AH Construction just completed a roof repair from a wind blow off for a client in Ann Arbor, MI. A free inspection was given and the owner was informed that a new roof would be needed soon.
Roof Repair from Wind Damage
Important Points to Consider: Your Commercial Roof!
As a rule, commercial roofs are significantly different from residential roofs, so the business landlord/owner needs to hire a roofing company that is well acquainted with those differences. You want a high-quality company that has the experience and skill to deal with these unique challenges.
How are they different?
Commercial roofs are usually flat or have a very low slope with a larger square footage than most residential homes. Challenge: more opportunity for the ponding of water which can spell more opportunity for leaks and structural damage.
Commercial roofs have built in drainage systems. Challenge: the roofer needs to be aware of your precise system when replacing your new roof or help you upgrade if necessary. Roofers that ensure adequate drainage help avoid that dangerous ponding issue.
Commercial roofs require more structural strength to support the extra weight of the ventilation and heating/cooling equipment. Challenge: the roofer needs to keep this in mind when inspecting your entire structure. He should have an eye out for any degradation and be able to deal with it effectively before applying the new roof.
Commercial roofs, due to their flat design, endure a lot more abuse from exterior elements and therefore require material that is tougher and can withstand that abuse. Membrane materials (single-Ply, built up roofing (BUR) and modified bitumen(APP/SBS) are the options. Challenge: find the roofing company that has the expertise in applying these specialized materials. They need to be experienced in the proper welding of the material seams, and working around the common obstructions and parapets common to most commercial roofs.
Educating yourself now will make you a much more confident roofing consumer in the future.
A.H. Construction Company
Your High-Quality Commercial Roofer
Asphalt Roofing Profiles: Know the Facts!
Once you’ve decided on a new asphalt fiberglass roof, there is still more to consider. What type of roofing profile do you want and/or need? Your final decision will reflect your budget, desired style, durability and the structural integrity of your home.
The asphalt 3-tab strip shingle (top picture) is the first and least expensive of the profiles available. You’ll find this a common type today. 3-tab strip shingles were used on numerous homes built in the 1990’s. One of the reasons they are the least expensive is because the shingles are a single layer of material. The asphalt 3-tab is rectangular and the most common size is 12” wide by 36”long. These will have 3 tabs exposed along the length of the shingle for visual effect. The profile is flatter than the next one discussed and comes with roughly a 20 year warranty.
The next profile (below) comes under a few different names: Architectural, Dimensional or Laminate asphalt shingles. No matter the name, it has a raised look instead of flat. This visual is a result of each shingle being the result of TWO or MORE asphalt shingles bonded together. The result is a more modern and expensive look upon your home. Architectural shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles from which to choose from, plus provide significantly more fire resistance than the 3-tab asphalt. You can expect a warranty ranging from 25-40 years depending on the particular product chosen.
Not so fast, though!! Even with Architectural shingles there are issues to consider. For one, they are heavier than the 3-tab asphalt. They are approximately 50% heavier. So, before your final decision, be sure to get an inspection of your home’s structural integrity. You don’t want your beautiful roof to crush your home! Finally, because of the extra material in each shingle and the installation being more difficult, it is a more expensive roof than the 3-tab.
A lot of factors go into your choice of a roofing profile that is best for your home. Take the information presented here to help generate any other questions that might apply more precisely to your individual home and ask them. Never hesitate to direct your questions to your contractor or the supplier of your roofing materials. This is your home, and you deserve to know all the facts! Good luck with all of your future roofing needs!
August 2016 Ann Arbor Roofing Project: More Detail Photos!
2016 Ann Arbor, MI Roofing Projects By A. H. Construction Co.
One of the Ann Arbor, MI projects completed this August consisted of two roofing jobs, plus major rough carpentry work on a carport. After the main house was installed with a 30-year dimensional shingle roof, serious attention had to be given to the adjacent attached carport.
The carport contained some interesting challenges, however A H Construction came up with effective and economical roofing solutions. The problem was a flat roof suffering from water damage. Part of the solution was to construct and install a minimum 30-year rubber pitched roof. Next challenge was to build a roof to be both functional and attractive for many years to come. Skilled carpenters came to the decision of constructing a hip roof versus a gable roof which was the best choice for following the same existing roof contour lines and the appearance of the existing facade. The goal achieved was a strong roofed structure that flowed naturally and attractively with the main house roofing.
This was a successful Ann Arbor roofing job due to our highly-skilled carpenters and roofers. Close attention was paid to flashing details where the house met the carport, manufacture specifications and code requirements. Despite the involvement, this Ann Arbor assignment took only 3 days! Day one included setup and completion of the main roof. Days two and three completed the carport and total clean-up.
5 Helpful Tips for Your Own Roofing Projects
1. Avoid flat roofs whenever possible.
2. If your roofing project consists of two or more adjoining roofs, take into account the desired look of the entire facade, not just the functionality. Resale value should be considered.
3. Whatever type of roof you decide to go with, purchase quality products (i.e. 30 year life). It will save you time and money in the long run.
4. Always hire a licensed and insured contractor.
5. Do not hesitate to ask for references from your trusted contractor.
