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One of the areas of homes that tends to get damaged the most but repaired the least is, unsurprisingly, one of the areas that is seen the least - the roof. However, even though it often gets taken for granted, the roof is a crucial part of every home. It provides protection against rain, wind, and sun, and can take a significant beating if it is ignored for an extended period of time. Checking the roof a couple times a year is generally enough to assess the damage, but this article can provide you with a few tips for making roof maintenance less of a hassle, as well as how a home improvement company can help make maintaining the roof a lot easier.

One of the first things you will want to do, typically even before the home improvement company visits, is clear the roof of debris. This generally consists of leaves, pine needles, fallen branches, and other organic debris, but things like this tend to do a great job of soaking up water and helping it dig into your roof. After clearing the roof a repair company can help you check the roof for any signs of damaged or missing flashings, which are long, thin metal strips that protect seams in wood and metal from water and guide it into gutters.

Another important part of roof maintenance is, if you have a shingled roof, checking for cracked or broken shingles. A single damaged shingle can allow water to soak in underneath and damage the layer below, or even spur the growth of algae and mold. However, you should always be careful when walking on a shingle roof, as a single wrong step could break even more shingles. A home improvement company likely has a few roofing specialists on hand that are trained to deal with shingled roofs, and can help you assess and repair damage of this sort.

One of the most dangerous types of roof damage is on painted surfaces and asphalt shingles, when water soaks in through some damage on the roof and causes blistering. Blisters are indicative of water having gotten between the layer of paint or shingling and the one beneath it, holding it there but allowing it to damage both. If you find any blistered areas on your roof, absolutely do not puncture them. Calling a home improvement company will get a professional to deal with these problems in the right way.

From the desert climates of Arizona to the frigid temperatures of New England, the standing seam metal roof is fast becoming a roofing standard. It has uprooted itself from its industrial ties to become an architectural element that makes a statement. Outside of its great looks, though, the benefits it brings to a homeowner are phenomenal.

A standing seam metal roof can be easily fabricated on a job site in just a matter of days but will last a lifetime. It is also available as a prefabricated material if you'd like to attempt it yourself. Outside of its relative installation ease, it brings along with it the incredible benefits that only metal roofing can offer you. Its virtual fireproof properties may allow it to be a lifesaving defense if you live in an area susceptible to wildfires. These roofs can usually be retrofitted over existing roofing materials as well, aiding in a quick install.

Further, its durability, strength, and long lasting nature provide you with little maintenance requirements. Metal roofs are known to last the life of the home as well, making it a onetime investment that you will never have to concern yourself with again.

The standing seam metal roof derives its name from the appearance it achieves once it's completed. Sheet metal is constructed in panels, then crimped and clipped together along a seam. This seam runs vertically from the roof's top, or ridge, to the eave, or bottom. The seam is raised as well, which not only adds for a visual effect, but one with technical properties. The ridges help direct water down during rain and snow storms instead of between the paneling, keeping your home watertight.

This is the general concept but there's also room for some creativity. A standing seam metal roof can come in various sizes and styles, whether prefabricated at a factory level or cut specifically on the job site with the help of portable equipment.

A standing seam metal roof is becoming a popular architectural choice as a display of contemporary style and clean lines. Home builders and homeowners alike love it because of its phenomenal characteristics and attributes that it can bring to a home.

Whether you're considering it because of its incredibly low maintenance, added resale value in the future, or its weather and fire resistant characteristics, it will reward you for years to come. Often, the only maintenance that is required is a new coat of paint every 20 years or so to make it look brand new. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about standing seam metal roofing.

The first question that pops into any homeowner's mind when considering any home improvement is, "How much is this going to cost me?" Metal roofing installation is no different but due to the complexity of the task at hand, there's no simple answer. Every home, and thus every roof, is as unique as the next. When it comes to estimates, there are four general conditions that you need to identify before any manufacturer or contractor can give you an estimate about the cost of metal roofing installation.

The two biggest contributors to cost are the type of metal roof you would like to be installed and the shape and pitch of your roof. Believe it or not, the shape and pitch of the roof has a bigger influence on overall cost more than your choice of style. With more complex roofing jobs, it will require more work and experience on the contractor's side. If you're trying to roof something simple, like a standalone garage or barn, the complexity will obviously be very simple.

If you are the do it yourself kind, this level of simplicity is the only type that should ever be undergone without a professional crew. If you are uncomfortable in any way as well, don't feel it necessary to climb on top of your roof to give the contractor information regarding your roof's complexity. Good contractors are always willing to come out to your home and inspect it themselves to provide you with an estimate.

Also, ask your potential contractor for references and their addresses so you can go see their metal roofing installation first hand. If they cannot provide you with any, or the ones they do provide you with are outdated, let that serve as a warning to you that it may be best to cross them off the list. Inspect the homes on their reference sheet and call the owners of the homes to see how they felt about their experience with the contractor overall.

Finally, be sure to obtain a written estimate for your metal roofing installation from your potential contractors. In it, make sure that everything is outlined that you could possibly be billed for. For instance, all of the materials including your underlayment, flashing, and trim should be written out. The cost of labor should be specified as well as details regarding building permits. Any tear off, waste disposal, and removal of excess job materials and, if necessary, old roofing materials needs to be covered.

Make sure it specifies that if the contractor unearths any type of structural damage, they will notify you before moving forward. And finally, your job schedule and tentative completion date should be summarized.

Admittedly, one of the major drawbacks to outfitting your home with a metal roof is the initial sticker shock of metal roof prices. On a true numbers basis, they seem like an out of reach premium that's reserved for those with spare money to burn. But to truly weigh the costs of metal roofing in relation to traditional asphalt prices, we must account for much more than initial cost.

Although almost an unfair estimation, metal roof prices usually run in the range of about three times the cost of an asphalt roof. There are too many variables to account for to determine the true initial cost difference and if it's something that you would absolutely like to know, your best bet is to call some contractors who can give you estimates for each. Again, this is only initial cost instead of cost of ownership which is very important.

The cost effectiveness of a metal roof lies in its durability, longevity, and almost no required upkeep. A metal roof installed on your home may very realistically be the last roofing job your house will ever require. Maintenance costs don't even start coming into the picture until about thirty to forty years after installation. Even so, many manufacturers and contractors offer lifetime warranties on their products and maintenance can usually be as something as simple as a fresh coat of paint.

On the other hand, asphalt shingles need to be replaced regularly, relatively speaking. Assuming standard weather conditions, the actual life expectancy of asphalt shingles will require reroofing every eight to twelve years. Even though thirty year shingles offer a thirty year warranty, replacement is usually only for the first few then it is heavily pro-rated over the rest. Metal roof prices, on the other hand, will cost you a little more upfront but you'll be done with it for good.

To put the cost difference into a fair perspective, the average asphalt shingle costs $5,000. Since it will need to be replaced in, say, ten years we adjust for inflation, factor in tear off costs, and the reroofing project now costs $8,700. So in just ten years, you will have effectively paid $13,700 in asphalt shingle roofs or, assuming metal roof prices are three times as much as asphalt, $15,000 for a metal roof.

In just ten years, metal roof prices can be roped into perspective and we can start to see the break even point. If we expand that over the course of thirty or forty years, when a metal roof would start to need maintenance albeit most likely minor, we can get a feel of the substantial cost effectiveness.

Your roof should be given a check-up at least twice a year, usually in spring and fall and also after any major wind storm, especially if there are large trees close to or overhanging your roof. This means going up onto the roof and visually inspecting the shingles, flashing and roofing components.

The first thing you should take note of is the shingles. Are they lying flat on the decking or are the corners lifting or perhaps the shingle or tab (if you have tab type shingles) looks as though it is attempting to sink into the attic? The shingles should be flat on the decking. If the corners are lifting, and you can see bare spots where the granules should be and the whole side or the whole roof looks the same, perhaps it is time to consider changing the shingles, if the roof is not very old, and this is happening, the attic may have a ventilation problem. If the shingles look sunken in spots, this may be because the decking is uneven or it may be a hole which was not repaired when the shingles were applied, it may also be because of rotten wood or additional layers of shingles. Also look for broken or missing tabs and remove any branches or other objects you may find.

When walking on your roof, be cautious about stepping on lifted or brittle tabs of the shingles, as this can cause them to split or break off. Any areas that "sink" beneath your foot should be avoided as this could be rotten decking, and you may find yourself in the attic if the rotted area is large enough.

The next area of interest is the plumbing stack flashings, these are the flashing used to watertight the plumbing vents on your roof. They could be made of metal, hard plastic or rubber. They should be laying flat on the shingles and should have a small bead of caulk around the top where the flashing meets the pipe. If these were not installed properly, you may notice a mess of black roof tar spread around the flashing, on the pipe and even on the shingles themselves, if this is the case, this may be a problem area for a leak, for if anyone uses that much tar, they obviously did not know what they were doing.

The metal flashings around your chimney should be checked for broken or missing caulk around the top of the flashing where it meets the chimney. You should also look for any small holes where the caulk has pulled away from the brick or the flashing. Also look for missing or bad caulk on any metal joints which may allow water to enter. The same applies to any walls that connect to the roof, although if the walls are covered with siding, then the flashings should be under the siding, if they are not, and they are not counter flashed properly, this may be a problem area.

Vents come in many shapes and styles, from ridge vents to maxi vents and flat vents, to mention a few. The base of the vent should lay flat on the roof and there should be caulk covering any exposed nails. In the case of plastic vents, some types are attractive to squirrels and apparently quite tasty too. Give them a thorough check for holes that have been chewed to allow access to your attic. Damaged vents should be replaced as soon as possible.

Your roofing system has gone well past just being a protection from the sun and rain. A superbly installed one can spell the difference between maximized functionality and luxurious comfort or not. Meticulous maintenance could considerably extend the life of your roofs thus keeping you and the rest of the household as snug as a bug in the rug in the longest possible time. Other than these functions, a good looking and great working roofing can be among your win-win investments in your New York home. This and a whole lot more makes learning your options and some helpful tips about it essential.

When we talk about roof construction, this also comprises how the space from the ceiling is bridged, the method of support used, and all the additions that keep it as good looking as it is functional. The slope is an important part of the design as it would help in directing potentially damaging water from downpour into the drainage. Drainage is the system of gutters, drainpipes, waterspouts, valleys and waterheads that further protects the roof from any water-caused damages and keeps downpour away from the walls and the rest of the foundation. And added insulation to the outer layer keeps things inside the house as comfortable as possible.

Planning on a roof replacement or having a new home built requires homeowners to take careful considerations in sifting through their roofing options.

The material you choose will determine not only the aesthetic appeal in relation to the overall design of the house but also how durable, how long its life will be and the level of maintenance that it would require. Your roofing alternatives for your New York home range from clay tiles, wood shakes, asphalt shingles, rubber lookalike slate, precast concrete, laminated glass to aluminum sheeting. Engineered materials are also taking spotlight by offering not only attractiveness but fire-proof choices as well.

Increased social, environmental, and economic awareness has also brought cool roofing as a viable solution even for your New York City living needs. This innovative and environment-conscious choice also has different types including green roofs, coated roofs and white vinyl roofs.

• A green roof refers to that with vegetation growing atop. Though this option requires adequate waterproofing systems and poses more demanding structural standards, it also has a good set of benefits. It can reduce cooling and heating costs, filter pollutants, prevent noise pollution, reduce water runoffs, and increase the lifespan of your roofing system.

• As the name suggests, coated roofs are those painted with highly reflective and emissive coatings. These green construction products are typically white paint which owes their reflective and insulating properties to the addition of glass.

• White vinyl roofing systems is made from thermoplastic that is capable of reflecting the suns rays thus emitting a good amount of solar radiation. With less heat that the roof absorbs, your air-conditioning system will not be as strained.

But whichever type of roofing system you choose for your New York home, whether you opt to go green or get traditional, proper installation is crucial. This makes your choice of roofing contractor a vital one. It also pays to always keep your roof in good condition so stick to a regular evaluation and maintenance.

A home's roof is the most vital part, next to the doors, windows and of course, the walls. But the roof also poses plenty of problems since it is exposed to the harsh conditions of the outside world on a 24-hour basis. Unlike interior walls and the rooms inside, the materials and components of the roof easily wear out.

Leaky roofs

The roof usually leaks when the gutters are clogged. The gutter is the metal passageway that leads water away from the roof. Often, this vital component of the roof structure gives way because of animal activity like birds nest and leaves.

A gutter requires cleaning (usually some mild sweeping will do) every two weeks, to keep the whole passageway litter-free. However, most people don't even look at their gutter unless something's already wrong.

DIY expert Donny Sheridan shares a tactic to deal with the problem:

"Products such as Evo-Stick Flashband can provide a temporary repair. This is a self-adhesive, bituminous flashing that has an aluminum face to reflect direct sunlight and should last for 15 years. You can easily apply this yourself. It comes in a roll and all you need to do is stick it over the hole in the lead flashing."

Tiling the roof

Tiling the roof is definitely not a DIY project for the faint of heart. But it doesn't mean that it can't be done. For a medium-sized, low-lying home built of traditional stone, you will need around 800 to 900 tiles.

The first step in tiling (or retiling) a roof is by laying down the tough planks of wood that would be handling the weight of the concrete and the clay tiles. These are called tile batons. The length will vary depending on the entire length of your house.

Tile batons may be placed over the concrete fixings of the old roof, given that the clay tiles have already been removed completely. The tile batons provide a so-called "breathable membrane" that allows for ventilation to take place.

Laying down the tiles

Be careful in using tall ladders when tiling your roof. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents: "220,000 DIY daredevils have to go to the hospital for treatment for cuts, breaks, falls, concussions after their handy dandy activities go wrong."

Now, if you think you're fairly safe up on your roof, begin the laying down of the tiles. The concrete or the cement should be placed between the gaps of the baton as well as on top. Fill the spaces completely before placing the tiles.

Work from the bottom of the roof toward the top. This way, you won't have to worry about accidentally destroying the tiles you've laid down. Also, work vertically, column after column. This way, you can easily remove the clay tiles if something goes wrong.

The cement or concrete fillings should be even especially on the side of the roof. Imagine making a sandwich- you wipe off excess sauce on the side of the slices of bread to make the sandwich more appetizing. This applies to tiles- because a badly tiled roof is not really pretty to look at.

Your roofing system has gone well past just being a protection from the sun and rain. A superbly installed one can spell the difference between maximized functionality and luxurious comfort or not. Meticulous maintenance could considerably extend the life of your roofs thus keeping you and the rest of the household as snug as a bug in the rug in the longest possible time. Other than these functions, a good looking and great working roofing can be among your win-win investments in your New York home. This and a whole lot more makes learning your options and some helpful tips about it essential.

When we talk about roof construction, this also comprises how the space from the ceiling is bridged, the method of support used, and all the additions that keep it as good looking as it is functional. The slope is an important part of the design as it would help in directing potentially damaging water from downpour into the drainage. Drainage is the system of gutters, drainpipes, waterspouts, valleys and waterheads that further protects the roof from any water-caused damages and keeps downpour away from the walls and the rest of the foundation. And added insulation to the outer layer keeps things inside the house as comfortable as possible.

Planning on a roof replacement or having a new home built requires homeowners to take careful considerations in sifting through their roofing options.

The material you choose will determine not only the aesthetic appeal in relation to the overall design of the house but also how durable, how long its life will be and the level of maintenance that it would require. Your roofing alternatives for your New York home range from clay tiles, wood shakes, asphalt shingles, rubber lookalike slate, precast concrete, laminated glass to aluminum sheeting. Engineered materials are also taking spotlight by offering not only attractiveness but fire-proof choices as well.

Increased social, environmental, and economic awareness has also brought cool roofing as a viable solution even for your New York City living needs. This innovative and environment-conscious choice also has different types including green roofs, coated roofs and white vinyl roofs.

• A green roof refers to that with vegetation growing atop. Though this option requires adequate waterproofing systems and poses more demanding structural standards, it also has a good set of benefits. It can reduce cooling and heating costs, filter pollutants, prevent noise pollution, reduce water runoffs, and increase the lifespan of your roofing system.

• As the name suggests, coated roofs are those painted with highly reflective and emissive coatings. These green construction products are typically white paint which owes their reflective and insulating properties to the addition of glass.

• White vinyl roofing systems is made from thermoplastic that is capable of reflecting the suns rays thus emitting a good amount of solar radiation. With less heat that the roof absorbs, your air-conditioning system will not be as strained.

But whichever type of roofing system you choose for your New York home, whether you opt to go green or get traditional, proper installation is crucial. This makes your choice of roofing contractor a vital one. It also pays to always keep your roof in good condition so stick to a regular evaluation and maintenance.

A foreman is one of the most important jobs in roofing. Every project needs somebody on the roof all day long who has the authority and responsibility to get the job done right. It's been said that "The dog with two masters will surely starve" and that is why just one man needs to be in charge.

The first prerequisite for the foreman is he should be better and faster than anyone else on the roof. He will certainly be tested regularly by rookies and other hard cases who say something can't be done. That's when the foreman has to step up and say "Let me show you how to do it."

When that happens, it's not just a training opportunity. It also serves to demonstrate leadership ability, which is the second prerequisite. The crew won't respect a leader who can't lead. A foreman should never ask somebody on the crew to do something that he can't or won't do himself. He sets the pace and establishes the working standards that apply on his jobsite.

The foreman position is one of the jobs in roofing that needs either a "carrot" or a "stick" to lead effectively.

Some foremen get their way by threats and intimidation, but they tend to have a lot of turnover. Their best workers will pursue other opportunities, leaving the stick-wielding foreman with a crew of weaklings he can bully.

I've always preferred the carrot approach. It utilizes "The Greatest Management Principle" as recognized by author Michael LeBoeuf. It says: "That which gets rewarded, gets done". By giving your crew an incentive to accomplish both the quantity and quality you want, it is infinitely easier for you to do your job effectively. You go from being a babysitter of grown adults who undermine your efforts to a partner in a hardworking crew of guys who are all on the same page.

I've gotten great results from even labor pool employees who are considered the "bottom of the barrel" and only suitable for the most menial jobs in roofing. By offering them a modest bonus for accomplishing what I need, I am seldom disappointed.

The size of a project often determines how a foreman must do his job. Most smaller projects have a "working foreman" who manages the work while roofing right alongside the crew.

Bigger projects with dozens of roofers generally do best with a "supervising foreman" who is constantly watching everything that is going on. He needs to think for those on his crew who lack experience. And he will do far more work with his eyes than with his back.

One of the most important jobs in roofing that the foreman needs to accomplish every day is to get all his guys home safe and sound. Nobody will care how much roofing you accomplish if somebody gets killed or crippled in the process.

While roofing and leadership skills are essential, it is becoming increasingly useful for foremen to be bilingual. With a heavy influx of Hispanic workers into the trade, a foreman who can keep his project from turning into a "Tower of Babel" is a valuable asset to any company.

It doesn't take a lot of Spanish to get by. I remember one time I dried in a couple hundred squares of roof with two Mexican kids who had no roofing experience and spoke no English whatsoever. About the only Spanish I knew was "Bueno" and "No Bueno", but that was enough to get the job done. That just goes to show you what a good foreman can do with a little help.