Dream Home Gets Dream Roof

Florida residents Mary and Larry Anderson have just completed an exciting project: a new 9,000-square-foot waterfront house in Jupiter, Florida.

The dream home features a four-car garage, guest house connected by a breezeway, dock, expansive landscaping and distinguished copper roofs. It also features a Bellaforté Shake roof in Mountain VariBlend.

“My wife was researching faux slate tiles on the Internet and found DaVinci,” says Larry Anderson. “We ended up using the composite shake product and it looks absolutely beautiful — better than the real thing!”

A key element of the selection of DaVinci roofing for this Florida coastal design home (which boasts touches of Martha’s Vineyard and the Hamptons style architecture!) was the product’s ability to meet stringent south Florida building codes.

“We already knew the composite tiles would be resistant to salt air, which was a big bonus,” says Anderson. “But the fact that it meets Miami Dade Code approvals was the icing on the cake.”

Rated to withstand winds up to 110 mph, the Bellaforté Shake roofing product is also Class 4 impact rated and meets Class A fire resistance standards. The one-inch tile thickness and 12-inch tile width provide an authentic replica to real cedar shakes, except the faux shakes resist cracking, fading, mold, algae, fungus and insects.

The roof on the sprawling home (which encompasses 12,000-square-feet when considering the porches and breezeways) was installed by Sun Catcher Roofing out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The company also added three large copper cupolas and copper valley metal and flashing.

“This composite shake roof with the copper accents really creates an outstanding finish to the Anderson’s home,” says Dave Neddeff, owner of Sun Catcher Roofing. “The quality of the synthetic tiles, the manufacturer’s lifetime limited material warranty and the simplicity of installation all make this a dream roof for a dream home.”

Original article by Davinci Roofscapes

Roofing Basic: Know the 10 Most Common Terminologies

Choosing a new roof can be a bit of a daunting experience, especially if you are not familiar with roofing terminologies and what they mean. To ensure that you are better informed and equipped, since an educated consumer is always a better consumer, here are 10 of the most common and useful roofing terms – along with easy-to-understand definitions.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are historically one of the best and most enduring roofing materials of all. They were used in early American settlements dating back to the 1500s, and in the Spanish settlement of St. Augustine in Florida. They are extremely tough, even when exposed to harsh sunlight and heat, strong winds, and heavy rains – yet they are rather lightweight so they put less strain on a roof when installed properly. Clay tiles are fired nearly 2,000 degrees which makes them fade-resistant, durable, and virtually impervious to fire. They typically have a life expectancy of about 50 years.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete is sometimes used to make roofing tiles that have the basic similar appearance of a traditional clay tile – like those seen on Mediterranean style or Spanish style roofs. Concrete tiles, which come in a variety of colors, are less expensive than genuine clay tiles, so they can be a more economical option. If installed and maintained correctly they can last a few decades.

Deck

The deck is the supporting structural component of the roof. A deck on a roof acts like the floor on top of which the other layers of the roof such as waterproofing membranes and shingles are applied. Once completed, the deck of the roof is completely hidden beneath the visible roof and above the attic of the building.

Drip Edge

A drip edge is a structure that runs beneath the roofing material and then extends beyond the edge of the roof. The purpose of a drip edge is to give water a surface to flow along until it is past the edge of the roof, where it can then flow into the gutters without risk of getting underneath the roof to do damage.

Elastomeric Coating

An elastomeric roof coating is a rubberized or acrylic roof coating membrane that provides a continuous barrier to protect a roof from water leakage. These coatings, used on flat roofs, can also reflect solar heat in hot climates to reduce air conditioning bills. When installed properly this kind of protective layer can withstand extreme weather conditions and last decades.

Flashing

Flashing is material that is designed to create a weatherproof barrier or seal the roof system at places where there are joints or interruptions in the roof surface. When a vent pipe or chimney extends through the roofing surface, for example, flashing needs to be placed around it to seal that opening around the edges so that water cannot leak through it.

Impact Resistance

The ability of a roofing material to resist damage from falling objects or people walking around on it is measured in what is called “impact resistance. “ The more impact resistance a roof has, the less vulnerable it will be, for example, to getting pierced by a limb falling out of a tree.

Lap

The lap is the part of a roofing, waterproofing, or flashing component or material installation where it overlaps with another section of the another part of the roof that is adjacent to it.

Layering

A roof is actual a system of layers, one on top of the other, that form a protection barrier from elements such as wind and rain. In that way it is kind of like laying of clothes in wintertime, when you wear one or two layers under your outer garment to keep you warm and dry. But if you install a new roof over the top of the layering of an older existing roof, that can make it harder for the new roof to fit properly without waves, bumps, or other inconsistencies. Sometimes it is possible to repair a roof using additional new layers, but the best method is to remove the old layers completely and then start from scratch with a fresh new roof.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs have been around for hundreds of years and are now making a huge comeback because they are lightweight – which puts less strain on your home’s structure – and they are relatively maintenance-free and fireproof. Modern metal roofing systems are highly energy efficient, can be ordered in a number of different colors, and will typically outlast a conventional shingled roof by many years. Because they are so durable and long-lasting some insurance companies even offer discounts for homeowner’s policies if the home has a metal roof.

Ridge Vent

The ridge is the peak of the roof that runs along the top edge, and a ridge vent is a device installed along that vertical ridge to allow the heat built-up in the attic to dissipate. Installing a ridge vent can be a good idea if you have problems with moisture trapped in the attic, for example, or in hot climates where the heat captured in the attic cannot escape – resulting in less efficient cooling of your home’s interior.

Underlayment

The underlayment, as the word indicates, is a layer that lies beneath the exterior layer of the roof. Usually it is made of asphalt-saturated felt or other sheets of material, and it is secured to the deck of the roof to create a barrier and help shed water while added an extra layer of protection to the roof system.

Florida Hurricane Season

Preparing for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season for those who live in South Florida can be a challenging time of year for both business and homeowners. Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid the path of the hurricane’s eye you will likely still feel their impact as they churn high winds and pelting rains that can be experienced hundreds of miles from the epicenter. The good news is that if you know how to prepare ahead of time you can help avoid problems and damage to your property. That includes your all-important roof, which is the lid that keeps all of that intense weather from invading your home, where it can do extensive, expensive damage and even threaten the health and safety of your family. Here are some expert tips that can help ensure you are ready for this year’s weather – no matter what Mother Nature throws at you in the form of hurricane season chaos.

Check the Roof and Gutter System

Before it’s too late, check your roof and gutters. Conduct preventative monitoring at least twice a year, if not every season.

  1. Don’t risk doing it on a high ladder. Every year many people wind up in the hospital or worse because of falls while trying to scale a ladder or roof. Instead if you have an annual maintenance plan with your roofer, call them and have them conduct the inspection. If you don’t have a maintenance plan then we suggest you get one.
  1. Look for telltale signs of potential weakness such as cracked tiles or flashing around vents and dormers. Replace any loose, curling, or missing roofing tiles for example, and ensure that flashing around vents and dormers is intact and properly sealed.
  1. Be sure to check the gutters, too, to make sure they are clean of leaves and debris and are not sagging or bent. They need to be able to drain properly, and that requires the correct angle to encourage the water to flow into the downspouts.

Take Advantage of Expert Help

Always keep in mind that the roof on your home is one of the most vital structural components, because it protects the entire house. If yours is damaged in a hurricane (and South Florida has seen its fair share) because it was not adequately maintained, will cause tremendous aggravation, not to mention an additional expense that could have potentially been avoided.

When there is insufficient support beneath the surface of the roof which can happen if the original roof was not properly designed or if seepage has created wood rot in the decking, all these damages may go completely undetected until a serious leak develops.

Regardless of what kind of roof you have and whether it is pitched or flat, you should protect your investment by proactively keeping an eye on it. Having a qualified roofing company perform maintenance checks annually will provide additional peace of mind, during a hurricane.

Other Preparation Tips

As soon as you learn that a storm is developing, while there is still plenty of time to get ready, you should start at the boundary of your property and police the area. Work toward your house while looking for any stray items – including lawn furniture, fallen branches, toys, tools, or trash containers that could go airborne in high winds. Gather all the loose items and put them in a secure location such as your basement, garage, or tool shed.

Tree limbs are another potential hazard, especially if they are rotted or diseased. Always keep trees trimmed so that there is no dead or rotten wood that become dislodged. It is also a good idea to have a qualified and reputable arborist check the trees on your property every year or two to make sure that they are in good health and that you do not have any limbs that are ready to come crashing down on you or your roof.

Propane Gas Tanks

You should never store propane inside your home, where it can be potentially hazardous. You also don’t want to leave it out in the middle of hurricane winds, either, because a strong enough wind can hurl it through the air like a hand grenade – or send it flying toward your house with so much force that it will hit it like a wrecking ball.

The solution is to tie it securely to a structure like a sturdy tree stump, the outer wall of a tool shed, a solid retaining wall, or a fence post that is cemented into the ground. If you cannot figure out a safe place to tether the tank just ask your local fire department for advice on what to do until the storm passes.

By the way, if your house uses some form of natural gas for heating and cooking, learn how to turn off the main valve in the event of an emergency and teach that procedure to other family members. That way if a line gets ruptured you can stop the gas from leaking by shutting down the source of the gas before it enters your home.

How Long Should Roofs Last?

Whether you have a commercial or a residential building to protect, you will want to be sure that you have a strong and dependable roof that will pay for itself over the long haul. So one of the key questions to ask before investing in a roof is “How long will it last before it needs to be replaced?”

Factors the Impact Roof Longevity

Of course, that all depends on a number of different factors – including what roofing materials are used, how well the roof and its support system are installed, and what kind of wear and tear and abuse the roof may be subjected to over time. Living in South Florida the heat and debris from storms or flying debris from hurricane season can certainly give your roof a beating and negatively impact the longevity of your roof.

The Importance of Maintenance

Splits and cracks in roofing tiles are not always observable with the naked eye unless you actually get up close, so checking your roof from below may not reveal problems that are hidden. Water can even be leaking through the top layer of your roof without you knowing it, and you won’t discover that until the leak is visible inside your home. By then it will both extensive and expensive to remedy.

Hence stressing the importance of having a roof health check report conducted annually by a licensed roofer. In some cases you’ll be protected by the manufacturer’s warranty if a problem arises during the warranty coverage period. But if you wait until the leak has had time to get worse and cause extra damage, you may be out of luck. Rather than leave the value of your roof and its maintenance to guesswork, schedule routine inspections. Remember in the long run that could save you a significant amount of money and hassle.

Modern Metal Roofing

A modern metal roof, meanwhile, can last twice as long as a conventional asphalt shingle roof, or even longer. These roofs cost more initially, but you’ll reap the benefits over decades because your roof will have a longer life. If you’re planning to sell, the added benefit of a metal roof can add to the market value of your home or business, allowing you to recoup the investment when you sell.

Another powerful feature of a metal roof is that there are many cooling properties that aid in efficiencies with your AC unit and can save you money on your bill.

Thomas Jefferson’s famous home, Monticello, was built in the 1700s. The original metal roof that he had installed at that time is still going strong. That is just one great example of how durable and dependable metal roofing can be. Metal roofing is also available in a variety of handsome colors, allowing you to extend the life of your metal roof with recoats every decade or so.

Cheap Can Be More Expensive in the End: Breaking down the real cost of roofing services.

Homeowners typically try to cut costs as much as they can when they are shopping around for roofing services, whether they need to replace their aging roof with a brand new one or they need a repair to the one they have to get a few more years of life out of it. That’s a smart thing to do, as any consumer knows. But especially when you are shopping for something as important to the well-being of your home, you should always value quality as one of the key components of a roofing service, and price that in accordingly. Just think about it, your most important possessions in life are all under your roof. Here are five important questions to ask before narrowing down your selection of a roofing company to provide your services.

Do They Have References?

Always check references and licensing to ensure your roofer is insured. Insurance is important to cover any liability if someone is injured while working on the roof of your residential or commercial property.

Be warned, don’t automatically assume that they have great references just by reading their testimonials on their website or in the marketing materials, either. You should be able to contact previous customers and talk to them yourself about the quality of the work done for them to make sure it was top-notch.

Is Upfront Payment Required?

Many building contractors ask for payment in advance, and that is especially common in the roofing business. Typically the building owner will pay 10% upfront, 40% upon arrival, an additional 40% when the tiles are completed and 50% upon roofing completion.

Does it Include Removing the Old Roof?

Another way that roofers give bids or quotes for their services is that they offer to install a new roof at a rock-bottom price. Ensure there are no hidden costs or fees and that your roofer has itemized roof removal and disposal in their quote.

What About the Materials Used?

Roofing materials also vary widely, and that can be a critical part of the cost. For example porcelain tile, copper standing seam and true slate are more expensive than sheet metal and clay tiles.

We recommend estimating costs not just based on a one-time roof repair, replacement, or installation, but also over 10, 15, or 20 years. Ask your roofer if there are any maintenance programs you can participate which will help increase the life-time value of your roof. Even if you plan to sell the home before that time, your new buyer will have the roof inspected and a roof that has been well maintained over time will hold better value than one that is not.

What about Clean-Up

By all means, be sure to negotiate a price based on the roofers doing a professional job of cleaning up after themselves. Don’t be that neighbor with roofing debris all over your lawn for weeks before you hire a crew for the disposal.

Don’t get stuck trying to save a buck at the expensive of your entire home and its contents. Be a smart consumer, do your research and be sure to take the time to hammer out the small details beforehand. Choose a roofer who checks out best for all your priorities and remember if you think a good roofer is expensive, try a bad one!

Homeowner Survival Guide: How to pick the right roofer.

To ensure that you pick the right professional for your roofing job it helps to first understand what these contractors do, how to select and hire them, and what red flags to watch for and pitfalls to avoid. Then you can decide with confidence that your roofer – and the roof they provide – will be dependable, reliable, and worth your investment of time and money.

Here is a list of the most important things to look for in a roofing contractor so there are no bad surprises, only outstanding service and professional work, at a price that works for you.

Consulting and Planning

A roofing job doesn’t just start when the crew arrives to climb on top of your house. Your roofer should also be a consulting partner in the planning stages of your re-roof or roof replacement. Your roofers’ job is to understand your unique needs and preferences and guide you throughout your decision making regarding what will work and not.

While you may only have a general idea or vision of what you want, a skillful and resourceful roofer can help to show you options, price comparisons, and examples of their work done of other satisfied customers.

Cost Estimations and Scheduling

Part of the planning process is to make a good faith estimate of the cost and completion schedule for the job. In order to properly gauge costs, it is necessary for your roofer to specify what materials are desired for the project and gather information regarding pricing and availability from local or out-of-town roofing supply companies.

Another thing to consider when selecting the right roofer is whether or not your roofer works as an authorized distributer for high-quality brands of roofing tiles, metal and materials? Research whether they have a strong relationship with suppliers to ensure they get their materials on time, and can also get them in the future if you need to do a roof patch or repair?

Remember things can always go wrong…Weather conditions or delivery times for custom products may delay a project, but an experienced roofer will communicate frequently informing you of the timelines for customized requests.

Inspections and Permits

Most roofing projects require permission from governing authorities such as municipalities and homeowner’s associations. You may find a roofing contractor who accepts responsibility for securing or “pulling” all necessary permits in a timely manner and who will schedule to meet with the inspectors for required periodic inspections of the work in progress, which will save you lots of time. Application fees should also be factored into the overall project budget estimate ahead of time, so you know exactly what you are paying and why.

Managing Materials, Deliveries, and Clean-Up

Once the work begins, roofing materials will be bought and delivered to the work site in a way that does not disrupt the flow of the project but also has little to no impact on your living space or property. Dropping a load of sheet metal in your driveway or lawn for example, will cause large inconveniences that the contractor should ensure doesn’t occur.

Similarly, cleaning up after each day’s work is important for maintaining a safe and tidy work environment, especially if you are living in the home while remodeling is underway. Proper policing of the area also should include making certain that stray materials or roofing debris don’t wind up on your or neighbors’ lawn.

The best home roofing contractors will essentially oversee and execute your entire project from planning and conception to conclusion, consulting with you along the way to keep you updated and informed of progress. They will offer you various options for how to repair or replace your roof, including alternatives you may have not yet thought about such as more durable tiles or the cooling elements of a metal roof. Most importantly your roofer ultimately should be someone you develop trust in, which you can confirm with a check on their references.