roofdoctor, Author at The Roof Doctor

October 13, 2021November 24, 2021

Why You Shouldn’t Remove Rooftop Snow on Your Own

As the seasons change and snow starts to fall, you should never risk your life and attempt to remove rooftop snow on your own.

Clearing an excessive pile-up of snow off your roof is important, but it’s incredibly dangerous to take on this task alone. Today, we’re talking all about snow removal and why it’s essential to bring in the professionals for this winter task.

Icy Roofs Are Dangerous

It might be surprising to learn that the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falling. In 2019, 880 workers died in falls and 244,000 were injured badly enough to require days off of work. Climbing up to your icy and wet roof to remove snow increases your chances of becoming part of this statistic. As a homeowner, your risks are even higher because you probably don’t have appropriate safety gear to battle the ice. Rather than taking on snow removal yourself, hire professionals that have the proper gear and training to get the job done safely.

You Could Damage Your Shingles

Snow rakes work well to remove excess snow from your roof, but if you lack proper training, you risk causing damage. As you scrape your rooftop clean, you could potentially harm the shingles causing roof leaks and other environmental damage. When snow loads become too great for your house to safely handle, The Roof Doctor can quickly remedy the problem. Having a roofing expert on the job will give you the peace of mind that your roof won’t be hindered in the snow-clearing process.

Metal Tools Could Conduct Electricity

Power lines pose another danger when it comes to rooftop snow removal. People use various tools to clear snow from their roofs, but remember that metal tools can conduct electricity. If your home sits close to any power lines, this could be a deadly hazard that you don’t want to mess around with. Instead, call in professional roofers who proceed with caution as they expertly remove rooftop snow.

Call The Roof Doctor for Snow Removal Services

It’s dangerous to remove rooftop snow on your own, so reach out to the professionals at The Roof Doctor to get the job done safely and efficiently. With professional snow removal services, you’re reducing worry and increasing peace of mind. You’ll be prepared for whatever this Utah winter has to throw at you with our team on your side.

Contact The Roof Doctor today for all of your roofing needs! We serve Salt Lake City, Layton, Orem, Tooele, and neighboring cities in Utah.

September 29, 2021October 25, 2021

What Does Wind Damage to Your Roof Look Like?

Thunderstorms, hail, high winds, if you live in Utah, you’ve probably seen it all, and you might be wondering, can wind damage my home’s roof?

If you’ve noticed some high winds in your area or even experienced a full-blown windstorm, your roof might show signs of wind damage. Winds that are considered damaging are typically at speeds of 50 miles per hour or more, according to The National Weather Service, and while we Utahans might not experience that every day, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened or won’t happen again. This is why we want to help you be prepared to check for roof damage after high winds, so you know what to do and who to call. Keep reading to learn more about how wind damage might present itself on your roof.

Signs of Roof Wind Damage

If you suspect that wind may have caused damage, and you can safely climb onto your roof to inspect, these are the telltale signs that you should look out for:

Branches or other debris that have blown onto your roof and possibly have caused damage
Shingles that have mysteriously gone missing
Shingles that are shifted, loose, curling at the edges, or otherwise damaged
Split, missing, or otherwise damaged chimney flashing
Loose shingle granules (you might be able to spot them in the gutter)
A roof that has started leaking after experiencing high winds
Gutters that have broken loose, appear to have dents, or have fallen off
If you have a flat roof, look for rips, tears, cracks, or bubbles in the materials used

What to Do When You Find Wind Damage

Wind damage is no joke, and if it’s not repaired correctly, you could end up with a much larger problem on your hands the next time you experience any form of severe weather. That’s why we suggest calling a roofer immediately. If you’re experiencing any kind of leak through the roof, cover up the hole(s) with a water-resistant tarp and weigh it down using bricks or heavy rocks. That way, the leak won’t cause any more water damage while you wait.

Call The Roof Doctor

Whether it’s wind damage, a leaking roof, or anything else under the sun, The Roof Doctor has your back! Our experienced roofing experts always conduct a thorough inspection and make the necessary fixes to get your roof back to its former glory. If you live in Salt Lake City, Layton, Orem, Tooele, or any town or city in between in Utah, contact us today for your free roofing quote!

September 22, 2021October 25, 2021

How to Fix Your Leaking Roof While You Wait for Expert Help

If you’re dealing with a leaking roof and you can’t get a professional to fix it right away, you may need to do a quick temporary fix in the meantime.

When there’s a leak in your roof, it can be highly frustrating, and it can take a toll on the rest of your home. Occasionally you’ll stumble upon a leak, but you might find yourself in circumstances where you can’t get a professional to your home right away. Hence, it’s vital to take matters into your own hands. Here’s how you can temporarily fix your leaking roof while waiting for a roofer to assess the situation fully.

Emergency Leaking Roof Repair

There are plenty of ways to quickly fix a leak in a roof while you wait for an expert, so here are a few ideas that could be beneficial to you:

Place a water repellent tarp over the leak in your roof and weigh it down with large rocks, bricks, or something else to keep the tarp in place even if the wind picks up.
If the leak is small enough, you can use a rubber sealant, silicone, or caulk to plug up the leak.
Repair cracked shingles with roofing sealant as you wait to have them replaced entirely.
If you have some roof flashing laying around, you can place it over the hole to temporarily cover the leak and prevent any more water from getting into your home.

Why Call in an Expert?

A roof leak is no joke, and while the above solutions can prevent more water from entering your home, they aren’t permanent solutions to fixing your roof long-term. However, a roofing expert can better assess the situation and come up with a solution that will get your roof back in tip-top shape. Whether the leak was caused by wind, hail, or another type of extreme weather, a professional will have you covered! A reputable roofing company will not only fix the leak but inspect the rest of your roof and provide suggestions as to how you can better prepare your home for future weather conditions that might cause other problems.

If you want a long-term solution to your roof’s problems, you can never go wrong with calling in the professionals!

Call the Experts at The Roof Doctor

If you’ve got a leaking roof on your hands, there’s no better time to call The Roof Doctor. We are experts in the field and will ensure that all our work exceeds your expectations and standards! We’re eager to serve you if you’re in Utah, in areas like Sandy, Murray, Salt Lake City, Farmington, Ogden, and everywhere in between. Contact us today to get a free quote on your roofing repair and project!

September 15, 2021September 30, 2021

Don’t Ignore the Hail Damage on Your Roof. Here’s Why.

Living in Utah, it’s safe to say we can have some unpredictable weather, so if you think there’s hail damage on your roof, don’t ignore it!

The National Weather Service defines hail as “precipitation that is formed when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere.” In this colder atmosphere, hailstones form, which are tiny pieces of ice. In warmer areas, the hailstone might melt by the time it gets to the ground, disguising itself as rain, but in the state of Utah, it’s not all that uncommon for us to see hail during thunderstorms.

Hail can also range in size. Weather experts say it can be as small as a bb and as large as a softball. In Utah, we typically don’t see anything all that big, but some areas might be getting up to quarter-sized hail, which can cause quite a bit of damage to your home.

Something that you may not have considered is how common hail is. Hailstorms can happen in virtually any state, and we’ve seen hailstorms becoming increasingly more common in states where it wouldn’t have been expected in the past, like Florida and Texas. So, if you’re living in Utah and you’re not concerned about hail storms and the damage they cause, we’re here to let you know that homeowners and property owners alike should take them seriously.

Spotting Hail Damage on Your Roof

Since your roof is the first line of defense for the rest of your home, it’s essential to locate and fix hail damage on your roof as soon as possible.

Hail damage might look different for all kinds of roofing materials, so here’s what you need to know:

Damage to asphalt shingles might look like missing granules, impact marks or dents, and marks that are soft to the touch—like a bruise on an apple
Slate shingles that have damage from hail will be cracked or have small chips taken out of them.
Wood shingles with hail damage will have split wood and impact dents and marks.

What to do About Hail Damage on Your Roof

Since hail damage to the shingles can cause splitting and dislocation, it’s more than likely that hail damage can lead to a leaky roof, UV light degradation, and algae formation, to name a few issues.

If your home has been the victim of a hail storm, consider having a professional roofing company come out and inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs. By doing this, you’ll find peace of mind that your roof is in good condition and your home is safe from the elements.

Call The Roof Doctor for Roof Repairs

If you suspect hail damage on your roof, The Roof Doctor has you covered with all things roofing. Need a quick repair or a whole new roof? We can do it, and we’ll do it with a work quality that is sure to impress. So don’t wait any longer for an inspection and speedy fix; contact The Roof Doctor today! We serve Salt Lake City, Layton, Orem, Tooele, and neighboring cities in Utah.

September 8, 2021September 30, 2021

Is It Necessary to Replace Your Roof After Hail Damage?

Replacing Your Roof After Hail Damage: Is It Necessary?

A question we hear from a lot of homeowners is whether or not they should replace their roofs when they see signs of hail damage.

The answer to that question is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no, so we’re going to take a closer look at hail damage on roofs and what entails a repair or complete replacement. Keep reading to learn more.

How Likely Is Hail Damage in Utah?

In some regions of Northern Utah, hail is as common as a thunderstorm, meaning every time a thunderstorm rolls into town, you can count on some hail accompanying it. In Utah, a single hail storm won’t constitute an overhaul of your roof a lot of the time. But as hailstorms come through town repeatedly over a few months or years, it’s wise to look out for any indications of hail damage on your roof.

Weather experts will typically say that hail the size of a quarter is not unheard of in northern Utah, which is the size a hailstone would need to be to do any substantial damage. If you hear of a weather report in your area that claims hailstones that are larger than an inch, make sure to call a professional roofing company to inspect your home after the storm has passed.

When to Replace Your Roof from Hail Damage

More often than not, one hailstorm won’t create a situation that requires roof replacement or even a repair. But when there is noticeable hail damage, it can lead to rot of the underlayment and roof decking, mold and bacteria growth, a roof leak, and other water damage. So, if you are inspecting your roof after a storm and notice missing granules from a single, any indentation marks, or a loose shingle, you’ll need to replace the damaged areas to ensure that water does not get through the roof.

As for a roof replacement, it should only be necessary if there is underlying damage that was not treated in the first place. Remember, the more durable your roofing materials are, the more likely they’ll hold up against extreme weather conditions, like hail. Since the average asphalt shingled roof should last at least fifteen to thirty years, even with severe weather, you shouldn’t worry about replacing everything until you approach at least fifteen years. But as always, when in doubt, you can always count on a roof replacement company to give you the best advice moving forward.

Call The Roof Doctor for All Your Roofing Needs

If you notice hail damage or any other problems with your roof, don’t hesitate to call The Roof Doctor right away! We take pride in being reliable and always providing the best service you can find in the roofing business. Whether you need an inspection, repair, or replacement, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free estimate! We serve Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and other surrounding cities in Utah.

August 25, 2021September 30, 2021

Here’s Why You Should Fix Your Leaking Roof Immediately

Water damage from roof leaks can wreak havoc on your home, so even if it’s small, you’ll need to fix your leaking roof as soon as possible.

You might think that a little bit of dripping water from your roof is harmless, and you’ll repair it whenever you get to it, but while it may seem that way, let us assure you that it is not. A roof that’s leaking can cause problems for your homes like mold and mildew, electrical damage, and structural deterioration- and that’s just scratching the surface. Let’s take a closer look at the consequences of a leaking roof.

Consequences of a Leaking Roof

While repairing a roof leak may cost you some time and money, we promise that an immediate repair will save you more time and money than you can imagine. The fact of the matter is that water damage is no joke, and if you’ve ever dealt with a leak, you know what we mean by that.

Even the slightest leak can encourage pooling and humidity problems, eventually leading to mold and mildew spores growing in your home. Not only is mold harmful to your home, but it can take days and weeks to clear out of your home, not to mention how expensive it is.

Electrical damage is also a strong possibility when your roof is leaking. As you likely already know, when water comes into contact with electrical wiring, it can short the wiring or even cause a shock and a home fire. If you find a leak, we highly recommend that you shut off the power and call a local professional roofing company to fix your leaking roof.

Believe it or not, structural damage can occur from a leaking roof as well. According to SF Gate Home Guides, “When water seeps through the roof, it may drip straight onto the attic floor, but it just as often runs along the underside of the roof decking to a wall and then down along the framing. Over time, the wet wood develops rot and loses its strength; the roof sags, the wall bows, and even the foundation may become waterlogged and spongy.” You can imagine just how expensive that repair might be.

The message is clear: If you suspect a roof leak, get it fixed immediately.

Fix Your Leaking Roof With The Roof Doctor

When it’s time to fix your leaking roof, call The Roof Doctor. We offer repair services to homes in the Salt Lake Valley and Northern Utah, in cities like South and West Jordan, Bountiful, Ogden, and Orem. So don’t wait; even if you just suspect a roof leak, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so give us a call today!

August 18, 2021September 30, 2021

Hail Damage: Here’s What It Looks Like on Your Roof

If you live in Northern Utah, there's a good chance that you are no stranger to brutal weather that causes harm to your roof, like hail damage.

If you're concerned about how well your roof is holding up after a hail storm, you're likely searching for how to identify the damage it's caused. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of damage caused by hail on your roof.

Asphalt Roof

With a typical asphalt roof, there can be some obvious signs of hail damage. A few things you'll notice are:

Exposed metal flashing
Granule loss
Cracked shingles
Pitted spots
Damage with no discernible pattern

For some damage, a small replacement may be all that is required, but if the hail is large enough and the roof is relatively dated, you might need to replace the rooftop as a whole. Just as a reminder, asphalt roofing should last between 10 and 15 years, but harsh weather conditions can shorten its lifespan.

Wood Shingles

For homes with wood shingle roofing, damage caused by hail might look a bit different. According to Travelers Insurance, the signs of wear you might see are split shingles, sharp corners and edges, a shingle that's cracked but has no damage to the edges, and minor dent marks in the shingle.

As soon as you notice that a shingle is split or cracked, it's essential to get it replaced to prevent a leak that can cause structural water damage to your roof and home.

Slate Tile Roof

Slate tiles are known for being reasonably durable, but in the event of a storm with large-sized hail, the slate tile shingles can crack. There may be holes of various sizes, chipped edges, and minor fractures. If you find broken tiles, they'll need to be replaced immediately. Contact a roofing company close to you that can take care of you and your home.

Repair Hail Damage with The Roof Doctor

When you're sure you're dealing with hail damage on your roof, don't wait—call The Roof Doctor today! We are dedicated to providing you with the best roof repair and replacement services in the Salt Lake Valley and beyond. Whether you need a little repair, complete roof overhaul, or an inspection, we've got you covered. We serve homes and businesses in Salt Lake City, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Ogden, and everywhere in between in Utah. Contact us today for your free roof repair estimate.

August 11, 2021September 30, 2021

Should You Repair Roof Wind Damage on Your Own?

Wind Damage Roof: Should You Repair on Your Own?

Living close to the mountains can mean windy days that might even lead to roof wind damage, but are you prepared for it?

In Utah, we might find our houses and roofs have to hold up against various types of weather elements. From snow and ice in the winter to dry heat in the summer and high winds all year round, it’s safe to say that our roofs can take a beating from the unique weather conditions we have. Since wind is something we see all the time, you might wonder if you should worry about wind damage on your roof and if you can fix it yourself, so keep reading to learn more.

Signs of Roof Wind Damage

Although we may not have crazy high winds all the time, Northern Utah is still susceptible to wind storms and thunderstorms with high winds, so it’s essential to note that roof wind damage is not all that uncommon. Let’s quickly go over what wind damage might look like to the eye.

For this article, we’ll focus on what wind damage looks like on a traditional asphalt roof, as that is most common for more homes in Northern Utah. Here are a few indications that your roof has sustained damage from the wind:

Granule loss
Missing shingles
Lifting shingles (curling up or peeling at the edges)
Damaged soffit or fascia
Loose or missing flashing around the chimney
And of course, leaks

If you notice any of the above signs, you’re going to need a repair, and quick! But you might ask if you can repair the roof yourself. Well, it depends on several factors, so let’s take a look.

Can I Repair a Wind Damaged Roof Myself?

The answer is both yes and no. For minor repairs, it’s safe to say that you can do it if you feel comfortable. Minor repairs might be something like a singular missing shingle, but the rest of the roof is in good shape. Doing a simple shingle repair is easy enough for most handy homeowners. However, if you notice a problem with your soffit, fascia, chimney or are seeing any signs of a leaking roof, it’s best to call in the professionals.

Contact The Roof Doctor for Roof Repairs

If you notice any signs of roof wind damage or want to be safe, give us a call! We have inspection, repair, and roof replacement services that are sure to get your roof in shape once more. We serve homes throughout Northern Utah in areas like Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. Contact us today for your free roofing estimate!

August 4, 2021September 30, 2021

3 Major Consequences of a Leaking Roof

If you’re a property owner, a leaking roof is one of the last things you want to deal with, but it should never be ignored.

There could be a lot of reasons your roof is leaking. Maybe there’s been some damage done by a weather event, or you have an old roof that’s been needing some repairs. Whatever the case is, if you’re dealing with a roof that has a leak, don’t wait to address the problem. Here are a few things that can happen if a roof leak is neglected over time.

Mold and Mildew

When a roof begins to leak, there is a good chance that water can pool up and cause harmful water damage and the growth of mold and mildew. Mold, if left untreated, can spread throughout a house. In extreme cases, it can make its way into a home’s HVAC system, which will result in it spreading to the rest of the house through the vents where it can penetrate carpets, clothing, and furniture. Once mold has spread, it will take a lot of time and money in repairs to the home. So do your best to catch that leaky roof early and get it repaired to save yourself the headache!

Wasted Money and Energy

When there’s a leak in a roof, it leaves a place for the heated air in your home to get out. Especially here in Utah, during the winter months when you’re most likely to be heating the inside of your home, you want to do everything you can to ensure the house stays nice and warm. Catching a roof leak and repairing it can save you energy and money, so you won’t be cranking the heat to compensate for even the smallest of holes in your roof.

Structure Damage

According to Angi, a leaking roof can lead to “...damaged rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing, and even fascia boards and exterior trim can become victims of water intrusion. Chronic roof leaks lead to wood deterioration and weakened, rotten roof framing.” If this were to happen, you’d need to call in a professional contractor for all the expensive repairs. Save yourself from a hazardous home by frequently checking for signs of a roof leak and having the roof repaired or replaced at the appropriate time.

Repair Your Leaking Roof with The Roof Doctor

When you’ve got a leaking roof on your hands, The Roof Doctor is here to help. We specialize in all things roofing, like re-roofing projects and repairs. Our roofing experts are sure to give you the best service you can find, and we’ll even examine your roof for other potential leaks and hazards while we’re there. Ready to fix up that roof? Contact us today for a free estimate! We provide our roofing services to homes and businesses across the Salt Lake Valley in Utah.

July 28, 2021September 30, 2021

Tips to Spot Wind Damage to Your Roof

You may not think about it often, but it’s not uncommon for there to be wind damage to your roof in the state of Utah.

While wind might seem like a relatively harmless element of nature, high wind can cause quite a bit of damage to your roof, leaving room for leaky roofs and higher utility bills. That’s why being able to spot damage on your roof is so essential to the safety of your home and family. Keep reading to learn more about how you can spot wind damage on your roof.

Are Your Shingles Flapping in the Wind?

One of the first indications of roof damage is that your shingles have been dislodged or aren’t secured correctly anymore. If the wind is picking up, even with a slight breeze, you might be able to see a shingle or two flapping around or moving. If this is happening to you, you should know that it’s time for a roof repair. If a strong wind could be hazardous to you, don’t run outside to check for flapping shingles. Choose to look up at the shingles when it’s noticeable windy, but you know that you’re safe to go out.

Check for Granule Loss

If you notice that your shingles are wearing thin and there has been some granule loss, it might be time for some repairs or replacement. Wind can do a number on your roof and erode away the granules on your asphalt shingles, leading to wind damage. If you can safely walk on your rooftop to identify the damage, do precisely that while looking for signs that your shingles are thinning. Bob Vila also recommends checking the gutters and downspouts for granules. If you notice only a few shingles have missing granules, you can easily repair the roof by replacing the individual shingles. But granule loss is no joke, and if there is a lot of it, you may want to consider calling a professional roofing company to conduct an inspection and possibly re-roof the home.

Water Leaks

Another way to identify any damage to your roof is inside the home. Check ceilings and walls for any signs of water damage and leaks. Once a shingle is dislodged or broken, rain and condensation have a much easier time finding their way into your home. If you’ve recently had high winds and you’re noticing water damage in your home, you can likely give credit to the wind for damaging your roof.

Call The Roof Doctor for Inspections and Repairs

Whether it’s wind damage, hail damage, or any other roofing problem, you can count on us! At The Roof Doctor, we’re prepared for any roofing situation or emergency, and we do it all with excellent customer service as our priority. We serve residents and businesses across Utah County and Salt Lake County, Utah, so give us a call today for a free estimate and to schedule an inspection or repair!