How A Leaking Roof Can Lead to Major Damage

The comfort and safety of your building, whether it is your home or your commercial building, depends strongly on the roof that protects it from above – any roofing issue, especially leaks, need to be addressed in a timely manner to restore the integrity of the building.

Roof leaks might seem like minor roof problems, but unfortunately, they are anything but. Here is why and how even the smallest leak can turn into a major roofing problem very quickly.

Lafayette roofing contractor

Understanding Roof Leaks

Roof leaks appear when water can penetrate the deeper layers of the roof through a gap, crack or hole that should not be there. Leaks can affect the roof throughout the year – in winter, they are usually caused by the penetration of the water resulting from melted snow and ice through gaps, holes or cracks caused by low temperatures; in spring and fall, they are caused by the water coming from excessive rain finding its way into the roof structure, while in summer, the most common cause is stormy weather that leads to the disrupted continuity of the roof and the consequent penetration of moisture. A local Lafayette roofing contractor says that improper draining is also a major cause of roof leaks, with clogged gutter pipes and downspouts being a common culprit.

Roof leaks can appear anywhere on the roof, one of the most common sources being displaced or completely ripped off shingles or tiles, but any roof has sensitive areas that are more prone to developing leaks. These areas include roof sections that disrupt the continuity of the structure, such as the areas covered in flashing around the roof openings and the areas where two roof slopes meet and form a valley. The areas where the roof meets a wall are also sensitive to leaking.

Signs of Roof Leaks

The most severe symptom of a leaky roof is the appearance of dampness in the building interior. In milder cases, the problem will be signaled by the appearance of mold and a musty smell, while in more severe, acute cases, the issue will be marked by a damp patch on the attic floor or on the ceilings in rooms at the top level of the building or by water dripping or pouring through the ceiling. Moisture-laden air in the attic can also indicate the presence of a leak even before more severe signs of moisture, such droplets or small ponds of water, appear in the space.

How Roof Leaks Can Lead to Severe Roof Damage

Roof leaks that are not remedied in a timely manner can quickly aggravate. The water that penetrates through initially small punctures or fissures can force those discontinuities to expand and become large gaps. The other reason why leaks are so harmful is that the water that reaches into the deeper layers of the roof soaks the structure and might weaken the wooden supporting elements, such as the beams, compromising the strength and resistance of the entire roof. Roof leaks can also soak the other major components of the building, leading to weakened walls and might also contribute to excessive moisture in the basement and to extensive foundation damage. If you discover a roof leak, you need to contact a respected Lafayette roofing contractor asap before further building damage is created.


A Checklist for Hiring A Roofing Contractor

roof repair Longmont CO

Whatever roofing issue you are faced with, whether it is a minor repair to fix a leak, a partial or complete roof replacement or repairs for issues caused by a recent storm, hiring a reliable and experienced contractor is very important. Hiring the right roof repair Longmont CO contractor can be a daunting process, so here is a checklist that you can use while assessing and contacting local roofers and for contracting the right specialist.

Identify Available Roofers in Your Area

The first step should be a little research to find local roofing contractors. You can rely on trusted sources of information, such as your friends, neighbors or family, you can find roofers through the Better Business Bureau, you can rely on your own online query or you can combine all the three methods. When you have a list with at least three or four roofing businesses that seem suitable, it is a good idea to check the websites operated by the Longmont contractors and to check the online reviews and testimonials available to see what previous clients think about the roofers on your list.

Contact the Roofers on Your List

Call the roofers and schedule personal meetings with them to tell them about your project. Prepare a list of questions beforehand and don’t be shy to ask for clarifications if you have doubts or if you don’t understand the technical terms used during the meeting. The topics to cover should include the followings:

  • The roofer’s credentials – the most important documents that you need to check are the roofing license issued by your state, the general liability insurance and the workman’s compensation insurance. Good roofers also take the time to attend specialized workshops and courses where they can learn about new roofing techniques and materials, so you can ask the contractor about these documents, too;
  • Experience with the type of project that you have – ask the roof repair Longmont CO contractors how many similar projects they have accomplished and you can also ask for references that you can check;
  • The process – ask the roofer to explain to you how the project will be handled, what the steps and the related costs are. Find out how the roofer handles special or additional services, such as the disposal of the waste generated during the roofing work and site cleaning.

Request Quotes

Ask all the roofers that you contact to provide detailed, written cost estimates, then take the time to compare them in terms of price, quality, warranties and process duration. If you want the roofer to handle the material purchasing as well, check the quality level of the materials proposed. Pay special attention to the warranties offered – you need not only the manufacturer’s warranty offered on the material, but the warranty offered by roofer on the workmanship provided.

Contracting

It is very important to sign a contract with your roofer before any work is performed on your roof. The contract should include all the details from the cost estimate and from your verbal agreement with the roofer and it should be signed by both of you.


What Are the Advantages of Metal Roofing on a Building?

Nowadays, metal roofs are everywhere. In the past, metal was a material mainly used for building commercial and industrial roofs, but modern, minimalist architectural designs and the great benefits that come with the material have made the option popular for residential applications as well. Here are some of the qualities of metal roofs that account for their popularity.

Durability and Low Maintenance Needs

Longevity is among the most attractive features offered by metal roofs – a correctly installed metal roof made from the right type of alloy can last for over 50 years. Your metal roof will be able to stay on your building for decades without requiring any special intervention – like any other roof type, metal roofs also need regular cleaning and inspections, but if they receive that attention, they can provide reliable protection from the elements for a long time.

Resistance to the Elements

Metal roofs stand out when it comes to weather resistance as well. Many types use non-corrosive alloys, completely unaffected by water and they can also stand up to high winds and thick layers of snow. The only phenomenon that metal roofs are somewhat sensitive to is extremely hard hail, but the damage caused even by the largest balls of ice is likely to be only cosmetic in nature.

According to metal roofing Orlando contractors, metal roofs are also impervious to fire and pest attacks – qualities that make them suitable for buildings located in areas prone to fires and lightning strikes as well as for regions where pest attacks can be an issue.

metal roofing Orlando

Easy Installation

Whether built from smaller components, such as shingles or from large panels, metal roofs can be installed quickly and easily. If the building is strong enough and able to hold some extra weight, the process of installation does not need to include the removal of the old roof – the new panels and shingles can be safely installed on top of the old roof.

Energy Efficiency

The metal alloys used for manufacturing metal roofing shingles and panels reflect solar heat, thus preventing the transfer of that heat to the lower levels of the building. The reflectivity of your new metal roof can be further enhanced if you install suitable roofing installation as well as by treating the roof surface with a reflective coating product.

Lots of Styles and Designs

Metal roof covering components come in a very wide array of styles, colors and textures, allowing any building owner to find the solution that integrates with the architectural design of the building. The colors available with metal roofing materials include not only classic hues, such as shades of red and brown, but bold colors, such as blue, orange, green, black and white as well.

Environmental Performance

Most metal roofs contain recycled material in proportions ranging between 25-95 percent and are 100% recyclable themselves. When your metal roof reaches the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced, it doesn’t have to be taken to a dump site – the removed material can be taken to a recycling center and used again to reduce the environment impact of the roof replacement process.


Factors to Consider for Your Commercial Roofing Replacement

Replacing the roof on your commercial facility is a huge project, one that requires not only sufficient funds for the investment, but also careful planning, organization and a hand-on attitude. The success of the installation project, the quality and the durability of your new roof depend on many factors – According to commercial roofing Aurora contractors, here are some of the most important aspects to consider.

The Longevity of the Material

Roof replacement is certainly not a task that you will want to repeat any time soon, therefore choosing the material that can last the longest on your building is very important. Each type of material used for building commercial roofs is different in terms of longevity – while TPO, EPDM and PVC roofs can be expected to last for about 20-30 years, the life expectancy of asphalt roofing is in the 20-40 years range and metal roofs can stay on your building for around 30-45 years.

The Location of Your Building

The climate zone in which your commercial facility is located is another important factor to influence your decisions related to the new roof. Not all materials are designed to stand up to the kind of weather-related stress, so the typical wind velocity, average rainfall, the potential amount of snow that your roof will need to support, the number of hot and sunny days per year in your region are all important factors when choosing your new materials. Whatever material you choose for your roof, you might also want to consider having it treated with special roof coatings to make the roof more resistant to water penetration, solar radiations and other climate-related aspects.

commercial roofing Aurora

The Purpose of Your Building

Commercial roofing Aurora contractors confirm that the scope of your building is also a factor that should inform your roof-related decisions. If you use your building as an office, as a shop or as a warehouse for storing merchandise that is sensitive to changing temperatures and humidity, you will need a roof that promotes the stability of the air inside the building, such as a built-up roof or metal and you will also need to get the right type of insulation underneath your roof.

The Price

Roofing materials are very different in terms of pricing and the final amount that you will have to pay will be also influenced by the size of your roof as well as by the labor fees charged by the roofer for the installation. When it comes to installation costs, your roofer will determine the final amount charged based on the type of material to be installed, on the ease of access as well as taking into account the special features that you need with your roof, such as skylights or rails.

When you calculate the overall amount that your roof will cost you, make sure to factor in maintenance costs as well. To be able to enjoy the protection provided by your roof for the entire forecasted lifespan of your roof, you will need to have it inspected and cleaned by a professional twice a year and the issues detected during the inspections will also need to be fixed in a timely manner. While roof maintenance services are usually very affordable and a well-maintained roof is likely to sustain only minor damage even if affected by severe weather, taking care of your roof will still add a little to your overall roofing expenses.


How to Select the Design of Your Commercial Roofing Replacement

Commercial facility managers are often tasked with becoming overnight experts in several areas – including roofing. Thus, it is essential that both new managers and industry veterans become familiar with the roof of the buildings they manage.

The health of the roof influences the working and storage condition inside the building, so it deserves your attention.

Two types of roofs: steep slope and low slope

When it comes to the design of a commercial roof, you can choose steep slope or low slope.

Roofs with steep slopes are designed to drain water away from the building through gutters and downspouts. Pitched roofs can have intricate shapes, with many slopes, but they can be very expensive, so you will have to discuss your preferences with a roofing specialist and hear a professional advice. Although steep sloped roofs are much more popular for residential applications, you can also find them on some commercial or institutional buildings.

They can be covered with various materials, each one contributing differently to the overall design of the roof:

  • Asphalt shingles
  • Concrete slabs
  • Ceramic tiles
  • Slate
  • Wood shakes and shingles
  • Metal panels etc.

As for low-pitched roofs, they are the most common for commercial buildings, mainly due to their cost-effectiveness – which becomes very important in the case of large buildings. Besides, installing a pitched roof on a large hospital or a tall office building would be difficult and impractical.

Low-pitched roofs are also very useful for storing equipment, such as solar panels and HVAC systems. Any roof with a slope lower than 3/12 qualifies as low-sloped. These are sometimes called flat roofs, although they may not really be flat because a small slope is necessary for drainage.

Another important aspect is that in recent years, with the expansion of the concept of eco-friendliness, we are witnessing the apparition of more and more green roofs on hypermarkets and shopping centers. The result is green roofs with important surfaces, both in size and ecological function.

Once you have made up your mind about your preferences on the roof design and materials that are best suited for your commercial building, it is recommended that you contact an impartial consultant who is also an expert in commercial roofing. A consultant can look at the existing roof and help you determine if it was the right choice when it was installed. Commercial roofing Dallas TX consultants are skilled in roofing designs, water drainage, thermal insulating, resistance to wind and other technical aspects that matter the most.

commercial roofing Dallas TX

The next step is to choose an installation company that can meet the following conditions:

  • Experience in installing the type of roof you want
  • Certification from the roof system manufacturer
  • License and very good reputation

The commercial roofing Dallas TX contractor should also be willing to undergo a third-party inspection during and after installation. The inspection serves as an additional check of the contractor, to ensure a proper installation. Some manufacturers have internal inspection programs and will send a technician to look at the roof; you can also hire an independent consultant.

 


The Benefits of Finding a Great Dallas Roofing Company

Finding a roofing company in North Texas will allow you to solve whatever roofing problem you are facing – roofing installation, re-roofing, small or extensive roof repairs, roof inspections or roof maintenance are quick and easy with local contractors, so here are a few of the major benefits of hiring a Dallas roofing company.

 

Emergency Situations Solved Efficiently

 

coper trim by dallas roofer Roofing damage can happen overnight or they might emerge as the result of some sort of long-lingering problem – either ways, when your roof starts leaking or it collapses, you need an expert right away. Weather-related damage is the most frequently cited reason for calling roofers and a situation that obviously calls for an expert. If you carry a home insurance that covers storm or hail damage as well, local roofers can help you not only with the repairs, but also with the insurance claim process by assessing and documenting the damage and by handling the negotiations       with your insurer as well.

 

Getting Long-Lingering Problems Out of the Way

 

People tend to spend more time, money and energy on more visible areas of their homes, on places such as the rooms, the kitchen and the bathroom, leaving roofs neglected, even though the importance of having a solid and resistant roof over the house is obvious. Roofs can suffer a lot without showing signs, then leaks appear all of a sudden. If you are in the process of finding a roofing company in North Texas to get such an unexpected, but long-existent problem fixed, you can be sure that local roofers have the expertise to fix that for you.

 

Timely Roof Replacements

 

Roof replacements, partial or complete, are complex projects that require experience and training to do right. Finding Dallas roofing contractors for your roof installation project will give you the best results – your roofer will design the best roofing solution for you, he will handle the material purchase, the delivery of the materials to the job site and he will also install the new roof for you.

 

Roof Inspections If You Want to Buy a New Home

 

Finding a roofing company to assist you in the process of buying a new home is also an excellent idea. Roofs are not only very important structural components of any type of housing, they are also very tricky, requiring trained experts to notice small faults and issues that might turn into larger problems in the future. Having an experienced roofer by your side when you inspect the house you want to buy might not only give you a more realistic idea of what you are buying, but might also help you take a stronger negotiating position and get a better price.

 

Finding a good roofing company is beneficial for a number of reasons – just make sure you contact roofers that have the type of experience that you need and can prove that their reputation is impeccable as well and you can be sure your roofing issue will be solved as quickly and as professionally as you want it to.


Hire Roofers For Different Kind of Roofing Job

If your home has been affected by any weather conditions then it can cause a large number of issues including damage to your roof. It will eventually make your home vulnerable to every kind of danger because when your roof is not strong then it might affect the safety and security of your home. Therefore it is very important that you hire the right kind of roofing Dallas tx offers who will help you install a strong and durable roofing system in your home. When you pay attention to the kind of roofing professionals that you hire, you will be able to get a roof that will last for a long period of time.


When you hire roofers for the installation of the roofing system, you will be able to install a new roof that will last for many years. The roof will provide the required protection to your home so that your valuables and belongings will be safe so that you will not have to worry about its safety. There are certain things that you will need to keep in mind at the time of hiring roofers but the most important thing is the kind of roofing material that is being used by the roofers. You will also need to inquire about the tools and equipment that are being used by these roofers because when they make use of the latest technology tools and equipment’s, you can be rest assured that they will help you get the best quality of work. Timing is also an important consideration that you will need to keep in mind because it will help you get quick service from the roofers. Hence you should always hire roofers, who will provide you superior quality of work within a short span of time so that any kind of inconvenience can be avoided. You should always research about roofers who will help you be at the right schedule so that the installation of the roof can be carried on smoothly and you home will be protected adequately. Therefore you will be able to plan accordingly if you will know the exact way the roof is being installed so that you will have to wait when the installation process is being carried on.

When you hire roofers for roof installation, you will need to ask them about the roofing material that is being used so that you can get a material that is energy efficient and will last for a long period of time. You can also hire roofers whose installation will help you to qualify for the energy savings benefits from the utility companies. This will help you save money on the electricity bills so that you will not have to waste money and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of having a properly installed roof that will last for a long period of time. You will also be completely sure that your roof will last for a long period of time without the need of replacing it frequently.