How To Make Your Commercial Roof Last Forever

As a business owner, maintaining your commercial roof may be the last thing on your to-do list. However, in case of any unforeseen damage, repairing or replacing a commercial roof may cost thousands of dollars.

There are a certain guidelines that commercial property owners must be following in order to ensure their employees safety.

We have put together certain tips that will ensure your commercial roof lasts a lifetime.

Roof Inspection

Nothing is more important than roof inspections. They lead to early detections of any problem and enable you to deal with them before they can bring havoc. A semi-annual roof inspection is a must for your commercial property. Call in your roofing professional for that.

Looking Out for Water Puddles

What exactly do professionals look for when conducting an inspection? Water puddles and water stains are the first red flags. Standing water causes mold in the roof, and if the mold reaches the roof membrane, it will require a full roof replacement.

Having water on roof indicates the draining system isn’t working properly.

Inspect the Draining System

The downspouts and gutters are prone to debris buildup because of the function they perform. They should be checked to ensure they are clean. Sometimes, dislodgment for any reason can hamper free flow of water. If you are unable to detect the problem yourself, then hire a roofing service to get it done to come and inspect the problem and rectify it.

Make Sure Flashing is Intact

Commercial roofs usually have open penetrations in the roof for pipes, drains, chimneys, etc. To seal off the joints and prevent any water leakage, flashings are installed. They are metal strips that you will find on every joint of your roof. If the flashing is damaged, rusting, or dislodged then it must be replaced. As long as the flashings remain malfunctioned, the roof is vulnerable.

Get Repairs Immediately if Required

To prolong the life of your roof, repairs should not be delayed for any reason.  If repairs are left to linger, they manifest into bigger issues, resulting in a complete re-roofing.

Professional Inspection

Have a professional from a commercial roofing service come to inspect your roof, once every year. An experienced and a keen eye will catch problems that you might still overlook. They might also give you valuable tips that are unique to your own roof.  

Contact Haralson Roofing at 330-784-4000, one of the leading roofing company in Northeast Ohio, to schedule an inspection now.

Industrial Roofing Problems - How to Avoid Them

Every year, companies spend millions of dollars on roof repairs and replacements. However, many of the problems related to industrial roofing can be avoided with proper maintenance and preventive measures, saving you money that you could re-invest into business operations.

Here are some of the most common industrial roofing problems that are faced by commercial property owners.

Poor Maintenance

The most common problem is that business owners choose to ignore their roof like it has no importance. This is like leaving a wound to fester, which ultimately leads to higher medical bills.

With proper maintenance, preventive measures can be put in place and problems can be resolved as soon as they arise.

No or Insufficient Gutter Cleaning

Other than water, gutters accumulate leaves, stones, dirt and snow. Sometimes the gutters can choke because of this, preventing from water draining out effectively. This could lead to standing water.

This problem can be easily avoided with roof inspections and cleaning at least twice a year.

Standing Water

When the drainage is blocked, the water has no way to drain out and will create water puddles on the roof. The standing water will ruin the roof insulation as well as cause roof leakage.

If cleaning the gutters doesn’t solve the problem, then you should call a professional immediately to look into the matter to avoid any major complications.

Roof Leakage

Roof leakage only means that the roof needs repair or replacement. In case you see water stains on ceilings, or molds that means the roofing materials has been damaged.

You should call your commercial roofing contractor immediately for appropriate action.

Improper Installations

Even after spending a lot of money on materials, you could end up with roof problems just because you did not hire a professional for the installations. Some problems may be using the wrong adhesive; the ventilation not assembled properly; or flashings not fitted correctly.

Always hire professionals with years of experience for the job.

Birds

For any industrial site near the bay, seagulls are a common site. Other than messing the roof with their droppings, they also pick on the materials on the roof, and contribute to debris build-up for nesting purposes.

Seagulls should be prevented from landing on your roof. There are many ways to do that, pick the one that is appropriate for your building.

Weather

There is not much anyone can do about the weather, but what you could do is a roof inspection after inclement weather. If the weather was a little too rough, then have a professional conduct a thorough inspection to make sure everything is in order.

If you are based in Northeast Ohio and are looking for a commercial roofing service to help you maintain your industrial roof, contact Haralson Roofing at 330-784-4000.

5 Signs Your Commercial Building Needs Roof Repairs

After heavy rains due to the remnants of Irma, high humidity is expected in Ohio. Now may be the right time for you to proactively check for damage to your commercial building. By taking action early, you could save thousands of dollars on major roof replacement or repair.  

However, commercial buildings are quite complex. It takes some know-how to identify whether a replacement or repair is required.

Here are the signs you should be looking for:

Bubbling on the Roof Surface

Bubbling on the surface of the roof is an indication of trapped moisture. It means your roof is not water tight and moisture may be trapped in pockets of air between the roof deck and the membrane. This is a common issue and must be checked after 48 hours after rain or storm.

Water Puddles on Roof Tops

While it is common to have water puddles on roofs after a storm, they shouldn’t be there after 48-72 hours. If you still find water puddles, that means your roof has a drainage problem. Standing water can weaken your roof by penetration and adding more weight. In this case, have your exterior downspouts checked, as they may not be working properly.

Unexplained Odor or Mold Growth

Another signal that your roof needs repair is unexplained odor and mold anywhere in the premises. This could be a result of roof leakage. In this case, you will need a professional to come and inspect the areas that have the problem.

Damaged Flashing

Check the metal strips around the edges of the roof, such as chimneys and pipes, and where the roof changes level. If the flashing is damaged, dislodged, rusting or bent, then there are high chances of water infiltrating your roofing system. You should call a professional immediately for fixing it.

Water Stains

Water stains on the ceiling of the upper floor is a clear sign of failing roofing system. It is time to contact commercial roofing services to renovate your roof.

Are you experiencing any of these signs after the recent inclement weather in Ohio? Don’t choose to ignore any of this as small problems will lead to major complications later on. Contact Haralson Roofing at 330-784-4000 today for a professional inspection and repair of your commercial roof. 

4 Tips to Help You Hire The Best Roofing Contractor

Ohio roofs are exposed to some of the extreme weather conditions that Mother Nature has to offer: scorching sun, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and plenty of snow.

As per weather reports, the recent onslaught of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma unleashed rain and powerful winds in Ohio Valleywhich, in all likelihood, must have played havoc with the roofing setups of many a household.

Here are five tips to help you hire the best Ohio roofing contractor, should you need roof repair or replacement.

1. Hire a well-established and insured contractor with decent Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings.

Check the contractor’s credentials and roofing product manufacturer’s designations to ensure that product warranties are secure. Also, it’s important that the roofing contractor has adequate insurance for all employees and subcontractors.

The GAF Master Elite contractors, in particular, must offer suitable level of workers’ compensation and are obliged to maintain a good rating with the BBB so that they remain certified with them.

Watch out for the roofing companies who do not exist on the Better Business Bureau website, BBB.org because chances are, they are mere storm chasers who show up after a damaging storm and leave the state before the homeowner notices a missing shingle or a new leak.

2. Request for local referrals

Recommendations and referrals are one of the best ways to make sure you find the right contractor for the job. A trusted roof service should have no qualms in providing multiple references. Read online reviews about whether a certain contractor delivered a good job and on time, and provided warranties in case something went wrong.

3. Inquire about extensive warranties.

Ask the contractor what types of warranties they offer for the roof maintenance service you hired them for.

Not all roofers are Master Elite contractors who provide extensive warranties that include both manufacturer and workmanship warranties on everything they do.

So, when a contractor does a shoddy job, it might go unnoticed for months. Insurance won’t pay for the damage and if the contractor refuses to fix it, you’ve no choice but to pay another roofer to fix the former’s poor work. Avoid the hassle. Hire a GAF Master Elite contractor.

4. Check specific certifications

Some roof product manufacturers require the contractors to be properly trained and authorizedto install and handle their products. A legitimate roofing company must meet the required standards to become factory-certified as a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor. Make sure that you choose the roofing contractor with a proven experience in installing your specific roofing material.

Roof maintenance services cost you both time and money, so finding an adept contractor at the best price is the key!

A successful roof installation with long-lasting performance is now just a call away.  Contact Haralson Roofing at 330-784-4000.

4 Reasons Why Your New Roof Could Fail

Last week, the world saw Hurricane Irma join the ranks of possibly the most catastrophic tropical cyclones ever recorded, namely Katrina (2005), Dean (2007) and Superstorm Sandy (2012).

The Category 5 storm is ranked second among the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes this year, with gusty 115 mph winds thrashing parts of Northeastern Caribbean Islands and many southern states in United States, notably Florida.

Keeping Irma’s widespread and disastrous impact in mind, Northeastern Ohians should begin to wonder about its repercussions on the state’s climate.

The National Weather Service stated in a report last week that heavy Irma remnants could likely make it into the Ohio valley and spark some isolated showers.  

Needless to say, with the savage winter storms sweeping into the cross-section of the country, it makes sense to inspect your home’s first line of defense—the roof, and get it repaired or replaced, if need be.

As a homeowner, you should be able to rest assured that a newly-installed roof provides you with several years of protection from all elements – sunlight, rain, snow and wind.

There are many reasons as to why a new roof could fail. We recommend you leave a major undertaking such as the replacement of a roof to experts to prevent premature collapses.

1. Poor Installation

Replacing a roof is more than just replacing the shingles.

If not installed correctly, a new roof is bound to fail, even if the contractor installed the best shingles available.

Each roofing product has its own installation requisites, which when are left unaddressed, result in failures sooner or later.

This is why it’s important that you hire the best roofing company in town with strong credentials and warranties and are already familiar with the specific products and materials they are using.

We are one of the very few Master Elite contractors who can ensure proper installation of GAF shingle sheets.  

2. Improper Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation systems are essential to keep your roof healthy. Vents prevent heat and moisture build-up during summer and ice dams on the roof in the winters.

Make sure the roof system is adequately ventilated and the intake features allow cool, fresh air into the attic; while the exhaust draws hot, moist air out. If you choose to hire us, we ensure that your attic has enough ventilation to keep the temperature moderate at all times.

3. Use of Low- Quality Materials

We understand that you’d want the cheapest bid on the installation of a new roof.

Roofers who quote a low price, however, often use substandard materials. If yours is cutting corners on important items such as sealants, leak barriers or edge metal, it’s advisable to switch to an expert roofing contractor that offers you the best trade-off in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness.

4. Improper Flashing

Flashing is a major element of any roof setup. It is generally installed on the corners and edges to create a waterproof enclosure around areas near the chimneys, walls, and skylights where there are likely to be gaps between the built-in features and the roof material.

Some contractors skimp on quality and use caulk instead of flashing, to seal the gaps. Caulk breaks down over time, leaving your roof prone to water entry.

As one of the most esteemed residential roofing companies in Ohio, Haralson Roofing takes pride in provide their clients with the best value and service for their money.

No roofers are created equal. Put together the finest workmanship and best quality products and roofing materials with manufacturer’s warranty, and that’s Haralson Roofing for you. Call us today at 330-784-4000 to request a price quote. 

Metal Roofing: An Energy Efficient Option?

For many homeowners, a roof is there to add curb appeal. But the main purpose of a roof isn’t to make your house look aesthetically appeasing. It’s for there for various purposes. One of these purposes is to prevent hot air coming in, and cool air escaping.

But this depends on the type of roof you have. Some roofs are built for the purpose of adding aesthetic value. Others are there for protection against bad weather. But when it comes to insulation and energy efficiency, metal roofs are what work best.

Metal roofs not only keep the temperature balanced, they help reduce utility costs. In addition, they are durable, meaning they can last up to 50 years!

Why Choose a Metal Roof?

Metal roofs are known for their durability, reliability, and low-maintenance. They’re known as ‘cool roofs’—roofs that keep homes cool during sweltering months.

They have high a high thermal emittance, as well as solar reflectance. This has made them become a popular choice in recent years.

Other than their light color, metal roofs have protective coating on the metal panels. This can include a variety of reflective materials to help deflect the sun’s UV rays. When high quality coating is used, it can help deflect 3x more radiation.

In addition, due to their light weight, metal roofs can be installed on top of shingles.

Variety

Most homeowners worry that metal roofs will give their homes an ‘unattractive’ look.

This is a misconception. Metal roofs don’t have to have the appearance of steel, or aluminum. While white or light coloring is needed for stronger solar reflectance, you can customize the roof, and color it according to your preference.

Furthermore, metal roofs can be designed to mimic the appearance of traditional asphalt roofs. In addition, you can customize your metal roof to a style called, ‘The Standing Seam’. This includes the edges of each roof panel being bent upwards, at a 90° angle, and being sealed to the adjacent panels. This helps keeping rain water away from your roof, and you can even install a solar panel.

The Installation Process

Like any roof installation, metal roofs should be installed by a professional roof contractor. Installing metal roofs requires the expertise of a professional. This is especially true if you’re planning to get your old roof replaced.

Not only should the company installing the roof need to be well-versed in handling the metal materials, they should have the set of skills, and the knowledge to use safety measures.

They should also be well-versed about local codes, and the standards for installing metal roofs in Ohio.

We offer roof installation and repair services to both commercial and residential areas. Whether it’s installing metal roofs, or replacing damaged shingles, we have you covered. Our experts have the extensive experience required to handle complex tasks.

If you’re looking for a roofing company in Ohio, feel free to contact us today or call 330-784-4000 for further information/queries.   

Roofing Guide: Gutters and Downspouts

When it comes to your house, good maintenance doesn’t just equal to modifying the interior. While it’s important to make your home’s interior look aesthetically appealing, it’s also important to protect it from threats. These threats can be both external and internal, and can damage not only your interior, but the structure of your home.

– How Bad Weather Affects Your Home

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to take initiative to protect your home. But external factors can result in internal damage as well. Therefore, it’s important to address any problem before it becomes worse.

Bad weather is one of the reasons for property damage. According to a report published by Insurance Information Institute, hail storms cause $1 billion property damage every year.  

Rain, snow and hail are some of the reasons for roof damage. Not only do bad weather conditions damage the gutter systems of your home, they weaken the foundation of your property.

Clogged gutter systems can also damage downspouts, resulting in water accumulation. When roof shingles get damaged because of high winds, and moisture from snow or rain, they start crumbling. The granules of the shingles go down the gutter system and block the downspouts.

When this happens, rainwater accumulates. When the water has no access to the downspouts, it goes inside the structure of the house, through the areas of the missing shingles.

– Cleaning Gutter Systems

By cleaning your gutter systems every season, you can help prevent damage. Weather conditions are not the only reason for damage. Bird droppings and leaves from trees can also block the passageway.

During the winter season, snow can accumulate and once it melts, moisture can get into the attic area, blocking insulation. Once that happens, mold starts growing. Once there’s mold, it starts spreading to the vent system of the house. It starts affecting furniture and carpeting, making it difficult to eliminate, without replacing everything.

Most homeowners try to clean their gutters by climbing on the roof. Not only is that dangerous, without the right tools, you can damage the gutter. Falling off the roof is a risk, and homeowners should avoid climbing the roof.

– Why You Need Professional Roof Services 

Hiring a professional roof contractor can help avoid injury. Not only will it save you costs, it can help you prevent accidental death. Since roof contractors have technicians that are skilled workers, they also have the right tools to address the problem.

This includes using the right equipment to climb and balance themselves. Furthermore, they have special cleaning products that thoroughly clean gutter systems. They can also use special applications to prevent shingles from deteriorating.

We are a roofing company that offers repairs, installation, and maintenance services for both residential and commercial areas. Whether you need to take care of repairs or replacements, we have the solution to your problem.  

If you’re looking for residential roofing repair, feel free to contact us, or call 330-784-4000 if you have any questions/queries.