The home being redone is in the 1100 block of South Indianapolis Avenue, for the Starkweather family.  They have a 9-year old boy, Ethan, who suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome.  This home makeover is being done primarily for him.

Both Ethan and Callie have big ties to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the organization played a role in this particular makeover.  You can get more info on all of this from the Tulsa World article posted today.

The San Francisco Chronicle has a great answer on their Q and A with the Burnett brothers and their Sweat Equity article.  They cover a lot more of the detail on what can affect the roof and what kind of damage you can expect from different weather and effects.

People are still spending money on their small home improvement stuff, just doing little do-it-yourself project to improve the energy efficiency in their homes (and drop utility costs).

Business Week has a detailed article talking about Home Depot’s position on the situation, but it’s interesting to see how the big boys are dealing with home improvement in this economy.

A Florida construction company named Ark Remodeling and Construction (nice name) was chosen to be the contractor for Extreme Makeover. They’re going to be doing the work in Gainesville, Florida, and are looking to be excited to get started.

They’ll be starting on Monday morning, this coming Monday.  The Gainesville Sun has a great story on them and what the experience has been like so far.

You can comment to his stories, let us know what you think of the stuff he has to say, the stories he links to, if they’re good or bad.  Hopefully it’s all good, we’ll see.

Your roof gets worn over time, and through exposure to sun, rain, snow, wind and debris. And, it might look OK from the ground, but without a professional taking a good close look at it, you won’t necessarily know what shape it’s in. You may assume it’s fine. But wishful thinking won’t keep you dry.

Most homeowners notice they’ve got a problem with their roof when they have a leak. Whether it’s just water stains on the ceiling or a full drip, the source of the leak can be hard to find. Water can travel horizontally along the underside of the roof sheathing or along roofing boards, and drip through to your home far from where it’s getting through your shingles.

You need to understand that your roof is a system – all the parts work together. From the exterior surface – the parts that most people think of first – to the underlayment, to the flashing and the sheathing, all parts of the system must be in good shape for the roof to stand up to what the weather throws at it.

Most roofs have some slope. They are pitched so the rain hits the surface, and flows down the slope to the gutters, where it’s taken away. Depending on the degree of pitch, some roofing materials are more appropriate than others – you wouldn’t use standard shingles on a low-pitched roof, for example.

Certain roof types have more problems than others. I find that a low-pitched roof is more likely to have problems with ice dams, since there is less room beneath the roof sheathing for insulation. In general, the steeper the pitch of your roof, the longer it will last, because water and snow load will be shed more quickly. On a low-pitched roof, the snow will probably sit longer, melting and refreezing, and have more time to get through to your house.

You may find problems if your roof has lots of detail, such as dormers, gables and angles. In spots where roof planes join, there is a potential for leaking at the flashing, peaks and valleys.

Most roofs are covered in asphalt shingles – not that they are my favourite roofing choice. The shingles are overlapped with each shingle partly covering the one under it, so the water flows down from one shingle to the next. They are also staggered so the seams between the shingles don’t line up and let water get through the crack and find its way to the roof sheathing.

A leak occurs when water somehow penetrates the roof’s first layer of protection: the shingles. Maybe some shingles are damaged or missing. Or, maybe an intense rainstorm with high winds will drive the water up behind the shingles.

That’s why your roof system has a backup under the shingles: the underlayment. Traditionally, black felt roofer’s paper is rolled on to the surface of the sheathing, and depending on your local building code and climate, a three-foot length of ice-and-water shield is laid along the bottom perimeter of the roof. I prefer to use ice-and-water shield all over, and think it’s well worth the extra money.

Think about how your roof is installed: The shingles are nailed on to the roof sheathing. Thousands of nails, all over your roof’s surface, penetrate the shingle and the sheathing. Every one of those nails is a spot where water can trickle down and drip into your attic space. That’s one reason ice and water shield is a good idea to use all over your roof – it’s a rubberized adhesive membrane, so it’s waterproof, and it seals around the nails much better than roof paper.

You want to make sure water stays off your roof sheathing. Roof sheathing is wood and wood is porous. It’ll soak up the water until it’s saturated, then the water will need to go somewhere. It will drip, or run along the rafter until it finds a better place to drip. When the rain stops, the drip stops, but the problem remains. Over time, that section of roof that has been repeatedly wet then dry again will rot. It might mould. It could lead to major roof damage.

Your roof system also includes flashing and counter flashing- the thin sheets of metal, like copper or galvanized aluminum – that you’ll find around the chimney, skylights and vents, anywhere the roof shingles meet another surface. This flashing has to be properly caulked to prevent water from getting in behind it and under the shingles.

You’ll also find flashing in the roof valleys -that’s the spot where two sections of your roof slope downward and meet. Valleys are also a great spot for water to collect, and for snow to sit, so you need to make sure the valley is properly flashed.

Check your roof system before the stormy season arrives and a leak finds you.

Catch Mike in his brand new series, Holmes Inspection, airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV. For more information visit hgtv.ca.

(source) Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/homes/story.html?id=2194674#ixzz0WV2oAwN8

The same concept applies to damaged siding, window screens, and rotten wood. Sometimes complete repair is neither in the budget, or needed.

Contact one of our project managers today for more information!

A contract is worth much more than the paper on which it is written. A sound roof system maintenance contract, for example, can help a building owner save money by extending the life span of his roof system. Knowing each party’s responsibilities can help establish a positive working relationship in which everybody can win.
WHO?

Who is responsible? Proper roof system maintenance is the responsibility of several parties. In the beginning, an architect or consultant should make maintenance a requirement of the roof system replacement contract. The fine print of most manufacturers’ guarantees requires inspection, repair and documentation to help ensure the roof system endures. Who is best qualified to oversee this? Although it is the roofing contractor’s responsibility to set a planned inspection and maintenance routine, the building owner is responsible to give the contractor current information about rooftop use, leak history, etc. Another key component to successful roof system maintenance is the owner’s ongoing commitment to continue the process and budget money toward it.
WHAT?

What makes a successful agreement? A roof system maintenance contract typically is a written agreement between the owner and roofing contractor specifically stating the work to be done and cost. Because each roof system is different, there is no standard contract. Contracts may be structured as the following:

* Time and material usually are the least desirable to owners because they are open-ended.
* Cost per square foot is used for new roof systems or ones that require minimal work.
* Inspections on a flat-fee basis are used in some areas. A proposal will be generated to address specific needs with a fixed flat rate for the services.

Most roofing problems have little to do with the roof membrane. Usually, it is a roof-related component that requires attention (i.e., masonry, skylights, pipes, drains, pitch pans, HVAC Units, doors or windows). A quality roof system maintenance agreement lists the current condition of all roofing components and allows the owner to make a decision to repair or postpone maintenance.

Numerous roof system inspection checklists are available, such as an NRCA publication, the RIEI Roofing Maintenance Manual, and can be helpful tools for both roofing contractors and building owners. Some building owners question the need for inspections or maintenance of a new roof system because they believe inspections or maintenance is covered by a warranty. Currently, a growing number of roof system manufacturers require documentation of roof system maintenance and inspections as a condition for warranty coverage.

The average cost for a maintenance program typically runs 15 cents to 25 cents per square foot. The low cost of a roof system maintenance program will save a building owner more money in the long-run. For example, a new roof system on a 20,000 square-foot building at $7.50 per square foot would cost $150,000. If maintained regularly, this roof system should last 20 years. If maintenance is not done, the same roof system may last only 10 years and then need replacement, costing the Owner at least $150,000 without any inflation figured into the equation. With inflation, a 20-year total cost might reach $250,000.

The benefits of maintenance are clear. A typical two-man service crew would be billed out at $95 an hour per man and would cost a little more than $1,500 per inspection and $3,000 per year if done semi-annually. Add $30,000 to account for inflation for maintenance costs, and a building owner’s original investment of $150,000 for a total 20-year investment would be $180,000. This means a savings of at least $120,000 verses no maintenance and replacement in 10 years. Now, add to the equation, the inconvenience of leaks and cost of drywall / ceiling repairs and emergency leak repairs, the cost of not properly maintaining the roof escalates.
WHERE?

Where are the potential trouble spots? Before a job begins, the building owner’s representative and roofing contractor should walk the roof and conduct a thorough inspection. This allows each party to agree on repairs, expectations and how long it should take to finish the work. It also gives both parties an opportunity to express any concerns. Unfortunately, not all owners want to go on the roof. If that is the case, the roofing contractor should take pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially if the pictures include before, during and after images tracking the progress of the job. If possible, the contractor should use a day/date camera to document any questions about service dates.
WHEN?

When is the ideal time for inspections? How often a roof system is inspected has a lot to do with its location and use. Typically, semiannual (spring and fall) roof system inspection/repairs are sufficient to keep a roof system in good condition. Certain types or roof systems may require monthly inspections because of high-traffic use or product contamination. When inspection or maintenance costs for a roof system are discussed, a building owner may ask whether those costs are covered by the guarantee. If this is discussed or included as an option with every proposal, it is a lot easier to get the maintenance ball rolling after the new roof system is installed.

The value of roof system maintenance cannot be overestimated. It is important for a professional to inspect a roof to ensure it fulfills its expectations. Again, a building owner should think about the previous 20-year cost savings example. Considering just half those savings – a $50,000 benefit would present a strong case for regular roof system maintenance.
Do the math

Who + What + Where + When = Win/Win Situation – It’s a simple but critical equation. For roofing contractors and building owners who work together, from start to finish, it all adds up to a profitable contract and great business relationship.

This is a republication of an original article written for Affordable Roofing by Bill Wade. All rights reserved.

Roof Repair Repair is an immediate and temporary solution to an active leak. We refurbish all damages at “flashing conditions” or on roof surfaces. This includes caulking, minor resurfacing and penetration damage.

Roof Restoration

Roof Restoration Restoration is the complete rejuvenation of the entire roof that can significantly extend the lifecycle of your roof. This is considered a major repair of your roof system. Our restoration team is trained to identify and refurbish major deficiencies before a costly replacement is necessary. This is an ARC Roofing specialty and will usually cost you about half as much as a full replacement.

Roof Replacement

Replacement Replacement is necessary when a roofing system is damaged beyond repair or restoration. This occurs during severe weather conditions or material wear and tear over time.The original roof is completely replaced in accordance with the manufacturer requirements, based on materials selected. Give ARC Roofing a call and let us give you a recommendation that is best for you.

Durability:
Metal roofs are known for their toughness. In fact most of the time they come with a 30-50 year warranty and typically survive through the duration of any housing structure. Plus, they’re extremely light-weight compared to conventional shingles, which makes for quick installation. This allows them to be laid over any pre-existing surface and removes the need for wasteful, time-consuming demolition. Here are some other resilient benefits of metal roofing:

Resistance: Due to their sturdy composition, they can withstand any kind of weather. Whether it is hurricane winds, pesky insects, or heavy precipitation, they can endure any climate. Plus, they’re rot-proof and rust-resistant (if properly galvanized).

Fireproof: They are non-combustible, which could save you some money on your insurance premiums (unless they are laid over pre-existing flammable materials, such as wood shingles). And no, they are no more susceptible to lighting (lighting strikes at any high point no matter the material, but if this includes your home, you may want to think about investing in a lighting rod).

Watertight: They’re perfect for sealing out any water. And due to their slick surfacing, snow buildup can slide off quick and easy.

Energy Efficient: They reflect light during the summer, saving money on utility bills. And though insulation is not extensively used in metal roofs, there ought to be a gap between exterior surfaces and the roofing structure. During the winter, this gap provides ventilation and interior thermal reflectivity to help deflect heat back to your house.

Precautions:
Of course, like any roof, they’re not perfect. But even their inherent downfalls can easily be avoided.

Expense: They’re not cheap (usually $200-$500 per every 100 square feet). But since they’re so durable, if you plan on living in your home for an extended period of time, there will be a surefire return on your investment (this also adds value to the home).

Noisy: When it pours, it’ll sound like someone’s drumming on your house. But there are ways to deaden the noise: soundproof insulation or sheathing are two options.

Denting: Usually they are more prone to hail damage, but some products guarantee against denting, even against foot prints.

Slippery: Although their slickness can be beneficial, if you have to walk on top of your house, you may have to watch your step. But some metal roofs are textured in order to help imitate the look of asphalt shingles and therefore act as a slip guard as well.

Maintenance & Hiring Roofing Contractors:
Metal roofing is virtually maintenance-free and easy to clean. But it can also easily be scratched or dulled. And even though they’re typically leak-proof, seepage can occur around joints and seams. However, if there is seepage, it’s usually not due to leaks but condensation that’s formed underneath the surface because of improper ventilation during installation. So for the initial installation and bigger repairs, make sure you hire a qualified roofer like ARC who has experience with metal roofing. This is an uncommon surface, which is part of its appeal, but it also means they require a specialist who is trained in understanding their unique construction and habits, such as their tendency to expand and contract over time.

For any other questions, contact our main office at 918.286.1272