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3 TYPES OF DAMAGE YOUR ROOF CAN INCUR FROM UNDERNEATH

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 14:53:56 GMT

Although most roof maintenance tips focus on keeping the outside of your roof in good shape, the underside of the roof can run across difficulties as well. In fact, if the conditions are right, your roof could be attacked from beneath and still look perfect on the outside. Here are three types of damage that can attack your roof from underneath.

1. TERMITE DAMAGE

Termites can access your roof in several ways, depending on the type of termite. These ways include:

Entering through the roof vents
Tunneling through any exposed wood on the outside of the roof or attic
Entering through the basement of your house and crawling or tunneling to the roof

If the infestation started in the basement and reaches all the way to the roof, you'll probably have major structural damage throughout the house. Fortunately, there are steps you can take against each of these entry methods. Eliminate or protect untreated wood areas on the outside of your house, and be sure your basement is protected with a current termite treatment.

You can screen your roof vents (both intake and exhaust) with 20-mesh screen to exclude termites. Be sure to put this screening across other vents and gaps in your home's exterior as well. Check with your roofing contractor to see if this mesh will obstruct airflow through your roof vents enough to require additional vent space.

2. WATER DAMAGE

Water damage to the underside of your roof can be extensive and expensive, because the roof deck isn't prepared to withstand moisture and so is very vulnerable to water damage such as:

Warping and swelling of the wood
Delaminating and deterioration of plywood sheathing
Frost damage when wet materials freeze
Rusting of metal roofing fasteners

It's true that this damage can sometimes be caused by leaks in the roofing material. However, even more insidious is water damage that occurs even when your roof is perfectly watertight. This can happen when moist air gets trapped inside the attic and condensation forms on the surface of the roof deck. The more condensation builds up, the more damage occurs over time.

Some factors that typically contribute to this excess of condensation include insufficient ventilation, poor attic insulation that allows heat to escape into the attic, and fan venting problems. For example, sometimes a bathroom vent fan is simply vented into the attic, or the duct that connects it to the roof vent is uninsulated.

3. MOLD AND ROT DAMAGE

Mold and rot are secondary types of damage that often follow a condensation and moisture problem in the attic. While mold isn't directly caused by water, the water does help create a mold-friendly environment. So mold and rot prevention should run along the same lines as condensation prevention: venting well and keeping excess water and heat out of the roof space.

Mold can be both hazardous to you and your family and damaging to the structural supports of your roof. The combination of water and mold or rot can actually decrease the structural integrity of rafters and roof decking, so in severe cases you may end up having to tear off the damaged parts of the roof and replace them.

These are three ways that your roof can become damaged from underneath if you don't take the initiative to put preventions into place. Taking steps to exclude termites from your home and to keep the attic well-ventilated and reduce excess moisture and warmth transfer from your living space can go a long way towards preventing expensive repairs and tear-offs.

Whether you're looking for expert advice on roof replacement or whether you need help improving your roof ventilation or fixing an attic condensation problem, DeMello Roofing is here to help. Get in touch with our experienced professionals today for a great roofing experience.

HOW LONG DOES A ROOF NORMALLY LAST? AN FAQ FOR HOMEOWNERS

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 14:58:17 GMT

Roofs don't last forever. If you're a homeowner, it helps to know how old your roof is, how long you can expect it to last, and how to tell when your roof needs service. This FAQ will help you make these determinations so you can be prepared to maintain your roof.

HOW LONG DOES A ROOF NORMALLY LAST?

The expected service life of a roof primarily depends on the type of material used to make the roof. Metal roofs, for example, can last as long as 40 years - or even longer. Shingle roofs last for approximately 20 years, and wood shingle roofs last for as long as 30 years. If your roof is made from a very durable material, like slate or clay tile, then your roof may last as long as 100 years if it's properly maintained.

Another factor that will influence how long your roof will last is the climate where you live. In San Rafael, CA , where temperatures are mild, roofs tend to last a long time and may go beyond their expected service life. In harsh climates with constant sun or large annual temperature ranges, roofs may not last as long.

HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN YOUR ROOF IS FAILING?

Typically, it's easy to tell when a new roof is needed. Leaks are the most obvious sign of a problem, but other signs include:

Sagging areas in the roof
Curling or missing shingles
Cracked shingles

These problems are all signs that the roofing material has been compromised or the roofing material is starting to age.

HOW CAN YOU TELL THE AGE OF YOUR ROOF?

It's hard to tell how old a roof is unless you're an expert or you have records of a roof replacement. Some homeowners can tell how old their roof is by checking the permits at their local building office. If the previous owners got a permit to replace their roof, the files will be on record.

If there are no permits on record, then have a professional roofing contractor take a look. They can tell you how old the roof is and when it will need to be replaced.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOF?

There are many things you can do to maintain your roof throughout the year. Cut back any overhanging branches that might fall on the roof during storms or times of high wind. Use a roof rake to clean off your roof on a regular basis, especially if it is regularly covered with leaves or moss.

Check your roof on a regular basis for missing shingles or other signs of wear and tear. If you start finding a lot of shingle granules in your gutters, then this is a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their service life.

Finally, go into your attic on a regular basis and check for signs of trouble. Look for mold, wood rot, stained wood, and wet wood. If you find any of these problems, then have a roofing contractor inspect your home right away.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR ROOF IS NEAR THE END OF ITS SERVICE LIFE?

If you believe that your home is nearing the end of its service life, then contact a roofing contractor in your area. Your roofing contractor can tell you whether or not the roof needs to be replaced or repaired and how much it will cost to make those repairs. When looking for a roofer, make sure they have a license and insurance. Check references and meet with each contractor to discuss the project.

For more information about how long roofs last, contact us at DeMello Roofing . We're happy to answer your questions about your roof.

WHY ARE COMPOSITE SHINGLES A COMMON RESIDENTIAL ROOFING CHOICE?

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:01:24 GMT

Walk down almost any street in the country, and you're bound to notice many homes roofed with composite shingles . Even with long-lived materials like metal and slate on the market, most homeowners still opt for composite shingles — made with asphalt and fiberglass — when it's time to re-roof their home.

Why are composite roofing shingles so popular? Here are a few of the many reasons.

COMPOSITE SHINGLES ARE LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO INSTALL

Today's composite shingles weigh less than ever before, thanks to the use of fiberglass, a lightweight yet durable material in their formulation. Their light weight makes them easier for roofers to install, so the roofers can work faster and finish the average roofing job within a day or two. Other roofing materials like slate and tile weight much more than composite shingles, so they take a lot longer to apply.

Some homes' walls cannot safely support the weight of heavier roof materials. Many homes were structurally designed with lighter roof materials like composite shingles in mind — so shingles are the safest, soundest choice for such homes.

COMPOSITE SHINGLE ROOFS ARE EASY TO REPAIR

Composite shingles last 30 years on average, which is not as long as a metal or slate roof will last. The difference, however, is that composite shingle roofs are easy to repair. Your roofing company can replace just a few damaged shingles, and they can do so quickly and with only a few tools. It's safe to walk on composite shingles during the repair process, too.

Other roofing materials are harder to repair and require more specialized equipment. You have to be very careful when walking on a tile roof, which makes repairs even more challenging.

COMPOSITE SHINGLES COME IN SPECIALIZED VARIETIES FOR ALL CLIMATES

Homeowners sometimes assume their climate is too dry or too wet or too sunny for composite shingles.

However, shingle manufacturers have made great advancements in the last several decades and have made specialized shingles suitable for almost any climate. You can find wind-proof shingles for hurricane zones, algae-resistant shingles for cool, shady areas, and even fade-resistant, reflective shingles for hot, sunny places.

Composite Shingles Work Well on Oddly Shaped Roofs

Architects have become more creative with their roof designs in recent years. Multiple peaks, valleys, and eaves look stunning on a home, but roofing these designs with materials like tile and metal can be challenging.

Composite shingles, on the other hand, are easy to maneuver onto oddly shaped roofs. They're flexible, so they can be bent around turrets. They're also easy to install around vents, chimneys, and other elements without the need for specialized accessories.

COMPOSITE SHINGLES ARE AFFORDABLY PRICED

If you get estimates for several different roof materials, you'll often find composite shingles to be the most affordable option. This is because the materials from which the shingles are made are abundant and cheap and also because the shingles are so easy for roofers to install.

Lower-end asphalt shingles are not usually a smart choice because they deteriorate quite quickly. However, the higher-end shingles are a durable, attractive roof product that you can enjoy at a very fair price.

Homeowners on a budget are often able to roof their homes sooner when they choose affordable composite shingles over other roof materials. In the long-term, this is what's best for your home since any leaks are taken care of promptly.

Are you ready to learn more about the various types of asphalt shingles and select the perfect roof for your home? Contact DeMello Roofing or visit our website today. We offer free estimates and have been serving Marin County since 1927.

BUYING A HOME? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR HOME'S ROOF

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 15:05:58 GMT

Apart from the HVAC system, a roof is often the most expensive area of a home to replace. So what should you do if you're buying a new home? Many people can't recognize roof damage on their own, so they need a helping hand. Here are a few tips.

FIND OUT HOW OLD THE ROOF IS

Most roofs are going to last approximately fifteen to twenty years. Traditional shingle roofs last up to twenty years while wood shake roofs can last up to thirty. If the roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, you can pretty much assume that you're going to have to replace it. You may need to replace it sooner if you're in an area with extreme weather (and it may last a little longer if you're in an area with fairly moderate weather).

INSPECT THE ROOF VISUALLY

When inspecting the roof visually, you're looking for abnormalities. This could be new areas of the roof that have patches or areas that have shingles missing. Any defect generally indicates damage, and even though there are areas that may have new shingles, the roof under those shingles may not be new. Ask the seller about anything that you notice.

LOOK FOR SIGNS OF POOR MAINTENANCE

Most roof damage occurs not because of weather, but because of a lack of maintenance. On an annual basis, a homeowner is supposed to take a look at their roof and inspect it for any potential damage. If it doesn't seem that the current homeowner has done this, there may be additional problems.

Take a look at whether tree branches are scraping against the roof and whether the gutters are clean. Significant amounts of moss or lichen are another sign of poor maintenance.

GO THROUGH THE ATTIC

The attic will also give you a good idea of the roof's condition. In the attic, look for any signs of staining and warping. Staining means that there was once a leak there. Whether it's resolved or not is a question to ask the seller. In addition to staining, you may also find mold or mildew throughout the attic. That's a good indication that moisture is getting into the attic from somewhere, whether it's an HVAC problem or the roof leaking.

MAKE SURE YOUR HOME INSPECTOR CHECKS

At the ending stages of negotiations, you'll usually have a home inspector do a complete walkthrough. But many home inspectors don't actually get on a ladder and inspect the roof - you need to request this. Make sure your home inspector does look at the roof in full to identify any potential problems. Though a home inspection can't catch everything, they will notice obvious defects.

GET BIDS AND PREPARE TO NEGOTIATE

If you've found that the roof does need replacement, now is the time to get bids for a new roof. These estimates should be based on the current roof, its style, and its square footage. You can then go back to the sellers and begin playing hardball. Because the roof does need replacement, you may be able to negotiate a lower cost for the price. But don't forget that adding a new roof will also increase your home's value if you resell.

If your dream home does need a new roof, don't worry. Knowing that your home needs a new roof is really just the first step towards negotiating a great deal. Before you get started, contact the experts at DeMello Roofing - with a quote in hand, you'll be able to put in an offer .

WOOD SHINGLE ROOF MYTHS AND THE FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW AS A HOMEOWNER

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 15:10:43 GMT

Aesthetically beautiful and traditionally popular, wood-shingled roofs could easily be deemed as one of the most popular forms of roofing material still in use today. In colonial times, wood shingles were the primary type of roofing in use. Even with today's modern advancements in roofing technology and materials, the classic look of wood shingles still appeals to many homeowners.

If you are in the process of choosing a new roof for your home, you may be tempted to skip over wood shingles as an option in favor of something more modern, such as asphalt shingles. This is probably because you've heard some of the following common myths associated with this form of roofing. Read on to learn the truth about wood roof shingles.

MYTH: WOOD SHINGLES DON'T LAST VERY LONG COMPARED TO ASPHALT SHINGLES

Because wood is a natural material, it is easy to assume that it will not last as long as man-made asphalt shingles or that it is not as resilient or sturdy. Many prospective roofing-material buyers assume that wood shingles will be prone to problems such as:

Rot and mold
Water damage
Breakage and cracks

However, wood roofing materials are actually highly resilient to the elements, and wood shingles actually last about as long as asphalt shingles when installed properly and taken care of by the homeowner.

A typical lifespan for wood shingles is about 30 years, which is actually longer than some types of asphalt shingles but comparable to most. Asphalt shingles, depending on their structure and on the manufacturer, tend to last between 15 and 30 years.

Myth: Wood Shingle Roofs Are Hard to Maintain and Require a Lot of Attention

In today's busy world, most homeowners want a roof they can have installed and forget about for the most part, as they feel that they simply don't have time for ongoing maintenance. So it is understandable if you are concerned about the additional maintenance that certain materials may require. However, wood shingles are not too difficult to maintain. There are three basic steps to maintaining your wood shingles:

Occasionally sweep all dirt and moss away
Clean the roof with a pressure washer if there is dirt or debris that cannot be swept away
Have the shingles sealed with a protective sealer every three to five years, especially if you live in a humid climate

In addition, it is important that you have any damages to your wood roof repaired quickly so that the rest of the shingles are not compromised.

MYTH: WOOD SHINGLES ARE NOT A GREEN-FRIENDLY ROOFING OPTION

Even though wood shingles are created from natural materials rather than from synthetics, this form of roof is still considered environmentally-friendly. The shingles are so small and thin cut that it doesn't take a lot of wood to create enough shingles to cover an entire roof. Some wood shingle manufacturers even use wood from fallen or dead timber that would otherwise just go to waste.

Even more importantly, wood shingles are naturally biodegradable because they are created from natural materials. Unlike asphalt shingles or even metal ones, when the roofing materials are removed, wood shingles pose no risk to the surrounding environment and can even be repurposed as mulch or for use as ground insulation or nourishment.

In the end, there are a lot of reasons why wood shingles make good sense for a residential property. Getting the myths out of the way will help you determine if this is the right roofing solution for your home. If you would like to know more about wood shingles or shakes for your roof, contact the roofing experts at DeMello Roofing .

WOOD SHINGLE ROOF MYTHS AND THE FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW AS A HOMEOWNER

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:13:53 GMT

Aesthetically beautiful and traditionally popular, wood-shingled roofs could easily be deemed as one of the most popular forms of roofing material still in use today. In colonial times, wood shingles were the primary type of roofing in use. Even with today’s modern advancements in roofing technology and materials, the classic look of wood shingles still appeals to many homeowners.

If you are in the process of choosing a new roof for your home, you may be tempted to skip over wood shingles as an option in favor of something more modern, such as asphalt shingles. This is probably because you’ve heard some of the following common myths associated with this form of roofing. Read on to learn the truth about wood roof shingles.

MYTH: WOOD SHINGLES DON'T LAST VERY LONG COMPARED TO ASPHALT SHINGLES

Rot and mold
Water damage
Breakage and cracks

MYTH: WOOD SHINGLE ROOFS ARE HARD TO MAINTAIN AND REQUIRE A LOT OF ATTENTION

Occasionally sweep all dirt and moss away
Clean the roof with a pressure washer if there is dirt or debris that cannot be swept away
Have the shingles sealed with a protective sealer every three to five years, especially if you live in a humid climate

In addition, it is important that you have any damages to your wood roof repaired quickly so that the rest of the shingles are not compromised.

MYTH: WOOD SHINGLES ARE NOT A GREEN-FRIENDLY ROOFING OPTION

3 TYPES OF ROOF DAMAGE CAUSED BY WEATHER EXPOSURE

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 15:17:08 GMT

Spotting roof damage can sometimes be as simple as noticing that some shingles are out of place, but it's not always that easy. The earlier you catch roof damage, the better your position is. Early detection allows you to make repairs or replacements before your home sustains significant water damage. Here are three types of roof damage caused by weather exposure and how you can detect them.

1. IMPACT DAMAGE

This can commonly occur during a hailstorm, but it can also happen during any storm that causes twigs and small branches to fall onto your roof from above. In some cases, impact damage can be extreme and obvious, such as in the case of a large branch landing on the roof and dislodging whole shingles or perhaps causing the roof's underlayment to give way completely. However, less obvious and more sinister damage is more likely to occur.

Asphalt roofing may sustain dents or visible fractures from hailstones, but that’s not always the case. So, you’ll want to pay attention to the protective granules and exposed metal to determine how much damage your roof has sustained. If you see flashes of metal on your roof, that typically indicates that hail damage has dented the shingles and dislodged the protective granules on your asphalt roof.

When you check your roof after a hailstorm, look for spots that appear darker. This indicates that the granules on the surface (which have been faded by the sun) were dislodged during the storm, allowing you to see the darker ones beneath.

2. THERMAL SHOCK

Thermal shock is a type of damage that your roof can sustain even in relatively normal weather conditions, even when there haven't been any storms. It's caused by swings in temperature between daytime and nighttime, and it occurs over long periods of time.

Thermal shock is most likely to occur if your roof is made of black asphalt, fully situated in sun and in an area that tends to get hot during the day and much cooler at night. The wider the variation in your roof's surface temperature, the more the asphalt material will expand and contract. The tar in the asphalt material makes it elastic, so it can stretch without cracking.

But over time, the tar dries up, and damage from the sun's UV rays work to make the roofing material even more brittle. Under these conditions, the shingles will start to have a hard time stretching and shrinking every day, and they'll start to crack, curl or buckle over time. This may indicate premature roof failure, which could mean that you need to have the entire roof replaced.

3. FREEZE-THAW DAMAGE

Just like how thermal shock is more likely to happen in places that get very hot in the daytime, freeze-thaw damage is likely to be at its worst in places that often freeze at night and then thaw during the day.

Freeze-thaw damage occurs when water seeps into tiny cracks in the roofing and then freezes. Because water increases in size while it freezes, this can make the cracks bigger, worsening any damage that already exists and creating new damage. Then, when the ice thaws, more water can fit into that tiny crack and can open it up even more at the next freeze. This is one reason why it's important to catch any roof damage and repair it quickly. Otherwise, weather conditions can worsen the damage until you need to replace the whole roof. If you do have a damaged roof that needs replacing, contact the roofing experts at DeMello Roofing to discuss the re-roofing process, such as color matching, cost estimates or even other roofing material options.