The winter wonderland that is Cape Cod has rain in the forecast. Great! A melt! But then a deep freeze. With 2+ snow on the ground...

Homes are designed and built with grading that moves water away from the foundation. However, a foot of snow all around the house totally compromises the drainage plan. Snow piles will keep melting water from flowing away from the foundation. Instead, the water will saturate the earth, and try to penetrate into the basement.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency press release warns people against leaving snow near their homes.
--Make sure downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. - About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.
--Move snow on the ground away from the house. Water from the snow may cause a wet basement if allowed to run down along the basement wall. If the ground is sloped 1 inch per foot near the house, moving the snow just 3-5 feet from the house will reduce problems.
--Examine and clean your sump pump, if you have one. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area. Also make sure that the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from freezing.
--Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil conditions. Remember that a 20-foot diameter 10-foot high pile of snow contains about 2,600 gallons of water. Move the snow to well-drained areas.

Ice Dams on your roof can cause serious damage to your home:

Here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. I already have an ice dam on my roof. What should I do about it?
A. If you can reach the roof safely, try to knock the ice dam off with a roof rake, or cut a channel through the ice to allow standing water to drain. If you cannot reach the roof safely, consider hiring a contractor to remove it. Another method is to fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. If you try this method, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Rock salt will damage your roof. Also be aware that shrubbery and plantings near the gutter or downspout may be damaged.

Q. I have an ice dam. How can I tell if it has caused damage inside my home?
A. Look for water stains or moisture in the attic or around the tops of exterior walls on the top floor. Just because an ice dam is present does not necessarily mean water has penetrated the roof membrane. However, it is always best to remove ice dams before they have the opportunity to cause damage.

Q. I have giant icicles hanging off my gutters. What should I do?
A. Look carefully at where the ice is. If the icicles are confined to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, this does not indicate the presence of an ice dam. However, large icicles can pose a danger to people when they fall off. Try to safely knock the icicles off from the ground, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If you cannot reach them safely from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to help.

Q. What else can I do to protect my home?
A. An easy way to help snow and ice drain off your roof is to make sure the area around your downspouts is clear. This will make it possible for your gutters to drain when snow does melt. It will also help prevent flooding when the snow and ice melts.

Q. What types of damage should I be concerned about?
A. Interior water damage from ice dams is very common after heavy snow followed by frequent periods of melting. Ice dams occur because the eaves (the overhangs at the edge of your roof) tend to be colder than the rest of the roof. When water melts off the main part of the roof and reaches the eaves, it may re-freeze there and create a dam that prevents water from draining off the roof. The water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make its way inside your home. Structural damage can also occur when the weight of snow and ice exceeds the load-bearing capacity of your roof. This is most often the case with flat roofs, older buildings, or structures whose integrity may already be compromised.

Q. How do I know if there is too much snow and ice on my roof?
A. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the roof type, construction technique, and age and condition of the structure. As a rule of thumb, if there is more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice on your roof, you should try to have it removed.

Q. How should I remove the snow and ice that has accumulated from my roof?
A. If you have a flat roof that is easily reached from an interior stairway, you may want to shovel the roof. Remember to put safety first any time you are on a roof, especially one that is covered in snow and ice. If you have any doubt, leave it to the professionals. If you have a sloped roof, it may be possible to remove the snow and ice using a roof rake, a long-handled tool designed specifically for this purpose. Stand on the ground and pull as much of the snow off the eaves as you can safely reach. It is not necessary to remove all the snow; removing the first three to four feet of snow closest to the gutters will help alleviate these issues.

Q. What if I can’t reach the roof at all?
A. Many homebuilders, landscaping and roofing contractors, and property maintenance companies will remove snow and ice from roofs. Before hiring a contractor, check references. Always be sure your contractor is insured and bonded. We do not recommend using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and is best left to professionals.

Q. How do I keep this from happening again next year?
A. Using a roof rake to clear the first three to four feet of snow from your roof immediately after each winter storm is an effective approach to preventing ice dams from forming. Ultimately, the best prevention for ice dams is to eliminate the conditions that make it possible for them to form in the first place. Making sure your attic is well insulated will help prevent the melting-and-freezing cycle that causes ice dams to form.

Forward this to your friends and neighbors to keep everybody safe!

This beautiful custom Cape was recently designed, permitted and constructed by REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder. After the final cleaning, we took some photos. Yes, there is more than 2 feet of snow on the ground, but this home, like every REEF home, was delivered on time and on budget.

Eastham is a very cool little town on Cape Cod. The east coast of Eastham is all National Seashore, with miles of pristine ocean beach. Our Customers desired a home with a traditional look and feel, but with amenities to accommodate their modern, family lifestyle. The open floor plan is graced by lots of energy efficient Andersen windows, a positive-heat gas fireplace, a hard-wired alarm system, and a Nest “Smart” thermostat. And one-floor living, with 1st floor Master Suite and separate Laundry Room, means they will be enjoying this beautiful home for a long, long time.

Have a look at the project photos on our Houzz.com site:

Recent REEF-Built Home in Eastham on Cape Cod

Recent REEF-Built Home in Eastham on Cape Cod

Recent REEF-Built Home in Eastham on Cape Cod

More snow coming! The enormous amount of snow has caused roof collapses throughout eastern Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public safety has just released an Advisory concerning Snow Loads on Roofs:

Here is a great list of Do’s and Don’ts, Tips, etc.    Safety first!

Public Safety Advisory On Potential Roof Collapses
Dangers Associated With Heavy Snow Loads on Roofs

The recent prolonged cold weather and repeated snowstorms have contributed to severe roof load conditions. Compounding the situation is the short-term weather forecast of potentially two more snowstorms over the next few days.

Homeowners, tenants, and businesses need to be cognizant of the danger posed by heavy snow loads on roofs, and the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. In some instances, the risks posed by accumulated snow on roofs can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs of both commercial buildings and homes. Because temperatures are expected to remain cold for at least the next few days, and more snow may fall as early as this Thursday, efforts should be undertaken now to safely remove snow from roofs.

Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of structural collapse. Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.
Lower roofs, where snow accumulates from higher roofs are also vulnerable.

Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas

• DO's

• Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
• Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
• Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.
Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades-those too will do some damage to your roof.
• Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways. Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.
• Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
• Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores.
• If you don't hire professionals, at least have someone outside with you in case anything does go wrong
• Keep gutters and drains clean, free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level.

Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas

• DON'T's

• Unless approved by a registered professional engineer, don't add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof.
• Don't use a ladder since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.
• Don't use electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
• Don't use open-flame devices to remove snow and ice.
According to Meteorologist Tony Petrarca, a cubic foot of dry snow weighs about seven pounds, while a cubic foot of wet snow weighs anywhere from 12 to 18 pounds. So, if it's possible, hire someone to help with all of the snow clearing.
How to Recognize Problems with Roofs
• Sagging roofs
• Severe roof leaks
• Cracked or split wood members
• Bends or ripples in supports
• Cracks in walls or masonry
• Sheared off screws from steel frames
• Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles
• Doors that pop open
• Doors or windows that are difficult to open
• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
• Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
Other Safety Tips for Homeowners
• Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
• Check outside fuel and dryer exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device. Never use your oven for heat.
• Clear snow away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Ice dams can cause major damage to a home or building. Ice dams occur after a heavy snowfall, followed by several days or even weeks of very cold weather. An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms, the water backs up behind the ice dams and creates a pool. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to your walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

Please refer to the following link where WT Phalen Insurance provides additional information and guidance about how to cope with ice dams.

http://www.wtphelan.com/index.cfm/pid/10799/cdid/10903

• Space heaters need space, so use them in a 3-foot circle of safety; free of anything that may catch fire. Space heaters are not designed to replace your central heating system; they are only designed to provide a little extra heat on a temporary basis. So be sure to turn them off when you leave room or go to bed at night.

• Clear snow away from downspouts so water has a place to go.
• Do not be tempted to use a heat gun or open flame torch to melt the ice; the risk of starting a fire is huge.
• Also, please remember to shovel-out fire hydrants in\around your area in case of emergency. See the Massachusetts Emergency Management web link below for additional information about winter and fire safety tips.

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/

• If you feel you are in immediate danger, get outside and call 9-1-1.

Tips for businesses in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas

• DO's

• The same tips apply. However, if you are going to use a snow blower, make sure that it has been approved by a structural engineer to be used on a roof, and that the blower is set to a high level above the roof so as not to damage roof membrane.
• Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
• Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
• Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.
Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.

Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades-those too will do some damage to your roof.

• Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.
• Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
• Keep gutters, downspouts and drains clean.
How to Recognize Problems with Roofs in Commercial Buildings
• Many of the same apply - added
• Sagging roof steel - visually deformed
• Severe roof leaks
• Cracked or split wood members
• Bends or ripples in metal supports
• Cracks in walls or masonry
• Cracks in welds of steel construction
• Sheared off screws from steel frames
• Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
• Water puddles where it never has before
• Doors that pop open
• Doors or windows that are difficult to open
• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
• Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
What to do if you have problems
• Call your local building or fire official.
• If there is imminent danger, evacuate the building and call 911.
What other assistance is available?
• Many fire departments have regional technical rescue teams available to local departments in case of collapse.

• Massachusetts Task Force 1 is an Urban Search and Rescue Team in Beverly. The team is comprised of Police, Fire, EMS and Civilians who respond to major disasters under a contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently there are 150 people on the MATF-1 team.

Sincerely,

Department of Public Safety

Blizzard, ice, wind, more snow…how’s your roof? Like many parts of the house, we rarely consider the roof until it needs attention. One leak can ruin your whole day. Whether it’s “raining cats and dogs", a colloquialism from the times of thatched roofs, or “hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk”, we depend on roof shingles every day.

Many of the things we take for granted, like a roof that withstands a blizzard, are produced with some amazing technology. Roof shingles installed on REEF Builders’ custom homes carry a 30 year warranty. How do they manufacture a roof shingle to withstand Mother Nature for 30 years?!

This brief video a explains and illustrates the steps necessary to produce the roof shingles that keep you dry when it’s wet, warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. Enjoy!

How Roof Shingles are made for your Cape Cod Home

How Roof Shingles are made for your Cape Cod Home

Been spending a lot of time inside? How’s your kitchen looking? Time for a little updating? Since it’s been 10 degrees outside, there’s been a lot of inside time lately. Many folks are taking a second look at the heart of their home…the kitchen.

Ready to get inspired? What’s new for 2015? Here are some great resources for thinking and planning for your 2015 kitchen overhaul. Modern; classic; warm hardware tones – who knew?

These photos and design sites for fresh new kitchen ideas are bound to get your juices flowing, and your kitchen plans going!

Modern Kitchen Ideas 2015 for your Cape Cod Home

HGTV's Best Kitchens for Cape Cod

Fresh Kitchen Design Trends for 2015

The blizzard is on its way! It's forecast to be here tonight and all day tomorrow…are you ready? Is your Cape Cod Home prepared to handle the wind, ice, snow and potential power outages?

Most important:
• Ensure that snow is moved away from exhaust vents for furnaces, water heaters, etc. Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is a real danger for homeowners after a major snowfall.
• Clear snow from flat and/or low pitched roofs. Snow can be very heavy! Clear the snow as it accumulates on your flat roof.
• Ice dams can push runoff from melting snow up into your roof. Clean the eaves of your home, and make sure melting snow can drain away from the house.

Here are some excellent resources for more blizzard preparation tips:

Mass. Emergency Management Agency checklist for Cape Cod Blizzards

Red Cross storm checklist for Cape Cod Blizzards

Top 10 Blizzard Tips for Cape Cod

Prepare for winter blizzards on Cape Cod

REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder is awarded “Best Of Houzz 2015”

Annual Survey and Analysis of Community of Over 25 Million Monthly Users Reveals Top-Rated Home Building Professionals and Design Trends

Houzz (www.houzz.com), the leading platform for home remodeling and design, today announced the community’s picks for Best Of Houzz 2015, a homeowner-to-homeowner guide to the top home builders, architects, interior designers, landscape pros and other residential professionals on Houzz from tile, stone and countertop pros to painters.

“We are pleased and proud to be recognized once again by Houzz.com” remarked Matt Teague, president of REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder. “It really means something when the largest online home design/build site acknowledges your efforts. Presently we are building custom homes throughout Cape Cod, from New Seabury to Truro. One of our goals is to exceed customer expectations, and it’s great for our team to be recognized for their success.”

  REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Houzz.com

“Houzz connects people with the best home professional for their project by providing the only 360-degree view of a professional, from their portfolio, client reviews, awards and accreditations to their work style and expertise based on their participation in the Houzz community,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “We’re delighted to join our community in recognizing the talented professionals on Houzz who are delivering incredible designs and delightful customer experiences.”

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 25 million monthly users on Houzz, known as “Houzzers,” Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2015” badge on their profiles, showing the Houzz community their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

About Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin and Sydney.

For more information please contact:
REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder

Chuck Tuttle 508-394-3090 ext 1

CTuttle@CapeCodBuilder.com

     Here is an article from Cape and Islands Home Remodeling magazine about a cottage that REEF built a few years back.  It talks about our design and construction process, and has some great pictures of the results. 

http://www.homeremodelingmag.com/article.php?id=9

Finishing your Cape Cod basement is one of those easy to justify home decisions that will offer years of use and enjoyment.  Here are our top eight reasons for opting to finish your basement.

8. COMFORT - A well insulated basement is usually the coolest place in your home during the summer months and the warmest in the winter months and can help reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the rest of the house.

7. ENTERTAINMENT - From simple TV rooms to more luxurious rooms, a finished basement is a place where many people will congregrate.  Pool tables, game rooms and lots of space help make a finished basement perfect for entertaining.

6 .INCOME - Finished basement space may be able to be used to produce rental income thereby helping to offset the the cost associated with construction

5.FAMILY - Whether accomodating them for a meal or a month, many people need more space to house extended family.  They can also make great playrooms for the kids and grandkids.

4.SPACE - Large, spacious rooms and ample lighting can make basements very beautiful and inviting.

3. RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT: According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs Value Report, your basement project typically returns about 70 percent of the original cost. In terms of space and quality of living, you also get a huge return on your investment: If you own a 2000 square foot home and finish your basement, you may get 1000 square feet of extra space. That’s a 50 percent increase in space.  As a result, that extra space increases the market value of your home substantially and makes your home more attractive to potential buyers. A finished basement can improve the marketability of your home.

2.FLEXIBILITY - Unlike your main level, where often you only have a limited floor plan to choose from, the design of your basement allows a greater degree of design autonomy

1. VALUE - A finished basement offers the best value, per square foot of any other remodeling project

adapted from an article by http://www.upscaledownstairs.com

adapted from an article by http://www.integrityhomecontractors.com

If you are interested in finishing your basement, please contact our small project division by clicking below!

Top Five Cape Cod Kitchen Renovation Must-Haves

If you have a kitchen remodeling project in your future and are looking to get the most out of your new space..., we have five features you won’t want to exclude from your home renovation. Compiled by a team of expert home remodeling contractors in Raleigh, NC, our Top Five list is sure to send chefs of all abilities into a joyous tizzy thinking about these sizzling kitchen remodeling must-haves.

Must-Have #5 – Undercounter Sink

A kitchen remodeling upgrade that has come to be expected with most home remodeling projects these days.  Undercounter sinks come standard with most natrual stone (granite) and engineered stome (quartz)countertops.  Though integrated sinks in solid surface products like Corian and cultured marble are used often, they don't hold quite the same interest with buyers when it comes to a remodeling upgrade.

Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #4 – French Door Refrigerator

Appliances always compete with upgraded countertops, as the most appealing part of a kitchen remodeling project, and of course, the refrigerator is the King Pin. As the appliance that will be used the most frequently and by the most people, the refrigerator must be functional and flawless to win your renovation a home remodeling award. A fridge can easily lure or deter potential buyers, and something about seeing those shiny side-by-side handles covering an expansive and easy-to-access chiller seems to call for extra dollars from buyers. A home improvement upgrade that doesn’t even need a kitchen renovation project to be implemented, French Door refrigerators are an easy and must-have upgrade that simply cannot be excluded if you are undertaking a kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #3 – Custom Tile Backsplash
Whether it’s natural stone, colorful or decorative patterns, your kitchen backsplash is a blank canvas that offers an opportunity for you to flex your artistic muscles and bring color, life and remodeling design to your space. Don’t let the opportunity to introduce interest to your kitchen remodeling project pass you by by overlooking your backsplash; instead, get creative and bring life to the most functional space in the house! Showing attention to this artful area will grab buyers’ interest and is sure to wow your guests…and you won’t get the most out of your kitchen remodeling project from buyers if you exclude an upgraded tile backsplash from your list.
 

 Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #2 – A Free-Standing Island

Adding a free-standing island not only brings functional work and eating space to your project; it also means you’ve got a roomy kitchen that can accommodate a large fixture, which is a second great reason for potential buyers to love your kitchen. If you’ve ever turned on HGTV and watched shows featuring the best of kitchen remodeling projects, you’re sure to notice the award-winning remodels all include free standing islands (complete with pendant lighting & often a built-in cooktop…see above and note how our list has come full circle). It will offer additional storage and workspace, give the kids a comfortable and casual spot to pull up and enjoy their snacks, and help define your kitchen area if you’re lucky enough to have an open floor plan.

Kitchen Remodeling  Must-Have #1 – Quartz Countertops
Natural Stone Countertops are a popular choice of material when remodeling. Now, the latest and definitely greatest product on the market is engineered Quartz, which incorporates natural material with manmade products and results in the strongest and most durable countertop material on the market. With more variation in a slab than Corian but less than most granite products, engineered Quartz is a clean, contemporary and easy-to-look-at product that is winning over kitchen remodelers across the country. It is far less fragile than granite and won’t chip or fleck, and won’t scratch, stain or scar the way Corian or other solid surface countertops will. It’s practically indestructible and, for hearty cooks  everywhere, is the remodeling material of choice.

--Engaging our Services

adapted from GreyHouse Inc.  http://www.greyhouseinc.com/news/1/24/