Ourflat Roof Is Leaking What Do I Do
The first thing you need to do iscall a professional contractor experienced with flat roofs. Once you have madethat contact, for an emergency temporary repair, follow these steps:
- Plastic Roof Cement: For a flat roof with EPDM single-ply, BUR or modified bitumen BUR system, create a temporary patch out of roofing fabric and plastic cement. You must clean off any loose debris and clear the damaged area of any gravel. Get the damaged area as dry as possible and then apply the cement. It should be several inches out from the damaged area using a mud knife or trowel. Next, apply the fabric and then another layer of the cement.
- Roofing Sealant and Roof Tape: This method works for BUR, EDPM single-ply, and PVC flat roof surfaces. The damaged area must be clean and dry, then wipe down with alcohol. Next, apply either polyurethane caulking or roofing tape to the area with damage.
- Duct tape: A PVC plastic sheeting flat roof can be quickly patched using common household duct tape.
Note that all 3 of these suggestionsare for temporary repair only. You need to have a contractor with experience ina flat roof inspectthe damage and the entire roof and make a permanent repair or resurface theroof.
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How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof
The time a roof replacement takes depends on the size of your roof area and the expertise of the installing contractor typically a 1000 square yard roofed area will take around one to three days to replace. For a residential area roof replacement is quicker and shorter and takes an average of two days. Commercial roofs take a few weeks to replace and depend on the scope of the project. This estimate is under normal conditions, naturally in the case of rain roof replacement will have to be halted.
When To Replace Your Roof: How To Tell If Its Time
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Last time you climbed up a ladder and cleaned out your gutters, you got a magnified view of your roof. A few turned up shingles, moss, some rust action are these blemishes normal, or are they signs that you need a new roof?
When you start noticing your roofs age, bring in the experts to determine if its time for a replacement. Roof damage can lead to leaks and cause significant structural damage. Plus, beyond protecting your home, your roof plays a key role in curb appeal when its time to sell.
We want our houses to look as good as possible from the curb and from the photographs. And now that we use a lot of aerial shots and drone shots, the roof is much more visible. So its just that much more important that the roof looks good, shares top real estate agent Andrew Oldham, who, along with his partner Jennifer Oldham, sells 70% more single-family homes in San Jose than the average agent.
Dont let a roof in disrepair bring down your homes value. Follow these six steps to determine if you need to replace your roof.
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How Long Does An Asphalt Roof Last
There are 3 different types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. All three have different lifespans specified by the manufacturer of the asphalt shingles.
3-tab shingles have a lifespan of 25 years and live the shortest of the three types. Architectural and luxury shingles both have a lifespan of 30 years, but luxury shingles have the possibility to go over 30 years.
You should realistically get around 80-85% of the life span out of the asphalt shingles. This means you can expect to get around 20 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and around 25 years out of your architectural shingles.
On the other hand, luxury shingles are thicker and should get up to around 30 years. In perfect conditions, you can stretch that number even further.
Several Types Of Flat Roofs
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There are several types of flat roofing options for your home. One of the most common is roll asphalt. This roof uses organic or fiberglass felt that is soaked with asphalt. This combination of materials can be applied over the base of the roof. The roofing company will use nails and asphalt cement to seal off the remaining portion of the roof. At the end of the process, the roof is topped with mineral granules.
Built-up membranes use several layers of structured or coated roof felt, and they are installed in combination with asphalt. The roof is topped off with a layer of roofing sheeting or granules to help protect it from weathering. In some cases, the built-up membrane can last for over 30 years.
Single-ply membranes are gaining in popularity. This type of roof utilizes a single layer of material to help waterproof the roof. Many roofing companies will use this element as an alternative to the heavy built-up membranes.
A flat-seam metal roof takes small pieces of sheet metal and solders them to form a flat surface. Lead-coated copper or galvanized metal are the most common materials used for this roof.
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Types Of Tiles And Their Longevity
HomeAdvisor reports that the average cost to replace a tile roof is anywhere from $7,779 to $23,154, with an average price of $15,118. This breaks down to $8 to $25 per square foot, with $5 to $18 of that going to materials costs and another $2 to $10 covering labor costs. The accessibility of the roof, its steepness, as well its type and size can also increase or decrease the amount youll pay.
The material of your roof tile is also another important factor affecting the overall repair costs. For example, concrete is a cost-effective and durable option for a roof, but it can be difficult to install and its color will fade with time. On the other hand, clay is equally as long-lasting and can be visually stunning, but is also heavy and difficult to install. Such factors can lead to a longer, more difficult, and expensive installation process.
It can take eight to nine days to replace a concrete or clay tile roof and a few hours or even days to make a repair, making labor costs a significant factor to consider when scheduling a replacement or repair. The cost to repair your roof can also be higher if your roof underlayment also needs to be replaced.
What To Expect If You Replace Your Roof Before You Sell:
If your home demands a full roofing overhaul to sell, then prepare to fork up a significant sum to cover the project. HomeAdvisor reports that homeowners spend on average between $5,346 $10,787 on roof replacement, though Jennifer and Andrew Oldham have witnessed clients spend as much as $60,000.
The good news is, a roof replacement returns a fair amount of investment: 61.2% to 65.9% by Remodeling Magazines estimate. Industry research leaders the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Realtors echo this calculation in their joint 2019 Remodeling Impact Report. New roofing ranks the number one project for appeal to buyers and likely added value to home at resale. The report estimates that a new roof brings an average $8,000 return, with 33% of agents stating that a new roof has helped them close a sale.
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Worn Out Roof Shingles
Healthy shingles equal a healthy roof. If your shingles are buckling, curling, cracking, or otherwise showing any signs of damage, your shingle roof will likely need some repairs. Entire shingles that have gone missing may also point to a new roof in your future. Curling can appear in two forms. Cupping refers to shingles that have their corners turned upward, creating a cup or bowl shape. Clawing is when the middle of the shingle raises up while the edges and corners remain flat. This usually means that the bottom of the shingle is shrinking compared to the top of the shingle, which may also be a sign of heat escaping from a poorly ventilated attic.
Both forms of curling are caused by weathering and will likely result in further damage and a leaky roof if left untreated. Cracked shingles, especially if they tend to only one side of the house, usually point to wind damage.
While its okay to replace individual shingles, damage or curling in one or a handful of shingles likely points to more shingle damage. Depending on the extent of this damage, you may be anywhere from one year to five years away from a complete roof replacement. It can also be difficult to find individual shingles that are the exact same tone and color as your existing shingles, so you may consider replacing your entire roof to maintain the aesthetics of your roof.
The Average Lifespan Of A Metal Roof Is Up To 50 Years
The average lifespan of a metal roof is approximately fifty years. If you live in a stormy area, the asphalt shingles typically last longer because they are not as vulnerable to wear and tear. Metal roofs do not leak, so this does not impact their use.
The roof of a house is a very important aspect and when it starts to fall apart, so do many things around the house. A metal roof will usually last up to 50 years, but what is the average lifespan of a roof? One thing you might want to consider is if your roof needs to be replaced and how long it will take before the roof is replaced.
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You’re Finding Granules In The Gutter
If you just got a new asphalt shingle roof and you see a bunch of granules in the gutters, there’s nothing to worry about: Those are just loose, extra ones. But if it’s been 10 or 15 years, that’s a sign of a bigger problem. “Granules help keep the sun off the asphalt,” says McGavic. “Once the granules fall off and the shingles start to bake, the quality will deteriorate in a hurry.”
How much time you’ve got left: If you don’t have a new roof and you just started to notice the granules in the gutter, the shingles are probably halfway through their lifespan, McGavic estimates.
Signs Its Time To Replace Your Roof Now
If youre asking how often your roof needs to be replaced while positioning buckets to catch drips in every room, youve got your answer. Your roof is ready to be replaced now.
Sometimes, a more important question to ask is how do you know when its time to replace your roof?
Many things can point to roof repairs at a minimum and roof replacement as the best option. You might notice loose, damaged, or cracked shingles in multiple places on your roof. You may even have missing shingles, with no idea how they loosened or where they went.
A sagging roof is also a sure sign that roof replacement is on the horizon, as are signs of water damage and leaks, mold and rot, and any dark spots and holes. Even storm damage can be all it takes to see your once-solid roof needing to be replaced sooner rather than later.
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Factor To Consider The Lifespan Of Roof
How long a roof lasts depends primarily on the type of roof you have and how well it has been maintained over the years. With proper care, it can last longer. When properly installed, it can withstand damage from strong winds, salt spray, and UV rays. However, not everyone uses the same materials for their roofs, so replacement times may vary.
Other factors such as the color, orientation, and slope of a roof can also affect the lifespan of a roof. Dark-colored roofs tend to absorb more heat than light-colored roofs. People living in warmer climates with lots of sunlight may need to replace the roof more often. The sun’s influence is greater, and the roof life is shortened. Also, consider the slope of the roof. High-pitched roofs tend to last longer because rain and snow don’t sink easily.
How Long Should A Roof Last
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Roofs werent made to last forever, although some roofing materials seem to last far longer than others. Of course, those premium roofs cost a pretty penny upfront, but the longevity pays off over time by not having to replace your roof ever again .
Depending on the type of roofing material, where you live, and how well you maintain it, your roof could last anywhere from 15 to 100 years. Lets go over how long different types of roofing materials are intended to last.
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Flat Roof Replacement Vs Repair: When To Repair And When To Replace Your Flat Roof
Your flat roof is starting to show its age. Maybe its even been damaged by a storm or impact. But is it really time for a full flat roof replacement? If you have a damaged or aging flat roof, you may be wondering if you can get by with just a few repairs, instead.
For over 30 years, as a flat roofing company near Washington D.C., Capitol Improvements has been helping homeowners and business owners make tough decisions when it comes to their flat roofs. In this article, well discuss your options for flat roof replacement and repair, as well as a few alternatives.
How To Know If You Need A Flat Roof Replacement
A sound and solid roof plays a vital role in protecting your home. A compromised roof wont protect your house from water damage, such as structural rot, mold issues, electrical problems and compromised insulation.
Its important to inspect your roof twice a year, ideally in the spring and the fall. When you clean your gutters is a perfect time to assess its condition.
First, check from inside the house and attic. Keep a look out for the following conditions:
- Sagging ceiling or roof deck
- Signs of leaks or water damage
- Dark spots and trails
- Daylight showing through the roof
- Confirm all bath, kitchen and dryer vents discharge entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space.
Next, check the ground around your home for shingles or shingle fragments that have blown off the roof. Excessive shingle loss suggests its time to replace the roof.
Now pull out that ladder and check your gutters. This is important: Take every safety precaution when climbing ladders or getting on the roof. If you cant do it safely, call a professional.
- Inspect the gutters for excessive shingle granules , a sign of advanced wear
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached
- Check that all drains are open and allow water to exit
- Confirm all gutters and downspouts are free of debris
Lastly, inspect the roof itself. Look for:
Benefits of Flat Roof Replacement
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What Are The Signs That You Need Your Roof Replaced
The first step is to look into the records of your home. You may have found that the roof has been replaced 15 years ago. So if youve bought your home 5 years ago, it may need replacing in a couple of years.
The second step is to assess your roof. If your roof is sagging or rotting spots, this isnt something you can simply repair. Youll need to hire a Calgary roofing company to replace your entire roof. You should also be looking at your attic on a regular basis to check for leaks and buildup of mold.
Finally, check to see if there is damage underneath the loose shingles. You want to look for sags, cracks, and worn out material. This is usually a sign that shingle replacement alone just wont cut it. You want to be safe and prevent further damage.
You should always consult with a professional to see if you can get by with repairs instead of a full replacement. For the most part, homeowners usuallyy need small repairs. But its very important to get your roof assessed and take proper action.
If youre searching for a Calgary roofing company you can depend on, contact Sunik Roofing! With over 28 years of experience in the industry, our trained professionals are ready to arrive on time and deliver exceptional service. We offer professional roofing services in Calgary and surrounding areas.
Contact us to get started on your next project:
When To Replace A Felt Flat Roof
Flat roofs were, until the 1990s, usually constructed from roofing felt – either torch on roofing felt, or pour and roll roofing felt .
The lifespan of roof felt varies widely depending on the grade and quality of flat roof felt used, and can be anything between 2 years and 20 years.
Often, felt flat roofs are laid with the emphasis on keeping costs down, so the most economical grades of felt are used which, as you would expect, have the shortest lifespan.
The premium grades of roofing felt are supplied by specialist roofing materials suppliers such as About Roofing Supplies, and are usually laid by professional contractors.
Roofs constructed using the premium, professional grades of roofing felt will be built up using multiple layers and types of felt. These will typically be guaranteed by the manufacturer to be durable for 10 years to 20 years, with an expected lifespan of another 5 years to 10 years. You can find more information about flat roofing felt on our website.
The areas most prone to leaking on felt flat roofs are the joints, known as ‘laps’. Water gets in through the joints over time – particularly if rain pools into puddles on the roof and does not drain away, Once water has penetrated onto the boards below, they expand, trapping the moisture and as they do so the roofing felt pulls away from the roof boards which only makes water ingress more likely, eventually leading to failure.
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