Whether you are a homeowner or a commercial building owner, buying a new roof system is an important investment. If you are installing a new shingle roof system, you expect that system to be serviceable for 20+ years. If you are installing a new commercial roof system, you expect it to be problem free for 10-30 years. Therefore, it is important to select a professional roofing contractor.
A Professional Roofing contractor has hands-on experience, specialty knowledge and extensive training. It is important, when choosing a roofing contractor for your project, you do not base your decision on price alone. Make sure the contractor puts their proposal in writing. The proposal should include a complete description of the work and specifications. Also, it should include payment procedures. It is important that you confirm your contractor has a permanent place of business with a permanent telephone number and business license. Next, check their knowledge of roof systems. Make sure they are certified by the roofing manufacturer they are proposing. Are they insured? Always insist on a certificate of insurance listing you as the certificate holder. This will protect you, the owner, from being liable for accidents or incidents during your project. Finally, does the roofer offer a warranty? For a new roof installation, the contractor should offer covering their workmanship, and a warranty from the proposed manufacturer. Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered.
These guidelines will help make your decision an informative one. Additional guidelines and information can be obtained from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) at www.nrca.net.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Roof Maintenance
Many people do not realize that a roof needs maintenance, just like a car! Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles you change the oil in your engine. Every couple of oil changes, you rotate the tires (or maybe think about it). However, your roof endures the heat from the sun, the wetness from the rain, or the strength of the wind. Your roof is expected to keep you comfortable, safe and dry, every day, but you don't take care of it.
Whether you are a homeowner or a commercial property manager, your roof needs to be maintained. This typically doesn't mean anything extensive. For example, the average pipe collar lasts 5-years on a residential structure. Your gutters need to be cleaned at the end of the spring and fall to keep water flowing. Commercial maintenance is similar. The gutters need to be cleaned. Roof drains need to cleared of debris. Also, some types of roofing systems are suppose to be coated every three (3) to five (5) years.
Although this seems like a lot, a couple of hours (sometimes less), twice a year, can keep your roof performing and lasting longer. Just like your car, the better you maintain it, the longer it will perform.
Whether you are a homeowner or a commercial property manager, your roof needs to be maintained. This typically doesn't mean anything extensive. For example, the average pipe collar lasts 5-years on a residential structure. Your gutters need to be cleaned at the end of the spring and fall to keep water flowing. Commercial maintenance is similar. The gutters need to be cleaned. Roof drains need to cleared of debris. Also, some types of roofing systems are suppose to be coated every three (3) to five (5) years.
Although this seems like a lot, a couple of hours (sometimes less), twice a year, can keep your roof performing and lasting longer. Just like your car, the better you maintain it, the longer it will perform.
Friday, April 3, 2009
April Showers Bring May Flowers (And Roof Leaks)
Many of us wait anxiously for the first signs of Spring. The loom and gloom of cold weather makes way for longer sunnier days of warmer temperatures. We find ourselves resiting the old, familar sayings. For instance, we have just made it through the brisk winds "roaring in like a lion" into March, and leaving like a lamb into April. In April, we have "April showers, to bring May flowers".
Now is the perfect time to think about your roof system, especially since you depend on it to keep you dry during all of the Spring Showers. First, think of your gutters. They have probably gotten clogged from all the fallen leaves of Fall and Winter. With the new rain of April, where is that water going to go? If your gutters are not free flowing, the water has no where to go, but into your home or business. Take a few moments and check your downspouts. Do you see water still trickling well after the rain? That is usually a sign there is a blockage. Do you see adequate flow from your downspouts during rain? A 15-second check can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Next, look for any signs of wind damage. Do you see flapping metal? How about a loose or missing shingle? Possibly a pipe collar that the flanges no longer lay flat? All of these items provide an opportunity for water to enter your structure.
Now is the perfect time to think about your roof system, especially since you depend on it to keep you dry during all of the Spring Showers. First, think of your gutters. They have probably gotten clogged from all the fallen leaves of Fall and Winter. With the new rain of April, where is that water going to go? If your gutters are not free flowing, the water has no where to go, but into your home or business. Take a few moments and check your downspouts. Do you see water still trickling well after the rain? That is usually a sign there is a blockage. Do you see adequate flow from your downspouts during rain? A 15-second check can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Next, look for any signs of wind damage. Do you see flapping metal? How about a loose or missing shingle? Possibly a pipe collar that the flanges no longer lay flat? All of these items provide an opportunity for water to enter your structure.
These are all reasons why it is recommended you maintain your roof at least twice a year (when the weather changes). A professional roofer will inspect your roof for problem areas before the problems start. Then, they will provide a written estimate with photographs to show you their findings and an explanation of costs. This professional will tell you what are critical findings and what are additional maintenance items. Then you will be well informed to make necessary decisions.
Depend on a professional roofer to keep you dry, so you won't be soaked with the Spring Rains.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Your Money
In these uncertain economic times, more and more Americans are worried about their finances. Companies, homeowners, and other individuals are holding off on making necessary repairs to their properties to keep from spending money. Many people belive the problem can be ignored or won't get any worse. Although this may appear to be a good "short term" fix, it may be a very costly fix in the log run.
In the roofing world, water is an enemy! You want to keep rain, snow, and moisture out of your home or office. It destroys your structure and causes other "health" related issues. Ignoring a small leak will cause additional costs in repairs and remedies later down the road. These costs can run from small cosmetic corrections (such as paint) to major structural repairs and environmental remedies.
To keep costs down and water out, it is recommended that you have your roof system checked at least twice a year (when the weather changes). A professional roofer can inspect your roof for problem areas before the problems start. Items needing to be checked would include gutter drainage, missing shingles, open laps, deteriorated pipe collars, and flashing problems. A professional roofer will provide a written estimate with photographs to show you their findings and an explanation of costs. This professional will tell you what are critical findings and what are additional maintenance items. Then you will be well informed to make necessary decisions.
Remember you work hard to make and save your money! Don't let a roofing problem spend it all for you.
In the roofing world, water is an enemy! You want to keep rain, snow, and moisture out of your home or office. It destroys your structure and causes other "health" related issues. Ignoring a small leak will cause additional costs in repairs and remedies later down the road. These costs can run from small cosmetic corrections (such as paint) to major structural repairs and environmental remedies.
To keep costs down and water out, it is recommended that you have your roof system checked at least twice a year (when the weather changes). A professional roofer can inspect your roof for problem areas before the problems start. Items needing to be checked would include gutter drainage, missing shingles, open laps, deteriorated pipe collars, and flashing problems. A professional roofer will provide a written estimate with photographs to show you their findings and an explanation of costs. This professional will tell you what are critical findings and what are additional maintenance items. Then you will be well informed to make necessary decisions.
Remember you work hard to make and save your money! Don't let a roofing problem spend it all for you.
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