roofing | Home Exclusives

Common Roof Problems Homeowners Should Know

Knowing common roof problems can help you save a lot of money. This is because they can help you detect early damage and repair it in time. This will save you the money used for a complete roof replacement. The following are the common problems you should be looking out for.

Faulty or Poor Installation

A faulty or poor installation of the roofing material is likely to increase problems and even reduce the life expectancy of a roof. Thus, there is a need to hire experts to tell whether the roof has been installed correctly.

Moisture and Leaks

Rain, wind, snow, debris, and ice can result in moisture getting under layers of the roof. This may cause everything from the leaks to rot and mold.

Improperly Installed Flashing

Flashing seals areas where the roof is penetrated such as vent pipes, HVAC systems, chimneys, and skylights. If the flashing is poorly attached, it can cause open the laps and seams and even cause the tiles to blow-off. Poorly installed flashing can also reduce puncture resistance of the roof.

Critters

Small birds, animals, and insects can cause a lot of damage. It is a good idea to evict them before they destroy your home.

Ponding Water

Water that stands or ponds on the roof is a clear sign of serious problems. The common causes range from the debris buildup to improper drainage of the gutters and HVAC units.

Penetrations and Punctures

Hail and wind damage can cause serious punctures in the roofing material. The flashing and sealant around the penetrations such as vents for HVAC and household appliances added after the roof is complete ought to be checked regularly.

Overhanging Trees

These trees can rub on the roof and wear down the protective top layer. Moreover, branches can fall on the roof causing severe damage. Ensure tree limbs are trimmed when necessary. If a tree poses danger to the house, it should be removed. Some simple things like walking on the roof can cause a lot of damage. Most roofers install walkways with a layer of roofing materials for easy access to HVAC systems.

Poor Ventilation

Attic and roof ventilation is quite important as it makes the roof to last long. It also occurs naturally when the vents placed at the base of your roof. In this way, cool air is easily drawn to the bottom as warm air naturally rises. Thus, there is no need of having a mechanical process to create the air movement.…

Important Tips to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Hiring a roofing contractor should not be a daunting task, but many people find it difficult. To make the process smooth, we encourage you to exercise patience and to equip yourself with the right information. Note that the kind of roofing services you get will entirely be dependent on the roofing contractor you choose. Below are some factors to consider in the selection of a roofing contractor. Read on.

Local Contractor

It is essential to choose a contractor from your area than one from far away. First of all, you can quickly get information about the contractor from your location. You might even be able to see some of the projects they have completed so far. In addition to that, it is easy to trust a contractor from your area because you know where to find. In case of anything, you can drive to their location and have your issues solved.

Cost

Price is an essential factor during the search of roofing contractors, but it should not be the only thing you are looking at. And again note that you should not go with the cheapest contractors all the time. When it comes to roofing, cheap is expensive. Most of the times, these cheap roofers use poor quality materials and your roof will start having issues immediately they leave your premises. You better pay more and get long-lasting services.

Do Not Rush Your Decision

Sometimes you might be desperate for roofing services, but you must never bow to pressure from a roofing company. Some of them are out to make you sign the contract. If you meet such a person, please beware. Before you sign any contract, research about the contractor inside out. Ask to see some of their projects and call their references for more details. A contractor might be rushing you to sign their contract because there is something they are hiding which will make you change your mind if you knew. Take your time and always trust your gut.

Warranty

I advise people to work with roofing contractors who guarantee their work. This is a sign of confidence and responsibility. The period of warranty should be considered as well. Always remember to read through the terms and conditions of the contract and sign the document. Keep it safe for rainy days. In case anything indicated in the warranty comes up within the period agreed, the roofer must come to your place and repair the damage free of charge.…

Tips for Choosing the Best Roof

Homeowners should do thorough research to get the best roof. The roof chosen should fit your budget and home. There are plenty of roofing materials that you can choose. These include wood and natural products. The common roofing that you should consider include wood, asphalt, sheet metal, and slate. Understanding the pros and cons of different materials can help you in choosing the best roofing materials for your structure. The roofing chosen should be durable and capable of withstanding harsh weather elements sic as storms and snowfall.

The slope of the roof is another important factor that should be considered when choosing a roofing material. The choice made is also determined by the cost of the material used in making a product. For instance, wood shingles are relatively expensive as compared to asphalt-fiberglass shingles. Picking an affordable material can greatly help you in saving money in the installation and materials.

The durability of the Material

This is an essential factor that you need to be considered when purchasing a roof. You should pick products that are made of long last materials. For instance, asphalt shingles are one of the most popular and budget-conscious products, but they are not durable. On the other hand, clay tiles and plastic polymers are one of the most popular and durable products. Choosing a durable material can help you in reducing the installation’s cost and the inconveniences associated with replacing the roof from time to time.

Can it Withstand Natural Disasters?

Heavy thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hail storms are some of the weather elements that can damage your structure. The material chosen should be fire resistant and wind resistant. Individuals who are concerned about fire and wind are advised to stay away from wood and asphalt materials. Metal roofs are helpful in protecting buildings against adverse or unexpected weather elements. Slate is another great product that you can consider.

Warranties

The manufacturer’s warranty is helpful in covering any defect that may arise. You should purchase products from reputable manufacturer. In addition to this, there is another warranty that is provided by the contractor. This warranty is meant to handle any problem that may arise from improper installation. You can see what is excluded and covered by the warranty by reading it carefully.

It’s Appearance

Apart from considering the longevity and durability of a material, the appearance of the house as it is covered by the roof should also be considered. Remember that this is one of the most visible components in a building. This means that you should pick a product that gives your home an awesome finish. It should match with the texture, material, and design of your home.…

Tag: roofing