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What is the best material for a flat roof?

The most popular material used for flat roof covering is metal because of its durability, specifically aluminum. A flat metal roof has a lifespan of 30 to 35 years in ideal climate and environment conditions.

Metal is a reflective material, another bonus of a flat roof that lowers energy expenses because it reflects the UV rays. Typically, metal is in large sheets, but smaller sheets can be ordered for special fittings on a flat roof.

The downsize to a metal covered flat roof is when it must be replaced. When replacement is needed, it is required to remove all the old roof, regardless of what material was on it.  A metal flat roof is prone to rust, another downside. When this happens, the above-mentioned replacement is necessary.

How long do flat roofs last?

There are several factors that can affect a flat roof life expectancy. From the quality of the workmanship to the quality of the building materials, from the climate and the environment to the maintenance and upkeep. 

Because a flat roof does not have drainage like a pitched roof, it is prone to hold water. If the roofing material has any holes or tears, that water seeps through to the roof below the material.  Therefore, it is important to have the roof inspected regularly to patch any holes or tears. The lifespan of the following popular flat roof materials is: 

• BUR (Built Up Roof): A BUR flat roof is the most familiar and is constructed with heated asphalt and plywood layered together. The life expectancy of BUR flat roof is fifteen to twenty years.
• PVC: This flat roof material needs experienced and skilled labor to install the large sheets of this material correctly. Used as the main waterproofing component for flat roofs, it is hot welded to the pieces surrounding it and offers a lifespan of 30 years when maintained properly.
• EPDM: This material is a large rubber sticker that is carefully rolled onto a flat roof. It is difficult to install because of its size and because there can’t be any air pockets. This flat roof material has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
• TPO: TPO is very much like EPDM and PVC with its durability and effectiveness. The life expectancy of TPO is seven to twenty years. 

How often do flat roofs need replacing?

There are many benefits to a commercial roof having flat roofs. With proper maintenance, including regular inspection, they should last a minimum of 50 years.  Over the past few decades, they have used several types of materials for commercial flat roofs, with the following three being the most common: 

• EPDM – replacement averages every 25 to 30 years
• PVC – replacement averages every 20 years or longer
• TPO – replacement averages every 15 to 20 years

Do flat roofs leak more?

A flat roof does not shed water like a pitched roof. However, if installed properly, a flat roof should never leak if some maintenance as recommended by the builder and the roofing material manufacturer.

How do you waterproof a flat roof?

Water does not run off flat roofs as it does on sloped roofs, thus, it needs to be waterproofed, which is typically done with two applications of an elastomeric coating. This coating will also insulate whatever material is on the roof in addition to making it waterproof. 

While the building maintenance team can do this, flat roof experts recommend having it done professionally. There are certain measures that need to be taken to walk on a flat roof, a process that commercial building contractors such as roofers, HVAC and plumbers know and understand that importance. 

With that recommendation made, the steps required to apply a waterproofing material on a flat roof are: 

1. Measure the roof then multiply the length with the width to get the square footage. This will tell you it needs how much waterproof coating for your flat roof. 
2. Clean the flat roof surface with a broom or pressure washer to remove any dirt and dust. If a pressure washer is used, you must allow it to dry before applying the waterproofing material. 
3. Pour one gallon of the elastomeric flat roof coating on the roof and use a paint roller, spread evenly, starting in one corner and working around the roof backward. Avoid stepping on the coating and repeat after 24 hours of waiting. 

Note that all 3 of these suggestions are for temporary repair only. You need to have a contractor with experience in a flat roof inspect the damage and the entire roof and make a permanent repair or resurface the roof.

Your commercial building is an expensive investment, the flat roof on that building is an investment for protecting that investment. Have the best flat roof material possible for your area’s climate and the environment will give you the longest lifespan and most ROI. Need a flat roof replacement in Fort Worth, TX? Call 817-349-0016 today!

After you have bought the house, there are a lot of responsibilities when it comes to homeownership. Besides the mortgage, insurance, taxes, and utilities, there is maintenance and preventive maintenance. Sometimes, those maintenance and preventive maintenance tasks need to be done by a professional, like a roof inspection for insurance purposes.

What is included in a roof inspection?

A roof inspection will include exterior and interior checks. Depending on what type of materials that the roof is made of will determine what a professional roofing contractor will look for. The interior portion of a roof inspection will include checking the insulation and ventilation in the attic, as well as checking for any moisture and mold. The exterior portion of a roof inspection will include the inspector to climb up on the roof to check several things, depending on if the house has shingle roofing or metal roofing.

A shingle roof inspection will include these areas that are known for these common issues:

• Water damage – If a roof inspection finds water damage, there can be several issues that caused that. Water not draining suitably because of clogged gutters, loose flashing, damaged or missing shingles are the usual culprits.
• Mold – A roof inspection that finds mold growing around or on the chimney or on attic insulation indicates excessive water damage.
• Deteriorating shingles – As we stated above, loose or missing shingles is an issue that a roof inspection will note. Shingles with algae or rot will be noted as well.
• Clogged gutters – A roof inspection will include checking the gutter system, making sure it is clear of any debris or shingle granules.

A metal roof inspection will be looking for areas of concern for leaks, as well as the following areas:

• Loose seams – Because metal roofs contract and expand with the weather, the screws that are used to install them can be come loosened and the seams to separate. When left unattended, condensation can build up on the underlying structure and create water damage.
• Damaged or Loose flashing – A metal roof inspection will look for damaged or loose flashing. Water can seep into those areas and begin corroding the underside.  
• Rust – A metal roof inspection will look for any rust. Rust eats holes into metal roofing, allowing water to leak in, and over time, the metal roof panels will fall apart.

How long does a roof inspection take?

The time it takes to complete a roof inspection will depend on the size of the house being an inspection. A house with multiple levels, additions, or wings can take longer than a basic “box” style house.  The average time is anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours.

Who can do a roof inspection?

Anyone with a ladder and isn’t afraid of heights can inspect a roof, but that doesn’t make them a roofing professional. If you need a roof inspection, you should call a roofing contractor that is certified, insured, licensed, and preferably has experience with recommendations and strong reputation.  Be careful in hiring a company that has left a flyer on your door without doing your homework to check them out.

2. The Interior:

• With a flashlight, look for leaks in the attic, indicated by dark stains or wet areas on the rafters, the decking, around the chimney, HVAC pipes, plumbing vent pipes, skylights, and valleys.
• If you push a sharp object through any dark spots, you currently have a leak.
• Turn off the flashlight and look for any light coming through cracks or pinpoints.  
• Check for sagging between rafters.

Are roof inspections free?

This price will vary from city to city, state to state and the size of the house being inspected. Some roofing contractors offer free roof inspections, and some will offer free roof inspection with the purchase of a roofing job.

Your home is an important investment, and the roof should be in the best shape possible. It not only is protecting you, your family, and the contents but it keeps the walls up too! Take care of your roof with regular roof inspections, and it will take care of you! Call 817-349-0016 today for a roof inspection from McStay Quality Roofing in Fort Worth, TX!

When shingles are torn off the roof, they will leave the underlayment, roof deck or prior shingles exposed to nature’s wrath.  In other cases, strong winds can lead to shingles that lift and subsequently curl.  Once shingles are removed or compromised due to storm conditions, it is that much easier for water to move below and cause roof leaks.  Furthermore, hail has the potential to put pockmarks and dent in shingles, dislodging the granules meant to protect against storms.

How do You Know if Your Roof is Damaged?

If you are still wondering “Is there storm damage to my roof?” you are not alone.  This is the top concern of people throughout the greater Fort Worth, TX area after a powerful storm passes through.  Unless you get up on a ladder to check out the integrity of your roof after the storm has passed, there will be no way to know the extent of storm damage roof shingles, if leak repair is necessary or if you need a full replacement.

However, it is possible to perform a superficial scan from the ground level.  Walk around your home’s perimeter while keeping your eyes on the roof.  If you notice curled shingles, shingles around the ground level of your home, a compromised chimney, damaged gutters or any other obvious forms of damage, your roof will require either repair or replacement.  However, there is only so much you can see from the ground level.  It is better to have a roofing professional climb a ladder to inspect the integrity of your roof in a truly comprehensive manner after the storm has passed.  Additional signs of new roof storm damage every homeowner should know include cracked shingles, split seams, torn flashing and even portions that are blown right off the structure.

What do You do After a Storm?

Now that the storm is over, it is time to take a look for damage as detailed above.  There is a good chance a powerful storm will either require repair or replacement so don’t assume your Fort Worth, TX home is perfectly fine just because it is still standing.  Here’s how to proceed after the storm:

• Perform a superficial scan for noticeable damage
• Call your insurance agent to determine if you should file a claim
• Hire a professional roofer to perform an in-depth inspection on top of the roof
• Obtain an estimate for roof repair/replacement
• Determine when roof repair/replacement will be necessary
• Decide on the repair/replacement materials
• Let the experienced roofers perform the repair/replacement on your behalf

The best roofers in the business are willing to sit down with you to explain the importance of the necessary repairs/replacement.  This is your opportunity to pick the roofer’s brain, ask questions and have your concerns addressed.  From the optimal roofing materials to safeguard your home to financing options, warranties and scheduling, the roofer you select should be 100% clear about every aspect of this project.

How can I Tell When my Roof was Replaced?

In some cases, damage resulting from a storm makes it clear the roof was recently replaced or replaced at some point in the past.  However, there is no concrete way to tell exactly when your roof was replaced unless the prior owner explicitly states the replacement date.  There is nothing wrong with asking the prior owner when the roof was last replaced or if there is any roof damage by storm.  Certain counties mandate the use of a building permit when a new roof is installed.  If you can find the building permit through the building department, you might be able to pinpoint the exact date the roofing permit was provided.  If the roofer you are currently working with replaced the roof in the past, ask for a copy of the receipt of workmanship.  When in doubt, rely on a home inspector or roofing company to provide an estimate of the roof’s installation date.

Asphalt Roof Shingles Pros and Cons

Asphalt Roof Shingles vs Metal

Of course, the one thing most homeowners want to know is which is better: asphalt shingles or metal roof? The answer is both easy and complicated at the same time.

Choosing a residential roofing structure is dependant on several things including your environment, your budget, your concerns, and many more. If you live in an area with drastic temperature changes and little to no hail, then a metal roof may be the better investment for you. The material will be able to withstand the temperature changes without breaking and becoming damaged. 

That being said, if you live in an area with heavy rain and hail-fall, then an asphalt shingle roof may be the better investment. While metal can withstand impacts, it can become dented and dinged and the repairs to remove them can be costly. Most asphalt shingles, like architectural and impact-resistant shingles, are actually designed to handle those impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do asphalt roof shingles last?
  • Generally speaking, asphalt shingles can last between 20-25 years. That is taking into consideration regular temperatures, consistent maintenance, and non-threatening damages or elements. Without at least a yearly inspection, homeowners can see the life-expectancy significantly decrease.
• Are asphalt roofs good?
  • They are actually very good. There have been new innovations that are proving to be more efficient than asphalt shingle roofing, but that doesn’t discredit the tried and true reliability of this material. Plus, there are several advances in the way of asphalt shingles that make them more durable, while still maintaining the affordability.
• Are architectural shingles worth it?
  • It depends on what your needs are. Architectural shingles could be a great investment for those in areas with more rain or hail since the shingles themselves are thicker. If you don’t need protection from those things, they may not be the best investment.
• Are metal roofs better than shingles?
  • Which is better will depend on your needs and your location. Areas that are prone to hail or extreme weather conditions may benefit from a metal roof but will find the need to repair dents and dings. Those repairs can be costly, which can make a metal roof seem less of a good financial investment.

How Long Does a Green Roof Last?

General estimates for the length of a green roof life range from thirty to fifty years. Interested customers should note that when a green roof is installed, it protects the roof membrane, which can extend the life of a roof by two or three times beyond its typical lifespan. In Europe, where builders have incorporated the green roof into the landscape, they have been building green roofs since the 1960s.

Are Green Roofs Cost Effective?

According to certain studies, results suggest that green roofs are not cost-effective on a private cost basis, however, multi-family and commercial building green roofs are competitive when social benefits are included. It is important to note that there is a wide range of other factors and benefits that lend green roofs to being an excellent roofing choice determinant on positive environmental impact and overall longevity.

What Are the Advantages of a Green Roof?

A Green roof has a wealth of advantages that are worthy of consideration. With increased population growth and urbanization, there is a growing necessity to recover important green space. The installation of green roofs is one of the critical ways that human beings can positively impact the environment. Green roofs provide numerous environmental, economic and social benefits. For business patrons to be able to walk across a commercial roof and smell flowers and enjoy nature has a certain appeal. For some, the necessary migration of stormwater runoff is one of the primary benefits of a green roof. Speedy runoff from a roof can exacerbate flooding, increase erosion and could result in raw sewage being dumped into sewers. Many prospective clients are aware of these problems and invest in green roofs as a suitable roofing alternative.

What Are the Two Types of Green Roofs?

As previously discussed, there are two different types of green roofs. Realistically, the two different types of green roofs can be separated into three different types: intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive. Extensive roofs are described as thin, lightweight roof systems that only have a depth of approximately six to twenty centimeters deep. Semi-intensive green roofs have a slightly deeper thickness, while intensive green roofs are recognized to have a thickness of twenty to one hundred centimeters. Intensive green roofs can support a wonderful variety of plants due to their accommodations, with plant options ranging from shrubs to small trees.

How Does A Green Roof Help the Environment?

Green roofs help reduce stormwater runoff. During heavy or continuous rain, runoff can easily overwhelm the surrounding built-up stormwater infrastructure. This excess of stormwater runoff can potentially damage waterways and influence the fish habitat. Plants growing on a green roof help retain rainwater. This rainwater is returned to plants, which return a portion of this water to the atmosphere through the process of evaporation. This results in the portion of stormwater that does run off the roof being cleaner, and healthier for the environment.

Green Roof for Building

It is important for homeowners to consider the possible causes of a water leak for their green roof. Essentially, the underlayment or underlying roof membrane can eventually deteriorate. For commercial buildings, which do endure a certain measure of wear and tear, this can be especially problematic. Nonetheless, the international community of roofer and enterprising architects agree that green roofs comprise a dazzling streamlining of environmentally friendly roofing alternatives. Rooftop gardens on top of commercial buildings provide a special benefit for businesses that conduct international relations and business deals, as a view of the skyscrapers from the vantage of a garden is uncommon and particularly extraordinary.

Green Roof vs Cool Roof

What primarily benefits the property owner will primarily benefit the roof. One of the things that are most important to consider is whether or not a cool roof would be more beneficial. Please consider the following bulleted list to determine what the benefits are of a cool roof.

• Cost benefits. The cost to install a cool roof is not necessarily different from the cost of installing a non-cool roof, making cool roofs exceptionally cost-effective.
• Energy savings. Cool roofs achieve the greatest amount of cooling savings in hot climates. Commercial property owners will see the maximum amount of energy savings once a non-cool roof is transformed into a cool roof alternative.
• Moisture control. It is important to consider that moisture will always affect a roof, even a cool roof. In warm, humid environments, mold and algae can grow. Thus, in this case, a cool roof does not necessarily stand apart from a green roof.

If you think you need a green roof system in Fort Worth, TX, call McStay Quality Roofing at 817-349-0016 to speak with our staff about making an appointment for your green roof system today!

All single-ply systems are lightweight, so there’s no need to add any special structures to support the roofing system. Each type of single-ply roof is highly impact resistant, and they are able to withstand the tears and abrasions caused by severe weather, especially hail. This is particularly valued, because hail can create serious problems for roofs that can require costly, major repairs or even require untimely replacement. This damage resistance also leaves your roof less vulnerable to leaks. The rubberized roofing materials can also be reused and recycled, which makes them valued for their environmental friendliness.

These roofing systems are versatile too. They will fit on almost any building layout and are simple to install, whether installation involves glue, fasteners or heat application. These roofs are also valued because they are low maintenance, and when repairs are needed, they are easy to repair. Single-ply roofs are sturdy enough you won’t have to worry about further damages from foot traffic when repairs are made.

Additionally, if your industry involves high concentrations of chemicals or oil and grease, single-ply systems hold up well against these materials. These roofs also protect against mold and algae growth, which can severely harm a roof.

Made from highly reflective material, these roofs also maintain energy efficiency by drawing heat away from the building, so you’ll experience less strain on your HVAC system and see your energy bills drop. Single-ply roofs are also less likely to suffer serious damage or discoloration from long-term exposure to the sun.

Most of the materials used for these roofs are white or light-colored, which not only means they are more reflective than darker roofs like bitumen or built-up tar and gravel, they cool better in hotter weather. White or cool roofs can reduce heat by 50 degrees or more, saving on cooling, making cool roofs ideal for those living in areas like Texas that experience long, hot summers.

If you are planning to install a single-ply roofing system in Fort Worth, TX and throughout North Texas, the roofers at McStay Quality Roofing are the experienced professionals you can rely on. Schedule us today by calling 817-349-0016.

One the things commercial builders and business owners like best about single-ply roofs are their low cost. Besides being easy to install, you can choose different thicknesses, depending on your needs. You save money by applying a roof at the thickness you want, rather than having to choose one size.

When you choose single-ply roof installation with McStay Quality Roofing , you can trust you’ll get an experienced crew, trained to work with every variety of roofing system and roofing material. Our crews have more than 30 years of experience in roofing and our goal is always to make sure your company has a durable roof protecting your property and your employees for years to come.

Schedule us today

We are leaders when it comes to single-ply roofing in Fort Worth, TX and throughout North Texas. Find out what we can do for you and schedule us today by calling 817-349-0016.