Roche Roofing

3 Things to Do Immediately After Detecting a Roof Leak

2011-05-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

By: Jessica Ackerman

After the first sounds of water dripping into the house interrupt your peace of mind and confidence in your roof's ability to keep you dry, there are three important things that you should do. The first step you need to take care of right away, while the other two steps will need to be done when there is a break in the downpour. By having a plan in place to take care of your roof's leaks, you can help make sure that your home stays in good condition.

Step 1: Collection and Clean Up

The first step is always the most anxiety ridden for homeowners. The pitter patter of rain dripping through the roof is never a welcome sound, but the first thing you need to do is start collecting the water. Quickly place an old, large towel on the ground and place a deep and wide bucket or bowl under the spot of the drip. It is important to put the towel down first, because as the water begins to fill up in the container, it is likely to splash out. Wipe down the area before you put the towel down to clean up any water that is currently on the floor. When the rain is pouring down, it is not safe to go out onto your roof, so your only option is really just to collect the dripping water and clean up any water that may be there.

Step 2: Assess the Problem

After the rain has stopped and the roof is dry, it may be safe for you to go out onto your roof. If you are comfortable doing this and the roof is easily accessible, climb up and check out where the leak is coming from. Often, it may be just a matter of re-sealing or re-caulking flashing or seams. This can easily be done with roof caulk and sealant that is sold in most large home improvement stores. If your roof is steep or you are not comfortable climbing out onto the surface, your next step is to call a roofing contractor to assess the problem for you. Be prepared for your roofer to be busy after particularly heavy rains or storms, as that is when most people will see problems in their roof.

Step 3: Repair the Problem

If you are able to repair the problem yourself, you will find that the cost to do so is much cheaper than hiring a roofing contractor. However, do not let the lure of an inexpensive bill propel you to attempt roof repairs that you do not feel comfortable doing yourself. If you already have a reputable roofing contractor that you use, have him come to repair the problem for you. If not, referrals from friends and family will often yield much better results than random cold calling of roofers in the phone book.

While it may be tempting to let the problem go until it leaks again, it is best to get the problem taken care of right away. It is better to spend money re-caulking flashing or repairing a seam, than it is to re-coat the roof and repair beam damage because you waited too long.

How Long a Roof Should Last

2011-04-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

By: Alyssa Davis

When you have a new roof installed on your home, you want it to last for a long time. New roofs are one of the most expensive investments that you can make in your home, and the longer the roof lasts, the better. The trick to making the roof last longer is to buy the right roof for your home. There are many different types of roofing material and each has a different life span. Use the guide below to help you choose wisely.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are, by far, the most common type of roofing material in the United States. They are relatively easy to install and work with. They come in a variety of colors to match just about any home's look and are relatively inexpensive compared to some of the other roofing materials available. Asphalt shingles come in varying grades and can last anywhere from ten to 30 years depending on the material used. If you do not plan to live in your home forever, or can stomach the thought of another roof replacement in another couple of decades, asphalt shingles may be the most economical and practical choice for you.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are very different than their angled counterparts. Many flat roofs have an underlayment that consists of a foam covering. Atop that is a sealant covering that needs to be maintained every year. Whether it is simply sweeping off leaves and debris to make sure that the surface is free of pocks and holes, or re-coating the roof to make it last longer, flat roofs require more maintenance and time. In many cases, flat roofs have a life span of about ten to 20 years. During that time they need to be re-coated at least once to ensure that they remain in good condition.

Metal Roofs

There are many different types of metal roofing systems available for higher end homes. Copper and stainless steel are just two types of metal that are frequently used. With the proper installation and care, a metal roof can last up to 100 years and provide solid, consistent protection from the elements. The only drawback to such a roof is the price tag. It is much more expensive to install a copper roof than it is to install an asphalt shingle roof.

Natural Materials

Natural materials, such as grasses and wooden shingles, have varying life spans as roofing material. A home that is semi-submerged beneath the ground and that sports a grass roof, will have a better chance of the roof lasting longer than an apartment building in a large city that tries to copy the style. Likewise, wooden shingles may last longer in drier climates than they do in more humid and wet climates. Natural materials may seem like an environmentally friendly choice, but when the roof fails the cost to replace or repair it can be significant.

Regardless of the type of roof chosen, installation and the elements play a large role in how a roof holds up over time. Talk with your roofing contractor to determine which material is going to work best for your home and your budget.

Learn the 7 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before You Hire Them!

2011-04-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

The critical success factor in any construction project, is the contractor. A qualified, professional, experienced contractor knows what results are required for Owner satisfaction, as well as, what will lead to dissatisfaction down the road.

Allow yourself a minimum of 1 hour to sit down with each contractor. Both of you need to explore the problems, products, and prices. You will be surprised at how many options and questions can be discussed with a professional contractor.

Taking only 1 hour of time getting to know and qualifying the contractor prior to awarding your project can save endless hours of time dealing with dissatisfaction.

Most dissatisfaction involves an Owner who did not fully know what they selected or committed themselves to. A professional contractor will take pride in his work and will have no problem discussing your options, his previous experience, and his list of satisfied customers.

Make sure that you ask the following 7 questions to make sure that you select the best contractor for your next project…

1. Does the Contractor have a permanent place of business?

All Contractor Selection Guidelines start with this question because most dissatisfaction involves low-bid undercapitalized contractors. If the contractor is not permanently established, how can you be confident he will complete the work – or will still be in business tomorrow to handle any problems?

Automatically reject any contractor without a permanent place of business.

The courts are full of dissatisfied Owners with worthless judgments against insolvent contractors.

While there is no way to guarantee any business is financially stable, there are some tell-tale signs, and you can take to protect yourself, and assure your satisfaction.

Visit the contractor’s place of business. Does it look like it has been established there for a long time? Does it appear that the equipment, manpower, and wherewithal is available to complete your project in a professional and timely manner?

Automatically reject any bid from a contractor without substance.

Do not be swayed by a personable contractor or his attractive low price. It is not worth the risk. Select only a contractor that is financially committed to the business. Select someone you can call if a problem arises in the future.

A professional contractor will have no problem giving you a tour of the facilities and provide whatever financial proof is required for your peace of mind. Don’t be timid about asking. The professional respects these questions and knows that time is being well spent with an intelligent buyer.

2. Does the company carry insurance and is the coverage adequate?

When deciding on a contractor be sure that the company can provide specific, detailed information of their insurance coverage. They should be able to provide the name and phone number of their insurance agent so you can verify everything.

This is the second most important question. Owners have been financially harmed by uninsured or inadequately insurance contractors.

Automatically reject any contractor without proper and adequate insurance.

A contractor should provide you with a Certificate of Insurance for Comprehensive Liability, Worker’s Compensation, and Completed Operations Insurance that protects you in the event of an accident or provides financial coverage for a failed project. The insurance should be adequate to cover the property.

Contractors may also carry other forms of insurance, such as health insurance and vehicle insurance. Do not be confused by these policies. Do not allow the contractor to pass them off as his proof of “contractors” insurance.

Call the insurance company and verify coverage.

Contractor insurance policies are for one year; and unscrupulous contractors have been known to modify the dates. Check carefully the dates on the Certificate of Insurance. Is it current?

Worker Accidents: Be aware that Owners are sued for injuries on their property. Most Owner Insurance Policies exclude outside contractors, so it is critical to make sure there is proper and adequate coverage. Don’t be fooled by the contractor who says he doesn’t need insurance because he is self-employed.

A tell-tale pattern of an uninsured or underinsured contractor is the low-bid. Be very wary of the low-bid. Also be wary of multiple low bids. You may have several uninsured contractors bidding the project.

Today, insurance to protect the workers and your property is a significant cost of a construction project. For example, Worker’s compensation premiums are typically no less than 20% on top of the worker’s wage, and can go as high as 100%, depending upon the type of work. The contractor, working without insurance, saves between 20% and 100% of his labor cost by operating without insurance, but he puts you at great risk. The contractor working without insurance, generally has no assets and nothing to lose, so you as the Owner, are totally exposed to any losses.

A professional contractor will readily provide you with a Certificate of Insurance and phone numbers you can call for verification.

Job Site Safety: Safety violations are now causing projects to be shut down and penalties are levied against involved parties. Some Owners have been stuck with incomplete projects due to violations and the contractor’s unwillingness to pay fines or return to the site. In some cases, the Owner can be classified as the employer and they can or have been found responsible for the fines.

Ask contractors about their Safety Plan, which is required by OSHA.

Professional contractors will readily provide you with a Safety Plan so you are protected. The Safety Plan is another tell-tale sign of professionalism or the lack of same.

3. Is the company a licensed, registered contractor, and a member in good standing of a trade association?

Automatically reject any contractor who is not licensed.

However, do not be fooled by a contractor with a license. Generally, the license requirements are minimal and the law is generally poorly enforced. A better test is to question the contractor’s commitment to his trade. Is he a member of the trade association?

Call the association and verify the answer. Ask if the contractor is taking Continuing Education Training, similar to other up-to-date professionals. Ask to see certificates. A professional contractor will be only to happy to respond to these questions.

Reject the contractor who blows off your questions as not being important. There are probably a lot of other issues he deems unimportant and will blow off, maybe one being your satisfaction.

Note: Roche Roofing is a member of CCN, the Certified Contractors NetWork. CCN is an elite group of highly qualified Contractors dedicated to providing only the very best contracting experience for its clients.

4. How long has the company been in business?

Needless to say, the more experienced the better. Under five years is often a tell-tale sign of a potentially unstable business. Most contracting businesses (90%) fail within the first five years. Examine new business with extra care before awarding the project.

Check references carefully. Current references are only valuable to see if the Owner is happy with the contractor’s work, but only long term references are the proof of actual performance of the contractor’s work.

Most failed construction projects do not happen quickly, but deteriorate over a period of years. New project references should carry minimal weight in the decision making process vs. long term projects.

A professional contractor will gladly provide references and want you to speak with his past customers.

Automatically reject any contractors who can not provide a reference list of customers.

5. What is the contractor’s record for complaint resolution?

Automatically reject any contractor who says they never had a complaint. The best of contractors find themselves in disputes for one reason or another.

Ask the contractor for the name of a problem account and explanation as to how they rectified the complaint.

Be forewarned that many quality contractors, in business for a long period of time, and with thousands of completed projects, are exposed to disputes. The question is, not if they have had disputes, but what was done about the dispute after it occurred.

Tip: One easy way to find out how a contractor handles customer complaints is by calling the Better Business Bureau.

6. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?

Typically, contractor workmanship warranties are for one year or more. Longer warranties are not more valuable than shorter warranties. The length of the warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the contractor to stand behind his warranty. The professional contractor often performs well beyond the written warranty period because he knows that this is what builds customer loyalty and referrals.

Automatically reject any contractor with an unbelievable warranty. The warranty is just a sales tool to that contractor and you don’t know what other “bill of goods” you have been sold.

The long-term warranty is provided by the manufacturer. It is critical to be assured that the product will be installed according to the manufacturer specifications, or there will be no warranty regardless the document you were provided. With many materials, the warranty is often only valid if the contractor is “Certified” to install the product.

Ask to see the contractor’s training and certification certificate from the manufacturer. Call the manufacturer to determine if it is valid and the contractor is still in good standing.

Professional contractors will have no problem providing this proof, in fact, they will usually present their credentials before being asked.

7. Does the company provide sufficient details for the project being performed?

The contractor should be able to clearly explain how they plan to perform the work and what materials will be used.

Compliance with local ordinances – Question the contractor about what is required. Contact the local building department for verification. Question if the permit is included in the cost and who is responsible for obtaining the permit.

Product Selection – Make sure the proposal includes a specific reference to the product and color you have chosen. Your proposal will be your proof of purchase in later years.

Manufacturer Warranty Specifications – If the project is to be warranted by a manufacturer, confirm that the agreement states that the work will conform to the manufacturer specifications.

Clean-Up – Call for daily clean-up to help minimize safety issues or exposure.

Payment Terms – Schedule, terms and method of payment should be clearly detailed in the agreement. Establish an agreement regarding retainage if a certain portion of work is left incomplete or there is a “punch list”.

Preliminary Inspection – Plan to meet with the Job Foreman who will be responsible for your satisfaction. Make sure he fully understands the specifications and promises made by his company. Establish the condition of the property before the work starts in the event there is property damage during construction.

Roche Roofing is proud to be a member of the Certified Contractors NetWork, and would like to thank them for providing these “7 Questions”.

The Three Biggest Problems That You'll Have With Most Roofing Companies And How Roche Roofing Overcomes Them All

2009-10-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

A study last summer found that 50% of home improvement customers would NOT hire their contractor again? 50%...that’s like flipping a coin. Many people just want to know how much it will cost and when can they start.

Those people are part of the unhappy HALF and here’s what they said their reasons were…

They didn’t get what they thought they were paying for, their expectations aren’t met. That would make me unhappy?
They weren’t kept informed or communicated with, so they got anxious and worried too much. If you’re like me you’d hate that…
And then to top it off they were met with unexpected charges at the end of their project. That would really tick me off…

So here’s why so many of our customers are satisfied with our work, hire us again and refer us to their family & friends…

After we discuss exactly what you need and want, you get written Specific Project Details that cover all aspects of your project like permits required, materials to be used, installation timelines & clean-up plans. You know what you’re getting…
At the end of each workday you’ll know what was accomplished, what’s happening next and when. These are part of our Anxiety Avoidance Program.
And because of your Specific Project Details and our Anxiety Avoidance Program, you can’t be met with unexpected charges at the end of your project. Just lots of enjoyment of a project well done!

Hope you can see We're 100% committed to your 100% satisfaction.

Call 305-220-ROOF right now and request your 17-point Roof & Attic Inspection-Analysis-Report, normally costing $149 but FREE if you call right now.

The Lexus of Roofing Systems

2009-10-15T11:01:00.001-07:00

The Lexus of Roofing Systems

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The Importance of Attic Ventilation

2009-09-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

A properly vented attic can save you money-and add life to your new roof.

BY TED MICHELSEN

An extremely important but often misunderstood part of good home design is attic ventilation. Proper attic ventilation can save homeowners energy, extend the life of their roofing materials and reduce moisture problems like mold, mildew and some other types of water damage.

Since 1942, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has had minimum attic ventilation requirements, and the building codes have included attic ventilation for almost as long.

So why do we even need to worry about attic ventilation?

Unfortunately, some homebuilders have promoted non-ventilated attics to save pennies.

RSI Magazine's 2005 State of the Industry Report shows that 90% of residential roofing contractors say that they check attic ventilation before reroofing. And when they do, 56% say the existing attic ventilation is inadequate.

So, if you're currently contemplating a new roof, there is a greater than 50% chance that your attic is poorly ventilated. This wastes money, energy, and can lead to premature roof failure, water damage and possibly, mold growth.

Why ventilate?

By ventilating the attic space we accomplish two things. Once, we move hot air out of the attic during the summer (temperatures up to 160 degress F) and keep the attic temperature down (105 degrees F), which will extend the life of roofing materials and keep the house cooler. Two, we move moisture that has come from inside the house out of the attic before it can condense, cause mold or other damage.....

Summer months

During the summer, we have high air temperatures and long hours of sunlight, which causes the roof surface to become hot. This heat is then transferred to the attic. If the attic is not ventilated the attic temperature can easily reach 160 degrees F, while a properly vented attic will reach about 105 degress F.

Even with insulation, the heat in the attic will flow down into the house, because heat does not follow gravity but rather flows from hot locations to colder locations. The rate of heat flow is related to the temperature difference. Thus if the house temperature was 80 degrees F, a vented attic would only move about 1/3 the amount of heat into the house as a non-vented attic. For example, a 2,000 square foot house in Phoenix, AZ could save about $125 per year in energy costs between a vented and non-vented attic.

Added to the increased energy cost is shortened life of the air conditioner unit due to additional operational hours.

The added heat in the non-vented attic will cause the roofing materials to get hotter as well. Heat causes increased aging rates for organic materials like wood and asphalt, thus shorting their life. This problem is well recognized by the asphalt shingle industry, and many manufacturers do not cover shingle damage due to non-vented attics in their warranties.....

Fixing ventilation issues

If your house does not have any ventilation, it can be added relatively easily. First, install the appropriate amount of soffit venting for your house. Make sure that the attic insultion does not block the airflow of the soffit vent. Since installing ridge vents or static vents require major roofing work, which sould be done by a roofing professional, it may be easier to install a powered vent near the ridge, as typically only one hole is needed.

If you are experiencing some of the problems discussed above and you have attic vents, it is possible that the attic insulation was incorrectly installed so that it either covers the soffit vents or blocks the air flow from the soffit vent to the attic.

If this is the case, removing or pulling back the insulation from the eave and soffit areas will solve the problem. Either, the homeowner or a professional insulation contractor can do this work.

There are cardboard or foam attic rafter vents that fit between the rafters and prevent the insulation from blocking the air flow from the soffit vents.

In summary, attic ventilation is important for a long lasting house in the U.S., especially when air conditioning is used.

Rain Gutter Cleaning Video

2009-09-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

Rain Gutter Cleaning Video

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As A Factory-Certified Master Elite Roofing Contractor We're Your Safest Choice

2009-09-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Getting a new roof shouldn't be an exercise in pain and frustration!

The biggest obstacle to a successful roofing project is choosing the right contractor to do the work. To help make your decision easier, our company has joined an exclusive factory certification program sponsored by GAF-Elk-North America's largest roofing manufacturer.

Asking the right questions is the key to selecting the right contractor. To become a factory-certified GAF-Elk Master Elite roofing contractor, we had to show that we are:

Fully licensed in our local area to perform roofing work

Adequately insured for your protection

Have a proven reputation for providing quality roofing services throughout the community

Committed to ongoing professional training to ensure quality installation

Because of GAF-Elk's stringent standards, only the top 3% of all roofing contractors have qualified as Master Elite contractors! Choosing us is your assurance that you'll be dealing with a quality, reputable, and dependable professional contractor-not some "fly-by-nighter."

Superior Protection

Most people think that a new roof is nothing more than just nailing up some shingles. We know better -so we recommend GAF-Elk's Weather Stopper 3-Part Roof Protection System. It gives you the best protection against a variety of all-too-common roofing problems. Plus, each component used in the system has earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal!

Worry-Free And Hassle-Free Warranty Options

Because of our unique factory-certified status, the roofs we install are eligible for special warranties- all backed by GAF-Elk's financial clout as North America's largest roofing manufacturer. After all, a warranty is only as good as the manufacturer that stands behind it. With a GAF-Elk roof, you know that you will be covered throughout the warranty period-without fail! Ask us about which warranty option would be right for your home.

Your Safest Choice

Don't trust your biggest asset to just any contractor. As a factory-certified Master Elite contractor, we're your best and safest choice!

Building To Improve Hurricane Resistance

2009-09-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

After the spate of hurricanes in Florida and the Southeast last year, some homeowners may be concerned about how their homes will hold up under severe weather.

Homes can be built to withstand powerful storms. Choosing the right building materials and paying attention to construction details are keys to building a storm-resistant home.

While researchers still are working on design improvements and models that accurately predict how light-frame homes behave during extreme wind events, here are a few key recommendations from the PATH report, Durability by Design:

Reduce dangerous uplift by using hurricane straps and clips. (During Hurricane Andrew, hurricane ties had a 92% success rate.)

Wall bracing: Proper diaphragm and shear wall construction using a rated bracing material such as oriented stand board or plywood is critical.

Attention to small details-lapping wall top plates at intersections with interior walls and attaching sheathing to a common stud in corner construction-can make all the difference, according to full-scale shear wall testing done by the NAHB Research Center.

Proper nailing schedule: Size, type and placement are factors. Inadequate nailing in older building codes were blamed for the widespread roof sheathing damage wrought by Hurricane Andrew in 1993.

Preliminary findings of an NAHB Research Center study suggest that nail edge distance tolerance is quite tight (acceptable nail edge distance should be ¼ to ¾ inch) and that nail overdrive can reduce uplift strength of the connection significantly. Thicker sheathing can offset sensitivity to overdriving.

NOW get the17-pt. Roofing & Attic Inspection – Analysis – Report, normally $149, but FREE if you call today!