How to Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Pitched roofs should be inspected
at least once every two years. To check the condition of an
asphalt-shingle roof, go to the sunniest side and bend the corner of a
few shingles. If they’re brittle and crack, a new roof might be in
order. Other tell-tale signs an asphalt roof is beyond its prime: curled
tiles and bare spots where the shiny ceramic mineral granules are
missing.
Flat roofs should be inspected annually.
Keep an eye out for ponding, or standing water in the form of puddles
after a rain, or dry pockets filled with residual debris. Such areas may
need to be built up to assure water properly drains to the downspouts.If your asphalt, often called composition roofing, is in need of repair, you may have a couple of options. If there’s a single layer of asphalt shingles, you might consider nailing over an existing roof versus tearing off the existing shingles. This is called a reroof. If there are two or more layers of asphalt shingles on a roof, a tear off will be required. Also, be sure to check local housing codes; some regulate the maximum number of nail-overs.
Wood shingles in need of being replaced will crack, warp and reveal larger than normal gaps between shingles. Aged tile roofs may show signs of cracking. The flashing
(meaning the plastic or metal weather stripping) around the chimney and
any vent pipes also need to be inspected. Gaps can occur along flashing
joints and this is often the source of water damage.For an indoor roof inspection, look for sagging ceilings or stains that indicate water damage. In the attic, search for moist, dark spots on the roof deck. After rain, if these spots are wet, there’s a problem.
Attic vents should be periodically checked to be sure they’re clear of obstruction. Insufficient venting can damage your shingles and invalidate the manufacturer's warranty.
Clean your gutters annually and keep an eye out for algae and moss. Both can weaken roofing materials. You can prevent algae and moss growth by installing zinc strips along the ridge of the roof. Water running over zinc washes minute amounts of zinc carbonate over the roof, killing the moss and algae.
What It Costs to Replace a Roof
Roofing costs vary depending on the type of roof. The number of obstacles on the roof, such as chimneys and vents, as well as the pitch of the roof, can greatly alter the cost of roof repairs. The cost of roof repairs are measured in squares: One square — an industry term — equals 100 square feet of roof and usually includes the cost of both labor and materials.
Generally speaking,
a composition roof — often sold in good/better/best selections — costs
between $150 and $250 per square and has a lifespan of 15 years to 30
years. A reroof — nailing over an existing roof versus tearing off the
existing shingles — costs approximately $135 to $200 per square, not
much of a savings, particularly when you consider it alters the
material warranty of the new layer.Concrete tile runs between $350 and $450 per square, and clay tile ranges from $400 to $500 per square. Both have a life expectancy of 25 years to 50 years. The classic cedar roof or fire-treated wooden shake costs between $550 and $650 per square and has a lifespan of 10 years to 20 years.
Costs for a single-ply membrane on a flat roof are between $250 and $400 per square. Thermoset membranes can be warranted up to 30 years. Tar and gravel roofs cost between $250 and $350 per square and have a lifespan of 10 years to 20 years, depending on the regions weather severity.
Before installing any roofing material, read the warranty’s fine print. With any roofing material, proper installation is crucial and regular maintenance by the owner is required.
If your roof is in need of repair, you can locate licensed contractors in your area by visiting the National Roofing Contractors Association.
~ Vince Petrolle, Prospect Mortgage, 301-461-1734~
Mayor McClement has set aside the 4th Tuesday of each month from 2-6
p.m. to meet informally with citizens to discuss topics or issues of
their choice. The next "Talk with the Mayor Tuesday" will be held on December 23rd.
The City of Frederick Christmas Tree Drop Off and Recycling Program
begins Monday, December 29, 2014 and continues through Saturday, January
31, 2015.
Winter weather could affect curbside recycling service. Knowing when to
set your blue cart out is easy - there is an free app for that and
more! Download the free app at 
The Frederick Community Action Agency (FCAA) accepts a wide range of 
The
City of Frederick Department of Public Works will be installing two new
sections of the main water line along Rosemont Avenue from College
Avenue to Fairview Avenue. Once the project is completed, the area will
be milled and overlaid. This project is expected to be completed in the
Fall of 2015. For more information, contact Keith Brown, Assistant
Deputy Director of Operations at 
The Parks & Recreation Department offers Holiday Weekend Carriage
Rides, Cookies & Carriage Holiday Light Tour, a Gingerbread House
Making Class and more.
Rediscover the wonder of the holidays in Downtown Frederick. For
information on the Festival of Lights, Candlelight House Tour, and more,
visit 
Tickets are now on sale for the Weinberg Center for the Arts 2014-15
Season. This includes season events as well as The Frederick Speakers
Series, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra season subscription and Flying Dog
Movies. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Weinberg
Center 
The City of Frederick Parking Department is pleased to announce 
The Department of Public Works would like to assist you in preparing for winter weather. 
Dirt is moving at the far east end of Carroll Creek. Construction
equipment, materials and crews are turning their attention to this side
of Carroll Creek as a part of the Phase II construction. For more great
pictures of the progress, visit 
Sign up for weather, traffic, and other specific notices and updates at 