Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Concrete Roofing Materials

We are roofing contractors (and even accredited contractors) in Denver, CO.In our natural environment, buildings obtain a defeating from popular sun, consistent bad weather, and also the infrequent hurricane. So roofs have to be tough, they need maintenance, and they often need to be replaced.

The two cement and clay-based tile roofs are preferred within our market. As with other types of roofing, the codes for tile roofs are relatively strict in Denver, CO because of the intense climate. Over the years Armour Roofing & Exteriors  exchanged a huge selection of porcelain tile roofing; in this story, we'll explain how it's completed, focusing on a concrete tile reroof.

Checking a Preexisting Roof Structure

The work gets underway with a careful examination to determine regardless of if the roof top requirements spot improvements or possibly a complete damage-off and replacing. In a very ceramic tile roof, underlayment will be the final weather safety - besides looking great, the tile's major job is usually to guard the underlayment. So what really determines the choice between replacement and repair is the condition of the underlayment.

A lot of the underlayments we come across contain levels of concrete noticed papers with assorted cap linens. It could also be some sort of bitumen-backed synthetic membrane, although the cap sheet is hot-mopped asphalt felt. Sometimes leaks and wear are limited to a few spots - such as points where a loose tile has been moving from contraction and expansion and wearing on the underlayment, or at valleys and around pipe and vent penetrations. In people situations, we just might simply make local maintenance. However if the membrane layer has dried by helping cover their age, it can break while we elevate it to lap within the new underlayment, helping to make spot repairs complicated.

We'll ask the customers to decide whether they want to replace everything at once - with the latest tested materials, over decking that has been replaced where necessary and is newly reinforced with extra nailing, if the estimate for repair work is a big percentage of the cost of a complete reroof. In mountainous Colorado, an kept up to date roof structure is more affordable to make sure, that also weighs along the side of replacing.

In this area, a basic tile roof top charges anywhere from $550 to $700 for each sq . for tear-away from and replacement (in contrast to $350 to $450 to rip off of an elementary make up roof structure and change it out with life dimensional shingles).

Damage-Off of and Fingertips

When the proprietors have selected a full alternative, we inform them about what to anticipate once we start working. They need to understand that we'll be getting rid of a lot of material - porcelain tile rooftops weigh about 1,000 kilos every square - and also the residence may shake a bit. We ask them to disassemble any light in weight items dangling in the surfaces, and we advise them which the commotion in the rooftop might cause some dust particles to slip from the ceilings on the inside.

We cordon off of the work area, throughout each damage-away from and installation. Before the next rain, we have to work fast to remove the existing materials and get the new underlayment dried in.Besides, moving heavy debris, we'll be firing up propane-fired kettles of hot asphalt, which can be dangerous for bystanders or passers-by.

Spend administration is a large section of the employment. We opt for dispose of pickup trucks above dumpsters. To begin with, pickup truck wheels are more unlikely that to break into drive way pavement the way in which a major dumpster can. Also, you are able to command in the event the pickups appear and disappear, rather then the need to job around the dumpster company's timetable.

If it's a particular style that matches other houses in the neighborhood, occasionally, when the tile is in good enough shape, we try to save some - especially. It's pleasant to possess a number of ceramic tile available at our lawn, for small maintenance. But saving tile slows the method, so we typically recycle the materials as an alternative, separating out any copper or aluminum flashing for any stainless steel yard. The tile would go to a trying to recycle center just where it's crushed and sold as clear fill up for site and roads function.

We always tear off the roof top and cover it once again inside of eventually - it's not unusual to find an night thunderstorm even after a sunlit time. That's taking a big chance of water damage if there were to be a heavy thunderstorm with high winds, even though in theory, we could tarp the house.

Our typical job is around 40 squares. That results in about one-and-a-50 percent truckloads of scrap tile along with a part truckload of underlayment. We can remove that much material in a day and still have time to dry the roof in again before quitting time. We'll do much larger tasks - ones with 50 or more squares - in areas.

This job requires careful planning: We don't want to go out on a job if the odds of being rained out are high, because setup and take-down are expensive. For a 40-square roof, we may field a 10-man crew - and we'd rather not bring all those people back for an extra day if we can avoid it. So if the morning weather report predicts a 60 percent or higher chance of rain, we'll call the job off and wait for better weather.

Repairing Structure and Sheathing


When the existing rooftop has been split away, we will need to do some architectural perform. At a minimum, we have to ensure that the roof sheathing nailing daily schedule complies with the new, more difficult requirements. To face up to the uplift power of hurricane winds, sheathing should be nailed with 8-dime band-shank nails at 6 in . on-facility from the niche and 4 " in the perimeter. We use nail guns they are driving the fingernails or toenails and have a subsequent worker follow with a hammer to drive the heads flush to the plywood when necessary. In any other case, protruding nail heads will help make gaps inside the tar residue paper. We replace any rotted sheathing with seem plywood.

In unusual circumstances, a reroof requires beefing in the accessory of the roof structure framework into the assistance surfaces. On any house worth more than $300,000, we're needed to bring an engineer on location to inspect wall-to-truss or wall surface-to-rafter links to make certain they meet code. If they don't, we retrofit metal hold-downs, as specified by the engineer. But almost all of the properties we concentrate on are new adequate that they can pass the engineer's evaluation.

Drying Time 
environment, buildings obtain a defeating from popular sun, consistent bad weather, and also the infrequent hail storm. So roofs have to be tough, they need maintenance, and they often need to be replaced.

There are 2 periods from the underlayment set up - a base level of 30-lb felt applied with limit nails, then this top level of 90-pound granulated asphalt experienced or customized bitumen membrane layer applied with popular-mopped concrete. By the end of the first day, we'll have the 30-pound felt down, along with any flashing needed to make the roof watertight.

We install the 30-pound felt with 4-inch overlaps on the horizontal bones and 6-inches stop laps at straight bones. We fasten it with 1 1/4-in . diamond ring-shank cover fingernails or toenails with tin hats(plastic-type material hats aren't made it possible for in substantial-acceleration hurricane areas). The thought is to ensure that the underlayment can't blow away in spite of how substantial the winds get. Our rule government bodies have beefed within the nailing habits, and the latest hard storms have indicated that it's working.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

8 Popular Residential Roofing Materials


Asphalt
Concrete shingles are usually dark and somewhat sparkly and can be bought in bundles. They may be most popular within the Midwest since they endure severe climatic conditions and high snowfall adequately. Also, they are versatile, inexpensive and easy to work alongside. chimney, edges and vent flashings or wall terminations, concrete may be the most affordable shingle you are able to put in because the installation does not demand any special add-ons for that roofing edges. These shingles are easy for your roofers to fit and cut plus they are suitable for most kinds of edging and flashing.

Ceramic Tiles
These tile shingles are one of the oldest roofing materials recognized to man but they are continue to extremely popular in warm places just like the Southwestern United States and Florida. Clay-based roof tiles appearance nice are comparatively cheap. They are also quite simple to create small maintenance on. Ceramic tiles operate specifically nicely to intensive sunshine and can help you to maintain your home great.

Copper
This option is becoming more and more popular, especially as an accent choice on houses and buildings, though you won't see a shiny penny for very long. Over time, copper will weather to a eco-friendly color that you may notice on old structures. However copper can be quite strikingly stunning, whether or not as being a new sparkly reddish-precious metal or an oxidized blue-eco-friendly patina, it's also very pricey.

Monday, August 26, 2013

What Factors into the Lifespan of a Roof?

Many home owners need to know one factor when setting up a brand new roof-- how lengthy does it last? This isn't as feasible for home roofing professionals to reply to as it might appear. A roof's durability is dependent on many factors such as the materials used, climate conditions, and quantity of maintenance carried out. Although most of the aspects affecting a roof's durability are outdoors for human control, carrying out regular repair and maintenance is essential to making certain your homes roof can last as lengthy as you possibly can. Being aware of what can harm a roof or lessen its existence expectancy is essential to maintaining a powerful, sturdy home.



Exactly what a Roof Does

Roofs keep your components from harmful the interior structure of your house. Precipitation, ice and wind can seriously damage your house if  it's not properly protected. The roof's effectiveness and lifespan rely on techniques and materials used by the roofing company. Using top quality materials when setting up a brand new roof is the easiest method to make sure the roof can last for many years. Even though it is tempting to select roofing materials in line with the appearance of your house, you need to select the right material for the particular location and roof pitch.

Material Lifespans.

The lifespan of new roofs widely differs with respect to the materials used during installation. Asphalt shingles come with an 20-thirty year existence expectancy underneath the best conditions. Wood shakes usually continue for about 15-20  years if you ensure they are properly maintained. Many other roofing materials like clay tiles can last for 50 years  if they're correctly installed.

Installation and Care

As I have said before, your roof's lifespan is most determined by techniques. A great underlayment, dark waterproof paper membrane, ought to always be accustomed to keep moisture from doing harm to the patio decking (plywood patio decking is better). It's also vital that you consider your location's climate when selecting materials. Wood stakes do very best in hot, damp environments while slate and metal materials be more effective for snowy conditions. Asphalt shingles would be the visit material for many environments if they're well-maintained.

Fixing your roof after installation can also be important. Trees ought to be cut retreat out of your roof if conditions are wet. Trees provide shaded areas that increase humidity and don't permit the roof to correctly dry leading to harm to the shingles. When the conditions in your town are sunny and dry the colour tone from the tree may keep your shingles from cooking within the warmth. If your trees grow over the roof, you should regularly clear out debris in the gutters.

Employing a very qualified Denver roofing contractor to set up your brand-new roof is the easiest method to be sure that your roof have a lengthy, healthy lifespan. Getting the rooftop installed properly could save you considerably throughout the duration of the rooftop.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Top Types of Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Classic 3 Tab Asphalt Shingles

If you're on a tight budget and therefore are searching for probably the most fundamental yet quality asphalt shingle material for the roof, Denver roofing companies say, the classic 3 tab roofing shingle is a superb option. For many years, it has been and is proven to function as the most generally used asphalt shingles of all residential houses in America. The Three tab shingle is all about 1-foot. tall x 3-foot. wide, and contains exactly the same thickness throughout. In the bottom finish, narrow slots are cut about 50 %-in place the shingle to produce three tabs. Each is about 5-in. tall x 12-in. wide. This construction produces a clean, flat look throughout your homes roof.

The Three tab roofing shingle provides the following advantages and security features for the roof. It typically has a 25-40 year prorated warranty (for particulars read our section on asphalt shingles roof durability and roof repair, below). It's resistant to the wind as much as 60 mph and has a 5 year warranty, which needs to be all right if your property is situated inside a region that's not vulnerable to strong winds.

Laminated / Architectural Asphalt Shingles


You can easily get confused while shopping around to have an upgraded form of an asphalt roofing shingle, because this shingle has a variety of names. Laminated shingles, architectural shingles and three-dimensional shingles all make reference to one sort of asphalt roofing shingle. The primary difference and benefit of these shingles is they have a minimum of two layers of abs plastic matting which are individually covered in asphalt, after which laminated together. This construction produces extra thickness. Laminated shingles possess a warranty that's correlated using their thickness the thicker the shingle the more the warranty. For instance, triple laminate shingles have a lifetime warranty. This selection allows laminated shingles to possess better tear off resistance some are ranked to face up to winds of 120 mph. If you reside inside a hurricane prone region of America,
trading more income for that added security of your house is really a wise financial decision. Another essential safety feature of laminated shingles is powerful fire resistance. This is also true of laminated asphalt shingles which have huge granulated top coat. Huge layer of top coat granules offers the greatest fire rating of sophistication.


Premium Asphalt Asphalt Shingles

Monday, May 13, 2013

Roofing Repair Safety Tips for Your Home

Making repairs to your roof can save you money and time, but should only be taken on by skilled homeowners. There are some roof repairs that can be made without calling a professional roofing contractor, but you need to be sure to not over extend yourself because your roof is one of the most important pieces of your home. Repairing your own roof is a great, but be sure to call a contractor if you find a problem you are unfamiliar with. The internet is a great resource for leaning about roof repair projects, but nothing can replace the experience of a qualified Denver roof company.

Before getting up on your roof, make sure that you will not be working in the rain. Tearing away at your roof system without first checking the weather will cause serious problems. Not only are you opening up your house to flooding and water damage you are also putting yourself and the people working with you in danger. Wet roofs are very slippery and the chance of injury is raised exponentially during or immediately following a storm. If you need to remove shingles for your roof repair project make sure you have something to cover the portion of your home you have exposed before starting. Even if you think you will be able to finish the project before the day is through having some sort of covering will help you avoid any unnecessary damage to your roof if you are unable to complete the task. Immediately cover any exposed areas with plastic or felt paper anytime you are leaving repairs unsupervised.

Monday, May 6, 2013

How to Repair Roofs After a Storm

The snow has finally melted, but your roof is not done with wild weather quite yet. Spring and summer often bring storms with them and your roof will take a beating from them. After a storm cleanup chores typically include some roof repairs. Not all roofing repairs call for a professional roofer, there are some repairs you can make on your own. The most important thing to remember when making roof repairs is to work safely. Always work with a buddy and use extreme caution. One wrong step could send you to the hospital and by that time you'll wish you called a roofer.

Check your roof for damage after every storm. Identifying damage quickly will help make repairs less of an issue. If you find damage on your roof,make the repair as soon as you can to prevent other problems developing. First inspect your roof from the ground. Look for problems like missing and torn shingles and standing water. Next you'll want to go up to the roof and carefully cover any holes and problem areas with plastic sheeting or roofing paper for temporary protection from the elements. Use nails to keep plastic covering in place. Roofing paper should be attached with plastic cement. Check to make sure your gutters are secured to your home. Gutters are an important part of your roofing system and they do not work properly unless they are held in place. Other important roofing system features you should inspect closely are the skylights, vents, turbines and flashing.



Contact your insurance company as soon as possible when you find a problem with your roof. You'll need the company to send an adjuster out to your home so that you can have a roofing contractor make more permanent repairs right away. Make sure not to over extend yourself. If you haven't made repairs to your roof before, hire a Littleton roofing company to help you with your repairs.




Wednesday, April 24, 2013

How to Calculate the Roof Area

Posted by:  Jeff Ahbe

When you are about to start your Denver roofing project, you will need to calculate total roofing materials needed for the job.  To get this amount, you need to estimate the total surface area of your roof so you know how much to order.  When calculating your surface area, the easiest way to do this is actually measuring your roof.  When doing so, round up to the nearest foot to make your calculations easy and to ensure you order enough! 

It is easy to calculate when you think of your roof as a flat rectangular surface.  If measuring a gable roof, find the area of a rectangle, multiply the length times the width.  Measure along the ridge or eaves to find the length and from the ridge to the eaves to find your width.  If you multiply the two numbers together you'll get the square footage of one side of your roof.

Complicated Roof Measurements

If you have a section of your roofing system that is more complicated that the basic gable roof, it is easier to divide your roof into triangles.  To find the square footage of a triangle, multiply the height by the width and divide by two.  Once you figure the area of your triangles, simply add them up to get your roofs area.

If your roof is inaccessible or hard to maneuver you will need to make your measurements from the ground.  Measure the roof as if its edges were projected on the ground and then correct for the amount of slope in the roof by using the area/rake conversion chart to the right.  Make sure to calculate the roof overhangs, don't just measure wall to wall of your home. It is easier to draw the roof outline on paper and add the ridge, dormers, chimneys or porch to your figures.

Once you have a proper outline, take the following steps to correctly calculate your roofs area:

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Waterproofing Underlayment

A roof depends on gravity to make water run down an doff, but when held back by ice, or during intense driving rain, water can work its way up and under even properly installed shingles. Because normal felt underlayment is not completely waterproof, especially around nail holes, water can work its way in. Highlands Ranch roofers say, for those who experience harsh winters it's reassureing to know you can install additional insurance afainst water dmage.


Waterproof shingle underlayment is a special material mafe of asphalt and elastic polumers designed to adhere tightly to roof sheathing and around the shanks of nails driven through it. This self-sealing attribute ensures that water cannot fet past it, even where you drive a nail.

Install the underlayment along those areas where ice dams and driving rain can create a problem, or where water tends to accumulate along the eaves, around skilights in calleys, in saddles or on low pitched roofs. Noramal felt underlayment should still be installed in non-critical areas, and metal flashing shoulf still be used as per ordinary roof

Friday, April 19, 2013

Roofing with Slate

Roofing with slate is very expensive. Actually slate roofing is one of the most expensive roofing material options available on the market. Even when you consider the long lasting lifespan of slate, the price is still out of reach for most homeowners. If you're looking to install a new roof Denver contractors don't always suggest these long lasting roofs. The reason for choosing slate roofing materials for your home is not affordability but aesthetics. Slate roofing materials give a home a chic yet rugged look that many modern style homes look great with. Slate can be places over a layer of composition shingles if the slope of the roof is 4-15+ is a structural engineer signs off on the roof framing sturdiness.

Slating a roof takes a considerable amount of skill; however, some skilled do-it-yourself enthusiasts are capable of the project. Slating requires quite a few specialized tools that most people do not have in their backyard sheds and these tools are fairly costly. Sometimes it is more cost effective to pay a professional to take on the task than to invest in the tools required for the job.

Slate is available in a huge variety of grades and thicknesses, so ask a salesman how long your selection is expected to last. This material also comes in many colors ranging from grays and greens to purples and reds. Some of these colors will fade after years of exposure. Slate can also be purchased in smooth or rough surfaces. Different colors and textures may be used on a single roof, but Denver roofing professionals say it can be very difficult to make pattern with the colors you choose to turn out in a pleasing design.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Installing Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has recently gained in popularity. Metal roofing is most commonly found on commercial buildings and older homes, but can also be found on residential new builds. Metal is a great material for roofing because of its longevity and low cost.

Standing-seam panel roofing is the most common type of metal roofing for residential builds. Panels usually run vertically and are made of aluminum or galvanized steel, but in some cases they are made from zinc and aluminum-coated steel. Since the panels are painted they offer many different color options. Metal roofing is ideal for restoring older homes that were originally fitted with metal roofs.

Metal roofing is a light material suitable for covering older roofs and could even be layered over composition shingles (depending on local codes). For roofs that have irregularities, narrow, texture and dull-finish panels are the best choice. Metal roofing can cover a roof with a slope of 3 in 13. Other metal roof Denver residents sometimes choose can work on roofs with slopes as sloght as 1/4' in 12. However, the experience and special equipment needed will required a skilled contractor for this metal roofing installation.

Installing metal roofing is a process that involves laying 12-16.5 inch panels and correctly joining them at the seams, wall flashing, valleys and ridges. The panels are pre-cut to the exact length ordered up to 40 feet long. Metal roofing can be applied to plywood decking with an underlayment of 30 pound felt. Laying and joining the panels is not difficult, but handling eaves, rakes, edges, wall flashing and ridges require an experienced roofer.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Top 8 Tips For Leaky Roofs

Here are ten quick tips for your next roofing project. These tips from Denver roofing company experts will help you with one of the most common roofing issues-- leaks.

  • If discover a leak in your roof during a storm, make sure to wait until the weather stops before getting on your Denver roof. Attempting to repair your roof during a storm could end with you in the hospital. Even temporary repairs are dangerous to make when the roof is wet, or snow covered. Being patient and careful whenever working on your roof will ensure that the repairs you make are accurate and you remain safe.
  • Another safety precaution to take when repairing a leaky roof, is to wear rubber sole shoes and a harness every time you make repairs to your roof. Rubber sole shoes will prevent you fro slipping and the harness will catch you if you do fall. Also working with a buddy or making sure that someone is on site while you are on the roof will ensure that if you are injured someone is there to call an ambulance.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

How To Install a Panel Roof

Steel panel roofs complement many modern home styles. Panels are best ordered pre-cut to reduce the amount of on-site cutting during the installation. Stylized and painted roofing has moved from the country into the suburbs. With sleek, modern looking choices, steel provides a long term Denver roofing solution for many buildings and is the very best choice when choosing a roofing material for low-pitched roofs. Fiberglass panels are widely used for greenhouses and patio covers. All are applied in a similar fashion.

Panel roofs are fairly easy to install it the roof layout is simple. On roofs with a number of gables, angle and pitches only a professional should install the roofing material. Metal roofs are not a new roofing contractors in Denver  most real estate professionals will tell you to avoid metal roofing if you want to re-sell your home. Most Denver roofing company professionals will not suggest metal roofs in areas that experience hail storms. Hail and even rain is very noisy when it falls on metal roofing. Great insulation will reduce the noise issue, so if you do live in an area that experiences rain or hail on a regular basis, plan on installing sound insulation under your roofing material.
phenomenon. Metal has been used to roof buildings in Europe for hundreds of years. Even with improvements regarding their appearance, metal roofs are still not very popular in the United States. Even if metal roofing is suggested to you by

Monday, February 18, 2013

Repairing Flashing

If you can't find obvious damage to your roof, such as missing shingles or shakes, you can usually trace leaks to flashings or valleys.

Roof Valleys
Leaks in valley flashing usually occur where water backs up in the valley due to obstructions. The water flows over the edges of the flashing and runs under the rooding material. Fix this by clearing the valley of debris, which can act like a dam to back up water.

Next make sure that the roofing material in the valley is cut in a smooth, straight line.
If any of the material such as underlayment or a shingle, sticks out of the valley and under the shingles. To ensure against valley leaks, carefully raise composition shingles where they meet the valley flashing and coat the area with roofing cement. Then run a bead of caulk down the valley flashing right net to the shingles. On wood shingles or shakes, just run a bead of caulk along the edges where they extend onto the valley flashing.

A break in the metal flashing itself can cause a leak. If you find a break, repair it with aluminum patching tape and roofing cement. Cut off a length of tape to amply cover the hole, peel off the backing stick the tape in place and cover it with roofing cement.

Vents
Leaks occur around vent pipes when the caulk or roofing cement has shrunk or cracked. A new bead of cailk is the cure.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Selecting Gutters and Downspouts

 If a house were perfectly designed, the eaves would overhang far enough to shed rainwater to where it would cause no damage to the homes foundation. Few homes are ever made to this standard. In less than perfect homes gutters are used to carry runoff from the roof of your Colorado home and channel it into downspouts that direct it away from the foundation helping to keep the home safe and sturdy.

Gutters and downspouts are commonly made from vinyl, galvanized steel, or aluminum. Unless you're working on an authentic restoration, don't use copper and wood gutters because they are extremely expensive and difficult to install.

Vinyl and aluminum come in various color and it is easy to find something to match the aesthetics of your home. Most lumberyards and home centers stock them in white or dark brown any other colors are painted or special ordered. Galvanized metal gutters and downspouts are usually unpainted, so you can paint them to match your house.

Gutters and downspouts are sold in ten feet lengths which are easy to handle. Professionals install seamless aluminum gutters that are made on site by a machine that forms rolled aluminum stock into a gutter. Most gutters sold in lumberyards and home centers are 4 inches wide- adequate for most homes. A home where any roof section is larger that 750 square feet may require a larger gutter. Five inches is the next largest size and works well when there is heavier runoff.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

How To Install Roll Roofing

Roll roofing comes in a variety of colors. It's a heavyweight composition roofing material that can be used on low-pitch roofs- down to a 1 in 12 slope with the concealed-nail method. This makes it useful on roofs where nothing else will work.

Roll roofing can crack in cold weather, so don't apply it when it's below 45 degrees F. To finish a job after the weather turns colsd store the rolls in a warm area prior to application.

Exposed- Nail Application
Apply roll roofing over a smooth deck, allowing a1/2 inch overhang along the eaves. Cut is flush with the rake edges and nail on a metal drip edge with galvanized roofing nails, 3/4 inch from the edge. Cover valleys with 18 inch-wide strips of roll roofing. Nail one side every 6 inches. Completely seat the strip in the valley and nail the other side.

Snap a chalk line across the roof 35.5 inches from the eaves to align the first course. Position the roll and nail it every 2 feet along the top. Put nails 3 inches apart at the rake and eave edges. If one sheet doesn't cover the roof, overlap the next piece by 6 inches. Nail the bottom section , apply roofing cement, then nail the ovelap in place.

Snap a chalk line 34 inches from the top edge of the first strip as a guide for the next one. Tack the upper edge of the seconf strip. Then spread a 2-inch-wide layer of roofing cement along the upper edge of the first strip and nail the seconf course over it.

If succeeding courser must be end-lapped, stagger the joints so that they are not directly above each other.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Removing an Old or Damaged Roof

If you have the time and money, it's best to remove an existing roof for any roofing job. If the existing roof is badly worn or uneven, you must remove it.  Most roofing contractors will be happy to supply you with a free roofing cost estimate for this project if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Removing damaged roofing is important for the following reasons:
  • The cushioning effect of the olf roof under the new alloes impacts from branches, hail and even hard rain to dent the new shingles
  • Any curled shingles or other flawswill show through to the new shingles. 
  • When completed, there are usually telltale signs of the previous roof, such as cureled shingles at the edge. 
  • There is a limit to the number of layers- the wtight of the roof- a house can bear. 
  • The maximum number of layers may be mandated by local building codes. 
Assessing the Roof's Condition
Inspect you roof thoroughly. If you find signs of leaking such as moisture, stains, delaminating or separating plywood and rot, it is imperative that you remove the existing rood and repair the framing. Ice dams or splashing from gutters often causes rot at the eaves. You can carefully strip off the first two or three courses of shingles, cut out the damage, and replace the removed shingles with similar new ones. This will give you an even surface for reroofing, but may take as much time and effort as stripping the whole roof which would provide a better surface.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

What is the Lifespan of a Roof?

Many homeowners want to know one thing when installing a new roof-- how long will it last? This question is not as simple for home roofing professionals to answer as it may seem. A roof's longevity depends on many factors including the materials used, weather conditions, and amount of maintenance performed. Although many of the aspects affecting a roof's longevity are outside for human control, performing regular maintenance and repair is key to ensuring your roof will last as long as possible. Understanding what can damage a roof or lessen its life expectancy is key to maintaining a strong, sturdy home.

What a Roof Does
Roofs keep the elements from damaging the internal structure of your home. Precipitation, ice and wind can severely damage your home if  it is not well protected. The roof's effectiveness and lifespan depend on the installation techniques and materials. Using high quality materials when installing a new roof is the best way to ensure the roof will last for years to come. Although it is tempting to choose roofing materials based on the aesthetics of your home, you should choose the best material for your particular location and roof pitch.


Material Lifespans.
The lifespan of roofs differs greatly depending on the materials used. Asphalt shingles have an 20-30 year life expectancy under the best conditions. Wood shakes usually last for about 14-19 years with proper maintenance. Other materials like slat eand clay tiles will last for five decades if they are properly installed.


Monday, February 11, 2013

Common Roofing Questions

Every homeowner knows that your roof is one of the most important important components of a home. A roof is a major investment that requires regular maintenance and repairs. When properly maintained a roof's life span can be extended for decades. To understand the best practices of roof maintenance it is important to know the answers to some of the most commonly asked roofing questions. The following are answers to the top questions asked by homeowners.

When should I have a new roof installed?
If you are asking this question, it is likely you are already experiencing problems with your roof. There is no exact time that a roof should be replaced; however, if there are visible signs of wear, leaks, or cracked shingles, it is time to think about reroofing. Homeowners comfortable with the task can assess their roof's condition by checking for missing shingles or other damage on a ladder. If there are any leaks or the shingles look worn it is best to schedule time for a roofing contractor to come assess the roof's condition.

What should I consider when choosing a new roof?
Before you commit to completely replacing your roof you should consider if repairs could extend the life of your current roof. If your existing roof is beyond repair, it is time to start considering what you will look for in a new roof. The top two considerations are appearance and longevity. Roofing material is available in many different forms and each will offer differing impact resistance and style. When deciding on the right material take into account your location. Do you experience hail storms? South Denver roofing contractors in Hail Alley often recommend high impact resistant materials to help with longevity and insurance purposes. Consulting with a professional roofing contractor is the best way to decide on roofing material and style for your home.

How long will it take to install a new roof?
The installation time for a new roof is dependent on weather conditions, size of the home, and the pitch of the roof. The average roof can be installed in 2-3 days however larger, more complex projects can take 7-10 days to complete.



 What type of roof maintenance should I expect?
The best way to protect your investment is to keep it properly maintained. To start, your gutters should be cleaned at least twice annually. While clearing gutters always look for signs of damage that could be putting your roof at risk. Making minor repairs regularly will help you in avoiding larger, costly repairs to your roof and structure of your home. The lifespan of your roof depends on how committed you are to caring for it.

If you do not feel comfortable assessing and repairing problems with your roof a qualified roofing professional will be happy to help.