What Is The Best Way To Install Your Next Roof?

Next time you're in the market for a new roof, ask your roofing contractor what method they will be using to install it: Air Guns or Hand Nailing. There are pros and cons to both methods and here at DunRite Roofing, we'll be more than happy to explain the one we use and why.

You know a neighbor that just got a new roof a year or so ago and already, you see lose shingles, missing shingles, even crooked shingles.  While these things could be weather related such as storms and wind, it can also be that the roof wasn't installed properly.

For composition shingles, hand nailed is the oldest method, but can take longer to complete the job.  It requires each shingle to be positioned and the nails hammered in by hand, shingle by shingle. Of course with a crew of several techniques, they are working the roof from different angles.

Air Gun nailing is the other method, which is a quicker process. This is a tool that hooks up to an air compressor. That compressor blasts air into the air gun and automatically drives the nail into the shingle.

Which method is best? Well that can depend on the type of asphalt shingle used, the pitch of the roof and even city or homeowner association requirements. These are all things that our professionals will discuss with you, show you the differences and work with you to get the best job done.

Does Your Roof Have An Ice Dam?

Here in the Tulsa area, it is common for DunRite Roofing to get calls about roof leaks after ices storms. This is usually caused after ice damming. This is caused when the upper roof has snow melt then re-freezing on bottom portion of the roof.

The ice melts from the warm air escapes from inside your home, especially if the insulation isn't thick enough. That causes the underside of the roof deck to warm up and the snow melts. The melted snow will run down the roof under the snow that is accumulated and refreeze as it reaches the eaves and overhang.

Thus the ice dam is formed. Several things can contribute to ice dams developing such as the escaping heat, poorly ventilated attic and the steepness of a roof as well as how long the roof is covered in ice.

A roof that doesn't have eaves or overhang are less likely to have ice dam’s form and roofs that aren't a smooth surface aren't as susceptible to ice dams either. While there is not any roof 100% ice dam proofed, there are things that can be done to lessen the possibility. A call to DunRite Roofing will get you an appointment scheduled and one our experienced technicians will check your roof and discuss the possibilities of your roof having ice dams.

There Is New Stuff Happening Up On The Rooftops!

You can't tell it from the street, but there is a new trend in roofing materials used on commercial buildings these days. Thermoplastic Polyolefin or TPO for short, a synthetic rubber compound is topping off more and more commercial buildings. What's so great about this material?

A TPO system offers more advantages like it can be fused, making the seams long lasting. It is a stronger material and can withstand the changes from cold to hot weather better. It is more energy efficient too because it is a heat-reflective material. This type of material withstands chemical, ozone and ultraviolet effects better too.

This product comes in a variety of thickness and it can be installed ballasted, fully-adhered mechanically, making it more cost effective. It is found in mostly white which makes it even more efficient in regards to reflecting heat and light and less apt to absorb and transmit temperatures of outside to the inside.

Getting Ready For That New Roof

No matter whether it’s from just getting old or storm damage has caused you to get a new roof, it is a major expense. It is also an exciting time too. DunRite Roofing has helped many home owners choose the right type material and provide advice and suggestions when it comes to colors. After all, that new roof will be with your for 20-30 years, so you want to get something you like.

After you get your finances together or the insurance claim file, then you have the color, style and type of roofing you want, your part isn't over yet. There are some preparations you need to take before our crew arrives.

Getting a new roof is a minor construction job, thus your home becomes a construction site. The first thing you need to be aware of, we will have a lot of stuff that will need to be close to the structure in order to do our job right. This means we will be in your driveway and your yard.

So first thing is to move all your vehicles, including any boats or other things you have parked around your home. Keep your children and pets indoors or away from your home while we are working. You may want to mention to your neighbors with children and pets what is in store as well.

Roofing is not a neat and tidy job, so you can expect some debris in your flower beds and lawn. Protect any flowers, plants or shrubs with sheets. You should also cover anything of value in your attic because there will be debris falling through the rafters. Our crew will check but take the step to turn any attic fans off too.

Roofing is not a quiet job either, so be prepared for hammers and nail guns as well as possible sawing. Remove your satellite dish or have your provider do it. You'll also need to be prepared to either reinstall it or have arrange for your provider to.

When our crew is completely done, you and a crew supervisor will inspect the final job together. This is your time to ask about anything that doesn't seem right and point out any issues you're concerned about. Check for any debris left behind and note any damage do your property as well.

Create an Indoor Outdoor Area to Enjoy

Wouldn't it be nice to sit outside, sipping your cold beverage in the hot summer or your hot beverage during the cold winter, but yet, not be outside? If that sounds like a confusing statement, think about the idea of enclosing your deck or porch and how nice it could be. You'd be outside the confines of your home, yet not exposed to the elements.

Just a simple place to sit and relax as you watch the traffic go by or watch the birds and squirrels run around your yard ... without having to hose off the lawn furniture or worry about pesky mosquitoes bothering you. An enclosed porch with screened windows can give you just that. It would be year-round, all season room of sorts.

Sit on your enclosed deck or porch and with 4-track screen porch windows, you can enjoy the fresh air just about any time of the year. What a wonderful way to pass the time when there is nothing on television and nothing on the internet but politics!

If you are a DIY-er, you can probably do this yourself and if you aren't a quality contractor with experience can do this for you and it may not be as expensive as you think. After all, the space is there already, you simply just need a few screen porch panels installed and a screen door maybe. The door could be optional unless you have indoor pets or small children to keep in. Or you want to make sure you keep other critters out of your new sanctuary.

Dormers – One Way to Make More Space

Adding dormers to your home is more than just giving your home a new look, but the conversions can also increase the square footage of your home. It is one of the best ways to utilize that unused roof space and without requiring a huge budget and most popular among those with bungalow or terrace styled houses. By adding dormer space to your home, you can add more than just the space, but you also add value to your home.

Depending on the size of your attic will depend on how much more room dormers will give you. This is an area a professional construction team can advise you. You may only enough room for one bedroom with two dormers added or you may have an attic large enough to add two rooms with one dormer window each.

However, it is not something that the average homeowner can do themselves, because it is a construction process. Among getting building permits from the local governing body where you live, but the logistics of whether or not your home can handle that extra weight. It takes a professional like Dun-Rite Roofing to verify your home is a good candidate for adding dormers and that living space. Even you just want the dormer window look, there is still a good amount of construction involved.

Why Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are probably one of, if not the most popular, roofing materials for residential structures throughout North America. Why? It's economical as well as versatile while being durable, tough and waterproof, thus lasting longer than many other types of roofing materials. They are easy to install and an average size home can be completed in one day in most cases.

So how is this popular shingle made? The process of manufacturing is taking the asphalt substance and binding it together with ceramic granules. This binding process keeps the granules together which makes the shingle strong.

Another option are premium asphalt shingles which are a laminated, providing a different look, muck like an old-world roof. They have better wind resistance and make a better insulation layer. They also reflect the hot rays of the sun better as well.

Don't Wait To Get That Roof Leak Fixed!

Once you discover a roof leak, you need to take action quickly. When you don't address those roof leaks right away, you are leaving your home, and your check book, open for some major damage that is going to be costly to fix. There can be any number of things that cause a roof leak, some of which are:

● Insufficient Attic Ventilation

● Missing Shingles

● Overflowing Gutters

● Seam Gaps

Roof leaks are sneaky, making them hard detect. You often won't know you have a leak until you see a wet area on the ceiling. However, that wet spot is not necessarily where the leak is located. The water causing the damage to the ceiling has most likely traveled from another part of the roof along the ceiling joists or along electrical lines, gas or water pipes.

In a multi-level home, it is even possible that the leak isn't the roof at all, but a plumbing issue. Once you have notice a possible roof leak, you need to call a certified, quality contractor that has experience in roofing. A roofing contractor will be able to make the determination where the leak is coming from and provide you an estimate or advise you if it is another problem altogether.

By letting a leak go unrepaired, you are leaving your home open for mildew and mold to build up, thus making your home unhealthy. It is also possible it will become more widespread and start leaking worse.

Why Does My Roof Need An Overhang?

Have you ever wondered why your roof has that overhang? Is it just a décor thing or does it serve an actual purpose? Well there are many useful functions and purposes to the overhang on your roof and Dun-rite Roofing offers you a brief overview of what and why:

Water is kept off the Walls

This may be the most important function of roof overhangs. They won't keep the hard driven rain off 100%, but the difference in having an overhang versus not may surprise you. If your home was built with very narrow overhang, you will notice the paint, siding or stain will get damaged over time. Your home's doors and windows are protected with roof overhang as well.

Rain Is Directed Away From the Foundation

The wider the roof overhang, also referred to as the eaves, the better it keeps water away from the foundation, which in turn keeps your basement and crawlspace dry. Eaves also minimize splashback when it rains, which can cause damage such as rotting siding.

Windows Are Shaded

The eaves of your home also provide shade, which in this part of the country is a blessing during the hot summers.

Too Wide of an Overhang

Usually home builders will cut corners when it comes to the eaves however, it is possible to have them too wide. When the overhang is too wide, it darkens the house on the inside, making it gloomy looking. Even during the hottest time of the year, you want some sunlight coming inside. You also don't want the wider overhang to catch the high winds, which could rip the roof off.

Don't Forget To Winterize The Roof Too!

It may be August right now, but it is going to be time to put the Christmas lights up again soon. This also means that winter weather is on the way and while you are getting things ready for winter, like checking the doors and windows for leaks, getting your home's heat system checked out and all that, you should make sure your roof is ready too.

The winter we had in this area last year was a rough one with all the ice, rain, sleet, snow, and winds. Al that can wreak havoc on the roof that you may not even realize. Take the time to winterize your roof starting with a visual inspection. Do you see branches hanging out over and rubbing against the roof? Are the gutters clean of debris? You should climb up on the roof and look over all of it for loose or missing shingles, too.

If you don’t feel comfortable and safe about climbing up there yourself, a professional like Dun-Rite Roofing offers free inspections. A professional will know what to look for in the way of water damage caused by roof dams. Roof dams are created when there is inadequate ceiling insulation, poor soffits, or poor ridge ventilation.

As you start cleaning up and preparing the summer outdoor furniture for winter and throwing out the pool toys that are worn, keep your roof in mind. Finding issues now can save you headaches and pocket book stretches this winter.

Buying a New Home? Have Roof Inspection Done!

When you buy a new home, your lender will require a pest control inspection, structural inspection, and, of course, the electrical and plumbing inspections. If the lender approves of the findings, they fund your loan, you sign lots of paper work and get the keys to your new home. Do you have any idea what was really inspected on the roof though? You saw the inspector climb up there, but what was he or she looking for?

Next to the foundation and the walls, the roof of your home is very important. It can also be a very expensive part of your home to be repaired or replaced. That is why it is so important to make sure the inspector does a thorough job so that you have the opportunity to back out of the deal or make a deal with the seller.

It is common for a seller to know that their roof has any leak issues. Many will do a patch job themselves, or pay a contractor to just make it good for now just so they can get it on the market and sell it before the next big storm. That doesn't mean ever seller is like that, but it isn't as rare as you may want to think it is either.

In this part of the country, the weather can go from freezing cold to blistering hot and the hail and winds that we experience can really do a number on a roof. You should question the inspector when they submit their report to you and your lender and check the following items:

• The Age

• How Long Before New Roof Needed

• Any Waterproofing System in Place

• Any Possible Hazards

Along with their findings, they should be able to give you ball park estimates on repairs or replacement. If you decided to proceed with the purchase, you should get at least 2 or 3 official quotes from roofing contractors like us here at Dun-Rite Roofing. Make sure any quote you get includes guarantee and warranty as well.

Are Attic Vents Really Needed?

Insulating your home's attic is one of the most important things you can do, not only for the energy benefits but for the life of your roof. Attic ventilation is important as well, but it is often the last thing anyone thinks about, if they do at all.

There are a variety of vent types installed in attic. The purpose of these vents is to help your attic breathe and keep it from building up moisture that will eventually cause mildew and mold, leading to a whole other batch of problems. The professionals at Dun-Rite Roofing recommend attic ventilation that has both soffit and ridge vents. This can be done by do-it-yourselfers, however the job can become difficult and if not done properly, can actually cause more damage and harm than it prevents.

Attic ventilation helps your home during the hotter times of the year because it lowers the temperature in the attic. With a lower temperature in the attic, your energy bill will lower as well because your AC unit isn't working as hard.

Proper attic ventilation in the winter minimizes the moisture as we discussed. Installing vapor barriers will help with minimizing the moisture, but the attic vents actually let air circulate through the attic, keeping that moisture moving.

Whether you store something in the attic or not, a trip up there to check for possible leaks is always wise so you can catch those things before they become bigger problems. Some things to look for are water dripping, water spots, rusty nails, or stained wood. Should you see any of these things, call a professional roofing contractor such as Dun-Rite Roofing immediately to have the problem assessed and a quote provided to fix the problem.

Your Roof Is a Big Part of Your Energy Costs

Did you think that the new siding and storm windows were going to save you on energy bills this winter? Along with the insulation you had added to the attic, you really thought you were going to save some money! Still, it seems like all that heat was going right out the roof didn't it?

What about your roof itself? We all know from elementary science that heat rises. While that added insulation helped, when the temperature dropped to zero or below, your energy costs went up. The roof is your home's hat. Hats keep the warmth inside our bodies, which is why we wear toboggans. When our toboggan gets a hole, our body's heat leaks out. The same thing happens with your roof.

While getting a new roof isn't the cheapest thing to do, look at it as an investment. It will help your energy costs and it also eliminates the source for allergens that may be making your family sick or suffer from allergies. A new roof also will improve your home's overall looks and increase its value. You may not be able to see where your roof is worn from the ground, especially if your home is more than just a single floor.

Calling a professional roofer to inspect your roof is the first thing you should do. A legitimate, quality roofer like Dun-Rite Roofing will provide that inspection and a quote for free. If you call a roofer that charges, pass them up and go to another one. Don't wait until you see shingles missing or notice a leak. The damage could already be done.

New Roof Plans? Go Metal!

When it comes time to re-roof your home, you may be thinking about going metal. They are many attractive colors and designs in metal roofs today and metal will last longer than any other type of roofing material you could choose. They are eco-friendly and you can select aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, tin or zinc.

Dun-Rite Roofing has done many metal roofs on homes over the years and we always choose metal products that are tested and labeled by FM Global, UL, or an equivalent. We want to share with you the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofs:

Advantages – The Benefits

● Durable – Many metal roofs will take wind gusts up to 140 mph if installed correctly. They don't corrode or crack and depending which metal you choose, may be impact-resistant. A metal roof won't require periodic maintenance that can be costly at times, however, you should have it inspected from time to time.

● Energy Efficiency – A metal roof will reflect the sun's heat and reduce your cooling costs as much as 25%.

● Environment - Metal roofs are usually as little as 25% recycled materials and some are as much as 95%. All metal roofs are 100% recyclable should they ever come to an end of their life.

● Long Life – A metal roof will last anywhere from 40 to 70 years versus the traditional asphalt tiles that last maximum 20 years.

● Safe - Metal roofs are fire resistant, which is a big plus in areas that are prone to wildfires.

Disadvantages – The Drawbacks

● Expensive - Metal roofs are more expensive than traditional roof materials, however, they last longer so the ROI is a higher rate.

● Noisy – A metal roof is not for a light sleeper. When it rains it is loud and when it hails, it’s even louder. You can have more insulation added which will help, but that would increase the cost of have the metal roof installed. Again, look at the ROI for the long run.

● Color Inconsistency – Once a metal roof is installed, any necessary repairs the contractor may not be able to match the color exact.

● Contracts and Expands - When properly installed, a metal roof will be attached in large panels which will contract and expand as it cools down and heats up.

● Performance – If a low grade of metal is used, the durability will lack and they could rust which can cause serious damage.

Before You Attempt to Roof Your House – Think!

In effort to save money, homeowners will attempt to do the repairs or re-roof their home themselves. The first thing that would make any one advise against this is the danger involved. The second thing is that you could very well make things worse and end up having to call a professional to fix what was originally wrong in addition to what you did wrong.

No matter how handy you are around the house, without the proper equipment, supplies and tools, roofing matters need to be left up to the professionals to get the job done right. The smallest leak in a roof can be harmful to the occupants. If you aren't experienced and trained in roofing, you won't know how to look for leaks.

If you have a leak in one room, it could very well be coming from the other side of the house. Leaks can be hard to detect for somebody that hasn't worked with roofing. A professional roofing contractor, such as DunRite, has years of experience and have tackled just about any kind of roofing problem. Roofs are steep and, even if they are a flat roof, they are still on top of the house, which can be 30 feet or more in the air. They are often slick from surface mold and without sufficient safety precautions and training, an unskilled person is very prone to danger that can cause severe injury and even be life threatening.

When it comes to your safety and the soundness of your home, calling a professional roofer is best. Many times, the repair or replacement is covered by homeowner insurance and a life is much more valuable than the cost of a deductible.

Going Green on the Roof

“Green Roof” is pretty much a catchall phrase, being that any roof with vegetation growing is a “Green Roof”. It is also called an “Eco-roof”, a trend that started during the 70s in Germany but has slowly spread around the world in other countries too.

The purpose of the “green roof” movement was for advocates to find more green space in urban areas that are barren. They found that with more green roofs, their energy and environmental benefits increased too. The movement to the US was slow, but now it is common to find green roofs in cities like Chicago, Illinois and Asheville, North Carolina on larger civic buildings. They are even incorporated into new residences architect designs.

For existing homes, owners are hesitant to build a green roof due to weight concerns, but the fact is that green roofs can be made lightweight and not but as much pressure on the roof as you may think. Existing roofs that have up to 30 degree pitch are perfect for a green roof. The effect that taking a plain, dead looking roof and going green is amazing and can be an enjoyment for the homeowner and the occupants as well as neighboring houses that have upstairs view.

It Worked For Gilligan's Island – Will It Work For Your Home?

We watch reruns of Gilligan's Island today and amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we may dream of living as the 7 survivors did in the TV show. Then we remember, that was fiction. In real life, we couldn't do without our computers, electronics, television (so we could watch those reruns) and all the other conveniences we enjoy today.

However, one thing they had and we could utilize today are the thatch roofs they had on their huts. There are several good reasons to having a thatch roof. Just like anything else in life, there are down sides as well. A few good reasons for a thatch roof is the going back to all natural materials. The readily available amounts of raw material in most parts of the world is the number one reason. Many places, such as Europe, combining thatch and tiles is very popular. It is lighter in weight and requires less timber to support it making it less expensive to build.

A thatch roof is perfect to cover roof structures that are irregular and non-conventional too. A thatch roof is very eco-friendly whether you choose new, second-hand or recycled materials, making it a sustainable roof.
The biggest downside to thatch roofing is the difficulty in finding homeowners insurance. When you do find a company willing to insure a house with thatch roofing, it is expensive. Building and maintaining a thatch roof is labor intensive which will override the inexpensive part of the materials.

A thatch roof is also a natural attraction for birds and other wildlife. They find them to be a place to forage for food. Rodents are drawn to them as well. For areas like Tulsa Oklahoma, a thatch roof is not a logical choice due to the weather, especially the winters where we experience ice and snow.

Gutters Are More Than An Up Sale – They Are A Must

One thing that many older homes may not have are gutters, and while they may seem like an unnecessary expense, the damage they prevent to your home make them priceless. When gutters are installed properly and maintained on a regular basis by professional company like DunRite Roofing, the value they add to your home and also give a roof line an aesthetically finished look.

Gutters on your home will help the soil stabilize around your home and avoid foundation problems. They also keep the water away so that it isn't seeping into the ground and walls of your basement as well as keep the landscape whole by avoiding erosion. Properly installed gutters will lessen the possibility of water damage to your home's brick or siding as well as keeping the walkways around your home from cracking. When water is directed away from your home or garage, the doors and windows will open and shut as they should.

For the handy person, you can install gutters yourself. For those not as handy, a company such as DunRite Roofing has many years of experience and professional equipment to install them properly. You'll also have a guarantee should you ever have a problem with the gutters. Once installed, keep them clean and repaired as needed. They will keep your home safe and keep it looking good, too!

The Difference between Composition Shake Shingles and Composition Slate Tile Shingles

When you have to have your roof replaced, there is always the decision of what color to get, which you usually want to match the color tones of the house as well as the style of the house and the surrounding neighborhood. Then there is the decision on what type of shingles to get. This often depends on your budget, but when you can choose, a quality roofing contractor will have many samples to show you and will give you advice and guidance in choosing the right one.

There are many types of roofs but here we are going to discuss the two different kinds of Composition Shingles. One is Composition Shake and the other is Composition Slate. Composition Shake shingles are the most affordable and the most standard you'll see on houses. It offers your home a clean look and while it is the most affordable, there are many levels of quality to choose from. Some are asphalt, others are fiberglass. These are usually made of recycled content and are known to be most durable.

There are many choices in brands, colors and types all of which are versatile and easiest to install with very little maintenance needed. On the downside, the materials they are made of are easy to be torn off in high winds and scar in areas where the sun is hot.

Composition Slate tiles are made of rock and is common in higher end, upscale neighborhoods such as custom built homes. An expensive choice but gives you a natural look with the variety of patterns they come. They offer a long life, low maintenance and are a strong fire protection for you home. They are invulnerable to insects and rot and even though the colors are limited, they do come in a variety of sizes.

On the downside, this is a very heavy tile and part of the expense is the extra support that is required for a roof to hold up under the weight. They are breakable and thus any roof maintenance or other chores such as gutter cleaning and painting need to be done by a professional.

Are Flat Roofs A Good Thing?

Flat roofs seem to be making a comeback in some residential areas of the country. This is a roof style common with commercial buildings, but with homes, it is an eye catcher. While they give a home a unique look, one has to wonder just how good a flat roof is. After all, where does the rain go and what about the pile up of debris and leaves over time?

You won't notice from the street, but there is a slight slope to a flat roof, for just the reason as stated above – the need for rain, snow and water to drain. One appeal to a flat roof is the ease in building them. In the beginning, flat roofs were built with gravel and tar, but that combination would hold the rain, snow and water and it would become stagnant as it accumulated. So in cold areas of the country, the flat roof was more of a problem maker than the design is worth having.

Today, the materials that flat roofs are built from may be a polymers and synthetic rubber combination. This is a great combination for homes; however for commercial buildings the mixture is not stable enough to cover such a large area.

In addition to be a cost-effective way to roof your home, flat roofs take less time, are said to last longer and the maintenance is minimal. For an area of the country where the weather is uncertain and prone to change without much warning, flat roofs have proven to be a benefit for many homeowners.

When Was The Last Time You Cleaned Your Roof?

Have you cleaned your roof recently? Did you know that you should get it cleaned on a regular basis? A roof that hasn't been cleaned can have small problems that end up being a bigger problem and require getting a whole new roof. If you can't think of why a roof should be cleaned, Dunrite Roofing would like to share their experience and knowledge why you should clean yours.

Whether you have an investment property that you need to rent or trying to sell your home, a clean roof will make the property look good all over. First impressions are everything and a clean roof will give your prospective buyer or tenant a good first impression. This can often make the difference in a sale by getting the price you want.

The dirt, grim, leaves, limbs and moss that build up over time on a roof will just sit there and rot. That rot sitting there will eventually start affecting the shingles on your roof. By giving your roof a good cleaning yourself or hire a professional, you could probably prolong the life of your roof another 10 years more than the manufacturer warranties.

Gutter Screens Can Help You with Gutter Cleaning

Fairly new to the industry are screens that go with a gutter system and have really proven to be well worth the small cost they afford when they are installed properly. A reliable roofing expert such as Dunrite Roofing can assist you in choosing the right shape, style and type that fits your current gutter system.

The first choice many homeowners go with is a basic screen made of expanded metal mesh screen. This type of gutter screen will guard debris such as leaves, limbs and nuts from clogging your gutter system. For the DYI homeowner, you want to be sure to secure the so falling branches or animals can’t knock them off.

However, if you home is surrounded by trees that drop needles, like pine trees, you should consider gutter screens that are screens designed with small holes. They still keep the debris of leaves, limbs and the pesky needles out while still allowing rain and water to flow through freely.

For the homeowner that wants to harvest rain water, there are gutter screens that combine expanded metal mesh with fine stainless steel mesh, like that used on window screens. These will filter the rain with only the finest of particles getting through, leaving the water for other uses like water gardens.

Gutter screens can make your gutter systems almost maintenance free!