Posted by Peter Martino on Mon, Dec 28, 2009 @ 11:40 AM
When it comes to roof leaks in New England, flatter roofs generally have more problems. Flatter roofs on areas such as porches, dormers, additions, and commercial buildings deal with slower drainage, more water pooling, and more wind driven rain issues. All of these can lead to roof leakage and serious damage.
We are constantly asked by home and business owners, what we recommend for lower slope roofs in our service area (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire). The answer is almost exclusively EPDM Rubber Roofing systems such as those made by RPI® or Genflex®. EPDM is designed not to easily deteriorate. it withstands damage from ozone, UV, heat, frost, and other environmental factors that typically have a damaging effect on flat roof products such as rolled asphalt, tar and sheet metal.
Besides being very resistant to the elements, the major benefit of rubber roofing is the ability to minimize seams. EPDM comes in various different sizes that can be installed on all types of roof surfaces. Wherever seams are necessary, as long as they are properly sealed, they will perform as good as the rest of the membrane.
If you are having issues with a low-pitch roof area, or are concerned about it Contact Us to give you a no pressure estimate.
Check out our Rubber Roofing Section for more info about our low-slope roofing systems.
Posted by Peter Martino on Fri, Dec 04, 2009 @ 08:39 AM
Have you ever seen these black cables on the lower edge of a roof and wondered what they were for? If you live in our territory (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Southern New Hampshire), you're no stranger to ice dams, roof icicles and other winter roof issues. You've most likely lived in a house at some point that has issues with ice build-up or winter roof leaks from ice and snow.
The black cables are referred to as de-icing cables, roof cables, heat coils or ice lines. The purpose they serve is to raise the temperature of the problem area above freezing temperatures in order to keep ice and snow from building up in the gutters, on lower roof edges and in roof valleys.
Are De-icing Cables a Good Solution?
You may have seen these de-icing systems on roofs and wondered if they work. They answer is maybe. Often times homeowners try to use these types of de-icing systems to compensate for another more serious roof problem such as deteriorating shingles, insufficient attic insulation or ventilation, or insufficient ice and water shield. It's far more common that homeowners with an older roof are trying to get 1 or 2 last years out of it before having to replace it. With roofing, we always say air on the side of caution! The people who have experienced serious roof leaks are the ones who take this advice seriously. It will cost you thousands of dollars more to remedy the damage from a serious roof leak, then it will to have it replaced before the problem presents itself.
What Does United Recommend?
We've installed these de-icing systems in the past with mixed success. It's our policy to solve peoples problems to the best of our ability not just band-aid the issue and let them deal with it (and pay for it) in the future. Although we'll probably install more of these systems this winter in emergency situations, we always do so with the understanding that the roof has other issues that need to be resolved as soon as the weather permits.
If you live in our territory and are experiencing a winter roof emergency, contact us to discuss temporary and long-term solutions.
Posted by Peter Martino on Wed, Feb 25, 2009 @ 06:37 PM
The news these days speaks mostly of recession, the suffering economy, struggling industries and individual businesses. Given the state of our country's economy one would expect that the Home Improvement Industry will also suffer. However, that may not be the case.
In New England and other parts of the country, new construction housing has all but come to a halt, and housing sales in general are down significantly from the first half of this decade. In the past most families occupied a residence for an average of 5-7 years. But in a difficult economy that number is rising. Many homeowners are choosing to sit tight in the house they currently reside. This is great news for the Home Improvement Industry.
This phenomenon should positively affect established and professional remodeling and replacement contractors in 2 significant ways. The first way is that essential systems that tend to break down over time such as roofing, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, windows, and appliances, still need to be replaced. In the past some homeowners may have passed the cost and duty of replacing these systems to the next owner. But in many cases that is no longer an option.
The second way home improvement companies in New England may reap some benefits is the "don't move improve" mentality. Instead of upgrading to a newer larger home many people are opting to add on or remodel their existing home to suit their families needs. These types of projects often include additions, finished basements and attics, low-maintenance siding upgrades, garages, and kitchen and bathroom remodels.
Homeowners still need to do their homework and consider carefully who they hire.
Although well established companies will survive this tough season, less professionally run businesses and "fly-by-night" contractors most likely will not. If you are interviewing a contractor and they seem desperate to have your business and do not have a list of recent references to provide, consider this; There's a high likelihood that contractor will not be around for the long run. Do you want someone handling a project for you that will not be able to honor any warranty or service any issues that might arise it the future? Furthermore, consider the low level of workmanship you will receive from someone who is barely making money, if any, on your project. They will cut any corner possible.
Posted by John Dudley on Tue, Feb 03, 2009 @ 07:07 PM
Most people assume they only have one option when it comes to replacing their roof, and that is asphalt shingles with either a fiberglass or organic base. However, there are many other less common options available for roof replacement. The question our customers ask us is, "are these roofing types right for my home?" Here is a list of pro's and con's for each category to help you decide.
Asphalt Shingles: A base material combined with either an organic fiber mat or fiberglass core. Each type is impregnated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules to add color and texture. An adhesive back combined with nails is the fastening method used.
Pros: Largest variety of color and style, Many warranty options through certified companies, Generally the least expensive option
Cons: Less impact resistant than some other options, Does not reflect heat
Metal Roofing: Once limited to low-slope structures, standing seam steel roofs can now be used on steeper roofs as well.
Pros: Durability, practically maintenance-free, heat reflective
Cons: Aesthetics are not pleasing to most people, more expensive than asphalt, Noisy, Limited options
Slate Tile Roofing: One of the oldest forms of roofing in New England, it is still used today on certain more traditional homes and in specific neighborhoods.
Pros: Traditional appearance for older homes, Long lasting
Cons: Requires reinforced roof to handle the weight, Difficult to repair, Limited styles and colors, Very expensive
Composite Slate: The composite slate market is on the rise in the roofing industry. Lamarite® Slate composite shingles seem to be leading the pact.
Pros: Accurately resembles slate tiles, Less expensive than slate
Cons: Limited styles and colors, Few roofers in New England have experience with it
Interlock: Interlock roofing is a composite roof system made mostly from recycled materials.
Pros: Durability, Longevity, more variety than other types of roofing except asphalt
Cons: Aesthetics, Much more expensive than other options, short track record
Wood Shingle Roofing:
Pros: natural aesthetic beauty for country style homes
Cons: quality and longevity can vary significantly, attracts moss and algae, more expensive than asphalt roofing
Posted by Peter Martino on Thu, Jan 29, 2009 @ 07:11 PM
There are many manufacturers of asphalt roofing materials in 
business today, such as GAF and CertainTeed, and they offer many different types of shingles, from 3-tab to architectural, from designer to luxury shingles. The most popular type of shingle being used today is the 30-year architectural. Most people have the misconception that "30-year" means "I am covered by the warranty on my shingles for 30 years". Unfortunately that is far from true. The term "30-year" has nothing to do with the performance of the shingles and most roofing companies are only able to offer their customers a 30-year limited material warranty through the manufacturer.
If during the 30 year period the shingles fail, the limited warranty offered by the manufacturer only covers the homeowner if the manufacturer determines such failure was caused by material defect. The manufacturer would then pay the homeowner a certain pre-determined amount generally not exceeding $.40 per square foot on day one of the warranty, and then prorating equally from that time. However, if it is determined by the manufacturer that the problem is not from defective shingles, then the warranty is void. There are many other limitations which void the warranty such as an improperly vented roof deck, improper nailing, and failure of the surface to which the roof is applied. Even if one is successful in claiming this type of warranty, the homeowner still has the burden of hiring a roofer, pulling a permit, disposing of the shingles, and purchasing any other miscellaneous materials needed for the repair or replacement.
But there is some good news! Some manufacturers make it possible for certain roofing companies to achieve a level of certification allowing them to offer more inclusive warranties. For example, CertainTeed offers the "ShingleMaster Company" and the "SELECT Shingle Roofer" certifications. There are very strict requirements for a company to be awarded any of these statuses. A CertainTeed "SELECT Shingle Roofer" company, CertainTeed's highest level of certification, for example, is able to offer homeowners 100% of the costs of the repair for 20 years, including tear-off and disposal of the old shingles, new materials, labor and workmanship. So fellow homeowners, when hiring a roofer, do your homework. Find out the exact details of the warranty being offered to you. You don't want to invest thousands of dollars in your new roof, just to find out the hard way that your investment went kapoof!