Keeping Gutters and Drains Clean in Fall
Within the past couple of weeks, we have discussed in-depth about the importance of checking your commercial roof, performing occasional maintenance and making critical repairs before cool weather sets in. Today, we are going to concentrate on just how damaging debris may be. All of those gorgeous fall leaves may wreak havoc on a commercial roof.
Debris Buildup and Unexpected Consequences
All it’ll take is a bit of moisture and those autumn leaves to biodegrade into a heavy, soggy mess which blocks scuppers, clogs drains, and invites mildew, fungi, and mold. If not immediately removed, debris and leaves may cause backed-up water that will increase the live load on your roof deck. Standing water, a mere 1” deep, adds 5 lbs. per sq. ft. of live load on a roof assembly. Over a period of time, standing water may leach the pliable properties out of single-ply membranes, and reduce flexibility and the roof’s life.
In the wintertime, ponding becomes crucial as pooling water expands and freezes, and forces its way into small cracks or underneath flashings. Extra ice weight may cause structural damage and costly repairs, or perhaps even roof collapse.
Preventative Maintenance Decreases Risk
Maintenance teams ought to be trained to search for leaves and additional debris around scuppers and drains. In autumn, constant checks and immediate removal of debris are needed to prevent blockage and buildup. Standing water areas could be a sign of blocked drains. Partially-blocked drains permit water flow, albeit slowly; therefore, even if you do not see standing water it does not mean you do not have a drainage issue. Staining of the surface of the roof might be a sign of prior ponding, which also is a red flag. Not every issue caused by leaves and additional debris is apparent to the naked eye; therefore, it is important to have a professional roofer take a look.
Gutters and drains ought to be cleared now — before cold temperatures turn soggy leaf debris to frozen blockages.
Expert Inspection
Besides disposing of debris and leaves, a professional roofer will water-test both external and internal drains and inspect downspouts and gutters. While he is at it – he will check the minor things which may escape the notice of a maintenance team, like assessing strainers to make sure that they’re in place and the bolts that holds them are secure. It’ll take a skilled eye to recognize problems early with flashings, sealants, penetrations, seams, and mortar. Downspouts and gutters ought to be checked for loose connections, sagging, and missing or broken fasteners.
Regular inspections and preventative maintenance plans are the key to lengthy roof life.
At Roofco, our customers receive the most for their roof dollars. For the peace of mind which comes with knowing your commercial company’s roof is in the best possible condition going into wintertime – give our team a call right away to hear more about our preventative maintenance plan.
For more information on keeping gutters and drains clean contact the experienced roofer of Roofco today!
How to Choose the Perfect Shingles for Your Roof
Choosing the best shingles for your roof may be a daunting activity. There are a multitude of options that are involved, which include shingle style, composition, as well as colors, and not to mention, price. All those factors have to be weighed into making a decision on shingles, and even at that point, there are variables that are within variables.
Figure out the cost
With a tape measure, you can measure the roof’s approximate square footage. Roof shingles are sold by the square, and every square is going to cover 100 sq. ft. Measure the width and length of your roof area in order to figure out the square footage. Multiply these results together. For instance, a 10’ x 18’ roof will equate to 180 sq. ft. of roofing area. Add in 10% that covers waste for an overall amount of 198 sq. ft. You’ll have to have 2 squares for that particular project. Knowing that will permit you to calculate the price for any kind of shingle you want.
Decide on your warranty or how long they’ll last
Generally, the pricier the shingle, the longer it’ll last. However, it’ll vary with architectural shingles. Your price is going to be more for the designer shingles, yet they might not last as long. Warranties are just as good as the provider they were manufactured by. Stick to a well-known shingle maker rather than a fly-by-night startup business which might guarantee you the sun and the moon yet not be around for a long enough period to honor it.
Select the kind you want
Asphalt shingles are the industry standard and are priced accordingly. Asphalt shingles have the longest available warranties and always are an excellent option for effectiveness and durability.
Laminate shingles provide the durability of asphalt ones with architectural style. Laminate shingles may be designed to appear like other roof shingles yet without the hassles and high maintenance. Laminates are available in shake patterns, resembling wood cedar shakes; “S” patterns that are a decorative kind of shingle which are available in shapes other than rectangular, such as rounded corners or triangles alongside the edges; as well as slate patterns with veins and lines embossed in the roof shingle to make them appear like stone slate. You’ll pay an extra charge for those types.
Additional types of shingles are designed of wood, clay, and additional materials. All these kinds are designed to dress up your house at the price of durability. If price isn’t any concern and maintenance isn’t an issue, these types of shingle may suit your needs.
Select the color you want
Shingles are available in various colors which will match the decor of any house. Whites, blues, greens, reds and customized colors are available. The darker the roof color, the more warmth is going to be retained on your roof. Lighter color roofs make for a colder attic; therefore, if you possess usable attic space, a lighter shade might be your best bet.
For more information on how to choose the perfect shingles for your roof contact the reliable roofing company of Roofco today!
How Attic Insulation Can Help You Keep Your House Cool
Winnipeg summer seasons can get hot! If you already have lived here for quite some time, you know that. If you have just moved here, you will soon figure out what we are talking about!
However, we have a few tips on how to keep your home cool in our hot, long summers:
Control attic space
It’s actually a year-round tip; however, it is especially vital in the summertime. You have to get control of the temperature in your attic! Why is it important? If you really think about it, as the attic is too warm, everything in the attic is warm. Your ductwork and air conditioner inside the attic are getting destroyed each summer with the high temperatures and lack of airflow inside the attic. Therefore, the most important thing to do includes protecting the space inside the attic that is exposed to the sunshine the most, ideally that has a radiant barrier.
Your residence’s sun exposure is mainly vertical; therefore, we always say to begin from the top down. As you address the space in the attic using a radiant barrier, copper or foil to reflect the heat, or you’ll add in lots of airflow to gain some great air exchange up there and keep the high temp down, you’ll control the majority of your property’s sun exposure from the top down.
Insulate
As you gain control of the temperature in your attic, insulation will keep rooms at a steady temperature. It’ll keep the colder air down where you want it within the summertime and keep heat from getting out in the wintertime. It is vital that you make certain that the levels of insulation are suitable throughout the home. However, if you control your attic space well, you may not require as much insulation.
Do not forget about the walls. It is vital that the walls are also correctly insulated. Sometimes older homes do not have any wall insulation!
However, keep in mind: It’s possible to have 3’ of insulation in the attic to keep your home cool; however, that’ll do nothing for the systems which are inside your attic! The insulation isn’t protecting the ductwork and equipment in the attic.
Weatherize
After you gain control of your temperature in your attic and properly insulate, then it is time to go around the doors and windows and care for all cracks or spaces in which you can see sun shining in. That is approximately the last ten percent of keeping your home cool.
Therefore, get control of the attic space! It’ll cool your home down in the summertime and keep it hotter in the wintertime. Address levels of insulation in your attic and your walls, and weatherize by gaining control of all of the windows, doors, the attic hatch, and all spaces in which air may escape.
As always, we are glad to come over and take a look at the attic and check how it’s possible to be comfier and save cash on your utility bills!
For more information on how attic insulation can help you keep your house cool contact the Winnipeg roofers of Roofco today!
Commercial Roof Maintenance – When Is Time to Call A Pro
The roof of your building protects your company from harsh weather conditions, so it is vital to know your options as it’ll come to keeping it in good working order. Learn about the differences between roof restoration, roof replacement, and roof maintenance in this article. Also, we’ll discuss how to determine the proper option.
Roof Maintenance
Roof maintenance refers to consistently scheduled roof repair and roof inspections in Winnipeg. The main advantage of maintenance is repairing minor issues before these lead to extensive damage. As you follow our maintenance plan, your commercial roofing will maximize its life. You will avoid an expensive premature replacement. It’s the perfect option if your roof still is in good shape.
Roof Repairs
Roof repairs suit problems which require instant attention, like flashing, missing tears in the membrane of the roof, and leaks. It is vital to work with a certified pro like Roofco during roof repairs. Oftentimes, poor-quality repairs make existing issues worse, which may trigger premature roof replacement. Call Roofco as soon as you can when the roof suffers substantial damage.
Roof Restoration
It’s a viable solution to a complete roof tear-off and roof replacement. However, not all roofs are viable for restoration. You will need a professional in restoration and repair in Winnipeg, such as Roofco. We will perform a full inspection to figure out the state of your deck, insulation, and additional factors. The primary reason to get restoration is savings, like energy rebates, insurance savings, and tax credits. In addition, you’ll save time since roof restoration is faster than roof replacement.
Roof Replacement
A complete replacement is your best long-term solution for a building. Oftentimes, new roofs last for as many as two decades and manufacturers provide warranties that cover that period. Get a replacement if the roof system suffers extensive damage, or if it’s at reaching the end of its lifespan.
When Is it Time to Call A Pro?
Roofco is your one-stop-shop for all commercial roofing problems. Our company knows how to maintain and repair pretty much any type of commercial roofing. Furthermore, we easily can figure out the best choice for your needs. We’re a fully insured, licensed, and certified business and we have more than 10 years of expertise in the industry. Call us at (204) 487-7663 to hear more on commercial roof repair, maintenance, restoration, and replacement. We also provide a free estimate.
Roofco is a top commercial roofing contractor in Winnipeg. We have been offering comprehensive, quality commercial roof solutions for over 10 years, and we have an extensive string of satisfied clientele to our credit.
As a professional commercial roofing company, we have the ability to provide premium warranties that additional roofers cannot always offer. Our crew has a good amount of experience in all kinds of roofing repairs and installations, so we’re an easy solution if you want outstanding services at affordable rates.
For more information on commercial roof maintenance contact the qualified roofing repair contractors of Roofco today!
Best Time to Reroof A House
Here is a question one of our customers asked us: My 25-year old asphalt roof shingles are getting close to the completion of their life. My roof does not display any signs of leaks or additional obvious issues; therefore, I am not certain whether to get it re-shingled. What will a roofer search for while making the decision on whether it is time for new roof shingles? If it is time to replace the shingles, will it make sense to pay the additional money for lifetime roof shingles?
Here is the answer we provided:
Besides leaks, there will include some indications that shingles must be replaced. Shingles that are blown off are not always a sign of impending failure, yet if they are blowing off under harsh weather conditions, it often is an indication of brittleness and aging. We additionally check the granule coating of the shingle, which not just provides the shingles their color yet protects against ultraviolet damage. A little granule loss is normal for shingles that are aging, yet excess granule loss will leave bald patches, causing the roof shingles to rapidly dry out and split. Also, you want to be on the lookout for lifting and curling, both signs that your roof shingles are drying out.
Reroof vs. full replacement
If the shingles on your roof are shot, there are two options: a reroof (new roof shingles are installed over older roof shingles) or complete replacement (strip down a roof to its sheathing and putting new roofing in). Reroofing is acceptable so long as there’s just one shingle layer and none of them are curling or lifting. If there are more than two layers, or if the existing layer is lifting, curling, or otherwise unsound, a reroof is necessary.
We’ve discovered that a reroof decreases the lifespan of new shingles by 20 to 40 percent. This significant reduction in lifespan is a consequence of the initial roof shingles, and not being as great a substrate as its sheathing underneath. As compared with underlayment over wood sheathing, older roof shingles are an uneven surface. That means the new roof shingles do not sit as flat, which makes them more vulnerable to movement and blowing off. Over a period of time, the subtle bends that are created in the newer shingles will be the first spaces to develop cracks. In addition, fastening through the older roof shingles decreases the nail’s pullout resistance. As manufacturers do not come out and state that reroofs do not last as long, they’ll make the point in a roundabout way because their warranties only apply to full replacements and new installations, and not reroofs.
Labor will probably be the same irrespective of the roof shingle grade, so I’d invest in the highest shingle grade you can afford. The price difference is probably minimal, and the increase in thickness and weight of roof shingles will make them more high-wind-resistant.
For more information on the best time to reroof a house contact the roofing repair company of Roofco today!
We Do Commercial Roofing
When you have put your tears, sweat, and blood into nurturing your company, the last thing you want is a damaged roof. Roofco keeps your professional needs and budget in mind while we actively work to offer you the best solutions possible.
Catering to You
As you work with commercial clients, we’ll adopt two times the responsibility. Not only will we assume the responsibility of delivering on all your desires, we must also consider your customers. Repairs and re-roofing are all going to be done with as little interruption as possible. If you opt to stay open during your project’s completion, we will work double duty to keep everything professional and pleasant.
Investment Into your Future
Budget. It is one term which peaks the majority of business’ lists of concerns. Roofco promises to offer all our commercial customers sound solutions that satisfy their needs while also respecting their pocketbooks. Lasting warranties and competitive rates are supported by refreshing roof options which eventually will pay for themselves. Decreased utilities and an increase in employee comfort will equal positive gains down the line.
Roofing: It’s Big for Business
While the majority of businesses are worried about design and aesthetics, it’s the bones of your commercial structure which actually keeps things running. A secure, solid roof protects your investment from the weather elements and will create the ideal environment for your visitors, customers, tenants, or employees.
Our customers know that the doors cannot remain open for a building without the correct covering. Make your comfort and safety a priority and call us for a complimentary onsite estimate and visit to figure out more about your options.
Typical Commercial Concerns
- Built-up Roofing
- Tilt-up Roofing
- Tar and Gravel Roofing
- Mineral Surface Roofing
- Roof Inspections
- Re-Roofing
- New Roofs
If you are aware of the kind of work your commercial building needs, call us to check how we can be of assistance. If you are not sure of the details yet sense you might require professional help, call us to arrange an appointment so one of our staff members can come check your situation. Irrespective of our findings, it’s possible to find confidence in the awesome reputation we carry, courtesy of a number of commercial clients past and present. Roofing concerns may be alarming; however, they never should be ignored. Rest assured, Roofco is here with your best interest at heart.
We are Committed
Regardless of your needs for roofing, our crew will bring a host of expertise to the table. From beginning to end, our discussions always will be held utilizing the most up-to-date details available. We begin by laying a foundation that is built by trust and truth and continuously build our relationship with wisdom and actions.
With Roofco, you will not be working with amateurs. Our crew is comprised of insured, licensed, and certified GAF Master Roofers. Our customers rest assured with the knowledge that our crew already is covered by a blanket of property and liability coverage, which means you never will need to be concerned with the unexpected.
For more information on our experienced roofer services contact Roofco today!
Which Material Should I Choose for My New Roof?
There are various things you should give consideration to as you select a new roof system. Durability and price are at the top of the list; however, architectural style and looks are also important. The proper roof system for your building or home is one which balances the following considerations. The below roofing products are commonly utilized for structures with steep slopes.
Asphalt shingles hold a huge share of the United States steep slope roof marketplace and may be reinforced with fiberglass or organic products. Though asphalt shingles that are reinforced with organic felts have been in existence a lot longer, currently fiberglass-reinforced materials dominate the marketplace.
Organic shingles
These comprise of a cellulose-fiber base that’s saturated with asphalt then coated with mineral, colored granules.
Fiberglass
These comprise of bottom-and-top asphalt layers, fiberglass mat, as well as mineral granules. The fire resistance of asphalt roof shingles, as with the majority of additional roofing materials, are classified by Class C, Class B, or Class A. Class A will signify the most fire-resistant; Class B and Class C signify less fire resistance. In general, the majority of fiberglass shingles possess Class A fire ratings, and the majority of organic shingles possess Class C-ratings.
The reinforcement of the shingle has little effect upon its appearance. Fiberglass, as well as organic materials come in laminated grades offering a textured look. Copper or zinc-coated or ceramic granules additionally may be applied to fiberglass or organic products to protect against algae attacks, a typical issue in humid areas of the U.S.
Wood shakes and shingles are made from redwood, cedar, pine and additional woods; their natural appearance is popular in areas like California, parts of the Midwest and Northwest. Wood shingles are machine sewn and shakes are handmade; their surfaces are rough. Some building codes in the area restrict using wood shakes and shingles because of fire resistance concerns. Most wood shakes and shingles just have Class C fire ratings or perhaps no ratings, whatsoever. But, Class A fire ratings are obtainable for specific wood shingle materials which incorporate a fire-resistant, factory-applied treatment.
Tile—concrete or clay—is a durable roofing product. Round-topped, Spanish and Mission-style tiles are widely used in Florida and Southwest, and flat styles additionally are available to develop English and French looks. Tile comes in various finishes and colors. Tile is very heavy. If you’re replacing an additional kind of roofing system with tile, you’ll have to check that the structure is able to support the load.
In Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and the United States, slate is quarried. Depending on its origin, it comes in different grades and colors. Considered pretty much indestructible, it is more expensive than additional roofing products.
Metal, mainly considered a low-slope roofing product, has been discovered to be a roofing alternative for building and home owners who have steep slope roofs.
For more information on which material to choose for your new roof contact the qualified roofing contractors of Roofco today!
The Importance of Cleaning Out Your Gutters to Protect Your Roof
The falling leaves pile up and the weather changes. They stay inside the gutters as winter sets in and the days turn colder. Your gutters freeze over then, with the thaw of spring, melt. If you have ignored the gutters in the past, they will eventually pull away from your home. And that is when the damage is going to be discovered. The foundation, siding, and perhaps the landscaping may be ruined if you do not take proper care of the gutters.
Too many folks do not take care of their gutters, thinking it to be an uninteresting and unimportant chore. But, cleaning the gutters to protect your roof ought to be penciled in on your upkeep/maintenance calendar at least one time per month.
Protect your house and its value
Gutters permit rainwater from collecting on your roof, along the side of your property and at the foundation of your home. They are made to direct the water away, yet when they are clogged by leaves and additional debris, the water cannot run through them. It’ll lead to three issues that are expensive and may be dangerous for the occupants of the home.
Rot
As the water does not have the ability to run cleanly through the gutters, it’ll drip down the side. Whether it is because your gutters have pulled away from your home or because they are too full of debris to hold more fluid, the water still must go some place. Therefore, it’ll drip down the side of your home. It’ll cause the siding to become stained, to rot, and develop ice dams in the wintertime. In addition, the roof will rot. It may lead to needing costly repairs and new roof tiles.
Foundation problems
As your gutters direct water away from the foundation of your home, they’ll send it to an area of the yard or space around your home which may absorb it. But, as the gutters are overflowing or broken, the water will drip down, ultimately causing cracks and making its way inside your basement. It may lead to indoor rot and mold, and it may chip away at your foundation. It may make your entire house unstable and is extremely costly to fix.
Pests
Mosquitoes, and additional pests, like nothing more than standing water. Gutters filled with debris still can hold enough water to attract mosquitos and flies. At worst it can wind up exposing your loved ones to illnesses such as West Nile, and at best it’ll make time spent outdoors unpleasant because of bug bite risks.
To avoid foundation, rot, and pest problems caused by unkept gutters, clean them out at least one time per month. Do not just ensure that the debris is out yet, check for mold and be certain that they run clean. If it is challenging, hire an expert. A tiny investment may save you a ton of money in repairs.
For more information on the importance of cleaning out your gutters to protect your roof contact the commercial roofing contractors of Roofco today!
6 Common Causes of Roof Damage
As it’ll come to sustaining a healthy building infrastructure, it’s safe to bet that the roof is one of the most critical components. Defective roofs may generate substantial and often unexpected costs to building owners, in conjunction with a good amount of other issues if gone unchecked.
There are numerous elements which may weaken a roof. It’s a great idea to inspect the roof on a routine basis and take care of small problems before they become massive repairs. Here, we list six common causes of roof damage which all building owners ought to take note of.
Poor maintenance
Regularly inspecting the roof is extremely important. As a matter of fact, for the majority of building owners, it may be lifesaving, as a routine roof inspection for minor leaks and minor damages has been well-known to prevent massive repairs in the long-term. If the roof has no or little slope, routine inspection assists in preventing major leaks from happening.
Ice damage
Did you have any idea that ice and snow may spawn lots of trouble for the lifespan of a roof? As snow and ice thaw on the surface of a rooftop, tiny water particles may settle underneath the shingles. As water refreezes, it may lift the shingles and flashing, which makes way for even more water damage to happen. This process is notorious for creating roof deterioration and corrosion. If you reside in a space that experiences freezing within the winter season, it’s a good idea to check the roof each spring.
Wind damage
Notorious for weakening the nails, shingles, and additional roofing materials presently holding the roof together, moderate gusts of day-to-day wind oftentimes have the power to threaten the stability of a roof. Ninety percent of hail and high wind damage claims result in some type of cost for building owners. Routine inspections on this kind of roof damage are critical to prevent more damage from happening.
Additional weather conditions
Notorious for being both destructive and nurturing, Mother Nature may cause a host of problems as it’ll come to roofing. Ultra-violet radiation from sunlight gradually can contribute to the deterioration of a roof, particularly as it’ll come to asphalt shingles. As this happens little may be done to protect the inside sheathing and therefore, the roof is exposed further to the elements.
Incorrect installation
Roof installations, repairs, and replacements should be done by a skilled roofing contractor. Not only may correct installation bring security and leverage, it also can help with property value.
Birds and outdoor wildlife
You might not think of it, yet birds and additional wildlife may cause damage to the roof. When this wildlife makes its way onto the roof, they may tear away vent covers and shingles, and make their way inside your house. To keep animals out and your roof protected, frequently inspect the roof.
To make sure the roof has the upmost vitality all year ‘round, call an expert roofing contractor as soon as you can.
For other causes of roof damage contact the Winnipeg roofers of Roofco today!
How to Get Ready for Your Roof Replacement
Getting a new roof may be a thrilling experience. Pets and kids can watch in awe as they view roofers tearing, ripping, nailing, and hauling – they might even wish to sneak as close as they can to the action. Of course, that’s very dangerous. As the roofing company gets there, your home is a work zone. As you may imagine, work zones pose unsuspecting hazards.
Here are 5 tips to assist in making the roof replacement run as smoothly as it can. At the end of the day, all of us want you and your loved ones to remain safe as the shingles start flying.
Consider the pets and kids
Loud sounds coming from the house might disturb sleep habits and increase anxiety. While it might be thrilling to watch from a far away, work zones are very unsafe for pets and children.
Speak to your children to explain that specific areas of the yard or home are going to be off-limits until the job is done. Since pets and young kids might not understand such dangers, you might be more at ease visiting friends or family while the roof is replaced.
Relocate vehicles
Sorry, daddy – giving the roofing contractor your main parking space is a must.
Contractors require fast accessibility to their trucks and tools throughout the day. They have to have some place to load debris and shingles. You will want to keep your cars a safe distance from this space until the project is done.
You also should keep the doors to your garage shut while construction is going on to keep out debris and dust.
Remove all wall decor
Vibrations from machinery and hammers on the roof might travel through some walls of the house, particularly if repairs to the current deck are necessary.
- Stroll through the rooms on the level under the roof.
- Consider all pictures, knick-knacks, or other objects hanging from the walls or ceiling.
- As a precaution, take off any decorations which are not permanently secured with screws.
Cover possessions in your attic
During the roof replacement, a number of installers are going to be walking on the roof, pounding it with hammers. Small debris or dust will fall inside attic spaces while a new roof installation is being performed.
It’s possible to keep personal belongings cleaner by covering them with drop cloths or old sheets until the roofing business is done.
Move patio furniture and grills away from work zone
A garage or shed is the best space to store outside objects such as patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and lawn ornaments while the roof is installed.
If you do not have an on-site storage space, you might want to place these objects together in a space of the yard that’s a safe distance from the worker’s zone.
Remember that the majority of contractors won’t help you move any belongings outside or inside the house.
For more information on getting ready for your roof replacement contact the reliable roofing company of Roofco today!