Common roofing material such as built up roofing usually lasts 12 – 20 years, wood shake or shingles 10 – 40 years, and asphalt shingles 15 – 20 years.

A certified roofing contractor can be called to avoid further damage to the roof, or personal injury to the homeowner caused by trying to inspect it his or her self. A roof inspection should be performed annually; constant weathering by sun, heat, rain, snow, hail, wind, and cold can cause roofing material to break down. A certified roofing contractor will know what to look for.

Most roofs are built to last for decades, but they do need to be replaced, and if you are adding a garage, carport, porch, or other addition to your home, you’ll need a roof to go along with the new structure. Whether you’re repairing your roof, fully replacing your roof, or need a roof on a new structure

When You Should Replace Your Flat Roof

When You Should Replace Your Flat RoofThe flat roof is different from the usual peaked roofs. They have a different composition that prevents water from getting into the house. At the same time, they give a modern and minimalist feel to your house. Depending on the type of flat roof, your roof should last at least 10 years, depending on how well you maintain your flat roof.

There does come a time, however, when roof replacement has to be performed, especially when the roof is all worn out and the warranty has expired. This guide explains how to tell if a roof repair is needed for your flat roof, or if it already requires roof replacement. You will also know how to take care of flat roofs.
What a Flat Roof Is (add this to his services page under sub page "roofing"

A flat roof is like a membrane placed on top a building. This membrane is made of various waterproof materials, depending on the type of flat roof. The common factor between all of them is that they all use roof felt as a base. The membrane hangs over a sort of structural deck. In between the deck and the flat roof is a vapor barrier. The vapor barrier is a kind of material that prevents moisture from building up and developing in the flat roof layers. Metal flashing is also used to seal the edges. Water is directed away from the roof into small gutters that drain the water off the roof.

The most common flat roof types are as follows:

Roll Asphalt- Fiberglass or organic base felts are saturated with asphalt and applied over the base roof felt. Asphalt cement and nails are used to seal the roof, and it's topped off with mineral granules.

Single-ply Membrane- This type utilizes a revolutionary new kind of material that only needs a single layer to completely waterproof the roof. It is usually what is used after the roof replacement of Built-up Membrane type flat roofs.

Built-up Membrane- Various layers of coated or saturated roof felts are installed with bitumen (a product of asphalt and coal tar pitch) in between layers. The top layer of roofing sheet or granules protect the layers below from weathering. Depending on the materials used, a Built-up Membrane flat roof usually lasts up to 30 years.

Signs Of Flat Roof Disrepair

Flat roofs are relatively sturdy. However, it can still wear out after some time. It's time for roof replacement if you notice any of these signs on your roof:

If a lot of holes and leaks are starting to develop on the roof and into the ceiling.

If the large roof panels have come apart and cannot be put back together.

If the vapor barrier in the middle has been torn and infiltrated.

If the top coating has been blown off by strong winds, exposing the undercoat and especially the inner layers and therefore damaging them.

Taking Care of a New Roof

If your flat roof is due for some roof replacement, then go ahead and buy the materials for your new roof. Once you have installed your new roof, make sure to take some steps in taking care of your newly-installed flat roof. One way to do that is by adding an extra protective coating over it, such as polyvinyl coating. It will resist all kinds of weather and protect your roof from the heaviest of rains. Check if the drains are working fine, and remove anything that might clog them up.

Flat Roof Maintenance

In order to keep your roof for a long time, you have to take steps in regularly maintaining your flat roof. That way you wouldn't need roof repair, as the roof is constantly in top shape and well taken care of. One of the best ways to take care of your flat roof is to always check it after it rains. Check to see if there is any standing water remaining on top of your flat roof. You need to take the water out within 3 days after it rains, or else it might do some permanent damage to your roof. If you have a large flat roof, maybe you should install a roof pump to get rid of water automatically.

Having a flat roof is a great option over having peaked roofs. If you take care of your roof properly, you will be able to enjoy it's durability and long life possibly for many decades. To learn more about flat roofs, roof repairs and roof replacement, feel free to connect with Star-Delta Group we can assist you with any of your needs in home improvement.

Will DIY Roof Repairs Really Save You Money?

Will DIY Roof Repairs Really Save You Money? When their roof springs a leak many handy homeowners consider the idea of tackling the roof repair themselves. But not all are keen on climbing up there and a phone call to the roofing contractor may be their best bet. How feasible are DIY roof repairs and can you reasonably expect to save money doing it yourself?


All Things Are Possible

For small and contained leaks on a shingled roof, do it yourself roof repairs can be a wise choice. The most difficult part is finding the source of the leak. Once you have that hammered down, repairing or replacing the shingles is fairly straightforward.

Often you need to climb into your attic with a flashlight and a sharp eye to find that leak. Water marks and evidence of water damage can be a fair distance from the actual leak. An accurate location is needed.

Start by noting the things that are mounted through or on your roof, such as vents, piping and chimneys. Where there is flashing, there can easily be leaks. Spot them and then investigate those areas of the attic first. If there is no sign of water damage there, examine the balance of the roof systematically until you find it.

While you’re up there, have a good look at the entire area and make note of any damage or problems with the insulation. You should attempt to fix all of the current leaks in one visit up to your roof, saving you time and reducing risk.

Not All Things Are Advisable

Any time you climb onto the roof, whether for inspection or repairs, make sure you always practice proper safety. Wear rubber soled shoes to prevent slipping and tie yourself off for fall protection. Have a partner on the ground for spotting and to help you move the ladder for easier access on and off.

Only attempt DIY roofing repairs when the weather is decent. When it’s too cold your asphalt shingles will become brittle and you’ll need to apply heat allowing them to bend back. Also, you may be working with roofing cement and won’t want to have high winds, rain or other nasty weather to distract or harm you.

Always pay attention to where power lines are near or above your roof. Avoid them completely.

Common Roof Repairs

Small sections of shingles will often get broken or go missing on a roof. These cause leaks and can be repaired fairly easily. Remove any torn, split or rotted shingles with a thick putty knife. Reattach new shingles with asphalt roofing cement. Use a caulking gun and be sure to set them properly in place.

Sometimes shingles can become curled up. Once they’ve been heated (in the sun or with a little help from your heating gun), you can generally roll them back down and apply asphalt cement to keep them there.

With these smaller repairs you may save yourself a few hundred dollars. Not only will you keep the amount of labor charges this small job would have in your pocket, but you save having to pay an experienced contractor just to come out and handle the small repair.

For larger problems and on steeper roofs it pays to call in the professionals. You might save a little by sourcing out the leak ahead of time, but often you can expect to pay the bill and simply be pleased with the repair.

If the job is complicated and you don’t get it right, the damage that can happen will cause you much more than a repairperson would have in the first place. Weigh the degree of complication against the cost of the repair and decide from there whether a DIY roof repair is worth your time and efforts.

When You Should Consider Hiring a Roofing Contractor

When You Should Consider Hiring a Roofing ContractorDeciding to hire a roofing contractor can be a no-brainer for those who aren’t initiated in the fine arts of roofing. But for those who know the basics, taking on a roofing home improvement project can be tempting. By asking yourself these basic questions about hiring a roofing contractor, you can make an informed decision whether to hire a professional or do the work yourself.

Is The Job Too Hard For Me?
Do I Have the Right Tools?
Will I Need Help?
What Kind of Permit Will I Need?
Will I Have The Time?

Roofing Design Tips to Make the Most of Your Roof

Roofing Design Tips to Make the Most of Your RoofMore than just a necessary element that caps and protects the house, your roof is an important part of the face or appearance of your home. In general, roofing covers about 30 percent of the area seen when looking at your house from the street or drive. And although the facade holds a majority at 60 percent, the roof is still a large part of what makes a good visual impression for your home.

How to Maximize Your Roof

Roofing design may seem pretty straight forward. You simply need to figure out what type of roof will look best with your elevation and get it up there. But there are a few other essential elements that can transform your roof from something practical to an integral part of your home’s design.

Color is a major factor. As is the profile of the roofing material. And finally, the fascia and gutters wrap up your roofing design and help to tie everything together.

The wrong roof on a house can be a disaster, creating a look that doesn’t fit or one that actually distorts the overall appearance of the house. Also, poorly designed roofs can cause damage and end up leaving the inside of your home vulnerable.

Two Major Roof Styles

Choose between the two roof styles first, as this will help you to make better decisions later on.

A gabled styled roof is one that includes a peak with two sloped sections running from the ridge down past the eaves. This creates higher portions of the wall which are often called a rake.

Alternatively, there is a hipped roof in which the slopes run off in every direction, creating eaves all the way around your home. This is a common design, but does require proper planning on more complicated floor plans so that the roofs are not running into each other and creating dead spots. Hipped roofs are much better suited to extremely harsh weather conditions such as high winds. The extra bracing and framework done underneath give this style of roof added strength.

What Color Can Do

You may have a roof that climbs very high and dominates your facade. Use color to tone that effect down. Start with a darker colored roofing material, as that will make the roof appear more oppressive and low to the ground. Also, you’ll need to choose fascia and trim that is a few tones lighter and closer in color to your bricks. This will give your bricks a leg up on the dominating roof line and will provide an optical illusion making the roof appear shorter.

If however, you roof seems too flat or doesn’t make up about 30 percent of what is seen from the road you’ll need to stretch the look of the roof carefully. Choose fascia and trim in colors that match the roofing tile color almost perfectly. This will allow the eye to be fooled into thinking the roof is larger than it actually is.

Roofing Material Profiles

If you choose shingles or roofing tiles as your preferred material, be sure to browse through the selection of different profiles. Opt for something that suits the style and period of your home. A roof can make a distinct architectural difference on your home, changing the entire look for better or worse.

Roofing design is about options that will present the best practical option for your home, as well as providing the best looking finish for your home. Use the color and profile choices to create a seamless look that’s bound to impress. With the right roofing design your house will be both well protected and beautiful.

Saving Money When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Saving Money When Hiring a Roofing ContractorA leaking roof can be a nightmare. When rain pounds its way through your roof, it not only damages your homes interior, it also damages the spirits of the people who live in the home. Soggy carpet, ruined drywall and smelly mildew all have a physiological impact on the individuals who live in the structure, literally making living in the home a nightmare.

Hiring a roofing contractor to repair the problem often adds to the tension. Once a bid comes back and reveals the true costs of the repairs, it may seem impossible to escape the leaking roof nightmare. Use these six ways to save money when hiring a roofing contractor and stop the worry of high repair costs.

Know Your Roof

Climbing on a roof isn’t recommended for the faint of heart. It’s a dangerous task that’s often best left up to the professionals. But getting to know your roof is essential to the process of saving money when you need to hire a roofing contractor. However you don’t need to get out the ladder and scaffold. Knowing the roof can be as simple as looking at it. A pair of binoculars comes in handy when inspecting areas of concern.

When you can visually account for roofing damage, you can better ascertain costs when they come from multiple bids. A cost break down list is hard to understand when you don’t understand the repairs themselves. A visual confirmation of the damages is critical when saving money during the process of choosing a roofing contractor.

Draw a Blueprint

With your own blueprint in hand, you can save money by knowing exactly what the true costs of materials will be, allowing you to better judge the difference between bids and roofing contractors labor costs.

You don’t have to be a professional draftsman to create a blueprint of your roof. On a big piece of paper, sketch out the basic dimensions of your roof. Use visual estimating to transfer the estimated measurements to your blueprint.

Visual estimating can be done by measuring the house along the ground with a tape measure. Counting tiles, shingles, screws or other roofing reference points on a roof allows you to obtain the rise of the roof for easy estimation. For example, count the number of shingles from edge to peak and multiply the width of the shingle. Transfer these measurements to your blueprint safely from the ground without ever setting foot on your roof.

Choosing the Right Bid

It may seem obvious to choose the cheapest bid, but that is not always the best choice. While one roofing contractor may cost less than the rest, they may be leaving out an important part of the project that the other contractors have noted and written into their bids. Bids that are too high may be diagnosing a problem that other roofing contractors are overlooking. Find out why their bid is so high before choosing the lowest bidder.

Buying Materials

More often than not, a roofing contractor can get better deals on materials than the average homeowner can, but it’s always worth a shot to try. You can still check for bargains and compare them against the roofing contractor’s materials price list. Finding bargain deals on roofing nails, drip edge or flashing are all possible with a little research.

Clean up

The average homeowner probably isn’t going to climb up on the roof and start swinging a hammer with the roofing crew. But getting your hands dirty to save a few dollars on the overall bill is still possible. Cleaning up all of the debris from the job is a great way to save money when hiring a roofing contractor.