Common Low-Slope Roof Problems

Obvious or unforeseen roofing problems are a part of the world. Get over it. One day you’ll be sitting at home with a cup of hot cocoa with a couple mini marshmallows with the fire blazing watching the view until you feel the slightest drop of water on pelt your head. It’s inevitable. Whether it’s poor craftsmanship or negligence, problems will arise. Buildings magazine examined the most common problems that can lead to roof failure or reduced service life. However, this is not a self-diagnostics list so please do not try to do any of this stuff yourself, call us here at Jordan Roofing.

1. Roof Leaks and Moisture - No matter what type of roof you have, if you have leaks there is going to be a problem. Leaks can result when single-ply membrane roofs are installed with poor seams. Without the good seams, the membrane holds water, and you've got to have the seams glued or heat-welded correctly.

2. Blow-Offs, Tenting, Reduced Wind Uplift Resistance, and Billowing - Poorly attached flashing on hot bituminous roofs can cause open seams and laps which will eventually lead to blow-offs, reduced puncture resistance, and code issues (C.A.R.E.).

3. Poor Installation and Unsatisfactory Workmanship - A faulty installation dramatically increases the likelihood of problems and reduces a roof system’s life expectancy.

4. Lack of Maintenance - Getting your roof installed and then failing to maintain it is almost worse than unsatisfactory workmanship. Without check ups and patch ups you will find yourself with one of the top two problems. Do not be lazy.

5. Ponding Water - The roof has a good chance of performing the way that it should as long as the water is being chased off of the roof. However, if a little pool of water finds a nook or cranny to stay dormant in, coupled with UV rays, it can break down the membrane and perhaps even void your roofing warranty, so be careful.  

You might think “Oh this will never happen to me, my roof is just fine,” but I guarantee that naivety will get you either really wet, or really hot, so don’t be a hero and give us a call.

                            INSULATING YOUR ATTIC HELPS LOWER ENERGY BILLS

One of the easiest ways to help regulate your energy bills is insulating your attic. Most of the heat or air conditioning that gets pumped into your house is going to escape through the roof if you don’t have good insulation. Also, once the attic insulation is complete, it’s worry free for quite a few years.  The insulation works as a barrier that keeps heat or cold air from transferring through to the outside, so the temperature inside your home is barely affected by the temperature outside…hot or cold.

Insulating your attic can save you hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs. The cost to insulate will be offset by the huge savings you will experience in your energy bills.

There are three major forms of insulation that can be used in your attic. They are: 
Loose-Fill

Loose-Fill insulation is shot out of a machine straight on to the floor of your attic. It is a great way to make sure that all the small and hard to reach places get filled in. This kind of insulation is best put in by a contractor as it requires special machinery.

Sprayed Foam Polyurethane

Sprayed foam Polyurethane is best to use if you are ever planning to build-out your attic.  Unlike the other forms of insulation, this is added to the roof of the attic rather than the floor. This insulation automatically expands to fill in every crack and crevice while preventing water vapor from passing through. It has an extremely high rating for insulation, and as a result is more costly.

Roll-On/Blanket

Blanket insulation is the easiest type of insulation to install. If you’re a “do-it-yourselfer (DIY)”, this is a good type of attic insulation for you to investigate.  It does have a down-side however. Since it is laid out in strips or squares you only cover large general areas, while smaller crevices can be missed; allowing air to leak out.

Regardless of the type of attic insulation you may choose, Jordan Roof Company, located in Orange County CA, can help. In addition to attic insulation, they of course repair and install roofs. They have been serving Orange and Los Angeles counties for over 30-years, and offer a warranty on all work.  They also will provide you with a free estimate and work round the clock 24/7 in cases of emergencies. Call Jordan Roof today for your free estimate, toll-free @ 888-858-6577 or visit their website @ www.jordanroof.com. 

KEEP YOUR HOME’S VALUE IN TACT WITH A PROTECTED OUTDOOR DECK

 KEEP YOUR HOME’S VALUE IN TACT 

WITH A PROTECTED OUTDOOR DECK 

        With summer well on its way, decks are a popular hang-out spot in any home. Coating your deck will protect the value of your home, and keep the fun of summer lasting well past Labor Day. 

   

     The first step in coating your deck is to replace any boards with severe warping/cupping, cracking, and/or splintering. This step is very important in maintaining the value of your home. The next step is to pour the deck coating into a paint tray and work a roller into the tray until it is properly covered in coating, We recommend using a 3/4 in roller cover). Roll the coating onto the boards, then immediately use a smaller brush to brush back the section. This keeps away puddled coating and also keeps the surface even and smooth. Next, reload the coating and continue on until the deck is complete.

        A coated deck will keep the value of your home in tact, while simultaneously allowing you and your family to have a great time outside all year long and as weather permits. If the thought of coating your own deck seems too overwhelming, or you simply don’t have the time, then call Jordan Roof Company in Orange, CA. 

Jordan Roof Company specializes in deck coating and deck repairs. In addition they of course repair and install roofs. They have been serving Orange and Los Angeles counties for over 30-years. They offer a warranty on all work. 

    They also will provide you with a free estimate and work round the clock 24/7 in cases of emergencies. Call Jordan Roof today for your free estimate, toll-free @ 888-858-6577 or visit their website @ www.jordanroof.com. 

Types and Cost of Roofing Material

When it comes time to choosing a new roof, some key considerations are the type of material, style, color and of course, cost. There are many different types of roofing materials available now, including a lot of roofing materials that have a variety of green attributes, such as being ENERGY STAR rated or containing recycled content. 

Here is a list of the most popular roofing materials, including key factors like cost, life span and level of sustainability so you can choose the right roof for your new home: 

Asphalt shingles: Over 75% of American roofs have asphalt shingles due to low cost, ease of installation, and resiliency. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles have a low insulative value and a shorter lifespan than many other roofing materials available today. They are also made from petroleum products and are not usually recyclable because of the layer of fiberglass added to the shingles. Standard asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors, longevity options, and price points and are always going to be your cheapest option for your roof, but they have the worst environmental track record. 

House Style: Can be used for any architectural style.
Cost: $50 to $150 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) 
Life Span: 15 to 30 years 
Green Factor: Least-green roofing option.

Wood shingles and shakes: Wood shingles and shakes can be purchased in cedar, redwood, southern pine and other woods, cedar being the most costly. Wood shingles are cut by machine, while wood shakes are handmade and have a rougher look. Since most wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all, be sure to check your local building codes before deciding on this type of roofing. You can purchase Class A wood shingles with fire-resistant treatment for an additional cost. 

House Style: Ranch, cottage, bungalows, cottage, historic and contemporary
Cost: $100 to $165 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square)
Life Span: 30 to 50 years 
Green Factor: A natural product, but very high maintenance, poor fire rating and they tend to rot, split and mold.

A great alternative to wood shingles and shakes are recycled synthetic shingles, which are made from plastic or rubber, mixed with recycled wood and are shaped to mimic wood shakes. They are lightweight, UV-resistant, fire-resistant, and long lasting. Some are comparable in lifespan to 50-year asphalt shingles. Though they generally cannot be recycled, due to their inseparable mixture of biological and plastic content, recycled synthetic shingles are still a greener material than real cedar shakes. 

Clay & Concrete Tiles: Clay tiles are very heavy, requiring additional roof framing, but they are non-combustible and extremely durable. Clay roofing tiles can come in lighter colors, which adhere to the cool roof standards and can reflect well over 50% of the sun's solar energy. Concrete roofing tiles offer elegant, enduring aesthetics for your home's design and added value. Concrete tiles are very versatile and provide greater protection to the homeowner. These flexible tiles come in so many different hues, shapes, textures and styles that they don't even look like tiles at all. Shingle, shake and slate are just some of the varieties of tile. 

House Style: Mediterranean, European, Mission and some contemporary or ranch-style homes.
Cost: $300 to $600 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square)
Life Span: 50 plus years
Green Factor: If a local source is available, clay tiles are definitely one of the greenest roofing choices. Concrete is highly energy-efficient and can be made from a sustainable mixture.

Slate: Slate has a beautiful, distinctive appearance. Although very heavy, a slate roof is non-leaching and will last for hundreds of years. It is easy to repair and recycle. Because slate is often a dark color it isn't recommended for high-heat locations. 

House Style: Colonial, French, and Chateau
Cost: $550 to $1000 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square)
Life Span: 50 to 100 years
Green Factor: Excellent sustainable roofing choice. Quarrying and splitting slate tile has little environmental impact compared to the production of other roofing products. 

Metal (steel, aluminum, tile and copper): Metal roofs are some of the coolest roofs around, both in temperature and style for new homes. Metal roofs are available in copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, and often have a high percentage of recycled content. They offer high insulation solar reflectance, and durability, often lasting twice as long as wood or asphalt. Metal shingles typically simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles, slate and tile. Aside from its longevity, metal shingles are much lighter than most materials and very resistance to adverse weather. 

House Style: Bungalow, ranch, contemporary, cottage
Cost: S starts around $100 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) but can run up to $600 for coated steels and copper.
Life Span: At least 50 years
Green Factor: Very green because they are highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Fiber Cement: Fiber-cement composite tile is composed of concrete, clay, and wood fiber. This mixture is both durable and fireproof and often shaped to look like shakes. Fiber-cement tiles are not as heavy as regular concrete tiles so they don't need extra-heavy roof structures. Fiber cement is available in a variety of textures and colors and is very durable — as long as you don't step on them or live in very cold climates because they can crack. 

House Style: Works with any architectural style
Cost: $500 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square)
Life Span: 20 to 30 years
Green Factor: Can be recycled, are non-leaching and make a good base for water collection.

Article by House Designers

Roofing Tips

 Plastic Sheeting

·        This is the most temporary measure.  Take heavy plastic sheets – a brand name is Visqueen – and use roofing nails to fasten them around the hole.

·        If you can find 2 by 4’s, square off the hole with the wood first.  Then wrap the plastic around the wood and nail down the wood. 

·        If you can’t get wood or nails, use bricks, cement blocks or sandbags to hold down the plastic.

                                                                                                      Spotting Roof Problems

Ø     Resist the urge to get up on a ladder to take a closer look at your damaged roof.  Leave that to a professional. 

 

                                                                                                              From the Ground

Ø     If you need a closer look, use binoculars.  Look for torn or missing shingles and problems in the valleys – where two sloping sections join at an angle.  Because water flows heavily in the valleys, they are especially vulnerable.

 

                                                                                                                A Closer Look

Ø     If you can’t see from a distance, wear non-slip, rubber-soled shoes and use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet.

                                                                                 

                                                                                 Don’t Walk on the Roof

·        You could dislodge the protective surface granules, diminishing waterproofing effectiveness.  You also could fall off or through a weak, damaged roof.

·        If you find large accumulations of shingle surface granules in the gutters, it doesn’t necessarily mean the roof needs to be replaced.  A contractor should inspect the roof, however.

·        Tile roofs should be checked for cracked, missing or loose pieces of roofing material.  For asphalt or wood-shingle roofs, look for protruding nails.

·        On flat roofs, look for bare spots in the gravel surface and check for standing water.

·        Take a close look at the flashing on chimneys, vents, skylights, wall/roof junctions and other areas where the integrity of the roof may be compromised.

• Check television antennas and other add-ons to see if there are leaks that are a result of improper sealing of openings made in the roof.

Tips by Roof Repairs