How to Make Your Shingle Roof Green

Your roof should be near the top of your home improvement list when it comes to going green.The constant exposure to the elements make your roof the perfect candidate to reap the benefits of the energy efficiency that comes with a green roofing system. Since your roof is one of the more important structural features keeping you and your family safe, it's easy to see why homeowners are quickly being drawn to the workmanship and highlights that green remodels are best known for.

Taking Your Asphalt Shingle Roof Green:

Despite the fact that roofing looks good in green, homeowners ought to know that asphalt roofing shingles are not the greenest product around. They are a petroleum-based product, require a lot of energy to manufacture, have a relatively short lifespan, and account for a shockingly large percentage of the construction waste that is shipped to landfills every year. On the other side of the topic, asphalt shingle roofing is probably the most cost-effective roofing solution on the market when it comes to materials and installation; which ultimately secures their status, for the time being, as a cornerstone of the roofing industry. The key is making your asphalt shingle roofing installation as green as you possibly can by installing 40- or 50-year rated shingles.

Energy Savings and Green Asphalt Roofing:

Choosing a greener asphalt roof almost always translates into cheaper energy bills down the road. Here are a few things that will get you the most out of your green conversion:

Install Light Colored Roofing:

Light colored roofing is will reflect heat from the sun rather than absorb it. The result is a cooler home, and reduced cooling bills (especially if you have air conditioning ductwork in the attic). Light colored shingles also make for a longer lasting roof, thanks to the fact that a lighter roof will experience less contraction and expansion over its lifetime than a dark one.

Install Radiant Heat Barriers:

Radiant heat barriers are a thin layer of metal insulation, which can reduce radiant heat transfer into your attic up to 95 percent when installed to the underside of your roof. Radiant heat barriers are a great addition for any home, but they are especially effective for reducing air conditioning costs if your ductwork is located overhead.

Environmentally Friendly Asphalt Shingle Roofing:

As mentioned before, the terms "environmentally friendly" and "asphalt shingles" don't generally show up in the same sentence very often. Nevertheless, here are some things that you and your contractor can do to make sure that your asphalt shingle roof is as green as they come.

Install Recycled Content Asphalt Roofing:

Recycled asphalt shingles contain recycled waste paper and/or use reclaimed material slag in their aggregate surfaces. Since discarded, asphalt shingles are a major source of construction waste. Anything you can to do to offset that, such as cutting down on the waste of raw materials on the manufacturing end, is a plus.

Energy Savings:

Since energy savings mean reduced fossil fuel consumption, any energy savings you incur by adopting green remodeling methods with your asphalt roofing shingles is good for the environment, and your pocketbook.

Minimize Waste & Recycle Building Materials:

Measure your roof and order roofing materials carefully to minimize the waste sent to landfills. Also, remember that 85 to 90 percent of construction waste is recyclable, either by reusing it or disposing of it at facilities that will recycle the materials.

Purchase Roofing with a Longer Life:

Asphalt shingle roofing can last as little as 12 years before needing replacement. By purchasing shingles with a longer lifespan, you'll reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills and probably save yourself money in the long run since you won't have to spring for a new roof every 10 to 20 years.

Calculating the True Value of Going Green with Your Asphalt Shingle Roof:

By now you're probably wondering what it's going to cost you if you go green with your asphalt shingle roofing? Probably not much more than if you don't. You may pay more for a radiant heat barrier, recycled content asphalt shingles, and higher quality, longer lasting roofing materials, but when you factor in energy savings and going longer between re-roofing projects -- you're going to break even, if not save a little in the long run. The focus here is that going green is worth a lot more than you can measure in dollars and cents. Green roofs are healthier, longer lasting, lower maintenance roofing solutions. If you think green is the right choice for you, be sure to talk to your contractor about adopting a green building philosophy. At Trudel and Sons Roofing we specialize in Green Roofing, and we are always willing to help you plan and design the most efficient and green roof possible.

Slate Roofing: The Good, The Bad, and The Cost.

The history of slate roofing is definitely a lengthy one. On one hand, slate roofing is generally known as one of the highest quality, longest lasting roofing materials on the market. On the other hand, the high cost, difficult installation, and fragile nature of slate roofing can leave little to be desired for some. Here's the good, the bad, and the costs that come with slate roofing:

The Good:
Due to the fact that it's a natural stone product, slate tiles have some huge upsides. In addition to being unique and appealing, slate roof tiles are known for their longevity among other roofing systems. Slate roofing tiles also offer more choices with regard to size, colour, and thickness which also contribute to their longevity factor; and in a world where a standard roof can be expected to last just 20-30 years, longevity is crucial. While on the topic of longevity, slate roofing tiles are regarded as the most fire resistant and environmentally friendly thus adding to their desirability.

The Bad:
Unfortunately, many contractors know very little about slate roofs. What's even more unfortunate is despite that fact, some contractors will advance with your slate roof installation anyway. When hiring your roofing contractor, be sure to inquire about experience and ask for references. A well installed slate roof could last you and your home a century, however, a poorly installed slate roof could feel like not having a roof at all. With regard to durability, slate roofing can be a big negative for homeowners. When it comes to your slate roof, the understanding of its delicacy cannot be stressed enough. Before you or any type of contractor ventures on to your slate roof, it is of the utmost importance to be aware of the proper precautions that need to be taken such as proper footwear. Always remember, the less time you spend on your slate roof - the better. It's also important to note that slate roofing is sold in lots, and those can change over the years. So if you have slate roofing damage any number of years after installation, there will never be a guarantee that your new tiles will match your old ones.

The Cost:
The most notable con when it comes to installing a slate tile roof on your home is its high cost. $1000-$4000 per square tile can seem a bit daunting upon initial investment, however, when the options are weighed against an asphalt roofing system that will need to be replaced more frequently, it makes more economical sense.

Moisture Control in Low-Slope and Flat Roofing Systems

Condensation within a flat roofing system mainly occurs during cold weather seasons when moisture and vapor in the air caused by heat from within the building rising out into the cold roof void above the ceiling. When the temperature of the moisture falls to or below its dew point, the water vapor condenses on the cold surfaces around it causing damage and leaks. Condensation is a particular problem in flat or low-sloped roofing systems above rooms that generate a lot of heat such as kitchens and bathrooms. A flat roof should be designed to minimize condensation and a proper analysis of the positioning of insulation materials, vapor control layers, ventilation, and thermal insulation should be reviewed prior to installation. Here are our tips on preventing the likelihood of leaks on low-slope/flat roofing systems:

During Design/Specification:

1. Provide a positive roof slope. This will provide roof drainage and better ventilation to the outdoors.

2. Provide as much ventilation for moisture "traps" as possible. This can be achieved by cutting back ends of reflective foil/batt insulation which are installed below the roof sheathing.

3. Use insulation above the wood deck. Where low design temperatures or high interior humidity are expected, this method can help keep wood temperatures above dew point.

During Construction:

1. Install roofing over the wood deck ASAP. This will protect the insulation from exposure to the elements.

2. Provide proper ventilation to remove moisture. Moisture build up during the construction of a roofing system is expected due to the curing of concrete and gypsum jointing materials. Proper ventilation will prevent these aspects of installation from having long-term effects on the roof.

During Service Life/Homeowner Tips:

1. Don't let moisture stand a chance. If you own a home with a low-slope or flat roofing system, it's going to require a little more care than a standard shingle roof. Your best bet at maintaining the integrity of your roof and preventing leaks is calling a pro for any snow/heavy rainfall removal - this way you know the job is being done correctly. If you've had any extreme weather (snow. rain, or wind) be sure to notify your professional, this way, they can ensure all roof membrane and HVAC systems are in working condition.

How to Recognize and Prevent Ice Damming

The cold winter season is the time when many homeowners see icicles hanging from their eaves or water coming in the house due to ice damming on the roof. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow/water from draining properly off the roof. The water that then backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. 

There are three main causes of ice damming:

• Poor insulation from a house ceiling. An attic with inadequate or deteriorated insulation can cause ice damming.

• Lack of ventilation. A house with proper ventilation allows the necessary cold air to mix and cool the hot air from the house, which slows the snow melting down.

• Leaking gaps between the living space and the attic. These spaces allow extra heat to “escape” into the attic, which warms the space and melts even more snow.

Here is what you can do to prevent ice damming:

• Seal the living space.

• Install adequate attic insulation.

• Make sure that the attic is properly ventilated.

Shingle roofs are designed to shed water; they are engineered and installed to reject freestanding water. That is why a good quality leak barrier is needed at the eaves. The most important thing a contractor can do to help homeowners with ice dam problems is to first clean the snow off the roof (following strict safety rules) and then create exits for the trapped water.

Preventing ice dams and icicles may not be possible at all times, but these are measures that can be taken to help stop water from entering the house.

5 Tips to Stay on Schedule During a Roofing Project

Installing a roof on a building is a big job with many various and sometimes changing components. Effective coordination and communication between the crew needs to happen, but unfortunately schedules can get derailed in the process. 

Here are some ways you can be better prepared for the unexpected and ensure your company’s project runs on time:

1. Plan around the weather. Use a satellite weather monitoring system to get the forecast in real-time. This will eliminate scheduling conflicts and help to avoid costly delays.
   
2. Make sure your materials are on site. Some products are easily purchased, but others may need to be specially ordered in advance. If the latter is the case, you will need extra time to ensure everything has been delivered in time to begin your project.
   
3. Designate a foreman/manager/site supervisor. This person will direct and supervise the roofing process, plan the work to be done for the days ahead, make sure the installation is done to standard, and secure materials, equipment, manpower, and subcontractors (if needed) to keep the project moving smoothly. Preferably, this person will not be installing, but rather spends his/her time supervising and coordinating.
   
4. Use scheduling software. Every project should have a plan and schedule set in place before ground breaking day. It should be allotted into manageable phases with completion targets clearly determined. The schedule should be updated daily and distributed to all parties involved in the project. Making your trades and employees aware of the timelines will make meeting deadlines a breeze.
   
5. Get a dedicated delivery vehicle. To prevent unforeseen shortages, breakdowns, or to replace broken tools, have a vehicle and dedicated "runner" available to handle these problems as they arise. You want the foreman and contractors to be on the roof working and coordinating, not dealing with equipment or material errors.

All of these steps will help ensure that your roof is completed on schedule. And remember: preventing problems takes planning!

3 Tips to Keep Your Roofing Company Busy During The Winter Season

With each changing season comes changing, and sometimes unpredictable, weather conditions. The building and contracting industries can both tend to feel the effects of the long cold winter season -- if there are any major fluctuations in temperature from extreme cold to above the freezing mark, any concrete pouring or foundation work must come to a halt if the project is to be completed properly, putting a serious delay on obtaining revenue. 

Extreme snowfall is also a huge factor for business in the industry as it is the number one cause of ice damming and roof leaks. Here are our tips for keeping the busy season alive when changing seasons slow or halt your building or contracting service:

1) Plan Ahead. Planning your bigger projects that provide more wiggle room with scheduling and timelines around the winter season can be a huge savior for your business. During the slow season is also when you can take the time to:

• Help your clients that have booked projects for the spring/summer season to select long-lead items such as custom windows, siding, or shingles - that way the project is set to begin without delay once the snow melts.
  
• Shift your focus to interior work. Old Man Winter will inevitably bring ice damming and roof leaks, so indoor roofing, insulation, ventilation, and attic repairs will spike in demand. Keep your outdoor work climate specific, it can not only be damaging for your businesses reputation but also for the health of your employees if outdoor work is completed in harsh below-freezing conditions.
  
• Offer cleanup and snow removal for flat roof, residential, industrial, and commercial clients. Not only will the service be called for and appreciated, but it can secure the integrity of your product.

2) Develop Your Marketing and Sales Strategies. The winter season can generally bring you and your employees indoors, use this down time to:

• Educate yourself and your employees on the latest building and design trends to maintain a competitive edge during the summer season.
  
• Offer value pricing on maintenance inspections for the Spring season.
  
• Offer Winter specials on smaller installations and repairs

3) Damage Control. With winter comes heavy wet precipitation and varying temperatures which can lead to ice damming and even structural damage. This misfortune tends to be more popular on older flat roof homes, however, with the right amount of snowfall - any roof can be susceptible to damage. This is a headache for homeowners, but a rejoice for the roofing and building industry as these small and even large repairs can get us through the slow season.

Homeowners should note that venturing on to the roof of your home after extreme weather conditions to inspect damage is not recommended, you are always better off calling a pro for your safety and the integrity of your home. Trudel and Sons Roofing offers comprehensive roof inspections and is always here during any season for your roofing and repair needs!

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Roof Leaks

One of the most common and expensive issues homeowners call a contractor for is to fix a leaky roof. However, even for a pro, the source of a leak in your roof can be elusive because it rarely matches where the water is entering the home. Your contractor then becomes an investigator trying to identify the source of a leaky situation and determine the path in which the water is traveling. The good news here is that all of this frustration can be avoided by following a proper maintenance program that should be performed at least twice a year to help avoid future problems.

Before an inspection, ensure you take a look around from the ground level and make your contractor aware of any recent extreme weather, leaves, falling debris, trees, animals around the home, satellite or cable work, or additional accident causers that may have damaged the roof.

Once on the roof, keep these 5 simple tips in mind so you may locate future leaks and problem areas before they cause further costly damage.

1. On Edge. Drip edges are not only aesthetically pleasing, but are highly important in ensuring water is kept away from the fascia and directed away from the roof. A bonus is that they also help to keep out insects, snakes, and critters. Always check your drip edge when looking for leaks.

2. Your Roof Isn't Bullet Proof. Penetrations are the most common source for leaks and will block the natural water flow off your roof. Check to make sure:

• Your chimney doesn't need to be re-sealed and has the proper flashing/counter flashing
• If you have a skylight that it is properly flashed and is not leaking itself
• The neoprene/rubber around your plumbing vents has not cracked with age and is not in need of flashing
• Your satellite or cable cords are flashed properly

3. What's on the Inside Really Does Matter. More often than not, homeowners will blame the roof for being the cause of a leaky roof, but the problem can also come from improper air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, condensation, vent fans, or animal bug infestation in the attic. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Mold
• Wet insulation when there hasn't been rainfall
• Algae stains on interior plywood
• Blockage in the intake vents from paint, dust, spider webs, or insulation
• Lack of ventilation which causes the attic or overheat/accumulate moisture
• Black rings/rust around nails - the first sign of condensed moisture in your attic space

4. Big Foot. Areas where step flashing should be installed are a common source for roof leaks and a huge part of maintenance. Inspect these areas for damage:

• Roof-to-wall transitions
• Wherever low quality sealant/mastic has been used
• Dormers

5. The Gutter Counts When it Comes to Your Roof. Most homeowners completely underestimate the value of their gutters. They must be installed and sloped correctly to drain, free of debris, and tightly fastened. Contractors should always stress to homeowners the importance of gutter maintenance and that it should be left to a professional.

This is our basic list of maintenance suggestions, however, Trudel and Sons Roofing offers a full comprehensive roof inspection when quoting or beginning a contract. A thorough inspection, performed regularly by a professional roofing contractor, can monitor the roof's condition and help prevent small problems from becoming major roof leaks.

10 Signs You Need a New Roof

If you're like most homeowners, getting a good look at your roof happens from your vehicle as you move in and out of the driveway shuttling kids or running errands. However, inspecting your roof on a regular basis and mending areas that need repair can prevent unexpected costs later on. Not to mention, keeping your roof in good condition will also benefit you if you decide to put your home on the market.

"What should I be looking for, then?", you ask. Well, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends inspecting your roof at least twice a year - spring and fall. The best place to start is inside your home, so, grab a flashlight and venture up to the attic.

While at the highest point of the inside of your home, here's what you want to look for:

1) Signs of water damage/leaking.

2) Places where the roof is sagging.

3) Exterior light shining through the roof.

4) Dark spots/trails.

Once you make your way outside and to the tip top of your home, make sure to pay extra attention to things such as missing shingles, damaged flashing, rotting or algae growth, curling, blistering, or buckling. Areas where some shingles are darker than others are a huge concern for bigger problems as that's where moisture has already begun to collect. Here's some tips for inspecting/handling these issues outside of your home:

5) Scan the roof for loose material/wear around the chimney, vents, pipes and other exposed penetrations.

6) Check all kitchen, bath and dryer vents and ensure they run completely outside of your home - not just into the attic space.

7) Check for signs of moisture, mold, or rot. Water can travel down to its lowest spot before it starts dripping inside the home and mold, fungi and bacteria can grow within 24-48 hours of a water related issue.

8) Visually inspect your roof for cracked, bald, torn or missing shingles.

9) Be aware of an excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters - a sign of advanced wear.

10) Examine your drainage and make sure all gutters and downspouts are securely attached. Also ensure drainage is open and allows water to flow out freely.