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Is green roofing just solar panels, if not, what is green roofing then? Is that just referring to the color? No, green roofing may be in combination with solar panels, but solar panels alone are not what makes green roofing. And it is so much more than just painting the rooftop green! 

Can you install green roofing on a commercial building?

Absolutely! In fact, they are the primary place for green roofing to be installed. While a residential structure with a flat roof can have green roofing, and the residents of the building could benefit from the plant life it supports. 

Primarily, green roofing has been installed on commercial structures here in the United States. In Europe, green roofing has been practiced for decades, even longer. Here, they are used to create a garden for retreating and visitors, or a park, even limited farming can be accomplished with green roofing. 

What are the benefits of green roofing?

A green roofing system can be expensive to install, engineering inspection is required and continuous maintenance, but the ROI is ongoing! A few benefits you can expect from a gree roofing installation include: 

• Economic: An increased R–value is the first thing you’ll notice from green roofing, ideal in areas where the summers are hot and humid like New Orleans. With the building being cooler, the HVAC works less, so you’re saving money on utilities and get a longer lifespan from the HVAC system. Where the traditional commercial roofing has to be replaced or reroofed every 10 to 15 years, green roofing will give you over 40 years of useful life, saving you over $200,000 during that 40 years. 

• Stormwater Management: Green roofing is ideal for controlling stormwater retention and runoff in cities and urban areas where there is a shrinking about of green space and increasing impervious surfaces. Instead of precipitation running off a roof into gutters and flowing into the sewer system, with all the contaminants and dirt from the air and the roof, green roofing will retain the water for the plants. It is creating a contained ecosystem and growing medium, reducing the stormwater filling the sewer system and nearby lakes and rivers. 

• Urban Heat Island Effect and Improved Air Quality: It is common knowledge that cities are warmer than rural areas, especially in the New Orleans summertime. This is referred to urban heat island effect that takes place where there is more paved surfaces that are absorbing the solar radiation the radiating it back out as heat. This increases the air temperature by as much as eight degrees. Green roofing also clears the air as the plants generate clean air and make it less humid, a win-win for anyone with respiratory issues. 

• Natural Insulation: Green roofing removes the dark, heat-absorbing surface that is typical of commercial structures, and provides a layer of natural insulation, reducing the need for thermal insulation. It also dampens the noise factor, a common complaint in the city.  

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced: With green roofing reducing the need for the HVAC to run more, this reduces the greenhouse gas emissions too. This not only reduces the footprint but reduces the need for more fossil fuel combustion while it increases clean oxygen production.

• Urban Amenities: With green roofing, the occupants and visitors to a commercial structure will have access to more natural, an oddity in the city today. Green roofing with fruits, herbs, and vegetables will make for an aesthetically pleasing environment for guests, meetings, or recreation. Endangered birds and insects, like the honeybee, can make a home in this natural habitat that green roofing provides. 

How are green roofs installed?

And how long does it take to install a green roof? How green roofing is installed will depend on the one you choose.  Most of the time, it can be accomplished within a week to ten days. The three most common choices for commercial structure green roofing are: 

• Intensive: The most common type of green roofing that can be gardened, walked on, and even used for entertainment.
• Semi-intensive: A bit shallower than the above-described intensive green roofing, between six and ten inches. They can support certain bushes and grasses and is versatile except they are not suitable for tall shrubs or trees or walking on. 
• Extensive: This is the shallowest of green roofing, under six inches, thus it can’t support anything with an in-depth root system. Ideal growth for moss or sedums makes this more popular for residential structures.

There are a few different components to install green roofing, with the following layers:   

• Waterproof roof deck
• Root barrier
• Drainage Membrane  
• Filter layer 
• Green Roof Substrate and growing medium
• Vegetation

Does a green roof still require guttering?

Green roofing doesn’t need guttering as much as it needs ample, proper drainage. Which a flat roof would need anyway, but with green roofing, it becomes more important.  The drainage layer for green roofing is essential because it will need to handle large volumes of water yet supply a sufficient amount to the gardening. 

HDPE membrane is used for the drainage layer on most green roofing. It has cavities that collect water, retaining it for the vegetation, which draws it as needed. When there is an excessive amount of water, like after a heavy rain, it passes through perforations and travels to a drainage space installed below where safely disperses. 

How often does a green roof need maintenance?

Once a green roofing’s vegetation is established, it will need weeding two to three times a year, preferably before the weeds seed and make more weeds. It will also need fertilizing periodically, you can find several online instructional videos for the frequency and what type of fertilizer.

Are there any drawbacks to installing a green roof?

We’ve already mentioned the upfront expense of green roofing, but the investment comes back as ROI with the decreased utilities and the increased lifespan of the roof. Like anything though, there are drawbacks to green roofing too: 

• Risk of Leaking: Even with a root barrier, if green roofing isn’t inspected on regular basis, there can be that one errant root that gets through and into the roof decking. 

• Structure Limitation: An engineering inspection is recommended before installing green roofing. Not all structures are able to handle the extra weight of green roofing. 

• Selective Planting: Depending on if you choose extensive or intensive green roofing will determine what plants you can have on your green roofing.

What qualifies as a roof repair emergency?

A roof that is damaged and leaving a part of the home exposed to the weather and other elements, qualifies as needing an emergency roof repair. The longer the attic and interior of a home is exposed and has a severe leak because of roof damage, the more damage is being done, creating a structural hazard.      

An emergency roof repair is intended to protect your home from the weather elements while waiting for a permanent roof repair to be completed. An emergency is deemed as such by how the living conditions in the home are affected and if the house is safe to be occupied. 

When is a roof leak considered an emergency?

The roof on your home is meant to provide protection for you, your family, and your belongings. When there is damage to the roof that has left a hole and rain is pouring in, you would consider that needing emergency roof repair, right? 

And most roofing contractors offer emergency roof repair, but how is the need for an emergency roof repair determined?  What is one person’s emergency may not be to a roofing contractor. So, what determines an emergency roof repair? 

A roof leak is deemed an emergency if the roof repair can’t wait, such as when water is profusely pouring into your home. Another example of when emergency roof repair is needed is if there is a large, damaged area on the roof, such as a spot where a tree has hit the roof.  This type of damage weakens the entire roof and puts your home in structural danger. If your home is now exposed to the elements in any way, this is considered in need of an emergency roof repair. 

Other things that may lead to a need for emergency roof repair may include: 

• Shingles Missing in A Large Area: One or two missing shingles isn’t going to be considered within the “emergency” arena. However, if there are several shingles missing on the roof, this can signify the need for an emergency roof repair. However, having one or two missing shingles should be addressed sooner than later, or it can develop into an emergency roof repair with a hard wind that will let rain under the remaining shingles. 
• Roof Deck Rot: A roof deck with rot is a situation that may require emergency roof repair, especially if the rot is caused by moisture in the attic or improper ventilation. A rotted roof deck is a potential hazard to the structure of your home and should be addressed immediately. 
• The Interior is Exposed to the Elements: If the 2 or 3 missing shingles has left any part of the interior exposed to the elements, this is considered an emergency roof repair. 

Can you fix a leaking roof in the rain?

The drywall of your home is probably already saturated by the time a leaking roof is noticed. So, if a roofing contractor can’t get there for an emergency roof repair, something needs to be done to stop any further damage. So, if you’re asking, “How can I temporarily cover a hole in my roof?” here are two ways to temporarily fix a leaking roof with a quick emergency roof repair: 

Emergency Roof Covering

1. Using a roll of polyethylene plastic, create a cover over the attic by unrolling it so that it covers 4 feet on each side of the damage.
2. Roll one end of that plastic around a 2x4x8 board and nail the plastic to the boards so it is sandwiched between two boards. 
3. Position the wood along the eaves and stretch the plastic over the roof ridge, so that it is covering the leak. Staple the other end of the plastic to another 2x4x8 board and allow that plastic-wrapped 2x4x8 to hang over the roof ridge.

If it is going to be more than a day before a roofing contractor can get to you, and this is always a possibility when there has been widespread storm damage, the following will provide a patch job that will last longer than the above described covering.

Emergency Roof Patching

1. Go into the attic and remove any wet drywall and insulation, then mop or soak up any standing water. Position a piece of plywood across the roof joists and place a bucket under where the water is dripping.
2. Follow the leak to where the water is entering the roof, which isn’t necessarily where the water is dripping. Often rain will run down the roof rafters, so follow it upwards and you’ll probably find the leak from the roof decking. 
3. Using plywood or a roofing shingle and roofing tar, create a patch by spreading the tar around the leak with a trowel. Then place the plywood or shingle over the hole and press.  Then spread tar around the edge of the shingle or wood with a putty knife. 
4. In the attic, measure the distance between the leak and the gable and the roof ridge. Once the rain has stopped, get on the roof wearing rubber-soled shoes, and measure those same dimensions on the roof. Now, fortifying the shingle undersides with more roofing tar over the leaking area. 

As the homeowner, you should know what to do if water is coming through the ceiling to hold off any more damage until the roofing contractor arrives, or you can do a temporary patch yourself. 

• Place a plastic tarp or towels where the leak is coming into your home. 
• Place a bucket on it to catch the water. 
• If there is a bulge where the water is building up, poke a hole in the ceiling, this will allow the water to drain so that the ceiling doesn’t cave in. 
• Check the bucket frequently and empty it as needed. 

How do I temporarily cover missing shingles?

If you’re able to climb on your roof, this is a simple DIY project. But safety first, so if you’re not comfortable with getting on the roof, call a roofing contractor. To do it yourself, you need to shift and smooth the shingles back into place then you can use galvanized nails or staples and fasten them in place. 

You certainly don’t want to pay a professional roofing contractor to come out and tell you, “Yes, you have a roof leak, but it can wait till next week when I don’t have true emergency roof repairs.” So, with that in mind, here are examples of what is considered an emergency roof repair need by most roofing experts:

• A large number of missing shingles on crucial parts of the roof. 
• A significant and steady amount of water is leaking through the roof. 
• A rotted deck posing a structural hazard. 
• A tree or large branch has fallen on the roof, and it is raining.
• A majority of the roof is missing.  

Is a leaking roof an emergency?

With these examples of what experts in the roofing industry consider to be an emergency roof repair need, a leaking roof actually opens up another level of emergency roof repair. For a roof leak that is not affecting the daily routines or the lives of anyone inside the house, it is not an emergency roof leak. 

However, that does not mean it should be ignored! Monitor the amount of water and how fast it is leaking through the roof. The faster and the larger the amount of water that is coming in, the more it may qualify as an emergency roof repair need. And even if the leak is small, just showing water stains and maybe a little moisture, it should not be ignored. The longer a small leak is left unaddressed, the more damage it is causing to the roof and the home. 

How to Make Temporary Emergency Roof Repairs

A roof has one job, but it is an important one: keeping the house dry and safe. This is why when you have a leaking roof, you need to act immediately. Unfortunately, even if you know who to call for emergency roof repair, that doesn’t mean they are available immediately for an emergency roof repair. If the surrounding area has had storms coming through, your home likely isn’t the only one having roof leaks and other problems. 

As a homeowner, you should have materials on hand and be prepared to do a temporary emergency roof repair in the rain. This will minimize the damage and hopefully allow you to stay in your home until a professional contractor can arrive. Take the following actions as soon as you notice moisture in the house: 

Move Valuable and Vulnerable Items

Anything that is of value or vulnerable that can be damaged or ruined when wet, move it to a dry place. This includes emptying the attic and any furniture, artwork, electronics, and rugs in the living area below where the roof leak is located. Any area that gets wet is at risk for water damage and mold growth. The first thing you should do is move any valuable or vulnerable items out of the way of the leak. You may need to move some items from your attic to the garage or push some furniture to the other side of the room. 

Catch the Water

With everything in a safe place, locate where the water is coming in place plastic or towels under it then a bucket on top of that. If the ceiling is bulging, poke it with a screwdriver and allow the water to drain into the bucket. Every hour or so, check the bucket and empty it if needed. 

Document and Take Pictures 

Document everything and take pictures/videos of any damaged areas in the living area or the attic. Take pictures of things that were damaged by the leak like furniture, art, and rugs, even electronics. This will be useful in filing your insurance claim. 

After The Rain Stops

Once the rain has stopped, fasten a tarp to the roof top with 2×4 boards on 4 sides over the leak. Secure with nails and roofing cement. 

Call a Roofing Contractor

Before you call the insurance company, call a roofing company. They can fix your leak; the insurance company can’t. The roofing contractor will inspect the roof as well as areas such as inside the attic. They will also inspect inside the house, even in areas where you aren’t aware of any emergency roof repair being needed. 

Will insurance cover emergency roof repair?

Most homeowner insurance policies will cover perils like fire, hail, and wind. A tree blown on top of your home and causing roof damage would be covered by insurance. If your roof is older and should have been replaced already, and then starts to leak, no; insurance will not cover that emergency roof repair. That will be deemed as owner neglect. 

Once you call your insurance company about an emergency roof repair being needed, they will ask you if you have contacted a roofing company yet. If not, they will tell you how to get emergency roof repair done in the quickest way possible. 

What does emergency roof repair cost? 

There is no set pricing for emergency roof repair because of the many variables that need to be considered. The severity and size of the damage, the type of roofing material, and other elements that are involved like removing a tree from the house can all change the pricing of an emergency roof repair. 

Strong “hard” winds can pick things up and toss them through the air. This can be lawn furniture and décor, bikes and toys, barbeque grills, and cars. Windows get broken and even cows have been seen flying in tornado level winds – that isn’t just made for tv drama. A wind-damaged roof is only one thing that you may experience with heavy winds. 

It is just a matter of time before a roof is damaged, and when your home has wind-damaged roofing, it is important to get the repairs done quickly. By being on top of the repairs, you’ll avoid having more damage occurring. 

When it comes to the weather, wind damage roof isn’t the only damage you may experience. Depending on where you live and the season, you can have a roof damaged by any of the following: 

• High winds
• Thunderstorms
• Hailstorms
• High heat
• Deep cold
• Hurricanes 
• Tornados 

Any of these elements of weather can cause roof damage, and many of those elements include wind damage. Roof damage can leave your roof vulnerable to more damage, like moisture. Once moisture gets under the shingles or other roofing material, it is only time before that moisture does damage to the roof decking and more.

Moisture in the winter especially does damage. After moisture gets under the shingles, it freezes and expand, causing even more damage. A hailstorm will beat your roof, leaving broken shingles, cracked shingles, and holes, all allowing that moisture to get under the shingles. 

The broken and cracked shingles also allow wind to get under the shingles. Once the wind has gotten under a shingle, it can loosen it and lift it off, pulling through the nail, even pulling the nail up with the shingle. 

Are 45 mph winds damaging? What are dangerous wind speeds?

Yes, wind damage can happen at 45mph winds, and you may even experience wind-damaged roofing. Take a look at what damage different speed level winds can do:

• 45 mph to 57 mph: Winds at 45 mph are considered as non-severe, but slight damage can happen according to the National Weather Service. What they see as non-severe wind damage can break off tree branches and any roofing that has aged, loose shingles are susceptible to creating wind damage roofing. 
• 58 mph to 74 mph: At these speeds, the wind is considered severe and can cause significant damage to your landscaping and structures, including your home. Winds at these speeds can break tree limbs and uproot trees. The wind damage roofing becomes more severe with ripped-off shingles, even in good condition. Chimneys are often damaged by winds at these speeds too. 
• 75 mph and up: Winds at this speed and higher can cause widespread damage to homes and trees, including flipping cars and mobile homes. At this strength, a wind-damaged roof is significant.

How do you know if you have roof damage?

If you don’t know what roof damage signs to look for, note that it leaves your home vulnerable to severe damage, starting with mildew and mold, water rot, and wildlife infestations. This can create thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. To avoid that from happening, here are the warning signs to look for with hail, ice, rain, or wind-damaged roofs:

• Water Damage: If you’ve noticed water stains on the ceiling or walls, a dingy brown stain, or you see mildew or mold on the rafters in the attic, or along the exterior of the roof, you likely have some roof damage. Have this inspected by a professional roofer. If they confirm you have a wind damage roof or any type of roof damage, call your insurance company. 
• Shingles: If you notice you have missing shingles or other roofing material, this is exposing your roof to the elements and is susceptible to more weather, wildlife, and wind damage roofing. 
• Fascia and Soffits: Any cracking, decaying, deterioration or missing fascia and soffits is an indication of possible water and wind damage roofing. 
• The Gutters: Some asphalt granules in the gutter runs are normal, but a large amount can be from an aging roof, hail, excessive heat, heavy rains, or wind-damaged roofing. 
• The Vents: If your asphalt shines are curling along the edges, this is an indication of poor venting. Poor venting allows moisture to collect in the attic, then you have ice dams forming. This all puts your roof in a vulnerable state for wind damage. Roofs need to breathe, without proper and adequate venting, this isn’t possible. 

What does wind damage look like on shingles?

The most obvious sign would be missing shingles. Other indications of a wind-damaged roof would be horizontal thin lines across the shingles where granules have worn off, usually one to two inches below the shingle above. This is typically an indication that the seal has broken, allowing the shingle to flap around in the wind and rub against the shingle above.

Is wind damage to a roof covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Any wind damage roof and the contents or other structure listed on the policy will be covered. When the insurance adjuster may decline the claim is if the roof is old and worn beyond its prime. At this point, they will list it as owner negligence, meaning you should’ve had the roof replaced already and the wind damage wouldn’t have happened. 

Understanding the Roof Restoration Process

It can be easy to ignore a small drip coming from the ceiling during a hard rain, or put off repairs “until later”. Then that drip becomes a trickle. Then you notice more insects and rodents in the building and think, “Is it time to do something about this?” When this happens, it might be time for roof restoration.

The temptation to look the other way when it comes to roof repair work and replacements can be strong, especially considering the high costs you may be dealing with. However, roof restoration is a middle-of-the-road option that you should inquire about – the sooner the better.  A commercial roof restoration will involve the following process overall:

The Inspection:

A commercial roofing contractor will perform a visual inspection to identify the specific problem areas of your roof. They will note issues such as cracked and deteriorating membranes, loose fasteners, split seams, moisture issues such as ponding, boots, flashing, pipes, and other protrusions on the roof. The insulation and decking will be inspected as well, and you will be given a detailed report with recommendations that may include roof repair, roof restoration, or roof replacement. 

The Roof Restoration Process:

You want to choose a commercial roofing contractor that is experienced in performing roof restoration for the type of roofing membrane your structure has. If you opt for a roof restoration is chosen, the following steps will take place: 

•         Pressure Washing: 1 to 2 days
•         Roof Repairs and Surface Prep:  1 to 2 days
•         Roof Coating Process: 1 to 2 days

What is an example of restoration?

Three key techniques are used to apply elastomeric coatings to commercial roofing for roof restoration purposes. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best technique for each roof. Those factors include:

• The roof type
• The roof construction
• The product chemistry
• The time of year
• The contractor’s preference

Among the techniques that will be considered are: 

The Airless Sprayer

Also referred to as a spray rig, this is the most efficient technique, though it is expensive and requires somebody with good mechanical and technical skills. With a hydraulic pump, the roof restoration coating materials are atomized into a sprayable form under a high pressure and flow rate.

The Tank Spreader

While it is a newer method in the roof restoration business, this option is gaining popularity because it is inexpensive and simpler than other choices. The gravity-fed design of the spreader carries out roof restoration by pouring the chosen material into a reservoir. After this, an operator pulls the spreader and the roof restoration material flows out onto an application roller. Consistent mill coverage is achieved, reducing the overspray risk common with the airless sprayer technique.

Is roof restoration worth it?

When determining if a roof restoration vs replacement is best, consider these benefits of roof restoration: 

• Less Expensive 

A full commercial roof replacement can cost up to $20 per square foot. A roof restoration is a fraction of that cost, potentially being o 70% cheaper because it requires less labor, less material, and no need to remove an existing roof (which is referred to as tear-off).

• Longer Life Expectancy

Roof restoration can prolong an original roof’s lifespan by up to 20 years. Multiple roof restorations can be done on many structures as well, prolonging the need for a complete roof replacement. 

• Improved Performance 

Roof restoration coatings adhere fully to commercial roof surfaces with a monolithic, protective, and watertight membrane. Leaks are effectively stopped and roof performance is improved, reducing the need for maintenance and repairs.

• Reduced Energy Costs 

A roof restoration can provide excellent reflectivity with additional emissive qualities, which may improve the energy efficiency of a roof with up to a 90% reflection of the UV rays. This diminishes heat transfer to the structure, drastically reducing the load on an HVAC system and cutting back the costs needed to cool a structure by as much as 20%. 

• Sustainable

With stricter regulations in mind, roof restoration has been found to be a sustainable roofing solution that meets building codes and environmental regulations while also addressing environmental concerns. Fewer materials go to landfills as there is no tear-off of the existing roof. 

• Minimal Disruption

A roof restoration can be far less disruptive to one’s daily business than a roof replacement overall.

Built up roofing is a technique to roof a commercial or industrial structure’s flat roof.  Built up roof consists of layers called bitumen. Typically hot asphalt layered with piles of other materials alternated. Then a last layer of a built up roof with gravel. The multiple layers are installed ensure all the layers are adhered to the bottom layer with the final results creating the built up roof. 

How much does built up roofing weight?

Typically, a built-up roof includes the built-up membrane itself, cover board, insulation, and with or without gravel. Because they are layered, “built up”, not every flat roof will be the same thickness. This is one factor that makes is popular, the owner can choose the number of layers to be installed. Weights for 3-play and 4-ply built up roofs are as follows: 

• Three Ply Built-up Roof with Gravel-Surfaced
• Six pounds per square foot
• Three Ply Built-up Roof with Smooth Surface
• 2.33 pounds per square foot 
• Four Ply Built-up Roof with Gravel Surface
  6.3 pounds per square foot
• Four Ply Built-up Roof with Smooth Surface

2.58 pounds per square foot

How do you repair a built up roof?

Built-up roofs are durable, a key factor why commercial structure owners choose to go with that type of roofing. However, leaks will happen, even with the best maintenance and upkeep. Most of those leaks happen at the flashing where roof planes and protrusions are located.

 Leaks also develop when the top layer of gravel is blown off in high winds or an older roof simply wears from constant UV rays daily creates blister where leaks can start. Fortunately, most built-up roof leaks are easily repaired using the following steps: 

• One: Clear the blister and areas of dirt and gravel. 
• Two: Slice the top layer with a utility knife carefully to release any pressure inside the blister. 
• Three: If there is moisture in the bubble, check along the flashing for other leaks and repair as needed. 
• Four: Using a putty knife spread and work plastic roofing cement in and around the pocket. The roof cement should be spread out around the area of the blister in a 2-inch diameter. 
• Five: Make a patch from rolled roofing 2-inches larger than the area you’ve repaired. Press and spread roofing cement over and around the patch.
• Six: After the patch has completely dried, cover with gravel. 

What is the difference between built up roofing and modified bitumen?

Modified bitumen roofing has become a conventional alternative to built-up roofing, both consisting of asphalt and other materials like plastic or rubber polymers. Modified bitumen has the same redundancy as built up roof system, including the flexibility and UV resistance. 

The difference with the modified bitumen membrane, a hybrid type of roofing, combines high-technology formula and prefabrication of single-ply with the traditional roofing technique of built up roofing. These membranes used are factory-fabrication of asphalt layers modified with the plastic or rubber reinforcing material. 

With all the factors we’ve discussed in this article, it is understandable why more owners of commercial and industrial structures are choosing a built up roof for their roofing system. The benefits are multiple, and the best one is not having to replace the roof again for years, a cost factor that any business can appreciate. Call 877-406-7663 today for your built up roofing installation in New Orleans, LA.

How often should asphalt shingles be replaced?

There are aspects of an asphalt shingle roof, or any type of roof, that will determine its lifespan.

How the material is installed, how well the homeowner maintains the roof, and the climate/weather events the roof endures. 

Generally, the recommended replacement schedule for an asphalt shingle roof is 15 to 30 years.  Other roofing materials are as follows: 

• Composition Shingle Roofing: 12 to 20 years
• Wood Shingle Roofing: 20 to 25 years
• Rubber Roofing: 30 to 50 years
• Metal Roofing: 50 to 75 years

Again, these are only approximate time frames. In addition to the quality of the installation job and the quality of the material, the climate can wear a roof down fast, like severe winters and humid summers. 

How long do asphalt shingle roofs last?

An asphalt shingle roof that is installed correctly and vented properly will give you up to 85% life span. This is up to 22 years for a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof and as long as 28 years out for dimensional asphalt shingle roofing. 

What is the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?

Below is a description of both asphalt shingle roofing material and architectural shingles: 

• Asphalt Shingle Roof Material: A common and inexpensive roofing material made with the asphalt layer on top of a felt paper or fiberglass base. Then finishing on top of the asphalt is a layer of ceramic granules that provide the waterproofing. The fiberglass base is the preferred because it is lighter weight and cost less, yet still provide fire protection. Asphalt shingle roof material comes in different qualities with warranty varying from fifteen years to thirty years. 
• Architectural Shingles: An asphalt roof shingle made of higher quality standards. Made from layers of the fiberglass base, the asphalt layer, and ceramic coated minerals, creating a thick roofing shingle that gives it dimension. From a distant, they look like tile or wood shingles for a fraction of the cost. These have a higher resistance to the wind, up to 130 mph, and warranty between 25 years and 50 years, depending on the manufacturer and quality.  

Can asphalt roof shingles be painted?

If you’re wanting to change the appearance of your home, painting an asphalt shingle roof is an environmentally friendly way to do it versus having a new roof installed. Using an exterior acrylic paint, one coat will do the job and won’t break the budget. 

What are the worst roof shingles?

When choosing a roofing material for your home, you want to get the best you can afford so that you don’t have to do this again anytime soon.  Several factors can make a brand of shingle the worse, and the opinion of several roofing contractors is to stay away from IKO manufacturer, sold under the Cambridge or  Marathon brands. Some of the reasons for avoiding this manufacturer’s brand:

• Poor tar line 
• No wind resistance
• Poor appearance after install

Is a metal roof better than asphalt shingles?

Both metal roofing material and asphalt shingle roof materials are great options, each have benefits and drawbacks. With the multitude of finishes they have, there is something to match any style of home. 

Both materials have a traditional look, and each are available in mimics of slate, tile, and wood shake shingles. 

They both can come with a Victorian look of perfectly scalloped edges or a Mediterranean look of terra cotta. The wide choices of colors can give your home a unique look that stands out while blending in with your neighbors. 

When you choose a roofing material, whether you go with metal or asphalt shingle roof material, your next concern after the selection process and pricing should be the roofing contractor. Choose one that has experience in how to replace asphalt shingle roof or whatever current roofing material you have.  Get several quotes and compare them before signing any contract and check the references! Need help with roofing for your home in New Orleans, LA? Call 877-406-7663 today.

1. Energy costs reduced – Unlike traditional green roof vs traditional roofs, a green roof absorbs heat instead of attracting it and allowing it to radiate into the building.  A green roof is a natural insulation and can reduce the demand for cooling energy by 75% during the hottest part of summer. 
2. Urban heat island effect reduced – Green roofs ease the environment’s condition from absorbing and trapping heat.
3. Cleans the air – Green roofs clean the air by removing air particulates and producing oxygen while providing shade.  This natural protection green roof create against the extreme heat also give a longer life for the green roofs compared to the traditional roofing materials, as much as two time longer. 
4. Stormwater runoff reduced – Because a green roof can use the stormwater for the vegetation, the reduction in urban areas of the stormwater runoff minimizes flooding and pollution. The nonporous surfaces found in urban can’t absorb stormwater runoff like the rural areas and green roofing gives minimizes that problem. 

Do green roofs need maintenance?

An extensive green roof  will need some minimal maintenance, especially if this is a garden you hope to reap what you sow in the way of flowers and vegetables.  There will be fertilizing and weeding, almost like your garden and yard at home.  Weeds will be carried to your gree roof by the wind, causing more weeds to grow and sprout. 

How do you maintain a green roof?

There are seven simple tasks that need to be consistent during the first 2 seasons of a green roof.  Then they need to be done with some regularity afterward. Those seven tasks are: 

1. Weed the unwanted growth out – this is crucial to keep unwanted growth like weeks from taking over the plants you do want on your green roof. 
2. Keep the drainage clear – another crucial task so that the roof doesn’t become too weighted with water and penetrate through the membrane to the roof structure and cause damage. Keep the drain outlets clear of gravel, plant growths, and weeds. This can be twice year minimal or more frequent if desired.
3. Biannually add more compost – Keeping the green roof compost refreshed will keep the nutrients working and providing the vegetation what it needs to grow. -rich compost should be added to the roof garden in spring and autumn. 
4. Weed the unwanted growth again! Animals, birds, and the wind will keep dropping weed seeds from other gardens, you’ll need to keep them pulled every time you see them. 
5. Water rarely – a green roof doesn’t need much watering because of the added weight to the roofing structure, but it will need four to six inches of water every 10 days or so. It is better to underwater than to overwater! 
6. Watch for diseases and pests – a green roofs will attract insects and increase biodiversity, which will attract more insects. Keep them at bay with treatment is a must for a healthy green garden. 
7. Keep a diary or log – by keeping notes of when your green roof has been watered and weeded will be key in a successful garden. You should keep details of your findings and results documented for reference so that you know what worked and what didn’t work.  

Can you walk on green roof?

Yes, of course you’ll have to in order to weed your green roof garden but walk as little as possible and with extreme care not to step on the vegetation. If there has been a frost or extreme cold weather, walk with extra care so that you damage the vegetation. 

One of the best ways to find out if your commercial roof is bad or has issues is to perform routine roof inspections. Roofing contractors recommend routine inspections on a monthly basis and additional inspections after significant weather activity. With this roof inspection routine, you can find small issues and have the repairs made or a commercial roof replacement done before the interior is damaged.

1. Ponding – this occurs on a commercial flat roof when the drainage system isn’t adequate. If the drainage is blocked, the water can’t rain off the flat roof, setting the roof up for failure. Failure to keep the drains clear can be determined by your insurance company as owner neglect and void any warranty.

2. Interior Moisture – When you see water stains on the ceiling or condensation building up, roof repair or commercial roof replacement may be needed. However, it could also be from your HVAC system. Before calling a contractor for either situation, determine where the leak is coming from and go from there.

3. Rot – this will appear in areas that are restricted or unused and roof leaks go unnoticed. When performing your monthly inspection as suggested above, it should include an interior inspection in these areas.  

4. Mildew and Mold – both are found on and behind walls, suggestive of moisture problems. These can also be caused by plumbing issues. Again, you’ll need to determine where the mildew and mold are coming from and address the problem accordingly. If commercial roof replacement is the answer, this is your building, and the ROI is unlimited.

5. Neglect, Wear and Tear – As commercial roof ages, it will begin showing wear and tear. If your structure has a new commercial roof replacement and you fail to have the suggested monthly inspections, your insurance company could see this as neglect.

How do I know when my roof needs to be replaced?

Commercial roof replacement is expensive, but it something that protects your business investment. A major problem can be disastrous. Expensive equipment and inventory can be ruined. Your business could be out of operation for a period of time, or even bring it to a close.

Routine roof inspection and maintenance can avoid this, but you need to know when a commercial roof replacement is the best option.  far better (and cheaper) to keep up with roofing maintenance. So, what are the signs you need to know if a commercial roof replacement is needed?

• Leaks: If you have water leaking down on your head when it rains, that’s an obvious indication you need a commercial roof replacement or repair job. Sometimes, a water leak isn’t always noticeable, especially with commercial buildings where the underside isn’t always easy to see. What you need to look for are secondary signs like mold or water spots on the ceiling. If there is an attic, go up and check water damage, mold, and any strange odor.
• Blisters: Check for blistering on the rooftop. This is created when water is trapped in the insulation. It begins to eat the roof from the inside, releasing gases, and blisters are formed.
• Damaged Shingles: If there are cracked, curled, split, or otherwise damaged shingles on your commercial roofing, this is often where moss has begun to form and grow, trapping water under the shingles. A  commercial roof replacement is typically the best solution.
• Damaged Roof Membrane: Flat commercial roofing is typically covered with a membrane, which should be inspected on a regular routine that includes looking for damage. You need to look for balding or lifting, both indicate there is no sealing there, and problems are soon to follow.

So, is it time for commercial roof replacement or will a repair or reroof be sufficient? An experienced and reliable commercial roofing contractor can provide roof replacement assistance and the options that are available, and which is the best for your commercial structure. What is the difference between roof replacement vs reroof for a commercial structure? Commercial roof replacement is exactly that: replacing your roof.  A reroof job is applying new roofing material over the existing roof.

How long does a 30 year roof really last?

The installation a new commercial roof replacement , proper maintenance is necessary. The average commercial roofing can have a lifespan between ten and forty years. This can be dependent with the materials used, the climate, and environment.