Monsoon Mayhem: Is Your Mesa Roof Ready for the Storm?

As the monsoon season approaches, your Mesa roof faces the ultimate challenge with torrential rains and howling winds that test every inch of its durability. You’ve got to be on top of things, checking for loose tiles, cleaning those clogged gutters, and making sure there’s no debris ready to turn into a projectile. Don’t let minor leaks or a bit of mold worsen into a bigger problem. Regular maintenance now can save you a bundle and give you peace of mind. After all, a sturdy, leak-proof roof over your head isn’t just about staying dry; it’s about keeping your home safe and sound. Discovering more about how you can reinforce your home against the elements is just a step away.

Key Takeaways

  • Conduct regular inspections to check for loose shingles, clogged gutters, and potential leaks before monsoon season.
  • Trim trees and branches close to the roof to prevent damage from falling limbs or debris during strong winds.
  • Install gutter guards and ensure downspouts are clear to manage heavy rainfall and prevent water damage.
  • Reinforce roof strength by securing loose materials and enhancing structural support to withstand powerful monsoon winds.
  • Consider impact-resistant shingles and hail guards for skylights to protect against hail and severe weather conditions.

Understanding Monsoon Threats

Monsoon season brings unique challenges to Mesa roofs, including torrential rains and powerful winds. These elements don’t just test the durability of your roof; they expose every tiny weakness, from loose tiles to clogged gutters. You’ve got to understand that during these storms, it’s not just the water pounding on your roof that’s a problem. It’s also the debris and possibly even tree limbs that the wind can hurl at your home. These can cause immediate damage or weaken structures over time, leading to more significant issues down the line.

Moreover, the intense humidity and standing water that monsoons leave in their wake can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially if your roof already has minor leaks or poor ventilation. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can affect the air quality inside your home and potentially harm your family’s health.

Regular Roof Inspections

You mightn’t realize it, but regular roof inspections are key to keeping your home safe during the storm season. By spotting potential issues early, you’re setting yourself up to avoid major damage when the monsoons hit.

Let’s explore why these inspections are essential and how they can help identify problems before they escalate.

Importance of Inspections

Before the storm season hits, it’s crucial to schedule regular roof inspections to ensure your home remains safe and undamaged. Getting ahead of any potential issues can save you from costly repairs down the line. Here’s why these inspections are so important:

  • Early Detection: Catching minor problems before they escalate.
  • Cost Savings: Preventing expensive emergency repairs.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your roof can withstand the season’s challenges.
  • Maintaining Value: Protecting the investment in your home.
  • Safety: Ensuring the structural integrity of your roof to keep everyone inside safe.

Identifying Potential Issues

Why wait for a leak to reveal itself when regular roof inspections can pinpoint potential issues early on? It’s far better to catch and address these problems before they escalate into major repairs. Here’s a quick guide to what you might find during a routine check:

Potential IssueWhy It Matters
Cracked TilesCan lead to leaks and water damage
Clogged GuttersPrevents proper water drainage
Loose ShinglesExposes roof to water and wind damage
Flashing DeteriorationIncreases risk of leaks at roof joints

Cleaning Gutters and Drains

Securing your gutters and drains are clean is crucial for preventing water damage to your Mesa home during a storm. When the skies open up, you want to make certain that your home’s water management system is up to the task of directing rainwater away efficiently. Here’s how you can keep your gutters and drains in top shape:

  • Examine your gutters and downspouts regularly for leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have accumulated. This clutter can block the flow of water, leading to backups and potential damage.
  • Utilize a sturdy ladder to safely reach your gutters. Ensure it’s firmly positioned before you begin clearing out any debris.
  • Wear gloves to shield your hands from sharp objects and dirt as you remove debris from the gutters.
  • Rinse the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose after clearing the debris. This helps to guarantee that water can flow freely through your drainage system.
  • Consider installing gutter guards to reduce the amount of debris that gets into your gutters, lessening the frequency and difficulty of cleaning.

Securing Loose Shingles

Next up, let’s talk about securing loose shingles on your roof.

You’ll first need to identify any shingles that are loose or damaged, as they’re prime suspects for causing leaks during a storm.

Then, understanding the right way to replace or secure these shingles is essential to keeping your Mesa home safe and dry.

Identify Loose Shingles

Prior to the storm hitting, it’s crucial to identify and secure any loose shingles on your Mesa roof to prevent further damage. Here’s how you can pinpoint those that need attention:

  • Look for missing granules: They often indicate a shingle that’s starting to fail.
  • Check for cracked or curled edges: These are prime candidates for becoming loose in strong winds.
  • Spot any shingles that seem out of place: A misaligned shingle can suggest it’s not securely attached.
  • Feel for soft spots on the roof: This might indicate underlying damage affecting the shingles’ grip.
  • Inspect after extreme weather: Previous storms could have already loosened some shingles, making them more susceptible to further damage.

Proper Shingle Replacement

After identifying loose shingles, it’s crucial to know the proper steps for securely replacing them to withstand future storms. You’ll want to make sure you’re equipped and ready to tackle the task with precision. Here’s a straightforward guide:

StepTool NeededAction
1Pry BarCarefully lift the damaged shingle and the one above it.
2HammerRemove nails from the damaged shingle.
3Utility KnifeTrim the new shingle to fit if necessary.

Once you’ve removed the old shingle, slide the new one into place, making sure it aligns perfectly with the surrounding shingles. Nail it securely, and apply a sealant under the edges to bond it with the roof. This method ensures your roof’s resilience, keeping you safe during heavy monsoons.

Checking for Leaks

How do you spot potential leaks that could compromise your roof’s integrity during a storm? Identifying these vulnerabilities before the monsoon hits is important to keeping your home dry and damage-free.

Here’s a concise guide to help you check for leaks:

  • Inspect your attic: Look for signs of water intrusion, such as staining on the wood or insulation, which can indicate a leaky roof.
  • Check for missing or damaged shingles: Damaged or missing shingles can allow water to seep through, leading to leaks.
  • Look for shingle granules in gutters: An excess of granules in your gutters can signal that your shingles are wearing out, making your roof more susceptible to leaks.
  • Examine flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights: Cracked or loose flashing can allow water to enter your home.
  • Inspect the roof’s valleys: These areas, where two roof planes come together, are prone to leaks if not properly sealed.

Tree Trimming Strategies

Trimming trees near your roof is a crucial step in storm preparation, guaranteeing branches don’t become hazards during high winds. When branches loom over your home, they’re not just a threat because they might fall. They can also scrape against roofing materials, leading to wear and tear that compromises your roof’s integrity over time.

First, assess which branches pose a risk. Look for limbs that hang directly over your home, especially those that are dead or look weak. It’s not just about the large branches; smaller limbs can become missiles in strong winds, potentially breaking windows or damaging your property.

You’ll need the right tools for the job – a sturdy ladder, protective gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate cutting tools like a saw or shears. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or the trees are large, consider hiring a professional. They’re equipped to handle tall trees and can ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Wind Mitigation Measures

Now that you’ve considered how trimming trees can protect your Mesa home, it’s important to focus on wind mitigation measures for your roof.

Securing loose roofing materials, enhancing structural support, and conducting regular wind damage inspections can greatly reduce the risk of storm damage.

Securing Loose Roofing Materials

Before the storm hits, it’s crucial to make certain your roofing materials are securely fastened to prevent potential damage. High winds can easily dislodge or tear off materials that aren’t properly secured, leading to leaks and other serious issues. To guarantee your roof stands up to the challenge, consider the following steps:

  • Check for loose shingles or tiles, and reattach or replace them as needed.
  • Secure loose flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to keep water out.
  • Inspect and tighten fasteners and brackets on metal roofs.
  • Apply roof cement under shingle edges in particularly vulnerable areas.
  • Ensure ridge caps are firmly in place to prevent wind from getting underneath.

Taking these precautions can greatly reduce the risk of storm damage to your roof.

Enhancing Structural Support

After ensuring your roofing materials are securely fastened, it’s time to focus on enhancing the structural support of your Mesa home to withstand high winds. Strengthening the framework of your roof isn’t just a precaution; it’s a necessity in areas prone to monsoon mayhem.

Start by reinforcing the trusses or rafters in your attic. This can involve installing hurricane ties or straps that secure the roof more firmly to the walls, notably reducing the risk of uplift in violent storms.

Don’t overlook the importance of bracing gable ends, as these are particularly vulnerable to high winds. Properly braced gable ends can prevent them from buckling under pressure.

Investing in these enhancements not only protects your home but can also reduce insurance premiums, making it a wise move for your safety and wallet.

Regular Wind Damage Inspections

To safeguard your Mesa home further, it’s important to conduct routine wind damage inspections as part of your thorough wind mitigation strategy. These Mesa Roofing inspections help identify and address issues before they escalate into major problems. Here’s what you should focus on:

  • Loose or missing shingles: These can be entry points for water during a storm.
  • Damaged flashing: It’s essential around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
  • Signs of leaks in the attic: Indicative of roof damage.
  • Gutters and downspouts: Make sure they’re securely attached and clear of debris.
  • Trees and branches: Trim them back to prevent damage from falling limbs.

Hail Damage Prevention

How can you protect your Mesa home from the relentless assault of hailstorms?

To begin with, it’s crucial to select the appropriate roofing materials. If you’re installing a new roof or replacing an old one, consider impact-resistant shingles. These shingles are specifically designed to withstand the force of hailstones, greatly reducing the risk of damage. They might cost a bit more upfront, but they’re a wise investment that can save you money on repairs in the long run.

Next, you should trim any trees near your house. Overhanging branches can break off during a hailstorm and damage your roof. By keeping trees neatly trimmed, you minimize the risk of additional damage to your home’s exterior.

Additionally, regular roof inspections can’t be overstated. Have a professional check your roof before and after the monsoon season. They can spot potential vulnerabilities and suggest necessary repairs to strengthen your roof against hail damage.

Lastly, consider installing protective barriers like hail guards on skylights and other roof features. These barriers can deflect hailstones, preventing them from causing cracks or breaks.

Lightning Safety Tips

Lightning storms in Mesa pose a significant risk, so it’s important you grasp the correct steps to safeguard your home’s safety. The unpredictable nature of lightning makes it a formidable force, capable of causing significant damage in mere seconds.

To better prepare and protect your home during these electrical storms, follow these essential safety tips:

  • Unplug electrical appliances: Before the storm hits, unplug your electronics to prevent power surges from damaging them.
  • Stay indoors: If you’re outside, seek shelter immediately. Lightning can strike from miles away, so don’t wait until you see it to act.
  • Avoid water: Don’t take baths, showers, or wash dishes during a lightning storm. Lightning can travel through plumbing, putting you at risk.
  • Stay away from windows and doors: Lightning can shatter glass or travel through metal frames. Keep a safe distance to avoid injury.
  • Invest in surge protectors: For added protection, use surge protectors for your home’s electrical system and major appliances. They can prevent damage from unexpected power spikes caused by lightning.

Professional Roof Maintenance

In preparation for storm season in Mesa, it’s crucial you schedule professional roof maintenance to guarantee your home remains safe and secure. A professional team doesn’t just give your roof a once-over; they dive deep, spotting potential issues you’d likely miss. They’re trained to identify signs of wear and tear that could lead to leaks or structural damage during a storm.

They’ll check for loose or missing shingles, make sure your gutters are clean and functional, and inspect seals around vents and chimneys. It’s not just about fixing what’s already broken; it’s about fortifying your roof against future threats. They might suggest improvements or updates that could significantly enhance your roof’s resilience against the harsh Mesa monsoon season.

Energy-Efficient Roofing: A Green Approach to Commercial Roofing in Rockton

Top Roofing Company Providing Energy Efficiency Roofs

In today’s world, climate change has become one of the biggest concerns for everyone. As a result, people are leaning towards green solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the planet. One of the latest trends in achieving this goal is energy-efficient roofing. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of energy-efficient roofing for commercial properties in Rockton.

Reduced Energy Costs: A major benefit of energy-efficient roofing is that it can significantly reduce your energy bills. This is because the roofing materials used are designed to absorb less heat from the sun, which means less energy is required to cool your commercial property. This will be beneficial for businesses in Rockton, Illinois as the summers can be hot and long-lasting.

Increased Lifespan of Roofing: Traditional roofing materials tend to wear out quickly due to their inability to handle temperature changes. However, energy-efficient roofing is made to last longer as it is constructed using durable materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions. This means that you will not need to replace your commercial roof often, thus saving you money in the long run.

Environmental Protection: Energy-efficient roofing helps to reduce carbon emissions, improving the environment and preserving it for future generations. This results in a reduction in the heat island effect and helps to counteract the effects of global warming. By choosing energy-efficient roofing, you are doing your part in preserving the environment.

Increased Property Value: Installing energy-efficient roofing can significantly increase the value of your commercial property. This is because energy-efficient buildings are in high demand as people are leaning towards eco-friendly options. This not only protects the environment, but it also helps to increase the overall value of the property.

Government Incentives: In many cases, the installation of energy-efficient roofing can make your commercial property eligible for government incentives. These incentives can provide tax benefits and rebates that can make the upfront cost more affordable for small business owners.

Energy-efficient roofing is a great way to reduce energy costs, increase the longevity of your roof, protect the environment, increase property value, and make your commercial property eligible for government incentives. If you are looking for a way to embrace the green revolution while also saving money, then energy-efficient roofing is right for you. Contact a top Rockton roofing company in Rockton, Illinois, to learn more about the benefits of energy-efficient roofing.

What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Roofing Company?

With the demand for dependable roofers on the rise, it’s more important than ever to know what you should ask a potential roofing company before hiring them. A lot of people believe that roofing is straightforward and that you don’t need much more than the right amount of money to solve your problems – regardless of who you hire. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple, and some roofers can offer you a lot of support while others will hardly be able to provide you with the most basic of services.

Eden Prairie roofers

As you consider what you need to ask, you’ll have to know a little bit about roofing, aside from being aware of your roofing needs. Here are a few important tips from expert Eden Prairie roofers to take into consideration:

  1. Start by understanding your roofing needs. Whether you need a new roof, or you’re looking for a professional roofing expert to repair your existing roof, define what you’re looking for as accurately as you can. Then asking the right questions will not be difficult.
  2. Do some research on roofing methods and on the roofing industry as a whole. The more you understand, the more well-informed your questions will be.
  3. Check out an online roofing glossary or ask your local roofers about the specific terms and expressions that roofers might use as they talk to you. For example, roofers measure the area of a roof in “squares,” meaning an area of exactly 10 x 10 ft, which is 100 sq. ft. Other good examples include terms such as “felt,” “hip roof” or “ponding.”

When pondering the actual questions that you need to ask, you should think about the conditions of your roof and the experience your roofer will need to have in order to deal with any potential repairs or roofing replacement tasks. You can ask if they have experience with installing the type of roof you want and if they can provide you with valid references so you can check out their work. You can also inquire about their approach to roofing, how they handle clean-up after the job is done, how quickly they can repair or replace your roof, or whether they can help you find alternatives to replacement.

Some other questions that might also be worth your attention include questions relating to the integrity of your existing roof or the costs, time and effort that might have to be allocated in order to get it fixed.

Ultimately, any further questions you might need to ask will also depend on the feedback you get from your roofers, as they inspect your roof and evaluate its structural integrity. If you expected to only have to pay a few hundreds of dollars for repairs, and your roofer discovers that the entire decking is rotted, you might need to spend a lot more on structural repairs and the installation of a brand new roof.

To get through all these issues and come out on top, contact your local roofing professionals as soon as possible. They will help inform you on what the most relevant course of action might be and provide you with valid advice on how to approach your roofing project.

Signs You Should Call a Greenville Roofing Company

Even though some people might believe that DIY is a better solution for certain cases, when it comes to roof repair, Greenville SC experts will normally recommend that you hire a professional roofing company for the job. There are many reasons for this fact, as there are a lot of things that could go wrong in the process – especially due to the unexpected ways that the local weather can affect your old roof over time.

Uncovering Hidden Issues

The first thing that a professional and experienced team of roofers can do for you is ensure that your roof is properly inspected before a roof repair job. In a lot of cases it happens that a superficial roof inspection is performed and the roof isn’t given proper attention. You might have correctly identified the leak that has been a problem for a few months, but if you haven’t considered the materials associated with your roof’s internal structure and how they may have been impacted since the leak first occurred, then it’s possible that some significant damage to your roof’s decking and underlayment will go unnoticed.

In most areas, the problem can go unnoticed for years without causing any significant additional damage. However, because of the increased humidity of the area, Greenville roofs will usually be affected to a greater extent. When you call in the experts next time, they might tell you that the entire roof has to be replaced, which could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, as opposed to just a few hundred that you’d pay for some regular roof repair work.

roof repair Greenville SC

At the First Sign of Damage, Call in the Pros!

When you’re looking for expert roof repair Greenville SC residents recommend, check out and hire the best of them, and you won’t run into any new problems for years after you have your roof properly fixed!

However, in order for that to work, you can’t delay the roof repair work. If you don’t call a professional right from the start, then chances are the problem will degenerate more and more, and over time, you’ll have to deal with additional concerns such as:

  • Recurring damage hitting only one side of your roof until you simply can’t repair it anymore and you need a complete roof replacement;
  • More money funneled into your DIY roof repair projects over time;
  • New leaks constantly springing up during even the mildest of storms;
  • Roof repair projects that seem to take longer and longer to complete, even though they are done more frequently than in the past;
  • The shortening of your roof’s overall lifespan.

At the first sign of damage, it’s best to call in your trusted local roofing experts to have a look. They will perform a thorough roof inspection, so you don’t have to worry about any of the damage falling under the radar. So even when dealing with the need for extensive roof repair, Greenville SC roofers will likely be able to come up with practical solutions that won’t cost you too much and will keep your roof in good order for years to come.

How Can You Know If Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced Rather Than Repaired?

Roofing problems can abound in some places, especially if the weather is rough and there are strong winds and hailstorms just about every summer and autumn. The issue is, however, that even though a roof can be fixed, you don’t really know if it will hold. If the roof is too old, it’s possible that even the best patchwork will no longer do the trick, so you’ll have to start considering having the roof replaced entirely.

Now, roof replacement can be expensive, and it presents homeowners with the following issues:

  • It takes a much longer time than a regular repair.
  • Depending on the roofer you hire, the workmanship can be great or awful, and if you’re not satisfied with it you might need to spend more money to get it fixed.
  • The roof you choose will likely last for the nest 15 to 50 years, so you have to make sure that you’ve made an informed and smart decision regarding the materials and products that you’ve chosen.

A roof inspection is probably the best way to determine whether or not your roof has to be replaced without actually starting to tear off shingles and check the internal structure of the roof for mold and rot. Expert Castle Rock roofing technicians have methods of checking for damage that isn’t immediately visible to the naked eye, and they have the experience to tell you if the repairs you perform will still last or not. For that, however, you will have to find an experienced and skilled roofer who knows what they’re  talking about.

Another method to determine if you should replace your roof is to simply look at the initial documents associated with the roof’s installation. Check to see what materials were used and how old the roof is. Then you can research some information about the material and determine if its actual, projected lifespan is higher or lower than its actual age. For instance, if you discover that the roof was built using asphalt shingles, then it’s clear that any age greater than 15-20 years will mean the roof has to be replaced – unless it was upgraded sometime in the near past.

Finally, problems with the decking and underlayment are similar to foundation problems, so the roof can’t survive for long with them. Except that it would be much harder to work directly on them without removing the entire roof. The good news is that in many cases the decking will be damaged severely only in one area of the roof, so if your roof is otherwise in good condition, you won’t need a complete replacement.

In such cases, it’s common that either a partial replacement or just a more expensive repair job be done. However, the roofers could recommend that the entire roof, together with the decking and underlayment, should be removed and a brand new roof installed, if the roof is too old, the decking is too old and damaged, or the homeowner wants to sell the house and is aiming for a better appraisal.

Do You Need to Replace Your Old Roof Each Time There’s a Bad Hail Storm?

Hail storms are notorious in the world of roofing, and a lot of professional roofers will tell you to be careful of them, as they can severely damage your roof, especially if it’s older. However, hail storms don’t necessarily bring pieces of titanium raining down upon your roof from the heavens, and to replace your roof each time there’s a bad hailstorm is a bit of an exaggeration.

Should You Repair or Replace?

Very often it’s hard to escape nature’s clutches especially in the case of a powerful natural event such as a tornado or a hurricane. However, with hail storms, you can often escape without having to perform major repairs and renovations on your home, even in the event of a somewhat stronger hail storm.

For starters, here are the factors that could end up being associated with more or less destructive hail damage:

  • The size of the hail is a significant factor, and it can sometimes mean the difference between a few small repairs and a complete roof replacement. Greater size also means greater weight, and the fall of heavier pieces of ice on your roof can create a sizable impact, even if the speed is largely the same.
  • The angle of impact is also important. It’s possible that the hail may fall vertically, in which case a greater slope can defend your roof better, but that’s not always the case. Strong winds can deflect the trajectory of the hail leading to greater damage on one side of the roof and the possible need for a partial roof replacement.
  • The type of roof you own is probably the biggest factor. You probably already know that a flimsy and old wooden or asphalt shingle roof will require heavier repairs than a sturdy slate or metal roof after a heavy storm or blizzard. In the case of hail storms, the principle is the same, and the roofs that have the best impact resistant rating are the ones you need to go for.
  • Finally, the age of the roof is also a possible determining variable, since older roofing systems are naturally more fragile than newer ones, and they were also built using older technology and materials produced with less advanced manufacturing techniques.

roofing San Antonio

Finding the Right Roofers to Help You Decide

Determining whether or not your roof has to be replaced will, of course, have to be done by an experienced and knowledgeable roofing San Antonio contractor who knows more than most about the type of roof you own. For best results, it’s a good idea to find a local roofer who specializes in residential roofing systems similar to the one you own.

You can find some of the best roofing companies in your area by talking to your friends, family, coworkers or acquaintances, or checking the local scene on social media or on online directories and maps associated with your local area. Be sure to do a thorough background check and compare roofing services and costs before choosing any particular roofer. Once you found the best ones, simply get in touch with them and ask for a roof inspection to determine whether you should have your damaged roof repaired or replaced.

How Do You Clean a Roof in the Safest Way Possible?

One of the best maintenance practices to use to avoid roofing damage, pests, mold and other issues that could affect your roof over time is to clean your roof properly. While roof cleaning can be essential for the integrity of your roof, it can also be dangerous, since combining the prospect of climbing up on a steep ladder with slippery surfaces caused by the water you use will involve quite a bit of risk.

As a result, the best roofing companies Springfield MO offers will always tell you that it’s best to observe the right safety considerations before you even choose your ladder and ponder climbing up to inspect your roof.

Important Hazards to Consider

Safety should come before anything else. When you climb up the ladder you have to be aware of the fact that you’re exposing yourself to the danger of falling. Also, a lesser but no less problematic hazard is that of slipping or of having your ladder slip from under you  This usually happens when the ladder is old or your boots aren’t made to create the right amount of friction between your feet and the surfaces you step on, so that you can have the right degree of stability. Although slipping doesn’t mean you’ll fall, especially if you have a safety harness on, it can still present a danger of being injured.

You can also injure yourself very badly if your safety devices break. For instance, using an old, wooden ladder can present that risk, as can using a lesser quality harness or one that can’t support your weight properly. This is why probably the most essential part of staying safe while working on top of your roof is to select the right types of safety materials.

roofing companies Springfield MO

Choosing the Right Safety Equipment

Before anything else, consider that the ladder you are using has to provide you with ideal protection and grip to prevent a fall. As a result, you have to make sure that you get a sturdy metal ladder that provides for perfect grip for your feet and can be easily fastened onto the ground so that it will not slip when you climb up on it to reach the roof.

To maximize your grip, you should also invest in a pair of reliable roofing boots that are designed to prevent slipping. Choosing the best roofing shoes can help a lot when it comes to preventing a fall when the roof’s surface is wet from when you clean it.

Finally, make sure you don’t go up without using a proper harness. A harness acts as a safety net in case you actually fall, and it can even save your life in some cases.

Safety Practices You Should Use

Always move forward and make careful steps without rushing it. Cleaning your roof can be a risky task, so it’s best to do it at your own pace without trying to hurry it up.

Finally, it’s good practice to leave yourself a dry area where you can move around while retaining maximum grip for your shoes. You can keep that area dry while cleaning the rest of the roof, and then clean the remaining part right before climbing down to avoid the risk of a fall.

Top Residential Roof Designs and Materials

Lakewood roofing contractor

While commercial and industrial buildings are not very sensitive to the aesthetic appeal provided by the roofs that cover them (especially if that roof is a flat structure that is almost invisible when looking at the building from the ground), residential buildings need roofs that are functional as well as attractive. There is a very wide range of roof styles and materials available for residential roof designs – here are some of the most popular roof designs, the types of climate that each of them is best for and the materials that they are most commonly associated with.

Flat Structures

Roofing structures cannot be completely flat – even the roofs that look flat slope at least a little. In the past, the solution used to be common on commercial and industrial buildings, but as modern, minimalist architectural solutions made their way into residential constructions, flat roofs also appeared on homes.

According to a reputable Lakewood roofing contractor, the design is beneficial for many reasons. It is the best solution for high-wind areas, it is easy to install and to maintain and it is usually made from very resistant and durable materials. The most popular material solutions for sloping roofs include metal; structures composed of multiple, alternated layers of bitumen or tar and some type of aggregate, such as special granules or gravel and synthetic materials, such as EPDM or TPO. The weather-resistance and the durability of flat roofs can be further enhanced with the help of coatings – you can find special products designed for enhancing the roofing material’s resistance to the penetration of water, to UV rays and to thermal fluctuations as well.

Gable Roofs

A gable roof is a classic roof style that is composed of two slopes that meet at the top to form a ridge. The solution is suitable for classic as well as for modern roofs, the simplicity, the elegance and the option to add attractive and useful roof features, such as skylights or dormers making gable roofs one of the most popular designs today.

Gable roofs are suitable for almost any climate area – whether you need a great, durable roof for a region that gets lots of rain and snow or for a very hot or very cold region, the steep slopes of gable structures allow precipitation to leave the roof quickly, while the large attic space ensures proper roof ventilation.

The materials most commonly used on gable roofs are asphalt shingles, metal, clay and cement tiles as well as some modern materials, such as synthetic solutions, solar panels and vegetation (a solution called a green roof).

Hip Roofs

Hip roofs feature four slopes that meet at the top. These structures provide superior structural stability, being the best option for high-wind regions and they also shed rain and snow efficiently, just like gable roofs. The shape of the roof allows for creating comfortable rooms right under the roof.

The materials most commonly used for building hip roofs are the same as in the case of gable roofs – asphalt shingles, clay and cement tiles, metal shingles and tiles, slate and wood.

DIY Roofing Installation Pros and Cons

“Can I do a roof installation on my own?”  This is a question many home owners ask themselves and for a good reason: a roof installation is a big project and, because of its complexity, most pieces of advice you will get are to leave it in the hands of an experienced roofing contractor.

Professional roofers have extensive training in working with different materials and using various tools and techniques to perform installations repairs and maintenance operations safely, avoiding accidents and ensuring quality services.

A roof installed by Broomfield roofing companies comes with warranties for both the materials and workmanship, and will allow you to benefit from your insurance coverage, in the case that something goes wrong.  No insurer would pay for a roof installed by amateurs.

Broomfield roofing companies

Most people who do not opt for hiring up a professional roofing company for installing their roof justify their choice by their intention to save some money.  The truth is a roof installation is an expensive project that requires some serious budget planning. A DIY project can be cheaper than paying for professional services, but sometimes the savings are only apparent, because you may end up paying much more for the damage you cause or for unforeseen accidents.  Professional services ensure quality and minimize the risks of damage and accidents.  They are also trained to respect local building codes as well as the safety rules specific to working at heights.

However, considering that there is always a different answer for everyone, some will still prefer attempting DIY roofing projects, especially if they are skilled and experienced in roof installation.  In this case, such a project can be a real success and allow the roof owner save a considerable sum of money, which otherwise would be paid for professional workmanship.

And the advantages of a DIY roof installation are not only related to money savings.

A great benefit is that you can start such a project whenever you want it.  You will not have to worry about contractors who put you on a long waiting list or even make you wait a lot longer than expected.  When it comes to a DIY roofing project, the schedule depends exclusively on you.

A DIY project is also a good way to learn new things and become more and more experienced. However, before starting a DIY roofing installation you will have to make sure that such a project will not cost you far more than just hiring a professional roofer. As such, choose the materials carefully after doing a proper research job. Make sure they are high quality and suitable for the climate in your region, because you do not want to end up patching your roof after each storm or other severe phenomenon. Also look for special offers and discounts; roofing companies typically buy in bulk; they get discounts for this and are able to sell the materials for a lower price.

Also, do not ignore the safety equipment you need to work safely on the roof.  Working at height has a lot of risks and even professional workers can be victims of accidents if they are not careful enough. Do not make any compromise when it comes to this aspect.

Are Metal Roofs Less Expensive To Maintain?

Roofs are exposed to a great deal of aggression. Atmospheric pollutants together with water and ultraviolet radiation affect over time the coating of a metal roof (paint). The degradation process is accelerated when dirt and debris on the roof are not washed away by rain.

From the point of view of the durability of metal roofs, the most critical areas are the scratched and deformed parts where the impurities come in direct contact with the zinc layer below the paint layer; or worse, in situations where the steel layer is directly exposed to the external environment.

Thus, like any other type of roof, a metal roof needs maintenance. The good news is that this maintenance is less extensive, due to the properties of the metal. In the absence of other problems identified during the annual Snellville roofing inspections, the periodic maintenance operations include:

Snow removal

Normally, the snow will not accumulate on a metal roof and therefore will not exceed its load resistance. However, if this happens, we recommend removing the snow carefully, so that the paint layer is not affected.

Cleaning the pluvial system

The drainage system must be cleaned every year. Blocked, partially blocked or dirty gutters and downspouts maintain a humid environment, or cause the appearance of ice that can lead to corrosion. Remove any possible risk of blockage or dirt by cleaning the entire system whenever it is necessary. Repair any defects that may occur.

Snellville roofing

Cleaning

The overall aspect of the roof must also be checked by Snellville roofing contractors periodically. Dust and dirt cause the risk of corrosion, keeping the surface of the roof permanently moist. On the other hand, a dirty roof is also unsightly.

In general, rainwater is sufficient to keep metal roof elements clean. However, once a year, it is necessary to remove the accumulated dirt. Surfaces should be cleaned with a soft brush and pressurized water (<100 bar). You can also use organic detergents. The rinsing should be done from the roof ridge to the gutters, after the detergent has been left for a few minutes to take effect. Persistent stains can be removed using some alcohol on a piece of soft cloth.

Just keep in mind that excessive use of washing solutions can lead to damage of the roof coating.

The paint layer

Damage to the paint layer of a metal roof must be repaired as quickly as possible. For repainting, you will have to use only paints recommended by the roof`s manufacturer. If the scratches only affects the paint layer, a single application of new paint is sufficient. But if they have reached the zinc layer, then we recommend applying two layers of paint.

The edges resulting from cutting the metal are prone to corrosion if they are not painted immediately after installation. In particular, in the case of roofs located near the ocean, people should use an additional transparent varnish, resistant to salt aggression.

Before deciding on a complete roof repainting, you should check whether there are local defects and the adhesive property of the coating is good enough, otherwise there will be some additional preparation operations to perform. If major defects are detected or if the coating layer has faded unevenly, you should consult a Snellville roofing expert to establish a professional repainting plan.