Phoenix Haboob, Monsoon rains and your Roof

Phoenix Roof Repair and Our Monsoon Season

Did you know that Monsoon season starts in the middle of June and ends in September? But, did you know with the continuing threat of rain and wind can affect Phoenix roofer’s ability to re-roof or repair your roof. Our monsoon season can also be dangerous to your roof.

The word Haboob comes from the Arabic word, “Strong wind”. When I was stationed in Saudi Arabia during the First Gulf War Haboobs were common, coming back home to Phoenix, many times the larger Haboobs remind me of my tour of duty in Saudi Arabia.

Haboobs form after a good Phoenix Monsoon storm. Rain cooled air from the monsoon plunges to the desert surface at speeds of up 100 miles per hour. These strong winds kick up our desert dry and loose sand, causing the Haboob or large dust storms.

Dangers to your Roof

These strong winds can affect your Phoenix roof. It can blow of shingles, loosely installed tiles and even affect your air conditioners. These sudden and strong winds can cause your shingles or roof tiles to lift up or even blow off. It allows debris to move quickly and clog scuppers or roof drains on flat roofs. Trees and their branches can easily damage your roof. The monsoon season have the potential to cause serious damage to your roof.

If you own a commercial or residential flat roof our heavy monsoon rains can cause serious issues. Our roofs get over whelmed with the sudden and large mount of water. If your in-roof drains or scuppers are blocked by debris this large amount foo water may be impeded by the debris. This puts stress on your roofing structure and not only cause serious leaks but also can cause roof collapses.

Why roof Inspections.

It is always wise to have your roof inspected before monsoon season and especially after a storm. Being proactive is always “Roof-Smart”. Contacting a certified NRCIA (National Roof Certification and Inspection Association) roof inspector can put your “contractorphobia” at ease. For more information about roofing or roof inspection visit www.CostEffectiveroofing.com.

Will my Homeowners Insurance Cover a Roof Leak?

First, let’s get the insurance question out of the way: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover my roof leak?

Since Arizona is not subject to annual hail or storms like Texas, Oklahoma or Kansas, most Arizona property owners have little knowledge of what is covered by their insurance. Many are under the impression that their insurance will cover roof repair or roof replacement.

Obviously, insurance policies differ between insurance companies, types of coverage, and individual states’ laws. Every homeowner should understand what their Insurance actually covers.

Homeowner’s Insurance covers roof damage not neglect.

There are two basic coverage’s on your policy that you should be aware of in your homeowner’s policy.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Actual Cash Value (ACV) is computed by subtracting depreciation, which is based on age and condition of your roof– from the roof replacement cost.
Replacement cost is another method of valuation. An example would be as follows: You purchased a new roof in 1990 for $6000. The
replacement cost of that roof’s value in today’s market is $10,000. Actual Cash Value (ACV) insurance would only pay the Actual Cash Value of your roof at the time of loss. The ACV would be the replacement cost (at today’s prices), less depreciation. In this example, the insurance company may pay an
estimated cost of $4,500 for your new roof less your deductible.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) is the amount that an insurance
company would pay, at the present time, to replace your roof. In the example above, the roof replacement cost is $10,000. The insurance company would pay out the value of the roof in today’s market of $10,000, less your deductible. Most likely, you have Replacement Cost Value type coverage; which entitles you to have your roof replaced with like kind and quality when it is of equal or better condition then it was before the damage occurred.

For more information about insurance and your roof visit: www.TRMroofing.com

Roof Repair or Roof Replacement???

Phoenix Roof Repair

TILE, SHINGLE, FLAT, FOAM it doesn’t matter most Phoenix roofers will tell you, “It’s time to remove the old roof and install a new one” One of the biggest fears is really knowing if your roof can be repaired or if you have to replace it. There will come a time when you have to decide what to do about your roof, it may be looking a little deteriorated and may have some leaks. Most individuals dread this decision and put it off a much as they can, “out of sight, out of mind”, sometimes until they have no other choice and they have roof failure. At this point most property owners are fearful of calling a roofing contractor.

By that time costly damages may have occurred and roof replacement is the only option. A timely roof repair or even a maintenance program would have protected the building. The extent of the roofing problems and the age of the roof are major factors that can help you decide on what course of action to take.

Can I repair my roof?

The last thing you want to hear when it’s raining is “You Need A New Roof”! Lets face it; most people don’t want to spend capital expenses on a new roof, especially if you can get more years out of your existing one. Getting a roofing contractor to show up is difficult enough, let alone getting three bids on a new roof, then choosing the right contractor. Wouldn’t it be better to really know what the condition of your roof is and what your options are?

Learn to be ROOF SMART: When it comes to real estate, roof issues are usually ignored, until they leak. If you are having roofing issues, problems, leaks, etc. After calling your favorite roofing contractor call a roofing contractor that specializes in roof inspections and knows how to provide a written roof report with OPTIONS…. Know what is going on, know your options about your roof prior to taking the word of a hungry roofer or slick roofing sales guy.

For more information visit: www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com

Roof Inspections Verses a Free Roof Estimate

So what’s the difference between a roof inspection and a free roof estimate?

If you have a roof leak you need to ask yourself this question; Do you need an estimate for a new roof or do you need a real roof inspection? That of course depends on your knowledge of your particular roof. If you know your roof is old, tired and it leaks, roof replacement may be your only option, then call three roofers and get three different free estimates for a new roof.

But on the other hand, if you want to know the condition of your roof, what actually needs to be done to repair or restore your roof, you may want to look at getting a roof inspection. So this season, “Get the Truth About Your Roof” and not just a free estimate for a new roof.

There are hundreds of Phoenix roofers advertising FREE Roof Inspections… but to be quite honest, in most cases they’re sending out roofing “sales guys” or roofing “estimators” to give you an estimate on a new roof. Many times these roofing estimators are simple roofing sales guys trying to sell a new roof. Be careful when searching Google for your roofing contractor.

Real Roof Inspections

Monsoon season is right around the corner, now is the time to have your roof inspected by a NRCIA Certified Roof Inspector and not a roofing sales guy. When you are looking for a Phoenix roofing contractor ask them if their roofing estimators are actually certified roof inspectors. TRM Roofing provides a written HD digital roof report, complete with pictures and the best part; roofing OPTIONS! So before Monsoon season is upon us, have your roof inspected by a Certified Roof Inspector and not a roofing sales guy. For more information visit www.TRMroofing.com.

Phoenix Roof Inspections

NRCIA Roof Inspections — Phoenix Roof Inspections and Certifications

Real Roof Inspections!

Every Phoenix roofer will offer a free roof inspection in hopes of selling a new roof. But many property owners just want a real roof inspection; they want to know the current condition of their roof. Nicholas Bryditzki a licensed Phoenix roofing contractor and roof expert stated, “Roofs are like windshield wipers, we only think about them when it rains”. That’s why roof inspections are so important. If you want a free estimate for a new roof, call any roofer. But, if you want a real roof inspection call a licensed and NRCIA certified roof inspector. The National Roof Certification and Inspection Association only works with vetted contractors who eventually become Cert-A-Roof approved roofing contractors.

What is a roof certification?

Many insurance companies are now requiring roof certifications on older residential and commercial roofs. Insurance companies are trying to protect themselves from bad roofs, which equates to a bad risk. An NRCIA certified roof inspector can provide a detailed electronic roof report and a NRCIA certified LeakFREE® Roof Certification, which has several advantages over a roofer providing their own “roof certification”

In my next blog post about Phoenix Roof Inspections we will go over what those advantages are! For more information on Roof Certifications or Roof Inspections visit: www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com

The 4 Top Reasons Why A Tile Roof Goes Bad in Phoenix

In Arizona the most common tile systems are, sand cast, clay and concrete tiles. Most of what you see are concrete tile roofs. Most building codes call for one layer 30# felt with a 2” head lap. Even though the tile may last decades the underlayment usually last 15 to 20 years.

The 4 Top Reasons Why A Tile Roof Goes Bad:

1: Slipped, broken or missing tiles. This leaves the felt exposed to our desert sun and it will deteriorate causing it to dry out, crack and curl. Anyone walking on a tile roofs can break tiles, satellite installers, HVAC technicians, inexperienced roofers, etc.

2: Sloppy installation of the tile system. The installers went too fast not paying attention to critical detail areas at walls, skylights, valleys, chimneys and roof vents. Flashing details are one of the most vulnerable areas.

3: Deteriorated underlayment, remember there is supposed to be around 2” laps of felt, many times there’s not. So when the felt curl it exposes the decking. If water gets behind the tile and flows down, it may back up on the battens and get behind the felt into the building assembly.

4: Valley areas get filled with debris and when it rains the water can’t flow properly so it backs up beyond the valley metal usually following a batten and gets behind the flashing causing leaks.

Your actual tile should last a lifetime in Phoenix… it’s just your underlayment that’s the real issue.

Many property owners expect their tile roof to last a lifetime and are caught off guard when a roofer informs them they need a new roof. The concrete or clay tile usually can last a lifetime, but the underlayment won’t. For more information on tile roof repair visit: CostEffectiveRoofing.com

Did You Know Hiring a Roofer is Like Getting Married?

Did you know hiring a roofer is like getting married? Think about it! Did you know that number one reason for divorce in America is getting married too fast? Many couples get married too fast and too soon, not realizing what they’re getting themselves into. The second biggest reason for divorce in America is communication breakdown. It is almost the same when hiring a Phoenix roofing contractor. Most property owners focus on price first, like many focus on looks. Hiring a roofing contractor too fast can lead to a disaster, much like a marriage.

The 4 stages of a roofing project

Using the “marriage” analogy, there’s the dating sage, honeymoon stage, reality stage and the mature marriage stage.

Dating Stage: Interviewing several contractors is like dating. There is always small talk, trying to get to know one another. Then you get a bit more serious once scope of work and money are discussed.

Honeymoon stage: You settle on a price, start date, etc. You like everything your chosen roofing contractor is going to do. You’re so excited to get your roof repaired or new roof and all seems fine.

Reality stage: The roofing project work has started. It a bit messier then you figured, little more noise, maybe is taking a bit longer then you or your roofer anticipated. There are some ups and downs, hidden things that neither party knew about, but you keep moving forward to completion of your roofing project.

Mature Marriage Stage: The roof project is completed, but the relationship doesn’t stop there. Now comes the workmanship warranty period. You are actually married to your roofing contractor for the life of your roof warranty period. If something goes wrong what type of partner are you going to have? One that is hard to communicate with, one that does not take responsibility, one that always has to be right, one that is just not there one you need them, or one that once the fun is over you can’t find them.

Moral of the story: Interview your roofer as if you will be married to them for 5 or 10 years. Don’t jump in too fast, even if they come highly recommended. For more information about choosing a contractor there is a free downloadable book just click here.

4 Easy Steps To Repair a Leaky Balcony in Phoenix

How To Never Have to Worry About Your Leaky Balcony or Walk Deck again!

The PliDek solution for leaky balconies by TRM Roofing

There’s a great deal of Phoenix roofing contractors who advertise balcony or walk deck repair, many with some sort of coating roll on type of solution. What if there was a proven permanent solution to balcony leaks that allowed you to never have to worry about your balcony or walk deck again!

What if there was a permanent solution that you could enjoy a good Arizona rain without worrying about you balcony or walk deck. Well, now you can with a PliDek Waterproofing System!

PliDek has developed the ultimate way to save your leaky deck in 4 easy step economical process. Ask your Phoenix roofing contractor about PliDek and how it can virtually ease all your concerns about a leak balcony or walk deck. Your Balcony Restoration Specialist will inspect your deck and will identify issues, some obvious other may not be. They will inspect your flashing around the perimeter, the scuppers, and the current system.

Repairing your Balcony or Walk Deck

Step 1: A floating patch is installed over every major crack or split. New wall counter flashing may be installed if needed. The metal lath is mechanically fastened to your existing deck.

Step 2: A waterproofing base coat is applied. The installer will apply this waterproofing base coat with a trowel. It will evenly be distributed across the lath and feathered into your scuppers.

Step 3: After the base coat has cured all uneven areas will be grinded down to ensure the smoothest surface as possible. Then the next layer is applied, the knock down coat.

Step 4: After this second coat is completely cured the final color seal is applied. This can final seal coat comes in several colors.

For more information about The PliDek Solution for leaky balconies and walk decks visit: www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com

Phoenix Flat Roof Repair in 3 Easy Steps

Flat Roof Repair in 3 Easy Steps

Roofs are expensive to begin with. Replacing them can be even more expensive, when you consider the tough job of removing the existing roof to make way for the new one. If you’re a property owner, then it is in your best interest to avoid a roof replacement for as long as you possibly can. The best way of doing that is to maintain your flat roof properly. That means cleaning it regularly and repairing it as needed, before small problems erupt into larger, more expensive problems. If you notice that it might be time to pay your roof some TLC, then you will be thrilled to know that fixing a leaky flat roof is simple enough for you to do yourself. First, flat roofs in most cases are easy to walk on, but getting up there can be a different story. If you do not like heights or are unsure about climbing up and inspecting your flat roof, call a professional Phoenix roofing contractor.

Here is a guide to flat roof repair in three easy steps:

Find problem areas. Of course, the easiest way to find a roof problem is to identify the source of the leak from the inside of your home or business. However, you can also easily spot roof problems on the outside of the property, especially if you know what to look for. Carefully walk the entire flat roof. Inspect the roof drains and/or through wall scuppers. Then look at every roof penetration. Look for gaps or cracks around these areas. Using a spray can mark the areas that concern you.

Remove Roof Debris. This part is super easy. Make sure your flat roof has zero debris on it. Sweep all the debris into piles and remove from the roof. Second, using a blower, blow the entire roof off. This could get dusty. If you want to take it a step further you can power wash the entire flat roof.

Repair damaged areas. No matter if you have a foam roof, rolled modified bitumen roof or one with a roof coating I would used a silicone or elastomeric type product like; APOC’s Silicone Armor Flash or Western Colloid’s Elastic Cement both are usually available at a roofing supply house. Henry has a good elastomeric product called 289 White Roof Sealant usually available at a big box store like Home Depot.

Using a trowel or brush seal every pipe and penetration in a circular movement. If you have a foam roof system there is a great YouTube video on repair splits you can click this link: Phoenix Foam Roof Repair. For those more experience you can seal your scupper areas. Make sure not to put too much on and block your roof’s drainage.

There is a lot to think about when it comes to roof repair and replacement. To put your roofing project into the hands of a roofing contractor you can trust, visit www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com. This is a great roofing website full of useful information to help you make the most informed roofing decision possible. There is even a FREE downloadable book on choosing the right contractor.

The #1 New Year’s Resolution for your Flat Roof

The #1 New Year’s Resolution for your Flat Roof

Yes! Every American makes a New Year’s resolution and only 8% achieve their New Year’s goals. Let me guess, you want to make more money, lose some weight, eat better or spend more time with your family… sure they are all good goals. But what about a New Year’s resolution for your flat roof?

Setting ambitious New Year’s resolution can be fun, but to actually achieve them can be another story. But what about a New Year’s resolution for your Phoenix commercial flat roof? Your roof is the most important part of your building, when it comes to protecting your investment. A maintenance-free roof system is as real as Santa Clause, it may sound good and give you a warm feeling but both simply don’t exist.

So what is the number one New Year’s resolution for your flat roof?

Take care of my commercial flat roof! Sound complicated and expensive? Think again! The goal of taking care of your roof is to extend the roof’s useable life. Roof repair & roof maintenance Phoenix

Walk the perimeter of your building: Walk the perimeter of your phoenix building and make sure there are no loose objects hanging like, signs, satellite dishes, tree branches, and other building materials. These can be come airborne in high winds causing damage. Don’t forget to trim back trees that can rub or damage your roof and building.
Walk your flat roof: If you are able walk your Phoenix flat roof, check all pipes and other roof penetrations for gaps and other age related damage. Inspect your roof drain and/or scupper areas to make sure they are clear of any debris. Check your roofs edge details to make sure they are tight fitting and properly sealed at the seams and fasteners. Inspect the actual roofing membrane for breaches or other roof damages.
Note any roof issues you see: This is simple; mark areas that you feel are a concern. You can have your own maintenance team clean and repair your flat roof or you can hire a Phoenix roofing contractor that specializes in roof maintenance and roof cleaning.

Roof Repair & Roof Maintenance Phoenix

Many Phoenix roofing contractors focus on selling new roofs, that’s it. To a Phoenix roofer when they see a flat roof, “Tear off that roof and install a new roof!” It’s just second nature to a roofer. So if you are looking for roof repair Phoenix or roof maintenance Phoenix visit: www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com the most informative roofing website on the internet!