What are those black streaks on your roof? Dirt? Mildew? Burnout marks from Santa Clause? It actually is algae, gloeocapsa magma to be exact- otherwise known as blue-green algae. So why is it black? This alga actually has a darkly pigmented outer layer that protects it from UV rays, causing those dark streaks on your roof. These little bacteria build up over time as they feed on moisture and calcium carbonate.

Found in almost every room of the home, windows are one of the biggest factors in your home's comfort levels and energy costs. Most homeowners know that leaving a window slightly open can lead to a spike in the energy bill, but did you know that over time your windowpanes can become deteriorated and less energy efficient – even if you've never opened them! Knowing what to look for in your windows can not only keep your home looking better but can also keep your utility costs down.

Summer is the perfect time to get out and make some improvements on your house and yard, but is your roof on your to-do list as well? Did you know there are maintenance items that can be done on your roof to help prolong the lifespan? Here's a quick checklist of items you can take care of this summer to help cut down on big repairs later on!

You may have already read our blog on Discontinued Shingles, but do you know how to identify what shingles you have? Here are a few easy identifiers for Atlas Chalet and CertainTeed Shingles. 

For many of us, when we think of painting our house, the first thing that comes to mind is painting the interior walls. We find colors that reflect our personalities, our tastes, and the feeling we want our house to evoke. What many people fail to remember though, is that you can do the exact same thing on the outside of your home!

Have you ever checked your yard after a bad storm and noticed shingles laying on the ground? Have you ever had a small leak in your ceiling? Have you ever noticed sunspots in your attic when you go to put away your seasonal decorations? Chances are, if you have owned or rented the same home for a while, you've experienced one or more of these things.

The winter weather is slowly fading into memory as the warmth and sunlight starts to set in. The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and we're noticing the iconic markings of the season start to bloom. Before tackling the sun and rain that comes this time of year, it's in all homeowner's best interest to take stock of the condition of their roof.

Historic homes are the gift that keeps on giving. While they're certainly not for everyone, a historic home offers an intangible uniqueness that many new homes don't have. Of course, some of these qualities may mean less efficient windows, smaller rooms, and lower ceilings, but it also means stunning architectural features, quirky frames, and countless stories behind the walls.

Since the beginning of time, humans have put effort in to making themselves as comfortable as possible. This is just a part of our instinct. Over time, this has evolved into many different facets of what we see today. But what about the homes we live in? Simply put, home structures have evolved for many different cultures. For instance, you'd be hard pressed to find a dirt bungalow with a straw thatched roof in Woodstock, Georgia. So, how exactly have our home-building materials advanced? More specifically, what are some of the latest technology advancements in roofing, and how did we get here?

Only a percentage of people know that the walls of your home only do part of the work when it comes to keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The larger part of the equation is one that homeowners rarely see, touch, or even give much time or thought to: the insulation! Insulation is mostly likely found in between the walls of your home, up in the attic, between your ceilings and floors, garages, etc.

Depending on your wants, needs, and personal taste, you have decided on a roof that checks all your boxes! But what you may not know is that different roofing materials could influence the type of maintenance required. Each material is unique in its composition, so their steps for proper preservation will differ as well. Some material requires little to no maintenance, while others are more subject to damage and will need repairs more often.

It's no secret that at Trotter Roofing and Gutters we encourage regular and proper maintenance on your gutters. Maintaining your gutters will increase their longevity and efficiency, but just like most things in your home, there comes a time that they may need a full replacement. Whether you're a new homeowner, or you've been around the block (pun intended), there are certainly things to look out for when deciding when to get your gutters replaced.  

There's no stopping mother nature. When you are in the path of her destruction, she can cause some serious problems for your home. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that can be taken. Making sure things like roofs, gutter guards, and chimney caps are properly and securely installed the first time around can help make sure you home stays protected when storms hit.

Pressure washing is the methodic use of a machined hose that sprays water at a very high pressure. This high-pressure tool is used to clean dirt, grime, mold, algae, and certain stains from surfaces on the outside of your home. Pressure washing can save time and money when it comes to renovations or home improvement! A pressure washer uses 80% less water and has 50% more power than a standard garden hose, making for the perfect clean up device.

When you think of the word "roof", what comes to mind? Is it a straw thatched covering atop a bungalow? Is It solar panels collected on the top of a modern structure? Or is it brown and black shingles on an A-frame house? Whatever the case is, one thing is for certain; there are many different types of roofs. The material, color, structure, and location of the roof make each one unique in its own way.

You spent weeks, months, or even years finding your perfect home. Now that you have it, it's important to take care of it! Of course, decorating the inside to your personality is key. But what about the outside of your home? It's the first impression people see as they walk or drive by. Do you want it to reflect you and your personality?

This time of year is a busy one for all the home décor aficionados. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's just around the corner, you're probably thinking "I need to spruce my home up ASAP!".

Your roof is a huge investment and if you don't properly take care of it, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in repairs or even a need for replacement. Why spend unnecessary money when you could take steps to maintain your roof to help it last as long as possible? Sometimes it's easy to get into the habit of making D-I-Y projects of things that shouldn't be D-I-Y projects – and roofing is one of those things that should be done by a professional. Here are some things you absolutely should not do on or to your roof to avoid expensive damage. 

Without even knowing it, fall has quickly snuck up on us. It's such a fun season with the air turning cooler and the excitement of all of the holidays that are on their way. Though we're all suckers for the vibrant leaves that beautifully fall off of trees and onto the ground, there are some things that come with fall that aren't quite as exciting – especially for roofers. Nonetheless, it's a wonderful time of year, and these are some of the things you can do to prepare for it.