Monday, 22 April 2019

New Roof Installation Process

Is your ceiling leaking? Are you noticing water damage on your ceiling? Has the plaster on the ceiling started to warp and fall off? If that’s the case, then it might be time for a new roof. Investing in a new roof is probably one of the most important things a homeowner will do to ensure the longevity of their home. This whole process may seem daunting.  But don’t worry. With our help, it will be the easiest thing you’ll do in your home improvement journey.

How do I get a new roof installed?

This is a great question. It might seem like a simple task, but by yourself, it could be very hard and costly. If you’re thinking of installing the roof yourself, try a few simple steps to see if you’re prepared for it.  Practice going up the ladder multiple times in a row. Then go stand up on the roof and see if you can do it comfortably. If those two things work out, try lifting a few 60 lb weights over your shoulder. Imagine doing all this the ENTIRE day, or over the course of several days. Instead of trying to do all of this alone, possibly causing more work for yourself, look into having it done professionally.

Start the process

First thing you will want to do is contact a verified inspector to come look at your roof. They’ll be able to give you a fair assessment, which will help you get started on a new roof. The next thing you will want to do is contact several contractors and get bids on the job. Once you find a contractor you feel comfortable working with, have them draw up a contract and go over it together.

A few things to look for in the contract is start and end date, itemized description of costs and total amount for the bid. Make sure to ask all your questions before signing the contract. During this process, ask about any permits that might be needed before you get started. The company installing your roof will be able to answer this question. In most cases, they will get the permits for you.

After that, the only thing left to do is wait for the roofing company to install your new roof. On the day of installation, the foreman will contact you and let you know that they will begin working on your house. He or she will be your advocate and your source of information. Make sure that your children and your pets maintain a safe distance from the workers while they install your roof. This is not only for your family’s safety but that of the workers as well.

How long does this process take?

This question won’t have the same answer for everyone. This depends on several things that all factor into the finished product. If your roof doesn’t have any serious damage done by water, moisture, pests or old age, you should be able to expect a one-day installation job. It will also depend on the size of the roof and possibly weather conditions. Your installer should be able to give you an estimation on how long the installation will take.

How much does it cost?

This is also different for everyone. Some people might have more damage to the roof foundation than can be seen before tearing the old shingles off. In this case, this will affect the total amount that you were first quoted. Most companies will plan for this, and might be able to give you a hypothetical price, in the event they’ll require more materials. It also depends on the size of your roof, and the roof of your garage if it’s unattached.  A standard-sized house should cost between $10,000 and $16,000. With financing options available, this would be a great way to maintain or even boost your credit.

Conclusion

If it looks like YOUR house needs a new roof, contact us today to get a consultation visit scheduled! We have licensed professionals ready to help with all your roofing needs.

The post New Roof Installation Process appeared first on Beneficial Roofing | VOTED BEST Roofing Company, Call Us Today & See Why!.



source https://beneficialroofing.com/new-roof-installation-process/

Monday, 15 April 2019

Roof Color Matters

As a homeowner, it’s safe to assume you know the color of your roof. But do you know the color of your next-door neighbors’ roof? Or how about three doors down? The color of your roof has more relevance than just aesthetic appeal.  The color of your roof shingles can affect the overall efficiency of your utilities throughout the year. This article will help shed some light on the benefits of having either light or dark colored shingles.

How do Light Shingles Affect Your Home?

One of the most important things to realize about roof shingles, is they are your roofs’ first line of defense against harsh UV rays. The light-colored shingles help to reflect heat rays more than they absorb. That might not sound like such a big deal, but you can save a lot of money in the long run, especially during summertime. This will result in your air conditioner using less energy, which means less money spent on utility bills. If you live in an area that is prone to lots of sunshine and heat, it might be worth it to consider getting a lighter colored roof, if you don’t have one already.

How do Dark Shingles Affect your Home?

Since light shingles reflect heat, its only logical that dark shingles absorb it. This fact might not make dark colored roofs ideal for sunny states. However, it would make them ideal for places that don’t get as much sun, or that have long winters. Just like light shingles help lower utility bills in the summer, dark shingles can do the exact same thing in winter.  During the fall and winter months, they can help lower your monthly heating bills, by absorbing the heat from direct sunlight. Since they can absorb heat, that means that they can help melt the snow off your roof faster, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work like that. For the dark shingles to absorb the heat, they must have direct exposure to the sun. This can be a problem in the winter months, as the days seem shorter due to lack of sunshine.

Should You Get Light or Dark Shingles?

The easiest way to decide which color of shingle to have installed is to consult with a reputable roofing agency. A technician can come out and go over the options, pros and cons for your area and so forth. It is also largely based on your personal preference and any restrictions you might have from your HOA. Another thing to consider is how a dark roof might benefit your family in the spring and fall months. Depending on where you live, there might not be much snow during these times. This will mean more exposure to the sunlight, which will help to heat your home in a natural way.

Ultimately, it is up to you when choosing between light and dark shingles. If you have questions about what color shingles you should put on your house, contact us today! We would be more than happy to help you on your home improvement journey.

 

The post Roof Color Matters appeared first on Beneficial Roofing | VOTED BEST Roofing Company, Call Us Today & See Why!.



source https://beneficialroofing.com/roof-color-matters/

Sunday, 7 April 2019

Things Your Roof is Trying to Tell You

While it might not seem like it, your roof is an important part of your family. It takes on the elements like snow, rain, and hail, so you don’t have to. But unlike the rest of your family, it has a hard time telling you when something is wrong. However, there are common signs that will indicate when something isn’t right. As a homeowner, it’s important to know what to look for, and when to call in a professional. Now the tricky part– knowing what you need to look for…

Water Spots on the Ceiling

Quite possibly the most common sign that something is wrong with your roof is unsightly discoloration on your ceiling. When your ceiling starts to stain or leak, this could be a sign that there is an excess buildup of moisture in your attic. Unfortunately, there could be a number of reasons why this is happening. To avoid further damage to the structural integrity of your attic and roof, it’s best to have a professional come and asses the damage and find the issue.

Water Damage on Exterior Walls

A common problem to overlook is water marks on your wall. You could easily mistake this for issues with your siding or even the plaster. Normally this means the step flashing is loose where it meets the wall. If it’s not loose, it could be because it has either rusted or incurred damage. If the damage to your wall appears worse after a good rain storm, it’s pretty safe to say that this is the culprit.

Gutters Have an Excess of Granules from Shingles

This is a great sign that your roof is at the end of its life and is going to need to be replaced soon. It’s very important to get ahead of this problem because the granules protect the shingles from the harsh UV rays. When the granules are all removed, your shingles will begin to decay and become very brittle. This can lead to cracked shingles, which is a big problem for homeowners and should be addressed quickly.

Cupping Shingles

If your shingles have begun to cup, this could be a sign that your attic is having ventilation issues, or that your shingles are old and worn. This is a good sign the roof will need to be re-shingled.  This is a good time to have a professional come out and asses your roof for other problems. Cupped shingles can be very problematic for your roof’s health. If these shingles aren’t fixed, they can blow off in a strong wind, leaving your roof exposed to the elements.

Black Stains on the Roof

This is a tell-tale sign that you have an algae problem. Some websites will say that this isn’t a problem, but that’s where they’re wrong! Algae, when left to fester and grow, can dislodge the granules in your asphalt shingles, leaving them exposed. Algae can also attract moss to your roof, which has the same effect on your shingles. Placing zinc strips around the ridge of your roof will release a fungicide that, when it rains, that will kill the algae. Another option is to mop your roof with a bleach mixture that will instantly kill the algae. However, if algae or moss has been a continuous problem, it’s best to have a professional come take a look at your roof.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of what your roof might be trying to tell you. A simple way to get the most life out of your roof is to have annual or biannual roof inspections. This ensures nothing is trying to break it down. Call us today to set up a visit so we can make sure your roof isn’t trying to tell you something!

The post Things Your Roof is Trying to Tell You appeared first on Beneficial Roofing | VOTED BEST Roofing Company, Call Us Today & See Why!.



source https://beneficialroofing.com/things-your-roof-is-trying-to-tell-you/

Monday, 1 April 2019

Solar Tiles: Here’s the Scoop

Have you ever looked at your neighbors’ roof and wondered why it’s so shiny? Have you driven through a neighborhood with futuristic-looking roofs and wondered what in the world their roof is made of? While it’s possible that what you saw were solar panels, it could also have been a solar tiled roof. In this article, we will discuss what solar tiles are, what they are made of, how they work and are installed, and a short list of pros and cons. Buckle up and let’s go!

What are Solar Roof Tiles?

solar tiles on roofMuch like their cousins, the solar panels, solar tiles are thin, photovoltaic sheets that can either replace or lay on top of your shingles. Just like the solar panels, solar tiles harness the energy they create from sunlight to power your home. A very interesting fact for this type of shingle is that it can be installed in any climate. This type of roof shingle is really a testament to how far technology has advanced and opens doors for even more possibilities for the future of roofing.

How do they work?

Great question! The sunlight hits a solar shingle that has been coated with a special surface that knocks off an electron from particles of light. Then, the free electron goes through an electrical circuit where other electrons are being stored. This compilation of electrons is then used to generate a current. That is how all our solar electricity works, no mater what form the photovoltaic device is in.

What are they made of?

They are about 12 inches wide and 86 inches long and weigh about 13 pounds per square foot. The thin-film solar cells are made from copper indium gallium selenide. This is a semiconductor that allows the cells to be thin and flexible. They are usually less than an inch thick, so they won’t look big and bulky like a solar panel.

How are They Installed?

Since these high-efficiency energy savers are so high-tech, it is best to have a professional roofer install them for you. Having a professional do it also helps assure the best return out of your investment. The way they are installed requires a lot of labor and TLC. Your roofer will put in shingle after shingle while wiring each one inside your home. This is a tedious job that should be done ONLY by professionals. There are a lot of permits and paperwork that go into owning solar powered anything. This is something professionals can handle for you, as well as saving you time and energy on doing the project yourself.

 

Pros and Cons of Having Solar Tiles

The benefits of installing solar tiles to your home are awesome! But as with a lot of things in life, nothing is perfect, which means there are some downsides to installing solar tiles. Below is a list of just a few pros and cons to having solar tiles:

Pro: Save Money! Like the solar panels, solar tiles will help cut your electricity bill in half, and you may even be able to make money from your electric company for excess power that your roof supplies back into the grid.

Pro: Solar tiles bring a certain je ne sais quoi to your overall home aesthetic. They have a more modern to futuristic look to them that a lot of prospective homeowners will find appealing. This is something to keep in mind if you envision yourself moving in the future. These tiles are designed to match existing roofing, so they will blend in making a nice finish on your roof.

Con: It’s true that solar tiles are quite energy efficient, but they cannot completely compare to the solar panels. Panels can be tilted for best sun exposure whereas tiles cannot. This may result in purchasing more tiles down the line to reach the same energy output as your neighbors with panels.

Con: While they will save you tons of money in the long run, the initial cost of installation can be quite a hefty chunk of money. This can cost anywhere from 10k to 20k. However, most states have grant programs to help with initial costs.

Ultimately it is your decision whether solar tiles are right for you. We would be more than happy to help you with your home improvement journey, so call us today!

The post Solar Tiles: Here’s the Scoop appeared first on Beneficial Roofing | VOTED BEST Roofing Company, Call Us Today & See Why!.



source https://beneficialroofing.com/solar-tiles-heres-the-scoop/