Glenside Chamber Roofing

How Do UV Rays Cause Damage to Ashalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingle roofing is among the most popular roofing used throughout the country for its many favorable qualities and relatively affordable cost.
As such, it is installed by shingle roof services in all climates, from the coldest regions in the north and east to the hottest ones in the south and west.
For those installed in hotter climates, UV damage is a significant concern that homeowners should be aware of so they choose the right asphalt shingle product.

How Do UV Rays Damage Asphalt Shingles?

Ultraviolet sun rays in various wavelengths that shine down from the sun cause damage to different materials in similar ways to how they can damage a person’s skin and ultimately cause skin cancer.In terms of asphalt shingle roofing, these ultraviolet rays penetrate the material and interact with its chemical makeup, causing chemical interactions that change the stability of those substances. It also penetrates through the shingles to a degree and creates heat under the roof, resulting in a hotter house, and higher utility costs.

Over time, this UV reaction with roofing materials results in the dry rotting and cracking that shingle roofing contractors see happening to old shingle installations. The less flexible, and more dried-out asphalt shingle roofing becomes, the higher the likelihood is that shingles will start to chip, crack, and break. Dry, brittle shingles are also less able to withstand wind, hail, and other severe weather, frequently leading to leaks and other damage when they start to crack and break off.

What is done to reduce UV damage to asphalt shingle roofing? Today, asphalt shingles are produced with a protective, reflective granule coating that covers the exposed part of the shingles. This coating is designed to reflect UV rays off the shingles, preventing ultraviolet light from penetrating the matting beneath and slowly deteriorating them. The coating, itself, can be damaged, however, such as when hail stones hit the roof, causing granules to break off and leaving parts of the shingle unprotected. Shingle roof services see more UV damage on installations that have widespread thinning of the granules, or many bare spots where granule loss has occurred.

What can homeowners do to prevent UV damage to their asphalt shingle roofing? Those living in hotter climates where good UV protection is essential can invest in UV-resistant shingles. Some premium materials installed by shingle roofing contractors are produced with thicker, more resilient granule coatings that provide greater UV protection, preventing heat damage throughout the years. And, if necessary, shingle roof services can also apply a protective sealant coating to prevent UV damage and help homeowners effectively maintain their expensive roofing installations.

Do You Know The Signs of Wind Damage To Shingle Roofs?

Wind damage to a roof is common in areas that see frequent storms and high winds.

Some damage that requires wind roof repair is obvious, but other damage may not be so easy to detect.

When those strong winds blow, it is important to seek wind roof repair services quickly, before additional roofing damage can occur.

These are the signs that wind roof repair companies point out as being caused by strong winds, which should receive attention as soon as possible to prevent even more damage.

Loose or Missing Shingles - The most obvious sign that wind roof repair is necessary is missing shingles, or shingles that are obviously loosened, after a storm.
Lifted Shingles - Another common sign that wind roof repair services are required is the presence of lifted shingles that no longer lay flat and tight on the roof. Shingles that have lost their adhesion or whose nails have loosened can lift, allowing wind beneath them and resulting in further roofing damage if not promptly corrected.
Cracked, Curled, or Bent Shingles - Shingles that are loosened or lifted will frequently exhibit additional signs like cracking and curling or being bent upward from those strong wind gusts. Wind roof repair companies should be brought in to inspect the entire installation and determine how widespread this type of damage is, and then make the repairs or replacements necessary to secure the shingles once again.
Leaking Shingles - Chronic leaking, or multiple leaks over the span of the roof, are yet one more symptom that wind roof repair services are necessary, as shingles that become lifted or unattached can open the installation to water damage that progresses to leaking.
Dented or Marked Shingles - Although dents and marks on asphalt shingles are usually a sign that hail damage has occurred, the degree of damage caused will vary depending on whether that hail was propelled by strong winds. Always have a wind roof repair company inspect hail damage of any kind to determine how extensive it is, and whether wind played a role in that damage, so appropriate repairs can be made.
Impact Damage - Strong winds can blow debris and loose items around or cause tree branches to fall, causing physical damage to the shingles.

In regions where strong winds are common, homeowners should check for signs that they need wind roof repair services after every storm.

When in doubt, hire a wind roof repair company to perform an inspection after bad weather so that even hidden wind damage can be detected and wind roof repairs can be arranged.

Protect Your Shingle Roof Best By Knowing What Will Ruin It!

Asphalt shingle roofs are highly desirable for their long lives and relatively low maintenance requirements.

Still, these roofs installed by shingle roofing companies are not indestructible and can suffer damage when not properly cared for.

The best way for homeowners to get a full life from their roofs is to know what things can ruin them over time, especially if maintenance is ignored.

A yearly or semi-yearly inspection performed by experienced shingle roofers and good maintenance will ensure a roof ages well and withstands these conditions as long as possible!

Moisture - As ironic as it might sound, moisture in the form of rain, snow, and ice causes damage to the roof in areas that are allowed to stay wet and eventually rot. Though the top of the shingles are designed to shed all moisture, any moisture that gets under the exterior layer via clogged gutters, damaged flashing, and damaged shingles tends to stay wet for longer periods, gradually reducing the water resistance of the roof and promoting further damage.
Wind - Shingle roof services find that strong winds can cause a variety of damage to shingle roofs. Wind may break or blow off shingles in the worst cases, but it can also loosen them enough that they look fine from the outside, but allow water to get underneath to cause serious hidden damage.
UV Exposure - The ultraviolet rays present in normal sunlight are extremely damaging to asphalt shingles and many other roofing materials, drying them out and making them more brittle over time. Shingle roofing companies recommend that homeowners in hot and high-sun climates choose premium shingles with extra UV protection to slow this type of decomposition.
Trees - Overhanging trees can also severely damage a roof, either by scraping it, puncturing it, dropping large branches that can fall through, or even falling on it. They are also responsible for leaves that clog up roof gutters, resulting many times in water damage to the roof edges and decking due to water absorption.
Organic Growth - Mold, moss, lichen, and other organic growth on asphalt shingles can start on roofs that stay moist for long periods, especially if there are overhanging trees or other vegetation nearby. This growth will eventually eat away at the shingles, drying them out and causing wood to rot beneath them.

Noting these 5 things that shingle roofers find will ruin a roof, what can homeowners do to prevent that from happening?

Homeowners who hire shingle roof services to perform routine inspections on their roof and do required maintenance to keep it clean and resolve any roofing issues are the best solutions.

With proper care from an experienced shingle roofing company, any asphalt shingle roof will provide years of trouble-free service!

Is the Shingle or the Roofer More Important?

When the time comes for a new roofing installation, homeowners frequently concern themselves more over the shingles they want to buy than they do over the roof contractors they hire to install them.

Truthfully, both are important, but one is definitely more important that the other.

Shingles – Performance and Warranty Importance

Homeowners choosing their shingles by brand and style typically do so because they find a shingle that they like based on its appearance or some other feature.

It is easy to decide that those shingles are the only option, but in reality, nearly all of the major shingle manufacturers offer comparable types of shingles that they simply call something different than the others.

According to experienced roofing contractors, what matters most when choosing shingles even more than the brand is the performance they are said to provide and the manufacturer’s warranty that comes with them.

Shingle Brand Really Isn't Important

Based on these two concepts alone - performance features and manufacturer’s warranties - the actual brand matters little.

As long as a shingle product from roofing contractors offer the desired features and an attractive warranty is chosen, homeowners will usually end up with the same appealing roof, sometimes even at a more cost-effective price.

The Importance of Roofing Contractors To A Great Roof!

What matters much more than the brand name on the shingles is the roofing contractor who is hired to install them, regardless of brand.

Choosing the right residential roof contractor makes the most impact on any shingle and ensures that it performs the way the manufacturer says it will.

Some manufacturers even require their products to be installed by a qualified roofing contractor that has received specific training on their products before they will honor their warranties.

Well-respected roof contractors will also provide their own workmanship warranty and be willing to stand behind their work.

Roof Contractors Determine The Longevity of A Roof More Than The Shingles

Ultimately, a homeowner can purchase the best, most expensive, and long-lasting shingles being made, but unless they are installed by a skilled, well-trained roofing contractor, none of those details will matter much.

Worse yet, if the contractor does a poor job, this is not something the roofing manufacturer will cover, since materials warranties only cover defects but not problems relating to poor installations.

In these cases, even if the roofer agrees to redo the installation, the homeowner will be forced to pay for new shingles out of pocket.

Shingle or Roofer – Which Is More Important?

So is the shingle or the roofer more important?

Homeowners should always start their new roof project by first finding a skilled residential roof contractor and then go from there.

A qualified roof contractor who has a good local reputation will have access to shingles their customers want based on their style, performance features, and warranty, even if not by the exact brand name.

Should A Metal Roof Ever Be Painted?

The protective surface of painted or treated metal roofs can dull over time and even start to peel off, especially in climates with excessive heat.

When this happens, homeowners frequently ask their metal roofer service about the options for improving the appearance of their metal installation and whether painting is a valid one.

The answer is both yes and no, as most metal roof companies will probably agree.

Here is why!

Painting Results May Be Short-Lived

The biggest problem with hiring a metal roofing service to paint a metal roof is that the results might be short-lived.

Paint added by metal roof companies to the original metal might only last a few years before it dulls or peels once again.

It creates a situation where homeowners may end up repainting numerous times throughout the lifespan of the roof.

Paint Selection and Preparation Is Vital

Another concern is that making the effort worthwhile, even for a few years, requires metal roofer services to choose a durable metal paint for the roof, then perform a thorough preparation before putting it on.

Preparing any metal for paint involves a process of stripping off the old paint first, removing any rust that is present with a wire brush, then scuffing the entire surface so the new paint will stick to it well and avoid premature peeling.

Additionally, before multiple coats of metal paint are applied, the roof must receive a coat of metal primer first.

Selecting An Experienced Metal Roof Company Is Very Important

Does this mean a metal roof should never be painted? Of course not!

For those homeowners who want to invest the money into periodically sprucing up their roof by hiring a metal roof company to clean it and then repaint it, the results can be very worthwhile.

The most important factor when doing this is to hire a metal roofer service that uses the right paint and follows the right process plus homeowners need to recognize that they might need to do it again in a few years.

Other Options Than Re-Painting A Metal Roof?

If repainting a metal roof seems like it might not be worth it, the best recommendation for homeowners choosing metal is to purchase a roof that is already painted and sealed and then take good care of it.

If it is done regularly before the original paint is allowed to deteriorate, periodic cleaning and application of metal roof sealant coating by a metal roofing service is another option for improving the appearance of the roof and protecting the paint.

In Summary

Whether opting for a new coat of paint or doing periodic coats of sealant over the years, homeowners should plan out the care of their roofs with experienced metal roofer services that know the best ways to protect them.

This maintenance performed as needed will help keep any metal roof looking its best for as long as possible!

Cedar Shake Roofing – A Beautiful Alternative to Asphalt Shingles!

Wood roofs are some of the most classic and attractive installations for almost any home.

Among them, those installed by cedar shake roofing services can be some of the best for the many advantages that cedar shakes deliver.

Homeowners interested in a beautiful roof that really stands out should consider cedar shakes before settling for the same old shingles.

Skillfully installed by professional cedar shake roofing services, cedar roofs give years of beautiful home protection.

3 Types of Cedar Shakes - Cedar shakes are thicker, longer, wedge-cut types of shingles that are available in three grades: common, select, and 100% straight grain. Common shakes are the least expensive but most likely to warp over time and require cedar shake roofing repair due to the quality and cut of the wood used. 100% straight grain shakes are the highest quality, hand-selected shakes that resist warping the most. Selects are usually a 20-80% mix of common/straight grain shakes when purchased by cedar shake roofing contractors. Contractors ordering selects usually pick through them to remove the commons for a better installation.
Life Expectancy of Cedar Shakes - Because they are thicker than wood shingles, a cedar installation done by a professional cedar shake roofing contractor can last 30 or more years when common shakes are used and up to 50 years when 100% straight grain shakes are used; however, cedar shake roofing does require some maintenance like regular cleaning to keep it free of mold and rot. When well cared for, cedar shake roofing repair is rarely necessary.
Appearance Over Time - Cedar is a beautiful wood that starts off a deep chestnut color and ages slowly to an appealing silvery patina. For those who prefer to maintain the original coloring, wood sealing can help. Cedar can also be stained by cedar shake roofing services to whatever shade a homeowner prefers, though most enjoy the natural look of this beautiful and durable wood.
Requires A Skilled Installation - Though they are installed similarly to nearly any other type of shingle, cedar roofs do require installation by well-trained cedar shake roofing services that understand the proper way to position and affix them. Homeowners should hire cedar shake roof contractors experienced with this material for the best installation.

When the time comes for a new roof and the desire for something more striking than the same old asphalt shingles exists, homeowners should consult with an experienced cedar shake roofing service to discuss this beautiful, long-lasting roofing option!

What Are the Various Components Of A Residential Roofing System?

Roofing involves much more than just what is seen from the outside.

In fact, residential roofing services doing a new installation may need to address multiple issues under the so-called skin of a roof before putting on the exterior materials.

For homeowners to better understand roofing costs and the procedures used by residential roofer services, an explanation of four categories of roofing components will help.

Every reputable residential roof contractor addresses all four of these groups of components with every new installation to ensure the best results.

Structural Components - The base of every roofing installation done by a residential roofing service is its structure and all the components that hold up the roof. This includes the trusses and rafters, roof ridge beam, ceiling joists, and decking. All these components should be inspected before every new installation to ensure there is no damage and that the whole structural system is sound.
Interior Protective Components - Over the structure, residential roofer services will lay various components to protect them and waterproof these critical parts. A quality, water-resistant, breathable underlayment over the decking is essential. Starter shingles, drip edges, as well as ice and water shields in valleys and corners are also a part of this category of protective components that go on prior to the external materials.
Exterior Materials - Over the interior protection, residential roof contractors then install the external shingles, tiles, or metal panels as well as any roofing vents required to keep the attic space well-ventilated so the whole system performs as it should.
Exterior Protective Components - The last group of components installed with every new roof includes items that protect the exterior materials like flashing, seals and boots around vent pipes and other protrusions, soffit and fascia that seal off the interior space, and guttering.

The purpose of understanding these four categories of components and their parts is to help homeowners understand how these parts all work within a roofing system.

When problems arise or residential roofing services must make repairs, that could require much more than just replacing the materials that are seen from the outside.

Damage at the outer-most level can create additional damage to all the other levels.

Being aware of this can also help to explain the high cost of repairs made by residential roof contractors when the problem lies deeper than just on the surface.

Inspections performed by skilled residential roofer services that can properly detect all damage, inside or out, and do correct repairs and installations are therefore highly essential!

How Often Will a Roof Need Replacing by Roofing Contractors?

A common question posed to roofing contractors is about the longevity of a new roof and how long until it will once again need replacing.

Roofers can offer no single answer to this question, as every type of roof has a different lifespan and projected longevity.

Based on the different types of roofing most commonly used, these are some estimates on how long homeowners can expect a roof to last before needing a roofing replacement.

Asphalt Shingles - Asphalt shingles come from roof services in many types and grades, from plain flat 3-tab shingles to premium luxury architectural and dimensional shingles or composite shingles, each with different qualities, features, and durability ratings. Based on this fact, the lifespan for this type of roofing can range from as few as 15 years to as many as 50 years depending on the product.
Wood Shingles - Properly installed by skilled roofing contractors, wood shingles should last 20 to 30 years when properly maintained to stave off moisture damage, warping, and splitting.
Wood Shakes - Thicker than wood shingles, natural wood shakes usually last longer, with a range of 30 to 40 years when receiving proper maintenance.
Metal Roofing - Metal roofs installed by professional roof services can last between 40 and 70 years depending on the thickness of the metal installed. The thicker the gauge installed, the longer the projected lifespan of the roof.
Clay or Cement Tiles - Beautiful and durable, tiles made from natural clay or cement can last an impressive 50 to 100 years when properly cared for, despite their delicate appearance.
Slate Shingles - The most durable and long-lasting roof of them all is natural slate shingles. With an impressive lifespan that extends between 75 and 125 years, beautiful timeless slate is expensive but well worth the money.

While these averages are suggested by roofing materials manufacturers, for any roof installed by roofers to reach its full life expectancy, it must be well-maintained.

Required roofing maintenance differs depending on the materials, the climate, manufacturer requirements, and other individual factors.

Regardless of the type of roof a homeowner chooses, the best way for them to get a full life from any roof is to have it professionally installed by a qualified roofing contractor and then have that contractor come back to handle any necessary maintenance.

To remain in great condition, have roofers perform an inspection every other year or after bad storms, then follow the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements for the materials.

Top Trends in Eco-Friendly Commercial Roofing!

Gone are the days when the only option for commercial roofing was the traditional built-up roof.

As useful as that system still is, commercial roofing contractors have newer and better systems to offer their building owner customers today.

With environmental friendliness and energy efficiency now a prime concern, commercial roofers can install these great new systems that provide excellent protection while saving building owners money, too!

Solar Roofing

Solar panels have been around for a long time, but the ones now available for installation by commercial roofing contractors are more advanced and more efficient.

They can generate more power, resulting in a power savings to the building owner and in some cases, even allowing them to sell generated energy back to the utility company.

Higher-performing solar panels are becoming more affordable than ever, making them a great money-saving option for the owners of commercial buildings with large flat rooftops.

White Reflective Roofs

Also known as cool roofs, white reflective roofs installed by commercial roof services reflect a much higher amount of UV rays than traditional black built-up installations.

Whether installed by commercial roofing contractors using a white or light membrane system or a white asphalt system, white and light reflective materials reduce heat absorption into the building, making them ideal energy savers, especially when paired with high-performance insulation.

Green Roofs

Another environmentally friendly roof that is gaining in popularity on commercial buildings like office buildings and apartment buildings are green or vegetative roofs.

These roofs involve covering the top of a building first with a waterproof membrane, then covering it all with grasses, planter boxes, and other features to create a beautiful living roof.

These roofing systems are also cooling, make efficient use of rainwater, and improve air quality through the CO2 to oxygen transfer that plants utilize.

When properly set up by commercial roof services experienced in these installations, green living roofs in appropriate environments can be beautiful, healthy, and help the environment all at the same time.

In Summary

The takeaway from this piece is that today’s commercial building owners have numerous options for having an energy-efficient roof and making good use of all of that space.

Whether commercial roofers install productive solar panels, create a reflective white roof, or turn that open space into a lush green garden, these high-tech roofing systems are great options for eco-friendly owners to consider.

Just be sure to hire experienced commercial roofing contractors who can do a proper installation for long-lasting, efficient results!

Repair or Replace – How Is This Roofing Decision Made?

When a roof sustains damage, roofers may suggest replacing it, as opposed to just doing repairs.

While it is normal that a homeowner might want to pay roof companies only to make repairs, there are many instances when the cost of those repairs just does not make sense.

Where is the magic line between roofing companies recommending a replacement over doing repairs?

It depends on a few important factors when assessing the amount of damage present.

What Type of Damage Is Present? - First, roof companies will assess the type of damage, as some problems are definitely worse than others in terms of making repairs or having to do an entire replacement. A few leaks here or there could be repaired, but something like protrusion through the roof or shingles blown off or damaged by hail represent something else entirely. Structural damage present almost always means a replacement is necessary, as the roof has to be removed to repair the support structure.
How Widespread Is The Damage? - Next, roofers will assess whether the problem is located in only a few small areas or if it encompasses most of the roof. A few random missing shingles after a storm can easily be replaced. If shingles are missing all over the roofing system, the time it would take to replace them individually could be much longer than simply tearing off the old roof and doing a new installation. Widespread damage like hail damage, curling and blistering from heat damage, and cracked and broken shingles due to dry rot would also require a replacement, as opposed to just being repaired.
What Is The Age of the Roofing System? - The older a roof is, the more likely it is that roofing companies will recommend replacing it versus doing repairs. Older roofs are more likely to develop problems as time goes on, so if replacement time is already close, skipping the repairs and opting for a new roofing system makes more sense.
Which Option Is More Cost-Effective? - After considering the previous three points, roofers will then assess which opinion is more cost-effective and therefore makes more sense.

Since no roofing system is the same and there are countless ways in which roofing damage can be assessed, roof companies should always be called in to do an in-person inspection before any decisions on replacement or repairs should be made.

When roofers can make repairs, they will.

If the damage is such that the scope or cost of repairs would be better handled with a new roof system, most roofing companies will make that suggestion as well.

Sometimes, even if the cost is more than expected, spending a little more on a new roof is more cost-effective than paying only for repairs.