Category Archives: Roof Maintenance

Jan '20

Roof Flashing (Types + Techniques)

What is Roof Flashing?

Roof flashing is a thin material—typically galvanized steel—that professional roofers use to direct water away from the critical areas of the roof. It is typically wherever the roof plan meets a vertical surface, like a dormer or a wall.

Roof Flashing Types

Continuous
Base
Counter
Step
Skylight
Valley
Drip Edges
Kickout

The Basics of Roof Flashing Installation

The flashing is installed to surround the features of the roof, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. Water should then run down the side of the flashing and be directed to the shingles instead of finding a way into the roof deck.

The Purpose of Flashing

Without the roof flashing against those walls, water would slowly drip into the space between the roof and wall and even potentially into the home.

So, what do you do when you need roof flashing? Knowing the different types and the techniques to implement can be helpful.

Roof Flashing Types

There are numerous types of roof flashing to choose from. Check out some examples below:

Continuous Flashing. It is also known as “apron flashing” because it acts similarly to an apron. It is a long, single piece of metal used to carry the water down to the shingles below.
Base Flashing. Some roof features, like chimneys, require two pieces of flashing to ensure the rain always meets a flashing surface to direct it downward. Not only that, it is notoriously difficult to install flashing around a chimney.
Counter Flashing. Placed opposite the base flashing or above the base flashing. Counter flashing completes the team with the aforementioned base flashing.
Step Flashing. A rectangular piece of flashing bent 90 degrees in the middle, generally used for wall flashing. In this instance, multiple pieces of flashing will be installed as layers with the shingles to ensure the water flows away from the wall.
Skylight Flashing. Some skylight manufacturers include flashing with their products, but others require you to create or purchase it separately. Knowing which option you have beforehand is helpful.
Valley Flashing. Any open valleys on your roof have metal flashing in order to protect this area, which is a critical area of the roof.
Drip Edges. At the edge of the roof, there is a thin metal flashing that allows water to drip off the roof without damaging the home or causing a pesky leak that can cause further damage to the roof or home.
Kickout Flashing. Roofing contractors generally need something to bridge the gap between where the step flashing comes to an end and where the gutter begins. This kind of flashing is used to direct water away from the wall and down into the gutter.

Roof Flashing Materials

You also need to be aware of a few different roofing materials. In the past, these would have been lead or lead-coated materials. Now, professionals throughout North America have switched to one of three materials.

Aluminum Flashing

Aluminum is generally easy for roofers to form and quite lightweight. However, it has to be coated if it is going to be used with masonry and concrete since plain aluminum degrades and reacts when it makes contact with alkaline surfaces.

Copper Roof Flashing

Copper takes soldering well and is also malleable, highly durable, and tends to have a longer-lasting life. On the other hand, there is some discoloring in the patina, which can vary depending on the homeowner. Copper flashing is routinely found around chimneys.

Steel Flashing

Steel is the most popular choice for flashing. In addition to aesthetic value, it is also malleable and corrosion-resistant when galvanized.

Be aware of building codes that may require or disallow a specific material. Have your roofing contractor look into this so that you are covered.

Identifying Flashing Types

There are quite a few types of roof flashing, nearly as many as parts to the roof. Each roof feature requires protection, hence the many different types of roof flashing.

Longer pieces of continuous flashing have trouble flexing as the home contracts and expands during the changing of the seasons. If left alone, it could warp or break and fail to keep that water out. If using longer pieces, they should have built-in expansion joints so that they can move as the home does.

Another benefit to two-part flashing is that when the roofing materials expand and contract with the weather, those two pieces can move, so the system stays secure.

Roof Flashing Techniques

So, how do you properly install roof flashing? Here are a few helpful techniques.

Step Flashing

The best place for step flashing is where the roof face meets a wall, such as where the dormer projects out from the roof. In a spot like this, it is entirely possible that water could flow down the wall and past the shingles into the building below.

Plumbing Vent Boot Flashing

Simply put, vent flashing has a cylindrical piece of flashing that fits around the vent itself. These shingles are installed over the base or the boot. The height of the boot is meant to force water to run around the vent itself.

Counter Flashing

Counter-flashing is commonly used to flash chimneys and involves two flashing pieces. The first piece, the base flashing, is meant to sit around the base of the chimney. The second piece, the counter-flashing itself, finds itself embedded in the chimney’s masonry.

This piece sits over the base flashing, ensuring the water doesn’t slip in behind it. Professional contractors generally use counter-flashing for a litany of other purposes, but it typically involves a second piece of flashing set off from the first.

Before you can learn to install roof flashing, you need to understand the three primary techniques involved. Each one is different and can be suitable for different areas of the roof. There are also flashing types that tend to correspond with a specific technique.

Step flashing ensures that water is properly directed away from the wall and winds up in the gutter. It is called step flashing because it is installed in—you guessed it—steps. The flashing involves layers of shingles between them, so the water gets poured down each step and down the roof.

Nails vs. Sealent

Using a sealant is key when installing roof flashing. Roofing professionals, generally of the old-school variety, still use nails while flashing. While nails can work, the roofer must choose whether to nail to the roof plane or to the vertical wall itself.

Nails

If the contractor decides to nail both, the flashing could deform under the pressure of shifting wood or brick. If they decide to nail only to the roof plane or the vertical wall, the flashing can then stay in place while the other materials contract and expand as the weather changes.

Weather change can wreak the most havoc. If the wrong materials are used or installed improperly, constant expansion and contraction can lead to bent or warped materials, making them more brittle until they finally break.

Cement

Roofing cement is generally accepted as the most common type of roofing sealant because it is meant to create a waterproof seal. Roofing professionals can use a trowel to apply it evenly so that it adheres properly.

Protecting Your Roof

Ultimately, installing flashing and applying a proper sealant is meant to protect your roof and its trouble areas from water and other damaging elements.

Those hard-to-reach areas can be the first to go without proper flashing, so it is imperative for the life of your roof that you have a flash that will expand and contract with the elements and divert the water off the roof.

Amateur roofers, who may not have the necessary knowledge or experience, can miss those tough-to-reach areas. Hiring a licensed and reputable roofing contractor ensures that those trouble areas do not worsen.

If not handled properly, water could pool around vents or the chimney and damage areas of the roof, creating discoloration and even leaks. If left unchecked, those leaks could cause structural damage.

A proper roof flashing can do wonders for protecting your roof from water damage and unnecessary wear and tear to those trouble areas on your roof.

Dec '19

Can You Live in a House While The Roof is Replaced?

Roof replacements are a significant project that can disrupt the daily lives of homeowners. With this in mind, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. One of the first choices you must make is whether or not to stay home during the replacement.

Ultimately, it’s your choice whether or not to stay home during a roof replacement, but you are going to have to deal with a variety of disruptions that could impact your decision.

Key Takeaway

You can live in your house during roof replacement, but there are annoyances you will have to endure during the process. The most important thing is securing your pets and ensuring any outdoor furniture is out of harm’s way.

Table of Contents

Roof Replacement Can Be Inconvenient

Whatever the reason, there can come a time when you need to replace that roof and upgrade to something more effective and current than what you might have had. This doesn’t have to be a nightmare scenario if you choose the right roofing company, but it is still going to be inconvenient.

If you choose to leave your home during the process, you will have to make arrangements to stay at a hotel or with family or friends. If you choose to stay home, you will have to put up with various sounds and ensure that your pets are completely safe.

Regardless of whether or not you stay home during the replacement, the project itself is likely to disrupt your schedule, one way or another.

You Can Stay Home When Your Roof is Being Replaced

While it can be a sizeable inconvenience to your life, you can still live at home while your roof is being replaced. A roofing company worth their salt will take special care to ensure you are not inconvenienced during the replacement.

Roofers fully understand that you have things to do: raising the kids, household responsibilities, cleaning, taking care of the pets, and any other things that you might have to do.

Of course, you will want to know how long and when to wait for the roofing job to be completed, so you don’t plan any family gatherings or have friends over during the repairs, as that could cause inconveniences to the roofers.

FAQs About Staying Home During Roof Replacement

Are There Major Downsides to Staying Home During a Roof Replacement?

There are things that you will have to put up with, but as long as you follow a few safety guidelines, you should be able to do so without any major concerns or issues while replacing your roof.

How Loud is Roof Replacement?

The replacement process can be very loud, and depending on your noise tolerance, it might annoy you considerably. Take a listen for yourself:

Will Roofers Come Inside During a Replacement?

It depends on where you are in the replacement timeline. There will be periods when the roofer must access the indoors to inspect the attic. But this is done before the replacement.

How Long Does Roof Replacement Take?

With a quality roofing contractor, the job should take a few days to complete, and you can still live and work about your home as normal. However, in some cases, a replacement can take up to 14 days (2 weeks).

Most roof replacement projects conclude in just a few days, but larger homes may require more extensive projects that can last up to two full weeks or 14 days.

Other Considerations During Roof Replacement

Keep Your Pets Secured During Replacement

One of the more important things to keep in mind during this process is to keep your pets secured during the entirety of the roof replacement. Because there are many new and different things happening, they may not adjust well to these noises and new people in the area.

If possible or necessary, you might want to take the pets out of the home during the repairs that are being done and then bring them back later. You will be thankful that you did it for both the sake of your pets and your sanity.

This might be a good protocol to follow with your kids as well. Make sure that they are not playing around the house while the roofing is being done and that they know to only stay within designated areas so that they do not put themselves in harm’s way or disrupt the roofers at work.

Cleanup Your Outdoor Area

For those with outdoor furniture or any items of value that might be outside, make sure to remove those items before the crew arrives. The last thing that you want is to have something damaged during the process that could have been simply stored away.

Anything that can’t be moved should be properly covered and protected to ensure that it is not damaged in any way. It can also help to make the roofing company aware of these things, especially if they are larger items that can’t be moved out of the way easily.

Another thing to remember is that the replacement process can be fairly noisy. While this is easier to deal with within your home because you are aware of it, your neighbors might not appreciate it very much.

Give them the heads up that you have scheduled to have your roof replaced so that they can make proper accommodations for dealing with the noise during this time.

Coordinate With The Roofing Contractors

Ultimately, the roofing replacement process is more of a team effort than you might think. You need to work with the roofing company to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible and that everything is accommodated.

When this isn’t the case, it can make for a rough and uncomfortable experience.

A proper, professional roofing company will take any and all special care to coordinate with you and let you know what is happening each step of the way.

Safety is paramount in these situations, and if there is any major inconvenience that you may have to deal with, the roofing company will be sure to communicate that with you.

Since your roof is your home’s first line of defense, keeping it in the best condition possible is paramount. Keeping it in great condition is important for the investment that is your home and for increasing the equity of your home.

The right roofing replacement professionals will take the most care possible each step of the way and will communicate any issues along the way.

It might not be the ideal scenario, but having your roof replaced does not have to be a massive inconvenience.

It might be a few days of things being out of the norm, but you will be able to move forward with a brand new roof that will protect you and yours for a long time to come.

Final Thoughts

While staying home during roof replacement is certainly possible, there are measures you must take to ensure a safe and relatively tolerable experience.

Of course, you can avoid many of these headaches but staying with a friend or relative or at a hotel during the replacement process.

Still, the choice ultimately comes down to your preference, alternatives, and budget.

Dec '19

Roofing Tar vs. Silicone (Analysis & Comparison)

Roofing tar vs. Silicone. Which is superior? While most roofers and property owners are looking for a simple answer to this question, it requires a broader understanding of the specific roofing project that requires such materials.

In most cases, Silicone is a superior roof sealant to tar, though the difference is not as apparent as some might imagine.

Key Takeaway

Silicone is the superior roof sealant, but tar is nearly as effective. While you can’t go wrong with either solution, Silicone presents better aesthetic appeal and greater stain resistance.

Perhaps you are in the process of having your roof repaired or replaced. If so, you might have a few questions. One of these is, “What is the best roof sealant for leaks?”

It is important to have the right type of material since there are several different materials to choose from, such as slate, asphalt, Silicone, aluminum, clay tiles, and more.

Generally speaking, it comes down to tar asphalt or Silicone. These materials have distinct advantages, but knowing which is best for you takes a little research and a much more thorough look.

Below, Roofer’s Guild compares the two roofing materials closely.

Installation Process

Installing either roofing material can be relatively straightforward. You can install tar using a roller, but you have to ensure that the temperature is in the right range for it to stick to the roof effectively.

The last thing you want is for the tar to not adhere correctly, which could cause issues with peeling and potential water damage later on.

Ensure the temperature is correct, and the tar will stick to the roof easily.

The only downside to installing a tar roof is the fumes. When the sun hits the mixture, toxic fumes form that can leave you feeling dizzy and cause respiratory issues.

Always wear a mask when installing a tar roof to protect against the side effects. No one wants to get dizzy and fall off the roof while installing it.

The process is a little more time-consuming with silicone shingles but generally easy. There are no adverse side effects regarding fumes, making it a safer option for installation.

Ideally, you should have a roofing professional come out to repair or install your roof.

It can be dangerous to take on the job if you are not experienced, as those without experience often forego or forget the necessary safety procedures that should be taken during the process.

Tar roofing has the overall installation advantage simply because it can be rolled out relatively easily. Yes, toxic fumes are involved, but as long as you wear a mask, you should be okay during the process.

Solar Energy

Silicone shingles reflect UV rays away from your home or business, helping keep the structure cooler without increasing the energy you use through air conditioning or other cooling devices.

Until you see a sky-high utility bill, you won’t understand just how much money that can save you.

Tar, meanwhile, has similar properties. It protects the structure from harmful UV rays and helps keep the building cooler even when the temperature is hot.

This is crucial during the hotter summer months when energy bills can soar.

One of the most important aspects of a roof is appropriately handling UV rays. If it isn’t doing its job, your home could turn into an oven during the hotter months, resulting in excessive air conditioning usage and higher home energy costs.

Both deal with the same problem in very similar ways—keeping those UV rays at bay and reflecting solar energy to keep the building cooler—so either works fine for this specific concern.

Eco-Friendliness

When it comes to roofing tar, they are very effective at keeping your home or business cooler during those warmer months, up to twice as much as most traditional energy-star certified roofing materials.

The cooling means you can save substantially on your energy bills and see benefits from green organizations like NAHB, LEED, or others.

The one drawback here is that the fumes can be pretty dangerous, but the environmental effects aren’t as harmful.

If you do the installation yourself, be sure to wear a breathing mask to avoid those toxic fumes that could be dangerous to your health.

Silicone is also great for saving money on energy costs while offering protection against staining, dirt, and mildew. This gives it a distinct advantage: it will look newer over time than a tar roof.

The benefits are slight, but the advantage here goes to the silicone option. Both save you from expensive energy bills and are relatively easy to install, but Silicone protects against ugly staining, while tar roofing material has toxic qualities during installation.

Any time you can save yourself by working on your roof, cleaning, or making repairs, that is a victory for you and one you should take.

Aesthetic Appeal

With roofing tar, you are oftentimes limited to black or white. Some companies specialize in offering a variety of different colors, but don’t be surprised if the majority of roofing companies in your area stick with tradition.

Still, if you can find the color that best suits your design scheme, it can match perfectly. Tar provides a smooth, seamless aesthetic without grooves or breaks.

Silicone roofing materials routinely come in various colors and designs, allowing you to be as specific as you want about the color of your roof.

Also, as previously mentioned, Silicone is resistant to staining and dirt, which can cause unsightly spots to appear over time, making your roof look dirty and worn down.

Silicone has the advantage here because of its versatility, choice of color, and ability to protect from things that may stain your roof.
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While getting different colors of roofing tar is not impossible, it is not as common as selecting silicone roofing.

Durability & Longevity

Durability and longevity are critical factors because of the cost of replacing or installing a roof. Considering this, long-lasting roofing materials are imperative to avoid excessive spending.

Tar roofs are very durable because they remove the seams and cracks that we generally see in roofs and create a smooth surface.

A smooth surface is incredibly important when it comes to dealing with high winds or keeping snow/water buildup from forming on the roof.

The latter is essential. Most roofs experience some level of damage that can lead to leaks or water damage in other home areas. With a tar roof, you drastically limit the possibility of that happening.

As we all know, water damage is a real wild card that can wreak havoc on your home or business.

Silicone roofing material is also very durable. In addition to being resistant to the damage that sunlight and UV rays can cause, it also protects against rain, snow, and extreme temperature changes.

Weather resistance is a crucial factor, especially considering that most of us live in areas where the weather swings drastically depending on the time of the year.

If you don’t have a roof that can withstand a snowstorm, you could find yourself in a pile of trouble before long.

These two are about even when it comes to durability. Both are meant to stand up to extreme temperatures, high winds, rain, and snow. They protect against water accumulation and help prevent problematic leaks from occurring.

The only real difference here is that many silicone roofs come with a 50-year warranty, which should last you for life.

Having that kind of security and peace of mind can go a long way toward picking the right roofing material for your repair or replacement.

Final Call: Roofing Tar or Silicone?

Despite the slight advantage of silicone, you can’t go wrong with either material because of your individualized needs.

While silicone might have a better overall aesthetic value and be more resistant to staining and mildew, tar roofs are more than suitable for most scenarios.

The same goes for being energy efficient – both are great at cutting down on your overall utility bills – and their overall durability.

If you are having your roof repaired or replaced and don’t know which material might be best, consult a roofing professional.

You will be able to discuss your overall goals for the roofing projects, better understand your local climate, and be informed of any weather conditions that could affect your roof.

Sep '19

The Importance of Commercial Roof Washing & Cleaning

Commercial roof washing is one of the most essential investments in your building’s long-term safety.

Even durable commercial roofs benefit from regular cleaning and washing.

The following post explains why commercial roof cleaning matters and how it could impact your monthly expenses.

Remember, not all commercial roofing systems are healthy enough to receive a thorough washing.

If you suspect your structure has sustained serious structural damage, it might be time to talk with your local contractor about a commercial roof replacement before investing in a cleaning.

Key Takeaway

The cleaning process can extend your roof’s lifespan, enhance building appeal, and prevent minor damages that lead to repairs.

Commercial Roof Cleaning Explained

Roof cleaning is the process of removing debris, trash, algae, and other forms of growth from the surface of your roofing system.

Depending on the type of roof and material involved, a commercial roof cleaning may entail pressure washing or even chemical treatment.

Ultimately, the goal is to leave a clean, vibrant surface after the project.

While some retail products may temporarily relieve some of your commercial system’s many threats, a seasoned professional is more likely to provide the long-term results you desire.

Threats Against Your Roofing System

Years of exposure can leave any roofing system vulnerable to natural hazards. For metal roofing systems, rust slowly eats away at the metal panels, weakening the integrity of the affected areas. Plus, it just looks terrible!

Other roofing systems suffer from dirt, mold, and algae. Not only do these elements create an unsightly smear on your beautiful roof, but they can also speed up the process of long-term degradation.

If mold and algae get sucked into the building’s heating and cooling system, your employees could experience some unpleasant side effects.

Finally, removing all the debris also reduces the potential for ponding water, one of the most dangerous threats to flat roofing systems.

While rooftop debris may not be an immediate concern, it represents a significant threat to your roofing system in the long run.

Algae present a significant threat to discolor both Flat and sloped commercial roofs.

Key Benefits of Roof Washing

Renewed Efficiency

What image comes to mind when you think of TPO, PVC, metal roofing, and other cool roofing systems?

If a brilliant white or silver roof springs up, that’s certainly the right picture! Over time, dust, dirt, mold, and algae accumulate on the surface of your roofing system. This darkens the membrane or metal.

Darker surfaces naturally absorb more light, causing the rooftop to heat up and conduct heat toward the building interior.

That’s the typical process of heat gain that so many businesses (and air conditioning systems) struggle with daily.

By washing away the murky grime from the surface of your flat or sloped rooftop, commercial roof cleaning renews the reflectivity and restores efficiency.

Regular commercial roof washing keeps your metal roof reflective while preventing dirt accumulation.

Commercial Roof Cleaning Over Metal Panels

Over time, regular roof cleanings save you money on costly repairs.

A Cleaner, Healthier Environment

Sometimes, cleanliness is its own reward. In the case of many businesses, however, a moldy rooftop may actually violate local health codes and put the business in jeopardy!

No matter what industry you work in, protecting your building from the terrible smell of long-term mold growth makes sense.

Those particles can get drawn in through the building’s AC unit and start circulating inside the building.

Talk with your local roofing contractor if your community deals with regular algae or mold growth. You may require a special chemical cleaner to protect your rooftop.

A Close Look at Your Roof Surface

Dirt and other smudges tend to obscure more serious problems beneath.

A clean rooftop is much easier to inspect for surface-level degradation, such as…

Exposed and/or weakened seams
Puncture marks
Deep scarring
Brittle spots
Depressed areas

Identifying these problems early on could prevent all kinds of problems. Finding a weakened seam, for instance, could prevent hundreds of dollars in future water leaks.

Preventing a system-wide problem could even save you thousands of dollars and an early roof replacement!

Sometimes, a roof cleaning reveals underlying problems, saving you from expensive repairs or replacements.

Roof washing often reveals brittle spots and puncture marks.

Find Your Commercial Roof Cleaner

Commercial roof cleaning is a common requirement for businesses with upcoming repair or restoration projects.

For some, however, it’s simply a prudent investment to avoid the unpleasant effects of algae growth, mold smell, or diminished energy efficiency. Timely maintenance can make all the difference.

Finding a commercial roof washing service can be a challenge in some areas.

Make sure you evaluate the company’s reviews on Google My Business, Yelp, and other reputation platforms. Also, check out their website for examples of previous commercial roof cleanings.