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Lyons Roofing

Roof Replacement and Repair Contractor Louisville, KY and Indiana

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Roof Repair: Roof Repair Cost

October 5, 2016 by Kyle Lyons 6 Comments

Every home at one point or another will need the roof repaired. Whether, a major roof repair in a valley, replacing a section of the roof or even a small pipe collar leak. Roof repair cost is always a scary aspect that can intimidate or even cause delay in getting your roof repairs done.

roof repair cost

Do not worry; roof repairs are not something that will break the bank. According to Home Advisor, the average roof repair cost is $681. From $150 for smaller repairs, up to $2,200 for larger repairs that more than likely include replacement of entire sections of a roof.

 

Most homeowners according to Home advisor spend from $316 to $1016 in roof repair cost.

 

We know, you think it is a cheaper route to try to fix the roof yourself. You could always go to Lowes or Home Depot, buy some roof cement and call it a day. But, do you really want to take a wild guess and throw black cement on your roof hoping you fix the problem?

 

valley leak

Even if you fix the problem, roof cement is only a temporary fix.

 

Roof cement is only designed for short-term fixes, can create a mess and most roofing contractors will increase the roof repair cost. Those are reasons why roofing contractors do not even use the product on a new roof installation.

 

Do not be intimidated by roof repair cost

 

Take the time and have a professional diagnose and provide an estimate to repair your roof. Warranties and being able to call the contractor back for them to address the problem again if for some reason it leaks again are all good reasons to call a contractor. It may be a little more out of pocket now, but in the long term, it will save you money and some piece of mind.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: lyons roofing, roof repair, roof repair contractors, roof replacement, roofing Louisville

DIY Roof Leaks

July 11, 2016 by Kyle Lyons 2 Comments

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 2 Comments

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.

roof underlayment

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

Roofing Question: Spot a Failing Roof

June 28, 2016 by Kyle Lyons 1 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.old shingles

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

Roof Cleaning

June 18, 2016 by Kyle Lyons 1 Comment

 

So here it is springtime, ok almost summer. I had an old customer come to me the other day and ask “how should I go about a DIY roof cleaning from the black streaks that have formed on my roof over the years.” Additionally, he was curious of the manufactures warranty that the particular shingle carried against this particular issue.

Disclaimer: We at Lyons Roofing installed a 30-year Owens Corning Oakridge shingle on this home in 2003.

Standard warranty language: (Straight from the horses mouth)Owens Corning

What About Algae Resistance—If the shingles that you purchased were not specifically labeled as “Algae Resistant” (“AR”), then any discoloration caused due to algae is not covered by this warranty as explained in “What Is Not Covered” below. However, if you did purchase AR shingles, they are covered for the period described in the “Limited Warranty Information Table” at the end of this warranty following the date of installation (“AR Warranty Period”) against brown-black staining caused due to growth of blue-green algae (primarily the cyanobacteria Gloeocapsa magma). We do not cover the effects of other growth, such as mold, lichen and green algae. If brown-black staining occurs during the AR Warranty Period, you will be entitled to the following remedy:

  • Remedy for Blue-Green Algae Growth—If your AR shingles are discolored due to blue-green algae growth during the first year of the AR Warranty Period, we will compensate you for the cost, including labor (such cost not to exceed the initial cost of the AR shingles plus the initial cost of installation), as reasonably determined by Owens Corning, to repair, replace or recover the affected AR shingles. For purposes of this AR shingle warranty, the term “repair” as used above refers to cleaning or otherwise removing any blue- green algae growth from affected AR shingles. Decisions regarding whether your AR shingles should be repaired, replaced or recovered will be made solely by Owens Corning.
  • Proration—If your AR shingles have been installed longer than 1 year, labor will not be covered, and our compensation will be limited to a prorated amount of the original purchase price of the affected AR shingles. We will prorate your compensation to take into account the number of full years of use that you have enjoyed from the original installation date through the date of your claim. For example: If you make your claim anytime in the 4th year of the
AR warranty and the AR Warranty Period is 10 years, our compensation to you will be in the amount of the original purchase price of the affected AR shingles, reduced by 3/10ths of the original purchase price of the affected AR shingles.

DIY Roof Cleaning

Now on to the fun stuff. How do you as a homeowner go about cleaning your own roof? First, please be safe and follow all safety procedures. Now the important thing to remember is confidence is everything, if you are uncomfortable, then it may be better to hire someone who climbs on roofs for a living, rather than risk your own hind parts.

The simplest way if your roof is more of a steeper pitch is to buy a special ladder that hooks over the ridge. Granted most roofers call it a “chicken ladder”, but hey make fun of me, I am going to be safe!

So now, on to the fun stuff, roof cleaning. Chemicals are your best friend (you don’t hear that often) in this case, do your research and find which product would be best suited for your application. Here are three options for your cleaning project.

  1. The eco-friendly, non-bleach, roof-cleaning method

Roof contractors and homeowners that use this method use high-grade eco-friendly products (you can buy these yourself at most home improvement stores) they do not contain toxic chemicals such as chlorine-bleach, phosphates or other chemicals that can kill vegetation and pollute waterways. This method also uses a low-pressure rinsing system, avoiding the use of damaging high pressure scrubbing or brushing.

  1. The chlorine-bleach roof cleaning method

Roofing contractors and homeowners who use sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) mix it in high concentrations with other chemicals such as trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP.

They spray it on the roof and wait for it to dry and then re-apply it several times as needed. Stains and moss or lichens that do not come off on the day of treatment may eventually come off with rain in the months to come.

Most manufacturers will tell you the easiest mix is 1 part bleach, four parts water. Spray, rinse, and that should take care of your problem.

  1. The high-pressure power washing method

Some roofing contractors and homeowners have made the mistake of using use high pressure power washing methods to attempt to remove roof stains.

Plain and simple: DON’T DO IT!!!

This method can be extremely risky, you will more than likely damage your shingles. Remember you want to clean your roof, not replace it!

How to actually clean your roof! 

  1. Check the weather forecast and choose a cool or overcast day with little to no wind so the spray hits your shingles, not the neighbors’. Those conditions allow the cleaning solution to soak deep into the algae colonies without evaporating too quickly.
  2. Clear debris, moss and algae from your roof as dry leaves, twigs and debris soak up water (ideal for algae growth) and can damage your Shingles. Your roof is supposed to be dry, and any collection of water because of settlement of debris would only cause problems to the roof.
  3. check your gutters and pipes for debris and blockage. Also trim or cut overhanging tree branches to minimize debris collection on the roof.
  4. Mix your solution in a small pump sprayer (1 part bleach, 4 parts hot water) if you are making yourself, of course test a discrete area first to ensure there is no discoloring. If you are using a store bought solution, follow all of the manufacturers directions (make sure the solution matches the type of roofing system you have).
  5. Saturate a large area of shingles with the cleaner. Start at the bottom row and work up to the peak. Spray until you see runoff. Re-spray any areas that dry out.
  6. Now comes the fun part. Blast it off! There are tools out there that make it a little easier but if you have the time and the patience a hose with a direct nozzle will do the trick, granted it is a slow process regardless of the tools you use. Take your time and make sure you get rid of all of those little critters growing on your roof.

Conclusion

If you get intimidated by this whole process, don’t worry you aren’t alone. There are plenty contractors out there that are willing to help. If you are in the local Louisville, KY area, give The Lyons Roofing CO. a call and we will be more than happy to walk you through it or come by and set up a maintenance and cleaning plan for your roof.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: clean gutters, commercial, Louisville, lyons roofing, roof cleaning, roof mainenance, roof replacement, roofing contractor, roofing systems

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