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.  

It may be the beginning of summer, but we can be sure that winter will come again.  If you plan well for your roof now, you will be prepared for the worst winters Utah can bring you.  That's why we need to be aware of the issue of ice dams in climates like Utah's while we install our roofs.  An Ice dam is formed when heat from inside a home or attic warms the roof and melts the snow on it.  This melted snow runs towards the cooler eaves and gutters, where it refreezes.  This process creates ice dams.  The result of these dams is water backing up under the roof shingles or behind fascia boards where it can cause damage to your home, both inside and out.  All shingle manufacturers exclude from warranty coverage leaks that are caused by water backing up behind these ice dams.   

The good news is, in most situations, ice dams are easily reduced if you take a few simple steps.  There are three ways to protect your home against ice dams: insulation, ventilation, and waterproofing shingle underlayment.  All three of these steps are vital to protecting your home.  Insulation minimizes heat loss from your home's living area, reducing the hot air which reaches your attic.  This is important to keep you warm throughout the winter, as well as to keep your roof cool.  Ventilation removes the heat from underneath your roof and helps to keep it evenly cool to prevent the freezing and thawing process.  Finally, waterproofing shingle underlayment can be installed on your roof before the shingles are applied.  This protects your roof in the case that an ice dam were to form.   

If you already have an existing roof without any major problems, you may still want to protect against ice dams.  You cannot install waterproof shingle underlayment on existing roofs without removing the shingles first or building a new addition.  However, it is possible to increase your insulation R-value, or level of thermal resistance, in your attic.  Also, it is typically simple to add ventilation to your attic at any time.   

Insulation is a great place to start when protecting your home from excessive ice dams.  If your home was built before 1980, you will most likely need to add more attic insulation.  The amount of insulation your house should have will vary on depending where you live, how your home was built and other factors, including your lifestyle.  In northern Utah, you should have a ceiling R-value of R-49, a wall R-value of R-19 and a floor R-value of R-25.  One inch of insulation can have an R-value of anything from 3.8-4.2, depending on the material.   

Ventilation is important to your home both in the winter and the summer.  Any heat that is lost from your home will be drawn out of your attic through your ventilation, keeping your roof deck cool.  In the winter, this prevents ice dams.  Attic ventilation can also allow any moisture from bathing, cooking and laundry to escape rather than sit and mold or rot your ceilings.  There are two common types of attic ventilation: a mechanical ventilation system and a natural ventilation system.  A power ventilator is an electric fan installed at the roof or gable that runs by a thermostat to ensure the roof is the proper temperature.  A natural ventilation system consists of simple vent or covered openings in your attic.  These are typically installed into your roof.   

If you are building a new home, or re-roofing your current home, it is essential to install waterproof shingle underlayment.  This underlayment is completely resistant to water and is an important step in defending your home against leaks and ice dams.  Shingle underlayment does not prevent ice dams, so it should be accompanied by taking the above steps.  However, installing an underlayment will prevent any backed up water from entering and damaging your home.  Shingle underlayment is installed differently for every situation, depending on the amount of snow and ice that will be on the roof, and the amount of attic space there is to allow air circulation (some underlayments don't breathe and can cause condensation when there is no air circulation - see previous blog on ventilation).  Generally, it is a good ideal to have it applied under flashing, at roof penetrations, areas where pitches change, in valleys, around chimneys, and along the eaves of the home.  You should consider building codes in your area when determining how much ice shield should be installed to prevent the ice at the eaves from backing up and coming in at your exterior walls.   

It is important to note that some situations call for a product called heat tape (sometimes called electrical heat coil).  Areas where this is most prevalent are at the bottom of valleys where it butts into a wall or chimney and does not flow freely off the roof.  This heat tape is effective in resolving ice damming issues, but is costly to operate.  It is best to consult with a roofing contractor when assessing areas that may require special consideration. 

Remember, proper planning can avoid a whole lot of pain later on when the roofing project or repair is completed!   Brady Roofing specializes is proper ventilation and waterproofing your roof for all climates.  If you would like a roof estimate, you can request a free estimate here. 

When you are looking for a roofing contractor, you may be wondering how you can pick the right one.  It will never hurt to ask your roofing contractor questions and get more background information.  If these questions make the contractor uncomfortable, then you should probably use a different contractor.  You should always get bids from at least 2-3 roofing contractors to compare price and quality.  What questions should you ask these contractors, and what are the red flags to watch out for?  To ensure that you have the best experience possible with your roofing contractor, we have some guidelines on how to choose the right company for you.  

The first and possibly most important thing you can look for is each company's past experience.  When you pay for a new roof, you are really paying for the roofing company's reputation and experience.  Ask for references you can contact and addresses where you can view their past projects preferrably spanning over a few years. Check out each company on the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, or a similar company that will show any listed complaints or success stories.  You also want to ask your company if their employees are trained and certified to install your roofing product.  You would be surprised how many contractors teach their employees through "trial and error" on their clients roofs.   

Secondly, you will want to check if they are licensed and insured.  You can check for a business license at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.  It only takes a moment to look your contractor up online.  You can learn a lot about a company by simply checking to see if they are meeting general guidelines such as a business license. 

There are two types of insurance you want to check for: liability and workers compensation.  Liability insurance protects you from any damage that may occur to your home or roof.  If an uninsured contractor doesn't seal up your roof during the roofing process and it rains overnight, you may need to pay to fix the damage yourself or take the contractor to a small-claims court.  Workers Compensation protects you from an employee suing you for being hurt on your property.   

Third, ask if you will receive a contract and a lien waiver.   Few people are aware that a roofing manufacturer can charge you for the roofing materials on your roof if your contractor does not pay for them.  Even if you pay your contractor in full, you may end up paying for those materials again.  Ask for a lien waiver to avoid this issue before you pay the final bill.  Also, before your roofing contractor performs any work on your roof, ask for a signed contract stating what is going to be done.  This will protect you from any misscommunication or fraud.   

If you take these steps when choosing a roofing contractor, or any contractor to work on your home, you may be saving yourself a lot of time and money in the long run.  If a contractor can meet all of these requirements, chances are, your roof will be installed correctly and look beautiful.  To find a roofing contractor that meets all of these requirements, contact Brady Roofing for a free estimate.

When buying a new commercial building, chances are you have a lot to think about and prepare for your new space.  However, it is important to spend time on inspecting the flat roof before making your major purchase.  If you have owned a flat roof for several years, it is still a good idea to inspect your roof and know how to maintain it.  Undiscovered leaks can be devastating and costly, especially in areas with irreplaceable paperwork or expensive equipment.   

The first thing you want to do is check each room in the building thoroughly.  Look at the ceiling for any discoloration.  If there is a leak, a dark colored ring will usually form around the saturated area.  If you see this, you will want to call a roofing contractor before proceeding.  Just because you see damage from a leak in a specific area doesn't mean the leak is located directly above.  Flat roofs have layers that may direct the water to another area in the building, often many feet away.  The damage could also be from a plumbing leak or another source other than your roof.  It is also possible the leak causing the stain was already fixed, and the ceiling was not.  To be safe, it is best to hire a roofing contractor to locate the leak.   

If you do not see any discoloration or other obvious signs of a leak, it is still a good idea to inspect your roof.  Cracks could be forming that could soon become problems.  It is better to deal with these before they cause any internal damage to the building.  It is a good idea to walk your roof and do a simple inspection.  Be sure to always remain aware of where you are on the roof and never walk backwards.  Be aware of penetrations and don't put any weight on skylight covers as they are not designed to hold your weight.  While walking, pay attention to how the roof feels underneath you.  If it is weak, immediately get off the roof in a safe manner and call a contractor.  If there is a leak, it may soak the insulation underneath the membrane.  If you sense a sponge-like feel to the roof beneath you, you want to contact a roofing contractor.  This is also true if you see water coming out of any area of the membrane.   

Next, you will want to check penetrations and seals.  A large portion of leaks are at penetrations and seals, which make up a small percentage of the total roof.  Penetrations are areas such as pipes and flashings that 'penetrate' the roof.  They are usually surrounded by flashings, or sheet metal.  Check around these penetrations for any cracks.  These cracks may not initially be a problem, but as water gets in and freezes, the ice will expand the crack until it is deep enough to cause a leak.  Seals are where two waterproof materials overlap or come together.  Check these to be sure they are smooth and fully adhered.    Other serious flat roof issues include:

• Blisters:  these are areas that appear as bubbles or as an uneven surface.  They could be moisture trapped under the membrane, but are more often a result of an installation error.  Ask a roofing contractor if a particular blister on your roof will cause problems. 
• Splits:  These are often indicators of poor building structure or poor insulation installation.  Even if the membrane was installed correctly, shifting or movement inside the structure could have caused a split in the membrane.  If this is the case, the flashing in this area will usually fail as well. 
• Movement:  If the membrane seems to have moved from it's original location, it may be due to the slope being too steep for the membrane installed, inadequate adhesion, or thermal problems.  This can contribute to ridges, splits and other roof problems.
• Damage:  Obviously, if your roof is punctured or shows any signs of damage, report it to a roofing contractor. 
• Shrinkage:  Some membranes have a tendency to shrink excessively.  You will see this as an issue if membrane seams to be pulling against a penetration such as a plumbing vent pipe, or the membrane can pull away from the eave's edges. You may also see "bridging" at angle changes such as parapet walls against other walls etc.

If you have completed your roof inspection and have decided to hire a roofing contractor, be sure to get multiple bids to be sure you know what really needs to be done.  Also, if you get multiple bids, you are more likely to pay a fair price for your roof repair or replacement.  Your contractor may also be able to help you prolong your roof and give specific instruction on what you can do to properly maintain it.  Brady Roofing offers free roof estimates.  We specialize in flat roof installation and feel confident in helping you to prolong your roofs life as long as possible.   Contact us today.

If you are in the market for a cool roof to save you money in energy bills and to do your part in helping the environment, there are many options out there for you.  Here are just a few products that are likely to grant you the best energy savings possible, while offering the greatest protection for your home or building.    

Flat Roofs
If you own a flat roof, you are provided with convenient energy saving resources.  Flat roofing membranes, unlike tar and gravel roofs, are reflective and are designed to save you energy and money.  A flat roof membrane's high reflectivity will help to reduce the amount of energy required to cool a building and keep it cool throughout the hottest points of the year.  This decreased amount of energy consumption causes a lower amount of pollution to be generated back into the atmosphere and directly contributes to a cooler and cleaner environment, all while you save a little money.  Some roofing membranes that are energy efficient include:

• TPO
• EPDM
• TOPCOAT

TPO is an extremely relfective roofing membrane.  Versico's TPO membranes carry the Energy Star rating, and succeeded in exceeding the guidelines to meet that rating.  TPO is solar reflective and has a thermal emmitance level of .8 to .9, depending on the color.  Versico's TPO is also listed as a CRRC (Cool Roof Rating Council) certified product.  This TPO is also 100% recyclable, as well as made from safe materials that do not harm the environment.  If you are looking for a roof that will naturally cut down your energy bill, and also succeed in helping the environment, TPO is for you. 
 
EPDM is a truly sustainable product.  It is diverse enough to fit the needs of virtually all of the different climates and building structures.  For example, if a membrane is not thick enough in a cold climate zone, it will almost immediately result in higher energy output and costs for the property owner.  However, EPDM is able to work with different climates to create an energy efficient roof for you an any location.  Though EPDM lacks the reflectivity of TPO, it makes up for it in thermal performance.  In fact, a recent study performed by the Department of Energy and the EPDM Roofing Association showed that ballast and paver systems (such as EPDM roofing) can save as much energy as a reflective or "cool" roofs.   

If you are looking for a way to push your roof over the top in energy savings, TOPCOAT is for you.  It is a roofing membrane designed to be sprayed over current roofs, whether it is a single-ply membrane or a metal roof.  It holds the Energy Star rating for its solar reflectivity.  It has the similar effect of TPO: it decreases the overall building temperature through it's solar reflectivity and thermal emmitance.  In fact, TOPCOAT can save you up to 50% of your roof's original cost through energy savings.  It also protects seams and joints from wide temperature changes that can negatively effect roofing performance.   

Pitched Roofs
Even pitched roofs are following the global trend of energy efficient building products.  Since most pitched roofs are residential, they have the potential to save your family from spending money on unneccessary energy bills, while still helping your house look good.  They also qualify for a tax credit of up to $1500.  Two examples of these cool shingles are:

• GAF's Timberline Cool Series
• CertainTeed's Landmark Solaris

GAF Timberline has introduced the Cool Series shingle in hopes of reducing attic temperatures, and thus reducing energy costs and usage.  They are designed with a greater reflectance than tradtional shingles that helps to minimize the amount of heat leaking from your roof into your home.  This shingle saves it's residents an average of 7-15% of total cooling costs each year.  In warmer climates, cooling cost savings may be greater throughout the entire year.  These shingles are based off of the design of the #1 archetectural shingle in America, giving your home the beautiful look you want.  

Certainteed Roofing has also come out with a 'cool' shingle: Landmark Solaris.  This shingle contains advanced color granules that reflect the sun.  This succeeds in reducing the overall roof temperature by up to 20% in the summer, saving you money and energy.  Landmark Solaris is rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council, qualifies for credits and points in LEED, NAHB, and other green programs, and meets the ENERGY STAR standards for solar reflectance and thermal emission.  However, perhaps the best feature of this shingle is it's beauty.  It doesn't look like a cool shingle, but rather it is a beautiful architectural shingle that would look great on any home.   

Learn more about our products, or for a free estimate, contact Brady Roofing.

Over the last few months, one of our clients has called us several times to fix various leaks in his 12 year old pitched roof installed by another roofing contractor.  He had originally had a tar and gravel flat roof.  He had his roofing contractor convert it to a 4/12 pitched roof, leaving the tar and gravel roof on underneath.  He called us when, after only 12 years, his shingled roof was leaking in various places.  When I got on the roof I noted the poor workmanship of his roof and shingles.  We did several repairs and ended up replacing the entire roof, installing new shingles, an ice shield, synthetic felt and new flashing.  It was a 30 year system and I was confident he wouldn't have any future leaks in his roof.  

Last night, I had a bizarre experience as I received yet another phone call from him reporting a leak in one of the same places the roof had leaked before.  I couldn't figure out how a brand new roof could be leaking in the same spot.  I called one of my employees and we went to check it out around 5:30.  We inspected the entire roof and could not find any place that could be leaking.  Because it was a converted flat roof, there was no attic access.  Without any other options, I was forced to tear of a portion of the new roof and cut away the plywood underneath to gain access to the cavity between the flat roof and the pitched roof.  As I dropped down into the cavity, I was confident there was no leak in the pitched roof we had recently installed.  The tar and gravel roof was bone-dry and coated with a layer of dust.  

Because the tar and gravel roof was no longer needed, we began tearing the flat roof off to find the problem.  When we had gotten down to the plywood under the tar and gravel, I found that the wood was completely saturated.  Somehow, high humidity levels there had caused this house to leak from the inside out.  

After talking to the owner of the house, I learned they kept a humidifier hooked to their furnace, which was located directly under the area of the leak.  This humidifier was on during the winter.  Every time that it rained or snowed outside, creating a high humidity, that humidity was magnified inside, creating an overall humidity that is higher than average.  This humidity caused condensation to form on the underside of the tar and gravel roof just as it would form on the underside of a pot's lid when water boils.  When the condensation became heavy enough, it would drip through the ceiling, appearing as if there were a leak.  In reality, that water came from the inside of the house.  

When a building has high humidity, a vapor barrier such as Visqeen should be installed on the warm side of the insulation.  In this case, the vapor barrier was the actual tar and gravel roof, and consequently was installed on the cool side of the insulation, forcing the condensation to travel through the ceiling, insulation, and plywood before reaching the barrier. To fix this issue, we cut out the roof sheeting from the tar and gravel in the effected area so that it could breathe.  As we cut it off, a burst of hot, humid air hit us in the face.  I had never seen anything like this, it was simply amazing.  Our client is going to replace the damaged material in this area.  

To avoid this issue in a typical home, simply keep your humidifier turned off in the winter, as it is not necessary.  You may own a home or building that naturally has unusually high level of humidity.  This would usually come from an indoor swimming pool or fountain.  In this case, be sure you have an architect and a roofing contractor that are familiar with building for this environment.  A large number of roofing contractors are unaware of these procedures and cautions.  To my knowledge, only 5 or 6 roofing contractors in the salt lake valley are experienced in installing a roof for this type of environment.  Brady Roofing is experienced in this area.  We recently installed a roof for a Hampton Inn with a similarly humid environment.  To contact Brady Roofing for a free estimate, contact us here.  

Generally, your roof slope (or pitch) measurement will be included with your roofing estimate when you are looking for a contractor to install, repair, or replace your roof.  Brady Roofing offers free estimates that include this service. 
 
However, you may be interested in learning how to measure the pitch of your roof on your own.  This can be useful information to give to contractors in order to get more information about your roof before an estimate.  The good news is, slope is relatively easy to configure. You will need the following supplies:

• 2 rulers (or any measuring tool with the same units)
• a level

Roof slopes are measured in units of twelves.  You can measure with twelve feet or twelve yards, but in this article we will use twelve inches.  For example, when a roof has a slope of 5/12, the roof is 5 inches high for every 12 inches long. Another way of stating this is that the roof has a rise of 5 and a run of 12.  Figuring this is simple.  

First, hold the ruler horizontal with the bottom edge against the bottom of the roof.  Use a level to make sure it is perfectly horizontal.  Then, hold another ruler vertically from the twelfth unit (see diagram).  Again, use the level to ensure that the ruler is perfectly vertical.  The number where the ruler intersects with the bottom of the roof is the top number of slope.  In this case, it would be 6.  This means the roof has a slope of 6/12.  

When you know your roof slope, you can more successfully categorize your roof.  There are flat roofs or low-slope, and steep-slope roofs.  Flat roofs are actually not flat.  If you build a roof to be flat, it will not have a way to drain and can cause serious damage to your roof and home.  Instead, flat roofs are categorized by having a slope between 2/12 and 4/12.  A steep-slope is one above 4/12.  

If you have a flat roof, or a low-slope roof, you will want to use a membrane roofing system such as TPO or EPDM.  Steep-slope roofs require a pitched roofing system such as architectural shingles, tiles or metal roofing.  

Knowing the slope of your roof can help you know what kind of roofing system is best for your roof, as well as aid you as you contact a roofing contractor.  Roofing Contractors enjoy working with educated clients, and may feel that they can give you more information and advice about your roof if you already know a little bit about roofing in general.  It also may serve to give you a ballpark estimate when you are speaking to a contractor over the phone.  

Brady Roofing offers free estimates for both commercial and residential projects.  Contact us today!