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Author: Boss Roofing Experts

Roof Repair And Leak Experts

Living a comfortable life means that we have to make sure that our roof and home are in a working and efficient condition. We won’t know when strong winds, heavy rains, and devastating hailstorms might damage our roofs and the main structure of our home. Usually, roof leaks and other forms of damages can easily compromise the lifespan and integrity of your roof if left unchecked

The best way to extend the lifespan of your roof is to conduct regular maintenance and repairs on roof leaks. Roof leaks have a domino effect of becoming larger and more widespread across your roof since these can usually serve as entryways for moisture and water. 

It might be true that people are able to repair leaks and other forms of damages without the supervision of a professional, but for this to happen, you need to be already well-versed with roofing and the different mechanics of cleaning your roof. Having professional roof repair specialists and leak experts can help make sure that your roof is repaired properly and any damages are inspected. In most cases, if the repairs are improperly done, this could inadvertently lead to more damages.

Choosing The Right Roofer 

Most people will jump on the first sign of help from roofing contractors without doing some research first. In most cases, this can lead to more problems than solutions. There are certain roofing contractors who do specialize in certain roof repairs. In this case, if you are having roof leaks, then you should commission the services of leak experts. 

It’s also highly recommended that homeowners do their own research on their roofing contractors first. Are they licensed? Do they have a good track record? These are just some of the questions that homeowners need to ask themselves. Moreover, knowing what roofing materials are available in the market at the time being will help make sure that plans can be drawn up without any problems. 

It might take several days for you to find the right roofing contractor and they might come from a different town, but if you’re going to be investing thousands of dollars on your roof’s repair, then it’s appropriate to also be investing time and effort on your roof. Having the right contractor can significantly lengthen the lifespan of your roof. 

Roof Leaks and Repair

Although there might be damages to roofs that can be easily identified and repaired, there are also some damages that are hard to identify and can a serious threat to the integrity of your roof. In a lot of cases, roof leaks are some of the most subtle and discreet forms of damages to roofs. For untrained individuals, most of these damages are hard to spot. Roof leaks will also vary in size and will often grow larger when it’s exposed to water, wind, and moisture. As such, it’s best to have a roof leak expert to look at your roof to appropriately identify damages.

Roof leaks also come in the form of water stains. If you see dark spots and stains on your roof, this could be the early stages of molds, mildews, and mosses forming on your roof’s interiors. A proper insulation system for your roof can help prevent such formations. 

The process of fixing a leaky roof might be simpler in drier areas of the United States, but there are colder states that do not have this luxury. Homeowners have to keep in mind that fixing a leaky roof on colder weather can be more challenging as water and moisture can be trapped inside your roof while ice dams might from freezing temperatures. 

If your roof is dotted with leaks, having a licensed roofing specialist inspect your roof can help mitigate any forms of future damages while identifying what needs to be repaired. Even though you can fix leaks by yourself, having the supervision and skills of a professional can easily expedite the process. 

Naturally, the most optimal way of repairing your roof is by having roof leak experts who have the necessary tools and experiences to repair your roof and seal leaks.  

When To Get A Roof Replacement?

Just like every other building material that we use for our house, roofing materials also have their own expected lifespan and will eventually deteriorate over time. Additionally, strong winds, flowing water and devastating hailstorms can compromise the lifespan of your roof. If you think that your roof has incurred permanent or irreparable damage, then you should contact your local roofing contractor as soon as possible for an extensive inspection of your roof.

Again, there’s no hurt in doing your own research first on who are the best roofing contractors in your area. Looking for affordable roofers might help you save money in the short term, but this will not guarantee that the will be able to work efficiently on your roof. In the long-term, it’s always a good choice to have a licensed and seasoned roofing contractor that can work on your roof. After all, you’re already investing money and energy on your roof, it’s also time to start investing in a professional. 

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How To Choose Roofing Underlayment

The first thing that most people will notice when looking at your roof is the top layer. You will also notice flashings and other roofing structures. While most homeowners pay attention to the external parts of the roof that are usually seen, the underlayment is still something that needs to be attended to since it plays an integral role in keeping your roof’s interiors away from water and moisture.

But before we get into what are some of the best choices for roofing underlayment, we have to first look at what are some underlayments that are readily available in the market and what are some factors to consider.

What Is An Underlayment

As the name suggests, underlayment is a layer right below the top layer of your roof that acts as a barrier against the different forces of nature. In most cases, underlayments are specifically tailored in keeping water, moisture, and penetrative heat away from your roof’s interiors. There are certain roofing materials that require an underlayment right below it such as shingles and slate tile roofs. There are also some roofing materials that require underlayments as secondary materials like metal roofing. Though it’s still recommended that metal roofs have a synthetic layer for temperature resistance. 

There are different underlayments that are available in your local builder’s depot. Each underlayment has its own unique characteristics so it’s best to choose wisely. 

Felt Paper

As the name suggests, this is a sheet of paper that’s made out of cellulose or fiberglass while being infused with a mixture of asphalt. The consistency of felt paper makes it hard for water and moisture to penetrate to the roof’s interiors. Just like every other underlayment, there are usually adhesives placed on one side to make installation easier. 

Synthetic Plastic Sheets

Made with a mixture of polymers and other plastic materials, this is a step above felt paper in terms of durability. Moreover, the plastic consistency of these sheets makes it waterproof and less likely for water and moisture to penetrate towards the layer below the underlayment. This layer is also quite resistant to the effects of UV rays and penetrative heat which makes it great for homes situated in the warmer states of the United States. 

However, the durability and lifespan of these sheets will also depend on the quality and the brand that you’ll be using. 

Rubberized Asphalt 

For flat roofing materials and other non-conventional materials in the market, rubber-based underlayment is one of the most preferred. For homes that are situated in more humid areas, the polymer film of this underlayment is great in resisting moisture and humidity. Moreover, the rubber-like consistency of this underlayment can have ‘self-sealing’ properties which can make maintenance less of a hassle. 

Homeowners have to also do their research on the brands that they are going to be using. There are some underlayments that have a noticeably higher quality than other products in the market. 

Why have An Underlayment 

Most homeowners are quick to choose form over function when it comes to choosing the right roofing material and underlayment. However, the function of these roofing materials and underlayments should never be ignored. Underlayment is an important part of keeping your roof dry.

In the long-term, water damages and roof leaks can inflict significant amounts of damage to your roof. It might not look like much, but water damages has serious implications. Water and moisture could easily lead to the formation of molds, mildews, and mosses. Additionally, on warmer areas of the United States, roofs tend to get easily bombarded by UV rays. Having an underlayment can help safeguard and ensure the lifespan and integrity of your roof from these elements. 

Other Things To Consider 

If you are more concerned about the price of these products, then you can always choose felt paper which tends to be the cheapest in the group. However, investing in a good underlayment can help ensure a longer lifespan for your roof and can make sure that your roof is a working and pristine condition for years to come. 

Moreover, it’s also recommended that you choose underlayments that are compatible with the top layer of your roof and will blend in seamlessly. 

At the end of the day, choosing the right roofing underlayment will boil down to the price of it and what underlayment best suits the climate of the area since there are some that work well in warmer climates and some that are better for more humid weather.

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Do You Need Roof Vents For Tile Roofs?

Flat rooftops are prevalent in modern buildings. If these buildings are situated within areas that have moderate to heavy rainfall, rainwater tends to accumulate at the top floor which can lead to added weight to the roof and potentially causing massive amounts of water to penetrate the floors underneath. Not only that, but heavy rainfall can leave a lasting toll on tall buildings with flat rooftops. This is evident in buildings that use flat concrete as their eaves and walls which can lead to weathering and visible rotting on the sides.

Evidently, most modern buildings don’t really have ‘flat’ rooftops but still have a pitch of around 0.5/12. Most of the time, water does run off towards a gutter or drainage system, but at a very slow pace compared to your conventional sloped roofs with pitches of around 4/12.

The best way to mitigate the damages of rainfall, strong winds, snow, and falling leaves on flat rooftops is to add a slope on it. We’re not just talking about a slight tint just so rain can slowly run to one side, but we are talking about a slope that can guide and redirect water towards the appropriate downspouts so it can be expelled towards more appropriate gaps and storm drainages.

Why Add A Slope?

Adding a slope towards a flat roof is not an easy task and it will take a lot of time, effort, energy, and money for such a feat to work. Planning is also essential in making sure that your roof system is dry. Improperly planning out your slope can lead to even more drastic changes and can potentially lead to the replacement of the whole roof.

Once water accumulates at the top of your flat roof, this can lead to serious damages which can lead to roof leaks, and if left unchecked, can also lead to flooding and severe damages to your foundation. A sloped roof can help mitigate this problem.

Benefits Of Slopes

Provides more options to styles – There’s no doubt in everyone’s mind that sloped victorian-styled and classical-styled houses that have been preserved for decades to centuries by a well-planned and well-built roofing system have more appeal than grey blocky modern houses with weathering and rusting on the building’s framework and concrete foundation.

Slopes provide an easy way to attract the attention of visitors and passers-by at the beauty of your home by providing more options on several architectural styles that might be restricted by flat roofs. There are different forms of roofing systems that homeowners can emulate for their slopes.

  • Shed
  • Gable
  • Mansard
  • Hip

Prevents ponding on roofs – Flat roofs do have benefits, but the amount of drawbacks that it has outweighs the number of benefits that it can give to homeowners. When rainwater accumulates on rooftops, it can weaken the framework and structure of the building easily and can often result in expensive damages. In some areas in the United States and across the world, there are building regulations that state that roofs should have a minimum slope so that water can run off steadily towards a gutter and eventually towards a drainage system.

Prevents roof leaking – Having an inadequate pitch can still lead to your roof leaking. As water runs across your roof, it can still leak if there’s not enough energy to propel itself off your roof and most homeowners are careless enough to use below-average materials and amateur roofing contractors who do not plan-out their designs carefully.

Higher energy efficiency – Sloping your roof and installing the necessary materials like shingles and shakes can provide insulation to your home. This means that you will have to spend less on electrical bills which might have been used for air conditioning or heating.

Alternatives to Adding Slopes

Of course, one of the disadvantages of having a pitched roof is that they will occupy more space on your rooftop which leaves less space for your heating and air conditioning equipment or for tool storage. Secondly, installing a pitched roof can also be pricey and take up much of your time and energy.

Before you do plan on having a pitched roof, it is best to ask yourself if these are worth the time and money that you spend.

Overall, if you’re starting out with planning on whether you want to have a flat rooftop or you want to have a pitched roof, it is best to hire the services of a professional roofing contractor since planning and proper communications with the proper folks can lead help to prolong the lifespan of your new-found home.

If you’re looking for a way to add a slope to your rooftop or a way to repair your roof, it is always best to have a skilled roofer inspecting any damages first and a professional contractor to provide you with the right personnel and materials to keep your roof in pristine condition. Be sure that you’re hiring a trusted contractor to handle your roofing Fort Myers FL.

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How To Transition From Shingle Roof To Metal Roof

Before you do try to transition between different materials for your roof, you have to weigh in on what are the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of using such a material. In most cases, the decision to transition from one material to another is heavily based on where the house is situated, the climate, the amount of foliage, and the amount of precipitation that the house is exposed to every season. 

If you are planning on transitioning from a shingle roof to a metal roof, it’s best to ask yourself first:

“Is it really worth it? What are the advantages that I get from getting a metal roof? Will it make my life a whole lot easier if I make the transition?” 

Shingle Roofs 

When a person thinks about a typical house and a roof, the first thing that comes to mind would be a house with a shingled roof. Shingled roofs are by far the most popular type of roofing material since it has existed for centuries and can provide a multitude of different benefits to homeowners.

  1. Great way to insulate – If you’re living in a temperate region were the 4 seasons can easily bring in hot and cold weather, then shingled roofs are your best bet in retaining heat during winter and keeping a low-temperature in the interior of your house during summer. Keeping your house and roof dry is paramount in mitigating damages from rot, molds, and mildews.
  2. Cheaper repairs – Of course, the price of wood and stone is cheaper than metal. Moreover, If ever a shingle breaks down, then it can be considered as an isolated case that can be spotted and replaced easily by a skilled roofer. 
  3. Common – In line with the previous point, if you need to replace a shingle, you can easily find one with the right material from your local builder’s depot. You also will not have any problem trying to find the right material to go along with your house’s style if you want to phase out a layer of shingles. 
  4. Easily walked on – Since shingles are made out of wood and sometimes stone, the texture makes it easy to walk on. Metal roofs tend to become slippery when it rains and can be hazardous to travel on during the winter when the roof freezes. 

Metal Roofs 

As technology keeps on developing, so is the material that’s being used for roofing. Metal roofs are one of the more recent materials that have been introduced in the roofing industry and have helped a good record of maintaining a good lifespan for your rooftop while also having its own advantages and drawbacks.

Before we make any rational decisions on the best course taken, let’s look at the advantages and the disadvantages of using metal roofs. 

  1. Lightweight – Compared to materials like slate roof tiles, asphalt shingles, and cedar shingles which can make your roof weigh more than a ton, metal roofs are designed to be lightweight. This makes it easier to install and will lighten any burdens of your roof’s framework. Heavy shingles and tiles can be dangerous to houses that have weak supports since it can potentially lead to the collapse of the rooftop in more extreme situations.
  2. Longevity – People commonly think that metal easily rusts if exposed to oxygen and water, but metal roofs are made out of a mixture of different metals which includes copper and zinc. This makes metal roofs extremely durable and can potentially last hundreds of years.
  3. Fire-resistant – Of course, you’ll never see a metal roof catch on fire. Since metal roofs do not catch on fire, it is the best choice to pass safety regulations for houses and commercial buildings. 
  4. Weathering performance – Metal roofs are great for houses that are exposed to cold and wet climates all-year-round. The smooth texture of metal roofs means that rainwater can easily slide off without having to accumulate on shingles and ice dams can naturally thaw once exposed to higher temperatures. 

We have to accept the fact that there is no roof that is perfect and sooner or later, you will have to face problems like roof leaks, rusting, mold formations, rotting, holes, and other damages to your roof. However, if you use the right material for your roof, you will be significantly prolonging the life of your roof and the framework of your house in the process. 

Ultimately, both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, but homeowners have to still keep into account the topography, climate, fauna, and other elements of nature that can cause damage to roofs.

At the end of the day, you have to consider these questions:

  • What’s my budget for this?
  • Will this work for where my house is situated in?
  • Do I trust my roofing contractor?

If you are still not sure on the right materials that you will be using for your roof, or whether you want to transition towards the metal roof, you can consult with A professional roofing contractors who is well known for their services in replacing roof materials, inspecting damages, and consultations on the best course taken for your roof. After all, if you want quality work, it’s best to hire seasoned professionals to handle your roofing Fort Myers FL needs.

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Can You Use Architectural Shingles For A Ridge Cap?

Since ridge caps are at the top of roofs, the eye is naturally drawn from the base of roofs up to the top of it. If you’re planning to impress your visitors and passers-by, then it best to use good aesthetic material for your ridge cap. Not only that, but you also have to plan out and weigh-in if these materials have practical functions as a ridge cap. 

Architectural Shingles 

During the 1980s, dimensional shingles were getting a logical development in the form of architectural shingles. As the name suggests, it combines both a highly-functional design while keeping a good form. Since architectural shingles were designed from the previous designs of laminated and dimensional shingles, these shingles are sought-after and one of the more luxurious options on the market.

Architectural shingles are usually comprised of the following materials:

  • Heavy fiberglass mat base
  • Ceramic-coated mineral granules
  • Highly refined water-resistant asphalt

Essentially, architectural shingles emulate the same texture and appearance of two widely-popular shingles like cedar shakes and slate tiles without the drawbacks and disadvantages of the two materials. Since cedar is made out of wood, it is quite vulnerable to fire and water can seep into the interiors easily. Slate is known for being heavy which can accumulate as added weight to your rooftop and is fragile whenever a person steps on the roof.

  • Cedar imitation – Cedar shakes are highly sought after for its durability while also evoking a rustic feel motif on the owner’s roof. The irregular shapes of cedar shakes are attributed to a hand-split process which is not precise. Despite the process of how it is made, cedar shakes and shingles are quite expensive. 
  • Slate imitation – Slate roof tiles and shingles have been widely used in temperate regions for centuries due to its timeless beauty and extremely durable characteristics. Architectural shingles are one of the best alternatives to slate roof tiles since it does not provide an added weight which slates are notorious for.  

Function

Since the majority of architectural shingles are made out of a thick asphalt base, this makes them ideal for roofs that are exposed to both cold and hot climates. The lightweight but durable nature of architectural shingles means that it can easily withstand strong winds during fall, heavy snowfall during winter, rainfall during spring, and even heatwaves during summer. Architectural shingles are your go-to material when it comes to any weather condition of every season. 

Pricing

There’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that luxurious architectural shingles can give your roof an appealing and more pricey look. Although you might be spending 20 – 30% more than your usual shingles, this will eventually pay off knowing that you are also investing in your roof and the overall integrity of your house by safeguarding it against the different elements of nature. 

Ridge caps 

As the name suggests, ridge caps at the top-most part of a roof that is installed on a ridgeline of a pitched roof. There are certain roofs that feature more than one ridgeline such as gabled roofs wherein two ridgelines mean as a single intersecting point in the middle of the house. 

In most cases, the material used for ridge caps is asphalt shingles, which is not quite far off from architectural shingles since it does feature an asphalt base. Some roofing contractors prefer to process and fabricate their ridge caps first before installing it on rooftops. If your contractor does prefer to pre-process their ridge caps, then it usually made out of more metallic parts and even plastic.

You will not have to worry about your ridge caps not fitting in with the color scheme of your roof since contractors generally tailor these caps to fit well with your roof. There are also some contractors who manually install ridge caps shingle by shingle for added authenticity.  

Overall, architectural shingles would work well as ridge caps since they are extremely resistant to almost every element of weather and can blend well with the other shingles of your roof. Ridge caps are one of the most important parts of the roof since it is one of the first parts of the roof that people will see. 

If you are not sure about what materials you want to place on your ridge cap, then there’s no hurt in asking a skilled roofer with years of experience on the matter. It is always important to ask yourself the following questions right before making any rational decisions:

  • “Do I have enough budget to have architectural shingles as a ridge cap?”
  • “Will this fit well with the architectural style and color scheme that my roof has?” 
  • “What is the best way to install architectural shingles as ridge caps?”

Homeowners are advised to seek the help of professional roofing contractors who can provide skilled roofers to give extensive inspections to your roofing Fort Myers FL.

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Find How To Add Slope To A Flat Roof

Flat rooftops are prevalent in modern buildings. If these buildings are situated within areas that have moderate to heavy rainfall, rainwater tends to accumulate at the top floor which can lead to added weight to the roof and potentially causing massive amounts of water to penetrate the floors underneath. Not only that, but heavy rainfall can leave a lasting toll on tall buildings with flat rooftops. This is evident in buildings that use flat concrete as their eaves and walls which can lead to weathering and visible rotting on the sides.

Evidently, most modern buildings don’t really have ‘flat’  rooftops but still have a pitch of around 0.5/12. Most of the time, water does run off towards a gutter or drainage system, but at a very slow pace compared to your conventional sloped roofs with pitches of around 4/12. 

The best way to mitigate the damages of rainfall, strong winds, snow, and falling leaves on flat rooftops is to add a slope on it. We’re not just talking about a slight tint just so rain can slowly run to one side, but we are talking about a slope that can guide and redirect water towards the appropriate downspouts so it can be expelled towards more appropriate gaps and storm drainages. 

Why Add A Slope? 

Adding a slope towards a flat roof is not an easy task and it will take a lot of time, effort, energy, and money for such a feat to work. Planning is also essential in making sure that your roof system is dry. Improperly planning out your slope can lead to even more drastic changes and can potentially lead to the replacement of the whole roof.

Once water accumulates at the top of your flat roof, this can lead to serious damages which can lead to roof leaks, and if left unchecked, can also lead to flooding and severe damages to your foundation. A sloped roof can help mitigate this problem.

Benefits of Slopes 

  1. Provides more options to styles – There’s no doubt in everyone’s mind that sloped victorian-styled and classical-styled houses that have been preserved for decades to centuries by a well-planned and well-built roofing system have more appeal than grey blocky modern houses with weathering and rusting on the building’s framework and concrete foundation. Slopes provide an easy way to attract the attention of visitors and passers-by at the beauty of your home by providing more options on several architectural styles that might be restricted by flat roofs. There are different forms of roofing systems that homeowners can emulate for their slopes.
    1. Shed
    2. Gable
    3. Mansard
    4. Hip  
  1. Prevents ponding on roofs – Flat roofs do have benefits, but the amount of drawbacks that it has outweighs the number of benefits that it can give to homeowners. When rainwater accumulates on rooftops, it can weaken the framework and structure of the building easily and can often result in expensive damages. In some areas in the United States and across the world, there are building regulations that state that roofs should have a minimum slope so that water can run off steadily towards a gutter and eventually towards a drainage system. 
  1. Prevents roof leaking – Having an inadequate pitch can still lead to your roof leaking. As water runs across your roof, it can still leak if there’s not enough energy to propel itself off your roof and most homeowners are careless enough to use below-average materials and amateur roofing contractors who do not plan-out their designs carefully. 
  1. Higher energy efficiency – Sloping your roof and installing the necessary materials like shingles and shakes can provide insulation to your home. This means that you will have to spend less on electrical bills which might have been used for air conditioning or heating.

Alternatives To Adding Slopes 

Of course, one of the disadvantages of having a pitched roof is that they will occupy more space on your rooftop which leaves less space for your heating and air conditioning equipment or for tool storage. Secondly, installing a pitched roof can also be pricey and take up much of your time and energy. 

Before you do plan on having a pitched roof, it is best to ask yourself if these are worth the time and money that you spend. 

Overall, if you’re starting out with planning on whether you want to have a flat rooftop or you want to have a pitched roof, it is best to hire the services of a professional roofing contractor since planning and proper communications with the proper folks can lead help to prolong the lifespan of your new-found home.

If you’re looking for a way to add a slope to your rooftop or a way to repair your roof, it is always best to have a skilled roofer inspecting any damages first and a professional contractor to provide you with the right personnel and materials to maintain roofing Fort Myers FL in pristine condition.

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Can You Use Architectural Shingles For A Ridge Cap?
How To Transition From Shingle Roof To Metal Roof
Do You Need Roof Vents For Tile Roofs?