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Category: CertainTeed Roofing, Home Improvement Tips, Home Improvements, Maryland Roofing, Roofer Maryland, Roofing, Roofing VA, Roofing Virginia

Missing Shingles or Broken Shingles – What’s the Harm?

If your home has missing or broken roof shingles, you might think it’s no big deal. Outside of looking bad, what’s the harm, right? Well, there can be a lot that goes wrong when roofing shingles are missing or broken. After all, your roof’s shingles are the main line of defense for your home against the elements. When that main line is compromised, minor intrusions can cause major damage.

In this blog post, we cover what can cause your roof shingles to be compromised, what can happen if left untreated, and what to do to make sure your home stays safe from whatever Mother Nature has to bring.

Conditions that Can Cause Loose, Broken, or Missing Shingles

High/sustained winds – As we have seen in recent years, certain times of the year can bring with it high, sustained winds. Roof shingles are meant to sustain wind, and even some gusting. But when gusts reach high levels, and/or are sustained over a period of time, even the best shingles and installation can be in danger.

Ice damming – During winter months when weather patterns swing from mild to severe, the freezing, melting, and re-freezing can cause ice damming. Ice damming can force ice, then water, to back up under roof shingles. This process loosens and can even break the shingles.

Improper installation – When your roof was installed, hopefully it was installed by a licensed roofing contractor. That is not always the case. Roofs installed by unlicensed, or poorly trained contractors can be subject to a variety of flaws. Improperly installed plywood, underlayment, and shingles can result in shingles that become loose and easily dislodged in wind and rain.

Roof Age – Even the best shingles and the best shingle installation has its limits. Most shingles come with 20-30 year warranties. When that time is up, you will likely see the tell tale signs – missing and broken shingles. If your roof is near or past its warranty, roof replacement is probably in order.

Why Fix Damaged or Missing Shingles

Prevent Damage to Plywood – When roof shingles become compromised, water can seep underneath them. If the barrier between the shingles and the plywood (the underlayment) is also compromised (and it likely is when shingles become loose or broken) water can also seep underneath of it, reaching the plywood. Once water becomes trapped between the plywood and underlayment/shingles, it can quickly begin to rot the plywood. Rotten plywood can lead to leaks and even dangerous mold.

Prevent Leaks – Once water finds its way under your shingles, it will find a path that will eventually lead to leaks. Sometimes a homeowner won’t even be aware that they have shingles that are compromised until a leak occurs. If your home is situated in such a way that you cannot see the roof in its entirety, how would you know? Unfortunately, you’ll know when you see a leak! Leaks that are visible inside a home in ceilings and walls can be costly. If your roof shingles are aging or if you see missing or broken shingles, do not hesitate in fixing the issue.

Aesthetics – If you are like most, you take great pride in home ownership. You work hard to keep your home looking its best. When it comes to curb appeal, your roof is one of the first and most noticeable parts of your home. When roof shingles are broken or missing, it can give the appearance of a home that is unkempt. Fixing your roof will help keep your home looking its best.

Repairs vs. Replacements

Shingle/Roof Age – When deciding whether to repair or replace your roof due to missing or broken shingles, age is likely the first consideration. If your roof is well within the shingle warranty, a repair is probably going to suffice. If your roof is approaching or has exceeded the shingle warranty, your roofing contractor may recommend replacement. Roof replacement may also be recommended if a large portion of your roof has been compromised.

Aesthetics – Even when your roof is within its warranty, there are times when the shingle that was originally used is no longer available. Even if it is available, over time your existing shingles may have faded. In either case, it can be difficult to get a match that will not look ‘patched.’ When that is the case, you might choose a roof replacement over a repair.

Insurance Coverage – In our area, each year we see isolated extreme weather events. In 2018, Mt. Airy, Maryland experienced a small tornado that ripped the roof off of a portion shopping center. The year prior, Ellicott City, Maryland was devastated by severe flooding. When your roof has been damaged by severe weather, your homeowners insurance may cover the damage.

Cost – When the damage to your roof is not covered by insurance, it is up to you to foot the bill. Many roofers offer financing, however not everyone’s situation allows for the expenditure of a new roof, particularly when it is unexpected. If you are in a situation where you cannot afford a new roof, a repair may buy you enough time to save, or at least to find a financing option that works with your budget.

Consulting with a Roofing Contractor

As with any home improvement contractor, it is imperative that you make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Using an unlicensed roofing contractor, or doing a roof repair or replacement yourself does not provide you with a warranty. The lack of a warranty offers you no recourse if your roof becomes compromised. Reputable roofing contractors will offer not only the warranty on the roof shingle, but a limited workmanship warranty as well. When having your roof repair or roof replacement estimated, be sure to ask your contractor about warranties.

In addition to providing warranties, a reputable contractor will not advise roof replacement unless it is necessary. If your roof is well within the shingle warranty, unless there is significant damage, a large portion missing, or leaking, a reputable roofing contractor will likely offer a roof repair vs. a complete roof replacement.

If your home has missing or broken roof shingles, and you would like an assessment, contact us at 1-866-836-ROOF to schedule a no-obligation, free roofing estimate.

Tags: roofing, roofing contractor, roofing maryland, roofing md

Category: Maryland Roofing

Roof Leak Causes and Remedies

Roof Lead Causes and Remedies You’re getting ready for work. It’s a rainy day – the third day in a row. Your morning is already a bummer on the weather front, buy you’re determined to make it a good day anyway. That’s when you glance up and see it. A wet ceiling. Great. The roof is leaking. Goodbye good day.

Before you dial your roofer, keep in mind that leaks that are visible on your walls or ceiling aren’t always roof related.

Other Causes of Leaks

Causes other than roof leaks that are visible on walls and ceilings include window leaks, condensation from air conditioning units, clogged gutters and plumbing leaks. If the leak appears on the ceiling of an upper level room and an attic is accessible, you can enter the attic to see if you can find the source. If the leak appears on a lower level ceiling, the culprit is not likely the roof, but perhaps plumbing or condensation. If the leak appears on a wall, check above the area to see if a source of water entry is visible. If none of these are the case, you may well have a roof leak.

Types of Roof Leaks

Roof leaks come from a variety of sources, but always indicate a compromise in seals. Your roof and its parts – ridge venting, exhaust piping, joints, flashing and shingles – all require seals to prevent water from entering the home. The largest ‘seal’ is your roof’s shingles. Broken or missing shingles can allow water to enter underneath. When this happens, over time the plywood that your shingles are attached to can rot, allowing more and more water to enter your attic.

Another seal that your roof is likely to have is flashing. Flashing is used in the joints of your roof – generally when two different roof lines meet. Flashing is placed under shingles to ensure that the joints are sealed. If flashing becomes loose or cracked, water can enter the joints and into your home.

At the first sign of broken or missing shingles or compromised flashing, your local roofer should be called to inspect the issue and recommend either a roof repair or roof replacement.

Other seals that are compromised can be a bit easier to remedy. Your roof likely contains several exhaust pipes. When the seal between your pipe collars and your roof is loose or broken, water can enter your attic via the exhaust pipe. Such is the case with flashing around your chimney. Often when these are the source of your leak, simply re-sealing them just might do the trick.

There is also one anomaly that happen during heavy rains and windy conditions. The combination of high winds and torrential rain can cause rainwater to be blown through the ridge vent of your roof. When it’s ‘raining sideways’ it is possible for it defy the laws of gravity and come in through your ridge vent. When this is the case, you may not have anything wrong with you roof at all. You can just blame Mother Nature.

If you discover a leak in your home and suspect something on your roof is to blame, give us a call. We’ll send a roofing expert out to inspect and diagnose the issue.

Tags: decks md, doors md, gutters md, home improvement md, maryland, remodeling md, replacement windows md, roofing md, s and k, s&k, siding md

Category: Home Improvement Tips

Hiring the Right Maryland Home Improvement Contractor

S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows has served Maryland homeowners since 1980. As a contractor in MD who upholds strict standards for quality and workmanship, we encourage you to do your homework before hiring us or any other Maryland contractor. In this article, we provide helpful information hiring the right Maryland home improvement contractor for your project.

When it comes to hiring the right Maryland home improvement contractor, it is wise to interview each contractor you’re considering. Here are some questions to ask.

How long have you been in business in Maryland?
Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of complaints against a particular contractor doesn’t necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist, but have not yet been reported, or that the window contractor is doing business under several different names.

Are you licensed and registered with the state of Maryland?
While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. The licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. Also, the licensing requirements in one locality maybe different from the requirements in the rest of the state. Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your state has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s license. Make sure it’s current. S&K holds Maryland home improvement license #21080.

How many projects like mine have you completed on Maryland homes the last year?
Ask for a list. This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.

Will my project require a permit?
Most states, like Maryland, and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. Be suspicious if the contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not licensed or registered, as required by your state or locality.

May I have a list of Maryland references?
The window contractor should be able to give you the names and addresses of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours. Ask each how long ago the project was completed and if you can see it.

What types of insurance do you carry in MD?
Window contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they’re current. Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

Getting a Written Contract
Contract requirements vary by state. Even if your state does not require a written agreement, ask for one. A contract spells out the who, what, where, when and cost of your project. The agreement should be clear, concise and complete.

Before you sign a contract, make sure it contains:

1. The contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number, if required.

2. The payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers.

3. An estimated start and completion date.

4. The window contractor’s obligation to obtain all necessary permits.

5. How change orders will be handled. A change order — common on most remodeling jobs — is a written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. It could affect the project’s cost and schedule. Remodelers often require payment for change orders before work begins. A detailed list of all materials including color, model, size, brand name, and product.

6. Warranties covering materials and workmanship. The names and addresses of the parties honoring the warranties — contractor, distributor or manufacturer — must be identified. The length of the warranty period and any limitations also should be spelled out.

7. What the window contractor will and will not do. For example, is site clean-up and trash hauling included in the price? Make sure the contractor is responsible for all clean-up work, including spills and stains.

Oral promises also should be added to the written contract.

A written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if you signed it in your home or at a location other than the seller’s permanent place of business. During the sales transaction, the salesperson (contractor) should give you two copies of your contract or receipt. The contract or receipt must be dated, show the name and address of the seller, and explain your right to cancel.

Completing the Job: A ChecklistBefore you sign off and make the final payment, use this checklist to make sure the job is complete. Check that:

1. All work meets the standards spelled out in the contract.

2. You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.

3. The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools and equipment.

4. You have inspected and approved the completed work.

Where to Complain
If you have a problem with your replacement windows project, first try to resolve it with the window contractor. Many disputes can be resolved at this level. Good window contractors will have a reputation that they wish to protect and will work with you to find a solution. Follow any phone conversations with a letter you send by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That’s your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files. If you can’t get satisfaction, consider contacting the following organizations for further information and help:

– State and local consumer protection offices.

– Your state or local Builders Association and/or Remodelers Council.

– The Maryland Better Business Bureau.

– Action line and consumer reporters. Check with your local newspaper, TV, and radio stations for contacts.

– Local dispute resolution programs.

About S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows
S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows is Maryland’s trusted leader in roofing and maintenance-free home exteriors. Since 1980, S&K has done work on more than 50,000 homes in Maryland. Our MD services include:

Visit our website at www.skroofing.com for comphrensive information or call us at (866) 836-7663.

For More Information

Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov

National Association of Home Builders Remodelers™ Council: www.nahb.com

Source: www.ftc.gov

Tag: roofing md