In this Economy, Don’t Replace Your Roof If All It needs Is Roof Repair

Let’s face it – the prospect of a leaking roof, particularly in the middle of winter, is a scary proposition. There is no arguing that a brand new roof will provide you with a greater sense of security than repairing a damaged roof far beyond its serviceable life. Because of this reason, many unscrupulous roofing contractors will use scare tactics to get homeowners to opt for a new roof replacement versus a repair on a roof that has much life remaining. A quick review of a few critical items will help you feel more confident if you should be seeking replacement or looking to repair.

First, you need to evaluate different criteria based on whether your suspicion that you need a new roof is based on either a roof leak or a roof that is dirty (stains, moss, etc. ). If the primary reason you think it is time for a new roof is because of a roof leak, you need to clarify a few issues regarding that leak.

Determine whether or not the roof leaks in a single or multiple locations, and whether it is in a location that has leaked and been repaired repeatedly. A single location, leaking for the first time, usually is not by itself going to be an absolute indication of needing to replace the entire roof. More likely that not, a single component of the roofing system (flashing, vent, a mis-nailed shingle) has failed but the rest of the roof still could be in decent condition. Leaks in multiple locations bode more ominous results.

If multiple locations are having shingles loosen, nails rise, flashing fail, the chance of the roof being worn out are much higher. When the same location has leaked and been repaired repeatedly, it may never have been adequately addressed and the same mistaken repair may be continuing to be performed. It will be critical to get an assessment for a roof leak repair expert as to whether there is something un-repairable or if the past repairs addressed the wrong issue. Don’t let one bad spot to cost you an entire new roof!

Next, look at the roof leak location. Is it below, or in somewhat of a direct path below a skylight, vent, or pipe? Is it possibly at a valley or roof intersection where either on sections of roof meets another or where the roof meets a wall? Or rather is it out in middle of roof field? Leaks at intersections and valleys usually do not indicate by themselves that a roof is finished. More likely, there are flashing issues. Leaks in the middle of a roof field with no nearby intrusions into the roof can be a bad sign.

Remember, there are very few leaks that are un-repairable. The issue becomes whether the roof has adequate remaining life to justify the repair’s cost.

If an unsightly roof (fungus or mildew stains or moss growth) is what is making you think you need a new roof, you need to learn more about what is under the stains or moss. There is not always a correlation to a dirty roof and it’s life being over. There are most certainly roofs that will not withstand even the gentlest possible roof cleaning without sustaining damage that puts it in poor condition. Particularly with moss, as experienced in the Portland Oregon area, there are some moss types and infestations that cannot be properly dislodged without stressing a roof. If a roof is on the borderline to start with, such a roof is best left alone and the funds save for going toward a new roof.

That exception being made, most roofs that are simply dirty would benefit for the gentlest cleaning available to solve its particular issue. Cleaning the roof will most often help maintain roof life, specifically where growths such as moss could cause “micro-dams” on the roof and result in damage. Always be sure that the roof has adequate life remaining so that your maintenance dollars will not be wasted.

For composition roofs (the most common type), granules, or lack there of, are the primary indicator of remaining roof life, much like the tread on a tire. If a roof consistently has lost a lot of its granules it is definitely time to replace it. Without an adequate amount of granule, which helps reflect the Uv rays and protect the more sensitive lower layers of the material, the roof will soon be leaking. However, if the roof has enough granules that you consistently cannot see the underlying composition layers, the chances are good that, withstanding other issues, it might have more life remaining.

Even with adequate granule, if the roof’s shingles are starting to cup or curl upward, it may also be time to consider replacing. Cupping and curling often are signs of interior ventilation issues that result in excessive attic temperatures. It is a problem you would want corrected with the new roof installation because it takes life off a roof that otherwise might have had more life remaining.

Loose or dislodged shingles may signal an unfortunate, premature death of your roof. Quite often this is a sign that the roofing material was victim of an installation faulty, even if the material itself has more life remaining. Similar to leaks, the number of trouble spots will tell you a lot. If it is only one trouble spot, you will likely only need to go with a repair. Multiple locations, however, indicate the bad installation mentioned above and you will need to get it replaced.

The majority of calls we receive thinking a new roof is needed as a result of homeowner diagnosed issues actually end up being repairs. However, if the homeowner has taken the roof’s age as part of equation (for instance, the roof is near or beyond the manufacturer’s age span) then the results reverse and we see the majority of those roofs requiring replacement. Quite often, homeowners understandably don’t know age of their roof, for instance if they moved into a pre-existing home where the previous owners were not original owners. In that case, they are very dependent on an expert’s opinion, but it must also be an honest one!

Regardless of what is causing you to thing you may need a new roof, slow down. A day of two of analyzing these critical considerations may save you thousands of dollars.

In this Economy, Don’t Replace Your Roof If All It needs Is Roof Repair first appeared on:

Mountain State Roofing
12 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 816-3693
https://goo.gl/UpFF0l

Get Your Roofing Repaired by Choosing the Best Roofing Contractors

When you have to look for the residential roofing company, you will find a lot of choices. Even though you are living in a small town, you may be covered by the roofing contractors who are going to compete with each other for the businesses. It is very important to choose the best roofing contractors because your roof is the most important and valuable part of your home and it must be treated with great care. Due to this reason, you have to ensure that you get the best company that has contractors who have experience in this domain.

Reputation and Experience

When it comes to finding the best roofing services, be sure to consider how long they have been in the industry. You may also find the roofing contractors and firms which have been passed from one generation to another over the decades. The best sign of this type of company is that it is named after the father and run and managed by the sons. This way, you can find out how long the company has been in existence in the market and what kind of reputation and legacy they maintain.

Clientele

The best way to find out how well the company is reputed is to ask around. You need to find out the type of roofing solutions they are offering and what others have used and how their clients feel about their services. It is very important aspect as it can make difference in your decision.

Services

Another important consideration is the roofs they are going to install at your home. It is the best way to try their residential roofing solutions. Be sure that the type of installation depends upon the type of roof you have at your home. For instance, special installation and intricate attention are required for slate roofs. This way, roofing contractors have to know how to install and what kind of roof to install. This way, shingled roof is the most common type of roof and you may never know when you choose the various type of roof and you have to find out there is someone who can do it well.

Verdict

Your roof is considered to be the most vital part of your home. Along with holding up your house, it also keeps your house warm, safe and dry. This is the reason you need it to built well and to last longer.

Get Your Roofing Repaired by Choosing the Best Roofing Contractors first appeared on:

Mountain State Roofing
12 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 816-3693
https://goo.gl/UpFF0l

Holiday Roof Maintenance Tips

As the holiday season falls upon us, homeowners can easily get wrapped up in seasonal feasts, parties, and gift giving, often forgetting to complete necessary household chores as their attention is drawn elsewhere. However, during the winter season, there is one area of a home that we beg homeowners not to neglect – their roof. Snow and ice can quickly build up on the top of homes, particularly homes with flat roofs or a low slope, adding heft and weight that can cause weak areas to cave in. As the holidays draw near, homeowners would be wise to follow a few home maintenance tips prior to festivities in order to ensure their roofs are functioning effectively and are safe for the whole family all year round.

Most importantly, before the snow piles up for too long, you should have your roof inspected by a licensed roofer. If snow has already begun to accumulate, it is even more important to have a professional conduct your seasonal inspection as working on a roof can be incredibly dangerous, particularly in the winter months. A competent, qualified roofing contractor like Mountain State Roofing will inspect rain gutters and downspouts, beams, the attic for moisture, seals around vents and chimneys, and the overall condition of an existing roof to make sure everything is sound and in good functioning order. When you have a qualified roofing company conduct your maintenance check for you, you are ensuring it is done right the first time, and that potential weak spots aren’t missed in the process. The last thing you and your family need is a roof that fails during the wintertime simply because you didn’t quite know what to look for. A company that specializes in professional roofing in Toronto will often offer to complete maintenance inspections of your roof for a nominal fee that is well worth the peace of mind it affords.

When looking for a roofer to complete your inspection, you should also search for a roofing company that has 24-hour emergency service in the event you have a problem with your home that cannot wait. This way you have already built up a relationship with a quality roofing company who will be able to help you no matter what, and you don’t need to hunt for a new contractor during a crisis. Other things a homeowner should look for in a roofer is: prompt service, positive customer feedback, experience working withyour roofing type, and the proper licenses and insurance to insure they have reputable business practices. It is always beneficial to have a roofer you trust on-hand before they are needed for winter emergencies.

Colorado can be prone for heavy snowfall or hail storms during the holiday season. The best way for a homeowner to be prepared for the winter season is to care for their roof with proper maintenance and to have an inspection done early on in the season. Their roofer should also make necessary repairs after their inspection so that the homeowner can feel confident that their home is ready to absorb the blows of winter.

Holiday Roof Maintenance Tips first appeared on:

Mountain State Roofing
12 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 816-3693
https://goo.gl/UpFF0l

Flat Roofing Experts Help Prepare for Many Winters to Come

Flat roofs are the most popular type of roof for commercial buildings. Here at Mountain State Roofing, we specialize in commercial and residential buildings. We do not only do new roof construction and replacement but we also have the skills and expertise necessary for Colorado flat roof maintenance, we have specialty products designed specifically for commercial buildings. Flat roofs are commonly designed using EPDM or TPO roofing materials, which are the top roofing products of the 21st century.

TPO is a single-ply blend of plastic polymers, that result in a flexible substance to lay flat on top of roofs. It resists being degraded from strong UV rays due to its reflective qualities. This creates energy efficiency, since it reflects 80 to 90 percent of the sunlight’s rays. Before deciding on a TPO membrane, consult with an Eagle Rivet roofing expert. There are different types of properties and thickness that need to be specialized to fit your roof.

EPDM is known as the “rubber roof” because it is durable and made from recycled tires and other particles. It has superior flexibility and is an extremely strong roofing system. The rubber membrane cancels out most noise from rain, wind and other weather elements. It is also UV resistant and reflective, making it highly energy efficient as well. Installation is quick as EPDM comes in an adhesive sheet that can easily roll out to fit any roof. As expert contractors and EPDM MA roofers we follow the latest roofing technology. It has a great advantage over many roofing systems because its is installed without heavy machines or heat – just an adhesive.

If you want to learn more about installation and maintenance of flat roofs, contact us today!

We can offer you a free roofing estimate on your flat roofing options. For nearly a century, we have provided state-of-the-art roofing materials and flat roofs to both commercial and residential buildings. We ensure top quality and are committed to customer communication time and time again.

Flat Roofing Experts Help Prepare for Many Winters to Come first appeared on:

Mountain State Roofing
12 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 816-3693
https://goo.gl/UpFF0l

Common Shed Roof Styles: Selecting the Right One

Aside from getting the best materials for your shed and looking into a suitable foundation for your unit, selecting the proper shed roof style for the intended purpose of your shed is an important consideration. The roof of your unit is a feature of your shed and its purpose is not only to make it stronger, but also to create a nice overall view to your shed.

The Exterior Design

Many people overlook the importance of exterior design. The exterior of your home makes a statement, not only of the house itself but its immediate surroundings, that is, the garden it is sitting in.

The roof of your shed should be a major consideration as it can totally change the overall look of your home and how you feel about your settings; it can also help improve the value of your home, or otherwise.

There are a lot of shed roof styles, but selecting the proper one should be based on aesthetics. The main factor would include the roof style that exists on the home. While it is acceptable to vary or mix and match to some extent, you should always aim to have a shed roof that complements the existing home.

Also cost and the ability to stand extreme weather conditions come into play, depending on your situation. Here, we discuss the different styles of roofs, their advantages and disadvantages and how to select the right one for your unit.

Choosing the right Shed Roofing Style

The five common shed roof styles that you can choose from including:

1. Gambrel Roofs

The gambrel roof is very popular on barns because of the extra attic space it allows. This type of shed roof is best if you need more space. The roof consists of two slopes that meet and create a sharp angle at the peak line; this produces more ceiling space. A gambrel roof can also stand strong winds so they are best if you have your shed in an open windy space. Gambrel roofs are one of the most expensive shed roof types.

2. Gable Roofs

A gable roof is the most common shed roof style. It has the simple and conventional triangular shape; it is practical and very easy to build. Gable roofs can stand different climates; however, it can be easily damaged by high winds. Just like the gambrel roof, it can add an extra area of space in the attic area, but it is generally more affordable than gambrel roofs.

3. Salt-Box Roofs

The salt-box roof is like a gable roof, only one side of the roof is shorter than the other making it look asymmetrical. A salt-box roof is best if you need some space for your loft and you have limited building area for your unit. These roofs are also more resistant to winds.

4. Hip Roofs

A hip roof consists of four sides or slopes. Because of the four sloping sides of the roof it is generally harder to build than gable roofs (it requires more comprehensive trusses), but the four slopes also make this roof style sturdier and more resistant to strong winds. It is also more expensive; yet do not create extra space in the attic. For those who will be constructing their sheds in higher areas, hip roofs are excellent choices.

5. Lean-To Roofs

Lean-to roofs are the simplest of all shed roof styles and it is a common style seen in smaller sheds. A lean-to roof only has a single slope, which is best if your building space is limited, or you have a small materials budget. Although it does not allow extra space in the roof, the single slope allows snow or rainwater to fall easily from the roof.

To select the right shed roof, check which style will harmonize with your home, make sure to consider the costs, the area where you are going to build your shed, your need for extra space and the weather.

Common Shed Roof Styles: Selecting the Right One first appeared on:

Mountain State Roofing
12 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 816-3693
https://goo.gl/UpFF0l

What’s Under the Asphalt, Metal, Wood, Rubber Or Clay Tiles on a Roof

Imagine, you’re standing on the sidewalk, looking at an average house. You see the siding, the windows, the front door, and way up above, you see the roof. Does the roof have asphalt shingles? Wood shakes perhaps? Maybe it’s made of metal or rubber tiles? What you see is where the focus goes, but it’s what you don’t see that really matters. There’s more to roofing than meets the eye. So let’s talk about what goes on, under the shingles.

The Roof Deck

We learn to crawl before we walk, so when talking about roofing let’s start with square one, the surface area of your roof which is made of wood. Your wood roof deck is comparable to an automobiles metal body. It is installed on top of the basic house frame to give a surface area on which to install Shingles. Without a roof deck installed on your house, there would be nowhere to install your Shingles. And of course without the shingles, your roof deck would rot away due to exposure to the sun, rain, snow and ice and etc… not a comfortable home at all!

On Newer Houses, sheets of plywood or OSB boards are fastened on top of wooden trusses in your attic to form the roof deck. Plywood or OSB boards are installed in a staggered formation with small spaces between them to allow wood to expand and contract as the wood heats in the summer and cools in the winter. Older homes often have lengths of 2x6 installed instead of plywood or OSB board. When the time comes for you to replace your Roof System, remember to have your Roofing Contractor replace any and all damaged wood.

Remember, if your roof deck is rotting or damaged in any way, people walking on your roof could potentially crack or break through the wood, causing further damage to the roof system, such as to the shingles… and to the person who walked on it! However, most roof decks can withstand a little bit of exposure to water or ice before it needs to be replaced.

Metal: Drip Edge and Rake Edge

Drip edge and Rake edge is the first part of the Roof System to be installed. It is a long and narrow piece of metal which is installed along each end of your Roof Deck, ie: along the eaves trough and along the gable ends.

Some area local building codes require the installation of Drip Edge and Rake Edge and other building codes do not. Check with your local city building offices to find out. In Alberta for example, the Building Code does not require the installation of Drip edge or Rake edge. Therefore many new homes and/or low budget roof systems do not have drip edge installed in order to allow for more affordable roof prices. We recommend however that Drip edge and Rake edge be installed on every Roof System, no exceptions.

Drip and Rake edge is available in a variety of different colors and sizes and can be custom built for the needs of your roof system. Installing an appropriate drip edge often saves hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars when your roof system needs replaced.

If your Roof System does not currently have drip or rake edge installed, do not panic, you’ll survive well enough. Just be aware that when your roof needs to be replaced, the Roofing Contractor you may need to replace some of your wood Roof Deck on an as needed basis.

Metal: Chimneys and Skylights

Arguably the most important part of every complete roof system. The metal installed in the valleys, chimneys and skylights take the brunt of water flow on every roof. Poorly installed, a brand new roof system can make a waterfall out of your living room.

Every chimney and skylight needs what is referred to as “a back pan”, which consists of sheet metal folded at around a 90 degree angle (depending on the slope of your roof) and tucks under the shingles and up under the siding, stucco or counter flashing on the chimney or skylight. Every back pan needs a small 2? section of metal sticking out 1? or more from either side of the chimney or skylight to divert water away from the corners. Water should hit the metal back pan and be directed away on either side where it can continue its run into the eaves trough.

Metal: Valleys

In the same way water runs along the valleys between two mountains, water runs along the valleys on your roof peaks. Valleys generally receive the highest concentration of water flowing through them, therefore installing them correctly is extremely important!

As mentioned in the Leak Barrier section, valleys have leak barriers installed underneath them. Even though some Building Codes do not require such a leak barrier to be installed, we recommend installing one always in every valley.

A word of caution: Many roofing contractors install valleys in a style referred to as ‘closed’. A closed valley consists of Shingles woven inside the valley, as opposed to an ‘open’ valley which has sheet metal running from top to bottom. Both the ‘open’ and the ‘closed’ style of installation are acceptable by the most Building Codes and by most manufacturers, however, the ‘open’ style installation has consistently out performed the ‘closed’ style… and costs exactly the same price to install. Ask your Roofing Contractor to use the ‘open’ style of installation for your roofs valleys, this could save you from having to replace your roof system prematurely and also can avoid headaches in the long run. Typically, an ‘open’ valley is installed with a 30 gauge sheet metal, 4' wide, coming in 10' sheets. This metal can be ordered in any color to match the shingles on your roof system.

Leak Barrier

Think of a leak barrier as a “second layer” of protection for your Roof Deck. A backup plan, if you will, and also a protection against moisture build up. Leak barriers are nearly always installed on top of the Drip Edge and Rake Edge metal along eaves trough areas, gable areas and valleys because of the risk these areas pose for leaks, ice build up, shingle deterioration and water back flow.

If you’ve ever looked at your roof during winter, you’ll notice how ice and snow builds up along the length of your eaves troughs and inside the roof valleys. As with Rake Edge and Drip Edge, some Building codes require Leak Barriers to be installed and some Building Codes do not. In Alberta, the Building Code requires a leak Barrier to be installed on all eaves trough and valley areas of a Roof Systems because of issues related to such snow and ice build up. As an optional upgrade, some high end roof systems even have leak barriers installed on top of the entire Roof Deck (as opposed to only along the special areas we just mentioned) where normally a standard Roof Deck Protection would normally have been installed.

Virtually all roofs have leak barriers installed, and many different types of leak barriers are available in today’s market, each offering a different level of reliability, functionality and warranty and produced by many different manufacturers.

Choosing an appropriate Leak Barrier and installing it properly is an important step in every Roof System. Speak with your Roofing Contractor to learn more about leak barriers, how to choose the right one and how to choose a Professional Roofing Contractor to install it.

Roof Deck Protection

Roof Deck Protection is very similar to a Leak Barrier. The difference is that Roof Deck Protection is installed on the entire Roof Deck area instead of only on “special areas” as we mention in the Leak Barrier section.

Typically, Roof Deck Protection is a step lower in quality than a Leak Barrier. As with Leak Barriers however, there are many different types of Roof Deck Protection available to choose from ranging from basic felt/tar paper to advanced plastic woven sheets of rip and wrinkle proof material. Choosing a reliable Roof Deck Protection is an important part of a quality Roof System.

A word of caution; most roofing companies use felt paper as Roof Deck Protection. Although using felt paper is a standard and acceptable practice, some issues can arise if the felt paper becomes wet during or after the installation. Ever notice how paper tends to curl when it dries after it was wet? In a similar way, felt paper can curl if water or excess moisture touches it. For this reason, and because the cost is quite small, we recommend installing a higher quality Roof Deck Protection such as a GAF/ELK Deck Armour. For a relatively small additional cost, you’ll be rewarded with a much more reliable Roof Deck Protection.

Ask your local trusted Roofing Contractor about which under-layer would be best for your Roof System any why.

Conclusion: So there it is, life beneath the shingles. See how much goes on behind the scenes? Professional roofing contractors know this stuff inside and out and can help immensely in ensuring a roof system is reliable for many years. Product suppliers such as GAF/Elk and IKO can help answer specific questions about products as well.

What’s Under the Asphalt, Metal, Wood, Rubber Or Clay Tiles on a Roof first appeared on:

Mountain State Roofing
12 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 816-3693
https://goo.gl/UpFF0l

Characteristics of a Good Roofing System

When it comes to constructing a house its roofing is often not taken that seriously as much as the other parts of the house. But that does not mean that it has no importance. In fact a strong roofing system is required to make a house protected. If you select a wrong roofing system for your house then you will have to regret your diction for lifetime and have to deal with all the hassles of its maintenance. If you would like to avoid this inconvenience then it is better to educate yourself about the characteristic do a good roofing system so that you can select a suitable one for your house. So let us discuss this topic in detail in this article.

If you are planning to build a new house or if you are thinking about changing your present roofing system because you are not satisfied by it, then you should remember a few points. To now read: If you are planning to build a new house or if you are thinking about changing your present roofing system because you are not satisfied by it, then you should remember a few points and contact Mountain State Roofing.

If you consider metal roofing then metal roofing prices would definitely be your concern. The good news is that it would not cost you a fortune to get it installed. Although metal roofing prices may vary from one company to another yet the overall pricing and more than that the value for money that you are doing to get from such a superb roofing solution is going to bring delight to you.

Another important aspect that you should consider before selecting a roofing is its maintenance. You surely will not like to spend money on repairs every now and then . Therefore it is necessary that you get something that requires least maintenance. Development of mold in the insulation is also one of the most annoying problems that the house maker has too deal with. Therefore it is necessary that you ensure that your roofing system is protected against it.

Apart from it you should also check out that the roofing system that you are planning to install in your house is eco-friendly and if it can save your electricity bills than there is nothing better than that. For example with a metal roofing you would be able to save from thirty to forty percentage of your electricity because it is able to regular cooling and heating in your house naturally. That is the advantage of selecting an eco-friendly roofing system. If you consider all the above points then you will be able to select the best roofing solution for your house.

Characteristics of a Good Roofing System first appeared on:

Mountain State Roofing
12 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 816-3693
https://goo.gl/UpFF0l