Three Ways to Prevent Ice Dams This Winter

It's Your Last Chance To Make Roof Repairs Before Winter

Need a New Roof? Check Your Roofer’s Reputation First

How to Get Rid of Roofing Stains

Four Reasons Attic Insulation and Ventilation is Crucial to Your Roof

Tips for Finding the Source of a Roof Leak

Finding a roof leak is much easier than finding the source of the leak. When your ceiling or walls become discolored or when your ceiling starts to bulge or have water dripping through it, it’s pretty apparent that you have a leak somewhere. But it’s a mistake to assume that the source is immediately above the location where the leak is manifesting. Once water gets through your roof, it can travel down a ways before it ends up inside your home. Here are a few helpful tips that can help you find the source of your roof leak.

Inspect the flashing

When searching for the source of a leak, it’s best to start with the most likely culprit and work your way down to less likely culprits. The flashing is the most frequent cause of leaks. Flashing is a transitional roofing material. It connects the roof shingles to vents, skylights, and chimneys, and it acts as a channel for directing water towards the gutters in the valleys of the roof. These are the most vulnerable sections of any roof which is why there’s flashing there in the first place. But if there are gaps in the flashing, that’s likely where the leak is originating.

Check for damaged/missing shingles

Over time, asphalt shingles warp and curl. Roofing nails can pull loose and there can be gaps underneath individual shingles or a section of shingles. Shingles may even fly away during a strong wind. Damaged shingles are a tell-tale sign of a roof leak.

Use a garden hose to simulate rain

If you still can’t pinpoint the source of the leak and you’d rather not wait for the next good rain, you can use a long garden hose to simulate rain. With one person inside watching the area in the home where the water is coming through, a person on the roof directs the spray of water on different sections. Since it takes a while for water to travel, it’s important to hold the hose in one location for a while since it will take time for the water to travel down to the site of the leak.

Pay a professional

Regardless of where your roof leak is and how severe it is, you’re going to want to hire a Spokane roofing company to do the actual repairs. Most roofers will do the inspection for free so you can always call out a professional roofer to find the source and give you an estimate for repairing it.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: realestate.boston.com/home-improvement/2017/07/26/tips-for-locating-the-source-of-a-roof-leak/


Tags: roofing tips, roof leak, roof damage, roof inspection, roof repair, roof maintenance

Why Roofing Materials Get Stolen and How You Can Prevent It

When Sean Robnett, a Denver roofing contractor, and his crew showed up to do some scheduled work for a client, they were surprised to find that some of their materials which had been delivered earlier in the week were missing. The plastic that kept all the shingles on the pallets had been cut and many of the shingles were gone.

The project had to be delayed so that new shingles could be ordered. When they showed up again to work on the new roof, they saw that the shingles had again been stolen. After a third order of shingles, they installed a hidden camera on the home. Soon after the third shipment of shingles came in, their camera caught two men arriving in two vehicles and stealing the shingles. Their faces and license plates were clearly visible and they were caught but only after Robnett’s company had lost thousands of dollars  in roofing supplies and the homeowner’s roofing project had been delayed several weeks.

Why steal roof shingles?

Asphalt shingles are actually a hot commodity. The price of asphalt shingles has risen a lot in recent years and they’re in especially high demand after a big storm causes lots of roof damage in an area. An asphalt shingle thief can stockpile these shingles for a rainy day and make a huge profit by turning around and selling them to an unsuspecting homeowner. Fly-by-night roofers might steal shingles or purchase stolen shingles from the back of a van or truck in an alley. Since they were acquired for free, they can underbid any legitimate roofing companies and still make a better profit.

How to prevent roofing materials theft

Asphalt shingles are typically delivered at least a day or two in advance of the actual project in case of delays in the shipment so that the roofing crew can simply show up that first day and get to work. But that means they’re often sitting on the curb or driveway for up to several days and nights where a thief could potentially drive up and steal them. When hammering out the details of a roofing project with your Spokane roofing company, you can get a delivery date for the shingles and arrange to be home when they arrive. Have them delivered inside the garage or around back if possible so that they will be out of sight of anyone driving around looking for shingles to steal. If that’s not possible, investing in a security camera so you have recourse to catch the thieves is a lot cheaper than just taking a loss on the shingles.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: denver.cbslocal.com/2017/07/28/stolen-roofing-materials-roof-colorado-roof-contractor/

Tags:roofing, roofing tips, roofing materials, roof replacement, Spokane roofing company

How to Know If You’re Paying Too Much for a New Roof

Recently, undercover shoppers for Checkbook.org conducted a little experiment to see how varied the roofing estimates would be for the exact same job--replacing composite shingles with architectural asphalt shingles on a 1,300 square foot home. Of the 12 companies that offered bids, the lowest was $5,414 and the highest was $9,380, a difference of nearly $4,000 for the exact same roof. This is actually quite typical of roofing bids, they can vary widely based on the quality of the materials that will be used, the number of years a company has
been in business, and how busy or slow a given roofing company is. So how do you know if you’re getting a great deal, a fair price, or ripped off? Here are a few tips.

Get at least a few estimates

It’s hard to tell if you’re getting a fair price if you’re comparing apples to oranges. You can try to compare a price you’ve been quoted to an estimate for a roof of similar size and material but it won’t be a perfect comparison. If you get four, five, or even more estimates, however, you can get a better sense of the range in prices you’re being quoted. Estimates are usually free so there’s no reason not to get several.

Ask follow-up questions

The range of prices alone is not enough to go on. The cheapest bid may be the best deal or it could be a mistake if the roofer is inexperienced, is lowballing the estimate to get your business, or plans to cut corners and use inferior materials to get you a roof at that price point. The highest bid may be a rip-off or it might be the best value considering the quality of their workmanship, materials, and warranty. Or the best deal might be somewhere in between. In order to be sure, you have to ask follow-up questions of contractors who bid especially higher or lower than the rest.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

If you have a particularly good feeling about one Spokane roofing company over another, don’t be afraid to mention a lower bid. Your preferred contractor might come down on the price or be able to explain why you’re better off paying more for this particular contractor.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: komonews.com/news/consumer/tip-for-finding-a-good-roofing-company


Tags:roofing, roofing tips, roof replacement, roof estimate, roofing contractor, Spokane roofing company

Roof Inspection Facts

Tesla Solar Shingles: How Does Their Cost Measure Up?

When Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors first announced his company’s entrance into the solar shingle industry, he hinted that Tesla shingles would cost less than traditional roofs once energy savings were taken into account.

Now that they can be pre-ordered in the US and there are more specifics regarding costs and estimated energy savings, we can determine whether Musk’s claims were accurate.

Tesla solar shingles cost

Calculating the cost of a Tesla solar shingle roof is tricky because there are a number of factors that can cause the total to vary widely. The biggest factor is which direction the home faces and how much of the roof is exposed to enough sunlight each day to justify having photovoltaic cells there. Part of the brilliance of Tesla’s strategy is that unlike traditional solar roofing solutions where the section with solar panels looks drastically different from the rest of the roof, a Tesla solar roof is completely uniform. That’s because the shingles come in two varieties: one that contains the cells than convert the sun’s rays into electricity and ones that don’t but look exactly the same. The company has released the cost of a Tesla roof at $21.85 per square foot but that is only assuming a roof that is 35% solar shingles and 65% ordinary glass shingles.

According to Musk the average home would have 40% solar shingles so it’s unclear why they didn’t release the higher estimated cost based on the average. Furthermore, some homes might have as much as 70% solar shingles.

Further complicating the cost is calculating the estimated energy savings over the course of 30 years (the life expectancy of a Tesla roof) and subtracting that from the initial cost.

Comparing costs

According to Tesla’s estimates, after accounting for energy savings, a Tesla roof will actually net you a profit over the course of five years. The cost for their non-solar glass shingles comes in at about $11 per square foot while their solar shingles cost about $42 per square foot. So while the initial cost is significantly higher than even the most expensive traditional roofing materials, the costs are offset over time.

If you’re looking for a more energy efficient material at a more affordable initial price point, however, you may want to speak with a Spokane roofing contractor about metal or tile.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: electrek.co/2017/05/10/tesla-solar-roof-tiles-price-warranty/


Tags:roofing materials, roofing types, roof replacement, roofing contractor, Spokane roofing company

Things To Know Before You Go With A Metal Roof

If you’re like many Americans, you’re considering replacing the asphalt shingle roof you’ve always had with a metal one. Though asphalt shingles have long been America’s favorite roofing material due to its low cost and quick installation time, they simply aren’t as durable as metal roofing. A metal roof can outlast an asphalt shingle roof by decades when it’s installed correctly and well-maintained. A metal roof also reduces cooling costs due to its reflectivity. But before you go with a metal roof, there are a few things you should know first.

Different types

There are many different kinds of metal roofing. First of all, there are several different metals that might be used from steel to aluminum to copper to zinc. They each have different advantages and disadvantages. They can also be cut in different ways. Vertical seam panels are larger sheets of metal and are quicker to install but are more common in commercial applications because of their appearance. Modular press-formed panels are smaller inter-locking sections of roofing that resemble traditional residential roofing products like slate, wood shakes, or tiles.

Not all contractors are up to the task

There are many benefits of metal roofing that are lost if they aren’t installed correctly. It would be a shame to spend more money on a metal roof that doesn’t function as it should so it’s crucial to hire a roofer with experience in metal roofing. Not only that, the roofer should be knowledgeable about the different types of metal roofing and the intricacies of installing different types. When looking for a Spokane roofing company to install a metal roof, it’s helpful to research metal roofing on your own and then discuss it with prospective roofers. A reputable one should be very knowledgeable and should be able to answer any questions you have and help you determine the best metal roof for your particular needs and wants.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: triblive.com/lifestyles/homegarden/12228013-74/do-your-homework-before-purchasing-that-new-metal-roof


Tags:roofing tips, metal roofing, roofing materials, roof replacement, Spokane roofing company

Three common roofing scams and how to avoid them

Reputable roofing companies work very hard to establish a good reputation in the community where they operate. Unfortunately, many homeowners have to be wary because of the prevalence of roofing scams that damage these good reputations. Simply becoming educated on the more common roofing scams and learning to recognize them should make you feel safer when you are hiring a Spokane roofing company. Here are the three you’re most likely to run into and how you can avoid them.

High upfront costs

It’s pretty easy to see what’s risky about paying the entire cost of a roof repair project or roof replacement up front. While some reputable roofing companies may ask for some of the money up front, it shouldn’t be more than about 15 or 20%. The rest of the payments should be tied to completion of parts of the project with a final 15% or so held back until it’s completely finished. Some roofing companies won’t take any payment until the work is done. Be especially wary of roofers who insist on the upfront payment being in cash as you have less recourse if the roofer runs off before the work is done.

Storm chasers

We’re not talking about adrenaline junkies that chase after tornadoes. We’re talking about door-to-door “roofers” who travel through communities after they’ve been hit with a storm. They offer to make repairs for cash on the spot but they often do shoddy work and since they’re usually not licensed and not around when the shoddy work is discovered, it’s unlikely your roof will be fixed or your money returned. If your roof is damaged in a storm, stick with a trusted local roofer, even if you have to wait a while.

Suspiciously low bids

A bid that’s too good to be true probably is. That’s because the roofer will almost definitely find additional problems once you’ve agreed to the work and there will be many costs added during the project. Avoid this by getting multiple bids and by getting a written contract.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: abc2news.com/business/consumer/3-of-the-most-common-roofing-scams



Tags: roofing, Spokane roofing company, roofing contractor, roof repair, roof damage, roof estimate

Oops. Virginia Roofing Company Tears Off the Wrong Roof

Slate is the most durable roofing material you can choose for your home. It has a Class A fire rating (the best rating you can get) and it’s extremely resistant to strong winds, rain, snow, and anything else the elements can throw at it. One thing it can’t stand up to, however, is confused roofers. A roofing company in Virginia recently tore off an entire section of a slate roof mistakenly.

The trouble started when the roofing company’s supplier had the roofing materials for a new roof shipped to the wrong address but on the right street. The home was unoccupied since the owner had already moved and was trying to sell the home. When the roofers showed up to replace the roof, they assumed it was the home with the driveway full of roofing materials without double checking the address. A few hours and a very costly mistake later, an entire section of slate roofing and been torn off from the $600k home.

Slate vs. asphalt

Fast forward to when the homeowner discovered his very expensive slate roof was missing a section. He wants the roofing company to replace the entire roof with slate because merely replacing the removed section will make it not match the rest of the roof. Such a project would cost around $40,000, a cost that the roofing company is unwilling to pay. The roofing company is offering to finish tearing off the slate and replace it with asphalt shingles. Just one problem: slate is the most expensive and durable roofing material you can buy while asphalt shingles are among the cheapest and least durable.

A lesson for homeowners

If you’re a homeowner looking for a Spokane roofing company, it’s always a good idea to make sure you hire a reputable and trustworthy contractor who has a good reputation in your community. It also doesn’t hurt to check that the supplier has your correct address.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: nbc12.com/story/34934910/roofers-remove-roof-on-wrong-600k-house-in-chesterfield


Tags: roofing, roofing materials, asphalt shingle roof, slate roof, Spokane roofing company, roofing contractor

Preventative Steps For Your Roof

Your roof is the most important part of your home. Without a good, solid roof, you aren’t protected from the elements, which is pretty important in Spokane where all 4 seasons come in full swing. And if there’s one thing we all know, it is better to prevent a problem than to fix it later. Here are some preventative steps you can take for your roof.

First an inspection

The first thing you should do when taking care of your roof is an inspection. Inspect the roof in the spring after the harsh winter to ensure it is ready for summer. And you’ll want to inspect again in the fall to ensure your roof is safe and ready to go before winter storms start to hit. You can hire a Spokane roofing contractor to do these inspections for you or you can do them on your own and call out the roofing experts to help if you have a concern. Here are the things you need to inspect:

• Check drainage, including gutters, drains, downspouts, etc
• Look at copings and flashings
• Check shingles to ensure they aren’t loose or missing

Six roofing problems you shouldn’t put off fixing

One of the most challenging aspects of being a homeowner is staying on top of all of the maintenance tasks. Some things can be put off till next year but other things need to be taken care of right away. Most things involving your roof fall into the latter category. Unresolved roofing issues can quickly turn into very costly emergencies.

Here are six roofing problems you shouldn’t put off fixing.

Damaged shingles or tiles

Over time, shingles crack, curl, or pull free from the roof. Even the smallest issue with your shingles or tiles can lead to a costly roof leak, interior water damage, and mold.

Damaged flashing

The flashing protects the vulnerable areas of your roof like the areas where two roofing planes meet or the area around vents, skylights, and the chimney. If your flashing has gaps or if it’s corroding, it can lead to roof leaks, even if the shingles are in good shape.

Poor ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for your roofing system. If your roof has poor ventilation, it’s going to get extremely hot in the summer months. Though shingles are built to handle pretty high temperatures, they will start to crack and curl if they get too hot.

Poor insulation

Proper insulation is also crucial for your roofing system. Poor insulation will allow heat from inside your home to melt the snow on your roof prematurely. This leads to ice dams forming in the gutters and roof leaks.

Clogged rain gutters

Rain gutters clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris contribute to ice dams but they can be problematic in the warmer months as well since water can pool up on your roof and cause your roof to fail prematurely.

Moss

Unlike algae, which simply looks unattractive on your roof, moss can actually damage your shingles. That’s because moss acts like a sponge and all that water trapped on your roof will damage your shingles prematurely. If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to contact a Spokane roofing company right away.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof .com

Source: koaa .com/story/33128512/dont-wait-4-little-roofing-problems-to-fix-right-now


Tags: roofing tips, roof maintenance, roof damage, roof repair, Spokane roofing company

Five tips for a leak-free roof this winter

If your roof is going to spring a leak this year, chances are it’s going to be during the winter. Remember that even the smallest leaks can lead to major problems like mold, rot, and pest infestations. Here are five things you can do to decrease the likelihood of a roof leak this winter; some of them may surprise you.

Have your roof inspected and repaired

Of the five tips, this one should be the least surprising. If you want to prevent a roof leak you need to make sure your roof is in good shape before winter is underway. This starts with a professional roof inspection and ends with going ahead with any repairs the roofer recommends. There are Spokane roofing companies that will do the inspection for free and provide you with an estimate for any needed work.

Clean your rain gutters

This one may seem less obvious but your rain gutters have a lot to do with preventing roof leaks. They provide a way for water to get off your roof. If they’re clogged with leaves and other debris, water can pool up on the shingles and lead to roof leaks.

Clear debris off the roof

For the same reason you want to keep your rain gutters clean, you should keep the roof itself clean. Any debris that accumulates on your roof can impede water’s path off of your roof.

Trim tree branches

Trimming your trees will limit how often you need to clear debris out of your rain gutters and off of your roof, especially if you have a lot of taller trees that are near your home.

Replace attic insulation

What does attic insulation have to do with roof leaks? Proper insulation will keep the hot air in your home from melting snow and ice on your roof prematurely. When the ice and snow on your roof melt before it’s warm enough outside, it refreezes in the rain gutters leading to ice dams and roof leaks.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: portlandtribune.com/pt-insiders/329493-209263-keep-your-roof-leak-free-this-winter


Tags: roof damage, roof repair, roof maintenance, roof inspection, Spokane roofing company

Need a new roof? Be careful about who you hire to do the work

When John Plaff of Pasco, Florida paid John Iacovino, owner of Ike’s roofing, $8,800 for the roof he installed, he thought everything was squared away. What he didn’t know was that Iacovino never paid the roofing material supplier for the roof materials. As a result, Plaff ended up with a $3,700 lien against his home for the cost of the roof shingles. Plaff wasn’t the only one burned by Ike’s roofing. At least 15 other clients of Iacovino are seeking extortion charges against him and the Pasco Sheriff’s office says that approximately 70 properties have liens against them because Iacovino didn’t pay for the roofing materials. In total, Ike’s roofing owes about $150,000 for building materials to various suppliers in the area.

Iacovino is now behind bars but that does nothing for Plaff and other victims of Ike’s roofing who are not stuck with liens against their properties. Since this can happen to any unsuspecting homeowner, it’s important for people to be very careful about who they hire to do roofing work.

Get several estimates

One of the most important things homeowners can do is get multiple estimates for roofing work. If you only get one estimate and hire the first roofer who agrees to do the job, you have nothing to compare that roofer’s price to. If you get at least 3-4 estimates, then you can spot bids that seem especially low. In the case of Ike’s roofing, Iacovino could afford to bid low since he had no intentions of paying for roofing materials he was going to use. Automatically going with the lowest bid, especially when it’s significantly lower is risky since it’s often a sign that the roofer is cutting corners.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: wtsp.com/news/local/sheriff-roofing-contractor-skips-bills-leaves-70-victims/324806379


Tags:roofing tips, roof estimate, roof replacement, roofing contractor, roofing company

Four tips to hire an honest roofer

Hiring a roofer you can trust is crucial to the overall quality of your roofing system. Whether you’re having your entire roof replaced or you’re just having a few damaged areas patched up, it’s crucial that you can trust the roofer doing your work. The last thing you want when it comes to getting roofing work done is to have some out-of-town roofer do a little work and then disappear with your money and without completing the job.

Here are four tips you should follow to make sure that the roofer you hire is one you can trust.

1. Get several estimates. Though you may end up hiring the first roofer you speak with, it’s always a good idea to get a few estimates to begin with. Many homeowners have a tendency to hire the first roofer who gives them an affordable quote. But if you’re only getting one quote, you have nothing to compare it to. Don’t be afraid to ask several roofers for a quote even though it will mean having to say “no” to all but one of them. An honest roofer won’t resort to scare tactics in order to get a job.
2. Do your homework. You should never enter into any kind of contract with a roofer without doing a little investigative work. A great resource to go to is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area. They keep tabs on all of the local businesses and keep a record of all complaints filed against a company. Keep in mind that even the most reputable roofers may have some complaints filed against them. What you want to pay attention to is the roofer’s track record when it comes to handling these complaints in a timely manner. If a roofer has a lot of unresolved complaints against them, hire someone else.
3. Make sure everything is done by the book. Contractors are heavily regulated by the local government to keep residents safe from unscrupulous contractors. An honest roofer will have a license to do roofing work in your community. An honest roofer will gladly provide you with proof of insurance and will also take care of getting the proper permits to do the work. You should be wary of a contractor who is hesitant to show you a license or proof of insurance.
4. Hire local. Finally, and most importantly, make sure the roofer you hire is local. Fly-by-night roofers, or storm-chasers, may come through your town after a big storm offering their services, but they’ll be long gone should your roof fail again. They won’t be able to honor any kind of warranty on their services. A local roofer, on the other hand, won’t skip town with the job half-finished. A local roofer will work hard to make sure you’re satisfied because a roofer’s success depends on a good reputation in the community.
   

Roof options that are both stylish and durable

Asphalt shingles have dominated the roofing materials market for decades. They account for the vast majority of residential roofs for good reason. They’re a material that’s very easy to install and they’re a very inexpensive material. That makes for a very cost effective roofing material. Not only are they inexpensive but they’re quite durable. They can last around 15 years which is just a little longer than the average homeowner will live in any given home. One downside to asphalt shingles is that they’re not exactly stylish and they certainly won’t set your home apart from the rest when almost everyone on your block has them. Here are some other roofing materials you may want to consider for their style and durability.

Synthetic slate

Real slate roofs are the longest lasting roofs you can have. But they’re also the most expensive material and the heaviest. Many homes can’t bear the weight and many wallets can’t bear the cost. Synthetic slate, which is made from rubber, on the other hand, simulates the style of a slate roof but it’s lightweight and less expensive.

Metal roofing

Metal roofs are about three times as expensive as asphalt shingles but they last a lot longer and they’re more energy efficient so they can save you money in the long run. Metal roofs are more stylish than you’d assume because they can come in a variety of colors and styles and can complement the look of any home.

Asphalt

But wait, asphalt shingles aren’t supposed to be stylish. While it’s true that the standard three-tab shingles are a little bland, you can still have a stylish asphalt shingle roof by using architectural shingles. They’re made of the same materials but come in 2 or 3 layers which gives your roof a more textured look and they’re more durable. They cost more than the standard three-tab shingles but the extra durability and style may be worth it to you.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: dailyherald.com/article/20160716/entlife/160719376/

Tags: roofing, roofing tips, roofing materials, roof replacement, roof types, roofing contractor

Getting a new roof? Don’t pay up front and some other helpful tips

Local roofing companies work hard for years and years to establish a good reputation in the community. Unfortunately, fly-by-night roofers can swoop in after a big storm and give roofers everywhere a bad name. Because they’re in town one week and gone the next, their continued success doesn’t depend on a good reputation. They can cut corners, use inferior materials, or just take your money and skip town without doing any work at all. One of the ways that homeowners can protect themselves from disreputable roofers is to refuse to pay for the work up front. Most roofers will accept payment when the job is done. Even if a roofer wants to be paid in installments throughout the project, the homeowners should be holding back a portion until the work is completely finished to their satisfaction. Here are some other tips that local contractors have for homeowners looking for a roofing company:

• Make sure that the contractor is licensed and insured. Find out what the local and state laws require when it comes to licensing for roofers. If a roofer can’t show proof of a license or insurance, don’t hire them.
• Always contact your insurance company directly. Be wary of a roofer who insists on taking care of everything with your insurance company for you. It could be insurance fraud.
• Look for a company logo on uniforms or company vehicles. You can also make sure a company is local by seeing if they have a brick and mortar business in the area.
• Don’t agree to any open-ended contract that doesn’t specify a timeline, list of materials, and estimated cost.
• Always say no to high-pressure sales tactics and contractors who insist on being paid in cash.

Tags: roofing, roofing tips, roof replacement, roofing contractor, roofing company