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Blog Residential Roofing

Asphalt Shingles Installation Guidelines

There are many benefits to having an asphalt shingles or tile roof, however before you can be happy with a job well done you will need to do a good deal of prep work. The following tips will give you the basics of what you can expect during your next asphalt shingles roofing installation project.

Guidelines for Installing Asphalt Shingles

The following are all the guidelines you should take into consideration when installing asphalt shingles.

Underlayment

You should begin by making sure you have the proper layer of underlayment and the roof edging. Without them you will not be able to create a good, stable and waterproof roof. Make sure you are as thorough as possible or otherwise you will experience a great deal of problems further down the line.

Permit

Once you have a proper permit if you needed to obtain one, you should strip your floor clean and then nail the drip edge flashing along the eave of your roof.

Research

The heavy rains of sudden storms or persistent melting snow can eventually force water down between even the best of shingles. The worst you can ever experience in most cases are the so-called ice dams. These are essentially areas of frozen water or snow which stick around on the edges of the roof. These can absolutely destroy the lower shingles of the roof, thus allowing water to drip inside your home. You should guard against it by applying some waterproof underlayment which acts like a barrier against the ice. You can easily find them at roofing supply stores or centers. There may be specific rules about its installation, so check up with your local building inspector to ensure you’re doing it right.

Layering

Make sure you cover the rest with a asphalt-saturated felt underlayment. The layers must overlap each other by 2 inches at least. You should follow this by nailing a drip edge on the rakes of the roof and the top of the underlayment. Much like it is with the flashing, you should always make sure the pieces overlap each other at all times. The felt you’re installing will help keep the roof dry before you apply the shingles and will protect you against heavy rain and storms.

Shingling

Find the center of the roof at the eave and the top and then put a vertical chalk line. You can use that to begin the shingling, working to the left and right at the rakes. Manufacturers of shingles often recommend you start working at the left edge. Make sure to check out the packages and what they say about it.

The first few rows of shingles on the roof need a line of shingles with cut tabs. You should apply them on the eave with adhesive strip. Make sure the row is overhanging a bit and beyond the drip edge. This so-called starter course will protect the roof by filling in the joints of the following row of shingles below them.

Once you’re done with this you should nail the first of the rows of shingles right on the top of the starter course. Use four nails per shingle or as it is explained on the package, depending on the amount of wind in the area.

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Blog Home Improvement

Choosing the Best Contractor

Whether you are building a new home or looking to make some repairs on your existing home, finding the best contractor to do the job is essential for a good experience. Some home repairs can be costly, especially when they are not performed correctly the first time. Making sure that you have chosen the right roofing contractor can spell the difference between a job well done and a project that may have to be fixed in a short amount of time.

How to Choose the Best Contractor

Here are some tips to help you find the absolute best contractor in your area. By sticking to these guidelines, you will quickly be able to root our the exceptional contractors.

Are They Insured?

When looking into the professional roofers that you would like to use, you should be sure to find out whether that roofer is insured or non-insured. If you end up hiring a non-insure roofing contractor, you may run the risk of being sued or having legal problems should an incident arise. You would probably be liable for any injury that a non-insured roofer may experience while working on your house. While it may be less expensive to hire someone who does not have insurance, you should really consider whether that is worth it to you in the grand scheme of things.

Are They Licensed?

Not all states require licenses for roofing professionals.  However, you should check to find out if the contractor you are considering really knows what they are doing. Licensing does not always require a test. At least you can be reassured that they have to follow guidelines. They also know the workmanship that is required to effectively roof a home. The best way to find out if a roofing contractor is licensed is to call a local licensing authority. You can call either at the city or the state level to see if their license is up-to-date.

Get an Estimate

Narrowing down professional contractors can be complicated. This is especially true if you are not sure what you can expect as far as cost. A good way to help you decide is to ask for a proposal or an estimate. That way you will not be surprised by the final bill. You can choose someone that fits in your budget.

If you look for these qualities and services in an emergency roof repair company, you are much more likely to have a better, less stressful experience, even amidst a crisis.

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Blog Residential Roofing

Characteristics of the Best Roofing Company

It goes without saying that having a quality roof over your head is of major importance. A good roof does much more than simply keep you warm and cozy while the winter weather rages outdoors. It protects the structure of your home from the elements and prevents the foundation from rotting due to buildup of mold and mildew. By doing so, a good roof helps you maintain the value and livability of your home. To make sure that you get a roof that will provide proper protection for years to come, you should choose a top-notch, best roofing company.

Finding the Best Roofing Company

First of all, you should check to see that the best roofing company you choose has a license. Laying down a brand new roof requires a lot of experience and skill. You should not be trying to do any of the work yourself, nor should any under-qualified “one man show” companies. Then you should look at reviews of licensed companies. See whether they have a reputation for providing quality work within their clients’ budgets. Getting a new roof is extremely expensive, and it can be a big help to hire a company that knows how to keep costs down (without compromising quality, of course). You can obtain quotes from a number of different contractors and compare them. You should select contractors that are locally based. This way, you can verify all their information with the nearest Chamber of Commerce. The contractor that you ultimately choose to work with will be responsible for all the roofing repairs and replacements.

Next, check to see if the company offers insurance against workers getting hurt on the job. Without this insurance, you as the homeowner could be liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur during the repair.

Even if you order to have the best and longest-lasting materials used to repair or replace your roof, if they are not installed properly, they will not meet the advertised performance levels. Make sure that your roofing company offers warranties to certify that you are getting what you expect from your repair.

It also helps tremendously if you use a company that has experience with filing insurance paperwork. The stress and hassle of dealing with a repair is enough to contend with, without having to add on trouble dealing with your homeowner insurance company.

Conclusion

Although it may seem like an afterthought, you should also verify that the best roofing company you choose will clean up your property as soon as they finish the job. You should actually get the company to put this in writing. If the company you hire does not clean up the yard, you could be in danger of stepping on nails and other sharp objects. Not to mention that you might have to spend several days cleaning up the mess yourself!

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Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

Leaky Flat Roof Repair Tips

Roofs develop leaks in time as the years roll by, which requires flat roof repair. Sometimes these repairs force the entire replacement of the structure itself. These leaks are most often concentrated in certain spots where the damage lies, however on flat roofs this mostly applies to cracked or blistered areas that need urgent attention. Use the following tips for flat roof repair to get your roof back in top shape without further ado.

Flat roofs are made of layers upon layers of tar and felt. Many times, flat roofs are made up of rubber roofing as well. The leaks most often show up where the water or sunlight has been damaging the roofing. Thankfully in cases like these the damage is most often right over the spot where the water has started to seep in, so this makes it easy to spot and engage in flat roof repair.

Flat Roof Repair: Fixing Leaks

Follow the following tips for flat roof repair to get rid of the leak, repair the issue, and avoid leaks in the future.

1. Clean Up Leak

• If you have any water pooled up in the area of the leak, then you should soap it up and mop the place. Do so with rags if you have to and brush away the gravel from that spot. Look down for cracks and blisters and the locations where the spots need attention.

• Mending a blister doesn’t take too much work, just follow a few easy steps up next:

2. Removing Old Leak Spot

• Using a sharp utility knife you should slice blisters open, but only enough to cut through the top layer and not through the roofing felt.

• Lift the edges of the blister you’ve just cut. If you have any water inside that happened to collect there, then you should do your best to collect it. Soak it up and then prop the edges open so it can dry out completely. This is necessary or else your repair attempts won’t work at all.

3. Drying Leak

• Cold weather or wet layers force you to use your propane torch in a way that dries out the layers. You must use a flame-spreader nozzle to dry out the areas. Move the flame around as you have to, just keep in mind that the tar and roofing felt are pretty flammable so do your best to avoid setting them aflame.

• If you have a large area full of water under the roof, then you may have a bigger problem than simple blisters. Water might be running right through other places. You should consider using the services of a professional roofer.

4. Fill Leak

• Spread the roof cement on the bottom edges of the felt. You need to glue and press down the blister until it works perfectly.

• Close the blister once and for all by using some galvanized roofing nails on the side of the slit. Then spread the roof cement on top until the you completely cover the nails.

Once all is said and done you should have all the problems fixed as much as possible without too much effort involved.

This article has been created on behalf of: http://www.removalserviceslondon.com

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Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

Shingle Roof Repairs: Tips and Guidelines

Autumn is here and with it come the rains and the approaching winter season, which means you’ll need to pay special attention to your roofs for possible leaks before you need shingle roof repairs. These leaks are most often caused by missing or cracked shingles or a blistered area depending on the type of roof. Thankfully, shingle roofs are fairly easy to deal with as they require the least amount of serious effort to fix in most cases.

What to Know About Shingle Roof Repairs

Once you’ve located the point where the damage has occurred you should check for possible curled, cracked or even missing shingles. This goes doubly so for places where you have vents and chimneys as they are more vulnerable to such deterioration.

If you fail to locate any spots with your own skills you may need emergency roof repair services, so keep that in mind as you prepare yourself.

What to Do If You Find Problems

If you do manage to find problems with your shingles you can deal with the shingle roof repairs fairly easily. In cases of curled-back shingles you can reinforce and reattach them with a caulking gun or alternately with asphalt roof cement. When you’re dealing with shingle roof repairs on warm days straightening shingles can be a very easy task as they soften up. However cold weather makes them brittle and in need of softening.

Softening up a brittle shingle requires the use of a propane torch. You’ll need a good nozzle to spread the flames as well before you begin. Use the flames around the curled edges of the shingle. This allows them to  soften up. Avoid putting too much heat or you risk setting the shingle aflame. Once its softened up you’ll find its very easy to flatten it back to its original shape.

Reattaching or Replacing the Shingles

Reattaching a shingle is an equally easy task. Simply lather roof cement liberally over its bottom. Then put a good deal of it on each of its corners and that will be enough to get things done. Remember to press the shingle into place once you’re done.

If you have any missing, rotten or torn shingles, you should make sure you replace them with new ones as soon as possible. The last thing you want is more leaks. Once the weather turns bad during a time when shingle roof repairs will be difficult.

When You Need a Full Replacement

If you are experiencing a large area of damaged or rotten shingles, then you will be in need of a brand new roof. You should consider working with a professional roofer. Or you can replace the damaged shingles yourself with new ones or leftovers from previous times you’ve done this.

If you can’t find good, matching ones you can work at patching things with bits of aluminium and copper.

Shingle Roof Repairs: How to

Replacing shingles can be done in the following way:

  • Remove the damaged shingle by raising the edges of the shingles around it, then remove the nails with a pry bar. Slide the old shingle out, then scrape any leftover cement under it to clean it up.
  • Remove any leftover nails that are protruding from the roof.
  • Round the back corners of the shingles using a sharp utility knife for easier placement.
  • Slide the new shingle in place. Make sure you align its front edge with the shingles on each of its sides. It should align its back under the shingles on the row above.
  • Lift the corners of the shingles overlapping and each other and fasten the top of the shingle with galvanized roofing nails at each of the corners. Cover their heads with roof cement and smooth down the edges of the shingles.

Guest post provided on behalf of: fulham-removals services

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Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

How to Decide Between Roofing Repair and Replacement

If a big storm has recently moved through your area, or if your roof is springing leaks frequently, you may be contemplating your next steps. Making the right decision means more than just keeping water out of your home. It can also mean saving money in the long term. There are some situations that call for a simple roofing repair, but others will demand a total replacement.

Depending on the type of roofing material originally used, there are key signifiers to look for that can help indicate whether a home needs to be repaired or replaced by a roofing company. However, it’s not always easy to decide between repair and replacement.

How to Decide Between Repair and Replacement

To begin the process of determining if a roofing repair is needed, you should begin by inspecting the interior ceiling and attic of a home. If the structure appears to be drooping, thinning, or marked with leaks and water damage, it is time to contact a roofing company.

Even if everything appears to be normal on the inside of a roof, it is still essential to look for exterior damage.

The following are some ways to better determine between roofing repair and replacement.

Torn Shingles

Shingles that are torn or damage can typically be replaced easily and with little expense. A qualified contractor can simply remove the damaged pieces and slip new ones into place. Unless you have leftover shingles from the original installation, it is possible that the new pieces may not match your existing roof. However, a quick roofing repair can extend the life of your roof for up to a decade, if done correctly.

Sometimes damage is not contained to just a few shingles. If the harm is more widespread but is just on one side, you may want to consider partial re-roofing. This option can cost thousands of dollars less than replacing the entire roof.

There are a few downsides to this option. For example, while the overall cost of the project may be less, the cost-per-square is more expensive. If your roof is older, the new and old sections may not match both in color and even in height. Asphalt roofs have layers, all of which will need to be removed and replaced. This may leave you with the possibility for a lopsided effect at ridges.

While roofing repair or partial replacement can be good options, a total roof replacement may end up costing you less in the long term. This is an especially good option for homeowners who have roofs that are nearing the end of their lifetime. Take into consideration your climate and the likelihood of having to replace your roof sooner than later. It may be worth it to do the job now and save yourself time and money down the road.

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Blog Metal Roofing

The Advantages of Metal Roofing

The average roof is replaced every 17 years. If you are looking to install a new roof, you may want to consider using metal. Metal roofing is one of the most popular ways to improve your home, as these upgrades can add a lasting value. There are many advantages of metal roofing, and many reasons to look into adding a metal roof to your house.

Advantages of Metal Roofing

Perhaps chief among reasons homeowners are increasingly choosing metal roofs is that they are extremely durable. Their performance expectation is upwards of 50 years. Other roofing can begin to deteriorate as soon as it is installed due to weather conditions and the sun’s ultraviolet rays. A metal roof can withstand these elements much better, making this one of the most common advantages of metal roofing.

Durability

Before anything else, you will probably look for roofing material that has the strength to withstand heavy winds, snow, or other weather. Some styles of shingles can tend to dry out or crack over time, creating a need for replacement. Some have issues with freeze-and-thaw cycles in colder climates. However, a metal roof can retain its good looks regardless of the style you choose. There are also many styles to choose from including: shake, tile or vertical seam panels.

Metal roofs are notorious for their durability, which is hard for most other materials to match. One of the best parts of standing seam metal roofs is the seam itself. By neatly locking the panels together, you ultimately end up with a remarkably tight seam that prevents leaks that could cause rot or water damage to other materials.

Variety

Along with the durability of metal roofing comes a wide variety of styles, patterns and designs. However, good looks are just the start of what this style of roof has to offer. A metal roof is also better for the environment, as many of them are recyclable. In addition, many times these roofs can be installed over your existing roof. This reduces the amount of waste that hits a landfill.

Insulation

Other advantages of metal roofing is the fact that they’re are also great at insulating your home. This means that can actually improve your house’s energy efficiency. Because it can help keep your house comfortable in both winter and summer, you may see a reduction in your energy bills.

While metal roofing may initially cost more than its counterparts, it is important to note that it is meant to last much longer. It can sometimes last twice the lifetime of other roofing materials. Most metal roofs even come with warranties of 30 to 50 years. Additionally, you may find you save on maintenance costs, because these roofs are essentially maintenance-free. If you want a roof to save you time and money in the long run, you should consider a metal option.

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Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

When to Schedule an Appointment to Repair Roofing

If you own a home and are guilty of postponing roof repair as necessary, you are not alone. It is surprisingly common for homeowners to put off calling someone to repair roofing problems that are small because they do not understand how important even the little things can be. In reality, there are many situations that warrant repair roofing, and can help extend the life expectancy of your roof.

When Is It Time for a Professional to Repair Roofing Problems?

In order to know when a professional must repair roofing problems, you need to be observant. Watching for missing or damaged shingles, algae growth, or signs of water damage, can help you decide when your roof is in need of some attention. While a few damaged or missing shingles may seem like a small detail, it is crucial that your roofing materials be well maintained so they can protect your home from weather conditions, insects, animals, and prevent heat from escaping your home.

Typically, small repairs are quite affordable. Especially if you make it a point to schedule routine maintenance checks at least once every year, you can usually avoid costly problems that can start out as a minor concern. If your roof requires more expensive repairs, asking about payment plans or financing options that you might qualify for could help you fit the cost into your budget.

Why Don’t People Repair Roofs?

It can be easy to avoid calling someone to repair roofing problems when it is regularly out of sight. But you must remember the big picture. The roof of your home is your first line of defense against rain, snow, and other environmental factors. By keeping it in great shape, you can expect to enjoy reliable shelter when you need it. In addition, a roof that is properly maintained can reduce the costs of monthly heating and cooling. This is because it will be more effective at preventing the treated air from escaping.

When you notice a few missing or damaged shingles, come across signs of water damage, or discover unwelcome critters in your home, it may be time to invest in roof repair. Although some repairs may be large, expensive projects, most can be prevented by fixing problems when they are small. With a strong roof over your head, you can enjoy having shelter from the storm. You may even save some money on your monthly bills.

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Blog Home Improvement

Shingle Roofing Tips and Guidelines

The thing about shingle roofing that makes them so nice and comfortable is the fact that they are easy to fix when problems occur. You could look for curdled, damaged and missing shingles with much greater ease than you would otherwise. You should pay special attention to every place on the roof where surfaces meet. Pay attention to vents and chimneys as well or any damage in the caulking or flashing.

If you still have leaks but you can’t see any direct damage in the area, then you may need to call a roofer. The reason for those might be a deterioration of the shingles themselves. If you do find damaged parts of the shingles you can usually repair them with a bit of work. Curled-back ones will need to be re-glued to the roof by using asphalt cement meant for roofing. You could also use a caulking gun with the suitable compound. Warm weather means you’ll deal with the problem with ease. However, cold weather means you’ll have to deal with shingles becoming more brittle and tougher to flatten.

If your shingle roofing is rotten, torn or even missing, then you will have to replace the shingles. Replace them with new ones as soon as possible. If you can lift a shingle from the roof with as little effort as possible, then this means it must be removed and replaced. If you have a large area of damaged shingle roofing, then you might be in need for a complete overhaul of your roofing area. This may require the help of someone more experienced than you are.

How to Replace Shingle Roofing

If you want to replace your shingle roofing already there, then you must do the following:

Removing Damaged Shingles

If you need to remove a damaged shingle, you should first start by lifting the edges of the shingles surrounding that one. Remove any nails with a pry bar, then follow that up by sliding the old shingle out. If you have any old and brittle roof cement underneath it, then you will need to scrape it off if you want to attach the new one. If any of your shingles were blown off during a storm, then you will need to remove the nails left sticking out.

Adding New Shingles

Putting a new shingle in place means you will have to work on it a bit. Round out the back corners of it with a utility knife.

Slide a shingle into the gap and have its front edge aligned together. It will align with the shingles on each of its sides and the rows above.

Lift up the corners of the shingles overlapping this one and fasten up the new one with some roofing nails on each of its corners. Cover the nail heads with some roof cement, then use that to smooth down the edges of the overlapping shingles.

If you have to replace entire rows of shingle roofing, round out all the back corners of the row where it meets the one above. When working with ridge shingles, the ones situated on top of the roof, you’ll replace them in much the same way. Overlap them on both sides and avoid using flat shingles for the roof peak.

Bio: This article has been created by Ella Andrews. She is keen on house remodeling and home improvement related themes. Currently she writes mostly on London Removal Services and home renovation tips.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Selecting a Roof Company

Deciding to find a roof company to replace or repair the roof of your home can be a bit daunting. The process can be rather expensive and the important considerations to take in can seem overwhelming. However, one thing that individuals can do in order to alleviate at least some of the stress from the situation, is to select a roofing company which will bring them the customer satisfaction they deserve. When looking over the variety of companies and contractors that you could potentially employ, there might not seem to be any significant difference between the different options. However, there are a number of steps you can take to differentiate between the companies. It will bring you peace of mind, and those that might be less effective in providing solutions.

Selecting the Right Roof Company

The first thing to look at when considering a roof company or contractor, is the licensing credentials. Making sure that the roof company has all of the required and applicable business licenses will filter out a huge portion of shoddy roofing options. You can further defend yourself against scams and swindlers by verifying the legitimacy of the company. Ask for their contact info (business address, website, email, office phone, etc.) as well as their tax identification number. Requesting the contractor’s proof of insurance is also a great way to protect yourself against liability. It’s important that a roof company has the proper insurance. This includes worker’s compensation and liability coverage. It’s important because it can protect you from potential lawsuits. As well as prove that the contractor is observant and professional.

Reading online reviews is an excellent way to arm yourself against sub-par roofers. Drawing upon the past experiences of others will help you to avoid their follies and reap the advantages of other people beneficial experiences. If you are not able to find any reviews on a certain company, then asking the contractor for a list of past clients and references can provide the same benefits. In areas of craftsmanship, reputation can say a lot about the quality of work you can expect.

Avoiding Scams

You may have heard of the most common scam, the “storm chaser”.

These scams may come over the phone, at your door, or in your mailbox.  They offer quotes and repairs to your home right after storms have passed.  To avoid being scammed by these Storm Chasers, there are a couple of things you should always look for:

See if they are from your area, or if they are out of state.  Often times these scammers are out of state hunters, making it easier for them to abandon you.  Research the company your talking to in depth.  Make sure they are legit with possible references, certificates, and if they have a local office nearby.  If they come to your door offering sales-y “Free Roofing” deductibles, then they are most likely “Storm Chasers!”

Selecting the right company takes time, but you can do it with these tips.

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