The roof is an integral part of your house. It performs a vital function by keeping the elements out of the home’s interior and protecting everything inside. Being constantly exposed to harsh weather, your Orange County roofing will deteriorate in time and need repairs or replacement. Detecting early signs of roof going bad will enable you to fix it, prevent further damage and spending more money.

Here are the most common signs of a problematic Orange County roofing:

1. Uneven or Damaged Shingles

Conduct a visual inspection and look at the shingles on your roof. Do they look flat or uneven? If they look like the latter, it may indicate damaged shingles that need to be replaced. Inspecting your roof after a storm or severe weather condition is advisable. Shingles may be damaged from strong winds, snow or hail. Delaying the repair of your roof could lead to serious damage later and cost you more.

2. Higher Electric Bills

We use power to cool our homes during the hot summer months and to heat them during the cold winter months. A good roofing system helps insulate your home against drastic temperature fluctuations by maintaining relatively uniform temperatures inside. If you suddenly find your monthly electric bills going up without your having bought or use new appliances or equipment that could explain the increase in power consumption, you might be losing cold or heat through your roof.

3. Spots on Ceilings and Walls

Water leak on the roof is the usual culprit when you see spots on these areas. Molds grow on damp places and indicate the something is wrong with your roof. Mold may also be caused by poor ventilation or damaged shingles. A professional is the best person to determine the problem.

4. Cracked or Peeled Paint

Paint is a good indicator of the roof’s condition. A cracked or peeled paint on the exterior or underside may indicate rust or other issues with the roof. An inadequate or impaired attic ventilation is one of the common causes of peeling paint.

5. Old Roofs

Roofs are built to last for decades depending on the material type used for the roof. Metal roofs generally last longer but cost more. If your roof has been protecting your home for years and has reached its estimated service life, it may be time to consider making a replacement. A proactive approach to roof maintenance means checking your roof and replacing parts before a real problem arises. Proactive maintenance could save you money in the long run.

These early warning signs of a roof going bad should alert you to take remedial actions to prevent further roof deterioration.

Some people are faced with a tough decision when putting roof paint—should they use oil-based or water-based paint?

Each type of paint has its own characteristics and functionality. Let us examine what each one does to help in our choices.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints or oil paints have alkyd or petroleum base as part of their components. Generally, oil paints take longer to dry than water-based paints or water paints. They also require turpentine or mineral spirits to clean the brushes or paint.

An easy way to detect an oil paint is the odor it emits. Unlike water paint, oil paint gives strong odor and fumes. A good ventilation is in fact recommended when working in an enclosed space using oil paint.

Oil paints are durable, making them ideal for painting objects that require more durable finish such as cabinets and furniture.

Since oil paints dry much slower than water paints, you have to allocate more time in your painting session to ensure each section or portion dries properly. This means no painting work when the weather is not cooperating or when rain is imminent.

Water-Based Paint

Identifying a water paint is relatively easy. The can or container should usually state that the paint is water based. Some water paints are called latex or acrylic. In the absence of any mark, just look at the instructions on the label on how to clean the roller or brush. If they say you can clean them with water and soap, then the paint is water based.

Compared to oil paints, water paint dries much faster and emits less odor and fumes. People prefer water paints for their very minimal odor when doing painting jobs in rooms, attics or other contained spaces.

Water paint is more eco-friendly than oil paint. With more people using water paints because of advances in technology that improve their quality, we will be relying less on oil-based materials and paints.

For those who need to work slowly while using water paints, additives are available that can be mixed with water paints to make them dry slower. Painting becomes easier with the use of these additives, which may be latex extender, floetrol or even ordinary water.

So when do we use water paint instead of oil paint? A good rule of thumb would be to use water paint unless a special reason or circumstance exists to warrant the use of an oil paint.

Homeowners nowadays can choose from a wide variety of roof coatings and paints for their homes. Selecting a coating depends on a variety of factors including the material used, style and pitch of the roof.

Which one should you choose if you have an option? The information we provided below should help in your selection.

Acrylic Coatings

These are made of different kinds of acrylic polymer and manufactured to increase the durability of the coating and therefore extend its life. While different colors are available, they come mostly in white because of its reflective quality. Most people prefer acrylic coatings because of their durability and low price.

Proper application of acrylic coatings require at least two coats and may be rolled or sprayed. For best results, the second coating is applied perpendicular to the first. A recoating is also recommended within 2 to 3 years from application.

Asphalt Coatings

Another name for this type of coating is cutback coating. The asphalt component, which is solid at room temperature, is liquefied or “cut back” with the use of a solvent. The process makes it easier to apply the coating on the roof’s surface. Asphalt coatings are sold either in black color or reflective coating of aluminum-finish. Users are advised to observe caution because asphalt coatings usually contain asbestos.

Asphalt Emulsions

These contain different types of organic and inorganic fibers and other fillers that strengthens the coating. The primary component are asphalt particles diffused in water. Clay is used as the bonding element. Asphalt emulsions generally come in brown and black colors although reflective versions are available when titanium or aluminum are added to the mix.

People who prefer asphalt emulsions point to its easy application as a major factor. Applying the coating requires very minimal material and may be accomplished with the use of push broom.

Silicone Coatings

This type of coating is a favorite among environmentalists because it is biodegradable. Silicon coatings are created using solvents and catalyst added to a silicone base, a natural mineral. You can apply the coating using either a roller or spray gun. What make silicon coating stand out from the other types of coatings are its resistance to water ponding for long periods of time and its ability to adhere to different substrates even without the application of a primer. These two qualities of silicone coating make it the best type of coating since they produce both cost-effectiveness and quality.

The roof is one of the most important components of your house. It does not only protect your home against the weather but also contributes to its physical appeal. Choosing the right roof color goes a long way towards enhancing the beauty of your house and improving its resale value in case you decide to sell it.

Below are the things you have to consider in choosing the right color for your roof paint:

Color Harmony. Choose roof colors that harmonize with the colors of other components of your house, including the wooden siding, bricks and stone. A gray or blue house looks great with a black or dark gray roof. A brown or tan house goes great with brown or a mixed cream and brown roof shingles. A white house works well with dark gray or black shingles. Other compatible colors could also be matched up.

Purposes. Use neutral colors if you want to keep your house in style for years. Neutral colors include grays, blacks, brows, creams, tans and clays. Using neutral colors help maintain a good resale value for your house. Choosing several tones of brown or mixing grays, blacks and blues make a trendier style.

Enhancing the Style. Look at other houses having the same architectural style and color scheme as yours to get an idea of the right color combination for your home. Some architectural styles—such as a Spanish-themed one—look good with specific color-combination but not with other color scheme.

Complementing Rules. Use a roof color that conforms to the local neighborhood rules, if any, about roof color. Pick colors that do not clash with the color standards observed in the neighborhood. Avoid using colors that reproduce those of your neighbors, unless they are the norm in the area.

Climate. In cold climates, using dark shingles can keep your home stay warm because they absorb heat. They also melt ice and snow on the roof. In hot climates, light or white shingles help lower the temperature because they reflect sunlight. Light-colored roofs can lower the temperature in attics by 20 to 40 degrees.

Creating Illusions. Lighter-colored roofs tend to make houses look bigger while dark colors give an illusion of a smaller house.

Consult with Experts. Obtain actual samples of permanent colors in your house and bring them to your local supply store. Discuss with an expert your color choices for your roof before buying any material.

Acrylic is widely-used in the roofing industry today. In the 1970s, latex paint accounted for 30% to 35% of all paint sales. Today latex paint represents 80% of all coatings sold. There are concrete reasons why people prefer this type of coating to other paints. Among these are:

Desirable Qualities of Acrylic

• It is easy to apply because it flows off through the brush or roller unlike oil-based paints that are sticky.
• It emits practically no odor.
• It can also be painted over a damp surface and preferred by people living in damp places.
• Unlike oil-based paints, latex allows moisture to escape, therefore, eliminating the common problem of peeling and cracking associated with oil-based coatings when moisture escapes or attempts to escape from the surface.

Other positive qualities of acrylic coating includes:

• It is usually white in color and possesses reflective properties.
• It costs less than solvent-based paints.
• Acrylic latex paint has less tendency to fade or become yellowish compared to oil-based paint. The latter loses part of its color from chalking, which is not present with acrylic paints.
• Latex paint retains flexibility through time.
• Acrylic is preferred as coating for plaster and cement because it is not sensitive to alkali.
• Less harmful impact on the environment and is not treated as hazardous paint.
• It dries easily and has therefore reduced curing time. You can apply a second coating after only about four hours.

If you live in Atlanta, however, you have to consider other factors before using acrylic paint. Atlanta has a humid climate and abundant rainfall throughout the year. If you plan to apply acrylic paint to your Atlanta roofing, you may face minor issues with your choice of paint. Consider these:

Downsides in Using Acrylic

• The paint could run if it rains before the coating has fully dried. It cannot be applied in the rain or when precipitation is expected.
• It takes a very long time to dry under extremely high relative humidity.
• It cannot be applied in extremely cold weather because water freezes. Thus, acrylic paint cannot be used throughout the year.
• The temperature at night must be considered by the contractor and not only during the daytime. Cold temperature at night might present problems because of freezing of the coating.
• The roof temperature must also be considered and not only ambient temperature.
• It has shorter lifespan because of relatively-poorer bonding with the surface unlike oil-based paints.
• It has less resistance to abrasion.
• It requires more surface preparation and does not stick to dirty or more weathered surfaces unlike oil-based paints.

Different types of coatings are available that you can use for roof painting or restoration. Each type has its own advantages and qualities based on the type of roof that you have and its condition. When choosing a coating, select the right coating based on the roof material and conditions. Using the correct paint will extend the lifespan of your roof and provide you with long-term protection.

Conditions to Select the Right Coating

Below are some of the things that you have to consider when selecting the right type of paint or coating to apply:

• Location
• Slope
• Chemical exposure
• Roof condition
• Slope
• Ponding water
• UV exposure
• Extreme heat exposure

Acrylic Paint

One of the most common roof coatings in the market today is acrylic paint. It was first used in the 1980s over different roof materials. The coating lasts for decades, and many still exist today. Owners and managers now realize the long-term benefits of acrylic elastomeric roof coatings, which significantly prolongs the service life of the roof.

Concrete Benefits in Using Acrylic Roof Paint

These are the distinct benefits from using acrylic coatings:

• They are relatively inexpensive and generally water-based.
• Water-based acrylic paints are environmentally-friendly and easy to apply.
• They are commonly-used for cool roofs since they tend to cool down the roof because of their reflectivity or ability to reflect sunlight back instead of absorbing the heat.
• Cost-effective since they reduce energy costs because of the coating’s cooling effect.
• Prolong the lifespan of your roof because they protect it against Ultraviolet exposure.
• They have elastomeric properties and can withstand fluctuations in temperatures without the coating being negatively affected.
• The coating creates a seamless and uniform surface that retains flexibility even at abnormally low temperatures. It contracts in cold weather and expands in hot weather, thereby protecting the roof from the elements under different weather conditions.
• The adhesive elements allow the acrylic coating to adhere to the roof surface even in unusually windy and wet conditions.
• Its dirt-resistant technology ensures the coating’s preservation of energy-saving and reflective qualities and fresh, clean appearance.
• It does not result to additional weight or dead load to the roof when applied to existing structures.
• It is based on standards specified by laws that require a proper level of quality. The standards were determined based on actual performance data of acrylic roof paints gathered from several manufacturers over different types of roof materials for the past 20 years.

As with any construction work, preparation is an important step before scheduling any roof paint session. Preparation will make the job easier and safer for everyone involved.

Good Weather Condition

Weather conditions play a vital part in applying roof paint. Roof painters must not only consider the material preparation but also the time when application of coating should be made. To maximize the result of coating, weather forecasts must be fully considered.

Most paint manufacturers recommend a temperature of at least 40 degrees at the time of paint application. They also suggest that paint products be stored in a warm, dry place with room temperature prior to application.

Painting on the roof is best done during spring or fall when the weather is not too cold or very hot. Latex paint could dry quickly and result to brush marks when applied in hot weather, while painting in cold weather could result to failure of the paint to stick well to the surface.

Two-Day Clear Weather

To give the paint sufficient time to cure, a clear weather forecast or no expectation of rain within 24 to 48 hours from coating is recommended. Problems may arise if the surface temperature of the roof is greater than the ambient temperature at the time of application.

Roofers must take into consideration these factors before applying paints—curing time, water ponding and the weather during and after application. Giving the coating sufficient time to cure is important, especially for the base product that is applied on top of the primer.

People generally disregard the cold weather when applying paints. They look at the high temperature for the day but not the actual temperature at the time of application or the substrate’s temperature. They should also take into consideration the low temperature the night before the application is made, as well as the maximum temperature during the day the coating is to be applied.

Time of the Season

Aside from the immediate weather condition, the time of the season when the coating is to be applied must also be considered. This observation is important when selecting the type of coating to be applied. Water-based paints demand longer curing or drying time. During fall and winter, you have reduced time to apply water-based paints because the sun comes out later and sets earlier than at other times of the year.

As to wind factor, this is taken into consideration only during the actual application when the probability of paint particles being carried by the wind to neighboring places is higher.

While you cannot spray-paint coatings at any time of the year, the paint will generally perform well under different conditions—heat, snow, hail or rain—when it was applied properly and left to cure at the appropriate curing time.

Maintaining your Orange County roofing in good condition is not difficult. Since Orange County has more sunny days than other places and less than average rainfall compared to national figures, corrosion may not be as prevalent compared to wetter and colder places in the US. But when the time comes that you need to repaint your roof, we compiled these reference-type guides to safely help your painting job.

1. Put your ladder on solid footing. If it stands on the grass, dig holes at the bottom for more stability. If it stands on solid ground, place a board or other materials behind the legs to support them and prevent slippage.

2. Make sure the worksite is clean and free from clutters that could pose serious hazard. These include nails and other sharp objects lying on the floor, which could injure you if you happen to step on them.

3. If working on steeped portions of the roof, always wear a safety harness to prevent falling to the ground if you slip.

4. Carry one material at a time when climbing up the ladder. Hauling more than what is necessary is dangerous.

5. Equip yourself with the proper work clothes and accessories such as safety goggles and roofing shoes while working on the roof.

6. Do not work alone on the roof. Always have somebody with you at all times in case of accidents and during times when outside help is necessary.

7. Wooden or fiberglass ladders are preferred when working on the roof instead of metal ladders, which conduct electricity.

8. Use ladder stabilizer to attach the top of the ladder to the roof. This will prevent unfortunate accidents associated with the improper use of a ladder.

9. Never walk on the roof when it is slippery. Remember that falls due to accidental slipping is one of the most common causes of roof-related injuries.

10. Check the weather before working on the roof. If the probability of rain is high, call off your work to another day. The same goes for windy days. These are not the best times to do roofing work.

11. Concentrate on your job. Some people get distracted by the view while working on the roof. A momentary lapse of focus could lead to injuries.

12. Know your limitations. If you are not comfortable with working on high places, hiring a professional is the better alternative rather than risking your safety doing something you are not skilled with.

13. Do not work on the roof under extremely hot or cold weather. Shingles and other roofing materials could get damaged under extreme weather condition and prevent proper application of paint.

14. Be careful when working around power lines because they are extremely dangerous. Call the power utility company before working to ensure safety.

15. Do not forget to apply the right type of primer for your roof. Paints will not properly adhere to the surface if you used the wrong primer.

Painting the roof is a satisfying but challenging work. A properly-done roof paint job could add wonders not only to the physical appeal of your house but also to prolonging its life. Before undertaking a roof painting project, observe all safety precautions to avoid injuries.

Safety is the number one priority when you want to work on the roof. Some people, however, make the mistake of skipping safety preparations because they take time. Falls are common occurrence in roof repair work. Professional Roofing magazine reports that six deaths from falls are recorded each month in the US.

To avoid accidents, keep these safety tips in mind when applying roof paint:

Reliable Ladder

Never use a damaged ladder or a makeshift one and be sure to always inspect the ladder before using it. Ladders should also conform to safety quality standards. To secure the ladder, tie the top to a stable part of the roof. Extend your ladder by about three feet above the roof or eave to serve as your handhold when going down the roof.

Proper Use of Ladder

Place the ladder on a stable portion of the ground, preferably on a solid, even and dry ground. Put it against the wall at the correct angle. Never slide down the ladder but step one rung at a time. Face the ladder when climbing up or down. Do not leave ladders at the work area after your work is done for the day. Remove it and put it back the next day.

Buddy System

Work with a companion whenever possible. If an accident occurs, one of you could immediately call for medical assistance.

Protective Equipment

Use protective equipment such as mask, helmet, gloves and goggles. Wear shoes suitable for climbing ladders and roofs, preferably a pair with good traction to prevent slipping. Soft-soled boots are the best. Wear protective glasses to avoid spraying your eyes with paints and chemicals.

Power Tools

Before using any power tools such as spray painter and sanders, be sure to read the instructions first and familiarize yourself with their operations.

Weather

Never work when the roof is wet because the risk of an accident is greater. Moreover, paint will not properly stick to a wet roof. Always work under good weather condition. To avoid being possibly knocked off the roof, never work when the wind is strong.

Safety Equipment

When painting on steep angles, employ safety equipment such as guardrails, net and safety harness.

Work Area

Clean and organized the work area. Identify danger areas such as weak roof sections and proximity to power lines. Remove clusters, debris, unnecessary tools and other obstructions before starting the roof paint job.

Roofs are integral components of every house. They not only protect the integrity of the whole structure but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the house. Many owners, however, fail to notice them until a problem crops up such as leaks.

The traditional reasons people choose a particular roof are its durability, affordability and appearance. However, in some areas a fourth element should also be considered in choosing roof paint color—the attraction of pests.

Pests can negatively impinge the way you use and enjoy your property. They may also affect the integrity of your house. While different kinds of roofing materials are available in the market, the colors that you choose for your roof could deter any potential pest infestation. Of course, since each insect has its own unique behavior and affinity to colors and shades, you have to adjust your roof colors depending on your local pest problem.

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps are by nature attracted to brightly-colored flowers. The brighter the flower, the more bees and wasps are attracted to them. However, they tend to ignore light colors and pale shades. A research in China on a specific wasp species shows that yellow or green traps are the most effective. This study confirms earlier thinking that bright colors attract bees and wasps. If you are having bees and wasps problems at home, change your roof color to light or pale shades.

Whiteflies, Aphids and Scales

Whiteflies, aphids, scales and other insects locate plants through visual cues, including colors. They gravitate toward any source, such as plants, giving off the brightest light. Yellow is a major component of light reflected from plants. Studies reveal that objects reflecting light in the 500 to 600 nm range are attractive to insects. If you find your home attracting these types of pests, simply remove the yellow color of your roof for some other colors.

House Flies

House flies are attracted to near-ultraviolet light and blue light. On the other hand, UV-reflecting surfaces or those with green-yellow reflectivity repel them. If your pest problem consists of house flies, paint your roof green-yellow to repel them or coat them with UV-reflecting materials. Unfortunately, while yellow repels house flies, bees and wasps are attracted to it.

Experienced hikers believe biting insects are attracted to dark colors such as black and blue. This confirms tests that wasps and bees interpret dark colors as natural predators and are more inclined to attack. Painting your roof black does not appear to be a good idea insofar as repelling pests is concerned.