Signs Your Roof Is Beyond Repair

Your roof is your home’s primary defense to the elements. Early detection of problem areas might save you a lot of hassle while replacing roofs. Replacing or repairing roofs is one of the trickiest decisions that you will have to make. This blog aims to assist you in identifying signs that your roof is beyond repair:

1.     The Roofs Age

Age factor is the most obvious signs through which you can determine whether the roof replacement has become mandatory. The average life of an asphalt shingle roof is between 16 to 18 years, so if your roof as crossed this limit or is more than 20 years old, chances are that any damages that may arise may not be worth to repair, rather due to the roofs age it may be more cost effective to just replace the entire roof.

2.     Buckling and Curling Shingles

Curling and buckling shingles are clear signs that the roof is weather-beaten, whether the middle portion of the shingles has begun to come up or the edges have started to curl upwards The extent of curling will determine how soon the roof needs to be replaced.

3.     Shingle Granules in the Gutters

Should you really worry about discovering granules in the gutter after installing a new roof recently? Well, no, not necessarily. However, if the roof is old and you peep inside the gutters only to find a lot of granules in there, then it means that the roof has completed its half-life. You might wonder why granules play an active role in roof replacement. This is because granules protect the asphalt from the sun and after the granules have fallen, the quality of your shingles will deteriorate.

4.     Glistening Rays in the Attic

If you observe light penetrating from the loose roof boards in the attic, it is a clear indication that the underlayment has become weak. Ultimately, other natural elements like rain water and cold drafts can also filter through. However, whether you need a roof replacement or not, is largely dependent upon the extent of damage caused. If the roof is really old and there are large structural damages, it is obvious that the roof is beyond repair.  

5.     Shingles Gone Missing

Shingles missing from the rooftops suggests a failing roof. Roof valleys are crucial areas as rain water flows from the valleys in the gutters. If there are shingles missing from this area specifically, it is a clear indication that roof is beyond repair and your house is vulnerable to leaks.

If you are unsure as to whether to repair or replace your roof it is important to consult with a licensed Jacksonville roofing contractor. At White’s Roofing we specialize in roof repair, roof replacement and roof inspections. If you have an old roof we will inspect your roof and provide you with an honest assessment as to the best course of action to take. Call us today for your free consultation (904) 220-5546.

 

The Importance of a Roof Inspection

Your homes primary defense against harsh environmental conditions like windstorms, hail, excessive heat, rains and falling tree limbs is a quality roof. But it gets vulnerable due to constant exposure to these harsh conditions. As it is not easy to scrutinize the roof’s condition by simply walking around the yard, you may  be unaware to the deterioration of your roof. In order to avoid spending exorbitant sums of money on fixing a damage you could’ve prevented, it is important to carry out a roof inspection.

When to Inspect House Roofs?

You should inspect your home’s roof at least twice a year, that is, in spring and in fall. Such biannual inspections will reduce the costs incurred on long term repairs. Also many Jacksonville roofing contractors provide roof inspection services, which will cover any damages incurred during your contract with that contractor.

Inspection Reports Unsafe Condition

Even if the roofing material is extremely durable, it is imperative to have a roofing inspection done as it will help to thwart structural damages from occurring. So, a detailed inspection will reveal any unsafe conditions that your house is exposed to and save you from potential systemic failure in due time.

Identification of Leakages

An inspection will help to identify any signs of roof leaks and help prevent potential seepage issues. No matter how minor the leak, they should never be taken lightly. Water and moisture that gets a chance to seep through the building can cause severe damage to the house. If there are any visible signs of moisture or dripping water from the ceiling, there is a great probability that it is caused by the damage to the roof. A roof inspection can help you spot points of entry and damaged or weak shingles which could become a problem in the near future.

Expands the Service Life of the Roof

After the installation of the roof, the only mechanism to extend its life is to carry out a regular, thorough inspection. There are other problems that can be incurred on roofs other than leaks and they can be identified by a detailed inspection. The detection will help you to carry out the necessary repair and maintenance work, which will eventually extend the life of your roof.

Detect Small Problems Early, Avoid Costly Repairs Later

A full inspection will reveal to the homeowner about small and major problems alike such as:

·         Shingle and chimney problems

·         Flashing gaps of the dormers and eaves

·         Signs of mold and rot

·         Ventilation and insulation issues

·         Points of Entry for moisture

An inspection will detect loose, rotting, missing or buckling shingles and improper flashing which makes the roof susceptible to mold, high winds and water intrusion. If these failure symptoms are not identified in time, damage to the structure may increase and as a consequence, you might be trapped into making the most costly of upgrades possible. You can reduce the lifecycle costs of a roof considerably by regular inspections. Just a little preventive maintenance by conducting regular roof inspections is an investment that will prevent you from making costly repairs later on.

If you are in need of roof inspections in Jacksonville, call White’s Roofing today (904) 220-5546.

What is Florida’s Building Code 25% Roof Replacement Rule?

There are a lot of misconceptions related to the 25% Florida’s Roof Replacement Rule. Therefore, this blog aims to help the readers understand this rule.

The Roof Replacement Rule

All across the State of Florida, there is a unique code related to the replacement or recovering of certain sections of roofs and repairs of the existing rooftops which have been damaged because of any one of the following reasons:

 Trees

·         Fire

·         Severe winds

·         Thunderstorms

·         Hail

Before we move on, it is essential to point out that this code is specific to Florida only and you might not find anything similar in the International Existing Building Code. The rule pertaining to the repairs, replacement and recovering of roofs is stated in Chapter 7 (Alterations Level 1), Section 708.1.1 of the 5^th Edition of the Existing Florida Building Code (2014). The section clearly mentions the rule as follows:

“Not more than 25% of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12 month period unless the entire roofing system or roof section conforms to requirements of this code.”

Understanding the Code

So basically the rule means that if your roof coverings whether it is tile (ceramic, clay, etc.), asphalt shingles (organic or fiberglass), metallic or any other coverings and their associated underlayment (felt, synthetic or any other waterproofing material), is damaged more than 25% of the total roof section due to any environmental conditions or any other reason, then as per the code, the homeowner is supposed to replace and remove the “damaged” covering as per the building code requirements.
However, if the damaged zone is less than 25% of the total roofing section, then you are not really required to replace the section. You can patch that area.

An important question arises at this point: what happens if you keep on patching the area within a single year and it exceeds 25% of the roof area?

The answer is simple. If such a condition occurs, you will have to re-roof the whole roof.

Understanding Roof Sections

Another important point to focus on is that the rule applies to separate “roof sections”. The roof section according to the Florida Building Code is described as:

“A separating or division of a roof area by existing expansion joints, parapet walls, flashing (excluding valley), difference of elevation (excluding hips and ridges), roof type or legal description; not including the roof area required for a proper tie-off with an existing system.”

According to this statement, the two different sides of sloping roofs will be considered as a single section. However, if the elevation changes or roofing material is different, then these shall be considered as different roof sections. The expansion joints are typically found in large commercial buildings, whereas, the elevation differences, parapet walls and roof types are observed mostly in single family homes. Difference of legal descriptions is commonly seen in townhouses where many families can live.

If you are in need of Jacksonville roof repair due to environmental conditions and are unsure what to do call White’s Roofing today for a free consultation (904) 220-5546.

Roof Ventilation Issues

When roofs and attics do not receive proper ventilation, they can create issues that can later lead to huge utility bills and extremely costly repairs. If you are a homeowner, you should be aware of these issues so that you can spot them and take preventive measures and to resolve the issues before they get more deep-rooted. Here are some of the most common issues that can occur in the event of your attic and roof receiving ventilation in an insufficient and improper manner:

Over-Worked Air Conditioners

Excessive heat resulting from poor ventilation can over-work your air conditioner, taking it longer for its cooling to spread within the house. This can lead to countless replacements and repairs on a frequent basis which can mean more expenses on your part.

Rusting

When the metal components of roofs, such as nails, come in contact with moisture, they tend to rust. Rusting makes metal components weak, at risk of potentially breaking and the loss of shingles could be next. Even when the inside area of attics are exposed to moisture from condensation, venting duct straps, heating and plumbing equipment can also get rusted and eventually break.

Roof Decay and Deterioration

Where there is poor roof and attic ventilation, there most certainly will be moisture and excessive heat. This leads to the deterioration and decay of the entirety of your roof right from the supports and decking all the way to shingles and underlayment. Your roof tends to become extremely weak and can even sag down as a result.

Creation of Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in environments that are mostly humid. Mold and mildew will not only threaten the structural integrity of your attic and roof with rotting and breakage, they are a great threat to your health as well and can be the cause of many health problems.

The issues mentioned above can cause serious damage to your home and can also pose an issue to your health. The damage will obviously lead to repairs and replacements that can come at a great expense. This is why it is best to take the necessary precautions such as hiring a Jacksonville roofing company to ensure your attic and roof receives proper ventilation. Only then will you be able to protect yourself, your home and save yourself from paying high utility bill payments.

If you are having ventilation issues or have questions regarding your roof call White’s Roofing today for all of your roofing needs (904) 220-5546.

Identify Roof Leaks

Small Roof Leaks Cause Major Roof Repairs. 

The most common roof repair involves finding and repairing a roof leak.  Minor roof leaks can cause major damage if not found and repaired immediately.  If you a notice a water stain on the ceiling or down your wall, the culprit is most likely a roof leak.  In no time at all, small leaks can start the growth of mold, cause house framing to rot, destroy your insulation, and ruin your ceiling. Addressing the leak immediately will prevent costly damage.

Repairing the roof leak is often easily performed by a do-it-yourselfer.  Finding the leak is the first step, but it’s usually the most challenging step.  Here are a few tips to help you find and repair common roof leaks:

Finding the Source of a Roof Leak

1. If possible, grab a flashlight and someone to help.  While your helper watches for dripping water inside the house, you'll want to take your flashlight into the attic.  Inspect the areas around the chimney and all plumbing, exhaust, and roof vents.  You’ll want to look for mold, stains, or black marks caused by water.  If you find the source of the leak while inside your attic, go up on the roof to make the repair. Please make sure you take the proper safety precautions when on your roof, or call a professional Roofer in Jacksonville FL.
2. If you can’t access the suspected area from within your attic, you’ll need to go on top of the roof with a hose.  Make sure someone inside the house is watching for dripping water while you’re soaking the suspected area on the roof.
3. The source of the roof leak is typically higher up the roof line than the point directly above the ceiling stain.  Using the water hose, you’ll want to drench the area slightly above the stain on your ceiling or wall. The person inside the house should be looking for intruding water, alerting you when they see it. If you haven’t found the leak after five to ten minutes of continuous soaking, move a couple of feet up the roof.  Carefully continue this process until you find the leak
4. Carefully remove shingles above suspected roof leak source.  Look for changes in color of the felt paper and/or wood.  These markings will direct you to the source of the leak.

Repairing Common Roof Leaks

• Plumbing Vent Flashing - If the rubber gasket around the plumbing vent is cracked or dry rotted, it's time to replace the rubber boot.  Use screws with rubber washers to install new vent boot
• Roof Vent Housing - Over time, the plastic housing on roof vents will crack.  Seams on metal vents often come apart.  Avoid the temptation to seal these cracks and open seams with caulk.  Replacing the roof vent is the only solution.  Additionally, find and replace any loose nails with rubber washer screws.
• Chimney and Wall Step Flashing - Cracked or rusted flashing should be replaced.  Loose flashing should be re-positioned.  Caulk should be used to secure good flashing.  You should not use caulk to seal damaged flashing.  Damaged flashing should be replaced.
• Missing or cracked caulk around windows, siding, and corner boards - Use scraper to remove any damaged caulk.  Use silicon latex caulk to seal the area.

We recommend that you inspect your roof regularly or have a professional roofer inspect your roof. Finding and repairing a roof leak early often results in a minimal roof repair instead of a major roof repair or replacement.  If you aren't comfortable repairing the roof yourself or you'd simply rather rely on a trusted professional, call the experts at White's Roofing Company.  With over 30 years in the roofing industry, you can rely on White’s Roofing for an honest assessment and reliable roof repairs.

How To Choose The Right Roof for Your Home

Choosing the kind of roof that would be best for your home is a complicated business. With so many material options to choose from, you will have to consider a number of factors before deciding on the best one for your home. Carefully consider the climate of your surroundings, the durability of each type of roofing material, cost and the pros and cons of each prior to making a decision.

While some roofing materials are a cost effective option, others add to the aesthetic value of your property. It is up to you to carefully assess the advantages and weaknesses of each material and choose one which suits your preference. If you are stuck, just get advice from a licensed roofer in Jacksonville, who can help you navigate through the different material types, price points and what is best for Jacksonville’s harsh climate.

Below are some roofing materials which are quite popular in the market, and each one has some pros and cons to consider.

SHINGLES ROOFS

They give any property a nice clean look and are a cost effective option as well. The high quality versions are made from fiberglass or asphalt, and offer more durability while being recyclable. They typically have a 25 year warranty with lifetime warranty shingles available, and are heavier duty due to Hurricane Andrew and the Miami Dade code for roofs after that devastating storm. This material is available in a variety of colors and types, and its versatile features make it adapt to all types of application procedures. They are easy to install and don’t require any high levels of maintenance.

TILES

Houses, which have been designed with a Spanish or Italian architectural design and have a modern appearance, look great with clay tile roofs. The benefits of using these tiles on the roof include factors like the long life of the material. These tiles don’t burn or rot with time or due to any environmental factors, and cannot be damaged by insects. They are available in a large variety of color option and have easy maintenance criteria.

One big con of using tiles is their weight. Sometimes, they can be so heavy that one needs extra roof support as well. The tiles can also fade over time, as the color is only added to the surface. This material option is also fragile, and walking on them can crack and break them. It is also a very expensive roofing material option compared to the others.

METAL ROOFING MATERIALS

With many old trends coming back, metal roofing is again becoming a popular choice for many. Standard vertical panel roofing is a more common and economical roofing option these days. The metal roofs are not only stylish but are also durable and resistant to fire, cracking, shrinking and eroding. Metal roofs are also; almost free of any maintenance requirements. They are an energy efficient option, which reflect heat. They don’t weigh much either and can easily be installed over other roofs as well.

The roof installation process is quite complex and is best handled by a metal roofer in Jacksonville FL. It can also be an expensive option (typically a 50% increase in cost), which is a one-time investment for the long run.

It is therefore, important to make the right choice, by understanding the pros and cons of each type of roofing material, cost and warranty of each. If you are interested in discussing your roofing options call White’s Roofing today for all of your roofing needs (904) 220-5546.

WHEN TO REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR ROOF

Replacing a roof is one of the costliest expenses that a home owner can opt for. But it pays dividends for years to come, and is considered a necessary to maintain the integrity of your home. While sellers repair the roof before putting the house on the market, home owners do so to ensure that the roof does not leak and affect the interior of the house.

Whether you are a home owner or a seller, if you feel that your property roof needs repair work, then it is important that you don’t delay the task. Repairing, patching and replacing a roof are all unavoidable jobs that every homeowner has to deal with at some time in their life. However, the cost of a repair job varies greatly from that of a patchwork and a complete Jacksonville roof replacement and there are many factors which affect the actual costs linked with each job.

ROOF REPLACEMENT – FACTORS AND RELATED COSTS

All professionals visit a property to assess the extent of work which will be required on a damaged roof. These experts assess whether a patchwork job will do the trick or a complete replacement job is required to make the roof fit for future use.

Once they decide that a roof needs complete replacement or a customer asks for a quote for the job, a proper investigation of the roof is done, and a price is quoted later on. It is important for homeowners to note that different factors will affect the quote price on a roof replacement job.

These factors which have a direct impact on the price are the size of the roof, roof type and accessibility, along with the pitch of the roof. The cost of the materials also has a direct impact on the final estimates of a roof replacement.

MATERIAL & LABOR

The average price of a roof replacement job may be estimated at about $8,000-$15,000. Some high end roofs have been calculated to cost as much $25,000 or more, and large commercial jobs can run into the six figure range!

SIZE

Size is the most important element which decides the cost of the roofing job. Roofers charge on the basis of per roofing square. An area of 10x10 feet equals one roofing square.

ROOF PITCH

High pitched roofs may cost more to replace as they are not walkable and the roofers will need additional safety equipment and harnesses to complete the job.

ROOFING MATERIALS

A typical shingle roof may cost from $2.65 - $2.95 per square ft. or $265.00 - $295.00 per roofing square (10 x 10) feet, with the average house around 3,000 sq. ft. To get a better understanding of how we come to the roof square footage, if you look at a typical 2,000 sq. ft. home, the roof square footage will typically be 30% larger than the homes square footage. So in this example the roof square footage would be around 2,600 sq. ft.

ROOF PATCHING AND REPAIR

A roof might need a variety of repair and patch work, and each one has a different cost linked to it. Cracked flashing, broken shingles, clogged gutters and skylight leaks with cracked vent booting are some jobs which need repair. Some homeowners opt for a DIY approach while others opt for professional roof repair help for a quality, lasting roof.

There are many factors that will determine the cost of roof repairs. A minimal repair will cost at a low end of $250.00 and will increase based on the severity of the damage. Rotten wood is based on a cost plus basis (i.e. the cost of the wood, plus labor).

Since the roof is such an important part of your home, it makes sense to spend some money so it is done right the first time.

HOW IMPORTANT IS A HOMES ROOF WHEN BUYING OR SELLING?

The roof of a house not only ensures proper shelter from all external factors but also plays a key role in  determining the worth and value of the property. While many home buyers pay more close attention to storage space, garages, kitchen furnishings and house crown moldings in a property, they fail to realize that they are missing checking out a major element - and that is the roof of the house!

Not only buyers, but even sellers fail to realize the relevant value of repairing an old roof before putting the house on the market for sale. Sellers are more concerned about giving the bathroom or kitchen space a complete remodeling job, and take care of a few minor repairs around the house. Thus neglecting, one of the most important features of the house.

It is necessary for both the buyer and the seller to appreciate the importance of a Jacksonville roof for a house. For a buyer, it is supposed to ensure protection to the residents and the home interior, keeping all effects of rain, wind, and heat outside, while a seller can get good value for a house with a securely repaired roof.

Following are some tips on what the buyer and seller can do to make the right choice about their property roof:

ASK RELEVANT QUESTIONS FROM THE HOME INSPECTOR

A buyer needs to ask some smart questions from the home inspector to make sure that they make the right property purchase decision. Home inspectors are experienced and are quick to identify any faults in the house structure and fittings. It would actually be in your best interest to get a licensed Jacksonville Roofing Contractor to inspect the roof to get an industry experts opinion. Being a buyer, you can benefit from both the inspector and roofers expert review, and choose a property which not only seems to have a charming interior, but also has a strong roof.

Some of the most important questions that a buyer can ask the home inspector about a property roof are:

• What is the current condition of the roof? Please describe it.
• What is the average lifecycle of this particular roofing material?
• What kind of maintenance would you recommend for such a roof?
• Go to the City of Jacksonville website (coj.net) and see when the last roof permit was pulled.

A roof is one of the most expensive investments of a home, so make sure you ask the home inspector for the current condition of the structure, and determine the actual service life left. You can also ask them what maintenance steps to take to protect your investment. It is best to make an informed decision.

KNOW HOW MUCH WORK TO PUT INTO THE ROOF

For a seller, the most pressing question is to know how much work to put into the roof of a house they wish to sell. Many sellers ask the question if they should sell a house as it is or opt for repair work. Most ask if they should replace the entire roof before putting the house on the market.

Many industry experts state that sellers should go by the ‘repair and replace’ policy. Real estate industry analysts say that a house with a roof in need for repair will bring the property value down, while a newly replaced or repaired roof will eliminate any risks of negotiations with the buyer. By spending money on where it matters the most, a seller can ensure good value for their property.

The buyer and seller thus, need to ask right questions and spend money wisely to make the right decisions with regard to roofing.  To be sure you are making the right decision contact a licensed roofing contractor in Jacksonville, FL. Call White’s Roofing today for all of your roofing needs (904) 220-5546.

The Proper Way to Clean Your Roof

Your home’s roof is probably the most neglected feature of your property, even though it offers you the most security from external factors, day in and day out. As such, not only does a roof need to be durable, strong and reliable, it also needs to be clean, as to protect the integrity of the roof as well as the curb appeal of your home.

While many people might accept the importance of cleaning the roof on a regular basis, most others hesitate to perform the task themselves. This is because they believe that the work will be too hard and risky to attempt! That is why if you opt not to clean the roof yourself you should call a roofing contractor in Jacksonville FL to not only clean your roof but inspect it for any underlying damage that may have occurred due to excess debris on your roof.

WHEN TO OPT FOR ROOF CLEANING?

One of the most common questions asked by property owners is regarding the right time to opt for a roof cleaning. The answer is, whenever you think that the roof is in need of a serious cleaning. If the curb appeal of your house starts to suffer from leaves, branches, moss, or any other debris then you know that it is time that your roof needs to be cleaned.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO CLEAN YOUR ROOF?

The most important reason why you need to clean your roof effectively and regularly is to minimize any damage to the surface. If any kind of debris remains on the roof for a long time, and is not cleaned away, it increases the risk of damage to the shingle or the overall integrity of the roof. Water can build due to excess debris on the roof, causing leaks and damage to the roof decking.

HOW TO CLEAN A SHINGLE ROOF?

The cleaning job on a roof mainly depends on the type of roof and the material it is made of. Most homes have shingle roofs since they are a long lasting and cost effective option. Cleaning a shingle roof is necessary and also quite easy. All it takes is hard work and a steady step and you are good to go!

There are different chemical and mechanical roof cleaning methods used by professionals. If you want to clean your shingle roof yourself, first you will need to blow all of the debris off of the roof, then take some hot water, detergent and bleach and pour the mixture into a garden spray. Then spray the cleaning mixture on small sections of the roof and let it dry. Reapply as needed. There are also several roof specific cleaners such as (Wet & Forget or Spray & Forget) which work great on Algae and black stains on your roof.

WHY USING PRESSURE WASHERS IS NOT A GOOD IDEA?

The use of pressure washing techniques to clean up a roof, might actually damage the surface. The high power water pressure cleaning might dislodge the tile or shingle, causing damage and affecting the life duration of the roof structure, which is dangerous and can also be very costly. For shingle roofs it will remove the granules that protect the shingle and could also affect your roofs warranty.

To make your roof last long and remain durable, make sure that it is cleaned by experts.  If you need your roof cleaned call White’s Roofing today (904) 220-5546.

What to Look for When Hiring a Roofer

If you have a roofing problem you turn to a professional roofer. There are a few questions you need to ask yourself prior to hiring a contractor: Is the roofer licensed and insured? Can they provide references? Do they have hired employees or do they outsource their labor? Does the quote you received seem too good to be true?  How many years have they been in business? You can check out local roofing contractors online or with local associations such as the BBB, Chamber of Commerce or National Associations. It is important to do your due diligence prior to hiring a roofing contractor in Jacksonville.

Important Questions to ask your Roofer in Jacksonville prior to hiring:

1. Are you Licensed?
2. Do you carry General Liability Insurance?
3. Do you carry Workers Compensation Insurance?
4. Will you remove my old roof?
5. Do you bring a container for refuse material?
6. Where will you place the container?
7. What will you do in the event it rains during the job?
8. Are you a local roofer? Do you have a local phone and address?
9. What is the warranty on my new roof?
10. If plywood needs to be replaced what will that cost be?
11. How will you protect my yard during the project?
12. Is there someone I can communicate with throughout the job that will be on site?
13. Do you provide written estimates?
14. Can you provide me with 3 references?

Your home is your largest investment and you want to make sure you protect it with a quality roof. Make sure the roofer you hire and are going to trust with fixing or replacing your roof is qualified to take care of it in a reliable and professional manner. Remember this is your home, don’t be shy or embarrassed to ask the roofing contractor for references, contractor’s license and certification information. If they are a legitimate company they will have no problem providing you with this information.

If you have any reservations with a roofing contractor you are contemplating on hiring, don’t hesitate to call Tim White. With over 30 years of roofing experience he can provide you with an honest assessment of your roof and answer any questions you may have. Call White’s Roofing Company for all of your roof repairs, roof replacement and roof inspection needs.