Being here in Arizona, the question of heat comes up a lot regarding roofing. When is it too hot for workers to be on a roof in the summer?

With temperatures upwards of 115 on summer days, the safety of roofers is very important. Roofers can’t just work on summer days, so it is important to take precautions. Hydration and lots of breaks if key. Other things that are important for roofers in the summer include sunscreen, hats, and surprisingly long sleeves to avoid as much exposure to the sun as possible.

There is no way to avoid roofing in the summer; just keep in mind that jobs could take a little longer due to the breaks and precautions that are taken for our roofers.

If you are thinking about a new roof, you may be researching the different types of roofs there are out there. Here are some advantages of metal roofs.

• Longevity. A metal roof can last 40-70 years, depending on the type of metal used, while most traditional roofing materials, like asphalt, can last only 12-20 years.
• Durability. If done correctly, metal roofs can withstand wind gusts up to 135 MPH, should not rust, and may be impact-resistant (depending on your chosen metal). In addition, metal roofs don’t require the costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require. They should, however, be inspected periodically to ensure no repairs are needed.

Safety. Metal roofs will not spark or catch fire during a wildfire or lightning strike.

Energy efficiency. Metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays that contribute to roof surface radiant heat, which can result in a 10-25% reduction in cooling costs.

Environmentally friendly. Metal roofs not only have 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material used but are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life as a roof. In contrast, most shingle tear-off waste is part of the building-related waste stream — up to 20 billion pounds per year.

Most people like to open the curtains or pull up a chair on the patio to watch the rain fall and lightning strike. The relaxing sound of the rain hitting the ground as you sip tea is truly beautiful and peaceful. However, that relaxation and peace can quickly turn into destruction and havoc if your roof hasn’t been properly maintained. Almeida Roofing understands how important your roof is in keeping you protected and safe. With the professionalism and experience we offer; you can count on us to properly maintain your roof.  

When you take care of your roof, it’ll take care of you and protect you from the outside elements.  If there is neglect in maintenance, your roof will eventually let you know! Unless… you have Almeida Roofing on your side! With our roofing maintenance options, we offer the opportunity to fix small issues before they become major. A simple hole in the roof could result in your roof, walls, and ceiling crumbling to the ground if not corrected right away.  

Almeida Roofing is here to maintain your roof so that doesn’t happen! It would be very unfortunate to be watching the rain then suddenly the roof caves in. You don’t want that for you, and we don’t either! Our goal during inspection is to inspect the roof and if we see any issues, we will inform you and provide repair options. Not all repairs are huge, but they can be overtime if the original problem isn’t corrected. Be active in your roofs maintenance by calling Almeida Roofing Inc.!

602-743-3175 

Keeping clean gutters is an important part of roof health. Having gutters back up can cause pooling and leaks and can lead to damage. 

When cleaning your gutters, safety is key. If you feel like you can not clean safely, hire a professional to help. Wearing gloves is also key to protecting your hands from anything sharp that may have ended up in your gutter. 

After the safety steps have been taken, remove and clean the downspout strainers. Depending on your roof, a ladder or access to the roof is needed to clear all the trim gutters around the house. Remove anything large that has become lodged and could cause a possible blockage. After removing large debris, you should be able to take a hose and spray water into the gutters to clear out small leaves and left sticks. This is also a good test to see if you have successfully cleared out your gutters completely. The water should run freely and out without any obstructions.

Do you need a roof inspection?

Sometimes, yes. You should always get a full home inspection when purchasing a new home. There was a time when it was common to waive inspections, but regardless of how badly you want a home, you should always get an inspection, so you know the condition of your home. This goes for the whole home, but also the roof. Think of home inspectors like general practitioners; they sort of have to know a little bit about everything. Think of a roof inspector as a specialist. If your home inspector returns with anything about your roof on their report, you need to call a roof inspector to take a closer look. You will want someone with the expertise to get to the root of any issues.  

What gets inspected?

When your roof is inspected, the inspector is looking for any damage to your roof. Damage can be caused by leaks, mold, moss, etc. inspectors also look over the integrity of your roof, like the full condition of roofing materials and the Condition of flashings and roof penetrations. Your inspector should inspect not just the roof but things that are involved with your roof, like any skylights, pipework that should be sealed, and even your gutters. 

It’s barely the new year, but spring will have rolled around before you know it. It will soon be time to check on your roof to get ready for the summer.
Here is a list of a few things to check once it starts to warm up.

Clear Off All Debris from roof and gutter – We all know that wintertime creates all sorts of messes from trees; this means it’s not just on the ground, it’s also on your roof. If you have a lot of trees that drop leaves, be sure to check your roof and also your gutters for fallen leaves.

Examine Your Roof for Loose Shingles – Look around your roof and ensure all the shingles have made it through the winter. Things like hail and storms through the winter can damage and loosen shingles. It is important to find loose shingles and fix them before they cause any issues.

Damaged Tree Branches – If you have damaged or dangling tree branches close to your roof, have them trimmed or removed. Branches that fall can cause future costly repairs.

Hail is one of those things that happens without warning, and there is no way to protect your roof from it. Depending on where you live, hail can be a once-a-year occurrence or a constant threat to your roof. What is so bad about hail? Does it damage your roof as much as we have all been told?

The most common issue that hail causes are leaks. Shingles can be damaged or moved depending on the size of the hail that is hitting your roof. The speed at which hail hits your roof is enough power to shift shingles around or break them, which can lead to leaks in your roof. In addition to leaks, hail can cause holes in your roof, depending on the hail size. Golf ball-sized hail and larger is the most problematic, especially if you haven’t had your roof inspected or replaced in many years. Hail can easily mangle an old or damaged roof.
When your roof is damaged by hail, and it’s not addressed, your roof is exposed to elements like rain and extreme heat and sun that the shingles usually protect it from. Anytime the asphalt under the shingles is exposed too long, the aging process of your roof is accelerated.
After any hail storm, large or small, it’s important to have a trusted roofer inspect for damage.

What is a living roof? 

A living roof is a roof that is covered in greenery and plants. A living roof must be properly built and waterproof for plants to thrive. 

What is the purpose of a green roof?

Living roofs, or “green roofs,” are aesthetic and a great way to conserve energy by keeping your roof cooler. Like natural insulation, heat is absorbed into the roof instead of attracting it. 

Are they good for the environment? 

Yes, green roofs not only help with cooling costs, as mentioned above, but they also produce oxygen and remove air particles like all other plants on a larger scale. 

Are living roofs hard to maintain?

A living roof requires very little maintenance. The grass and earth protect the waterproof layers from sun damage, so the roof lasts indefinitely. And you never have to paint it or replace tiles.

A few things to consider before dividing if a living roof is for you.

Keep in mind that a living roof isn’t for everyone. They are easy to maintain, but you still need plant knowledge to keep them alive. Climate plays a role in a living roof as well. Dryer climates create the issue of water usage, while humid climates are the best choice for these roofs to thrive with less watering. Also, keep in mind where you live; if you live in a subdivision with an HOA, check with them before making any large changes to your roof. It’s unlikely that your HOA will allow a living roof, as most like for all homes to match color schemes that don’t include green roofs. 

Arizona is a “dry heat” most of the year, but not 100% of the time. Check for moss and algae during the monsoon months; once it’s there, it doesn’t go away; it just dries up when the air gets drier. So yes, you do need to check for moss and algae in Arizona. It may be a smaller chance, but never zero.

Moss and algae can cause significant corrosion to your roof’s shingles. If you find moss or algae growth on your roof, removing it or controlling it is important. Cleaning it yourself is easy but a task that only some are willing or ready to undertake. You can get zinc or iron solutions at your local hardware store to prevent further outbreaks. Cleaning a current outbreak can be as simple as dish soap and water but can sometimes need higher-strength cleaners. Please call a professional if you need help cleaning algae and moss from your roof.

Maybe you have a leak, or there is just a spot on your roof that’s looking a little bit rough; how do you know when it’s time to replace your roof or just repair the damage?

The first step you need to take for any issues with your roof is to get it inspected by a trusted roofing contractor. A professional will be able to search for small damage or structural damage and be able to tell the difference. An inspection is most important because you may not need a full roof repair for a small area, and you wouldn’t want to only patch a small area when your whole roof needs to be replaced.

When deciding if you need a repair or replacement, consider the age and condition of your roof also. If your roof is over ten years old and there is significant damage, often the best choice is just to replace the whole thing. If your roof is newer and was just damaged in a small area from a storm or bad weather, then having a repair in that area might be all that’s needed. The general rule of thumb is that if the damage affects more than 30% of your roof, it’s better to replace it.

Oftentimes, cost has a lot to do with people’s decision on repairing or replacing. In the long run, if a professional has recommended a whole new roof, going that route will save money on further damage to the home or the structure that could have been avoided if the roof had been replaced. If cost is something you are concerned with, most homeowners insurance will cover roof replacement, depending on your policy.

If you think there’s an issue with your roof with their, small or large, give us a call for an inspection. 623.743.3175