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Archive for the ‘Roofing Installation’ Category

A “Bargain” Roofing Job May Mean Shortcuts That Will Cost You

Early spring is a recommended time for roof inspections (the other being just before winter), so that any damage or problems can be taken care of before the heavy rains start. If your roof inspection indicates it’s time for a replacement, you may have decided to get several estimates, which is understandable, because a new roof is not cheap. Or at least, it shouldn’t be. Your estimates – if based on comparable materials – should come in fairly close to the same amount if you’re dealing with reputable roofers. Keep in mind that sometimes roofing contractors offer discounts to jump-start the spring remodeling season, so factor that in to the numbers you get.

If you find that one estimate is significantly lower than the others, you would be wise to check on the references this roofer provides. “Bargain” roofs often are cheap up front for a reason – the contractor took some shortcuts that will cost you money down the line because of expensive repairs or a prematurely failed roof. Here are some things to watch out for:

A tear-off that isn’t. If you’re not home during the day to observe the work and there’s no dumpster full of old roofing shingles to show the old roof was torn off before the new one was installed, how do you know you actually got a tear-off? Ask the contractor to remove a shingle at random from the upper area of the roof. You should see roofing felt underneath, not shingles or bare roof decking. A roof tear-off is extremely important. Not only is it a code requirement if there are a certain number of layers underneath, but installing new shingles over failed ones could mean your new roof will also fail in a short time. If there is a moisture problem under that old roof, it’s only a matter of time before it affects the new one.
Not enough ice & water shield. Building code requires installation of a certain amount of this product, which is intended to prevent damage to the roof structure in the event ice builds up under the shingles from frozen gutters. But some unscrupulous roofing installers cut corners and try to save money by installing less than the required amount of this expensive product. Who’s going to see, right? The problem – a large amount of roofing repairs are due to this defect.
No roofing felt (also called felt paper). Like ice & water shield, this product is also hidden, but it has a definite purpose. In the event a shingle or section comes loose, it prevents water from seeping into the structure underneath. It should be installed on the entire roof above the ice & water sections.
Lack of “starter shingles” at the roof edge. Shingles are constructed with asphalt strips which allow them to adhere to the section underneath. “Starter shingles” are a special product meant to be installed at the roof edge so that the first course of regular shingles can stick to them. Sometimes roofers simply begin with the regular shingles, which will blow loose at the edge because there’s no adhesive strip underneath to stick to.
Staples instead of nails. Staples are cheaper, but they pull out easily, and they are about half the length of roofing nails. Ask your prospective contractor if nails or staples will be used – insist on nails.

The best way to make sure you’re getting a quality roofing job is to hire a reputable roofing contractor. Ask for references, get referrals, check on credentials. And don’t be afraid to stop by in the course of the job just to “check on the progress.” At Iron River Construction we’re proud of the quality roofing installation we do, and we don’t mind if you check up on us – our happy customers will be glad to tell you what kind of a job we did for them.

An Asphalt Roofing Primer

Choosing the correct style of roofing is a big decision, as it will be in place for at least 15 years. With all the styles and materials available, consulting a professional roofing contractor can help you determine the best choice for you and your home. In Minnesota, the asphalt shingle is the most popular, and the one more people turn to most often when replacing their roofs.

The lifespan of the typical asphalt roof is at least 20 years (there are some 15-year materials, and others that last more than 20), and with proper routine inspections, they can last even longer. (Keep in mind that some roofing warranties require an annual inspection to remain in force.) Manufacturers’ warranties are typically within this range, and by using a reliable, experienced roofing contractor, you will be able to get a great warranty on your labor guarantees, too.

Far too many people think that you can install a roof and then forget about it until you see water spots on your ceiling. The truth is that seasonal inspections are required because as the seasons change, they bring leaves that build up and release acid on the roof; falling tree limbs that may have damaged some part of it, and of course snow and ice work their own magic on roofing materials, flashing and gutters. Unless someone is looking after your roof, these occurrences could shorten its life span or void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Choosing high-quality shingles is another way to get the most out of your replacement roof. They are not always more expensive, and those that are have the extra cost offset by a longer wear. Name brand-roofing systems such as GAF and Owings-Corning are well known because they have been in business a long time and have developed roofing materials that work together, in order to provide the best possible roof available in the market.

Also, you should keep in mind that your roof consists of much more than just your asphalt shingles. It’s a package of components that are designed to work together to channel water away from the building, and stand up to the wind and snow no matter how extreme it gets. Underlayment, soffit and fascia, and rain-handling systems are all a part of keeping that asphalt roof looking good and working well for years to come.

If you have questions about asphalt roofing or annual inspections, please contact us. We’re an experienced roofing contractor serving the Minneapolis and greater Minnesota areas.

New Roofs on Old Houses – You’ve Got Options

If your house was built before 1900, you know how challenging it can be to maintain—but you also know the joys of preserving a piece of history. Roofing is a great way to make a statement about that kind of value, too. Here are the four most common roofing materials:

Slate: Slate is attractive, dramatic, and since it’s a type of rock, extremely durable. It’s also very expensive. A 4,000 sq.ft. roof can cost as much as $160,000. If you like the look but not the expense, you might consider cement tiles or metal roofing, which can mimic the appearance of slate at a fraction of the price.
Metal: Depending on the profile, metal roofing can be harsh in appearance and difficult to install. However, metal roofing offers excellent protection from the elements and can contribute to the aesthetics of a structure that will change with time—metal takes on beautiful patinas with age. Like slate, metal roofing is expensive. But it is also extremely durable.
Shake: It’s the look of the wild west, the pioneers, or the first New England settlers—or at least it seems to be. Shake looks old. Authentic shake roofing, however, has a major drawback: it’s made of wood, and wood dries, rots, and admits leaks. If you still like the look, imitation shake products are available that look like the real thing (from a distance) and don’t discolor and warp. If you choose real wood shakes, keep an eye on the weight and make sure your roof’s structure can support it.
Composite Shingles: It’s the cheapest and most common type of roofing available, made of fiberglass and asphalt. It can quickly make your old house look like all the others in the new gated community across town, if that’s what you really want. Manufacturers are also offering composite roofing in different shapes and colors, which could be a way of saving money and giving the roof a special appearance, too.

The best way to find out more about roofing for your old house is to ask others what they’ve done. You can walk around town looking at houses or even visit your local city planning commission. It’ll also help you figure out how to blend in—or stick out—among all the other houses on the block. If you’re not sure about what type of roofing material would work best for your home, seek the advice of an experienced roofing contractor.

A More Expensive Replacement Roof Can Save You Money in the Long Run

For most Americans, the biggest investment they will ever make is in their home. It stands to reason that a homeowner should take an active interest in maintaining that home. Since the roof is a large part of the value of a home, it makes sense to get a good one and make it last. Though the up-front installation price will be higher, a quality roof will cost less in the long run, and if done right, will even save the homeowner some money.

The overall cost of a roof is more than the amount you pay the roofer when the job is done. You need to evaluate the true cost by looking at long-range costs such as how long it is expected to last, maintenance, and anticipated repairs. Roofs which are cheaper up front may not last as long and may require more frequent repairs. With an average repair cost of over $500, cheap roofing may incur about extra $2500 of repair and maintenance over its expected 15-year life. Factor in the cost of replacing that same roof in half the time a quality roof will last to get a more accurate cost comparison. That being said, there may be circumstances when the less-expensive roof is the right choice, such as when the owner intends to sell the home within a couple of years.

Quality roofing has a life expectancy of up to 30 years (or more for metal roofing), generally has a better warranty, and when installed by the right roofing contractor will require minimal repairs during its lifetime. Most roofing contractors will provide free inspections if they have installed your roof, and annual inspections are a requirement of most roofing warranties.

A good roofing contractor will help you find material that suits your needs and budget. Any experienced contractor can help you narrow down your choices, but the final decision is yours. Be smart; opt for a quality roof if you are planning on staying in your home for the next 10-15 years. Call us at Iron River Construction to find out more- 952-442-1762

Unique Roofing Alternatives to Asphalt Shingles

The most common roofing material until recently has been asphalt shingles, but there are other alternatives that are becoming increasingly popular. If you are considering replacing your roof, here are your basic options:

Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice. Asphalt roofing is economical, and a varierty of colors are available. Depending on your choice of shingles, you can even obtain a custom look.
Slate is very durable, and it has an old-world charm to it. Slate roofing is flame-resistant, and doesn’t have a finish that requires maintenance or that will fade. A variety of shapes and colors are available. Slate roofing, being made from genuine stone, is more expensive than asphalt shingles but can produce beautiful architectural interest. The up-front installation expense will be offset by reduced maintenance and replacement costs. As a natural product, it’s also a good choice if you’re looking for greener roofing.
Clay tiles produce a look like no other. Because they are curved, they do provide good air circulation, and generally hold up well in most weather. If you chose clay, you may need to find a roofing contractor who specializes in tile installation; not all roofers do.
Metal roofing has traditionally been confined to agricultural and industrial applications, but more and more homeowners are choosing steel or other metal roofing. Insulation, durability, lack of maintenance, and attractive profiles and colors make metal roofing a good choice for homeowners. The design options are extensive – some metal roofing lines replicate asphalt, shake, slate, tile, etc. Like slate and clay tiles, metal roofing has a higher up-front cost, but it is extremely durable, resistant to hail damage, and flame resistant as well. Many homewner’s insurance companies will even offer discounts for steel roofs.

If you’d like a something a little different with your next roof but aren’t sure what would be best for you, talk to a professional roofing company like Iron River Construction. We can work with you and discuss your budget, home appearance, and personal preferences to come up with the best roofing solution for you. If you would like to know more, give us a call at Iron River Construction, and we will help you figure this one out. 952-442-1762

A Better MN Roofing Contractor Means Better Roofing Warranties and Performance

When it comes to replacing your MN roof, you have a number of choices when it comes to materials. Each has specific advantages and and disadvantages. A local professional roofing contractor can best advise you as to which type of roofing is better suited for your home and Minnesota climate, as well as your budget, your personal preferences, and how long you intend to stay in your home.

As a homeowner, you need to be aware of any limitations of the product warranty and consider these before any materials are purchased. While the product may be of the finest quality, if the roofing or siding is not installed properly,the warranty may be voided. Because of this, it is extremely important to make sure that the contractor is a certified installer endorsed by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers of roofing shingles and other roofing materials have requirements which the installer must complete in order to receive an endorsement. The home owner should be able to rest easier knowing that a quality product is going hand in hand with a quality installation.

One requirement under the terms of most roofing warranties is an annual or seasonal inspection. A reputable roofer will provide these free of charge if you had them install your roof, and some of the better roofing companies will offer them for free whether they installed the roof or not.

Before you move forward with a new roof, make sure you understand the warranty implications before you sign with your contractor. For roof inspections in the Minneapolis and greater Minnesota area, contact Iron River Construction. 952-442-1762

When Is It Time to Replace Your MN Roof?

Let’s face it – the prospect of a leaking roof, particularly in the middle of the winter or a heavy rain, is a scary proposition. There is no arguing that a brand new roof will provide you with a greater sense of security than repairing a damaged roof once it reaches the end of its useful life. The question is, where exactly is that point?

Because most homeowners don’t know when a roof is worn out, some roofing contractors that will use scare tactics to get homeowners to opt for a new roof replacement versus a repair on a roof that actually still has plenty of life left in it. A quick review of a few indicators will help you feel more confident if you are considering replacement versus repairs.

First, you need to evaluate your roof’s condition. Is it damaged, or is it just dirty and stained? If you’re in doubt, have your roof professionally inspected.

Then if the primary reason you think it is time for a new roof is because of a leak, there are some additional points to consider. Determine whether the roof leaks in a single or multiple locations. Next, ask yourself whether it is in a location that has leaked and been repaired before. A single location, leaking for the first time, usually is not by itself an indication that you need a new roof. It is more likely that a single component of the roofing system such as flashing, a vent, or a misnailed shingle has failed but the rest of the roof still could be in decent condition.

Leaks in multiple locations will tell you a much different story. If multiple locations are having shingles come loose, nails rise, and flashing fail, these are indications that the roof needs to be replaced. The general rule of thumb is that if the roof is over 15 years old, and has more than a third of it is in need of repair, an entire roof replacement is recommended. Why? When your roof reaches this point, things are not going to get any better, and you will be facing multiple roof repairs in the future. On the other hand, with a new roof, everything will be covered with a warranty for 20 years or more. In addition to this, roofing today is much better that that of even 15 years ago. The warranties are better, the materials are better and if you go with a reputable roofing contractor, installations are much better as well.

If you have any questions about whether your roof needs repairs or replacement, the licensed roofing professionals at I River Construction will come out and inspect your roof for free to help you decide. With us you will get the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 952-442-1762

MN Roofing and Siding Go Hand in Hand

In the past, the most popular building materials used in home construction for finishing the exterior were brick or wood siding. Today, there are other options which perform as well (or better) than brick and wood. Cement fiber siding such as James Hardie siding is one of the many types of extremely durable and beautiful siding options which has gained national attention. The advantage of cement fiber board is not only that it possesses the look of actual wood siding, it will also stand up to the elements just as well as cement. In fact it is quite likely that once the existing siding has been replaced with cement fiber siding, the home owner will be outlived by the siding and may never need to replace any portion of it.

The second major component of a house is the roof. Roofing is an integral part of the entire house that maintains its energy efficiency and contributes to the comfort and security of the home. Without a solid and durable roof above, the interior contents of the home are subjected to the elements outside of it, much like a home without good siding. Most roofing materials come with some measure of warranty, but unless they were installed by a certified contractor, this warranty may not be valid. Depending upon the manufacturer and quality of the roofing material, it is common to have warranties ranging from 15, 20, or 30 years. It is important that the roofing contractor installs the new roof according to the manufacturer’s directions, or this warranty could be voided.

The most commonly installed type of roofing material has traditionally been asphalt shingles. While there are many other choices, asphalt shingles are very affordable and work well in all kinds of weather. Your roof is an entire system. It is composed of several parts that should catch and channel water away from the house and its foundation, so that water will not erode any part of it. Unless the roof is viewed as part of this system, an inexperienced roofer can make some big mistakes. Joints may not be installed properly, shingles may not overlap the way they should, and some of the features that help prevent wind from getting under them may be compromised. Only a properly trained technician should be installing a new roof, and even then your roofing contractor should very knowledgeable about the particular product being installed. Each product hasits own elements to make it work as designed.

Siding and roofing are your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Your home is a major investment, so before you replace your siding and/or your roof, make sure you have an experienced professional contractor who can get it done right the first time. Call Iron River Construction at 952-442-1762. Licensed and insured MN siding and roofing contractors.

Tags: siding contractor

What Are Aging Signs In Shingles?

It would be ideal if roofs lasted forever, but as with all things, roof shingles will age and deteriorate. However, not all shingles will age at the same rate. The best way to assess how long your shingles will last is to check the manufacturer’s warranty and speak with the contractor about some of the things that affect a roof’s expected life. Shingles that are exposed to direct sunlight all day will wear much faster than those that are protected by shade. Shingles that are taking a lot of wind and rain, such as those on the northwestern side of the house will take more punishment than those on the southeastern side. A good Minnesota roofing contractor will be able to let you know what you can expect in your are, and how to best protect your roof as the years go by.

Minnesota’s changing weather brings natural heating and cooling temperatures that will expand and contract the roofing material, causing it to separate. Once these small separations occur, water will get in and begin to do damage. Each passing season take a little more out of every roof, so it is vital to keep up with maintenance so that a small partition doesn’t become much larger one by the end of the year.

When shingles become old or begin to show signs of aging, they begin to crack, curl or become loose. They may even break off. You should never ignore these signs of roof deterioration. When you begin to see signs of aging such as this in your shingles, contact an experienced roofing contractor and have the roof inspected right away. Delaying small roof repairs can result in much larger, more expensive ones.

One of the best protection methods is to have an annual roof inspection. Some roofing manufacturers require these to keep the warranty in effect. The reason is that roofing wears out gradually over a long period of time. It is rare that any one single event that will damage a roof, but a series of smaller, less noticeable things over time accelerates deterioration. Insurance companies will cover damage but not neglect, so make sure you keep up with your annual inspections. Roofing inspections are free with Iron River Construction, a licensed roofing contractor serving Minnesota homeowners.

If an experienced roofing contractor determines that shingles need to be replaced, it is not advisable to attempt to do the work yourself. In fact, you may void your roofing warranty if you do. Always have an experienced roofer handle your roofing needs, including replacing or repairing any aging or damaged shingles. By hiring a professional roofer, you will get it done right, as well as protecting your warranty in the process.

Some things are better left to a professional, and roof repair is definitely one of them. Iron River is a licensed, experienced and professional roofing contractor serving Minneapolis and outlying areas in Minnesota. Call today for a free roof inspection – 952-442-1762.

Tags: MN roofing contractor, roof repairs Minneapolis, Roofing Company Minneapolis

MN Roofing Quality and Affordability: They Can Be One and the Same

Having a structurally sound home is probably one of the most comforting factors to living a safe and secure life. Along with the people in your family and the obvious material things in the home, the roofing of your home is perhaps one of the most important features of the house itself. With repair costs soaring higher and higher every year, it is also probably one of the most expensive areas to fix if it is ever damaged.

If you understand the vital differences between quality and affordability, you will eventually come to know that you can have them both if you shop around for the right product. Quality should never be compromised for affordability; and affordability should never be overrated to the point that it will replace quality. Good negotiating skills will get you both every time. Big ticket items like a new roof can always be negotiated, and by taking the time to do this you can have a affordable quality roof.

Good quality roofing and installations will last longer and have fewer issues than roofing that is not of good quality or installed by someone who is not fully qualified. Unless the installer is licensed and recognized to install your particular brand of roofing (many manufacturers certify their installers), they may void the warranty, devaluing your new roof significantly. Understanding the requirements to maintaining the warranty on your new roofing material plays another big role in the preservation of its value.

Correct installation is critical. It is not uncommon for new roofing to shift and settle throughout the first year of installation. If it was installed right, this shifting will make no difference. If it was not installed right, your new product will need a few inspections to tweak some of the other elements of the roof such as the flashing, venting and gutters to prevent moisture from entering in. Improperly-installed roofing can cause moisture problems. Water can simply work its way under the shingles and begin to grow mold and mildew that will eventually take its toll; or it freeze and expand as it slowly breaks down you home. It only takes a little moisture to get started, and then with each passing year these unnoticeable defects will start to take place on a larger scale with each passing season.

If you are in the market for a new roof in the Minneapolis and outlying areas, or your existing roof requires repairs, call Iron River Construction to learn all you can about how the perfect roof can be bought and installed. We will cover all the bases. 952-442-1762.

Tags: roof repairs Mpls, Roofing Company Minneapolis, roofing contractor

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