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How Thick is Built-Up Roofing?

Are you wondering how thick built-up roofing is? Built up roofs are made up of many layers of integral roofing material. The roofing felts, for instance, are reinforced with either glass-fiber mats or organic mats. Felts are produced with a standard width of thirty-six inches. This equates to a metric width of about one meter. The bitumen that is used in BUR roof systems is asphalt, coal tar or cold-applied adhesive. A professional roofing company will be able to properly discuss all the layers and why they are important for the surface of your roof system.

What is the Difference Between Built-Up Roofing and Modified Bitumen?

There are several distinct differences between built-up roofs and modified bitumen roofs. Please review the following bullet points to discover more.

• Modified bitumen is a more advanced version of Built-Up roofing.
• Modified bitumen has the ability to expand and contract without losing it’s overall composition. 
• BUR has many layers of roofing material that are installed with tar and gravel on the top, and roofing felt on the bottom.

How Do You Install Built-Up Roofing?

Are you wondering how you install a built-up roof? To begin with, roofing contractors attach base sheets to the roofing subsystem. The roofers will complete the process using roofing nails. After that, the roofing contractors will utilize tar, concrete, adhesive, or asphalt. These materials will be used to flue down the felt over the top of the base sheeting. Next, roofing contractors will install a layer of gravel or cap sheets. The final layer will be asphalt. These are the basics of building a built-up roof. An established project manager will let you know if there are any differences in your roofing, and what to expect for your built up roof installation.

Which Roofing Material is the Most Durable?

There are many different roofing materials that are available on the market. But the true question is whether or not they exhibit the same level of durability. According to many roofing contractors, you can expect excellent durability and performance from metal and tiles roofs. For commercial roofs, many roofing contractors prefer TPO roofing materials. The opinions will change from roofing company to roofing company, but the facts remain the same.

What’s Built-Up Roof

It’s important to once again consider what built up roofs actually are. Built up roofing gained critical popularity in the 1970’s. These built up roofs are more generally known as tar and gravel roofs. These roofs are composed of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics. Altogether these alternating layers of bitumen layers create a finished membrane that is composed of asphalt, cold-applied adhesive or coal tar.

Which Roof is Best for Hot Climate

If you live in a warmer climate it will naturally be responsible for you to search out a roofing material that suits the prevailing weather patterns of your area. For example, metal roofs perform very well under extreme temperatures, and are naturally fire-resistant. Slate roofs are also an excellent choice because they are made out of stone, which is also fire-resistant.

How to Repair Built-Up Roof

If you have a built-up roof, the best way for you to move forward is for you to search out a professional roofing company for your roof repairs. This is because a roofing professional who is familiar with the process will be able to rise to the occasion and properly repair your roof. You can select a professional roofing company through a friendly referral or through a simple internet search.

The best roofing team to call for your built-up roof in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK is ours. Please reach out to us today at (405) 470-9115.

How are green roofs made?

A green roof is made of manufactured layers which support a growing medium and vegetation. The five main layers that it includes is first a waterproof membrane, a root protection barrier, a drainage layer, a growing medium and finally plants.

Do green roofs leak?

A green roof is not supposed to cause leaks unless the roofing membrane is breached which would be the case with other types of roofing systems as well. Like all roofs initial installations should be handled by an experienced and reputable roofer and inspections or leak detections should be conducted before installation. Essentially a green roof can extend the life of the roof as the vegetation has a thick protective layer that protects it from the damaging effects of extreme temperature fluctuation, UV rays, and mechanical damages. 

Why are green roofs bad?

A green roof is not bad in itself, if there are issues it will be with the possibility of the roots of the plants penetrating waterproof membranes. However, there are measures to avoid such an issue as root barriers are actually typically implemented with each green roof construction. Another thing to consider is to remove the types of plants that can cause such an issue. What’s more, adding in yearly inspections can help reduce the potential for leak development. An annual inspection is recommended for all types of roofing materials and is not limited only to green roofs. 

Do green roofs need maintenance?

A green roof will need annual roof inspections like most roofs. The exact level of maintenance necessary will largely depend n the type of green roof installation and purpose of the plant growth. For example, extensive and biodiverse green roofs will typically need more attention in accordance to the different designs that they may have.

How deep is a green roof?

A green roof is around 1-4 inches deep or less than 6 inches deep. Depending on the depth it will be able to support a range of plants. Such plants can include herbs, sedums (low-growing succulents,) perennials, and meadow grasses.

What is the difference between intensive and extensive green roofs?

An extensive green roof will typically allow for only a small selection of drought-tolerant plants with shallow roofing systems while an intensive green roof can more readily support a wide range of plants such as shrubs and small trees. 

Can you walk on a green roof?

You are able to occasionally walk on certain green roofs such as a Sedum green roofs yet this will depend on a variety of factors. Keep in mind that walking on frozen vegetation will cause them to become damaged.

How long does a green roof last?

A green roof is estimated to last around 40 years with a range of benefits from reduced energy cost savings and to economic benefits.

What is the benefit of a green roof?

A green roof has many benefits to both local and global environments. Firstly, green roofs can reduce stormwater runoff as they retain rainwater and then return a portion to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration. There will be cost savings with this decentralized stormwater mitigation and it will ease the stress of water being sent to sewer systems. Green roofs will be able to reduce energy use, in the summer it will protect it from direct solar heat while in the winter it’ll minimize heat loss from it’s natural added insulation. Due to energy conservation, there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions. There are many additional benefits from the improvement of air quality and less ground ozone, less smog, and creating biodiversity habitats.

Contact Your Local Roofer

If you’d like to incorporate a green roof onto your property get in touch with your local roofing company for more information. A green roof will serve many advantages while also creating an aesthetically pleasing implementation to your home or building. Confer with professional roofers about how a green roof can be constructed and be beneficial to you. 

If you’re interested in a green roof in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK call (405) 470-9115 with Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction!

When should I replace my roof?

Roof replacement frequency is different for every home.  What you should know that is by the time you see water stains on the ceiling, you’ve already had a leak for some time. Your roof could have been having some problems that you weren’t aware of, and the leak just made its appearance. The following are tips to let you know a roof replacement may be needed sooner than later:

• The Roof Age – if your roof is an asphalt shingle roof, you can expect 25 years from a 30 year warrantied roof. Another factor in the age is if the roof you see was applied over an existing roof. This can minimize the ventilation, making roof replacement, how often sooner than normal.
• Buckled and Curled Shingles – shingles that are buckled or curled should tell you to get a roof replacement estimate soon.  You may be able to wait a bit before having the job done, but a professional roofing contractor will do an inspection and provide you an estimate.  If they find anything of concern during the inspection, they will advise you whether waiting for a roof replacement is wise or not.
• The Valleys – were two roof planes meet is called a valley. Typically, there is metal flashing over the shingles. If the flashing is loose or missing, or any shingles are missing, have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof. Depending on how much of the valley has been compromised and exposed, roof repair may be possible instead of roof replacement.
• Missing shingles – If you are missing any shingles, call a professional roofing contractor for an inspection, and hopefully just replacing a few shingles is all that is necessary.
• The Chimney – the same flashing that is used in the valleys is placed around the chimney where it comes up through the roof.  Any loose or missing flashing, any missing grout, are all possible indications of a leak, or possibility of a leak. A professional inspection by an experienced roofing contractor will tell you if you need roof replacement or not.
• The Gutters – If the gutters have asphalt shingles in them, it isn’t a concern if there isn’t much, but if there is a lot, and you’ll know what a lot is when you see it, then your roof is worn out and a roof replacement is needed.
• Daylight – climb up in the attic and if you notice any day light coming through the roof at any point, you need a professional roofing contractor come inspect the roof. It may just need some repairs, but you may also need roof replacement.

Is it better to repair or replace a roof?

There are more times that you can replacea few shingles and put off a roof replacement a little bit longer. Depending on the tips we listed above, you and your roofing contractor can make this determination. Think ahead of today when making that decision. If there is another winter of ice and snow coming, or another hot summer, will the current roof make it with just a few replaced shingles?

Are you planning on being in the house another 10 years or longer? You could benefit from a roof replacement in the way of energy efficiency and tax credits. Are you planning on painting or having new siding installed soon? A roof replacement would give you the opportunity to upgrade your home’s curb appeal.

Can you patch a roof instead of replacing it?

It depends. How bad of a patch is needed? If the area is exceptionally large, roof replacement is the better solution. If you have your house on the market, a roof replacement could make it sell faster and get your more ROI, but if you’re on a tight budget, you may need to do just what you can get by with, very understandable. If there is a leak where rain comes through, then a patch won’t be sufficient.

Do gutters have to be removed when replacing a roof?

It is advised to remove them before a roof replacement is done primarily because of the job they perform, and if possible, replace them entirely. Removing the gutters allows the roofing contractor to install the roof replacement correctly.

Your home is an investment that should have your full attention. There are components that are important to the house, one of them is the roof. As a homeowner, you should calculate when a roof replacement is going to be needed and begin saving toward that goal so that you’re not hit by an unplanned expense. Dial (405) 470-9115 today for your roof replacement needs in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK.

How long does a Duro-Last roof last? 

A consideration of determining the lifespan of a roof to meet Duro-Last roof details, the area where the structure is located is key. Parts of the country have more cold weather along with ice and snow while other parts of the country have more direct sun and extreme heat with temperatures over 100 degrees.

Then there are some areas where the temperature changes may be radical from cold to hot and back to cold in a 24-hour period. The Duro-Last roof details of a with built-in reflectiveness in the membrane helps to reduce the temperature in the building.

When it comes to the various Life Cycle Assessments on Duro-Last roofing and on typical of a PVC membrane roof like Duro-Last roof, details indicate the lifespan can be as long as 30 years with regular inspection and proper maintenance. This also assumes that you complete any repairs that are found in a timely manner by an authorized DuroLast Roofing Specialist.

When trying to determine the lifespan of a commercial roof, every type of roofing material system has its own factors to be considered. As we discussed earlier, with Duro-Last roof, details such as the climate and environment where the building is located. With a maintenance program performed regularly, the recommendation is annual, and you make repairs as needed, a DuroLast roofing system’s lifespan can be extended, giving you more for your investment.

How do you clean a Duro-Last roof?

Duro-Last roofs are durable, outlast many other types of roof coatings. However, like other roof coatings, they can get dirty and lose the color that had when installed. Most Duro-Last roofs are gray or white when installed, but the environmental factors around them will fade the color and stain them.

So, are Duro-Last roofs are not 100% maintenance-free, they do need cleaning, make sure debris and limbs are removed, along with the following steps that will keep your Duro-Last roof clean and looking new:

• One of the most important Duro-Last roof details is to keep asphalt away. The PVC membrane that makes up your Duro-Last roofing cannot come in any contact with asphalt because it will bleed into the membrane and we cannot remove it. If you are considering a Duro-Last roof and your current roof is asphalt, be sure to advise the contractors that you’re getting quotes from. An authorized Duro-Last dealer will ask you what your current roof is because they are trained with Duro-Last brand roofing about the important Duro-Last roof details.
• If your structure already has a Duro-Last roof, keep all asphalt products away from the roof during inspections, maintenance, and repairs. This means any product that is used for repairs, such as caulks, filler, and sealants, must be free of asphalt or you risk severely damaging the roof. Every contractor that has access to your roof for maintenance or repairs, such as HVAC contractors, must be warned of all Duro-Last roof details, including not to use any asphalt-type products.
• Another important of Duro-Last roof details is to avoid any solvent that can soften the PVC membrane of your Duro-Last roofing. Solvents can destroy the PVC membrane effect, and often when there is asphalt on a commercial flat roof, a solvent will be used to remove it. The Duro-Last roof details recommend using plain water to remove any accidental spill or use of asphalt on your Duro-Last roofing membrane.
• Last, when the flat roof on your commercial structure gets dirty, the recommended cleaning process is to use a non-solvent clean with a soft bristle brush and scrub. Then rinse with clear water and sweep the water into the drain. If your commercial building is in the proximity to factories and other commercial or industrial structures, trees, etc., you can expect your Duro-Last roof to get dirty. This cleaning process suffices to get it clean and colorful again.

When you are looking for Duro-Last roofing in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK, know who to call. Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction is your source for expert commercial roofing services. Call us today at (405) 470-9115!

How do you attach gutters?

If you elect to install gutters yourself you want to make sure you have the right tools and take the right steps to ensure they are installed properly.

Gutter installation steps:

• Measure the full length of the roof because the gutters will be attached along the fascia boards that run along the roof’s length.
• Purchase gutters that fit your measurements, along with other materials like brackets and downspouts. One downspout is needed for the first 40 feet of gutter, and additional one for any additional footage.
• The starting point of the gutter run is 1.25 inches below the eaves flashing.
• The end point of the gutter run is determined by using a ½-inch downward slope.
• Fascia brackets are installed on every other rafter tail.
• Use a hacksaw to cut the gutters to size.
• Mount the gutters to the fascia brackets and secure them to the brackets with machine screws.
• Use an electric drill to attach the gutters to the fascia.
• Attach the downspouts to the gutters.

Do roofers install gutters?

It’s usually best to hire professionals to ensure gutters are installed correctly. More often than not, you can call a roofer to install gutters. Professionals like those at Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction are the team to call for expert gutter installation.

What is seamless gutter installation

When installing seamless gutters, you are getting a gutter system that is almost leakproof. Seamless gutters, as the name implies, have no seams between sections. Not only are the gutters less likely to leak, they are much easier to clean.

Gutter installation with metal roof

If you have a metal roof, you shouldn’t have to worry about gutter installation. For the most part you can install any gutter that attaches to the fascia board using brackets, spikes or ferrules. That said, you may want to check with a roofing professional or the metal roof manufacturer for guidelines to installing gutter systems. The gutters have to be installed as high as possible for drainage. 

How much does it cost to install new gutters?

When it comes to a gutter installation for house, the costs will vary depending on the type of gutters you’re installing and how many linear feet of guttering you’ll need. With galvanized or aluminum gutters cost about $4 to $9 per linear foot, while vinyl gutters run about $3 to $5 per linear foot. Depending on the size of your roof, you are more than likely going to install somewhere between 125 to 200 feet of gutters, so the total cost will average between $1,050 to $2,400. Costs will also be affected by labor charges, as well as by any additional services for gutter drainage or cleanup after the installation is complete. It may cost around $100 to remove and dispose of old gutters. Contractors usually factor these costs into the full price of the project.

What can I use instead of gutters?

While having a system to drain water away from your roof and house, gutters aren’t the only option. Among those are rain chains, which are a system of linked chains or cups that drain the water away from the roof. These devices may be too heavy for some roofs. Rain dispersal systems deflect water from the walls and disperse it around the home to limit erosion. Grading around the home can be a cost-effective temporary solution to help drain water away from the home. Drip edges are also useful, and can be used in addition to gutters for even better drainage. French drains or ground gutters are built into the ground to improve drainage.

Like most roofs, flat roofs are typically accompanied by a warranty after installation, ranging from 10-20 years. If installed and maintained properly, flat roofs can last up to 30 years, making them ideal for commercial properties—a clear case for flat roof benefits. The exact duration of a roof will depend on the materials used, and the manner in which the roof has been used and maintained; when built in an area with weather that is frequently severe or inclement, for instance, roofs will not stand up for as long as a roof built in temperate weather, and a roof that has had all small maintenance needs completed as soon as they are necessary will last longer than a roof left to neglect.

What Is The Best Material for a Flat Roof?

There are many types of flat roofing systems, each of them with their own strengths and drawbacks. The most common include PVC roofing, TPO roofing, metal roofing, and Bitumen roofing.

PVC roofing is typically the more expensive option of the four and is made up of vinyl sheeting. PVC roofs can last up to 25 years, with minimal leaking and minimal maintenance. PVC also holds up well to all manner of weather situations, chemicals, and exposures, and is often ideally suited for less temperate weather conditions. Each roll is heat-sealed and holds up well to punctures and other inconveniences.

Similarly, TPO roofing is made up of large rolls of polymer, which are sealed together using heat. Also like PVC, TPO roofing is UV resistant and holds up well in a variety of weather conditions. Although it is quite similar to PVC, TPO roofing is usually less expensive, though it may not be quite as resistant to chemicals, acids, and other corrosive, potentially-damaging materials.

Metal roofing is perhaps one of the oldest roofing types and the most common to all types of roofing projects. It is often highly impact-resistant and is used for its strength, durability, and long lifespan, as some metal roofs have been known to last more than 30 years, proven that installation is completed correctly, and maintenance is consistently performed.

Bitumen roofing is the final of the four most common types of flat roofs and is similar to traditional tar-and-shingle roofs. Bitumen roofs are comprised of several layers of asphalt and fiberglass or polyester. Bitumen roofing is often used in spaces that are expected to have a lot of foot traffic, and are easily patched and repaired, should a portion of the roof falter.

How Do You Waterproof a Flat Roof?

As is the case with all modern roofing systems, waterproofing is an important part of roof installation. Some roofing systems use tar and rubber to ensure that water does not permeate the external membrane of the roof, while others use heat to seal separate roof panels together. The manner of waterproofing is wholly unique to the exact roofing material used.

Do Flat Roofs Need Ventilation?

Typically, yes. Although there are some roofing systems designed to forego ventilation, to ensure that the roof remains in pristine condition, and the indoor air quality does not suffer, most flat roofs require some form of ventilation. Ventilation allows air to circulate and escape, keeping condensation, microbial growth, and internal damage to a minimum.

Although flat roofs are often incorrectly cited as a source of constant leaking, properly-installed flat roofs are no more susceptible to leaking than sloped roofs. For flat roofing service in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK, call (405) 470-9115 today!

How Long Do Silicone Roof Coatings Last?

As mentioned earlier, a properly applied silicone roof coating will last around fifteen years. Every residential and commercial property owner should secure an annual roof inspection in order to make sure that their roof is performing properly from season to season. Inclement weather should be noted. Storms can greatly diminish the longevity of a roof. 

What is the Best Roof Sealant?

There are many different roof sealants available on the market. In order to find out more, please review the following bulleted list.

• As an all-around roofing product, HENRY HE587372 is highly recommended. It is made of acrylic.
• Another highly recommended roof sealant is the Dicor RP-CRC-1 Rubber sealant. This sealant is made of acrylic and is used for RVs. 
• For metal, Liquid Rubber is a recommended product and is composed of liquid rubber.
• Another good sealant as an all-around product is the Primesource GCESRC2. It is made out of silicone.

Does Roof Coating Stop Leaks?

Roof leaks are a perennial problem for commercial property owners. In terms of sealing up existing leaks, silicone roof coatings are good because they don’t require you to seal up each roof leak individually. By using a comprehensive approach with a roof coating, you’re addressing each roof leak. Whether or not a silicone roof coating will work for you depends on the severity of your roof leaks. If you only have one or two roof leaks, you may just want to have a roofer seal these up one at a time with a roof sealant. Whatever your inevitable approach, it’s important to secure a roof inspection with an insured and recommended roofing company. While you are considering improvements to your property, home painting services are a beneficial consideration because they improve your curb appeal.

Will Elastomeric Roof Coating Stop Leaks?

The term ‘elastomeric’ is used to define roof coatings that have elastic properties. The roof coatings have the capability of stretching and returning back to their original position. This quality makes elastomeric roof coatings perfect for shifting flat roofs. These roof coatings were also engineered to be waterproof and to stop leaks in older roof systems. If a professional roofing contractor has been contacted to perform the job, you can expect a good sealing barrier for roof leaks. The best way to find out whether you need a new roof coating or roof patches is to contact an insured roofing company.

What Sticks to Silicone Roof Coating

Silicone roof coatings are a popular choice for many commercial roofing enterprises. However, it is important to weigh the disadvantages of silicone roof coatings because it’s important to know the limitations of silicone. Silicone has a tendency to attract dirt. This rubbery roofing material has a propensity to collect airborne dust and dirt. This is particularly true in arid climates, where the surface of the roof can darken over time and the reflexivity of the roof can be diminished.

Can You Paint Over Silicone Roof Coating

If you currently have a silicone roof, it is important to recoat your roof with a further silicone coating when it is time to recoat. That’s because silicone does not react well to alternative roof treatments. If you have decided to use different roofing material, you will need to remove the previous layer of silicone before applying the new material.

How to Clean Silicone Roof Coating

Because silicone roof coatings get dirty over time, it is important to know how to clean them. First, you will need to remove any heavy sediments and debris that have accumulated on the roof. Next, you will need to wet the surface with clean water. You can then apply a special silicone roof cleaner, such as GacoWash with a diluted solution of one part GacoWash to nine parts water. The solution should be applied in an arc pattern with a Hudson type garden sprayer or a chemical pick-up attachment on a pressure washer. The cleaning solution should be allowed to soak for ten to fifteen minutes, but it should not be allowed to dry. At this point, you can then lightly scrub the area with a soft bristle broom. Finally, you must thoroughly rinse the cleaning solution from the roof surface with a pressure washer with a pressure of less than 1,500 psi.

Would you like to schedule an appointment for your silicone roof coating? Our friendly operators at Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction are available now at (405) 470-9115. Discover more about the quality roofing material available for your silicone roof coating in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK today!

How often should you have your roof inspected?

How often you have your roof inspection will be determined on the type of roofing materials that you have. An asphalt roof, wooden or composite shingle roof would need a professional roof inspection every three years while a tile roof could be fine with one every 5 years. All of this considered if there was a severe storm or other unexpected circumstance a roof inspection may be necessary to inspect damages.

How much does it cost to inspect a roof?

A roof inspection will cost on average around $204 with a given range of homeowners typically paying around $119-$295. There are cases where it can go as high as $600 yet this usually will change when specific special inspections are taken with infrared or drone mechanisms.

Who pays for a roof inspection?

A roof inspection will usually be paid for by the buyer of the home yet certain cases can involve the seller as well. Some even recommend the buyer conduct a roof inspection even if the seller has already done so as perhaps some things may have been overlooked with a fresh pair of eyes.

What does a roof inspection consist of?

A roof inspection will consist of checking interior areas like the attic for proper ventilation, insulation, moisture or mold while also including exterior components like checking your flashing, chimney, roof, gutters, eaves, siding and more.

How do you inspect a roof for damage?

A roof inspection that concerns possible damages, like after a storm or other severe circumstance will typically involve looking for punctures, blown materials on the ground or other areas, sagging, water damages and more. With water damages, you may see stains, moss, algae, mold formation, waterlogged areas, and leaks. It’s important in these cases that siding and gutters are checked as these areas are typically exposed to the fall of water when areas are clogged or loosened. With this water will fall on the wayside instead of their natural paths to downspouts and drains.

How long does a roof inspection take?

A roof inspection will generally take around 45 minutes to several hours depending on the size of your property and other factors.

How do you inspect a new roof?

A new roof can be inspected with the same checklist of inconsistencies as mentioned before. Yet a new roof will most likely need to be checked to make sure flashing and underlayment are secure for water flow, proper venting is present, insulation is not compromised, and gutters and downspouts are fitted correctly to prevent future water damages. Generally speaking, a proper roofing company will be able to provide you with secure fittings yet after a new roof installation these areas are essential in maintaining a proper roofing system for the future.

Who To Call For Roof Inspection

When you’re looking for a qualified roof inspection service be sure to get in touch with a professional roofing company. Not only with a professional roofer assist you with your roof inspection, if a roof damage claim is needed to be taken care of with proof of an inspection most roofing companies will assist you by acting as an intermediary. A roof inspection is essential for maintaining proper system functions for your home or business so be sure to get in touch with a roofer today. If you require assistance with any other additional services with your property like with on-site security contact the necessary avenues as well.

If you’re interested in a roof inspection in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK call (405) 470-9115 with Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction! 

Whether your roof leak has developed over time or suddenly, you’ll want to take care of the leak as soon as possible. For the most reliable roof leak repair services in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK, depend on the skilled professionals at Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction. We can be reached 24/7 for emergency roof repair by calling (405) 470-9115.

Roof leak repair in rain

While having a roof leak is never a good thing, one of the worst times for one to start is when it is raining. It is essential to get to the roof leak repair as quickly as you can, especially in this instance. While your best bet for a water leak repair on roof is to call a professional like those at Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction, if you have to wait for assistance, there are a few things you can do on your own before the roofers arrive to limit the damage the leak can cause.

Usually, you’ll recognize you have a roof leak because the water will travel from the source of the leak to the interior of the home. Often the water will get inside light fixtures or you’ll see a bulge forming in your ceilings drywall. You’ll want to protect the interior of the home first by poking a hole in the drywall and let the water drip into a container. A plastic wheeled trash can is preferable because you take it outside and easily dump the water.

Once the interior is taken care of, you’ll want to find the source of the leak. While there may be several spots where your ceiling is dripping, usually there’s only one source for the leak, and more often than not you can find the source of the leak in the attic. You can often trace the leak’s path along rafters to the roof deck. You can inform the roofer of the location of the leak, which can speed up the roof leak repair.

After you’ve found the source of the leak and it’s stopped raining, you can prevent further damage by covering the damaged area of the roof with a tarp. Make sure to extend the tarp over the roof’s ridgeline and secure it with 2 by 4 boards rather than nails.

What to do if water is leaking from the ceiling?

As mentioned above, roof leaks often expose themselves by coming through the ceiling. It doesn’t have to be raining for a roof leak to come through the ceiling. Ceiling leaks may also have other causes such as plumbing or leaking appliances. Outlined below are some steps to take if water is leaking from the ceiling.

• Find the cause of the leak: If you have a roof leak or clogged gutters causing a leak, you’ll probably find the source of the leak in the attic and can trace it from the rafters to the roof deck. Plumbing leaks or appliance leaks may be harder to trace, especially with pipes behind walls or the ceiling itself. Call a plumber to help find plumbing leaks. 
• Stop the flow of water: A roof leak repair will be necessary to stop the flow of water caused by a damaged roof or clogged gutters. Plumbing and appliance leaks can be slowed by shutting off the main water line until help arrives.
• Dry damaged ceiling materials and remove them: Make sure the area where the water has leaked through is dried thoroughly to avoid mold and mildew growth. Remove any damaged material that’s fallen.
• Repair and restore the ceiling: Once the leak has been repaired, the ceiling will need to be repaired as well. A professional restoration service may be able to help with this step.

Roof leak repair in winter

While roof leaks can happen anytime of the year, they can become particularly problematic in the winter, especially if your roof is poorly insulated and not properly ventilated. If this is the case, your attic will begin to warm up causing condensation and accumulated snow to melt and flow and freeze in your gutters, creating ice dams. These ice dams melt and refreeze and the water backs up and get under your shingles to cause leaks. The ice dams should be removed by professionals who’ll have the right tools to melt them and repair the roof leaks caused by them.

How do you fix a leaking roof?

If you have a roof leak and need to fix it fast, there are products on the market that can help, including Flex Seal, a rubberized coating that is sprayed on to repair leaks. Roof leak repair with Flex Seal is fairly simple and can be done in four steps

1. Find the source of the leak: You can find leaks by pouring water over a suspect area of the roof and check under the roof to see if water flows through
2. Clean the area: Once you find the leak, clean and dry the area before applying the sealant.
3. Shake the Flex Seal can: Shake the product for about 1 minute to get optimal performance.
4. Spray on the sealant: Spray the sealant over the area using an even sweeping motion. Allow to dry for 48 hours before more coats are added, if needed. 

How much does it cost to repair a leaky roof?

The cost of a roof leak repair can vary, depending on how serious the damage is. Besides repairing the hole, you may need to repair and replace shingles and any other damages like damages to the ceiling that the leak caused. Roof repairs in general can run anywhere between $150 for a minor repair up to $3,000 for a major repair. 

Repairing your roof is essential not only to ensure your roof continues to protect your home, but also to make certain your home maintains its aesthetic appeal. Another way to enhance your home’s appearance is with a wooden fence installation.

Is a leaking roof covered by insurance?

Insurance will cover a roof leak repair if the damage happened due to a “peril” such as a storm or fire or hail damage. Most insurance policies will not cover damage caused by lack of maintenance or neglect. Individual policies may vary, so check with your insurance company to find out exactly what is covered.

Green Roof Construction

What actually is a green roof? Green roofing is a type of commercial and residential roofing where part or all of the structure is covered with vegetation. This is not the bad vegetation like mold or mildew, but carefully curated soil, grass, plants, trees, and more. Additional layers often include things like root barriers as well as drainage and irrigation systems. There are actually two types of green roofs: intensive and extensive.

• Intensive Green Roofs: These are essentially elevated parks. They can sustain things like shrubs, trees, walkways and benches thanks to the complex structural support. There is usually often irrigation drainage and root protection layers as well.
• Extensive Green Roofs: These systems are significantly lighter than an intensive roof, weighing only about 15-50 pounds per square foot. This roofing system sustains native ground cover that requires very little maintenance. Extensive green roofs are primarily designed for function and can rarely function as accessible rooftop gardens.

Growing in popularity, green roofs are a great way to invest in a long-term and highly beneficial roofing system.

Green Roof Benefits

Perhaps the number one reason anyone chooses green roofing is because of the increased energy efficiency. When exposed to light, plants absorb 50% of the heat while 30% is actually reflected back. In doing so, this helps to create a cooler space which means that your HVAC system won’t have to work double-time to cool the building. On top of that, there are several other great reasons to install a green roof.

• Rainwater Drainage: One of the best advantages of a green roof is rainwater and irrigation. This roofing structure absorbs the rainwater which slows down water discharge into the sewer system. This helps to prevent overload which could lead to flooding.
• Air Purification: Of course, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. In polluted and congested urban areas, this roofing structure can provide incredible air purification benefits. 
• Extends Roof Life-Span: A green roof will actually help to extend the overall life of your roof. That’s because the plants, walkways, etc. help to protect the actual roofing material from the elements, preventing aging, weathering, and damage.
• Value: The natural beauty and the overall reduction in energy costs will significantly increase your property value. 
• Reduces Ambient Noise: On top of everything else, green roofing acts as a sort of barrier or insulation to noise. In areas with a lot of outside ambient noise, this structure can help reduce that.

When it comes to green roof installations and repairs, you need to be sure that you are working with a reliable team of contractors. Just like you would only trust professionals for a fence installation, only rely on the professional contractors with Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction for a green roof installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of a green roof?
  • A major benefit is the improvement of stormwater management. Often in urban areas, there is little place for rainwater to go, so it pools and ponds. With a green roof, the water partly absorbed by the grass but is also properly shed from a roof.
• How long will a green roof last?
  • Depending on what is installed and how well it is maintained, a green roof can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Green roofing can actually extend the life of a roof two to three times longer than its typical lifespan. 
• How much does green roof cost?
  • According to EPA estimates, it could cost anywhere between $10 per square foot for simple extensive roofs and $25 per square foot for intensive roofs. Maintenance would be around 75 cents to $1.50 per square foot. 
• Do green roofs really work?
  • Studies and surveys show that green roofing does in fact work. They are designed to help cool buildings while also adding oxygen to polluted areas. These roofing systems do in fact provide those benefits.
• Why are green roofs eco-friendly?
  • They help to reduce the energy costs of buildings, which in turn helps to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool a space. This means there is often less heat generated which can keep areas cool. Green roofs also add oxygen and plant life to areas that may be lacking those features.