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Summer’s end is near! Of course, we’re looking forward to cooler weather. As we finish enjoying our fun in the sun, it’s time to think about getting a seasonal roof inspection. But why is an end of summer roof inspection so important? There are a number of reasons we want to think about roof maintenance, not the least of which is that temperatures will start dropping soon, and rainfall will increase.
But there’s more to consider. Keep reading for some of the key reasons why you should consider performing a roof inspection at the end of every summer.
Summers in the South can be brutal. The intense sun and heat can not only be harmful to your skin but also to your roof. Yes, your roof might be designed to withstand high temperatures, but there is only so much that normal roofing can take. With time, the shingles can even degrade, buckle, or crack. For this reason, you should always perform a roof inspection at the end of the summer season.
Why is an end of summer roof inspection so important? This reason may surprise you.
During summer, the night tends to be a bit humid. Therefore, your roof can be susceptible to algae, mold, and moss growth. Notably, this tends to happen on roofs that lack proper drainage. When water pools on your roof, it can end up soaking into your roofing materials. What’s more, if your house is under a tree, your roof might not dry out quickly. For that reason, you need to make sure water is draining properly from your roof.
Summers can also bring intense thunderstorms as hot and cool air clash in the atmosphere. The strong winds can pose devastating effects to property. After every storm, it is recommended that you perform a thorough inspection of your roof. Wind can damage your roof by blowing debris. And rainwater can worm its way beneath old, cracked, or lifted shingles.
Make sure to perform repairs as needed to avoid having to replace your roof. The main goal is to extend the life of your roof. This will serve to protect your home or business, save money on repairs, and save worry.
Based on the above reasons, without a doubt, performing an end of summer roof inspection is essential. Get ready for Autumn’s rainy weather now. You won’t regret it.
For professional assistance with roof inspections, repairs, or replacement, call Chattanooga Roofing today at (423) 308-ROOF.
A rotting roof can cause major structural issues. For that reason alone, roof rot can be a detriment to your family’s safety. But even aside from structural problems, rotten roof boards may introduce the risk of mold, water damage, and rodent infestation. But what are the signs of a rotting roof? After all, you need to know what to look for. Your roof requires proper maintenance and care for it to last long and function well. However, roof wear and tear is inevitable. And even the most well-cared-for roofs wear out at the end of their lifespan.
So, if left unattended, rot damage will cost you a bundle. How do you spot the signs of a rotting roof?
Your shingles may force themselves apart if your roof has moss and mold, forming a gap which lets water into the attic. From there, it’ll quickly move to your walls and ceilings. So, how do you spot it? During inspections, you will see algae and green moss growing on your shingles. Even a small amount can be harmful. It usually starts where water is allowed to stand—like leaf dams in the valleys and the edges of the roof if gutters are allowed to overflow.
Regularly inspect your roof to check for any signs of:
Extensive damage may make full roof replacement necessary.
Damaged shingles do not mean the whole roof is going bad. That gives you a bit of time to spot any decayed shingles. However, you should inspect your roof each season to make sure you don’t miss any damage. Look out for curling, cracking, blistering, splitting, peeling, and chipping. Replace any of the affected shingles as soon as you spot any of these signs.
An uneven or sunken roof deck is one of the biggest signs of a rotting roof. You should have your roofer inspect the situation as soon as you spot these signs. In addition, when you’re in the attic, you may also see that parts of the roof deck are bowed in. This condition calls for urgent action. That’s because it can allow water to collect, making the situation worse. In extreme cases, the roof may even cave in. Ideally, you’ll spot other smaller signs of damage before your roof gets to this point.
Sand-like granules “glued” onto asphalt shingles are your roof’s first line of defense. If you find yourself cleaning many of them out of your gutters, that means your roof is aging. The protective layer of the roof wears off due to long term usage, exposure to moisture, and atmospheric changes. For that reason, watch for bare spots. Shingles without granules covering them are more vulnerable to to the elements. In addition, keep your roof clear of tree debris.
Flashing helps to protect your roof by keeping water away from seams in areas where water runoff is high. However, sealant deterioration due to oxidation or adverse weather conditions may damage your flashing. Loose flashing invites water to leak through to your ceiling and walls.
Does your roof feature any of these signs of a rotting roof? In that case, give Chattanooga Roofing a call. We’ll come out and give your roof a free inspection. For best results and longer roof lifespan, always hire a professional roofer for repairs or replacement. Simply call (423) 799-2173 today and we’ll help you out.
Asphalt shingles have been the most popular roofing material since they were invented. There are 3 main types of asphalt roofing shingles to choose from. They’re the first option for most homeowners. That’s because of their attractive design, affordability, versatility, reliability, and durability. To get value for your investment, you need to choose high-quality asphalt roof shingles. Then, have them professionally installed by a knowledgeable and skilled roofer.
Can’t make up your mind about which type of asphalt roofing shingles to buy?
This type of asphalt roofing shingles is made from highly durable fiberglass granules coated on a base mat. They’re colorful, affordable, and reliable. As the lower-end model, 3-tab asphalt shingles are lightweight and designed for cost-effective production. What’s more, they offer an accessible, weatherproof solution with professional installation. Planning to replace your roof on a budget? In that case, 3-tab asphalt shingles may be the right choice.
Dimensional Asphalt shingles are the most popular asphalt shingles in the market. These multi-layered shingles have a reputation for their impressive durability and versatility. For that reason, most homeowners will never have second thoughts about their choice. Many brands come with a 30-year warranty (ask your roofer to make sure). Nevertheless, how long they last depends on which shingles you choose. In addition, installation method plays a part. They can be quite beautiful thanks to their wide range of colors.
As expected, good things come at a price. Therefore, it’s worth knowing that you will pay 20% more than 3-tab shingles to have dimensional shingles on your roof. The good news is simple: dimensional shingles are worth every dime you spend on them.
Luxury shingles are without a doubt the highest-quality laminated asphalt shingles on the market. They are designed to withstand all kinds of harsh weather thanks to their heavyweight and functionality. In addition, they’re easily available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and dimensions depending on your needs. Their stunning beauty, versatility, reliability, and durability make them ideal for homeowners who have no problem spending top dollar for the best roofing shingles.
Roofing is one of the best ways to set your home apart. The type of roofing you invest in says a lot about your personality and priorities. For that reason, make sure to choose the right asphalt roofing shingles for your home. And leave the installation to professionals. For a free estimate, call Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 799-ROOF today or schedule your estimate online.
Leaks occurring in a roof are a big problem and they can be costly if left alone. Finding the exact location where the leaks are coming from can be tricky. In fact, you may need to play detective or hire a professional to spot them. That being said, here are 5 common places where your roof can leak.
The area where two roofing planes intersect is referred to as a valley. Roofers may use metal flashing, rolled roofing, or lace the roof shingles together. If the shingles aren’t trimmed correctly, the valleys can present a big problem, often causing leaks.
In older roofs, leaks can occur beneath the wide surfaces of the roof. When you walk on the roof, you may cause cracks. To help spot damage, look for missing granules or nails that have backed themselves out of the roofing shingles.
The flashing around chimneys can be a prime location for roof leaks. The counter-flashing going into the joints of the brick mortar needs to be just right. If a hairline crack forms above the flashing, it can let in water that runs behind the flashing. A roofer should look at the soldered corners to see if they’re broken or have developed holes.
On a roof that stops at a vertical wall, a strip of metal flashing is installed to help direct the water that streams down the wall. Roofers insert the flashing behind wood siding or within the front part of a brick wall. When fitting the flashing, it needs to extend over the roof shingles about three inches. For a masonry or brick wall, the flashing should bend and extend about an inch into the mortar joint.
Like plumbing vent flashing, poorly installed or deteriorated B-vent or furnace flashing can lead to leaks. Your B-vent has a metal storm collar fitting tightly around a vertical pipe exiting the roof. When the storm collar is loose, the resulting space can allow water to leak into your attic.
These are some common places where your roof can leak. If you feel uncomfortable on your roof, or if you want to lean on a professional’s experience, call us! Consider hiring a qualified roofer to check your roof, identify the source of the leaks, and repair them.
Sometimes, a roof replacement may be required to address the leaks. If that’s the case, you’ll be glad you called a licensed, trained roofer in Chattanooga Roofing Company. We’ll give you all the information you need to decide whether to repair or replace – and then take care of the work quickly to restore your confidence that your home is a secure structure. Call us for your free estimate today.
The roof is one of the most prominent parts of your home. As such, it requires special attention during home maintenance. The roof not only protects your property but also plays an important role in its overall appearance. However, due to its exposure to the elements, a roof wears out with time. And you need to make a decision whether to repair or replace it. But how do you know? Should you repair or replace your roof?
Of course, the easiest option would be to repair the worn out or damaged parts. But there are times when replacement is the better choice. Let’s look at how to decide.
Obviously, repair is preferable to replacement, if a full replacement isn’t called for. Here’s when to repair.
Cracked shingles need replacement to get the roof back into optimal, weatherproof shape.
You should replace missing shingles to prevent further deterioration of the roof and to improve its appearance.
If you have bending or curling shingles, you should call a licensed roofer immediately to replace these areas. These minor repairs are often needed after a storm or extreme weather.
At the point where the roof edge meets a sidewall, you need a kick-out flashing to prevent roof runoff from flowing down the wall (and possibly into the wall). Minor repairs should sort out the issue of the missing kick-out flashing to improve the roof’s performance.
It is important to repair an aging, clogged, or damaged gutter to protect your home.
If you think any of these situations may be severe enough to require replacement, don’t hesitate to call a licensed roofer for a professional assessment.
Some situations call for roof replacement for the optimal performance of this crucial part of your home. Keep reading!
If algae growth spreads across the roof, you’ll need to replace the shingles.
A decayed roof can’t protect your home. Not only that, but it’s an eyesore and leads to further structural damage. Replace it as soon as possible.
With age, the roof shingles’ performance deteriorates, making replacement necessary. Your home can benefit from modern roofing systems which are better-looking and more energy efficient. Replacement of an aging roof also saves you the cost of more frequent repairs.
So should you repair or replace your roof? This guide should help you make that decision. As always, for any roofing replacement or repair, call in a licensed roofing contractor. You’ll get the best work to protect your home. For a free estimate, call Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 799-ROOF today or schedule your estimate online.
Spring is in the air and people are beginning to open their windows and enjoy the longer and warmer days. And you know what that means – it’s time for spring roof maintenance tips! Spring roof maintenance helps responsible homeowners keep their roofs in pristine condition. But over the winter, many of us forget what to do, and when to do it. When the time comes, simply go over this list and you’ll know what to do.
Keep reading for 4 tips that will help with your spring roof maintenance.
According to experts, you should have a roof inspection done twice a year. Don’t just assume that if there are no leaks, there’s no damage. Weather damage can be sneaky. Inspect the roof once in the fall and once in the spring. As a homeowner, you’ll want to focus on your roof’s gutters, shingles, and flashing. If you notice a lot of wear, it’s important to call Chattanooga Roofing Company before more damage can be done.
Make sure the gutters are clean and aren’t obstructed or clogged with buildup. If they overflow, you will probably end up with water damage at the top of your wall.
It’s important that tree limbs don’t touch your roof. If they do, they can scrape the shingles – thus reducing the effective lifespan of your roof. When it comes to leaves, be sure to take them off the roof if there are enough to hold moisture. This will attract mildew, causing continual damage to the gutters and roof.
Spring also brings out the furry four-legged creatures … who like to make nests. This can be bad because pests can damage your roof by chewing and digging. These pests can also be violent when protecting their young, so remove them before they breed.
Now you know some spring roof maintenance tips that will help you become better prepared. If you find damage, don’t wait! Call Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 308-ROOF or schedule your free estimate online today.
The cold days of winter are slowly starting to fade into the warmth of Spring. Your roof has seen all the types of weather, from snow to strong winds and cold rain. There are several things to keep in mind when it comes time to inspect your roof and do end of winter roof repair. You want to keep you and your family safe from the outside elements. And, of course, the best way to do that is to ensure your roof has not been damaged. Here’s how to be sure all is ready for the warm months ahead.
Shingles that are missing, curling, or buckled should be repaired. This is a sign they have wear and need to be replaced so leaks don’t start. Shingles in bad condition won’t likely make it through the hot sun of summer.
If your gutter is damaged, have it repaired. A leaky, damaged gutter can create a way for water to get into your outside walls. Repairing that kind of damage can be incredibly costly.
Inspecting all the flashing at the edges of your roof and around your chimney is important. These metal strips help to to seal off junctions and keep water from seeping under the shingles. If there is any damage or missing pieces, leaks will occur.
The attic is another important area to check several times a year. Check before, during, and after winter to ensure there are not any leaks. In addition, check your interior walls and ceiling for dark spots or other signs of a leak. Don’t wait to address these problems if you see signs.
Now that you know why end of winter roof repair is important, there is no reason to wait! If you need dependable roofing professionals, look no further than Chattanooga Roofing Company. Call us at 423-308-ROOF today.
The question “Is a Metal Roof Better in Winter?” often comes up because of roof repair issues in cold weather. As we’ve written before, installing a shingle roof in winter can be risky. However, you can install a metal roof year-round with no risk to materials. Read on to discover 5 reasons why a metal roof is better in the winter.
Some may not think of metal roofs as being the best option. Most of the time that’s because of price. But, they have many benefits which, as you’ll read, can lead to saved money and a warm home.
The indoor air temperature below the metal roof stays an average of 20° warmer than the air beneath an asphalt shingle roof. This is a great form of insulation during the chilly winter months.
The winter months can be a hard time to install roofing. But, roofers can install metal roofing without material problems in the wintery temperatures. It doesn’t break, crack, or bend. Another positive of this type of roofing is that it sheds water and therefore hinders snow buildup in cold temperatures.
A metal roof can add 1 to 6 percent to a home’s resale value. It can be more expensive to install this type of roof in the beginning. But, the homeowner can recover up 95.5 percent of their costs on their metal roof in the end.
Metal roofs can last up to 50 years, which is far better than asphalt shingle roofing. When it comes to pests such as termites and other insects, a metal roof is perfect for deterring them. It is also resistant to very strong winds!
Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs don’t have to be replaced every 15-20 years. This is very environmentally friendly. They are 100 percent recyclable and are also made from 25 percent recycled materials themselves. Many of those who want to have solar panels and other energy-saving features go the metal roofing route given its eco-friendly status.
Now you know why a metal roof is better in winter. There’s no reason to wait! Call Chattanooga Roofing at (423) 308-ROOF or schedule your free roof replacement estimate online today.
When you have to replace your roof in winter, it’s never an ideal time. In fact, you’ll face more risks than during other seasons. However, if it just won’t wait – because of issues such as leaking or damage – you can protect yourself by taking several factors into account. Now that the holiday season is upon us, scheduling roofers to match your busy schedule will be just one of those factors.
Let’s take a look at 4 risks you’ll face when getting a new roof in the winter. And, how you can lessen the risk to your home.
The word “risk” doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, we face risk all the time. We simply have to learn to calculate the value of the return. In your case, the return is a dry, safe home. Worth the risk? You bet – especially if you have a leak right now. Here are 4 risks (and solutions) when you replace your roof in winter.
When the temperatures start dipping, it can be hard to find good help to make those needed repairs. Ice and snow on the roof can make for hazardous conditions. In addition, the comfort of the crew is on the line. Those working on your roof in cold temperatures are often carrying extra weight due to winter gear. We all know that weather below freezing is miserable.
Avoid this risk by: waiting until the temperature rises above 20° F.
When you replace your roof in winter it can pose a problem for the tools being used. The reason is that the crew uses several types of tools, such as nail guns and compressors. A compressor can be negatively affected by freezing temperatures. Cold can cause water (from the humidity of compressed air) to freeze in the airlines. That freezing will create issues with the airflow.
Avoid this risk by: allowing more time for installation so the workers can hand-drive any nails that haven’t been driven properly due to restricted airflow.
The best time to replace your roof in the winter is not when it’s extremely cold. Asphalt shingles will have to be hand-sealed if the temperature is below 40° F.
Avoid this risk by: confirming that the roofing crew will be hand-sealing the shingles.
It can take longer to replace your roof in the winter. That’s because roofers have to deal with not only bad weather, but also the days you are available. Many homeowners will clear their schedule for urgent roofing repairs. However, because of the holiday season, it can be a challenge to find the right time that works for both parties.
Avoid this risk by: clearing your schedule and telling your roofing contractor that you’re available anytime. You’ll get the problem taken care of faster.
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The risks of roofing in the winter can be challenging. But, if you need to replace your roof in winter and it can’t wait, here’s the best way to make it a success. Call the licensed, professional roofers at Chattanooga Roofing Company at 423-308-ROOF or contact us online.
Almost everyone knows why your roof needs to be ready for winter. It’s because the cool temperatures of Fall quickly turn into the chilly days of winter. But, as the days grow colder, the risk to your home and roof also grows. People tend to react against winter weather for many reasons. Your home is no different.
Keep reading for 5 reasons to keep your roof in good repair for the winter months.
Wind damage happens when a strong storm blows through. And, many times, wind is accompanied by icy rain or snow. Old and loose shingles can be blown off in winter storms. This opens the roof up to even more damage when storms come – unless repaired quickly and professionally.
Water damage can be a huge problem if you experience heavy rain. Water accumulates under the shingles. This accumulation could cause water issues in your home, as well as mold and electrical problems.
Condensation can occur when warm air meets a cold surface in the winter. Attics can easily fall victim to this. That’s because, many times, they are not insulated properly. If condensation develops, it can lead to problems such as mildew and mold. For that reason, a properly ventilated attic is essential. Otherwise, you can damage your roof and may have to replace it well before it was due.
Flashing leaks begin when the flashings (the metal strips that go along your roof edges, chimney, etc.) become loosened. They are put there to help keep moisture out. But, winter weather and age make flashings susceptible to leaks. Head the problem off at the pass by checking your flashings every so often. Your roof needs to be ready for winter. However, you also need to stay safe. You can! Simply hire a licensed roofer to come inspect your roof.
We all enjoy the shade tall trees cast in the summer – and the beautiful leaves they provide in the fall. But these trees can also have dead limbs. For that reason, they can be a danger in winter when branches often stay wet (and heavy). When a tree branch falls on a roof, if can cause extensive damage.
In addition, overhanging limbs can scape shingles, and limbs too close can encourage small animals to run onto your roof. This is also an issue – the critters will try to make their way into your home during cold weather. Your roof needs to be ready for winter – so make your trees ready for winter.
Now that you know what you need to do, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! Or, if you feel unsafe on your roof, give Chattanooga Roofing Company a call at (423) 308-ROOF or contact us online. Our experienced team can inspect your roof for you. Your roof needs to be ready for winter. And we can help.