Cleaning My Roof: How and How Often?

One question we at Miami Roof-Tech often get asked is “Should I clean my roof?” The definitive answer to that is… yes! Not only will improve the overall aesthetic appearance, it will also increase the longevity exponentially of your Miami Roofing system. The other question is then… how often? Here are a few tips to help with both of these:

 

You may notice dark streaks or splotches that pop up in various areas on the shingles and tiles of your roof. This is actually due to algae and lichen growth, which is common, especially in humid environments like South Florida. If routine care and maintenance are not performed, these organisms can do long-term damage, eventually eating through shingles and into the roof decking, causing wood rot.

 

There are various methods for cleaning a roof. One option is to use chlorine or phosphates to remove the stain causing organisms. This method involves applying several coats of the chosen chemical to the roof. Stains don’t always come off on the day of treatment so the results may not be instant, but will eventually fade as rain and the elements take effect. This method will also require that the surrounding landscaping be protected during application, since run-off from these chemicals can wreak havoc on plants and vegetation.

 

Another option is an eco-friendly method that avoids the use of harsh chemicals. This method uses eco-friendly stain removing products and a low-pressure rinsing spray to remove all surrounding algae, lichens, and stains from the shingles. You will notice a difference in the look of the roof immediately.

 

Avoid using a high-powered pressure spray on your roof as this can actually cause damage to the shingles or tiles. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can hold your hand under the spray from the pressure sprayer. If you can’t do that, then the pressure is too high.

 

You should hire a Miami Roofing contractor who is knowledgeable with the type of roof on your home as well as the appropriate methods needed to clean it. A reputable company will usually provide you with a guarantee or warranty on their work. A shingle roof will typically require a cleaning every 2-3 years years. Tile roofs should be cleaned more often, usually annually as they are more prone to algae. Roof cleaning is an important part of your home maintenance. It will help prolong the life of your roof and keep your home looking great for years to come.

Ready for a roof inspection or repair? Tile roofing Miami | Flat roofing Miami — free estimates from Miami Roof-Tech.

Green Roofs

There are several benefits for making green roofs a part of everyday structures. Besides displaying a natural aesthetic beauty, they serve in practical functions as well. Although they have a renewed popularity in modern culture, these roofs are not a new concept in use or design by contractors and Miami roofers. People have a history of installing and using these types of systems for centuries spanning form Europe to the Americas. The best way to understand the idea of a green roof is to think of it as a lawn on a house or building. They have many advantages and uses especially when used in hot or rainy areas like South Florida and we at Miami Roof-Tech receive inquiries about installing them regularly.

 

Green Roofs are not as simple as ordinary roofing systems. Each one is a system that comes together by placing separate layers on top of one another. There are eight layers to these roofing systems. Layers are placed on top of an existing roof with certain modifications. These layers are the vegetation, growing medium, filter membrane, drainage layer, water proof and root repellent layer, support panel, thermal insulation and vapor control layer.

 

The drainage, filter growing medium and vegetation layers are modular and can be placed out over a particular area easily. This happens one layer at a time. But before that can happen, a green space has to be constructed. Otherwise the green system would end up shifting or sliding during construction or when it rains. The thing to remember is that the vegetation layer is never really planted and the grass or plants themselves do not ever actually grow. If they ever did flourish, the roof would require potentially dangerous and inconvenient maintenance. That would be counterproductive to the concept of the benefits they provide both publicly and privately.

 

Basically green roofs fall into the categories of intensive and extensive. Intensive roofs are substantial systems that can harbor bushes, trees, benches and even walkways. Clearly, these types of Miami Roofing systems are designed for commercial buildings where it would be easier to go up than down for a breath of fresh air. Extensive roofs are better suited for homes where their main purpose is to absorb rain water and help keep the overall temperature cool and comfortable indoors.

 

Interested in energy-efficient roofing for your Miami property? Explore our flat roofing and commercial roofing options.

Questions To Ask When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Are you on the lookout for a good roofing contractor? Be very careful. It can be a lot harder than you think. But it is extremely important to pinpoint the right team of people for you specific project needs. A shoddy Miami Roofing company can end up costing you a lot more money down the road. When you are shopping around, make absolutely sure that it is a contractor who can and will answer some basic questions. Here are a few things you should ask:

 

Ask them for their company name and its address.

It is a definite warning signal if they can only cite a P.O. box address for you. If they can’t or won’t name a physical address in South Florida that they use for their daily operations, be weary and move on. Plus, you want to be able to check out their facilities as an extra precaution.

 

Ask if their company has insurance.

This is very important because you want to be protected in the event of an accident. If they don’t have workmans compensation and liability insurance, you may be looking to have blame and cost for any accidents right at your doorstep. And injuries do happen in the roofing industry more than you might think.

 

Ask them if they will be using any subcontractors.

If they are, you should treat this subcontractor the same two previous question concerning their address and their insurance. If they can’t or won’t also answer these questions, this is a definite cause of concern. It is always  best advised to go with a company that uses their own crews and doesn’t opt to subcontract work such as Miami Roof-Tech

 

Ask them to provide references for past customers.

Contact these customers and ask them about the service of the contractor for them. If most of them had bad experiences, it is best to move on. You will also want to seriously reconsider even if only a few of them had bad experiences as that can be a red flag.

 

Finally, ask if they provide a warranty.

Ask for specifics on their guarantees. Also ask for the different warranties that they have available. These warranties will cover the materials on your roof and the labor as well. Before you opt for a specific warranty, ask the Miami roofer every detail and what is included.

Miami Roof-Tech is a licensed (CCC1328295), GAF Certified Miami roofing contractor. See why we’re considered the best roofing company in Miami.

What To Check On A Roof When Purchasing A New Home

One of the most crucial parts of the house is the roof. It protects your family members and your belongings against severe damages from direct sunlight or rain. The roof requires proper maintenance throughout the year to enhance efficiency and maximum protection of your property. Therefore, if you are planning to invest your hard-earned money in purchasing a new home in Miami, Florida or other regions, you should make sure that you check the following things about on the roof to enhance efficiency.

 

• Ensure that there is proper ventilation
You may experience terrible problems if you decide to purchase a new house without proper ventilation. Good ventilation is essential because it aids in preventing the refreezing and the snow melting, especially during the winter periods. Additionally, excellent ventilation helps in reducing the monthly energy costs and plays a significant role in decreasing excessive amount of moisture in the rooms of the house. Therefore, it is highly advisable to ensure that the ventilation system is perfect before buying a new home.

 

• Check the drainage and the gutters
The gutters are also essential components of the roof. If the contractors fit them professionally, they facilitate an efficient drainage system. Therefore, when planning to buy a new house, it is valuable to ensure that you keep your eyes on the gutters and check the asphalt shingle grains. Inspecting these aspects is recommendable to avoid facing new issues int he future.

 

• Check the durability of the roofing materials
A proper roofing system should have long-lasting materials. Also, they should be attractive and stable to avoid unnecessary damages. It is advisable to gather sufficient knowledge about the durable roofing materials in the market to ensure that you get a house the meets your needs. We recommend an inspection with a license contractor such as Miami Roof-Tech to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

 

Additionally, when purchasing a new home, you should inspect it with an experienced Miami roofing company. You may also negotiate with the seller to repair the leaks and other roofing problems when purchasing a home in if  the inspections show that some work may be required.

Need a professional roof inspection in Miami? Contact Miami Roof-Tech — licensed (CCC1328295), 21+ years experience, free estimates.

Roof Financing with Ygreene

There is nothing more important than making sure your house is safe and secure. One of the worse things you can do is postpone replacing your roof when issues arise because you are unable to afford the work,. That will only cause damage to other areas of your home such as drywall, which will need to then be repaired later. With Ygrene financing, you can start the roof replacement process in a matter of days. Applying for financing is a quick and simple process, simply visit Ygreene website and check your eligibility. Within seconds you will have a pre-approved amount of money to start work on your new Miami Roofing system.

 

The program works by checking the amount of equity you have in your property, along with a number of other factors, they do not check your personal credit history, no proof of employment, and no financial statements are needed either. Just a quick and easy process and you begin the financing  for your property improvements right away. On top of no money down, you don’t have to keep track of another payment plan, Ygrene financing is added to your property tax. No worrying about another lender, no new checks and accounts to keep track of, as long as you pay your homes taxes, you are in the clear.

 

As an added bonus, you can get up to 29 months with no payments, watch the money you save from home improvements add up, and in the event you decide to sell your property before paying off your Ygreene loan, don’t worry, the expenses are typically added to the buyers property tax so you only pay for what you used. A licensed contractor like Miami Roof-Tech will be able to guide you through the process to help you get started as quickly a possible. So what are you waiting for? Stop worrying how your roof will hold up to the next heavy storm, be proactive and make the improvements you need with Ygreene’s innovative new program.

Ready to get started? Tile roofing, flat roofing, and commercial roofing — all available with financing through Miami Roof-Tech.

Common Flat Roof Issues

One of the most common types of roofs in South Florida are low sloped systems, otherwise known as flat roofs. However, they are also seen often on residential homes as well due to their simplicity and modern appeal. Unfortunately, flat roofs are also the most common types of systems to encounter issues. This is because of their relatively low pitch and tendency to collect standing water. With flat roofs especially, the more you postpone an issue, the more it will ultimately cost to fix. The best thing you can do when problems arise is inspect and repair it immeditaley to avoid further headaches down the road. Let’s look at a few of those problems and how to fix them.

 

One of the most reported problems with flat roofing systems is water stagnation or ponding water, which usually occurs after heavy rain. This can happen for a variety of reasons such as poor installation or a lack of a proper pitch pitch. If this is case, you’ll need to call in a professional to inspect the Miami Roofing system to offer a better long term solution. Another cause of ponding can be something as simple as a clogged drain. Make sure any debris found in cracks get removed and clean all pathways toward the drain.

 

Something else we tend to see often is cracking. If found in large quanities, then immediately have the roof inspected and remedy the situation. An issue like this should not be postponed as the solution can be as simple as patching the area with modified roofing cement. We also suggest regular maintenance with an elastomeric roof coating. These are siliconized coatings that are applied to the roof to seal small cracks and help elongate the expected life span of your roofing system.

 

Lastly, be on the lookout as well for blistering and shrinkage, which happens over time and can pull apart at the seams. With long exposure to heat and the sun, blisters can swell up causing a large bubble to form. These may eventually lead to water intrusion and is best attended to when first noticed. If you experience any of these issues and have questions about your current system, get in touch with a contractor such as Miami Roof-Tech to inspect your property as soon as possible.

Need flat roof repair or replacement in Miami? Learn about our flat roofing services — free estimates, same-week response.

Preparing for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is quickly approaching and there are many things you can do to prepare.  This is especially true if you are talking about the house you live in. After all, worrying about the roof over your head is not exactly a pleasant feeling and the sooner you take care of things, the better. As the months go by and gets closer to hurricane season, which officially starts on June 1st, roof specialist such as Miami Roof-Tech tend to get busier. You don’t want to be in a position where you are unable to get assistance with your hurricane prep if needed. Yet another reason to take care of things early. The following are a few some steps to take the weight of your mind.

 

Last year was one of the most active seasons for hurricanes and things are predicted to get worse. The danger of procrastinating on roof preparation is that last minute work will be done hastily, and may be shabby. Whatever work that gets done should always be inspected. This way you will rest assured that the roof can really withstand punishment from high winds. That is why the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) has come up with some guidelines to help homeowners prepare. Some of the guidelines are to secure any loose material on the roof such as tile or shingle, this can be done with approved nails or caulking. Installing hurricane straps is also a step in the right direction, but it should be done by a Miami Roofing professional. If you have a metal roof, then look for rust and faulty anchoring. You’ also want to be sure all drains are clear of debris, removing loose objects on the roof that can potentially cause water to overflow resulting in extensive damage. However, preparing early is the key, the best thing to do is contact a licensed Miami Roofer to visit your property and provide a thorough inspection of the property.

Don’t wait for storm season — schedule a free roof inspection with Miami Roof-Tech today. We serve all of Miami-Dade County.

Shingle Roofing Options

The roof is your home’s first line of defense from exterior elements. It acts as protective barrier for all interior contents, keeps your home insulated from heat and cold, plus a roof that’s in good shape will increase the home’s value. If you’re considering re-roofing your home, consider the many shingle options before making the final decision on your preferred Miami roofing material.

 

Asphalt Shingles
The most popular and affordable roofing option. Asphalt shingles meet the Energy Star standards and help to reduce heating and cooling costs. This type also comes in many different colors, sizes, styles and can even by constructed from organic material.
The only problem with asphalt shingles is that they do not hold up well in climates that have sudden fluctuations in temperatures

Fiberglass Shingles
These type of shingles are lightweight, resistant to fire and UV rays. They are also durable and typically have a longer warranty than other roofing material. There’s only positive things to be said about fiberglass roofing, with no mentionable drawbacks. Great roofing material for any style home.

 

Three-Tab Shingles
So named due to the cutouts running along the bottom edge, which makes it look like three different shingles colors were installed. The cutouts are for aesthetic purposes only and have no bearing on function. Three-tab shingles are thin, lightweight and have a life expectancy of 20-30 years.

 

Architectural Shingles
Similar to three-tab shingles, except they contain more asphalt and have bottom curves instead of three cutouts. This gives them a more dimensional look that closely simulates the look of tile.
Architectural shingles cost a little more than three-tabs and are not recommended for installation on a home that has a low slope. This roofing option is best used on high-pitched roofs.

 

Organic Shingles

Made from wood chips, paper, rags and/or recycled cardboard. An inexpensive roofing option that is good for the planet.
Organic shingles are heavier than other roofing material, prone to moisture retention and probably will not last the predicted 20 year lifespan.

 

A qualified roofer can help you decide which is best for your home, give us a call at Miami Roof-Tech and we’ll gladly assist with any questions you may have.

Comparing roofing options for your Miami home? See our tile roofing and flat roofing pages, or get a free estimate from Miami Roof-Tech.

Roof Maintenance

In Miami, summer is fast approaching and there is no better time to inspect and repair our roofs. Although regular maintenance is recommended, during storm season it can be almost impossible. Not to mention, at this time, the roof is wet and very slippery. Therefore, a safety hazard.

 

Roof maintenance prevents you from incurring costly damages while at the same time improving the integrity of your house’s foundation. Here are some tips to help elongate the life of your roof:

 

Cleaning
Cleaning is the first step to maintaining a healthy roof. Ensure that your gutters and top of the roofs are cleaned of any debris, algae, and leaves. Cleaning ensures that pest don’t inhabit the top of your dwelling and cause damage. Additionally, it prevents clogging of gutters. Therefore, preventing an overflow and wicking of the roof which might lead to rotting of your sheathing and rafting.

 

Trim Your Trees
If you have trees nearing your home, as many of us do in South Florida, trimming is very important. It will prevent leaves from falling on your property, thus reducing the number of times that you have to clean your roof as well. Also, it prevents broken twigs and branches from falling and possibly causing other unwanted damage.

 

Install Guards
Installation of guards in your gutters prevents clogging. This guards only allow water to pass through. Because leaves cannot get through, you will have less trouble cleaning your gutter.

 

Such small issues can be handled easily without the need for a professional. As long as you take precautions while on your roof to prevent possible safety hazards or injury. However, more complex issue such as severe roof leaks should be left to the pros. If you notice loose tile or shingle, this is one warning sign that you need to contact a professional. Other reasons to contact a Miami roofing contractor may include sagging in certain areas, loose flashing, or cracking and blistering around roof penetrations.

 

If you are in Miami-Dade and are looking for an expert at roof inspections, repairs and maintenance, do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team at Miami Roof-Tech!

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