When it comes to asphalt shingle selection it’s important to understand the difference between dimensional (also known as architectural) or 3-tab shingles.
Architectural shingles have a heavier base mat with multiple layers of material providing a layered look.
3 tab shingles have a flat look as opposed to the layered look that the architectural shingles provide.
Architectural shingles tend to have longer warranties and allow for higher wind speeds due to the weightier construction. They cost only about 20% more than 3 tab shingles.
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Regular roof and chimney inspections and chimney cleanings are highly recommended. By having a professional inspect the condition of your roof and chimney at least once a year you can prevent untimely and expensive repairs.
Let’s examine some of the common reasons that chimneys leak. One of the main reasons chimneys leak is due to damaged or improperly installed flashing. Flashing is usually made out of aluminum and acts as a protective barrier between your chimney and your roof. Tar or specialty sealing products is usually used to seal the flashing which prevents leak. An experienced and skilled roofer should always do your chimney flashing because improperly installed flashing can lead to leaks coming from the roof around the chimney. Furthermore, you should have your chimney and flashing inspected at least once a year to ensure it’s performing at its top ability.
Additionally cracks may develop in the mortar joints and bricks of your chimney causing leaks. When these cracks occur water seeps through the chimney into the house.
Your chimney may also leak if it is missing a chimney cover or the crown is cracked.
What’s most important when it comes to your roof or chimney leaking is to be preventative. If a leak goes on too long it can damage the underlying structure of your home. If this happens the cost of repair is much greater.
So make sure you choose licensed and insured roofing experts for all your chimney and roofing inspections and leak repairs. Here at Sunrise Roofing & Chimney not only are we licensed and insured, but our work is guaranteed for up to thirty years. Call us today, we’re the best Long Island chimney contractor! Call (855) 339-6009 or (631) 657-5059 for a free estimate.
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Despite what some people believe, roofing is a year round trade. Customers often ask us if roofing can be done in the winter. Sometimes it absolutely should be done in the winter, but it truly depends.
Roof work can be split into two major categories, roof repairs and roof replacements.
Roof Repairs
Just about any roof repair can and should be done year round. In warmer weather, shingles self-adhere. If it is too cold for there to be an immediate seal, caulking is used instead.
IF YOU SKIP YOUR ROOF REPAIRS DURING THE WINTER AND YOU HAVE BROKEN OR MISSING SHINGLES, YOUR SMALL REPAIR WILL BECOME A LARGE ONE!!
If snow piles on the roof and your shingles are broken or missing large quantities of water will seep in and ruin drywall and other parts of your home. If left alone for the entire winter you could be facing more expensive repairs.
Snow can be a more serious threat than rain for a roof structure that’s not intact. That’s because the snow that is closest to the roof melts before the snow above it and water has more of a chance to meander into the roofing system.
If your roof is in need of repair and snow season is upon us, it’s time to act. Our roofers are busy at work repairing roofs during the winter season for this exact reason.
Roof Replacements
Most often new roofs can be installed in the winter but you must use knowledgeable, skilled roofers like the roofers at Sunrise Roofing & Chimney.
Shingle Roofs
New shingle roof installations can be done at above freezing temperatures during the winter so long as the roofer is experienced and knowledgeable in colder weather installations. The pressure on the nail gun needs to be set correctly. This is because the Spring weather will come along and cause the self-adhering shingles to continue to adhere together. The installation has to be done mindfully in order to prepare for that. If you use roofers who are thoughtful and experienced in this area your new shingle roof will be installed just as beautifully and reliably in the winter as it could in any other season.
Flat Roofs
Some flat roofs that use “self adhering” systems can only be installed at higher temperatures as determined by the manufacturer’s instructions. However, flat roofing systems that are not self adhering (they either use torches or they are mechanically attached) can be done in cold weather.
Other roofing systems like metal, slate, composites and cedar shake are held together by fasteners and do not self-adhere; therefore the installation of these types of roofs is the same in any weather.
It’s Hotter on the Roof
Keep in mind it’s hot on the roof! Due to the suns reflection on dark colored shingles the temperature on the roof is usually about 70% higher than on the ground. Because of this we find the most desirable temperature range to install new roofs is about fifty to sixty degrees.
It’s Our Winter Guarantee
Our guarantee doesn’t stop in the winter! We offer a ten year guarantee on labor and up to a thirty year guarantee on materials (depending on the manufacturer).
If you’re facing a roof repair or installation and the winter is upon us just request an estimate! One of our knowledgeable technicians will come to you to explain what’s best in your specific situation. At Sunrise Roofing & Chimney we care more about providing you with lasting quality and durability than we do about making a quick sale. Therefore we will analyze the severity of the repair, type of roof, weather conditions, etc; and provide you with an estimate and time frame that benefits you.
Don’t hesitate having your roof inspected in any weather. If your roof is damaged waiting until Spring can be more costly. Request a free estimate from Sunrise Roofing & Chimney today!
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Roof leaks can develop for a number of reasons, such as wind damage, poor insulation, lack of maintenance and insufficient flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights or gutters. Age is often a factor too as most roofs need to be replaced every twenty to thirty years. On average homeowners spend about 1 to 4 percent of a home’s value yearly on maintenance and repairs such as gutter repairs, roof repairs and much more. A $200,000 home on average receives at least $2,000 in repairs annually according to choice home warranty.
“Water is probably the single most destructive force to a house,” said inspector Jeff Del Guercio, owner of An Objective Inspection in Throop, Pa., and president of the local National Association of Home Inspectors chapter. “And a leak can go on for a long time without being noticed.”
When every 1000 square foot of roof surface experiences a rainfall of 1″ you can expect 600 gallons of roof run-off water. That’s a lot of water for just 1″ of rainfall!
Most homes have twice that much roof surface area.
A 3000 square foot roof surface experiencing 25″ of rainfall would have approximately 45,000 gallons of water running off from the roof each year.
The reality is that most homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an attached garage have more than 3000 square feet of roof surface and experience more than 25″ of rainfall. Therefore, a tremendous amount of moisture can seep through a hole in the shingles or around poor or old rusted flashings. A leaking roof can and often does mean rotting sheathing and rafters. Larger amounts can soak the insulation in the attic and eventually the ceilings and walls. Interior moisture in ceilings and walls generally creates mold which can become a very serious health issue.
If not properly controlled it’s a huge amount of water seeping under your house.
Why Flashing is so Important
Flashing is a vital part of the roof structure when it comes to leaks. The most difficult element to control is water and roof flashing acts like the last line of defense against water. Roof flashing is usually a sheet of metal, which is placed over joints in the roof and wall construction to prevent water seeping into the house and causing damage.
The major cause of residential roof leaks is a fault in the roof flashing. Roof flashing represents a very simple and intuitive engineering technique that has been known for hundreds of years. The whole idea depends almost entirely on gravity. If the flashing has been installed correctly, gravity will work with the flashing material to shed the water onto the regular roofing materials, where it is then directed harmlessly to the ground.
Flashing is placed around projections in your roof, like skylights, venting units, parapets, hatches and chimneys. It is also placed in the valleys of your roof, where two elevations of your roof make contact.
Flashings are the most technical and most difficult aspect of roofing in most cases. Failure of the flashing system is usually a major cause of roof deterioration.
Traditional roof flashing methods and materials stand the test of time, but they must be installed correctly by an experienced and skilled technician.
Flashing installation and repairs must be done by knowledgeable roofing technicians like the technicians at Sunrise Roofing & Chimney.
Beware of leaking over your electrical wiring
As ironic as it may sound, water can be a big fire hazard in most homes. Once water starts to leak into the framework of a house, it can easily seep into wires located in an attic or ceilings. Many electrical wiring shorts, arcs and other failures can be directly traced to a leaky roof.
Always take the proper precautions when dealing with roofing leaks seeing as they can cause everything from health issues to the possibility of fire or a collapsed roof and everything in between.
Never underestimate a leak and don’t procrastinate in getting it fixed.
Sunrise Roofing & Chimney is easily the best Long Island Roofing Contractor. They have a great reputation in the industry. We are also a Long Island contractor and we partner with Sunrise. I feel really confident when I refer work to this team, I always get great feedback from my customers about them.
Bruce Macleish, Westhampton NY
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