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!

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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?

Much 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!

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How to Choose a Good Roofer

A roof is a big investment. Ranging anywhere from $450 to $700 per square foot, a new roof is no small expense. When searching for a roofing company, you need to make sure they are reputable. What types of things indicate a reputable roofer? We’re glad you asked!

Things to Look for in a Good Roofer

1. Licensed. Although not all states require roofing companies to have a license, a license is important to ensure all employees are properly trained. Be sure to ask for proof of licensing before any work is done.
2. Insured. Always ask for proof of insurance and make sure the insurance covers not only their employees or contractors, but also any potential damage to your home or surroundings as a result of the roofing work.
3. Bonded. Being bonded ensures that a company takes its responsibility to its customers seriously. As with licensing, bonding is not a requirement in any of the states, but it does help to indicate the integrity of the company.
4. Good online reviews. In the age of technology, it is now easier than ever to check the satisfaction rate of customers. However, keep in mind that some people are never satisfied. Check multiple reviews. Read them thoroughly, don’t just check star ratings.
5. BBB. Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. The BBB website is a fantastic resource to find information on local companies, even if they don’t have a website. If the business has a low rating on the BBB, don’t use them.

Signs that you might have found a Bad Roofer

The roofer tells you to get your own permit. This is a huge red flag. A roofer who tells you to get your own permit, is probably not insured or licensed. Once you, the homeowner, get the permit yourself you are completely liable for the job. You are left holding the bag if anything goes wrong, .

The person or company can’t provide proof of insurance or license. As discussed above, a roofing company that cannot give proof of insurance and licensing may be trying to skirt around regulations and should not be trusted.
The roofers don’t inspect the attic. It is critical to inspect the underside of the roof (if at all possible) to get a complete and accurate estimate. After all, the roof sits on the attic.
They don’t give a “presentation”. The average homeowner only needs to replace a roof once or twice during their entire lifetime, so they don’t know the finer details of the roofing process. A roofing company who does not give you a presentation may not actually know what they’re doing and you could end up with much greater roofing problems.
They want cash only. This is another huge red flag. If the roofers only want cash, may be trying to avoid having a paper trail.  Always keep a paper trail for your own records, such as receipts, quotes, contracts, and bids.

Conclusion

When looking for a roofer, you have to consider their reputation. If they don’t have a good reputation, you can bet that they will not provide quality work. In addition to that, you’ll be out a few thousand dollars, and stuck with a bad roof. A good roofer will be reputable, licensed, insured, and bonded. Save yourself from wasting time searching for a roofer. Give us a call for all of your roofing needs.

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How Different Climates Affect Your Shingles

One of the unsung heroes for a homeowner is a roof, but more importantly, the shingles on the roof. Without shingles on your roof, you just have a bunch of nice wood planks left exposed to all the elements.

But how do you know what type, style and material of shingle you should have?

Any reputable roofing company will tell you that the climate in which you live will be a big deciding factor when looking for the perfect shingles for your home. In this article, we will go over what shingles work best in various climates. This will make choosing your new roof a whole lot easier!

What Shingles Work Best In Hot Climates?

The main thing you need out of your roof in hot climates is the ability to reflect heat. This will help keep your home cool by controlling the harshness of the sun rays from seeping inside.

Terracotta and clay are great material choices for hot weather. They are heat-resistant and extremely durable. Not only are they strong and dependable, but they can be very aesthetically pleasing, adding a nice zest to the outside appearance of your home.

Another great material for your shingles is slate tiles. This is a natural material that is often requested by homeowners who value the vintage look. The lighter colored slate tiles help to reflect the heat, while darker colored tiles absorb it, Make sure that you have a balanced amount of each. Keep in mind that the prices for slate tiles might be more than other options.

Metal sheets, contrary to popular belief, are great options for roofing material in hotter climates. They are extremely durable. If you choose a lighter color of metal, the shingles will efficiently resist heat without letting the sun rays in. They are also a great option for the budget-savvy homeowner; they will quickly pay for themselves in their performance.

What Shingles Work Best In Cold Climates?

Now that we’ve covered options for hot climates, it’s time to see what materials hold up best in cold climates.

Asphalt is a common roofing material seen in colder climate areas, because it maintains its structural integrity so well against the colder elements. If your roof does incur damage, it is very easy for a professional to replace the damaged shingles. If you decide to go with an asphalt material, make sure you talk to us about impact-resistant shingles, so you can really get more bang for your buck.

Composite shingles are a lightweight alternative to a slate and cedar shake that is becoming quite popular. So long as you have a great foundation on your house, this type of material will offer more than enough reinforcement to your roof. It will keep you and your family safe and warm in the colder climates.

We didn’t forget about wood shingles. This type of shingle is often used in cold climates, because it can provide twice the amount of insulation that an asphalt roof does. Wood shingle material will last about 25 years, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it for quite some time.

Wood shake roofs are also a great material to use in cold climates. Because wood shakes are even thicker than wood, they will be able to resist stronger winds, rain and hailstones better than another roof material. Wood shake roofs last up to about 35 to 40 years if maintained properly.

Shingle Maintenance

As with any roof shingles, you need to take care of them with annual or biannual inspections and regular maintenance. Clear your gutters and regularly make sure no pests have made themselves at home. By doing these things, you will get the most life out of your roof system, no matter what type of climate you live in.

What are you waiting for?

Call Beneficial Roofing today to find out how we can help you choose the right material for your roof.

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Roof Shingles Care and Maintenance

Your roof is a major part of your home’s value. One of the most important things you as a homeowner can do is make sure that your roof is properly maintained.

Perform annual or biannual inspections to assess how well the integrity of the roof is holding up. You also want to check for missing or damaged shingles and look for anything that might cause problems down the road. Potential problems would be low-hanging branches or clogged gutters.

However, it is important to remember that not every roof is the same as far as maintenance goes. Different roofing materials require different types of attention to maintain.

In this article we will discuss the most common types of shingle materials used and how to make sure you get your money’s worth out of them by taking care of them.

Asphalt Shingles

The most common material used for roof shingles, depending on location, is asphalt. Economical and typically low-maintenance, they are unfortunately susceptible to a lot of weather conditions. Without a protective coating, enough exposure to the sun can speed up the cracking and decaying process. Hail is another environmental nuisance causing granules to be knocked off and leaving marks and dents in the roof.  Wind can rip shingles from the roof, leaving the roof open to damage from the elements. Asphalt shingles require a protective UV coating and a flexible base to protect them from sun and wind damage.

 

Wood Shingles

While this material requires more upkeep than other shingles, it is highly sought after due to the wonderful aesthetic they bring with them.This type of shingle needs to be made with a strong type of wood, like redwood or cedar. A few things you need to consider before opting for this type of roof:

 

• the quality of lumber
• average humidity in your area
• how close you are to saltwater
• qualified wood shingle roof installer

All these factors can either make or break your wood-shingled roof. Wood shingles need to be pressure-treated and maintained with sealants or coatings that protect against constant exposure to sun and rain. Without that protection, sun rays can cause your wood shingles to cup or curl. This can lead to fractures. If properly looked after, these shingles can last 10-15 years longer than your typical asphalt shingles.

Tile Shingles

This sturdy, long-lasting contender can take on the damage that the sun, rain and wind can dish out. While concrete and stone tiles are typically more durable, porcelain and clay tiles can become fragile and break in a hailstorm or high winds. Clay tiles don’t keep well in colder climates that see a lot of snow and ice. They do hold up well in higher temperatures with a lot of sunshine, however. This makes them more popular in the arid climates like the southwest U.S. In order to have a healthy tile roof, you need to make sure the tiles are properly installed.  Hire a professional  familiar with weight restrictions and architectural structures that can hold these heavy shingles. The tiles themselves can last upwards of 50 years, however the basal layer needs to be replaced about every 10 years to prevent cracking and leaking in the roof.

Slate Shingles

This material can withstand high winds, keep the rain and moisture out of your attic and even repel hail. These traits make them one of the most durable types of roof shingles out there. Because these shingles are heavy, they will require a very skilled roofing installer to make sure they are done correctly. They will need extra architectural reinforcement due to their weight. You will need to have these checked regularly and fix any problems immediately, in order to maintain the durability and long life of your slate roof.

Metal Shingles

As can be expected, metal roofs are one of the most durable roof systems you can have. Their ability to keep out moisture and rain, along with their ability to reflect heat rays from the sun makes them a popular choice. Hail and wind are the enemies of the metal roof.  Hail can dent your metal roof, while wind can cause even more damage to metal roofing than a typical asphalt roof,  if the metal roofing is not installed properly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shingles and knowing how to maintain them can be tricky. Don’t worry! We have experts standing by who can help with all of your roofing questions. If you have questions about types of materials for your shingles, contact us today! We would be more than happy to help you on your roofing journey.

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Flashing for Your Roof

Whenever you get your roof fixed or have a new one installed you need to make sure that not only are the shingles installed properly, but also the flashing. Shingles are the first line of defense against the harsh UV rays.  In the same way, your flashing is the first line of defense against moisture and water damage.  In this article we will talk about what roof flashing is, why it’s important and what damages can occur if your flashing is neglected or not properly installed.

What is Flashing?

Roof flashing is a roll of thin metal. It’s made to withstand all weather conditions, including high wind and excessive rain. Flashing can be made from several types of metal including copper, aluminum, galvanized steel and lead. During the roofing process, it is rolled out into place and sealed. Flashing ensures that no water can get into your roof and damage it. The way flashing works is relatively simple: it collects pooling water and channels it away from where it was pooling. All types of flashing work in basically the same way.

What Does it Do?

Roof flashing is very important because it helps to close joints in walls or roofing applications. This makes sure no water is able to seep into materials used in the construction of your roof. The most typical places you’ll find flashing is around valleys, vents and skylights. Installing flashing is a key process in roofing. If done correctly, it can help lengthen the lifespan of your roof and the lumber supporting your roof. Once installed, quality flashing will continue to protect your roof for a long time.

 

 

Flashing: Valleys and Chimneys

 

Valleys

A valley in your roof is the area where one slope of the roof joins another. This creates a low area on the surface of the roof–a valley.  Valley flashing is installed under the shingles of the roof at the edges.  The flashing leads down to a gutter close by. Water will drain from the shingles into the valley. From here, it flows down the flashing metal, to the gutter and out the spout. Valley flashing streamlines the way your roof protects against water.

 

 

Chimneys

Chimneys are very common areas where water can get into your home. Flashing around chimneys has to be completely water-tight. Your roofer will place smaller, L-shaped metal pieces between shingle courses all along the chimney. Atop the chimney, a cricket–sometimes referred to as a saddle roof–is built. This helps create a slope to keep water from pooling behind the chimney.  Flashing covers the cricket, running along the shingle run above. This cover is mortared into the chimney itself, creating a water tight lock. Counter flashing is mortared along the sides into the brick or stone and run down the step of flashing. Lastly, flashing is mortared in the front of the chimney, at the lowest point of the roof. This flashing is placed flush on top of the next shingle course, so water will run down away from the chimney.

 

What Happens When Flashing Doesn’t Work?

Since flashing is what keeps your roof safe from water damage, its safe to say that without it your roof would suffer from water damage. Roof rot, mold, mildew and even broken beams can be a result of poor flashing. Also, damaged or improperly installed flashing on your roofs eaves will cause water damage on your exterior walls as water seeps into the inner workings of your wall. Without properly installed flashing, you as a homeowner could be looking at getting a whole new roof, having to re-plaster and paint your inside walls and ceiling due to water damage.

Don’t let water damage from poor flashing ruin your new year! Contact us today so we can help you make sure your roof flashing is water-tight and ready!

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Types of Roofing Shingles

There is a lot more to roofing shingles than most people think.

Choosing the right type of shingle and material is crucial to any homeowner. Not only do your shingles protect your home from water, snow and ice, but they also add to curb appeal — an important factor in determining your home’s value.

Roof shingles also affect household temperatures and energy efficiency. A  cool roof will generally be lighter in color to reflect heat from the roof surface. This, in turn, helps maintain cooler temperatures inside the home.

The type of shingles you choose also affects the lifespan of not only your roof, but your home as well. In this article, we will discuss the most common styles of shingles, and what they are typically made from.  Remember, types of shingles are not the same thing as shingle material.

3-Tab Roof Shingles

This is the most common shingle style in North America. It is usually made of asphalt, and they create the rectangular shingle style you see. One of the reasons this type of shingle is so popular is it is a simple design, and it is also cheap and virtually hassle free to install. They come in a wide range of colors which is great for homeowners on a budget.

Architectural Roof Shingles

This style of shingle is a jack-of-all-trades in the roofing industry. These shingles are also typically made of asphalt and come in a great variety of colors and shapes. The Architectural Roof Shingle would be the perfect choice for virtually any type of roof. This style of shingle is more aesthetically pleasing than a basic 3-tab roof shingle.

Tile Roof Shingles

These roof tiles are mainly found in the Southwest due to them being more energy-efficient compared to asphalt shingles. This terracotta clay tile is typically used on historical homes and buildings with old world, California mission architecture stylings. They are most easily recognized by their “wave-shaped” Spanish tile, they are readily available in different styles and colors. Higher quality tiles can last anywhere from 50 years or even longer than 100 years.

Wood Roof Shingles

Wood shingles are also a very common type of shingle. These sustainable shingles have been used for centuries because they offer better insulation than asphalt. When its used on eclectic construction styles, it can drastically change the ambiance of your home. There is a difference between wood shingles and wood shakes. While wood shakes are split on either one or both sides, to make a textured grain effect, wood shingles are sawn on both sides to make a smoothed tapered shape.

Shake Roof Shingles

Like the wood roof shingles, these shingles have also been used for a very long time. Wood shakes are different from wood shingles because they are more rustic and textured in appearance. In recent years, there have been new types of composite materials that are used to make more durable and longer lasting shakes that maintain their color and have better resistance to wind and fire.

Slate Roof Shingles

These tiles are quite popular because they make a stone roof that is natural and provide colorful distinctions in the surface of the stones. They are eco-friendly, fireproof and very durable. Some of our oldest structures still have the original slate roofing. Large slate deposits discovered in the colonial Northeast prompted the development and refinement of these beautiful and distinctive roofing materials

Metal Roofing

This type of roof is made up of flat or corrugated metal panels. It is usually referred to as the standing seam roof  and is the most common style of metal roofing systems. These types of roof systems are typically made from coated steel or aluminum, but can also be made using copper, steel, zinc alloys and stainless steel.

 

 

 

Hopefully this article gave you heads up that a roof is more than just a roof. Your roof provides shelter, adds aesthetic appeal and helps regulate temperature in your home. One major factor in putting on a roof is the choice of shingles to be used. Whether it’s time to put a new roof on your existing home or you’re having a home built, we have experts standing by to help you make the best choice of roofing shingle for your home. Give us a call today!

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