Author: roofdoctor

There are a few important factors to consider when it comes to your roof’s long-term condition and value, and one that sometimes doesn’t get enough attention in this realm is wind. Wind will interact with your roof every time it passes through, and strong winds can even create damage or other concerns – but knowing the basics here, plus how to protect your roof, goes a long way.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to help with a huge range of residential roofing services in Salt Lake City, West Jordan and West Valley City areas, including roof replacement, roofing installation and more. Using asphalt shingles as our test case here because of their broad popularity and use on many roofs around Utah, let’s look at everything you need to know about roofs and wind – how the wind interacts with your shingles and other roof components, the factors that may affect how wind impacts your roof, and some simple ways of keeping the roof protected no matter the wind speed in your area.

How Wind Interacts With Shingles and Other Roof Components

Wind is a curious force, one that we live with all the time but often don’t think about too much. When it comes to roofs, though, it’s crucial to understand how wind can interact with shingles and other roof components like gutters, flashings and more.

When wind comes into contact with a structure like your home and your roof, there are some basic effects that tend to take place:

• Uplift pressure: This is the most common effect of wind on shingles and other roof components, caused by a combination of wind velocity and air pressure. In these cases, the shingle material will often stay in place, but the fasteners may come up slightly or even entirely. Uplift pressure tends to be highest at the corners of the roofline – this is because of how wind wraps around the corners of structures, creating a sort of vortex effect.
• Negative pressure: Also called suction pressure, this is a form of pressure created as wind moves along the surface of your roof. If the wind is strong enough, it can create a vacuum that pulls on components like shingles, causing damage or even dislodging them entirely.
• Raw horizontal force: In other cases, if wind is strong enough, it may generate an intense horizontal force that can cause shingles to be peeled up or blown off the roof entirely. This force can also manifest in other components like gutters.

Factors Impacting Wind’s Effects on Shingles

There are several factors that may have a major impact on how wind interacts with your shingles and other roof components:

• Wind speed: Obviously, the higher the wind speed, the more damaging its potential effects will be. The specific dynamic pressure of the wind is calculated by taking half of the air density times velocity squared – this value generally increases in proportion to wind speed.
• Home location and wind patterns: In general, coastal regions or hilltops may experience higher wind speeds more often than low-lying inland areas. In addition, roof design and placement can impact how winds affect shingles – for instance, if your home is on a corner lot with an adjacent street that directs wind directly toward your roof.
• Roof geometry and arrangement: Another nuanced factor that can impact wind’s effects is how your roof is arranged. For example, a hip-style roof will tend to handle wind much better than a gable roof due to its shape and angles.
• Installation, age and condition: Finally, the quality of your shingles and other roof components will play a major role in how they respond to wind – newer installations or replacements are generally less susceptible to damage.

Protecting Your Roof From Wind

Given all these factors at play, how can you ensure your roof stays protected from the wind? Here are some tips:

• • Regular inspections: First and foremost, make sure to have your roof regularly inspected for damage or wear, especially in areas known for high winds.
  • Proper installation and maintenance: When installing a new roof or replacing old shingles, make sure to hire reputable professionals who understand how to properly secure shingles and other components against wind damage.
  • Additional reinforcement: In some cases, it may be worth investing in additional measures like hurricane straps or metal roofing – these can provide extra protection against wind uplift.

By keeping these factors in mind and staying proactive, you’ll give your roof the best chance of standing up to even powerful winds.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re proud to assist clients around SLC, West Jordan and West Valley City with roofing services of all kinds. To learn more about any of our services, or to schedule an appointment with our professionals, contact us today. We look forward to helping you protect your roof and your home for years to come.

There are a few key home or building components that may play a major role if you’re looking to install solar panels in your property, and perhaps the single most notable here is the roof. The roof is the most popular location for solar panel installation by far, and there are a few basics you need to be considering with regard to whether your roof is ready for a solar panel installation and the future needs it carries.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re happy to offer a huge range of roof repairs and roof installations to clients around Salt Lake City, West Valley City and West Jordan. Here are some basics on why roofs are so useful as solar panel mounting locations, plus which roof materials are ideal for solar panel setups and how to determine whether your roof is ready for such an installation.

Why is the Roof the Primary Solar Panel Location?

Before we dig into the specifics of roof materials and readiness for solar panel installation, it’s important to understand why roofs are the primary location for such installations. There are a few key reasons:

• Accessibility – Solar panels need direct sunlight in order to generate energy, so they should be located in an area where they can get unfettered access to the sun. Roofs are ideal for this because they’re usually one of the highest points on a property and typically provide an unobstructed view of the sky.
• Durability – The roof is also designed to be durable, so it can hold up against varying weather conditions and any strong winds that might affect solar panel installations.
• Less likely to be in shade – Unlike other locations around a property, the roof won’t be left in shade by trees or buildings. This maximizes the amount of time during which solar panels can get direct sunlight, and therefore generate more energy.

Roof Type and Solar Panels

One of the first key considerations here is which type of roof you’re working with. There are many roof styles out there, including gable, hip, flat, gambrel, and more. Generally speaking, most roof types can be used for solar panel installations, but some may require additional bracing or reinforcement in order to ensure that the panels are secure and stable.

Even some specialty roof types or features can accommodate a solar panel installation pretty easily. A roof with skylights, for instance, may need to have the frames reinforced before panels can be mounted, but this is still possible. The same goes for roofs with a steep pitch or those with an irregular shape.

Roof Materials (Shingles) and Solar Panels

Another very important consideration is the type of roof material you’re working with. Generally, solar panels can be installed on most residential roofs as long as they are made of asphalt shingles or metal. Asphalt shingle roofs are ideal for solar panel installations because they provide a secure base, plus they can easily handle the extra weight added by the panels.

It’s also important to check on the actual quality of the shingles before installing panels, as they should be in good condition and free of any damage or wear. If you need to replace your shingles before mounting the solar panels, that’s a project best handled by professional roofing specialists like those at The Roof Doctor.

Slope Considerations

As you’re determining whether or not your roof is suitable for a solar panel installation, you’ll also need to consider the slope of the roof. Generally speaking, it’s best to install panels on a relatively flat surface with a pitch of no more than 20 degrees. If your roof has a higher pitch than that, it may still work, but additional reinforcement and bracing may be needed.

Orientation of the Roof

As you may have already assumed, the orientation of your roof can have a major impact on the success of your solar panel installation. This is because it will determine how much direct sunlight the panels are exposed to for an extended period of time, which in turn affects their efficiency and power output.

Ideally, you should install solar panels on a south-facing roof or one that faces east or west. This ensures optimal exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day. If your roof doesn’t face in any of these directions, you can still install solar panels and enjoy some level of efficiency, but it won’t be as high as if your roof was facing south.

Overall, when considering whether your roof is ready for a solar panel installation, it’s important to consider the type of roof you have, the materials it’s made from, the slope, and its orientation. All these factors combine to determine whether your roof is suitable for solar panels and if additional bracing or reinforcement is needed.

At The Roof Doctor, we specialize in roof repairs and installations for both residential and commercial properties, so if you’re thinking of installing solar panels on your roof, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today! We look forward to helping you make the most of your property’s solar energy potential, whether you’re in SLC, West Jordan or West Valley City.

While many people think of inspections for various home components as only being necessary after said components have been in place for some time, this is not always the case. A great example here is a new roof – there are several reasons why an inspection of a new roof is vital after it’s installed, and several key parts of this process that will be covered.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re happy to offer roof replacements and new roof options for clients around Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan and nearby areas. Here’s a deep dive into why inspections are so important following new roof installation, plus some of the key areas that our professionals will cover during these inspections (and even a few where you can play a long-term role).

Why Inspections Matter for New Roofs

Some clients have an understandable question when they hear about new roof inspections: If all the materials are new and the shingles look great, why is this necessary? It’s a valid question – and one with several answers.

The first is that even with impeccable installation, small details can be missed or forgotten. As an example: Nails may have been left in place while flashing was being installed, leading to minor leaks as time passes. These are things that can often be missed with the naked eye, but they can be picked up during an inspection and addressed they become real problems.

Another key part of inspections following new roof is to ensure that all contractors have followed proper protocol – and not just in terms of placement and installation, but also when it comes to waste disposal and cleanup. A thorough inspection can ensure that no one’s property has been damaged, and that the entire job was done with care and precision.

Warranty Considerations

One additional reason for new roof inspections is so notable that we gave it its own section: Warranties. Many roofing manufacturers will require proof of inspections after installation in order for the product to be eligible for warranty coverage. In some cases, an inspection must be completed within a certain time frame – usually within 90 days of the new roof being installed.

This is not just about following protocol and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is complete; it’s also about protecting yourself. If any materials are defective, you’ll have the ability to detect this early on and take necessary action so that you don’t end up with a major problem down the line.

Our next few sections will go over some of the key areas that are covered during these inspections.

Possible Installation Issues

One of the first things that inspectors look for is any possible installation issues. These can include improperly sealed shingles, poor flashing installation, and other areas where the job wasn’t completed to a high enough standard.

Other issues may also be present – such as debris coming from materials or spaces between certain components. Cracks or air bubbles in caulk can also be a sign of potential issues.

Inspectors should also look for any possible leakage, particularly around chimneys and other high points on the roof. If anything is found, it should be noted and addressed shortly afterwards.

Ventilation and Insulation Checks

The ventilation system of your new roof is extremely important – not just in terms of its lifespan, but also when it comes to energy efficiency. Poor ventilation can lead to a number of complications, including moisture buildup and mildew growth.

Inspectors should also check any insulation that was used during the installation process. This is especially true for attics, where poor insulation (or an inadequate amount) can lead to moisture issues or higher energy bills.

Interior Areas

There are also several interior areas that should be inspected following a new roof installation. These include the attic, where possible air leaks or moisture buildup should be noted and addressed (if necessary). Inspectors should also look for any water stains on ceiling and walls – these can indicate previous leakage issues.

Finally, support structures such as rafters and trusses should also be inspected for signs of age or damage.

Your Role in the Inspection Process

While the inspector will be doing a thorough job of looking for any issues that may arise, there is one area where clients can play a key role: Documentation. Since this is an inspection following new roof installation, it’s important to keep all documentation related to the job. This includes invoices, warranties, and any other paperwork that may be relevant.

At the end of the day, inspections for new roofs are vital for a number of reasons. The inspector’s job is to thoroughly check all areas related to installation and make sure everything was done properly – but clients also have an important role to play in the form of documentation. This can help protect everyone involved, and provide a higher level of peace of mind for years to come.

At The Roof Doctor, our experienced inspectors are here to make sure that your new roof is properly inspected and any potential issues are detected early on. Give us a call today to find out more about our roofing services around SLC, West Valley City and West Jordan.

There are a number of things you might be thinking about when selling a home, and one element to consider in some cases is transferring an existing roof warranty from yourself over to the buyer of your home. This will often be possible, but it will depend on the warranty type and a few other details – and knowing these ahead of time is helpful if you’re in this situation.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to help with all things roof-related for clients around Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan and nearby areas, from roof repairs to roof replacements and installations. Here are some basics on whether your roof warranty is transferrable, some of the important details that might need to be considered here, and how homeowners themselves can help with this process if needed.

Some Warranties Are Transferrable – Others Are Not

First and foremost, determining whether your roof warranty is transferrable will depend on what kind of warranty you have and who issued it. Many warranties are not transferrable, so you’ll want to look into the details of your own specific policy.

However, a few types of warranties can be transferred as long as both parties agree to the terms of transfer. These tend to include warranties that are transferrable with no cost of transfer or the need for special documentation. It will also depend on whether you have any remaining time left in your own warranty, as the new owner may need to meet certain terms and conditions in order to take advantage of it.

Factors to Consider

Beyond simply whether a given warranty can or cannot be transferred, there may be a few details or factors to keep in mind while considering whether this is the right approach for you:

• Could be a small fee: In some cases, there may be a small fee associated with transferring the warranty over to the new owner – though this is often quite minimal. You should factor this into your thinking, plus determine whether you’d be paying for this yourself or whether you might need the new owner to pay this fee.
• Documentation: As mentioned, special documentation may be required depending on the warranty question and other factors. You want to make sure you understand what paperwork is needed before beginning a transfer attempt.
• Single-time transfers: For some warranties, only a single-time transfer is allowed, which means the new owner would be unable to transfer it further. Make sure that the new owner is aware of this stipulation.
• Age factors: Certain warranties include an age factor, which means that if the roof is aged beyond a certain point, they may not be eligible to transfer it – or that certain parts of the coverage may be reduced or otherwise impacted if it’s transferred.

Key Homeowner Elements to Keep in Mind

As a homeowner looking to transfer your warranty to a buyer in a home sale, there are a few key elements to be considering:

• Meet deadlines: In most cases, required transfer paperwork must be completed within some period of time of the closing of the sale. This may be anywhere from 30-90 days. Knowing these deadlines and meeting them is critical.
• Keep records: Having any paperwork or other relevant documents on hand in order to make the transfer will be important. This can include things like proof of purchase, installation date and invoices from roof maintenance conducted over the life of ownership.
• Proof of ownership: As the seller, you will need to provide proof of ownership in order to transfer a warranty. This could include a deed or other document proving that you are indeed the current owner of the home and roof in question.
• Know value: You’ll also want to be aware of the value being transferred with this warranty. Once it’s accepted by the buyer, they should receive the same coverage you once had – and if not, this could be grounds for dispute or legal action.

What If You Don’t Have Warranty Documentation?

Luckily, even if you’ve misplaced or otherwise can’t access the original documentation related to your roof warranty, you may still have options here. You can typically contact the original issuer to see if they have any record of your warranty on file – and if so, you may be able to have it transferred over using standard procedures.

Transferring a roof warranty from yourself over to the buyer of your home is often possible, but will depend on several factors. As the homeowner in this situation, make sure you understand the ins and outs of your own warranty, that you meet any deadlines and have all necessary paperwork in order, and that the value is correctly transferred over to ensure full coverage for the new owner.

When done correctly, this is a simple process and can help give both parties peace of mind with regards to the condition of the roof in question.

For more here, or to learn about any of our roof repair or replacement services in SLC, West Jordan, West Valley City or surrounding areas, speak to our team at The Roof Doctor today.