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It is anticipated that tile roofing should endure a lifetime. Nevertheless, there are situations when it needs to be fixed owing due to leaks caused by slipping, cracking, or sagging, defective flashing, or a worn-out underlayment. Making repairs as quickly as feasible is critical.

Damage gets gradually worse if not corrected. The repair prices and considerations for these materials are distinct from those for other types; if they need to be serviced or repaired, it is essential to have a good hold on them.

Damage could arise from a range of different sources. Wind, ice, debris, hail, and even the sun's heat all cause damage to a roof over time.

When a roof of this type is damaged, it usually only affects a single tile at a time. In most circumstances, you will not have to replace all of the tiles on the roof. Only damaged ones will need to be replaced, but it's always advisable to get an expert opinion to see how bad the damage really is.

In other circumstances, the repair might not even require new tiles. Alternatively, you might have the current tiles repaired. When the tiles are damaged, they can potentially cause leaks, which can, in turn, generate additional damage to the roof. Damage to the building's interior from leaks is also possible and can be expensive to repair.

The cost of repairing a tile roof in Arizona

Repair cost  Price
Material  Composite tiling: $10 and $20.50 per sq ft
Plain tile: $8 to $9 per sq. ft
Terracotta tile: $11 to $23 per sq ft
Slate: $12 and $14 per sq ft  
Style  Plain tile: $8 to $9 per sq. ft
Pantile tiling: $8 to $10 per sq ft
Mission tile: $9 to $11 per sq. ft
Roman tile: $9 to $11 per sq ft
Spanish/ Mediterranean tile: $8.50 to $11 per sq ft
French tiling: $9 and $11 per sq ft
Interlocking tiling: $9 to $11 per sq ft
Tile repair: $9 to $11 per sq ft
Scandinavian tiling: $12-$14 per sq ft  
Problem  Slipped tiling: $8 - $13 per sq ft
Sagging: $15 to $25 per sq ft
Flashing costs: $25 to $30
Repairing a crack: $25 to $50 per tile
Leak repair: anywhere from $150 to $500.  
The repair cost of some materials

Repairing a tile roof can cost anything from $900 to $2,300 across the country. Steel tiles damaged by area damage on a 1,500 square foot roof typically cost roughly $1,800 to repair. The least expensive option available is approximately $500 to repair metal flashing that is damaged or missing. Repairs of deteriorated underlayment and replacing the roof at the high end could cost up to $8,000.

How much does it cost to repair a tile roof in Arizona? Many factors can affect the cost, e.g., the type of material and quantity of tiles that need to be replaced or repaired. Concrete, lightweight concrete, metal, and clay are all possibilities.

Tile Roof Repair Cost by Material

The cost of repairing a tiled roof ranges from $8 to $23. The material has an impact on it. Prices for various types of materials might differ significantly. When compared to other types, some demand more in the way of materials and labor. Concrete is the cheapest option, while clay or composite is in the middle of the cost spectrum. The table below includes the most popular types of materials available and their repair costs per square foot.

Cost of Tile Roof Repair by Style

The style impacts the repair expense, ranging from $8 to $14 per sq. ft., depending on the style of tiling. When completing your study, you will notice the many styles available on the market. All styles differ in appearance, texture, and cost. Style is a component that also affects the price you pay. A flat style is less expensive than a Roman style since it is more straightforward. Below you'll find a table that illustrates the relative costs of repairing various cost styles.

Tile Roof Repair Cost by Problem

Your structure is a considerable investment that carries out the crucial duty of protecting you and all of your assets. Ignoring any tiny problem now can lead to significant problems later on. Some typical issues include leaks, sagging, slid tile, cracked tiling, and damaged flashing. The price of tile repair by problem ranges from $8 to $25 per sq. ft. and $25 to $500 per problem.

Cost of repairing a tile roof

Model construction workers on new roof

Sixty percent of the overall repair costs range from $900 to $2,300. $540 to $1,380 will be spent on labor, with materials accounting for the remaining 40 percent. A professional might be engaged to complete repairs at $45 to $75 per hour for labor.

If your style is out of the ordinary or the slope is steeper than average, your labor costs will rise. The repair process starts with visually inspecting the structure to establish the issue and the necessary repairs.

Then, they will negotiate a repair strategy, which may involve removing and replacing damaged components. Repairs aren't always necessary for the entire piece. The repair needed directly influences the project's cost and duration. Even the tiniest of repairs require at least two hours to accomplish.

ProjectCost
Tile restoration$300 to $600 and up to $6,000 to $11,000
Tile replacement$5.50 to $36 per square foot
Underlayment replacement$0.50 and $2 per square foot
Roofing felt replacement$0.50 and $1 per square foot
Synthetic roof underlayment$0.75 and $2 per square foot
The costs of some tile projects
  1. Tile Roof Restoration Cost

Minor restoration projects, such as cleaning the gutters, might average between $300 and $600, depending on the size of your structure. However, a thorough restoration costs around $2,500 for an average property.

Prices might range from $6,000 to $11,000, depending on the scope of the work. Restoration is the process of extending your structure's longevity, offering you a cheaper option than a complete replacement.

Over time, tiles can be damaged by several factors, including extreme weather, infestation, or falling debris. This technique entails cleaning, repairing, or replacing any broken, damaged, or cracked surface. Protecting the surface with a clear coat prevents any further damage.

  1. Roof Tile Replacement Cost

If the materials need to be replaced, you may spend roughly $5.50 to $36 per sq. ft. The replacement cost includes removing the current materials and discarding the old ones, underlayment, materials, and installation.

Although it can appear expensive to replace tiles, it is occasionally a more practical alternative than repair. If your anticipated price to repair is more than half the replacement price, you may want to consider a total replacement instead. Several positives to consider regarding a replacement, including having all concerns repaired at once.

If you opt to repair one area of your structure, another area might need repair later. Long-term savings are realized by having your structure repaired instead of replacing the existing one.

  1. Cost of Underlayment replacement for a Tile Roof

Depending on the material, replacing an underlayment costs between $0.50 and $2 per square foot. The underlayment between the tiles and the deck acts as a protective barrier, keeping the surface dry and free of leaks and damage caused by the elements.

Repairing or replacing a structure often necessitates replacing the old underlayment, especially if the structure is more aged. A robust underlayment protects your structure if damaged and can prevent many severe problems from developing, including leaks.

Underlayment is typically included in the project cost, but it never hurts to double-check.

  1. Replacement of Roofing Felt

Felt, commonly known as asphalt-saturated felt, has been a standard underlayment material for construction types for decades. The material is comparable to tar paper but combines polyester, cellulose, bitumen, and asphalt soaked in a waterproofing agent.

It costs between $0.50 and $1 per square foot to replace the felt underlayment, including the materials and labor. It's available in two weights: 15 lbs. and 30 lbs.

Compared to the 15-pound type, the 30-pound class is significantly thicker and more rigid. As a result, the 30-pound felt is an excellent option due to its resistance to damage from the elements.

  1. Synthetic Roof Underlayment

It costs between $0.75 and $2 per square foot to replace synthetic underlayment, including supplies and labor. Underlayment should be replaced if damaged or exposed for an extended time. Professionals currently employ synthetic underlayment as their primary underlayment.

Compared to paper or asphalt, durable plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene are commonly used in synthetic underlayment. Exceptional strength, flexibility, and waterproofing characterize this underlayment, making it resistant to mold and other fungi.

This tear-resistant substance stays smooth and rarely tears around fasteners. It holds up nicely against UV damage and light.

  1. Roof Tile Repair and Upkeep

As a result of its sturdiness and endurance to the harshest conditions, tile is a popular flooring choice for many homes. Maintaining and giving reasonable care to your structure is a must.

It should be checked at least twice or thrice a year or after a large storm or other weather events that could have caused harm. During the examination, clear the area of any debris and inspect the tiles, fasteners, and sealant. If there are any damaged sections, suitable measures should be taken quickly to reduce further concerns.

You should clean it any time you spot stains, mold, or mildew. Hand cleaning with a trowel and wire brush is the preferred method. Consult a professional if you aren't sure if you can handle it on your own. Avoid using high pressure on the structure.

This has devastating damage. Once your surface has been thoroughly cleaned, you can take additional steps to protect your building, such as polishing, priming, painting, or resealing to keep it in good condition.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Roofing tools for post  How much does it cost to repair a tile roof in Arizona?
ProjectEstimate cost
Removal of a Roof$0.50 to $1.5 per square foot
Tile painting$2,550 to $4,250
Roof support$300 to $5,000, $500 to $5,000 (Truss replacement)
Roof Inspection$100 to $600
Tile cleaning$0.30 to $0.75 per square foot
The estimated cost of some tile roof projects
  1. Cost of removal of a Roof

Removing a roof might cost anything from 50 cents and 1.5 cents per square foot. You can anticipate paying double this cost for structures with more than one layer of tiles.

2. Roof Tiles Paint Prices

Typically, painters charge from $2,550 to $4,250 for painting. The amount varies depending on the region, the materials, the type of structure, and the materials' condition.

3. Roof support

Supports are a vital feature of any structure that maintains the structure stable and prevents it from collapsing or warping over time. A support problem can cost $300 to $5,000 in repair costs, depending on the nature and extent of the problem. If you need complete trusses replaced, those range from $500 to $5,000 to be installed.

4. Inspection of the Roof

The average fee for an inspection is between $100 and $600. Size, material, pitch, and present condition all influence this pricing. An inspection assesses the structure's condition and lifespan and any necessary repairs or replacements. An assessment is vital in finding potential problems and solutions to concerns.

5. Tile Roof Cleaning Cost

Roofing is exposed to several elements and severe weather. It is inevitable that debris, staining from food or drink, mold, and algae may accumulate over time. This can cause long-term damage and issues if it isn't cleaned. Cleaning services cost, on average, $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot across the country.

6. Additional considerations and expenditures

Purchasing new tiles is more expensive than repairing existing ones, but this is not always the best option. The labor cost will depend on the amount of damage and work.

The cost of cleaning up and removing any old tiles and materials should be factored in. If the problem isn't fixed, the roof and the house's contents risk further harm. Taxes and permit fees are not included.

A dead roof valley

Most of the time, residents in Arizona may be oblivious to the areas that are prone to roof leaks when designing and building a roof. Changing roof slopes meet in a roof valley with a name that stems from the roof's valley-like appearance, preventing water buildup on the roof.

The roof valley helps the roof slope drain water and reduces snow and ice accumulation on roof liners while at the same time improving the home's appearance. Complex roofs with multiple pitches will have dead valleys that must be protected and maintained.

A dead valley is a place on a roof where water cannot easily run down because of two slopes or a slope and a wall. Dead valleys can cause leaks and other roof damage if not properly maintained.

Good home designers who understand roofing and water movement avoid dead valleys in their blueprints, but when this is neglected, a roofing company must find and safeguard vulnerable areas. Where two roof slopes meet, a trough allows water to flow readily down the roof, but if the configuration is not designed well, water flows directly into these pitch regions, which have inadequate or no drainage.

When opposing roof slopes meet in a dead valley, there is little or no fall, leading to water and debris collection. Water generally drains fast, but in a dead valley, it can't because of the valley's flatness.

It can also occur when a roof section meets a lower outside wall. First, a regular valley runs into a flat wall corner instead of off the roof. Second, two or more slopes merge into one.

Low-sloped roofs should use materials that can endure water runoff without early deterioration. Roofing contractors often shingle over these sections without the proper underlayment, costing homeowners hundreds in repairs.

Debris and water can deteriorate wood and shingles, causing costly repairs. Dead valleys on roofs collect rainwater, snow, leaves, and other detritus, and as the roof ages or disintegrates, debris and water will leak through the shingles.

Dead valleys become an issue for roofers as leaking spreads, and the roof structure decays. When serious damage is long-lasting, the roof and adjacent structural components may need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes roof damage in Arizona?

Even if you can remedy a dead valley, it will limit your roof's lifespan if you do it too late or with the wrong method. Builders and roofers often "solve" a flat area by laying shingles and felt paper.

Despite their thoughts, a bad solution like this will leak in three to five years. It may lead to:

Leaks:
More roof leaks may indicate an unknown dead valley. Most homeowners don't know they have a dead valley roof until a leak is discovered, but that doesn't imply the situation is irreparable.

During roof repairs, membranes and other solutions can avoid water pooling and damage.

Roof water and debris collection:
Stagnant water is a common cause of leaking roofs, but it's not the only problem. Pooling water causes issues and can attract bugs.

Rooftop puddles attract mosquitoes because they provide ideal nesting conditions. Water seeping through the roof also attracts cockroaches and termites.
Standing water can cause expensive repairs and create ecosystems that should be avoided.

Ice dams:
Ice dams can cause substantial damage and leaks even when water appears to be flowing. Ice dams can create dead valleys where none existed previously.

A roof ice dam prevents melted snow from draining off the side. This can promote mold and mildew growth. Repeated freezing and ice thawing can cause considerable roof cracking and paint blistering and peeling.

Rot and moss:
Vegetation can develop in even the slightest roof breaches, creating a concern. Roofs with moss, algae, or weeds are less water-resistant, making them more vulnerable.

Roots can break roof membranes, enabling water to accumulate and attracting more pests.

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.

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:

Does Your Roof Need Repair?

If you think your tile roof has potential issues and you want fix those problems before they becoming bigger and more expensive issues, you’ll need to know what to look for. However, how can a homeowner inspect their tile roof and recognize the telling points that may show your roof has problems? Read on and we’ll help you with telltale signs that your roof may need some attention.

We’ll be discussing:

Remember, do not walk on your tile roof! To be safe, and to keep yourself from breaking tiles, we recommend you don’t walk on your roof.  This is especially important when you have a fragile clay tile roof. A good suggestions would be to use binoculars to inspect your roof from a distance from your yard or up on a secured ladder. Move the ladder to different view angles around your property to get a clear view of the entire roof.

Know What To Look For

Organic Debris Between Tiles

Plant materials like mold and lichen or small branches and leaves can literally eat away at the underlayment.  This will leave your roof vulnerable and could void your roof’s warranty. If your tile roof is covered with lots of leaves, branches, and other organic debris, schedule a professional roofing contractor to preform maintenance as soon as you can.

Deteriorated Flashing

Flashing is the material around any pipes, vents, chimneys or other penetrations on your roof. Decayed or poorly installed flashing can lead to water penetrating under the tiles and potentially damaging your underlayment.

Broken or Missing Tiles

Missing or broken tiles will allow the tile roof underlayment (the roofs waterproofing feature) to decay. How does this happen? With a tile missing, the underlayment is now open and vulnerable to the weather and elements, like the hot sun, torrential monsoon rains and organic material from birds.

Moisture Damaged Fascia Boards

Fascia boards are long, straight boards that run along the lower edge of your tile roof. These boards may need repair or replacement since they’re susceptible to moisture and can rot or decay. You should look for cracks and discoloration in the fascia boards around the roof.

A Sagging Roof

If you think your tile roof is sagging, it may be that the roofing material that supports the roof has weakened.  Another reason could be that your roof has too much weight for the structure.  You may need to have a professional tile roof repair contractor bring in a structural engineer to analyze and recommend corrections to any structural problems your roof has.

The Underlying Issue

Deteriorating Underlayment

Everything we’ve pointed out so far is fairly easy to spot. However, deteriorating underlayment is harder to see because – as its name implies – it’s underneath the tile, which protects your roof from water penetrating through to the interior. Getting up on your roof and uncovering tiles to check your underlayment isn’t something you want to do yourself.

Here’s the most important thing to know – the underlayment on your tile roof needs to be replaced eventually. Usually between  12 and 20 years is about how long you can expect it to last in a climate like Phoenix.. If your roof is more than 12 years old and hasn’t been inspected in some time, you should contact an experienced tile roof repair company for a comprehensive roof inspection.

Does Your Underlayment Need Replacing?

The underlayment and flashings are critical on a tile roof because they are the primary water barrier to keep moisture from penetrating your roof. The tiles themselves are mostly for architectural curb appeal and helps to protect the underlayment. Since the tiles can last 50 years or more, your underlayment needs to be of similar quality. Usually, the tiles on the roof will outlast the underlayment and the flashings around your roof penetrations.

Whatever type of underlayment is deployed on your tile roof, the installation is as critical as the material used. It’s most important that proper sealing measures and flashing material is used at all penetrations for chimneys, skylights, pipes and roof vents. Valleys in your roof are also problem areas that need special attention.

Emergency Roof Repair Services

To a residential insurance policy business, the roof is the most crucial component of your residence. In more than 90 percent of hailstorm or high-wind cases, there is a payment family member to the roofing cover, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

Figuring out that your roof covering has to be replaced or fixed can be bothersome for lots of home owners. Taking care of insurance policy cases, speaking with insurance adjusters and seeking compensation for all covered problems is a complicated procedure. Several home owners are just unclear how to file a claim, where the procedure can be troublesome, what sorts of paperwork they require, or what to anticipate.  We’ll try to help in this article by offering some roofing insurance claim tips.

Roofing Insurance Claim Tips That Will Make Things Easier

Know Your Policy Coverage

Some policies will use roofing damage coverage up to the depreciated worth, no matter the age of your roof covering. Other plans will cover the price of repair or replacement at the time of the insurance claim, despite the age .

The most critical thing to understand is what’s covered and what’s not.  This is done by calling your insurance policy service provider.

If your roofing system is less than 10 years old, you may be covered entirely for the expense of fixing or replacing the damaged area at the time of the claim. If your roof covering is more than 10 years old, you may only receive compensation for the depreciated value of the damage.

Produce Documentation

To simplify the claims procedure and help in getting the appropriate compensation for your loss, take a collection of “past” pictures of your roof covering as well as outside your residential or commercial property. Having all of these details on file will help make your claims procedure problem-free and as smooth as possible.

Pick a Roofing Contractor with Insurance Expertise

Look for roof repair contractors with experience in supplying roofing system estimates for insurance policy cases and also assisting customers navigate the procedure of obtaining their roof repair service to be covered by their insurance policy company.

If your roofing system has been damaged, you should get an evaluation by a roofing contractor as soon as possible. Figure out the degree of the damages immediately. This will help accelerate the claim and help prevent more issues that wouldn’t be covered under your plan.

Your professional roofing contractor should help you navigate your claim with your roofing company’s procedures. Look for service providers with experience in offering roof covering estimates and insurance coverage cases.

Leaks Can Be Devastating

When you’re buying a new property, you have a lot to think about to prepare for your new home. Inspecting a flat roof before following through with the purchase is extremely important.

Even though you may have owned a property with a flat roof in the past, it is still a good idea to inspect the roof and understand how to maintain it.

Leaks can be devastating and expensive if they’re not repaired quickly after they’re found.

Serious Flat Roofing Problems To Look For

Blistering

These are areas that look like bubbles or where the surface is uneven. There could be moisture trapped underneath the membrane, but more often, it's a result of improper installation.

Ask a roofing contractor if a particular blister on your roof will cause bigger problems.

Splitting

This could mean there’s a poor structure or bad insulation installation. Even if the membrane was installed correctly, shifting or movement inside could cause a split in the flat roof’s membrane. If this is the case, the flashing in this area will usually fail too.

Movement

If the membrane looks like it shifted from its original position, it could be due to the slope of the roof being too steep for the type of membrane installed, poor adhesion, or thermal issues.

This can contribute to ridges, splits, and other roof problems.

Obvious Damage

When inspecting a flat roof and find that it has been punctured or shows other signs of obvious damage, you should bring it to the attention of your professional roofing contractor.

Shrinking

Some membranes have a tendency to shrink. You will see this as an issue if membrane seams look like they’re pulling against a penetration like a plumbing vent pipe, or if the membrane can be pulled away from the eave’s edges.

You may also see “bridging” at angle changes such as parapet walls, against other walls, etc.

Things to Look When Inspecting A Flat Roof

On the Roof

If you don’t see any discolored spots or any other signs leaking inside, it is still a smart choice to have the roof inspected.

There could be cracks beginning to form that will become bigger issues down the road. You’ll want to get these problems fixed before they cause any internal damage to the home.

One thing we would recommend is walking the roof to do a simple visual inspection. To be safe, make sure to be aware of where you are on the roof and never walk backward.

Make note of all the penetrations and don’t put any weight on any skylight covers, they’re not built to withstand the significant weight.

While you’re walking the roof, make a note of how it feels under your feet. If it feels weak, get off the roof safely and as quickly as possible and call a professional roofing contractor.

A leak on the roof could soak the insulation under the membrane. If it feels spongy underneath you, you’ll also want to refer to a roofing contractor. This is also the case if you notice any water coming out of any part of the membrane.

Inspect Penetrations and their Seals

Next, you will want to look at all the penetrations and seals. A large number of leaks start at penetrations and seals, which make up a very small percentage of the total area of the flat roof.

Penetrations, things like pipes and flashings that ‘penetrate’ the roof, are usually enclosed by flashings made from some form of sheet metal. Inspect around these penetrations for deterioration and cracks.

This cracking might not seem to be a big problem, but as moisture gets in, it will expand the crack until it's large enough to cause a big leak.

Seals are where two waterproof materials overlap, coming together in the same spot. Inspect these seals and make sure they’re smooth and still fully adhering.

In the Interior

You’ll want to check each individual room on the property carefully. Check the ceilings for any stains or discoloration. If the roof is leaking, you’ll find a dark-colored ring forming around the water-saturated spot.

stained ceiling from leaking flat roof
This is what a leaking roof looks like from the interior

If you see this, you should contact an experienced roofing contractor before moving ahead with your purchase.

Damage from a leak in one area doesn’t necessarily mean that the leak is located directly above it. Flat roofing systems have layers that might direct the moisture to other areas in the home, many times far away from the source.

The damage could also be from a plumbing or AC leak or, possibly some other source other than your roof itself.

It's also a possibility that the leak that caused the stain was previously repaired but the discoloration on the ceiling was not.

However, to be on the safe side, the best thing to do is to hire a professional flat roofing contractor to locate the source of any leaks.

To Conclude

If you’ve finished your roof inspection and decide you need to hire an experienced commercial roofing contractor, make sure to get several bids to ensure that you thoroughly understand what really needs to be remedied.

Also, if you get multiple bids, you’re more likely to pay a lower price for your roof repair. Your roofing contractor might also be able to help you extend your roof’s lifespan and give you instructions on what you can do for routine maintenance throughout the year.

Installation With Experience

Your roof plays a huge role in protecting your property and everything inside that you own. Anytime the roof’s structure is in trouble, you need to take action right away to fix the issue.

If you don’t fix a damaged roof, it can lead to big problems and expensive repairs down the road. This article will discuss the things you should consider before installing a shingle roof.

Things to Consider Before Installing a Shingle Roof.

Hire a quality roofing contractor

Some people like to keep the costs down by doing part or all of the job themselves.

Most of the time, it’s safer to hire professional, experienced roofing contractors because they have valuable knowledge and experience as well as training in the appropriate materials to use, proper installation, safety procedures, building code requirements, and waste disposal.

Here are some tips for hiring the right contractor:

Get Things Going with Necessary Building Permits

Most cities and local governments will require permits for roofing work. Most roofing contractors will do the basic work for obtaining these permits, but you should know what the costs and time frames for permits are beforehand.

This way you can add these expenses to your budget and the additional time to the project’s schedule — the sooner you know these time frames and costs, the better.

Removing the Old Roof is Better Over Time

Some roofing contractors might propose you leave your old roof in place and consider installing a shingle roof on top of it. It will save money but you should avoid this.

When an old roof is removed, the roofing contractor can inspect the decking and other areas for any possible structural damage that may exist. You could be creating a more costly repair by adding a new roof without removing the old one.

Asphalt Shingles are Durable and Affordable

There are a lot of roofing materials to pick from, like wooden shakes, clay, metal, and slate.

Asphalt shingles are a happy medium for many property owners because they come in lots of shapes and colors, they’re the most affordable, the easiest to install, and usually last for 15-20 years.

Schedule During the Most Forgiving Time of the Year

Schedule your roof repair or replacement during a time when weather in your area is most favorable. Most roofing projects will be completed in a week to a few days if the weather is permitting.

Some roofers give discounts if you schedule the project during their slow season, so make plans ahead of time with your scheduling and you could save yourself a lot of money.

Things to Avoid With Your Flat Roof

Flat roof don’ts are important to consider, and calling a contractor is likely in your best interest.  There have been a lot of flat roofs that have been lifted up or completely blown off buildings here in the Phoenix area due to monsoon storms kicking up severe, heavy wind gusts. Fortunately, most of the time, injuries are avoided, but the peeled away roofs are a reminder that flat roofing on a home is no place for amateurs.

If the homeowner or property manager happened to be up on the roof to do something they thought was simple, like checking the drains and gutters for debris, when the monsoon storm hit, as an example, much worse results would have occurred and made for major, tragic headlines. Unnecessary rooftop visits are just one practice to avoid with residential flat roofing.

Don’t Go On Your Roof

Rooftop visits that aren’t necessary are just one practice to avoid with flat roofing systems. Some homeowners think of their roof as their personal property, the same as you might look at something you own like a guard dog. But, you know guard dogs can sometimes bite the hand that feeds them. Your roof should be treated with the same kind of caution – it will be there, inviting you to climb up on top of it, but roofs can be very unpredictable. The less time you spend on your roof, the safer you are. Leave inspections and repairs to the experienced professionals like Mikku and Sons Roofing. We have the trained crews, specialized equipment and certified training to walk your residential flat roof safely and securely.

Don’t Put Off Repairs

Another poor behavior to avoid is procrastinating your roof repairs. Ignoring the trouble signs of a potential leak – ponding, musty odors in your interior, ceilings that have stains, or moisture damaged roof insulation – will only cause your eventual repair to be more costly. If your home has any of these signs pointing to a leak, get that small repair made as fast as you possibly can, before it turns into a major roof replacement project. You can also avoid damage to your insulation and roof decking with quick attention to repairs. This quick repair strategy will always save you money in the long run.

Don’t Be a Do-It-Yourselfer

Some homeowners think they can do minor roof repairs themselves. You, or a property manager, might think of yourselves as some sort of “handyman”. Why would you risk your health, your job and your well being by going up on a roof to try to make an amateur repair? The do-it-yourself approach might work for a while to clear a clogged scupper or something simple, but for most residential flat roof repair, you need the guidance and experience of a professional roofing contractor.

Some other flat roof don’ts to consider:

Should You Worry?

Understanding information on roof warranties is extremely important.  Does the purchase of a new roof mean you get to sit back and enjoy the next 20 years with no worries?  The best answer is that it depends on what you just purchased.

Most property owners tend to focus on the length of the warranty and don’t fully understand what is and what is not covered, leaving you open to some surprises later.

Understanding the information on roof warranties can help you get the most out of your coverage.

Common Questions To Ask Before Purchase

It probably isn’t a surprise to learn that information on roof warranties is usually more geared toward protecting the manufacturer than the property owner.

Roofing manufacturers spend big money to compose lots of fine print that tries to limit their own liability if something goes wrong with their roofing products.

That’s why it’s so critical that you understand the information on roof warranties before signing off on your project.  Here are some good questions to ask before making the purchase:

If you haven’t purchased your new roof yet, ask for a sample of the roof warranty template and read through it, and ask for clarifications from your roofing contractor.

Common Questions To Ask After Purchase

What are the differences between a contractor roof warranty and a manufacturer roof warranty?

This one is pretty simple. One comes from the roofing company that installed the roof and one comes from the manufacturer of the roofing materials.

Manufacturer warranties differ – some cover only the material while others cover the whole system. Most manufacturer warranties also require the contractor to perform warranted repairs for the first few years after they install the roof.

Contractor roof warranties usually don’t cover materials and only cover the actual workmanship.

What is the difference between Material-Only Warranty, Labor-Only Warranty and System (Labor and Material) Warranty?

Material Only Warranties typically have a lower cost than a full system warranty but will only cover manufacturing defects and premature deterioration for the term of the warranty. Material-only warranties cover the roof membrane and not other accessories such as flashings, adhesives, metal edge, etc.

It only covers the cost of materials to repair or offers credit toward buying a new membrane. These warranties don’t cover or include any labor or coverage for installation issues. They also don’t provide coverage for fixing leak repairs.

Labor Only Warranties cover only the labor required to fix a roof defect and doesn’t cover the cost of materials. They are usually offered by the roof installation contractor. This type of warranty isn’t a roof workmanship warranty and probably won’t cover repairs for installation errors.

Full System Warranties usually cover not only the material but also manufacturer-approved flashings, accessories, and metalwork used in the original installation. They typically cover the full cost, labor included, for any roof leak repairs within the warranty terms and conditions. Again, this type of warranty might not cover installation errors.

What is the difference between a Labor Warranty and a Roof Workmanship Warranty?

Labor Warranties cover the costs associated with repairing a defective roof within the terms of the roof system coverage. Most full system warranties include labor.

However, they don’t cover the cost of repairs associated with installation failures. That’s why the most critical step of your roof system is a good, solid, professional installation.

There isn’t much that can protect you against installation issues besides a roof workmanship warranty from the roof installer.

Also, remember that a warranty is only as good as the roofing company backing it. Make sure you have a professional, long-standing roofing contractor install your roof.

Roof Workmanship Warranties cover you against costs related to actual installation problems and errors which a labor-only warranty might not cover. However, some system warranties do cover workmanship. If your warranty doesn’t include workmanship coverage you might be able to get it directly from the installer.

Will my roof warranty protect me from a bad installation!

A roof warranty is only as good as the company backing it. Looking for a professional, experienced roofing contractor to install your roof? Contact Mikku and Sons Roofing today, at 623-465-1068.

What does a regular roof warranty cover?

Again, this depends on the actual type of warranty you have. You could be surprised by what you are or are not covered for. That’s why it’s so critical to know what the roof warranty will cover before you invest in a new roof system. Always read the fine print and exceptions.

Things Normally Covered Or That Might Require Extra Fees

Be aware that certain warranty coverage extras such as puncture coverage or high wind coverage require certain roof materials or installation methods which may impact the cost of the roof installation itself.

What’s Your Ideal House?

When people imagine a house, many picture a building with a pitched or A-shaped roof. However, this is far from the only option available for your home or business. One style to consider is a flat roof, which is a horizontal roof that is usually tilted at a very low angle.

Reasons to Choose a Flat Roof

People choose flat roofs for a variety of reasons. Some simply like the way they give a home a more modern look. Others appreciate advantages such as:

However, it is important to note that there are also disadvantages to living in a building with a flat roof. For example, these roofs require careful maintenance, or they can be damaged by weather and gradual wear and tear. They can also be prone to water pooling and flooding.

Before choosing a roof design for your home, it is important to be fully informed about your options. Our roofing specialists can help you review your choices when designing a home or constructing a new roof.

Flat Roofing System Options

Foam Roofing

Foam roofing is the most energy-efficient roofing material available, over 500% more efficient than conventional roofs. It’s the first intelligent roofing technology for flat and low-sloped roofs, combining insulation and roofing into one material. That means no roofing seams or multiple layers – eliminating the expanding and contracting and separating that allows water and microbes to seep in and damage your roof.

Each Mikku and Sons foam roof is custom installed. The foam is sprayed on as a liquid mixture, and within a few seconds will expand to up to 30 times its original volume.  It will become a watertight, seamless solid that custom forms to the roofing substrate. Take a look at the advantages of a Mikku and Son’s foam roof:

Built-up Roof Membrane (BUR)

Elastomeric/Plastomeric Roof Membrane

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