Roof Repairing Guide

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There are all kinds of roofs. If your own happens to be quite flat, and your house is a one-story building, so that you can reach the roof by using an ordinary ladder, there is little danger in venturing out on it, but if you have to crawl through a window and claw your way around on a steep roof, you will do much better to stay away from it. However, there are a few basic rules for safe roof work which every homeowner should be familiar with.

Many people do not realize they have a problem with their roof until the inevitable happens…..roof leakage. More often than not, that is when a roofer receives a call to perform a roof repair – only to find that the whole roof needs replaced. Some are frustrated when they are being apprised of this situation and believe the roofer may be trying to “sell” them something they may not need. Be aware that roof repairs cost more on a hourly basis then replacing a roof. It would take “only” approximately two days of doing roofing repairs to equal the same amount paid in labor for an entire week when replacing your roof.

If a leak is recognized, clear the area of any home belongings, for instance electronic equipment furniture, etc. Place a bucket to collect the water for the time being. Once you can clearly see where the water is dripping from the ceiling, take a ladder and look at the roof in that area. You might easily see a part of the roof that has a broken shingle; you might also see debris, loose flashings, etc.

The Roofing Process

A moderately sized roofing job might take only 3 or 4 days.

Remove all existing shingles, deposit them in a roll-off, and remove. Begin to make minor repairs on roof if in good condition. If not, replace bad wood with plywood or 1″x6″ boards, whichever is applicable to your roof. Install the “ice dam,” which is an ice and water barrier made of plastic to prevent backed up ice in the gutters from working itself under the shingles. Lay down asphalt paper. Apply the shingles – starting at the eaves and working upward. Apply flashing around all areas where leaks might come into the house – against the chimney, stack vents, etc. Install the ridge vent.

We need to cover a few things before starting any roofing project. These include:

· Get Proper Information: Be aware this is a construction project and there will be noise and debris. Children love to watch what’s going on with their house but they must be kept away from the perimeter of the worksite, ladders and equipment.

· Share Properly Your roofing Condition with Roofers: Roofers generally do their best not to drop debris into shrubbery or flower beds but it is sometimes unavoidable. Inform roofing company if you have delicate flower beds or shrubbery that needs special protection.

· Point out sprinklers: that heads along driveways and sidewalks to help us prevent damaging them.

·

Roof Repair Tips Unveiled

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When repairing a roof, keep in mind that 90% of all roof leaks are caused by improper installation or defective flashings. Examples of flashings include chimney, step, apron and valley where two roofs join together. During the repairs, it is necessary to look for any roof deterioration that could possibly lead to further problems if left untreated. If leaks are ignored, the structure of the entire home may be weakened if and when the frame begins to rot from continued exposure to dampness. In addition, the improper installation of roof shingles, which are sometimes fastened incorrectly, may be a necessary repair that needs to be addressed. If roof shingles are missing, these will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
There are a number of factors that may lead to roof leaks, including clogged or improperly installed gutters. This will cause water to overflow over the back and leak along the inside walls and inside the home. In addition, flue pipes inside of a chimney may cause water to leak if they are not properly aligned. Improperly installed or defective siding and windows are among the remaining common causes for roof leaks.
When a roof leaks after heavy, wind-driven rain, it is usually caused by a problem with the windows or siding. During the winter, a roof leak along the inside walls or basement is most commonly caused by an ice dam. In this scenario, melting snow and ice will travel over the back of the gutter or through the side of gutter spikes and down the walls. An ice dam is caused by inadequate intake and exhaust ventilation.
Did you know that most roofers believe that, providing the roofing procedure was done properly around a skylight and there are no additional problems further up the roof that may cause water to find an opening in the skylight, there is no need for concern? In actuality, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the sealant around the glass can deteriorate over the years and water will be able to enter through the skylight. This is a very common problem in older skylights, but the remedy is quite simple. The best approach is to seal the perimeter of the glass with a quality outdoor silicone and the leak will be stopped.
It is very important that individuals check their roof for needed repairs regularly. Most opt for spring because of the fair weather and due to the fact that it immediately precedes winter, which is often troublesome for many roofs. Heavy snow buildup, ice dams and other harsh weather can reek havoc on shingles, gutters and the overall structure of the roof. This makes spring an ideal time for detecting repairs. With that being said, it is very important that homeowners also inspect their work immediately following a storm or other mishap that may have resulted in any type of roof damage that may require repair.
In order to maintain a pleasing appearance, every roof needs to be cleaned properly in order to remove dirt and debris. During this process, it is very important that homeowners not use a pressure washer on their roof because the force is often too great for shingles and may result in their damage or complete removal. In addition, the strong force of a pressure washer would reek havoc on the interior of the home if there were to be an undetected leak anywhere in the roof. It is also important that gutters be properly cleaned in order to prevent a buildup of rainwater, ice or other debris that may lead to added weight and damage. Gutters are extremely important as they direct excess water away from the home.
By maintaining the health of your roof, your home will continue to be a safe haven for your family and an investment for your future.

Metal Roof Maintenance ? Is This Really An Easy Job?

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Metal roof maintenance is something of a misnomer – the only times metal roofs should be maintained is if they are getting excessively old or were installed incorrectly, as other than that they require very little effort to maintain.

However, if you are having problems with your metal roof, this article will provide a brief overview of how you can assess and repair minor damage to your metal roof in a short time with minimal materials.

The first thing you’ll want to do in a metal roof maintenance job, as with any roof maintenance, is to clear the roof of debris. Debris like leaves, dirt and garbage can soak up water and increase the wear and rusting of even coated metal roofing. After clearing debris, if your roof is painted or coated, check the coating for signs of wear and repaint or recoat any necessary areas.

If there are holes in any of the shingles or slats, or open seams between pieces of metal, these should be repaired immediately. There can also be openings where two pieces meet on a ridge, lip, or valley.

Metal roof maintenance mostly requires that you catch wads of debris before they have a chance to collect water and damage sealants around rivets or in seams. The most common way metal roofing gets damaged is through water, be it either rusting or the deterioration of the bond between sealant and metal.

Extreme heat can also cause metal roofing to flex, and while shingled metal will not experience the same stress sheets will, either type can experience damage around the seams and corners. If you keep an eye out for damage throughout the year and give it a thorough check every few months, then you can keep a metal roof from experiencing any significant amount of wear, and have a roof that will last for decades.

Metals roofs are so commonly used because of their extreme durability and resistance to weather effects. There are few things that can cause them any significant amount of damage, but it is still important to keep an eye out for those things.

Even something as simple as water can damage metal roofing over time. Metal roof maintenance essentially consists of watching for potential damage, and clearing away debris whenever it collects on your roof. With minimal effort on your part, you can maintain a metal roof for as long as you need it . . .

Find out more by reading the full article which explains what you need to know about metal roofing.

Typical Causes of Roof Problems ? Do You Know These?

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There are lots of typical causes of roof problems, and they can range from weather and sun to minor accidents. However, catching these problems before they infiltrate your home can help prevent leaks and permanent damage to your house.

It is important to deal with these problems as they come up, and therefore we’ve written an article that outlines the main causes of roof decay.

One of the leading typical causes of roof problems is, of course, weather. Since weather plays such a large role in roof decay, we’ve broken it up into several different factors. Rain is possibly the primary aspect to look out for, as it can wear down just about anything, cause rust, and carry debris into gutters and clump it together.

It can also help mold or algae grow. Sun is most harmful immediately after rain, when it causes soaked caulking and other materials to expand and crack. Wind can be dangerous if it blows debris into the roof, or if it is a particularly powerful wind it can actually blow loose shingles off your roof entirely.

Two more of the many typical causes of roof problems are falling debris and accidents. Falling debris can come from trees overhead, taller adjacent buildings (especially in urban areas), be blown by a strong wind, or any number of sources. Debris can crack and damage shingles or other important parts of the roof, and many kinds of debris soak up water, which intensifies any damage.

Accidents include dislodged trees or other large objects that can smack into roofs, or simple carelessness. There are so many different causes for roof problems that many people will tell you just to try and keep it clean and give it a checkup every six months or so.

The fact is that there are so many typical causes of roof problems that it’s relatively impossible to safeguard against them all. The best thing you can do is to keep an eye on your roof and check for signs of weathering and other damage, and to fight them as they come.

Regardless of the type and size or your roof, it will eventually become damaged either by weather or other factors, and parts of it will need to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced. Knowing the kind of damage to expect and how best to deal with that damage is the best way to keep your roof in working condition . . .

Find out more by reading the full article which explains what you need to know about roofing maintenance.

 

Common Signals For Roof Repairs

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Your grass needs landscaping when it gets too tall. Your house needs paint when it looks dingy. Your windows need to be replaced if they show cracks. With some household repairs, when to tackle the task is obvious. Your roof, however, is a bit more subtle. How do you know when it’s time to reroof?

Inspections are key. It’s extremely important to inspect your roof at least twice a year, in order to prevent any unseen damage from becoming a disaster. Regular inspections will also help you to quickly recognize anything that seems different or odd about your roof. There are some basic things you can look out for that will tell you whether you have a happy, healthy roof, or whether you need to call in a roofing company for a roof repair.

Grab your binoculars, and find a good spot on your property where you have a clear, unobstructed view of the roof. Here’s what you’ll look out for:

Missing or broken shingles are an obvious sign of a problem. Empty spots could allow moisture to collect and puddle, eventually soaking through and becoming a leak. Don’t hesitate to have a roofing company come and check out potential leaks, as they’ll only get worse with time. Steep roofs tend to lose more shingles due to high winds.

Bare looking shingles (often darker looking than normal) are not good either. Grainy asphalt covers new shingles, but can be swept away by heavy winds and rain. If you notice quite a bit of the grainy asphalt in your rain gutters, something’s wrong and you may need some roofing repairs. Naked shingles are a source of another potential leak on your roof.

Shingles that appear to have curled or split are another sign that it may be time to reroof. If shingles are curling, they’re likely to be further damaged by heavy winds, leaving room for water to seep inside. Shingles can curl either upwards or downwards (causing a bump on their bottom edge) – either way, it’s a sign of trouble.

Any distortion in the shingles, such as a buckled vertical line, can indicate a problem. There are several causes of buckling, including using boards that are too thin when constructing the roof. Sagging centers or ridges can also be signals that it’s time to consider reroofing.

Pay special attention to any area where one surface meets another, such as near chimneys, vents, or wall joints. If you notice any cracks, dried out caulking or rusty metal, there’s a problem with the flashing. Again, this is a potential leak that may be cause for roofing repair.

Loose or exposed nails are not normal, and can also create space for leaks to sneak through.

There are also several important things to check for from inside the house:

If you notice any sagging between your rafters, it could mean that your roof decking will need replacing, along with other possible roof repairs.

Water damage is the most obvious sign that reroofing is in your future, and could indicate an existing leak or be a sign of inadequate roof ventilation. Check your attic after a rainy day to be sure there are no stains or wet spots from previously unseen leaks.

Depending on the climate you live in, the color of your roof, what direction your roof faces, and what kind of ventilation was built in, roofs can last anywhere from 10-25 years. Consistent roof inspections will help you know when it’s time to call a roofing company for roof repairs.

Roof Maintenance ? What About Asphalt Shingle Maintenance?

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Roof maintenance is something many people forget to do, but can be an important part of the upkeep of a home. There are several steps that you should go through before and during the maintenance of a roof, but these differ depending on the material it’s made of. In this article, we’ll go over how to clean and maintain an asphalt shingle roof.

The first thing you’ll want to do in any roof maintenance job is clean debris from the roof. This can be anything that has built up behind HVAC units, pitch pans or pipes, and other penetrations of the roof. Since this debris tends to soak up water, and water is one of the leading causes of deterioration of the roof (especially in roofs that are primarily asphalt), you’ll want to do this two or maybe three times a year.

If the roof is collecting moss and algae, zinc control or lead control strips should be installed. All the flashings should be checked for holes, and algae and moss should be removed. If there are any shingle tabs that are loose, a little roofing cement can be dabbed under either side to secure them. Damaged or broken shingles should be removed and replaced.

Keeping gutters debris free is an important part of roof maintenance, and is necessary for proper water flow control, and pour water down the downspouts to ensure that they are functioning correctly. If there are tree branches overhanging, they should be trimmed to prevent debris from falling on the roof.

Open valley metal should be checked for rust, and if there is rust then it should be wire brushed away, and then the metal should be primed and painted. Caulking and sealants should be checked, and if any is cracked or damaged it should be scraped away and re-applied. If you have a brick and mortar chimney, check the mortar on the sides and on top, and if it is damaged it can be repaired by a mason.

Roof maintenance is often a simple matter of knowing how the weather affects your home. If you have asphalt shingles that can be damaged over time, a periodic checkup and some mild repair work is likely all that is necessary.

Keeping up with your roof can help you find problems before they work their way into your home and cause you even more stress (not to mention money) than if you took care of them outside . . .

Find out more by reading the full article which explains what you need to know about roof maintenance.

 

Liquid Roof is the best solution to all weather worries

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Liquid roof is the solution to all the problems in other form of roofs. It don’t leaks as it is water resistant, it is not affected by weather conditions humidity, rain or extreme hot weather. If you have a liquid roof coating on your normal roof it is also a very effective solution. If in case, some damage occurs to the liquid roof then it’s easy to repair as it’s economical to repair as compare to others forms of roof.

EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), a type of synthetic rubber, is an elastomer which is characterized by wide range of applications.The E refers to Ethylene, P to Propylene, D to diene and M refers to its classification in ASTM standard D-1418. The “M” class includes rubbers having a saturated chain of the polymethylene type.

EPDM rubber is used in vibrators and seals; glass-run channel; radiator, garden and appliance hose; tubing; washers; belts; electrical insulation, and speaker cone surrounds. It is also used as a medium for water resistance in high-voltage polymeric cable jointing installations, roofing membrane, geomembranes, rubber mechanical goods, plastic impact modification, thermoplastic, vulcanizates, as a motor oil additive, pond liner, electrical cable-jointing, RV roofs, and chainmail applications.

EPDM exhibits satisfactory compatibility with fireproof hydraulic fluids, ketones, hot and cold water, and alkalis, and unsatisfactory compatibility with most oils, gasoline, kerosene, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, and concentrated acids.

The main properties of EPDM are its outstanding heat, ozone and weather resistance. The resistance to polar substances and steam are also good. It has excellent electrical properties. It has the ability to retain light colour.

Hurricane damage to all types of roofs is often quite extensive and an unusual thing you may face. As a result, building codes and wind design guidelines are changing. New solutions to wind uplift problems are being introduced that allow building owners and specifiers to design and build highly durable, standard-compliant and, most importantly, cost-effective roofs, regardless of building location. Roof is as the most important investment of your building, so roofing problems need to be solved within no time delays.

Roof coating is available in an extensive range of materials and colours, each suited to a different style of roofing. Some kinds of roof coatings include liquid roof, liquid rubber, elastomeric coatings, acrylic coatings, primers, Eternabond web seal. Whilst some are elastomeric roof coatings, others are acrylic resin based. The adhesiveness to your roof can change according to the material your roof is made of. For example, bituminous roof coatings will be more adhesive to wood, while metal roof coatings can be made of either bituminous or elastomeric roof deck coatings. Depending on the climate you live in and the requirements of your roof and building (residential and/or commercial) which roof coating will best suit your roof.

As far as application of liquid roof is concerned, it offers compatibility to a large number of surfaces such as metal, concrete, fibreglass, fabric, foam, rubber. It may be applied on roof decks, metal roofs, gutters, structural steel, air conditioner enclosures, cooling towers, galvanized steel, unit heater flues, smoke stacks and chimneys, fibreglass, non porous masonry surfaces, pool liners, underground room waterproofing, and channels. It is also excellent for wood, canvas, cement, or metal roof repair over large surface areas. One most important advantage of using liquid roof is that it does not require a top coat, primer or additional applications like many other roofing products.

There are some tips which must be kept in mind before applying liquid rubber on your roof. Be aware that it is a 3 to 6 hrs process, excluding the surface preparation time. Once the liquid EPDM Rubber is applied, it takes around 16 to 20 hours to dry up. Therefore proper management of time is necessary. Careful planning regarding weather conditions should be done as well, i.e. one should plan to work on days when the rain is not expected because although Liquid Roof will immediately waterproof, even when wet, avoid heavy rain until it is completely dry to the touch which means 16 – 20 hours after application. To be on the safe side, one can say that a full cure will be achieved in 4 – 10 days after application, in consistent 70 deg F.

Liquid roof ideally can be used for many types of roof repair. One of the most important Liquid Roof Repair applications is RV Roof Repair. Liquid roof sticks to the entire types of facades- canvas, plywood, suds, cement, mass rubber, customized roofing, additional roof coverings, strengthen, timber, top tiles, genuine tiles, solid, and many more. It is the most cost effective and efficient product for solving RV Roof Leaks Repair problem as it does not chalk, shrink, crack, peak and flake.

How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor for your Roof Repairs

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If you live in an area where hails are something common, you must be aware of the fact that there will come a time when you will need some serious roof repairs or even a roof replacement. Time is also a defining factor in the amount of damage that your roof can handle. Like many other things, roofs deteriorate in time, but unfortunately there are some additional factors which make the process of deterioration even faster. Such factors include the unavoidable exposure to sun, rain, wind, snow, and so forth. Most roofs are made to last, but none of them will last a lifetime. If you’re lucky, the consequences of a serious hail will only be some roof repairs. But for many people, re-roofing is the only solution.

There’s nothing like the sense of pride and fulfillment that you get from doing something difficult on your own, without professional help, especially when it comes to your home. However, roof repairs or re-roofing does not exactly fit into the do-it-yourself category. The recommendation in such cases is that you turn to the services provided by roofing contractors.

Roofing contractors are professionals who will help you in all the aspects related to roof repairs of re-roofing. But you as a consumer have an important part in this project, as you have to take some important steps in ensuring that the final outcome of the process is just as you imagined it would be. Roofing contractors have to meet some requirements, which you have to check out. First of all, make sure that they are registered or certified. There must be a roofing contractors association in your state or region, where you can verify if the roofing contractor you have chosen is certified or not. Insurance for roofing contractors is also a must, so make sure you don’t omit this aspect. A handshake would have been enough once, but now certainty comes with a written and signed contract. However, before you sign anything, you should get some written estimates of your project from at least three different roofing contractors in your area, all based on the same materials that you have chosen for your roof repairs or re-roofing process. If the roofing contractor you have selected has prior experience in your area, you should also check out some of their previously completed projects, so that you can get a good idea of how they work. Talking to the owners who have been the roofing contractor’s clients might shed some light on how they deal will possible problems or complaints, or how they have handled issues during the entire job. In order to get the job done, the roofing contractor will need access to your home, and the question of trust arises. Of course, you must check the roofing contractor’s phone number, address and references, but it wouldn’t hurt to get an honest, unbiased opinion from someone who has been their client before you.

Should you ask for written estimates from different roofing contractors, you’ll find that there may be some differences among these bids. Study them thoroughly and try to understand these differences, because the most expensive project doesn’t have to be the best for what you need, but then again you shouldn’t jump at the cheapest one, which may turn out to be not so great, to say the least.

Keep in mind that there are many roofing contractors, and regardless of the complexity of your project, whether it’s just some roof repairs or a more serious re-roofing, you need the guarantee of a well carried out job at reasonable costs. Certified roofing contractors who do everything by the book are the answer for you.

For more information related with Roof Repairs and even about subjects like Roofing Contractors please visit this website http://www.MAKRoofing.com

Top 10 Mistakes in Purchasing a New Roof

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Top 10 Mistakes in Purchasing a New Roof

1. Shopping price only.

The price of a roofing repair or install will vary depending on the size and location of your home. If you shop around for prices and notice that a company is well below the average, there may be a reason why. Cost alone will not determine quality. Professionalism and quality workmanship should also weigh heavily on your decision.

What is the total price of the job? Does this include sales tax? When are the payments due? Does the price include removal of the old roof? Any hidden costs?

Some smaller roofing companies may require a small deposit at the start of work. Most of the contracted amount should only be due after all of the work is completed in a satisfactory manor. Do not issue full payment for the job until all work has been completed. Lengthy projects may require progress payments, be sure the amount does not exceed the value of the work performed.

* Check the insurance of every company doing work at your home. A company should carry both workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Because of the dangers inherent in working on the roof, workers’ compensation and liability insurance are a significant cost to a roofing company. Since the cost of the insurance is high, some companies do not carry it. This practice is a shortcut some companies take to underbid the competition.

2. Basing your buying decision on the quickest to respond or because a company can “start right away”.

A company that is too quick to respond may not have enough business. (Why?)

Things to consider:

How long has this company been in business? You want to make sure that this company will still be around in case you have problems with your roof.
Number of years of roofing experience for installers?
Safety record?
Make sure the company is licensed, bonded and insured in your area. (get license number)
Insurance? Don’t hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his liability coverage and worker’s compensation certificates. Be sure the coverage runs through the duration of the job.
Does the company offer references of past work? Obtain customer references and check them. Ask about the company’s stability, reputation, record on completing jobs on time and quality of work performed.
Check out all companies with your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
Do they offer a maintenance program?
Make sure you get a contract. Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including tasks the roofer will perform, types of materials, financial arrangements, and guarantees.

3. Getting a discount for signing the contract “tonight” or other high-pressure sales tactics.

This forces the homeowner to make a quick decision, so as not to miss the “unbeatable price.” No matter how good the price may seem, do not buy a roof from a company that asks you to make a decision before you are ready. Granted, recent hurricanes have caused uncertainty in building materials availability and pricing, however a reputable company will have relationships and access to quality products for 2 or more weeks from the time they provide you with a quote. There is an outside chance that a contractor may have a “sudden” opening in their work schedule and offer an incentive to keep their crews working, however the more reputable companies do not have a significant amount of discount or wiggle room in their cost. If they offer more than a 10% discount, one might question their margins in the first place. Additionally, some companies will more heavily incent their salespeople to get a contract signed the same day. The quicker the sale, the higher the commission. The bottom line is, take your time when making any large purchase, such as a new roof. Do your homework, talk to references, and sign when you are comfortable that you’ve made the right choice.

4. Signing the deal because you like the sales person (or not signing it because you don’t).

Although you may feel a certain comfort level with a sales person, it should not be your sole reason for making a purchase. A truly good sales person will know their products and the overall installation process very well, which should give you a level of confidence. However, the sales person is not the one who will be doing the roof repair or installation. Find out who will, and their experience. Ask for references and ask to see examples of similar installations. Be weary of a sales person who cannot provide real references from CURRENT customers.

5. A deal too good to be true probably is – check:

Quality of the materials? Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Most materials require special application expertise in order to achieve a quality roof system that will last. Quality materials will be backed by a manufacturers warranty as well.
What is the warranty? Both quality materials AND quality workmanship/installation should come with their own warranties. Ask what warranties are available for both.
Hidden costs? In addition to the cost of labor and materials, ask if there are any hidden additional costs, such as old roof removal, dumpster rental, heavy equipment rental (e.g. a crane to lift heavy materials such as slate onto a high rooftop), and plywood replacement (for unknown/hidden rotten wood beneath old shingles).
References? A reputable company will be able to provide recent references in the general vicinity of your home, or for an installation similar to yours. Get the reference and actually make the call!

6. Purchasing the roof based on warranty alone.

The length of a roofing warranty should not be the primary criterion in the selection of a roofing product or system. The warranty does not necessarily provide assurance of satisfactory roofing performance. (source: nrca.net)

Make sure that the warranty covers all materials and workmanship. Some roof warranties require you to have at least semi-annual maintenance inspections. Look for manufacturers’ warranties that provide full coverage for labor and materials.

According to a consumer advisory bulletin by the NRCA, consumers are wise to look for manufacturers who clearly and specifically state in accompanying literature and warranty verbiage what maintenance is not only recommended but also required during the projected service life of the roof and its warranty term.

There is a common misconception by roofing consumers that long-term warranties are all-inclusive insurance policies designed to cover virtually any roofing problem, regardless of the cause or circumstance. Roof warranties typically do not warrant that the roof system will not leak or is suitable for the project where it is installed. Even the most comprehensive manufacturer warranties that cover material and workmanship generally provide only that the manufacturer will repair leaks that result from specific causes enumerated in the warranty. A material-only warranty typically provides only that the manufacturer will provide replacement material. (source: nrca.net)

You can compare manufacturers’ warranties with the roofing materials guides published annually by the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association).

7. Using contractors with no office staff.

There is no shortage of contractors running one or two-man shops in any town. While they may be fine for smaller jobs, when you are making a large home improvement investment, beware of any contractor who you cannot get in touch with during normal business hours. A reputable company will have an office staff available to answer any scheduling, materials or billing questions you may have. If you call a contractor and consistently get an answering machine, know what you may be getting yourself into. If you have difficulty reaching them when you are going through the estimating process, where will they be if you have a problem?

8. Mistaking advertising for quality.

Look in any value-pack mailer, coupon clipper magazine or even radio and television and you’ll see and hear many companies in your area vying for your business. While it may be impressive that they have the means to advertise in high-priced media, do not mistake advertising for quality. There is nothing wrong with finding a company through the media, but do as you would with any major purchase – do your homework. Compare pricing, check references, and check workmanship. A reputable contractor will provide you with access to all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

9. Having a friend do the work.

Having a friend — one that is not a licensed roofing contractor working for a reputable roofing company –is wrought with uncertainty. Even if this person is “handy”, have they ever installed a roofing system? Do they know what areas of a roof are most vulnerable and why? Do they know how to properly ventilate the roof? No to mention, any work done by an unlicensed contractor will not include a warranty. The cost of roofing repairs may be high and you don’t want to commit to such a major investment without a warranty.

10. Doing the work yourself.

Big box retailers will tell you that you can do it (and they can help!), but beware! Roofing in particular is tricky business. There are obvious safety issues, as well as structural installation issues that should only be performed by a licensed professional. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof in need of repair of replacement. Homeowner maintenance should be confined to roof inspections in both the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles, and to cleaning rain gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must see the roof for yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof) if possible.

Don’t Let Your Roof Repairs Go Sky High!

Tags:Don't, High, repairs, Roof.

Before you go to the expense of calling in a roofing contractor, see if you can analyze and repair your roof problem yourself. The best possible time to repair your roof problem – is as soon as you realize that you have one and if the weather is calm enough to climb up onto the roof. In fact, this could be further qualified by saying that the best and most economical way to a trouble-free roof, is to inspect the roof regularly, so that you see the problem developing.

A leak from one dislodged tile is a small and inexpensive matter, but if you do not inspect your roof regularly, this will go unnoticed. By the time that you DO notice it, it may be because water is dripping into your spare room! This means that this whole area of the roof structure is soaked, the ceiling will need to be replaced and hopefully the flooring will recover.

Always check your roof after a wind storm, as most roofing is not designed to withstand fierce winds. Scrutinize the tiles for cracks, splits and torn-off corners; also check for lifting. Lifting is a common cause of roof leaks, and can be easily rectified. Be aware of multiple tiles lifting, as this could be a sign that the roofing material is too old and is warping from all the weathering.

Climb into your attic/loft and ensure that any insulation that you have in your roof is not right up against the roof itself. There has to be a gap for air to circulate; also when a roof heats up and there is insulation directly behind it, this heat is thrown back into the roofing and excessive heating like this can damage and warp the roof.

Another weakness in all roofs is the flashing. Flashing is designed to provide a watertight junction between roof materials and structure, especially if the roof projects out or changes design (as with extension roofs). If you are installing a new roof, it is worthwhile to get the flashing ‘inspected’ as it is a common failure area.

Often the simple fact that the gutters, leading into down pipes from the roof, are blocked with leaves and twigs can cause a problem. Roofs must have adequate run off, especially in the areas which may have snow. Water trapped in the gutter will mean that it will back up the roof for a few inches and have time to seep into the edges of the roofing tiles. Not all homes have adequate perimeter protection on their roofs, although this is one good feature to ask for on a new roof.

Quite often homes incur roof leaks all at the same time (often after strong gales winds and torrential rain etc). This can mean that all contractors are busy and you have ’stop up the leak’ until you can get help.

If you do get a leak, and you have placed buckets under the dripping water, be aware that the leak may be in a completely different place than it would seem. Locating the source is difficult, as water can run along horizontal timbers and appear to be leaking from a place that is sound. Getting up into the attic and actually looking for a wet spot on the roof decking will be an accurate way to tell.

If you can find the spot an emergency patch can be made applying roofing felt and using plastic cement to hold it until you can call in a contractor. You can also attempt to repair it yourself, if it is just a shingle that is damaged. You can carefully prize up the roof shingle by removing the three or four nails that are holding it in place; next, apply a generous coating of tar beneath the tear in question, and also coat the underside of the shingle with a with a coat of tar before putting it back in place. Add a spot of tar to each nail head. Most roofing companies advise against the ‘liquid’ asphalt repair products.

Roofs can also be temporarily repaired using roof membrane and sealants. Care must be taken to clean the roof surface first to ensure that the sealant will stick and keep the leak protected from rain etc. In fact, as long as the roof is clean and dry, the wonder of the 20th. Century – duct tape – can also be stuck onto the roof!