Tag Archives: decision making

How to Get Rid of Moss on Your Roof

You may think a bit of moss growth on your roof adds character to your home, but that green carpet covering your shingles can wreak havoc on your roof. Moss grows in areas that get little to no sunlight but a decent amount of moisture buildup. This is why you will typically see moss growing on the north side of trees, fence posts and yes, roofs.

But no matter where you see moss growing on your roof you should address it as quickly as you can to avoid damages.

The Dangers of Moss Growth

In nature, moss plays its part. But on man-made structures, moss can have a devastating effect. Moss grows in blankets and establishes its roots on the shingling of your roof. These roots can actually start to lift your roofing shingles and deteriorate them over time. This will result in the immediate need to spend money and replace broken or damaged shingles.

In the long run, though, shingles that have been lifted up by moss roots can expose the underlayer of your roof to moisture which can cause even more damage. This is the beginning of roof erosion.

This exposure to moisture can cause mold and bacteria growth, which can eat away at your roofing and cause leaks and holes. Not to mention the respiratory health issues caused by breathing in mold. The exposed roofing can allow water and moisture into your inner roofing structure and even your home.

Besides the structural and health dangers that moss can lead to, it is dangerous to walk on a roof that is covered in moss because it can be very slippery. If you feel that moss on your roof has already caused significant damage, reach out to a roofing company to check it out for you. On the other hand, you just need to get the moss off your roof but no damage has been done, keep on reading!

Getting Rid of Moss and Dispelling Popular Misconceptions

So you are aware of the dangers and are ready to get rid of your moss but which method should be used. First, some misconceptions about getting moss off your roof should be addressed:

  • Bleach – It is often recommended that homeowners use bleach to weaken and wash away moss. This is a method that needs to be executed very carefully for it to be a viable option. That’s because bleach is very corrosive and can eat away at your flashing, which can cause leaks in the future. Bleach can also discolor your shingles, making them look uneven or older than they actually are. Your vapor barrier can be compromised if you spray your roof with bleach and there are broken or cracked shingles. Bleach will kill moss, but it can also kill other plants and vegetation that you did not intend to kill.
  • Pressure Washing – Pressure washing your moss away should only be done if you are very experienced with the practice. Pressure washers can cause more damage to your roofing and shingles than moss and in much less time.

Both of these methods are still technically viable, but you have to be way more careful with them than other methods such as:

  • Hand Scrubbing – You can start by gathering your garden hose and a sturdy scrubbing brush and wetting down the moss affected areas moderately. When the moss is good and soft, you can go to work on them with the scrubbing brush.
  • Roof Cleaning Solutions – If scrubbing isn’t enough, you may want to consider a ready-made roof cleaning solution. Many roof cleaners are moss and mildew specific. Some can be mixed with water and applied to the affected areas without having to rinse. They work by killing the moss so that it deteriorates and fades away altogether. Other store-bought solutions can be hooked up to your hose and sprayed on the moss-covered section of your roof. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, see if you can find a roofing contractor near you to clean it professionally.
  • Home Made Solutions – There are also safe home roof cleaning solutions you can make. One of them is a mixture of 8 ounces of dish soap (you can replace the dish soap with 1 and a half to 3 and a half cups of vinegar) and 2 gallons of water. You can apply this mixture with a garden sprayer or backpack sprayer.

Keeping Moss off Your Roof

Now that you have the moss off of your roof, it’s time to think about prevention, so you don’t have to tackle this chore again. Here are some ways you can prevent moss from growing on your roof:

  • Trim Trees – One of the simplest ways to ensure that moss doesn’t grow on your roof is addressing a root cause: lack of sunshine. Moss can’t grow where the sun goes so make sure you trim overhanging limbs from trees and branches that are blocking direct sunlight from your roof.
  • Zinc and Copper Strips – Applying a bit of science can go a long way. Zinc and copper are the natural enemies of moss. Pick up some zinc or copper strips from your local hardware store and place them under the uppermost layer of shingling on your roof.
  • Clean you Gutters – Gutters that are clogged with leaves and plant debris are a breeding ground for moss. Keeping your gutters clean will lessen the likelihood of moss growing on your roof and soffits.
  • Clean your Roof – Moss needs a substrate, such as dirt, to grow in the first place, so cleaning your roof once or twice a year is a great way to prevent moss growth. After each cleaning, you can also put some baking soda on the ridgeline of your roof since the baking soda will make an unsuitably high pH condition in which moss cannot grow.

The 5 Best Roofing Materials for Warmer Climates

If you live in a warmer climate, you may be wondering what roofing materials would be able to stand up to the heat. Dealing with triple-digit temperatures is no easy task. The unforgiving heat can cause you to turn up the air conditioner and send those energy prices skyrocketing. But there are roofing materials available that do a great job at keeping your home calm, cool, and collected. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the options that you have as a homeowner that will keep your home cool without you having to spend a ton of money on cooling your home through electricity.

1. Concrete

Utilizing concrete tile is a great way to cool your home for a more inexpensive price than other options. Even though it is a heavy material, it takes a long time to heat up while it’s standing in the sun. That means that, in turn, it will take a long time for that heat to get through your roof and start to heat up your home. Also, these tiles are often put into a wave pattern that improves airflow between the decking and the roof surface. This will have a hand in cooling your home as well. Painting these tiles a lighter color will help reflect heat even more and may give your home a more aesthetically pleasing look overall.

2. Metal

Picking a metal roof is a fantastic choice for anyone living in a warmer climate. Throughout cities in warmer climates, like San Antonio, Texas and Los Angeles, California, metal roofing is a very popular choice. There is often a higher up-front cost than other materials such as asphalt, but as time pasts the money that you will save on maintenance and electricity costs will surely help the difference. From aluminum to copper, there are many different options that you can choose from. Each will reflect the sun in their own way. But if you are looking for an even more reflective option there paints and coatings for metal roofing that will increase its reflectiveness even more.

With metal roofing, roofers airspace between those metal panels and the decking. This airspace is crucial in cooling down your home. It acts as a thermal barrier that lowers the heat from the sun as it transfers from the roof to the interior of the home below. Additionally, metal is fire-resistant as well. This makes it a great choice for those who live in a warmer climate. It is also a choice that is great for the environment since metal roofing is often made with recycled materials. Once the material finally reaches the end of its lifespan, the material can be recycled as well as it moves onto the next home.

3. Green/Living

Aside from its intriguing and unique appeal, green roofs do wonders for making your home more energy-efficient. In order to bring a green roof to life, a waterproof membrane filled with soil and vegetation is incorporated into your roof. This is meant to cool the home naturally through the soil’s temperature and the growth of the greenery on top. Along with cooling your home, the plants also bring more oxygen into the air and improve your home’s air quality. This makes it great for those who are living in a highly congested area. Due to its pricing and the expertise needed to install this material, it’s not too popular throughout homes. But, that doesn’t take away from the immense benefits of having a green roof.

4. Clay

Clay is a fantastic choice for those who are living in a warmer climate. They’re incredibly long-lasting; they usually last for at least 50 years, if not more. If you’re looking for a Southwest flair or colonial style home, then tile is one of the best ways to pull it off. Clay is a material that has a history of protecting individuals from the heat, so you can definitely protect it to protect you and your family. Typical clays are lighter in color, which makes them more susceptible to heat without having to be painted. If you are looking for an eco-friendly option then clay would be a great choice. They are super easy to recycle, so you do not have to worry about the possibility of it landing in a landfill.

The curved shape of the tile makes a difference as well. It allows the air to circulate efficiently below the surface. Throughout the day, this helps cool your home. When it comes to cost, they are a bit more expensive than other materials on the market. Clay tiles are also very heavy; at least two to four times heavier than asphalt. In order to make sure that your home can handle the weight of them, you may have to reinforce the foundation of your home. But, after looking at the benefits of utilizing clay, you may find that the benefits of clay outweigh the negatives.

5. EPDM “Rubber”

EPDM is often referred to as rubber, but it is actually a synthetic rubber-like substance. This substance is very durable against harsh conditions. It is built to withstand the unrelenting heat of the summer without cracking or breaking down. If you are interested in mimicking the look of slate and cedar, this material would be a great cost-effective way to do just that. This roofing is lightweight and reflective which makes it perfect for those who are living in a warmer climate. It’s also a more affordable choice than tile or green roofs. Also, while implementing regular maintenance methods, it can protect your home for decades on end.

When combating the sun, protecting your home can be a tough task. That is why it is important to put a lot of thought into your roof’s material. Each has pros and cons you need to weigh in order to figure out what material is going to work best for you. Whether you are into metal roofing or green roofing, your home will surely benefit from bringing one of these energy-efficient choices to your humble abode.

What are the Differences Between Asphalt, Fiberglass, and Tin Roof Shingles?

Not many homeowners are aware of the diversity when it comes to the materials on their roof. While it is true that they may have some knowledge, it is also true that they also do may not be as knowledgeable as they could be when it comes to what a roof is constructed from. There are over a dozen varieties of shingles on a roof, and three of these will be analyzed and discussed in this article: Asphalt, Fiberglass, and Tin.

Asphalt Roof Shingles

Across all the varieties of roof shingles, asphalt are the most common. They are the most common because they are easy and cheap to install and also because they come in a plethora of designs.

Because they are so common, it is very easy to have these installed. Nearly any roofer, from Plano TX to Boston MA, will be able to install, work on, repair, or replace asphalt shingles. And because they are so cheap to maintain and easy to install, most roofers can be finished installing asphalt shingles in a matter of hours. Additionally, they can keep a house cool by deflecting UV rays. This is very important for anybody who lives in hot climates year-round.

You do get what you pay for with asphalt shingles, however, so they do not last long. They only last an average of 20 years, with many repairs likely needing to be done within that time frame. Additionally, if you live around a lot of trees, the limbs and branches from them can easily damage the asphalt shingles. This is also a cause of constant repair. If you live in a dry area where there is a small chance of outside impact on your roof, it would be ideal to install asphalt shingles. They will keep the house cooler and will be much cheaper to maintain.

Fiberglass Roof Shingles

A variation of asphalt shingles are fiberglass shingles. These are a bit more expensive than asphalt shingles, but last a bit longer and are resistant to even more things than asphalt shingles. Similar to asphalt shingles, fiberglass shingles will reflect UV rays. But because fiberglass is not flammable, they are also somewhat fire-resistant as well. They are not completely fire resistant because they are combined with asphalt shingles, which are flammable, but they provide a bit more protection from fire than standard asphalt shingles.

As mentioned previously, fiberglass shingles do cost more money than traditional asphalt shingles. To provide some perspective, asphalt shingles can be installed for as low as $1700. Fiberglass shingles can be installed starting at $3800 on average. However, because they cost a little more, fiberglass shingles also last a little longer, about ten or so years longer than asphalt shingles do. They are also slightly more durable than asphalt shingles. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on a roof but also want more protection than asphalt shingles, then install fiberglass shingles.

Tin Roof Shingles

The first thing to know about tin shingles is that they are made of metal. Roofs that are made of metal last incredibly long, in particular, because they can obviously absorb a lot of impact and exposure to outside elements. Any metal roof, tin included, can last as long as fifty years. This makes metal roofs a very good long-term investment that will provide almost maximum peace of mind when it comes to any homeowner’s roof.

Tin shingles can and will protect your roof from nearly anything and everything. However, because metal absorbs heat and doesn’t reflect it, tin shingles can and will increase the temperature of the house. However, there are now options to modify most tin roofs to not absorb so much heat. Additionally, installing a tin roof is deceptively expensive. Because the procedures of building and installing tin shingles is much different than the procedures involving any other kind of roof, not only does it cost more money, it also takes a lot of time.

How much money and how much time would something like this cost? Around $10 per square foot across a few days. But the price is well worth it, especially if you live in an area that encounters a lot of intense weather. Installing a tin roof in a place that experiences a lot of hurricanes, for instance, will save thousands in the long run, as asphalt and even fiberglass shingles are not nearly as durable as tin shingles.

After learning that there are so many kinds of shingles that can be placed and installed on a roof, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. So the best way to go about choosing which shingles are right for your home is to go through a simple checklist, and always seek consultation from a roofing company near you.

First, you should determine how long you will stay in the home. Remember that different shingles have different lifespans. For example, if you plan to stay in your home for over 20 years, it would not make sense to install asphalt shingles, as they last a maximum of 20 years. But if you are planning to move within 10 years, it would probably not make sense to install tin shingles that last a really long time.

Second, take a look at what is surrounding your roof as well as the consistency of the weather in your area. Is it underneath a lot of tree branches and other things that can fall and damage the roof? Are you in an area that experiences hurricanes every fall? Answering these questions will also determine what kind of roof you should have installed.

These are considerations that many do not think about. And because they do not think about these kinds of things when installing a new roof, they either spend a lot more money than they need to on installing a roof, or they end up getting a roof installed that they then need to replace or make constant repairs on. These descriptions of these three types of roofs are designed to get you to think about which kind is best for you in the short term or in the long term.

 

Detecting Roof Leaks: Fixing it Yourself vs Hiring a Professional

Of probably all components of a home, the roof often gets ignored the most. That is likely because they last very long, with most of them lasting 25 years or longer. So it makes sense that many homeowners ignore the condition of their roofs until they encounter a massive leak which they need to then hire somebody to fix. Then, the problem goes away for a while, but because the roof has not been repaired completely, another leak (or three) occurs. And then the cycle repeats: You get somebody to fix this newer, more intense leak, then you finally realize that you probably need to replace the entire roof.

All of this could have been stopped if you just knew how to detect a leak in your roof and fix it before additional problems arise. This will save you quite a bit of time and money in the long run. Some leaks need to be fixed by a professional, but some can be fixed by yourself.

In order to determine if you can indeed fix a roof leak in your home by yourself, you first need to learn how to detect it. There are numerous causes for a roof leak, but most of them revolve around the same issues and that is a combination of normal wear and tear as well as damage caused by acts of nature, trees or animals and other wildlife that may be on the roof of your home. Now the common roof is fairly strong, and it is not necessary for you to check the roof of your home every week for leaks. Once a month could be excessive for some, but it is ideal if you want to prevent a leak from happening.

What Exactly Causes Leaks?

According to some experts in the field, roof penetrations are the biggest source of leaks and, of course, they are likely the most overlooked. Water stains, mold, and black marks in the plumbing, roof vents, chimneys or dormers in the roof can cause a leak. If it is not fixed properly, the leak could spread and become something much worse. If could lead to mold which can infect the roof penetrations. Approaching these penetrations through the attic is the best way to find these leaks. If that is not possible, you will need to approach the leak from the roof itself.

That describes how to find a leak and where most of them come from. The specifics of these are also useful in detecting roof leaks and then figuring out if you can fix them yourself or if you should hire somebody. Roofing Calculator has listed ten direct causes of roof leaks. There are some similarities within them, but they also exist some differences as well.

Roofing professionals say normal wear and tear, eroded brick chimneys, missing shingles, vent boots between the roof and the piping, roof holes, outdated architecture, clogged gutters, and frozen nails in the attic (known as “shiners”) can all cause roof leaks. These are easy to check for, and you can fix most of them alone. However, there are tasks that require the service of a roofing company.

When is it Possible to Fix Leaks Yourself?

It’s not always necessary to hire a professional for every small repair your house needs to make after detecting a leak. Sometimes you can fix the problem yourself, which saves you money. Any leak that is caused by deterioration, erosion or any kind of break down due to wear and tear can usually be fixed on your own. It’s only a matter of gathering up the proper materials and putting in the time and effort. If a leak is caused due to a lack of cleaning, then you should definitely handle the task yourself. Something as simple as cleaning out a gutter costs nothing except a few moments of your time.

The roof leaks that require a professional roofer are often the ones that require multiple repairs. Old, worn down shingles are a great example of something that would likely require you to hire roofers to either repair the shingles or, in most cases, install a completely new roof. Missing a few shingles is alright and you can often replace them yourself. But if there are any missing shingles or shingles that are torn up, it would save you more money, in the long run, to get a new roof installed.

Another instance where you will eventually need to hire a professional to fix a leak is if the repair is only a temporary fix. A good example is if the flash metal around the base of the chimney, or any structure on the roof, that needs to be resealed. It is possible to reseal it yourself, but this only serves as a short term resolution. Unless you want to keep making these changes over and over, it would be best just to pay a professional and replace the entire roof.

Small leaks are usually solved by making repairs yourself. The best example of this involves shiners. Recall that shiners are nails in the attic that have been frozen over. When it gets warmer, the formerly frozen nails melt, producing condensation and causes leaks. This is easily solved by clipping the nails while they are frozen. This will permanently solve your shiner issue causing leaks.

When you see a leak in your home, the very first thing that you should be thinking about is when you are going to get a new roof. Because the majority of house leaks can only really be eliminated on a short term basis, the long term solution to (more or less) any house leak is to prepare to get a new roof installation. Just consider that the reason these leaks exist is because of important foundational parts of the roof that are transitioning from experiencing normal wear and tear to completely falling apart. To prevent this transition from happening, it would benefit you to start saving up enough money and allowing enough time to get a new roof installed.

Things to Ask a Contractor When Getting a Roofing Quote

There are numerous things to consider when replacing and repairing your roof. Making changes to the roof of your house is a very long, labor-intensive, and possibly costly process that involves many decisions and many people. Additionally, when you make the decision to alter the roof of your home, you are committing to making nearly permanent changes to the home. These things all must be kept in mind before even considering getting roof work done.

Probably the very first thing that you should consider is if you even need roof work done at all. There are plenty of roof repairs that you can do yourself if they only require some user-friendly materials or other things that do not require contractors. For example, cleaning or painting a roof does not require a contractor. That is something that you can do yourself. It is the same with cleaning out gutters or even removing and replacing some fractured shingles on the roof.

If this is the case for your roof, then it is not too difficult to search out some resources on how to make minor repairs on your roof by yourself. If you do this, you will save much more money than you would spend by hiring a contractor. And hiring a roofing company to repair a roof is not cheap. Most contractors will charge $3.50-$5 per square foot. The average roof is 1,700 square feet. Doing the math on this, it costs roughly $10,000 to install a completely new roof. This does not include the cost of replacing an old roof or anything else that might need to be done on a roof, as well. Those things should be factored in as well, and when everything is considered, it can get extremely costly to repair and replace a roof. This is why it is suggested that before you consider hiring any roofing contractors, you learn to perform minor repairs on your roof yourself. This will save you much more money.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Contractor

The first thing to keep in mind when hiring a roofing contractor is the price you are willing paying. This is much different than if you are renting a place and you call in the maintenance crew to fix something. Those individuals get paid by the hour and respond to hundreds of calls to work on hundreds of properties daily. Contractors sent in to work on a home are much different. Different ones will have different rates. So before asking any questions to the contractors, you should ask yourself a few:

“How much am I willing to pay?”

“How long do I need these contractors?”

“What kind of work am I paying these contractors to do?”

Before hiring a contractor, or anybody to do anything, for that matter, it is very important to weigh your options. Unless you just have money to throw away, you should always consider how long something will take and how much it will cost. This may appear to sound like common sense, but it is surprising how many people choose not to pay enough attention to this part of the process. Once you answered the necessary questions, for what you want to hire in a contractor fand how money you are willing to spend, you are now ready to prepare questions for the contractors.

Questions to Consider Asking Potential Roofing Contractors

As mentioned previously, roofing contractors have numerous responsibilities when they are at work. There are also numerous details that go into roofing in general, many of which will be mentioned here. So besides the usual “how much do you charge, how long with this project take,” and other basic questions, there are a host of many more specific questions that should be answered if you wish to hire a roofing contractor. Some of these questions may make sense, and some require a bit of explanation. However, they are all very important.

Some of these questions make sense, such as asking the contractors if they are licensed, if they have worker’s compensation insurance, and if they have general liability insurance. It is common sense for a good contracting organization to have these because the work they do can be dangerous, and if the contractors have all of these it means your assets will be protected. There is no real complication with these questions as they do not deal with the roof itself. Other questions, such as asking if the contractors have someone to contact while working, contact info for the company itself, and if they have written estimates are also matters of common sense.

The second set of questions you should have for contractors is if they can remove the old roof if they are going to install drip edge or edge metal when installing the new roof and if they are going to use ladder stabilizers and/or standoffs when to protect the gutters. These questions deal with how these contractors are going to directly affect your roof. Removing the old roof is obvious; it certainly is not ideal to simply lay down shingles on top of an old roof. Many contractors would claim that this can save money, but it will lead to future problems which will cost more money in the future. Drip edge is material that is placed under the shingles and it allows runoff to flow into the gutters instead of behind them. This is very important in preventing water damage. Ladder stabilizers will protect said gutters from being damaged when the contractors climb up to the roof.

The final set of questions involves making sure your neighborhood will not be too affected. Asking what contractors do with refuse material is important for this reason. Asking what they do if there is unsavory weather is also important. You should also ask how the contractors are going to protect the landscaping–and assume that they will do this.

Armed with the information that you will get from contractors by asking these questions, you will have a much easier time in your process of getting your roof replaced.

 

Share this Image On Your Site

Telling Signs That it Might be Time to Get a Roof Replacement

All things considered, it seems like there could not be many things that affect a roof to where it needs to be replaced. This is especially true if your home is in a place that is not around trees and other materials that could damage the roof. Like so many structures of a house, the roof is one structure of a house that very few know how to replace, much less when to know when it needs to be replaced.

Like with many things that need replacing, knowing when to replace a roof can prevent a lot of future costs. When you refuse to learn how to detect when your roof needs to be replaced, you run the risk of spending more money in the future as well as having to hire contractors for longer jobs. To prevent this, it is a good thing to know when to replace your roof.

Another reason to know when to replace your roof is to protect your home itself. A damaged roof could affect other structures of the house causing you to spend more money. Roof damage can cause leaks, or in more extreme cases, permanent damage to the upper structures of your home. This can happen when there is strong rain or winds. There is a reason why many suggest that you check the roof of your home to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced twice a year; it is to save money on replacing a roof by just repairing a damaged part of the roof.

Depending on the material it is made of, most roofs last about 25 years before they need to be replaced. This is another reason why it is good to check twice per year to see if a roof needs to be replaced. Unless you built the house you live in yourself or have just recently replaced your roof, you do not know how long it has been since the roof in your home has been replaced.

Potential Things to Look for That Show You Might Need a Roof Replacement

There are quite a few things to check to see if a roof needs to be replaced. Because it costs so much money and time, it is not very ideal to replace an entire roof if one shingle appears damaged. That said, if you wish to spend that kind of time and money and have it to spare, you can replace your roof as frequently as you wish. In fact, if you live in a place that regularly sees hurricanes, tornadoes, or other acts of nature that can damage large structures, it may be necessary to replace your roof many more than 20 or so years since the last replacement.

The first thing to look for when finding out if your roof needs to be replaced is to inspect the shingles. The shingles are the largest component of your roof and are also the most important. If you know that your roof has not been replaced in 20 or so years, or see that most of the shingles are worn out and heavily damaged, then that is one thing that means that your roof must be replaced. There are certain degrees of damage to shingles and if there is minor damage, you can even fix things yourself if you have the right materials for it. But as a general rule, if you see many damaged and worn out shingles, it would be better to replace the entire roof.

There are many other issues involving shingles that could warrant that your entire roof should need to be replaced. Nearly half of these items provide a solid set of signs that a new roof may be necessary. Most issues involve shingles, and it covers everything from curling shingles, cracked shingles, missing shingles and shingles that are covered with algae. This proves that the very first thing to look for when seeing if your roof needs to be replaced is the condition of the shingles. Also, some articles say, a couple of worn-out shingles can be fixed on your own. But when there are quite a few shingles that need to be replaced, that is a clear sign that the entire roof should be replaced.

It seems that there are a great many Do-It-Yourself solutions to roof repairs. So one useful thing to do is to inspect all the components of your roof and figure out for yourself whether you need to hire roofers or perform the repairs yourself. One thing that likely does require you to hire roofers if there are punctures in the roofing material. Like with heavily damaged shingles, punctures require repairs that often entail replacing an entire roof. It may be possible to fix punctures by yourself, but most roofing companies and contractors would argue that it is better to replace the entire roof.

Another portion of the roof that should be inspected to see if it needs to be replaced is the gutters. If there are granules in the gutter, it may also mean that your roof needs to be replaced. However, like the shingles, there is a matter of degree with this. If the roof is brand new, or even if it has been a few years since you have replaced the roof, nothing really needs to be done other than cleaning out the gutters. If it has been over 10 years since the roof has been replaced, it means that the granules that protect the shingles are subject to being burned away from the sun. This can cause the shingles to deteriorate over time. To prevent any further damage to the foundation of the home, it would behoove you to replace the roof.

Replacing a roof is ideally something that should be done rarely, and if you inspect the roof of your home properly, you can tell exactly what signs to look for when it comes to replacing a roof. However, there are also small repairs to a roof that you can do yourself instead of replacing a roof. In order to save the most money and time, it is very important to know when to do roof repairs yourself and when to get the roof replaced.

 

Share this Image On Your Site

Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options

Protecting the environment has become a rather popular trend in our culture, but it can seem difficult for homeowners to consider eco-friendly roofing options. Not many think that the components of a roof even has a negative effect on the environment. This does not make the common homeowner a bad person, it just means that these homeowners do not know that eco-friendly roofing options exist. This article will explore how exactly the common roofing practices can damage the environment, and will then explore a number of environmentally friendly options.

Roof Components That Can Negatively Affect the Environment

There are two issues that must be addressed when it comes to a roof’s effect on the environment: recyclable materials and energy efficiency. Most of the materials that make up the shingles of a roof are not recyclable. This means when they are disposed of, nothing happens. They get placed in a landfill or any other area in your neighborhood where garbage is taken.

Another issue is energy efficiency. Houses with traditional shingle tile roofs can affect the temperature of many houses, thereby requiring you, as a homeowner, to keep the house at a proper temperature. This, of course, requires energy to be used. And as it is commonly known, using energy affects all kinds of resources. This is what happens when the common asphalt shingles are used to construct a roof. Although they are common, they are not eco-friendly.

Possible Sacrifices to Consider by Getting an Environmentally Friendly Roof

Because eco-friendly roofing materials and contractors are not as common as traditional roofing materials and contractors, possible inconveniences can come up. It seems like this is how most things that involve eco-friendly materials are, and it is something that cannot be helped. So one sacrifice that you may need to make when pursuing eco-friendly roofing is that you may need to go past shopping at places like your local home depot for eco-friendly roofing materials.

The other sacrifice that must be made is that these materials may not last as long and may have some disadvantages compared to conventional materials. Some of them may need to be replaced more frequently. Some others may cost more or might be harder to find. Like with any form of home preparation, there are a great many things to consider before swapping out your conventional roof for an eco-friendly one. If you’re considering an environmentally friendly roof, make sure to get in touch with a local roofing contractor to discuss all your options!

List of Eco-friendly Roofing Options

There are many environmentally friendly roofing options available. And if you are willing to make the general sacrifices listed above, you should be able to find at least one that suits your home. The following is a list of all the options, along with a short description of some good and bad qualities of each.

1. The “White/Cool Roof”: This is an eco-friendly option that involves the least amount of sacrifice. The white roof has white shingles that can keep a house cool by bouncing the sun’s rays off of the roof, instead of darker shingles that absorb the heat. This is great because if you live in a hotter climate, it can lower energy costs by quite a bit. If the shingles are still made of asphalt, they cannot be recycled, however.

2. Recycled shingles: These are shingles that are made of recycled plastic, wood fibers, and even rubber. Because these are recycled, they can be recycled again when they need to be replaced. Many who use these to construct a roof also say that they last a bit longer than asphalt shingles. However, they likely absorb heat just as much as any other material, which can raise energy costs.

3. Metal roofing: These reflect light just like the white roof does, and are said to be much more durable than shingles. Certain metal roofing is also recyclable and there is an option to choose a brighter color, which can also save on energy. However, metal roofing can cause a lot more water and/or snow runoff to the exterior of the house. This can fill gutters rather quickly, meaning you will need to clean them quite a bit. Metal roofing is not ideal for people who live in areas where there is a lot of rain or snow.

4. Wood shingles: Wood is one of the most recyclable materials known to man. Using it to form a roof can ensure that you can recycle parts of your roof that must be removed. However, they can be dangerous as wood is also flammable. If you live in a place that is not affected a lot by acts of nature, wooden shingles are ideal. However, they do not last nearly as long as metal roofs.

5. Clay and slate: Along with white shingles, clay and slate have been a beautiful look for many roofs over the years and they are very common to come across. They last even longer than metal, and are also recyclable. Clay and slate roofing remains one of the most eco-friendly of all roofing options. However, they are extremely expensive. Also, they are heavy, meaning before you get them installed, you will need to make sure the foundation of your house is reliable as well.

 

Share this Image On Your Site

Best Drainage Solutions For a Flat Roof

Not many consider exactly how different the drain system operates in their home or building. Many typically have no idea how water and waste are drained out and disposed of. They do not consider nor explore any other form of drainage system other than the system that they have. And to their credit, many do not have the time to organize how each drainage system works and the good and bad points of each. Doing the research on these types of things can take a long time, and require a lot of attention, causing you to get overwhelmed. Listed below are drainage solutions for a flat roof, their good qualities, as well as their bad qualities.

Keep in mind that these are solutions for a flat roof. If the building or home you own does not have a flat roof, you can stop reading now unless you are considering owning a place with a flat roof in the future. This is because different roofs have different drainage systems and solutions. In particular, a flat roof has no slant, meaning that it cannot drain automatically. While this can also be an issue in slanted or sloped roofs, it usually is not. However, if a drainage solution below can also work for a building that with a slanted roof or can make drainage more efficient for a sloped or slanted roof, it will be mentioned.

Another thing to keep in mind is that although this is a list of drainage solutions, they are not the only drainage solutions available. Other drainage solutions likely exist outside of this, and they should certainly be explored. If you are interested in finding out the best drainage solution for your roof, get in touch with a trusted roofing contractor near you!

What is a Flat Roof Drainage System?

Before beginning the list, it is important to describe exactly what demands a flat roof drainage system. This information is important as it will describe many common characteristics of each drainage solution. All flat roof drainage systems possess a network of pipes and other plumbing, and they all should be able to flush out more than just water. Also, if a flat roof building does not have a properly maintained drainage system, the results can be pretty unsavory: water damage and leaks are still possible even if you have a very ideal drainage system.

3 Most Common Flat Roof Drainage Systems

There are three common flat roof drainage systems. They all accomplish generally the same thing; draining water and other materials out of the roof and away from it. However, they are all different in terms of size, cost, and design. Keep these in mind when choosing one.

Interior Drains

Description: An interior drain essentially turns your flat roof into a sink. A drain is installed in the roof, which is then followed by a network of pipes that transport the water and other debris outside of the building. Most interior drains are placed at the center of a flat roof. The network of piping and plumbing is inside the building, which makes interior drains the only drainage solution that is not visible outside.

Pros: The piping networks of an interior drain are protected from anything that happens outside of the building. It also “focuses” water (and other debris) to the center of the roof, reducing damage to the walls of the building.

Cons: Because of the fact that this drainage system involves opening up a separate drain line in your building, interior drains are the most expensive of the three drainage solutions. Also, even if you have a strainer to catch debris, it still must be cleaned out regularly.

Scuppers

Description: If you have ever seen a pipe at the end of a flat roof that water is shooting out of, this is a scupper. Installed on the edges of a flat roof, it shoots out water and other debris, usually onto a separate gutter or some other slanted surface which then gets funneled to reach the ground, this way water is not falling directly from the building onto anybody.

Pros: Scuppers are cheap to install and are the most efficient way of protecting a flat roof from debris. This is especially true if they are really big. The leaves and other debris that a strainer in an interior drainage system blocks (which also slows down water flow, causing leaks) are never an issue if scuppers are built, especially if the scupper is big enough to pass leaves through.

Cons: Ice and snow will render scuppers useless. This is because snow and ice can block passage to the scupper, resulting in massive leaks when the snow and ice melt. Also, ideally, scuppers should be coupled with another slope like structure, this way water and other debris do not fall directly off of the side of the building.

Gutters

Description: Gutters are in virtually every building, even in buildings with a slanted roof. They will catch any and all forms of debris. They usually flow into pipes which then transport water and debris onto the ground. Of these three solutions, gutters are far and wide the most common.

Pros: Gutters are the cheapest drainage solution money can buy. They are also easy to install, and it is possible to install them yourself with the right materials. Different than interior drains, they can handle any form of debris.

Cons: Because they can handle any form of debris, gutters must be cleaned out–constantly. If you have made the decision to install gutters and have not made the commitment to cleaning them at least once per month, then you will not have an effective drainage system. Gutters can fill with debris (like leaves, or even dead birds and pests) quickly. And when this happens, they will overflow then water will begin spilling outside the edge of the building. It will cause massive leaks as well. If you do not clean your gutters at least once a month, you should expect major leaks.

As mentioned previously, these are not the only three drainage systems in existence. There are more out there, and it is not necessary to only choose from these three. However, these three should give you a decent start in your search for an efficient drainage system for your building or home.

 

Share this Image On Your Site

How to Find a Good Roofing Company

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” module_id=”inner-top” _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Blog” background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”center” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_image=”https://accentroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/header_photo.jpg” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_button_two=”on” button_two_text_color=”#ffffff” button_two_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” button_two_border_color=”#ffffff” button_two_use_icon=”off” button_two_text_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_two_bg_color_hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” button_two_border_color_hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” background_position=”top_left” background_size=”initial” /][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” module_id=”blog-content” _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″][et_pb_post_title date_format=”F j, Y” categories=”on” comments=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.77″ title=”on” meta=”on” author=”off” date=”on” featured_image=”on” featured_placement=”below” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” border_style=”solid” /][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”1.0.1.0.0″ background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid”]

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.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_sidebar orientation=”right” area=”sidebar-1″ _builder_version=”3.0.77″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]

Insurance Claim

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” module_id=”inner-top” _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Blog” background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”center” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_image=”https://accentroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/header_photo.jpg” background_position=”top_center” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_button_two=”on” button_two_text_color=”#ffffff” button_two_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” button_two_border_color=”#ffffff” button_two_use_icon=”off” button_two_text_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_two_bg_color_hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” button_two_border_color_hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” /][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” module_id=”blog-content” _builder_version=”3.0.77″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″][et_pb_post_title author=”off” date_format=”F j, Y” categories=”on” comments=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.77″ title=”on” meta=”on” date=”on” featured_image=”on” featured_placement=”below” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” border_style=”solid” /][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.77″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]

Claims Assistance

Tips on working with your
Insurance Company
  1. Call Accent Roofing & Construction to schedule a free inspection of your roof to determine if any damage was incurred.
  2. As soon as our inspection confirms your roof has incurred damage, you should contact your insurance company (claims Department) to request an inspection.
  3. When the insurance adjuster calls and sets up an appointment then contact us and we will meet with your adjuster when he arrives and show him the damage from our inspection.
  4. If temporary repairs are necessary before your adjuster arrives for inspection we can get those repairs done. Your agent / adjuster can authorize any temporary repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property but photos will need to be taken and receipts kept for reimbursement of those repairs.
  5. Only temporary, not permanent repairs can be made until the adjuster has had the opportunity to inspect the damaged area.
  6. Once the inspection in complete, you will receive a claim sheet outlining the scope of damage and funds being made available for the repairs, less your deductible.

 

Understanding how Insurance Claims have changed over the last few years Insurance companies have changed in the last few years in the way they determine the cost of your claim. Claims are no longer determined on you getting multiple contractors bids. This is important to clearly understand. Your insurance adjuster determines the scope of work and the total cost for those repairs using a database program called Xactimate, not from bids that you get from contractors. Because Accent Roofing also uses the same program we can make sure your claim is exactly what it needs to be, line item by line item. We will take great care in determining what your insurance adjuster would or should include in his estimate.

  • If the insurance adjuster misses something in their evaluation, we will work directly with your adjuster on your behalf to make sure the damaged item is included in the claim.
  • If the insurance adjuster submits a lower estimate and it is determined by Xactimate to be correct, then we will adjust our estimate to match his. On the other hand, if the adjuster’s estimate is low and Xactimate determines it is higher then we will work to make sure the adjuster changes his estimate.
  • Accent Roofing & Construction guarantees that the work we do for you will be for the exact amount the insurance pays thus eliminating the need to get additional contractors bids.

 

Another change that has taken place with insurance companies is that they are only obligated to pay for the actual cost of repairs. That means whatever you pay the contractor is what the final claim total will end up being. So if a contractor’s estimate is less than what the insurance companies origin estimate was, the insurance company will then reduce your claim and pay the lower amount in the final check when the contractor’s invoice is submitted. What the property owner hoped to save by using a lesser bid is lost back to the insurance company. The contractor also may cut corners in order to save money and you could be receiving a compromised installation.

The best thing to do is to work with a company that you can trust and who knows how to work with the insurance company to insure a complete and proper claim settlement in the end. This is what Accent Roofing does. We are insurance negotiating specialists who understand your insurance company’s estimating system because we use the same system in determining our quote. We are able to work with them to insure you get the proper settlement so that you will not be forced into a compromised installation. We provide the highest quality installation available and we will do it for what the insurance actually pays. The bottom line is, we do it all at very competitive prices! We are so confident in our work performance and service that we provide a full five year workmanship warranty on all installations.

Accent Roofing & Construction –
Your Insurance Claim Specialists

Accent Roofing & Construction will perform a free inspection to see if you have any damage to your roof.

Most of the time roof damage cannot be seen from the ground but if strong storms have passed through your area then there may be damage to your roof. It is worth the effort to contact a professional to examine your roof closely to determine if there is damage. Hailstorms can take years off the life of your roof especially if it’s a composite roof by the loss of the ceramic granules from the surface of the shingles eventually causing leaks. With other roof types, such as metal, slate or tile, damage may only be cosmetic, but if not repaired, the damage can depreciate your home. You have a limited time before your insurance deadline will pass. Once it does, you may have to pay for the damage out of your own pocket. Why risk this? Your insurance company will not contact you to ask if you have damage or if you would like a free inspection.

 

  • Is there damage but you have waited to file a claim?
  • Are you concerned that it’s too late to make a claim?
  • Did you file a claim but the inspector denied or limited you’re damage?
  • Have you received a claim settlement but haven’t hired a contractor?

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_sidebar orientation=”right” area=”sidebar-1″ _builder_version=”3.0.77″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]