Author: Jack

When replacing your roof because of damage and/or age, most building codes allow you to put a fresh layer of shingles on the old one. It may seem like this would save you money. However, after further analysis, maybe not.

Many building codes allow only two layers of shingles on your roof. However, this limit only applies if your roof has a 4:12 (1:3) pitch. This means that for each 3 feet of roof, the rise of the roof can be only 1 foot.

When you have multiple layers on your roof, the added weight puts stress on your roof decking. An average roof of 30 squares adds about 9000 pounds to your roof. That is equivalent to 9 one-half ton vehicles on your roof.

In addition, having multiple layers on your roof makes the roof hotter because the heat is trapped in the layers. This can cause inflated air-conditioning costs and the premature aging of the shingles.

Having multiple layers on your roof can also affect any inspection reports that you get. If you try to sell your home, the home inspector will probably negatively view the layers on your home. Layers can also void your warranty.

Having multiple layers on your roof can prevent the detection of leaks or other roof damage. Whether the problem is your flashing or rotted and damaged wood, you cannot prevent or fix a problem if you cannot see it.

Since shingles are made for flat surfaces, they are less than effective when covering gaps, homes, or dips. Overlapping shingles creates an uneven texture, and if any of the existing shingles are misshapen, that flaw multiplies with layers.

Layering of shingles might look attractive to you, especially if you will do the work yourself. Having multiple layers of roofing does not make your home more waterproof. In fact, layering often creates problems instead of solving them.

Visit our Minneapolis Roofing Companies page and our Roofing Company St Paul page.

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Home Page: https://shelter-usa.com/

Are you planning to own a home? Do you know the insurance policies in your state? Maybe these and many other questions are disturbing your peace of mind.

Don’t worry as you will get the best answers here. One more question, how old is your roof? If your roof is new and made of durable material, you will pay less for insurance cover.

You will agree with me that the old roof is vulnerable to destruction from the effects of Mother Nature. Some of the impacts come from hail, snowfall, or even the ice-fall. If you come from the northern part of the US, there are tornadoes together with cyclones. In tropical climates, it will get an impact from hurricane-force wind and gales.

Will you charge the same amount for the new roof? Are we in agreement now? A new roof will cost less compared to the old ones.

In some regions, old roofs above 20 years are not even insured. Many companies assume that the roof needs maintenance. In case of leaking or the presence of holes, it is due to old age. I advise you to replace your roof before it is about 20 years.

As I have mentioned earlier, the older the roof, the more you must pay for the insurance cover. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a home, consider the age of your roof. Some insurance companies will deny paying you for older roofs, and in case of damages, even if it is due to nature, they will claim that the leakage is a result of general wear and tear.

Preventing roof problems

You should know that it is your responsibility to care for your property. Don’t ignore thinking that the insurance company will repay you for the damages on your roof. When they send inspectors, they may claim that it’s due to negligence.

Hire inspectors to be rechecking your premises regularly and advise you accordingly. Ensure that your roof is free from debris and doesn’t collect water. Trim all trees hanging near or even touching your roof. Then check your roof for any chances of loose or fallen shingles, especially after the downpour.

After you have noticed a problem with your roof, call your insurance company and report immediately. Remember to take and keep photos of your new roof. The pictures will act as evidence for the original state of the roof.

Visit our Roofing Contractor St Paul page and our Roofer Minneapolis page.

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Home Page: https://shelter-usa.com/

A quick one – when did you last repair your roof? Can’t remember? Well, many homeowners put their off their roof repair projects, to attend to other ‘more pressing issues,’ or when it’s necessary to carry out repairs.

The truth is – your roof doesn’t need regular replacement. However, routine inspection, repairs, and maintenance are critical. Failure to which leads to more severe damages which are costly, or will completely ruin your building.

4 Things That Will Happen If You Don’t Replace Your Roof

Curious already? Let’s dive in.

1. Water Damage

Water leaks often occur when materials on the roof lose protective barriers. For instance, when tiles crack, or iron sheets wear off.

Roof leaks need immediate repair, failure to which, the problem might escalate and cause further damage. You’ll have noticed that water could have already reached the electricity line, damaged the ceiling, or the wood.

The problem with leaks is they tend to escalate into more significant issues, further affecting the structure’s stability. As the roof ages, it tends to lose strength and durability, making it deteriorate. Hence, replacement is necessary.

2. Structural Damage

Water from a leaking roof eventually affects the walls, ultimately leading to their collapse. Further, as the roof ages, it loses its stability, making it challenging to support additional weight from water, snow, and the sagging ceiling, especially during winter.

Though not common, the additional weight on the walls could eventually lead to their collapse, ultimately damaging the structure. This is even more dangerous in one storied-buildings. While this will render you homeless, it’s also hazardous.

3. Health Risks

Old leaking roofs are more likely to cause the growth of molds and mildew. Prolonged breathing of their dangerous spores could eventually lead to your family members suffering constant headaches and breathing problems.

Damaged roofs can also let in unwanted pests and animals to your home. Frequent roof inspection and repair is, therefore, crucial. Apart from your roof leaking, you don’t want your house facing pests or rodents’ infestation.

4. Increased Utility Bills

The neglected roof will get you spending more on electricity bills monthly. The same holes causing leaks are the same that let out cold air during the summer heat and let in cold air during the chilling winter. You’ll, therefore, incur more costs as your AC struggles to maintain the right temperature.

Instead of spending much on electricity and your AC trying to maintain a suitable temperature, repair your roof. That way, you’ll have hit to birds with one stone – save energy and cost.

Final Thoughts

The roof is a sensitive part of the house that you can’t afford to ignore. The simple act of carelessness and you put the health of the family in jeopardy.

Further, excess damage is costly to repair – and could lead to the loss of your building. Regularly carry out inspections and repair. When necessary, do a replacement.

Visit our St Paul Roofing page and our Roofing Companies Minneapolis page.

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Home Page: https://shelter-usa.com/

Your roof keeps your entire home safe from wind and rain. However, it doesn’t last forever, and is susceptible to damage or cracks. Let’s take a look at whether you should repair or replace your roof.

Repairing your roof

Even if your roof is in decent shape, it’s not a bad idea to repair it every so often simply due to age. Experts recommend taking a look at your roof every few years.

Roofs naturally taking a beating after being exposed to the elements. It’s very common for roof tiles to fly away or break off in high winds. If your roof is missing a tile, you’ll want to repair that as soon as possible. Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process that only consists of installing a replacement tile.

Damage to your attic is another sign that you need to repair your roof. If you can detect damage from the interior side of your attic, it’s a red alarm that something is wrong. Climb on top or your roof to look for any anomalies. Once again, don’t try to take on any repair you’re uneasy about. It’s much safer to call a roofing service for a full repair.

Replacing your roof

In the worst case scenario, you need to replace your roof completely. This is a big task, and you’ll want to contact a professional roofing service to do the job. Their team of experienced workers can replace your roof entirely without a trace. Roofs also need to be replaced when they develop cracks. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of cracks on a roof. Sometimes, they come from stress on the panels in excessive heat.

Other times, cracks develop as the material naturally ages. In either case, you’ll need to replace it for the sake of the entire roof. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that you can simply ignore as cracks on the roof can threaten the stability of your whole home. Left unattended, your house could suffer serious long term damage that will need an entire renovation to address.

Conclusion

If in doubt, you should repair or replace your roof. It’s such an integral part of your home, and a faulty roof can lead to bigger and more severe problems. Don’t hesitate to repair or replace your roof in favor of a sturdier one.

Check out our St Paul Roofing Company page and our Roofing Company Minneapolis page.

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Yes, a leaking roof is considered an emergency, and at the very least is always a problem. A leak is messy, dangerous, and sometimes downright expensive to deal with. A small leak can make a big problem—a bigger leak can and has destroyed homes!

Water from a leak will spread anywhere it can, the degree of which depends on the construction of your house, but is always far more than we would like! An unseen and long undetected leak can cause significant rot and water damage to accumulate throughout your home.

Beyond simple water damage, and going further into overall health concerns is the development of mold. Several different species of mold exist that sprout up around leaks (Acremonium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Mucor, etc.) that vary in their severity and toxicity. Generally, these fall into three categories: Allergenic for those molds that cause and aggravate allergic reactions; pathogenic, for those that aggravate illnesses; and toxigenic, of which the infamous and occasionally deadly “black mold” hails from.

First, if the leak is evident (i.e. a dripping from the ceiling or evident pooling) do your best to restrict any further spread of water. Use buckets, mops, towels to sop up the moisture, whatever you have must to get the job done!

Second, try to locate the actual source of the leak if you can. Remember that where signs may come up (like a spot on the wall) may not exactly correlate to the actual source of the leak. Depending on the specifics of your home, water can travel for quite a while before resulting in a sign you can detect.

Even if you aren’t currently dealing with a leak yourself, try to make it a point to do regular maintenance and check your roof. Preventative measures work the best after all, and are usually the cheapest! Simply trimming any tree branches that may scrape at your roof, checking the quality of your shingles (especially after a long winter) and clean your gutters, they are there for a reason!

If there is a chance that the scope of a leak is beyond you, don’t hesitate to contact professional help! A more expensive job well done is better than a hack-job that will fail and cause further water damage down the line!

Visit our Roofers Minneapolis page and our Roofing Companies St Paul page.

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A leaky roof is a big problem. You’re home enjoying a rainy day when you see water coming through the ceiling. You know you have to do something, but what steps will get the leak under control?

The first thing you have to do is stabilize the leak from the inside. You’ll need a putty knife, some roofing tar, and either a shingle or a small piece of plywood, all of which are easy to find at your local home improvement store.

Your next step is to access the attic and find the leak. Simply position yourself above the area where you noticed the leak in the living space and the leak will be either directly above that spot or somewhere further up the underside of the roof.

Some attics are too small to enter, and sometimes the leak can’t be found. In those cases, you’ll need to get on the roof with some heavy roofing plastic that you tack down with 2×4’s along its edges.

If you can track down the leak, you need to set up some lights. Use flashlights or other battery-powered illumination so that you can’t get shocked. It might also be good to lay down a board or plywood so that you don’t fall through the ceiling.

Now it’s time to get to work making your temporary patch. Spread the tar over the hole with the putty knife. Apply tar until the leak stops, then quickly place the shingle or plywood over the tar. Hold it still while you apply more tar around the edges.

This patch should be enough to get you by until the rain stops. While you wait, clean up the leak so that your insulation and ceiling can dry out.

Another important job is to mark the location of the leak so that you can find it from the outside. Use landmarks like roof vents or the chimney and measure the distance across the roof and then up or down the roof to the leak’s location.

With those measurements in hand, head to the roof on the next dry day. Some leaks are obviously the result of missing or damaged shingles. Fill in new ones, being careful not to break the remaining ones nearby.

Roof work must be done right, and it can be very dangerous. If you are uncertain of your abilities, don’t hesitate to contact a professional roofing company.

Visit our roofing contractors Minneapolis page and our Roofing Contractors St Paul page.

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Reroofing can have various causes, such as damaged tiles or leaks. You have control over various factors, including the contractor, material used, the roof color, and others. However, there is one factor beyond your control: the weather.

Is it Secure to Replace the Roof during the Rainy Season?

Roofing in the rain needs a lot of care. Some contractors advise you to postpone while others opt to carry on with the job. Some cases can be severe, and waiting is not an option.

We suggest you talk to your roofer and decide on the best method. Most contractors also prefer to work at lower temperatures. As the owner, the risks you are facing determine your choice to reroof in the rain.

How Contractors Roof in the Rain

As expert roofers, we can assure you that reroofing during the rainy season requires a measured tactic. Instead of making a full cut to replace the roof, you may decide to do this in sections. This applies to full replacements or small repairs.

On the other hand, replacing the roof in the rain can give you a chance to see whether the water drains as expected. You can also find out if your roofers solved the issue or not.

Disadvantages of Reroofing in the Rain

1. Replacing a Roof in the Rain can Void Your Roof’s Warranty

Most roof manufacturers only warranty their products, not the connection process. They provide specific procedures for installing the products they offer, which means the producer is not accountable for any damage resulting from poor installation.

For instance, if a roofer (with your consent) chooses to fix the roof in adverse weather conditions, the manufacturer is entitled to cancel your warranty, resulting in costly long-term repairs on your part.

2. Shingles may not Work Well in Wet Areas

Fixing your roof in the rain can cause roof failure because certain roofing and tile materials might not work efficiently with smooth surfaces that retain high humidity. If the wood is damp during replacement, it may also easily trap moisture from the roof, promoting mold growth or other harms.

Visit our Roof Repair Minneapolis page and our Roof Repair St Paul page.

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Home Page: https://shelter-usa.com/

You’ve made a great decision to conduct a roof over on your roof. However, there are many types of shingles on the market, and it’s not easy to choose just one when so many are appealing. Let’s take a look at the best type of shingles for roofing.

Wood shingles

Wood shingles are great for older homes. It gives a very authentic look while getting the job done perfectly. Wood shingles are composed of multiple types of wood that blend together to form a soothing shade of brown. If the roof or your home is wood itself, wood shingles are a natural choice for the roof over.

Metal shingles

Metal shingles are an excellent choice by default. These shingles are compatible with pretty much every roof out there and are particularly sturdy by nature. As a heavier material, metal shingles are sure to last for many years.

Architectural shingles

Architectural shingles are good for the homeowners who wants to get a little creative. These shingles are designed to be installed on roofs at a sharp angle. This leads to a very picturesque finish that is sure to impress all of your guests and visitors.

Rubber shingles

Rubber shingles don’t sound appealing at first glance, but they are actually very useful. If you plan to renovate your roof in the near future, you don’t want to lay on a super complex set of shingles. Rubber shingles are somewhat of a temporary solution to this problem. They are very easy to attach and remove and cost a minimal amount compared to other products.

Solar shingles

Solar shingles are the latest invention out there today. These products double as shingles as well as solar panels. If you are environmentally conscious, you’ll love solar shingles as a way to kill two birds with one stone. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to constantly upkeep these shingles. They shine brightly on top of your roof.

Conclusion

There are many great types of shingles on the market today. Think about the style of your home and what type of shingles would best suit the property. You can protect your roof and create a magnificent display at the same time.

Visit our Minneapolis Roofing Company page and our Roofers St Paul page.

Return to our home page for Roofing Brooklyn Park.

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Picture it: You’re standing outside looking up at the bright, blue sky when out of the corner of your eye, you see something that look a little off. You grab your ladder, scale the side of your house only to find what you fear the most: your shingles are lifting. In fact, a few of them obviously flew off during the last thunderstorm.

It’s at this point that most homeowners start to panic and think that they’ll have to sell everything they own to afford a new roof because it’s impossible to lay new roof shingles over old ones, isn’t it?

Read on to learn more about re-roofing and how to go about it.

Reshingling

The first step is determining whether you can reshingle is proper roof evaluation. Although there are cases where the entire roof needs replaced, most other roofs can be reshingled simply by putting new ones over the old ones. This not only saves time, but labor costs as well.

Benefits of Reshingling

Laying new shingles over the old ones comes with a slew of benefits. From a financial standpoint, homeowners can save thousands when compared to ripping off an old roof with a new install.

In addition, reshingling also looks as good as a new roof would, upping the resale value of your home. And depending on which types of shingles you choose and the company who installs them, you could have an extended manufacturer’s warranty as well.

Situations When You Need a New Roof

Even with so many benefits of putting new shingles over old ones, there are times when it just won’t work. Since most building codes only allow two layers of shingles on a roof, laying new ones really may be prohibited. In fact, if it’s a commercial property, you might end up having to rip the roof entirely, if it’s fails inspection.

From residential standpoint, you’re better off replacing your roof if it continually leaks when it rains, feels spongy and soft or has gaping holes in it. If this happens, your roof may not be able to support the additional weight of the shingles. In fact, it could collapse.

To Shingle or Not to Shingle

Putting new shingles over the old ones is possible, however, there are also times when it just won’t work. If you’re not sure whether needs replaced, it’s always best to consult with a roofing expert instead of just winging it.

Visit our Minneapolis page for Roofing Contractor Minneapolis.

Visit our Roofing St Paul page as well.

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The Durability of a 30 Year Roof

Replacing roofing material is a decision best left to professional roofers. A 30 year roof may refer to one that is installed over existing roofing materials or it may be a complete “tear off” of the existing roof.

How long a 30 year roof lasts depends on the type of roofing material. This is a good reason to know the options available that include:

• Asphalt
• Metal
• Wood
• Vinyl clad aluminum
• Slate

Asphalt shingles are the top choice for roofing material because it lasts 15 to 30 years and is the most economical. This assumes normal climate and weather events.

Wooden shingles or shakes last from 30 to 50 years. Metal roofing will last 30 to 50 years and is slightly more expensive. Vinyl clad aluminum roofing is energy efficient and lasts from 20 to 30 years. Slate shingles last the longest from 50 to 100 years and are the most costly.

Factors That Determine How Long a 30 Year Roof Will Last

There are several factors that determine how long a 30 year roof of asphalt will last. These include radical changes in temperature from extreme cold to hot sun for long periods of time.

In most cases, a professional roofing contractor will guarantee a roof for 30 years. However, it should be inspected once every five years to ensure weather and temperature are not causing unusual loss of material integrity. This is especially true in areas where high winds, torrential rains, heavy snows or hail occurs regularly.

It is also important to have a roof inspected to prevent damage by squirrels, raccoons and mice. These are animals with extraordinarily strong teeth who chew through roofing material deeply enough to cause sufficient damage.

This happens most often in areas near wooded areas where these animals are most likely to seek refuse in a warm place when the weather is cold or they need a nesting place for their young.

Cost Vs. Durability

In terms of choosing the best roofing materials, it is important to know costs vs. durability. Be sure to read and understand a 30 year roofing warranty. A warranty should cover roofing materials for up to 30 years.

A 30 Year Roofing Warranty

There may also be a roofing workmanship warranty. This is provided by the roofing contractor and covers completion of roofing installation as well as responsibility for labor and material issues should one arise. This may also include replacement or repairs should roofing materials be defective.

Visit our Minneapolis Roofing page and our Roofer St Paul page.

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Home Page: https://shelter-usa.com/