Posts in category: Roof 411

Roof leaks can be a homeowner’s nightmare. Water dripping into your house is not only annoying, but can potentially damage electronics and cause major damage to the structure of your home. By the time you have water dripping into your home, you may already have a problem — it’s best to avoid that problem with early detection. Here’s a few signs roofers look for.

1. You find debris from shingles in your downspout or yard.Finding shingles or pieces of shingles after a rain is a sure sign that your roof needs work. Patchy roofs develop leaks quickly and leaks may be developing in your attic.

2. You can see missing shingles on your roof. Another sign that your roof needs work. If you can see spots of the roof under the shingles you may have leaks that you can’t see yet but that are almost certainly developing. Call a roofer for an inspection as soon as possible.

3. Water stains.Water stains on your ceiling or walls may look like a large puddle or a small discoloration. Look for mold, moisture and other signs of a leak.

4. Bulging or drooping ceilings and walls. Sheetrock ceilings and walls can absorb water and show signs of drooping or buying even before water stains are visible. These bulges may feel moist to the touch.

5. After a heavy rain look in your attic.Look for signs of water or moisture. You can follow trails of moisture up the roofline to find the source of the leak. We all know that water runs downward and so leaks can always originate higher than the point that you first find them.

When you find a leak it’s always best to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Early detection of roof issues save money, time and hassle for you.

If you like to talk about possible roof leaks or other issues, please contact us!

Most times, your roof is one of the most expensive components of your home. With that kind of value, you want to be well versed in the ins and outs of your roof and its parts. Let’s go over some roofing FAQs to help you better understand every aspect of your roof!

“A Roof Is Expensive…How Often Should It Be Replaced?”

On average, and depending on the type of materials, a roof needs to be replaced ever 20-30 years.

“Which Roof Covering Is Right For Me?”

Slate-This material is durable, but may require structural support.

Asphalt Shingles– This material is the most popular choice because it is affordable. It is also easy to install!

Wood Shake– This material is extremely high maintenance and requires consistent upkeep and care.

Clay Tile-This low maintenance material requires little upkeep but its weight may require structural support.

Metal– Very lightweight, this material is also extremely durable low maintenance

Architectural Shingles– These are asphalt shingles that mimic the look of other material.

“What Are The Main Causes Of Roof Damage?”

In one word: weather. Rain, condensation, wind, snow/ice, sun damage, moss, and trees are all factors that damage your roof significantly. After a storm, your roof should be inspected immediately to repair any damage that the storm may have caused.

How Important Is Ventilation?

Ventilation is a critical factor when it comes to the life of your roof. Structural airflow is made possible with proper ventilation. Proper ventilation can also decrease your energy costs and increase the life of your roof!

“So, Who Should I Choose To Work On My Roof?”

This one is easy! Choose Chappell Roofing!

3 Factors To Consider When Replacing A Roof In The Winter

You can never anticipate when a roof problem will happen. Leaks and damages are sometimes unavoidable especially when the weather turns for the worst. Here are three factors to consider when replacing a roof in the winter.

Crew

Its important to consider the crew when deciding whether a job is possible or not. The risk of falling increases when there is a possibility of ice. In addition, the amount of handy work that does into installing a roof requires the crew members to wear very thin gloves. Not ideal for freezing temperatures. The morale of the crew is also likely to be better the better the weather is. Some jobs may be possible but it’s important to consider all factors.

Tools

Some tools, like compressors and nail guns may be affected by the cold, which will affect the overall roof installation. A roof cannot be properly installed without the complete functionality of the tools.

Materials

The asphaltic materials in shingles have a tendency to lose their flexibility as the temperatures drop making it more difficult for crew members to bend and cut them straight. Along with other issues with sealant and placement, special considerations should be taken when it comes to roof replacements.

Chappell Roofing always has your service and best interest in mind. Choose Chappell Roofing,  a company you can trust to deliver quality roofing services to you and your family.

Roof Safety Questions Answered

Climbing on top of your roof for any reason, whether it’s to grab a frisbee or to hang Christmas lights, can be dangerous. Chappell Roofing wants to be the one doing the dangerous work for you. However should the time come where you need to climb up there, we wanted to answer roof safety questions!

Is it okay to work on my roof when no one is home?

It’s recommended that you are not alone when on top of the roof. Should an accident occur, you’ll have someone there to help you.

How do I make sure my ladder is stable enough?

The surface your ladder is on may vary. We suggest setting up you ladder on a solid, level surface, however sometimes that may not be an option. If your ladder has to be on dirt, consider digging holes for the ladder legs to keep it stable. If your ladder is on a deck, attach a board to the back of the ladder to ensure it will not slip through cracks.

Is it safe to get on my roof after it has rained?

You should be extra cautious being on your roof when it is wet, simply because it puts you at a higher risk of slipping and falling off of the roof. Remember to watch for debris like sticks or leaves too, as they also increase your risk of slipping.

Should I wear a certain type of shoes on the roof?

You should wear shoes with some traction or grip of some sort to avoid a slip or fall. For extra safety, some people wear a harness, too!

What are the ideal weather conditions?

Choose a cool, non-windy day, and make sure no storms are on the horizon. You’ll want to avoid strong winds along with thunder and lightening.

What about cleanup? 

Don’t leave it all until the end. Clean up as you go to avoid slipping on nails, screws, and other debris.

For any and all of your roofing needs, call Chappell today and leave the climbing up to us!

One of the first things that comes to mind when a roofer comes to look at your house is “what color of shingles should I get?” This is sort of like focusing on the color of a car instead of safety and performance. Today, Chappell Roofing is focusing on things you may not think about when getting a new roof.

Underlayment

Think of underlayment as a raincoat. It is placed beneath shingles and is used as a protective barrier against moisture and helps regulate temperatures. Underlayment is a critical part of building a structurally sound roof. It can be constructed from organic material, fiberglass, rubberized asphalt, or synthetic matter. Chappell Roofing can determine the most effective options for your home or office!

Flashing

Flashing is kind of like a metal “bandage” for your roof. Usually made from steel or aluminum, it covers the joints of a roof, usually where the roof angles, in order to protect your new roof from water damage. Typically, these are found around chimneys, pipes, or valleys. Any damage to these areas is used called to oxidization or weather damage.

Proper Drainage

Roofs that don’t have a proper slant or gutter system can have water damage that accumulates over time. Chappell Roofing wants to make sure that your roof has proper drainage in place to ensure your new roof’s workmanship and durability.

Multiple Layers

Overlaying shingles on top of each other is always a bad decision. Adding multiple layers ruins not only the aesthetic of a roof, but it also changes your roof’s structure. Shingles and other roofing materials are designed to lay flat and should not be layered. Chappell Roofing’s experience is also that no insurance companies are likely to insure multi-layer roofs.

Chappell Roofing hopes we’ve been able to help you get an idea of things you may not have thought of up until now. We’d also like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!