Category Archives: Building Management

The design of your roof, although an architectural issue, is important because it greatly influences its appearance, durability and weather performance. A low slope roof and a steep slope roof look and function differently. Here we will explain what roof pitch is and why it is important.

What Is Roof Pitch?

In the construction industry, roof pitch is a measurement system that determines the steepness of a building’s roof.  Builders divide the vertical rise in roof pitch by the slope, angle, or slope. Together these three make up the rise and fall of the roof.  This is thoughtful since there are priority differences between residential and commercial buildings. Low-slope roofs can protect much larger buildings, but may have problems with water accumulation. Steep-sloped roofs usually have little or no problem with water or snow management.

A ratio that is split by two numbers, such as 1/12 or 5/12, serves as a gauge for roof pitch. Both the numerator and the denominator are these numbers. The first number, commonly known as the measurement of the roof’s height, is the numerator. The second number, which represents the roof’s horizontal length, is the denominator, on the other hand. Always even is the denominator.

Why Is Roof Pitch Important?

The sort of materials used on the roof will depend on the roof pitch, which is an essential component. The roof pitch, in addition to the roof’s design and aesthetics, determines its long-term endurance. They must estimate the amount of time it will take for the debris and water to leave the roof.

Builders must examine the walkability in relation to the choice of materials when determining the pitch of the roof.

Types of pitched roofs

There are two types of pitched roofs: high and low.

Low-pitched roofs: in the 1960s were the most popular. These roofs appear flat but usually have a slope of 1/12. A low slope roof still has a slight slope for drainage. For example, commercial buildings have flat roofs, but more and more residential buildings have flat roofs. As green roofs become more popular, more and more architects are implementing low-slope projects. Most homes have a medium (4/12) to high (8/12) ratio. Although there may be some exceptions, such as almost flat or very steep.

High-pitched roofs: are often associated with Victorian homes. The roofs of these houses are very steep (12/18).

How does roof pitch affect the total cost of the replacement?

The ultimate price is significantly influenced by the roof’s pitch. The price of the final roof installation or repair directly depends on how steep the roof is. The labor for the employees is more difficult the steeper the roof. To make up for the increased complexity, the labor expenses are increased overall.

Limitations on Materials

You should think about changing your roofing material now that you are aware of how asphalt might affect the replacement of your roof. When choosing materials, roof spacing must be carefully taken into account, much as labor and replacement prices. The type of material you may utilize for your roof is closely related to your spacing.

When the time comes to schedule a roof installation at your home, look for a skilled and experienced contractor. In Castle Shannon, PA, Pittsabana Contracting Services LLC has a reputation for reliable, efficient service among customers. Their installers use proven techniques and quality materials, including CertainTeed™ shingles. They also provide same-day roof replacements whenever possible to minimize disruption to your home. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (412) 580-6567 to schedule a free quote. 

It is really unsettling to discover the dreaded dark stain on the ceiling. After some time, water leaks from the ceiling, and you rush to get buckets or pots to collect it.

You are unsure of what type of harm your home’s leak is inflicting. To prevent this issue, it is imperative to identify its root cause. To do this, we demonstrate the many flaws that might result in a roof pipe flashing.

¿What are Pipe Flashings?

Pipe flashing, also known as a roof boot, is made to fit snugly around plumbing, vents, and other equipment that protrudes from a building’s roof, whether it be a residential or commercial structure.

To be compatible with practically any roofing material, the base is often made of flexible metal. The roof boot gets its name from the fact that the top is constructed of silicone or EPDM rubber, allowing it to slip on to the pipe like a boot.

Causes of failure of the Pipe Flashings

Among some of the main causes leading to roof flashing failure are the following, the installation of low-quality pipe boots or flashings is the weakest link in the majority of roofing systems. Elements such as failed gaskets, debris trapped around flashing and corroded nails. Many pipe flashings are constructed of untreated metal and plastic.

Some roofers rush through the installation process and don’t leave adequate space between the base of the pipe boot and the shingles itself. When there is a buildup of debris between the pipe flashing and the shingles, it creates a little dam that causes the roof to leak during heavy downpours.

The boot will get cracked within a short amount of time as a result of exposure to the environment. The plate will ultimately disintegrate due to rust. The pipe boot should endure for about ten years, but how long one lasts will ultimately depend on location, weather, and wildlife.

How will the roof leak manifest itself?

The master bedroom, a bathroom, a closet, etc. may all exhibit signs of the leak. It will be somewhere on the roof near that pipe. You can identify which pipe is allowing water into your home by looking at your roof around the leak.

How to Prevent Flashing Leaks

The best approach to prevent your roof from beginning to leak is to get it checked by a roofing contractor on a regular basis. In the northwest, just before and just after the wet winter season is the ideal time to have your roof inspected. With the proper tools and equipment, a roofing expert can safely inspect your roof. They are aware of the warning indications and can quickly fix any sections that exhibit corrosion, damage, or degradation.

A small piece of flashing that fits over the hole and some roofing cement can be used to patch up small holes or sections that have deteriorated due to corrosion. To stop further leaks, the flashing must be completely replaced if it is too badly damaged to be repaired. You can remove the outdated caulking and replace it with silicone caulking compound or roofing cement if it appears that the seal around the flashing needs to be repaired.

How is the leak on the roof fixed?

Installing a little rubber collar over the top of the worn-out, cracked neoprene pipe boot is the easiest approach to stop the leak. The collar, which should last you another 10 to 15 years, will cover the existing flange (the flat, rectangular flashing that surrounds the bottom of the pipe). Again, if at all possible, have a professional handle the roof and flashing repairs. Use extreme caution if you need to use the preceding instructions to build a temporary remedy. Never climb the roof by yourself. Make sure there is a backup plan in place in case of an accident. If the roof is wet or slippery from rain, snow, or ice, you should also refrain from climbing up on it.

When choosing a roof for your home be sure to consider the risk factors to which you will be exposed. Generally today’s shingle roofs come with technical specifications to withstand 90 mph winds, however you can find roofing products available for areas vulnerable to hurricanes and tornadoes that withstand up to 150 mph. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that structural damage to roofs begins at 50 MPH winds.

The air pressure and force exerted on the roof by the suction created by the wind hits the structures and the force of the wind rips shingles and roof panels off of homes or buildings. Not only weather effects affect a shingle roof, but also a poor installation including the quality of the materials and a roof with its useful life already finished or deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. Your roof should be the main preference when choosing the components, since it depends on them the resistance to natural external elements and the durability according to the proper maintenance to which you submit it.

Common damages and risks affecting a roof

The most recurrent damages are those caused by winds and other weather conditions among them we have: missing shingles, lifted shingles, broken shingles, which require immediate repair to avoid water leaks and with them humidity. There are hidden damages that affect the waterproof capacity of the roof caused by the force of the winds that makes the tiles rise and settle causing the adhesive strips that have the tiles as a sealing element between one layer and another to break or separate, also the nails that hold the tiles loosen which causes them to lose their future resistance against strong winds.
The risks affecting a roof are categorized in case of a roof failure by the level of risk to human life such as roofs of: schools, shelter facilities, sports centers, hospitals. And in the case of the position of a building in relation to a nearby structure because the wind can change speed or direction. Other risks manifest themselves in large, open structures where air flows are interrupted, additions to roofs such as sloping panels, extreme and unusual geometric designs, low walls, all affect the direction, elevation and normal flow of winds.

According to the types of roofs that can withstand winds

Asphalt shingles are commonly effective in coping with environmental conditions. Quality asphalt shingles have a resistance of 110 MPH and meet ASTM D3161, Class F and ASTM D7158, Class H standards, the latter resisting winds of 150 MPH.
Metal roofs, despite the noise they cause during storms, stand out for resisting high winds, withstanding wind speeds between 140 and 180 miles per hour.
Stone-coated steel shingle roofs withstand heavy rains and winds up to 120 miles per hour, are economical and ideal for wet, windy and wildfire-prone regions.
Wood shake shingles when properly installed offer high wind resistance up to 245 mph.
Clay and concrete shingles resist natural elements up to 125 miles per hour, require additional supports for their weight and are ideal for hot, dry climates.

What to look for when the roof is damaged

When your roof has been exposed to winds greater than 45 MPH or more, locate through a roofing specialist signs of wind damage such as:
1-Check gutters for granules or part of shingles.
2-Check for missing shingles on the roof, one proof is that you can get shingle debris in the yard or around the house.
3- On a flat roof, wind damage can lift it, tear it and damage the roofing.
4- Large exposure to wind can cause cracks that expose your home to leaks and moisture.
5- If the chimney looks crooked, the seal around the chimney may have been broken, allowing water to enter.
6-External and internal signs such as water stains, lifted paint, discoloration of walls, leaks.

How to act when the roof is damaged

The first thing to do is to inspect the roof and take pictures of any damage you find such as raised shingles, broken seals, water leaks, loose fasteners, most wind damage is covered by homeowner’s policies, call your insurance advisor to initiate the claim process and keep you informed of the steps to take once the insurance company responds.

Look to your trusted builder for advice, support and a quote to professionally and responsibly solve your problem. If you’re in the market for new roofing in Bethel Park PA, turn to Pittsabana Contracting Services LLC. This local roofing company employs team members who are certified by CertainTeed and committed to delivering premium service on every job, from repairing storm-damaged commercial buildings to fully replacing residential roofs. Call (412) 580-6567 to speak with a friendly staff member to schedule service or visit the website to learn more about how they’ll help you.

Zinc strips are often recommended and marketed as an effective method of controlling moss growth on roofs because zinc strips slowly release zinc particles when exposed to rainwater, which allows moss and other organics that grow on roofs to die. This benefit typically lasts up to five years, studies have shown that zinc strips are not as effective as required as they show effectiveness below 5 to 15 feet below a strip, which requires multiple layers of strips for effective control, which in turn creates a poor visual appearance of the roof exterior. Below we will describe whether zinc strips work and methods to prevent moss growth on roofs.

Function of zinc strips

The deterioration of the roof and its preservation are affected by simple elements of plant life such as moss, materials such as zinc, galvanized steel and copper being poisonous eliminate plant life that puts the health of the roof at risk, to control the moss on a pitched roof zinc strips are placed near the top of the roof where it seeks to control the growth of moss, as rainwater runs over the roof this carries metal molecules that make the moss die when it absorbs moisture that is the food of moss.

They do not recommend the installation of zinc strips.

For the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association the installation of zinc strips are responsible for water leaks, because when zinc strips are installed under a shingle strip by breaking the seal, or over asphalt shingles, by either installation method, the exposed nail holes dent into the soft metal and expand, creating erosion in the roof and water leaks, also the zinc exposed to the environment begins to oxidize and make the zinc strips less effective, shortening the life of the roof. Therefore they are not recommended.

Zinc causes roof deformations

After about five years the zinc begins to show dents on its surface, which weaken or deform it, this consequence prevents the flow of water from running evenly over the roof, the accumulation of water saturated with metals creates a coating of particles under the less hollowed points that makes it less effective.

A large security team is needed

Safety is a serious element that must be considered in all types of work and even more so on roofs due to the risks to which workers are exposed. Working at heights greater than 10 feet requires complete safety equipment that guarantees the lives of the people who will be performing the installation. Certified anchors, rope grabs, harnesses, safety ropes and body harnesses must be available.

Environmental risks

Both zinc and copper are highly polluting and environmentally harmful materials, and in high quantities can kill fish. This pollutant factor is detrimental to the long-term health of the roof.

How to control moss?

There are several methods that control moss, among them are proper and periodic roof maintenance including cleaning, pruning of nearby trees overhanging the roof and keeping 6 feet between the roof line and the trees, choosing metal roof types, chemical treatments every 4 to 6 years. The planned combination of roof maintenance and regular chemical treatments will help keep your roof in good condition and free of moss.

If you’re in the market for new roofing in Allegheny County, PA, turn to Pittsabana Contracting Services LLC Roofing Contractor in Ross Township, PA This local roofing company employs team members who are certified by CertainTeed and committed to delivering premium service on every job, from repairing storm-damaged commercial buildings to fully replacing residential roofs. Call (412) 580-6567 to speak with a friendly staff member to schedule service or visit the website to learn more about how they’ll help you.