Category: Roofing

Is it OK to walk on a tile roof?

Whether a structure has an asphalt shingle, metal, clay or concrete tile roof, walking on the roof for seasonal inspections and cleanings is inevitable. However, when it comes to tile roofs in particular, there is a proper way to walk on the tiles in order to avoid damage.

Often times, roof tile manufacturers do not specifically warrant breakage due to foot traffic, so it is important that caution be exercised when doing so. Not only do you not want to break your roof tiles, but you also do not want to put your safety at risk. It is suggested that you hire a licensed and bonded roofing contractor to do the job.

If you choose to perform the task yourself, it is recommended to step at the bottom three inches of the installed tile when walking along your roof. This section is supported by the lapped tile beneath it and the weight is then transferred to the deck below. Orient your feet in a direction parallel with the ridge and try to distribute your weight evenly, walking as softly as possible. On high barrel tiles, such as Eagle Roofing Products’ Capistrano concrete roof tile profile, you should distribute your weight with the heel and toe on the high points of adjacent tiles. If tiles are broken, you’ll want to have them replaced as soon as possible to avoid damage to the underlayment from water intrusion and exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

You will also want to stay away from hips or valleys to avoid breaking cut tiles that could be more difficult to replace. The exception to this would be in situations where the hips and ridges are bedded in mortar or foam, in which case they may be preferred walking paths. Valleys may also be access paths if the tiles are cut away from the center of the valley wide enough to allow foot traffic on the metal valley flashing.

 

Getting on Your Roof Safely

Wait until the tiles are completely dry before getting on your roof. Tiles have a flat, smooth surface so they don’t offer a lot of grip when you step on them. Once tiles get wet, they become even slicker and could cause you to slip and fall. If it rained recently or your roof is wet for any reason, wait 1-2 days so the tiles have time to dry before you stand on them.

Never get on your roof while it’s wet since it increases the likelihood that you’ll fall down.

Wear soft-soled shoes to prevent damage to the tiles. Avoid wearing heavy shoes or boots that have a hard sole since they’re more likely to break tiles and you won’t be able to move around as well. Look for shoes that have soft rubber soles with grips, such as sneakers or light work boots, so you get better traction on the tiles while you’re walking on them.

Don’t wear open-toed shoes like sandals or flip-flops since they don’t offer protection if you accidentally slip or fall down.

Climb a ladder to access your roof safely. Choose a ladder that extends 3 feet (0.91 m) taller than the edge of your roof so you can climb it safely. Place the base of the ladder ¼ of its height away from your home and make sure it’s on level ground so it stays sturdy. As you climb the ladder, maintain 3 points of contact at all times so you’re less likely to lose your balance or fall down.

For example, if you have a 16 ft (4.9 m) ladder, you would place its base 4 feet (1.2 m) feet away from your home.

Ask a helper to hold the ladder in place while you climb it so it’s less likely to fall down.

Warning: Avoid standing on the top 2 rungs of the ladder since you could easily lose your balance and cause it to fall.

Use a safety harness if you have a steep roof. Safety harnesses anchor you to your roof so if you slip, you won’t fall all the way down to the ground. Put your legs through the loops on the safety harness and tighten them around your thighs. Put the top of the harness around your waist and tighten it so it’s secure. Tie a rope around a sturdy object on your roof, such as a chimney, to use as an anchor to break your fall.

• You can buy a safety harness online or from a home improvement store.
• You can also make your own harness with ropes.
• While you don’t need a safety harness for a roof with a gentle slope, you can still wear one if you want to reduce the risk of falling down.
• If you don’t have a chimney or sturdy object on your roof, slide 2-3 tiles on your roof up so you can access the rafters underneath. Screw a harness anchor onto the rafters and tie the rope to it.

 

Where Should I Step?

Knowing where to place your feet when walking on a tiled roof will help to keep you safe.

The majority of concrete roof tiles will be slightly lifted from the roof’s surface as they sit on top of wooden batten strips. This creates a space beneath the tiles to allow for better ventilation.

When you step on the roof tiles, ensure you’re stepping on the tile peaks rather than the valleys, and step on the part of the tile which is reinforced i.e. the lower part of the tile you can see.

Whenever possible, there are some key precautions that you should take. If you have a harness, you should always wear one, and make sure to have someone with you at all times who can get help should you have an accident.

 

Walking on a Clay Tile Roof Can Cause Significant Damage

Besides the danger of walking on an uneven surface, it’s  easy to cause significant damage to your roof by walking on the tiles. If you weigh more than 100 pounds, the force of your weight alone can cause the tiles to crack and break. Clay, is fantastic for heat distribution and protection from the inclement weather during a  storm in Georgia, but it can be brittle. A little bit of weight distributed incorrectly can mean the different between a dozen tiles that need to be replaced, and a roof that looks great.  Of course, tiles breaking isn’t the only thing that can happen when walking on a clay tile roof. If the tiles weren’t installed properly, your feet could easily dislodge them, causing areas where rain or hail could potentially affect the underside of the roof.

 

Assess the Roof and Take Safety Precautions

If your roof has a steep pitch, you may want to avoid getting up there at all. Since clay and concrete tiles can break easily, you can also lose your footing easily and wind up injuring yourself from a fall. You may just want to save the trouble and call a professional if dealing with a sharper incline.

Wear a basic harness with climbing rope as well if you have it, just in case you do slip, and have an assistant nearby with a phone readily available so you aren’t alone if you do sustain an injury.

Find Your Path

Barrel and S-shaped tiles are costly to replace and can’t sustain weight very well, so it’s important that you have an idea of how to proceed before you ever set foot above.

There are a couple of different things to keep in mind. Roofing tiles usually aren’t backfilled, so there is no support underneath to take your weight. As such, do not step in the middle of a tile or it will definitely break. A better area to place your feet is actually where the bottom of one tile overlaps the top of another. This is a much stronger section that will be able to hold weight more reliably without incident. So, when you begin walking across your roof, make sure you take the most direct route to where you need to go and carefully make sure each step falls in the right spot.

Also, make sure that you keep an eye out for and avoid any tiles that appear to already be damaged. This may seem obvious, but even something as small as a hairline crack could cause the tile to break under your feet regardless of what you do to avoid it.

Distribute Your Weight

Another important thing to remember is that you will need to distribute your weight evenly between both feet. Whether you’re walking or standing as you conduct your work, make sure to stand on separate tiles as well.

How to Choose a Roofing Company and Why You Should Choose Top Metal Roofs?

Choosing a roofing company can be a daunting task especially if as a homeowner you’re clueless on what to expect, or have had minimal to no experience with a roofing company

A poor choice of a company will leave you frustrated from having poor installations and even poor quality roofing solutions Getting the right company to perform the task will not only save you on money but also guarantee you quality, durable workmanship, great warranty, and customer service

How old is the company?

The number of years a company has been in business can be a good indicator that they are well established and maybe in business for long. This means you will not need to worry about their existence soon

Do they provide written contracts?

A good roofing company should be able to supply their clients with contracts for any roofing needs they have. If you are not guaranteed of a written contract, this should act as a red flag for you.

Evaluate their communication

Did they receive your call? Did they answer your email? Did they provide you with a quotation when you requested for one? If the answer is “no” to the above questions, look for another company. A good company will ensure that they communicate with their clients as well as potential clients.

How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost to Install?

A metal roof costs more to install than basic asphalt shingle roof installation, but comes with many advantages. Homeowners can expect metal roof prices to range from $5 to $14 per square foot depending on type of metal material installed. Metal roof installation on an average size home would cost around $15,850 in total. In comparison, the price of asphalt shingles are much cheaper at $1 to $4.25 per square foot and around $10,572 for installation cost.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles

When comparing metal roofing to asphalt shingle types there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration such as price, durability, roofing style preference, overall maintenance, and lifespan of each roof type.

Life Expectancy:

While the initial material and installation cost of a metal roof type is higher than asphalt shingle roofs, their longevity is far superior lasting 40 to 80 years depending on metal type. Metal roofs last two to three times longer than a typical asphalt shingle roof, which sometimes only lasts 7 to 14 years.

Return on Investment:

Metal roofing can also increase the resale value of your home. Homeowners who invest in metal roofing get an average return on investment of 85.9% on their home’s resale value. Metal roofing can also lower your insurance rates and save you money because of its fire resistance, especially in states that are vulnerable to wildfires. Metal roofs boast a contemporary style, extensive warranties (30 to 50 years), and are very durable even in extreme elements such as heavy snow, hail, and even fire. It is best to find metal roof installers near you to help with any roof installation projects you want to complete. It takes an advanced knowledge to properly install metal roofs and it’s best left up to the roofing professionals in your area.

Metal Roof Prices by Type

It’s important to understand that “metal roofing” is a broad term covering a range of materials with a large disparity in price. Metal roofing will generally run you anywhere from $5.00 to $12.00 per square foot, depending on which kind of metal roof you choose to install. There are more affordable metal roofing options, like steel panels, which usually cost you slightly less, as well as high-end materials, like copper roofing, which tend to average out on the pricier side and new roof replacement costs could reach up to $48,000 to install.

Choosing The Right Metal Roof For Your Home

Have you considered upgrading to a metal roof, but are overwhelmed by the options? In the past, the variety of metal roofing materials were limited. Now, thanks to advancements in technology and manufacturing, there are a wide range of selections available. At CMR Construction & Roofing, we enjoy helping our residential and commercial clients find the perfect solution for all of their roofing needs. Here are some tips on how you can choose the ideal metal roof for your home or business

Style

Modern metal roofing comes in an impressive range of styles to suit any design preference. Choose from a wide variety of models that match your home’s décor. Minimalists and farmhouse style homes and businesses often prefer conventional standing seam. Old World Spanish architecture can be enhanced with a metal roof that is inspired by the ceramic tile of the Mediterranean. Other popular designs which mimic wooden shakes or even slate rock shingles offer a fresh and sophisticated charm. With today’s incredible selection, property owners can enjoy a roof that embraces the beauty and nostalgia of traditional materials, with the durability and longevity that metal offers.

Materials

Another consideration is what kind of materials you want to use for your metal roof. Options may include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc alloy, and more. The materials chosen will affect the weight of the roof and its resistance to rust and corrosion. For some materials like copper, the gradual transformation from brilliant metallic to seafoam green verdigris patina is a benefit to the overall aesthetics of the property. Be sure to discuss the various features of your metal roofing options with a professional so you can make the most educated choices for your home or company.

Color

Most metal roofing materials come in an array of hues, providing extremely versatile choices for homeowners who want to improve their curb appeal. Metal roofs are already energy-efficient, but this benefit can be further amplified by choosing a lighter tone for maximum reflective qualities.

Are You Ready to Invest in a New Metal Roof? Call CMR Construction & Roofing

Is it time for you to update your home or commercial property with beautiful, durable metal roofing? Then call the experts

How to Choose the Right Fastener for Metal Roofing Panels?

Metal Roofing fasteners are only Link between Structure and Building Envelopes and critical components of buildings, Your reputation hangs on specifying the right fasteners. Metal roof fasteners may seem like only a minor aspect of a big system in both cost and size. Yet, they are the part that holds it all together. If this small, inexpensive part fails, it can result in costly issues down the road. That being said, you must make sure that all exposed fasteners are long-lasting. They are a key factor in a metal roof replacement or installation project.

Whether your roof is a ROOF panel or a standing seam roof panel, it will have some exposed fasteners. The fasteners, therefore, must be durable to prevent perforation of the roof panels. A non-durable fastener will always begin to rust, even if painted. Avoid this by always using long-lasting fasteners in all exposed fastener locations. Failure to adhere to this could reduce the service life of your roof.

A fastener must be able to withstand all the environmental elements it is exposed to. These include UV degradation, salts from marine environments, acid from industrial pollution, rain, extreme heat, fumes and gases from within factories and plants, etc. While exposed to these conditions the washers must remain elastic, intact and watertight for the life span of the complete roofing system.

The cost of the Fasteners is normally less than 2% of the total Building cost or less than 1/2 % of the total cost of the project. But specifying inadequate fasteners can cause up to 100% of the defect in the Project. It would lead to the replacement of roofs, the Obstacle of production, water leakage, mess up of finished products, machinery, and all related issues.

Many companies state that they supply EPDM Washer, but because there are currently no standards in place that specify the percentage of EPDM required in the washers, the EPDM contents vary greatly. The number of ingredients in any given EPDM blend can range from 5 to 20 with hugely varying properties, such as UV stability, elasticity, compression resistance and resistance to heat aging. An important fastener additive is carbon black. A small amount of carbon black is required in the EPDM blend as it offers important performance characteristics at a relatively low cost.

Choosing the best company to reroof with a metal roof

From shingles to metal roofing panels

You have decided to reroof with a metal roof, and after the initial research, you are concerned that it is a gigantic undertaking and you want to get it right. You have questions, such as what materials to use and which Charlotte roofing companies are qualified to do the work. You will want to know the difference between cost and value. To add to your confusion, there are product warranties, a wide range of colors and styles, and different types of energy efficient systems. The best place to start is to find a trustworthy roofing contractor to help guide you with their expertise. This contractor should also be qualified to help you with honest pricing and finding the best value for your home.

Charlotte metal roofing companies

Rather than being overwhelmed by the choices, a Charlotte roofing company will help you see the wide variety of finishes, designs, and colors as an advantage. You can practically give your home a new and distinctive look, which will separate it from all the cookie cutter homes in the subdivision. The metal roofing panels create a stylish design that not only makes your home look great, but it also means that your new roof will be significantly more durable and resistant to severe weather. Metal roofs resist cracking and shrinking, and they even stand up to hail. Metal roofing is a valuable asset in areas that are prone to high winds and wildfires.

Energy efficient metal roofing

Energy Star rated metal roofing will provide greater energy savings compared to standard shingles and most other non-metal roofing materials that are out on the market today. Your roof absorbs a tremendous amount of heat in the summer and cold in the winter. Energy efficient metal roofing panels will stabilize the temperatures in your attic, making it more cost efficient to heat or cool your home. Think of the savings over the long lifespan of a metal roof, which can become a significant return on your initial investment

Reroof with a metal roof as an investment

Because more people choose to stay in their homes longer, the decision to reroof with metal is significant. Homeowners understand that temporary and substandard roofing does not make sense, even if you plan to sell the home in a few years. In any case, temporary fixes do not make sense. Metal roofing is an investment because it adds value and it lasts.

Leading brands of metal roofing

If you need expertise to help you choose the best metal roof for your home, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors is the answer for residents of Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas. They specialize in residential and commercial metal roofing installation.

WHY YOU MUST USE A RESIDENTIAL ROOFING COMPANY FOR YOUR HOME

You can now find many roofing companies in and around your neighborhood. The increased number of storms and other natural calamities which are too often disturbing our peace have also initiated the demand for qualified roofing contractors. This has also made the roofing industry very competitive. One can however take the responsibility upon himself to install the roof of his home. But engaging the roofing company can be a life saver. In this article we have discussed the reasons why one may only hire a qualified roofing company for the job.

Expertise: The Residential roofing contractor is in possession of knowledge and expertise that are required for roof installation. He has the knowledge to identify your roofing requirements based on your budget and environment, and can suggest the best roofing solution accordingly. Further, the roofing contractor is in possession of the latest technology and equipments required to build roofs.

Maintenance: Many of the residential roofing contractors also offer maintenance services which would help you increase the lifetime of your roof. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure safety of the residents and belongings. Identifying damages in roof requires professional expertise and experience. The roofing contractor would offer services to reinstall the roof and change slats as and when required.

Debris removal: You would need professionals help remove the debris of the changed roof. The residential roofing company would offer debris removal and disposing services. Further, they would also cause minimum damage to your home while installing roof.

Licenses and bonds: Your local legislative body would require both the residential and Commercial roofing contractors to be licensed and bonded to carry out roof installation assignments. It may also be a legal requirement to have the roofs installed only by licensed roofing contractors. Further, the contractor is likely to carry insurance, as per business requirements, to cover damages caused by them.

Budget option: If you think that carrying out roofing assignments by yourself is the frugal way, you are wrong. If you are not a professional there can be many things go wrong during the period to increase the overall cost. With residential roofing companies you can shop around for the most budget solution. The roofing contractor would help you find the best roofing option within your budget.

Questions to Ask a Roofing Company

Working with a roofing company isn’t the same as hiring an independent contractor. These questions can help you get a sense for how the company will work on your project:

1. Who will be completing the work?
2. If you hire subcontractors, what is their contact information?
3. What are the qualifications of the workers coming to my home?
4. Can I speak to the roofer in charge before starting the project?
5. Who do I contact for questions or updates?

Advice on choosing a contractor

When choosing a roofing contractor you should consider your choice very carefully and you are advised to check them out before employing them. If you employ a good reputable roofing contractor in terms of price, reliability and workmanship, the potential for problems will be greatly reduced.

Also consider the following points:

• Select up to three contractors to look at the job. If possible, obtain recommendations from family, friends, neighbours or a reputable trade association.
• Ask each of them to give advice on which materials they would suggest using.
• Invite quotes from each contractor but do not automatically take the cheapest option. Base your choice on the quality of the advice given and your confidence in the contractor. Also, if in doubt, consult your local NFRC Regional Manager.
• Ask for a guarantee on new or refurbishment work. NFRC offers guarantee schemes which back up, but are independent of, the contractor’s own guarantee. Remember that even the best contractors can go out of business whereupon their own guarantees become worthless, so make sure you will be covered.
• Ensure that the quote or estimate selected is given to you in writing – except possibly for small emergency repairs.

Check for proper licensing and insurance.

The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online.

Pay your deductible.

Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.

Don’t give in to pressure.

Watch out for a contractor who pressures you to sign a contract before the insurance company has estimated the damage. Some contractors say they can work with whatever your insurance company settles upon, however the homeowner needs to ensure it’s not just any amount, but the right amount. The contractor should thoroughly examine the home and check that their insurance adjuster didn’t miss any damages.

Know your material choices.

A contractor who does not offer you different shingle options is not looking out for your best interest. The style and color of the shingles you install can affect the resale value of your home. If the insurance company is paying for a new roof, it may be the perfect time to make a change and upgrade to a more unique style that suits your taste.

What a roofing contract should contain:

Once you’ve compared the bids and are ready to make a hiring decision, make sure you and the roofer sign a contract, which will offer you protection should problems arise during the job. The contract should include:

• Specifics on payment terms, including down payments, progress payments, the final payment and a provision for you to withhold the final payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

• Specifics on type of materials to be used.

• Provisions for change orders or add-ons that could result in extra charges.

• A lien release, which protects you from liability should the roofer fail to pay his or her subcontractors or roofing material suppliers who worked on your project.

• A termination clause, which spells out reasons you or the contractor can end the agreement without penalty if the contract terms are violated.