Roofing Tips Fridays

Many Home Owners do not realize that you must keep your roof clean to maintain the manufacturers shingle warranty. Depending on the tree cover you should look at getting it cleaned at least every year and maybe more with heavy tree cover. A simple treatment should be enough to get through the year.

How to choose the best types of roofing material for your home

Every homeowner knows the value of a durable, beautiful roof. Above and beyond protecting your home, its inhabitants, and contents, your roof can contribute enormously to the look of your home.

The roof is a big portion of the investment you make in your home but choose well and you’ll not only have durable protection over your head, you’ll also be enhancing the beauty and style of your house.

There are plenty of roof options, but with so many materials, how do you choose?

There’s a lot to consider: budget, longevity, strength, and style. Here in Oregon, with our warm summers and cold winter, durability is really important: your roof will have to withstand the wind, hail, and snow. Increasingly, people are also becoming interested in the eco-friendliness of the materials.

In this article, we break down the various types of materials in detail, their longevity, and their eco-friendliness.

Roofing materials

Metal

Metal might not be foremost on people’s minds when it comes to roofing materials, or you may immediately think of barns, but metal is increasingly becoming popular, especially for rustic-style homes.

Metal roofs have a long lifespan, and the fact that it’s lightweight and durable (you won’t need to reinforce the roof structure) makes it an interesting choice for homeowners. It’s also fire-resistant and easy to install, but you’ll need a roofer who’s comfortable working with metal roofs.

Metal roofing typically means copper, steel, or aluminum. Aluminum is very popular because it can be made to look like slate and comes in many different colors. Of the metals, copper is the most costly but its beauty and durability may offset the costs (copper turns green over time, giving the roof a very distinct look).

Metal roofs don’t typically need a lot of maintenance and can be very energy efficient. They’re also great for water catchment for keen gardeners!

In the summer, a metal roof will reflect the sun’s rays, keeping the house cool; in winter, unfortunately, metal roofs can be a bit noisy when it rains or hails (insulation can help). In Oregon, if you’re considering this roofing style, it’s wise to invest in a heated metal roof, so snow will quickly melt and just run off the roof, without piling up.

Longevity: 50-100 years

Eco-friendliness: Metal can be quite eco-friendly: metal roofs can be made entirely of recycled metal and can then, in turn, be recycled at the end of their life.

Concrete/cement tiles

Concrete or cement tiles are artificially created from sand, cement, and pigments, and can look very attractive on a house. They come in a large selection of patterns, colors, and shapes that emulate clay or slate tiles or wood shakes, making them very popular with homeowners who are keen to get a particular style.

They offer excellent protection during our long Oregon winters, as they’re naturally insulating and water resistant.

Concrete tiles can be very heavy, so you may have to reinforce your roof deck if you choose this material. This weight also plays in your favor, however, because they’re less likely to fly away during a storm or develop cracks or leaks.

Less expensive than clay tiles, concrete roof tiles can last a long time and are very fire resistant.

Longevity: around 50 years

Eco-friendliness: Natural materials, but manufacture can be taxing on the environment.

Slate

Slate comes from natural fine-grained rocks and is one of the oldest roofing materials. Unlike asphalt, the shingles won’t be as likely to crack or curl after several beatings of our Oregon winters.

Slate is a great choice for homeowners investing in a new roof. It’s one of the toughest materials that will withstand winter after winter (as long as it’s properly installed initially). Slate roofs are also fire-retarding, and extremely durable.

They can, however, be quite heavy, so your roofing company will have to reinforce the roofing support structure.

This material is one of the most expensive roofing materials, even before you add up the labor costs to upgrade the roof deck. However, with its beautiful appearance, durability, and performance (it’s extremely energy efficient), it remains one of the most popular roofing materials throughout time, and you’ll see plenty of them around Portland and Oregon.

Longevity: 100+ years

Eco-friendliness: Completely natural, sustainable.

Clay

Along with slate, clay tiles are very energy efficient and durable, and are one of the oldest roofing materials.

Clay roofing tiles are popular in the south and coastal areas of the US, and sometimes here in Oregon because they’re very durable in inclement weather. They also regulate the internal temperature of your house quite well. People also love the Spanish-style look they give their houses.

Clay tiles also include ceramic and terra cotta: clays is a natural material that’s fired in a kiln, and looks fantastic on most homes. They come in various colors, but their natural color has a beauty all its own and won’t easily fade or discolor.

As well as being quite resistant to snow and rain, clay is very fire resistant. Clay roofs will need to be reinforced to carry the weight of the tiles.

Longevity: 70+ years

Eco-friendliness: Completely natural and recyclable but requires significant energy to manufacture.

Composites

Polymer and composite roofing shingles are made of plastics, polymers, rubber, or asphalt mixtures, and look like real slate or wood. They look quite attractive on roofs and aren’t as costly as some of the other options.

These types of shingles are very durable and can withstand extreme temperatures, and they also perform very well on energy efficiency. Composites will keep your house warm in winter but also cool in summer.

You’ll see quite a few of them in Portland and Oregon. They’re easy to look after and are super durable—but while the plastic is long-lasting, it also means it’s not very sustainable or eco-friendly.

On the upside, they’re not as heavy as slate or concrete, so your roof structure likely won’t need any extra support.

Longevity: around 50 years

Eco-friendliness: Plastics, some can be recycled, but not a sustainable material. You may be able to find recycled plastic polymer shingles.

Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are made of fiberglass, ceramic, and asphalt grains. They’re a popular roofing option because of their affordability and style: they come in many different colors, including wood and slate lookalikes, and aren’t as expensive as other options.

Asphalt shingles aren’t very heavy, so there’s no need to reinforce the roof deck, and they’re relatively easy to install.

They’re not as durable as other roofing options: in heavy snow like what we get in Oregon, they’ll have to be inspected and maintained regularly, or you may see the odd shingle fly away during a storm or find yourself holding up a bucket to your roof (if properly maintained, you should be fine! See how to conduct a roofing inspection to keep on top of things.)

You can put chances on your side by choosing better quality (and therefore more expensive) asphalt shingles that have a good durability and impact resistance.

Longevity: around 20-30 years

Eco-friendliness: Petroleum-based product: can be but aren’t often recycled, and has to be replaced frequently.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles look amazing and give a special natural, “warm” look to houses, regardless of their setting. Wood shingles are really durable and made to withstand tough conditions like snow and ice. They’re very energy efficient.

Most often, they’re made of cedar wood, which offers great resistance to weather but they’re not as fireproof as other materials (but you can have them treated).

Wood shingles also require more maintenance than some other options. They’re not as heavy as slate or concrete, but not as light as asphalt or composites.

In addition, cedar wood shingles are durable alternatives that can survive countless winters and low temperatures without deteriorating in quality. They last longer than asphalt, but aren’t as durable as slate, for example. They’re prone to cracking, so you should invest in shingles with a good hail rating and keep an eye on them over the seasons.

Longevity: 30-50 years

Eco-friendliness: 100% natural product, highly sustainable.

Green or ‘living’ roofs

Green roofing isn’t just for hippies and hobbits anymore: green roofs are gaining popularity in both urban as well as rural contexts.

A green roof is a way to cover asphalt or other flat roofs with vegetation: heat radiates from the roof, and rain falls directly on it, so it’s an ideal place to grow vegetation in a neglected area. A waterproof membrane has to be installed on the roof, followed by a root barrier, drainage, and filtration layers, and then finally the soil so you can grow your plants.

If well designed, installed, and maintained, a green roof can save you money in the long term. Green roofs are great at insulating your home and reduce energy costs (they act as a built-in thermal insulator). They also absorb stormwater so you may not need complex draining systems for heavy rainfalls.

Extensive green roofs are designed to be self-sustaining, while intensive green roofs are more like a garden and will need regular maintenance. Either way, you’ll need reinforcements to your roof structure to carry the weight of your rooftop garden. They’re not for everyone (or for every roof), but you can do something very positive for your immediate environment with a green roof.

Longevity: about 40 years

Eco-friendliness: Sustainable and great for the environment, reduce air pollution, replace greenery, promote habitats.

A word about longevity and durability

Roof material longevity can vary greatly depending on quality, weather, foot traffic, installation, and maintenance. These are guidelines only.

At Keith Green Construction, we’re happy to help walk you through the options if you’re selecting a new roof. Contact us and we’ll discuss the things that matter to you and help guide you so we can find a solution that meets your needs, together.

How to Choose a Quality Roofing Contractor (whiteboard video)

Whether you want to repair your roof or entirely replace it, it’s important to get the job done right.

That means finding a qualified roofing contractor you can trust. Here are 8 simple tips to help you choose a quality roofing contractor.

select a roofing contractor with business cards

1. Know who you’re dealing with

Look for a contractor with a registered business name, who works from a company vehicle and can provide a business card.

select a quality roofing contractor

2. Inspect credentials & licensing

Look for a contractor with a track record of quality. Make sure he has an Oregon CCB license number.

select a roofing contractor with coverage

3. Coverage is key.

A contractor should carry worker’s compensation, general liability insurance and be bonded. Request a copy of the company’s insurance certificates.

4. Shop around for best value.

Obtain competitive bids from several contractors for comparison, but don’t automatically accept the lowest bid: you often get exactly what you pay for.

dont pay roofing contractor upfront

5. Don’t pay cash up front.

Contractors will often require a partial down payment when the contract is signed. But a reputable contractor will never require full payment and doesn’t ask for it in cash.

roofing contractor references

6. Ask for references.

Your contractor should be able to give you a list of completed projects including the names and telephone numbers of previous clients. Take the time to make some phone calls and find out what people think of your contractor.

roofing contractor agreement

7. Get It in writing.

A reputable roofing professional will provide you with a written contract that clearly spells out the job and pricing details. Both you AND the contractor should sign the contract.

roofing contractor warranty

8. Expect assurances.

A reputable contractor will provide you with a written workmanship warranty and written product warranty information after the job is complete.

Looking for a roofing contractor you can trust in and around Portland, Oregon? Look no further. Keith Green Construction is here to help. Contact us today.

Getting Out of Hot Water: Finding and Fixing Leaks in your Roof

You may have heard the famous Benjamin Franklin quote, “A small leak will sink a great ship”, and it’s the same for your house. Leaking roofs can cause havoc in your home and destroy your furniture.

If you’re lucky, you’ll have spotted damaged or missing shingles or tiles, or noticed water marks on the ceiling long before water makes its way through your roof and into your home.

Regardless of the type of roof you have, flat or pitched, at some stage during your roof’s lifetime you’re likely to experience a leak if you don’t annually inspect it.

Fixing the leak isn’t actually the hardest part, but finding it can be! The reason leaks are so hard to find on a roof is because water can seep in from damaged areas on the roof, such as worn or broken shingles or loose nails, and trickle down to another point before it drips down to your ceiling.

If water is seeping into your home, check for roof leaks as soon as you can to prevent further damage. Need an urgent roof repair? Call emergency roof repair professionals available 24/7.

Roof Leaks: the Usual Suspects

Water leaks may not come from the roof itself. Water can seep in from air condition or plumbing leaks, drains or scuppers, or even from pest infestation. Blocked gutters can make it look like the roof is damaged. Before you try taking your roof apart, make sure that’s where the water is actually seeping in from.

Some parts of the roof are more prone to leaks, so start your search there. Flashings at chimneys, air conditions on the roof, skylights, dormer vents and roof protrusions often turn out to be the source of the problem.

If you want to avoid making an emergency call to roofing specialists, safeguard your roof with regular roof maintenance and inspections.

Finding the Leak

Step 1: A Visual Inspection of the Roof

Standing on the ground, start by looking for the obvious roof leak. Look for:

• exposed roofing tacks
• cracked asphalt or shakes
• ice dams
• broken or damaged shingles
• water stains or discolorations
• holes
• popped nails
• fallen branches

Many of these can be easily fixed, like replacing a shingle, but if you see uneven ridge lines or sagging rafters, this could be a more serious structural problem, and you’ll need to call in the professionals.

Step 2: Checking the Attic for Roof Leaks

If you had no luck with the visual inspection, examine the attic, if you have access to it. Look for wet frames, soft spots or water marks, and examine the ridge, sheathing and rafters. Water flows downhill, so work your way up if you see a drip.

If nothing turns up, switch off the lights and look for holes that let the daylight through.

Lastly, examine the underside of the roof nails that are badly placed in the framing member, causing condensation and frost in cold weather.

If you find a hole, gently run a bit of wire through so you can find it easily from the roof.

Step 3: Getting the Ladder Out: Up on the Roof

The attic didn’t yield any results? You may have to check the roof itself.

Walking on the roof or standing on the eaves can cause damage and can be very dangerous. If you’re not comfortable going up on the roof, or if you don’t have the right equipment, call the roofing contractors – it’s no small task, and sometimes it takes professionals to do it right – and do it safely!

First, look for corrosion or broken seals on the flashings of anything that protrudes through the roof, such as vents, chimneys or skylights. Next, check the whole surface of the roof with binoculars for holes, rusted areas, worn or loose shingles or dry rot.

If you fail to uncover the leak, there is one more thing you can try before you call in the professionals: a water test with a garden hose.

Slowly, isolate and soak one small area of the roof at a time while a friend looks for the leak in the attic. Start at the bottom of the roof (never go straight up-roof), one small area at a time. If you find the leak, push a wire or nail through so you can identify the area on the roof.

Step 4: Fixing the Leak in your Roof

Now that you’ve found the leak, you’re halfway to staying dry! How you fix the leak will depend on the material and construction of your roof.

Single roofs can often be easier to fix, by replacing or securing curled or missing/damaged shingles. Flat roofs that have a large area of water under the roof will require a professional to fix the problem. If you’re not sure how to proceed, call a professional roofing company who can fix emergency roof repairs and ensure your roof – and your whole home – stay dry!

A Word about Safety

You should never climb onto a roof during a storm, and never on a steeply pitched roof. Ladders can be dangerous and need to be set up properly. You should always wear a safety line and harness if you’re climbing onto a roof or up a ladder. Never work from the ladder – set up a scaffold that will provide a safer platform. Gloves and goggles are recommended for the attic. Avoid stepping on ceiling joins or other delicate surfaces and be careful of any wet plastic. Attics can contain badly insulated electric wires –stay away from these and call an electrician or professional roofer if any are exposed.

Annual Inspections of your Roof

Roofs are the first level of protection for your home, and they need some TLC, too. Did you know that you can have your roof inspected and maintained annually? Before winter, consider hiring experts to examine your roof and provide improvements to add years to your roof!

When is it time to replace or repair your roof? What every homeowner needs to know

ou may have heard the saying, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” This is a sound decision if you’re a homeowner and you want to minimize home improvement costs, especially when it comes to replacing or repairing your roof.

Throughout the year, your roof protects you against the elements and is constantly expanding and contracting, drying up and cracking. With time, it’s normal that your roof deteriorates. If the roof is in need of repair, the line of defense of your home is broken. A faulty roof could lead to damage to your ceiling, walls, insulation, electrical wiring, floors, furniture and more.

[Need emergency roof repairs? Click to hire a pro roofing contractor.]So on the next sunny day, and twice a year after that, inspect your roof to prevent the worst from happening and incurring greater emergency repair costs down the line.

10 things to look for during your roof inspection

So how do you know if it’s time to have your roof repaired or replaced?

First, walk around your home and closely examine the roof for obvious signs of damage, leaks, or aging. You can use binoculars to examine it more carefully. Some people climb onto their roofs for the annual inspection, but it’s best to leave climbing to professionals, who can access your roof safely.

[Not sure how to inspect your roof? Get a pro to do it for you]

Inspect the roof for:

  1. Torn, loose, damaged (or missing!) shingles, shakes or tiles
  2. Shingles that curl up or are cracked
  3. Granules from shingles or pieces of roofing materials in the gutters
  4. Dark areas or signs of water damage visible on the roof surface
  5. Gutters that droop or are blocked
  6. Water leaking from the gutter or the pipe
  7. Signs of mold or moisture
  8. Bird nests or signs of vermin infestation
  9. Plant shoots on the roof or in the gutters
  10. Dark spots or water stains on ceilings inside the house*

Deciding on whether to repair or replace your roof

Now that you’ve taken note of the condition of your roof, you’ll have to decide if you need to repair your roof or replace it entirely. There are costs to consider with either decision.

Many homeowners choose to repair individual damaged shingles, slates or tiles to extend the life of the roof. The downside is that new shingles may not match the color of your current shingles, and you could lose some curb appeal. Ask your contractor to match the shingles as closely as possible if you are choosing to patch up your roof. If parts of the roof need repair, there’s a good chance that it won’t be long until you’ll have to repair (or replace) the rest, too.

It may work out cheaper in the long term to reroof with durable and sustainable roofing  products that will last you a dozen years or more than to patch up bits and pieces over the years. Your roofing contractor will be able to help you to make that decision.

Investing in your roof is certainly an expense, but consider the peace of mind you’ll have from knowing that your roof is strong enough to protect your home and family from harshness of the elements.

When to call in the pros

If you have never inspected your roof for damage, or you see signs of impending leaks, cracks, or wear-and-tear, contact a professional roofing contractor. That single phone call or email could save you thousands before the next big storm hits!

*Source: https://brightnest.com/todos/inspect-your-roof

How to Choose a Quality Portland Roofing Contractor

How to choose a Portland Roofing Contractor

Whether you have decided to repair your roof or entirely re-roof your home, it’s important to get the job done right. That means finding a qualified roofing contractor you can trust, which isn’t always easy. Here are 8 simple tips to help you choose a quality Portland roofing contractor.

  1. Know who you’re dealing with. Beware of the contractor that does not have a registered business name, works from an unmarked vehicle and cannot provide you with a business card, a business address and a valid phone number. Be cautious about doing business with a contractor who approaches you for work.
  2. Inspect credentials & licensing. Look for a contractor with a track record of quality and customer service. Oregon Contractors must have an Oregon CCB License. Check www.oregon.gov/ccb for licensure and continuing education requirements for your contractor.Additionally, find out how long the contractor has maintained the same Oregon Construction Contractors Board license number? The Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board issued the first license numbers in 1972. The license numbers exceeded six digits in June of 1994. A current Oregon CCB # begins in the 200000 range. A CCB number will tell you how long a company has been in business. The longer a business has been licensed, the lower the number.Sometimes a contractor will say he has been in business for 20 years and yet he has a high license number. This may be an indicator that he has had a recent business problem and has had to re-license. This might be a “red flag” indicating a problem. Beware of the contractor that cannot provide you with an Oregon CCB number.
  3. Coverage is key. A contractor should carry worker’s compensation, general liability insurance and be bonded. Request the name and address of the insurance carrier(s) and bonding company, along with a copy of the company’s insurance certificate(s).Beware of low bids which may indicate lacking, inadequate or incomplete insurance coverage and workman’s compensation. This is only one reason that going with the low bidder may be a costly mistake.
  4. Shop around for best value. Obtain competitive bids from several contractors for comparison. If you have a trusted contractor this step may not be necessary. Don’t automatically accept the lowest bid: All too often, you get exactly what you pay for.
  5. Don’t pay cash upfront. It is customary for a contractor to require a partial down payment when the contract is signed, up to 1/3 of the contract price, but a reputable contractor will never require full payment and doesn’t require cash payments.
  6. Ask for references. Your contractor should be able to provide you with a list of completed projects including the names and telephone numbers of previous clients. Take the time to make some phone calls and find out what people think of your contractor.
  7. Get It in writing. A reputable roofing professional will provide you with a written contract which clearly spells out the details of the job and pricing. Make sure that all details discussed are written on the contract. The contractor will usually have you sign the contract and he will sign it too.
  8. Expect assurance. A reputable contractor will provide you with a written workmanship warranty and written product warranty information after the job is complete.

What to Expect When Re-Roofing Your Home

The roof of your home is of primary importance in protecting it from the elements. When re-roofing becomes necessary there are many things to consider. The following list will help you understand what to expect during the re-roofing process.

  • Any construction project can cause stress for certain family members such as pets, children or seniors. This should be considered before the project begins and appropriate provisions should be made.
  • Typically, large trucks will deliver materials. Driveways and walkways should be cleared to make way for deliveries. Materials will typically be stored on your roof, on your driveway, or around the perimeter of your home temporarily through the project. You may want to discuss your preferences about this with your contractor.
  • Job length can vary from 1 day to several weeks, depending on complexity of the roofing job, and material type being installed.
  • Rain gutters do not have to be removed in most cases, unless new rain gutters are being installed as part of your roof package.
  • During re-roofing, debris may fall from above, electric cords, tools, ladders, and materials will likely surround your house. The tear off and re- roof process can be messy and loud at times.
  • It is not necessary to be at home during the re-roofing process, but it is a good idea to be available by phone as unexpected things come up that your contractor may need to consult with you about. Sometimes, when the existing roofing materials are torn off, repairs that were not visible and therefore not contracted for, are necessary such as the replacement of sheathing or other structural issues due to dry rot or water damage. This is what is normally referred to as a “change order” or an “extra”. It is typical to run into unforeseen roof repairs, but good communication between the contractor and the homeowner are invaluable to the successful outcome of the project.
  • Your contractor may need access to power outlets. If you are not planning to be at home it can be helpful to orient your contractor to the location of your breaker box in case of a tripped circuit breaker or other similar issue.
  • The re-roofing process can cause vibration down to the foundation of your home. So, it is recommended that the homeowner take precautions to protect any fragile items such a collectibles or pictures by removing them from shelves, or walls, to prevent damage.
  • Some debris may fall into your attic. Debris or dust may also enter the interior of your home though skylights or tongue and groove ceilings. It is recommended that you cover the areas below as well as storage areas, such as attics, where personal belongings are stored with tarps or drop clothes.
  • Cathedral or vaulted ceiling areas can experience “nail pops”, (a sheetrock nail which backs out and causes a hole in the interior finish) from the tear off and re-roofing process. This is unavoidable. Usually these repairs are the responsibility of the homeowner.
  • Upon completion of your roofing project your contractor should do a thorough cleanup of your lawn, driveway and walkways. A large magnet will typically be used to collect nails and metal debris. It is virtually impossible to guarantee the collection of every nail, so be cautious and don’t hesitate to call your contractor for a return trip with the magnet if necessary.
  • New roofing will form to the surface to which it is installed. If the roof structure is un-even, or has sags, or rises, the shingles will not hide these areas. If these areas pose a structural problem, your contractor can address this and present repair options. After the initial install, some shingles will appear raised, not sitting as flat, etc., this is due to the storage and shipping of the product and will flatten out as the sun warms the roof, and the product has time to lie down.
  • You may experience a rainy day or two during the course of your re-roofing project. It is not prudent to do some phases of a re-roofing project if it is raining. However, some phases of roofing can continue in the rain. Depending on the severity of the weather conditions safety can become a factor and so work may cease for a period of time to allow for improvement of conditions. Tarps may be installed over your roof temporarily as a precaution.  Weather can create a slower process and may effect scheduling, so allow for possible delays in the completion of your project. Remember, re-roofing your home is major construction, but a reputable contractor will take necessary precautions to keep your home and family safe and dry.
  • Upon completion of your re-roofing project, you should receive an itemized invoice. Final payment is typically due upon completion. Warranty and any other pertinent information will typically be available for you at the end of the job.

12 Questions You Should Discuss with Your Contractor before Beginning your Re-roofing project

The roof of your home is of primary importance in protecting it from the elements. When re-roofing becomes necessary there are many things to consider. Here are some important questions you should discuss with your contractor before beginning the project:

  • How should I prepare my family members and pets for activity and noise caused by this project?
  • What preparations need to be made outside my home to make way for construction to begin?
  • How long should I expect this roofing project to take?
  • Do my rain gutters, solar panels, satellite dish, etc. need to be removed for roof installation? If these items can’t be done by the contractor, who needs to do it?
  • Do I need to be at home while this project is underway? What parts of my home does the contractor need access to?
  • What is the protocol if needs for additional repairs, that are not part of the contract, come up during course of the roofing project? Will those things be discussed along with additional charges before moving ahead?
  • Do I need to prepare the inside of my home for my roofing project? (Removing pictures from walls, protecting furniture from dust, etc.)
  • What consequences will roofing have to the inside of my home, such as cracking sheetrock? Does your contractor take care of those occurrences as part of his contract?
  • What will the condition of my property be when the project is finished? Will clean up of debris be complete or should I expect to find pieces left on my lawn and in my flower beds? Does your contractor use a magnet to pick up nails/ staples from lawn, driveway and flower beds?
  • Will my roof look and perform its best as soon as it is installed or should I allow a period of time for roofing material to seal and conform to the roof with the heat of the sun?
  • What happens if it rains while my roofing project is underway?
  • When is my final payment due? Will I be provided with an itemized invoice and warranty information?

Good communication between you and your contractor will go a long way in assuring a successful outcome for your roofing project.