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Roofing projects need time, energy and resources. Without proper planning, a roofing project can seriously take a toll on your time and your bank account. Unfortunately, many homeowners make some very common mistakes that need to be avoided at all costs. Remember, a rushed installation of a roof can lead to a faulty installation. A faulty installation could require frequent roofing repairs and might shorten the age of your roof. To avoid the common mistakes homeowners make with their roofing project, here are some important things that you shouldn’t do! #1: Shopping for roofing material without consultation It’s a very common practice where homeowners go out shopping for their own roofing materials. Maybe they saw a great design on an adjacent neighborhood or maybe the new metal roofing attracts them. More often these decisions are made without proper research and not knowing what the roofing material will be like for your own individual home can lead to a lot of problems in the future. Hire a qualified roofing contractor to purchase the material of your roof that is catered to your house structure, climate and other considerations. If you really want to go shopping for the materials yourself, you could ask to accompany the roofer or ask for consultation from an expert before going on your own. #2: Going DIY Surprisingly not only do people like to shop for their own roofing materials but some of them embark on entire roofing project on their own. That’s a pretty big mistake because roofing projects aren’t like your average home renovation or redesigning ones. They need proper manpower, materials and an extensive knowledge. Never strip your old rooftop yourself or try to get a new one installed DIY. Always hire a professional Albany roofing company to do the job for you! #3: Going the cheaper way When you’re investing in your roof, you’re investing long-term. Buying cheap roofing material or hiring unprofessional roofers just to save some cash can actually cost you a lot more in the long run. If you don’t have the budget for a new roofing project to be done perfectly then you should just wait until you can properly invest in it. Check out yesterday's post here.
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When you hear about roof ventilation, you probably assume it is the mechanism that allows heat from the inside of your house escape through an exhaust system in your attic. That is true but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Ventilation in your roof is a lot more than just expelling hot air from your house to the outside.
In the summers, the exhausts function to remove hot air from the attic while in the winter season, the exhaust functions to keep the moisture out of your home. Ventilation is, however, a two-way system that includes both the exit of warm, moist air and the entry of cool, dry air. If you don’t have both of these systems installed in your roofing ventilation, you might be putting your roof at risk as well as the overall environment of your home at risk. Signs of improper roof ventilation installation A poorly installed roof ventilation system can produce some key signs and symptoms. Keeping a watchful eye for them is important to take swift action. A ventilation system that is poorly installed will show signs of an abnormally hot attic or the upper story of your house. The temperature might even be higher than the surrounding temperature. This sign is observed during the hot summer season. In the winter season, you might notice water leaking from the tips of nails on the wall as well frost forming on random places in the attic or the upper story of your house. Unexplained mold growth is also a red flag that something might be wrong with the ventilation of your house. Exhaust and Intake Vents Along with the exhaust vents, there is another important intake vent that needs to be installed to let in cool, dry air into your home. These intake vents can be constructed near a shaded area like the overhangs and soffit. This will let an adequate circulation of air occur inside and outside your house. To make sure your vent is properly installed, contact a professional roofing company in Albany! Call Ultimate Roofing today! See yesterday's post here. Flashing is an integral part of any roof. It acts as a glue to hold your roof in shape; without it, your roof structure might crumble. A properly installed flashing in a roof is the first thing you need to make sure when you’re getting a new roof installed or replaced. Hire a professional roofing company to make sure your flashing is intact.
Flashing: The Definition In roofing terminology, flashing is the seal that glues the shingles of your roof and areas such as the chimney, skylights and vents together. This seal is a protection against elements like wind and water. Without the flashing, there will be large areas of water penetrations, gaps and joints in your roof which will make it incomplete. Flashing needs to be installed at every joint, edge, valley, gaps and other asymmetrical areas of your roof. What will happen if Flashing is Improperly Installed? Since flashing acts as a protective seal or glue, improperly installed flashing can seriously make your roof deteriorate and age quickly. You might need frequent roof repairs and notice several cracks at the roof joints and edges. Flashing that is improperly installed can also lead to other more common problems such as leaks and lack of moisture control. Water from storms and rain could leak inside the broken or stripped off flashing and encourage the formation of mold and mildew on the walls of your house. Mold is a potential health hazard for people who suffer from respiratory problems and it requires a costly inspection of its own. Get your Flashing Properly Installed! Now that you know how essential it is to have your roof flashing properly installed, you need to take steps to make sure that happens when you’re getting your new roof installed. Contact and hire a reputable Albany roofing contractor for your flashing needs to prevent damage to your roof. Getting flashing installed the first time correctly will save you from a lot of frequent roof repairs and an early roof replacement project. See Friday's post here... The term living roof is sometimes used synonymously with a ‘green roof’. This kind of roof, as the name implies, is a platform for vegetation and plants to grow and nourish. The rooftop makes an ideal place for plants to grow because of the optimum environmental conditions and a direct access to sunlight. Many homeowners argue whether a living roof would actually bring them any benefit. Managing and installing a green roof requires energy and resources and a lot of constant maintenance. So if you can’t put in the hours for maintaining your garden on the roof, a living roof might actually be more of a disadvantage for you. Why Choose a Living Roof? If you do have the time and resources to have a living roof installed, then it’s a great way to increase the beauty of your house in the most unique of ways. A living roof also brings countless health benefits like circulating cleaner air and providing actual herbs and vegetation for you naturally. The initial cost of a living roof might be high but it is a more economical option in the long run. Plants absorb heat energy and can help to provide a natural insulation for your house. This could conserve a great percentage of energy for you and you could see a marked drop in your utility bills. Green roofs are also help the environment since they are made up of recycling products and nothing commercial has to end up in landfills after a repair or renovation project. The plants also soak in any rainwater and prevent water damage or leaks. Living roofs are also fire-resistant and can protect your house from fire damage or an electrical discharge. All of these amazing benefits increase the value of green roofs which is why they are trending majorly in the roofing industry. Consult with your Albany roofing contractor in the Spring about the design and vegetation you plan to grow on your living garden. There are endless options for how living roofs can be installed and made so take your time, plan it out and don’t forget to ask an expert for advice! See yesterday's post here... Your chimney is an undeniably important part of the roof that makes an important connection between the interior and exterior of your house. Taking care of the chimney is not always easy and most homeowners tend to completely ignore it until a major problem such as poor ventilation or a pest infestation occurs.
If you want to take care of chimney the right way, here are some important tips you should follow: Purchase Roof-Cleaning Products Believe it or not, you can actually clean your vertical, impossible-to-reach chimney. You might not be able to clean it all the way through but there are some great products out there that make your chimney more functional and cleaner. One such product is the crown coating that helps to waterproof your chimney structure. The crown coating will help to keep the moisture and water away from the chimney. Another chimney cleaning product is the rain cap that can be used to keep rainwater away from the chimney so the ventilation is not affected. Rain caps are often used for metal chimneys. Another interesting product for the chimney is the aerolator. The aerolator doesn’t really maintain or clean the chimney but it helps to make the chimney a lot more functional. Instead of lighting the fireplace manually, the aerolator helps to ignite your fireplace using the air from your surroundings. This can save you a lot of money and produce less heat energy and pollution. Extermination of a Pest Infestation If you suspect that your chimney might be home to birds, cats or pests then you need to call a professional wildlife agency or an exterminator for your problem. Birds and cats are protected by the agency while insects and other unwanted critters are professionally exterminated. Pest infestation in your chimney can be unhygienic and can cause a full blown infestation inside your house as well. Call a Roofing Contractor Consult and hire an Albany roofing company like Ultimate Roofing to inspect and help clean your chimney. Roofing contractors are experts at dealing with chimney problems so asking for their professional help is the best option to maintain the health of your chimney. See yesterday's post here. Have you ever noticed your roof getting stained or discolored randomly and out of nowhere? Roof stains are a common roof problem that not only look bad but they can be problematic for your health as well. These stains are often caused by fungi, algae and moss growing unchecked on your rooftop. If you don’t remove the stains fast, they will continue to spread and could become permanent.
Removing roof stains can be done in a DIY way by the homeowner or, more preferably, by a professional roofing contractor. DIY Roof Stain Removal Method If you are attempting to remove the stains on your roof yourself, make sure you have taken the precautionary measures. Climbing on your rooftop can be dangerous and can injure you if you’re not careful enough. That applies most on larger, steeper roof tops. DIY roof stain removal can also damage the exterior of your house especially your lawn furniture and any vegetation you have growing in your garden. Make sure to remove the furniture out of the way and keep the plants covered to prevent any unforeseen damage to them. You should also make sure that the drains and gutters on your roof are all unclogged so that anything you spray and the water you use on your roof is appropriately washed off. DIY roof staining can be done using your garden hose and an environmentally-friendly, non-toxic cleaning product. Chlorine is a popular option used by professionals but we really don’t recommend using chlorine yourself if you’re not an expert in handling it. Chlorine is acidic and can sting or burn the skin. Head over to a nearby hardware store and purchase a safe cleaning product for your DIY roof stain removal project. Professional Roof Stain Removal Method Hire a licensed roofing contractor to get rid of those stubborn roof stains. This might be your best option and could even be more economical in the long run. DIY projects might damage your roof and call for expensive roof repairs. Calling a professional to clean the roof stains could therefore be a more cost-effective option. As a roofing company doing business professionally in Albany for many years, Ultimate Roofing uses chlorine, low-pressure and high-pressure washing techniques to remove the stains once and for all. See yesterday's post here. A roof collapse is something you might have only seen on TV but it can happen to anyone, anytime. Without proper roof maintenance or timely roof replacement, your roof could bend and break. The ultimate consequence would be the roof collapse and crushing the structure beneath it. Roof collapse is a fatal catastrophe that no one ever wants to suffer from in their lifetime.
If you want to make sure your roof doesn’t collapse, you need to identify some important warning signs and take prompt action if such an incidence is anticipated. Generally, flat roofs are more liable to damage and might bend under weight and excessive pressure. Snowcapped roof tops or roofs that have accumulated a lot of debris are also more likely to collapse. It is the excess weight on your roof and the inability of your roofing material to bear it that can lead to your roof collapsing. Signs to watch out for A roof collapse is a sudden event but it doesn’t happen without some warning signs. If you notice any of the following signs on your roof, it’s time you take prompt action. · Frequent, heavy leaks · Bent drainage pipes · Obvious sagging of the shingles and the ceiling of the highest floor of your house · Cracks in the ceiling and on the roof · Bent and deformed supports of the roof · Broken flashing Taking Action Once you have identified the red flags of your roof collapsing, you can’t afford to hold it off any longer. Before ringing your roofing contractor, you need to make sure your roof is out of harm’s way. Clear the debris and remove the snow or ice that might have gathered on the top. Unclog gutters immediately and try to seal any apparent cracks with rubber or adhesive glue. Once you’re sure that your roof is out of harm’s way, hire a professional roofing contractor in Albany to inspect your roof and get it repaired. There’s a good chance you might even have to get your roof replaced. See yesterday's post here. Metal roofs are known for their durability and sturdiness. Their long lifespan and resistance to leaks, breaking and other shingle-related problems are also major features that make metal roofing an attractive option in the roofing market. Moreover, roofs made up of metal need a lot less maintenance and virtually no frequent repairing that can be pretty economical in the long run.
But just because these roofs are made up of metal, does not mean that they are completely damage-free. Metal can corrode and rust and the metal sheets can get damaged by heavy impact. One such damage inflicted is by hail. Explaining Hail Hail is a pretty uncommon weather condition and is mostly accompanied by heavy rainfall. It is a form of precipitation in which raindrops freeze into tiny ice crystals and then fall down like rain. These crystals, although mesmerizing, can actually be injurious to both you and your roof top. Metal roof can also be damaged by these ice crystals in a hail shower. Hail Damage on Metal Roofs The damage done by hail on your metal roof might not always be completely obvious or visible. You might have to wait until the sky clears to get a good picture of the damage that might have been done. Normally metal roofs don’t break after a heavy hailstorm. However, hail damage can manifest in the form of indentation in the drainage pipes and chimney caps. The gutters are most commonly affected after a heavy hail shower. This could cause drainage problems and encourage roofing leaks. If your gutters or sidings have been affected by the hail, there’s a good chance that the metal surface has had its share of insult as well. If this damage is overlooked, the metal sheets could start rusting sooner than you thought they would. Hail damage to your roof might call for a proper roof inspection and roofing repairs by a professional roofing company like Ultimate Roofing. See Friday's post here. The busiest time for roof replacement projects is in the spring or the early summers when the temperature outside is adequately warm enough for a quick and safe roof installation. Some homeowners, however, have their roof projects scheduled in the later months of the year like in the winter. While there aren’t any set rules against not having your roof installed in the winter season, there are some precautionary measures and guidelines that you should follow. Roof Installations in the Cold: Cons Cold weather in many parts of the world brings with it a storm of snow and ice. This snow and ice can gather on the roof and make it slippery. This could potentially make installing the new roof installation a difficult and hazardous project for the roof company. In fact, there could be days when the roof might be too slippery to work on and your project might have to be put on hold. Another common problem that roof installation in the cold has is that because of the low temperatures, self-sealing under the sun can become nearly impossible. The sunlight and its warmth are required to properly seal the roof self-sealing strips on your roof. Without adequate warmth from the sun, you might have to reconsider the technique used to seal. Important Measures to Take in the Cold If you absolutely must embark on your roofing project in the winter season, then make sure your schedule for it is cleared. Roofing projects in the cold weather can be prolonged with many breaks in between depending upon the storm or snow conditions. If you need to rush or want the project complete as soon as possible, maybe it’s best to leave it for the warmer days. To properly seal your roof in the winter season, you’ll have to use adhesives or hand-tabbing. Simple self-sealing might not suffice and to properly have your roof installed, you need to make sure the seals are intact. Consult and hire a good roofing contractor to properly have your roof installed in any weather. Check out yesterday's post here...Proper Roof Inspection when Buying a New House If you’re thinking of buying and moving into a new home, there are a couple of things you need to double check before you sign the deal with the landlord. Amongst the list includes the condition of the roof. A poorly maintained, old roof could break your bank very soon and you might be knee deep into roof repairing and renovation projects a few months after you move in.
Many prospective buyers seem to ignore the rooftop because it’s not very obvious as the living room in the house is. Nevertheless, a thorough roof inspection by a certified roofing company is essential to make sure you don’t have to invest in roofing projects just after your move in. Here are a couple of things you need to be watchful of during your roof inspection: An Overlook Grab a ladder and get on top the roof (with the permission of the homeowner or the real estate agent of course!). A close overview of the roof can give you a good idea of the general condition of the roof. Check for any missing or broken shingles, obvious cracks, bulges, holes and molds or fungus growing on the roof. Any major deformities or problems with the roof are a red flag that you should be looking for a house elsewhere. Age of the Roof Don’t hesitate in asking the age of the roof from the homeowner. The age of the roof can give you a good idea of how many more years it will last. Normally roofs can last up to 20-30 years depending on the individual shingle material. Once the age has reached, there’s no other option but to get a roof replacement. Leaks and Drainage Leaks are a frequent problem with roof. A leaky roof can damage the interior of your house so checking for leaks and a proper drainage system is important. You may ask to run a hose on top of the roof to check if any water dribbles inside. Cracks in the ceiling of the house or mold on the walls are also telltale signs of a roof leakage problem. Proper Ventilation Good ventilation is one of the main functions a roof should have. If the roof does not allow adequate air or sunlight to enter the house, then you might have a ventilation problem. Check out yesterday's post...Key Considerations When Changing Your Roof Roof installation and replacement projects are pretty extensive and can’t be done without a proper plan in mind. If you’re thinking of getting your old roof stripped and replaced, you might want to consider some important things before deciding what your new roof will be like.
Your Location If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, rains and storms, then you need to consider getting a roof that is sturdy and durable. Purchase higher grade roofing materials if you live in these areas. If, for example, you live near the sea or ocean then the salt water could affect the quality of your roofing material especially if you’re thinking of metal roofing. Metal and salt don’t mix and you might want to consider other roofing options. Your Budget How much money you intend to invest in your roofing project plays a major role in the kind of roof you’re going to get. The most economical option in residential roofing is an architectural shingle roof. This type of roof is a major upgrade from the normal 3-tab asphalt shingle roof and can withstand winds at a greater pressure. Metal, fiberglass and other alternative options may be heavy on your pocket so if you don’t have the budget for it, it’s best to stick with the architectural style. Steepness of the Roof When you’re getting a new roof installed, you want to think about the pros and cons of flat or sloped roof. Slope in your roof generally work better in areas where there is a lot of snow and ice so the snow can roll off by gravity and not accumulate on top. Flat roofs provide more space and are versatile. Your Stay If you live in a rented house, you might not be staying there for a long time. Therefore, it’s silly to invest too much on a roof that you won’t even have around 5 years later. If, however, you intend to stay for a long time or if it’s your own home then you should consider investing in the best quality, most sturdy materials that would need a replacement after a long time and only occasional roofing repairs. Consult with your local Albany roofing contractor for the best options available in the market right now and for your home’s individual needs to make your roofing project a success. Check out our winter weather preparation tips from yesterday. As we are watching the temperatures plummet over the last week or two, everybody is thinking about what is coming next. Snow, ice and extreme cold weather. As people start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas that are coming soon, home preparations for the winter are usually very low on the list if at all.
We have been blessed to work in the roofing industry for decades now and know that this is the best time of year to make preparations to inspect your roof and share it is ready for the months ahead. Here are our recommendations to ensure that your roof is prepared for the winter weather that is imminently coming our way: 1) If you have identified any leaks, be sure to fix them right away. Even the smallest leaks can turn into real problems if left unattended. The last thing you want is any riding insulation or mold to gain access to your home at any time of year. You might be concerned about the cost of this but there’s always the chance that you can make some simple flashing or shingle replacements yourself by visiting a home-improvement store and getting your own supplies. 2) inspect all of your events, and flashing for leaves. Look for water spots on your ceilings or walls as this would be a good way to tell if you have a legal issue. If you have missing shingles or any events that are loose, these are potential problem areas & need to be addressed quickly. 3) as a precautionary measure, be sure to clean out your gutters and your downspouts. If these are clogged, they are potential disasters that you need to address now. You want to make sure that any rain or any other weather can safely drain away from your foundation. The last thing you want is water to build up around your foundation and then the weather turns extremely cold and it turns to ice which has potential to crack your foundation. 4) for ultimate peace of mind and security for the upcoming winter weather, you might want to consider having a professional reference action completed by a certified roofing company in Albany. Ultimate Roofing is a full-service roofing contractor serving Albany and the surrounding Capital Region. We would be honored to do a full roof inspection for you at no charge to give you a sense of the condition of your roof and any preparations you might consider making. Check out yesterday's post here that talks about getting the right pricing from a roofing contractor. When you want to get the roof of your home repaired, you can approach professional companies that specialize in handling such works. To begin with, you can call them and inquire about the detailed process involved with replacing the roofing tiles and they will explain everything in a clear manner. They can even visit your premises and check out the damage to the tiles. This can give them a proper idea about the work involved in the project and they will be able to give you the appropriate quotation for the project. Once you are completely convinced with the services offered by the roofing companies, you can go ahead and outsource the entire project to their team.
How to select the best offer? The simple thing you can do when you approach roofing contractors is to check out their web portal so that you will get a fair idea about their proficiency. You can also verify their previous projects and get appropriate referrals in the industry. In the same manner, you should also make it a point to get quotes from different companies in the market. When you compare the price difference with different companies, you can get a clear idea about the entire situation and this will give you complete freedom with regards to choosing the best offer available in the industry. Remember that the roofing companies need not have to provide a uniform quote for the task and everything depends on the quality of materials they're using for the repair activities along with their expertise in the industry. Some people do not offer a warranty for the task and they may even get the job done at a low price. Remember that this can be very risky and it is always a good option to choose the service providers who offer a good warranty on the roofing activities. Even if you are paying some additional money for the project, you can get complete justification for this in the long run. You can easily get in touch with reputable roofing companies in your neighborhood by using the Internet. Most of the reliable companies have their own website and you will be able to get complete information about the services offered by these companies. Once you call them and mention your requirements in a detailed manner, they will come to your location and inspect the condition of your roof. Depending upon your requirements, they will suggest the best materials suited for your building.
How to choose advanced roofing solutions? You will be surprised to know that you can even use the latest technology for the rooftop area and ensure that you will be able to get the best out of the place. This also includes the use of solar panels in the appropriate places that will help you to make the most out of the rooftop area. Choose the right color Once you select the appropriate color for the tiles of the roof, you will be able to get the best outlook for the entire building. Remember that roofing contractors will give you the best suggestions in this regard and you can easily rely on their expert guidance. It is also a good idea to choose dark colors when you live in a cold region. This helps to absorb the heat during the winter season and your building will be warm. Essential waterproofing It is also important to get the appropriate waterproofing services done by the roofing companies. This helps to prevent the growth of harmful fungus on the tiles and you will be able to preserve the roof in appropriate condition for a long duration. The rainwater will easily slide through the tiles when you choose such coating for the tiles of the roof. This also prevents issues with water leakage during the rainy season. You can easily get it done by reliable professionals in the market. If you are in Albany you know that the winter season is coming, then it might be the best time to plan for your roof replacement or repair. Call Ultimate Roofing today & schedule your free onsite assessment. When it comes to the average lifespan of any roof, many people consider it to last for at least 25 years. However, this depends a lot on the environmental factors in your region and many places receive heavy wind and rainfall that can damage the roof tiles. In this sense, the overall lifespan of the roof can reduce by a huge margin depending upon the external factors. It also depends on how well you maintain the roof and you should ensure that you keep it in a clean condition so that it will last for many years without any problems. If there is any issue with the tiles of the roof, you have to always choose professional roofing companies to get it repaired. They will check the condition of the roof and perform the repair activities in a timely manner. When they feel that the tiles or damaged too badly, they will suggest you to replace the entire roof with the appropriate materials.
Why do it yourself approach is wrong? Many people consider roofing as a normal activity and try to work on the repair activities on their own. Remember that this is one of the most dangerous tasks as it involves working in high rise places and the professional roofing contractors are well trained to handle such tasks. In this regard, you have to use appropriate safety equipment and ensure that the tiles are repaired or replaced in a proper manner. You can fall and injure yourself during the process when you do not have appropriate training in performing such tasks. The benefits of choosing a professional roofing contractor:
Many people need a complete replacement for the roof when it is damaged. In this situation, you can go for a complete replacement and choose different materials according to your changing requirements and outdoor weather conditions. Once you get in touch with a reliable roofing company, you can check out the different materials available in the market suited for your home or building. It is also a good idea to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using such materials for your home. Professionals usually have a good understanding about the difference between all these materials and they will explain everything in a convincing manner. This will give you complete information about the suitable materials and you can take the appropriate decision after considering all these factors. You can even discuss your budget constraints with the professionals and they will suggest suitable options according to your individual needs.
Factors to consider while selecting professionals
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July 2019
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