Asphalt roofing shingles are some of the most popular roofing materials on the market, and for good reason. Between their durability, customizable style, and affordability, you...
Continue ReadingWhich the weather we get in Pennsylvania a 3-tab shingle, often the least expensive option, lasts between 10 and 15 years when well installed and maintained. Architectural shingles are slightly more expensive and last slightly longer. If they are well-maintained, they have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years.
Proper maintenance is essential to keeping a roof in good condition and getting the most out of your roof. Be sure you are repairing leaks, fixing loose nails, replacing damaged shingles, and regularly checking all flashing is vital to maintaining good roof health. If you have trees near your house, you should ensure that sticks, leaves, and other debris do not accumulate on your roofs. This can lead to trapped moisture and other damage. If possible, you should cut trees back to prevent them from damaging the roof!
There are many ways to extend the life of your Pittsburgh roof. First, make sure you have your roof inspected after storms and other bad weather to identify and address any storm damage. Be sure to keep gutters and the surface of the roof clean. Keep trees and other hazards trimmed back away from your roof. When you do purchase a new roof, consider a lighter-colored roof material. Make sure you choose high-quality materials and have your roof installed or repaired by experienced professionals. Have the roof periodically inspected regardless of weather and make small repairs where needed. Addressing small roof repairs regularly can prevent cumulative damage and keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible. This will help your roof last and let you get the most out of your investment.
So, how long does a roof last in Pittsburgh, PA? A very long time, but only if you take care of it. Schedule your roof inspection with EAS Roofing now!
Let our experienced roofing professionals help you determine the state of your roof, identify any repairs necessary, and help you get the most out of your roof.
The short answer here is, that it depends on the circumstance. To elaborate, a home insurance policy covers damage to things like your structure and roof if it is damaged by a covered peril. Some policies will name or exclude specific perils. If your roof needs replacement due to unexpected acts of nature or severe weather other than flooding, it is likely covered. But if your roof is older or requires maintenance and repair, standard homeowners insurance typically will not issue a reimbursement. Roofs are considered to be the frontline of defense when it comes to keeping your home and its contents safe. This is because they are built to withstand the elements, including sun, wind, freezing temperatures, hail, rain, and more. However, a roof — no matter how well it is built — weakens over time, making it more susceptible to damage. An insurance company could decline coverage if the roof is older or lacks maintenance.
In the eye of an insurance company, there are two main types of roof damage: damage from a covered loss or standard wear and tear. So, if your roof has a leak or damage due to covered losses the insurance company will usually step in to pay for the repair or replacement up to your coverage limits. But, If there is a leak that is not associated with peril an insurance company will likely not cover the cost to repair the damage or replace the roof. That is why it is important to keep your roof well maintained — a failing roof can be expensive and most likely will not be covered by home insurance.
The bottom line is that a roof repair or replacement may be one of the most expensive aspects you may deal with as a homeowner. Your home insurance is there to pay for roof-related damages, but only for covered perils such as damages from severe weather, falling objects, or fire. Your homeowner's insurance does not typically cover damages or leaks caused because an older or poorly maintained roof is failing. A roof in good condition is more likely to withstand the harsh elements and any unexpected events. That is why it is important to stay on top of maintenance to avoid a more significant problem down the road. Let our experienced roofing professionals help you determine the state of your roof, identify any repairs necessary, and help you get the most out of your roof. Make EAS Roofing your first call for any Storm Restoration projects!
With so many different types of roofing materials out there, it can be hard to choose which one is best for your home. Below we have provided the top 8 most popular types of roofing shingles and their approximate costs for installation, and a little bit of information on their benefits and drawbacks can be found in our detailed blog post HERE. Let’s start with the most common shingle:
1. Asphalt Shingles are, by far, the more popular shingles used throughout the Pittsburgh Area. With an average installation cost of $4,000 to above $8,000, these are by far the most cost-effective out there.
2. Fiberglass Shingles are made from fiberglass and layered with a waterproof coating. They are more lightweight and fire-resistant. Their average install ranges from $8,500 to $16,500.
3. Organic Shingles are organic asphalt shingles that are made with recycled rags, paper, cardboard, and wood chips. They vary in price from $5,000 to $13,500 depending on the manufacturer and the installer.
4. Architectural Shingles cost about $13,500 to $21,500 to install and are not made from cutouts like the three-tab shingles are.
5. Tile Shingles come in a variety of shapes and can be molded in many different ways. The average installation cost of tile shingles varies from $16,000 to $32,000 and up.
6. Wood Shingles can be as affordable as asphalt or as expensive as tile shingles. Their average install can range from $7,500 to over $11,000.
7. Metal Roofing is becoming more and more popular, metal roofing can vary from $9,500 to $44,000 installed.
8. Slate Shingles cost on average $11,000 - $24,000 to install and have been known to last nearly 100 years. They have been known to have the most water and damage resistance of any known shingle out there.
When it comes down to it, no matter what shingle you choose for your home, be sure to have it done by an experienced and reputable roofing company. You should ensure that the shingles you choose have a warranty and that you can properly care for your shingles so that they last you and your home for the longest time possible. Get a hold of the best Pittsburgh Roofer, to find out what shingle is best for you. Visit EAS Roofing Today!
As your roof approaches the end of its life, you will start to see warning signs. Seeing the warnings early allows you to replace the roof on your timeline instead of when the roof completely fails, which could cost you so much more. So, here are the top 11 warning signs that your roof is at the end of its life!
1. Several Missing or Loose Shingles - Missing and broken shingles leave your roof vulnerable to rain, snow, and ice. If not corrected early, the problem can continue to spread.
2. Curling, Cracking, Blistering Shingles - Eventually, the shingle underlayment starts to dry out and deteriorate. This is when you start to see the edges of the shingle curl up. You may see cracking at various points. These are early signs your roof is starting to fail.
3. Granules in the Gutter - It’s very common to see a few granules come off right after the roof is installed. However, if your roof is more than a few years old, you shouldn’t see more than an occasional granule in the gutter.
4. Sagging Roof - If it starts to sag or dip, it’s a sign the wood below is rotting or that the roof rafters or trusses are starting to fail.
5. Dark and Dirty Roof - If you have an area that appears darker than the rest or looks dirty, you need to pay closer attention. Algae cause dark streaks. While the algae growth doesn’t necessarily harm the roof, it’s best to get it removed.
6. Exposed or Loose Nails - A loose or missing nail is a point where water can start to penetrate the roof structure. It’s best to replace the nails as soon as you notice them.
7. Water Damage Inside - Some roof water damage is obvious, you get an ugly brown stain across your ceiling or down the wall, and you may even have water puddling in places. This needs to be addressed as soon as possible!
8. Missing, Loose, or Damaged Flashing - If flashing loosens, sustains damage, or is entirely missing, water is going to make its way inside.
9. Roof Over 20 Years Old - If the shingles were installed over old shingles, you may need to replace them sooner. If you know your roof’s age, you should start budgeting for a roof replacement when it turns 20 years old.
10. Mold Where the Roof and Wall Meet - If you see mold growing where the roof and wall meet, moisture is present. And that’s never a good sign.
11. Mold in or on Exterior Walls - Consider mold growth anywhere in or on a structure as a warning sign. If you see it, don’t just clean it off. You need to investigate why the area is moist enough to support mold growth. Roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and window/door failures are often the culprits.
If you see one or more of these warning signs of roof failure, you need to bring in a professional roofing contractor. Contact EAS Roofing for any roof repair, maintenance, and replacement needs you might have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Have you noticed dark marks or streaks on your roof? Well, you may think that this may look like dirt, mildew, soot or mold, but what they really are is algae. This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks. By the time this algae is noticed by the homeowner, it has usually been on the roof for at least two or more months. Why does this algae appear to be black? The algae has the ability to form a protective darkly pigmented outer coating that shields the algae from damaging UV rays. This is what makes those unattractive black streaks on your roof! Although algae can be found on all types of roofing, it tends to be most common on asphalt shingles. That is why most shingle manufacturers now include an algae-resistant coating on their shingles and provide homeowners with a warranty for this coating!
Coastal, warm and humid climates tend to create the friendliest environments for algae growth, although the use of cheaper shingles has made algae growth a problem in almost every part of the United States. Even parts of the country that have cold winter seasons—such as the northeast or Midwest—still have problems with roof streaks caused by algae because they also experience hot and humid summers. Often homes in these algae-prone areas will see roof algae on the north side of the house. Why? Because when the sun goes through the sky during the day, the northern part of your house’s roof is shaded for most of the day. This shade allows moisture to accumulate and provides the ideal environment for algae growth. Roof algae is not harmful or dangerous in itself, but after a period of time, the algae can cause the protective UV granules that cover roofing shingles to begin to come off, eventually drying them out. Roof algae can be easily removed by a simple roof cleaning. The important thing to know is that while an occasional cleaning shouldn’t harm your roof, doing it yourself may void any roof warranties or homeowner insurance policies you may have.
Can you permanently get rid of algae? The short answer is “no.” Roof algae is similar to having a cold. Like many cold viruses, algae spores are airborne and unavoidable. You can treat the symptoms, but eventually, you will have another algae problem, especially if those around you have it on their roofs as well. But don’t despair! Like washing your hands frequently and eating healthy to prevent catching a cold, cleaning and maintaining your roof can help prevent black streaks on your roof from returning.
Roof algae can be unsightly, but it’s easy to get rid of, and there are several methods you can do to keep those black streaks on your roof from coming back. Have questions about those ugly black streaks on your roof? Give us a call today at 412-781-ROOF to schedule a roof inspection!
There are a lot of factors that go into the amount of time it takes to replace a roof but in general it can take as little as one day to tear off and replace an asphalt shingle roof-if it is a clear, hot, summer day, then a roofing crew of 5-6 can tear off and replace an asphalt shingle roof in a single day, this is assuming the roof is not steep and is not architecturally complex. This is the simplest of scenarios. You can broadly calculate other jobs using this as a baseline.
But many factors can change this time frame. Calculating roof replacement duration requires a few primary factors with the addition of some uncontrollable outliers: weather and structural damage. Along with the pitch being a factor, there is the design of the home. Some roofs are simple, like Open Gable or Hip Roofs, and can make for a quick installation. But then there are those wonderfully complex roofs with valleys and dormers all over, which can increase installation time. No matter how big or small a roofing company is, we ALL serve one master… the weather. Just know this, the roofer is just as frustrated with extended rain as you are. We all want to get the job done.
Get a hold of the best Pittsburgh Roofer, to find out what shingle is best for you. Visit EAS Roofing Today!
Flashing helps to prevent water leaks by directing the flow of rainwater around openings in the roof. They ensure that instead of leaking into your home, water runs off down the roof and into your gutter system. Flashing is available in a number of different materials. The following are some of the areas on the roof that generally need flashing in order to protect your home against leaks, which can result in extensive water damage.
1. Dormer Windows
2. Skylights
3. Chimneys
4. Vents
5. Valleys
Get a hold of the best Pittsburgh Roofer, to find out what a new roof could cost you. Visit EAS Roofing Today!
We have given thousands of estimates and have met with many different homeowners who have different concerns, needs, or wants in their new roof. We gathered our sales team and put together some of the more popular questions that are usually asked during an estimate!
Q: How long you have been in business?
A: Knowing how long a company has been in business can give you an idea of how credible a company is. A company that has been in business for more than ten years should have many reviews and belong to different credible companies such as Angie's List, BBB, Home Advisor, etc. and maintain high ratings.
Q: What warranties do you offer?
A: Warranties are a huge factor in deciding on the company and roof your choose to be installed. Most companies offer some sort of material warranty, but most do not cover the workmanship. 90% of roofs fail due to poor installation.
Q: Do you have insurance?
A: To be a certified company and have a license you must have insurance. Always ask this! If the contractor is trying to cover up the question or isn't upfront about insurance, it is not the company for you.
Q: Do you use Sub-contractors?
A: When homeowners hear "sub-contractors" it usually comes with a bad connotation. Not all sub-contractors are bad, as long as the company they work for has trained them to their standards and keeps up on the quality of the work they do.
Q: How are you different from other companies?
A: This is a popular question we get asked. You want to know what makes our company different from the other fifty roofers in the area. Look for investments, such as vehicles and equipment.
Q: Do you offer Financing?
A: Offering financing is a convenience for homeowners. Not all homeowners are aware of how much a roof costs nowadays, it can be a huge surprise when given an estimate.
Be sure to read a more comprehensive article regarding this topic here! Contact EAS Roofing for any roof repair, maintenance, and replacement needs you might have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Are you looking for a residential roofing contractor and want to know how to select the right one? When it comes to selecting an experienced roofing contractor, it is important to take into account the type of quality work they can provide you and what they do to protect you and your property. When you’re ready to choose a roofer for your home, you should compile a list of multiple candidates that have the proper roofing licensing and insurance. In addition, be sure to only choose candidates who have built a great reputation in your area. Here are our top ten steps to choosing the right residential roofing contractor in Pittsburgh:
1. Find Three roofing contractors. Act as though you are getting ready to hire a new employee.
2. Ensure that your roofing contractor carries the appropriate business licenses for the state and within your local area.
3. Make sure you are considering a legitimate roofing contractor by asking for their tax identification number, business address, website, and email address.
4. Ask the roofing contractor to show you their proof of insurance which should include worker’s compensation and liability coverage.
5. Request a list of past client references from your residential roofing contractor.
6. Ensure that the products your roofer is installing on your home are those that the roofer is certified to install.
7. Confirm the number of roofers who will be working on the roofing project.
8. Ask to read the roofing warranty information and make sure that you and the roofing contractor understand it.
9. Ask for a detailed proposal in writing on the job that will be performed by the roofing contractor.
10. Be sure to research and obtain the service, fees, and warranties from several residential roofing contractors BEFORE you make your final hiring decision.
Be sure to read a more comprehensive article regarding this topic here! Contact EAS Roofing for any roof repair, maintenance, and replacement needs you might have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
If you notice an active leak dripping from a bulge in your ceiling, or there is discoloration on your ceiling, you probably have water pooling on the other side of the bulge or dark spot. A roofing expert can visit your home and inspect your roof from the outside and from the inside of your home through your attic. Inspecting the underside of your roof for signs of roof damage can uncover signs of water damage, but it isn't a foolproof method so inspecting the roof for damage is needed as well.
Sometimes a roof leak can be fixed by replacing a few shingles, especially if you act quickly. However, you will need to act quickly to ensure that your roof remains in good condition. If your shingles are cracked or torn they can be replaced individually. If the crack or tear is minor, they may not even have to be replaced and could be fixed using a roof sealant. If you notice that some shingles are missing pieces, the entire shingle will need to be replaced. This usually happens if debris is blown onto your roof, causing pieces of your shingles to break off. If your leaky roof is missing entire shingles, they need to be replaced right away. When you have missing shingles, your roof becomes vulnerable to the elements, especially wind and rain.
If your asphalt shingles are between 20 and 25 years old, they are at the very end of their lifecycle, and you should consider replacing your entire roof if you notice a leak. If you don't, you may find yourself constantly replacing shingles and making repairs.
Finding a roof leak can be frustrating, and having your roof fixed or repaired isn't always the most exciting home improvement task. However, it may be the most essential one. Regular inspections after heavy rains are necessary to check for any potential leaks.
Roof leaks that are left untreated can weaken the structural integrity of your roof and be very costly in the long run.
Schedule your roof inspection with EAS Roofing now!
Let our experienced roofing professionals help you determine the state of your roof, identify any repairs necessary, and help you get the most out of your roof.
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