Wind Damage and Your Roof

Most of us will never have to deal with having the roof of our home or building ripped off by a tornado. If you’re even so unfortunate as to have your home in the direct path of a twister, it really won’t matter how well your roof was put together: the wind damage will probably be considerable. Tornadoes have a way of tearing up even the best construction.

Fortunately, most of us will never have to deal with that degree of nature’s fury. However, it doesn’t take a tornado to cause wind damage to your roof. Even if you use the best materials, and they are properly installed, heavy winds can cause damage to your roof. Always check your roof after a wind storm, even if you don’t feel the storm was particularly severe.

Some of the types of damage caused by high winds are fairly obvious (after all, if a tree branch knocks a hole in your roof, there will be little doubt you have wind damage). Other types of wind damage are somewhat less obvious, but are still important to have tended to as soon as possible. Some of the more common ways in which your home or building’s roof can experience wind damage include:

• Debris damage. Large debris damage is generally fairly obvious. Even if you don’t see damage to your roof, though, it’s always a good idea to have an expert take a look to make sure. Often, the damage from falling debris occurs underneath the covering layer. Even smaller debris can cause problems if allowed to stay on top of your roof.
• Lost or damaged shingles. Even the best shingles properly installed can be torn off your roof if the storm is severe enough. It’s important to have shingles (or other type of roof covering) replaced as soon as possible. Your roof covering is your first line of defense against the elements, and failing to replace them quickly can lead to water and other types of damage to your roof and home.
• Water damage. While it is less common when you have a higher grade of shingle properly installed, it’s always possible for water to be blown into the cracks between shingles. This can lead to cracking and curling of the shingles. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to tell when this kind of damage has occurred. Your best bet is to have your roof inspected periodically by qualified roofing contractors like Advanced Roofing Technologies.

It’s always important to visually inspect your roof after any significant wind storm. If debris has landed on your roof, have it removed as soon as possible. If you have lost shingles or other roof covering, have them replaced. Additionally, consult an experienced roofing contractor like Advanced Roofing Technologies in your area regarding how often your particular roof should be inspected. Having your roof checked for wind damage periodically can save you major costs down the road, and is part of the regular maintenance all home and building owners should make sure gets done.

What You Want to Know About a Roofing Contractor’s Credentials

You have decided that it is time to replace the roof on your home. This will be a big investment. You want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.  Checking your contractor’s credentials will help assure you that you are getting exactly what you are paying for.

Make sure to collect all of the contractor’s information. You want to have the name of the person who offered the bid. You should also have the company’s name, address, telephone, fax and email. Have the contractor sign and date the information provided. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) provides a form that you can use to collect the information that you need.

You will want to find out about the company’s history. How long have they been in business? How many years of roofing experience does the owner/president have? Makes sure you have the company’s state license number. Ask if they are currently involved in any law suites or have filed for bankruptcy in the last ten years.

At any point if the contractor or sales person hesitates to give you any of this information, you should have real concerns about the contractor’s credentials. A contractor like Advanced Roofing Technologies will have this information posted on their website. Still, you want to have everything in writing so you compare the bids that you receive.

References

Ask for at least three references. Try to get references that have a similar roofing job to the one that you need done. If you own a two story Tudor, a reference from a commercial business with a flat roof will not be the best reference. Check with all of the references before making your final decision. This is also a great time to check the contractor’s business association memberships.

Once you have all the information that you can gather, you want to make sure that you have a detailed account of what your money is paying for. Home remodeling and repair can sometimes add additional stress to your life. The last thing you want is for an unexpected expense. If you are receiving financing from a bank, this information can be used for your loan application.

Materials

Don’t cut corners to try to save a little money. Choosing the right materials for the job, may cost a little more up front, but they will save you money over the life of your new roof and when it comes time to sell your home. Makes sure the contractor lists what needs to be replaced and what will remain from your current roof.  Ask why these materials do not need to be replaced.

The Residential Roofing Contractor Qualification Form found at www.ncra.net will list all of the materials needed for your new roof.

You will also want to know who is doing the work on your home. Is all of the work being done by the contractor or will they employ subcontractors to do certain aspects of the roof replacement? Gather information about the subcontractors and check their credentials as well.

Have a complete list of all the warranties that you will receive, including limitations and your responsibilities to maintain the warranties. There may be additional costs such as permit and filing fees. All of this should be included in your final bid.  Compare the information from all the bids that you collect. If there are any discrepancies ask why, even if it is from one bid to another.

Remember that they work for you. Don’t be intimidated. You are writing the check, so you are in charge.

To Vent or not to Vent: Roof Ventilation Made Simple

Depending upon where you live and who you talk to, you are likely to get differing views about the importance of roof ventilation.  Should you consider adding or updating the ventilation system in your roof?  Here are a few things for you to consider.

The first thing you want to check into is local building codes.  Many counties and cities will have minimum guidelines for roof ventilation systems.  Calling a professional roofing contractor like Advanced Roofing Technologies can help you find the local requirements for ventilating your roof.  However there are additional benefits to adding a ventilation system to your roof.

Even though there are multiple views and theories about the importance of a properly installed roof ventilation system, there is one thing that is commonly agreed upon.  In a cold weather climate, it is a good idea to have proper roof ventilation to prevent ice damming.  Ice dams can create potential hazards and costly repairs.

Condensation that creates ice dams is an important consideration for houses in the winter time.  In the summer, roof ventilation can significantly reduce attack temperatures.  There is a debate whether this reduced temperature will reduce the temperature of the roof.  Position, direct sunlight and roof color may have a greater affect than attack temperature on roof temperature.

Another consideration is the affect that a proper ventilation system will have on your heating and cooling bills.  Unfortunately there is not a hard and fast rule concerning the direct affect roof ventilation has on utility bills.  Consult the professionals at Advanced Roofing Technologies to get a better understanding of the cost, savings and benefits of installing or updating the ventilation system in your home.

What System is Right for You?

If you have decided that adding or updating a ventilation system in your roof, the next step is to decide what system will work best for your home.  Weather, building codes and utility costs will all play a part in this final decision.  Let’s take a look at some of the options that are available.

Passive ventilation systems are one option that is available to you.  Passive systems do not use any mechanical parts.  Because hot air rises, this natural convection is what controls the air flow with a passive system.  Air intake vents located underneath the eves take in cooler air from outside the home.  This cooler air will replace hot air that escapes from the vents located on the top of your roof.

Another option that is available is a powered ventilation system.  As the name suggests, a powered system uses fans to move the hot air out and draw the cool air out.  The fan can be located on the top of the roof.  An exhaust fan can also be installed behind the gable-end vent.  These systems can utilize a thermostat that will turn the fan on and off as needed.  Passive and powered systems can be used together to maximize efficiency and reduce electricity costs.

Just like roofing options, you have many choices when you consider what roof ventilation system is best suited for your home.  The professionals at Advanced Roofing Technologies can assist you in finding the system that would work best for you.

Tips for Inspecting Your Roof

Every spring and fall it is a good idea to inspect your roof.  Calling a professional roofing contractor such as Advanced Roofing Technologies is always a great start.  However, whether for pride or cost, many home owners choose to do their own roof inspections.  Here are a few tips for what to look for and how to inspect your roof safely.

Major damage can often be spotted from your attack or the safety of the ground.  Doing a preliminary inspection from the attack and a walk around your house is a good place to start.  Light holes in the attack, loose shingles, damage to soffits, gutters and eaves can be spotted from these two vantage points.  If you notice any major damage, it may be in your best interest to call the professionals at Advanced Roofing Technologies.

After your preliminary inspection, check your ladder before putting in place.  Inspect the ladder’s rungs, rails, clamps and base for any damage.  Never use a damaged ladder when inspecting you roof.  The risk of a fall or accident is just not worth it.  The cost of a new ladder will always be less expensive than a trip to the hospital.

Warning!  Check for wires before you lift your ladder into place.  Make sure your ladder is at least 10 feet away from electrical wires!!  Always wear proper clothing, footwear and safety equipment during a roof inspection or minor repair.

Place your ladder on firm solid ground three feet from your house for every four feet to the eves.  If your eves are twelve feet high, your ladder should have its base nine feet from the house.  Extend your ladder three feet above the gutters.  Check the gutters and secure the top of your ladder to the roof to prevent it from slipping.

Once your ladder is secure and in place, check to make sure that your gutters are not filled with excessive granules from the shingles.  The shingles granules give them added weight and protect your roof from ultraviolet rays.  You will also want to look for shingles that are busted, buckling or blistering.  These are signs that your shingles are near the end of their life expectancy and they should be replaced soon.

Check the chimney if you have one on your house.  Make sure that your brick and mortar are in good condition and there are no broken or missing pieces.  This is also a great time to check the ventilation screens on your chimney.  Make sure they are free of debris and they are not damaged.  You want the smoke to get out and no critters to get in.

Check all the joints and flashings.  Make sure there are no loose pieces or areas that can cause water to back up.  As with the rest of your roof, remove any leaves, branches or debris.  This can cause water to back up and leakage that can shorten the life of your roof.  You may want to bring a tool belt to make small repairs as needed.

Remember that if your find that there is a place that is unsafe, safely come down the ladder and call the professionals at Advanced Technologies Roofing.  A little time every spring and fall can extend the life of your roof and save you money.

Roof Maintenance – The Key to Long Term Performance

Most of us take our roof more or less for granted. As long as it provides us some degree of shelter from the elements and isn’t leaking noticeably, roof maintenance is the last thing on our minds. But it shouldn’t be.

Like other parts of your home, your roof can and will develop problems over time. And like most other parts of your homes, these problems are best taken care of while they’re still small. The problem is that we aren’t generally aware of problems with our roof until they have become fairly significant.

Whether you have just had a new roof installed or are thinking it might be time to get a new one soon, having an experienced professional roofing contractor can help you get the most life out of your roof by identifying problems and making small repairs before large repairs (or even a whole new roof) become necessary. Be careful when you pick a roofing contractor, especially for roof maintenance. Here’s what you should look for:

• Experience. Be very careful about trusting such a large investment to someone who is new in the business. You want someone like Advanced Technologies in Northern Colorado, who have established themselves.
• NRCA Membership. Roofers who are serious about what they do are members of the National Roofing Contractors’ Association. This is often the best place to find qualified roofers in your area.
• Local Business. Building codes vary from place to place, as does the abuse forces such as weather heaps on our roofs. A local roofing contractor (preferably one who has been in the area a while) will have more experience dealing with the kinds of problems your roof might encounter and will be better prepared to fix them than someone from out of town. Additionally, should you ever have an unexpected problem, he will be a lot closer and able to respond faster.

Your roofing contractor will advise you regarding how often you should have your roof inspected. Generally speaking, the older your roof is, the more often it should be checked. With that said, however, even new construction should be checked periodically so that small problems can be identified and fixed while they are still small.

Having an experienced roofing contractor maintain your roof will save you time and money in the long run by extending the life of your roof. Ideally, you should have your roof inspected periodically and maintained right from the beginning, but it’s never too late to start having a professional roofing contractor maintain your roof.

Don’t wait for problems to develop before calling your roofing contractor. Call him before the roof is leaking and you find out you need to have it torn off and have a new one installed. Having your roof regularly maintained allows you to plan ahead for expenses and in many cases helps you to eliminate major expenses altogether. You would never consider owning a car for 20, 30, or 40 years without having it looked at periodically. Don’t make the mistake of failing to maintain your roof properly, either.

Is Metal Roofing Right For You?

Choosing the right home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.  When it comes time to replace your roof, you want it to fit your home and your lifestyle.  Advanced Roofing Technologies can assist you in finding the dream roof for your dream home.

Northern Colorado is beautiful, but the natural elements that enrich your life torture your house’s roof.  Metal roofing not only creates natural beauty, but it’s strength and durability protects your home from all that nature can throw at it.  Energy Star certified metal roofs come with a twenty-five year limited warranty.

Weighing one third of the weight of an asphalt roof, metal roofing is the perfect solution when it is time to replace your asphalt roof.  Along with the appeal of a metal roof, you will also receive superior protection compared to asphalt roofing.  Your home will maintain it’s beauty for years to come, because metal roofs do not crack or crumble.  This will not only make your home the envy of your neighbors, but will increase the value of your home.

Keeping Colorado Beautiful

Natural beauty, strength and durability and increasing your home’s value is reason enough to choose a metal roof from Advanced Roofing Technologies.  However an additional benefit to metal roofing is that it is great for the environment.  Made out of recycled steel or aluminum, your metal roof will not have a negative effect on the environment.  You can be assured too that decades from now your metal roof will never end up in a landfill.

Metal roofs can reduce the temperature of your roof by 60 to 70 degrees.  This will significantly reduce your home’s impact on the environment.  By reducing the temperature on of your roof, you may also see a reduction in your heating and cooling bill.  Metal roofing requires less maintenance.  Your new metal roof will make your feel better about yourself, even though you never have to think about it.

Perfect for a new home

All the advantages of replacing your current asphalt roof with the beauty and durability of a metal roof, make it the ideal choice for your newly built home.  Light weight metal roofing does not require extra bracing in the roof members to support your roof.  It stands up to strong winds and will not crumble beneath your feet if you walk across your roof.  Consult Advance Roofing Technologies when planning to build your new home.

The advantages of choosing metal roofing are clear.  When you choose a new metal roof, you receive all of the benefits of conventional roofs without any of the disadvantages.  Metal roofs are good for the protection of your home, the natural beauty that surrounds your home, and are better for the environment and your wallet.

There are so many advantages to metal roofing over asphalt shingles. So, you may ask, “Is metal roofing right for you?”  Once you consider all of the advantages, you’re sure to come up with the same answer we did: YES!

Flat Roof Maintenance

Homes built with flat roofs have a certain charm and appeal, but unless you work with a roofing contractor who is familiar with flat roof maintenance, you will find yourself replacing your roof more often than those who own homes or buildings with steep pitched roofs.

Properly maintained, a flat roof can last 20-30 years. Some of the newer types of flat roofing materials and techniques allow you to get even more life out of your flat roof, provided it is properly maintained.

If you have an older home with a flat roof, chances are you have a BUR (built up roof), which uses layers of tar, paper, and gravel. A BUR can be expected to last an average of 10 years if it isn’t maintained. Obviously, you don’t want to replace your roofing every 10 years if you can help it.

Having a qualified roofing contractor who has experience with flat roofs periodically inspect and maintain your flat roof will extend its life considerably. In most cases, an inspection by a contractor who knows what he’s doing will reveal small problems long before they become serious issues. Small problems are relatively inexpensive to repair if they’re caught soon enough (especially compared to the expense of re-roofing).

The problem is that many people who own homes or buildings with a flat roof don’t bother to have the roof checked until they’re being leaked on. By the time water is actually leaking through into your building, chances are that your flat roof has sustained considerable damage below the covering material.

The best case scenario is to have your roofing contractor start inspecting your roof periodically starting right after the roof in installed. Of course, you may not have this option if you aren’t having a brand new building built. In any case, if you have a flat roof, you should contact a roofing contractor like Advanced Technologies who has experience with flat roofs as soon as possible so you will know ahead of time if your roof has any issues and what kind of maintenance it is likely to need.

The frequency and kinds of maintenance your flat roof will need vary depending on where the building is located and factors such as the local climate. A local roofing contractor who deals with flat roofs on a regular basis will help you establish a maintenance schedule which will help you get the most out of your roof.

In most cases, a flat roof should be checked out at least twice per year. It’s also a good idea to have your flat roof checked after major storms. You should also make sure that there is no standing water on your flat roof.

Special attention should be given to ensure that the flashings are in good condition and that all drains are free of debris. The most common problems associated with flat roofs are caused by ponding water caused by clogged drains and damaged (or improperly installed) flashing.

It’s especially important to make sure that water doesn’t pond on your roof in cold climates, such as Northern Colorado. In colder climates, the ponding water can find its way into seams (especially in the flashing) and freeze, causing damage. While everyone with a flat roof should have it inspected and maintained regularly, ti is especially important for those in colder climes.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Your house is not just your home, it is a major investment.  When it’s time to replace your roof, you want to be assured that the roofing contactor you choose will add to the value of your home.  Following a few simple guidelines you can not only find the perfect roof for your home, but rest at night knowing that your home is in the care of qualified professionals.

Check their credentials

It may seem obvious, but the first thing you want to make sure of is that your contractor has a permanent address.  You want a contractor who is dedicated to the job you hired them to do and to the community they serve.  Most contractors will come to your home for your convenience to earn your business.  When choosing a roofing contractor, it is worth the trip to check out their place of business.  Just as your home says a lot about you, their business will say a lot about their professionalism.

There are many non-profit organizations to protect consumers.  When choosing a roofing contractor, the best place to start is the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).  Advanced Roofing Technologies is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1933.  They are also members of the NRCA, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), and the Home Builders Association in Northern Colorado.

In fact, they have been voted Northern Colorado’s best roofing contractor!

With over 200 years of combined roofing experience, the professionals at Advanced Technologies Roofing want to show you their credentials.  They will show you their tax I.D. number, license number and insurance.  Serving Northern Colorado since 1993, they will be happy to provide references from a long list of satisfied customers.  Licensed and bonded, you will sleep well knowing your new roof is in the hands of true professionals.

Ask the right questions

Do your homework!  The right professional contractor will help you make the right decisions concerning your new roof.  However, nobody knows exactly what you want like you do.  By doing a little research, you can explain with confidence what you want your new roof to look like once you have chosen the right contractor.  These questions can actually help you choose the contractor that’s right for you.

We all know what a roof is, but do we really know all the components of a roof? Five things that you need to ask about are the roof covering (shingles, tiles, slate, metal and underlayment), sheathing (boards or metal fastened to the rafters), roof structure (rafters and trusses), flashing (applied at the various joints to prevent water leaks), and draining (slope and shape).  This basic knowledge will prepare you to choose the right roofing contractor for you.

Professionals like the ones you can find at Advanced Technologies Roofing will help you with other issues that you should consider for your new roof.  The type of roof, the materials for your roof covering, ventilation, and cost are all aspects of choosing the right roofing contractor.  Your roof has enemies too.  Know how sun, rain, snow, wind, dust, trees, leaves and branches will affect your new roof.

Do your homework, check for license, bonding, insurance and references.  Make sure the contractor understands and can meet your needs.  Once you do, you will most likely discover that Advanced Technologies Roofing is the right contractor for you.

Buying a New Roof and Getting Your Moneys Worth

When the time comes to put a new roof on your home, you want to make sure the job is done right so you won’t have to do it again. Depending on the type and grade of roofing material used, you should be able to expect a new roof to last 20-40 years or more, assuming you are having a complete tear off and rebuild. Even if you choose to re-roof over an existing layer of shingles, you should be able to expect at least 15 years from your new roof.

The best advice we can give regarding saving money on your roof is not to throw away dollars to pinch pennies. We’re not saying you should spend lavishly, but we are saying that, for most customers, it’s well worth it to spend the extra money to invest in better materials and in having a complete tear off done.

There are plenty of roofing contractors out there who will quote you a price based on cutting corners (like not suggesting a tear-off) and using the cheapest shingles available. Make sure when you’re comparing contractor prices that you are comparing apples to apples. A cheaper price now can cost you a ton of money seven or eight years down the line when you have to get your roof re-done.

If you having a shingled roof installed, the shingles will be rated based on how many years they are expected to last. Investing in 30 or 40 year shingles now may cost extra, but you are much less likely to have to deal with having your roof replaced for many years.

Another option to consider is a metal roof. Metal roofing is typically more expensive than shingles, but it is built to withstand the worst that the elements can dish out. Other roof coverings sometimes used include wood shakes, tile, and slate. Each of these has their advantages and disadvantages which should be discussed with your roofing contractor before you decide to use them.

If your home has a steep sloped roof (over 25% slope), as most Northern Colorado homes do, the other factors you need to concern yourself with include sheathing (sheet or boards), roof structure (trusses and rafters), flashing (sheet metal used to prevent leaks in valleys and joints), and drainage (the manner in which your roof is designed to shed water).

Living in Northen Colorado, where the elements can be hard on roofing, it is important to make sure that any roofing estimate includes ice and water shielding and that the roof will be properly ventilated. Skipping any of these important features may save you money on the roofing job itself, but the little bit you will save will be far overshadowed by the fact that you will have to deal with higher energy costs and will need to replace your roof again sooner than you would like to.

Above all, make sure that you hire a roofing contractor like Advanced Roofing, who knows what they’re doing. You want a fair price, but more importantly, you want a good job done. Hiring an inexperienced contractor without a proven track record will come back to cost you in the long run more often than not.

Most new home buyers put very little into considering what they want on the roof. Let’s face it; as important as the roof is, most of us just don’t get quite as excited about roofing material as we do about the other features we want in a home. However, it’s worth noting that if your roof doesn’t hold up well, it really doesn’t matter what other features you have in your home, because they will all suffer damage.

Everyone tries to cut corners here and there when building a home. After all, we all want a beautiful home, but we don’t want to spend more than we have to. It only makes sense to save money where you can, but the roof isn’t the best place to do it. As a matter of fact, if you go cheap with roofing materials, you are likely to end up having to repair a lot more than just your roof.

Regardless of which type of roofing material you have covering your home (shakes, shingles, metal roofing, tile, etc.), you’re generally better off getting the absolute best you can budget for. Shingles, which are by far the most common roofing material, come in styles designed to last anywhere from 15 years to 40 years or more. While the cheaper grades can seem attractive to the budget at the time, bear in mind that you are going to want that roof to last a long time.

Whether you are planning on living out the rest of your days in this home or plan on selling it in a few years, the quality of the roof is important to you. If you’re planning on staying around for more than 10 years, it’ll have a direct impact on whether you need to have the roof replaced down the road. It’s better to invest in the quality up front, when you’re already paying labor costs, than to end up paying for materials and labor again down the road.

Even if you aren’t planning on staying in the home long, you should avoid skimping on roofing materials. One of the first things home buyers look at is the quality of the roof. Most people realize that if the roof is in poor shape, the rest of the home will suffer damage.

The principle applies whether you’re having a new house (or commercial building) constructed or having a new roof put on an existing home or building. Paying a little more for better materials now will save you a lot of headache and expense down the road.

While we’re on the subject of selecting better materials, it’s worth noting that any roof can develop problems. This isn’t always the fault of the roofing contractor (though it can be). When you invest in a new roof, you should set up a maintenance agreement right away. Experienced roofing contractors like Advanced Technologies in Northern Colorado can help you determine how often you should have your roof inspected and can perform whatever maintenance is needed periodically to help ensure that you get the full life expectancy out of your roof.