Author Archives: The Woodlands Premier Roofing

Each is popular as a single-ply membrane, yet they each have differences that make them different from each other. 

What is the best material for flat roofs?

When evaluating the different commercial single-ply roofing material types, things to consider are the lifespan, the price, and the maintenance of each option. PVC roofing is the preferred choice for many projects, considered to be the best flat single-ply roofing material today. 

 PVC roofing is more expensive than TPO single-ply roofing material or any other, but it has a range of benefits for the price. The first benefit of PVC roofs is the reinforced membrane that makes it impact resistant and crack resistant. These facts mean what will shorten the lifespan of other single ply roofing materials, doesn’t PVC. PVC roofing offers low maintenance too, and usually, roofing contractors provide a twenty-year warranty when they do the installation. The white color of PVC makes it reflective, and that aids in lowering energy costs for cooling the building. 

What is single-ply TPO roofing?

Thermoplastic Polyolefin, TPO for short, is a single–ply roofing membrane that has gained popularity for commercial single-ply roofing systems. TPO membranes are made of a single layer of synthetics and scrims reinforcing that is manufactured in sheets in three widths: Ten, Twelve, and Twenty feet. These sheets are rolled up and delivered to the job site. TPO single-ply roofing material is UV ray reflective and has a 40% presence in the commercial roofing market today, quickly gaining on PVC single-ply roofing material. 

Which is better EPDM or TPO?

When comparing EPDM vs TPO, both are excellent roofing systems that protect a commercial building and its contents. Which one to choose can be dependent on the geographic location and consideration of hailstorms, heat, rainstorms, and other external factors like installing solar panels. Both of these single-ply roofing systems are mechanically-fastened, an excellent choice in cold-weather regions, and both can be fully-adhered, giving them durability. Fast facts about EPDM and TPO flat single ply roofing materials: 

• Historical:  TPO 20 years vs EPDM 60 years
• UV Rays: TPO reflects vs EPDM retain the heat
• Attached: TPO chemically vs EPDM mechanically
• Seam Fusion: TPO hot air gun vs EPDM seam tape
• Color Choices: TPO multiple vs EPDM black only
• Lifespan: TPO 15 to 20 years vs EPDM 25 to 30 years

PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride Flat Single Ply Roofing

• PVC is a thermoplastic membrane that utilizes scrim reinforcing between the two layers of equal thickness. The top ply contains cool roof pigments and UV stabilizers, along with other components that extend the membrane’s lifespan. The bottom ply includes ingredients that provide a constant weld of the bottom and top layers and fillers. The material is warrantied up to 25 years for commercial buildings, and the PVC single-ply roof system has a life expectancy of thirty years or more. 

TPO – Thermoplastic Olefin Flat Single Ply Roofing

• TPO is a thermoplastic membrane that utilizes scrim reinforcing between the two layers with a 35/65 % thickness for the top layer and bottom layer both. The top layer contains cool roof pigments and UV stabilizers and other components that extend the lifespan of the membrane. The bottom layer includes ingredients that provide consistent weld to the layers and fillers.  Material is warrantied for up to twenty-five years, and the TPO flat roofing system has a life expectancy of up to thirty years. 

EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber Flat Single Ply Roofing

• EPDM Rubber is a black, rubber-like membrane that is not reinforced and commonly applied fully adhered with glue, including the flashings and seams. The material is warrantied for 40 years, and the EPDM flat single-ply roofing system is warrantied for up to 35 years. If roof leaks prove to be from ponding water that causes the seams to fail, the warranty is void. 

Roofing a commercial building’s flat roof may seem simple from somebody that has never dealt with industrial roofing. Some many components and factors need to be considered when choosing—finding a commercial roofing contractor that is experienced in all single ply roofing materials so they can assist you in selecting the right one. Call 832-246-7884 today if you need help choosing between EPDM and TPO.

What are the different types of roof flashing?

There are four different types of flashing that completely cover the parts of your roof that need it. As mentioned, the purpose of flashing is to keep your roofing system entirely dry from the points that can be defined as perpendicular or would otherwise have an opening without flashing. However, as referenced with parts of the home that use masonry, there is a specific part of flashing called counterflashing. Other forms of flashing include:

• Drip Edge: Along the eaves of your roof, drip edge keeps water that overflows from the gutters from doing any damage to the roof. How it works is the drip edge blocks the overflown water from the roofing on the edge and the fascia boards.
• Valley Flashing: Where an angled dip forms between two sections of the roof, a roof valley is where rainwater naturally flows down. On top of the first layer of roofing and underneath the shingles, this flashing is designed to be durable against the elements. This is an area of your roof that ice dams form as well, which can be damaging if left unchecked. 
• Vent Pipe Flashing: For the piping that passes through your roof, vent pipe flashing does exactly what it sounds like by applying a covering for exposed piping. 
• Step Flashing: More than likely, you will recognize step flashing through seeing it on your chimney, skylights, and larger sections outside the roof. The purpose of this flashing is explained in the first section and is the most common next to the drip edge. 

When living in a state like Texas, a homeowner will likely need most of these if not all four forms of flashing for their roof and home. Thanks to the often unpredictable storms that pass through the state, it tends to be necessary protection that defends against leak damages.

Does flashing go over or under shingles?

Generally, the way flashing is installed depends on the type and the part of the roof. Step flashing, for example, is commonly placed over the shingles with sealant applied beneath the system so moisture is kept out of the roofing system. If it is underneath the shingles, which is also common, the flashing will stretch around eight inches beneath as a protective measure.

While a roofer can repair and replace flashing on the roof, some will need particular suggestions to extend roofing services to flashing if the part of the roof is in poor condition. More professional roofers, like those found at The Woodlands Premier Roofing, will re-calk or adjust the flashing even if it’s in perfect condition to be doubly sure it will do its job at a sufficient level.

How do you perform a roof inspection?

A professional roof inspector will perform the roof inspecting from the ground and at the eaves the following area:

• Roof covering: The roof inspection is to determine if the roof covering is providing adequate weather barrier for the structure to prevent water intrusion and water damage. This also includes the underlayment, roof geometry, local weather, type of roof roofing materials.
• Fasteners: A roof inspection will include checking the fasteners on the roof surface are corrosion-resistant type, driven in straight, flush, and snug.
• Deck sheathing: Determine if the sheathing is solid.
• Slope and underlayment: Providing protection under the roof covering and is keeping the roof covering and substrate separate.
• Ice barrier: The underlayment is modified for ice dam prevention and keep water from seeping under the roof covering.
• Drip edge: Should be made of metal that is installed at the eaves and rake to end the underlayment and asphalt shingles smoothly so that water is shed efficiently.
• Shingle Off Pattern: Three-tab strip asphalt shingles should be aligned in every other course in either a 5” or 6” pattern according to shingle manufacturer guidelines.
• Flashing: The metal valley flashing should 24 inches wide minimum and the asphalt shingles should overlap the metal flashing by 4 inches.
• Nail Penetration: For deck sheathing that is ¾ inch, the nails should penetrate ¾ of an inch in but not through the sheathing.
• Flashing: The following flashing components are in place and secure include the apron flashing, the step flashing, the backer flashing, and the counterflashing.

How often should you have a roof inspection?

The recommendation for a professional roof inspection is twice. Find a roofing contractor you can trust and inquire what their roof inspection estimate is, most have a maintenance plan you can subscribe to.  As a homeowner, you should do a monthly visual or after a storm, do a visual from the ground.

Will the do a roof inspection in rain? Yes, in fact, this is the best time for a roof inspection. Unless there is lightning or a torrential downpour that can make it dangerous for the roof inspection, this is the best time to have a roof inspection performed.

This includes a roof inspection for your own home maintenance, roof inspection for insurance, or for the purpose of selling the property. In all cases, a roof inspection during the rain can find unknown leaks and other problems, like a wet basement or tiny attic leaks that have the potential of becoming a larger leak.

How long does it take to inspect a roof?

It will depend on the size of the house, the rooflines, and the access to the attic or attics. Typically, on an average-sized, one-story house, a roof inspection is 45 minutes to 1 hour. A larger house with multiple attics and rooflines could take several hours.  Regardless of the size and other factors, it is usually done in one day.

Your home is of great value to you, and the roof is a part of that value. Keeping regular roof inspection and maintenance is important in making sure your home is protected by that roof. Get started on your roof inspection in The Woodlands, TX today when you dial 832-246-7884!

How do you maintain a foam roof?

A foam roof needs relatively little maintenance to live through to its general long lasting lifespan that can extend some time past fifty years. Maintaining the product however to get to that point is not an arduous process and requires little effort in order to fulfill a full lifespan. Such methods of keeping your foam roof healthy include:

• Bi-annual roofing inspections
• Primed and recoated every decade
• Some cleaning such as sweeping off debris
• Monitoring damages such as cracks and punctures 
• Making sure remove puddles of standing water

With that in mind, whether its parts of your roof or your whole roof that uses spray foam roofing, the method proves itself to be reliable when a minor amount of care is involved. Just like your floor, if you take some time to remove the buildups that naturally occur on any roof, it will last your livelihood reliably, Foam roofing for that matter also has more benefits than just being able to last you with a massively long lifespan.

How do you seal a foam roof?

Spray foam roof sealing, whether its another roof with spray foam or a spray foam roof, is relatively simple. It does require the capacity to get up onto the roof and apply the foam. For this, you will the following tools and materials:

• A foam repair kit (found at home improvement stores and online)
• A latter or entrance onto the roof
• Detergent, water, and a towel for drying
• Roof sealant 

The process of sealing your foam roof whether due to repairs or in general can be done by an untrained person, but it is recommended that a certified professional do the work for the best result. The process goes as cleaning the area around the location that needs sealing, apply the foam, allow it to dry for around twenty-four hours, and then apply the roof sealant. There is a misconception with foam roofing that dictates people cannot walk on the product’s surface. The answer depends on what kind of foam roof you have and how it was applied. For entire foam roofs, people are able to walk around on the surface due to the significant mass and product applied. Whereas, places that have a minor amount of spray foam are more so meant to be complimentary and reinforce the other parts of the roof.

They attach your roof to rafters when building the house. Those are the boards you see on the attic ceiling. The fascia boards close the rafter edges up, without them, it would be wide open into your attic. Fascia boards are necessary for a gutter system to be installed, which is important to keep rain moving off your roof and away from your siding and foundation.  A soffit and fascia are paired together, and the fascia board is where the roof and the outer walls meet.

Do gutters need fascia?

Not necessarily.  If your house doesn’t have fascia board, and you want to install gutters, you’ll need roof straps and fit them to the hanger inside the gutter runs then attach them to the roof directly.

For an old house, experts recommend NOT lifting the shingles up to attach the strap. This could cause the shingles to break or crack.  Because metal gutters need a strong back, go with a vinyl gutter system if your house doesn’t have a fascia board. Yes, you can add a fascia board, but its time-consuming and will have to be cut precisely at the right angle.  If you get the fascia board too big and can block the windows.

What is the best material for soffit?

Fascia boards come in different materials:

• Aluminum: This is a popular choice when replacing wood fascia because it is more durable and flexible, easy to wrap around corners for weather protection. Because it is flexible, it makes it easier to install.  It comes in an assortment of colors and can be painted if you change in your home’s color scheme.
• Composite: Made with recycled wood chips and sawdust that epoxy resin is used to bond together, which makes it more costly than aluminum fascia. It is the cost that makes it less popular, but if you’re looking for colorfast, durable and resistant to rot, composite fascia board is the way to go.
• Vinyl: Just like vinyl siding, vinyl fascia board is durable, easy to install and when it comes to maintenance, the vinyl fascia board is the best. IF it becomes discolored, it easily brought back to life by having it power washed.
• Wood: If you want the most affordable fascia board, wood is your choice. It is multifaceted and water-resistant when the right finish or treatment has been applied. Painting it will extend its life expectancy.

Soffit Panel Advantages

If your house wide eaves and a smaller attic, soffit panels are the better choice because your house doesn’t require as much ventilation. Here, if you went with a continuous soffit vent, your house would feel cold.  One alternative is to alternate between solid panels and vented soffit panels. 

If you’re shopping for an old house to be a fixer-upper, you’ll be better off with the soffit and fascia there now even if they may need pieces repaired or replaced. The cost of soffit and fascia install will vary due to house sizes, but on average, you can expect $30 per linear foot for the soffit. The fascia board costs as much as $20 per linear foot.  These prices are the national average for installation, so depending on where you’re located, you could pay more, or you could pay less.

Just like old houses have old plumbing, it often takes the expertise of a professional plumber to find where drain lines and sewage lines are blocked.  With their sewer camera, inspection is easy for them, whereas, for a basic homeowner, it is a hit and misses trying to find a blockage.

Maybe you still aren’t convinced that your house needs a soffit and fascia board, and if you have an older home that will need some work, it’s understandable with cost-saving efforts. Once you live in a house with a soffit and fascia, you’ll appreciate the purpose they serve in keeping the weather, mainly rain and wind, out of your attic. Call 832-246-7884 today for soffit and fascia in The Woodlands, TX.

Today, an insurance company is more favorable for metal roofing on houses because they are fire-resistant and have fewer damage claims after hailstorms and high winds. Anything that can save an insurance company from paying out claims, they are in favor of, like anything you can have done to prevent foundation repairs, busted plumbing pipes, etc. 

Is it cheaper to get a metal roof or shingles? 

New metal roofing is 2 to 3 times more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. There are several factors that influence metal roofing prices. Factors like the metal type, roof-style, geographic location, and the complexity of the job. 

Keep in mind that residential grade level metal roofing requires parts and pieces like metal seam strips and screws. Also, there are advantages and benefits of metal roofing that asphalt shingle doesn’t offer. Those benefits include: 

• 50 years or more lifespan with exceptional performance
• Multiple styles to match your home’s style
• Wind resistant due to interlocking panels
• Resistant to fire
• Energy-efficient year-round
• Lightweight preserves the structure’s integrity
• Environmentally Safe

How do you take care of a metal roof? 

As durable and reliable as metal roofing is, it isn’t indestructible. That said, here are some tips on keeping your metal roofing in good shape: 

• Keep Trees Cut Back and Debris Cleared: When a tree can keep rubbing against a metal roof, it will damage the finish and high wind can compromise the fasteners.  Debris left on a metal roof will decompose and strip the finish. A basic window cleaner and a long pole are all you need to clean your metal roofing.
• Keep Gutters Clean: Keeping the gutters clean is essential in extending the lifespan of your roof. Dirt and leaves left in the gutters will clog the gutters. The water then overflows and puddles around the foundation of your home. After enough time, the foundation will crack, and the structure of the house weakens. 
• Avoid Walking on It: Other than occasional cleaning or if our HVAC system is roof-mounted, there is no need to be walking on your metal roofing. You should always advise any HVAC technician you have metal roofing so they can take precautions. 
• Repair Broken Fasteners: As soon as you notice any dislodged or loose screws, they need to be tightened or replaced promptly. When fasteners and screws aren’t tight or replaced, it allows the metal sheets to loosen and eventually, a leak will develop. 
• Check the Sealant: This is one area that you will want to check twice a year. As good as technology has advanced, they have not invented a sealant that lasts the same lifespan as metal roofing itself.
• Repair Holes and Separations. This is better left with an experienced roofing professional that works with metal roofing. It needs to be addressed immediately to protect the roof’s integrity. When left alone, they leave the roof susceptible to creating leaks. 

Metal roofing is gaining popularity. It gives a home not only durability but a unique appearance without being too different. It will eliminate the constant maintenance of a traditional asphalt shingled roof, and the improvement will make your home worth more when placed on the market. If you never sell your house, you will reap the benefits and enjoy the ROI over the years. Dial 832-246-7884 today for metal roof installation in The Woodlands, TX.

With that explanation, we are going to discuss the benefits between cool roof vs regular roof and cool roof and waterproofing systems in this piece. We’ll answer some common concerns and frequently asked questions that commercial building owners have expressed about having a cool roof.

What is the coolest roof material?

With 90% of the rooftops in American built with materials that are dark, heat-absorbing, and non-reflective, they have become the big contributor to disproportionate heat issues. Rooftops today can reach 90 degrees above the main air temperature, contributing to the “heat islands” in cities that are densely populated. Thus, the drive to create cool roof materials.

Fortunately, manufacturers have created cool roofing materials for different roofing types to combat this, or at least minimize the effect we’re all experiencing.  The EPA has produced a list of over 3,000 cool roof materials that are Energy Star rated. They base each upon the building type and roof type and the location. 

• Asphalt Shingles have a relatively low SRI with the composition of fiberglass and organic felts. White asphalt shingles are approximately 30% reflective and colored asphalt shingles are even less. 

• Metal roofs are known to reflect UV rays by over 70%, one reason it has become more popular. Metal roofing is durable, lightweight, weather-resistant, is 100% recyclable.

With that information, it is easy to see that metal roofing is the cooler roofing material between the two. The durability and weather resistance, along with being 100% recyclable, finding why not to choose metal for a cool roof choice would be challenging.

How much energy does a cool roof save?

A cool roof will save you money in several ways. Starting with rebates and incentives to have a cool roof installed. The bigger and longer-lasting is the energy savings to come for years. A cool roof can allow you to downsize your HVAC system, which saves on energy costs, and it will extend the lifespan of the roof as well. Energy costs vary from city to city, region to region. There are online tools that can tell you more precisely how much energy and money a cool roof will save.

Does cool roof paint work?

Cool paint, aka Heat Reflective Paint, absorbs less head while reflecting the sun’s UV rays. Applying this coating has been shown to reduce the temperature on rooftops, which drops the temperature inside the building. It is common for commercial roofing to have a cool roof coating applied. A certified, experienced roofing contractor will guide you to the roof coating, aka roof paint, to choose.

What color roof is the coolest?

Commercial buildings are typically flat-roofed and either silver or white. Studies have proved that dark roof surfaces absorb heat while light, white roofs are the cool roofs. Within the cool roof colors, weathered white can reduce the energy used for cooling up to 55% while the dark grey color will reduce energy use by only 20%.

In residential roof use, color is more desired by homeowners, yet they desire to save on energy costs too. Manufacturers are finding ways to give homeowners both color and energy savers with colorants or pigments that replicate invisible, near-infrared radiation. It is only time before that extends on to the rooftop of commercial structures.

Utility costs are the biggest benefit of a cool roof, anywhere from 7% to 15%. There are many other benefits to be had from a cool roof too:

• Lower building temperature during the hot months.
• Reduced maintenance expense because a cool roof will extend a roof’s lifespan.
• Energy costs are reduced because the building needs less air conditioning.  
• Lessened heat island index in urban areas.
• Air pollutant emissions are reduced because less air conditioning is used.
• Air quality is improved because of those reduced emissions.  
• Utility rebates are available in many areas.

 Building maintenance is all about being proactive. From drain cleaning to cool roof coating, the preventive things a commercial building owner does today will be reflected tomorrow and into the future. Dial 832-246-7884 today for cool roofing from The Woodlands Premier Roofing in The Woodlands, TX.

Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

Of course, what every homeowner wants to know is, “What are the pros and cons of a metal roofing?” A metal roof installation is going to be costly, but there are proven and trusted advantages to this structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best metal roof system?
  • Most roofing systems are considered to be the better option for most properties. That being said, the standing seam metal roof system is not only considered one of the better options, it is also one of the most popular for both residential and commercial properties.
• What are metal roof shingles?
  • Metal roof shingles are investment-grade metal roofing that mimics the appearance of shingle or tile roofing. They can look like slate tiles, but not only cost less, but weigh less as well. They provide all the great benefits of sheet metal roofing but actually look like shingles or tiles.
• What are the problems with metal roofs?
  • Metal roofs can often be loud. When installed without insulation, the sounds of rain or hail hitting the roof has been known to be louder than other roofs. They can also make spaces hotter or colder. Metal reflects light, which helps lower energy bills, but it can also cause a space to heat up quickly as well.
• Are metal roofs worth the cost?
  • It really depends on your needs. At the end of the day, a metal roof is an investment. You are choosing to spend thousands of dollars on a structure that will last longer than most other materials. Whether it is worth it depends on your needs, your budget, and what you want from your roof. 

What Causes Shingles to Crack?

The number one reason an asphalt shingle may crack is due to a phenomenon known as thermal splitting. What this means is, the shingles are not able to withstand drastic temperature changes, so the material expands, contracts, and ultimately splits from the fiberglass base. This can result in water damage, leaks, and more, but why would a shingle crack in the first place? There are two reasons for that.

• Poor manufacturing: The reason a shingle may crack and split under extreme temperature drops has to do with the manufacturing. Poor manufacturing means the tiles are not properly designed to handle the stress of such an occasion.
• Poor installation: The other reason asphalt shingle could crack is because of poor installation. Roofers that use poor quality adhesives and materials could mean that your roof will not be able to withstand the temperature changes as well.

Asphalt shingles are as reliable as you allow them to be. When you hire an experienced residential roofer to complete the installation, you can be sure you’ll have a durable roof. Talk with your roofer about who and where they source their materials from. Take the time to make sure you are getting the best materials. While asphalt shingles are among the more inexpensive option, they are still an investment. The only way to get the most out of your investment is to know what you are getting into. In addition to taking care of your roof through regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance services.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should you repair or replace your roof?
  • That will ultimately depend on the extent of any damage to your roof. Newer structures that have experienced some storm damage may only need repairs. While an older roof could possibly benefit from a complete replacement.
• Can asphalt shingles be repaired?
  • Yes, asphalt shingles are among the easiest roofing material to repair. While they can easily be damaged by high winds and hail, the repair is just as easy. You can either remove and replace only the damaged section, or just completely replace a tile at a time. 
• How do you fix cracked shingles?
  • You can either remove the damaged section or completely remove the shingle. Then replace it with a new shingle. If you are just removing a section, you can adhere a new piece to the damaged section.
• How long will a roof patch last?
  • If the weather clears up, a roof patch should last only a few days. It should last long enough to allow time for a contractor to come examine and repair your roof. It will not last as long as a permanent or professional fix.

How Do I Know If My Roof Has Storm Damage?

Whether its a tornado, hailstorm, or hurricane, these types of storms have the ability to leave your roofing extremely damaged. The best way for a homeowner to know if they have roof storm damage is to get a professional roof inspection. How do you inspect a roof for damage? While it is wise to call a professional for a roof inspection, there are ways for a homeowner to inspect their roof to see if they need storm damage roof repair or a replacement.

The first area that you can inspect is your attic. What you will want to look for is water damage. Check to see if there are water stains on the walls or the ceiling–if so, then this will require repairs from an experienced roofer. The next place that you can look is outside. You can check your back and front yard to see if there are missing shingles or materials from other roofing components on the ground. In addition to checking the ground of your home, you can also check the exterior walls, windows, mailbox, patio furniture, and other things that are outside for cracks or dents. If you notice that patio furniture or trees have been knocked over, that is a clear sign that your might have roof storm damage.

Is Roof Damage Covered By Insurance?

• Understand Your Policy: Before you call your insurance company to file a claim, you need to know if your insurance will actually cover the cost of your roof storm damage.
• Take Pictures: If you want to have your storm damage covered, you will need to provide the insurance company with significant proof that your roof was damaged by a storm. Taking lots of pictures will provide you with the evidence that you need.
• Document Everything: On top of taking pictures, it doesn’t hurt to write down the types of damages that your roof and home have acquired.
• Get a Roof Inspection: You will want to get your roof inspected as soon as possible. This is to ensure that your roof is really damaged and so you can know the total value of damage you have.
• Call Your Insurance Company: As soon as you know that your policy cover roof storm damage and you have had your roof inspected by a reputable, you can call your insurance company to start filing a claim.

If you are needing roof storm damage in The Woodlands, TX for your synthetic shingle roofing or asphalt shingle roofing, call The Woodlands Premier Roofing today! Getting repairs for your storm damaged roof is not only important for your roof and the structural integrity of your home but because water damage can make its way in your home, it can affect your indoor air quality, as well. Contact us at 832-246-7884 to learn more!