Asphalt Roll Roofing

Asphalt roll roofing or membrane is a roofing material commonly used for buildings that feature a low sloped roof pitch in North America. The material is based on the same materials used in asphalt shingles; an organic felt or fiberglass mat, saturated with asphalt, and faced with granular stone aggregate.

Asphalt roofing solutions are engineered to provide superior protection against the elements that are known to deteriorate roofs and cause leaks.  With Henry asphalt roof coatings, you can reduce the maintenance cost of your roof and extend its overall life and performance.

The Importance of a Cool Roof

Energy-efficient, cool roofing systems can significantly reduce roof temperatures during the summer, which does in fact improve the performance of the photovoltaic system.  Another benefit of a cool roof is that it can significantly enhance the performance of solar panels by lowering a building’s interior temperature, thus reducing the power load necessary for air conditioning during hot summer days. This has many benefits including cutting energy costs by keeping attics and ducts cooler, improving occupant comfort, cutting maintenance costs, increasing the life cycle of the roof, and reducing urban heat islands along with associated smog.

Sun Tunnel

What is a solar tube and how does a sun tunnel work?

Sun tube, Sun tunnel, Sky tube, Solar light tube, Light tunnel, and Solar tube, a lot of different names for same thing, made by different companies, but they all achieve the same purpose. Capture sunlight; transmit it down either a solid reflective aluminium tube or a shiny flexible vaulted plastic tube in the least number of bounces possible.

Benefits of Sun Tunnels

Sun Tunnels provide a compact minimally intrusive solution to lighting needs anywhere in the home.  Closets, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms can all benefit from installing sun tunnels (also known as sun tubes).  Sun tunnels are composed of a dome fitted to your roof that captures light and directs it down a tube and into your home.  This Eco friendly lighting solution can be installed on pitched and flat roofs.

What are the benefits of Sun Tunnels?

• Can be installed virtually anywhere
• Solar tube skylights provide natural sunlight to any area of your home
• Attached lenses at the bottom of the tube disperses light evenly
• Much cheaper that installing a traditional skylight
• Offers huge savings on your energy bills each and every day
• Provide state and federal tax credits

Roof Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home

1. Keep Excess Water Off

One of your roof's primary jobs is to keep water out of your house, but your roof needs your help to get rid of the water that falls on it. Make sure to keep your roof's gutters and downspouts in tip-top shape so that it can drain properly, and trim your trees so that they do not hang over the roof, dripping water and shedding leaves into the gutters.

2. Conquer Moss

Keeping your trees trimmed away from the roof will make the roof less friendly to moss by minimizing moss-welcoming shady areas, but moss may still grow. Use Wet & Forget to safely and gently remove any moss on your roof, and re-treat at the first sign of new growth to prevent moss from coming back.

3. Check Your Insulation

Good attic insulation helps keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and it also helps protect your roof. A good layer of insulation on the attic floor with no gap for air to get between the house and the insulation is a must. This prevents big temperature exchanges between the house and attic, which will cause damaging water condensation on the underside of the roof

4. Do a Yearly inspection

Check your roof at least once a year, preferably in the spring, for any signs of damaged or lifted shingles, moss growth, or other problems. If you don't feel comfortable checking the roof yourself, you can hire a roofing professional to do the inspection.

5. Maintain Good Ventilation

Like insulation, good attic ventilation will also protect your roof from damage caused by water condensation. Without good ventilation, water vapor can cause the roof sheathing and rafters to rot and can even damage the shingles. Make sure your attic has good, unobstructed vents with screens to keep birds out. Ventilation fans are available for larger attics.

What is Roof Flashing?

What is flashing?

Flashing is a construction detail used to seal and protects joints in a building from water penetration. The joints created by the intersection of the roof and roof mounted structures and projections, such as parapets, hatches, skylights, chimneys, vent stacks, or towers, are among the most vulnerable areas of roofing systems. They constantly expand and contract in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Greater the number of such projections, greater the potential for leaks.

Roof flashing represents a very simple and intuitive engineering technique that has been known for hundreds of years. The whole idea depends almost entirely on gravity. If the flashing has been installed correctly, gravity will work with the flashing material to shed the water onto the regular roofing materials, where it is then directed harmlessly to the ground. Roof flashing is commonly used around chimneys, fan vents, plumbing vent stacks, and other items that project out of residential roofs.

Green Roofing Benefits

Moderation of Urban Heat Island Effect

• Through the daily dew and evaporation cycle, plants on vertical and horizontal surfaces are able to cool cities during hot summer months and reduce the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The light absorbed by vegetation would otherwise be converted into heat energy.
• UHI is also mitigated by the covering some of the hottest surfaces in the urban environment – black rooftops.
• Green roofs can also help reduce the distribution of dust and particulate matter throughout the city, as well as the production of smog. This can play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting urban areas to a future climate with warmer summers.

Home Repairs to Tackle

1. Build a small home repair reference library. The crucial first step in learning to tackle home repairs confidently is to read as much as possible. Both Black & Decker and Creative Homeowner produce series of paperbacks aimed at the basics in each area of home repair: electrical work, plumbing, tiling, carpentry, and more. Reading these books before beginning work will help you know what to expect and how to execute each job skilfully.
2. Ensure that you have the necessary tools for each job. Accumulating a solid toolbox is another essential step in making sure you can handle each home repair job as it arises. When purchasing tools, do not skimp on quality if possible. High-quality, durable tools can go a long way in compensating for novice technique.

• At its most basic, your toolbox should contain both flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a putty knife, a utility knife, a straightedge and a spirit level.
• Power tools that are extremely helpful include an electric drill, a handheld circular saw, and an orbital sander.
• Get the safety devices appropriate to the tools at the time you buy the tool. Goggles, face mask, ear protection and gloves are 'must have's for loud, rough or dusty jobs.
• More specialized tools can be bought as the need arises. Drywall and plastering jobs will call for a mud box and a drywall knife, for instance, while a pipe wrench is essential for many plumbing repairs.

What Is A Green Roof?

A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. Container gardens on roofs, where plants are maintained in pots, are not generally considered to be true green roofs, although this is debated. Rooftop ponds are another form of green roofs which are used to treat grey water.

Green roofs serve several purposes for a building, such as absorbing rainwater, providing insulation, creating a habitat for wildlife, increasing generosity and decreasing stress of the people around the roof by providing a more aesthetically pleasing landscape, and helping to lower urban air temperatures and mitigate the heat island effect. There are two types of green roofs: intensive roofs, which are thicker, with a minimum depth of 12.8 cm, and can support a wider variety of plants but are heavier and require more maintenance, and extensive roofs, which are shallow, ranging in depth from 2 cm to 12.7 cm, lighter than intensive green roofs, and require minimal maintenance.

ROOF-REPAIR SAFETY TIPS

Working on a roof can be dangerous. Keep these safety precautions in mind before tackling a roof repair:

• Roof repairs should be done on a sunny day when the roof is completely dry. A wet roof is slippery and very dangerous.
• Adequate safety measures must be taken for any roof repairs. Always use safety ropes.
• On steep roofs, use a ladder framework to provide secure anchoring.
• Rubber-soled shoes provide the best traction when working on a roof.
• The location of power lines should be kept in mind when working on a roof.­

Get Ready for Spring!!

Outdoor Maintenance

·         Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they are directing water away from the house.

·         Cut back tree limbs and shrubs growing within five feet of the house or that are brushing up against the roof. You will create better ventilation, help dry out surfaces and prevent possible damage.

·         Check for and repair cracks in driveway/sidewalk. Spring is the best time to seal cracks in the driveway or any other concrete.

·         Pressure wash your deck/patio and bring outdoor furniture out of storage.  Make sure to wipe down each piece thoroughly prior to placing on a freshly-washed surface.

·         Check garden hoses for dry rot and inspect hose faucets for possible freeze damage that may have occurred during the winter months.

·         Clean/condition your outdoor grill by first rinsing all outside surfaces with water.  If grease has loosened on the grill grates and inside of the grill, wipe off using grill cleaner and paper towels. Follow by washing with a mild detergent and water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

·         Check for possible damage to the roof.  Look for missing, cracked or broken shingles and make note of any needed repairs.

Be Alert to Early Signs of a Roof Leak

A yearly roof checkup is great, but problems can occur at any time. Early signs of trouble include:

• Dark areas on ceilings.
• Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs.
• Damp spots alongside fireplaces.
• Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.

5 Ways to Protect Your Home from Water Damage during Hurricane Season!

SEAL GAPS

• Aging and weather can lead to gaps around the penetrations entering your home and around windows and doors.
• Over time, gaps can form in areas such as where water faucet pipes, gas pipes and air conditioning pipes enter the walls. Gaps also may exist behind electrical outlets, junction boxes, circuit breaker boxes and electric and water meters. Cracks or voids under window sills also can be created due to weather and aging. Water can enter through these openings and cause significant damage that you may not notice until it is too late and major repairs are needed.

REDIRECT POOLING WATER

Pooling water near a house can lead to significant interior damage. Consider these improvements to keep water away from your home:

• Look at the grading of your property. The grading should direct water away from the house to avoid pooling water.
• Evaluate the drainage of the property and consider adding a waterproof membrane to the wall where leaks have occurred.
• Add ground or French drains to help move water away from the house.
• If there are penetrations of a house within 6 inches of the ground, caulk around the penetrations and use sandbags when storms threaten to create a barrier around the penetration

PROTECT VENTS AND SOFFITS

Attics are vented (cooled) in three ways and each can be major paths to let water into your home. Click on the resources below to see how to protect your home from wind-blown rain through these locations.

• Vents on the roof
• Gable end vents
• Vents under eaves or overhangs 

What Is Roof Sealant?

Roof sealant is a product which can be applied to roofs to seal them against the weather. This product is commonly used on flat roofs, because standing water on the roof can eventually lead to leaks during the winter. Roof sealants for sloped roofs are also available, along with specialty products which are designed to go with roofing products such as shingles. Using a roof sealant can extend the life of a roof and confer other benefits.

In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a roofing contractor to apply roof sealant. Some products are only available to contractors, and others require special skills which the average property owner may not have. In others, it is possible to apply a roof sealer independently, or with some help from friends, with many products coming in the form of liquids which can be applied with paint rollers.

On a roof which is designed to be used with a sealant product, periodic reapplications of roof sealant will protect the roof. The sealant can prevent leaks in addition to minimizing damage caused by UV exposure. Being in the hot sun can cause a roof to bleach, crack, or develop other problems which may manifest during the rainy months. Roof sealants can also improve efficiency; just applying a white coating to a roof can cut down on heating costs substantially, in addition to making the surrounding environment cool. In urban areas, people are sometimes encouraged to use white or light roofing materials to bring temperatures down.

Get Your Home Ready for Spring

CHECKLIST:

• Flip or rotate your mattress. Check the warranty card for the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
• Air out throw rugs on a clothesline to freshen. Steam clean or shampoo wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Wash pillows and curtains to help reduce allergens and dust mites.
• Change smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
• Organize and thoroughly clean out kitchen cupboards and the fridge, discarding canned goods and other items that are past their expiration dates.
• Organize the basement and inspect for mold. Open doors and windows to thoroughly ventilate the area

How to deal with piled-up snow?

• Check on your channels.  It’s slippery on your roof right now, so trying to get up there and sweep off snow or warm up the ice is a bad idea.
• Remove as much ice and snow as you can from window wells.
• Remove any outdoor flower or window boxes. The snow piled in these can melt and cause moisture interruption.
• Help your neighbours by removing any leaves and debris from pipes.  This simple action will help prevent flooding on your street.
• Move any snow that has piled up against your home.

Early Signs of a Roof Leak

• A yearly roof check-up is great, but problems can occur at any time. Early signs of trouble include:
• Dark areas on ceilings.
• Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs.
• Damp spots alongside fireplaces.
• Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.

Reasons You Need a New Roof

Needing a new roof can be tough, but there are times when a simple repair won’t do the trick.  Here are five reasons a home may need a new roof:

1. Sagging sections in your roof.  When one part of your roof dips below the rest of the roof, it indicated there may be rot, water damage, or some other structural issue which requires a replacement.

2. Dry rot.  When dry rot is affecting your roof, any timber affected by the dry rot has to be removed and replaced.

3. Leaky roof.  Sometimes a leak can be repaired simply, but there are times the leaks indicating that there are larger problems with your roof.

4. Excessive damage.  Major damage from a fallen limb or a fallen tree can be done to your roof which may mean it needs to be completely redone.

All in all, your roof is an important part of the overall health of your home.  Be sure to care for it and get it replaced when needed.

Features of Heat Reflective Roof Paint

• By keeping the building cool, it cuts the cost of air conditioning upto 40%
• Blocks ultraviolet rays up to 85% and solar infrared rays up to 90%
• Protects the roof from fungus and moulds formation
• Eliminates the formation of cracks

Facts about Green Roofing

• The simple act of using a lighter-colored roofing material can make your roof greener.
• Installing a living roof is a very heavy activity.  You have to be sure your whole home can support the extra weight of soil, plants, and water.
• The usual warranty period for alternative green roofing (like tile or metal) is often a lot longer than just an asphalt roof.
• While a living roof or tile roof is very heavy, a metal roof is actually much lighter than those options.
• If a whole roof change is too much for you, another green option is a tubular skylight.  This offers additional lighting in your home and might get you a tax credit.
• Green roofing is an important and effective option in helping improve the environment.  Here’s hoping we can all do our part in helping the environment this year.

Green Roof Benefits

• With green roofs, water is stored by the substrate and then taken up by the plants from where it is returned to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation.
• In summer, depending on the plants and depth of growing medium, green roofs retain 70-90% of the precipitation that falls on them; in winter they retain between 25-40%. For example, a grass roof with a 4-20 cm (1.6 - 7.9 inches) layer of growing medium can hold 10-15 cm (3.9 - 5.9 inches) of water.
• Green roofs not only retain rainwater, but also moderate the temperature of the water and act as natural filters for any of the water that happens to run off.
• Green roofs reduce the amount of storm water runoff and also delay the time at which runoff occurs, resulting in decreased stress on sewer systems at peak flow periods.

Roofers Lingo

Algae Discoloration: A type of roof discoloration caused by algae, also called fungus growth.

Blisters: Bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.

Asphalt Shingle: a shingle manufactured by coating a reinforcing material (felt or fibrous glass mat) with asphalt and having mineral granules on the side exposed to the weather.

Caulk: To fill a joint in order to prevent leaks.

Counter Flashing: That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.

Deck or Decking: The structural “skin” of a roof over which roofing in applied. Most new homes have decking made of plywood.

Flashing: Pieces of metal or roll roofing used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys.

Gable Roof: A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. A gable roof typically contains a gable at each end.

Granules: Ceramic-coated colored crushed rock that is applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products.

Gutter: The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts.

Overhang: That portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.

Parapet: A low protective wall that extends above the roofline or balcony for support.

What do you mean by a “green roof“?

Depending on your budget, different materials can be used in your roofing project which is considered “green”.

Green roofing doesn’t mean that your roof has green things growing on it.  In fact, unless your roof is built to support plants, no plants should grow on your roof as they deteriorate the materials.

Green roofing means that a roof has been created using environmentally friendly materials or in an environmentally friendly way.  For example, metal roofing is often considered “green”.  Using recycled materials is often considered “green”.  There are many ways to go green and some of these ways include tax benefits.  This is something to consider if you are getting your roof re-done.

ThermaCote - is a sprayable ceramic coating that will provide true protection from the thermal exchange of temperature from solar roof loads, industrial manufacturing equipment, or commercial HVAC systems and even residential roofs.  ThermaCote® provides superior solar reflectance (90+% of all UV rays), eliminates thermal bridging between structural building components, eliminates the expansion and contraction of dis-similar building materials, and most importantly reduces the thermal BTU gain that costs you money.

Additionally, ThermaCote is a GREEN product that is water based, stops rust, seals surfaces and can be applied to most surfaces without primers or additional chemical preparation.

Save Energy!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaky and inefficient windows, doors, skylights and roofs account for up to 25% of the average household’s energy bills. Some sources estimate as high as 40%. In the past decade, manufactures of home exterior products have undergone a technological revolution. It is now possible to reduce energy costs and save money without sacrificing your home’s appearance and beauty. Nearly everyone can benefit by installing modern energy-efficient products. In fact, a lot of our customers have cut energy costs by as much as 15%.

Metal Roof and its Advantages!!

Metal roofing is a great option for “greening up” your home.  Metal roofs reflect heat from the sun – keeping your home cooler when it’s hot – like right now.  During the winter, a metal roof sheds snow and ice.  The build-up of snow and ice could be dangerous on a normal roof, but with a metal roof, this is just one less thing to worry about.

Additionally, a metal roof can generally be installed over the existing asphalt shingle roof, so you won’t be adding to the landfills.

Metal roofing is considered a green roofing material, which means it contains a significant portion of recycled metal materials.

Advantages of a Metal Roof:

•  Properly installed, a metal roof should last as long as the house
• Metal roofing is affordable considering the fact that a Metal roof is permanent.
• Doesn't deteriorate, crack, split, break, burn or blow off
• Engineered for strength
• Special coating process resists dirt
• Lightweight: less than 1/3 the weight of asphalt
• Environmentally correct – made from up to 50% recycled material and is 100% recyclable
• Energy efficient: Metal reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimizing midday heat gain.
• Many styles, colors and finishes to choose from
• Increases your home’s value

Why Your Roof Is Leaking

• Windowpanes Can Be a Problem:

Although built in windowpanes can really add dazzle to a home and let in natural light, when not built properly they can cause a lot of problems. If they are too old or haven’t been updated recently, they can easily let water into the home.

• Flashing is Most Common

Flashing is the most common reason that roofing will get leaks. Sometimes flashing is poorly installed which makes it highly susceptible to leaks. If it’s not the installation, it could be a bad quality product or perhaps affected by high winds or weather damage.

• Age of your roof

Think about how long you’ve had your roof for. How many years has it been? How good of a job did the last contractors do? Roofs that were built fifty years ago were made with much different materials and were much less durable than what is used today.

• Check Your Closures and Shingles

Material such as roof fasteners can easily become damaged or pulled up after a heavy storm or high winds occur. When the fasteners get pulled up, water is easily able to get into the underside of the roof itself and cause other problems.

• Workmanship

Many roof leaks are caused by poor workmanship and less-than-professional contractors. To avoid the entire issue, never hire someone without first checking that they have successfully completed roofing projects similar to yours in the past and that their previous customers were satisfied.

Stay safe and healthy in winter

Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the dangers of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

1. Winterize your home

• Install climate stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
• Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
• Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.

 

   2.   Check your heating systems

• Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside.
• Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
• Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly.
• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available

Winter Protection Tips!

1. Keep your channels and roof clean so water does not build up on your roof.
2. Trim your trees back to prevent leaves blocking your gutters, branches creating water dams on your roof, and extra water dripping onto your roof.
3. Get any damaged shingles removed and replaced.
4. Don’t allow dents in your roof – these are not only unsafe, but they create a place where water can collect to freeze.
5. Make sure anything sticking out of your roof (chimneys, pipes, skylights, etc) have proper flashing installed so that water is conducted off your roof.
6. Ensure your gutters are installed properly and aren’t have any difficulties in conveying water.

Second, if you commonly get ice-build up on your roof, here are some dos and don’ts:

1. Do be very careful going onto your roof.  Use rubber soled shoes, gloves, etc.  If you feel uncomfortable at all about going onto your roof, hire someone to remove the ice for you.
2. Don’t use a pick or the claw of a hammer to remove ice.  You could start picking holes in your own roof.
3. Do try hot water to melt off any minor ice spots.
4. Don’t use a shovel to remove snow from your roof.

How to do a Roof inspection

1. Review your warranty.  Ensure your roof is still under warranty, and check to see how old your roof itself is.  The older the roof, the more vulnerable it is to damage from weather.
2. Go indoors and up into your attic space.  Ensure that any ventilation is open and un-blocked.  Feel the ceiling of your attic – especially in areas where something like a funnel is bulging from your roof.  If the interior of your attic is damp, you should get a professional to take a look to discover and fix the source of the leak.
3. If you believe your roof is in need of repair or maintenance – or you are unsure that your visual inspection was enough,  call in a professional roofer to take a look at the issue and get it fixed.  It’s best to go with a reputable roofing company with a valid CCB number and good customer reviews.  With something like a roof, it’s best to choose who to repair or replace your roof by experience and qualifications – not by price alone.  Some of the cheapest roofers may be using substandard materials, or create a worse situation than the one you already have.

Things to do before the cold weather starts

Outside the home
1.       Check the drainage outside your home isn't broken or leaking, and clear out any leaves or other wreckages. This will reduce the risks of drips and blockages during freezing weather.
2.       Insulate any water pipes in exposed places.
3.       Make sure the roof is in good condition - check for loose or missing slates and for any cracks in the chimney. Hire a professional roofing contractor to patch up any gaps.

Winter Roof Care

1.       Sweep the roof clear of debris, such as leaves, sticks and small branches. Excess remains encourage water pooling, which puts stress on the roof and increases the chance of leaks. Don't apply too much weight when you sweep, as this may damage the roofing film or remove the protective coating.

2.       Remove leaves, dirt and debris from the cage-like drain hub and surrounding area by hand.

3.       Remove the drain centre with an adjustable wrench and spray it clean with a garden pipe and high-pressure attachment. Spraying the drain with the pipe will remove minor build-up. Run a plumber's snake through the drain to clear blocks. Replace the hub and repeat the process for all the drains on your roof if there is more than one. Clearing your drains will prevent water from collecting on the roof during the winter rainy season.

4.       Cut back branches that hang over the roof before winter hits. This lessens your chance of broken limbs damaging your roof and helps cut back on wreckage, which in turn, prevents clogged drain spouts and pooling water.

5.       Inspect your roof for holes and dents. Check the roof's waterproofing along the flashing -- the area where the roof meets masonry walls - for cracks. Look for standing water, which indicate low areas that may need to be fortified.

6.       Check your roof for eruptions, or mushy pockets of water between layers of roofing. These pockets must be cut out and changed. Look for cracked or “alligatored” surfaces, which may indicate the need for a new application of roofing tar. Contact a professional roofing contractor for repairs, if needed.

Winter Home Protection Tips

Heavy snow gathering can pose a threat to your home or business -- both as it builds up and as it melts. The three most important precautions to take:

• Watch for snow accumulation on the leeward (downwind) side of a higher-level roof, where blowing snow will collect. For safe removal that won't endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing supplier for a referral.
• Remove snow from basement staircases, window shafts and all walls. Melting snow can lead to water damage and moisture invasion.
• Keep your attics well-ventilated to maintain a temperature close to that of the outdoors to minimize the risk of ice blocks forming. A warm attic melts snow on the roof, causing water to run down and refreeze at the roof's edge, where it's much cooler. If ice builds up and blocks water from draining, water is forced under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house.
• Water intrusion and flood damage from melting snow and ice can threaten homes and businesses, but you can take these steps to help lessen the potential damage.

How a black roof stains is removed from shingles?

Roof Stain removal is possible! Choose between two common roof washing solutions used to :

do it yourself roof cleaning using a roof cleaning product, or using roof cleaning services from a professional roof cleaning business. The difference between the roof cleaning company and DIY roof cleaning is cost, and results.

·         Hire a Roof Cleaning Professional

A roof cleaning business has experience at the shingle cleaning methods and suitable pressure to use with roof wash products. Years of experience will typically result in more complete removal of roof stains.

·         Do It Yourself Roof Stain Removal

Search for “Roof Cleaning Products” to find roof cleaner suppliers who offer roof cleaning chemicals, but be cautious to know the company and what products they offer.  Trust roof cleaner supply companies that offer multiple formulas and preventive solutions as well.

When you clean your own roof shingles be prepared to set aside an afternoon, and get your ladder out. There is no magic bullet when it comes to Roof Washing, and you will at least need a ladder to get up to the level of the drain. The closer you are to the roof stains, the better your Roof Stain Removal Products will work.

So black stains on roofs can be removed, just choose a quality roof cleaner product or your local roof cleaning professional and make your roof look better!

How to choose roof coating

Choosing to use a roof coating system over a tear-off and new roof installation is cost effective. Labor fees are minimal because several steps are eliminated allowing for a much shorter production time and landfill fees are avoided altogether. The ThermaCote roof restoration or roof maintenance systems are non-intrusive, creating minimal disruption to the building occupants during construction. This allows your business to remain open, conducting sales and business as usual. There is no need for a costly and timely roof tear-off/new roof install when you can achieve the same results with greater benefits. Less time, less cost, and a seamless membrane to solve your roofs particular issues are all gained while keeping your business operations in motion, allowing you to make money during the install. There is no easier, better choice than to restore your failing Hypalon roof with one of our roof coating systems!

White Roofs

Can light-colored rooftops and roads really curb carbon emissions and combat global climate change? The idea has been around for years, but now, a new study by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory that is the first to use a global model to study the question has found that implementing cool roofs and cool pavements in cities around the world can not only help cities stay cooler, they can also cool the world, with the potential of cancelling the heating effect of up to two years of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions.       

Because white roofs reflect far more of the sun’s heat than black ones, buildings with white roofs will stay cooler. If the building is air conditioned, less air conditioning will be required, thus saving energy. Even if there is no air conditioning, the heat absorbed by a black roof both heats the space below, making the space less comfortable, and is also carried into the city air by wind raising the ambient temperature in what is known as the urban heat island effect. Additionally, there’s a third, less familiar way in which a black roof heats the world: it radiates energy directly into the atmosphere, which is then absorbed by the nearest clouds and ends up trapped by the greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming.

Acrylic Roofing Systems that Work for You

A roof protects you from the elements. But what protects your roof from those same elements? If the answer is anything but an Acrylic elastomeric roof coating system, then you might be the one who ends up getting wet.

Acrylic high-performance waterborne coatings and liquid acrylic roofing systems have been perfected for more than half a century. These products provide moisture and thermal protection, ENERGY STAR®-certified efficiency, extreme durability, and cool roofing solutions on virtually any surface, for any job, and for every application.

ThermaCote Inc. has manufactured elastomeric coating systems for more than 50 years, providing proven performance from the one source for any and all of your roofing needs. Whether it’s industrial roofing, schools, commercial roofing projects, historic roof restoration, roof maintenance, roof waterproofing, repairing roof leaks, installing an ENERGY STAR® reflective roof system or any other kind of protective coating, Acrylic can provide the perfect solution for your commercial or residential roofing needs. 

                 

Types of Roof Coatings!

Roofs are expensive to maintain and even more expensive to replace. As part of an aggressive maintenance program, roof coverings applied to a roof system in relatively good condition can extend the system’s service life for many years, delaying replacement.

Coatings provide a renewable surface that protects the underlying membrane from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and heat, slowing the roof’s aging process. Highly reflective white coatings also significantly reduce the membrane’s temperature, which leads to improved long-term performance of the system. This lower temperature also reduces the building’s heat load, resulting in lower cooling costs for the building.

Reflective coatings can reflect 60-85 percent of solar energy. But managers should be aware that solar reflectance changes as a coating ages. A high-quality reflective coating can quickly pay for itself in energy savings. White roofs have a tendency to collect dirt, and the amount of dirt typically depends on the roof’s slope, weather conditions, rainfall, and surrounding elements.