Being a responsible homeowner entails learning more about how your home is built and what each of its components is good for. Your roof, for instance, is not just a sheet of metal or a bunch of shingles stuck together to cover your home. A roof is a system of various parts which need to be in good condition, at all times, to function optimally. In this article, roof replacement expert, Fields Roof Service, briefly explains two roofing components – soffits and fascias.
4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Roof Financing Option
Roof replacement or repair projects are significant investments for any home and as such, it also requires a significant amount of funds to complete. Unfortunately, not a lot of homeowners have the funds needed to do this immediately, especially during emergencies. Therefore, some resort to roof financing options. However, when choosing a roof financing option, there are a few things you need to think about first.
In this post, Fields Roof Service lists the four things you need to consider when choosing a financing option for a roofing project.
- Monthly Payments – When you’re looking at financing options, one of the most important things you need to compare are the monthly payments. A general rule of thumb is to choose a financing offer that has the monthly payments that you know you can afford to pay off every month. To ensure that you choose the right one, consider experimenting by looking at longer terms and lower payments to find a payment that fits your current budget.
- Terms – Another important thing you need to consider when looking at your financing options is the terms. For those who are unaware, the term refers to how long your loan will last for. In most cases, longer-terms means you’ll pay more interest over the course of the loan. If you want to pay off the loan as quickly as you can, however, you’ll want a shorter term with higher monthly payments.
- Fees – Before you sign off on your roof maintenance loan, make sure to read the fine print of the financing offers as they usually have hidden numbers outlined in them. Oftentimes, these include the different kinds of fees that are attached to the loan. There are three different kinds of fees you may encounter in your financing option: origination, which is the required fee to take out the loan; late payment fee, which is what you have to pay if your monthly payment is late; and early repayment fee, which is the fee you pay off if you repay your loan before the end of your term.
- Interest Rate – When you’re comparing financing offers, interest rates is another thing you need to think about. This is because loans require you to pay not just what you borrowed but also the interest that piled up over time. Depending on how much you’ll pay back, your credit score, bank, and financial profile, your interest rate may vary.
Planning to install a modified bitumen roof on your building? Simply turn to Fields Roof Service, your leading professionals when it comes to commercial and residential roofing services. Give us a call at (253) 852-4974 or fill out our contact form to get a quote today!
4 Most Common Single-Ply Commercial Roofing Problems
Single-ply roofs feature a single layer of roofing material installed on a substrate. Depending on the installation method, this roofing material can be installed using a combination of adhesive, fasteners, and heat welding. In this post, commercial roof contractor Fields Roof Service, Inc. shares the most common roofing problems unique to single-ply roofs.
- Seam Failure — As with most roofing materials, single-ply roofing expands and contracts with temperature changes. A typical single-ply roof is installed as a monolithic layer, which means it covers the entire roof as a single piece made of sheets welded together, much like a quilt covering a bed. Roof shrinkage can cause stress on the seams, which may pull apart over time and allow moisture to penetrate this layer. Proper installation techniques, which allow enough slack for shrinkage, can help minimize seam failure.
- Blisters — Single-ply roofing that’s adhered to the substrate may develop blisters from moisture trapped under the outer layer. The moisture could come from using wet substrate, or if moisture has somehow found its way from the indoor space. In either case, blisters may noticeably form on the roofing surface. Make a note of how big the blisters are and check back every week. If the blisters are increasing in size, contact your commercial roofer for repairs.
- Punctures — Single-ply roofing isn’t designed to handle foot traffic and impact from hard objects, both of which can puncture the roofing surface. Fortunately, punctures or single-ply roofing can be repaired using patches. Proper roof planning is important if your roof is up for replacement: if you’re expecting moderate to high foot traffic on your roof, consider built-up roofing (BUR) or other types of multi-ply roofing systems.
- Ponding Water — Inch-deep ponding water can exert up to 5.2 pounds per square foot of pressure. This is why you should never skimp on proper roof design; “flat” roofs are not really flat, but are rather slightly sloped to allow proper drainage. If rainwater on your roof does not dry up after 48 hours, call a roofing professional, as the stagnant water could allow algae growth.
Fields Roof Service, Inc. is the roofing contractor to call when you find a roof leak in your commercial roofing. 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
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.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
Working with the right contractor can eliminate much of the stress involved in roofing projects. It makes a lot of difference if you hire a professional you can trust.
Fields Roof Service, an expert in roofing services such as roof replacement and repair, shares some tips to help you choose the right roofing contractor.
1. Hire Local Contractors
Contractors from your own community are more familiar with local rules and code regulations. This assures you that your roofing will be done according to industry requirements. You can also benefit from the relationship of local contractors with suppliers in the area. Hiring local contractors will also help minimize your chances of getting scammed.
2. Check Reviews and Better Business Bureau (BBB) Ratings
Get to know the contractors you’re considering for the job by reading reviews about them. Don’t forget to look them up on the BBB website and check their ratings as well. These will show you if they’re credible and if they deliver quality work.
3. Ask About Their License and Insurance
Whether you’re looking for a roofer to handle roof maintenance or repair, make sure you’re dealing with a licensed and insured business. Also, verify their credentials for your peace of mind.
4. Choose Contractors Who Are Honest and Transparent
Honesty and transparency are qualities that you would surely appreciate in any contractor. It’s easier to work with professionals who are very upfront when it comes to their process and the cost of their services. You’re never left guessing and you can easily have an idea on what to expect from them.
Fields Roof Service has decades of experience in the roofing industry. Our expertise includes modified bitumen roof, steep slope, built-up roofing and more. Call us at (253) 200-5981 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.