Corona Virus and Roof Leaks

It’s been a scary few weeks with all the hype and publicity of the Corona Virus disease or by the scientific name COVID-19. Scared folks are clearing shelves of toilet paper, water, rice, etc., worrying about a potential pandemic.

Coronavirus can affect your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat). Early symptoms are much like those of the common cold. The risk probably reflects the strength, or weakness, of a person’s respiratory system. Now I’m no doctor nor do I claim to be, but it appears that the Coronavirus affects those most with preexisting upper respiratory issues.

But what does the Coronavirus have to do with roof leaks?

Dampness and mold have been shown to be associated with a variety of adverse respiratory health effects, including respiratory tract infections. Dampness and mold are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in homes or commercial buildings can be caused by rain seeping in from a roof leak. Mold growth occurs when enough moisture builds up from the roof leak or other source. Mold can spread throughout the home or building structure, it can even affect your HVAC system. So, in short, roof leaks can cause mold if not taken care of and this can be a large risk to those that are susceptible to respiratory  illness.

We have had a lot of rain of the last week or so here in Phoenix and I’m sure roofing contractors are being flooded with calls about roof leaks. Since it doesn’t rain a lot in the Valley of the Sun compared to other metro areas, many property owners procrastinate repairing roof leaks. Roof leaks can develop for several reasons, wind or storm damage, lack of maintenance or your roof is just old and needs to be replaced.

To avoid damage to your property or any health risk you should have your roof leak inspected and taken care of by a licensed Phoenix roofing contractor.  For more information visit www.TRMroofing.com

 

 

Considering Solar? Be Roof Smart First!

If you are considering installing solar on your roof you gotta be Roof Smart!

The first thing to remember is, solar companies hire salespeople. In general, salespeople DO NOT like anything that can make a sale go south. When you first start talking to solar companies you will be talking to a salesperson and not the person who is configuring and installing your rooftop solar system. The number one goal to a solar salesperson is to sell a solar array, all the other “stuff” like the condition of your roof, which direction it faces, aesthetics, roof load factor, etc. can only screw up a sale.

Before you even talk to a solar company you need to ask yourself these questions:

How old is my roof? Is my roof currently damaged, old, deteriorated or in just bad condition? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions. It’s probably better to replace your roof first before installing a solar system. If you install a solar on your roof that should have been replaced, then when you do develop leaks and have to replace your roof, now there may be extra thousands of added costs of removing and reinstalling the solar panels.

Here are a few roof guidelines when it comes to installing a solar system:

Concrete Tile RoofsConcrete tile roof systems usually have a single layer of 30# or 40# underlayment and last anywhere from 18-25 years.  Your tile will last a lifetime but your underlayment won’t. So if you have a 15-18-year-old tile roof you may want to have the underlayment replaced on the roof field where the solar panels are going to be installed. Later you can do the rest of the roof. Many solar companies can wrap the cost of the new roof into your lease program and you may even qualify for tax credits for the whole amount.

Clay or Sand Cast Tile Roofs:   These can be a bit trickier and much more expensive.  What TRM Roofing of Phoenix has developed is removing the tile where the solar panels are going and installing a new dimensional shingle roof system. Once the solar panels are installed, we come back and install the tiles over the shingles and just under the solar panels, looks like the solar panels are embedded in the tiles and they look sharp!!

Flat Roofs: If you have an older home with a rolled roofing like modified bitumen or even a built-up it is best to have your roof either replaced with foam or if the roof is in decent shape install a cool roof liquid membrane over the existing rolled roofing. If you have an older foam roof those can easily be restored.  You should ask your solar installer to make sure that each anchor is encapsulated with trowel grade silicone. This will be bulletproof!

Asphalt Shingle Roofs: If you have a shingle roof that is 20 years or older you should make sure that it’s good condition, no fiberglass showing, or severe granular loss or any type of hail or storm damage. If you have a 3-tab asphalt shingle that is 10 years or older, replace it.

So when it comes to installing solar on your roof, be roof smart! Another thing to consider is trusting your solar contractor.  Remember choosing a solar company or roofing contractor is like getting married it’s a long-term contract. If you are interested in solar call Solar Sandy and see if you can become part of her Solar Family. If you have questions about your roof visit: www.TRMroofing.com

 

EPDM Roof Coatings for Commercial Roofs

EPDM Roofs and Conklin Roof Coatings

If you are new to roofing industry chances are you heard of EPDM roofing systems but never understood what the hype about it is. Stick with us and in this article, Conklin Roof Contractors will explain why more and more business owners are deciding for EPDM as their commercial roofing solution!

EPDM is short for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, you probably will forget the full name, but it is essential to know that EPDM is a chemical compound that has taken the industry by storm. Especially commercial roofing industry! EPDM is usually applied to a flat roof or a low slope roofing system. It creates broad and thin sheets that are bound once they are placed by a unique adhesive. EPDM works best on lower slopes, and they represent a durable roofing solution.

What is the fuss about the EPDM roofing system?

First of all, EPDM is easy to install, and it also requires low maintenance. Therefore, it is a perfect upgrade to any roof: as it combines affordability, easy installation and requires very little care. The fact that it is not difficult to install is also why it represents way less injury risks for our roofers which allows us at Conklin Roof Contractors to be flexible at doing our job and do it the best possible way.

EPDMs are highly resistant and durable option. Therefore, they provide your roof with more strength and work as another protective layer. Owner located in harsher weather conditions usually go for EPDM because of its durability. No matter if you live in extremely hot or icy areas you can rest knowing you are getting the best of EPDM. Even if you live in an unstable and constantly changing climate, you don’t have to worry because this roofing material can withstand these climate changes.

Restoring your EPDM roof in Phoenix

No matter how strong EPDM roofs are, they can still use some reinforcement and improvement. Over time, they might lose some of their resistance properties, so the optimal way to prevent this is by applying high-quality coatings. Most of the time owners decide to use acrylic coatings, rubber coatings, urethane or elastomeric coatings. Acrylic coating, for instance, take on the texture and look of initial roofing material and they usually take about ten coats to be effective. Rubber coating, on the other hand, represent ultimate protection from water penetration. Coatings help the roof to avoid roof leaks” and make it more resistant overall as coatings renew your EPDM roof.

Conklin Roof Coatings EPDM System can significantly contribute to extending the lifespan of your roof. Coatings are highly efficient and affordable way of solving problems with your EPDM roof and avoiding overall tear off. However, these elastomeric coatings bring more than just a roof upgrade. They have the power to affect your entire property.

Also, this coating will play an important role in prolonging the time between the next reroofing. You will not have to invest in a costly roof tear-off but in a brand new, affordable roofing solution. People mostly decide for elastomeric coatings because of their energy efficient properties. Let our team of professional Commercial roofers help you if your commercial roof. Conklin Roof coatings are rated Energy-star, which means they save energy and power making your property overall more efficient. This coat can naturally cool your office or space and reduce the need for using air conditioning. Thanks to the white top coat, instead of absorbing, efficient elastomeric coating reflects a huge amount of heat and results in 30 % lower costs for air conditioning bills.

Give it a thought 

No matter which coating you decide to choose, ensure you pick the right contractor to apply it. Picking a high quality and proper coatings is the first step, however, finding a high-quality contractor to do the job is a decisive moment.

So You Have A Roof Leak

Phoenix Roof Repair

You have three options when you have a roof leak

1: You can ignore the leak and pretend it’s not going to get worst

2: You can try the handy man approach and try to patch it cheap.

3: Or you can call a professional Phoenix roofing contractor who can provide you a complete analysis of your roof’s condition and offer professional solutions which may include, roof maintenance, roof repair, or roof restoration.

Making smart roofing decisions can reduce the long and short-term costs associated with your roof. There are several good choices when it comes to extending the life of your roof. A professional roofing contractor can provide cost effective roofing solutions that can extend your roof’s life.

Phoenix Roof Repair and Maintenance

Most roof systems have common characteristics that make most roofs vulnerable as your Phoenix roof ages.

Flat roofs: Seam lifting and separations, gapping at penetrations, drain issues and of course roof ponding areas. This can lead to roof leaks and eventually deterioration to you decking.

Tile Roofs: After 17-20 years the underlayment is deteriorating curling at laps, Gapping at penetrations, broken and cracked tiles and of course missing tiles. This can lead to roof leaks and eventually deterioration to you decking.

Foam Roofs: Simple the deterioration of the protective elastomeric coating and this can lead to roof leaks and eventually deterioration to you decking.

The TRM Roofing Solution is simple.

Do Something! The worst thing you can do is ignore your roof leak. Have your roof inspected, perform roof maintenance, have your roof repaired professionally until full replacement is within your budget. For more information visit: www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com and know the truth about your roof.

DIY Foam Roofing Repair & Maintenance Phoenix

DIY Foam Roofing Repair & Maintenance Phoenix: If you have a foam flat roof in the Valley of the Sun you can understand the advantages of a sprayed polyurethane foam roof. One of the biggest factors that many property owners don’t think about is proper Phoenix foam roofing repair and maintenance. As a property owner with a foam roof you have two choices; hire a professional Phoenix roofing contractor or DIY… Do It Yourself Foam Roof Repair and Maintenance.

Foam Roof Blisters

Foam roofs can sometime develop blisters, which are usually caused by trapped moisture; most of these foam blisters do not cause an immediate threat.   If left unfixed these foam blisters will eventually split exposing the foam roof to UV degradation… SUN LIGHT. This will cause your foam roof to deteriorate.

Do It Yourself Foam Blister Repair

  1. Cut out the blister and remove any burnt or wet foam within the foam blister, you want to get down to dry and white foam. It is important to make sure everything is dry.
  1. Using a sharp utility knife cut the edge of the roof foam at a 45-degree angle away form the blister. This will provide a smooth tie-in with your caulking.
  1. There are several manufactures’ of elastomeric caulking, I recommend APOC’s 264 Flash N’ Seal Roof and Flashing Sealant. With a trowel, fill the foam blister void with APOC’s 264. Make sure to push the caulking in and completely fill the foam blister void.
  1. Smooth out to match your current foam roofs texture as much as possible and allow the APOC 264 Flash N’ Seal Roof and Flashing Sealant to cure for several days.
  1. When the repair is cured or dried, coat the top of the foam roof repair with an elastomeric coating to ensure no future damage will occur. I recommend APOC’s 252 Sunwhite Premium Elastomeric Roof Coating. There are lower priced elastomeric roof coatings you can purchase at Home Depot or Lowes. For more information about foam roof repair and maintenance visit: www.costeffectiveroofing.com.