Thursday, May 29, 2014

Roof Talk-101 No Two Gutter Systems Are The Same

Roof Talk-101   No Two Gutter Systems Are The Same

No two buildings — or gutter systems — are exactly alike. Whether it’s a shopping mall or country club, a large estate or a neighborhood home, every guttering project has specific needs. And though 5- and 6-inch gutters are industry standards, factors ranging from architecture to geography can affect decisions about proper sizing.
“Start by looking at the roof line,” advises Bruce Andrews, owner of Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters/Gutter Helmet in Maiden Rock, Wis. “When you see the number of squares of shingles, it will tell you how many gallons of water can come off of the roof during a storm. The bigger the roof the more water it will generate.”
Since gutters exist to drain water away from buildings, then estimating the amount of water a gutter must potentially carry is a key to determining the correct size for the trough. But Dan Vitale of Vitale Seamless Gutters in Somersworth, N.H., says in addition to the size of the roof, “Slope is another important factor to consider.” His own rule of thumb is 6-inch gutters for most commercial projects and 5-inch for most residential jobs. Yet different conditions may require an adjustment in gutter size.
A third consideration is the downspouts. “You should worry more about your downspout sizes rather than your gutter size,” advises owner Doug Craig of Viking Metal Products in East Point, Ga. Happily, he points out, the first chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) gutter manual “has in detail the maximum rainfall for locations around the country, so that you know how many square inches of rainfall to plan for each downspout.”
Size-specific solutions
Since Andrews’ crews perform both residential and commercial work, they must know what to look for at each jobsite. Based on the SMACNA manual’s data regarding expected rainfall, he notes, “We might see that 5-inch gutters need an extra-large downspout. In the Midwest, for example, you can have everything from a steady all-day rain to a half-inch downpour in a few minutes.”
After sizing up the gutters, Andrews continues, “When we get to a house, we make sure the drainage is right.” Even if gutters are the correct size for the project, an improperly installed gutter system can cause overflows, backups, blockages, ice damming and other problems.
Andrews has also encountered projects where the steep pitch of the roof necessitated extra downspouts. Yet the decision is not always cut-and-dried. “Whenever possible, we hide the downspouts and try to keep the aesthetics of the building in mind,” he explains. One way to balance function and appearance, he suggests, is to “maintain the look the customer wants by using colors that match as closely as possible, so that the work blends into the building.”
The demands of form and function sometimes require a combination of 5- and 6-inch gutters. “We’ve done some large sheds and used 5-inch gutter on smaller overhangs and then 6-inch for longer runs,” Andrews reports. “But since the different sizes weren’t installed close to each other, it maintained the look of the building.” Depending on the job, Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters might use larger downspouts — or more downspouts — for the bigger gutters on a job where both 5- and 6-inch styles are used.
Whatever size gutter is needed, Andrews adds, “You must have a splash guard for every valley.”
ROOFTEC-LLC and ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at. www.rooftec-llc.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .


Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Roof Talk-101 How Much Does it Cost to Install Gutters & Downspouts?

Roof Talk-101  How Much Does it Cost to Install Gutters & Downspouts?

Install Gutters & Downspouts Costs

Location: San Antonio, Texas 
Average reported cost:
$1,325
based on 78 cost profiles
Most homeowners
spent between:
$1,103 - $1,547
Minimum cost:
$435
Maximum cost:
$2,262

Gutters are essential in helping to preserve the foundations and walls of your home. They carry water away from your home's foundation and help to prevent flooding. Without proper gutters and downspouts you run the risk of foundation flooding and prematurely crumbling or cracking. The single largest factor in determining the cost of installing gutters and downspouts in your home is the type of gutter you choose. Since gutter prices from a professional usually include the cost of installation, you can get a good idea of your entire costs when speaking to an installation pro.

Aluminum gutters and downspouts
Aluminum gutters and downspouts are very commonly used, since they are effective at carrying water away from your home, lightweight, easy to install, and inexpensive. However, because it is lightweight, aluminum can be more easily damaged over time and therefore might need repair or replacement sooner than more durable materials.

Steel gutters and downspouts
Steel gutters and downspouts will be more expensive than aluminum but might be the better choice if you live in a part of the country where you experience harsh weather conditions. They are stronger and heavier than aluminum and so they will withstand harsher conditions and last longer. They are not any more effective in their ability to move water away from your home's foundation. The reason you would choose steel is for durability and longevity.
Copper gutters and downspouts
Copper gutters and downspouts are effective in their function but are chosen mostly for their aesthetic appeal. Over time copper develops a patina (tarnish) that can be very beautiful and add a lot of beauty and charm to your home. Copper is much more expensive than other gutter materials and is chosen primarily for how it looks. If you have the desire and budget for copper gutters, just keep in mind the color will change over time, and you cannot always predict how it will appear.
Vinyl gutters and downspouts
Choose vinyl gutters and downspouts when you want a very affordable option and do not live in a climate that experiences extreme weather conditions, either hot or cold. When they are in good shape, vinyl gutters and downspouts are very effective in moving water away from your foundation, but they are not durable and do not stand the test of time.

ROOFTEC-LLC and ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at. www.rooftec-llc.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .
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Friday, May 23, 2014

Roof Talk-101 When is it necessary to replace gutters?

Roof Talk-101  When is it necessary to replace gutters?



If the exterior of your house or business has mold or peeling paint, it could be a sign that your gutters need fixing or replacing. Snow and ice can build up within the gutters,  causing damage or leaks to the home. (It is a myth that gutters cause ice buildup – instead it is caused by heat escaping too quickly from your home.)
Clogged downspouts and debris in gutters can cause them to pull away or sag from the home. They may not be pitched correctly, leaving standing water that attracts insects and mold.

Other signs that the gutters may not be working correctly are cracks in the foundation of the house or water in the basement. Clogged gutters can cause water buildup, forcing it to overflow and causing water buildup around the foundation.

Inspect your gutter system to see if you have any of these situations. If you suspect that you do, get in touch with us to assess the problem and determine the best approach you can take to correcting your gutter problem.

ROOFTEC-LLC and ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at. www.rooftec-llc.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .
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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Roof Talk-101 What Are Seamless Gutters?

Roof Talk-101  What are seamless gutters?

Seamless rain gutters are just as the name implies – seamless. There isn't a break in the gutter.
How do seamless gutters differ from sectional gutters? Since there is no seam, there are no leaks. This is why they are the most popular type of gutter today. The only seams are at inside and outside corners. Most seamless gutters are siliconed, screwed and warranted for five years not to leak.
Seamless gutters are usually made from aluminum, but they can be made from copper. They are made with a seamless gutter machine that is brought to your home by the gutter contractor.  Each individual gutter is customized to fit your home.


With a conventional sectional gutter system there are many sections of guttering all pieced together by snap-in-place connectors. Over time these sections form leaks in the seams and can cause wood rot behind the gutter.

What are the advantages of seamless gutters?

Advantages of seamless rain gutters:
  • Greatly reduces the possibility of leaks
  • Eliminates unsightly seams
  • Baked on enamel finish never needs painting
  • Formed on the job for exact measurements
  • All jobs completed in one day
  • Protects the beauty of your home
  • Many colors to choose from

ROOFTEC-LLC and ROOFGUARD-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at. www.rooftec-llc.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .
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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Why Do We Need a Gutter System?

Why Do We Need a Gutter System?


Not all homes need a gutter system. Gutter systems may not be needed in an arid climates and areas not subject to periods of heavy rains.
The rest of us need a good system to collect the storm water that lands on our roofs and directs the collected water away from the house. We need such a system in order to help reduce water and moisture damage to our homes. The wetter the climate the more we need a properly functioning gutter system. Water that collects next to the foundation of a house will tend to find its way into some part of the structure and that can cause water and moisture damage.
Modern homes are designed to conserve or "trap" energy. That's good. But in the process, such homes can also trap moisture and that can cause big problems and costly damage. For example, if the soil around the foundation is soaked from roof drainage water, we can assume that at least some of that moisture will find its way into the basement, crawl space or the concrete floor. Some of this moisture will then be absorbed by the air in the home. If this occurs in the winter time, we can assume that the warmed air in the home will absorb a great deal of moisture (warm air can absorb more moisture than cold air). If this moisture saturated air finds itself into some spaces with cold surfaces - and it will, then some of this moisture will condense against these cold surfaces. This can happen at windows, attic plywood and inside exterior walls, etc.
Condensation at windows may just be bothersome, but in attics and walls it can cause fungal wood-rot and that can be very expensive to repair. A good gutter system helps to control the amount of water and moisture that gets into a structure. And that, in combination with various types of venting system, can prevent the damage from trapped moisture

 ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at. www.rooftec-llc.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .
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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Roof Talk-101 What Is The Difference Between Residential Gutters & Commercial Gutters

Roof Talk-101 What Is The Difference Between Residential Gutters & Commercial Gutters

You see gutters installed on all kinds of structures, from houses and townhomes to businesses and warehouses. You may be wondering: are the gutters used for residential and commercial applications the same? Or are there important differences to be concerned with?
 Legal Ramifications
The most basic answer to this question relates to how buildings and property are classified by municipalities. Simply put, commercial buildings are usually subject to a different set of laws and codes than residences. Some of these regulatory differences may affect the installation or function of the gutters on these buildings. While every municipality is different, commercial buildings may be required to be equipped with gutters of a certain size or material. There may also be rules regarding how and where gutter downspouts can discharge runoff water so it doesn't affect nearby businesses or overwhelm sewer systems.
Function and Materials
But in many ways, commercial gutters and residential gutters are exactly alike. After all, they both perform the same basic function of directing roof runoff water (or melting ice or snow) away from the building in order to avoid costly foundation damage which can occur over time. Also, most residential and commercial gutters are constructed of aluminum or galvanized steel. Copper and vinyl are additional choices for gutter material, though they tend to be installed on residences more so than commercial buildings. Vinyl is a budget-conscious option for homeowners; while copper is selected as much for its fashion as its function, which is usually more of a concern for homeowners than businesses.
Gutter Basics
Most gutters are manufactured in one of two sizes: five-inch width and six-inch width. Obviously, the six-inch gutter can handle more water at one time than its smaller counterpart; and since commercial buildings tend to be larger than residences (and therefore have larger roofs), six-inch gutters are generally the default choice for these structures because the gutters will have to move a larger volume of runoff water than those hung on residences.
Similarly, gutter styles generally fall into one of two different categories: K-style or box gutters (half-round gutters, which are U-shaped, are a common choice for copper gutters on homes). K-style gutters are so named because their profile shape somewhat resembles the letter K. This not only makes them easier to lay on rooflines, but also provides an aesthetic appearance similar to interior crown molding — which lends itself well to homeowners who want to maximize curb appeal. Box gutters are built just like the name implies: like a box with the top cut off. A box gutter with a similar width as a K-style gutter will hold more water, which is often more important for larger commercial buildings. Plus, box gutters are more likely to clog than K-style gutters, but since most commercial buildings aren't near too many trees, this is less of an issue.

ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at. www.rooftec-llc.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

ROOF TALK- 101 DO YOU TEAR OFF (RIP) OR ADD ON (RECOVER)?

Roof Talk-101  DO YOU TEAR OFF (RIP) OR ADD ON (RECOVER)?

Core-Test-Two-Roofs

Its always best to tear the existing roof system down to the structural deck. That way, the new roof system can sit evenly on the deck, without any dampness or deficiencies caused by the old roof system affecting your new system.
However, it adds a significant cost to the job in the form of:
  • Numerous dumpsters are needed to haul away the old roof system
  • Additional time is needed for our crew to rip off the roof
  • Thicker insulation needs to be added to accommodate building code (R-Value of 20)
  • And on…
Not to mention the noise and disruption a rip can cause.
Therefore, building owners typically follow building code requirements, which state that no more than two roofs can be one on building. Therefore, if two roofs exist, we are required to rip the roof down to the structural deck.
During our roof design and estimate, we will conduct a core analysis, as shown on the left, which will tell us how many roofs exist on your building. We always patch up the core test opening when we are done.
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Monday, May 5, 2014

Roof Talk-101 What's In My Roof?

Roof Talk-101  WHATS IN MY ROOF?

Whats-In-My-Roof-2
A single layer of roofing is comprised of:
  1. Structural Beam (Steel, Wood, Concrete, etc)
  2. Structural Decking (Steel, Wood, Concrete, Gypsum, Tectum, etc)
  3. Rigid Insulation
  4. Flat Roofing Membrane
Two layers of roofing consist of the above, plus another layer of Insulation and Membrane. This is also known as having two roofs.
Most roofing work encompasses tearing off existing insulation and membrane down to the structural deck (known as “ripping” the roof), or adding on a second layer of insulation and membrane to the roof system.
In some cases, small sections of structural deck need to be repaired or replaced. The amount and extent of replacement cannot be determined until the existing insulation and membrane are torn off.

ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at. www.rooftec-llc.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .

Friday, May 2, 2014

Roof Talk-101 What Are The Four Top Reasons Green Roofs Are Good For The Enviroment



  1. Roof Talk-101  What Are The Four Top Reasons Green Roofs Are Good For The Environment

  1. Because the rooftops in urban areas spend all day gathering heat from the sunlight, at night they create a "heat island," radiating out the heat they've absorbed. This has been shown to actually change the normal temperature of urban places. Rooftops covered in plants, however, would mitigate this effect, and instead of absorbing the heat, absorb the carbon dioxide in the air. 

  2. Placing plants on rooftops can also help cleanse the air and, as Science Channel states above, absorb waters from rainstorms and prevent overflow in gutters and sewers, overflow which has the potential to pollute nearby waterways.
  3. Rooftops covered in grasses and shrubs also provide much needed habitat for animals that would otherwise be out of luck. Birds and pollinating insects benefit from the return of plants that disappeared when the buildings were built.
  4. Green roofs also provide important green space for us humans. From the rooftop of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, CA to the conversion of an old train track into the park-like Highline in New York, NY, green spaces provide people with a wonderful respite from the hard, grey urban setting. And, as researchers have shown, when we spend time in nature, we're not only nicer and healthier, but we are more likely to want to protect the environment. That's an important side effect of green roofs.