Roof with missing and cracked shingles

Top 6 Signs You Need a New Roof

Your roof protects your family and home from the elements and is likely your most significant investment. Like many homeowners, you may be wondering if there’s a way to find out if you need a new roof. With that in mind, Quality Homes of Rochester has put together a list of the top six signs that you may need a new roof.

1. Roof Age

The easiest way to know if you need a new roof is to check on the roof age. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it’s time to replace it. If you aren’t sure of your roof’s age, look around your neighborhood for other homes getting roofs replaced. Your home may be roughly the same age as those around it.

2. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

Shingles should lay flat against your roof. Areas of your roof that are missing shingles or have shingles that are damaged are open to water damage and leaks. While roof repair may be an option, if you are missing multiple shingles, consider replacing the entire roof.

3. Leaks or Water Damage

Take a look in your attic. Leaks can lead to rotting wood and extensive damage. Contact your roofing contractor if you find areas with dark stains or streaks. Don’t delay in taking care of these — small leaks will continue to get worse and will result in even more damage.

4. Cracked or Damaged Flashing

Flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys protects the seams of your roof from rain and snow. If the flashing is cracked, water can get in and cause leaks and damage.

5. Moss Buildup

While moss in itself isn’t a problem, its presence may be an indicator of trapped moisture — which can ruin a roof. You can get rid of moss with a stiff brush or by spraying it with a high-pressure hose, but remember to check for underlying problems.

6. Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is a surefire sign you need a new roof. Sagging indicates significant roof damage, possibly with trapped moisture and rotting boards.

If you need a new roof, contact Quality Homes of Rochester at 585-429-5400 for a free estimate today.

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!