Bella Roofing

Preventative Maintenance

2011-09-15T08:57:00.001-05:00

Although some roof systems take less maintenance than others, all roof systems should be checked periodically to be sure that they are free of debris and drains are clear. Bella Roofing recommends that you inspect your roof quarterly.

The best preventative maintenance that one can do is perform semi-annual inspections to identify and solve problems as they occur. Roofs get more abuse from the elements than any other part of the building, and preventative maintenance is a key element to saving money on your roof by providing a longer service life. This section will provide some general guidelines to help keep your roof in good working condition for as long as possible.

Asphalt Shingles

* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
* If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Keep algae off of the roof surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
* Dab some roof cement under any loose shingle tabs. One dab on either side should do.
* Replace any damaged shingles.
* Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal. If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover. Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630. It works very well. Paint the valley with Rustoleum® or similar product afterward.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

Built-Up and Modified Bitumen Roofs

* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
* If your roof has a gravel surfacing and there are some bare spots present, clean the bare spot thoroughly using a broom and a wire brush if necessary. Be sure to remove all loose dirt generated from brushing and sweeping. Blow on the area if need be. Spread a thin layer of asphalt roof cement (mastic) over the bare area about 1/8 inch thick. Gather some loose gravel from other areas of the roof and embed it in the roof cement.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Check the edge metal. Make sure that it isn’t separating at the seams. If it is, then the repairs need to be made as soon as possible. This can usually be done easily by yourself or by any local qualified contractor.
* Check for blisters in the roof. DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM. Call a local qualified contractor to patch them.
* Clean out and refill any pitch pockets where the filler is cracked and/or shrinking.
* Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Water test any sump drains twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall before winter sets in. If they don’t drain properly, call a plumber and get them working properly. Drains will often leak if they are holding water.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants on flashings and copings. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
* Keep all fungus and algae from the surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on the chimney, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
* Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal. If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover. Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630. This stuff works very well.

Single-Ply Roofs

* Remove all debris from the roof surface. This includes vegetation, dirt, loose nails and screws, unused equipment, etc. With a single-ply roof, you have only one layer of protection, so if a nail head gets stepped on and penetrates that one thin layer, then eventually there will be a leak.
* Check the seams. If they are coming apart, then they need to be patched as soon as possible.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Check the edge metal. Make sure that it isn’t separating at the seams. If it is, then the repairs need to be made as soon as possible. This can usually be done easily by yourself or by any local qualified contractor.
* Check for bubbles and blisters in the roof. DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM. Call a local qualified contractor to patch them.
* Clean out and refill any pitch pockets where the filler is cracked and/or shrinking. .
* Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Water test any sump drains twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall before winter sets in. If they don't drain properly, call a plumber and get them working properly. Drains will often leak if they are holding water.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants on flashings and copings. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration.
* Keep an eye on any blisters you see. If they get large enough that they split open, you will need to contact a foam contractor to repair them but they still should not leak.
* Any yellow exposed foam should be covered with polyurethane caulking.
* Any splits, punctures, or other forms of damage to the roof should be repaired using polyurethane caulking.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Clean out all drains and water-test to ensure they aren't plugged.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

How to Spot Wind Damage to Your Roof

2011-09-05T22:26:00.004-05:00

Following a strong wind storm, it is critical for homeowners to inspect their roof for damage. Spotting even minor damage to shingles and other parts of your roof can save major headaches for you down the road. Even minor failures in these roof components can leave your home unprotected from the elements, leading to costly repairs from water damage, mold and rot.

Here are a few things to look for if you fear your roof may be damaged due to high wind damage:

-Loose or missing shingles
-Loose or exposed shingles
- Interior water damage
- Fallen branches in and around your yard

As a homeowner, spotting these irregularities quickly and reporting them to your roofing repair service like Bella Roofing can often result in a simple repair. Or in cases where a weather event has significantly damaged the roof, we can work with you and your insurance agency on filing a claim to replace the roof.

Ways To Prevent A Leaking Roof

2011-08-22T00:33:00.003-05:00

A leaking roof is the last thing that you need especially on a rainy night. Fortunately, you can prevent leaky roofs by following these simple steps, all aimed at taking care of the situation beforehand.

1. Check out the Most Likely Roof Leak Spots

The most likely places where you will get a roof leak are the chimney, plumbing vent flashing, skylights, furnace shingles, and missing shingles. It may be difficult for you to identify the problematic area in the absence of rain and therefore you may have to do the identification during wet weather.

Most leak spots are never directly above the location where the dripping occurs on the ceiling. For this reason, locating the exact spot may require you to start in the attic. Following leak stains is another way to find leak spots. Leak stains will normally be observed around skylights, chimneys, and vents.

2. Repairing Leaks in Shingle Roofing

One of the easiest leaky roof repair jobs that you can do is when the problem is identified as bent-back shingles. Here, the solution involves replacing the damaged shingles. Remove the layer of shingles above the damaged ones and then replace them with new ones.

3. Problems with Collars and Flashings

Pipes are also a major cause of leaking roofs and the troublesome spots will mostly involve the collars and flashings. These immediately call for new replacements. Pipe leaks may also require some extra work in terms of observing if the wood beneath the roof is soft from water damage. Such wood surfaces do rot with time and thus they become unreliable. The situation may require you to re-roof the house depending on the extent of the damage.

So you need to hire a roofing contractor?

2011-08-01T13:51:00.002-05:00

Depending on how long you live at any one particular location 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.

Don't just talk to one contractor. Compile a list of several, interview them, and ask those you're impressed with to bid on your job. Some of the information you should collect from them includes:

1. How long they've been in business

2. What type of insurance coverage they carry

3. Their business license number

4. Whether they hold the contracting licenses required by your state

5. Ask for multiple references

6. Check with your local Better Business Bureau as any trade associations that pertain to home building

7. You should also be sure to check the references they provided you

Once you have interviewed the prospective contractors on your list, start collecting proposals from them. It's fine to narrow the field by getting estimates, but when it comes time to select someone, you need to put your agreement in writing in the form of a proposal. Things to consider include product warranty and workmanship guarantees, what sort of building permits you'll need, hours of work and the project completion date, site safety and clean-up rules, information regarding any subcontractors they use, and proof of payment by your roofer. Make sure you have a well written contract. You also need to specify the materials you choose and include details regarding how and when you'll pay as well as any laws regarding property liens if you can't pay on time.

Once you've hired a roofing contractor, be prepared to work closely with them when selecting colors and design.

Roof Maintenance Checklist

2011-07-15T00:43:00.000-05:00

A well maintained roof will last longer under normal circumstances than a roof that was neglected.

Here is a roof maintenance checklist for you to use as a guide in keeping your roof in one piece:

1. Clean all gutters and downspout. Make sure there is nothing that will cause a block. As added protection you could put screens over the gutters to keep debris out and allow the rain and water to flow off of the roof.

Checking the gutters should be done every few months to make sure water does not end up standing on the roof for a long period of time. More frequent checks should be done during the fall months to make sure leaves and so forth are not clogging your drains.

2. Examine the shingles on top of the house. You should be looking for signs of wear and or damage.

Inspections on the shingles should be done quarterly.

3. Look around the chimney or other opening/joining of surfaces. Take note of any irregularities. This can include bubble or lifting of the shingles, broken or cracked shingles and so forth. Immediately replace and do necessary repairs before there is a problem.

This should be done every two to three months. If harsh weather is typical for your area you might want to do this more frequently. This will help you catch a potential problem in the making before the problem actually occurs.

4. Look at your landscaping. If the trees that are near your home are overgrown or have branches hanging over or touching your roof you need to remove them.

5. Look for any signs of water damage in your home. You should look close to the ceiling on the top floor of your home.

Now that you have a basic roof maintenance checklist to use as your guide, you should know what to look for and when to look for it. Knowing your roof condition and keeping potential problems at bay is essential for extending the life of your roof and keeping your money in your wallet.

Heat Related Roof Damages

2011-07-01T12:10:00.001-05:00

You must choose the right type of roofing that can withstand extreme weather conditions especially if you live in an area that is exposed to constant high winds, heat, hail, rain, and snow. We are now in the dog days of summer where the temperatures outside are hot, and the temperatures on our roofs are even hotter. In extreme heat, residential roofs can suffer a significant amount of damage that can reduce the life of a roof. We at Bella Roofing are here to help you with the right roofing choice to ensure minimal weather related and other issues for a long to come.

Here are some common heat related roof damages to look out for when inspecting you own roof.

Cracks
If your home features asphalt, wood or tile shingles, cracking may occur with aging and weather damage. Drying and cracking of the felt material beneath occurs when the shingles are exposed due to splitting for a long period of time. This leads to leakage that has to be addressed with the help of professional roofers immediately.

Minor Heat Cracking

Minor heat cracking occurs as the roof ages. It is one of the first signs that the roof is nearing the end of its useful life. In most cases the roof can still be certified for one to three years, depending on the severity of the heat cracking.

Major Heat Cracking

When a roof has been heat cracking for an extended period of time, it becomes major heat cracking. At this point the roof has reached the end of its useful life and is not certifiable.

Blistering
Blistering is another major cause of shortened roof life. With aging of the roof and with exposure to elements, open or closed bubbles form leading to blistering. Build up of moisture occurs due to the exposed felt and this in turn shortens the life of shingles.

Minor Blistering

As the roof gets older it starts to blister. Blisters expose the mat and shorten the life of the shingles. Blisters are raised areas either open or closed. Open blisters expose the mat of the shingle. Closed blisters are a bubble in the granules and will become open when they pop.

Loss of Granules

With aging and with constant exposure to harsh weather conditions, granules are lost thereby exposing the felt matting to elements. This in turn results in shortened shingle life. It is normal for shingles to lose some of granules over time.

These are just a few of the heat related damages that can occur to a residential roof. Residential roofs have to be maintained well. They must be inspected by professionals at least once a year to detect and repair any damage. We offer expert roofing consultation and services backed by well trained professionals. Call us instantly for roof replacement or roof repairs.

How to File an Insurance Claim for Roof Hail Damage

2011-06-15T17:43:00.001-05:00

Claims for hail damage to roofs is on the increase due to a recent eruption of thunderstorms that have hit DFW and surrounding ares. If you live in an area where you can get hail large enough to possibly cause damage to your roof, you will want to know how and when to file an insurance claim for damages. If you are not sure whether your home has been damaged by hail , start by calling us a Bella Roofing and we will help you inspect any damages you might have. All of our sales personnel have been trained in a similar manner as your insurance adjuster and can also walk you through the steps of settling your claim.

Suggested steps to take when filing an insurance claim:

1. Note the date. If you know for sure that you've recently had a hail storm, note the date. You'll need this date to file a claim.

2. Get a qualified opinion. If you suspect you have damage to your roof from a hail storm, get an opinion from qualified roofing companies, such as us here at Bella Roofing.

3. Meeting the roofing companies. When the roofing companies come, spend some time getting to know them and ask about the service they provide. At Bella we will provide you with the highest quality workmanship, materials and service you deserve when replacing, repairing or installing your roof. Ask them all if they'd be willing to be there when the insurance adjuster comes to access the damage. Our experts here at Bella are more than willing to work with you and your claims adjuster in settling your claim.

4. Filing the claim. If the roofing companies recommended you call in a claim, just call your insurance company and tell them you want to file a claim for hail damage. They will then requests all the important dates and data from you and will probably also ask if you have any interior damage. In most states you have up to one year to file a claim for any damages.

5. Meeting the insurance adjuster. The adjuster will take about a half hour to access and take picture of any damage and then explain the next steps to you. Some companies may give you a settlement quote right then, but many can take up to a couple weeks. When the adjuster is done, you contractor, or contractors, will probably compare notes with the adjuster mainly to see if the total roof measurements are about the same. In a case where the adjuster states they didn't think there was any significant damage, ask your contractor to debate it with them. Even if you didn't have one there at the time, and you later tell your roofing company what the adjuster said, most insurance companies will send their adjuster back to discuss with your contractor.

6. Getting the work done. If your insurance company approves your claim, you will most likely get enough, less your deductible, to complete the work. If it's not enough, your contractor should help you dispute the amount based on the work needed. They are just holding back some of the money until the work is complete. So, if they hold back $600 for depreciation and the actual cost of work is a little more then they sent you, all you have to do is send them a letter of completion from your contractor with the exact amount when the work is done and they'll send you the difference.

Recent DFW Area Hail Damage

2011-06-01T16:25:00.001-05:00

Hail, hail, hail. Due to several recent hail storms that erupted in the DFW area many home owners have suffered significant hail damage to their roofs. Are you one of these unfortunate home owners that suffered damage to their roofs? If so call us at Bella Roofing. Our trained professional staff will come out to your residence and inspect any damages you might have as well as provide you with a free estimate, and are more than willing to assist you with your insurance claim.

All of our sales personnel have been trained in a similar manner as your insurance adjuster and can also walk you through the steps of settling your claim. We will provide you with the highest quality workmanship, materials and service you deserve when replacing, repairing or installing your roof.

You can be assured that your home or your commercial property is in good hands when you call on Bella. Our seasoned professionals have a broad range of construction experience, from roofing, to home building, to commercial construction and we can assist you in almost any size project. So don't wait, give us a call at Bella where "We've got you covered".

Some of the Most Common Roof Leak Locations

2011-05-15T21:16:00.002-05:00

Finding the source of some leaks is easy. Others will require detective work and possibly a garden hose and an inside spotter. If you don't feel comfortable on a roof, you will have to find an honest roofer to assist you. Sometimes this can be as hard as finding the smallest leak. Here are some tips that may help you find a pesky roof leak.

Chimneys

Chimneys contain four different types of flashing. All must be right or you will have a leak. Plus, the counterflashing that goes into the brick mortar joint must be right. A hairline crack above the flashing can allow vast amounts of water to run behind the flashings. Look for soldered corners of flashing that might have broken or have holes. Do not use caulk to repair these flashings.

Ice Dam Leaks

These leaks can happen even if everything on your roof is just fine. Ice dams block the natural flow of water down a roof. The water begins to back up under flashings, shingles, tar paper, etc. Once water begins to flow into the house, it can drip for days. The only means of prevention is to install membranes under the roofing. The membranes won't stop the ice but will stop water leaks if installed properly.

Wind and Rain Leaks

Wind driven rain can also be a major problem. You could actually have a good roof and wind will drive water up and under your roofing materials. The only lines of defense are tar paper and the ice dam membranes.

If you have metal valleys, you may want to hem the edges. This means that the hidden edges of the valley actual have a 180 degree bend. This creates a channel that directs wind blown rain back to the bottom of the valley.

Roof Ventilation

2011-05-01T22:18:00.000-05:00

Attic ventilation is an important part of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces problems because it minimizes the temperature differential between the attic and the air outside. Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic. Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, cause ice dams, and damage roof system components as well as structural and personal items located inside the attic where temperatures can easily reach 150° F. Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by the use of washing machines, dish washers, bath tubs, showers, and tumble driers unless these items are properly ventilated through the roof. In some cases the condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak.

Roof vents become particularly important in the summertime because without them them attic of a home can become extremely hot resulting in cracking wood and premature aging. The heat buildup can also make your air conditioning less efficient, or if you don't have any AC it can make the home unbearably hot in the warmer months. Either way, you are faced with higher energy bills. If you have air conditioning you will be turning up the thermostat during the summer months.

Roof ventilation is also very important in the winter months. If you have a poor ventilation system it will cause condensation to build up inside your attic due to the warm air from appliances and showers, as previously stated above. There is a host of problems that will occur as a result, including wood rot and mold. Sometimes the condensation can become so intense during the winter months that it will begin to appear as a roof leak.

There a two different kinds a roof vents that you will find in a proper ventilation system. There are intake vents that are located around the eaves, and there are exhaust vents that are found near the ridge line of your roof. The only way to tell if your roof ventilation system is working properly is to hire a roofing contractor who can inspect your attic. So give us a call at Belle Roofing and we will send out one of our experts to see if your roof is properly ventilated today.

How to Detect Roof Hail Damage

2011-04-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

Spring has arrived once again bringing rain, thunderstorms and even hailstorms to all areas. It is this time of year that insurance claims for hail damage are more prevalent than any other time of the year. It is estimated that every year hail damage to residential homes costs more then $1.6 billion, year in and year out making it one of the costliest natural disasters. After a hailstorm it can be hard to detect any damages to roof shingles, it is recommended that you look at the vents and gutter downspouts to detect possible damage. It is important that after a heavy rainstorm, or any hailstorm, that you take a walk around your house and look for any signs of possible damage to you shingles and roof in general.

Steps to Detect Roof Hail Damage:

1. Check around the downspouts. Hail damage is when hail strikes the shingles of a roof with such impact that it degrades the shingles. In most cases, an untrained eye can’t see the damage. If you suspect damage but are unable to visually see any damage call our experts at Belle Roofing, and we will send out one of our roofing experts to assist you. If you have asphalt shingles on your home you will want to check around the downspouts for excessive tile granules.

2. Inspect your roof for possible leaks. Hail damage is not always visual from the outside you could possibly have internal damage to your roof such as leaks. Many times than not hail damage is not detected immediately causing headaches for homeowners. Leaks do not always appear right after a hailstorm but develop slowly over time due to hail damage. As damaged shingles degrade your roof may begin to leak. Inspect your interior ceiling after heavy rains and any hailstorm for any apparent water damage. Over time leaks, if undetected, can cause thousands of dollars in damages for homeowners.

3. Inspect your roof. If POSSIBLE you might want to get on top of your roof and take a walk around, inspecting your roof for any possible signs of hail damage. Of course, not all homeowners have the option or the desire to inspect their owns roofs. In this case Belle Roofing will happily send out one of our trained roofing specialist to inspect your roof for any possible damages for you.

4. Take action. Once you have followed the above steps you need to contact you insurance provider to possibly file a claim and to see what options you as a homeowner might have for repairing your damaged roof.

Please feel free to contact us at Belle Roofing for any questions that you may have regarding any possible damages to your roof. One of our roofing experts will come out to your residence to answer any questions, inspect your roof, and let you know what options are available to you.

Hail Storm?

2011-04-08T08:31:00.000-05:00

When hail storms come thundering along, they mean trouble of a particular kind for your roof. No roofing system is hail-proof. But there are roofing materials with hail-resistance ratings. These are provided by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

You can choose a material rated one through four (four being most resistant.) They achieve this rating by dropping a steel ball from a predetermined height onto the roofing material and determining the damage.

Many roofs carry this rating. For steep slope, these roofs include some metal roofs, some tile and some composition shingles. For flat roofs, these are some gravel-surfaced built-up, and some spray foam (with the right coating system), and just a few others.

Installing a Class IV hail resistant roof may qualify you for lower insurance premiums, depending on where you live. Call your agent for verification. Keep this in mind, too: not many agents and adjusters will know the specifics about hail resistant roofs. Consult either a good roofing contractor or your local roofing supply warehouse.

Since World War II scientists have tried many techniques to lessen the damage from hail storms. The most well-known technique involved "seeding" large thunderstorms with silver iodide. The theory was that the resulting small hail would probably melt and therefore not cause any damage. Unfortunately other experiments using this technique were not successful, and hail suppression remains elusive.

Another novel technique to supress hail was recently installed in a company parking lot by an auto manufacturer trying to protect its inventory of newly painted cars. Under certain thunderstorm conditions detected by the company's own radars, a cannon-like device will send sonic waves up to 50,000 feet in the air to keep hailstones from forming. Now they must wait for a hailstorm to pass over the parking lot to test the device!

Hail-Resistant Roof Options

2011-04-01T21:10:00.000-05:00

As winter temperatures begin to fade, increasingly higher temperatures begin to take over bringing spring storms with them. Every year thousands of homeowners suffer damages to their roofs from storms causing them serious headaches. One of the major contributors of roof damage when dealing with spring storms is hail.

Strong to moderate hailstorms can cause damages to a roof. The difficult part to assessing damages to your roof after a hailstorm is that you may not be able to see the damages right away. Different types of materials will experience different types of damages.

There isn’t anything such as a ‘hail-proof’ roof, but there are some types of roofing materials that can be labeled ‘hail-resistant’ that may reduce the amount of damage inflicted to a roof. In general, clay tile and wood roofs are not likely to survive many hailstorms unscathed. Concrete tile, composite shingles and metal roofs are more likely to endure hail with minimal or no damage. If you are interested in a ‘hail-resistant’ roofing system a Belle Roofing specialist can advise you on what is available for your home.

Composite shingles are designed to protect your roof from water by using a tar/asphalt layer covered by gravel and granules that protect the tar from the UV rays of the sun. This means that hail can cause future damage to a roof by dislodging the granules on the surface of shingles. Over time it is important that you track any damages to your shingles by looking for granules in gutters of your roof and by giving your roof a general inspection from time to time after large storms.

The good news is that most damage from hailstorms is cosmetic and won’t adversely affect the life of the roof. If you have any questions or suspect that you may have damages your roof it is best that you don’t wait and contact or roofing experts at Belle Roofing.

Hail Damage Roof Repair

2011-03-15T20:21:00.000-05:00

If you live in an area that is considered to be a prime location for hail storms, your home or business is extremely susceptible to roof damage. If you suffer any hail damage you can call our experts at Bella Roofing. Our helpful, knowledgeable, roofing experts will be there to help you with any damage to your roof.

Typically, hail must be around 1 1/4 inches in diameter to cause damage to either heavy composite shingles or wood shake shingles. Composite shingles made of lightweight materials may sustain damage from hailstones as small as 1 inch in diameter. If you already have some signs of wear or deterioration on any composite shingles, hail may damage your roof if it is 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

If a hail storm has recently passed through your area, you should have your roof inspected by a professional. One determinate of whether you may have hail or wind damage to your roof is to pay close attention to any other damage that may be observable after a storm. A tell-tell sign of hail damage is if you see a significant amount of shingle granules at the ends of downspouts. If you see these granules in your downspouts, you may have damage to your roof.

If you suspect that you may have damage to your roof due to a recent hail storm, contact us at Bella Roofing and we will send out one of our roofing experts to give you an expert roofing opinion.

Rain and Water Damage

2011-02-01T20:25:00.000-06:00

Water underneath singles and other roofing materials can cause extensive damage to your roof that will eventually filter down into your home and cause extra damage there as well. Water damage to you roof can lead to moisture collection on a roof deck or other areas and cause roof structures to rot. In addition, the extra moisture may encourage moss and algae growth in other areas of you house, including ceilings, walls, electrical systems, and insulation.

Rain can invade your roof in any number of ways. Exposed roof nails, previous wind damage, hail damage, and flashing deterioration all provide avenues for rain and water to seep into your roofing materials. While roof flashing is designed to keep wind-driven rain and moisture from penetrating seams on your roof, any small flaw or deterioration of flashing will allow water to leak into your house.

Left unchecked rain, or water can damage the frame of your house and cause harmful mold, mildew, and ultimately rotter-wood problems. If you think your roof might have sustained damage, you should have your roof thoroughly inspected for new roof warning signs by one of our expert roofing inspectors at Bella Roofing before added damage occurs in your home .

Wind Damage

2011-01-15T20:21:00.000-06:00

When you think of wind damaging your home, you usually think it takes a hurricane, tornado, sever thunderstorm, or an extreme winter storm to cause any major damage. But, wind doesn't have to be that strong to cause roof damage to your home. Gusts of wind at 75 to 85 miles per hour can easily raise poorly-sealed shingles off your home in a second, exposing your roof to possible rain and water damage.

With your roof being the last and first defense between you and your family and the elements, you want to be aware of the damage that wind can do to your home. During high-wind weather events, wind speeds fluctuate and sometimes even change directions. Consequently, roofing materials are lifted up, allowing debris to lodge between shingles and the underpinning of your roof. Over time, this process will cause your roof to deteriorate, and inevitably, you'll lose roofing material and notice it lying in and around your yard.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles

2010-10-01T20:38:00.004-05:00

ADVANTAGES
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice of roof shingles when it comes to home roofing. This is because they have numerous advantages when compared to other roofing options. These advantages include maintenance, installation, and of course cost.

Maintenance
One of the advantages when it comes to asphalt shingles is maintenance. Maintenance is an important factor for a homeowner to consider when choosing which roofing material might be best for their home. With little to no maintenance asphalt shingles can continue to look goods for many years. Also, asphalt shingles can be easily repaired or replaced with ease if they happen to become damaged.

Installation
Installation is another advantage of asphalt shingles. It has been said that asphalt shingles are the easiest type of roofing material to install. Usually, handy homeowners can install an asphalt roof themselves, but it is recommended that you contact a roofing specialist before and after the installation to ensure that the work is done correctly.

Cost
When homeowners are looking at roofing materials one of the biggest factors that comes into play is cost. A huge advantage when it comes to asphalt shingles is their cost. Asphalt shingles are usually manufactured in high quantities, and are generally the cheapest to produce. As previously stated above asphalt shingle roofs can easily be installed by a handy homeowner, or you can have it done by an expert relatively cheaply. Usually, installation of an asphalt roof will run the homeowner less then or up to $1 a square foot.

DISADVANTAGES
When choosing roofing material for their home homeowners usually choose asphalt shingles for their roofs, but while there are many advantages to an asphalt roof there many disadvantages as well. Some disadvantages include, but are not limited to, heat, wind, and durability.

Heat
Asphalt roof shingles not only transfer heat from the roof to your home they can also easily be damaged due to excessive heat. In areas with extreme heat asphalt shingles tend to curl up at the edges folding into the middle of the shingle. When this happens it is important that you replace any damaged shingles.

Wind
Roofs with asphalt shingles are especially susceptible to damage due to high winds. Extreme wind gusts can damage, rip, and tear the asphalt shingles from your roof with ease. Fallen and blowing debris is something else that homeowners have to contend with when mentioning high winds. It is recommended that homeowners should trim any branches that overhang their roofs to prevent any further or future damages.

Durability
Asphalt shingles usually last around 20 plus years, after that you will usually have to replace the existing shingles with new ones. Homeowners can easily find other roofing alternatives that can easily last up to 40 to 50 years such as metal roofing.

Manufacturer Warranties

2010-09-15T21:34:00.001-05:00

Warranties for shingles and roofing materials are something that every homeowner should look at before considering replacing an existing roof. Shingle manufacturers provide product warranties against manufacturing defects ranging from 20 to 40 years and longer.

Product warranties can cover a variety of shingle defects such as thermal splitting, some cases of granule loss, cupping, and curling. Warranties are usually for materials only, and not labor. So if you do receive new roofing materials due to a faulty product you will in most cases have to pay a roofer to install the new materials.

Incidental and consequential damages are damages that occur inside building structures due to faulty roofing materials. These damages are rarely, if ever, covered by manufacturer warranties and are usually the responsibility of the homeowner or the insurance company to repair.

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, hail storms, and high winds in excess of 50 mph are not covered by the manufacturer and are usually an issue the homeowner has to take up with their insurance provider. Also, shingle manufacturers do not honor their manufacturer warranty due to improper installations. If you do have a roofing problem due to improper installation it is recommended that you contact your installer and inform them of the problem.

Most of the time manufacturer warranties are prorated and are non-transferable, meaning if you have a roof for 10 years and you have a 20 year warranty you will only be reimbursed for the remaining 10 years of the roofs original warranty. Non-transferable means that if you were to sell your house, the warranty would be voided and could not be transferred to the new homeowner.

As a homeowner it is important that you ask for and receive a copy of the manufacturer's product warranty before making a decision on which materials you want to use before replacing an existing roof.

Is My Roof Damaged?

2010-09-01T19:31:00.000-05:00

Identifying roof damage is a pivotal aspect of being a homeowner. Roof damage can be caused by an assortment of different factors such as high winds, extreme hot/cold temperatures, large gusts of wind, and falling objects such as tree branches. Damages to roofs should be repaired immediately to prevent any additional damage from materializing.

While inspecting your roof for damage it is important to look for obvious signs of damage such as fallen debris on or nearby your home. If you do come across fallen debris it is important that you inspect the surrounding roof areas of your home for such damages as cracked or broken shingles.

Upon inspecting your roof for damages you may come across areas of the roof that may be missing shingles completely. Most of the time this is due to high winds, and the missing shingles can usually be found in the surrounding area. Shingles can come off in complete sections or randomly dispersed throughout the entirety of the roof.

Water damage and leaking in the attic can also occur do to exterior roof damages. Water stains and any discoloration on the plywood underneath the shingles may be apparent signs that you might have damages to your roof.

Homeowners are encouraged to routinely inspect their homes for any roof damages throughout the year. If you do come across any damages it is recommended that you contact a roofing expert to get the proper advice on how to immediately fix any damages and to prevent additional damages from occurring.

Ventilation IS Important

2010-08-23T10:47:00.000-05:00

Ventilation is a crucial factor in the life of a roofing shingle. Heat build-up in the hot summer months, as well as the cold weather of winter will accelerate the aging process of your asphalt roofing shingles. Proper air circulation, regardless of the weather outside, will greatly reduce the chances of leaking, blistering, distortion, curling, rotting of wood structure, wet insulation and many other potential problems.

It is also important to note that adequate ventilation is required to validate the shingles manufacturer warranty. In Canada for example, minimum requirements prescribed in the National Building Code must be respected. In all cases, the most stringent applicable building codes must be followed.

Quality Roof Repairs

2010-08-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

Most of the roof leaks that people experience in their homes are the result of improper installations and defective flashings. Roof leaks can happen anywhere; they are especially prominent near the chimney, step, apron, pipes, and any points at which two roofs meet.

Roof leaks also frequently occur as a result of roof shingles being installed improperly or gutters that aren’t draining correctly. Here at Bella Roofing we have seen it all, and we are ready to provide any type of roof repair solution that your home may need. But if you wait too long to get the problem fixed, it could lead to serious structural damage to your entire home and the spread of life threatening black mold.

Our team of experienced roofing professionals is ready to work on just about any type of roofing system, including three-tab shingles, algae resistant shingles, tile shingles, hot tar roofs, architectural shingles and many more. From the smallest roofing repair jobs to the largest projects, we have the tools and knowledge to tackle it. We can repair any type of damage, whether it is caused by wind driven rains, overflowing gutters, faulty siding, faulty windows, chimneys, attic fan leaks, step flashing, condensation build-up, solar energy panels, and rotten wood, just to name a few.

Regardless of the type of shingle roof repair you require, or even if your roof is just dirty or you’re just ready for a change, we can help. Bella Roofing can provide almost any kind of roofing solution you may need. In addition to roof repair we also offer roof replacement services, siding repair, roof cleaning, and other aesthetic services. We’re happy to work with you to determine the best roof repair service for your home and it never costs anything to meet with us for a no-obligation quote.

The team here at Bella Roofing understands how urgent the situation can become when you need roof repair, and we will work hard to get your roof repaired as efficiently and affordably as possible. Your home is such an important place, which we understand, so we always complete all of our repairs using the highest quality materials. And though we’d love to see you again in the future, we do everything in our power to make sure you don’t need to call us again for repairs any time soon.

Preventative Maintenance

2010-08-05T10:43:00.000-05:00

Roof Leaks

2010-07-29T09:02:00.001-05:00

Many roof leaks are the result of nail holes. It's not unusual for nail holes in the shingles or flashing to increase in size over time allowing water to seep around the nails. Before a roof leak causes damage to your home and punctures your pocketbook, you'll need to pinpoint the source of the leak. And for that we'll head to the attic.

From inside the attic, scan the framings with a flashlight. You're looking for drops of water, or stains. It's best to do this after a rainstorm or as snow melts. On sunny days, you can sometimes spot a nail hole as the light shines into the dark attic. To keep on top of nail holes on your roof, here are some leak-proof pointers:

* Caulk and seal any holes you find on the roof using roofing cement. Cover nail heads with roofing cement when nailing in shingles.
* Inspect your roof twice a year. Replace shingles that have holes that are too large to patch.
* Remember leaks can be sneaky; they may not take a direct route. If you can't find the source of a leak, get professional help.

Filing An Insurance Claim

2010-07-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

If you have experienced hail damage, take precautions by following the tips below, and call your insurance carrier to file a claim as soon as possible.

· Make personal safety your first priority. Remember, windows may be broken and high winds may have knocked down trees and power lines.
· Look for broken glass, sharp objects and live wires.
· Wear proper shoes and gloves.
· Don’t use rain-soaked electrical equipment.

Call your insurance carrier to file a claim if you have damage from a hailstorm. Be ready to provide at least a general description of your damage. A representative will walk you through your claim, recording the details.

If you have hail damage to the roof of your property or your car, it is your responsibility to take action to avoid further damage.

If you can, cover broken windows and holes in roofs with tarps or plywood to prevent water damage. Move wet items to drier ground, and wash and dry whatever you can. If you’re not sure it’s safe, professionals can help. You’ll usually find them listed under "contractors" or "water damage restoration" in your phone directory.

As part of documenting the damage, make sure to save receipts from any temporary fixes.

Your insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair common hail damage—including damage to roofs, walls and cars, and your inventory or belongings. However, your deductible does apply—and you may have a higher deductible for wind/hail damage on your policy. Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen. Reviewing your policy will help you prepare questions for your claims professional.

As soon as you can, make a thorough list of items that the hail storm damaged—this will help your insurer process your claim faster. Document the damage with photos, video, bills and receipts. In the meantime, don’t throw out damaged items—especially expensive items.

Your claims professional will let you know the specific information they need to process your claim.

Your insurance company may require you to wait until your claims professional assesses your damage before you begin making permanent repairs. However, they encourage you to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible because contractors can be difficult to schedule after a storm. Use a local, licensed, bonded, and insured contractor, and check references.

Insurers typically will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the earthquake. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, they will pay to repair or replace damage with fiberglass materials—but they won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile.

If damage is extensive, people sometimes decide to take the opportunity to upgrade their property with better or more expensive materials. Again, your insurance companyy will only pay to replace materials of comparable kind and quality. If you want to pay the additional expense to upgrade, you’re welcome to do so out of your personal budget.

Any time you make improvements to your property, talk to your agent to make sure you have enough insurance, and to find out if you are eligible for discounts.

(Information from Safeco.com)

Roofing Contractor Tipps

2010-07-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

The typical life expectancy of a maintained roofing system is anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Some shingle manufacturers advertise that their shingles can simply have new shingles placed directly on top of the existing shingles, although this is not the best solution.

Many roofs that have been damaged due to age, weather, mold, or fungus often need new plywood sheathing replaced as well. It is at this time which other improvements to the attic, insulation, and roof structure can easily be made to enhance the comfort of the home.

Very often when a roof has had a leak, the trusses and other supporting components of the roof have also received substantial damage. At this point a homeowner would probably experience a large shock when a new estimate is given.

It is very important to disclose to a prospective contractor any leaks that have occurred in the past. With this information, the roofing contractor will be able to provide a more accurate and realistic estimate which can then be compared to other estimates.

Should the homeowner choose a "too good to be true" estimate and later unforeseen hidden damage is discovered, the price quote for the job will be null and void. This is usually listed in the fine print which very few individuals actually read.

An additional complication may be that the original roofing contractor refuses to continue the roof work until the homeowner accedes to the much higher estimate and pays additional moneys before work is resumed. Should the homeowner opt to switch to a different roofing contractor, some would not guarantee the work due to the quality of prior work being unknown or even refuse to take the job.

While these scenarios are few and rare, they do happen across the country. The easiest method for a homeowner to improve the chances of selecting a reliable, fair, and professional roofing contractor is to contact the Better Business Bureau and other organizations with which the roofing contractor is affiliated.

The longer length of time a builder or contractor has been in business is a good indication of reliability and quality, especially in smaller communities where word of mouth can destroy a business overnight.

How to choose a roofing contractor

2010-06-19T17:28:00.001-05:00

Thinking of getting roof repairs, or getting a new roof? Here are a few tips:

Before starting the project get a contract. This should include all the details of the project, time frame for completion, and price. It should clearly outline payment policies and warranties.

Read the warranty carefully to make sure you are adequately protected. Also, be sure the contract states they are responsible for clean up. Roofing materials can be very messy and you do not want to have to clean up and dispose of waste yourself. But keep in mind you can save yourself some money if you choose to tackle the cleanup process yourself.

Never be rushed into hiring a company. Take the time to interview potential roofers and check experience and references. Roofing repairs can be expensive and a new roof is a major investment. Protect your home by doing some research. Hire the roofer who has the best combination of experience and price and with whom you feel most comfortable.

Roofing Contractor tips

2010-06-05T17:26:00.000-05:00

Your Roof and Hail Storms

2010-05-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

When hail storms come thundering along, they mean trouble of a particular kind for your roof. No roofing system is hall-proof. But there are roofing materials with hail-resistance ratings. These are provided by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

You can choose a material rated one through four (four being most resistant.) They achieve this rating by dropping a steel ball from a pretermined height onto the roofing material and determining the damage.

Many roofs carry this rating. For steep slope, these roofs include some metal roofs, some tile and some composition shingles. For flat roofs, these are some gravel-surfaced built-up, and some spray foam (with the right coating system), and just a few others.

Installing a Class IV hail resistant roof may qualify you for lower insurance premiums, depending on where you live. Call your agent for verification. Keep this in mind, too: not many agents and adjusters will know the specifics about hail resistant roofs. Consult either a good roofing contractor or your local roofing supply warehouse.

Since World War II scientists have tried many techniques to lessen the damage from hail storms. The most well-known technique involved "seeding" large thunderstorms with silver iodide. The theory was that the resulting small hail would probably melt and therefore not cause any damage. Unfortunately other experiments using this technique were not successful, and hail suppression remains elusive.

Another novel technique to supress hail was recently installed in a company parking lot by an auto manufacturer trying to protect its inventory of newly painted cars. Under certain thunderstorm conditions detected by the company's own radars, a cannon-like device will send sonic waves up to 50,000 feet in the air to keep hailstones from forming. Now they must wait for a hailstom to pass over the parking lot to test the device!

(Information from roofhelp.com)

Wind Damage

2010-05-15T11:18:00.000-05:00

Strong winds can provide a substantial amount of damage to roofing systems. Generally, they are not designed to withstand winds of hurricane or tornado intensity.
However, roofs may also be damaged by winds of moderate intensity, with gusts that may reach 50 to 75 miles per hour.

Mostly, this is caused by the partial vacuum created by wind blowing over the edge of the roof. Nature tries to neutralize the low-pressure area by bringing in air from a higher pressure area, usually from inside the building. This air pushes up on the bottom side of the roof assembly and, over time, loosens fasteners and breaks the adhesion making the roof more susceptible to damage from the next moderate or strong wind.

To counteract the effects of wind-uplift forces, the roofing and insulation should be adequately fastened to the roof deck, and a securely-fastened perimeter detail should be provided.

Roof Leaks

2010-05-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

Differences between Fiberglass and Organic Asphalt Shingles

2010-04-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

The most popular choice in roofing material is the asphalt shingle. They are very popular because of many reasons.

According to the research carried out, asphalt shingles are used by 75% of house owners in America. These shingles are so very popular because they are available in various price ranges and are also available in a variety of sizes. The warranty period is also very extended. It is 20-40 years!

Asphalt roofing shingles are available in various types. One of them is the fiberglass based, mat based roof shingles and the other type is the organic based, mat based shingles.

Fiberglass shingles

Fiber glass shingles are light weight. They appear thinner too. It is so because their backing has been made from fiberglass which is a light and thin martial. A typical asphalt shingle bundle can weigh anywhere between 70 to 140 lbs.

There are usually 3 bundles of shingles for each square, i.e. 100 sq feet of each square. Thus the lightweight fiberglass shingles are easier for the roofer to carry up the ladder. Another added benefit is that they are more fire resistant and the warranty offered is also for a longer period as compared to organic shingles.

Organic shingles

The organic based, mat based shingles are very heavy and their finish is not as smooth as fiber based shingles. The mat of the organic based shingles is made from asphalt and felt paper. They become heavier because in a fiber glass shingle, less asphalt is used whereas in organic shingles more asphalt is used, and asphalt makes them heavy.

On the other hand organic based shingles are more flexible but they are more water absorbing in nature and thus have a tendency to wrap after a certain period. Because of these reasons, fiberglass shingles are more popular in the central and southern parts of the USA. The organic shingles are more popular in the northern part of the USA.

Maintenance of Wood Shakes and Shingles

2009-11-30T14:22:00.002-06:00

• Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
• Keep all fungus and algae from the surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
• Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
• Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
• Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
• Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
• Check the mortar on the chimney, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
• Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal.

(Information from roofhelp.com)

The Story Behind Asphalt Shingles

2009-11-17T10:07:00.003-06:00

Asphalt shingles are currently the most popular type of residential roof material for a variety of reasons. They are relatively inexpensive, starting at around $0.80 per square foot installed and go up from there. Things that determine cost are geographical location, slope of the roof, height of the building, ease of access to the premises, complexity of the project, the particular type of shingle and numerous other factors.

They come in a variety of colors and styles, are fairly durable (some have been tested and have achieved a class IV hail rating - the highest available!), and can be easily repaired and maintained.

Asphalt shingles come in two basic types: glass fiber (a.k.a. fiber glass) and organic. Organic shingles consist of an organic felt material which is generally paper saturated with asphalt to make it waterproof. A top coating of adhesive asphalt is then applied and the ceramic granules are then embedded. Organic shingles contain around 40% more asphalt per square (100 sq. ft.) than their glass fiber counterpart which makes them weigh more and gives them excellent durability and blow-off resistance.

Glass fiber shingles have a glass fiber reinforcing mat manufactured to the shape of the shingle. This mat is then coated with asphalt which contains mineral fillers. The glass fiber mat is not waterproof by itself. It's purpose is for reinforcement. What makes the glass fiber shingle waterproof is the asphalt. However, the asphalt itself will not stick to the mat. For this reason, "fillers" are used. The fillers in the asphalt cling to the glass fibers in the mat. The asphalt then encapsulates the glass fibers, fills all of the little holes and voids in the mat rendering it waterproof. After this cools a bit, an adhesive asphalt is used to cover the mat and the ceramic granules are then embedded.

The ceramic granules are there for two reasons. The primary reason is to protect the shingles from the sun. The sun's UV rays are very damaging to asphalt and cause it to deteriorate prematurely. This is one of the same reasons that gravel is used on built-up roofs. The second and more obvious reason for the granules is aesthetics. Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of colors to match almost any facade or landscape.

So which type is better? By far, the more popular shingles are the glass fiber ones. This may be attributed to the fact that they are cheaper and easier to manufacturer than organic shingles making them more cost effective to the homeowner, or it may be that they are easier to work with, or they may simply be a personal preference of the roofing contractor.

The lifespan of asphalt shingles depends highly upon the environment. Shingles in cooler climates such as the northern United States seem to last longer than those installed in the warmer climates. Studies have shown that the average lifespan for a 20 year shingle in Phoenix, Arizona is around 14 years. In Minneapolis, Minnesota the lifespan was 19.5 years. And in Reading, Pennsylvania, the lifespan was 20.8 years. From this data it seems obvious that the hotter the environment is, the shorter the service life of the shingles.

One thing that's very damaging to shingles is Thermal Shock. Thermal Shock is what roofing materials experience when the ambient temperature changes dramatically within a very short period of time - usually 24 hours. For example, in Yreka, California, the temperatures during a summer day can often reach 100 degrees and at night, they'll often drop below 50, sometimes as low as 40. Roofing materials are unable to expand and contract to accommodate such a dramatic temperature change in such a short period of time so cracks and splits in the materials start occurring.

Water can then enter the materials and damage them further in two ways. One is the damage water does to asphalt materials in general. It's not that water hurts asphalt, but algae and fungus do and the continuous presence of water will permit algae and fungus to grow on asphalt materials. Another way water damages is the freeze-thaw cycle. In the cold months, water will get into the cracks and then freeze at night.

Water expands as it freezes so the more this occurs, the bigger the cracks or splits become. This is why most roofing contractors and consultants are such big advocates of sloped roofs. The better the roof sheds water, the less problems it will usually experience.

(Information from Roofhelp.com)

Roofing: Preventative Maintenance

2009-11-01T13:14:00.002-06:00

Importance of Ventilation

2009-10-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

Getting Quality Roof Repairs

2009-10-22T10:36:00.002-05:00

Getting a Quality Roofing Job Done

2009-10-16T11:36:00.001-05:00

Step One: Finding a Good Roofer

A successful search means combining the right elements - quality of materials, installation and construction.

There are many ways to start your search, but referrals are obviously the best place to start. You can ask friends and famiily members for the names of roofing contractors they might have used. You might also contact your local Chamber of Commerce for active members, as well as local trade associations and local building suppliiers.

Step Two: Choosing a Good Roofer

After compiling a list of possible roofing contractor candidates, evaluate each one carefully. A good contractor will be happy to answer all your questions.

Set a meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications. A good representative of a roofing company will take pride in showing the ability of his company to do your job right. You'll need to also get some information on the company to help you make your decision
--Business name and address and phone number
--Experience
--Licensing/Bonding
--Insurance Coverage
--Professional References
--Credit References
--Company Philosophy
--Company Guarantee

Step Three: Choosing Roofing Material

The contractor you have selected should have the very latest information on roofing materials. However, you should play an active role in the selection process of your roofing materials. Ask questions about different materials such as brand names, life expectancies, design, available colors, thickness, and warranties. This selection process on materials is as important as the process on selecting the roofer.

Step Four: Drafting a Contract

Most contractors will provide an estimate or proposal before actually drafting a contract. An estimate is more generic and will typically only include a single price, a generically described product, a color and no options. A proposal offers more detail with a choice of products by brand name, prices, services and designs. A proposal will normally offer options-good, better and best-and include product samples and literature.

A contractor who takes the time to prepare a good proposal will most likely do a more thorough job. All items to be accomplished should be written as part of your contract.

Get it in writing. Beware of verbal promises.

When a contract is presented, it should spell out the proposed work, prices and completion date. Read the contract carefully. Misunderstandings are the most common cause of contract disputes. Pay special attention to be certain the following points are covered in the contract.

* Building Permits - What's necessary? Consider local ordinances, costs, posting requirements.
* Start and Completion Dates including plan of action in case of weather delays.
* Products Materials -what will be used, brands, colors, etc.
* Project Inspections - number of inspections, completion timetable
* Site Procedures - work hours, clean-up procedures on and around your home, safety precautions, etc.
* Warranties - including both workmanship and product.
* Terms - detailed as method of payment to include a lien waiver upon final payment.
* Liens - You should be aware that under the laws of most states, a contractor who does work on your home, or a supplier of materials for such work, has a right to place a lien on your property. Make sure all essential elements of your agreement are written down and understood by both parties.
* Also, require the contractor to inform you of who his supplier will be along with any subcontractors which will be used on the job. Either pay them yourself or require that you have a receipt showing they have been paid before paying your contractor.
* Right-to-Rescind - providing the right to cancel the contract without penalty within a set period of time (usually three days).

Step Five: Letting the Roofer Roof.

A little well-planned research up front will undoubtedly save you a lot of time and trouble later on. Once you feel confident that you have the best contractor, the best products, and the best value, simply relax and let your contractor do his job. Do, however monitor the progress of your project to be certain your contractor lives up to his superior reputation.

(Information from inspect-ny.com, Daniel Friedman)

Drain Flashing Problems

2009-10-15T12:17:00.000-05:00

The primary function of a roof’s drainage systems is to prevent the retention of water on the roof by removing water from the roof as quickly as possible. Every roof, including so-called "dead-level" roofs, must have some provision for drainage. Further, it is important that the drainage system be kept free from debris that might interfere with the proper flow of surface water.

Many roof problems can be traced directly to inadequately designed or improperly installed drainage systems; for example, the use of only one drain; the failure to install overflow scuppers in parapet walls; the placement of drains next to support columns instead of at points of maximum deflection; loose or missing drain clamping rings. Ponded water is the principal indication of inadequate drainage, and may indicate the presence of structural defects.

Source: Roofhelp.com

Roofing Contractor Tips

2009-10-08T12:19:00.000-05:00

Filing an Insurance Claim

2009-10-08T09:17:00.001-05:00

Choosing a Roofing Contractor

2009-10-07T13:31:00.001-05:00

Weathering

2009-10-07T11:14:00.003-05:00

Exposure to the weather generally dictates deterioration of roofing systems, depending on kinds of materials and the conditions of exposuure.

In general, inorganic roofing materials tend to deteriorate less rapidly from exposure than organic roofing materials. Hail may damage all types of roofing materials. Exposure to air pollutants and industrial or salt-laden atmospheres may accelerate the deterioration process of some roofing materials.

Bella Roofing BLOG

2009-10-06T10:17:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our new BLOG...
an exciting and dynamic way for all to communicate.