Miami Roofing

It is inevitable when living in Florida that you will encounter bad weather. Hurricanes are a constant threat one half of the year and thunderstorms the other. In the event that your roof is damaged during a storm, it is imperative that you attempt a quick fix so that you do not incur even more roof damage, or worse, damage to the interior of your home.

The most effective way to protect your home from water damage is to tarp your roof. Weatherproof tarps can easily be picked up at your local home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowes. If you are desperate, even WalMart will have a tarp that can handle the job. These tarps are inexpensive and will only be needed to tide you over while waiting for a roofer to repair your roof. You can go with a heavy-duty tarp, but if you have no other uses for it, it makes better money-sense to go with a cheaper version. Purchase a tarp that will cover the entire roof with a bit of extra material hanging off each side. Use stakes in the ground to tether the tarp down.

Another quick-fix is patching the damaged area. Roofing cement is available at hardware stores and comes in a container similar to a paint can. There are formulas for both dry and wet application. Before applying, be sure to brush off any loose dirt or gravel from the area in which you will be working. Using a trowel, apply the cement and cover the damaged area, as well as six inches beyond.

Lastly, if you need to make your repair quickly and can not get to the store for supplies, you can use items that are commonly found around your house. With a hammer and nails, you can affix a piece of plywood over the damaged area. If plastic sheeting is handy, use a staple gun to cover the affected area, while leaving enough sheeting to hang over the side of the roof to allow water run-off.

No matter what solution you choose, be sure to solicit the assistance of at least one friend or neighbor, and wear your gloves to protect your hands. Do not work in foul Miami roofing weather as the medical expenses from a fall from the roof are sure to exceed any damage your home may incur from some water. Keep in mind these solutions are only temporary fixes, and you must have a roofer out to repair the damage as soon as possible.

Shingle roofs are common in many areas, including South Florida. One of the main benefits of a shingle roof is that it can usually be repaired easily and inexpensively. When a shingle or a group of shingles is damaged or missing, repairing can be done without the need to replace the entire roof. This can result in savings of thousands of dollars.

Roof problems can range from missing shingles to leaks. If the problem is a leak, it should be treated immediately, or at least as soon as the weather permits. Do not attempt to make any Miami roofing repairs during a storm, but do not ignore it. Even a small leak, when untreated, will allow water to seep in and damage increasingly greater areas of the roof and can seriously damage the interior of the house. As time goes on, the damaged areas can grow mold and mildew or result in a ceiling collapse.

The first step is to examine the roof. While up there, be sure to check beneath the shingles. If the felt is torn or damaged, it will also need to be replaced. By removing a piece of the existing felt, you will be able to purchase replacement felt that is the same type and weight. Replacing torn felt is as simple as cutting a piece to fit over the tear, stapling it in place and sealing the edges with roof sealant.

Once the felt as been repaired or replaced, you can turn your attention to the shingles. First, determine how many shingles need to be replaced. When counting, be aware that what may look like one or two shingles is, most likely, a 3-tab shingle. If possible, remove a shingle to use as an example of the kind of you will need to purchase. Understand that the shingles on your roof will have faded from their original shade making it impossible to find an exact color match.

Using the existing shingles as a guide, nail the replacement shingles in place using roofing nails. If doing a large area, always start from the bottom and work up. Overlap the shingles to prevent further leaks and match the pattern on the remainder of the roof.

If you are unable to do the work yourself or if the damage you find is extensive or if it involves the wood beneath the felt, you should contact a professional to make your repairs. Once repaired, your roof should function as well as new.

Since the early 1990s, the building industry has seen an increasing number of new synthetic roofing materials that have become available. These substances are better than natural products, offering greater durability and environmental friendliness. In the area of roofing, there are now several products that recreate the look of more traditional roofing with only a fraction of the weight and a much longer lifetime.

The primary ingredient in these new products is plastic, which is used to form a composite of recycled materials reinforced with microscopic fibers. This sounds bad at first, since one of the main plastics being used is polyethylene, a major pollutant. However, many of these products contain up to 95 per cent recycled substances, and can still make the claim of being “green.” The polyethylene will supposedly stay locked in the composite, which will not break down and allow the pollutant to enter the environment.

Another advantage of synthetic Miami roofing products is their weight. There are now tiles made of synthetic “fake slate” that look exactly like natural stone, but have only a fraction of the weight. While the installation of traditional tile would sometimes require additional support for the roof, this will not be necessary with a synthetic.

With traditional tile, cracking was always a risk. Cleaning and repair had to be done carefully to avoid splitting tiles, which would then have to be replaced. While synthetic tiles look the same as their natural counterparts, they can be walked on without the risk of damage. Considering the cost of replacement, this is a big advantage.

Once installed, synthetics have some obvious strong points. With wooden roofing, for instance, insect damage is inevitable. On the other hand, insects do not find synthetic roofing materials to be appetizing. Molds and other microorganisms also avoid them, eliminating one of the main causes of deterioration in traditional roofing substances.

The biggest downside to these materials is that they are new and lack a track record. It remains to be seen whether manufacturers’ claims about the substances’ longevity and durability are accurate. There is already some evidence that some kinds of synthetic tile may fade unevenly, creating a mottled, unattractive look after a few years. However, these claims are preliminary and may prove to be exaggerated.

The same is true in regard to the environmental claims about these products. If they are as durable, decay-resistant and environmentally stable as they are claimed to be, they will truly improve the world of the future.

Most folks expect their house to last through generations whereas a roof tends to see more than its original lifetime. Proper care and maintenance, including regular bi-annual roof inspections and attending to repairs while they are still manageable, are the best method of preventive care. However, depending on the type of roof (slope, flat, gable or gamble) and exposure, such as severe wind or frequency of storms, a roof can take quite a beating. So it is within the first one or two decades, roofs tends to need more work to keep the rest of the house in good repair.

It is best to consult a reliable Miami roofing contractor to obtain a complete evaluation of the condition of the existing roof. Examining the quality of work performed over the years will reveal if the workmanship has held up and if quality materials have been used in order to determine whether it is necessary to perform a complete reroofing project or if roof recovery will suffice. If the roofing system has reached an advanced degree of failure, it may need to be replaced. The reroofing process is extensive, more expensive and will take a bit longer as it requires replacing the entire roofing system.

A good contractor can also determine if it is possible to go with a roof restoration which will serve to upgrade an entire roof system. This process allows for either recovering the existing roof system or applying a high-reflective membrane coating. High reflection helps with energy savings as it keeps buildings cooler. This method presents a considerable savings over a complete replacement and won’t take as long either. It is important to be sure of the building code requirements, however, as some jurisdictions may not allow a roof recovery, having regulations that actually require tearing off the existing roof if there are multiple layers already on the roof.

A good candidate for roof recovery is a roof that is in good condition with some isolated leaks only requiring minor rehabilitation. The ideal is to be working with a good surface, or substrate, without defects. This avoids transferring any of the old problems to the new work, including trapping existing moisture between the old surface and the new membrane. Depending on the material used to recover, warranties can remain effective as they can be renewed or extended as long as there is a continuing program of regular maintenance and coating going forward.

It may be considered that a home’s foundation is the basis of its longevity, but do not underestimate the impact a roof can have over many years when it has been well cared for. That means being vigilant about inspecting the condition of the roof season after season, or storm after storm, to be sure to attend to problems as soon as they are detected. When in the process of deciding on getting the roof fixed, there comes a time when the decision has to be made as to whether repair will suffice, or if it mightn’t be time to have the roof replaced entirely. There are considerations to be made that will influence the decision.

The age of the roof certainly can clue you in to what might have to happen. Typically, with proper maintenance, the life of a roof can easily go 20 years or much more with just minor repairs if ever necessary, as long as evidence of problems, such as a leak, is attended to in a timely fashion. Water damage is insidious and pervasive. Over time, deterioration takes place behind the scenes until the visible signs of damage begin to appear. Ceiling stains or discolorations are obvious indicators that can indicate mold, depending on the degree of moisture saturation. Be aware that flaking paint or paper peeling away from the walls are also indicative of leaks.

Other indicators begin to depict the decline and failure of a good roof gone bad, such as poor energy performance. Compounding expenses in an attempt to avoid the inevitable complete roof replacement may eventually be the lesser of two evils, so to speak. However, being aware of the environment, especially in storm territory, knowing the make-up, or construction, of the roof and being aware of the warning indicators are all part of a plan to being prepared in a pro-active approach rather than running to keep up with the patching.

It is best to keep up with regular repair as roof replacement, while not always inevitable, can be put off indefinitely through proper care and maintenance. However, when troubles tend to increase with regularity and expenses are rising as a result, it might be best to consult a reliable Miami roofing contractor to get an expert evaluation of the overall condition of the roof. The best contractors are not out to add to your problems but can professionally assess the situation and advise the best course of action to take at reasonable costs.

The three most common roofing systems in South Florida are tile, shingle and flat roofs. Of the three, generally the most problematic are flat roofs. When installing a flat roof it is good to remember that it will usually not remain flat. Spans of this kind of roof allow for sections to develop what is known as the ponding effect after a few seasons. As pools of water collect, the weight begins to pull apart the seams and allow the roof to begin to leak. Repair techniques vary depending on the available budget and the roofing contractor brought in to fix the problem.

When flat roofing repairs begin the entire surface must be cleaned of any dirt and debris that is present. If there are several layers of repair material, this must be stripped to the decking. A good examination of the roofing may reveal that it is in poor condition and must be removed as well.

It is important to hire a professional roofing contractor, schooled in flat roof repair to bring the integrity of the structure back to code. At this time they should also add bracing that will help prevent ponding again. Once a solid deck is obtained suitable roofing material must be selected that is compatible with the structure and complies with any development covenants that may exist.

At this point, a #75 lb felt is mechanically fastened to the roof deck. On top of that two plies of fiberglass are then hot mopped to the roof. Lastly, a mineral surface cap sheet is hot mopped on top of the fiberglass to complete the Miami roofing system.

If this procedure is not an option, a spray on roll out acrylic membrane might do the trick. Latex roofing materials do require a flat deck and the ponding must be eliminated, or at least kept to a minimum. Automatic roof siphons may be needed to prevent the accumulation of water. Adding a pitch during the decking portion of the project will help with this as well.

Another option for a permanent fix to a flat roofing problem, which is much lighter and quicker to apply, would be a torch down rubberized asphalt membrane. This procedure, however, must be done exclusively by bonded and insured roofing contractors, due to the seriousness of the installation.

South Florida is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. The sunny weather combined with miles of pristine beaches make areas like Miami one of the most coveted of locations to purchase property. There is only problem. The Miami area is vulnerable to tropical storm forced winds and hurricanes. Seasoned Floridians have grown experienced in dealing with some of the property damage that can occur during gale-force winds. Those new to the Miami area may have questions about what to do if a storm hits and their roofing is destroyed.

Living In A Natural Disaster Zone

There are certain areas of the United States that are more prone to dangerous tropical storms and hurricanes. Unfortunately, South Florida is one of those places. Being prepared for a tropical storm or hurricane is essential. Storm warnings send homeowners on a quest to stock up on food, batteries, flashlights, nails, plywood, tarp and other supplies in case of a power failure. One of the areas on a home that can suffer the most damage during hurricane force winds is the roof. What are the steps to take if a storm has removed parts the roof?

Contacting Your Insurance Company

The first thing to do is call the insurance company and let them know about the damaged areas. As a Miami homeowner, property damage insurance is essential. Without coverage, a homeowner would have to pay for damages out of their own pocket. The insurance company will send out a claims adjuster to inspect the roof and any interior or structural compromises. In the mean time, it’s a good idea to get detailed photos.

Photograph The Damages

It’s always a good idea to take detailed photos of any damages before and after they are patched. Photos give the insurance company a better idea of damage estimates. They can also be very valuable to a roofing contractor.

Cover The Exposed Roof Areas

If a Miami roofing homeowner has secured the roofing shingles and made them as hurricane-proof as possible, then it’s likely that only a few shingles were torn off. However, if your home was in the direct path of the strongest winds, your roof now has a large exposed area. Try to cover the exposed roof with tarp as soon as possible to prevent more interior damage and leaking. Homeowners are safer contacting a professional roofing company who can also give them a better idea of repair costs.

Without a doubt, roofing contractors will tell you that they get asked the same questions over and over again. Whether they are at a ball game, a dinner party, or the dog park, when people find out they fix roofs for a living, homeowners all want to know the same things. In case you haven’t got a roofing acquaintance you can pump for information, here are the most common questions that you’ve probably always wanted to ask:

What parts of my roof are the most vulnerable?

The most vulnerable parts of your roof are the parts that are already starting to have trouble.
For example, if it is safe for you to do so, take a look at your flat roof after it’s rained. If you can see areas of “ponding,” where the water has collected in a puddle because there is a dip or indentation in your roof, that is often an early warning sign that you may be about to develop a leak in that spot. Likewise if your traditional roof is noticeably sagging, there is probably something wrong with it.
Other common problem areas include places on your roof where there are seams; areas such as your chimney and plumbing vents.

How can I try to prevent leaks?

Maintaining your roof is the best way to prevent leaks. As a homeowner, there are several steps you can take, including regular roof cleaning – every two years or so – to remove algae and fungus, waterproofing your chimney every five years or so, and checking the seals around any pipes that come through your roof.

How can I repair my leaky roof?

It is usually best to enlist the help of a miami roofing expert to determine the cause of your leak and whether it is possible to repair it.
Minor roof problems can certainly be repaired. If your roof is sound and relatively new, for example, then the best option will usually be to fix the problem area. So if the wind has knocked off some of your clay tiles or loosened your asphalt shingles, resulting in a leak, don’t worry as these are all easily replaceable.
However there will be times when repairing your roof just won’t fix the problem; the whole roof will need to be replaced. That is usually the only option when there has been structural damage beyond the actual roof layer. If your roof is leaking because a tree crashed on to your roof during a hurricane, say, it is possible that the roof will be beyond repair and you will have to shell out for a new one.

What kinds of questions should I ask references of a roofing contractor?

Finding unbiased references from customers of a roofing contractor is an ideal way to determine whether that contractor is right for you and can do what you need done, whether it is a complete new roof or simple repairs. In order to make sure that your references give you enough of the right information to help you make your decision, it is important that you ask the right questions.

Here are five questions that you should ask your references about their experience with a roofing contractor:

1) What kind of work did you have done?

A roofing contractor may be ideal for repairs - but not at all suited for replacing a complex hurricane proof roof. Make sure you ask your reference exactly what work was done on their roof, and this should also include finding out what kind of roof was being repaired or replaced.

2) Did the contractor finish the work on time and on budget?

Most contractors give free estimates which include the approximate time frame for the job as well as the price. If a reference cites time or price issues, these are red flags and you should then ask if there was any reason for the added time or expense. The main legitimate reasons for added time and expense are adverse weather conditions, or if the client decided he wanted additional work done.

3) What kind of warranty did you get?

A reliable contractor should provide materials that are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty and provide the client with a copy of the warranty or mention the warranty on his invoices and contracts. Top roofing materials manufacturers provide warranties of as long as 50 years on relevant products. In addition, a reputable contractor issues a warranty on his labor so that any repairs or corrections needed during the first year or two are his financial responsibility. The lack of a manufacturer’s warranty may mean that the materials used were inferior or even stolen, and no reliable contractor is afraid to issue a labor warranty.

4) Did the contractor pressure you to buy any extras?

A reliable Miami roofing contractor will supply exactly what is needed to repair or replace a roof. He may suggest extra features or a higher quality roof, but he will not claim that what you originally needed is unsatisfactory or use any other pressure tactics to get you to buy anything extra.

5) Were personnel polite and professional?

Roofing contractors are customer service people, and while roofing is a tough job, they need to speak to you and your family nicely, and not leave a mess around your house.

Asking the five questions above are a good way to make sure that you are dealing with a truly professional and reliable roofing contractor.

When buying a home anywhere in Miami, you want to make sure that you aren’t also taking the previous owners hidden roof problems. Having to replace a roof can be fairly expensive and it is important to take this into consideration when purchasing a home with an older roof. The price can especially soar if the underlying structure is rotting away.

So that’s the first thing you need to look for. It’s not easy to tell if you have this problem. Sponginess is the usual giveaway but it’s never a good idea to hop up and down on the roof. You’re either going to break a bunch of tiles in the middle of the roof that are no fun at all to replace, or else you are going straight into the living room if the underlayment really is rotted away. So be careful up there. That moldy smell or recently plastered ceilings inside the house are a couple of other things to look out for.

Because everything is attached to the plywood, that needs to be in A-1 condition and DRY. It doesn’t matter how many nails or how much glue and tar you use, things are going to pop off and fly away when the wind blows hard on a rotted roof.

Assuming that you have a solid wood backing underneath, it really doesn’t make much difference if you use polystick or have #90 lb felt underneath, as long as it’s a good job that isn’t letting moisture seep underneath it to rot the plywood. Either one works fine. You can’t change from one to the other without ripping the entire roof off. Polystick is easy to work with once you do need a new roof, and is much safer to apply then hot mopping or torching down. So it’s a great idea for future consideration, but not worth worrying about for an old installation.

As for the tile itself on your Miami roofing project, clay is slightly more prone to breaking then concrete, however it is usually more expensive to go with clay tile. The real key to durability in either case is to stay off of them as much as you can. They’ll last forever as long as you aren’t climbing up there to get your Frisbee all summer long. Or at least until the next Category 5 hurricane comes to town.

One more important point to keep in mind about tile is that styles, manufacturers, and colors change. So if you are buying a house with a tile roof, make sure that there are some spares tucked away in the garage or out by the pool. Throw a couple extra squares onto the order when installing a new roof and you’ll be golden.