs, and don’t hesitate to call in a contractor if you suspect a problem.

4. You Should Leave the Repairs to the Professionals

You may feel comfortable performing a variety of home maintenance tasks on your own. With the right tools and a little research, you can teach yourself to caulk a sink, replace a washer hose, and clean your range hood filter. At a glance, a missing shingle or two may seem like an easy fix compared to your other past projects.

But though your confidence is commendable, leave the roofing repairs to the professionals. Without proper training, you could further damage your shingles when you walk on them. And without adequate safety equipment, you could slip and fall and suffer serious injury.

When you follow the advice above and regularly hire a contractor for help, you can ensure your roof stays in great shape for years to come.

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The Dos and Dont’s of Winter Maintenance for Wood Decks

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 22:04:00 GMT

Whether a contractor built your deck at the same time as your home or you created a custom deck during the last year, you must protect the space come winter. Without proper maintenance, the harsh Minnesotan winter could leave your deck faded, cracked, or even broken.

Luckily, you can take a few simple steps to ensure your deck stays beautiful and structurally sound in spite of any wind, snow, or sun the winter brings. Below, we outline some simple dos and don’ts to get you started.

DO Bring Your Plants Indoors

If you keep decorative planters or homegrown herbs on your deck, bring them inside your home or garage before the temperatures drop below freezing. This usually means you should move your plants in mid- to late-October.

Keeping your plants inside not only protects them from the cold, but it also decreases the amount of cleaning you must perform to prepare your deck for winter.

Even if you don’t expect your plants to live through the cold weather, move the planters. Heavy, bulky objects can limit your cleaning and give moisture a place to collect on your deck surface.

DO Clean Your Deck Before It Snows

Once you clear away your seasonal deck trappings, do some serious cleaning. Ideally, you should have your deck thoroughly cleaned and resealed (if you plan to refinish it this year) before any winter precipitation comes.

Start with the following tasks:

Sweep away any debris, like leaves or dust.

Wash the deck surface with water and mild soap or a specialized cleaning solvent. Look for any weaknesses in your railings and make repairs.

Before you apply a water-repellant finish, sand the surface gently. Sanding removes discoloration and allows the sealant to better penetrate the wood. Then, seal the deck according to the finish’s instructions.

DO Cover or Store Deck Furniture

When it comes to your deck furniture, you have two choices. Either cover each piece for the winter or store the furnishings elsewhere. Not only do these steps protect your furniture from the cold, but they also protect your deck from the furniture.

Metal furniture can become rusty in winter weather conditions and leave unattractive, difficult-to-remove stains on your deck. Wood furniture, on the other hand, may contract rot or harbor mold and mildew that can spread to your deck’s materials. And all deck furniture can help moisture accumulate in a single position, increasing the possibility of serious wear and tear.

If you choose to leave your furniture out, check that it has no existing issues. Then, place each piece of furniture on a tarp and cover its surface. Otherwise, remove the furniture before you expect the year’s first snowfall.

DO Maintain an Exit Path on the Deck

Even if you don’t plan to clear your deck’s entire surface once it begins to snow, you must create a pathway from your back door to the stairs. If you can, make sure the path appears near the railing for the majority of its length.

This path provides access to your backyard throughout the winter, but it also gives you and your family an alternative route out of the house in the case of an emergency.

DON’T Clear Snow with a Metal Shovel

While the wood of your deck can withstand a lot of weight and wear, it doesn’t have much of a defense against sharp metal surfaces. If you use a metal snow shovel, you run the risk of scratching your deck or even removing the finish you painstakingly applied before the snow fell.

Instead, invest in a heavy-duty plastic snow shovel that can get the job done without damaging your deck.

DON’T Let Moisture Stand on the Deck

As you’ve probably guessed based on the previous tips, moisture represents your biggest winter concern. Snow that stays on top of your deck’s finish won’t cause much damage. But standing water, ice, or snowmelt that seeps into the wood can result in warped and discolored wood.

Watch for any excess moisture and remove it immediately.

DON’T Use Salt to Prevent Ice

If you’ve lived in Minnesota long, you know how important de-icing smooth surfaces is during the winter. You may even have a bag of rock salt waiting the garage for this purpose. But don’t put any of that salt on your deck.

Salt’s properties create pitting and drying on wood that can weaken your deck. Opt for a salt-free de-icing agent instead.

If you have questions about your yard or deck specifically, reach out to a decking expert. Talk to a materials supplier, decking contractor, or home improvement specialist about what other steps you can take this winter to keep your deck strong.

Begin performing the preliminary maintenance steps on this list now so that by the time the first snow falls, you and your deck will be prepared to outlast the long winter.

For more information on caring for your home’s deck, roof, and exterior year round, read our other blog posts .

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How Roof Color Affects Your Home

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 21:59:00 GMT

As you drive through your neighborhood, you may not pay much attention to roof color. You know your own home has dark brown shingles, but you couldn’t name the colors that top your neighbor’s homes with the same confidence.

Roof color tends to blend into the background and earn very little of our attention. But did you know your home’s roof color affects your home? Read below to learn how.

How Roof Color Reflects or Absorbs Heat

Before you learn anything else about roof color, take away this fact: roof color affects your home’s internal temperature. In general, lighter-colored roofs reflect away heat rays from the sun, but dark-colored roofs absorb much of that heat and transfer it into the rooms below.

Or course, color isn’t the only aspect of your roof that affects home temperature. The roofing material also affects how reflective your roof is. For example, asphalt shingles are less reflective than metal or rubber roofing materials. This quality means even tan asphalt shingles may welcome more heat into your home than a dark brown metal roof.

But back to roof color. How does your roof color affect the temperature of your home? If you have a light roof, your home absorbs less heat through the roof during summertime. As a result, your air conditioner operates more efficiently, uses less energy, and leads to lower utility bills.

In contrast, a dark roof likely raises the temperature inside your home’s highest rooms. Your cooling system works harder to compensate for the extra heat, and your bills slowly rise.

But during the winter, the opposite conditions hold true. A dark roof brings in more desired heat from the sun than a light roof. This feature makes dark roofs advantageous in colder climates with long winters and short summers. Now, let’s consider how one other factor affects the equation: snow.

How Roof Color Affects Snow Melt

Because dark roofs absorb more heat, they have a reputation for helping snow melt. This notion is another reason dark roofs remain popular in northern areas like the Twin Cities. But do dark roofs really help snow melt away? Probably not as much as you think.

First, consider that northern cities have fewer sunny daylight hours during the cold winter months. And less sunlight exposure means fewer beams beating down on a roof and less time for the roof to absorb that heat.

Next, remember that even black roofs may not actually appear dark during the winter-because they’re covered in snow. The white powder actually reflects away much of the sunlight, so the dark roof underneath cannot absorb heat and melt the snow.

Dark roofs may have a small snow melt effect but not a sizeable one. Similarly, if your roof experiences winter problems like ice dams, your roof color probably isn’t the primary culprit. More likely, insufficient attic insulation and poor roof ventilation create the problem. Ask a roofing specialist to evaluate your roof and recommend solutions.

Which Is Better: Light Roofs or Dark Roofs?

Based on what you’ve learned so far, you may think light roofs are the clear winner. If dark roofs don’t warm your house or melt snow during the winter, should you just switch to a light-colored roof to lower summer cooling costs? Perhaps.

Energy.gov recommends lighter-colored roofs for houses in warm and hot climates. But they note that light roofs may increase energy costs in cooler climates.

To understand why, think about how a dark roof affects a home during spring and fall. The sun shines hours every day, and your roof isn’t yet blanketed with snow. Outside temperatures are cooler than summer, too, so you probably want a little extra heat inside to stay warm at night. A dark roof brings some of that desired warmth indoors naturally, allowing you to run your furnace or boiler at a lower setting.

As you may have guessed, there’s no straightforward answer to which is better, light roofs or dark roofs. Ultimately, the best roof color for your home is the color you like best. You don’t have to say goodbye to your dark roof unless you want to reduce your summer cooling bills. Plus, advances in roofing materials and color selection mean you can likely find a color your like in a roofing material that suits your home’s climate.

Although light-colored roofs have definite advantages, your best bet is to consult local roofing specialists. They can recommend the best roof colors if you want to switch, and they know reliable solutions to enhance energy efficiency or prevent ice dams if you like your current roof color.

As you consider changing roof color or material, keep your homeowner’s association restrictions in mind. Some neighborhoods have rules stating which colors or materials you can use on your roof. Check with your HOA president before making any final decisions about roof changes.

For more information on what roof would be best for your home give us call at 612-722-1448 or view our Roofing Page . You can also fill out our Free Estimate Form here.

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10 Accessories Every Deck Needs

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:17:00 GMT

You have just built or purchased a deck so you could host all kinds of gatherings on it. Maybe you have neighborhood barbecues in mind, or perhaps you want your deck to act as an outdoor tea parlor for your book club meetings. In any case, you’ve finished the hardest part of the process. Now you have to brainstorm ways to decorate and accessorize your deck.

Below, you’ll find a list of both practical and fun accessories that every deck needs. With these items in your outdoor space, you’ll wow guests no matter what kind of gathering you choose to host.

The party shouldn’t stop as soon as the sun goes down. Additionally, if you like more intimate gatherings, the night tends to make people more open to sharing personal stories and making valuable memories. And your porch lights won’t quite cut it.

So, use solar LED outdoor lights to illuminate your deck instead. These lights charge during the day with the sun’s free, clean energy, and they store that power so they can brighten your deck for hours after dark. Adjust the number of lights as needed to create just the right atmosphere.

You can’t call your deck’s ambiance complete until you add outdoor speakers. These speakers can withstand any kind of weather, and modern options give you exceptional sound quality. So if you need music for one of your parties or book club meetings, make sure you have outdoor speakers installed around your deck.

Mobile phones have become an essential just like wallets and keys. So don’t make your visitors charge their devices inside when you have long gatherings. Rather, install furniture or docks with solar panels so your guests can power their devices outside. You won’t just give your friends a convenient way to keep their phones from dying-you’ll also include an accessory that’ll impress anyone who sees it.

Of course, you can’t have a deck or patio without a grill. Choose the size and features that best fit your needs. Then consider purchasing a smokehouse to complement it. These appliances function somewhat like ovens, so you’ll have multiple ways to prepare meals for your barbecues and picnics.

Perhaps you prefer to roast marshmallows instead of grill steak. Or perhaps you want to give your deck a focal point that inspires visitors to cuddle. Either way, you’ll get exactly what you want with a fire pit or outdoor fire place. Build these features into your deck or keep them free standing as your style preferences dictate.

Fire pits tend to have wider diameters to allow for cooking, while fireplaces tend to have taller constructions to encourage flame height. Keep these differences in mind as you make your choice.

Smoke can sometimes keep mosquitoes and wasps at bay, but why not opt for a more thorough and efficient option like an insect zapper? This device emits bright light that attracts insects to it. Once an insect touches the light, the zapper creates an electrical shock that kills the bug instantly. As a result, insects won’t bother you or your guests, making for a more pleasant gathering.

Position one zapper near your deck’s center, or install several for more comprehensive protection.

You can’t forget outdoor furniture when you accessorize your deck. Decide whether you prefer a dining table and chairs or a full outdoor living room set. You’ll need the dining option if you plan to host a lot of barbecues or if you want to eat your breakfast outside every morning. But choose the living room set if you would rather host book clubs, tea parties, and other smaller gatherings.

After you choose your furniture, choose outside-friendly pillows and rugs to complete the look. Rugs give visitors a safe place to put their bare feet, while pillows simply make your furniture more comfortable. Both accessories also add a pop of color to your outdoor entertaining area.

You don’t want rain to ruin your parties. Nor do you want anyone to develop a sunburn. An umbrella solves both of those problems. Find one large enough that it shades all of your outdoor furniture. Make sure the umbrella matches your pillows and rugs as well.

Finally, you can let your imagination run wild with decorative touches like hanging lanterns, fairy lights, ribbons and banners, potted plants, abstract art, and more. Just make sure you don’t overcrowd your deck because visitors will think it looks tacky.

With the tips above, you can accessorize your deck in the best way possible. For more tips on beautifying and maintaining your home’s exterior features, check out the rest of our blog.

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The Beginner’s Guide to Roof Replacement

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 17:21:00 GMT

Your home’s roof has served you well for many years. Whether you have a wood, rubber, asphalt, or metal roof, it has protected your family from wind, rain, sleet, and snow. Your roof also enhances your home’s appearance and aesthetic value-it’s one of the first things you notice from the street, and you’ve always enjoyed the way your roof’s color complements your home’s exterior.

However, if you’ve lived under the same roof for many years, you might start to notice some problems. Your roof might leak in adverse weather, or maybe the initially vibrant colors have faded with time.

If you’ve never replaced a roof before, you may not know whether to replace or repair-but don’t worry. In our blog below, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Should I Replace My Roof, or Repair It?

Replacing your roof is a costly, but occasionally necessary, venture. However, depending on your roof’s condition and age, sometimes a thorough repair job will suffice. If you think your roof might need replacing, ask yourself the following questions:

How Old Is My Roof?

Even the best roofs will often wear down after 20-25 years. If you notice any of the warning signs listed below and have an older roof, chances are you’ll do better with a complete replacement instead of a repair. On the other hand, if your roof is 15 years old or younger, you can benefit from a repair in most cases.

How Do My Shingles Look?

If a few shingles blow off your roof in a storm, you don’t need to fret about a total replacement-in general, you can simply replace the shingles to restore your roof’s function. However, if you see curled, buckling, or cracked shingles, they could have reached the end of their life expectancy.

Can I See Water Stains or Mold?

A leak doesn’t necessarily mean you need a replacement. Depending on your roof’s age and the leak’s severity, you might be able to contain the damage. However, if you see moss or mold growing on your roof or inside the attic, call in the experts for an evaluation.

How High Are My Energy Bills?

If you’ve noticed your energy bills creeping higher and higher over the last few years, poor ventilation in your attic could have caused the problem. Replacing your roof will certainly cost more upfront, but a more energy-efficient system will help you retain lost energy. This strategy can lower your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.

What Material Should I Choose for a New Roof?

Once you decide to get a new roof, you need to choose a material to work with. Thanks to advancing technology, you have several options, each with its own pros and cons. Most materials can work for most homes. Talk to your contractor about which material meets your budget and style. Make sure you choose something that will still last for several decades.

Asphalt

The vast majority of today’s homeowners choose asphalt shingles for their roofs, primarily because asphalt is both inexpensive and versatile. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles and can match any house.

However, asphalt isn’t as eco-friendly as some other roofing options. And with this solution’s 20-year lifespan, it don’t last quite as long either.

Metal

Metal roofs last for several decades-even as long as your house itself. They also require minimal maintenance since they resist mold, fire, wind, and pests. However, metal roofs tend to cost more than some types of roofs, especially asphalt roofs.

Rubber

Like metal roofs, rubber roofs can last an exceptionally long time. They’re also fairly lightweight and simple to install, which lowers their cost, though the material itself still has a higher price than asphalt.

Wood

Many homeowners choose wood shingles or shakes because of their distinctive, unique style. No two wood roofs look the same, and wood gives any home a classical, beautiful look.

Wood roofs general need more maintenance than other roofs because of their propensity to rot and mold, especially in more humid climates. However, with the right maintenance and repairs, wood roofs can still last between 20 and 25 years.

How Should I Prepare for a New Roof?

Once you’ve decided on a new roof, prepare your household for the change. Follow these steps to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible:

Clear the area around your house’s perimeter. You don’t want falling shingles or other materials to damage your plants, decorations, cars, furniture, or other items.

Constant hammering can make your walls shake. Take down any fragile items like mirrors or pictures that could rattle off the walls.

If possible, park your car in the garage or on the street to give your contractors better access to your roof.

Bear in mind that during the installation, you’ll endure constant hammering and loud noises for a day or two. If you feel sensitive to noise, you might want to spend the mornings and afternoons away from the house.

At the end of the process, you should have a beautiful new roof that will last for years to come.

If you have further questions about a new roof installation, talk to your local home improvement company. They’ll give you advice specific to your home, situation, and budget.

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Top 7 Most Wanted: Your Roof’s Worst Enemies

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 17:47:00 GMT

Your roof does its best to defend you, your family, and your property from a variety of threats. However, some attackers can overwhelm your roof’s defenses, causing a great deal of damage to its shingles, flashing, and fascia. If left unchecked, the following culprits will dramatically decrease your roof’s lifespan, resulting in expensive repairs.

However, if you know what to look for, you can protect your roof and keep these threats at bay.

Minnesota has over seven species of woodpecker, and many of these species have adapted to living around people. While these birds look beautiful, they can wreak havoc on your roof. Their sharp peaks can poke holes under the eaves, allowing water and condensation to penetrate the wood.

Bats can also squeeze into the smallest spaces in roofs and walls. Though they do not chew on the building, their waste and urine can ruin insulation and soak through the sheet rock.

While a pest control company can help you take steps to remove these critters, you’ll need a qualified contractor to replace missing shingles and fill in gaps to prevent future infestations.

That Red Oak may look stunning next to your white trim, but those overhanging branches threaten your roof in multiple ways:

The branches rub against your roof, degrading the material and removing the granules from the asphalt shingles.

The fallen leaves lead to clogged gutters and ponding water (two other enemies on our list).

The broken branches can crash through your roof, snapping supporting beams along the way.

You can protect your roof from overhanging branches by keeping your trees trim. Although you want to keep branches as far away from your roof as possible, aim to have at least three to six feet of clearance between your tree and your roof.

Your roof’s pitch works alongside your gutters to channel water away from your home. But if your gutters clog, the water pools on your roof and overflows into more vulnerable areas. This can lead to flooding around the foundation, rot in your siding and sheathing, and mold growth in your attic.

Depending on the types of trees and number of trees you have on your property, you should clean your gutters multiple times each year.

Venting and insulation protect your roof from constant changes in temperature. During the summer, they keep your roof cool, and during the winter, they keep your roof warm.

Without adequate ventilation, your roof’s temperature will skyrocket, putting excess strain on your shingles. This often leads to curling, shrinking, and bubbling, so your shingles won’t last long.

Without enough insulation, the temperature in your roof can also intensify the melt-freeze cycle of snow on your roof. This can lead to dangerous ice dams that build up along the eaves. Over time, dams can tear away gutters and loosen shingles.

If your home is older than 20 years or has loose-fill insulation that has compacted over time, have a professional install blown-in insulation to ensure your roof stays in great shape.

Even if you keep your gutters clear of leaves and your rooftop free of ice, your roof may still be vulnerable to ponding water, or puddles of water that remain for at least 48 hours. Sagging beams and poor design create pockets where water can collect, and these pockets create the perfect environment for mold growth and algae buildup.

If you notice pools of water on your roof that don’t drain properly, have a contractor inspect your roof’s design. It might have poorly placed drainage, or the structure may have settled over the years. Depending on the reason behind the ponding, you may need to have additional drains installed or your roofing membrane replaced.

Although the sunshine may feel good when you want to work on your tan, it doesn’t do your roof any favors. UV light dries out your roof’s surface, making your shingles brittle and prone to cracking.

Additionally, the sun can heat your roof to over 160 degrees Fahrenheit, only to have the temperature drop to 90 degrees during the night. This temperature fluctuation causes your roof to expand and contract dramatically, putting extra stress on flashing and fasteners.

If you worry about sun exposure, consider having a professional apply roof coating, or cool roof system, to your home. This coating acts much like a sun block, reflecting the heat away from the building.

Sometimes roofing companies cut corners when making repairs or replacing missing shingles. Maybe a worker ran out of nails and used too few to hold the shingles in place. Or a lax employee failed to secure the flashing around your pipes, chimney, and valleys. Although most homeowners can’t easily spot these installation issues immediately, they’ll certainly notice that their roof continues to leak a few months after the repairs.

That’s why you need a contractor you can trust to install or replace your roof. Look for a company that stresses quality workmanship and has provided reliable service for several years. With the right contractor, these seven common problems will no longer threaten your home.

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The Essential Roofing, Siding, & Decking Spring Cleaning Checklist

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 17:42:00 GMT

Spring has officially arrived in Minnesota, which means warm summer weather and blissful sunny days are just around the corner. After a long, harsh winter, you’re probably more than ready to head outside to enjoy barbecues, parties, and relaxing days on the porch.

But before you can really enjoy those barbecues or relax in your yard, you need to do some spring cleaning around your house. Just like the inside of your house needs refreshing this time of year, your home’s exterior demands some attention, too.

Your roof, siding, and deck withstood several months of harsh ice storms, violent winds, and heavy snowfall. As a result, they might have accumulated debris or developed cracks. You don’t want debris or cracks to compromise your home and affects its value, so we put together the following outdoor spring cleaning checklist to help you out.

Roofing

Your roof takes a beating during the winter. Extreme temperature fluctuations cause your shingles to expand and contract, leading to permanent damage. Heavy snowfall often creates ice dams, which then seep through your roof and warp your home’s frame.

Because your roof plays such an important role in your home, you’ll need carefully inspect and clean it once winter weather subsides.

1. Sweep Debris from Your Roof

Chances are good that leaves, sticks, and other debris accumulated on your roof during the winter. Because this debris provides a perfect breeding ground for mold, you’ll want to remove this debris as soon as the weather permits. Simply sweep it from your roof with a broom.

2. Clean Your Gutters

You may not think of your gutters as part of your roof, but they play a vital role in your roof’s well-being. Clogs cause water to back up onto your roof, which could lead to severe leaks and even foundation damage. Use a leaf blower or broom to clear leaves and debris from your gutters.

3. Inspect Your Shingles

If you have asphalt shingles, look for dark, wet areas. This indicates cracks in the shingles, as well as a potential leak. If you have cedar shakes or wood shingles, look for curled, split, or broken pieces. If you have a slate roof, look for black areas. Dark areas indicate missing slate.

If you find damaged or missing shingles, replace them right away. If you don’t feel comfortable replacing them yourself, contact a roofing or construction company in your area as soon as possible. The longer you wait to replace your shingles, the more likely your roof will sustain additional damage.

4. Look for Additional Wear

Even if your shingles look intact, your roof might have suffered damage during the winter. Inspect your roof for areas of heavy wear, especially near valleys next to the gutters. You should also pay close attention to areas near chimneys and vent pipes, as materials in these areas are more prone to damage.

5. Remove Mold

If you detect mold in your gutters or under your shingles, you’ll need to remove it right away. First, mix equal parts bleach and warm water in a bucket. Dip a sponge or towel into the solution, then scrub the mold from your shingles.

Siding

Whether you have wood, brick, or vinyl siding, your home’s siding will benefit from regular cleanings. Not only do cleanings help keep your home looking great, they also prolong your siding’s life, ultimately saving you money.

Use the following method to clean any type of siding.

1. Mix Your Cleaning Solution

A mixture of water and trisodium phosphate (TSP) is the safest cleaning solution to use on your siding. For best results, combine Â½ cup TSP with one gallon of water. You can buy TSP at most hardware and grocery stores.

2. Divide Your Siding into Small Sections

The thought of cleaning all your home’s exterior walls might be overwhelming. Make the project more manageable by dividing your siding into small sections that are no bigger than nine square feet.

3. Scrub Your Siding

Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub your siding. After you dip the brush into your cleaning solution, scrub small areas and rinse often. To avoid streaks, scrub from the bottom of your siding and work up.

Decking

You love your deck. It provides the perfect space to relax and read a book, as well as host family get-togethers and neighborhood barbecues. Because you use your deck so much during the summer, it needs to be in tip-top shape.

Here are a few tips to spring clean your deck and everything on it.

Use a pressure washer to blast dirt and grime from your deck’s surface. If you don’t have a pressure washer, a garden hose will also do the trick. Just be sure to clear all furniture from your deck before you soak it down.

Blast dirt and grime from your non-fabric patio furniture with a garden hose. This includes patio umbrellas and picnic tables.

Clean fabric-containing patio furniture. Start by vacuuming debris from its surface, then scrub caked-on dirt away using a mild detergent. We recommend a mixture of Â¾ cup bleach, 1 tablespoon laundry detergent, and one gallon of water.

Outdoor spring cleaning doesn’t have to be time consuming or difficult. Use these tips to make cleaning your roof, siding, deck, and gutters a breeze this spring.

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When, Why, and How to Maintain Your Gutters

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 16:11:00 GMT

You know your roof needs regular maintenance. After winter or after a heavy storm, you check your shingles to find signs of warping, bending, breakage, and more. If you find any problems, you fix or replace the offending shingle so your roof can stay dry and strong for the rest of the year.

However, if you want to keep your home sturdy and beautiful, you have to go beyond your roof when you perform exterior maintenance. You have to give your gutters a little TLC as well. You may not think of these troughs as important features-after all, they only direct water away from your home-but they play a more vital role than you realize.

We’ll tell you more about how your gutters work, why you should maintain them, and when and how to do so below.

Why Your Gutters Need Cleaning

If your home didn’t have gutters, where would all the water on your roof go after a storm? It would drip off the eaves and into the ground below. This might not seem like a big deal-won’t the water quickly evaporate anyway?

However, if you experience days or weeks of rainstorms without a lot of sun, that water would pool around your home’s foundation and seep into your window wells. Eventually, erosion or pressure would cause a leak. That leak wouldn’t just undermine your home’s structural integrity either. If it becomes large enough, it could flood your basement or crawlspace and destroy everything stored there.

So, as you can see, your gutters perform a critically important function in your home. However, they can’t do their job correctly if they fill with leaves and other debris. The debris clogs the drain, which means your gutters overflow with water. During warmer months, this overflow could lead to flooding as outlined above. During the winter, the clog could lead to ice dams that damage your roof.

When to Clean Your Gutters

You can easily prevent the problems illustrated above by keeping your gutters debris free. But how do you know when these features need cleaning? You probably don’t have the time to climb a ladder every weekend to check on them, and you might not want to risk your safety that frequently.

Luckily, you don’t have to examine your gutters that often, and you don’t have to do this chore yourself. You can have a professional do it for you. Call your gutter experts on any of the following occasions:

The beginning of spring after the snow melts off your roof:

The snow may have eroded particulates off your roof or pulled last year’s leaves into your gutters. Have your professionals give them a thorough spring cleaning.

The beginning of fall:

Your trees start dropping leaves like crazy in September, so you should clear your gutters before the rains and snows hit. Leaves prove less difficult to remove when dry. And if lots of leaves continue to fall, have your maintenance crew come back once a week to keep your gutters clear.

Any other time of year when the debris in your gutter becomes visible:

A couple leaves won’t cause a catastrophe. But if so many items fill your gutter that they become visible from the ground, schedule a cleaning with your preferred professionals.

Follow a similar timetable if you plan to maintain your gutters on your own. Just make sure you have a sturdy ladder and the proper safety equipment, including heavy boots, gloves, and a hard hat.

How to Clean and Repair Your Gutters

Again, you don’t have to clean or maintain your gutters by yourself. You can have a professional do it for you. But if you feel confident about your abilities and you have the proper safety equipment, you can do this chore yourself by following these steps:

Put on your safety equipment.

Consider wearing a dust mask if you have particularly full gutters. Gutters often contain spores, dust, and other debris that could make breathing uncomfortable.

Find a buddy to spot you.

You’ll need someone nearby to steady the ladder while you work. You’ll also need a person to call

to for help in case you fall or otherwise injure yourself.

Use your gloved hands to clear the loose debris like leaves, sports equipment, etc.

Then use a garden trowel to remove dirt and other contaminants.

Spray the gutter clean with the hose.

Leave the roof and dispose of the leaves and other debris.

You can also do simple repairs, like screwing your gutters onto your roof when they come loose. But if your gutters require extensive repairs, you might want to consider calling a professional to replace them.

When to Replace Your Gutters

If, when you or your professionals inspect your gutters, you notice significant rust, wear, corrosion, holes, or cracking, you should probably replace these features instead of repairing them. You need functioning gutters to keep your home safe. So if they can’t do their job anymore, have a professional replace them. Newer models resist clogging and wear better than their older counterparts anyway.

Whether you prefer DIY projects or professional assistance, use the tips to keep your gutters operational. In turn, they’ll keep your home strong and attractive for years to come.

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How to Protect Your Deck from These 6 Common Pests

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 15:57:00 GMT

You recently installed a deck , and you look forward to the barbecues, parties, and lazy summer evenings you’ll spend on it.

However, as you’ve added patio furniture and decor, you’ve noticed that your deck attracts more than just human occupants. Insects, rodents, and other pests seem to enjoy it too. And you worry that these pests may ruin your deck or make it dangerous or uncomfortable to use.

Don’t surrender your deck to these creatures. Instead, identify the animal invader, call a pest control company for removal, and then fortify your deck against further infiltrations. We’ll tell you more about this process below.

Identify the Pest

You’ll often find these common pests living on, in, or under your deck.

1. Termites

These insects look like smaller, lighter ants, and they all have wings. When they eat through wood, they create tubes about a pencil’s width across. They can cause significant structural damage because they will eat through all the materials in your deck. They can also tunnel through foam, plaster, and other materials to reach wood.

2. Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants look like smaller ants-but they grow much bigger. They come in red or black. Like termites, they also bore holes through wood. They don’t eat the wood, but they do like to live in it, and they’ll soon make your deck look like Swiss cheese. You’ll also see small piles of sawdust and dead insects around your deck.

3. Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees don’t cause as much damage as carpenter ants or termites, but they do bore holes in your wood or composite deck. The holes will appear about a half inch in diameter, and they’ll look perfectly round. These bees bore into wood or wood-like materials to build their nests.

Even though carpenter bees don’t cause as much damage as other pests, they do create a stinging hazard, so you should remove them.

4. Powderpost Beetles

You won’t likely see these beetles until they fly around lights late at night. They appear reddish brown, with skinny, flat bodies that grow about a quarter inch long. They also leave sawdust behind, and they create pinhead-sized holes. These beetles will also undermine your deck’s structural integrity.

5. Mice and Rats

Rodents like to live in or under decks as well. You’ll know you have mice or rats because you’ll see their small, grayish bodies darting and scurrying. They also leave small, black, pointed droppings behind. And because they have dirty fur, they create grease trails when they rub against your home’s surfaces.

These rodents spell disaster for your deck because they chew on the materials and make them weaker. Mice and rats also carry diseases that could endanger your family.

6. Raccoons, Opossums, and Skunks

These larger rodents cause even bigger problems because they tear through deck materials more quickly. They also carry some of the same diseases that mice and rats do, and they will bite and scratch to defend themselves. So if you see cat-like creatures under your deck, call a pest control expert for assistance.

Fortify Your Deck

Now that you know what kind of pest has invaded your deck, you can take steps to remove it and ensure it never returns. Just make sure you don’t eradicate the rodent or insect on your own. Ants and bees will attack if you try to spray them, and you may face legal penalties if you accidentally kill rodents like opossums. Leave the pest removal to a professional.

Once you’ve removed the pest, you can take the following steps to protect your deck:

If you have a wood deck, seal it with a new protective coat, and add a new layer of paint. A well-maintained deck attracts fewer pests than a poorly maintained one.

Trim all plants away from your deck so pests have nowhere to hide.

Remove any standing water around your deck. Your pests need water to survive, and if they can’t access it, then they won’t want to make a home under your deck.

Cover the gap between the deck and the ground with a mesh screen. This screen deters rodent pests. You can also seal the gap with concrete or plywood if you want a more thorough deterrent. Put yellow bug lights around the deck to keep insect and spider pests away.

If pests have damaged your deck, get a deck expert to repair and restore it. If you have further questions about keeping your deck comfortable, safe, and pristine, check out the rest of our blog .

The post How to Protect Your Deck from These 6 Common Pests appeared first on D.S. Bahr Constraction, Inc .

Parties, Pilates, and Campfires, Oh My: 3 Ways to Use Your Deck This Summer

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 19:17:00 GMT

1. Host a Party

Keep Stress Levels Low and Plan in Advance

Wow Guests with Creative Décor

To some guests, décor is as important as what’s on the dinner menu. Set the mood with the following backyard accessories:

You can also add a little personality with artwork. Buy a few canvases and some paint at the craft store and invite your kids to let their creative juices flow onto a blank canvas.

Satisfy Taste Buds with Delicious Grub

It’s not a party without food. What’s on the menu? Consider the following:

Plan the menu well in advance so you can stock up on all the right ingredients before it’s time to party.

Quench Thirst with Unforgettable Drinks

If there’s one thing to splurge on, it’s drinks. Load your fridge with all sorts of beverages, including the following:

Keep your guests happy and the mood light with a Moscow Mule. This cocktail includes:

First, mix together two parts ginger beer with one part vodka. Add lime to taste.

Set the Mood with Music

Prevent awkward silences with music that will please the entire crowd. Create a playlist with the following songs:

If you want music to dance along to at your party, browse through dance playlists on iTunes or Spotify so you can keep your guests entertained at your outdoor deck party.

2. Get in Shape

Summer is bathing suit season. Use your deck as an outdoor gym and stay in shape with a combination of the following exercises:

If you don’t want to do exercises on your deck surface, invest in a yoga mat to avoid splinters.

3. Camp Out

If the great outdoors are calling your name, you can heed its call in the comfort of your own backyard. Use these tips to transform your deck into the perfect outdoor campground.

Create a Campout Atmosphere

Set up the bedding away from the fire to ensure your family stays safe during your campout.

Create a Campout Menu

Excite your kids with a menu full of campout essentials, including the following:

You can always add an extra layer of sweet delight to s’mores with a dab of caramel or peanut butter.

Create a Campout Game Plan

When it comes time to campout on the deck with your kids, throw away any notion of bedtime. Instead, stay up late and stay entertained with one-or all-of the following activities:

Take time to create a campout game plan so you can create fun and lasting memories for your entire family.

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