Winter has run its course and is now giving way to spring. Hopefully, your roof protected you last winter and kept you warm and cozy through the cold months. We could all relax at home during winter and do our favorite activities—read books, watch videos and have those relaxing evening conversations after dinner—if we trust our roof to keep the harsh elements out of our home.

Now that spring is around the corner, it is time to show our appreciation to our roof by assessing how well it withstood the winter. Hopefully, it suffered no major problems that require immediate repair work. The best way to start checking your roof is by hiring the services of professional roofers to conduct an assessment for you. However, if you prefer to take the preliminary inspection, we outlined a guideline for roof maintenance that you can easily follow.

1. Walk around the house at the ground and look at the gutters. Do they look somewhat out of place or sagging in some areas? Look for signs of water stains as these indicate overflowing, which in turn means that the gutter might be clogged. If so, check for debris and accumulation of dirt, leaves and other materials. Check the flashings too as they might have moved out of place.
2. Regularly cleaning the gutter is always a good idea since dirt tends to accumulate through time and hinder the flow of water. Make sure the gutter is securely fastened to the eaves. Replace damaged areas if you noticed any holes or cracks to keep your gutter in tiptop condition.
3. Note the condition of the roof. Are there are any sagging rooflines? Check for any loose or missing shingles that could have blown off the roof during winter. Debris on the roof is a starting area for water ponding and pooling of snow and ice. A visual inspection easily reveals the presence of moss and algae that are not only unsightly but could degrade your roof. A zinc strip can be installed and is effective against these infestations.
4. Go up on the roof on a sunny day or when the weather is good. Observe all safety precautions in using ladders before going up. You can inspect the roof more closely up there and perform necessary repairs such as replacing missing or damaged shingles.
5. Being up on the roof is the best time to check your chimneys and pipes. Pay close attention to the flashings and see if they are still securely fastened. Check the mortar on your chimney for any crumbling sign. A professional should do the work if you noticed problems on your chimney.
6. While essential repairs may be done by homeowners with basic skills and knowledge on roofing, we recommend leaving major repairs to the professionals for your safety and quality of work.

Roofs are major and long-term investments for houses especially for large buildings. Homeowners and building managers must find solutions to minor issues to prevent bigger long-term problems in the future. A minor leak today could become a major leak tomorrow if left unattended.

Cost of roofing repair or replacement can soar up when building managers and homeowners neglect to address issues right away. Hence, the importance of strictly observing proper maintenance programs designed to prevent premature degradation of roofs cannot be overemphasized.

Roof manufacturers in fact recommend proactive roof maintenance. The more proactive maintenance there is and less reactive, the longer the lifespan of the roofs will be.

Below are proven methods that can save homeowners and building managers considerable costs from otherwise-preventable roof repairs:

Advance Planning

The average commercial roof lasts around 17 years. With proactive preventive maintenance, you can extend the period up to 20 or 30 years by fixing minor problems before they become major headaches.

All roofing systems ultimately wear out regardless of the durability of the materials installed. A regular proactive maintenance program immediately spots isolated problems and allows building managers and homeowners to implement low-cost solution to extend the roof’s life.

Using Thicker Membrane

Membranes are installed on roofs to prevent water leaks and damage to structures. While a 60-mil sheet is more expensive than a 45-mil sheet, the difference in price does not exceed 5 per cent of the total roofing cost.

Thin membranes are weaker than thick membranes because they have lower resistance to hail, puncture and tear. Hence, thinner membranes tend to wear out faster. While some roof manufacturers and contractors give warranty to thinner membranes to be more competitive, using thinner membranes is not a good idea because the homeowners will eventually suffer if the membrane – and roof – degrade faster.

Maintenance Checklist

Keep a maintenance checklist that should be looked at a minimum of twice a year preferably after the summer and winter months. The checklist will help you monitor any potential problems before they arise. Adopting a proactive attitude in maintaining your roof means checking the seams, rafters, gutters and other areas that pose potential problems in the future. Since you do not normally see the roof on a daily basis, minor issues could slip through unless you follow a maintenance checklist where these could be detected early on. Keep in mind that a simple roof leak may actually hide a bigger problem underneath.

A perfect scenario in Denver roofing projects is one where a project starts on time and finishes on the scheduled completion date without any unforeseen disruptions and delays of activities. Unfortunately, this ideal situation does not exist in the real world since contractors and roofers face numerous unexpected delays in the delivery dates of their projects.

Delays

Delays are events that have an effect on the final completion date of a project. One of the most common causes of delays is the client-induced delay. It can occur when clients, who may be contractually and procedurally bound to comment on documents, approve the same, supply information or equipment, fail to immediately respond to the contractors’ request for such action. These client-induced delay negatively impacts the expected delivery date of the Denver roofing project.

The cause of delays may also be self-inflicted as when a particular assembly designed for a specific work did not function.

Delays have different consequences to the project and the contractor. A simple client-induced delay could overload a contractor’s document-approval process and lead to more serious ramifications. It could also affect other projects undertaken by the contractor.

Disruptions

Similarly, the fact that small disruptions in activities could result to more serious consequences to a project such as huge time and cost overruns is established. Disruptions are events that prevent a contractor from completing a project as scheduled. Some of these are anticipated during the work process because they are expected to occur as normal errors and mistakes committed by both contractor and client.

One of the most common causes of disruption is product changes initiated by either contractor or client. These are normally initiated in construction projects through “change orders” that materially affect a portion of the work being made. Not only do “change orders” affect work progress, but it also entails, more often than not, additional expenses on the project.

Disruptions and delays could also come from the weather.

Solutions

Overcoming disruptions and delays caused by weather is not difficult. Contractors just have to make sure that weather conditions are ideal for the project. Getting weather updates on a regular basis will eliminate this factor.

To avoid delays and disruptions, contractors should anticipate these events while planning Denver roofing projects. Client-induced delays can be minimized if not eliminated by opening channels of communication. This solution applies to disruptions caused by product changes. In addition, thoroughly discussing the project details with clients during the planning stage will do away with most of these unplanned changes.

The roof is a very important part of a structure. It serves to protect the interior and structural integrity of the house from harsh elements in Tampa, including rain, heat, snow and strong wind.

Water leaks coming from above the house is a sign that something is wrong with the roof. If the roof has only been recently installed, the problem could be traced to poor installation. However if the roof is old, it might already need repair or even replacement.

New Roof

The following situations justify installing new roofs:

1. When your roof is at or near the end of its service life. Roofs are expected to last around 20 to 30 years. If you experience leaks and other roof problems and your roof has used up its expected service life, a new roof might be necessary.
2. To improve your home’s appeal and value. An old and outdated roof detracts from the aesthetic appeal and intrinsic worth of a house. If yours has been around for years, it is advisable to install a new roof when you want to improve its physical appearance and real property value.
3. When you experience extensive leaks. A roof repair or patch-up work might not solve the problem for you. Your roof could have sustained extensive damage that necessitates the installation of a new roof.

Roof Repair Tampa

The following instances do not justify the installation of a new and costly roof. Repairs could be just fine:

1. Leaking ceiling. If the timbers are still in good condition without any molds, break or warp, a dripping ceiling can be repaired without incurring huge expenses for a new roof.
2. Damaged soffits. Ice dams, defective flashing and damaged shingles are common causes of damage to eaves, gables and soffits. Properly maintain the flashing, utilize ice dam prevention methods and replace damaged shingles to keep the soffits and eaves in pristine condition.
3. Missing shingles. Replace missing or loosed shingles with spare shingles, which you should always store for such situation. Removing and replacing shingles are not difficult.
4. Failed Flashing. Flashings could fail for different reasons such as variations in temperature and wind storm. The expansion and contraction of metal caused by heat and cold could loosen flashings, especially those installed around chimneys, skylights and vents.
5. Sagging gutters. Debris and other dirt accumulate in the gutter through time. Some people install gutter covers to prevent it from being clogged. The debris adds weight to the gutter, which may eventually sag because of the weight. Its mounting support could also fail. Just keep the gutter clean, remove any debris and remount the support.

Chimneys are beautiful addition in Long Island roofing. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of houses both inside and outside. They are not, however, low-maintenance addition to homes because homeowners will assume a new set of responsibilities.

Chimney problems could have direct consequences on the interior of the house and its occupants. An annual chimney checkup is highly recommended even if you do not notice any problems while regularly using the chimney. Hiring a professional to conduct the inspection is best rather than doing it yourself because the risks posed by defective chimneys are just too dangerous.

Some of the most common chimney problems in a Long Island Roofing are:

1. Obstruction

If you see smoke blowing inside your house instead of going up the chimney, an obstruction is the most probable cause of the problem. The first area to inspect is the flue. Most chimney problems are caused by a blocked flue. Some causes of flue blockage are bird nests, soot and debris that may have accidentally fallen from above.

Engage the services of a professional to assess the cause of the problem. If a straightforward blockage is confirmed as the cause of the smoke, you can remove it by using specialized tools such as chimney brush, rods and adaptors. Always observe caution when working on elevated places.

Just be aware that there are causes for smoke to get inside your house other than obstruction. An updraft can prevent smoke from going up the chimney that does not have sufficient height. The negative air pressure caused by an airtight house could draw smoke inside instead of going up the chimney.

2. Flue Cracks

The lining inside the chimney is subjected to extreme elements such as heat and deposit of flammable substances. Through time and neglect, the lining will deteriorate and cracks start to form on the flue. Since the lining protects other parts from combusting, refrain from using the fireplace until the damaged parts are replaced.

3. Damaged Masonry

A chimney that has been neglected could crack, crumble and even collapse. A cracked mortar will allow water to penetrate, which ultimately find its way inside the house. To remedy, simply remove the damaged mortar and replace it with a new one to improve the stability and enhance protection.

4. Critters

Some animals are attracted by chimneys because they are relatively isolated areas where they feel safe from predators. Bats, in particular, roost in chimneys and present inconveniences to homeowners. They carry diseases, and their droppings are smelly and could transmit these diseases to humans. An easy solution for the problem is the installation of an inexpensive and easy-to-install chimney cap.

Warranties in roof repair Dallas vary from one manufacturer to another. Some cover both labor and materials while others are limited to materials only. Certain warranties are transferable while others cover just the current homeowner.

Another important distinction between warranties are the ways that you can void them. Different manufacturers have different criteria on what acts could void warranties. Knowing what are covered by the warranties and ways by which these warranties are voided is an important knowledge for every homeowner.

The most common reasons why warranties are voided are listed below:

1. Improper Ventilation

Improper attic ventilation could nullify your roofing warranty. Ventilation system pulls air from the outside through intake vents found on lower parts of the roof. The air spreads inside towards the higher parts of the roof. Inadequate ventilation causes heat to be trapped below the roof and leads to premature wear of the shingles.

2. Antennas and Satellite Dishes

These devices that you installed on your roof could void your roof warranty. While the entire warranty may not be nullified by the installation of antennas and satellite dishes, that portion of the warranty dealing with leaks could be voided after you drilled holes on the roof to install these equipment.

3. Skylights and Solar Panels

Before starting any major improvement on your roof such as the installation of solar panels and skylights, read the warranty contract carefully to prevent voiding the warranty. Your contractor might drill holes on the roof to install the solar panels and in the process void your roof warranty. Always coordinate with your roofer before allowing any work to be made on the roof. Your roofer could take steps to preserve the warranty such as removing tiles or shingles and restoring them after the contractors finished their work. Any work to be made on the roof that involves roof penetration should be done with proper coordination of your original roofer.

4. Pressure Washing

People use pressure washing mostly to clean off moss that grow on their roofs. Left alone, moss will eventually shorten the lifespan of the roof because of increased frost damage caused by trapped moisture between the moss and roof’s surface. Using pressure washing to remove moss is not recommended because it could damage the roof from the strong force. Shingles cannot withstand the force of pressure washing applied in close range. Roofing granules built into the shingles could separate or deteriorate.

5. Installing New Roof on Top of the Old One

This process could either shorten or totally void the warranty. A second layer of roof leads to a slower rate of heat dissipation and eventually shorten the lifespan of shingles.

Circular saw is a term associated by those in the woodworking industry and roof repair Houston as referring to a handheld electric saw used to cut woods and other materials. Circular saws are considered a basic tool that every roofer must have.

One of the best performers today in the circular saw category is the Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4 inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake. People who used the product have nothing but praises for this extremely useful utility, and for good reasons.

The tool is probably one of the most refined circular saws for roof repair Houston in the market because of its seamless balancing of power, durability, weight and ease of use. We broke down its outstanding features to really get to know the product well.

Powerful Motor

The Makita Magnesium circular saw has a company-built 15 AMP industrial motor that generates a powerful 5,800 RPM. Despite the power packed by this handy utility, the product is relatively lightweight due to its magnesium components. To provide maximum productivity and by way of counter to its powerful motor, the 5007MGA includes an electric brake for quick stopping of the blades.

Ergonomic Design

The magnesium components enabled Makita to design a light but very durable circular saw to last even on the toughest jobs. The greater distance between the rear handle and the blade provides a better grip for users with gloves or larger hands. The larger distance between the blade and the housing affords a clearer view of the blade and measurement scale.

Ease of Use

Twin LED lights are integrated into the saw to provide better illumination in dimly-lit areas. The ducting is designed to blow dust away for the area being cut. The ergonomic handgrip minimizes fatigue and increases overall control over the drill.

Ultra-Coated Framing Blade

The Ultra-Coated Framing Blade with “M” shaped tooth, two-pointed tip and two 10º bevel faces are designed for a faster and cleaner cut. The carbide tips are intended for rough situations as when the drill comes into contact with a nail-embedded wood. The blade is ultra-coated to reduce heat for quicker cutting with the heat vents strategically situated to dispel heat faster for better performance.

With its enhanced features and superior design, the Makita Magnesium circular saw can be used not only for roofs but also on walls and floors. The product carries a warranty period of one year from the date of purchase.

Customers praise the durability of the product, its lightness compared to similar products, improved ergonomic features and power packed within the Makita 5007MGA Magnesium circular saw.

If you need to drill holes through concrete roof or slab, you have basically two tool choices—a hammer drill or a rotary hammer drill. Professional and amateur roofers will get their work done faster by using either of these two handy tools according to roofing contractors Houston.

Since these two tools function just about the same, how do you know which one to use for a particular job? We can tell you but before we do, we will give you basic information about how they function and their differences.

Both these drills generate pounding force while the bits spin that greatly help in boring through concretes. What differentiates a hammer drill from the rotary hammer is the mechanical process that produces this pounding action.

Hammer Drill Uses Ridged Discs

A hammer drill has two metal discs with ridges that slide past the other during operation. As one disc slides past, it rises then falls creating that pounding action on the chuck. The pounding action stops when no force is applied on the chuck, thus saving against wear and tear. The hammer drill functions as an ordinary drill without this pounding action.

Rotary Hammer Drill Uses Air Pressure

A rotary hammer uses a piston driven by a crankshaft to generate the hammering action. An air pressure is created when the piston is pushed forward. This air pressure is what creates the pounding action.

The hammering action created by a rotary hammer drill is greater than the pounding action generated by a hammer drill. For those who need a more powerful tool to bore through the hardest masonry, the hammer drill is the preferred tool.

An additional feature of the rotary hammer drill that is not found in the hammer drill is the adjustable settings for hammer drill mode, drill mode and purely hammer mode. The last mode allows the rotary hammer drill to work just like a mini jackhammer.

Hammer Drills for Light-Duty Drilling

For drilling holes in bricks, concrete blocks and mortar, a hammer drill will do just fine. You need not to buy the more expensive rotary hammer drill for these relatively-lighter works.

Rotary Hammer for Heavy-Duty Drilling

Rotary hammer drills are ideal for boring through hardened concrete. An added feature for this tool is its adaptability to be fitted with different attachments. Special chucks are available with extra features that increase productivity. When set to hammer mode, different attachments are available for each type of job.

Going back to our question above, a hammer drill is ideal for light-duty masonry drilling by DIY homeowners who do occasional jobs while the rotary hammer drill is more suited for processionals who have to deal with harder concrete regularly.

Having a new roof along with the usual warranty that goes with it could lead to a false sense of security for some people. Thinking that your roof is secured by the warranty could be farthest from the truth.

An article that appeared in the official consumer website of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding roof warranties and hiring roofing contractors to install the new roof system. Whether the building involved is residential or commercial, always consider the following things before entering into contracts with roof manufacturers.

1. Don’t Forget the Fine Print

Read the fine print carefully. Most people never bother to read them, which could lead to misunderstanding in the future on the exact coverage of the warranty. Coverage differs from one manufacturer to another, although they may come in the usual 10-year warranty. Some warranties may cover “all defects” while another promises to “keep the roof watertight.” These are totally different things and could make a big difference when issues appear in the future.

2. Choose a Reputable Contractor

In most warranties, the first two years of the warranty period is covered by the roofing contractor who installed the roof system. Choosing a certified and reputable contractor is important to maintain this type of warranty, particularly if the manufacturer is strict on this matter. Make sure to hire a contractor who could stay in business to be able to respond to future problems.

The diverse provisions and coverage of warranties underlines the importance of choosing a roofing contractor whom you can trust. A good contractor will advise you on the important provisions in the warranty with emphasis on those that are often misunderstood by homeowners.

3. Take Good Care of Your Roof

Performing regular preventive maintenance is important not only to keep your roof in good condition and last a long time but to keep the warranty effective. Some warranties require regular roof maintenance otherwise they become invalid. Manufacturers expect homeowners to take reasonable care of their roofs that are subject to the warranty.

4. The Limited Value of Warranties

Lastly, never rely on warranty for a long-term sense of security. A warranty effective for 10 years does not mean your roof will remain in great condition after 20 to 30 years. The actual worth of warranties is for people who have plans of selling their properties in the near future. Warranties no longer matter after they lapse since people will care more about how well the roof is maintained.

What are we looking for in a roofing nailer aside from it being powerful, efficient and durable? When you’re up on the roof and dealing with the pressure of getting things done right and whatever kind of weather you’re working under, you want a tool that is simple to use and easy to handle.

That is what the Porter-Cable RN175B for roofing Colorado Springs is offering with its compact body design that is 5 per cent lighter than its previous version. With this tool, you can expect better balance and control, making it easier for the user to handle and operate it.

And thanks to its rounded body, rubber grip, skid-resistant pads and wear guards, the Porter-Cable RN175B ensures the safety of the user and the tool as well. The rubber pads and guards prevent it from sliding down the roof when not in use.

The Porter-Cable RN175B is designed for a 15-degree, ¾ to 1-3/14-inch wire collated roofing nails, which enables it to handle a variety of roofing and siding projects. It also boasts a magazine with a capacity of 120 nails.

Similar to most roofing nailers, this tool has two firing modes—contact and single sequential. The shingle guide complements these two firing modes well as it locks down for consistent results and shingle spacing.

Boasts of Jam-Resisting Capability and Easy Loading

Another thing the Porter-Cable RN175B boasts of is its high chance to resist nail jamming, as well as its easy- and quick-loading capabilities, which speaks mostly for homeowners who want to do some minor fixes on their roofs. You can only imagine how frustrating it is for homeowners to find their tools jammed, or if they are unable to load it quickly enough without the help from a guide.

Its motor also features an exhaust diffuser that can be adjusted without the need for additional tools—another plus for non-professional operators of this handy little tool.

What more, it has a durable steel safety contact with dual carbide inserts that protects the tool from the usual wear and tear. This ensures that the Porter-Cable RN175B will last you for years without the need for repair or major maintenance.

Problems associated with this product include instances where the nails are left just partially driven. There were also a number of times where a user had a hard time loading nails.

All in all, the Porter-Cable RN175B is an all-around tool that is perfect for minor household repairs in roofing Colorado Springs. It is the most suitable roofing nailer for people without much experience holding a powerful tool such as this one. It is specifically created to offer ease of use, durability and power. If you are looking to add to your household tools, then this roofing nailer is just what you need.