Showing posts with label New york roofing repair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New york roofing repair. Show all posts

Friday, January 7, 2011

How to Know When to Consider Re-roofing Your Home

It may be time for you to install a new roof, but you’re not entirely sure. How do you know when it needs to be done? Here are some tidbits of great advice.

Spring is right around the corner and that means it’s an excellent time to inspect your roof for any damages. Start your inspection with a visual check from outside. Be on the lookout for any obvious damage first, such as missing shingles, cracked tiles, or warped or gapping wood shakes. Follow the roof line with your eyes. It should look perfectly horizontal. If instead, you notice a sag, it is possible there may be a structural problem created by a prolonged roof leak. If you do see a sag, you should consult a roofing repair professional immediately.

If you have an asphalt roof, look for thin, weather-worn shingles. If these shingles are brittle, it is possible that they have lost their protective inner oils, and a re-roof might be necessary. Over time, traditional wood shakes and shingles can warp, split, thin and be torn off, leaving the roof structure exposed to the elements. If you only notice a few spots that need work, a quick and simple roof repair may be in order.

To be thorough, roof inspection also needs to occur inside the house. Look for dark water stains on the ceilings of the attic or top floor of your home. If you notice anything, contact a professional for a complete consultation. We hope these few tips help! And if you notice anything suspicious, please contact our roofing professionals at A Real Advantage Construction right away.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Roof Vents

In the hot summers of New York, a ridge vent could be avery important part of your asphalt or fiberglass shingle roof replacement Bronx, and could save money on your energy bills. Roof vents are an important product that draws hot, humid air outside and pulls fresh air into the attic. Venting moisture out of your house will reduce mold problems. Removing hot air will keep your air conditioner wasting energy and costing you money.

Roof Ridge vents Bronx are not required by national building codes, but many local codes are requiring the use of them. Check your local building codes to see if your city requires a ridge vent and consider getting one for your shingle roof replacement Queens whether it is required or not.

There are several products on the market that can be installed as part of your fiberglass or asphalt shingle roof New York project. Credit: Courtesy Tarco Specialty ProductsMichigan City, Ind. based Blocksom and Co. offers a natural fiber product called Roof Saver that vents the ridge and can survive the severe winds of Miami and the Southeast coast. Made from high-density fiber on polyester netting, it removes hot air from the attic and eliminates potential damage to the roof, the company says.

Rapid Ridge Metric from Benjamin Obdyke in Horsham, Pa., is a nylon and polyester product that will keep roofs dry and tight for a longer period of time, the company says. The product is designed to protect roofs that have been installed with metric asphalt and fiberglass shingles New York. It helps the asphalt shingle roof Queens stay dry in warm regions of the country. The product is also a benefit to builders, Grimes says, because it comes with its own 1 U-inch collated nails and installs quickly.



Sunday, April 11, 2010

How to Find a Roofer

The first step in hiring a roofing contractor for roof replacement is (naturally) to first find a few roofing contractors who can inspect your roof and submit a bid to you. But where do you find roofers? How do you know if they do quality work? The obvious option is to ask your friends and neighbors for their experience and get referrals. The second option is to drive around your neighborhood and watch New York roofing contractors work in progress. This is often a common site on a summer day. Talk to the homeowner and find out if their roofing contractors Queens are honest, professional, and licensed.


You can also contact your local Chamber of Commerce about contractors who are active in the community. The Better Business Bureau, state and local licensing authorities, local trade associations and your local yellow page directory are also excellent sources of information. Online sources for asphalt shingle roofing contractors Bronx and other roofing installers include craigslist and Angie's List. Make sure any Contractor's you use off Craigslist and other anonymous sources like the Yellow Pages can supply you with a list of references. Local suppliers of building products can also supply you with names of quality Roofing Contractors New York. Once you find three quality roofers Bronx you can move on to the next step - asking them to submit a bid.


Saturday, March 13, 2010

Definitely Flat Roofing Materials

It’s a fact that your roof is one of the most important parts of your house and is the one thing that provides the building structure, the building occupants and the building contents with protection from the elements. Many roofs are in a state of disrepair but homeowners ignore this until the roof gets worse or until the weather gets worse.


With regular maintenance and the early identification and fixing of any problems you can usually avoid the big problems that have equally big price tagsattached to them. Regular maintenance in this way will also help extend the life of your roof New York.

Selecting flat roofing materials.
Flat roofs New York have extra difficulties associated with them. Because they do not slope rainwater does not automatically run down the roof and drain off. It is absolutely vital that flat roofing materials are as water resistant and water tight as possible to prevent serious damage to the roof itself and to the rest of the building and it’s contents. New types of flat roofing material are being used and while these offer more in the way of protection they are also more expensive as a general rule. There are still three main types of flat roofing materials that are used on a regular basis on new and older houses.



Built up flat roofing materials New York.

Built up roofing is basically just that. Built up roofing consists of laying down several layers of tar and water resistant materials and then covered with gravel. This is quite an old technique but the introduction of new waterproof materials has seen the strength and durability of this technique increase. The gravel acts as a good fire resistant layer and can be made to look very attractive. It is usually the cheapest of the flat roofing materials available, however, it is very heavy and may require strengthening of the joists. It is also impractical to use on residential houses that are being lived in because it smells terribly. The gravel itself can clog gutters and other vital aspects of water drainage.



Modified Bitumen flat roofing.
Modified bitumen is another stalwart in the world of flat roofing materials. Once upon a time it was necessary to use torchdown techniques that involved burning the roll of material onto the roof, however it is now possible to get adhesive varieties, thus cutting out the potential fire hazard that is sometimes associated. The mineral surface that is used to create modified bitumen can be created in light colors, effectively reflecting the heat and sun. This will cut down on your energy bills during the summer months, and it can even be installed by any avid (and competent) do it yourself fanatic.

Got Shingles?

Shingles cover 80% of America’s homes, but they are far from being all the same. Today’s shingles come in a large variety of colors, styles, and materials to meet any homeowner’s demands. Before we look at the different types of shingles available there are some other elements we should first consider.

Climate - shingles treated with zinc or copper New York are resistant to algae and fungus. This is something you will definitely want to have if you live in a damp, humid climate such as Florida, or Louisiana.

Building Codes - In some areas local law restricts certain roof types. The number of shingle layers a roof can have may be limited as well. A quality roofing contractor will be able to help make this decision with you.

Roof Pitch - The slope of the roof is something else that will be a factor in deciding which shingles are right for your home. Again, this is where a qualified professional New York can help guide you in the right direction.

Roof shingles are made with many different kinds of materials to suit a large range of needs. We will examine some of the major types of shingles, what they are made of, and how long they will last.

Asphalt Shingles - Often called composite shingles; asphalt shingles are widely popular due to being lightweight and relatively inexpensive. They are made by permeating a fiber material with asphalt. Since the late 1950’s manufacturers have constantly worked to improve quality by utilizing modern synthetic materials. The newer fibers being used make synthetic asphalt shingles more fireproof than their organic predecessors. They also absorb less asphalt; making them lighter also. Both types are covered with various colors of ceramic coated mineral granules. This not only adds to the beauty of the roof, but also protects the roof from the suns ultraviolet rays and increases the fire resistance. Granules of copper or zinc are used to fight algae growth. Most asphalt shingles have spots or strips of thermoplastic adhesive on the bottom side. This adhesive heats up in the sun, creating a bond with the roof which increases wind protection. With a life span of 20+ years asphalt shingles deserve serious consideration when choosing a roofing system for your project. Visit http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Shingle.html for more details.

Architectural Shingles - While made with the same types of materials as regular asphalt shingles; architectural shingles New York offer a more refined look. With their attractive thickness they can be made to resemble wood shakes or slate. Architectural shingles tend to be a bit more expensive, but they are easier to install than some other types. It is not unheard of to find premium laminate shingles with 50 year warranties.

Wood Shingles - Are usually cut from cedar though some other woods such as pressure treated pine are also used. Wood shingles are smooth and uniform, but with a lot of variety in look because of the natural grain. Wood shakes are similar to shingles, but are left rough. This type of shingle should last for 30-50 years, but expect to pay more than you would for asphalt shingles.

Do Reflective Roof Materials Work?

The temperature of your roof plays a very important part in a number of different environmental factors within your home. If your roof collects heat without reflecting any then your home will get incredibly hot during the summer months meaning you will have to pay more for energy bills to keep your air conditioning running or face long sweaty days with no reprise from the searing temperatures. This extra heat can also cause a build up of moisture inside your roof and eventually cause damage to the timber structure; this damage may manifest itself in the form of cracks, warped materials and leaks. Also in winter your home will get very cold and you will have to pay more for heating to keep your home at a reasonable temperature. There are essentially four main types of reflective roofing materials you may want to consider using for your roof.


Reflective roofing materials – metal roofs.

Aluminum, brushed stainless steel and other materials are used to create the metal roof New York. They are usually durable and hardy giving you an extended life on your roof and homeowners with metal roofs have reported savings of 20% on their annual energy bill. Don’t forget that cooling buildings accounts for an incredible 1/6th of all the energy that is used in the average home. The problem with metal roofs is that while they prevent the heat from being emitted in your home they actually trap it and so they do not actually reflect the heat as well as other types of reflective roofing material. If combined with a polymeric coating they become even more efficient and you could realize greater energy reduction within your home.



Reflective roofing materials – roofing tiles.

When considering roofing tiles New York as reflective roofing materials the most important factor to consider is the color of the tiles. Anyone who has been out on a summer day wearing a black t-shirt will know that dark colors do not reflect heat and anything they protect gets very hot very quickly. The same is also true when considering reflective roofing materials. Whether you choose ceramic or fabricated concrete you should select a light color that will do an effective job of reflecting the heat away from your home.



Reflective roofing materials - Roofing membranes.

Again, with roofing membranes New York it is important to opt for the right kind of color. Lighter is always better, and if you opt for the darker membranes that give your roof a similar appearance to that of one using slate shingles it will have very little reflective quality to it and you will need to pay through the nose for your air conditioning and you might also face damage to the roof itself.

Do You Need a New Roof?

This is the first question many roofing contractors New York get asked when dealing with a new potential customer. Often the answer is that repairs will do the trick. Other times a new roof or re-roof will be in order. We will discuss some common problems that occur and try to determine the best course of action for each. I’d like to note here that it is always best to seek the advice of a reputable, qualified professional. Early detection of problems is by far the most desirable option available. Yearly inspections by a knowledgeable, licensed professional can save you a ton of money in future repair, or replacement costs.

Exterior Inspection

A thorough exterior inspection should be the first step in making a decision on whether to replace or repair a roof New York. A frequent culprit is damaged or missing shingles. High winds as well as improper installation can cause shingles to become displaced. Some regions of the country (especially in the southeast) may have shingles permeated by algae or fungus which can lead to damage of the roof decking material. Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents may also be a source of potential problems. Checking rain gutters for granules and bits of rotten wood may also indicate trouble. It should be mentioned that loose granules found after application of new roofing should not alarm you, this is normal; on older roofs this indicates the need for replacement. Buckling of shingles may be a result of improperly installed felt, or shifting of the roof deck. Though there are other things to look for while inspecting the exterior of your roof an interior inspection is most likely to be the deciding factor when asking “Do I need a new roof?”


Interior Inspection

An interior inspection can be instrumental in deciding whether or not to go with a new roof New York. Deteriorated decking or decking that sags between the rafters (sometimes visible during an exterior inspection) is a sure sign that superficial repairs such as replacing a few shingles will not suffice. If both the decking and rafters are badly damaged it is time to consider a new roof. Re-roofing (placing a new roof over the existing one) when there is extensive damage to rafters and/or decking can lead to major future problems, even roof collapse in areas with heavy snow.

Choosing the Right Roof

Aside from choosing the right contractor for your roofing project New York perhaps the most important decision you will have to make, is choosing the roof itself. There are many options to choose from and many factors to consider, sometimes making it a very difficult decision indeed. A good roofing contractor can help you in making the right choice.


As you begin the process of deciding which roofing system is right for you, there are many questions you must ask yourself (and the contractor). How long will the roof last? This is a big question and one that ultimately depends on the type of system used. Some are designed to last for twenty years and others are built to last fifty or more.

Weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow will also need to be considered. Are there wildfires or intense heat in your area? If so heat resistant materials may be necessary in order to get the most out of your new roof.

Is the desired material too heavy for the existing roof structure? If you have an older wooden home it may not be able to support clay tile or other heavier materials.

Will the new roof New York compliment the style of my home? If you own a historic home you may want to apply the same material that was originally used, or a modern material (such as plastic polymers) that can match the look.

There are even synthetic materials that look like wood. Also, you will need to consider whether or not your roof has the right slope to accommodate the type of system you would like.

You will also need to determine if the local building codes allow using a particular roofing system New York. Again this is where a reputable, fully licensed and insured contractor can spare you a lot of headaches. And if there is a community association (you know the people that tell you what color your house can be) you may want to check with them as well.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Melting Snow and Roof Leaks

Looking after the roof of our house is the first and possibly most important step to caring for the long-term life of any house. Roof leaks are obviously a big problem in any house but knowing the correlation between melting snow and roof leaks can help you to prevent one of the major problems that many houses face. When snow melts and runs down the roof it often refreezes at it reaches the edge of the roof and the gutter.

You’ve probably stood back in awe looking at these ice dams that form, but these can cause havoc with the integrity of your roof. However, they are relatively easy to prevent and doing so will undoubtedly save you money and heartache in the future.



How ice dams form.

The warmth from your house melts the snow on the top of your roof because this is the warmest part of your roof. As this melted snow runs down the roof underneath the snow it then reaches the roof edge, which is at sub zero temperature; this drop in temperature causes the snowmelt to refreeze creating the dams that you often see on people’s houses in winter. The weight of these dams can cause a problem itself, however, the real problem occurs when further snowmelt collects in pools against the dams. This water eventually runs through the roof and into the house. Understanding this connection better melting snow and roof leaks is the first step to preventing it, and you basically have two options in order to do so.


Control the roof temperature.

There must be sub zero temperatures in order for the snow to be created initially, there then must above zero temperatures to melt the snow and there must be further sub zero temperatures to create the ice dams. Without all three of these factors you will not suffer from ice dams. For instance your shed is very unlikely to suffer ice dams because the entire surface of the roof is at a sub zero temperature. This means there is no build up of ice around the eaves. It is virtually impossible to keep the whole of your roof at temperatures above zero during very chilly winters, but it is possible to keep a new roof entirely at sub zero temperatures without compromising the temperature of the house. In order to avoid melting snow and roof leaks you need to have very good insulation, ventilation and an effective air barrier. This keeps the warm air in and the roof at a constant temperature thus eliminating melting snow and roof leaks from occurring.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Problem Rain Gutters


When it starts raining outside an incredible amount of water beats down on the roof of your house. Your roof principally does the job of protecting your house and everything in it from this rain. Most roofs are sloped in order that the water can run off and prevent heavy collections of rainwater gathering in pockets all over the roof.

If this were to happen the roof can become severely damaged and eventually holes will form where the rainwater once was (it would now be underneath the hole that has formed).

The damage that rainwater can cause.

If left to it’s own devices the rain water would run down the sloped roof and subsequently continue to pour down the wall of the house passing over window frames, windows, door frames, doors and possibly onto the damp proofing at the bottom of the house. Here it would collect in puddles that would take a long time to evaporate. All in all this would cause damage to the structure of your house, it can rot away wooden window and door frames and cause cracks in paving amongst other problems. During winter this damage does not take long to manifest itself and can cause further damage itself.

What drainpipes do.

The gutter and down pipes are there to prevent this from occurring. They collect the rainwater once it has reached the end of its descent. From there the slight slope in the guttering will encourage the rain water into the down pipe, subsequently carrying it down into the drain and safely away.


The effect of having improperly pitched gutters can have a similar effect, and in some cases it can be even worse. Improperly pitched gutters that are pitched away from the wall with even a slight gap is the equivalent of having no gutter whatsoever and you will face similar problems. However if you have improperly pitched gutters that cause all the rain water to collect in one area, this rainwater is then likely to run down one area of the wall.

Instead of all the rainwater from one day or one week being spread over the whole wall it is now being concentrated in just one area. The power of the water can erode the brickwork and the cement work causing serious structural damage and internal damp and rot. Both of these occurrences will cost you a lot more to right than having your drainpipe fixed or even having your improperly pitched gutters completely ripped down and replaced.

The dire consequences of improperly pitched gutters.

Improperly pitched gutters can end up costing you a very large amount of money and it is important that you regularly check that everything is running smoothly. You can easily tell whether a gutter is pitched properly by watching when it rains. However, you should have it checked regularly when you have your roof checked to make sure that the water isn’t running back into the roof because this will also cause serious damage and it is difficult to tell unless you know what you are looking for.

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens New York! Choose them for all your roofing needs!


Roofing Cost Estimates

As with any major job that needs doing to the house one of the most important factors that is likely to play on your mind is the cost. Roof price is made up of several factors, that we discuss below, and you should always be careful that you aren’t compromising quality or service in order to lower the roof price by a few dollars.

Many roofing contractors will provide similarly price quotes but you should always ensure that you are comparing them on a like for like basis and don’t forget that the cheapest offer isn’t necessarily the best value for money and the most expensive offer isn’t necessarily the worst value for money.


Materials.

Materials will be one of the biggest factors involved in calculating your roof price and while it is possible to reduce the cost by using different types of material you have to remember that this can often lead to a false economy. If using a different material means a saving of 10% on your roof price, but the material will last 30% less time then your best option is to choose the more expensive material. Obviously it is important that you select materials that are hard wearing and good looking where required but are also cost effective. You should have selected a roofing contractor that you have some faith in and discussing the particular materials with him or her will usually give you the answers you are looking for.


Labor.

Labor cost may vary slightly from one contractor to another but not by very much and it is certainly unlikely to be an area that can be negotiated. Within your roof price will be charges for all laborers including the people who strip your roof and load the skip. Any preliminary work you can do yourself is always advisable and if you are able to do any of the menial work yourself then you should consider this also. You need to check the terms of liability insurance with the roofing contractor first though and agree the tasks you will complete yourself before negotiating a contract. This really can make a difference to your roof price.


Profit.

This is the area that may have a little room for negotiation but every company needs to make a profit. Get quotes from small companies and from large companies and compare the roof price associated with these quotes. While small companies may not require the same level of profit as the larger companies, they will usually have to pay more for materials and other factors making the bottom line roof price very similar

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, New York! They have the background and experience to make sure that your roofing estimate is right on! Choose them for all your roofing repair needs!


Cathedral Ceilings

Classic cathedral ceilings are beautiful and timeless. They give the home and open, airy feel but they are also more prone to moisture damage than a traditional ceiling. The design of a cathedral ceiling creates isolated air spaces, which are more difficult to treat. There has been an ongoing debate, for years, among experts who feel that ventilation is necessary for cathedral ceilings.say that it is required to help eliminate the moisture buildup, while others say that a simpler method will suffice. The question that may are asking is, “What is best?” The real answer, however, lies with only one question. “What is best for my home?” You, and only you, can make a well-informed decision about how to properly care for and protect your ceiling.

Say ‘Yes’ To Ventilation For Cathedral Ceiling

We believe that a ridge vent is, in fact, highly recommended for a cathedral ceiling. It will allow warm and moist damaging air to be released between the rafters. This moist air, which can cause a lot of damage if left alone, would otherwise be trapped between the rafters and would soon begin to cause the wood decking to rot. In addition, many other problems could begin to occur.

It is necessary to provide ventilation to cathedral ceilings in order to release the moisture and prevent it from worsening. The presence of moisture can cause a lot of damage to the roof’s structure, including rotting, weakening and a possible need for replacement. If left untreated, moisture can damage the ceiling, but also cause problems throughout the structure of the home itself.

Improper Ventilation For Cathedral Ceiling

Roof vents or a power fan would not be recommended for a cathedral ceiling home. The reasoning lies in that either of these types of vents will only ventilate the space between the rafters, but are not sufficient for completely eliminating moisture damage. These types of ventilation are most widely used for homes with wide open attic space, but not a cathedral ceiling. A ridge vent, on the other hand, will be able to properly handle ventilation for a cathedral ceiling.

Find A Local Contractor In Your Area

Unless you are certain about installing the proper ventilation for your cathedral ceiling, you should call a professional roofing contractor. They are trained and work daily with all types of roofing problems, including ventilation for cathedral ceilings and will be able to better inform you of your options to better protect your home. It is often recommended that you speak with several before making a final decision. Ask questions, get quotes and ask about warranties.

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair in Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn in New York! Choose them for all your roofing needs!

Black Mold

You may have heard about black mold on the news, a passing story about a baby who got sick or a family that discovered their house was overrun with the stuff. But do you know what black mold is and how it could affect your family?

Toxic molds such as the infamous black mold are a form of fungus, one of the most common forms, in fact. It spreads easily under the right conditions and unfortunately, the right conditions can be found in many homes these days. While an extreme quantity of any kind of mold can cause problems in humans, some people are more sensitive than others and black mold tends to trigger health problems in most of the population

What are the health problems caused by black mold? They are numerous and include difficulties breathing and allergic reactions. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic back in 1999, 37 million Americans suffer from mold-related sinus infections which are chronic in nature. Also, asthma has risen at an alarming rate the past few years and experts claim that this is due to mold exposure.

Small children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems (such as pregnant women and those suffering from HIV) are most at risk for problems related to black mold, although it can affect anyone exposed to it for long periods of time. Most of the time, the symptoms are fairly mild, simply allergic reactions. However, they can actually be deadly to some individuals and for this reason it is important to identify and remove any toxic mold from the home.

Black mold tends to grow in moist, dark places. Bathroom showers and in the cabinets under a sink are two very common places to find this mold. While these are areas that would normally be fairly damp and dark, leaking pipes or faucets and floods can also trigger the growth of this noxious fungus in areas such as the basement and inside the walls. If you have a leaking roof, you might also notice black mold growing on your ceiling and down the walls.

Once black mold has become established in one area, it can quickly spread. Unfortunately, this usually means that extensive renovations will need to be done in order to get rid of the mold entirely. That could mean replacing drywall, floor boards and baseboards, among other things. For the safety of your family, though, it is well worth the expense and the hassle.

Any leaks or flooding should be cleaned up immediately and the area dried thoroughly before any mold gets a chance to start growing. You should repair a leaking roof as soon as possible and keep your home well ventilated so that mold doesn’t have a chance to get a foothold.

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 souce for fixing and preventing roof leaks in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx in New York! They have the background and experience to make sure that your home is perfectly fitted with a nice roof! Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roof repair needs!

A Leaky Skylight

A skylight is an excellent source of both warmth and light for your home and they can enhance the overall appearance of your house as well as giving you a little extra air when required. There are a number of different factors that can lead to a leaky skylight but the most common factor is an improperly fitted or installed skylight. This inadequacy is usually brought about because having a skylight fitted by a professional roofing contractor can cost a lot of money, and people tend to revert to a handyman or, often worse still, doing it themselves.

Without proper knowledge of construction regarding the skylight fitting and the roof surrounding it, though, can lead to disastrous results. Even the inadequate fixing of an existing leaky skylight can make thing sworse. To charge quite a high cost to fit a skylight because they would rather work on better paid, roof installments. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a reputable and highly skilled roofing contractor who will complete the job at a reasonable price. However, because fitting a skylight is a skilled job, as is all roofing, you will need to pay more to have one fitted properly by an expert when compare to paying a handy man to fit it.

A leaky skylight causes relatively minimal damage in the short term, however over the long term this damage can become significant so you should make sure that the drops you saw coming off your skylight are actually condensation and not the first tell tale signs of a leak. You may end up having to replace wallpaper, carpets and worse still making structural repairs to the inside of your house (although only usually in extreme circumstances). A leaky skylight may also be indicative that you have bigger problems with your roof so you should get someone out to check it as soon as possible.

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for repairing roof leaks in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx in New York! They have the background and experience to make sure that you will receive total quality care! Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roof leak needs!

Roofing Repair and Contractors

The primary concern of any house owner when he or she goes in for roof repairs is whether the contractor to whom they have awarded the contract is capable.

Is the contractor worthy of being given the responsibility for repairing the roof and other structures in the house? Does the claims which he makes as regards past repair and projects actually relate to his expertise in the field of repair. Can he be trusted? Is he qualified enough to suggest the replacement or repair of the roof? If you are plagued by these questions, then read on.

Whatever be your roofing repair or roof replacement needs, you need a qualified professional roofing contractor whom you can trust. This translates to finding a roofing contractor who knows good roofing practices. He must be aware of roof flashing details, on how to handle problem spots on building roofs and alternative roof covering products like shingle types,

grades, colors, low slope roofing, flat roofing materials, etc. A competent roofer will provide the client with sound advice on products, reasonable explanation of procedures, and, most importantly dependable results in the form of a strong and a durable roof.

It's difficult to determine the capabilities and reliability of a contractor just on face value or when he or she approaches you with a printed brochure. In order to select a qualified contractor there are few steps which are advised to be taken so that the client who is getting the repairs done gets a fair deal. These include doing a market survey of available contractors and their market credentials, meeting members of the local councils to get their suggestions and then homing on to a manageable list of contractors whom you think can do the job for you. Based on referrals and your meetings, you need to make a checklist of people who qualify for your job.

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roofing repair in Bronx, Queens, and the Bronx in New York! They have the experience and background to make sure that your roof is repaired promptly and affordably. Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roof repair needs!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Most Common Leak Locations

The Field of Shingles

If your roof is older, it is possible that the leak is within the roof field. This means the expanse of shingles, slate, shakes, whatever. If your roof is asphalt, then you can walk around with ease. Other materials such as slate, concrete tile or clay tile may not be so forgiving. You can crack roofing if you walk on it, so be careful. With regular shingles, look at the tops of the vertical knockouts. Look for missing colored granules. Look for cracks. Possibly a nail has backed itself out of the roof sheathing. Simply take your time and hunt.

Valleys

A valley is a line where two roof planes intersect. Here we use a metal flashing in the valleys. Some areas use rolled roofing. Other places simply lace the shingles together. Valleys can be big problems if you do not trim the shingles correctly. When you trim a shingle for a valley you end up with a chisel point on the end of the shingle. If a second cut is not made to make this point like an arrow point, then water can travel along the top of the shingle and find its way inside your house. The shingle wrapper tells you how to make this simple second cut.

Head Wall Flashings

Some roofs stop at a vertical wall. A metal flashing must be in place to direct water streaming down the wall away from the stopping point of the shingles. This flashing may be behind wood siding or in front of a brick wall. The flashing should extend over the shingles at least three inches. If the wall is brick or other masonry, the flashing must bend and extend one inch into a mortar joint. Tar, caulk or roofing cement should never be used in conjunction with these materials. If you see them, it is a sign that someone tried to patch a leak!

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for repairing roof leaks on your home! The professional staff will work hard to find at fix the leaks they find! Choose A Real Advantage Constrution for all your roof leak repairing needs in New York, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn!

When to Get Your Roof Repaired


A leaking roof is the most obvious sign that it's time to replace your roof, but it's hardly the only one. Many of these signs will eventually lead to a leaking roof, but identifying these problems early enough can prevent water damage and save you money for your roof replacement project. Sometimes this early intervention can also be the difference between repairing your roof and replacing your roof. You should consider part of this decision, however, the age of the roof, otherwise you may find roof repair a constant burden.

Look for these signs in your roof:

Missing or torn shingles expose the roof to water damage and rot, and make nearby shingles more susceptible to being blown away. Old shingles will curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away by wind gusts.

Rusted or missing flashing can result in a leaking roof. Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes and often is found in the valleys where roof sections meet.

Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for evidence of decay or damage. Broken pieces of paint and scraps of roofing may be visible.

Indoors, look for discolored plasterboard or cracked paint and peeling wallpaper.

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repairs in New York, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens! They will repair your roof with the utmost care to make sure everything is done to perfection! Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roofing repair needs!


Components of a Gutter System

The Roof - It takes a well designed roof to drain all of the storm water into the gutters or roof drains.

The Gutter - The gutter (or roof drain in some flat roof) needs to be designed to capture all the roof drainage and direct the water into the downspouts.

The Downspouts - These are the pipes that carry the water from the gutters to the drain system.

The Drain System - This is the in-ground set of pipes the leads the water away from the structure and into a storm drain or on site system.

A Real Advantage Gutter System:

■ Drainage Improvement
■ Leak & Debris Removal
■ Downspout Cleaning
■ Gutter Repair and Installation
■ Gutter Adjustments
■ 5” and 6” Gutters are available in over 30 different colors

A Real Advantage Gutter system helps protect from all sorts of falling debris which can cause uneven water flow thus leading to roof damage.

A Real Advantage Construction is your #1 source for roof repair and gutter cleaning in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx! They will work hard to maintain your gutters, so you don't have to! Choose A Real Advantage Construction for all your roofing and gutter cleaning needs!


Thursday, November 12, 2009

Glossary of Roofing Terms 2

Gable:

A type of roof with two slopes meeting at a horizontal ridge. Also, the triangular area formed by such a roof.

Hip"

A downward sloping intersection of two roof planes that extends from the ridge to the outside corner of the house. Also, a type of roof.

Rake:

The edge of a pitched roof at the gable end.

Ridge:

The top edge of the roof, where two roof slopes meet in a horizontal line.

Sheathing:

Boards or plywood sheets that form the nailing base for roofing shingles or tiles.

Slope (or pitch):

The number of inches of verticle rise of the roof over a horizontal distance of 12 inches; a “4 in 12” roof has a slope that rises 4 inches over a 12-inch run.

Soffit:

The underside of the rafters and roof at the eaves.

Square:

Unit of measure equaling 100 square feet, used as a basis for measuring roof area. Also, the amount of roofing material, allowing for overlapping, needed to cover 100 square feet of roof.

Underlayment:

The material, usually asphalt-saturated roofing felt, used to cover deck sheathing before the roof surface is put down.

Valley:

The junction where two downward sloping roofs meet at an angle, an important channel for water runoff.

A Real Advantage Construction understands that repairing roofs can be stressful and frustrating, so they work hard, so you don't have to! They are your #1 source of roof repair, siding repair, and gutter cleaning in New York, including Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn! Choose A Real Advantage Roofing Contractors for your next roofing project!

Gutter Services

A Real Advantage offers the following services for gutters:

■ Drainage Improvement
■ Leak & Depris Removal
■ Downspout Cleaning
■ Gutter Repair and Installation
■ Gutter Adjustments
■ 5” and 6” Gutters are available in over 30 different colors

A Real Advantage Gutter system helps protect from all sorts of falling debris which can cause uneven water flow thus leading to roof damage. Leave your gutters clogged too long and internal damage may be caused which will result in large sums of money to repair.


You really need to clean your gutters because over the course of time, an organic muck builds up and creates a wonderful medium for growing all kinds of stuff.

Cleaning your gutters something that needs to be done once or twice a year to ensure quality water flow away from your home. Ignoring gutters can result in a host of ills including rotted fascia boards, water damage to the sides of your home, and foundation problems.

A Real Advantage Roofing Contractors is your #1 source for gutter cleaning in New York! They understand that gutter cleaning can be stressful, so they work with you to ensure that the process goes smoothly and seamlessly. Choose A Real Advantage Construction for your next gutter cleaning!