Among all the components on your property, the most useful and critical among these is your roof! Designed to protect you, your family, and your belongings, your roof is the first line of defense against the elements! The summer heat and monsoon storms (along with the wind that accompanies them) are particularly harsh on roofs. Should you find yourself with roof damages and need an emergency fix right away, give these tips a shot!
Your roof is one the most vulnerable features of your home, so a roofing system is usually exposed to changing weather extremes which erodes the quality over time. This also increases the odds of damage and can facilitate an emergency roof repair scenario.
If your roof was damaged during a storm by wind, rain or hail, the best thing you can do is wait until the storm is over before assessing any damage. Once the storm is over and you have good lighting, go and take a look – it’s never worth the risk and danger to inspect during a storm.
Once the whether improves, you should go check your roof. If it has not been damaged too badly, you may be able to get away with minimal DIY repairs to fix up anything basic. For greater damages and breaks, a roof contractor will be able to help you.
As one of the most critical steps, buying a protective cover or tarp for your roof can help to minimize further damages and keep items inside of your house safe and secure. If you fear that water will still find its way inside, make sure to move any furniture and belongings into another room and out of harm’s way.
If you find a pool of water on your roof, make sure to get it removed as fast as possible. Still water that collects on your roof is not just harmful to your roofing system, but also attracts various pests who like stagnant water, such as mosquitoes!
If your roofing system has to undergo heavier repairs, do not try and attempt them yourself. Skilled and licensed contractors should be able to help, even in an emergency. Putting off repairs can cause your damages to grow and should never be put off!
Polyurethane spray foam roofing has been used for a long time. However, it has recently become much more popular given the advantages of having a foam roof here in Arizona. If your old roof needs to be replaced, switching to foam could make sense in a lot of ways.
Foam roofs don’t have seams, and form a tight, even seal around vents, pipes and chimneys. This provides a waterproof seal that reduces the odds of moisture getting into openings. Because of this, one of the most important foam roof advantages is that it provides better leak protection than other roofing. Foam also doesn’t contract and expand over time, which means the tight seal won’t break either.
Spray foam is an excellent insulator that can greatly lower your heating and cooling expenses. Since it has no seams, heat can’t easily escape from your property during the winter. Also, because this roofing material is white means it will stay cooler in the summer too.
Foam also insulates well against outside noise, which means your home will be mare quiet and calm inside after having Mikku and Sons Roofing add this material to the surface of your roof. This is a big advantage if you live in a highly trafficked area or, if maybe you currently have a metal roof, which transmits a lot of sound.
Foam roofs don’t ever wear out, provided you are maintaining it correctly. Ideally, the roof should be re-coated after five years to keep it in top shape. After the first re-coating, you’ll only need to have this service repeated once every twenty years. As long as you follow the recommended maintenance routine, you shouldn’t have any problems with your roof at all.
Not only do foam roofs last longer than other roofing systems, but they are also rugged and sturdy enough to walk on. Which means you won’t have to worry about safety whenever it’s time to clean the roof or have someone perform repairs.
Spray foam can be installed directly over the top of other roofing materials, which could mean eliminating the need to rip them off the roof and dispose of them in a landfill. Also, since foam roofs last so long, you won’t have to worry about adding to landfill waste at a later time either. And, one last thing regarding the environment, the foam used in foam roofing is non-toxic and doesn’t produce any harmful fumes, making it safe to be inside using your your home while the work is going on up on the roof.
Your roof shouldn’t be just for protection, but also add to the beauty and curb appeal of your property as well. Foam roofs are attractive, and work well with homes of all styles and construction types. White foam matches well with any exterior siding, but, you can also have foam tinted beige, tan or light gray if that would match your property better. One big advantage of white foam, however, is the fact that it doesn’t fade when exposed to UV rays, so your roof will continue to look like new much longer than tinted ones.
More than likely it was the advantages that convinced you to choose a foam roof originally. However, just like any other type of roof, foam roofs also need to be properly maintained.
Some property owners put furniture and other such things on the surface of their foam roof. While this might be a good way to take in a view, keep in mind that these unnecessary items could also damage the very material you’re depending on to keep your property watertight. Putting it bluntly, the less you use the roof as a platform, the less the foam is likely to need expensive repairs or more than normal maintenance.
Every roof needs to be kept clean, so this should go without saying. Every year, you should go up and take a look for yourself to see whether any obvious maintenance is needed. If you can, though, you should go up on your roof once every season just to be careful. It’s also a good idea to check the roof after any major monsoon storm, just to make sure nothing got blown on top of it or damaged anything. The good news is that the cleaning can probably be done by you yourself. Clearing bird’s nests, leaves, tree branches and other debris can easily be done by hand and will help protect your foam roof.
One thing a foam roof won’t attract is pests like rodents and insects, so you won’t have to worry that cleaning it also means you’ll have to deal with these little nuisances.
When you’re up on your roof, check to see if any areas look like they’re beginning to get discolored discolored. You should also check the texture. This is why you want to do more than just cleaning to properly maintain your foam roof. You should walk over the whole structure to make sure it still has a texture that looks something like an orange peel. Anything else should make you concerned. Typical problem signs are textures that might resemble popcorn of scrambled eggs, strangely enough. Either one is probably a sure indication that your foam roof has been damaged in some way.
Obviously, if you notice that the roof is being exposed in any way or its showing signs of deterioration beyond the texture issues we just spoke about, you definitely have a problem.
Foam roof maintenance is something that can be handled by the property owner, but re-coating the roof most definitely is not. The process may look simple and easy, but it involves a specific and critical form of cleaning using the correct materials in specified amounts. If you decide to try re-coating the roof on your own, you’’re going be inviting more expensive problems in the future. You should leave repairs and re-coating to qualified professional flat roofing contractors.
If you have just acquired a new home in Arizona, you may be wondering what type of roof installation you should choose for your property. While it is possible to simply pick whatever the builder is offering for the lowest add-on fee, you can save yourself a lot of funds and heartbreak in the long run by looking at other options.
In the U.S., asphalt shingles are used on 70 percent of dwellings. They are immensely popular because of their low cost and longevity. Essentially, they can get the job done and last for 20-40 times as long as they’re properly maintained. However, asphalt shingles can be prone to cracking and breaking when faced with extreme heat. By keeping up with the appropriate upkeep, an asphalt roof can be a winning contender.
In the past 15 years, clay and concrete tiles have become the more popular selection for new dwellings in Arizona. When scrutinizing why more new dwellings are choosing these type of roofs, it’s easy to see the reasons in our red-hot summer climate. Clay or concrete tile roofs have a much longer lifespan and its fair to be expected to last between 20 and 30 years. The tiles themselves will last much longer, but the underlayment is necessarily going to need replacement first. Tiles are strategically spaced so the roof can have optimum ventilation, which means it will cool down faster and last longer. They are also fireproof and will not rot.
Tile roofs require a structural engineer’s report to ensure no additional bracing is a requirement, if the homeowner is switching from a shingle roof to tile. How one’s home is made can determine how much weight the roof can handle. Having an engineer’s report helps ensure that the roof won’t be taking on too much weight.
For most homeowners, the costs of roofing is an essential issue. Clay and concrete tiles are often priced higher than asphalt shingles, but price is not ever the only factor. Unless you plan on living in your new residence for the rest of your life, you should consider shopping the price as well. Concrete and clay have the best price in this regard and can increase the appraisal value of your residence. When considering that the tiles can last a half a century with proper upkeep, it is clear why numerous homeowners pick the initial overhead of clay or concrete roofs.
So what type of roof will you choose? Although asphalt shingles have been used for most dwellings, concrete and clay tiles have made a lot of headway in the past decade or so. While present trends of concrete and clay tile roof in Arizona is likely to stay strong for the foreseeable future, make sure you do your homework. Feel comfy with your roof selection prior to beginning to work on the project.
Like most other homeowners, you may not worry much about roofing. However, you need to know that your roof is there to protect you and your home as well.
This article is not going to teach you all that there is to know about getting a roof repaired, but these roofing contractor tips are very important.
If you can afford to, you should always hire a professional roofing contractor, but if you have to work on the roof yourself, make sure that the weather conditions are clear for your own safety.
A wet roof can be slippery. Your roof will also need an ample amount of time to dry. A rain shower the following morning can end up setting you back.
Hose off the shingles, so you can have a clean workplace without a mess of leaves or other debris.
You can also use the hose to find a leak in your roof. One of the best ways to find a source of a roof leak is to use water itself.
It can be tricky to see where a leak is coming from in the middle of a storm, but a garden hose will allow you to test your roof until the leak has been found.
Your best bet, however, is to always hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof.
Do not choose the first roofing contractor you find in the phone book or online. By choosing the first roofing contractor you read about, you may end up spending more money than you need to.
Call numerous roofing contractors and go with the most reliable one at the best price you can find. It's not easy to choose a roofing contractor, but asking for a list of references can be a huge help.
Any roofing contractor which refuses to provide such a list is not one that you want to hire. Don’t just ask for the list, though, be sure to call a few people on it to double-check their experiences.
When inspecting your roof for leaks, it is important that you inspect the whole roof, not just one section. If you find a troublesome area of your roof, you should still check all areas, as there could be more problems elsewhere.
It will be cheaper for you to have all fixes done at the same time, when you hire your roofing contractor, rather than waiting.
If you have a general handyman that does work in and around your home, do not allow him to do anything to your roof.
Fixing a roof requires a high level of experience and know-how. This is why you would be better off hiring a roofing contractor that specializes in this type of work.
The age of your roof is a good indication of whether it needs replacing or not. Most roofs have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years before replacement is needed. If you have a roof that was put on top of another roof, if 20 years have gone by, you likely must replace it.
Take the roofing contractor’s credentials into consideration during the hiring process. Although credentials do not give you a guarantee that you will get quality work, they do show you how involved the person is with your local community.
It also says a little something about their character as well, which is valuable information.
Any roofing contractor you hire needs to have proper licensing and insurance. If they don’t have this available, then it's best not even to consider hiring this particular roofing contractor.
If your roofing contractor does not have insurance and causes a large amount of damage, then you will be the one to pay.
As was mentioned at the beginning of this article, most homeowners don’t really know too much or concern themselves with roofing.
However, it is an important topic since you will want to protect your family and the items that are contained in your home. Knowing this information will help to keep your family and valuables safe.
When it comes to determining if you need a new roof, there is a lot to think about and consider. Often homeowners are unsure if a new roof is necessary or if the existing roof just needs some minor repairs.
The best way to know is to have a local roofing contractor come to the house for a free consultation. They will evaluate the home’s roofing materials as well as the structural soundness.
Replacing a roof with a new roof can be an expensive investment. A roofing contractor will advise you about the roof's condition and the best steps to take going forward.
When determining if you need a new roof, the most obvious factor is that a new roof will be expensive. When a new roof is needed it’s important to make sure everyone in the household knows what is going on. It will alter your life while the work is being done, which is typically about a week.
A new roof is best installed when life is not chaotic and nothing pertinent for the family is happening. The stress that comes along with paying for a new roof and living in the home while the roof is installed is exhausting.
Having a baby, starting a new job, kids studying are all good reasons to delay a new roof install. Installing a new roof will be loud, and you should be prepared for early mornings.
The best time for roofers to remove shingling and old roofing is in the morning when temperatures have not peeked.
Another thing to think about when beginning a new roof installation is the material that you will use for your roof. Shingles and tiles are the most common choice for homes here in the Southwest however; depending on your home’s style, flat or foam roofing can be considered.
When considering materials to use it is best to do a benefits analysis to decide if the extra money for a tile roof is worth it in the long run over shingling. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time a tile roof will stand the test of time, and you will not need to worry about the hassle of a new roof in twenty years.
When choosing a contractor for your new roof, the best way to find reliable roofers is to check their reviews online as well as ask neighbors, friends, and family for referrals.
If you find a roofer online it is important that you are able to contact their referrals to ensure they are satisfied with the job that was done on their home. It is the appropriate time to ask about the time frame of the job as well as the cost in comparison to the original quote.
Homeowners should also consider asking about the mess, the cleanup, and the professional nature of the crew. These are important things to inquire about before you hire a roofing contractor to install your new roof.
A roofing contractor can seem incredibly professional when selling you on a new roof but finding out what they are like in the heat of a roof replacement is what you need to know.
Asking their referrals and checking their reviews and testimonials is a sure-fire way to know ahead of time what you are getting into.
The last thing to do before any work is done replacing or repairing a roof is to have a signed contract. A contract between the roofer and the homeowner should include labor and material costs, an estimate on competition time, and a copy of the roofer's insurance.
It is important that the roofer covers insurance coverage for the employees. This responsibility is not that of the homeowners and is not theirs to be liable for should an accident occur.
All reputable roofing companies will have no problem supplying you with proof that they are fully insured.
When determining if you need a new roof, trusting the people working on your home is a number one priority. Hiring a company for a big job such as a new roof is not something to consider lightly.
The home’s roof is structurally important to the house and therefore care should be taken when work is done on it.
When it comes to first impressions you only get one chance; that is why it’s called the first. Your homes first impression comes from its curb appeal and your roof installation can greatly affect it. This isn’t something most homeowners think about when it comes to home improvements and renovations.
The reality is that curb appeal can truly end up being the deal maker or breaker when it comes to selling your house. Without a doubt, one of your top priorities when it comes to improving your home should be the homes exterior, and your roof installation is an important part of that.
Besides your home’s landscaping, windows, siding, your roof installation is beyond important when it comes to curb appeal. Your home’s roof installation is one of the main aspects of your home seeing that is covers about fifty percent of the home visible surface. The roof installation often goes unnoticed by homeowners as it is not something that requires constant attention. With your home’s roof, often yearly maintenance is enough to keep the roof functioning structurally as well as looking good. Therefore it is often something that is overlooked with the overall curb appeal of your home. The time will come when your home needs a new roof installation to maintain curb appeal and maintain its structure.
An experienced roofing installation contractor is the best source of information when it comes to your new roof installation. Many homeowners are inclined to select a roofing material based on their limited knowledge in roofing, the color of the shingles or even the price. An experienced roofer takes all of this into consideration as well as more important criteria such as durability, climate, weather conditions, and exposure. With this information they find a roofing material that will not only withstand the test of time, add curb appeal but also give you the best value for your new roof. Roofing contractors also have the added advantage of experience with different roofing materials and styles. Roofers have the ability to look at the exterior of the home and recommend products that will enhance the existing exterior.
This is also true of homeowners that are looking into changing the exterior all together as well. There is more to roof installation than choosing between shingles, tile and foam roofing. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles just like tile roofing. Roofing professionals will perform a roof installation that enhances your homes curb appeal using appropriate materials that will stand the test of time taking into consideration natural elements that affect your roofs durability. More Information: Mikku and Sons Roofing offer a variety of roofing services throughout the greater Phoenix area, including roof installation of shingle roofs, tile roofing, flat and foam roofing and roof repairs.
When you’re trying to decide which material is best for your new roof, there are several factors to consider. Here in Arizona we have extreme heat in the summer months and beautiful, cool days in the winter. If you can take the summer heat, Arizona is a great place to live the rest of the year. However, with the extreme temperature changes form season to season, you need to make some intelligent choices about the materials you use to build a home.
Choosing the right material, whether you’re building a new house or replacing the roof on your existing home, will be a major factor in how your home looks and how long your roof lasts over time. If you live in a homeowners association, you may not have a choice. The two choices used the most here in Arizona are asphalt shingles and tile.
To hold up against the elements, asphalt shingles are made of one of two materials. They have either an organic or a fiberglass base and are coated with minerals and an asphalt saturation.
They come in a wide variety of colors and styles giving you options for the look you want. They’re very durable and make it easier for someone to be up on your roof without causing damage. They’re also considerably less expensive than tile.
There are a couple of drawbacks, however. First, they can discolor over time so that fresh, new look you have when they’re first installed may fade. Secondly, they make it a little more difficult to heat and cool your property, as the materials used on the top of your roof don’t breathe very well. If they’re properly maintained and inspected over time, they should last between 20 and 40 years, depending on the type of shingle used.
The most widely used option for roofing in our state, due to the extremely dry climate, is concrete or clay tile. They’re more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they have a longer lifespan – as much as 50 years – they’re easier on your utility bills as they’re more energy efficient, they give a much more “southwest” regional look to your property and they’re more heat resistant and fireproof.
They do have a couple of downsides, however. Concrete and clay tiles are much heavier than asphalt shingles, requiring an entirely different type of support system for your roof, adding to the cost. Also, they can become somewhat fragile, which can make them more likely to break or crack, especially if someone has to go up on the roof for some reason. They also have more costly periodic maintenance requirements than shingles.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to each type. Tile roof homes are usually appraised at higher values than shingles, and they both have their maintenance costs. But, in the end they’re both quality products that will last a long time with proper maintenance and protect your home well from the extreme elements we have here in Arizona. What it really comes down to is your personal preference of how you want your home to look and your budget, but either way is a great choice.
Arizona’s extreme weather conditions can be harsh on your roof. It is important to know what to expect regarding the lifespan of a new roof given these conditions. Many Arizona residents are hear for the warm winter weather, heading back to their summer homes once the temperatures rise. Their roofs are left behind amidst the big swings in temperatures, sometimes high winds, and rain from monsoon storms.
There isn’t a lot of rainfall, compared to other parts of the country, so you may think your roof here isn’t stressed as much as it might be somewhere else. Expanding and contracting materials tend to wear out quickly in fluctuating hot and cool temperatures. Monsoons then bring rain, high winds and blowing sand, which can damage a new roof in a hurry.
The type of material you use for your new roof depends on several factors including how you want your home to look and the budget you have to work with. A professional consultation with one of the professionals at Mikku and Sons Roofing and Repair can help in determining the right Phoenix roof installation for you. Here’s a list of the most common materials and how long they should last if you properly maintain them:
Something to keep in mind: it isn’t always the material on top that can cause problems. As mentioned above, with a tile roof, the underlayment that’s placed beneath the tiles for an extra layer of protection can dry out and will probably have to be replaced every 12 to 15 years. So, its important that you do inspections at certain intervals in the life of your roof and perform common maintenance tasks to insure you get the most possible years from your roof’s
materials.
The best way to make sure your roof lasts is to get it inspected on a regular basis. If you have gutters, make sure you’re cleaning and clearing them out monthly to get rid of any debris and ensure proper water flow from them. Keep an eye out for loose shingles or tiles, especially after monsoon storms, that could cause water to get under the top material. If you have tall trees, make sure you keep the branches trimmed and away from the roof so that they don’t drop leaves and other organic material on it. Tree branches can also scrape the top of your roof during strong winds and knock off shingles or tiles.
If you have a flat roof, check it after storms to make sure debris isn’t impeding the flow of water off of it and leaving standing pools that can erode the materials on top. Finally, inspect your roof yourself every 3 months and then have a professional roofing company inspect it annually to catch any problems you may have missed early. Your roof is one of the most vital and expensive components of your home. Follow these suggestions and it should last a good, long time.
Do-it-yourself projects are currently very popular, but you should know when you need a phoenix roofer. Learn when it’s time to bring in the experts for the benefit of your home and your finances. A professional roofing company will help your roof look and perform at its very best, but they can’t make that happen unless you let them know when you need help.
Routine maintenance is an extremely important part of properly maintaining your roof. It will prevent avoidable problems down the road. No matter how simple the maintenance task might seem, you should leave the job to a professional who has the training, knowledge and experience necessary to do the job adequately. Your roof is your home’s strongest and most important line of protection. It only makes sense to do everything possible to protect it.
Getting Ready for a Move? If you’re planning on putting your home on the market in the near future, you can definitely increase its market value and curb appeal by tearing off your current worn out roof and replacing it with a new one. By investing in the repairs upfront, you can sell your property for more than you probably thought. Even if you’re planning on staying for some time, a new roof is a great way to improve your home’s exterior look for the better.
Visually inspect your roof several times a year, but a professional can do a much more thorough job. If you see any streaking, stains, buckling, curling or missing tiles or shingles, make sure to let your roofing contractor know as early as possible. Even if you don’t go up on your roof, you probably have problems with the materials if you ever see water stains in your attic, ceilings or walls on the interior of your home.
