Roof Talk-101 Can Santa Damage Your Roof?

Roof Talk-101  Can Santa Damage Your Roof?

                                      We are officially less than one week until the big day. We

hope you all have your shopping underway, your meals planned and your stockings hung. Santa is preparing also, loading up his sleigh with enough presents for everyone. If you think about it, enough presents for the entire world weighs quite a bit right? When you include Santa’s reindeer and his reputation for having a few extra pounds, that all adds up to a quite a big payload that needs to fly around landing on everyone’s roof

Have you ever thought about the impact Santa’s hundreds of thousands of landings have had on rooftops around the world?

First of all, Santa is not known for his smooth landings. He always forgets to pull up at the last second and his reindeer are always knocking shingles loose. Loose shingles can lead to water infiltration, leaks and damaged roof decking, so it’s important to get those repaired as soon as you can.

Santa is notorious for trying to move too quickly from his sleigh to the chimney and he kicks his large boots into the flashing around skylights and vents. If these go unnoticed, you can have water backing up underneath the flashing and causing a leak to drip down onto your christmas dinner!

The chimney itself is no stranger to Santa-damage either. He has to wedge himself and the presents down the chimney and chimneys are not made for that type of pressure! This can lead to dislodged bricks and broken mortar. If you have loose bricks or broken mortar, this is something that can lead to further degradation of your chimney and roof area. This should be looked at as soon as you get the wrapping from your presents cleaned up.

All of the walking Santa and his reindeer do on the roof can knock those little granules off your shingles. You can notice them building up in your gutters. These granules aren’t just garbage though, they help protect your roof. Knock too many of them loose and your roof isn’t well protected anymore and should be looked at by a professional.

When you consider your roof is basically a landing strip for Santa and his crew once per year, you should be fairly impressed. He has to get going fast enough to take off in a very short distance. For this reason, sometimes Santa and the reindeer dip a bit on the takeoff and clip the gutters. Santa has clipped his fair share of gutters around the world! If you have a broken gutter, or it’s loaded up with ice, this will be a problem for you come spring when the rain begins. Gutters are crucial to keep water away from your foundation and many other functions, so don’t forget to repair any Santa-damaged gutters come spring!

Keeping your roof and gutters intact is tough enough in Texas without the added concern of handling the impact of a crazy flying man and his reindeer trampling around on them once per year, but if that’s the price we have to pay in order to celebrate the best holiday of the year, we’ll take it. Merry Christmas From the Roofguard-LLC Family.

ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFGUARD -LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information ROOFGUARD-LLC visit us at. www.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101  A Reindeer On The Roof Is Lost! Would you help get it home?

Just another of Santa ‘s reindeer on the roof

Everyone knows a reindeer on the roof is normal. But you will never believe what happened!

I was standing at my window when I saw something in the sky. Do you know what it was?

It was a reindeer.

That is not unusual. My reindeer often fly around the North Pole. What was unusual, was the little girl and little boy riding on its back. Do you want to know more?

I must admit that it was partly my fault. You see, we had been testing the sleigh and flying around the world. I had stopped in Scotland to take a break, and when I took off again, I had left a reindeer behind. When I got home, I put the reindeer in their stable (instead of putting the reindeer on the roof, of course!). I should have counted them, but I forgot. This is what happened to the reindeer.

A boy and girl were playing in the park. They were only seven. Their names were Orla and Cullen. They heard a reindeer on the roof nearby cry out. The reindeer was scared. They asked their parents if they could save the reindeer, and their parents said yes.

Cullen and Orla climbed up onto the rooftop and found the reindeer. It was crying. Orla patted its head and told it that everything was going to be okay. Cullen had brought a carrot and fed it to the reindeer. The reindeer stopped crying and looked happier.

Cullen and Orla asked the reindeer if they could help it to get home. The reindeer could not talk, but the children could tell that the reindeer wanted their help. It crouched down on the roof and the two children climbed onto its back. The reindeer took off and flew high up into the sky. Higher than the clouds.

Cullen and Orla told me that they were both scared at first. They gripped on tight. Cullen and Orla could see their houses down below. They waved to their parents. Cullen was excited at how fast they were going. Orla was excited at how high they were in the sky.

A Happy Ending For A Reindeer On The Roof

When they got here, I gave them a tour of the North Pole. I took them home in my sleigh. Their parents were so happy to see them. My reindeer was so happy to be home too. Cullen and Orla are true heroes. They saved my lost reindeer and probably saved Christmas too.

Santa Claus

P.S. What would you do if you found a reindeer on the roof? Would you bring the reindeer safely back to the North Pole?

ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFGUARD -LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information ROOFGUARD-LLC visit us at. www.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 Radiant Barriers- Myth and Facts

Roof Talk-101   Radiant Barriers- Myth and Facts

Radiant barriers are utilized to reduce summer heat gain in attics. Attics heat up when the sun’s radiant energy heats the shingles and the heat is transferred to the interior attic space through the roofing materials via conduction. The temperature of the attic space increases and that heat is transferred to the building below; increasing summer energy consumption and cooling costs. A radiant barrier can lower that heat transfer, keep the attic space cooler and lower cooling costs by up to 17% in warmer climates.

RADIANT BARRIER MYTHS

Radiant barriers have become somewhat shrouded in urban myth. They were not, for example, invented by NASA, but rather by the far less exciting German businessmen Schmidt and Dykerhoff in 1925. NASA has employed radiant barriers since the Apollo program for use on equipment, astronaut suits and spacecraft to protect against thermal radiation and for insulation in the fluctuating temperatures of space. It’s also a fact that the color and reflectance of a substance doesn’t add to its efficiency as a radiant barrier. While radiant barriers do contribute significantly to the reduction of cooling (and in some cases heating) costs, they are not the panacea to energy efficiency some make them out to be; they need to be utilized as part of a cohesive building envelope.

RADIANT BARRIER SHEATHING

Radiation from the sun is the primary source of heat affecting your attic temperature. Radiation (infra-red) is augmented by convection and conduction. Convection is when heat is transferred through the air inside the attic and heats the insulation and conduction occurs when heat moves through the insulation to the building below. While heat is radiated and conducted in all directions it always moves from hot areas to cold areas. The hotter the attic, the more the heat moves down to the cooler building below.

The most effective radiant barrier sheathing is a structural roof sheathing panel which consists of an OSB panel with heat-reflecting foil laminated to one side. Other kinds of radiant barriers combine reflective materials (usually aluminium foil) with materials like plastic films, cardboard and kraft paper. A radiant barrier must have an emissivity of 0.1 or less to be effective.

BENEFITS OF RADIANT BARRIER SHEATHING

• When utilizing OSB radiant barrier sheathing, you can reflect up to 97% of solar radiation which translates into an attic heat reduction of up to 30°F.
• A cooler attic space means less heat moving to the cooler space below the attic.
• The hotter it gets the better radiant barriers work.
• The reduced attic temperature increases the efficiency of attic ductwork which prolongs the life of your heating and cooling systems because there are fewer cycle times.
• In warmer climates your may be able to reduce A/C requirements by up to ½ ton.
• Radiant barrier roof sheathing helps to improve comfort in the building interior during the warm summer months and reduces energy costs. Because heat always moves from hot areas to cold areas, radiant barrier sheathing also prevents heat transfer from the warm interior during the cooler winter months.

ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFGUARD -LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information ROOFGUARD-LLC visit us at. www.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 5 Attic Ventilation Myths

Roof Talk-101   5 Attic Ventilation Myths

Few things are more misunderstood about the home than attic ventilation. In essence, all ventilation is about circulating air to keep it fresh and to reduce moisture levels. About 90 percent of homes in the US have unreasonably high levels of moisture. Understanding whether your home could benefit from some form of attic ventilation might just be, if not a life-saver, a roof-saver. Here are some of the myths and the facts you need to know about attic ventilation.

1. More Attic Ventilation is Good

Just like properly sizing your furnace and air conditioning unit, you want precisely the right amount of attic ventilation for your home. Insufficient ventilation can lead to moisture problems during the winter and decreased energy efficiency during the summer but too much ventilation can be just as bad, if not worse. Roof vents create an additional roof penetration, essentially another place of vulnerability where leaks can occur. Some vents are necessary, but you don’t want to needlessly increase the number of roof penetrations. More than leaks, these seams can cause blowouts during a hurricane or allow sparks from a wildfire to enter your home and set it ablaze.

So, how much ventilation should you have? Without exception, you should talk to a professional to determine what your home requires. Generally speaking, you need a ratio of 1:300, where for every 300 square feet of ceiling space, you need 1 square foot of attic ventilation. That said, air resistance and interference (such as vent grates) reduces the area of true ventilation. In other words, the entire vent opening doesn’t count as vented space.

2. Roof Vents are for Warmer Climates

Too many people believe the importance of roof ventilation is to increase energy efficiency during the summer. Good roof ventilation can do this, but shingle color, sun exposure and insulation are exponentially more important to overall energy efficiency than ventilation. Sure, installing roof vents for older homes can reduce your hot air during the summer, but there are probably more low-risk, cost-effective ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, preventing moisture damage is a much greater benefit and applies to colder climates more than warmer ones. In fact, the colder the climate, the more likely it is that your home will benefit from attic ventilation. In order to install an unvented roofing system in colder climates, you’ll need highly rated, rigid insulation to prevent condensation on your roof sheathing. In warmer climates, you don’t need to worry about condensation. Think about how often dew forms on your grass. In these climates, hot attic spaces are eliminated by installing a thermal barrier along the roof line, instead of the attic floor

3. Roof Vents Remove Warm Air during the Winter

Too many people believe that because heat rises, ventilating an attic space during the winter means you’re releasing warm air and creating a drag on your heating efficiency. If this is true, you’ve got bigger problems to worry about than letting warm air escape from your home. Poor insulation is usually the culprit, although if you enter the attic on sunny, winter day, your attic space can be warmed by the sun more than your furnace.

Unless your roofing system has insulation on the roofing deck and is designed without ventilation, your furnace should not be heating your attic. Worse yet, inadequate insulation is almost surely allowing moisture-laden air into your attic. When this warm, moist air hits your roof, it’s likely to form condensation that will lead to further deterioration of your insulation and/or wood rot. If you think this might be a concern, wait till the sun goes down and measure the temperature in your attic. It should be pretty close to the outdoor temperature.

4. Research Studies

Numerous studies have been completed regarding the effectiveness and optimization of general roof ventilation and particular types of roof vents. The benefit of roof ventilation is undisputed. Laboratory setting are a poor indicator of real world wind and weather behaviors. Moreover, regional differences magnify certain traits of roof ventilation over time. What works best in San Antonio, TX is probably not the same as what works best in Cleveland, OH.

In some ways, roof ventilation is as much as an art as it is a science, and installing your own roof vents based on something you read online is like trying to diagnose a skin rash using WebMD. Finding a trusted and experienced roofer who has worked in your region for his or her entire career is a better for your particular roof than any research study or online “expert.”

5. I Have Roof Vents, So I Have Roof Ventilation

While hardly anybody agrees on the best roof ventilation system, everybody agrees some roof vents do hardly any good at all. Take, for example, ridge vents. The majority of roofing experts agree that ridge vents are the most effective and cost-effective roof vents available. Without baffles (blinders that prevent outside air from crossing over the vent), a ridge vent may create almost no ventilation at all. Gable vents may circulate air through only a small percentage of your attic. Static, roof-line, vents are effective for ventilation but generally aren’t recommended due to issues with leaks. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic. Most effective ventilation uses a ridge-and-soffit continuous ventilation system, but even these designs can vary from roof to roof.

If you don’t know how your roof vents work, or if you’re unsure about your attic ventilation in general, you should talk to a roof inspector about your current system and any inherent weaknesses that may be at work. The risk/reward for having no ventilation or poor ventilation, along with the negligible cost of installing a good-working ventilation system makes them one of the unforgivable sins of home maintenance negligence.

ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFGUARD -LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information ROOFGUARD-LLC visit us at. www.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 Why Are We Thankful For Our Roofs?

"JUST be thankful we have a roof over our heads,” my mother used to say whenever I complained about some childish scarcity. This made no sense to me at the time. Having a roof was nothing to be thankful for; it was just something I didn’t really think about.   However, without a roof over our heads, we would be wide open to rain, bird droppings and falling space debris. Who wants falling space debris hitting you on the head. 

Here are the reasons why we should be thankful for our roofs.

Our Roofs Help Prevent Mold and Mildew

A home filled with mold and mildew is uncomfortable, and can cause a variety of health issues. Your roof can be one of the solutions to prevent mold. A properly ventilated roof lets the moist, warm air out preventing the condensation that mold thrives upon. Your roof also keeps outside moisture out where it belongs.

 Our Roofs Keep Out the Hot and Cold

Wherever you live, you probably have an HVAC system in your home and your roof gives your cooling or heating system the support it needs.  Additionally the roof seals off your home from the outside elements. It helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

 Our Roofs Keep Out the Rain and Snow

What’s better than sitting in a warm house in front of a roaring fire while it snows or rains outside? That’s why we need our roofs to keep us warm and dry. A well-maintained roof will guard against leaks and make sure that you stay cozy this winter.

Our Cool Roofs Are Energy Efficient

If you have a Cool Roof like we do, it very effectively reflects the sun’s energy from the roof surface.  This helps to reduce energy costs, improve your comfort inside the house, cut maintenance costs and increase the life cycle of the roof.

Our Roofs Can Raise The Value Of Your Home

A new roof helps potential buyers to view it as a new home and the sellers are able to find buyers more easily.  Almost half of the view of the home by buyers in many cases is the roof.  A new roof is a wise investment for anyone who plans to sell his or her home or increase the value of it. That is why we are thankful for our roofs. 

 On behalf of Roof Guard of Texas, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFGUARD -LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information ROOFGUARD-LLC visit us at. www.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101  5 TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR COMMERCIAL ROOF

The roof of your commercial property is your first line of defense in a Texas storm, which also makes it the most vulnerable. Maintaining your commercial roof can extend its lifespan and reduce unnecessary and costly expenses. Here’s are top 5 tips for maintaining your commercial roof: Choose the right type of commercial roofing products. Select materials that offer high performance and durability, even if it means investing a little more up front. Remember, roofing for businesses act as insulation, which helps make your property energy efficient. Remove all debris and clutter. Debris can trap and hole water, which will promote roof deterioration at a faster rate. Routinely check pipes, skylights, pitch pans, HVAC units and other equipment for leaves, twigs, and other debris, as they are the perfect locations for gathering. Check all gutters and drains. Routinely pour water down each drain and make sure they are open functioning properly. Clear them of debris or clogs that could lead to leaks. Trim back any trees that hang over the roof and can cause additional debris. A rogue branch can do a lot of damage in a Florida storm, so it’s best to stay on top of regular tree maintenance. Schedule regular roof inspections with a professional roof contractor twice a year. A regular roof inspection will review the roof’s condition and detect any issues. It’s best to schedule right before the wet season and right after.   ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFGUARD -LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information ROOFGUARD-LLC visit us at. www.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101  The Importance of Good Roof Drainage Systems

One of the most important things that helps divert water away from your home or building is a properly-installed roof drainage system. These “unsung heroes” of your roof system play a vital role in effectively removing water and debris from the roof, and minimizing groundwater accumulation around your foundation.

Improper Roof Drainage Can Cause A Variety of Costly Home Problems

However many times they are overlooked when it comes to proper maintenance and care, and can become the culprit for many types of damage if they are not properly maintained. This includes wet basements, mold growth, and even a weakening foundation.

Gutters and roof drains are designed to divert water away from your home, and allow for the proper flow of water during a heavy rain, reducing the risk of interior water damage caused by water backing up into the roof. For those who may experience snow, they also provide a conduit for melting snow in order to reduce the weight loads on a roof.

The basic design of gutters makes them extremely susceptible to the accumulation of debris, which in turn limits the drainage function. This also leads to the possibility of ice dams that trap snow and ice on the roof, and presents an increased opportunity for fire risk from wind-borne embers gathering and igniting during a wildfire.

Additionally, improper sloped gutters and misaligned downspouts can lead to water accumulation that can damage the gutters of the roof itself, and cause potential water accumulation against the building.

Your roof drainage systems – including gutters, interior drains, and scuppers should be free of accumulated debris such as twigs, leaves, and granules from roof systems, such as modified bitumen on flat roofs and asphalt shingles on sloped roofs.

Below are some tips that will help ensure that your roof drainage system is operating properly when it is needed.

• Inspect and clean the roof drainage system at a minimum of two times per year. If there is a history of clogs from tree leaves, inspections should be done more frequently.
• Remove any loose objects and accumulated debris from the roof that could end up in the drainage system.
• Remove any roof granules from the gutters, as they can alter the slope of the gutter when they accumulate and in turn impede the gravitational flow of water.
• Keep trees trimmed and away from the roof. This will help prevent branches from rubbing against the roof and leaves from accumulating and clogging drains and gutters.
• Check for any long-term standing water in gutters and clear any blockage that may be causing this condition. If no blockage is found and standing water is still present, this could be a sign that the gutter is improperly sloped to the downspout.
• Check all drainage systems for leaks and ensure that they are properly secured and operating after severe weather.
• Make sure that the downspouts funnel water away from the building and do not allow for water to accumulate around the building’s perimeter.
• If you have to replace gutters, consider larger sized gutters, which will allow for greater flow of water.
• If located in hurricane prone areas, make sure that the gutters are anchored by gutter straps designed to resist high winds.

ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFGUARD -LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information ROOFGUARD-LLC visit us at. www.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .