Water Tight Roofing Inc

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What do you know about the roof over your head? If you're like most people, you have to walk outside and take a look to remember the color of your roof. Generally speaking, roofs get ignored until something goes wrong. But if you're like a growing number of Oregonians, it may be time to pay close attention.
Residential roof replacement is currently at an unprecedented high in Oregon. New construction aside, roofing industry experts estimate that over 50-percent of existing homes in Oregon will need roofing this year alone. Your roof could be one of them.
The housing boom of the '60s created this current demand for replacement roofs. Roofing materials commonly used in Oregon -- traditional wooden shakes, felt-base asphalt shingles, for example -- were made to last ten to twenty years in the constant exposure to sun, wind, and rain. No wonder Oregon figures heavily into America's current $12 billion roofing industry.
The good news is this: Builders are fighting for your roof replacement dollars with fire-safe, long-lasting, high-tech roofing materials, new treatment of conventional materials, long term warranties -- the best up to 50 years Some Manufacturers provide shingles with algae protection and unprecedented wind warranties. They come in a dazzling selection of styles, textures, and colors to compliment the architecture of your home.
Various Roofing Materials. Traditional roofing materials are better than ever, and available in great variety. Asphalt shingles -- in standard felt-base, premium fiberglass-base, and Poly mat -- still offer the greatest versatility. Asphalt shingles have the ability to conform to complex roof shapes, and are available in the greatest array of colors and textures. Inexpensive to purchase, easy to install and repair, asphalt shingles continue to be popular among homeowners.
As a roofing material, wood has come under attack lately because of its relatively poor fire-retardation properties. But many homeowners still choose wood shingles and shakes because of the traditional bold, sculptured look.
Slate, mined in the mid-west or imported from Europe, is a virtually indestructible roofing material, but it is very expensive, beyond most homeowner's reach.
Several companies are offering high-tech alternatives to conventional roofing materials. These new materials combine versatility, light weight, tremendous durability, and the highest fire rating possible: Class A.
One such roof made by Hardishake uses fiber-reinforced cement that weighs about the same as wood or premium shingles, comes in slate, shingle, or wood shake forms, and is backed by a 50-year warrantee. Other high-tech roofs use earthstone granules and acrylic resins bonded to aluminum or galvanized steel bases to capture the pleasing aesthetics of tile, and the rich texture and strong shadow lines of hand-split shake. These extremely lightweight roofs carry a Class A fire rating as well, and are available in a wide variety of styles and colors. Generally speaking, the high-tech roofs can be expensive, but the cost must be weighed against durability backed by 40-50 year warranties.
When Should You Re-roof Your Home? How do you know when it's time to re-roof? How do you choose the roof best suited to your home and budget? Should you attempt the job yourself, or seek professional help? Read on.
Spring is a good time to inspect your roof. Winter damage is fresh and often easier to access, and should extensive work be necessary, the summer months ahead provide plenty of good, dry weather. Start your inspection with a visual check from outside. Look for obvious damage first -- missing shingles, cracked tiles, warped or gapping wood shakes. Follow the roof line with your eyes it should be perfectly horizontal. If it has noticeable sag, you may have a structural problem created by a prolonged roof leak. If you suspect structural sagging, consult a professional immediately.
With asphalt roofs, look for thin, weather-worn shingles. If the shingles are brittle, they may have lost their protective inner oils, and re-roofing may be required. If the roof only has a few bad spots, you may consider doing repair work yourself. Asphalt shingle repair can be done by most do it yourselfers, and there are many comprehensive do-it-yourself books that can guide you through the repair process. However if this is not a task you feel up to Water Tight Roofing Inc. is only a phone call away.
Traditional wooden shakes and shingles can warp, split, thin in the sun and rain, and be torn off by high winds, leaving the roof structure exposed to the elements. If only a few spots need work, a simple repair may be in order. If the wood is dry, extensively cracked or warped, re-roofing may be necessary. Water Tight Roofing Inc. offers extensive wood repair. Be sure to balance the cost of repair against the remaining lifespan of the roof.
Roof damage is not always obvious from the outside. A comprehensive inspection also includes a trip to the attic or crawl space. Look for dark water stains in rafters, sheathing, and insulation. With wooden roofs, you may notice light passing into the attic. Pinholes are normal, as water normally swells the roof and closes the gaps. If you see signs of water leakage near pinholes, however, stick a piece of wire or pipe cleaner through the hole so you can inspect it closely from the rooftop.
Once the inspection is complete, you must decide whether to do the repair or re-roofing work yourself, or hire a contractor. In the case of re-roofing, labor typically adds 50-percent to the cost of the job. While saving half the cost of a new roof sounds nice, even hard-core do-it-yourselfers should beware: Roofing is a hot, tiring, difficult, and often hazardous job that requires stamina, coordination, and, in the case of some tile roofs, special skills and equipment. Bottom line: Pay a pro.