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Four Roofing Scams To Be Aware Of

By Castile RoofingConsultation, Roofing

Roofs are a very expensive component of your house, and the roofing industry is known to have a fair amount of deceptions and scams associated with it. If a homeowner is informed before trying to hire a local roofing contractor they can ensure getting a quality job and save money. The following are four scams that are common to the roof repair industry and how you can avoid them.

1. Unnecessary roof replacements

Asphalt shingles are among the most common common materials that Arizona roofing companies use. They have been designed to last for twenty years at least. It is expensive to replace a roof. Homeowners can inspect their roofs from the ground using binoculars. Usually shingles needing to be replaced get brittle and curl up. A common sales deception is to try to convince you to replace your roof before it is necessary. This can lead to a job that is quite expensive.

2. Removing stained shingles

Many houses in the Phoenix area are prone to getting algae. This is similar to the plants growing in ponds and oceans. The algae frequent grows on a roof’s sunny side and can lead to discolored and stained shingles. Some roofing companies in Phoenix will insist that the stained shingles be replaced. It is an expensive job that isn’t necessary. There are several products that are offered by the roofing industry that have been designed to remove the stains and kill the algae. Some products can be found in local home improvement stores and attach easily to the end of your garden hose. Algaecide can be applied by homeowners themselves or they can have the job done by a professional.

3. Extra Repairs

Usually free estimates are provided, and a majority of experts recommend that homeowners get three different quotes at least. Estimates don’t cover any rotten wood that might be encountered on the job. That can result in expensive change orders and repairs that can increase the original estimate. Your contract should clearly state how much you will need to pay in the event that there are any unforeseen damages that need to be taken care. Also, homeowners might want to examine the damage themselves prior to agreeing to any repair work. Binoculars are an excellent way to view a roof from the ground. Sometimes it is necessary to replace rotten wood, and a majority of contractors do charge by the hour for their work.

4. Storm Chasers

Following a large storm, it is understandable that most homeowners will have concerns about their property. Arizona roofing companies offer numerous ways for homeowners to be certain that their properties are still in good shape. Homeowner’s insurance covers most roof repairs, and having an inspection done is a very proactive approach to take in assessing any potential damage. Preventive maintenance and routine inspections are offered by Phoenix roofing companies. Professionals are able to schedule convenient times for inspecting a roof following a storm. It is an excellent way of checking for damage without having to feel any pressure to sign a contract. Numerous roofing companies solicit following a storm. Getting a professional inspection done is an affordable way of seeing what repairs are necessary.

Homeowners may rely on an insured and licensed Arizona roofing company to make sure their properties are fully protected. There are plenty of competent professionals in the roof repair industry, however the field has been given a bad name but a few dishonest contractors. A major of contractors guarantee their work and provide quality service. Having your home inspected regularly is a proactive approach that can save you a significant amount of money.

February 13, 2017

7 Signs That Shows Your Roof Needs Replacement.

By Castile RoofingRoofing, Repairs

The most critical part of any building is the roof. That is because it protects the entire structure from hush weather conditions such as heavy rain fall and strong winds. Furthermore, it also provides insulation which makes the environment comfortable to live in. Even though materials used for roofing are supposed to give you years of services, most of them do not last for long as they should. However, there are various warning signs that homeowners can be on the lookout for to prevent further damage.

Moreover, you also need to be aware of the fact that the entire roof structure does not age at the same time. Some sections of the roof age faster. This is usually seen in areas that experience hot temperature such as Phoenix, Arizona. Below are sevens signs that show your roof needs replacement.

1. Dark And Dirty Spots Forming In Some Sections Of The Roof.

Algae and stains usually cause roof discoloration. Stains may be found on most areas, but algae is known to grow on certain areas of the roof structure. If the algae is not prevented at an early stage, it will start eating away the organic shingle base. However, you can be able to prevent such damage by hiring a licensed roofing contractor to inspect your roof. If the algae is detected before it causes serious damage, you can be sure that your roofing material will last as long as it should.

2. Missing Or Cracked Parts Of The Roofing Material.

The most common roofing materials used today is asphalt shingles. This roofing material is made of fiberglass and asphalt. The finishing of the material is done using granules, which covers all sides. Granules are also used to enhance the texture and color of the finished product. Besides enhancing the looks of the product, granules are also used to protect this particular roofing material from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When the material is damaged, granules will start falling off from the roof, and the material will quickly degrade because of the sun’s temperature.

The shingles will also start to curl up on the bottom edges. The second sign that you should be on the lookout for is cracked or missing tabs of the shingles. What cause the shingles to crack or come out is strong winds. In case your home is experiencing such problems, you can seek advice from a professional roofing contractor on what you should do

3. Increase In Utility Bills.

Today’s real estate developers design homes that are energy efficient and this is achieved using insulation. Most structures nowadays are designed with a central cooling and heating system for regulating indoor temperature. However, if warm air builds up inside the attic, it can result to increase in utility bills. Roofing structure that is properly installed features an ample ventilation that runs along the eaves and ridge of the building. The main reason why the roofing structures are damaged at an early stage is because of lack of insufficient ventilation. During winter when ice dams occur, homeowners are forced to deal with icicles, which extend from the gutters. However, roofers can assess the ventilation and make it better by installing extra vents.

4. Forming Of Mold And Stains On The Inside Part Of The Material

Leaking of the roof also causes discoloration on drywall. The area which is mostly affected by this problem is the bathroom. Because of this reason, it is advisable to conduct an inspection on a regular basis to prevent further damage. However, some leaks can remain an identified for a long period until the damage worsens. However, by hiring a professional roofing contractor, your roof can be inspected and have all the minor issues fixed at an early stage.

5. Blistering Of The Outside Paint.

Blistering of the outside paint indicates roof damage. This usually occurs round the gable ends and the overhangs. It is easy to spot blistering paint, and you do not need a roofing contractor to detect such issues. However, a regular inspection should be done to make sure that the paint is well intact on each side of the home. Excessive attic heat also causes the paint to peel off and form bubbles under the eave and on the edge of the gable. However, this can be prevented by enhancing air circulation inside the house. You can improve air circulation using attic fans, ridge vent and bathroom exhausts.

6. Leaking Of The Attic After Heavy Rains

You can also inspect the condition of the roof by climbing in the attic when there is a high storm. Once in this position, look for exposed attics which makes it easy for homeowners to access the rafters. You can use a flashlight on the plywood and rafters to identify darks spots that have formed because of roof leakage.

7. Sheathing And Shingles Decay

Sheathing decay usually occurs in older homes. Furthermore, you can spot this problem from the ground, and you do not necessarily have to climb on top of the roof. When some the sections of the roof start sagging, it is advisable that you consider roof replacement to prevent major problems. It is not easy to identify such a problem in some structures and in this case you might be required to hire a roofing expert to locate the problem and offer a reliable solution.

Roofing companies in Phoenix can help both commercial and residential property owners maintain their roofing structure by conduction regular inspection. This is a convenient way of making sure that structures in Phoenix have a long lasting roof.

February 6, 2017

The Life Expectancy Of Roofing Materials

By Castile RoofingRoofing, Materials

Roofs come in varied styles and designs and different from different materials that have different life expectancies. The most common roof styles are the slope and flat roofs and each requiring certain types of roofing materials. The following are materials used in the construction of sloped roofs.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles have a weather-resistant granulated stone surface layers over an asphalt coated fiber or fiberglass base. How long these roofing materials last depends on the thickness of the shingles, impacts of climate changes, as well as the pitch of the roof. Nevertheless, asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of around 12 – 30 years.

Roll Roofing

Rather than having rectangular shingle, roll roofing is done using long thin sheets that are manufactured the same way as asphalt shingles though thinner than asphalt shingles. Roll roofing materials have a life expectancy of 8 – 10 years.

Slate Roofing

Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials in use today; it has been used for centuries. Slate, a natural stone, is a common choice of slope roofing material because it is waterproof and can be split into several thin layers. How long the slate lasts depend on the type of slate and its source. A slate roof is estimated to last anywhere between 75 and 200 years.

Wood Shingles and Shakes Roofing

Many avoid using wood as roofing material because it is susceptible to shrinkage, warping, and cracking. However, adequately treated and well-maintained wood shingles can make a roof that lasts for nearly 20 – 60 years.

Clay Tile Roofing

Phoenix Roofing Materials Clay and concrete tiles come in different colors, shapes, and styles. They are designed to interlock or overlap when attached to the roof’s decking. Clay tiles are very robust and know to withstand very harsh weather conditions such as force winds. The tiles can last for more than 100 years, but the only issue that may pose limitations would be the underlayment used, which has a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years. The other limiting issue would be the maintenance of the roof.

Flat roofs are mostly used for commercial building though some residential buildings are also made suing this roofing style. Flat roofs use different roofing materials from those of sloped roofs. The materials used for flat roofing include:

Foam Roofing

Affordability and insulation qualities are major reasons why foam roofing has rapidly become popular in just under 30 years. Foam roofs have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years but can last twice as long if recoated after every five to ten years.

Built Up Roofing (BUR)

BUR (Built Up Roofs) are made from layers of asphalt coated industrial fabrics covered with granulated materials such as crushed stone; coal tar can also be used to cover the fabrics. How long they can last depends on the roof construction material used though BURs can last around 20 – 30 years.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing (TPO)

TOP (Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofs) are made from a polymer material attached to the roof’s decking using different methods that include nailing, screwing, gluing, or pressed down in place by a cover of a heavy material such as gravel. TPOs can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years.

Other Single Ply Roofing Materials

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or synthetic rubber are other single ply roofing materials used in the construction of flat roofing. They can also be attached to the decking using different methods including covering them with granulated stones or ballast to hold them in place. These roofing materials can last 20 -35 years.

February 2, 2017

What Is The Cost Of A New Roof?

By Castile RoofingRoofing, Repairs, Roofing Repair

How Much Does A New Roof Cost These Days

The roof protects your house from the elements, by keeping out the snow, sun, wind and rain. However, over time, things can happen that might cause your roof to start letting in moisture which can result in leaks. When they are dealt with right away, roof repairs will usually cost much less than having to have a complete roof replacement. However, if you put off necessary repairs for too long, small problems that your roof has might spread and result in your shingles and roof deck deteriorating, in addition to developing mildew, mold and water damage inside the house. To help with determining when roof repairs should be made, it helps to understand what the cost might be.

National Average Cost for Roof Repair

Home Advisor reports that the national average cost for roof repairs is approximately $652, with a majority of homeowners paying from $316 up to $1,015. However, the total spread in the cost can range from around $150 up to $1,900.

The amount of the variation in roof repair costs is mainly due to several significant factors including the following:

Area where you live
Extent of the damage
How accessible the area is that needs to be repaired
Type of material that your roof is made out of
Whether it is the flashing or shingles that need repairing

The only way of knowing for sure how much roof repairs are going to cost is to have a qualified roofing professional provide you with an estimate. If you can determine some of things regarding that problems that needs repaired, you might be able to have a general idea of what your final cost will be prior to calling a professional.

Shingle Roofing Repair in Tempe, Arizona

Common Causes For Needing Roof Repairs

It is fairly common to need to have minor roof repairs done. There are a number of different things that might affect your roof and result in it needing a repair at some point. By themselves, none of the problems are really serious. However, if they are not addressed the damage might spread and result in you needing to have a complete roof replacement instead of just a basic repair. Search for the following if your roof is showing any signs of water infiltration or is leaking.

Missing shingles: Whatever material you roof happens to be made out of, over time you might end up losing some shingles. A heavy wind may blown them off or a storm could knock them off.

Damaged, dented or cracked shingles: Slate, asphalt and tile shingles may also be damaged, dented or cracked in a storm or be caused by things such as hail or falling tree limbs.

Leaking flashing: At times the shingles themselves aren’t causing the problem. Instead it is the flashing surrounding things such as the windows, chimneys and skylights.

Ice dams: Melting ice and snow on your roof may refreeze on the edges and result in an ice dam. Water can then start backing up underneath your shingles, and cause them to deteriorate more quickly.

Valleys: Water may collect anyplace you have a low spot on valley on your roof, which can cause leaks and shingle deterioration.

Low pitch roofs: It is more likely for a roof that has a low pitch to suffer damage during a storm.

Any of those kinds of damage, in addition to unseen damage that may result in water entering your house must be handled immediately. At times you can’t see those signs from the ground. However, you might find signs of mildew, mold or water damage inside your attic which can be an indication that there is a problem with your roof.

Common Roof Repairs for Various Materials

It really doesn’t matter ultimately what the cause of the leak is. It is necessary to address the problem before it gets worse. The most common causes for needing a roof repair are below, along with their average repair costs.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Home Advisor reports that getting the most common kind of problem for an asphalt roof corrected, like shingles getting damaged in a hail storm or high winds tearing them off will cost approximately $250.

Wooden Roofs

Repairing a wooden shake roof costs about $360. Problems such as moss build up might cause the shakes to deteriorate to the point that they have to be replaced. You might discover insect activity in cases where the shakes were not treated properly.

All Kinds of Flat Roofs

Almost all flat roofs including those that are made out of tar and foam will on average cost around $400 to repair. As flat roofs continue to age, they have a tendency to sag in the center. This can enable water to start to collect and then build up on the roof’s surface. The water over time will start to break the roofing material down, and force itself through the roof and down onto the deck and cause additional water damage and sagging.

Slate Roofs

It costs around $530 to repair slate roofs. On average they are the most expensive kind to repair. Usually common problems are the result of improper installation which causes a title to slightly stick up when it gets nailed down too hard. Slate roofs are also quite prone to getting ice dams along with the leaks associated with them.

Tile Roofs

It costs an average of $350 to repair a tile roof. Some of the most common problems include tiles deteriorating and buckling from the heat of the sun, which can enable water to infiltrate. Some tile roofs might always leaks, which allows water to collect on the roof deck’s underlayment. The underlayment will eventually fail, which will allow water inside the home.

Other Roof Repair Considerations and Costs

In addition to the shingles and flashing, you might also discover that your roof might need repairs to its trusses, gutters, soffits and fascia. These areas are all prone to developing issues such as rot, water damage and cracks, which may spreading to the roof deck and other parts of the deck. When your roof is being repair, your roofer might also discover other kinds of damage that you weren’t aware of. Those can add to your roof repair’s total cost.

Labor Costs

Costs of labor need to be factored into your roof repair’s total costs. This is mainly dictated by where you live. However, remember that another factor can be how accessible the area is that needs to be repaired. For example, an attached house or town house might be harder to reach, which can make the repair take longer.That can increase the total labor cost along with the repair’s overall total cost.

The labor cost on average for roof repairs nationwide ranges from $45 to $75 per hour. The final cost is dictated by the kind of roof you have, how extensive the damage is, and how easy it is to reach the damage. Usually the labor costs for Phoenix, AZ are in the middle at around $60 per hour.

Obtain an Accurate Estimate

Quite often roof problems can be a lot more widespread than what you thought initially. If you are having a problem at any point with water getting in your roof, or you have seen any signs of wood rots, mildew or mold inside your attic, then you should definitely call a trained roofing professional to come out to evaluate your roof. They can provide you with an accurate estimate on how much your roof repair will cost. If you are based in the Phoenix, Arizona are we will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Keep in mind that minor roof repairs are what keep your roof well maintained. This in turn helps to prevent needing to have your roof totally replace. Have your roof repairs performed right away in order to avoid having higher costs in the future.

January 16, 2017

Roof Replacement – How Long Does it Take?

By Castile RoofingRoofing

The duration of a roof replacement project is one of the many concerns that people have. This is because roof replacement is a noisy project and people prefer to have it completed as soon as possible.

For most residential places, roof replacements usually take no more than two days. Removing the existing faulty roof is done on the first day, and a new roof is installed on the second. Depending on the size of the roof and building, the project may take a few extra days to complete. If you are roofing over your existing roof or reroofing, it can take just a day if you use the right people for the work. However, if you need to replace the plywood on the roof, an extra day or two may be required.

Commercial buildings, on the other hand, are bigger and have more complex roofing systems. Therefore call for more time to properly reroof. For a commercial roof, you will be looking at two or three weeks depending on the scope of the project. Some roofs like cold sealed single ply roofs can take less time to install than others. Then installation is also relatively quiet and fume free.

Also, the roofer’s schedule is something to keep in mind. If there has been a storm in your region, they may not be able to embark on your project immediately due to the number of customers who require the same services. This is true regardless of the size of the service provider’s company.

Generally, it takes about a week to get 3 quotes from different roofing companies. It will also take a few more days to review the quotes and pick the suitable company. After you sign the contract, expect another couple of days before the roofers are able to embark on your project. If you want to increase the speed of the project, know which materials you want to use as this is usually your responsibility. If it is a small leak, the repair can be done within two hours. Some roofs take longer to repair than others. For example, tile roofs take more time than roofs made of shingle.

After the installation is complete, the roof has to be inspected. Depending on your state, this can take anywhere between 2 days and 4 weeks. On average, it takes at least a week or two to replace most roofs. While it seems like a long time, keep in mind that your roof protects you and your possessions from rain and other for decades.

January 11, 2017

Our Roofing Repair Phoenix Services

By Castile RoofingRoofing RepairNo Comments

Top Rated Roofing Repair Services In Phoenix

It’s typical to save money on roofing repair by restoring your roof instead of replacing it. Only certain roofs are able to be restored instead of replaced and it’ll cut your cost by nearly 50-75%. Roof replacement will cost anywhere from $20-$30/square foot depending on the type of roof you have. This is a very high price compared to the $5-$9 per square foot it would cost to have your roof restored. The savings are seen in the low amounts of material and labor that are required.

Unfortunately, only flat roofs and tile roofs can be restored to increase the longevity of your roof. If you have shingles it will be worth your time and money to have your roof replaced and not restored. It is best to have your shingle roofing checked for damage during a roof cleaning. Early signs of damage can be patched in order to prevent damage to your underlayment however this is not a long term fix. Also, the sooner you find loose shingles and loose seals around air vents the cheaper you will be able to fix the problems.

For more information on how to clean shingle, tile, foam, and flat roofs visit our guide.

While a shingle roof restoration won’t greatly impact the longevity of your roof, adding an additional layer of shingles can. This process is called shingle reroofing or shingle roof over and saves hundreds to thousands of dollars. The savings comes from reduced labor cost and roof removal cost. However under Arizona housing laws, there is a limit of two layers per roof. This is to reduce the amount of weight that your house is supporting.

Flat Roof Restoration

Restoration is a great way to get the maximum performance out of your roof in terms of life expectancy. When the first signs of damages start to show, flat roof restoration can buy you an addition 10-15 years of value out of your roof. This will allow you to save and plan for your next roofing job.

When is comes to roofing repair and the environment, restoration is a much more eco-friendly option. By recycling your current roofing material, you will play a much smaller role in the multi-million ton pile up of roofing materials each year. If you operate a business, recycling your roofing material can result in big tax breaks, which will greatly cut the cost of your roofing repair.

Foam Roof Restoration
A new layer of foam roofing will save you thousands on roof repair and give you an addition 10-15 year life span on your roof. Signs of damage include holes in the foam as well as discoloring of the original white layer. If there is discoloration such as a yellow/orange color on your foam roof, you may need a foam roof replacement. If you find holes in the foam you must replace your foam roof as soon as possible. With holes present, water is able to seep into the underlayment and into the structure of your house. Leading to long term and pricey damage.

October 3, 2016

Is Spray Foam Roofing Worth the Cost in Arizona?

By Castile RoofingUncategorized, Roofing

Spray Foam Roofing in Arizona

How Much Does Spray Foam Roofing Cost?

In the past, spray foam roofing has been deemed an unpopular option because of the price. However with recent manufacturing innovations, cost have gone down immensely leading to a rise in popularity.

Spray foam roofing is becoming recognized as the best roofing material for flat roofs in Arizona. Whether you are reroofing or doing a brand new roof, foam roofing can cost anywhere between $3000 to $14000. If you want completely new spray foam roof and not just a foam over, expect to pay a few thousand more for removal and dumpster fees.

Pricing depends of course on the size of your roof as well as the amount of AC, Solar, Skylight, etc features your roof has. The reason for this is because the sealing process will take various amounts times depending on the number of features. The typical price per square feet is anywhere from $100-$200 for residential spray foam roofing

How Long will a Spray Foam Roof Last?

Spray foam roofing is favored over cheaper materials for it’s longevity. When you install spray foam roofing you will need to get it resealed after the initial 5 years. This is to solidify the base layer and protect the insulate gasses and cells that work together to create the foam. The top layer will take any damage leaving the bottom layer unscathed, protecting your roof from all of the elements. The second coat cost about 20% of the original, however the long term benefits will pay for themselves. The double coating process makes for a roof that will last for over 20 years, sometimes up to 30 years before repairs are needed.

Get a Free Spray Foam Roofing Estimate in Phoenix

We have a hard working and trustworthy team at Castile Roofing dedicated to serving you. We will come to you wherever you are in the Phoenix area whether it be Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Gilbert, Surprise, Sun rise, Care Free, and more – to deliver the best free roofing quote available. We are A+ rated by the BBB and have over 15 years in roofing experience. Give us a call!

September 26, 2016

Is It Time to Replace my Roof?

By Castile RoofingShingle Roof

Although your roof may appear to be in good shape on the surface, often times roofs contain damage beneath the surface that may lead to deterioration of your home. While some wait for the shingles to start falling off, doing so will only result in irreversible damage and a costly roofing bill. It is best to check your roof for damage periodically to best asses when it is time to replace your roof.

When inspecting for damage, here are a few signs

The first thing you should be looking for is noticeable damage to the shingles. Shingles protect your roof from water damage, and damage to a shingle means damage to your underlayment.
Others in your neighborhood are getting their roofs replaced. Typically, when someone in your neighborhood is getting their roof replaced, it is time to have your roof inspected. If your house was built at the same time you may have mold or water damage caused by leaks without being aware.
If your roof looks old or worn and you are selling. You may want to replace your roof in preparation of a move as this will greatly increase your resale value. A well done and low cost roofing job can net you $10,000 or more on the final sale total.
Discoloration of the shingles. Discoloration and moss does not always mean that your roof needs to be replaced. A 50% water and 50% bleach solution sprayed with a sprayer will make your roof look close to new. Do not use a pressure washer as this can remove protective sealants and layers used to keep your roof healthy.
Your shingles are shrinking and or curling. This is a result of water absorption in your shingles and means you either have a leak or are not far from one. If this is the case, give us a call for a free roof inspection.
If your roof is made of shingles and is 20 years old, it is time to replace your roof. Most shingle roofing lasts a maximum of 25 years, and anything above 20 years will leave you prone to water damage.
You are on your roof for inspection and there is a bouncy or buoyant touch to your step. Typically, this is a result of moisture absorption by the ply wood covered by your underlay. A good way to see if this is the case is to look for condensation in your attic.
You remodel a room or inspect your dry wall and there are signs of moisture. If the moisture is near a water pipe or water spout, it may be a plumbing related leak. Anywhere else and it is a leak from your roof. In this instance, you will want to remodel your roof as soon as possible to prevent further damage

Repair Options

Even a new layer of shingles may leave your roof susceptible to water damage if done poorly. If you notice any of the signs above and are reluctant to have an inspection done because your roof is “new”, do not wait any longer. When it comes to getting the job done you have two options.

Reroofing: Reroofing is when you lay a new layer of material, shingles in this instance, over an existing layer that is showing signs of damage. This will save you on the overall cost of the roofing project as you will not have waste removal fees. You will also save on labor costs, as this route is typically a faster job.
New Roof: A new roof is the best option as you generally do not want to keep existing roof damage underneath your new layer. This will lead to devaluation in your home if you are selling, and will not give your new roof the maximum lifespan possible. The process of constructing a new roof includes shingle removal, underlayment removal, and laying down new ply wood. Going with this route will give your roof the maximum lifespan possible.

If you suspect that your roof has damage and is ready for an inspection give us a call. We will send out one of our roofing professionals with years of experience to give you a quote. Along with a quote, we will inform you on what kind of damage we see. We educate you on what exactly it is we are doing, so that you know just where your money is going.

Our professionals will travel to YOU for your free roofing quote in Phoenix including Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe, Cave Creek, Apache Junction, Surprise, Sun City. We are an A+ rated company registered with the BBB.

September 26, 2016

Key To Roof Longevity – Proper Maintenance

By Castile RoofingRoofing MaintenanceNo Comments

Out every part of a building, roofs experience the most wear and tear from the weather. The sun blazes down on Phoenix, AZ roofs 299 days a year (on average) and during summer months, roofs can reach temperatures of over 120 degrees. The months of July, August and September bring heavy monsoons which can cause massive leaks and damage. In the Phoenix winter, low temperatures and heavy moisture may prone roofing materials to freeze and fractures. Your roof’s longevity is reliant upon proper care. We recommend biannual inspections.

If you want to maintain your building’s value and keep it looking sharp, maintenance of your roof is imperative. Unfortunately, because roofs are often out of sight, they can slip out of mind.

Below we outline roof maintenance best practices for a multitude of roofing types.

Maintaining Shingle Roofs

Check for Vegetation Growth

Moss and algae can corrode to your roof’s shingles significantly. If you find moss or algae growth on your roof, remove the outbreak and use a zinc or iron solutions to prevent further growth.

Clean Debris

Debris tend to collect on roofs over time. Inspect your roof for garbage, leaves, and other debris several times a year. Look under A/C units, near your chimney, and other areas such as protruding pipes. Removing debris will ensure that water won’t contribute to your roof’s decay as much.

Check Roof Flashings

Roof flashings are one of the most common ways that water enters a house so is important to check the flashings for signs of damage. Roof Flashings are strips of galvanized steel that are placed over the joints in your roof to prevent leaking. Check for cracks or algae and repair as needed.

Check Shingles

Carefully inspect your shingles for loose tabs. To prevent damage to your building, loose shingles must be repaired right away. Repairing a loose shingle is as easy as applying a little cempent to the bottom of the shingle which will secure it in place.

Check for Overgrown Tree Limbs & Branches

During storms with heavy winds, overgrown branches may bang scrape against the roof which can cause serious damage. Trim surrounding trees to avoid this issue as well as others, like roof rats.

Check the Gutters

Make sure that your gutters are clean so that water can freely flow away from your roof. Water accumulation can significantly decrease the life expectancy of your shingles.

Maintaining Foam Roofs

Foam roofs are topped with an elastomeric material that protect it from ultraviolet sunrays and can help the roof last for more than two and a half decades. The protective roof coat wears out overtime so it is important to recoat the foam roof every five years.

In between coatings there are several precautions you can take so to ensure the longevity of your roof.

Keep The Roof Free From Debris

Because roofs are out of sight, it is important take an inspection of your building’s roof for bird’s nests, tree branches, leaves, and debris at least once a year. If debris is left uncleaned on a foam roof, it can decompose the foam. The best time of year to inspect a roof is after monsoon season as the summer storms ususally leave debris on roofs.

Get Yearly Inspections

A roofer will typically inspect your roof for free and can tell when it’s time to recoat your roof or if any holes need repaired. With foam roofs it’s important to have consistent inspections as the longevity of the roof is directly correlated to the health of the top reflective coating.

Look for Strange Foam Discolorations

When you are removing debris from your roof look around and notice the texture of the roof. The texture of the roof should look a bit like an orange peel. If the texture resembles scrambled eggs or popcorn, the foam has been compromised. If foam is exposed or deteriorating, your likely well past due for a roof re-coating.

Have a Roofer Inspect for Ponding

Ask your roofer to look for water ponding on your roof. If found, your roofing professional can engineer a system to prevent further water pooling.

Maintaining Title Roofs

Check for Debris

Debris can decrease water flow and contribute to algae growth that will change the color of your bricks. Hence forth it is very important to keep your roof clean. Identify debris with a visual inspection around your house and then locate a secure and sturdy later to climb on to your roof. Use a broom to remove leaves, twigs, and other trash. A pressure washer is a great way to remove algae, bird feces, or dirt from your roof.

Clear Away Nearby Tree Foliage

In heavy Phoenix Monsoon storms tree branches can sway fiercely in the wind and cause significant damage to your roof. Ensure that all nearby tree branches are trimmed or risk significant roof repair and possible remodeling costs.

Tile Repair

You should almost always hire a Phoenix Roofing Professional to repair loose tiles. Improperly secured tiles and underlayment can cause major damage to your roof and home.

Remember proper roof care not only ensures the increased longevity of your Phoenix roof, but can also lead to lower utility bills and less remodeling costs.

Castile Roofing offers free Arizona roofing consultations. To increase the longevity of your roof fill in the form to the right.

September 23, 2016

Roofing Case Study #1: From Ruins To Restoration!

By Castile RoofingRoofing, Flat Roof, Repairs, Shingle Roof

Castile Roofing would like to present to you an ongoing series of Roofing Case Studies. In this Roofing Case Study, we showcase the importance of our services to citizens in the Valley of the Sun. Through the images shown, we stress the need for consultation and restoration of a home roof.

The Horror After the Storm

This is the interior of a residential roof that has seen
better days. The discoloration in the middle is water damage that has collected over the years. This is also known to be the number one source of water leaks. This is cause when rain runoff doesn’t do that; runoff the roof. The structural integrity was questionable; thus, the project is completed in stages. Therefore, we start the next phase of the restoration process.

The Restoration Process

As we further go into the Case Study, the damage was extensive. Our team will do their utmost to repair and provide resealing for the roof. Each of the shingles were removed up to the core section of the home. This area has the most damage. During this time, the roofer will take great caution for fear of further damage.

Removing the damaged Shingles

At this point, all damaged shingles that are safe to remove are out. At this point it becomes very delicate work. Here we see the Castile Roofer plan his next course of action. Thus, the work reaches the next phase of this case study.

Laying the Re-sealant foundation

With all damaged shingles removed, the next phase begins. The Roofer quickly reapplies a fresh sealant coating for waterproofing/weatherproofing. The Roofer has chosen to head towards the home, in this case. Starting from the Carport, the sealant is applied inward, followed by the new shingles.

This is an example of the sealant laid. The roofer carefully travels the length of the roof during this process. All damaged areas are cleaned and replaced prior to laying the sealant down. Now, the final part in this case study is the new shingles laid in place.

The Restoration is Complete

The roof is now made whole and clean. All affected areas are treated and the damaged shingles removed. New sealant and shingles are quickly applied; the roof restored.

Concluding the Roofing Case Study

This case study shows how Castile Roofing takes great pride in restoring homes to better standing. This has been a standard of our company for over a decade. It is also what we offer to all citizens of Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and more. We know the importance of Roofing Done Right. The case is clear. Castile Roofing is the ideal solution for your roofing needs.

August 15, 2016