During the 1950s, America hummed with energy, optimism and a desire to leave the hard times of the past behind. Furniture, homes, fashion, automobiles and even art began to veer away from the traditional and embrace a modernistic tone. These trends continued throughout most of the 1960s as well. One movement that was very much in vogue during these two decades was the construction of homes with flat or low-slope gravel roofs. These types of roofs soon fell out of fashion for homes, primarily to the unique problems that they presented. What Is a Gravel Roof? What most people call a gravel roof is a type of built-up roof that contains layers of hot asphalt and roofing felt. There are seldom more than five layers; four is considered average although some …show more content…
Therefore, the first problem you may encounter is finding a legitimate, reputable contractor with experience installing, maintaining and repairing these roofs. Flat gravel roofs require regular inspections; it is best to have them inspected twice each year. Leaf debris can collect on low-slope roofs, and rotting vegetation will reduce the roof's life. Moss can begin to grow, shortening the roof's life even more. If you have a low-slope gravel roof, plan to have gravel replaced frequently. The area along the ridge is prone to gravel loss, which leaves the asphalt exposed and susceptible to damage from UV radiation. Once the asphalt breaks down, leaks can develop and cause damage to the interior and/or the building's structural components. Ponding is a common problem with flat gravel roofs. As a rule, any puddles of water that remain on the roof more than 48 hours after it stops raining are a problem. Standing water increases the risk of water penetrating to the roof decking or home's interior, but it also provides a convenient location for mosquitoes to lay their
The structure of a roof plays an important role because it serves as a safety cover that keeps the home safe during harsh weather conditions. However, a roof will eventually need to be repaired at some
Businesses could lose their inventory and important documents, while homeowners could lose cherished heirlooms or irreplaceable photographs. If you want to ensure that your structure has a roof that will provide proper protection, you may be in need of one or more of the following services offered by Alpha Roofing.
Whether your shingle roof is leaking or you are just wondering when you might have to replace the whole roof, it is always a good idea to know the general lifespan of your roof. While a roof may live long after its lifespan you may also start to see signs of wear, dealing with these issues can help protect your home from a major disaster.
Shingle roofing also has an average manufacturer warranty of 20 to 30 years, meaning that it is possible that you will have to replace your shingle roofing during the time that you own your home. When comparing various materials, make sure to keep this fact in mind.
Did you know that the weather changes impact your shingled roof? Even if you have had new roofing installed within the last few years, the cold winter season and rainy spring weather can already be damaging your beautiful shingles and compromising the durability of your roof. The reason for this is that as your shingles freeze and then thaw out again, they shrink and then expand, which leads to potential shingle loss and roof leaks.
However, this is far from the only sign. After storms, or windy days look around the property for shingles that have blown off. Look at the roof and inspect it for signs of wear and tear. Look for rot, mold, and mildew. Also check the gutters for pieces of shingles, or shingle dust. Take a good look at how the shingles lay on the roof. Buckling shingles, or those that are curling are an indication that they need to be replaced.
As a residential roofing specialist I am well qualified to inspect your roof. If you're experiencing issues such as shingles falling off during inclement weather, water leaking into your attic, or coming into your home, give me a call. I can see where the problem lies, and what we can do to overcome it. In some cases you may simply need to have the roof repaired. If a small area of a roof is damaged, it makes
Your roof is incredibly important to not only the look of your home, but it is the first line of protection when it comes to the weather conditions and other things that can fall down on your house. If you are looking into replacing a roof, you are probably looking through your options and trying to figure out which material is the best to go with. In the past, the decision was fairly easy, as everyone pretty much either had wooden shingles, or the more modern roofing shingles, which resemble slabs of sand paper. However, there are some other materials that you might consider putting up on top of your roof, which look great and have got a ton of additional benefits.
A very important thing to consider when trying to tell if your roof is in need of repairs is the age of the roof. Unless you have a roof that was constructed from copper tiles, ceramic, or slate then there is a good chance that your roof was likely only intended to last for right around two decades. Allowing your roof to go beyond its standard lifespan can
A home will usually have asphalt shingles, which were most likely selected due to how affordable they are. Unfortunately, asphalt will not last a long time. You’ll be lucky to get 15-18 years from a 3-tab asphalt shingle, and you may encounter problems with the material before the whole roof
While there's no substitute for a professional inspection, it's not difficult to spot the need for shingle replacement. Shingles that must be replaced often appear to be cracked, torn or buckled. In some cases, they may even be missing entirely. Additionally, shingles begin to shed their granules as they reach the end of their effective lifespan. They may take on a lighter, "bald" appearance, and you'll likely find granules built up in gutters and near downspouts. Finally, even if your roof has not yet begun to show these signs, it may be time to consider replacement if your roof is older than about 20 years.
Roof coating is applied much like paint, except that the material turns to a rubber after it dries. The roof coating has the ability to contract and expand with the weather, which makes it ideal for any climate. The protective coating will also add an additional layer to prevent leaks from occurring. If you do not have the money to replace an aging roof, adding a coating can buy you some time by giving the roof some added
It is important for homeowners to recognize the early warning signs of potential roof problems.
Known for their amazing customer service and excellent workmanship, the roofers at On Top Roofing are willing to tackle any residential or commercial project that is weather damage related. From a small shingle replacement to a full on roof cave in, they keep their phone lines open beyond their regular hours just so that their clients will never be left in need of help.
Your roof has a tendency to deteriorate as it gets older. It will also lose the ability to protect the inside of your home. Not only is your home more likely to suffer water damage, but it is also more likely to accumulate mold. A new roof will help protect your home.