Keeping Roofs Leak Free
Replacing a roof is a major home renovation, but homeowners often only need to repair individual sections of a roof to keep it in good condition. Some of the signs that shingles need to be replaced include thin and crinkled edges, a smooth texture or a lighter color. Homeowners can check their shingles periodically by looking out from a second-story window or climbing up a ladder. It’s not always convenient or safe to climb 15 to 30 feet on a ladder, so it makes sense to schedule yearly inspections with a team of Middlesex County roofers.
Professional roofing contractors should be factory trained to ensure they can spot the signs that a roof needs work, and if the contractor has been trained by the roofing supplies company GAF, they may be able to offer a factory inspection on a newly installed roof. GAF Master Elite contractors make up a special class of roofers recognized by GAF as providing superior workmanship and upholding stringent safety and quality standards, and only the top 3 percent of roofers are given this status.
There are many benefits of working with Master Elite roofers, and for an investment as important as a roof, hiring contractors who receive ongoing training will ensure that the proper procedure is always followed.
One of the most overlooked parts of a roofing project is the fenestration, or skylights, installed on the various sides of the roof. Skylights that are improperly installed can be inefficient when it comes to heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, but they can also pose a serious safety hazard if they ever come loose in a high-ceiling room. Skylights are made from acrylic or tempered glass glazing, so they don’t break into large shards of glass if they are knocked in by a tree branch or falling object. Still, it could cost a significant amount to repair.
The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Fenestration Rating Council recommends getting Energy Star skylights that reduce solar heat gain in the summer and increase it in the winter. Homeowners who are completely replacing their roofs have the opportunity to install skylights in different locations and perhaps choose different sizes. North- and south-facing skylights provide the most light with the least solar heat gain; east- and west-facing skylights provide light and warmth at dawn and dusk, respectively. However, it’s important to consider the glare from east- and west-facing windows when planning a renovation. The roofers at Fortified Roofing of Middlesex County NJ can answer your questions regarding new roofs or gutters.
Fortified Roofing of Middlesex County NJ defines a common roofers term:
Fenestration
The word fenestration refers to doors and windows, and the National Fenestration Rating Council provides ratings on the energy efficiency of skylights, windows, windowed doors and sliding glass doors. The most efficient fenestration receives the Energy Star label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Question and answer courtesy of the Middlesex County roofers from Fortified Roofing in NJ:
How can someone check if shingles have leaks?
Leaks don’t always appear in obvious places, and an unseen leak can thoroughly damage floors and ceilings in attics, closets and other places that aren’t inspected regularly. Upstairs windows give homeowners a limited view of the roof, so climbing up on a ladder is the only way to look for brittle, cracked and worn shingles as well as algae, moss and hail damage. Factory-trained contractors provide this service during routine inspections.
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