Top 10 Mistakes in Purchasing a New Roof

1. Shopping price only.

The price of a roofing repair or install will vary depending on the size and location of your home. If you shop around for prices and notice that a company is well below the average, there may be a reason why. Cost alone will not determine quality. Professionalism and quality workmanship should also weigh heavily on your decision.

What is the total price of the job? Does this include sales tax? When are the payments due? Does the price include removal of the old roof? Any hidden costs?

Some smaller roofing companies may require a small deposit at the start of work. Most of the contracted amount should only be due after all of the work is completed in a satisfactory manor. Do not issue full payment for the job until all work has been completed. Lengthy projects may require progress payments, be sure the amount does not exceed the value of the work performed.

* Check the insurance of every company doing work at your home. A company should carry both workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Because of the dangers inherent in working on the roof, workers’ compensation and liability insurance are a significant cost to a roofing company. Since the cost of the insurance is high, some companies do not carry it. This practice is a shortcut some companies take to underbid the competition.

2. Basing your buying decision on the quickest to respond or because a company can “start right away”.

A company that is too quick to respond may not have enough business. (Why?)

Things to consider:

How long has this company been in business? You want to make sure that this company will still be around in case you have problems with your roof.
Number of years of roofing experience for installers?
Safety record?
Make sure the company is licensed, bonded and insured in your area. (get license number)
Insurance? Don’t hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his liability coverage and worker’s compensation certificates. Be sure the coverage runs through the duration of the job.
Does the company offer references of past work? Obtain customer references and check them. Ask about the company’s stability, reputation, record on completing jobs on time and quality of work performed.
Check out all companies with your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
Do they offer a maintenance program?
Make sure you get a contract. Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including tasks the roofer will perform, types of materials, financial arrangements, and guarantees.

3. Getting a discount for signing the contract “tonight” or other high-pressure sales tactics.

This forces the homeowner to make a quick decision, so as not to miss the “unbeatable price.” No matter how good the price may seem, do not buy a roof from a company that asks you to make a decision before you are ready. Granted, recent hurricanes have caused uncertainty in building materials availability and pricing, however a reputable company will have relationships and access to quality products for 2 or more weeks from the time they provide you with a quote. There is an outside chance that a contractor may have a “sudden” opening in their work schedule and offer an incentive to keep their crews working, however the more reputable companies do not have a significant amount of discount or wiggle room in their cost. If they offer more than a 10% discount, one might question their margins in the first place. Additionally, some companies will more heavily incent their salespeople to get a contract signed the same day. The quicker the sale, the higher the commission. The bottom line is, take your time when making any large purchase, such as a new roof. Do your homework, talk to references, and sign when you are comfortable that you’ve made the right choice.

4. Signing the deal because you like the sales person (or not signing it because you don’t).

Although you may feel a certain comfort level with a sales person, it should not be your sole reason for making a purchase. A truly good sales person will know their products and the overall installation process very well, which should give you a level of confidence. However, the sales person is not the one who will be doing the roof repair or installation. Find out who will, and their experience. Ask for references and ask to see examples of similar installations. Be weary of a sales person who cannot provide real references from CURRENT customers.

5. A deal too good to be true probably is – check:

Quality of the materials? Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Most materials require special application expertise in order to achieve a quality roof system that will last. Quality materials will be backed by a manufacturers warranty as well.
What is the warranty? Both quality materials AND quality workmanship/installation should come with their own warranties. Ask what warranties are available for both.
Hidden costs? In addition to the cost of labor and materials, ask if there are any hidden additional costs, such as old roof removal, dumpster rental, heavy equipment rental (e.g. a crane to lift heavy materials such as slate onto a high rooftop), and plywood replacement (for unknown/hidden rotten wood beneath old shingles).
References? A reputable company will be able to provide recent references in the general vicinity of your home, or for an installation similar to yours. Get the reference and actually make the call!

6. Purchasing the roof based on warranty alone.

The length of a roofing warranty should not be the primary criterion in the selection of a roofing product or system. The warranty does not necessarily provide assurance of satisfactory roofing performance. (source: nrca.net)

Make sure that the warranty covers all materials and workmanship. Some roof warranties require you to have at least semi-annual maintenance inspections. Look for manufacturers’ warranties that provide full coverage for labor and materials.

According to a consumer advisory bulletin by the NRCA, consumers are wise to look for manufacturers who clearly and specifically state in accompanying literature and warranty verbiage what maintenance is not only recommended but also required during the projected service life of the roof and its warranty term.

There is a common misconception by roofing consumers that long-term warranties are all-inclusive insurance policies designed to cover virtually any roofing problem, regardless of the cause or circumstance. Roof warranties typically do not warrant that the roof system will not leak or is suitable for the project where it is installed. Even the most comprehensive manufacturer warranties that cover material and workmanship generally provide only that the manufacturer will repair leaks that result from specific causes enumerated in the warranty. A material-only warranty typically provides only that the manufacturer will provide replacement material. (source: nrca.net)

You can compare manufacturers’ warranties with the roofing materials guides published annually by the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association).

7. Using contractors with no office staff.

There is no shortage of contractors running one or two-man shops in any town. While they may be fine for smaller jobs, when you are making a large home improvement investment, beware of any contractor who you cannot get in touch with during normal business hours. A reputable company will have an office staff available to answer any scheduling, materials or billing questions you may have. If you call a contractor and consistently get an answering machine, know what you may be getting yourself into. If you have difficulty reaching them when you are going through the estimating process, where will they be if you have a problem?

8. Mistaking advertising for quality.

Look in any value-pack mailer, coupon clipper magazine or even radio and television and you’ll see and hear many companies in your area vying for your business. While it may be impressive that they have the means to advertise in high-priced media, do not mistake advertising for quality. There is nothing wrong with finding a company through the media, but do as you would with any major purchase – do your homework. Compare pricing, check references, and check workmanship. A reputable contractor will provide you with access to all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

9. Having a friend do the work.

Having a friend — one that is not a licensed roofing contractor working for a reputable roofing company –is wrought with uncertainty. Even if this person is “handy”, have they ever installed a roofing system? Do they know what areas of a roof are most vulnerable and why? Do they know how to properly ventilate the roof? No to mention, any work done by an unlicensed contractor will not include a warranty. The cost of roofing repairs may be high and you don’t want to commit to such a major investment without a warranty.

10. Doing the work yourself.

Big box retailers will tell you that you can do it (and they can help!), but beware! Roofing in particular is tricky business. There are obvious safety issues, as well as structural installation issues that should only be performed by a licensed professional. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof in need of repair of replacement. Homeowner maintenance should be confined to roof inspections in both the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles, and to cleaning rain gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must see the roof for yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof) if possible.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing and Folsom Roof Repair

Nearly four-fifths of American homes have asphalt shingle roofs–and for good reason. Asphalt shingles are economical and fairly easy to install and repair. The two basic types are composition and fiberglass-base shingles.

Composition shingles are made of organic felt manufactured from wood and paper fibers. Fiberglass-base shingles are made of manmade fiberglass mat. Both kinds are soaked in asphalt, but the fiberglass base shingles are more fire-resistant than the organic ones. Asphalt shingles have mineral granules embedded in them; when you find these granules washing away, it’s a sign that you need to repair or replace your shingles

Although asphalt shingles may look like individual tabs, they are generally manufactured in 3-foot-long strips that are notched to look like smaller units. They come in a variety of weights. Generally speaking, the heavier the shingles, the longer they last.

Make roof repairs on a warm day, when shingles are more flexible (and therefore less likely to crack) and roofing cement spreads more easily.

Common Asphalt-Shingle Roofing Problems

Roofing problems make themselves known in the form of leaks and drips. Repair leaky roofs before ceilings and walls are damaged; better yet, check your roof at least once a year before the storm season (and after a major storm, if necessary).

Make your repairs when the weather is clear.

High winds can tear off shingles, particularly if they’ve become brittle with age. Ice and snow can cause shingles to crack, as can hot sun and heavy rain.

Check your roof regularly for bald spots, cracked or curled shingles, or an absence of mineral granules, usually exhibited by an accumulation in your gutters.

Bend any questionable shingles back to see if they have some give. If they crumble easily or appear gray and bloated, they may need replacing.

Replace existing shingles with any that remain from the original roof installation or buy new ones of the same type, color, and size if possible. Don’t remove damaged shingles from ridges–instead, nail each corner of the existing shingle in place and cover with a new one.

Shingle Maintenance

Roofing cement can work wonders on an asphalt-shingle roof. If shingles are cracked or beginning to tear, seal the cracked or torn areas with roofing cement.

Also use roofing cement to press torn or curled shingles into place and to cover exposed nail heads.

Asphalt Roof Shingle Repair

Lift the tab above the shingle that has been damaged and pry out the nails that hold the one you want to replace.

Snip off the top corners of the replacement and slide it up under the existing shingles, being careful not to tear the roofing felt.

Nail on the new shingle, placing the nails under the shingle above. After driving in the nails, daub the nail heads with roofing cement.

While you are on the roof, check the roof flashing for corrosion or pinholes and repair with roofing cement (you may need to lift up a flap of shingles to get access to the flashing).

1) On a warm day, lift shingles to expose nails of damaged one. Pry out nails.

2) Slip replacement in place under up-roof shingles.

3) Nail by hammering against a pry bar placed on nail heads.

2) Beneath the asphalt shingles on a roof’s surface, you’ll find roofing felt, sheathing, and the roof’s structure

Liquid Roof is the liquid version of true EPDM rubber marketed in the world. Liquid Roof facilitates RV industry in first instance. Liquid Roof be able to outline to any outside area and self-adheres to a faultless covering that protects your RV as of throbbing rain and extra rudiments. This hard-wearing, RV roof repair outside layer moreover defends against throbbing water and gives covering, maintenance your RV cooler in the summer and heater in the coldness. Liquid Roof liquid rubber is super-strong and waterproof, and is able to survive tremendous temperatures of warmth and chilly. The liquid form makes it possible to apply EPDM rubber to many materials regardless of their shape. It cures by chemical reaction at ambient (ordinary) temperatures to form a flexible rubber membrane. A pre-measured catalyst is added to the rubber compound before application.

Liquid Roof offers easy one coat application which gives leak proof surface to your huge investment on RV. It saves your time and money by sealing and protecting your RV from water damage and fuel guzzling drafts. Liquid Roof’s one-coat application saves you time and money sealing and protecting your roof from roof leaks. Easily applied over Metal, Rubber, Fiberglass, Concrete, Fabric and Foam! No primer or top coat needed. Liquid roof can be applied with a paint brush, roller or squeegee. Liquid Roof liquid rubber is super-strong and waterproof, and is able to survive tremendous temperatures of warmth and cold. One coat application of Liquid Roof will provide an air and watertight seal that will outlast the original sealant.

When we probe on which areas liquid roof can be applied then we come up with an answer that Liquid Roof offers compatibility to a large number of surfaces such as metal, concrete, fiberglass, fabric, foam, rubber. It may be applied on roof decks, metal roofs, gutters, structural steel, air conditioner enclosures, cooling towers, galvanized steel, unit heater flues, smoke stacks and chimneys, fiberglass, non porous masonry surfaces, pool liners, underground room waterproofing, and channels. It is also excellent for wood, canvas, cement, or metal roof repair over large surface areas. One most important advantage of using liquid roof is that it does not require a top coat, primer or additional applications like many other roofing products.

Liquid Roof Uses

Liquid Roof is ideal for various forms of roof repair: RV roof repair, metal roof repair, and more. However Liquid Roof is not now for RV roofs! Liquid Roof is moreover recognized as an “EPDM” a rubber appreciated for its protecting possessions and adaptability. Liquid roof sticks to the entire types of facades- canvas, plywood, suds, cement, mass rubber, customized roofing, additional roof coverings, strengthen, timber, top tiles, genuine tiles, solid, and more! Use it on approximately everything, counting previews, RVs, decks, pool liners, underground room waterproofing, and channels.

Features

Can be applied over all roofing materials

Not damaged by freezing and has long term flexibility.

Waterproofs immediately.

Reinforced with synthetic fibres – no need for separate reinforcing membrane over the main roof area.

Provides total waterproof protection.

Ready-to-use, single-component system.

UV and ozone resistant;

Excellent against ponding water;

High tensile strength & elongation properties

Flame & heat free application, providing totally fire safe installation

Excellent protection against ultraviolet radiation & standing water

Suitable for use on almost all substrates

Final cured properties not damaged by adverse conditions;

ONE coat application.

Liquid EPDM coatings offer a lot of flexibility. They can conform to any roof and can easily be applied around flashings, chimneys, and other roof obstructions. Being a liquid, it cures and forms a seamless membrane. Also, liquid EPDM coatings can be used on residential and commercial properties, as well as on motor homes, since it easily conforms to the shape of any surface.

Liquid Roof is a liquid elastometric copolymer rubber coating that has excellent elongation, tensile strength, UV resistance and durability. Cures to a hard white or light gray rubber heat reflecting coating! Now you can take care of your roof leaks, save energy and save on a costly new roof installation! Liquid Roof simply rolls on like paint so no special skills are needed. Just use a squeege or roller to apply.

After repairing your RV with liquid roof repair, simply keep up with your routine maintenance and your rv roof should last for a long time to come! The Florida RVer warns that owners of RVs with new, sleek rubber membrane roofs should be aware of their susceptibility to damage from overhangs and branches. He recommends at least twice annually cleaning the roofing of your trailer with a mild soap and water solution, as well as checking the roof and seals for roof leaks or tears. Inspecting your RV at home can prevent RV roof repairs and even more damage down the road!

Liquid roof is the solution to all the problems in other form of roofs. It don’t leaks as it is water resistant, it is not affected by weather conditions humidity, rain or extreme hot weather. If you have a liquid roof coating on your normal roof it is also a very effective solution. If in case, some damage occurs to the liquid roof then it’s easy to repair as it’s economical to repair as compare to others forms of roof.

EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), a type of synthetic rubber, is an elastomer which is characterized by wide range of applications.The E refers to Ethylene, P to Propylene, D to diene and M refers to its classification in ASTM standard D-1418. The “M” class includes rubbers having a saturated chain of the polymethylene type.

EPDM rubber is used in vibrators and seals; glass-run channel; radiator, garden and appliance hose; tubing; washers; belts; electrical insulation, and speaker cone surrounds. It is also used as a medium for water resistance in high-voltage polymeric cable jointing installations, roofing membrane, geomembranes, rubber mechanical goods, plastic impact modification, thermoplastic, vulcanizates, as a motor oil additive, pond liner, electrical cable-jointing, RV roofs, and chainmail applications.

EPDM exhibits satisfactory compatibility with fireproof hydraulic fluids, ketones, hot and cold water, and alkalis, and unsatisfactory compatibility with most oils, gasoline, kerosene, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, and concentrated acids.

The main properties of EPDM are its outstanding heat, ozone and weather resistance. The resistance to polar substances and steam are also good. It has excellent electrical properties. It has the ability to retain light colour.

Hurricane damage to all types of roofs is often quite extensive and an unusual thing you may face. As a result, building codes and wind design guidelines are changing. New solutions to wind uplift problems are being introduced that allow building owners and specifiers to design and build highly durable, standard-compliant and, most importantly, cost-effective roofs, regardless of building location. Roof is as the most important investment of your building, so roofing problems need to be solved within no time delays.

Roof coating is available in an extensive range of materials and colours, each suited to a different style of roofing. Some kinds of roof coatings include liquid roof, liquid rubber, elastomeric coatings, acrylic coatings, primers, Eternabond web seal. Whilst some are elastomeric roof coatings, others are acrylic resin based. The adhesiveness to your roof can change according to the material your roof is made of. For example, bituminous roof coatings will be more adhesive to wood, while metal roof coatings can be made of either bituminous or elastomeric roof deck coatings. Depending on the climate you live in and the requirements of your roof and building (residential and/or commercial) which roof coating will best suit your roof.

As far as application of liquid roof is concerned, it offers compatibility to a large number of surfaces such as metal, concrete, fibreglass, fabric, foam, rubber. It may be applied on roof decks, metal roofs, gutters, structural steel, air conditioner enclosures, cooling towers, galvanized steel, unit heater flues, smoke stacks and chimneys, fibreglass, non porous masonry surfaces, pool liners, underground room waterproofing, and channels. It is also excellent for wood, canvas, cement, or metal roof repair over large surface areas. One most important advantage of using liquid roof is that it does not require a top coat, primer or additional applications like many other roofing products.

There are some tips which must be kept in mind before applying liquid rubber on your roof. Be aware that it is a 3 to 6 hrs process, excluding the surface preparation time. Once the liquid EPDM Rubber is applied, it takes around 16 to 20 hours to dry up. Therefore proper management of time is necessary. Careful planning regarding weather conditions should be done as well, i.e. one should plan to work on days when the rain is not expected because although Liquid Roof will immediately waterproof, even when wet, avoid heavy rain until it is completely dry to the touch which means 16 – 20 hours after application. To be on the safe side, one can say that a full cure will be achieved in 4 – 10 days after application, in consistent 70 deg F.

Liquid roof ideally can be used for many types of roof repair. One of the most important Liquid Roof Repair applications is RV Roof Repair. Liquid roof sticks to the entire types of facades- canvas, plywood, suds, cement, mass rubber, customized roofing, additional roof coverings, strengthen, timber, top tiles, genuine tiles, solid, and many more. It is the most cost effective and efficient product for solving RV Roof Leaks Repair problem as it does not chalk, shrink, crack, peak and flake.

Many homeowners are faced with a real nuisance, which is roof leaks. Most of them associate a leaky roof with the imminence of roof repairs, without taking into consideration that there may be solutions to their problems, other than leak repairs. The sources of roof leaks are so various, that you will most certainly need the opinion of an expert before you can actually determine that you need roof repairs. Leak repairs aren’t necessary if what causes your roof to leak is just attic condensation or wind driven rain. But these are the fortunate situations, when you don’t need roof repairs if the cause of roof leaks is correctly determined. If the leaks are caused by rain blown by wind, you shouldn’t need roof repairs but just some tar paper and dam membranes, which are the only solution in such cases. A similar situation when you don’t need leak repairs is when there’s too much humidity in your attic. High humidity can be the cause of condensation and water in your attic, which you may confuse with rain. So there’s a good chance that what you thought to be serious damage requiring roof repairs is actually water produced by condensation.

There are also the less fortunate situations when your roof leaks are actually cause by damage to your roof, and in such cases leak repairs are a must. It’s a well known fact the various weather conditions can cause leaks. Even a clear sky and sunny weather can be damaging to your roof, and eventually lead to the situation when you have to have leak repairs done. Determining the exact leak source is as important is it is difficult. Most roof coverings are made up on the principle of gravity, which should make it quite easy to locate the leak source. However, there are roofs made up from horizontal boards, and these can be tricky, as the actual source of leaking could be as far as ten feet away from the place where a spot appears on your ceiling.

In most cases, tracking the source of a leak will turn out to be quite a painstaking process but a extremely useful one when you’re going for roof repairs. If you don’t have someone to do this dirty work for you, you’ll just have to start an actual hunt of the leak source. Keep in mind that most roofs are not safe to walk on, especially if they’re old, or made of materials other than asphalt. Roof repairs are not something you should try to do on your own, especially if your roof is made of slate, clay tile or concrete tile. There are educated people who specialize in leak repairs and they’re only a phone call away. They will identify the source of your problem and come up with the best possible solution for you. Finding a leak source may prove to be so frustrating that it’s actually a whole lot easier to let other people handle it for you. Roofing contractors will take care of all the roof and leak repairs that you need.

For more information related with Roof Repairs and even about subjects like Leak Repairs please visit this website http://www.MAKRoofing.com

There are many weather –related factors which determine the extent to which your roof has been damaged and whether you are in need of roof repairs. Even if we’re talking about leaks, or just some shingle fractures, it is obvious that you may need more than just roof repairs. There are thunderstorms or hails whose consequences demand changing the roof of your house. The damage level of your roof will dictate the measures that you have to take. Whether it’s just some minor roof repairs or the installation of a completely new roof, only a professional consultant can tell you that. Roofing contractors provide such services, and the results of their roof inspection will tell you where you need to go next. Even if there are no serious leaks, or none at all, your roof may still require repairs, as everyone knows that a twenty-year- old roof will most likely start to show signs of deterioration. Roofing contractors should be called in at the first deterioration signs. They are professionals who will assess your roof status correctly and will determine the best solution for you, either roof repairs or re-roofing.

But it’s not just the hails that can damage your roof. Rain, wind and even sun may have a destructive influence upon your roof. Leaks are not the only sign that you need roof repairs. But the question is, how can you tell when you should start the process of re-roofing? Since this construction process is quite complex, the best choice is a roofing contractor. Roofing contractors will give you the best advice on what is appropriate for your roof. Their advice is trustworthy and all roofing contractors must have a permit and obey certain licensing laws, which may vary from state to state. Of course, the part that you play in this process is a very important one, because the final outcome must meet your needs and desires as a customer, whether you want some roof repairs or a complex re-roofing project.

It is in your best interest as a customer that the roofing contractors you choose be certified. Certified roofing contractors are professionals whose expertise speaks for itself and makes them leaders in their field. They will provide solutions to all your problems and handle your roof repairs or re-roofing process with professionalism.

When you finally decide to turn to roofing contractors in order to have your roof repairs taken care of or replace your old roof, you will most likely come to the conclusion that choosing a particular roofing contractor is quite a tough choice. The materials used by different roofing contractors may vary, and so may the prices. There are some steps you are recommended to follow when you choose a certain roofing contractor, so that you won’t have second thoughts or regrets after the work has been completed. Since the cost of the entire project varies according to its complexity, you should start by asking for written estimates from various roofing contractors, estimates which you can compare. For an accurate comparison you should have at least three of these. It is almost certain that the estimates will be different and what you should do is to try to make out what the differences are caused by, because the highest estimate doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best project, but nor should you rule out the lowest one automatically.

Another step is checking out the roofing contractors’ work. The work they have done so far is their best calling card. That’s why, next to the written estimate, you should ask the contractor for a list of the projects they have completed successfully in your area. The written estimate should also include the time needed for project completion. In order to know exactly what to expect, you should also ask about warranties, coverage for insurance carrier, the pace of your project, and trash handling. But remember, checking out their previous projects is one the most important steps in choosing roofing contractors.

For more information related with Roofing Contractors and even about subjects like Roof Repairs please visit this website http://www.MAKRoofing.com

You would have heard and read many articles on roof repair and its preventions but this article will discuss factors to be considered while going for roof repair and reproofing decisions. Roof repair is one issue just about every homeowner frets about. Water leaking into a home can cause serious damage in a short amount of time. Just one leak from one storm can cause an entire drywall ceiling to fall dropping mushy gypsum board and messy fiber glass insulation onto you and your possessions.

Roof leak repair doesn’t have to be scary. There are tough roofs to work on no doubt. Attempting roof repairing on a steep slate roof repair should be left to the professionals. The same is true for metal roof repair or even tile roof repair. These are tricky materials to work with. But you should be able to successfully do home roof repair if you have a low-slope roof, a cool day and the right attitude.

The most important factor in any roof repair job is which contractor you choose. A good roofing contractor will check the area surrounding the leak in your roof for any sort of water damage. They should be able to let you know whether or not there is rot or water damage present, and whether or not it’s bad enough to need repair immediately. In today’s economy, cost is another important factor for roof repairs. There are many types of roofs here in Miami, and each type is going to have a different price range for repairs depending upon supply cost and availability of experienced contractors.

Roofs may need replacing for several reasons.  It may be leaking and be more economical to replace rather than repair it.  The roof may not be working correctly or does not look good.  Another reason for replacing the roof may be because you are extending your home and want the roof to look fully uniform.

Over the past 45 years, EPDM single-ply roof systems have grown consid­erably in market share compared with their modified bitumen and built-up competition. As a result, there are many aging EPDM roofs, and consultants will be faced with the task of providing cost-effective, durable solutions to keep the roofs in proper work­ing order without tearing them off entirely.

Several factors come into play and impact consultants’ decisions regarding the end of a roof system’s useful life. Thermal bridging, proper drainage, R-value, surface color, wind uplift, and hail resistance are all important factors to consider. When every­ thing is taken into account, consultants are faced with two primary choices when addressing an aged EPDM roof besides a complete tear off and replacement: restora­tion and re-cover.

EPDM roof restoration usually encompasses reworking the flash­ings, seams, and terminations, while leaving the field membrane in place. EPDM is well known for its long-term wea­therability, so in most cases the field mem­brane has life remain­ing. This option is used primarily when the owner wants to extend the life of the existing roof or warranty cover­ age for an additional five to ten years. EPDM roof re-covers provide the ability to address more issues than typical restora­tions. Proper drainage, thermal bridging, en­hanced R-value, al­tered surface color, as well as enhanced wind uplift and hail resis­tance, are all issues that are better ad­dressed with a roof re­cover.

The cost of roof coatings is typically about 50% of that of re-roofing and the benefits are very tangible;

substantial reduced cost over re-roof reduction in cooling costs with 80% reflectivity years of longevity given to the existing roof minimal disruption to the work environment during its application minimal waste going to landfill annual reduction in cooling costs as high as 22% no toxic odours or vapours ease of future repairs no increase in roof weight load

reduced long term maintenance and roof repair costs

A home’s roof is the most vital part, next to the doors, windows and of course, the walls. But the roof also poses plenty of problems since it is exposed to the harsh conditions of the outside world on a 24-hour basis. Unlike interior walls and the rooms inside, the materials and components of the roof easily wear out.

Leaky roofs

The roof usually leaks when the gutters are clogged. The gutter is the metal passageway that leads water away from the roof. Often, this vital component of the roof structure gives way because of animal activity like birds nest and leaves. `

A gutter requires cleaning (usually some mild sweeping will do) every two weeks, to keep the whole passageway litter-free. However, most people don’t even look at their gutter unless something’s already wrong.

DIY expert Donny Sheridan shares a tactic to deal with the problem:

“Products such as Evo-Stick Flashband can provide a temporary repair. This is a self-adhesive, bituminous flashing that has an aluminum face to reflect direct sunlight and should last for 15 years. You can easily apply this yourself. It comes in a roll and all you need to do is stick it over the hole in the lead flashing.”

Tiling the roof

Tiling the roof is definitely not a DIY project for the faint of heart. But it doesn’t mean that it can’t be done. For a medium-sized, low-lying home built of traditional stone, you will need around 800 to 900 tiles.

The first step in tiling (or retiling) a roof is by laying down the tough planks of wood that would be handling the weight of the concrete and the clay tiles. These are called tile batons. The length will vary depending on the entire length of your house.

Tile batons may be placed over the concrete fixings of the old roof, given that the clay tiles have already been removed completely. The tile batons provide a so-called “breathable membrane” that allows for ventilation to take place.

Laying down the tiles

Be careful in using tall ladders when tiling your roof. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents: “220,000 DIY daredevils have to go to the hospital for treatment for cuts, breaks, falls, concussions after their handy dandy activities go wrong.”

Now, if you think you’re fairly safe up on your roof, begin the laying down of the tiles. The concrete or the cement should be placed between the gaps of the baton as well as on top. Fill the spaces completely before placing the tiles.

Work from the bottom of the roof toward the top. This way, you won’t have to worry about accidentally destroying the tiles you’ve laid down. Also, work vertically, column after column. This way, you can easily remove the clay tiles if something goes wrong.

The cement or concrete fillings should be even especially on the side of the roof. Imagine making a sandwich- you wipe off excess sauce on the side of the slices of bread to make the sandwich more appetizing. This applies to tiles- because a badly tiled roof is not really pretty to look at.

Homes are our precious property – to have a home for oneself is a goal many people aim for in life, even from childhood. After making a home for oneself and the family, it needs to be kept clean and well maintained. Most people don’t pay much attention to their roof until rain or melting snow starts to leak through it—then it needs some Improvement action. But if you periodically inspect the roof carefully, you can correct minor problems before they become serious enough to cause damage.

Be familiar with the structure of the roof is the first step toward diagnosing possible problem. A typical roof begins with a framework of rafters which supports a roof deck consisting of sheathing and underlayment. The roof deck, in turn, provides a nailing base for the roof surface material. Though the type of roof deck used can vary depending on the roof surface material, most decks have both sheathing and underlayment. The surface of the roof is often broken by angles and protruisions,all of which require weatherproo- fing—usually provided by the flashing. Made from malleable metal or plastic, flash-ing appears as the drip edge along the eaves and rakes of a roof, the collars around ventilation and plumbing pipes, the valleys between two roof planes,and the “steps” along a chimney or domer.

The second step is to inspect your roof periodically. Begin an inspection in the attic, using a strong flashlight, a thin screwdriver, a knife, and a piece of chalk to examine the ridge beam, rafters, and sheathing. Look for water stains, dark-colored areas of wet wood, moisture, and soft spots that may indicate dry rot. Mark the wet spots with chalk so you can find them easily later on.When you examine the roof from outdoors,evaluate the condition of the roof structure, surface material, flashings, eaves, and gutters.To check the roof structure,stand back from the house and look at the lines of the ridge and rafters. The ridge line should be perfectly horizontal, and  the line of the rafters, which you can assess by looking along the planeof each roof section,should be straight. If either sags, call in a professional contractor —you may have a structural problem.

Winter may finally be over, but in some of the hardest hit regions of the country, it’s left a lingering reminder of its wrath. As KUSA TV out of Colorado recently reported, “Wet, heavy snow means leaking roofs.” If his or her roof hasn’t been repaired or replaced in a while, the homeowner is particular vulnerable to leaks. An expert source cited in a recent Times Colonist article pointed out that many homeowners “have so many old layers of material on the roof that there is a danger of water leaks or even roof collapse if there is any significant accumulation of snow.”

A leaky roof isn’t just a nuisance and an eyesore either. It can “lead to house fires. Moisture in ceiling electrical boxes can [also] lead to short-circuits,” the expert went on to point out.

Key Danger Signals that Your Roof Is Leaking

If you notice either of these situations creeping up in your home, it’s probably time to consult a roofing contractor:

• Leakage in attic after driving rain
• Stains on interior ceilings and walls or mold and mildew growth

What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor

So you’ve reached the conclusion that it’s time to consult a roofing professional. Now what? KUSA TV offered these guideline.

1. Put a call out to your insurance carrier. ¬- This consultation should take place strictly between the insurance provider and the homeowner. The roofing contractor should not need specifics about coverage and deductibles to provide you with a quote.

2. Get at least a second and preferably even a third opinion. – Don’t just take the first quote and run with it. Call a few roofing contractors and then have them come out and take a look at your roof so they can provide you with an estimate. “Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples in each bid.” That leads to …

3. Don’t automatically accept the lowest bid you receive. – “Low bids can often mean someone is cutting corners to make a profit.”

4. Do your research. – Before hiring a contractor, ask around. Word-of-mouth testimonials from past clients are your best source of information. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce to see if any past complaints have been leveled against the roofing contractor you’re considering and to ensure that they are properly licensed.

5. Get a detailed agreement and contract. – “The agreement should clearly state materials to be used and labor to be performed, along with terms of payment and who is responsible for permits, etc.” When it comes time to sign the contract, “be sure that EVERYTHING you have agreed to is in writing.”

6. Ask for proof of insurance. – Your roofing contractor should carry both Workers’ Compensation and General Liability insurance.

7. Make sure you get warranty terms in writing. – “The contractor should be able to provide you with a sample for your review before signing a contract.”

A new roof is a big job and a big investment. To protect that investment, hire a professional roofing contractor who can offer proven experience, a written estimate and worry-free installation.