Author Archives: stacy@cixxfive.com

What is Rubber Roofing?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you from the elements and keeps you secure. But as a homeowner, you should know all of your options when it comes to your humble abode. Some people don’t even know rubber roofing exists, much less the benefits that it has over traditional asphalt shingles. So, let’s take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of rubber roofing so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you and your home.

Why Should I Choose Rubber?

As you can obviously see from the name, rubber roofing is made from rubber. But, its specific materials are much more complex than that. The materials are more eco-friendly than their asphalt counterparts. Some popular materials are recycled tires, sawdust, and slate dust. However, these materials make rubber roofing more expensive than asphalt roofing. Asphalt shingles are usually around $100 a square, while rubber roofing often goes for at least $300 to $400 a square. But by paying that premium first, you’re going to save yourself a lot of stress, headaches, and cash in the future.

In the long run, the benefits of rubber roofing will be clear as day. Asphalt roofing usually lasts about 15 to 20 years. Rubber roofing, on the other hand, will last about 30 to 50 years. If you’re looking for optimum longevity, you can repaint your rubber roofing every ten years or so to help extend its livelihood. Throughout the lifespan of your asphalt roofing, you’re probably going to have to put a lot of effort into the maintenance. You’ll deal with a lot more cracks and leaking than you would have with rubber roofing. Rubber roofing is incredibly durable, waterproof, and weather-resistant. Even if you do have a problem with your rubber roofing, it’s an easy fix. All you’d need is some liquid rubber or a heavy-duty rubber repair tape to get your roof in check. It’s fast and simple which gives you more time in your lovely house and less dealing with a leaky roof.

How to Install Rubber Roofing

The process of installing rubber roofing is quite easy compared to other roofing options. Installing a huge rubber roll is the most cost-effective and beneficial method to installing your rubber roofing. After acquiring the roll, you have a couple of options. You can either strip your current roof down to the plywood base, on installing it on top of your current shingles. Most manufacturers won’t honor your warranty if you apply it on top of your current roof, but it’s up to you whether you want to go one way or the other.

We suggest hiring a professional and experienced roofing contractor, but if you’re roofing your home yourself, you’re going to have an easier time handling rubber than you would with other substances like slate or cedar. Rubber is a lot lighter, so it’ll take less effort to carry around. Make sure to cut the roofing for your specific roof and keep in mind the vents, chimneys, and antennas that are in your home. Sweep your roof to get rid of all that dirt and debris that’s lying around. You surely don’t want all of yesterday’s gunk to get on tomorrow’s fresh rubber roofing. After that, apply the adhesive all throughout your roof. If you see any air bubbles forming, get rid of them. Once you’ve finished all your hard work, wait about half an hour for the adhesive to set. Then, do a final look over and make any adjustments as needed.

Just as you put the roofing on your home, it’s already saving you money. Since you can put up your roofing with only a few layers, that means that there are going to be fewer seams. Fewer seams mean fewer cracks and fewer cracks mean fewer leaks. This all means more money saved! The rubber material reflects the sun and heats away from your home, so you’re definitely going to save some money on cooling costs. On the flip-side, it also traps heat inside during the cold winter months. The material is also fire-resistant. When you look at the benefits, having rubber roofing just makes sense. But, having a rubber roof is not all sunshine and rainbows.

Cons of Rubber Roofing

When the benefits are weighed against the cons of rubber roofing, the benefits definitely do reign supreme. However, that doesn’t mean cons don’t exist and that they aren’t worth talking about. Rubber roofing isn’t as popular as asphalt roofing, so you might have a hard time finding a roofer that is skilled in rubber roofing. Not having your rubber roofing installed correctly can lead to problems down the road. Since there aren’t many professionals that know about this recent phenomenon, they might try and make you pay a pretty penny for your rubber roof. As mentioned earlier, the price is one of the biggest cons when it comes to this type of roofing. It’s a big investment in the house in all aspects when it comes to labor and materials alike.

Piping throughout the house can be a major threat to the integrity of your roofing. You are definitely going to have to keep an eye on these areas because it’s likely that there may be cracks in the future. Due to the rubber material and its unlikeliness to crack, you may have a hard time seeking out the source if you end up having a slight problem in the future. It might be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Choosing your roofing shouldn’t have to be a hard decision. Using rubber in roofing is a recent discovery that has brought an easier homeowner experience to people all over the world. The extra couple hundred dollars that you pay at price certainly pays off as time goes by. The money that you save in maintenance fees is going to pay for the roofs themselves and then some. When you’re choosing your roofing, be sure to think about the long-term and not just the right now. Your future self will thank you, along with your wallet.

 

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The Keys to Commercial Roof Maintenance

Nobody wants to talk about the quality of their roof. There are more exciting things to talk about. As a property owner, you have to take care of the roof as best as possible to ensure the happiness of the people that are inside. If you don’t take good care of the roof of your building, you’re going to deal with bigger and more stressful problems down the road. So, turn off the computer and put the pencil down for a couple of minutes. Trust me, it’s all going to still be there once you’ve taken a good, solid look at the roof.

The Power of Being Proactive

The best defense against roof problems is to always be aware of the status of your roof. If you catch a problem early, you’ll be able to take care of it as quickly as possible so you can save more money in the long run. The cost benefits are staggering and should be noted. Owners and property managers that only deal with problems when they’re obvious (reactive maintenance) pay an average of 25 cents a square every year for maintenance. On the flip side, owners and property managers that keep on top of their roof (proactive maintenance) pay an average of only 14 cents a square. That money adds up. Your business will thank you in the long run when you make a habit out of inspecting and repairing your roof.

Sometimes, you can even notice a roof problem without even having to go outside. If you notice water damage such as discoloration on the ceiling, that’s a sign that there might be a leak. Also if you notice mold in the building, and you have no idea where it’s coming from, it might be coming from a roof leak. Once even the smallest cracks are exposed in the infrastructure of the roof, you need to find it and take care of it before it turns into a problem that’s going become more costly if you put it off.

If you notice any of these things, you should plan a time to head to the roof yourself or schedule an appointment with your local roofing professional. When there are signs on the inside of your building, then you never know what’s going on on the outside of the roof.

What to Look For On the Outside

If you choose to head to the roof yourself, be sure to have someone that can spot you and make sure that nothing dangerous happens when you’re checking out the roof. Prolonged moisture is something that you look for. Check for things like puddles or bubbles. The moisture can cause deterioration and aging to your roof if they linger for too long. Places like chimneys and vents are popular places for cracks once they already broke through the roof’s infrastructure. You should also be on the lookout for things like cracked and lifted shingles or loose sealing.

You should definitely get your roof inspected after your building deals with extreme weather, such as a hurricane or a snowstorm. These instances can often weather down a once strong roof, bit by bit, until it finally breaks down. You never know what storm is going to be that last straw. It’s best to check each level of your roof to make sure that it never gets to that point of no return.

Finding a Professional

If you’re looking for professional guidance throughout this journey, be sure that you do your research first. Before contacting a professional, make sure to check the areas around the building that you can reach. Be sure to tell them everything you discovered throughout your walk-through so they can have an idea about what they will be looking for before they even walk in the door. Before you give money to them, you want to make sure that they’re as informed as possible about the building. Tell them things like how old the building is, when was the last time the roof was replaced, and other things that you’ve discovered while searching for roof damage. These tips will assure you that your money is well spent.

When determining a price range, you should think about who is going to save you time and money in the long run. You shouldn’t just be worrying about the amount of money that each job is going to cost. You might find low-price options that offer quick fixes, but end up spending more money long-term on maintenance than you would have if you paid that premium price upfront. Finding professional roofers with expert knowledge and quality technology provides you with the best service possible along with the ability to establish a lifelong relationship that will benefit you, your business, and your roof. Your main goal should be to maximize the safety of your employees by extending the life of your roof. This will make the time between each maintenance job longer and longer. This will, of course, be saving you the mighty dollar and unnecessary stress.

Experience is key. If you pick roofers that tend to be than experienced than other roofers, it can lead to faulty work and create bigger problems for you in the future. When you are confident in your choice for a professional to handle the maintenance of your roof,  you’ll know who to go to for not only costly problems but for advice that’ll help you get ahead of your roof and be more proactive in the future also.

To have a solid business structure, you need a solid roof. It’s a part of a building that can often be forgotten in a fast-paced work atmosphere. If you fit roof maintenance into your work routine you will not only be prepared, but you can also be proactive. When you’re proactive you prevent problems before they start and have more time to work on different aspects of your business. So, make sure to put roof maintenance on your to-do list today so you can soon breathe easy as you cross it off.

 

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Best Metal Roofing for Residential Homes

The roof on your house needs to be strong, sturdy, and reliable. Metal roofing can be a great option for your home because it does all three, and it does them extremely well. No matter what the weather’s like where you live, having a metal roof would benefit you. These roofs can withstand storms, extreme weather changes, and snow extremely well. If you’re thinking about buying a metal roof for your home, you might be thinking about what specific metal you’d like to utilize for your home. Read on to figure out the pros and the cons of each material, and figure out which one is the right one for you.

Types of Metal

There are a couple of different choices you have when it comes to the metal that you can choose for your roof. The most popular options are various types of steels, aluminum, copper, and zinc. There are also metals that are combinations of the few. All of these types of roofs have various pros and cons that will either convince you to purchase them or push you away.

Steel is the material that is most used in residential homes. That fact probably has a lot to do with its low cost. But often, galvanized steel (a low cost, thinner version) can corrode very easily when it’s exposed to heavy amounts of saltwater. In turn, you probably don’t want to use this material for homes that are by the water (beach homes, etc.) The prices of steel depend on the type of steel that you’re getting. If you’re looking at stone-coated steel it starts at about $400 dollars a square. If you’re trying to get steel shingles, that might be about $270 a square. But typically, if you’re not trying to go for the fancy stuff, ordering steel for your roof is going to set you back at least $300 dollars a square. If installed right, your steel roof should last you at least 50 years.

Aluminum is the second most popular steel for roofing. It’s so popular because it’s more durable than steel, while only being a fraction of the price of premium steels like copper and zinc. When it comes to how it would fair in a coastal home, aluminum works a completely different way than steel does. If you’re living in a place by the beach, then aluminum would be the best choice for your home. It’s often thought of as a step up from steel when it comes to the quality. In turn, you’re going to have to give up a bit more cash. In general, it costs about $100 more per square than steel. Along with steel, aluminum will also last you at least 50 years.

The most expensive metals and the most durable of the bunch are definitely copper and zinc. These are roofs that could last hundreds of years with the proper care. But, if you’re looking for that longevity, you’re going to have to cough up some serious coin. They both cost about $900 to $1400 dollars a square. Because of the pricing, most people don’t make roofs that are fully out of copper. They usually just use it for accents throughout the home. But hey, if you’ve got enough money to pay for a fully copper or zinc roof then be my guest. If you’re trying to calculate the full cost of setting up your copper or zinc roof, it usually will be around $1800 for materials and labor per square.

Benefits of Having a Metal Roof

No matter what type of metal you’d prefer to use, they’re going to bring most of the same benefits. When it comes to the horrors of the winter season like ice dams and snow, a metal roof is going to be your best protection against it. They are thought of like ice and snow shedding system, so you’re not going to have to worry about roof leaks. Speaking of weather, these roofs can withstand hurricane-level winds. That makes them great for people who live in states where hurricanes are more prevalent.

The durability of metal roofs is what separates them from other types of roofs. You won’t have to worry about it cracking, rotting, or splitting. You’re also not going to find any creatures or rodents in your roof. They’re not going to survive on metal. It’s fire-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it like you would for a wood or asphalt roof. Whether you’re dealing with a hailstorm or sticks from overhead trees, it’s not going to damage the roof. This roof can handle almost anything that life might throw at it. When it comes to maintenance, you won’t have too many problems. The credit goes to the material’s incredible durability.

When you have a metal roof, you’ll see a difference in your energy bill. You can save at least 25%, due to the roof’s reflective nature. Copper and zinc aren’t as energy efficient as aluminum and steel. But, when you’re talking about energy-saving capability, it’s a lot better than dealing with asphalt. If you’re interested in saving the environment and reducing the amount of waste you produce, having a metal roof would be a great option. It uses the least amount of resources and can always be recycled. It can be recycled hundreds of times without worry about the material corroding. That means that it’ll never end up in a landfill once it reaches the end of its lifespan, reducing the country’s waste. Choosing a metal roof is one of the greenest choices that you can make when you’re finalizing your home.

Choosing the material of your roof can be difficult. There are pros and cons to each type of metal. But, they all are specialized enough that you can pick the perfect one for you from the choices given. Whether you choose steel or copper, metal roofs provide great benefits for your home that your family will love and adore for years and years to come.

 

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What to Check on Your Roof After the Winter Season

The cold, hard winter can be a trying time for your roof. It’s the part of your house that can get the worst damage from winter’s harsh elements. From ice dams to melting snow, it can be hard to bandage your roof after winter’s long gone. But if you know what to look for and what problems may reveal themselves dealing with the damage might be easier than you think.

Roof Damage from the Inside

There are many ways that you can check for winter roof damage without even leaving the comfort of your own home. Be on the lookout for water damage and discoloration on the ceiling. That may be a sign of a leaky roof which can lead to bigger problems down the road dealing with rain and snow. Your roof might not be completely sealed. Head up to the attic with a flashlight and look for more signs of water damage like mold and discoloration. Make note of the location of the damage so you can look for the opening on the outside of the roof.

Even if there isn’t any obvious damage to the inside of the roof, there still might be an opening that could cause more damage in the future. Turn all the lights off in the attic and look for any part of the roof that reveals the sunshine of the inside. The crack, no matter how small, will make problems for you in the future. Also, check around the protrusions of your home like vents and chimneys. These are places where cracks often form in the shingles. If you make checking your attic into a routine then you’ll be able to catch problems before they turn into a big deal.

Roof Damage from the Outside

As the weather’s beginning to get warmer, it’s the perfect time to get outside and check out your roof. Before you climb onto the roof, make sure that you find a helper to spot you while you’re climbing up there. This can turn into a dangerous situation very quickly and you need to make sure that someone’s looking out for you when you’re up on the roof. Once you have a helper strap on some gloves, get a sturdy ladder, and start the investigation.

If there are places on your roof that you know have been cemented or sealed in the past, make sure to give those a look. They might have cracked due to the cold weather. After that, go check out your shingles. There could be obvious damage like a broken shingle, but be sure to look out for less significant damage like cracks or raising. This could have happened due to the sudden temperature change that can happen during the winter season, or in the transition from winter to spring. There also might be snow or ice on it that had randomly thawed, causing the shingle to raise. Depending on the damage, the shingle might not even have to be replaced. It could just need to be resealed.

Inspect your gutters and eaves. If you see water damage through these areas, it might have to do with the area being overtaken with ice. This often happens because the snow thawed and froze at a fast rate, causing things to expand and holes to form throughout your roof. As soon as the weather gets consistently warm and you feel comfortable checking out your roof, you should do so as soon as possible. This will give you a base of problems that you’ll need to take care of as spring blooms throughout your home.

Preventive Roof Maintenance for Next Winter

Investing in preventative care for your roof will prevent hefty price tags in the future. Once you have realized the types of problems that your roof often has you can pay a premium now to save money and hassle in the future. Be sure to check your gutters and downspouts making sure that they’re clean and open. These places are often where ice dams occur. Things like leaves and debris can pack up gutters during other seasons. This makes for improper drainage. When improper drainage occurs it can back up the whole water system and make for very costly damage come winter.

Keep the ventilation levels high in the attic and seal the vents. This will reduce heat levels on the roof and cause snow and ice to melt at a less rapid rate to prevent pooling at the roof’s edge. Keep an eye out for the snow that might be lying around on the roof. If it’s looking to be a lot (for example, over 12 inches) you might want to try and remove it from the roof. Make sure that you do this as safely as possible if you wish to attempt it.

Consistently check parts of the roof that cause breaks in the infrastructure such as vents and chimneys. These parts have more potential to crack and break than other parts of the roof. Once you catch a problem, be sure to reseal the shingles or replace them as needed. Be sure to make it a habit to consistently check the current status of your roof and make sure that you are aware of the age of your roof. Winter is the worst possible time to notice that you have a serious problem with your roof, or that it’s a lot older than you thought it was. If you incorporate some of these things into your roof maintenance routine you will save yourself a headache along with a few hundred bucks.

After the winter season, your roof deserves all the TLC that it possibly can. It can go through many different problems that will force you to invest your time, money, and effort into getting your roof back in shape. But it will do you nothing but good to attempt to catch these problems early. If you’re proactive about the damage to your roof, the future will be even better. Winter won’t even know how to feel about it, and you can relax in your home for seasons on seasons to come.

 

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How to Detect Roof Leaks

When it rains, it pours. But, you don’t want to feel those raindrops in your humble home. Roof leaks are a problem that homeowners are bound to deal with at one time or another in life. The trick is to catch the roof leak early so you deal with the situation in the best way possible, and get back to loving your home. Here are the ins and outs of dealing with roof leaks, from finding the source to choosing whether to DIY the solution.

Signs of a Roof Leak

Finding a roof leak is often the hardest part of the process. It can start from an incredibly small crack in the infrastructure and turn into an emergency situation. Some of these super small leaks can cause rot and other damage throughout your roof before you notice the leak. So, the moment that you notice a water stain in your home is the moment to take action.

There are a couple of places in the roof that water might be able to get into. It could be coming through worn, broken, or missing shingles. Nails throughout your roof might have gotten loose, leaving a space for water to get into. If your roof isn’t sealed correctly around vents, skylines, or chimneys it can get through in between the wood. The leak might be a couple of layers below or off to the side. Try to think about the way that water would flow through a roof, and search for the leak with that thought in mind. Once you find where the leak started, you have to go on the hunt for moisture.

If that’s not a possibility, you can use a garden hose to try and create a man-made leak. Have a helper stay inside the house and begin to soak different areas of the roofline along with the chimney or a vent. Make sure that the hose is running for several minutes before you move on to the next area. That’ll give enough time for the hose to start making a leak of its own. Tell your helper to yell when they start seeing the physical appearance of a leak. After this process, you’ll definitely have a solid starting point to find the source of the leak.

Finding a Roof Leak

Take a look into your attic during the daytime, and make sure that you bring a bright flashlight with you to make sure that you don’t miss a drop. Be sure that you’re only stepping onto large support beams. Don’t step onto the insulation or the top part of the ceiling. They’re not built to support your weight, you will fall through. You definitely don’t need a hole in the ceiling, along with a leaky roof. Try to go shortly after heavy rain. Start your search above where you noticed the leak, and keep looking up for wetness along with the framing members. If this isn’t a new phenomenon, look out for watermarks, stains, or discoloration that moisture would cause. There might also be mold lying around, so make sure that you’re protected with a mask and some gloves. If you can’t find these factors then, try to turn off the light and see if you can find a hole where daylight is shining through. No matter how small, that hole might be the place that the water is getting into.

If you don’t have attic access, you might have to head onto the roof and look for these warning signs on the other side. This is a dangerous decision to make, so you might want to call a professional to go on the hunt for you. If you choose to go by yourself, be sure to go on a dry day. Moisture makes the shingles slippery, and you surely don’t want to deal with all of that. Ask someone to be your “spotter” on the ground. If an accident occurs you need to have someone that you trust looking out for you to take the next step.

D.I.Y or Call a Professional?

Knowing which leaks you can fix yourself and which leaks you have to call a professional on can make the difference between completely getting rid of the problem or creating a new, more serious problem into the future. If you can easily find the source of the leak then it might be a good candidate for a D.I.Y project. A good example of a possible D.I.Y project would be a fresh, new leak that didn’t cause any long-term problems to the shingles around it.

On the flip side, you should call a professional if the leak has caused some serious damage to the surrounding shingles. If you can’t easily find the source of the leak there may be a bigger problem lies on your roof. Calling a professional and nipping it in the bud now will definitely save you some of your hard-earned cash in the future.

Unless you are super confident in your abilities as a roof DIY’er, it may be worth it to call a professional in either one of these situations and at least get a repair quote so you can be aware of your options as a homeowner. Most roofing companies will provide quotes for free or at a low price, so it would definitely be worth it to get a professional opinion as soon as you can identify the leak.

Leaky roofs cause anxiety and fear for homeowners across the nation. But, if you’re proactive about finding the leak you can make the right decisions for you in order to fix the source of the leak as soon as possible. No matter if you call a professional or choose to handle the situation all by yourself, you should do as much research as possible in order to educate yourself on the situation and give your roof the TLC that it needs in order to get back to tip-top shape. The quicker that you notice the leak the more money you save and the less stress you’ll have as a homeowner. Once you patch up that leak, you can stop worrying about the leak and get back to enjoying your beautiful home.

How to Find a Good Roofing Company

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The only thing that’s standing in between you and your perfect roof is the search to find an amazing roofing company. Whether you’re looking to provide maintenance on the roof you already own or constructing a new roof from scratch, a roofing company can be there for you every step of the way to provide professional services. However, you might often be bombarded with many different choices when it comes to figuring out what roofing company you want to work with. But, fear not! Here are a couple of tips and tricks to figure out how to find your perfect roofing company.

Research, Research, Research

Do all the research that you possibly can when you’re trying to find a roofing company. Utilize all the resources that you have in front of you. The Internet is a great source for researching roofing companies and you can often find worthwhile, fair reviews on sites like Yelp. But by far, the best research that you can do is with those who are close to you. Ask friends and family about the roofing companies that they’ve been involved with in the past. Check with places like the Better Business Bureau and the Home Builders Association, to see if there have been any complaints made against the companies that you are looking into. A first-person account is going to be your best asset when it comes to figuring out the best roofing company for you.

It would be a good idea to work with a roofing company that’s local. Try and find someone that’s been in the business for a long time and has a good reputation with the community. Steer clear from one that has just popped up. They might not be a valid business, with the needed experience to assist you best. You want to make sure that the company that you work with will be around for the length of your given warranty. Before you invite a roofer into your home for an estimate, be sure to do a quick survey of your home yourself so you can inform your roofer about the possible problems that might be going on in your home. Make a list so you don’t forget. You don’t want to leave anything out.

You Get What You Pay For

Your best bet is to trust your roof with someone who is a licensed and insured contractor. You might find lower cost options with individuals who aren’t both, but you shouldn’t waste your time. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. Even though you might be saving money per job, you’re not going to be saving money in the long run. It’s best to make sure that you’re covered as much as possible in case of an emergency. If they’re insured, then you’re insured as well.

If you’ve found a company that you enjoy, ask them for a couple testimonials and references. If they’re legitimate, they’re going to have no problem providing this information for you. Call them yourselves and ask them any questions that come to mind. Don’t hold back; your mighty dollar and precious roof depend on it.

Contracts & Paying for the Job

Be sure to ask them if you’re going to be charged for a quote before they come into your home. Nobody likes unexpected bills. After they’ve checked out your roof, get your quote in writing and signed by the roofer. Include all of the oral promises that they’ve made. If they try to hike up the price on you, you can always show them this as evidence to bring them back into reality.

Read your contract in full and take all the time that you need before you sign it. Get a second pair of eyes to confirm any questions that you might have. Ask all the questions that you have for your roofer as well. Ask about variations of price, and what the variation would mean for you. This is the most important time for you to get informed. After you sign that contract, you are legally bound.

Be very skeptical of anyone who asks you to pay for the entire job up front. That’s not the norm within the roofing industry. The BBB (Better Business Bureau) states that a deposit of one-third of the full price is the standard. Don’t pay for the full job until it’s up to your standard, and your questions are answered. You deserve quality, and you should be absolutely sure that you’re satisfied before you pay.

In Case of Emergency

In a perfect world, you should be establishing a relationship with a roofing company that not only deals with reactive maintenance but also proactive maintenance. But, accidents happen. If there’s an emergency, like extremely severe weather, don’t let your fear speed up the process. Go through the same process of getting all the information that you need before signing on the dotted line. Don’t let a company try and push you into signing a contract because of an emergency.

You might want to have a chat with your insurance agent for advice on how to go about getting repairs. They usually have good information when it comes to handling roof damage after a storm.

Picking the right roofing company to work with is a very important decision. Before you commit to a roofing company, be sure to do all the research that you possibly can. We have a ton of resources at our disposal, especially with the internet. Exhaust them all before putting your money into a company. Ask whoever will listen about the roofing companies that they’ve worked with in the past and listen to all the first-hand accounts that you can, good or bad. As you decide to commit, read your contract in full and make sure you understand everything that’s on it. Don’t let anything rush the process of you finding a good roofing company, even in case of an emergency. You should do what makes you comfortable and work with a company that you trust fully. Working on your roof is a big deal. Don’t give the job to a company that doesn’t deserve it.

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Does Your Home Need Roof Ventilation?

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Research shows that most homes do not have proper roof ventilation and this can lead to severe roof damage. If your attic is not properly ventilated your energy bills can go through the roof. Contact a roof specialist to help you examine the roof. You can also have an energy audit conducted to determine if you have enough attic vents.

The intent of venting roofs varies depending on the climate. If you live in a cold climate the purpose of ventilations is to maintain a cold roof temperature to avoid ice dams created by melting snow and to vent any moisture that moves into the attic space. If you live in a hot climate, ventilation is important to expel solar-heated hot air from the attic or roof to reduce the building cooling load and to relieve the strain on your air-conditioner. If you live in a mixed climate, ventilation services either role.

If your attic and roof does not have the proper ventilation there is a lot of damage that can occur to the inside of your home. If you pay attention to what is happening inside your home you can usually tell if your home does not have the proper ventilation. Check the temperature of your roof and attic. If the temperature of your attic is the same as the rest of your living space you have a problem. The best way to tell if the temperature is wrong is by measuring the thickness of the existing insulation. This will help determine if there is a possible problem with your ventilation. Check your attic’s ventilation during the winter by taking a flashlight and checking for condensation and damp spots. If you have ventilation and this is occurring this probably means that there is a leak in your ventilation that needs to be sealed.  During the summer touch your ceiling. If your ceiling is hot it means that there is little to no ventilation and the sun’s rays are cooking your roof’s shingles.

If you live in a climate that changes during the seasons chances are you will have some issues with your ventilation. The easiest way to tell occurs with the changing temperatures. Water dams during the winter come together to cause icicles to form. They appear beautiful but it can do a lot of damage to your gutters and roof by pulling down shingles. This damage can move on to leaks that can cause water damage to your roof, ceiling and walls.

Prevent water dams by first preventing the upward migration of warm air. Seal air leaks between the heated part of the house and the attic. Air leakage usually come from trap doors, plumbing stacks, chimneys, electrical wiring and unsealed pot lights. Install foam insulation or caulking will help block leaks. Add a thick insulation blanket of fiberglass or cellulose between the joists in the attic to keep the warmth in the lower part of the house where it belongs. Adding extra insulation to your attic is the best way to ensure that the attic temperature is distinct from the temperature in your living space.

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What Hurricanes Can do to Your Roof

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Hurricanes bring powerful winds that wreak havoc on your roof. The amount of damage depends on the severity of the storm but you can count on damage occurring. The results of the high winds are usually easy to see but sometimes the damage can be minimal in appearance while the effects are disastrous.

The worst damage is usually caused by debris being thrown against the roof. Trees being pulled from their roots and falling on the roof is the cause of some of the worst damage. This usually causes damage to the entire structure of your house and even if it didn’t, it will at least cause serious problems that will lead to a leaky roof that needs to be completely redone. Other items that are swept up during the storm can land on the roof and cause punctures and the high winds can remove granules from the shingles. The removal of granules can cause deterioration from the sun’s rays and become more susceptible to water leaks. The heavy wind can also cause damage to gutters, removing them and other things that are attached to your roof.

The damage that occurs during a hurricane depends on many factors including the severity of the storm and the strength of your roof. Hurricanes will cause some form of damage no matter what kind of roof you have but the age and style of your roof’s shingles plays a huge role in determining what kind of damage you are looking at. Thirty year shingles are less susceptible to storm damage. Shingles up to 25 years are made to withstand winds of up to 65 mph. This makes them more likely to be damaged or dislodged by the powerful winds of a hurricane. The 30 year shingles are the best for hurricane winds so if you live in an area where those storms are more likely to happen, 30 years is a good investment for you. Some of those shingles may even be able to resist winds up to 130 mph. If you live in hot climates the high temperatures will cause the shingles to degrade faster, shortening their lifespan.

Heavy rain usually accompanies a hurricane and with the high winds and compromised roof comes water damage to your roof and ceiling. Tile and asphalt shingles are designed to shed water but the cracks in the shingles caused by the wind makes it more likely for water damage to happen. The rain may also cause the granules to wear down. If the hurricane is severe you will have to look out for serious leaks that may cause your roof to collapse in sections.

Hurricanes bring chaos wherever they go and before their arrival it is important to prepare. If you live in an area where hurricanes are likely to happen, it is a good idea to have the best insurance for both for your residential and commercial roofing. Inspect your roof regularly because the better prepared you are the less damage you will have to deal with.

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Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Roof

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New or old, paying close attention to your roof is important to insure that your roof is in the best condition. Keeping up with the lifespan of your roof and taking care to make sure it lasts longer is crucial. Here are a number of factors that determine the lifespan of your roof.

The material is the most important factor in anything’s longevity and durability. Check the materials of your roof. Are you using the standard shingles that are energy efficient and durable or did you choose title or metal roofs for longevity? Choose the materials that best fit your budget and what you want for your home.

The elements play a huge factor in the lifespan of your roof. If you live in an area where it storms regularly or consistently has to endure harsh weather you may find yourself repairing your roof constantly. Most roofing systems can withstand detrimental storms and corrosive elements but eventually the high winds and constant downpours will take its toll. Even the strongest roofs have their limit.

A roof’s slope defines its ability to shed water. Resilient roofing systems have their limit in terms of how much pounding it can tolerate before loses its effectiveness. If you have low slope roof flat roofing systems are advised.

Heat accelerates the wear and tear on your roof. This especially happens when the roofing material is darkly colored. The dark materials absorb more energy. Intense ultraviolet radiation accelerates roof degradation. Fortunately certain roofing products are designed to deliver effective resistance against UV rays without sacrificing the beauty of your roof.

If your attic is poorly ventilated the heat cooks the roofing materials from the inside. It also causes condensation and makes the wooden roof deck vulnerable to moisture. Proper insulation is important. If it is inadequate it can cause the temperature in your attic to soar. Combine this with bad ventilation and it becomes difficult to regulate the attic’s temperature.

Everything starts with installation. Poor installation causes premature roof failure. It doesn’t matter if you choose the highest quality or not. If the installation was poor this will cause your roof to deteriorate faster. As roofing contractors, we see this happens a lot more than you would think. Proper maintenance is key to longevity. When you do not take care of your roof you shouldn’t be surprised when premature deterioration occurs. Do not forgo specific maintenance duties. If you want to extend the lifespan of your roof taking care of it is the key.

As time passes and you’ve performed proper maintenance after a roof installation, you will find that your roof begins to leak and that damage has been done. This is nothing to worry about. You have done your duties but age is always a factor in the deterioration of anything. Roofs are no different and after years of braving the harsh elements that come with each passing season your roof is ready to move on and your house is ready for a new roof. You may want to hold onto the roof by in the end the affordability of a new roof might be in your favor. Constant repairs can be tedious and sometimes it is best to start anew.

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