Category Archives: roof repair

broken and fallen slate

Protecting Your Slate Roof from Storm Damage

roof repair, slate roofing

Slate roofs are a good option for beautiful, long-lasting roofs, but any material can take a beating when faced with severe weather. High winds, hail, and heavy rains can all place a significant burden on your roof and cause liability if the roof is not properly maintained. 

Protecting your slate roof from storm damage requires preparing your roof in advance of a storm, maintaining it regularly, and knowing what to do in the event of a storm.

Why Slate Is Resilient But Not Invincible

Slate is valued for its strength, with many slate types being resistant to winds reaching 110 mph or higher and hail up to Class 4 resistant. Throw in the fact that it is one of the most durable roofing materials available. 

However, that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. During powerful storms, slate can dislodge, crack, or compromise flashing, and without prompt attention, these issues may lead to leaks or structural damage. While slate’s resilience is impressive, preparation and ongoing maintenance are essential to keeping your roof intact when a storm hits. 

Make Your Slate Roof Storm-Ready

Taking a few important/precautionary steps before it storms can help minimize damage.

  • Regular Inspections — Have your roof inspected prior to storm season to find any broken slats, missing flashing, and clogged gutters.
  • Hardware — Attach clips or hurricane straps to the structure to help keep it secured from wind uplifts.
  • Tree Trimming — Trim branches that could fall on your roof.
  • Gutters and Downspouts — Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to allow water to drain and prevent a pool from forming on your roof.

Spotting and Handling Storm Damage

Following a storm, keep an eye out for all the telltale signs of trouble. Missing tiles, cracked slats, or shifted flashing can often be signs of storm damage. Moreover, hail can cause dents or hairline fractures, which can trap moisture and lead to faster deterioration. If more than 20–30% of your slats are damaged, replacing some sections of the roof may be more effective than repairing several small leaks.

Smart Reinforcements and Upgrades

Storm protection doesn’t end with maintenance. Upgrading to a slate impact-resistant roof, adding hurricane straps, and addressing moss/algae and any other issues will future-proof your roof for many years to come. As we all know, proactive repairs and preventative measures are almost always less expensive than a full-scale replacement.

Have Roof Damage? Contact Us

Taking care of a slate roof is not only about retaining its unique beauty, but it is also about addressing safety and longevity for all seasons. For peace of mind before your next storm, trust Rhode Island Slate Roofing to provide expert care and reinforcements tailored to your home. Contact us through our contact form or give us a call at 401-255-2003. 

church with historic roof

What Should I Know About Historic Roof Restoration?

roof repair

Here at Rhode Island Slate Roofing, we believe all historic roofs can be repaired, saved, and revamped. Just because it is historic and an older roof does not mean it needs to be replaced. Many Historic buildings are special and their roofs play an integral roof. Sometimes a building’s roof has too much significance to be torn down and built up again. If you believe a historic roof needs to undergo a roof restoration but not a replacement, here is all you should know.

Determine the Biggest Reason It Needs Restoration

Historic Roofs could need restoration for a bevy of reasons. It is important to deduce what is ineffective about a historic roof before moving forward. Figuring out why the roof is deteriorating will make the restoration transition simpler and efficient. Determining the reason or reasons a roof may need restoration will also show how small or large the issue is. Historic roofs can run into leakage, damages, decay, etc.

Be Ready For Change

When the time comes for restoration on a historic roof, it is important to embrace the fact the original roofing material may not be available this time around. Roofing has evolved through the years and roofing materials have changed with the times.

Consider Shaking Up The Structure

When it comes to roofing materials, options are plenty. From tiles to slate to shingles to metal, etc. you have options. If the previous roofing materials did not hold up as well as you hoped in its latter years, consider choosing new roofing materials during the restoration process.

Finalize Whether It The Roof Needs Restoration or A Replacement

Sometimes roofs need just a little restoration to get back to normal. Other times, roofs are in so deep, they need to be replaced from scratch. When you realize your roof needs professional roofing services, consult with a roofing professional to determine the best course of action. There are benefits that come from either a restoration or replacement project, but each situation is different.

Historic Roof Repairs In Rhode Island & Massachusetts

At Rhode Island Slate Roofing, our professional team can handle historic roof repair projects. Whether it is an old church, school, mansion, etc., we have the necessary experience and expertise to get the job done.  We can help you keep a roof’s original and authentic look. Contact us today to get started!

 

Roof Repairs

Signs Your Roof Needs Repairs

news, roof repair, roofing

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!

Flat, Rubber Roofing

Signs Your Flat Roof Needs To Be Replaced

roof repair, roof replacement, roofing

While most homeowners have asphalt shingle roofs installed on their home, flat roofing is used by those without traditionally pitched roofs, or more often by businesses! This style of roofing is durable and long-lasting, but just like any other material, it is still susceptible to damage and maintenance issues. This means that you will need to keep an eye on the system to ensure that everything is in good repair, and address any issues as they arise! Are you interested in learning more about the signs your flat roof needs to be replaced that you may have overlooked? Keep reading below to learn more about the signs you may have overlooked!

Tears in the System

Of course, the first sign that your flat roofing needs to be replaced is an obvious one; there are tears in the roofing system.  The most common area this occurs is along the seems in the roofing, as moisture works its way into the system. If you notice that your roofing system is beginning to separate, either from itself or the roof deck, you will need to repair or replace the system!

Pooling on the Roof

The next reason you may need to consider replacing your flat roof is that you’re beginning to notice water pooling on the system. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that your roof needs to be replaced, it does mean that you will need to adjust the system to ensure that the water is draining properly. This could be a matter of adding a drainage method to the system, or you may need to install a brand new roof to mitigate the issue. Either way, if you see pooling on your flat roof, it is an indication that something needs to be changed!

Your Roof Is Difficult To Work With & Repair

Finally, when it comes to flat roofing, there are a number of different roofing options that homeowners install. While the most common is a PVC membrane, there are other options including gravel roofing, which can be notoriously hard to work on. If there are any leaks in a gravel membrane, you may not be able to pinpoint where it’s coming from to repair the system, necessitating a full roof replacement.

Contact Us Today

If you need to install a new flat roof on your Rhode Island home or business this winter, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing has you covered! Reach out to our team today to learn more about our services by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling our out team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting you!

 

Roof moss and algae

How To Remove Algae & Mold From Your Shingles

Best Practices, roof repair, roofing

New England is known for being rainy and humid for a good portion of the year, and those conditions tend to cause damage over time. While your roof is designed to withstand rain and moisture, over time, a constant exposure to moisture, without ample time to dry, can cause your shingle system to begin to grow mold, mildew, or algae. If you’ve noticed that your shingles are grown a layer of mold, and you’re curious about how to safely remove the mold and protect your shingle system, keep reading below for more information!

What Is Roof Algae & How Does It Form

The most common roof algae, which resembles dirt to many homeowners, is Gloeocapsa Magma. This algae forms on your roof due to a combination of moisture in the form of humidity, mixed with sample sunlight. The algae will eat away at the limestone filler in your shingles and spread across the entirety of your roof over time. While generally, this is relatively harmless, over time, it has the potential to wear away at the integrity of your shingles, giving water an opportunity to seep into your roof deck and cause damage to your home.

Often even more concerning is the mold and mildew that follows. Algae begins to hold moisture to your roof, and this provides the perfect opportunity for mold & mildew to follow, eventually causing far more significant damage than the algae would have. This means it is important to deal with roof algae before it has the chance to develop into a more significant issue.

How To Remove Roof Algae

There are really two different routes to take in this case; preventive maintenance, or removal. If you’re interested in preventing the algae from growing in the first place, try installing zinc strips on your roof, which should prevent the growth before it can begin.

However, if you need to remove algae that has already formed, the process is relatively straightforward. You will need to make a mixture of bleach, water, and a heavy duty cleaner like Tri-sodium phosphate, which will help break the algae down. Mix this together and spray it over your shingles. It will make the shingles slippery, so be very careful when performing this maintenance. If possible, its better to call a professional!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in replacing your home’s roof this fall, our team at Rhode Island Slate Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today to learn more about our services by calling us at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting with your roofing needs!

Decaying Asphalt Shingle Roof

Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

roof repair, roof replacement, roofing

Your home’s roof is an essential piece of your home’s exterior shell. It serves a number of essential functions for your home’s exterior, including most importantly keeping your home protected from the elements and pests, but also providing your home with curb appeal & resale value, as well as insulating your home and increasing it’s curb appeal and subsequently resale value. Considering how much you have to gain from having a well-maintained roof, it is essential to ensure that your home’s roof is well-maintained. However, because it protects your home from the elements, it ends up taking a beating, and over time it will begin to wear down and deteriorate. If your home’s roof has been damaged and you’re trying to decide between repairing and replacing your the roof, take a look at our guide for more information on making the decision!

To Repair…

If the damage feels relatively minor, most homeowner’s first instinct is going to be to repair the issues rather than replacing the roof. This is often the right decision but you need to assess the damage to ensure that it is worth the repair. Ask yourself a few questions as you examine your roof. Is the roof relatively new and would last for many more years with proper maintenance? Is the damage extensive or is it simply a few broken shingles here and there. If your roof is only a few years old and otherwise in good condition, it is often better to simply repair the damage. However, one concern of repairing roof issues is that the replacement shingles won’t match your existing shingles. This can damage your home’s resale value, but it is often still the better option than repairing a roof that is in otherwise good repair.

…Or To Replace

If you have extensive damage, such as an entire side of your home’s roof being damaged, or if the roof is beginning to age, you will often be better off replacing the roof as a whole. When you notice that the roof has been damaged, the first thing you will need to do is inspect the roof and consider it’s age. Are you going to replace a section of shingles and need to replace the rest of the roof in just a few years? You’re certainly better of replacing the entire roof now so it’s matching and secure. Consider your home’s climate, the age of the shingles, and the likelihood for additional damage. In general, if your roof is getting older when it’s damaged, you’re better off simply replacing the roof as a whole. You will simply need to assess the roof to determine the best course of action!

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about our team’s roof installation services?  Reach out to us today to get started! Our team 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!

Asphalt Roofing Loosing Granules

Most Common Roofing Issues

roof repair, roof replacement, roofing

Your home’s roof is a complex system that helps to keep your home protected from the elements, improve your home’s curb appeal & resale value, and provides valuable insulation to your home. With so much to gain from having a well installed and maintained roof, it is important to ensure yours is kept in good repair. However, because your roof is a complex system made up of many pieces working in conjunction, it can often be easy to overlook issues that aren’t causing immediate failure of your roof. If you’re interested in learning about a few of the most common roofing issues, take a look at our blog for more information!

Broken/Cracked/Missing Shingles

Of course, the most obvious issue that homeowners see when their roof is damaged is that they are missing shingles, or they are otherwise damaged. If you notice that your home’s shingles have become broken, or fallen off of your roof, it is a good idea to have the roof inspected as soon as possible.

Damaged Flashing

Another common issue that homeowners often see with their home’s roof is that the flashing around your home’s chimney often begins to rust and that can cause serious damage to your home’s roof. If your flashing is rusting, water will be able to seep in and cause serious damage to your home’s roof deck.

Loss of Granules

Another common roofing issue that many homeowners have run into is that old shingles tend to lose their granules, which can cause the shingles to degrade and deteriorate off of your roof. If you’re finding that your gutters, or even the ground around your property, is full of granules, your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Water Damage

Another very common issue that many homeowners run into with their roofs is that water finds its way into the roof deck where it causes significant damage. If your home’s roof deck becomes waterlogged, it will begin to sag under the weight of your shingles, and could eventually fail. However, most water damage isn’t that major, and it’s as simple as finding the spot that’s leaking and fixing the shingles around it. You’ll likely need to enlist a roofing professional to be able to discover these issues, but if you suspect that your home is acruing water damage, you will want to have your roof examined as soon as possibe!

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about our team’s roof replacement services? We’re 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!

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.

How Hurricanes and Storms Can Impact Your Roof

roof repair

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.

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!