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Roofing insulation board
10Oct

The benefits of using effective roofing insulation

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The benefits of effective roofing insulation:

This article will not only answer your question “Can you put insulation board on roof?” but it gives you the many benefits of using effective roofing insulation in your home. What you can achieve with prudent use of effective roofing insulation and the savings you can make in terms of cutting down your heating costs.

There is a variety of options when it comes to:

When you stop to take a look at the multitude of roof insulating materials on today’s market foam roof insulation has the highest insulating value. As well as this it’s very strong, it’s easy to fit and convenient. Energy prices in recent times have spiraled upward and upwards and now it may be time to consider installing some better insulation materials in your roof in order to save money in the long run by cutting down your heating bills. The usual idea that people get when they consider using a roofing contractor to install more efficient insulation is that it will alter the appearance of their home in some major way. This is not so, fitting more efficient insulation materials in your roof will have no effect on the appearance of your home at all because the insulation is fitted beneath the existing roofing materials.

Alternative use for roofing insulation: 

In smaller types of accommodation such as caravans and bungalows, fitting more efficient roofing insulation can save you even more cash! Caravans are notoriously difficult to keep warm in autumn and winter because their walls and roofs are so thin. By fitting suitable insulation materials you can make sure that you use less energy for heating in the winter and also keep your caravan cooler during the summer. This will also help you save money on air conditioning.

Commercial use for roofing insulation: 

In office and factory buildings having efficient roof insulating materials can also be of major benefit. You see, what happens is that the insulation prevents the heat escaping before it passes the roof’s surface. The net effect of this is that your workers will be kept much cooler in summer. This increases the productivity of your work force and makes for a happier and more relaxed workplace.

Roofing insulation must use:

If you have attic rooms or have had a loft conversion, efficient insulation is an absolute must. Lofts and attics are well known for being freezing cold in winter but even more so for being extremely hot in summer. Having effective insulation in the roof cavity and behind stud walls will make sure that you are kept as cool as possible during the summer months and will also help to retain as much heat as possible in winter by preventing it escaping through your roof.

Certified Roofing insulation installer:

TC Roofing Pros are a reputable Builders in Dallas PA also known as the back mountain. specializing in residential and commercial roofing in Northeast PA. New Build roofs we can handle those types of projects as well. TC Roofing Pros provides Roofing services in Dallas, Shavertown, Pittston, and Scranton areas.
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Roof repair image
07Jul

5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Roof (House Roofing)

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Who doesn’t want to have their roof lasts them forever? We all want to, but the reality all roofs has expiry dates

They expire through time. Gradually, they weaken and will call for replacement. However, you can extend the life of your roof 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 roof 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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28Jan

What to Look for in a Quality Roof

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When you need to buy a new roof, it can be hard to know what type of roofing components are the best. There are many different kinds of shingles and siding materials available, and each option has its own upsides and downsides. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to ensure you’re getting the quality roof that you want and deserve. Here are the most important things to look for in quality roofing components.

Choosing the right style of roof
It’s important to consider your home’s architectural style when choosing a roofing material. Your choice of shingle, tile, or metal will affect how your home looks and can also impact its value. This is why some insurance companies offer discounts on premiums if you install certain styles of roofing materials. When deciding which type of material will look best on your home, think about these two things: curb appeal and protection. Whether you choose asphalt shingles, ceramic tiles, slate tiles, metal sheets or gutters depends largely on personal preference. However there are other factors to take into consideration before making your final decision as well. Here are some tips that may help

Installing an asphalt shingle roof
Not all shingles are created equal. The asphalt used, price and warranty will dictate what kind of roof you’re getting. While asphalt shingles may be less expensive than some other materials, such as clay or tile, they don’t last nearly as long. In fact, many asphalt shingle roofs need replacing every 15 years or so because of wear and tear from rain and snow accumulation. On top of that, they create more air pollution per square foot than other types of materials – which isn’t exactly good for your health or that of our planet. But if you want something cheap with quick installation time, stick with asphalt. Or just upgrade altogether! It might cost more up front but will save you money in maintenance costs over time.

Understanding sealants
The main purpose of sealants is to stop air and water leaks. Sealants are usually made from asphalt or rubber, and sometimes they’re designed specifically to prevent water penetration while still allowing some airflow. It’s best not to use your primary roofing material as a sealant, because it could wear out over time. However, using additional sealant on top of your current roof can be an effective way of protecting against air and water penetration.

Choosing the right underlayment (for asphalt shingle roofs)
Underlayment is typically made of three materials: felt, synthetic felt and felts. The most popular types of underlayment are asphalt felt and synthetic, which are usually more expensive than felts. Synthetic felt is often used on steep sloped roofs because it tends to be heavier than asphalt or other types of underlayments. Because synthetic material doesn’t break down over time, it can last longer than other materials, making it one of many good choices for your roof’s underlayment.

Preparing your home for installation
In addition to planning and scheduling your roof installation, you should do some research on roof components. The building material used will make all of the difference in terms of costs and longevity. Consider whether or not you want metal or asphalt, shingles or tiles, brick-built shakes or standard shakes. Before settling on anything permanent, ask around—people who’ve been through it before are always happy to offer advice. You don’t have to be an expert to spot problems with potential work, either.

TC ROOFING PROS
05Aug

Alternative Roofing Materials

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About three quarters of American homes are covered by composition asphalt shingles. They are cheap and easy to install but they have some drawbacks, primarily that they are bad for the environment and have a shorter life span than other roofing materials. If you do pick composition shingles, you had better be ready to pony up the cash for a succession of Denver roof repairs.

Even older than the asphalt shingle style are wood shake shingles. They last even longer than composition shingles. Wood is a more natural and softer look. Although they are made from trees, they are friendly in that they decompose unlike petroleum products. If well maintained they will last a long time, but wood shake is always a fire hazard.

Metal roofs are popular with those trying to save money on energy bills. Metal roofs make you save money on air conditioning bills because they reflect money in hot environments. If you choose a painted roof, you need to have periodic painting maintenance. However metal roofs last a long time, and do not need Denver roof repairs very often. Metal also does a good job of protecting your home from weather.

An older and environmentally friendly roofing material is tile. Tile is made of clay or sometimes concrete. These are naturally fire resistant materials. Clay is just earth, so it has no problems with decomposition. The main drawbacks of tile and concrete is that these are heavy, brittle materials. They provide good protection, but are liable to break and need a solid roof to support the heavy weight of these roofing materials.

Flat roofs have completely different roofing materials. Some are basically a giant asphalt shingle. It uses hot asphalt inlaid with stone. These are not very friendly because they use a large amount of smelly tar, which is a risk to installers as well as the environment.

Eco roofs that use soil on the top are very good for carbon consumption and global warming. They can basically have a garden on your roof that also provides insulation. Engineered rubber roofing is made of recycled materials but may be hard to find from your Denver roof repairs company.

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TC ROOFING PROS
02Aug

Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Roofing Contractors

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When it comes to an area like Houston, Texas that face hurricanes on a regular basis, you’re likely to find a wide selection of roofing contractors- it’s a much needed service. However, with so many companies available, you’re likely to run into one who can’t be trusted. Make sure you avoid these mistakes when hiring roofing contractors.

1. Not reading the contract before you sign it- The purpose of a contract is to ensure that both parties abide by the set rules. The roofer wants to make sure he gets paid when he does the work. Seems fair enough, right? Well, in the roofing business, not all contracts are created equally. While some roofing contractors just want guaranteed payment, those with less integrity may try to really stick it to you with some outrageous things thrown into the contract. With that in mind, read the contract thoroughly before you sign it. And whatever you do, save your copy.

2. Not checking the Better Business Bureau website- When you visit the Better Business Bureau’s website, in large, bold letters you see, “Start with trust.” There’s truth behind the slogan. Before you sign any contracts or give the green light for a group of roofing contractors to begin work, make sure they are a BBB member. If they’re a member, that means they’re governed by a higher authority and they can show proof of customer satisfaction. Read the reviews and see if any customers have filed complaints. If they are free of complaint, you’ve probably found reputable roofing contractors.

3. Not checking references- Even if you’ve checked the BBB site, you still should request a list of references. Since you don’t want to leave any stone unturned when searching for roofing contractors, calling references could turn up a dissatisfied customer who didn’t think to report their qualms on the BBB website. Past customers have experience dealing with the company you’re entertaining and can open your eyes to what they do badly (if anything) and what they do well.

4. Not inquiring about a guarantee- What happens once you have a new roof on your home, but you aren’t happy with the work? Maybe your roof is still sagging, or perhaps the roofing contractors left debris littered about your yard. Hopefully you asked about a guarantee. Trustworthy roofing contractors will guarantee your satisfaction. A quick phone call will result in them returning to your home to fix whatever work doesn’t meet your standards.

5. Not asking about technique- Plainly put, some roofing contractors do the job incorrectly. In order to rush through the job, they might fire up their nail guns and haphazardly race through roof replacement. The problem with this is that nail guns must be carefully set in order to use on roofing shingles. When attaching shingles, it’s important not to hammer the nail in too deeply. Doing so will compromise the effectiveness of the shingle, causing leaks in your roof. Nail guns are so powerful that they often shoot the nail too deeply into the plywood decking. That said, a manual hammer is preferred. So don’t forget to question your roofer’s technique. If you don’t you may find your roof failing inspection.

Asking the right questions and performing a bit of research will help you avoid the above mistakes. And steering clear of these mistakes means finding roofing contractors you can trust for professional roof replacement.

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TC ROOFING PROS
30Jul

Types of Roofing Materials That You Can Settle For

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There are many determinants of the kind of material you use for your roof. Previously, the only options that were available were concrete tiles, clay tiles, slate, and asphalt shingles. However, presently, there are so many alternatives that you can go for when you want to replace or install a new roof.

If you want to install a new roof or replace one that is already in existence, there are some materials that you can consider. They include:

Solar tiles

This is an advanced roofing option that is integrated into shingles that are already in existence. This is an amazing option since they also help you in offsetting the costs of energy with that of solar energy. They cost much more than the typical solar options that are common.

Asphalt shingles

These are very common today and they are quite effective in almost all conditions. There is a wide variety of quality that you can choose from. There are some standards that can help you in knowing the quality of the shingles before you purchase. The upfront costs of the roof are not that high and may need to be replaced some 20 years later. For those who live in areas that are prone to hail, impact resistant shingles are the best option.

Metal roofing

This is available in the form of vertical panels or even shingles that look like shake, tiles, or slate. This kind of roofing can still be intact after 60 years. Metal sloughs off rain and snow and does not burn. Metal is also able to resist the high winds. Since its lightweight, it can be installed over other already existing roofs. The only issue that you may have with it is the noise, especially when there are rain storms. Such a roof can also dent when there is hail. The cost depends on the style and type of metal used to make them.

Stone coated steel

These are usually interlocking panels that look like clay, slate or shingles. They can resist the damage which is brought about by rains. They can also resist strong winds, freeze thaw cycles, and hail and so on. This means that they are the best option if you are in an area that is wet and windy. They are also the best in areas that have a risk of wildfires. Some of the coated steel options have a lifetime guarantee.

Slate

This is a kind of roof that is very durable. It can be intact for over 100 years. It doesn’t burn and it is waterproof too. The other great thing is that it doesn’t get fungus or mold. It is an effective option in climates that are wet. However, it is very expensive. It is also heavy and can be broken quite easily if you happen to step on it. It is therefore not a good option for people living in areas prone to hail.

Rubber slate

Rubber slate has a natural look and can be easily cut using a knife so as to fit the intricate roofs. This can remain intact for a century. However, they can be damaged by walking on them or installation of satellite dishes. This means that they are also not ideal for areas that get hail storms. It may be hard to find qualified professionals to install them.

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27Jul

Roofing Cement – It’s All In The Mix

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Why are some modern build roofs suffering ridge loss in heavy winds while older adjacent roofs stand firm? Similarly, roofs built in the last 10 years are suffering from more cracking of the roofing mortar. What can we learn from roofing practices of the past?

The most obvious difference between today’s roofing mortar and that used in the past is the mix. Traditionally lime was added to the mortar. A traditional lime mortar mix comprised of 1 part lime to 2 parts sand/aggregate mix. Horse hair was added to reinforce the ridge bedding.

Portland cement

The introduction of Portland cement has virtually eliminated the use of lime mortar in roofing situations. Its compressive strength and faster curing time make it ideal for roofing applications. Portland cement is a lot easier to mix and with added Plasticizers easier to trowel.

Up to the mid nineties it was common practice to include 4 parts cement to 1 sand/aggregate. Recent recommendations advise increasing the cement to 3:1 in order to strengthen the mortar and promote a secure bond.

The increase in cement proportions could be the reason modern roofing pointing is suffering from cracking and poor bonding. Increased cement content leads to a faster curing time or hydration. The mix simply dries out too quickly.

Slow down

it is important to ensure that the curing time is controlled especially during periods of warm weather. I use soaked Hessian draped over the roofing to slow the process down. Bungee cords are attached to the edges of the Hessian. The cords hook under the roofing tiles to keep it secure and away from the pointing. The Hessian will also protect against “wash outs” should the weather change. In warmer weather I constantly spray the Hessian to keep it damp.

To promote an adequate bond it is necessary to stop too much suction from the substrate. If the roofing tiles and ridge are too dry they will suck the moisture from the mix before a sufficient bond is made. Where possible the ridge tiles should be primed. Soak them in a large tub for an hour or so and wet down the top course of roofing tiles. If this is not possible a mixture of one part PVA to 3 parts water should be applied to the bonding area. This will prevent the roofing tiles from drawing too much moisture away from the mortar.

Pointing a roofing valley

If you have tried pointing a roofing valley on a hot day you will know the problems associated with cement slumping. You return to a beautifully pointed valley to find the mortar has slumped leaving a gap between tile and mortar. A drier roofing mix is often used in an attempt to alleviate the problem. This is not advisable because the cement mix requires sufficient moisture for successful hydration.

Take a tip from “back in the day” and reinforce the mix. You can use stainless steel products used in the plastering industry. This strengthens the valley and stops the mix slumping. I lay a length of L shaped stainless corner bead each side of the roofing valley. It’s fitted just behind the face of the valley clear of roofing batons and underneath the roofing tiles. Do not hole the valley with your fixing.

If you use the correct mix and control the curing time your mortar will remain secure and durable for many years to come.

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TC ROOFING PROS
24Jul

Starting a Roofing Service Company

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When you decide to go into business for yourself starting a roofing service company it can seem very exhausting at first getting it off the ground with all that is involved to do so but in the end it can be a very rewarding business venture with a potential for a steady income that is substantial. Before you start your new business venture you should take the time to do your research to see what you need to do and how much start-up capital you will possibly need.

One of the first things that you need to realize when you start your new roofing service business venture that being in business for yourself is going to me long hours. There will be no more starting work at eight in the morning and stopping at five in the evening with weekends off. You may find yourself working twelve or more hours a day six or seven days a week. You need to put in a lot of hours getting your new business off the ground and making a profit.

You need to make sure that this is the type of business that you want to start. If you do not have the desire to be a roofer then you should look for a different business venture. If you do not have the desire to be a professional roofer with your own roofing services the business is doomed to fail from the beginning. You should also talk to your family and make sure that you have their support and understanding. With this you will have a better chance of making your new business successful.

Once you are sure that being a roofing contractor is what your new business venture will be you need to have a name for your business. Once you have a name you need to get it registered with the local governments and get any licenses you need to operate a roofing services business. You should also get some business cards to pass out in order to get clients that need the services you are offering. You should also get a home business phone and a cell phone with your business number. There is also insurance, tools, a truck, office space, space for the storage of your material, hiring office help and roofers, and so much more. It is best that at this time you have a notebook listing everything that you need to do and check it off with the date it was done.

You also need to start advertising to get business using the local newspapers, flyers, your business cards, etc. Once you have your first job you need to make sure that you do a great job and that the customer is satisfied because a satisfied customer is a great reference and a good way to get new clients.

As you can see, there is a lot of work that needs to not only get your roofing service business off the ground but also to keep it in the black.

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TC ROOFING PROS
21Jul

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor for Your Property

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One of the greatest issues that a property owner can face is fixing or replacing a roof. Also, the installation of a new roof is a very critical issue that should be handled by someone who is qualified in the area. There are many things that may make you look for a contractor. With the changes in weather, things like a storm can damage your property and in most cases the roof is the most affected part of the home. You need to get the issues fixed very fast so as to get back to the normal routines. However, you shouldn’t settle for the very first contractor that you come across. Here are some things that should help in the process.

Referrals

Choosing a contractor who is within your community may protect you from scams. This is because they are familiar with local codes, rules, and regulations. If they operate in the area, then it means that it will not be hard to get referrals from people who have already used their services and have been satisfied with it. Ask around for recommendations. A good company will definitely stand out from the rest.

Manufacturer designations

When a contractor has manufacturer designations, then it means that there are great chances that he/she will do a perfect job. Manufacturer designations are a kind of badge of honor. This is because before a contractor gets it, there are minimum requirements that need to be passed. Some manufacturers have very stringent requirements, meaning that not everyone gets the designation.

Ratings

There are some organizations that make it their aim to rate contractors. There are some contractors who do shoddy work and then disappear. Such organizations aim at rating the contractors so that you can know the best in your area without much of a hustle.

Warranties

Warranties should be another great consideration when you are choosing a contractor. It is important to know that not everyone can give you manufacturer warranties which will cover the workmanship of the contractor. If an installation is not done correctly, then it may be a long time before you notice the damage and as such, insurance may not make any payment. The contractor may refuse to fix it or he may already be out of business and you may end up paying for it. The best contractors should therefore offer you long warranties. This will cushion you incase faults show up in the future.

Safety

Contractors that lack in training and safety programs are not the best. A good contractor needs to be trained in the relevant fields so as to ensure that they offer the best services at all times. There are many bodies that specialize in offering the best training. Find out which is the best in your locality.

Insurance and licensing

Insurance and licensing is a very important thing. A contractor needs to have insurance for the employees. Check for an insurance certificate so as to validate the professional.

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TC ROOFING PROS
18Jul

Roofing Repair – What You Should Know

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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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