Author Archives: Quality Exteriors

What is the Best Roof Decking Material?

As previously addressed, the most common materials that are used for roof decking are oriented strand board and plywood. The plywood that is used for roof decking is usually known as sheathing. Sheathing carries a grade stamp that indicates its load and span ratings, as well as other performance facts. Opinions differ according to which material is considered to be the best for roof decking purposes. Plywood is more expensive than OSB, however, it is reputed to perform better on the roof. Other roof decking materials include:

• Tongue and groove. Tongue and groove are usually used as roof sheathing when a ceiling will not be installed, and the tongue and grooves will be visible inside the house.
• Step sheathing. Step sheathing is typically reserved for shingle, shake, and tile roofs. 
• V-Rustic. This decking is composed of 1-by-8 boards that are commonly used on the eave and rake overhangs when the soffits will not be installed rather than as roof sheathing.

Is Roof Sheathing Necessary?

One of the most important parts of a roof is the sheathing. When most homeowners consider their roofs, they may not know that there are so many different components. Roof sheathing is an important layer of roofing material that sits underneath the top layer of shingles. The sheathing can either be open, with gaps between the boards or closed, depending on the needs of the structure. Before sheathing was incorporated into roofs, most roofs had a simple layer of boards underneath the shingles. Boards are not as good as sheathing because the spaces between the boards were very susceptible to leaking, and water damage would accumulate. The sheathing is now universally used because it is a continuous, solid layer beneath the shingles. GAF feltbuster roof deck protection is a specific kind of synthetic underlayment that provides effective resilience to wind and rain.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Roof Decking?

The price of roof decking can differ dramatically. The reason why? Different roofing companies charge different prices for their labor across the country. Generally speaking, homeowners can expect to pay approximately $70 to $100 dollars for each sheet of plywood. A 4 x 8 sheet of plywood covers about 32 square feet of roof area, and the average roof measures around three thousand feet.

How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?

At the end of the day, the type of roofing material that is on your roof will determine how long it will last. A cedar roof will last approximately twenty years. In drier climates, a cedar roof is more likely to need frequent repairs and replacements, based upon whether or not it is prone to splitting. Composition shingles last anywhere from 15 to twenty years, asphalt shingles last anywhere from fifteen to thirty years, and metal roofs have long lifetimes of fifty to seventy-five years of age. It is true: roof replacements increase the value of your home. One of the other significant ways homeowners can increase their home’s resale value is through a bathroom or kitchen renovation. Plumbing repair for bathroom & kitchen in Oak Park, IL can increase the functionality of your underground pipelines. 

Is Roof Decking Treated?

Pressure-treated lumber is superior to untreated plywood for a roof deck due to its increased water resistance, enabling enhanced durability. Contractors generally recommend treated plywood rather than regular plywood for roof decking because condensation can build up on the sheathing and cause rot. Roofers understand that when it comes to the roof deck, the amount of water that gets on the wood is a concern. Pressure-treated wood has natural water resistance and is not affected by insect damage or rot. 

Roof Decking vs Sheathing

Roof decking is also known by its alternate name, sheathing. Roof decking makes up the surface that roofing materials adhere to. Made from thick, strong materials, roof sheathing is a very large board that is nailed to the rafters, trusses, or roofing joists. 

Roof Decking Cost

Eventually, the time must come for a roof replacement. The ravages of weather and time can be substantial, which is why it is important for homeowners to budget for such eventualities. The average cost of replacing a 1,500 square foot roof ranges from $6,750 to $40,000.

If you think you need new roof decking in St Paul, MN, call Quality Exteriors, Inc. at (651) 796-2341 to speak with our staff about making an appointment today!

What is storm damage?

Storm damage essentially involves any damages that are caused by inclement weather as seen with hurricanes, rain, tornadoes, winds, hail, snow and more. Damages that can inflict a home or business are commercial or residential water damage, punctures to the property’s roof, ice dams, blow offs, leaks, damaged gutters and more. It’s important to know that even wind or heavy rain can be a cause of storm damage based on sheer force or even due to pre-existing vulnerabilities that can be aggravated from these weather elements.

Is storm damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Storm damage is typically covered under the all perils policy of homeowners insurance as an act of nature or unpreventable circumstance. Other unpreventable damages that are accepted are fire damages or acts of vandalism. Depending on your insurance policy’s terms, some factors that may influence eligibility are the age of your roof or if damages progressed after the passage of time. With storm damage claims concerning storm damage home insurance, you may be asked to contact a professional roofing contractor to conduct a roof inspection in order to support your claim. Some insurances may require pictures to be provided and some companies may offer this service as being included in the roof inspection. As of such, be sure to keep these for your personal records as well.

Can heavy rain damage a roof?

Heavy rain is considered a part of storm damage to a roof as it can infiltrate into vulnerable areas of the roof and cause water damages. When there are cracks, holes or otherwise altogether missing protective outer roofing materials such as shingles and flashing then essentially the underlayment, insulation or beams are being exposed to water. With that exposure to moisture, you may see the formation of mold or mildew, waterlogged beams, rot, leaks and more.

Can you repair a roof in the rain?

Some roofing companies won’t repair a roof in the rain due to risking safety with slips. You can technically cover the roof with a temporary roof cover yet even this is something that is precautioned to do when the rain has at least let-up. Some recommendations are to have rubber soled shoes and assistance yet proceed with caution as any attempts to patch a roof beyond the help of a professional roofer can be dangerous.

Get The Help of A Professional For Storm Damage

When you require assistance for storm damage for roof be sure to contact a professional roofing company for help with roof repairs or replacements. Most damages that come with inclement weather can be covered with homeowners insurance so it’s important to take a look at your insurance policy in case of emergencies. Storm damage quotes can differ per insurance company and can be affected by your roof’s history or other factors such as the age of your roof or the region where you live.  When the time comes for roof repairs, some roofing companies may even be able to assist you as an intermediary when working with your insurance on storm damages. When a storm has affected your home or business err on the side of caution and contact your local roof company today! With the help of a professional, you can get expert care and technical assistance that will ensure that your roof is protected from future storm damages!

When you need help with your storm damage in St Paul, MN call (651) 796-2341 with Quality Exteriors, Inc.!

Metal Roofing Benefits

Metal roofing has become a popular trend for both residential and commercial buildings. Specifically speaking for residential properties, metal roofing can provide a host of benefits, including:

• Lightweight: Most metal sheets or shingles are lightweight, which means they won’t require additional support.
• Durability: Steel and aluminum roofing is incredibly durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions like wind, hail, and even fire.
• Energy efficient: Metal reflects UV rays and the sheets or panels are typically white or light in color, so they don’t absorb as much heat. This means your home is cooler in the summer and very well insulated in the winter.
• Low maintenance: When installed correctly, metal roofing requires little to no maintenance, except after storms. Otherwise, there is very little that homeowners need to do to maintain this roofing type.
• Style: Metal roof colors and even textures are varied, which means that homeowners have a vast array of options to choose from so their roof matches their style.

Metal roofing is great because, depending on what you choose, it can go right over your roof decking. But to make sure your roof is properly installed, you’ll want to have a contractor inspect everything and make sure the roof decking is in good condition. Your roof decking is essential in protecting your home from damage as well as supporting and protecting your roof. A metal roof without decking can lead to serious problems. The contractors with Quality Exteriors, Inc. have plenty of experience with roof inspections as well as with roof decking. Contact us today at, (651) 796-2341.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?

It can vary from person to person, but generally speaking, many see the initial cost, potential sound, issues with snow, and denting as major disadvantages to investing in a metal roof.

How long will a metal roof last?

When installed correctly and maintained, a metal roof can last upwards of 50 years.

Does a metal roof add value to a home?

Yes, studies show that adding a metal roof can increase your home resale value and you’ll recoup an average of 85.9% of your costs on a metal roof.

How much does it cost to put on a metal roof?

Homeowners should expect to pay between $14,500 and $20,000 for a complete metal roof replacement, but Quality Exteriors, Inc. offers competitive pricing for both services and materials.

Does a metal roof lower insurance?

Metal roofs can lower your insurance premiums because of how durable they are to wind, hail, and even fire.

Roof coating and cleaning service is a very beneficial thing to get for your roofing system. While we know what roof cleaning is, a lot of people might not be familiar with a roof coating. So what is a roof coating and what does it do? A roof coating is a layer that covers the top of your roof. When your roof is damaged but isn’t damaged enough to need a roof replacement, a coating is applied onto the roof to protect it against further damage and to extend the life of the roof. It can either be applied by spraying the coating or brushing the coating onto the roof.

Roof coatings can go on a wide range of commercial roofs such as flat roofs and metal roofs. Because a roof is always in the sun and exposed to outside elements and inclement weather, it will get its fair share of damages. To prevent further damage from happening, while prolonging the life of the roof, a coating is applied on the roof. In this blog post, we will go over the most common questions that are asked about roof coatings, in order to provide you with the necessary information that you need about roof coatings.

How Long Does a Roof Coating Last?

A lot of people who want to invest in a roof coating for their commercial roofs want to know how long they will last. There are a lot of roof coatings on the market, each with their own unique features. Since they all have different qualities, they are all going to last differently. However, the general consensus is that a roof coating is going to last up to ten years. While the roof coating type will also determine how long the roof coating will last, the climate that someone lives in also has to be taken into consideration. Some roof coatings are going to work better in warm environments, while some roof coatings are going to work better in colder environments. Because of these factors, it is so important that you talk to a professional roofer so they can help you find the best coating for your roof.

Which Roof Coating Is Best

If you are interested in a coating for your roof, you might be wondering, “What is the best sealant for roofs?” There are many types of roof coatings to choose from, with the most common being acrylic, elastomeric, polyurea, and silicone. Each one has their own characteristics that make them special, so the best roof coating for you will depend on what you are looking for in a roof coating. Below are these types of roof coatings and what they can offer your commercial roofing system.

• Acrylic Coating: Acrylic roof coatings are one of the more cost-effective coatings to choose from. The great thing about this type of coating is it can work in almost any climate, and they are also reflective and UV resistant. If your roof is prone to water ponding, then an acrylic coating isn’t the best fit.
• Elastomeric Coating: If you are looking for a very durable coating for your roof, one of the most durable coatings is an elastomeric coating. This roof coating is waterproof, thick, and flexible, offering a lot of protection for your roof. The things that commercial property owners need to be concerned with is that they are more expensive and the application has to be very precise.
• Polyurea Coating: Unlike an acrylic coating, a polyurea roof coating is a coating that is able to withstand ponding water. Another thing that commercial property owners love about polyurea is it can handle foot traffic, is impact resistant, and stay very clean. The thing that people don’t like about polyurea is that it can smell and it is a little more expensive.
• Silicone Coating: One of the main reasons that people tend to flock to silicone roof coatings is that they are able to last a lot longer. They will not erode or have issues with ponding water, so they make for great roof coatings. A thing to note is that if you need to re-coat your roof, you will need to take this type of roof coating off before another layer can be applied.

Does a Roof Coating Stop Leaks?

If you are interested in a roof coating for your commercial roof, you might be wondering if roof coatings are able to stop leaks. A roof coating to stop leaks is something that many people are concerned with and the answer is that it can prevent leaks from happening if the roof has been repaired already. If you put a roof coating on a roof without repairing it first, that isn’t going to stop a leak from becoming bigger. Another thing to note is that some roof coatings are going to be more waterproof than others, and those roof coatings are something you should check out if you are concerned about roof leaks.

How Much Does a Roof Coating Cost?

The cost of a roof coating is going to depend on what type of roof coating you get for your roof. However, when you have a professional roofing contractor take on the job, roof coatings are going to be around $1,000 to $2,000. You have to consider the labor, the cost of supplies, and the size of the roof. A gallon of a roof coating material can be upwards of $30 and commercial roofs are really big, so it’s going to take more than one gallon to coat an entire roof.

How Long Does Roof Sealant Take To Dry?

There are a lot of variables that go into how long it’s going to take for roof coatings to dry. The most important is how the weather is outside. If its hot outside it won’t take long to dry, but if its cold then it’s going to take longer. Typically, a roof coating is going to dry anywhere from eight to 24 hours, but it could be longer depending on the weather.

When you need expert roof coatings in St Paul, MN, you need to call an experienced and licensed roofer to help you. You wouldn’t call an inexperienced person to install a Honeywell heater, so you need a roofing contractor that you can trust. Quality Exteriors, Inc. is a roofing company that uses the right roof coating tools and materials to provide you with quality roofing; if you are interested please call us at (651) 796-2341.

Slate roofing is the strongest, longest-lasting roof material on the market today. So, many times, when homeowners have a slate roof on their home, they have questions like, ‘is a roof leak an emergency with slate roofing?’ and, ‘is a roof repair covered by insurance?’. Because slate roofing is known to be the most durable roofing material available, many believe that there is no need for maintenance and service until they have an extensively damaged slate roof that’s costly and sometimes impossible to replace.

Why Repair Roof System Made of Slate?

When roofing systems begin to fail, they present multiple types of problems. Slate is no different and can lead to serious, costly leaks and other issues when damages aren’t repaired properly and efficiently. So, when does your slate roof need to be repaired? There are multiple signs to look for to identify roof damage on a slate roofing system.

• Cracked or Worn Slate Tiles: If you have slate on your roof that is cracked or worn, those tiles should be replaced immediately to prevent further, more costly damage.
• Flashing Separation and Degradation: Flashing is the metal sheet that covers joints and seams such as the area where the chimney and roof material meet. Although slate can last more than 100 years, your flashing will fail much sooner than that. Failed flashing is the number one cause of slate roof damage and should be repaired as soon as possible.
• Fastening Failure: Much like flashing failure, the fasteners that hold your slate on will fail long before the slate itself. As fasteners slip, slate can fall and break or become separated, leaving room for damages. Replacing your fasteners at the first sign of malfunction can prevent expensive material repair.
• Inexperienced Repair Efforts: While slate roofing is both exquisite and durable, the wrong roofing team can mean its demise. Slate roofing must be installed and serviced by a skilled roof repair company to ensure proper repair and tile installation that doesn’t slip or leak. Faulty service is a top reason for slate roof malfunction. A team that is not properly trained in how to do slate roof repair can actually cause more damage than they eliminate.

Slate Roof Leaks

A leaking roof is a definite sign that you have a problem. Slate roof leaks can quickly turn expensive, leading to the need for multiple tile replacement and other structural repairs. But many homeowners aren’t sure of exactly what to do if the roof is leaking or when to call a professional. In order to make your roof repair as painless as possible, any type of roof leak should be serviced immediately. An experienced roofer can inspect your roofing system and identify all damages and weaknesses that should be repaired.

How do I Know if My Roof is Leaking?

Of course, when your home has a severe roof leak, you will notice water running down the walls from the ceiling. But, barring a major leak, how can you tell when you have a roof leak? They can usually be identified by warped or separated roof materials. Many times, you will also find moisture in the attic and insulation from previous water drainage. Water stains on ceilings, walls, or even baseboards can be caused by roof leaks. Unrepaired roof leaks not only cause additional roof damages, but they can also lead to structural home damage and even foundation problems that can cause sewer line breaks or other costly damages.

Slate Roof Replacement

At some point, your slate roof will need to be replaced. Although slate is tough, there are instances when repair is simply not an option and replacement must be planned. Instances when repair won’t suffice include:

• Flaking or Powdering: As slate ages, it will begin to flake. The underside will also begin to powder. These are both signs that replacement will soon be needed.
• Heavy Moisture Damage: Extensive moisture damage in the attic implies that you may have multiple leaks or that your material is seriously degraded and will need to be replaced.
• Extensive Material Damage: If more than 20-30 percent of your roof’s surface is damaged, replacement is likely the only way to restore optimal strength. Once too much material must be replaced, the integrity and strength of the structure are in question and so all the material must be reset.

If you suspect damage to your slate roofing system, or if it’s beginning to look aged and worn, call your local roof repair contractors at (651) 796-2341 first. We provide experienced slate roofing service and can often repair your roof without replacing it. Our experts are experienced and trained and know how to do slate roof repair efficiently and effectively to prevent new damages from forming. In the event that you need roof replacement, our experts will discuss your options with you, providing realistic results for every budget.

As a homeowner, you are most likely always looking for ways to save on household costs. Typically, a household can save up to 20 percent on energy costs by altering a few simple things around the house. From double-paned windows to metal shingle roofing, these simple tricks can save you hundreds.

Maximizing Your Whole Home’s Energy-Efficiency

Metal shingle roofing offers unbeatable UV protection for your home which lowers energy costs throughout. These shingles offer extreme durability and resistance, so you don’t have to worry about incomplete or diminishing protection on your home. Metal roof shingles fit together perfectly to deliver a leak-proof, sealed roof structure that locks in conditioned air and keeps warm air out.

Along with Metal roof shingles, installing a tankless water heater and whole house dehumidifier can also help save on energy costs. Tankless water heaters provide superior heating without the need to reheat stored water. Dehumidifiers can also save energy by removing moisture from your air that can cause uneven temperatures and cool or warm pockets of air. Other components of your home that can be adjusted to save energy are:

• Window and Door Seals: Sealing your windows and doors can keep conditioned air from escaping.
• High-Efficiency Light Bulbs: These light bulbs can produce the same amount of light as a standard bulb, with only a third of the energy.
• Fan Utilization: Ceiling fans help circulate air causing your HVAC system to run less and for shorter periods.

Your Local Metal Roofing Specialists

Saving energy in your home doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. The Quality Exteriors, Inc. team can help you begin saving money today with a metal shingle or cool roof installation in the St Paul, MN area. We provide the skill and knowledge needed for hassle-free roof work, every time. Call us today at (651) 796-2341.

Energy efficiency and energy savings go hand in hand. With a more efficient home, you can watch as your bills lower without affecting the comfort of your home. Maybe you have tried all of the energy efficiency tips and are not seeing the results you are looking for. This may be due to outdated systems in your home. Over time, roofs, plumbing, and more can wear, becoming less and less efficient. In these cases, home improvement may be the best answer to get your home back to help your home. While you may think that these improvements may be appliance only, there are some other things you can do to improve your efficiency:

• Consider a Metal Roofing system: Residential metal roofing offers reflecting roofing for your needs, bouncing the suns rays away from the property and keeping your home cool. This means your AC will not have to work as hard to cool your home.
• Upgrade Plumbing Fixtures: Your plumbing system can be updated with new fixtures and systems to reduce water usages. For instance, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, meaning they only use energy when you need them too, leading to less energy consumption.
• Low-E Windows: New windows prevent the sun from affecting your home’s internal temperature and damaging your furniture and flooring. Consider replacing your windows.
• Flooring: Even flooring can affect your home efficiency! Different flooring can do different things for your home, such as carpet which retains warmth and bamboo which is a sustainable wood flooring.

What are the Benefits of Energy Efficiency?

Many people look at energy efficiency as a way to just save on their utilities, however, it actually goes much further than that! Energy efficiency can benefit you, your community, and the environment all in one! By lowering your energy use, you create more available energy for those in your community who need it, reducing their costs as well as the amount of energy the energy company needs to produce. With reduced production, fewer resources and greenhouse gases are expended. By taking steps for your home, you are helping so much more. Want to get started on your energy efficiency with a new metal roof? Quality Exteriors, Inc. is always available to get started on your needs. Give us a call today at (651) 796-2341!

Do you every wonder why roofing professionals continue to recommend annual commercial roof inspections? It might surprise you to learn that one of the primary reasons why companies need consistent checkups is the rooftop HVAC unit. While these HVAC systems enable many businesses to save office space, it can also lead to some significant problems. Examine the advantages and drawbacks of these HVAC systems, and learn how to care for your commercial roof.

Pros & Cons of Rooftop HVAC

It’s simple to see why so many businesses place their HVAC unit on the rooftop of their office. First, it saves space in the interior of the building. It may also provide extra roof for another parking space on the side of the building. The second benefit that many business owners don’t consider, is the noise reduction. After all, HVAC units aren’t exactly known for being quiet. Finally, it’s much easier to access your unit for maintenance and repairs when it’s located on your rooftop.

However, there are some serious downsides to placing your HVAC unit on top of your roof. It places additional weight on an isolated portion of your roof. There’s also the issue of leaking fluid or condensation dripping from your HVAC unit. Without proper protection, these fluids can slowly corrode the materials of your roofing system and (potentially) leak into your building interior.

Pros and cons aside, sometimes the only available place to store your unit is the roof. You just need to know how to care for and maintain your roof to protect against unwanted corrosion. A restorative roof coating will help guard against the extra moisture and heat fluctuations. You can also take advantage of a coating to cool your roof and save on energy consumption. Of course, you can stay on top of maintenance and repairs with consistent commercial roof inspections and checkups for your HVAC unit. It’s cheaper than waiting for problems to pop up unexpectedly.

Contact Us for Commercial Roof Services

If you’d like more information about maintaining your roofing system, or if you’d like to schedule one of our commercial roof inspections, you’re welcome to give our team a call at (651) 796-2341. With a little extra care, your rooftop and HVAC unit will be safe for decades to come!

Yeah, cleaning the roof doesn’t cross home and business owners’ minds often, but it is essential to preserving the life of the roof, and even extending the years you get out of it. Roof cleaning can be done either by yourself or by professionals.

Here’s What To Know About Roof Cleaning:

There Are Two Ways To Clean Your Roof: Manually Or With Chemicals

Manually involves hand-scrubbing or using tools like pressure washers with high-powered water jets to blast grime away. Pressure washing is more effective but requires professional handling and can sometimes be so powerful that it can damage fragile roofs, blowing off loosened shingles or tiles. Chemicals like chlorine and zinc can effectively kill off moss and algae growth on roofs but are dangerous if the liquid runs off the roof and touches any other plant or pond life, killing them.

Helps With Energy Efficiency

Roofs not only protect the home and boost curb appeal, they help regulate temperature inside the house. If the roof is covered in leaves, moss, and dirt, sun cannot be absorbed by the roofing material to warm the home.

Prevents Wood Rot

Moss eats away at roof shingles, especially if they are made of wood, creating wood rot.. Eventually reaching the decking, the interior of your home will be exposed, allowing rainwater to enter and causing other damaging issues like leaks and mold.

Cheaper Than A Roof Replacement

Cleaning your roof and giving it a good wash costs only 5 percent of what an entire roof replacement would cost, which is what would happen if wood rot or too many missing shingles kept happening to your roof. It will also boost your home’s curb appeal, as well.

For roof cleaning in St Paul, MN, call Quality Exteriors, Inc. at (651) 796-2341 today.

Regardless of its quality or the frequency of maintenance, every roof will eventually need replacement. In the case of the most popular roofing material in the country, a few signs can indicate when its time for a new shingle roof. Make sure not to ignore these, as continued use of a compromised roof can lead it to fail. A failed roof can quickly create a crisis, as it will do next to nothing to defend your home from storms or other hazards.

Damaged or Missing Shingles

Almost any asphalt shingle roof will need the occasional replacement of the odd shingle or two. As roofs get routinely buffeted by high winds, individual areas can become vulnerable to detachment and leaks. If you begin to lose a number of shingles, however, the time has come for roofing replacement. The major loss of shingles indicates a roof far past its prime, or one that experienced faulty installation, situations you can only solve with a fresh install. The same wisdom applies to a roof that sustains comprehensive, serious damage from something like a hailstorm.

Old Age

Old age represents the most common reason to replace a roof. An old roof may not necessarily appear like it needs replacement. However, hidden weaknesses and problems that accumulate over a long life can leave a roof highly vulnerable to failure The average asphalt shingle roof will persist for 15 to 20 years if taken care of with regular repairs and maintenance. If you have had you roof for a comparable period of time, make sure to call a trusted roofer for an inspection.

At Quality Exteriors, Inc., we can serve all needs for a new shingle roof in St Paul, MN and the surrounding areas. To learn more or schedule service, give us a call today at (651) 796-2341.