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Water restoration on the other hand, is just as important as water mitigation for a family that has experienced a natural disaster or accidental flooding. Water restoration removes water from a home so that it is restored to a livable condition as it was pre-damage. Restoration is the emergency action that is needed after the water damage so that moisture and standing water can’t develop bacteria and create mold growth.

After a company has come in and performed water restoration, securing the excessive water is out. Water restoration removes the water and then water mitigation prevents any further damage to the property and belongings. 

Water restoration is the use of shop vacs and large fans while water mitigation uses specialized equipment and techniques that minimize the loss by removing damaged drywall, flooring, furniture, and other materials. Water mitigation and structural drying are done simultaneously to get the home safe from being damaged any further. 

What does water mitigation include?

There is a wide array of activities involved in the water mitigation process, and no two water damaged properties are the same because the loss of the property involved is different. Water mitigation involves anything that refers to the water damage, involving such things as: 

• Cleaning the property
• Sanitizing the property
• Removal of materials that are potentially hazardous
• Drying the water damaged space to prevent further damage or mold
• Repairing any property with water damage
• Restoring the property to pre-water damaged condition
• Replacing irreparable water damaged items
• Provide water mitigation estimate to insurance company to cover losses
• Organize the contractors assigned to do repairs 

Additionally, water mitigation includes efforts to prevent more water damage like establishing adequate drainage, install a flood wall, etc. A water mitigation plan  for each property will be in responsive to the damage specific to that property and the type of water damage received. 

Is water mitigation necessary?

Yes, and most homeowner’s insurance policies state the homeowner must follow the recommended water mitigation steps to keep any further damage and loss from happening. In other words, forgoing and not doing what the water mitigation professionals recommend could cause the insurance company not to pay for any damages or loss. If water mitigation isn’t done immediately and thoroughly, the property is vulnerable to more damage. 

Ask your agent about water mitigation backup policy as well.  Water mitigation backup coverage is an endorsement that will provide protection against damage to your home and personal property because of water  backup from drains, sewers, and sump pump overflow or failure. 

What should you not do after water damage? Your first priority is to stop any water leak that is causing the water damage, like shutting off the plumbing or covering the roof with a tarp. Within the first 24 hours, mold starts growing and becoming a health hazard. 

Next, contact a water restoration and water mitigation company so they can get started on handling proper restoration steps to repair the water damage, restore your home, and prevent additional damage from happening. Then take the following steps: 

1. Call the Insurance Company

2. Stay Safe: 

• Turn the gas and power off 
• Dress in Protective Gear
• Protect  the Valuables

Take pictures and/or videos and make notes while waiting on the water mitigation and restoration crew. This information will prove to be invaluable when the insurance adjuster arrives. Call (303) 647-3883 today for your water mitigation needs in Lafayette and Denver, CO.

The reasons that roofing contractors, shingle manufacturers, even insurance companies will advise against installing new over old existing are: 

1. Bumpy Surfaces Difficulties: Roofing shingles should have an even, flat fit. When roofing shingles are installed on a bumpy foundation with gaps, the old shingles transmit to the new shingle layer, making it difficult to secure the top layer. As the roof installation continues, it becomes harder with each row of shingles to mount and secure the new shingles. 
2. Improper Inspections: Old roofing shingles make it challenging for future contractors to properly examine the roof. When the contractor can’t get to the base of the work, meaning the roofing deck, because of the layer of old shingles, they can’t fully determine any damage to the roof. In the future, if you decide to place your home on the market, a re-roof installation can decrease the value of your home and make selling it a challenge. How? While the re-roof installation job may look good to the naked eye, when the required inspection is done, the inspector is obligated to let the potential buyer know there are two layers of roofing. 
3. Environmental Costs: An overlay roof installation may be less expensive at the time, but in the long fun, it can become expensive for the environment. Each year, the roofing industry is getting more in tune with manufacturing environmentally friendly materials. So, with each new roof installation, the old materials are getting more sustainable, and the future shows they will become even more so in the future. If you go with a re-roof installation instead of a completely new roof installation, it is only delaying the inevitable. The next time your  home will need a new roof, or roof repair, there will be 2 layers of old shingles headed to the landfill instead of one. 
4. Roof Leaks: A re-roof installation will keep the roofing contractors from installing the proper leak barriers and ice dams. These are essential for a healthy roof and in many areas of the country, you don’t want to be without these two things. Without them, water will get up under the new layer of shingles, into the old layer, to the decking, and the issues get worse as the water seeps through.
5. Weight Burden: A small roof structure cannot handle heavy, immense weight, and having two layers of roofing is a lot of weight. A second layer of shingles will increase the strain and is setting your home up for further roof and structural problems. This should be a big concern for areas that are prone for heavy amounts of snow, which adds even more weight on the roof. 
6. Warranty Voided: Re-roof installation can negatively affect the manufacturer’s warranty on new shingles. Before any new or re-roof installation, check with the warranty offered by the manufacturer for their requirements in the warranty being honored. This is one reason many roofing contractors will refuse the do a re-roof installation. When warranties are voided, it reflects on them with the homeowner and if they are certified by a manufacturer, the risk losing that certification. 
7. Building Regulations and Restrictions: There are specific regulations and restrictions in most geographic areas, and layers of new roof installation over an existing roof is not allowed. Cities and counties have building codes requiring the roofing contractor to have a permit and the finished job to be inspected by the local government.  

How do you install shingles over existing roof?

Okay, so you’ve been advised that a re-roof installation may cause more issues than it saves time going forward. However, there are time, when the conditions are in the right place, a roof installation of new shingles over existing shingles is what has to be done. The end results can be attractive,  and almost as durable as direct roof installation to the decking, plus the existing shingles will give you a pattern to follow. 

Take every possibility to install the new shingles as flat and snug fitting as possible.  Install new flashing, including the drip-edge, so that you have a tight seal against water penetration and give the new re-roof installation a long life. Ask the roofing contractor about installing a WSU (waterproof shingle underlayment) over the existing shingles along the eave end for ice dam protection.

So, as you choose shingles for your new roof installation, what are the longest-lasting roof shingles? Knowing this will certainly lengthen the time out before you’ll need to budget this project again!  The longest lifespan roofing material you can choose is clay, concrete, or slate tiles. Compared to asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or other natural roofing material products, you’ll get a longer lifespan as long as you don’t experience any roof installation issues or side-step the recommended maintenance. Get started on your roof installation in Lafayette and Denver, CO today. Call (303) 647-3883.

When the gutter system on your home is functioning as intended, along with the downspouts, they are the hero. They protect your home for the biggest natural enemy: Rain. As they protect it from the rain, they are also protecting expensive problems like foundation repair.  Paying for gutter repair is nothing compared to foundation repair.  Unfortunately, they won’t last forever, so when any of the following are happening with your gutters, the answer to your question, “should I repair or replace gutters?”, can be found in one or more of these scenarios:  

• Cracking: Cracked gutters are equivalent to a hole in a bucket. Monthly inspections by you will give you the opportunity to catch those cracks, even if you need binoculars. No matter how big or small a crack may seem, gutter repair may be pointless. 
• Stress: Gutter system biggest vulnerability is at the seams. When gutter cleaning isn’t done, it adds weight to the gutter system and the seams are stressed. Sometimes gutter repair is possible, but if yours are beyond gutter repair, consider upgrading to seamless gutter with the replacement. This doesn’t eliminate the need for regular gutter cleaning and inspections, but it will minimize the problems. 
• Peeling: When your gutters aren’t functioning as intended, they will damage the paint on your home. If you are noticing bubbling and peeling paint on your home, it could be the gutters aren’t redirecting the water away from your home, compromising the pain. Check the gutter closest to where the bubbling and peeling paint is located, chances are you have a leak there. At this point, gutter repair is pointless. 
• Rot: Gutters that are malfunctioning allow rain to pour over your home’s exterior. When this isn’t caught so that gutter repair can be done, not only will paint start peeling, but the wood trim around your home will begin to rot including the door jams, windowsills. Next, the foundation will start shifting as the water puddles up around the foundation, eroding the ground and washing away the landscaping.
• Mildew: The downspout ends should not be any closer to your home than six feet for a good reason. When the downspouts terminate closer to your home, moisture accumulates around the foundation. That moisture will seep into the basement, and mildew, mold will start to spread. Before long, that odor is working its way up to the main part of your house, creating an unhealthy environment.  This is one gutter repair that can be done easily by purchasing downspout extensions, unless you’re too late, the new gutters are needed and make sure the downspouts are terminated six feet out from the house.
• Maintenance: Yes, this is a pain in every homeowner life, but it must be done, or all the issues we’ve discussed here are prone to happen. If you don’t care to climb the ladder, put on gloves, and reach into those gutters to pull out the big stuff, then use the water hose to wash the other debris out, then hire somebody. Once a year, they can come do any gutter repair and cleaning too. 

Can you replace a section of gutter?

Yes, if it isn’t a seamless gutter system, replacing a section can be done with the following steps: 

1. Remove gutter hangers at and near the piece of gutter that needs to be replaced by inserting a piece of wood and with a hammer, pry the hanger off the fascia.  
2. With the wood spacers between the gutter and fascia close to the damaged gutter piece, cut the damaged area out with a hacksaw. 
3. Using the hacksaw, cut a piece off the new gutter piece that is four inches longer than the damaged piece you removed. 
4. Clean the cut gutter end pieces you cut from with a wire brush and then spread caulk over the ends. Position the new  gutter patch in the center of the area cut and press it into the caulk. 
5. With sheet metal screws or pop rivets, secure the new gutter piece to the ends and add the fasteners to the fascia, install the new gutter piece to the fasteners. Caulk the inside of the gutter surface where the fasteners are located, including the fastener heads. 
6. Reinstall the hangers in new holes or use new hangers and new holes, then prime and paint the new gutter piece so that it is a close match to the existing gutter run. 

How many years do gutters last?

This can depend on the quality of gutter system you have and the workmanship installing the gutters.  Aluminum or galvanized steel gutters have a lifespan of 20 years. Copper gutters are more expensive but have a lifespan of 50 years. With routine inspection and cleaning, a gutter system can last the 20 year expectancy or longer. 

Gutters are more than a decorative finish to your home’s roofline; they have an important job in protecting your home. Keeping the gutters cleaned and maintained is essential in how they function.  A routine inspection by you or a professional contractor should include gutter repair and drainage check like the downspouts are clear and no closer to the foundation than six feet. Call (303) 647-3883 today for your gutter repair in Lafayette and Denver, CO.

 How Do Roof Insurance Claims Work?

Do you have damage on your roof? Are you wondering how roof insurance claims work? Insurance companies have provisions to assist with roof damage provided that the damage is not a result of wear and tear. Please read over the following list to discover more about how roof insurance claims work.

• The first thing that you should do is contact a verified and respectable roofing company. The more experience your roofing company has, the better.
• After you have contacted a project manager, they will schedule a roof inspection. 
• If the inspection determines that there is just cause to follow up with roof repairs, they will document the incidents and supply evidence to your insurance company.
• There is usually a back and forth with the insurance company, and they will usually send a private adjuster to look at the damage.
• The insurance company will deliver a check for the covered amount, which you can then give to your roofing company to cover the cost of repairs.

When Should You Make a Roof Claim?

Generally speaking, homeowners should schedule a roof inspection annually. If you haven’t schedule a roof inspection in the last several years, now is as good a time as any. Furthermore, you have a better chance of spotting storm damage after a big storm, so it’s a good idea to schedule a roof inspection after a significant storm hits your area. Depending on where you live, ultraviolet rays can be a huge factor contributing to your roof damage. Since this is the case, you will want to understand how to protect your roof so that it can last as long as possible.

What Roof Damage is Covered by Insurance?

According to the terms of your insurance policy, your roof damage will be covered by certain stipulations. Typically, insurance providers will pay for roof damage that is caused by fire, vandalism, hurricanes, and tornadoes. In some circumstances, insurance companies will only pay for damage that is caused by wind, rain and hail based upon the policy and the age of the roof. For example, if your roof is ten years old, you will receive coverage for a full replacement.

Will My Insurance Go Up If I Get a New Roof?

Are you wondering if your insurance will go up if you get a new roof? According to leading experts on the topic, this is a baseless fear. When you invest in a new roof for your home, it will actually lower your homeowner’s insurance premium. This is because a new roof will perform better than an old roof, and thus be a better overall investment for the insurance company.

How Does a Roof Insurance Claim Work

Roofing insurance claims are rarely a perfectly straightforward process, but it is good to be well-aquainted with the procedure so that you will be able to handle any curve balls. For instance, the older your roof is, the higher the amount depreciated. It may not be covered in your policy. Another important factor to consider that most homeowner insurance policies will cover roof replacement if the damage is the result of an act of nature or a sudden accidental event such as a tree limb falling on the house.

Roof Insurance Claim

Roofing insurance claims are vital. They can help you receive coverage for roof damage that is covered in your policy. Moreover, your roof is a wise investment when it come to the value of your property. The resale value of your home will increase with the investment of a new roof.

Roof Insurance Claim

While you can file a roof claim at any time, it is best to act sooner rather than later. For example, if a bad storm has rolled through your area, then it will be a great idea to schedule a roof inspection with your local, respectable roofing company.

Roof Insurance Claim Process

The roof insurance claim process is rarely easy, but always worthwhile. If your insurance company comes back with an alternate, lower check for the coverage, you do have an opportunity to counter.

If you would like assistance with a roof insurance claim in Lafayette and Denver, CO, we’d be happy to help. Reach out to a friendly member of our staff through our telephone number, (303) 647-3883.

Then we have vinyl windows.  Vinyl windows are an energy-efficient , low-maintenance, and budget-friendly, a popular choice for many homeowners that are updating their home with replacement windows. With this bit of history and information  on windows, let’s move forward with our window repair topic and answer some common questions by homeowners.  Getting our answers from window installation and window repair experts, you should be more informed by the end of this piece. 

How do you temporarily fix a broken window?

When the glass in a window is broken, a temporary fix to hold the glass in place can be done by using tape, if the cracked glass is intact. We recommend using a clear packing tape because of the strength as well as the width of the tape. Stretch a piece of tape over the crack and gently press it to the glass. Duct tape will work as well, but it is more visible where has packing tape is clear. 

For a window with a gaping hole (that baseball-through-the-window kind of hole), or a window that is shattered, you’ll need to more than tape the crack obviously. Start your temporary window repair by removing all of the glass pieces remaining in the window. If it is a large windowpane, removing the window from the frame may be necessary for a temporary window repair. Otherwise, follow these steps for your temporary window repair:

• Put on your protective eye wear and gloves
• Lay a tarp down on both inside and outside of the broken window
• Remove the large shards of glass piece by piece with gloved hands
• Find a heavy duty trash bag or piece of thick plastic bigger than the window
• Staple or tape this over the busted opening
• If it is winter, add either bubble wrap or heavy blanket over the inside for thermal barrier 

If the broken window is extensive, the better temporary window repair may be to board the complete window, with another adult helping you.  Choose a piece of plywood that will cover the entire window and drill screws through the wood and into the house around the frame.  Again, if the weather is cold, cover the inside with the bubble wrap or blanket as described above for extra thermal protection. 

Can you replace just the glass on a window?

It depends on the type of window and the age of the window. Windows that are under warranty, unless it was obviously broken by a baseball or other outside force, window repair direct by the manufacturer or authorized dealer is possible. When a window repair is done outside of the manufacturer or authorized dealer that is under warranty, the warranty becomes void. 

Now, when it is broken outside of the warranty scope, depending on the problem, there are different options to be considered. A cracked  pane of glass can be replaced with matching glass.  The matching glass is crucial when you have insulated glass windows, you need like glass to maintain the performance and you may be able to get a window repair kit from the manufacturer so that you can be certain of the match.

The big question for many homeowners is, should I replace all windows at once? In an ideal world, yes, replacing all your windows at one time is the best scenario. However, that isn’t always feasible for everyone’s budget or credit line, so replacing a single-window is what you do – it ultimately will be your budget that decides. Replacement windows does come with perks like tax credits, so keep this mind when making your decision. Need window repair in Lafayette and Denver, CO? Call (303) 647-3883 today.

Will a Leaking Roof Collapse?

When the components of a roofing structure has bene permeated with water that has leaked in, yes, it could collapse unless it is addressed, fixed, and treated.  It can happen quickly, or it can happen slowly over time, but water will weaken a structure. Some indications that your roof is in possible danger of collapsing: 

1. A roof leak means there is water pooling up between the ceiling and roof and if a roof leak repair isn’t doesn’t in a timely matter, that water will weigh and stress on the roof beams, attic insulation, and the ceiling drywall. Sooner than later, it will begin to droop and sag, then collapse. 
2. Structural problems are indicated by bends, ripples, and sunken areas of the roof.
3. Cracking masonry is often the foundation, but it can also be the roof is saturated with water and the added weight is causing the masonry to crack. 
4. Cracks and gaps in the interior walls can indicate foundation problems and are also indications of a weighted roof from water saturation. 
5. Creaks and popping noises could be a ghost or could be the roof is about to give up. Call a roofing contractor for roof leak repair before you call a ghostbuster. 

What To Do if Your Roof is Leaking?

• Stabilize: First thing to do is stabilize the leaking area and move valuables out and away. Place a container with a tarp or towel under the leak to catch any more water that comes in.  If your ceiling is covered in drywall, poke a small hole in the center of the area that is bubbled up and leaking. This will let any water built up out. 
• Tracking:  Now you need to track down the problem and source so you can do your roof leak repair. The actual leak may not be coming from where the water is leaking in, so climb up in the attic and with a flashlight, look for the leak, the water will reflect the light.  You can also lay sheets of toilet paper along ceiling joists and where the leak is, the toilet paper will absorb the water. 
• Dry up the Damage: Before you begin roof leak repairs, you need to make sure the area is thoroughly dry,  especially if there is any moisture trapped. If you allow the moisture to remain, you’ll have mold growing soon. 
• Repairs:  You may be able to repair the damaged roof with spackle and paint, or you may need to replace the entire ceiling and repaint, that all depends on the severity and size of the leak. 

How Do I Temporarily Fix a Leak in my Roof?

Don’t panic but do what you can for temporary roof leak repair, taking it one thing at a time. Minimizing possible interior damage is first, following the steps we described above. Now, take the following steps for a roof leak repair temporarily until you have a roofing contractor:  

• Tarp the Roof: Every homeowner should have a tarp or two around. It is a handy material for many things, and it can keep water out of your house temporarily. After you have located the leak, use 1×2 or 2×4 boards and nail down the tarp over the leaking area.  
• Cement the Roof: Using a roofing cement, seal up small holes. For larger holes, use a shingle, metal, or wood over the leaking area and seal with roofing cement. 

Can You Repair a Roof Leak From the Inside?

No, that will only make matters worse. How?  The water can’t get through the leak where you patched, so it will move down under the shingle and deck to another area.  Make your temporary roof leak repair on the rooftop and a temporary roof leak repair in the attic. Then call a professional roofing contractor. For your emergency roof leak repair needs in Lafayette and Denver, CO, call (303) 647-3883 today.

When painting a house where do you start?

It would be nice if you could just start painting by slapping paint on, but unfortunately, if you want to it right, and why wouldn’t you? You need to prepare the walls, make repairs as needed, and the main thing, choose the right color! 

How do I prepare my house for painting?

Here the steps professionals use: 

• Step One: Bathe the Walls
  • To ensure your painting efforts get the best coverage, give the walls a bath first. Using a pressure washer, start at the top and work down as you go around the house. Remove the dirt and dust buildup thoroughly, overlapping the pressure washer strokes by 6 to 8 inches.
• Step Two: Repair Any Damaged Surfaces
  • Walk around the exterior of your house and any damaged surfaces, make necessary repairs. Using epoxy filler for cracks and holes in wood, re-attach or replace any metal pieces or siding, patch any masonry or stucco. Allow the repair to dry thoroughly then sand lightly with a medium-grit sandpaper block so as your painting over the area, it blends with the rest of the house.
• Step Three: Remove All Loose Paint
  • After the exterior has been bathed and repairs made, allow it to thoroughly dry. Take another walk around the exterior and remove or sand over chipped and loose paint with a medium-grit sandpaper block or paint scrapper. 
• Step Four: Caulk the Trim
  • Using an exterior caulk, fill in gaps where the trim doesn’t meet the house at doors and windows. If there is brick on the house, caulk where the brick and wood trim meet. You want a blended, smooth connection when you begin painting.
• Step Five: Time to Prime Stains
  • As you take another walk around the exterior, if there are any visible stains or wood knots, apply one coat of primer with stain-blocking.
• Step Six: Protect Doors, Lights, and Windows Lights
  • Protect the doors, lights, and windows by covering them with plastic tarps and painter’s tape.
• Step Seven: Time to Paint!
  • Finally! It is time to start painting!  No need to apply a primer if the new pain is similar to the existing color. If you’re going lighter or darker, apply a primer coat to assure the final coat has proper coverage. Start at the top, work toward the bottom using controlled strokes that overlap each other by 6 to 8 inches. 
• Step Eight: Paint Doors and Trim
  • Remove all the protective plastic sheeting from the doors, lights, and windows. Then with a quality brush, hand paint two coats of to all the doors and woodwork, using an exterior semigloss paint. 
• Step Nine: Remove the drop cloths, clean up the brushes and admire your work! 

Is it better to brush or spray paint a house?

There is no doubt about it, when it comes to painting a house, an airless sprayer is the fastest way. It takes minutes compared to hours when brushing or rolling paint. However, quality and speed are not always partnering when it comes to painting, meaning, while airless spray painting has benefits:  

The Benefits

• Incredibly fast 
• One coat 
• Smooth finish 
• Hard to reach areas are covered

There are also some drawback to airless spray painting:

Negatives

• Prep and clean up time longer
• Uneven coverage 
• Uses two to three times more paint than brushing
• Doesn’t always have a good adhesion
• Windy days can halt the project 

Airless spray painting is particularly challenging for a novice. It takes a lot of practice to get it even and smooth without drips and overspray. If it is your first time to use a sprayer, experts recommend to practice. A lot. 

Is it worth paying someone to paint your house?

Yes!  Once you have done it, you will agree.  Paying somebody else to do the painting is easier on your physically, you’ll have the time to other things, and it will come with a guarantee. If you notice a missed area, or the paint is washing off in an area, you call them back and they make it right. 

Even though EPDM has a seam, the way it is installed makes EPDM is a virtually waterproof, material. When it does develop a leak, repairs are inexpensive and quick using the same high-strength tape. EPDM roofing is challenging to ignite directly, impedes an existing fire, making it one of the best fire-resistant roofing materials. 

How long does an EPDM roof last?

A black rubber-like membrane, EPDM roofing is generally non-reinforced. Still, because the application method is to glue it in place fully, it has a longer lifespan than other flat roofing materials. The material itself has a lifespan warranty of forty years, and the EPDM roofing system has a lifespan of up to thirty-five years. The longevity of EPDM roofing is affected by several factors: 

• Climate
• Environment
• Installation

Does EPDM shrink?

Flat commercial roofing that relies on synthetic rubber membranes like EPDM roofing, a sturdy rubber membrane, is made from a natural material and has been known to shrink. It is a durable product and used to seal car windows. 

Just as there are factors that can affect the longevity of an EPDM roofing, there are factors that can make EPDM roofing shrink faster, such as rain, snow, and sun exposure. With regular inspections of an EPDM roofing by building maintenance, it is possible to stay up on the condition of the roof and address any cracking, leaking, or possible shrinkage before it becomes a problem. 

How do you care for EPDM roof?

A visual inspection is suggested monthly, no less than four times a year. To perform a thorough inspection of EPDM roofing, sweeping it before using a rubber roof cleaner, remove any stains is recommended. 

Once it has time to dry, slowly walk the surface looking or blistering, cracking, tearing, or separating seams. Inspect the chimney and vent joints, making sure the hardware is secured and in place. Any areas that cause concern should be marked with chalk, take pictures, and make notes of these things and then call a professional commercial roofing contractor. 

TPO cons: 

• TPO roofing is a newer technology with no track record
• TPO roofing requires a unique installation for the seams
• TPO roofing seam requires re-welding and additional maintenance by a professional contractor
• TPO roofing material formulations has a lifespan warranty of ten years

As good as EPDM roofing is, there are some precautions to be considered before you install this roofing material: 

• Choose a contractor that is experienced with EPDM roofing. Many roofing contractors claim they can install any roofing material, but you need to request references of recent installations and then follow up and contact those references. 
• Confirm how the contractor will install the roof and what attention they give the seams. If when EPDM roofing is installed correctly if the seams are not secured well, you will have leaks. 
• EPDM roofing rubber is going to shrink over time, which is why quarterly inspections are recommended, even better monthly to check for possible cracks and shrinkage. The larger the roof, the more frequent you should do a walk over the roofing, monitoring for potential problems. 
• EPDM need regular inspection and may require maintenance due to the shrinkage. Other flat roofing materials require annual inspections. 

EPDM is not environmentally-friendly when it is replaced, and tear-off is required. This fact doesn’t affect your building, but more businesses are becoming more aware of their environmental footprint and making choices that will ease that. Dial (303) 647-3883 today for your roofing needs in Lafayette and Denver, CO.

• Improve your landscaping and shade by planting more trees around the building.
• Add a roof coating. Elastomeric coatings like silicone or acrylic not only protect your roof from leaks and other damage, they are highly reflective and protect your roof from the heat of the sun.
• Install additional roof ventilation to move warm air away from your building.
• Replace your roof with cool roofing materials like TPO or PVC, which are highly reflective and reduce heat transfer from your roof. 
• Add SPF spray foam over the roof as an insulating reflective layer. The foam will make your roof airtight.

If you want to keep your building cooler and make it more energy-efficient, and are considering cool roofing in Lafayette and Denver, CO, look to the roofing professionals at Blue Spruce Construction Group to provide you with the most options. Get more information or set up a project by calling (303) 647-3883.

What is cool roofing?

Cool roofing encompasses an extensive range of roofing options. In general, a cool roof is any roof specifically designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat. Almost any roofing material, including shingles, can be made into cool roofing. There are materials like TPO and PVC, as well as roof coatings, that are primarily installed because they are highly reflective.

What is the coolest roofing material?

If you are looking to cool your building down with cool roofing, you have plenty of options available. For residential buildings, clay tiles or metal roofs are some of the coolest roofing materials. Clay tile roofs are particularly prevalent in warm, arid regions because they are so much cooler than other materials. But, clay tile isn’t common on commercial buildings, where flat roofs dominate. When it comes to flat roofing, many building managers are choosing single-ply thermoplastic materials like TPO and PVC for their cool roofing capabilities. Another very efficient option is to add a silicone or acrylic roof coating, which is directly applied to the roof. Coatings can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s energy.

What color roof is the most energy efficient?

Cool roofing generally is lighter colored than other roofing. The lighter the color, the more energy-efficient these roofs are compared to darker roofs. White roofs are usually the coolest and most energy-efficient, although lighter shades of any color will be cooler and more energy-efficient than darker shades.

Is a dark roof hotter?

For the most part, any darker roofing material will absorb more heat than a lighter roof. A dark roof can get as much as 90 degrees hotter than outside temperatures. Some roofing materials like metal, however, will reflect the sun better than others, even if the metal roof is painted a dark color. Rubber roofing materials like EPDM are usually dark but are also a little more energy efficient than other materials, and their heat transfer can be decreased with a reflective coating.

Are white roofs better?

If you are installing cool roofing, white roofs tend to be much cooler than other shades of cool roofing. They can reflect as much as three times the sunlight than a darker roof.

Cool roofing coating

Roof coatings are some of the best options for cool roofing available, especially if you don’t need to replace your roof. In fact, roof coatings are used to preserve older roofs as an alternative to roof replacement. They are directly applied to the roof so no tear-off is required. Most are white but pigments can be added to match your building’s coloring. While the white coatings are generally cooler and reflective, pigmented coatings are still effective when it comes to cooling your roof and building.

Cool foam roofing

Another cool roofing option is SPF spray foam roofing. Foam is applied directly over the roof and forms an airtight barrier over it, protecting it from damage and leaks, and insulating the roof for improved energy efficiency, creating a cooling effect. A roof coating is applied over the foam for further protection, and the coatings are highly reflective of the sun. Foam works on most roofs, including metal.

Cool roofing flat roof

Depending on the material used, flat roofs tend to absorb heat more than other roof types. This heat absorption can be countered by installing cool roofing like TPO or PVC, or by having a roof coating or spray foam added that better reflect the sun’s heat.

Cool roofing urban heat island

Urban areas tend to be warmer than rural areas because of increased human activity and a larger concentration of buildings in relatively smaller concentrated areas. Research has shown cool roofing can reduce the temperatures of these urban heat islands.

Types of Metal Roofing

For many people, they don’t care what the commercial building roof looks like because it is up above eyesight. They simply want it to do what a roof should do without leaking or having other issues. Therefore, commercial metal roofing has become so popular for businesses. When they are installed correctly, they last forever, (longer than rubber coated commercial roofs), have minimal problems or repairs.

Here are three types of commercial metal roofing solutions that are commonly used on new construction and re-roofing existing roofs today.

• R-Panel Commercial Metal Roofing
  • If you are looking for low requirements to maintain commercial metal roofing, R-Panel metal roofing is the perfect option. It is less expensive than some other options because of how easy it is to install requires less labor and is done faster. This commercial metal roofing material comes in several colors and are used on residential structures too. A downside to this type of commercial metal roofing is the need to have it coated or painted upon installation and refreshed every 5 years. 
• Corrugated Commercial Metal Roofing
  • This is the type of metal roofing most people picture when they hear the words metal roofing. It is the classic type of metal that is used on barns and has found its way in home for decorating purpose. Restaurants and retail establishments use corrugated commercial metal roofing material because this is galvanized, minimizing the rust possibilities. They can integrate it with fiberglass skylight panels to create a unique design with designs and patterns. 
• Architectural Standing Seam Commercial Metal Roofing
  • The panel interlocking style of this commercial metal roofing system affords superior protection against wind uplift and is water resistant compared to other types of commercial metal roofing systems.  Water is challenged to find a way into the building with this type of commercial metal roofing because of that tight seal it creates when interlocked. The panels have a sealant applied at the factory in some manufacturing plants. 

Can you put metal on a low pitch roof? 

For a low pitch roof, only one type of commercial metal roofing system is applicable: structural metal panel. Structural metal panel roofing systems is ideal for a slope roof because it has water barrier characteristics. Such as resisting water to pass at laps and joints because of the anti-capillary designs or sealants used at the seams. A structural metal panel roofing systems has strong characteristics that give the roofing good support. 

Is it recommended to insulate under a metal roof? 

In cold weather climates like Colorado, yes.  Commercial metal roofing that are mono-slope, non-vented cathedral style, and steel framed roofs, the first thing that should be considered is the R-value of the insulation. 

How do you stop condensation on a metal roof? 

Condensation on a commercial metal roofing can have an enormous impact, but it is preventable with the following steps:

• Factor Number One: Keep moisture out, which is done when the structure built, and the commercial metal roofing is installed. The structure should be built on an elevated area that has natural drainage and a vapor retarder should be placed before the flooring is installed. The building should have ample ventilation in the ceiling. 
• Factor Number Two: Natural ventilation can be effective if the building is well designed to withstand the year round climate of the area.
• Factor Number Three: A building that is properly ventilated is sometimes not responding to the first two factors. In that situation, the building needs to be insulated so that it doesn’t reach the dew point and use of pre-installed membrane will absorb the condensation then release with the weather cycle.

Can I install a metal roof myself? 

Commercial metal roof installation is best done by a professional. This gives you a guarantee and warranty should there be issues or problems later. However, it can be a DIY project if you’re looking to cut costs.  There are commercial metal roofing systems that you can install, but you want to make sure you able and comfortable working with metal and have the proper specialty tool.