The roof is a home or building’s first line of defense against natural hazards, including rain, wind, snow, hail and heat. As such, roofs need to remain strong and reliable throughout the years. But as they are exposed to weather and exterior elements day in and day out, they become one of the most vulnerable parts of your property. This is where roofing services, such as inspection, repair and replacement, come in. In this ebook, we’ll take a look at those roofing services as well as other related factors that play an important role in keeping a roof in good condition.
PART 1 - WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT ROOFING SERVICES?
It is one thing to get your roof designed and installed correctly, and another to maintain its condition and integrity. Aside from ensuring installation quality, you should also learn about other roofing services that are meant to help keep a roof in good condition throughout its lifetime. Read on to learn about these roofing services and their importance. ROOF INSPECTION Every roof job must begin with a thorough and careful roof inspection. After all, how would you know what you actually need to have done unless you take the time to check what’s actually wrong with the roof? The primary purpose of inspection is to recognize the signs that could indicate problems with your roofing, which may be caused by anything from a hole in the roofing material to loose flashing. It’s important to understand that even the smallest issue can grow and cause bigger and more expensive problems. With a comprehensive roof inspection, potential problems can be quickly identified and a solution can be planned accordingly.
ROOF REPAIR If roofing problems are found during an inspection, the roofer will evaluate the severity of the issues. If the problems can be remedied by simple repairs, we would encourage that you get them done right away.
PART 1 - WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT ROOFING SERVICES?
Immediate repairs performed on minor to moderate damage will prevent issues from growing and expanding. The extent of the repair work will depend on the severity of the problem. ROOF REPLACEMENT If roof inspection and repair have been put aside for a long time, it is possible that the old, damaged roof can no longer be repaired. In such cases, a replacement may be the only feasible solution. Replacement involves changing out the entire roof structure for a new one.
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In the next post, we’ll take a look at different roofing options based on types and materials, so stay tuned!
PART 2 - ROOFING OPTIONS: TYPES AND MATERIALS
When signing up for a roofing service, whether for inspection, repair or replacement, it is important to understand that the service you receive will largely depend on the type of roof you have or wish to have. For instance, the methods for inspecting low slope and steep slope roofs are different. Procedures followed in repairing membrane and asphalt roofs differ, too. In this post, we’ll discuss the most common roofing types and materials. LOW SLOPE ROOFING Low slope roofs are roofs that have slopes of 3:12 or 14 degrees and lower. These are typically composed of water- and weatherproof membrane roofing materials. Flat roofs aren’t really totally flat; they have a very low slope that allows for water runoff. Here are two of the most widely used low slope roofing materials: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) - To put it simply, this is synthetic rubber. But make no mistake -it is a high-performance option in terms of weather resistance and is very flexible and durable. Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) - Applied in layers or sheets, proper installation is critical for this type of membrane roofing. It is a singleply reflective membrane that is either fully adhered or mechanically attached to the roof.
PART 2 - ROOFING OPTIONS: TYPES AND MATERIALS
STEEP SLOPE ROOFING Any roof with a slope greater than 3:12 or 14 degrees is considered a steep slope roof. This is the more commonly used type of roof for residential properties. They are great at shedding water and snow. Below are the most popular materials used for steep slope roofing. Asphalt - This is the most popular roofing material installed on U.S. homes. Asphalt roofing comes in a wide variety of styles, colors and textures, and offers cost efficiency in many ways. Tile - Also growing in popularity due to the variety of styles, sizes, colors and textures available, roof tiles are made of either clay or concrete. They offer considerable durability and reliability.
Slate - This type of material is sourced from quarried slate, making it a very durable option that can last for decades, if not centuries. Cedar Shakes and Shingles - These are ideal for rustic, cottage-style homes. Although made out of wood, these can be treated for fire and decay resistance, ensuring that they last long.
PART 2 - ROOFING OPTIONS: TYPES AND MATERIALS
Metal - Gone are the days when metal roofs were exclusively installed on barns and warehouses. Today, more and more U.S. homeowners appreciate the benefits of metal roofs, from durability to energy efficiency. And because of this, manufacturers have continuously make metal roofs available in different styles, colors and profiles.
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If you want to ensure that your roofing job gets done right, you need to work with a reliable roofing contractor. Stay tuned for the next post to get tips on how to find the right roofer.
PART 3 - WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A ROOFING CONTRACTOR
Roofing jobs are projects that should never be left in the hands of someone other than a trusted professional. The role of the roof is too important for it to be given less than the attention and expertise it requires. In this post, we’ll provide a brief, yet comprehensive look at the importance of hiring a good roofer and the things you should look for when hiring one. THE IMPORTANCE OF HIRING A GOOD ROOFER By carefully selecting the roofer to work on your home, you can ensure the following: Safety - Certified and trained roofers are adept at safety measures that should be observed at every point of a roofing job. Efficiency - By hiring a reliable roofer, you can enjoy both time and cost efficiency. They know what they’re doing, allowing them to finish the job according to schedule and without wasting resources. Value - A properly maintained, repaired and installed roof can help increase your home’s value. Working with the right roofer will also give more value to your investment.
PART 3 - WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A ROOFING CONTRACTOR
Security - Professional roofers are insured, so you won’t have to worry about accidents and other unexpected situations. FINDING THE RIGHT ROOFING CONTRACTOR: THINGS TO LOOK AND ASK FOR When searching for a roofing contractor, you must look for the following qualities and requirements: Locally operating - You want to hire a company that has an actual office within or near your area. You need to know where you will find them in case an issue arises. License and permits - These are required of any contractor and signify that the roofer has met certain standards and requirements to operate their business and provide contracting services. Insurance - Roofing can be risky, and insurance policies will protect both parties against liabilities.
Certifications - Manufacturer certifications are given to roofers who have passed manufacturer training and qualifications.
PART 3 - WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A ROOFING CONTRACTOR
References - A roofer that can provide a list of references (previous customers) is one that is confident about their work. Complete documentation - When entering into a contract, everything should be documented in writing.
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Indeed, getting your roofing jobs right will always start with working with the right roofing professional. Make it a point to carefully screen your candidate, and take the time to verify references to ensure that roof inspection, repair and replacement will be done properly, guaranteeing that your investment will be in good hands.
Garlock-French Corporation 2301 East 25th Street Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406 (612) 722-7129 www.garlock-french.com