Pros and Cons of a White Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

When it comes time to replace your roof, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is which materials you will use. Lately, many people have opted for eco-friendly solutions when deciding on materials and colors since the go green initiative has become so widespread. In order to stay within the boundaries of eco-friendly materials and colors, some homeowners have begun to accept “white roofs” as their roof of choice. But why? The following is a list of pros and cons of whiteroofs to provide some insight as to why they are increasing in popularity:

Pros:

First and foremost, no matter the material, choosing white for your roof’s color can significantly lower the temperature of both the roof and your home. This is because unlike black or other colors that attract the heat, white reflects the sun’s rays away from the home. Since they work to keep your home cool, white roofs also come with the benefit of reduced energy bills, since your cooling units won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Lastly, white roofs prove to be economical in terms of construction and material costs and are considered to be one of the least expensive eco-friendly options.

Cons:

Although the color has its benefits, the material you choose plays an important role in whether or not you’ve selected a truly eco-friendly solution. If your roof is made from asphalt shingles, even if it’s white, it may be difficult to recycle when it comes time to repair or replace pieces of the material.

Are you in the market for a new roof? At Phil’s Main Roofing, we specialize in commercial and residential roofing and are available to help you with all of your roofing needs. We work with some of the top manufacturers in our field to make sure that you’re getting the best materials for the best price! To get started on your roofing project, or for more information on how we can help, contact us today at (203) 838-4545!

How To Fix A Leaky Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Roof leaks are one of the most common problems that homeowners experience throughout their residency in a home.Though they start off small, if they are not acknowledged soon after they form, roof leaks can also be one of the most difficult problems that homeowners deal with since they can result in excessive water damage to your home. Whether your roof is flat or sloped, metal or shingle, you should be aware that roof leaks can happen at any time, and it's even better to know how you can fix one. Thanks to the DIY Network, we've provided step by step instructions on how you can repair a leaky roof below:
 

Image courtesy of
Boykung / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Leaks In Asphalt Shingles:

To repair your leaky roof, you’ll need a new piece of shingle, a prybar, hammer, roofing nails and roofing adhesive.

1. Using your hands, lift the damaged shingle from the roof.

2. Remove any and all nails that were used to hold that particular piece of shingle in place.

3. Completely remove the damaged shingle.

4. With your prybar, slightly lift the shingle above the damaged area.

5. Measure and cut a new shingle that can fit in place of the old one.

6. Using roofing nails, fasten the new shingle to your roof.

7. Cover the head of each nail with roofing adhesive and secure the new shingle into its place.

Leaks In A Flat Roof:

To repair leaks in a flat roof, you will need a primer and patching system, a brush, scissors and a flat-roof roller.

1. Make sure the damaged area is clean and free of any dirt or debris.

2. Apply primer onto the damaged area while spreading it far enough to touch the undamaged part of the roof.

3. Cut a piece of self-adhesive patching material wide enough to cover the hole and parts of the undamaged roof surrounding it.

4. Apply the patch and smooth it out by hand. After, go over it with a flat roof-roller to ensure all bumps and bubbles are flattened out.

Do you have a leaky roof that needs patching? Call Phil’s Main Roofing! We offer leak detection and repair services to both the commercial and residential markets and will repair your roof to make sure you're home is free from water!

Stay dry today when you call us at (203) 838-4545!

How To Determine Roof Repair Costs

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Image courtesy of Gualberto107/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you in need of roof repair but fear your budget might get in the way? Although the focus of your budget may be on the actual construction and materials, there are several other factors that go into the cost of roof repair or replacement. The following are a list of 5 factors that heavily influence the cost of any roof repair or replacement project:

Roof Type:

Cost will vary depending on whether your roof is flat or sloped, high or low pitched, and metal or shingled. Further, since each material requires a different amount of work to be installed, be prepared for costs to fluctuate to compensate for increased or decreased labor needs.

Permits:

Location is one of the largest influences on roof repair costs. Depending on where you live, your contractor may advise that you need a permit before starting any work. The price of your permit may be decided by your geographical location or by your home’s size and proposed value.

The Repair:

Of course, the size of your repair will set the foundation for the cost of your project. Typically, contractors will determine a price based on the square footage of your roof.

Hidden Damage:

On occasion, contractors will find that there is more damage to the structure of your home than was visible. Always allow room for this in your budget, since fixing the damage is often necessary in order to proceed with the project.

Chimneys and Skylights:

Though often overlooked, chimneys and skylights can raise the cost of a roofing job simply because your contractor will have to work around them. However, we recommend being proactive and have your contractor assess them for any damage before the start of your project. This way, all repairs, if necessary can be done at once.

At Phil’s Main Roofing, we understand that budget is a concern for any home improvement project. That’s why our technicians will assess your home and provide you with a free estimate that outlines the cost for your project in an easy to understand way. For more information on how we can help, visit our website at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Do I Need a New Roof?

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Image courtesy of graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Since roof replacement can seem like an extensive project, many homeowners try to delay the process until they notice that the structure poses serious safety hazards. In actuality, however, even the smallest of signs could mean that your roof is in danger of failing. Thanks to Angie’s List, we’ve come up with a list of the top 5 warning signs that mean it's time to replace your roof:

1. Age: Many roof experts would agree that a quality roof should last between 20 and 25 years. Therefore, even if your roof appears to be in good standing, if it’s approaching the 20-25 year mark it’s best to consider replacement. However, if your roof is not properly ventilated or was installed on top of older, pre-existing layers, you might find yourself replacing it before this timeframe. 
2. Missing Valley Shingles: Since they direct rain and other wet weather away from your roof and into your gutters, valleys are an essential component of any roof. If you’re missing shingles in or around this area, you're in danger of experiencing damaging leaks any time a storm occurs.
3. Curling Shingles: When shingles begin to buckle, it usually means they’ve exceeded their life span. Inspect your shingles seasonally to see if any shingles have started to wither away.
4. Granules in the Gutters:  If you notice an excess of granules in your gutters, it means your roof is nearing the end of its life cycle; roofs are known to lose more granules as they lose functioning.
5. Obvious Daylight: When light starts to shine through your roof boards, it’s a sure sign that you need some restructuring! By replacing your roof, you’ll seal any cracks or spaces that once let outside elements in. 

Are you currently experiencing any of these issues in your home? Call Phil’s Main Roofing for help with roof replacement! Located in Norwalk, CT, we specialize in both commercial and residential roofing and are available to replace your deteriorating roof with a brand new one! We work with some of the top roofing manufacturers to guarantee that your roof is made from the best materials available.

For more information on how we can help or to schedule an appointment for your FREE estimate, contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

A Contractor For All Your Needs: Phil's Main Roofing!

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Are you on the search for a roofing contractor to help you with your next project? Look no further! The experts at Phil's Main Roofing are the perfect candidates to get the job done!

But why choose us? Our business was established in 1948, meaning we have over 65 years of experience in the roofing industry. All of our technicians and staff are highly educated in our field, and our previous work history has deemed us a reputation for providing unparalleled quality workmanship. Not only have we grown within the residential and commercial markets, but we also rank among an elite list of roofing and sheet metal contractors that are recommended by a variety of other industry professionals in the home improvement and construction fields.

Our commercial roofing services include, but are not limited to, new construction, flat roofs, modified roofing, single ply EPDM, built up roofing and all maintenance programs. Further, new construction, sheet metal, leak detection repair, structural repair, waterproofing and slate repair are just some of the services that are available to our residential customers. Visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.

When you choose Phil’s Main Roofing to be your contractor, you can be sure that your roof is in good hands. Contact us today at (203) 838-4545 to speak with a representative or to schedule your FREE estimate! Finally, don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest trends in roofing; with us, you’ll always be kept in the loop.  

Take Part in National Roofing Week!

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

This week is National Roofing Week, and there are still a few days left to take part in it! Organized by the National Roofing Contractors Association, National Roofing Week is designed to increase awareness across the U.S about why roofs are so essential to every home and business. Additionally, it promotes the importance of hiring a reputable, professional contractor and seeks to inform the public on the importance of making educated decisions about maintaining or replacing any roof system.

Image courtesy of
KROMKRATHOG / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Evidently, many people seem to take their roofs for granted even though without them, our homes and buildings would be uninhabitable. So what can you do to increase awareness about the importance of this structure? For the remainder of this week, you can participate by taking part in your community and letting others know how important roofs are for our safety and comfort. Further, you can remind others about how professional roofing contractors are an essential part of the community due to their workmanship and ability to keep our homes and buildings stable and safe.

At Phil's Main Roofing, we encourage you to also take some time this week to evaluate your own roof and determine if there are any issues that may require immediate attention. If you find that you have some pressing issues or simply would like a second opinion, then it's time to give us a call! We offer a variety of roofing services to both the commercial and residential sectors and are happy to assist you with all of your roofing needs. From new construction to re-roofing and preventive maintenance programs, we do it all!

For more information, visit our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 to speak with a representative today!

Stick Frames vs. Truss Frames in Roofing

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Image courtesy of xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The first part of the construction process in roofing is creating the roof's frame. Just like building the rest of a home, the frame provides the foundation for the materials to be laid and ultimately acts as the primary support that keeps the roof in place. When it comes time to frame the roof, there are two types of systems that are commonly used: stick frames or truss frames. The following is a bit of information about each method that can help you choose which style works for you:

Stick Frames:

Stick framed roofs are made up of individual rafters that are all connected to a single top beam. This method allows for more space to be left underneath the roof and is generally used on houses and buildings with cathedral ceilings or attic space. Since they are created piece by piece, this frame is often easier to change for construction in the future. However, stick framed roofs are not as steady and stable as a truss framed roof since they are only held together by one beam and the walls.

Truss Frames:

Truss frames use pre-built wood forms and are created prior to installation. Rather than require your framing contractor to manually construct the frame one rafter at a time, truss frames are installed by using heavy lifting equipment since they are already built and put together. If you are looking for a cathedral ceiling or attic space, this frame cannot be used because they have a bottom base that helps to support the rest of the roof. However, truss roofs are more durable than stick roofs and do not require as much maintenance.

So are you in need of a new roof? At Phil’s Main Roofing, we provide new construction services to both the commercial and residential sectors. We are a fully licensed and insured roofing company that will install only the top roofing brands to make sure your roof is built to last. For more information on how we can help, visit our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!