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Lyons Roofing

Roof Replacement and Repair Contractor Louisville, KY and Indiana

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Louisville: (502) 689-0338
Indiana: (812) 294-3595
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DIY Roof Leaks

July 11, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

The goal of Lyons Roofing is to be your first line of defense when it comes to the elements and to protect your greatest asset from roof leaks. Water, in whatever form, (rain, snow, sleet, or hail), has a way of finding any weak spots in a roofing system.

damaged plywood in attic

 

Lyons Roofing has two goals, one to install a system that will stand up to the wear and tear that the weather brings year after year. To assist when roof leaks occur and to make you the happiest person under your own roof.

 

While so many roofs leaks can be simple to repair, determining the source of the leak is often the hardest part. When customers notice a drip on their ceiling, they often assume that the leak is coming from right above spot on the ceiling. However, a leak can travel down a rafter or can even be condensation from another system in your home.

 

Roof leaks can be caused by anything.

  • Missing, cracked or loose shingles, tiles or seams
  • Ponding water
  • Wind driven rain
  • “Tips” in Valleys
  • Improper installation of valleys, flashing, shingles, collars, etc.
  • Damaged or deteriorated flashing, seals and caulking
  • Exposed nail heads
  • Built up debris, which can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration
  • (My personal Favorite) Brick and mortar

 

Now the fun part memorize, you get to try to remember all of those potential hot spots for leaks! Just to make it a little bit easier, I will give you a short description of the cause of each, what to look for.

 

Missing, cracked or loose shingles, tiles or seams

This for the most part is self-explanatory. You will more than likely notice any missing shingles from the ground. To look for any cracks, you will have to spend a little time investigating on the roof. As always, if you do not feel comfortable, or you cannot do it safely. Do not climb on your roof. Cracks can be big problems in certain areas, if you find any in a valley (where two pitch changes come together) call a contractor and have it addressed immediately. It could be a minor crack or something more substantial that could be a major threat to your home.

cracked-shingle

 

 Ponding water

Ponding water is a big issue on flat roof systems. Your water should have areas to drain from the structure. If not this could cause problems with added weight to the structure and if water sits long enough it will more than likely find a way in.

ponding water

Wind driven rain

For the most part this will be a “freak thing” Maybe a storm comes in a certain way, or the wind just happens to blow rain in a vent. There is nothing in particular to look for. The only way to tell if this is an issue or not is if it is a small leak and does not re-occur.

“Tips” in Valleys

Being one of the most common issues a roofing company will see, it is the easiest to diagnose. If you are willing and able to climb on your roof, look at your valley, is the top layer cut and sitting on top of another layer that runs under? If so lift up the top section slightly, if you see any points on the upper layer of shingles running in line with the cut, those need to be trimmed back. You could try this yourself, but it is always best to have a professional do any work, that way you are not on the hook for any damage.

Improper installation of valleys, flashing, shingles, collars, etc.

This will be up to a professional contractor to decide. No offense, but unless you do it every day. You will not know if it is right or wrong. Granted, if something is obvious, your vents are upside down and backwards, and then yes, you will be able to diagnose this problem.

This is something you will have to look closely for, if you have exposed counter flashing look for any breaks in the sealant. On your pipe collars, look for any signs of dry rooting. This is normally only a problem after 7-8 years, in some cases never a problem.

 

Exposed nail heads

Look around your roof, any vents or flashings or even on the shingles. If you see any nails that are not covered by silicone, then a small dab to cover the nail is a good temporary fix. A final fix is removing the nail and sealing under the shingle it penetrated or replacing the shingle as a whole.

 

nail heads

Built up debris,

Look around your valleys, look along walls or behind any chimneys. Any debris left in these area can present a huge problem. A dam if you will hold water and allowing it to become your nightmare.

 

roof-leaks

(My personal Favorite) Brick and mortar

Something you would never realize could be a problem, but we at Lyons Roofing see it all the time. Chimneys are beautiful but can require a good amount of maintenance. If yours happens to be brick, look at the mortar, are there chunks missing? If not does it have the appearance of a sponge? If any of these are true you would need to get the mortar tuck pointed or the brick sealed.

damaged-mortar-crumbling-chimney-and-bricks

If none of these are issues, or you don’t feel safe climbing around on your roof. Contact Lyons Roofing for a free estimate. We are here to help you protect your greatest investment, your home.

Filed Under: Blog, Roofing Tagged With: lyons roofing, roof leaks, roof replacement, roofing contractor

Roof Underlayment?

July 5, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

So why do you need a roof underlayment? Whether it be felt, tar paper or a newer underlayment system like Rhino. Not only should a consumer know the purpose of the roof underlayment, but also the best type for their home or business.

You would think all roof underlayment is the same. you would be right for the most part, but wrong just a little bit.

Types of Roof Underlayment

  • Tar paper
    Tar paper is made exactly how it sounds, it is a heavy duty paper impregnated with tar to produce a solid underlayment product for your roofing system.

     

  • Roof Felt
    Roofing felt is constructed in a very similar way to tar paper. This is a heavy duty paper that is impregnated with asphalt vs. tar.

     

  • Synthetic Underlayment (Rhino)
    Synthetic underlayment, just making a huge move on to the home improvement scene is a woven synthetic product. (almost like those sweaters grandma used to make, just better looking, sorry grandma).

So what is the best type of underlayment for your home and why do you need it?

Now in the opinion of Lyons Roofing Co. Synthetic is the way to go. Synthetic underlayment like Rhino or Tiger Paw, is leaps and above the old tar and felt papers of the old days. Don’t get me wrong, the old tar and felt papers are very reliable products and will protect your roof for years to come. rhino roof underlayment

Have you ever paid attention to your own roof replacement. Or how about seen a new construction home with torn and blown off felt paper. What about seeing a roofing contractor walking on the felt and it ripping under his feet? Synthetic underlayment provides not only a safer work surface but also a more durable one. No more worrying about it blowing off if a little wind kicks up or tearing under the feet of a contractor taking his afternoon stroll across your open roof.

So what is the purpose of underlayment, why do you need it?

Any type of underlayment you choose for your home or business will be beneficial. This is the first step of a new roof and a very important one. Underlayment provide the first basic layer of protection for your home. Underlayment, even though nailed through provide a basic barrier for weather and moisture. Hence the importance. If wind blows rain under your shingles, then a solid underlayment will help funnel water down your slope and if all goes well out of your gutter or to a point where the water will stop and dry when the sun comes out.

So yes, felt is a very important sub surface of your roof. If at all possible make sure you have it as a good starting point. There are other options for protection like an ice and water shield, which we will address at a later time.

Just remember, you want and need a good roof underlayment product and make sure it covers all of the gaps and isn’t ripped or torn in big sections. its not waterproofing, but it is water resistance.

Filed Under: Blog, Roofing Tagged With: Kentucky Roofs, Louisville, lyons roofing, roof mainenance, roof repair, roof replacement, roof replacement financing, roofing contractor

Roof Question: Roof Pitch

July 1, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

We at Lyons Roofing Company hope this roof question and answer will help you gain the knowledge you need to make the right decision when it comes to your roof replacement or repair.

Roof Question:

Everything being the same, shingle brand, vents and climate- which roof will last the longest: one with a steep pitch or one with a shallow pitch? 

steep roof

You would think common sense would prevail in this situation, you think hey a steep hillside erodes faster than a low slope, so you would think that roof shingles would wear out more quickly on a steeply sloped roof.

Really its not that cut and dry, it is difficult to say with so many other factors leading to the failure of a roof system. On one hand you could say, a steep roof is less likely to collect leaves and debris that hold moisture against the shingles and invite the growth of moss and algae.

On the other hand, that same roof in a wide-open un-shaded area facing due south will take the full brunt of the sun, which is hard on any roof, regardless of the amount of ventilation.

So, what is the answer to which roof will last the longest?

There is no answer! Wait, then how is this a good question to ask? Nobody said it was, just a common question! You know the old saying, the only dumb question is one that isn’t asked.

As a homeowner, you have to look at a few other factors other than pitch that will have a greater impact on asphalt roof longevity.

Major Impacts on roof longevity

  • Poor installation

poor patch work

  • The side facing your worst weather typically takes a bigger beating than your leeward side.
  • Proper roof and attic ventilation.
  • Leaves, branches and other debris left on your roof for long periods of time.
  • Storms (Hail, Wind, Etc.)hail damaged roof
  • If you have, any roofing question related to the topic above please feel free to email or call Lyons Roofing Company and we will be more than happy to answer the question quickly.

Filed Under: Blog, Roofing Tagged With: roof question, roof repair, roof replacement, roofing contractor, roofing systems, shingles

Roofing Question: Spot a Failing Roof

June 28, 2016 by Kyle Lyons Leave a Comment

Over the next few days and weeks, Lyons Roofing will be helping answer the most common roofing questions we hear about from our local customers. We at Lyons Roofing Company hope these questions and answers will help you gain the knowledge you need in order to make the right decisions when it comes to your roof replacement or repair. If you have a roofing question, please submit it in the comment section below.

Roofing Question:

How do you know when your asphalt shingle roof needs replacement? Is it a normal wait until you see a bunch of different leaks or after a major storm?

The later part of the question is pretty cut and dry. If there is a major storm, then you should definitely call your local roofing contractor or insurance company to have a storm damage inspection done. This will help you figure out if you are in need of a new roof.

Hail damaged shingles

hail damaged shingles

Now for the first part of the question, there are several clues, with the biggest indicator being age. If your roof is 17-20 years old, there is a good chance it’s due for replacement. Granted, younger roofs can easily fail too, it is always a good idea to inspect your roof at least once a year.

I suggest having a local contractor inspect your roof. If you would, rather it is a DIY project then use binoculars are easier and a lot safer, and you can spot most problems from the ground.

What to look for

 Shingles that are lifting up, cracked or missing, curling edges, or smooth dark areas, which can indicate that the protective granules have worn off. Another sign could be an excessive amount of granules at the base of your downspouts. This is common when your roof is first installed and again when it is nearing the end of its life.

Additionally, go into the attic on a sunny day, with the lights off, check the underside of the chimney and the stack vent. If you see little pinhole spots of light, the flashing will need to be addressed—another indication that your roofing may need to be addressed.

While you are in the attic, scan the underside of the roof sheathing for any new signs of water staining since the last inspection, as well as any soft or moist spots, which tend to show up after a heavy rain. If these problems are widespread, it is a sure sign that you need to call your local roofing contractor.

Attic water damage 

attic roof damage

If you have, any roofing question related to the topic above please feel free to email or call Lyons Roofing Company and we will be more than happy to answer the question quickly.

Filed Under: Blog, Roofing Tagged With: Kentucky Roofs, Louisville, lyons roofing, roof mainenance, roof repair, roof replacement, roofing contractor, shingles

How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter

October 4, 2014 by Dee Dee Lyons Leave a Comment

Prepare Your Roof for a Kentucky WinterA house is typically a family’s biggest investment. Routine maintenance on a house is essential for maximum usefulness and longevity. Being prepared for a harsh Kentucky winter is the key to avoiding costly repairs that can add up unexpectedly. One of the main parts of a house that needs to be inspected is the roof.

Inspect Your Roof

There are several ways to inspect a roof. With a good pair of binoculars, a homeowner may be able to inspect the roof. The best way to take a really good look at the roof is to climb up on top of the house to get a better assessment. You should look for loose, cracked, worn or damaged shingles. The most commonly used roofing shingles will feel like sandpaper when they are in good condition. When shingles are worn, the granules will begin to loosen and will detach easily. This is a good sign the shingles need to be replaced.

Clean Out Gutters

Clogged gutters also present a big challenge. Gutters allow the water to run off properly. When they are clogged, water can back up under the shingles and cause damage by forming a dam. If the gutters are not cleaned often, debris can start to gather on top of the roof and accelerate the wear on the shingles.

Scrutinize Roof Flashing

Another area to inspect would be the roof flashing around the chimney and other vents. The flashing should not be worn and it should be installed properly. The flashing creates a barrier that helps keep moisture from getting into the house.

Survey Roof Interior

A good inspection should include checking out the interior of the house as well. Any areas where there are water spots on the ceiling are cause for concern. If you have an attic or crawlspace, then the wood can be inspected that supports the shingles as well. Look for any sagging spots or damaged and rotten wood.

Contact Professional Roofing Contractor with Concerns

There are some minor repairs that can be done by the homeowner, but due to the safety issues that climbing on top of a roof presents, it may be best left to an expert. A trained roofing professional will able to properly identify any current or potential problems. Left unchecked, roofing issues can cause other major problems like foundation problems which can be costly.

Having your roof routinely inspected by a professional Kentucky roofing contractor will help preserve your home for many years. An experienced roofing company will be able to see issues that may be overlooked by the untrained eye. When searching for a reputable roofing company be sure get several references. A quality roofing company will have no problem giving you previous customers to contact on their behalf. They should also be available to make any emergency visits to assist you with repairs.

Now is the best time to get your roof prepared for a Kentucky winter. Do not assume that everything will be okay based on what has happened in previous years. All things change with time and circumstance and your roof condition is no exception.

Call Now for Your Free Roof Evaluation & Estimate

Phone Indiana: 812-294-3595
Phone Kentucky: 502-689-0338

Serving Southern Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky Areas
Licensed, Bonded, & Insured

Filed Under: Blog, Roofing Tagged With: Kentucky Roofs, roofing contractor

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Indiana and Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky, Southern Indiana and surrounding areas.
Kentucky Counties include:
Jefferson • Oldham • Trimble • Henry • Carroll • Shelby • Spencer • Bullitt • Nelson • Franklin • Hardin
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Address:
4317 Murphy Rd., Memphis, IN 47143
Phone Indiana: 812-294-3595
Phone Louisville: 502-689-0338
Email: customer.service@lyonsroofingco.com

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