Category: Roofing

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.

There are several important components that play a role in the typical roof and its ability to protect structures, and knowing about these is helpful for many home and building owners. One great example here that’s less well-known than certain other roofing components is known as roofing underlayment.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re happy to help with a wide variety of roof installation and repair services for shingled roofs, slate roofs, shake roofs and many other types for clients in Salt Lake City and West Jordan. What exactly is roofing underlayment, which types of underlayment are out there today, and what important roles does underlayment play in maintaining your roof’s quality? Here are some basics.

Roofing Underlayment and Deck Basics

To fully understand how roofing underlayments work, you also have to know about roof decks and their role. The roof deck, also sometimes referred to as roof sheathing, is made from plywood, OSB, wood planks, or skip sheathing, and involves boards fastened onto rafters or trusses to form the surface for roofing products and materials.

Roof underlayment is installed over the roof deck, typically above a layer of self-adhering membrane located at the eaves. It offers secondary protection from several elements, such as ice damming and wind-driven rain.

Specific Purposes of Underlayment

While your roof’s shingles are its primary defense against things like the sun’s rays, precipitation, wind, ice and more, the underlayment is a secondary form of protection here as well. It serves a few important roles:

• Safety in case of shingle blow-off: In cases where severe weather may tear off shingles, the underlayment is an additional layer of protection against water intrusion. This is vital if the shingles are not quickly repaired or replaced following a severe storm.
• Moisture protection: The underlayment helps to protect your roof deck in case of any moisture that may leak through the shingle layer – it prevents water from saturating and damaging the plywood and other underlying materials.
• Ice dam prevention: During the winter, ice dams can form on roofs and cause water to back up onto the deck. This is where underlayment helps once again. It adds another layer of protection to help prevent damage from ice buildup on your roof.
• Assistance with shingle installation: Since underlayments are applied before shingles during roof installations, they help protect the entire roof deck while the shingle materials are being installed making shingle installation much easier.

Types of Underlayment

Today, there are several types of underlayments that each have their own specific benefits in terms of protection, cost and ease-of-installation. Here are some of the top options:

• Felt underlayment: The oldest and perhaps most well-known type of underlayment among homeowners is felt paper. It’s made from layers of either organic or fiberglass material and can offer a good level of protection against moisture. This type is also sometimes known as “tar paper” and comes in a couple different weight options. It’s commonly found on shingle, slate or wood shingles, though its use may depend on the region and the weather.
• Self-adhered underlayment: If you’re looking for an underlayment with great water resistance, self-adhered options come with high levels of asphalt and rubber polymers. This type of underlayment is also known as “ice and water shield”. And as its name suggests, this type has a sticky back and can be easily applied to any roof. It’s commonly used in high-leak-risk areas like valleys, eaves, dormers and rakes.
• Synthetic underlayment: Synthetic materials are gaining traction in the roofing industry due to their superior resistance to water, as well as their light weight and easy installation. They’re also designed for better breathability than felt or self-adhered options, which helps with ventilation during hot summer. They’re resistant to mold and mildew growth, as well as punctures and tears in cases of strong winds.

Protecting Your Underlayment

While roof underlayment typically won’t need much maintenance, there may be times when it’s necessary to inspect or repair any sections that have been damaged by debris, weather or other elements. It is important to remember to follow all safety guidelines while inspecting and maintaining your roof underlayment, such as using a safety harness and ladder.

One particular concern is if you notice missing shingles that have exposed your underlayment. In these cases, be sure to check if the underlying material is still intact and not showing signs of damage from water intrusion. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to replace any shingles as soon as possible to prevent further damage or potential leaks in the future.

By understanding roof underlayment and its many benefits, you can ensure that your roof is well-protected and able to withstand any weather conditions. For more here, or to learn about any of our roofing installations or other services for SLC and West Jordan clients, speak to our team at The Roof Doctor today.

Warranties are a common topic when you’re dealing with high-value items, and particularly in the world of real estate. One home component that will often be covered by a warranty of some type is your roof, and knowing how roof warranties work and what’s covered under yours is typically very important.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re happy to discuss warranties and other forms of protection for any of our new roofing products, which include slate roofs, metal roofs and many other options. What are the different kinds of roof warranties that might be available to you, how do you understand which areas are covered within yours, and what else do you need to know here? Let’s have a look at this important area.

Roof Warranty Basics and Types

For those who are buying a new roof or having one installed, warranties typically come in two types. These are:

1. Manufacturer’s Warranty – This warranty is provided by the company who manufactured your roofing material and is generally valid for around 10 to 20 years. It will cover any defects that occur as a result of the manufacturing process, such as issues with the materials used.
2. Installation Warranty – This warranty is provided by the roofing contractor and will cover any issues that arise as a result of their installation processes. Generally, these warranties are in effect for up to one year post-installation and they’ll protect you from any issues or damage resulting from faulty workmanship on the part of the contractor.

What’s Covered?

When it comes to knowing what is and isn’t covered under your roof warranty, you’ll need to read through your specific contract carefully. For manufacturer warranties, some of the elements covered will typically include:

• All major components of the roof, including shingles, flashing and sealants
• Any manufacturer defects that may be present
• Water damage from faulty shingle installation

It’s vital to keep in mind that with many roof manufacturers, there will be strict conditions attached to their manufacturing warranties. For instance, they may only cover a product if a defect specifically results in a leak, plus if the installation was carried out exactly to manufacturer specifications. It’s very important to be sure you know these particulars for any warranty you receive from a manufacturer.

For installation warranties, the coverage will usually include:

• Any problems caused by faulty workmanship on the part of the contractor
• Malfunctioning parts due to improper installation

It’s important to remember that while these warranties will cover any of the issues above, they won’t typically cover things such as wear and tear or storm damage. If you’re looking for protection in those areas, you may need to look into getting an additional roof insurance policy.

Limited, Lifetime and Extended Warranties

You may see a few different terms used when it comes to roof warranties, such as limited, lifetime and extended warranties. A limited warranty is one that only covers certain elements of the installation or material for a set period of time. Lifetime warranties are usually reserved for higher-end materials, like metal roofs, and they cover those materials indefinitely against any manufacturer defects.

Finally, an extended warranty is an additional policy that can cover your roof beyond the terms of the original warranty. This is a good option for those who want extra protection and peace of mind.

The GAF Golden Pledge Warranty

At The Roof Doctor, we’re proud to offer one of the single best warranties in the entire roofing industry: The GAF Golden Pledge Warranty. This is a limited lifetime warranty, meaning you’ll always be covered in some way, and it is completely non-prorated for the first 50 years. Here are some of the elements that make the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty so valuable:

• 25-year workmanship warranty: Not only is this a very long period of time for any workmanship warranty, this warranty is relatively flexible. It covers even situations where a product was misapplied or improperly installed, unlike many others.
• Wind warranty: For those in windy areas, this warranty carries wind coverage up to 130 mph – the only exception here is the Timberline HDZ, which actually comes with an infinite wind warranty instead!
• Fully transferable: If you’re looking to sell your home or building in the near future, this warranty is easy to transfer.
• Fully backed by GAF: GAF, a leader in the roofing industry, backs this warranty in full. Even if the contractor you’re working with goes out of business or has some other issue, GAF will send a different Master Elite contractor and will cover the entire bill. In fact, at The Roof Doctor, we proudly serve as the first contractor GAF calls in the greater SLC area when there’s a problem with another contractor – this is due to our reliability and consistency.

Roof warranties are an important part of owning any property, but knowing exactly what is and isn’t covered and whether a warranty can be transferred is often the key to making sure you’re properly protected. Be sure to read through your specific contract carefully and ask any questions you may have of your roofing manufacturer and contractor before signing on the dotted line.

This will help ensure that you understand exactly what type of coverage you’re getting – and that you can trust it to protect your property for years to come.

For more here, or to learn about any of our roof installation or roof repair services, speak to our team at The Roof Doctor today.

We’re smack dab in the middle of the Utah winter currently, and the roof is one of several key home or building components that owners will be looking to protect from the elements. For certain roof systems, particularly those that have dealt with moisture issues in the past, certain specific items or accessories might be useful here, and the best example is the world of ice and water barriers.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re happy to assist clients with all of their roof needs, including installation of slate roofs, metal roofs and many others. We’ll sit down with you to discuss any issues your roof is having, including situations where you believe ice or water barriers might be useful for your setup. What exactly are these barriers, what are the key issues they help protect against, and should you consider them for your roof? Let’s have a look.

What Are Ice and Water Roof Barriers?

For those who are unfamiliar with these products, ice and water barriers for roofs refer to various forms of underlayment that are applied beneath the shingles and other roof coverings. They are typically applied directly to roof decking, and seal tightly around the nails. The primary purpose of these barriers is to provide an additional layer of protection against water infiltration, should there be any penetration or cracks in the shingle system.

Ice and water barriers also help protect against major temperature swings that could lead to ice-dam formation, which can cause tears or breaks in the roof and result in costly repairs. These barriers also help to prevent leaks by providing an additional layer of protection that’s designed to be watertight for many years.

Specific Risks Ice and Water Barriers Protect From

There are several risks that ice and water barriers protect against, primarily related to moisture buildup:

• Ice dams: One of the most potentially worrisome risks for a roof is the formation of ice dams. In extreme cold weather, water can freeze along the edges of your roof and form a dam-like structure which prevents further melting snow from properly draining off your roof. This can result in major leaks inside your home or building, potentially leading to many thousands of dollars in damages. But with an ice and water barrier installed, you can minimize the risks of ice dams forming.
• Water infiltration: Even in moderate climates without heavy snowfall or extreme temperature swings, normal rainfall can still cause leaks within your roof if it breaches any cracks or gaps in the shingle system. An ice and water barrier helps to protect against this by providing an extra layer of moisture-proofing that helps keep water out.
• Gutter clogs: Another risk related to extreme cold weather is the potential for gutters and drains to become clogged with ice. This can result in water pooling up on your roof, leading to a range of issues including structural damage from increased weight and further moisture infiltration through the shingle system if not addressed quickly. The extra layer of protection provided by an ice and water barrier can help to mitigate these risks.
• Wind damage: Finally, wind-driven rain and storms can also cause damage to roofs if not properly protected. An ice and water barrier provides an extra layer of protection that helps keep wind-driven rain out of the shingle system, minimizing the risks of potential leaks in these types of scenarios.

Areas of the Roof Where Ice or Water Barriers Are Placed

While ice and water barriers can technically be placed just about anywhere, here are some of the most common locations where they’ll be installed on roofs:

• Eaves: Because the edges of a typical roof are exposed, they can be particularly vulnerable to water damage in extreme weather. Installing an ice and water barrier along the eaves of your roof can help protect it from any moisture infiltration.
• Valley flashing: Valley flashing is a special type of flashing that runs in between two sections of the roof at a 90-degree angle, typically where two sloping surfaces meet. It’s important to use a special ice and water barrier product when installing this type of flashing, as it helps keep moisture out and protect your roof from any leaks along the valleys.
• Roof penetrations: For various penetration types, such as for skylights, plumbing vents, or other roof accessories, it’s important to use an ice and water barrier product around the perimeter of these penetrations as well. This helps prevent any moisture from seeping underneath the shingle system and causing potential damage.
• Entire roof: In other cases, a roof may be covered completely with an ice and water barrier in order to provide extra protection against any moisture-related issues.

Should You Install Barriers?

Whether you’re ordering a new roof or considering your current roof maintenance plan, taking the time to consider installing ice and water barriers can help protect your home or building against a range of potential risks related to moisture. It’s important to consult with a professional contractor in order to understand the specific needs for your roof system, as well as any additional considerations that may need to be taken into account.

In many cases, a professional will recommend installing barriers if you’ve had prior moisture-related issues or if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. However, even if these factors don’t necessarily apply to your situation, it’s still worth considering, as the extra layer of protection provided by a barrier can be valuable in preventing future headaches.

For more on ice and water barriers for your roof, or to learn about any of our roof installation or replacement services, speak to our team at The Roof Doctor today.