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.
 
 
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:
  1. 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.  
  2. Locate the area where the leak is manifesting itself inside your home.
  3. 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.
  4. If you locate a penetration within this area, look for problems with the flashing.  These are usually very simple repairs.
  5. 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.  
 
 
 
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.  
 
 
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: 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:  
  1. 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.  
  2. 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.  
  3. 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.
  4. 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.  
 
 
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.
 
 
A roofing scam pandemic is sweeping the nation.  So far, there have been scams uncovered in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Pennsylvania and even Canada.  These scams are being pulled off by different people and companies, usually in the form of door to door salesmen.  The good news is, if you know what to look for, you can avoid being taken for granted by these scams.   

The Down Payment Scam 
In this case, a roofing contractor will bid extremely low on roofing estimates, charge a hefty down payment, and then desert the job site with the roof incomplete.  Not only do you loose the money you pay as a down payment, but you need to hire another contractor to fix the roof.  How to avoid this scam:
  • Research a roofing company before you hire them.  Some places to do this include the Better Business Bureau and Angie's List. 
  • Keep in mind that if a price or a company looks too good to be true, they probably are.  Ask for references to hear past experiences with the contractor. 
  • Ask to see their business license or check them online by searching for your local division of professional and occupational licensing.  Check Utah's DPOL
  • Before you pay a contractor anything, be sure to have a contract stating exactly what the contractor will be accomplishing.   
  • Most importantly, before hiring a roofing contractor, make sure that you have valid company information such as a phone number, address, and preferably a website.  You can check if they are valid in the local phonebook.  A company should always be open about their basic information.
Roofing Theives Scam
This scam involves door-to-door salesmen.  Usually, one person will come to your door and offer a free roof inspection or repair.  Once inside and consuming your attention, another person will come into your home searching for valuables such as money and jewelery they can put into their pockets.  How to avoid this scam:
  • Check a salesman's identification when they are approaching you for work.  Most valid companies will display these on their clothes and transportation. 
  • Do not allow people into your home claiming to repair your roof for free.  There is no such thing as a free roof repair. 
  • Before hiring a roofer and allowing them to work on your roof, get at least three other roofing bids.  Research all companies on the Better Business Bureau or Angie's List. 
The Mandatory Inspection Scam
These scam artists target manufactured homes because the homeowners often do not know who installed their roof.  They will call or come to your door claiming that your home is due for a mandatory inspection for your roof warranty.  They will then report the need for a large (unneccessary) repair that "the warranty does not fully cover".  How to avoid this scam:
  • Know who installed your roof, as well as who the other contractors were who worked on your home.  If an inspector comes by cannot identify them, don't let them in your home. 
  • Be familiar with your roof warranty.  Know if there are inspections necessary and how often they are.  It is also good to have a copy of your warranty so you know what costs are covered.
  • Before allowing anyone to work on your roof, contact the roofing company to verify that the repair men are actual employees and were sent there for the reasons they claim. 
Free Roof Scam
In this situation, a roofing company claims to be able to offer you a 'free roof'.  After a hail-storm, they will come offering a free inspection for damage.  They will then report that your home needs a large repair or new roof.  However, they claim to be able to waive your home insurance fees, so in essence you will be getting a free roof.  This is not true, and you will end up paying every unnecessary penny.  How to avoid this scam:
  • Check the National Weather Service to see if the hail storm was classified as being able to cause damage.  Also, check other areas of your property for damage.  If the hail didn't damage your plants, it didn't damage your roof. 
  • Again, check the contractor's reputation through the Better Business Bureau or Angie's List.  If they have been conducting scams, it will most likely be reported there. 
  • Ask for a second opinion.  Get a few different roofing estimates to ensure that the repairs they are claiming you need are valid. 
In addition to these tips, you can also check a roofing contractor against Brady Roofing's 15-point code of ethics before you hire them to be sure that they are a trustworthy company.  Brady Roofing has a great reputation on both the Better Business Bureau and Angie's List.  Contact us for a free roofing estimate  if you have any concerns about your roof.
 
 
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.