Go With the Pros for Commercial Roofing

As the owner of a business, you know how important maintenance is to your building. Most companies have a maintenance man (or crew, for larger companies) that takes care of the interior and exterior aspects of the building. This is typically inclusive of electrical and plumbing repairs, overloaded gutter systems, paint touch ups and even issues that arise with the heating and cooling system. Commercial roofing, however, is a whole other ballgame. Most states require roofers to be licensed and a typical maintenance crew leader is not. For repairs and replacements on the roof, a professional needs to complete the job.

Having an unlicensed, uninsured individual doing repairs on a business’s roof can be a huge liability. If the individual were to get hurt, you would be held responsible for any and all costs pertaining to pain, suffering and medical care. Beyond that, if the person makes a mistake, you have no recourse. Everything may seem fine when he leaves the job, but a week later during a downpour you realize that the ceiling may as well be Swiss cheese. What do you do then? Since the person that did the work was unlicensed, uninsured and likely not incorporated, you really have no place to turn. You will end up spending more money to have a pro come in to repair the work that was already paid for and completed, albeit incorrectly.


When you need commercial roofing repairs completed, it is best to do a little fact checking. Get a license number from the contractor and cross-reference that with the state’s database. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure complaints have not been filed. Ask to see a copy of the business’s liability insurance policy, and then call the administering agent to make sure the insurance is active and covers the scope of your project. If any of these areas seem a bit muddled or grey, look for a different roofing contractor.

Pitched Roof or Flat Roof?

The battle between pitched roofs versus flat roofs is an ongoing one especially when you are thinking of which is the best choice for your home or building. The answer for this typically varies depending on the mainly on the local climates and the needs of your building.

In certain countries where there is heavy downpour of rain that can result with high risk of water leakages on the building top, pitched roofs are considered the best choice. From a practical standpoint, it has the higher capacity to evacuate the water away from the building below while a flat roof has the ability to retain water on the top of the building. Stagnant water on top of building with flat roofs will find a way to go down and this can be damaging to your building and the carpets and furniture inside it.

Houses that are built using this type of roof go way back as they are most efficient in water evacuation. The design has been used for some time now that it is considered the best way to have your home or building complement the landscape even with a house that can have a modern look and style.

From a technical perspective, there is a need for water to be directed correctly on a pitched roof to prevent concentration of water in some areas such as spaces that are being obstructed by walls or water that is directed towards the house or building itself. It is important that the architecture of is made with a goal to really remove water and not letting it stagnate onto your home.

To Know About Your Siding

First and foremost, siding is applied to the outermost layer of a wall during building construction. It is meant to protect the house from the effects of hostile weather. It also allows water to be shed so that it does not damage the building.

Different types of material can be used as siding. The exterior cladding of a building can consist of wood, plastic or composite materials. This can be directly attached to the building structure or framework by means of studs. It can also be fastened via an intermediate layer of horizontal planks, termed "sheathing". Building paper is another important part the exterior cladding of a building, as it is the base to which the cladding is attached.

There are a large variety of materials that can be used on the exterior of a building. These include wood, stucco, cement, brick or brick veneers and even steel. The material you use should be chosen with the final effect in mind. Materials like stucco, cement, wood and brick or brick veneers give a warm, domestic air to the building. Except for wood, the maintenance of these siding materials is quite easy, and no extra painting needs to be done.


Steel is an extremely durable material that is capable of withstanding the expansion and contraction brought about by temperature changes. There is no worry about making the building look cold and forbidding as it is available in wood veneers as well.

When you plan to install the exterior cladding for your building project, it is important to pay attention to the workmanship. This is because even the best and most long-lasting materials will not be effective if they are installed in a slipshod manner. Don't be shy to ask questions of your building contractor. Or, if you're doing the work yourself, read all you can about the task before you begin.

Fiberglass Roofing...For Real?

When properly laid, GRP roofing or glass fibre roofing as it is more commonly known will last for a minimum of 30 years with very little deterioration. There are however a few key tips you must remember in order to get the most out of a GRP roof. Firstly the roof should be laid on a dry deck and preferably in dry conditions with a temperature not below 5°C.

Secondly you must ensure that the resins and top coats should be suitably for use in roofing. When applying the GRP laminate and top coat, the deck should be of 18 mm exterior plywood or Sterling Board and be well fixed onto the underlying joists. Usually it takes two men about a day to strip, re-deck, laminate and top coat a roof of about 20 square metres.

Always try to plan starting the roof when a settled period of weather is forecast and ensure the new deck is laid to adequate falls to allow for good drainage. There should not be any standing water on the roof after completion.

Wood Siding On Your Home

Wood siding types that are manufactured today are many which include, clapboard, plywood, shakes and shingles, tongue and groove and hardboard. Choosing a type of wood for your house is a big step. By matching the style of your home to a unique wood siding type you will be have a more desirable looking house at the end of the day. Read on to find out more about the unique types of wood siding available.

Clapboard siding are long planks of wood that are lain horizontally overlapping one another on the side of the house. A big plus for clapboard siding is that it complements any style of architecture. Redwood and cedar are the most preferred wood variety to be used for clapboard siding while fir and larch are acceptable too.

Plywood siding is another type that is easy to install using the most minimum basic carpentry skill. It is typically made from Western red cedar, Douglas fir, Southern pine and redwood, giving off a variety of patterns and textures to choose from. Plywood siding that is painted or stained regularly can last up to 30 years and more.

Tongue and groove siding are lengths of boards that fit and lock together in a pattern. It is made from pine, cedar and teak and is valued by its versatility and attractiveness. This type of wood siding can be installed horizontally, diagonally or vertically with either a rough or smooth finish. Depending on the style of the home, it can come in a knotty or clear appearance.

Stucco Installation

If you are looking towards an effective means of increasingly building strength, why not consider going in for Stucco Installation? The process of laying Stucco must be done efficiently to get the real benefits that Stucco can provide. This is because there are many factors to be noted and implemented in the Stucco application process.

Installing Stucco has been used since in bygone ages for enhancing structure durability and strength. The actual formula for Stucco has of course changed over the years. Today a lot of different additives are used in the mix to give that pristine effect and long-lasting quality after application. It is a versatile building application material. It can be applied over different types of building structures which increases its versatility.

The reason why it is so widely is because it offers significant benefits. Stucco is a water-resistant and fire-resistant material, which means it offers considerable protection for the surface on which it is applied. It cannot be degraded due to mold and mildew, which enables it to give due protection to building structure from weather elements.

Since Stucco Installation must be one correctly, it is vital that it is done by professionals. Care must be taken when it is installed so that it comes off correctly. When looking for its application services, make sure that you get the job done by professionals, so that you see the best results. Ask if they have a license and also see as many samples as you can so that you have an idea about various outputs that you can get through the application and this will help you to choose something that is to your liking.

Stucco Contractors in New York

Getting a new roof done requires lots of thinking. You have to think about what style will suit your home, the materials that are most apt for the weather in your city and also the pricing. Beyond these general features, what's also important to consider is if the roofing type you select is eco-friendly as this is something that's of much importance now-a-days.

If you are interested in getting professional Roof Westchester service providers, check out reputable ones in your area. The main points that you have to consider in the contractor that you select are license and years of experience. This ensures that your roofing will be done the right way and will be worth the money spent on it. Check out references and as many samples as you can so that you know the many styles and design options available. This gives you a better idea on what the outcome is like.


One material that has been used for eons to enhance the home exterior is Stucco. Stucco adds life to surfaces on which it is applied and it has been used by ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks as a way of strengthening their buildings. In the course of many centuries this material has been improved from its rather primitive mixture formula, but one thing about it that has not changed is its ability to add durability to the surface on which it is applied. However, Stucco Application is not something that can be done by yourself. You need to get it done by professionals.

Roof Repair and Estimates...Are They for Real?

Before you go out and form a contract with a roofing contractor, roof repair estimates are going to be required. If you are doing a home, a business, or a motorhome, taking a bit of time to get a better price is a good idea. Here in this informative article, we will see some of the facts about roof repair estimates and what to do.

If you have extensive roof damage, a roof repair estimate may be less than what you need. Before you go out and hire a contractor to repair a roof, make sure you do not have enough damage to need a replacement roof. Do not go out on your roof if you suspect rafters may be weakened or rotten through water leaks. Also, if you go out onto your roof, wear flat soled shoes to prevent more damage. If you have asphalt shingles, tile shingles, a metal roof, or even a slate roof, get a specialist for your type of roof to tell you if you need repair or if you need replacement of your roof. Roof repair estimates should not take that long from an experienced contractor, and they should be happy to help you.


Depending on who you ask, the advice to get " three free roof repair estimates " may not be good enough. A contractor's time is of course, just as valuable as yours. Nevertheless, for you to get the best price may not always mean you get the best service for the price. Ask your neighbors who they used for their roof. Ask your family who they used also. Calling around to get those free estimates runs the risk of making your contractor overly busy and giving a less-than-quality job to you or someone else. Call the Better Business Bureau. Do your due diligence, but getting " free roof repair estimates " from too many contractors may end up working against you.

Stucco is Durable and Attractive

Well built stucco homes are very incredibly strong and can easily last for hundreds years. For a new home, the use of stucco can add amazing value and character. Stucco is composed of an aggregate, a binder and water. The traditional stucco is made of lime, sand and water, while modern stucco is made of Portland cement, sand and water.

It is used for coating of the wall and ceiling of a house. Lime is often added in a mixture of modern stucco with a function to decrease the permeability and increase the workability of modern stucco. Acrylics and glass fibers are sometimes added to improve the structural properties of as stucco.

As a building material, stucco is durable, attractive as well as resistant to the influence of weather. It is used in both interior and exterior finish traditionally for direct application solid masonry, brick or stone surface. The finish coat of stucco often consists of a primary color and is generally textured for appearance.


If you are interested in having a stucco home, you can always hire a talented builder or a skilled stucco mason. They will be able to offer you a limitless amount of stucco textures and patterns for you to choose from. Classic styles can be imitated if you visit neighborhoods that are famous for their stucco homes. Drive around the area and snap a picture of the stucco textures that you love. If you want more than just a distant photograph of the stucco texture you like, you can always meet with the homeowners and tell them about your plan. You may be allowed to take close-up shots of their house.

Warning Signs of Bad Roofing Contractors

Looking for someone to do your house repairs can be a long and tricky business. New York Roofing Contractors are consistently on the higher-end for number of complaints put against them, even compared to general house repair businesses. If you need to hire a roofing contractor, take the time to do some research. You do not want to end up with poor work or a shady deal, it's more trouble than it's worth. Here are a few tips of what to watch out for when choosing your contractor.

Quality Comes at a Price

1 - Even though quality roofing contractors are more expensive to hire, they are worth it! Instead of springing for the lowest estimate, take take to check the companies' background. Look for their qualifications, the materials they use, and their experience.


2 Creepy contractors will sometimes try to pull a fast one with estimates. The numbers may be low, too low to include everything needed. Halfway through the project they'll surprise you by demanding unexpected costs, raising the overall price.

3 - Are the workers insured? Are you? Repairing roofs and houses is physically demanding and potentially dangerous. If an accident occurs, you may be subject to liability. Protect yourself beforehand by making sure that everyone involved is adequately covered.

Disadvantages of Stucco

Of course, stucco does come with a few disadvantages.

Stucco is expensive
In the grand scheme of siding materials, siding can certainly cost a pretty penny. Those with limited home improvement budgets might find that stucco is, unfortunately, out of reach.

A longer installation process
Stucco is one of the more difficult materials to install, and as a result, stucco installation tends to take longer than the average vinyl or wood siding installation. Homeowners who wish to have stucco siding installed should prepare themselves for a few extra days of construction.

And a few quick specifics
Cement stucco is extremely rigid. So if the foundation of the home on which it is installed begins to shift, then the stucco is likely to crack. Synthetic stucco is less rigid but has been known to trap moisture, causing walls to become rotted and degraded. In addition, synthetic stucco has been blamed for mold problems arising in homes with moisture damage. The good news is that installation techniques have improved to reduce the chances of these types of problems. Additionally, modern-day synthetic stucco is now fitted with a grooved foam backing that allows moisture to properly drain out.

The bottom line
Stucco provides the perfect combination of durability and aesthetic appeal. While it does have its drawbacks, stucco can instantly work to increase the value of one's home. If your budget allows for it, then treat yourself to the timeless elegance and curb appeal that has become synonymous with stucco.

What is Stucco?

Within the world of siding, stucco is regarded as one of the most elegant, stylish materials available on the market. Traditional stucco siding is made by combining Portland cement, sand, lime, and water. This mixture is then applied, sometimes in multiple coats, for a household exterior that is both durable and eye-catching.

Many consumers don't realize that there are actually two types of stucco presently in use. The first is what people might refer to as the "real" stucco, since it's the same type that's been around for years. "Real" stucco, also known as cement stucco, is a solid material that gets directly applied to the surface of a home for an almost rock-like covering. By contrast, the new, synthetic form of stucco is much more hollow than its cement counterpart. Synthetic stucco consists of foam board materials that are applied to the surface of the home and then given a classic stucco finish. While the two types of stucco are quite similar in appearance, synthetic stucco offers the added benefit of superb insulation.

Of course, as is the case with all siding materials, stucco comes with its own specific set of pros and cons. First, the advantages:

Stucco is resilient and long-lasting
When it comes to siding materials, stucco is certainly one of the most durable. Stucco is heat and fire resistant, which makes it not only strong, but safe. Additionally, stucco usually comes with a weather-resistant finish that minimizes cracks and helps it withstand the test of time.