Roof Leaking?

Do you think you have a roof leak? The source of most roof leaks is quite hard to find because it originates away from where the leak shows up. In order to find the source of a leak, follow a roofer’s advice and “think like water.”

Water typically comes in through worn, broken, or missing shingles; where nails have worked loose; or through corroded or poorly sealed roof flashing around vents, skylights, or chimneys or along the intersections of roof planes.

Do you see water stains that extend across your ceilings or run down walls? If so, the cause is probably a roof leak. Fred Oakley Construction has experience in roof leaks and can help find the culprit in your house!

It is important to remember minor leaks can cause major damage!

If you have a roof leak, you need to fix it or have it fix ASAP! No matter if it's "bothering" you or not, it needs to be fixed! Even over a short time, small leaks can lead to big problems, such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings. Are you thinking, "Oh no big deal. I'm planning on getting a new roof next year?"... don't! Get it fixed now!

When you’re trying to track down a leak, start by looking at the roof uphill from the stains. The first thing to look for are roof penetrations. Items that penetrate the roof are the most common source of leaks. In fact, it’s rare for leaks to develop in open areas of uninterrupted shingles, even on older roofs. Penetrations can include plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers or anything else that projects through the roof. They can be several feet above the leak or to the right or left of it.

If you have attic access, the easiest way to track down a leak is to go up there with a flashlight and look for the evidence. There will be water stains, black marks or mold. But if access is a problem or you have a vaulted ceiling, you’ll have to go up onto the roof and examine the problem.

If the problem still isn’t obvious, we suggest you hire a professional like Fred Oakley Construction to inspect the problem for you! Going up on the roof alone is dangerous and never recommended.

Fred Oakley received a drafting degree in 1979 and has been involved in construction and Home Improvements ever since. You can trust him and his team to get the job done right! Give him a call today at 615-975-8916.

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Home Improvement Projects

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. What's not so great? The long list of projects you probably have! Now is the best time to work on those home improvement plans you’ve been talking about for the past couple of months.

The following projects are perfect for a Spring home makeover and can also add resale value to your house.

• Kitchen Cabinets: Homeowners’ magazines this year are talking about sprucing up the kitchen cabinets as a spring home improvement project. Replace the knobs on the doors of the cabinets and add molding to give your cabinets a new look at a low cost. If you are ready for a full kitchen makeover, Fred Oakley Construction specializes in kitchen renovations! 

• Update your rain gutters: Without rain gutters, our homes are defenseless against the raging rain storms. The water from rain could erode the soil around the foundation of your home, splash dirt onto the siding of the house and leak into the basement causing internal damage to the house. None of this sounds good! If you aren't quite ready to update your gutters, at the very minimum, make sure they are free and clear of debris! 

• Update your siding: Not a task for the faint of heart! While you were inside all winter cozied up by the fire, your house was left to deal with all of the weather elements! Have your siding inspected and if needed, consider replacement! There are so many great looking, high performance, energy efficient vinyl siding options available! The possibilities are literally endless. It's best to call a professional like Fred Oakley Construction for an undertaking like this! 

• Build a Deck: Why not? Decks allow you to fully enjoy the sun and serve as a great place for socializing and dining. Decks come in all sizes and can be built in a short time! They're also great for adding value to your home! 

• Install an Enclosed Porch: Porch additions are wonderful additions to any home; sunrooms add so much light and character to a home! Create a three or four season living space with energy efficient windows that make full use of the sun. 

• Repair your roof: One of the most important things you can do! Check this off your "To Do" list ASAP! Make sure there are no missing shingles, curling shingles, etc. Damage to your roof is not only costly, it's dangerous! It's preferred that you hire an expert to look at your roof!

• Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected: What follows Spring? Summer. Nobody wants to be left in the heat in July! It’s a smart idea to have your AC system inspected before it starts to get too hot. 

To get started on your Spring renovation projects, call Fred Oakley Construction today at 615-975-8916. Fred has been in the business for over 30 years so he has the expertise you and your home deserve!