All posts by RIslate15

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

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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!

Common Winter Roofing Issues

winter tips

When the cold weather arrives, it brings a whole new set of home maintenance complications.  Your roof is particularly susceptible because it can quickly accumulate piles of snow and ice.  These have the potential to cause damage if left unattended. Below we’ll discuss some of the most common roofing issues and why you need to address them:

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, slowly thawing the snow that was sitting at the top of your roof, which then rolls down the roof and re-freezes when it reaches the roof’s edge where the temperature is lower.  This process carries on all winter until eventually, a large barrier of ice has formed which the melted snow further up the roof where it stays liquid because the heat from the roof keeps it melted.  Having water sitting on your roof in this manner can cause significant damage, particularly if your roof doesn’t have an ice and water barrier installed far enough up the roof deck. If you notice ice dams forming on your roof, be sure to address them as soon as possible before they cause water damage to your roof, attic, and ceiling.

Icicles

While knocking them down is a favorite winter pastime for kids, icicles can be dangerous and cause damage to your roof, as well as people and pets.  To protect yourself and your roof, ensure to safely break down any icicles that form and be sure to clean out your gutters to discourage icicles from being able to form.

Wind

While the biggest danger from a Nor’easter is certainly all the snow it brings, the high winds that pair with it can also cause damage to your roof.  If your roof edges were not properly installed, or the starter shingles lost their adhesive, a strong gust of wind could easily begin to dismantle your roof.  A strong roof starts with the edges, so it is important to ensure that the edges of your roof are properly installed to mitigate any major damage from those pesky Nor’easters.

Call Today

If you are looking for Maintenance & repair work, or you’re in need of a new roof entirely, be sure to reach out to Rhode Island slate roofing! Contact us today for more information about us and our available services!

What to Look For in a Roof When You’re Buying a Home

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Buying a new home is a massive milestone in anyone’s life regardless of whether or not it’s their first home buy or just another in a long line of many. There is are so many factors to consider when trying to decide which home is best for you that it can be hard to keep track of them all as well as which may be more important to pay attention to than others. One of these aspects that everyone should be focused on when buying a new home is the condition of the roof. Knowing what to look for in a roof when buying a home can help to greatly accelerate your decision-making process. This is due to a variety of both positive and negative impacts a roof can have on the home depending on its condition.

Ventilation

When buying a home, the first thing to know about a roof is how well it is ventilated. A properly ventilated roof is important for a variety of reasons that pertain to not only the roof itself but also the home as a whole. Even if the home you’re thinking about buying has a brand-new roof, it will soon become a massive issue if it is not outfitted with the proper ventilation. When buying a home, a roof with a ventilation system that was correctly installed is a must have. The reason for this being that sunlight and air that can easily come and go allows for a healthy flow of air, keeping a variety of problems such as increased energy costs and mold, at bay.

Breaks or Leaks

Another dangerous issue to keep an eye out for is any potential break or leak within the roof. Any leak that is present within your roof will not hesitate to snowball into a variety of other problems that reach for from the home’s roof, affecting the home’s structure itself. Unwanted water leads to numerous issues such as furniture damage, ruined paint, and even wood rot which can be hazardous to those living inside of the potentially unstable structure.

Contact Rhode Island Slate Roofing for a new roof today!

If you are living in, or have recently purchased a home that needs a new roof, be sure to contact the experts at Rhode Island Slate Roofing by calling 401-255-2003 for a free estimate. Our staff has the extensive knowledge needed to replace your roof today.

How Hurricanes and Storms Can Impact Your Roof

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Unfortunately for homeowners, especially those who live on the Southeastern U.S. coast, hurricanes and severe storms are a fact of life. If your house has recently survived a hurricane, you and your family are undoubtedly extremely grateful. However, you still need to take the time to assess any damage that your home did sustain. Even residences that are located inland often have some damage, so it is crucial to take a look around, even if you weren’t in the direct path of the storm.

Roofs tend to take a beating when hurricanes and other strong storms hit. Due to this, one of the first things you should do when the storm clears is have a well-respected roofing contractor inspect your home’s roof for problems. As you continue reading this guide, you will learn about a few of the primary issues hurricane-force storms usually cause to roofs.

Exterior damage should be assessed.

The first thing your inspector is likely to do is look for obvious damage. Strong storms frequently cause shingles to come loose, leaving the underlayment of your roof exposed and, perhaps, damaged as well. Furthermore, hurricanes can even cause parts of residential roofs to completely collapse, leaving gaping holes that look into the interior of a house.

Look out for interior issues.

Even if your roof seems intact after a bad storm, you need to keep your eyes peeled for interior problems that could signify that there is roof damage after all. Leaks that didn’t exist before the storm, for instance, are a major red flag. You should also look for peeling wallpaper or paint, which can be a warning that there is water dripping from your ceiling down into your walls. Let your contractor know right away if you experience any interior issues.

Don’t let problems go.

It can be tempting to let roof issues go after a hurricane or a bad storm, especially if other people in your area are dealing with significantly worse damage. However, there is a reason you pay for homeowner’s insurance and there is no reason for you and your family to suffer later on. Damage that is left alone only gets worse, ultimately causing serious problems, including potential mold infestations or critters living in your home.

Instead of risking these situations and others, get some quotes and select a reputable roofer like Rhode Island Slate Roofing to fix your home as soon as possible. This will ensure that you and your family stay safe and dry for years to come. Trusting an expert with the job is a wise choice because you will be able to rest assured that things will be done right the first time.

The Benefits of Roof Ventilation

Best Practices

If you find yourself asking if your home needs roof ventilation the answer is almost always guaranteed to be yes. The reason for this is because proper ventilation provides a variety of benefits to any style of roof. Even roofs that have ventilation that is not quite up to par can experience numerous problems that are a result of this issue. To make sure that your home is properly ventilated it is important to do a throughout review of the roof as well as the attic and whatever existing insulation is already there. The temperature inside of an attic is crucial when discussing the health of a roof because extreme temperature, whether hot or cold, can play a large part in problems that develop. Without the correct amount of ventilation inside of an attic, hot air can become encased which leads to moisture and other liquid building up. This build-up can evolve into dangerous black mold. In addition to the black mold, this unwanted heat can cause snow to melt on your roof before refreezing into ice. By ensuring that your home has proper insulation will provide it with many benefits while avoiding the issues discussed here.

Extends the life of your roof:

Quite often individuals are fascinated by icicles hanging off the side of their roof. Although this buildup, called ice damming, can be causing damage to your roof that is invisible to the eye. The reason why this damage is hard to see is that it can back up underneath roofing materials which leads to your entire roofing system, attic, and walls suffering.

Reduces energy costs:

Proper ventilation within a roof is what gives heat the ability to escape a home which reduces the workload on air conditioners. When the temperature outside is high, the goal is to keep the home cool on the inside. A cheaper air conditioning bill can help save energy during these hot months.

Reduces indoor temperature extremes:

Often individuals complain of upstairs rooms being hotter than rooms found downstairs in the home. The same can go for those in ranch style homes, as their feet are often cold due to heat being trapped by the ceiling of rooms. These issues often arise due to roofs without proper insulation and can be resolved by getting the proper ventilation installed.

Rhode Island Slate Roofing Can Fix Your Roof!

Rhode Island Slate Roofing can help individuals with damaged property repair or replace their roofs today. We are happy to offer top of the line roofing services at an affordable price. Contact us at 401-225-2003

 

When Your Porch Needs a New Roof

roof replacement

A roof that is in good condition is something that most individuals are looking for when purchasing a new home. For this reason, having an appealing roof can add value to your home the same way a nice porch can. To take things a step further, an appealing roof on top of your home’s porch is something that should also be kept in top condition to ensure that your home’s value, as well as structural integrity, are kept intact.­­­ In order to make sure you’re fulfilling this commitment it is ideal to know exactly what signs to look out for that could indicate it is time for your porch to get a new roof. There are a variety of things to look out for such as the following:

Bulges and Dips:

Roofs are often compromised in terms of their structural integrity when exposed to the elements, specifically water, over a long period of time. More often than not, when a roof is bulging, it can be blamed on erosion caused by moisture. When these problems are allowed to persist without being addressed they can end up negatively impacting the safety of the roof as a whole.

Water Leaks/Rot:

Sometimes a dip in the roof can be the result of wood that is rotting underneath. Obviously, any type of rot is not good and can even lead to a porch collapsing entirely. Checking that your roof is free of dips, bulges and stains while at the same time being devoid of deformations is crucial when trying to avoid damage from water and other potential leaks.

Shingle Damage:

Adequate ventilation is required when roofs are initially installed. If it is not properly implemented during installation, the lack of ventilation can lead to damage as opposed to the extended lifetime that is a result of proper ventilation. If you inspect your porch and native that it’s roof has shingles that are curling, missing, etc. it may be best to reach out to a roofing professional such as those at Rhode Island Slate Roofing!

 

Rhode Island Slate Roofing Is Your Local Roofing Expert!

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is proud to staff professionals with the extensive experience needed to know when and how to repair your porch roof. We are happy to offer top of the line roofing services at an affordable price. Contact us at 401-225-2003