How to Know If Your Roofing Contractor Did a Bad Job

You know it's time for a new roof when ... I am sure we could make a game of naming all the things that could go wrong that would cause you to have to get a new roof. But age and significant damage are the biggest culprits homeowners face. And since it's a more expensive home repair, it should be done with due diligence. Finding a roofing contractor is an excellent start when getting a new roof. But it's also essential to be prepared for all the decisions you will make when installing a new roof. Your contractor will be your roofing guide, but ultimately it will come down to your decision. Whether you are building a new home or choosing a new roof for your existing home, there are several things to consider to make your experience just a little bit easier. Aesthetics and curb appeal matter, but remember, your roof protects your home and everything in it. Product costs, material weight, and installation should all influence your decisions. Here are our top 3 things to consider when getting a new roof: Consideration #1 - Learn the Basic Roofing Terminology First, roofers talk use squares as their basic unit of measurement. 1 square = 100 square feet in area (the equivalent of a 10-foot by 10-foot square) Example: A 2000-square foot home with a gable roof will consist of less than 1,500 square feet of the roofing area or about 15 squares. Next, here are the five most essential terms you should know as a homeowner. 1.Rafters are the wooden beams that create the roof itself (the roof's foundation). 2.Deck/Sheathing is added after the rafters. It's placed along the home's attic, concealing the rafters. The deck/sheathing gives your roof strength. 3.Underlayment is a thin waterproof, insulating layer on the deck/sheathing for shock absorption, water resistance, and extra protection. 4.Flashing is metal strips installed at the angles and intersections of your roof to prevent water from entering into vulnerable spots. 5.Roofing Shingles are flat, rectangular pieces of asphalt, composite, or other roofing material. Shingles are what you see on your roof. They protect from the elements. Consideration #2 - Determine Your Budget for a New Roof The budget for your new roof is essential. A wide range of materials is available for your new roof. But materials aren't the only thing to consider. Your current roof and structure will also play a role in the overall cost of a new roof. Material Costs Materials and the size of your roof will be a big factor. Prices can begin at $50/square for budget materials and rise to nearly $800/square for more high-end materials. The Condition Of Your Current Roof Are you remodeling your home? Does the supporting structure need repairs? Do old materials need to be stripped off? Does your house have multiple chimneys, intersecting rooflines, turrets, or skylights? All of these elements will add to the cost of your new roof. Consideration #3 - How to Choose the Right Roofing Material Choosing your roofing material can be fun. It's where you can decide the aesthetic you want your home to offer while providing the protection it needs. But not all roofs can have any roofing material. For example, a flat or low-slope roof may need a different material than a roof with a steeper pitch. In addition, roofing materials like tile or slate are heavy, so to use these materials, your home has to have an adequate structure to carry the load. That's why it's vital to pick material that works with your current home's structure, or if you are building a new home, to build the structure that can support the roof material you want. Next, when choosing a roofing material, is the history of your home. Does your home have a traditional style? You may want to stick to that home's style to maintain its history. Traditional homes often use wood shakes, slates, or masonry tiles, while contemporary homes may be better off with metal roofing systems. Weather endurance and energy efficiency are important factors when picking your roofing material. Some materials last longer or even react better to the elements and climate in your area. And lastly, you will want to pick a roofing material that fits your budget for long-term maintenance. All roofs require maintenance ; some materials cost more than others. So choose a material that suits your long-term budget. Now to the fun part, find the roofing material that is right for you. Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles are the most common and cost-effective roofing material used. The life span is around 20-25 years. These shingles are made of a fiberglass medium infused with asphalt and given a sand-like granules surface. Wood Wood used to be the most common material used for roofing. But, some local fire codes forbid the use of it now. The life span is around 25 years and can be twice the cost of asphalt shingles. Usually made of cedar, redwood, or southern pine, shingles are sawn or split. Wood roofs are a great option where the climate has heavy winds or frequent storms because the shingles and shakes are resistant to the wind and the impact of hail and ice. Metal Metal is a durable and lightweight choice for a new roof. Metal roofs can be more expensive than asphalt roofs but have a life span of 40 to 70 years. A metal roof is an excellent option if you live in a high-wind zone, a place with lots of snow or rainfall, or a region threatened by hurricanes or tornadoes. Cement/Concrete Tiles Cement/Concrete tiles are the least expensive of tile roofting options. However, while they are a very durable option, they are not quite as durable as other tile options, such as clay tiles. And while concrete roofing tiles can last up to 50 years, the underlayment only lasts about 20 years. As a result, replacing the underlayment involves removing the concrete tiles, replacing the underlayment, and then reinstalling the tiles — a tedious, time-consuming, and costly project. And something to factor in when considering it for your roofing material. Clay Tiles Clay tiles are one of the oldest roofing materials used "dating back to Ancient China." They are heavy and quite durable, with a lifespan of about 100 years. They are popular in Spanish colonial or mission-style homes. They stand up to heat and sun well and are resistant to corrosion or salt air, making them an excellent choice for coastal regions. Slate Slate roofs are built to last. They are high quality and among the most durable and expensive roofing materials. A hard slate, such as a purple or grayish-black Buckingham slate, can last 150 to 200 years. But softer slates have a life span of 75 to 90 years. In addition, slate roofs are non-combustible, meaning it protects your home in the event of a fire. It's also resistant to temperature fluctuations and severe weather. And a big bonus, slate roofs are not affected by fungus and mold. Consideration #4 - The Installation Process Now that you have chosen your roofing material, you can talk to your contractor about the installation process. The roofing contractor will walk you through the process, including what you need to do to your property to protect it during installation. Ask your contractor about the time frame for installing the roof. Materials and size of the roof factor again into how long the installation will take. Asphalt Shingles: 1 to 3 days Wooden Shingles: 6 to 8 days Slate Tiles: 6 to 7 days Concrete Tiles: 8 to 9 days Metal: 4 to 5 days Do you need a new roof in the Kansas City metro? That's where Accent Roofing Group comes in. At Accent Roofing Group , we have provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Kansas City, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Mission, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Bonner Springs, Spring Hill, Stillwell, Shawnee, Merriam, Raytown, Raymore, and Lee's Summit. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). When you work with us , you will never have to worry about your roof again. Don't worry… we've got you covered.

Summer in Kansas City is hot and humid, and the weather fluctuations can do more damage to your roof than you might think. Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, but it's also one that gets neglected until problems arise. That's why summer is an essential time for roof maintenance. Ensure your roof is operating efficiently. Take a short break from your summer activities and follow our roof maintenance tips. Tip 1: Be Mindful During Rainstorms. Perform a Roof Inspection. Kansas City might go through weeks of no rain, but when that rain does hit, make it a habit of watching for leaks in your home. Summer rainstorms are the perfect time to check for weak spots that allow water to drip through your roof. Check your attic, ceilings, and walls for wet or discolored areas. You can also perform a roof inspection on your roof. A DIY roof inspection should be done using proper gear. Make sure you wear shoes that grip, gloves (because it could be hot), and any other protective clothing you might need. Always have someone hold the ladder you climb, and never climb up on the roof when you are home by yourself. And if you are like many homeowners who don't want to do a DIY roof inspection, call your local roofing contractor to come and inspect your roof and follow up with the needed roof maintenance work. A roof inspection and maintenance will check the following: Check the Eaves for Debris & Nests Once on the roof, you will look under the eaves for debris- such as leaves, sticks, or nests. If you find any debris, clean it up. Be careful of insects and birds as they like to nest in open areas in your eaves. Rodents, insects, and birds' nests can cause many roof problems. For example, bird droppings are acidic and damage shingles over time. In addition, roof rats, squirrels, or raccoons can burrow through your roof and chew through your electrical insulation. And bats can squeeze into the tiniest openings and roost in your attic. When you spot an open space in your eaves, repair them quickly. Check for Shingle Damage Check for loose, torn, dented, or missing shingles. Shingles are exposed to various elements daily and can become worn down or torn off over time. Damaged shingles make your home's interior vulnerable to water seepage and rot. If you find any damaged shingles, call a local roofing contractor for a bid on your next steps for roof repair or replacement . Check the Roof's Flashing Check the roof's flashing. The flashing is the thin material that directs water flow away from critical areas. They are installed to surround vents, chimneys, and skylights. If the flashing is loose, it can cause water leaks when not replaced. If you find cracked or loose flashing, it's essential to replace or repair them right away. Loose flashing can be screwed back onto the framing to resecure it to your roof. Small holes or cracks can be repaired by cutting some flashing larger than the hole or crack and securing it with roof cement. Note: We recommend contacting a roofing expert for roof repair services. Check Your Vents Good ventilation guarantees the balance of air circulating in the house. And it prevents roof materials from reaching high temperatures. So, check your vents. You can do this by checking your utility bill for any increase not related to seasonal changes. A steady increase could mean you have issues with your ventilation system. You will also want to visit your roof and attic to check the vents and metal stripping. Replace any damaged metal stripping to prevent leaks. And it can improve roof ventilation! Check Your Skylight Not all homes have skylights, but if your home has them, they should be checked from the roof several times during the summer. A hail storm could damage the glass or even leave a crack that you can't see from inside the home. You will also want to check the metal stripping around it to ensure it's not leaking. If you see cracks or damaged glass on the skylight, call your local roofing contractor to replace it. And in the meantime, it might be worth covering with a tarp until repaired or replaced. Tip 2: Clean the Gutters No matter what season, gutters should be inspected and cleaned. Gutters and drains direct water away from your home. If they are clogged with leaves and other debris, the excess water may be left sitting on your roof. And that stagnant water will eventually soak through your roof and into your ceiling and walls, putting your home at risk of water damage and mold. Structural damage is something that no homeowner wants to deal with, so take the time to check your gutters before the next big storm. First, check the gutters and drains around your house, and realign and tighten all the bolts. Then, clean out the gutters, drains, and downspouts. On the next rain, check to see that everything is flowing correctly. Or, you can run a hose through the gutter system to check for correct flow. Tip 3: Trim Troublesome Trees You may have trimmed your trees in the spring or fall, but don't stop in the summer. Look at your landscape and check for branches leaning on your roof or within 6 feet of your roof. Tree branches can scratch and gouge your roofing materials or, worse, fall on your home. Trim any troublesome tree branches that are getting too close. Tip 4: Be Aware of Mold, Moss, or Algae Guess what thrives in Kansas City's humid summer days? Mold, moss, and algae. Inspect your home's interior and exterior. When temperatures and humidity increase, mold can spread faster. Check walls, ceilings, and the attic for mold. Look for any discoloration like large black or white spots or off-colored wood. And on your roof, you might find moss or algae. Moss and algae can lead to roof decay. Regular roof checks in the summer can help prevent the accumulation of these microorganisms. If you see any signs of moss or algae on your roof, you will want to treat it as soon as possible. While using a power washer might seem great, the wrong tip or spraying too close can clean off the granules which protect your shingles from the sun. A better option would be to spray eco-friendly cleaning compounds. Or have copper or zinc strips installed on your roof as a natural prevention. Ask For Help From Roofing Professionals Roof maintenance is not a fun summer activity, but it is essential to avoid roof-related issues in the future. Hiring roofing professionals to perform regular maintenance can prevent problems from developing, too. Are you looking for roofing maintenance in the Kansas City metro area? That's where we come in. At Accent Roofing Group , we have provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Kansas City, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Mission, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Raytown, Raymore, Bonner Springs, Spring Hill, and Lee's Summit. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). When you work with us , you will never have to worry about your roof again. Don’t worry…we’ve got you covered.