Author Archives: ProCraft Exteriors

Spray Foam Insulation – The Pros

Industry experts recommend spray foam insulation in existing and new build homes. Considered to be high performing product, spray foam insulation provides an air barrier and vapor barrier while insulating your home, making your home more energy efficient so that your HVAC system doesn’t work as hard to cool or heat your home. Your electric and gas bills are lower because of this efficiency. Other benefits of spray foam insulation include: 

• air leakage is essentially eliminated
• heat loss is prevented
• ideal insulation for attics, floors, roofs, walls
• a higher R-Value other insulation materials  
• reduced moisture accumulation
• additional  vapor barrier not needed
• seals up any awkward spaces 
• effectively eradicates air drafts

Spray Foam Insulation – The Cons

There is only one con, but it something to be considered. Because spray foam insulation is a superior performing product in comparison to other insulation materials, the initial installation has a higher upfront cost that is often more than most homeowners have budgeted. While the ROI is great, it is achieved over a longer period of time.  

Other Insulation Materials: Fiberglass and Foam Board

When comparing spray foam insulation or fiberglass for your home, consider that fiberglass insulation is manufactured from glass fiber in either batt rolls or blown in loose fill. It does provide satisfactory capacity and is ore affordable for most homeowners, a DIY homeowner can do their own installation. Using it in the basement requires additional installation of vapor barrier, an additional expense that should be factored in the decision.

  Between spray foam insulation vs foam board, the following facts about foam board should be considered when choosing: 

• Opportunity increased for penetrations because it is mechanically fastened
• Decreased  flexibility due to rigidity format
• When installed perfectly, provides the best air sealing and insulation
• Increased install cost for time-consuming process
• Often need addition of other form of  insulation to get the best results 

Should I spray foam my attic?

There isn’t any shortage of insulation products to choose from today, but the most recommended is spray foam insulation, contractors boast about the long-term and short-term benefits offered by this product when the open-cell form of spray foam insulation is used. While it is not a DIY insulation product, only installed by professional contractors with the proper equipment and training, it will have the biggest ROI over time in comparison to other types of insulation materials. 

Is it better to insulate attic ceiling or floor?

For your home to get the optimal energy efficiency, it needs to be insulated starting at the roof and to the floor. If your attic is unfinished, insulation should be placed between the floor joists and then over the floor joists, using an open-cell with spray foam insulation.  If the attic has air distribution, insulate the rafters as well. For a finished attic, insulation should be installed between the wall studs and exterior wall and roof rafters. The exterior walls, including the internal walls attached, unheated garage should be insulated. 

The number one concern for any homeowner when choosing an insulation material is the expense.  Spray foam insulation is the most expensive, but also will have a higher ROI over a longer period of time.  If you’re going to be in your house for years, then it is worth the investment. Call (314) 786-3732 today.

How Long Does it Take for Silicone Roof Coating to Dry?

If you are considering a new silicone roof coating application, it will be important for you to understand how long the process takes. According to a leading silicone roofing manufacturer, it takes approximately eight to twenty-four hours for a silicone roof coating to properly dry. This estimate depends on the prevailing weather conditions of the area. In locations where the weather is dewy and has high humidity, it will cause the silicone roof coating to take much longer to dry. On the other hand, if you live in an arid part of the country, and you apply the silicone on a particularly dry day, the silicone will dry faster.

Does Roof Coating Stop Leaks?

As any responsible roofer can attest, it will be important for all the lingering cracks and crevices of your roof to be properly repaired before a silicone roof coating is installed. Once a roofing company has been brought in to help out with your roof repairs, you can then discuss your brand-new roof coating. A silicone roof coating will improve your roof’s performance and increase its protection against inclement weather elements such as heavy rain, ponding water, damaging UV rays, and much more.

How Do You Clean Silicone Roof Coating?

Believe it or not, despite silicone roofs being quite durable, they pick up dirt and debris quite easily. That is why it is important for you to research the best ways for you to clean your silicone roof. Fortunately, silicone roofs can be effectively cleaned with a light pressure wash. When annual pressure washes are applied to the surface of your silicone roof, your roof will perform well for many years to come.

Can Silicone Stop Water Leaks?

It is important to recognize that silicone has many great qualities. For instance, it can hold standing water for long periods of time without degrading or leaking. However, if you are thinking of treating a roof repair with only silicone, be advised that there are better and more responsible ways to repair the area. The best person to call in such scenarios is a reputable and respectable roofing company.

Benefits of Silicone Roof Coating

Are you wondering what the benefits are for silicone roof coatings? If so, please review the following list to discover more.

• Resistance to ponding water. Silicone roof coatings are capable of enduring the damaging effects of ponding water without breaking down. This is because of their composition. Silicone is a moisture-cure substance and that means that it will not absorb additional water after it has cured.
• Great UV protection. Did you know that silicone roof coatings can reflect up to eighty to ninety percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays? For commercial property owners and operators, this can translate into meaningful energy savings during the summer.
• Flexibility. Silicone roof coatings are indeed highly flexible, monolithic, and hard to permeate. These advantages are especially great for flat and low-slope roofs.

Is Silicone Roof Coating Worth It

If your roof system has not received the care and attention of roof repairs in recent years, it is very important for you to enlist a professional roofing company to carry out a roof inspection. A roof inspection will yield results concerning what exactly the current condition is. If roof repairs are in order, those must be done first before a silicone roof coating is considered. After all of your roof repairs have been completed and your silicone roof coating has been applied, you can breathe a sigh of relief because your roof will perform well in the face of inclement weather.

Is Silicone Roof Coating Good

Silicone roof coatings are wonderful for a wide range of reasons. It is important to discuss your personalized roofing options with your local professional roofer so that you are perfectly aware of what roofing materials would benefit you most.

One of the most important things that our professional roofing company can provide for our customers is a true expert silicone roof coating in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO. Please reach out to us today to get started. You can reach us at our phone number, (314) 786-3732.

Is spray foam roofing good?

In addition to the seven benefits we listed, other features make spray foam roofing the right choice for commercial structures with flat or low sloped roofs—a common problem with a flat roof, the drainage. After a heavy rain or melting ice and snow, if the drains are maintained, the water has nowhere to go. Spray foam roofing is applied in layers of various thickness, which provides better drainage. 

The drainage issue goes hand-in-hand with condensation and ice damming, another issue with flat roofs that spray foam roofing helps. As the interior heat comes to the roof and melts the ice and snow, then the temperature drops and refreezes, this creates ice dams. That allows water to seep into ordinary roofing membranes. Because spray foam roofing is insulation, that heat from the interior of the building never makes it to the roof. Once the ice and snowmelt, it drains away. 

Can spray foam rot your roof?

No spray foam roofing will not rot the existing roof. This is a breathable, open-cell foam, allowing air and moisture to flow through. This ensures that water that seeps in will be soaked in by the spongy foam and eventually pass on through.  

Can you walk on a foam roof?

Spray foam roofing is a durable material that is safe for foot traffic. This resilient surface can handle the foot traffic that comes with other contractors need roof access to their equipment, like the electrical, HVAC, plumbing, even storage. 

How long does a spray foam roof last?

With proper installation and regular maintenance, spray foam roofing will need to be professionally cleaned every ten to fifteen years. With that recommendation kept in place, your spray foam roofing will last fifty years or more. This is why they say spray foam roofing is the last roofing you’ll ever need to install.

Are slate roofs expensive?

A slate roof is among the best roofing materials to have yet due to superior quality they will be a more expensive material to install than other roofs. A square foot of the area of your house can cost several hundred dollars in comparison to a few hundred with other roofing materials. However, there with typically be fewer repairs and with a longer amount of time to wait between replacements due to decades of roof life this can make up for costs in the long run.

Are slate roofs good?

A slate roof is a great roofing option to consider due to their long life and protective abilities. They are quite an investment yet in the long run they are worth it. Essentially they are waterproof and weather resistant materials that can withstand high winds, rain, and heavy snow. Since slate has low water absorption it is resistant to frost damage and breaks from freezing. Other benefits include them being completely fireproof and mold resistance. How a slate roof works is that that they have a down slope that’s parallel with the length of the shingle to the next lower shingles. Therefore, water migration is controlled by the angle of the roof’s slope, the steeper the slope the less water migration there will be.

What is the minimum angle for a slate roof?

The minimum angle for a slate roof is recommended by BS 5534 to be 20 degrees. SSQ has however developed successful slate roof systems that will allow for a roof’s pitch to be lower at 17.5 degrees. In some circumstances, going as low as 15 degrees in certain areas can allow for ‘unexposed’ conditions. 

Do slate roofs need ventilation?

A slate roof will need to have vents at both the ridge level and at both eaves according to the NHBC. Ventilation requirements will vary based on the building.

How do you maintain a slate roof?

A slate roof should be maintained regularly with gutters cleaned twice in the fall and once during early spring. Inspections should be done every 5-7 years and any damaged slates materials should be replaced promptly no matter the time of year.

Can you pressure wash slate roof?

A slate roof can be pressure washed with the right pressure. However many recommend not to pressure wash a roof if the blast is too strong. Pressure ashing can break apart slate or drive water under the slate which can cause a leak.

Is it OK to walk on a slate roof?

A slate roof should not be walked on after rain as it can be slippery. If the slate is crumbling or deteriorating walking also isn’t advised. Beware of the pressurized weight you are directly placing on any roofing material before you walk on them in case they break or form cosmetic damages.

Get in Touch With Your Local Roofers Regarding a Slate Roof

If you’re interested in a slate roof or require slate roof repair services get in touch with your local roofing company. They will best to able to determine which materials will work best on your roof based on your particular roofing specifications. What’s more, if any repairs or replacements need to be made, roofers are certified and trained to implement the right procedures with your roof that will keep materials safe and in good condition. A slate roof will be a great aesthetic to add to your property with protection that can last well into the next generation. Get assistance with a slate roof with a professional roofer today.

If you’re interested in a slate roof in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO call (314) 786-3732 with ProCraft Exteriors!

What is a green roof made of?

The basic anatomy, listing in layers from the bottom up, are: 

• Structural Roof Support
• Vapor Control Layer
• Thermal Insulation
• Roofing Membrane Support for Planting
• Waterproofing
• Root Repellant
• Drainage
• Filter Membrane
• Growing Medium
• Vegetation

How is a green roof constructed?

The traditional soil that is in a typical yard garden or a house plant is dense, and after a rain or watering, it becomes tightly packed. This soil type has reduced aeration and water retention for the roots. The growing medium for a green roof is different.

 It is composed of mineral aggregates and a small amount of organic material. A green roof needs to have consistent drainage with aeration, and a structure that allows it to keep water contained. A green roof needs to resist compression and decomposition, remain lightweight, and be chemically and physically stable.

A green roof may be installed in one sizeable unified section and is a green roof without plastic separating the plants. A modular green roof will consist of small movable planting beds with metal or plastic trays housing the growing medium. The portable plant beds are then placed together, creating an extensive green roof. Because a modular green roof is planted in movable planting beds, it can be installed in increments that are removable for maintenance, allowing the root layers to be inspected easily from time-to-time. 

A modular sectioned green roof can be cultivated in a greenhouse and then planted on the green roof when the plants are established. There are fewer issues of any replacement plants that don’t take to root or struggle to thrive. A drawback to modular section green roof plants is the moisture can’t flow between the units, which increases the impacts of dry and wet spells for the plants.

What problems do green roofs solve?

Green roofs have been around forever, especially in Europe. They are gaining popularity in America as we have learned they aren’t just for looks, but the green roof benefits we receive may not seem like much, but they do a lot for our environment: 

• A green roof absorbs heat and provides a natural layer of insulation, which reduces energy costs. A six-inch thick green garden can reduce energy usage by seventy-five percent because it takes less air conditioning to keep a building cool – a big plus for structures in the southern states.
• A green roof reduces the Urban Heat Island Effect of absorbing and trapping heat. 
• A green roof removes air particulates and produces oxygen, all while providing shade if there are trees planted in the garden. 
• A green roof with trees not only provides shade for humans and the plants, but it minimizes the UV rays that shortens the lifespan of the roof.  
• A green roof can minimize and slow stormwater runoff on to the hard surfaces of urban environments. Typical flooding and pollution because of nonporous surfaces are reduced with much of it absorbed by the green roof plants. 

How long do green roofs last?

A green roof and sustainability are a combination that this country has not taken full advantage of yet.  The estimated lifespan of a green roof is 40 years. That is 40 years of reduced energy needs, which reduces the greenhouse effects on the environment.  Considering the natural increased R-value, a green roof provides, naturally, not humanmade insulation. 

Last Words 

So, which do we get the most benefit when it comes to green roof vs cool roof? They are both beneficial in their way. A cool roof reflects the sunlight and heat, sending it back into the atmosphere. A green roof absorbs the sunlight and heat, keeping it from entering the structure and stabilizing the air to a near ambient temperature.

Where Is Flashing on a Roof?

Your shingles funnel the water that hits your roof down along the sides of the roof where the flashing prevents it from seeping underneath the shingles and into your roof. If you walk outside and do a visual inspection of your home or commercial property, you should notice thin, the flat flashing around gutters, chimneys. roof flashing for vent pipe, and other areas. The main purpose of flashing is to provide a water-tight seal around areas susceptible to water leaks. That generally means around edges and corners.

Does Flashing Go Over or Under Shingles?

The answer to this question is that it depends on which shingles you’re talking about! Most flashing goes under some shingles and over others. For example, when you’re installing flashing where higher shingles meet a part of your roof that juts out, say a garage, then your flashing will be underneath the higher shingles and under the lower ones. The reason being that the flashing is meant to facilitate water movement. It prevents water from getting underneath the higher shingles while still allowing the shingles to feed water down to lower levels and eventually into the gutter system. By having the roof flashing on top of the lower shingles, it covers the cracks and seams between the two surfaces from water penetration. This and other roof flashing examples illustrate how critical it is to get placement and repairs done correctly.

Here are some more examples of places roof flashing goes:

• Around Windows – Windows often have four seams that need to be treated with flashing. It’s important to stop the wind from entering and climate-controlled air from escaping. Flashing around the windows also stops rain from getting inside.
• Chimneys – You don’t want water getting inside seams between your roof and your chimney. Flashing can do the trick as well as stop any small animals from getting inside.
• Vents – Gable vents and other vents around your property will need flashing to seal around edges.
• Eaves – Eaves need flashing to improve water flow and stop rainwater from getting under shingles and into your roof.
• Where Two Edges Meet – Any place there two different angles or surfaces meet need edging.

Anything with exposed edges on your roof needs flashing for the best roofing system performance. Without proper flashing, you’re taking an unnecessary risk.

Most skilled roofers will use a combination of flashing techniques to get your roof protected again. Here are some different types of flashing they’ll use:

• Base Flashing – Base flashing refers to flashing that goes around the base of a vent, pipe, or chimney. It often requires multiple pieces of flashing that need to be molded to the structure’s size and shape.
• Step Flashing – This refers to the flashing that’s installed between a roof and a wall. The piece of flashing is bent to match the angle of the two surfaces.
• Continuous Flashing – This is often the most common type of flashing installed on properties because most edges are long, continuous lines that can use the same piece of flashing.

Have you noticed issues with your roof flashing? ProCraft Exteriors is the one to call for your roofing needs. Call us today at (314) 786-3732!

How Do You Weather Corrugated Metal Roofing?

The vintage look of corrugated metal is attractive for many reasons, including for creating a rustic look. Would you like to age your corrugated metal roofing? If so, you can utilize toilet cleaner to age metal roofing. Clorox clinging bleach gel toilet bowl cleaner is apparently quite effective at aging corrugated metal. There are other ways to age metal roofing, however, they use very corrosive chemicals and can be very harmful if misused.

What is the Cheapest Metal Roofing?

According to a leading website, galvanized steel is the most affordable form of metal roofing. The cost range for galvanized steel is between $2.65 to $3.75 for each square foot. Conversely, stone coated steel tiles and shingles are on the more expensive side of the spectrum. Those go for anywhere between $3.50 to $4.25 for each square foot.

How Wide is Corrugated Tin?

Professional corrugated metal roofing is a great option for many reasons. And yet many questions remain, including how wide corrugated tin is. For this answer, let’s turn to the experts. According to a leading home guide website, corrugated tin measures between twenty-six and thirty-six inches. The width of this roofing material is measured straight across the top of the sheet from each edge to each edge. The two most common widths for corrugated tin are 26 and 36 inches. Another standard width to be aware of is 24 and 39 inches.

Does Corrugated Metal Rust?

Corrugated metal is very durable and corrosion-resistant. There are two ways to rust corrugated metal. The first way is with muriatic acid or bleach toilet bowl cleaner, as previously mentioned, or naturally, through weathering and water exposure. The zinc coating on hot-dipped galvanized steel will last for thirty-five to fifty years in corrosive soil, and longer in less corrosive soil. Essentially, with roofing maintenance and a good roof coating, corrugated metal will last a long time without rusting. 

Who Sells Corrugated Metal Roofing?

There are many roofing companies that provide corrugated metal roofing installations. It’s important to always consult the services of an insured roofing professional in order to understand the intricacies of the process and whether or not a corrugated metal roof is best for your roof installation. An insured roofer will also be able to discuss the cost of a corrugated roof versus a different style of roofing. 

Where to Screw Corrugated Metal Roofing

If you need to screw a corrugated metal roof for your roof installation, it will be important for you to utilize proper procedures. That’s because any breaks in the roof surface area will become leaks sooner rather than later. To begin with, the panels should be cut to the length. Some holes should be pre-drilled. If they are not already, they should be drilled prior to installation. Next, you can install the panels. You can screw the panels in the areas where the pre-drilled holes have been placed. Then, you will complete the other side. 

What is Corrugated Metal Roofing Made Of

If you are wondering what corrugated metal roofing is made of, you’re not alone. Please refer to the following list to learn more about this extraordinary roofing material.

• Corrugated metal roofing. This material has many different names. Universally, corrugated galvanized iron or steel is the name for this roofing material. Other names include wriggly tin (UK military slang), corrugated sheet metal (North America), and pailing (Caribbean English).
• Screws. The size screws that are used for metal roofs are generally 1 ½ inch and end with a penetration of about 1 1/4th of an inch. This will help the metal roof panel remain firmly in place.
• Underlayment. Traditionally built homes will need an underlayment with a metal roofing installation. Insulation will need to be installed between joists and sheathing.

Your corrugated metal roof must be handled with professionalism. Our staff at ProCraft Exteriors are ready to assist. Please call us at (314) 786-3732. Discover more about how a corrugated metal roof in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO can solve your roofing problems!

How long does a flat roof last?

There are several factors that can determine the lifespan of a commercial structure’s flat roof, but on the average, we give them a lifespan from 10 years up to 50 years. The climate and environment, the type of membrane applied, and the maintenance and upkeep can affect their life expectancy. 

• TPO flat roof system life expectancy – 22 to 30 years
• EPDM flat roof system life expectancy – 22 to 35 years
• Metal flat roof system life expectancy – 30 to 45 years
• Asphalt flat roof system life expectancy – 20 to 40 years

What causes flat roof leaks?   

As we mentioned earlier, builders and owners find a few advantages with a flat roof on a commercial structure. They are less expensive to install; they are less expensive to maintain, and they are easier for contract workers to access and service, like electricians, plumbers, and make it easier for commercial HVAC service technicians to install and repair HVAC units.  

Like any roof though, a flat roof can have problems too, like leaks and it can be just as difficult to determine where and why a flat roof is leaking, a primary concern. Four of the most common causes of a flat roof leak.

• Improper Drainage: Improper drainage is a common cause, perhaps the most common of all reasons. Because it is a flat roof, when snow melts or rain collects on a flat roof, the drainage system is the only way for that water to shed.   
• Flashing and Membrane: The best method to keep a flat roof from flashing is proper and timely roof maintenance. Regular inspections allow the opportunity to detect early signs of problems with the flashing and membrane.   
• Age: Regardless of how strict you are with inspection and maintenance, a flat roof will age, making it more susceptible to spring leaks. There are factors that play into how long a flat roof will last, such as climate and environment conditions and the quality and type of membrane installed on the roof.      

Do flat roofs leak more?

This is a misconception that has been handed down from generation to generation. A flat roof that was properly installed, has had regular inspections, maintenance kept up as needed, and the flashing kept in good condition, a flat roof won’t leak any more than a sloped roof.

How do you waterproof a flat roof?

Common sense tells us that a flat roof won’t shed water like a sloped roof, but this is a problem that has a solution. A roofing contractor with experience in flat roofing can provide an analogy of the roof and offer the best method to waterproof it. For the convenience of the building owner or maintenance crew reading this, here we offer the steps it takes to waterproof a flat roof. 

Step One

Take the measurement of every surface of the flat roof. To get the total square footage, measure the length by width in feet then multiply the total length by total width. Your local big box or hardware store can assist you in determining how much coating you’ll need. 

Step Two

Clean the roof with a broom or pressure washer, making sure all the dirt, debris, and dust is removed. For a heavily dirty roof, mix 1 quart of trisodium phosphate with five gallons of water, and use a push broom to clean the surface. The roof must be dry before the coating can be applied. 

Step Three

Pour one gallon of the elastomeric coating onto the roof and spread with a paint roller, starting in one corner and working around the roof as you walk backward. Avoid stepping on the coating you’ve applied. Repeat the process until you have covered the entire roof, allowing 24 hours between coats. 

Want to learn more about flat roof systems in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO? Dial (314) 786-3732 to speak with the professionals here at ProCraft Exteriors!

1. Performance Improves: To get the most out energy efficiency and maximum useful life, commercial roof washing will keep the surface temperature lower, extending the lifespan of the roof membrane itself and reduce the building’s energy consumption. When you’ve had a white roof installed to reflect the UV rays and heat, it can work effectively when it’s clean, which eases the strain of the HVAC system.  
2. Moisture Collection Eliminated: The biggest enemy of a commercial or residential roof is moisture. A professional commercial roof washing will keep the things off that roof that keep moisture on it, like debris, leaves, limbs, and other materials. A dirty roof will pond water and then blister, split, and rust – all the things that start leaks.
3. Fire Hazards Minimized: In some regions of the country, wildfires are a major concern, especially for a building that has combustibles materials inside or around it. A professional commercial roof cleaning will help eliminate the potential of the building becoming a fuel source for a wildfire.
4. Expose Roof Damage: A professional commercial roof cleaning will allow a roofing expert to inspect your roof and advise you of any possible roof problems. A clean and well-maintained roof will help your facility manager identify potential roof problems and have them addressed before they become a devasting catastrophe. If there is any hail damage or almost invisible punctures, you can be sure an experienced professional roof cleaner will spot them.
5. Protects Employees Health: Algae and mold are more than just unsightly. They are a danger to everyone’s health too, even your employees. Both algae and mold are pulled into your HVAC system, affecting the air quality inside your building. Once algae have latched on to your building, the integrity of the roof is put at risk, as will your business’ reputation. A commercial roof cleaning will remove the algae and mold and inhibit any future growth. Keep a regular schedule of commercial roof washing for mold and algae.
6. Keep Building Up to Code: A building that houses any food-related business like a food processing plant, there are certain standards to maintain, number one being a healthy building. A commercial roof cleaning service will keep your roof clean, keep the HVA system clear, and keep your building from taken over by algae and mold.
7. Regular Roof Cleaning: If your roof hasn’t been cleaned in a while, the first one is going to be a mess! Once all those years of algae, dirt, grime, mold, pollution, residue have been washed off, keeping regularly schedule commercial roof cleaning service will keep it from building up again.
8. A Clean Roof Is A Great Looking Roof:
9. First impressions are everything. By getting a professional commercial roof cleaning service, your whole building will look great, and a great looking building will give your customers a great impression of your business!

Why does my roof look dirty?

That dark, tarnished, worn, roof on your building is from a bacterium, Gloecapsa Magma. It blows through the air and wherever it lands, it takes root and keeps growing and spreading other surfaces in the area. A commercial roof cleaning on a regular schedule will get that bacterium removed and keep it from growing and spreading.

How often should you clean your roof?

You already know that roof cleaning is essential to your home, and it is for your business too. You want your business to look clean and welcoming for existing and potential customers. With a regularly scheduled professional commercial roof cleaning service, your business will always look clean and welcoming. Depending on the roof type, your schedule will be along with these guidelines:

• A Sloped Roof: A sloped roof with asphalt shingles will need commercial roof cleaning on the same schedule as your home, once or twice a year is usually enough.
• A Flat Roof: If your business has a flat roof, your customers will not see what the roof surface looks like. However, with a cleaning every 6 months, it will keep debris and mold removed, keeping the roofing from cracking and creating a leak. A commercial roof cleaning every 6 months will extend the roof’s lifespan.
• The Climate: Depending on what part of the country you are in, the climate can pay havoc on your building’s roof. Hot, humid, rainy climate or hailstorms, heavy rain, and high winds can beat your roof up, making your whole business look aged, tired, and worn. With a regularly scheduled commercial roof cleaning, any climate or weather damage can be found and repaired before it creates a bigger problem.

What chemicals are used to clean roofs?

Professional commercial roof cleaning contractors typically use sodium hypochlorite, aka chlorine bleach, trisodium, and other chemicals mixed in high concentrations. They spray it on the roof allowed to dry, then re-apply.

Is bleach safe for roofs?

Commercial roof cleaning can be done with sodium percarbonate solution or bleach in simple terms when mixed in amounts with other cleaning products. However, it can be mixed to strong and damaged the roof or not mixed strong enough, and the cleaning efforts were a waste of time. The best way to get the roof of your commercial building clean is to call a commercial roof cleaning service. They will have the proper equipment and products, and the experience and knowledge to get the job done right, and you’ll have a guarantee.

• Halt the water damage – Once you have discovered a leaking roof, you need to minimize the possible water damage. If you can’t get your electronics, furniture, and anything valuable out of the house, cover it with plastic.
• Hold the water – Set buckets, pails, or any portable waterproof container under the area where the leaking roof is and catch any more water that is coming in. Place plastic, towels, or clothing around the container to catch the splash. If there is any bubbling around the pain, puncture the bubbles. This will release any water held in those bubbles.  If you cannot control the water coming from the leaking roof, call ProCraft Exteriors as soon as possible for roof leak repair.
• Get rid of the water – After the leaking roof is under control, empty the container(s) that were catching the water and begin the drying process. The carpet, furniture, belongings, rugs, and thoroughly dry out any woodwork to prevent water stains and prevent mildew and mold from starting. Pull up any soaked carpeting so the padding can air. Take any rugs out and place them in an area where they can hang to dry. With extensive damage from a leaking roof, you must call a professional extraction company.
• Call your insurance company – Whether you see any or not, your home could have heavy damage. Call your insurance company and file a claim. They will send an adjuster to review the damage and find out the need for any roof repair, what is it that caused the damage and determine if they cover it.

After your leaking roof is fixed

After you have done all you can, get your leaking roof fixed by an experienced and licensed roofing contractor. Once the immediate needs are met like stopping the leaking roof, the roof has been repaired or replaced, take the following steps to assure it doesn’t happen again:

• Trim back trees – Tree branches can do a lot of damage to a roof. Limbs break off, land on the roof and puncture it, low-hanging limbs rub the roof and over time, this can compromise its performance and create a leaking roof.

• Clean the gutter system – Gutters and the downspouts get filled and clogged up with dirt, debris, leaves, limbs, and nests from small critters and insects. You can clean most of this out by using your garden hose to flush the clogs out. The best and most complete way to clean your gutters is to call a professional gutter cleaning company. Many roof repair companies offer gutter cleaning services too.

• Get roof flashing checked – Sometimes, leaking roofs are caused by loose or missing flashing around the chimney, pipe collars, and vents. Something as simple as roof repair with flashing could be all that is needed. With periodic checks, you can catch these things before a leaking roof even happens.

What are the signs of a leaking roof?

After a good rain, if you see water in places that it shouldn’t be, you may have a leaking roof or leaking pipes in the bath or kitchen, but what if you don’t see a leak anywhere? Regardless of the leak is big or small, if not repaired it can cause damage and havoc to your home.  Here are indicators that your problem is a leaking roof.

Water Stains

Water stains on the ceiling with a brown ring means you have either a leaking pipe from an upstairs bathroom, your HVAC system, or a leaking roof. Then sometimes stains are visible, like in a dark corner. Because it is a small stain, it doesn’t mean it is a small leak. If you see a stain and leaking roof, check for mold.

There’s Dripping from The Ceiling or Walls

If you see water dripping from the ceiling or notice moisture on the walls, this could be an indication of a leaking roof.  What if that leak stops, and the moisture dries up? That doesn’t mean the leaking roof has healed itself – you need to call a professional roofing contractor, and have it checked. There could be an ice dam on the roof from ice and snow freezing and thawing that has worked its way up under your shingles.

The Exterior Walls Are Spotted

A periodic check of the roofline from outside is a must for homeowners. IF there are visible water spots when it hasn’t rained or snowed, there could be a problem where the roof and walls meet. Most likely, it is the flashing has come loose and a professional roofing contractor can fix that for you. If the walls have moss on them, it gives your home a rustic look, but it also an indication that your gutter system isn’t working, and a leaking roof isn’t far behind.

Loose or Missing Shingles

During your regular visual inspection from the ground, if you notice any loose or missing shingles or the flashing is loose or missing around the chimney, piping, vents, or along the seams where the roof pitches meet, it is time to call a roofing contractor before you have a leaking roof.

Can Roof leaks cause mold?

Definitely! And mold can start growing from a leaking roof in a matter of 2 or 3 days, even less. The only thing that multiplies as fast or faster than cockroaches is mold. Once the water has entered your home and can become stagnate, mold spores develop within the moist surface.  There are two kinds of mold growth from a leaking roof:

Limited growth occurs in an attic with ventilation is good enough, but moisture can still accumulate in the area immediately around the leak. This is an easy fix by repairing the leaking roof and kill the existing mold.

Systemic growth occurs when a leaking roof builds up enough moisture to create mold that grows throughout the whole attic. Mold remediation is necessary in this case, and it isn’t a DIY job either. You must call a professional mold removing service to restore your home to a healthy, safe home.

In either case, the leaking roof issued needs to addressed immediately so that the mold doesn’t continue growing and creating health risks to your family. If not addressed, not only will mold spores spread throughout your home through the HVAC system, it weakens the structure too.

Is it OK to replace a roof in the winter?

While it isn’t the most ideal time, a leaking roof repair is done properly by experienced roofing contractors, a wintertime roofing job can be successful. A cold, frozen roof is dangerous, and there are contractors that will not do roofing jobs in the winter. You want to clarify this when you are calling roofing contractors and verify their experience in repairing leaking roofs during the winter.

Your home is a big and important investment. Taking care of it should be a priority, from mowing the lawn, painting the exterior, fixing a leaking roof, and other basics. The better you take care of this investment, the longer it will last you and the more ROI you’ll get. If you have a stain on your ceiling and suspect a roof leak in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO, call (314) 786-3732 for ProCraft Exteriors!