Can extreme heat harm your roof?
We all know that Arizona is a hot place. We love it, or we hate it. Heat and humidity cause problems for our roofing, just as all extreme weather can. Arizona is a dry heat most of the year, but extreme temperatures, storms, and severe weather conditions can cause damage to both commercial and residential roofs. However, some preventative measures can be taken to help your roof in the extreme summer heat. Ensuring that your roof has proper ventilation is key to reducing the effects of heat and humidity on your roof. If you need clarification on your roof’s ventilation, speak with a roofing professional about the right ventilation for your roof style.
Heat has a way of making existing problems worse. Be sure to check your roof after storms or if there might be an issue as soon as you can avoid the heat worsening everything.
Phoenix Roofing Contractor
Your local, quality and affordable roofing professionals are here at Almeida Roofing Inc.! We understand how important it is to have a sturdy roof over your head. That’s why we demonstrate quality and professionalism each time we maintain and service it. When the time comes to replace your roof, Almedia Roofing Inc will be there with you every step of the way. We offer financing options, so you don’t have to stress about paying all at once. We are here to help, not cause you to have a heart attack!
It doesn’t matter if we are maintaining or replacing your roof, Almeida Roofing Inc has the crew to do the job! Our roofing specialists have the knowledge and experience “Joe Shmo off the street” simply does not. Not only do we have the best crew, but we also have quality equipment and materials to get the job done right. With quality products, we can deliver quality work. Give your local roofing specialist a call to schedule maintenance or a replacement estimate!
602-743-3175
How do roof tiles get cracked?
There are different materials that go into building a roof and one of those are the roofing tiles. While these are meant to protect you, they still wear down and crack over time. Cracked tiles can be caused by impact from falling objects, freezing, and weather. Sometimes you can get away with repairing a few random tiles but in more serious cases, replacement may be necessary. Whether you need roof repairs or replacement, it’s important to know how these cracks can happen.
Causes of Broken/Cracked Roof Tiles
- Falling Objects
- Freezing and thawing
- Weather
Falling objects could be things like… a branch from that giant tree on the side of your house or, if you’re really unlucky, an aircraft losing control and landing not so graciously on the roof. No matter what the object is, it’s possible to crack a shingle with it.
When there is sitting water on the roof that freezes and thaws over and over again, this can cause the roofing tiles to crack. While the water goes through the roofing materials, the temperature fluctuating causes the cracks to occur.
Here in Phoenix, Arizona, we occasionally get a crazy hail storm that lasts about 3 minutes. It may be a short time but the falling ice can cause cracks and holes in a matter of no time. When we get strong winds during monsoon season, the tiles have a chance of peeling or lifting.
Whatever the reason, if you need a roofing specialist to give you direction on repairing or replacing your roof, Almeida Roofing Inc is available to help! Our professionals will inspect the roof and present you with options. We will work with you every step of the way to get your roof back in shape! Call us anytime to schedule an inspection with Almeida Roofing Inc!
602-743-3175
Roof questions to ask when you are buying a home.
If you are shopping for a new home this year, here are some things you should find out about the roof of your dream home before you drop that offer.
HOW OLD IS THE ROOF?
You must ask this question even when looking at a home you are considering buying. The homeowners/sellers of a new home like to tell you when there is a new roof on the house, but they frequently won’t mention anything about the roof unless it is new. Anytime a large project like a new roof is done to the home, there are receipts; it’s important to get proof the roof has been fully replaced or repaired. Make sure that their paperwork matches up with what they are saying.
WHAT QUALITY/TYPE IS THE ROOF?
Be sure to ask what the quality of your roof is. Make sure good quality roofing materials were used when it was last redone. Also, it’s important to note that not all roofs are created equal for the places that they are. For example, here in Arizona, tile roofs are popular because they last a really long time, but asphalt shingle roofs are used too. Understanding the difference in the longevity of these two types of roofs in Arizona is important. It may not be something you need to deal with immediately, but just understand that you will probably need work done on a shingle roof way sooner than a tile roof.
HOW WORN IS THE ROOF?
Most of the time, a home inspection is done on your home before you buy it unless you opt-out… P.S. Never opt out of a home inspection. Also, did you know that you can choose your home inspector? Most of the time, the homeowners hire the inspector, or one of the realtors will set it up, but you can always get a second opinion. Not all home inspectors are created equal, and not all spend enough time inspecting the roof. The roof is a very important part of your home and not something that should be looked over quickly. If you happen to see ware and tear on the edges of the roof, or perhaps some minor things are mentioned in an inspector’s report, it is ok to ask for a roof-only inspection. Knowing how worn the roof is is key to deciding to buy a home. A roof can be a very large expense, and even if it warns, knowing this information can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.
Roof cleaning DOs and DON’Ts
- DO use equal parts bleach and water. It’s important to remove not only dirt but any algae or mildew that may be growing.
- DON’T use a power washer on shingles – Power washers are too strong to clean shingles; the force will break them down.
- DO let the bleach and water solution set for up to 20 minutes and then rinse it away with clean water.
- DON’T forget about your plants and shrubbery around your home when rinsing off the cleaning solution. Wet any plants with water and then cover them with plastic to protect them.
- DO clean your roof on a cool day, with cloud coverage and no wind.
- DON’T wait until your roof is covered in algae or moss to clean it. It’s always better to keep your roof clean rather than waiting until it’s a big task.
- DO Hire someone to clean your roof if you are unable to clean it yourself safely.
- DON’T clean your roof without taking proper safety precautions.
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
Shingle Roofs In Arizona – Pros & Cons
Shingle roofs are commonly seen on Arizona homes… Why? With temperatures fluctuating day & night and the crazy monsoon storms during the summer, we need a roof that can handle the conditions Arizona has to offer. Our homes must have durable roofs that can withstand the unpredictable climate variations. Here is a quick review of the pros and cons of using shingle roofs.
Pros:
- Versatility – Shingle roofs can be made of materials like asphalt fiberglass, wooden shingles, metal, slate, tile etc.
- Inexpensive – Shingles are one of the most inexpensive roofing options. Material used for shingles have different costs so you have various options to choose from that works best for you.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance – Arizona roofing companies can easily and proficiently install shingle roofs. Regular maintenance is recommended to keep shingles clean and safe.
- Fire Resistant – Shingles are fairly fire-resistant. Asphalt shingles can last 2 hours before catching fire unlike wooden shingles. Asphalt fiberglass shingles are the most fire-resistant among all other types of shingles.
- Easily Available – Shingles are easily found everywhere and anywhere. Available in different shapes types and colors too!
Cons:
- Lifespan – Metal and slate shingles are durable up to 50 years, but few shingles like asphalt, tile and wood are decreased to 30-35 years in life expectancy.
- Regular Inspection Required – Although the roof maintenance and repair is easy, regular inspection is required to avoid any damage.
- Vulnerable to Mildew – Improper roof installation, ventilation and leaks can lead to mold, mildew, and fungi.
People choose shingle roofs over other roofing types as it’s inexpensive, durable, and easily available in Arizona.
Asphalt Roof Installation is done by the professional roofing expert, Almeida Roofing. To learn more and get a quote, give us a call! 602-743-3175
Three Types Of Roofs
Climate in and around Phoenix, Arizona homes has a hotter climate in most part of the year. So, the selection of roof has to be in line with the weather conditions. Every homemaker has special concerns about building as well as renovating the home. Since roof is an important part of any home, its selection has to be considered after keeping the weather in mind.
Most of the commercial roofing companies come up with choice of three major types of roofs that do well in the AZ homes i.e. Tile, Shingle and Foam roofs. While all these roofs are the common recommendations made by any reputed Phoenix Roofing Company, some work better than others and are more adaptable to certain weather conditions. Below given is the detailed description of roofs that are best recommendations given by Phoenix Roofers.
The Topmost Three Types Of Roofs Suitable For Phoenix Climate :
Tile Roofing – This type of roofing has come up as an alluring option, and is regarded as quite durable. Generally it is made of clay, but also comes in lighter weight materials constructions to suit different needs and purposes. Where on one hand, hard clay can withstand extreme heat and storms, on the other it protects the home from water damage by providing stronger insulation, keeping the inside temperature under control.
Shingle Roofing – It is regarded as a less expensive option and demands low maintenance costs. Mostly, it is made using asphalt or fiberglass that is available in varied styles and colors. Also, this type of roof can easily complement any design to impart attractive finish to a home. It lasts an average of 25 years.
Foam Roofing – Such type of roofing is highly recommended by commercial roofing companies for commercial buildings; however it also goes well with homes in which the foam roofing is sprayed on the roof to dry hard. It is recognized as a single layer of roofing that removes seams, present around flashing to block water drainage. It also offers extra layer of insulation to keep energy cost to its minimum.