At Cardinal Roofing, we believe our customers should be as informed as possible before making any roofing decisions. We provide this information as a courtesy to help you to make the best, most-informed decision when it comes to your roofing needs. We would also be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you might have. Contact us today!
Roofing Options
To help our customers better understand the roofing options available to them, we've found that it helps to use the analogy of owning a car.
MAINTAIN YOUR ROOF (i.e., like doing an oil change)
A roof needs regular maintenance to keep it in its original operating condition.
Advantages:
- Routine maintenance is like an oil change for your car ... it keeps the roof in optimal condition.
- Maximize the value of your investment ... realize the longest life for the roof system installed.
- Ensure that any guarantee in place remains in effect ... don't accidentally lose coverage by failing to maintain your roof.
- Helps keep your roof ready ... for what Mother Nature throws its way.
Regular Maintenance Can Help Prevent Leaks Caused by These Problems:
- Damaged Vent Stack - Unless repaired, damaged roof details can allow water to enter the roofing system and cause leaks.
- Debris Build-Up - If not removed, debris can damage membranes and block drains, overwhelming the entire roofing system.
- Pitch Pans - Over time, fillers can deteriorate from UV rays and cause leaks.
- Damaged Coping - Unless repaired, damaged coping and other building details can allow water infiltration at base flashings and cause leaks.
Shortcomings:
- Maintenance only takes a roof so far.
- Can only maintain a roof when you have a roof that's performing well to start with
RESTORE YOUR ROOF (i.e., like overhauling the engine)
Up to 43% of leaky low slope roofs can be restored using advanced restoration technology!
Advantages:
- Conserves Cash - saves up to half the cost of a new roof. Project can also be staged over several years for improved cash flow.
- Extends Life – can add up to 15 years to the life of the existing roof.
- Peace of Mind - manufacturers' no-dollar-limit guarantees available for up to 15 years.
- Minimal Disruption - installs significantly faster and with considerably less mess than a conventional new roof.
- Financial Flexibility - can often be capitalized or expensed (ask your tax advisor).
Shortcomings:
- Limited by Condition of Existing Roof - must be in moderately good condition.
- Buyer Must Choose Carefully - not all restoration products perform equally.
REPLACE YOUR LOW SLOPE ROOF - (i.e., like buying a new car)
At some point, all roofs will reach the point where repair or restoration is no longer possible and replacement is the only option.
Advantages:
- Best Long-Term Option ... systems often last up to 20 years or more.
- Peace of Mind ... manufactures' no-dollar-limit guarantees available for up to 20 years.
- Fewer Installation Worries ... large pool of experienced applicators available.
Shortcomings:
- Highest Investment ... can be double the cost of roof restoration.
- Longest Installation Time
- Moderate-to-Severe Disruption and Hassle for Occupants
REPLACE YOUR STEEP SLOPE ROOF - (i.e., like buying a new car)
When a steep slope roof is no longer shedding water, replacement is often the only option.
Advantages:
Best Long-Term Option ... shingle systems available with limited warranties for up to 40 years or more.
- Fewer Installation Worries ... large pool of experienced applicators available.
Shortcomings:
- Highest Investment ... can be double the cost of roof restoration.
- Longest Installation Time
- Moderate-to-Severe Disruption and Hassle for Occupants
DISASTERS CAN STILL OCCUR...AVOID THESE RISKS
Roof Failures often occur because necessary maintenance is overlooked or ignored. (In fact, up to two-thirds of all roofing system problems might be eliminated with a proper maintenance program.*) Lack of maintenance can easily result in disasters to property as well as personal injuries.
Some Common Risks Caused by Roof Failures:
- A premature roofing system failure can cause the productivity of your facility to essentially come to a stop! Or, it can result in complaints or even lawsuits in the case of a tenant-occupied facility.
- Undetected problems can deteriorate insulation, resulting in excessive energy waste and "hidden" utility expense.
- Even your structure can be damaged, resulting in wood rot, rusted metal, or cracked concrete.
- And in a worst case, when weight loads are exceeded, the structure itself could collapse.
* GAF Materials Corp Estimate
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
One of the most important decisions you will ever make for your home or business is choosing the right roofing contractor!
Serious mistakes made by roofing contractors can result in the loss of thousands of dollars. Remember that the contractor with the lowest bid may end up being the most expensive in the long run!
WASTED ENERGY
Problems:
- High Energy Costs
- Unusually high wear and tear on heating and cooling equipment
Cause:
- Improper design & installation
Options to Consider:
- Learn more about roofing products
- Consider roofing products with reflective surfaces
- Increase insulation
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
Problems:
- Hidden structural damage due to wood rot, rusted metal, cracked concrete and mold
- Unexpected reconstruction projects due to deterioration
Causes:
- Water trapped on the roof because of improper design and/or lack of maintenance (Low Slope)
- Water infiltration under roof shingles due to improper system design (Steep Slope)
Options to Consider:
- Use superior quality roofing products that are formulated with the latest chemical compounds to provide a tough, seamless, flexible waterproofing membrane that will outlast other roof coatings by several years (Low Slope)
- Install a complete roofing system including appropriate roof deck protection and leak barriers (Steep Slope)
- Use Contractors who are knowledgeable about all roof installation techniques and can handle the unique situations that arise on every roof.
DAMAGED EQUIPMENT
Problems:
- Equipment/Property damaged by water from leaks and condensation
- Equipment/Property damaged by contractor
Causes:
- Poor roof installation by inexperienced contractors
- Inferior roofing products that do not prevent water leaks and crack
Options to Consider:
- Work with contractors who are sensitive to your needs and who make your requirements their priority
- Use roofing products that are designed to protect all of the hidden areas such as corners, pipes, vents, and vulnerable areas of a roof that allow for the expansion of metal due to extreme cold and heat.
UNEXPECTED EXPENSES
Problems:
- Increased chance of injuries
- Increased liability on the part of the property owner
Cause:
Uninsured and/or unlicensed contractors have a heightened risk for injury which may become the property owner's liability.
Option to Consider:
- Hire a contractor that has trained and experienced personnel and is fully licensed and insured including worker's compensation and liability insurance.
LOST TIME
Problems:
- Time lost working with the wrong contractor
- Time lost due to damaged equipment or property
- Time lost during over extended roofing installation
Cause:
- Undependable and inexperienced roofing contractors
Option to Consider:
- Check certifications and references. A positive sign of a good contractor is if they are certified by a major roofing manufacturer.