Got questions? We have answers.

What should I know before power-washing my roof?

There are a few ways to clean roofs but they all rely on the same principle, low pressure cleaning with the use of a cleaning agent. Most roof cleaners use a sodium hydroxide base or sodium Hypochlorite. Bleach is used most often, but sometimes with disastrous results. GAF roofing says that the use of bleach immediately voids any warranty on an asphalt roof because it breaks down the composition of the shingle. These stains are impossible to remove without the aid of chemicals. Caustics are inexpensive and very effective for killing mold.

No matter which method or cleaner you use they can cause significant plant damage around the home or to the roof if not used properly. Safety is also a huge factor in roof cleaning, using an OSHA approved safety harness and ropes are a must. Never attempt cleaning a roof without proper safety precautions; even the flattest roof can become slippery and hazardous when wet.
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How much ventilation does my roof need?

It depends on the attic space of your roofing. A bigger attic space that you have will require much more ventilation to avoid damage on your roof and also to increase energy efficiency. In order to have an idea of the ventilation of your roof, construction standards is that there should at least be a one square foot of exhaust ventilation required for every 300 square feet of attic space.
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Should I coat my torch-down roof?

For extra protection you can let your torchdown roofing settle for between a month and two months before coating it with an extra coating that will make it even more fire resistant and increases the protection from heat by further reflecting the sun’s rays. Coating a torchdown roof can be extremely toxic. Breathing the coatings fumes can be dangerous, so masks are always recommended. You also don't want to coat a granulated torchdown. Smooth torchdown you can to add a reflective UV coating if applied correctly.
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Is it time for a roof replacement?

Roofing doesn't last forever. With the amount of wear and tear that our homes take every day as the sun beats down, rain pours in and winds unleash their fury, it is no surprise that roof shingles are loosened over time. And aside from the weather, decay and wear also take their toll on even the highest quality roofing materials over time. So the question is not whether or not you will ever need to replace a roof; the question is whether you need a roof replacement now or if it can wait until later.

Chances are that a roof replacement project sounds like more than you are willing and able to tackle on your own. You have to determine what materials to use in the roofing replacement, for starters, which will be largely dictated by your local building codes or the home owners’ association if you live in a covenant controlled community. This is why it is always a good idea to work with a roofing contractor who is experienced in your area and will already be somewhat familiar with the different codes or at least know where to go to find out what types of roofs are allowed. An experienced roofer will also do a better job than you or the average handyman could dream of doing.

When roofs are old and worn out they can turn an otherwise beautiful home into an eyesore. Aside from the aesthetic quality of the home, the aging roof can also put you and everyone in your home at greater risk of leaking, which eventually will lead to significant water damage inside the home if left uncorrected.

If you know your roof is 15 years or older, you should have a roof evaluation from a professional company to give you a full roof inspection. Proper maitnance will pro long your roofs life. If you see something thats not right looking, chances are you might need that roof inspection.
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How do I identify worn-out roofing shingles?

All shingles will be subjected to UV rays from the sun, causing the asphalt coating to dry, loosening the granules covering in the long run. Other visible signs are pieces of torn shingles, curled tab corners as well as centerline cracks.Overtime the color of your roof will fade as well.
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How do I determine the slope of my roof?

Set one end of a 12” level on the roof surface – make it level. Take a tape measure from the other end down to the surface of the roof. This will give you the slope of the roof. For example, a roof rising 4-inches for each horizontal foot has a 4/12 slope. Slope is also sometimes referred to as "pitch".
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What questions should I ask a roofing contractor before hiring them?

  • Can you provide a list of former customers as references?
  • Will you furnish me with a written contract including explicit payment instructions and total price?
  • Are you licensed and bonded?
  • How long has your roofing company been in business?
  • Will there be sub-contractors? If so, what are their names and license numbers?
  • Will you submit a maintenance program for the new roof system?

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