4 Warning Signs you Need a New Roof

Roofing is an essential element of any property, be it a multi-storied building or an apartment. The roof not only protects from a the outside elements such as thunder, lightning, snow that are common in the US but also keeps the building safe for a long period. Good quality roofing also boasts up the curb appeal of the apartment and makes it tough and strong. It is vital to keep it properly functioning and well maintained. Most of us decide to install a new roof after they spot a leak in their ceiling. This can be due to other minute problems that can be repaired without a new roof installation. 

You need to find out the other factors that will determine whether you need a new roof installation or not. Take a look.

1. Roof Age

A typical roof lasts between 20 to 25 years. Although the life expectancy varies depending on the climate and many other factors, there can be many other factors that decide the age of the roof. If a roof is installed using quality products, it will have strong life. The age of roof also depends on the number of layers the roof consists . More the layers, more the life expectancy of your roof will be. You can always seek the help of an expert for roof inspection who will determine the exact condition and the need of replacement.

2. Roof Valleys

Valleys are one of the vital elements of the roof. If the Shingles are deteriorating in the Valley area, it is the indication that you need a roof change. A compromised Valley is always a suspect to roof leak allowing outside elements to enter the apartment. If not checked initially, these small errors can cause harmful mold growth in future.

3. Daylight in the Attic

A healthy and well-made roof will never leak light. If you experience tiny shafts of light between the boards, get ready for further serious damages. If the Valley continued to be exposed to moisture and poor ventilation, it may rot the attic in future. Check out the attic if the daylight enters through the boards and moisture in the insulation and immediately consult a roofing expert.

4. Deteriorating Shingles

Keep a regular check on the shingle tabs. If they are not intact, this can be an another area of concern. Roof loses more granules towards the end of their life cycle. Look into the gutter if it is loaded with the Shingle granules. If it is so, take an immediate step and install a new roof without delay. If the roof is inconsistent or is darker on some parts, it is again a sign of roof granules getting worn out.

The Bottom line

These are the key considerations indicating the need of new roof installation. If you witness any of these, consult a roofing company, be it Dallas, TX or any other US city/state that has expert pools of expert roofer. Make sure the roofer carries a detailed inspection so that you can come up with all the damages in your roof and take precautionary steps accordingly.

Compelling Money Saving Reasons to Inspect your Roof After Storm

Storms and hurricanes cause a lot of damage to buildings and residential structures. While it is easier to spot major structural damages in the property, homeowners may miss out on the small problem areas. Ignoring these minor repair requirements cause a long-term monetary loss and also lead to safety concerns for those living in the house. A roof inspection post-storm is always a step towards securing the structure and life of family members. Even if there's no need for major roof repair, a thorough inspection provides monetary advantages to the home owners.

Roof inspection and monetary gains

1. If you spot a minute damage that might make the home vulnerable to leakage, get it repaired immediately to prevent any major damage in the future. The money spent on minor repair would always be less than what you might need to shell out for a major repair.
2. The sooner you inspect the roof after a storm, the easier it gets to collect the evidence required to claim the insurance. The signs of damage are prominent after a storm, and makes it easier to convince the insurance company that the damage was caused due to storm. Some companies have a fixed time limit within which homeowners can claim for storm insurance.
3. One of the reasons homeowners often do not consider inspecting the roof is that roofing companies offer free roof inspection to clients. Even is the roof has not suffered from any damage, there is no harm in asking a roofing expert to inspect the structure, if the service is free. Inspecting the roof gives peace of mind to homeowners that their family is safe under the roof.

Why you need an inspection expert?

Missing shingles are clear signs of a damaged roof, but there are a few things that only experts can notice. Many roofs look fine from the ground, but there are chances of them having total damage after the storm. The roof may have significant damage, even if not a single shingle is damaged. The two main reasons to go to an expert for inspection are:

1. Homeowners might not be familiar with different types of roofing materials, which makes it difficult for them to distinguish between a damage from the storm from normal wear and tear. Non-professionals may find it to figure out if cracking, shingle rash blistering, and granule loss is because of aging or storm damage.
2. A sealing strip is present between the shingles. Strong storm winds may lift the shingles, break the strip. The shingles might settle back on the roof and look normal, but it would be difficult for a homeowner to find out if the strip is missing. The roof may not show any signs of damage such as leakage for a year or two. Calling an expert is always safe on a homeowner's part to avoid expensive repairs in the future.

Taking a prompt action post-storm prevents the structure from a massive damage and could be economical on a homeowner’s pocket. All that they need to do is, call an experienced and reputable company to do the job.

Summary

Storms might cause damage to structures, but it is not always possible for homeowners to spot even minor loss to the property. The blog talks about advantages of a roof inspection and why you a professional to do the job?

5 Factors to Help You Decide When to Replace Your Roofing

Homeowners cannot do with a dysfunctional roof given the significant role that it plays in providing protection against the vagaries of nature to dwellers. Preventive maintenance is therefore, imperative to maintain the functionality of the roof. Owners ultimately have to replace their roofing if it fails to serve its purpose,  and taking steps to restore its functionality is too expensive or if it is nearing the end of its useful life. Professionals adept at providing roof inspection services can help homeowners decide the best way forward and execute the task on time within set budgets. As a homeowner, you should be absolutely sure about the necessity of the investment by looking at signs discussed in this brief blog.

1.Age of the Roof

A typical roof has a useful life of 20-25 years and needs replacement at the end of this period. Homeowners whose roofing uses multiple layers of shingles and is more than 20 years old, need a replacement to make ensure the roofing continues to serve its purpose.

2. Age of Shingles

The useful life of shingles is a factor that also impacts the roof’s structure. Homeowners should consider deformed shingles as red flags, and also look for signs of damage to slopes receiving direct sunlight. Malfunctioning shingles are one of the causes of defective roofing and you need to get professionals to address the issue on an urgent basis.

3. Malfunctioning Roof Valleys

Valleys play a crucial role in the functionality of roofing systems, as through them, snow and water slopes down into the drains. Missing roof shingles in the valley are a sign that the functionality of the valley has taken a hit. When this happens, homeowners should waste no time ordering replacements to avoid a leaking roof.

4. The Material Used in the Chimney Flashing   

Chimney flashings made of cement and tar only provide limited resistance against water damage and leakage. It is, therefore, imperative that homeowners using such flashings replace it immediately with a watertight metal flashing system.

5. Broken Granules From Shingles

Granules start detaching from shingles once the roof gets past its useful life. To be able to take corrective action on time, homeowners must keep an eye on their drains where shingles generally tend to accumulate after falling.

Periodic Inspection is a Must

Apart from watching out for the signals discussed, the homeowner should also climb the rooftop once in a while to walk on it. In case the trampoline bounces, there’s a high chance that the decking structure has sustained damage. Other signs of damage include moisture in the insulation, and daylight escaping through the boards. Homeowners should get in touch with a Texas roofing company to get a roof inspection and discuss the findings pertaining to the best way forward. 

5 Essential Roof Maintenance Tips That Matter

Many homeowners tend to ignore the regular maintenance and repair of their roofs. A leaky roof causes water to enter into your apartment and leads to mold and other problems. Whether you are in Dallas or any other area, professional roof repair helps you fix the problems before it gets worst. You need to undertake plenty of preventive maintenance measures with the help of a professional roofing company to improve the durability of the roof. The blog post outlines four essential maintenance steps that you need to follow for the proper maintenance of your roof.

Perform Impact Assessment

The first step is to perform a roof audit along with a professional roofing company to check the tolerance limits of your roof. Missing shingles, inadequate drainage and old looks indicate that you need to repair the roof immediately with the help of roof repair specialist.  

Peak Load Testing

Check for new equipment installed on the roof such as chimneys and solar panels. Every time there is a new installation, it is necessary to conduct a load testing of the roof. It’s always a good practice to ensure that you don’t exceed the weighing limits of a roof. 

Adequate drainage

Ensure that the drains and downspouts are free of dirt and debris as these retain moisture content. Water makes the shingles and roof flashing weak, making it more susceptible to wear and tear, thereby reducing its life.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Overhanging tree branches can abrade the roof coating, making the shingles prone to wind and hail damage. Tree branches also provide access to rodents and insects that cause damage to the roof structure. Moreover, the overhanging branches pose a risk of falling on the roof causing damage in the form of cracks incurring additional repair costs. Early damage signs such as soft rotten spots and shredded wood need to be addressed immediately to avoid roof damage.

Professional Snow removal

Heavy amount of snow accumulation on any type of roofing may cause the roof to collapse. It is, therefore, necessary to remove an excessive amount of snow with the help of professionals.  It isn’t recommended to remove snow yourself as improper removal of snow may damage the roof.

The Bottom Line

A roof can withstand the worst impacts of climate in cases of preventive maintenance. People wait to take an action after the visible impact of roof damage, making it a cost intensive affair. A roofing partner doesn’t necessarily offer re-roofing or roof repair in Dallas and US. They have a wide range of services ranging from small fixtures to overall maintenance.

5 Easy Ways to Gauge Roof Damage

Identifying damage to the roofs after extreme weather conditions such as tornadoes and hurricanes may be quite challenging. Roofs are open surfaces and undergo a lot of wear and tear. Inspecting the damages in a roof can be dangerous as they are very delicate and may cause slip-offs. Roof damage scenarios range from detectable breakpoints, leakages and invisible indentations. The strong storm winds may distort the roof shingles and pipes making it vulnerable to thundershocks. Worst cases involve wood rot formation leading to roof collapse resulting in casualties.

Is an individual roof damage analysis possible?

Yes, you can have a close look with binoculars or field glasses, but the results will be vague and inaccurate at the same time. Therefore, professional help from roofing companies in Dallas or any other area becomes inevitable. A roofing technician performs a quick analysis of the damage along with outlining possible costs for the fix.

How will you identify the signs of a storm damage to your roof?

Internal deterioration of the roof needs to be taken care of by a qualified professional. The 5 ways mentioned below help you to measure roof destruction.

• Broken or missing shingles

Strong winds can break and tear off your roof tiles and shingles. It is also advisable to check your chimney, exhaust pipes and roof walls for any visible damage.

• Dents in roof vents

Metal roof vents are susceptible to damage by the blistering winds or hail storm.

• Leaks and water damage

The damp looks of the roof ceiling or walls show the possibility of breakage of water tanks and pipes.

• Check roofing accessories and windows

Broken window panes and debris show a clear destruction of the roof structure.

• Scattered roof granules

Asphalt granules protect the roof against UV rays of the sun. Noticing dispersed or collected roofing granules indicates tearing of the roof.

The Bottom Line

Many people in the US perform individual roof audits to determine the amount of harm caused to the roof structure. It is imperative to have a concrete roof to prevent life hazards arising due to natural calamities as they are quite common in Dallas and across the US. It is , however, a good option to consult a professional roofer instead of estimating the damage yourself.

Essential Factors to Consider in a Roofing Maintenance Plan

Roofs, if not maintained properly and serviced on a regular basis may drastically deteriorate.  In fact,many roofing companies in Dallas, Texas withdraw the warranties they offer if the roof maintenance is not done properly. Therefore, it is advisable to invest a little more on maintenance every year, instead of spending a large amount on a major repair that you may undertake due to lack maintenance or negligence.

The following the factors you need to consider when initiating a roof maintenance project:

1. Regular inspection 

Carry out regular inspections of your roof. Doing inspection at least twice a year is what every roofing contractor suggests. Most damages usually occur before and after the season, and therefore, this is the time when you need to get your roof inspected. The harsh winter and the scorching summer are seasons that post maximum challenges. Besides doing the required maintenance work for these two seasons, it’s imperative to get your roofs inspected after heavy storm. 

2. Periodic cleanups

Keeping your building’s roofs and gutters clean helps prevent any dirt or debris from piling up on the roof or inside the gutters. If you are one of those people who believe in following DIY techniques, can easily clean it on their own. If you can’t, then hire the services of a professional roofing contractor in Texas to do the job. They would look for dirt, leaves, and traces of debris in the gutters and also check if there is any damage on the roof caused by ice damming.

3. Flashing inspection

Flashing is a metal piece used around vents, exhaust pipes, and chimneys, or used at joints in wall construction or roofs. It prevents water from trickling through the joints and causing damage. Mostly water seepage in a house happens due to damaged flashing. A faulty flashing allows snow meltage to enter the interiors, causing damage to the internal walls and infrastructure rot.

4. Attic check

Attic problems are hard to identify and needs regular inspection. Due to this reason, even if your roof apparently does not look damaged, may still need your attention. Attic molds are usually caused by issues such as roof leaks, ventilation problems, and others. To ensure that your roof is free from attic issues, get it inspected on a regular basis to find damage or leakage. If there are any signs of streaks or stains in any unfurnished areas of your attic, you need to resolve them immediately. 

5. Ventilation check

Proper ventilation is necessary to ensure that the roof does not get damaged because of freeze or thaw cycles that occur during the changing seasons. It also helps to maintain the temperature, preventing the attic from getting too hot during the summers as it may lead to the de-lamination of roof sheathing and loosening of the shingles.

6. Drainage system check

Clogging of water can damage your roof severely. In order to prevent water logging or standing water issues, your roofing system must have a proper drainage system. If there is a water logging issue despite having a clean drainage system, it may be an indication that there is a sagging issue.

Conclusion

Every roof inspection needs to be followed by a corrective action plan, or else the roofing issues would aggravate in the long run. If you are, therefore, spending your time, energy, and money in inspecting or getting your roofs inspected, also make sure that the necessary repair work is done on time. If you neglect it, it would only turn into a bigger issue later, and would also burn a hole in your pocket.

5 Roofing Mistakes You Must Avoid

How long your new roof will last is something that depends not only on the quality of the roof that you install, but also the experience and workmanship of the residential roofing contractor who installs it. It is, therefore, important for you to hire a qualified roofer who will not make rookie and costly mistakes. In this post, we discuss some of the most common roofing mistakes whose avoidance helps you get the maximum out of our new roof.

1. Improper Slope

If the materials you choose do not match the slope of the roof, it may lead to water penetration. For example, if one is installing wood, asphalt or tile shingles & shakes, it is recommended to have a minimum slope of four units rise per twelve units of run. 

 2. Ventilation Problems

At the time of laying down shingles, it is necessary to allow ceilings or attics to vent. Failing to do so can lead to build up of moisture leading to the premature weakening of the shingle material. 

3. Layers of Shingles

Many municipalities require old asphalt to be removed before installing the new one. Not adhering to this rule is illegal. Whether your municipality allows it or not, it is highly recommended that old shingles be removed before new ones are installed as the additional weight harms your roof structure and walls. Removing old shingles also allows your residential roofing contractor to inspect, and if need be, repair fragile areas.  

       

4. Improper use of Nails

If nailed incorrectly, or insufficiently, shingles can slip down causing injury to bystanders. A minimum of four nails per shingle is what we recommend. If the roof has a steep gradient then the minimum number of nails used should be even more, preferably six. Make sure that the nails aren’t driven into or above the self-sealing strip.

       

5. Failing to Plan for Ice Dams. 

For those who live in cold climates, it is common to experience ice dams that form along the roofline. If the roof isn’t insulated enough, these ice dams force water down the shingles. To prevent this, it is necessary to install an under layer in the roof to act as an additional layer and protect against the melting ice water. 

Conclusion 

Most roofing mistakes result from inexperienced do-it-yourselfers who have little or no prior roofing experience. The same is true for inexperienced or first-time roofing contractors touting cheap services. You must, therefore, check the roofing contractor’s experience, and if possible, check with their past and current clients about the quality of the contractor’s services. 

Roofing System Options for Commercial Spaces

Whether you are a design professional, building owner, or a roofing contractor, choosing the right commercial roofing system for your building or project is one of the most critical decisions you have to make. A right roofing solution protects your investment for decades, and a wrong choice leads to costly repairs, damage to the building and its contents, and depreciation of property value, which in turn, might leads to an early need for re-roofing.

Commercial Roofing Service Texas

In this post, we discuss commercial roofing systems that make it it to a list of the best options with a view to help you make informed buying decisions. 

Thermoplastic Roofing

Also known as TPO Roofing, thermoplastic roofing is one of the most popular options for commercial roofing systems. Thermoplastic roofing material is gifted with high-temperature tolerance and low-temperature flexibility, making it one of the highly favored roofing systems, in terms of durability. Apart from its resistance to a wide range of temperatures including exceptional resistance to fire, the roofing system is also resistant to ozone, ultraviolet light, chemical exposure, high winds, and punctures. The average lifespan of a thermoplastic roof is around 20 years. 

EPDM Roofing

The popularity of EPDM roofs is obvious given the fact that they are part of a few roofing systems that have been around for the past four decades. They belong to the family of long lasting commercial roofing systems that are known for superior durability and versatility. If installed correctly and maintained properly, the roofs can last as long as 30 years, and at times even more. Not only are these solutions relatively inexpensive, they are easy to install, maintain, and repair. The synthetic rubber roofing membrane of EPDM roofs has two primary ingredients, ethylene and propylene, derived from oil and natural gas. The best part about an EPDM roofing solution is that it helps in energy savings and reducing your building’s footprint.

Photovoltaic Panel Roofing

Geared towards mitigating the rising energy costs, Photovoltaic Panel roofing systems are the brainchild of the roofing system construction professionals.  The solar panels installed over photovoltaic panel roofs absorb energy from the Sun that is used for supplying power and for heating buildings. Roofs installed with membrane, roof-mounted tile, or glass, also serve the same purpose. Though Photovoltaic panel roofs do not enjoy widespread usage, the growing interest in renewable energy sources has seen people gradually replacing traditional roofing systems with modern, energy efficient solutions such as photovoltaic roofs.

Green Roofing

Another environment-friendly roofing solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the Green roof. Green roofs are usually installed on flat roofs and partially or fully covered with soil and vegetation, over a waterproof membrane. Not only do green roofs help reduce heat loss and gain by insulating buildings better, they have other added environmental benefits as well. Green roofs are a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife. Though these roofs are comparatively expensive to install, they help save money in the long run.

Word of advice

Make sure you hire the services of a professional roofing services provider, as the good quality of your roofing solution is inconsequential in the absence of a good installation services professional to do the correct work. To find a professional, you may contact the roofing contractors association in your locality. For example, Texas has its roofing contractors association in the name of Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT).

5 Essential Checks when Hiring a Home Renovation Contractor

There is a strong possibility that before you embark on a journey to renovate your home, you will be tempted to go the DIY route. While DIY home renovation tips may look simple in a book or video, it's not that easy when it comes to reality. It is, therefore, recommended that such projects should be left to home renovation contractors who have the knowledge and expertise to bring your home renovation dreams to life. Hiring the services of a home renovation contractor gives you complete peace of mind as you do not have to face the day to day challenges of procuring material, managing labor, dealing with critical issues related to structural changes, and more.

In this post, we discuss the checks you must perform before hiring a professional home renovation contractor.

1. Check Legal and Financial Status

You can check the financial status of a company by reviewing its credit history and their statement of claims. A company that is unable to meet its liabilities faces bankruptcy issues, and you must therefore, stay away from such service providers. Similarly, you must check if the company is facing any legal issues such as lawsuits that may be a hindrance in the continuation of business. The internet is your best source of information if you want to check the legal status of any entity before engaging.

2. Check Licensing

There are licensing requirements for running different businesses that differ depending on the state. Before you hire a independent home renovations contractor, ask for valid proof of licensing to ensure that the company is legitimate and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

3. Check Qualifications

Check the qualifications of the contractors and see if they have earned any professional degrees such as Certified Bath Designer or Certified Graduate Remodeler? While experience is a reliable barometer when it comes to hiring a contractor, professional qualifications also present a great opportunity to be certain about the caliber of prospective service providers.

4. Check Insurance

Check if the company has valid business insurance to protect it in the event of peril or legal issues. Home Renovation contract companies must have personal liability, property damage coverage, and worker’s compensation cover. You should never settle for oral assurances, promises or agreements but rather, see everything in black and white. Request copies of insurance certificates and ensure that they are current. It is important for you to perform this check to avoid the risk of being held liable in case of any injuries or damages that might occur during the project.

4. Verify the Contract’s Terms

Make sure you have gone through and clearly understood the terms of the contract before you sign above the dotted line. Some of the points you cannot afford to miss include payment terms, warranty terms, sequential schedule of primary construction tasks, dispute resolution terms, and more.

Word of advice

Costs should never be the prime determinant of your choice of a home renovation contractor or firm. For example – never pay the contractor in full before the job’s done. While it is okay to pay an advance amount before work starts, it should not exceed 10% of the project cost.  Make sure you get the receipts for all the payments you make to avoid any confusion in later stages.