Mikku and Sons Roofing logo, featuring a roof illustration on a transparent background 623-465-1068

When it comes to roofing, one size certainly does not fit all. The distinctions between commercial vs. residential roofing stretch beyond mere scale and delve into intricacies like design, material choices, and purpose. Each type serves a unique set of requirements and faces its own challenges. 

Whether you're a business owner deliberating on the best roofing solution for your enterprise or a homeowner pondering over shingle types, understanding these key differences is crucial. This article delves deep into the nuances of commercial and residential roofing, highlighting their disparities and considerations to help you make informed decisions for your structures. 

Dive in to explore everything from design variations and material options to installation techniques and cost implications.

Table of Contents

Design and Architectural Differences

When it comes to the world of roofing, both residential and commercial structures have their unique design characteristics and structural requirements. These differences are not merely for aesthetic reasons; they also cater to specific functional needs and challenges that each type of building presents. 

Let's explore the primary design and structural distinctions between the two:

Residential Roofing:

Commercial Roofing:

In conclusion, while the fundamental objective of residential and commercial roofs is to protect the structure below, the design and structural challenges they each face are distinct. Understanding these differences is vital for making informed decisions about roofing materials, design choices, and maintenance strategies.

Materials Used

Both residential and commercial roofs have distinct requirements, resulting in varied material preferences. These choices reflect each roofing type's specific demands, design considerations, budget constraints, and longevity expectations. Here's a breakdown of the popular materials used in both sectors:

Residential Roofing:

Commercial Roofing:

Factors like climate, building needs, structural capacity, and budget are crucial when choosing materials. The objective is to prioritize protection, durability, and value. Collaborating with roofing experts ensures decisions tailored to individual needs.

Installation Time and Technique

When embarking on a roofing project, understanding the expected duration and the techniques employed is essential. Both installation time and technique can vary significantly between residential and commercial roofing due to their distinct characteristics and requirements. 

Let's break down the differences:

infographic illustration on installation time and technique

Residential Roofing:

Commercial Roofing:

Residential roofing is simpler with faster completion, while commercial roofing demands a detailed approach due to its size and unique needs. Regardless of the project, partnering with expert roofers ensures top-quality installation, long-lasting effectiveness, and enduring performance.

Maintenance and Repair

Roofs’ exposure to varying conditions necessitates periodic maintenance and inevitable repairs. However, the approach and frequency differ between residential and commercial roofs due to their inherent design and material differences. 

Here's a closer look at the maintenance and repair considerations for each:

Residential Roofing:

Commercial Roofing:

In a nutshell, regular roof maintenance, whether for homes or businesses, can prevent costly repairs. Addressing small issues early and collaborating with expert roofers keeps the roof in top shape, ensuring the building and its occupants remain protected from the elements.

Cost Considerations

One of the most pivotal factors in any roofing decision is cost. Both initial installation and long-term expenses play a significant role in determining the roofing choice for residential and commercial structures. 

Here’s a detailed look into the cost considerations for each:

Residential Roofing:

Commercial Roofing:

While the initial installation cost is a crucial factor in residential and commercial settings, it's essential to consider the bigger picture. Long-term costs related to maintenance, repairs, energy efficiency, and replacement intervals can influence the overall financial implications of a roofing choice. 

It's always recommended to consult with roofing professionals to get detailed estimates and understand the cost-benefit analysis of different roofing options.

Conclusion

The world of roofing is vast and varied, with each type tailored to meet specific needs and challenges. Commercial and residential roofing, while sharing the core objective of protection, have marked differences in design, materials, installation, and maintenance. 

Whether you're safeguarding a family home or a bustling business hub, being informed about these distinctions is essential. By understanding the unique considerations of each, property owners can ensure their roofing choices not only offer optimal protection but also provide value for money. 

Collaborating with seasoned roofing professionals will guide you in making decisions that stand the test of time, weather, and wear.

Roofing is a critical component of any home, as it provides protection from the elements and contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal. While there are various roofing materials to choose from, metal roofing has become increasingly popular among homeowners due to its numerous advantages.

However, like any material, metal roofing comes with its own set of drawbacks. This article will explore the pros and cons of metal roofs for your home.    

Pros of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have become an increasingly popular choice as they offer numerous benefits. In fact, metal roofs have emerged as an attractive alternative to traditional roofing materials. 

Here are some advantages of metal roofs, providing homeowners with the information they need to make an informed decision.

1. Durability and Longevity

One of the most significant benefits of metal roofing is its exceptional durability. Metal roofs are resistant to cracking, shrinking, and eroding, making them an excellent choice for long-term use. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail, snow, and high winds.

With proper maintenance, a metal roof can last for 40 to 70 years or more, far outlasting traditional asphalt shingle roofs, which typically last for 20 to 30 years.

2. Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs are highly energy-efficient due to their reflective properties. They reflect solar radiant heat, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by your home. This can decrease cooling costs during hot summer months by up to 25%, saving you money on your energy bills. 

Metal roofs also provide better insulation during colder months, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing heating costs.

Metal roofs are eco-friendly, made from recyclable materials, and can be recycled at the end of their life cycle. This helps reduce the environmental impact of roofing waste in landfills. Additionally, the energy efficiency of metal roofs can contribute to a smaller carbon footprint for your home.

Compared to other roofing materials, metal roofs require minimal maintenance. They are resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Occasional inspections and cleaning are generally all needed to maintain a metal roof's longevity and performance. This low maintenance aspect can save homeowners both time and money in the long run.

Metal roofs come in a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes, allowing homeowners to select a design that complements their home's architecture and personal taste. Modern metal roofing materials can mimic the appearance of other materials, such as wood shakes, clay tiles, or slate, providing a sleek and sophisticated look. Metal roofing can enhance the overall aesthetic of a home, potentially increasing its resale value.

Metal roofs are non-combustible, making them an excellent choice for fire-prone areas. They have a Class A fire rating, the highest rating available for roofing materials, which can provide homeowners with peace of mind and potentially lower insurance premiums.

3. Lightweight

Metal roofing materials are relatively lightweight compared to other options like tile or slate. This reduced weight puts less stress on your home's structure, making metal roofs an ideal choice for both new construction and re-roofing projects.

Cons of Metal Roofs

While metal roofs have gained popularity due to their numerous benefits, it's essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks associated with this type of roofing material. With that, here are some disadvantages of metal roofs, providing homeowners with a comprehensive understanding of the potential challenges they may face when choosing this roofing option.

1. Initial Cost

One of the primary drawbacks of metal roofing is the higher upfront cost compared to other materials like asphalt shingles. The investment can be substantial, but it's important to consider the long-term benefits, such as durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. 

In many cases, the overall cost of ownership may be lower over time, but homeowners must be prepared for the initial expense.

"Our real estate company buys houses in Mishawaka, IN and metal roofs are popluar style there. We have noticed a lot of real estate compnanies that fix and flip properties will install shingle over metal roofs in most cases because of the economics. However, if its your home and you want it to stand out then metal roofs are great in boosting your curb appeal!"

Matt Vukovich | Real Estate Investor in Mishawaka, IN
Person holding money

During heavy rain or hailstorms, metal roofs can be noisier than other roofing materials. The sound of raindrops or hail hitting the metal surface may be distracting or disruptive for some homeowners. However, this issue can be mitigated by installing proper insulation or noise-reducing underlayment during installation.

Metal roofing installation requires skilled professionals with experience in handling the material. Choosing a reputable and experienced contractor for the installation is essential to avoid any potential issues down the line. Improper installation can lead to leaks, poor performance, and reduced lifespan.

Additionally, finding a qualified installer in your area may be more challenging compared to finding an installer for more common roofing materials.

2. Expansion and Contraction

Metal roofs can expand and contract as the temperature changes, which may cause some panels to become loose or warp over time. However, modern metal roofing systems are designed to accommodate these changes, and proper installation can minimize potential issues. 

Nevertheless, the expansion and contraction in extreme temperature fluctuations may lead to more significant problems that require repairs or roof replacement.

In the event of damage to a metal roof, repairs can be more complicated and costly than with other materials. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace entire panels rather than repairing small sections. This can make repairs more expensive and time-consuming. 

Additionally, finding a contractor skilled in metal roof repair may be more challenging, as it requires specialized knowledge and expertise.

While metal roofs are highly durable, they are not entirely immune to damage. Metal roofs can become dented in extreme cases, such as severe hailstorms or falling debris. 
Some types of metal roofing, like aluminum and copper, are more prone to denting than others, like steel. While dents do not necessarily compromise the roof's performance, they can be unsightly and may require professional repair to restore the roof's appearance.

3. Incompatibility with Certain Architectural Styles

While metal roofs are available in various styles and colors, they may not fit every home's aesthetic best. Some architectural styles, like traditional or historic homes, may not be compatible with the modern look of a metal roof. In these cases, alternative roofing materials may be more appropriate to maintain the home's overall aesthetic.

There You Have It!

Metal roofs are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking a durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly roofing option. While the initial cost may be higher than other roofing materials, the long-term savings in maintenance and energy costs can make it a wise investment. 

However, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as noise, installation challenges, and limited repair options. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of metal roofs, homeowners can decide on the best roofing material for their unique needs and preferences. Ultimately, a well-installed and maintained metal roof can provide lasting protection and curb appeal for your home.

What Happens When Water Is Collected On Your Roof?

Even if you have a flat roof, all roofs are designed to do one thing in common: properly drain still water from the top. Regardless of the style of roof you have, you want to avoid the problem known as “ponding” to the best of your ability. For those who don’t know, ponding is when water builds up in a singular area and doesn’t go away even after a few days have passed.

Although there are different reasons for ponding to occur, it is most commonly caused by crushed insulation from foot traffic on the roof, or by clogged up drainage. Whichever the case may be, it still stands that if you have pooling water that you should address the issue right away, or else you risk having leaks develop inside our home. This can cause the materials to break down and possibly even cause interior water damage or other drainage problems. According to the AZ Registrar of Contractors, minor amounts of ponding will occur on most flat roofs, but should be addressed if it doesn’t automatically drain within 48 hours.

Insects

No matter how small the puddle is, if you have standing water then you are sure to have bugs close behind. One of the more common pests that are drawn to still water are mosquitoes, which spend their time breeding and living by the water – something you want to be sure is cleared off before they make your roof their home!

Birds

When bugs and water are gathered in one place, you can be certain that birds will follow soon after. Not only are they interested in the puddles for themselves, but birds will use this as an opportunity to nest and feed on the surrounding insects. Not only are the noisy, but the dangers of contamination from bird droppings increases when you have ponding water attracting them to your roof.

Plant Growth

Plant growth may start as small as a spot of algae, but can develop quickly and grow out of control – such as a mold problem developing in your walls. Roofs that trap moisture or have leaks will not only affect the appearance of your home, but also cause it to grow damaged quicker over time and possibly even cause an environmental health hazard.

Discoloration

Any amount of pooled-up water will start to fade into your roof and cause a certain amount of discoloration. This is not only attractive to look at, but also causes deterioration that may cause improper cooling to occur.

Freezing

Although we don’t experience harsh winter freezes in Phoenix, there is still a chance that the winter nights can freeze sill water on your roof. This will damage the roof membrane, since water expands when frozen – meaning this is a situation that you want to deal with before the weather turns chilly!

Do You Need A Professional Roof Inspection?

Preparing your roof for the rain that comes with the monsoon is an important task of yours – if you are new to the Valley, you may even be wondering how bad it can get.

In order to get your roof ready, you have to understand the monsoon consists of heavy winds, sudden and heavy rain, and dust storms in the form of haboobs, all of which your roof will need to be ready to face because eventually, it will come through.

Essential Inspections

Flat Roofs

Before you order the inspection you can look for debris that's lying up on your roof.  Things like branches, bunches of leaves, or objects that might have gotten tossed up there can get stuck in causing blocked gutters and downspouts.

This will cause a problem when it rains by trapping water and making it pool up on your roof. if you have a BUR (built-up) roof, you want to make sure there are no open seams where moisture can enter.

With elastomeric coatings, you want to also ensure they are still in solid, undamaged shape.

Pitched Roofs

On a pitched roof,  you’ll have valleys that run down it. These canals channel water down off the roof and need to be completely clear of debris like the material coming off of aging asphalt roof shingles, leaves, and branches.

Just like flat roofing systems,  you have to make sure that the seams are inspected and that everything is in good condition and watertight.

Obviously, if tiles or shingles are missing, you’ll need to order some repairs or if it's still under warranty, get your roofing contractor out to replace them.

Downspouts and Gutters

These need to be inspected also. They need to be in good shape, attached securely to your property and free of debris so they can be effective in channeling the heavy rainfall off your roof and down to the ground. 

If they are hanging oddly or not how they’re supposed to they can accumulate water and it can be pushed back onto the roof, instead of flowing down away from your roof and foundation.

Speaking of the foundation, It’s also a good time to check the protection for the foundation of your home, making sure proper drainage is occurring and water isn’t pooling up against it, which will undermine it over time.

Trees

They provide shade that can cut down on energy bills, but if they’re too close to your property they can cause problems for a roof.

If it’s a bigger, older tree and it collapses during a high wind event, a large branch can scrape across the roof, knocking off shingles or tiles, or even knock a hole in your roof. 

Even if it’s not a big branch that comes through your roof, just having all the falling leaves, twigs, and branches on your roof will interfere with proper roof drainage.

Preventative Measures That Will Have Your Roof Ready for Monsoon Season

Previous owners might have taken shortcuts that weren’t caught during the home buying inspection. Patching or other roof repairs may have gone unnoticed.

Have a professional roof repair contractor come out and inspect your roof to make sure there aren’t any do-it-yourself problems. 

Catching simple problems ahead of time will keep them from turning into major problems later on.  Contractors should look for overlapping layers of roofing material, gaps, or just poor craftsmanship.

Any of these could lead to a leaky roof, premature wear, and mold or algae.

A few preventative steps will go a long way to avoid serious issues and damage to the interior of your property.

Don’t Panic!

With all of the potential causes of roof leaks, you tend to panic at the first sign. It may not be as bad as you think. 

Most leaks just need minor repairs and aren’t indicative of your roof failing or needing to be replaced. Most of them are easily rectified, and expensive repairs or even replacements are unnecessary.

You should remedy roof leaks as soon as you find them though because it will keep your roof from the further deterioration that could lead to mold, mildew, and interior damage, as well as possibly needing to replace. There are several different ways to repair or patch a leak, such as using roofing tar on flat roofs.

If you do find a leak, you can use this list of the 7 most common causes of roof leaks in the Valley to figure out the issue and fix it before it gets worse. We also have a list of the Common Roof Problems.

If you don’t vent your attic properly, warm, moist air from below can gather and in time, condensation can build up and leak back down through your ceiling.

7 Most Common Causes Of Roof Leaks

Faulty Flashing

The number one cause of roof leaks is flashing, the thin metal sheeting around openings in your roof,  that is either faulty or cracking.

Flashing doesn’t last forever and it will split or crack before you need a new roof, which is why leaks here are so common.

To fix it, you just pull up the shingles that are covering the edges of flashing, and then remove the faulty piece.

Your roofer will place a new flashing around the opening by nailing it down. Cover the nail heads with sealant and the repair is made. Then they’ll seal the nail heads and area around the opening and replace the shingles. A simple repair.

Broken and Cracked Shingles

Cracked, broken, and missing shingles can cause problems. You can spot them easily and they’re not difficult to replace.

They can be cracked by hail or flying debris, or just simply wear out and start to crack. If the rest of the roof is in good shape, you can usually just replace the faulty ones. 

Your roofer will lift up the shingles that cover the edges of the broken ones and remove it. Then, they place a new shingle in, nail it down and replace the shingles that were lifted up to expose it.

Bad Vent Boots

Vents, for gas as an example, are pipes that stick out around 2 feet over your roof. There’s a boot around the base that keeps water from getting through around the vent.

This boot, over time, will crack or split and allow moisture to get through. The roofing company will pry up the old boot and remove any nails and the adhesive holding it down. Then they slide a new boot over the vent and use caulk to seal it to the shingles.

Debris in Gutters

Your gutters are there to direct water away from your roof and foundations. If they get clogged with debris they will cause water to back up and get beneath your shingles and roof underlayment.

If you have a leak that's close to a gutter, it could be caused by water backing up out of it due to debris.
To fix it, just remove whatever debris or leaves are causing the backup and get the water flowing through them smoothly again.

Attic Condensation

Your problem could be in your attic and not your roof. If you see indications of mold or mildew, you’ve probably got a condensation problem in your attic. The solution is getting attic ventilators installed that will circulate the air and keep it dry to prevent moisture and mold from getting a foothold.

Normal Wear and Tear

The shingles on your roof could lose their protective granules over time and normal wear and tear, causing leaks. You could cause this issue yourself by doing things like retrieving items from your roof, fixing or installing things like satellite dishes, or just casually removing debris. You might need a new roof at this point.

Don’t go up on your roof any more than you absolutely have to, because these types of leaks are the kind that most often lead to replacement. You’ll need a roofing contractor to come out and inspect your roof to determine if this is your problem.

Not Fixing Leaks Quickly

When you have a leak, the tendency is to sometimes put it off because you might think it will cost too much. Unfortunately with roof leaks, this is the worst thing you can do, because the issue will just get worse over time, making it even more expensive.

So, the most cost-effective and cheapest option is usually getting your leaks fixed as soon as you find them. Keep in mind that a leak can have several causes, so don’t automatically think it's a worst-case scenario. Every time you find a leak, make sure to have a professional inspect it to pinpoint the cause.

Don’t Brush Off Bad Weather

Living in Arizona means that once our monsoon season hits, many homeowners will brush off the news of bad weather until it’s too late.

Rather than be left in a panic over a storm with greater impact than anticipated, make sure your roof is prepared for the season now and get your roof ready for storms! No matter what type of roof you have, you want to be sure it’s ready to face heavy rains, wind, and thunderstorms.

Secure All Doors and Windows

Should debris come flying through the air, you want to be sure all openings to your home, including windows and doors, are sealed shut and are securely in place.

If a window breaks, the pressure inside your home will increase, which puts it at greater risk for even bigger damages! The last thing you want is to have to get a house window replacement!

Take Inventory of your Property

After a monsoon storm, you may find yourself looking at damages around your home. In order to properly prepare for your insurance company to send an adjuster to you, start taking photos and videos of your belongings along with their condition.

Secure Loose Objects in your Yard

Anything that is capable of being lifted by wind has the potential to fly into your home or into a neighbor’s home.

You should properly secure any of these items outdoors, or move them inside if that isn’t possible. Things like patio furniture should be put into a garage or shed, and even your vehicle should be kept safely undercover and away from trees that could topple over.

Keep Tree Branches Away from your Roof

Tree branches should be a minimum of six feet away from your home. When winds are heavy, the branches can lash out like a whip and cause large amounts of damage.

Even outside of storms, branches that go without being properly maintained offer other critters and pests access to portions of your home that would be otherwise inaccessible.

Keep Your Insurance Policy Current

You should be sure that your payments are made and that you have no gap in coverage. If something like a tree falls and damages your home, be sure to contact your insurance company immediately, followed up by a call to a professional and licensed tree service.

Getting the tree removed and roof tarped is the first step, then a trusted roofing contractor can help to repair damages!

Before the Storm

Prepare for Strong Winds

Before any storms, make sure your home has been properly taken care of. You’ll want to “batten down the hatches” since the strong wind will be the top factor that affects your roof. Follow these steps to help ensure your roof will be secured against leaks.

Prepare and Repair or Restore

Having a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof for weak areas that can cause issues during a severe storm is an important step to take, and it’s something we offer for free here at Mikku & Sons.

Here are some indicators that roof repair or restoration is required, according to your roofing system material:

Shingle Roofs

All flashing should be sealed, properly aligned, and checked for rust, corrosion or separation. Shingle tabs that are curled or lifted from a poor seal or prior wind damage, or those that have lost their protective granules, need to be replaced or resealed.

Your roofing company should also check any vent turbines for proper seal and functionality.

Tile Roofs

Fasteners, tiles, flashing, ridges, and risers must be in working order. Chipped, delaminated, slipping, or sliding tiles must be repaired, restored, or replaced. Flying tiles can become dangerous projectiles during high-speed winds.

Metal Roofs

Metal that buckles, fasteners that are the wrong type or are no longer functional, and unsealed or unseated flashing are signs of problem areas on your metal roofing system.

Flat Roofs

An emergency roof repair inspection for a flat roof means checking for ponding or pooling water, torn, cracked, or broken surfaces, improper or non-functioning fasteners, buckling, poor seals, and overall flashing problems.

There’s a lot of chatter in recent years about foam roof installation otherwise known as white or “cool” roofing options.

Basically, the thought is that dark colors, roofs constructed of asphalt or tar materials, take in heat, which increases the utility bills for the property they are installed on.

Whereas white or light-colored materials reflect the heat.

The main point is that lighter-colored materials, like white spray foam, will help the occupants save money over time. 

Not to mention reduced energy costs.

The government has encouraged property owners to go with foam roof installation on their properties.

They are also suggesting that all future roofing be lighter or white in color.

One Thing That Is a Factor in Foam Roof Installation… Where Your Property is Located.

In areas like Phoenix or Tucson, for example, where AC systems are used for a great portion of a calendar year, it would seem like an easy choice.

And, there are some states, like California, that are forcing commercial buildings to go with a foam roof installation.

But, in cooler areas of the country, like Minneapolis or Chicago, it’s a little more complicated. There are some studies that show in the colder winter months, white roofing might actually increase heating expenses.

The debate is about how much it actually does. The question is whether the decrease in cooling costs in the summer months will compensate for a possible increase in heating costs in the winter.

Studies have disputed this, showing that the energy savings through air conditioning bills outweigh any negatives, even in colder climates like Chicago.

The other main factor is how cool roofing is, or can have on slowing down the effects of global warming.

One major study found that the heat reflected off of white, cool roofing does affect climate change by putting more heat into the atmosphere, which absorbs more carbon emissions.

Past studies had made claims that white roofing has a cooling effect, not a warming one.

Foam Roof Installation and The Environment

Know The Factors

So, you should know all the factors involved in the particular area where you reside before making any decisions. You should weigh all the pros and cons of your options and choose the one that best fits your locality and budget.

There are several types of reflective materials to make your choice from.

You could also benefit from some local financial incentives from your governing bodies. There are states that offer their citizens rebates if they install white, cool roofing.

Also, incentives may be being offered by the various utilities in your city, county, or state. On a roof with a dark surface, the temperature can get as hot as 180 degrees. on a warm sunny day.

If your roof heats up like this, it will impact your property’s interior, which might be great in Chicago during the winter months.

However, this is not the case in Arizona during the summer, as heat will get inside and rise. You’ll need to use more air conditioning as the temperature inside increases as a result.

Roof Color & Heat Islands

Also, a dark roof will disperse heat back into the air, increasing a city’s heat island effect. The cumulative effect is the planet’s solar reflectance by absorbing the heat from the sun and its rays. Scientists believe that this is having an impact on global warming and climate change.

This has created a movement towards government agencies recommending white, reflective roofing. For reflecting heat, white roofs are great solutions due to their smooth exterior.

Several major tests that have been completed have shown that dark materials, like shingles, asphalt, and tar, only reflect 5-10% of the sun’s rays. This also means temperatures rise 70 to 90 degrees more than the air around them.

White roofing materials, on the other hand, will reflect as much as 25% of the sun's rays with a 50 to 70-degree difference in the surrounding air. Some materials will reflect as much as 35% and only 60-degree differences.

Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality foam roof repair, foam roof installation, foam roof replacement, foam maintenance, and other roof repair services to the surrounding Phoenix area communities.

We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. Call us when you have any questions about installing or repairing a foam roof on your property.

Roof Inspections You Can Trust

Here in the Southwest, we tend to ignore our roof. One of the most critical features of our home, because we have so many days of sunshine every year. Then the monsoon season comes and all of a sudden we regret not doing our routine maintenance because we have a big, expensive problem with roof maintenance during winter.

You can only expect your roof to last about half as long as it should if you don’t regularly maintain it. Your roof accumulates damage every day from the elements – rain, the hot sun, even pests and people walking on it. Pile on to that the even more intense heat and periodic heavy rains from the monsoon season and it’s a disaster waiting to happen. You could have a big roof repair just waiting to happen and you’re completely ignorant of it.

Get Your Roof Inspected

Before the monsoon season begins, at least once every year, you should have your roof inspected – especially if its a flat roof and its over 15 years old. Our roofs here in Arizona get hit the hardest during the winter rain between December and February and the monsoon season between June and September. When it rains here, we have drops in temperature that happen suddenly, causing thermal shock, compromising your roof’s surface.

In your roof’s warranty, it probably has a clause that voids the warranty if you’re not properly maintaining it, so its critical to keep up with regular maintenance, schedule routine inspections and fix any necessary problems as soon as possible.

Regularly Maintaining Your Roof

If you’re not scared of getting on your roof, here’s a couple things you can do to increase your roof’s lifespan. Take the correct safety steps if you do, because one of the leading causes of serious accidents around a home is falling off a ladder. Also, be careful walking on it, especially if its older. You can cause some serious damage and weaken your roof if you do.

Promptly Repair and Inspect

There are some roofing issues that you should leave to a professional roofing contractor. Find an experienced, licensed, professional roofer like Mikku and Sons Roofing if you find any of these problems:

Flat Roof Replacement You Can Count On

It’s not easy to choose the type of roof you want if you’re looking to replace your existing one. However, there is one clear choice, especially if you have a flat roof, from all the options out there. – a spray foam roofing system.

Here, we’ll go over the main pluses of spray foam roofing and why it’s a great choice.

Here Are Some of the Benefits of a Spray Foam Roof Replacement

Easily Repaired

If they are minor repairs that are needed, you may not even need to call a pro. You can fix small punctures or cuts with a tube of exterior polyurethane caulk.

Fill the cut or puncture with caulking, texture it to match the roof, and voila!, you just repaired your roof yourself! Unlike other roofing systems – you don’t have to have a professional flat roof repair contractor make these minor repairs.

Easily Works With Your Drainage Configuration

If they aren’t installed properly, a flat roof can have serious drainage issues during heavy rains, which can damage your roof’s structure. Flat roofs have common problems that foam prevents.

You can get proper drainage with a foam roof by applying several layers with different thicknesses to make the water flow to the right areas for proper drainage.

By applying the foam strategically in this way, you can virtually eliminate the drainage issues associated with other flat roofing systems.

Saves Money

You will have fewer leaking issues with spray foam roofing. because it is seamless and has no gaps. It has no overlapping materials and zero seams.

This means it has a surface that is pretty much impermeable because of its membrane comprised of polymers.

This makes it a much more secure roofing system because you will have fewer issues and their corresponding costs from repairs and water damage.

Energy Efficiency

Spray Foam roofing is an excellent insulator. It will save you money due to its outstanding R values of R-6 to R-7 per inch. much better than fiberglass insulation.

This will save you money through your utility bills. You could save as much as 30% or more over other flat roofing systems. As a result, you should be able to pay for your new spray foam roof over about the first five years of its lifespan.

Spray Foam Roofing Contractors With Experience and Integrity

Weathers Storms Well

In high wind situations,  your roof and its materials are usually the most vulnerable components of your home. In high wind situations, metal roof panels, shingles and tiles can be blown loose and become dangerous being blown through the air at high velocity.

Spray foam roofing adheres to the roof because of its seamless application. Which means there isn’t anything to be blown off the top of the roof and traveling through the air.

Also, as other debris is flying through the air and hitting your roof, it will resist damage when it's struck by them. There is also less chance that you will experience flooding and water damage due to its ability to withstand storms.

By having greater resistance to these extreme conditions, you’ll save time and resources through insurance premiums and fewer claims.

Good For the Environment

When you tear off old roofing systems, they create a lot of waste that ends up in landfills or recycling centers.

Spray foam roofing can be applied directly on top of your existing roof, leaving little to no waste material. Also, you won’t ever need to completely replace your roof again.

You just periodically and routinely maintain the roof by using sealant on problem spots and you’re good to go.

You Can Walk On It

Spray foam roofing is very durable and safe to walk on. This allows you to have access to your roof, making you able to check on problem issues yourself if needed and have easy access to the vents, pipes, and ac units.

There are also no overlapping seams or materials, as stated earlier, that you can trip over. It's safer for homeowners and roofing contractors alike due to its smooth, textured, and even surface.

You Won’t Need a New Roof Again

As we’ve mentioned, spray foam roofs have long lifespans, they’re easy to maintain and less expensive to repair and update.

You can just apply an update to the membrane about every 20 years at around 50% of what it would cost for a new foam roof, unlike other roofing systems that need to be completely torn off and replaced when their useful life is over.

The cost savings involved with these two scenarios is substantial. You won’t have to spend your money on expensive roof replacements ever again due to their long lifespan and ease of repair and maintenance.

Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality foam roof repair, foam roof installation, foam roof replacement, and other roof repair services to the surrounding Phoenix area communities.

We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. When you need advice on any type of flat roof repair or replacement from a reliable, experienced roofing contractor, give us a call.

Light Colors Equal Cooler Temperatures

The idea behind cool roofing is the same as the reasons people living in hot climates wear light colored clothing. Here in the desert southwest, wearing light-colored or white clothing helps keep you cool. Its because light colors reflect heat and sunlight, whereas dark colors absorb them. Homes are similar to people. If your roof is dark colored, your home will be hotter than if it had a light-colored roof. During the hot summer months we experience here in the Phoenix area, a darker colored roof can reach temperatures as high as 150 to 190 degrees at their peak.  In contrast, a cool roofing system will peak at around 100 to 120 degrees.

A cool roofing system can reduce the temperature on the surface of your roof by as much as 100 degrees.  This will reduce the heat that is transferred into the interior below.  The attic space and ductwork under the roof will be cooler.  This will lower utility and maintenance costs and improve comfort inside.  It will also increase the lifespan of your roof and lower the urban heat island affect and associated smog levels in cities.

What You Should Know About Cool Roofing

Cool Roofing Materials

They are made of materials that reflect the energy and heat from the sun away from the surface of your roof. The materials for homes with low-slope roofs are typically bright white, however, there are other colors that are being made for more sloped roof applications. Cool roofing is highly emissive, which allows it to emit infrared energy away from the roof. Bare metals and metallic coatings usually don’t have low emissive abilities, which is one of the reasons they aren’t thought of as cool roofing materials.

Cool Roofing Benefits

Cool Roofing Costs

Initial costs for a cool roof are similar to traditional roofing materials. Some cool roofing materials cost less than traditional materials and some cost more. Cool protective coatings can be applied every 10 to 15 years, which can reduce, or eliminate, the need for expensive roof tear-offs and replacements. If you add these roof repair or replacement savings with an average 20 percent savings on utility costs, it makes a cool roof a money saver over the life of your property. You can also get rebates in some communities, in addition to energy and lifespan savings, from local utility companies for installing cool roofing on your home.

Experienced Flat Roof Installation Contractors

There are 2 two types of materials for low-slope roofing systems on homes – single-ply materials and reflective coatings. Single-ply materials are made of large sheets of pre-constructed roofing fastened together over the old roof and sealed at the seams. Reflective coatings are installed or applied over an existing clean, leak-free roof surface using rollers, sprayers, or brushes.

There are other materials available for sloped roofs in clay or concrete tiles. They stay cool by using certain pigments that reflect the sun’s infrared heat. There aren’t asphalt shingles or pre-coated metal roofing materials available in cool versions right now.

You can visit the ENERGY STAR® Website for a comprehensive list of cool roofing system products and manufacturers at www.energystar.gov.

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