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7 Essential Tips for Commercial Roofing Maintenance and Protection

Commercial roofing is a critical but often overlooked part of successful business operations. A building’s roof shields it from the elements, helps to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, and protects the people and assets inside. Proper maintenance and regular inspections ensure that this important covering continues to do its job without having an adverse impact on profits.

Check for Problems After Extreme Weather

Surface damage caused by weathering or environmental hazards is usually most visible after heavy rain, high wind, or snowfall. Visual signs, such as standing water or bubbled materials, often signify trouble. Flashing, the material that protects the seam between the structure’s walls and its cover, should be inspected for loose or missing sections.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Biannual inspections are the best way to keep commercial roofing in optimal condition. A professional examination is recommended, although some building owners check for damage and then call their contractors for an in-depth diagnosis. In best practice, inspections are scheduled in early spring and late fall, just after the harshest seasons.

Stay Alert to Signs of Water Damage

Neglected repairs eventually manifest inside the building. Stained ceiling tiles and discolored walls may indicate deteriorated or damaged decking material, while bulges or cracks could signify more extensive damage. Discolored or rotting window frames also suggest moisture or water damage that may be roof-related, as do signs of mold on the inside or outside of the structure.

Keep Gutter Systems Clean and Clear

The gutter system carries water away from the building. Clogged gutters or drainpipes often prevent proper drainage, causing rain and moisture to accumulate in certain areas. Systems should be cleaned twice per year, although storms and high winds sometimes necessitate more frequent cleanings.

Elevate or Remove Nearby Trees

Overhanging trees pose several hazards. Dead or storm-damaged branches may fall, puncturing or scratching the roof. Trees also drop leaves, pine cones, sap, and other debris onto the surfaces beneath them, often contributing to deterioration. Property owners should regularly remove dead branches threatening their buildings and keep healthy limbs trimmed so that they do not touch the structure.

Ward off Summer Sun

Harmful UV rays may decrease the lifespan of traditional commercial roofing, and hot sunny days typically increase energy costs. Cool Roofs are cost-friendly solutions. Coatings and single-ply membranes offer protection to flat coverings, and pitched types benefit from light-colored tiles or coated metal. These products can decrease rooftop temperatures by 50 to 60 degrees during summer.

Invest in a Commercial Roofing Maintenance Plan

Many contractors offer maintenance packages to extend the life of a structure’s cover. These programs typically include regular inspections, as well as other preventive care services such as resealing. A maintenance plan provides peace of mind, and it makes it easy to detect problems early, minimizing unexpected expenses in the future.

The life expectancy of commercial roofing materials ranges from 25 to 40 years, or more. Proper maintenance, timely repairs, and the right preventive care are the most cost-effective ways to maximize the performance of a structure’s covering.

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Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor and What to Expect

Getting a new roof is a very important improvement on a home. The new roof is an investment and will up the value to your home. What should you expect when you search for a roofing contractor that will be on your roofing ripping old shingles off and applying new shingles? Not all contractors have the same ethics nor do they have the same policy. Be careful when you choose a roofing company, you will need one that guarantees a nice clean job and gives you a labor warranty. Three key items to look for while you search for a roofing contractor is: the roofers guarantee on garbage and cleaning the area, the roofers warranty on the new roof, and the roofers experience/referrals.

First, let’s talk about the roofers guarantee. Roofing contractors might say they clean up after themselves, but that could just mean they clean up their pop can and throw away their lunch garbage. You want to make sure you find in writing that they clean up the nails, excess shingle garbage, and other debris that may have fallen off of your roof while they wreak havoc on your roof. The last thing you want is your baby who just started walking to have a small nail prick through their foot. They probably will regress and never want to walk on grass again.

Second, the roofers warranty on the new roof is an extremely important topic when it comes to choosing a roofing contractor. When you look for a warranty you want to make sure the company backs it up. You want to make sure you know what you are receiving if the service goes bad or something happens. You will want to make sure that you choose a roofing company that states they have at least a labor warranty on the new roof. That would mean if the new roof falls apart before a certain time, the roofing contractors will come back out and do it over for free. Sometimes they will make you pay for material if it’s just on labor. Sometimes they will cover it all. It all depends on the roofing contractor.

Last, the roofers experience level and their list of referrals can be extremely important to any smart home owner looking for the best roofing experience they can get. You do not want to get a roofing contractor that says they are super great, but has no referrals. Referrals are great ammunition when it comes to roofing contractors and their competition. Experience for roofers whether they say their workers have 30+ years’ experience or the company is over 30 years old. Either or would be a great choice. If they were in business for that long you know they do a great job.

In conclusion, the three key items to look for while you search for the perfect roofing contractor are the roofing contractors guarantee on cleaning debris afterwards, the warranty that the company backs up, and the experience the company has. These three items together make the holy trinity of the best roofing improvement experience a home owner can have.

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Don’t Make These Common Mistakes With Your Roofing

There is no question EPDM roofing membrane is amazing to work with. It is affordable, it can be installed in very little time, and it is long lasting. This is a great opportunity for you to have some prevention in place and to get results. Yet there are mistakes that people need to avoid to get the most value from it.

Don’t Wait

Everyone is busy, but you shouldn’t put off installing EPDM roofing membrane. Don’t wait until you have a roofing issue or notice a water leak. The damages are already done, and they often go much further than what you can see. This can mean your structure is vulnerable and future problems due to that downward spiral.

Instead, put the EPDM roofing membrane in place as a source of prevention. This will offer you an additional layer of protection you can count on. The harsh weather including the high-speed winds aren’t going to get you nervous. Instead, you will be confident to know your roof it going to be in good shape when all is said and done.

Prep your Roof

While you can get plenty of overall value from EPDM roofing membrane, it doesn’t work like magic. You have to invest the time to properly inspect and prep your roof to take care of any problems already in place. Don’t ignore them and just hope for the best or you will end up having to get the work done anyway. Yet you also wasted those materials.

Any loose elements of debris need to be brushed off the roof. You can’t put the materials down flat if there are any materials that will cause it to be raised anywhere. Even small pebbles that could have blown up there can pose a problem.

Edge Flashing

The protection offered by the EPDM roofing membrane can be reduced if you don’t have good edge flashing in place. If you don’t know how to take care of this type of work on your own, it is important to hire someone to come take a look and give you an estimate. It needs to be done well with quality results.

A common mistake made is the edge flashing is placed on top of the new rubber and then secured in place with nails or glue. The correct method is for it to be placed underneath the EPDM roofing membrane. This allows the rubber to extend about an inch off the roof, towards the gutters.

Wrinkles

Never secure the materials in place if you see any signs of wrinkles. For the optimum results, the materials need to be smooth and flat. Any wrinkles are going to reduce the lifespan and the protection the materials are able to offer. This is especially true if those wrinkles happen to be anywhere close to the edges of the rubber.

Secure it in Place

You have the option of using nails or glue to secure the materials in place. If you use nails, make sure they are designed for this type of material. You also want to make sure they are long enough to hold the materials in place. If they are too short, it isn’t going to offer much security. If you opt to use glue, make sure you get a quality product approved for such a project or it won’t stay.

The bonding process does take some time, so it is a good idea to use bricks or other items to press down on the materials. Allow them to sit there the rest of the day before you remove them. Double check all of the seams and fix anything you may have missed.

Source by Dale Acomb

Know the Services That a Roofing Contractor Provides

Roofing Contractors play an important role in providing roofing solutions for homeowners and commercial building owners. Some homeowners try to repair their homes themselves by looking into the videos, instructions or other mediums from the internet. But when it comes to roof replacement, attic insulation and roof repairs, it is important that you hire an experienced roofing professionals.

No instructions and videos can match their regular experience that they gain from practice and daily roofing works. Roofing is more complex than it initially seems to be, missing a small point can lead to tremendous problems later. An experienced roofer knows where the root of the problems lies, what caused the leak or damage.

Besides a professional roofing company will be insured and licensed. Roofs that are newly installed by a roofing company will be certainly licensed and insured. New roofs installed by professional roofing companies come with warranties. Being certified means they have years of experience and training with leading roofing manufacturers.

Most people think that if they repair their own home, then they can give their best. But repairing a home yourself is a big job, and a professional roofing crew can finish their work in two or more days, but a Do IT Yourself job may take longer to complete. Roofing Contractors repair your roof in a more convenient, and systematic way.

Here are the services that a roofing contractor provides:

Roof Replacement: If you notice curling, cracked, missing or loose shingles, then your house is in need of roof replacement. Roofing Contractors have experience in roof replacement services for asphalt shingle roofing systems and cedar shake.

Their wide range of products gives you convenience to find the perfect materials that suits your taste and personal preferences. In case, your existing shingle roof is more than 20 years, then chances are that you probably need a new roof.

The other cases of roof repair are when you notice problems in the following areas. Shingles curling and buckling, missing shingles, chimney flashing, and roof valleys. As, they occupy very important place of the house, disturbances in these areas calls for a roof replacement.

Attic Air Sealing: Air sealing or weatherizing can help you save a large amount of money as the maximum of the heat is lost from your home due to the climate. Weatherizing prevents future damage by restricting the flow of air from inside your home into the attic.

The common areas for inspecting leaks or plumbing stacks, electrical wiring in-filtration, cathedral ceilings that are attached to the attic. Attic doors and above pocket doors are also one of the common place where leaks occur.

Attic Ventilation: Attic ventilation facilitates air exchange, which means every time stale, overheated air in your home or attic is vented out, fresh air is pulled in to replace it. So, it is very important for your home. Proper attic ventilation can be helpful in saving electric bills, and maintain the temperature of your house. Proper air passage is essential for health of the people dwelling in the house.

Attic Insulation: Improper Attic Insulation or ventilation can cause mold and ice dam formation. Hot air gets trapped inside the attic when there is inadequate insulation. In turn, this causes mold to grow in the attic. Attic insulation is another service that the roofing contractor provides.

Installation/Repair of Roof Skylights: Roof Skylights provide natural lighting to your home. In case your roof skylights are leaking then you must hire a roof contractor to repair it.

The skylight is important for your house as it controls energy bills, provides optimal daylight, saves money, it is a passive air conditioner. Also, it adds life to small spaces, and increases the beauty of your house. Installing and repairing of Roof Skylights needs an experienced roofing contractor.

Spray Foam Insulation: This is a great option to make your home efficient by creating a seamless monolithic air barrier. The air barrier acts as the ultimate protector and allows you to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout your home. Through Spray foam you can save your electricity bill.

The works of a roofing contractor is not only to provide the above mentioned services, there are numerous other services that a roof services provider gives. They are experienced persons who know every detail about your house.

Experience has made them the best, as they work daily on top of roofs, repairing shingles, adding vents, and making the home perfect for you to stay.

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How to Determine the Roofing Cost of Your House

There are many factors to be considered when determining the roofing cost for your home. You can either try to seek the help of roofing professionals to get you an estimate of how much you might be spending or if you know most of the details such as the size and materials, you can try using a roofing calculator that is available online.

1. The size of your roof is the biggest factor as this would determine how much materials you need and how long it would take for the job to complete.

This is also why precise measurements should be obtained to avoid underestimating the cost especially if you are working on a budget. The cost will be calculated per roofing square (1 roofing square = 100 square feet). Consequently, the larger the size of your roof is, the more you would have to spend for it.

2. Aside from its size, its complexity and pitch or steepness will also be considered.

The more complex and the steeper it is the more effort it would require for the roofing workers to work on it. Additional equipment would sometimes be required to do the job to ensure that safety of the workers and that the roofing job is properly done.

3. The type of materials needed would also play a big part. Choosing the materials would also depend on the design of the roof. Steeper ones won’t be able to handle heavy shingles such as clay and asphalt. It is best to consult a roofing expert as to what is the best type to use.

You would also need to the durability of the material and your location. Materials that last up to about 50 years (such as metal shingles) are more costly than the ones that would only last 20 to 30 years.

There is also the underlayment which is also an important part of the roofing system. It is the layer under the roof covering which adds more protection and stability to the roofing deck, also helping and adding in the sustainability of the roof. You have options such as organic or synthetic felt of which the cost would also depend on the type.

4. You should also consider your geographical location and surrounding environment when choosing the materials. Roof damage can easily occur if the materials are not sturdy enough to withstand frequent weather changes.

5. How the roof will be installed also has its own cost. If you are replacing an old roof, the labor for taking out the old roof layers or if there are any damages such as water damage (as sometimes this would cause replacement instead of just repair), would also be included in the cost estimate. The same goes if you would like other additions to your roof such as solar panels because they would need to function and blend with the structure of the roof.

6. There are also the permits needed and warranties. Depending on where you live, you need to check what are the permits that you need to get for the roofing job. As for the warranties, the labor warranty is usually not included in the initial quotation but your contractor may offer it to you. It is still your discretion whether you would choose to get it or not. Read the fine print, understand the conditions of the warranty so you could make an informed decision.

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5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your House Roofing

Who doesn’t want to have a house roofing that lasts forever? We all want to, but reality tells us that roofs have expiry date. They expire through time. Gradually, they weaken and will call for replacement. However, you can extend the life of your house roofing for a little while by conducting regular maintenance.

Maintenance is done by checking the strengths and weaknesses of your roof every now and then. The roof inspectors and maintenance experts will solve any issues they see and will advice proper prevention techniques whenever necessary.

To get you started, here are some maintenance tips to extend the life of your house roofing through the help of professional roofers.

Repair Leaks or Damages Right Away

One of the best tips to lengthen the life expectancy of any roofing structure is to take care of any damage or leaks soon as you notice them. Don’t neglect even the smallest problems, which can only make things worse. If you are in a hurry, then you can take note of the issue you saw and get back to it later on or call your roofing experts for advice.

Most homeowners feel nervous about the cost of roof replacement and may assume that they can live with some leaks here and there to save money. What they don’t know is that they can save more money if they call in the help of professionals at the soonest time possible who can fix tiny problems before they get bigger. Don’t wait for the problem to get bigger. Move, take action as soon as you see them.

Prevention of Mildew, Moss and Mold Growth

Anything which grows on your roof can possibly break down the materials and lead to serious damages in time. Professional roofing contractors can address this issue using the right solutions. They can remove the moss and other mold growth on your roof and prevent them from coming back.

Keep the Gutters and Roof Free from Debris

Whether your gutters have a buildup of fallen leaves or a large branch that broke off from the nearby tree, it is a must to clear any clutter off on a regular basis. A large branch will not only scrape and damage the shingles but clogged gutters can also create a water backflow which can cause rot or damaging ice beneath the shingles and even into your home. So it is always best to clean your roofs regularly.

Search for Signs of Insect or Animal Damage

Another important thing to look out for when you are in your attic is for any sign of insect damage or animal activity. You might not be aware that mice, raccoons and squirrels have found their way to your attic for shelter and warmth. Of course, you can always find insects everywhere and can cause as much damage in time. Search for droppings, spots where wood is chewed, burrow holes or any other kind of holes.

Check around Skylights, Utilities and Chimneys

Any spot in your home where the roof has been interrupted by a skylight, pipe, chimney or other items must be inspected carefully and regularly for signs of damage. Check the crawlspace or attic below the roof and search for signs of mold or water coming into the house. Rusted nails and discolored boards could indicate some form of leak.

Just a simple word of reminder: before you try any of these roof maintenance tips, ensure that everything is perfectly secure and safe. Better, ask assistance from the roofing experts in your locality. Ask recommendations from your friends so you can choose the best.

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5 Most Common Home Roofing Problems

Identifying the problem early reduces the amount of damage, workload, replacement materials and overall cost of repair. So make it a habit to check your house roofing for any necessary improvements needed. And don’t be afraid to ask help from the professionals because they know better when it comes to preventing the problem and letting you enjoy your roofing for decades.

So here are the roofing problems that most homeowners encounter and how to deal with them.

Poor Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

This presents one of the most common roofing problems and is an underlying cause for most other roofing problems. Poor installation, maintenance, and repair often increase the chances of the occurrence of other roofing problems such as leaks, pooling water and so on. The extent of consequential damage is dependent on the severity of the low standard of installation, maintenance or repair.

This is why it’s every important to hire only the best roofers in your area. The installation, first and foremost, should be done as thorough as possible, seeing to it that the roof’s position and quality will stay for a long period of time.

When it comes to maintenance, it is the homeowners job to conduct a regular maintenance check on their property’s roofing. This is best done annually so as to prevent little problems become bigger. But if you’re not yet familiar with the areas to inspect, just find contractors to do this for you on a yearly basis.

Leaks and Moisture Damage

Roofer companies will attest to the fact that the greatest portion of roofing problems is as a result of leaks and moisture damage. The moisture often accumulates as a result of excess rainfall, snow, ice or hail and such weather phenomenon. Over time, if left uninspected, the water starts to leaks and affect the roofing structure, which compromises the structural soundness and safety of the homeowner.

Pooling Water

This is a huge problem for individuals with flat roofs. Normally, water should not collect anywhere on the roof. However, due to factors such as poor installation, you find the water pooling to form ponds on the roof. This increases the risk of water damage to the roof and presents a drainage problem.

Punctures

This problem is presented as a result of regular foot and animal traffic on the roof. The more pressure is exerted on the roof, the greater the number of punctures on the roof. Animals, however minute, also contribute to this problem. This, in turn, creates other problems such as leaks, cracks and so on.

Blistering, Shrinkage and Cracking

Blisters, ridges, surface erosions and so on are problems resulting from irregular expansions and contractions in the roof. They start out small and are not viewed as much of a problem but they get bigger and create more problems such as cracking. Shrinkage results from uneven contraction in the roofing layers, which in turn affects the roof structure and such things as the flashing. Both blistering and shrinkage as well as a number of other problems could lead to cracking of the roofing material hence undermining its integrity.

Source by Evane Go