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What are Common Causes of Leaking Roofs?

Knowing how to prevent a leaking roof begins with knowing some of the most common causes of roof leaks. Roof leaks can stem from various common causes, each presenting its own challenges. One frequent culprit is damaged or missing shingles, which can expose underlying roof materials to the elements, leading to leaks over time. Another common issue is inadequate flashing around chimneys, skylights, or vents, where improper installation or deterioration can create entry points for water. 

Poorly maintained or clogged gutters and downspouts can also contribute by allowing water to accumulate on the roof rather than being directed away from it. Additionally, aging roofs can develop cracks or weaken over time, making them more susceptible to leaks during heavy rainfall or snow accumulation. Lastly, settling of the roof structure or improper installation of roofing materials can create uneven surfaces that encourage water pooling, eventually leading to leaks. Regular inspections and timely repairs are crucial to addressing these issues and preventing the need for emergency roofing services to avoid damage to your home. 

How Can You Avoid a Leaking Roof?

There are many steps you can take to potentially avoid a leak in your home’s roof. Preventing roof leaks begins with proactive maintenance and regular inspections. Start by inspecting your roof at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to identify any signs of damage or wear. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks in flashing around chimneys and vents, and any debris or vegetation that could trap moisture. Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage, preventing water from backing up and causing leaks. Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent them from rubbing against the roof or falling during storms. 

In addition to all of these steps, address any signs of roof damage promptly by repairing or replacing shingles, flashing, or other roofing materials as needed. Consider applying a roof sealant or coating to provide an additional layer of protection against water penetration. By taking these preventive measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of roof leaks, prolong the life of their roof, and avoid the need for emergency roofing services. 

When Should I Schedule Roof Inspections?

Regular roof inspections are essential for preventing leaks and maintaining the structural integrity of your home. It’s advisable to conduct thorough inspections at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, to coincide with milder weather conditions. During these inspections, a roofing contractor will check for missing, damaged, or loose shingles that could allow water penetration. They will also examine the condition of flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations, ensuring it is secure and free of cracks or gaps. Clear debris such as leaves, branches, and dirt from gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup, which can lead to roof leaks. Inspect the attic for signs of water stains, mold, or mildew, as these indicate potential leaks from the roof above. By conducting regular roof inspections and promptly addressing any issues that arise, homeowners can prolong the life of their roof and avoid costly repairs associated with water damage.

What are the Signs of a Leaking Roof?

Of course, avoiding a leaking roof is not always possible, and there are times when you may need to reach out for emergency roofing services to take care of a leak. Recognizing the signs of a leaking roof early can help prevent extensive damage to your home. Common indicators include water stains on ceilings or walls, which often appear as discolored patches or streaks. Peeling or bubbling paint on interior walls can also signal moisture infiltration from above. Damp or musty odors indoors, especially in the attic or upper floors, may indicate hidden water accumulation. 

Outside, look for cracked or damaged shingles, as well as missing or corroded flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Sagging areas on the roof deck or visible water pooling are immediate red flags that should be addressed promptly. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to inspect your roof thoroughly or consult a professional to identify and repair the source of the leak before it causes further damage to your home’s structure and interior.

If you would like any more information about avoiding leaks and possible emergency roofing services in Coppell, TX, the team at Alpha Exteriors and Construction is always ready to help. Give us a call at 214-444-8209 today.

What are commercial roof coatings?

Commercial roof coatings are a thick coating formula of high-quality resins. This formula is installed on commercial roofs to provide an extra layer of protection. These high-quality resins maintain the elastic properties of the roofs throughout the various weather events that can happen here in Texas cur the life cycle of the commercial roof. 

Are there different types of commercial roof coatings?

There are three types of commercial roof coatings, each having its own set of benefits depending on the existing type of roofing material. Those three types are: 

• Acrylic Commercial Roof Coatings

Acrylic commercial roof coatings are water-based and mainly come in three colors: 

• Gray
• Tan
• White

There are other colors available as well. Acrylic commercial roof coatings are suitable for environments of high UV climates, providing a high reflectiveness.  

• Polyurethane Commercial Roof Coatings

Polyurethane commercial roof coatings are typically a solvent-based product that comes in two key types: 

• Aromatic
• Aliphatic

These commercial roof coatings have good mechanical properties and have high abrasion resistance with tensile strength. Ideal for the high possibility of hailstorms here in Texas as well as heavy foot traffic.

• Silicone Commercial Roof Coatings

Silicone commercial roof coatings are suitable for high-UV environments and have a high reflectiveness of the sun’s rays. An ideal roof coating where there is a high level of rain and is ponding resistant. 

What are the benefits of commercial roof coatings? 

Each of these commercial roof coatings has various benefits. These benefits can include UV protection, which provides additional benefits of easing the strain on the HVAC system. In Texas, that is a key benefit during the hot summer months. 

Commercial roof coatings also protect waterproofing, a strong possibility during the heavy rains that can come all year long. Additionally, commercial roof coatings are a layer of fire resistance. Commercial roof coatings can help decrease the contraction and expansion of the roofing membrane with temperature fluctuations.  

The top benefit of commercial roof coatings is the lifespan extension it gives the original roof. It is less expensive than a complete roof replacement. 

What are the cons of elastomeric commercial roof coatings?

Although commercial roof coatings provide substantial benefits, there are some cons of elastomeric commercial roof coatings: 

• Overspray: Elastomeric commercial roof coatings are typically sprayed on, which can have overspray depending on the wind conditions. As they fall, acrylic commercial roof coatings dry as they fall in the air. This, fortunately, keeps them from sticking to anything they land on. 

However, rubber, silicone, or urethane commercial roof coatings dry after they land on a surface and can be challenging to remove. If there is a concern with overspray, an experienced commercial roof contractor will be able to roll the coating on instead. 

• Weather: In addition to the wind conditions causing overspray issues, acrylic commercial roof coatings are water-based and can freeze if applied at a temperature under 40 degrees Fahrenheit.  Installation should be postponed when the environment has a high moisture level, especially in the early morning hours and late evening. 

An experienced commercial roofing contractor will choose a time day and time of year when the moisture is minimal so that it doesn’t get trapped underneath the coating. Trapped moisture can cause commercial roof coatings to blister and bubble as the temperature rises. 

• Compatibility: Not all roofing substrates are compatible with all commercial roof coatings, like tar & gravel, and elastomeric coatings. Experienced commercial roofing contractors will take precautions in the preparation and apply a primer so that an elastomeric roof covering will bind. 

In Closing

When you make the decision to apply commercial roof coatings, it is important to choose a commercial roofing contractor and crew that is experienced. To get the best results and benefits, it is important that the coatings are applied to with the right equipment so that they adhere properly. Proper adherence is necessary to eliminate the possibility of roof leaks and other possible issues. 

An experienced roofing contractor will know the preparation of the roofing surface beforehand. This included a thorough cleaning and allowed it to completely dry. The contractor will inspect the substrate, making any repairs needed so that there is a uniform appearance and the adhesion is set for the long term. 

The contractor will know the proper thickness and ensure complete coverage over the roof.  Thin commercial roof coatings can’t provide the roof and structure the protection that is intended and will allow moisture to seep under, causing it to deteriorate sooner than it should. When it is applied too thick, it can make it uneven, causing other various problems.

Are flat roof leaks common?

When properly installed and maintained, flat roofing shouldn’t leak. However, even with proper installation and maintenance, the roof will age and, with exposure to the elements, can develop leaks over time.

This requires prompt flat roof leak detection and survey. The sooner a survey is done for leak detection, the sooner the repairs can be made, which will minimize any damage. With routine inspections and prompt repairs, any commercial roofing material will have a longer lifespan. 

In addition to aging over time, causing roofing materials to degrade, other things can cause a flat roof leak. Detection and surveying of a commercial flat roof may lead you to identify the following issues: 

• DAMAGED FLAT ROOFING MATERIALS — Any flat roofing material, including BUR, modified bitumen, single-ply, and metal roofing, can develop damage that causes leaks, especially after a significant weather event or an impact. This can lead to water pooling on a flat roof, which may cause blistering or cracking. A top layer of gravel can also make flat roof leak detection and survey challenging. However, a professional commercial roofing contractor will have the experience and methods necessary for successful leak detection. 

• LOOSE COLLARS AND FLASHING — Any components routed through the roofing membrane create a risk of a flat roof leak. A detection and survey of the roof can pinpoint the exact problem area so proper repairs can be made, such as replacing collars to deflect water away from drains, communication, electrical components, HVAC systems, units, or vent pipes. Flashing on a flat roof can also loosen over time and lead to a risk of leaking. 

• POOR INSTALLATION — When a roofing material isn’t correctly installed on a flat roof, leak detection and surveying can find areas needing repair or replacement. This should be done by a professional commercial roofing contractor with expertise and experience in this labor-intensive process, especially with a multiple-layer roof like BUR.

• INSUFFICIENT DRAINAGE AND WATER POOLING — Pooling and standing water are the most common cause of flat roof leaks. Detection and survey of the roof will assess the issues and pinpoint the problem areas and underlying factors for leaks. Pooling or standing water doesn’t always cause an immediate leak, which can make the process of a flat roof leak detection and survey by a professional extremely important.

How much does a flat roof leak detection and survey cost?

The cost for commercial property is $500 on average but could be less or more depending on the square footage. Some commercial roofing contractors offer the inspection for free, but if there is a leak and the detection process is complicated, they will charge for the service. That charge is usually deducted from the cost of repair. 

Is flat roof leak detection and survey service worthwhile?

Flat roof leak detection and survey services are most definitely worthwhile. Even if you don’t notice any signs of a leak but suspect you may have some issues, a flat roof leak inspection and survey can save you a lot of problems and expenses in the future. 

How can you tell if you have a flat roof leak?

There are times when a flat roof has obvious signs of leaks, which may be indicated by the following:

• Water spotting on the ceiling and walls indicates a flat roof leak, as it is an interior sign of water damage. A professional flat roof leak detection and survey service can pinpoint the exact area of the leak. 
• Bubbling on interior walls is another obvious indicator of a flat roof leak. This bubbling happens when water leaks from the roof and seeps down and into the walls. 
• Dirt surrounding a low spot on the roof surface is external evidence of a flat roof leak. Your maintenance team can detect this during their monthly inspection.
• Mold growth is caused by standing water. If your maintenance team finds unexplained mold growth anywhere throughout your structure, such as above ceiling tiles, a professional flat roof leak detection and survey are needed. 

Get Professional Services

If your building’s flat roof is five to six years old, you should have a professional flat roof leak detection and survey service, even if you haven’t noticed any leaks. It is better to find out there is a leak before it becomes a major issue so repairs can be done before extensive damage happens. If you suspect you need leak detection in Coppell, TX, or any nearby cities, just contact us. Call 214-444-8209 today. 

What is the biggest problem with slate roofs?

Depending on the architectural style and the budget, a slate roof may not be the right choice. Some notable disadvantages of slate roofing include: 

1. A Heavy Weight

One of the most significant issues with slate roofing tiles is the weight. Slate has a significant extra weight compared to other roofing materials, weighing up to 800 pounds per square foot. If a home doesn’t have existing slate roofing, it is important to have an engineering inspection to determine if the structure can hold the weight. 

2. The Installation 

After a slate roof has been installed, the maintenance is minimal, the installation is difficult and takes longer than other roofing materials. Where an asphalt roofing job takes approximately 8 hours or less, slate roof installation can take as long as 3 months or longer depending on the size of the house. This time can be longer if structural reinforcement is required before the slate tiles are installed. 

3. Slate Roof Repairs and Replacements

Another downside is the difficulty in slate roof repairs and replacing broken tiles. Slate roof repair or replacement tiles is possible, but it is challenging to get an exact color and texture with slate tiles, and because the color, sizes, and thickness are all-natural, chances are exact replacement tiles are few and far between. 

4. Easily Broken

A slate roof will be a durable roofing material when it comes to extreme weather conditions and fire. However, walking on a slate roof is not recommended because it can be broken when stepped on wrong. When a slate roof repair is needed, hiring an experienced professional is recommended. They will know how to walk on the roof and make the repairs correctly and successfully.

5. Inexperienced Installers 

When it comes to installing or having slate roof repairs done, it can be challenging to find an experienced professional roofing contractor who works with slate roofing. 

6. Expensive

A slate roof is as much as 5 times more expensive per square foot than other roofing materials. The material itself is more expensive, and because fewer professional roofing contractors are experienced with slate, they can often have higher rates.  If the home needs additional structural support added, that increases the cost as well. 

How are slate roof repairs done?

The most common method for slate roof repair is referred to as the “nail and bib method”.  The broken, damaged slate tile is removed with a slate ripper, a specialized tool that not all roofing contractors have. 

Then the replacement slate is put into place and using a nail, it is anchored between the two, overlying slate tiles. Next, the roofing contractor will slide a square of flashing under the two slate tiles and overlay the above slate, nailing it into place. 

Can a slate tile be repaired and left in place? 

A roofing contractor with experience in slate roof repair can advise you if a crack is small enough to repair and leave the slate tile in place. In most cases though, the roofing contractor will advise replacing any broken or cracked slate tiles. 

Can a slipped slate roof tile be fixed?

If you have slate tiles that have slipped out of position, you may be able to do a slate roof repair yourself by reattaching it with a tingle and mailing it into place as described above. Remember to use extreme caution walking on the tiles and be aware that loose slate tiles are often caused by weakened nails or the slate tiles breaking down or disintegrating. Just as with any slate roof repair, it is always recommended to hire a professional roofing contractor who has experience in slate roofing. 

Are slate roof repairs worthwhile? 

Because a slate roof is expensive to have installed, most homeowners will want to get the longest lifespan possible, which can be up to 100 years or longer. So, if your slate roof is fairly new, any slate roof repair will be worth the cost!  However, if your home and the slate roof are close to 100 years old, you may consider getting estimates on other types of roofing materials. 

Closing the Roof Off

A slate roof can give a home of any size an elegant appearance. It can also look out of place if other homes in the area have the basic asphalt shingled roof. If you’re considering a slate roof installation, take the time to get several quotes and have a real estate expert give you advice and opinion on whether a slate roof would be too much for the neighborhood. 

What is the least expensive material for a roof replacement?

For the budget-minded homeowner, this is the first question, and with good reason. There are multitudes of roofing materials available, but logic tells you that going with the cheapest may not be the best idea. In addition to saving money upfront, you want to choose something that is going to last beyond the first hailstorm, right? After all, you don’t want to pay for another roof replacement for a long, long time! 

If you drive the streets of Coppell, TX, or any city in America, you’ll notice that asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. Why? Because it is an affordable material and is still durable. But within the category of asphalt shingles, there are three choices to make your roof replacement: 

• Three-Tab: This is installed in a single layer without any overlap and has a lifespan of up to 15 years and typically holds up well under wind speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
• Architectural: These asphalt shingles are installed with some overlap, providing a home with a slight dimensional look that can last up to 30 years and withstands wind speeds up to 120 miles per hour. 
• Luxury: These are the most expensive asphalt shingles with a lifespan of up to 50 years, withstanding all types of weather better and longer, and they are more fire resistant. This is the top-of-the-line in asphalt shingles and you won’t be looking at another roof replacement probably for the rest of your time in that house.

How often does a roof need to be replaced?

As you can see by the lifespan of the three different asphalt shingles, you may need a roof replacement in 15 years (or less) or you may not need another roof replacement for 50 years.  The average time most asphalt shingle roofs in Texas need to be replaced is between 12 and 15 years.  

What is the best roof for your money?

Metal roof replacement is said to be the best for the money by most roofing contractors. It is more expensive than asphalt shingles, including the architectural or luxury shingles we described above. Going with a corrugated metal roof replacement doesn’t mean your home will look like Grandpa’s old barn either! 

The metal used for roofing homes in Texas today comes in a wide choice of colors so that you can match your home’s architectural style. It has a lifespan on average of 50 years, but some have lasted 75 years or longer. It is installed in flexible sheets, available in different thicknesses, getting heavier with each increase in thickness. Other advantages of a metal roof replacement include: 

1. Strength: A metal roof replacement can withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour and provide better protection in a lightning strike. 
2. Insect Resistance: A metal roof replacement is insect resistant, including termites.
3. Energy Efficient: With a proper ceramic coating, a metal roof will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. 
4. Recyclable: The metal used for a roof replacement typically is made from recycled metals and can be recycled again with the next roof replacement. 

What type of roof is the most cost-effective?

Again, metal wins! This is your most cost-effective choice for a roof replacement because of the extreme durability it provides. Even though it has a higher cost for installation, it will last two to three times longer than the best asphalt shingle.

Why is commercial roof washing important? 

The roof of your business is the first line of defense against mother nature and the climate, and here in Texas, that climate changes by the minute some days! With that in mind though, it is important to realize the exposure and stress that the roof endures every day. With a regularly inspected and maintained commercial roof, washing is one of the most important things you can have done for several reasons: 

1: Performance Improvement

To get the most out of the energy efficiency and lifespan of a commercial roof, washing it on a regular basis will keep the surface temperature lower, a big plus during Texas summers. This keeps the building interior cooler too, and this all helps ease the workload on the HVAC system too, which helps keep the utility bills down.  

2: Moisture Removed

Moisture is the number one enemy of the roof and regular commercial roof washing will keep the roof clean of debris like fallen leaves, limbs, and other materials that stick to the roof and hold moisture in.  This minimizes and even eliminates the possibility of roof membrane blistering, ponding, and splitting, which lessens the chance of roof leaks.  

3: Fire Hazards Minimized

A commercial structure that stores or manufactures combustible materials is an automatic fire hazard.  With regular commercial roof washing, the roof surface is clean and this minimizes the potential of being a fuel source.

4: Roof Damage Revealed

The usual inspection prior to a commercial roof washing allows you to discover any possible roof issues that can become an expensive, massive roof repair or replacement. 

5: Keeping Building Code Current

For any structure that contains a food-related business, commercial roof washing will help keep the structure within the building code standards. 

7: A Clean Roof Equals A Great Appearance 

First impressions are the cornerstone for any business and with a commercial roof washing, your business will have a ‘ready to do business’ appearance for your clients and potential clients, as well as vendors and visitors. 

What do professionals use for commercial roof washing?

After they have swept the roofing surface free of any loose debris and dirt, most professional commercial roof washing services use a combination of sodium hypochlorite, aka chlorine bleach, sodium hydroxide, and TSP (trisodium phosphate). This combination is sprayed on after wetting the roof with clear water, and then using a push brush, they’ll cover the entire surface.  Once that has been completed, they will rinse the roof with clear water. 

Another method used that is chemical-free and the first choice for many commercial structure owners is done with the same process as described above.  This process typically costs more because the chemical-free products aren’t as strong, so the process takes longer to remove all the algae, lichen, and moss. 

Is power washing a commercial roof safe and worth it?

Any experienced commercial roof-washing contractor knows when to use power-washing methods and when not to use that method. While power washing is the fastest way to blast the algae, lichen, and moss off of a roof, when it isn’t done correctly, it can cause more damage than it is worthwhile. 

Should a rinse be done after a commercial roof washing?

As we described in the process typically used for commercial roof washing, yes, a rinse is included.  After the wash and rinse steps, the contractor will do another inspection of the roof to check for any possible damage they caused as well as any pre-existing damage exposed after the wash. 

What is the difference between pressure wash and power wash?

The key difference between the two is temperature. Power washing is done with highly pressurized steam and pressure washing is using the power of the water. If not done correctly, either can damage a roofing surface.

What are cool roof requirements?

There are two ways to meet the requirements of a cool roof installation:

• Meet or exceed the minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance values. 
• Meet or exceed the minimum SRI requirement. 

When a cool roof installation meets these requirements, it can reflect more sunlight than a conventional asphalt roof, meaning it is absorbing less solar energy. With the temperature lower on the roof, it makes the attic and interior of the home cooler, using less air conditioning. 

How much energy does a cool roof save?

A cool roof installation provides an average energy savings between 7% to 15%  in cooling costs. This reduces the inside temperature and the amount the air conditioning system works. This, in turn, saves money, as much as 25% of the typical energy bill. 

Are there other benefits of a cool roof installation?

In addition to lowering the need for air conditioning, which lowers the cost of power, and makes the interior of a home cooler, other benefits include: 

• Peak Energy and Grid Stability

Cool roof installation creates solar reflective walls which reduces the use of the air conditioning even at the hottest time of the day. This reduces the stress on the energy grid and minimizes power shortages, blackouts, or brownouts. 

• Combat Climate Change

Cool roof installation directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the demand for air conditioning. This results in fewer carbon dioxide emissions from the power plants. Cool roofing reflects the UV energy back to the atmosphere which mitigates global warming and can save as much as $600 billion from CO2 emissions reduction.

• Urban Heat Island Mitigated

In the city, the temperatures during the day are up to 7°F warmer and up to 5°F warmer at night compared to the surrounding rural area. This is caused by heat-absorbing materials like paved streets and sidewalks, and roofing materials. This is referred to as the urban heat island effect, and with a cool roof installation, the solar radiation is immediately reflected back into the atmosphere, dropping the temperature on the urban island, and making homes more comfortable. 

Are there negative aspects of a cool roof?

In addition to the higher cost of a cool roof installation, the other negative is the possible increase in global warming. This happens because the cool roofing surfaces create a chain reaction in increasing the amount of sun the roof would traditionally receive. 

How much more expensive is a cool roof installation?

While it isn’t possible to provide an exact quote on a cool roof installation when compared to the cost of a conventional asphalt roof installation, it is pennies on the dollar higher. The ROI is in the monthly savings with the utilities. 

How long do cool roofs last?

The average residential asphalt roofing can have a lifespan between 15 years and 30 years, dependent on the quality and type of asphalt shingle used. Because the materials used in cool roof installations have a higher durability rate, they can last up to 50 years when properly installed. 

What is the difference between a cool roof and a green roof?

Both serve the purpose of lowering monthly utility expenses and keeping the interior comfortable and cooler. However, a cool roof installation is less expensive on the household budget than green roofing for one major reason:  Cost.  

Once a cool roof installation is completed, the upfront cost and routine maintenance of keeping the roof clean are the only expenses. 

With green roofing, the first expense is a required engineering structural inspection. This is needed to ensure the structure can withstand the additional weight. The installation process is another expense, followed by the maintenance and upkeep of the greenery planted.