How to make a flat roof last longer?

 Flat roofs, like all other roof types, may last long if one takes care of them at regular intervals. But, owners need to think carefully about their roofs from the moment they opt for them. The right way to have long-lasting flat roofs is to get in touch with a reliable roofing company, choosing quality materials, meet the regulations and get the design expertise, and maintain the roof regularly. A team of professional roofing technicians from DNB Construction, LLC has explained this in the following lines.

Choice of proper flat roof design, materials, and roofers

As soon as one decides about the building of the roof, it is necessary to consider several crucial things. This includes consultation with the professional roofing contractor about all elements of the future roof. It needs to be objective and each detail should be covered. The roof construction starts when proper materials are found on the market regarding quality and longevity. Then, roofers can do their part of the roof installation work paying attention to all roof elements.

Regular flat roof maintenance

As soon as it is installed, the owner has to take care of the roof. This means that regular roof inspections are more than welcome. If one can’t inspect the roof adequately, it is advisable to contact reliable roofers to visit the place. Attention has to be paid on to changeable weather conditions, especially heavy snow, rain, or storms that may damage roof elements. Winds can also be a potential threat to each flat roof, so after them, roof inspection is needed.

Timely repair and replacement

Each flat roof has its lifespan. It is connected with the material quality, proper and professional installation, and regular maintenance. If all that is on the highest level, a flat roof may last for many years. However, in case some issues with the flat roofs appear, they will have to be repaired or replaced. These problems may be caused by changeable weather conditions, including wind, storms, or heavy rain. A team of reliable professional roofers will have to be contacted to perform the necessary roof repairs or replacement with their special equipment using the most suitable materials. A useful tip is for each homeowner is to perform a regular and timely roof inspection and see if there are some changes on the roof. This will save both time and money in the future.

In case you consider the flat roof installation, and you happen to have some dilemmas and uncertainties, we at DNB Construction, LLC are ready to help. Get in touch with us at @ 301-362-7663.

Source: How to make a flat roof last longer?

Flat roofs and leaks

 One of the most common problems for all buildings with flat roofs is leaking. People have tried to analyze and define the frequent reasons that make flat roofs leak. In the following text, thanks to the great experience of its employees in the roofing business, DNB Construction, LLC has explained the top 5 usual reasons why a flat roof may leak.

The roof is old

Each roofing material has some more or less limited lifespan. This is primarily the case of the flat roofs from the 1960s and 1980s. It means that a flat roof can be leaking since its construction material has got to the end of its life. But, with the technology development, we have new materials on the market that have a longer lifespan than their precursors. Homeowners usually repair flat roofs with some bituminous sheets and necessary liquid treatments. There are a lot of cases when this couldn’t because of the hazardous state of the current waterproofing.

Poor construction and maintenance

A great number of homeowners witness that poor maintenance and inadequate roof construction have caused leaks. In many cases, cracks and splits have appeared on the roof that allows water to get into the roof. The story with the roof has to be well-organized and carried out from its beginning, including the choice of materials, the roofing works, and its maintenance. To make the roof installation works cheaper, a lot of homeowners opt for materials of poor quality or medium-quality roofers. All this brings more costs and problems with the roof in a short time.

Issues with the structure

Proper roof design has to take into account that all buildings expand and contract. This happens because of the heat. Old membrane systems weren’t constructed to take the movement degree that can appear in the case of a flat roof. So, homeowners whose houses and their roofs weren’t made with expansion joints have to be prepared for the early membranes’ decline. In the construction of the modern flat roofs this movement was included. Also, the roof may leak if roofers didn’t dry the roof properly after the wet and rainy period while the installation was carried out or the timber was damp when used for installation.

Problems with moisture and ‘trapped’ air

There is significant evidence that moisture and air trapped inside the roof may cause large blisters in waterproofing. This may lead to one or more visible ponds on the roof. Additionally, blisters may be in the ponds as true signs that the water is inside. When the water penetrates into the roof structure, serious problems may arise. In the first place, if the temperature inside is a bit higher it turns into water vapor. What is more, the vapor has to go out the roof and in this way makes the pressure that causes blisters.

Stratifying

Professional roofers see condensation between the layers of the membrane as the main reason for the roof to stratify. When this happens, there is no more structural connection among the layers. If the condensation appears it may cause a point where the temperature falls down and vapor becomes liquid. In this way, the liquid can’t go away and it simply collects causing the layers to divide.

As you have seen, there are couple of important reasons why flat roofs may have problems with leaks. In case you have any questions about the condition of your roof or you have some problems caused by the leaks, we are DNB Construction, LLC a professional roofing company ready to help. Contact us @ 301-362-7663.

Source: Flat roofs and leaks

How to choose the most convenient custom home roofing material?

 If you decide to have a custom home, it is sure that one of the most prominent elements is going to be its roof. The style, design, durability, and material of the custom home roof are things that have to be chosen carefully. There are numerous materials available on the market and to pick the best one, you need to know about their characteristics. DNB Construction, LLC is a professional roofing company whose dedicated roofers have finalized many custom home roofing projects and they are ready to give an overview of the most common custom home roofing materials. 

Asphalt shingles

Customers choose them because of their price. They are known as the cheapest roofing material which is the most common on the roofs. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and can be reinforced with some other, organic material or fiberglass to prolong the durability. They are available in many colors, emit light effectively and reduce energy costs. However, asphalt shingles, last from 20 – 25 years. In some cases, if they are made cheaply, their lifespan may be even less. Asphalt shingles don’t have proper insulation properties and they are not sustainable.

Wood shingles

They look natural and add a naturalistic touch to the house. Their edges are clean and surface smooth since they are machine-cut. Pressure-treated pine, redwood, cedar, and cypress are some of the wood shingles types available on the market. Homeowners choose wood shingles since they are recyclable and in many cases made from salvaged trees that have fallen during wind storms. However, in the areas prone to wildfires wood shingles are frequently prohibited.

Concrete tiles

They are made with a lightweight blend of concrete. One can notice that they are rough but strong and easy to install. Their lifespan is over 50 years. Also, concrete tiles are fire and insects resistant. Those which are light-colored can reflect sunlight and increase the home’s energy efficiency. Concrete tiles are heavier than other roofing materials. Their installation needs framing as support. Custom home roof repair may be difficult if somebody steps or walks on the roof.

Metal and stone-coated metal

Custom homes metal roofing can be made of aluminum, zinc, copper, or steel. What is noticeable is the durability of these roofs, estimated to be from 50 to 100 years. There are many available styles, textures, and colors of these roofs. Today’s metal roofs are made of metals such as zinc, steel, or copper, and aluminum, and they are in demand for their durability. Metal as roofing material is recyclable. Metal roofing can prevent ice dams in winter as well as snow and water. However, this material is more expensive than others and can dent if hit with something heavy. The repairs of metal roofs are costly and the firefighters can have difficulties breaking through the roof in case of a fire in the house. 
 
Synthetics roofing materials

These materials include rubber, asphalt, clay, and plastics. Their design is aimed at flat and low-sloped roofs. Some of these roofs last up to 50 years. Synthetics roofing materials are new and one needs to think carefully before installing them.

Slate tiles

This material gives a European-style touch to the custom home. It gives a luxurious look and ensures low maintenance costs together with durability and reusability characteristics. However, slate tiles are heavy and if inadequately installed may cause problems with moisture. Also, slate tiles can break easily if somebody steps or walks on them. The roof repair in this case may be rather complicated.

All in all, as we presented, there are numerous custom home roofing materials that can add to the aesthetics and value of each house. But, the choice can be easier if you consult experienced roofing techs. We are DNB Construction, LLC don’t hesitate to give us a call at 301-362-7663.

Source: How to choose the most convenient custom home roofing material?