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Is a tile roof better than shingles?

When you’re installing a new roof and you’re considering replacing your shingles with tile roofing you’re going to benefit greatly from the tile. The primary drawbacks to tile are cost and weight.

The benefits of tile include:

• Lifespan: Depending on the type of tile you choose, you can expect your tile roof to last at least 50 years. Some will last a century or more. Shingle roofing under the best of circumstances lasts about 25 years.
• Fewer maintenance concerns: Although tiles can be cracked or otherwise damaged, they are often simpler to repair, especially clay tiles, which can be replaced individually. Tile also weathers better and survives storms better than shingles.
• Aesthetic appeal: While more and more shingle roofs are becoming more versatile when it comes to style and color, people tend to still prefer tile for its aesthetic appeal.

Does a tile roof add value to your home?

Although tile roofing is often expensive to install, it often adds a great deal of value to your home, especially as a long-term investment. Most new roofs will add value to your home if you are putting it on the market, but tile roofs tend to have a strong appeal because they last so long, look so good, and have so few maintenance requirements. These traits appeal to buyers.

Are tile roofs more expensive to insure?

While it can be expensive to replace tile roofing, insurers recognize performance when it comes to insuring roofs, and tile is considered high performance because it offers such good protection, especially from extreme weather and fire. Tile is also well-insulation. Insurers like these qualities and often charge less for tile than asphalt shingle roofing or wood. As far as insurance goes, only metal roofing tends to rival tile when it comes to lowering costs.

How long will tile roofing last?

Whether you install clay, concrete, or slate tile, you’re going to get a roof that’s long-lasting. At a minimum, you can expect at least 50 years out of your tile roof. Clay tiles have been known to last 100 years or more, while slate tiles have been known to last 150 years or more.

Do tile roofs leak?

All roofs are susceptible to leaks, but tile roofing is less susceptible than most. With tile, roof leaks typically occur either because of incorrect installation, poor-quality tile, or problems with flashing. Age and maintenance can also play a role.

One of the best ways to protect your tile roof from leaks is by having adequate flashing. Top flashing is especially important. Adding this type of flashing will direct water away from leak-prone areas as well as protect your underlayment from decay. You can add this type of flashing at any time.

Tile roofing drainage

Tile roofs are unique when it comes to drainage. While most roofing materials rely on the top surface of the roof for drainage, tile relies on its underlayment. It’s essential, then, to have durable and correctly installed underlayment. If building codes allow it, when it comes to tile roofs, two layers of underlayment are preferred. Anytime the underlayment of a tile roof is punctured or otherwise damaged, it needs to be repaired as quickly as possible to maintain drainage capabilities.

Can you paint tile roofing?

If your tile roofing is looking faded or you simply want to change its look, it is OK to paint this type of material. Before the tile is painted, however, any damaged tiles will need to be repaired, and the whole surface of the roof will need to be cleaned. An oil-based primer will also need to be added before the roof is painted. Acrylic-based paints are preferred as these will be much longer-lasting.

Proven Track Record: EPDM has the longer track record because TPO hasn’t been around as long, but with more than 60 years in the industry, EPDM has proven to be a durable roofing material TPO single ply roofing has a bigger market base now which would indicate that it is a close second, maybe even tied with EPDM. 

Insulation Material Options: Insulation isn’t a factor with single-ply roofing membranes, so this gives a commercial building owner more options in choosing the insulation material. Some of the options include:

• Polyisocyanurate  – The more expensive choice but the most popular choice of single ply roofing  insulation with a higher R-value rating.  
• Expanded Polystyrene  –  A higher R-value for the dollar and can be used on the single ply roofing or in the walls and on the floor since it doesn’t retain water. 
• Extruded Polystyrene – A mixture of the other two in regard to cost and performance. 

Reflective or Retentive Properties: TPO is the “white roof” single ply roofing which highly reflective and comes in other colors of blue, gray, green, red, and tan. EPDM on the other hand is the “black roof” but is a high-performance rubber compound that provides excellent weather resistance that is beneficial for commercial structures where the weather is cooler. 

Easy to Install: TPO is the easier single ply roofing to install than spray polyurethane foam roofing. Once the existing roof surface is cleaned or removed, TPO is either installed ballasted, using an adhesive or fastened mechanically and seams are adhered with a hot-air gun that melts the membrane seams, fusing them together. 

Flexible and Lightweight: Even though TPO has multiple layers, there are thickness options, so it the fewer layers, the more flexible and lightweight.  This eases the weight limit on the building’s structure. 

The cons of single ply roofing are: 

Easily Punctured: Because TPO single ply roofing is flexible and lightweight, this makes it susceptible to punctures. There isn’t a hard layer to protect this synthetic rubber membrane for screws, tools, or other items being dropped during contractor services. Because it punctures easily, it can be vulnerable to leaking. 

Accessories: Commercial roofing typically has HVAC system, plumbing vents, skylights, and other penetrations on the roof. These penetrations can make TPO single ply roofing installation challenging because it can be rolled out straight without interruptions. This make the install job take longer, which can cost more in labor. It also creates more places for possible leaks where the TPO material is pieced together around the penetrations. 

UV Rays:  The sun’s UV rays can degrade the adhesive used to install TPO single ply roofing material. That degrading can weaken the seams and make the roof more vulnerable to leaking. 

Which roof type would a single ply roof membrane be installed on?

With single ply roofing, the installation varies depending on the building and the situation. Ballasted roof would be the preferred installation method if the structure can handle the weight. However, if the roof slope is more than 1″ in 6″, then it wouldn’t be the best method.

A single ply roofing that is mechanically fastened is best on a steel or wood roof and for any type of slope. This is an excellent application for areas prone to hurricanes.  A single ply roofing that is fully adhered is another option to consider if the membrane can be attached with an adhesive. 

What is the best material to use for flat roofs?

Even though PVC roofing is the more expensive single ply roofing material, it is the most preferred choice for use on flat roofs. The benefits are plentiful, which offsets the cost. Those benefits include: 

• Impact resistant
• Crack resistant
• Low maintenance
• Longer lifespan
• Energy efficient

How long does single ply roofing last?

When you hire experienced single ply roofing contractors that professionally install a single ply roofing, you can expect a lifespan of thirty years.  This also requires the roofing be properly maintained and kept up as needed with repairs by the owner of the building. 

How do you install a membrane roof?

The key to a membrane roofing installation is that it is done by experienced professionals. This will insure the durability and longevity of this single ply roofing. The first step is to install an insulation board such as EPS or ISO foam board with an R-Value of 4-R to 6-R per each inch. This step is important to get the full energy efficiency possible. 

There are three methods to installing a PVC roofing membrane: 

FULLY-ADHERED: The membrane and substrate are attached with a special adhesive. This is a fast and easy method and has one big disadvantage. Condensation forming under the membrane when ventilation is poor. 

MECHANICALLY-ATTACHED: Attaching the membrane to the substrate with barbed plates and heavy duty screws will hold the membrane tight, even hurricane proof.  

BALLASTED: This method is laying the membrane loosely over the substrate  and hold it in place with a ballast of either manufactured concrete pavers or washed river rock.

How do you apply single ply roofing?

EPDM and TPO are applied in the same manner until the point of adhering it to the structure. Both are rolled out after the existing roofing has been cleaned or removed. Then the EPSM is secured using seam tape and an adhesive in some situation. TPO is attached with an adhesive or mechanically fastened, then the seams are welded together with hot air.

Asphalt shingle benefits

• Affordability: As we stated, these are the most common across the country because of that affordability. They are warrantied for 25 to 30 years, but in reality will When they are professionally installed, a roof with asphalt shingles can have a lifespan up to 15 years or longer. 
• Effectiveness: Asphalt shingles are not as durable or long-lasting as cedar shakes, clay tiles, metal, or slate, but they provide the protection needed to keep a home safe from the elements. 
• Wide Color and Style Choices: Asphalt shingles are available in a fiberglass or organic style; both are waterproof and available in the 3-tab architectural or premium style. The fiberglass asphalt shingle has an interior made from thin glass fiber mat and the organic asphalt shingles are made with a wood-type mat, typically a recycled wastepaper. The architectural style of asphalt shingles is the most expensive and both he fiberglass and the organic are offered in various colors and patterns. 

• Easy Install: Another reason asphalt shingles are popular is because they install easily and quickly which makes labor less expensive and the overall install job is less expensive. 

The Cons of Asphalt Shingles

While asphalt shingles are popular, there are some cons to this roofing material too. 

• Wear Down Faster: Asphalt shingles are not a top quality material and will wear down quickly in areas with shifting climates.
• Cracking and Fading: Because they are not a high quality material, asphalt shingles will crack faster than other roofing materials and the color doesn’t hold as well, especially in areas where there is extreme heat. 
• Contract and Expand: Asphalt shingles will contract and expand with the temperature which causes them to crack faster. 
• Easy Damage: Asphalt shingles do not hold up well in extreme cold weather and can be damaged easily in heavy ice or hailstorms. 
• Unfriendly Environment: Asphalt shingles are unfriendly with the environment as they are a petroleum based product. The energy it takes to manufacture is a concern with greenhouse gases and they are not recyclable like metal roofing. 

How long do asphalt shingles last?

Manufacturers generally warrant asphalt shingles 25 to 30 years. In reality, depending how well you maintain your roof with cleanings, inspections, and repairs, you can expect to get 15 to 20 years lifespan from them.

How do you make asphalt shingles last longer?

Weather is the biggest enemy to asphalt shingle roofing, but there isn’t much you can do about that. What you can do to give your asphalt shingle roof a longer lifespan are the following four things: 

1. Avoid Power-Washing 

A concentrated hard power wash will loosen the granules and damage the material underneath. Use a professional contractor that uses a broom to ‘scrub’ the algae, bacterial, lichen, and moss then go over it with a leaf blower.  

2. Ventilation

Make sure the roof has adequate attic soffits and vents in the right places to eliminate possible condensation on the decking that the asphalt shingles are attached to.  

3. Gutter Cleaning 

Clean the gutters no less than twice a year and inspect them to make sure they are attached properly and there aren’t any separations that can leak.

4. Insulate Properly

Proper insulation will prevent ice dams from forming  which will minimize costly roof leaks. This is especially important where roofing planes meet. 

What color of roof shingles is best?

In areas where the UV rays are strongest and the temperatures are the hottest most of the year, go with light color asphalt shingles.  These will reflect the UV rays and keep the attic cooler which keeps the house cooler. When the house is cooler, the air conditioner isn’t working overtime and straining. 

In areas where the temperatures are cooler more, darker color asphalt shingles are recommended. They absorb the UV rays and will keep the attic warmer which keeps the house warmer.

When most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover repair or new roof installation jobs is it the roof has been neglected. So, if the roof was in a state of deterioration before and begins leaking in a rainstorm, they will not pay for a new roof installation. Basic aging, wear-and-tear, and neglect negate any roof install coverage. 

How can I afford a new roof?

Your roof leaks and repairing it is not an option, according to the insurance adjuster and several contractors that inspected the damage. You’re looking at a new roof installation for around $8,000 to $10,000.  Along with the insurance adjuster telling you that repairs weren’t possible, they also advised you that your homeowner’s insurance was going to pay for the roof installation, either. 

If you’re like most Americans, you don’t have that much in savings or on a credit card. So, what can you do?  Here are five ideas that could help you pay for that new roof installation, the first one though, is already out of the equation, but for the sake of the article, we’ve listed the possibility: 

5. Personal Loans

What if the options we listed aren’t working for you to pay for your new roof installation? Another option is to take a personal loan from the bank, credit union, or any institute that offers personal loans. These don’t require collateral, like your home, so no worry about losing your home because of late payments. 

A home loan will have a shorter time to repay, so the payments are generally higher, instead of 20 years, your loan could be a five year repay.  The interest rate could be astronomical, like 199%, or if you have excellent credit, you could get an interest rate of 3%. 

What is the difference between re roof and new roof?

Most building codes define reroofing as RECOVERING or REPLACING an existing roof covering. A new roof installation replacement is defined as REMOVING the existing roof covering while making repairs to any damaged substrate first. 

Is it OK to put new shingles over old?

With a new Roof installation process, yes, you can have the new shingles installed over the old roof if it meets the following two criteria: 

1. Asphalt over asphalt – do not mix materials
2. Existing roof is in good shape structurally

Why get a roof installation? 

Reroofing is excellent if it is possible because it will be less expensive, but the existing roof, decking, and the rafters need to be in good condition. Some minor issues, like the asphalt shingles, are wearing out, or a small leak that can be repaired easily before applying in the new roof installation. It will also depend on local building codes, in which a roofing contractor should be able to confirm this for you. 

Can I install a roof myself?

You can if it’s not an issue in the jurisdiction where you live. Some cities require this type of work to be performed by a certified, insured, and licensed contractor. If that isn’t an issue where you live, and you don’t have a fear of height, by all means, go for it. Read up on safety issues and make sure you use each recommendation for that. 

Keep in mind with a licensed roofing contractor, and your new roof installation will have a guarantee and warranty. If you do the job yourself and there is a problem later, it will be on you, or you’ll have to hire a contractor to fix your mistake. For roof installation in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, call 469-858-2448 today.

Your policy should also outline any limits on coverage. Your roof’s age, for example, could affect how much the insurance company will pay out for repairs. Most asphalt shingle roofs last about 20 years, and if your roof is more than 10 years old, your insurer is going to consider the natural wear that’s occurred and may pay less when it’s damaged than it would for a newer roof. It’s also highly unlikely your insurer will cover a new roof if you’ve neglected upkeep or it’s aged or worn.

Before you file a claim, get a reputable roofer to come out and inspect the roof. A roofer will verify the damage and give you an estimate of the repairs that you can file with the claim along with any documentation you have. Roofers also can help ensure you get the full benefit of your claim and can act on your behalf if there are any problems to resolve with the insurer. If you need an inspection or other roof insurance claims help in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, reach out to the professionals at Greenco Construction Services. You can reach us at 469-858-2448.

How do insurance roof claims work?

Filing a roof insurance claim is actually a fairly easy process. 

• Make sure to read over your policy before filing a claim. This will clarify exactly what’s covered and can save you a lot of frustration later.
• Gather as much documentation as possible, including photos, to provide to the insurer as evidence of the damage.
• Get a reputable roofer to inspect the roof and provide an estimate as documentation for the insurer.
• Call your insurer and report the damage and file the claim. You may be able to file the claim online. Carefully follow your insurer’s process.
• A claims adjuster will be assigned to the case and may visit you to inspect the roof and verify the claim.
• Payment will be issued by the insurer after the claim is verified. This will be the money you use to make the repair or replacement.

Should I file a roof claim?

Anytime your roof is damaged by a storm or fire or another event, you might think about filing a roof insurance claim. But, filing a claim might not always be a good idea, especially if you’ve filed several claims over the past three to seven years. The more claims you file, the more likely your insurer will see you as a big risk. When you’re perceived as a significant risk, insurers might increase your premiums or even void your policy. 

You also should not file a claim if the amount for repairs doesn’t exceed your deductible or the repairs are needed because you’ve neglected to maintain your roof or because it needs to be replaced due to age and wear. Policies rarely if ever cover repairs or replacement due to neglect or age and wear, and insurers usually deny claims that don’t exceed the deductible. On the other hand, if your roof is a total loss, it’s recommended that you file a claim.

Can I cancel a roof insurance claim

Canceling a roof insurance claim is very difficult. You have a very short window of time to cancel it and can only do so before an adjuster is assigned the claim. Once the adjuster is assigned to your claim you can’t cancel it, even if the adjuster never makes contact with you or comes to inspect your roof.

How much does insurance pay for a new roof?

What an insurer pays on a roof insurance claim will vary. The age of the roof, the extent of the damage, and even the type of roof may affect the amount paid. Check your policy to see exactly what is covered and clarify anything with your insurer.

Keeping roof insurance claim money

Once an insurer verifies a roof insurance claim, they’ll pay a certain amount to you to cover repairs. Typically, this is the money you’ll pay the roofing contractor to make the repair. Sometimes the roofing contractor will finish the job at a price lower than originally estimated. In this case, it is perfectly ethical and legal to keep the difference from the insurance payout.

On the other hand, it’s unethical and illegal to intentionally defraud your insurer. You can’t, for instance, tell your roofer to make an estimate higher than it should be or claim any unnecessary repairs so you can get a larger payment from your insurance company.

Depreciation on roof insurance claim

There are basically two types of policies for roof damage: ones that cover Actual Cash Value (ACV) or ones that cover Replacement Cost Value (RCV). Most typical policies are RCV, that is they pay out the replacement value minus the deductible at the time of the covered loss. No depreciation is factored into the coverage. An ACV policy, on the other hand, figures in depreciation as the roof ages and wears, and pays out just the actual cash value minus the deductible of the roof at the time of the loss. This means if your roof is 10 years old and damaged in a storm, your insurer will factor in the roof’s age—your roof loses value as it ages and wears—when determining a payout, so the payout will normally be less than what you might receive with an RCV policy. What’s appealing about ACV policies is that premiums are usually lower than those of RCV policies.

Roof insurance claim denied

Roof insurance claims can be denied for several reasons, although one common reason they are denied is that the estimated cost of repairs does not exceed the deductible. Similarly, the claim will be denied if the coverage limits are exceeded. If your policy only covers $200,000 worth of damage, for instance, and you claim $225,000, the amount exceeds the coverage limit and will be denied. Your claim also must fit into a category of a covered peril in your policy. If you submit a claim for hail damage but your policy doesn’t cover hail damage, your claim will be denied. Failure to maintain your roof or needing repairs because the roof is old and worn also will not be covered by the insurer.

What does standing seam metal roof mean?

A standing seam metal roof consists of metal panel systems that have vertical legs or raised seams with flat areas of metal between them. These types of metal roofs will typically have the panels run vertically up the roof. The prominent visual of the raised seams are what gives this style of the roof its name.

How are standing seam metal roofs attached?

Standing seam metal roofs are attached with concealed fasters or raised interlocking seams that join one panel to the next. 

What is the difference between standing seam vs corrugated metal roofs?

The difference between a corrugated metal roof and a standing seam metal roof is that corrugated describe anything on the surface which is shaped into alternate grooves or ridges. While a corrugated metal roof has interlocking rippled metal sheets a standing seam metal roof will be constructed to have interlocking metal panels that run from the ridge of the roof to the eaves.

How long do standing seam metal roofs last?

A standing seam metal roof will be able to last from between 30-50 years and must be installed and maintained correctly with proper care in order to last for a longer amount of time. 

What is the best gauge for a metal roof?

The best gauge for a standing seam metal roof will depend on where you live. For areas prone with high winds 24 gauge metal roofing is recommended as this is a thicker option that can hold up against such wether. The thinnest metal that’s recommended for homes, in general, is 29 gauge and shouldn’t get thinner than that. 

What is the best color for a metal roof?

In order to maintain energy efficiency, it’s always best to go for lighter roofing color options in order to reflect sun and heat. Light metal colors that are good options for this can be beige, white, peach, light bronze, light blue, or green which work well with hotter climates or regions with lots of sun. 

Can you put standing seam metal roof over shingles?

Although metal roofing can be applied directly over asphalt shingles it’s not recommended to place a standing seam metal roof material over existing shingles. There can be a “telegraphing effect” where the shingles can punch horizontal lines into the standing seam panels. Another issue is that asphalt shingles are covered with stone granules and with the metals natural expansion and contraction with temperature changes the metal will rub the underside of the panel against these stones. Over time the protective coating of even galvalume of G-90 galvanized steel will wear off which can invite rust spots throughout the roof. In order to avoid these issues consider removing previous shingles and making sure there aren’t any nails sticking out from the roof deck before installing a standing seam metal roof.

Will insurance cover a metal roof?

Depending on your insurance policy and company, typically with a standing seam metal roof as well as other metal roofs, cosmetic damages will be excluded be they caused by hail or fallen trees. The reasoning behind this is that most carriers don’t wish to pay for roofs that look damaged but are in fact still structurally sound. Get in touch with your insurance company to discuss more about any clarifications with your policy.

Warranty On Standing Seam Metal Roof

A standing seam metal roof or metal roofs, in general, will come with different warranties depending on the company that you go with and roof materials. Some may measure warranties based on years from the date of the installation like with a 40-year warranty, while others may cover repairs up to a dollar amount. For example, if the original roof cost $30,00 for both materials and installation they would cover up to $30,000 worth of repairs

Reach Out to Your Local Qualified Roofers

If you’re looking to install a standing seam metal roof contact your local roofing company for assistance. They will be able to properly determine the right materials, sizes, colors, and gauges based on where you live and your given property specifications. A standing seam metal roof is a great way to have your property protected from outside elements while providing an attractive modern design. Get in touch with your local roofer to get started.

If you’re interested in a standing seam metal roof in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX call 469-858-2448 with Greenco Construction Services!

Is TPO Better than EPDM?

Are you vacillating between a TPO roof and an EPDM roof? If so, it will be important to consider the differences. EPDM has a dark surface that will absorb heat. In the winter, this is not a bad attribute, but in summer, solar rays are immensely powerful, and your EPDM roof will get hot. TPO roofing has the capability of reflecting sunlight, which can increase the energy efficiency of the building since air conditioners won’t have to work so hard. TPO is also slightly more resistant to punctures than EPDM.

Who Makes TPO Roofing?

There are many prominent manufacturers in the roofing industry that specialize in TPO roofing materials. For instance, GAF is a roofing manufacturer that produces TPO roofing systems. Your local professional roofing company will have vetted different TPO manufacturers to determine which is the best for their roofing installations. A quick phone call to your local professional roofing company will yield further results.

When was TPO Roofing First Used?

Apparently, in 1986 the first known TPO roofing membrane was installed. The product was produced by Montell and was specifically oriented for the roofing market. Since then, there have been many successful TPO roofing installations for flat and low-slope roofs.

How is TPO Made?

Are you wondering how TPO is made? If so, you’ve come to the right place. TPO, also known as thermoplastic polyolefin, is made from ethylene propylene rubber and different filler materials. These filler materials include talc, carbon filler, or fiberglass. In addition, rubber, ethylene, and propylene are polymerized using technology engineered for that purpose.

Where to Buy TPO Roofing

While it may seem like a good idea to attempt to purchase TPO roofing materials on one’s own. It is always a good idea to consult an insured, experienced roofing company for such applications. A professional roofing project manager will discuss what services are necessary for your TPO roofing repairs or roof installation. In addition, he or she will be able to discuss the costs upfront, but will bill you after the roof installation or repairs are completed. It is always worthwhile to contact a professional roofing company for your commercial roofing services.

Is TPO Roofing Good

TPO Roof Repair and Installation is worthy of investigating for any commercial flat or low-slope roofing system. If you would like to review whether TPO roofing is essential for your commercial roof replacement or installation, please review the following bullet points.

• Affordable. In many cases, a TPO roof installation is quite affordable for commercial property owners.
• Corrosion-resistant. One of the major benefits of a TPO roof is the fact that it is very corrosion resistant. 
• An average roof lifetime expectancy of 20 years. With regular roofing maintenance, property-owners can see their TPO roof last quite a while.

Is TPO Roofing PVC

Both TPO and PVC roofing membranes are single-ply membranes that are designed to be utilized on flat or low slope roofs. While PVC has been used for roofing applications since the 1960s, TPO was introduced in the 1980s, making it a newer roofing material. These roofs are made out of different materials and will wear differently according to their composition.

Would you like to schedule an appointment for your TPO roofing? Our friendly operators at Greenco Construction Services are available now at 469-858-2448. Discover more about the quality roofing material available for your TPO roofing in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX today!

If you’re noticing problems or think you have roof damage, get a professional roofer like those at Greenco Construction Services to inspect your roof. Our reliable professionals can determine whether or not you need to repair or replace your roof. We’re experts at asphalt shingle repair and replacement in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX. To find out how we can help or schedule a service appointment call us at 469-858-2448.

Will roof leak with one shingle missing?

Whether you’ve had high winds blow shingles off or they’ve gone missing from wear and tear, you want to get asphalt shingle repair as soon as possible. Missing shingles can lead to more serious problems like leaks, and a roof leak unchecked can be costly. Even if just one shingle is missing, you’re at risk of leaks. 

Whenever a shingle goes missing, often just one tab of the 3-tab shingle has been torn off. While this may not sound all that bad, there’s a 1 in 3 chance that the shingle was on an open seam between the shingles below it. If that’s the case, you don’t have a shingle available to shed water, and that’s just inviting a roof leak the next time it rains, or sooner. You may not see water leaking immediately because the roof felt will provide temporary protection. Eventually, the water will find its way past the felt and you’ll get a leak.

How do you fix cracked shingles?

Along with missing shingles, cracked shingles are another common problem requiring asphalt shingle repair. Getting cracked shingles repaired quickly is the key to preventing costly problems in the future. If you have the right tools and skills, you can make the repair yourself. To repair cracked shingles yourself, follow the easy steps below.

Asphalt shingle repair do it yourself:

• A thick bead of roofing sealant is applied under the crack.
• Press the shingle down over the sealant.
• A second bead of sealant is then applied over the crack.
• Use a putty to spread the sealant over the crack.

If you don’t have the tools or skills, or have a steep-sloped roof, even a simple repair can be unsafe to make. When you are uncertain about making repairs, get help from a professional like Greenco Construction Services.

Asphalt roof repair kit

When you need to a simple asphalt shingle repair, whether you’re replacing a missing shingle or repairing cracked shingles, you’ll want to have the right tools available to make the repairs. Among the tools you’ll want to have handy include:

• Sealant
• A caulking gun to apply sealant
• Hammer
• Flat pry bar
• Utility knife
• Roofing nails

Can I replace my roof myself?

If your roof is more than 20 years old or there has been severe damage, you may need more than asphalt shingle repair. A roof replacement may be in order. While minor repairs like fixing a cracked shingle or replacing a missing shingle can often be done yourself, Greenco Construction Services recommends you not try to replace the whole roof yourself. Roof replacement is a major construction task and definitely requires more than one person to handle, especially if you want to get the job done right and fast. 

How much does it cost to repair asphalt shingle roof?

Asphalt shingle repair costs will vary, depending on how serious the repair is. You could pay as little as $150, or even less, for a minor repair like fixing cracked shingles. On the other hand, if you need to make moderate repairs, you’ll pay anywhere between $400 to $1,000, while a major repair could cost anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000. If repair costs begin to exceed $3,000, you may want to consider a roof replacement, because you’ll save money in the long run.

How can I get my insurance to pay for my roof?

If you need asphalt shingle repair, you may be able to get help from your insurance policy. Before you get repairs, you want to check your insurance policy. Many times really serious damage will be covered if it is a covered peril such as a fire or hailstorm. Your insurance won’t cover you if the repairs are needed because you’ve neglected maintenance on your roof. 

Once you’ve checked your policy, call a reliable roofer like Greenco Construction Services to inspect the roof. The roofer can confirm the damage and draw up an estimate that you can give to your insurer when you file a claim. If the damage is caused by a covered peril and the repair amount is over your deductible, your insurance company should cover the claim. Again, check with your insurance company to verify your policy.

Before you do anything else, start inside your home. The leak has probably formed a puddle in your attic or on your ceiling and may be dripping from there or is coming through a heating register or a light fixture. If water is trapped in the ceiling or you notice a bulge in the drywall, you can poke a hole in the center with a sharp instrument like a screwdriver to let the water drain. This will lessen the damage to the ceiling and divert the leak to one stream. If you can, it’s preferable to collect the water in a trash container that has wheels so the water can be easily removed.  

Afterward, you need to find the source of the leak. The best bet is usually in the attic. Leaks normally flow from the roof decking to the nearest joint or along rafters. You can trace the leak from a joint or rafter to its source in the decking. Once the leak’s source has been discovered, you’ll have to wait until the rain lets up and go outside and cover the damaged area of the roof with a tarp.

Anytime you need emergency roof repair in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, you’ll find the team at Greenco Construction Services highly responsive. We provide fast, effective repairs and can be reached 24/7 at 469-858-2448.

How do you cover a leaking roof?

If you have a tarp available you can prevent a leak from causing extensive damage to your roof, your attic and the rest of your home. As a temporary emergency roof repair measure, you can place a tarp over the roof until a repair professional arrives. The tarp must be large enough to cover the damaged area of the roof, preferably long enough to extend over the ridge line to keep water from running under the tarp. It’s also preferable to secure the tarp with 2 by 4s. If you staple or nail the tarp to the boards make sure the nails aren’t long enough to go through the roof.

You may wonder, “How much does it cost to tarp a roof?” If you don’t have a tarp, but want to cover the roof yourself, you can buy one at a hardware store or other retail outlet for about $60 to $90. If you are unable to place the tarp on the roof yourself, a roofing professional can do it for about $200 to $400. The cost will vary depending on the damage.

Making temporary repairs can save you money. You might even save enough for tankless water heater installation so you can get unlimited hot water.

How do I temporarily fix a leaky roof?

Making a temporary repair for a roof leak may be necessary before professionals get to you for an emergency roof repair. If you have the right tools, including a tarp, the repairs can be fairly simple.

• Begin by covering the damaged area with a tarp that’s large enough to cover over the damaged area along with the ridge line. Weigh the tarp down with boards.
• Make quick fixes of loose, missing, or curling shingles. Soften curled shingles with a heat gun and glued them down with roofing cement. Slide loose shingles back into place and nail them down. Cut sheet metal into shingles to temporarily fill in for missing shingles. 
• Cover punctures with a sheet of plywood.

Emergency roof repair kit

When you make a temporary emergency roof repair, you’ll need the right tools and materials. Keep the following on hand to make repairs:

• Adhesive patches of different sizes that can be immediately placed over holes.
• Sealant is used between roofing components or to affix patches over holes.
• Use duct tape instead of sealant or to hold rubber sheets in place.
• Use rubber sheets as temporary covering for large holes.
• Use tarps to cover major damage and prevent further damage from leaks.

Emergency flat roof repair

If you have a commercial building with a flat roof in need of an emergency roof repair, these repairs will be different than with a pitched roof. It’s usually best if a professional with commercial roofing experience makes the repair. The repairs will require a specialized sealing compound that will make a temporary patch until the storm clears.

Standing Seam Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles

Many homeowners want to know if a metal roof is really better than a shingle roof. Initially, a standing seam metal roof costs more than an asphalt shingle one. Based on this comparison alone, many homeowners choose shingles because the initial costs seem too steep. However, many studies have shown that in today’s market, metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofing can cost about the same once everything is said and done. In fact, metal roofing may even cost you less because it can be installed over existing roofing materials. As we have already mentioned, there are a number of advantages to metal roofing. One of the biggest advantages is the easy maintenance that comes with a metal roof. Too often, homeowners spend way too much money every year on asphalt shingle repairs. That won’t be the case with a metal roof. If you have been considering a metal roof, contact Greenco Construction Services. We are the experts you can rely on for quality service and reliable information.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a standing seam metal roof worth the cost? 
  • While metal roofing, in general, is more expensive than traditional shingles, this roofing system has proven time and time again to be worth it. Metal roofs are easy to install, easy to maintain, and easy to replace, all of which can save you quite a bit of money. 
• What are the disadvantages of a metal roof? 
  • If metal roofing has been installed without insulation, there can be a number of disadvantages. Without that insulation, the roof can overheat making your home that much warmer. It can also be very noisy when rain or hail comes down. 
• Do metal roofs add value to your home?
  • Yes, they do! Metal roofing adds significant value to a residential property. You’ll experience a significant in your property values while you own the home and greater potential returns when you do decide to sell. 
• What does a standing metal roof cost? 
  • A typical roof will cost between $800 and $1,250 per square (one square is about 100sqft). That breaks down between $8 and $12.50 per square foot of standing seam metal roofing. 
• What is the best metal roofing system?
  • For residential properties, by far the best metal roofing system is the standing seam metal roof. It is efficient, classic, and just looks great. This structure is easy to install and easy to maintain, making it a great pick.