Miami Roofing

Repairing or replacing your roof is a very common question and there is not always an automatic answer. We all want to save money, but sometimes spending a little more money now can save you a lot of money in the future. Keeping a building continually protected means maintaining the roof and regularly inspecting it to ensure its structural integrity. Asphalt shingle roofs, the most common type of roofing material, last about 15 to 20 years and sometimes longer before they need to be replaced. Some metal and tile systems can weather upwards of 30 years. Of course roofing life depends on how harsh the conditions are where the building is located – extreme heat and repeated high humidity, such as is common in southeastern Florida, can age a building quickly. But whatever the weather conditions, eventually, every roof will need to be replaced. This need often leaves building owners wondering, “How do I know if it’s time to repair or replace?”

CONSIDER ROOF REPAIR

A damaged roof does not always need to be replaced; In some instances, repair can be an option for minor problems, in a roof that is in otherwise good condition and is not very old. For example, if a storm knocks a large tree branch onto a section of the home, that section can likely be repaired. Perhaps hurricane force winds have loosened some asphalt shingles or broken clay tiles – these too can be replaced. However, if the damage and disrepair is in more than an isolated spot, or if the damage has made its way beyond the roofing layer into the structure, then it may be beyond repair.

WHEN REPLACEMENT IS THE BEST OPTION

Often, the decision to replace is an obvious one. If your home is leaking severely or has shingles that are damaged, missing, warped or severely discolored, then it is probably about that time. Often, a severely deteriorated roof can even have noticeable sag; this means that the wood structure beneath the system has been compromised. In such instances a full reroof is most certainly warranted.

Preventative maintenance on a home or business should also include redoing the miami roofing system when the roof is nearing the end of its anticipated life. Recovering before leaking occurs will prevent moisture from entering the structure, which would otherwise damage the supporting wood and beams. Reroofing before this damage occurs means that you can save yourself from some potentially very serious problems; and will also help ensure that the building and its contents will be continually protected to the fullest extent. Waiting for a roof to leak before replacing it is sort of like waiting for a car to break down before you change the oil, you can do it, but it is not the best way to keep things running smoothly.

For the most part, climbing a roof is a job best left to the professionals. However, sometimes it may be necessary to venture to the top of your home or business to check things out for yourself. When the need arises, whether checking on a leak, tuck pointing your chimney, or simply cleaning your gutters, it is imperative that you exercise caution and following some basic roofing safety.

GETTING ON THE ROOF
When climbing up use the right ladder. Ensure that your ladder is in good condition, has a good safety rating and weight bearing capability, and is tall enough to extend beyond the roof, for safest access to the rooftop. Also, use one that is equipped with gutter guards. These guards keep the your equipment stable, preventing it from falling sideways or swaying with a strong gust of wind. Such guards also prevent damage to the gutters as the ladder lies against the building.

WORKING SPACE
As with most physical jobs, keeping your work space clean is an important step in safety. Ensure that the area you are walking on is free of debris, such as leaves and branches. Avoid walking on a roof when it is wet with rain, dew or frost, or stepping on areas that are covered in algae, moss or other potentially slippery organic growth. Be aware of what tools are scattered about the roof, taking care not to trip over any equipment and to put tools away when they are not in use.

EQUIPMENT
The best way to engage in any rooftop work is to be securely harnessed; this is especially important on very steep rooftops. Proper use of a safety harness allows you to work more quickly, as you can work secure in the knowledge that you are, well, secure. When walking on a roof wear rubber soled shoes or work boots to help prevent slipping. Installing wood braces that function as temporary toe-holds is another great way to help you safely move around the roof. Of course, this is best used when the Miami roofing system is being replaced or repaired, and the toe-holds can be removed and covered over as the work progresses.

STAY FOCUSED ON SAFETY
With just a few simple precautions, and a continuous eye towards safety throughout your rooftop time, roof work can be safe. Use the right equipment, keep the roof surface free of dangerous obstructions, and take your time moving about, and your roofing inspection or repair can get done fast and safely.

Across the United States each summer millions of home owners watch in horror as organic materials such as algae, mold, lichen and moss make their home amidst the shingle edges of their roofs. Such growth is most common in areas with warm and humid summers, particularly throughout the southeastern U.S., including Miami. The effects of these growing colonies look terrible and can harm the integrity of your South Florida roofing system by trapping water around the shingle edges, leading to increased deterioration and a shorter roof life.

Moss, in particular, is damaging because its roots actually get under the shingle, not only trapping moisture, but propping up edges and allowing moisture to penetrate to the wood, causing rot beneath as well. Removing it and preventing future growth is paramount in maintaining an effective, long lasting and attractive home.

Removing Organic Growth

Organic, living colonies of algae, mold, lichen and moss require little to sustain them; they need only humidity, warmth and a crevice of some sort in which to grab a foothold. Along the edges of various roofing materials, including asphalt, clay, ceramic and wood, exists the perfect, cozy spot for these organics to grow – this makes your roof an attractive place to put down roots. Once there, these colonies trap rainwater and dirt, holding them against your shingles, causing unsightly stains and potential damage. The good news is, removing and preventing it is relatively easy.

Removing moss is fairly simple, just use a firm bristled brush to push down the slope of your roof, forcing the moss’ short root system to dislodge and pushing the it off. Be sure to never sweep up the roof, as this could dislodge the shingle.

To remove algae, lichen and mold it is necessary to wash the roof with a cleaning solution. While many people use a mixture of bleach and water, and this is effective, it can also remove the color from your roofing material and damage vegetation around the building. Using an actual roof cleaning product is the best choice; to clean most effectively choose a somewhat overcast, cool day. Then, simply spray the cleaner all over the growing areas, allowing it to sit for about 20 minutes. Lightly scrub the surface, removing any traces. Finally, rinse with clean water or more cleanser.

Preventing Future Problems

Preventing future problems is relatively easy as well, though it requires a bit more skill. The best way to prevent organic growth is to introduce metal; materials such as zinc and copper inhibit mold, moss, lichen and algae. A good way to do this is to purchase copper or zinc flashing, and then install strips along the shingle edges, particularly along the roofs peak or as flashing along the chimney. When it rains, metal particles will flow downward, inhibiting further unwanted development.

Once you have removed all organic growth inspect your tile or shingle to ensure that they are well intact and in good condition. If the moss was very heavy or there for a long time some material may lose their granules and require replacement. Remember also that cleaning up there can be quite dangerous, as wet algae can be as slippery as ice. If you are at all uncomfortable with walking on your roof, contact a roofing professional to do the cleaning. They can do a comprehensive inspection for any damage caused by these substances, and make repairs before the damage becomes worse.

We all know that home owner’s insurance premiums are exceedingly high in Florida, especially if you live near the water. What many Floridians do not know is that one little piece of paper can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars off of your home owners policy. Florida law requires that all statewide insurance companies provide discounts for various building upgrades and conditions in a home. To qualify for these savings all you need to do is have a qualified inspector conduct a wind mitigation inspection of your home.

What the Inspection Looks For

You may be thinking that this sounds great, but you never installed hurricane clips or functioning shutters. Well, that is ok – you don’t have to. A wind mitigation inspection looks at a number of features on your home, many that your builder may have done without you ever knowing. For example, if your builder used a certain quality of nail, called a six-penny nail, which is common to roof construction, then you have a discount. Certain roof designs provide a discount. Many other features that your home very well may have can provide the same savings. The inspection looks at many areas of the building construction, water proofing, Miami roofing and windows.

This can impact any property owner and homes of any age. Newer homes built after 2002 probably have most of the features that are required, yet likely are being charged higher rates without having this inspection report on file. Older homes often have even better opportunities to take advantage of this. Often, home insurance companies look at the year that a home was built and then assume that every structure in the home (including the roof and windows) has never been updated since building. The wind mitigation analysis tells the insurer of any changes that have been made, and forces them to offer rate cuts based on those updates.

Getting the Inspection

Any licensed builder can sign for this inspection. Most often people and companies who perform traditional home inspections also perform wind mitigation services. Prices for this can range from $100 to $400, so shop around. Many company’s will offer a guarantee that they will save you on insurance premiums in one year at least double what you pay them for the report- you can’t go wrong!

Making It Count

Once you have your completed report, you simply take it over to your home owner’s insurance agent. They will then file it, and within a couple of weeks you will receive a new policy with your lower premium and refund check. Smaller inland houses usually save $600 or more per year; waterfront and hurricane zone homes can save thousands per year. So take a few moments now, and see about getting a wind mitigation inspection on your home today.

Heating and cooling accounts for half of your home’s energy use. That means that money spent making your home more energy efficient is money well spent. Now, the government is trying to help you save even more money, by providing tax incentives for upgrading some of your home’s weather fighting systems, including installation of various roofing systems.

Reflective Roof Coatings

Energy Star rated roofing materials, which have reflective coatings to reduce heat build-up, can save you up to 15% on home cooling costs during the warmest months. These coatings are available on metal roofs and as pigmented granules applied to asphalt roofs. Such coatings are found in modified bitumen roofing, which is the rolled asphalt roofing commonly used on flat roofs, as well as asphalt shingles. There are approximately 100 types of these coated shingles and rolled roofing on the Energy Start list that qualify for tax incentives. To receive the tax rebate, ask your contractor to recommend the appropriate roof, and to provide you with a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement to verify that your roof meets the requirements.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs offer excellent heat reflection and longevity, as well as significant tax savings. When installed throughout 2009/2010, you can claim a tax rebate for up to thirty percent of the cost of materials (note labor costs are not deductible), up to $1500. The material used must be pigmented coatings that deflect sunlight; these roofs are an exceptional choice in warm, sunny climates. To qualify for this rebate, the roofing material must be Energy Star Rated, and you must receive a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement that verifies the roof quality.

Green Roofing

Planting a green roof, also called a garden roof, is a beautiful, environmentally friendly option. They are extremely effective for keeping a home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Numerous cities and states have passed roofing incentive tax laws, though none yet apply to Miami roofing residents. In late 2009 a bill was introduced to the U.S. congress to provide tax incentives for green roof installations, but the bill is still in process. So, while no incentive exists for that green roof of your dreams yet, stay tuned; it is likely on the way. Or better yet, write your representative and ask them to support such a bill, for state and federal incentives.

Solar Panels

In an effort to encourage green energy practices, the government is providing a tax incentive on newly installed solar water heating and solar energy panels. This rebate allows you to recoup up to thirty percent of the parts and labor for installing a new solar system on your home. All Energy Star compliant solar heating systems count towards this tax break, and there is no upward limit to how much you can save. So go crazy, solarize your home, and let the government pick up huge portion of the tab.

One of the most common questions we are asked is if one can roof of there current roofing system. While it may save you a few dollars in the beginning, many times this is not always the best options for the longevity of your home. A roof is made of multiple layers. First, there is plywood laid on top of the roof joists, then roofing felts, followed by either shingle or tile or layered asphalt and tar (for some flat roofs). There is also flashing and caulking, which seals edges around areas such as the chimney and roof vents. Eventually, these various points in the system can begin to fail. Flashing can come loose or the shingles can begin to degrade, allowing water to penetrate under the shingles, under the roofing felt, and eventually causing rot and damage to the plywood, even the joists. Leaks of various degree can occur as a result of any of these compromised areas.

Sometimes, problems like these are isolated to only a small section of the roof, and can be repaired. Other times, the entire roof needs to be redone. This leads many building owners to wonder if simply adding more roofing material (new shingles, more asphalt and tar, or metal roofing) on top of their existing roof is a viable option.

Usually, building codes allow for up to two layers of shingles. Certainly, overlaying new roofing over a previous layer reduces labor and disposal costs, and is faster. This is an option, but only if the roof is being replaced as a precautionary measure, due to roof age. If the roof already has leaks, spongy areas, or flashing issues, then recovering with a new layer will only temporarily bandage these problems, leaving them to recur in the near future. In fact, many roofing professionals believe that recovering an existing roof, even one in good shape, decreases the life expectancy of the new shingles by up to twenty percent.

When a new roof is needed, the best option is to tear off the old system before installing a new one. This allows the miami roofing contractor to inspect the roof structure thoroughly, replacing known, as well as hidden damage such as rotten wood and truss work. As with most things in life, a roof is only as good as its foundation. To get the most for the money, it is best to tear off and start anew; you can then rest sure in the knowledge that your roof is in good shape, top to bottom, and ready to protect your building for the next 10, 20, even 30 years.

Foam roofing has been around for quite some time, but it is still comes across as relatively unknown in South Florida. There are many misconceptions about it that make some people wary of selecting this option. However, these misconceptions are simply that and there are numerous advantages to foam roofing that make it a superior alternative to traditional methods.

Foam roofs are one of the most environmentally sensitive option available today. If you are looking to go green, most roofing systems will not provide you with the eco-friendly advantages you can obtain going in this direction. Besides the large amount of waste created by conventional methods, there is an enormous amount of energy required during the manufacturing and installation process. Foam roofs on the other hand offer an abundance of benefits minus the negative effects on mother nature. Unlike standard built-up designs that consist of multiple layers hot mopped to replicate a single, undivided system. Foam roofing is applied as one complete roof that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers superior protection that can only be achieved when seams are not present. There are no connecting parts that allow for eventual breakdown. This is true regardless of the size of the property you are applying it to.

Foam is up to ten times lighter than conventional roofs. This allows for applying the material over existing Miami roofing systems in most instances. This not only makes the entire process more efficient, it also saves on hauling and depositing the waste materials into a landfill. The elasticity of foam roofs allows the material to conform to just about any building design which in turns helps prevents spaces and gaps that could allow for potential water intrusion. While the light design and elastic qualities might lead one to believe the material is weak, that is simply not the case. There have been numerous studies that have proven the durability and strength of this material. However, perhaps the most impressive side to foam roofing is it’s incredible insulating supremacy. There is no other roofing system on the market today that can match the cooling benefits one can obtain with foam. In fact, on average this method saves thirty five to forty percent more energy than any of it’s competitors.

Whether you are looking for a new roof for your house or business, foam roofing is an excellent alternative. There are many advantages and the ones listed here are only a handful. Proven to be easy to care for, durable and strong, if you are considering foam contact Miami Roof Tech and we’ll show you why it may be the right choice for your property.

Everybody wants to do their part to protect the environment but sometimes the cost is great and the benefits are not. Start a new trend in southern Florida by installing a roofing system that is not only good for the environment but will also save you money. Living in sunny Miami, a typical roof will not only radiate heat because of its dark surface, but its impermeability will also let storm and rain water flow off, thus wasting two potentially useful and reusable resources, the sun and the rain. The average roof is not at all energy efficient and has no effect on the amount of energy required to keep your home cool during the hot summer months. The solution to this problem: installing a green roof on your home.

Definition:
A green system is a type of roof covering that can grow vegetation such as plants, flowers, and shrubs. A root-safe, waterproof membrane protects your home from any downward growth of the roots. A drainage system is built in to catch rainwater, which in turn is used to water the plants that are being grown. This cuts down on the amount of drain water that is being wasted.

Purposes:
It may be installed simply for aesthetic reasons to provide a break from asphalt and a retreat into nature. Green roofs are a great alternative to dealing with runoff storm water and can help keep your home cooler under the hot Florida sun.

Advantages:
Green roofs usually last a long time and need less maintenance and repair than traditional systems. It can reduce your energy bill by providing natural insulation that keeps the cool air in and the warm air out. The fruits, vegetables, and flowers grown can improve air quality by giving off more oxygen and taking in carbon dioxide. Able to withstand heat, sun, and wind, it is perfect for the unpredictable Miami weather.

Miami Roofing is committed to giving back to the environment by building quality green roofing systems. Installing one on your home is a great way to not only save money but also help the environment which is a win-win situation for everyone.

If you are looking to do roof repairs or a entire replacement, you will need to get quotes. Always request at least three detailed estimates in writing so that you can make an informed decision when deciding which company will ultimately by responsible for the longevity of your roof. When collecting information from contractors it is important to check references as well. The more information you have at your fingertips, the easier your search will be. Once you have all of your requested information from potential contractors, the hard work begins on comparing the roof estimates you’ve been given. When considering the information before you, remember you should never base your decision on cost to you alone. While your bottom line is important, more important is knowing that the expenditure you make will not have to be made again soon due to an unforeseen problem. Some questions to keep in mind when comparing Miami roofing estimates include:

1. What types of materials are involved? Is the contractor using a lower quality product in their estimate?
2. Has the contractor properly accounted for labor and transportation of materials in their estimate?
3. Is there anything in the estimate to provide solutions for any potential problems?
4. What is the contractor’s reputation? Did you check references?

Comparing roofing quotes is not an easy job. There is much to consider when looking at the information in front of you. Materials are a crucial factor in the overall cost of the job. You want a fair price, but you also want materials that will stand the test of time. Some contractors may opt for cheaper quality products to make their quote look more appealing, but in the long run the job isn’t cheaper if within a few years you have to spend thousands of dollars to do additional repairs. Pay close attention to labor and transportation costs. Some contractors use this area to increase their profit margin without providing adequate service. Keep in mind that lower bids sometimes have higher labor costs for this very reason. References are imperative. If the contractor doesn’t have the reputation to back their claim for service, you may be putting yourself in position for potential problems in the future. We all want the best for our money, when comparing roof estimates make sure you do your research to get a quality job and the peace of mind that comes with one.

A lack of maintenance is one of the leading causes of roof deterioration. Most people tend to overlook the maintenance of their roofs when they find leaks, preferring to simply fix the leak instead of finding the problem. Most causes of deterioration can be attributed to problems that can be prevented through the proper design/inspection of the roof. Many leaky areas can actually be attributed to the flashing, whether it was installed incorrectly, poor construction was a factor, or because age has caused various contractions and or expansions to loosen the seals or separate the flashing from their base flashing. Another common cause of roof deterioration is the atmosphere surrounding your home. Organic-based roofing materials are more susceptible to the weather than inorganic, while some roofing materials are effected largely by air pollutants and industrial or salt-laden atmospheres. Another factor that is involved is the overall weather conditions. It’s important after storms to inspect for damage. It’s also a good chance to see if there are any building deficiencies when it comes to proper drainage of your roof. Any standing pools are clues as to where the deficiencies are, and what type of action should be taken to prevent any further damage because of standing pools of water. Seemingly harmless things can cause sections to deteriorate as well, such as seeds or twigs on or around it. Some seedpods release toxic substances that can eat away at your roof, leaving pocket marks, while twigs can poke through certain areas, i. e. shingles, causing further deterioration and leaks, as well as causing your pocket to suffer for having to pay the repairs. Nobody really looks forward to replacing their roof because of some twigs that would have taken the most minimal effort to remove. Improper perimeter detail can also become problematic because of the potential for strong winds to cause fasteners to loosen and break the adhesion, not to mention the added duress put on the roof structures. Strong winds also bring a lot of potential harmful debris, yet another good reason to check your Miami roofing system after storms of any kind, when you’re able.