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The Pros of TPO Roofing

1. Cost Effective 

TPO roofing is a desirable option starting with the cost of installation when compared to other single-ply roofing membranes like PVC.  

2. Durability and Strength 

TPO roofing is known as a strong roofing product with its resistance to the buildup of dirt and mold, punctures, and tears. This flexible roofing material works with temperature changes by contracting and expanding as a building settles and shifts. The hot air welded seams are three times stronger than the tape systems of other conventional rubber roofs and are six times stronger than glued seams.  

3. Energy Efficiency

TPO is UV-resistant single-ply roofing, which eases the cost to cool structures during hot summers. TPO roofing exceeds EPA Energy Star requirements, keeping energy bills lower. This works simultaneously to help the environment as well.

4. Installation

TPO roofing is lighter than EPDM roofing, making it easier to install, which means less labor time, which in turn helps with installation costs. 

5. Adaptable 

TPO roofing comes in more colors now, including Black, Grey, and White, and all offer strong UV-resistance for more energy savings. This has brought it more attention from the residential side of the roofing industry. 

The Cons of TPO Roofing

1. Longevity

TPO roofing is considered the new kid in the roofing industry, so its longevity is only known to be as long as the product has been around – approximately 30 years. However, constant improvement of the chemical formula means the verdict is finalized.  

2. Does Not Do Well When Subjected To High Heat

TPO roofing can save on energy costs. However, extreme lengths of extreme heat have proven to be a concern. 

What is the difference between TPO and PVC roofing?

When comparing TPO roofing vs PVC roofing, the first difference is how long they’ve each been around in the roofing industry. PVC is the older of the two and has been around since the 1960s while TPO roofing appeared in the 1990s. 

PVC roofing is made with chlorine and ethylene, a vinyl material, and TPO roofing is made from ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene. Both are thermoplastic materials that are heat-weldable, making them leak resistant with fewer seams. Both roofing materials are naturally white, offering a heat and UV-resistant reflective surface.

Both PVC and TPO roofing materials are chemical, grease, and oil-resistant as well, with PVC stronger against exposure, making it the preferred choice for structures that will see frequent grease and oil exposure, like restaurants. Both are flexible and can easily conform to a structure’s movement and shape.  

How do you clean a TPO roof?

A bonus to TPO roofing is the minimal maintenance needed. However, it should still be cleaned periodically to sustain the anti-reflective properties of the white color. The more accumulation of debris and dirt, the less effective it will be in offering reflectivity. To clean your TPO roofing, follow these steps: 

1. Protect base flashing, low curbs, and other points where pressured water could enter. Protect any landscaping, shrubs or vegetation around the structure’s base
2. With a 2,000 PSI or lower setting on a pressure washer, rinse the dirt and dust off. 
3. Prepare a bucket of mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution.
4. With a soft-bristle broom and long handle, brush the cleaning solution over the TPO roofing surface, taking care not to damage the top of the membrane.
5. Rinse the solution off with a low-pressure setting and look for any damage like flashing, punctures, and rips. Make repairs immediately.  

Can you coat a TPO roof, and what can you use to seal a TPO roof? 

Acrylic and silicone coating systems are the ideal choices for restoring and extending the life of a TPO roofing system. Some facts to consider:  

• A TPO roofing membrane should not need coating for five years after installation. The coating won’t adhere to a shiny, slick surface like TPO roofing. It needs time to age to get that matte finish that will more readily accept a roof coating. 
• For TPO roofing that has ponding issues, a silicone coating is the best choice because it has low water absorption.  
• When ponding isn’t an issue, an acrylic coating is ideal, especially for those with a tight budget.  
• To ensure the coating and sealant have proper adhesion, the TPO roofing surface should be thoroughly cleaned, removing all debris and dirt. 

A Few Last Words

TPO can be a great choice for many reasons. If you are interested in learning more about TPO roofing in Arlington, TX or you’re ready to begin the installation of your new roofing, contact the team at Frazier Roofing & Guttering Co., Inc. by calling 817-277-3131 today.

Wind Damage: Here in Texas and tornado alley, winds can get up to 50mph or higher when the hurricanes and thunderstorms come through. Here is how to tell you have wind damage:

• Missing Shingles
• Visible Granule Loss
• Visible Water Infiltration
• Loose Debris

Hail and Snow Damage: When thunderstorm clouds drop to 32°F and below, hail stones are formed. A hailstone as small as 1” can leave behind the need for storm damage repairs. Hail damage can include any of the following: 

• Hail-Damaged or Missing Shingles
• Broken or Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
• Ice Dams

Water Damage: High winds can drive water into a structure and cause damage. The smallest amount of standing water can create serious issues that requires extensive and expensive storm damage repairs. Indications of water damage can include: 

• Damage to Roof Accents and Supports
• Visible Issues and Moisture in the Attic

Often, wind damage vs hail damage happen at the same time, because here in Texas, with strong winds of the storms that come through here, hail often is included. 

What do you do after storm damage?

When you know what to do when your home needs storm damage repairs, it can make a difference as to how well your claim is processed.  Just as well, taking the wrong steps or making bad decisions can leave you and family in compromising situation, including your safety and your wallet. The steps that you should take first are: 

• Check for Damage Around and On Your Home
• Review That Damage and Assess the Severity 
• Contact A Roofing Contractor if You Need Roof Storm Damage Repairs 
• Contact Your Insurance Company 
• Prevent Further Damage 

How do you prove storm damage to roof?

As you follow our recommended list of checking where you may need storm damage repairs, take pictures and notes, if possible, make a video of the damage. Keep a copy of any contractor quotes you get for storm damage repairs and make sure your insurance company gets a copy of the estimates. 

Once you file your insurance claim, the company will send an adjuster to your home to review the storm damage repairs needed. If possible, ask the contractors you have received estimates from to be there with the adjuster. The adjuster is going to know what they have been trained to look for, the contractor will know what needs repair or replacement without causing any further damage. Remember, the contractor is on your side and wants your business. The adjuster is on the insurance company’s side and will want to spend as little as possible. 

Can leaking ceiling collapse?

Absolutely!  If a roof needs storm damage repairs and they aren’t done, then water can accumulate on the roof, pool up, create a heavy weight that could cause the ceiling to collapse. When you discover roof damage after a storm, like a leak, if it is safe to get to the leak, cover the area with a tarp, fastened down with 2×4 boards. 

Improperly Sloped 

A gentle slope with your gutter installation is needed if your gutters are going to work right. Water runs downhill from the rooftop to the gutters. The slight downward slope keeps the water in the gutters, running toward the downspout. 

• It is important to get that slope right with the gutter installation, so they don’t start sagging. Gutters without a slight slope will begin filling up with debris, the water will pool up inside the gutter runs, never making it to the downspouts. 

• Three things can happen: 1). The gutter get heavy, sag, bend, and break.  2). The gutters get corroded, rusted, and rot through. 3). The rain has nowhere to go but up under the shingles, soak the decking and felt, get into your attic, and costly damage begins. Once you have completed your gutter installation, double check the slope and adjust.  

Now, with that stated about a DIY gutter installation and preventing gutter leaks, two additional things you’ll need to watch for from time to time. Along with DIY gutter installation and repairs will include check your gutter connections and slopes. 

Loose Gutters

• Make a monthly inspection of your gutters, or after significant weather activity. If you notice they seem to be loose and falling off or pulling away, you probably have what appears to be a leak. Chances are they probably aren’t fastened on to the fascia as tight as they should be, now water is coming behind the gutter run from the roof edge. 

• The first step to take is check the fascia board. If it has begun rotting, you’ll need to replace it before you reattach the gutters installation. A gutter run isn’t going to stay fastened to rotted fascia board.  Once you have replaced any rotted fascia board, re attached your gutter installation with new fasteners. 

Aging Gutters

• If your gutter installation is new and recent, this won’t be a concern for 10-12 years. However, if you home had gutters when you purchase it, you’ll need to check them frequently for signs of aging. Remember, water flows the path with the least resistance, and if your gutter connections have become undone, or a corroded, rusted area has created a hole, you may be able to repair them with a waterproof sealant. Or it may be time for a new gutter installation. 

Clogged Gutters

• There are two sides to having gutter guards, but one thing they are good about doing is preventing gutter clogs. If your gutters seem to get clogged up and overflow frequently, you may want to consider gutter guard installation. Another thing to help with keeping gutters unclogged is keeping trees trimmed back from the roof. 

How do you attach gutters?

This is the part of your DIY gutter installation where the slope we mentioned earlier must be done precisely or you’ll have leaking gutters. First, you’ll need to attach the fascia brackets: 

• Using chalk, mark a line at each rafter tail behind the fascia, typically 16 inches apart. 
• Create a pilot hole of ⅛-inch-diameter through the fascia, into the rafter tail at those marked lines. 
• Use quarter-inch stainless steel lag screws to fasten the fascia brackets. 
• Using a hacksaw, cut gutter sections to proper length and if cutting corner pieces, cut a 45-degree angle. 
• Where a gutter run has two sections coming together, make an eight inch overlap then attach two rows of  self-tapping, stainless steel screws to join them.
• With aluminum pop rivets, connect a spherical cap on the square-cut ends. 
• Apply a layer of silicone caulk along the seam to ensure the run is watertight.  
• Place the gutter runs in the brackets you connected to the fascia.
• Make sure back edge of the gutter is in the hooks at the top.
• Using a drill, insert a one inch stainless steel screw (#8-32) through the screw-mounting hole on every bracket to secure the gutter run in place. 

Do you install gutters under drip edge?

Yes, your gutter installation with drip edge should be mounted on the front of the fascia, so that the gutter run that is sloping towards the downspout is below the drip-edge flashing. The the roofing shingles should be three-fourth of an inch extended past the drip edge’s top flange.

Why does water leak behind my gutters?          

We listed reasons why a gutter installation may have water leaking, but water leaking from the backside of the gutter is typically because the gutter apron wasn’t done properly or there wasn’t any flashing installed over the gutter’s backside. 

This is typically called the gutter apron, a bent piece of flashing that is tucked up under the shingles then folded over the gutter. If you’re doing your own gutter installation, you can purchase gutter apron ready to install in 10 foot sections. 

That is totally understandable, especially if you work all week, you don’t want to spend your weekend doing things like gutter installation. Plus, if you have it professionally done, you’ll have a warranty if there are any problems later.  So, do roofers install gutters?

Yes, most roofing companies have a division that does nothing but gutter installation. Or they will contract with a third party  gutter company to do the gutter installation. 

There are gutter installation companies and that is all they do is gutter installation. While a roofer can install gutters, a gutter installation company isn’t experienced at installing a new roof. Call 817-277-3131 today for gutter installation in Arlington, TX.

What you may not know until there is a heavy rainstorm, you’ve had a small hole in your roof for some time. Until the heavy rain coming in at a specific angle, you may never have known there was a hole! So, in a way, a heavy rain could be a blessing of sorts. Regardless of whether the hole existed already doesn’t matter, you have a roof leak now for sure and need to stop the rain from coming in and get that hole pitched ASAP. 

1. Go up in the attic and remove all the wet insulation from the attic ceiling and walls. Dry up any water and place a piece of plywood over the floor  joists. Place a bucket or some type of container on the plywood so that it is catching the water. 
2. Find where the roof leak is coming in, which won’t necessarily be where you see the water dripping from, unless there is a definite hole there. Just follow the water along the rafter or decking. 
3. Using a roofing shingle or plywood, and roofing tar, you’ll create a temporary patch. Spread the roofing tar on one side of the shingle or plywood with a trowel and on the underside of the roof decking. Place the shingle or board over the hole and push firmly, then with a putty knife, spread roofing tar along the edges, sealing the patch. 
4. Measure where the leak is coming in from the from the gable and the ridge so that you can locate the roof leak from the roof top when the rains stop.  

What to do if roof is leaking during storm?

When you see water dripping from the ceiling during a rainstorm, you can be almost certain you have a roof leak. Your first step should be to protect your furnishings and belongings, your home, and money. The following are preventative steps recommended by professionals. 

1. As recommended above, go up in your attic and find the leak, the follow the steps we outlined above. 
2. Move all the furniture and electronics that could be damaged by water coming in the roof leak. Remove any rugs and cover flooring with plastic drop cloths. 
3. Examine the damage and take pictures. Check the ceiling and walls of the room and the attic. Check cabinetry, furniture, electronics, and other belongings that may have gotten wet. The pictures will be used by your insurance company, so take plenty from all angles. 
4. Determine if the clean-up and damage is something you can do yourself or if it severe enough you need a professional water restoration service. 
5. Call 3 or more roofing contractors and schedule an inspection and quote. 
6. Call the insurance company where your homeowner’s insurance policy is registered. 

 How can I temporarily cover a hole in my roof?

During your monthly homeowner duties of examining your home’s exterior, you notice some missing shingles, a hole in the roof, or flashing missing from around the chimney. Before it start raining, you need to take steps to cover these areas, but first, contact a professional roofing contractor.  Get that appointment scheduled and then take the following steps to prevent a possible roof leak: 

Get a plastic tarp from your local home repair store and some 2×4 pieces of lumber. Cut the lumber so that it will be square around the hole. Place the tarp over the hole, then place the lumber on top of the tarp, creating that square and nail it all to the roof. Don’t worry about creating holes and causing a roof leak, you obviously already have holes and possible roof leak, or you wouldn’t be up there, right? 

For areas around the chimney, exhaust pipes or skylight, that are missing flashing, you can spread roofing tar over those areas where the flashing was and that will stop any possible roof leak near chimney, exhaust pipes, or skylights. 

• Cover the Gaps and Holes: Sometimes a piece of plywood is enough, sometimes, the hole is bigger than that. If you can cover the area with plywood, it should be about 3 inches past the hole all the way around and attached with screws on the outer edge of the wood every six inches. 
• Clear and Remove Debris: Inclement spring weather in Texas brings high winds and they toss debris on to roof tops. Clear off what you can safely. If there is a large tree limb or tree on your roof, then you’ll need professional tree removal service. 
• Place a Tarp Over the Gap or Hole: Unfold the tarp as you cover the gap or hole, reaching over the roof peak and past the eaves to make sure the area is thoroughly covered.  Position wooden planks around the edges of the tarp to hold it in place and secure them with screws. Be careful not to walk over the tarp. 

What if you have a roof leak and it isn’t raining? You need to find out is it a leak or condensation dripping. Determining if you have a roof leak or condensation dripping from an air conditioner unit or may be a water heater leaking can make a difference if need a roofing contractor or a plumber. Call 817-277-3131 today for roof leak repair in Arlington, TX.

• The Cost: You can have TPO roofing installed on your commercial structure for as low as $5.00 square foot, a viable option that homeowners and commercial structure owners should consider. 
• The Durability: Algae, bacteria, chemical exposure, dirt, and UV rays cannot damage or destroy TPO roofing. Impact and puncture resistant, a big plus here in Texas where hailstorms are common. 
• Straightforward Setup: This lightweight roofing material is flexible, making installation easier than many other types of commercial roofing materials. This is a money saver because the roofing contractor doesn’t have to factor in hours of manual labor. 
• Energy Efficient:  The savings in energy expense that TPO roofing material gives will repay the installation cost several times over the lifetime of the roof. With a reflective white surface, the energy star requirements of the EPA are high rated. 
• Fire-Rated – TPO roofing is rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as a  Class A fire resistant roofing. 
• Insulation: When a customer desires to have their, tpo roof with insulation, they can choose the insulation they want. 

How many years does a TPO roof last?

Thermoplastic Polyolefin, aka TPO roofing, is a single-ply membrane and taking over the commercial roofing system market.  With a single layer of reinforcing scrim and synthetics, TPO roofing is a perfect material for covering a flat roof.

Because of its ability to reflect the UV rays, the lifespan you can expect from TPO  roofing is up to 20 years. Proper maintenance is a must along with routine inspections. Without inspections or proper maintenance, TPO roofing will have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. When TPO roofing does need repairs, that can extend the roof lifespan another 15 years. 

Without proper care and maintenance of your TPO roofing, you can expect that it will have a shorter lifespan. Possibly less than 10 years, depending on the climate and other factors that can affect a roof. 

How do I protect my TPO roof?

Protecting your TPO roofing is important to get the longest lifespan possible. The first thing to do is schedule and follow through with regular inspections, once a month by your maintenance staff and once a year by a professional commercial roofing contractor. 

This inspection should include observation of any possible problem areas that need attention for repairing. After any significant weather event, a roof inspection is recommended to check for any hail damage. The smallest dent or hole can grow bigger fast. 

Next, your roofing contractor should do an annual cleaning and if your TPO roofing needs to be recoated with a protective layer, this is the time to have it done. Most TPO roofing is topped with an acrylic and asphalt emulsion solution. This is a cost effective product that will extend the roof’s lifespan.  

The recoating process isn’t needed annually. Most commercial roofing can go up to 5 years before needing recoating, but your commercial roofing contractor is the better person to advise you on that schedule. The weather and area where your building can affect TPO roofing and more frequent recoating is recommended. 

Is TPO better than EPDM?

When comparing tpo roof vs epdm roofing, TPO is known for its dimensional stability, whereas EPDM is known to shrink, leaving your roof in a compromising situation for a variety of problems.  TPO roofing is easier to install and repair, the seams are welded on TPO roofing, making them strong than the taped seams of EPDM roofing. Most important to many commercial structure owners is the energy efficiency of TPO roofing is better than EPDM as well as being more puncture resistant. 

Is TPO waterproof?

TPO roofing is used mainly on slow sloped roofs because of its waterproof feature. Other roofing materials may be waterproof, but they may attract insects, are easily punctured, and aren’t as UV ray resistant. 

Is a Steel Roof Worth It?

Steel roofs are a premium roofing product, which is why it is important to review the advantages and potential disadvantages. If you are interested in learning more, please read over the following list to uncover more pertinent information.

• Metal roofs exhibit incredible durability and longevity.
• While metal roofs are not as affordable as asphalt composition shingle roofs, they last more than twice as long.
• Metal roofs can be recycled, which means that they are more environmentally friendly than other roofing products.
• When installed correctly and with the right insulation, metal roofs are quite energy-efficient.

If you would like to receive more information, please feel free to schedule an appointment with your local, professional roofing company. A good project manager will help you deduce whether a new metal roof is in your budget and would benefit your home or property.

What is Stone Coated Roofing Tiles?

If you have not heard of stone coated roofing tiles before, it will be important for you to review exactly what processes go into making these premium roofing products. Stone-coated steel roofs are made out of steel or a similar metal. That metal is coated with stone chips and attached to the steel with an acrylic film. These roofs are made with the objective of creating a more durable roof that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. More traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, or tile can be models for stone coated roofing tiles. 

Why You Shouldn’t Get a Metal Roof?

If you are not already aware, metal roofs can be quite expensive. With a good roofing contractor, you can be certain as to whether or not a stone-coated metal roof is within your price range. You will also find out if you have other preferable roofing options. Metal roofs are beautiful, have incredible longevity, and, as mentioned previously, wonderful durability. According to many resources on the internet, the most credible reason for not investing in a metal roof is due to the expense. 

Does a Metal Roof Affect WiFi?

Are you worried about whether or not a new metal roof installation will impact your wifi? Truth be told, a metal roof will have a negligible impact on your wifi. Modern wifi systems are quite strong, and as long as you have a modem or router that were installed in the last three years, you shouldn’t have any trouble forming and supplying steady internet connections for your household. You deserve to have a good internet connection, and if you are already struggling with your internet, it’s important for you to review your options. 

What is Stone Coated Steel Roofing

As previously mentioned, stone-coated steel roofing is a premium roofing material. These roofs are made out of steel, or a very similar metal material. In order to give steel the appearance of more traditional roofing materials, a coating of stone is applied. The steel can be composed of twenty-four or twenty-six gauge rolled steel sheets. These are finished with the rust-preventing coating. The decorative stone coating gives the steel a finish of luxury, which is why it is considered an elite roofing material.

Stone-Coated Steel Roofing vs Standing Seam

One of the significant differences between stone coated steel and standing seam metal roofs is their finish. Stone-coated products will receive an acrylic coating. In such instances the stone granules are imbedded, giving the appearance of an asphalt coating. In contrast, standing-seam metal roofs look precisely like what they are, which is long sheets of painted steel with vertical seams.

Stone Coated Steel Roofing

There are many advantages to stone coated steel roofing. This is an excellent roofing product that should be closely reviewed if indeed the property owner is looking for a durable, stable roof that will endure many hail storms and natural weather events.

When you would like to discuss your stone-coated steel roofing in Arlington, TX, you can rely on us to give you the best information. Please reach out to us with a simple phone call to 817-277-3131 today.

Impact resistant shingles are multilayered and thicker than the standard asphalt shingles and should be indicated on the underside with Class 4 and U.L. Standard 2218 rating. If it isn’t, question the contractor or supplier and request a certificate or letter stating the rating as UL2218. 

What qualifies as an impact resistant roof?

Impact resistant shingles are designed to resist flying debris and hail damage.  There are two companies that rate shingles, UL -Underwriters Laboratories and FM. We described the UL rating process earlier in this article: 

The dropping of steel balls measuring between 1-1/4” to 2” from heights as low as twelve feet  and as high up as twenty-feet. The FM Approval tests use ice balls that have been pre-molded which are aimed at and launched onto manufactured shingles as are manufactured. Any shingle that passes these two testing procedures and didn’t leave any damage are given a Class 4 rating and tagged as impact resistant shingles.  

The damage that is looked for is broken, cracked, or split shingles as defined by IBHS (insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.  This organization has a team of filed and lab researchers that review these tests and others, looking to establish the best to determine them as impact resistant shingles.  

Why get impact resistant shingles and are impact resistant shingles worth it? 

According to the insurance industry, hailstorms are responsible for over ten billion dollars property damage each year. Hail is particularly hard on roofs and can form up to 5 inches or bigger diameter before pelting a roof at a speed of ninety miles an hour or more.

What are the impact resistant shingle benefits you can expect? 

Impact resistant shingles will protect your home from those damaging icy projectiles and high winds in three major ways: 

• Hail Damage: Here in Texas, homeowners fear two things: Out-of-Staters moving in and trying to change Texas and adverse weather conditions. The first one, we ignore and keep on keeping on. The second one, weather conditions can bring us up to 500 hailstorms each year. Homes and other structures take a beating, and the insurance industry cringes. The state insurance authorities have luckily mandated that insurance providers offer every client a discount when they have an impact resistant roof installed. An impact resistant roof saves your home and money, for both you and your insurance provider. 
• Installation: A fundamental issue with encouraging impact resistant shingles, a homeowner is less likely to simply upgrade their current roof to the impact resistant shingle if they don’t have roof damage that calls for a replacement roof.  This means that there are two times a homeowner is likely to have the impact resistant shingles installed:  With a roof damage claim on homeowner’s insurance or if they are doing a remodel/upgrade to the home. Some communities have implemented the choice of using this better roofing material with new build will automatically qualify the property for a discount on homeowners’ insurance. 
• Durability: As we have discussed, impact resistant shingles are tested using two different companies’ research. These tests are what has led to the betterment of durable roofing material that is impact resistant shingles. 

The only disadvantages of impact resistant shingles is the pricing, which can detain a homeowner from going with the upgrade until the time comes for a new roof due to damage. Yes, it is expensive, but like anything new-ish, the more it is purchased and used, the pricing will come down because manufacturing will be larger quantities. 

So, when is a leaking roof an emergency?

There is a small drip coming from the roof one minute, then the next minute, the rain is pouring into the house. Yup, that is an apparent roof leak repair emergency! Here are five other indications that your roof has been compromised by the weather and needs immediate attention: 

Dripping and Discolored Ceiling

After three days of massive rainstorms, if you’re noticing discoloring on the ceiling, you have a roof leak, repair needs to be made sooner than later if that heavy, persistent rain doesn’t stop. Then a torrent of water will flood your internal ceilings, and the internal underlayment that protects the ceiling begins ponding. The underlayment will become overwhelmed by the consistent rains, and then the dripping ceiling begins. 

Puddling on the Floor

Puddling on your floors is a clear sign of penetrating rain, so when there are puddles on the floor, you already leak internally. If the rain is persistent, eventually, the buckets won’t be enough to catch the rain that will start coming inside.   

Moist, Paint Peeling Walls

When water starts running down the wall, from the inside, it will soak through and eventually start damaging the paint or wallpaper.  A roof leak that causes water to run down the wall isn’t always easy to identify. So, if you see discoloring and stains on the wall, there is a roof leak, the repair is needed sooner than later because it is only going to get worse. 

Multiple Spots

When you see multiple spots of discoloration and dripping, there is actual extensive damage causing the roof leak. Repair may not be immediately available, so you’ll need to do a temporary roof leak repair that will minimize any more rain coming inside until a roofing contractor arrives.

Massive External Damage

As the rain slacks off, take the time to inspect your roof, looking for any massive external roof damage, and if you see any, schedule a roof leak repair immediately. Even if there are no indications inside the house, it is only a matter of time. You need a professional that knows how to repair a roof leak so that you don’t have any future problems.

Why does my ceiling leak when it rains?

Here are seven common Roof leak causes during heavy rain:

• The Skylight: Rain leaking around a skylight is usually poor installation, old or missing insulation, missing or bent flashing, or ice and snow melting and infiltrating around the skylight. 
• Plumbing: In some homes, basic plumbing has plumbing vents in the attic, protruding through the roof. In a heavy rainstorm, if the flashing is bent, loose, or missing, the rain leak in around those vents. 
• The Chimney: Flashing is along the base of the fireplace at the roof, and if the flashing is bent, loose, or missing, the chimney becomes susceptible to roof leak, the repair is needed before this becomes worse. 
• Improper Attic Venting: A poorly ventilated attic can cause condensation from high humidity levels. The attic will begin to sweat along the roof and walls, run down to the ceiling. 
• Improper Maintenance: When roof maintenance is neglected, as the shingles age, they begin to crack, the asphalt wears thin, and eventually, heavy rain will seep under the shingles, into the attic, and your house. 
• Nature: Trees are beautiful, but they are also an issue for roofs when they aren’t kept trimmed back. Tree branches and limbs will fall off onto roofs, damaging the shingles. 

Can a leaking roof collapse?

Yes, if a roof leak repair isn’t done promptly.  A leaking roof is a sign that there is water pooling between the ceiling and roof and thatpooling water is putting weight on the roof beams, insulation, and drywall. Over time, the ceiling will begin to droop and sag, to the point where it could become dangerous and collapse. 

Flat roof repair or replacement

No matter what kind of roof you have, whether flat or steep-sloped, age plays a big role when determining whether it’s time to replace your roof, or if you can just get away with repairing it. Depending on the roofing material, flat roofs tend to have a lifespan of anywhere between 20 to 30 years, and as roofs age, the more wear they’ll receive, and one of the best ways to determine if it’s time to replace the roof is to have a reputable roofer like Frazier Roofing & Guttering Co., Inc. inspect the roof. 

A roof inspection will identify significant damage like cracks or punctures where leaks are more likely to develop. An inspection will check seams and areas where ponding occurs. If there are multiple problems, especially leaks, a replacement might be the best option. If the damage is minimal, a flat roof repair may be all that is necessary. Another option over replacement is an application of a roof coating, which can preserve the roof for several years.

What is the best material for a flat roof?

If you need to replace your flat roof, you have several options for them. What’s best for your building will depend on your particular situation. One of the leading options for flat roofing is PVC. It’s low maintenance and highly resistant to impact damage. It’s also less likely to crack than other roofs. Similarly, TPO is another good choice. These roofs resist tears and punctures and are as energy-efficient as PVC. These roofs’ seams are heat welded together in order to prevent leaks. Among the most budget-friendly roofs are modified bitumen, although they are subject to cracking, which will require flat roof repair.

How often should a flat roof be recoated?

One form of flat roof repair is adding a roof coating, which will create a seamless barrier over the roof that will help prevent leaks and increase the roof’s lifespan. Coatings will wear with age, so the roof should be recoated about every five years to continue protection.

How do you repair a flat roof?

Because the materials vary on flat roofs, flat roof repair will vary. For small cracks or holes, however, most flat roofs can be repaired with patches, and often you can find roof repair kits with the right materials to make a repair. You will have to make sure the patches match your roofing material. EPDM patches go with EPDM, for instance, while TPO goes with TPO. Some materials like modified bitumen will need to be heated with a blow torch for the patch to stick, while most just require roofing cement to be patched.

How do you fix a crack in a flat roof?

Depending on the type of material you have, most cracks on flat roofs can be repaired with patches. Repairs are fairly simple. You just have to make sure you use the same material for the patch as the roofing material you have on your roof. A double patch will provide extra water protection.

• Cut away the damaged area with a utility knife. 
• Apply roofing cement over the cut-away space.
• Cut out a patch that is slightly larger than the damaged space and press it over the cement (some materials like modified bitumen need to be heat applied).
• Apply more roofing cement over the first patch.
• Cut out a slightly larger patch to place over the first patch for added protection.

Flat roof repair in wet weather

Like other roofs, flat roofs can be vulnerable to damage and leaks in severe weather. If your roof is damaged in high winds, you should wait until the winds die down before making the repair. But, if you need to make an emergency repair—to stop a leak, for instance—a flat roof repair can be made in wet weather. Have a roofing professional place a tarp over any section of the roof in which the roofing paper is missing or detached to prevent leaks until the rain lets up.

Flat roof repair residential

Although you’ll find most flat roofs on commercial buildings, some homes have them too. Flat roof repair on homes is similar to that on a commercial building, although the repair may take less time depending on the home’s size. 

What is the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?

Architectural shingles are similar to asphalt shingles in many ways. While neither don’t measure up to roofs made of metal or slate, both are highly favored in their own rights. Asphalt shingles are just as they sound, a mat coated or other material coated in asphalt and cut into separate shingles to be installed onto a home. While being the most popular roofing option in the United States, asphalt shingles do fall short of architectural shingles in several ways. Particularly through a shorter lifespan of 20 years, asphalt shingles deteriorate faster thanks to being thinner and only using asphalt which is an oil-based substance that is relatively limited when constantly in the sun. 

Being that it is an affordable option, asphalt shingles are tough in their own right and cheaper than architectural. However, they are by no means better only winning in terms of price when compared to the architectural shingle. Furthermore, the former does not grant the homeowner with options to detail their roof or have a smoother-looking appearance. Whereas architectural shingles offer a far better look to them thanks to their make up and can be made to appear organic or patterned. While they may weigh more than asphalt, this benefits the roof they are installed upon and the more expensive option appears to be catching up to the asphalt shingle in the market.

Are architectural shingles harder to install?

One specific benefit that may sway homeowners to get architectural shingles over other options like asphalt and wood is the easy installation of the asphalt shingles onto a roof. It’s surmised that with asphalt particularly, much of the price tends to be from the labor it takes to professionally put them on a homeowner’s roof. Architectural shingles, by comparison, are much easier to install and actually save the homeowner money in that regard comparatively. The reason they are expensive to a larger degree is due to their design and makeup. 

Unfortunately, a rule of thumb for roofs that market they will last beyond their lifespan tend to not. A thing to be careful for when considering the so-called “30-year roof” is to check whether the roof is made up of asphalt shingles or architectural shingles. As mentioned, these shingles have a ten year difference in lifespan and the specific product your roof is made out of will decide how long it lasts. Furthermore, many 30-year roofs tend to last half their age, though that statistic also includes weather playing some role in the early demise of the product.