Category Archives: Building Management

Replacing a roof isn’t just about thinking about how it will look with new shingles, if your roof is broken, leaking or reaching the end of its useful life, it’s time to think about the costs involved in roof replacement. Roofs are complex systems of vented coverings, shingles, that protect the home from the outside environment, provide insulation and are an overall complement to your home. Their complexity involves several cost factors that affect the actual cost estimate until a specialized roofer makes a complete inspection and evaluation of the materials and design you desire. We recommend that you request several quotes from local contractors so that you have the best options at hand in terms of quality and type of materials, labor, warranty and costs. Here is a basic guide to the price of your new roof.

The average costs you need to know to replace a roof

The average cost is impossible to calculate due to the factors involved, however, a roof for a standard house ranges from 8 to 15 thousand dollars, because the total cost will only be known when the roofing contractor makes a general inspection and observes first hand the condition of the roof. The following factors that affect the cost should be taken into consideration: the size of the roof, the roof height and pitch, the materials depending on the type of roof (asphalt shingles, metal, ceramic, wood, copper, slate, among others), how many levels the house has, the accessibility and complexity of the roof, building code requirements, structural issues, permits and licensing, debris hauling and cleanup of the areas involved. Roof estimates are based on square footage and should include all of the above cost factors.

How much does it cost to replace a roof depending on the material?

Depending on what works for your roof and the different types of materials used, the replacement costs will be different, here are estimates of options to consider.

Shingle roofing: Strip shingles are the most economical, costing between $1 to $4 per square foot. Their aesthetics are not the most recognizable, but their durability and low cost are a good option. While dimensional shingles have a thick, rich, multi-dimensional appearance, they are the most commonly used asphalt shingle option today because of their balance between durability, cost and aesthetics, the cost per square foot is $5.25.

Metal Tile: is a good option if the house is located in an area prone to forest fires, they are insulating from the exterior heat as well as the interior cold, they contribute to energy savings, they are very durable, their estimated cost per square foot is $5 to $8.

Clay Tile: its great advantage is its durability (100 years with proper maintenance) and aesthetics, its cost per square foot is $11 to $20.

Slate Tiles: because of their natural look that comes from flat stones they work very well in rustic houses, they are expensive but very durable, the cost per square foot is $6.5 to $12.

Wood Shingles and Wood Strips: are good choices for their natural look, the durability of the shingles is 25 to 30 years and the strips are 35 to 40 years, the cost of both materials per square foot is $7 to $12.

Now that you have an estimate of the costs to replace your roof, you can make an informed decision on what is right and necessary for your home.

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 McMurray 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.

Many people have the vision that a roof is a structure that fulfills the practical function of protecting a home, however most roofs require specific and quality materials that allow them to be functional and extend their useful life. Almost every home has a chimney, which is a large structure that crosses the roof, making it a vulnerable area, and because of its size, a roof cricket or roof mount is required to be installed on the back of the elevated side of the chimney. This roof shackle allows the water that falls around the chimney to flow so that it does not penetrate the main structure of the chimney and does not leak into the roof. As we appreciate that a roof shackle is an essential part of your roof, we offer you the following information about it.

What is a ceiling cricket and why do you need it?

It is a double triangle structure that can be made of the same wood roof with metal or stainless steel flashing or asphalt shingles, it serves to divert the accumulation of water that runs around the chimney, which is where the roof cricket should be installed, preventing water spills and roof leaks. As the water reaches the cricket, it is pushed to both sides and away from the chimney, toward the roof. It is important to keep the foundation of the house dry, prevent mold and rotting of the eaves…. Roof crickets are important during the winter, as water that might have accumulated in your chimney could cause ice buildup and consequently water flows, the roof cricket, allows water to flow smoothly down the sides of the angles towards the shingles.
The installation of roof crickets has been regulated since 2012 by the International Building Code (IBC) this specifies that a roof cricket is required if you have a chimney more than 30 inches wide, the width is taken from the side parallel to the ridge. The code has exceptions for those chimneys that intersect the ridge, which do not accumulate water and therefore do not require a roof cricket to be installed.

Why should you install a ceiling cricket?

Homeowners consider several reasons for installing a roof shackle

1. If there is debris clogged in the chimney preventing water from flowing down the chimney.
2. If the chimney is in the process of degradation and erosion.
3. In most communities it is a requirement that their roofs have a grill if there are chimneys.
4. If the location of the chimney is on a sloping roof that allows the accumulation of water during rains.
   Rainwater can cause damage to your roof, starting with the shingles which is the primary part most exposed to the inclemency’s of nature, when the shingles are damaged the roof is exposed to leakage which can cause damage to the other layers of the roof such as moisture, rot and mildew.

How much are the costs of a ceiling cricket?

Generally the cost of a roofing cricket is part of the budget if it includes what the chimney needs according to the size and types of material recommended by roofers. The installation of steel flashing is usually less expensive than copper flashing. The cost of installing a roofing cricket varies depending on the location and the roofer’s consideration of making it to the customer’s specifications. Keep in mind to pay at least $100 for roof shackle installation for your chimney, in addition to what you would pay for flashing or shingles. It is recommended that you do not install roof shackles on DIY roofs.

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 Upper Saint Clair, 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.

Roofers are construction workers who are specifically dedicated to the construction or maintenance of roofs. The search and choice of a professional roofer is a decision that can be made through the Home Owners Association (HOA) or through a previous recommendation, in general terms is to verify if he is a roofing contractor in Pittsburgh, that he has a contractor’s license according to state and local requirements, ask for a list of clients, if he works with his own workers or under a subcontractor, the reputation that he has in the area where he works. Compare these requirements with other competitors where they highlight the quality of the materials, the valuation of the work, the time of execution and the guarantee that they offer. Here we offer you the information you need to make the right choice and be satisfied with the result.

What to look for when choosing a roofing contractor

Roofer qualification

Before hiring the professional services of a good roofer check what qualification he has and if he is registered in the state roofers directories , checking his online reviews through Google, Facebook ,. Among the qualities that stand out the most are:

Proven experience, Licensed for roofing projects, present insurance registration, offer references on previous works, offer estimates. If the roofer is registered in a manufacturer’s program, they will offer more benefits such as extended warranties and guarantees on their business practices.

What services a roofer offers

The common services offered by a roofer will vary depending on the contractor or company. The roofing service if it is maintenance should offer first the general inspection of the roof: check for water leaks, damage to the roof in general, shingles, waterproofing, ventilation, insulation, removal of ice or snow debris, roof cleaning to remove debris accumulation, removal of debris. If the roofs are made of wood or metal, they offer the service of painting or sealing treatment. If the roofer does the service in addition to the roofing service of checking or replacing window siding and gutters, it can save you money on future work.

What to ask the roofer

At the time of the interview, keep in mind what you want to know in order to avoid details or inconveniences that may affect the work or the budget:

• Do you have licensing related to the area and the service they provide?
• At the time of a claim, do you have homeowner’s insurance, what other insurances do you carry and what is the coverage (the roofer should explain the differences in your coverage/policies, liability on workers vs. general liability)?
• What types of roofs and what materials do you use in the installation?
• Is the roof inspection free of charge or is there an additional cost?
• Can you provide references to qualify your work?
• Do you provide written estimates?
• What is your estimated completion time?
• How do you deal with weather conditions?
• What are the conditions for handling and disposal of debris?
• What care do you offer to the surrounding areas such as gardens, garages?
• What are the payment conditions, do you offer financing?

How to hire the services of a roofer

With the qualification, service offered, questions related to the work performed, you can now choose the services of the roofing contractor that best suits you to perform your roofing project or roof maintenance. You should consider that there are two types of roofing companies or independent contractors, compare the benefits and bids they offer. Regardless of the bid you choose, make sure that your roofer meets the right conditions.

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.

Proper ventilation in the attic of your roof, allows the durability of the roof to be greater, you will appreciate reduction in energy costs and reduction of temperature extremes helping to cope with excess heat and humidity in the interior of your home, ventilation is the flow of air through a system of input and output, the attic will be well ventilated when the air naturally enters and exits in any season of the year.

Passive ventilation is the usual way to ventilate an attic by facilitating the entry and exit of both warm and cool air, so it is recommended that 1 square foot of ventilation be installed for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. Inlet vents along the sulphites, located under the eaves, allow cool air to enter the attic, while vents located at the top or ridge of the attic allow warm air to escape. Recent studies conducted by research organizations in collaboration with the Forest Products Laboratory have analyzed that condensation problems on roofs may be due to poor ventilation.

Increases the life of the roof

When attics are sealed, heat and moisture are trapped because they do not have an escape route which reduces the life of the tiles because they split or crack, during the winter the warm air of the day melts the ice on the roof and at night by the low temperature can refreeze, these accumulations of ice will deteriorate the roof, the same happens with the excessive heat to which the roof is subjected because it can cause damage to the coating, The wavy shape in the line of the roof tiles is caused by the humidity that deforms the platform, the rust and corrosion of the metallic materials, the humidity and other evidences that the roof presents, reduce its useful life and can subject the family to respiratory diseases or allergies caused by the fungi or spores that grow in the attic due to the supply of interior air. These situations of health risk and deterioration of the roof due to poor ventilation will lead to emergency repairs in addition to the inconvenience this causes.

Lower energy costs

We all want to live in a warm, cozy and comfortable environment, when a roof does not have adequate ventilation, allowing heat to escape so that the temperature is maintained at normal conditions, it requires more energy consumption as air conditioners increase the workload to keep your home cool, and as a result your electric bill will be higher.

Decreasing indoor temperature extremes

Usually on the upper floors of the house you feel the temperature is higher, the opposite happens with the lower floors, these extreme temperatures are common as a result of roofs without proper ventilation, when there is an environment where hot air leaves and cold air enters the attic, the results will be noticeable inside your home in any season of the year.

The benefits of having roof ventilation in proper condition requires that periodic checks be made to prevent heat buildup in the attic such as excess moisture inside your home, checking the roof to make sure vents are not blocked or damaged, exhaust vents are not damaged or blocked, and that there is no moisture in the rafters. The roof should have the proper amount and location of ventilation.

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.