Tag Archives: roofing

The Importance of Commercial Roof Ventilation

When it comes to maintaining the roof of a commercial building, property owners are generally worried about the insulation and the condition of the roof and its features.  While these things are very important, property owners must consider the roof ventilation as well.  It is important for commercial roofing to always be properly ventilated to prevent problems that can occur when hot air and moisture build-up in the highest level of the building.

Proper roofing ventilation is important because the ventilation creates enough airflow for heat and moisture that have accumulated near the roof of the building to escape.  The roof ventilation system also prevents cold air from entering the building, which helps keep the roof at a stable temperature and prevents indoor temperature extremes.  If the roof has ineffective ventilation, condensation may build up on the interior of the roof which can lead to several issues.

commercial roof ventilation

The roof must be properly ventilated year-round because moisture and hot air can gather near the roof in any season and cause problems.  During the summer, proper roof ventilation will allow the hot air and moisture that have risen to the highest level of the building to escape for more efficient cooling.  During the winter, the hot air from the heat needs to escape so it doesn’t heat the roof and cause ice and snow to melt.

Maintaining the ventilation system of your roof will help prevent major issues that can cause damage to the roof and ultimately shorten its lifespan.  If the roof of your commercial building is not properly ventilated, you may experience the following issues with your roof and building:

Condensation Buildup

Condensation buildup in the attic or near the roof can lead to several major issues that can damage the roof and surrounding property.  The moisture from within the building, whether it is from humid conditions or steam from cooking and warm water usage, will rise towards the roof.  If the roof is not properly ventilated to allow the moisture to escape, it will form into condensation.  The condensation will settle on building materials below the roof as well as the eaves, soffits, and roofing materials.

The buildup of condensation is dangerous because excess moisture can lead to the following problems:

  • Structural damage: Wood, insulation, drywall, and other building materials are porous and will absorb excess moisture and condensation. When this happens, the materials can become weakened, warped, or rotted, eventually leading to serious structural damage.  The buildup of condensation can also cause metal components, nails, and screws to rust.
  • Mold growth: Moisture is the main resource that mold needs in order to appear within a building. When condensation builds up near the roof, it creates the ideal conditions for mold to grow.  Mold colonies can form on wood and drywall surfaces, and the mold growth will devour these surfaces, causing them to weaken and decay.  The presence of mold can also lead to serious health issues for those who are exposed.  This can be especially dangerous in commercial buildings with a lot of people.

Roof Damage

If the heat and moisture that build up near the roof are not removed with proper ventilation, the roof may sustain damage that can shorten its lifespan.  Both the heat and the moisture can transfer to the surface of the roof, resulting in warped decking, buckling shingles, and structural damage of the wood frame.  Components of the roof such as the shingles may become overheated, which will make them more likely to become damaged and require replacement.  The damage caused by excess heat and moisture can also extend to the siding of the building and the interior walls and ceilings.   With poor roof ventilation, you will not only end up spending money to repair the resulting damage, but you may also be forced to replace your roof prematurely.

Higher Energy Bills

This is a problem that is more likely to occur in the summer as poorly ventilated roofs allow heat to buildup in attic spaces and near the roof.  If this heat has nowhere to escape, it will seep back into the building, raising the indoor temperature.  In the summer, this will cause your air conditioner to run more than necessary to cool the building, which will result in higher cooling costs.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are a major problem that can result from poor roof ventilation during the winter.  This happens when the heat that builds up under the roof causes the ice and snow on the roof to melt.  The melting only occurs in certain areas of the roof, not the entire roof, and the melting snow and ice will refreeze at the edge of the roof, forming an ice dam.  Ice dams put major stress on the building due to their weight and they prevent any melted ice or snow from properly running off the roof.  As a result, the ice dams will grow in size and trap water from the melting ice and snow on the roof which can lead to leaks and water damage.

The weight of ice and snow on the roof can cause structural damage and even collapse if it continues to build up.  Ice dams also create a safety hazard outside your building as large icicles can fall from the roof as the ice dams melt.

Ensuring Proper Roof Ventilation

In order to ensure proper ventilation on your commercial roof, there needs to be continuous airflow that can be achieved by finding a balance between the air intake and air exhaust.  Both the air intake and exhaust are controlled by vents that allow air in and out of the building.  The combination of air intake and exhaust will keep the air moving near the roof to prevent heat and excess moisture from building up.  It is important to make sure the vents are in good condition to ensure that your roof is properly ventilated.  If you need assistance maintaining or installing air intake and exhaust vents for your roof, a roofing professional will ensure that you have the right vents and that they are functional.

Call a Commercial Roofing Professional

If you believe that your roof is not properly ventilating, or if you would like to have the ventilation system inspected, contact a commercial roofing contractor.  Different types of commercial roofing systems use different ventilation systems, so they are not universal.  A roofing professional will recognize the type of ventilation system you need for your roof and ensure it is in working order.  By keeping the ventilation system of your commercial roof properly maintained, you can avoid costly repairs, keep your energy bills under control, and ultimately, extend the lifespan of your roof.

 

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