Learn to Talk Intelligently with Your Local Roofer

How Your Roof Works 101: It's All About Layers Working Together as One System

When you are in need of a roof repair or re-roof, it's always wise to be informed on the basics of how your roofing system works when talking to your local contractor or roofing company.

This will allow you to make informed decisions regarding which roofing company you go with and not have the wool pulled over your eyes by a fly-by-night roofing company.

Ref: www.popularmechanics.com

The first thing to know is that all roofs rely on a layered overlapping system, whether is be tile, slate, shake shingle, or the most popular form of roofing material, the asphalt shingle. Each rely on a system where there is at least a three inch overlap so that water runs down from one shingle to the next without getting in between shingles and resulting in structural damage and leaks in your roof.

The manufacturing support of asphalt shingles is that they have a heat-sensitive sealant adhesive strip on the underside of the shingle, so when the sun heats the shingle, the sealant adheres to the overlapping shingle and resists wind updraft and water exposure.

Ref: www.popularmechanics.com

It's also wise to ask your local roofing contractor if they use ice and water shield at the base of the roof where the metal drip edge overlaps into the gutter, this provides an additional barrier for ice, water, and snow to slip between the metal drip edge and the gutter where is will cause structural damage. Typically, roofers should apply the drip edge to the roof, then apply the sticky ice and water shield to the drip edge a foot up onto the roof deck before applying the felt that will overlap 1/2 to 1/3 per horizontal strip.

Ref: www.myoldhouseonline.com

These are the basics in how your roof system should work. So when you are talking with your local roofer, educate yourself on their process and make sure they are using the proper overlapping techniques described above and if they use water and ice shield as well. We here at Rock's Roofing, Inc. have been family owned and operated in Wheat Ridge, Colorado for over 45 years and have been happy serving the Front Range community for that time. We offer an exclusive Roof Maintenance Program as well which is sure to help preserve the quality of your roof for years to come.

Please visit us online for more information or call today. 303-425-1083.

A Good Thing to Know About Your Shingle Roof That May Require Repairing

A lot of people are not aware about the nature and quality of their roof. Many times, home and commercial business owners and unaware that their roof may be leaking and require roof repair. In some cases, a bad roof can lead to structural damage which can lead to even more headaches and money spent.

Your Shingles

Many people think that because they have a "20 Year Shingle," that their roof will last 20 years. That's not the case. If you or a local contractor notices pooling of sand in the gutters, or if you get up on the roof, SAFELY PLEASE, and it's slippery. This is a good indicator that the granules from the shingles are wearing off and could need replacing. It's always a good idea to check your roof for this type of erosion every five years or so to protect your home from potential leaking and further damage.

Additional evidence of a leaking roof can be found by hiring an inspector to look for water stains in the attic, around chimneys and vents. These are places where metal flashing can fail leading to the possibility of a roof replacement versus a simple roof repair. This is also the difference between thousands of dollars for a re-roof and a couple hundred bucks for a repair.

Rock's Roofing, Inc. specializes in all types of roofing services, re-roofs, roof repair, shingle roofs, flatroofs, gutters and downspouts, skylights and more. For more information, please visit us online or call today. 303-425-1083.