Category: Residential Roofing

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Residential Roofing Blog

Choose Metal With an Albemarle County Roofing Company

If you need a roof repair or replacement in Virginia, then you must find a knowledgeable Albemarle County roofing company for routine or emergency services. The roofs on commercial and residential buildings in our area experience a lot of moisture from snow, ice and rain.

The moisture and high winds from a storm can cause damage to any type of roofing materials, including metal. When a roof has severe damage, it requires a repair right way to protect the underlying materials along with the building’s contents.

Because of the climate in Virginia, an Albemarle County roofing company is often called. We’ll explore why metal roofing is so popular in Albemarle County, and the advantages of this type of roof.

Metal Roofs are Popular. Why?

In many cases, business managers and homeowners are unable to enter a building because it has a damaged roof, and you require a roofing contractor in Virginia who can arrive quickly to make essential repairs.

Metal roofs are popular because the materials are affordable, easy to install and are fire resistant. Metal roofing materials are frequently used for large commercial buildings to reduce the cost of building insurance.

Advantages of Choosing Metal With an Albemarle County Roofing Company

Metal roofing materials provide several advantages, including:
• Available in a lot of sizes, shapes, textures and colors
• Costs less than asphalt shingles
• Durable and long-lasting materials
• High insulating levels during cold winter weather
• Reflects sunlight to reduce cooling costs in the summer
• Coatings on metal can provide waterproofing
• Requires little maintenance

Types of Metal Used for Roofs

Depending on the design of a building and the roof’s slope, a metal roof can augment the structure’s appearance. You can choose materials that match or complement the colors of a building’s siding or other decorative elements. A roofing contractor in Virginia might offer an assortment of metal materials that include:
• Tin
• Stone-coated steel
• Aluminum
• Stainless steel
• Metal tile sheets
• Standing seam metal
• Corrugated galvanized steel

A contractor can arrange to have an old roof removed for a completely new metal roof installation or place metal materials over an old roof. With the correct choice of metals, you can recycle the other materials when it is time for a new repair or replacement to reduce the cost of buying new tiles or sheets.

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Blog Residential Roofing

What To Look For In a Roofer

A homeowner has put one too many buckets beneath leaking areas of the ceiling whenever it rains. It’s time to call in a professional roofer. But what should one look for when the time comes to get the roof taken care of? Here are some tips:

Do the Research

Homeowners shouldn’t just flip open the Yellow Pages and pick any contractor randomly! The roof of a home, barn or place of business is too important to be left to a substandard contractor. A client should do a bit of research before hiring a roofing professional. This includes asking neighbors to recommend a roofer they’ve been satisfied with to checking a roofing contractor’s reviews on the Better Business Bureau’s website. Former clients should ideally not only be happy with the job, but would use that contractor again. This is ultimately the most important step in finding a reputable roofing contractor.

Meet With the Roofer Face-to-Face

It’s always a good idea to invite the professional over to the property. That way, the contractor can have a better idea of the job, and the client can have a better idea of the roofer. The roofing contractor should be courteous, knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions the client has. He should be ready and able to perform whatever roofing job the client requires. He should be ready to show a potential client proof that he’s licensed and insured.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some types of roofs require special skills to install or maintain. These include metal roofs, flat roofs and slate roofs. If the client has one of these special-case roofs, she should make sure the roofer knows how to handle it.

Ask for References

A roofer should also provide references, and if it is possible, to let the potential client take a look at previous worksites. If not the actual site, there should be images taken of previous roofing projects that they would be happy to show you.

Put Everything In Writing

When the job is agreed upon, the client and the roofer need to draw up a detailed contract. This contract will cover everything from the payment schedules to the date the job starts and ends to the materials used. It should also cover worker’s compensation and other liabilities.

By doing this, you will be able to find reputable roofing professionals who will meet your needs and expectations.

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Blog Residential Roofing

Avoiding Winter Roof Damage

The first official day of winter is almost here, making it a great time to think about protecting your home from extreme weather conditions. Heavy snow and ice have the potential to cause some serious winter roof damage. A snow and icicle-covered roof couldn’t look more magical. However, this beauty could end up costing you thousands of dollars to both the outside and inside of your home.

The Weight of Snow

As snow piles up on the roof, it compacts and becomes heavier. A square foot can easily end up weighing about 50 pounds. This is a lot of weight sitting on the roof of your home. Older homes are especially vulnerable because they are not always rated to support that kind of weight.  While full roof cave-ins are rare, the stress can easily cause cracks in your drywall. This often leads to further winter roof damage.

Ice

Ice dams can also occur once the snow begins to melt. As water freezes, it can cause significant damage to the roof and inside of your home. Water can seep under shingles and refreeze. This causes it to expand and causes even bigger problems that lead to leaks and cracks on the ceiling and walls of your home. For this reason, trapped water on your roof needs to be removed immediately.

What You Can Do

Being prepared before the first snow falls is always the best idea. Having to scrape snow and frozen water off a roof can damage shingles and take years off its life. Snow protection systems like snow guards can help prevent ice damming as well as damage to gutters. Being prepared will save you money in the long run from having to repair the roof and possible interior areas of your home.

If you are not sure if your roof is winter-weather ready, have an expert out to ensure you will avoid winter roof damage and keep your home safe.

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Blog Residential Roofing

Finding the Right Roof Type

Having a solid roof over your head is as important as the metaphorical expression implies. Not just any structure will protect you from the outdoor elements and ensure that your home runs efficiently. Roofs are also a key element to the aesthetic value of your home. There are several different roofing options, and you should learn about the qualities of each to see which roof type can best serve your needs.

A Variety of Options

Each roof type offers different benefits. It is best to familiarize yourself with multiple types of roofing materials to learn which one is best for you and your climate.

Rubber Roofing

Rubber roofing is an excellent choice for ensuring both durability and water-tightness. If you are worried about water damage or leaks, this may be the ideal choice. Rubber roofing is easy to maintain and calls for little maintenance.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs offer a secure structure with a polished finish. These pre-painted roofs never need painting and typically come with a 35-year warranty. Metal roofs are energy efficient and can be up to 20% cooler than any other roofing material. You can easily customize metal roofs, as they are available in a large variety of colors. You can choose to have a color that matches your exterior, or one that is a drastic, eye-catching color.

Shingles

Shingles and slate roofing is another option that is popular for areas where metal roofing is not a viable option. Typically, roofing shingles are less expensive option that can offer a traditional look to your home. Be sure to get in touch with a roofing contractor to learn more about these different types of roofs.

A Worthwhile Project

Once you have decided on the ideal roof for your space, you should be able to meet with a roofing contractor in person to evaluate the cost of the project. If you work with the right team, installing new roofing can actually be an affordable experience.  The job can be done professionally and promptly by those who have experience with installing roofs. These contractors will work efficiently and make sure that the job is done right. Once the project is finished, you can enjoy peace of mind that both your home and family are protected.

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Residential Roofing Blog

The Metal Roofing Cost Can Be Worth the Investment

Depending which part of the country you live in, you might be familiar with metal roofs on homes and commercial buildings. Other regions don’t often venture away from asphalt shingles or shakes. But it is worth getting acquainted with metal as a roofing material because there are many upsides to going this route when you are facing a roof replacement. Because of this, the metal roofing cost can be worth the initial investment. The metal roofing cost is between $5.50 and $12.00 per square foot according to a roofing calculator. To get a better estimate, call us today for a free quote!

Although metal roofs cost more than other materials, it pays off in the long run. Let’s take a look at how the metal roofing cost can be worth this investment.

Durable

Durability is the key feature of metal roofing material. It is ideal for areas of the country that get a lot of stormy weather, and it holds up well under the weight of heavy snowfall. Some of the lighter materials, such as aluminum, can help keep your home cooler in the summer. The average metal roof lasts much longer than one with asphalt shingles. Many metals are rated to last 60 years or more. Plus, in high winds you won’t have worry about chasing loose shingles around the yard or climbing a ladder to replace them. Because of its durability, it is a common roofing material for Virginia.

Mold-resistant

One of the biggest drawbacks to other roofing materials is that they harbor the growth of moss and mold. This is an issue in places with a lot of rain, dark skies, and snow. The benefits of metal roofs include resistance to this type of growth due to their flat facades and inhospitable profile. Because the surface doesn’t have any nooks and crannies for the moss to start growing, the organisms look for a different place to call home.

Diverse

Metal roofs come in a variety of materials, colors, and coatings. The sheets can have decorate ribbing or textural patterns. Just because you choose a metal roof does not mean your house’s topper has to look boring.

There are myriad benefits to a standing seam metal roofing option if you wish to explore this option for your next remodel. Think about these upsides when making your decision.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Questions to Ask When Choosing Metal Roofing Suppliers

Metal roofs provide a range of benefits for both homeowners and the owners of commercial property. However, in order to fully gain these benefits, you must work with a reputable metal roofing company that will do the job safely and properly. There are a number of questions you can ask these metal roofing suppliers to make sure your chosen contractor will do good work.

You want to make sure that you ask the metal roofing suppliers a wide variety of questions. Your roof is an important aspect of your house, and you must ensure metal roofing suppliers can succeed.

 

Qualifications

  • Can the prospective metal roofing suppliers provide you with detailed plans for the proposed job?

 

  • Does the company have the highest available certification for roofing work performed in your state.

Safety

  • Does the contractor carry insurance and workman’s compensation specifically geared to roofing companies? Will the contractor provide you with documented proof verified by the issuing insurance agency?

 

  • Can the company provide you with a detailed history of its on-the-job safety record?

 

  • Will the contractor provide you with verifiable references obtained from previous customers?

 

  • Can the company provide you with a list of metal roofing distributors and manufacturers they have worked with in the past?

Scheduling & Training

 

  • Will the company rely on subcontractors to complete roof installation?

 

  • How well-trained are the workers responsible for performing the installation work?

Materials

  • What types of roofing materials (zinc, copper, etc.) does the company offer its customers?

 

  • Will the contractor provide you with a written warranty that covers the quality of the work performed?

 

  • Can the contractor provide you with the manufacturer’s specifications for the roofing material and method in use?

 

  • Will a supervisor personally oversee the work performed on your roof?

 

A reputable metal roofing company will promptly answer all of these questions and take steps to address any concerns you may raise. An unwillingness to answer your questions or respond to your concerns may be a sign for you to switch your focus and choose another contractor for your project.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Four Reasons Quality Metal Roofing Is a Great Option

When you are looking at different roofing materials, you may look at quality metal roofing and wonder how that could benefit your home. There are many reasons that metal is a great option, with the following being just a few:

Weight

When you have a metal roof installed, you do not need to worry that it will cave in every time it snows. In a lot of cases, each square is somewhere between 50 and 150 pounds each. If you are building a new home, the lightweight roof can cut down on the amount of roof supports needed.

Life

Quality metal roofing is a lifetime roof. As long as they are installed and maintained properly, they are expected to last up to 50 years. These roofs are resistant to rotting, insect damage, fire and mildew, which means that there is not a whole lot that can damage the roof. For this reason, they are highly sought after when homeowners are looking to improve their homes.

Energy Efficiency

In order to save on energy bills, there are some common home improvements that could be made. Installing a metal roof is one of those. The heat of the sun is reflected from the metal roof during the day. This makes it unnecessary to run the air conditioner as much as you would otherwise. Additionally, it blocks heat from leaving during the winter. This allows you to cut down on the amount of time the heater is on.

Installation Time

The shingles or panels that make up a metal roof make it easy to install. Most metal roofing contractors have it down to a science and can get repairs done quickly in the aftermath of a storm. When you are short on time, a quality metal roofing might be the right option for your home.

Whether you are building a new home to begin with or replacing the roof on your existing home, quality metal roofing is a great option. Because it is lightweight, lasts a long time, is energy efficient and takes little time to install, many homeowners choose it for their homes.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Roof Leak Repair: Get it Done Quickly

The roof on your home is one of the largest expanses of the house. It takes a beating in all kinds of weather but still keeps you safe and warm for decades with few problems. Still, there are occasions when a roof leak repair is necessary. These repairs should not be delayed, as every day they are not addressed could mean additional damage to your home. Here are the most common required roof repairs.

Roof Leak Repair

By far, leaks are the biggest issue when it comes to problems with a roof. Even a slight amount of water entering an attic can eventually spell disaster for homeowners. There are many ways in which water from rain or snow can get under the roofing materials, resulting in a roof leak repair. These include:

  • Nail holes that are not properly caulked
  • Missing tiles, shakes, or shingles
  • Cracked caulking around skylights, vents, and chimneys

Storm Damage Repair

For people who live in storm-prone parts of the country, maintaining your roof can be a constant challenge. Metal roofs are common in these regions because of their durability in the face of high winds or heavy snow. You might choose to have a roof snow guard system installed to prevent large amounts of the wet stuff from falling on guests as they arrive. Other types of storm damage are:

  • Tree branches – or entire trees – that fall during high winds
  • Missing tiles, shakes, or shingles
  • Pitting from heavy hail

Gutter Issues

Roofs work in conjunction with their gutter and downspout systems. If a roof is damaged, it can affect the gutters, and vice versa. Leaking gutters can cause rotting fascia boards or foundation problems if they go unaddressed. Clogged downspouts mean water is spilling from the gutters and remaining near the base of your home instead of directing away from the house. Regular gutter and downspout maintenance is crucial to the structural integrity of your home.

No one likes to deal with roof problems, but with an immediate response, they can be remedied quickly.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Roofing Professionals: Finding Your Dream Roofer

Having work done on your roof is no small ordeal. Whether the task is mundane or massive, the roof is the hat in the attire of your home or business. Having it inaccurately or inappropriately worked on can have not only financially detrimental results but also hazardous ones. It’s important to do your research and find a reputable contractor. Roofing professionals often offer services such as tile removal, shingle installation, and tar application. Finding the dream roofer for the job is mandatory for preserving the well-being of your building.

How to Find Roofing Professionals

It is not difficult to find roofing professionals who are fully capable and more than happy to provide the service you require, but it does sometimes require a little digging on your part. Here are a few tricks to help you find the perfect roofer for your needs.

Drive-by Inspections

It is possible and in fact advisable to ask about roofing professionals previous jobs and go to inspect them yourself. Qualified roofing contractors who are confident in their good work will have no qualms about having you see previously-accomplished work. Some may even provide pictures themselves to show you what they have done. Be weary of contractors who do not want to show you their previous work.

Reference Check

Similarly, roofing professionals with an excellent history of jobs well done will be able to provide references. These will testify to their professionalism and quality of work. References are important, because you want to hear first hand how their work was.

Estimates

Getting an estimate can be a useful and quick way to gauge who you will potentially be hiring. An estimate is usually free, and should be thorough enough to accurately provide you with a number that is reasonable and appropriate.

Because of today’s technological advances, roofing professionals are more accessible than ever before through online Internet access. Lots of contractors have their own websites, providing you the immediate ability to get a sense of who they are and how they work. Make sure that you read reviews and fully engage with the information they have to offer to find the dream roofing contractor, capable and willing, for the job.

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Blog Residential Roofing

Roofing Company: Why You Will Eventually Need One

Unfortunately, roofs do not last forever. Maintenance is mandatory when it comes to keeping the structure of your home or business fundamentally sound and leak free. A roofing company will provide services that include installation, repair, and renovation of either an existing roof or a new one. Whether your building is brand new or something rather more historic, at some point you will need a roofing company to come and perform construction or repair.

What Will a Roofing Company Do?

A roofing company will provide a wide variety of services, depending on what you need. They will be able to repair any problems, can install new roofing, and can inspect your home for further damage. Below are some common services they provide.

Materials

Buildings used for different purposes often have different styles of roofing that require a variety of maintenance techniques. For instance, commercial buildings often make use of rubber roofs, either completely replacing a preexisting roof or building one new. Other structures make use of shingle, tile, or metal roofing, all of which call for different services. Some buildings have roofs made of wood such as plywood. These eventually demand a full replacement after having become rotten due to weather exposure.

Frequent Tasks

Common jobs that a roofing company performs for building owners are tile removal, shingle installation, rubber roof installation, tar application, replacement of valley and eave flashing, changing out pipe boots, and so on. Roofs in general need a great deal of upkeep. You will need a professional roofing company to perform all the services you require.

Estimations

The estimate is perhaps the most important task of a roof company, one that you should be well aware of, and it is also the first task. Estimates are typically free and usually involve either a lengthy phone conversation or an in-person visit to produce an appropriate cost number. Estimates provide a useful ball-park for the expenses building owners are looking at, and may possibly affect whether or not a client uses one service or another.

Ultimately, you will find yourself looking for a reputable roofing contractor. Make use of online researching tools to find the business which fits your job and keep in mind all of these various tasks that roofers typically perform and can cover.

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