Problem Areas On A Roof

What Are the Most Common Roof Obstructions?

Problem Areas On A RoofRoofs are complex building components and each roof type and material has its own weak points – here are the most common roof obstructions:

  • Problems with flat build-up roofs – alligatoring (small cracks on the roof surface caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation that makes the roof look like alligator skin), roof shrinkage (the pulling away of the topmost membrane from the sides, caused by aging, exposure to heat and UV radiation or improper installation) and the punctures caused by impact, such as hail or sharp stones, twigs and branches falling on the roof are the most common issues encountered on BUR systems;
  • Ponding water – a universal issue that can affect any type of roof and is usually caused by improper roofing design or the damage sustained by the roof’s support structure that causes roof sections to sag and to allow water to accumulate;
  • Flashing problems – the stripes of material installed in roof valleys, in the areas where two roof sections meet or around roof openings, such as the chimneys or the skylights, are very sensitive parts that need special attention. Improperly installed flashing stripes or aged, cracked or deformed flashing will let water through, causing leaks and damaging the roof structure.  No matter the roofing problem, an expert Dallas roofer can help repair all the above problems, or do a complete replacement.
Wind Storm Damage Roof

Roofs That Withstand Texas Weather

Wind Storm Damage RoofTexas is a state that has varied geography, each of its geographic regions having its own, very distinct climate. Texas climate varies from humid in the eastern part of the state to subtropical and arid and what makes the state’s climate even more complex is the high occurrence of tornados and other extreme storms on the entire territory of the state.

While such extremes can affect any part of local buildings, the building component that needs to be the strongest and most resistant is the roof, the topmost layer of defense on any construction. The work should be done by professionals experienced in roofing Dallas homes and businesses.  The requirement to build roofs that are able to withstand harsh UV radiation, heat, heavy rain, high winds as well as fires has made local builders and building owners turn towards special roofing solutions, such as impact-resistant shingles and special coatings. Impact-resistant shingles have been designed to withstand hail, but they make the best choice for areas affected by other types of extreme weather as well, while the application of coatings on existing roofs is a great way to improve the roof’s resistance to harsh sunshine as well as to the harmful actions of water. Other construction solutions aimed at creating roofs that can withstand Texas weather include reduced slopes – the flatter the roof, the more resistant to the high winds associated with storms.

Is Roof Restoration, Repair Or Replacement A Better Choice?

Know Your Choices

Each of these options can be better than the others, at the right time.

Repairs

As long as they can fix the problems, repairs are the most convenient solution. Regular maintenance is critical to detect vulnerabilities and minor problems before they aggravate. Repairs must always be performed very promptly because the more time passes, the greater the damage will become.

Restoration

Roof restoration consists in a set of operations to make it look brand new and functional again, adding at least another decade to the roof`s lifespan. It is an alternative to roof replacement, being less expensive, more sustainable, providing tax benefits and preventing catastrophic loss. When it comes to repairs, there are only parts of your roof that contractors work on; on the other hand, restoration involves a complete makeover.

However, restoration is effective only if the roof is still structurally sound, otherwise a roof replacement is the only good option.

Replacement

The replacement of a roof is necessary if the roof is very old and outdated. Old roofs have different problems that may only be fixed partially: most of roofing materials are damaged, there are water leaks, there is no energy efficiency and there may also be structural issues, which are the worst.  An honest Dallas roofing company will give you options when they can, but when the roof is old they will tell you it can’t be repaired, it just needs to be replaced.

 

 

Understanding The Different Types Of Commercial Roofs

 

Nowadays, roofing materials are numerous and manufacturers

 

keep working on improving them. We present you some of the most common types of commercial roof materials that are used by local Dallas commercial roofers and others.

Single-Ply Membrane

This is a very popular commercial and industrial roofing option that passed the test of time. It consists in sheets of rubber and other synthetic materials applied on the insulation, to form a protective layer.  Besides durability, single-ply membrane provides some other advantages too: considering that it has been used for years, it has a proven track record, it is rated class A when it comes to fire resistance and it can be easily customized to be retentive or reflective, depending on the climate.

Spray Polyurethane Foam

SPF consists in a liquid which is sprayed on a flat roof and expands into foam that creates a resistant protective layer. It is an environmentally-friendly roofing option, which can be used regardless of the climate and which typically lasts for a few decades. Additionally, it provides a high R-value.

Sheet Of Metal Roofing For Commercial Buildings

Metal sheet

Metal roofs for commercial buildings are made from galvanized steel, aluminum or tin. Metal sheets are a lightweight material; it can be installed on an existing roof and also coated for additional protection against rust, water and UV radiation.

 

How Hail Affects Flat Roofs

Flat Roof Repair From Hail

Hail is a weather phenomenon that has the potential to cause significant damage to any type of roof. When it comes to flat roofs, specific mostly to commercial buildings, it is important to identify vulnerable areas, know the type of damage that may be inflicted by a hailstorm, as well as ways to prevent this damage.

The most common materials flat roofs are made of include single-ply membranes, metal panels and multi-ply asphalt systems.

Typically, the most vulnerable areas of a flat roof are the corners and the edges – and that`s because the uplift pressure of the wind. In these areas, the roofing coat can peel back more easily and then start to lift up.

On these roofs, hail can cause cosmetic damage or some larger problems, depending on the size of the hailstones and the roof coating materials. In the case of a metal roof, even small hail can dent the material, compromise its finish and expose it to water damage. Single-ply roofs can also experience some serious damage, especially if regular maintenance is ignored by owners.

Conducting roof inspections periodically is essential in minimizing the vulnerabilities of a roof and maximizing its capacity to withstand hailstorms and other severe weather phenomena.  Don’t put off roof inspections after a hail storm, call on local professionals like https://jntconstruct.com.

 

Saving On Your Energy Bill With Insulation

Walls and Roof Insulation

We all know the benefits of proper house insulation: thermal comfort, reducing energy consumption, getting rid of mold and excessive moisture etc. All of these things contribute in the long run to considerable money savings that will pay for the initial investment.

There are different types of insulation that can be added to a residential building and they include:

Walls and roof insulation

These are the most popular types on insulation, considering that the walls and roof are the most exposed to the action of environmental factors. In this case, insulation will bring you savings on your energy bills as well as increased thermal comfort, during summer and winter alike.  The important step is to have a known Dallas roofer install upgraded insulation.

Floor insulation

About 25-30% of the heat can be lost through the floor, when there is no insulation added.

Insulating the foundation

Experts say the foundation is the most neglected element when it comes to insulation, and this can have unpleasant consequences. In most cases, non-insulated foundations result in a phenomenon called “thermal bridge”, which allows heat loss and limits the thermal comfort.

Pipe insulation

Insulation of pipes situated outdoors or in unheated spaces involves a minimum investment, but in return it provides consistent savings in the winter, by reducing thermal loss.

 

Building Maintenance To Get Your Business Ready For Spring

Getting Your Home Ready For Spring

As the cold season will soon fade into spring, it is time plan the maintenance for your commercial building. Winter weather can be challenging and makes buildings go through a lot, so you must ensure that your business is ready inside and out for the warm season.

You should put on your check list a few operations that enhance both the functionality and aspect of your commercial building.

Inspect the roof

Any roof must go through a detailed professional inspection  by Dallas commercial roofers, after the winter, to ensure that it has not been damaged by the severe weather specific to this season and can continue to protect your building effectively.

Assess the walkways and the parking lot

The freezing and thawing cycle may cause the apparition of cracks and holes and you should patch them up, to prevent any potential liability.

Work on spring landscaping

The vegetation outside your commercial building has probably been affected by the cold season and it is time to boost the curb appeal by cleaning debris, trimming dead branches and fertilizing the lawn.

Make windows shine bright

Widows are likely dull from debris buildup during the cold months, so you should contact a professional window-cleaning service. Clean windows inside and out always make a huge difference in a building`s aspect, not to mention that they allow more natural light in.

 

Roofing Materials That Protect Against Storm Damage

Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

Professionals in the roofing industry such as JNT Construction of Dallas select the materials by taking into account the regional climate, because some are designed to be more resistant to certain weather conditions than others.

Storms represent a challenge for any roof, and if they are a common occurrence in your region, you should review the resiliency performance of different roofing options, before installing a new roof above your head.

Among all roofing materials, clay tiles, stone-coated steel and composite roofing provide the best protection against storm damage.

Clay roof tiles

This material is durable, sustainable, provides energy-efficiency and requires low-maintenance. Repairs can be performed with ease. Clay tiles are particularly resistant to fire and hail and some are rated Class 4, which means that they can resist to significant impact.

Stone coated steel roofing panels

This roofing option is well-known for its durability, light weight, resistance to wind, hail, ice-damming and fire, which makes it a great choice for regions where storms occur. It is one of the best materials to withstand hail, being rated Class 4, as well as wind speeds of 120 miles per hour.

Composite roofing

This is a luxury roofing option, created from high-quality resins, with an impeccable aspect and highly resistant to wind uplift, with no water infiltration, and Class 4 impact rating.