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

 

 

Phoenix Haboob, Monsoon rains and your Roof

Phoenix Roof Repair and Our Monsoon Season

Monsoon Dangers to My Roof.

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.

Roof Repair or Roof Replacement???

Phoenix Roof Repair

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

Did You Know Hiring a Roofer is Like Getting Married?

Roof repair phoenix

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.

Phoenix Flat Roof Repair in 3 Easy Steps

Flat Roof Repair in 3 Easy Steps

Flat roof repair phoenix
Flat roof repair phoenix

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.

Roof repair in the Phoenix metro area

Whether you have a house in Scottsdale, or Mesa or a commercial building in Phoenix or anywhere in the Valley of The Sun you should treat your roof like your car… The longer you ignore that “check engine” light the more your car deteriorates. Eventually, your car breaks down, the cost to repair gets expensive and the value of your investment drops and eventually you need to get a new car. so that is why roof repair in the Phoenix metro area is so important.

Phoenix Roof inspections are Critical

Regular roof inspections are an important part of maintaining your roof.   Our Arizona desert weather can wreak havoc on the roof of your home or business and can deteriorate the roofing materials faster than many may realize.   Because we think it doesn’t rain much in Phoenix, it doesn’t mean our Arizona sun is not deteriorating our roofs on a daily basis. This adds to the importance of repairing your roof in a timely manner. Ensuring proper maintenance will also extend the life of your roof, effectively lowering the cost of that roof over time.

When the sun is out no one really thinks about their roof, as soon as it rains EVERYONE becomes conscience of their roof and its condition. With a lack of roof repair and Phoenix roof maintenance, our harsh desert sun will greatly damage the quality and value of your roof. Timely roof inspections, roof repairs or roof maintenance can keep your Phoenix roof cost-efficient and functional. To procrastinate and avoid calling a professional Phoenix roofing contractor can cost you money in the long run.

Every Phoenix roof has it’s own special issues; tile roofs can hide a myriad of issues, while looking good on the outside. Flat roof and shingle roof leaks usually can be spotted and in most cases easily be repaired.

Remember, 7 out of 10 roofs can be repaired!

For more information visit the most informative roofing website on the internet; www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

 

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.

 

 

Foam Roof Repair Phoenix

Foam Roof Repair Phoenix

Foam Roof Repair in Phoenix, many homeowners and commercial property owners cringe when people mention foam roofing or SPF, (Sprayed Polyurethane Foam). The fact is Phoenix foam roofing is very easy to maintain and may be the last roof you will ever need to install on your home or business. Foam roofing in Phoenix is easier to repair than other roofing systems. While most flat roofing systems like a TPO single ply roofing or modified bitumen roofing have to be removed after their useable lives, foam roofing with proper roof maintenance and foam recoating can last indefinitely!

Repairing Your Phoenix Foam Roof

If you want a Phoenix foam roof repair you can do it yourself or hire a Phoenix Roofing contractor to repair your foam roof. Many Phoenix DIY property owners choose to maintain and coat their foam roofs themselves. Many choose to hire a Phoenix roofing contractor to repair and coat their foam roofs. Hiring a profession licensed Phoenix roofing contractor provides several advantages. First, most have the experience to properly repair and coat a foam roof. Second, they provide a roof warranty and finally hiring a professional roofer provides you the peace of mind that if something goes wrong or you have a leak, you can just contact the Phoenix roofing contractor that repaired and coated your foam roof.

The Importance of Foam Roof Inspections in Phoenix

As I have stated so many times, “In Arizona we put a roof on and forget about it”. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is very expensive! Foam roofs are renewable which means your Phoenix Foam Roof can last a lifetime. All it takes in annual roof inspections and roof maintenance.

My next blog we will discuss how to DIY foam roof repair Phoenix. For more information visit: www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com

 

Roof Repair Phoenix a Fool Proof Tip

Fool Proof Tip for Roof Repair in Phoenix

Here’s a foolproof tip on roof repair Phoenix. One of the biggest roofing challenges is to really know if repairing your roof is the best option in the long run or to know when it is time to throw in the towel and re-roof your house. 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 roof leaks. Most property owners dread this decision and put it off a much as they can, “out of sight, out of mind”. People are hesitant to call out a Phoenix roof for a roof repair, concerned that they will get taken advantage of.

It’s not uncommon for property owners to change out tiles in their office or paint over a leak stain on their homes’ ceiling. Ignoring a roof leak wont make it go away. A timely roof repair Phoenix or even a roof maintenance program would have protected the roof on their building or home. 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.

Phoenix roof repair
Roof Repair Phoenix

Fool Proof Tip for Roof Repair Phoenix

One of the first and most important actions to take is to have a roof inspection. You want a roof inspection, NOT A ROOF ESTIMATE, tell your Phoenix Roofer you want an actual roof inspection, with pictures and options, cost of repair verses the cost of replacement.

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 some more years out of your existing one. Getting a Phoenix roofing contractor to show up is difficult enough, let alone getting three bids on a re-roof, then choosing the right Phoenix roofing contractor. Wouldn’t it be better to really know what the condition of your roof is and what your options are?

Roof Repair Phoenix

A thorough roof inspection and with a written roof report should address all critical areas of the roof, provide recommendations for repairs, a maintenance program and/or roof replacement. This Phoenix Roof Inspection Report should include pictures of roof areas that require attention and a proposal for the above Roof Repair Phoenix recommendations. A good roofing contractor should have a certified roof inspector on their roofing staff. Understandably, some Phoenix roofing contractors will charge an inspection fee if you choose to go with someone else.

For more information visit www.CostEffectiveRoofing.com