Blog

Mar 23 2020

What Exactly Does a Roof Certification Include and Why Do You Need One?

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, you know the roof is always a source of interest. If it’s not in good condition, the roof becomes a sticking point when the buyer brings their offer. A roof certification benefits both parties involved in a real estate transaction.

Read today’s post and find out what a certification includes, why you need one, and who to call to get a roof certified.

Why Should I Get a Roof Certification?

Each party looks at the condition of a property from a unique perspective. Here’s how they look at the roof.

The Buyer

When you buy a house, the last thing you want is a faulty roof. Replacing a roof means a significant investment the average buyer isn’t prepared to make in the first few years of homeownership.

The Seller

If you’re the seller, you also look at the roof from an investment perspective. Replacing a roof before you sell your home means you may need to dip into savings or borrow money. If you give the buyer money at closing for repair or replacement, it takes away from your profit.

If you’re the buyer, certification gives you peace of mind and may help with quicker loan approval. A seller benefits from a pre-listing certification too. A roof certification may attract more buyers and could mean offers closer to the asking price of the home.

We can’t forget the lender! Lenders want to protect their investment too and often won’t release financing without assurances about the roof. They don’t want the buyer to incur financial burdens that could set them up for default.

What Does Certification Include?

A roof certification provides information about the condition and life expectancy of the roof and includes an inspection of the following roofing components:

Layers of Roofing Materials
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Condition of Tiles
Flashing
Gutter System
Previous Repairs

After looking over the roof, the inspector puts the findings into a report or certification.

The certification describes the condition of the roof. It also includes a written estimate of the life expectancy of the roof. Finally, the certification comes with an expiration date of usually 3-5 years.

Who Do I Call?

Most roofing contractors can do certifications, but that doesn’t mean they’re all qualified.

Look for a contractor with both experience and certifications.

When a roofing contractor has several years of experience, it tells you they’ve handled a wide range of inspections, repairs, and replacements. They know what to look for when they certify a roof.

One of the most prestigious pieces of paper a roofing contractor can display says, “Haag Certified.” This certification means the contractor passes specialized training courses where they learn techniques needed to inspect roofs and assess any damages.

Ready to Schedule Your Certification?

As you can see, whether you’re the buyer or seller, a roof certification offers several benefits, including peace of mind and potentially fewer obstacles when completing your real estate transaction.

If you’re ready to schedule a certification, contact us today. We’re also available for routine inspections, repairs, and roof installation.

Mar 21 2020

The Top 3 Benefits of Concrete Tile Roofing

Your roof does more than protect you and your home from rain. It holds the home together, regulates the internal temperature, and plays a significant role in your house’s appearance.

If it’s time to replace your roof, it’s essential to pick the best possible material. The average American homeowner spends $7,882 on new roof installations. As a homeowner, you want a roof that can withstand storms, increase your curb appeal, and not cause harm to the environment.

A concrete tile roof is created by mixing sand, cement, and water. The tiles are molded under high pressure. A finishing paint is applied for aesthetic and design.

Concrete tile roofing is becoming more popular throughout America due to its durability, eco-friendly nature, and design variability. Let’s explore why homeowners should choose concrete tiling for their next roof replacement.

1. A Concrete Tile Roof Is Durable

Concrete tile creates some of the most durable roofs in the world. While the upfront cost may be more than traditional roofing prices, the tiles are guaranteed to be long-lasting, making concrete tiling a worthwhile home investment.

Concrete tile roofing can be applied in any climate, although they are most popular in warmer environments. The material reflects light, allowing residents to keep their homes cool without cranking up the AC.

A concrete tile roof is resistant to storm damage like hail, wind, snow, and fire. Concrete roofing tiles have a 13% water absorption rate and can withstand freezing temperatures. Concrete tiles can sustain wind speeds of 125 miles per hour.

If your concrete tile roof is properly installed and well-maintained, you can expect it to last at least 50 years, if not longer.

2. Concrete Tile Roofs Are Environmentally-Friendly

Since concrete tiles are creating using water, sand, and cement, they create an environmentally-friendly roof. When the time comes for replacement, the concrete tiles can be recycled. Best of all, concrete tiles do not contain chemicals, making them a natural roofing material.

Concrete roofing reflects sunlight and helps people keep their energy usage down. Thanks to their long-lasting durability, concrete roof tiles meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) requirements.

3. Concrete Tiles Are Versatile

Concrete tiles can be designed to simulate other materials. They can be molded to look like clay, wood shake, slate, or stone. This way, homeowners can create the appearance they want while receiving the benefits a concrete tile roof has to offer.

In addition to design, concrete tiles come in a limitless amount of colors. Say bye-bye to dull roof colors, which is what you get when you choose asphalt shingles and metal roofs. Concrete tiling allows a homeowner to have more control over the color of their home to create the aesthetic exterior of their dreams.

Ready to Raise the Roof?

A concrete tile roof doesn’t just supply your home with long-lasting protection, it also raises your home’s value. Thanks to the various styles and designs concrete tiles come in, you can easily create a beautiful and durable home.

Are you ready to get to work on your roof? Contact us to learn more about concrete tile roofing. Our award-winning team will supply you with a quote and ensure you receive a reliable, attractive, and environmentally-friendly roof.

Mar 19 2020

Your Guide to Attic Ventilation: How It Works and Why It Matters

When it comes to the house attic, many people tend to think that insulation is the only thing that matters. However, ventilation is equally, if not even more important.

While it might be tempting to think that ventilating your attic is somewhat counter-intuitive, given that you’re trying to keep heat in, not doing so can be catastrophic for your home and your personal safety.

Proper attic ventilation is essential for a number of reasons. If you’re wondering why roof ventilation options need to be considered for every home, and how it actually works, read this guide to find out.

Why Attic Ventilation Matters

Having attic vents installed isn’t just an optional extra. It’s a necessity. An attic vent serves two important functions: it allows hot air to escape and allows cool, fresh air to enter the attic.

If you don’t have a proper roof exhaust vent, there are a number of problems that can occur. For one, if hot air can’t escape your attic, then heat and moisture will rapidly build up in there, especially during the summer months.

The moisture will likely lead to the rotting of timber frames and support beams, which can, over time, lead to the collapse of the foundations. Heat buildup caused by a lack of ventilation can also cause severe damage to roof shingles, necessitating expensive repairs.

In addition, a lack of ventilation in the winter months can cause the snow on the roof to melt, leading to the formation of an ice sheet. This has the potential to destroy the roof shingles and cause holes to appear in your roof.

Attic ventilation is also important for energy efficiency. An attic vent fan lets cool air into your home during the summer months. This means that your air conditioner doesn’t need to work as hard to keep your home cool.

The result is a lower energy bill for you and your family.

How Attic Ventilation Works

Now that you know the benefits, it’s time to learn about how the different roof ventilation options actually work. One thing work noting is that they don’t actually take up a lot of space in your home.

The US Federal Housing Association recommends one square foot of ventilation space for every 300 square feet of attic space.

The most popular types of vents, such as ridge vents, intake vents, and exhaust vents, are so compact that they are barely noticeable from the outside. They all work by taking the hot air that rises to the top of the attic and letting it out via the exhaust.

They also have a separate channel designed to funnel cool air into the attic when needed.

The result is a balanced temperature and normal levels of heat pressure all year-round. Attic vents covers are also available to add extra protection when needed.

Get Ventilated Today

Now that you know why attic ventilation is essential for your home, it’s time to get ventilated. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team of roofers today to find out exactly how to ensure proper ventilation for your home, every day of the year.

Mar 17 2020

Repair or Replace: How to Decide Which Is Right for Your Roof

After a major thunderstorm, hailstorm, tornado, or just an especially windy night, it can be nervewracking to go outside and evaluate the damage. A few tree branches in your yard or a tipped-over garbage bin aren’t that big of a deal. Missing or damaged shingles, on the other hand, could mean that you’re in for some seriously bad news.

How can you tell if the damage to your roof — or even just normal wear and tear — merits a full replacement, or if you can get away with only having it repaired? At what point is it no longer advisable to have the roof replaced? After all, roof work isn’t inexpensive, and you don’t want to spend a bundle unnecessarily. We’re taking a look at this question today, so keep reading for some answers.

1. How Old is the Roof?

The first consideration is your roof’s age. If it is only a few years old, and the damage isn’t widespread, repairing is the obvious path to take.

Different roofing materials have different lifespans, of course. The most common type of roof, composite asphalt shingles, tend to last between 15 and 40 years, depending on their quality and the climate conditions where you live. A wood shake roof will live to be about 35 or 40, while slate and clay roofs can hold their own for a century or more.

Think your roof is nearing the end of its life span? It might be worthwhile to simply go the new-roof route, instead of shelling out for a repair now and a replacement in just a few years.

2. Are You Planning on Selling Soon?

A new roof can be a big draw for potential buyers, but it might not make financial sense for you to spring for one now. Consider having repairs done if there’s a chance you might be selling your home in the next couple of years.

3. What Kind of Financial Perks Might You Reap?

Homeowners who are on the fence about whether to replace or repair their roof ought to look into possible savings. First, new roofing materials tend to be much more environmentally friendly than their predecessors. This could entitle you to local or federal tax credits that will help offset the roof’s cost.

Additionally, your homeowner’s insurance premiums could drop significantly if you invest in a high-quality roof. Crunch the numbers; it may turn out that a new roof won’t be as costly as you think once these discounts are deducted.

4. Looking for Leaks In All the Roof Places

Leaky roofs can wreak havoc with the structure, foundation, and interior of your home. It’s never wise to ignore a leak, but if there is only one, you are probably safe getting the roof repaired. If a thorough inspection discovers multiple leaks, however, it could be worthwhile to replace the roof entirely.

Whether You Need Your Roof Repaired or Replaced

Whichever route you plan to go, discuss your circumstances with the roofing company you choose. They are experts at evaluation roof quality. They may be able to offer alternatives to having the roof repaired that you hadn’t considered.

Interested in a free consultation to help you decide? Call Capital Roofing and Restoration today.

Mar 15 2020

Roof Warranty 101: A Guide to Understanding What's Covered

Your roof is one of the most expensive repairs that you can do to your house.

This cost will depend on where you live and the size of your home, but even the lower end is a lot for most homeowners.

How often you need to redo your roof will depend on the materials you use, as well as the job that’s done. Since roof replacements and repairs are so pricey, you’ll want to be very careful about how you go about redoing your roof the first time.

Keep an eye out for quality materials, highly-skilled contractors, and roof warranties.

These are all going to save your wallet in the long run. You may be wondering what exactly a roof warranty covers.

To learn all about your roof warranty, keep reading.

There’s More than One Type of Roof Warranty

When it comes to the security and quality of your roof, there are a couple of different warranties available.

Installation or Workmanship Warranty

With an installation warranty, your coverage will depend on the job your contractor did while installing the roof.

You’ll also want to be careful when choosing a roofer or a roofing company because not everyone offers this warranty. Look for quality service as well as a warranty to ensure that your roof doesn’t become a money pit.

What’s covered?

If the contractor who did your roof messed up, this is covered under the installation warranty. For example, if your roofer forgot a step or didn’t cover a spot well enough and you get a leak, they’ll cover it.

It’s important to remember that workmanship or installation warranties often come with contingencies. Many warranties only cover repairs if you stick with the same roofer or roofing company.

The warranties are meant to stand by the roofing company’s work, so they are unlikely to help if you switch companies.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Where an installation warranty covers the roofer’s work, the manufacturer’s warranty covers the materials used.

It’s actually the most commonly used warranty for roofing. This can often be referred to as a shingle warranty as well. This warranty lasts for around 20-50 years.

What’s covered?

If the materials you used for your roof don’t do their job, you may be able to have the cost covered.

If the manufacturer made a mistake in the production of your shingles, this problem becomes their responsibility. If shingles aren’t made to be durable, they’ll often break down faster. The sooner your shingles break down, the more often you will need to have your roof replaced.

This is a very expensive home repair project. So, if there’s a problem with the materials, you’ll want to make a claim under the manufacturer’s warranty.

While a manufacturing problem is the most common cause of roofing warranty claims, it can be difficult to prove. It’s often assumed that a roofing problem is the result of the contractor. Because not all contractors offer a warranty, you may be left with covering the repairs yourself.

Get Your Roof Done Today

Who you hire to redo your roof is going to make a huge difference in your long-term spending.

To learn more about your roof warranty and our services, reach out today.