Sloped Roofs Vs. Flat Roofs

by Dependable Construction | Nov 17, 2018 | Roofing

The roof of a home or building is most definitely one of the most practical structures. Without the roof, protecting yourself from the elements would be very hard to achieve no matter the size of the dwelling. Just think about it for a second; four walls with no roof don’t serve any purpose and “mother nature” will remind us all how illogical that concept would be. For those who are in the building or the renovation process, figuring out the best style of roofing can be a bit tricky as both have their positives and negatives. Climate, weather situations, and practicality should be taken into consideration long before any work has begun. This article is written to give you, “the home owner,” more insight on the best options that are currently available, which will aide you in making the best possible choice for your situation.

Which Roofing Route to Take?

Honestly, this question can only be answered by you, the homeowner. Though contractors can and will give you sound advice on the pros and cons, the final decision is always yours. One of the most important things to consider would be maintenance especially if you’re a homeowner. Are you physically able to climb up a ladder? Do you have good enough balance for standing/walking on sloped angles? This is probably one of the most asked about topics when it comes to roofing. In general, houses tend to have sloped roofing and businesses generally tend to go the flat route. This is only in general terms as there are many homes with flat roofing structures. If you’re residing in an area where there is a lot of snow fall and ice, flat roofing might not be the better route to take. Snow and ice is extremely heavy and if you’re someone who procrastinates, you’d be risking some serious structure damage.

If you’re someone who’s into architecture then sloped roofs are better. The angles and sharp design of the slopes physically looks more attractive than something that is rather flat. Some home and business owners shy away from flat surfaces because of a lack of information. Rain water is the culprit and many people think that the precipitation will collect and become stagnant. Contemporary flat roofs are implemented with membrane systems. These innovative systems are water tight and are designed to allow rainwater to roll off into the dwelling’s gutter system.

“Other Reasons for Going Flat”

If you’re into being energy efficient, flat roofs allows you takes full advantage of the sun. Sloped surfaces only catch sun rays at certain angles. Installation costs. Sloped surfaces have larger surface areas than flat surfaces and every square foot is accounted for in labor and material costs. Flat vs. slope is an age old debate, but the best thing to do is to go with whatever surface fits your needs the best.

Call us on 937.318.9572 if you are considering having a more energy-efficient roofing system installed on your property today. You can also check us out on Facebook to see current jobs going on or visit our site https://dependableconstruction.com

Mistakes to avoid.

by Dependable Construction | Oct 26, 2018 | Roofing

Mistakes to avoid in roof restoration

You may think that deciding to restore your roof is the end of your journey. In fact, it’s the beginning. When people restore their roofs there are several mistakes that can often be made. In this post, we talk about some of the mistakes to avoid in roof restoration.

Starting a big roof restoration project on your own

Unless you are a roofing expert, it’s better to call professionals for any type of roof repairs or installations. Roof repair is a complex and dangerous task. No doubt, you may save a few dollars in the beginning, but it can prove to be very costly in the long run. With experience and the right skill-set, professional roof restoration experts can provide you cost-efficient and flawless roofing solutions.

Using left over paint to coat metal roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most durable roof materials, but it does require some special care. From rusting to breaking, it can sustain a wide array of damages. That’s why you need to regularly inspect it and make any necessary repairs. Metal roofs are most likely made up of different materials than the rest of the house, so that’s why using the same paint across everything definitely won’t get you the same results. Specialized metal roofing paints have features like water-resistance and heat and fire resistance, as well as rust and corrosion proofing.

Not using a sealant on newly restored metal roofs

To forget or ignore using a sealant before the application of metal paint is another mistake that people often commit. If not used, the metal paint might not adhere to the roofing surface and peel off over time. For this reason, sealant adds life to a metal roof. Another tip is to make sure the sealant you use compliments the properties of the paint.

Installing the wrong product

There are certain products that can cause more damage to your roof than good. After all, not all roofing products are suitable for all types of roofs. At Dependable Construction, we are roof restoration experts who know what roofing products will best suit your roofing needs.

Accepting the lowest price to restore your roof without comparing quotes

We are sure you have heard the expression, “You get what you pay for” and the same applies for roofing estimates. If you have obtained several roofing quotes and one is well below the price of the others, analyze the items listed and ensure that it is comparable. Confirm that the quotation includes the same scope of works, materials, accessories and warranties offered. Often a significantly lower price than the others may indicate that the subcontractor will be cutting corners or using substandard materials.

Also if a contractor claims to be the cheapest without even getting an estimate or will “beat any quote”, you need to be wary. You may initially pay less to go with the cheapest contractor but it might cost you more in the long run.

Not fixing structural defects first

It’s a good idea to repair any structural defects before repairing your roof. Things like sinking footings or piers and sagging roofs and ceilings will affect your overall roof restoration.

Why restore your roof?

A roof restoration is the perfect opportunity to update your home with a stylish, modern roof. Roof restoration can make sure your roof retains less dirt and require less cleaning; not to mention, it’ll reflect more heat and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Aesthetically, the difference is immediately noticeable. More importantly, you’ve protected your family, belongings, and your home.

Restoring your roof is a proactive roofing solution that can save you money in the long run. So what began as an interest in refreshing or changing the color of your roof will actually have valuable and long-lasting effects.

Go and check out your roof right now. If you think it’s looking a bit tired and worn out, maybe a roof restoration is what you need!

Call us on 937.318.9572 if you are considering having a more energy-efficient, sustainable home. You can also check us out on Facebook to see current jobs going on.

Benefits of metal roofing.

by Dependable Construction | Oct 19, 2018 | Roofing

The rise of metal roofing

Here’s an alarming statistic: the construction environment is responsible for 40% per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. It also utilizes one-third of the world’s resources and generates millions of tons of waste each year. If you think your home or business can’t have much of an environmental impact, think again. Metal roofs help lower our carbon footprint, and can last up to two to three times longer than tiled roofs while also providing superior energy efficiency. Made of various metals including tin, aluminum, copper and galvanized steel, metal roofs are good for both the environment and your energy bills.

Energy efficient

Metal roofing is naturally more energy efficient due to its strong solar reflectance and impressive thermal emissivity. High solar reflectivity and emissivity levels of cool metal roofing can save homeowners up to 40% on their energy costs yearly. The color of your metal roof can also add great value to your home or office. White or light-colored metal roof can reduce energy expenditure by approximately 20%, and also make your home up to 10° cooler than a dark-colored roof. Pre-painted metal can retain almost 95% of its reflexivity, so you don’t need to worry that going for a white coating means you’ll lower its initial reflectance.

Recycled and recyclable

Metal roofing is recyclability and reusability and helps minimize waste. This includes reducing the waste commonly associated with conventional roofing replacements. While asphalt shingles are recyclable, in practice each year around nine billion kilograms of asphalt shingles end up in a landfill. The petroleum-based products that go into the production of asphalt roofing products also wind up in a landfill. Metal roofing is almost 100% recyclable at the end of its functional life, and it’s the eco-friendliest roofing solution from a waste-reduction standpoint. Aluminum used to manufacture metal roofs is 95% recycled in content. As the only truly ‘green’ material used in the roofing industry, metal roofing is the fastest growing residential roofing product on the market today. Metal is the lightest and strongest material you can put over your head.

Longer lasting

A properly installed and maintained metal roof will last the lifetime of your home with little. Due to their durability and rigidity. A metal roof represents a considerable long-term investment, asphalt shingles can require re-roofing every 10-20 years. Additionally, metal won’t crack, peel, fade or disintegrate like other roofing materials, plus it repels pests and complements rainwater capture systems.

Increased resale value

Metal roofing can significantly boost the resale value of a home. Some metal roofs are highly valued in the real estate market since a metal roof will last for the lifetime of a building if properly cared for. Metal also provides the biggest return on investment for the installation costs of any roofing material. This means that during the lifespan of your metal roof, you can look for savings not only in your energy costs and home insurance, but in how much you save on repairing leaking roof tiles.

The environmental benefits of metal roofs are clear, call us at 937.318.9572 if you are considering getting a new metal roofing system. You can also check us out on Facebook to see current jobs going on.

Single Ply Roofing

by Dependable Construction | Oct 12, 2018 | Roofing

Single Ply Roofing, What Architects should ask before they Specify.

Many of the modern single ply roofing membranes on the market today are perceived as being the same. In fact, as far as performance and accreditation’s are concerned, that’s probably true. But it isn’t the whole story.

Specifiers are beginning to understand that the core difference between these products isn’t really the membranes themselves. What matters is the rest; everything that goes towards the product being installed correctly, efficiently and reliably on their projects, time after time.

This is the case whether you are in a design team for a main contractor (an increasingly strong influence as far as specification is concerned), an architect in a more traditional role, or the client themselves.

The Design & Build world we live in might suggest that price is the key to choosing membranes. But price should never be the main consideration for any product. A good quality team are actually looking at value not price, and value has to include the entire process and outcomes, maximizing returns and minimizing risk.

What to ask about Single Ply Roofing Membranes

Assuming the correct accreditation’s are available, here are the key things to consider when specifying single ply membranes, and the key questions you should ask your supplier or manufacturer before you decide on a product.

1. Quality of Installers

The quality of the product is only ever as good as the guys who install it on your roof. How do you know that your roofing contractor does good quality work? Typically, if a roofing system fails, it is the product that is blamed at first, but poor installation is much more likely to be the cause.

1. Stock Availability and Logistics

The best, cheapest product in the world is no good if your contractor can’t get it when he needs it. Materials must be available for purchase and delivered on time, with consistency. If delays mean your project can’t be completed on time this can cause significant problems, every day a hotel cannot open, for example, will cost thousands of dollars.

1. Technical Support

Even the best and most experienced contractor can come across problematic situations on the roof. Design support is vital, not only in the early stages but right into the contract. During the Design & Build process designs are often altered during construction. You need a technical specialist to make sure the right decisions are made when that happens, or things can get very expensive.

1. Site Inspections

Don’t underestimate the importance of face-to-face site visits between the product supplier and contractor. No matter how experienced the installer, each roofing installation must be policed responsibly, otherwise all the training in the world can count for nothing.

1. On-going Contractor Training

Products change all the time, and new improved methods are installing them continue to become available. Our weekly on-going training programmed ensure that contractors are up to speed with the latest approved methods. Make sure your products will be installed with this level of expertise.

1. Products and Supplier Track Record

The company you are working with and the product they are supplying has to have credibility, because your reputation is going to be riding on that choice. So, make sure you are satisfied with the credibility of both the company who are delivering the product, and the product itself. Find out what third parties you can talk to who can satisfy you of this.

We hope these questions will help you make the right choice of Single Ply roofing membranes. For help call you can visit us here https://dependableconstruction.com, we provide positive answers to all these questions. Call us on 937.318.9572 if you are considering a new metal roofing system for your home or office. You can also check us out on Facebook to see current jobs going on.