5 Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks

No property owner wants to hear they have a leaky roof. Water can cause significant damage and destruction on the home if you don't repair the leak in time. The problem with identifying roof leaks is that water can travel away from the initial spot the leak occurred, making it difficult to repair the leak. So, you will want to check your roof for common causes to identify the problem or prevent future leaks. 

1) Damaged Flashings

A roof flashing is a piece of metal underneath your shingle and on the roof joint that creates a water-resistant barrier. If your flashing is exposed, wind and rain can cause cracks, which allows in water to your roof. Exposed flashing can happen as a result of not being installed properly, or due to age. 

2) Broken or Missing Shingles

Weather is usually the cause of missing or broken shingles. Luckily, this is an easy problem to spot, because shingles are an outside layer of the roof. Examine at your roof from the ground, especially after a heavy rain or wind storm, to identify missing shingles. If you don't fix this problem, you'll find water in your home during the next rainstorm.

3) Clogged Gutters

You will notice your gutter is clogged if leaves or other debris are sticking out of it. However, the most prominent sign is the lack of water coming out of the downspout when it's raining. A clogged gutter will block this water from traveling away from the roof, which results in a rainwater increase in a particular section of the roof, resulting in leaks. Consider installing a gutter cover to keep your gutter clear of any debris so water can flow away from the roof. 

4) Age

Roofing materials deteriorate over time. Your roof expands and contracts with the change in temperature, which can make it brittle and eventually crack. Sunlight can melt tar that seals shingles together. You may want to contact a roofer to determine if your roof needs to be replaced, especially at the sign of a leak.

5) Improperly Sealed Valley

When two planes of the roof come together, that creates a valley. If they aren't sealed properly, rainwater can come inside as it flows down the roof. You will want to contact an expert if this is a problem you are finding. They will likely install a leak barrier to stream water away from the roof. A leak barrier will still look aesthetically pleasing but, most importantly, will fix the problem. 

Although not exhaustive, these tips are some of the most common issues you will run into when discovering the origin of your roof leak. Contact Roof X for emergency roof repair and roof inspection to further identify and resolve any of these problems – and more. 

Benefits Of TPO Roofing

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing has become a standard in commercial and building trades as one of the most durable types of roofing on the market today. Traditionally developed for pond liners, TPO has been used extensively for roofing in the last two decades. 

What TPO Is And How It Works

This single-ply membrane is made from a polymerized combination of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that can be attached to a roof with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. TPO offers an effective and low cost choice for low slope and flat roofs, and due to its material being a highly reflective white, it is a great choice for hot and sunny climates.

However, this product does come in grey and black, which are used more so in colder climates and in areas where white would not work as well. TPO can be installed directly over the existing roofing material, or it can be applied to a bare roof deck, making it a versatile product that can save time and money in re-roofing scenarios. 

Installing TPO

Roofers and contractors typically use one of two methods to adhere to a TPO membrane to a roof. Mechanical fasteners that consist of screws and large plastic washers are one way to adhere the membrane to the roofing structure. The other way is through the use of a solvent or water based adhesive that attaches the membrane to the surface of the roof or deck. In more extreme circumstances where neither method will work, river rock can be used to hold the TPO membrane down and securely in place. 

As TPO is a single layer membrane, it does not offer much insulation by itself. However, many installations can include a layer of rigid foam secured to the roof, and a slip sheet can also be installed that provides a low friction barrier for the roof so that it can expand and contract freely. 

Benefits Of TPO Roofing

TPO roofing falls into the mid-range cost category, and it has many advantages over the other products traditionally used in roofing. TPO is durable enough to resist punctures, yet flexible enough to stretch during any settling that the structure may experience. Maintaining its integrity throughout a wide range of thermal expansion and contraction.

The highly reflective properties of the membrane also earned TPO an Energy Star rating for energy efficiency. Its ability to reduce cooling costs during hot weather and the fact that it is completely recyclable, contributes to its status as a green product, making TPO a perfect choice for the environmentally conscious consumer. 

Choosing TPO Roofing

Durability, cost effectiveness, ease of installation, and environmental responsibility are all reasons that TPO is a popular roofing choice today. Contact Roof X to find out more about how TPO roofing can be a perfect choice for your needs.

Why Replacing Wind-Damaged Shingles is Important

Most people work extremely hard to make their dream of owning a home a reality. Once you have the home of your dreams, keeping it in good condition should be one of your biggest concerns. Homeowners in the United States spend approximately $1,200 a year on maintenance. Making sure vital parts of your home like the roof receive the care they deserve can help you avoid serious repair issues.

As time goes by, the shingles on your roof will start to become brittle due to their constant exposure to the sun. If a strong line of wind moves through your area, it can lead to these shingles being damaged or completely remove from your roof altogether. Replacing these wind-damaged shingles is important for a number of reasons and here are some of them.

One Missing Shingle Can Cause Extensive Roof Damage

Some homeowners think that having one missing shingle isn’t that big of a deal. While you have hundreds of shingles on your roof, each of them is essential in how your roof operates. This is why replacing a single wind-damaged shingle is so important. If this shingle is not replaced, it will result in a domino effect.

The last thing you want is a yard full of shingle pieces. As soon as you start to notice a shingle is damaged or missing, you need to call in professionals to take a look. A roofing contractor will be able to give you advice on how to fix this problem and prevent any further damage in the future. Trying to handle this complicated roofing repair process alone is a horrible idea that will only make matters worse.

Avoid Water Damage

One of the biggest problems that come with wind-damaged or missing shingles is roof leaks. These leaks can take a while to become apparent, which means the damage they do will be quite significant. A persistent roof leak can cause water damage and even mold. The longer these leaks remain undetected, the more money you will have to spend to fix them.

If you notice a shingle is missing from your roof, you should automatically assume it will result in a leak. By thinking of this roof problem in this way, you will realize the sense of urgency. Calling in a roofing contractor to replace this shingle can help you prevent extensive damage to the inside of your home.

A Weakened Roof Structure

Another problem that can result from wind-damaged or missing shingles is a weakened roof structure. If your roof is not complete, it will not be able to keep the inside of your home protected. Before hiring a company to do this repair work, take the time to find out more about the experience they have. With this information, you can decide whether or not a roofing contractor is the right fit for your needs.

Don’t Wait to Fix Wind-Damaged Shingles

Is your home’s roof in a state of disrepair? If so, contact Roof X to find out how we can help you restore this vital part of your home.

Limit the Need for Emergency Roof Repair with Ongoing Maintenance

No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night to find water dripping through their ceiling during a rainstorm, or deal with a piece of their roof missing entirely after heavy winds. While it's impossible to prevent the need for emergency roof repairs entirely, you can limit the need by staying current with ongoing maintenance.

Keep these tips in mind to keep your roof functioning its best:

Inspect the Roof for Damage
At least twice a year, visually inspect your roof from the ground to see if any damage is visible. If there are parts of your roof that you cannot see, you'll need to schedule a professional inspection. You should have a professional inspect the roof every year or two, to check for damaged areas, leaks, and missing shingles. Finding small issues with your roof as soon as possible helps keep them from turning into large, expensive repairs.

Remove Debris Regularly
Seasonally, evaluate your roof and gutters. If leaves, sticks, branches, or debris have fallen on the roof, it's important to remove them before they decay and cause additional damage. If you cannot do this on your own, contact us for assistance. We'll help you remove the debris from your entire roof before you can wind up with far more serious issues.

Schedule Repairs as Needed
If you have small amounts of damage to your roof, it's important to schedule repairs as soon as you notice the issues. A skilled roofing repair company can help you remedy the problems before they become major. If you leave them for too long, you could end up with decay, structural issues, and leaks. Proper maintenance can help you keep your roof looking and functioning its best for years to come.

Emergency Repairs
If you've neglected your roof, or if you've purchased a property that's roof has seen better days, there's a chance that you may find yourself in need of emergency repairs. Storm damage can also cause dramatic, severe issues that will need to be repaired immediately. If you have a roof that's leaking, you'll need to reach out to a professional roofing company immediately to begin repairs.

Although you cannot totally prevent the need for emergency repairs to your roof, you can limit the repairs needed by carefully maintaining your property. Inspecting your roof regularly, removing any debris, and reaching out to local professionals to repair small issues before they become large ones can go quite a long way towards limiting the need for emergency roofing repairs. If you find that you need repairs no matter, contact us for an evaluation and estimate. Our skilled professionals will repair the damage and get your roof back into the best possible condition.

Four Benefits of Choosing Metal for Your Next Commercial Roofing Project

Here in Central Florida, bad weather can appear out of seemingly nowhere. While we do at least get some warning before a hurricane strikes our beautiful state, Tampa isn’t known as the lightning capital of the country without a good reason! Between a seemingly endless barrage of hurricanes and thunderstorms, it may seem like sunny days are few and far between here in the Sunshine State. That’s why it’s extremely important to be choosy about what type of roofing material you use for your commercial building. If you’re looking to upgrade your building’s current roof, or you’re in the process of constructing a new building and you’re uncertain what type of material is best, then we here at Roof X would like to take a moment to share with you the incredible benefits of commercial metal roofing. 

Metal Roofs are Safer in a Storm

It’s a common misconception that metal roofs are more dangerous in a lightning storm. After all, isn’t metal a powerful conductor? Extensive studies have dispelled this myth, proving that metal roofs do not attract more lightning than a shingle roof. Even more importantly, though, is that metal it’s not flammable, making it much safer than other roofing materials.

Metal Roofs are Energy Efficient

In the brutal Florida heat, the last thing you want is to be stuck inside a house that traps high temperatures inside it. If you’re wanting to dramatically cut your business’s cooling costs, then it would be wise to turn to metal roofs. This material can actually save you up to 40 percent on your cooling costs and help keep your home cooler. It’s a win-win situation!

Metal Roofs are More Affordable

While shingle roofs may be more economical upfront, metal roofs are the way to go if you’re looking to save money in the long haul. They don’t require frequent replacement, and you may actually wind up qualifying for tax credits when you invest in a metal roof. Combined with the money you save on energy costs, it all adds up to a better value and return on your investment.

Metal Roofs are Built to Last

Finally, metal roofs are made to withstand the elements for years to come. When you choose to get a metal roof on your commercial building, you’re selecting a material that will unlikely need to be replaced during your lifetime. The end result? A better roof with less fuss, less stress, and less worry for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about how a metal roof can help complete your next commercial building project, then we’re ready to help. We offer nearly 50 years of combined experience serving customers throughout the Tampa and Panama City areas. To get started with an easy, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!