Roof Shingles: Proper Maintenance Saves a Lot of Headache
Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
Doug put a new roof on his colonial last spring. He wanted to update the look of his home and increase its resale value. He chose the color and style that matched his taste.
Doug knew that roof shingles serve a purpose other than to compliment a building’s architecture. They, more importantly, control the majority of the roof water by means of shedding water down their overlapping courses and into a gutter, or off the edge of a roof overhang.
However, Doug did not know how to properly care for and maintain his roof. He allowed water to sit in corners, leaves to back-up his gutters and he put a heavy satellite dish at a harsh angle right outside his bedroom window.
Soon, his roof began leaking and the shingles started rotting off. Not to mention he had slimy water dripping down the front of his house from the overflowing gutters. So next spring, Doug has to have his roofing company come back to make some major repairs.
It’s easy to forget about a roof until you have a problem. Don’t make the same mistake as Doug and pay for a roof that looks nice but cannot withstand the conditions that it will be exposed to.
Under extreme weather conditions the right kind of shingles at the right angle can uphold the integrity of your roof. The steeper the slant of the roofline, the better it will handle extreme weather conditions. Here Are My Top 3 Tips to Maintain Your Roof and Keep Repair Money in Your Pocket1. Conduct Periodic Maintenance of the Roof System
Every year, you should clean out all drain pipes, gutters, valleys and downspouts. Areas where leaves accumulate should be areas of special concern because decomposing material can rot your shingles over time.
Buildups cause drainage problems which lead to mold and leaks. Also, inspect all visible pieces of metal flashing as these can become dented and misshapen over time from falling acorns and sticks.
As roofs age, particular attention should be paid to the condition of curled and cupped shingles. An occasional “tune-up” by a licensed and qualified roofing contractor can extend the life of the roof significantly. 2. Avoid Installing Products or Fastening Items Through or to the Roof
Shingles are attached to the timber roof frame by large roofing nails but they are not always strong enough to hold up satellite dishes and other electronic receivers. If you do attach something to the roof, make sure it’s located on as close to a flat surface as you can manage as this will prevent pulling on the shingles. 3. Keep the Roof Well Ventilated
A ridge vent installed in the center peak of the roof is one way to accomplish this. Some problems that can be a direct result of a failure to do so are mineral loss on the shingle surface, heat loss, moisture buildup and mold spore growth.
Do not permit excessive access to the roof. When access is required adequate protection should be provided to the roof surface to prevent loss of mineral granules. Also, retain a qualified roofing professional to perform any addition or repair involving asphalt shingle roofs, hand-tabbing newly installed shingles, if necessary, to achieve proper seal to the underlying courses.
Following these simple steps will keep your roof looking newer longer and prevent the headache that improper maintenance brings.
The American Homeowners Association (AHA) ®
The Gravity of your Roof Problem
Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
Who needs to read an article about finding leaks? It is easy to tell if there is a problem – water drips into your home! But what if you can’t find the cause? The gravity of your roof may be causing the gravity of your problem!
Many houses these days have a low pitch roof. This means that the slope is gradual and not very steep. On windy days you may suffer from wind blown rain which is forced under your roof tiles and eventually finds its way to your ceiling. This is especially true of wind and rain storms, where the wind lashes the rain into the roof. Later, when you search for the cause of the leak, a source is not apparent.
You will probably need to be on the roof to see if any of the tiles could ‘lift’. It is also a good idea to check for lifting against the direction of the pre-dominant wind direction in your area. Some roof problems can often only be seen at close quarters. Remember to look diagonally and sideways at your roof tiles.
If you venture up onto the roof, you may prefer to take a few precautions. Some people tie themselves to a chimney pot or a structural beam, to avoid falling the whole way off the roof! As walking on your roof can crack your roofing, put a ladder and planks across the structurally supported parts of the asphalt.
If your roof is old, then the shingles may be buckling under – a common problem with aging roofs. There is also the obvious leak problem: a missing roof tile, or a chipped or broken one. While you are up there check the flashing; it is a common trouble spot, accounting for 90% of all roof leaks. Flashings happen at chimneys, plumbing stacks, skylights, walls and valleys. Make sure that the flashing is at least three inches past the edge of the asphalt.
Of course tracking down the source of a leak is problematic, as the leak is often not where the water gathers or drips. Horizontal roof boards can encourage the water to navigate several feet sideways from the source of the leak. Also, different weather conditions can produce spasmodic leaks in varied locations.
If you have carried out all these checks to no avail, then another way that you may find a leak is to produce man made conditions. Or to put it plainly, drench your roof with a garden hose and get someone inside the house to tell you when and where it comes in. Sounds primitive but it can start your detective work off in the right direction!
Remember you will be trying to simulate rain, which falls downwards! Point the hose in a downward direction and start at the lowest part of the roof. Use a gentle flow of water, and be patient! – It may take several minutes for the leak to manifest.
If you feel confident that you have found the source of the leak, do not caulk it or use roofing cement! Some people successfully slide a piece of sheet metal under the existing tiles. If you can’t replace it with a spare shingle or asphalt tile, then call a roofing company. You have already saved yourself some of the hourly rate by searching out the leak for yourself.
However, if it really is the gravity of your roof that is causing your problem, the only solution is to increase the pitch when you get the chance.
Flat Roofing Maintenance â?? What Can You Do To Keep Your Roof Clear?
Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
Flat roofs are very popular, especially in large urban areas where multiple buildings are set very close together, as they allow for easy access and maintenance and are relatively cheap to construct. However, the main problem flat roofs have is that they are, of course, flat.
Flat roofs allow water to build up and collect in low areas of the roof much more easily than with other kinds of roofs. In this article, weâ??ll go over some basics of flat roofing maintenance, as well as how you can keep up with your roof throughout the year.
Flat roofing maintenance usually consists first of clearing any debris on the roof. If there are nearby trees, you can expect to see a lot more in the form of fallen branches and leaves. Debris, especially organic debris, can pick up water and hold it while it soaks into your roof, and should be removed as often as is feasible.
Once youâ??ve cleared off the debris, check for low spots or areas where puddles of water or dirt have collected, as these places are the most susceptible to water damage. If your roof has a gravel coating, check it for bald spots and clean them away, then reapply it.
During flat roofing maintenance you should also be on the lookout for blisters. Blisters are formed when water gets between two layers of roofing material and causes them to soften, thus making a slight bubble with a soft feeling to it. Under no circumstances should you puncture, step on, or otherwise disrupt these blisters, as they should be dealt with by a qualified repairman.
Your roof should be checked several times throughout the year, every four months or so. If you live in an area with snowfall or ice, give the roof a quick glance after it begins to thaw, as chunks of ice and snow can block drains and gutters and let water build up.
Practicing good flat roofing maintenance is largely a matter of watching for water building up, as this is what most commonly affects flat roofs. If you do see water building up in a low spot, that area may need to be recoated so that water flows properly off of the roof.
Gutters and drains should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they are properly dispersing water as well, and overhanging tree branches should be trimmed back . . .
Find out more by reading the full article which explains what you need to know about flat roofing.
Roof Repairing Guide – Kingston
Posted on 19. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
There are all kinds of roofs. If your own happens to be quite flat, and your house is a one-story building, so that you can reach the roof by using an ordinary ladder, there is little danger in venturing out on it, but if you have to crawl through a window and claw your way around on a steep roof, you will do much better to stay away from it. However, there are a few basic rules for safe roof work which every homeowner should be familiar with.
Many people do not realize they have a problem with their roof until the inevitable happens…..roof leakage. More often than not, that is when a roofer receives a call to perform a roof repair – only to find that the whole roof needs replaced. Some are frustrated when they are being apprised of this situation and believe the roofer may be trying to “sell” them something they may not need. Be aware that roof repairs cost more on a hourly basis then replacing a roof. It would take “only” approximately two days of doing roofing repairs to equal the same amount paid in labor for an entire week when replacing your roof.
If a leak is recognized, clear the area of any home belongings, for instance electronic equipment furniture, etc. Place a bucket to collect the water for the time being. Once you can clearly see where the water is dripping from the ceiling, take a ladder and look at the roof in that area. You might easily see a part of the roof that has a broken shingle; you might also see debris, loose flashings, etc.
A moderately sized roofing job might take only 3 or 4 days.
We need to cover a few things before starting any roofing project. These include:
· Get Proper Information: Be aware this is a construction project and there will be noise and debris. Children love to watch what’s going on with their house but they must be kept away from the perimeter of the worksite, ladders and equipment.
· Share Properly Your roofing Condition with Roofers: Roofers generally do their best not to drop debris into shrubbery or flower beds but it is sometimes unavoidable. Inform roofing company if you have delicate flower beds or shrubbery that needs special protection.
· Point out sprinklers: that heads along driveways and sidewalks to help us prevent damaging them.
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Don’t Let Your Roof Repairs Go Sky High!
Posted on 18. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
Before you go to the expense of calling in a roofing contractor, see if you can analyze and repair your roof problem yourself. The best possible time to repair your roof problem – is as soon as you realize that you have one and if the weather is calm enough to climb up onto the roof. In fact, this could be further qualified by saying that the best and most economical way to a trouble-free roof, is to inspect the roof regularly, so that you see the problem developing.A leak from one dislodged tile is a small and inexpensive matter, but if you do not inspect your roof regularly, this will go unnoticed. By the time that you DO notice it, it may be because water is dripping into your spare room! This means that this whole area of the roof structure is soaked, the ceiling will need to be replaced and hopefully the flooring will recover.Always check your roof after a wind storm, as most roofing is not designed to withstand fierce winds. Scrutinize the tiles for cracks, splits and torn-off corners; also check for lifting. Lifting is a common cause of roof leaks, and can be easily rectified. Be aware of multiple tiles lifting, as this could be a sign that the roofing material is too old and is warping from all the weathering. Climb into your attic/loft and ensure that any insulation that you have in your roof is not right up against the roof itself. There has to be a gap for air to circulate; also when a roof heats up and there is insulation directly behind it, this heat is thrown back into the roofing and excessive heating like this can damage and warp the roof.Another weakness in all roofs is the flashing. Flashing is designed to provide a watertight junction between roof materials and structure, especially if the roof projects out or changes design (as with extension roofs). If you are installing a new roof, it is worthwhile to get the flashing ‘inspected’ as it is a common failure area. Often the simple fact that the gutters, leading into down pipes from the roof, are blocked with leaves and twigs can cause a problem. Roofs must have adequate run off, especially in the areas which may have snow. Water trapped in the gutter will mean that it will back up the roof for a few inches and have time to seep into the edges of the roofing tiles. Not all homes have adequate perimeter protection on their roofs, although this is one good feature to ask for on a new roof. Quite often homes incur roof leaks all at the same time (often after strong gales winds and torrential rain etc). This can mean that all contractors are busy and you have ’stop up the leak’ until you can get help. If you do get a leak, and you have placed buckets under the dripping water, be aware that the leak may be in a completely different place than it would seem. Locating the source is difficult, as water can run along horizontal timbers and appear to be leaking from a place that is sound. Getting up into the attic and actually looking for a wet spot on the roof decking will be an accurate way to tell. If you can find the spot an emergency patch can be made applying roofing felt and using plastic cement to hold it until you can call in a contractor. You can also attempt to repair it yourself, if it is just a shingle that is damaged. You can carefully prize up the roof shingle by removing the three or four nails that are holding it in place; next, apply a generous coating of tar beneath the tear in question, and also coat the underside of the shingle with a with a coat of tar before putting it back in place. Add a spot of tar to each nail head. Most roofing companies advise against the ‘liquid’ asphalt repair products.Roofs can also be temporarily repaired using roof membrane and sealants. Care must be taken to clean the roof surface first to ensure that the sealant will stick and keep the leak protected from rain etc. In fact, as long as the roof is clean and dry, the wonder of the 20th. Century – duct tape – can also be stuck onto the roof!
Basic Roofing Recommendations
Posted on 17. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
Most homeowners would certainly like to take care of their own roofs. It is better, however, to leave the roofing system in the hands of professional roofing contractors. Roofing repairs and maintenance is tedious and dangerous. There are some things about roofing that a homeowner must also know though. Here are the basic roofing recommendations that roofing companies would like to share with the homeowners. Roof Repair and Replacement
Upon inspection and discovering damages on your roof, it is only natural that you take measures to fix it and prevent more damage. This would involve having your roof repaired or getting it replaced.
When you plan for a roof replacement, you have two basic options. You can either opt for a complete replacement of the roof system, or choose to cover up your existing roof with a new one. A complete roof replacement would mean tearing your old roof off and installing a new one. The second option just involves an installation of a new membrane and surfacing.
With the second option, however, you have to make an additional inspection with a professional roofing contractor if you’ve already been through a roof recovering in the past. The roofing contractor will check whether or not your deck can hold and support a second recover. If not, you will have to opt for a complete roof replacement.
If you are experiencing roof leaks, there might not be a need for a roof replacement. The leak may have been caused by loose flashings or a partial damage to a section of your roof. These minor damages do not call for a roof replacement. Repairing the roof may be enough. If the leak is caused by a roof failure, that is the time when you need to replace your roof. This is because a roof failure, caused by improper installation or wrong choice of materials used, cannot be fixed and is irreversible. Useful Life of Your Roof
Your roof’s useful life largely depends on the type of roof you have and the treatment it receives from the local environment:
Asphalt shingles: lasts 15-20 years
Wood shingles/shakes: lasts 10-40 years
Clay/concrete tiles: lasts 20 years or more
Slate: lasts 30-100 years
Metal roofing: lasts 15-40+ years
Remember that when choosing the type of roof you want for your house, always check with the warranties of the products.Ventilation and Waterproofing Your Roof
Roof ventilation is recommended for every home. It may not be that big a deal for many people, but it is better to have one according to professional roofing contractors.
Why is it needed? Roof ventilation helps create a cooler attic in the summer. Hot and overheated attics are damaging to the roof deck and shingles. With roof ventilation, roof damages like these can be avoided. During the winter, the roof ventilation can help create a drier attic and prevent ice dams. So basically, roof ventilation moves hot air out of the attic in the summer and removes moist air in the winter.
For extra protection, you can also have waterproofing underlayment installed underneath the shingles. It is recommended that waterproofing underlayment be installed in high wear areas like the valleys on the roof, around the dormers, rakes, eaves, and skylights. The waterproofing underlayment is an extra barrier against water leakage. Seek For Professional Help
There are safety and efficiency procedures to take into consideration when repairing or replacing the roof. Without the proper knowledge and training, your roof might be subject to an improper installation. You might also be injured in the process. Professional roofing contractors are efficiently trained and are aware of the safety considerations in roof repairs and roof replacements. Homeowners should just stick to roof inspections and some maintenance systems. You can check for cracked shingles or clear the roof gutters. But it is recommended that you leave the repairs and replacement to the professionals.
Roofing: Under the Shingles – What’s Under the Asphalt, Metal, Wood, Rubber Or Clay Tiles on a Roof?
Posted on 17. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
Imagine, you’re standing on the sidewalk, looking at an average house. You see the siding, the windows, the front door, and way up above, you see the roof. Does the roof have asphalt shingles? Wood shakes perhaps? Maybe it’s made of metal or rubber tiles? What you see is where the focus goes, but it’s what you don’t see that really matters. There’s more to roofing than meets the eye. So let’s talk about what goes on, under the shingles.
The Roof Deck
We learn to crawl before we walk, so when talking about roofing let’s start with square one, the surface area of your roof which is made of wood. Your wood roof deck is comparable to an automobiles metal body. It is installed on top of the basic house frame to give a surface area on which to install Shingles. Without a roof deck installed on your house, there would be nowhere to install your Shingles. And of course without the shingles, your roof deck would rot away due to exposure to the sun, rain, snow and ice and etc…not a comfortable home at all!
On Newer Houses, sheets of plywood or OSB boards are fastened on top of wooden trusses in your attic to form the roof deck. Plywood or OSB boards are installed in a staggered formation with small spaces between them to allow wood to expand and contract as the wood heats in the summer and cools in the winter. Older homes often have lengths of 2″ x 6″ installed instead of plywood or OSB board. When the time comes for you to replace your Roof System, remember to have your Calgary Roofing Contractor replace any and all damaged wood.
Remember, if your roof deck is rotting or damaged in any way, people walking on your roof could potentially crack or break through the wood, causing further damage to the roof system, such as to the shingles…and to the person who walked on it! However, most roof decks can withstand a little bit of exposure to water or ice before it needs to be replaced.
Metal: Drip Edge and Rake Edge
Drip edge and Rake edge is the first part of the Roof System to be installed. It is a long and narrow piece of metal which is installed along each end of your Roof Deck, ie: along the eaves trough and along the gable ends.
Some area local building codes require the installation of Drip Edge and Rake Edge and other building codes do not. Check with your local city building offices to find out. In Alberta for example, the Building Code does not require the installation of Drip edge or Rake edge. Therefore many new homes and/or low budget roof systems do not have drip edge installed in order to allow for more affordable roof prices. We recommend however that Drip edge and Rake edge be installed on every Roof System, no exceptions.
Drip and Rake edge is available in a variety of different colors and sizes and can be custom built for the needs of your roof system. Installing an appropriate drip edge often saves hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars when your roof system needs replaced.
If your Roof System does not currently have drip or rake edge installed, do not panic, you’ll survive well enough. Just be aware that when your roof needs to be replaced, the Roofing Contractor you may need to replace some of your wood Roof Deck on an as needed basis.
Metal: Chimneys and Skylights
Arguably the most important part of every complete roof system. The metal installed in the valleys, chimneys and skylights take the brunt of water flow on every roof. Poorly installed, a brand new roof system can make a waterfall out of your living room.
Every chimney and skylight needs what is referred to as “a back pan”, which consists of sheet metal folded at around a 90 degree angle (depending on the slope of your roof) and tucks under the shingles and up under the siding, stucco or counter flashing on the chimney or skylight. Every back pan needs a small 2” section of metal sticking out 1” or more from either side of the chimney or skylight to divert water away from the corners. Water should hit the metal back pan and be directed away on either side where it can continue its run into the eaves trough.
Metal: Valleys
In the same way water runs along the valleys between two mountains, water runs along the valleys on your roof peaks. Valleys generally receive the highest concentration of water flowing through them, therefore installing them correctly is extremely important!
As mentioned in the Leak Barrier section, valleys have leak barriers installed underneath them. Even though some Building Codes do not require such a leak barrier to be installed, we recommend installing one always in every valley.
A word of caution: Many roofing contractors install valleys in a style referred to as ‘closed’. A closed valley consists of Shingles woven inside the valley, as opposed to an ‘open’ valley which has sheet metal running from top to bottom. Both the ‘open’ and the ‘closed’ style of installation are acceptable by the most Building Codes and by most manufacturers, however, the ‘open’ style installation has consistently out performed the ‘closed’ style…and costs exactly the same price to install. Ask your Roofing Contractor to use the ‘open’ style of installation for your roofs valleys, this could save you from having to replace your roof system prematurely and also can avoid headaches in the long run. Typically, an ‘open’ valley is installed with a 30 gauge sheet metal, 4′ wide, coming in 10′ sheets. This metal can be ordered in any color to match the shingles on your roof system.
Leak Barrier
Think of a leak barrier as a “second layer” of protection for your Roof Deck. A backup plan, if you will, and also a protection against moisture build up. Leak barriers are nearly always installed on top of the Drip Edge and Rake Edge metal along eaves trough areas, gable areas and valleys because of the risk these areas pose for leaks, ice build up, shingle deterioration and water back flow.
If you’ve ever looked at your roof during winter, you’ll notice how ice and snow builds up along the length of your eaves troughs and inside the roof valleys. As with Rake Edge and Drip Edge, some Building codes require Leak Barriers to be installed and some Building Codes do not. In Alberta, the Building Code requires a leak Barrier to be installed on all eaves trough and valley areas of a Roof Systems because of issues related to such snow and ice build up. As an optional upgrade, some high end roof systems even have leak barriers installed on top of the entire Roof Deck (as opposed to only along the special areas we just mentioned) where normally a standard Roof Deck Protection would normally have been installed.
Virtually all roofs in Calgary, Alberta have leak barriers installed, and many different types of leak barriers are available in today’s market, each offering a different level of reliability, functionality and warrantee and produced by many different manufacturers.
Choosing an appropriate Leak Barrier and installing it properly is an important step in every Roof System. Speak with your Roofing Contractor to learn more about leak barriers, how to choose the right one and how to choose a Professional Roofing Contractor to install it.Roof Deck Protection
Roof Deck Protection is very similar to a Leak Barrier. The difference is that Roof Deck Protection is installed on the entire Roof Deck area instead of only on “special areas” as we mention in the Leak Barrier section.
Typically, Roof Deck Protection is a step lower in quality than a Leak Barrier. As with Leak Barriers however, there are many different types of Roof Deck Protection available to choose from ranging from basic felt/tar paper to advanced plastic woven sheets of rip and wrinkle proof material. Choosing a reliable Roof Deck Protection is an important part of a quality Roof System.
A word of caution; most roofing companies use felt paper as Roof Deck Protection. Although using felt paper is a standard and acceptable practice, some issues can arise if the felt paper becomes wet during or after the installation. Ever notice how paper tends to curl when it dries after it was wet? In a similar way, felt paper can curl if water or excess moisture touches it. For this reason, and because the cost is quite small, we recommend installing a higher quality Roof Deck Protection such as a GAF/ELK Deck Armour. For a relatively small additional cost, you’ll be rewarded with a much more reliable Roof Deck Protection.
Ask your local trusted Roofing Contractor about which under-layer would be best for your Roof System any why.
Conclusion
So there it is, life beneath the shingles. See how much goes on behind the scenes? Professional roofing contractors know this stuff inside and out and can help immensely in ensuring a roof system is reliable for many years. Product suppliers such as GAF/Elk and IKO can help answer specific questions about products as well.
All the best with your roofing project, and remember, be proactive, make educated decisions.
How to Choose a Roofing Contactor
Posted on 16. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
There are many weather –related factors which determine the extent to which your roof has been damaged and whether you are in need of roof repairs. Even if we’re talking about leaks, or just some shingle fractures, it is obvious that you may need more than just roof repairs. There are thunderstorms or hails whose consequences demand changing the roof of your house. The damage level of your roof will dictate the measures that you have to take. Whether it’s just some minor roof repairs or the installation of a completely new roof, only a professional consultant can tell you that. Roofing contractors provide such services, and the results of their roof inspection will tell you where you need to go next. Even if there are no serious leaks, or none at all, your roof may still require repairs, as everyone knows that a twenty-year- old roof will most likely start to show signs of deterioration. Roofing contractors should be called in at the first deterioration signs. They are professionals who will assess your roof status correctly and will determine the best solution for you, either roof repairs or re-roofing.
But it’s not just the hails that can damage your roof. Rain, wind and even sun may have a destructive influence upon your roof. Leaks are not the only sign that you need roof repairs. But the question is, how can you tell when you should start the process of re-roofing? Since this construction process is quite complex, the best choice is a roofing contractor. Roofing contractors will give you the best advice on what is appropriate for your roof. Their advice is trustworthy and all roofing contractors must have a permit and obey certain licensing laws, which may vary from state to state. Of course, the part that you play in this process is a very important one, because the final outcome must meet your needs and desires as a customer, whether you want some roof repairs or a complex re-roofing project.
It is in your best interest as a customer that the roofing contractors you choose be certified. Certified roofing contractors are professionals whose expertise speaks for itself and makes them leaders in their field. They will provide solutions to all your problems and handle your roof repairs or re-roofing process with professionalism.
When you finally decide to turn to roofing contractors in order to have your roof repairs taken care of or replace your old roof, you will most likely come to the conclusion that choosing a particular roofing contractor is quite a tough choice. The materials used by different roofing contractors may vary, and so may the prices. There are some steps you are recommended to follow when you choose a certain roofing contractor, so that you won’t have second thoughts or regrets after the work has been completed. Since the cost of the entire project varies according to its complexity, you should start by asking for written estimates from various roofing contractors, estimates which you can compare. For an accurate comparison you should have at least three of these. It is almost certain that the estimates will be different and what you should do is to try to make out what the differences are caused by, because the highest estimate doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best project, but nor should you rule out the lowest one automatically.
Another step is checking out the roofing contractors’ work. The work they have done so far is their best calling card. That’s why, next to the written estimate, you should ask the contractor for a list of the projects they have completed successfully in your area. The written estimate should also include the time needed for project completion. In order to know exactly what to expect, you should also ask about warranties, coverage for insurance carrier, the pace of your project, and trash handling. But remember, checking out their previous projects is one the most important steps in choosing roofing contractors.
Roofing Insurance Considerations
Posted on 16. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
You should be under no illusions; roofing can be a dangerous job. Working at such heights and often in some fairly extreme conditions means that workers are put at risk on a fairly regular basis. If a company is held liable for any injuries or accidents to workers then without worker’s compensation insurance they may be forced to pay out a large amount of money from their own pockets. For small roofing firms this can lead to financial ruin. Roofing insurance may cost money but it is a lot cheaper than not having it in the event that you need it.
Types of roofing insurance
There are basically two types of article that you should consider using to cover yourself from any accidents or injuries. Workers compensation insurance protects against any injuries to workers whereas public liability insurance covers against similar accidents involving members of the public or property that belongs to someone else.
Workers compensation insurance
Workers compensation insurance is one of the two types of roofing insurance that you should seriously consider taking out because without it you are in very great danger of being forced to pay large settlements from out of your own pocket. If the worst happens and one of your workers is killed through a work related accident this sum can equate to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The only way to avoid this is through having workers compensation insurance.
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance is available to virtually anyone who needs it from cat minders to roofers. As far as roofing insurance goes this is another vital commodity to your business. If a member of the public walks into a piece of scaffolding or a shingle you have just fitted falls off the roof and hits a car you are responsible for paying damages and the cost of any required repairs. In some cases this can amount to very large amounts of money. Comparatively speaking the monthly premium you will be required to pay is virtually nothing.
Bring down the cost of your roofing insurance.
If you are concerned about the cost of roofing insurance then you may want to consider joining a buying consortium of sort or another. If you are already a member of a trade organization you may find that they have negotiated excellent deals on all aspects of roofing insurance and taking advantage of these deals can save you a lot of time and quite a lot of money.
Buyers should find out what roofing insurance a firm has.
If you are a consumer looking at having a new roof fitted then you should always check any potential roofing company to see what forms of roofing insurance they have. You should know that because the price of roofing insurance can be quite high some roofing firms have now taken to using a general contractor’s insurance policy. If the roofing firm you use cause any accidental damage to your house or anything in or around it then you can only be sure that you will be covered if they have roofing insurance. Roofing insurance firms will pay out quicker and easier than if you have to rely on the roofing firm themselves to compensate you.
How to Stop Lead Being Stolen From UK Roofs
Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by admin in General
Lead work can be found on many roofs, for example as flashing, or in valley gutters between roof sections. Lead roofs on the other hand refers to large sections of a roof, or a whole roof being covered in lead sheet / milled lead / machine cast lead. This is something that most people would associate with churches and cathedrals; indeed it is likely to be a feature of many grand old buildings, and many large modern structures. However, in recent times, theft of lead (among other metals) from the roofs of buildings has seen a massive increase. Quite simply and obviously, the reason is money. Is this really a problem?
Yes. Recent examples of large scale theft of lead from roofs in the UK include the 100 square foot hole in the top of the 800 year old roof of a church in Leicestershire, and the estimated £30,000 of lead stolen from a Leicester entertainment complex roof. The root cause – economic factors
So why has the value of lead increased to the point where some people are prepared to steal and cause great damage to property in order top get it?
The lead on the roofs of your local buildings is now likely to be at risk because of international economic changes such as:
Huge demand for lead in countries experiencing rapid industrial growth such as China and India has increased the price of lead on global markets sevenfold in only six years.
Supply problems e.g. from Australian mines, have pushed prices up further.Some example figures
The figures we’re talking about for lead are approx £2000 / $4000 per ton last summer, although it’s now nearer approx £1500 / $3000. It is worth remembering however that iron and steel still account for approx 80% of the recycled metal in the UK. Scrap metals firms which were traditionally smaller family owned businesses, have benefited from rising metal prices to the point where the largest UK scrap metal merchants are now estimated to be worth more than £1 billion. Global scrap metal prices are set to increase again next year, and the UK metal recycling business is estimated to be worth £1.9 billion.
Insurance companies, such as those specialising in ecclesiastical insurance have had a massive increase in claims, payouts e.g. for theft of lead from roofs, and this has obviously resulted in increased premiums.What measures can we take to stop lead theft from roofs?
Installing fences or obstacles around buildings, increased use of security patrols and equipment, greasing drainpipes around buildings (a real example), and even marking the lead roof with security inks may help in the fight against thieves. So what could the ultimate deterrent be?The ideal answer
Quite simply, a roof without lead. Install a roof that looks like lead, but is not lead. Often, the large lead surfaces on older buildings are on a flat roof. Modern membrane roofing e.g. Sarnafil, looks like lead in appearance and colouring. Special battens or mop sticks can be added beneath the roofing material to make it look even more like traditional lead roof designs. Specialist flat roofing companies using roofing such as the Sarnafil 5 point system (single-ply flat roofing systems) can very quickly install a roof that is in character with the building, and provides affordable, complete waterproof protection for decades. A Sarnafil Roof Assured flat roof installation for example could last over 40 years according to the British Board of Agrément. Contact a specialist flat roofing supplier to discuss how you could defeat the lead roof thieves once and for all.