Category: Latest Blog

The reality is that roof repairs themselves, when performed in a regularly and timely manner, can drastically reduce your “roof costs” over a lifetime. However, there are other ways to save on roofing whether you’re building a brand new construction or you just know it has been 20 years since your roof was installed and you’re worried about its lifespan. Some things are out of your control, such as natural disasters, a particularly rough winter or a previous owner who did not care for the roof. However, many things are well within your control.

Spending a little now, or making wiser installation choices, can save you thousands of dollars down the road. Here are the best tips for saving on roofing, optimizing what you have and extending the life of your roof:

1. Choose a quality installation company

Of course you need to choose a roofing material that is high quality but also suits your budget. However, the quality of the installation is just as important. It does not matter if you have the “best” roofing material in the world if the installation is subpar. Research installation companies, check reviews, make sure they are licensed and remember that upfront quotes aren’t the only factor.

2. Consider TruSlate by GAF

Slate is one of the most popular roofing materials around the country, including in Utah, and it is relatively inexpensive compared to some other roofing options like cedar or copper. However, it is still a roofing material and the total upfront costs can be high. TruSlate is really “true slate,” the only difference is that the shingles are fitted together to minimize overlap. This means homeowners get the same quality of slate without unnecessarily paying for overlap.

3. Don’t miss biannual inspections

Ideally, roofs are inspected every autumn and spring by a professional. The earlier an issue is caught, the simpler and more cost effective it will be to address. Homeowners should also schedule an inspection after a natural disaster, particularly rough storm or if they suspect something is wrong with their roof. The cost of an inspection never comes close to the cost of an extensive repair or roof replacement should a problem go unattended.

4. Survey your roof yourself

While it is never recommended for homeowners to walk on their roof, and it can even be dangerous to survey your roof from a ladder, you can see a lot from your yard. Get a pair of binoculars and survey the roof for dark spots, shingles that are missing, pests or any other obvious issues.

Your roof is an investment that needs protection and regular maintenance. Ensure that the health of your roof is a priority, and you will enjoy a healthy roof for much longer.

A home inspection, including residential roof services, before buying a property is paramount and no knowledgeable home buyer would ever skip it. You want to ensure the potential property is in good shape and that any issues are addressed before moving in (plus, you may be able to negotiate a lower price). However, many homeowners put roof inspection and maintenance on the back burner once they move in. There are a myriad of excuses at the ready.

Unfortunately, taking care of your roof is a lot like taking care of your body. Preventative care is critical, and the longer you go without physicals and check-ins, the more likely that trouble may be brewing. The cost of an inspection and minor maintenance is phenomenally more affordable than waiting until disaster strikes. Here are the major reasons people skip roof inspections and what the “worst case” may really be:

1. They think it is expensive

Compare the cost of an inspection to the cost of buying a new roof or doing major repairs, and suddenly that inspection is very manageable. The actual cost will depend on your region, the inspection company and the size of your roof, but it should easily fit into a homeowner’s budget. When buying a property, setting aside funds for routine maintenance should be part of the process.

2. They think they don’t have time

A good roofing company will offer a variety of timeframes that fit within your schedule. It actually does not take long for a thorough roof inspection, and homeowners can even help out by keeping an eye on things throughout the year. Although it is dangerous to climb onto a roof, or even a ladder to see the roof, oftentimes you can spot trouble areas with a simple pair of binoculars from the ground. Keep an eye out for pests/nests, dark spots and missing shingles.

3. They think it’s not that big of a deal

Does it really matter if you get an inspection done now or wait six months to a year? That depends on the potential for damage and needed repairs, which you simply don’t know. Much like seeing your general physician, it probably won’t matter if you miss your six-month physical—if you’re in good health. However, if there’s trouble lurking, such as melanoma from too much sun, six months can make a world of difference. The problem with waiting is that you have no way of knowing what the future holds.

The roof is one of the costliest elements of your home, and it is a major investment. Protect it. Regular roof inspections can help homeowners stave off unnecessary costly repairs and replacements.

Often, roof repairs are required because homeowners have squatters and unwelcome guests. Pests, from insect infestations to a bird that has taken a fancy to your home, can cause serious damage. Not all pests are easy to spot, although the “lucky” homeowners who have a woodpecker as a squatter usually know right away who the troublemaker is. Many times, only a professional can spot the telltale signs of a pest during a routine inspection and maintenance check. The good news is that, when caught early, many pests and infestations can be driven away by natural means.

Are you unknowingly playing host to one of these common pests? The type of pests you may encounter will depend on where you live, the season and the type of material your roof is made of. However, these are some of the most common in the Utah area:

1. Birds

Particularly in the spring, roofs can prove tempting to a variety of birds looking to nest for the warmer months. Unfortunately, the creation of a nest combined with bird droppings (which are very acidic) can create serious trouble spots on a roof. Nests can be easily removed by a professional, and sometimes the crevices of a roof that a bird finds appealing may be filled to prevent future squatters.

2. Raccoons

These night crawlers might find your roof a great vantage point for hunting and checking out the neighborhood goods (like trash cans). However, they can also be somewhat heavy and if they eat on your roof, too, the debris can cause damage. Homeowners may need to set a humane trap, or perhaps hire an arborist to trim a tree that’s allowing their easy roof access.

3. Insect infestations

There are a number of wood-loving insects that might find roofs an endless buffet for the taking. Handling an insect infestation is much easier and cost effective when it is caught early. There are many ways to potentially handle the situation, but it should only be approached by a professional. There are also roof treatments that can help prevent future infestations—also a wise investment.

4. Wasp nests

Wasp and yellow jacket nests post an immediate threat to the homeowners and any guests, particularly if anyone is allergic. These nests are somewhat easy to spot, but not always. While the nests themselves aren’t overtly hazardous to the roof, these guests are certainly dangerous to inhabitants. Call a professional to have these nests removed.

A healthy roof needs to be cleaned and cleared regularly. Unfortunately, as the weather warms up, homeowners in Utah are seeing more and more pests and it is important to take action sooner rather than later.

 

Homeowners that prioritize roof repairs and annual roof inspections can ensure a much longer “roof lifespan” than those who ignore such an important part of the home. However, asking what the average lifespan of a roof might be is akin to asking what the average lifespan of a human is—it depends. It depends on location, the materials used, maintenance and the good luck of avoiding natural disasters. Some roof materials are built to last longer than others, such as copper which many people think ages beautifully and can last for generations.

However, if really pressed, an “average” lifespan is about 20 years. In Utah, shingles are the most popular roofing option. This is a region with four distinct seasons, and those snowy winters and blazing hot summers (complete with UV damage) can cause severe wear and tear on a roof. When considering roofing materials for new construction, a new roof or a total home remodel, homeowners don’t have to go with what’s most popular in their state. Consider these common roofing materials, their lifespan and how they might be a good fit for your home:

1. Asphalt/fiberglass

Both of these materials are available in shingles. Asphalt is very inexpensive, easy to care for and quickly installed, which makes it a favorite. However, it is not the most resistant to wind. Boasting a varied lifespan, it lasts anywhere from 20-40 years. Bear in mind though, that manufacturer warranties may only cover 15 years. Choosing fiberglass is more expensive up front, but these shingles can last up to 50 years.

2. Wood/shakes

Whether in shingles or shakes, this option is often either cedar or pressure-treated wood. It is more expensive than asphalt and may require more routine maintenance, but it comes in a variety of finishes to suit any aesthetic taste. Current trends include weathered looks, which can increase a home’s value. Generally strong against rot and insect infestations, the average wood shakes or shingles last about 30 years.

3. Steel/copper

Selecting a metal roof can be a great choice whether you go with stainless steel, galvanized sheets or the classic copper. Price will depend on the profile of the sheet, any finishes and overall size. However, many steel and copper roofs have lasted well over 50 years, so homeowners usually don’t have to replace roofs in their lifetime. For those who like the natural greenish aging of copper, some roofs can last over 100 years.

Bear in mind that the quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the roofing material. Schedule a biannual inspection plan, choose the Roof Doctor and rest assured you’ll have a good roof over your head for many years to come.

The Roof Doctor wants to make you aware of common roofing mistakes that you can look out for, mistakes that we will never make, but often have to fix. Here are 3 very common roofing mistakes that you can easily avoid by hiring a good roofer like The Roof Doctor.

1. Reusing Old Materials- This is something we see often and want to help you avoid. It is common for us to look at a roof and see 2-3 layers of old shingles because the previous roofers put the new shingles over the old ones. In the long run, removal of old layers will cost you more money. We want to give you a quality roof, so we will be sure to remove the old materials and start fresh. 

We are sure you hear the term “go green” quite often these days. Here at The Roof Doctor, we are taking steps to go green! We’ve just began to eliminate paper in the office, so in light of this decision we decided to educate you on green roofing!

What is a Green Roof?

There are two types of green roofs, intensive and extensive. Intensive green roofs hold more weight (80-150 lbs per square foot), therefore they can support an entire rooftop garden, with trees, grass, flowers, shrubs, and so on. Extensive green roofs hold less weight (15-50 lbs per square foot), and generally only consist of grass or ground cover, therefore requiring less maintenance.