How Do You Stop Your Flat Roof From Leaking?

Flat roofs are popular in commercial and industrial buildings, but over the recent years, homeowners seeking luxurious and space-saving roofing alternatives have found this roofing style desirable. Low-sloped or flat roofs create convenient space for the installation of HVAC systems and make it simple to carry our roof repairs and maintenance. But, when your flat roof begins to leak, it’s definitely not pleasant news. You’ll want to carry out a thorough inspection to determine the cause of the leak and make the necessary repairs to prevent water and moisture from causing hazards such as flooding, rotting, and mold growth.

Causes of Flat Roof Leaks

Your flat roof can leak due to a variety of factors, including old age. If your roof is old, some areas may have deteriorated and will likely fail, allowing rainwater to infiltrate your building. In most cases, flat roofs leak around vents and plumbing stacks or at the edge of the roof.

Other common causes of leaks on flat roofs include:

• Ponding water – When water remains on your roof for more than 48 hours after precipitation, it can lead to damaging leaks.
• Damaged Membrane – If your flat roof is made of a single-ply membrane, it can be susceptible to damage due to ponding water or roof traffic. A compromised membrane allows water to enter the insulation, causing more serious leaks.
• Roof Structures – Just like sloped shingle roofs, flat roofs are vulnerable to leaks around areas where a structure rises up through the roof’s surface. These structures may include plumbing vents, gas lines, pipes, and other building elements. 

How to Prevent Flat Roof Leaks

In many cases, flat roofs can leak when debris is left on the roof for long. It can block water from flowing down your roof or redirect it to other areas. Make sure you regularly clean your flat roof without pushing debris down the drains. 

You may also want to inspect the drainage system for clogging preventing water from draining off your roof. Knock on the metal drain pipes using your knuckles and listen. If the pipe sounds dull, then there is some debris stuck inside.

Other long-term ways to prevent your flat roof from leaking include:

• Installing Flashing – Adding flashing to your flat roof will prevent leaks around chimneys and vents. Let your roofer also install flashing along the edge of the roof, ensuring it bends over the edge. 
• Use a Membrane – A rubber membrane is typically installed on top of shingles to take the place of gravel on a flat roof. It’s a great way to prolong the life of an old, deteriorating roof.

Work with a Professional Roofer to Stop Leaks!

If your flat roof has already sprung leaks, it’s important to have a professional roofing contractor carry out a thorough inspection to determine the cause of the leak and make the necessary repairs. Guardian Homes is your trusted flat roof specialist in the greater Puget Sound Area. Contact us today to learn more about preventing leaks from wreaking havoc in your home.

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The Guardian Gazette: June 2020 Newsletter

Hello Friends!

Sometimes it feels like I blink my eyes and a month goes by. That’s how June has felt for the team here at Guardian! These past three months have been some of the hardest we’ve experienced but thanks to our team and amazing clients, we’re finishing June stronger than ever!

As we move forward into the summer, our mission is to really focus on pouring into the community and the people that live within it! I’m a firm believer in to whom much is given much is expected, and we have been given so much! This is one of the reasons why this year we are working on not one but TWO Halo Projects, both for very worthy recipients.

We’re also supporting local small business by giving away Keep Your City Smiling Boxes!

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The Guardian Gazette: May 2020 Newsletter

Hello Friends,

Winter is over, Spring is in full swing, and Summer is right around the corner! As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day this coming Monday, I want to take a moment to honor all the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country and it’s inhabitants. Thank you to all the active duty men and women who continue to serve and protect us. Thank you to the families who have sacrificed precious family time and lost loved ones. I am proud to call myself an American and our team is honored to be able to serve our community in our own way.

Memorial Day Weekend is a great time for the Guardian Team. It’s a time for reflection and family as we get ready for a busy summer. And as you prepare for the summer, remember Guardian is here to serve you and your family. For a limited time Guardian is offering up to $1500 on a new roof installation*! If you’ve been putting off that much needed roof replacement, we encourage you to take advantage of this limited time offer. Plus our knowledgeable team can work with you to help with deferred payments or same as cash financing with low monthly payments. Replacing your roof and saving your wallet has never been so easy!

These savings won’t last long so call us today to schedule your FREE estimate with one of our highly trained technicians!

Thank you for continuing to support the Guardian Team throughout these crazy months. We wish you a safe Holiday Weekend and we are excited to continue to serve you and your family.

-Matt & Lori

*10% off a roof replacement up to a maximum of $1,500. Minimum purchase required. Not combinable with other offers. Offer Expires June 31st, 2020.*

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How To Understand The Cost Of Your Flat Roof Replacement

When you need to have a flat roof replaced on your home, how much should you expect to pay? What kind of materials are there? Figuring out a residential flat roof replacement cost involves taking several factors into consideration.

Type of Roofing Materials

The type of roof material you choose affects the price of your flat roof. Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) typically costs less than other materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), metal and torch-down. However, you should also consider the life expectancy of these different materials.

Metal roofs, for example, typically have a longer life expectancy compared to other flat roof materials, though it does cost more to install. A professional roofer can help you weigh your options in terms of cost, life expectancy, and what your home needs in order to stay within your budget.

Access to the Roof

Access to your roof also raises the cost of your flat roof replacement. For example, a high roof can cost more to replace, since workers have to take extra precautions due to safety concerns and the materials can be more difficult to get to the roof. Labor costs might end up being higher as well if the replacement takes longer than usual when your roof is difficult to access.

Underlying Roof Structures 

The structures and materials underneath your roof can affect the cost of your flat roof replacement. Needing repairs done for damaged materials or structures, for example, will result in a higher cost overall. Roof structures can include a wood, metal, or concrete deck, along with a cover board and other materials.

Wind Loads and Fastenings

Local building codes typically determine the kind of wind loads and fastenings your flat roof should have. These can range widely in cost depending on the types you need for your home in the greater Puget Sound area.

Building Code Requirements

Building code requirements can change over time, so it’s important to know the latest ones. You can check with your local city, town, or county’s website to see if local building codes are posted. For example, you can find out whether or not a permit is required to re-roof your home with the same type of roof material or whether or not you need an inspection. Also contacting your local reputable contractor is a great option to learn more about the building codes.

If you’re looking for reliable roofing experts for you residential roof replacement in the greater Puget Sound area, Guardian Homes is a great option. We’ve been around for over 15 years and are here to help you keep your home safe and sound. Contact us today to get your next roofing project started!

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Here Are The Best Coatings For Your Flat Roof

Flat roof coatings are available in a variety of types these days. Homeowners no longer need to use tar with toxic fumes to seal their flat roofs. Rubber and PVC coatings are newer products you can use to seal your roof from the elements. The type of coating you choose for your roof will depend on your roof’s existing condition and the kind of coating already on your roof. Here are some of the best coatings for flat roofs today.

Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic coatings use water-based materials and don’t have any complex components in the mixing process. This simplicity creates better safety since acrylic is not a flammable material. Acrylic coatings are generally highly reflective and work well with bituminous and non-bituminous roofs.

The acrylic coating will need to be applied when there isn’t any extreme cold or heat. If you apply acrylic in intense heat, it won’t properly stick, and it may freeze under overly cold temperatures. If there is ponding water on your flat roof, it may also affect adhesion.

Silicone Coating

Many homeowners now prefer using silicon coating for their flat roofs because of its appealing aesthetics and solid protection from leaks. It’s one of the best coatings to withstand ponding water permanently. Silicone coatings won’t chip away over time. Since its quite sustainable, you don’t have to worry about replacing the coating until a decade or more. Silicone also holds up well in climates with extreme temperature fluctuations.

One notable downside is it has little resistance to abrasion, so it’s not a good option if your roof has considerable foot traffic. It’s also slippery under wet conditions.

Urethane Roof Coatings

Urethane roof coatings are a fluid-applied roofing system. They are most commonly used in sprayed-in-place polyurethane foam insulation and other commercial roofing substrates. There is no doubt urethanes are among the strongest, most durable coatings on the market today. Moreover, you can choose between aliphatic and aromatic urethane coatings. 

Aliphatic urethane coatings are extremely UV stable, dirt-resistant, and hold color longer, making them perfect for a topcoat. Aromatic coatings, on the other hand, are less expensive and don’t hold up well against UV rays, which is why they are often used as a base coat. 

Overall, urethane roof coatings adhere well to most flat roofing substrates, but they smell, have a shorter lifespan, and are relatively difficult to spray on.

Here at Guardian Homes in the greater Puget Sound area, we apply high-quality flat roof coatings on any roof. Our coatings can benefit your flat roof for several years without needing re-coat every other year. Contact us to find out more about our flat roof coatings and how to keep your flat roof in the best condition possible!

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How Often Do You Need To Seal Your Flat Roof?

Roof sealing is a vital part of protecting your flat roof from the elements and extending its lifespan. Generally, a good quality flat roof is expected to last about 10 years, but with proper coating, it can last much longer. Sealing is a great way to extend the lifespan of your flat roof and reduce the number of repairs it may need. But, how often should you seal your flat roof? 

When to Coat a Flat Roof

The main reason to recoat a flat roof is for water protection. If ponding does occur, the roof can leak and cause more damage inside. It’s worth resealing the roof every five years or so to avoid water damage. However, the following factors may often influence the frequency of roof coating:

Roof Style

For flat roofs, regular roof sealing is absolutely crucial since they are at high risk of ponding. So, the surface has to be perfectly waterproof to prevent leakage of water into your building. Even the smallest of leaks should be dealt with promptly to prevent any water damage. Typically, a flat roof left unsealed can have its lifespan reduced by up to 50 percent. Sloped roofs, on the other hand, do not need sealing as often since water can run off more efficiently and is less likely to pool.

Your Local Climate

Harsher climates call for more frequent roof sealing. Rough weather can break down the sealant much faster than climates without intense sun, heat, or rain. Areas with high winds may also have tree branches and other debris scratching or damaging the roof. Moreover, repetitive cycles of rain and sunshine can cause the sealant to expand and contract quickly, causing it to need frequent recoating.

How to Tell When a Flat Roof Needs Coating

It’s important to seal flat roofs as a pre-emptive measure instead of waiting for leaks or ponding. Any signs of leakage, ponding, or structural damage indicate your roof needs coating. But even if you don’t notice such signs, a flat roof should be sealed every five years to safeguard it from water damage.

Overall, roof sealing is a very critical part of keeping your flat roof in great shape. If you have a flat roof, you need to be vigilant about having the roof inspected annually. However, resealing won’t solve major issues. If the roof is damaged and needs repairs or replacement, it’s better to not waste money on coating the roof but fix the problems. Consider working with Guardian Home in the greater Puget Sound area for all your flat roofing needs. Schedule your appointment today!

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How To Guard Your HOA With These Services

Guardian Homes works closely with property management companies and HOAs in the greater Puget Sound Area to keep their buildings in excellent shape. Our team has the knowledge, experience, and professional expertise to handle all your roofing needs. With a thorough diagnosis, we can identify issues and offer solutions to ensure all involved parties are satisfied with the project. Here are the roofing services for HOA and property management companies:

Maintenance and Cleaning

A roof can perform with no problems for years, which makes it easy for it to be ignored. However, when a roof goes without maintenance for too long, it gives water a better chance to seep into the roof and minor repairs to escalate to major ones. Consistent maintenance is needed to keep a roof in working order and prolong its lifespan.

Guardian Home can provide you with annual maintenance plans to monitor the roof for signs of damage, remove debris, prevent structural damage, and keep the roof functioning properly. We also recommend having an inspection done after a storm goes through the area.

Roof maintenance and cleaning go hand in hand. A roof with an accumulation of dirt and debris should be cleaned to prevent the growth of algae and moss, and boost curb appeal. Using a biodegradable cleaning solution, Guardian can safely remove debris and any form of growth without damaging the integrity of the roof.

Repair

A roof plays an important part in protecting the interior of the home from external elements such as rain, hail, wind, and sun exposure. This means it’s constantly going through a beating.

When a roof needs repair, quick action is imperative to eliminate the need for large repairs or replacement down the road. Signs a roof needs repair include:

• Leaks in the attic
• Water spots on the ceiling
• Damp, bulging drywall
• Roof rot or exterior decay
• Blistering or peeling paint
• Electrical issues
• Heavy growth of algae, resulting in dark, dirty-looking spots on the roof surface
• Damaged or missing roofing material
• Excessive energy costs

Guardian Home proudly serves the customized solution of roof repair services with surety and authenticity. Using our 17 point roof inspection, our technicians evaluate the roof’s condition and repair damaged areas in a timely fashion, usually in one day. Whether a roof is a missing shingle, has suffered major storm damage, or anything in between, we have the experience needed to get the roof back to working properly.

Replacement

All roofs need to be replaced at some point, no matter the type of materials or how well they were maintained. If a roof replacement is needed in your community, either due to old age, wear and tear, or severe damage, make Guardian Home your choice for the installation. We have the experience, skill, and resources to expertly support your project from beginning to end. Our roof replacement services include careful preparation, considerate scheduling, and thorough cleanup.

We’re uniquely qualified to install just about any materials on any roof, including shingles, asphalt, flat roofing, metal, cedar shingles, TPO, and shake. We will work with you to choose a roofing system which will not only compliment your community’s style but will also protect the home and its occupants for years. We use the highest quality from the best manufacturers, including GAF and Owens Corning.

If you’re in need of a license and reliable roofing contractor for your HOA or property management company in the greater Puget Sound Area, please contact Guardian Home. We’ll set you up with a free on-site inspection and a written estimate.

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