Blog – Rock Solid Roofing

How to Keep Gutters and Drains Clean in the Fall

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:23:00 GMT

5 Cleaning Tips for your Roof

Ah, fall in Utah. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are starting to get a little cooler, and the leaves are starting to turn beautiful hues of orange, red, and gold. The air is crisp and the mountains are beautiful.

Unfortunately, it won’t be long before those jewel-toned beauties fall from the trees and find their way into your gutter system. When that happens, your gutters and drains can get clogged and unable to redirect rainwater from your home’s structure, which can cause costly damage. The key to stopping this from happening is simple: just keep your gutters and drains clean in the fall.

At Rock Solid Roofing, we’re here to help!

Collect the Right Tools

Before getting started, make sure you have all the tools you need to do the job properly. That includes the following:

Hand Rake
Hose
Ladder
Bucket or recycled shopping bags
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Rubber gloves
Screwdriver

2. Remove Dead Leaves and Other Debris

Once you have your tools together, you can start near the downspouts. The first thing you do is put on your work gloves and safety glasses, and secure your ladder about a foot from the edge of the gutter. Then grab your hand rake and bags or bucket, and carefully climb the ladder high enough to see into the gutter.

Remove debris from the gutter and the area surrounding the downspout, and put it into the bucket or bag. Make sure it doesn’t fall into the downspout, which can create a blockage in the drainage system.

Once you complete the section of gutters within your reach, climb down the ladder and move it down a foot or two. Then continue until you’ve finished.

3. Clean the Outside of the Gutter

To get the outside of the gutter clean, wipe away any dirt you see. This will help keep your gutters from acquiring extra weight when wet.

4. Use the Hose

Your next, and hopefully last, step is to run the hose along with the gutter system. This flushes out debris previously overlooked. Plus, it lets you know if your downspouts are clogged.

5. Unclog the Downspout

If spraying with a hose doesn’t clear the clog, you’ll need to take your downspout apart where it bends. Once you find the clog, switch out your work gloves for your rubber gloves and remove the clog with your hands. Then rinse out the spout with your hose before reassembling it.

Keeping your gutters and drains clean in the fall is an important part of protecting your home against damage.

ROOFING CONTRACTOR FOR ROOF REPAIR, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE IN Salt Lake, Weber, Cache, Davis and Utah County, Utah

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 15:21:00 GMT

Rock Solid Roofing has been a premier roofing contractor in Northern Utah. We are licensed, bonded, and insured in and around the Salt Lake area and we serve both residential and commercial customers.

Specialty Crews

We have multiple crews who specialize in either new roof installation, roof repair, roof replacement, large roof work such as apartments or churches , and specialty roofs.

Equipment

We also have all of our own equipment, which makes the whole process much easier for not only us but for the customer as well.

Roof with Integrity

No matter what service you need for your roof, whether it is a new installation, repair, replacement, or adding/ removing a skylight , you can always rest assured that you are getting the best service and labor possible with Rock Solid Roofing.

After all, a roof is a big investment, and in Utah, we have one of the top ten worst winter climates in the US, so it is important to make sure your roof is ready year after year.

Contact Us

If you are in need of any of these roofing services or want to learn more about how we can help you, please contact us at Rock Solid Roofing today. You can also learn more about our company and the services we provide in our video library.

3 Ways To Prepare For Unexpected Roof Emergencies

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:10:00 GMT

1. Plan Your Finances

Setting aside some savings for emergency roof repairs is the best way to stay ahead of such unexpected occurrences. Begin by putting away a few dollars every month towards the eventual cost of your emergency replacement or repairs. If you do not have the cash on hand, roofers often have financing options available so you don’t have to wait. Additionally, you could apply for an emergency personal loan or seek government grants to fund your emergency roof repair.

2. Purchase Homeowner’s Insurance

Most home repair emergencies are covered by homeowner’s insurance. For example, a new roof may have some, if not all, of its repair or replacement costs covered if it was damaged by a storm. Even if you’re not able to see the damage from the ground, a qualified inspector will find it. You should, however, be aware of storms that need special insurance coverage, such as floods and earthquakes. Also, poor maintenance is not covered by homeowners’ insurance policy.

3. Get A Reputable Roofer Ahead Of Time

When you require emergency roof repairs, it can be a confusing and stressful time. This isn’t an ideal time to make important decisions that affect the future of your home. The best time to find a roofing contractor is before you need one.

A qualified residential roofer will carry out a thorough inspection of your roof to determine its overall health, pinpoint trouble spots, and recommend any necessary repairs. Moreover, an experienced roofer will develop a maintenance or disaster response plan to handle all types of roofing emergencies which may arise in your area. By building a strong relationship with your roofing contractor before the need for emergency repairs arises, they will get familiar with your roof and be able to respond quickly.Do you own a home in Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming? Rock Solid Roofing can help you with all emergency roofing solutions. We work with a wide variety of roofing materials and colors to suit your style and budget, including tile, shingles, metal, and flat roofing. Contact us today to get a free estimate!

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE YOUR ROOF BEFORE A STORM?

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 18:59:00 GMT

Storm Preparation for Your Roof

The residents of the Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden areas experience four distinct seasons each year, but that varied weather can also bring severe storms. Fast winds and heavy precipitation often accompany those strong weather events, and if you’ve neglected roof maintenance, your home might be vulnerable to roof damage.

Instead of examining your roof for damage after a storm, what about making preparations that keep your roof solid, no matter what weather occurs? In this blog, you’ll learn the types of stormy weather that can affect your roof and how to perform reliable pre-storm checks.

Weather That Affects Your Roof

Roofing materials are built to be tough and durable. As a homeowner, you can expect your roof to last for 15 to 20 years. Of course, no roof is indestructible, and the weather is one of the most common culprits of roof damage, particularly avoidable roof damage.

How exactly do various weather types affect roofs? The sections below cover the basics.

Wind

Strong, gusting winds can tear asphalt shingles off a roof or split metal roofing sheets apart from one another. During a severe windstorm or tornado, you might even see shingles flying down the streets of your neighborhood.

Hail

Of all the forms of precipitation, hail has the most force as it falls, meaning it could cause the greatest amount of roof damage. The repeated pelting of the hailstones can dent metal roofing or knock granules off asphalt shingles. Either kind of damage weakens the roof’s ability to protect the building underneath.

Rain

While rain can’t cause the same degree of exterior damage like hail, its liquid form easily slips through any weak points in the roof. Once inside, the rain makes wood damp, which could lead to mold growth. On the outside, rain can also cause loose shingles to slide off the roof or buckle and curl at the edges.

Snow and Ice

The biggest roofing problems presented by winter weather fall into two main categories: weight and wetness. After a huge snowstorm, old and poorly maintained roofs could bend or even collapse under the weight (but that happens very rarely). More likely the freezing and melting cycles will allow snow to melt and then form destructive ice that builds up beneath shingles or in gutters.

Roofing damage from these weather conditions isn’t always entirely avoidable, but you can minimize the effects with a few preventative steps.

Ways to Prevent Roof Storm Damage

When the local weather station announces a big storm is coming, take the following steps to protect your roof and your home. Always remember to use caution when climbing on ladders or inspecting home elements that are above ground level.

1. Perform a visual inspection of your roof. For example, look for missing or curled shingles. These represent points of weakness in your roof. Also, look for any bent or unattached flashing since water could also enter through these areas.

2. Clear out the debris in your gutters to prevent water overflow. As you inspect the gutters, also check the soffit and fascia for weak points.

3. Look for any tree branches that could potentially break off and fall on the roof. Trim or remove these branches.

4. Go into your attic and inspect for signs of previous water damage, such as dampness or mold. If you spot any obvious places where water is entering your home, put up boards or other temporary fixes. Bring in a roofer to fix the holes before the storm hits, if possible.

What to Do If Room Storm Damage Still Happens

Even after your best efforts, Mother Nature might have stronger forces at work during a storm that causes some harm to your roof. In those situations, reach out to a roofing professional at Rock Solid Roofing . We’re happy to inspect your roof after a storm and recommend quick fixes or upgrades that will keep your home protected.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GETTING A NEW ROOF IN UTAH

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 22:23:00 GMT

Is it Time to get a New Roof in Utah

When is it time to get a new roof – many people only replace their roof once or twice in their lifetime. Because it’s a rare occurrence, many homeowners don’t know what to expect when they start a roof replacement project. Understanding this process will help relieve stress and make sure that the project will run as smoothly as possible.

How to Pick the Right Contractor

To find the right contractor for your new roof, you will want to meet with several contractors. Ask for quotes or bids from all of them. Compare the bids from the different roofing companies in Utah to help you decide what’s a fair price for your roof replacement.

The roofing companies that you hire must have an active license before work can begin, so check the license of each contractor during this bidding period. If you do get any bids from unlicensed contractors, don’t accept the bid. Even if the bid is less expensive, unlicensed contractors are unregulated, and you may have no recourse if the project goes wrong.

Time to Sign a Contract

No roofer should replace your roof without a contract. The company writes the contract before the work begins and must be reviewed and signed by you and the roofing company.

When you read the contract, look for details like when work will begin, the address where the work will happen, how change orders will be handled, deposit amount, an itemized description of costs, and a total amount for the bid. Make sure to ask any questions you have before signing and approving the contract.

Get Permits

Permit requirements vary by community, but before a roof can be torn off and replaced in Utah, they must first pull a permit. If you’re simply adding a layer of shingles on top of another layer, a permit is not required.

The permit will ensure that the roofers install the roof to code and that they do the work properly. Once you’ve gotten a permit, the work must be inspected before they complete the project. Talk to your contractor to find out who will pull the permit and what the fees will be.

Follow Your Roofers Instructions

Most roofers set expectations for homeowners before the job begins. This helps ensure that you know what your role in the roofing project will be.

Your roofing contractor may ask you to keep children and pets indoors while the work is taking place. Your contractor may also ask you to provide access to certain parts of your house at specific times or may require access to a power source. Follow all instructions to ensure that the work can begin safely and in a timely manner.

Get Change Orders In Writing

It’s common for roofers to remove the shingles to discover unforeseen damage underneath. Frequently these discoveries result in additional expenses to make repairs or replace certain parts of the house.

When unexpected expenses occur during a project, this is called a change order. Change orders should always be made in writing and signed by both parties to ensure that everyone agrees with what needs to be done and how much it will cost. Your roofing contractor’s change order may look a lot like a contract, containing details about costs, materials, and how the work will be modified.

Clarifying the Clean Up

Some contractors perform all clean up after the project is complete, others leave the clean up for the homeowner. Either way, this information should be outlined in the contract to ensure that you know what to expect when the contractor completes the work.

Contact Us For More Information

If you’d like more information about what to expect when getting a new roof, contact Rock Solid Roofing We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about getting a new roof and working with a roofing contractor.

Tips To Make Your Roof Last

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 00:05:00 GMT

Clean the Gutters – hire a professional or get gutter guards to keep your gutters clean.

Remove Leaves – clean up your roof if the leaves are in the valleys and or near chimneys.

Trim Overhanging Branches – a little tree-trimming goes a long way

Look and Listen

After a big wind or hail storm, its time to look at your roof. Listen – you may have heard something on the roof at night, give your roof a quick check to make sure everything’s still intact.

Look for:

Curling, loose, or missing shingles
Damaged flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other openings

If anything seems amiss, ask Rock Solid Roofing for an inspection ASAP. Most problems are fairly easy to fix, but if you put them off and water gets in, the damage and costs escalate. Call today 1 (801) 798-5430.

TIP: You don’t have to climb a ladder to inspect your roof.

You can use binoculars.

How do I know if I need to replace my roof?

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 23:59:00 GMT

Roofs older than 20 years should probably be replaced. If your roof is less than 20 years old, it might still need to be replaced, if you can see your shingles starting to become cracked, lift up around the edges, or disappear from your roof entirely.

Call us today for an inspection. 1 (801) 798-5430

LONG-TERM WARRANTY

Our long-term warranty covers your roof when the rains come down and the floods come up. Our warranty, in writing, gives you peace of mind knowing we stand by every shingle we place.

FAIR AND FLEXIBLE ESTIMATES

Different homes have different needs. No two roofs are exactly the same. That’s why our personalized estimates let you customize what you need for your home to fit your style and your neighborhood.

100% ROOFING GUARANTEE

Our roofing guarantee comes with every roofing system we install. If a shingle moves in a wind storm, call us. We’ll be there.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 02:27:00 GMT

Should I be paying this much for a New Roof?

The cost of a replacement roof depends greatly on the area, and pitch of your roofing solution. On average ranch style homes in Utah have roofs that can be 15-20 squares 0 in shingle installation and labor. To get an exact cost you will need an estimate. Call us Today to get a bid. 1 (801) 798-5430

Metal and usually require more skilled labor, and the materials themselves are more expensive to purchase. Steel and aluminum shingles fall at the affordable end of the spectrum; at the most expensive end of the scale is copper and zinc roofing. Tile roofs, too fall at the pricier end of the spectrum. To get an exact cost you will need an estimate. Call us Today to get a bid. 1 (801) 798-5430

At Rock Solid Roofing we make use of extensive connections in the industry, to get our customers the best possible prices on their roofing installations. Call us Today to get a bid. 1 (801) 798-5430 or fill out our online form. https://rocksolidutah.com/get-a-quote/

Signs a Roof Needs Repair or Replacement

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:01:00 GMT

What are some common signs that a roof requires repair or replacement ?

At Rock Solid Roofing, we always recommend that our customers across Utah pay close, consistent attention to the condition of their roofing. All too often, homeowners neglect to notice clear signs of damage to their roofs. As a result, they’re often hit by more serious concerns down the line; many of which can necessitate a complete rooftop replacement, with all the extra expense that entails.

Specific symptoms to watch out for include;

Visible cracks
Obvious leakage
Cracked, warped or missing tiles and shingles
Wear and tear on the flashing. Or lack of a proper water-tight seal around areas such as the chimney. This can lead to moisture buildup
Sunlight seeping through the ceiling boards in your attic
Dark patches on your roof or attic ceiling
Cracking or discoloration on your interior drywall

To avoid issues like these, we always recommend twice-yearly inspections. One, before the heat waves start to hit at the height of summer; and once before the heavy snowfall begins in winter.

At Rock Solid Roofing our customers’ safety is our first priority, so if your roof is difficult to access or walk on; and you’re located in: Provo, Salt Lake City, Utah County or Salt Lake County; give us a call and we’ll take care of your rooftop inspection instead.

What Should I Look for in a Roofing Contractor?

Wed, 27 May 2020 22:57:00 GMT

How do you find the right Roofing Contractor for the job?

As an experienced, well-proven roofing contractor working across Salt Lake City, Provo, Utah County and Salt Lake County; Rock Solid Roofing provides the following benefits:

We are licensed and certified to carry out roofing repairs and installations across Utah
We use the highest quality materials
We adhere to all building codes and regulations
We are insured
We are local to the Utah County area. We can provide a long track record of satisfied customers. If you’ve got a problem our roofing technicians can be at your home to inspect it, as early as possible.
We offer warranties against workmanship errors, and manufacturer defects as a further guarantee of the quality of our roofing repairs and installations.

Which Color Shingle is Best For My Home?

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 22:36:00 GMT

When you’ve decided on a new roof, the bulk of the work is done for you. The tear away of the old roof, the disposable of the old shingles, the ice sheeting, the venting, the nailing. Everything. But one question still trips up homeowners: What color shingle should I use?

Years ago, you could choose between black and brown. But with today’s modern shingles, you can choose between Regal Red, Slate Blue, Medium Bronze, and nearly a dozen other colors. Dark colors draw attention to the facade of your home, while bold color combinations help to craft appropriate accents to your landscaping and property. Adding a drama and depth to your curb appeal helps your home stand out in modern subdivisions. But what do they look like on a typical home?

Shasta White Roof

Shasta White is a great color to use to draw attention to sharp contrasts in the yard. If you have a luxurious lawn you want to highlight, consider Shasta White as the color of your rooftop. By using subtle white and gray hues, Shasta White accentuates the white siding and the white windows helping them pop to people passing by. Future real estate agents will appreciate the thought you put into the rooftop color.

Aged Cedar Roof

Aged Cedar is an excellent choice for homes with red rock exteriors. It seems to blend into the home in a way that makes it look stable. Grounded. Using earth tone colors helps it draw attention to the entire structure. If your back yard includes a deck and room for gatherings, this roof may help guests focus on the accoutrements in the yard and the people around them.

Metal Roof Colors

Metal roof colors can help even a humble cabin look and feel high-end. Rich hues of blue, red, green, or champagne help to create the look and feel of a weekend getaway location. And if you pick the right color, it can help friends and family find your cabin in the woods by helping it stand out from the rest of the local environment.

Asphalt Shingle Colors

Pacific Wave or Sedona Canyon? The choice really is up to you. Color combinations for your particular home can be virtually endless. So take some time checking out rooftops on your favorite homes on Pinterest or Google Search. Learn more about metal roofs or asphalt shingles . Chances are, we can help you get the color and style you want for your new roof.

What is a Roofing System? And How is it Different From a Typical Roof

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 20:58:00 GMT

Lots of people ask us for a new roof. They can see the shingles curling at the corners or have seen shingles in their front yard after a storm. They’ve put it off until they absolutely need a new roof, and they need one fast. But what exactly goes into a roof? Unless you’ve worked in the roofing industry or replaced an entire roof before, you may not know the details of a roofing system. That’s where we can help.

Total Protection Roofing System
We’ve been re-roofing homes for decades. We know how to vent your attic space to remove heat and moisture, how to add value and luxury to the look and feel of your roof, and how to guard vulnerable areas from water. And we do it with a total roofing system.

We’re an exclusive partner with Owens Corning, so we’ll just place their graphic here:

Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System

A total roofing system combines lots of different elements together. Some houses have flat roofs, and some have high peaks or arches. Some have skylights. Some don’t. Really, no two roofs are alike. But everyone can know about their specific roof and learn the roofing terms the industry uses. It’ll help you feel more comfortable with buying a new roof, and make you a hit at neighborhood parties (well, maybe not).

9 Potential Parts to a Typical Roofing System

Skylights . It really begins with the end in mind. If you’re looking at having some natural light in your home, you need to think of it before the water barrier and shingles are laid in place. If you’re wondering what that would look like on your roof, ask for an estimate while our technicians are at your home. The costs for a new skylight are tiny compared to the cost of the roof as a whole. Plus, skylights are great for increasing the resale value of your home. Natural lighting brings added warmth and light to a room or an attic space.
Self-Sealing Ice & Water Barrier . Water and ice are the elements that can damage your roof. They can contribute to wood rot and provide a place for mold and mildew to accumulate. That’s why having an ice and water barrier is important. Utah can have desert dry conditions in summer months and wind, hail, rain, sleet, or snow in winter months. Having a barrier helps to keep that moisture out protecting your roof and your home.
Shingle Underlayment . Placed beneath the shingles, the underlayment protects your wood roof from the elements by sheeting anything the shingles don’t catch. Applied directly to the roof, underlayment is waterproof material that helps to protect your roof when excessive winds combine with heavy rains to blow in at irregular angles. If rain only fell straight down, it wouldn’t be as necessary. But rain blows whichever way the wind blows, so having protection at every angle is necessary.
Roofing Vents . Proper ventilation can protect your roof from premature failing because it removes heat during hot weather and moisture during wet weather. Proper ventilation can help keep your home cooler in the summer, and when you combine it with proper insulation you can increase your energy efficiency in the winter months, too.
Under-Eave Ventilation . Ridge vents keep air flow moving reducing the chance that moisture can build up and affect your roof and your home. Because heat rises, it’s important to keep that hot air flowing so it doesn’t build up high temperatures in parts of the roof. Ventilation in the under-eave can help keep that air flowing.
Roofing Insulation . Insulation plays an integral role in moderating temperatures across your roof. It keeps hot and cold air in check by moderating gases, balances the effect of the sun and snow by transferring temperatures, and absorbs and releases condensation by eliminating air gaps. It protects your roof and your home in myriad ways, so ensuring attics and other rooftops structures have adequate insulation is significant.
Starter Shingles . Starter shingles hang over the edge of your roof to create a drip edge where rain and snowmelt can flow into a rain gutter. It helps to keep the water off of the roof. Starter shingles also help to prevent shingle blow offs during intense wind storms, so installing them correctly is important.
Roofing Shingles . This is what most people think of as a roof. The shingles. Shingles are the first line of defense against the elements. They reflect heat, repel rain, protect against hail and acorns, and are the most visible and prominent part of your roof.
Hip & Ridge Shingles . Ridge ventilation and under-eave ventilation make the roof more efficient (see #5). To keep them looking as good as the rest of the roof, specific hip and ridge shingles are added to keep with the general look and feel of the rest of the roof. It helps to protect the ridge ventilation, and adds an attractive look to the finished product.

Because so much can go into a roof, we work with homeowners like you to choose what works best for your roofing system. If you’re looking for a new roof, give us a chance to talk with you about what you’re looking for. We’ve got the most popular colors to help make your roof and home the envy of the neighborhood.

Asphalt or Metal: Which is Better for a Utah Roof?

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 19:51:00 GMT

What Are the Best Roofing Options for Homes in Utah?
Most people in Utah are looking for a high-quality asphalt roof. They’re cost effective, and increasingly energy efficient. They keep the rain and water out in wet months, and proper ventilation keeps the heat out in summer months. We get all four seasons in Utah, so it’s important that the roof is properly installed so homes are protected year-round.

Probably the best-looking roof, in my opinion, is one made from metal. Copper just looks gorgeous on the top of a home. As the elements react with the copper it leaves a blue-green patina on the copper that compliments a home. Copper is durable and lightweight. A copper roof really helps with the resale value on a roof.

What Are Some Downsides to Different Roofing Options?
But every roof has a downside. Copper is expensive, and metal roofs have to be installed correctly or you can end up with ice shooting down a ramp from a high distance that can damage landscaping, vehicles, or people. We can install snow fences and different things to keep that from happening, but all of that can add additional costs to the upfront costs of a roof.

Traditional shingles can run into problems with ice damming, and all shingle manufacturers and their warranties say they don’t warranty for standing water. Ice damming happens when you have a heated wall. In the wintertime, snow and ice on a roof is going to melt quicker inside the heated wall than it is on the other side. Then gravity pushes water into the gutter and it’s going to build up. That creates the ice dam. It’s something quality roofers know about, so we can protect against it.

What is the Difference Between a Re-roof and a Re-cover?

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 19:41:00 GMT

Can’t I Just Re-Cover my Roof?
A lot of people want to do a recover. Because it can save a thousand bucks, lots of homeowners go with the cheapest bid. And I understand where they are coming from. A thousand dollar difference between bids is a lot of money, but it’s a small sum in the long run. We just want to be able to sleep at night knowing that we did do someone a favor with their roof. A re-roof is how people used to do roof repairs 40 years ago. You’d just put new shingles on top of the old shingles. But housing codes have changed through the years to protect people from too many layers of shingles, and for good reason.

As a roofing company that wants to give the highest-quality roof to every customer, we only do tear offs, e.g. new roofs, because of the problems with re-covers. In far too many cases, people come back years later because they’ve got a drift between their gutter and we’ve had to come out and try to fix the original roofers troublesome workmanship. And that’s really where the issue is.

So, if the shingles on top off the roof need replacing, odds are the original underlayment should be replaced, too, and you don’t do that with a re-roof. You just nail some tiles over the top and hope it makes your leak go away for a few years. It’s really a temporary measure. And it may cause problems when you try and sell your home.

In a reroof, the old roof is now part of the new roof. And so, I’m warranting a roof where someone else did the old roof and now we just slap some shingles some over the top of the old roof. But there are problems with that method, which is why we don’t do it.

We don’t know what kind of wall flashes they have. We don’t know what kind of underlayment they have. We don’t know what the ice and water shield is installed to code. We don’t even know if they have ice and water shield because we’ve never seen anything underneath the shingles.

The bottom line: If your shingles are worn and deteriorated to the point that you need new shingles on top of the existing, original roof, tearing off the old roof and installing a new roofing system with a proper construction technique is the only proper way to do it.

Who Makes the Best Shingles For Roofing Your House?

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 19:28:00 GMT

Who Makes the Best Shingles in the Roofing Business?
What makes a good shingle is working with a good shingle manufacturer. I’ve been in the roofing business for more than 20 years, owned my own company for the past decade, and there are shingles I would trust to put on my parent’s roof and shingles I just wouldn’t. It’s one of the reasons we chose Owens Corning or GAF for our shingles. If somebody else wants another brand, ultimately, they are the final decision maker. But I can tell you the names of the good companies and bad companies that I’ve experienced.

GAF used to be two different companies: Elk and GAF. GAF and Elk combined a few years ago because of their shingle technology. Owens Corning has a really good shingle. Tamko is okay. CertainTeed, historically, hasn’t had the best shingles. We do some patch work very consistently on other homes where CertainTeed sold the shingles for the project. There’s five or six homes in my neighborhood that I’ve fixed twice a year for the past few years. Every time there is a major wind storm, I know I’m going to be helping my CertainTeed neighbors with the shingles they find on their lawns in the morning.

The best shingles in the roofing business are backed up by a strong manufacturer. And when you pair a strong manufacturer with a quality local roofing company, good things happen.

Three Roofing Warranties and Why They Matter to Homeowners

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 19:17:00 GMT

Don’t All Shingle Manufacturers Have a Wind Warranty?
Yes, if the construction of the home meets manufacturer requirements, then all manufacturers have a wind warranty. Typically, homeowners should look for the details on three specific warranties:

Workmanship Warranty . First, there’s a workmanship warranty that comes from the company that does the installation of the new roof. It covers typical things that can go wrong like shingles flying from the roof, ice dams on the roof during winter seasons, etc. Having been in the business for so long, we know the common and rare things that can go wrong with a roof. We know that gutters that get backed up with debris can pool water in summer months and freeze to ice blocks in winter months. We know what causes an ice dam on a roof and how to prevent it with proper shielding. It’s part of our Rock Solid Warranty .
Shingle Warranty . Second, there’s a shingle manufacturer’s warranty against defective shingles. It doesn’t cover items like strong hail or falling tree branches; no warranty will. This warranty certifies that the shingles from their company will last for the number of years they say. So, if it’s a 40-year warranty on the shingles, and they start showing signs of wear and tear after 5 years, they’ll work to fix it or refund you the money for the prorated amount of time left on the original purchase. Sometimes companies will call it a “Lifetime Warranty” on the shingles, and that’s directly related to the quality of the shingle you choose to put on your roof.
Wind Warranty . Third, there’s a manufacturer’s wind warranty, and this one really depends on what kind of shingles you buy for your roof. Some shingles are certified for 60 MPH winds, some for 80 MPH winds, and some for 110 MPH winds. It’s part of how manufacturers classify their different shingles. I like to think of it as a combination between the first two warranties, because you have to meet manufacturer requirements to get this warranty. Meaning your roofer has to install it correctly with proper shingles, then you qualify for this kind of warranty.

Roofing warranties are interesting. They all used to be 30 years. Then 40 years. Pretty soon there will probably be a 50-year warranty. Every company lists them as a “Lifetime Warranty” because it sounds better. It’s a play on words. All your roofs to last roughly 20 years, right? Presidential Shingles, they say, will last 40. But I’ve not been roofing for 40 years, so I can’t tell you for sure. But the idea is that you work with a good company that’s going to stand behind their product. That’s why hiring a roofer with broad experience is usually best.

If you hire a roofer right out of college who’s not quite sure what they’re doing you probably won’t be covered by a warranty on their work. Working with an established roofer will usually give you the best bang for your buck. Nobody wants to reroof their home five years after they just did it because a roofer made some shortcuts that end up costing them. When a homeowner sells their home and the real estate inspection doesn’t pass because the home inspector notices the bad roofing job, that’s major frustration. Your roof should increase the resale value of the home.

Three Awkward Roofing Experiences that Helped Me Make a Better Company

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 19:11:00 GMT

Freelancer or Contractor?
In the early days of my roofing career, I freelanced for a big box chain. I’d still roof for my day job, give people estimates, and hope they’d choose me. But many times, they’d choose the big box store with the big box store prices. I was routinely 50% lower on the bid, and people got scared because the price was too low for what they wanted done to their roof, so they’d choose the big box store and that would be the end of our relationship.

But in this instance, they chose the big box store where I was the freelance contractor. Meaning, I showed up to their house to do the installation of the roofing system and they had a double-take moment. They recognized me, recognized that they were paying a big box store price for something a freelance roofer was going to, and they were surprised by the situation. The look on their face said everything.

Three Stories of Exhaustion
One time in the Avenues of Salt Lake City, we showed up to a job and it was a three-story home. It was the three of us roofers. They didn’t have much land to build on, so they built the house straight up. They had some power lines nearby and we couldn’t really extend the boom on the truck to load the shingles to the top of the house. We knew that going into the job. Normally we just talk to the neighbors and get their permission to use their driveway for a morning or afternoon. Whatever works best for them. You can see where this is headed.

Their neighbor said, “No way. You touch my land, you cross my property line, and I’ll call the police.” So that was out. And there we were. We didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. So, we started ground loading the bundles of shingles up two different ladders to traverse the three stories. We had 75 bundles of shingles, so each of us had to take 25 different trips up and down the ladders to get the shingles onto the roof to start the job. Yeah, that was a long, long day. It took us, it took us just a long time to get those shingles up on the roof. Then we had to roof the home. We were exhausted.

Did We Really Just Reroof the Wrong House?
To be clear, I haven’t reroofed the wrong house. I haven’t. But one of my guys has. They just wrote the house number down wrong. Simple mistake.

They showed up, started working on it and did a good job. It was a new construction property, so all the homes looked similar with virtually no landscaping to tell them apart. It’s one of those experiences where you just look at your employee and you both start laughing at the situation. You chalk it up to a learning experience.

I did roofing for eight years. I was on the roof. I know what it’s like. It’s hard work. It’s really hard work. So, when you find a hard worker that does a good job you can look past some mistakes and just laugh at the situation. He’s still on my payroll. I like to keep good guys around. And he’s a great roofer.

Common Roofing Mistakes I’ve Seen Throughout Utah

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 22:19:00 GMT

Lots of people wonder about the things that can go wrong with a typical re-roofing project. Aside from the funny roofing stories , there are some mistakes that I see over and over again when I’m out with my employees doing a visual inspection after we’ve torn off the old roof. The good news, is that we’ll make sure your roof is impeccable, and that 20 years from now it still holds its value.

Insufficient Ice & Water Shield
One of the biggest issues we run into is the ice and water shield. Lots of people only put one line. You need two on most homes. On larger homes or custom-made homes, you can use three or four sheets of ice and water shield to make sure it’s going to be effective and protect the home.

An ice and water shield are a self-adhering membrane. It’s sticky. You roll it down directly on the oriented strand board (OSB) or the plywood , and it seals to it. Then you put your paper underlayment down. The idea is that it allows the ice to back up. It’s a pretty powerful construction technique, and many people just do the bare minimum instead of going the extra mile to make sure it’s going to prevent ice from damming up.

Irregular and Improper Nailing
Another thing we run into relates to blow offs from a roof. Wind storms can cause quite a bit of damage to improperly nailed roofs because the shingles aren’t securely nailed in place. We call it a high nail. It’s usually the result of a roofer moving too fast with too little attention to the details.

Sometimes people will nail on the asphalt strip instead of below the asphalt strip, but that’s usually the case when someone hasn’t been trained properly. They can sometime think that the extra tar will seal around the head of the nail, and that just isn’t the case. Overdriven nails , too, can be a problem especially with pneumatic guns with settings that haven’t been calibrated. When nails are overdriven, they punch through the mat of the roof and are far more likely to slide up and fly off during a windstorm.

What About the Utah Roofing Industry?
The roofing industry is still a word-of-mouth industry. That’s why we care so much about doing quality work the first time because your roof really is our roof. It’s our name that’s behind it. And when people ask you where you got your roof done we want you to be able to say “Rock Solid Roofing did my roof.” We know roofs are unexpected expenses for most people. We know they’re expensive. Consequently, we make sure that you’re getting the highest-quality roof your money can buy.

The other day one of my sales guys was driving by a home we’d done and noticed some shingles had blown off during a storm. It happens. But that’s our name on the line, that’s our roof we built. We take pride in that. So, my sales guy just called me up and said, “Hey, I sent so-and-so over to fix up their roof so they’ll be a little late to our staff meeting,” and I was just proud that our sales guy cares that much about our reputation that he’d go and do the right thing. That’s the kind of company I’ve built, and I’m proud of the work we do. We take care of our customers because that’s the way we’d like to be treated, too. When we say, “Your Roof is Our Roof” we mean it.

West Jordan, Utah

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 03:39:00 GMT

West Jordan, Utah is home to the eclectic Gardner Village and was the hometown of former world middleweight boxing champion Gene Fullmer . And it’s population has boomed with the development of Jordan Landing in the 2000’s and residences on the west side of town.

With lots of new construction in the area, we get the chance to go out there pretty regularly. In this case, we worked with the homeowners to match their homes exterior. It fits with the neighborhood, and provides an elegant upgrade to their varied external siding and rock facade.

Saratoga Springs, Utah

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 04:59:00 GMT

Saratoga Springs House

Saratoga Springs is one of the fastest developing communities in Utah. Once on the outskirts of the city, the 2000 census recorded 1,003 as its population. Just a decade later, its population had grown to 17,781. In a nod to its citizens, the Saratoga Springs library was started with a majority of donations from the community.

This home was a fairly routine roof installation. From start to finish it took just three days. A few of our roofers live in Saratoga Springs, so travel time to and from the worksite was super convenient for them. It’s one of the things that makes living and working in areas enjoyable. We get to drive through neighborhoods where we know the roofs because we’re the ones who installed them. We drive out on Redwood Road and see homes we’ve roofed. Saratoga Springs is beautiful. We’re glad we get to keep their homes looking great.

Alpine, Utah

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 04:59:00 GMT

Alpine, Utah has been growing for decades. Located on the slopes of the Wasatch range, it is home to notable Utahns Mike Lee and Lloyd Newell , and the nanotechnology company American Biotech .

Aside from the larger-than-normal roof, this Alpine home was roofed with dark blue shingles to complement the existing color palette. The dark, subtle hues contrast nicely with the white accents and the blue-grey paneling. When you take care to install a roof that complements the home, you increase the value of the home now and on resale.