EZ Roofing Contractors Professional Roofers & Roof Repair

Imagine you’re at a party, and someone asks, “Hey, what’s a flat roof?”

Well, picture a rooftop that’s almost as level as your kitchen floor, with just a teeny bit of slant—a gentle slope, really—that’s there just so rainwater can take the hint and slide off into gutters instead of crashing the party. Yes, these rooftops are the unsung heroes of many buildings, from those big box stores to your neighbor’s fancy garage.

Now, onto the world of flat roofs, which is as varied as ice cream flavors at your favorite parlor. We’ve got the TPO, which is like the cool, high-tech fabric of the roof world; it’s a blend of fancy synthetics. Then there’s EPDM, think of it as the tire of the roofing world—durable, stretchy, and made to last. Modified Bitumen is the layered cake, slathered with hot asphalt for that extra stickiness. PVC roofs? Those are the flexible, plastic wonders. And let’s not forget the BUR, or Built-Up Roofing, which is like the lasagna of roofs, layered up and finished with a sprinkle of gravel.

But even these tough cookies can’t always stand up to Mother Nature’s mood swings. From scorching sun to freezing cold, and all the storms in between, roofs have their work cut out for them. And yes, despite all our tech advancements, roof repairs are still a thing. Because, let’s face it, sometimes nature throws a tantrum.

Repairing Flat Roofs

When it comes to fixing these flat marvels, the range of repairs is as wide as the Grand Canyon. From a tiny screw deciding to wander off its path to a massive tree limb deciding to take a nap on your roof, repairs can vary. And, depending on your roof’s flavor—be it TPO, PVC, or any other—you’ll need someone who knows their stuff to fix it up right.

For the small oopsies—like a little hole or a cut—the solution can be as simple as a dab of rubber sealant, kind of like putting a band-aid on a scrape. Got a bubble or blister? Slice it open gently, dry it off, slap on some sealant, and cover it with a patch that sticks with the ease of a sticker. It’s like DIY roof repair, but always call a pro for the big stuff.

For those old-school BUR roofs, it’s a bit like surgery: cut out the bad part, fill it with roof goop, smooth it over, and dress it with a patch, followed by a sprinkle of matching gravel. It’s like making a roof repair sandwich.

In the simplest terms, if your flat roof needs a quick fix, think stickers for rubber roofs and gooey sealant for those asphalt ones. It’s all about choosing the right tool for the job and keeping those rooftops party-ready, rain or shine!

Let’s start by defining what a flat roof really is in the roofing industry.

A flat roof is a roof that is almost horizontal or level generally with a pitch of 1-10 degrees. Which means flat roofs are not really flat but have a slight pitch which allows water to run off the roof preventing water damage. Water should be able to flow off the roof and into a gutter system for proper water disposal. The slight pitch in the roof helps prevent water from pooling or puddling in order to avoid water damage. Most flat roofs are found on commercial and industrial structures but can also be found on many residential patios, add-ons, and garages. There are several types of roofing systems that are used on flat roofs in the United States including, TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, PVC, and BUR or Built-Up Roofing.

You can now find rockwall roofing contractors who specialize in flat roof repair.

The TPO roofing system is a single ply roofing membrane made up of synthetics and reinforcing scrim. The EPDM roofing system is a rubber roofing membrane made primarily of ethylene and propylene similar to what goes into making tires. A Modified Bitumen roofing system consist of several layers of roofing felt applied to the roof using hot-mopped asphalt. PVC roofing systems are a single ply flexible membrane made from polyvinyl chloride or plastic. And a BUR or Built-Up roofing system is made up of several layers of bitumen and then covered with an aggregate such as small stones or gravel.

It is not uncommon for roofs of any pitch to occasionally experience roof damage, or have water leaks including flat roofs. Mother Nature is still the greatest threat for any roofing system. Each year severe weather threatens homes and businesses with high wind, hail, heavy driven rain, electrical storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and extreme heat and cold. And though there have been great strides made in manufacturing flat roof quality roofing products, there will remain a need for roof repair for the unforeseen future.

Flat roof repair can range from a simple fix to a complex reconstruction project. Even a small screw backing out of the decking can cause a huge problem. In some instances a large section may need to be removed and be replaced due to damage such as a large tree limb falling on the roof. The type of repair that is needed will depend on what type of roofing system has been used. When repairing TPO or PVC roofing a qualified professional with necessary experience, tools, and materials is needed.

For minor repairs such as small holes, and punctures rubber sealant will easily remedy the problem by cleaning the area with a cleaning solvent and applying roofing sealant directly to the area. Roofing sealant comes in a tube (caulk) or can for easy application. A spreading tool such as a putty knife and a utility knife will be needed on many of the patches. Bubbles or blisters should be carefully cut open using a sharp utility knife. Once the bubble has been cut open make sure it is dry then apply the roofing sealant and cover with a patch that is proper for that particular flat roof system. For convenience there are now patches available with peel-off adhesive backings that don’t require roofing adhesives.

For Built-Up roofs cut away the damaged area, apply roofing sealant or tar onto the area, smooth out the sealant and place an appropriate patch over the damaged area, apply more sealant and smooth it out. Finish the repair by pouring the matching aggregate over the patch.

In short, for simple flat roof repairs, adhesive patches should be used on rubber and synthetic membranes, while roof sealant with bitumen should be used on asphalt flat roofs.

When it comes to roofing materials GAF is the most recognized and trusted company in North America.

GAF has been manufacturing roofing products for over a hundred years. According to GAF they were established in 1886 and are now the leading manufacturer of roofing products with 3,200 employees with plants located across the United States. They can also boast of having the #1 shingle in America.  One in four roofs in the U.S. are by GAF.  They are also a member of Standard Industries, making GAF part of the largest roofing and waterproofing business in the world doing approximately three billion dollars in sales.

What do the letters GAF stand for? Well we know it stands for quality and a wide variety of high performing roofing products with excellent customer satisfaction, but the letters GAF actually stand for General Aniline & Film. The company is based in Parsippany, New Jersey.

What makes GAF so great?

It has been rated #1 in shingle quality by home builders 10 out of the last 12 years. They offer a wide variety of asphalt shingles with many styles and colors and should you have a need for the same shingle five or ten years down the road you will most likely be able to find them. GAF’s high tech roofing plants across America produce shingles made of fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral granules to supply the demand for quality roofing shingles.

GAF offers an array of roofing products including the popular Timberline lifetime rated shingles, underlayment, water barriers, ridge cap, and more. GAF also offers contractor training and certification insuring quality installation, and product performance. When it comes to warranties GAF’s is considered the best in the roofing industry. Most of GAF’s warranties are transferable.

Excellence in performance, quality and durability are all hallmarks of GAF’s commitment to its customers. They offer roofing shingles for every budget from a 25 year three tab asphalt shingle to a class four hail resistant specialty shingle. GAF has led the way in shingle design, peak performance and value in the roofing industry. When it comes to beauty, performance, and reliability, GAF’s Timberline HD shingle is the choice of homeowners and installers alike.

If you’re like most homeowners you want the best value for your dollar and with GAF’s limited lifetime warranty you can’t go wrong. It gives you a great wood shake look that will enhance not only the beauty of your home but the value as well. The Timberline series includes, HD, Ultra HD, Natural Shadow, Cool Series, and Armorshield ll.

The question was what does GAF mean to the roofing industry?

It means quality roofing materials with  satisfied customer and installer reviews from great roofers like Chappell Roofing serving Odessa, Texas.

Roofing Mistakes

Warren Buffet once said, “It’s good to learn from your mistakes, it’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes.”

We in the roofing business have learned a lot over the years from the mistakes of others. The mistakes of others in our business have set a pretty high standard for things you do and don’t do now. Unfortunately it was the costly mistakes of others in the past that have paved the way for the quality workmanship in the roofing industry that is enjoyed today.

Roofing & Decking

Let’s start at ground level for roofing… “The Decking.” Don’t make the mistake some roofers have made by moving forward until the foundation is sound. If the decking isn’t in good condition then nothing should be laid upon it until it is repaired or replaced. The decking is the foundation of the roof, and if the foundation isn’t sound then nothing following will be either.

“Failure to use proper underlayment.” Common felt is ok on some roofs where moisture may not be a problem but often where there are heavy amounts of rain and snow a high quality moisture barrier is imperative. Moisture barrier not only protects the decking but is added protection for vulnerable areas such as valleys. It’s best to get the professional opinion of an experienced roofing contractor and general contractor like Barrelle Roofing in Loganville, Georgia.

Roof Ventilation

“Poorly designed ventilation.” We have learned the importance of having a proper ventilation system for each individual roof design. From a number of different ventilation systems roofing contractors understand which one system is best suited for each individual roof. Whether it is turbines, low profiles, ridge vent, or power vents the right system is important.

Important Roofing Shingles

“Starter shingles.” Starter shingles (or starter strips) are a row of shingles that are installed around the perimeter of the roof. They serve to waterproof the eve and rake edges of the roof. They also prevent shingles from blowing off by adhering the shingles together on the starting row.

“Overlaying Shingles.” The proper way of re-roofing is to completely remove the old existing shingles from the roof and replace them with brand new ones. It was once thought that by applying another layer of new shingles that it was ok and would even help with insulation. But in learning from the past the old shingles were often mildewed, damaged and found to hold moisture underneath the new shingles proving to be detrimental.

“Improper shingle overhang.” Shingle overhang was always a Goldie Locks syndrome for many roofers. Either it was too much overhang or not enough. Too much overhang and the shingles would blow off during high winds. That never worked well. Or, too little and water would blow up under the trim or fascia.

Drip Edge

“Drip edge.”  Some roofers failed to install drip edge. Drive edge keeps water from being blown under the edge of the roof. It also diverts water away from the building structure. It was not unusual in the past to find homes with no drip edge at all. The thought was that the shingles extending beyond the roof line was protecting the edges of the decking. They were wrong.

I’m glad we’ve learned from others mistakes… the ones we make on our own are hard enough.

 

Tarping a Roof

Anyone who has been through a natural weather disaster will tell you it’s a harrowing experience. Whether it is a hurricane, hail storm, or tornado it can devastate entire neighborhoods. The aftermath of a major storm can leave you feeling vulnerable and frightened. It can reveal how unprepared you may have been for an event which can create such massive damage.

There is always a sigh of relief when first responders show up. But there may not be enough first responders to take care of everyone’s needs immediately. You may be on your own for a few hours or even a few days. Usually the first part of the home to get damaged in a major storm is the roof. If the roof is still intact but damaged you will want to get it covered. The first priority is to provide dry shelter for yourself and your family.

Professional Roofer

If possible have a qualified professional roofer tarp your roof after a storm. He has the knowledge, tools and equipment to get the job done quickly. But if you have to tackle the job yourself there are some things you need to be aware of.

If your roof is steep enough that it makes you feel uncomfortable getting on it, then don’t. Never get on a wet roof either, wait until it is safe. Never walk on the tarp. Wet tarps are very slippery and dangerous. Often after major storms occur neighbors help neighbors. Get someone to help you, (a friend, neighbor, or family member) stretch out the tarp over the roof. Even if it is temporary, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be installed properly. It may be a while before your roofer can get to you so a properly installed tarp can last 90 days while you wait.

Size of Tarp

Decide what size tarp you will need to cover the damaged area including four feet of overhang. Be sure to remove any debris before installing the tarp. The tarp should extend over the ridge line at least two to four feet and it should overhang on the sides of the roof four feet. Using two by fours roll the tarp underneath them and screw them down using screws long enough to bite into the decking. Along the edges of the roof roll the tarp around the two by fours, pull tight, and screw them into the siding or fascia. This will keep the water out and the wind from blowing up underneath the tarp. Repeat where ever it is needed on the roof.

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible about the storm damage. Remember you should always take pictures for your insurance company so there is clear evidence of the damage. If you are going to hire someone to tarp the roof for you be sure to use a reputable roofing company if possible. And always get a price up front, you don’t want someone to take advantage of you because of the storm environment.