The thunder and lightening have stopped and the rain is long gone. Following a storm, you will likely find broken branches and garbage thrown around your front lawn. This can be unsightly and annoying to deal with...but it is all part of taking care of your home. Once those grey rain clouds have been replaced with blue skies and sunshine, there are certain things that need to be handled. It's not just your lawn! You also need to take care of your roofing system. What do you need to do? And why is it so important? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to take care of your roof following a storm.
Storms are great at tearing down trees, breaking off tree limbs, stirring around leaves, dirt, and so much more. Strong winds may have ripped a shingle off your roof, leaving the area vulnerable to leaks and mold growth. Even though the average shingled rooftop has a wind resistance of 95 km per hour, severe storm winds can exceed that number. This puts your roof at risk when the weather gets particularly troublesome. To make sure your roofing system hasn't been weakened or compromised in any way, remember: an inspection is vital. While you can certainly assess damage from the ground level, it is advisable that you get up on a ladder as well to take a closer look. If there are any serious issues, you are less likely to miss them when you grab that ladder from your garage!
There are certain things to look out for once you make the climb. They include missing or damaged shingles, branches or debris littering your roof, missing or torn flashing as well as missing sealant products around your chimney or sunroof, and pooling water. All of these problems indicate that your roofing system has been damaged by the storm. Any time you find that one of these issues is present, it increases the chances of a water leak occurring in your home. This makes an inspection following a storm an absolute necessity.
In the case of these storm related problems, you will need to handle the repairs yourself or bring in a roofing professional. They can replace any missing roofing materials - and make sure your roof is ready the next time a major storm hits. That may include using materials like rain and ice protectors, underlayings, or focusing on insulation replacement. It all depends on the type of roofing system you have in place. In addition to a post-storm inspection, you will also want to clean out any built-up contaminants from your gutters and deal with overhanging tree branches. The right materials and some extra attention to detail can keep your roof safe.... even after a serious storm has swept through your area.
Stop fearing bad weather. Make sure you are ready to deal with any issues that arise once the storm has passed. To keep your roof working properly season after season, perform an inspection, choose quality roofing accessories to weather proof your home, and clean out your gutters as necessary. With a little preparation, you can stop panicking when the rain starts falling.... and feel good knowing that your home is ready for anything.
Joe Davis understands how to take care of your home following a storm. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing Shingles.
Friday, 31 October 2014
Friday, 24 October 2014
Outdoor Factors That Can Affect Your Roofing System
Like a little protection? We all do - especially when it comes to our homes. There is nothing worse than living somewhere that doesn't make you feel safe. Unfortunately, rainy days, hailstorms, and wind can affect the safety and security of your roofing system. This can lead to water leaks and other serious roofing problems. To keep your home running smoothly season after season, it is important to understand outdoor factors that can affect your roofing system. Only then can you take the appropriate steps to avoid these issues.... and improve the safety of your space.
There are many different factors that can affect your roof. So, where to begin? How about the sun? Most of us long for warm, sunny days spent relaxing in the backyard or partaking in a fun outdoor activity. When it comes to your roof, however, the sun can negatively affect the lifespan. The combination of ultraviolet rays and the heat of the sun can cause your roofing materials to wear down faster than they should. This means premature roof replacement - and more money out of your pocket. Why does it happen? When your roof absorbs too much heat, the materials can then become brittle. This affects the thickness of the membrane, which causes your roof to leak. To keep this problem at bay, make sure you have a cool roof system in place. The reflective paint, coating, or shingle materials themselves can deflect those harmful UV rays.
Another notable outdoor factor is snow and ice that has melted and then re-frozen. You may be wondering why this matters. This process is known as ice damming. It pushes up the roofing materials - which in turn cases roof leaks to occur right in the middle of winter. If this continues to happen, it can impact the overall roof structure. To prevent this situation from destroying your roofing system altogether, you will need to increase the ventilation, seal off air leaks from inside your home, and increase your insulation. Speak to a roofing professional to find out more about your options - and the best roofing accessories to use.
Rain is another serious issue facing homeowners. There is nothing quite so stressful as finding water drops on the ceiling or experiencing a leak in the middle of a major rainstorm. This can cause structural damage to your home, internal damage to your walls, ceiling, and personal effects, and can even cause mold or algae to form. When moisture is trapped underneath roofing materials, this causes the roof to weaken. That means more leaks and repairs than you would like. To reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring, make sure you use quality asphalt shingles, ice and water protectors, underlayings, and other water proofing materials. When you combine these roofing products and accessory materials together, your roof will be better able to prevent the rain from getting inside.
Other outdoor factors that can affect your home? Wind and trees. Extreme winds can blow off shingles or tiles, can weaken your roofing system, and allow dirt and excess moisture to build up underneath the roofing materials. The best way to get around this problem is to make sure your roofing system consists of durable materials - and that the installation is performed by a qualified roofing company. As for the impact trees can have on your roof, they provide much needed shade. However, they can also scratch up your shingles or pull them off completely. Be sure to keep your tree limbs pruned a good distance from your home.
Everyone wants to live somewhere safe and sturdy. To make sure your roofing system can withstand even the most challenging weather conditions, focus on materials and quality. The right products can prevent external damage from affecting your home - inside and out.
Joe Davis understands how outdoor factors can affect your roof. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Shingles.
There are many different factors that can affect your roof. So, where to begin? How about the sun? Most of us long for warm, sunny days spent relaxing in the backyard or partaking in a fun outdoor activity. When it comes to your roof, however, the sun can negatively affect the lifespan. The combination of ultraviolet rays and the heat of the sun can cause your roofing materials to wear down faster than they should. This means premature roof replacement - and more money out of your pocket. Why does it happen? When your roof absorbs too much heat, the materials can then become brittle. This affects the thickness of the membrane, which causes your roof to leak. To keep this problem at bay, make sure you have a cool roof system in place. The reflective paint, coating, or shingle materials themselves can deflect those harmful UV rays.
Another notable outdoor factor is snow and ice that has melted and then re-frozen. You may be wondering why this matters. This process is known as ice damming. It pushes up the roofing materials - which in turn cases roof leaks to occur right in the middle of winter. If this continues to happen, it can impact the overall roof structure. To prevent this situation from destroying your roofing system altogether, you will need to increase the ventilation, seal off air leaks from inside your home, and increase your insulation. Speak to a roofing professional to find out more about your options - and the best roofing accessories to use.
Rain is another serious issue facing homeowners. There is nothing quite so stressful as finding water drops on the ceiling or experiencing a leak in the middle of a major rainstorm. This can cause structural damage to your home, internal damage to your walls, ceiling, and personal effects, and can even cause mold or algae to form. When moisture is trapped underneath roofing materials, this causes the roof to weaken. That means more leaks and repairs than you would like. To reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring, make sure you use quality asphalt shingles, ice and water protectors, underlayings, and other water proofing materials. When you combine these roofing products and accessory materials together, your roof will be better able to prevent the rain from getting inside.
Other outdoor factors that can affect your home? Wind and trees. Extreme winds can blow off shingles or tiles, can weaken your roofing system, and allow dirt and excess moisture to build up underneath the roofing materials. The best way to get around this problem is to make sure your roofing system consists of durable materials - and that the installation is performed by a qualified roofing company. As for the impact trees can have on your roof, they provide much needed shade. However, they can also scratch up your shingles or pull them off completely. Be sure to keep your tree limbs pruned a good distance from your home.
Everyone wants to live somewhere safe and sturdy. To make sure your roofing system can withstand even the most challenging weather conditions, focus on materials and quality. The right products can prevent external damage from affecting your home - inside and out.
Joe Davis understands how outdoor factors can affect your roof. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Shingles.
Friday, 17 October 2014
Can You Lay New Roofing Shingles Over Old Roofing Shingles?
Sometimes, it's tempting to skip steps or cut corners. This is one simple way to save money and shave time off of home maintenance tasks. However, it's not always a good idea. Especially when it comes to your roofing system! Some homeowners choose to lay new roofing shingles over their existing roofing shingles, rather than have the old materials removed first. While it may seem like a no brainer - extra asphalt shingles should mean extra protection, right? - this isn't necessarily the case. There are a number of problems this situation can create.
So, it is time to answer the question: can you lay new roofing shingles over old roofing shingles? Technically, you can. It is possible to apply new materials over old ones and go from there. (This process is commonly referred to as a re-roof.) Before you get too excited about skipping the tear-off process though... wait! Just because you can lay new materials over top, doesn't necessarily mean you should. In certain areas, a re-roof is illegal. If you live in a town or city that is considered a "moderate hail zone" then this process is a no go. It is also not advisable if your asphalt shingles are worn out or in poor condition. As for other roofing materials like wooden shingles, tile, or slate, they cannot be re-roofed.
Knowing there are so many limitations, it begs the question: why do homeowners choose to go down this path? It can be much faster to have a re-roofing project performed than a full removal and installation. A re-roof also means that you don't need to pay out as much money for labour costs since you get to avoid the tear-off stage completely. Saving money can be pretty tempting for homeowners. Every day maintenance costs tend to add up quickly. That means finding ways to cut corners or reduce labour costs is a major drawing card. Unfortunately, this comes with a raft of issues.
While it may seem easier to leave the existing shingles and add new shingles over top, there is still a lot of work involved. Even for a re-roofing project you will need to remove any warped or misshapen shingles, get rid of the vents, ridge caps, and so on. It isn't as simple as just laying down new shingles! In addition, you merely put off having those old shingles removed. The tear-off will still need to be done at some point. A re-roof simply eliminates that problem for a short period of time. This means that you will wind up spending just as much money to have both layers removed in the future.
Here is the reality about laying new shingles over old shingles: it doesn't make your roof more resistant to water or leaks. Even with two layers of shingles, it will not add more protection to your home. If that wasn't enough, the two layers add more weight to your roofing system. This can be problematic if your roof is not designed to carry the extra load. It could affect the structure of the roof and the rest of your home. Other issues? It is impossible to replace the underlaying with a re-roof, this process can affect your roofing shingle warranty, and it can affect the accuracy of your annual inspections.
It is possible to lay new shingles over old shingles - but keep in mind that cutting corners may wind up costing you in the long run. Your best bet? Have those old shingles removed by a professional and choose quality asphalt shingles to replace them. It is the smartest choice for your home.
Joe Davis knows whether or not to lay new roofing shingles over old shingles. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Shingles.
So, it is time to answer the question: can you lay new roofing shingles over old roofing shingles? Technically, you can. It is possible to apply new materials over old ones and go from there. (This process is commonly referred to as a re-roof.) Before you get too excited about skipping the tear-off process though... wait! Just because you can lay new materials over top, doesn't necessarily mean you should. In certain areas, a re-roof is illegal. If you live in a town or city that is considered a "moderate hail zone" then this process is a no go. It is also not advisable if your asphalt shingles are worn out or in poor condition. As for other roofing materials like wooden shingles, tile, or slate, they cannot be re-roofed.
Knowing there are so many limitations, it begs the question: why do homeowners choose to go down this path? It can be much faster to have a re-roofing project performed than a full removal and installation. A re-roof also means that you don't need to pay out as much money for labour costs since you get to avoid the tear-off stage completely. Saving money can be pretty tempting for homeowners. Every day maintenance costs tend to add up quickly. That means finding ways to cut corners or reduce labour costs is a major drawing card. Unfortunately, this comes with a raft of issues.
While it may seem easier to leave the existing shingles and add new shingles over top, there is still a lot of work involved. Even for a re-roofing project you will need to remove any warped or misshapen shingles, get rid of the vents, ridge caps, and so on. It isn't as simple as just laying down new shingles! In addition, you merely put off having those old shingles removed. The tear-off will still need to be done at some point. A re-roof simply eliminates that problem for a short period of time. This means that you will wind up spending just as much money to have both layers removed in the future.
Here is the reality about laying new shingles over old shingles: it doesn't make your roof more resistant to water or leaks. Even with two layers of shingles, it will not add more protection to your home. If that wasn't enough, the two layers add more weight to your roofing system. This can be problematic if your roof is not designed to carry the extra load. It could affect the structure of the roof and the rest of your home. Other issues? It is impossible to replace the underlaying with a re-roof, this process can affect your roofing shingle warranty, and it can affect the accuracy of your annual inspections.
It is possible to lay new shingles over old shingles - but keep in mind that cutting corners may wind up costing you in the long run. Your best bet? Have those old shingles removed by a professional and choose quality asphalt shingles to replace them. It is the smartest choice for your home.
Joe Davis knows whether or not to lay new roofing shingles over old shingles. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Shingles.
Monday, 13 October 2014
The 4 Most Common Roofing Shapes Found On Residential Homes
Not all roofs look the same. Some may appear to be pointed while others have flat areas. There are so many varieties! The type of roof on each home often depends on the area you live in, the average climate and weather conditions, as well as the overall vision of the architect who built your house. Do you know what type of roofing shape you have? Or are you looking for a home with a more unique shape? Then this guide will help you gain a better understanding. Here are the 4 most common roofing shapes found on residential homes.
There are many roofing shapes out there. No one is better than the others...it all has to do with your own personal preferences. It doesn't matter if you use quality asphalt shingles, tile, or another type of roofing material. When it comes to making a decision about the roof shape you want - consider where you live and what style you prefer. The home of your dreams could have one of these distinct roofing shapes!
Joe Davis understands the many different roofing shapes. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing.
1) Gable Roofing
Do you remember the pictures of houses you used to draw when you were a kid? The roof probably looked a lot like an upside down "V". Well, this type of roofing shape is actually known as gable roofing. It has two sloped sides that come together at the top - which creates that triangular shape. There are different types of gabled roofing available today. The roof may either look like a triangle or it may be a form of cross-gabled roofing. The latter is when each section of the house has a small gabled roof. There are also false front gables and double gabled roofs. This is without a doubt, one of the most widely used roofing shapes as it is effective at draining rainwater away from the home.2) Flat Roofing
Flat roofing isn't as common as it used to be. However, it can still be seen on certain houses. It really depends on the area. Homes in warmer or dryer climates are more likely to have flatter rooftops. However, even flat roofs have a bit of a slope to them - they just aren't as severe or noticeable as other common roofing shapes. Flat roofing may not be all that popular for residential homes anymore, but that doesn't mean they aren't popular. This is still the go-to choice for commercial buildings.3) Gambrel Roofing
Another type of roofing shape you may have come across is gambrel roofing. This shape breaks each section of the roof into two parts. There will be a sloping side and then a steep drop. When you see this type of roofing, you'll know! It will likely give off a homey or cottage kind of feel. This is because this particular roofing shape is linked to Dutch architecture and traditional barn shapes. Gambrel roofing is one way to give your home a country feel - wherever you may live.4) Hip Roofing
The last roofing shape on the list? Hip roofing. This is a type of roof that slopes down on all four sides. Unlike a gable roof, which has a slope of north and south or east and west, hip roofing has a slope of north and south as well as a slope of east and west. This makes it easier for water to drain, removes issues of collecting leaves in valleys, and adds an interesting and unique element to the appearance of your rooftop.There are many roofing shapes out there. No one is better than the others...it all has to do with your own personal preferences. It doesn't matter if you use quality asphalt shingles, tile, or another type of roofing material. When it comes to making a decision about the roof shape you want - consider where you live and what style you prefer. The home of your dreams could have one of these distinct roofing shapes!
Joe Davis understands the many different roofing shapes. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing.
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Wind and Rain: How To Keep Your Roof Safe and Secure
Protection is everything - especially when it comes to your home. You rely on it to keep your family safe and comfortable throughout the year. Your roofing system is no different. The roof over your head literally protects your space from the elements. Unfortunately, unexpected things happen. Extreme weather conditions like wind and rain can wreak havoc on your roofing system. Old? New? Doesn't matter. Wind and rain can always affect the safety and structure of your roof.
Some areas of the country are more affected by rain, wind, and snow than others. That means the severity of potential damage can vary based on where you live. However, many homes experience serious issues like torn off shingles, rips, tears, water leaks, and drips. These issues typically happen following a severe storm or particularly poor weather. Regardless of where you live, it is important to pay close attention to your roofing system. A sharp eye can help keep your roof safe and secure in the face of wind and rain.
What can you do? Inspect the inside and outside of your home following a storm. You want to look for signs of water damage, mold, or leaks inside your home. On the outside, you need to take a close look at your shingles. Make sure your roof appears to be normal and no shingles have been damaged or torn off. Since shingle repair is one of the most common repairs facing homeowners following a storm - you need to take note. That way, you can fix the problem yourself or bring in an experienced professional to handle the repair.
Something to keep in mind? The average shingle repair cost in the United States is about $575, depending on the size of the job and whether or not the damage has affected the inside of your home. That is a lot of money! If you want to avoid spending cash unnecessarily - and keep your roof protected during wind and rainstorms - maintenance is a must. Experts and roofing professionals agree that regular roofing maintenance is an essential part of keeping your home protected from server weather conditions. It should be performed twice a year. This can be done on your own or by bringing in an experienced pro. Whatever you feel comfortable with!
Wondering why maintenance matters? When wind and rain conditions affect your roof, it is usually because the roofing system is wearing down already. The storm only brings forth problems that already exist. For instance, if your shingles are worn down or are curling, extreme weather will only exaggerate the problem. So, it is essential that you stay up to date on your regular maintenance. Make sure all roofing materials are of high quality, in good condition, and don't appear to be torn, curling, buckling, or ripped. The more maintenance you do...the better! It is also important to consider the quality of the shingles on your roof. Using high-quality shingles can reduce the likelihood of repairs.
Rainy days should never cause you to feel stressed or anxious. Just be ready for them! A little bit of maintenance and a keen eye will help your roof stay strong, sturdy, and free from damage. The next time you see a grey sky, take a deep breath. Your roof will keep you and your family protected.
Joe Davis understands the importance of having a sturdy roof. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Shingles.
Some areas of the country are more affected by rain, wind, and snow than others. That means the severity of potential damage can vary based on where you live. However, many homes experience serious issues like torn off shingles, rips, tears, water leaks, and drips. These issues typically happen following a severe storm or particularly poor weather. Regardless of where you live, it is important to pay close attention to your roofing system. A sharp eye can help keep your roof safe and secure in the face of wind and rain.
What can you do? Inspect the inside and outside of your home following a storm. You want to look for signs of water damage, mold, or leaks inside your home. On the outside, you need to take a close look at your shingles. Make sure your roof appears to be normal and no shingles have been damaged or torn off. Since shingle repair is one of the most common repairs facing homeowners following a storm - you need to take note. That way, you can fix the problem yourself or bring in an experienced professional to handle the repair.
Something to keep in mind? The average shingle repair cost in the United States is about $575, depending on the size of the job and whether or not the damage has affected the inside of your home. That is a lot of money! If you want to avoid spending cash unnecessarily - and keep your roof protected during wind and rainstorms - maintenance is a must. Experts and roofing professionals agree that regular roofing maintenance is an essential part of keeping your home protected from server weather conditions. It should be performed twice a year. This can be done on your own or by bringing in an experienced pro. Whatever you feel comfortable with!
Wondering why maintenance matters? When wind and rain conditions affect your roof, it is usually because the roofing system is wearing down already. The storm only brings forth problems that already exist. For instance, if your shingles are worn down or are curling, extreme weather will only exaggerate the problem. So, it is essential that you stay up to date on your regular maintenance. Make sure all roofing materials are of high quality, in good condition, and don't appear to be torn, curling, buckling, or ripped. The more maintenance you do...the better! It is also important to consider the quality of the shingles on your roof. Using high-quality shingles can reduce the likelihood of repairs.
Rainy days should never cause you to feel stressed or anxious. Just be ready for them! A little bit of maintenance and a keen eye will help your roof stay strong, sturdy, and free from damage. The next time you see a grey sky, take a deep breath. Your roof will keep you and your family protected.
Joe Davis understands the importance of having a sturdy roof. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Shingles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)