Glenside Chamber Roofing

Top Trends in Eco-Friendly Commercial Roofing!

Gone are the days when the only option for commercial roofing was the traditional built-up roof.

As useful as that system still is, commercial roofing contractors have newer and better systems to offer their building owner customers today.

With environmental friendliness and energy efficiency now a prime concern, commercial roofers can install these great new systems that provide excellent protection while saving building owners money, too!

Solar Roofing

Solar panels have been around for a long time, but the ones now available for installation by commercial roofing contractors are more advanced and more efficient.

They can generate more power, resulting in a power savings to the building owner and in some cases, even allowing them to sell generated energy back to the utility company.

Higher-performing solar panels are becoming more affordable than ever, making them a great money-saving option for the owners of commercial buildings with large flat rooftops.

White Reflective Roofs

Also known as cool roofs, white reflective roofs installed by commercial roof services reflect a much higher amount of UV rays than traditional black built-up installations.

Whether installed by commercial roofing contractors using a white or light membrane system or a white asphalt system, white and light reflective materials reduce heat absorption into the building, making them ideal energy savers, especially when paired with high-performance insulation.

Green Roofs

Another environmentally friendly roof that is gaining in popularity on commercial buildings like office buildings and apartment buildings are green or vegetative roofs.

These roofs involve covering the top of a building first with a waterproof membrane, then covering it all with grasses, planter boxes, and other features to create a beautiful living roof.

These roofing systems are also cooling, make efficient use of rainwater, and improve air quality through the CO2 to oxygen transfer that plants utilize.

When properly set up by commercial roof services experienced in these installations, green living roofs in appropriate environments can be beautiful, healthy, and help the environment all at the same time.

In Summary

The takeaway from this piece is that today’s commercial building owners have numerous options for having an energy-efficient roof and making good use of all of that space.

Whether commercial roofers install productive solar panels, create a reflective white roof, or turn that open space into a lush green garden, these high-tech roofing systems are great options for eco-friendly owners to consider.

Just be sure to hire experienced commercial roofing contractors who can do a proper installation for long-lasting, efficient results!

Repair or Replace – How Is This Roofing Decision Made?

When a roof sustains damage, roofers may suggest replacing it, as opposed to just doing repairs.

While it is normal that a homeowner might want to pay roof companies only to make repairs, there are many instances when the cost of those repairs just does not make sense.

Where is the magic line between roofing companies recommending a replacement over doing repairs?

It depends on a few important factors when assessing the amount of damage present.

What Type of Damage Is Present? - First, roof companies will assess the type of damage, as some problems are definitely worse than others in terms of making repairs or having to do an entire replacement. A few leaks here or there could be repaired, but something like protrusion through the roof or shingles blown off or damaged by hail represent something else entirely. Structural damage present almost always means a replacement is necessary, as the roof has to be removed to repair the support structure.
How Widespread Is The Damage? - Next, roofers will assess whether the problem is located in only a few small areas or if it encompasses most of the roof. A few random missing shingles after a storm can easily be replaced. If shingles are missing all over the roofing system, the time it would take to replace them individually could be much longer than simply tearing off the old roof and doing a new installation. Widespread damage like hail damage, curling and blistering from heat damage, and cracked and broken shingles due to dry rot would also require a replacement, as opposed to just being repaired.
What Is The Age of the Roofing System? - The older a roof is, the more likely it is that roofing companies will recommend replacing it versus doing repairs. Older roofs are more likely to develop problems as time goes on, so if replacement time is already close, skipping the repairs and opting for a new roofing system makes more sense.
Which Option Is More Cost-Effective? - After considering the previous three points, roofers will then assess which opinion is more cost-effective and therefore makes more sense.

Since no roofing system is the same and there are countless ways in which roofing damage can be assessed, roof companies should always be called in to do an in-person inspection before any decisions on replacement or repairs should be made.

When roofers can make repairs, they will.

If the damage is such that the scope or cost of repairs would be better handled with a new roof system, most roofing companies will make that suggestion as well.

Sometimes, even if the cost is more than expected, spending a little more on a new roof is more cost-effective than paying only for repairs.

What Are All The Materials Needed for a Roof Replacement?

Roof replacements may look easy, just pull off the old materials and nail on the new ones, but that is a very simplistic view of what is really involved.

In reality, roof replacement contractors go to great lengths to properly install many different materials, not just the ones that lay on top.

To fully understand the complexity of roofing, this list of all the different materials that roof replacement companies use in their installations should help homeowners understand why the job takes so long, and costs so much!

Wooden Decking - Decking is the main support for all of the other roof replacement materials installed by contractors. It lays over the spaces between the rafters and trusses, covering the roof area, and providing a flat surface on which the other materials can be securely installed.
Felt Underlayment - Underlayment is a water-resistant, yet breathable covering that protects the decking by preventing moisture from seeping through the external materials and down to the wood.
Ice Shields - Ice shields are waterproof barriers that get installed in valleys where water flows and ice can form, providing an additional layer of protection in these vulnerable areas on the roof.
Metal Drip Edges - To prevent water from rolling down a roof and then clinging to the roofing material and soaking into the decking underneath, roof replacement contractors install drip edges at the ends of the decking to prevent those droplets from hanging on so they release and fall off the roof instead.
Shingles or Panels - Available in countless types and styles, the external shingles or metal panels are the main protective roofing materials that cover up everything previously mentioned.
Ridge Caps - Ridge caps are shingles or metal pieces that protect the ridge vents and the upper edges of the roofing material by covering those areas while still leaving space for the vents.
Roof Vents - Installed in various places by roof replacement companies to ensure good attic ventilation and prevent heat damage to the external materials, vents are critical roofing components. Contractors will install gable vents, standard roof vents, and soffit vents as needed to regulate the roof and attic.
Flashing - Flashing is pieces of metal that cover the seams in roof valleys to protect them from moisture and seal off those vulnerable areas.
Pipe Boots - When exhaust vents and other pipes extend through the decking and other materials, roof replacement companies protect those areas with rubber boots, which are like flashing for exhaust and vent pipes.

Based on this long list of essential materials, it is easy to see how roof replacement involves much more than just putting on a new set of shingles.

Reliable roof replacement contractors use all of these items to ensure a perfect, leak-free installation!

Step-by-Step Primer On How to Repair Ashphalt Shingle Roofs

Broken shingles occasionally happen.

Calling an asphalt shingle roofer contractor is recommended to make that repair as soon as possible, especially if there are multiple broken shingles noticed.

Yet if the problem is only one broken shingle, a handy homeowner with the right equipment might want to avoid a call to asphalt shingle contractors and fix it on their own.

Using this guide, capable and careful homeowners can provide their own minor asphalt shingle roof services and repair a damaged or missing shingle!

Gather All Supplies and Equipment - To replace a broken or missing shingle, it is important to use all the things asphalt shingle roofer contractors use to do the same: a ladder for getting onto the roof, safety gear for protection, safe shoes for walking on the roof, a flat pry bar, a few roofing nails, a hammer, a replacement shingle that matches the current ones, and a tube of roof sealant. All of these items can be purchased at a local home improvement store, including the shingle, if there are not any left behind by the asphalt shingle contractors that did the current roofing installation.
Carefully Remove the Damaged Shingle - Slide the flat end of the pry bar under the edge of the shingle to be removed to slowly break free the adhesive sealant underneath. Repeat to free the shingle from the one overlaying it. Once the shingle is no longer adhered, slide the pry bar further underneath until the nails are located. Then, carefully pry out the nails without damaging the shingles above the damaged one. Slide the broken shingle out.
Install the New Shingle – Now according to asphalt roof services, slide the new shingle into position where the damaged one was removed. Nail in 4 new roofing nails underneath where the shingle above will overlay so the heads are completely hidden. Be careful not to break the overlaying shingle while nailing in the new one. Once the nails are in, the new shingle should lay perfectly in its layer with the other shingles.
Apply Roof Sealant - Lastly, apply a bead of roof sealant along the glue strip of the shingle beneath to stick the new shingle to it. Apply the sealant to the glue strip on the new shingle and stick the overlaying shingle to it. All three shingles should now be adhered correctly and the repair is complete.

Fixing a single shingle is easy to do for anyone that has the right tools and is a little handy around the house.

Those who prefer not to climb on their roofs can call a local asphalt shingle roofer contractors to help them out.

Severe Weather and Commercial Roof Damage

If you own a commercial building, do you ever worry as the storms roll in that you will be calling for commercial roof damage emergency repairs?

Severe weather can affect the roof of a commercial building in different ways depending on the type of roofing materials installed.

When you understand the greatest risks to your roof based on its type, you can avoid the need for commercial roof damage restoration by taking better care of it.

Then, you will have a better idea of what damage to look for and if you need to call a commercial roof damage inspection service to take a closer look.

Built-Up BUR Roofing - One of the most popular and inexpensive roofing materials used on commercial buildings, BUR roofing is very durable but has its vulnerabilities. It can withstand torrential rains and hail very well, but it is most susceptible to high winds. You will definitely need commercial roof damage emergency repairs if the felt and bitumen are not properly adhered and sealed, allowing wind to get underneath to blow the layers off.
Metal Roofing - Metal roofing is another commercial system that is relatively durable, but can be blown off by strong enough winds. More susceptible to denting from large hail, metal roofs that are not properly secured on the edges and with the right fasteners can also suffer extensive wind damage with whole panels being bent or blown off. Hail can also scratch and chip the finish, making metal roofing more susceptible to corrosion.
EPDM Roofing - Rubber Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer roofing is extremely durable and resilient in most conditions as long as it has been properly affixed to the roof. The main problem encountered with EPDM which could eventually result in a need for attention from commercial roof damage inspection services, is water ponding on the surface leading to slow drying and decomposing of the rubber in those spots. Like BUR installations, EPDM could also be susceptible to the same sort of wind damage.
Thermoplastic Roofing - Flexible thermoplastic roofing is mostly durable against hail damage on the surface; however, extremely large hail can cause damage to the sub-layers beneath the top layer of thermoplastic. Like all the others, thermoplastic flexible roofing can also be affected by strong winds when it is not properly affixed.

To prevent wind and other damage to your commercial roof that requires commercial roof damage restoration, make sure your installation is done by an experienced contractor and followed up with all required maintenance.

A dependable commercial roof damage inspection service can help you keep your commercial roof in great shape through storms, and through the years.

Confused About Roofing Warranties and Insurance?

If you are in need of residential roof repair, figuring out who is going to pay for it can get a little complicated.

Some repairs made by a residential roofing service might be covered by your homeowners insurance, while others might fall under warranty while some costs will be your responsibility, too.

There are different types of warranties that cover different things, making it even more complicated.

Know Who Is Responsible For What

Where warranties are concerned, understanding who is responsible for what can be confusing. Materials warranties offered by the roofing materials manufacturers cover defects in the shingles or other roofing materials used by a residential roof company. Workmanship warranties offered by the roofing service itself covers mistakes made while doing the work.

Problems With Roof Installation?

While those ideas probably seem simple enough, residential roof repair services advise that they can overlap and get complex for a few reasons.

The process of determining the cause of the damage is part of why roofing warranty issues can get very confusing.

The manufacturer warranty will not apply if the problem is due to a failure caused by poor workmanship by the roof company or the roofer not following specific installation instructions.

It will apply if there is an actual defect found with the correctly-installed materials.

Problems With Roofing Material?

Conversely, if the roof repair company did a great job but it is the materials that failed, that has to be proven as well.

Add to this the fact that materials warranties can be considered void if certain maintenance is not performed or owner negligence is an issue and the question of who pays gets even more confusing.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Add In The Insurance Company

On top of all of this, your insurance company is only going to pay for what is outlined in your homeowners insurance policy.

According to residential roofing services, that may exclude things that could be called neglect, something that is due to poor workmanship or some kind of materials failure.

So what are you supposed to do to figure it all out? Start out by finding a reputable local residential roofing company that is trusted in your neighborhood to do your work and help you interpret it all.

Adding All This Up

A residential roof company that offers its own warranty and is trained and qualified to install a wide selection of products can also help you make heads or tails out of the issue of figuring out what happened, why, and who is responsible for it.

They can also help you interpret what is covered by your insurance policy and communicate with them for you.

The Basics of Installing A Roof

Getting a roofing installation done without the help of contractors is no easy task. Installing a roof is a tough job, not to mention a risky endeavor. Before starting on putting on your new shingles, be sure that you know the proper installation and safety procedures to make the process a more bearable experience.

Get Friends to Help You

If possible, have anyone help you with the roof installation. This may minimize safety risks and make the whole process take less time, assuming they too exercise caution and read up on what to do. Taking on the task by yourself is no longer recommended, as you have a much higher chance of injury and it can take much longer than need be.

Always Be Safe When On The Roof

As for the safety precautions, make sure to wear non-skid shoes when installing your roof. This reduces chances of slipping and falling to the ground. Be sure that the roof isn't wet or damp either. Avoid this by working on dry days and waiting until after the morning dew has evaporated to begin.

Roofing brackets may also be a big help, especially if your roof is at a particularly steep incline. These can help you hold your footing and feel more stable during the process.

And last but not least, make sure that the ladder you use to get up the roof is secured on the ground, as well as on the roof itself. This prevents any incidents when climbing up or down.

Buy The Right Number of Shingles

Before you can even begin your roofing installation, you have to know how many shingles you will need. To effectively do this, measure the width and length of each and every section, including extensions and dormers.

Add the quantity for every area together, then divide by 100. This is the variety of shingles that you'll need during installation, plus a few more for accidents. Also, be sure to keep the initial number in mind to get the right amount of roofing felt, which should be installed under the shingles themselves.

Add A Cover to Corners

When installing at the point or points in your roof that touch each other (for example, the peak), you'll need a cover as opposed to shingles in order to prevent leaks. It's important to lay this down properly, as water leaking below the shingles can drain down into the house. Stick it down with cement to get a tight and secure finish.

Now You Know What to Do!

Roofing installation is an intricate process that takes knowledge, patience, and time - not to mention all the safety and other procedures needed before starting. If you're not confident in your physical balance, the ability to measure perfectly while standing on an incline, or ability to make sure that everything is nailed on as tightly as possible, it can be best for you to hire professional roofing contractors to take on the job.

Roofing Advice That Can Save You A Lot of Trouble

In order to ensure you get the best new roof for your home, you need to be able to know how to make the best decisions.

There are different choices for materials and there are many roofers vying for your business.

Would you like to know a little more on the subject before joining the show?

Ice Is Really Bad For Roofs

One of the biggest foes of your roof is ice.

When gutters back up and freeze up, they can push the shingles and even wood up off the top of your house.

Once that ice begins to melt, it will leak inside and rot out your roof, so watch for ice build up and fix the problem quickly.

Choose A Roofing Contractor With Experience

When you are checking out a roofing company find out about their experience and ask them how long they have been in business.

If they have been doing business for at least a few years, that usually means that they are established and that they have a solid understanding of roofing systems and techniques.

Make Sure Roofers Don't Wreck The Area Around Your House

Remember that the area on the ground, just beneath your roof, is going to take a bit of a beating as your roof is replaced.

If you have flowers or other shrubbery in that area, it might get damaged.

There may be nothing your roofer can do to prevent it from happening, so try to avoid assigning blame.

Pay Roofers After The Work Is Done

Avoid paying a roofer in full before they do their job; you want to make sure the roofer does good work on your roof before you pay them everything they are owed.

Some roofers may require a down payment to begin the work, which is usually about 25% of the final cost.

Hope This Information Is Helpful

Now that you've read this information, you should feel much better about getting started with a new roof.

There is no need to make such a big decision without the necessary information.

Keep the tips that you've learned here with you as you move forward with putting a new roof on your home.

What Do You Know About Drone Roof Inspections?

Doing a thorough roofing inspection involves getting a bird’s eye view of the entire roof and the top of the structure.

Anything that high up presents more than a few challenges, however; houses can have roofs with intricate shapes and angles, and commercial buildings can be expansive.

To deal with both of these issues as well as the issue of safety, some roofers have given their inspections a lift by using drones.

Drones provide a clear roof view no matter what type of roofing is being inspected, all from the safety of the ground!

How Are Drone Roof Inspections Done?

Drone roofing inspections are usually started the same as any other inspection, with someone first looking around the home or building from the ground and then going up on the roof for a closer look.

The drone is then flown over the house or building to get an elevated look at the whole roof in one frame and then perform close-up scanning of the roofing surface and all the different components.

The drones carry cameras that are easily controlled from the ground and used to record video footage of the whole flight.

This video footage is then used to get a detailed and wider look at the entire roof so an accurate assessment can be made.

What Does A Roofer Look For During A Drone Inspection?

Starting on foot, roofers begin by inspecting things like gutters and downspouts, fascia and soffit, roof edging, and other components that can be seen from the ground.

Next, most roofers will go up on the roof to get a general look around and inspect the condition of the roofing materials, and the overall condition of the roof from that viewpoint.

Though they might normally climb around the roof more for a standard inspection, those working with drones can spend less time actually on the roof by sending the drone up.

With the drone, roofers can then view everything from the roofing materials close-up and at a distance to the condition of flashing and seals plus even look for evidence of widespread roofing problems that are more easily detected via a larger scale view of the roof surfaces and angles.

Why Are Drone Inspections Superior To Standard Inspections?

There are a few reasons why a homeowner or building owner might opt for a drone roof inspection:

Faster than a standard inspection.
Safer, since roofers will spend less time up on the roof.
More thorough, since the drone can be flown anywhere and as close or as far away as necessary to get the right views to detect any sort of roofing damage or developing issues.
Inspections are video recorded and can be looked at afterward to provide accurate assessments.
Can be used to generate accurate, detailed work estimates.
Owners can view the video files to better understand what the roofer is seeing and explaining.
More cost-effective for diagnosing problems, developing maintenance plans, and doing routine inspections.

Have Your Roof Inspected by Drone Today

Whether you have a larger house or one with a roof that is difficult to inspect or own a huge commercial building with an expansive flat roof, an inspection done with a drone is a recommended option.

Drones take the guesswork and the danger out of roofing inspections so there is no question as to the condition of your roof, what repairs might be needed, and what the best approach will be to make them.

A drone inspection performed by an experienced roofer takes roofing technology to the next level!

Understanding the Basics in Roof Repair

The roof is an integral part of a house; it needs to withstand harsh weather conditions, and that is exactly why a roof needs regular maintenance.

Whether you need to fix a leaky roof, or need to get the entire roof replaced, the main task is to get hold of a good roofing contractor.

He is the person who is trained in the field of housing projects, especially roof repair.

What Should I Consider About Roof Repair?

Several things need to be taken care of when it comes to roof repair including the size of your home, reason for repairing, need for replacement, and others are the factors that are to be taken into account before proceeding with a roofing project.

After diagnosing the problem with your roof, you must hire a reputed roofing company that can effectively repair your roof and give it a new look.

Let us take a look at some of the things that you need to do before hiring a contractor.

Roof Inspection

If you feel that there is something wrong with your ceiling, you must do a thorough inspection of your roof.

At times when there are moisture issues, you may find bubbles under your roofing material; however, it is wrong that bubble scan effectively treats your roof.

On the contrary, bursting the bubbles can expose your roofing to more severe damage by directing water to a wrong direction.

Also, try to look for soft spots or zones in roofs that are trapped underneath the roofing material.

They can also be the areas in a roof deck that have started to rot.

Locating Damaged Areas

After locating the affected area, you must check how far the damage has spread over.

It is needless to say that you will only be able to see the top surface of the roofing material.

Try to locate any leaks if possible.

Target the areas on the roof around the chimney and air conditioner.

With the help of an infrared camera or a gauge, you can easily get the moisture readings.

Removing Damaged Material

If you find that a portion of the roofing material is severely damaged, you must remove them.

As per the accepted norms and conditions, you must not apply more than three layers of roofing material.

Summing Up Roof Repair

It requires expert help to fix roofing issues, especially roof repair and this must be done on time.