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Commercial Roofing Tips Residential Roofing Tips

What You Need to Know Before Installing Rooftop Solar Panels

solar panels on the roof of a house
Photo by Vivint Solar on Unsplash

Solar panels have several benefits including lower electricity costs, helping the environment, and even tax savings, making them an attractive asset for a home or business. But, there are a few things you should know before you get them installed.

How Old is Your Roof?

If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life or if the life expectancy of your roof is less than the life expectancy of the solar panels then you’ll want to replace the roof before installing solar. Replacing or repairing your roof after solar panels are installed can be quite expensive as the solar panels will have to be removed. If you’re not sure of your roof’s age or condition, contact the Bond Roofing Team and we’ll take a look.

How Much Weight Your Roof Can Handle?

This is one of the first things you’ll want to determine before deciding on solar panels. If your current roof can’t handle the weight, you’ve got a bigger cost on your hands. On average, solar panels weigh 2-4 pounds per square foot which is usually within the acceptable limits of your roof. However, the weight is often concentrated as installers want to minimize the number of roof penetrations and these point loads can be significant. Make sure your solar mounting plan is engineered or speak with a structural engineer before adding too much to your roof structure.

How the Solar Panels Will be Mounted to the Roof?

Depending on your roof type, there are a variety of flashings and mounts. If your roof is very steep or if you have a special roof covering such as slate or tile, the installation can be quite expensive. Regardless of roof type, your installer will want to minimize the number of penetrations in order to minimize the potential for roof leaks. Most solar mounts for sloped roofs penetrate the roof and attach to the rafters or purlins below. Solar mounts for metal roofs usually do not penetrate the roof but rather clamp to the seams. Mounts for flat roofs might simply sit on top of the roof with a weighted rack.

Will Solar Panels Affect the Roof Warranty?

Yes, new penetrations will void the warranty of your roofing system, so make sure your installer provides their own warranty or enlists a third-party roofing company to either flash the new penetrations or inspect the installation.

Need help checking out your solar panel installation? Contact the Bond Roofing Team.

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Residential Roofing Tips

Does Your Home Roofing System Need Ventilation?

If you know anything about roofing, you’re probably aware that ventilation is almost always essential for extending the life of your roof, decreasing energy costs, and regulating indoor temperatures. Roof system ventilation allows for a continual flow of air through the attic, which removes the hot and moisture-filled air.

When speaking generally, conventional houses need roofing system ventilation. But of course, there are some exceptions. Let’s go over a few examples.

Unvented Roofing Systems 

Unvented roofing systems are becoming more and more prevalent. We often see unvented systems when the attic is insulated using spray foam and is fully sealed on all sides. The insulation is applied to the bottom of the roof deck, making the attic a semi-conditioned space. You don’t need any ventilation with this method.

Unvented Vs. Vented Attic

As we mentioned before, attics can be vented or not. An unvented attic is created by spraying the roof deck with insulation, whereas in a vented attic, the attic floor is sprayed. During hot summer months in North Carolina, your attic is likely to be at high temperatures. If your attic is vented, airflow is allowed and hot air and moisture are relocated outside of the home.

The most significant difference is that unvented attics don’t allow as much heat and moisture to enter the space in the first place due to the tight seal from insulation. The attic is now a semi-conditioned space and there is no need for ventilation.

Why Ventilation? 

Aside from the exceptions, most conventional houses need roofing system ventilation. Did you know that class=”s1″>improper roofing ventilation can reduce shingle life by 24%</, costing you more in the long run? Don’t be fooled, attic/roof ventilation isn’t only necessary in the Summer. Proper ventilation keeps wintertime moisture at bay as well. Improper ventilation could lead to damage in your home, roof, and attic, along with health risks like mold and mildew that come along with moisture-ridden areas.

Replacing Your Roof? 

If you’re planning on replacing your roof anytime soon, it’s extremely important to address ventilation before making any decisions. If your home isn’t brand new, you’ll likely need to improve your roofing ventilation system. Ventilation systems should always be balanced, and never mixed.

Have any specific questions about your roof/attic and its ventilation? Contact the Bond Roofing team today.

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Residential Roofing Tips

What to Look for in a Roof When Buying a Home

As the weather warms and the school year comes to a close, many North Carolinians are in the market to purchase a new home. You inspect the appliances, electrical system, plumbing, yard space, and HVAC system vigorously before committing to a home, but let’s not forget about one of the most important structural aspects of the home: your roof! Buying a home with a dated and/ or damaged roof can cost you. Here’s what you should look for in a roof when you’re on the house hunt.

Roof Age

The first and most basic piece of information you’ll want to find out is the age of the roof. Ask the seller if they have records of when the roof was installed. If the roof isn’t very old, it might even be under warranty from the installer or manufacturer or both. Most manufacturer warranties are transferable once within the first 10 years and some enhanced warranties allow for transfer the first 20 years.

If the seller is unaware of the age of the roof, we recommend you have the roof inspected by a licensed roofing contractor. You may pay a small inspection fee but it’s worth it.

 

How to Tell a Roof is Aging

One tell-tell sign of roof age is if you see black staining on the asphalt shingles. This staining occurs from blue-green algae growth on your roof. Most shingles today have an algae-resistant coating on the granules but that coating only lasts around 10 years. If you see significant staining on the shingles, it’s a safe bet the roof is at least 10 years old.

 

Some other signs of an aging roof:

  • Shingles are curling at the edges
  • Visible fiberglass (lighter, shiny shingle edges)
  • Significant granule loss on the ground where the downspout discharges
  • Missing shingles
  • Lifted flashings
  • Mismatched shingles, which may be an indicator of previous repairs

 

Some Other Areas to Inspect

Attic: If you have good attic access there’s no better place to spot signs of roof issues. Look for discolored sheathing or framing.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is key to roof longevity. A good ventilation system will have intake vents at the soffit (underneath the overhangs) and an exhaust vent at or near the ridge. Exhaust vents can be ridge vent, power fans, turbine ventilators, or box vents.

Gutters: These are usually pretty easy to see from the ground. Are the gutters bent or dented or sagging? Look for signs of leakage at the miters (corners) or other seams.

Now that you’re ready to start the search, if you have any roofing-related questions, just give us a shout!

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Residential Roofing Tips

Why is My Asphalt Shingle Roof Stained?

Ever wondered where that black staining on your asphalt shingle roof comes from? And even more importantly, how to fix it? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then this post is for you. If you are a new homeowner or new to asphalt shingles, you may not be familiar with how to handle the stains that can build over time. Let’s break down how the staining gets on your roof, where it comes from, and how to resolve it.

Roofing materials all have their pros and cons and almost all roof types are susceptible to discoloration. Something to keep in mind if you have an asphalt shingle roof, or plan to have one installed soon, is that staining will occur. The black staining is unavoidable and is something you’ll need to maintain over the years.

What are Those Stains?

The black stains on your asphalt shingles are actually caused by blue-green algae. It feeds on the limestone found in the shingle granules. The good news is, it’s only a cosmetic issue. It might be unsightly, but it shouldn’t ever affect the performance or longevity of your roof.

An additional issue that we often see is moss growth. The blue-green algae give the moss a foundation to grab onto, and this can be a growing issue (pun intended!) if you don’t address it in a timely manner. Remember that any surface that is damp and warm without direct sunlight can support algae growth.

How to Treat Algae Growth on Your Roof

There are several options for avoiding and treating algae growth on asphalt shingles. Most asphalt shingles on the market today are made with algae-resistant compounds. The granules in these shingles are coated with zinc or copper oxide which kills algae and prevents staining and moss growth. For homeowners considering this option, it’s important to note that the algae resistance on these shingles will only last about 10 years.

If you already see algae staining on your roof, you can opt to clean it. One option is to clean using a DIY solution made from bleach, water, and trisodium phosphate. The ingredients may vary between shingle manufacturers and solutions range from one-gallon bleach, five gallons of water, and a dash of TSP to 2.5 gallons bleach and water and 1 cup TSP. Spray the solution on the roof, let it sit for 10-20 minutes, and rinse off with a garden hose. NEVER POWERWASH your asphalt shingle roof. Keep in mind that cleaning the shingles isn’t a permanent solution and you’ll need to repeat the process every 3-5 years.

Cleaning a roof can be a difficult and dangerous job and we recommend hiring a professional to tackle it for you. There are numerous roof cleaning services out there and we’re glad to provide recommendations. Contact the Bond Roofing team if you’d like to speak to a team member about your roofing needs.

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Commercial Roofing Tips Residential Roofing Tips

Roof Inspections 101

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels

We get it. Roof maintenance and upkeep might not be at the top of your to-do list. But did you know that a routine roof inspection could mean the difference between needing a few repairs and needing a costly roof replacement? Roof inspections are essential to ensuring your roof and its systems are performing safely and effectively and that there aren’t any issues that could damage your home. Issues like roof leaks tend to have a domino effect, and ignoring minor problems with your roof could lead to much bigger ones. But what all goes on during a roof inspection? Let’s go over the basics.

How Often Do I Need a Roof Inspection?

First, let’s discuss the most important question you might have. How often do I need an inspection? The answer isn’t as concrete as you might think, and it can depend on the age and condition of your roof, as well as weather conditions in your area. When a brand new roof is installed, it won’t need an inspection for years. After three or four years, we recommend an inspection once every two years. And as your roof ages, a yearly inspection is your best bet. Of course, if a yearly inspection earlier in the life of your roof will give you peace of mind, go for it. However, there might not be any issues for the first several years.

Another factor to consider is the weather in your area. In the Triangle, we see some heavy wind and rain during hurricane season though they typically don’t result in significant damages. Our friends near the coast might have a completely different experience. If your roof regularly endures harsh weather conditions, an annual inspection is a good idea.

What Happens During a Roof Inspection?

When your home or building is ready for a roof inspection, contact your roofing team to schedule a time. We’ll send a team member out to your address to check for things like:

  • Overall condition of shingles
  • Overall condition of flashing
  • Overall condition of walls
  • Overall condition of pipes
  • Exposed nails
  • Holes
  • Rust
  • Stains
  • Organic growth issues/ moss
  • Other damage

Sure, you would probably notice missing shingles from your roof, but it takes a trained eye to identify the less obvious issues. Once we’ve checked for visible damages, we’ll move on to inspecting for structural issues. This includes examining uneven roof planes, signs of sagging, and the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. At this time, we’ll also inspect your chimney for structural damage, cracks, crumbling mortar or grout, and damage to the chimney caps.

Want to know the best way to avoid these damages? With a regular roof inspection and maintenance. Determining how often you need one can be tricky, and our team is here to give our best advice. Contact the Bond team to schedule your roof inspection today, or chat with a team member about any of your roofing needs.

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Residential Roofing Tips

Should I Repair My Roof or Replace It?

As a homeowner, you probably understand that roof repairs and replacements can be costly, but essential, for a safe home or building. A properly maintained roof can increase the value of your home, add to its curb appeal, and help keep those costs down.

Unfortunately, even the best roofs don’t last forever and you’ll likely need to do some repairs sooner or later. You’ll want to address missing shingles, leaks, water spots, and any visible damage. Eventually, it will become more cost-effective to replace the roof entirely rather than attempt to repair it. If your roof has suffered some damage and you’re not sure whether you should repair or replace it, keep reading.

Roof Age

Determining the age of your roof is the first thing you should do when deciding between repair and replacement. Not sure how old your roof is? The Bond Roofing team can help determine how much life it has left. Of course, there are several different kinds of roofing materials and their lifespan can vary anywhere from 15 years for lower-end shingles to 50 years for a metal roof.

So, how does age play into the repair vs. replacement discussion? If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and has significant damage, that is a key indicator that you should consider replacing the roof entirely.

Roof Damage

Most of the time, you can assess the age of your roof at a glance. If you notice any of these things on your roof, it’s time to call a roofing team:

  • Curling or buckling shingles
  • Bald shingles (areas where the asphalt granules coating the shingle have fallen off or worn away)
  • Missing shingles
  • Sagging roof lines
  • Moss covering the roof
  • Blistering shingles
  • Granules in the gutter
  • Water damage

Bond Roofing supplier GAF offers a few more tips for inspecting your own roof here, and of course, our team stands ready to offer our expertise.

Timeline for Your Next Move

Do you plan on staying in your home or commercial space for the foreseeable future? Or are you considering a move? It doesn’t make sense to pay for a costly roof replacement if you aren’t planning to stay in the house or building for much longer.

If you plan to sell any time soon, consider the shape your roof is currently in. If it’s in poor enough shape, you may have a hard time selling. A total replacement might still be your best bet before putting your house on the market and might even increase the value of your home enough to cover the cost.

Budget

If a total roof replacement is way out of the budget, repairs may still be an option. Roof repairs can be an option for extending the life of your existing roof, giving you time to save and prepare for the replacement. Just don’t let the repairs stack up enough that they become more costly than a replacement. Our best advice is to address damage as soon as it happens so it doesn’t lead to more extensive and costly repairs.

Still need help determining how much life your roof has left or costs of repairs vs. replacement? Contact the Bond Roofing team.

Categories
Commercial Roofing Tips Residential Roofing Tips

Why Is My Roof Leaking? 6 Common Causes of a Roof Leak

As a homeowner or building owner, you probably give very little thought to your roof, that is, until it starts leaking… There are plenty of ways for your roof to spring a leak, but if you’re experiencing problems it might come from one of these six common issues. Whatever the problem, don’t hesitate to contact the Bond Roofing team for help!

Storm Damage

High winds can blow off shingles, lift or blow off flashings, or cause tree limbs to puncture the roof.  Usually, this type of damage is pretty obvious but occasionally the water entry point is not as clear.  Wind-driven rain can find its way under flashing, around dormer windows, or even under ridge vents.  If you’ve noticed interior damage during or after a storm, notify your roofing team immediately.

Pipe Boots or Pipe Flashing 

Have you ever noticed the pipes that protrude from a roof?  These are plumbing vents that are necessary for your plumbing system to work properly and they are the most common cause of leaks we see.  Most pipe flashings, or “boots” are made with hard metal or plastic base with flexible rubber that seals around the pipe.  This flexible rubber tends to dry-rot and crack after 10-12 years. If you’ve noticed a water spot in the bathroom or near a wall next to a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen, a pipe boot is a likely culprit.

Chimneys

Whether they are brick or stucco or siding, chimneys are a common source of water issues.  They are, after all, a large protrusion through your roof.  Water finds its way under flashing, through dried or cracked caulk in the flashing or siding, through cracks in brick and stucco, or even through the brick itself.  There are solutions for all of these problems, so let us know if we can help.

Wall Flashing 

Like with chimneys, flashing at walls and dormers is a common problem.  Flashing can sometimes move due to thermal expansion/contraction or nails can back out of the sheathing or the caulk sealing the flashing has dried and cracked.  All of these can provide an opening for water to enter.

Nail-pops

Over time the nails holding shingles in place can back out of the sheathing.  This “nail-pop” can push the shingle up, allowing wind-driven rain to enter around the nail.  Occasionally these nails can actually puncture the shingle above them resulting in a decent-sized hole.

Clogged Gutters/ Roof Debris

Yes, clogged gutters can actually cause a roof leak! Significant debris buildup in gutters or on roof surfaces can cause water to back up and enter under shingles or flashing. To avoid leaks from debris, clean your gutters and roof frequently.

Have a roof leak? The Bond Roofing team is here to help. Contact us today.

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Commercial Roofing Tips Residential Roofing Tips

6 Ways to Go Green With Your Roof

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Many people are finding new ways to go green, whether with transportation, food, energy use, or other products. But did you know your roofing choice has a lot to do with how much energy you’re using? With so many roofing options at hand these days, it isn’t tricky to conserve energy and keep your electric bill down. You can go green with your roof as well!

If you’re seeking a greener roof, here are some options our team at Bond Roofing suggests:

Single-Ply Membrane and Fluid-Applied Roofs

Single-ply roofs are flexible membranes (rubber or thermoplastic) that are applied in a single layer on a roof.  While single-ply roofs come in black, gray’s and tan’s, the popular choice these days is white.  White membranes reflect the sun’s harsh rays instead of absorbing them so cooling costs for your building are reduced.  Fluid-applied systems, or roof coatings, are most often white and offer up similar energy savings as single-ply membranes.

Tile 

Terracotta Tile roofs are a great “green” option due to their composition, recyclability, and longevity.  The curved shapes of some tiles improve ventilation and the thickness and mass of tiles provide an additional layer of protection from the heat.  Tiles come in a variety of colors, with the lighter colors providing improved solar reflectance.

Metal

Metal is one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market today.  Unpainted metal will reflect more solar radiation than an asphalt roof.  Pre-finished metal roofs reflect even more and highly-reflective “cool-metal roofs” can reduce energy costs by as much as 40%.  The standing-seam metal roofing we install here at Bond Roofing features colors that are all Energy Star compliant.  Not only is metal energy efficient but metal roofs are made with a minimum of 25% recycled content and metal roofs are virtually 100% recyclable.

Solar Panels 

What better way to go “green” than with solar.  Solar panels are easily attached to most roofing systems and there are even roofing materials with the solar panel built-in.  Solar panels to produce electricity, hot water, and even make your HVAC more efficient are a great green choice.

Living Roof 

If you really want to commit to going green both literally and figuratively, a living roof is a great option. A living roof is made from living plants, planted on top of a waterproof roof membrane. This technique offers both thermal resistance and insulation properties. However, this roofing type takes some maintenance, just like with any other garden so do your homework.

If you have questions about going green or any other roofing questions, please Contact the Bond Roofing team today!

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Residential Roofing Tips

The Pros and Cons of a Metal Roof for Your House

Photo by Birgit Loit on Unsplash

It might be challenging to narrow down your choices with so many different roofing options. However, each roofing type we offer here at Bond Roofing is unique and has its special features. Today, we will talk about one of our favorite roofing materials: metal. Metal roofing is a popular choice among our clients, but, like anything, has its pros and cons.

The Pros of Metal Roofing

  • Metal roofing is not only an attractive choice, but it will also increase the value of your home. You can think of it as an investment. Here are other reasons you might want to consider metal roofing for your home.
  • One of the most considerable benefits of metal roofing is its longevity; it will last 50 years or more.
  • Metal roofing is extremely durable against things such as hail and wind uplift. If you live in an area with these kinds of conditions, metal is a great option.
  • Metal roofing comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and profiles, so you are sure to find a material that fits your vision. You can even find metal panels that look like shingles!
  • They are eco-friendly and environmentally-friendly. All metal roofing is made with a minimum of 25 percent recycled content, with some materials reaching up to 75 percent. That means your roofing materials may be recycled in 50+ years and won’t end up in a landfill.
  • Most metal roofing materials are energy efficient due to solar reflectance and heat gain. Talk to the Bond roofing team about your options if energy efficiency is a priority.
  • Metal roofing is quite versatile. We can install it on roofs of all shapes and sizes and on roofs with the lowest slopes. It is a useful option for a more intricate roofing style.

The Cons of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has so many wonderful benefits, but of course, there are some downsides to consider.

  • Your upfront cost for metal roofing is going to be a lot higher than if you choose a material such as asphalt shingles. You’ll save down the road because of its longevity, but many people don’t want to spend the initial cost. And remember, when your roof needs replacement in 50+ years, it will be a hefty cost.
  • Metal roofing is not as easy to repair as asphalt shingles. Say a tree falls on your roof. You’ll have to replace a large section of the roof, rather than just the place where the tree fell.
  • Metal roofing is more difficult to install than other roofing types.
    You’ll have a longer lead time to install metal roofing than other roofing types. The lead time for us to get the product in is usually a couple of weeks. With other roofing options, we should have materials in a couple of days.

Metal roofing is one of our most popular roofing materials due to its longevity, durability, and attractive look. Contact the Bond Roofing team if you are interested in metal roofing or any of our other roofing styles.

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Residential Roofing Tips

The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Building a home or looking into a roof replacement? Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing choice. Asphalt shingle roofing is likely the most widely used roofing system in the United States, covering nearly 70 percent of residential structures.  There are several positive reasons to choose asphalt shingles, but like most anything else, there are some cons as well.

The Pros

  • Economical – Asphalt shingles are one of the most economical roofing materials you can choose, which is why most people select them. The initial cost is much lower than a metal or flat roof due to lower material costs and ease of installation.  With asphalt shingles, you get high performance for a low-cost.
  • Versatility – Asphalt shingles can be applied to all sorts of shapes and roof slopes and are suitable for a variety of climates and environments. 
  • Wide Variety of Style and Colors – If you seek a unique look, you can achieve that with asphalt shingles. Because they come in such a wide variety of styles and colors, you’ll be sure to find a combination that suits your home. If energy efficiency is a priority of yours, there are even solar reflective energy-efficient shingles on the market. 
  • Fire, Wind, and Impact Resistance Options – When it’s needed, higher-end shingles with increased protection from the elements are available at a relatively low-cost difference. 
  • Ease of Repair – Just as asphalt shingles are easy to install, they are also easy to repair.  With specialized systems like metal, slate, tile or wood shake you might have a hard time finding a roofer and the material to make a repair.  Most roofers can make a shingle repair and the shingles themselves are widely available.

The Cons 

  • Relatively Short Service Life – Asphalt shingle roofs will last 15-30 years before you’ll need to replace the whole roof. This might seem like a long time but is relatively short compared to the service life of copper, tile, or slate roofing, which can last up to 100 years. 
  • Lower Wind Resistance – Ok, we mentioned this as a pro for shingles and there are some options for increased wind resistance with asphalt shingles, but if you live in an area with the potential for strong winds like the beach or the mountains, you might consider other options like metal or tile.
  • Not Suitable for Low Slopes – This con doesn’t apply to most homes, but a roof must have a slope of at least 2:12 to be suitable for asphalt shingles. Otherwise, water buildup could damage your roofing, structure, and home. 
  • Not as Energy-Efficient – Unfortunately, asphalt shingles will not be as energy-efficient as metal or white flat roofs. Shingles are much better at absorbing heat than reflecting it, even when painted a lighter color. If energy efficiency is what you’re after and you’d like asphalt shingles, consider a solar reflective shingle. 

Now that we’ve reviewed the top pros and cons of asphalt shingles, we hope your roofing decision will be made a bit easier. If you have any roofing questions or you’d like to set up a consultation, contact the Bond Roofing team.