denver Archives

What is the Best Roof Warranty

April 29, 2024April 29, 2024 by Ana

What is the Best Roof Warranty

As a homeowner have you ever wondered if your roof has a warranty, and if so, how long does it last and what is covered? Roofing warranties are broken down into two different categories workmanship and materials. When a roofing contractor replaces your roof, they cover the workmanship portion. This covers any errors that could be made during the installation of the new roof. The material warranty is covered by the manufacturer of the shingles and other materials that you pick to be installed. This warranty covers any defects that the shingles or other products may have. Some examples of this could be color fading, extensive granule loss, or excessive heat blistering. Manufacturer and workmanship warranties do not cover acts of god like large hail

Standard Manufacturer’s Warranty / Extended Warranty’s

All shingle manufacturers warranties are not created equal. We believe that the best warranties included a non-prorated period of at least ten years. We believe Owens Corning offers the best warranty in the industry. Owens Corning offer what they call the “TRU Protection Period” for any roofing system that is installed that uses their shingles, plus three of their additional products. The TRU Protection period lasts for 10 years. This means that if there are any defects within that period that Owens Corning will cover all material and labor to be replaced in full. After this period, they will still pay for a portion of the replacement at a prorated amount, unless you purchase an extended warranty.

Extended shingle warranties are always a good idea. Owens corning offers options up to 50 years which can even include extended workmanship coverage for up to 25 years. This link will take you to an explanation of the different extended coverage that Owens Corning offers.

Roofing Warranties – Shingle Warranties | Owens Corning Roofing

Another great option when deciding which shingle to use is Pabco. They are a lesser-known shingle brand in our market but have been around on the west coast for many years. They offer a 20-year non-prorated warranty on their shingles. This is one of the best offers in the industry. The only downside is that they do not offer a complete roofing system.

The Workmanship Warranty

Excel Roofing provides a 5-year workmanship warranty on pitched roofs over a 2/12 slope. The workmanship warranty on repairs and portions of roofs with a slope of 2/12 or less is only 1 year. This warranty covers issues related to the quality of labor that is involved in a roofing project. This can include incorrect installation of the selected material, if there is a leak and it is caused by poor or improper installation it is covered. If there is a leak and you are within your warranty period both the outside and interior work should be covered.

To maximize the warranty benefit for your roof you should ask your Project Manager for more information regarding what options would be best for your specific project. These added benefits will give you peace of mind knowing that if there are any issues with your roof that you will be covered.

https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/blog/roofing-warranties-explained

Eco-Star Roofs

April 24, 2024April 15, 2024 by Ana

Eco-Star Roofs

Have you ever wanted a cooler roof that would help your house and the environment? Eco-Star tiles may be the way to go.

In the City of Denver, the certification of “green roof” certification, which is Eco-star. A green box with a Big white E and a white star next to it.

Eco-Star roofs are mostly made up of recycled tiles and shingles, that either were scraped off a roof, or not used on one. The impact of not making newer shingles or tiles is a huge benefit to the environment.

There are multiple roofs that can be used to help the environment without compromising on quality, durability, or longevity. The list includes asphalt shingles, clay tiles, metal roofs, and Synthetic Shake.

Eco roofs will have a longer life span than other materials that are out there. Because of the durability, they can withstand and reduce the frequency of roof replacements and maintenance for it overall, saving money and resources over time.

Consider where you live when you would like to install an Eco roof. Here in Colorado, it has up to 300 days of sunlight, and being positioned closer to the sun. Eco roofs may be a good place to start.

Benefits with eco-friendly roofing is the reflection of the sun. If you have a dark toned roof, it will absorb a lot of sunlight, not letting it have a chance to reflect the sunlight so much. Making it much hotter on top of your house. During the summer, roofs can be hotter than the ground with a difference between 20 degrees. In our climate of Colorado, we are closer to the sun, and it makes it harsher because of direct light towards your roof.

Overall, do your research to see if you would like an eco-roof on your house. Decide which material you would like that is energy efficient. Eco-star roofs can save money in the long run, because it will keep your house cool during the hotter months and warm in the cold months.

https://ecostarllc.com/5-key-environmental-benefits-of-synthetic-roofing/#:~:text=DURABILITY%20AND%20LONGEVITY,heavy%20rains%20and%20extreme%20temperatures

Ice Dams: How to Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

July 23, 2024January 19, 2023 by Excel Roofing

Ice Dams: How To Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

Every year when snow begins to fall and we experience sub-freezing temps in Denver, we start to get calls from concerned customers about ice dams. It happens like clockwork, and we are there to answer the call and help.

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams are formed by snow when the temperatures fluctuate between the days and nights during winter. The snow on the roofs will melt during the day and start to drip off the roof and into the gutters. Once the sun goes down the melted snow will freeze and turn to ice overnight creating a barrier and/or icicle on the edge of the roof. North facing parts of roofs in Colorado are more likely to have ice dams because this side of the house receives the least amount of sunlight throughout the day.

Ice dams can be dangerous and damage your roof

Poorly insulated attic space can also lead to the formation of ice dams. The lack of attic insulation will cause the snow to melt faster off the top portion of the roof where the radiant heat escaping from the home collects. The snow then melts slower once it reaches the lower edge of the roof where the radiant heat from the living space is less. Once the snow builds up enough in this areas the snow and water refreeze over and over. The water freezes under the shingles and when it starts to melt again it drips into the soffit and even directly into the home. If a home has bad ice dams, they usually also experience icicles that can cause damage to the facia, soffit, and siding.

Another example of ice dam damage to the roof

Homes with multiple levels and dimensions can be more prone to ice dams. We often find ice dams in valleys of roofs where two faces meet and water drains off. Because of this these areas can be the most problematic. The melted water moves down the roof valley to the gutters (most of the time this drainage point is an inside corner) if the drainage is not adequate large ice build ups form. In extreme cases fascia and soffit can be completely separated and must be repaired or replaced.

What not to do

Excel Roofing has seen many DIY fixes to ice dams, and they do not solve your issue. We’ve heard stories of customers using hot water, ice melt, and torches. While doing this helps speed up the melting process, it will not melt the entire ice dam and will not solve the issue going forward. Ice dams will continue to form if a permanent solution is not installed. There is no quick fix to getting rid of ice dams other than climbing on the roof and chipping the ice away. However, that is extremely dangerous. Let’s leave it to the pros: Excel Roofing.

Ways to protect your roof with ice dams

Ice and water shield is required by building codes in most cities, counties and jurisdictions in Colorado and Wyoming. With proper installation, ice and water shield can help protect your roof from leaks caused by ice dams. When installing the ice and water shield code demands that it be installed 24 inches beyond the heated wall. Ice dams can melt overtime and cause water to get underneath the shingles and into the home. This is your best line of defense from preventing damage. Excel recommends every house have Ice and Water Shield installed on the eaves even if it is not required by the code and as a rule, we do install it in every roof valley on all projects.

Excel also recommends making sure your house is properly insulated and ventilated. This adds many benefits to your home not just helping with ice dams. Proper insulation and ventilation is integral to the roof system as a whole and will help with maintaining the proper ambient temperature during all seasons. Please see our blog post here for more info: https://www.excelroofing.com/attic-ventilation/

Heat Cable

Heat cable is Excel Roofing’s best solution to ice dams. Heat cable is installed directly on the roof close to the eaves. It is installed in a zigzag pattern approximately two feet up the roof, and through the gutters and downspouts to help prevent ice from freezing there as well. If you are having ice damning issues on your home please call us. We would be more than happy to give you a free estimate to install the ice melting system that is right for your property.

YouTube Link:
Check out our YouTube channel for a video about ice dams and heat cable from the owner J Bretz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIgGxW8MMkY

What is the Best Roof Warranty

Eco-Star Roofs

Ice Dams: How To Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

How Ice Dams Form

What not to do

Ways to protect your roof with ice dams

Heat Cable

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