1) Place a New Shingle Over the Existing Shingles

This is just about the worst thing you can do when you are looking to patch a roof. Some building codes say that it is an acceptable fix, but you should consider that it is a temporary fix that can cause big issues long term. There may be rot under the shingles that needs to be stripped away and replaced, but you wouldn?t know unless you strip off the old shingles to properly inspect the leak.

2) All Asphalt Is the Same

Older shingles are nothing compared to the new asphalt shingles on the market today. Today?s shingles are laminated, reinforced with fiberglass, and more durable than ever before. Purchasing higher quality asphalt shingles that won?t deteriorate as quickly can prevent roof leaks.

3) A Small Leak Can Be Repaired DIY

Sometimes homeowners want to save some cash and repair a leak by themselves. If you are particularly handy, you may be able to repair a leak on your roof. However, with particularly severe roof leaks, you may want the eye of a professional. They may be able to see other issues with your roof that you haven?t noticed before. Your small leak may look small but have bigger costly issues.

I?ve done and seen more than my fair share of welding over the past 40 years. And in that time the materials and welding technology have changed significantly. There were also a number of lessons learned along the way. For the old-timers out there, how many of you remember manufacturers saying these new thermoplastic materials could be welded ?straight through water??a

In the early 1970s I learned how to solvent weld PVC membranes. At the time, this was a totally foreign concept and process to me since I had been raised installing built-up roof (BUR) membranes. Fortunately, the welding process saw advancements in the late 1970s and early 1980s, most notably moving away from the use of tetrahydrofuran (THF), a fairly toxic and highly flammable solvent, to hot air. The hot air welding process was ushered in with the introduction of automatic hot air welders. However, the equipment we were using was a technology transfer from the linoleum industry. It was effective, but more often than not the automatic welders had to be run on strips of sheet metal so they didn?t create seam wrinkles. And if we were welding six feet a minute we were ?flying.?

Today?s technology has improved the automated process 100 times over. But even with the technology advancements, some aspects of the process have not changed since the early days.a The following are a few tips that will go a long way toward ensuring quality and efficiency when welding thermoplastics.

• The first principle of roofing is that all materials need to be kept dry. Moisture is the enemy of any roof system and proper storage of thermoplastic membranes can be the make-or-break factor when it comes to welding the materials together.
  
  
• The laps need to be clean. Dirt will impair the quality of the weld by creating a barrier between the polymers. Cleaning the laps may take a little time but it?s well worth the effort and ensures a quality welding process. All manufacturers either offer or recommend specific cleaning solvents for thermoplastic membranes.
  
  
• Training cannot be overlooked. This training needs to come from the manufacturer of the particular membrane. To assume that all thermoplastic membranes are alike can be a costly mistake. Their individual chemistries are unique to the individual product and understanding their nuances can be the difference between a poor and great experience for the owner as well as the crew.
  
  
• It?s not how fast you weld, it?s how well you weld fast. Welding fast is ineffective and unnecessary. Welding the membrane is one of?if not the?most critical processes done on the roof. It makes little sense to rush the welding process. I hear reports of individuals welding at 15 feet a minute and higher. Then people wonder when there are reports of poor seams. The fallback explanation is always that the seam issue must be the result of a membrane problem. Just because an automatic welder can go fast doesn?t mean you need to run it flat out. Too often this is just poor training and individuals going through the motions.
  
  
• Test welds can save a lot of rework.aToo often contractors think this takes too much time, but dialing in the automatic welder daily or after significant temperature changes during the day can actually save money that would be spent on reworking or stripping bad seams.
  
  
• You can?t probe your way to quality. Running a probe down a seam to find imperfections in the welds is an after-the-fact process and an attempt to inspect your way to quality.aEvery void, regardless of reason, has a cost associated with its repair.

In addition to the above, general safety precautions, consistent and proper power sources as well as equipment maintenance are also factors that have to be addressed daily to ensure safe, effective and high-quality rooftop welding operations.

I had a superintendent once whose motto was, ?hurry up and get it done so we have time to come back and fix it later.?aThis mentality costs contractors money and destroys an owner?s perception of quality when the finished roof is all patched up due to ineffective welding practices. My welding days are about over, but I can sum it all up with a lesson learned long ago.aDIRFT: Just do it right the first time.

hbspt.cta.load(481605, '517869ea-e85e-41ce-aee7-f94122ce48cd', {});

Satellite Dishes allow great service to reach your home.a If you are in a rural area this is especially true as it is often the only high speed communication service available.a In order for your satellite signal to travel over such great distances, they need a clear line of sight to the signal source or satellite.a Typically, the best position is on your roof or as high up as possible.aa Satellite service providers will mount the satellite directly to your roof.a New punctures when not sealed properly can cause unknown leaks leading to thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs.a A professional Bryan roofer can certainly help prevent this issue by working with satellite dish providers.

Satellite Dish Mounting

After your service agreement has been arranged, your installer will come to your location and climb on your roof.a Armed with a drill, the installer will drill holes directly into your roof in order to bolt on the satellite dish mount.a These holes pierce all layers or protection that your Bryan roofer installed, including the waterproof underlayment and seals.a The holes newly created large enough to fit a half inch bolt and are about 3 inches long.a Usually, four to six holes are drilled through the roof to complete the install.

The real issue with drilling directly into the roof is whether or not the installer uses the proper materials to prevent leaks.a Bolts should be stainless steel or made of some kind of anticorrosive properties. lnasmuch gaps should be closed with water resistant tar and sealant.a This step is often overlooked.

Running Wires

After the dish is mounted securely to your roofer, the installer must run the signal wire down to the receiver in your house.a This wire is attached with a staple gun.a This staple gun punctures typical asphalt shingles causing cracks in the shingles.a These cracks will expand when water and ice falls within.

How Damage Occurs

The damaged to the roof caused by the satellite installation is actually superficial at first.a The real damage actually happens later because the roof is already in a weakened state.a Without proper sealant water will follow the three inch bolts down their lengths and into the roof.a The same water also falls into cracks in the shingles.a Additionally, wires that are left on the roof can obstruct the flow of rain runoff.a This can lead to more water being retained on the roof.a Water can also be diverted to miss natural flows to gutters and their drain pipes.

When Leaks Form

When a leak forms in a roof the leak must be repaired quickly to prevent further damage to the roofing system.a In many cases, depending on the roofing materials used, an entire roof replacement may be needed.

If you experience a leak, the best thing to do is to have a professional Bryan roofer evaluate the damage to the roof.a This way if you do have to file an insurance claim, you will have proper documentation and evidence as to the underlying cause of the leak.

If you find that you have a leak formed after any installation to your roof, contact Schulte Roofing for a professional Bryan roofer evaluation.a They will provide you with the necessary documentation for your insurance claim, work with the satellite providers to provide the best installation techniques, and solve your leak issue.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, managing gutters and downspouts is an almost constant struggle. It?s all fun and games in the Summer. But if we?re not prepared for Fall, clogs, misaligned downspouts, and other problems can sneak up, requiring hasty repairs to get ahead of the bad weather.

If you plan ahead for the rainy seasons this year, though, you could enjoying a little something extra: the soothing sound of rain rushing down the chains you?ve used to replace your downspouts.

Rain chains have been used in Japan for centuries, but they?ve recently been catching on in the U.S. as an attractive downspout alternative. Some use actual chains, but many different shapes are available, like cups or bells that ring as the rain travels down them. Rain chains can improve your home?s curb appeal and sound lovely, but if you?re thinking of installing them, it?s important to do it correctly. When in doubt,aask a professional for help.

An improperly installed rain chain can lead to the same problems you may have with any downspout. Poor drainage leads to standing water around the home?s foundation, which can contribute to mold and mildew and invite insects. Too much water can even start to break down the foundation directly. Meanwhile, the yard can become a soggy, muddy mess.

Disadvantages of Rain Chains

When using rain chains, being proactive about drainage is even more important. They are less sturdy and can?t handle the same amount of water as a traditional downspout, so you?ll want to consider installing a backup downspout for heavy rainfall. Wind can also make a rain chain less effective in directing water, so there again you have cause to install a backup.

You also need an effective collection system. Downspouts can be used to direct the stream of water away from your home, but a chain can?t do that. You?ll need a barrel or possibly a water feature to catch the water and prevent damage to your home.

Advantages of Rain Chains

The great thing about rain chains, of course, is that they so much more attractive than regular downspouts. You can choose from many different styles and finishes, including copper, which will develop a beautiful weathered look over time called ?patina.? Some rain chains also make musical sounds, which can be a lovely complement to the rain.

Installing rain chains can be relatively easy, but if you?re not comfortable working on your roof it?s best to hire a pro for help. If you?re worried about high winds, anchor the chain to keep it in place, and remember to inspect it regularly to ensure it works well. As long as you?re working on the gutters, it?s the perfect time to inspect them, remove debris, and attend to any broken or damaged sections.

Now that you know how to make rain chains work for your home, you can now go out and choose the style you love! If you need any help, don?t hesitate to give us a call!