Category: Roofing

Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Roof

A roof is the most critical part of any structure, and keeping you roof in good repair should be a top priority in order to extend its life or prolong the need for full replacement. As with any building (commercial or residential), it’s important to keep all drains clear of debris and, of course, to have a reliable, professional roof repair company on hand. If problems arise, you need to be prepared to take action. So, what else should you consider when it comes to roof maintenance? Keep reading! We’ve compiled the industry’s top preventative maintenance tips for you to keep in your back pocket.

Don’t Avoid Leaks

A seeping roof is extremely dangerous. Don’t allow your business to suffer from blocked drains or standing roof water that can leak into your business’ attic or air duct systems. Repair costs can be significant. The moment you notice a leak, get a repair crew out immediately. If neglected, the damage could lead to electrical damage, equipment/product damage or worse—roof collapse. Do yourself a favor. If you notice water, bite the bullet and get a repair done while the leak is small.

Get Your Roof Inspected Regularly

Have a trusted professional come out and take a look at your roof every year. Yes. Every year. Regular preventative maintenance allows inspection crews to keep an eye out for leaks and sagging. Weak spots in roofs eventually lead to some sort of failure. And preventative maintenance plans help to do just as the name suggests: PREVENT costly damage and replacement. Look for a local commercial roofing company who gives restoration estimates in their maintenance reports so that you’re financially prepared if the worst case scenario occurs.

Don’t Walk on the Roof

Unless you’re a professional, do not walk on your business’ roof. It can cause lasting damage and impact its life expectancy. Oftentimes, the installation of walk pads can be a wise investment. These walkways are stabilized independently of the main roof’s construction, and allow inspectors to walk freely on the roof without fear of damaging it. Walk pads give ease of access to the professionals you hire and can be easily removed, if necessary.

What is Preventive Maintenance?

Preventive maintenance is the easiest way to increase the life expectancy of your roof, and defer the costs of replacement. Preventive maintenance is also a way to keep your commercial roofing guarantee in tact. Most warranties clearly stipulate that the roof must be maintained in order for repairs to be covered.

Everyday exposure to the elements can take a toll on your roof. Every additional year you can go without replacing it means more money to take care of your business’ needs.

If problems like leaks are not immediately addressed, they can compound and cause damage to the structure of your roof, ceiling and interior of your establishment. If you skip having your roof routinely maintained, it can end up costing you more in the long term.

During preventive maintenance, a roofer comes to your place of business and checks for roof damage. If minor damage is detected, the roofer makes the needed repairs.

Commercial Roofing Preventative Maintenance: What Is Involved?

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that building owners conduct commercial roof system maintenance twice a year. Commercial roofing contractors tout the importance of preventative maintenance services, especially for spring and fall. But what exactly are those commercial roofers doing on your roof?

To put it simply, they’re giving it a thorough checkup.

When high-quality professional roofers conduct preventative maintenance, they will:

1. Access your roof and conduct a visual inspection.

They will check all areas of the roofing system for irregularities and note any they might find. Are the flashings tight?  Is there any damage to the roof surface? Is there evidence of standing water or leaking? A good inspector will know what to look for and where to look for it, and a thorough inspection will leave no stone unturned.

2. Remove debris.

Debris can block drains and downspouts and prevent water from leaving the roof appropriately. This can lead to significant roof damage and leaks inside the building. A good preventative maintenance service will include checking roof drains and downspouts to ensure that they are clear of leaves, twigs, trash, and any other type of debris.

3. Perform maintenance as needed.

If the roofers identify issues that require immediate maintenance, they will address them as they’re able. For problems of a larger scale, they’ll develop a plan and keep you informed of your options moving forward. If they identify issues that are likely to arise down the road, they’ll present options for those as well. Early detection makes all the difference, and a quality contractor will help you decide the best actions to take to prolong the performance and life of your roof.

4. Document everything.

The contractor should present all details in writing and take photos as well. This will help them track changes from inspection to inspection, effectively monitoring the health of your roof.

The Importance of Preventive Maintenance for Commercial Roofs

Regardless of the type, every building owner wants to get the most out of their commercial roof system. The most cost-effective way to maximize roof performance and increase its life cycle is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance. The key word here is preventive. If an owner has tarps covering their computers, then at that point they have waited too long.

Building owners should consider that spending a little bit today can save a tremendous amount of time and money tomorrow. A preventive maintenance plan is an investment for the future. After all, you wouldn’t go years without changing your car’s oil or rotating its tires and not expect your vehicle’s performance to suffer, so why would your roof be any different?

Preventive maintenance includes regularly scheduled inspections, periodic repairs of common roofing components (flashings, drains, curbs, etc.) and the addition of reflective coatings.

Inspections: It is recommended to have your roof inspected at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Your local roofing professional should:

• Inspect drains and downspouts to make sure they are clear of blockage that will inhibit proper drainage.
• Check penetrations and flashings for any gaps or tears.
• Inspect rooftop vents and equipment to make sure they are well sealed.
• Look for any signs of damage to the roof and recommend solutions.

How To Protect And Extend The Life Of Your Commercial Roofing

Do you know how long your commercial roofing is supposed to last? Many facility managers would be surprised to find out that the roof their building has now could last twenty, thirty, or even forty years if well-maintained. For many, their roofing is already falling apart or experiencing leaks during rainy days.

If you are having problems with your roofing, contact your local Maintenance professionals to discuss preventative care. These three steps can help prevent costly damages and extend the lifespan of your roofing, regardless of the material type or current age.

Schedule a professional inspection. The first step to preventative care is scheduling an inspection with your local Maintenance professionals. They will be able to safety access the roof and look for cracks, missing shingles, pooling, or other signs of deterioration. Once these are identified, your technician will be able to diagnose the cause of the damage and plan for repairs.

Plan for repairs and cleaning service. Once you’ve identified the damaged areas of your roofing, your technician can create a plan for quick repairs. The sooner you address the issues in your roofing, the more affordable the services will be. Waiting to fix your roofing issues could result in more serious, and therefore more expensive repair work. You should also plan for gutter cleaning and other roofing maintenance services during this time. By taking care of them now, you could save yourself money, time, and the hassle of a complete roof repair in the future.

Prepare a maintenance schedule. Once you’ve taken care of your immediate repair services, work with your roofing specialist to create a preventative maintenance plan. Preventative maintenance has shown to reduce maintenance costs and extend the service life of commercial structures significantly. By creating a preventative maintenance plan with your Maintenance team, you can effectively reduce repair costs while keeping your roof in service for years to come.

Tips for choosing the right roof for your home

The roof is one of the most significant features of your heavenly habitat. A broken window has comparatively fewer issues than a damaged roof. Your nights will never be as comfortable as before. The reason behind choosing the right roof for your house is all the more vital for a healthy and secure living. The natural calamities are never a joke. Whether it is a destructive hurricane, hailstorm, or heavy snowfall, you will feel blessed to have a properly constructed roof. Roof connotes the vital portion of the house during construction. The roof keeps the people inside and their near ones safe and secured. The house should have a sturdy roof, having the ability to combat all the natural calamities, as well as protect the inhabitants’ inside the home. Roof construction should be such that it can hold up for many years. Considering every aspect, you have to make a wise decision, all-comprising the choice of roof material, expenses and roof installing contractor. The ten tips, discussed below, will be your fruitful aide while choosing the right roof for your home.

Roof durability

Roofing shingles have an approximate durability of 25-30 years, while the architectural ones’ longevity ranges from 30-35 years. Before choosing the right roof for your living place, be aware of the durability of the present roof. Thus, before you go for consulting the roof agencies, be adequately familiar concerning your house’s roofing and its permanency

Roof layering or not?

Are you the person interested in removing the present roof and re-install with a better one? Or, do you prefer layering the old one with a new roof? Quite an amount of straining occurs owing to layering with a new roof over the old one. The added weight over the old roof by the new one causes many difficulties. Therefore, always remove the old roof before installing a new one. It will then be structurally sound and safe, especially during adverse weather conditions. Moreover, be attentive and remove the uneven or curly roofs. These types of roofs cause too many future damages.

Weather resistant roofs

The home roof acts as an important barrier between you and Nature. Be calculative while choosing the roof material. The roof material should resist against heavy snow-fall, gusty winds and scorching sun-rays. Certain roof materials act reliably and do their job commendably

Fire-resistant roofing

While choosing the right roof for your home, be sure of the same being fire resistant. The fire resistant roofs categorize from category A to category C. But, the non-treated roofing shingles never qualify under the same. The category A roof is made of effective fire resistant coating. The category B roof never catches fire, when exposed under moderation. And, the category C roof has the ability to tackle only minute fire exposures. Never use under-rated roofing material for your home, especially in places prone to environmental fire hazard.

Essential Tips On Choosing The Right Roofing Installation Contractors

Your roof is the first and probably most important defense against the elements, like hail storms. Roofing installation projects also tend to be quite complicated and costly, choosing the right contractor can help ease your mind while ensuring that every cent counts

Getting the right roof installed by the right roofing installation contractors will not only ensure that it holds up to the elements for as long as possible, but also helps alleviate most of the concerns homeowners have concerning the quality of work performed through the provision of service guarantees, and manufacturer warranties.

Experience

When it comes to roofing installation, the main rule of thumb is to always go with an experienced service provider. Hiring a roofing company that has overseen the completion of numerous projects, successfully, comes with a variety of advantages.

Reputation

Before hiring a roofing contractor, be sure to find out as much as you can about their reputation. Contact the roofer and ask them to provide you with examples of their most recent work. This will give you an idea of the type of projects they excel in.

Written Agreement

A written agreement gives homeowners, and contractor’s an official referral point in case of any disagreements on essential project details crop up during or at the end of the project. These contracts usually document important project details including pricing, quality of materials to be used and project duration among others.

Tips On Choosing The Best Roofing Contractor

As a homeowner, there are lots of crucial decisions for you to make. One of the critical decisions is on your roofing, determining when the shingles need to be replaced or repaired. The salient point then is not only about your roofing repairs and installations but finding a professional roofing contractor who will expertly get the job done.

Roofing involves a specialized skill. Knowing full well that the roof over your head not just only offers protection from the elements for you and your family, but adds to the aesthetic value of the house, entrusting the duty to experienced hands should be your only option. Sadly, with the myriads of contractors all claiming to be professionals, picking the best roofing company to attend to your roofing needs seems to be much of a herculean task.

Permits/License

Your first learn of action in selecting any roofing contractor should be verifying if the roofing contractor has the needful permits, licenses, and other necessary paperwork that proves he can operate in your state or local area. As a rule, never hire a roofing contractor that is not licensed. However, licensing is never a guarantee that the contractor will deliver excellently. Gather more vital info like membership of any trade association, continuing education training, website, business address, phone number, and other pertinent information

Insurance Coverage

Every basic roofer ought to have one. Having insurance doesn’t equate to it bearing any meaningful coverage. Know how much your roofing contractor’s insurance covers. Get to know if they have workers’ compensation and liability coverage. This is necessary because you, the property owner, can be sued for accidents that occur on your property. It is, therefore prudent for your roofing contractor to have workers’ compensation insurance.

Check Reviews and References

Reviews and references from past clients are one of the surest ways to assess the reliability of any roofer. The contractor should be able to make available to you a list of past clients that can vouch for him. All you have to do is to get in touch and get feedback on the contractor’s work. You can also ask for business-related references. Get to see the pictures of the contractors’ work. Some of the needful information may be accessed from the on the contractor’s website or by contacting the state’s Department of Professional Regulation or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to verify just how ‘capable’ the roofing contractor is

Tips for Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Is it time to start thinking about having a new roof installed on your house? Has your old roof started to leak? Or, is it starting to develop some soft spots and wear and you want to prevent a leak from happening? A roof is a big investment. Roofs are not cheap. However, when a roof is installed by a high-quality roofing contractor using durable materials, it can last for 30 years or more.

Find a Licensed and Insured Roofer

Before hiring a contractor to install a new roof, confirm that they are licensed and insured. All major, reputable companies should be licensed and carry insurance for their workers. If a company you are considering is not licensed or insured, it should be a red flag, and you should look elsewhere.

Research the Roofing Company and Read Reviews

If you are considering hiring a given company to replace your roof, take time to do some research. Look up the company online. Find out how long they have been in business. If the company you are considering has only been in business for a short amount of time, it could be a sign that they may not stay in business to be able to attend to any issues with your new roof. Likewise, if a company has many years of experience, it is likely that they will still be in business years down the road.

Research the Materials Used

When you’re meeting with a roofing contractor to have an estimate completed for a new roof, ask them the brand of shingles they use. Then, try to find out information about this brand compared to other options. Again, look for customer reviews and other online posts that talk about the durability of the shingles. If you find that the materials used by a particular company are lower-quality, then you should consider other companies.

Consider More than Just the Price

Price should not be the only thing you look at when deciding between two companies. Often, if one company is significantly cheaper than other companies, there is a reason for it. The company may not be licensed, the workers may not be insured, or the materials may be lower quality. Look at more than just the cost when you are installing a new roof. You don’t want to have to replace your roof in just a few years due to having low-quality work done now.

Helpful Tips on Choosing a Good Roof Replacement

Hire a professional to help you out – It is safe to hire a company instead of trying to do this project on your own. Remember, roof work requires years of training and experience to install a new roof properly. Hiring a company with the necessary license and insurance is also important.

Make sure to remove the old roof completely – Replacing the old roof completely instead of building over it is advisable. By tearing off the old roof, we can inspect the decking and other areas for any signs of damage.

Asphalt shingles can be a good material choice – Asphalt shingles are an affordable and durable option. We provide quality asphalt shingles that can emulate materials like wood shakes and slate. Moreover, our products ensure good durability.

Schedule the project during the right weather conditions – If the weather won’t cooperate, it’s going to be difficult to install a new roof. Depending on the extent of the project, a job can be completed in only a few days if the weather permits

With these tips, you can be sure to select the right roofing, we provides various roofing services, such as roof installation, re-roofing, repairs, replacement, maintenance, and inspections. If you need further assistance in selecting a new roof, we can provide you with top quality materials that our expert team will install properly and professionally

Tile Roofing

In some areas of the country, tile roofing is quite common. Its distinctive appearance can be seen sparsely in many regions, but in the Southwest, tile roofing is practically a part of the landscape, giving a unique and identifiable look to the area. Tile roofs are initially a lot more costly to install than asphalt shingle, metal, or wood shake roofs, but they also last much longer. Depending on the quality, a tile roof may last 50 to 70 years–or even more! When you compare that kind of longevity to the durability of some asphalt shingles (in some situations, only 10 or 15 years), it’s easy to see how an investment in tile can pay off in the long run.

Characteristics of Tile Roofing

Traditional clay tile roofs are very heavy, and sometimes require more structural reinforcement than other roofing materials. However, tile is now offered in new lightweight versions which can be used on most structures without additional reinforcement.

While many homeowners prefer the look of traditional Spanish and Mediterranean styles, tile roofing is also available in exact replications of shake, wood shingle, and slate. It can be found in a wide spectrum of colors, ranging from the well-known adobe red to colors that are reminiscent of moss green, driftwood grey, and ocean blue.

Benefits of Tile Roofs

Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal and incredibly long life expectancy of tile roofs, there are several other benefits of choosing this material over a less costly one. To start with, tile roofs perform better under harsh conditions than many other roofing materials. They resist damage caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, and other weather extremes better than most other options. Roof tile is also fireproof, and carries a class-A rating.

Tile roofing is a great insulator, which helps to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Accessories for tile roofs are widely assorted, including bird stops, cloaked attic vents, hip starters, apexes, and multiple other options. Tile also has the unique ability of being able to accent or complement the exterior color or finish of practically any home or building.

Even more attractive than its outward appearance is the fact that tile gives an air of quality to a structure that can be very appealing to prospective buyers. When combined with the range of styles and finishes, a tile roof not only adds to the beauty of a structure, it can also add to its resale value.

Drawbacks of Tile Roofs

Obviously, the biggest drawback is its initial installation cost. When compared to asphalt shingles or even basic metal roofing, tile roofs can cost several times as much to put up. They are, however, similar in price to slate roofing–the only other kind of material that can hold up as long or surpass the life expectancy of tile. Additionally, tile roofs (and slate roofs, as well) are not only heavy, but brittle. Not only might they require added structural reinforcement to install, but when a problem does occur, they can be difficult to work on since the individual tiles can break under the weight of a worker.

The Good and Bad of Tile Roofing

Benefits of Tile Roofing

Overall, tile roofing is a popular choice due to its durability, protection and ventilation factors, energy savings, and long-lasting performance. Additional benefits include the following:

• Longevity – the lifespan of a properly installed tile roof by a professional roofing contractor can range from 50 to 100 years giving it a significant advantage over a less expensive material such as asphalt.
• Durability – tiles have a high capacity for enduring sustained winds, they are not susceptible to biting or chewing insects, and tiles are non-combustible.
• Curbside appeal – tiles are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are designed to complement all types of architectural styles and blend with any exterior paint color.
• Concrete or clay tile – whichever type of material is selected, tiles not only retain their color, they are one of the easiest roofing materials to install. Tile roofs also require minimal maintenance.
• Increased property value – because the material is energy efficient and can be recycled, the home is considered “green” which increases the property’s value.
• Marketing – a home with a tile roof can be marketed with a focus on potential buyers interested in an environmentally friendly property.
• Selling -.for potential buyers, a home with a tile roof is an investment that saves the out-of-pocket expense of a new roof due to the lifespan of tile.
• Energy savings – air flows naturally beneath the tiles resulting in a well-ventilated home that is warmer during winter cold snaps and cooler during the heat of summer. Because of the natural ventilation, monthly energy bills are lower.

Negatives of Tile Roofing

Of the many roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, wood shakes, slate, rubber, metal and tile, the cost per square foot varies considerably based on the material itself as well as the region where the home is located.

• Costly – the estimated cost of clay tiles ranges between $11 per square foot or over $15 per square foot. Concrete tiles are generally less expensive. Find the cost of a tile roof using an online roofing calculator based on the home’s square footage and zip code.
• Installation – while tile is one of the easiest materials to install, the project requires the expertise of a licensed and bonded roofer experienced in cutting and installing tiles.
• Structurally sound – if the current roofing material is not tile, the home will need to be inspected to determine if it can bear the weight of the tiles, or if support beams must be installed. In some cases, a tile roof may not be an option.
• Quality material – a tile roof can outlast standard underlayment, screws, nails, flashing and fasteners. This means the contractor should use only those materials that also have a long lifespan, which could increase the cost of the new roof.
• Replacement and repair – should the flashing or underlayment deteriorate, depending on the extent and severity of the damage, it’s possible all the tiles would need to be removed.
• Damage – tiles are sturdy but can be broken especially by someone accessing the roof who is not skilled at walking on the material, Broken tiles need to be repaired by a professional roofer to avoid additional damage to the roof.

Types of Tile Roof Repairs

1. Shingles

There are 2 main types of asphalt shingles Architectural or Dimensional which are a premium grade of asphalt shingle roofing.These shingles are thicker and have a distinctive, textured appearance.  Then there are “3-tab” shingles named that for the 3 tab flaps with quarter-inch grooves between them in each panel Both styles of shingle are available in several different colors, With proper maintenance, your shingle roof can last for 20 years or longer.

The most common signs that your shingles are in need of repair is leakage in the roof and cracked or curling shingle. Repairing a leak or replacing damaged or missing shingles is not an easy task and should be done by a professional. One wrong step could have devastating effects on your financial and physical health. Call AABCO Roofing to take care of all your roofing needs

2. Concrete Roof Tiles

When it comes to durability, concrete roof tiles outweigh its competitors. This form of tiling can provide excellent protection against the harshest environments including wind and hail – while showing minimal to no sign of damage. With the correct maintenance, concrete roof tiles can last up to 50 years. Concrete roof tiles require minimal maintenance – in the case of damage, only the affected area of tiling need be replaced not the entire roof.This makes concrete tile an economical option for any home owner.

Repairing concrete roof tiles can appear to be a simple Saturday afternoon DIY project but doing so can cost you more than just time and money. Tiles need to be removed to get to expose and repair the leak. Removing tiles incorrectly can result in more damage to your roofs underlayment as well as badly broken tiles and broken concrete roof tiles cannot simply be glued together. A repair requires physically climbing onto the roof and repairing or replacing the damaged area. Always consult a professional roofer like AABCO Roofing to prevent further damage to your roof or worse, an injury to yourself.

3. Clay Roof Tiles

Clay tiles are significantly lighter than cement tiles. The tiles can provide sufficient protection against the elements as they are resistant to heat, water, and fire. Clay tiles are unique in that they are eco-friendly yet durable enough to stand the test of time and can last for decades without need of roof replacement.

Repairing small cracks to clay roof tiles is not as easy as many home owners think. Small repairs require the cracked area to be scrubbed with a wire brush and then filled with a plastic roofing cement or solution to seal the area. Doing so requires precision and knowledge of the type of repair required. Clay tile roof leaks require a skilled roofer to identify the leaking area, this is a task that should be left to the professionals as the source of the leak could be from a membrane beneath the tile.When you hire a professional roofer, you can rest assured that you will be receiving expert advice and that a small repair will not result in a bigger one. A professional will start by assessing your roof and can provide a comprehensive plan to repair your clay roof tiles.

HOW LONG DOES A TILE ROOF LAST?

A tile roof built using today’s standards and guidelines should last a minimum of 15 years with most lasting up to 30 Years. There are a lot of determining factors how long do tile roofs last in Arizonasuch as environmental and what underlayment is used. Phoenix has a unique climate and you need to make sure the underlayment you choose will stand up to the heat and the rapid temperature changes we experience during the summer Monsoons. Another important factor is pests such as birds. Nothing will ruin your roof faster than the acid in bird droppings. The best advice I can give a homeowner is the moment you see birds nesting on your roof, you should get them off as quickly as possible before they nest and consider your roof their home. If you have a bird problem already, call in a bird removal expert – they cost a lot less than a new roof.

Roof debris is another item that will shorten the life span of your roofing system. Keep trees and leaves off of your roof. Roofs are designed for water to flow down and off quickly. how long do roof tiles lastDebris, especially in the valleys, can prevent water from flowing and create a water dam. Water dams can allow water to back up and flow under the roof system, causing a leak. See Nut’s and Bolts of a tile roof for more information. If you use a quality underlayment, and keep your roof clean from pests, debris and tree limbs, your roof could very well last 40 years or more before it needs to be replaced again.

Why You Have a Tile Roof Leak

Tile roofs are used in every weather climate around the world, are the oldest and most popular roofs lasting 25 – 50 years, depending on which way they are installed. Most roofs have flashings designed to keep water on top of the tiles, relying on the underlayment only as secondary protection and lasting 50 years.

In Florida, more than 90% of tile roofs do not have flashings, allowing water to run under the tiles and counting solely on the underlayment to keep the building dry. Water running under the tile will break down the underlayment and shorten its life by cracking and deteriorating, eventually allowing leaking. That’s why tile roofs in Florida start having leaks at year 5 and are replaced at year 25.