Does Your Roofing Contractor Have His Papers in Order?

There are certain credentials that are essential for your roofing contractor to show you. Don’t simply take their word that everything is in order. Your roofing contractor should show you proof of their license and insurance. Make sure the dates are valid, and make sure the name of the company matches on the insurance card. Your roofing contractor should also be certified by the manufacturer for the materials they are using on your new roof. If they aren’t, any warranty on those materials may not be valid.

Does Your Roofing Contractor Offer a Guarantee or Warranty?

Your roofing contractor should stand by their work and the materials they use on your new roof. When you have a new roof installation, your roofing contractor should offer a guarantee on their work and a warranty on the materials. Make sure you get this in writing. If your contractor doesn’t offer this, it’s a red flag.

Is Your Roofing Contractor Giving You a Realistic Quote for Your New Roof?

A new roof is a big investment, and it’s always nice to feel that you got a good price. But the cheapest bid isn’t always the way to go. You should get at least three estimates for your new roof. If an estimate is way off, that might not be a good thing. If a bid is extremely low, that can be a red flag. Some roofing contractors will try to lure you in with a low bid but will surprise you with extra charges. Others will keep their bid low by using subpar materials. Read your estimate carefully and make sure you understand exactly what’s in it.

Does Your Roofing Contractor Have Local References?

When looking for a roofing contractor, start by looking at local references. A quality roofing contractor will have many satisfied clients in your area. Many roofing contractors are proud of the name they have in the community. Staying local allows you to see how your roofing contractor is seen in your community.

Is Your Roofing Contractor Well Established?

Your roofing contractor should care about their reputation. If a roofing company has recently changed their name, that may be a red flag. Your roofing contractor should be established with a permanent local address in the area, a member of the Better Business Bureau, and have a name with a good reputation. If your roofing contractor has recently changed their name, look into why. There are legitimate reasons, such as the sale of the company, but it’s always better to make sure.

While many roofing contractors want your business, by looking for the red flags, you can make sure that you find a qualified roofing contractor who will be able to add your name to their roster of local clients satisfied with their new roof. Contact All-Nu Construction for a free estimate on your new roof today! We’re a local roofing company you can count on.

When it comes to replacing your roof, there are many things to research before making your investment. Planning your budget, finding the right roofing contractor, and choosing the material for your new roof can all be overwhelming. When considering the material, you may wonder if there is a better choice than asphalt. Asphalt shingles are often the “default”, no matter how big or small the home, but is there a reason why they are so popular?

Asphalt Shingle Aesthetic

Asphalt offers a traditional look that can add to your home’s curb appeal. While metal and other modern roofing options have a look that can make your home stand out, a traditional look can make your home more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell your home in the future. Asphalt shingles are available in many different colors and styles. While black, gray, and brown are the more common choices, shingles are also available in shades of red, blue, and green. Asphalt shingles can also mimic shake, tile, or stone.

Asphalt Shingle Performance

Asphalt shingles have remained a popular choice because they perform well. These shingles will hold up through the weather and protect your home. A roof installed with these shingles will last twenty years or more. Asphalt shingles have good performance when it comes to energy efficiency. They will both deflect the heat from outside and keep it in during the colder months. Shingles on the market today are fairly lightweight, but resistant to damage from wind and hail. The coating is water-resistant, which means rain flows off the roof and discourages any formation of ice dams and snow accumulation.

Affordability

There is a lot of variation in price for asphalt shingles, but overall, asphalt shingles are affordable and cost-effective. Replacing a roof is a big investment, and when you choose an affordable, quality – roofing material, you can keep your costs under control. In addition, when a shingle, or a patch of shingles, is damaged, it is easy to replace just that section, whereas other materials will be more difficult and more costly.

Making the Choice for Your New Roof

Asphalt is relatively easy to install. Although you definitely don’t want to take on the project if you don’t have experience, it can still be an important consideration. Using roofing materials that are easy to install means that the installation can be done more quickly, which will bring your labor costs down.

While it is always smart to look at all your options and talk to a roofing contractor, asphalt isn’t simply just the default. It has been the traditional choice, but there’s a reason that asphalt has retained the popular choice. You can get beauty, durability, and affordability without having to compromise. Contact All-Nu Construction today for an estimate on a new roof for your home.

You’ve seen them on many homes by now. But you’re still wondering whether they’re a worthwhile investment. Well, you ought to know that residential metal roofing will be worth the cost. It’s actually becoming more and more popular as a roofing choice for homeowners. If you’re planning to replace or renovate your existing roof with it, you’ll have made an excellent choice. Here’s why.

Offers A Wide Range of Options to Use

One of the key selling points of metal roofs is the plethora of style and color options it offers. What’s more, you can customize it to mimic any material you like. For instance, you can have it designed to mimic clay tiles, wood shakes, and even shingles.

Operational Efficiency

Residential metal roofing is also popular because of the optimal operational efficiency it provides. Unlike other types of roofing, metal roofing is indestructible to severe snow or rainfall. It’s hard and slippery, plus has firmly interlocked panels. This ensures that any snow or rain sheds away easily by itself. And in case there is any leftover snow remaining on the surface, it’s easy to remove using a standard roof rake.

A Lasting Investment

You might find it hard to believe, but a metal roof can last as long as your house does. Don’t believe this Look at most of the warranties offered by metal roof companies, and you’ll realize that it’s lifespan usually ranges between 20 to 50 years. And even if you choose to install a metal roof with a paint finish, you’ll still get a warranty of about 30 years. 

Eco-Friendly

Another great reason to choose residential metal roofing over other roofing options is for eco-friendliness and sustainability. Metal, unlike traditional asphalt, is 100% recyclable. This eliminates landfill issues as well as lowers dependency on fossil fuels. Metal roofing can also serve as the perfect roofing material to integrate other eco-conscious projects like solar panels or rainwater harvesting.

Cons of Metal Roofing your Home

Metal roofs offer a variety of benefits, but they also have flaws. Some of the common issues faced with installing metal roofs include:

Noise

As you can imagine, residential metal roofing can get quite noisy during periods of hailstorms or rain. This can be annoying, especially if you don’t like the pitter-patter of rain. However, you can add insulation layers of solid sheathing to reduce this noise. The only caveat with this option is that it may increase the initial investment budget.

Affordability

Besides being noisy, metal roofing also has a relatively higher installation cost than other roofing materials. This is usually because of the special tools and skilled laborers required during the installation process. Also, the metal material is expensive. You can expect it to be up to ten times more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles.

Possible Denting

Lastly, residential metal roofing can dent, especially when you choose materials like copper or aluminum. In such cases, it can be challenging to access your roof for repairs or debris removal. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t count as a deal-breaker, considering some metal roof manufacturers sell anti-denting warranties to back their products.

Contact All-Nu Construction for your Roofing Needs

Are you looking to repair or replace your existing residential metal roofing in Northwest Ohio All-Nu will be more than happy to restore your roof at an affordable price. For more information about our roofing services, contact us today.

If you have issues with your roof, such as if you notice a leak or you are missing shingles, you’ll want to schedule a roof inspection right away. During a roof inspection, a professional roofer will do a thorough evaluation to identify what the problem is (and to make sure there are no underlying problems) so that they can properly address the issue. However, this is not the only time that you should get a professional roof inspection. Roof problems aren’t always noticeable, and you’ll want to catch them before they grow significantly worse and more expensive to repair. To ensure that there are no hidden problems with your roof, you should schedule a routine roof inspection.

Professional Roof Inspection Checklist

The following are things that a professional roof inspector will look for when inspecting your roof:

• Check for sagging ridges.
• Identify and replace damaged shingles. (such as shingles that are curled, broken, split, or blistered)
• Check shingles for broken seals.
• Check gutter system for granules. (shingles that have lost significant amounts of granules need to be replaced)
• Replace missing shingles or refasten loose shingles.
• Fix nails that are loose, exposed, or improperly seated.
• Replace missing caulk around the flashing.
• Replace metal flashing that is missing, damaged, rusty, or corroded.
• Inspect the chimney for damage.
• Examine the rubber boots at your pipes for dry rot.
• Check the roof’s fascia board for potential damage or rot.
• Make sure the gutter system isn’t sagging or pulling away from the roof.
• Look for rust and corrosion in gutter system.
• Check the downspouts to ensure they’re not damaged or misaligned.
• Make sure that the siding above the roof is in good shape.
• Look for cracks on the roof sheathing.
• Inspect between the rafters to ensure the deck isn’t sagging.
• Inspect the interior of the roof for small leaks.
• Measure and calculate the indoor ventilation and inspect the intake vents inside the attic.
• Check all of the exhaust fans within the bathrooms and kitchen.
• Look for leaks around the vents, chimneys, and any other holes leading to the outside.
• Examine the interior for condensation, mold, or wet insulation.

Following a Roof Inspection

Once a professional roofer has performed a thorough roof inspection, they will let you know about any issues that they found. They will then inform you about what your options are (a reputable roofer will outline all possible options, not just the one that will make them the most money) and will provide you with their professional opinion in regards to whether your roof simply needs repairs or whether it will need to be replaced. They will provide you with an accurate estimate for how much the job will cost. This estimate should be provided in writing in a contract that includes the extent of the work that needs to be done and how long it will take. You should never hire a roofer based on an estimate that wasn’t provided in writing.

These are some things that a roofer will look for when inspecting your roof. It’s worth noting that professional roof inspectors are highly trained and experienced, and know exactly what to look for in a safe manner. Attempting to get up on your roof on your own is dangerous and should be avoided. Not only do you risk injury, but you could risk causing damage to your roof. To schedule a professional roof inspection in Toledo, OH, or the surrounding areas, contact us at All-Nu Construction today.

Flat roofs are very different than the types of roofs traditionally used on residential properties, such as sloped shingle, tile, or metal roofs. Although often used in commercial applications (larger buildings require flat roofs since sloped roofs are impractical at a certain size), they are popular in some instances for residential homes as well. For example, flat roofs are commonly used for garages or porches. In some cases, a flat roof just fits the style of the home better. If you’re currently weighing your options as far as a roof installation or replacement goes, the following guide should help provide you with the information you need on flat roofs to make a more informed decision.

The Benefits of Flat Roofs

The following are a few of the advantages of having a flat roof:

• Flat roofs are less expensive – Installing a flat roof tends to be much less expensive than a traditional sloped roof. There are a few reasons for this. First of all, a flat roof requires fewer materials than a sloped roof since the roof will cover a smaller area. Secondly, the installation of a flat roof is a lot easier than a sloped roof and won’t take as long. 
  
  
• Flat roofs require less maintenance – Sloped roofs are more prone to damage than flat roofs. This is because sloped roofs are more exposed to the elements and have more individual parts (such as shingles) that can be damaged. As a result, sloped roofs often need more repair and maintenance work than flat roofs. Keeping a flat roof clean is also much easier since access is easier (and safer).
  
  
• Flat roofs can be used as an outdoor space – You can use the space afforded by a flat roof for any number of purposes. You could use your flat roof as a deck or you could even plant a garden on your flat roof. You can even install large HVAC equipment on your roof instead of on the ground, where it’s more of an eyesore. None of this is possible with a traditional sloped roof.

The Types of Flat Roofs

The following are just a few of the different types of flat roofs that you can install:

• Single-ply roofing – Single-ply roofing consists of one layer of membrane that’s used as waterproofing and weather surface. The three most popular types of single-ply roofing include PVC, TPO, and EPDM. These types of flat roof materials are often recyclable, are highly reflective (meaning that they are energy efficient), are easy to install, last upwards of 30 to 40 years, and are weather-resistant. 
  
  
• Spray-on roofing – There are two types of spray-on roofing. Spray foam insulation is applied directly onto the roof deck and then covered with urethane or acrylic coating followed by a layer of crushed stones. Roof coatings are installed on top of single ply or modified metal roofs. These types of flat roofing require little maintenance, can last up to 40 years, are waterproof, and are very energy efficient. 
  
  
• Built-up roofing – Built-up roofs are built using built-up layers of liquid tar or tar-saturated paper along with gravel, modified bitumen, asphalt, or rolled asphalt. The roof is built in layers to increase longevity and durability. This type of flat roof is no longer used for commercial applications but it’s still used for residential purposes due to how cheap the materials are, how low maintenance it is, and how resistant it is to punctures, UV rays, and foot traffic. However, they don’t last as long as other types of flat roofs and aren’t very environmentally-friendly.

Schedule a Free Estimate Today

If you’re thinking about repairing, installing, or have other general questions about your home’s roof, then be sure to contact us at All-Nu Construction to schedule a free estimate today.

Do You Need to Replace Your Roof?

The following are a few signs that indicate your roof needs to be replaced even if it hasn’t quite reached the end of its expected lifespan:

• Shingles are exhibiting wear and tear – If you notice one or two shingles with some damage, it may just be the result of damage caused by debris during storms. However, if you notice that your shingles are exhibiting general wear and tear all over your roof, such as the shingles have begun curling or buckling, it may mean that they need to be replaced.
  
  
• Granules in the gutters – Once the granules on your shingles begin wearing off, it means that they need to be replaced. If you check your gutters and see a significant amount of granules sitting there, then you can probably come to the conclusion that your roof needs to be replaced.
  
  
• Regular leaking – If your roof keeps springing leaks during heavy rainstorms in different places, it means that the roof underlayment likely needs to be completely replaced. 
  
  
• The roof deck is sagging – A sagging roof is dangerous because it means that it’s structurally compromised. Generally speaking, a roof that begins to sag will need to be replaced.

Common Roof Lifespans

The following are some of the different types of roofs and how long they tend to last:

• Asphalt shingles – Asphalt shingles are some of the most commonly used types of shingles. They tend to be on the more affordable side and are easy to replace when there’s damage to just one area. Asphalt shingles do vary in quality. The standard three-tab asphalt shingle roof will last between 10 and 20 years. Architectural shingles, which are slightly thicker, last between 15 and 25 years. Premium shingles, which are even more durable, last between 20 and 30 years.
  
  
• Metal roofing – Metal roofing is growing in popularity due to its look as well as its general energy efficiency. Metal is, of course, very durable, so it should be no surprise that a properly installed metal roof can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Premium metal roofs, which include copper and titanium, have been known to last over a century.
  
  
• Slate – Slate is one of the more expensive roofing options, not just because of its luxurious visual appeal, but also its durability. Slate will last between 50 and 100 years.
  
  
• Clay tiles – Clay tiles are very heavy and require specially-designed roof frames to hold them in place. However, their weight lends to their durability: clay tiles can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.
  
  
• Cedar shingles and shakes – Cedar shingles and shakes are another popular option due to their traditional aesthetic. Most cedar shake roofs last between 25 and 35 years; however, regular maintenance can help extend their lifespan to as many as 40 years.

Keep in mind that just because every roof has an expected lifespan doesn’t mean that it will last that long. A lot depends on proper installation as well as regular maintenance. If you’re in need of roof replacement or roof repair services in the Toledo, OH, area, then be sure to contact us at All-Nu Construction today.

Understanding your home’s ventilation may not top your list of maintenance concerns. But it is extremely important you are at least aware of how your attic insulation functions and why it is so important for your home.

Good roof ventilation reduces cooling bills, extends shingle life, and prevents roof rot and ice dams in winter. Both roof and soffit vents will protect your house from expensive future repairs by a roofing contractor. And, while it sounds simple, it is not. There are various venting options, as well as the option to not vent. The choice of venting or not venting is a design and construction choice, not a requirement determined by the physics or by the building code.

Yes, it sounds confusing. Let us break it down for you.

Advantages of Ventilation

The installation of roof vents is a crucial part of roof design because it allows for proper attic ventilation, which may help prevent condensation and early aging of your roofing materials.

Proper attic ventilation offers numerous advantages to the homeowner:

• Moderating temperatures in the attic also maintains the temperature in the rest of the home
• It prevents moisture buildup in your attic. Especially during winter months. Cold temperatures create condensation. That can harm insulation and other materials.
• It promotes energy efficiency. Preventing excess heat buildup can lower your heating costs.
• It helps protect the life of the roofing materials (condensation is a leading cause of damage to roofing materials, such as asphalt roofing shingles).
• It helps you remain compliant with most local building codes, which often require proper attic ventilation in homes.

Attic and Roof Vents

Condensation is an issue easily overlooked. It is a particular concern during winter and summer months. But, proper attic ventilation can prevent it. Warm, moist air creeping into the attic hit cooler surfaces and cause condensation. Lights, pipes, vents, and other penetrations piercing the attic floor can intensify the effect. Proper ventilation can mediate this. Cooler, less humid air from outside can be drawn in from soffit vents placed on the roof’s lower portion will pull in cooler, less humid air from outside and replace the warmer, moist air that may have infiltrated into the attic.

Unvented Roof

Unvented attics rely on an air-impermeable insulation installed to the roof deck’s underside or the attic ceiling to stop airborne moisture from reaching a cold surface and condensing inside the building envelope. In this design, insulation effectively separates the interior and exterior spaces while slowing down moisture flow so the dew point is not achieved within the building envelope. The two products most often used in an unvented attic assembly are medium- and low-density sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF).

Ventilation is important to many different aspects of the home. This includes the life expectancy of the roof, the performance of the heating and air conditioning system and the comfort of those who live in it.

If you are concerned about your ventilation, contact the team at All-Nu Construction. We are roofing experts. Let us help you make the best choice for your home.