Top 3 Reasons You Should Have A Roof Inspection
Roofs are like tires. We just pay them any attention if a problem comes up, and we just replace them if we absolutely have to. However, as we do imagine tires and regularly maintain them, we may extend their usefulness. Likewise, we must make sure that the roof gets the correct upkeep to extend its life.
Extending the life of the roof begins with routine inspections. According to NRCA roofs should be inspected two times per year: one time after the coolest weather, one time after the warmest weather. (And it always is an excellent idea to evaluate your roof after a major event.) However, why should they be evaluated, and what should we hope to find in doing that?
Every roof must be inspected it is a steep roof or a low slope roof. A low slope roof is one that has slopes of under 3:12; whereby a roof that has a slope higher than 3:12 is thought to be a steep roof. Low slope roofs ought to have at least 2% slope, which is around 1⁄4” per foot.
Here, we list the three most common reasons to get a rood inspection at least two times a year.
Aging and Weathering
The benchmark lifespan for bituminous, multi-ply low slope roofs is 20 – 30 years; around 15 – 25 years for the majority of single-ply roofing. Every roof goes through regular aging and weathering, and the effects of these factors usually are visible. As a roof ages and weathers normally, openings might happen and lead to infiltration of water. Routine inspections will call immediate attention to weathered spaces and allow the homeowner to arrange upkeep on those deficiencies to prevent more destruction.
Regular Maintenance Destruction
If the roof you have isn’t properly protected, damage may happen from tradesmen performing upkeep on ACs and additional systems. Sometimes this happens because of contractors not closing mechanical accessibility panels on roofs or they can leave refrigerant containers. Additionally, maintenance trades oftentimes do not clean their debris. Things left on roofing may become flying items in strong winds. A routine inspection program integrates roof cleaning within the continuous maintenance pattern.
Storm Damage
Hail, high winds, and additional weather conditions may cause damage to roofing, which might trigger insurance claims or repairs. Roofs must immediately be inspected after weather conditions to prevent more damage caused by infiltration of water. Destruction from hail or winds may be small and require little more than slight maintenance, or the issues may be major and require a full roof replacement. Insurance adjusters stated that a substantial bit of storm damage actually is caused by components, material, or debris that is blown from roofs within high winds. Tree branches and limbs may fall on roofs and create substantial damage. Roofing blow-offs begin at the perimeter, and as roofs aren’t installed or designed properly to offer the right perimeter securement, serious damage may happen. The damage that is caused by storms might cost even more money and require emergency repairs.
For more reasons you should have a roof inspection contact the roofing repair company of Roofco today!
4 Reasons Why You Should Not Ignore A Shingle Roof Leak
What will happen when you see your shingle roof is leaking? You knew it was not going to last forever; therefore, you are not that surprised, yet you might not feel like repairing it immediately. Do you get the leak fixed or ignore it?
While it is tempting to ignore the leak and hope that it disappears on its own, the better recourse is to just get it repaired. One other error you might make is waiting to fix the leak until there’s a bigger issue. Bundling repairs seldom saves money as putting off repairs may make things worse, as well as more expensive.
The average price of roof repairs easily can reach $700 and up—an expensive repair which may be avoided with a little attentive upkeep. A roof leak may occur even to the most diligent homeowners; therefore, learn about a few of the causes to get them fixed as soon as you can.
Causes of Roof Leaks
Below are a few of the warning signs and causes of roof leaks you must be aware of:
Age of your roof’s initial construction. Roof materials aren’t infinite in their capability of warding off the elements. They’re subjected to regular wear and tear that eventually will cause a leak if routine upkeep isn’t done. Weather conditions and temperature fluctuations both especially affect wooden roof materials. Even if there are non-wooden shingles, the intense summertime heat may cause the tar to melt and threaten the roof’s structural integrity.
Shallow slope. Shallow slopes will lift underneath strong winds and cause water to get underneath. Make sure that the materials of your roof are installed correctly, specifically if you just bought a house.
Indications of Roof Leaks
Water spots. They are on the ceiling and are one of the telltale indications that water is accumulating inside that particular space. Typically, water spots are a symptom of a slow leak that may be hard to pinpoint. The reason it is a challenge to find the source is because water does not necessarily drip down: it may travel through panels on the roof or through holes inside the timber.
Buckling shingles. These may be caused by movement inside the roof’s deck.
Exterior wall is moldy. A wall with moss or mold growing on it may be caused by a problem with your downspouts or gutters. If one of those is leaking, you might notice signs of erosion and see moisture on the building exterior’s sides.
Leaks as temperatures fluctuate. Within the wintertime, the roof might be attempting to tell you that there’s an ice dam, which is caused by a pattern of thawing and freezing. The water may get underneath the shingles and leak into your house.
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This process of renovation may be expensive if the problem is left to compound.
For more information on shingle roof leaks feel free to contact an experienced roofer with Roofco today!
4 Things You Need to Know about Shingle Roofs
More houses are protected with shingles than any additional kind of roofing material. As a matter of fact, they top more than 80% of the houses. Though, even if you always have had a shingle roof on your house, you might not know much about this material and why it is so popular.
Roof Shingles: What are they?
Such shingles refer to the kind of roof covering, consisting of several individual overlapping pieces. The pieces may be of different materials yet usually are flat and rectangular – perfect for layering. Usually, they’re layered from the bottom up, and offset from the neighboring shingle and with each row covering all joints of the row underneath it. Below are facts about shingles you will find relevant as the time comes to replace an existing roof.
Shingle Roofs Are Long-Lasting and Durable
As shingles are installed skillfully, they are a durable material option which may protect your house for the next 20 years, or longer. Precisely how long the roof lasts depends upon the shingle’s grade and the quality of installation. Many roofing manufacturers provide 3 quality grades which all offer Class A fire protection. Higher-end, thicker shingles generally have better wind resistance ratings and last longer.
Shingles Are Cost-Effective Roof Options
Shingles are the most affordable roof material out there today, particularly compared with other choices such as wood shakes, slate, and metal. They are one of the easiest roofing materials to work with, as well; therefore, they cost less to install. Manufacturers will back up their shingles with warranties against any defects for spans of 15 – 30 years, and additionally provide you the choice of an extended lifetime or 50-year warranty on their high-grade products as they are put in by a factory-certified shingle contractor.
They’re Recyclable
If you are worried about sustainability, you probably are concerned with adding multiple tons of waste to the landfill in your area as you replace the roof. Selecting a shingle roof is an environmentally-friendly solution because many shingles are completely recyclable. It also is simple to locate a contractor who’s dedicated to recycling and sustainability by searching for certifications.
There Are Shingles that Match All Aesthetics
Shingles come in an amazing array of color blends and solid colors, from classic grays and black, to warm earth tones, as well as more contemporary greens, reds, and blues. Depending on the appearance you want to accomplish, it’s also possible to choose a distinctive shingle profile which beautifully duplicates the texture and appearance of wood shakes, tile, or slate.
Regardless of the roof covering you pick, if incorrectly installed, it’ll never do its job. Avoid weak and leaky roofing by contacting the professionals for installations and assessments. At Roofco, it’s possible to rest assured that you’re receiving the best coverage for your budget and your home.
For professional roof replacement or repair services, call us at Roofco, your trusted shingle roofing contractors within the Winnipeg area.
For more information about shingle roofs contact the qualified roofing contractors of Roofco today!
What’s the Risk of Hiring Unlicensed Roofers?
Sometimes homeowners say, “if a roofer performs high-quality work and was vetted by a family member/friend, who cares if he or she isn’t licensed? Plus, they are less expensive!”
However, do not allow the temptation of inexpensive labor to fool you, you will pay a lot more later on.
Here is why:
You’ll have restricted legal actions against unlicensed contractors
If you have a problem with your licensed contractor, simply contact their licensing agency, plus they may assist in mediating between you and the contractor. They also can assist in recovering any losses you have had.
However, if you experience a problem with an unlicensed contractor that cannot be resolved, you will need to file a lawsuit.
Good luck with that.
Costs for litigation are expensive, and you might never have the ability to collect funds because an unlicensed contractor oftentimes goes out of business.
As it’ll come right down to it, unlicensed contractors have less incentive to do good work because it is simpler for the contractor to get away with it. Plus, if you need to take legal course against them, your options are limited.
Did your unlicensed contractor not complete your roofing job and instead, ran off with your hard-earned money? Good luck locating her or him!
No license means no insurance
Because it isn’t cheap, an unlicensed contractor seldom has liability insurance or worker’s compensation insurance.
No worker’s comp means if the roofing contractor’s employee becomes hurts while working on the roof, you will be responsible for paying all their medical expenses.
No liability insurance will mean you will be responsible for paying all damages that are caused to your house by an uninsured roofer.
No license might mean they aren’t bonded
“Bonded contractors” are contractors that have bought a kind of insurance which offers you compensation if your contractor doesn’t finish a project as you have contracted or requested.
However, unlicensed contractors usually will not even provide an agreement, much less be bonded. Therefore, if the end result of the roof is not what you agreed on, that is tough luck!
Work might not meet building codes in your area
A licensed contractor is tested on his/her building code knowledge and is tested on that knowledge to receive licensure.
If the inspector sees that the roof is not up to code, you will be held responsible for all repairs that are needed to get your roof code compliant.
Disclosing to the inspector that unlicensed contractors worked on the roof may reduce the value of your home.
Might receive low-quality work
Licenses inform you that the roofer has met minimal work experience and industry training standards.
So, if the contractor isn’t licensed, you won’t know their competency level. All poor-quality roof work may backfire later on—and during the worst time! Imagine thinking the roofing was up to par then it gets destroyed in the middle of harsh weather conditions!
Do not settle for a mere handshake…
For more information on the risk of hiring unlicensed roofers contact the commercial roofing contractors of Roofco today!
Roof Maintenance Saves Money
It’s unfortunate that most times roofs on Winnipeg commercial buildings often are ignored until there’s a huge problem, like missing shingles, a leak, or water clinging to the commercial building’s ceiling. As an issue grows to be extremely large, many companies are unnerved to discover that it’ll cost a lot of money to have it fixed. Like most things, it’s always better to catch any issues while they’re still minor, which is the reason why preventative roof maintenance is always suggested.
A small up-front investment occasionally pays off. Although the story has shifted over time, New College replaced its 1371 dining hall’s huge oak roofing timbers by harvesting oaks that were planted centuries of years earlier for this type of renovation. According to Atlas Obscura, the small acorns were provided plenty of time — about 492 years — to reach the sizes necessary for the 1863 restoration. A tiny investment of money and time for roof maintenance may also pay off for facilities managers.
Time Investment
How long will roof maintenance take you and a commercial, professional roofer you engage? For you, it might literally be minutes. Call Roofco, your trustworthy, local commercial roofer and book an appointment for our highly trained roofers to come to your place of business for a service call.
The project takes a couple of hours, yet results in a carefully maintained, clean roof. If you choose to begin with a complete inspection, you might have to commit more of your time to work with the foreman to catalog and talk about possible problems. Still, as compared with the time necessary to execute and plan an emergency repair project, it’s very little time from your day.
Money Investment
Give consideration to the charges which will quickly mount for an emergency roof call:
- Materials
- Crew time
- Off-hours service charges
- Equipment
Add to this your own crew’s time attempting to handle the emergency until the specialists arrive. You’re spending a ton of money on an unplanned repair when you might’ve used a fraction of those funds on planned roofing maintenance.
Payoff
Investments of money and time you make on an ongoing basis might not seem as if they’re paying off. However, consider: each year it’s possible to put off tear-off or re-roofing, and replacement is money inside your pocketbook.
Conscientious maintenance of your roof provides you time to save for your new roof, prepare for the opportune season and year, and avoid additional costs for rushed work. Also, with routine maintenance, it’s possible to gain an accurate prediction for just when your old roof is going to require replacement.
Why Choose Roofco?
Roofco is a leader in roof preservation, roof maintenance, and commercial roof replacement. Call us today at (204) 487-7663 to learn more information on our roof maintenance plans which may save all facilities managers money and time, while lengthening the time the roof stays in service.
For more information on how roof maintenance saves you money contact the Winnipeg roofers of Roofco today!
How a New Roof Can Add Value to Your Home
A new roof gives you the chance to slash cooling expenses while improving resale value and curb appeal.
A new roof probably is not the first thing that’ll come to mind as you think about home improvements which boost home value. However, research performed by Remodeling Magazine uncovers that having a new roof installed may have a huge impact on the value of a home–especially on a home’s resale value.
A new roof scores high in the latest cost versus value survey
Each year, Remodeling Magazine performs an extensive survey comparing the return on investment for a broad array of home improvements. Garage additions, replacement windows, new decks, basement finishing, and bathroom remodels are among the multitude of remodeling projects that are included in the survey. New roofing boosts home resale value by a nationwide average of almost $12,000, according to a 2013 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report.
In addition, the survey uncovered that homeowners who get new roofing put in may expect to recover an average of 62.9 percent of the installation price through an increase in home value. This statistic places a new roof ahead of constructing a bathroom addition or putting in a backup power generator as far as of ROI is concerned.
Five Reasons to Install New Roofing
- Improves resale value. As aforementioned, new roofing increases a home’s value by nearly $12,000, according to the survey.
- Outstanding appearance upgrade. Architectural-grade asphalt shingles offer color and texture options which are really amazing. Who would’ve thought that it would be possible to duplicate the look of a rustic slate roof utilizing asphalt shingles? You can with the choice of high-grade asphalt shingles out there today.
- Longer warranties. A standard warranty for an asphalt shingle once was 15 to 20 years. Today, premium-quality asphalt shingles provide warranties as long as fifty years.
- Cool roofing technology. Some kinds of asphalt roof shingles have ENERGY STAR® ratings because they’re made to reflect solar heat, therefore decreasing cooling expenses.
- Avoiding building inspection problems. As a home goes on the market, its roof is one of the most visible features –and not only to potential home buyers yet also to inspectors and building appraisers. Roofing in bad shape may stop a house sale dead in its tracks. That is why it is wise to replace an older roof with a newer one.
New roofing is a huge investment and you ought to take some time to locate a trustworthy contractor to do the job. It is never advised to sacrifice quality for price. How much should one expect a new roof to cost? The investment will vary depending upon your location.
Costs on roofing estimates differ from one roof to another. The steepness and bundle count of the roof is the biggest factor. If the roof has several roofing layers of shingles the cost will rise.
For more information on how a new roof can add value to your home contact the reliable roofing company, Roofco today!
3 Roof Maintenance Myths
Whether you are a low-slope roofer or a building manager/owner, roofing system maintenance may be the key to the unlocking of substantial business value. Unfortunately, there are 3 myths which oftentimes prevent folks from seeing the value directly over their heads. Let us start by clearing up these myths.
Myth: Modern roofs don’t require maintenance
Fact: Wouldn’t that be nice? Recent materials and application technology advances certainly have made roofs more durable, efficient, and simpler to install. However, in spite of the efforts of innovative and knowledgeable roof technologists, no one has had the ability to create a maintenance-free, 20-year roof.
The truth is, over 80 percent of commercial roofing is replaced prematurely, partly due to not following a routine schedule of maintenance. Here’s the good news: proactively-maintained roofs have the possibility of outlasting their warranty. A roofing system that has proactive maintenance may have an average roof lifespan of 21 years as compared with thirteen years with a reactive maintenance plan, depending upon the building type and roofing system, according to Roofing Contractor Magazine. This may mean more value for building owners and opportunity for roof maintenance contractors.
Myth: Issues with your roof are covered by materials warranties
Fact: Material warranties will cover manufacturer material defects, representing less than one percent of roofing system failure. Severe weather, poor installation, and lack of maintenance include the top roof failure causes and aren’t covered underneath limited material warranties. In addition, enhanced or extended warranties don’t cover maintenance expenses and typically don’t cover issues which might arise from neglecting routine maintenance.
Semi-annual or annual inspections assist in locating deficiencies in order for them to be fixed before they become serious enough to permit moisture inside the building.
For contractors, those inspections may mean reliable business with the possibility of more profit margins from performing timely repairs and required reroofs. They also can contribute to a rise in customer referrals and satisfaction. Maintenance work may produce two times as much as competitively bidding upon new roofs, according to the NRCA.
For building owners, routine inspections may assist in identifying problems as they are less expensive to address, smaller, and in time to prevent further damage to the insulation, decking and all items that are stored in the building.
Myth: Maintenance is optional
Fact: It’s a big one. Why wouldn’t it be? Because after all, what budget-conscious manager has not at least thought about saving funds by skipping maintenance? You have to conduct consistent maintenance and inspections, as well as keep records of the work. This means treating maintenance as being “optional” might jeopardize the warranty and actually may shorten the life of the roofing system itself.
For building owners, maintenance isn’t optional. However, what about contractors? Considering the advantages of roof maintenance to owners and roofers, it seems very clear that providing a maintenance agreement ought to be a portion of all roofing estimates.
For more roof maintenance myths contact our residential and commercial roofing contractors at Roofco today!
6 Questions to Ask When Hiring A Roofing Contractor
If your roof’s shingles are vanishing as rapidly as the cake at a child’s birthday bash, it probably is time to replace the roof. Roofco has placed together the following list of 6 questions every homeowner ought to ask a prospective roofer before signing on the dotted line, in order for you to ensure the service you hire is reputable and able to get your roof done correctly the first time.
- Question to ask: Are you licensed?
The answer you should expect: In most states, yes
Why you should expect it: Most states will require that a roofer be licensed within the state; but, all states vary. That means one code might be needed in Boston whereas another might be needed in Nashville.
- Question to ask: Do you carry workman’s compensation insurance?
The answer you should expect: Yes
Why you should expect it: At one point, employers who had three or fewer workers did not need to provide workman’s comp insurance; now they will by law.
- Question to ask: Do you have general liability insurance?
The answer you should expect: Yes
Why you should expect it: Workman’s comp covers all employees on your property, and general liability insurance will cover the actual property.
- Question to ask: Will you remove the old roof?
The answer you should expect: Yes
Why you should expect it: Some roofing professionals claim to save money and time by inspecting the old roof then if everything looks alright, they’ll shingle over it. But, unless the older shingles are pulled up you’ll never know if there are any soft spots or rotten wood under the existing shingles. If weak spots stay behind, you’ll have costlier, larger issues in the future. Do not allow the roofer to install a new roof on your home until they’ve taken the old roof up.
- Question to ask: Will you put in drip edge or edge metal as you install my new roof?
The answer you should expect: Yes
Why you should expect it: Drip edge or edge metal comprises of a tiny piece of aluminum that is placed underneath the shingle where it’ll come off the roof. This metal piece extends way past the roof and permits runoff to flow into the gutters and protects the wood and fascia on the roof. If the drip edge or edge metal isn’t installed, you’ll incur issues related to water damage. But, unless you ask about drip edge before the project, some roofing professionals will skip over this portion of the process. For that reason, it’s critical that you ask about drip edge before hiring a roofer.
- Question to ask: Are you going to you use standoffs or ladder stabilizers to protect the gutters as you install the roof?
The answer you should expect: Yes
Why you should expect it: Standoffs and/or ladder stabilizers ought to be used in all roofing jobs.
For more information on what questions to ask when hiring a roofing contractor, contact our efficient roofing company, Roofco today!
Why You Should Avoid Doing Your Own Roofing Repair
If you are the handy type, do-it-yourself roof repair may seem like a great idea. Why not handle the work on your own and save some money?
Actually, we’re able to name a few great reasons roof repair is a duty better left to the professionals — a local, licensed roof contractor, to be specific.
Expert Roof Repair Is Fast
How long did the last do-it-yourself home repair job take?
If you are like the majority of homeowners, doing a roofing repair job might take several weeks. During this time, your house is going to be left vulnerable. If your roof deck is exposed as poor weather hits, you might wind up with more damage to the roof structure and water damage in your house.
Expert roofers have the tools, knowledge, and experience to get the task done efficiently and quickly — unimpeded by the family obligations and work that distracts you. With expert repair, it’s possible to expect a quick turnaround on your job. Plus, you’re able to trust that your house is going to be protected from the weather, even during repair work.
Expert Roof Repair Materials Are High-Quality
Not all roof materials are created equal.
You might have the ability to find tiles, shingles, flashing and additional roofing products at the local home repair or hardware store. However, those materials aren’t the same as the ones used by expert roofers.
Roofing contractors utilize premium, high-performance products made to provide long-lasting, superior protection. The roof materials you may buy in your area do not possess the same quality.
And, selecting the proper products that meet your unique needs may be challenging, as roof materials have various benefits and features. Go for expert roof repair, and you will have a professional making those important decisions.
Do-it-Yourself Roof Repair Is not a Safe Job
Walking on your roof might seem simple, and you might be comfortable on ladders. However, if you don’t have any experience working on damaged roofs, or if you have any health issues, do-it-yourself repair just is not safe.
Loose shingles may pose a threat to one’s safety. If you step on a loose shingle, you easily could slide off of the roof. Additionally, if the roof deck is damaged or rotted, one wrong step might cause a collapse and have you stumbling to the floor.
If the roof is old or has a steep angle, performing DIY roof repair is riskier.
Expert roofers have knowledge how to find weak areas, and they know how to negotiate their measures to ensure safety. In addition, roof contractors have specialized equipment and training for working on steep buildings.
Save your handyman talent for less risky home improvement tasks. Keep your feet firmly on the ground and allow Roofco to offer you quick service, high-quality roof materials, and professional workmanship — all at a reasonable cost. Call our office today for a free roof repair estimate.
For more information on why you should avoid doing your own roofing repair contact the roofing repair company of Roofco today!
5 Common Spring Roofing Problems
Spring is still with us. The rain still pours and that could spell trouble for your roof. Below are 5 roofing problems you might experience.
Broken or loose eaves trough
Cause: Fall leaves which were left unnoticed might pile up inside the eaves, and slow deterioration might lead to overflow and clogging.
Solution: Clear eaves trough of debris. Look at the brackets and screws to make sure that they’re properly fastened.
Animal Lodging
Cause: Corroded facia boards, loose siding or flashings, and dormant chimneys all are enticing places in which birds, chipmunks, and squirrels like to nest.
Solution: Can you hear unusual noise in the ceiling? Can you see an abnormal quantity of wildlife congregating? If you can hear recurrent noises on the roof, odds are high that there are unwanted pests living in the roof. If you’re sure there’s an animal nesting inside your roof, there are some available humane wildlife control and removal services.
Chimney Deterioration
Cause: Older houses have to have the chimney inspected. One common wintertime issue is that snow and ice rests on the top of the chimney. If your chimney is old, it’s likely to have a few cracks in its crown. As the snow melts within the daytime, the water will run into these cracks. Temperature dips in the evening may cause expansion and will push the bricks and mortar apart. If it keeps on happening, it may cause the roof to leak and/or cause the chimney to fall off your property.
Solution: Regularly have the chimney inspected. If signs of deterioration exist, it is strongly recommended to hire a chimney or roofing specialist who’s qualified in this process.
Active Leaks
Cause: Something that you are going to want to be on the lookout for is if there is water damage or leaks inside your building. Within the wintertime, snow and ice often stay put and might not melt or be an issue. As spring arrives, all the ice and snow start melting, and it may cause a leak in the roof system of your building.
Solution: If you see that the walls or ceiling have stains, it’s an indication that the roof system potentially has to be fixed as soon as it can be.
Membrane Separation
Cause: One sign to be on the lookout for as it’ll come to flat rubber roof systems on commercial structures is if you see that the roof membrane is gradually peeling away or tearing. It may cause severe problems underneath because there now isn’t anything protecting the below building.
Solution: It’s why a professional roof inspection is your best bet to check if there’s any damage done to your roof which might warrant instant repairs, or additional non-critical problems with the membrane of your roof.
Get in touch with Roofco for a roofing professional as they’re qualified, trained, and have the ability to work with elevated conditions. For more information on common spring roofing problems, contact our experienced roofer services at Roofco today!