Category: Roofers in College Station Texas

What Are The Benefits of Standing Seam Roofs?

 

Metal is a durable, long-lasting roofing choice that has been used for centuries in its various forms. Standing seam panels are one of the more common varieties installed by metal roof services due to the number of positive features it offers. Standing seam metal offers many important advantages when properly installed by experienced roofers and is useful in both residential and commercial installations.

Metal Durability and Maintenance

One of the main advantages of any type of metal roofing is its durability. Metal roofs are made from tin, steel, aluminum, and copper; they are long-lasting when they receive proper maintenance. Most installations done by professional roofers will last 50 years or more, with some lasting as long as a century.

Maintenance requires little more than keeping the surface clean, fasteners tight, and occasionally applying a rust inhibitor coating in some climates to prevent metal corrosion. Metal is also very durable against damage caused by hail and falling debris, although it is important to get any dented, bent, or pierced panels replaced to prevent corrosion in those areas.

Leak-Resistant Standing Seam Design

Standing seam roofs are designed to be highly resistant against the leakage that can sometimes be a problem with other systems and materials. Considering that one of the more prominent areas for leaks on metal roofs is around the seams and fasteners, standing seam systems installed by metal roof services almost eliminate this problem.

These metal panels are designed with standing edges that each lock into the edge of the neighboring panel. When correctly installed by experienced roofers, the panels fit together to create channels that shed water while the seams remain slightly raised and protected. Since all seams run vertically downward and overlap each other, there are no horizontal seams that could start leaking.

Proper Installation Is Essential

Standing seam metal systems offer the benefits of long lasting durability, leak resistance, and many other benefits of metal; however, the installation process is critical. Because they depend on slope to allow water to drain off between the seams, standing seam panels are only suitable for homes or buildings that have a minimum rise of 2:12, or 2 inches rise per 12 inches of run. They should not be used on flat buildings.

It is essential that panels are correctly interlocked and fastened for them to be leak resistant. Installation should only be done by contractors experienced with standing seam metal systems to prevent later problems. While most metal roof services should be able to install standing seam systems, contractors who work only with asphalt and have little experience in metal systems should be avoided.

When installed by qualified roofers, standing seam metal systems offer the many benefits that come with all metal systems as well as the important advantage of a leak-resistant design. Standing seam is attractive, durable, energy efficient, and cost-effective over the life of the installation, reducing the chances of damaging leaks. To learn more about standing seam metal roofing, home and building owners should contact metal roof services near them to discuss their needs and whether this type of system is appropriate!

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Roofers Need To Know Roof Pitch To Choose Roofing!

Roofers in Huntsville Texas

 

There are quite a few types of roofing that can be used on homes and buildings depending on the type of roof. When roofers decide what material should be used on a structure, the first question that needs to be answered is whether the roof is pitched, flat, or low sloping. Based on the degree of pitch, the most appropriate type of material can be chosen.

What Is Roof Pitch?

The pitch of a roof is its angle in comparison with the ground and there are a variety of pitches commonly used in roofing construction. The simplest of all buildings can have a flat roof, while more complicated structures may have very tall pitches or even multiple pitches.

Why Does Pitch Matter?

When considering appropriate installation materials, pitch is important because it determines water-shedding ability. A building with a flat or low-sloped top cannot shed water as efficiently as one with a sharp pitch that sheds water very quickly. Even though flat roofs are technically not flat as they do have a low angle of a few degrees, flat and low-slope installations below a certain angle must be decided with this in mind.

Material must be used that will create a water-resistant seal over the top of the building. Pitched installations are built using layered materials in order to prevent leaks.

Different Materials for Different Pitches

Generally speaking, flat and low-slope roofing installations are less expensive than similar pitched installations for the same surface area because they require fewer components. Despite this, material used on flat roofs cannot be reliably used on pitched installations and vice-versa. Following are some choices for each type of roof:

Flat and Low-Slope

When dealing with a surface that is nearly flat or has a slope of only a few degrees, materials must act as a total barrier across the top of the building. Seams are avoided since they increase the possibility that standing and slow-draining water could eventually leak through these areas.

Roofers use BUR and membrane materials to create a watertight and seamless cover over the building that will be easy to install since it does not require working on an angle. Flat roofs are also easy to maintain. Metal sheets and shingles should be avoided on flat installations because of the seams. They can be used on lower-slope installations with a pitch greater than 3-in-12 as this provides enough angle to facilitate water shedding.

Pitched

The standard installation used on pitched roofs is layered shingles or tiles made from a variety of materials. Roofers apply material from low to high in overlapping layers, which permits water shedding without allowing water to seep under the unprotected edge of the shingle or tile.

Metal sheets can also be used, either layered like large shingles or fit together with tight standing seams. These roofs dry faster as they promote faster water shedding.The main drawback to layered installations is they require working on a pitched surface and can be harder to maintain. In some instances when pitch is especially sharp, the work can only be performed using specialty equipment that allows safe access to the various roof angles.

Based on this information regarding roof pitch, it should be easy to see why certain roofing materials are suitable for some installations but not for others. This decision may seem simple enough; however, it actually requires careful consideration, especially when thinking of installing metal.

To ensure the best installation using preferable materials, home and building owners should always work with roofers who can expertly determine roof pitch and choose materials accordingly!

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What To Do When You Need Emergency Roofers!

Roofers in Huntsville Texas

When storm winds blow, some homeowners may unexpectedly find themselves in need of emergency roof repair. Getting repairs made quickly by experienced roofers who can locate and correct the damage fast is essential. Yet sometimes there is a wait involved, especially when there are many storm-damaged homes in the area.

So what should homeowners do in the meantime? Anyone who has suffered roof damage should follow the roofing first response tips listed below to help until emergency roofer repair services can be arranged.

Find the Damage and Call for Repairs

A homeowner should always initially inspect their roof after a storm has raged through or if there is any other reason to suspect some kind of damage. Look on the inside of the attic and outside surfaces to find any areas of obvious damage or indications of water leaks. If damage is found, call for emergency roofer repair, then take steps to protect the home until roofers can get there. If damage is discovered during the storm, protect everything possible on the inside and call afterward. Leave any temporary outside repairs until the storm passes and the rain stops.

Contain the Water to Protect Belongings

Any water leaking into the home should be contained to prevent damage to the  house interior or the items inside. Catch the rainwater in buckets and move everything away from the damaged area. If necessary, cover items in plastic to prevent them from getting wet. Until roofers are able to make needed repairs, look for ways to divert the water to prevent more from coming in.

Tarp the Roof

If there is safe access to the roof, try to cover the area that has been damaged with a tarp. Wait for the roof to dry off, then attach a tarp by screwing it down with pieces of 2x4 planks to hold the edges secure and provide the most protection until repairs can be made. Tarps should only be used until emergency roofer repair can be arranged, as they will help prevent additional water from getting into the house if it starts to rain again.

Apply A Roof Patch

In some situations in the case of flat roofs, a patch compound can be applied to prevent more leaking if the source of the leak can be found. Available at most hardware and home supply stores, the sealing compound can be applied dry or wet and will form a watertight patch over smaller areas of damage. These patches should not be relied upon as the actual repair. Even if the leaking has stopped, it is essential to arrange for professional repair as soon as possible. The patch could fail or hide undetected significant damage. A proper repair is imperative.

Storm damage can happen when people least expect it, although handy homeowners can take a few vital steps to reduce the amount of damage to their homes and expedite the repair process. By locating the damage, protecting the inside of the home, and applying a temporary patch or cover, overall damage until emergency roofer repair is done can greatly reduce further damage. Homeowners should call experienced roofers as soon as damage is found, then get to work protecting the roof until help arrives!

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Roofing Contractors – The Top Things You Need To Know!

Roofers in College Station Texas

Roofs are one of the most expensive replacement items on any house. Ensuring a quality installment means working with experienced and dedicated roofer services. Since there is so much that can go wrong when installing a roof that could affect its longevity, property owners should carefully screen roofers before contracting with one. Use these helpful tips to find a contractor who can do a good job, thus reducing the chance of future roofing problems.

Make A List of Local Contractors

Begin by searching for local roofer services and create a list of prospects. Search local online business listings, in the yellow pages, and ask friends and families for recommendations. Before adding business names to the initial list, make sure they are a legitimate company with a business address, have been in business locally at that address for a number of years, and have no negative reviews online or otherwise. Avoid fly-by-night “storm chaser” operations that show up after a storm in the neighborhood, as that is a sign of a service that is likely to disappear shortly after the roof work is completed.

Do Some Research

Research all the companies named on the initial list for more detailed information such as the following:

  • Are They Licensed And Insured? - Although licensing may not be required in all states, reputable roofer services will be either licensed and/or certified to install various roofing products. Ask to see proof of these certifications and especially proof of liability and workers compensation insurance. This is important coverage for roofers in the event someone becomes injured during the job.
  • Customer Referrals and Testimonials - Ask roofers to provide the names and contact information of a few customers who can be called for a referral. Also look online at the many local business directories that allow people to leave reviews. Read the comments left by other customers to get an idea about the service and whether they seem honest, skilled, and knowledgeable.
  • How Do They Handle Warranties and Insurance Claims? - There are multiple types of warranties to cover a roofing installation. Some are honored by the materials manufacturers, while others are honored by the roofer service. Before contracting any work, it is important for homeowners to understand exactly how each service handles materials or workmanship problems. Does the service work directly with insurance companies or must property owners pay first and then seek reimbursement from applicable insurance carriers?

Get An Estimate

Obtain detailed estimates from all potential candidates and compare them. Request that all charges and expenses be itemized and explained, including any waste removal fees and anything roofers charges. Request estimates based on multiple grades of roofing material if possible. Compare the estimates from the different companies and gauge how they charge for any material expenses and handle warranties. Keep in mind that the least expensive estimate may not be the best one based on factors like warranties, waste removal, as well as the overall skill and experience of one company versus another.

Choosing the right contractor depends on more than just finding the lowest price. It involves identifying roofers who seem honest, experienced, and are recommended by the local community. After gathering the above information and discussing the installation with different roofer services, homeowners can hopefully make an easy decision on which company offers the best service at an affordable price!

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