Category: Residential Roofing

A roof must withstand the elements, last for as long as possible, and deliver the best value for your money. Every homeowner wants those qualities in their roofing systems. Here’s why it’s vital that yours has those qualities and why you should pay attention to the roofing type you choose.

Withstands Weather Conditions

A sturdy roof can withstand extreme weather conditions, preventing damage to the structure. It won’t crack easily or corrode, so there won’t be any leaks that could result in extensive water damage. Installing a durable roof with proper gutter liners prevents basement flooding, foundation problems, brickwork water stains, and siding damage. It keeps water from settling and worsening cracks on your pavements, too.

Generates Cost Savings

To replace a roof, you’ll need to set aside at least $8,000 on average. Overall, most homeowners pay about $5,000 to $11,000 for a roof replacement. That’s a lot of money. You can save on costs by preventing premature replacements. Look for durable options. That should be one of your primary considerations when researching roofing companies in Fort Collins, CO. Determine which options and roofing providers can give you the best value for your money.

Protects Your Family and Property

A sagging roof means that the structure is likely to collapse soon. Fixing that problem by installing a new roof improves the safety and security of your home. It prevents damage to the structural integrity of the house and your belongings. A sturdy roof also keeps your household safe from exposure to the elements, especially during a storm, hurricane, or extreme weather conditions.

Improves Property Value

A new roof increases the value of your property. If you plan to put the home on the market later, upgrading your roof or spending money on a roof replacement is worth the cost. You can enjoy the benefits of a new roof—energy efficiency, increased safety, better comfort, and more—until it’s time to sell the home.

Optimal Insulation

A high-quality roof demonstrates excellent insulation than an old roof. That means your HVAC system won’t have to work so hard on keeping the room warm or cold. The roofing material keeps the heat or cold inside your home longer, allowing you to enjoy comfortable temperature conditions without incurring high energy bills.

Prevents Hazards

A low-quality roof may develop cracks that could lead to leaks. The leaks could result in mold or mildew growth in the property, which could compromise your health. Keep yourself and your tenants or household safe with durable roofing systems.

Buying a home is a long-term financial commitment. Before you tie yourself to that, make sure you’re ready. It’s also vital that you check the property to know its condition. That will help you negotiate a better price. It will also prepare your budget in case you need to renovate parts of the home. One important aspect you should pay attention to is the roof. Is it in excellent condition? Here’s what to look for to find out.

Age of the Roof

Roofing systems have a set service life. Even the best ones will only last for 15 to 25 years. That can be shorter if the roof receives little to no maintenance care. Metal roofing systems, though, can last for 30 to 40 years. Slate roofs can last the longest if they receive proper care. That is, they can last well over a century. In some cases, the damage to the roof might be minor, so you’ll want to consider paying for roof repair in Loveland CO, to increase the stability of the structure.

Maintenance Costs

How much will you need to set aside for maintenance fees? That’s another consideration you need to factor into your decision. You’ll want to have a realistic budget. That means paying attention to the material of the roof, what measures are taken to keep it in tiptop shape, and how much all that costs. With maintenance costs factored into your budget, your roof is sure to last to the end of its service life.

Condition of the Roof

Find out what the status of the roof is. Does it still have plenty of good years left in it? If you replace the roof, how will that go? Which replacement is the best choice for your needs and home? In some cases, the home might have a new roof. That will also impact the value of the property. You won’t have to worry about replacing it on your own, it might be ideal for you.

Ventilation System

Does the roof have a proper ventilation system? That’s essential for letting the air and sun in with ease. Be sure to check on that when you’re trying to choose a property. If you aren’t careful, you could pick a roof that could be a thriving spot for mold. Mold is found in dark, damp places. Lack of ventilation is a factor. Mold and mildew growth have also been known to affect people’s health and could compromise the quality of the air inside your home.

Find the best crew to install your new roofing system. Whether it’s an upgrade or a new one for your property, here are some tips to help you figure out which team should be on top of your hiring list.

Look for Locals

Consider local roofing companies first. They know of any restrictions in your area. And if they’re near to your location, asking them for a repair later is much easier, especially if the repairs are covered by the warranty.

Ask Friends and Family

Get referrals from people in your circle. If any of your friends or neighbors hired contractors in the area, reach out to them, too, for advice. They may help you eliminate options faster, so you can determine which team is suitable for your needs.

Consider the Reviews

What do other clients say about the firm? What do they say about the service quality or the quality of the work? Go over those reviews. While you can’t expect companies to have positive reviews all the time, if there are too many complaints, they will be hard to ignore. And if there are complaints, take note of the issues they mention. If different customers point out the same issue, it could be a recurring problem with the firm. Consider if that problem is a deal-breaker for you.

Check for Experience

It’s not enough to find a roofing company. Choose one with relevant experience in the kind of roofing system you have. If they specialize in commercial roofing, but you want residential roofing instead, note that down.

Factor in Other Services

Don’t forget to check the service lineup of the company. Are you only hiring the firm to install a roofing system? If you are planning to hire pros to install solar panels, you might as well pick the same team. Take the time to observe if this is the kind of team that you can trust to work on your roof.

Talk About the Staff

Who will handle the work? Will the company hire subcontractors? That’s not a problem if they can show proof that the contractors they are hiring for the project have ample experienced, have done this before, and demonstrate greater efficiency at work.

Assess Communication

Is it easy to talk to the company’s representative? When you try to explain your ideas about the roof, does the person dismiss your concerns or questions? Are they easy to talk to?

Replacing or installing a new roof is the best investment for your home. It not only enhances the look, but it can also last for as long as you can own the home. There are steps to follow to get ready for your roofing project and help protect your property.

Steps

1. When you order your shingles and deliver them, check the color and notify your supplier if that is not what you wanted.

2. Ensure you inform your mortgage and insurance companies the day of the roofing job. This will speed up the payment and inspection process.

3. Be ready for the noise due to the hammering. In addition, ensure you inform your neighbors.

4. Make arrangements to keep the kids and pets safe due to noise and the risk of accidents.

5. Ensure no items are hanging on walls and shelves. It’s because hammering causes vibrations that can shake items off walls.

6. Remove all items surrounding the house where shingles and roofing debris may fall. These items include potted plants, gardening equipment, patio, and pool furniture.

7. Cover all clothes as dust may fall on the underpart of the decking in your attic to prevent damage.

8. Park your cars, motorcycles, and bicycles away from the driveway. The reason is your contractors will use the driveway to load shingles and clean up.

9. Secure your windows as vibrations from hammering and debris may damage or scratch your windows.

10. Remove your antennas and satellite dishes to make it easy for roofers to work faster. After the roof is installed, you can get a cable provider to reinstall it.

11. Cut the grass around your property to make it easy after installation is done. In addition, also cut the trees and branches that hang low near your roof.

12. Move your outdoor patio furniture. The reason is that the roofers will be dropping debris and shingles, and you don’t want anything broken. Additionally, this will ensure the safety of the roofers working on your roof project.

13. Identify all your power outlets to make it easy for the workers as their equipment needs electricity.

14. Lastly, after all the preparation, schedule a roof installation or replacement if you haven’t. You can either call or visit roofing companies, in Fort Collins CO to schedule a consultation.

Preparing your home for a roof might be challenging. However, it’s essential to protect your assets and enable easy installation. It will help avoid injuries or incurring losses.

Yes, because sun rays can cause warped shingles. Excessive heat can fold the edges of the shingles in your home and warp your roof. It leads to wear of roofs which means you have to replace them. When you call roofing service, ensure you replace the roof with one resistant to harmful UV rays. So, what type of damage can the sun cause to your roof?

1. Bleaching

Darker rooftops are prone to bleaching after exposure to excess sun. The bleaching effect can affect the color of the material. It can either fade out or turn it completely white. Although bleaching is a cosmetic problem, it leaves your roof looking unattractive. The most vulnerable to bleaching is the wood shake roofing and shingles.

2. Coating Damage

Exposure to the excess sun to Roofing materials like bitumen that require a protective coating can be bad. The rays cause the coating to dry out and become brittle. This limits the roof’s capability to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Due to this, the brittle coat might crack or even break off, leaving your roof exposed to elements. The exposed roof is prone to more damage, such as water and impact damage. It leads to a weak roof shortening its lifespan and integrity.

3. Thermal Shock

When metal roofing experiences extreme heat, it changes in effect, referred to as thermal shock. The effect leads to metal destabilization, which thins the metal resulting in cracks. The cracks establish an entryway for moisture. It leads to moss growth, roof leakage, and rotting of the support under the metal roof. Additionally, it also results in brittle metal roofs. This means the metal roof will not protect your home from heavy rain, hail, and debris. So, how do you prevent excess sun exposure damage?

How to Prevent Extensive Sun Exposure Damage on your roof?

You cannot stop sunlight, so you can prevent your roof from being damaged. You only have one alternative, which is to improve the lifespan of your roof by proper maintenance and regular inspection. To reflect most radiations, you can use reflective paints and shining metal sheets. You can also use natural materials such as terracotta, clay, or slate. If your home has old shingles, you can contact roofing contractors in Loveland, CO, for roof repair services.

Protecting your home from sun rays may seem impossible. However, some professionals know the dangers of the sun on roofs. So, you can contact them to help pick the best roofing material that suits your area.

It’s another time of the year, and the winter season is almost here. Have you thought of the weight of the snow accumulating on your roof? If your roof is a slight pitch or flat, you have probably thought about it. But have you thought of a safe way to remove snow from the roof? So, here are a few tips to ensure safety when doing snow removal.

1. Make sure snow doesn’t build up

Please don’t wait for a mountain of snow to build up to clear it. The less snow there is, the easier it is to remove. However, it will lower the risks of accidents and injuries. On the other hand, clearing your roof regularly will help prevent problems.

Find the right time Before you clear the snow off:

• Check the weather.
• Always avoid extreme cold and heavy winds, which increase the possibility of frostbites.
• Be careful in warm spells, which can change snow to ice, causing falls or cuts. If you are in Loveland CO and can’t do it yourself, hire professionals from roofing companies to help.

2. Work as a team for safety

When removing snow, find a partner rather than doing it alone. It not only helps you work faster, but it’s also safer. For instance, your partner can hold the ladder in place if you want to climb. In addition, your partner can also help in case of an accident.

3. Have the right tools for the job

Do you know how much difference the right tool can make in any job? Forget using metal shovels and scrapers as they can damage the roof covering and result in serious injuries. To avoid all this, choose tools made for clearing roofs, such as Snowpeeler telescopic snow rake. This tool is safe and faster.

4. Ensure you fit beforehand

Snow removal is a physical activity, and you need to be fit before clearing it. It’s advisable to go for a run, walk or do a warm-up. This will get your muscles stretched and increase your heart rate. It will help you get prepared physically and avoid back and muscle pain.

5. Establish a safety buffer

Before starting the process, make sure you know where the snow will be landing. Set a perimeter and ensure nobody is near it. You can use colored sticks or high-visibility rope to mark your perimeter.

6. For extra safety work from the ground, if possible

To avoid accidents like falls, it’s recommended to work from the ground as much as you can. You can use a PolarMade telescopic snow rake which is equipped with sharp blades. It makes it easier to slice through snow, using gravity to clear it onto the robust snow slide.

These are the tips to remember for your safety when clearing snow from your roof.

When it’s winter, your roof should shield and insulate your home. So, during the fall, you should prepare to guard your roof from destruction. Clear all the trash, and ensure you inspect your roof in the spring and fall. To get ready for winter, here is what you have to do.

1. Trim and get rid of hanging branches

Trees add shield to homes from sunshine during summer. However, they can also destroy your roof in winter in times of heavy snowstorms. Branches can scrape and bend your roof on impact. But before shaving and getting rid of hanging trees, consult a professional (an arborist). This expert knows the regulations for tree cutting in your area and will help protect your home in an eco-friendly manner.

2. Discard dirt, leaves, and debri

Over spring and fall, your roof may accumulate dirt and rubble. The rubble can hold moisture, dirt, and leaves and can clog your drains and grow mold. When you clean rubble from your roof, there will be good water drainage shielding the structure of your roof. So, during the fall, prepare your roof for debris accumulation by fitting protectors or screens. Ensure you clean your roof twice annually as caution. Use thick gloves or get a trained roofer when picking debris to avoid being hurt.

3. Inspect your roof

Before winter, as a homeowner, ensure you have inspected your roof. Look for an expert to help you do the inspection. Here are the things you should inspect:

• Shingles: The expert will inspect for missing, damaged, or improperly installed shingles. If the shingles are broken, they will repair them.
• Flashing: Shingles is thin metal sheet that surrounds roof features like chimneys to block leaks. Your expert will look if your flashing is bent or rusted.
• Valleys: It’s the most vulnerable area of the roof, especially in winter. The roofer will ensure your valleys are well installed and are in good condition. The roofer will collect your gutters and look for leakages and misaligned ones. In addition, they will look at the sealants and ensure it’s not cracked and dry. If you are in Fort Collins and need a Fort Collins, you can hire a professional since they already know what they are doing and will save you money in the long-haul.

4. Inspect your attic and install ventilation

The attic is a crucial part to focus on while inspecting your roof during winter. It can cause the formation of ice dams on your roof and cause damage and energy waste. If your attic is not well insulated or has no proper ventilation, the heat will escape, and cold air comes in. It will increase your heating needs, utility bills, and energy waste. So, ensure your attic has a good covering and ventilation system that allows air to circulate freely.

Preparing your roof for winter is vital for your home maintenance. It protects your home from elements, so inspecting it will keep it in good shape.

Possessing a home comes with many benefits and equally plenty of responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is caring for your roof. That’s because if left unmaintained, a damaged roof could lead to the destruction of your home. In turn, that leads to another problem, unnecessary, expensive repair bills.

What other things should you know about your roof as a homeowner? What should you do to take care of it? Well, you’re about to find out that, and more.

Some knowledge of roofing

Elements that wear your roof are extreme temperatures, sunshine, how long moisture stays stagnant on the roof, pests, and so on.

Inspect your roof, valleys, and gutters often, especially during spring and fall. Winters in the city of Longmont, CO, have freezing temperatures and feet of snow. Ice damming is a big problem that occurs in such cold climates. The water will stall and back up into the shingles and seep into your house. So, you have to get that standing snow off the roof.

Gutters collect plenty of leaves, branches, and other debris. Debris in the gutters has to be brushed off regularly. Otherwise, it may decay, cause algae, or clog. Also, the water has nowhere to flow and stays blocked in the gutter. Worse still, the water can back up from the gutter and seep underneath the shingles, causing them to rot and come off.

Good thing it doesn’t have to get to that. There are simple tools you can purchase to easily clean out the gutter yourself.

You know that you need roof repair if the shingles are curling, lifting, or falling off.

If your gutters have lots of granules from roofing shingles, your roof is aging. Knowing the lifespan of your roof is also critical.

Algae, fungus, and lichen are destructive biological growths that appear as unsightly green stuff.
Rusting will occur naturally in metal roofs and furnace pipes. So to remove it, use a wire brush, prime, then paint over.

Trim nearby tree branches if they’re getting too long. They might scratch the roof or act as a bridge for pests.
You know your roof is leaking if you either find dark spots, stains, or mold on windows, walls, or ceilings. Once you see that, know that there is serious damage that needs to be addressed immediately.

Check the seals on all pipe flashings. Within a few years, the black rubber at the base (flashing) starts to disintegrate. The small cracks created allow water to seep into your attic.

Also, if you notice exposed nail heads, know they must be sealed off with silicone soon. Visible nail heads are fine, but exposed nail heads are dangerous. Water can follow through the nail, through the shingle and the wood, and finally to your attic. You can find exposed nail heads at the bottom of box vents, furnace pipes, pipe jacks, and skylights.

Lastly, schedule yearly inspections and maintenance from professional roofing companies or representatives.
So, regardless of whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a long-time one, you have to know all about your roof and how to maintain it. That way, it can function as well as it was intended.

The most important investment you can make is in your rest. Rest equals peace of mind and security. That’s what you think of when it comes to your dream home.

The roof protects the entire house. That’s why it’s the most important part of a home. It has to sustain you and give you the security you need. Not only would you consider architectural functionality, but also style.

So, invest in your roof and find out all you need to explore before making that purchase in Loveland, CO.
Roofing conditions to consider

As a potential homeowner, you can either buy a house with old roofing that’s still effective or a new one. Either way, here are the things you should look out for in your dream home’s roofing:

Ask the seller if there’s a warranty and if it’s transferable. Inquire if there’s any paperwork that was left behind. That way, you can have a link to when the roof was last done.

Look for any deterioration or corrosion

You can scan for age if there’s any crumbling down of grit/ curled shingles. As the shingles age, they lose the adhesive that’s at the edges of the tab.

Check for any imperfections or defects, leaks, or structural issues. Also, look out for little water spots on the ceilings of the rooms inside that show water damage.

Check for any moss, algae growth, or lichen on the roofing tiles.

Tree debris on the roof becomes acidic as it decomposes. So, the roof components below the decay age faster than the rest of the areas. Also, untrimmed tree branches growing near the roof might act as bridges for rodents. Therefore, be on the lookout for that.

Scan the gutters and downpipes for any trapped water, leaves, or dirt build-up. Further, understand what cleaning solutions are best for the roof material you have.

Know your material. The material has to be right for the environment. For example, if you’re in a salty coastal region, you don’t want metal roofing systems. The material will also determine durability, flammability, and how well the roof buffers noises. Material and colors also suggest whether the roof will reflect or absorb heat.

Look for blocked vents, which can cause inadequate ventilation. Blockage from frost will allow humidity to get in the attic.

Have experienced roofing contractors or a roofing company. They will estimate how many years you might have out of the roof. During the inspections, there might be some unexpected repairs uncovered. But, regular maintenance goes a long way to prevent major problems.

Try and visit when it’s raining. That way, you’re in an excellent position to inspect the roof’s weather durability during harsh climate conditions.

Finally, seek information from people living in the neighborhood. Their roofing experiences might give plenty of insight.

Your roof’s purpose is to protect all the valuable assets below it, including you. Looking at a house for sale requires knowing and being at the top of every current condition. It’s a buyer beware situation. That way, you can know what, if any, are the maintenance steps and costs you might need to budget and prepare for.

Preventing Problems with Roof Ventilation

If you want to make sure your roof lasts longer, then there must be proper ventilation. However, it’s not always easy to recognize the signs of poor ventilation in the roof. In that case, you could end up shelling out money for a hefty repair bill. Here’s a list of steps that you can take to prevent roof ventilation issues that could drain your wallet dry.

Why Does it Matter?

Roof ventilation affects your home’s cooling as well as heating system. As such, it also impacts your electricity bill. Basically, if there’s continuous airflow through the attic, that helps remove the moisture as well as overheated air. That’s what creates the ‘stuffy’ feel in a room. Regular airflow keeps moisture at bay and prevents the formation of mold and bacteria that causes mildew along the walls.

Which Company Do I Hire?

If you have a problem with your ventilation, you’ll want to start checking out roofing companies in Loveland, CO. Pick a crew with a trusted reputation. Are they experts in the field? Does it employ staff with the proper credentials? Be sure to look at the specialization of the firm. Meaning, does the company specialize in preventing, dealing with, and managing roof repair, installation, and roof ventilation problems? Then that’s a good place to start.

What are the Common Problems?

If there’s accumulated heat and moisture in the attic, that could lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Both could lead to severe health issues, especially for people who might have existing respiratory problems. Another problem caused by poor ventilation in the roof are ice dams, rusting, sagging of the deck as well as hot and cold spots. Hot and cold spots mean there’s inadequate or uneven distribution of the air. Sometimes, this means that the unit might not be enough to cover the entire room or area. Sometimes, it means that there’s poor ventilation, so there’s poor circulation of the air.

How to Maintain the Roof?

Cleaning the roof helps. Clear the debris and dirt off. Don’t use just about any cleaning solutions you find, though. Check with the manufacturer. What cleaning solutions work best with that material? That way, you won’t accidentally use solutions with chemicals that might turn out to be corrosive to your roofing system. The best way to ensure results, though, is to hire pros. They have the knowledge, gear, and experience to get the job done in the quickest and safest way possible.