Friday, April 5, 2013

Regular Roof Maintenance Eliminates the Need for Repairs

The roof of a building exists to shelter a building's contents from weather, and to regulate the interior temperature. During the summer, the roof traps cooler air inside of the building while in the winter it keeps warmer air indoors. Given how the roofing structure functions, a structure with leaks or cracks poses both short-term issues (including higher energy bills) and long-term problems (such as damage or injury to the building's occupants). The best way for a building owner to minimize the risk of these problems is by performing regular roof maintenance. Major roof repair needs are expensive, so paying a little bit now to have a company inspect the structure will save building owners a lot of money down the road.

In a recent study commissioned by a national roofing association, it was determined that 35% of all roofing structures in the United States fail to meet their life expectancy. Individuals budget a certain amount of money when purchasing a new roofing structure but will end up spending more than intended if the roof needs to be replaced before the end of its expected life. One reason that individuals are stuck replacing a roof before they intended is because they do not perform regularly scheduled inspections and roof maintenance. When detected early, cracks and leaks can be fixed by a roof repair company before these problems grow into larger issues. By putting off a major roof repair job, the building owner turns small issues into more costly dilemmas.

Other reasons for premature roof failure are subpar workmanship, poor design, trapped moisture, faulty materials, roof traffic, weathering, and mechanical damage. However, these issues will be uncovered by hiring a qualified roofing company to complete an inspection. Some professionals recommend that individuals complete a roofing inspection once per year, but the best strategy is to schedule two inspections: one during the spring and one for the fall. Since different climates bring a different array of issues, scheduling an inspection at each point will allow the building owner to catch problems right when they first appear.

The most thorough inspections will not overlook the gutters, nails and shingles. Instead of allowing one loose shingle to leak water into the walls and ruin the whole roof, a roof maintenance company should check shingles and nails. A clogged gutter can also lead to water accumulation, which will then cause leaks and mold to develop. A qualified roofing company will be thorough in its inspections, checking each of these elements to identify problems so that the roof is structurally sound over the long haul.

By frequently completing a roofing inspection, building owners will develop a complete written history of their structure. The company can track roof repair expenses so that it can budget future repair costs or get a better idea of when a replacement will be necessary.

While a roofing company might recommend a small roof repair following the inspection, these repairs will be less expensive than having to replace a new roof. Prevent expensive repairs or premature roof failure by hiring a qualified roof maintenance company to perform regularly scheduled maintenance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7468270

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Choose A New Roof For Your Home Confidently By Following These 6 Tips!

Choosing a roof for your home is a very important decision that will determine how comfortable your home will be. Fixing or replacing the roof is a job that requires a lot of investment. A good roof can last a very long time and it will keep the home safe from leaks or water damage. Choosing the best roof is determined by a number of factors, ranging from choosing the right type of roof, to selecting the right contractor for the job. Below are tips that will help you to select the right roof for your home.

1. Cost - When choosing a roof for your home, your budget will determine the type that you can afford to get. The roofing types differ widely in cost depending on the materials. If you want a slate roof, you will spend more than buying asphalt shingles. While considering your budget, you need to note that the best quality roofs will tend to be the most expensive. They are also more durable, which can translate to a better deal over time.

2. Durability - The best roof to select is one that is durable and will last a long time. This will help to ensure that you do not have to replace or repair your roof often. A durable roofing material is economical and in most cases, tends to be more beautiful. Slate and clay are some of the most durable roofing types. They can withstand the ravages of weather to last for a long time.

3. Style - The style of your home will determine the ideal roof to use. There are different materials to choose from and while some can be used with any style of home, there are those that are more suitable for specific styles. If you have French colonial style home, a slate roof ideal than a metal roof is. Along with the type of materials, you also need to select the color that will complement the architecture and design of the home.

4. Weather - You have to consider the weather in your area when choosing a roof type. The roofing type that is ideal for cold winter areas is not necessarily the best one for hot areas. Roofing materials have difference tolerance levels to different types of weather. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, wood shingles may not be appropriate. Ceramic tiles in a hot area will make your home feel like an oven.

5. Energy-efficiency - The high cost of energy has led homeowners to look for ways to save on energy costs. The type of roofing you choose will determine how high or low your energy bill will be. You need to look for roofing products that are highly rated for efficiency, and they will usually have an Energy Star logo.

6. Installation - You need to consider the installation when choosing roofing types. Ease of installation is a highly desirable feature as it makes the roofing more convenient and affordable. For best results, it is important to make sure that you get highly experienced professionals to install your roof.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7368582