Construction tools

Why Preventative Maintenance For Your Roof is Important

The benefits of preventative maintenance show up in different assets classes.But homeowners tend to adopt a reactive strategy to their roof maintenance. For businesses, investing in preventive maintenance saves them 12 to 18 percent compared to using reactive maintenance.

Why do people delay roof maintenance? The reasons could range from not knowing what to hire to a lack of proactive approach to conservation.

Delayed maintenance comes with high costs. Here is what’ll happen if you delay the maintenance of your roof.

Consequences of Delayed Maintenance

Yes, delaying your roof maintenance has implications. Usually negative.

Increased Repair Expense

Delaying till the intrusion of water increases the damage to your roof is costly. You would end up incurring extra expense. Imagine a situation where a lack of maintenance results in loss of other things. It could destroy your insulation, wall, ceiling the electrical system.

Get a calculator do the math, how much do you think that’ll cost? Of course, it varies with building type size. But wouldn’t you rather avoid unnecessary costs?

Possibility of Structural Failure

Delaying preventative maintenance for your roof can cause a leaky roof. You probably know the risk this carries. Water trickles into your home through the damaged roof to compromise the structural integrity of your house.

It would begin with short-term effects such as mold mildew. A couple of years later, it could make its way to drywall fatigue rotting structural wood.

Reduced Energy Efficiency

If you’re interested in saving energy, you might be using a light colored reflective, cool roof. This kind of roof makes a proactive maintenance compulsory. Think it.

You benefit from this roof’s ability to reflect heat. But you wouldn’t care for it. Dirt soot eventually cover your roof makes it lose its reflective ability.

What do you get from all that negligence? A boiling house.

Loss of Revenue

The situation gets direr if you have tenants. Not only would you be incurring the extra expense of fixing the damaged roof, but you would also be losing money as well. Your tenants would have to move out, causing you to lose rents.

Unhealthy Environment

As mentioned earlier, your leaky roof can cause a damp environment. This leak can support the growth of mold mildew. Which means you could be breathing in air that isn’t healthy.

The short outline above talks the consequences of not being proactive the maintenance of your roof. But, it’s not all negatives. There are some benefits to be enjoyed when you adopt a preventative approach towards maintaining your roof.

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

Your Roof Lasts Longer

When your roofing system is healthy, it lives up to its life. Your roof can be healthy only if it undergoes preventative measures. It includes regular inspection immediate repairs on a consistent basis. When you do this, it becomes easier for you to notice signs of damages address it. You would have prevented minor issues from developing into expensive nightmares.

Please note that you are not supposed to wait for an apparent cause for concern. That’s a reactive approach which lures you into a false sense of security.

Roof problems often start small. At this stage, they are undetectable by anyone but a professional. By the time you discover it, it would be a too late.

Less Stress for Yourself

Roofing projects often come with an interruption of your daily routine. You’ll put yourself in a stressful situation when there’s a significant leak, you have to move your things around. The longer it takes to repair your roof, the more stressed you get. You can avoid all that stress by scheduling a preventative maintenance.

After all, it is easier to handle the minor issues than to do an emergency repair.

You Save Money

It all gets down to how much you can save. Your warranties can help keep a lot of money if the defect has to do with manufacturing, craft or materials. However, it won’t cover you if you disregard preventive maintenance.

Why is this? The answer is simple.

Refusing to take a preventative approach to scheduling a routine maintenance can come off as inaction. This refusal, in turn, can cause your roofing manufacturer to read your inaction as negligence.

As such, they may not honor your warranty. It implies that you would have to pay thousands of dollars from your pocket, and possibly at the worst times.

Bottom line, you can keep your roofing warranty by doing a regular preventative maintenance.

Preventive maintenance for your roof can be broken down into scheduled inspections and a periodic repair of roofing components such as drains and curbs. Roof maintenance is one of the most dangerous DIYs. As such, hire a professional.

The roofing professional you hire would be expected to;

  • Check your pipes and downspouts
  • Make sure there are no gaps and tears in penetrations and flashings
  • Make sure the walls of the rooftop vents and equipment are well sealed
  • Be on the lookout for any sign of damage to the roof

By checking your downspouts and pipes, you ensure that your drainage has freeflow. Remember to check for gaps, loose seals, and other signs of damages.

Wrapping It Up

Preventative maintenance for your roof protects you from losing money unnecessarily. And could even save your life!

Scheduling a routine maintenance for your roof goes a long way to benefit you. Preventive maintenance is one sure way of getting ahead of the problem identified throughout this article. It saves you money, time, and reduces your stress.

It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a commercial or residential roof, in the face of the overwhelming evidence we have, preventive maintenance is a no-brainer. Preventing water from leaking into your home, factory or office, due to a bad roof, maintains your building’s structural integrity.

However, it is imperative for you to seek the of to handle this. You wouldn’t want to leave such important task in the hands of amateurs. Or join the 40 percent of homeowners who express dissatisfaction after carrying out a DIY project on their own.

Talk to Davis Contracting. They’re that handle roofing such as, residential roofing, commercial roofing, roof repairs storm damage. You can them here.

Read more: https://daviscontracting.org/why-preventative-roof-maintenance-is-a-worthwhile-investment/

Person attaching shingles

7 Tips for Choosing the Best Shingles For Your Roof

Whether you are suffering from damage need roof repair or replacement, or are looking to beautify your home or , there are important guidelines to follow.

For homeowners, commercial building owners, property management, finding the best shingles can be stressful.

There are many providers construction materials that aren’t necessarily the best choice. With architectural shingles, traditional 3-tab shingles, metal roofing available, it’s important to match your needs to the products.

Follow these 7 guidelines you will have the best shingles for your needs.

1. Think The Weather

Different types of shingles offer different types of protection against the elements. The weather in South Carolina can be dynamic.

You will need the best shingles to withstand hurricane force winds as well as high heat and humidity spikes. The best shingles are shingles that match the climate where your building is.

2. Match the Structure

Take a look at the shingles you are considering against the siding of your home or . While looking at different types online can spark ideas, you will need to see actual samples before making a final decision.

Look at the shingle in both the sun the shade. Compare it in both environments against the building itself.

3. Consider Overall Value

Asphalt shingles are often used because they are less expensive. But they won’t necessarily offer the same boost to the curb appeal of your home in every .

When choosing the best shingles it’s wise to compare the projected life against price benefit to your structure. A larger initial investment is likely to pay off with higher building values longer life.

4. Code Restrictions

Before settling on any specific type of roof you need to take into account code restrictions. This is another reason it’s wise to employ a trusted local provider.

5. Consider Color

When replacing their roof or performing repairs many home owners are already set on a color scheme. They aren’t aware that changing the color of their shingles can alter the aesthetic qualities of their building dramatically.

You need to study your building as well as the surrounding elements. Warm tones are perfect for helping your home with a more classic casual feel.

A more contemporary design might benefit from black, white, grey tones. This sense of tone can provide a dramatic effect.

There are lighter shades. There are also ways to mix up color matching.

Before picking a color it’s wise to explore different color options.

Color Changes Performance

The color of your shingles won’t just affect how your building looks. The color of your shingles will also affect the performance.

While dark colored shingles are a great look, they also will absorb more heat. Lighter colors reflect it.

For homes in humid climates, there are different considerations. The humidity can promote algae growth.

In this case, homeowners or owners can consider algae-resistant shingles.

6. Combining Products for the Best Shingles

Homeowners spend more than $327 billion a year on home renovations repairs. While these numbers continue to climb they don’t always get the best value for their investment.

With roof repairs replacement, it’s just as important to combine the best shingles with the best installation. Unless installation is done properly you may void a warranty.

Worse still, you may damage the product not get the full benefit of the new shingles you’ve purchased.

As important as the shingles themselves is installing them properly.

Professional Installation

Professional installation won’t just help you get the most from your new shingles. Professional installation will likely save you money headaches in the long run.

40% of homeowners say they regret performing a DIY project on their own. Professional have the experience, tools, expertise to install your shingles correctly the first time.

Safety Concerns

In addition to the benefits of the best installation, most home owners aren’t aware of the risks of performing the work themselves.

Over 90,000 people land in the emergency room each year from ladder accidents alone. Add in issues with power tools and lifting injuries, and there are many safety risks to performing these tasks on your own.

There is also a safety concern for your home and , as well as your personal belongings. Without professional installation, there can be severe safety issues to people possessions down the road.

7. Understand the Warranty

Whether you’re on the verge of selling your home or commercial property or not, a warranty can be your best friend. Without the right roof warranty, you won’t have the liability protection you need.

Too many home and owners believe they are getting an iron-clad warranty with their shingles. Unfortunately, they don’t understand until it’s too late that there are a variety of warranty types for their shingles.

You want to be covered for the shingles themselves as well as the installation. If the you choose installs them incorrectly breaks the product you may still have to pay for the repair.

The best shingles will help you be covered for both materials installation. But make sure you understand the duration and coverage of both.

Davis Contracting Can Help

Once you have a general idea of the shingles for your home or commercial property the only thing left to do is to find the best provider. Davis Contracting is the provider of choice for home owners.

Our clients love our attention to quality . Just as important is the fact that we are licensed insured can offer our clients the best overall value.

Too many home owners cut corners when it comes to their roof. The benefit of using Davis Contracting is that you get the best from the start.

Let us help you pick out the best shingles install them professionally for you.

Don’t wait to get the help support you need. If you need residential roofing help, contact Davis Contracting today.

Read more: https://daviscontracting.org/7-key-benefits-of-hiring-residential-roofing-professionals/

Installing a new roof

When Is It Time for a Commercial Roof Replacement?

When’s the last time your had a commercial roof replacement?

Has it ever had one? The answer depends largely on what your roof is made of.

A concrete roof should never need replacing. Tile roofs can last upwards of 100 years, although individual tiles may need to be replaced.

Most roofs, though, are made of shingles. The average shingle roof will last between 20 30 years. If your roof is older than that, it probably needs some attention.

How do you know if it’s time for a commercial roof replacement?

A free roof inspection is a good place to start. Experts recommend inspecting your roof once in the spring, once in the autumn, after any major storms.

In the meantime, you can do your own pre-inspection. Here are seven things to look for when considering a commercial roof replacement.

1. Visible Deterioration

The first thing to look for is signs of obvious damage or deterioration.

Over time, humidity severe weather can lead to rust on edge metals. As the rust causes deterioration, it can compromise the structural integrity of your entire roof.

Your roof’s edge is its primary defense during high winds bad weather. It’s vital to keep it in good so you don’t lose it during a storm.

If you see any signs of rust, bending, or deterioration, a roofing contractor to repair or replace it.

2. Blistering

The next most obvious sign your roof needs replacing is if you see any blistering, ridging, or splitting.

Look for cracks, blisters, or bubbles on the surface of your roof. This is usually a sign that moisture is trapped between the membrane the deck, or between layers of the membrane.

Although blisters don’t always require fixing, large areas of blistering need to be addressed.

Left untreated, blisters will accelerate the aging process of your roof. They can also lead to more serious problems like leaks or structural damage.

3. Improper Installation

In some cases, the contractors who built your may have used improper materials. Or perhaps you (or someone you hired) did some less-than-adequate repair work.

In either case, the wrong materials or repair techniques could come back to haunt you.

For example, let’s say the builder used improper fasteners on the edge metal. This means there’s a higher chance of the metal coming loose blowing off in a windstorm.

Some contractors commonly use roofer’s nails when they install edge metal. The problem is that these nails don’t have the necessary pull-out resistance to withstand high winds.

Not sure what types of materials were used when your was built? Don’t guess — call a roofing expert for a professional evaluation.

4. Damaged Membrane

Depending on the type of roof you have, it may (or may not) receive a lot of foot traffic.

The more people walk across your roof, the greater the chance of damaging the membrane. This wear tear can lead to a host of problems, including leaks other water damage.

If your roof is metal, it contracts expands in response to the weather. DIY attempts to caulk torn membrane will only cause more damage to your roof.

If your roof receives a lot of foot traffic, the best solution is to install a walkway or extra layers of protective membrane.

And if you’re uncertain the membrane’s integrity, call a contractor to see if you need a commercial roof replacement.

5. Water Leaks

If you’re dealing with water infiltration, this probably means your roof is already compromised.

When the membrane stops working as intended, water begins to find ways into your building. Regularly inspect the interior ceilings your roof to prevent water from infiltrating your building.

At the very least, you can catch the problem early before it leads to more serious damage.

If you see water stains on the ceiling or walls, don’t ignore it. If it’s not a problem with the roof, it could be an issue with a faulty HVAC system.

6. Age

We touched on it before, but we’ll say it again.

Your roof may not need replacing as quickly as other parts of your house, but that doesn’t mean it will last forever. If you’ve gotten 25-30 years out of your current roof, you’re lucky.

you’re rapidly approaching the when you will need to consider a commercial roof replacement. Even if you find no obvious signs of deterioration (yet), a 30-year old roof is already past its prime.

Keep track of its by knowing when the initial installation took place. You should also keep all repair maintenance records on file.

7. Mold or Bad Odors

A final sign that you may need a commercial roof replacement is the presence of mold or unpleasant smells.

If your building is moldy, that means water is getting in somewhere. It could be a breach somewhere in your roofing system. Or the problem could lie in the building’s exterior or the HVAC system.

Whatever the case, you must address it immediately. Mold can lead to a host of health problems for you your employees. It can also lead to worse damage expensive repairs to your building.

Final Thoughts on Commercial Roof Replacement

Commercial roofs require long-term maintenance continual repairs.

When you know the warning signs to look for, you can identify roof problems early prevent more extensive damage in the future.

In many cases, owners don’t inspect the roof until there’s a major ( expensive) problem. Don’t let that happen to you!

If you live in upstate South Carolina, we at Davis Contracting would be happy to provide you with a free inspection estimate.

Please us today for more information.

Man standing on a ladder

7 Signs Your Commercial Building Needs a Free Roof Inspection

Is your roof leaking or showing signs of damage? In this case, it may be time for a free roof inspection.

If you’re lucky, you might not need an entire roof replacement. The average cost is around $6,600. For commercial buildings, it’s $5 to $10 per square foot.

Unless your roof is severely damaged, you should be able to fix it. In general, roofs last for up to 30 years. Take the time to assess your options before buying a new one.

Not sure what to do? Read on to find out more!

Does Your Roof Need Replacement?

Well-maintained roofs can last for decades. Most leaks can be fixed for less than $500. For instance, you don’t to replace the roof in case of:

  • Missing or loose shingles
  • Flashing around vents chimneys
  • Sagging gutters
  • Hail damage
  • Downspouts
  • Damaged roof vents
  • Hail spatter

If you notice any of these signs, get a roof inspection. This costs around $200 depending on your area. However, you can get it for free.

There are plenty of contractors offering free roof inspection. After assessing the damage, they will tell you how much the repair will cost.

The total price will include building permits, labor, roofing materials, profit, old roof tear-off.

Signs of Roof Damage to Look for

Just like everything else, roofs are prone to wear–tear. Extreme temperatures, hail storms, old age contribute to damage. The more you wait, the more you’ll have to pay for repairs.

Before requesting a free roof inspection, make sure you actually need one. Leaks, paint peeling, water stains on the ceiling are common signs of damage.

Most issues are visible with a naked eye. However, you might lack the experience needed to spot these signs. A skilled contractor can easily assess your roof come up with a repair plan.

Here are some signs your commercial builds needs a free roof inspection:

1. Damaged Shingles

First, take a look at the shingles. Are they cracked, curled, or missing? Also, check for dark spots signs of dirt.

If you notice anything unusual, ask for help.

2. Old Age

Roofs don’t last forever. If you’ve had the same roof for over 20 years, it’s time for an inspection.

Beware that old roofs are more likely to get damaged. On top of that, they may not be safe. The shingles could break injure people passing by.

3. Water Stains

If you notice water stains running down interior walls, your roof might be the culprit. Check both the ceiling walls for moisture.

Most leaks start small get worse over time. The sooner you get your roof fixed, the better.

4. Algae Growth

The roof offers perfect conditions for algae growth. These plants love heat moisture.

If you see algae on the roof, call someone to have a look. Don’t try to clean it yourself as it may be dangerous. You could fall get injured.

5. Flashing

Check the vents, chimneys, skylights for cracks breaks. Look for leaks in the roof.

In older buildings, flashing is made of tar or cement. Its role is to seal the roof seams from rain bad weather. If there are any signs of damage, get a metal flashing system.

6. Granules in the Gutter

Granules in the gutters are not an issue if you just got a new roof. However, if your roof is over 15 years old, this could be a problem.

Once the granules deteriorate, your roof becomes prone to damage. Get a free roof inspection to spot any issues that may occur.

7. A Sagging Roof

If your roof is sagging, there could be a structural problem. Even though you’re not in danger, the damage can get worse.

A sagging roof can have a variety of causes, such as framing or structural issues. Faulty roof materials rotten sheathing may be the culprit too. If the roof carries too much weight, it’s more prone to wear tear.

With a free roof inspection, you’ll know exactly what causes the trouble. Getting it fixed on time will prevent further damage.

These are just a few of the many signs to watch out for. You must also pay attention to:

  • Gutter waterfalls
  • Storm damage
  • Soft spots on the roof interior
  • Loose material around the pipes
  • Bald spots
  • Dark streaks stains
  • Moss in the corners of your roof
  • Ice dams
  • Fungus
  • Small dimples in the roof surface
  • Sunlight showing through the roof
  • Blistering exterior paint
  • Wear tear around roof openings
  • Higher energy bills
  • Cracked caulk
  • Damaged fascia board
  • Rusty metal flashing
  • Cracks on the roof sheathing

For instance, if your heating costs are increasing, the warm air may be leaking out through the roof. A professional can spot this issue make the necessary repairs.

What to Expect from a Free Roof Inspection

Getting a free roof inspection will save you money bring peace of mind. Yet, this preventive measure is often overlooked.

Those who provide this will check the roof exterior interior. They may also look for signs of moss lichen, missing shingles, rust spots on flashing.

A free roof inspection can also help detect chimney cracks, improperly seated nails, damaged downspouts. The roofing contractor will also measure attic ventilation perform thermographic readings.

After a careful examination, he will suggest maintenance repair projects. Most contractors provide a free estimate. They can also offer advice on how to take care of your roof.

To keep your roof in good , perform an annual inspection. Do it after every storm to make sure no damage has occurred.

Wrapping Up

Unless you have your own repair team, hire a professional. Even though you can tell a lot from ground level, it may not be enough.

If you need to replace or fix the roof, search for qualified contractors. Ask for references get several quotes.

Compare multiple providers before making a choice. Ask their license previous experience.

A damaged roof could cost you a fortune. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact Davis Contracting today for a free commercial roof inspection!