Decaying Asphalt Shingle Roof

Signs You Need To Replace Your Shingle Roof

roof replacement, roofing

Your roof is one of the most important pieces of your home’s exterior.  It acts as your home’s first line of defense against the elements and helps to keep your home protected no matter what Mother Nature has to throw at it.  If you’ve been wondering whether your asphalt shingle roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, take a look at our blog to learn about the signs that your roof is nearing the end of its life that you may have missed!

Missing Shingles

Perhaps the most obvious sign that your home is in need of a roof replacement is when you see that your roof is missing shingles.  If you have gaps in your roof where there are no shingles, that area will easily become water-logged, which will eventually make its way into the frame of your home. Once you have water damage in your home’s frame, you can expect to face expensive repairs.  Avoid scrambling to deal with water damage by fixing your home’s missing shingles.

Curled or Warping Shingles

Another clear sign that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan is when you see that your shingles are warping or curling around the edges.  A curled shingle will not keep your roof protected as well as a layer of shingles that are laid over the top of one another. Consider the fact that if a shingle is curled up around the edges, it will allow water to easily penetrate the roof deck where it can cause significant water damage.

Missing Granules

If you find that your gutters or lawn is filled with granules, you should consider replacing your roof in the near future.  Granules offer a number of benefits for your shingles, including protecting your shingles from UV rays, and providing additional layers of fire resistance.  Furthermore, if your shingles are losing granules, it is generally a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan anyways and may begin to curl, warp, crack or break, in which case a roof replacement is necessary.

Contact Us Today

Do you need to replace your home’s asphalt shingle roof this spring? Reach out to our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing today to get started! We can be reached over the phone at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof replacement needs!

Slate Roofing Fire Resistant

Fire Resistant Roofing Materials

roofing

When homeowners install a new roof on their homes, they do so to help keep their home protected from the elements, such as wind and precipitation.  One aspect of protection that we don’t often consider in the Northeast is fire resistance.  Since we don’t often see natural wildfires in the Northeast, a fire resistant roof isn’t as obvious of a concern or required piece of home construction as it is on the west coast where wildfires a part of everyday life.  However, disaster isn’t picky, and just because there are few wildfires in the Northeast doesn’t mean that home’s don’t burn down. If you’re replacing your home’s roof in the near future, consider installing one of these fire-proof roofing materials:

Slate

One of the truly timeless materials, slate is a distinguished roofing shingle chosen for some of the most magnificent homes around the world for the beauty it provides.  It is a durable, long-lasting material that earns a class A fire rating, meaning it is non-combustible.  Whether you opt for hard or soft slate, both versions offer complete fire resistance.

Clay Tile

Clay tile is another unconventional roofing material that isn’t often seen in the Northeast.  Clay tiles are far more common in the Southwestern United States, but they are still used in the Northeast for the beautiful curb appeal they provide for homes. In addition to their aesthetics, clay tiles are also extremely durable and fully fire resistant.  The only way fire can penetrate your roof through clay tiles is by slipping underneath the grooves in the “S-style” shingles that are commonly used.

Fiberglass-Based Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the single most common roofing material used in the United States. In fact, they comprise roughly 80% of the roofing market in the United States.  They are so widespread due to low manufacturing and installation costs, which has made them extremely popular with North American homeowners.  When it comes to asphalt, not all shingles are made the same.  While some shingles are not as fire resistant as the next, it is easily possible to obtain asphalt shingles that hold Class A fire resistance, meaning they will never blow into bits and pieces or create small, burning embers. Always be sure to check any shingles fire-resistance rating before installation, but it is fully possible to obtain fire resistant asphalt shingles.

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about the fire suppressing benefits of different roofing materials? Perhaps you want to install a more fire-resistant roofing material on your home? Reach out to our team for more information at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Clay Tile Roofing

Benefits of Clay Tile Roofing

roofing

When homeowners imagine replacing their roofs, one of the first things that comes to mind for most is asphalt shingles.  They are the standard of the North American roofing industry and most homeowners choose to have them installed on their homes. However, there are many other materials that homeowners trust to protect their homes, from rubber, to metal, to slate.  One option that’s a bit less conventional is clay tile roofing.  Clay makes a wonderful roofing option that more homeowners may want to consider for their homes.  Take a look at the benefits that clay tile roofing offers below:

Aesthetics and Versatility

If you’ve been looking for a roofing material that will help your home stand out from the other homes on the street, clay tile is a wonderful choice.  It is an uncommon roofing option that isn’t seen very often in the Northeast.  This makes home’s with clay tile roofing very desirable and noteworthy.

Beyond the fact that it is an unconventional option which provides curb appeal, clay tiles are also available in a variety of colors, although many homeowners choose to install natural looking tiles. Clay tiles are highly customizable, from shape to color, which makes them a fantastic option if you have a particular aesthetic vision in mind for your home.

Energy Efficiency

Clay tiles are thick, which means they will help to regulate your home’s internal temperature.  If you are interested in installing a roofing material that can help cut down on your home’s energy bills, clay tiles are a great choice.

Environmentally Friendly

If you’re interested in installing an environmentally friendly roofing option, clay tiles are a great choice.  Unlike asphalt shingles which require the use of fossil fuels to manufacture, clay tiles are completely natural, and at the end of their lifespan they can be ground up, recycled, and re-purposed.

Durability

Tile roofs are one of the most durable, long-lasting roofing materials on the market, which makes them a fantastic option if you are interested in replacing your roof once and not having to worry about it again.  A well-installed clay tile roof can last up to a century in the right conditions.  Furthermore, clay tiles are known to withstand hail, fire, and high winds, which makes them a great option for windy Massachusetts.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in having clay tile roofing installed on your home this spring, reach out to our team at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you!

Benefits of Slate Roofing

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Slate roofing has been a popular roofing option for decades, and for good reason. It provides a number of benefits for the homes that choose to install them. Many homeowners are aware of the aesthetic benefits that a slate roof can provide for their home, but there are many other benefits that you may have overlooked.  Take a look at some of the benefits you may not have been aware of by reading below:

Durable/Longevity

Slate roofing is the most durable roofing material on the market.  Slate roofing can last for centuries if properly installed.  It is naturally fire-resistant, and cannot mold or rot. Slate is also resistant to frost damage, and won’t break from the cold, which can damage asphalt shingles. Your slate roof is has the potential to outlive the actual frame of your home if properly maintained. With an average lifespan of 75-200 years, you will only need to replace your roof once during your lifetime if you choose to install slate.  Compared to an asphalt roof, which may only last 20-30 years, slate is the far more durable option, even beyond its longevity.

Environmentally Friendly

If you are interested in installing an environmentally friendly roofing option, slate roofing is one of the best!  While asphalt shingles require the use of fossil fuels to manufacture, slate occurs naturally which means there is very little manufacturing required. It simply needs to be mined and cut to fit the homeowner’s preferences. In addition to its environmentally friendly manufacturing process, it is also fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan, making it a far greener option than asphalt shingles.

Aesthetics

Slate roofs look fantastic, providing a rustic charm to the homes on which they are installed. Slate is generally gray, black, or blue-gray, but it can be colored to fit nearly any aesthetic preference. It can also be cut into a variety of shapes, from rounded, to square, to rectangular, to less conventional options like a half moon. No matter what your style preferences are, you can find slate roofing to match your vision.

Low Maintenance

Due to its extreme durability, slate roofing requires very little maintenance.  Essentially the only maintenance you will ever need to perform on your slate roof is replacing shingles when they occasionally crack. They will withstand just about anything Mother Nature can throw at them, with the exception of heavy hail which can crack and break shingles. Otherwise, expect to perform very little maintenance on your slate roof!

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about slate roofing, or perhaps install a slate roof of your own? Reach out to our team today at (401) 255-2003 or fill out our online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

 

 

Multi-Color Asphalt Roof

Pros & Cons of Asphalt Shingles

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Asphalt shingles have long reigned supreme as the most popular roofing material in North America.  However, with so many other roofing materials on the market, you may be wondering why asphalt shingles have remained in high demand for such a long period of time. If you are curious to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks that asphalt shingles can offer your home, take a look at our blog for more information!

Pros:

Economical

One of the biggest reasons that asphalt shingles are so popular is that they are the cheapest roofing option available. If you are interested in replacing your home’s roof on a budget, asphalt shingles are your best option.

Customizable

If you are interested in installing a roofing material that can fit any aesthetic style, asphalt shingles are arguably the best option. Asphalt shingles are highly customizable because there are so many asphalt shingle manufacturers producing them.  With so many different manufacturers, it is easy to find any color, or style of asphalt shingles.

Easy Installation

If you can find a contractor that installs roofing of any kind, there is a very good chance that they know how to install asphalt shingles. Easier to install than slate, metal, rubber, or most other roofing materials, it is generally easy to find a contractor who knows how to install an asphalt shingle roof. Furthermore, if your contractor ever goes out of business, having an asphalt shingle roof means that it will be easy to find another contractor who can help with maintenance.

Durable

Asphalt shingles stand up well to the elements, and are resistant to breaking, cracking, warping, which makes them a reliable option for protecting your home.  While they are not as durable as slate roofing, they are a decent option that you can install at a relatively low price point.

Cons:

Environmental Impact

The manufacturing of asphalt shingles requires the use of fossil fuels. Asphalt is a semi-solid petroleum product, which makes it an unsustainable roofing option from an environmental standpoint. Furthermore, while some roofing options may have a less than environmentally friendly manufacturing process, such as metal, they are completely recyclable at the end of their lifespan. While asphalt shingles should be recyclable in theory, in practice they account for an enormous portion of the United State annual waste, with some estimates placing the number as high as 5%.

Extreme Temperatures

Asphalt shingles don’t perform well in extreme heat. The heat can cause shingles to crack and fade. Furthermore, if your climates temperature fluctuates significantly, from freezing nights to scorching days, you may have issues with your asphalt shingles holding up to the temperature changes. It can also be difficult to install asphalt shingles during cold conditions.

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about installing asphalt shingles on your home today? Reach out to our team at (401) 255-2003 or fill out our online contact form for more information!

A Guide to Different Types of Roofing

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If you’re a homeowner, investing in a new roof for your house may very well be one of the most major remodeling decisions you ever make. After all, today’s roofs are designed to last a long time and after you spend that much money on something, you’re unlikely to want to replace it anytime in the near future! Due to this, it’s imperative for you to understand the various types of roofing that you can choose from these days. This guide outlines some popular options.

Asphalt Shingles 

Once one of the only affordable roofing options for American homeowners, asphalt shingles are still used on about ¾ of the homes in the United States. They are inexpensive, functional, and available in a wide variety of colors, making them the perfect choice for any budget and almost any style. It’s worth noting that modern manufacturers have begun creating “architectural shingles,” which are slightly more expensive but feature more depth and texture than traditional styles.

Metal 

Metal roofing was once thought of only as an option for commercial and agricultural buildings, like pole barns. In recent years, however, an increasing number of homeowners have begun putting metal roofs on their residences. Metal is extremely durable and, nowadays, comes in a wide range of shapes and styles. You can even get metal roofing that is cut to look similar to tiles or shingles.

Clay Tiles 

Significantly more expensive than either of the aforementioned roofing materials, clay tiles have an aesthetic that is nearly impossible to replicate. Although there are mass produced styles on the market today, many roofing tiles are still handcrafted by artisans. They often feature scalloped edges and look incredible on Mediterranean and Tuscan style homes. If you’re considering this option for your house, it’s worth noting that clay tiles are fairly fragile, so if you may have to have repair work done more often than you would with another material.

Slate 

Slate roofing is the most costly choice for homeowners. Unlike clay tiles, however, slate is an extremely durable material that is certain to stand the test of time. As a matter of fact, many Victorian-era houses that boast slate roofs still have their original tiles! If you are interested in slate, you should be aware of the fact that not all contractors are willing to install it, but if you hire someone who can, you should never have to get another roof for your house again.

If you are ready to discuss your upcoming roofing project, we hope you’ll call our office at your earliest convenience for more information about RI Slate Roofing and our available services. We take pride in helping homeowners select the best roofing material for their lifestyles and are excited to hear about the vision you have for the exterior of your home.

Warning Signs Your Roof May Collapse

roof repair, roof replacement

There are few things more terrifying than the prospect of your home’s roof collapsing. Not only could this injure you or your loved ones, but it could lead to all manner of interior and exterior property damage. Unfortunately, in too many cases, homeowners don’t realize their roofs are at risk of collapse until the inevitable cave-in actually happens. As you read this guide, you will discover some warning signs that will help you get your roof repaired before it collapses.

  1. Recent extreme weather

    If your area has recently experienced extreme weather of any kind, it could have damaged your roof to the extent that it is on the verge of collapsing. Piles of heavy snow building-up for months without a break in the weather can, for example, lead to weak roof areas. Severe windstorms, large hail, and, of course, hurricanes or tornadoes can also cause immense roof damage.

  2. Saggy sections

    Although you might have a mental picture of your home’s entire roof falling into your house at one time, this isn’t normally how roof collapse actually occurs. Most of the time, certain sections become especially weak and cave-in first. If you notice any areas of your roof are sagging, you should absolutely call in a professional right away. This is often one of the first signs that a roof collapse is imminent.

  3. Cracks on your home’s interior walls or ceilings

    Roof deterioration, particularly when structural supports begin to bend or warp, can exhibit inside your house. If you notice new cracks on any ceilings or walls, make sure you have a contractor assess the situation right away. The longer you allow your roof to sit without repairs, the more likely it is that you’ll find yourself dealing with a collapse.

     

  4. You notice new leaks

    Leaks are another interior issue that can be indicative of severe roof problems. Any leak means that water is somehow infiltrating your roof and getting into your house, which is never good. Large leaks are often major red flags and should be looked at by an expert within a day or two, if possible.

     

  5. Sounds you’ve never heard before

    If you begin popping or cracking sounds from your roof, you should exit your home and call a contractor immediately. These noises are often noticeable right before a roof section collapses, so it is best to be out of the way in case that’s what is going on.

If you have noticed any of these issues at home lately, give us a call so we can schedule a roof inspection. It is simply not safe to leave a problematic roof to chance! Instead, allow us to take a look at the structure and see what needs to be done to make sure you and your family are free from harm.

The Impact Of Snow & Ice On Your Roof

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Snow and ice can cause costly damage to your roof. The freezing and thawing cycle can cause extensive damage to even a brand-new roof. Add to that the stress and weight of accumulated snow on your roof, and your roof is sure to take a beating this winter.

Knowing how to properly maintain your roof during the winter is crucial to extending the life of your roof and saving you costly repairs in the long run. It is best to prepare for winter during the fall to make sure your roof is ready for snow and ice impact.

Start by cleaning out your gutters. This gives melting snow an easy exit path to prevent ice dams from forming. Then, inspect the roof for any damaged shingles or leaking points that need repair. Once it starts snowing, make sure to monitor the snow accumulation on your roof and remove snow from the edges as needed.

Potential Roofing Issues:

Even after taking preventative measures, it is still possible that heavy snowfall or snowstorms can cause damage to your roof. Here are a few potential damages that snow and ice may cause.

Ice dams: Ice dams are buildups of ice on the edges of your roof that can block melting snow from running off the edge of the roof. The remaining pool of water on your roof can result in expensive water damage. Your entire roofing system and gutters can become compromised.

Gutter damage: When snow and ice start to slide off your roof, they can accumulate in your gutters. The excess weight this causes can cause damage to your gutters and the sides of your roof.

Icicles: Icicles can form on the edges of your roof and gutters and cause damage due to the extra weight. They can also pose a threat to those walking under them if they were to break off. Cleaning out your gutters before snowfall can help prevent the formation of icicles.

Leakage: The extra weight of snow and ice on your roof combined with its freeze and thaw cycles can damage the integrity of your roof, making leaks more likely. Snow can also seep into the base of the roof and cause water damage.

Collapsed roof: Periods of heavy snowfall combined with an aging roof can lead to a collapse of the structure. Since snowfall remains on the roof for long periods of time and can be quite heavy, the surface becomes wetter and heavier. This causes more damage than rain.

Removing Snow For A Healthy Roof

Best Practices

Preventing ice dams from forming is crucial to the overall health of your home’s roof. In order to do this, you need to make sure you aren’t neglecting your roof in regards to snow removal. The standard rule when it comes to roofs and snow is that removal should be completed after 6 inches. This will work to make sure that there is not an abundance of snow piling up on your roof, allowing you to avoid the stress of worrying about any further damage.

Snow Characteristics

In addition to paying attention to how much snow accumulates on your roof, it’s also very important to consider the weight of the snow as well. Some snow if lighter than other kinds and for that reasons, 6 inches of snowfall doesn’t always weigh the same. If it is a particularly wet and dense snowfall it may be smart to be safe rather than sorry and remove any snow present. If ignored, this problem can compound if there is another storm in the upcoming forecast. The weather is an important thing to keep in mind as the upcoming forecast can play a big role in helping you decide whether or not you should remove the snow from your roof. If the forecast calls for days of sunshine following the initial snowfall, then you may be able to get away without removing snow from your roof. Although, if there is going to be another storm shortly following the first then it is generally recommended that you look into how you can start removing the snow.

More often than not, a roof rake can be used to keep snow off your roof throughout the winter months as they are ideal to use on a variety of homes. Clearing the overhangs is essential in making sure that ice dams are prevented, and the weakest part of your roof is protected Sometimes, if your roof is too tall or a storm leaves behind too much snow to be removed by a rake, it is best to resort to shoveling as a way to clear the snow off of your roof. Shoveling can take care of accumulations of snow that are too heavy for a rake and is a great way to ensure that your roof in completely snow free.

Is your roof damaged from an Ice Dam? Have it replaced by Rhode Island Slate Roofing today!

Water damage that results from an ice dam building up within your roof can cause lasting damage to many other areas of the home including the walls, insulation and more. For this reason, it is crucial to replace any roof that has been damaged to avoid any more developing. Contact the team of experts at Rhode Island Slate Roofing for more information about us and our available services!

Checklist For Winterizing Your Roof

winter tips

Any homeowner who lives in a region of the country that experiences cold winter weather knows that winterizing the exterior of a house is extremely important. If you fail to take certain steps during the late summer or autumn months, you could find yourself facing a world of trouble in the springtime. It’s much easier to winterize properly than to deal with damage after it has already been done!

This guide will specifically teach you how to get your roof ready for wintertime. Taking a few minutes to learn what you can do to protect this important part of your home during the coldest months of the year is a responsible choice that will pay off in the end. Hopefully, you will learn something new as you read, but even if you already know all of these tips, a refresher course is always useful!

Winterization Tip #1: Start the process early.

The earlier you begin getting the outside of your home ready for winter, the easier it will be to complete all the tasks you want to. Sometimes, especially if the first freeze comes early, projects you intended to finish don’t get done, to the detriment of your home. If you begin getting ready for winter in mid-September in most areas of the country, you should be in good shape. If you live a particularly northerly region, you might want to begin winterizing even earlier.

Winterization Tip #2: Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear.

Your gutter system must be in good working order to prevent your roof from sustaining damage during the wintertime. If leaves, twigs, or any other debris are blocking the flow of water, melting ice and snow will just sit on your roof, ultimately causing potentially serious damage. The best option is to have a professional clean your gutters well at the end of fall, after the last leaves have fallen.

Winterization Tip #3: Trim all trees near your house.

During the winter, tree branches become even heavier than usual due to mounting ice and snow. This can present a major problem if any branches protrude over your roof. Whether they actually fall off onto your roof or simply lay there for months, damage can occur. Make sure all overhanging tree branches are professionally trimmed prior to the first frost.

Keep Your Roof Clear This Winter with Help from Rhode Island Slate Roofing!

These are not difficult tasks and, if you neglect them, you could face lasting damage to your roof that insurance may not cover. Instead of risking that, hire a qualified professional like those found at Rhode Island Slate Roofing to inspect your home’s roof and perform these winterization projects. You will be glad you did! For more information about us and our available services, contact us today!