For homeowners seeking true peace of mind, Landmark® shingles are the high-quality, reliable choice for beautifying and protecting a home. With a dual-layered design that emulates the dimensionality of true wood shake, Landmark asphalt shingles offer the heaviest weight and widest array of color options in their class, allowing you to create or re-create the ideal look for your home with confidence. Backed by a 100+ year legacy of trusted manufacturing performance, all Landmark shingles include CertainTeed’s industry-leading, lifetime-limited warranty.   

• Certified as meeting the industry's toughest third-party (UL) manufacturing quality standards
• Dual-layered construction provides extra protection from the elements
• Ten year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty
• Class A fire-resistance rating

Your attic is much more than just a storage space.  It is a part of your overall roof system, and in order to get the most from your roof you will want to make sure that your attic is properly ventilated.  Not only can proper attic ventilation keep your energy costs down, it will help your roof last as long as possible.
Why Ventilation Matters
Proper ventilation necessitates that fresh air is able to find its way in the attic space, while allowing stale air to get out. This is accomplished through the placement of ventilation near the bottom of the attic space at the soffits or eaves (intake), and at the top peak(s), or ridge(s), of your attic space (exhaust).  This will permit the circulation of air, which will keep the attic space at a uniform temperature and humidity level, regardless of the season. In order for attic ventilation to work effectively, however, the ventilation system must have balanced intake and exhaust.
Balanced Ventilation
Balanced ventilation is achieved when intake and exhaust allow for same amount of airflow, because the natural forces of air pressure create a push-pull effect around your roof. Without proper exhaust, hot air cannot escape. Without proper intake, air will only circulate across the top of the attic space, leaving stagnant air at the bottom of the attic. Circulation is also restricted when there are vents on only one side of the attic, similar to the effect one would get if only opening windows on one side of a house on a breezy day.
Attic Ventilation Helps Keep Cooling Costs Low
Since hot air rises, warm air naturally makes its way into an attic, and it will remain there if the space is poorly ventilated. On a 90° day, attic temperatures can reach 140° or higher, and this unventilated air can work its way back into lower level living spaces and cause AC units, fans, and other energy consuming appliances to work harder. This is no small thing when you consider that cooling accounts for 6% of total utility costs in the average home (http://energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-cooling). With proper ventilation, however, this warm air find its way up and out of the home rather than staying trapped.
Preventing Cold-Weather Condensation
Winter weather can also presents challenges for attics. As temperatures plummet, the warm, moist air that rises from living spaces into an improperly ventilated attic will condense on cold surfaces. Over time this moisture can build and cause the roof decking to buckle, swell, and rot, making it unable to hold nails securely and reduce its load capacity. Condensation also creates optimal conditions for mold and mildew growth, which affects allergy sufferers and has a negative impact on indoor air quality.
Lowering the Likelihood of Ice Dams
During the winter, heat trapped in the attic causes snow on a roof to melt and slide downward toward the eaves and gutters, which are not exposed to the heat from within the attic. When the snow melt reaches these cold areas it can refreeze, creating a buildup that will dam additional snowmelt, which then refreezes. This continual buildup of ice is called an ice dam. This is dangerous because water expands when it freezes, and the expansion of pooled water refreezing can push roofing materials apart and allow water to infiltrate the roof system. If left unchecked, this infiltration can soak through roof decking, and may even make its way inside living spaces to ruin paint, mark ceilings, and stain walls. A properly ventilated attic space, however, will exhaust the heat, remain uniformly cool, and not allow this harmful freeze-thaw cycle to take hold.
What Can Be Done?
Have no fear – just because your attic is not properly ventilated does not mean that you need to replace your roof system.  Proper ventilation is a simple but effective way to protect your investment and your wallet, and there are ventilation options for all roofs that will prevent your home from encountering any of the above mentioned issues. To discover which venting solution is best for your home reach out to a roofing professional and request an inspection. Many roofing professionals will offer to inspect your roof system at no charge.  

Designed with external baffles which maximize airflow across the underside of roof sheathing, the CertainTeed® Ridge Vent works year-round to efficiently and effectively ventilate an attic space.
Less than an inch in height, and molded from high-impact copolymer, it’s slim profile blends for visual appeal while permitting shingle capping over the ridge for a uniform, finished roof aesthetic.
CertainTeed Ridge Vents, combined with sufficient intake ventilation such as soffit vents or CertainTeed Intake Vent, are the most efficient and effective systems you can install. ​

​TECHNICAL INFORMATIONMade with an internal weather filter
Wind driven rain resistant to 110 MPH
Each vent has 18 sq. in. of net free area per linear foot
Accommodates roof pitches from 3/12 to 16/12
Available with and without nails

Residential Roofing Products
Residential Roofing Products include those products necessary to provide a quality roofing system typically for a consumer’s home, garage or other residential applications. Residential roofing products are usually designed for steep slope application. Products can include roofing shingles, underlayments and accessory products.
Roofing Shingles
CertainTeed manufactures high-quality asphalt roofing shingles in a wide variety of styles and colors for residential applications. Asphalt roofing shingles are the most commonly used residential roofing products in the market. There are three major categories of roofing shingles including strip roofing shingles, dimensional roofing shingles and premium roofing shingles.
Strip shingles are the most basic of residential roofing products available in the market. They are single layered roofing shingles that are generally designed to look like slate. CertainTeed manufactures strip shingles under the product names CT™ 20, XT™ 25, and XT™ 30.
Dimensional roofing shingles typically are heavier weight than strip roofing shingles. They are manufactured as dual-layered products or multi-layered in the case of CertainTeed’s tri-laminate technology. CertainTeed manufactures the Landmark® Series Roofing Shingle as an example of a dimensional roofing shingle
Premium roofing shingles are typically laminated and provide enhanced aesthetics and an increased design element. CertainTeed manufactures Grand Manor®, Presidential Shake® TL, and Carriage House®.
Underlayments
Underlayments are designed for use on residential roof decks as a water-resistant layer beneath roofing shingles. CertainTeed manufactures the utility grade felt underlayments ShingleFelt® 30 and the fiber glass-reinforced felt underlayment Roofers’ Select®. We also market a high performance synthetic underlayment called DiamondDeck®. Waterproofing shingle underlayments prevent leaks from ice dams and wind-driven rain in vulnerable areas. CertainTeed manufactures the product WinterGuard®.
Accessory Products
Hip and Ridge
Accessory shingles are used to finish the hips and ridges of a residential roof and carry the same warranty as the shingles they are applied over. There are a number of options designed to complement the appearance of shingles while providing the same level of protection and durability. CertainTeed manufactures hip and ridge accessories under the product names ShadowRidge® and Mountain Ridge®.
Proper Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continuous flow of outside air through the attic which creates cooler attics in the summer and drier attics in the winter. It consists of a balanced system between air intake (at your eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your roof ridge). CertainTeed offers Ridge Vent, Rolled Ridge Vent, Static Vents, and Intake Vent products to meet a variety of ventialtion needs.    
Starter Shingles
Starter shingles save application time. They are designed to work specifically with different styles of shingles for consistent appearance and performance. CertainTeed manufactures starter shingles under the product names Swiftstart® to be used with the Landmark® series and High Performance Starter to be used with Grand Manor®, Highland Slate® and Hatteras® shingles.

My Roof Is Going to Last Forever, Right? 
BY JAY BUTCH ON JANUARY 9, 2019HOMEOWNER HELPKnow Your WarrantyThat’s a really good question. And the answer is, no. When we make investments in our home, sure, we’d love these improvements to last forever. And, in reality, with all of the different weather we experience—hail, rain, snow, ice, tornados, hurricanes, intense heat etc., no one can promise that anything exposed to the elements will last forver.
A lot of companies offer “lifetime” warranties on their products. I just bought a new garage door opener that came with a lifetime warranty. It sounds really great. So, what exactly does that mean? I’m still trying to figure that out!
When it comes to putting a new roof on your home, chances are the shingles you have installed will carry a lifetime warranty. To help you make an informed and educated decision, I’d like to set the record straight on what that means so that should you ever have an issue, you clearly understand what is covered and what is not.


What is Covered by a Lifetime Shingle Warranty?If you read any warranty it is written in really tiny type and is filled with a lot of legal language. Right, wrong or indifferent, it can be confusing. The bottom line is, a warranty is a promise–a promise from the manufacturer to you, the consumer, that you will be protected should something go wrong with the product you purchased.
So, let’s go over the ABCs of roofing warranties so you are armed to ask more informed questions of your contractor.

• Nowadays, most, if not all shingle warranties are “Lifetime.” That simply means—for as long as you own your home;
• All warranties cover manufacturing defects, which can range from things like excessive granule loss, press variation and inadequate sealant;
• ALL but one manufacturer will only consider it a “manufacturing defect” if your roof is leaking or the roof’s performance is adversely affected;
• CertainTeed is the only manufacturer that will cover manufacturing defects even if the roof isn’t leaking. This is a critically important distinction you should consider.
• All warranties come with front-loaded coverage that offers full replacement material and installation in the early years after a roof is installed, should a manufacturing defect occur—this period of time is usually around 10 years, depending on manufacturer.
• After that front-loaded period only the shingles themselves are covered and at a decreasing rate as the roof gets older—we call that proration. In other words, if your roof fails in year 15 and it is determined it was due to a manufacturing defect, you will be covered for the replacement shingles only, and at a reduced rate. Labor to remove the old shingles, install the new ones and disposal costs are not covered.

This is where a majority of the angst lies between homeowners, their contractors and shingle manufacturers. The impression is that if the roof has a lifetime warranty, that it is a full soup-to-nuts coverage from year one until the end—shingles, labor, disposal, etc.
In reality, it’s not. And often the contractor is stuck in the middle between the manufacturer’s warranty and the homeowner’s expectations.
What is an Extended Warranty and is it Worth it?

Adding extended warranty coverage for your roof is a whole different story. Imagine, for a mere fraction of the roof cost, you can take that front-loaded protection and extend it for up to an additional 40 years to include tear off, replacement material, labor and disposal, depending on the product and coverage chosen–should there be a manufacturing defect. That’s inexpensive, yet valuable insurance for complete peace of mind for as long as you live in your home. Not too shabby!
Your home is a reflection of you and your personality. Everything you do, from kitchen and bath remodels, to additions, to exterior renovations say something about your style and taste. And, with the time and money you invest in your home, you want to make sure you’re getting great value and quality.
As you shop for your new roof and the contractor who will install it, go into the process with your eyes wide open. You now have the basics of roof warranties and what they cover, which should help as you do your research.
Replacing your roof is a big job and a big investment. And at the end of the day, if you find the right contractor, who installs a quality roof system and complements it with a solid extended warranty, you get a beautiful roof built to protect you and your family for many years to come.
Jay
Want to learn more? Click here to download Straight Talk About Shingle Warranties.
Jay Butch joined CertainTeed Roofing in 1998 and is responsible for all contractor programs and marketing. By developing the Shingle Master credential, an enhanced SureStart PLUS warranty and Roofers’ Rewards, he strengthened the Contractor’s EDGE offering. Jay adds valuable insight from his extensive interactions with contractors across the country.

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Top Roofing Tips to Remember1. Homebuyer’s beware. A great time to start with any roof assessment is before your closing date. Getting a professional roof inspection before that future home is officially yours will save you a lot of time and costly repairs down the road, which can also be a plus if and when you decide to sell your new home.
2. Trim troublesome trees. When admiring your home and surrounding landscape, it’s important not to overlook leaning branches seeking companionship with your roof as they can scratch and gouge your roof materials. To prevent damaging or puncturing your shingles, simply trim back and remove any branches getting too close to your roof.
3. Clean the leaves and other debris. In addition to bothersome branches, leaves and other elements can clog your gutter system and cause water to backup into the attic, living areas or behind the fascia boards. To ensure your drainage system is free flowing, it’s recommended that you clean your roof at least twice per year. Also, be on the lookout for sagging gutters or damaged drain components and repair or replace as needed.
4. Ensure the roof is built to breathe. Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can cause sheathing and rafting to rot, roof materials to buckle and insulation to lose effectiveness. This will cause your overall roofing system to be ineffective.  
5. Include insulation. The best way to achieve appropriate ventilation and good airflow is through proper insulation. To protect a house from heat gain or loss, it’s ideal to include a gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor and a vapor retarder under the insulation next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising into the attic. Having open, vented spaces that allow air to pass freely with at least one inch between the insulation and roof sheathing is also ideal.
6. Check for attic aftermath. In addition to having a well insulated attic, it’s a good idea to check for water stains and weak shingles after a heavy storm.
7. Safeguard against streaking. Make sure to pay close attention to the color of your roof. Roof areas, generally the northern part, exposed to shade during long periods of time in humidity will eventually become streaked with mold, algae or even fungus. And if left unchecked, will eventually deteriorate the roofing material shortening the life of the roof, which could lead to leaks and other signs of trouble.
To cut the mold situation completely, it’s a great idea to install zinc strips, like Shingle Shield Roof Protector strips, along the ridge of the roof. They are precision engineered to provide environmentally safe (EPA approved), long-term (average home 20 years) roof protection from fungus, moss, mildew or algae attack.
8. Check for signs of shingle damage. Being exposed to everyday wear and tear from various elements can cause shingles to become dilapidated and get torn off, making a roof structure and interior space vulnerable to water seepage and rot. Thus, it’s highly advisable for homeowners to examine roof coverings each year to ensure their integrity.
9. DIY roof repairers. Those bold enough to attempt roof repairs themselves need to bear in mind that it’s dangerous up there. It’s advisable to stay on a firmly braced ladder equipped with rubber safety feet when possible. If you do decide to walk on the roof, it’s best to wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent slipping.
10. Quality roofing quotes. When repairs go beyond a DIY project, you should make sure to do some homework before calling in the cavalry. It’s advisable to get at least two quotes so you can determine the best combination of quality and price. Think long-term and not cheap when choosing a roofing company and it’ll save you a lot of repair costs down the road.  
Bottom line: It’s important to remember the roofline. Taking a top-down approach with yearly inspections and utilizing these quick tips and tricks will help preserve and protect your interior living space for many years to come.

Get In Touch!

508-500-8655
Email:
Chase.piedra@maizerestoration.com
 
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Address:
11 Pond Street​
Natick, MA 01760

Spring Roof Inspection Checklist
​Spring is in the air and that means … making sure your roof made it through the winter without damage. 
Before you climb on the roof, however, ensure you do it safely. Place your ladder on a firm, level surface, at the angle specified by the manufacturer. Secure it to your roof, but not in a way that presents a tripping hazard. 

Gutters: Clear the rain gutters of any material that may have collected in them over the winter. Clear all material by hand before flushing them to prevent clogs in downspouts.
Downspouts: Use a hose to flush downspouts and loosen any material that may have become lodged in them throughout the winter. With the hose in the downspout, inspect each one to ensure it’s free of leakage that can cause water to collect around your foundation.
Roofing Materials: Inspect your shingles or tiles for visible damage, such as cracks, tears or missing chunks. Pay special attention around pipes and other protrusions from the roof where snow and ice may have accumulated and damaged the seal.
Vents: Vents in your rooftop, under your eaves or in the rafters are essential to keeping air flowing through your home. Make sure they’re unimpeded and allow air to circulate.
Chimney: While you’re on the roof, take the opportunity to check that your chimney is still in good health. Check that masonry is intact and that white stains, similar to calcium buildup, aren’t building up, which can indicated your chimney is absorbing water.

Think you need repair or want a professional opinion about your roof’s health? Call us at 508.500.8655 or visit roofingwithmaize.com

You may think a water leak or a busted pipe would be easy to detect and definitely something you'd notice right away. The truth is, sometimes the signs of water damage are hidden - behind your walls, under your floor boards, or even on the exterior of your house. Whether the situation happened an hour ago or a month ago, there are a number of ways to remedy the problem with water damage repair and restoration. First and foremost is finding the source.


What to Look For
Water damage can take on different colors, textures, and even smells, depending on the type of location of the damage. For instance, ceiling water damage is usually easier to spot than water damage in a basement because you will see stains and discoloration on a ceiling, but may not know that a musty odor can be a sign that there is a problem on the lower level of your home. Learn these telltale signs so that you can identify an existing problem and be prepared to spot it in the future.
water accumulation
The most obvious sign that you've got water damage on your hands (or that it will become a bigger problem) is areas of standing or pooling water. These can result from old or malfunctioning appliances including washers, water heaters and toilets. A puddle could also occur from a leaking roof, or from drainage pipes if the water is on the outside of your home.
discoloration
With ceiling water damage, look for water spots and stains. The area may appear wet or dry and can be a yellow, brown or copper color. Walls may also have bubbling, cracking or peeling paint or wallpaper in addition to staining.
changes in texture
While flooring can also show discoloration like ceilings and walls do, the main sign of water damage in floors is detected by changes in texture. This is a result of water seeping into the floor boards and areas underneath them. Some common texture variations include:

• Warping - caused by changes in humidity and temperature, resulting in gaps between floorboards or curling at the edges. (Ceilings may also become warped from water damage.)
• Buckling - Occurs in wood floors when one side of the wood becomes detached from the substrate and "tents," or faces upward.
• Sagging/Sinking - You may notice soft spots in hardwood floors due to rotten wood, which feels spongy compared to normal wood. Water can seep into subflooring of all types of flooring material and cause sagging.
• Expansion - Wood and laminate floors will "expand" when they absorb too much water because the material swells and then separates.

odor
Odors caused by mold and mildew could implicate a water damage problem. The smell may come from basements, walls, or other areas where water has been accumulating for a while. Certain drywall materials can act like a sponge and become full of moisture because there is low air circulation. This is the perfect condition for mold to develop, which will eventually result in visual discoloration (usually black spots) and a detectable odor.


Common Places/Causes
Water damage can occur in any part of your home; however, there are some areas that are more high-risk than others. Make a checklist and inspect each area in your home to know where and what to look for when it comes to identifying water damage.
ceilings
Ceiling water damage can come from a few sources. If the room is on the top story of a home, it could be from a leaky roof caused by rain or melting ice/snow in the winter months. If there is a bathroom above the ceiling with wall damage, it could be from a burst pipe or cracks in the floorboards.
walls
One of the easiest ways to spot water damage is water stains on walls (and ceilings). Make sure to also check around door and window frames. An unusual stain could be a sign of a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall.
floors
There are many things that can cause water damage to floors - overflowing sinks/bathtubs, flooding from faulty appliances and bad pipes. Hiring a water damage restoration company is the best way to pinpoint the exact cause of flooring water damage.
exterior/foundations
The exterior of your home can also experience water damage. If there isn't proper drainage in the yard or if the gutter spouts don't carry runoff water far away from the house (or if the gutters leak), water can pool next to the house and if left untreated, cause even more damage to your home's structure.
attics/roofs
Stains, mold and wet or swollen installation are signs of a leak in the attic. If your roof has cracked, curled, or missing shingles, damaged flashing or signs of wind/rain damage, it could be vulnerable to leaks, which could result in water damage. Weather in colder climates can cause ice dams to develop on the roof, which can leak into the attic when snow and ice melts. Pay attention to possible problem areas including around roof vents and chimneys, the flashing (where the roof connects with the walls) and the valleys (where two roof planes connect) to help prevent water damage.
appliances
Check behind refrigerators, washers/dryers, hot water heaters and toilets/sinks for any sign of pooling or leaking water. An appliance or bathroom component (toilet/sink/shower) will most likely cause water damage because of a faulty piece of equipment that isn't easily seen. For example, a cracked hose or loose connection means that these parts may fail soon and could cause leaking in your home - which could lead to water damage.


What to Do If You Find It
If your home has water damage or even if you suspect that you may have a problem, there are professional water damage restoration companies that can help you. First, if you can, locate the problem area. Next, take any necessary steps to prevent any further damage. You may need to soak up standing water on the floor with towels or shut off your home's water supply.
Then, call your home insurance company to report the damage and contact a licensed professional to begin the cleanup process. You'll receive an assessment from the water damage restoration company and can determine your next steps.


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A layer of green moss might look cozy and rustic atop your house, but it can drastically shorten your roof's lifespan. Follow these three straightforward steps to clean off moss—and keep it from coming back.
​By Bob Vila

A green, moss-covered roof may make you think you’ve wandered into a fairy tale, complete with a quaint little woodcutter’s cottage. But, in the real world, moss is much less a fantasy than it is a nightmare. Left untreated, the clumpy greenery can cause virtually any roofing material to degrade—most commonly wood and asphalt, but also metal, clay, and concrete—and thus drastically shorten its lifespan. Moss starts as a thin green layer on and between shingles, but then it proceeds to lift those shingles up as it grows, allowing water to seep underneath. Hello, wood rot and leaks. Fortunately, removing moss is a fairly simple task that you can perform on a seasonal or as-needed basis to keep your roof weathertight and great-looking.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS 
–  Extension ladder adder
–  Safety glasses
–  Rubber gloves
–  Safety rope
–  Garden hose (with spray nozzle)
– Longhandled softbristle scrub brush
–  Commercial cleanser (or DIY solution below)
– Pump spray bottle
–  Plastic sheeting
STEP 1
Carefully place a ladder near the area of moss growth, and don slip-resistant shoes, old clothes, rubber gloves, and eye protection. (You may also want to secure yourself with a safety rope.) Hose off the area with plain water, spraying at a downward angle. Then, use a long-handled soft-bristle scrub brush to remove the moss from the roof, scrubbing from the top down to avoid lifting shingles. As you continue, rub gently—don’t scrape, scour, or pound on the roof—and work in one small section at a time to avoid ripping, cracking, or breaking the shingles.
Note: Don’t use a pressure washer on the roof. The high-powered water jets can damage shingles and remove the shingle granules that protect the roof.
STEP 2
If your moss problem requires more than just a simple scrub, there are a wide variety of commercial cleaning solutions as well as DIY options that will get the job done. Just wait for the next cloudy day before you head out to the roof with your cleanser of choice—you don’t want the solution to evaporate too quickly. Keep in mind that both commercial and homemade spray cleansers can damage sensitive plants and discolor siding, decks, or pathways, so you may want to spread plastic sheeting below your work area before you get started.


Some popular cleansers include Wet & Forget (view on Amazon), a spray-on product for removing moss, mold, and mildew; Bayer 2-in-1 Moss and Algae Killer (view on Amazon), a potassium soap of fatty acids and inert ingredients that you mix with water and then spray on; and Moss B Ware (view on Amazon), a zinc sulfate monohydrate powder that can be applied dry or mixed with water.
Whichever you choose, follow the manufacturer’s directions for application; some cleansers should be rinsed off after use, while others specify to be left on.
You also can make your own moss remover in a large spray bottle with one of these four DIY recipes:
• 8 ounces Dawn Ultra dish soap + 2 gallons of water
• 1 pound powdered oxygen bleach + 2 gallons of water
• 1½ to 3½ cups chlorine bleach + 2 gallons of water
• 1½ to 3½ cups white distilled vinegar + 2 gallons of water
For any of these homemade options, you’ll want to wet down the roof with plain water first, then apply the cleanser and let it sit for 20 to 45 minutes. Lightly scrub with a soft-bristle brush, then rinse with water.
STEP 3
Prevent a moss problem from returning by installing strips of zinc- or copper-coated sheet metal just below the top ridge on both sides of the roof. Copper is more toxic to moss and algae, but zinc is much less expensive. You can purchase sheet metal in rolls and cut it into two- to four-inch strips. Attach the strips to the roof using roofing nails or screws with a rubber washer. You also should consider pruning any tree limbs that overhang the roof—natural sunlight is a powerful moss preventive.