The recent storms are seasonally out of character but damaging either way...
Depending on how long you live at any one particular location, due to age or a storm, you
may, at some point, have to replace the roof of your house. More than
likely you won't be able to do the job by yourself, so you'll need to
find a reliable roofing contractor. Roofing contractors should be
knowledgeable in the areas of; flashing and gutters, potential/common
problem areas, an array of available materials and which ones will work
for your particular home, and local building codes. The roofing
contractor should be able to answer all of your roofing questions.
We want you to know Bella Roofing is the BEST choice.
Have us out to do an assessment in the off season!
The team at Bella Roofing would love to offer a quote and proposal to help you with your roof.
Please call us at (817) 313-9353 or email your request to info@BellaRoofingus.com .
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Got a leak? how to find it...
Most people do not imagine how difficult it can be to locate a leak
in a roof. Watch any old cartoon and the culprit is immediately
apparent - a simple hole, occasionally big enough to stick your head
through. Not so with roof leaks in the real world - most such problems
only become apparent after the water has flowed, hugged, soaked and
spread its way across countless building materials long before it
becomes manifest in the home. That means the spot where your ceiling is
dripping can be dozens of horizontal feet from the original source of
the problem, with much of the path hidden within walls and casings.
If you have ever tried to head up into the attic to locate a roof leak, you probably encountered a common problem. Although many such leaks occur within the field of shingles or shakes, many hide in places you simply cannot find from inside the house. Many of the most common include flashings, those architectural features designed to join your roof to the other parts of your home. Of course, they may also be located within skylights, chimneys or ice dams, making it difficult to eliminate anything right off the bat.
The good news is that water is a substance without intent or cognition, meaning you can usually make sense of its path with a little rudimentary thought. Follow the grade of gravity and try to imagine and it's often easier than you think to backtrack from a visible water source. Many experts recommend paying careful attention to rafters and exposed pipes as well, as any of these can "carry" water significant distances without appearing wet to the untrained eye. A little detective work can go a long way toward better informed decisions and predictions, and saving you considerable time and frustration in the process.
If you have ever tried to head up into the attic to locate a roof leak, you probably encountered a common problem. Although many such leaks occur within the field of shingles or shakes, many hide in places you simply cannot find from inside the house. Many of the most common include flashings, those architectural features designed to join your roof to the other parts of your home. Of course, they may also be located within skylights, chimneys or ice dams, making it difficult to eliminate anything right off the bat.
The good news is that water is a substance without intent or cognition, meaning you can usually make sense of its path with a little rudimentary thought. Follow the grade of gravity and try to imagine and it's often easier than you think to backtrack from a visible water source. Many experts recommend paying careful attention to rafters and exposed pipes as well, as any of these can "carry" water significant distances without appearing wet to the untrained eye. A little detective work can go a long way toward better informed decisions and predictions, and saving you considerable time and frustration in the process.
Monday, August 5, 2013
When to Go Pro
There are many home improvements that we look forward to completing -- like a gorgeous kitchen update or planting a lovely garden. But one task that may be less exciting to invest time and money into (but even more important) is roof repair. This area of our house deserves some extra attention because neglecting it can lead to high energy bills, extensive damage or worse, not to mention the costs to fix it.
To keep your roof in good standing for years to come, here are four things you should know about maintaining them:
1. When to go pro. You should do a visual inspection of your roof several times a year. Call a professional if you see streaking stains on the shingles, curled or buckled shingles, areas on the roof missing granules or rusted flashings. Water stains in the attic or moss or mold on the roof are also signs of potential problems. It may be time for a new roof if you are noticing higher than average energy bills, moisture or mold in the attic, or leaks after extreme weather.
2. It's all about maintenance. Once a year, you should clean the cobwebs and dust from your ventilation system and exhaust vents. Then, caulk with a high grade sealant around pipes and vents and paint any exposed metal to prevent rust. Also, remove leaves and other debris from the gutters so they don't dam up and overflow.
3. One choice can make it last forever (almost). Asphalt shingle roofs tend to last approximately twenty years. Although, if a roof is installed correctly with the right components, it can last a lifetime.
4. People do notice. Your roofing material can actually enhance your home's curb appeal. (On average, 40 percent of what you see from the road is the roof!) And Realtor Magazine includes roof replacement in the top ten valuable home improvement projects and reports that homeowners can expect to recoup 56.7 percent of these costs when selling.
To keep your roof in good standing for years to come, here are four things you should know about maintaining them:
1. When to go pro. You should do a visual inspection of your roof several times a year. Call a professional if you see streaking stains on the shingles, curled or buckled shingles, areas on the roof missing granules or rusted flashings. Water stains in the attic or moss or mold on the roof are also signs of potential problems. It may be time for a new roof if you are noticing higher than average energy bills, moisture or mold in the attic, or leaks after extreme weather.
2. It's all about maintenance. Once a year, you should clean the cobwebs and dust from your ventilation system and exhaust vents. Then, caulk with a high grade sealant around pipes and vents and paint any exposed metal to prevent rust. Also, remove leaves and other debris from the gutters so they don't dam up and overflow.
3. One choice can make it last forever (almost). Asphalt shingle roofs tend to last approximately twenty years. Although, if a roof is installed correctly with the right components, it can last a lifetime.
4. People do notice. Your roofing material can actually enhance your home's curb appeal. (On average, 40 percent of what you see from the road is the roof!) And Realtor Magazine includes roof replacement in the top ten valuable home improvement projects and reports that homeowners can expect to recoup 56.7 percent of these costs when selling.
Monday, June 3, 2013
10 Common Questions About Hail Damage
1. How I do I know if I have hail damage to my roof? Can I tell from the ground?
If you've had hail in your area, to determine if the shingles have been damaged a close inspection of the shingles has to be made from the roof. Usually you cannot tell from the ground.
2. If I think I have hail damage what should I do? Call your insurance company and ask for an adjuster to come inspect your roof for hail damage. Call Bella Roofing and ask for the same inspection. If there are any discrepancies between the adjuster's findings and Bella's'sindings you may call for a "RE-INSPECTION" where your adjuster meets with the roofer to go over the roof together. Re-inspections are very common.
The insurance company must determine two things when assessing the amount of your loss:
Was there sufficient damage to the roof to declare it a total loss? (Usually determined by 10 verified hail hits per 100 square feet.)
What is the size of the roof and how many shingles will be needed to replace the roof
3. What does hail do to a roof? Shingles are designed so that the granules block the UV of the sun and protect the asphalt underlayment. As the shingles age the granules fall off over time. As the asphalt is exposed the UV, it dries out and the shingle gets a "potato chip" appearance as the corners start to curl up. A shingle at the extreme end of its life is bubbled in appearance and is brittle to the touch. A 20-year shingle is warranted by the manufacturer to have a useful life, under optimal ventilation conditions, of 20 years. Hail does several things:
Accelerates granule loss
Accelerates shingle aging.
Voids manufacturer's warrantees
Leads to other associated problems
4. Do I need to get my roof replaced right away? The insidious nature of hail damage is that it may pose no immediate threat to the structural integrity of the roof. However, many insurance companies have a "statute of limitations" of how long a hail claim is viable. If you have experienced a loss such as hail damage it is prudent to take care of the problem in a timely manner before it leads to other associated problems.
5. What does hail hit look like? A hail hit on a shingle looks like a "bruise" or a dark spot where the granules on the shingle have been knocked off and the asphalt underlayment and sometimes the fiberglass mat is exposed. New hail hits will have a shiny appearance because the asphalt has been freshly exposed and has not had time to weather to a dull color.
6. Why would my insurance company replace my roof? The purpose of home owner's insurance is to protect homeowners against losses in their property's value due to damage that is beyond their control. If you have hail damage, you have experienced a financial loss in that your original investment of a 20-year roof (for example) has now been reduced to a 5-10 year useful life span. Your insurance company will compensate you for your loss and replace your roof.
7. Why does the estimate read that there are more shingles to replace then there are to remove? The amount of shingles to remove from your roof is the actual amount of square feet that it takes to shingle your roof. However, when putting on shingles, some shingles have to be cut to fit dimensions, ridges, hips and valleys. The insurance company adds 10% to regular ridge roofs and 15% to hip and ridge roofs to account for the loss of shingles.
8. My gutters and siding were damaged and the insurance company paid me for how many linear feet had to be replaced. When I called a contractor they had a minimum fee which was far in excess of the small amount the insurance company paid me. What can I do? Your insurance company understands minimum charges such as these and has set prices they are prepared to pay as minimum charges for all trades. They do not give you the minimum charge up front because such a large percentage of their customers never call a contractor and just pocket the money. If you call your adjuster and ask for the minimum charge for the work, they will pay it without any hesitation.
9. In my adjustment, my insurance company deducted some money for depreciation, what is that all about? Different insurance companies call the amount that they hold back different things. Some call it depreciation; other companies figure it in as a dump and removal fee. What it represents is the amount of money the company will hold back until they receive a signed contract from you and a contractor for the work. When they receive a signed contract, you will receive another check for the amount they have held back.
10. My insurance adjuster said there was no hail damage on his first inspection, I asked Bella Roofing's estimator to call him and request to walk through a re-inspection with him. On the re-inspection the adjuster concluded that there was hail damage and "totaled" the roof. Why such a dramatic turn around? There are many different reasons that this happens so often. Sometimes adjusters get to a roof too soon after the actual damage and the hits haven't had a chance to weather yet. Sometimes the adjusters are inexperienced. Sometimes they were tired after looking at so many roofs that day. Sometimes they just make mistakes. The best results for the benefit of homeowner seem to be obtained when an experienced roofer walks through the inspection with the insurance adjuster and calls to the adjuster's attention any damage that he sees.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Roof Categories
Below is a listing and brief description of the most common roof categories.
BUR (Built Up Roof)
Built-up roof membranes are composed of asphalt, glass fiber and polyester or organic reinforcing felts. The membrane is typically surfaced with aggregate, mineral granules or fluid-applied coatings. These roofs require routine maintenance and typically last 8-20 years.
Modified
Modified membranes are asphalt-based and are typically found installed with one or more base or underlying interplies. This is the most common system for residential roofs. Modified products are typically either smooth surfaced, granule surfaced or foil-faced. Additionally, they may be field surfaced with a coating or a flood coat of asphalt and aggregate. The typical lifespan for modified roofs are relatively low at 8-15 years.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs provide long-lasting protection and can endure severe weather conditions. They come in a variety of finished coatings, colors and styles. The metal itself can last up to 50 years but penetrations and fasteners should be re-sealed and maintained every 2-3 years.
Thermoplastic Membranes
These single-ply membranes are composed of polymers, which soften when heated and harden when cooled. This process is repetitive provided the material is not heated above the point at which decomposition occurs. These membranes can usually be hot air welded throughout their service life. There are many different types of Thermoplastic Membranes including the following:
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin)
- lifespan = 15-25 years when maintained
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- lifespan = 15-20 years when maintained
thermoset Membrane
Thermoset Membranes
These roofs are “rubberlike” and are actually made of large pieces of synthetic rubber. When welded together, the rubber pieces are chemically bonded, forming a single-layer membrane. When stretched, they will elongate, but will return to their original shape when released. Included in this category are the following types of membranes:
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
- lifespan = 12-15 years
Hypalon (CSPE)
- lifespan = 15-20 years
SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam)
These roofs are usually composed of a polyurethane foam, sprayed from a pressurized gun, and an elastomeric acrylic coating. Once sprayed, the foam forms a solid, seamless membrane that waterproofs and insulates. These roofs need to be maintained on a regular basis and are not as common in hot areas, such as the southwest, because UV rays from sunlight cause the foam to crack and become brittle. SPF roofs are also highly susceptible to hail, bird, and insect damage. Every 10-15 years, these roofs should be cleaned and re-coated. If installed and maintained properly, an SPF roof can last as long as 50 years.
Tile Roof
Tiles can be concrete, clay and slate. The tiles themselves can last 40-75 years but the membranes beneath the tiles will not last this long. When good materials are used and proper installation is carried out, the underlayment system can last 30 years. If the quality of the underlayment is not up to par or improperly installed, it may need to be replaced within the first 5-10 years.
BUR (Built Up Roof)
Built-up roof membranes are composed of asphalt, glass fiber and polyester or organic reinforcing felts. The membrane is typically surfaced with aggregate, mineral granules or fluid-applied coatings. These roofs require routine maintenance and typically last 8-20 years.
Modified
Modified membranes are asphalt-based and are typically found installed with one or more base or underlying interplies. This is the most common system for residential roofs. Modified products are typically either smooth surfaced, granule surfaced or foil-faced. Additionally, they may be field surfaced with a coating or a flood coat of asphalt and aggregate. The typical lifespan for modified roofs are relatively low at 8-15 years.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs provide long-lasting protection and can endure severe weather conditions. They come in a variety of finished coatings, colors and styles. The metal itself can last up to 50 years but penetrations and fasteners should be re-sealed and maintained every 2-3 years.
Thermoplastic Membranes
These single-ply membranes are composed of polymers, which soften when heated and harden when cooled. This process is repetitive provided the material is not heated above the point at which decomposition occurs. These membranes can usually be hot air welded throughout their service life. There are many different types of Thermoplastic Membranes including the following:
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin)
- lifespan = 15-25 years when maintained
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- lifespan = 15-20 years when maintained
thermoset Membrane
Thermoset Membranes
These roofs are “rubberlike” and are actually made of large pieces of synthetic rubber. When welded together, the rubber pieces are chemically bonded, forming a single-layer membrane. When stretched, they will elongate, but will return to their original shape when released. Included in this category are the following types of membranes:
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
- lifespan = 12-15 years
Hypalon (CSPE)
- lifespan = 15-20 years
SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam)
These roofs are usually composed of a polyurethane foam, sprayed from a pressurized gun, and an elastomeric acrylic coating. Once sprayed, the foam forms a solid, seamless membrane that waterproofs and insulates. These roofs need to be maintained on a regular basis and are not as common in hot areas, such as the southwest, because UV rays from sunlight cause the foam to crack and become brittle. SPF roofs are also highly susceptible to hail, bird, and insect damage. Every 10-15 years, these roofs should be cleaned and re-coated. If installed and maintained properly, an SPF roof can last as long as 50 years.
Tile Roof
Tiles can be concrete, clay and slate. The tiles themselves can last 40-75 years but the membranes beneath the tiles will not last this long. When good materials are used and proper installation is carried out, the underlayment system can last 30 years. If the quality of the underlayment is not up to par or improperly installed, it may need to be replaced within the first 5-10 years.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
How to Find a Leak in a Roof
Most people do not imagine how difficult it can be to locate a leak in a roof. Watch any old cartoon and the culprit is immediately apparent - a simple hole, occasionally big enough to stick your head through. Not so with roof leaks in the real world - most such problems only become apparent after the water has flowed, hugged, soaked and spread its way across countless building materials long before it becomes manifest in the home. That means the spot where your ceiling is dripping can be dozens of horizontal feet from the original source of the problem, with much of the path hidden within walls and casings.
If you have ever tried to head up into the attic to locate a roof leak, you probably encountered a common problem. Although many such leaks occur within the field of shingles or shakes, many hide in places you simply cannot find from inside the house. Many of the most common include flashings, those architectural features designed to join your roof to the other parts of your home. Of course, they may also be located within skylights, chimneys or ice dams, making it difficult to eliminate anything right off the bat.
The good news is that water is a substance without intent or cognition, meaning you can usually make sense of its path with a little rudimentary thought. Follow the grade of gravity and try to imagine and it's often easier than you think to backtrack from a visible water source. Many experts recommend paying careful attention to rafters and exposed pipes as well, as any of these can "carry" water significant distances without appearing wet to the untrained eye. A little detective work can go a long way toward better informed decisions and predictions, and saving you considerable time and frustration in the process.
If you have ever tried to head up into the attic to locate a roof leak, you probably encountered a common problem. Although many such leaks occur within the field of shingles or shakes, many hide in places you simply cannot find from inside the house. Many of the most common include flashings, those architectural features designed to join your roof to the other parts of your home. Of course, they may also be located within skylights, chimneys or ice dams, making it difficult to eliminate anything right off the bat.
The good news is that water is a substance without intent or cognition, meaning you can usually make sense of its path with a little rudimentary thought. Follow the grade of gravity and try to imagine and it's often easier than you think to backtrack from a visible water source. Many experts recommend paying careful attention to rafters and exposed pipes as well, as any of these can "carry" water significant distances without appearing wet to the untrained eye. A little detective work can go a long way toward better informed decisions and predictions, and saving you considerable time and frustration in the process.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Which Roof Is Best for You?
There are many factors to consider in choosing a roof, including style, color, durability, warranties and installation. Here are some facts to help you decide.
• Architectural shingles create a multidimensional effect. They feature laminated construction for longer life.
• Traditional, three-tab flat asphalt shingles offer more value and performance than industry-standard shingles. They're color blended for a natural look.
• Special adhesives tightly seal each shingle to reduce the risk of blowing off.
• Roof shingles come in colors from natural wood shades to intense slate blue, green and red. If you have a homeowners’ association, check the architectural guidelines.
• Most roofs are asphalt shingles. Other materials include tile and metal for steep slope roofs or single-ply membranes for flat roofs.
• Shingle warranties range from 25 years to a lifetime.
• Roof replacement should include removal of existing materials, a structural integrity inspection, a rubberized leak barrier, deck underlayment, drip edges and metal flashings.
Call Bella Roofing today for a free consultation!
• Architectural shingles create a multidimensional effect. They feature laminated construction for longer life.
• Traditional, three-tab flat asphalt shingles offer more value and performance than industry-standard shingles. They're color blended for a natural look.
• Special adhesives tightly seal each shingle to reduce the risk of blowing off.
• Roof shingles come in colors from natural wood shades to intense slate blue, green and red. If you have a homeowners’ association, check the architectural guidelines.
• Most roofs are asphalt shingles. Other materials include tile and metal for steep slope roofs or single-ply membranes for flat roofs.
• Shingle warranties range from 25 years to a lifetime.
• Roof replacement should include removal of existing materials, a structural integrity inspection, a rubberized leak barrier, deck underlayment, drip edges and metal flashings.
Call Bella Roofing today for a free consultation!