It’s certainly not uncommon for many roofs in Massachusetts and New England to experience black, green, or yellow mold on their roofs. The reason being that many home are situated in wooded areas that instigate a lot of the mold growth. Animal droppings, tree sap, tree moss and debris, and damp shaded areas are all causes of roof mold. Black mold stains often appear on lightly colored asphalt shingles and are scientifically known as “Gloeocapsa Magma”. This blue-green algae is most often found in climates such as areas north of Boston with warm and humid summers. The algae are not particularly harmful to your roof, though it certainly looks bad.

Roof Mold and Algae Remedies

Some of the remedies to remove roof mold and algae include replacing the shingles, or shingles that have copper granules that are deadly to algae growth. The most economical way to get rid of it is to buy a spray or create your own solution that is 50% water and 50% beach. And remember to apply and wash off the solution gently as power washing will damage the shingles.

Prevent Mold and Algae from returning

To stop the re-growth of the algae, insert a 6-inch wide strip of zinc or copper underneath the area of shingles closest to the peak of the roof leaving about 1-2 inches of the lower end of the copper or zinc exposed. The exposed part of the metal will allow the rain to pick up the molecules and wash down over the bottom of the roof killing and mold or algae in its way. You may also notice chimneys often have copper flashing at their base, and that there is rarely any algae below those areas.

We hope this information helps you. Also note that the same procedure will work on moss buildup on a roof as well. If you have any other questions or would like to request a free estimate please give us a call, or fill out the contact form HERE.

With such a variety of roof shingles available, it can be difficult to understand the differences between each type. We want to share with you a few points about some of the more popular shingle types in New England and Massachusetts so that you can make an educated decision for your next project.

To begin, you must first decide about what you want your shingles to accomplish as well as what your budget is. Additionally, think about what the future budget of your home may be. Once you are able to come up with answers to these questions, you will know what you shingle materials are best suited for your home.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingles in the Boston and New England area. These shingles are also known as composition shingles and are reinforced with either fiberglass or paper. Some of the benefits are that they inexpensive, easy to repair and fire resistant. On the other hand, they are not the most environmentally friendly and they typically have a shorter life span.

Wood Shake and Shingles

Often made from cedar, spruce or treated pine, wood shake shingles are a beautiful way to roof your home. Hand split shakes are typically rough on the front while smooth on the back, whereas wood shingles are machine cut and smooth on each side. Some of the benefits are they are easy to repair, long lasting, and blend into the environment. The cons include being expensive, prone to rot, and require routine maintenance.

Slate Shingles

A more unique way to roof your home, slate shingles are simply thinly cut rock. These shingles are quite expensive but increase the value of a home greatly. They are low maintenance, and last over one hundred years. However, they are quite expensive and take time to install for your local Massachusetts roofer.

Metal Shingles

As metal shingles come back into the market with style, you will begin seeing many more steel, aluminum, copper and tin shingles. The benefits include a long life, low maintenance, and environmental friendliness. The cons include there difficulty to install and can also be quite expensive.

Clay Tile Shingles

A great choice for warm climates as clay tiles do not retain as much heat as other shingle styles (not the best choice for New England home owners). These shingles come in many styles and colors, are fireproof, and are long lasting. On the other hand, they are typically expensive, heavy, and can break quite easily.

If you would like to request more information about shingle styles please feel free to give us a call at Olympic Roofing, or send us an email at Admin@OlympicRoofing.com.

We all know (most of us thankful) that it has been a mild 2012 winter in New England. But perhaps more thankful than us are the roofs of our homes and buildings. Though this is a good time to make sure the roof is still prepared for some large snowstorms that may be coming in the next few months. The cold temperature often causes leaks and cracks in the roof that will be enlarged with a snowfall or ice dam on your home. If you are under the impression your New England home roof may need to be inspected, make sure to call us or your local Boston area-roofing contractor.

However, we understand that many of you are hands on and would like to perform a roof inspection by yourself. And for those of you, we have listed some of the most important areas to address when performing a roof inspection before and during the winter season.

Roof Inspection Tips for Massachusetts

• 1) Begin by looking at the structure of the roofs frame to ensure that it is in good condition. Performing a full roof visual inspection to see if there are any areas of the roof that has dips of sags. If you are able to spot these uneven areas, it most likely means that there has been damage done to the roof below the shingles.
• 2) With a ladder or from the roof, inspect the gutters to ensure that there are no cracks, and that they are clean of leaves and debris. A gutter that is broken or cracked will cause rainwater, snow and ice to build up in certain areas, and cause possible damage the surrounding areas below. Ice damming is another effect of a broken gutter and can create stress on the roof, shingles, wood and more, creating areas of penetration. Also make sure that the gutters are screwed or nailed in securely to the house. Water that falls down the side of a home can damage not only the siding but to the homes interior as well.
• 3) If your Massachusetts home or buildings roof has many valleys and curves, also make sure these are clear of any leaves, debris or branches. These can cause build-ups of water, ice, and snow and can put a lot of weight on the roof in vulnerable areas. Valleys are some of the most susceptible areas to leaks and should be properly protected with a quality roofing system.
• 4) Roof flashing is an area that is most often connected with roof leaks. Flashing is basically the metal material that is used in the roofing system to wall the transitions over joints and protrusions to deflect water from entering the home or building. Metal flashing is also used on other parts of the house such as chimneys, pipes, skylights, vents, AC units, and more. Some of the biggest culprits that damage roof flashing are wind, rain, and heavy snow and ice. Be sure to check up on these areas each year.
• 5) Finally, make sure that all of your shingles are in place and are not loose. You can spot faulty shingles if they have curled edges, missing granules, rot, or other obvious blemishes.

If you have any further questions about inspecting your roof, or would like an Olympic Roofing specialist to perform a roof inspection please feel free to call (978) 887-5870 or email admin@olympicroofing.com

Epstein will be officially unveiled as the Chicago Cubs’ president of baseball operations early this week. In the ad he paid tribute to all of the levels of the Red Sox organization and the fans that he had been with since 2002. It was an incredible journey that resulted in two world cahmpionships and six playoff appearances. It was an incredible ride, Theo. Cheers!

Above letter property of The Boston Globe. All rights reserved.

Starting in Europe in the early 2000′s, Car-Free Free Week is part of an international effort to raise awareness of alternative transportation methods and cut the number of vehicles on the road. Over 1,000 cities and around 40 countries now participate in the initiative.

European cities are currently some of the most bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly cities in the world. Biking is a great way to become intimate with a city and get excercise at the same time. There are many amazing cities for biking throughout the world, allowing residents to explore the city and commute easily and safely. In Amsterdam, which is widely known as one of the bicycle capitals of the world, 40% of all traffic movements are by bicycle.

It’s our sincere hope that weeks such as this raise significant awareness and assist us in our transition to more effective methods of transportation and environmental awareness.

Olympic Roofing has proudly been serving New England for over 50 years. We are the best roofing contractor in MA, NH, RI, and ME, also specializing in painting, siding, masonry, and more. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our services, and we would be glad to prepare a free estimate for you and your property!

Video Credit: My Fox Boston

It’s been just over a week since hurricane Irene passed through New England. This is just a friendly reminder that if you have not performed an inspection of your roof and home, the time to do so is now. Many home and building owners in the area are continuing to find roof damage, shingle damage, gutter damage, chimney damage, and siding damage. Even if a problem isn’t visible, this doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. These hidden problems can intensify over the coming months and result in hazardous and expensive home repairs in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.

The forecast through the beginning of this week calls for heavy rains, which means that it’s an opportune time to clean your gutters. If you have any additional home concerns, it’s also a great opportunity to have our professionals inspect your home for roof leaks, gutter draining issues, chimney leaks, and roof water resistance, and more.

If you are in need of any roofing, painting, or siding services please give us a call at 1 (800) 535-4312 for a free estimate, or simply fill out our contact form below! Olympic professionals are standing by to help!

Keep dry, and have a great week!

Your local Olympic Team
1 (800) 535-4312

Olympic Roofing has proudly been serving New England for over 50 years. We are the best roofing contractor in MA, NH, RI, and ME, also specializing in painting, siding, masonry, and more. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our services, and we would be glad to prepare a free estimate for you and your property!

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10. Duck Tour: A great way to see the entire city. Make sure it’s a nice day, and bring some friends and family. Information on tickets and schedules can be found here.
9. Freedom Trail: Do you know that many Bostonians still have never done a Freedom Trail tour? Although you probably see the sites from time to time, there’s nothing like taking a day to see them all at once!
8. Visit the mountains: Have you been up to New Hampshire or Vermont yet? Take a day and bring the entire family up north to catch some of the greenery before it’s gone!
7. Visit the coast: What is a summer without a trip to Cape Cod? There truly is no other place like it, and if you watched Shark Week, you noticed that even the sharks are vacationing this summer off of the Chatham coast.
6. Have a beach day: It’s hard to take time out of your daily routine to hit the beach, but if you’re still looking for that summer tan it’s not too late!
5. Take a wine tour: Southeast New England is home to five vineyards with treats ready for some tasting. If you are a wine connoisseur or just a fan, this is a real treat!
4. Newport: Head down to Newport and visit the magnificent mansions along the famous Cliff Walk. There are few places in Rhode Island better to spend a summer day than the sailing capital of the world.
3. Beacon Hill: Take a stroll down Charles Street and have lunch at Café Vanille. After lunch walk up Beacon Hill and through the brownstones and cobblestone streets that are recognizable in photos around the world.
2. Visit the North End: Have a big family dinner in the heart of Boston, and take a post-dinner stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and down to the beautiful waterfront.
1. Catch a sunset: Grab a blanket, a picnic, and some friends, and head to the beach one last time this summer, when the sun is prepared to call it a day and the sky bursts into fleeting color. Enjoy the view, which like the waning days of summer, is something to cherish while it lasts.

- Your neighborhood team at Olympic

Olympic Roofing has proudly been serving the Boston area for over 50 years. We are New England’s best roofing contractor, while also specializing in siding, painting, and home additions. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our services, and we would be glad to prepare a customized solution for you and your property.

Related Readings

The Boston Globe – 25 things to do before the end of summer

Here are some great ideas to consider before you begin!

 
Decks and porches are great places to have parties, dinners, BBQ’s, and all around get-togethers with friends and family. A deck addition may be one of the best investments you can make this summer. Though before you set out, read some of these simple tips and ideas about deck construction.

Most of the time, local contractors throughout Massachusetts and New England perform deck construction. Costs can range widely depending on the desired design and materials, and it’s a good idea to call your local contractor for a quote.

On the other hand, many people build their own decks and they turn out great! If you will be constructing your own deck or porch you’ll want to think about some of the costs and time it will take to construct. Thisoldhouse.com has some great advice and procedures for building a simple deck. They estimate that it can take 4-6 days depending on the degree of difficulty, and upwards of $1,000, again depending on the size and materials used. The great part about building your own deck or porch is that despite digging holes and pouring concrete, the majority of the construction in straight forward and fun!

Decking materials

Choosing a decking material can be a difficult part of the process. Are you on a budget? Do you want to match your homes siding or roof? Does the materials lifespan matter? And so on. Get familiar with your options. Thisoldhouse.com lists several options, prices, and descriptions about the materials below.

• Wood Deck
• Tropical Hardwood deck
• Redwood and Cedar
• Composite
• Textured
• Engineered
• Plastic Deck
• Polystyrene

There are also many other deck and porch materials such as stone, brick, tiles, etc. To learn more about these materials contact your local Massachusetts roofing contractor. Local MA roofers will give you expert advice on the specs and details of construction materials.

Deck Design

The ultimate question before embarking on your porch or deck construction: How will you design it? There are many options, and I would suggest looking at the many features a deck can incorporate. There are metal railings, stainless steel systems, brick and stone flooring, lighting, roof systems, landscaping, and more. For deck designs check out decks.com and read about some of the possible deck options you may want to include.

Decks can also be designed in a variety of ways. Will you be placing a hot tub on the deck? If so, structural support will be important in design as well as electrical wiring. Benches and chairs can be built into the deck or porch itself. One of my favorite additions to a deck is a fireplace, which are great during spring and summer nights here in New England. Lastly, why not consider putting a roof or pergola over your deck. These can really finish a deck nicely, adding a bit more aesthetic value and pride.

A key component to any finished deck is lighting. Whether it’s built into the deck or hanging above on the homes siding or roof, lights will be a “much have.”

Thanks for reading our post about decks and the many ideas to consider before you begin. Hope this helps spark some thoughts and gets you underway in your deck or porch construction this summer.

Olympic Roofing has proudly been serving the Boston area for over 50 years. We are New England’s best roofing contractor, while also specializing in siding, painting, and home additions. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our services, and we would be glad to prepare a customized solution for you and your property.

Related Readings

How to Build a Simple Deck

Ideas for Deck Designs

Come join us in Ipswich, MA on Saturday July 9^th from 1 pm-11 pm, and on Sunday July 10^th from 1 pm – Dusk for this great event. Enjoy Greek dancing, children’s activities in the “Kids Zone,” authentic Greek cuisine and specialties, stroll throughout the Agora “Marketplace” and experience a real Greek Taverna! Bring the entire family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else, and get ready to feast on some of the best seafood in New England! Admission is only $3.00, and there will be plenty of free parking!

Directions: The festival will take place in Ipswich, MA (Junction of Routes 133 and 1A. Take exit 20N on Route 128) .

Olympic Roofing is proud to be one of a handful of event sponsors, among a short list that includes Pepsi, Hide & Seek Media, Institution for Savings, WickedLocal, GateHouse Media, Seaboard Products, and North Shore 104.9.

For more information about the festival, please visit http://www.greekfestivalipswich.org.

- The Olympic Team

Olympic Roofing has proudly been serving the Boston area for over 50 years. We are New England’s best roofing contractor, while also specializing in siding, painting, and home additions. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our services, and we would be glad to prepare a customized solution for you and your property.

A video clip was captured this afternoon of the tornado as it moved through downtown Springfield. Click to watch the tornado clip.

At 7pm the tornado warning remained in effect for the Worcester and Hampden counties. The National Weather Service said, “its Doppler radar indicated a tornado was moving near Brimfield, 16 miles east of Springfield. Forecasters warned people to shelter and cautioned that tornadoes are difficult to see at night.”

There are thousands of homes and buildings that incurred significant damage, including the city’s courthouse. K-9 rescue units and the State Police have been activated and are on “search and rescue” for people trapped in homes and buildings. Power is out for most of the effected area including Springfield, East Brookfield, and Rochdale as power lines have been seriously damaged.

A reporter on AM 1030 stated that cars had been overturned, broken glass had been strewn across the street, and roof ventilation was scattered everywhere. As of 8:30pm, a reported 8 tornadoes had been sighted across New England.

Olympic Roofing is standing by to assist anyone that has been affected by these tornadoes. The images depicting the destruction of homes and buildings are horrifying, and we are prepared to help in anyway possible. Damage to your homes roof system, siding, attic ventilation, or your home in general is an area of concern. Please contact us if you are in need of home or roof repair and we will have a roofing professional on site as soon as possible. Our thoughts go out to you.

Olympic Roofing has proudly been serving the Boston area for over 50 years. We are New England’s best roofing contractor, while also specializing in siding, painting, and home additions. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our services, and we would be glad to prepare a customized solution for you and your property.