Hurricane Season Is Here - Is Your Roof Ready

For the northeast, August brings the peak of hurricane season. As Tropical Storm Isais showed us last week, whether you live near the beach or further inland, our region can be hit hard when storms make landfall. Knowing how you can prepare and protect your property is key for each homeowner before the next big storm arrives. Here are our tips for evaluating your home’s hurricane preparedness. 

1. Inspect your shingles. High winds can cause loose shingles to become dislodged. This could lead to leaks or worse during a bad storm. If you’re uncomfortable checking your shingles, play it safe and contact a professional to inspect the status of your roof. 

2. Almost all hurricanes bring heavy rains to our region. If your gutters aren’t properly secured and free of debris, the excessive rain could spell disaster for your home. Now is the time to check those gutters and ensure they are free of debris. 

3. Check trees surrounding the home for loose branches and rotting limbs. Call in a professional tree trimming expert if you notice large trees that appear to be a fall hazard or look like they have died. 

4. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be a good time to replace it. With a new roof you can rest assured that everything is properly installed and providing you with the most protection before the storm. 

5. Walk around your home and carefully look at your eaves and soffits. Check for any missing material or signs of damage. High winds can cause any preexisting minor damage to become a major problem. Don’t hesitate to call your preferred roofing professional if you spot any signs of damage. Fixing a small problem now will be much better than if that small problem turns into a large issue after a hurricane. 

If you have questions about protecting your home during hurricane season, contact our team of seasoned professionals today. 

Help Reduce Your Air Conditioning Costs

Warmer weather has arrived! While you may not think of your roof this time of year, it can greatly impact your energy costs, even in warmer months. If your roof isn’t in top shape, you may see higher than normal cooling costs. To combat rising costs you can take the following steps to improve your roof and reduce cooling costs: 

Add Ventilation

Adding ventilation to your roof in the form of Intake Vents allows your attic to breathe and reduce the chance of high temperatures warping your roof decking and shingles. These vents can help reduce the buildup of excess heat in the attic which can become trapped in summer months. That trapped heat can seep down into the rest of the home, forcing your cooling system to work even harder. 

Roofing Repairs

Simple roof repairs can help improve the efficiency of your roof and lead to less strain on your HVAC system. If your roof is missing shingles or has sections in need of repair, it’s important to get a trained professional out to assess the roof and determine what repairs need to be made. This upfront investment can help you save monthly on your HVAC costs. Missing shingles can not only let in the elements, they can also let out the cool air produced by your air conditioner and let in hot air from outside. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary roof consultation to evaluate your roofs needs. 

Insulation 

A properly insulated home helps reduce heating and cooling costs significantly. When your home isn’t properly insulated air can escape through those spaces, resulting in your HVAC unit doing more work to cool the space. That means using more energy (and more money)  to cool your home in the summer and heat your home in the winter. Ensuring your home is properly insulated can quickly save on your monthly energy bills all year. 

New Roof 

For some it may be time to replace their roof entirely. A new roof will help reduce energy costs, especially when you choose energy efficient roofing materials. Energy efficiency isn’t just for your appliances; at Weather-Tite Roofing Co. we offer a wide variety of Energy Star Rated Roofing Products to fit any roof system. Complete Energy Star Rated Roof Systems include:

• TPO

• Coating Systems

• Modified Bitumen

• Lifetime Dimensional Shingles

• Eco Roof Systems

If you have questions about energy efficient roofs, our team can help. Contact us today to learn more.

Maintaining Your Commercial Roof

Many commercial properties have a flat roof. Without the proper installation and maintenance of roofing materials, these flat roofs can lead to leaks and costly damage to your investment property. Spring rains can be especially damaging to improperly installed and older roofs.

It’s important to have a roofing professional check for potential roofing problems and warning signs prior to actual leaks or costly repairs. By having a roofing professional perform regular roof inspections you’ll always know the present condition and approximate life expectancy of your roof for budgeting purposes. 

There are many benefits to installing a new commercial roof, once you know it is necessary, including:

• Improved Energy Efficiency

  Running a large commercial property is expensive. Even if heating and air conditioning costs are split among tenants, you still have to manage the cost of keeping the entire building temperate. A new energy efficient roofing system can greatly reduce your HVAC costs. This is not only a benefit for you but also an added selling point when you’re looking for new tenants.

• Added Protection For Your Investment

  Investing in a new roof provides the added benefit of a roof warranty. Weather-Tite Roofing Co. offers warranties on all new roof installations, including on commercial properties. Our roof warranties provide our customers with the security of knowing if something does go wrong they have the protection of their Weather-Tite Roofing Co. Warranty.

• Proper Installation

  Proper roof installation is essential to the longevity of your roof. Weather-Tite Roofing follows manufacturers' specifications by installing rubber roof membrane wall flashing heat welded to the roof perimeter for a watertight installation that will last the life expectancy of the entire roof system.  Roof cement and fiberglass seal will fail long before the roof system.  It only has a life expectancy of 3 years.  We stand firm behind our 15 year warranty knowing the roof system has been installed correctly.  Some roofing companies may offer a lower price but this is usually the result of not following manufacturers’ specifications and not offering a 15 year warranty.   We want our customers to receive the best value for their investment.

If your commercial property is due for a roof inspection, contact the Weather-Tite Roofing Co. Team today to discuss your project.

Identifying Improper Roof Installation

To the untrained eye, it can be difficult to determine whether your roof was installed correctly. After all we hire professionals because we put our trust in their ability to properly install our roofs. Unfortunately, not all roofing professionals take the necessary steps to ensure that roof installations are completed in a way that will prolong the life of the roof. Some roofers cut corners to save time and help keep their invoices low. These low prices can cost homeowners greatly when the improper installation fails.

We know it can be difficult to spot the difference between a correct installation and an improper installation. Here are a few examples of roofs we’ve inspected and replaced to help you better understand what to look for in a roof installation.

Improper Installation 1:

The photo above shows the roof holding water. The roof is holding water because the roof area around the existing scupper box (drain) was not lowered when installing the roof. The roofer should have removed the existing roof prior to the installation of the new roof system. Leaving the scupper box in this condition would cause premature deterioration of the roof.

Improper Installation 2:

This picture shows the roof wall detail.  The roofer only used roof cement and fiberglass fabric to seal the roof at the perimeter.   Roof cement and fiberglass seal will fail long before the roof system, as it only has a life expectancy of 3 years. Weather-Tite Roofing follows the Manufacturers' specifications by installing rubber roof membrane wall flashing heat welded to the roof perimeter for a watertight installation that will last the life expectancy of the entire roof system. We stand firm behind our 15 year warranty knowing the roof system has been installed correctly.  Many roofing contractors cut corners when it comes to following the manufacturers’ specifications, this can make their prices lower but it’s at the expense of the roof quality and can result in significantly shorter life expectancy of the entire roof. We want our customers to receive the best value for their investment and, as a result, follow manufacturers’ specifications to ensure our installations last for the duration of the 15 year warranty period.

Proper Installation by Weather-Tite Roofing Co.:

These photos were taken of a Weather-Tite Roofing Co. installation. You can see in these photos the difference in the wall detail and overall installation.  These installations all follow manufacturer specifications to ensure proper installation and increased longevity.

If you have concerns that your roof may not have been installed properly, contact our team today for a complimentary consultation.

Reinvesting Your Refund Check

Tax season is here and if you are expecting to receive a refund this year, you might want to consider reinvesting your refund into your home. While that may not be as fun as planning a beach getaway, reinvesting in your home with things like a new roof, can ultimately save you money when you sell your home in the future. 

According to TurboTax: (https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/home-ownership/home-improvements-and-your-taxes/L6IwHGrx6):

"You add the cost of capital improvements to your tax basis in the house.

• Your tax basis is the amount you'll subtract from the sales price to determine the amount of your profit.

• A capital improvement is something that adds value to your home, prolongs its life or adapts it to new uses.

There's no laundry list of what qualifies as a capital improvement, but you can be sure you'll be able to add the cost of:

• an addition to the house,

• a swimming pool,

• a new roof, or

• a new central air-conditioning system.”

Utilizing your refund check to add a new roof before summer will have the immediate benefits of helping to protect your home, reduce your summer cooling costs, as well as the potential long term benefit to your taxes. If you are interested in learning more about replacing your roof this spring, contact the Weather-Tite Roofing Team for a free consultation.

We're Not In The Clear, Yet - Is Your Roof Ready For Spring Storms?

With less than 15 days until Spring arrives, you might be doing the happy dance that your roof has made it another winter. But don’t put on those dancing shoes just yet! March is known to be an unpredictable month in the tri-state area, where temperatures yo-yo and big storms can do significant damage. 

Due to warmer temperatures in March, snow is often heavier and more dense. This results in significant tree damage, downed power lines, and often, roof and home damage. If we do escape without snow, we’ll still likely have to contend with the heavy winds and increased rainfall that come throughout March and April. 

If your roof hasn’t been professionally checked in the last year, it’s time to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and get a professional inspection. Investing in an inspection now can greatly reduce the chances (and cost!) of storm and wind damage later. The Weather-Tite Roofing team provides comprehensive roofing inspections to help homeowners ensure their roof is in the best shape possible.  Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection.

Winter Roof Maintenance Tips

We’ve been lucky to make it this far into winter without a major snow storm, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear just yet. As we get later into the season, winter storms can bring even more damage due to the abundance of ice and heavy, wet snow caused by air temperatures near the Earth’s surface.  This snow can wreak havoc on your roof if you haven’t taken proper precautionary measures. We’ve pulled together a list of tips to help you prepare for late winter storms before they ruin your roof. 

1. Trim Tree Branches

During the next temperate day, head outside to assess the trees surrounding your house. If you notice any branches hanging too close to the house, have a professional remove them before the next snowfall. Late season storms are notorious for bringing heavy wet snow that can weigh down and snap even the sturdiest branches. 

2. Remove excess debris

Debris can lead to holes, mildew growth, gutter damage, and other significant roofing issues. If you see debris on your roof, it’s important to remove it immediately before it has a chance to cause damage. 

3. Look for and repair missing shingles

Perform a ground examination by walking around the perimeter of your home and inspecting your roof for any missing or out of place shingles. If you identify any spots that have been compromised, contact us today to discuss the best solution for your needs.

4. Clean gutters

Remove any excess debris from your gutters. Since the fall the last leaves have fallen and the windy weather has likely knocked loose sticks and other small debris that can clog your gutters. Clearing your gutters ensures that water, snow, and ice can properly drain off of the roof. If gutters are clogged it can cause the water in the gutter to freeze. This can put excess weight on the gutter, causing it to collapse and damage your roof and siding. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning the gutters, contact a professional today.

5. Hire a professional to complete a roof inspection. 

While you may feel capable to assess tree branch issues and clean the gutters, a roofing professional can help identify other areas that can help improve your roof’s performance this winter, including assessing your attic ventilation. Contact the Weather-Tite Roofing team today to discuss your roof inspection. Investing in an inspection now could help save you significantly when the next storm comes.

5 Things To Look For In A Roof Before You Buy A House

Determining the age and health of the roof is essential before you purchase your new home. If the roof is approaching the end of it’s viability, your realtor may suggest requesting a warranty or a new roof installation prior to purchase. Here are five things we recommend looking for when you are evaluating a home.

1. Bad or No Ventilation

2. Visible Signs of Mold

3. Signs That A Roof Has Been Patched

4. Any Visible Exterior Damage and Any Interior Water Stains

5. Damaged Downspouts and Gutters

If you would like a thorough professional inspection, the Weather-Tite Roofing team offers roof certifications and inspections for both buyers and sellers. Our team will inspect the roof, take photos, and compile a comprehensive report including our professional recommendations. 

Contact us today to schedule your roof certification or inspection.

What To Do When Your Roof Leaks During A Storm

Storms can bring high winds, heavy downpours, and snow. No matter how well you maintain your roof there may be a time when storm damage impacts your home. It’s important to follow steps to help reduce damage and protect your home as quickly as possible. These tips will help you manage storm damage to your roof until a professional can arrive.

1. Call a roofing contractor immediately. Weather-Tite Roofing offers 24/7 Emergency Roofing Services to the Tri-State Area. If your home has been damaged, contact immediately and we will help you get your home back with a quality solution that lasts. 

2. Remove furniture, valuables, photos, and paper items from the room impacted by the leak. If some of your belongings have become wet, dry them as best you can to prevent mold growth. 

3. Place a bath mat or an absorbent towel on the floor and position buckets, plastic tubs, or pots and pans directly under the leak. This will help prevent damage to your floors until you are safely able to cover the damaged roof section on the exterior of the home.

4. If the leak is substantial or directly near an electrical outlet, go to your breaker box and turn off the power to that area. If the power has gone out it’s important to still complete this step. This will prevent any short circuits and reduce the risk of electrocution, should the power suddenly turn back on. 

5. When it’s safe, tarp the roof. If you’re able to safely access the leak, tarping the roof will help prevent further damage to your home. This article explains in detail how to properly tarp your roof. Please take extreme caution when tarping your roof and never access the roof in inclement weather. 

If your roof has been damaged by a storm, don’t wait. Call our team now. We are here 24/7 to service your emergency roofing needs.

Signs You Need To Call A Roofing Professional

Homeowners often ask us what signs to look for when inspecting their roof. While we believe that a roof consultation is the best way to protect your home, we understand that some homeowners want to take the first step to identify if they need to contact a professional. If you see any of these 8 signs of roof damage on your home, it’s time to call a professional roofing contractor you can trust.

1. A leak in the attic: visible leaks are a sure sign your roof is in need of repair or replacement. Regularly checking the attic for signs of damage is an important step in your home maintenance plan.

2. Water stains, blistering or peeling paint inside or outside of the home: There are many causes of blistering or peeling paint, one of those is a leak in your roof. 

3. A sudden rise in energy costs for your home can be a result of water laden insulation. When insulation becomes wet due to a leaking roof, it’s not able to properly perform. The results can be a spike in energy costs to keep your home at the normal temperature. 

4. Granules in the gutter. If you notice a buildup of shingle granules in your gutters, it’s a sure sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life.

5. Missing or damaged shingles. Weather can wreak havoc on your roof. If your shingles have been damaged it’s time to call your roofing team.

6. Sagging roof. If your roof is sagging contact us immediately. Sagging is an indication that the physical structure of the roof has been damaged from moisture. It’s important to remedy this immediately. 

7. Mold or mildew in the home is a sign of excess moisture, which could be coming from a roof leak.

8. Roof age, if your roof is approaching 20 years old, it’s time to contact a roofing professional for a consultation.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to contact your roofing professionals to schedule a consultation. Don’t wait until your minor roof damage becomes a major problem. The Weather-Tite Team has provided quality roofing services to the Tri-State area for over 20 years. Schedule your complimentary roofing consultation today.