Author: Ann Wood

Tidal Roofing enhances curb appeal and increases the value of your home. It protects your family from harmful allergens and critters that can infest the house.

There are different ways to clean a roof: power washing, chemical treatments, and soft cleaning. The best method depends on the type of work needed and the condition of your roof.

Moss and algae on roofs are unsightly and can cause serious problems if unchecked. They can weaken shingles and cause shingle blow-off. They also can stain shingles and discolor the overall appearance of a home. Keeping the trees trimmed and the roof regularly cleaned will prevent moss growth, but in some cases, a moss build-up may need to be removed manually with a scrub brush or sprayed off with a chemical treatment.

While some people use a power washer to remove moss, this is not recommended as it can damage the shingles and cause leaks. In addition, using a pressure washer to clean the roof may result in the loss of asphalt shingle granules, which help protect and prolong the life of the shingles. This can also leave the shingles vulnerable to future moss and algae growth, as well as premature aging due to sunlight exposure.

A more effective home remedy is to use a 50/50 mix of laundry-strength liquid chlorine bleach and water to spray the solution onto the mossy areas on the roof. Leave the solution on for about 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with low pressure water. Be sure to take the proper precautions and wear protective equipment when working with bleach, especially if you need to work on a ladder.

Another option is to pour a solution of three tablespoons baking soda per one liter of water directly on the mossy patches on your roof. The resulting alkaline solution will raise the pH level enough to kill the moss, and it should dry out within a few days. At that point, it can easily be brushed off with a broom.

A copper, zinc or galvanized metal strip placed on the ridge of the roof will inhibit moss growth by creating an environment that is not conducive to fungus growth. This method works well in conjunction with other moss and algae removal techniques, such as scrubbing or using bleach and water mixtures. It can also be used in conjunction with a gutter system that directs the water flow away from the roof.

When simple dirt and debris build up on a roof, it can detract from the overall appearance of your home and cause problems with your gutters. It can also trap moisture and accelerate the natural degrading of your roof materials.

Cleaning this debris can help your roof last longer and improve its overall look and performance. It is especially important if you are considering selling your home, as it can significantly increase its curb appeal and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Depending on the climate and amount of foliage surrounding your home, you may need to clean your roof more frequently. Some experts recommend cleaning your roof every 1-3 years to prevent build-up and protect the integrity of your roof.

While it is generally unsafe for homeowners to climb on their own roofs, a professional with the right equipment can handle this task quickly and easily. To safely perform a roof cleaning, you should start by blowing off all the loose dirt, leaves, and debris. This will give you an opportunity to inspect the shingles for any damage that needs to be repaired.

Once the loose material is removed, you can use a long-handled brush with soft bristles to remove any remaining dirt and grime. It is a good idea to wear rubber gloves and safety glasses during this part of the process. This will protect you from any chemicals that could be harmful to your skin or eyes. A nontoxic, noncorrosive roof-cleaning chemical should be mixed with water in a bucket. This solution should then be sprayed on the roof, starting at the top and working down. Be sure to cover any areas that cannot be covered by the spray, such as vents and skylights.

Some stains or spots may remain, even after using the cleaner and water mixture. In these cases, a pump-up sprayer may be used to apply the cleaning agent to tough spots and stains. This can be done with a variety of cleaners, depending on the material your roof is made from.

Mold is a problem that is especially common in humid climates. It grows where moisture collects, such as around leaking pipes, in wet basements or on the roof. If it is not promptly removed, it can spread to the interior of the home and cause structural damage. It also creates a perfect breeding ground for pests such as birds, squirrels and termites.

Moldy and fungus-ridden roofs are unsightly and can contribute to indoor health problems, including allergies, runny nose and eyes and skin rashes. It is possible that mold growth on the roof can also dislodge shingles, which can lead to a leaky roof.

The best way to remove mold, mildew, and fungus from a roof is to hire a professional roof cleaning service. However, if you decide to take on the task yourself, be sure to protect your property and put safety first. It is very dangerous to climb on a roof, even with the help of a ladder, so be sure to wear protective equipment, including rubber gloves and a breathing mask.

Begin the cleaning process by removing any debris or loose moss with a soft-bristle brush. Next, apply a bleach solution to the affected area of the roof, using a garden hose and a spray nozzle with a low psi setting. After applying the bleach, allow the surface to dry completely before continuing.

Once the surface is clean, a fungicide such as D7 can be applied to prevent future mold and spores from growing on your roof. This product is available as a spray or foam and clings to the angled surfaces of your roof, making it easy to reach difficult to reach areas.

After allowing the D7 to dries completely, cover the treated area with a protective roof sealant to prevent it from peeling or cracking. Be sure to apply the sealant during a warm, dry day so that it can cure properly.

Stains on roofs detract from the appearance of a home and lower its resale value. In addition, they can lead to water damage. Stains can form from dirt, moss and mildew that settle on the surface of asphalt shingles. The stains then absorb sunlight and can create an environment that promotes the growth of algae.

Stain removal can be done with either a power washer or chemical treatments. While power washing is effective at removing moss, algae and other debris, it can also damage shingles and leave behind a residue that can promote the return of staining and other unwanted growth. For this reason, we recommend hiring a professional for stain removal on a shingle roof.

Chemical treatments remove stains by combining bleach or trisodium phosphate (TSP) with water to break down the dirt and grime that are responsible for dark green or black streaks on a roof. This solution is then applied to the roof and allowed to soak in for 10-15 minutes. If necessary, a second application may be needed to remove stubborn stains. It’s important to note that these chemicals can be harsh on foundation plantings, so any shrubbery should be soaked in water prior to cleaning the roof.

There are some roof cleaners on the market that do not require bleach or TSP and still offer great results. However, they typically contain chemicals that can be harmful to plants and cause eye damage if not used properly. We recommend seeking out the most environmentally friendly options on the market.

Regularly cleaning a roof can greatly extend its lifespan and protect your investment in your home. While some homeowners prefer to do this themselves, it is important to consider any roof warranties or homeowner insurance policies that could be void if the roof is cleaned in an improper fashion. Also, climbing up and down a ladder to scrub a roof can be extremely dangerous and should only be done if you have the proper equipment and experience. By contacting a professional, you can rest assured that your roof will be cleaned thoroughly and safely.

How to Find a Reputable Roofing Company

October 16, 2023

Ann Wood

Roofing No Comments

When a potential customer calls, they want to be sure they’re talking to a real roofer. They look for signs of legitimacy, like a site that google recognizes.

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so it’s worth investing in a roofing company that offers quality services. A reputable company will offer many options for your roof, including repair, replacement, and installation. They will also handle other exterior renovations, like gutters and downspouts. They will work with you to design your roof arrangement and provide solutions that meet your needs. Some companies even offer lifetime warranties, which can be transferred to the next owner of your house.

When looking for a roofing contractor, look for reviews and ratings from other customers. This can help you decide whether to hire them for your project. The best way to find these reviews is by searching for the roofing company’s name on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. These review platforms tend to rank the roofing company first on the search results page, so a positive rating will benefit them greatly.

You can also check the roofer’s license and insurance policy. It’s important to choose a roofing company that is licensed and insured to do business in your area. This will protect you from scammers and unlicensed contractors.

A good roofing company should be able to give you a detailed written estimate. This will help you compare the estimates of several companies and choose the right one for your needs. Choosing a contractor that does not offer written estimates is a red flag and should be avoided.

Some homeowners make the mistake of hiring a roofing contractor without asking for referrals or checking their credentials. This can lead to poor workmanship and expensive repairs later on. This type of problem can be easily prevented by asking for a referral from someone you trust or checking the roofing company’s credentials online.

Another big mistake that many homeowners make is not asking for a detailed clean up after the job. This can leave debris, nails, and shingles scattered around your property and damage your landscaping. You can avoid this by asking the roofing company where they will dispose of the old shingles and clean up the mess.

Roof Repair

A roofing company offers many services to keep homes safe and sound from water infiltration and other problems. Some of these services include roof repair and maintenance, shingle replacement and inspections. They may also offer installation services for other components of the roof, such as ice melting systems and vents. They can also help homeowners with insurance claims for storm damage.

Professional roofers are experts at identifying and repairing the problems caused by harsh weather and everyday wear and tear. They can also perform repairs on decks and fences. They will typically inspect the roof and give the homeowner a written estimate. They can recommend the best options and materials for the repairs and will work with the homeowner to schedule a time for the job.

A good roofing contractor will keep records of previous customers and jobs that they have done. This will help to reassure the potential customer that they are a legitimate business. They should also be able to provide references upon request. They should be able to explain the different types of shingles and other roofing materials that are available. They will also be able to explain any warranties that are included with the work and answer questions about how the warranty works.

Many customers will choose a roofing company based on the reputation it has in the community. Some companies will use social media to get their name out there. Others will use door-to-door salesmanship to introduce themselves to local residents. Pamphlets and fliers are also a great way to promote a roofing company.

When choosing a name for your roofing company, it is important to avoid overly long names and names that are difficult to pronounce. A simple, short name is usually easier for customers to remember. It is also a good idea to choose a name that incorporates the name of the area where your roofing company serves. If you are planning to operate your roofing company under a name other than your legal one, it is important to file the appropriate paperwork with your local government.

Roof Maintenance

A roofing company is a business that installs, repairs and replaces roofs. These businesses also offer gutter and siding services, which improve the appearance of homes. They usually use shingle, metal, and asphalt materials for sloped or flat roofs. Some roofing companies also offer storm restoration and exterior remodeling services. Roofing contractors can help homeowners with the insurance claim process for damage to their homes by providing a written estimate and photos of the damage.

As a small business, the owner of a roofing company wears many hats. Besides the usual duties of managing a sales team and overseeing the work, he or she must handle marketing, accounting, and payroll. In addition, a roofing contractor must maintain the proper levels of liability and workers’ compensation insurance to avoid legal trouble. Often, roofing companies also have to secure a contracting license from local government bodies.

Whether you’re building a new home or just need a repair, a roofer can give you the best quality of service for your money. You can find a great roofing company by checking recommendations on social media, online reviews and by speaking with your neighbors and friends. The company you choose should have a solid reputation and be reliable. Some of the most trustworthy roofing contractors have excellent customer service skills and are honest with their clients.

The main source of revenue for a roofing company is the profit margin of its work. Typically, these margins run between 20 and 40 percent, although the profits of older or larger roofing companies tend to be higher. Some roofing companies also have a marketing budget to promote their services to potential customers.

When choosing a roofing company, make sure to read the warranties that come with each job. Some manufacturers’ warranties last for up to 30 years, while others offer lifetime warranties. These warranties are important because they can protect you from the cost of repairing or replacing your roof for a long period of time.

During a home’s roof inspection, roofing contractors will look for things such as wind damage, overgrown trees and bushes, animal or bird infestations and workmanship issues. They will also clean organic debris from gutters and leader systems, as well as around skylights. Generally, roof maintenance should be done two times a year on Long Island.

Roof Inspection

A reputable roofing company should offer to do a roof inspection for its customers, even if it hasn’t worked on the home in question. This inspection can help a homeowner determine the condition of their roof and whether or not it needs repair.

A thorough roof inspection should include four broad areas: a material inspection, a structural inspection, an interior inspection and a workmanship inspection. In the material inspection, the inspector should be looking for shingles that are loose or missing; stains; curled or buckling shingle edges; and fungus. They should also be checking the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of standing water, clogs or damage. If there are vent pipes in the roof, the inspector should look for rubber boots or seals around them and be sure they are in good condition. The inspector should also check the attic ventilation system to ensure it is adequate.

Since a poor ventilation system can shorten the life of a roof, this is another important area for homeowners to pay attention to. Finally, the inspector should be looking at the workmanship of the original installation and any subsequent repairs made to the roof. If there are any signs that the work was not done properly, this is a sign that the roof might need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

One thing that is important to note about a roof inspection is that the inspector should be going up on the roof, not just looking at it from the ground. This is because the inspector should be able to see what is going on with the shingles, flashing and other parts of the roof from up close. A drone or infrared imaging can be used to help increase inspection feedback accuracy, but it shouldn’t be a substitute for an up-close physical examination of the roof.

A quality roof is one of the most important investments you can make in your home, and keeping it in excellent condition requires regular maintenance. A roofing inspection is the best way to find problems before they become major issues and cost you money in repairs.

The Step-By-Step Process Of Installing A New Roof

October 11, 2023

Ann Wood

Roofing No Comments

Investing in a new roof can add long-term value to your home and improve its curb appeal. However, it can be a big undertaking.

The first step is checking the condition of your existing roof. This includes climbing up into your attic and looking for beams of light coming through or water damage. Talk with Roofing Longview TX experts to get started with your project.

Removing The Old Roof

This is the big step in a roof replacement. Roofing contractors will usually tear off the old roof before starting any work on your new one. This helps them inspect the decking and other elements and makes sure no leaks or damage may require a repair before installation. It also ensures that the new shingles are going on top of a smooth surface instead of over an older layer that might not shed water or have some sort of visible wear.

Tearing off the old roof takes time and a lot of material. It’s a good idea to rent a dumpster at this point, so you can keep everything centralized and organized. You should also cover up your shrubs, lawn, and driveway with tarps to prevent debris from falling or scraping up against them. It’s also best to do this work when the weather is clear, and several days in a row. If it rains before you’re done, it could cause serious water damage to your home and create a tripping hazard for people working on the ground below.

Begin at the ridge cap and start prying up shingles in 2 to 3-foot sections as you move across the roof. Work your tool under the shingles and the felt paper underneath and pry them loose. This should take some effort and time, but eventually, all the shingles will be removed. Once you’ve got the shingles off, you can remove the flashing around all the vents and other roofing elements as well.

Once you’ve finished removing the shingles, it’s important to sweep the entire roof and clean off any nail or shingle pieces that have fallen to the ground. You can then dispose of them or recycle them if necessary. If you’re concerned about the disposal costs, some companies will recycle shingles for free or charge you less than a landfill would cost to take them. They may even offer to pick up the trash for you afterward, which will save you a lot of hassle. Alternatively, you can have your local recycling center pick up the debris for you.

Underlayment

A robust, effective roof starts with properly installed underlayment. As a secondary barrier against moisture, the underlayment helps protect your home from water damage and extends the lifespan of the primary roofing material. Taking the time to properly prepare, measure, cut, and secure underlayment layers is essential. Each step, from ensuring proper overlaps to driving fasteners securely and sealing the overlapping sections, plays a vital role in ensuring that your underlayment effectively performs.

Before installing the underlayment, it’s important to make sure that the roof surface is free of debris, leaves, and other contaminants that may interfere with the adhesion of the underlayment. A thorough inspection is also critical to identify any areas of concern and address them before they become a larger problem.

Begin by measuring the area of your roof and determining the slope (or pitch). This information will help you determine which type of underlayment to use, as well as how much material to buy. A good rule of thumb is to purchase enough underlayment to reach the eaves, plus an additional 10 feet. It’s best to consult the underlayment manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing a specific type.

Once you’ve gathered the necessary materials, it’s time to start applying the underlayment. Ensure that the underlayment is free of wrinkles and bubbles and that it’s flat and even across the roof surface. This will ensure that subsequent layers adhere and provide optimal protection against moisture and other environmental elements.

Using the appropriate tools, install the first sheet of underlayment over the entire roof surface, positioning it so that it aligns with the edge of the roof deck. Using the recommended spacing, secure the underlayment to the roof deck with roofing nails or staples. Be careful not to overdrift the nails or staples, which can cause them to penetrate through the underlayment and into the roof structure.

Repeat the process with subsequent sheets of underlayment, always ensuring that they’re aligned correctly and positioned at the correct height and distance from the previous layer. Once you’ve secured all the underlayment sheets, apply roofing cement or a compatible adhesive along the top edge of the final layer’s overlap and press it firmly into place.

Flashing

Many of the things that are installed on roofs like chimneys, skylights, and vents leave small crevices that allow water to seep in. To prevent this, flashing is a sheet of thin material that’s installed over these gaps to create an airtight seal and direct rainwater down the roof.

Roof flashing is typically made from aluminum or galvanized steel. It’s a necessary step to protect every roof from damage that can occur when there are holes in the roof. These openings are created by features like pipe boots, dormers, and chimneys. Without proper flashing, these areas can cause leaking and water damage to the inside of the home or building.

The first piece of flashing installed is the base flashing. This is the lower part of the flashing that sits against any vertical surface, like a dormer or chimney. This piece is nailed to the wall or roof and is covered by shingles.

Next comes the counter-flashing, which is the second part of the flashing and sits over the base flashing to form a continuous and watertight barrier. The final piece of flashing is the kick-out flashing, which is placed at the end of the step flashing to make sure that any water that flows off the roof is redirected into the gutter instead of running along the walls or shingle.

To install the step flashing, your roofing contractor will cut a piece of metal and bend it to a 45 angle around the corner of the roof where it meets the wall. They will then apply a bead of caulk where the flashing will overlap to make it waterproof. This is where a lot of leaks are caused.

When sizing the flashing collar for pipes, it’s important to ensure that it’s properly sized so that it can fit snugly over the pipe. If it’s too large, the collar can break off or cause fatigue failure. If it’s too small, it will let water in, causing leaks and flooding.

Once the flashing is installed, the roofing contractor will begin shingling the roof. They’ll start at the bottom of the roof and work their way to the peak, overlapping the shingles and flashing as they go. The installers will also add a layer of underlayment between the shingles and the flashing to protect the surface from damage.

Shingles

Once the underlayment and flashing are in place, you can begin installing the shingles. Before you start, make sure that the weather is good and that your work area is free of tripping hazards. Remove lawn furniture, yard games, and other items that could get in the way while you’re working. If you have plants close to the house, put up sturdy tarps to protect them from falling shingle debris.

Shingles are designed to provide a durable and watertight barrier between the roof and the elements, so it’s important that you lay them out correctly. This step will help prevent leaks and other problems down the line.

Start by laying a row of starter shingles along the bottom edge of your roofline. Overlap the shingles on each side and the leading edge by about one inch. Then nail them down using roofing nails. Make sure that you use the proper nailing technique, and don’t forget to put a nail 2 inches away from each end of the shingle and 1 inch above each cutout.

When you’re ready to install the next course, cut a shingle down the middle and lay it over the two ends of the starter shingle. Nail it down with a single nail at each end and two more nails at the center. When you’re done, be sure to check that the shingle is properly secured and that there are no gaps or holes.

Continue this process with the rest of the shingles on your roof, being careful to overlap each new row by about an inch. Then finish with a final row of shingles on the ridge, cutting and nailing each one down as you go. Be sure to secure any metal flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, dormers, or other rooftop structures.

Installing a new roof is a big job, but it’s possible to do it on your own if you’re prepared and have the right tools. Having a clear understanding of the process will help you avoid mistakes that can cause serious damage to your home. If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional roofer.

The Importance of Roof Cleaning