Roofing Archives - Page 7 of 9 - Waddle Exteriors & Roofing

Why are Flat Roofs Common on Commercial Buildings?

When people think about roofs, the most common image that comes into mind is that of a peaked roof. If you ask a kid, or even an adult, to draw a picture of a house, they will most likely draw a box with a triangle on top. However, if you actually go outside and observe the roofs around your area, especially when you are in the city, you’ll likely see that most roofs don’t actually form a peak. Instead, the majority of roofs are flat, especially on commercial buildings.

Why do commercial property owners have mostly flat roofs while residential owners prefer having sloped roofs?

One of the reasons behind this is that flat roofing is not only just as effective as sloped roofing, but is even more cost-effective, and tends to fit into the uniform ideal that most business and industrial districts demand.

Flat or also known as low-slope roofing is the type of roofing with 3-12 degrees of slope relative to the walls. This type of roofing was originally popular for desert-based civilizations and castles. However, flat roofing has become a common roofing choice in business districts and high rise downtowns of the world. One of the reasons behind this is the development of improved, better, and more cost-effective roofing materials that could be mass produced to a high standard.

Roofing Materials

Thermoplastic Polyolefin or TPO is a durable and synthetic material with properties similar to EPDM which is another kind of synthetic rubber. Having this type of synthetic roof provides added heat resistance from its employment of a vinyl composite in its makeup. One of the benefits of TPO is that it provides a higher level of UV protection and provides structural integrity that makes it capable of supporting heavy equipment making it a good choice for a commercial or industrial building.

Polyvinyl Chloride is often used in piping networks, some decking, and even some furniture. Aside from those uses, the material is also used to create a sturdy roofing membrane. PVC roofing is actually very strong and durable that it is capable of handling loads weighing more than 350 pounds per square inch.

EPDM is another synthetic rubber material which offers the lowest cost per square foot of any flat-roofing material. This lower cost does not mean that EPDM does not have any merits. EPDM is capable of roofing and insulating a commercial building for more than 3 decades.

Asphalt is a material which is typically used in the construction of roads and bridges. Additionally, asphalt has long been used in roofing. Many manufacturers now produce asphalt roofing materials for roofing membranes for flat-roofed buildings. These asphalt roofing membranes are sturdy, durable, tough and rugged. Many roofing contractors consider this material to be one of the best with a life span of over 50 years.

Metal is another material which is very commonly used for flat roofing. Many flat roof warehouses have a flat metal roof. The main reasons why metal is such a popular option is because metal is a practical, long-lasting, and efficient material. Metal roofs on can last for more than 30 years. This is why it is a go to choice for most property owners.

Why Choose A Flat Roof?

The main reasons why commercial properties often have flat roofs are because this style of roofing is economic and efficient, adds curb appeal, optimizes space, and are long lasting and durable.

Economic and Efficient

While flat roofs can seem a bit pricey at first, the lifespan of the materials and the low maintenance costs over time actually make it a more cost effective option, especially for business owners with larger properties.

Adds Curb Appeal

There are many different materials which can be used for a flat roof. Many of the synthetic options provide a variety of colors available. However, even when you choose a simple material with less aesthetic appeal, flat roofs are not visible from the ground floor.

Space Optimization

One of the most common reasons for the popularity of flat roofs is that it provides commercial buildings with an extra space to use for a number of purposes. Property owners can install swimming pools, sky gardens, or place industrial machines on their flat roofs. This extra space is commonly used for HVAC and building ventilation systems.

Durable And Long Lasting

Last but definitely not the least is the longevity and durability that most flat roofing materials provide. If you’re looking to get a new roof for your commercial property, flat roofs aren’t just a common choice, they are a durable, long lasting, and cost effective option which provides a myriad of benefits.

Small Brown Spots on Ceiling

in Roofing/by Audrey Heaberlin

It doesn’t matter if you are putting in a brand new roof for your commercial or residential property or are just taking care and doing maintenance on an existing structure, the important thing is that you identify and address any issues with the roof. Most of the time, homeowners and business owners are left unaware of the damage to their roof until they actually begin to see signs of damage around the building. Unfortunately, when these signs appear, the problem has likely been there for a while.

Some of the major signs of damage on your roof include roof leaks and brown spots. When you start to notice puddles forming on your floor due to roof damage or if there are any small brown spots forming on your ceiling, it is best to get an expert roofer to inspect your roof as soon as possible.

At Waddle Exteriors, we take pride in the new roofs we install and the maintenance we provide for our customers and their residential homes, and commercial, industrial and manufacturing buildings.

We have a team readily available to answer many questions from home and business owners. One question we often get is, “What are these brown spots on my ceiling?”

WHAT ARE BROWN SPOTS ON MY CEILING?

These brown spots or patches that you can find on your ceiling are known as water stains. These water stains are caused from a leak above it which could be caused by different things. One of the reasons could be a faulty pipe system, damage to a roof, or others.

Below are just some of the most common causes of these water stains.

COMMON CAUSES OF WATER STAINS

In order to really know what is causing the water stains, inspecting your roof is necessary. There are many different reasons and, although common, the main cause could be something completely different from what most people might expect. Getting someone to check on it is a necessary step prior to applying any fixes to ensure that you and your roofer are targeting the main cause of the problem.

Roof Vent or Skylight Problem

Roofs with accessories, such as skylights, air vents, plumbing vents and more, tend to form water stains because in order to accommodate these units, roofers need to fit and cut roofing materials to fit around these units. Along these areas, there is no seamless roofing materials. Thus, these areas are very vulnerable to leaks and water seeping through. If your roof has a vent or skylight installed and the spots are forming near that area, there is a high chance that the sides of the vent or skylight were not sealed properly. In order to fix this, getting a roofer to fit and secure these units, as well as making sure that the surrounding roofing material has been sealed properly will lessen the chances of water stains from forming again.

Faulty HVAC Units

There are actually different ways through which HVAC units can cause issues. One is when the HVAC unit is not installed properly while another is when water is leaking directly from the HVAC unit. Similar to how water stains around vents and skylights are often caused by problems from these units, when small brown spots form near the HVAC unit or directly below it, chances are likely that this is the cause. The best course of action is to contact your roofer and HVAC contractor to check on the roof and the unit itself. There might be a need to repair the HVAC unit as well.

Leaking Pipes

Water stains are not always caused by a damaged roof, as proven by the previous causes listed above. When there is a problem with your plumbing, these leaking pipes will likely cause water stains to form. The pipes can slowly drip water until a stain appears. Pipes can be prone to leaks when they are aged and withstand extreme changes in temperature.

Roof Flashing Failure

Roof flashing refers to pieces of metal which are installed along areas of the roof where two adjacent areas come together. The main purpose of roof flashing is to create a secure barrier that prevents water from seeping into the roof. This vulnerable area is at a high risk of leaking.

If there’s a failure with your flashings, water may be able to leak not only through your roof, but you’ll often see water stains down walls as well.

The best way to fix a water stain is to address the problem as soon as you notice it. The smaller the stain, the higher the chance of repairing it and fixing the cause. A major mistake would be to fix the stain without addressing the cause. In this case, the stain would disappear but will eventually just come back. On top of that, there might be even more damage that will occur in the long run.

The extent of your repair depends on the amount of damage your facility has sustained. Hopefully, you caught the problem early and took action.

Architectural Roof vs Regular Roof

in Roofing/by Audrey Heaberlin

If you’re looking at getting a new roof anytime soon and have your mind set on getting nice new roof shingles, the next question you have in mind is probably whether you should get an architectural roof or a regular roof. Or if you’re new to roofing, you probably are now asking – what’s the difference?

When choosing a new roof, the type of shingles that you choose affects how your home will look and even the value of your property. There are different types of asphalt roof shingles to choose from, however, the main types are 3-tab shingles or architectural shingles. Between these 2 options, 3-tab shingles are cheaper and more cost effective. However, there are some advantages to getting architectural shingles, aside from the improved aesthetics of your home. When making a choice between these 2 types of shingles, it is best to keep the following information in mind as you compare your residential roofing options.

Option 1 – 3-Tab Shingles

This type of shingle is one of the most common types used for residential roofing. 3-tab shingles are a commonly used option for many homeowners because of the more affordable cost. However, the low cost comes with a few disadvantages that we will go over.

One of the drawbacks is that 3-tab shingles have limited warranty coverage. In the long run, you will probably have to cover the full costs of any repairs for your roof. Or, you will also need to replace your roof much sooner since this type of roof shingle also has a shorter lifespan when compared to architectural shingles. You can expect your 3-tab shingles to last around 25 years.

Aside from the limited warranty and shorter lifespan, these shingles are also less durable. On the one hand, they are lightweight making these much easier to install. But, because of these properties, they are also more likely to be carried off, removed, or damaged by strong wind and debris. Over time, these shingles are also more prone to curling along the edges.

Lastly, 3-tab shingles tend to give homes a dull, uniform appearance. While this isn’t a bad thing, you can easily tell the difference between the quality of a home with 3-tab shingles and one with architectural shingles which is probably why the latter option costs more.

Option 2 – Architectural Shingles

Aside from 3-tab shingles, another common alternative is the use of architectural shingles. Architectural shingles provide a more dimensional appearance that can improve the overall aesthetic of your property. Compared to 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles weigh more. On the downside, this makes it a bit more difficult to install. However, it also gives your roof better durability and strength to withstand harsh weather conditions. Aside from these benefits, architectural shingles also offer more advantages for homeowners.

When choosing architectural shingles, there are actually much more options in terms of color, size, and shape. This gives you a better chance to customize the look of your home. Additionally, architectural shingles also have better warranty coverage that typically last 30 years or even 50 years for some brands – that is almost double the length of coverage that you would usually get for 3-tab shingles.

While it is definitely obvious that architectural shingles are a better option, the main problem to consider is whether the additional cost of getting architectural shingles is actually worth it.

One of the potential drawbacks of architectural shingles is their higher cost compared to 3-tab shingles. Is it worth the extra money to have architectural shingles installed on your home? We believe architectural shingles are worth the extra cost for a few different reasons, including the following:

Added resale value
Versatile design
High-end standard
Sophisticated appearance

On top of these benefits, there is also the need to think about the long term costs that come with these types of roofing. Now that you understand the differences in the warranties and durability factors between the two types of shingles, you need to think about the long-term costs. While 3-tab shingles seems like a cheaper option at the start, architectural shingles are more durable, last longer, and have better warranties. In the long term, where do you think you get to save more?

Do you need more help choosing the right shingles for your home? At Waddle Exteriors, we offer dependable, high-quality residential roofing services and installations. Our experienced roofers can help you choose the ideal shingle color and design to improve your home’s appearance and value.

Disposal of Asphalt Roofing Shingles

in Roofing/by Audrey Heaberlin

After a while, there comes a time when your roof is in need of repair or even a full on replacement. When it comes time for the latter, you also need to do something else – you need to remove your old and degraded shingles.

These are a few signs that will help you know when you need to replace your roof shingles.

Curled or cupped shingle edges
Bald spots on your asphalt roof shingles
Cracked asphalt shingles
Moss growth on asphalt roof shingles

These are just a few of the main signs that you need to get a new roof. Along with this is also the need to dispose of asphalt roofing shingles properly. Each year, there are thousands or roof replacements. Hence, there are tons of asphalt shingles that need to be thrown away. It may seem like an easy fix – why not just dump everything into a large local landfill? While it may seem like a no problem situation, there are actually so many other more eco-friendly alternatives.

Recycling Used Asphalt Shingles

There is a rising need to create environmentally friendly items as well as disposal methods that harm the environment much less – or, if possible, not at all. The simplest way to reduce your trash is to recycle – and that includes recycling your old asphalt shingles. Is this even possible? While shingles typically only have a lifespan of 5 or 6 decades at most, they can actually last much much longer. Asphalt shingles can take up to 4 centuries before they break down. This will definitely make you reconsider throwing tons of these shingles into a landfill.

A common way of recycling used asphalt shingles is to make use of the asphalt in them to create cement material for pavements and hot-mix asphalt. Adding these used materials actually strengthens the material and makes it a much better, and eco-friendly, mix for road projects. There has been much success in this method of asphalt shingle recycling that these materials are now commonly used in public construction projects.

On the plus side, it also lessens the need to purchase new asphalt, also making it a cost-effective option.

Donating Old Shingles

If you’re planning on getting a new roof way before your roof is due for one, another option is to actually donate those old shingles. There are several families who are in need of a new roof but are incapable of getting one because of the high costs of materials and labor. Instead of throwing these away, you can easily help a family who is in need.

Additionally, there are multiple charity housing projects that regularly accept, and even look for, reusable asphalt shingles to help lessen the costs of these homes. It is definitely one of the best ways to make use of your old shingles. However, if you plan on donating your old and used asphalt shingles, it is imperative that you inform your roofing contractor of this before they start on the project. They need to be more careful when they tear down your roof so as not to damage the shingles.

Just Throw Shingles Away

Unfortunately, not all asphalt roof shingles can be disposed of in the above given methods. If your roof has lived way beyond its lifespan, charity organizations are unlikely to take these in since they are no longer viable for reuse. If the shingles have already been stripped off of the outer asphalt coating, recycling facilities may no longer accept these as well since the main component needed is the asphalt – which the shingles no longer have. In these cases, you’ll have to check with the recycling facility or the construction committee in charge of the housing project if there are any guidelines to determine whether your used roof shingles make the cut. If they don’t, then you will have to throw them away.

The easiest way to throw away your old asphalt shingles is to prepare a dumpster before the roofing contractors start the tear-off process. This will make it easier to collect all the debris and dispose of it easily right after.

While recycling or reusing your old asphalt shingles may seem like the better options, there are times when you need to throw your used shingles away. Eventually, all roofs need to be replaced and old shingles have to be recycled, reused, or thrown away. Before starting the new roof replacement, it is important to have this discussion with your chosen roofing contractor.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Hail Damage

in Roofing/by Waddle Exteriors

Some people believe that any type of metal roofing will eventually be dented or damaged by hail storms. However, this is actually a myth.

In truth, most hailstorm don’t create hailstones that are large enough to actually cause any hail damage metal roof. Unfortunately, there are some areas where hailstorms are strong enough and create hailstones that are damaging to your property. In these cases, home insurance is essential.

This is one of the reasons why it is just essential to ask this critical question when it comes to hail storms – How can hail damage metal roof?

The impact of hail on a property is a commonly discussed topic. Aside from your roof, hail frequently causes damage to other parts of your home, as well as other outdoor items that are left unguarded. With a roof especially, damage can be extreme depending on the strength of a hail event. The truth is that hail can affect a metal roof in more ways than one.

By nature, most of the metal material types, such as steel, aluminum, copper, etc., used in metal roofing systems are malleable and therefore can change shape under stress.

There are 2 main ways in which a metal roof is affected by hail. This is either through denting or puncturing damage. Denting occurs when an area of the metal roof sinks in due to the weight and force of an impacted hail stone. The severity of the dent will depend on the size of the hail stone and how strong or fast it was falling. Denting, while it may look bad, is mainly an aesthetic issue. It will definitely make your roof look bad but does not have any major effects to the structural integrity of the structure. Denting does not require structural fixes and might be the best-case scenario when compared to a punctured roof system.

The other form of damage which a hail event can cause on your roof are roof punctures. This refers to when a hail stone actually damages the metal roof and forms a hole.

This is not merely a cosmetic damage to your property and can actually cause further problems, such as roof leakage. Compared to denting, however, puncturing is a much less likely occurrence since most hail storms produce smaller hailstones.

Factors That Can Affect the Level of Hail Damage on metal roof

As mentioned earlier, the level of damage on your property is highly dependent on the strength and severity of the hail storm. The stronger the event, the higher the likelihood for major damages from punctures. Essentially, the level of physical hail damage on metal roof system varies and is dependent on these main factors.

Hail Size

One of the main factors to consider is the size of the hail that impacts your roof. Bigger hail stones tend to cause larger dents while smaller ones may not even scratch your roof at all.

Metal Thickness

The thickness of your metal roof panels also matters. Thicker metal panels are much more durable and can withstand stronger hail events than thinner and more malleable material.

Slope of the Roof

Flat or low-sloped roofs tend to take more damage since hail is likely to impact the metal roof directly. On the other hand, roofs with a higher slope are less likely to be directly hit. However, this will also depend on the angle by which hail falls from the sky.

Type of Roof Deck

The supporting structure underneath your metal roof also affects the level of damage it retains. Roof decks which are solid provide strong support to metal panels and prevent them from flexing during a hail storm. Because of this, metal roofs with a solid deck support might not receive as much damage. Unfortunately, if the metal roof is not installed on top of a roof deck and is on top of either open framing or a batten system, the open space underneath the panels can cause it to form dents more easily.

Embossed Metal

Metal roofs that are embossed don’t necessarily protect the roof from damage during a hail storm. Instead, this type of finish can better conceal any dents or creases from such an event. The only downside, however, is that an embossed metal finish on your roof costs more.

Keeping these in mind, the only thing that you can do after a hail storm is to assess the damage done to your property. Our team at Waddle Exteriors can give you some of our expertise in inspecting, assessing, and evaluating the damage to provide you the best possible solution.

Can you Roof in the Rain?

in Roofing/by Waddle Exteriors

When working on roof repairs or a new roof replacement, timing is critical. While everyone would want to schedule this type of work to be done on days when the weather is great and optimum, this isn’t always the case. Most of the time, roof repairs have to be done as soon as possible. Installing a roof can take more than just a day and scheduling with a roofer will also depend on their availability, especially if you want to get your roof done in the fall when so many other homeowners are booking roof repairs, maintenance, and replacements in preparation for the winter.

Hence, no matter what the weather, your roofers may have to get started on your roof. But what if it starts raining? Can you still roof in the rain?

Unfortunately, you can’t. While no one wants to put a stop to a roofing project or cause any unnecessary delays, there are actually a number of reasons why roofing in the rain is not advisable.

Reason 1 – It is not safe.

People who work on roofs in the rain put their own safety in danger. When working on a roof, you need to have good traction to avoid slipping and falling. The water makes the surface slippery and if your roof has a high slope, it becomes a highly dangerous area to work on. Working on a slippery and sloping surface that is nearly thirty feet above the ground will lead to major injuries.

Another thing that makes it dangerous is the possibility of lightning during raing. While thunderstorms are beautiful sights from a distance, standing on top of a roof during one probably is not the smartest thing to do.

Reason 2 – It can cause more damage

When repairing a roof, there are certain parts that need to be removed during the process. When it is raining and you remove a few layers from your roof, you are exposing the interior structure to the downpour. Instead of repairing the damaged area, roofers who do repairs in these conditions will only end up furthering damage by leaving moisture trapped inside or even causing pools of water to collect inside the roof.

Additionally, many roofing materials will be damaged even before you install them on your roof. New asphalt shingles, insulation layers, and other materials are not completely waterproof and if exposed to heavy rain prior to actually being installed on a roof, you’ll end up having a faulty roof within a week from installation.

While it is completely understandable to want to get things done as soon as possible, there is a much higher risk for the people working on the roof and the roof itself when it comes to roofing in the rain. Unfortunately, these are the times when one’s patience is truly tested. When your roof starts leaking or even when you’ve been long excited to get that new roof installed after waiting for weeks for an open schedule, checking on weather forecasts and ensuring that roofers stop and cover up at the first sight of rain should be done, especially if you want to avoid further damaging your property.

What Should I do Instead?

Aside from just waiting, there are still a few alternatives available.

If your roof needs repair during the rainy weather in the summer, we suggest calling our expert team at Wade Exteriors to get a good run through of your options. Often, we’ll start by placing a tarp over the leaky area to help prevent more water damage and wait for a window of dry weather to get the work done. Once mother nature gives us a sunny day or two, we’ll have your roof repaired and looking like new in no time at all.

Summary – Can You Roof in the Rain?

Short answer? No.

The main reasons supporting this is because it is not safe for the people working on your roof and because it will only cause more damage to your property.

Here is a summary of the reasons to Avoid Reroofing in the Rain

It puts your home at a greater risk for water damage.
A slippery, wet roof puts your contractors at risk.
You risk ruining the integrity of your new roof.
Shingles will not stick to a wet roof.

Metal Roof Leaking at Ridge

in Roofing/by Waddle Exteriors

Metal roofing is a great option for both residential and commercial properties because it is a durable, user-friendly, and long lasting material. Whether you are considering a roof extension for your home, or replacing your home or business’ roof entirely with a modern and new metal roof system, there are several benefits to using this material. However, like many other things, there are also a few downfalls when it comes to having a metal roofing system.

Unfortunately, in areas where storms and heavy rain are frequent, there is also a relatively higher chance for your metal roof to start leaking at the ridge. While it may seem like a normal problem that requires a quick fix, metal roof leaking can become quite serious, especially if not attended to as soon as possible. When your metal roof starts leaking at the ridge, you have to take the necessary steps to fixing this problem in order to prevent further damage.

However, before we go on to discuss these important steps, we must first answer the question –

What is the Ridge?

In metal roofing, the ridge refers to the topmost part of the roof. In roofing terms, this refers to the peak of the roof. At this point of the roof, this sis where 2 or maybe even more pieces come together. Usually, this area is covered by a ridge cap to prevent water from seeping into the space between the adjoined pieces. The ridge cap should effectively cover the seams in order to prevent leaking. When there are any signs of leaking right below that area, there is likely a problem with the ridge caps on your metal roof. However, there can also be other reasons for the leak.

Why is the Metal Roof Leaking at Ridge Such a Problem?

Leaking, from any part of a metal roof, is problematic since it can mean that there may be major damage in certain portions of the roof. Aside from just having a hole that requires patching up, a roof leak could bring to question the entire structural integrity of the roof structure. There is always a chance that the water has damaged the interior of the roof.

However, a leak or water infiltration at the ridge, especially if you have a metal roof can be quite problematic. In the first place, it is much harder to discover the primary cause of the leakage. Some of the possible options include improper sealing along the ridge due to loose or damaged ridge caps, faulty installation of the ridge vents, or a problem with the alignment of the metal roof seams. Each of these cases is a possibility, and each one requires a different solution.

Another reason why leaking at the ridge of your metal roof is a problem is because it can take a while to actually notice the leak. This can lead to build-up of mold, mildew, and algal growth over time. And by the time the water actually starts dripping, it will probably be after some major internal damage has been done.

What Can Be Done?

One of the best things that you can do for your metal roof is to prevent leaking in the first place. This can be done by having your roof regularly inspected, preferably by a professional who is familiar with the building codes and regulations of your area. Not only is this essential for maintaining the health of your roof, it is also a great way to spot minor issues before these become major problems that become dangerous and more expensive to repair.

However, if you do find that your metal roof is starting to leak from the ridge, the best step to take is to contact your local roofing contractor. With our expertise at Wade Exteriors, our team will be able to spot the main cause of the leakage, identify the extent of damage, and provide you with the right methods to fixing the problem.

While you might be tempted to get up on your roof yourself and fix you metal roof, we suggest to avoid doing this because it poses a high risk for your safety. When a roof starts leaking, there is a high likelihood that damage has already been done and when you put extra weight on a damaged roof, it may even cave in. Not only is this dangerous, but you end up damaging the entire roof as well as other parts of your home.

Cold Applied Modified Bitumen Roofing

in Roofing/by Waddle Exteriors

There are different materials which can be used on commercial buildings. One of the popular choices in commercial roofing is the use of cold applied modified bitumen roofing. This material was first introduced and used in Europe in the 1960s and was later brought to America in the 1970s. For the past decades, bitumen roofing has grown more and more popular and is now a top choice for flat and low-sloped roofing commonly on commercial properties.

What is Modified Bitumen?

Modified bitumen roofing is made of polymer modified bitumen which is further reinforced with one or multiple layers of fabric which could be a material such as polyester, glass fiber, or even a combination of both of these materials. This type of roofing can be installed on a property through conventional methods or it can also be self-adhered to the underlying structure.

For property owners, there are mainly two types of modified bitumen membranes to choose from.

Atactic Polypropylene (APP)

APP is a modified bitumen roof which consists of a thermoplastic polymer. This can either be heat-welded or can also be torch-applied. The end result of this type of roofing gives asphalt a plastic-like finish.

Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS)

SBS bitumen roofing is a modified bitumen roof type that is installed with the use of cold adhesives or hot moppings of asphalt. This type of roofing can also come with some form of adhesive backing. The end result for this type of roofing is more rubber-like in quality.

Modified bitumen is a material that is made in manufacturing factories and is sold in sheets. The material has a consistent thickness. Bitumen roofing membranes can have 1 or even multiple bitumen sheets and also make use of a roofing felts along with those sheets.

Cold applied modified bitumen roofing membranes are not a new addition to the roofing industry. This method of application has been in use for quite a while and is becoming more and more favored due to the various benefits it provides. One of the advantages of this type of roofing is that it does not require the use of fire for installation, making it a much safer and easier method to use.

For cold applied bitumen roofing, the use of solvent-based membrane adhesives was one of the first methods of cold applications. Recently, there have been newer and more effective self-adhered systems that can achieve full bond strength. This allows roofers to enjoy time and labor-savings in any season.

Why Choose Bitumen Roofing?

The use of modified bitumen roofs is recommended for commercial roofing because of its longevity, strength, waterproof properties, and energy efficiency.

A modified bitumen roof can typically last up to 2 decades with minimal need for maintenance and repairs. During this time, bitumen roofs are able to stand against hot or cold weather conditions, especially when the roof has been reinforced with multiple layers of bitumen sheets. Aside from longevity and strength, bitumen roofs are also waterproof. The adhesives used to attach modified bitumen provide protection against water damage. Furthermore, modified bitumen roofs have been found to be energy efficient, providing an added insulation layer that keeps heat both inside and out of your property.

Modified bitumen membranes can offer exceptional weatherproofing protection, but only proper application will ensure longevity. In order to avoid any issues in terms of installation, it is best to seek the expertise of a licensed roofing contractor and work only with the right team.

It is essential that your roofer knows how to follow manufacturer recommendations and guidelines on installation, especially in terms of application temperatures and ambient conditions.

While bitumen roofs are a low maintenance roofing option, it is still necessary to get regular roof inspections and work on any maintenance and repairs as soon as possible to avoid further property damage and to also avoid higher costs in the future. While property owners or even your maintenance staff can do these checks, getting the help of roofing contractors who can spot minor problems and early signs of damage would benefit you in the long term.

The use of Waddle Exterior’s services will also eliminate the risks of injury during the process. Keeping any inexperience or untrained individuals safe. This will also allow a specialist to inspect, assess, and evaluate the entire roof system, whether modified bitumen or other type of roofing material, for concerns or issues that may or may not be immediately apparent.

Questions to Ask your Roofer

in Roofing/by Waddle Exteriors

Prior to hiring a roofing contractor, most homeowners do their research. They need to know who the best contractors are in the area, how much their roofing project could potentially cost, and a number of other things. Like most homeowners, you probably want to get the job done right. In order to achieve that goal, picking the right roofing contractor is key.

In order to be able to choose the right roofer, you also need to ask the right questions.

The first step is determine a potential roofer’s credibility by knowing their business name, insurance coverage, and who works for them.

Before even considering a roofing contractor for a job, you first need to make sure that they are credible. This is essential to protecting yourself from getting a faulty roof installation that could potentially harm your family, cause more damage, and cost even more in the long run.

One of the first questions that you should ask is: What is your legal business name?

It is important to get a roofer’s legal business name so that you can make use of this information to check on state or federal directories to, first of all, make sure that they are registered, certified, and are an actual legitimate roofing company, and to also check if they are certified with certain roofing manufacturers, especially if you are hoping to use certain roofing materials that require installers to be trained in the proper installation methods of the product.

If your roofer gives you the run-around when you ask this first question, that is a major red flag that they may not be as reliable as you expect. Some companies may have their roofing company under another legal business name. In that case, you might want to follow up on the reasons for them doing so and also to make sure that they aren’t using another company’s name to boost their credibility.

To be on the safe side, if they sound unsure of what their legal business name is – they are probably not the right team to be handling your roof. No roofer should have trouble emailing you a copy of state licenses or proof of insurance.

The next question to ask is this: What level of roofing insurance do you have?
Insurance coverage can be tricky, especially when it comes to roofing. There are many different levels of roofing insurance in the state. The type of insurance that a company has also depends on the type of contractor they are. There are certain insurance requirements that a roofing contractor needs to meet in the area before they can work on your home. The important thing is that their insurance covers the minimum requirement.

After getting their business name and insurance coverage, you should also ask your roofer: Who will be on the job site during my roofing installation?

Most well-known roofing contractors have more than 1 roofing project to attend to per day. And they usually have tons of teams working under them. The company owner may not be available during your schedule and when this happens, you need to know who is going to be managing the whole project to ensure that it goes smoothly.

Most reputable companies have designated project managers to handle this. The goal of the project manager is to make sure that all steps of the installation process proceed as planned and that the roof is installed according to the legal requirements and manufacturer guidelines.

The above questions are just some of the essentials that you need to cover in order to determine the roofing contractor’s credibility. A few other questions that you should definitely pitch to get an even better idea of your potential roofer’s experience, expertise, and work process to assess whether they are the right team for your project include…

Which parts of my property do you need to inspect to give me a cost estimate?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of expense?
How does the material affect installation costs?
Can you provide price for possible repairs that are commonly associated with roof installation or replacement?
What is the cost of roof removal?
Does the cost estimate you provided factor in the cost of materials?
Will you provide at least three references for my research?
What are your guidelines when processing a warranty claim?
How will you protect your workers’ safety while on my property?
What steps will you take to avoid damaging my home or property during installation?
How will you ensure the project is completed on time?

TPO vs EPDM vs PVC

in Roofing/by Waddle Exteriors

There are so many different roofing options readily available to property owners today. When making a choice, there are also so many factors to consider – aesthetics, durability, resistance, cost, and many others.

One of the more popular options in the market right now is the use of single-ply membrane systems, such as TPO, EPDM, and PVC roofing. These are all different materials which are commonly used for single-ply roofing on commercial properties. Recently, there have been a spike in the number of homeowners using this type of roofing as well.

Why?

Read on to find out the specific properties, advantages and disadvantages of these materials.

EPDM Roofing

EPDM, ethylene propylene diene monomer, is a synthetic rubber material that is commonly used in roofing applications, as well as in other outdoor applications, due to its high tensile strength, durability, flexibility, and high resistance to varying weather conditions. EPDM roofs can last decades with minimal maintenance because regular day-to-day and seasonal temperature changes do not cause it to wear out quickly. The material does not easily change its shape when exposed to hot or cool temperatures. It has a thermoset property that enables it to retain its shape in these conditions.

This material is typically available in sheet rolls which are relatively easy to install. However, when installing EPDM roofing, we would not recommend it as a DIY project. For this type of roofing, getting a professional to do it will ensure quality workmanship. It adheres to the roof structure with high strength adhesives and tapes. Aside from being durable, EPDM rubber is also waterproof. Thus. you also create a water and moisture barrier between the environment and your home.

Aside from those properties, another advantage of an EPDM roof is that it is highly impact resistant. It creates an effective defense system against hailstorms, windblown debris, and other materials that could potentially damage your roof.

TPO and PVC

Aside from EPDM, other single-ply membrane options include TPO and PVC materials. TPO. which is thermoplastic polyolefin, and PVC, which is polyvinyl chloride, are both materials that change their shape when there is a change in temperature. Aside from this, another thing that these materials have in common is that they are both white or reflective in appearance.

However, despite not having the thermoset property that EPDM roofing has, these materials are just as durable as EPDM roofing. These materials also offer another set of advantages that are not provided by EPDM roofing systems.

A major benefit to using TPO or PVC roofing is that it provides resistance against certain chemicals and bacteria. Things such as oils or animal fats, which could end up damaging other roofing materials, will not damage your TPO or PVC roof.

The white color of this material is also another benefit. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the material also adds a cooling effect to your roof. When properly installed, your TPO or PVC roof will be able to control temperatures around the building, as well as inside it. This is owed to the naturally reflective property of the material which also makes it more energy efficient than the black EPDM alternative, especially during the summer time.

EPDM vs TPO vs PVC

After learning about these different materials, you’re probably wondering which one is the better option for your property. However, as with any other decision anyone makes, the best option is not always objective. In this case, the best roofing option is completely dependent on your property as well as many other factors.

When you take into consideration the inherent properties presented by these different materials, you might be able to pick out which material is the best for you. However, we are also here to help. If you need expert advice on what the best roofing material for your property is, we are readily available to help you out. Our years of expertise and experience in roofing will help us guide you towards the right decision.

Choosing the best roof for your commercial building involves careful consideration and decision-making. Aside from the many options available – many of which you probably have no clue about – you also need to factor in things like typical weather conditions which your property is often exposed to, the building’s design and architectural style, and even what your business does or makes.

Single-ply membrane systems are great for a range of business and building types, but you need to consult an expert commercial roofing resource like Wade Exteriors to get the best performance from your roof.

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