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Roofing Repair – What You Should Know

There are many homeowners that are reluctant to do this home maintenance task on their own. When doing roofing repair yourself it can be straightforward and economical. The first thing that you need to do to find out if you can do this repair yourself is to find the problem you need to repair. Often the cause is improper design or wind damage if your roof is new. To damage your roof winds do not have to reach hurricane strength. When having a storm it is possible to have strong winds or wind gusts that reach over fifty miles per hour, which is strong enough to lift part of your shingles. This wind gust could also pull the adhesive loose from the home or loosen fasteners.

If the roofing repair job is due to improper design it is often not a good idea to do the repair yourself. If you leave the design problem and just fix the roof then the problem will continue to reoccur. Some of the common problems that can happen with improper design include:

• Roof does not have adequate slope

• The support structures are too wide to support the weight of the roof

• Not enough consideration was taken for contraction and expansion in the decking structure

• Not having enough drains, which could allow water to pool on the roof

Any of these design problems will eventually lead to separation of the roofing materials and can cause even bigger problems. This roofing repair job is best left to professional who specialize in roof repair.

Roofing repair can be due to normal weathering in an older roof. To keep your roof in good condition there is a certain amount of maintenance that is necessary. If you do not do this maintenance, the roofing materials will begin to deteriorate. This can allow dirt and moisture into your home. If you live in an area that has a high level of air pollution from industrial factories or has frequent hailstorms the roofing material will deteriorate quicker. If you live near the ocean, exposure to the salt can also deteriorate the roofing materials.

The process of roofing repair is the same no matter what caused the problems. The steps to repair your roof include:

• Remove the damaged area of shingles to see how extensive the damage is under the shingles

• If only the shingles are damaged, you can just replace the shingles over the roofing felt, which is what covers the support or roof deck.

• You may need to remove the felt and repair the decking structure if the damage is so severe that you have moisture in your home

If you do not feel comfortable climbing on your roof to do roofing repair, call a professional roofing company.

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Commercial Roofing Basics

The main difference between normal residential roofing and Commercial Roofing is that the latter uses a flatter slope while the former uses a much steeper slope for the roof. People who need Roofing, usually approach companies which are specialised in dealing specifically with commercialised aspects of the same, called Commercial Roofing Companies. They professionally analyse the requirements of the customer and then accordingly take the best course of action.

The decision which makes all the difference to how effective the Roofing shall be is the building material chosen. If a material has high thermal absorption, then it does not allow the building to heat up thus mitigating the need for cooling. If not completely negating the need, it does save on cooling costs. Cost however, is just one criterion and cannot be used to judge the efficiency of the material. Important factors that determine the kind of roofing material chosen are dependent on the requirements of the space within the building. Ease of maintenance and durability rank very highly in the list of qualities desired in a Commercial Roofing material.

Commercial Roofing Companies usually start by using small tiles known as shingles as the basic building block for the entire roof. These tiles are placed in interlocked position on the roof to form a shield which then protects the building. The tiles are usually made of wood, clay, slate or asphalt. Asphalt which is covered with a layer of bitumen costs less but loses out in terms of longevity and maintenance issues. Wood is used very rarely for Roofing but looks quite attractive, while clay and slate are often popular choices considering their heat absorption properties. However, using clay and slate tiles works out very expensive as far as Roofing goes. They are also brittle and chip easily causing a lot of damage. Wood is very high maintenance and gets damaged due to constant exposure to water. It is also very vulnerable to attacks by insects such as termites.

There is one more category of Commercial Roofing, which may also be deemed as being more efficient than the others, called the membrane roofing system. These roofs often weigh less than conventional Roofing since PVC and rubber sheets are used as a building material. PVC has the ability to reflect sunlight and has the additional advantage of low costs as well. PVC also lasts long and is easy to maintain making Membrane roofing one of the most preferred methods of Roofing.

Thus Commercial Roofing Companies have to take all of the above factors into consideration, along with the specific needs and requirements of the building in order to decide which roofing material to select.

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All About Roofing Contractors

Having your roof done right is important for longevity. Whether you are working on a smaller job such as a little leak that needs a few shingles replaced, or a larger job like installing an entirely new roof, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Roofing contractors are trained in the field to do the job right the first time without allowing the progression of the problem.

A contractor can add value to your home. Simply by hiring a professional with all the right experience in the field, you can skyrocket the resale value for home. The initial investment may be more than what you would like to invest, but in the long run it will benefit you greatly. Your house will go from decreasing in value to increasing simply by adding a new roof.

There ARE different kinds of roofing available. You could have them install a shingle, slate or metal roof. Shingles are one of the oldest forms of roofing but they don’t actually last as long as other forms such as metal. When installing shingles they use special glue which after a while does get old and can get holes in it creating a leak. Whether it starts with an animal pulling on the shingles allowing water to get in, or a dip in the shingle causing it to create a puddle which will soften the glue and eventually rot and create a hole for animals to make worse and get into where they could start nesting and breeding. This will give you an added animal infestation.

Now, metal roofing is a great thing to have a contractor install. While the initial payment may be more, it will last a lifetime with few or zero repairs. The material that it is made out of is completely sturdy and rust-resistant as well as helps regulate the temperature inside your house. While it may seem to be a dream come true already, it has many more bonuses such as the fact that it can keep noise pollution from invading your space. Noisy cars, children playing outside, garbage trucks, birds and more will all be blocked out by the material. Metal roofing lasts three times longer than shingle roofing.

Depending on your climate and area of living, you may have more or less dependency on an ultimate roof. If you live in a place with lots of noise, animals and harsh seasons it may be better for you to invest in a metal roof where as if you live in a dry area, there aren’t many animals around you and you live in quiet conditions then you may just be OK with shingles.

There are lots of options for you when it comes to using a contractor. Having your roof checked on is the best way to start. Your contractor will tell you what is best for your home that coincides nicely with your budget.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Roofing Terminology

If you’re new to the world of roofing, then you’re going to be hearing a lot of terms you may not have any clue about. It’s better to get to grips with the terminology so you can save yourself a lot of confusion further down the road.

Whilst you may hear lots of different words being tossed about, most of the words used for the more important roofing terminology remain the same throughout the world. Hopefully this guide can help you with what you need to know.

Common Terms

Below we will be explaining some of the more common terms you may hear on roofing websites or from roofing contractors. This is the terminology every house owner should know about.

Shingles

Shingles are a type of roof covering that consists of a number of overlapping tiles. Usually you’ll notice that shingles are flat and rectangular and are laid in lines that go vertically up the roof.

Tiles will be managed so that each tile is overlapped by a tile above and underlapped by a tile below. You may often see stone shingles used for housing but other materials such as wood or metal can be used as well.

Eave

The eave is the edge of the roof which overhangs the side of your house wall. The eave goes horizontally across the bottom of your roof. Eaves are used in roofing to keep water off of the walls. Eaves can often be a point of decoration for home owners.

Fire Rating

A fire rating is used to determine the resistance a certain material will have to fire. When house fires can be a big concern, understanding the fire rating of your house and roofing materials is very important. Materials are classed as having A, B or C class fire rating, with A being the most fire resistant.

Dormer

This is a small structure that protrudes from the out the top of a sloping roof surface. You’ll often see dormers with windows – you might have one in your attic or on the top floor of your house. These are often used to provide headspace in rooms with low ceilings or as a means to let in natural light and ventilation.

Rafter

A rafter is found in series with other rafters to help support the roof and any associated weight. Rafters are often called members by roofing professionals, but you’ll see them in your house as a series of beams that extend diagonally upwards from the very outer perimeter of your interior, usually where the roof and your walls meet. For most home construction, you’ll often notice that rafters are made out of wood.

Deck

In roofing terminology the deck is an underlying layer of roofing material over which roofing is applied. The deck is often made out of wood boards, plywood or planks. The deck is one of the more important structural pieces that helps to keep most other structural components together. The roofing term for deck should not be confused with the architectural term of the same word, which refers to a flat surface or floor that is usually built outside, elevated from the ground but connected to the side of a building.

A Few More Valuable Terms

There are dozens of other terms used in roofing and whilst you don’t need to understand them all right away there are some more terms that may be useful for those looking into upgrading pr repairing their roof.

Blistering

Blistering is caused when bubbles or abnormalities are created in roofing materials. The cause of blistering is usually related to moisture from collected rain or snow. Blisters can be caused by moisture being trapped under the material or by moisture being trapped inside the material. This is most often seen in shingles.

Drip Edge

A drip edge is a piece of material that is installed along the edge of a roof to stop water dropping into areas that could get damaged, such as the deck or the eaves. In most cases a drip edge will be constructed from metal.

Flashing

Flashing is a term that refers to installing thin sheets of material onto your roof to prevent water from passing into unwanted areas. You’ll often see shingles or other materials pointed outwards on or around chimneys. This is a perfect example of flashing – the water will hit off of these materials, preventing any moisture from reaching the joints of a house.

Cricket

A cricket is a small ridge structure built at the highest side of a chimney that is designed to divert any water from pocketing between the chimney and the roof. Crickets are most often seen at the back of chimneys but they are also used on any other roof projections. A cricket is also sometimes referred to as a saddle.

Are you looking for a reputable roofing contractor to help you with your roofing needs? Contact us now and we’ll have our associates talk to you about it.

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Top 5 Tips For Hiring The Best Commercial Roofing Company

Having a top quality roof is one of the most essential construction processes for a house. Getting this done is not a work for any remodeling firm or construction contractor but is a task which should be given to a professional and commercial company. Whether it is roof installation, repair or any other kind of related work or service, you will need the help of a professional who can carry this task out with ease and expertise. But how does one choose a reliable company? Well, the following tips should be of help:

1. The first and most important tip for hiring a commercial roofing company is to do a background check or research on the various available options. During this research, you must try and find a company which has an impeccable track record, is trusted in the markets and has certified and experienced workers. Basically, the idea is to go for a trustworthy, reliable and high quality service provide for long lasting and effective roof repair and other services.

2. The next tip is to hire only that company which provides you several services and does not specialize in only one. For example, your roofing company must be able to repair, install, maintain and service your roof and also fulfill other roofing related requirements like solving leakage problem and suggesting solutions to other issues.

3. The roofing company should be willing to suggest numerous roofing options like metal, slate, shingle, asphalt and flat roofing etc. You should have many options of materials and qualities to pick from because the material of the roof is an important aspect which must not be compromised on.

4. For whatever material you choose, for example if you go for metal roofing, the company must offer several designs, patterns and style options. This is another important tip which will help you select the best roofing service provider or installation company.

5. Last but not the least, your commercial company must be willing to offer services of metal roofing etc. at affordable prices and only after a free estimation of cost. If the service provider does not offer emergency services, then you should probably consider some other option because this too is an important point which will help you in the case of unexpected leakage or random roof related problems.

Now that you know how to select a commercial roofing service provider, you must not waste any more time and try to contact one now. Make sure your service provider does not charge you more than the required amount and this can be done by comparing prices of a few companies.

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Top Reasons to Use Foam Roofing for Your Home

One of the most popular techniques for roof insulation and roof repair is the spray foaming roofing system. While it has been around for years, it is growing in popularity now because of the many advantages that it has to offer. Spray foam is a product that is a combination of Isocyanate and Polyyol. These two components are put into a machine that heats and pumps them into a spray gun. This mixture is then applied to the roof.

Once the foam dries, it offers a tough and long-lasting roof that has excellent thermal resistance.

Spray foam roofing systems provide many benefits to the home owners and some of them are –

Offers a Tight and Waterproof Seal

Foam roofs do not have any Seam and forms a tight seal around the pipes, vents and the chimneys as well. This makes a waterproof seal that decreases the chances of water getting into the crevices in the openings. In addition, foam also does not contract and expand with time that means the tight seal cannot ever be broken.

Superior Insulation Qualities

Spray foam are excellent insulators and can help you in reducing your energy bills. Since they do not have any Seam, heat does not escape in the winters and since they are white in color, it keeps the house cool during the summer months. It also insulates the house from the noise outside and allows the home to be quite. If you live in a high traffic area, using roofing foam can be of great help.

Durable

Foam roofs do not wear out if they are maintained properly. One should Re-coat their roofs every five years in order to keep it in excellent condition. Once the re-coating is done, you can have service performed on it every twenty years. You should not have any problem with your foam roof till you are maintaining the foaming schedule.

Environmentally Friendly

Spray foam can easily be installed over other roofing. You will not have to worry about adding any landfill waste of removing the initial roof. The foam that is used is non-toxic and do not emit any harmful fumes during the installation work.

Looks Attractive

Roofs should not only be about protection, it should also add beauty to your house. Foam roofs are attractive looking and can match with different home styles and construction. White foam can easily match any exterior siding or have them tinted in different colors like beige, tan or light gray. It also do not fade when exposed to UV rays and remain as good as new for many years after its installation.

Since knowledge and experience are the two most important things to consider for successful installing of spray foaming roofing system, it is essential that you investigate the past performance when picking a contractor for the project.

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How Do I Choose an Honest Commercial Roofing Contractor?

It’s important to know what qualities to look for and what aspects of a roofing company are red flags indicating that you should not hire them. When you’re looking to add value to your commercial building by hiring an honest commercial roofing contractor, use this guide to make your decision a little easier.

What to Look for in a Roofing Company

When it’s time to hire a commercial roofing company, you should interview potential roofers in person. Seeing a proposal from different businesses will show you various roof installation methods, schedules and pricing options which will allow you to get a feel for their customer service approach. A reliable company would have knowledge on a past project and should be well informed on how to handle yours.

Finding a roofer that is located close to the property is a great idea. They will be more concerned about having a good reputation in your area which means they’ll do the job extra well. Ask them how many workers would be on the job, how much experience they have and ask to see their certificate of insurance. They should have worker’s compensation insurance and general liability. This is also the time for you to learn about the local laws on licensing of contractors.

Ask a potential roofer for references. If they’ve been in business for a long time, they are more likely to have previous customers that are willing to give them a good word for doing a great job. When you speak to references, find out if they were satisfied with the work and if the roofer stood behind its warranty. Then check the Better Business Bureau to see if they’ve had any serious complaints.

Signs that a Roofing Company is Unethical

Beware of companies that offer a cheap bid to install your roof. You’ll end up getting what you pay for and have long-term issues with your roof that cost more in repairs than it would have to do it right the first time. Avoid a company that is out of the area or that come door-to-door to ask as a salesman. A referral or local company with a good reputation is a much safer choice.

A company that asks for money upfront is a bad sign. You should be in control and you shouldn’t have to pay until a final walk-through is completed, other than a deposit or non-refundable product.

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Different Types Of Roofing Services

Roofing is an essential part of any housing. If the roofing is done improperly then there is a good chance of leakage or any other damage to the house. Hence, seeking a professional’s help is always advisable.

Whether you have a new office, a house or any building and are in need of professional help to do the roofing then roofers are just a call away. Whosoever may be the roofer or any worker, working in an area of your house you need them to be friendly and trustworthy. Hence take up a roofer with loads of experience and who have a helpful team to execute the job efficiently. Sometimes you need roofings of your choice in terms of color and style, hence you need someone to guide you whether the roofings selected by you are suitable for the construction or not etc. These things need to be kept in mind before contacting anyone.

Wherever you may be situated, you will have roofers available for sure within your area, ensuring excellent services at cheaper costs. Some trained and experienced roofers give you the best in class services with exemplary roofing.

Roofers provide you with a variety of services like fiberglass roofing, asphalt roofings, guttering, repairs of chimney and roofs etc. All these are done by them at competitive prices.

Domestic Roofing

A good Roofing service provider completes on an average 30 to 40 projects within a year. A new roof to your old house can increase its value as well as its strength. Apart from increasing your property value roofers make sure that the work after completion gives you peace of mind and transforms the look of your home.

Commercial Roofing

Facing trouble at your offices with roofings, then call up roofers and they will make sure that the repair will be quick, easy and at affordable prices so that your business is up and running in no time. Some roofers provide you with services such that your work does not get affected and roofings are done without any hassle in a simple and effective manner. They might design their working schedule according to your demands and needs.

Fiberglass Roofing

It is a type of roofing which is completely maintenance free and with a long term guarantee. It ensures that the roof is watertight and hold standing water. This system is basically a coating of fibreglass matten over base coat and then fully embedding the system so that it becomes seamless.

Roof Repair options

Roofers not only install new roofs at your home or offices, but they also give you loads of other repairing services like:

– Replacement of broken or missing shingles/ tiles

– Gutter leaks repairing

– Chimney re-painting

– Patching up holes, etc.

Chimney repairs are sometimes a part of this process where they may do chimney reconstruction, brick chimney repairs, rebuilds etc. Water leakage, cracking, exposure, usage, time, lack of maintenance etc. can lead to chimney damage resulting in need of repairs.

Hence roofing and roofers play a key role at times in your life when it comes to peaceful living.

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Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor For Your Business

Commercial roofing contractors in Portland need to consider the unique weather systems of the area, so it is best to hire a roofing expert with years of experience in OR. Choosing a commercial roofing company that offers generic services regardless of where their customers are located can lead to leaky roofs, higher energy bills and other problems. Know how to hire a reliable roofing contractor in Portland with the following guidelines.

Make Sure Your Roofing Contractor Is Local

The Internet makes it easy for commercial building managers to find local roof repair in Portland. It takes a few simple keystrokes to track down installation contractors with years of roofing experience.

When you contact roofing contractors, you should ask them if they are locally owned and operated or if they are based in another town. Many roofing companies from Portland will understand your building’s unique needs. The metal, tile, shingle and flat roofing products that work well in other cities will not necessarily give you the same quality in Portland.

Choose a Roofing Contractor in Portland With a Good Portfolio

With the right contractor in Portland, you can install flat, tile, metal and shingle roofing systems for your school, small business, retail store or manufacturing facility.

When you consult with professionals on commercial roofing in Portland OR, ask them about the materials they use. Some commercial contractors will display online catalogues that you can browse through for a better idea of their offerings. While this is helpful, be sure to speak with a roofing expert for some professional advice before deciding on the type of roof for your building.

Choose an Affordable Contractor in Portland

You need to find a roofing expert in OR who can give you the right services and products. However, you also want to make sure that the Portland contractor you hire offers competitive pricing.

Ask local contractors about wholesale discounts and whether your roofing job will qualify. Many companies are willing to include wholesale discounts in their price quotes because commercial operations like schools, manufacturing facilities and retail stores can give them plenty of business.

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What Are Solar Roofing Shingles?

With all the incredible innovative advancements achieved over the past decade in solar technology, solar roofing is now more affordable than ever. This is thanks to solar shingles, which are a new roofing material that saves energy and reduces electricity costs for property owners. Continue reading to learn more about solar shingles, and where to get trusted roof installation advice for your home or building.

The Advent of Solar-Powered Roofing

In the past, most people would imagine big, blue, incandescent panels on the top of a house or building when thinking about solar power. But in today’s world, that is not the only option for home-based solar power anymore. On the other hand, that technology has been the inspiration for the dawn of a new and improved type of solar power known as solar shingles.

Solar roof shingles are basically photovoltaic cells that have been specifically designed to look like asphalt roof shingles. Their advent was a result of improvements made in the field of thin-film photovoltaics. Homeowners are pulled toward this technology for many reasons, as solar shingles provide a long list of benefits.

Benefits of Solar-Powered Roof Shingles

Solar shingles are flexible and lightweight, making them easy to install. When it comes to integrating them with customary asphalt shingles, the incorporation is virtually seamless; you can hardly tell the difference between one shingle and another, especially on roofing systems that are dark in color. In fact, they tend to look better on darker rooftops.

Not only are solar roof shingles aesthetically pleasing compared to the old, bulky solar-powered technology, they are also economically beneficial. They can save homeowners money on energy costs by increasing their home’s energy efficiency. Homeowners may even be eligible for certain solar tax credits.

Installation

In most cases, solar shingles are applied with an existing power grid to ensure that your home is powered even when there is no sun. In the fortunate case that you generate more power than you actually use, you might have the option of selling it back to the power company. Although solar shingles are known for their ease of installation, they can only be installed by qualified roofing contractors who are licensed and experienced in the industry.

In addition to a licensed roofing company, you will also need an electrician to hook everything up to your electrical system for you. Generally, you can expect them to install an “inverter,” which will convert the generated electrical current to standard AC power.

Talk to a Pro

Solar-powered roofing systems are costly upfront, but can render homeowners a lifetime of savings. Since it is a big investment, it is important to fully weigh your options before making a final purchasing decision. Talk to a local and trusted roofing contractor for professional advice and recommendations you can trust.

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