A leak, of course, is the most obvious clue that your roof needs some attention. Leaks can be caused by a variety of reasons, including ice dams, shingles blow-off, or improperly installed or deteriorated flashings.

Don’t just look for a drip coming from the ceiling, though. Signs of moisture also include discolored spots on the wall, loose wallpaper, peeling paint on the ceiling, or a damp smell in a hallway or room. And remember that water traveling into your home may take a circuitous route, running down rafters, top plates, studs, and sole plates before reaching your ceiling.

HOW TO RESPOND TO ROOF LEAKS

In the life cycle of every roofing project, at one point or another, you will have to deal with a leak. In general, roofs are not designed to last as long as the rest of the structure. This does not imply that a leak means the roof needs to be replaced, but it can be a warning. Since water will come in at some point, educational and health care facility managers should plan for it before it happens. Strategically placing buckets and plastic tarps in maintenance closets can reduce the time it takes to find them, thus reducing the damage when the leak does occur.

Anticipate The Leak

The first thing to remember is not to panic. The roof can be repaired. Most building materials are tolerant of a certain amount of moisture. The amount of damage done to building materials by moisture is directly related to the amount of moisture and the time of exposure, if both of these can be reduced then the potential for permanent damage to the inside of a building can be reduced. Try to minimize the damage once the leak is discovered, then work diligently to stop the leak and prevent additional damage.

When a leak is discovered:

First move away from the wet, leaky area anything that can be damaged by direct moisture. This includes filing cabinets, desks, chairs, pictures on a wall, etc. Buckets and plastic should be installed using duct tape to hold them in place in order to catch the water. Ceiling tiles should be removed. Ceiling tiles will just spread the leak from one tile to the next. If they are already damaged they will not get any better if left in place. By taking them out, the water should drip more directly from the underside of the roof deck to the floor where buckets and plastic have now been placed. Put up wet floor signs, warning signs, and perhaps even a warning line so that other building occupants are not walking through this area. It might be worthwhile to utilize a wet vac as they can be rented inexpensively. This will reduce the potential for permanent damage to the carpet or flooring.

Leaks Coming Down Walls

Remove the ceiling tile in the area along the wall. Try to expose the leak—it may not be at the wall. Apply plastic with duct tape to the wall as high as possible. You may be able to help divert the water away from the wall and onto the plastic where it can then be contained, caught and mopped up. Minimize the amount of time the water is on the wall. The deck-wall intersection is not an uncommon leak point. Again, plastic can be taped in with duct tape which is fairly tolerant of moisture.

Investigate First

Do not go onto the roof if there is any chance of lightning. It is more important to be safe than sorry. Having someone proceed onto the roof in a thunderstorm is not a smart idea and not worth the risk.

While checking for the source of the leak, check the drains in that area. The whole reason for the leak could be a backed-up, plugged drain. The water flowing over the flashings is a leak that is easily repaired by cleaning the drain. This should be done as part of the facility’s normal roof maintenance program, however, sometimes between routine maintenance checks debris and other objects accumulate on the roof clogging up the drain system. Look for missing or displaced metal from fan housings, ducts, and access doors. If the metal is lying on the roof, did it cartwheel, tearing the roof as it traveled? Are skylights intact? Copings?

You may consider trying to stop the leak yourself particularly if more rain is predicted.

Damage Control If the roofing contractor says he can have someone there right away then let him. The idea is to minimize the damage caused by the leak.

A leak is not the end of the world, it is a natural occurrence. “Be Prepared” is a good motto for educational and health care facility managers to follow. If the damage can be minimized, the disruption and downtime to the facility can be minimized as well. The inconvenience of having to deal with the leak can be minimized with prompt attention to the leak.

Remember, water coming through the ceiling tiles does not necessarily mean that it is a roof leak. A leaky pipe or backed-up toilet from the above bathroom could be the culprit.

Questions to ask yourself

• Does the leak appear every time it rains? or does it have to rain really hard?
• Does the wind need to be blowing super hard and in a certain direction?
• How long after it starts to rain does the leak re-appear?

Tips on trying to locate the source of the leak

Start looking right above where the leak is appearing. Look for water stains, mold, wet insulation, or other signs of water leaks.

Take a measurement from inside the home, measure from a wall with a window in it to the water stain where the leak is appearing, let’s say the measurement is 10 ft. Now get on the roof and measure from that same window over 10 ft. you should now be almost directly above the leak. Look that whole roof area over to see if there are any obvious problems as to why the leak is coming in from there.

When troubleshooting a stubborn hard-to-find leak, you can use the old water hose method by saturating the area above where the leak is appearing and getting in the attic to see if you can see where it is coming in from the roof.

Note: When saturating the roof starts 1/3 the way up the side that is above the leak, this way if the leak appears you know it is in that 1/3 area. And repeat the process until the leak is found.

Determining the roof pitch is very important when giving roof estimates, it directly affects all parts of the estimate. The steeper the pitch the more the costs go up. For instance: In roof Tear-Offs, Loading the Roof, and Applying the Roof, the cost will increase as the roof pitch gets steeper.

Correctly determining the roof pitch, prior to figuring out the roofing estimate is critical in figuring out a precise and accurate roof estimate.

Note: Many roofs have more than 1 pitch so you must determine the number of squares per the different roof pitches.

How to determine the Roof Pitch.

You need to determine how many inches the roof rises for every 12″ it runs or spans.

Simply place a level across the top ridge with the 12″ mark resting directly on the center top of the ridge, and make sure the level is level. Now take a measurement from the surface of the roof to the bottom of the level, however many inches that read is the roof pitch. For instance: If your tape measure reads 6″ then the roof pitch is 6/12, if your tape measure reads 8″ then the roof pitch is 8/12 etc. If there are existing roof layers you will need to allow for these, try and determine how thick those layers of roof protrude above the roof sheathing and add this amount to the tape measurement reading. For instance: If the roof layers protrude above the roof 1″, simply add 1″, so if your tape measurement read 6″ you would add 1″ which equals 7″ or 7/12.

You can also determine the roof pitch from a ladder without having to get on the roof. From the bottom of a rafter tail or at a barge rafter at the gable end on the overhangs of the roof, the procedure will be the same. This way is more accurate because there are no layers of roofing to compensate for.

The pitch factor will get multiplied by the total amount of squares, each roof pitch has its own pitch factor as shown in the chart below. Hips, Rakes, and Valleys also use the same pitch factor.

Pitch Factor

Simply enter in your measurements or enter in the whole amount of roof squares at one time. Choose the roof pitch and the Roof Estimator will automatically multiply the amount squares by the roof pitch factor, to give you the correct amount squares. When measuring from blueprints you need to take into consideration the roof pitch, since blueprints have no rise/pitch, you’re blueprints will have the correct roof pitch noted on them. The same goes for Hips, Rakes, and Valleys. We’ve also included a % waste box that will allow for any waste for cut-up roofs with lots of hips and valleys. View the Pitch Factor screenshot below

Pitch Factor Chart

Why Take Risk?

It is estimated that 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation. Why? Because most people are unaware that attic ventilation can impact the longevity of their entire home!

 

For example, in the summer, an improperly ventilated attic can cause heat to build in excess of 160°F. This superheated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation into the living area below.

Types of damage that can result include:

• Premature aging of your roofing system (“fried” shingles)
• Warping, cracking, or breaking down of wood framing
• Damage to siding, exterior or interior paint, and wallpaper
• Higher energy costs

A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the load on your air conditioner by moving the superheated air out of your attic before it builds up and causes damage.

In the winter, various household appliances, bathtubs, showers, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture build-up. Improperly ventilated attics will allow this moisture to collect and cling to the underside of the roof. There, it will condense and fall, soaking the attic insulation and reducing its efficiency

Additional structural damage
can include:

• Roof deck warping and rotting of the wood frame
• Mildew growth
• Buckling of shingles and feltFinally, attics should be properly ventilated to help prevent ice dams in cold northern climates. During the winter, ice and snow on a roof will melt and run down the deck to the cooler eaves. This run-off can re-freeze, creating an ice dam that will trap moisture on the roof. The moisture can eventually back up under the shingles and enter your home — causing hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage to your ceilings and walls. Adequate attic ventilation will reduce the amount of initial melting that occurs on your roof, thereby reducing the chance that ice dams will form.

Proper Attic Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continuous flow of outside air through the attic (see illustration at left), protecting the efficiency of the insulation and helping to lower temperatures in the living space.

It consists of a balance between air intake (at your eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your roof ridge).

The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation (both intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic space. For example, if your attic is 900 square feet, you need a total of 3 square feet of ventilation. This amount is generally divided equally between intake and exhaust ventilation (i.e., 11/2 feet of each), to insure proper air flow through the attic. To calculate the amount of ventilation you need for your home, follow the example shown on the next page.

Calculating Your Ventilation Requirements

Example: Calculating the number of lineal feet of Cobra® Exhaust Vent needed for a 30’x 40′ attic:

SAVE ENERGY, MONEY AND MORE.

Radiant barrier is an aluminum foil product installed in buildings to minimize heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, reducing the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling.

Periodic table of elements – 13: Al, 26.982A radiant barrier, according to ASTM standards, must have an emittance value (a measure of the energy radiated by a surface) of less than 0.1. Aluminum is one of the most effective radiant barriers because it’s a good heat reflector and a poor heat radiator.

A layer of aluminum foil placed in an air space reflects thermal radiation, prevents up to 97 percent of the radiant heat in the panel from radiating into the attic.

• Summer: Radiant Heat from the sun penetrates the roof and walls of a house in the summer, but a radiant barrier blocks that radiant heat from entering the home.
• Winter: In the winter, a radiant barrier keeps indoor heat from escaping through the roof and walls and reflects it back into the house. As a result, your house stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

GO GREEN!

More and more people are building green these days, and that’s good news — for the environment and for all of us. The goal of green building is to reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and the people in them.

EarthBuildings have a major impact on the environment. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings (both commercial and residential) account for 65.2 percent of total electricity consumption in the U.S., and 30 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. They also account for more than 36 percent of total U.S. primary energy use and 12 percent of potable water use.

Several design and construction practices can help reduce the impact of buildings on the environment. LP® TechShield® Radiant Barrier is an energy-efficiency measure that can make a big difference. Because it blocks heat from entering the home during warm months and keeps heat from escaping during colder months, less energy is required for heating and cooling. Reducing energy use results in decreased carbon emissions and a healthier environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a radiant barrier?

Radiant Barrier is a highly reflective, low emitting material installed at the underside surface of the roof deck and the inside surface of gable ends or other vertical surfaces in attics to reduce solar heat gain into the attic.

What is TechShield Radiant Barrier Sheathing?

TechShield uses a unique patented process to laminate a thin, yet durable sheet of aluminum overlay to the surface of LP Oriented Strand Board (OSB).

Can TechShield be used as a substitute for attic insulation?

No. TechShield is intended to work with standard insulation, enhancing its heat resistant properties by reducing the amount of radiant heat transferred from the roof to the attic insulation.

How soon can homeowners expect a return on their investment?

Homeowners will begin to see a return on their investment immediately in terms of greater comfort and reduced energy usage. Payback will vary depending upon weather conditions, use of other energy-efficient building products, regional energy prices and thermostat settings. TechShield will continue to save energy for the life of the home.

Will heat build up in the roof and damage my shingles?

No. The Florida Solar Energy Center has measured the temperatures of roof shingles above radiant barrier sheathing. Depending on the color of the shingles, their peak temperatures are only 2-5 degrees higher than the temperatures of shingles under the same conditions without a radiant barrier.

TechShield installation should not affect shingle warranties. LP has received warranty statements from Elk, GAF, Celotex, Owens Corning, Certainteed, and Tamko that allow the use of TechShield as roof decking without affecting their shingle warranties as long as the shingles are installed according to their installation instructions. Please refer to your shingle warranty for specific details.

For additional information on this topic, refer to Technical Bulletin #103 as issued by the Radiant Insulation Manufacturers Association.

How do radiant barriers “block” heat?

The aluminum radiant barrier has two properties that enable it
to effectively block heat: emissivity and reflectivity. Aluminum’s low
emissivity allows it to prevent up to 97% of the radiant heat in the
panel from radiating into the attic. Its high reflectivity allows it
to help block heat from your living space from escaping through your
roof deck to the outside.”

How soon can homeowners expect a return on their investment?

Homeowners will begin to see a return on their investment immediately
in terms of greater comfort and reduced energy usage. Payback will
vary depending upon weather conditions, use of other energy-efficient
building products, regional energy prices and thermostat settings.
Once installed, TechShield keeps on saving energy.

INSTALLATION

Are there any special installation requirements for TechShield Radiant Barrier Sheathing?

No. In fact, TechShield requires less time and labor to install than loose radiant barriers because the radiant barrier is already applied to the decking material. No special tools or additional construction steps are required.

The radiant barrier side of the roof sheathing is placed face down, toward the interior of the attic. There must be at least a 3/4″ air space between the aluminum layer and other products such as insulation.

What are the benefits of radiant barriers in attics?

The primary benefit of attic radiant barriers is in reducing air-conditioning cooling loads in warm or hot climates. When solar energy is absorbed by the roof, heat from the roof sheathing and framing radiates downward toward the attic floor, through the insulation and framing and into the living areas of the home. TechShield Radiant Barrier Sheathing prevents up to 97% of attic radiant heat gain through the panel, keeping attic temperatures significantly cooler.

What are the benefits of TechShield Radiant Barrier Sheathing?

• Prevents up to 97% of the radiant heat in the panel from radiating into the attic.
• Reduces attic temperatures by as much as 30°.
• Reduces energy consumption for cooling by as much as 17%.
• Increases comfort level of the home.
• May add resale value to the home.
• No additional labor to install

Decking Options

AC Foam® CrossVent

Environmentally Friendly “Green” Polyiso Insulation

Patented ACFoam CrossVent insulation consists of a thermally efficient polyiso insulation board with 1.0″, 1.5″ or 2.0″ vent spacer strips separating 7/16 in. APA/TECO rated OSB from the polyiso foam insulation to create a cross ventilating airspace. CrossVent combines the desirable benefits of a nailable surface and insulation with the addition of a cross ventilating airspace. CrossVent is made to order in 4´ x 8´ (1220mm x 2440mm) size panels and in nominal thicknesses of 2.5″ to 6.5″. Non-Standard vent spaces are available on special order.

Recommended Uses

ACFoam CrossVent has been designed for use over sloped unventilated roof decks. Slopes must be appropriate for the type of roof system specified. The primary purpose of CrossVent is to provide a thermally efficient insulation with uniform cross venting that promotes air circulation required by many shingle manufacturers. CrossVent allows heat to dissipate while providing a nailable surface and efficient insulation in a one-step labor saving process.

AC Foam®– II

Environmentally Friendly “Green” Polyiso Insulation

Tapered ACFoam II features ACUltra Technology which means ZERO HCFC´s – a cost effective “Green” building solution. Excellent R-Values reduce energy demands while maintaining compatibility with all types of roofing membranes and fire assemblies. Tapered ACFoam II is manufactured in a tapered profile to attain positive drainage while maintaining the highest thermal efficiency available in a tapered system.

In 1998, years ahead of the Environmental Protection Agency timetable for eliminating HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), Atlas introduced a line of ACFoam Products that are environmentally sensitive and available for virtually every type of construction system. Through a patented hydrocarbon blowing technology called ACUltra, Atlas began the phaseout of HCFCs in the manufacturing of foam insulation and anticipates the complete removal of HCFCs from all Atlas foam products within the next year.

Recommended Uses

Tapered ACFoam is specified for use in hot asphalt or coal tar BUR, modified bitumen and single-ply membrane systems. Tapered ACFoam is manufactured in a tapered profile to attain positive drainage while maintaining the highest thermal efficiency available in a tapered system. Tapered ACFoam is also available in 25-psi formula. Available in 4´ x 4´ (1220mm x 1220mm) only.

From commercial construction to residential roof repairs, if you’re looking for a reputable Pecan Valley roofing company, we’re here to serve. We’ve been working in the Pecan Valley, TX community and greater San Antonio area for over 20 years, and we are one of the few local roofers that can handle any roofing challenge.

We built our Pecan Valley roofing service on: customer satisfaction, quality materials and workmanship, a reputation for honesty and courtesy, and a record of safety. These values continue to drive our success and satisfy our customers. We provide both residential and commercial roofing services.

Residential Roofing in Pecan Valley

From new roof installations to replacements, repairs, and retrofits, we serve the Pecan Valley’s residential community with pride and exceptional customer service. In addition to standard roofing services, our roofers also install sun tunnels, skylights, roof and attic vents, and rain gutters.

Commercial Roofing in Pecan Valley

From roofing installations on commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings to new construction, roof maintenance, roof repairs, and roof renovations, our commercial roofing crew provides the commercial segment with comprehensive roofing service, fair prices, and prompt service.

Insurance Repair Work and Pecan Valley Roof Inspections

Roof inspections in Pecan Valley can be treacherous. In fact, you may find that your insurance adjuster doesn’t even go on the roof to inspect the damage which could result in a settlement offer that fails to cover the cost of repairs. Have one of our Pecan Valley roof inspectors present when your adjuster arrives to ensure that nothing is overlooked!

From general wear and tear to major storm damage, if you need a Pecan Valley roofer, we’d love the opportunity to provide you with a free, written estimate. Contact us today for exceptional roofing service.

Are you in need of a proven Terrell Hills roofing contractor? How does over 20 years of San Antonio area experience sound? Our roofers have served Terrell Hills property owners for decades, earning the trust and repeat business of your neighbors. We offer complete commercial and residential roof services and a personal touch that you’re sure to love.

Residential and Commercial Roofing Services

From the initial consultation to the final installation, we take a personal interest in making sure each client is thoroughly impressed with our services. Whether we’re providing roofing services for a huge subdivision or repairing a house’s minor roof leak, we want you to be completely satisfied with our work. It all begins by meeting with you and asking the right questions. From there, we match your needs with quality roofing products that fit your budget and then perform the work using the best practices in the industry. End result: your complete satisfaction!

Terrell Hills Roofing Expertise

Whether your roof is aging and in obvious need of a replacement or has recently gone through a major storm, our roofing team applies its expertise to ensure that you’re matched with the right services. When it comes to insurance claims, we’ll even work with your insurance adjuster by going out onto the roof together and making sure the adjuster doesn’t miss a thing.

Our Terrell Hills Roofing Philosophy is Centered on You

Our roofing business is a customer-centric business focused on the needs of our customers. We are committed to customer service, workmanship, safety, and quality. We provide personal service and attention to detail, teaming up with you from day one to deliver quality and exceed your expectations.

We are proud of our work and eager to be of service. Let our Terrell Hills roofers take a look at your roofing requirements and provide you with an honest estimate today.

If you’re been wondering which Alamo Heights roofing company to call, we’re honored that you’re considering us. With many years of Alamo Heights, Texas roofing expertise, we have helped countless property owners in the area with roofing projects of all sizes.

Our Alamo Heights, Texas Roofing Approach

Made up of a team of Texas roofers who are committed to their craft, our success is built on a simple approach. Above all else, we value: safety, service, and quality. Sprinkle in an honest value set that includes respect, courtesy, and integrity and you have the fundamental concept behind our roofing business.

We team up with our clients to ensure that we understand your needs and deliver the best work possible. We provide complete residential and commercial roofing and roof repair services throughout Alamo Heights.

Residential Roofing Services in Alamo Heights, TX

• Custom roof installs
• Complete replacements houses, condos, and other residential buildings
• Roof renovations and retrofits
• Roof repairs – minor and major
• Skylight installations

Commercial Roofing in Alamo Heights

Do you own or manage a commercial or industrial building? If you need roof installation, roof repair, roof maintenance, or even a roofing crew for a construction job, give us a call. We hire the best local roofers, are fully insured, and promote safety and quality through extensive training.

Alamo Heights Roof Inspections

From bad weather events to driving rain and high winds, Texas is known for its roofing problems. Our team of Alamo Heights roof inspectors is skilled at both detecting roof damage and working with insurance adjusters. We’ll even escort the adjuster on the roof, showing the adjuster hard-to-spot roof damage.

When it comes to local roofing, our Alamo Heights roofers are committed to doing the job correctly and in a timely manner. Contact us right away for exceptional roofing services in Alamo Heights, TX.

We are a team of experienced roofers that has served the Olmos Park, Texas community for years. Offering both commercial and residential roofing, we can handle any job you may have.

Commercial Roofing Services in Olmos Park

As far as commercial roofing goes, our roofing crew is available for large construction projects, subcontracting, and onsite roof maintenance work. We have worked on everything from school roofs and shopping center roofs to church steeples and agricultural roofing. We specialize in new roof installations, renovations, and repair work.

Residential Roofing Services in Olmos Park

Are you building your dream home? It will need a fabulous roof! From spectacular metal roofs to unobtrusive shingles and tile, we can create the look you’re after. We also provide roofing services for remodeling projects, second story additions, room additions, carports and garages, pool and guest houses, and more. In short, if you need a roof, we can design and install it.

We also offer sun tunnels and skylight installations for a brighter interior. If you need anything else installed on your roof, such as a roof vent or rain gutters, we can do that too.

Insurance Claims and Olmos Park Roof Repairs

Do you have an insurance claim to file related to your roof? Let us help! Your insurance adjuster may not be as thorough at inspecting your roof as we are – and your settlement offer may be insufficient because of this. We can prevent this by meeting with your adjuster and verifying that ALL roof damage has been noted and included in the claim.

From repairing small roof leaks to conducting major structural roof repairs, our roofing team is capable and experienced. Give us a call and experience the difference a commitment to quality makes.

As a Texas roofing company serving the Balcones Heights area, we offer complete roofing services for both residential and commercial property owners! Having served the community for decades, we have built a reputation that we’re proud of and ready to put our work ethic to work for you.

Our Balcones Heights Roofing Philosophy

As dedicated roofing professionals, we approach each job individually. We are founded on the following qualities:

• Providing exceptional service
• Expert craftsmanship
• Treating our customers fairly

Residential Roofing Services in Balcones Heights, Texas

We offer complete residential roofing and repair services including new roof installations, roof replacements, remodeling, roof renovations, insurance work, and roof repair service. In addition, we can install rain gutters, skylights, and vents.

Industrial Roofing and Construction Projects

Our Balcones Heights team works on industrial and commercial roofing projects, too, including: flat roofs, roof maintenance, roof installations, new construction, renovations, structural repairs, attic vent installation, and more. Whether you need roofing services for an office building or a manufacturing plant, no job is too big or too small for us.

Storm Damage and Emergency Roof Repairs

Has your Balcones Heights home suffered extensive roof damage due to a storm, lightning or a fallen tree? We can help! Not only do we offer emergency roof repairs, we are insurance claims specialists and work with all major insurance carriers. From roof inspections to performing the repair work, one call to use puts you on track for a professional roof repair and timely service. If your house has hail or wind damage, allow us to inspect the roof damage before submitting a claim. We will estimate and support your claim. Contact us today to begin.

Hollywood Park homeowners and property managers have counted on our local roofing services for years now. During that time, we’ve served both residential and commercial clients and have worked on roofing projects ranging from simple roof repairs to providing a roofing crew on a subcontractor basis for new construction projects.

Hollywood Park Roofing Services

Whether you need residential or commercial roofing, we specialize in quality, service, and professionalism. You can count on our roofers to do the job correctly from the beginning, provide prompt service, and demonstrate professionalism from start to finish.

We work on a variety of Hollywood Park, TX roofing projects including:

• New roof installs – new construction and remodeling
• Roof repairs – minor and major from leaks to structural damage
• Renovations and retrofits
• Roof replacements
• Insurance repairs
• Skylight installs
• Roof and attic vent installs

Hollywood Park Roof Claims

Stormy weather conditions are often to blame for roof damage. For example, high winds can blow off entire roofs while soggy soil can topple trees. No matter what caused your roof damage, if it’s covered by insurance, you’ll want a professional roof inspection to ensure that all damage is discovered before your insurance company settles your claim.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor roof leak or need an entire roof replacement, give us a call to find out just how competitive our rates are.