How Do I Find A Qualified Roofer To Fix My Roof?

Finding a qualified local roofer can be a real challenge considering how many of them are out there.

To find one that will do a good job on a new roof or repairs, charge a fair price, and stand behind their work, start off by getting a few referrals from friends, family, or the internet.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential roofing candidates, inquire about all the following important details so you can compare and make the most informed decision.

1. References

Before getting too involved, ask any roof company to provide customer references that you can inquire with about their dealings with the company and get important feedback from them.

Past customers are usually happy to explain the experience they’ve had and any problems encountered to give you a good idea as to whether a roofer is reputable to work with.

Check the Better Business Bureau as well.

2. Qualifications and Insurance

Ask to see whether the roofer has any locally required licenses, training qualifications, and memberships in good standing in any local or national roofing associations.

Then ask for proof of business and workers compensation insurance to protect all persons and property during jobs.

3. Written Estimates

Every reputable roofer should be able to provide a detailed written estimate of any roof installation or repair work they might perform with all costs documented and explained so there are no fees hidden that could be a surprise later.

The estimate should also include any work that must be subcontracted out, any cleanup or disposal fees, and all other expenses that may come into effect during the job.

4. Explanation of Warranties Offered

There are multiple warranties offered with roofing work depending on what is being done, the materials used, how they are used, and the roofer performing the work.

Before agreeing to anything, it’s essential to inquire about which warranties are included in the job, who is responsible for each one, and what the specifications are to maintaining those warranties once the work has been performed.

Get the roofing company to tell you specifically what must be done to prevent manufacturer warranties from being voided, and what they plan to do to warranty their own work, as well.

5. Manufacturer Specifications on Materials

Many manufacturers of premium roof materials insist that the roofers installing them are trained to work with their material in order for the product warranty to be honored.

In that way, the manufacturer can ensure that the customer receives proper workmanship so that their product can perform as it should.

Find out if the roofer is certified by the manufacturer to install their products before signing an agreement.

6. Roofing Process

Whether looking for a whole new roof or just some repair work, talk about the process any roofer will use to and make sure you are agree with it.

Most importantly, be certain that the selected roofer will not take cost-saving shortcuts like not stripping off the old roof and that repairs are properly made, not just patched on the surface.

7. Ventilation

One of the most overlooked, yet critical components of every roof is proper ventilation, which starts in the attic.

If getting a new roof or addressing certain issues affecting the current one like shingle damage, dampness in the attic, improving energy efficiency, or other issues, talk to the roof company about ventilation and if they will ensure that your roof has enough before performing the work.

The longevity of your roofing depends on it.

Just Ask the Right Roofing Questions

Roofing work is costly, so it is important to find an experienced roofer who can provide the best work for your investment.

By asking the right questions, you can find a great roofer in your area to handle all your roofing needs!

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Looking at Commercial Roofing Material – Is Any Really Sustainable?

The earth’s environment is suffering more each year due to pollution, destruction of habitats, and many other practices that are changing the planet forever.

In response to this problem, many manufacturers of building supplies including those producing commercial roofing materials have begun designing products that are more environmentally friendly.

The question is, are those products sustainable, too?

If you’re looking for a truly environmentally sound commercial roof, pay attention to sustainability while choosing your materials.

What Is Sustainability?

Though they are related, sustainability is not the same thing as environmental friendliness to which it is commonly confused with and compared.

A sustainable natural material like on a commercial roof is one that’s sourced in ways that does not deplete a natural source or environment of that material.

It’s a method of harvesting what is essentially an unlimited material as long as the land is left undamaged so that material can continue to replenish itself.

Environmentally-Friendly Roofing Materials Vs. Sustainable Ones

Sustainable raw materials are environmentally-friendly, but not all environmentally-friendly materials are sustainable.

In terms of commercial roofing materials, it has the most to do with natural materials that have to be grown or harvested, how quickly they replenish, and what is being done throughout the world to keep those resources replenishing.

Environmentally-friendly materials used by commercial roofers include those that have a reduced carbon footprint.

Many are more thermo-effective, reducing the utility costs and the pollution made from creating energy while others are made of materials that can either be recycled and used again or buried to decompose naturally and become a part of the soil.

Durability and longer life expectancy, and cleaner production practices all contribute to environmental-friendliness; however, most of these products are still not sustainable.

What Sustainable Roofing Products Are Available Today?

While there are quite a few environmentally-friendly commercial roofing materials available today, the list of products that are truly sustainable is fairly small.

Materials that must be mined for or are made using petroleum products are not sustainable as those are non-replenishable resources.

Products made from cement are also not sustainable due to the pollution generated to produce it.

There is debate over whether shingles made from clay are sustainable and manufacturers claim that since it is a nearly unlimited material, it is as close to sustainable as anything can be.

What truly sustainable materials are available?

Wood shakes and shingles are the most sustainable commercial roof materials out there, since trees can be harvested and then regrown.

Of course, the degree of sustainability depends on the type of wood, where it’s harvested, and whether it’s being sustainably replanted; however, overall wood is considered sustainable.

Other materials that are considered as nearly sustainable due to their ability to be recycled and how they are produced include metals like steel, aluminum, copper, and as mentioned above clay tiles.

Green or living commercial roofs are also considered sustainable, especially when used to reduce utility bills and grow food and other vegetation.

Beyond these options, the higher the percentage of recycled content in a product, the more sustainable it is as it reduces the amount of new resources that must be sourced.

Sustainable Roofing Materials Scarce, But Available

There is more to environmental-friendliness and commercial roofs than just recyclability and biodegradability.

Sustainability is another issue to consider when shopping for the materials used by roofers.

Though truly sustainable materials are rare, sticking with eco-friendly products containing the highest amount of recycled materials is the best alternative for commercial roofing products!

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Will Your Commercial Roofing Material Last A Long Time?

Commercial roofs are expensive, probably the most expensive single component on any building.

Costing tens of thousands of dollars even for a less expensive version, you surely want to invest in a roof that’s going to last a while.

Do you know how long yours will last?

Though every type of commercial roofing material comes with a suggested lifespan, there is a lot more at stake when projecting just how long yours will continue to protect your house or work building!

Roofing Material Lifespan

Different roofing materials have different lifespans, which is a highly important consideration when you’re having a new one installed by qualified commercial roofers because it really is a case of you get what you pay for.

Less expensive commercial roofing materials in most cases are not going to last as long as higher quality but more expensive materials in their class, so keep that in mind when choosing.

To get an idea of how long your commercial roof could last in ideal conditions, start by looking at the suggested lifespan for different popular materials as suggested by the manufacturers:

  • Various Types of Asphalt Shingles - Ranges from 20 to 40+ years depending on product.
  • Wood Shingles and Shakes - Shingles up to 30 years, shakes up to 40 years.
  • Clay, Ceramic, Concrete - 50 years or more.
  • Slate - Up to 100 years or more.
  • Metal Shingles or Panels - 40 to 70 years, sometimes more.
  • BUR Roofing - 20 to 30 years.
  • Asphalt Roll Roofing - 5 to 10 years.
  • Rubber - EPDM roofing 15 to 25 years, TPO commercial roofing 10 to 20 years, recycled rubber shingles 50 to 75 years.

Workmanship

When guesstimating the lifespan of any type of roof, it’s important to understand that projected lifespans as stated by the manufacturer are how long the material should last under ideal conditions.

For starters, this means that the material was correctly applied by skilled commercial roofers who have followed the manufacturer’s installation instructions so the materials are properly laid and stay secure.

Poor workmanship can significantly decrease the lifespan of any commercial roof, which is why it’s so important to hire a reputable and knowledgeable contractor to install yours.

Maintenance and Repairs

The second important factor that can affect how long your commercial roof actually does last in spite of whatever the manufacturer suggests is how well you take care of it.

All roofs need some maintenance, which varies; some like architectural shingles need very little while others like wood shingles need a lot more.

Keeping up with maintenance will ensure your commercial roofing stays in great condition and lasts its full lifespan.

Regular inspections will detect problem areas if followed by prompt commercial roofer repairs to correct those problem areas to maintain your roof and prevent it from wearing out before its time.

Will Your Roof Last A Long Time?

Other than inexpensive asphalt roll roofing, most commercial roofs will last at least two decades.

While that may seem like a long time, time flies before you realize it and replacing any roof whether a home or a business is expensive.

How long will yours actually last?

That will depend on the materials used, how they were installed, and the kind of care your commercial roof receives throughout its lifetime.

If you choose wisely, work with a qualified commercial roofer, and perform proper maintenance, yours should last as long as its suggested lifespan or even longer!

Need To Have A New Commercial Roof Installed?

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It’s Almost Time For Spring Storms – Is Your Roof Ready?

Warmer weather is right around the corner, so it’s time to batten down those hatches before those springtime storms hit.

Since it’s the part of your commercial building likely to take the most abuse that could lead to needing repairs, is your roof ready?

Follow this easy checklist to give your roofing a good once-over to be sure you’re heading into unpredictable weather in good shape.

If you see problems, call your roof service today to get your roof ship-shape before the storms come!

1. Clean and Inspect Gutters

Start your roof inspection by cleaning out the gutters and checking to make sure they’re in good condition and functioning properly.

Damaged or clogged gutters may seem a minor detail; however, with the torrential rains that can come with spring storms, they play a huge role in keeping the roof safe.

2. Inspect the Roof

Using a pair of binoculars, take a good look at your roof in search of damage that should be repaired by a roofing company.

Look for anything that appears broken or damaged in any way, something that looks as if it is not part of normal wear or damage.

If the issue is widespread across much of the roof, it may be time to consider a roofing replacement before a storm comes and makes the damage worse.

3. Check Underneath The Inside of the Roof

The best place to look for evidence of leaks and other damage that may have started over the winter is any area under the roof.

Look for stained wood, damp insulation, mold and mildew, sagging beams, and wood rot, all of which suggest you’ve got some leaks that should be taken care of before the storms come as a weak, damaged roof is not a good contender for all that rain and wind.

4. Do A Complete Walk-Around

With that same pair of binoculars to help, do a complete walk-around visual inspection of your roof looking at everything this time.

Pay attention to things like sags in the roof-line, missing flashing in the corners and around protrusions, anything under the eaves, an infestation of any type, and mold, mildew, algae or moss growth that can damage and weaken the roof.

Look for anything that seems unusual or out of place, then follow up by having a roofing contractor come out to give it a closer look.

5. Get Trees Pruned

When the storm winds blow, nearby trees can cause a lot of damage to your roof.

Lessen the chance of roof damage or having a big branch go through your roof by having any nearby trees pruned and dead parts removed.

Check Your Roof Before Spring Storms Arrive!

Storm damage to a commercial building and roof is the #1 fear of nearly half of all business owners in regions where the weather gets unpredictable.

The good news is that you don’t have to be one of them if you take care of your roof before the bad weather starts.

With the help of an experienced roofing service, take care of the little things that could leave your roof vulnerable to whipping winds, pummeling hail, and pounding rains - keep your commercial building safe and dry through the whole stormy season!

Afraid You Got Winter Roof Damage?

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Tell Me How To Inspect My Commercial Roof!

Roofs in Dallas Texas

If you own a large building, you likely know that commercial roofs are a huge investment. Like anything else, you want to get your money’s worth from this investment and ensure it remains functional and protective as long as possible. The best way to do this is to provide all required maintenance and arrange for frequent roof inspections.

While you will definitely want to have periodic inspections carried out by experienced commercial roof services, you can stay ahead of any developing problems in between by performing your own inspections. Learn how the professionals inspect roofs so you can do it yourself and keep a close eye on what is happening with your building.

Inspection and Assessment by the Pros

Before attempting to perform your own inspections, meet with commercial roof services. Professional contractors will go over your roof carefully to assess its condition, document any existing or potential concerns, and discuss repairs and maintenance concerns with you.

Naturally, you will want to make any necessary repairs at this time and develop a maintenance plan. Once all this has been done, you can then begin to perform your own inspections.

Inspection Frequency

Commercial roofs should be inspected at least every six months, with more frequent inspections being even more protective. The best time to inspect roofs is in the spring to check for any damage sustained over the winter. The fall is another good time for an inspection to ensure your roof's condition before the return of winter.

Always perform an additional inspection immediately after an extreme weather event such as a hurricane, tornado, strong winds, or a hail storm. As long as everything looks good, continue to perform your own bi-annual inspections in addition to the one done by professionals every one to two years. If you see damage, schedule repairs with commercial roof services right away.  

Learn What to Look For

When inspecting commercial roofs, it is essential to pay particular attention to areas most likely to suffer damage or require some sort of repair. Begin by carefully inspecting the entire perimeter of the building to ensure the fascia and edging are properly adhered as well as that there is no evidence of anything that has come loose.

Include in your inspection: the condition of the flashing around all penetrations; the area around any equipment installed on the roof; and the status of all expansion joints to ensure it is still well sealed with no evidence of leaking. Go over the main surface looking for cracks, tears, bubbles, and any other evidence of damage or things that look out of place.

Inspect all drains and check for evidence of water ponding, then inspect the inside of the building looking for evidence of leaks. These are the main areas where building roofs tend to experience problems.

Frequent inspection is a critical factor in keeping commercial roofs in their best condition and addressing minor problems before they become major ones. While you may not be able to completely replace commercial roof services, you can help keep your roof in great shape by doing your own inspections in between a professional yearly one. It is impossible to inspect a roof too frequently. By checking your roof often, you can play an important role in making sure the investment you have made in your building is well protected!

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Can My Commercial Roof Benefit From Modified Bitumen Roofing?

Roofs in Dallas Texas

There are many different options available to protect commercial roofs. One of the most commonly installed products is modified bitumen, an asphalt material that has been in use since the 1950's. This type of roofing is often a favorite for buildings with flat or low slope roofs due to its relatively low cost in comparison to many other types of membrane systems and its other positive features.

When modified bitumen roofs are properly installed by experienced roofers, this material may be a perfect choice for your building.

Advantages of Modified Bitumen

When researching the various materials available for use on commercial roofs, consider the important and cost-effective advantages that modified bitumen offers you, such as the following:

  • Durable, Tear-Resistant, and Long Lasting - Modified bitumen is a fabric that consists of asphalt, fiberglass, and polyester. It is flexible and highly resistant to tearing and impact and available in multiple thicknesses, making it a durable choice for most flat and low sloping roofs. Due to the way it is manufactured, it is unlikely to develop cracks like other materials. When modified bitumen roofs are correctly installed by experienced roofers, this material can last twenty years or more. Modified bitumen is also a lighter-weight and cleaner option than messy and heavy built-up BUR roofs that can crack and experience many other problems.
  • Weather and Waterproof - Modified bitumen makes a reliable and waterproof membrane similar in reliability to EPDM and other products, regardless of the method used to apply it. This is due to the fact that there are no exposed seams left that could become a source of leaks after. When correctly installed, this material is also extremely durable against UV destruction, wind, hail, fire, impact from debris, and other extreme conditions.
  • Easily Repaired and Maintained - Routine maintenance of modified bitumen commercial roofs is fast and easy, and is focused on ensuring that the flashing and edges stay properly adhered. It should also be observed for problems such as wrinkles and ponding. In the event that problems do arise, they can be easily repaired by using adhesives and patches.  

Are There Any Disadvantages?

The main disadvantage of modified bitumen roofs is its black color, which can cause it to absorb the sun’s UV rays, heating up the building below. This lack of thermal efficiency is a concern as it could result in higher energy costs to keep your building cool. Fortunately, this can be easily remedied so you experience greater thermal efficiency and lower utility bills.

To achieve the highest level of reflectivity with such an installation, roofing experts who install modified bitumen roofs typically do two things:

  1. A coating of asphalt granules is applied over the top of the installation to increase this material's reflectivity.
  2. The surface must be coated with special UV reflective preparations that reduce the amount of heat that passes through the materials and into the building. Other types of radiant barriers can also be used on these installations to further increase thermal efficiency.

Based on the information above, it is easy to see how modified bitumen can be a durable and cost-effective option for flat and low slope commercial roofs. There are a number of methods that can be used to quickly and easily install this material on roofs, and it requires little more maintenance than regular inspections. Provided your modified bitumen roof is built correctly by skilled roofers, you should experience years of reliability to protect your building!

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