Roofing Maintenance Myths You Should Stop Believing

Maintenance services are a staple of almost all roofing contractors in New York. Roof repair in Brooklyn is for putting a permanent fix on issues; regular upkeep is for preventing such problems from occurring. Regardless of your property, be it residential or commercial, routine maintenance is critical to preserving the structural integrity of your roofing.

Despite the clear role it would play in keeping the roof above your head in tip-top condition at all times, there seem to be a lot of preconceived ideas circling around about roofing maintenance. These misconceptions do nothing but make you fall into a false sense of security, which may cost you significant amounts of money and cause you unnecessary headaches in the future.

The following are the most common roofing maintenance myths you have to forget starting today.

All Roofing Systems Have a Lifetime Warranty

This has been a subject of debate between homeowners and contractors time and again. While “Lifetime Warranty” actually means complete coverage of the roofing until the end of time, this agreement has conditions.

In most cases, the warranty only covers the roofing material itself, not the underlayment beneath it. It might really come as a shock to find out which sections are not part of the agreement. The only way to avoid any unpleasant surprises is to read every word on the warranty right from the start, and give your roof proper maintenance.

The Warranty Covers Everything

Many people believe that their warranty would cover any sort of roofing failure; this is only half-true. The warranty actually only takes effect if the roofing is maintained regularly. Without the necessary upkeep, the warranty becomes invalid.

Maintenance is Just a Waste of Money

You’re not required to pay for a maintenance program, but it’s a sound investment to keep your warranty valid. In addition, your maintenance paperwork can serve as a supporting document should you file an insurance claim.

Keeping your roof in great condition is the simplest way to care for your roof and extend its shelf life. The small amount you have to pay for this program is nothing compared to the incomparable benefits you can enjoy in return.

Contact us at 1 516 437 7955 for inquiries or visit us at 540 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Square, NY 11010. Visit http://georgeparsonsroofing.com/roof-repair/ for more about our services.

A Broken Roof: What to Expect

When it comes to roofing contractors, Long Island is not scarce in this aspect. Long Island roofing is at its best, as it is surrounded by many working and able contractors that will install and maintain different types of roofs. Like every other things, flat types have variety of common problems such as flashing issues, seal problems and poor installation. They may have imperfections, and nevertheless they work well in many different types of buildings. They are structured to be simpler than elaborate slate, shingle and metal-style and flat and low-slope roofs. These inexpensive problems can be repaired using the solutions below.

Overbearing water

Removing excess water is the very basic and most important step. Snow and ice has the ability to block drains and gutters that will result to pooling of water. This can be avoided by using a squeegee, shovel or broom.

Drain the leak

If the drains are clogged, your business or home might develop a serious  leaks. This can damage the attic insulation, indoor furnishing and flooring. In order to avoid these damages, you can simple measures can be taken. First locate where the water usually pools, and then pull the rubber material up. After, bolster the insulation and re-install rubber shingles and the new flashing.

A crack here and there

Weathering or material irregularities can cause cracks in the sheathing. If this happens, peel up the surrounding sheathing. This will allow moist areas to dry. Then squeeze high quality cement into the crack. Then finally replace the sheathing. All of these could fix the problem. Additionally, 2 or 3 layers of cement can be applied to make sure that there will be no leaks in the future. When the cement is dry, a garden hose can be used to test the area.

The fungal take over

Fungus growth in or on your flat roof can cause roof flashing damage, and will then require repairs. As it grows, it also pushes the shingles or flashing away. To repair this kind of damage always wear gloves and mask to protect you from fungus inhalation and apply a recommended roofing fungicide to the source of the leak. And finally purchase a flashing repair kit as this provides instructions on how to replace it when problems in the flashing occur.

Contact your local  roofers Long Island  today and say goodbye to these  problems.

Make Your Roofs Better With Science!

Not all roofs are created equal, and with good reason. Each house is unique not just because of its structure and design, but because of how contractors need to adapt those designs to suit the property’s location. This requires an understanding of both attic ventilation and hygro-thermal zones.

When people say they need attic ventilation, they mean either one of two things. The first is that they live in a cold climate environment, and they need an attic ventilation system to maintain a cold roof temperature. This is to prevent the snow from melting and cause ice dams that saturate, or seep into the roofing structure, causing damage.

What this kind of attic ventilation does is to trap the heat in the attic, and prevent the snow from melting. This system not only saves the roof from unnecessary damage, but also allows the home to save on heating bills.

The second kind of attic ventilation for homes with warm climate environments is understandably the polar opposite. This kind of attic ventilation expels as much heat as possible from the home, and helps homeowners save on the cooling bill. Both attic ventilation designs were only made possible with the careful study and application of science, along with the need to save on cash as the driving motivators.

Attic ventilation is just one way homeowners can improve the functionality and design of their roofs to serve as more than just a protective cover. Roofing design and materials are using new methods and techniques to help homeowners cut down costs on energy consumption, as well as roof repair.

Roofers are using stronger and lighter materials, and even combining different techniques to maintain the structure of the roof longer. The game’s not all about the difference in materials used, though, as more roofers are willing to experiment with different roof designs that can help conserve even more energy.

Unfortunately, not many people are aware or are being told about all these advancements. I you’re one of these people give us a call immediately, and our helpful professionals can fill you in on everything you need to know about making a better roof. For more info visit : http://georgeparsonsroofing.com/

What You Can’t See Can Hurt You

Just because your roof isn’t leaking doesn’t mean it’s perfectly fine. Potential problems may lie beneath the surface of a seemingly normal roofing exterior. At George Parsons, we pride ourselves in providing our customers with superior quality roofs to keep them nice and warm during winter and amply shaded during the summer. We furnish excellent roof repair services in Brooklyn, NY.

You depend on your roof to weather the ravages of time and shelter you through the changing seasons. While you may perform routine checkups and maintenance on your own, it is highly recommended that you let professional contractors handle the job to ensure safety and quality finishes. With years of roofing experience, you can be sure that no roofing problem shall escape our specialists’ trained eyes.

Below are some hidden dangers that may be lurking right under your roof:

Leaks

Leaks can be tricky to spot unless you do regular roof checkups. More often than not, they are detected too late, thus have the capacity to cause major problems for homeowners.

Mold and Mildew

Excess moisture, if left unchecked, has the potential to wreak havoc on your roof and burn a hole in your pocket. Beams and support structures can be compromised due to mold and mildew growth. Mildew spores entering your living space also provides a health hazard for you and your family.

Inadequate Insulation

Improper insulation also makes your home a fertile ground for mold and mildew. More than this, inadequate insulation can also mean improper heating or air conditioning, which can cause a surge in your electrical consumption.

Improper Ventilation

It all comes back to mold and mildew. Improper ventilation can help feed it and speed up its growth.

Be sure you have a dependable roof over your head and let the pros handle it. For more information about our products and services at George Parsons Roofing, you can call (516) 437-7955 or you can visit us at Franklin Avenue, Franklin Square, NY. You can also visit our website for repair and maintenance tips and other roofing concerns. For more info visit : http://georgeparsonsroofing.com/

Roofing Insulation: Keeping warm

As the area is familiar with the white stuff, snow, Long Island can reach low temperatures. Hypothermia is not a good idea, so keeping warm is a must. There are a number of ways to achieve optimum warmth, a heater, a lit fire place, massive amounts of blankets, or even insulating. This can be cost effective, even for flat roofs, and your local Long Island roofing contractors can provide the service. They can install the protection and make sure that it works like a charm. But before choosing the right type, one must know the difference from the three most common types. And this article aims to help.

The blown flat roof insulation

This is also known as the loose-fill. This type costs more than other types, but generally provides better results. It reduces air leakage and fills in spaces and gaps much easier. The process involves using special equipment to blow fiber pellets or loose fibers into the building cavities or attics. Cellulose fiber is also an option as it can be installed in the attic with the use of a dry-pack process or a moist-spray technique. The cellulose fiber is treated chemically for resistance to moisture and fire. Blown insulation has a value of R-3 to R-4, which experts use as categories for the thickness. The bigger the number, the better.

Blanket insulation for flat roofs

This is also referred to as the batt and blanket. The latter is generally the cheapest type, but it requires careful set up to acquire effective results. The blanket comes in long rolls, while batts come in lengths of 4 or 8 feet. They are cut to fit in between wood-framings in the ceiling, within walls, or even the floors below. This type is made from mineral fiber, processed from either fiberglass, or rock wool. The batt and blanket are R-3 in the R-scale for thickness.

The rigid flat roof insulation

The rigid or rigid board to some, is typically used for flat roofs. This type  can be installed in the interior or exterior aspects. In the interior perspective, it must be covered with either ½ inch gypsum board, or with another building-code, fire safe and approved material. In the exterior aspect, the covering must be weather proof. This type of  is made from fiberglass, polystyrene, or polyurethane. It’s R-value varies and provides high insulation, ranging from R-4 to R-8.

For more info visit : http://georgeparsonsroofing.com/

Concrete Roof Repair Tips by your Long Island Roofing Contractors

Concrete roof repairs are necessary because the material is usually susceptible to cracking, crazing, scaling, and etc. In minor cases, timely  maintenance will help ensure that there is no form of structural damage. The main problem with the use of concrete roofs is that the material is porous and eventually retains moisture. This moisture can result to cracking or corrosion of rebars which then leads to spalling. Water leaks are the most common complaints when concrete tiles are used.

Waterproofing
When there are leaks on a flat concrete roof, the repair always involves the application of a waterproof cement or sealant at the location of the leak. Oftentimes, cracks may be filled with similar caulking materials to prevent damage. But if you really intend to fix and avoid leaks to a more significant extent, the best choice would be to waterproof your entire surface regardless of where the leaks are located. Make sure you clean the entire surface with pressure washer before proceeding with the project. Fill cracks with cement or mortar and apply a good prime. As soon as the prime has dried up, apply elastomeric sealant to corners, cracks and other damaged areas and lastly to the entire roof. Follow a second coat after a day.

Roofing felt
Damaged tile can be repaired by replacing or repositioning. While it is still necessary to replace these cracked tiles and reposition if they don’t fit snuggly, sometimes the root of the problem is actually below the surface. When spacing appear in them, fixing would usually involve re-caulking exposed nails and replacing tiles. But even after extensive work the problem remains, then the main problem is the felt. Even if the felt doesn’t appear to be broken or damaged, it can still cause seepage especially if it is old and worn out already.

Spotting the Source
A popular practice in repairing is checking the area that is just above the leak. However, the actual source could be somewhere else. To avoid committing this error, don’t restrict your inspection to the area just above.  Check corners, sides, drain pipes & etc. There are times when leaks aren’t visible on the surface. A faulty plumbing line may also be the source. Concrete is permeable so water drainage can result from one point to another. For more info visit : http://georgeparsonsroofing.com/hello-world-2/

Why Flat Roofs Might Be For You

Homes sporting flat roofing systems have steadily grown in number in recent years. While other roofing types are still prevalent up to this day, many American families are starting to appreciate the wonders of having a flat roof over their heads.

At George Parsons, we have personally seen the positive impacts of such roofing system to numerous families. It offers many benefits, but it can offer much more particularly if you know how it can put you at an advantage.

You need good insulation

Make sure your home has good insulation facilities, from the roof down to its foundations. Not all roofing types deliver the same level of insulation, though. Sometimes, homeowners only get a fraction of the efficiency they receive from their current insulation system. Flat roofs, on the other hand, help you maximize your insulation measures. With proper installation, you can save on energy expenses soon.

You need extra space

Space remains a precious commodity. With real property market prices soaring, it is hard to find that valuable space you need. Flat roofs can give you more options when it comes to living spaces. For instance, you can use your flat roof as your makeshift garden area. Just be sure to have the drainage and watering system installed properly. Get as much natural light as you can as well.

You want to make the most of your solar panels

Solar panels are modern families’ energy-saving essentials. To make the most of this technology, however, you need to harness as light as efficiently as possible. Steep sloping roofs are not ideal in such cases as they do not receive light as much as flat roofs do.

You love contemporary designs

If you love modern concepts, chances are, you will stumble upon designs with flat roofs. They can go with any kind of theme, be it Mediterranean or Victorian-style. Flat roofs are a mark of contemporary designs. They can transform the look of your house and make it appeal more to those who embrace modern home styles.

Flat roofs are beneficial for many homeowners. Whatever your preferences are, we can help you have the flat roofing solutions you need. Give us a call today to know more about our services at : .http://georgeparsonsroofing.com/flat-roofs-might/

How Good Weather Isn’t Good For Your Roof

For most property owners, roof maintenance begins before winter. Once the cold months have passed, it’s all about assessing and repairing damages incurred from all the snow. This, however, is a contradiction when your goal is to maintain your roof. Good weather, after all, isn’t so good for your roof.

Here are a few reasons that justify why you should still be mindful of the roof above your head even when it’s sunny.

The sun is always there

Day in, day out, the sun is there to provide you with the light you need, but it also delivers serious blows on your roof. Sunlight beats down your roof for about 12 hours every day, which means the heat has a lot of time to damage the roof little by little.

Let’s take a look at it scientifically: the infrared light is where the sun stores its heat. On a daily basis, your roof has to deal with that part of the solar spectrum. When your attic lacks the proper ventilation, heat can easily build up. Heat, of course, will try to find a way out of the confined area, which can force a lot of roof repairs.

Ultraviolet rays damage materials

Roof materials still go through wear and tear. Despite technological advancements, the daily exposure to heat would still, in one way or another, deal some damage to your roof. The intensity can go beyond cracked shingles that need replacement, as the roof material can expand or contract due to the swings in temperature.

Unprotected surfaces, especially wood, would also suffer from ultraviolet rays and ruin its finish and durability.

Ignoring issues can lead to disasters

Lastly, letting the warmer seasons pass without having a roof inspection can lead to costly repairs on the first heavy snowfall. The expansion and contraction of materials can result in leaks. Once this goes unnoticed, the next thing you know is that you need to spend hundreds of dollars for its repair. Remember that in home maintenance, every hiccup has to be addressed early on.

At George Parsons Roofing, we can help you nip these roof issues in the bud. We conduct inspections and repairs across New York. To know more about our services, feel free to contact us at : .http://georgeparsonsroofing.com/good-weather-isnt-good-roof/

The Common Mistakes That Sabotage Your Slate Roof Jobs

Does debris regularly fall out of your roof gutters? Are there any missing shingles and dark spots on your roof? If these happen to your roof, you’re probably experiencing the effects of having improperly maintained or installed roofing.

For some homeowners, slate roofs are among the most cost effective and durable roofing systems. If you take care of them properly, they may last for more than a hundred years. There are homeowners, however, who experience a lower quality of life because of leaking roofs and other issues. There are different causes of roofing damage, but this could be because of their contractors or roofing team that messed up the whole process.

Let the experience do the talking

Before hiring any contractor, check their record. You may even ask for a portfolio of their previous jobs. It helps to know if they have the right expertise and years of experience in the business, so you have peace of mind as they begin their work. Don’t let your wrong choice of contractor make you feel anxious about your house. Select those with specializations and who can discuss the construction and repair process openly with you.

Don’t risk your house and your safety with a DIY project

You simply cannot walk on your slate roof when you need to fix or replace something at the top. Allow the professional contractors to repair and replace your missing shingles. Even if you do things carefully, you might end up falling from your roof surrounded with a couple of broken shingles and other debris. Don’t pursue a self-help project as slate roofing requires a different set of skills and knowledge.

Get an expert’s assistance

Failing to consider the weight of your slate roof is one of the biggest mistakes that amateur contractors make. You need to have your house evaluated from a structural viewpoint before conducting any slate roofing. This is to make sure that your house can take the weight of your roof, leading to no further damages.

Keep in mind that slate roofing requires a flexible budget. You need to tighten your expenses on a few areas and allocate a larger portion to the slate roofing job. To get the quality work equivalent to your money’s worth, go with George Parsons Roofing professional roofing contractors. Our experienced team provides first-rate roofing services and the ultimate craftsmanship. We offer roof repairs, copper work, and residential and slate roofing jobs.

For more info visit roofers long island visit : http://georgeparsonsroofing.com/

Roof & Roots: Caring for Your Rooftop Garden

Horticultural gardens residences have fascinated people since ancient times and have many great health benefits. It is a good way to connect with nature, especially for homeowners who do not have enough gardening space. Plus, it adds to the visual appeal of a home – spots of green are a refreshing sight in a sea of concrete structures. It’s no wonder more homeowners are beginning to embrace the idea of urban farming these days.

One critical requirement of a good rooftop garden is a properly maintained flat roofing system. It may seem difficult at first, but maintaining a flat roof is not so difficult if you know how to do it.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Added Weight

Soil, plants, pots, and other gardening materials may become a burden for the structure. Before bringing plants up to the roof, make sure your home is structurally sound to bear the added weight. Ask licensed engineers or inspectors to check the structural integrity of your home for good measure.

Flat Roof Membrane

Another challenge is determining which roof membrane will work best. It is important that your flat roof’s protective membrane is waterproof and easily replaceable to prevent damage to your property. Though you can make a decisions backed by research, it is still best to consult flat roofing specialists to avoid making the wrong choice.

Irrigation and Drainage System

If you already have a tough membrane in place, you can proceed with setting up irrigation and drainage systems. There are special provisions for this in building codes; look for these specific regulations for further guidance.

Safety

Safety should also matter when preparing and maintaining your rooftop garden. Tall, sturdy railings can do the trick, but it is always wise to install lighting fixtures and put up warning labels to inform visitors, especially at night.

George Parsons Roofers Long Island can help you install and maintain high quality flat roofing systems that work to your advantage. To learn more about our flat roof services, give us a call now.