Category: Roofing

Taking care of your roof is a priority for any homeowner. A roof over is something that should be on your checklist. For 2020, let us take a very close look at what a roof over is and why you should consider it.

 

Roof over basics

To start things off, what is a roof over? A roof over is an additional layer that covers the exterior of your home. It protects the roof and also provides a clean finish to people on the street. The best part is that your roof can stay completely intact from start to end. You are simply adding on to what already exists.

 

Benefits

A roof over has many benefits. Because the roof over is made of a reflective material, some sunlight gets reflected back into the atmosphere. This makes your home cooler overall and cuts down on the cost of appliances. A roof over is also highly stable. It is a reinforcement for your regular roof, so you effectively have two layers of materials that cover your household.

Roof overs also have surprisingly long lifespans. Although they might resemble a regular roof, the material is extremely durable. You almost never have to seek a second roof over to complement the first one.

 

Compatible roofs

Last but not least, which roofs are compatible with roof overs? The good news is, pretty much all of them. As discussed above, you’re adding on another layer, so it really doesn’t matter what your existing roof is composed of. You’ll also be pleased to know that roof overs are possible on even the steepest roofs. The only time you might run into trouble is when you try to apply a roof over to a very old home. Even then, with a little bit of care, there’s a good chance it’s doable.

 

Conclusion

This year, when all is said and done, a roof over is an effective way of protecting your roof. There are many benefits to this approach that traditional roofing can’t accomplish. Upkeep your property with a proper roof over!

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• Is a Leaking Roof an Emergency?
• Should I repair or replace my roof?

Roof repair is best done by a professional. However, it’s not always easy to determine who is fit for the job. For 2020, let us take a very close look at whether a handyman can repair a roof.

 

Small repairs

To start things off, a handyman can definitely handle small repairs on your roof. They don’t need any fancy tools, and there’s a good chance they already have everything at their disposal.

The next time your handyman comes over for a project, ask him or her whether they can take a look at your roof. It shouldn’t take long to diagnose, and they might even be able to fix it on the same day. You might even be tempted to try these repairs yourself and just want to consult your handyman for a second opinion.

 

Large repairs

On the other hand, a handyman probably isn’t suited for large repairs. These major repairs require a special skillset and toolset, and your handyman probably doesn’t have either of these.

This isn’t to say that they are at fault, but they simply specialize in other things. For these massive repairs, it’s in your best interest to call a roofing contractor. These contractors have the experience to handle all the flaws of your roof.

 

Examples

Last but not least, here are some examples of common roofing issues. When shingles blow off of your roof, your handyman can probably take care of these. Damage to the gutter system is another thing within their reach. However, reroofing the entire property is something that is out of their scope.

In addition, if your roof is composed of the latest materials and tech, you’ll probably need a roofing contractor. These compositions are difficult to deal with if you’re not familiar with the proper technique to disassemble and restore them.

 

Conclusion

This year, when all is said and done, a handyman can repair a roof in certain situations. You’ll have to assess what type of work is needed for your roof. If it’s appropriate, call up your handyman for a quick repair!

 

https://shelter-usa.com/

https://shelter-usa.com/roofing-minneapolis/

https://shelter-usa.com/roofing-st-paul/

 

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The roof is arguably the most ignored part of a house. It is only when your roof starts leaking that you realize you need a new roof. The roof is essential as it protects your possessions and your home against the various elements of weather.

A roof that is in excellent condition lets you enjoy a comfortable stay in your home and shields you from heavy winds, rain, excessive heat, hailstorms, and so forth. You are likely to replace your roof many times if it is not strong enough to withstand harsh conditions.

You will need to do regular inspections to ensure that you replace it before further damages occur. Here are guidelines to help you understand how often you should replace your roof.

 

Roofing Materials Used

There are different types of roofs. Each has its durability strength, depending on the material used. For instance, asphalt shingles last between 15 to 20 years, wood and metals last between 30 to 45 years, while clay can last up to 50 years.

You will need to replace your roof before or immediately after the lifespan expires. It may also take longer or less than the required lifespan depending on the type of material. It is advisable to replace your roof once it gets older.

 

The Weather of Your Environment

Where you live determines the lifespan of your roof. It is because of the differences in weather. Unfavorable weather conditions such as hailstorms, heavy winds, and snow can have adverse effects on your roof, thus reducing its lifespan. Roofs get damaged during winter and in places experiencing high freezing temperatures.

Too much heat also reduces the lifespan of your roof. You are likely to replace your roof earlier if it has dark materials that absorb too much heat.

 

Inadequate Ventilation

A well-ventilated roof blocks the formation of ice dams during the winter season. The roof allows the circulation of air and maintains cold temperatures. It ensures that your roof does not get too hot during summer. However, your roof may require replacement if it has poor ventilation to avoid severe damages.

 

Sagging Roof

Always look out for damaged shingles, roof leaks, or a sagging roof. If you notice any of these signs, then know it is time to replace your roof. Some of these signs may occur even before the expiration of the roofing lifespan.

Any sign of damage is an indication that your roof needs a replacement. Waiting longer could cause more damages resulting in higher costs or replacement. Make sure that you take necessary action once you spot any red flags.

https://shelter-usa.com/
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https://shelter-usa.com/roofing-st-paul/

 

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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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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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• How Long Does a 30 Year Roof Really Last?
• Can you put new shingle over old?

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.

Related Articles:

• Can you put new shingle over old?
• Should you repair or replace your roof?

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

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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• How do you stop your roof from leaking inside?
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Home Page: https://shelter-usa.com/

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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• Can you reroof in the rain?
• Is a leaking roof an emergency?

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

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.

Related Articles:

• Is a leaking roof an emergency?
• How do I stop my roof from leaking inside?

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