WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL ROOFER INSPECT YOUR ROOF REGULARLY
Why It’s Important To Have A Professional Roofer Inspect Your Roof Regularly
A lot of homeowners don’t think it makes economical sense to have maintenance performed on their roofing system on a regular basis. Many roofers will tell you that it makes perfect sense, and will often compare it to something like performing regular maintenance on your car. You probably have your car inspected or maintained once or twice a year, including having your oil changed. After all, it’s a lot easier to fix a small problem now, than to replace the entire system later. There are a lot of great reasons to have a professional look at your roof, including the following.
1. Service Call Bills Add Up
Emergency calls are what keep professional roofers busy. And because emergency calls are billed on a time and material basis (which starts when they leave the office and ends when they return, including any driving time, setup, and inspection), you could end up spending more on the ‘emergency’ part of the visit than on the actual roof repair. Many local repair companies offer a discounted rate for their maintenance services in the off season. But because most homeowners don’t take advantage of these discounts to have their roof, HVAC system, or appliances checked, they end up calling at the first sign of trouble. And these emergency calls often include overtime billing for weekends and holidays; all money that could be going into your roofing system or back in your pocket.
2. Reduce Hidden Damages
Regular inspections are an easy way to locate problems that may be causing unseen damage to your home. For instance, water leaks don’t always reveal themselves from the inside of the building. In some cases, customers have found corroded roof decks and other structural damage without a visible roof leak. A number of homes contain mold from an unseen leak. Some of these leaks can occur when rain collects in pockets beneath your shingles. Water that enters your roofing system can damage decking, wood blocking, structural steel, and a number of other items. All of this can be caught early on and even prevented with regular inspections and maintenance.
3. Going Green
By keeping your insulation protected for the life of your roof, you can reuse it under your new roof. Not only do you save money on new insulation, but you’re also saving tons of wet insulation from ending up in a landfill. You’ll also avoid paying labor for removal of the old insulation, and dumpster and transport costs. So you get to be eco-friendly while saving money, which is a fairly rare combination.
4. Save Time When Re-Roofing
If you’ve ever had an extensive repair or renovation done on your home, you know that you can get tired of your construction team pretty quick. You want them to do a great job, but you also want them in and out. You’re probably going to be thinking less about what the finished project is going to look like and the hassle it’s going to save you, and more about what a pain in the neck your project currently is. If you maintain your existing roofing system, you can keep the insulation, decking, and wood carpentry in place when your new roof is installed. Needless to say, this means that your contractors will be able to complete your new roof a lot faster.
5. Peace of Mind
You may not like going to the doctor or the dentist for your regular checkup, but you’re probably pretty happy to leave with a clean bill of health. And if you do leave one time with a cold or a cavity, you might feel better knowing that you did everything you could to prevent the issue. And catching it early means less time, money, and headache on your part. It’s the same with your roofing system. It can give you peace of mind knowing that you’ve done everything you can to avoid a major leak. Sure, you might still get a leak at the worst possible time, but you’ll feel a lot better knowing that that you’ve done your part to prepare.
Dealing with a roofing issue on your home can be frustrating. But by investing in preventative maintenance and regular roof checks by a professional Winnipeg roofing contractor, you can catch many potential roofing issues early. Regular maintenance is an eco-friendly, time saving, and money saving investment. Don’t hesitate to call your roofing contractor at the first sign of a problem in order to get a quick professional fix that can save you from needing to replace your entire roofing system.
THE TOP 5 SIGNS TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL ROOFER
If you ask a homeowner what improvements they would like to make to their home to increase the value, chances are that they can give you a list. One of the things that most homeowners overlook is their roof. Roofing repairs are something that most homeowners are guilty of putting off, because the process can seem incredibly daunting. But the alternative is to just deal with a leaky or damaged roof, which can seriously impact the resale value of a home, not to mention the health of homeowners. Here are a few of the things you can look for to determine if it’s time to call in the professionals.
A LEAKING ROOF
Even if your roof is leaking the smallest amount a roof can possibly leak, you shouldn’t try to put off repairs. Even a small leak in your roof can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can lead to health problems for you and your family. The same can happen if your roofing system is not draining properly. Not only will this lead to respiratory problems, but it can weaken the structure of your home. Mold and mildew can be damaging to your entire home, not just the roofing system. If you can access the attic of your home, take a look at the underside of your roof. If you notice any water stains on the underside of your roof, it indicates that you have a roof leak that allows water to run beneath your shingles.
DAMAGED/MISSING SHINGLES
Check for small piles of black or grey granules in your gutters and downspouts. This is a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. As a result of weather damage and low quality shingles, your roof can sustain additional damage. Low quality or worn shingles can crack, tear, and even break off completely. Your shingles may be made of wood, slate, fiberglass, cement, metal, or plastic. The most common shingles are asphalt shingles with a fiberglass base. It’s important to have a professional contractor install your shingles, as properly installed shingles can last up to fifty years.
CRACKED/LOOSE/WORN GASKETS
Any raised areas where your shingles meet or edge protrusions are more likely to fail compared to the entire roof system. Roof leaks can be caused by improperly applied or failed caulking or flashing. A roofing contractor will have the experience to help you identify these and other roofing problems.
SAGGING
A sagging roof can mean a number of things, and can be visibly noticeable from the interiors of your house. The original material can weaken over time due to water damage or deterioration. Your roofing materials can be faulty or installed incorrectly. In cases like this, it is best to consult a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible.
AGE OF THE ROOF
Knowing the age of your roof is extremely important when it comes to determining whether you should choose a roofing repair or complete roof replacement service. Most roofs are designed to last about 25 years. If your roof is approaching this milestone, or has already gone over it, you should keep an eye on your roof and begin partnering with a roofing contractor in order to have a plan in place when the time comes to replace your current roof.
It’s important to perform regular checks and maintenance on your roofing system. This can help extend the life of your roof, and can help you to identify any problems early on. While there are a number of ways that you can check your roof for damage and leaks, it is also a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof
THE TOP 3 BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT ROOFING SYSTEMS
Choosing an energy efficient roofing material can do a lot to reduce your energy costs for a home or office. If you’re thinking of building a new house, or you’re repairing or replacing your current roof, it could be the perfect time to consider going green. By installing the right roofing system on your home or commercial building, you can cut your energy consumption in several ways. And using less energy sure feels better on your wallet when it’s time to pay your utility bills.
So what exactly are energy efficient roofs?
One term that gets tossed around a lot is ‘Cool Roofs’. This is an umbrella term for various roofing systems which are designed to reflect sunlight and heat rather than absorbing them. About 15% of conventional roofing materials reflect heat and light, which means that the remaining 85% trap heat instead of diffusing it. Cool Roofs have the capacity to reflect more than 65% of heat and light, making them roughly 50% more energy efficient than conventional roofing materials.
So I know what a Cool Roof is; what about the benefits?
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Available Federal Tax Rebates
If you haven’t caught on yet, the government offers a ton of great federal tax rebates when you install energy efficient products in your home, including appliances, windows, and roofs. Energy efficient roofs, particularly those rated with an Energy Star seal, are eligible for tax credits. With the use of these great federal tax discounts, you can earn back as much as 10% of the cost of your roof installation. A consultation of with a roofing contractor can help you to understand the tax credits and benefits you can expect from various roofing materials.
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Cooler Temperatures In Your Home
Since energy efficient roofs are specifically designed to reflect heat and light from the sun, they have an overall lower temperature than conventional roofs. When your roof temperature is kept at a lower level, the structure beneath the roof will also remain cooler. And because you’re less likely to crank up the AC when your home is cooler, you can expect lower energy bills as well.
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Eco-Friendly
When your home is too hot, you’re going to crank up your AC to cool down. Air conditioning units release chlorofluorocarbon or CFC, which is damaging to the environment. The idea behind energy efficient roofs is that you’re home or office will be kept at a lower temperature, which means less use of AC units and fans, and less risk of damage to the environment. Not only are you going to lower your annual utility bills, you’ll do some good for the world around you as well.
What type of roofs are energy efficient?
There are a lot of variations of energy efficient roofing systems. You can choose to increase the energy efficient capabilities of your current roofing system with cool coating applications or the use of single-ply membranes. But other roofing systems, like green roofs, are specifically engineered from start to finish to be more energy efficient. Green roofs reduce heat transfer in summer, act as insulators in winter, and provide other benefits. If you want to learn more about the energy efficient roofing option that is right for your home and needs, the best thing to do is contact your trusted local roofing contractor.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST PROFESSIONAL ROOFER
The biggest challenge for homeowners looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right company to do that job. There are a number of things that can cause extensive roof damage, but the most common is storms. After incurring storm damage, it’s important to be able to quickly get your roof back to normal, which means you’re going to need a fast and experienced roofer. That doesn’t mean that you should choose the first roofing company you come across either. You’ll need to take the time to find a professional contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and qualified. Here are the 10 most important things that you should look for when deciding on the roofing contractor you want to repair your home.
Local Referrals
When you choose a contractor from your community, you’re less likely to run into scams and potential issues. A local contractor will be familiar with local rules and code regulations, and will have relationships with area crews and suppliers.
Manufacturer Designations
These are considered a badge of honor for contractors. All contractors must pass certain minimum requirements to become factory-certified, although some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others. For instance, GAF only allows 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite® Contractors. Master Elite® Contractors can only use this top designation in their location, which means that a Master Elite Contractor near you will meet the top qualifications.
Extensive Warranties
Not all contractors offer manufacturer warranties that cover the workmanship of the project. If a roof is repaired or installed incorrectly, additional damage may not show up for months or years, which the insurance won’t cover. If the contractor won’t fix the problem or has gone out of business, you’re left to pay a more reputable contractor to fix the problem. Many Master Elite® Contractors can provide a Golden Pledge Warranty, which is the longest workmanship warranties on the market.
Safety
You should always look for a contractor with the proper training and safety certifications. Safety should be the most important thing to your roofing contractor.
Proper Licensing & Insurance
Your contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors, and should be able to provide you with a copy of their insurance certification. If a roofing employee sustains an injury while working on your roof and your contractor does not have the proper insurance, you can easily be caught in litigation. Proper licensing and insurance is the first step that a professional contractor should take in order to ensure the safety of their employees and their clients. While most states require contractors to be licensed, that doesn’t always stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to catch your business. Always make sure that your roofing contractor can provide you with a copy of their license, which you can validate online.
Paying The Deductible
If the contractor claims that they can handle the repair without having you pay your insurance deductible, begin looking for another contractor. This is a form of insurance fraud, which can have negative consequences on the homeowner. This insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured (the homeowner), and a professional contractor will be able to reflect this in the quote without inflating your estimate.
Don’t Allow Yourself To Be Pressured
Don’t sign a contract before your insurance company has estimated the damage to your home. While a number of contractors claim they can work with whatever the insurance company settles upon, you need to ensure that it’s the right amount. Your contractor should also thoroughly inspect your home for any damages the insurance adjuster may have missed.
Know Your Material Options
Your contractor should give you a variety of shingle and other material options. The style and color of your shingles can affect the resale value of your home. While some materials add value, others may actually decrease the value of your home. If your insurance company is paying for your new roof, it could be the perfect time to upgrade the style, color, or material of your roof.
WHO KNEW THERE WERE SO MANY KINDS OF ROOFS?
If you’ve ever picked up a history book, you probably know that the style of roofs typically varies from area to area, and of course the most popular styles for each area are going to vary from decade to decade. At our Winnipeg roofing company we install a plethora of these roofing systems.
The designs, styles, and even the shapes of roofs vary, as they are created to best accommodate the structure that they cover. Regardless of the style of roof a building has, every roof has been designed to protect from the weather, house internal elements like piping, electrical wiring, ventilation, and insulation, and to have an overall compatible design with the rest of the structure. Here’s a quick look at some of the crazy types of roofs you may have seen.
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Gable Roof
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One of the more simplistic roof styles. The Gable Roof style looks like an inverted or upside down V. Gabled roofs are the kind that young children draw most often. These roofs have two sloping sides that come together at the ridge, which create end walls with triangular extension. Cape Cod style houses often have Gable roofs. The slant, or pitch, of the gables tends to vary, which most builders attempt to avoid.
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Gabled roofs take several forms, including the unique L shape. If the floor plan of a home calls for a T shape, the roof is called cross-gabled. If one of the sloping sides ends in a shorter wall than the other, it’s called a saltbox.
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Hip Roof
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This is one of the more common styles of residential roof. This one is more difficult when compared to flat or even gable roofs, as they have a more complex truss and rafter structure. A roof of this style has four sloping sides and absolutely no vertical roof lines/walls. These can be either square or rectangular. Hip roofs slope from all four sides. In this way, the roof ends up looking interesting, yet steers clear of complications like little valleys where leaves collect. Hip roofs are another type that can be combined with Gabled roofs or linked up to create an L shape.
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Gambrel Roof
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The best description of this is a barn roof. The Gambrel roofing style is indeed most common on barns, but can be and is used for residential construction. This roof type provides greater amounts of attic space; so much so that the extra space is often turned into bedrooms or additional living space. These are actually a type of Gabled roof, commonly associated with Dutch building traditions, as well as barns. In order to get that great space under the roof, each sloping roof section is broken into two parts-one close to the ridge, relatively flat, and one that drops steeply, closer to the eaves.
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Shed Roof
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If you add more pitch to your flat roof, you’ll end up with a Shed Roof. A shed roof slants in only one direction. These, too, fall within the realm of Gabled roofs, but you’re going to have to think of them as half-gables to see that. Since all of the rafters are just about identical, these are super easy to build.
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Curved Roof
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Curved roofs require a lot more time and skill to create today than they once did. With only primitive tools and natural materials for building, builders used to bend branches into curved shapes, which was easier than forcing them into straight lines. This could be why curved roofs, even today, have a thatched appearance. These roofs may not be seen as often as they once were, but they sure are cool.
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Octagon roofs aren’t terribly common, but they’re still out there! In fact, this is often a builder’s choice for a building that is round, or nearly round. The reason this is more popular than any other type of roof for buildings of this shape is due to simple math. Builders can divide 360 in half, then in half again, then in half a third time, ending up with 22 ½ degree angles, which is coincidentally how many that are needed to build an eight-sided roof.
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There are a lot of different types of roofs, and a lot of what you see just depends on where you are. Take the time to look up every once in awhile-not while you’re driving, preferably-and check out some of the cool roofing options that are predominant in your area. Sometimes it can say a lot about the ancestry of your region, when the area was most highly developed, or just show you some darn cool roofs.
DO YOU HAVE AN ICE DAM PROBLEM?
Do you have an ice dam problem in or around the Winnipeg and surrounding area home or business?
Roofco’s new steam service makes ice dam removal a safer and easier process.
If you do, and we see them all over town all winter long, there is now a better, safer, more practical way to deal with this age old problem. Roofco is the first Winnipeg roofing company to provide a low pressure, steam solution to your ice dam problem.
Here is how it works…
The steam is pushed out of a nozzle at 300° with a very low pressure. The hot steam then does all the work by cutting through the ice.
Roofco’s snow and ice dam removal experts use this special, low-pressure washer method because high-pressure washers typically run at too high a pressure to keep the integrity of your roof intact. If a steamer is used at a higher pressure, it can remove the paint off your metal roof, damage your asphalt shingles, and splinter your wood shakes. But by using this special, low-pressure washer, the Roofco snow and ice dam removal experts are able to safely remove the ice dams with no damage to your roof.
Obviously, there are a number of benefits to this type of ice dam removal, including…
- It is much, much better for your roof. By using steam to remove your ice dams, the chances of damage to your roof from the traditional pounding and chiseling away of ice are greatly reduced.
- Using steam is a much more quiet option for snow dam removal. Seriously. Whether it’s people or pets in your home, workers in your business, or your neighbors…it’s a much more peaceful experience to have your ice dams steamed away.
- The Roofco Steamer in Action…
- Have we mentioned the safety factor? Safety is the #1 priority at Roofco for all parties involved…residents, occupants, customers, and our staff. We follow a very strict safety program in order to protect everybody and all the assets and by using the steam to remove ice dams, it becomes a much safer process for everyone.
- Steaming is also great for eliminating damage to other parts of your property, like windows, decks…anyplace that large pieces of ice typically will fall. By using the steam method of ice dam removal we are able to control and limit the chunks of ice that fall to the ground much more easily than with the traditional method.
- Your gutters are saved! The steaming method greatly reduces the impact on your gutters, which means your gutters will last longer and work better. Plus, there is a special nozzle that can steam ice out of your downspouts, so your gutter system gets back to working like it should.