For many customers, the process of restoring their roof can be a complicated process. Which company to use? Whether or not to contact the insurance company first? How much damage is truly there? These are only a few of the many questions to be answered.

Just recently, another big question has come to the forefront of roofing, and this one pertains to when the house is to be sold. That is, should a roof be inspected or certified?

The following article should help answer the question.

Separate from a home inspection, roof inspections typically are not performed in a home inspection. Instead, roofing inspectors climb up on the roof and issue reports on:

* Possible movement
* Condition of roofing materials
* Ridges, caps and drip edges
* Soundness of drains, downspouts, and gutters
* Flashing around roof pipes, chimneys, vents, valleys and mounting of HVAC units

Should the roof does not require repairs, an estimate of the years of life the roof has left can be given by the roofing company, and the inspection certified. The certification period is usually 1-2 years and sometimes as many as 5, however the period requested can vary.

On the other hand, if the roof requires repairs, it is not until after the repairs are performed, that the roofing company will issue the roof certification.

FYI: A number of buyers have stipulated this as part of the contingencies of their contracts (e.g. Subject To: appraisal, inspection, engineer?s report, roof certification, mortgage, etc. ). There are a lot of stipulations a buyer and seller can insist upon to include in a binder and real estate sales contract to close a deal. Contracts should always be reviewed carefully before they are signed.

Roof Certifications are typically requested by; Lenders, Municipalities, and Buyers. Lenders want a roof independently inspected to mitigate risk, municipalities want roofs inspected to maintain a quality housing stock and tax base. Buyers will often request a roof certification after a home inspection.

If a buyer requests a certification after a home inspection, it is likely that the inspector found defects and therefore requested that a roofer inspect and verify the condition of the roof.

You should contact several roofing contractors who work with your type of roof. Ask them if they will repair and then certify a roof what they charge for the roof certification (after it is repaired). A quality roofing company should not charge an additional fee to certify a roof they have restored.

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By Nick Dorotik

nick@asaproofing.com

Replacing or even just repairing a roof is an expensive undertaking. Hiring a building contractor to do this job takes quite a bit of money not to mention the inconvenience it causes to the occupants. The better choice is to simply maximize the roof?s service life and save money by avoiding costly expenses which is possible with just simple cleaning.

Deterioration Causes

The first step in avoiding repair or replacement expense is to learn the various causes of deterioration to a roof. It is the part of the home most exposed to the outdoor elements and can therefore encounter many things that could potentially be damaging.

• Algae ? Algae is something that could hasten deterioration and damage. The spores are carried by the wind and land on the housetop. If the area is moist and shaded by overhead structures or tree branches, it would be an ideal place on which algae could thrive. This could create an ugly appearance and eventually damage the surface of the material.

• Dirt and Debris? Dust and leaves often accumulate on the housetop. While not easily noticed, they gradually gather together. Once the debris starts to pile up, it could finally reach a point where it could readily trap moisture. Decaying matter such as leaves could also release substances that may trigger corrosion or speed up deterioration.

• UV Rays ? Roofs protects a living space from the direct heat of the sun; they are also susceptible to the damaging effect of UV rays. Without proper maintenance, the protective layer will eventually wear out and make the rest of the material susceptible to damage.

• Harsh Weather ? Nothing is more destructive than bad weather; strong wind, hail, heavy rain and snow will eventually take a toll on the material. A roof may only initially acquire small amounts of damage; repeated exposure can magnify the problem and will eventually lead to extensive damage.

Cleaning Tips

Regular cleaning and maintenance will certainly save a roof from a more immediate need for repair or replacement. While it is exposed to the elements twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, regular cleaning and maintenance will help slow down the damaging effects of weather. To extend the serviceable life of this structure and prevent costly expenditures, dirt or debris should be removed to provide protection from all the elements that could speed up the deterioration process.

If at all possible, cleaning should be done every season, as various weather conditions have different effects. For example, during the fall leaves fall and if left on the housetop, could cause damage. During winter, heavy snow can cause damming on flat and low slope roofs and could result in leakage if left untouched. During the summer, UV light is stronger; a protective coating could be applied to prevent damage from exposure to UV rays.

As part of a regular maintenance routine, the top of the house should be cleaned regularly by brushing off any debris. Any algae or other growing matter should also be removed before serious damage occurs. Getting rid of algae can be done by brushing it off or by applying a cleaning chemical. Roofing materials, such as metal panels coated with paint should be repainted once the original coating starts to flake or break off. This will prevent corrosion from occurring on the material and protect it from direct exposure to UV rays and other damaging elements.

After bad weather such as strong winds or hail, it is advisable to take check for any hail or wind effects. A small amount of damage may not be evident at first but can eventually develop into much larger problems if not repaired. Re-install any loose flashing or broken shingles as soon as possible. In addition, apply sealant on any gaps and holes created by bad weather.

These simple measures should help protect and extend the life of a roof. The benefits may not be evident at first; however, in the long run thousands of dollars of extensive repairs can be avoided. Remember that it is always important to keep safety as a top priority. If the housetop is too steep or too high to climb, then leave the job to a professional! Clean that roof and enjoy future savings!

Are you looking for a roofer Houston? Schulte Roofing of Navasota services the greater Houston area and can help Houston customers with all of their roofing problems!

Flat roofs are common on commercial and multi-unit residential properties. With their low maintenance requirements and no-nonsense functionality, flat roofs offer reliable protection for the buildings they cover. As such, when the time comes to replace them, extra due diligence is in order. After all, this is an investment that is important not only for the building itself but also the occupants of the building, whether they are commercial tenants or families living within.

If you are a property owner considering a new flat roof, whether out of necessity or a practical upgrade (or both), you should do your homework and learn exactly what the process will entail. With that in mind, here are five flat roof replacement tips to consider:

1. Choose your materials wisely

One of the more important decisions you will make is what kind of materials to use in your flat roof replacement. Will you put the same type of roof atop your property or upgrade (or, in an effort to save money, downgrade)? The choices available to you range in cost, maintenance requirements, life, and environmental friendliness. Here?s a quick primer on some options:

• TPO: Thermoplastic polyolefin is the most popular type of flat roof used by contractors today. It comes in many colors, is popular in green construction, and is UV-light-resistant.
• PVC: This vinyl roof is strong, waterproof, and typically can last 30 years or more.
• EPDM: This synthetic rubber material is single-ply and waterproof. A properly applied EPDM roof can also last more than 30 years.
• Asphalt: Maintenance requirements for asphalt are higher than for other flat roofs, and the installation process is anything but green. Asphalt is also heavier than other materials.
• Modified bitumen: An upgrade from asphalt roofs, modified bitumen is more flexible and functions closer to rubber.
• Cold-applied liquid membrane: This type of roof requires no heat source to apply, and it allows for seamless waterproofing around objects that often protrude from flat roofs.
• Metal: This option is environmentally friendly?typically, the panels are composed of at least one-third recycled materials?and durable but is also more expensive.

Another consideration with flat roof replacement is whether you will remove the previous roof from your property or overlay a new one. Obviously, removing the old roof will come with an added expense but might structurally be necessary.

2. Remember the water

By definition, flat roofs are mostly flat, meaning drainage of water is important as you explore your replacement options. Failure to properly account for drainage and slope with a new roof can lead to the same problems that may have reduced the life of the previous roof. If you were getting puddles on your previous roof, consider increasing the slope on your replacement. A ratio of a quarter-inch per foot (as opposed to the eighth-inch per foot seen on some older flat roofs) will reduce the little lakes you may have noticed before that ultimately aren?t good for your roof and anything below it if leaks form. Also, be sure any exterior features such as skylights and vents are resealed during your flat roof replacement.

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3. Account for the wind

Wind uplift is a major concern with flat roofs. Improperly fastened materials can let the breeze in and cause failure, and when one section of the roof fails because of wind, the rest of the roof becomes susceptible. Stronger materials obviously will help prevent this problem, as will a contractor that accounts for wind conditions when installing your roof.

4. Think about property value

If you see the property you own as an investment, then flat roof replacement must be approached as an integral part of that investment. Going cheaper on a roof might be more cost-efficient in the short term, but it won?t add as much overall value or produce as impressive an ROI in the long run. Moreover, there are cost savings that can be realized in the roof itself. Green rebates might be dependent on the type of flat roof you put on your building, and some roofing materials insulate or reflect/absorb light better, thus providing an energy savings.

5. Hire experts; stay local

Flat roof replacement requires a certain expertise that might not be found with traditional contractors. Look for a roofer that has experience with flat roofs and can explain in detail all the options available, with the pros and cons of each. That said, local contractors will be better suited to meet your flat roof needs. Remember the sections of this post about wind and water? Staying local increases the chances that your contractor knows the unique requirements of installing and maintaining flat roofs in the meteorologically unpredictable DMV and can recommend an installation that will best resist the elements.

What benefits and problems have you encountered with your flat roof?

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Roof framing is a challenging job. Like surgeons, all cuts should be accurate to achieve the desired result. Many Houston roofing contractors agree that roof framing requires more skills and knowledge compared to any other framing activities. There are several roof styles and mathematical equations carpenters have to use in order to build a wonderful house. Many experienced home builders admit even master carpenters who build different roofs are not experts in roof framing. This only confirms that the fine art of wood cutting is hard to master.

Simple Craft to Master

The craft of roof framing happened several years ago. Many tricks and refinements require long years of experience to master; however, some basic roof framing tricks can take only half an hour to master. The level of difficulty in framing depends largely on the roof. Many homeowners want to combine multiple roof types in a single roof. One of the most common is a hipped-roof mixed with gable dormers.

Framing Determines Roof Shape

The assembly of one or two roof types is one of the key elements in creating the architectural design of a house and oftentimes makes the craft difficult. Hips, overhangs and dormers add to its framing intricacies. Roof shapes command a degree of difficulty and will confirm the amount that should be spent for the building of the entire roofing structure. Gables, flat or shed roof types are more affordable; however, a combination of these is relatively expensive. Generally, shed is the easiest roof type to assemble.

Framing Factors

To create a beautiful architectural design, Houston roofing contractors must take into account several factors.

• Architectural parameter ? This includes building height, geographical location, materials to use for building construction, additional corners, and valleys.
• Advanced Technology ? Roof framing should be built using advanced techniques. Applied roofing technology determines the strength of the trusses to support all the roofing materials when they are ready to install.
• Attic ? In crafting roof shape, the carpenter should consider the attic since it can be used as a living room or just a simple storage room.
• Skylights ? This added structure creates a weak spot, so the carpenter must ensure that the framing is strong enough to support the additional structure.
• Materials to use ? There are several types of materials that can be used for crafting roof framing. Materials vary from plastics, metals, and solid woods and the latter is the material of choice by most roofers.

Roof framing ranges from simple to complex. Houston roofing contractors must have knowledge on framing irregularities and different roof shapes and the required knowledge for this kind of endeavor can?t be acquired overnight. Lawyers and physicians spend several years perfecting and learning their necessary job skills; the craft of roof framing needs the same time to master. With the modern advances in roof technology, ways were discovered to easily calculate and cut the desired length of rafters by determining the roof pitch and building line. Framing is not hard; however, it does require learning and practice to excel!

Proven Technology Today with a Focus on Tomorrow

We hope that you have had a wonderful summer. As we enter a new season, we want to share some of our technological advances that continue to impact the quality and durability of our metal roofing systems. Our 35-year history allows us to produce metal roofing products with predicted reliability; but that doesn?t keep us from working into the future.

Metal Roofing: Centuries Old, Forever New

The basics of quality metal roofs have changed very little over time; basics such as how the panels connect to each other and the roof deck. Our flagship product, Rustic Shingle, was introduced by Kaiser Aluminum in 1959. It is perhaps the most tested and proven residential roofing system available today. Though we have enhanced the Rustic Shingle, the basic design and fastening system have not changed at all.

Many of our advancements in metal roofing have involved the coatings that are used to protect and beautify the products. And over the years ? we?ve made plenty of advancements!

1994: Superior Coatings for Durability

We began using coatings that are PVDF chemistry. These finishes are unmatched for fade and chalk resistance and carry long-term warranties. This technology is so superior that there are no coatings on the horizon that exceed it for durability and performance.

1996: Print Coats for Enhanced Designs

We pushed the envelope even further with the introduction of ?print coats?. These unique processes allow us to create high-definition patterns like slate and weathered copper; and to produce shingles that are not monochromatic. In some cases, the print coats have as many as four layers of baked on PVDF technology coatings. We see this print coat technology as the future of residential metal roofing.

2000: ThermoBond Finish for Extra Endurance and Custom Colors

We brought our proprietary ThermoBond powder PVDF finish to market. Available as an option on all of our products, this textured finish is multi-hued and very robust in terms of thickness, durability, and scratch resistance. The ThermoBond option allows us to produce custom colors to meet homeowners? exact needs. We are the only national manufacturer of residential metal roofing offering this unique coating.

Another First: Cool Roof Technology

We were the first residential metal roofing manufacturer to switch to ?cool roof? technology utilizing special pigments that reflect radiant heat. This allows us to produce metal shingles in dark colors that meet Energy Star standards for reflective roofing. Homeowners often report energy savings of 20% and more after our products are installed.

Building on Proven Technology Today with a Focus on Tomorrow

While we are on the leading edge of metal roofing technology, everything we do is based upon the proven technology we already know. If you?re in the market for a metal roof, please call us at 1-800-543-8938 or complete our ?Locate A Dealer? web form. And, of course, please consider Liking our FaceBook page for daily inspirational and humorous posts.

As always, we are looking to the future, and are dedicated to bringing customers the finest in beautiful, durable, metal roofing.