roof with shingle damage

Do I Need a New Roof?

Many homeowners have the same question. How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? You don’t want to do it too early and waste money, but if you wait, you could end up with major damage to your home. Quality Homes of Rochester has put together the top signs that you need a new roof. Read on to find out more.

Leaks

This is easiest to check from inside. Look for dark streaks or stains on ceilings and walls, or sagging areas in ceilings. These are signs of leaks and moisture damage. If you note these signs, you should get someone in to inspect your roof immediately.

Age

Check your paperwork. If your asphalt shingle roof is more than 20 years old, you may need a new one. Roof damage gets worse over time, so if you’re seeing some signs of wear and tear and your roof is older, it’s best to replace it before you experience interior damage to your home.

Damaged Shingles

Over time, heat and moisture will damage shingles. Asphalt shingles should lay flat on your roof. Look for signs of rotting on both asphalt shingle and wood shakes. If you notice them curling, cracking, and breaking, it’s time to call the roofing contractor.

Asphalt shingles are covered with granules that protect them from the heat of the sun. Finding excessive amounts of granules in your gutter system is also an indicator that your roof is more vulnerable to damage from both the sun and water.

Moss

Is moss growing on your roof? Moss and mold grow in areas where moisture collects. The mold spores can work their way between shingles to eventually cause damage to your interior. Once inside your home, mold can cause health problems for your family.

Sagging Roof

The decking of your roof supports all of the roof layers, including underlayment, flashing, and shingles. If damage has reached the decking and made it sag, you run the risk of it being unable to support the roof. This puts your roof at risk of collapse.

If you have one or more signs that your roof is compromised, call Quality Homes of Rochester. We’ll come out and give you a free estimate for a new roof.

Bathroom  Naturalistic Design Elements

Your bathroom can be more than a space for personal care—it can be a refreshing mini-retreat.

Spa-Like Touches

Introduce design elements like river rock tiles in the shower, a teak bathmat, or a freestanding tub with a window view. Add an outdoors element by choosing a rainwater showerhead and allowing the water to feel like soft rainfall.

Natural Ventilation

Add an operable window or solar-powered skylight to naturally promote airflow and reduce humidity. A ventilation system or fan is essential for reducing moisture. Clean your vent of dust or buildup to ensure moisture is not trapped in your bathroom, which can lead to mildew or mold buildup.

Soothing Scents

Essential oil diffusers or lavender bundles in the shower smell incredible, mirroring nature’s sensory experiences. Try tying eucalyptus in your shower, releasing a minty, relaxing scent once the steam and humidity rise.

Styling with Biophilic Design in Mind

Styling with Biophilic Design

You don’t need a significant renovation to bring the benefits of biophilic interior design into your home. Wise styling choices can go a long way.

Incorporate Natural Forms

Curved lines, imperfect shapes, or patterns inspired by leaves, waves, or tree bark all show nature’s organic beauty. Look for these shapes in furniture, rugs, and light fixtures.

For example, a naturalistic style can be achieved by pairing an L-shaped couch or sectional in natural colors with a dark wooden coffee table and an earth-toned rug beneath.

Declutter and Let Spaces Breathe

Nature has rhythm and flow, and your space should, too. Avoid crowding surfaces and leave space around or between key features to create a sense of calm and openness.

Drawers or closets that blend in with the features of your room can be great places to put away essential items while keeping them close at hand.

Naturalistic Home Additions for Outdoor Access

 

A sunroom could be the perfect solution if you have a growing family or have always wanted a special place to retreat. This type of addition fits right in with naturalistic design principles, allowing access to sunlight, the breeze, and the outdoors while inside.

A sunroom or screened-in porch is the perfect combination of indoor coziness and the natural world’s beauty. Additionally, it can be a great place to host friends and family as the evening goes on without the annoyance of bugs.

At Quality Homes, our expert team has the knowledge and experience to handle all home additions and configurations. Whether you need an office, another bedroom, garage, screened-in porch, sunroom, or something different entirely, we can help!

Learn more about home additions in Rochester, NY.

Biophilic Decor

Consider elements like a tabletop fountain, driftwood sculptures, or art that features landscapes and natural scenes. Mirrors can reflect light and views, enhancing the presence of the outdoors. If you like fish, a fish tank or an outdoor koi pond (if it is warm enough for them year-round) would be a great addition to this style.

Biophilic Decor mirror

The Quality Homes Difference

Biophilic and naturalistic design invites nature’s essence into our daily lives. You can create a home that feels alive and supports your well-being. It can inspire everyone who enters with sunlight, wood, plants, and innovative design. 

Start your home improvement journey with something easy. You could add a hanging plant or choose natural wood furniture in the kitchen. Then, build out from there, guided by nature’s wisdom and your vision.

Are you ready for a complete, naturally inspired redesign or addition? Contact us at Quality Homes and schedule a consultation with our designers today!