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What You Need to Know About Roof Repair
A damaged roof is an open invitation for moisture to enter the home and cause significant damage. As time passes, water damage can lead to mold, fungus, and mildew.
When it comes to roof repair, the most important factor is recognizing issues early. Once problems are identified, the next step is determining whether a repair is possible. Contact Ellingon Roofing LLC for professional help.
As your roof’s first line of defense, shingles are essential for keeping water out of your home. If damaged shingles aren’t repaired quickly, they can weaken the rest of your roof and lead to moisture infiltration and those pesky ceiling leaks. Thankfully, damaged shingles are often the first sign of trouble and can be easily fixed with some roofing cement and new nails.
When a shingle is damaged, it’s important to inspect the area thoroughly. Check for cracks, holes, and rips. Be sure to also examine the surrounding shingles, as they may be loose or have been affected by the same weather conditions that caused your damaged shingle.
If you discover a shingle with a hole or a large crack, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. To do so, start by loosening the shingles above it with your pry bar. Next, firmly lift up the shingle you wish to remove and expose its nails. Using your pry bar again, gently but firmly work under and around the nail to dislodge it from the shingle.
Once you’ve removed the damaged shingle, install the replacement and secure it with roofing cement. Be sure to use a color that matches the surrounding shingles for a seamless look.
You can repair a shingle with a small crack by placing a thick bead of roofing sealant under the cracked surface. After applying the sealant, press down the shingle and smooth it out with your putty knife. To camouflage your repair, check the gutter for an accumulation of colored granules that have washed down the roof from the damaged shingles and sprinkle them over the sealant to mask your repair.
Loose or missing shingles can affect your roof’s ventilation, which is crucial for air circulation and moisture control. Check for sagging, uneven or bubbling paint as well, which are signs of inadequate attic insulation and/or ventilation. Ultimately, if you notice a lot of missing or loose shingles, it’s best to consult with a professional to have them evaluate the damage and determine whether you need to replace the entire roof or not.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a thin, protective material that’s used during roof construction to connect seams around different installations on the roof like chimneys, vents and skylights. It also helps eliminate the chances of water damage to the interior of your home around these installations. Flashing is typically made of copper, galvanized steel or aluminum and is very important to the overall health of your roof.
Flashing can become damaged from a number of reasons, most commonly due to weather conditions or physical damage. If the flashing has a hole or a section is missing, it’s a good idea to have it replaced right away. One or two small leaks from a damaged flashing area may not cause much damage, but as the leaks expand and spread throughout your roof they can be very expensive to fix.
A roof repair professional can replace a section of your flashing by carefully removing the old section and then putting in a new piece that’s properly sized and overlapped to create a watertight seal. The replacement piece can be made from a variety of materials, but copper and galvanized steel are the most durable.
The best way to spot flashing damage is to get up into your attic or crawl space and visually inspect the area. The most common signs of flashing damage are rust spots or corrosion, as well as holes and dents. It’s a good idea to do this on a regular basis, especially after any severe weather events.
Another way to spot damage is to look for water stains on the ceiling or walls. If you’re noticing these areas in your house, it’s likely because of a leaky roof and damaged flashing.
It’s possible to do some minor repairs to your own roof if you have a little experience. However, any extensive or complicated repair jobs should be left to the professionals. Doing a job that you’re not familiar with can lead to serious and costly damage, as well as pose a significant safety hazard for you and your family. It’s always worth having a professional take a look and recommend the proper course of action for your repair needs.
Damaged Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR roofs have a reputation as being some of the most durable commercial roofing systems. They can withstand some of the harshest weather conditions and can last for up to 30 years when properly maintained. However, these thick layers of felt, asphalt and gravel can still be damaged from the elements and other factors.
If your BUR roof is damaged, a professional should be contacted to perform repairs. A repair on a BUR roof should include removing any materials that are not firmly attached and then preparing the area for the new patch. This preparation includes removing any debris, aggregate and dirt from the area of the damage. It also includes thoroughly cleaning the area.
Once the area is cleaned, a bitumen membrane patch should be installed. This can be done by using a hot application process or cold installation method. This will ensure the patch is sealed into place. It is important to note that a hot bitumen patch can melt or burn the adjacent material, so this type of repair should only be performed by a trained and certified commercial roofing contractor.
When a BUR roof is damaged, it may develop blisters or waves that protrude from the surface of the roof. This is typically caused by damp, swollen or contaminated layers of the roof. In order to repair this, your contractor will remove any swollen or damp layers and then add more felt, asphalt cement and chippings on top of the damaged areas.
Another common problem with BUR roofs is bare spots in the surface flood coat. This is often caused by erosion or by a lack of maintenance. To fix this, a contractor will cut away any bare spots from the surface and then replace them with fresh aggregate.
A major advantage of a BUR roof is that it is able to hold up to more physical abuse than other single-ply roofing systems. This is because it has many layers and a high puncture resistance. Because of this, it is much less likely that your BUR roof will experience accidental penetrations that can cause costly leaks.
Leaks
One of the most common issues a homeowner will encounter is roof leaks. Leaks can lead to a number of problems, including damp and mold, rotted framing and sheathing and damaged ceilings. If you suspect your roof is leaking, it is important to get it repaired right away to avoid water damage and potential structural problems.
There are a few things you can do to help locate and repair a leak in your roof. First, if you have a water stain on your ceiling, you should try to identify the source of the leak before it gets worse. If you can, take a flashlight to the attic and shine it over the area of your roof where the water spot is. This will allow you to see any areas where the roof deck is exposed, and you can then check for water stains or rotted wood.
Another way to find a leak is to use a hose to “make it rain.” Have someone inside the house keep an eye out for where the drips appear, then go up on the roof with a garden hose. Start low, soaking the area just above where the leak appears in your home, then move up the roof a little bit at a time. Ask your helper to yell when a drop shows up, so you can pinpoint the location.
Many roof leaks are caused by shingle seams that aren’t sealed properly. These seams are usually located in areas where two planes of the roof come together, such as around chimneys and dormers. The sealing may have been done improperly in the beginning, or it may have cracked over time due to weather and wear and tear.
To seal these leaks, your roofer will break the seal and lift the shingle up. They’ll then apply an ice and water shield to the underside of the shingle, and reseal it. They’ll also apply a new strip of underlay to prevent moisture from coming up through the joint.
If your roof is leaking, you should limit the damage by moving any furniture or belongings you can to safe areas of the house. If you’re able, cover them with tarps or buckets to protect them from water and mold.
What Does a Roofing Company Do?
A roofing company usually specializes in roof repair and installation. Some roofing companies also offer other exterior services such as windows, gutters and siding. They typically earn standing with manufacturers that enable them to offer substantial warranties on their workmanship.
Choose a name for your roofing company that says something important about you and your business. Trademark and register it. Contact Roofing Company Corpus Christi now!
Insurance
Roofing is a hazardous business, and it’s important for roofing companies to have the right insurance coverage. Some of the most critical policies include general liability, workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance. Having the right roofing contractor insurance can protect the company from financial loss, lawsuits and property damage.
Most homeowners don’t want to engage a roofer who doesn’t carry general liability insurance. In the event that an employee falls off a ladder or another mishap occurs, this type of policy covers medical expenses and property damages. It can also pay for legal defense costs, settlements and court judgments.
Nearly every state requires roofing contractors to have workers’ compensation insurance for employees. This covers job-related injuries, such as lacerations and broken bones. It can also help pay for lost wages and disability benefits. Some insurers offer discounts for implementing safety programs or joining trade associations.
In the event that a client sues the roofing company over shoddy work, errors and omissions insurance can pay for legal fees, settlements and judgments. This is sometimes referred to as professional liability insurance and is an essential addition to any roofing company’s insurance package.
Lastly, a roofing company should have commercial auto insurance for all vehicles used in the business, including cars, trucks and vans. This type of policy is necessary because personal auto insurance won’t provide coverage for work-related accidents and damages.
Many roofing businesses require a variety of tools and equipment to complete their projects. Commercial property insurance can help protect the company’s equipment from theft, damage and other perils. This type of coverage is often a part of a business owners policy (BOP). Some insurers will even offer a tools and equipment floater, which provides additional protection for the company’s high-value machinery and tools. Inland marine insurance may also be a consideration for roofing companies that need to ship equipment on a regular basis. This type of coverage typically helps cover the cost to repair or replace specialized tools and equipment that aren’t covered by other insurance types.
Licenses
Whether you are a new roofer or have been in the business for years, it’s essential to keep your licenses current. These important documents allow you to perform your work safely and legally. They may also provide protection from lawsuits and make you more trustworthy to clients. To obtain a roofing license, you’ll need to meet state requirements, such as passing an exam and getting insurance coverage. Often, you’ll need to renew your license on a regular basis.
Depending on the state where you work, there are different licensing requirements for roofing contractors. In Connecticut, for example, you’ll need a home improvement contractor license, and you must be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection to perform roofing. You can obtain a limited license that only allows you to work on residential homes or an unlimited license that covers both commercial and industrial buildings. You’ll also need to provide proof of insurance, including a minimum of $250,000 per occurrence for property damage and workers’ compensation coverage if you have employees.
In Nevada, roofing professionals are licensed as Class C specialty contractors and must pass both a trade examination and a law and business exam. In addition, they must submit proof of workers’ compensation and a bond.
Some states don’t require a license for roofing contractors, but it’s always a good idea to check with the local government to find out what your specific requirements are. You might need a permit from the town in which you’re working. Have no roofing-specific license requirement, but you’ll need to prove that you can do the job safely and comply with local building codes.
A roofing company’s best option for business purposes is to incorporate as a professional limited liability corporation (PLLC). This entity provides huge advantages, from allowing you to separate your personal assets from those of the company and granting management flexibility to simplifying taxation and ensuring continuity. In addition, you’ll be able to attract investors with a reputable business structure.
Equipment
A roofing company has a variety of equipment to help with various jobs. They also offer a number of services, including insurance claims, roof repairs and inspections for real estate companies. In addition to these services, a roofing company can provide materials, including shingles and other roofing products. They can also provide other construction-related supplies, such as air conditioning units and electrical wiring.
To be successful, a roofing business needs to have reliable equipment and materials. A general tool kit should include hammers, mallets, hacksaws, screwdrivers, chisels and punches. A coring tool to take samples and a box of baggies are also necessary. In addition, a good pair of ladders is essential to gaining access to roofs. A spud bar is also useful for removing embedded gravel from a roof surface.
Other important equipment includes a Delmhorst meter for measuring the moisture content of roofing materials, an optical comparator and reticle to measure coating thickness, a shingle cutter and a shingle scale. A spud bar is a long-handled tool that has flat blades to remove embedded debris from a roof. A spud bar can be used with a broom or a power spudder, which is a motorized device that looks like a rotary lawn mower with steel blades.
Another essential piece of equipment for a roofing company is a generator, which can be very useful if there is no electricity at the job site. This tool can also be useful for powering multiple compressors for nail guns while work is underway. A generator is also helpful for ensuring that the job gets done in a timely manner, especially if there are weather delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Besides the equipment, roofing businesses also need to register with the local authorities to get a contractor’s license. Depending on the jurisdiction, the type of business structure chosen can affect how much tax is paid. For instance, a sole proprietorship is often chosen by small entrepreneurs who work alone and may offer more tax deductions than other business structures.
If you decide to use a different business structure, you should discuss this with an accountant or a lawyer. This will help you determine which structure is best for your roofing company. You should also consider setting up a bank account for your business and using an online job tracking software, such as Jobber. This will help you track key details of each job so you can complete jobs efficiently and accurately.
Employees
The employees of a roofing company are often the face of the business and are the direct liaison between the owner and the client. As such, they must have a strong sense of ethics and be willing to make the customer happy. They should also be committed to completing the job on time and within budget, and to upholding the company’s standards for quality and safety. Those who do not meet these requirements should be let go.
The best employees will have a strong work ethic and are willing to learn on the job. Ideally, they will have some construction experience but are willing to learn from their peers and take on new challenges. They must also be willing to follow all OSHA regulations and provide a safe working environment. It is important to hire only people who are reliable and will not give you problems.
It is also important to create a friendly and positive workplace. Employees should be encouraged to discuss their concerns and ideas with the owners. They should feel trusted and listened to, which will promote loyalty. Annual reviews are a good opportunity to praise and constructively criticize employees. This will help the workers grow professionally and improve the company’s profitability.
A roofing company should offer a competitive benefits package, including insurance and paid leave. It should also consider offering a profit-sharing plan. This is a great way to attract and retain skilled workers.
To attract and retain customers, a roofing company should use multiple marketing strategies. It should have a website and social media accounts, as well as a mobile phone number. It should accept credit cards and be listed in online directories. Additionally, a well-signed vehicle is a great way to advertise the company.
It is also important to make sure the roofing company has a solid legal and bookkeeping process. Many small businesses avoid these tasks, but they are easier and less expensive than they may seem. Luckily, there are plenty of freelancing accountants available on Upwork and other similar websites. These professionals can help the roofing company save money while still providing a high level of service to the customers.