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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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Metal Roofing Blog

Top Six Things To Look For In Your Metal Material

If you have been thinking about installing a metal roof, it’s important to keep these six things in mind when considering a metal material for roofing. While not all metal roofs will offer these things, it is arguable that they remain extremely essential.

What Benefits Does Metal Material Have?

You should look for some specific aspects of your metal material to ensure that your roof will have the longest lifespan possible. Here are six benefits of metal material.

Coatings

Metal material come in a wide range of coatings. They are available in multi-hued shades and many colors. You should choose metal roofs that have the right combination of color and coatings to avoid staining and streaking.

Self-cleaning Valleys

While many homeowners may not often think about this aspect, a lot of debris may end up on your metal roof. As debris such as tree leaves, seedpods and ice fill up the valleys, it is likely that your roof may start to leak. Therefore, you should hire a metal roofing company that knows how to install roof valleys properly to avoid clogging.

Premium products

The Association of Metal Construction has standard certification that identifies quality products and manufacturers that meet the minimum quality standards. You are encouraged to go for materials and contractors that fulfill these codes. Metal material falls into these categories.

Special Flashings

The roof is a part of the house that requires special care. Despite that metal material has become popular in the construction industry, you need to hire a roofing contractor who is keen to small details. You cannot rely on the sealants when dealing with dead valleys, chimneys, skylights, flared gables, or other areas that require care. Ensure to ask whether your contractor understands how to handle these areas.

Warranties

A warranty is an important aspect when it comes to any construction work. Make sure to understand warranties that your contractor will provide you. It is good to ensure that you obtain warranties that cover installation, workmanship, roofing materials that will be used.

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation can benefit your home, because it helps to keep your home cooler during the summer. Proper ventilation can also help to protect your home from mold and rot. If you are planning to re-roof your home, this is the right time to handle ventilation issues. You should review this aspect with your metal roofing company.

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Blog Rubber Roofing

Benefits Of Rubber Roofing

Homeowners seeking a cost-effective roofing solution will realize that rubber roofing can be the best solution to their problem. Before deciding whether it’s the right option for you, it’s important that you research the pros as well as cons of this roofing product.  The following article discusses some of the benefits of rubber roofing.

Benefits of Rubber Roofing

There are many benefits of rubber roofing. We discuss some of the most universal benefits below.

Easy to Install

Rubber roofs are easy to install. Moreover you can even install them over your existing roof, avoiding the task of tearing up and disposing the old roofing. However, this is possible only if the existing roof is still pretty new.

Rubber roofs require very little (if any) maintenance, unlike other roofing materials. All a homeowner has to do to maintain the roof is to repaint it once every 10-12 years with acrylic paint.

Cost Savings

Price is one of the biggest benefits of rubber roofing.  The cost of installing these roofs is cheaper than other roofing options. Rubber is also lightweight; making its installation is quick and easy. This minimizes installation and labor costs.

Durability

Rubber also lasts long. This type of roofing can last a long period of time before requiring to be replaced, usually 30-50 years. Rubber roofs hold out well against water, wind, or even fire, because most are fire-resistant. They’re also UV and ozone stable, making them non-perishable materials.

Environmentally Friendly

Another one of the largest benefits of rubber roofing is that it’s one of the most environmentally-friendly options a homeowner can consider. The rubber itself requires less energy to manufacture than most other materials.  In addition, rubber is often made out of recycled materials and the roofs are 100 percent recyclable upon expiry.

Rubber roofs are also very energy-efficient. A rubber roof reflects the heat from the sun, especially lighter-colored roofs meant for residential use, significantly saving the homeowner’s air conditioning costs. The roof also insulates the house, trapping heat to reduce the cost of utility bills and energy in colder months. You don’t need to worry about the roofing cracking or freezing under the extremes of low temperature.  Modern rubber roofing is made to withstand both extremes of heat and cold.

Rubber roofs are gaining popularity quickly as many homeowners and builders begin to choose environmentally-friendly roofing options. You should consider these roofing materials to enjoy these benefits of rubber roofing for many years to come.

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Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

Roof Emergency Repair

The responsibilities of owning a home or building are many. They run from appliance maintenance and repair to plumbing matters to cosmetic issues. One responsibility that cannot be underestimated is upkeep and maintenance of the roof. At times, however, even the most conscientious homeowner may be faced with an unexpected disaster that results in damage to a roof and requires roof emergency repair. A damaged roof that leaks needs immediate attention. Over a very short period of time that leak can compromise the structural integrity of a home. This is a time to forego a do it yourself approach and call a contractor who can perform emergency roof repair, and do it in a timely manner.

Causes That Need Roof Emergency Repair

There are many causes for sudden damage to a roof. Nature can wreak havoc. Inclement weather is probably the most frequent culprit. Hail can cause dents in a roof vent and actually crack roofing shingles. Wind can loosen and tear off shingles, particularly near the corners and edges of a building. A lightning strike can actually create a hole in a roof. Animals, like rodents, pigeons and other birds, raccoons, and bats can gain access through a roof before the residents are even aware of them. Fire damage, from within or from a neighboring fire, can be devastating.

The first priority for any professional called in an emergency situation is to make sure the roof is safe, and then to stop any leak or potential leak. A good contractor will have enough knowledge to accurately assess the situation and choose the best course of action. Sometimes the job may require extensive work. A contractor may perform a quick fix that will hold until they perform the actual repair work. There are many options for temporarily patching a roof that can run from roofing cement to sealants to special tapes. If conditions are favorable, they may repair the roof on the spot. Each situation stands on its own.

When considering your roof, and roof emergency repair, find a contractor who is willing and able to respond to an unexpected situation at unexpected times. Make sure he is a conscientious contractor. They will take the time to explain the damage and provide a course of action. The roof protects your entire home and problems with it demand prompt attention and consideration.

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