Category: Residential Roofing

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Residential Roofing

Everything You Need To Know About An Energy Efficient Roof

An energy efficient roof can help your home in so many ways, but there’s a few things to consider when choosing the right roof for you. Below is everything you should know.

Modern home owners are looking for more ways to make their home energy efficient. There’s so many things you can do, from recycling to reducing your HVAC usage, but did you know that your roof can be energy efficient?

If you’re due to replace your roof, read this guide to energy efficient roofs. They’re more attainable than you would think.

What Makes An Energy Efficient Roof?

A roof is energy efficient when it can reflect sunlight and heat back into the atmosphere. With many roofs, you’ll see that they absorb the heat and take into the attic, where it seeps into the rest of the home. It’s not ideal, as you’ll then need to run your AC higher in order to remove this hot air from your home.

If a roof is energy efficient though, it’ll reflect that heat instead in the warmer months. This means you’ll spend less on energy in the summer, ensuring that you use less energy. That’s why they’re so popular now, as they save home owners a lot of money in the long run.

Insulating A Roof

It’s just not what’s on top of the roof that makes it energy efficient, though. You’ll also need to consider how it’s insulated. In the colder months, you want to keep heat inside your home. As you know, heat rises. It makes its way to the attic, where it can be lost through the roof.

If it’s properly insulated though, then you won’t lose that heat. You’ll be able to use much less energy to heat your home, making it even more energy efficient.

Which Roofing Types Are Most Energy Efficient?

The type of roof you choose will have a large effect on its energy efficiency. Which roofing style should you choose?

Shingles:

Shingles are a common roofing style, as they’re affordable and come in all kinds of shapes and styles. Asphalt shingles are the standard, as they’re available in many colors and are more affordable than most. They’re good as they allow for air circulation in the home, making it easier to heat and cool as needed.

Asphalt shingles are prone to coming loose in the wind and rain though, and can be prone to algae.

The other option is shaker shingles. The wooden shingles are chosen by lots of home owners for their aesthetic appeal. They look good when put on the roof, and only look better as the wood matures.

They’re also a good option for energy efficiency too, which many don’t realize. You will have more maintenance to do if you do use these shingles, though.

Slate:

Slate roofing is another popular option due to its looks. On a roof, it looks fantastic and of course will last for a lifetime. If you’re looking for a long lasting option, this is it.

Slate is energy efficient as it’s so dense, it keeps heat in your home. The problem with slate, though, is that it is an expensive option. If you’re willing to spend the money though, it could be for you.

Tile:

Tile is another option that many home owners love. It looks great, and you can buy it in all kinds of colors and styles. It’s the best option for homes in warmer climates, as it’s designed to reflect heat back.

However, it’s not as insulating as other roofing styles, so it’s better if you’re trying to keep heat out, rather than in your home.

Metal:

Metal roofing was something that was only used in commercial buildings, but now is used increasingly for homes. With more attractive metal roofing options out there, people are choosing to use it for their homes. There are lots of advantages to them.

The roofing comes in sheets, so it’s easy and quick to fit together. You can easily put waterproof membranes under it, to keep water and moisture out. They’re highly fire rated too, making them one of the most fire safe roofing types out there. Finally, they’re lightweight and help reflect light, making them very energy efficient.

They’re a great option, but be aware that like all roofing types, they come with some drawbacks. Single sections are harder to replace, and they can become dented if hit with hail or debris. If you’re dedicated to making your home energy efficient though, a metal roof is the best option for you.

What To Consider When Choosing A Roof

Now you know what types of roof are more energy efficient, you’ll need to choose the right one. The one you choose makes all the difference to your home, and your energy bills. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing:

Price:

Firstly, you’ll need to work out what your budget is for your new roof. If you’re on a tight budget, a shingled roof is going to be a better option than slate, for example. When considering this, do keep in mind that you should save money on energy in the long run, so factor that into your costs.

Insulation:

Will you need to re-insulate your attic? Some homes have insulation that’s insufficient or damaged. If that’s the case, you’ll want to have this done to get the most out of your new roof.

Color:

The color of your roof is more important than you know. Darker colors absorb heat, while lighter colors reflect it. With this in mind, pick a color that’s going to work for you.

Longevity:

When picking a roof, you do need to consider how long the roof will last. A hardier roof, such as a metal one, will last much longer than a shingled roof. If a roof lasts longer, it creates less waste, as it doesn’t need to be replaced as quickly.

Conclusion

It’s easy to find an energy efficient roof that fits your needs and budget. When you have it installed, you’ll see that you’ll save so much money and energy in your home. Now is the time to consider the right energy efficient roof for you.

Read More:

Sun Damage To Your Roof: What You Need to Know
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Residential Roofing

8 Important Safety Tips For Holiday Roof Decorations

As the winter months approach, families and neighborhoods light up with decor, but physically adorning your home comes with risks and it’s important to remember these safety tips for holiday roof decorations.

The Christmas season is here, and you want to get decorating your home inside and out. Nothing is better than a home that’s been decorated to look like a winter wonderland. Hoping to put some decorations on the outside of your home, including the roof? Follow these safety tips for holiday roof decorations to ensure you keep your roof, and yourself, safe this festive season.

1. Be Mindful Of The Elements

It’s winter, and that means the weather isn’t going to be ideal. Your decorations should be up to the challenge, as long as you’ve bought them from reputable sellers and are using decorations designed to be outdoors. If you don’t install them carefully though, the weather can actually cause damage to your roof.

When you put the decorations up, ensure that you’re securing them properly. Attach lights to guttering with clips, and use wires on the roof to secure everything in place. If you don’t and strong winds come, you’ll find that they can get knocked down, damaging the roof.

2. Take Your Time With Decorations

You’re excited about getting the decorations up, and you want them on your roof as soon as possible. That’s understandable, but you need to take your time while both putting them up and taking them down. If you don’t, you risk damage to the roof and injury to yourself.

When putting the decorations up, climb up onto the roof itself and then pull the decorations up with a rope. Going up the ladder with the decorations can be dangerous as you’ll be off balance. Having someone on the ground to help you is essential, too.

When you’re taking the decorations down, take your time. Remove clips and wires slowly and methodically. Doing this means you won’t damage your roofing shingles by ripping them out, and you won’t have to replace them.

3. Plan Ahead

If you’re thinking of putting decorations on the roof this year, plan ahead. It’s much easier and safer to put holiday roof decorations up if you already have a plan in place. Ensure you have the right equipment, like a ladder that’s the right length, and sturdy boots that will help you keep your balance on the roof. Pick a time when you’ll have plenty of time to get the decorations up, so you won’t have to rush.

Also plan to clear your roof of debris before you start putting decorations up. Leaves and other debris allow moisture to collect, so putting decorations on top of that is asking for trouble. Ensure your roof is clear before you set to work decorating it.

4. Only Use Top Quality Electricals

Lights are a huge part of holiday decorations. They give your home that magical sparkle that makes it stand out during the festive season. As you’re using electricals though, you’ve got to be mindful about safety. Bad quality electricals are capable of shorting out and even starting fires. On your roof, that has the potential to be devastating.

When buying lights for your roof, ensure that you’re only buying the best ones available.

  • Check to see if they’re fire rated, as many are.
  • They also should be specifically outdoor lights, as these are designed to handle the snowy weather.

When you put them up, be mindful not to nail them to shingles. This can attract moisture, which is dangerous. Instead, use clips on the guttering as described above.

When planning out your lights, be aware that you can overburden electrical outlets with them, just like you can indoors. Only use as many lights as you can safely use. If you can, spread out where the lights are plugged in, to keep your home safe.

5. Use The Right Holiday Roof Decorations

There are some decorations that aren’t suitable for use on your roof. Make sure you’re picking the right objects to keep the roof safe this year.

Inflatable decorations are a big hit, as they’re easy to set up and make a big impact. However, they’re not suitable for your roof. They can easily overburden your roof, creating damage that you’ll have to have addressed in the new year.

When selecting holiday roof decorations, find items that are designed to sit on your roof. This ensures that they’ll be safe, and you won’t have to worry about any damage.

6. Have Someone With You When Decorating

This has been mentioned earlier, but it’s hard to express how important this is. When you’re decorating your roof, you should never do it alone. Having a second person on the ground is vital to the process. They can hand items up to you if needed, ans spot you while you’re on the ladder.

If you’re decorating, don’t do it alone. Have that second person there to help you. This stops you having to do dangerous things, such as walking up the ladder with heavy items.

7. Avoid Staples And Screws

You want your holiday roof decorations to be stable, so you’re tempted to use things like staples and screws to hold them down. They certainly won’t move if you use them, but these will actually damage your roof if you use them. At best, you’ll need to replace a few shingles, and if you’re unlucky you may need to replace a whole section of roof.

It’s much better to use items designed for roof decorations, such as clips and wires. Your local hardware store will have items like these, so ask if you’re uncertain.

8. Test Decorations Before You Use Them

Finally, before you go ahead and use any roof decorations, test them first. This is important for anything that lights up. If there’s damage to them, you may find that some of the lights are dimmer, not giving you the look you were going for.

If you’re unlucky, the damaged lights could short out the whole thing, posing a risk to your roof. It’s much better know this while you’re still on the ground, so test those decorations before you haul them up onto the roof.

Follow these safety tips, and your roof will look amazing and be safe this Christmas.

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Residential Roofing

Roofing In Winter: Is It A Good Idea?

Sometimes, a roof needs immediate repair, and it can’t wait. If that’s the case, and you’re worried about roofing in winter, rest assured: you don’t have to wait until spring.

As the temperatures start to drop, you’ll think about the roof on your home and whether it will be able to stand up to the winter weather. With rain, wind and snow on the way, can you actually have work done on your roof during the winter?

The answer is yes, you actually can. Here’s what can be done, and what you should do to minimize problems during the colder months.

Why Would I Need Roofing in Winter?

If your roof is already experiencing damage, then winter isn’t going to change that. Over the colder months, that damage will get worse and will still need fixing as soon as possible. Some homeowners think they have to wait till spring, but that isn’t the case at all.

In fact, doing that will make things worse as the damage will just increase over time. Start your roofing in winter to correct the issue before it causes any more problems. Also, you need to consider that issues will crop up during the winter too.

  • Ice dams will happen when gutters are blocked and water can’t run away from the roof.
  • High winds will lift shingles off the roof, or break them, creating weak spots that water can get through.
  • You may even get storms that blow debris onto the roof, causing damage.

If any of this happens, you’ll need to handle it, and quickly. Roofers will always come out to you in the winter if you need help with your roof. Don’t put off the repairs because you think it’s too cold for the problem to be fixed.

Guttering In The Winter

One of the most important parts of your roofing in winter is the gutters. It allows water to roll away from your roof and into the drains. Water is the number one enemy of your roof, so it’s vital that your gutters are working as they should.

In the colder months though, it’s so easy for them to get blocked, or stop working as they should. In fall, you’ll see leaves start to fall from the trees and onto your roof. They find their way into the gutters, blocking them. If they’re left long enough, they will stop water getting away from the roof. This allows water to overflow back onto the roof, eventually leading to leaks and the aforementioned ice dams in the winter.

Luckily, it’s very simple to handle a blocked gutter in the winter.

  • You just need to get onto a ladder and start pulling the blockages out of the gutters. All you need to do this is a pair of gloves and a garbage bag.
  • If the gutters need to be replaced, roofers can handle this for you in the winter.

The cold weather won’t stop them from attaching them to your home, as they’re most often nailed to the house. The only thing that may impede them is a build up of ice, but this is easily handled. If you want to stop future blockages, it’s a very good idea to install a gutter protection or guard to stop debris from getting in, but still allowing water to flow through.

Installing Shingles In Cold Temperatures

Does missing shingles require roofing in winter to fix them? It’s easy for a few shingles to come away from the roof, leaving it open to leaks, and mold too. Do you have to put up with this all winter?

Some may say you have to wait until spring, but this isn’t always the case. It’s very true that sometimes you can’t install shingles in the winter. The cold temperatures mean that they could crack when they’re installed. Good roofers know that you need those shingles installed ASAP though, so they have methods to stop this from happening.

Firstly, they may keep the shingles in a warm place prior to installation, to ensure that cracking won’t happen. They may also use heating elements to seal the shingles. There are special adhesives that roofers use in the winter too, to ensure that the shingles seal properly.

Find The Right Winter Roofer

You can and will be able to find roofers to handle your roof during the winter. When you’re looking for a contractor, ensure that you’re asking them the right questions. Ask them how many roofs they’ve worked on in the winter months.

Also, ask how they’ll ensure that the shingles seal on your roof. Finally, ask them what temperatures are just too cold for them to work on your roof. If they can answer these questions, they’ll be able to handle any repairs during the colder months.

Preventing Roof Damage During Winter

If you don’t want to have to handle roof repairs during the winter, you can prevent most of them. Follow these tips to help you to keep your roof in good shape this winter:

1. Trim your trees: It’s more important than you’d think to trim trees away from your home. If branches fall down due to bad weather of issues with the tree itself, then they will cause real damage to the roof. Trim the branches back, and remove any trees that are too close to the home.

2. Clear the gutters: This has already been covered above, but it’s important that you clear the gutters out before winter. Allowing water to run away from your roof is vital, especially if it snows this winter.

3. Check your shingles: Take a look at your shingles before the cold weather sets in. Are any loose, or missing? Now is the time to replace them, before it gets too cold to do so. It’s fairly easy to do this yourself, to avoid leaks and other damage in your home.

Conclusion

If you need roofing work done during the winter, you don’t have to wait until spring. You can call on a roofer to help you get it done before the weather warms up again. Find the right roofer and get the job done as soon as you can. Remember, the sooner you fix the problem, the easier it will be.

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Residential Roofing

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to Protect Your Home

As soon as the leaves begin turning, a homeowner’s thoughts begin turning, as well – to all that needs to be readied before winter arrives. Now you can with this fall home maintenance checklist.

Chances are, you’ve been keeping up with your home maintenance all summer long – taking advantage of the long days and pleasant weather to make sure that everything is set to handle the conditions.

It certainly never hurts, though, to have a checklist of what to revisit now.

The Importance of a Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

There’s no holiday joy in dealing with ice spots, wet basements, and other assorted maladies that can strike your home when it’s snowy and cold.

If you’d like to reduce your time outside in the cold by completing your fall home maintenance checklist – continue reading!

Heating It Up

It’s best to group everything involved with heating your home into one category – this way you’ll remember all the components and areas it involves.

• Furnace or Boiler

Ensure that everything is operating correctly and tuned up by having it checked out by a qualified contractor. They’ll:

    • Check blower operation
    • Make sure that components haven’t been affected by rust
    • Test for proper pressure
    • Make sure that the flame and igniter are working within proper specifications

You’ll need to change the air filters, change your thermostat batteries, and make sure that the unit is easily accessible.

• Fireplace or Woodstove

Schedule your chimney for cleaning, and check the damper for safe operation. Clean the interior and check the damper for proper operation.

If you haven’t made arrangements for your firewood, make sure that your wood storage area has been swept out and is ready for the new wood.

Prepare Your Garden for Hibernation

As winter approaches, you’ll want to get your tools, plants, and soil ready for Spring. Yes, it’s several months away, but if you do these tasks now, you’ll have a jump on things when you’re ready to get back outdoors.

• Clean and Store Tools

It’s a little depressing to store away your hand tools and other garden helpers, but make the best of it. Clean them up, sharpen them – yes, even your trowels and shovels! – and store them where you can find them.

You can sharpen and maintain most hand tools at home, but don’t neglect the power tools. Now is the time to get your mower checked, the blades sharpened, and then keep it dry until summer. Pull out all the power tools of summer, and make sure that they’re lubricated and that the fuel has been drained before you hang them up.

Don’t forget your garden hoses, either. Be sure to drain and hang them before freezing weather arises.

• Tend to Plants

Also on our fall home maintenance checklist is to aerate and fertilize lawns. Mulch in your flower beds after cleaning and pruning your shrubs. Finish planting any spring-flowering bulbs. You’re ready for winter – and also ready to locate your snow shovel and other equipment.

You’ll also need to deal with the aftermath of all the fall foliage – leaves. Make sure that your gutters are cleaned out – and check for signs of roof deterioration. If you have a shingle roof, and are finding bits of asphalt in the gutter, it’s time to talk to a roofing contractor about an inspection.

Now that the leaves are off the trees, check them for any branches that are looking dead or that might not survive a load of snow or ice. Better to get them removed or trimmed back now – rather than after they’ve come down in a winter storm.

Get the Seals and Approval

Checking all the windows and doors on exterior walls! Doing this now will save you from unpleasant drafts and even more unpleasant utility bills when the weather gets cold. You can test for air leaks yourself with simple items like incense sticks and flashlights.

You can also address a lot of the leakage yourself with caulk and weather stripping. You’ll especially want to do caulking while the temperature is above 45°F. These are some of the most satisfying projects for the homeowner.

Other trouble spots around the home are chimneys, whole-house fans, any exterior entry points, such as HVAC units hoses, dryer vents, and attics. Although you will probably want to leave the roof and attic areas to a professional, this is the time to locate any possible problem areas and make the appointment.

Check and Change All Detector Batteries

All types of detectors should have their batteries checked or changed every spring and fall. Be sure you know the location of all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and don’t wait for them to start beeping before you change the batteries.

While you’re at it, check the age of your detectors. If any of them are more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace them completely. When you do, write the date inside the cover with a permanent marker. And, if you don’t have a smoke detector within 10 feet of every bedroom door, now is the time to add new ones.  Remember – you don’t need CO detectors in your kitchen, furnace room or garage.

One Final Trip to the Roof

Fall is your last chance for a good visual inspection of your roof, which is why your fall home maintenance checklist must include an inspection. Just like finding pieces of the asphalt shingle grit in your gutters, there are other indicators that there are problems looming. The worst thing that can happen is a roof leak that is precipitated by winter weather and ice dams.

While you’re assessing your roof, here are some of the items to look for:

  • Any shingles that are missing or broken, as well as shingles that are starting to warm and curl. Keep an eye out, especially if this is happening in a group of them.
  • Problems around the various vent pipes – cracked rubber “boots” around the base, missing or bent caps, or missing vent screens or covers.
  • Algae or moss build-up that can indicate chronic wet areas.
  • Bent or loose gutters or roof flashing.

Getting It All Done

There’s a lot on this fall home maintenance checklist that you should do before winter. Some repairs and inspections are best done by professional contractors, who will be able to assess and address the problem faster and more efficiently – and offer a guarantee on their work. Do the groundwork, feel great about getting ready for cold weather, but don’t take on more than you can handle.

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Residential Roofing

Filing A Homeowner’s Insurance Claim For Roof Damage In Virginia

Discovering roof damage can ruin your whole day. Filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage can be tricky, but it’s important to do this immediately to prevent more damage in the future.

Nothing is worse than finding out your roof has suffered damage. The effects of the damage will affect your whole home, so you need to get it handled as soon as possible. That’s going to cost money, so filing a homeowner’s insurance claim for damage is essential to get the money you need.

Here’s how to make the claim and get the repairs done as soon as possible.

 

How Your Roof Can Be Damaged

There are several ways in which your roof can suffer damage, leading to you needing to repair it.

These include:

1. Weather damage

If you suffer bad weather, then you’ll find that your roof can be damaged by it. This includes strong winds, which pull at shingles and loosen them. It also includes heavy rains, which get under the shingles and cause water damage.

2. Debris damage

Related to weather damage, storms will bring debris with them. If the storm is particularly bad, then you’ll see that debris is blown onto your roof. This includes leaves, which gather up in your gutters causing problems, and even tree branches, which can punch holes if they fall with enough force.

3. Ice damage

This happens when the weather turns colder, and you weren’t prepared for the weather. Ice dams happen when snow melts off your roof, cannot escape your gutters, and so refreezes. It allows snow and water to sit on your roof, causing more water damage.

 

How To File A Homeowner’s Insurance Claim

If you’ve found that you have roof damage, you’ll need to get the homeowner’s insurance claim process underway as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the more damage your roof will undertake. This leads to damage in your house, such as ceiling water stains and even rotting wood, so get the claim filed as soon as you can.

First, you’ll need to ensure you know what your policy covers. This is important, as what you’ll get from your company will depend on this.

For example, if your roof is under 10 years old, then they may cover the full cost of the repairs. Others may only give you the depreciated value of the roof, no matter how old it is.

Be aware that if the damage is considered normal wear and tear on your roof, then your insurance company may not cover the cost.

At this point when you get in touch with your insurance company, they’ll send out an inspector in order to inspect the damage. You can hire your own roofing expert to do a check too, so you will have an idea of how much the repairs will cost.

After the inspection has taken place, your insurance company will let you know how much you can expect to be given for the repairs on your roof.

 

Before You Need To Claim

If you’re a responsible homeowner, you’ll be doing regular checks on your roof to ensure that there’s no damage to it over the years.

When you do this, it’s a very good idea to take photos of your roof. These will show any normal wear and tear that happens, so you have something to compare to if damage does happen.

Ensure you take photos after you do any of your own repairs and maintenance, to ensure you have up to date pictures.

It’s also a good idea to have a roofing company in mind, should you ever need them to inspect your roofing damage. You can even hire them to do annual checks, to keep your roof in good condition.

A good company will be able to walk you through the claims process, should you ever need to.

 

 

How To Avoid Most Roofing Damage

If you want to avoid having to make claims if you don’t have to, then regular maintenance on your roof is a must.

Here’s how you can keep your roof in top condition:

1. Inspect your roof

The most important thing you need to do is inspect your roof regularly. If you’re not keeping a close eye on your roof, then you won’t know when anything goes wrong. Take a look at the outside, looking for any damage to the shingles, flashing, and so on.

Don’t forget to go into the attic and take a look at the roof there, too. Any gaps in the roof will let light shine through, alerting you that there’s a problem.

2. Insulate your attic

Insulation is so important for your roof. Without good insulation, you may find that you’ll get moisture in your roof that damages the wood.

As well as this, bad insulation will make your energy bills higher, as you’re losing valuable heat through your roof. Get good insulation installed for your peace of mind.

3. Clear out the gutters

It’s amazing the difference clean gutters will make to your home. When leaves and other debris are allowed to build up in there, they will stop the gutters from working as they should. Water will overflow back onto the roof, causing problems.

Get up on a ladder and pull away any debris you find in your gutters, and consider installing a gutter guard.

4. Replace loose or missing shingles

When you inspect your roof, you may see that there are shingles that are coming loose, or are missing entirely. If this is the case, there’s no need to worry. You can replace them yourself quite easily.

Many roofers recommend buying an extra box of shingles when you replace your roof, so you’ll have spares to hand whenever you need them.

 

Conclusion

If you’ve had damage occur to your roof, you’ll be worried about making the claim with your homeowner’s insurance company. If you’ve been taking good care of your roof and taking pictures though, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Hire a roofing company to walk you through the process, and get the right information to make a homeowner’s insurance claim.

Using this information, filing a homeowner’s insurance claim for damage will be simple, and you will get your roof repaired quickly.

 

Read More:

7 Simple Tips For Filing A Roof Insurance Claim
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Residential Roofing

4 Reasons You Need Proper Roof Ventilation

Do you know if your attic is getting the right amount of airflow? This can greatly affect not only inside your home, but your roof as well. Read below about why proper roof ventilation is important.

Ventilation is critical for your home, and that’s especially true for your roof. Without proper roof ventilation, a whole host of problems can crop up, costing you money and damaging your home.

Here are the top reasons why you need ventilation in your roof.

 

Why Is Ventilation So Important?

As you’ll see, the right balance of air coming in and out of your attic makes a real difference to the health of your roof. If there’s not enough air coming in or out, then temperatures rise and lead to all sorts of problems.

These problems will not only affect your roof and attic, but also the rest of your home. These problems include warped woodwork, blistering paint, leaks, and other damage.

It’s also important because modern living creates so much more hot air than it used to. Every day you’re using dryers, pots and pans, steamy showers, and so on. That hot air will rise to the top of your home, the attic.

If it doesn’t have anywhere to escape to, then that’s when it’s going to cause problems.

 

1. Super Heating Attics

Without proper roof ventilation, the air in your attic becomes super heated. What does that mean? The air in your home rises, and so will end up in your attic. If there’s no proper ventilation, then it can’t escape outside.

As it sits in the attic, with the sun beating down on it from outside, then it’s going to get hotter and hotter. That air will heat up the rest of your home too.

In the summer, you’re going to see your energy bills rise as your AC battles to keep the temperatures down.

 

2. Damage To Your Shingles

When your attic is super heated, it’s not just your home that will suffer. The shingles on the roof will too, as they’re heated from underneath. This will lead to them cupping, warping or breaking, leading you to need to replace them more often.

If left long enough, a broken shingle will let in water which will lead to more problems with your roof.

 

3. Warped Wood And Framing

If the air in your attic is getting too hot, then you’ll see that it will have a serious effect on your home as a whole.

When exposed to heat for long periods, the wood in your attic will start to warp out of place. This will have serious repercussions, as it will damage the walls and ceilings in the rest of your home.

When this happens, you may see warped walls and door frames, as well as blistered paint and wallpaper.

 

4. Moisture Damage In Your Attic

With higher temperatures in your attic comes higher humidity, which will cause all sorts of problems. It will lead to mold and mildew in your attic, which damages the wood and can lead to hefty repair bills.

Having mold in your attic will allow it to spread to to the rest of the home too. It is sometimes difficult to remove and will cause issues for anyone with allergies in your home.

You’ll also find that increased moisture will drip back onto your insulation, rendering it less effective and letting more heat out of your home in the colder months.

It damages your roof as well, as excess moisture leads to ice dams, which also cause leaks.

 

Types Of Proper Roof Ventilation

You see just why it’s so important that your roof is properly ventilated. Now you need to decide how you’re going to improve yours. There are several types of ventilation you can use, so read on to see which is right for you.

 

1. Intake And Exhaust Vents

A mixture of both of these vents is needed to get the best results in your attack.

An intake vent is usually fitted under the eaves, and lets air into your attic. The exhaust vent allows air back out, and is usually fitted on the peak of the roof. They’re usually boxed or capped to stop moisture and snow getting in.

 

2. Ridge Vents

This is an aesthetically pleasing style of vent, as they are virtually unnoticeable from the ground.

Installed in the ridge of the roof, they use a baffle to draw hot air out of the attic. When installed evenly along the roof, they create proper roof ventilation.

 

3. Soffit Vents

These vents are intake vents, and are usually installed under the eaves.

Again, this makes them virtually unnoticeable. Installing these with ridge vents helps you get the best ventilation in your home.

 

4. Box Vents

These vents are placed towards the peak of the roof. The box vent is placed over a hole in the roof that allows hot air to escape from your attic.

 

5. Wind Turbines

A wind turbine is a fan that spins when caught by the wind, allowing it to draw air out of your attic.

They do need some maintenance, such as being oiled if the fan starts to squeak. They’re best used in homes that are in areas that regularly get strong winds, or they won’t work as they should.

 

6. Power Attic Vents

These vents are designed to be powered by electricity, and usually have humidity sensors that switch the vent on when the humidity is too high.

As they’re designed to run quietly, you’ll need to go into your attic and check they’re still running as intended. This can be done as part of your regular roofing check.

 

Conclusion

As you’ve seen, there are all kinds of reasons why you need to ventilate your attic properly. Not doing so will lead to damage to your home, and costly repair bills that you could easily avoid. Now is the time to check on your attic, and see if it needs more ventilation.

If you’re not sure, call on a roofing repair expert to help you see where changes need to be made.

Luckily, it’s not too difficult to get roofing vents installed. Pick the right vents for your roof and needs, and you’ll find that you’ll get proper roof ventilation in your attic.

 

Read More:

9 Signs You Need a Roof Repair
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Residential Roofing

How A Cool Roof Can Keep Your Home Safe During Heatwaves

During the summer months, we are seeing temperatures reaching new highs, which means that your home is also reaching higher temperatures. Keep your home safe during summer heatwaves with a cool roof.

The hot weather is well and truly here, and that means that if your home is lacking a cool roof, it is getting hotter and hotter.

There are many consequences for this, the most important being that the heat can, in some cases, lead to illness and death in some homeowners.

Luckily, installing a reflective roof coating ensures that your home is safe from the summer heat.

 

The Dangers Of High Temperatures Without a Cool Roof

There’s many dangers associated with the heat that you need to be aware of.

As the temperatures rise, you’ll see that people such as children, the elderly, and the chronically ill will struggle to keep cool.

  • This is because the body’s main way of cooling down is by sweating, and in these groups of people the mechanism in the body isn’t as optimal as it should be.
  • You’ll also find that with some people, children in particular, aren’t able to take steps such as staying out of the sun or drinking fluids to counteract the heat.

As this is the case, then heat waves are going to be dangerous. As the weather warms up, your home will too. It’ll be harder to keep cool during the summer months.

You’ll see people start to come down with conditions such as heatstroke and dehydration. This year alone, there have already been 6 deaths reported due to the heat.

This sounds frightening, but like most weather conditions, you’ll be safe if you take the right precautions.

 

What Is a Cool Roof?

One of the precautions you can take is by having a reflective roof coating added to your home.

These cool roof coatings are designed to reflect the sun’s rays away from the roof, stopping the heat from making its way into your home. The less heat that gets in, the cooler your home will be.

How is this done?

Essentially with a reflective paint coating on your existing roof. This coating is designed to be reflective and cooling, so once it’s on your roof, it’ll start reflecting the heat back into the atmosphere.

Applying the coating is usually done by a professional, and you’ll find that they can complete the job very quickly.

 

The Benefits Of Applying a Cool Reflective Roof Coating

So why should you consider getting a reflective roof coating?

There are lots of reasons, including:

1. Keeps Your Home Cooler

The main benefit is that once the coating is on, the house will be noticeably cooler. Unlike other insulation materials, the heat isn’t simply being released later.

Instead, the heat is reflected away so it never gets into your home at all. Once the temperatures start to climb, you really will notice the difference.

2. Keeps Energy Costs Down

When the heat is on, so is your HVAC system.

You’re running it around the clock, just trying to keep the house cooler. This is a drain on your finances, as you’re paying more and more to keep the house cool.

When you have a reflective roof coating, you’ll see that you’ll have to do this less and less.

  • As less heat is kept out of the house, the home will have much cooler air.
  • You’ll be able to run your HVAC less, and keep the thermostat on a higher temperature to save energy.

It makes a real difference to your wallet.

3. Reduces Wear on Your Roof

You would be surprised at how much wear the sun causes on your roof.

UV rays wear away at the materials, eventually breaking them down. Depending on the shingles you’ve used, you may find the sun can even crack or warp them.

When you use a cool roof reflective coating, you’re drastically cutting down on the damage that the sun is doing. This prolongs the life of your roof and ensures that you’ll get more life out of the roofing materials used on your home.

4. Makes Your Home Safer

This is the most important point. If you’re worried about the effect the heat will have on people in your home, a reflective roof coating is the answer.

It’s such a simple step but it will keep your home so much cooler over the summer months. The cooler your home is, the safer it is for everyone living in it.

It brings you so much more peace of mind, and you’ll be able to enjoy the summer in safety.

 

Keep Cool This Summer, Just Like Your Roof

A reflective roof coating will do wonders for keeping your house cool, but it’s not the only way you can keep the heat out and your family safe.

Here are some other ways you can keep your cool:

1. Always Wear Sunblock

It’s hard to overstate how important this is.

When you’re out in the sun, you’re taking on damage from the sun. Sunblock is the most effective way to keep your whole family protected.

Reapply regularly, especially if you have been in the water, and ensure that you’re protected.

2. Keep Windows Open at Night

When it’s hot outside, it’s tempting to open the windows during the day to let air circulate.

Opening windows is a good idea, but not during the day. Instead, you want to open them during the night to let the cooler night air in.

3. Use Your Ceiling Fans

Even if you’ve got your AC on, it’s a good idea to use your ceiling fans. When spinning in the right direction, they’ll actually draw warmer air up and away from you.

Check that your fans are running counter clockwise to keep your home cool.

 

Conclusion

A reflective roof coating is one of the cheapest, easiest and most effective things you can do to beat the heat.

You’ll keep everyone in your home safe from the hot weather and feel the benefit instantly, as soon as you have the coating applied.

 

Categories
Residential Roofing

Is A Metal Roof Cheaper Than Shingles?

When looking to update your roof, the cost is often a large concern and determines your roofing options. Many people these days are asking “is a metal roof cheaper than shingles?”. Here’s what you should know. 

You’re looking at replacing your roof, and you know that it isn’t a cheap job. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive home repair jobs you’ll ever do.

It’s not surprising then that you’re looking to save money on it. Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles? Should you enhance your roof, or go the traditional route with shingles?

Let’s find out.

 

Why Are Shingles A Popular Roofing Choice?

Most homes feature shingle tiles, and there’s a few good reasons why. When you’re buying them, they do work out cheaper than metal roofing.

When you have them installed, you’re looking at an average price of $7,500 for the job, as opposed to $14,500 for a metal roof.

There’s also the fact that you can easily replace parts of it if needed. If a shingle becomes damaged, you can remove it and replace it, without having to replace the entire roof. If you have a storm pass through and cause some damage, it’s easier to repair any minor damage.

In the short term, it is cheaper to buy a shingle roof, and have it installed. Will it really be cheaper in the long run though?

 

The Cost Of A Metal Roof

Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles? Well, it’s true that it will cost more to have the metal roof installed, rather than the shingle roof.

You’re paying for a slightly more expensive material, as well as the expertise needed to get the roof installed.

However, the roof becomes cheaper when you consider the repair and upkeep costs. Metal roofs are known to be a lot more durable, so you’ll save on repair costs over time.

Depending on the metal you use for your roof, it may be able to resist winds of up to 140 mph, meaning you won’t have to worry about wind damage should a storm strike.

Certain metals are also impact resistant, so you won’t have to deal with the ‘bruising‘ or damage that happens to shingle roofs when hit with hailstones or similar impacts.

A metal roof is overall much more durable than a shingle roof. Of course, you will still need to inspect it from time to time.

This will help you see if there are any problems, and to catch them in time before they become more costly.

Below, there are 4 aspects of a metal roof that make it cheaper than shingles in the long run.

 

 

1. Utility Savings

What also makes a metal roof cheaper in the long run is the savings you’ll make in energy bills. A metal roof will reflect heat, making your home that much cooler. In the summer, that means you’ll have to run your AC much less often, saving you a lot of money.

This is also good news to those who are trying to be more environmentally friendly. Doing any kind of renovation to your home will result in some unfriendly materials being used.

With metal roofing, you’re offsetting that because you’ll be using much less energy.

 

2. Fire Resistance

Something that you need to think about is the fire resistance of your roof. In the event of a fire, you want it to be as contained as possible.

This is possible with a metal roof, as they are fire resistant by nature. In fact, most metal roofs are Class A fire resistant, the highest rating possible.

This will depend on the materials below it too, so you’ll need to check with your roofing contractor before you have the roof installed.

How does this save you money?

  • Firstly, if the worst happens and a fire does break out, there should be less damage that needs to be repaired.
  • As well as this, you’ll find that you can get a discount on your home insurance for having a metal roof.

If you’re considering switching to a metal roof, call your insurance company and see what they can do for you.

 

3. Return On Investment

Right now, you’re focused on getting your roof replaced, but you need to think about the future.

At some point you may want to sell your home, so you’ll need to ensure your home is attractive to buyers. The great thing is, a metal roof is attractive to prospective homeowners.

You’ve already done all the hard work in having the roof installed, so you’re saving them a lot of time and effort.

Metal roofs also look great for longer, as they don’t crack or corrode if they’re well taken care of. This is important to consider when you’re thinking about your curb appeal.

You’ll find that the roof will be a big selling point of your home. If you’re even thinking of selling your home, it’s worth spending the money now to make your home more valuable down the line.

 

4. Longevity Of Your Roof

One of the biggest factors in deciding how to replace your roof is the lifespan of the materials.

Shingles look good and do a decent job of protecting your home, but they last around 20 – 25 years. That’s a decent amount of time, but you can get much longer out of a metal roof.

On average, they last around 50 to even 70 years, depending on the roof.

You’ll also get a manufacturer’s warranty on it, and these are in effect for up to 50 years, again depending on your manufacturer. Because of this, a metal roof is cheaper than shingles in the longevity and lifespan.

This will save you a lot of money, as you won’t be forking out again to replace your roof in 20 years time. That’s a huge savings, and one that you really should consider when you’re buying your new roof.

 

 

Conclusion: Is a Metal Roof Cheaper?

Overall, you’ll spend a bit more on your metal roof when you have it installed, yet it pays off. Many homeowners are scared off by that cost, but you shouldn’t be.

The savings with a new roof is all in the effect it has on your home in the long term. Because of this, your metal roof is cheaper than shingles over time, and may benefit you much more.

The biggest saving is in the fact you won’t need to replace the roof as soon as you would a shingle roof. You’ll also save on energy, repair costs, and more.

Now’s the time to contact your local roofing contractor and see what they can do for you.

Categories
Residential Roofing

7 Simple Tips For Filing A Roof Insurance Claim

One of the most stressful things for a homeowner is successfully filing a roof insurance claim. There are many things to consider, so here are 7 simple tips to help.

If the worst has happened to your roof, then it’ll feel as though everything has gone wrong. As stressful as it is, you can make it easier by filing a roof insurance claim to help with the cost of fixing it.

How do you go about making that claim? Here are some tips that will make the process as painless as possible.

 

1. Maintain Your Roof

You don’t want to think about anything bad happening to your roof, but as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. If you’re taking good care of your roof, then you’re going to prevent a lot of common issues that often lead to a roof insurance claim.

You don’t need to do much, or spend much time doing this. Clear out your gutters to avoid water overflow, replace missing or broken shingles, and keep an eye out for possible issues with your roof.

The sooner you correct these, the better condition your roof will be in. This will help you when it comes to claiming, as inspectors will see that you’ve taken good care of your roof and so will be more willing to pay out.

What should you be looking out for? Use the following checklist to keep an eye on your roof and get emergency repairs before they become bigger issues.

  • Missing or broken shingles
  • Leaks inside the house
  • Water spots on your ceilings
  • Dents on metal roofing, and on such items such as air conditioning units
  • Light spots inside your attic

 

2. File Your Roof Insurance Claim As Soon As Possible

If something has happened to your roof, don’t wait to see what happens next. Make that claim as soon as you can.

If damage is left for a long time, then additional damage can occur.

For example, if you have a hole in your roof, then water will get inside and start damaging the timbers.

The sooner you make a roof insurance claim, the sooner that you can get the damage repaired and avoid any other damage from happening to your roof.

 

3. Keep The Age Of Your Roof In Mind

When insuring your home, you’ll need to remember that the age of your roof will affect the payout you get.

This is because when most roofs reach 20 years of age, you’ll see that they often need replacing at that point. Insurers will often pay you the depreciated value of the roof if they need to pay out, so you’ll need to keep that in mind when you’re claiming.

Depending on the type of roof material that you have, the lifespan of your roof will differ.

 

 

4. Remember Some Events Are Unavoidable

As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to take good care of your roof to ensure that you get the payout you need if something goes wrong.

Remember though, sometimes you’re just in control of what happens. For example, if a heavy hailstorm happens and damages your roof, there’s nothing you could have done to avoid that.

Because of that, you shouldn’t have any problems getting your claim approved. If it was a natural occurrence, then you aren’t to blame, so don’t worry.

 

5. Be Clear On What Your Policy Covers

When you take out an insurance policy on your home, make sure you know what it covers.

Policies are all different, and they’ll cover different things depending on what you’re paying.

Ensure you’re buying a policy that will cover your roof properly if you need to ever need to file a roof insurance claim for it.

You don’t want to find damage on your roof, only to find out that your insurance won’t pay for it.

 

6. Take Pictures

When you’re claiming for damage, you’ll need to provide evidence that the roof is actually damaged.

Your insurers will often send out someone to inspect it, but you’ll also need to take your own pictures to send to them. Be extensive, and take pictures of everything.

Remember, it’s not just the roof itself that will have sustained damage. For example, the gutters may have sustained damage too.

You’ll also need evidence of what’s caused the damage, or the results of the damage.

If there was a storm for example, you’ll need evidence of fallen branches on the roof. Photos of increased energy bills are often a good piece of evidence too.

 

 

7. Hire A Roofing Contractor

You’ll need to hire a roofing contractor to help you show the insurance company what damage has happened to your roof.

They will come and inspect the roof themselves, and take notes on what they see.

It’s important to bring them in, as the experts they’ll spot damage that you didn’t see first time. They’ll then get together with your insurers to show them what work needs to be done to put your roof back to normal.

When picking a roofing contractor, be sure you’re picking someone who has your best interests at heart. If there are storms in your area, you may find that there are ‘storm chasers‘ that have moved in.

They follow storms across the country looking for work, and usually aren’t reputable.

These aren’t advisable as they’ll be looking out for the insurer’s interests, rather than yours. You want a roofer that has your specific needs at heart.

 

What Happens When The Insurer Says ‘Yes’

If all goes well, you should have your roof insurance claim approved by your insurers. Once that happens, you’ll be paid the money you need in two parts.

You’ll get an initial check in order to get contractors on board and get started on repairing your roof.

Once the contractors have finished, they will get in contact with the insurers to let them know. They’ll then release the rest of the money owed to you, to pay for the work.

Now you know how to get in touch with your insurers, and increase your chances of getting your claim approved.

Take good care of your roof, and you’ll be prepared in case the worst happens to your home. Take photos when there is damage, and hire a reputable roofer to take care of the inspections and repair.

Categories
Residential Roofing

Wind Damage On Your Roof? Here’s How To Tell

Roof maintenance is an essential part of keeping your home healthy; but with wind damage on your roof, you may not know that there are issues. Here’s how you can.

The weather can wreak all sorts of havoc with your roof.

How can you tell if the wind has damaged your roof?

There’s lots of ways to tell, so here’s how to inspect your roof and fix any problems that you come across.

 

Wind And Your Roof

Typically, wind won’t damage your roof. It will have been built with a certain wind resistance in mind.

That means if you suffer high winds, you may not encounter any problems at all with your roof. Over time though, wind will take its toll on the roof.

That’s because a rood isn’t uniformly affected by wind. It’ll suffer more stress at the edges and corners, places where wind can get underneath and start to pull at it.

  1. The first time it happens, it’ll cause a small amount of damage, leaving material just a little loose.
  2. The next time you get bad weather, it’ll pull at it a little more, now that it has more area to pull at on your roof.
  3. This cycle will keep happening until you get serious wind damage.

Wind damage leads to more serious damage over time. If anything is pulled loose, that means that the roof is no longer watertight.

The next time you get rain, that water will make its way into the roof, causing damage. If you don’t see it in time, that will lead to rot and mold, and possibly even a new roof entirely.

This is why it’s so important to keep inspecting your roof.

After every storm, get up on your roof and take a look at it.

Is there anything that’s loose or missing?

Replacing it now will save you more expensive repair bills down the line.

 

 

Signs Of Wind Damage On Your Roof

So, how do you know if there’s been wind damage on your roof? There are several signs that you should be looking for.

1. Loose or missing shingles:

This is one of the more obvious signs that you’ll see on your roof. If the wind has managed to get under your roof shingles, it’ll pull them loose or even blow them away.

This is easily solved, though. You’ll need to get some replacement shingles and replace those broken and missing shingles on your roof.

It’s usually a good idea to order an extra box when you replace your roof, so you have similar colored shingles to use.

2. Damaged or clogged gutters:

As the wind picks up, it’ll take debris with it. This debris easily ends up on your roof, especially if you have trees nearby.

When you take a look at your roof, look at the guttering. It could be full of leaves and debris. This clogging will lead water to overflow out of your gutters, causing water and mold problems.

You can easily unclog them by pulling the debris out. If you want, you can install a gutter guard in order to stop debris getting back in again.

While you’re looking at your gutters, take a look for any decay or damage they may have taken.

  • For example, are they loose or sagging?
  • Are they only loosely attached to the building?
  • Are there any sections missing?

If they’ve taken a lot of damage, it may be time to replace them.

3. Flat roof blisters:

Flat roofs are susceptible to damage as they don’t allow rain or debris to roll down them. That means it can collect on the roof, causing damage.

Take a look at your roof, looking for blisters on the surface, cracks, or tears. If you find anything, call a roofing company to come and repair the damage for you.

4. Tree damage:

As mentioned earlier, if there are trees near your home, then they can blow leaves into the gutters when the wind picks up.

Branches can even come down on the roof, causing unrecoverable damage.

  • If you see a branch on your roof, you’ll need to remove it as soon as possible to assess the damage.
  • If they fell hard enough, they can damage shingles and timbers on the roof, allowing water to come in.

Have the damage repaired as soon as possible.

5. Flashing damage:

Flashing is the material that’s used to seal joints around your roof, for example you’ll see it where your chimney meets the roof.

In high winds, this flashing will take damage. If it’s damaged, you’ll see that it’s buckled, or that it’s started to tear away from the roof.

This will need to be replaced quickly in order to protect your roof.

6. Indoor damage:

If the wind has damaged your roof, then the signs of it won’t just be on the outside. Take a look inside your home, especially at the ceilings.

  • Are there any water stains or marks? That could be a sign that water is making its way through the roof and into your home.
  • You’ll also want to get into the attic and take a look. You’re looking for any light that’s making its way through the roof, into the attic space. If you’re seeing light, that means that the roof has been damaged.

 

 

Call In The Experts

When it comes to roofing, it’s always a much better idea to call in the experts. You can get on the roof yourself, but the danger is you could get injured.

You don’t want to take that risk, so bring in roofers who are trained, and have the right equipment to keep themselves safe.

They’ll inspect the roof for you, and let you know if anything needs to be done.

They’ll undertake the repairs, ensuring that your roof is in good shape again in no time.

 

Conclusion

Now you know what you’re looking for to determine if there is wind damage on your roof. Inspect it regularly, and if you see any problems, bring in roofers to handle it.

The sooner you correct the problem, the easier, and cheaper it will be.

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