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When deciding whether to inspect your roof, do a repair, or walk on your roof for any other reason, there are several steps you can take to ensure your safety. These safety procedures are often overlooked, causing accidents that can effect a person and their family for years to come. However, if you invest just a small amount of time educating yourself of the potential dangers of your roof, you may avoid these incidents all together.

One of the most important things you should know is to avoid getting on a steep roof unless you have proper safety equipment. For example, a safety harness will prevent any falls from doing serious damage. If you do not have access to safety equipment, or if you are inexperienced on a roof, you may want to call a roofing company to inspect or repair your roof.

Even regular and low sloped roofs require precaution. Before climbing on your roof, ask yourself the following questions:

Could the roof be slippery from dew, ice, rain, snow, etc? If so, wait until your roof is dry.
Is there debris on the roof? Sawdust, wood, shingle particles and even leaves should be swept up frequently.
What type of shoes are you wearing? Rubber-soled boots will generally provide good traction, as opposed to leather-soled boots. Be sure your shoes are not badly worn.
Is the roof stable? If you suspect a leak or any other problem that could effect your roofs stability, be very careful when you walk - testing each area before putting your full weight on it.

If you encounter any issues that could pose a hazard, call a roofing company immediately. They should be better trained to know the hazards and prevent any further damage to your roof or themselves.

There is a vast array of safety gear available to roofing employees. These devices would include harnesses, slings, ropes and cleats, among many other items. Each roofer should easily find the safety equipment that best suits their needs. However, as many as 80 percent of installers do not use these safety devices.

You may be wondering how the use of safety equipment would affect you and your property? Statistics show that the use of roofing safety gear increases productivity, meaning the job will be completed faster and with more efficiency. Also, roofing companies that show care in keeping their employees safe will be more likely to ensure that your property is kept safe and intact.

When faced with the task of picking a roofing company to work on your property, ask about the safety precautions they may or may not have in place. Brady Roofing adheres to all of the current OSHA (occupational safety and health administration) requirements. They also take great care in keeping your property and anyone on it safe during construction.

For more information on safe roofing and procedures, review our quality control checklists.

Contact us with any questions.

Request a free estimate today!

Is a Metal Roof Right for You?

10/11/2010

Throughout the years I have observed the effects of climates like the one we experience in Utah, and the toll it takes on your roof. In the majority of cases I recommend shingles to meet these needs, however, in cases where severe weather conditions persist, I highly recommend installing a metal roof. Examples of this would be homes and cabins located in high elevation areas. In addition to that, a metal roof would be ideal for agricultural structures due to its durability.

In the past, metal roofs were not considered to be traditional roofing. However, they are gaining in popularity because of their features. Metal roofs are durable, very lightweight, maintenance free, fire retardant and energy efficient. Another great quality of metal is that it can be formed to imitate the appearance of almost any other style roofing. Metal roofs have a life expectancy ranging from 30-50 years.

Metal roofing can be very beneficial in many ways. Metal roofs provide added protection against all elements of weather. One of the main reasons metal roofs are popular is the snow removal factor. Snow slides off easily, leaving your roof free of the added weight. In addition, the construction of metal roofing offers added protection against earthquakes. This is especially beneficial in places like Utah.

Another advantage of metal roofs is that steel is the most recycled material in North America, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The surfaces of metal roofs reflect solar energy and
re-emit the heat, creating a more cost effective home. This reflective surface will also save you money in the long run with tax credits and energy savings.

Ironically, the biggest pro for metal roofs, snow removal, can also be the biggest con. Most people think they want the snow and ice to slide off their roof, but when it does it can be hazardous. The snow tends to fall in large, heavy quantities which could result is serious injury to anyone in the direct path of the snow fall. Damage may also be caused to your property below as well as the pipes and flashing on your roof. Unfortunately most property owners end up installing a snow retention system to keep the snow in place.

In the end, it is up to you as a property owner to decide which material will best suit your roof. Metal roofing has some disadvantages, yet it can be the best choice for some roofs. Brady Roofing can help assist you as you make the decision of what roof you would like to install on your property. Our experienced crew are able to install asphalt and metal roofs to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free, fast estimate.

Installing a Tile Walking Deck

08/31/2010

A failed tile deck or walkway is a common occurrence. Tile is very beautiful, but it is not always the best choice to waterproof the outside of your home or building. Up until now, I have not felt comfortable installing a tile roofing deck, knowing that most applications are simply not adequately waterproofed to keep the structure dry and protected from moisture related deterioration. However, Duradek has recently released a new waterproof tile and membrane combination that has successfully proven to be weather-proof while allowing the tile to adhere properly throughout our harsh Utah climate: Tiledek.

This product is so beautiful once installed, that it is easy to forget it is actually a roofing product. Duradek has been waterproofing roofing decks for over 30 years using PVC membranes. The Tiledek roof assembly is comprised of a 1/2" thick cementitious board called Durock, which is adhered to the plywood and fastened with screws. Tiledek membrane is then fully adhered to the Durock Cement Board and terminated properly at all perimeters. All seams in this membrane are heat welded together to prevent moisture penetration during summer rains or winter freeze - thaw cycles.

The membrane is unique because it has a fleece effacer on the upper surface of the sheet that allows the thinset used in tile installations to properly adhere. The PVC membrane fleece effacer adheres to a thinset mortar, which then securely holds the tile and grout in place. This process has proven so successful that certain assemblies of Tiledek have been deemed heavy enough for commercial use.

Compared to other manufacturers, there is a reason I recommend Tiledek. For example, most tile walking decks use modified bitumen roofing as a waterproofing material. For areas with extreme temperatures, like we experience in Utah, this material has a tendency to soften, which then causes the tile attached to it to crack. Because Tiledek uses PVC membrane, this problem is avoided. Also, Tiledek is heat-welded together, causing seams to be more secure than membrane seams that are chemically adhered.

When installing any walking deck on your roof or home, it is important to treat the task as a roofing project and not as a tile project. It is best to hire a certified roofing contractor that specializes in roof deck and balcony waterproofing. If your tile deck is installed by tile setters, they may miss crucial waterproofing steps that could actually cause your tile to be more likely to crack, as well as causing water damage to your home or building.

Brady Roofing is specially certified to install Duradek products on homes and commercial buildings. We specialize in waterproofing vulnerable areas to protect your roof from leaks. We also have the experience necessary to make any walking deck look and feel beautiful. Contact us today for a free estimate.

How to Locate a Leak on Your Roof

08/16/2010

Why is my roof is leaking? What do I do if I find a leak? How can I locate a leak on my roof? Finding a leak in your home can cause frustration and anxiety. However, there is a simple step by step process that will help you know what to do when you find a leak, how to locate it’s source, and prevent further damage.

Is My Roof Leaking?
It is important to keep in mind that if you find a sign of water damage in your ceiling or wall, it does not necessarily mean that your roof is leaking. The problem could also be the result of leaky plumbing or even condensation. If you find water damage on a ceiling that is not directly below the roof, you may want to consider these other possibilities as causing the leak.

Even if you find sign of water damage in your attic, these signs may not equate to a current leak. For example, if your house is 50 years old, it would have had two or three layers of roofing, and the leak could have occurred anywhere during the life of either roof. A water stain on the roof’s rafters is often what sets off an alarm with the building or home owner, but is far from conclusive evidence of an existing leak.

To determine if your roof is leaking, check the water damage during a rain storm or while snow is melting on your roof. If the damage shows up within 5 hours of recent rain or snow activity, it is probably the result of a roof leak. If the damage occurs outside of this 5 hour range, you may want to have the area checked by a plumber.

With any leak, water can build up and put a heavy amount of weight on your ceiling. If you see a bulge in the sheet rock or paint of the affected area, you will want to drain the water to prevent the sheet rock from collapsing and causing more damage to your home. Simply put a bucket under the affected area and poke a hole in the sheet rock with a 16 penny nail to drain the water.

How to Locate a Leak
Once you are confident that your roof is leaking, you can call a certified roofing contractor to locate and repair the leak. If you would like to find the source of the leak yourself, we have provided a step by step guide.

Throughout this process, remember that water runs downhill. If moisture penetrates the roof, it sometimes travels down and even diagonally in both directions before finding it’s way through the underlayment. Once through the underlayment, it needs to find a seam in the roofs sheathing. Then, the water will either drop to the ceiling’s insulation or travel down a rafter. Once the moisture is on the ceiling, it will usually soak up some insulation before finding it’s way to the sheet rock or plaster ceiling material. About 90% of the time, the leak will manifest itself in a joint in the sheet rock.

To find a leak:

Determine how many roof layers is on your home. If your pitched roof has only one layer, it is much easier to find the source of the leak.
Locate the area where the leak is manifesting itself inside your home.
Transfer this area up to the roof. Is it coming through a penetration such as a pipe, ventilation, swamp cooler, chimney, or skylight? The majority of roof leaks come in around penetrations. Look within 5 feet uphill of the affected area, though it can be as far as 10.
If you locate a penetration within this area, look for problems with the flashing. These are usually very simple repairs.
If there are no penetrations within this area, look for blown off shingles, torn shingles, and nails coming through. Also, pay close attention to valleys, as these areas tend to leak as well.

If you are able to locate a leak in the flashing, you may be able to repair this yourself if you have some knowledge in roofing and can secure the necessary materials. More complicated leaks should be repaired by experienced professionals. Brady Roofing is able to both locate leaks and effectively repair them. We install a large majority of roofing products. We also offer free estimates. For more information, contact us today.

Gutter Fastening Systems

08/04/2010

A gutter and drainage system can easily be taken for granted, until it begins to have problems. Without the gutter system properly distributing water, your home, lawn and garden are all at risk. These problems are easily prevented if gutters are properly installed by experienced and knowledgeable professionals. For example, simply the way a gutter system is secured to a roof can make a world of difference to it’s potential lifetime.

One method of fastening gutter systems is the spike and ferrule system. A spike is driven through the face of the gutter and into the wood fascia behind it. With this technique, the fasteners are visible on the face of the gutters. Not only is does this system look less clean, but it has been proven to cause future problems for your gutters. As snow sits in the gutters, it applies an outward and downward pressure that works the gutter spikes loose over time. For this reason, we avoid this fastening technique.

Our preferred fastening technique is a hidden hanging system. To fasten, a zip hanger screw is fastened at an angle into the fascia, but is not visible from the face of the gutter. Because it is a screw instead of a spike, it has the resistance not to slide out of the wood over time. This system is stronger, it will last longer, and it looks great.

Another viable option includes fastening a strap to the sheathing underneath your roof. The strap wraps around the underside of the gutter, holding it firmly in place. The roofing material covers the strap completely, giving a clean and inconspicuous look. Strap hung gutters are usually installed with a reinforcing bar that holds the straps in place. This bar strengthens gutters under heavy weight of snow and ice.

In addition to considering the installation method that is best for you and your home, be sure to take into account some other important factors. When looking for a roofing and gutter contractor, be sure to have your roofing contractor finish the roof before the gutters are installed. There should be one downspout for every 40 ft, with your gutters installed at a pitch of at least 1/8” per foot. This allows for water, mud, snow and leaves to have somewhere to go instead of sitting stagnant and causing problems down the line.

On a commercial building, a 6 inch case style or box style gutter is best. Both of these gutters will be able to handle the volume of water that accompanies a large commercial building. This will help prevent future problems with overflowing or inadequate gutters.

Brady Roofing and it’s sister company, Brady Gutters, are knowledgeable of the most effective gutter installation methods and products. After spending more than 20 years on various roofs, we have consistently seen both successful and unsuccessful gutter installations. If you choose Brady Gutters as your gutter specialist, we will help you to experience peace of mind with your gutter installation.

How to Clean and Preserve Your Wood Shakes and Shingles

07/27/2010

The search for a shingle with high aesthetic value often ends with wood shakes and shingles. Installing wood on your home can bring a unique and beautiful look to your roof. Since wood grains naturally differ, no two wood shake roofs are the same. Though there have been imitation wood shake shingles made from asphalt shingles, these shingles will never successfully duplicate the smooth quality of natural wood shakes.

Wood shingles are also an environmentally conscious choice, as they are a renewable resource. Not only this, but the natural choice of the wood on your roof will be more energy efficient than asphalt shingles, because they help to keep your attic cooler.

However, there are also downsides to installing wood shakes on your roof. Wood is not as durable as asphalt shingles, yet they can cost around twice as much. Wood is susceptible to termite damage, rotting and scum. To install a wood shake roof means a commitment of regular, vigorous cleaning of both the roof, the gutters, and the surrounding areas such as trees and any source of debris.

In the end, the choice comes down to what is important to you as a home owner. If you do choose to install wood shakes on your roof or home, you should be aware of the maintenance and care process.

First, be sure to select a wood that is high in durability. Redwood and cedar are both known for their weather-resistant qualities. These woods have a high level of natural oils that preserve the wood. If you choose to go with another wood choice, be sure that it has been factory treated with a preservative. These factory treatments force the preservative deep into the wood with high pressure. Wood that has been factory treated is usually under warranty.

Once you have your wood shakes installed, be sure to keep them clean. Trim any trees surrounding your home to prevent pine needles, leaves or twigs from piling up on your roof. Keeping your roof free of debris will lengthen it's life. Also, be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts twice a year to avoid any buildup on your roof.

Many manufacturers recommend that your roof be power-washed at least once a year to open the pores in the wood before applying a preservative. However, it has been shown that inexperienced power-washing can actually cause damage to your roof. If you choose to power-wash your roof, carefully select a professional with a reputation for good customer satisfaction.

Never power-wash your roof without applying a topical treatment afterwards. When choosing a contractor to clean and treat your roof, choose one who offers topical treatments that are:

Water repellents
UV inhibitors
EPA registered wood preservative
Is labeled as an appropriate product for your type of wood shake.

You may find these details in a MSDS (material safety data sheet). Do not allow any contractor to apply a topical treatment to your roof that is:

A water sealant
Containing unfortified linseed oil
Containing diesel fuel
Containing crank case oil

Any of these ingredients can actually trap moisture inside of your roof, under the pretext of keeping moisture out. Water will run underneath the shingles or shakes and have no way to escape. This results in your shingles curling, then finally becoming brittle and cracking.

Applying the correct topical treatments, as well as keeping your roof clean and clear, will help lengthen the life of your wood shake roof. Consequently, just taking these few steps every year can save you a lot of money in re-roofing costs.

However, even if you successfully perform all of the maintenance required on your roof, do not expect it to last as long as asphalt shingles will. In the end, though wood shakes have a vast number of qualities, they are not as durable as other roofing materials. It is up to you whether a beautiful wood shake roof is worth the work for you and your home.

Brady Roofing offers wood shake shingles as well as a number of imitation wood shakes comprised of asphalt shingles. We can help you to choose a roofing material that is right for you and your home. Browse through our shingle options, or contact us today for a free estimate on your home.

Snow Retention Systems: Do You Need One?

07/13/2010

Snow Retention Systems: Does Your Roof Need One?

When considering whether to install a snow retention system on your roof, you may first want to consider what type of roof you have. Will your roof allow snow to slide? In places with heavy snows, like areas in Utah, it is common for snow to slide from certain types of roof systems causing heavy ice and snow build up to sit in gutters, which causes damage over time. If you have a metal, tile, slate or Membrane roof with a pitch of 1/12 or greater, snow may slide off and cause this problem. Gutters will either hold the heavy snow, or they will fall, creating costly repairs.

More often than not, when a customer wants a metal roof, they are excited about the idea of snow sliding off. But after the first few snow storms, these customers see the down side to snow sliding off and piling up on the ground. There are four main downsides to this occurrence:

The first is safety. People commonly under estimate the weight of a couple cubic yards of snow. And if it is mixed with ice at the eaves as is usually the case, it can cause serious injury and even death if it lands on someone.
The second is if snow that is fluffy while on the roof, falls ten feet and lands on the ground, it packs in and becomes very hard and dense. It takes a steel shovel and even a pick in some cases to get it moved off a drive or walk way.
The obstacle that snow sliding off a metal roof can cause is damage to common roof penetrations and gutter systems. Plumbing and Heating ventilation pipes can bend over from the sliding snow. The weight of snow will drop gutter systems.
The fourth is the thunderous sound it makes when it lands, and damaged landscape and railings that go with it. I had a customer tell me she thought her house was collapsing as the 300 lb block of snow fell from the roof onto her deck. This happened at night so you can imagine the adrenaline she woke up with! We have a cabin that we let the snow slide off of and it damaged a log railing system, requiring a roof peppered with snow retention clips just to keep the snow from landing on the railings.

To prevent this, you can simply put snow retention clips on your pitched roof above the gutter and throughout the problem area to keep snow on the roof and to keep it from sliding. For example, you may want more retention clips in areas above a patio, walk way, or driveway to prevent large amounts of snow from falling and damaging the property or even worse, causing serious injury to pedestrians below. It can be safer for your roof, your gutters, and the area around your home if your snow is allowed to thaw instead of evacuate your roof by avalanche. There are 3 main types of snow retention systems for metal and tile roofs:

Snow Fences
Snow Brackets
Snow Clamps

All three choices are effective at keeping snow on your roof. However, snow fences are probably the best choice for a metal panel roof. For a standing seam metal roof, snow clamps are usually the recommended choice. For tile or slate roofing systems, you may want to choose snow brackets as a retention system.

For TPO roofs, even with a low slope of 1/12, it is recommended to install a snow retention system in areas with moderate to heavy snowfall. If the snow is allowed to flow with the slope of the roof, it could build up in one area, causing damage to your roof and drainage system. However, snow clips and fences are not usually as effective because TPO membrane is a flat roof system. This means that, without proper precautions, the moisture could sit around the fasteners that hold the snow fences on and cause leaks. The best course of action in this situation is to install clad metal on the TPO roof to hold the snow. Brady Roofing is able to fabricate this metal in shop, as well as install and seal it properly on your TPO roof.

My advice when designing building a roof system is simply this: Check with building code requirements in your area to find out the snow load, have the roof design reviewed by a residential structural engineer, then keep the snow on the roof using the proper method. Shingled roofs generally don’t have an issue with snow sliding. If you are looking at a smooth surface roof system, and you have a visible slope, you will want to consult with a roofing contractor to see the best method for keeping the snow on the roof.

For more information on snow retention systems, or for a free estimate, contact us today.