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roof repair

What To Consider Before Repairing or Replacing a Roof?

Your roof is an essential component of your home’s structure. It protects you from external elements and ensures your safety and comfort. Over time, roofs can experience wear and tear that requires repair or replacement immediately. Making the decision of a repair or replacement is essential. On the other hand, there are some factors that you should consider before moving forward. Below we will lay out all the factors you should consider before repairing or replacing your roof.

Extent of The Damage

Examine the severity of the damage to your roof. Minor issues like missing shingles or a small leak can often be repaired without a complete replacement. However, if the damage is widespread, severe, or involves structural issues, it’s a serious problem. A replacement might be necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of your home.

Age and Condition of Your Roof

The age of your roof is a vital factor in determining whether it’s time for repair or replacement. Most shelters have a lifespan of around 20 to 25 years. When your roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, it starts to show signs of extensive damage. In this situation, replacement might be the more practical choice in the long run. On the other hand, if your roof is relatively new and the damage is isolated, a repair might work.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation

Roofing technology has advanced significantly. The newer materials can offer better insulation and energy efficiency. A replacement could lead to energy savings over time if your current roof is outdated and not providing proper insulation. Consider the potential for reduced heating and cooling costs when making your decision.

Local Climate and Weather

Your local climate and weather patterns should also influence your decision. A durable roof replacement is essential if you live in an area with severe weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or hurricanes. It might be wiser to ensure your home’s protection against the elements.

Professional Roofing Services

If you are located in Rhode Island, Rhode Island Slate Roofing is the roofing team you can count on! We are more than happy to service the entire state of Rhode Island and have been in the roofing industry for over a decade now! Contact us today to get started on your new roof!

truck in front of a roofing job in providence rhode island

How Are Residential and Commercial Roofs Different?

Residential and commercial construction differs significantly when it comes to roofing. Roofs protect buildings, whether residential or commercial, but they differ in utility, design, and materials. Homeowners and business owners alike must understand these distinction. Knowing the differences will enable you to choose the best roofing alternatives for your particular needs.

The Differences between a Residential Roof and Commercial Roof

The Design Layout

The design layout is what distinguishes residential from commercial roofing. Since commercial buildings are bigger than residential ones, the roof must sustain the added weight and size. Meanwhile, residential buildings contain a pitched roof and a steeper slope, making installation easier. To avoid getting low-quality or improper work, your roofing contractors should be experienced with the type of roofing you require.

Materials Applied

Commercial and residential roofs need a composition of durable materials, depending on their size, exposure to the elements, design, and other features. This will ensure that the roof lasts as long as possible, making it easier to maintain. For instance, commercial roofs have a bigger surface area and include features like air conditioning and ventilation.

This design must be supported and made to last longer by the materials utilized. Roofs for homes and businesses must be constructed from long-lasting materials like solar shingles, wood shakes, metal roofing, and additional supportive materials.

The Maintenance

Commercial buildings have a larger surface area, which makes roof maintenance more difficult. For instance, you should always clear your gutters, especially in the autumn and winter when the material could block them.

With time and severe weather, roof shingles or metal roofing may begin to erode. Check in frequently to ensure everything is in order. Thanks to their smaller size, residential roofs are simpler to maintain and inspect for damage. You may fix any damaged shingles by yourself, and you can clear the gutters as necessary.

Cost and Installation

The overall cost and installation method are two major factors that distinguish a commercial and home roof. Get quotations from reputable roofing providers before you begin work to determine whether it suits your budget.

Professional Roofing Services in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is the roofing company you can depend on when you need work done on a commercial or residential roof. With our experience, passion and certifications, you can expect great results! Contact us to get started!

Slate roof being installed

2023 Spring Roofing Checklist For 2023

With spring just around the corner, just about everyone is itching to get outside and enjoy the moderate temperatures. And with warmer weather comes the opportunity to check in on your home’s roof. After months of snow and ice repeating the freeze-melt cycle, it’s crucial to complete a short, but necessary roofing checklist. Hopefully, there won’t be any damage to your roof, but if there is, you’ll be able to prevent it by being proactive. Here is a roofing checklist with Spring around the corner.

Start with the Attic

Your home’s attic can tell you a lot about the condition of its roof. Since it doesn’t require you to go outdoors, this is a task that can be done early on in the spring once your attic is at a comfortable enough temperature to do so. You want to look for any signs of water damage, sources of moisture, mold, and any damage to the attic or roof’s infrastructure.

Clear Out the Gutters

This task on the to-do list will require moderate weather, so when the forecast is looking clear, dedicate an hour or two to getting up on a ladder and clearing out your gutters. If you cleaned them in the fall, there shouldn’t be too much debris to clear out. But if it’s been a while, you’ll want to rid your gutters of leaves, sticks, and any other organic materials that may have fallen from nearby trees.

Maintain your Roof

If you notice large debris on your roof, such as branches or sticks, you’ll want to get those cleared off. Not only that, but you’ll want to make sure that the impact from this debris didn’t cause any damage to your roof. If you aren’t comfortable getting up on your roof yourself, call a roofing company to handle this task for you. They have the skill and equipment to do the job quickly and safely. Not only that, but they can take a look at your roof as a whole to ensure there isn’t any other damage that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion

Spring is the ideal time of year to complete your roofing checklist for a number of reasons. The weather isn’t too hot or cold, trees aren’t dropping leaves, and you can catch any winter damage quickly. While it’s not everyone’s favorite task, it’s worth tackling your roof’s to-do list in order to prevent costly damage and other issues down the road.

Roofing Services in Rhode Island: Rhode Island Slate Roofing

Rhode Island Slate Roofing has your Rhode Island Roof covered when it comes to new roofing services. Contact us for your roof upgrade today!

Asphalt Shingle Roof

Signs My Asphalt Shingle Roof Needs To Be Replaced

Determining whether or not your roof needs to be replaced is never easy. However, by knowing which signs you should be keeping in eye out for, you can often quickly determine the best course of action, or get a roof inspector involved who can provide you with a more educated assessment on the quality of your roof. To help you get started, here are a few of the signs you should consider replacing your home’s asphalt shingle roof!

Missing Shingles

Let’s start with the obvious; if you have missing shingles, it’s certainly time to consider a roof replacement. While it’s possible that strong gust of wind, or broken branch, may have caused shingles to fall off of your roof, the more likely scenario is that your roof is beginning to age, and the fastenings are coming loose. In this case, a missing shingle is just a symptom of a larger issue.

Warping or Buckling Shingles

Sometimes the damage to your shingles isn’t quite as drastic as missing shingles. Oftentimes, the signs of damage will be far more subtle. A couple of the most important ones to look out for are warping or buckling shingles. This happens when your shingles, and roof deck, begin to absorb water. This leads to warping & buckling, which gives water more room to infiltrate your roof. If you begin to see signs of warping, you’ll want to have the roof inspected immediately.

Granules in Your Yard or Gutters

Another reason you might want to consider a roof replacement is because you’re beginning to find granules in your gutter system or yard. Your granules are essential for the health of your roof, helping to keep the system protected from UV rays which can otherwise damage the shingles. Once your shingles begin to lose their granules, it’s generally a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced.

The Age Of The Roof

Do you know when your roof was installed? If you can’t answer that question, you should at the very least by inspecting your roof annually. Once an asphalt shingle roof is over 20 years old, the signs of damage will quickly begin to show, and waiting to replace it for signs of imminent failure could mean that you’re exposing other parts of your home to water damage or weathering as well.

Contact Us Today

If you need to replace your home’s asphalt shingle roof this summer, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! You can contact our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof replacement needs!

Roof Repairs

Signs Your Roof Needs Repairs

Did you know you should be inspecting your roof every spring? Annual roof inspections performed by the homeowner or a roofing contractor are proven to extend the life of your roof. During the inspection, damage and areas of concern can be noted and then repaired by the roofing contractor. Repairs that are done correctly and in a timely fashion can make the difference between a total roof replacement in the near future or a healthy roof that has years of life left in it. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs you need to schedule your roof repairs ASAP. 

Shedding Granules 

Asphalt shingles have small granules on their surface. These granules stay put until shingles begin to get worn out and old. Granules look like small pieces of black sand and you’re most likely to notice them when you’re cleaning out your gutter system. 

Damaged or Missing Shingles 

Shingles that are curling, cracked, or showing other signs of damage need to be replaced. Damage and curling typically occurs when asphalt shingles shrink after being exposed to the sun for so long. The shrinking process makes them more brittle and more likely to blow off the roof during a storm too. If you see a spot where shingles should be but aren’t, it’s safe to assume they already went through the shrinking process and blew off in the last storm. 

Leaks or Light in the Attic 

Go into your attic and look for signs of light or moisture coming in from the roof. Going up during or right after a rainstorm is the best way to look for water leaks. If you see a leak, mark the spot on the floor and ceiling of the attic to show a roofing contractor later. Light that shines through your roof into the attic during the day is a sign that there’s missing shingles that need to be replaced or a hole in one of the existing shingles that needs to be repairs. 

Excess Moisture on Shingles 

During the roof inspection, if there are shingles that seem to be holding onto moisture, that’s a sign of a bigger problem. Shingles that hold moisture can trap that moisture under the surface and lead to mold or water damage inside the home. You may also see mold or algae growth on shingles that aren’t draining water properly. 

Contact Us Today

If you’re in need of a roof replacement this summer, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! You can contact our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof replacement needs!

Cleaning Gutters

Summer Roof Maintenance

The roof of your home is arguably the single most important part of your house. A good roof protects against bad weather, harsh temperatures, pests, and so much more! Maintaining your roof throughout each year will help extend the life of the roof and save you some serious cash. Use these roof maintenance tips each summer to determine how your roof held up over a long winter and keep it in good condition all year long! 

Check Your Shingles

If you see shingles that are missing, cracked, or curling, they should be replaced ASAP. Damaged shingles put your roof at risk of water damage and creates a weak spot for pests to enter the home. Checking and replacing shingles may sound like a simple task, but there’s more to it than you’d think. Inspecting the shingles requires close attention to detail and precision to avoid stepping on a damaged area of the roof. Replacing your shingles with the wrong type of shingle or securing it incorrectly leaves your roof at risk for mold or algae growth too. A professional roofer can come out every summer to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs so you don’t have to! 

Inspect the Roof from the Attic

Go into your attic and look up at the ceiling. The ceiling of your attic is just the back of your roof, so this is a great way to get a different perspective. If you see any holes or areas where light is shining through into the attic, your roof is in need of repair. 

Remove Debris 

Debris and limbs on your roof can lead to water damage and harm your homes ability to reflect light to prevent overheating in the summer. Use a leaf blower to clean debris off the hard to reach areas and take your time removing larger debris to avoid a slip or fall. 

Clean and Repair Your Gutters 

While you have the ladder out, clean the leaves and other debris from your gutter system. A blocked gutter system will lead to improper water drainage from your roof that can result in water damage, foundation damage, and ice dams on your roof in the winter. Flush the gutter system with a hose after you’re done to ensure there’s no blockages out of your view in the downspout. Gutters that are leaking, cracked, or otherwise damaged will need to be repaired or replaced. 

Contact Us Today

If you need to repair your home’s roof this summer, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing can be reached at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! Reach out to our team today to get started on your project!

Slate Roof and Windows

Longest Lasting Roofing Materials

When it comes to roofing materials, they don’t always offer the same benefits. Some materials offer better aesthetic benefits, and some are more durable. It’s important when replacing your roofing material to consider what you value most of of a material. Ultimately, when most homeowners think about what they want out of their roof, the top priority is a roof that lasts for a long time. Interested in learning a bit about which materials tend to outlast the rest? Check out our blog to learn more about which materials last the longest!

Asphalt Shingles

To begin, let’s discuss the most popular roofing material in the country; asphalt shingles. Trusted by homeowners across the country for decades, asphalt shingles are manufactured by an enormous amount of companies, making it easy to find the right shingle for your budget and aesthetic needs. However, with so many different kinds of shingles, it can be tough to know which style to choose, and which style last the longest. The base model of shingle 3-tabs, tend to last between 20-30 years, however, architectural shingles, the most expensive style, usually last between 30 and 50 years.

Clay Tile Roofing

Next up, let’s discuss a material that tends to be very popular in the south-west United States and overseas; clay tile. This material, made out of hardened clay is not only environmentally friendly, it is also incredibly long-lasting. Clay tile tends to last between 40-80 years, meaning for most homeowners, once you install a clay tile roof, you will never need to worry about installing another roof! However, there are are some materials that are ever longer-lasting, which brings us to our last option.

Slate Roofing

When it comes to long-lasting roofing materials, none are better than slate tile. Produced in slate mines, slate roofing is as environmentally friendly as clay tile, fully recyclable at the end of it’s lifespan. However, it is even more durable, and lasts longer than clay tile. How much longer you may ask? Well, a properly installed and maintained slate roof is capable of lasting well over a century. In fact, when driving through the rural New England, it is not uncommon to see slate roofs that are over 200 or 300 years old, at least partially. If you’re looking for a material that will truly stand the test of time, none are better than slate tiles!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in installing a slate roof on your home this year, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! If you’re interested in learning more about our team’s services, reach out today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Roof and home in the spring

Preparing Your Roof & Gutters For Spring

With spring just around the corner in Rhode Island, now is the time to start thinking about your home maintenance, and ensuring that your home is prepared for the windy, rainy spring & summer months ahead! When it comes to exterior maintenance, one of the most important areas to examine is your roof & gutter system. Since they offer your home so much protection from the elements, keeping your roof & gutters in working order is essential for the health of your home! Interested in learning a bit more about what you should keep an eye out for this spring? Keep reading below for more information!

Check For Damage

The first thing you should do is examine your roof & gutters for damage. While it is best to enlist the help of a professional to be certain, you can perform a quick check for yourself from the ground. Walk around your home, taking a step back to examine as much of your shingle system as possible. On your roof, keep an eye out for missing shingles, or signs of damage such as broken, cracked, or warped shingles, rusty flashing, or a sagging roof deck. On your gutter system, you will want to check all of your fasteners to ensure that the system stays water tight. Also keep an eye out for any sagging in the system, as the boards that your gutters are attached to can rot as well.

Clear Debris From The Systems

The next thing you will want to do after examining the system for damage is to clear it of debris. While a few leaves on your shingles aren’t a big deal, if there are any large branches on your roof, or rubbing across your shingle system, you will want to have them cut back to protect the granules.

More importantly, you will want to clean your gutter system of any debris. As the winter thaw begins to melt, you can remove any gunk that was trapped in the system, which is important for allowing water to flow freely and not spill over the sides of the system where it can cause water damage to your siding, foundation, and shingle system. While it is a good idea to clean your gutters twice a year, cleaning them during the spring is the most important time, as spring showers will test the limits of the system!

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance installing a new roof or gutter system on your home this spring, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today to get started by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your needs!

Slate Roofing Shingles

Slate Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles

When it comes to replacing your home’s roof, there is a number of different roofing options to choose from, all of which offer their own benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to roofing in North America, asphalt shingles have long reigned as the standard of the industry. However, there have always been niche options that many homeowners trust to keep their home’s protected. One such option that our team regularly installs for homeowners in need, is slate roofing. If you’ve been trying to decide which material you should be using for your home’s roof replacement, our team has compared the pros & cons of each roofing material to help inform your decision!

Aesthetics

When it comes to choosing a roofing material that will help boost your home’s curb appeal, there is no better option than a beautiful, slate roof. While asphalt shingles are widely manufactured, and thus available in a wide array of colors, slate roofing offers a classic, sleek, design that will help your home stand out in the neighborhood. If you’re looking for a roofing option that will provide your home with superior curb appeal, slate roofing is one of the best options you can choose!

Cost

If you’re interested in replacing your roof on a budget, asphalt shingles will be the more economical option. Asphalt shingles cost less than slate, partially due to the fact that slate is much more difficult to process and needs to be carefully sourced. That being said, it cost is a concern, asphalt shingles are going to be the less expensive roofing option.

Longevity

If you’re interested in installing a roofing option that will keep your home protected for decades to come, there is no better roofing option on the market than slate. While asphalt shingles are durable and can last for two or three decades if well-maintained, they simply don’t hold a candle to the durability that slate roofing offers. No roofing material is less susceptible to moisture damage than slate, making it a fantastic roofing option for any climate. Well-maintained slate roofing has been known to last for over a century in the right conditions, making it a truly elite roofing option when it comes to longevity.

Environmental Impact

If you’re interested in installing a greener roofing option, slate roofing is much more environmentally friendly than asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are manufactured with the use of fossil fuels, making them an unsustainable roofing option long-term. Slate roofing, however, it simply mined and cut with minimal processing, making it one of the most environmentally friendly roofing options on the market, along with cedar shingles. If you’re looking for a roofing material that will help reduce your home’s environmental impact, slate roofing is a fantastic choice!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in learning more about our team’s roofing options, including asphalt shingles and slate roofing, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your home’s roof replacement needs!

Slate Roof Red Tiles

Most Durable Roofing Materials

When it comes to roofing materials, not all materials offer the same level of durability and protection. Considering how important your home’s roof is to the health of your home as a whole, it is important to ensure that you choose a roofing material that can keep your home properly protected no matter what Mother Nature has to offer. If you’re interested in learning more about which roofing materials offer the highest durability, keep reading below for more information!

Asphalt Shingles

First let’s take a look at what is the most commonly installed roofing material in North America, asphalt shingles. When it comes to durability, asphalt shingles are one of the better options on the market. They are one of the most economical roofing materials on the market, making them a fantastic option at the price point.

Clay Tiles

Another roofing option that offers almost unbeatable durability is clay tile roofing. Clay Tiles are an uncommon roofing material in the Northeast, but they are very popular in the Southwest & Europe. Clay tiles are highly durable, only being damaged by blunt trauma. Furthermore, clay tiles are designed to last for a century, making them one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market!

Metal Roofing

Another durable roofing option that many homeowners in the northeast trust to keep their homes protected is metal roofing. Metal roofing is highly resistant to every form of roofing damage, including blunt damage, fire, and all forms of weather. Furthermore, metal roofing is designed to last for at least a half-century, and with proper maintenance, it could last much longer!

Slate Roofing

Finally, when it comes to durable roofing materials, there’s nothing that can truly compete with slate roofing. Slate roofing is one of the most trusted roofing materials not only in North America but in history. Homeowners have been using slate tiles for centuries, and some historic architecture is constructed with slate roofing. In terms of providing your home with protection from the elements, slate is resistant to every kind of weather and can only really be damaged from heavy hail or damage from someone walking around on your roof.

Slate roofing can last for well over a hundred years with proper maintenance. If you ever have slate shingles that break, it is easy to replace individual shingles, but can sometimes be difficult to find an exact match for your slate shingles.

Contact Us Today

Are you interested in installing a new roof on your Rhode Island home? Our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! We can be reached over the phone by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof replacement needs!