All posts by RIslate15

4 Benefits of New Roofs

roof replacement

The Benefits of a New Roof

One of the most important parts of any house in terms of value as well as structural integrity is the roof. Not many individuals pay as much attention to this part of their house as they should because the thought of getting a new roof can be quite daunting. Individuals can debate whether or not to purchase a new roof for years and years before finally reaching a decision. This is because the thought of getting a new roof can be quite daunting. Despite the fact that purchasing a new roof is a big decision, there are many benefits that one will experience once the project is complete such as:

Energy Efficiency:

HVAC systems need to work overtime in order to achieve your desired indoor temperature when you have an old roof that is prone to leak air, this leads to increased energy costs. In addition to this, newer roofs are more effective at reflecting solar rays and decreasing solar heat gain.

Curb Appeal:

40 percent of your home’s curb appeal is directly linked to your roof according to Realtor estimates. This is extremely important to consider if you are ever trying to sell a house. Homes that would soon be in need of an expensive new roof often encourage prospective buyers to walk away, while properties that display newly installed roofs with features such as windows or skylights help to convince individuals that the property is worth investing in.

Safety:

Purchasing a new roof helps to avoid hazards such as mold and mildew, keeping your family safe. Other hazards such as collapsing roofs or unstable homes can be the result of old, dilapidated roofs which become more dangerous the longer they are left without repair.

Return on Investment (ROI):

One of the best home improvement projects around is purchasing a new roof. This is due to their average ROI of 67-70%.

Our Roofing Services

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is proud to offer roofing services to individuals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts! Our experts are knowledgeable regarding all kinds of roofing, including:

  • Clay Tile Roofing
  • Slate Roofing
  • Historic Roof Repair
  • Rubber Roofing
  • Specialty Roofing
  • Residential Roofing
  • Asphalt Shingles
  • Asbestos Tiles

Contact Us

If you are interested in or need a roof as soon as possible, feel free to contact us or call us directly at 401-255-2003.

Healthy Practices for a Healthy Roof

Best Practices

Regarding roofs, the old saying “Out of sight, out of mind”, is one that still holds true. But those who do acknowledge their roofs existence as well as know the tips and tricks of keeping it in top condition, reap the benefits for years on end. Although, the same cannot be said for those who pay little to no attention to their roof. This is because the building is secured both structurally and financially thanks to these proactive steps, which leads to homeowners saving a wealth of dollars down the line.

In an effort to lengthen to the lifespan of your roof, it is never too late to start implementing these procedures, regardless of if your roof is brand new or a few years old. Being such a big investment, this is especially true for the roof of a home. There are numerous steps homeowners can take to minimize the impact elements have on their roof as well as maximize its lifespan when faced with the unpredictable New England weather.

 

4 Ways to Keep Your Roof in Good Health

Promptly Fix Issues:

Immediately address any issue that is identified as problems can quickly evolve into expensive and potentially dangerous scenarios. The roof can become rotted and structurally unsound from curling or missing shingles as well as leaks.

 

Inspect Twice Yearly:

Inspections are crucial to preventative roof maintenance. Twice yearly inspections may seem obvious and even a bit overboard, but this is not the case as. A simple inspection can reveal an easily resolved problem that would have otherwise turned into an expensive issue thanks to the roofing experts that are trained to identify issues that most homeowners would not even know to look out for.

 

 

Clean Gutters:

When gutter health is not maintained properly, there are numerous issues that can arise regardless of the season. Gutters should be checked regularly to ensure that they’re not hanging as clogged or hanging gutters allow water to enter the roof which is why they should be kept clear of leaves and other debris.

 

Cut Close Branches:

Overgrown trees pose one of the greatest dangers to roofs throughout the year is. Large branches snap off of trees and damage roofs thanks to the strong snow and winds here in the Northeast. Even if the overgrowth does not fall and break, it can collide with your roof thanks to high winds or even direct growth into your roof.

 

 

 

Rhode Island Slate Roofing Can Handle All Your Roofing Needs!

The experts at Rhode Island Slate Roofing can help if you have determined that the best option is to have your roof repaired or even entirely replaced after having an inspection. We are happy to offer top of the line roofing services at an affordable price. Contact us at 401-225-2003

New Slate Roofing Job

slate roofing

The crew at Rhode Island Slate Roofing has successful completed another slate roofing job this past week.  This beautiful home was in need of a new roof, and the owner decided to go with slate tiles. 

The third picture shows why so many homeowners of these types of homes. The slate tiles go beautifully with the classic brick exterior of the home. On a recent blog post we talked about the importance of flashing on roofs as well as the different types of flashing.

The first picture shows the attention to detail that goes into to the laying of copper flashing. Some roofing contractors overlook laying down the flashing properly and rush to get the job done. If this happens, you create areas of weakness in your roof that can result in moisture build up and eventually leaks.

Interest in slate roofing? Looking for someone qualified to make repairs to your flashing or existing slate roof? Get in touch with Rhode Island Slate Roofing today!

The Importance of Flashing on Your Roof

Best Practices

When homeowners think about getting new roof they typically have a few major thoughts and concerns. First, they think about finding a reliable roofing contractor. Secondly, they think about cost. Lastly, they may think about the the type of roof they want. If you are in the process of evaluating roofing contractors, you should ask them questions about something in building a new roof that you may not think about, the flashing.

What Is Flashing

Flashing is arguable the second most important aspect of a successful roof installation next to properly installing the shingles, tiles, metal, or whatever material your roof is made out of.  The point of flashing is to prevent water, moisture, and other debris from entering into vulnerable parts of your roof.

An example of roof flashing is in “valleys” of your roof. A valley is where two sections of your roof meet to create an angle. See an example of a roof valley here.

Roof flashing can be made out of a few different materials but mostly you’ll find it made out of a metal. Metals such as  copper, aluminum, stainless steel, lead are common flashing materials. You can also find plastic or composite materials to create roof flashing.

Areas Of The Roof Where Flashing Goes

Skylights: The areas on the boarders of skylights are incredibly vulnerable to leakage and moisture build up if not properly installed with good flashing. If you are getting a skylight installed, or have a skylight and you are getting a new roof, make sure to ask your roofing contractor about their plans for flashing around the skylight.

Vents: Vents are another area of roof where your contractor should be focusing on the installation of flashing to prevent leaks and moisture. Most importantly, if you have hood vents, you’ll want to make sure you have an experienced roofer working on your project. Hood vents are created by cutting a hole into your roof, so you’ll have to be certain your roofing contractor is aware of the importance of properly installed flashing.

Chimneys: Proper flashing around chimneys are crucial to the long term health of your investment in a new roof. Typically the most amount of flashing (other than in long valleys on your roof) will be found around your chimney.

Looking for a roofing contractor in Rhode Island who focuses on the details of your roof as much as the installation process? Contact Rhode Island Slate Roofing for slate roofing services in Rhode Island & Southeastern  Massachusetts.

Different Types of Roofs We Work On

Uncategorized

Rhode Island Slate Roofing is known for of course, our slate roofing work. Having decades of experience in slate roofing and roofing in general, we have picked up some other great skills over the years. We don’t just do slate roofing installations, but repairs and replacements for a variety of different roofing types. Below are a few of the types of roofs we work on:

Clay Roofing: Clay tiles are a popular kind of historical roofing material. Having been used for thousands of years for cover on huts and houses, clay tiles can be different colors. Clay roofing will not lose its color over time like other types of roofing material. Compared to some other different types of roofing material, clay can be quite affordable.

Historic Roof Repair: We have covered before on the Rhode Island Slate Roofing blog what historic roofing repair is. Just know this, when getting a historic roof repaired its crucial to work with a roofing contractor that has worked on historic roofs and is meticulous in their attention to detail.

Asbestos Roof Repair: Although less common to see in today’s roof, there are still homes out there with asbestos tiles. This is obviously a type of roofing repair that needs fine attention to detail. If these tiles crack, dangerous asbestos will be released into your atmosphere.

Asphalt Shingle Roof: With a typical lifespan of 30-50 years and with material that is readily available in the northeast, asphalt shingle roofs are the most common type of roof you’ll find around. Rhode Island Slate Roofing has worked on hundreds of successful asphalt roof’s, so don’t hesitate to reach out for your next project.

Rubber Roofing:  Mostly found in commercial buildings, rubber roofing is made up of recycled tires and other rubber products. It can come in white and black and also be “painted on” by new state of the art roofing products.

And of course, Rhode Island Slate Roofing are experts in the repair and replacement of slate roofing in Rhode Island and Southeaster Massachusetts. If you have any roofing project going on in the coming months get in touch with us today.

How Severe Heat Can Damage Your Roof

roof repair

On the Rhode Island Slate Roofing blog we’ve talked a lot in the past of how the winter can cause damage to your roof.  When people think about the seasons of the year and their roof, they usually thing of winter. However if you live in an area where heat waves happen, your roof can take on some serious damage. With the years first 100 plus degree day, we’ll take a look at how the summer time heat can hurt your roof!

Heat: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is one way roofs can become damaged. This is especially true if you have a home that is exposed to the sun for more hours of the day. High heat can cause a roofs shingles to start to curl or deteriorate. Of course with this, you face further damage during rain storms. As always, the most important thing to do is be cognizant of the condition of your shingles around severe weather.

Humidity: Humidity is the presence of water in the air. Times of prolonged humidity is a cause concern for the health of your roof. If the temperature of your roof is cooler than the surrounding air, condensation can start to incur on your roof. The excess moisture can cause water damage and weaken the overall health of your roof.

Rain: In the summertime, we can experience times of prolonged heat followed by severe rain.  As we learned above, your roof can be “weaker” after a long heat wave. If this is followed by rain you roof could suffer from a multiple different issues, including leaks, cracks, moisture buildup and more.

As always, if your home has suffered from roof damage this summer in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, contact Rhode Island Slate Roofing today!

Providence, Rhode Island Roofing Job

Roofing Jobs

As we enter the second half of May, Rhode Island Slate Roofing has been busy working on projects this Spring. Below, we have pictures from a beautiful house that recruited the use of our services recently. Click through the pictures to see some of the craftsmanship the Rhode Island Slate Roofing crew displayed on this job. Notice the tight flashing work that will be sure to prevent leaks and dripage from any storms Providence endures.

This is a unique slate roofing job due to the type of slate used. First, we removed the old slate (Pennsylvania Black Slate) then decided to go with a mixture of different slates to complete the project. We used Strata Grey and Vermont Black. This was combined with 10% purple slate which gives the project a great finish.

With every roofing job, its’s also important to make that other elements of the roof, not just the slate, are done perfectly. Which is why we pay particular attention to the installation of the flashing while doing a new roof.

 

Do you think it’s time to repair or replace your roof? Wondering if slate roofing is a good option for your home? For any questions related to roofing projects you are ready to undergo, get in touch with Rhode Island Slate Roofing Today.

More Common Roofing Problems

roof repair

You roof is a critical layer of protection to the outdoor elements. It plays a major role in your utilities bill,  and is expensive to replace and repair. Hopefully you hardly ever have any problems with your roof, and if it was properly installed, you should be in the clear most of the time.

However, due to constant outdoor exposure, if you live in your house long enough, you will run into common roofing problems. Here is what to keep a look out for:

Improperly Installed Flashing: If you area new to the roofing world, you may not know what flashing is. Flashing is an area of the roof that is sealed, usually with copper or metal, to prevent leaks and cracks. Sometimes, if your roofer isn’t being careful, they can not properly install the flashing. View this recent project from Rhode Island Slate where we replaced old flashing.

Leaks or Moisture:  Leaks in moisture are incredibly dangerous to the integrity of a solid roof. Especially in New England you should be checking your roof and attic after each storm. Leaks leads to moisture inside your attic and roof. Moisture leads to mold. And mold leads to rotting roofs. An unexpected roof that gathers mold is a dangerous situation.

Critters:  A little thought about issue that can cause problems in your attic and roof are critters. Small animals, insects, & any creature that starts to call your roof or attic home can cause damage that lead to further damage. If you hear any sounds in your attic, go inspect the area with a flashlight.

Overall, the most important thing you can do to prevent these common roofing problems is to make sure you hire a credible roofing contractor.  If you are looking for a professional roofing contractor with thousands of successfully completed projects in Rhode Island and Southeastern, Massachusetts reach out to Rhode Island Slate Roofing. 

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Do you think your roof may be suffering from any of these common roofing problems? No worries. Get in touch with the professionals at Rhode Island Slate Roofing today. We will properly diagnosis the issue, identify the root cause, and offer the best solution.

Spring Cleaning Check List for Your Roof

Best Practices

It’s that time of year in New England! The Red Sox are about to open up the season, patios will begin to open, and Spring time will be here in full force soon enough. While Spring is a time to start new every year, its also a popular time for Spring cleaning around your house. This year, don’t forget Spring cleaning when it comes to your roof as well!

Gutters

As we covered in the past on the Rhode Island Slate Roofing blog, it’s important to declutter your gutters a couple times of year. If you don’t do this, the weight will begin to drag on your roof and damage your shingles. With the recent high wind storms across the region, your gutters could be particularly weighed down this year. Take the time to clean them out completely.

Nearby Branches

This follows up with the previous step on the Spring cleaning checklist. In the last couple months, we have had wind storms with winds up to 50-MPH. Take some to inspect the perimeter of your property. See if there are any tree limbs getting too close to your house that weren’t there last year. Take care of them as soon as possible. The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a tree damage to their roof.

Roof & Attic Inspections

On our blog we have gone over the ways to properly inspect your roof and attic after storms and any major weather-related events. You should do this periodically through the year regardless of if there have been any recent storms or not. Spring cleaning time is the perfect opportunity to do this. Go inside your attic and inspect for damage. Get a ladder and check your roof for loose shingles, flashing, cracks, or holes.

Contact Rhode Island Slate Roofing

Notice anything wrong with your roof while performing Spring cleaning? Don’t worry. Contact your local roofing experts in Rhode Island at Rhode Island Slate Roofing! We are experts in slate roofing as well as traditional shingle roofing. We perform roof inspections, roof repairs, and new roof installations.

Time To Schedule Your New Roof is Now

news

At the Rhode Island Slate Roofing blog, we have covered many roofing topics over the last few years. We try to educate homeowners to be better homeowners. Mostly in the form of educational topics that cover a wide range of roofing information. With the recent March trio of snow storms, some helpful topics we’ve covered in the past may be helpful for you. Topics such as:

And many other roofing topics that can be found on our blog.

If you’ve read any of these previous posts and realized your roof may not be in the best shape possible, you’ll want to act now. A common occurrence in the roofing industry is homeowners knowing the need to undergo some type of roof repair or complete rebuild but wait too long to act.

Roofing contractors, and more specifically, good roofing contractors are in high demand during the warmer months of the year. Late Winter and Early Spring is the best time to get in touch with your roofing contractor to talk about your plans. Roofing contractors are beginning to book projects now. If you wait too long, you may have to settle for a lesser contractor.

Contact us today to get your project started in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.