Blog Post

WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR ROOF

  • By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin)
  • •
  • 18 Jul, 2017
  • •
A failing roof is no joke. Not only is it unsightly and your roofline does comprise a large portion of your house's facade but it can lead to long-term damage. Water leakage can warp the underlying structures of the roof and top floor of your house. What's more, drafts in the roof mean your house's envelope isn't airtight, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.

Take a walk around the perimeter of your house, and view the roof from different angles. Also inspect the rooms directly below the roof. While some minor issues can be spot-repaired, the following signs signify you should replace your roof in its entirety. 

CRACKED, CURLING, OR BUBBLED SHINGLES

Your shingles can show signs of weathering in different ways. One is if they're cracked and losing material. They can also start curling up, which is called cupping. Clawing or bubbling is when the edges stay flat but the middle bubbles up.


These signs can indicate your shingles are past their life expectancy and starting to fail. Failing shingles can trap moisture underneath, promoting the growth of mold and even moss.

SHINGLE GRANULES IN THE GUTTERS

You may not see the signs of cracking shingles by looking at the roof itself. However, take a look at your gutters. If you see granules in the gutters, your shingles are shedding material. Look also for inconsistent coloration of the roofing. You may not see the cracks, but lighter and darker spots are another indication that the shingles are shedding material.

MISSING SHINGLES

A major sign that your roof is failing is if it's missing shingles altogether. This can be a sign that the shingles are past their life expectancy, or the damage can occur after a storm. According to Good Housekeeping, replacing the missing shingles is an option. However, it's unlikely you'll be able to match the color. If the missing shingles are a result of expiring materials, replacing them is just staving off the inevitable.

Not only do missing shingles expose the underlying structures to water damage and rot, they can make the surrounding shingles more susceptible to blowing away.

CHIMNEY FLASHING MATERIAL

Don't just focus on the roof itself. Your chimney flashing, which is the material that connects the chimney to the roof, can signify an aged roof. For example, old construction methods sometimes called for using roof cement or tar for the flashing, but this doesn't create a watertight connection. At minimum, such flashing needs to be replaced with a fitted metal system.

Even if your flashing is already metal, it can start rusting. This is either a sign that your roof is leaking, or it can cause the leaking. Neither is good for your roof.

INTERIOR SIGNS

Inspect the rooms under the roof for further signs of damage. Maybe you can actually see daylight through the ceiling that's a clear indication that your roof needs attention. However, look also for signs that water has been leaking into the room. You might notice peeling wallpaper, cracked paint, or discolored plasterboard.

ROOF AGE

The life expectancy of your roof depends on the material used in construction. Roofs made of tile or metal can last around 40 years. Slate roofing lasts 100 years or more. However, the most common roofing material is asphalt shingling. Asphalt shingles last 20 to 30 years. If your roof is within that expiration period, a roof replacement is probably in the near future.

Don't wait until you see the alarming signs of a sagging or buckling roof, which is an indicator that structural damage has occurred. If you see the above warning signs, talk to A-B-C-O Roofing Company about your options for replacing your roof.

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3 COSTLY AND CONFUSING ROOFING MYTHS

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • 19 Sep, 2018
Home maintenance can be overwhelming. From landscaping and replacing dirty filters to repairing plumbing leaks, it's easy to see the challenges homeowners face. While most of these tasks are priorities, focusing on your home's roof is also important. Not only is the roof a key part of your home's structure, it also protects your family and belongings from the elements.

Unfortunately, you probably do not fully understand the importance of your roof and the maintenance that is required. By debunking these common roofing myths, you will learn the truth about your roof's durability, construction and maintenance.

4 Tips for Maintaining Your New Cedar Shake Roof

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • 20 Nov, 2017
Cedar shake roofs are popular with homeowners because they offer clear benefits. Cedar shake roofs are known for their beauty, durability, and resistance to damage from everything  whether it's from insects to the elements.

While cedar shake roofs are also relatively low maintenance, it is still a good idea to follow these maintenance tips to keep your roof looking and functioning its best.


1. Have Your Roof Inspected Annually

The best way to protect and maintain your roof is to have it inspected once a year. You can start by inspecting it yourself, both from the ground and by climbing up on a ladder. Look for shingles that are curled, missing, cracked, or otherwise damaged by any wind storms you have experienced.


If you notice any issues, then have your roof inspected by professionals. Professional roofers can spot repair any issues and prevent further damage, which protects the life span of your cedar shake roof. By inspecting your roof regularly, you will notice issues early, before they become more serious.


2. Have a New Gutter System Installed

High-quality gutters and downspouts are key to protecting your roof. When having a new cedar roof installed, it makes sense to have a new gutter system installed at the same time.


High-quality gutters and downspouts in good repair will redirect rainwater, dead leaves, and snowmelt away from your roof, siding, and foundation. This will prevent unnecessary water damage, mold, mildew, and rot. It will also help you save money because you will avoid costly repairs down the road.


3. Have Your Trees Trimmed Regularly

If your trees are left untrimmed and overgrown, then you have an increased risk of your roof being damaged by branches. Dead branches that aren't removed are likely to fall off and inflict damage on your new roof. During storms, an overgrown tree that's precariously close to your roof is a recipe for disaster.

In addition, if your trees aren't trimmed regularly, the branches that are closest to your roof offer easy access to pests including squirrels and raccoons. These pests may damage your roof and try to get into your attic, where they can truly wreak havoc. Keeping your trees trimmed prevents a lot of unnecessary issues and keeps your trees healthier as well.


4. Keep Your Cedar Roof Free of Debris

Once or twice a year especially after heavy storms it's wise to remove dead leaves, branches, and other debris from your cedar roof. If these materials are allowed to accumulate, then they will add too much moisture to your cedar shingles, which can potentially lead to mold, rot, or growth of fungus. Piles of dead leaves and branches also make it harder for rain and snow to melt off of your roof.

If you are not comfortable climbing up on your roof to clean it yourself, then it's a good idea to have the professionals tackle this maintenance task for you. This also allows you to combine your annual inspection with a roof cleaning for maximum impact.

If your roof needs a more thorough cleaning, then you should definitely leave this task to the experts. Attempting to clean your cedar roof yourself with a pressure washer can lead to damaged shingles. Professional roofers know the right settings to use to get a clean roof without causing any damage.

Following these preventative maintenance tips will ensure your new cedar shake roof remains beautiful and in good repair for many years to come. When it's time to have a new roof installed or your current roof repaired, contact us at ABCO Roofing Company Inc.

Why Commercial Roofing Is Unique

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • 31 May, 2017

ABCO Roofing Company Inc. serves Middle Tennessee residences and business for roofing, siding, and gutter installation, maintenance, and repair.


Commercial roofing requires different considerations to be taken than residential roofing. Usually commercial roofing will be applied to a building or structure that is taller and bigger than a residence, which will require special ladders, a bucket truck, or some manner of lift system for materials to reach the roof.

The material used for roofing of commercial structures is not the same as homes. Residences use mainly asphalt shingles, but can also use slate, tile, or cedar shakes. However, commercial roofing utilizes metal roofing, thermoplastic, EPDM, or modified bitumen. The most prevalent type is EPDM roofing, which is a single layer of rubber roofing material found to be highly resistant to weather, damage, and abrasion. EPDM affixes to the roof by fasteners or by gluing the layer to the room.

Often, we are called out to repair a section of roofing for a business and find many other areas that need attention. In those cases, we suggested employing a coated roof system, which coats the existing roof system, substantially extending the life of the roof. Call us for an estimate and assessment today!
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