Got a Leak in Your Roof? Have It Checked Today Before the Problem Gets Worse!

A leaky roof is one of those Nebraska home maintenance issues that’s difficult to ignore. A roof leak not only causes inconvenience and an unsightly mess inside your home; over time, serious damage will occur that could threaten the integrity of your home’s structure. If you notice a leak, it’s important to address the problem immediately.

Before you call a contractor, try to find the location of the water damage. Look directly above for evidence of a water leak, such as stains, wet insulation or mold. Keep in mind that water can travel long distances from the trouble spot. Check around vents, chimneys and roof valleys, in addition to roofing material. Once found, mark the leak on the interior of your home so the contractor will know where to begin.

Be sure to contact a professional Nebraska roofing contractor as soon as possible to initiate permanent repairs. Waddle Exteriors offers a FREE consultation to determine the cause of your roof problem and how we can help resolve the problem. In every case, our assessment will be thorough and honest, and we’ll carefully explain all of your options. Call Waddle Exteriors today at (877) 733-6400.

The Different Types of Roofs

A roof does a lot for your Iowa home. It keeps you warm or cool and it keeps you protected from the elements. It also can add to the looks of your home. Read this article to learn about some of the different types of roofs available to you

One popular style of roof is the slate roof. Slate proofs are very attractive in appearance and offer excellent protection from fire. They are also a unique roof and provide for a long roof life. They do have some disadvantages though. They are extremely expensive and are much harder to install since they require extensive structures to support the weight. You also can not walk on the roof without risking damage to the tiles. If you can do it though, nothing looks like a slate roof.

Another popular option is a metal roof. Metal roofs are also durable and offer a long life. They are also resistant to sleet and hail and when made from recycled metal they are very environmentally sound. They are however more expensive to install requiring special tools and skills. Some people might also object to the sound of a metal roof since they may be louder in the rain.

The last option I will talk about is the concrete tile roof. They are similar to slate roofs but are much cheaper. They are an attractive roof available in a number of different styles and colors and offer excellent fire resistance. They are still expensive however and can be damaged by hail storms. You also may not be able to use them in climates subject to heavy freezing.

I hope this article has given you some useful information on roofs. If you are looking to do something different than the basic asphalt shingle, one of these options may be for you. Good luck with whichever one you decide

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roofing contractor, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.

Roof and Attic Ventilation

Why Do You Need Proper Ventilation?

Iowa Roofs and attic spaces have two major enemies in all homes: heat build-up and moisture accumulation. Left unchecked these forces can cause a premature deterioration of your Iowa roof structure and materials as well as damaging insulation and increasing energy cost. The only defense is proper attic ventilation.

Balanced Ridge Vent and Soffit Vent

An effective well balanced Iowa roof ventilation system allows air to move in a pattern that results in a uniformly cool attic space prolonging roof life and increasing living comfort.

Shingle Vent II

There are Two Important Keys to Shingle Vent II Performance:

1. External baffle: Shingle Vent’s special baffle deflects wind – even the slightest breeze – up and over the vent, creating an area of negative pressure. This negative pressure actually pulls stale air from your attic, while deflecting rain and snow.
2. Patented, internal weather filter: The patented weather filter acts as an added barrier from wind-driven rain, snow, dust and insect infiltration.
These essential features are exclusive to Air Vent for proven performance and set them apart from the competition.

Here’s How Shingle Vent II Works:

1. External Baffle: deflects wind to create negative pressure over the vent, pumping warm, moist air from the attic.
2. Patented Air Vent Weather Filter: helps provide a barrier from weather, dust and insects.
3. End Plugs: fit snugly into the ends of the vent, helping to protect attic from weather damage.
4. Shingle-over Design: matching roof shingles are placed over the ridge vent, making Shingle Vent II almost undetectable on your roof.

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roofers, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.

A Certified Iowa Roofing Contractor-Your Best Choice

The life expectancy of your Iowa roof depends on several factors; type of roofing, quality of material, and exposure to harsh weather elements among the top. With regular maintenance and normal weathering factors, a roof can last anywhere from 10 – 100 years.

Common roofing material such as built up roofing usually lasts 12 – 20 years, metal roofing 15 – 40 years, wood shake or shingles 10 – 40 years, asphalt shingles 15 – 20 years, and specialty material like slate up to 100 years under good conditions.

Leaks start as small cracks in roofing material that may not be visible; water may collect in an adjacent area. To detect such damage, a close inspection of the roof may be necessary.

A certified Iowa roofing contractor can be called to avoid further damage to the roof, or personal injury to the homeowner caused by trying to inspect it his or her self. A roof inspection should be performed annually; constant weathering by sun, heat, rain, snow, hail, wind, and cold can cause roofing material to break down. A certified roofing contractor will know what to look for.

A roof and soffit system should be properly vented to prevent over-heating and moisture retention, two factors that can cause a roof to break down prematurely.
Selecting a Qualified Roofing Contractor

A certified, experienced contractor offers various services. From completely tearing off an old roof and replacing it with a new one, to inspecting and “certifying” an existing roof. The latter is a process in which the roof is inspected and “guaranteed” to function properly for a certain period of time; usually 2 years. The contractor takes responsibility for any necessary roofing repair during that period.

A certified contractor in Iowa is knowledgeable of roof system types, materials, and installation procedures best suited to each project, and will ensure there is adequate venting.

Ask potential roofing contractors questions such as whether or not they are licensed and bonded. What liability insurance coverage they carry, and whether it is up to date. Ask which roofing product manufacturers they are licensed and approved by, for installation of products and warranty purposes. Also ask if they are a member of any regional or national trade organizations.

Several resources are available to find a certified Iowa roofing contractor; referrals, local government licensing agencies, and web sites that offer contractors for hire, or a list of contractors who are licensed and bonded.

In Canada, visit www.handycanadian.com for a listing of certified roofing contractors in your area.

Max Sheppard is Co-Owner of HandyCanadian.com: where homeowners locate professional roofing contractors, and qualifying contractors acquire new leads.

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roof inspection contractor, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.

5 Types of Commercial Roofing In Iowa

Small and large businesses will often seek a company that can provide them with commercial roofing service that will not interfere with their regular business. Some roofing companies will provide special services just for commercial property. Leaving parking lots free of debris and keeping entry ways free of obstructions so your business can continue to operate smoothly.

There are several types of roofing to select for your commercial building. Selection of course may depend on cost, the slope of your roof, and the weather conditions in your area.

1. Asphalt Shingles

These are the most common type of shingles used on home and commercial buildings today. Reinforced with organic material, wood fibers or fiber glass, these shingles can last from 20 to 30 years. Laminated shingles are also made of asphalt but come in a variety of colors and textures that give this shingle the appearance of more expensive shake or slate tiles. These more popular shingles can last between 25 and 50 years.

2. Metal Roofing

Steel, Aluminum, Standing Seam, Metal Tie, and Copper are just a few of the metal roofing materials used today as commercial roofing. If installed correctly, metal roofing may last between 30 to 50 years, which is just as well as the more expensive asphalt shingles. Metal roofing is not as costly as slate or tile roofing. In the past colored aluminum roofing has been known to fade, oxidize and peel, but many manufacturers have found the solution to this problem. This type of roofing can withstand most extreme weather but has been known to dent when hit with hail. Now a new granulated coating is offered to prevent this outcome. Copper is another option, though more expensive than aluminum. With a copper roof you can expect it to last up to 100 years.

3. Wood Shakes

Most roof shakes are made of treated pine, spruce or more commonly, cedar. Hand split shakes off that rough and thick look many seek. Most wood shingles are actually cut using a machine. This gives it a smooth finish, making it easier to install. Cedar is the first choice in wood shakes, offering up to a 30 year life. When shakes are first installed, they appear brown or red in color but expect the weather to fade the real wood and leave it a soft gray. Installation for wood shingles can run as much as 50% higher than other types of roofing.

4. Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are heavy and harder to install. Though they are easily breakable, they can add beauty to any home. This roof can last from 45 to 70 years and some claim it will last over 100 years if installed properly. These colorful and rich shingles will add a high price to your structure, costing as much as 400% more than other materials.

5. Tile Roofing

Tile is often made from clay but can also be made of concrete or even rubber. There is a large variety of colors and styles of tile roofing available today. Clay is more expensive than concrete tiles but the basic performance, durability and look of the tiles is the same. Lasting more than 50 years, this type of tile is often very heavy and your roof may need extra support.

Whether you have a new structure to roof or are re-roofing your commercial building, be sure to select the Iowa roofing company that can do the best job for you. Selecting a company that has completed roofs for commercial structures before will be your best bet. Ask if you can view a job they have completed recently. Be sure to ask about your specific needs, such as a flat roof often found on commercial buildings, heating, air vents and other roof obstructions. Also ask to see their roof installation license.

Ronald has been in the roofing industry for over 15 years and has worked in residential and commercial environments. To get classic roofing tips and step to step instructions on picking and installing the perfect roof for your home, visit http://www.dtsarchitects.com, his roofs site.

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roofers, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.

What To Look For Roof Replacement

As we move into the heat of summer it’s a good time to make sure your Iowa roof is in good condition. Roof repair and restoration is one of those things that, left too late, can cost you a lot more than an insurance premium. Furthermore your roof can take up to 40% of the exterior of your home, a professional Iowa roof restoration will greatly improve the overall appearance of the home and it’s value.

Cement Tile Roofs

Cement Tile Roofs tend to last about 12- 15 years depending on a number of factors before they are in need of a roof restoration. A good way to see if your cement tile roof is in need of restoration is to look for any cracked, broken or chipped tiles and whether the ridge capping needs to be re-pointed. In addition you’ll want to look for color fading or any moss, lichen and fungus on the roof.

Terracotta Tile Roofs

Terracotta Tile Roofs tend to last about 12-15 years before it is in need of a terracotta tile maintenance package. A good way to check if your terracotta tile roof is in need of maintenance is to look for cracked or broken tiles and leaks from the roof.

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roofers, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.

The Enemies of a Iowa Roof

A Iowa roof system’s performance is affected by numerous factors. Knowing about the following will help you make informed roof system buying decisions:

Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.

Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.

Wind: High winds can lift shingles’ edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.

Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at a roof’s overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn off a house or building.

Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated Iowa attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.

Moss and algae: Moss can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to a roof system’s surface, causing rot. In addition, moss roots also can work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating a black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.

Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system’s surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage.

Missing or torn shingles: The key to a Iowa roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.

Shingle deterioration: When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning for your Iowa home.

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roofing contractor, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.

A New Roof Gives You Peace of Mind – But Which One To Choose?

Considering how important your roof is to the structural integrity of your Iowa home, it is a good idea to get up there and check on it on a regular basis. A good roof should keep out water and drafts, keep warmth in, stay on in a bad storm, and ideally, look good.

Even minor leaks can cause major damage if they go unnoticed. If a leak develops, it should be immediately patched, and plans made for a completely new roof. After all, where there’s one worn out spot, chances are there’ll soon be another. If your roof is nearing the end of its warranty, you might consider replacing it before a leak develops. This way you avoid any risk of damage to the frame, insulation, or any interior parts of your roof.

With so many roofing options in Iowa, choosing the right one for your home can be difficult. Here are a few options available, and an explanation of their pros and cons.

Asphalt shingle is a readily available and relatively inexpensive roofing option, and consequently the most popular. There are two types of asphalt shingles, one made of glass fiber coated in asphalt, and the asphalt saturated, felted paper variety, also known as organic shingles. The organic variety tend to be heavier due to a higher asphalt content, making them useful in areas of strong winds. Both varieties have a top coating of ceramic granules which not only give them an attractive finish, but protects the asphalt from UV rays. Asphalt shingles are estimated to last about 15-20 years. The glass fiber variety tends to be cheaper. As for which is better, that really depends on your needs.

Ceramic tiles, those made of fired clay. Before asphalt shingles became widely available, ceramic tiles were very popular for sloped roofs, especially in Europe. One major advantage is they are fire-proof. Another is that the water collected off a ceramic roof is drinkable-ceramic does not leach petroleum toxins into the water like asphalt shingles do. They are also heavy, which can be a pro or con, depending on the structure of your home and the weather in your area. Heavy roofing material requires a strong frame and especially strong cross-beams, but it is more likely to stay in place during strong winds.

If they are high quality, ceramic tiles can last 50 to 70 years, so although they are more expensive than asphalt, they are often worth the investment. However, poorly made tiles with inconsistent enamel finishes can deteriorate far sooner, so if you are going to invest in ceramic tile, invest in the best.

Asphalt and ceramic shingle are just a couple of options for a new roof. More will be discussed in a follow-up article.

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roof inspection contractor, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our
online request form.

Main Causes of Roof Damage on Homes

Damages to a roof can have many causes. Some of the causes of roof damage are connected to the type of roof you have on your Charlotte home. Whether you are trying to protect and extend the life of an existing roof or you want to protect a new roof, here are some of the main causes of roof damage.

1. Poor Maintenance. It is important to regularly inspect your roof for small problems and damages and immediately make repairs. This is especially true if your roof has little or no slope. Regular inspection and maintenance will prevent small minor damage from becoming a major problem or leak.

2. Wind Damage. Over time any wind can loosen nails in roofing materials. When this happens, a moderate wind can damage the roof. Strong winds and flying debris can also damage a roof, often removing some or all of the roofing material. The best way to avoid this potential damage is to check the roofing and the insulation regularly to be sure it is securely attached to the roof deck. You should also have a secure perimeter fastener.

3. Other Weather Damage. Most roofing materials can be damaged over time by exposure to various weather conditions. If you live in an area likely to see large snow accumulations, you need to be sure the roof is adequately supported against the weight of the snow and properly sloped so the snow will not stay on the roof any longer than necessary. If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, you should know that hail can cause serious roof damage, and you should carefully inspect your roof after every hailstorm. The sun, pollutants in the air and other chemicals in the air or in the rain can also damage roofing materials. Inspection and repair of minor damages can prevent big trouble.

4. Problems with Flashing. Because the purpose of flashing is to create a water-tight boundary between roof sections, between roofing materials and other parts of the house and between roofing materials and roof projections, problems with flashing often cause leaks. These leaks can damage the field of the roof as well as the interior of the house. Flashing problems usually happen because of either design or installation errors. Some flashing problems can also result from wind damage. Regular inspection of all types of flashing in all parts of the roof can catch problems early and correct them before there are major leaks.

Each of these major causes of roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent repairs can help you avoid major damage to your Charlotte roof and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roof inspection contractor, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.

Don’t Goof – Inspect Your Roof

When people are buying an Iowa home, especially first time home buyers, they often get caught up in an overwhelming whirlwind of emotion and in the excitement of anticipation of home ownership often overlook the need for property inspection. It costs a couple hundred dollars to get a professional property inspection but it may well be worth the money. An intelligent way to write a purchase offer is with a clause that says: “This offer subject to professional property inspection acceptable to buyer”

Having been in the real estate and mortgage business for a number of years, I know that most people who read this advice will not act on it. Nope, people will do what people will do. Knowing that, I have a tip to give you that, if you don’t use, makes you a pretty foolish person and it is this:

Write all your offers on home with the following clause:

“This offer subject to roof inspection acceptable to buyer”

Besides the foundation, The roof is one of the most expensive repair jobs a home may require and the roof is often the most overlooked part of a home, especially important on older existing housing. But the key to a roof inspection is they can be free! How you ask? Simple, write your offer as indicated above and then call three (3) roofing companies and ask them if they do free roof inspections. Most companies will because their competitors will and in order to get business, they will check out your roof for free. If you have difficulty with a roofing company, try a few more. You see, when a roofing company comes out to the house they are looking for problems because roofing problems make them money.

You don’t have to tell them you are contemplating buying the home although it would not necessarily hurt your cause if you did. The other option is that you get on a tall ladder, climb on the roof yourself and check it out (risking a possible fall, possible extensive injury or death). It is safer to use the roofing company, right?

In the event that your area is unique and Iowa roofing contractors won’t inspect your roof for free, if the price is right, it may be worth your time. This same free inspection angle will also work by getting inspections and free estimates on the foundation, the HVAC and any other area of the home. The key: make a few phone calls to businesses in your area to see what their inspection policies are, whether they are free or there is a small fee. This will save you the cost of a professional home inspection AND for the things that ARE found deficient with the home, the free estimates can be used as bargaining chips to reduce the selling price of the home, pretty cool, right?

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roof inspection contractor, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.