Choosing The Right Roofing Contractor. People that own a home are generally required to deal with the stress in keeping everything well maintained and or repaired. Home owners soon discover that some areas of their home are much more difficult than others to maintain and sometimes will require the services of a professional. Roofing is one such area where home owners will need the services of a professional roofer most of the time.
The roof of any house building envelope and is responsible for keeping snow and water out of the home. This is also a part of the house that will be guaranteed to need replacement after service life of shingles has expired. Majority of shingles will only last 18 to 20 years before requiring replacement. There are shingles guaranteed to last 35 years according to manufacture but in over 9 years of home inspections I have never come across any that did, or even come close.
When choosing a professional roofer it is so important to ask for and check references. Ask for a list of the last 10 jobs that he did and visit the home and talk to the homeowner to see if the roofer delivered all that was inspected. Check with your local better business bureau so see if there have been any complaints. Get an iron clad job quote with details of type of shingles, work to be performed and extras that might not be included. Extras could be replacing roof vents, plumbing flashing or roof valleys.
The professionals under review should also be equipped with the opportunity to receive a detailed estimate. Free estimates are invaluable to consumers as they are generally created to list each part of what is necessary to restore this part of the house back to full function and condition. Obtain as many estimates as possible as this is helpful in providing the best possible guidance in detailing work that may be required and allow a more accurate pricing of roof replacement.
Availability is an additional source of consideration in making a wise choice. Consumers often learn that companies trained in this category of service are booked solid well in ahead of time which can create a challenge in having work completed as efficiently as possible. Providers available to begin in the shortest time frame help create the best service options.
Price is also a fundamental consideration in selecting a roofer but should not be the only consideration. If customer is older who will be able to go on roof to ensure all flashings, valleys and ice and water shield was installed properly.
Call the Barrie Home Inspector for an un-biased inspection of your roof before making final payment to roofer. Once money is paid out it is usually very difficult to reclaim without going to court.
Different Types Of Roofs Used in Barrie. Considered to be one of the most protective armors, roofing systems are designed, assembled and installed to guarantee structural integrity of homes. This protects homes from wide-ranging problems like seepage of water and airborne toxins as well as possibility of electrical fires. It is also one of the priciest investments that you will ever have in the construction or renovation of your abode. Though routine preventive maintenance may increase its lifeline, there will come a time that you have to revamp it. For any reasons, finding types of roofs available today is essential in mapping out your home improvement plans.
When talking about roofing system, it is quite apparent that three fundamental elements should be in place specifically, material, construction and stability. Its share and form usually vary from one place to another where shapes range from domed to arched, flat, chipped, hipped, gabled, skillion and so on. It has two protective portions with outer skin serving as weather and water -proofing capabilities while support does the inner shield.
When it comes to roofing systems, asphalt shingles still remains the most popular choice among many homeowners because of its affordability, versatility, low maintenance and fire resistant. Comparatively easier to install, this is constantly a favorite among avid do-it-yourselfers. It can also last for as long as fifteen to twenty years depending on the grade you selected and the routine preventive maintenance you apply.
Commonly used in retail, industrial, commercial and residential, metal roofing systems is considered to be one of the most highly durable varieties used. Tough and low maintenance, its lifeline can last for up to fifty years or more when maintained properly. This can be directly attached to existing roof structures making it more labor-efficient and cost-effective. This is commonly used in outbuildings, garages, out ports and purported home extensions.
Tiled roofing systems are considered one of the oldest varieties used. Spanish, Caribbean, stucco and antiquated homes usually make use of traditional clay or concrete variety. Though clay is lighter, concrete is more durable and is used more often as these are also more affordable.
Slate is another material commonly used in ancient times. Impressively used in various historic buildings across Europe, America and other parts of the globe, its composite element is compressed clay. However, installation is quick taxing as one wrong move can make it brittle. Modern variety these days make use of more lightweight and adaptable materials.
These days, more and more homes are going green in their choice of roofing system. Various roofers widen their types of roofs offering to cater to eco-friendly requests from their clients and loyal patrons. Apart from choosing roof material, consider checking beforehand a roofer’s credibility to guarantee safety and success of your home improvement initiative.
the Barrie Home Inspection Company provides visual and Thermal Imaging inspections of most residential and commercial roof types.
Residential Roofing is something every home owner has to deal with. The roof often gets little attention though it is one of the important and basic parts of the house. When the rainy season comes then leaks are everywhere in the house then that is the time that it is noticed. You need a container to catch that water. But what if there are multiple leaks? Containers will scatter on the floor and it will be hard to move around and will really cause discomfort to you and your family. This problem will obliged you to a call a roofing company to fix your roof. The cost will vary depending on the degree of damage. That means it will really cost you a lot when the damage is vast.
The fact is that there is a way that can save you a considerable amount of money and that is a regular maintenance of your roof. A type of roofing that will last longer when it receives the right and proper maintenance is residential roofing. You should not wait for problems to arise before you make a move. It is more advisable that you avoid the unnecessary investment in fixing the roof and learn to care and maintain it.
Choosing a roofing product with little maintenance requirements will allow you to avoid major roof repair and save lots of money at the same time. The maintenance approach is different on every type of roof. Two of the most common types of residential roofing system used in many houses are sloped roofing and flat roofing. You must make sure when you select the right roofing company that they are highly skilled individuals, works will quality, and very knowledgeable on every type of roofs available.
There are several things that you must decide on when choosing the right material for your residential roofing. One is to compare the life span of different residential roofing system and select the best among them that meets your needs and budget. Another is you must carefully examine the quality of the roofing materials, make sure that it will really last as long as the manufacturer claims. Do a little research about different roofing system and choose one which one suits your needs.
A good roofing company is dedicated to their work and offers quality service. You must choose the one that a full guarantee on the roofing materials and installation. Make sure that they are always there when you need them and respond immediately when problems arises. Choose the roofing company that is the best on the field.
The Barrie Home Inspector has inspected over 4,000 residential and commercial building roofs.
A Guide to Roofing. You can make your work much easier and save a lot of time and effort if you pay attention to these tips. When re-shingling your whole roof or just replacing a few shingles, then then this guide is for you
* Roofing can be a dangerous job. Extreme precaution should be taken while working on the roof and you should always be tied off with a safety harness. Always inform someone that you are up on a roof working or take someone along with you to help. Use a suitably ladder for the job and ensure it is locked into place and tied off before climbing it. Take extra care when working near power lines or television antennas. Never come into contact with them or allow the metal ladder to touch them. Also, ensure the roof surface is dry before you begin your job.
* There are many types, styles and sizes of asphalt shingles from which to choose from for you home. The selecting of the shingles should ideally begin with the grade and kind of shingle needed for the type of the building. You should consider the building’s purpose, the slope of the roof, the climate of the area and style, design and size of the building structure. Shingle exposure is specified by the manufacturer.
* Make any required repairs to sheathing, flashings or vents before beginning the shingling procedure. This includes driving down any loose nails or nails that are jutting out of the roof.
* Note that the shingles can be laid over any existing part of the roof. If there are more than two layers of old roofing on the building you must remove them before beginning shingling. Ensure you hammer in any loose shingles first and replace any missing shingles with new ones. Note: If planning on reselling your home the home inspector will identify the fact that there are two layers of shingles on roof which will entail a higher cost when roof needs to be re-shingled.
* If you’re applying new shingles over old wooden shingles as part of your project, nail them securely and use feathering strips for a smooth appearance. Use a small pry to pull out the nails holding the damaged shingle. Remove both the nails and the shingle.
* Next in your shingling project, measure the area of the roof in square feet. Measure one side and multiply it by the measurement of an adjacent side. E.g. a 20-foot side adjacent to a 10-foot side, which equals 200 square feet. Buy shingles by the square. Each shingle square will cater for 100 square feet. Determine the total square footage of your roof and add 10 percent for error, then purchase the square footage needed for the entire area measured.
* Next, tear the cap shingles at the top of the roof using either a claw hammer or a standard potato fork and discard them. Place new drip edges over the sides of the roof, and nail them into place with roofing nails. They can even be placed over old drip edges that are already in place. If possible, you may tear the old drip edge off in the same way you removed the cap shingles, and then attach a new one.
* These simple steps will guide you in your re-roofing and replacing of shingles.
Call the Barrie Home Inspector when buying your next property to ensure your roof is fully inspected.
Roofs Types Used for Houses. One of the most expensive portions in home’s structure is its roofing system. Not only will it add to a its curb appeal, it also serves first line of defense from adverse climactic condition, water seepage, airborne toxins and other detrimental elements of the outdoors. Routine preventive maintenance may uphold its lifeline but when the need arise for changes, knowing types of roofs available would be a great help.
Before anything else, one has to understand that roofing systems have basic design elements to follow namely, material, construction and durability. Forms or shapes also vary from region to region with basic shapes like flat, gabled, domed, hipped, arched or skillion. Mainly composed of two main parts, its supporting structure serves as an inner protection while outer skin performs as the waterproof layer.
Still the most popular choice in roofing systems today is asphalt or the newer fiberglass shingles. Affordable, versatile and low maintenance, it is also fire resistant and quite easiest to find. Home owners who are shingling their own roof tend to use this design due to its ease of installation. When proper and regular preventive maintenance is pursued, it can last for up to twenty years. Newer fiberglass shingles have an anti algae and mildew product built into shingles. On older roofs a copper strip, or similar product can be inserted near ridge cap to prevent growth.
One of the most commonly used roofing systems in commercial, retail, industrial and residential buildings is metal roof. Most garages, out-ports, extensions and outbuildings make use of this highly tough, low maintenance and durable variety which, if maintained properly, can last in as much as fifty years or so. As it can be easily attached direct to existing structures, cost of labor can be reduced invariably.
Tiled roofs are considered to be among oldest systems used are constructed in traditional clay or concrete materials. Clay is quite lighter but if it is durability you want, concrete is a much better choice as it is also inexpensive. Terracota and stucco are both common in residential areas.
Since ancient times, slate’s natural stone-building elements was used in construction of a homes roof. Eye appealing and long-lasting, slate roofing system is composed of compressed clay and can be quite hard for amateurs to install or repair as it can become brittle overtime. Most of the older classic structures in various countries make use of this roofing material. These days, however, it has been reinforced to reduce weight for our modern day truss and rafter roofs.
Today, most homeowners are investing in roofs that are environment-friendly and energy-efficient, known as Green roofs. Aside from choosing your roofing material, make sure the contractor you hire has experience and proven track record in both, installing and maintaining your type of roof. Ask for references that can be verified.
If your roof needs a professional inspection call the Barrie Home Inspector for your Roof Evaluation.
Roof Types and Materials. A roof protects the building and its contents from the effects of weather. The roof may also protect against heat, sunlight, cold, snow and wind. Roofs height can range anywhere from 1 to 3 stories for the typical home inspection.
The characteristics of a roof are dependent upon the purpose of the building that it covers, the available roofing materials and the local traditions of construction and wider concepts of architectural design and practice and may also be governed by local or national legislation.
Most new homes have a composition shingle which can range from a thin 20-year shingle to the thickest which are limited lifetime shingles, the cost depending on the thickness and durability of the shingle. When a layer of shingles wears out, they are usually stripped, along with the underlay and roofing nails, allowing a new layer to be installed. An alternative method is to install another layer directly over the worn layer. While this method is faster, it does not allow the roof sheathing to be inspected and water damage, often associated with worn shingles, to be repaired.
The angle of the roof above the horizontal is referred to as the pitch, which is expressed as a rise of inches per foot. For example, a roof that has a rise of 4 feet over a run of 12 feet has a 4/12 (or 4:12) pitch. A roof with a rise of 12 feet over a 12-foot run has a 12/12 pitch; expressed in other terms, the same roof has a 45 rise. typically asphalt shingles are not used on a roof with a slope under 3/12. A roof with a pitch lower than 2 /12 (or 2 feet of rise in 12 feet of run) is classified as a flat roof.
When inspecting gutters the Barrie Home inspector’s approach is to make sure that all gutters slope toward the downspout. In judging adequate slope, look for signs of standing water in portions of the gutter away from the downspout, and eyeball the margin against the fascia. It is not uncommon to see gutters installed too low on the fascia, or to see roof coverings projecting too far over the gutter. In both cases, this may lead to the water over-shooting the gutters completely.
Vinyl guttering is not only very common on new construction, but is also the do-it-yourselfer’s material of choice, as it is available off-the-shelf at most home improvement stores. Prefabricated angles, corners and connections are readily available, and installation requires no special tools, or even technical aptitude. Most new homes now come with aluminum one piece gutters as standard material.
The Barrie Home Inspector has spent most of his career in roofing, whether in actually shingling a roof to inspecting roofs on large projects. With over 4,000 home inspections the Barrie Home Inspector has been on almost any type of roof imaginable. When looking for a professional call someone who has the knowledge and experience to protect your residential or commercial investment.
Learn more about Barrie WETT Inspections. Stop by Barrie Home Inspectgions site where you can find out all about Barrie Home Inspectors Training and how it can benefit you on your next Real Estate purchase.
