Author Archives: Quality Exteriors

Can I put a deck on my flat roof?

We’d like to say, sure, no problem! However, that may not be the case for the structure your restaurant is located in or it could be in violation of city codes. Sometimes those codes can be voided by taking proper steps to have the zoning changed, but that may not happen in time for you to open that rooftop patio this summer.

So, nothing ventured, nothing gained, get busy and head to City Hall and find out what the zoning laws are and what it would take to have it changed that would allow you to have a rooftop patio and deck installed. Chances are, you’ll have submitted your plans with all the rooftop deck construction details. This will go before the City Council who will do their due diligence and then vote and give you their decision.

With a flat rooftop patio and deck, there are important factors that you need to take into consideration as you present your plans and submit a request to the City Council and your budget.

• The rooftop patio and deck need to be attractive and inviting for your customers.
• You want to rooftop patio and deck that is low maintenance and weather resistant.
• The rooftop patio and deck must be waterproof so you don’t have costly repairs to the building below from rooftop deck leaking.

Can my roof support a deck?

This is definitely the first question to ask and to get a clear answer because you don’t want to go to the expense and time of having a rooftop patio and deck built, only to have it “break” the building and cause thousands of dollars damage.  

The contractor you hire to do the job should take your plans that the City Council approved and have an engineer look them over.  This will include an engineering inspection where the estimated weight of the plans will be compared to the age and stability of the structure as it is now.

Sometimes, the answer is no, you cannot safely install a rooftop patio on this structure, so be prepared for that, and ask for an explanation. Then sometimes the engineer will come back with a “yes, but…. “, and that but is that there are some steps to be taken to secure the building for holding that extra weight.

For a rooftop patio to be installed safely, the average roof can support up to fifty-five pounds per square foot. This calculation may vary based on what your plans are for this rooftop patio. For example, will you have a baby grand piano out here or a band? Will there be dancing? The fire department will issue an occupancy limit, and you must adhere to this at all times or risk getting fined, even shut down.

What size deck can I build without a permit?

You can, but the risks you’ll take with fines and penalties may not be worthwhile to build that rooftop patio or deck without a permit. You may be required to remove it too – all that expense, planning, and trouble will be gone.

The best business move you can make is to contact the city planning and zoning and inquire about your desire and ideas for rooftop patio.  Once they give you the nod to present your plans and designs to the City Council, follow the process all the way through.

What if the P&Z doesn’t give you the nod? Most cities have an appeal process where you or your attorney can go before the City Council and present your side with more details. This doesn’t always guarantee you’ll be approved, but there is a protocol, no matter the size of the city.

What are your ideas for seating and tables – going bistro style with high stools or chairs? What are your rooftop deck flooring ideas? Consider these:

• Sand Terrace: Indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining atmosphere with sand for flooring. 
• Private Escape: Create a place for your patrons to get away and relax with faux wood floors and matching walls.
• Maximum Coverage: A contemporary tuck away with maximum views with light-colored wood decking.
• Enhanced View: A spectacular view of the city below and Mother Nature around with sustainable wood decking to blend in naturally.

Looking for help in getting a rooftop patio in St Paul, MN? Reach out to Quality Exteriors, Inc. at (651) 796-2341 today!

Roof Restoration vs Replacement

Roof restoration and repairs will almost always be less expensive than a replacement service, but there are several things to consider first. If there are a number of things seriously wrong with your roof, as in the decking is severely damaged, then restoration wouldn’t be a good investment. In that case, it may be better to consider replacing the roof instead. We understand that commercial roofing in Cincinnati, OH or anywhere can get very expensive, very fast. Anyone would want to choose the cheaper option, but it’s important to know the best option for you. To get a clear idea of that, contact Quality Exteriors, Inc. for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does a roof restoration cost?
  • The total cost will depend on the size of your roof, current condition, and type of restorative material you choose. Generally speaking, though, you should prepare to pay at minimum, $4,500 or more for a restoration service.
• Will restoration stop leaks?
  • Restorations will help to prevent future leaks, however, it will likely not fix the problem. That will need to be addressed before restoring your roof. While it can be dealt with during the process, it could add time and money to the overall project timeline. 
• Should I replace or restore my roof?
  • It really depends on your needs and current situation. If your roof is in an overall good condition, then you may want to consider restoring it and extending the life. However, if your roof is starting to lose effectiveness, it may be time to consider replacing it. 
• What is a roof restoration?
  • Unlike replacing the entire structure, restoration involves cleaning, repairing, and ultimately restoring your roof. Contractors won’t be pulling up the entire thing and starting from scratch. Instead, they’ll correct areas of concern then apply a restorative material overtop, restoring the condition of your roofing structure. 
• How long does a roof restoration last?
  • Depending on how exposed your roof is to the elements, a well-done application can last anywhere from 15-25 years. This will generally extend the overall condition of your roof even further, so you’ll likely experience even longer periods. 

• Chimney flashing is found around the chimney.
• Continuous flashing protects between a sloped roof and a vertical wall.
• Drip edges to keep water from infiltrating under roofing along eaves, rakes, and over roofing.
• Skylights flashing is around the curbs and along the base.
• Step flashing protects where the chimney, dormers, skylights meet the roof.
• Valley flashing protects the where two roof planes come together.
• Vent pipe flashing is cone-shaped and fitted over flues and pipes.

When should I use roof flashing?

As we have mentioned here, there are many areas where roof flashing is used. Almost anywhere there is roofing, there is flashing. Roof flashing is a thin strip of galvanized steel and should be installed where water needs to be directed away from specific, critical areas. Those areas are where a vertical surface, like dormers or walls, meets the roof plane. Roof flashing should also be installed around roof features, such as the chimney, skylights, pipes, and vents.

The key areas that you should use roof flashing are:

• Continuous roof flashing: Roofers may refer to this as “apron flashing”, it is one long piece of metal that directs rainwater down to the shingles. These long pieces of continuous roof flashing will warp or work loose as it flexes each time the house contracts or expands with the weather. There are long pieces of continuous roof flashing with built-in expansion joints now that flex with that movement with being stressed.
• Base roof flashing: The chimney will require two pieces of roof flashing to ensure the rain will always be met by roof flashing and redirect it downwards. This area is difficult to install roof flashing, but there is an improved two-part roof flashing just for this area available.
• Counter roof flashing: This piece of roof flashing is positioned either above or opposite to base flashing to completes a two-part area as described above.
• Step roof flashing: This rectangular piece of roof flashing is shaped at 90 degrees from the center and is used where the walls meet the roof. Your roof should have multiple pieces of this roof flashing, installed layered the shingles to ensure the flow of rainwater is going away from the walls.

How does flashing work on a roof?

A short answer to this:  It keeps your home sound and stable. How? We need roof flashing to keep the components of it from being damaged and to provide waterproofing. Without roof flashing, components like the chimney, HVAC, and plumbing pipes would be subjected to rainwater getting in around and under them. Without this roof flashing, the decking and below can become saturated, damaging the component and/or structure of your house.  

How do you fix roof flashing?

Because flashing is installed at the highest points and along the edges of a roof, having a professional roof contractor do the repairs is always recommended. They will have the proper ladder heights and other equipment needed to do the job correctly. 

They will carefully examine all the areas where roof flashing is installed, then remove the damaged or loose pieces. Once they have cleaned the areas, they will use either mortar or roof flashing caulk to hold down the new pieces of roof flashing. 

 Once that has had time to dry and set, they will caulk around the joint areas and over any lips, and around the chimney, HVAC, and plumbing pipes to make sure it completely seals the joint areas. 

Should I replace flashing with a new roof?

The purpose of roof flashing, leak prevention! If you are going with the expense of getting a new roof, having a new roof flashing installed as well is a minimal part of the major investment you’re making. This only makes sense as the roofing flashing and waterproofing is like all in one and is another step in protecting the roof and your home’s integrity longer. 

What Do You Do About Ice Dams in Gutters?

Ice dam repair can, unfortunately, be quite necessary if an ice dam has formed in your gutters. One of the ways you can prevent ice dams is by using heated cables. Attached with clips along the edge of the roof, heated cables can prevent ice dams. Ice dam damage includes lifting existing shingles and causing leaks. A fast fix for ice dams is through using an ice rake. Homeowners could pull snow off the roof by using a long-handled aluminum roof rake. During this process, please make sure your footing is safe on the ground. 

Do Ice Dams Cause Permanent Damage?

One of the things that homeowners should be on the look-out for is roof leaks, which can result after an ice dam has formed. Roof leak repairs in La Porte, TX is an example of the fact that when roof leaks form, they need to be addressed immediately. After all, the water that ice dams let into the house can damage insulation, leaving it damaged and ineffective. In order to alleviate the extent of the damage, homeowners are advised to contact a reputable roofing company in their area to diagnose and correct any ensuing damages from ice dams.

How Long Does Ice Dam Removal Take?

It typically takes approximately four hours to remove an ice dam. Of course, this measurement is based upon how large the ice dam is, and the overall area that needs to be addressed. Homeowners are advised to contact a respectable, local roofing company in your neighborhood if, in fact, you are experiencing any moisture in your home as a result of an ice dam that has formed.

Can Ice Dams Cause Mold?

It is certainly true that ice dams can cause mold. This is because the water and moisture that leaks into the home as a result of ice dams do not drain properly. Over time, if serious efforts are not undertaken to dry the water, mold or mildew can form. These fungi spread spores into the home and can sicken inhabitants.

How to Repair Ice Dam Damage

If you are currently experiencing ice dam damage, research goes a long way toward determining the correct path forward. Please read through the following list of how to repair ice dam damage.

• Use a roof rake to remove any built-up snow. If you happen to have a flat roof, you can usually, successfully, use a shovel to complete this process.
• Remove the ice dam. Break the ice away in small chunks. It’s very important for homeowners to exercise caution here. Falling ice can be very heavy, and very damaging.
• Address leaks. Blow cold air in the attic to freeze the water. This will stop the water from actively leaking in.
• Carefully inspect your roof and gutters. During this process, you will want to search in your attic and under roof sheathing for any signs of water penetration. Missing or damaged shingles and water streaking down the side of the house are red flags.

Ice Dam Repair Near Me

There are a number of roofing companies in your area. In order to select the best roofing company for your needs, please feel free to call them or peruse their list of services to see if they can assist. Checking out a roofing company’s customer reviews is also another way of establishing their commitment to quality.

Ice Dam Repair Cost

Usually, homeowners can expect to pay hundreds of dollars for their ice dam repairs. This is because both the interior and the exterior of the home may be affected. Using preventative measures, such as hooking up heated cables, can truly help minimize these costs and damages in the future.

Quality Exteriors, Inc. is your local skilled roofing company, providing residential property owners with ice dam repair in St Paul, MN. Give us a call at (651) 796-2341 to fortify your roofing system!

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.