Category Archives: Building Management

Even though roofs are not hurricane-proof, it is necessary for the homeowner not to forget the threat they pose each season. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research shows that hurricanes tend to get stronger and as a result will cause more damage and affect more people. Look for a reputable roofing contractor to guide you in preparing for initial and basic maintenance tasks, given the importance of caring for and maintaining a roof in good condition.

How hurricanes impact roofs

The Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale provides estimates of potential property damage. All hurricanes produce threatening winds. Category 3 and above hurricanes, which are major hurricanes, can cause devastating or catastrophic wind damage and significant loss of life simply due to the strength of their winds. This requires homeowners to take all appropriate safety precautions to safeguard themselves including evacuation of the area.

Some roofs survive the threat of hurricanes intact, others suffer considerable damage, including some roofs, depending on the magnitude of the hurricane, parts of which are blown off. Protecting your roof from hurricanes has to do with performance factors that ensure that the roof has a higher degree of durability under the conditions it will be exposed to during its lifetime, these factors are related to the preparation that are under your control:

Roof design: The 7:12 pitched hipped roofs better withstand the pressure that air exerts on the roof.

Structural connections of the house: Roofs with solid structures that are well connected to the rest of the building can suffer from the force of the wind because instead of hitting downward it hits the roof from the side which involves large portions of water directed onto the roof for a long time. Also the vulnerability it causes to the surrounding environment such as falling branches or whole trees in combination with falling debris can cause costly structural damage to the roof and external areas of the house.

Materials: These involve a major challenge for the proper design of roofing systems to withstand hurricane incursion, any small gaps between flashing, missing shingles, or holes in the roof can allow water to enter the house, wind can tear off pieces of the roofing material, resulting in the lower deck of the roof being exposed and water leaks.

Insurance Policies: In addition to good construction practices that help you minimize risk and better protect yourself from the challenges of hurricanes. Obtaining additional insurance policies that cover hurricanes and flooding will help lower your costs in the event that a hurricane destroys your roof.

Have your roof inspected before hurricane season

Being prepared is the quickest response to an emergency. Regular inspections and the use of high quality products will help you deal more safely with potential difficulties or threats. Before the arrival of hurricanes or bad weather, it is important to request the services of a professional roofer to check problem areas or areas prone to damage, such as damaged flashing, loose or broken shingles, eaves that are very vulnerable to damage, possible water leaks. Among the recommended materials we suggest the use of high performance asphalt shingles that prevent nails from lifting and provide greater protection from wind uplift. Asphalt cement for use under roof edges, ridge caps and under shingle tabs. Synthetic underlayment that helps keep out the elements and stays firmly attached to the roof deck in case the shingles break and prevents water from penetrating the roof deck. Water and ice barriers are created so that the roof is protected where water seeks to store or run off.

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.

If you are a fan of manual activities such as creating, improving, maintaining or repairing in areas such as masonry, carpentry, electrical or specifically a do-it-yourself roofing project to reduce costs, materials and waste, we suggest you think twice before creating false expectations. You may have the enthusiasm, but you may lack the knowledge, experience and proper equipment to get the job done. A do-it-yourself project may cause damage to your home or personal injury, you may not be familiar with your roof, its condition, height, weather changes, or any other hazards you may face. Taking into account this series of considerations we suggest you talk to a professional roofer who will advise you how to install a new roof according to the requirements, the right materials and your budget, in the end you will be more satisfied with the result and save you unnecessary expenses.

Professional Roofing: know the job and have experience

The roofers’ years of experience allow them to move even on slippery roofs with more agility, which helps them perform maneuvers with greater safety and performance. You may not know that the roof underneath the roof is composed of several layers of materials that must be connected to function properly so that rain or hail water is directed away from the roof. Not knowing how to remove old or fallen shingles, nails being exposed, the size and quantity of nails to use as well as the wrong way to install them, these small mistakes can quickly cause a water leak. The ability for these systems to function properly is determined by the manufacturer’s standards and local building codes, and some roofers even obtain certification from a manufacturer, which allows them to offer a wealth of additional skills or knowledge, helping to provide added security, home protection and warranty. Your roof is the most visible exterior part of your home, this should be considered by a professional roofer as part of their ability at the time of installation, so that they emphasize functionality but also curb appeal to make your home look more beautiful.

Roofing DIY : Costs and tools

Few homeowners make a real estimate of the costs and tools at the time of making the DIY roof, thinking that it saves money, if the work is not well done by some small mistake, then hiring a professional roofer to do the job correctly will increase the budget, perhaps not calculate correctly the quantity and quality of the material to be used, all this will generate additional costs and inconvenience. The tools used are expensive whether you buy or rent them, this includes the required safety equipment, as well as training in their use, which will prevent possible damage to yourself and your property. When you explain to the roofer all the options and tastes, he can give you the right advice and the way to reduce costs. All these well oriented choices for your investment will help you conclude that seeking the services of a professional roofer is the best choice to make.

Commitment and risks

When you carry out the desire to perform the DIY roofing on your own without the necessary knowledge and skill, you should take into account that your insurance will not cover the damages, arguing that you by lack of knowledge or some negligence produced the damages, that you did not assume a contract from a professional roofer, and not having a legal recourse to cover it, the repairs will be at your expense. We recommend consulting with an attorney about your insurance coverage, as each state’s policies are somewhat different. Professional roofers have the potential for less damage, and the responsibility to correct any faults or mistakes made, without adding money to your budget, as they usually have insurance protection that covers the damage caused to your roof or property.

Risks associated with safety

According to reviews conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S., the incidence of risk in roofing work, even with the required safety equipment and the necessary training and education are high in both injuries and fatalities, ladders represent one of the greatest fall hazards due to roof heights. When a roof is in need of repair, the risk of falling is greater because it is not known which areas are deteriorated, stepping in the wrong places, the use of inadequate footwear, weight when walking, rotten roof or supports, lack of knowledge of the correct use of safety equipment, all contribute to increase the personal risk. Also the improper use of tools such as drills, nail gun, can cause damage by the pressure exerted on them at the time of use. For all these reasons of safety, responsibility and safe results, you should consider hiring the services of a professional roofer.

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 Cranberry Township 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.

If you plan to replace your roof, it is important to know the details of not only the installation but also the cleanup, for your peace of mind and safety. You don’t want to find nails, shingle remnants, debris or any debris in the yard, landscaping or parking lot affecting your roof and entire property. All of these areas should look better than they did before the roof replacement work began.

What to do before the work on the roof?

Before beginning roof replacement, the contractor should consider all aspects relevant not only to the installation but also to the cleanup of areas that may be affected by debris generated during replacement. Tarps should be placed in adjacent areas of the roof to collect debris from shingles and roof layers that are being removed, which reduces damage to lawns and gardens. Ensure that the crew responsible for the roof replacement collects the debris in wheelbarrows and hauls it to the dump trailer.

Cleaning during the roof replacement process

Once the contractor has taken all possible precautions at the beginning of the roof replacement work, from here on the cleaning begins as the work progresses, a crew lifts the debris from the old roof and installs the new roof, another crew on the ground collects the debris or waste that is being removed, thus avoiding the accumulation of debris that could cause inconveniences and discomfort.

What to do after roof replacement?

Upon completion of the replacement, the roof and surrounding area should be completely clean and free of debris or debris, the contractor should blow off the entire roof to remove sawdust residue or loose particles that come off the shingles, clean the vents and gutters through which a magnet should be passed to catch any loose nails that may have been left, also blow off the downspouts. Once the roof cleaning is complete, the contractor should inspect the entire property to make sure the job is completed satisfactorily, concentrating on the area around the house, the lawn or gardens, the parking lot, using hand blowers or pressure washers to remove debris. The final appearance will be a shiny new roof and clean, safe surroundings that will ensure the comfort of you, your family and your pets.

How long does this process take between replacement and cleaning?

All the doubts or questions that concern you can ask the roofing contractor, he will inform you how he is going to carry out the whole process from the roof replacement to the complete cleaning, from the budget point of view, how he is going to handle the debris can and the time it will take to do all the work, this will save you inconveniences since it allows you to schedule the work.

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.

To know what a low slope roof is, we need to know the pitch of the roof and this is nothing more than the angle of slope that the roof has, how steep it is, we explain: the pitch is given by the amount of feet or inches that it rises vertically for every 12 feet or inches that it extends horizontally. For reference, a 4/12 pitch roof will have 4 feet or inches up for every 12 feet or inches out.

What is a pitched roof

This type of roof cannot rely on the amount of water in any direction, therefore a compact coating must be created which is used with continuous sheets bonded together with heat welded or adhesives to remain watertight to the edge of the roof or drains. This type of roofing also includes copper- or tin-sealed metal roofs which are soldered installation systems of metal panels. Low-slope roofs must remain fully waterproof to resist expansion and contraction from inclement weather.

Which is the right system for a low slope roof?

Once you know what a low slope roof is, you should also know that asphalt shingles are not installed on this type of roof, so what roofing system should be installed? Membrane roofs are the most recommended option since low slope roofs should be waterproof, and this synthetic membrane roof either 5 feet, 10 feet, 20 feet wide repel water. Among this type of membrane system we have: EPDM PVC AND TPO, TPO AND PVC. EPDM membranes is composed of a rubber membrane, the other types of membranes the appearance you are looking for those membranes is under the roof.

Types of flat/low slope roof systems

Built-up roofing

Multiple layers of roofing felt (often called “tar paper”) are mopped in place with hot asphalt or coal tar pitch (bitumen) to “build up” a water-resistant membrane. The membrane is then coated with a coating or gravel embedded in a layer of hotter bitumen pour.
This type of roof has a long history of performance. This roofing system is not known as a flexible membrane, may have some environmental concerns, and is sometimes cost prohibitive due to crude oil prices.

Modified Bitumen

Asphalt is chemically modified to allow for flexibility and is constructed over a heavy polyester or fiberglass mat for added strength. Contains superior waterproofing characteristics due to its wide range of application methods, wide variety of top surfaces, including “cool roofing” options with insulation, provides a building component with even better performance.

High tensile strength

Available as part of a fire, wind and/or hail resistant roofing system Competitive life-cycle cost Long-term warranties are available with many systems.

Single-ply

Full membrane roofs are manufactured in factory-controlled conditions that can then be installed as a single ply. Thermoplastic membrane roofs are thermo welded single-ply membranes. They are usually white, making them highly heat reflective and highly rated Energy Star products. The roof seams are very durable as they are welded together. These roofs are generally more environmentally friendly in their manufacture, transportation, installation, performance and disposal. Thermoplastics are the fastest growing type of low-slope roofing.

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 Mount Lebanon 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.