Spring Checklist For Your Roof

 Roofing Checklist For When The Snow Melts

Winter in Michigan can be a magical time full of sledding, building a snowman, and warm cups of hot chocolate. It can also be a time of stress and sickness that takes a tole on our bodies. Your home also takes quite a beating from mother nature as well, and no part of your home experiences that like your roof. It battles all the elements and event has to put in hard work when you're sunbathing in the backyard. Today we are going to offer up some tips in our spring checklist that will keep your roof ready for whatever weather mother nature throws our way.

The first thing any homeowner can do to assess their roof is to just look up. Take a lap or two around your home and look for anything that stands out like discoloring, moss, lose or missing shingles, or any other visual damage. When looking over your roof we suggest you do it from the ground and not venture up on the roof yourself if you  think something is wrong. Instead reach out to a trust licensed and insured contractor...LIke Us!

Loose or Damaged Shingles

Things that  should be fairly easy to spot from the ground on asphalt shingles are curling or bubbling of the shingles, missing shingles, or moss and discoloration. Wood shingles can also form moss and be cracked or split as well. Even small damage can be a sign of bigger problems, so its better to be safe and have any of these warning signs looked at. 

Damage to Flashing 

Flashing can be found on the vulnerable areas of our roof like the chimney, vents, valleys, skylights, and windows. It's a thin material that helps keep theses features waterproof and your roof safe from water damage. If sealed by caulk it can need maintenance after a long winter or heavy weather. 

Blocked or Damaged Vents

Proper airflow in your roof and attic are very important to the durability and longevity of your roof. It enables every aspect of your roof to function properly. It keeps keeps this from over heating and helps prevent the buildup of moisture and mildew. Long story short if vents are blocked or damaged it can create a list of issues. 

Damaged or Clogged Gutters

Spotting damage on gutters or down spouts can be fairly easy to see with the naked eye. Heavy weather and storm damage will cause gutters to pull away from the roof, get clogged from debris. Simple maintenance includes making sure your gutters are clear, damage free, and rust free. Improper water flow from clogged or damaged gutter systems can cause water to flow back under shingles causing damage inside and out of your home. 

How Do I Know if My Roofer Did a Good Job?

 

Crooked courses. 

Uneven rakes and eaves. 

Reused flashing, pipe boots, and other accessories.

“Those are my red flags. That gets me to diving deeper into it to look for correct step flashing, apron flashing, and counter flashing.”

Shingle rows aren’t straight, ridge vent or counter flashing is sloppy.

The way pipe boots are installed is a telltale sign of whether or not you know what you’re doing.

Poor clean-up. 

“In the winter, all shingles tend to stick up and look wavy. It almost makes me sick to my stomach to look at cold weather installs. (so the roof could look shotty, but in reality, just hasn’t weathered) but the sun will make 85% of them completely flat by the summer. “

Nail patterns 

Staggers 

Overhangs

Flex seal

Reused flashing

“The biggest way I could think of to try and broaden a gap between competitors and us before the installation process is to make them look at our proposal to see if:

It says they use synthetic felt and ice and water shield at all

    Tar paper is garbage, and some roofers still use it.

It says exactly where it’s used because if they leave an area out, their material warranty is voided.

It says they’ll register the warranty because if not, it’s basically an under the table job.

Most of the issues I stated involve getting on the roof and prying up shingles with a bar.”

These issues would be:

Improper length nails for the job, such as 1” and 1 1/4” on a layover.

The improper roofing material for the pitch, but this can be a homeowner cheaping out and asking for this

Not squaring off headlap corners in woven valleys

Orienting the common bond wrong inside woven valleys

Not countering the flashing into the brick and mortar or masonry is one of the dumbest mistakes. 

Installing drip edge in a backwards order on a rolled roof of any kind

Not resheathing plank boards that are spaced way farther than 1/4”

Not nailing down the bottom flange of pipe boots

Trapping all penetrations so that the bottom flange is no longer exposed in the correct overlapping order.

If a roofer does a redeck-not installing H clips can come back to bite them. Improper ventilation can cause more warping without H clips to hold them.

For more information about roofing, or what to ask a roofing contractor, visit our Roofing Blog!

How Long Do Roofs Last?

 When people talk about having a secure place to live, there is a good reason they often use the phrase “having a roof over your head.” As a homeowner, you know that having a high-quality roof will help keep you safe from the elements. A good roof will also help save money on your energy bills by insulating your home.

Like everything else, however, roofs don’t last forever. Knowing how long your roof will last will help you understand what kind of return on investment you can expect when you have one installed. Furthermore, it will give you a good idea of when to replace your roof.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Roof?

The average lifespan of a roof will depend on several factors, including:

Whether your roof is installed correctly

Whether your attic is adequately ventilated

The weather to which your roof is exposed

The quality of the materials

However, the most important factor determining how long your roof will last is what type of roofing material you have.

Asphalt Roof Lifespans

The most common type of roof used on homes today is an architectural asphalt shingle roof. However, there are also two other types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab and luxury. Even though all three of these types of roofs are constructed with asphalt shingles, you can expect a different lifespan from each variety.

3-tab shingles have the shortest lifespan of the three types, at around 25 years.

Architectural shingles have a lifespan of 30 years.

Luxury shingles also have a lifespan of 30 years. Yet because they are thicker than architectural shingles, many homeowners can expect that they will last even longer in perfect conditions.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Lifespans

Standing seam metal roofs are made up of panels that are either seamed mechanically or locked together at the seams. The benefit of this type of roof is that the seams allow the panels to expand and contract freely when the roof undergoes temperature changes.

A new standing seam metal roof will come with a painted finish that protects the metal from the elements for a minimum of 30 years. In the right conditions, however, this type of roof may last up to 50 years.

Synthetic Roof Lifespans

Also known as composite shingles, synthetic shingles are constructed of recycled materials. They are designed to simulate the appearance of slate or cedar shake roofs. Synthetic roofs can last up to 40–50 years.

These shingles are among the most durable roofing materials on the market because they often have the highest possible impact rating. This means they can withstand just about any extreme elements, including hail. Unlike regular slate or cedar shakes, you can walk on a synthetic roof without breaking the shingles.

Cedar Shake Roof Lifespans

cedar roof shingles - how long do they lastAs the name implies, cedar shake roofs are made mostly of natural wooden materials. You can expect a cedar shake roof to last up to 30 years if it is properly installed and maintained. Some cedar shake roofs might last up to 50 years in ideal conditions.

One thing to keep in mind about cedar shake shingles is that they are natural and do not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. However, you should be able to protect your investment with your roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty.

Slate Roof Lifespans

Slate roofs are also made primarily of natural materials. With proper installation and flashing, your slate roof may cover your home for generations. Many slate roofs last at least 75 years and sometimes up to 100. As far as roofing materials go, a slate roof is one of the most durable investments you can make for yourself, your children, and even your grandkids.

Contact Kidd Roofing Today

If you are building a new home and would like to invest in the roof that will best suit your needs, or if you believe your old roof has reached the end of its lifetime, you should consult with a certified roofing professional as soon as you can.

The roof repair and installation professionals at Kidd Roofing have been meeting the roofing needs of homeowners and commercial property owners in Texas and Colorado since 1982. We have been consistently recognized as one of the top roofing companies in the country. We offer everything from emergency repairs to maintenance, to total roof replacements in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Denver, CO.

We are here for you when you need us. Request an inspection and quote by calling (866) 671-7791 today.

How to Handle Pooling or “Ponding” on a Flat Roof

 

 Flat roofs can have many benefits. But sometimes water pools or “ponds” on your flat roof. Pooling occurs when water does not drain off your low-slope roof after it stops raining.

Pooling water can cause long-term damage to your roof and is a cause for concern. If you allow water to continue pooling, it will begin to wear on the roof’s coating. The water can break down your roof’s protective layer and seep through, damaging the roof structure.

How to Correct Roof Pooling or “Ponding”

If you have a low-sloped roof that ponds with water, the following are some reasons why it may occur and what you can do to fix them:

Flush the drains: Drains on flat roofs can become clogged with debris, such as sticks, leaves, and dirt. If the drains aren’t working correctly, water will pool around them. One of the first things to check is whether the drains are clogged. Clean them out if they are. Also, a roofing professional can thoroughly clean and flush the drains. It is wise to have a professional perform periodic preventative drain cleaning on your flat roof.

Install roof crickets: You may notice that water only ponds in specific areas, such as around chimneys or vents. The position or design of these obstructions may cause water to collect near them. The best way to battle water pooling in these areas is to install roof crickets. A roof cricket is a sloped, triangle structure that rests against the roof obstruction and diverts water away.

Fix sunken spots: A flat roof’s surface should have a consistent depth, smoothness, and slope. Even a flat roof should have subtle gradients – either off to a side or directed to internal drains. Over time, or if someone improperly installs a roof, these slopes can become inconsistent, causing water to pool. Repeated walking on the roof area, storing things on it, or having heavy equipment up there can also cause indentations that cause pooling.

flat roof pondingA roofing professional can fill and repair these sunken spots or indentations, so they become flush with the rest of the roof again.

Add more drains: Especially in places that get a lot of rain or snow, a flat roof may need more drains to properly clear water from the roof. A professional roofer can determine your needed drainage, install extra drains, or even enlarge the existing drains. Adding more drains is more costly than other simple fixes, but it is a much cheaper alternative than replacing the roof or fixing structural damage ponding can cause.

Replace the membrane: A flat roof membrane is a protective layer that locks moisture out of the structural areas of the building. Pooling water can break it down, causing thin spots or holes.

If your roof membrane is damaged, you should consider replacing it. There are many more types of flat roof membranes than there used to be. Newer choices are more effective and longer lasting, with some built to last 30 years. Hiring a roofing professional to replace your roof membrane could be a valuable investment.

Re-pitch the rooftop: Your flat roof may be pooling because the pitch was not adequately designed or installed. Even a flat roof will have some small degree of slope. Over time, shifting of the building may also cause an originally well-pitched roof to lose its pitch. Without the proper slope, water will certainly pool and not drain as it should.

Re-pitching a roof is costly, and a roofing professional will consider other ameliorative measures first. Nonetheless, if your roof needs to be re-pitched, it may be a necessary investment. Even more costly structural repairs may become necessary if you don’t perform the re-pitch.

Call Us Today to Help You Solve Your Roof Issues.

Your flat roof can last many years with proper inspection and maintenance. You should act quickly if you notice water pooling or “ponding” on your flat roof. If the pooling continues, it can cause serious structural damage, which can be much more expensive to repair.

The roof repair and installation professionals at Kidd Roofing have provided quality roofing services to homeowners and commercial property owners since 1982. We put our customers first and would love an opportunity to inspect your flat roof and suggest solutions that can save you money and lengthen your roof’s life span.

We have locations in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Denver, CO.

Call us at (866) 671-7791 or contact us online to request a consultation.

How Proper Attic Insulation Helps Your Roof

 Your roof’s performance depends on more than installing durable shingles. You must use the right ventilation products and attic insulation to help your roof last as long as possible and maximize the effectiveness of your complete roofing system.

Combining a balanced ventilation system and atti
c insulation keeps heat and moisture out of your home. It creates the proper temperature and conditions in your attic all year.

With inadequate insulation and ventilation, moisture and heat could get trapped in the attic, leading to complications such as mold growth, rust, and failing roofing materials. The damage could extend to other areas of your home, requiring costly repairs.

Listed below are many benefits of insulating an attic.

13 Ways Attic Insulation Helps Your Roof – and Your Entire Home

Save Money on Energy

When you insulate your attic, it lowers the cost of heating and cooling your home. That is because heat moves into your home in the summer and travels out in winter. You don’t need as much energy to cool and heat your home when the insulation in your attic reduces the flow of hot and cold air.

Control Air Leakage

Air leakage can contribute to higher heating costs. By insulating your attic, you limit the amount of air leaking through the floors, walls, and ceilings. Less air leakage means a reduction in utility costs.

Stabilizes Room Temperature

Temperature fluctuations can occur in your home from a lack of insulation or inadequate insulation. You might notice a difference in temperature from one room to the next. Insulating your attic can keep your home at a comfortable temperature, so you’re not freezing while downstairs but sweating when you go upstairs.

Promotes Better Air Quality

Pollutants, such as smoke, dirt, and mold, can enter your home from the outside. Installing installation in your attic protects the interior areas by preventing environmental elements from invading your home.

Increase a Home’s Value

attic insulationConsider updating or installing attic insulation if you want to sell your home. It adds value and attracts potential buyers. Keeping the inside inviting and comfortable while reducing energy costs are significant selling points.

Creates a Useful Area

Many homeowners use their attics for storage because it’s too cold or too hot to function as an additional room in the house. Insulating your attic allows you to use it as a guestroom for out-of-town visitors, a playroom for your kids, or a place where your family can play games and watch movies together.

Keeps Pests Away

Unwanted pests making their way into your home can turn into a nightmare. They’re a potential health hazard and can cause serious damage. You can install insulation to prevent squirrels, birds, or mice from making themselves at home in your attic.

Mitigate the Risk of Structural Damage

Water vapor can reach your ceiling, roof, and walls, causing cement erosion, rotting wood, and mildew or mold growth. Insulation is an effective barrier to prevent water vapor from damaging the structure of your home.

Facilitates a More Efficient HVAC System

attic ventilationPoor insulation creates a hostile environment for an HVAC system because the system must work harder to maintain the temperature inside a home. Insulation turns the attic into a semi-conditioned space, reducing the wear and tear on your heating and cooling system.

Protects the Environment

Installing insulation is an excellent method of cooling or heating your home without harming the environment. Insulating an attic reduces the amount of energy you use, reducing your carbon footprint. If it’s time to update your insulation or start from scratch, consider eco-friendly materials, such as mineral wool, cellulose, or fiberglass.

Minimizes Condensation

Moisture from heating your home can end up in the attic, leading to structural damage. However, most people don’t realize condensation exists until the damage has already occurred. Insulation can prevent condensation from entering the attic and create a suitable environment for mold.

Reduces Noise Pollution

You can hear outside noises wherever you live. You might hear cars driving by on a busy street or the loud crack of thunder during a storm. Attic insulation can minimize the amount of outside noise that enters your home. An insulated attic can be especially beneficial for keeping out the sounds of heavy rain and strong winds.

Prolongs the Roof’s Lifespan

You can prolong the life of your roof by insulating your attic. Insulation keeps critters out, prevents water from leaking inside, and lowers the risk of damage from environmental elements. The longer your roof stays in good condition, the more money you’ll save on repairs or a total replacement.

Call Kidd Roofing for an Attic and Roofing System Inspection

The roof is essential in keeping people and their belongings safe from the outside elements. The advantages of insulating your roof are plentiful, and the most important one may be the financial savings from all the repairs you won’t have to undertake or all the calls to the critter-removal companies you won’t have to make.

Call the roof repair and installation specialists of Kidd Roofing at (866) 671-7791 for a quote or to learn more about our attic insulation services. We provide service all over Texas – Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio – and in Denver, CO, too.

Our team of experienced professionals has served clients since 1982. We are fully certified and licensed to work with the leading roofing materials products in the industry. We’re ready to provide quality insulation that meets your roofing needs – and budget. Financing options are available.