Do You Know Why Your Roof’s Drip Edge Must Be Done Right?

Often improperly installed or simply forgotten altogether, a drip edge is a critical element of any roof.

This strip of metal that hides under the edge of the roofing is instrumental in its purpose, which is to keep water rolling off the roof from soaking the facia and underside of the roof’s edge.

To protect your roof, make sure the drip edge is installed correctly by roofers so it works as it should!

What Is the Correct Installation of A Drip Edge?

Though many drip edges get installed under the edge of the roof so they are attached directly to the fascia board, this installation is incorrect and could cause water to seep and wet the fascia.

A correctly installed drip edge done by qualified roofers is forward from the fascia, attached instead to a furring strip nailed to its top edge.

This little bit of distance between the fascia and the back of the drip edge is all that is needed to be certain that no water seeps behind the strip but drips off it instead, as it has been designed.

Positioned incorrectly on the roofing, there is a risk that the fascia could rot if it frequently gets wet.

Why Is A Correct Installation So Important?

When it’s been installed correctly by a knowledgeable roofer, the drip edge provides some important benefits in order to avoid costly damage to your roof:

  • Prevents Water Getting Under the Shingles - The primary purpose for a drip edge is to prevent water from rolling over the edge of the shingle on the roof and then underneath where it will be sucked up by the uncoated side of the shingle and the underlayment. Over time, this will cause the decking under the edge of the shingles to rot.
  • Prevents Damage to Fascia Boards - Correctly positioned, a drip edge properly installed by a roofer prevents water from seeping under the edge of the roofing material where it will reach the fascia and cause that unprotected wood to rot over time. The l-shaped design directs water rolling under the edge of the roof off the drip edge and into the gutter, keeping everything else dry.
  • Prevents Ice Damming - By preventing water from rolling under the roof edge and being drawn under the shingles, drip edges also prevent ice damming that can happen if ice forms over the edge of the wet shingles.
  • Strengthens the Edge of the Roof - Applied correctly to a furring strip right up under the underside of the shingles, drip guards add a little extra strength to that part of the roof so the shingles are less likely to be damaged by anything.
  • Prevents Rodents from Getting In - One common way that rodents get into roofing is through gaps in the fascia or by chewing holes in it. A drip edge keeps them from reaching the fascia and finding a way in.

Make Sure Drip Edges Are Done Right

Though they may not seem that important, drip edges are definitely a part of roofing that you won’t want to skimp on.

Make sure your roofer puts drip edges on when doing a new roof and if you don’t have them now, consider having someone add them.

Most of all, make sure the roofer adds a drip edge correctly so it will protect the edge of your roof in all the ways it should.

Though they look minor, drip edges play an important role as part of the whole system that makes up your roofing!

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How Do I Find A Qualified Roofer To Fix My Roof?

Finding a qualified local roofer can be a real challenge considering how many of them are out there.

To find one that will do a good job on a new roof or repairs, charge a fair price, and stand behind their work, start off by getting a few referrals from friends, family, or the internet.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential roofing candidates, inquire about all the following important details so you can compare and make the most informed decision.

1. References

Before getting too involved, ask any roof company to provide customer references that you can inquire with about their dealings with the company and get important feedback from them.

Past customers are usually happy to explain the experience they’ve had and any problems encountered to give you a good idea as to whether a roofer is reputable to work with.

Check the Better Business Bureau as well.

2. Qualifications and Insurance

Ask to see whether the roofer has any locally required licenses, training qualifications, and memberships in good standing in any local or national roofing associations.

Then ask for proof of business and workers compensation insurance to protect all persons and property during jobs.

3. Written Estimates

Every reputable roofer should be able to provide a detailed written estimate of any roof installation or repair work they might perform with all costs documented and explained so there are no fees hidden that could be a surprise later.

The estimate should also include any work that must be subcontracted out, any cleanup or disposal fees, and all other expenses that may come into effect during the job.

4. Explanation of Warranties Offered

There are multiple warranties offered with roofing work depending on what is being done, the materials used, how they are used, and the roofer performing the work.

Before agreeing to anything, it’s essential to inquire about which warranties are included in the job, who is responsible for each one, and what the specifications are to maintaining those warranties once the work has been performed.

Get the roofing company to tell you specifically what must be done to prevent manufacturer warranties from being voided, and what they plan to do to warranty their own work, as well.

5. Manufacturer Specifications on Materials

Many manufacturers of premium roof materials insist that the roofers installing them are trained to work with their material in order for the product warranty to be honored.

In that way, the manufacturer can ensure that the customer receives proper workmanship so that their product can perform as it should.

Find out if the roofer is certified by the manufacturer to install their products before signing an agreement.

6. Roofing Process

Whether looking for a whole new roof or just some repair work, talk about the process any roofer will use to and make sure you are agree with it.

Most importantly, be certain that the selected roofer will not take cost-saving shortcuts like not stripping off the old roof and that repairs are properly made, not just patched on the surface.

7. Ventilation

One of the most overlooked, yet critical components of every roof is proper ventilation, which starts in the attic.

If getting a new roof or addressing certain issues affecting the current one like shingle damage, dampness in the attic, improving energy efficiency, or other issues, talk to the roof company about ventilation and if they will ensure that your roof has enough before performing the work.

The longevity of your roofing depends on it.

Just Ask the Right Roofing Questions

Roofing work is costly, so it is important to find an experienced roofer who can provide the best work for your investment.

By asking the right questions, you can find a great roofer in your area to handle all your roofing needs!

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When To Consider Buying Impact Resistant Roofing Shingles!

Storms happen and when they bring hail with them, expensive hail damage roof repair can be the result.

If you live in an area where this kind of damage occurs frequently, one option to consider is impact resistant roofing.

Designed to withstand the impact of most hail, it could be a great investment if you have previously had to pay hail damage roofers to repair the roof on your home or building.

About Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingle Roofing

Impact resistant roofing shingles are great protection against hail damage that can result in extensive physical damage to many types of roofs and the resulting need for costly widespread hail damage roofing repairs.

The impact resistance of roofing products is rated to indicate the severity of the impact that can be withstood without damage.

It is determined using a steel ball test in which a 2” steel ball is dropped from a height of 20 feet onto various roofing materials, after which the amount of damage caused to the material is measured.

When dropped onto a concrete paver, the ball will break it in half and Class 4 is the highest impact rating, meaning it exhibits no or very little damage from the ball.

According to hail damage roofers, hail resistant roofing is rated with Class 4 impact resistance, the highest rating of any product and it should be able to withstand a strike from 2” hail without being damaged.

Standard shingles usually have an impact resistance rating of only 2 or 3, meaning they can only withstand impact from smaller hail.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing Impact Resistant Shingles?

The list of pros and cons associated with installing hail damage roofing like impact resistant shingles is fairly short, making it easy to decide whether it will be beneficial or not:

PRO

  • Withstands damage from hail up to 2” or more or comparable flying debris.
  • Protects structure against unseen damage that develops over time when shingles have been dented or cracked by hail.
  • Reduces the expense of hail damage roof repair, and may also lower insurance premiums and deductibles in areas where hail damage is common.

CON

  • Considered a premium roofing product, so the price is higher.
  • Not necessarily more wind-resistant than standard shingles - the rating applies only to impact resistance.

When and Where Are Impact Resistant Roofing Shingles Recommended?

Although anyone can install hail damage roofing like impact resistant shingles on their home or building, it is primarily cost-effective when the risk of impact damage is significant.

The more storms that occur in your area especially if there has been hail before, the more helpful that impact resistant roofing shingles can be.

More recently, it has been highly cost-effective in the central states of Texas, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Nebraska that routinely see 300+ hail storms each year, with Texas and Nebraska seeing approximately 500 hailstorms each storm season.

Prevent Hail Damage With Protective Impact Resistant Roofing Shingles

When it is large enough, hail can be one of the most destructive forces of nature, destroying roofs that will then need extensive hail damage roof repair.

The cost of hail damage roofing repair can be high, sometimes necessitating an entire roofing replacement.

For those in hail-prone regions, impact resistant roofing that does cost more than standard shingles does provide excellent protection against this damage, reducing the chance of needing hail damage roofers out to make necessary repairs.

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Making Roof Repair A Top Home Improvement Priority?

Owning a home is a big responsibility, especially if you want it to look great while also holding or improving its value.

An often neglected part of that responsibility is getting the roof services your home may need because roofs are easy to ignore until the problem is a big one.

A redone bathroom or kitchen might be a more preferable way to spend the home improvement money you saved; however, will any of that matter if your roof is falling apart?

Here are some important reasons why making roof repair a home improvement priority makes sense and will benefit you more than new appliances will in the long run.

1. Spend Less on Roofing Repair and Replacement

Roofs are like anything else: the better maintained they are, the fewer issues you’ll have and will maybe not need to call a roofer.

Pay a little to make a small repair now to avoid paying a lot for a major repair later.

Roofing materials don’t last forever; keep your roof in great condition to get a full life or longer out of it before you need a roof replacement.

2. Save Money On Cooling and Heating

The roof is one of the biggest home elements that can either conserve or waste energy spent to cool and heat your home.

When your roof is well maintained and attic well ventilated, you’ll have lower energy bills throughout the year.

Damaged roofs, poor attic ventilation, and old worn-out non-protective roofing materials invite the heat in during summer and release it during winter.

3. Improve Curb Appeal

A beautiful house only looks as good as two things: its front yard and roof.

If you're selling and great curb appeal for those who drive by to attract attention, a clean and obviously well-maintained roof is a huge part of that equation.

Old, damaged roofs stick out like a sore thumb, bringing down the appearance of the entire house no matter how perfect everything else may be.

4. Improve Home Value

Whether or not you’re interested in selling in the near future, always be concerned with the current value of your home.

As markets rise and fall, there is one home improvement that consistently increases the street value of any home and that’s having a newer roof.

Even if yours isn’t brand new, regular maintenance to keep it looking fresh and prevent problems that can prematurely age it offers a much better return than an updated kitchen or bathroom might because the roof is the most essential part of the whole structure that a new purchase won't consider having to replace - kitchens re-dos are often immediately dumped when the purchase is complete.

5. Get the Most from Homeowners Policies

Your homeowner’s policy will pay when your roof suffers certain covered damage that might not be covered by a warranty, like hail or wind damage.

What is disappointing is when an adjuster finds damage that was caused by lack of maintenance or failure to do timely roof repair, instead leaving that damage to worsen and become more extensive.

Rather than deal with the potential of having a roof repair claim denied and looking at having replace the roof yourself, just pay for appropriate roof care now so that actual new damage is covered.

Your Roof Is A Top Home Improvement Priority

The roof over your house is its most important and expensive component.

Though it’s easy to ignore this part of the house since it’s outside out of view and you want to put home improvement funds into something more immediately appreciable, don’t do it at the expense of your roof.

Do regular maintenance and if you necessary, call a roof company to take care of repairs while they’re small concerns, not huge issues.

No roof, no house - it’s a pretty simple concept.

Need Some Roof Services?

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How To Tell If Your Roof Leak Is Serious!

Roof leaks are sneaky; small leaks can be deceiving, leading you to believe there is some time before you need to call a roofing service to get them out to take care of it.

While that may be true sometimes, there’s a higher possibility it’s more serious than you realize.

Even seemingly small leaks could reveal a problem much worse than you’d expect, one that ends up needing extensive roof repairs or even a roofing replacement.

Rather than ending up in that type of situation, inspect any leak you find a little closer before assuming there is plenty of time to get it fixed.

If you notice any of these signs, that leak is potentially serious and has likely been there longer than you think!

1. Water Stains or Spots

The top sign that you have a leak that requires the attention of a roofer and it’s been there for a while is the evidence of water stains on the inside of your attic or water spotting on the exterior of your house.

Stains on beams, flooring, and even the contents of your attic suggest an ongoing, sneaky leak that has evaded you for a while.

Spotting on the exterior of the house underneath the eaves is another indication of leaking that’s been happening for a while.

You might be surprised at the extent of the damage uncovered by a roofing contractor if the leak has been present for quite a while.

2. Damage Inside the House

Another big sign that you need to call a roofing company in a hurry is if interior damage appears like

  • Buckling and peeling paint or wallpaper.
  • Sagging or stained ceiling.
  • Moisture or stains on the walls.
  • Attic insulation that’s disintegrating.
  • Other moisture-related damage.

all of which are a prime indicator that you’ve had a leak for some time.

This kind of damage does not happen overnight and should be remedied as soon as possible before it gets worse.

3. Mold, Mildew, and Other Growth

The presence of moisture in your home in spite of a fully-functioning HVAC system is another big indicator of a leak that’s been there for a while.

Unhealthy mold in attic corners or in the insulation as well as mildew on the roofing structure or other surfaces means there’s either water coming in from somewhere or you have a serious attic ventilation problem, both of which need to be repaired by a roofer.

If you see mold, algae, or moss growing on your roof or the exterior walls of your home, this is another sign that there is a moisture problem that needs correcting.

Untended, exterior moisture issues can lead to more leaking that can cause extensive damage both inside and outside the house.

4. Structural Damage to Roof or Foundation

A sagging roof or one that has shifted in any way is another issue that points to leaks that have been there for a while, long enough to allow the structural framework of the roof to soften and change due to rot and other water damage.

Sometimes the first indicator that your roof is causing the problem might be hairline cracks in the foundation if the roof has shifted or become too heavy from water absorption in places that you have no idea are getting wet.

5. Intermittent Leaks In Colder Weather

There’s nothing more annoying than an intermittent leak, especially if the leak is noticeable when the weather is above freezing but seems to go away when it’s below freezing.

This could mean that your shingles are suffering from a destructive condition called ice damming, which could lead to needing to have a new roofing installed.

Ice damming occurs when water gets under the shingles for whatever reason and then freezes, expanding in that small space and further lifting shingles so they leak even more.

If the problem isn’t noticed right away, it could result in widespread damage under the shingles and a very expensive repair.

Even the Little Leaks Can Be Serious

It’s easy to get fooled into thinking that a little bit of water in the attic, a small stain, or an intermittent leak is just a minor roofing problem that can be repaired later rather than sooner.

What you might not know is that the leak is bigger or has been there much longer than you realize, in which case there’s likely a lot more damage than you realize.

Look for these signs above that your leak is more serious than you think, then prevent more extensive damage by calling a roofer at the first notice of any leak at all!

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Low Slope Roofing – 7 Commonly Faced Problems!

roofing in Conroe Texas

 

Low slope roofs are those with less than 14 degrees of angle as measured from the high point to the low side. They are most commonly used on commercial buildings but may be used on some homes as well. When properly installed and maintained by experienced roofing companies, low slope roofs can be just as functional as any other.

The reduced angle does make them more susceptible to a number of roofing problems. It is important that building owners work with experienced contractors who can perform a correct installation and monitor for these issues as time passes.

  1. Leaking - Any roof can leak; however, low slope and flat roofs are more likely to develop leaks than pitched ones. This is due to the lack of angle that allows water to sit longer on the surface. Sharper, steeper angles promote water shedding, while lower, flatter angles allow rainwater to stay longer. If there are any small surface cracks or imperfections as well as any improperly installed flashing, chances are good that a leak could develop.
  2. Tenting and Blow-Offs - It is also common for low slope roofing to experience tenting. This is when the wind blows under the surface, pushes it up, and parts of the surface can actually be blown off by air getting under it. This happens due to improper installation and sealing of the flashing. If there is a way for the wind to get in and under the surface, it will.
  3. Blistering - Blistering and other forms of surface erosion are a result of improper application of the membrane material. When the material is not properly adhered to the decking, air and moisture trapped underneath can blister up after prolonged exposure to the sun. Smaller blisters are not a major concern; however, larger ones need repairs by experienced roofing companies to prevent them from bursting and causing leaks as well as other, more significant damage.
  4. Punctures and Penetrations - Punctures can happen in high traffic areas on any low slope installation simply by walking on the roofing for any reason. Any penetrations made post-installation, like replacing or adding a new HVAC, can increase the chance of leaks at those penetration points.
  5. Water Ponding - Although low slope roofs do have a slight angle to promote water shedding, ponding can occur if there are uneven spots in the surface. These areas are then more susceptible to leaking, especially if other problems affecting the integrity of the membrane exist.
  6. Membrane Shrinkage - Membrane systems are also prone to shrinkage around the edges and penetrations as well as installed flashing. When the membrane shrinks around flashing, it invites problems like leaks and blow-offs. Roofing companies should check for evidence of shrinkage regularly and make repairs as needed.  
  7. Poor Workmanship and Repairs - Low slope surfaces can experience quite a few issues that lead to leaks and other problems simply due to poor workmanship. BUR and membrane roofs require careful attention to details for them to remain properly adhered and functional. When contractors do not pay attention to correct installation practices, problems can arise. In addition, repairs made incorrectly or the use of the wrong materials can cause or increase damage to the surface.

While low slope roofing may seem simple, it is predisposed to a number of problems that could result in considerable damage over time. To ensure the best installation of any low slope membrane roof, it is important to hire roofing companies experienced with these types of systems!

Need Low Slope Roofing in Conroe Texas?

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