Tag: flat roof repair

Should You Repair or Replace Your Home’s Roof?

A leak in your homes roof can cause some damage to your home and cost you some serious money if not caught and dealt with.  If water is allowed to accumulate, overtime you can expect to see saggy drywall, mold, and rotting wood frames.  When you see the damage, you should repair the damage. Call a roofing contractor ASAP.  Usually roof repairs are not simple matters.  It requires diagnostics and a detailed analysis of repairing the roof verse replacing the roof.  This guide can help.

A leak in your homes roof can cause some damage to your home and cost you some serious money if not caught and dealt with.  If water is allowed to accumulate, overtime you can expect to see saggy drywall, mold, and rotting wood frames.  When you see the damage, you should repair the damage. Call a roofing contractor ASAP.  Usually roof repairs are not simple matters.  It requires diagnostics and a detailed analysis of repairing the roof verse replacing the roof.  This guide can help.

Leaky Roofs

When your roof has a leak, it is crucial you fix it immediately.  Repairs to leaking roofs need to be permanent verse temporary.  You have a few choices when it comes to repairing leaks.

•           If your roof is sound overall besides one or two week spots the damage may just be from something out of the norm like a falling branch or a strong windstorm.  When making repairs be sure they are permanent.

•           If your roof is showing signs of wear, then making repairs will only solve a temporary problem before other leaks appear.  This will be the time you will want to start considering a new roof.

•           If you need a bit to prepare for the roof replacement, leaks can be covered with tarps or plywood until the process of getting a new roof can begin.

•           If you know you are unable to install a new roof anytime soon then go ahead and make semi-permanent repairs.  Replaces shingles, perform attic inspections, and after it rains be prepared to repair interior damage.

Roof Problems

Without ever noticing an issue, it is still crucial that you inspect your roof twice a year.  You will look for cupping, splitting, water damage, missing shingles, issues with gutters, and more.  Below are some issues that are common and how to fix them.

Replacing Shingles

During your bi-yearly roof inspection you may notice a few missing shingles.  If this is the case, you can most often fix this without the need to call in a professional.  Locate the area where the shingle is missing and using shingles leftover from the original install replace the shingle.  Remove all of the damages shingling, install fresh underlayment, and replace the shingle.  Flat roofs are a bit different and require assistance from roofing contractors that specialize in flat roofing.

Attic Ventilation

Your roof and attic need to breathe otherwise air will be trapped and ruin the insulation and cause mold which leads to rot.  Vents are a key element in roofing.  Without vents, ice can build up in the winter because no warm air would ever reach the attic.  There are four types of vents to be aware of: soffit, ridge, roof, and gable vents.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including:  roofing,  siding,  windowmasonry, chimneysgutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at https://www.kearnsbrothers.com/.

The Roofing Experts Speak: Don’t Forget Your Roof When Preparing for Winter

Winter is in full swing here in Southeast Michigan.  The harsh weather winter throws at us during these next three months is especially hard on your homes roof.  The presence and continual thawing and refreezing of snow and ice tends to create roofing issues that can be quite costly to repair when not addressed properly.  Our roofing contractors will address common problems that your roof may face during the winter season.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm air meets with cold surfaces.  When an attic is not properly insulated condensation can form and lead to mold and mildew that damages the interior structure of the home. In order to prevent condensation homeowners must make sure their attics have proper ventilation.  When a roof is inadequately ventilated damage can occur to the roof or roof decking.  It will also promote ice dams, all of which will shorten the lifespan of your roof. 

Leaks in Flashing

Flashing refers to the metal strips that are on the front edge, corners, and ridges of the roof, around the chimney, and the skylights.  Leaking flashing is a common issue of sloped roofs.  If flashing is not properly installed or we are experiencing a common Michigan winter storm the flashing can start to pull away which can lead to leaks.  To prevent this the flashing on your homes roof should be inspected every six months to avoid this common problem. 

High Winds

Although wind storms are not common in Southeast Michigan, they do happen.  Strong wind speeds can loosen asphalt shingles.  If you start noticing little bits of roofing on the ground it is important to contact the professional roofing contractors at Kearns Brothers to have your roof inspected.  The sooner the shingles are replaced the less damage that will occur. 

Tree Limbs

One of the biggest benefits of living in Michigan is the number of trees that surround us.   Trees are both a blessing and a curse when it involves your home.  Large trees add privacy to the landscape but also can cause damage if left untrimmed.  Overhanging tree branches can end up damaging the surface of the roof by scraping the protective layer on the shingling.  Falling branches can also cause problems for homeowners. In order to protect your homes roof from damage it is important to keep branches trimmed.  This also helps to prevent small critters from getting up on the roof. 

Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common issue that homeowners in Southeast Michigan have to deal with.  An ice dam is when the upper areas on an icy roof start to thaw while the lower perimeter of the roof are frozen over.  Snow and ice continue to melt from the warmer sections of the roof and refreeze when they come in contact with the lower section of the roof and gutters, thus creating an ice dam.  As the water continues to flow it can pool behind the dam which can cause a leak. Ice dams are impossible to eliminate however, with proper attic insulation and ventilation, they can be curtailed.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

Choosing Shingles that Coordinate with Your Siding

You may be tempted not to worry about whether your shingles match the color of your siding, but since your home’s roof can account for approximately forty percent of the exterior of your home, you may want to change your way of thinking.

One of the first things that you will want to consider is the climate of where you live.  If you have warm temperatures throughout the year, or most of the year, you may want to choose lighter colored shingles, as they will not absorb as much of the sun’s rays.  However, if you live in a cooler climate, a darker roof can absorb some of the heat from the sun and make your home warmer.

Of course, since you cannot just choose a light or dark color without consulting your shingles, your next step is to find a color that coordinates with the sides of your home. Siding that is light gray is best matched with shingles that are a combination of light and dark gray hues.  Although, you can also choose shingles that are completely gray, black, blue, white, or green for the same upscale look.

Cream or beige colored siding normally works best with shingles that are solid black, green, gray, brown, or blue, but you can choose a color blend as well for additional visual appeal.  Brown siding needs shingles that are green, gray, black, or brown, while white siding can have shingles of any color matching beautifully.

The color that you choose for your shingles should also match the architectural style of your home, which means that you don’t always want the colors of everything matching nicely.  The result in those cases are always boring and bland, which is not what you want for the exterior of your home and your curb appeal.

It is possible to acquire shingle samples from roofing contractors to test out at different times of the day, so that you can see what they look like as the daylight and the sun moves across your roof and the exterior elements of your home.

One of the last things that you will want to do before making your final decision is take the roofs of your neighbors into consideration.  While you may want your home to stand out a little from your neighbors, you don’t want to go too wild, as your home may seem slightly out of place.  An unusual roof color can also affect the resale of your home in the future.

If you are still slightly confused by all this, do not worry.  A professional roofer can help you choose the best color for your shingles, so that your home’s curb appeal improves immensely.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Factors to Consider before Hiring a Commercial Roof Contractor

Hiring a roofing contractor, especially when it comes to commercial roofing, is a decision that must be taken after thorough consideration. Proper research needs to be done before selecting one. The major reason behind this recommendation is that commercial roofing is a costly affair. If a company has hired inexperienced commercial roofing contractors, it can add to their woes and prove to be even more costly for them.

Let’s have a look at some of the factors to consider before hiring a commercial roof contractor.

Licensed and Insured

To begin with, you must ensure that the contractors you are hiring have obtained the license to offer their services. Moreover, they must also be insured. This ensures enhanced peace of mind of clients.

Committed to Excellence

Look for the commercial roofing contractors who are committed to providing exceptional services. You must do a background check and read reviews on their services. This will give you an idea of their expertise.

Extensive Experience

It is important to know about the experience of a particular contractor before hiring them. Relying on new contractors in the market solely because they are charging less than others may prove to be even more costly for you.

Proven Techniques

Ask about the techniques and strategies that will be used by contractors before hiring them. Make sure they are in accordance with the international standards. Furthermore, you must also be aware of the material used by contractors for efficiently performing the job at hand. It should be of high quality if you want to attain better results. Inferior quality results will do the opposite effect and you will have to frequently spend on money for roof repair services.

Qualified Employees

Employees hired by contractors must be qualified. Moreover, they must follow workplace health and safety standards in order to avoid landing in difficult situations.

Use of Cutting-edge Technology

Hire a commercial roof contractor that make efficient use of state of the art technology for repairing or building a commercial roof. Use of the cutting-edge technology increases efficiency, reduces cost, and produce reliable results.

Cost

While it is important to consider cost but it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when it comes to hiring a contractor for the commercial roof. The best idea is to compare prices of different top rated commercial roofing contractors before taking the final call. This practice will help you to get the best deal.

As mentioned above, the selection process of a roofing contractor can prove to be a daunting phase. To take a decision that is in the best interest of your organization, it is recommended to go online and check profiles of different contractors that offer services you require. Shortlist the profiles of companies that meet the criteria you have set, compare their prices, and communicate your requirements to them. This whole process will help you to select the best roofing contractor.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

 

 

Types of Materials Used In Commercial Roofing

Commercial roofing is a specialty that’s a bit different than what is done for houses or other types of residential properties. Commercial roofing contractors will work with the commercial building or property manager to repair issues with a roof, replace a worn-out roof or build a brand new roof on a new commercial property.

There are many choices in the commercial roofing industry.  To begin, there are many types of materials that are commonly used in commercial roofing. Let’s narrow them down to help you choose the one that’s most pertinent to your project.

EPDM Roofing

This type of roof has excellent durability and can be used for a wide range of buildings. It lasts much longer than any of the other options. EPDM roofing is much easier to install, and is easier to maintain and repair than the other types of commercial roofing available today. It involves a single-ply membrane.

Green Roofs

This type of roofing has increased in popularity over the years and is commonly used in big cities. Basically, the roof is covered with vegetation implanted into soil. Beneath it is a waterproof membrane. This reduces the urban island heat effect by soaking up heat before it enters a building. It also works as additional insulation. It can increase the lifespan of a roof by as much as three times longer, and save on energy bill costs.

Liquid-Applied Roofing

This is created by applying high-tech polymers in liquid form that dry to form a moisture-free barrier.

Metal-Sloped Roofs

These are commonly used on high-rise buildings and last a long time.

Modified Roofing

This utilizes redundant layers of roofing to create a weather-resistant top. Built-up roofing is also similar and takes into account the roof’s slope and intricacies. Some forms are coal tar, asphalt, gravel, and modified bitumen.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels

This type of commercial roofing serves a dual purpose—it protects the building and provides solar power to it. These PV solar panels are installed on the roof and can be used with different types of roofing, including glass and roof-mounted tile. They can absorb the sunlight and convert to useable energy. This type of roofing isn’t commonly used yet, but can be a way to save money on energy down the road.

Thermoplastic Roofing

This is also known as TPO and it’s becoming one of the most popular types of commercial roofing today. It’s created of a durable material that is flexible, but has high endurance to heat or cold. It’s also resistant to the sun’s rays, and chemicals in industry. These types of roofs can last for up to twenty years or more. They’re also resistant to fires. They involve a single-ply membrane.

There are many choices in commercial roofing that can be confusing. Have a conversation with your commercial roofing contractors, as they are the best experts to help you choose commercial roofing based on the type of commercial building you have.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

 

10 Tips on Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

When it comes to getting your commercial roof repaired hiring a commercial roofing company is often the best option. However, make sure you get the best company for the job. Here are 10 tips on choosing a commercial roofing firm.

Ask Those You Know

Referrals and word-of-mouth advertising are two popular ways for contractors to get business. Start by talking to other members of the business community about the contractors they’ve hired in the past. Find out about scammers or those they’ve had issues with. While you may not get one single contractor, you can cut down the number of contenders on your list.

Check with the Better Business Bureau

The BBB will give you a score of all the different commercial roofing contractors in the local area. Look out for those with good scores. They’re more reliable and recommended.

Check for Designations and Accreditations

There are certain manufacturer designations and accreditations within the roofing industry, especially when it comes to commercial roofing. Find out more about them and the ones that contractors should aim to reach. There are strict requirements for contractors to gain the accreditation, and the contractors need to continually meet those requirements.

Find Out About Training

Does the commercial roofing company have official training for their contractors? Have they been through a safety program? Look out for those who have a good track record for safety and professionalism to make sure the job on your roof is going to be done to a high standard.

Check for Insurance

Always make sure the contractors have insurance and licenses. Any employee or subcontractor should be covered by this insurance. If they have it, they will have no problem showing you a copy to set your mind at ease. Insurance is essential to avoid being held liable should an accident occur while the contractor is on your property.

Ask for Recommendations to Your Roof

When you talk to contractors, ask them about their recommendations for your roof. What’s the best way for them to repair the damage? What would the best materials be? Ask a few commercial roofing contractors the same questions to make sure they’re trustworthy and not just after as much money as possible.

Get Estimates and Quotes in Writing

Always ask for estimates and quotes for the job. Get these in writing and in as much detail as possible. Good contractors will help you compare quotes easily. When it’s all in writing, they are also held to them in courts, meaning they are more likely to work out the total costs better. You lower the risk of a surprise bill at the end.

Make Sure You’ll Get Options

While the commercial roofing contractor knows their job, you should still get a choice. These choices will be about the color, material, and durability of the materials available. Color and material can affect more than your current budget. It can cause your resale value to drop.

Find Out About Cleanup

Does the company leave their mess behind after a job? You want to find someone who will look after your home and take care of their own mess!

Check about Extended Warranties

A commercial roofing company who is certain about their work will offer a warranty or guarantee. No guarantee at all suggests that the job won’t be great. It can take years for some damage to show if the roof wasn’t installed properly. Make sure you’re covered for this.

Don’t just look for a commercial roofing company within your budget. Do your research and find someone offering the best value for your money.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Benefits of Working with A Roofer That Specializes in Commercial Roofing

There are many projects that can be approached by a do-it-yourself, handyman but when it comes to roofing, especially commercial roofing, it should be left to the experts.  It is important to hire a professional roofing contractor when your commercial building needs to be repaired or a new roof put in place.  A commercial roofing contractor is specially trained to handle the task of installation while avoiding major risk.

When looking for a roofer to install a new roof or do roof repairs to a commercial building it is advisable to hire only those roofers that are licensed and insured.  Without a doubt installing a new roof can be an expensive project but saving money initially by hiring a less expensive roofer may end up causing more burden to your pocket book at a later stage in the game.

Below we have highlighted few benefits of working with a roofer to handle your commercial roofing project:

  • They have skills:

The fact is that roofing, especially commercial roofing, is a risky process; if the roofer is not aware of right technique to handle the project, there is a lot more at risk than the roof.  That is why it is always important to find certified roofing contractors in the area to handle the installation so that you can ensure complete safety, efficiency, and comfort. Also, roofs installed by professionals stay secure and undamaged for longer because of the professional craftsmanship.

  • Cost effective deals:

When you hire a professional for roof repair, they can help you find a cost-effective solution to repair your damaged roof.  Experienced roofing contractors know the right source of raw materials, where they can find it at a low price, and they already have all essential tools with them to do the job. You need not make additional expenses on buying tools and materials. All that you need to do is fix your appointment with a licensed commercial roofing contractor and have the roof repaired or the new roof installed.

  • High-quality materials:

Licensed roofing repair contractors have years of experience in the field.  They are aware of the quality of different roofing materials. Different materials have unique pros and cons.  Many of them are also sensitive to different climates and inclement weather. Professionals will help you to choose the right material for your house so that you can enjoy long life services without worrying about any damage. Professional roofers also know where to go to get the best quality materials at wholesale rates and will most often pass the savings on to their clients.

  • They provide warranty:

The great news is that licensed and insured commercial roofing contractors most often provide a warranty for materials used in the process as well as craftsmanship. Professional roofer’s complete renovation project and provide their customers with peace of mind with guarantees and warranties if something happens to the product after installation. In case your roofing causes some trouble at a later stage you will be protected from costly repairs due to defects in materials and workmanship.

To avail all these benefits, hiring a commercial roofing contractor is a must. They can handle all challenges of your renovation project with ease and will carry the installation process after proper inspection.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at https://www.kearnsbrothers.com/services/commercial_roofing or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.