Saturday, March 30, 2013

How Proper Attic Insulation Can Save You Money

Making the smallest adjustments to a home can reap some serious benefits. For example, home owners should consider insulating their attics. Hiring a roofing contractor to investigate this space makes a home more comfortable, increases the value of the property and is sure to save people money.

Cut Back on Utility Bills
One of the chief benefits of investing in attic insulation is that people can cut back on their energy costs. Heating and cooling systems will not have to work as hard to regulate a home's temperature. A lot of energy can be lost if an attic has gaps in its insulation or no insulation at all. Cutting back on energy use means that utility bills will quickly fall too. Thus, one can be environmentally friendly and also save money in the long run.

Value of the Home
Insulating a property's attic is a chance to increase the value of a home. Buyers love when attics are finished or have insulation. This is an alluring feature for consumers looking for energy efficient homes. A little investment today will have some serious benefits if a property owner ever decides to sell.

Regulate the Property's Temperature
If an attic lacks adequate insulation, then the home's temperature is sure to swing between hot and cold. No one wants to feel uncomfortable in their own home. If there is a gap in insulation, then the temperature will change drastically. This means that people are never completely comfortable in their home. Talking to a roofing contractor and adding insulation ensures that a home's temperature is truly balanced.

Reap Some Serious Tax Benefits
The US Department of Energy offers a lot of tax benefits to people. The New Energy Bill says that home owners can receive up to a 30% tax credit if they add insulation to their home. This could mean hundreds of dollars in credits. Home owners need to visit the US Department of Energy for more information about documentation, the benefit and requirements for the insulation.

Free Up Some Space
An attic can be used for more than storage. By insulating the space, homeowners can convert a room into a bedroom, office and more. This is a chance to make use of all of a property's space. Some homeowners even use the attic as a playroom or home gym.

Many homes today do not have proper insulation, especially older properties. Investing in attic insulation is a chance to increase the value of a home and make use of this space. The US government has tax benefits for homeowners who make their properties energy efficient. By investing a little time and money today, a homeowner can save on their taxes and greatly lower their utility bills. This is a win-win situation that doesn't take much time or hassle. A quick call today means a contractor can come out, inspect the same and offer an estimate then and there. This process takes little time and has too many benefits to ignore.

 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7517509

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Pros and Cons of Wood Roofing Shingles

A wood shingle, also called a wood shake, is an alternative to a traditional asphalt single. It is typically used in a residential roofing project because it has a natural look. Wood shingles have different widths, colors, thicknesses, and cuts, resulting in a unique roof filled with character. There are several reasons to install a wood shake roof on a home, but there are also some cons off which you should be aware.

Negative Aspects of Wood Shingles

Unless it is properly maintained and repaired, a wood shake roof will not last as long as a roof made from other materials. This increases the lifecycle cost of the roof. Insects, rot, and mold present issues for this type of shingle. From an environmental perspective, wood shakes are not desirable because they cannot be recycled. In addition, wood is not the best material to use for fire safety purposes. The spray or wipe-on fire retardants used on the shakes last for only a few years and provide less protection against fires.

Roofers have a more complicated job when they must install wood shakes as opposed to traditional asphalt shingles. The quality of the wood shakes and experience level of the roofer determine the quality of the installed roof. The best types of wood shakes are made from heartwood of old, large cedar trees. Different shake mills produce different calibers of the product.

Benefits of Wood Shingles

A wood roof provides energy benefits because it has an insulating quality. It also provides the roof with breathability. Shingles are laid on felt rows atop small openings that permit circulation of air. Fire retardant is impregnated on pressure-treated wood shakes, causing these to meet national standards for fire safety. A pressure treated wood shingle lasts longer than one made from another type of wood.

As a counter to not being recyclable, these shingles are manufactured from natural materials, most made from renewable varieties of trees. If the wood is sealed, it is not as prone to weather-related deterioration. This allows the roof to endure sun, rain, snow, and wind for a longer time without needing to be replaced.

Cedar shingles are a popular type of wood shingles and are one of the oldest roofing materials. As they age, their finish takes on a soft silver or gray hue. They withstand strong winds, storms, hurricanes, and impact from debris. A home with a cedar shingle roof has curb appeal, which may cause property value to increase.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7219728

Sunday, March 24, 2013

What Are Seamless Gutters?

Gutters are a necessity of home construction. They collect rainwater off of the roofing and disperse it away from your home. Even if it is properly installed and arranged, it will still require maintenance. They will need tightening, section replacement, and painting to keep up their appearance and performance as the years go by. Yet, at some point, replacement will be an issue and why not now with seamless gutters. They are the most popular installation across the country because of their efficiency and minimized maintenance requirements. There are so many great features that take gutters to a more effective and dependable level than ever before.

Seamless gutters are just that. It is constructed to wrap around the edge of your roofing system as if it is an extension of it. It is so sleek and attractive that it blends in with the color of your roofing materials, your home trimming, or the paint color of the siding. The leaders and drainpipes are also flush with your house; it creates a discreet look that is clean and stylish. However, the aim of seamless gutters is not to impress with looks, it is to impress with performance of its contribution to foundation damage, landscaping erosion, walkway shifts and driveway repair protection by keeping excessive moisture away.

The name of the seamless gutters system comes from the fact that the length of the gutters has no seams in order to cut down on the possibility of leak and stays strong. This means the system is continuous and wraps around your home to only have joining seams at the corners for an attractive finish. The long-term use and stability is evident not only in your choice of copper, steel, aluminum, or vinyl material choices, but there is also a photograph online with a man hanging from the system and it is not bending or moving. What's also exciting is that your system can come with leaf guards to help keep down debris entry during the storm months and leaf falling months too. You receive all of these options for installation but how long does it take? Well, depending upon the size of your home, your installation can be complete in the matter of a single day. You can have your old faulty system taken down and a more convenient, long-term option installed in its place before the heavy rain comes in this spring.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6948877

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Help! My Roof Is Leaking

Bet that is one phone call you don't want to be making. Do you? But never fear help is at hand. Making regular inspections of your roof and getting the appropriate assistance from an expert roofer can save you a lot of money, time and heartache down the line.
So how can you tell that there's a problem with your roof?
Internal inspection of your rooms
Whether you have a town house or a bungalow the rooms below your roof will also be able to tell you if you have a problem.
The tell-tale signs that you have a problem include:
  • Damp /wet walls
  • Mold on the walls
  • Puddles of water on the floor
Loft / roof space inspection
Here's a little tip, you may want to take a torch, and some chalk with you. Why? I guess you can work out the torch yourself? But the chalk is to mark any possible dark or damp patches or suspect areas you may want to re-inspect later. Doing an inspection either during or after heavy rain may also make it easier for you to spot any damp patches or leaks.
Once you've checked inside the roof space turn out the light. You can then look for chinks of light from outside, shining through. If you find any holes use a nail or piece of wire in the hole to visibly mark them from the outside.
What to look for out on the roof.
Well it depends what kind of roof you have?
Slate or tiled roofs:
  • Are they in good condition?
  • Are the tiles the same shape, size and texture?
  • Are any broken, or chipped?
  • Check for straight lines, if any of the rows appear to be bowing it's unlikely to be completely weatherproof.
Flat roof: a flat roof may leak for many reasons:
  • Felt: may become softened, ripped or torn
  • GRP/Fibreglass: may become cracked or damaged
  • The boards on which the roof is placed may have become soft or water damaged.
If you notice anything that you think looks irregular, or you think that this is really too much for you to do yourself. Then please take no chances, get on the phone and call in a professional roofer. They are more experienced, the job that might take you hours to prepare for and do, can be carried out quickly and efficiently and they might even see things you would have missed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6906668

Monday, March 18, 2013

A Professional Roofer Is the Best Bet

One of the most important features on any home is the roof. Because it's so significant, it's essential that it is well-maintained and properly repaired, when necessary. The best way for anyone to ensure that this part of their home is up to par is to solicit the help of a professional roofer. Now, there are some who believe they don't really need a specialist to get the job done. In their eyes, they can save some of their money by getting amateurs to do the work. In actuality, this really isn't the best decision.

First of all, someone who isn't a professional roofer would more than likely make some major mistakes. This isn't just because of the fact that they haven't had proper skill training, but it's also because they probably won't have adequate experience. Sometimes, it doesn't just take education, but it also takes experience.

Having a roof that isn't fixed correctly could cause several annoying inconveniences. For example, some leaks could form. Some may not think this is a big deal as long the water doesn't come directly from their ceiling into their homes. However, this is a very significant issue for people with attics that they actually use. There are some people who have even made bedrooms in that area of their home. So, if there were a leak, it could cause a major problem.

Even for those who don't use their attics, providing proper care to their roof should still be very important to them. That's because the effects of the leak can still enter the main part of the home and cause things such as mold to grow, which is another major issue in and of itself.

Besides the fact that they can get the job done correctly and prevent further damage, it's important for homeowners to hire a professional, because an amateur could end up seriously injuring themselves.
This is especially true of someone who hasn't been through any formal training. Besides learning how to actually fix and repair a roof correctly, during these sessions they also learn safety rules. Someone who hasn't gone through this type of training would more than likely miss out on those essential lessons. What makes safety so important in this case is the fact that certain mishaps, such as falling off of a tall building, could potentially lead to death.

It may seem like a good and economical idea to seek the assistance of an amateur for roofing problems. However, this isn't necessarily true. Overlooking the importance of a professional roofer can cause many problems including serious injuries as well as even more roofing issues.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7544485

Friday, March 15, 2013

Is Your Roof in Good Shape?

Roofs are designed to protect a structure from the elements, especially water. They can be built using various types of materials such as slate, rubber slate, wood shake, asphalt and metal. Whatever materials are used, a roof will eventually wear out over time and need repair or replacing. Evidence of roof problems can include missing, loose, warped or buckled shingles and tiles, which leave the underlying roofing materials unprotected. Roof leaks are especially serious and should be immediately addressed to prevent dry rot and mold.

Certain factors can accelerate the deterioration process, including:

Design Issues

If a roof isn't designed correctly, it can lead to serious issues such as sagging and splitting, as well as water and sediment accumulation.

Improper Installation

The life expectancy of a roof will decrease when it hasn't been properly installed. You will also encounter issues similar to those found in a faulty design, such as poor drainage.

Poor Maintenance

Even when a roof is properly designed, maintenance is still required to prevent debris from clogging drains. Minor repairs may also be needed on occasion. When necessary fixes are ignored, it can result in more severe problems.

Weathering

The condition of a roof will deteriorate over time under any circumstances, but certain weather conditions can facilitate the process such as rain, wind, snow and hail. The rate of deterioration is often determined by the type of roofing material used. As an example, natural roof materials will deteriorate faster than synthetic roofing. A roof can also decay due to exposure to pollutants and toxic chemicals.

Flashing Problems

Flashing seals and protects the joints and places where the roof intersects with pipes, chimneys, skylights, vent stacks and similar objects. There are many issues that can arise with flashing, including poor design, improper installation or fastening, poor adhesion and inadequate coating.

Roofs can be replaced at any time, even in wet weather. The process involves removing all of the existing roof shingles and paper. There may even be additional roof layers that need to be removed depending on the age of the house. Once this phase of the process is completed, any necessary repairs will be made. The next step is to lay down asphalt paper, after which the new shingles, followed by flashing and installing the ridge vent. The costs associated with replacing a roof will depend on the steepness of the roof, the size of the area that will need to be replaced and the roofing materials that will be used.

And remember, when hiring a contractor, ask to see his or her pocket license. Verify that the contractor is insured and carries workers' compensation. If you hire one that doesn't have workers' comp, you are legally considered the employer and can be held accountable for any job-related injuries. Once you've verified the contractor is licensed and insured, ask for references. Hearing what former clients have to say about the work that was done for them can be extremely helpful when deciding if you should hire them.

Having your roof regularly inspected by a professional contractor is an important part of the maintenance process. When roof problems are detected early, not only will the repairs usually be less costly, it can help prevent other types of damage to your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7034879



Leave the hard work to the professionals , call ABOVE ALL ROOFING CO.! We are a family owned and operated contractor located in Vacaville, California; serving the surrounding counties and the Bay Area. We are here for all your roofing needs.  We have extensive knowledge, with 37 years of experience in many types of roofing systems. Our goal is to provide you with quality workmanship, timely service and fair pricing. Our estimates are always free. We are licensed, bonded and insured and a member of the Better Business Bureau.
707-446-8819

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

How Seamless Gutters Protect Your Home

While most people may view gutters as an unnecessary aspect of a home, the truth is that they are important. Whether you are dealing with seamless gutters or just the normal kind, this component of the home is one that you must consider as a homeowner. This is because gutters protect homes in many ways and failing to install them may lead to complications later on.

One of the ways through which gutters protect your home is by helping to keep you dry. Should it happen to rain, even if it is a light shower involved, the water will move from the roof tops straight downwards. If you happen to be entering or leaving your home at this point, then chances of you getting wet are very high. With gutters however, the water from the roof is contained and directed to designated places, thus helping to keep you dry.

Another importance of gutters as far as your home is concerned is the fact that it helps keep your home as dry as possible. Over the course of time, rain water that pours from the roof to your basement, walls, windows or doors will carry with it heavy side effects. These effects include flooding of the basement, water seeping into your foundations, and so on. Gutters are therefore instrumental in protecting your home by preventing your foundation from becoming unstable. They also ensure that you do not have to deal with the flooding more that you should since the gutters end up funneling the rainwater away from the basement. This ensures that it remains dry and anything stored in there remains safe.

In addition to protecting the basement and the foundation, gutters also come in handy in ensuring that water does not leak into the walls. This in turn prevents walls from cracking. Due to this protective measure, you will be able to save money you would otherwise have used filling up the cracks whenever the rainy season is over. This money can be used to make other useful investments for the future.

Because gutters funnel water away from doors as well as other structures made from wood, it will be possible for you to avoid dealing with complications arising from wood rot. Homes with gutters have fewer incidences of rotting and warping wood as well as damage to the paint on exterior wooden surfaces.

During the rainy season, the amount of water falling from the roof to the ground can be very strong at times. Seamless gutters as well as the normal kind of gutters come in handy in ensuring that your lawn does not get the worst of this strong force of water. By funneling the water to designated storage areas or drainage points, gutters help in the prevention of soil erosion as well as in the protection of plants and flowers that are growing in the exposed areas.

Gutters are also a great way of keeping your home cleaner. This is because they keep the water from the rain, from splashing too closely to the lower parts of your exterior walls. As far as money is concerned, they do provide great value and will keep your home maintenance costs low.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7514870

Saturday, March 9, 2013

The Real Reason Why We All Need Roofing Contractors

When it comes to building and maintaining homes, the roof is one part of the house that needs timely maintenance and care. We all know that if there is one part that gets directly hit by rain, hail, sleet, or snow on a constant basis that is the roof. It can get worn out easily and could result to water seeping into the house during heavy rains. We don't what that now, do we?

Most people fail to realize the importance of roofing contractors and commercial roofing companies. Fixing your own roof can be the quickest fix to a hole on the roof but this isn't the best long term solution. Aside from getting the best results when it comes to replacement, maintenance, and repair you also get better customer satisfaction by trusting all your needs to commercial roofing contractors.

Roof Construction

The single most common reason why we get help from roofing contractors is for roof construction. Contractors provide the most advanced tools and equipment when it comes to roof construction. A roof is not merely something placed on top of a house to shield it from the heat of the sun or keep everyone dry inside. Creating a roof involves choosing the perfect design to complement your home and choosing the highest quality materials to make sure that you end up with a stronger, more durable roof that will last ages. Getting experts for the job gives you more desirable results.

Rooftop Repair

A secure and stable roof associates to a safe and secure home for you and your family. Constant rains, storms, and wind damage can weaken the structure of your roof and can result to fissures and cracks that can lead to leakage, and can be extremely bothersome. Leakage does not only mean roof damage but it can also damage the furniture and appliance inside your home which are supposed to be dry.

Only commercial roof repair professionals provide the quickest and the most efficient schemes when it comes to rooftop revamping.

Rooftop Maintenance or Replacement

When it comes to roof damage, homeowners are given two options. That is to go for rooftop repair and or have it replaced altogether. To avoid replacing or repairing your roof, professional commercial roofing companies provide regular maintenance services to ensure that your roof is always in good condition. Getting quality contractors ensures that you will never have to repair or replace your roof.

But for some who neglect regular roof maintenance, roofing companies provide roof repair or replacement to avoid any type of mold or bacteria growth caused by constant leakage and moisture that could also result to different health issues. By contacting professionals you get the best customer service and best value for your money.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7522249

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Factors That Influence Your Roof Repair Estimate

Roofs provide two very important functions for your home and business. First, they protect us and our belongings from the harsh effects of weather. Certainly, roofs shelter us from rain, wind, snow, and all types of weather, but they also provide important structural support to a building or home. In addition, repairs and replacements often come at considerable expense. Depending on the type of roof, the season you require replacement or repairs, and many other factors, estimates will vary. So what factors influence your roof repair estimate?

Roof Type

There are many different types of roof, even if we only consider residential roofs. From flat roofs and shed roofs to gabled roofs, mansard roofs, and hipped roofs there are a wide variety of types. Your type may also be constructed of a wide range of materials including asphalt shingle, metal, or tile. Depending on the type of roof and the materials involved, the cost of a roofing repair can vary widely from $1 per square foot to more than $10 per square foot.

Local Regulations

As with any construction or renovation job, local authorities will require permits. As such, where you live can even have an impact on the cost of your repair or replacement. Permits are sometimes based on a flat rate in your region, or may be contingent on the size or value of your home.

Size

Obviously a minor repair is going to cost considerably less than a replacement. In fact, the size of repair and the size of your roof are among the biggest factors that influence your repair estimate. Roofing contractors will generally quote repairs and replacement based on square footage, so a smaller roof's repairs will cost less than a larger roof's repairs.

Extent of Damage

Another factor that will influence the estimate for your roofing repair is the extent of damage. A minor leak that is limited to one area of your roof is easier and less costly to fix. Similarly, if there is minor damage around roofing fixtures that can be easily repaired, your roofing estimate will be more conservative. If however you have extensive water damage, the structure of your roof may be compromised. Your roofer may not be able to simply patch the leak and leave it at that. Instead, major construction may be required as water damage may have affected a larger area than you realize. In order to protect your home, family, and belongings, all water damaged material must be removed and replaced.

Roofing Fixtures

Generally speaking, more fixtures on your roof are associated with higher repair costs. Chimneys, skylights, and other fixtures will complicate a repair, especially if these fixtures themselves need replacement or repair.

As you can easily see, there are many factors that will influence the cost of roofing repair or replacement. That being said, estimates will not only vary depending on the features of your roof; in fact, estimates will vary depending on the roofer as well. As such, it is best to consult with a number of roofing professionals to get a number of estimates so you can choose the best roofer at the best price.


 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7527813

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Reroofing: Six Signs Your Commercial Building Needs a New Roof

If your building has an old roof, it may be showing signs that it needs replacement. Different roofs have different lifespans, but they often show the same signs when they need replacement. Below are six signs your building may need reroofing sooner than later.
Leaks in Multiple Places
Roofs develop occasional leaks that can be patched. But when multiple leaks occur, it could be a sign that your roof's moisture barrier has declined significantly. If your business uses buckets to catch interior drips when it rains, it may be saving its carpet, but it isn't preventing trapped moisture that encourages mold development and weakens roof decking.
Ultimately, replacing a leaky roof can be less costly than repairing the damage it could cause.
Exterior Light Showing Through
If you can see sunshine through your business' roof, hopefully you can see the light: you need to replace your roof, or at least have it professionally repaired. Exterior light can be seen when roofing separates from chimneys, exhaust pipes, or other elements that extend through the roof. Performing amateur repairs on these problems can lead to flooding during heavy rain.
Frequent Brown Spots on Hanging Ceiling Panels
Brown spots on hanging ceiling panels indicate one of two problems: leaking pipes or a leaking roof. When present on tiles that don't underlie a roof, the problem is usually the former. When present on tiles that do underlie a roof, the latter may be to blame. If your business frequently replaces or paints ceiling tiles that underlie a roof, calling a roofing company to inspect for leaks will save money in the long run.
Sagging Roof Decking
Sagging roof decking makes sections of roof appear bowed inward. Sagging decking is most visible from the exterior. But in severe cases, it can be detected by observing a ceiling. Sagging roof decking is a tragedy waiting to happen. Often, a section of sagging decking completely gives way during heavy rain or snow, causing severe damage that costs more than a new roof.
Gutters Clogged with Shingle Granules
Buildings whose shingles need replacing display a telling sign: their gutters become filled with shingle granules. If your building has a shingle roof, is not surrounded by trees, and has clogged gutters, the problem could be deteriorating shingles (a quick look at your gutters should let you know). By not replacing old shingles, you'll end up with a leaking roof and spend money on gutter work that could instead be used for commercial reroofing.
Shingle Buckling, Blistering or Curling
Movement of roof decking causes shingle buckling, water absorption causes shingle curling, and blistering occurs when shingles receive inadequate ventilation. When a patch of shingles buckle, blister or curl, the problem can be repaired. But when buckling, blistering or curling affect most or all of a roof, reroofing may be necessary.
Replacing your building's roof is a major decision. But when your building displays some or all of the signs above, replacing it as soon as possible could be the least expensive decision.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6564120