Category: Roofing

A roof is one of a building’s most important components, protecting against rain, snow and extreme temperatures. It should comply with local fire codes and match the architectural style of the house.

Roofs have been fashioned from a wide variety of materials. The best choice depends on climate, cost and ease of installation. Contact Kent Roofing now!

The fascia is a board that supports the bottom edge of your roof. It’s also the surface upon which gutters are usually attached. Because the fascia is often exposed to the elements it’s vulnerable to damage, and it can easily deteriorate. This is because the wood can be damaged by weather or by pests. The best way to prevent this is to have a professional inspect and care for the fascia board regularly.

Moisture damage is a common cause of fascia damage. Water can damage the board by clogging or seeping through gutters, causing leaks that can eventually rot the fascia board. This moisture can also cause mold, fungus or black stains on the fascia that are difficult to remove.

Another common cause of fascia damage is insect infestation. Birds, bees, termites and other insects can chew through the fascia if they can find a way in to your home. This can be very dangerous as these creatures can cause structural damage to your home, and they can also lead to leaks that can impact the rest of your roof.

Fascia boards are made of a variety of materials, but the most common is real wood such as pine or spruce. It’s important to use the right type of wood for your home, as it will be better able to stand up to the elements in your area.

Another option for the fascia is aluminum. This material is more resistant to moisture, which can be a big benefit for homeowners in areas with rainy climates. It’s a good idea to speak with your local roofing professionals about the different options available and which ones are best for your home.

Roof Stains

Stains on roofs aren’t just unsightly, but they can also be indicative of structural damage or a health hazard. Some stains are caused by algae, while others result from other causes like moss and mildew. These organisms feed off organic roof materials and can cause damage if left untreated.

Black stains on the roof often appear as streaks that are darker than the surrounding shingles. These stains are caused by a type of algae known as Gloeocapsa magma. It thrives in damp areas where it can’t get a sufficient amount of sunlight, typically the north-facing slopes of homes.

This fungus can eventually wear down the surface of the shingles and prevent water from draining properly. This can lead to a roof leak and cause further problems, so it’s important that you address this issue as soon as possible.

If you see a dark spot on the roof, it’s worth inspecting closer with a pair of binoculars or getting onto a ladder. Black stains are usually caused by algae, while green stains are most likely from moss.

While algae stains are mostly an aesthetic issue, they can wear down the shingles and reduce the lifespan of the roof. This is why it’s so important to prevent this from happening in the first place by ensuring that the roof is properly maintained. This includes regularly cleaning off debris, inspecting for areas prone to water accumulation and trimming the overhanging branches of tall trees.

Stains can also indicate a serious safety risk, such as rust stains around chimneys and gas-powered appliance flues. These stains can signal that dangerous carbon monoxide is building up inside the home. While you may be tempted to power wash these stains, this isn’t a good idea. Instead, you should hire a licensed roofing contractor to use low-water pressure and detergent that’s safe for roof surfaces.

Leaks

A roof leak is a big problem for homeowners. It can lead to water marks and stains that mar your home’s ceiling, walls and floors, and it can also allow mold and mildew to grow throughout your home, which poses a health risk for you and your family. Leaks can also allow water to seep into your attic and cause damage to insulation, resulting in higher utility bills and reduced energy efficiency.

Leaks are most likely to occur in the valleys of your roof, which are where two sloping roof planes meet. They can form when a seam isn’t properly sealed, or when the flashing (which seals the edge of chimneys and where roofing planes meet) is damaged. Leaks can also happen when the roof’s gutter system becomes clogged with leaves and debris.

One way to spot a roof leak is to look for sagging bulges in your ceiling. If you find a bulge, carefully puncture the lowest point of it with a screwdriver and put a bucket beneath to catch falling water. This will stop the leak and help prevent further damage.

Another way to spot a leak is to enlist the help of a friend and go up on the roof with a hose. Start low and soak the area near where the leak appears in your house, then work your way up the roof, isolating areas as you go. This will help you find the source of the leak and make it easier for your roofers to fix.

Damaged Shingles

Shingles can be damaged by a variety of factors, from the natural occurrences that all roofing materials are subject to to poor installation or lack of roof maintenance. Taking a few simple steps can help you spot potential issues before they become major problems.

A common form of shingle damage is cracking. This can be caused by high winds, temperature changes, or simply drying out over time. Cracking shingles can lead to leaks and other damage that can cost homeowners more money in the long run.

Another common form of shingle damage is dark spots or streaks that may be an indication of algae, moss, or mold growth on the roof. These issues can cause damage to the underlying sheathing that supports the shingles, leading to sagging ceilings and other serious problems.

Hail damage is also a common concern for homeowners with asphalt shingle roofs. Hail can knock shingles loose, exposing the fiberglass mat and asphalt covering beneath. This exposes the shingles to the sun’s UV rays, shortening their lifespan and making them more susceptible to water damage.

In some cases, shingles may be damaged due to manufacturer defects. While this is not as common as natural occurrences or wear and tear, it is worth checking with your shingle manufacturer if you believe that you have a defect with your shingles. They may be able to send someone out to examine your roof and determine if you have a warranty claim. They will also likely want to know the details of your roof, including the shingles that are in question and any other components of the roofing system. They may be able to give you a full replacement under the warranty or reimburse you for your repairs.

Damaged Flashing

Roofing flashing is an important part of the roof system because it seals important areas like chimneys, vents and skylights. When it fails, it can open the door to wood rot, mold and serious water damage. Luckily, flashing is usually easy to spot and fairly straightforward for an experienced roofing contractor to fix.

Generally, flashing is installed during the initial construction of the roof to create a water-resistant barrier at important junction points. It is composed of a thin, protective material that’s commonly made of galvanized steel or copper and wraps around connections like chimneys, pipes, vents and skylights to prevent leaks.

Flashing can be damaged due to a variety of reasons, from improper installation to bad weather. High winds can rip and tear the soft metal, while hail and rain can cause damage as they come down on the surface of the roof.

Other common flashing problems include rust, corrosion and moisture. If the flashing is rusting, this is a sign that it needs replacing. Moisture that seeps through a damaged flashing will eventually reach the attic, where it can cause significant damage to drywall and other building materials.

Lastly, flashing can also become damaged because of dramatic temperature changes. This can cause the flashing to warp, which leads to a “wrinkled” look. The constant shrinking and expanding of the flashing can result in gaps that let water penetrate the roof and shingles. To prevent this from happening, a roofing professional should inspect the flashing on a regular basis.

Corpus Christi Roofers are responsible for installing, replacing, and repairing the roofs of homes and commercial buildings. They work with a variety of materials, including shingles, slates, and metal sheets.

Individuals who choose to be roofers tend to have strong Realistic interests. They also tend to value Support, Independence, and Working Conditions.

Roofers often use high-quality materials, such as shingles that come from reputable manufacturers. They also use tools that ensure safety, such as roof safety harnesses that are held to very strict standards.

These harnesses must be able to stop a person from falling a distance of 6 feet or more. They must also be comfortable for wearers.

Other essential tools for roofers include chalk reels and metal measuring tapes. They also need to protect their skin with protective clothing, such as gloves and hard hats.

Finally, roofers need to transport their equipment and materials safely to work sites. A vehicle with a covered bed, such as a van or pickup truck, is the best option for this purpose. They may also need a toolbox to store their items and keep them secure when working on the roof.

High-Level Customer Service

Roofers install, repair and maintain roofs. They work at high heights and use safety equipment, such as harnesses, to ensure they don’t fall. They also apply sealants and caulk to ensure the roof doesn’t leak. They also use a variety of tools, including hand tools, power tools, hoists and hand trucks to move materials. In this in-demand career, detail-oriented workers are rewarded for their hard work.

A roofer’s job requires them to interact with clients on a daily basis, discussing project details and addressing any concerns the client may have. This level of customer service is necessary for a business to succeed, as it establishes trust and increases audience retention rates.

For commercial roofers, this involves interacting with multiple people, ranging from project managers to crew chiefs. They also act as the point of contact for subcontractors, such as plumbing contractors and HVAC contractors. This allows them to manage the overall project and ensure that everyone has what they need to complete the work on time.

Residential roofers interact with homeowners on a more personal level. They often give sales presentations that can last up to four hours, where they explain different options available for roofing materials and pricing. They then work with the homeowner to select the best option for their needs.

There are also roofers who specialize in storm chasers, going into neighborhoods after a storm to repair and replace the roofs of homes that have been damaged. These roofers know how to work with insurance companies, which can make the whole process much easier for homeowners. They’re able to take the stress out of dealing with an insurance company and help homeowners get a new roof quickly.

High-Quality Insurance Policies and Warranties

If you’re a roofing contractor looking to do business with homeowners, you should have at least general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This is essential, as it protects you against claims made by customers if a roofing worker is injured on the job. It also helps cover repairs and legal costs in the event of an accident.

Many roofing companies will also offer a workmanship warranty on their installation work. While the details of these vary, most will cover any problems arising from faulty workmanship for a certain period. These are important for homeowners because they help manage expectations and can provide peace of mind, knowing that a problem with the roof will be covered by the roofing contractor.

Another type of insurance that roofers should consider purchasing is commercial auto. If your roofing company relies on vehicles for transporting people, materials, or equipment, or if you conduct any other business services from them, such as pick-up and delivery, then you should invest in commercial auto insurance. This is typically more comprehensive than personal auto insurance, and may include bodily injury liability, collision, property damage liability, and more.

Additionally, if you have any employees, you should purchase workers’ compensation insurance. This is required by law in most states, and it will pay for medical expenses, lost wages, or any other resulting injuries that your workers sustain while working on the job. If you don’t have this policy, employees may sue you, and you could be left paying for hefty awards in the event of a lawsuit.

Other types of insurance that roofers should look into include a surety bond, which is required by most contractors to secure contracts, as well as professional liability and umbrella insurance. If you’re interested in purchasing roofing contractor insurance that offers these and other coverages, contact a licensed insurance agent today. They can help you compare quotes and choose a policy that fits your business needs. They can also help you obtain additional coverages, such as an equipment floater, that will provide protection for your mobile tools and other assets.

Maintenance

The roof is one of the most vulnerable areas of any building. It is subject to many insults and must withstand constant assault from wind, rain, snow, extreme cold, intense heat, hail and other weather conditions. Many of these effects can lead to moisture infiltration which leads to a host of problems including corrosion, deterioration, interior damage to finishes, electrical systems, fixtures and more. Routine maintenance and inspections are key in preventing such occurrences.

A comprehensive and thorough roof maintenance procedure should be established and adhered to by all roofing professionals. These procedures should include a biannual (or at least seasonal) inspection of all roof components. This will help to identify early problems and repair them before they become serious and expensive.

Inspections should also include a check of all skylights, vents, chimneys and other features. These should be properly sealed to prevent water leakage into the building and to maintain their structural integrity. In addition, inspections should be made of all gutters and downspouts to ensure they are functioning properly.

Another important part of the roof maintenance procedure is to keep the rooftop free of debris. Debris can block drains and cause premature damage to the roof surface. It is also important to regularly trim tree branches so they don’t overhang the roof or block the roof drains.

Inspecting trusses and beams is also important for roof maintenance. In many cases these are where leaks originate from and should be checked for signs of rot, mold or mildew. In some situations these can indicate that the roof structure is at a point of failure.

Before climbing a ladder to conduct an inspection, be sure all safety equipment is in place and in good working order. This is especially important if there are any electrical, dangerous or extremely hot materials or equipment on the rooftop. Also be sure that any required signage is posted and legible. This will help to prevent any injuries to the roofing maintenance crews.

Repairs

The roof protects the rest of your home from wind, rain, hail, bitter cold and intense sunlight. It also keeps moisture from creeping into the house where it encourages mold and rot, but as with any part of your home, it can be subject to damage over time. Maintaining a sturdy roof is vital to protecting your belongings, preventing serious structural damage and keeping you and your family comfortable year-round.

When your roof is damaged, it’s important to have a professional roofing contractor repair it as soon as possible. This will prevent water from entering the home and causing costly damage. The roof may need to be re-insulated, which can help with energy bills and reduce the risk of leaks.

During the repair process, it’s essential to make sure that you’re using proper safety equipment. This includes a hard hat, eye protection and gloves. It’s also a good idea to wear rubber boots while working on the roof. Tarps should be laid on the ground below the roof to catch any discarded nails or metal pieces. Professional roofers will have tarps and magnetic tools to help with this, but you can rent this equipment if needed.

A few key things to remember when repairing your roof are that you need to remove any existing shingles that are in bad condition before installing new ones. This will help you to see the area clearly and will give you a better chance of making an accurate diagnosis. It’s also important to remember that if you’re replacing flashing, a thin piece of metal that lines roof valleys and prevents leaks around features such as chimneys or skylights, you should try to match the method of attachment used on the previous flashing piece. This may involve using nails or sealant.