With wildfires impacting countless homes in Los Angeles this past week, we believe it is essential for homeowners to be prepared for residential fires. Roofs can catch on fire in multiple ways and spread very quickly. This blog will explain the steps homeowners should take if their roofs are on fire.

1. Get Your Family To Safety

First and foremost, get yourself and your family to safety. Once you figure out that your roof is on fire, do not waste any time. Alert other members of your family and help everyone evacuate quickly. Stand as far away from your home as you can. Once you are outside your house, do not try to re-enter while your roof is still ablaze.

2. Call Emergency Services

Once you are outside your home and a safe distance away from the fire, call 911. If you were not able to retrieve your phone before exiting your home, politely ask one of your neighbors for assistance. Fill in first responders on the situation and let them know if anyone or any pets are trapped inside.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

After first responders put out the fire on your roof, get in contact with your insurance company and let them know what happened. If you are unsure if your homeowners insurance policy covers roof fires, ask your insurance company for some clarity.

4. Check on Your Roof

Once it is safe to do so, check on your roof to get an assessment of the damage. Take pictures of the area and the damages for future insurance purposes.

5. Get in Contact with a Roofing Contractor

After getting an idea of the damage on your roof, contact a roofing contractor and find out if they can help you. If your roof is not a total loss, they may be able to help you restore your roof or provide a temporary solution.

Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is a roofing contractor located in Smithfield, RI. With over a decade in the industry, Rhode Island residents and homeowners can feel confident about hiring us for a roofing service. If your roof needs a repair or you would like a new roof installation, contact us!

Some people love winter and some do not. Regardless of your stance on the winter season, winters climate and weather can create less than ideal situations for roofs. If your home is in the West Coast of the United States, you likely will not encounter a winter roofing problem. If your home is in the East Coast of the United States however, roofing problems can be quite common during the winter. This blog will explain common roofing problems homeowners should be cognizant of every winter.

1. Snow Accumulation on The Roof

On the East Coast, winters are synonymous with snow. When it snows for an extended period of time, snow will accumulate in various areas, including rooftops. A significant amount of snow on a rooftop can cause a handful of issues. For starters, having too much snow on your roof can weigh down your roof. Snow putting pressure on your roof can cause it to collapse. Even if your roof can withstand the weight of snow accumulation, leaks can still happen. A leaky roof is never ideal and can be tricky to stop. To prevent snow from accumulating on your roof, consider shoveling it off yourself or hiring someone to shovel the snow off your roof for you.

2. Ice Dams Forming

Another common winter roofing problem is when ice dams form. Ice dams form when the snow on your roof melts. Ice dams can cause damage to your property and lead to costly repairs. To best way to prevent ice dams forming is to ensure your home is well-insulated. Since ice dams typically form from the heat that escapes your home, minimizing this can lower the chances your roof has an ice dam.

3. Damaged Gutters

Last but certainly not least, the winter season can damage gutters. Gutters are integral to every home and roof. Without them, water cannot be directly away from your property. Keep an eye on your gutters during the winter season and be vigilant if your gutter needs a repair.

Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is a team of roofers Rhode Island residents can trust for various roofing services! With over 15 years of roofing experience and our strong expertise, you will love our results! Contact us to learn more or get started!

Roofing projects are best left to skilled professionals but there are some who are determined to tackle a do-it-yourself (DIY) roofing project. If you are one of these people, following key guidelines before, during and after the project is important. If you plan on taking on a DIY roofing project, here are some things you should know. 

1. Keep Your Tools and Materials Organized 

Proper organization of tools and materials is a crucial first step in any DIY roofing project. Before climbing onto the roof, ensure you have all the necessary tools, such as a hammer, roofing nails, utility knife, and safety equipment.  Then, gather materials such as shingles to avoid unnecessary trips up and down the ladder. Knowing where your roofing tools and materials are will lead to a more efficient process. 

2. Rember to Clean Your Roof Beforehand

Before beginning any roofing project, thoroughly clean the roof to eliminate hazards that could lead to slips and falls. Debris, like leaves, dirt, and loose shingles, can make the surface dangerous, especially on steep or wet roofs. So, use a broom or leaf blower to clear the area, and ensure it is completely clear before starting your work. 

3. Wear Roofing Gloves and Eye Protector

Wearing roofing gloves and eye protection is essential for safeguarding yourself during a DIY roofing project. Roofing gloves provide a secure grip on tools and materials while protecting your hands from cuts, scrapes, and punctures caused by sharp objects like nails or shingles. Eye protection, such as safety goggles, will shield your eyes from dust, flying debris, or accidental contact with tools. 

4. Use a Safety Harness

A safety harness is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself while working on a roof. A properly secured harness attached to a stable anchor point can prevent serious injuries by stopping a fall before it happens. 

Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate Roofing can help Rhode Island homeowners and business owners with their next roofing project. If your roof has seen better days, we can help you repair it or install a new one. Roofs are invaluable so do not neglect your roof. Contact us to get started on a better roof!

Roofs are expensive investments, so doing whatever you can to extend their lifespan will be invaluable. The more productive years you can get out from a roof, the more money you will save. In this blog, we will share tips on how homeowners with asphalt shingles can  extend the roofing materials lifespan.

1. Pay Attention To Your Attic’s Ventilation

With attics situated right beneath a roof, your attic’s ventilation is essential to the well-being of your roof. When your attic is properly ventilated, it will prevent your roof from becoming too hot or cold. If extreme hot or cold air reaches your roof from inside your attic, it can cause your roof to deteriorate.

2. Address Overhanging Tree Branches

Another way to look out for your asphalt shingles is to eliminate tree branches looming over your roof. Tree branches that hover over your roof can do damage to your asphalt shingles and roof if they were the come down.

3. Keep Your Roof Clean Year Round

Leaves, branches, debris etc. tend to find their way onto rooftops. By keeping your roof clean regularly throughout the year, it increases the chances your asphalt shingles stay in tact and in good condition.

4. Have Your Roof Inspected Every Year

From afar, it may look like all your asphalt shingles are intact, but upon closer and further inspection, your asphalt shingle roof may be missing a few shingles. If you live in an area with frequent strong storms, your shingles can blow off quite easily. If you are not comfortable inspecting your roof up close, a roofing professional can always do it for you.

5. Repair When Necessary

Asphalt shingles will not be able to repair themselves. When it is obvious that your asphalt shingles need to be repaired, do not hesitate to do so. Not being proactive with asphalt shingle repairs can lead to significant damages to your home.

Asphalt Shingle Service in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is a team of roofers Rhode Island residents and businesses can trust. Our friendly team of expert roofers is experienced, properly trained and highly motivated to help our communities. We can offer a variety of roofing types and we are willing to be flexible. For your next roofing project, contact us!

If you take a walk down your street and look at all your neighbors roofs, you will likely see at least a handful of them with asphalt shingles. This is because asphalt shingles remain one of, if not the most popular roofing option in the world. On top of that, Asphalt shingles only continue to rise in popularity. So why have asphalt shingles risen in popularity? We will cover why so many homes now have asphalt shingles on their roofs.

1. Asphalt Shingles Are Easy To Install

Some roofing installations require a complicated process. Asphalt shingles do not fall under that category. For homeowners looking for a simple roof installation with a quick turnaround time, asphalt shingles check the box.

2. Asphalt Shingles Are Easy To Repair

Not only are asphalt shingles easy to install, they are also easy to repair! Should any of your asphalt shingles get damaged or blow off your roof, finding asphalt shingle replacements will not be too difficult.

3. Asphalt Shingles Are Cost-Effective

Another aspect that draws homeowners to asphalt shingles is the pricing. Asphalt shingles are more affordable than many of the other roofing materials available. Modest pricing combined with results make asphalt shingles cost-effective.

4. Asphalt Shingles Look Good

Asphalt shingles offer a united look for roofs and can come in a variety of colors. While most homeowners go with gray asphalt shingles, homeowners can choose from a variety of different colors.

5. Asphalt Shingles Get The Job Done

The most important thing with roofing materials is whether or not they can get the job done. Roofing shingles may not last forever, but when they are put in place, they can protect a home and offer some insulation. If maintained properly, asphalt shingles can usually last up to 30 years!

Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is a roofing team Rhode Island residents and property owners can trust when it comes to roofing services. With a detail-oriented and friendly team, you will love working with us. You will also love the result of your new roof! If you need a roof repair or installation, contact us today to get started!

Solar panels are commonly found and associated with sloped roofs but they can also exist on flat roofs! If your home has a flat roof and you are interested in solar panels, you are in luck. Solar panels can be installed on flat roofs but with some consideration involved. If you are thinking about installing solar panels on your flat roof, here are five things you should keep in mind.

1. Solar Panels on Flat Roofs Can Be More Expensive

Having solar panels installed on a flat roof can cost more than an solar panel installations on a sloped roof. This is likely due to the fact the configuration of a solar panel installation on a flat roof is different than one on a sloped roof. While a solar panel installation on a flat roof may cost more, it should not deter you as long as you can afford it and are comfortable with the price.

2. Solar Panels on Flat Roofs Require More Maintenance

Homeowners with solar panels on sloped roofs do not have to think about maintenance often due to the nature of the roof. With a roof being sloped, any water or debris that comes in contact with the roof will likely come down. With a flat roof, there is nowhere for water or debris to leave the area. So if you have a flat roof with solar panels, you will likely have to clear your roof more frequently for optimal solar panel performance.

3. Solar Panels on Flat Roofs Are Still Efficient

If you are worried that solar panels will not be efficient on your flat roofs, you do not have to be so worried. As long as your flat roof can absorb sunlight, solar panels can be efficient. In fact, in some cases, solar panels on a flat roof can be more efficient than solar panels on a sloped roof because they can absorb more sunlight.

Roof Services in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is a trusted and certified roofing contractor in Smithfield, RI. With many years of roofing experience, you can count on us to help you with your next Rhode Island roofing project. Contact us to get started!

When it comes time to get a new roof, there are many materials to choose from. With that said, if it is time for your home to get a new roof, you cannot go wrong with choosing asphalt shingles. In this blog, we will explain five reasons why choosing asphalt shingles can be a great choice!

1. Friendlier Cost

No matter which roofing material you pick, it will cost a fair amount of money. With that said, asphalt shingles typically offer a friendlier cost than most other roofing options. If you are on a budget or don’t want to pay for the most expensive type of roof, asphalt shingles can help you save money.

2. Convienent Installation Time

Some roofing materials are more difficult to install than others. Asphalt shingles are typically considered one of the easiest types of roofs to install. Roofing installations can cause disruptions so the sooner your new roof is installed, the sooner you can return to a normal routine!

3. Simpler Replacements

Roofing replacements are not uncommon, but some roof replacements can be extremely challenging. Most roofing contractors believe that replacing asphalt shingles is considered one of the more manageable roof replacement projects. Replacing a missing shingle or two is much simpler than replacing a damaged metal roof.

4. Multitude of Colors

Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and give homeowners plenty of options to choose from. When homeowners decide to go with an asphalt roof, they do not have to feel trapped into picking a certain color.

5. Versatility

Versatility is invaluable in any aspect of life. When a roof can display versatility, it can be a massive difference maker. Asphalt shingles display versatility by holding up well against warm and cold weather. So, if your home is located in a region like the northeast of the United States, asphalt shingles can be perfect!

Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is a team of roofers you can trust for your next Rhode Island roofing job! If you have a particular roof in mind, we would like to help you make it a reality! With our experience, tools, and teamwork, you will not be disappointed with the result! Contact us today to get started on your roof installation or repair!

Environmental hazards such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms can lead to a need for an emergency roof repair. Homeowners need to be vigilant to detect leaks or any type of damage following an occurrence of any of these hazards. Some telltale signs are water spots in your ceiling, pests and rodent infestation, dented or missing roof shingles, or an increase in your energy bills. Once detected, emergency roof repair should immediately be done to prevent further damage or deterioration. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to repair your roof urgently, here are some useful tips.

1. Do a Thorough Inspection

The first step for emergency roof repair is inspection. Look around the corners of the roof for any sign of a leak or crack, dents or debris, and make proper documentation. Take your time and pay close attention. Take photos and make marks on damaged areas to guide the professional contractor’s work. This helps to get a sense of how much damage has been done to the roof. It is advisable to do this regularly after an environmental hazard.

2. Tarp the Roof

To prevent further damage to the property, visit any hardware store around you and buy a tarp to cover the damaged roof. This can prevent water leakage when it rains just before the contractor comes for emergency repair. This is more or less a quick fix before the main repair is done.

3. Make Minor Adjustments

Take some caution before you do this. If the dent to the roof is not on a large scale and you have the necessary tools for repair then you can make some DIY adjustments. In a situation where you cannot get the immediate attention of a contractor or repairs cannot be done due to harsh weather conditions, this may come in handy.

4. Inform Your Insurance Company

It is important to file an insurance claim if the damage is very severe. Once the construction company gives an estimate of how much the repair would cost, you can go ahead and inform your insurance company. They most likely would send another contractor to give a second estimate and depending on your arrangement, your insurance would cover the cost.

5. Find the Right Contractor

After going through the whole pre-repair process the final step is to hire a reputable contractor from a reliable construction company to come in and get the repair done. Choosing a trustworthy company offers you a warranty should there be any problems during construction.

Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is located in Smithfield, RI and is ready to help Rhode Island residents with their roofing needs. Contact us today to get started!