Tag Archives: roof repair

Pros and Cons of a Roof Overlay

As time goes by and your roof goes through normal wear and tear, your roof may be in need of some work. This is something that every homeowner has to go through, especially those who are living in their homes for long periods of time. Your first option would be, of course, replacing the entire roof. But, what you may not be aware of is that you have a completely different option available to you: overlaying. Essentially, overlaying is the practice of putting new shingles on top of the old and damaged shingles that you already have on your home. Overlaying your home, instead of giving your home a brand new roof, can boost your roof’s lifespan while keeping your wallet intact. The choice is up to you as a homeowner and what your needs are. In turn, it is important to weigh the pros and cons in order to understand what the right choice will look like for you.

Pros

If you are dealing with a tight budget, overlaying your roof might be the better option for you. Because you are just adding new shingles onto the old ones, you are not using as many materials as you would when you are implementing an entirely new roof. This keeps more money in your pocket, at least initially. Also, you do not have to hire as much manpower as well then you would when you are replacing your entire roof. When you choose to overlay your roof, there’s definitely a lower upfront cost.

Also, it takes way less time to overlay your roof instead of installing a completely new roof. That means that you will be spending less time in discomfort and dealing with the construction that comes from remodeling your home. This is all dependent on the fact that you have a roof that is in good shape and can handle the weight of an extra roof.

roof overlay

Cons

Overlaying your roof is just like adding another roof on top of your roof. With that action, it means that there is going to be a ton of extra weight added to your home. You have to make sure that your home is able to deal with all this extra weight. For this reason, overlaying might not be the best option for older homes that are not built to deal with the weight of a second roof. Having the look of a second roof may also dip the resale value of your roof as well. It is not exactly the most appealing look that you can give to your home.

An overlayed roof is not going to last as long as a brand new roof. When you overlay it, you are not catering to the problems that might lay underneath. Things like mold, water damage, and broken shingles are going to be forgotten about because you can not cater to those problems to your first roof when you implement an overlay. With an overlay you are just adding something on top of those problems; a temporary fix. After you add an overlay to your home, then it is going to be quite difficult to find out where leaks are coming from since there are now two roofs on your home. If you live in a climate with a severe rainy season, then overlaying your home instead of replacing it might not be the best choice for you.

Additionally, overlaying is not necessarily the option for everyone. If you are dealing with heavy problems such as curling or broken shingles, then overlaying your roof is not going to be the best option for you. Additionally, adding an overlaying roof is going to add unnecessary heat to the previous roof that’s lying underneath. That’s going to make the existing roof brittle as time goes on.

There comes a time where you will have to completely replace your roof. When that time comes, you are going to end up paying more to replace the two layers of roofing. Overlaying your roof may have a lower cost upfront, but depending on the current state of your roof you may have to pay more over time in order to keep it in good condition.

Is Overlaying Your Roof Right for You?

Depending on a variety of reasons, overlaying your roof might be the right choice for you. If your roof does not have any major issues, then overlaying your roof might be a good choice since the overlay has a stronger foundation to hold to. If you are dealing with major water damage, mildew, moss, or missing shingles then you may just want to completely redo your roof.

If you are having the tire roof done instead of a partial section of the roof, then you may choose to overlay your roof. If you are just looking for a partial section of your roof, then overlaying your roof will make that one section thicker than the rest of your roof. This can lead to serious problems as time goes by, and it also is quite unappealing as well. Additionally, if your roof has already been overlaid in the past then you should not do it again.

Overlaying your roof is a choice that many homeowners choose to make throughout the lifespan of your home. Go over the previously mentioned pros and cons in order to understand whether overlaying your roof would be the right choice for you. Overlaying can easily cater to a small budget while giving your roof’s lifespan an extra boost, but they also may add to a larger cost and more maintenance in the long run. It all depends on what you are looking for as a homeowner, and how you imagine the future of your roof heading. If you are still unsure whether you need an overlay, then try to ask a professional roofing company for help. They will be able to look over the current condition of your roof and help you make the decision over whether your roof will be able to withstand the effects that an overlay may bring.

Need A New Roof? Here Are Some Factors That’ll Determine The Cost

There are a variety of factors that will determine when it’s time to purchase a new roof. If your roof is over 20 years old, there’s a good chance it needs to be replaced. Also, if you have water leaks, it’s a sign that you need a new roof. Getting a new roof is expensive regardless of the materials you choose or what roofing contractor you hire. In this article, we’re going to look at some things to think about that will determine the price of your new roof.

Size

By far, the most critical factor that determines how much your new roof is going to cost is the size. Larger roofs mean higher costs because of the material and labor involved.

Slope & Pitch

The pitch of your roof (sometimes called the angle) is the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. If the pitch is steep, it can be dangerous for workers who may need extra equipment, which can also add to the cost of the job. The roof’s slope is the amount of incline or the measurement of the rise of the roof to the run of the roof. Again, as with the pitch, if this angle is steep, it may hamper the ability of the workers and will cause cost to rise.

Peaks & Valleys

The valley of a roof is the shape that’s made from the channel that goes up and down the folds of the roof. The peak is the sloped edge that forms where two sections of the roof come together. When you have peaks and valleys in your roof, it adds to the cost of construction because they require precise work in to prevent a leak from developing. Shoddy work done on the peaks and valleys will shorten the lifespan of your roof and require more frequent repairs. Getting high-quality work on these parts requires certain expertise that you’re going to have to pay more for if you want it done right.

Roof Access

Another factor in the cost of your new roof is how easy it’s going to be for workers to get materials to the roof. If the crew can park a truck in your yard or driveway and haul materials straight up, then it’s going to be cheaper than if they have to haul materials in from the road or from any long distance away.

Materials

Perhaps one of the most significant factors in determining the cost of your new roof will be the material you choose for your shingles. There are a wide variety of materials to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Roof work

Asphalt shingles are the most common material used in residential homes, and they’re the most inexpensive because they’re ubiquitous and easy to install. Asphalt comes in a wide range of colors and styles, and most contractors will have no trouble installing them. However, they do wear out more quickly than other materials, which means you’ll be replacing your roof more frequently.

Clay and concrete are becoming popular because of the unique look they offer. Both clay and concrete last a long time, but they’re heavy and require beefed up framing, which adds to the expense. Metal is also very popular because it offers a nice bridge between asphalt and clay. Metal is extremely durable and resists most everything that Mother Nature throws at it. However, like clay, it’s also an expensive material.

Roofing Layers

In most cases, you’re going to have to remove the old roof in order to replace it entirely. The time it takes to remove the old roof also affects the cost. If your roof has multiple layers, it’s going to take more time, which means more money in labor costs. Also, depending on the material involved, there’s likely to be recycling or disposal fees involved, both of which will come out of your pocket.

Extras

In addition to putting on a new roof, do you also need ventilation, skylights, chimneys, solar panels or any other extras? If so, these are going to add to the cost of the roof in both materials and labor. And in some cases, you may need a specialist for installation, which can jack up the price even further.

Roof System Repair

Putting on a new roof often involves repairs made to the roof system itself, which merely means the support structure that may have rotted due to water damage. While the cost of materials to repair these systems is generally inexpensive, you’re going to be on the hook for the labor costs.

Ice Protection

If you want your roof to last a long time, then you want to be sure it can adequately protect against ice dams. An ice dam occurs when the snow melts and then refreezes along the edge of the roof. And while this looks pretty, it’s actually detrimental to your roof because of the water leaks they create. It’s estimated that ice dams cause millions of dollars in damage to US homeowners every year, so making sure you have adequate protection means a higher expense.

Warranty

There are two types of warranties that you can get on your roof: the standard roofing warranty where the contractor stands behind the work they performed, and the extended no dollar limit (NDL) warranty, which is backed up by the manufacturer. To get the extended NDL warranty, an inspection will need to be performed to ensure that the contractor took the proper steps and completed above par work. This inspection also adds costs to your roof. Consider getting a contractor that offers NDL warranties because you’ll ultimately be getting better craftsmanship and a roof that’s going to hold up longer.

Getting a new roof is expensive no matter how you slice it. However, if you invest the money now, it’s going to save you down the road because you won’t have as many repairs and the roof will last longer.

Common Roofing Problems & Their Solutions

Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your house because it’s your first line of defense against the elements. If your roof is in tip-top shape, you’ll be well protected against rain, hail, snow, and ice. However, when your roof becomes damaged, you’re likely to experience water leaks, mold, mildew, and other problems. Also, a roof that’s in good shape helps the resale value of your home.

Lastly, your roof keeps your energy costs down. If you have an efficient roof, you can save money on your heating and cooling bills, however, an inefficient roof is going to cost you year in and year out.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the most common roofing problems, and how to fix them, so your roof remains in great shape and continues to offer superior protection year after year.

A leaky roof is one of the most common problems affecting roofs everywhere, and the symptoms are readily apparent with just a visual inspection. If you see stains across your ceilings or running down your walls, or if you notice the buildup of mold and mildew, chances are a leaky roof is the culprit. Roof leaks are caused by many factors, such as age, the slope of the roof, damage due to severe weather or debris, or improper sealing of roof vents.

roof repair

Roof Leaks

Once you’ve seen water damage, you’ll have to trace the stains back to the source, which often is in the attic. If you’re able, run water over the roof with a hose and see if you can spot where the leak is occurring.

Once you’ve determined what is causing the leak, repair it. In some instances, a leaky roof can be repaired by merely replacing damaged or missing shingles with new ones. Cracked asphalt shingles can be repaired with roof sealant as a temporary fix until you can replace them. If you’re using wood shakes, replace any that are damaged.

Flashing That Are Incorrectly Installed

Flashing seals the roof where it’s been penetrated with things like vents, chimneys, and cooling systems. If the flashing wasn’t installed correctly, the seams would open and allow water to come in or shingles to blow away.

Repairing roof flashing isn’t too difficult, and if you’re handy, you can do it yourself. Small holes can be quickly patched with roofing cement, and more massive holes can be repaired by using a patch of the same material the original flashing is made from.

However, in cases where the flashing is severely damaged or if the hole is too large, it will have to be replaced. In this case, you may want to call in a professional roofer to do the job and get a guarantee that the job is done right.

Damaged Soffit

Soffit is the material that connects your roof’s overhang with the side of your house. This material is both functional and aesthetic, but it’s vital to your roof’s function and the protection of your home.

Like many roofing problems, soffit becomes damaged due to water, and improperly installed gutters are a significant cause of this water damage. When the gutters aren’t properly removing water from the roof, the water sits on the edge of the shingles and eventually drips down to rot the soffit.

If the soffit is severely damaged, you’ll be able to see the rot plainly. However, early signs of soffit damage are bubbles under the paint and watermarks.

To replace the damaged soffit, you should call in a professional to replace the rotted wood and design the soffit to match the style and look of the remaining soffit and house.

Animals

Yes, animals are also a significant problem when it comes to roofing problems. Even if your roof is weatherproof against hail and driving winds, they’re often no match for the critters that like to nest there.

Common animals that cause roofing damage are:

  • Squirrels
  • Birds
  • Mice
  • Raccoons
  • Rats
  • Bats

Most of these animals seek the warmth and shelter provided by the attic, and they’ll use any means necessary to burrow in through the roof to get there. Animals can also find their way in through damaged soffit or vents.

And damaging your roof is only the beginning. Once inside the house, the animals can damage wiring and chew up wood.

To protect your roof against animals, make it tough for them to get onto the roof in the first place. That means trimming any branches that hang over the roof and make sure your gutters are clean to prevent birds from nesting there.

Also, inspect your attic regularly and look for signs of animals such as droppings or nesting material.

Depending on the type of infestation you have, you may have to call in an exterminator for help and repair the damage once the animal has been disposed of.

Damaged Shingles

Since roof leaks are a major headache for homeowners, damaged shingles are one of the major causes of a leaky roof. Shingles become damaged due to age or due to weather.

Depending on the type of shingle you have, the years of heat and cold can cause them to blister and crack, which leads to water leaking in. If you have an older roof, it’s vital that you perform regular inspections to ensure that the shingles are intact and in good shape. If you find any that need repair, take care of that at once because letting it go can lead to more significant, more expensive repairs down the road.

Lack of Maintenance

As with anything, problems arise and get worse because people don’t perform proper or frequent maintenance. Your roof can last a long time if you take time once or twice a year to inspect it and fix those little problems now.

The more attention you pay to your roof, the longer it’s going to last, and the less you’re going to have to spend on it throughout the years. And the less you have to deal with any roofers. 

Getting a Roof Replacement? Here’s How To Save Some Money

A roof is expensive, but a necessary investment for your home. And when it comes time to replace your roof, you want the best quality, but you also want to get a reasonable price as well.

It’s estimated that a typical asphalt roofing job for a residential home can range from $8,000 to $16,500. And while there are a variety of factors that go into determining the price, we’re going to take a look at ways you can save a few bucks without sacrificing quality work.

Research & Learn

Thanks to the Internet, you have access to virtually every piece of information regarding roofing. Before you even talk to a roofing contractor, research materials, labor costs, and terminology, so you know exactly what you agree to when you negotiate. Also, keep in mind that you’ll likely have disposal fees and recycling fees to contend with when tearing down your old roof, so make sure you know approximately what those should be in your area before you agree to a price. Being informed means, you’re less likely to be taken advantage of.

Get a Roof Inspection

Getting a professional to come in and expect your roof is an excellent idea because it gives you a clear picture of the work that needs to be done. We’re not saying that all contractors are shady, far from it, but it’s better to know the work that needs to be performed by a third party rather than someone who may be trying to get a little more money out of you by selling you on something you may not need.

Getting a roofing inspector is relatively inexpensive, and you can generally get one for under $300. An inspector will be able to pinpoint any damage and advise you on whether you need a full-on roof replacement or if you can get by with a minor repair for now.

Lastly, when you hire an inspector, make sure you get someone who’s not associated with a company you may employ to do the work. As we said, they may not be as unbiased in their recommendation as you would like.

Repair or Replace

This goes hand-in-hand with getting a roof inspection because a proper inspection will help you decide whether you need a full-blown replacement or if you can get by with a repair. In many cases, what seems like a significant problem such as water leakage can be fixed with relatively inexpensive repairs.

Of course, you’ll eventually have to replace your roof at some point, but there’s no reason for spending the money now if you don’t have to. Repairing now allows you to begin setting aside money for when you’re going to replace it down the road.

Check For Warranties

Depending on when you purchased your home, there may be a warranty that’s attached to the roof from a previous replacement. If you don’t have this information, contact the previous owners and ask. Some roofs also come with manufacturer’s warranties, so be sure to check for that as well.

Depending on whether your roof has any warranty coverage will determine how much you have to spend to repair or replace it.

Get Plenty of Estimates

Just like when you’re shopping for a vehicle, it’s a good idea to shop around to try and get the best price. Most people have access to a variety of roofing contractors where they live, and you’re not doing anything wrong by getting estimates from all of them. Ask if they offer any warranties on their work and be careful of extremely low bids because that might indicate that you’re going to get substandard work.

Also, depending on how long you’ve lived in the neighborhood, you should ask your neighbors who they recommend to do the work. Chances are someone on your street had a roof replaced and will gladly point you in the right direction.

roof replacement

Check Out Financing Options

Because roof replacement can be so expensive, many of us don’t have that kind of cash laying around, and putting it on a credit card isn’t always the best option unless you have an amazing interest rate.

So, check out to see what financing options are available either through your bank or through the roofing manufacturer.

Of course, unless the roof is entirely shot, you’re probably better off doing a minor roof repair that’s going to buy you a year or two, and then begin budgeting so you can pay cash for that roof in a few years instead of having to finance and pay the extra fees.

Consider Alternate Materials

Just because your home came with an asphalt roof doesn’t mean you have to stick with that. True, asphalt is the most common and least expensive roofing material, which will save you money, but often there are incentives for going with different material such as something more energy efficient. You may get tax breaks and breaks on your homeowner’s insurance depending on the material you choose. And, you may end up getting a roof that lasts longer, which means you’ll save money from not having to replace it more frequently.

Consider The Timing

Most people opt for putting roofs on in the summer or early fall, which is when the contractors are the busiest, which means you’ll pay more. If you time your roofing project for early spring or early winter, you’ll likely get a much better deal on the labor.

DIY

If you’re handy, and if you have the time, try doing some of the work yourself. Removing the old roofing material before your contractor begins work saves them time and saves you money on labor costs.

Any way you slice it, a new roof is going to be expensive, but with a little planning, a little education and consideration, you can get a price that’s easier to handle than if you went in blind and went with the first estimate you were given.

 

 

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What Are The Different Types Of Impact Resistant Roofing?

A Plano roofer says, living in the great state of Texas has many advantages, but it has some drawbacks, too. One particular problem living here is the challenge of protecting your home against those yearly hailstorms that are so common in this part of the country.

Nearly 50% of all homeowner claims to insurance company comes as a result of damage caused by hail. Across the nation, total claims in property and crop damage from hail total $1 billion annually. Most of these claims come from the states Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas.

At 80 to 100 mph of force, hail is one of the most destructive natural forces against even the most solidly built roofs. In an effort to cut back on claims, insurance companies have started to offer incentives for homeowners choosing to install impact-resistant roofing.

What Is Impact Resistant Roofing?

Roofing materials are rated based on their ability to absorb high impact contact from hail or flying debris. The weakest material receives a rating of one, and the material that can absorb the most impact enjoys a 4 rating. Most roofing material with a class 4 impact rating is considered impact-resistant roofing. A soundly built roof with class 1 material will not last long in a hail prone or high weather area, no matter how much care and attention was put into its construction.

What Are The Different Types Of Impact Resistant Roofing?

Asphalt

The most common type of roofing is asphalt shingles because of its affordability and ease of install. Likewise, the most common impact-resistant roofing also comes in the form of asphalt shingles. Depending on the manufacturer, these shingles have some degree of rubberized backing to increase the amount of bounce, thereby making it better able to absorb the impact of hail coming in at 80 to 100 mph.

TPO

Other options include rubberized slate shingles, which are basically rubber shingles made to resemble the look of slate. It’s also called TPO, or Thermoplastic Polyolefin. It’s installed in a similar manner as slate shingles and has a natural bounce similar to impact-resistant asphalt shingles. TPO shingles come with a 50-year warranty and a 100-year life expectancy.

Slate

Slate is considered impact-resistant. However, you’ll need to pay attention to the thickness of the slate you’re choosing. 5/8″ slate typically receives a Class-4 rating, making it impact resistant. 1/4″ slate is not as strong, and will usually come with a class 3 rating.

Metal

Metal roofs come with many advantages such as energy efficiency, curb appeal, and environmental friendliness. Perhaps the most significant benefit is that they are naturally very resistant to hail. Most metal roofs come with a class 4 rating.

How Much Extra Can You Expect To Pay?

Prices vary depending on the specific type of impact-resistant roofing. Labor costs should remain fixed whether you’re installing traditional roofing or impact-resistant roofing. This includes stripping the old roof down to the deck, inspecting and fortifying the deck, installing the new roof, and hauling the debris away.

The only change in the price you should expect when you’re moving from a traditional roof in one material to an impact-resistant roof in the same type of material is a shift in material price. To determine how much you should expect the cost to jump, do your homework ahead of time. Price out the different material options per foot, so you know what you should expect when asking for an estimate from a roofer.

Is Impact Resistant Roofing Worth The Cost?

No roof is hail proof. But impact-resistant roofs do a much better job protecting your home than a class 1 or 2 roofs featured on most homes. If you live in a heavy weather region of the country where your roof takes an awful lot of impact abuse, then you may want to consider installing one.

In these areas insurance companies usually offer a discount on insurance premiums as an incentive for purchasing an impact-resistant roof. Typical discounts range around the 20% mark.

But, a word of caution here. Look for loopholes. Some insurance companies will not cover cosmetic damage to the roof. This is particularly important to know for anyone choosing a metal roof option. Dings and dents may not be of concern to an insurance provider.

Depending on how much more you pay for an impact-resistant roof, you should be able to make up the difference in cost within a few years if your insurance company has given you a discounted premium. Also, the installation of an impact-resistant roof will up the value of your home, which helps you recover some of those expenses when the time comes to sell.

How Is Impact Resistant Roofing Installed?

This type of roofing is installed in much the same way as other roofing. Impact-resistant shingles are installed with a nearly identical method to traditional shingles:

  • remove overhanging branches
  • strip roof down to the decking
  • inspect the roof for damage
  • renail roof deck
  • seal roof deck against water intrusion
  • install flashing
  • install high impact shingles
  • install roof vents

How To Choose An Impact Resistant Roof

A few factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing an impact-resistant roof: budget, resale value.

Budget

Asphalt shingles tend to be the most economical choice for roofing, including impact-resistant roofing. It’s an excellent choice for those who may have tighter budgets, those who already have shingle roofs, and those who live in neighborhoods where asphalt shingle roofs are standard.

Resale Value

Second to budget is resale value. Choosing an impact-resistant roof should already increase your home’s value, thereby fetching a higher resale price. However, some particular roofs are more desirable than others. And some materials are not as appealing to potential buyers. Do some research to see what’s popular in your area, and what particular materials will up the resale price of your home.

Aesthetics

If you are counting on living in your home for the next twenty years or so, you may want a roof that will protect you well and be aesthetically pleasing. Everyone has different tastes in roofing whether it be slate, metal, or asphalt shingles.

Take into consideration your budget, potential insurance discounts, peace of mind knowing you’re protected, resale value, and personal preference when deciding whether or not to make your next roof an impact-resistant one.

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.

 

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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.

 

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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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Roofing Repair Replacement

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Roof Repair Fort Worth | Quality

Roofing Ft Worth

Roofing Replacement

A roof can start to leak at any moment, especially if the roof is fifteen years or older. Replacing a roof could be costly and not always necessary to do, which is why choosing the right roofing company is extremely important. If you discover that your roof leaks when it rains, it may or may not mean that you need a new roof. A repair may be all that your roof needs. But if the shingles have deteriorated, cracked or blistered then more than likely it may be time for a new roof. An experienced company will know whether the roof should be replaced or repaired. The difference in replacing and repair is a huge cost difference.

Shingles life span vary but in Texas heat, storm damage, inadequate ventilation, foundation issues or improper installation, your home’s roofing system, with occasional maintenance should last its warranty period of 20 to 30 years or more. On the other hand if your roof is about 5 years old and is leaking, it could possibly be cause by poor installation and a repair would be all that is needed. If a leak occurs it is most likely to be around flashing, furnace stacks, plumbing vents, valleys, chimneys, skylights or even missing shingles. All of these types of leaks can be repaired without replacing the entire roof. If the roof is older then matching the style and color of the existing roof can be difficult but if it is less than 15 years old a close match is possible.

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