Roofing

Roofing Archives for the Interstate Roofing blog, we serve the Portland & Vancouver areas. We do residential, commercial, new and repair: call 503 684-5611

Are Composition Shingles Energy-Efficient?

/in , , /by

Everyone wants to cut down on their energy consumption. If you make a habit of turning off lights when you’re not in a room, run your air conditioning sparingly, and resist the urge to just soak in the shower, you’re likely already making some progress. When you’re a homeowner, you know that every choice you make has an impact on the energy efficiency of your household. If you’re looking for more areas to save, we can suggest something you may have forgotten: your roofing. While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for ways to cut back on household energy consumption, your roofing actually has a major impact on how much you spend.

We get plenty of people asking us about what kinds of materials might fit their energy needs. Due to the wide usage of composition shingles, many people are curious if they are in fact efficient. The short answer is: yes! There are plenty of composition shingles designed with energy efficiency in mind, and many of them even meet the specifications to earn an ENERGY STAR® rating. If you’re thinking about installing composition shingles on your roof, or already have them and want to learn more, we have your back. As your local roofing experts, we’re happy to help bridge the informational gap. Here are some of the factors that make composition shingles energy-efficient, along with the benefits that come after.

Heat and Cold Resistance

The most important thing your roof can do to be more energy-efficient is to better insulate your house. The better the insulation on your house, the less energy you’ll need to spend in order to keep it within your ideal temperature range. At the end of the day, it’s a battle on many fronts. If you want to keep your home operating at maximum efficiency, you’ll need to ensure your walls have modern insulation material and your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent air from leaking in or out of the house. It’s not just up to the roof to keep the elements out of your home, but it makes a significant impact on how much you spend on your energy bill.

In order to best insulate your house, your roof needs to prevent heat exchange from the interior of the house to the exterior. Preventing heat exchange is a problem year-round, as you’ll need to worry about the cold getting in during the winter just as much as the heat getting in during the summer. Many modern composition shingles are manufactured with this in mind, giving them the properties needed to be effectively heat-resistant. Particularly, those that have earned an ENERGY STAR® rating are a great option.

The Color Makes a Difference

The physical material your roofing is made from is a factor when it comes to energy efficiency, but did you know that the color can make a difference as well? Part of the reason that composition shingles are so popular is that there’s a huge variety of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to emulate other kinds of roofing without having to deal with the hassle or cost that they might entail. Some styles are more energy-efficient than others, however, and it’s worthwhile to consider how your aesthetic choice might have an effect on your energy consumption.

The long and short of it is that darker colors make for less energy-efficient shingles, while lighter ones are more efficient. The reason for this is simple, it ties back to the principle of sunlight refraction. Darker colors absorb most of the sunlight that hits them, converting the solar energy into heat. If you’ve ever walked down the street on a summer day and suddenly understood the phrase, “It’s so hot, you could cook an egg on the sidewalk,” you’re already familiar with the concept.

Unfortunately, not everyone considers this when deciding what they want for their roofing. If you go with a lighter color design, you’ll be able to increase your energy efficiency by increasing the reflectivity of your roof. Keeping the worst of the summer sun out of your home will allow your home air conditioner to work a little easier, meaning you won’t need as much energy to maintain your indoor climate.

Government Rebates

A more energy-efficient home has a direct impact on your wallet, in more ways than one. The first place you’ll feel it is, not surprisingly, in your energy bill. If you’re using less energy, you’re drawing less power from the grid. If you’re drawing less power from the grid, there’s less to be billed for. In addition to the savings on your future bills, the federal government offers tax credits to individuals who invest in making their homes more energy-efficient. If you’re worried about any additional sticker price on more energy-efficient composition shingles, don’t be. The tax credits offered can cover up to 10 percent of the cost of new roofing materials.

The goal of these credits is to incentivize more homeowners to update and utilize housing materials and appliances that meet energy requirements to drive down energy usage nationwide. This goes hand in hand with the ENERGY STAR® ratings, as a rating is aimed at helping people earn these tax credits. Many of the composition shingles on the market can meet the standards needed to qualify for both the rating and the tax credit.

So, are composition shingles energy efficient? Yes, they can be. Like so many other things, it comes down to your choice. If you want to use composition shingles for your roof, but also want to cut back on your energy usage, you just need to shop around for the right kind. Still curious about how to make your roofing more energy-efficient? Give us a call. Our expert roofers will be able to answer any questions you might have.

5 Roofing Facts to Remember in Winter

/in , /by

The winter brings harsh weather to most of the country. Along with that harsh weather, the cold season also often brings problems to your roofing. While the blistering cold isn’t the most ideal time for any activity, it’s especially difficult for providing essential maintenance to your roof. But sometimes problems arise that just can’t wait until spring to be fixed.

If you’re anticipating that your roof could be in trouble this winter, you’re going to want to know these five winter roofing facts. For over 30 years, Interstate Roofing has helped prevent problems with roofs in the Portland, Oregon, area, and we want to share what you can be doing to prepare your roof when the winter comes.

Fact #1: It’s important to prepare beforehand

If you want to make sure your roof is safe this winter, you’re going to want to get started on maintenance before the season even begins. As you might imagine, it’s more difficult for roofers to work in the winter months for more than a few reasons.

Not only is it more dangerous for them to work up there, but the work can also produce less than favorable results during that time. Roofers could be wasting shingles while installing or repairing asphalt roofs because they aren’t meant to be applied during that season. That means services often come at a higher cost too, and even when the job is completed in the winter, the shingles may not stick the way they’re supposed to.

You’ll want to conduct maintenance checks (or have a professional do it for you) to identify places on your roof that could be in trouble when the cold weather rolls around. This preventative maintenance could include tasks like cutting branches off trees near your roof and cleaning your gutters and roof flashing before the winter. When snow and ice get involved, these tasks become less safe and efficient to complete.

Fact #2: Don’t go on the roof in the winter

This could be the most important of all the roofing facts to understand. It might feel like you need to take action to care for your roof during these colder months, but your safety and the safety of the roof are more important. Maybe you’ve noticed that tree branches and debris are lying on top of the roof or that your gutters and flashing are covered with ice and leaves. But you should not complete debris removal in the winter; it’s simply unsafe.

Roofing companies may come out during the colder months for emergencies and other essential projects, but they know that there are more risks than rewards when it comes to getting up there. If you fear that a section of your roof is in trouble, you should step away from your home and walk around it from a distance, checking for any sagging. Don’t go up there on your own. Even if the weather is nice one day, you don’t know if there will still be ice.

Fact #3: Ice dams are one of your roof’s biggest enemies in the winter

After snowstorms, your roof could be at risk of creating an ice dam. An ice dam is a block of ice that often forms along the edge of your roof. When this happens, it doesn’t allow melting snow to drain from the roof. Refreezing rainwater can also cause ice dams.

When an ice dam occurs, parts of your roof could begin to leak or sag, especially if your attic isn’t properly insulated. In order to prevent ice dams, maintenance checks should be conducted during the warmer months, as well as on the warmer days of winter. So make sure you’re conscious of this particular issue.

Fact #4: If you’re forced to have a roof installed in the winter, make sure to hire a roofing contractor with experience (and good insurance)

If you’re faced with the decision to replace your roof during the colder months, make sure you hire someone you trust. Asphalt roofing tends to have a much higher chance of not being installed properly because of the weather and cold temperatures—and improper installation can lead to more issues down the road.

The adhesive strip on the back of asphalt shingles is activated by sunlight, and when the heat from that sunlight isn’t available, the asphalt doesn’t bond together strongly enough. So when it gets too windy, the asphalt shingles are more likely to fly off, exposing your roof and causing damage. If you’re making the decision to install a roof this winter, ask your roofer about how they will prevent these issues.

Fact #5: Professionals can do maintenance checks for you

Having proper maintenance done throughout the year is the best way to avoid having to go through repairs or installation in the winter. Aside from unforeseen damage, most problems can be addressed before the winter comes, especially when you have a professional inspect your roof. A roofing contractor will be able to spot damage and leaks before they turn into bigger problems during the wrong months.

Preventative maintenance can keep your roof looking its best while also keeping up with the maintenance requirements of your manufacturers’ warranty. But most importantly, preventative maintenance in the warmer months prolongs the life of your roof—and that’s what we are all after.

5 Services Offered by Portland Roofing Contractors

/in , /by

There are many important questions you should ask and things you should research before choosing your Portland roofing contractors. Some contractors have their specialties, but there are some services that tend to be standard. These services are important to the health, maintenance, and durability of your roof, which will help ensure the protection of your building and everything inside, and curb appeal.

Here are five services that are typically offered by Portland roofing contractors. At Interstate Roofing, we offer all of them.

Residential Roofing

You spend a lot of time in your home, and that’s why roofing contractors understand the importance of being certified in residential roofing. You want someone who knows the ins and outs of the style of your home and the area and climate you are dealing with, and someone with experience working on homes, rather than just commercial roofing. There’s a definite difference.

By offering services in residential roofing, contractors like Interstate Roofing tend to have experience working on a variety of home styles: single-family residences, multifamily complexes, and family estates, for example.

There are a variety of services included in high-quality residential roofing. These might include roof warranties, quality materials, professional customer service, and daily supervision by a superintendent on all job sites while work is in progress.

Commercial Roofing

Just like you wouldn’t want a contractor who specializes only in commercial roofing to work on your home, you don’t want a contractor who specializes solely in residential roofing to do your place of business. That’s why many professional contractors have staff trained in both and offer both services. Like Interstate Roofing, they understand the significance of the difference.

Commercial roofing takes a specialized set of skills. Commercial roofing contractors will be prepared to work on a wide array of buildings, such as warehouses, restaurants, schools, office buildings, churches, retail centers, and medical complexes.

When it comes to roofing on your place of business, it’s also important your contractors understand that the less your business is interrupted during roof repair or installation, the better. The professional ones will.

Roof Repair

Leaks happen. Mother nature happens. A lot of problems can be prevented but not all of them. Because of this, roof repair is important, and it’s an important service that Portland roofing contractors offer. Businesses like Interstate Roofing also offer 24/7 emergency service options that you can request if a problem arises. We understand that these issues don’t always occur at convenient times, which is why we’re here for you.

Whether your need is an emergency or caused by the elements over a long period of time, do your research and make sure you’re choosing a Portland roofing contractor you can trust. Damaged shingles, a persistent leak, or structural damage due to mold, large or small, you want to be confident your problem will be fixed properly.

Roof Maintenance and Cleaning

What’s better than needing roof repairs? Preventing them! One of the best ways you can ensure the need for minimal roof repairs is to have regularly scheduled roof maintenance and cleaning, including clearing out your gutters. These are services offered by many professional roofing businesses.

By having regular maintenance and cleaning, you can be sure problems are spotted right away, rather than not knowing they exist until they escalate into something catastrophic. This will also keep your roof looking it’s best, which adds to the value of your property. And it will save you money in the long run.

Maintenance is vital for every roof, whether residential or commercial and regardless of the material that’s used. You don’t want dirt to build up or mold to grow. You also don’t want a small hole to turn into a big one. Don’t give leaks a chance to happen.

Gutters

Gutters are important to every building, home or commercial. They add beauty (which, as we’ve mentioned, can increase the value) and protect your house or business. Gutters direct water away from the building and foundation and keep it from pooling and potentially causing damage.

It’s important for your gutters to have a slight downhill slope. This ensures they drain properly. Even a slope as little as 1/16 of an inch is sufficient—barely noticeable at all—so don’t worry about aesthetics.

It’s also important to note that gutters don’t come in one-size-fits-all. The type of gutters on your building will depend on a variety of things. Do you prefer aluminum or steel? What size will work best with your roof and building? Which gutters will provide the drainage your building needs?

A professional Portland roofing contractor is going to be able to install gutters that meet all standards and fit your needs and curb appeal.

Additional Services

It’s important to choose a company that offers high-quality residential and commercial roofing services when selecting Portland roofing contractors. Select a contractor that offers the above five services, at the very least. However, many will offer more services.

For instance, Interstate Roofing can add attic insulation to any residential roofing project. Attic insulation will help you save on heating and cooling costs. Your home will also feel more comfortable year-round. If you’re interested in learning more, here are some things you should know about attic insulation in Portland, Oregon.

Something unique to Interstate Roofing is that we have a team of carpenters on hand to deal with any unforeseen structural or dry rot issues that arise during a roofing project. This helps speed up the process of getting your project finished and further ensures the structural integrity of your property.

If you’re looking for Portland roofing contractors, check out Interstate Roofing. You’ll be in very good hands. Give us a call today, and we’ll take care of all of your roofing needs, from the five services mentioned above to the additional services we offer.

What Services Are Included in High-Quality Residential Roofing?

/in /by

The roof of your home is one of the most important parts of its structure. It protects you and everything inside, shields you from the sun and elements, supports the building, and gives your home even better curb appeal. When installing your residential roofing in the Portland Metro area or Vancouver, it’s important not to skimp on any part of the job. You don’t want poor quality. Your roof is not something you should budget on. The better it’s installed, the longer it can last and the fewer problems you’ll have with it over the course of time.

At Interstate Roofing, we’re proud to have specialized in residential roofing for over 30 years. Regardless of the size of your home and your roof, we’re here to help you. We can guarantee high-quality residential roofing in Vancouver and Portland Metro. Here’s what’s included in those services.

Materials Made of Good Quality

When it comes to roofing, it’s important to use high-quality materials that will last a long time. Of course, you should also be able to choose the materials you like best. For instance, you can choose from asphalt shingles, wooden shingles or shakes, metal, plastic polymer, rolled roofing, or slate, just to give a few examples.

If you choose Interstate Roofing and opt for high-quality residential roofing, you’re guaranteeing that high-quality materials will be used from the very start. By doing this, you’ll ensure your roof has a much longer life span and a lower chance of problems. Furthermore, the materials can better stand through weather and other natural wear and tear.

It’s always important to note that good-quality materials provide an extra layer of safety to your home and your family. Your roof will be able to withstand environmental elements better, and you won’t have to worry about leaks, the roof falling in, and any other major issues.

Years of Experience

Proper experience correlates with high quality. Who wants to hire contractors who have never worked on a residential roof before? You want assurance that you’re getting the best possible work. By hiring workers who have already done similar work, you have a reassurance that they know what they are doing.

Furthermore, by hiring contractors who have experience in the area you are living in, you’re adding an extra layer of assurance. They know the rules and regulations of the area. They know the weather conditions that hit the area, which will obviously have an effect on the roof. And they know what works best in the Pacific Northwest climate.

Even More Safety

We alluded to safety features above in terms of using good materials, but if you opt for high-quality residential roofing services, you’re also entitled to even more safety while the work is being done on your roof. At Interstate Roofing, we provide a full-time safety director who makes sure that the highest customer and employee safety is happening at all times.

Furthermore, there’s daily supervision by a superintendent on all job sites. If anything does happen, we’re there to handle the situation immediately and make sure it doesn’t escalate. We’re also insured, so you won’t be held liable if any injuries occur while your property is under construction.

Long Warranties and Great Customer Service

If you choose high-quality residential roofing, the roofing services won’t simply stop once the roof is completed on your home. We know that roofs don’t last forever and that things can go wrong, no matter how perfect the installation is. Because of this, we offer you the option of 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year workmanship warranties. If this isn’t enough for you, extended factory warranties are also available for up to 20 years of labor coverage, and there’s also material coverage for a lifetime. Yes, a lifetime. Transferable warranties are also available.

In addition to these warranties, you can expect superior customer service. Once the job is done, we won’t just leave you to fend for yourself.

Certifications

You want to make sure that anyone you hire to work on your home is properly certified. This is something you don’t have to worry about if you opt for our high-quality residential roofing. We’re proud to have earned the highest certification level from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed—three of the largest roofing manufacturers in our area! GAF named us Master Elite Contractor, Owens Corning named us Platinum Preferred Contractor, and CertainTeed named us Master Shingle Applicator. In addition to this, we’re thrilled to be an award-winning company with hundreds of other business and manufacturer awards.

When it comes to the roof on your residential property, you want a high-quality service. This includes having high-quality contractors, materials, and work. This will not only guarantee a roof that lasts longer, but it will ensure you have fewer problems overall. It adds an extra layer of protection to you and your family, giving you the safety of not having to worry about the things that might go wrong.

And if something does go wrong? Interstate Roofing is just a call away. That’s what our warranties and superior customer service are for. We know that a roof takes a great installation, regular maintenance, and upkeep to ensure that it stays in perfect condition. That’s why we start with high quality right from the get-go. We also understand that the roof can add value to your home and give it even more curb appeal. All of these things are important and not to be taken for granted.

If you’re interested in high-quality residential roofing in Vancouver and the Portland Metro , please give us a call today. We would love to come by, see your property, and work together to make sure you have one of the best-looking and -performing roofs in the area.

Are Roof Warranties Worth It?

/in /by

Roofs are one of the most important features of any structure. They are sizeable investments that you hope will last long enough to make them a worthwhile expenditure. Many customers opt for warranties to ensure they’re covered in the event that their roofs get a leak or start to deteriorate. But many warranties are limited in nature, meaning not everything is covered.

That’s why our customers often ask us, “Are roof warranties worth it?” The short answer is, it really depends on a number of factors. Interstate Roofing works with a variety of manufacturers, and we provide our customers with several warranty options. We’ll tell you our top tips for deciding whether a roof warranty is really worth that extra money.

Find Out What’s Covered

The first thing you should do is find out what is covered by your roof warranty. Many people mistakenly believe that a roof warranty offers total protection coverage. That’s typically not the case. For instance, if a hurricane or tornado blows through your area and a tree topples over on your roof, causing it to cave in, the resulting damage will likely not be covered by a standard roof warranty.

So what is covered then? There are two types of warranties—a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty will protect you from any material defects, while the workmanship warranty covers labor or installation errors.

When working with a roofing contractor, make sure they always offer you a manufacturer’s warranty. If they don’t, it could be a sign that the contractor isn’t approved by the manufacturer to install their products. Interstate Roofing, for one, has earned the highest level of certification with the top three roofing manufacturers in our area: GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. That’s how we’re able to offer all three major manufacturers’ top-tier extended warranty plans.

Read the Fine Print

Like any contract, you should always read the warranty’s fine print. Look for any exclusions that outline what the warranty doesn’t cover. Also, you’ll want to check for anything that would cause the warranty to be made null and void. Most warranties require you to perform regular maintenance on your roof, for instance, in order for the warranty to remain in effect.

In addition to maintaining your roof’s upkeep, some warranties also require that you use the same roofing contractor for any services or labor performed. If you hire another contractor to pressure wash your roof, for example, then you may be violating the conditions of your warranty agreement. It’s important to always read the fine print to understand your responsibility in adhering to the warranty terms.

You should also check to see if there are any fees associated with your warranty. Some manufacturers, for example, will charge a non-refundable fee for investigating warranty claims. If you want to get a head start on reading the fine print, take a look at our warranty information. Compare and contrast manufacturer’s warranties to get a better idea of what’s covered by each and whether or not it’s something you may want to purchase.

You can also review a copy of our workmanship warranty, which outlines the exclusions that apply. If you have any questions, we’re happy to answer them. We always recommend that you thoroughly review warranty information before having a roof installed so you can make an informed decision.

Determine the Type of Warranty You Need

If you decide that you do want to purchase a warranty, your next step is to figure out which one to buy. Interstate Roofing provides several types of workmanship warranties, including 5-, 10-, and 15-year options. Additionally, we provide extended factory warranties for up to 20 years of labor coverage and lifetime material coverage.

Some warranties only apply to the original owner who purchased the roof. But at Interstate Roofing, we offer transferable warranties under certain conditions. If you want to pass your home down to your child or to someone purchasing your home, for example, you can transfer the warranty so that the roof is still covered under the new ownership, as long as the conditions outlined in the warranty agreement are met.

Decide If It’s a Worthwhile Investment

In the end, you’ll have to decide for yourself if a roof warranty is a worthwhile investment. If you’re the type of person who is fairly disciplined, you may want to take the money you would spend on a warranty and set it aside each year to go toward future repairs instead. If you’re the type of person who values peace of mind, then you may want to go ahead and purchase a warranty to protect your initial investment.

Be sure to do your research before you select a warranty or a roofing contractor to perform the work. After all, one of the best warranties your money can buy is hiring a reputable contractor who will perform a quality job. Warranty or not, make sure whoever you hire is a trustworthy and quality company with a proven track record. If you need some help, here are our tips for finding quality residential roofing in Vancouver.

Interstate Roofing has been installing roofing in the Portland area since 1988. We’ll provide you with honest advice when it comes to warranties and other questions you have about your roofing project. You can also depend on us to perform a quality installation. See for yourself by taking a look at some of our customer testimonials. You can also review report cards submitted by past clients to see how we rate on a number of factors.

If you need roofing services, give us a call or request a free estimate. We won’t simply put a roof over your head. We’ll make sure that it stays there for years to come.

5 Facts About Professional Roof Maintenance in Vancouver WA

/in , /by

There’s no doubt about it: the roof is one of the most important parts of any building. It keeps out rain and snow and protects people and property from the sun on hot days. All too many people, however, neglect the maintenance of their roofs and allow them to fall into disrepair.

Other people attempt to DIY roofing projects, and while there are certain tasks you can undertake yourself, ultimately, roof maintenance is something that should be undertaken by a professional. While home and business owners tend to worry about the costs involved in hiring a professional roofer, the reality is that the cost to you will likely be far more if you neglect professional maintenance. Here are five facts about professional roof maintenance in Vancouver, Washington.

The Best Roofs Are Built with the Vancouver Climate in Mind

Does it sometimes seem like your roof needs more maintenance than those of other nearby homes? There might be several reasons for this, but one of them is critical: climate.

Have you ever wondered why the buildings you see in the deserts of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and other arid climates have such a distinct look to them? The famous pink adobe buildings and flat rooftops; compare that to the equally iconic pointed gables snowy places like Switzerland are known for. The fact is, those picturesque roofs were designed with the climate in mind.

If your building is being constructed in a hot, dry area with minimal rain, a flat roof will often be your best option. It will save on materials costs and you usually won’t have to worry about water pooling up there. On the other hand, if you live in an area known for getting lots of rain and snow, your roof will likely need a steep incline so that puddles of standing water don’t form and damage it.

The Pacific Northwest, and specifically coastal areas like Vancouver, tend to get a lot of rain throughout the course of the year. Because of this, if your roof is too flat, you’ll notice your roof repair bills go way up. Talk to your professional roofer about ensuring your roof is optimized for the Vancouver climate.

Roofs Don’t Last Forever

Plenty of people spend a great deal of time and money fussing about their porches, bedrooms, or other parts of their homes without stopping to consider their roofs. But depending on when you moved in and how long your house existed before you showed up, it’s possible that the roof is the oldest part of your home. Even if it isn’t, you have to consider that the roof, just like every other part of the home, won’t last forever. Indeed, your roof is one of the parts of your home that receives the most wear and tear, as it’s constantly subjected to the elements. Even so, a well-cared-for roof can last for decades. With proper care, your roof can last for 25 to 30 years or more.

The key to the longevity of your roof is, no surprise, maintenance. You’ll need to have your roof checked out and repaired on a semi-regular basis, with a trusted professional roofer who will look for leaks and other problems and repair them. If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, the same roofing professional can start the process of replacing it.

Your Roof Is a Huge Part of Your Home’s Value

People often hesitate to have their roofs repaired when they should because they’re worried about the upfront costs. While it’s true a major roofing project can set you back a decent amount of money, ultimately, keeping your roof in good shape will save you a lot more in the long run. And should you ever sell your house, an immaculately cared for roof can actually earn you money. This is because the roof is such a major part of your home’s value. When a house hits the market, prospective buyers will want to know that, should they choose to live in the house, that it’s protected from the elements and they won’t have to undertake any major repair projects for a good, long time.

The appearance of the roof also contributes in no small way to a home’s curb appeal; in other words, the better your roof looks, the more valuable your home is. Regular roof maintenance will go a long way toward boosting the resale value of any house.

Your Roof Can Save You Money in Other Ways

With today’s green movement in full swing, homeowners are always looking for ways to conserve energy, while also saving money on their energy bills. Talk to your professional roofer about possibly constructing a “green” roof: one that’s designed to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Modern technology has given us roofing shingles that are lightweight, durable, and can reflect a good deal of the sun’s rays away from your home.

Your home, especially if it’s older, might be equipped with an obsolete roof. Talk to your roofing professional about beginning the installation process for a green roof, and you’ll save money on energy, increase your home’s value, and possibly even earn Vancouver tax credits.

A Good Professional Roofer Is the Key to All of This

Roof maintenance offers in Vancouver, WA, can be a bit confusing, to say the least. Meaning simply that there are many roofers out there and choosing the right one can offer a challenge. But it’s absolutely crucial to your home—and your financial future—that you have a competent roofer you can trust.

That’s why you’ll need to look for a company like Interstate Roofing—one with highly experienced professionals who can get the job done in a safe and cost-effective manner. The roofers from Interstate can handle everything from basic checkup to major projects—and they’re on call 24/7 should you have a roofing emergency.

5 Tips for Summer Roof Maintenance in Portland, Oregon

/in , /by

When is the best time to check the roof of your home for potential maintenance items? If you said winter, you’re half right.

Wintertime roof maintenance in Portland, Oregon, means clearing the gutters of leaves and needles that fell from the trees during the fall. It means ensuring puddling water doesn’t build up on your roof and accumulate where it shouldn’t. And that’s important to watch for during the rainy season.

But it’s equally as important to keep an eye on your roof in the hot, dry summer months. Where do you begin?

Perform an Inspection

In order to determine if you have problems with your home’s roof, you have to do a visual inspection of your property on a regular basis so you know if and when things go wrong. You can start by doing this yourself and then call in a pro if you determine something doesn’t look right. Or if you have any questions that may impact the safety of your home.

First, take a look at your home’s gutters and eaves. This is where debris often accumulates. Left over time, it turns into a gunky mess of leaves, dirt, and other debris that can solidify and block water’s path. These blockages are a common place for rodents or other pests to build nests and make their homes.

Next, take a look at your roof’s flashing. These are the metal strips used around chimneys, vents, and other protruding elements coming out of your roof. Over time, these metal pieces can pry loose and move, allowing water to seep through. This is often where leaks start.

Finally, assess the shingles on your roof. Are any loose? Are any missing? If any of your shingles appear to be damaged, there’s a good chance a problem exists beneath the surface too. That’s the first indication a leak might be developing. And if you notice it during the dry summer months, you’re less likely to receive extensive damage inside your home.

Maintain Your Gutters

Now that you’ve looked inside your gutters, it’s time to make cleaning them a regular part of your routine. That’s the best roof maintenance item you can add to your to-do list to keep your Portland, Oregon, home operating at its best.

Have you ever sat inside and watched heavy rain pour beyond your roof, over the top of your gutters, and puddle alongside your home? That’s what happens when your gutters aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do. That means there’s a blockage somewhere in the system. And it’s your job to ensure it’s removed and the puddling stops.

Many things can impact the flow of water through your gutters throughout the year. A severe thunderstorm can loosen gutters and create tiny cracks throughout the gutter system. If a tree branch breaks off, it can crash into your gutters and knock them loose. Even age can wear on the building materials, breaking down wood, metal, and connections over time.

If you own a home, your gutters are the key to maintaining a safe, dry environment throughout. And one of the most common problem areas is the gutters. Watch them. Check them. Inspect them. And if you think you have a problem, even if you aren’t sure, check with a professional, such as Interstate Roofing, before the problem grows.

Maintain Your Trees

Let’s talk about another common problem with Portland, Oregon, homes: big trees. We love our trees. They’re a part of our culture. We protect them with laws and regulations. But when they’re near your homes, they can also be a bit of a problem.

It doesn’t take much of a storm to wreak havoc on a large tree. Broken limbs can sail across your yard. Large limbs can break away and come crashing down. And, of course, there’s just the day-to-day living with your trees, as they drop leaves, needles, flower petals, fruit, seeds, sap … you get the picture. As much as we love our trees, it also can be a bit of a challenge keeping up with daily care.

It can be difficult to assess the health of a tree, especially when it towers over your home. Even if a tree seems healthy, one quick change in the weather can impact your home and create large amounts of damage. If you have a question about a tree’s health, fix the problem before it becomes a bigger issue and causes extensive damage to your roofing system.

Maintain Your Skylights

Many Portland homeowners use skylights to bring light into their homes. And while they are a perfect addition to any home wanting a little more natural light, they can be a major contributor to home maintenance issues.

Check the flashing that runs around your skylights on a regular basis to ensure it hasn’t loosened. You should check it after every major storm too, as small leaks can quickly become big problems.

While the Pacific Northwest doesn’t see hail storms at the same frequency as the Midwest, there are occasional blasts in the summer. If a small, pebble-sized hail hits the right way, it can damage glass. Small divots and cracks can allow water to flow in a way not designed. And that means the water can move throughout your home in a way you might not expect. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye to the sky, especially if there’s been a severe storm.

Check for Mold

Some of your roof maintenance projects don’t occur outside; instead, they require a steadfast eye as you move throughout your home. As you enter each room in your home, look up to the ceiling. Have you noticed discoloration anywhere on your ceiling? Is there a spot that won’t go away? Does it appear darker in a thunderstorm?

This is a telltale sign something could be wrong up in your attic. Your attic can be a breeding ground for mold if not properly cared for. While you should never touch insulation, especially if it’s fiberglass, you may have noticed problem areas if you’ve ever popped up and taken a look around.
Specifically, check for different colors on wooden beams. Look for peaks and valleys in the insulation batting. Look for movement in metal joists and flashing. Notice unusual smells. All can be a sign of a problem with your roof and water seeping in and impacting the rest of your home.

Mold is a dangerous issue. It’s important to deal with it as quickly as possible so it doesn’t impact your home or your family’s health.

If you spot or suspect any problems during your summer roof maintenance of your Portland, Oregon, home, it might be time to schedule a roof repair appointment. At Interstate Roofing, we’ll happily take a look and provide you with a free estimate of any work that needs to be done.

Know Your Roofing Facts: The Anatomy of a Roof

/in /by

The roof of your house acts as the home’s protective barrier. It shields your home from harsh environmental conditions, such as heavy rains and strong winds. But most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their roof or how to protect it. If that applies to you, don’t worry. Interstate Roofing has you covered. We’ll go over the anatomy of a roof, so you’ll learn everything you need to know to extend the life of your home’s protective barrier.

You may not think you need to be knowledgeable about a roof’s layout, but understanding how a roof is constructed will help you better care for and maintain it. It will also help you more easily understand and communicate with a roofing contractor should you need repair or replacement work. So let’s get into the basics of how a roof is constructed and what you need to know about the major components.

Decking

The anatomy of a roof begins with its decking. This is essentially the first layer of the roof, which acts as its foundation. Everything else will be layered on top of this base layer. The decking is laid on top of the roof’s structural components, such as the trusses and joists, and can be made from a variety of materials—most commonly oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood.

In order to protect your decking from moisture absorption, you’ll want to make sure you keep your attic properly ventilated. If the decking absorbs too much moisture, it will cause the wood to swell and shrink. This can cause the roof’s shingles to buckle. We’ll discuss shingles in just a minute.

Underlayment

Once the decking is installed, the wood panels should immediately be covered by the underlayment. The underlayment is a sheet of “paper,” usually made of felt or synthetic materials, that is rolled on top of the decking before shingles are installed. A roof’s underlayment provides extra protection against environmental elements if a roof’s shingles become loose, displaced, or damaged.

Flashing

Flashing refers to metal pieces that collect the water that gathers on a roof and divert it away and ultimately into gutters. It’s usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel and can be found anywhere along the roof where water is likely to collect. For instance, flashing is often found along the base of the chimney, plumbing vent stack, fan vent, or any other place that protrudes from the roof.

Since moisture buildup can erode a roof and greatly diminish its lifespan, flashing is an incredibly important component to maintaining the roof’s overall health. That’s why you’ll want to make sure it’s properly installed. One of the most common causes of roof leaks is faulty flashing, so you’ll also want to make sure it’s well-maintained and functioning properly.

If you notice leaks around the chimney or corners of your roof, it’s likely a flashing issue. To spot problems before they arise, make sure you inspect your flashing on a regular basis. If you notice holes, signs of corrosion, or that the flashing has loosened, these are all signs your flashing will need to be repaired.

Shingles

Shingles are likely a term you’re familiar with since they are the visible component of the roof that forms the outermost layer. Like flashing, shingles protect your roof from the elements, such as heavy rains, wind, snow, and other environmental factors that can wreak havoc and spell trouble for your home. Fortunately, it’s often easy to spot shingles that are in disrepair.

When inspecting the roof of your home, check for any loose or missing shingles. You should especially inspect a roof’s shingles after a heavy storm, as strong winds can often blow the shingles loose. In addition to looking for displaced shingles, you’ll also want to check if any shingles are lifting or curling up. If so, it could be an indicator that it’s time for a replacement.

You should also examine the shingles to see if there is any moss or mold buildup, cracks, or missing granules. All of these are signs that shingles will need to be inspected by a professional. When caught early enough, you may be able to avoid an entire roof replacement and simply replace the few affected shingles.

Other Common Terms to Know

The above components provide a good overview of the anatomy of a roof, but there are other terms you should know.

  • Downspout—The downspout is the tube that runs from your gutter to the ground and directs the flow of water away from your home’s foundation.
  • Fascia—The fascia refers to the board that runs along the roof’s overhang. It also supports the gutters and prevents water from damaging the interior of the home.
  • Soffit—The soffits run underneath the fascia boards and often provides ventilation for the attic.
  • Ridge—The ridge is the highest point of a roof.
  • Ridge vent—A ridge vent runs along the peak of the roof and also helps keep the attic ventilated.
  • Valley—A valley refers to a V-shaped area connecting two areas of sloped roof. Valleys help to discard runoff water.
  • Eaves—The eaves are the lower part of the roof that extends beyond the house.
  • Pitch—The pitch is the measurement of a roof’s steepness.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of everything you need to know when it comes to the anatomy of a roof. But it’s a good place to start. It’s an excellent idea to continue reading about and researching how a roof is constructed. The more knowledgeable you become, the better equipped you’ll be to care for your roof.

Since your roof is vital to the overall function of your home, it’s important to spot potential problems before they evolve into more serious issues. When a roof is well-maintained, it’s less likely you’ll need to call a roofing contractor in Portland for major repair work. So keep a roof over your head by following these basic tips. That way, you’ll only have to call in the pros at Interstate Roofing when you need a little reinforcement.

Tips for Finding Quality Residential Roofing in Vancouver

/in /by

So you’ve decided to have a new roof installed on your home. The biggest challenge you’ll face isn’t deciding what type of material will look best, or even what color tiles you want on your home. The most challenging obstacle you’ll face during the process is selecting which residential roofing contractor is best for your Vancouver home.

After all, your roof is one of the largest, most expensive home improvement projects you’ll ever take on. When done the right way, it can last for decades. You’ll be just as happy with your selection years from now as you are today. But if you trust a contractor who doesn’t provide top quality service, you might be facing problems soon after they drive away.

How do you know who to trust?

Finding residential roofing in Vancouver doesn’t have to be an impossible task. There are easy ways you can weed out the good guys from the bad. When you find a reputable contractor who delivers all that’s promised, you’ll know you got a great deal in the process.

What do you look for to ensure you’re getting what you paid for?

Start with Experience

This isn’t the time to trust a handyman who “knows a little about everything” and promises you he’ll figure it out as he goes. Your roof is as important as your foundation. If your roofing material isn’t installed correctly, you run the risk of putting your home and family in jeopardy. Experience is everything.

How do you determine how much experience your contractor has? Start with their website and learn a little about the company. Then look the contractor up on the State of Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board or Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Also, check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have been certified by the manufacturer. Experience only comes with time. The more roofs a contractor has installed, the greater the chance its employees will understand all the nuances that come with the installation.

Estimates

Pay attention to how a residential roofing contractor offers estimates. Most reputable companies will provide you with free estimates, but it’s good to ask or check the website before they come out and give a quote. Remember, an estimate is a chance for you to get to know the residential roofing contractor a little better before it works on your Vancouver home.

A roofing bid should include:

  • Full details on the project, including who is responsible for what and how payment terms will be handled
  • The full cost of the project, including who is responsible for obtaining permits
  • The cost of cleanup and removal of old roofing material and construction debris
  • Full description on all parts and materials used, including underlayment, flashing, shingles, and ventilation
  • Labor and material warranties
  • Proof of licensing, bonding, and liability insurance

Manufacturers Designations

A residential roofing contractor doesn’t create roofing materials from scratch. Instead, they install products from residential roofing manufacturers.

It takes a lot of work to be able to carry and install certain roofing products on your home. The contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be certified and able to install the product. GAF, for example, offers a Master Elite Contractor certification to only certain contractors within a geographical location. When you see a contractor has this rating, such as Interstate Roofing does, you can rest assured they have ample experience and knowledge to handle the job.

Of course, every manufacturer has its own list of requirements. If you decide on a particular product, you may wish to do a little investigation yourself. Roofing product websites will provide you with a lot of information about both their product lines and what it takes to be certified to use their products. If you have any questions, a residential roofing contractor should also be happy to explain the process. When in doubt, ask questions. It’s the best way to determine how reputable your potential contractor really is.

Ask About Safety

One of the most difficult home improvement projects is installing a new roof. The contractor you select will be working outside in the elements and will often be two or three stories off the ground. A contractor without proper training or safety procedures in place is an accident waiting to happen.

Roofing manufacturers know this and offer a variety of in-house training programs to ensure the contractors they work with stay well trained and have the best safety skills to keep everyone on the job secure. At Interstate Roofing, CertainTeed is just one of the roofing materials we use. They offer a full training and learning center to not only keep contractors up-to-date on how to use their products, but to also help educate consumers on what to know about installing a roof.

If you have a question about anything, ask the contractor before you sign on the dotted line to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible.

Don’t Give in to Pressure

When you’re ready to install residential roofing on your Vancouver home, we know that as ready as you are to make the decision, it still takes time to be assured you’re making the right choice. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision. Roofing is something that, if done right, will last for decades. It will set the stage for curb appeal for years to come. Be sure you fully understand the process and are comfortable with your selection before you sign a contract.

A contractor who pressures you into quick decisions often has something to hide. They probably aren’t looking out for your best interests. They are often fly-by-night contractors looking to make a quick buck after a storm. Or they don’t have proper certification and aren’t being totally truthful about the work performance they offer.

Knowledge is power. Be sure you select the right materials for your home and that you’re happy with the color and style of shingle you’ll install on your home, but also that the contractor you choose to do the job will do it well. Not only will it impact the ambiance, but it will impact resale value too. Ask questions and make sure you can live with your decision for many years to come.

4 Must-Ask Questions for Your Roofing Experts

/in /by

When it comes time to repair or replace your roof—and if you own a home or building long enough, that time will eventually come—there are key questions you’ll want to ask your roofing experts before you sign on the dotted line.

You can already imagine that the top question anyone would have about this service is, “How much will it cost?” It’s a great question and one you should definitely discuss. Comparing quotes is an important part of the hiring process. Hire a company with a low-ball offer and you’re going to get what you pay for. Hire at the top range and you’ll feel like you’re getting ripped off.

But since you already know to ask about cost, let’s skip this and provide you with four other must-ask questions we know our customers don’t always remember.

1.Will You Need to Remove My Roof & What is the Cost?

Any reputable company will likely not be able to answer if your roof needs to be replaced or if it can just be repaired from a phone call alone. If you are having an issue, you should want your roofing expert to request a home visit to assess the problem before answering this question. This assessment should be free of charge and take place before you agree to any work or pay any funds.

Once your roof has been properly inspected, a keen roofing expert should be able to tell you whether or not your roof needs to be removed and replaced with a completely new roof. If this is the case, make sure this is a service the company provides and ask if it’s an added charge.

If you’ve selected one of the best roofing companies in town, the price should already be included in the cost of the new roof, and the workers should be able to take on the project from start to finish.

2. Do You Perform the Work or Hire Subcontractors?

When you select a company to perform a service, you expect that company to complete every aspect of the agreed-to project. However, when it comes to home improvement and maintenance projects, that’s not always how companies operate.

On occasion, companies will complete a sale and then pass along the project to someone else to do the actual work, each taking a cut of the profits. Sometimes it’s a legitimate and amiable business partnership. But other times the company doing the hiring knows little to nothing about the quality of service by the company completing the work. Roofing service is one of the industries where you’ll find this practice.

In order to protect yourself and ensure you’re receiving the customer service you deserve and the quality of work you think you’re agreeing to, ask the roofing experts you’re about to hire if they work with subcontractors.

If the answer is yes, ask for more details. This should be a red flag but not necessarily a deal breaker.

3. Do You Work with Specific Manufacturers? Who?

In all home improvement projects—and many other industries—there is a manufacturer (the actual creator of the product) and a distributor (retail store, roofing company, etc.). This partnership often benefits everyone.

On the business end, the creator can do what it does best, while the distributor can focus on what it does best. And, as the consumer, you can get the projects and services you want, and when and where you want them.

In the roofing industry, it’s very similar. A manufacturer, CertainTeed for example, allows specific, trained, certified contractors to sell its products. Now, CertainTeed prides itself on being one of the top shingle roofing manufacturers in the country, so they aren’t going to let just anyone sell their offerings. Instead, they handpick companies across the states that they know value quality and customer service as much as they do. In the Portland area, Interstate Roofing is one of its distributors and a top contractor in that region.

It’s actually a great thing if the roofing experts you’re speaking with work with high-quality manufacturers. The products they offer can show a lot about the quality of work you should expect.

4. Are You Licensed, Bonded, & Insured?

Certainly, you’ve heard to ask this question before, but when it comes down to it, do you actually ask all home maintenance workers if their company is licensed, bonded, and insured? If so, that’s awesome! Keep up the great work.

But, for many of us, if everything else seems to align, we often just assume that since the company seems reputable, it must have everything in order. While that’s likely the case, this assumption could be a costly mistake.

If anything should go wrong and you did not specifically confirm that the company you hired had the right paperwork needed to perform the work, you could be on the hook. Since roofing work is inherently dangerous given the heights of the projects, this isn’t unforeseeable. That means if a worker is injured on your property, you could be responsible for the medical bills.

Roofing projects are commonly expensive undertakings. The work is arduous and requires the right skills, the product needs to be high quality, and the project is time-consuming. It’s expensive for a reason. But don’t make it even more costly by forgetting to ask if a company is licensed, bonded, and insured. All three should be required by you before you agree to anything, and definitely before you sign anything.

Don’t fret that a company will be annoyed by this question. The best ones welcome it, as they are glad to show they are the right ones to choose for your quality roofing project.

Hiring a roofing expert can take some time, but the finished product and quality customer service you receive will be well worth the wait.