Category: Roofing

How Missing Roof Tiles Lead to Serious Leaks

Tiles protect the roofs’ waterproofing barrier, the underlayment, from the elements, like the sun (an especially harsh element in Phoenix) and underlayment exposed directly to the sun’s harmful UV rays will quickly deteriorate. Deteriorated underlayment from a cracked and tile on your roof. Once it’s deteriorated, there’s nothing stopping water from getting into your home and causing serious damage!

Common Reasons Tiles Fall Off Your Roof

Shoddy Installation

How tile is attached to your roof depends on the slope of the roof, the manufacturer of the tile and the type of tile installed. It could be that when your tile roof was installed, it wasn’t installed as it should have been. If your home or tile roof is new (less than 10 years old), this is the most likely cause.

What to do: If your roof is still under warranty, contact the builder, installer or roofing manufacturer. They should be able to make it right.

If you’re outside of the warranty period, contact a trusted roofer to fix the missing tiles and make sure there aren’t any other problems with your roof. (Most new homes come with a 2-year warranty).

Walking on Your Roof

When you walk on a tile roof, you can crack the tiles and/or cause them to work loose from the nails that hold them to the roof. If you have a clay tile roof, you should never walk on it! Clay tiles crack easily. Concrete tile is more forgiving, but you still need to be careful.

What to do: Replace the missing tiles on your roof and avoid walking on the roof more in the future.

Extreme Weather

Most Arizona tile roofs aren’t built to withstand extreme weather; we just don’t get that much of it. So when it does happen, the extreme wind can catch a tile and blow it off the roof. Tiles on the ridge and eaves of the roof are especially susceptible to wind.

What to do: Contact a professional roofer to assess the damage of the roof. Even though it might just look like a few missing tiles, there could be more damage than you can see.

 

Does My Tile Roof Need to Be Replaced?

Are you noticing that there are more than a few problems with your roof? If you have leaks in several places, terrible air circulation in your attic, and are noticing some cracked, damaged, or even missing tiles in multiple locations, you’re probably facing one of the toughest questions that a homeowner will ever have to face: is it time to completely replace my roof or can I simply repair it and keep it going a little while longer.

Let’s face it: replacing your roof is a huge expense, and it’s not one that most people look forward to having to take on. A new roof costs thousands of dollars, and that’s a lot of money that many people don’t exactly have sitting around. So, logically, you want to get the most you can out of the roof that’s over your head already before having to fully replace it. But how do you know when it’s the right time to actually make the jump and get a full replacement? To help you make that determination, here are a few questions you can answer about your roof and what they say about whether you should consider replacing or repairing it.

Roof Age

The first and most important question as to whether you should repair or replace is how old the roof over your head is. If your roof is still within its normal average service life, then you can probably get away with repairing it, especially if the issues aren’t seriously jeopardizing your roof’s integrity. Generally, your roof’s average service life depends on the type of material it’s constructed from—clay or concrete tiles can usually last 20 to 30+ years, and potentially even longer as long as they’re well-maintained and small problems aren’t allowed to sit and grow.

Visible Condition

A brief inspection of your roof can tell you whether or not you should consider replacing or repairing your roof. First, take a quick look from the outside, which you can usually do from the curb right in front of your home. Do you see any tiles which are cracked, badly damaged, or even missing? These are signs of a serious weakness in your roof that could be jeopardizing the materials underneath. If this kind of damage is in several spots, then you probably need to replace your roof, especially if these spots have been exposed for several months and seen rainfall.

Future Plans

There’s one last thing to consider when deciding whether or not you wish to replace your roof: are you selling your home anytime soon? Potential homebuyers will be extremely concerned about the condition of your roof, and nothing kills a deal or drives away interested buyers quicker than finding out the roof over a home needs significant work or replacement. Even if the home is priced extremely low and positioned to sell, you’ll find it really difficult to sell your home if the roof is in bad shape.

 

Roof Tile Installation and Repair

Installation and repair of tile roofs is best left to professional roofers with local experience working with tile. Under normal circumstances, tile roofs are virtually maintenance free. However, the ultimate longevity of a tile roof depends on the quality of all elements of the roofing system. For example, many leaks are caused not by tile failure but by damaged or inferior underlayment or flashing. If this occurs, qualified tile roofers can remove the roof tiles, address the cause of the problem, and then replace the tiles intact.

Walking on a tile roof can damage tiles, if not done properly. Even though tile is one of the most durable roofing products available and hardens with age, walking carelessly on it can cause breakage.

 

Benefits of Tile Roofing

Tile roofing is one of the oldest roofing methods in existence. With proper maintenance, tile roofs can last over 50 years, in addition to these incredible benefits:

• Tile is weather-resistant
• Tile will withstand high winds
• Tile resist hail strikes
• Tile is pest-resistant
• Tile has the highest fire protection rating possible
• Tile helps reduce energy costs
• Tile requires minimal maintenance
• Tile is environmentally friendly
• Tile has many style and color options

 

Common Tile Roof Repairs

Slipping: Delaminating / Sliding

Tile roofs with a #30lb felt paper base and a #90lb hot asphalt installed underlayment system is installed and the tiles adhered using mortar add extra weight to the system. During our hot months, the roof temperature rises above 160 degrees and softens up the asphalt adhesive. With extra tile weight and without enough fasteners to hold the tiles to the deck, the roof system could slide, especially on high-pitched roofs. There is no way to repair this issue – it is a sign that replacement is near.

Backwater Laps

When installing a roof system it is important to always start at the lowest point and proceed upward toward the roof’s peak. This ensures each layer of materials overlaps the previous. Even on flat roofs, this principle is important. As water travels, whether on a pitched or flat roof, if two seams are lapped in backward a backwater lap occurs. This can “cup” water and force in under the layers, causing leaks.

Off Ridge Vents not Angled

Vents are installed on the roof to allow for attic airflow. These vents should not be longer than four feet in length and should be installed at an angle. As water flows down the roof it often is blocked behind the vent creating a small area of water ponding. Ponding water is water sitting on any asphalt roofing material longer than 48 hours without run-off or evaporation. As the water sits it magnifies the sun’s rays and works on breaking down the sealant and underlayment used to seal the vent to the roof. The correct way to fix this issue is to install a new vent.

Flashing Seams Separating

Flashing seams must be overlapped correctly and an adequate amount of sealant placed in between the overlap area to ensure proper waterproofing at the ell flashing transition area. Here, Ell flashing seams were separating and in need of additional sealant. The correct way to repair this area is to replace the flashing with new. That is the only way to ensure the flashing detail area will not leak.

Tile Roof Cemented

Tile used to be installed using a single patty of mortar cement placed on the roof and the tile embedded therein. Although installation techniques required each tile to be submerged in water prior to installation, this was rarely ever followed. Each tile was set in place and left to dry. Over time and movement, the tile breaks loose from the mortar and does not re-adhere. The temporary solution is to lift each tile and spray roof tile adhesive under it to create a new bond. However, this is labor-intensive. If not repaired, the roof tiles may easily dislodge and become airborne during a high wind event.

Tips for Finding the Best Roofing Company

You want the best when it comes to every aspect of your home. Why should your roof be any different? Your roof makes up a large part of the home’s visible exterior and protects your family from the elements. To get the best roof, you need to find the best roofing company.

Ask Friends

Your local friends and family are an excellent source for references. Find out if anyone you know has recently had their roof repaired or replaced, and find out what they thought about the work they had done

Look for a Locally Established Company

Make sure any company you choose will be around to honor warranties or perform repairs by choosing local. Some larger companies will set up in areas temporarily and pack up after just a few years

Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone

Going with the lowest bid can be tempting. No one wants to spend more money on a project than they have to. High-quality materials, experienced installers, and insurance cost money, and any company whose estimate is too low is probably cutting corners somewhere

How Well Do They Communicate?

Find a roofing company that will be responsive to your needs and requests. If getting the company to respond to phone calls or emails is like pulling teeth, it may be time to look elsewhere

 

tips to prepare for a home roof replacement

Getting a brand new roof can be an exciting experience. Kids and pets may watch in awe as they observe roofers ripping, tearing, hauling, and nailing – they may even want to sneak as close as possible to the action. That, of course is extremely dangerous. Once the roofing company arrives, your house is a work zone. Work zones, as you can imagine, pose unexpected hazards.

Think about kids and pets

Loud noises coming from the home may increase anxiety or disturb sleep habits. While it may be exciting to watch from a safe distance, work zones are extremely unsafe for children and pets

Relocate your vehicles.

Contractors need quick access to their tools and trucks throughout the day. They need a place to load shingles and debris. You’ll want to keep your vehicles a safe distance from this area until work is completed.

Remove wall decorations

The vibrations from hammers and machinery on your roof may travel through some walls of your home, especially if repairs to the existing deck are needed

Cover belongings in the attic

During a roof replacement, numerous installers will be walking on your roof, pounding it with hammers. Dust or small debris will fall in attic spaces during a new roof installation

 

tips for choosing the best roofing contractor

Go local

Choose a roofing company local to your area, so if you need any further assistance down the line, they’re on hand to help. Avoid giving work to roofers that come cold calling at your door, as they may just be passing through, and may vanish once the work is done.

Choose specialists

Look for roofing contractors that specialise in the type of work you require. If you’re a business, choose an experienced commercial roofer. If you seek a tiled roof, find a contractor specialising in tiled roofs. If you demand specific work, such as a heritage roof or repairing of leaks, find out what credentials the roofing company has in these areas before making your decision

Testimonials

Many good roofing contractors get lots of their work through word of mouth, so ask around and choose a company that comes with rave reviews and solid testimonials. Ask to see examples of work and roofing projects already undertaken. Find out what accreditations the roofing company has. These are all examples that demonstrate high quality standards

Quality of service

A quality roofer will provide you with a free consultation and quote, so you should never be charged for these. A good roofing company will also talk through all the different options with you for your roof, without putting you under any pressure to make a decision. Importantly, if the roofer turns up on time, answers and returns your calls, and does what they say they’re going to do, this is a positive indication of reliability and trustworthiness

Don’t be swayed by price

Inevitably, you’ll want good value for money from a roofing company, but a cheap quote alone shouldn’t be the determining factor. The important thing is the quality of workmanship and materials used, because a cheap job done badly using shoddy materials will prove a false economy in the long run

 

Steps to Hiring the Right Roofer

Roofing ranks among the largest and most expensive projects a homeowner can undertake, so take the time to be certain you find a roofing contractor you trust to put a roof over your head

Whereas other home upgrades are purely elective, roof repairs aren’t a choice; they’re essential. Besides being critically important to personal comfort, structural integrity, and the resale value of your home, roofing ranks among the largest and most expensive projects a homeowner can undertake. The significant costs involved motivate some ambitious do-it-yourselfers to do the work on their own. But for the majority of us, a roofing job means hiring a professional. So if you’re at an early stage of the process, take control by finding a qualified contractor with a solid reputation. Hire well, and you can expect the roofer not only to get the job done on time and on budget, but also to offer valuable insight on the best materials for your house style and the climate where you live. So rather than flip open the yellow pages and settle on the first company listed

Get a referral

One tried-and-true method of finding a reliable contractor is to query your friends and neighbors. Within the past few years, has anyone in your life had work done on his roof? Make a list of names, reach out to each person, and ask two questions: Was he happy with the job done and would he work with that contractor again? Testimonials provide the most accurate picture of what your experience might be with a given company, and you can count on personal contacts to give you honest feedback. Outside of your circle, you can also get leads from lumber yards and hardware stores

Do your research

If you’ve identified at least three qualified roofers, you can get started investigating each one. Start by verifying the businesses’ contact information. Next, confirm that each one is licensed and insured. Consult your chamber of commerce and the Better Business Bureau to be certain there are no red flags to be aware of. Then finally look for reports on contractor review sites, such as Angie’s List.

Meet face-to-face them

Having narrowed the field, invite the prospective contractors to visit your home and scope out the job. You’ll want to discuss roofing materials and the extent of work to be done, but don’t forget to ask about the time and manpower needed for completion. Observe the contractor: He should be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and professional in demeanor. Certainly, you’re dealing with an authority on materials and methods, but don’t be deterred from participating in the decision-making process! Ask a lot of questions and before he leaves, remember to get a list of references (then remember to check them)

 

How to Roof a House

Can you roof a house yourself?

Make no bones about it—roofing is hard work. There’s no hiding from the elements. You can’t be afraid of heights and you need to be pretty fit. Before committing to this how to roof a house project, try this: Get out a ladder and climb up onto your roof. If you can’t walk around on it comfortably, hire a pro. If you passed this first test, go to the lumberyard or home center and throw a bundle of shingles onto your shoulder. Imagine yourself carrying that load up a ladder…many, many times.

If you’re still feeling positive about this how to roof a house at this point, why not give it a shot? You can skip a lot of heavy lifting by having your roofing supplier hoist the shingles onto the roof. Be sure you spread the load evenly across the length of the roof’s peak. However, don’t have the shingles delivered to the roof if you have two layers of old shingles yet to tear off—it could be too much weight for your trusses.

Windblown heavy rain and/or snow can force water up and under even properly installed shingles. Even worse are ice dams (frozen water/snow that builds up on roof edges), which can wreak havoc by allowing water to seep up under lower shingles and then drip into your house. To guard against such seepage, apply self-adhesive waterproof underlayment (“ice barrier”), which adheres tightly to bare roof sheathing and seals around nails driven through it. Buy it at roofing supply companies or home centers. In severe climate regions, most building codes require applying it 3 to 6 ft. up from the eave (minimum of 2 ft. past the exterior wall). Call your building inspector for local details.

Tear off the old shingles

It’s impossible to properly install new flashing and underlayment if you don’t tear off the old roof beforehand. When tearing off the existing shingles, be sure to remove all the old nails or pound them flat. Protruding nails will tear holes in your new shingles. If you have movable items near your house and you’re worried they might get damaged, relocate them. Invest in a few large tarps to protect your plants and landscaping and to catch the thousands of nails that will rain down off the roof. It can be downright impossible to remove old self-stick ice-and-water underlayment, but it’s OK if you have to leave it in place. And if at all possible, have the rented trash bin parked close to the house so you can toss in the old shingles right from the roof. For more information, see How to Tear Off Roof Shingles.

Install the drip edge

Metal drip edge isn’t usually required (check with a local building official), but it gives roof edges a nice finished look, prevents shingles from curling over the edge, and keeps water from running directly down your fascia boards

The Hottest Trends in Exterior Colors

Sky Blue

Airy and bright, this gorgeous pastel goes best with shingle colors that pick up on the blues, from light to dark grey and dark blue. Neutrals such as black, white and beige can also be used.

Earth Tones Combo

Owners of two-story homes are mixing it up by using two different but complementary colors of siding for each story. Choose a shingle color that goes well with whatever color siding is being used directly under the roof.

Bright Yellow

Sunny and vibrant, this strong shade of yellow will look best when paired with black, charcoal or dark brown shingles. If you dare, opt for a dark blue or green.

Opal

There’s an ephemeral quality to this greenish grey hue that’s further enhanced by choosing lighter-colored shingles, such as light grey, beige or perhaps a dark green or grey for contrast.

Smoky Red

This is a color that commands attention, so consider complementing it with black, green or dark brown shingles.

 

Tips for Choosing Asphalt Shingles

What Can Your Roofer Do?

Here’s the truth – most major shingle brands are comparable. They all have their drawbacks and benefits, but one major brand is not head and shoulders above the rest. Rather than reviewing brands, ask your local roofer what they’re certified to install. Choosing a certified roofer to install your shingle will give the best overall product.

HOA

If you’re in an HOA double-check on what type of roof materials you can install. Your HOA might have a pre-approved list which can drastically shorten your shingle search.

Brand

Like any other products shingle brands range in quality. Talk to your local roofer about different brands of shingles, what they like to install, and why. Many shingle brands are comparable but there are differences.

Warranty

There are several different shingle warranties, but you must choose a shingle with the right warranty for your house. Look into upgraded warranties for more confidence in your roof’s lifespan. Warranties have lots of fine print so take your time when researching them.

Depth

The thicker the shingle is the more depth it provides. Triple-laminate asphalt shingles are among the thickest which means they create the most depth and shadows. Depth is necessary for regal style homes.

 

How to Choose the Best Shingles for Your Roof

Make an Informed Decision when Selecting New Shingles for Your Roof

You should now have what you need to choose your shingles, estimate their material and installation costs, and start planning a whole new look for your home. A trained, professional roofing contractor can help you put this plan into action.

Keep the right tools on hand for your upcoming roofing project. A roll off roofing dumpster, combined with our expertise in the roofing industry, can help you get rid of old shingles quickly and easily.

Durable Roofing Materials

When you want your roof to stand the test of time, consider materials valued for their resilience.

Stone and Slate Tiles

The classic and timeless look of flat stone shingles can bring a sense of elegance and strength to any home. They have the added bonuses of durability and fire resistance. The downside is that slate shingles tend to be pricey and heavy. They also usually require specialist installation to be fitted properly. In addition to material costs, it may be difficult to find a qualified installation company depending on your location. Careful upkeep is important for slate roofs, including routine gutter cleaning and replacement of any damaged tiles.

Stylish and Contemporary Roof Shingle Types

If you want to make a statement, there are several options for roof shingles that’ll catch the eye.

Metal Roof Panels

Shingles made of metal are a smart consideration if you live in a fire-prone area. Plus, these materials are built to last, surpassing wood and asphalt in terms of lifespan. Metal can also be cut in a flat, panel form or in smaller, shingle-like shapes. On the other hand, you’ll likely need to pay extra for this especially durable material.

Cost-Efficient Shingle Materials

If keeping the budget for your new roof low is your main concern, there are cost-effective options to help you realize your vision without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that local market factors can impact how much you’ll pay for different roofing materials.

 

Tips for Choosing the Best Shingles For Your Roof

Understand the Warranty

Whether you’re on the verge of selling your home or commercial property or not, a warranty can be your best friend. Without the right roof warranty, you won’t have the liability protection you need.

Too many home and owners believe they are getting an iron-clad warranty with their shingles. Unfortunately, they don’t understand until it’s too late that there are a variety of warranty types for their shingles.

Combining Products for the Best Shingles

Homeowners spend more than $327 billion a year on home renovations repairs. While these numbers continue to climb they don’t always get the best value for their investment.

With roof repairs replacement, it’s just as important to combine the best shingles with the best installation. Unless installation is done properly you may void a warranty.

Consider Color

When replacing their roof or performing repairs many home owners are already set on a color scheme. They aren’t aware that changing the color of their shingles can alter the aesthetic qualities of their building dramatically.

You need to study your building as well as the surrounding elements. Warm tones are perfect for helping your home with a more classic casual feel.

Code Restrictions

Before settling on any specific type of roof you need to take into account code restrictions. This is another reason it’s wise to employ a trusted local provider.

Consider Overall Value

Asphalt shingles are often used because they are less expensive. But they won’t necessarily offer the same boost to the curb appeal of your home in every .

 

How to Choose the Perfect Shingles for Your Roof

Choose the Right Type of Shingle

One of the first things you’ll have to decide is what type of shingles you want for your roof. Herb Lodde & Sons installs laminate roofing as well as cedar shakes and shingles.

If you prefer an asphalt-based shingle, it’s important to understand the differences between 3-tab and laminate shingles, two of the most popular kinds available for residential homeowners.

Select the Style of Shingle and Features That Will Be Best

Factors to take into account include:

Appearance: How much dimension do you want your shingles to have? Architectural shingles are designed to provide a shadow effect that gives your roof an ultra-dimensional look.

Find the Ideal Colour

After you know the type and style of shingle you want, it’s time to choose the colour. It sounds simple at the start, but don’t be surprised if this is the hardest part of the process:

Think about Your Home’s Aesthetics: While one type of shingle might work on a Tudor-style home, you might find that it clashes with other fashions (like Ranch or Colonial).