Economic slowdowns coupled with high unemployment create the perfect breeding ground for all types of shady business practices, which brings me to my point.  The roofing, siding, and home improvement industry is all too often targeted by these unsavory characters lacking experience, financial resources, and the expertise to perform professionally.

“Buyer Beware” is the operative word here.  It is imperative that consumers thoroughly investigate any contractor they’re considering doing business with.

Many resources are available these days to consumers.  We recommend that you thoroughly investigate the contractor’s background.  How many years have they been licensed, insured, and worked in a specific profession?  Contact the Better Business Bureau in your area.  Is the contractor listed?  Are they members in “good standing” of industry associations specific to their trade, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)?  Visit their place of business.  Are they invested in the community?  Remember, the more a company has invested in their business and community, the more likely they are going to be responsive to your needs after all.  Their reputation and future sales depend on it.  Quality contractors will welcome inquires and the opportunity to prove their worth.

In closing, a little due diligence on your part will improve your odds for a successful outcome.  Remember the old adage “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

•   Minimize the burden on the environment.
•   Conserve energy.
•   Extend the service life of the Roof System.

Sustainable Roof Examples:

•   Highly Reflective “Cool Roof” Systems.
•   Garden Roofs.
•   Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Roof Integrated Systems.

Many roofing products can be recycled, such as PVC, TPO, EPDM, as well as metal panels and steel decking.

Remember:  Preserve, Conserve, and Recycle

It is advisable to visually inspect your roof from the ground if possible after any major weather incident.  Things to look for are broken, missing, or lifted shingles, surface damage, excessive shingle granules at downspout outlets, or roofing debris on the ground.

During the winter months be vigilant and monitor your roof for excessive snow and ice build up, particularly in the valleys and along eave edges.  Remember to always call a professional roofing contractor if accessing the roof is necessary.  They have the proper training, equipment, and insurance to effect the necessary inspections and repairs.  Safety is a must!

Superior Services R.S.H., Inc. has a 24-hour Emergency Roof Repair Service available to its clients.

Competent repairs will often times allow you to extend the service life of your existing roof system.

Professional roofing contractors will provide you the necessary information, both pro and con, concerning the effectiveness of potential repairs. 

At Superior Services R.S.H., Inc. “Roof Repairs“  are an important part of our business.  We are happy to provide our client base with Roof Evaluations  and recommend Roof Inspections in the Fall prior to winter weather and early spring to check for winter damage.  Preventative Roof Maintenance will minimize the potential for serious leaks and interior damage.

For all your Roof Repairs, Roof Maintenance, and Roof Inspections in Michigan call Superior Services R.S.H., Inc. (800) 843-6561.

During summer months excessive heat build up prematurely ages the roof system, drying out deck boards, curling shingles and degrades the efficiency of air conditioning.

During winter months poor ventilation can result in condensation accumulating in the attic cavity.  This can then result in a whole host of problems from mold accumulation, to actual ice formation on the underside of the roof deck.

Proper ventilation allows for unobstructed intake at the eaves and exhaust venting at or near the ridge line of your roof.  Various type of roof vents and soffit vents will achieve the desired effect.  Remember, proper ventilation also reduces the occurrence of damaging ice dams.  Consult a roof professional or insulation contractor when in doubt.

For more information on Ventilating – “click here”! or here: Attic Ventilation

The roofing system in place was a Duro-Last 40 mil, prefabricated Energy Star rated membrane.

As you can see by the photos, the roofing system looks excellent, even though it is sixteen years old.  This system can be expected to perform for many years to come.

Once again, the use of a superior roofing product along with a professional installation by Superior Services R.S.H., Inc. is a winning combination!

1. Perform a visual inspection of your roof, looking for any signs of missing or broken shingles.  Pay special attention to flashing details such as plumbing stacks, chimneys, wall transitions, and valleys.

2. Remove any debris or leaves that may have accumulated on the roof surface.

3. Inspect eavestroughing for leaf build up or debris that may hinder the drainage.  Ice and snow build up in the winter is often a result of inadequate drainage resulting from clogged gutters and downspouts.

4. Look for paint peeling along fascias and overhangs.  Often this is a sign moisture is penetrating the wood from the roof surface or flashing details.

5. Remove any low hanging tree limbs that may be overhanging the roof.  Tree limbs can prematurely wear out the roof surface and also aid in the growth of algae.

Remember, your roof is exposed to everything Mother Nature throws at it 24/7.  A little maintenance today can go a long way towards preventing expensive repairs and interior damage tomorrow.

The use of light colored reflective coatings not only provide a protective barrier against ultraviolet rays that break down roof membranes, but they also can reduce the roof surface temperatures by 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

In “Potential Benefits of Cool Roofs on Commercial Buildings: Conserving Energy, Saving Money and Reducing Emissions of Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollutants,” LBNL scientists Hashem Akbari and Ronnen Levinson estimate if roofs on 80 percent of air-conditioned commercial buildings in the U.S. were coated to qualify as cool roofs (a conservative 55% aged solar reflectance), the buildings’ owners would save more than 10,000 gigawatt hours of energy annually valued at about $725 million.  These energy savings also would result in an annual reduction of more than 6 megatons of carbon dioxide production, which is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions of about 1.25 million automobiles.

In conclusion, a quality roof coating formulated to ASTM International Performance Standards and properly selected for its intended application should provide years of service and benefit.

For any questions regarding “Roof Coating”,  contact Superior Services R.S.H., Inc., Lansing, Michigan @ 800-843-6561