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

Check Your Roofline 

Check your roof line for sagging. Your roofline should be straight, so any signs of drooping or curving may mean you need to investigate. A saggy roof can cause frame issues, so catching it early is key.

Check Chimney Flashing For Leaks  

Chimney flashing is the strip of metal that seals the chimney and your roof and is one of the most common spots for a roof leak. A Leak in the flashing can be mistaken for a leaky roof.

Check to ensure your flashing doesn’t appear damaged or loose and that the caulk hasn’t cracked or deteriorated. Also, look for any signs of water intrusion near the chimney.

Check The Attic For Signs Of Water Damage

In many cases, the first sign of a leaky roof will be seen in the attic. Symptoms of a leak include water spots on the walls and/or puddles of water on the attic floor. If you see any signs of water damage in your roofing system, you can schedule an appointment to have your roof inspected before winter hits. 

Remove debris and clean out your gutters

Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris accumulated on your roof and in your gutters. In the winter, leaves, especially in your gutters, become waterlogged and can cause a block leading to water build-up. Water build-up can cause pooling and a leak over time. 

If you are more comfortable letting the pros handle a roof inspection give us a call.  (602) 743-3175

Interior leaks: Any discolored patches on ceilings are a good sign that your roof needs repairs. Checking attic and crawl spaces for discoloration is also a good idea as often, the damage will show there before the ceilings of the home interior. 

Moldy or moss-covered patches on the roof: Moss on a roof can look very neat, but we can assure you that it is doing more harm than good. Moss or mold means moisture is trapped long enough between or under shingles to promote growth. There should be no standing water or moisture on your roof. Over time moss breaks down your roof and may cause mold or moss to grow inside the home. 

Missing or damaged shingles: After storms, you may have damage without even realizing it. With gusty winds, shingles come loose and can blow away, so there won’t be any signs of fallen shingles on the ground. Getting up to your roof is the best way to check, or give us a call, and we can take a look. Shingles that come loose are a big deal because not only is your roof not being protected in that area of your roof, but they can also fall off and block your gutters and cause more issues. 

Every year on October 24th, people from all across the nation celebrate National Balogna day with a sandwich, but what other ways are there to enjoy this meaty delight?

Have you ever tried fried bologna? This seems to be a treat that is enjoyed mostly in the south. While not deep fried, fried bologna is seared in a pan until hot and crispy, then served on the side for breakfast or in a sandwich.

Pickled bologna is also an option. Pickled bologna is a refreshing summertime treat with a texture more like summer sausage.

In the 1950s, bologna cake was popular. This “cake” was bologna stacked up like cake layers and iced with cream cheese. Not exactly the birthday cake everyone hopes for, but a very popular party dish.

How do you enjoy your bologna?

Can you replace a roof by yourself?

These days we live in a world of DIY, and while there are lots of home projects you can do yourself, roofing is not recommended. Sure, there are youtube videos and books you can get to answer every question you can come up with, but if something goes wrong, you could be looking at major damage and more money spent in the long run. 

So yes, anyone can do the work to replace their roof. It might even be a task that is considered ‘easy’ compared to other DIY home projects, but if you ask any professional, they will tell you it’s one of those things that ‘just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Some things are just better left to the professionals. 

For questions and estimates contact us. (602) 743-3175