Category Archives: roofing

Decaying Asphalt Shingle Roof

Signs You Need To Replace Your Shingle Roof

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

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

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!

roof with leaves

How to Tell If Your Roof Could be Damaged or Collapsing

It does not take rocket science to determine if a roof is damaged or at risk for collapsing. For example, although a roof that is covered with snow can be quite beautiful in the winter, it can actually put a lot of strain on the roof. Overbearing weight weakens the overall structure and can cause attic leakage, roof rotting and in some cases, collapse. Here are some common signs that you should take action with your roof.

1. Increased Roof Leakage

There are levels of roof leakage. It can start out looking minimal but then increase in no time. A roof leakage is not something to ignore, especially when it looks like the ceiling is about to burst. When you notice a leaking roof, address it immediately or contact the pros.

2. Walls Start To Crack

Walls can crack throughout a building for a variety of reasons, but if the crack can be traced to the ceiling, there is a good chance your roof is playing a part in the crack. While wall cracks are normal, they should not be ignored. A cracked wall is an open invitation to let water in.

3. Your Roof Begins to Sag

Last but certainly not least, a sagging roof could be the biggest indicator that your roof is damage and susceptible to collapse. A saggy roof is characterized as one that is caved in or curved, as opposed to a flat straight roof alignment. A saggy roof is typically caused by the age of a roof or by a roof being weighed down for an extended period of time. When you notice your roof starting to sag, be proactive.

Professional Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

Rhode Island Slate roofing can handle all of your roofing needs across the state of Rhode Island. Our team comes experienced, reliable and dedicated. Our new roof installations can be completed in an efficient manner and we offer a variety of different types of roofs. If you do not need a new roof, we can still offer maintenance and repair services to ensure your roof lasts longer. The next time you need help with your roof, contact us today!

 

New Roof

Ways to Protect your Roof before the Fall and Winter Months

It is imperative to protect your roof year-round but especially have measures in place before the fall and winter months. This is especially true in a state like Rhode Island, where fall and winter can be frigid and brutal. The frigid and brutal weather in New England can do significant damage to roofs in the area. To give your roof the best chance of holding up during inclement weather, here are some ways to best protect your roof.

Check for Any Leaks

  • Now is a good time to take a look at your ceilings and walls. If you can see stains, that is often a key giveaway that something is wrong. Once the snow comes and covers your roofs, it will be almost impossible to find these little leaks. When leaks are spotted, be proactive and have it addressed immediately.

Check Your Gutters

  • Cleaning your gutters is essential during the fall season. Dead leaves and debris build up in your gutters can lead to rain overflow in your gutters. This can eventually lead to a clog in your downspout and damage to your roof, trim or siding. It is good practice to check and clean your gutters at least once a season.

Inspect The Home’s Exterior

  • If you are not comfortable being on your roof, do not worry. You can still examine your roof by walking around your house and looking for any cracked or curled edges or missing shingles. If you believe your roof should be inspected, remember that professional roofing companies can always help out.

Professional Roofing Services in Smithfield, RI

The Rhode Island Slate Roofing team has decades of experience reviewing roofs. If you require a roofing professional to examine your roof, we can get the job done! From there, if your roof needs any repairs or installations, we can also take care of that. With our variety of roofing types and options, you cannot go wrong. Our attention to detail, certifications, and resources will have you loving your new roof! Contact us today to get started!

skylight on roof

Benefits of a Skylight in Your Home

A roof with a window that allows one to see the sky is known as a skylight roof.  Skylight roofs became popular decades ago and still remain a trend! Not every roof will have a skylight, but for those that do, there is tremendous value and opportunity. Here are just a handful of benefits that can come from having a skylight on your roof.

Energy Saver

Homeowners want to save energy, but it is not always as easy as it sounds. With a skylight roof, saving energy can be quite simple. By allowing natural light to shine into your home, there is a direct correlation into how much energy you can save. Instead of paying for light, you are getting it for free. During the winter months, the natural light can actually reduce the amount of heat needed in your home. Whether you are trying to save some money or be a little bit more environmentally-friendly, you cannot go wrong with skylight roofs.

Healthier Living Environment 

Skylight can produce natural light that helps your body produce and develop Vitamin D. Ee all know all important receiving Vitamin D is. Experiencing a skylight roof can also improve your mood. Dark and poorly lit homes can bring down the overall vibe in your home.

Enhanced Ventilation

Skylights do not have to stay closed all the time. During the warmer months of the year, your skylight can be opened up and used to let some of the warmer air out of your house. Respectfully, when the temperature drops at night, it’s a great way to get the cooler air into your home. A skylight can help you stay comfortable in your home year-round.

Aesthetics

Skylights have a tremendous visual appeal. When a skylight is installed properly, it can really make your home stand out! In addition to the other benefits, skylights can give your home an extra elegant look.

 

Professional SkyLight Roofing Services in Smithfield, Rhode Island

Interested in Skylight Roofing services in the state of Rhode Island? For decades now, Rhode Island Slate Roofing has provided skylight installations for a range of different roofs! Skylights are a tremendous addition to any roofs and bring with it many benefits! Contact us today to get started on your skylight roof!