Choosing a Roof

At William Penn Roofing we know choosing the right roof for your home can be a tough decision and one you will be living with for the next 25-50 years, so its important to consider your options carefully.

Knowing your objectives when going into purchasing a new roof is key to making sure your satisfied in the end.

So what are your objectives?  Are you looking for style points, pure functionality, or state of the art innovations?  It is your choice and there are other factors that come into play however decide what your objectives are first so you don't get lost in the overwhelming selection of materials.

After determining your objective, it is now time to consider the style of your home and the budget you want to work with.  We suggest choosing the style first since there are many budget-friendly options out there you may be able to find the style you want within your budget.  

If you are having trouble deciding on a style here is a tip… Drive around and look at what comparable homes in your area chose for thier roof.  Take a picture and show your roofing specialist, chances are he will know the style and color name of the shingles you are looking for.  

Cost- Materials and current shape of your existing roof will determine most of the cost.  If you need a new roof plus the decking (plywood) that will cost more than just the roofing materials.  Even more costly is when the plywood is removed and rafters are also damaged and need replacing (see pics to side and below), so the shape of your current roof is also a determining factor.  Obviously labor is also a part of the cost, the more labor intensive the application such as tiles or cedar shakes, the more your roofing costs will be and lets face it roofing is dangerous work you are working up high on a steep slope with heavy tools and materials.              

       

Materials-  Things to keep in mind when choosing your roofing materials, we have created an abbreviated list of the many roofing options including average price per square (a square = 100 sq.ft.  You can read more about different roofing terms here).

1. Asphalt shingles are most common, versatile, and come in a variety of colors and styles, averaging around $50 a square.  The more options you add to your asphalt shingles the more expensive they become but they are usually the most affordable option for homeowners.
2. Slate shingles are very durable and very expensive typically around $800 a square  although consider the age and style of your home as slate may not look right on your particular home.
3. Metal roofing surfaces are also among the very durable and long lasting as they can last much longer than asphalt when installed properly.  They are cheaper than slate however much more than asphalt leaving you at around $300 or more per square.
4. Wood shakes last around the same length of time as asphalt shingles, probably a bit longer however usually costs an average of $400 per square.  
5. Tile shingles are very heavy, very durable, and very expensive.  They are typically found in warmer climates that receive less rain because the rain actually erodes the tiles over time.  Tiles are also known to keep your home cooler when the heat rises. Tiles are another option that is style specific so unless your home had tiles before you most likely won’t want to put tiles on as it may not go with the look of your home.

With the many new innovations on the market the selection for roofing materials can seem endless.  In our area you cannot go wrong with asphalt shingles as they withstand the many different element types thrown at us season after season.  Many manufacturers like GAF & Certainteed make look-alike asphalt shingles for both slate and cedar fans.  PlyGem, another leading manufacturer also created an engineered slate that looks very much like real slate but substantially less money.  GAF offers a Cool Series shingle which is Energy Star rated to help keep your home cooler in the summer months by reducing the temperature in your attic.  The Cool Series may be an alternative to tiles since they offer similar functions.  

  

To sum it all up…

1. Determine your objectives.
2. Choose your style.
3. Work within your budget. 

 

PLY GEM Engineered Slate

GAF Cool Series Shingles

GAF Lifetime High Definition Shingles

CERTAINTEED Grand Manor Shingles

A Few Tips for Fall Home Prep

It is always bitter sweet to see the end of summer although the changing leaves, mild temperatures, and pumpkin spiced lattes, usually make that transition a little better, even enjoyable.  While soaking in the last few days of great weather it is easy to forget about the usual home maintenance we should to do prepare our home for the falling leaves and harsh winter months.  Here are a few suggestions that may help make your life a little easier and save you money in the long run.

1.  Get your gutters cleaned BEFORE the leaves fall.  Late summer is the best time, the weather is warm and the leaves are where they should be for now which means less time cleaning your roof before cleaning your gutters.  William Penn Roofing offers great gutter cleaning services making sure all your valleys, downspouts, elbows, and outlets are free of debris and water is moving AWAY from your home.

2.  Consider installing a leaf protection system, we recommend Leaf Relief by Plygem.  They are great at keeping leaves and debris from clogging your gutters, making them relatively maintenance free.  They also make them to fit your existing gutters, new construction gutters, or even copper gutters.  We have installed this product for many of our satisfied customers.
3.  Have a professional, like William Penn Roofing, inspect your facia (the part of your home that your gutters are attached) and current gutter system to make sure nothing is loose or cracked and could cause water damage to your roof or other areas of your home.  

These are just a few suggestions that can prepare your home for the fall and winter months to come.  Proper home maintenance can help your home running efficiently and save your home from costly damages like wood rot, mold, broken gutter systems, etc.  Calling a professional saves you time and prevents you from entering a dangerous domain, your roof, where you could injure yourself.       

Homeowners Beware

These few things can really cause damage to your roof and other parts of your home if not careful.

Pressure Washing:  Seems to be the new trend around here but be careful because too many washings with the highly pressurized water can cause your roof to erode and essentially become ineffective.

Not Regularly Cleaning Your Gutters:  Although it seems harmless, this is huge and can effect not only your roof but many other places in your home by causing water to seep in and rotting the wood structure or growing mold which can cause illness.  Have your gutters cleaned by a professional like William Penn Roofing.

Solar Panels:  They are a great solution to costly energy bills, however if installed improperly they can inhibit the integrity of your roof and cause potential leaks.  If you are planning to have them installed ask for them to use invisible brackets as these do not damage the roofing system.

Proper Pruning:  Often times homeowners overlook necessary pruning of larger trees on their property.  Trees that hang over your roof can potentially cause damage with falling debris or even cause moss or fungi to grow on the roof.  Have large trees professionally pruned by a licensed and insured tree climber. 

Satellite Dishes:  The screws used to install satellites to your home penetrate your roofs surface leaving it vulnerable to the harsh elements. You can prevent this by mounting the satellite on the side of your home where water or snow is less likely to lay and build up. 

Peeling Back Shingles:  DIY is great as long as you make sure you are not causing any harm first. Peeling back shingles to check for leaks can actually end up creating them. It is best to have a licensed and insured roofer like William Penn Roofing to come and inspect your roof for any leaks.

Walking on Your Roof:  Not only is it dangerous to walk on your roof without proper footwear and experience more damage can be done to the protective surface.  The granules can shed and gaps can be created between the shingles causing crevices where water can leech in and cause further damage.  Leave that for the pros.   

  

Rain Rain Go Away!

Your gutters are most likely the last thing you think about, however the job they perform for your home is crucial.  

Often times gutters are ineffective due to years of wear and tear, obstructions, or improper installation.  Many people are unaware that a wet basement or crawl space is most often the casualty of faulty gutters.  When rain hits your roof it is naturally drawn down by gravity, and, given you have a roof that is still functioning effectively, the water runs off the edges to be carried away from your home by the gutter system in place. 

When your gutter systems fail, you can end up with excess water around the perimeter of your home increasing your risk of water damage within your home.  When left untreated, mold can grow (at a surprisingly rapid rate) and any wood that is penetrated by the water is susceptible to rot.  Leaving these issues go can end up costing you a pretty penny in the long run.  It is best to have your gutters checked at least once a year to prevent any issues from forming.  Contact a professional like us at William Penn Roofing, we specialize in roofing and gutter services and can help address any issues making sure your gutter systems are running properly.  

Signs of faulty gutters include puddles around the base of your home, water dumping off the edge of your roof when it rains, pieces removed or missing, downspouts improperly placed, and clogged elbows.  Also, your gutter should be secured snugly to the side of your home that meets the edge of the roof, if they are not, your gutters are not doing their job.  A lot of times this happens during storms with high winds or heavy rains, or if excess weight is applied to the gutters from debris or ice and snow.

What lies beneath...

Many people do not know the signs of a failing roof and unfortunately end up replacing the roof after extensive damage has been done beneath the surface. 

Waiting until your roof looks like this...

Is too late and will cost you much more in the end.  This roof is in desperate need of replacement the shingles are cracked and flaking which leaves your roof vulnerable to moisture.  The homeowners unfortunately waited to call until they spotted a water stain on their ceiling, which resulted in extensive damage below the surface of the shingles and asphalt felt.

You can see the darker color of the plywood where the wood has become saturated from exposure to water and moisture.

  

The water can even rot out the wood joists, damage insulation, and even cause the gutters to pull away from your home's exterior.  All of which will need to be replaced before the new roof is installed.   Don't let this happen to you, inspect your roof in the fall and summer, or at least once a year to prevent this from happening.  Hire a professional if you are unable to get on your roof and in the attic to look for signs of wear or damage.  

William Penn Roofing services Bucks and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania and provides a professional service to come out and inspect your roof for any possible damage.  Free estimates are included and we aren't finished until you are satisfied.    

The seasons have changed, did the harsh winter months leave your home unprotected?

     

 Keep your home looking it's best.

This winter was particularly bad for everyone in the Northeastern part of the country.  The harsh winds, freezing temperatures, snow accumulations, and heavy ice may not have just left you tired out.  Extreme winter elements can do significant damage to your home, and what’s worse is you may not even know it.  Inspecting your roof and general maintenance should be done seasonally, if you missed checking your roof in the fall, before the harsh winter weather, your roof may be calling you.  In order to maintain your roof effectively, inspection is necessary on both the exterior and interior.  

How do you know what to look for?  

• EXTERIOR:

• Loose shingles: Shingles that have fallen off or have slipped position.

• Flashing: May have holes or be warped allowing water to penetrate your roof.

• INTERIOR:

• Clear vents of any obstructions allowing moisture to escape.

• Check attic insulation for moisture

• Check drywall from baseboards to ceiling for moisture or discoloration.

 

Maneuvering on top of your roof could be risky business, and is not recommended for everyone.  Call a professional to come out and inspect your roof, they will have all the knowledge and skills and know where to check and what to look for.  William Penn Roofing specializes in roofing repairs will inspect your roof for free! 

Heavy ice and snow over time can cause your roof to sag and potentially create areas for moisture to penetrate through the roof's surface.

Constant exposure to harsh elements can cause your shingles to fail, leaving your roof unprotected from the elements.

Another casualty of heavy ice & snow (and sometimes wind!) are typically your gutters.  This gutter has been separated from the house due to ice dams, causing improper drainage of excess water from your home.  This can lead to water in your home.

Unfortunately this is what happens when proper prevention is not taken to protect your roof.  Water makes its way through your protective roof surfaces and begins to rot the wood structure of your home.  Any damaged areas will need to be replaced and could end up costing big bucks.

10 Ways to Tell If you need a new roof!

If you are unsure whether you need a new roof or just a repair, reference this quick article to see what you might need. Feel Free to contact your local roofing company for a free estimate at www.williampennroofing.com


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