Ice Dam’s on a Roof & How to Avoid Them
You might be wondering what an Ice Dam on a Roof is especially if you’re from the Phoenix, Arizona area. To answer your question, an ice dam is a rim of ice that builds at the ends of the roof. When this occurs, it prevents the water caused by rain and melting snow from draining off the roof. The ice dam creates water buildup and eventually causes damage to areas of the home like the walls, ceilings, and insulation. When water gets into these spots, it is imperative to dry the areas as much as possible to avoid mold & mildew. After drying, call a professional to repair the problem.
No one wants to deal with water damage, mold & mildew, and avoidable repairs. To learn how avoid ice dams, let’s start with what causes them… Ice dams are caused by uneven roof surface climate. The outside temperature, outside elements, and heat loss from the home interact and create ice dams. There must be snow on the roof and higher areas of the roof’s surface needs to be above 32 degrees with the lower areas being below 32 degrees. When the snow at the top of the roof melts… the water flows to the lower area of the roof that is below 32 degrees and freezes resulting in an ice dam.
There are a few things you can do in new homes to prevent ice dams.
1.) Verify state code requirements for the ceiling and roof insulation levels are followed by the construction company.
2.) Make sure the contractor has an air barrier through the ceiling to avoid air leakage from the home and into the attic.
3.) Recessed lights, skylights, and heating ducts increase the chance of an ice dam forming.
Not all areas of Arizona are 65 degrees in the winter during the day. If you live up North towards Flagstaff, Payson, or any other location that gets snow, you’re more likely to get roof ice dams verses those of us in the west valley. Prepare your roof before winter hits… it’s coming fast this year!
Commercial Roofing Maintenance Programs For Business Owners
If you own or manage a Commercial building, you know there are a million different things you’re responsible for. One of those things, is the roof on the building. Roof repairs can be expensive and inconvenient for your business. Having a Roof Maintenance plan would aid in unexpected roof repairs.
Here in the Phoenix area, we get intense monsoon storms. Heavy rain and high winds can wreak havoc on your roof. It would be unfortunate if the roof collapsed while customers were in your office, store, or restaurant. With a Roof Maintenance Plan, the roofer can detect areas in your roof that may need attention before the storm comes. Having these repairs done during the maintenance will prevent having costly repairs in the future.
There are various companies in Arizona that offer a Commercial Roofing Maintenance plan. You’ll want to make sure you choose the right contractor for you and your business. While researching, there are items you should verify is included in the maintenance program they’re offering.
- The program should lay out the predictable annual and lifetime repair and maintenance costs.
- Must contain history reports for the roof along with the inspection checklists, major repairs done, and a detailed plan to execute roof replacement.
- Maintenance needs to work in harmony with the other parts of the facility.
- Needs to comply with safety.
- An annual routine guaranteed schedule.
Almeida Roofing is a certified and professional roofing company in the Phoenix, Arizona area that has Maintenance Plan options for your office, store, or restaurant. We offer plans that fit your needs and the roofs needs. Our roofing contractors have the skills and tools to ensure your roof keeps you, your employees, and your customers covered. For more information, don’t hesitate to call our office!
602-743-3175
Waterproofing Your Roof
During monsoon season in Arizona, we can get a lot of rain and humidity. The first thing that gets hit with the heavy rainfall and high humidity is your roof. Water can cause a lot of issues to your roof if moisture gets trapped. To avoid this, it’s best to waterproof the roof. You’ll want to waterproof under and over the shingles.
Waterproofing Under the Shingles- The most common roof type are shingle roofs. These shingled roofs should contain a strong waterproof material like tar paper or roofing felt that will go between the rafters and shingles. You can also waterproof under the shingles using thermoplastic polyolefin.
Waterproofing Over the Shingles- When you waterproof the shingles, you can get a few more years without having to replace the roof. You’ll want to get a waterproofing compound and spray, roll, or brush onto each shingle. You can go with an oil-based compound that lasts longer or a water-based compound that is more environmentally friendly.
It is important to note that these both need to be done for your roof to be the most waterproofed as possible. Start with hiring a roofing contractor to waterproof under the shingles. They can safely and professionally do this for you. Then, either they can waterproof over the shingles or you can if you’re not concerned about safety.
Almeida Roofing is a certified and professional roofing company in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Our trained roofing specialist can assist with properly waterproofing your roof. We pride ourselves in taking care of our clients to the best of our ability! Almeida Roofing is here for all your roofing needs! 602-743-3175
Avoid Roof Damage from Hanging Holiday Lights
Whether you’re just now getting around to putting up Halloween decorations or can’t wait to hang the Christmas lights, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t damaging the roof in the process. Putting up holiday decorations should be fun and uplifting… not damaging! People tend to use methods that aren’t the safest or sturdiest. Learn tips to avoid unnecessary roof damage this holiday season!
Avoid putting holes in the roof. Using screws, nails, and even staples leave holes in your shingles causing damage. As soon as you take those nails and staples out, those holes can fill with water that can cause the roof to rot. Be cautious about also putting holes in the wood around the perimeter of the roof to avoid wood rot. No holes in the gutters either!
You’re probably thinking, “well how am I supposed to hang my lights now?!” You can use plastic clips! I personally find everything I need on Amazon but you’ll find some at the store too. Know what you’re hanging so you can decide which clips will work best for your roof and decorations. It’s not recommended to attach the clips to the shingles but, if necessary, DO NOT lift the shingles to do so. When the shingles get lifted, the bond to the roof can break and the roof tile can crack. When it’s time to put away the decorations, carefully remove the clips one at a time.
Refrain from walking on your roof. Not only is it dangerous but you could really cause damage. Walking on the roof can weaken and crack the shingles. Again, this can create water damage to the roof and even the walls and ceiling inside the home. So, you’d have lots of repairs needed that you probably don’t want to worry about after spending so much money on gifts!
This holiday season, be mindful of your roof. Don’t make holes, use clips, and don’t walk all over it. Save yourself money by using these tips. If you already have roof damage, Almeida Roofing can help you! 602-743-3175
Flat Tile Roof Damage Repair in Phoenix, AZ
There are different types of roofs we see in Arizona and one of those is flat tile roofs. Like with anything really, overtime issues and damage occur. It is common for flat roofs to weaken and crack. It’s not uncommon for us to get calls for water leaking into the home because there is a roof crack somewhere. When this happens, you’ll want to get it repaired asap to avoid major problems and costly repairs.
How does the damage occur in the first place? There are various ways your roof can get damaged. Sometimes the weather gets crazy during monsoon season with high winds causing branches and other debris to fall on your roof. It doesn’t take a whole lot of strength or weight to crack a roof tile. With that being said, try avoid walking on your roof. If it is absolutely necessary for you or a service provider to be up there, walk as if you were as light as a feather!
If you notice water damage, call a roofing contractor right away. The roof could have a crack causing a water leak and you really don’t want to put repairs off. Doing so will result in more issues and more money. Almeida Roofing can inspect your roof and give you options. We have certified and trained roofing specialist who know how to repair, replace, and maintain your roof.
Call us today! 602-743-3175
Winter Roof Tips
Even though our winter here in Arizona isn’t as intense as other areas in the country, we get surprised with heavy rain fall, hail, and crazy winds. Your home needs to be protected from any type of weather condition. The best thing homeowners could do as winter approaches is to ensure the roof is sturdy and in good condition. Our experienced professionals suggest these tips to prepare your roof for the winter months…
Over time, your gutters collect leaves, twigs, debris, and maybe even snakes… Let’s hope there isn’t any snakes because tip 1 is to clean your gutters! They should be cleaned out 1-2 times a year. If you don’t want to hire someone to clean them… you can set up a ladder, scoop out the debris, and use a garden hose to flush out the gutters. Ensure the gutters are performing correctly and if they aren’t, hire a professional to repair them.
If you have tall trees close to the house, tip 2 is to make sure they’re trimmed and sturdy. It would be a shame if that large branch came crashing down on your roof during an intense windstorm. Also, if your gutters are always full of leaves… your tree is probably the culprit. Trim and maintain trees to ensure sturdiness and assist in keeping the gutters clear.
Winter in Phoenix, Arizona is a little weird because in the afternoon it’s warm and sunny but at night the temperature drastically lowers. The up and down temperature change can actually have a negative impact on your roof. When it’s warm during the day, the roof expands and when it gets cold, the roof contracts. These swift temperature changes can cause damage to the gutters and roof system. This brings us to tip 3… apply roof sealant. Roof sealant helps to maintain a steady temperature so it’s not expanding and contracting. As an added bonus, roof sealant protects from water damage!
After tips 1-3, tip 4 is to call a roofing specialist to schedule a roof inspection. Experienced roofers can see if there are any areas that may need to be repaired. If you know there is damage to the roof, they can provide options to either repair or replace the roof. This is something you definitely want to have a professional do.
If you need a roofing contractor, Almeida Roofing would love to earn your trust and business. We have trained roofing professionals ready to service your roof to ensure it’s ready for this winter. For questions and more information, give us a call. 602-743-3175
4 Reasons Your Home Roof Requires Replacement
As a homeowner, we don’t really pay attention to our roof. We just expect it to protect us from the outside elements without thought of the condition it is in. Overtime, the outside elements, lack of proper maintenance, and age cause damages to the roof that aren’t always repairable. Take a moment to learn and know the signs for when it’s probably time to replace your roof.
Stains:
Check the interior and exterior walls, rafters, and decking to see if any stains are visible. These water stains normally have a brown or yellowish color. This is a good indication that there is wood rot and moisture damage from a leak in the roof.
Cracked Or Curled Shingles:
If you’ve had your shingled roof for more than 12-15 years, inspect your roof closely. Do you see cracked shingles? Or shingles that are curled at the edges? If so, that means you should consider getting quotes on replacement.
Sagging:
There are different factors that could’ve led to the roof sagging… Incorrectly ventilated roof, poor workmanship, incorrect installed roofing materials, undersized rafters and extreme weight. Regardless of the reason, a roof that is noticeably sagging should be replaced.
Light:
Inspect the roof to check for any light coming through. If there is light, you may have holes in your roof and if that’s the case, it’s time to replace.
If you find such issues on your roof and feel that now your roof needs replacement then call Almeida Roofing Inc – Arizona’s Roofing Experts now. We have 35 years of experience in roofing industry and would love to help you.
602-743-3175
Quality Roofing Contractor Tips
When you’re searching for a roofing contractor, you don’t want just anyone. You want someone who is going to provide the upmost quality. Getting a new roof installed demands professional teamwork and precision. This is why it is so important to really take the time to do your research so you don’t hire an “expert” that does sloppy work. Spending thousands of dollars on replacing your roof is a hard pill to swallow but it makes you feel better knowing quality work is being done on your home. To avoid hiring an “expert” who really isn’t an expert, consider these tips…
Look at previous jobs they’ve done. Contractors who don’t seem to care about quality, install roofs with ragged-cut edges, wavy rows, and leaks. Step back to look at the roof and compare with the homes nearby. If you see any flaws, it is probably best to continue your search for a professional contractor.
Next, make sure they clear debris and obstructions from the roof. It is important that while removing the old roof, the nails or staples are pulled out of the sheathing. Some roofing companies save time by hitting the nails into the deck instead of discarding them.
You also want to verify they aren’t installing the roof over poor sheathing. Homeowners who are interested in replacing their roof should ensure the sheathing is strong and sturdy. Before installing the new roof, get the sheathing taken care of if needed. It may be an additional expense but is crucial in having a quality roof over your head.
Lastly, verify entire site cleanup is a part of the estimate. That includes old roof materials, nails, extra tiles, and any other debris. Have an area ready to store any extra tiles and ask the contractor to move them. Tiles aren’t the heaviest thing is the world but your back might not like the constant up and down. Plus, there is less of a chance of them getting damaged if a professional is relocating the tiles.
As you proceed with your search for a quality roofing contractor, Almeida Roofing is available to answer any questions. We do roof repairs and roof installations in the Phoenix, AZ area and would love to put together an estimate for you! For questions or to schedule, give us a call. 602-743-3175
Do Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?
Solar has become extremely popular over the years. More and more homeowners are seeking to reduce utility costs and go green… A solar system is a great way to do that. You may now be one of those people considering joining the solar team. As you do your research, different questions will arise like, “What will happen to my roof if I install solar?” This is a fair question considering they will most likely be drilling holes in the roof to properly install the solar.
Solar panels are not specifically bad for your roof. What makes the difference is how they are installed. The average solar system installation consists of bolting panels to the roof with nails, bolts, and straps. Different solar systems and roof types determine how install will be performed. People get concerned when they find out there are going to be holes drilled because there is an increased chance for water leaks. Water damage and mold growth become more of a possibility from water leaks if there are unsealed holes in the roof. The contractor installing the solar should verify everything is sealed properly. Hire a solar installer based on quality, not who has the cheapest price. You may spend more money on a quality solar installer but that money won’t have to be spent on repairing or replacing the roof!
Let me take your mind off the holes and bring in some positivity by saying that solar panels actually offer the roof protection. The panels create a defensive barrier between outside elements and your roof. Nature has her beautiful but potentially destructive elements such as wind, snow, and rain. The solar panels aid in protecting the roof from these elements. Also, let’s not forget about that harsh Arizona sun.. Solar panels offer plenty of shade! Providing added protection, extends the lifespan of your roof and saves you money.
Based off this information, installing a solar system can help in preserving your roof. If you’ve made the decision in moving forward on purchasing solar, spend time finding a qualified installer that demonstrates the value of quality work. For a better piece of mind, you can ask them to show you pictures verifying everything is sealed. By hiring a trusted installer, you should feel satisfied knowing you’ll be saving money and providing the roof more protection from the elements and sun. For any roofing questions, reach out to us at Almeida Roofing. 602-743-3175
Hire A Professional Roofing Contractor
Roof maintenance isn’t something the average person actually does… one, it’s not easy and two, it just doesn’t cross a homeowners mind. What is easy though is having a trusted roofing contractor to perform the maintenance for you. Regular maintenance helps in maintaining the value of your home and gives you a peace of mind knowing you have a solid roof over your head.
What Does A Roofing Contractor Do?
There are a lot of services a professional roofing contractor can provide you with. The various types of services offered by roofing contractors are roof repair, roof restoration, roof replacement, roof cleaning, roof tile repair, leaky roof repair, and much more.
No matter what the task may be, it’s best to hire a licensed roofing contractor and here’s why…
- Helps in preventing further damage.
- Regular roof maintenance helps with property value.
- Improved curb appeal.
- Longer lifespan.
- Strong roof over your head.
Take care of your home by ensuring the roof is in tip top shape. Do your research on roofing companies to decide which contractor best suits you. Almeida welcomes you to check out our website and if you have any questions, to please give us a call. 602-743-3175