Roofing Archives - Page 49 of 50 - Fields Roof Service, Inc

Questions You Should Ask During a Roof Inspection

August 8, 2019 Scott Patnode

If this is the first time you’re having your roof inspected, there are certain things you should know for later on in case you need to have it repaired or replaced. In this blog roof service company Fields Roof Service, Inc. shares the questions you should ask during a roof inspection.

HOW OLD IS THE ROOF?

Knowing the age of your roof is important, especially if you’re not your home’s first owner. It gives you a better understanding of your roof’s age, which can help you decide whether your roof is due for replacement, or if it’s prematurely failing. A capable roofing contractor can give an estimate of the roof’s age based on normal wear and tear. This means, there is a chance the roofing contractor may recommend a roof inspection if it’s too old.

WHAT ARE THE ROOFING MATERIALS?

There are many varieties of the same roofing type, each with its own set of roof repair and maintenance requirements. For example, fiberglass asphalt shingles can better withstand moisture than “organic” cellulose ones. Knowing the difference can help with decisions such as estimating repair and replacement costs.

IS MY ROOF DAMAGED?

A thorough roof inspection should reveal any part that may require repair. Part of a roofer’s training is knowing how to recognize signs of damage. Water stains are but one of many signs of a damaged roof. Other signs include warped structural components, clumping insulation and the presence of mold and mildew. A hot and humid attic space is an indicator and afterr inspection, you will receive recommendations on what kind of repairs are needed to restore your roof.

HOW SOON BEFORE I NEED A NEW ROOF?

Whether or not you need a new roof depends on many factors. This includes the roof’s age, the amount of wear and tear it has endured, and if it has been receiving regular maintenance and timely repairs. Knowing how much time your roof has will help you plan for its inevitable replacement and perhaps give you time to explore various roofing designs and options.
Fields Roof Service, Inc. is your leading provider of every roof service you’ll ever need, including maintenance inspections, repair and replacement. Give us a call at (253) 200-5981 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

The Three R’s of Commercial Roofing

July 26, 2019 Scott Patnode

Commercial property owners often make the mistake of resorting to roof replacement when there are, in fact, other options that can help save money without compromising performance. In this blog, Fields Roof Service, Inc. discusses the three R’s of commercial roofing—Repair, Restore and Replace—and why following this order matters.

REPAIR, RESTORE, REPLACE

According to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), as much as 85% of roof replacements conducted on commercial properties were unnecessary. In most cases, poorly-informed and/or inexperienced contractors resorted to a roof replacement when other, more cost-effective options would have sufficed.
One common assumption about commercial roofing is that it has to be replaced if it has undergone several repairs in the past few years. However, failing multiple repairs, a knowledgeable commercial roofing company will first consider roof restoration. Only when the roof isn’t suitable for restoration should the roofer proceed to the last “R,” replacement.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN REPAIRS AND RESTORATION

Repairs and restoration are similar, but with one fundamental difference. Whereas roof repairs are conducted as-needed, restoration is done holistically. For example, a commercial roofing contractor may be called on to fix a torn seam, patch a puncture, or replace missing flashing. These are localized fixes completed within an hour or two.

Roof restoration, on the other hand, doesn’t address just one instance. A roofing contractor would first conduct a thorough inspection of the roof and address all repairs in one appointment. This means all hidden and apparent roofing problems will be fixed, restoring the roof as close to new as possible. Roof restoration is typically done on storm or hail-damaged roofs.

WHY FOLLOW THE THREE R’S?

Following the three R’s can help prevent unnecessary roofing expenses. It wouldn’t make sense to have your roof replaced when repairs would have sufficed. Commercial roofs are, after all, more repairable than sloped residential roofs. It also helps minimize disruptions that may be caused by roof installation, which benefits your building’s occupants and helps keep daily operations—and therefore revenues—going.
Fields Roof Service, Inc. is your leading provider of commercial and residential roofing services. Give us a call at (253) 200-5981 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

How Roof Coatings Reduce a Building’s Environmental Impact

July 18, 2019 Scott Patnode

Roof coatings provide a layer of protection to existing commercial roofs. In this post, roof contractor Fields Roof Service, Inc. takes a closer look at one of the benefits offered by roof coatings: reducing a building’s environmental impact.

HOW ROOF COATINGS WORK

Roof coatings are a liquid with a consistency that’s thicker than paint. After installation, it may take time to cure before it’s ready for use. Roof coatings create a protective layer that helps extend the roofing up to 60 years. Adhered single-ply roofing systems benefit from roof coatings by adding a layer of protection against impact and foot traffic.
There are various types of roof coatings designed for different types of roofing systems. Acrylic, polyurethane and elastomeric roof coatings are some of the most popular types. When applied these coatings create a monolithic layer that prevents instances of a roof leak. Features can also be added, such as different colorways or reflective properties.

ROOF COATINGS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Depending on the type of roof coating, it may help reduce the building’s environmental impact in one or more of the following ways:

Longer Life Span — Commercial roof replacement generates a lot of waste material and contributes to how fast landfills get filled up. A long-lasting roof helps slow down the rate landfills fill up, giving it more time for waste management facilities to clear more space.
Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect — Urban areas are prone to forming heat islands, or areas that absorb heat from the sun. Concrete and asphalt surfaces tend to radiate absorbed heat slowly, resulting in hot sidewalks and building surfaces with higher indoor cooling requirements. This in turn, results in higher energy consumption; energy that’s based on crude oil. Reflective roof coatings help reduce the urban heat island effect by minimizing the heat absorbed through the roof.
Low Maintenance Requirements — Low maintenance roofing doesn’t just save you money, it also minimizes the need to use chemicals that may harm the immediate environment.

Fields Roof Service, Inc. is the roofer to turn to for all your residential and commercial roofing needs, including roof coatings. Give us a call at (253) 200-5981 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Debunking Common Myths About Asphalt Shingle Roofing

July 12, 2019 Scott Patnode

Despite its popularity, myths regarding asphalt shingle roofs still circulate, some of which discourage homeowners from enjoying its benefits. In this post, roof replacement contractor Fields Roof Service, Inc. sets the record straight and debunks common asphalt shingle roofing myths.

MYTH: Asphalt Shingles Start Losing Their Granules After Installation

This myth probably stems from the fact that new roofing shingles often come with loose granules, which doesn’t affect roofing performance in any way. You should expect to find loose granules in the rainwater runoff during the first few days or weeks, which should taper off—and not get worse—in a few days.

MYTH: Asphalt Shingles Contain Asbestos

Asphalt shingles did contain asbestos before it was phased out in the 1960s, given the health risks associated with asbestos fibers. If your asphalt shingle roof was installed after then, there’s a good chance that it’s equipped with safer fire-resistant materials. If you suspect your roofing contains asbestos, talk to your roof maintenance contractor.

MYTH: Hand-Hammering is Better Than Using a Nail Gun

There has been some debate on the merits of hand-hammering vs. using a nail gun when installing asphalt shingles. Some say hand-hammering avoids crooked installations. But the truth is, it all depends on the installer. A trained installer should be able to properly use a nail gun, utilizing the nail pattern as prescribed by the manufacturer.

MYTH: Asphalt Shingle Sealant Works Immediately

Most of today’s asphalt shingles feature a type of sealant or adhesive that bolsters protection against high winds. Contrary to what many people think, this type of adhesive needs time to cure and therefore doesn’t work immediately after installation. It needs heat from the sun and takes a few days to cure. This is not a cause for concern, though. Once the sealant is fully cured, it will provide the wind resistance expected from your new roof.

MYTH: Dark Roofs Increase Cooling Costs

This myth springs from the fact that light-colored roofs or “cool roofs” are reflective and helps reduce the heat absorbed through the roof. This leads people to think that the reverse—dark roofs absorb heat and increases cooling requirements—is also true. While dark asphalt shingles do absorb a small bit of heat more than light-colored roofs do, attic insulation and proper ventilation helps make sure that only a small amount of heat reaches your indoor spaces.

Fields Roof Service, Inc. is your leading provider of asphalt shingle roofing and other roofing systems such as modified bitumen roof. Give us a call at (253) 200-5981 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

The Benefits of Working With an NRCA Member

July 5, 2019 Scott Patnode

As one of the industry’s most respected trade associations, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) providers member contractors the resources they need to provide the best products and services for their customers. As one such member, roof service company Fields Roof Service, Inc. shares a look at the benefits of working with an NRCA member.
Qualifications for NRCA Membership

The NRCA has strict requirements for contractors that apply for membership:

Physical Location, Business License and Tax Identification Number — This indicates that the contractor is a legitimate, tax-paying local business.

Contractor’s License — It should be noted that a contractor’s license is different from a business license. The Washington Department of Labor and Industries requires all contractors in the state to apply for a license before performing contracting work.

Insurance Coverage — Roofing contractors need to have insurance that includes liability insurance coverage (for accidental property damage) and workers’ compensation (for accidental worksite injuries). Without such coverage, you may end up being liable for the cost of roof repair or medical fees.

Other requirements include statements of the contractor’s financial status and outstanding customer complaints. Many of these requirements are the ones that you should look for when finding a legitimate roof contractor, so hiring an NRCA member actually makes it easy for you to find a contractor that you can trust.

Benefits of Hiring an NRCA Member

When you hire an NRCA member contractor, you will have the peace of of mind knowing that your roof will be in good hands. You will enjoy the following benefits:

Code-Compliant Roofing — When you work with an NRCA member, you know that your roof will comply with all applicable building codes.
Up-to-Date Installation Methods — NRCA keeps members updated on the latest developments in the roofing industry. This means whether it’s a minor repair or a full roof replacement, you don’t have to worry about your roofer using out-of-date methods.
Exceptional Customer Service — Reputations are important to NRCA members. This is why you can count on members like us to provide the best customer experience from the first consultation, to years following installation.

Fields Roof Service, Inc. is your leading provider of the roof service that only NRCA members can provide. Give us a call at (253) 200-5981 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Testimonials

Fields Roof Service is the BEST - from the first phone call to the last shingle! I got 3 bids. One was far below Fields, but I didn't feel confident that they would do the job correctly, and the other one was about the same as Fields. But I chose Fields because Jason was so knowledgeable. I felt that the job would be done right. He was organized and took care of every little detail. And the crew who worked on my roof were great, too. The roof looks great, and I love my 2 new skylights in my living room. I highly recommend Fields Roof Service!!!

Valerie T. | Auburn, WA

Steve came out to help us investigate a potential leak. He was not only thorough in checking for the leak (which he verified was not coming from the roof) but was also extremely friendly and gave us suggestions on where the leak could be coming from as well as general roofing tips. This was my first time working with them, and will be highly recommending them to my friends and coworkers. Thanks Steve!"

Solomon C. | Seattle, WA

Estimates provided upfront. Great work and new Sky Light installed as expected. They also offer if leaking again, call them any time.

Tu N. | Tacoma, WA

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