Does your insurance cover roof repair cost – by Tanya Wiseman

<p>
As homeowners, we are not always protected from the weather conditions that may be prone to the area we live in. Anything from rains, snow, frost, humidity and storms, we have to be ready to protect our home. Your roofing insurance coverage may be able to provide the coverage for several roof damages. When you obtain the insurance, it is always wise to check with your insurance agent about your policy’s coverage as it relates to roofing insurance claims, and what is covered in the case of loss.
Homeowner’s policies do not contain coverage for "match" issues. Your policy says the company will pay "to repair or replace the damaged property with material of like kind and quality" (language varies by state). That means, they owe to replace the individual shingles or tiles that were damaged by a covered peril (wind, hail, etc) unless your shingles are old, brittle, and cannot be repaired. In that case, the company must pay to replace the affected slope(s). Over the years, lawsuits established precedents, claims settlement statutes in each state. These guidelines address match as well as other issues. In some states it is customary to replace only the individual shingles, unless there is a reparability issue or mechanical mismatch which makes it impossible. In some states, it is customary to replace only the slopes containing damage. In other states, line-of-sight guidelines prevail, this allows replacement of roof covering on one or more elevations. Please check with your agent for more details.
If the shingles that are currently on your roof are no longer manufactured, the company is responsible for replacing your entire roof. But if your shingles are manufactured and do not match the existing shingles due to weathering, the company is only responsible for replacing the damaged shingles, not the whole roof.
Some homeowners insurance make adverse underwriting decisions based on the make up or condition of the roof of a home. The type of roofing materials include, but are not limited to: wood roofs, multi-layered roofs (composition shingles over wood or several layers of composition shingles), asbestos shingles, and sheet tin or aluminum roofs.

Here are some tips to reduce potential damages and home insurance premiums, when it comes to roofing:
Hailstorms do not usually result in the catastrophic damage associated with windstorms or fire. However, hail does result in significant damage to homes. The main area of a home susceptible to hail damage is the roof. The following are ways that can help mitigate damage in the event of hail:
1. Roof Covering – The condition and materials of the roof covering can improve the impact resistance. Worn asphalt shingles are especially vulnerable to hail damage. Impact-resistant roof coverings designed and tested to improve roof performance during hailstorms are available.
2. Roof Decking – The roof decking provides the structural support for the roof covering. Solid roof decking improves the impact resistance of the roof. Material and construction techniques can improve the stiffness of the roof decking and help reduce hail damage.
3. Roof Slope – Angling the roof reduces the force of impact from hail. Hail hitting the roof at a 90-degree angle causes more damage than hail hitting the roof at an angle that deflects the force of the hail.
Hurricane/ Tornado
The main areas of a home that could be improved to help mitigate damages and losses in the event of a hurricane are the roof, the windows, the doors, and garage doors (if present). Hurricane loss mitigation efforts should typically attempt to prevent a structure from being penetrated by the wind. Keeping the roof intact, and keeping the doors and windows sealed shut are of utmost importance.
Roof – The type and condition of roof can be a significant factor in the amount of damage sustained by a structure in a hurricane or tornado. For instance, gable roofs are more likely to suffer damage from the high wind generated by hurricanes/tornados. Also, the quality of the construction can affect the performance of the roof in high winds. When the roof decking is not properly attached to the roof frame, the roof may not survive high winds.
Loose shingles or tiles increase the susceptibility of the roof to high winds. Once the roof structure is compromised, the integrity of the roofing is weakened and the interior of the house and its contents become susceptible to water damage or even the collapse of the roof itself. Loose tiles and shingles also become dangerous projectiles in the high winds. <p>
Wildfire
The two main areas of a home that could be improved to help mitigate damages and losses in the event of a wildfire are the roof covering, and landscaping. Fire loss mitigation efforts should typically attempt to prevent a structure from catching fire. Proper landscaping can keep the fire from getting close enough to the structure to ignite it, while proper roof covering can help prevent ignition from floating embers.
Roof Covering – The type of roof covering will depend on the other perils a home faces. Concrete or tile roofs are very fire resistant, but can be prone to hail damage. An asphalt shingle with good fire rating is often the most cost-effective choice a homeowner has. Wood shakes or shingles are to be avoided for homes exposed to wildfire, as these roofs are the most fire prone.
Winter Freeze
The easiest and most effective way to reduce potential loss from winter freeze is to conduct regular maintenance on your home and property. You should be aware of the potential hazards of seasonal temperature changes, and protect your home accordingly. The major areas of concern should be gutters, outdoor faucets, the maintenance of appropriate indoor and attic temperatures, as well as that landscape, whose proximity to your home might pose a winter freeze-related danger.
Gutters – To prevent or lessen the possible impact of a winter freeze, gutters should be cleared of debris and flushed out with a garden hose. This will help prevent ice dams from forming at the base of the roof, and in the gutter area.
We don’t always know when Mother Nature will send forth her fury, but we can be prepared for unexpected disasters. Review your homeowners’ coverage every year and talk to your insurance agent if you have questions. Don’t compound the disaster of losing your home by not having adequate insurance coverage to replace it.

Tanya is the the author for

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Do I Need A New Roof? – by Steven Briesemeister

You may be asking yourself, “Do I need a new roof?” If you are also asking yourself the following questions, then you want to seriously consider a roof replacement:
1. Upon inspection of my roof, I noticed algae growth. Do I need a new roof?
2. I noticed curling and blistering on my roof. Do I need a new roof?
3. I see that some of my shingles are missing or broken. Do I need a new roof?
4. I noticed some rotting. Do I need a new roof?
5. I saw several dark patches and they appear dirty. Do I need a new roof?
6. I observed some sagging and buckling in my roof’s structure. Do I need a new roof?
If the answers to any of these questions are “yes,” consider a simple formula of economics. If you have a roof that is knowingly in need of repair, and may need a lot more maintenance in the future, would it be better to continue repairing your current roof or should you have it completely replaced? It may be less expensive, in the long run, to spend the money now on a new roof rather than continuously repairing one that is already damaged. In addition, a new roof may lessen the chance of extensive damage and insurance claims during a future storm or other inclement weather
Before deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or deterioration. It’s important to remember that, during inspection, avoid walking on your roof if at all possible as this may cause further damage to the structure. It is advisable to use binoculars or a ladder to get the best view possible. There are two ways to inspect your roof, which includes both an outside and inside inspection.
The outside inspection is, perhaps, the easiest and should be done first. Most outward signs of damage can be seen immediately. There are specific signs to indicate that your roof may need to be replaced, including algae growth, curling, blistering, missing or broken shingles, missing granules, rotting, damaged flashing, buckling, loose or exposed nails, dark patches that appear “dirty,” sagging in the center of the roof or the presence of rust.
The inside inspection may take more time and effort, but is essential in determining the best outcome for your home. There are a number of indoor signs to indicate that your roof may be in need of replacing, including ceiling spots, sagging between the rafters or an outside light that is visible through the roof. The most obvious of the signs, which are ceiling spots, are easily visible and would be a clear indication of leakage. If a roof is found to be leaking, and appropriate repairs are not made, the water damage may cause additional damage to your insulation and increase energy costs. If you locate dark spots in the wood, test them in order to decide if the problem is one of immediate concern. If the spot feels soft to the touch or is damp, the indication would be that the problem is a current one. On the other hand, if the spot is dry, it’s possible that this is a previous problem that has been corrected or is no longer an issue.
If you find any of these signs to be present, contact a roofing contractor for a professional evaluation. Before deciding for yourself, ask for their opinion and request an estimate. In some cases, a simple repair may be all that is needed to correct a problem. However, if the problem is going to be reoccurring, consider the possibility of replacing the roof entirely. For instance, if your roof shows signs of rotting, this could be a larger problem in the future if it has spread throughout the structure. If, on the other hand, a few shingles are in need of repair, you wouldn’t necessarily want to replace the roof entirely. When making any major home improvement, consider each option carefully before making a final decision.

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays! For more roof related articles, kindly visit: http://www.roofer911.com/roofing_articles.htm

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Different Types of Roof Vents – by Steven Briesemeister

The most important part of your home is the roof. It protects you from the rain, the snow and anything else that Mother Nature dishes out. Without it, we are left out in the cold – literally. When building, or buying, a home, it’s important to make sure that the roof is in good shape. One of the most important aspects of roofing is adequate ventilation.
Potential Problems
The lack of ventilation causes moisture to build up and possibly cause structural problems with the roof. In addition, ensuring that your roof is properly ventilated will increase the life of your roof and promote the safety of everyone in your home. In addition, built up moisture and heat may cause extra cooling expenses, which raises energy costs. Moisture can also cause ice dams and other problems, including rotting and fungus.
Different Types of Roof Vents & Roof Ventilation
There are various types of roof vents available, including Dormer and Turbine. The most important thing to consider, when choosing one, is the actual ventilation system. Proper ventilation systems will consist of the following two types of vents:
Intake Vents. These vents will allow fresh air to get into the home.
Exhaust Vents. These allow air to leave the home.
In order for any ventilation system to work, both intake and exhaust vents must be installed. When properly installed, the ventilation system will allow fresh air to enter the home while sending other air outside.
Calling The Professionals
Dependant upon the area in which you live, a professional roofing contractor will be able to advise you on the different types of roof vents and which is more suitable for your home. Certain types of roof vents are better than others, depending on the roof’s structure or style. Cathedral roofs, for example, would require a ridge vent for proper ventilation whereas some homes would be better suited with a turbine vent, which has a free spinning top allowing air to flow out.
Different Types of Roof Vents & Roof Longevity
If a roof is properly ventilated, it can increase the longevity of it’s structure. This could save you big bucks in the future by not having to purchase a whole new roof. If a home is not properly ventilated, the moist air has nowhere to go. As it sits inside the home, it will begin to cause damage little by little. Although it may not be noticeable at first, time will show that damage is occurring and, the longer a roof goes without proper ventilation, the worse effect it will have on the structure of your home.

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays! For more roof related articles, kindly visit: http://www.roofer911.com/roofing_articles.htm

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Different Popular Types Of Roofs – by James Carlson

A roof does a lot for your home. It keeps you warm or cool and it keeps you protected from the elements. It also can add to the looks of your home. Read this article to learn about some of the different types of roofs available to you

One popular style of roof is the slate roof. Slate proofs are very attractive in appearance and offer excellent protection from fire. They are also a unique roof and provide for a long roof life. They do have some disadvantages though. They are extremely expensive and are much harder to install since they require extensive structures to support the weight. You also can not walk on the roof without risking damage to the tiles. If you can do it though, nothing looks like a slate roof.

Another popular option is a metal roof. Metal roofs are also durable and offer a long life. They are also resistant to sleet and hail and when made from recycled metal they are very environmentally sound. They are however more expensive to install requiring special tools and skills. Some people might also object to the sound of a metal roof since they may be louder in the rain.

The last option I will talk about is the concrete tile roof. They are similar to slate roofs but are much cheaper. They are an attractive roof available in a number of different styles and colors and offer excellent fire resistance. They are still expensive however and can be damaged by hail storms. You also may not be able to use them in climates subject to heavy freezing.

I hope this article has given you some useful information on roofs. If you are looking to do something different than the basic asphalt shingle, one of these options may be for you. Good luck with whichever one you decide

Learn more about roofs at The Roofer List a website on roof repair and roofers.

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Determine Roof Slope – by Steven Briesemeister

If you want to determine roof slope, it isn’t as difficult as you may think. In fact, it’s quite simple and can be done in a very short amount of time with minimal inconvenience. This is not a project that should be intimidating, even though home improvement work can sometimes be stressful. The slope of a roof is measured as the length that a roof rises vertically over a 12″ horizontal distance. You can do this job yourself, ask a friend to help or call a roofing professional if you are not comfortable doing the work yourself.
Determine Roof Slope, But Maintain Ladder Safety
To determine roof slope, place a ladder at the side of your house so that you may easily access the down slope edge of the roof. At this point, you should be in line with the roof’s peak, which means the roof should slope up from left to right or from right to left, but not away from you. Before you begin, make sure that your ladder is secured. You will need to use both hands to determine roof slope and will not want to be distracted by a shaky ladder. This can be bothersome, but also very dangerous. When working on a ladder, make sure that it’s perfectly safe. If you have trouble with heights and do not wish to climb the ladder yourself, ask a friend to help or call a roofing professional.
How To Determine Roof Slope Accurately
Now that you’re ready to get started, it’s important to know that you will not need to be on the roof to do this, which is ideal because walking directly on the roof can be dangerous. Begin by holding a framing square onto the roofline while making sure that the long end of the “L” is pointing toward the roof’s center and the short end is pointing down toward the ground. The long end of the framing square should meet the edge of the roof at the 12″ line. Level the square horizontally and read the measurement on the short end.
To determine roof slope, remember that rise is the measurement on the vertical leg while run is the 12″ measurement on the horizontal line. If you are using a framing square, keep in mind that some have measurements on both edges. If that is the case with your framing square, consult the measurements on the inside edges for an accurate number. Remember that, if your roof rises 8 inches vertically for every 12 inches horizontally, then you can determine roof slope to be at 8/12.
A Few Options
If you do not have a framing square to measure roof slope, a ruler or tape measure will also work because the slope is measured based on a 12″ horizontal distance. If you are using a tape measure, look for one that has a push lock. This will help avoid unnecessary problems with constantly having to pull the tape measure back out to double check the slope measurements

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays!

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Deciding to Repair or Install a New Roof in Oregon – by Mark Starr

At one time or another, Portland residents will be faced with the decision to repair or replace their home or commercial roofing structure. While in some cases, the decision to install a new roof may be crystal clear, other situations may lend themselves to carefully weigh the pros and cons.

A professional roofing contractor in Portland can help you make the right choice between roof repair and a new roof installation for your Oregon home or business. The following list of considerations will assist you with your roofing decisions.

Residential and Commercial Roofing — How Old Is Your Portland Roof?

A chief thing to consider when deciding on roof repair in Portland or an entirely new roof is the age of your existing roof. A new roof generally lasts between 10 and 20 years. However, depending on maintenance, the materials used and the quality of installation, you can get as many as 50 years out of your roof.

Your Portland roofing contractor can conduct an inspection of your roof and make a prognosis as to how much longer it will last. If your roof is in its latter years, it may be better to install a new roof for your Oregon home or commercial roofing structure.

Residential and Commercial Roofing — What Is the Extent of Damage to Your Portland Roof?

It’s possible that roof repair for your Portland home or commercial building should be enough to help you get a few more years out of your roofing structure. For example, sometimes a roof leak can be eliminated with minimal repairs. In other cases, a leak can be an indication of a much larger problem, which can create the need for ongoing repairs that only seem to put off the inevitable.

Roof Repair Vs. New Roof Installation in Portland, Oregon — How Much Is This Going to Cost?

Of course, cost will be a factor in your decision between a new roof and roof repair for your home or business. If the cost of repairs for residential or commercial roofing in Portland are low and you aren’t simply masking a more complex issue, then the choice is simple.

However, if your roofing contractor in Portland paints a picture of constant repair needs and the ultimate necessity for installing a new roof for your Oregon home or business, replacement may be the most cost effective and hassle free answer.

Mark Starr covers articles on roofing in Portland OR for Elements Roofing, an Oregon based company specializing in new roof installations and OR roof repair.

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Copper Roof Shingles – by Steven Briesemeister

The world is full of copper lovers, and lovers of the copper roof are by no means an exception. There are essentially two different types of copper roof you can buy, there is the solid copper roof that consists solely of sheet copper on your roof. It is very resilient to weathering and will protect your house for decades but it is incredibly costly, as you can imagine. On the other hand, copper roof shingles are made by attached sheets of copper around standard asphalt shingles. All in all, the cost is likely to work out less than a slate roof but once the copper roof shingles have aged and been weathered they will take on the magnificent green look that only copper can create.
Can I use copper roof shingles?
One of the advantages that copper roof shingles offer over other forms of long lasting roofs, especially the solid copper roof, is that the shingles are actually surprisingly light and most roofs and structures can usually cope with the load admirably. As long as you are prepared to pay approximately $4 per square foot (compared to $1 for standard asphalt but up to $15 for solid copper) there is unlikely to be any good reason why you can not use copper roof shingles on your roof.
What kind of life can I expect from copper roof shingles? This is something of a confusing issue. Asphalt roof shingles will normally only last 20 years, but covered in copper sheeting the life of the asphalt shingles can easily be extended to between 30 and 40 years. However, the copper sheet itself will last an average of about 150 years. Obviously the copper roof shingles themselves will only last as long as the asphalt roof shingles that are found underneath the copper.
The cost of copper roof shingles.
Copper roof shingles are by no means a cheap alternative to other styles of roofing but if you like the look of copper and you want a longer life than asphalt shingles can offer then copper roof shingles are an excellent option. The copper sheet doesn’t an excellent job of protecting the asphalt shingles underneath effectively giving them an extended life of around 30 to 40 years. The copper sheeting also protects the shingles from most general wear and tear meaning that with good, regular maintenance you won’t need to have repairs done too often. On a yearly basis copper roof shingles do work out cheap but not overall and not for the initial installation.
Standard asphalt roof shingles usually cost around $1 per square foot, whereas solid copper roofing will set you back around $15 per square foot. Copper roof shingles are available at approximately $4 to $5 per square foot so they are 4 times more expensive than asphalt but considerably cheaper than a full solid copper roof. However, you are undoubtedly paying for the attractive looks of a copper roof but for less money than covering the entire roof in an expensive metal.

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays!

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Choosing a Portland Oregon Roofing Specialist for Your Home – by Mark Starr

<p>Portland, Oregon, is well known for its lush green landscape. The City of Roses is located in the climate zone of the Marine west coast, which means warmth in the summer and lots of precipitation throughout the rest of the year.</p><p>
<p>Given the climate of this vibrant portal city, a solid roof structure for your home is of utmost importance. Routine maintenance and repair are essential to preserving the strength of your roof and protecting your loved ones and belongings. So, what factors do you consider while choosing a Portland roof repair specialist for your home?</p><p>
<b>Roof Repair Specialist in Portland — Hire a Qualified Professional</b><p>
<p>Whether you’re looking for regular maintenance, repairs to a damaged or leaky roof or in need of a complete replacement, make sure to hire a professional in roof repair. Portland is a beautiful city with a unique climate that calls for a qualified <a href="http://www.roofportland.com/our-services/roof-repair/">roof repair specialist. Portland</a> weather requires that you have a sturdy roof to protect against a variety of conditions including sun, rain, drizzle, heat, algae, moss and at times, even snow or ice.</p> <p>
<b>Best Roofer in Portland — Experience and Expertise</b> <p>
<p>A Portland roof repair specialist should be well versed in all forms of the trade, such as contemporary flat roofs, metal roofs, composition roofing, skylights and cur outs. However, in this region, someone who specializes in highly pitched steep roofs will likely be your <a href="http://www.roofportland.com/contact-us/">best roofer. Portland</a> homes often require highly pitched roof structures in order to guard against moisture and rainfall.</p> <p>
<p>Highly pitched steep roofs are difficult to access. As a result, expertise and precision are paramount from your roof repair specialist. Portland roofers should be able to complete the job safely and effectively, without creating much disruption to your daily life.</p><p>
<p>Learn about the expertise level before hiring anyone to do a <a href="http://www.roofportland.com/our-services/residential/">roof repair. Portland</a> roofing professionals should have several years of experience and be able to demonstrate industry knowledge for issues such as creating a level nailing surface, laying tiles correctly and ensuring proper ventilation.</p> <p>
<b>Roof Repair in Portland — Verify the Reputation of Your Portland Roof Repair Specialist</b><p>
<p>One surefire way to hire a first rate <a href="http://www.roofportland.com/">Portland roof repair specialist</a> is to research consumer reviews. Refer to the Better Business Bureau online and find out if there are any customer complaints and the manner in which they were resolved.</p> <p>
<p>Don’t just rely on one reference to track down the right company to do your roof repair. Portland roofing reviews are available on several consumer ratings websites. These sites allow customers to post their experiences, whether good or bad, and ultimately help you locate the right Portland roof repair specialist for the job.</p> <p>
<p>Combine your web research with local advice from friends and neighbors to locate the best roofer. Portland roofers with a solid standing in the community have earned that reputation for a good reason.</p>

Mark Starr covers articles on roof repair in Portland for the website Roof Portland, an Oregon based company specializing in residential and commercial roofing and roof repairs.

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Can Roof Hail Damage Result in Replacing an Entire Roof? – by Tim McLoughlin

<p>How much damage to your roof can come during a hail storm? In Georgia, hail storms are not that uncommon and many homeowners visually see hail several times during the year. That is the case in metro Atlanta, where the last few years have resulted in elevated hail activity. </p><p>
<p>Most people are somewhat aware of the damage hail can cause, in particular the larger variety of hail that is notorious for damaging and denting cars. This awareness doesn’t always fully translate into the impact a hail storm can have on your home’s roof. While you can visually see the damage to your car after a hail storm, you can’t always see the damage to a roof. The damage you can’t see can put the longevity of your roof at risk. </p><p>
<p>Roof replacement due to hail damage is one of the most expensive fixes for homeowners and insurance companies. Hail can vary in size dramatically, falling as small as the size of tiny pellets, or as large as baseballs. It is typically the larger hail that can cause enough damage to your asphalt roof to justify a roof replacement. </p>
<p><b>Asphalt Roof Shingle Damage from Hail: </b><br>
Hail damage to asphalt roofs occur when hail beating against the surface of asphalt shingle results in the protective granular surface of the shingle to loosen and potentially fall off. When the granules are loosened, the asphalt shingles loses some of its protection potential and becomes vulnerable to additional damage. <br>
- <b>Note: </b> Damaged asphalt layers can potentially allow water seepage into the roof. <br>
- <b>Tip: </b> If the granules of an asphalt shingle are removed by a hail storm, the shingle’s longevity can be severely diminished.</p><p>
<p><b>Signs of Hail Damage to an Asphalt Roof: </b><br>
- Bruises or small dents in the asphalt shingle <br>
- Granulation is displaced exposing the asphalt <br>
- Granulation has settled at the base of your downspouts <br>
- The spots hit by hail usually leave a soft spot in the shingle <br>
- Significantly damaged metal air vents on the roof indicate similar hit pattern for roof <br>
- Damage and denting of siding, or gutters </p><p>
<p><b>If my Roof is damaged, how fast should I replace it? </b><br>
There is a misconception if your roof sustains damage from a hail storm that your roof needs to be replaced immediately. You’ll find some conflicting evidence online from other roofers that advise immediately replacing your roof. In Georgia for example, any reliable <a href="http://www.ktmroofing.com/">roofing contractor in Atlanta</a> should tell you otherwise. Typically the damage sustained from a hail storm will pose no immediate threat to your roof. The threat is in the longevity of the roof, because hail can dramatically decrease a roof’s life expectancy. The deteriorated protection from a roof that is not expected to last its full life is why insurance companies will authorize the replacement of your roof. </p><p>
<p><b>Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover a New Roof? </b><br>
This answer varies by the coverage on your homeowner’s insurance policy. For some homeowners the answer is "yes." If you believe your home has been the victim of hail, contact your insurance company to determine if your policy will cover the damage. For many homeowners they will be able to have the roof repaired, or replaced and will need to pay a deductable. <br>
- <b>Tip: </b> If you are unsure if you homeowner’s policy covers hail damage to your roof, contact your insurance company. </p><p>
<p><b>Caution: Avoid Storm Chasers! </b><br>
Homeowners need to beware of ’storm chasers.’ A storm chaser typically consists of an out of town roofing contractor that goes door to door after a hail storm soliciting for business. While it may seem tempting and convenient, these roofers can do more harm than good. Make sure any roofer you look to work with has a good reputation in the community. Look for a roofer that is located locally and check references. Look for references that are over a year old and ones that are more recent, within the last 30 days. Finally never give a deposit for a roof. A reliable roofer will only ask for payment once the roof has been complete. </p>
<p>
If you think your home has sustained <a href="http://www.ktmroofing.com/atlanta-roof-hail-damage.html">roof hail damage</a>, get a professional opinion. Experienced roofing contractors should be willing to provide <a href="http://www.ktmroofing.com/estimate.html">free roofing estimates</a> upon request.</p>

Tim McLoughlin is a reliable roofing contractor and expert on common roofing problems. His company, KTM Roofing is renowned among roofing companies in Atlanta, GA.

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Aerial Infrared Roof Moisture Surveys – by Gregory R. Stockton

Aerial Infrared Roof Moisture Surveys

INTRODUCTION

IR P/PM (infrared predictive/preventive maintenance) is not limited to annual infrared surveys of electrical switchgear. For instance, infrared thermography can be a very effective tool for roof asset management. IR roof moisture surveys are performed on roofs to quantify the extent of roof moisture (water) that is inside the roof system. Infrared thermography is not leak management. No matter how the water got into the substrate, the purpose of this type of survey is simply to find and document where the water is located. Extending the life of a roof will save the owner the expense and aggravation of re-roofing or re-covering. Re-roofing means that the roof is taken down to the decking and replaced completely. Re-covering means that the waterproofing layer(s) are removed, the wet insulation is removed and replaced and a new waterproofing layer is put down. The cost of an infrared roof moisture survey is three to five CENTS per square foot. It cost between three and five DOLLARS per square foot to repair/replace roofs, so knowing the exact location of the subsurface water is extremely useful information, since only those areas that are damaged need to be repaired. This information is used to plan budgets and when needed, as a bid document for contracting repairs and/or replacement of the roof.

Keywords: Infrared, Thermography, Roof, Roof Asset Management, Infrared Roof Moisture Survey.

ROOF MAINTENANCE IN GENERAL

The ravages of sun, wind, rain, snow, chemicals, leakage, rapid changes in temperature and time – will eventually cause every roof to fail. Some roofs last 40-50 years…when they are well maintained. Owners may believe that a roof warranty will somehow protect them from having to do maintenance. Not so, as roof warranties are written by roofing manufacturers for the purpose of protecting themselves from liability. For example, often a warranty is written so that if improperly installed or defective roofing materials are used on a roof and water leaks into the electrical switchgear room causing an explosion, the roofing manufacturer will replace the materials, the roofer will reinstall the materials, but the building owner has to pay for the replacement of the switchgear and any downtime that resulted from the failure. Also, the roofer’s and roofing manufacturer’s liability, in the case of roof failures are also reduced by vaguely written roof warranties, which do not define words like “regular” or “routine” maintenance. Not accepting the roof warranty is not the answer, since the roof will not be installed unless the owner agrees to the warranty. To eliminate these problems, the building owner should have an agreement with a qualified roofer or roof consultant to inspect and maintain the roof (in accordance with the terms of the warranty) at least once a year.

Waterproofing problems manifest themselves in two ways: Leakage and entrained moisture contamination. Leakage is pretty simple, although the leak inside the building rarely directly relates to the exact spot on the roof, since the water flows down the slope of the roof to a spot that is not sealed and into the building at that point. Most leaks occur where the waterproofing is sealed or where there is a penetration of the roof. Since most types of roof systems absorb some amount of water, it is harder to find the exact spot of water contamination in the insulation because it may not leak into the building until it has absorbed all the water it can hold. There are three types of surveys that are used to find water in a roof. Nuclear gauges-which count neutrons, capacitance meters-which measure resistance, and infrared-which measures heat. Both nuclear gauges and capacitance meters are used to take spot readings on a 10′ X 10′ or 20′ X 20′ grid on the roof. These measurements are used to extrapolate where the water is from the readings obtained from the gauge. They are good for types of roofs that do not gain or lose much solar energy and therefore, do not lend themselves to infrared.

BASICS OF INFRARED ROOF MOISTURE SURVEYS

During the day, the sun radiates energy onto the roof and into the roof substrate, and then at night, the roof radiates the heat back into outer space (See Figure 1). This is called radiational cooling. Areas of the roof that are of a higher mass (wet) retain this heat longer than that of the lower mass (dry) areas. Infrared imagers can detect this heat and “see” the warmer, higher mass areas, during the “window” of uneven heat dissipation.

Figure 1) Areas of the roof that are wet retain heat longer than dry areas.

Some roofs and insulation types or combinations do not absorb any water. These roofs leak straight into the building. Even roofs, which have insulation types that do absorb water, some do not exhibit a good infrared signal, primarily for two reasons. 1) The surface is too reflective, and/or 2) the roof’s ballast is so thick (or dense), that daylight radiation is not absorbed into the substrate (insulation), therefore it cannot be emitted back into the atmosphere at night. Even with a strong infrared signal, factors on the roof can affect the analysis and interpretation of the data. Some of these factors: water between multiple layers, old patches, heavy flood coats, reflective coatings, heat-producing equipment under the roof -or heat blowing down onto the roof, stains, ponding water on the roof, heavy build-up of ballast at parapet walls and along edges, etc. These roofs should be inspected by other methods as described above.

WALK-ON INFRARED ROOF SURVEYING

To perform a walk-on or on-roof survey properly, a crew of three to four people is needed: an experienced infrared thermographer and helper, an experienced roof consultant or roofer and the building owners’ representative for access and security. The crew walks around the roof(s) and when an area of suspect moisture is found, the roof consultant verifies it is wet and then the helper marks the edges of the area directly on the roof with marking paint as instructed by the thermographer. The crew needs authorization and access to all areas and levels of the roof(s) from either ladders or roof hatches and plenty of time to collect data. The infrared images are stored on videotape or digital media and printed (See Figure 2).

Figure 2) On-roof IR image.

The next day, the thermographer goes back on the roof(s) to take matching visual photographs of the marked areas that contain subsurface moisture. The problem with on-roof infrared is that when one is standing on the roof, eye-level is at best six feet over the surface. Even with the best hand-held infrared camera available, there is virtually no way to get large areas (800 sq. ft. blobs or 100′ long striations) of moisture contamination on the screen in one infrared shot. Taking multiple shots is labor-intensive and makes the report confusing. When performing on-roof surveys, many times “you can’t see the forest for the trees.” Marking the roof is fairly easy, but it is very difficult/time-consuming to produce accurate drawings of the wet areas from painted lines on a roof. Often the drawing supplied by the owner is outdated, incorrect or even non-existent.

AERIAL INFRARED ROOF SURVEYING

There is never a time when on-roof imagery is better than aerial imagery. While the best IR imagery of a roof is taken from the air, the same laws of physics apply to both aerial IR and on-roof IR…like a dry roof, low winds and no rain on the night of the survey. Also, the “window” when the roof is radiating heat differently from wet and dry areas is longer with aerial infrared because slight nuances of temperatures over large areas are distinguishable. The high angle of view allows the aerial thermographer to produce more usable imagery and therefore accurate CAD drawings. The cameras that are used for on-roof surveys are not of sufficient spatial resolution to obtain good imagery from flight altitudes of 1,200 – 1,500 feet above the roof, so high-resolution, large format IR cameras (See Figure 3) are required.

Figure 3) Large format infrared imager, fixed-mounted in a light aircraft.

Once the aircraft is over a building, very little time (five minutes per 200,000 square feet, about 25 minutes for two million square feet) is required to fly over making multiple passes. The imagery is recorded on digital videotape. Visual photographs are taken earlier in the day or the next day. After returning to the office, the photos are printed and the thermographs are saved on the computer. The raw video imagery, thermographs and photographs are used to make an edited videotape copy of the passes over the building. Both visual and infrared images are used to do the analysis by overlaying the CAD drawing of the roof ‘over’ the digitized photographs and thermographs. The drawings always need to be corrected, because rooftop equipment has been removed, moved or added since the last update of the drawings. Then, areas of suspected moisture contamination are drawn on the CAD file. The result is a report where visual, infrared and CAD components (printed and video) are well matched and lined-up. The report is given to a roof consultant who verifies the wet insulation during the day, while making other condition notes on the roof.

Fixed-wing aerial infrared imaging provides many advantages over on-roof infrared imaging:

·Access to multiple levels of the roof is not a problem.
·High-angle, straight down infrared images lessen reflection problems.
·High-resolution images capture large areas at once, making report writing easier and less expensive to produce.
·Plan-view imaging allows for infrared images, visual images and AutoCAD drawings to be reconciled closely. As a result, the report is clear, concise and easy to understand (See Figure 4a, 4b, 4c).
·Plan view imaging allows accurate marking of areas of suspect roof moisture contamination.
·The printed CAD drawings can be used on the roof to paint areas of moisture contamination directly on the roof (after verification), if desired.

Figure 4a) Photograph of a roof.

Figure 4b) Thermograph of a roof.

Figure 4c) Scaled CAD drawing of a roof.

·The aerial infrared thermographer can wait for a good night for imaging, surveying many roofs under good conditions.
·The trending of roof moisture becomes possible.
·An aircrew of two can easily survey many millions of square feet in a single night.
·Processing the data is done in the office, not on the roof.
·Report components can be purchased as needed. Aerial IR allows the building owner to buy only the report he needs at that time.

The biggest advantage of aerial infrared is on roofs that are the most difficult to image from any distance or angle. Roofs that, for instance, have a lot of ballast, are covered with reflective coatings or for whatever reason are impossible to image while standing on the roof. With high-resolution, plan view aerial imagery, slight nuances of temperature can be seen from far enough away to actually see the pattern of heat and make a determination of where the problems are.

CONCLUSIONS

Every day millions of square feet of perfectly good roofing materials are disposed of in our landfills. Why? Because roofs are often replaced because know one knows where exactly the roof is damaged until it is too late. If you want your roof to last, it must be regularly maintained by professionals. Infrared roof moisture surveying is the best method of non-destructive testing on roofs, and aerial infrared is the best platform for performing infrared roof moisture surveys. Improvements in IR cameras and flight methodology, aerial infrared thermography and aerial infrared reports are getting better and more useable everyday.

Author Biography
Gregory R. Stockton is President of Stockton Infrared Thermographic Services, Inc.. (http://www.stocktoninfrared.com). Greg has twenty-five years experience in the construction industry, specializing in facilities construction, maintenance and energy-related technologies. He has performed infrared thermography since 1989 and has published fourteen white papers and numerous articles on infrared thermography.

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