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A lot of people who own properties want to know, “What’s the average lifespan of a roof?” and that is all going to depend on whether you have a residential or commercial roof. Residential roofs are going to be a lot cheaper than commercial roofs because the size of a home is smaller than a building, therefore the home will have a much smaller roof than a building. If you are a commercial property owner, you might wonder, “How long does a commercial roof last?” the answer is that it is going to depend on the commercial roofing material that was used. When it comes to single ply roofing, TPO is going to last upwards of 20 years, whereas an EPDM roof is only going to last 10 or 15 years. If you think that your roof has reached its lifespan, the most common step would be to get a roof replacement. While this is a traditional route to take, commercial property owners should be aware that there is another option you can choose, which is a commercial roof restoration. 

So how do you know if you are eligible for either a commercial roof restoration or replacement? All you have to do is call a professional roofer and they are able to inspect your commercial roof. They will look for things like cracks, tears, pooling water, bubbling in the roof material, or blown off roof material. If the damage isn’t too extreme, then you might qualify for a roof restoration instead of a roof replacement; if you have a ton of damage to the roof and it extends to more than one area, it is better if you get a roof replacement. To learn more about commercial roof restoration and replacements, keep reading to find out additional information.

How Do I Know When My Roof Needs To Be Replaced?

As a commercial property owner, if you have easy access to your roof, you might be tempted to know what the condition of your roof is. While it is recommended to call professionals when you need roofing, plumbing, and electric heating inspection, you can take a look and see if there is any damage. You might even want to take it a step further and determine whether your roof needs to be replaced. But how can you do that? Below are some signs that indicate that a roof replacement is needed.

• Age of the Roof: Each commercial roof is going to wear out at different times depending on the material that they are made of. Based on the roof you have, if it’s past its lifespan, you will need to get a roof replacement.
• Inadequate Insulation: Insulation is used to keep heating and cooling indoors. There are many places where insulation is installed, one being the attic or below the roof membrane. If the insulation has too much moisture, this can adversely affect the roof and might require replacing the roof.
• Frequent Leaks: If you have called a roofer to get your roof leaks repaired and they keep coming back, this is a sign that you need a new roof. Paying for a new roof vs. roof repairs is better because you are investing in a roof that isn’t going to require constant repairs.
• Damaged Roof Membrane: Damages to the roof membrane is one of the most common reasons that a roof replacement is needed. This can be due to old age, the roof membrane lifting up from wind, or wear and tear.
• Worn Roof Deck: The roof deck is a material that is in between the insulation and roof materials. When the roof deck becomes worn out, it will result in the roof needing to be completely replaced.

If you notice any of these signs, you may ask, “How much does it cost to replace a commercial roof?” and that will all depend on your roof’s material. Certain roof materials are going to cost more than others, so if you are replacing it, that will be taken into consideration when calculating the cost of a roof replacement for your particular roof.

Commercial Restoration

If there is only a small area on your roof that is damaged or you only have a little bit of damage on your roof, then you will most likely be eligible for commercial restoration services. Commercial roof restoration is a great alternative to a roof replacement because it can extend the life of your roof, it is cheaper than a roof replacement, it is sustainable, and you can get tax benefits. While it can do and provide all of those things, many commercial property owners might not know what a roof restoration is and what it entails. A commercial roof restoration is when a roofer cleans, repairs, and then coats the commercial roof with a very resilient coating. The coatings that are typically used for roof restorations are acrylic, elastomeric, polyurea, and silicone. Depending on the roof material that is currently on the roof will depend on what kind of roof coating is used.

Whether you have a metal roof or a modified bitumen roof, roof restorations are able to work with a wide variety of commercial roofing materials. The cool thing about a roof restoration is that it doesn’t require a roofer to tear of your current roofing system; what will happen is commercial restoration clean up, then repair, and then the actual clean-up. The existing roof will stay on, which makes things a lot easier. To ensure that the job is done correctly, roofers will need to use specific commercial restoration equipment and materials to get the job done. Whether you need a regular roof restoration or emergency commercial restoration, you will need the assistance of a great roofer. At Pillar Roofing & Construction, we are able to help by offering quality commercial roofing in Richardson, TX. To learn more about our services, please call our office at (972) 798-8901!

If you are wanting a commercial roofing system that is extremely durable and affordable, then consider getting a modified bitumen roof. Made of melted asphalt, this type of roofing system is best for flat commercial roofs as it still provides a strong protection against weather, but is lightweight and won’t add any additional pressure to your roof. In fact, modified bitumen is so strong, that can hold up to 300 pounds. That means that repairmen can walk on your roof to perform duties like commercial HVAC installation without damaging the membrane. If you are needing a modified bitumen roof for your Richardson, TX building, call the roofers at Pillar Roofing & Construction at (972) 798-8901 for installation today.

How To Identify Modified Bitumen

You can identify a modified bitumen roof by their classic gray or black liquid tar or roll system that is then laid out on the roof. The liquid version of a bitumen roof is very messy, while the rubber rolled version installs quickly like that of all other single ply roofs. It should be noted that a bitumen roof is not technically a single ply roof, and is considered a two-ply roof. Basically a combination of a built up roof and a single ply roof, a modified bitumen roof can be melted down to be elastic like single ply roofs, but is made up of the same materials that are used to create built up roofs. Consisting of six layers, a modified bitumen roof is made up of polyester of fiberglass matting that forms the durable and strong membrane. Insulation, base sheets, adhesive, a surface coat to resist UV rays and weathering, and flashing to protect leaks from gaps in the roof.

How Long Should a Modified Bitumen Roof Last?

In order to make your bitumen roof last 20 years, it needs to be properly installed. So how is modified bitumen roofing installed? First off, you have to choose which type of modified bitumen you want, whether that is SBS or APP. SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) allows for a more flexible roofing membrane and lets the roof expand and contract more. APP (attactic polypropylene) lets your roof age more slowly and therefore last longer. SBS is the type of modified bitumen material more often chosen because of its synthetic rubber additive that allows it to be more flexible and durable.

A modified bitumen roof can be installed in two ways: conventional or inverted. The conventional way involves using torching, asphalts, or cold adhesives. The inverted way of installing a SBS modified bitumen roof consists of applying two-ply rolls that overlap each other.

Why Modified Bitumen Is So Popular

Modified bitumen roofs are a popular choice for commercial roofs because of their durable yet flexible materials. Being able to have strong properties like tar mixed in with rubber additives to make it flexible and waterproof give it an edge over other competing roofing systems by combining them. Modified bitumen is extremely dangerous and messy to install since it involves fire and melted tar, so professional installation is a must. Because of this, their popularity has decreased some due to the mishandling of unprofessional and untrained roofers. Can modified bitumen roofing be repaired? Yes, they can be repaired, but a more effective way of extending the life of your bitumen roof is by getting a restorative roof coating applied over your damaged roof. This will help your roof last another 20 years. For professional installation of a modified bitumen roof in Richardson, TX, call Pillar Roofing & Construction at (972) 798-8901 today.

Modified Bitumen Vs EPDM

Because modified bitumen is a two-ply membrane, it often gets compared to single-ply membranes like EPDM. While there are some similarities between the two, both have distinct advantages and disadvantages that make them stand out from each other.

Modified Bitumen Roofing Details

• The rubber additives make the roof elastic and flexible, allowing it to expand and contract around the temperature and climate
• Thick thanks to the melted asphalt modifiers that are added in the distillation process that replaces standard roofing plasticizers
• Durable and weather resistant
• Protects against UV rays and water damage
• Lasts 20 years
• Can get restored with roof coatings which allows the roof to be recyclable and cuts down on roofing landfill waste
• The factory manufactured SBS rolls are easy to install and control
• Easy to repair common damages from wear and tear over time
• Involves melting asphalt with fire to create tar, which is messy and dangerous
• The smells of the tar are pungent during installation

EPDM Roofing Details

• Dramatically lowers energy costs thanks to its white and reflective coating which resists UV rays
• Available in its original black coating or it can be painted over with a white acrylic coating to receive the reflective benefits
• Can be produced in cost efficient long strips that can be cut up to create rubber shingles for residential roofs
• Resistant to weather, heat, and fire
• Resistant to thermal shocks, abrasions, and ozone pollution.
• Lasts 20 years
• Can get restored with roof coatings which allows the roof to be recyclable and cuts down on roofing landfill waste

While most homeowners know the importance of roof maintenance, it’s a point that’s often skipped by many business owners until there’s a problem or a leak. However, commercial roof maintenance is crucial, especially when dealing with materials like wood shakes. These delicate materials quickly develop issues like mold and mildew as well as acquiring unseen damage like warping, cracking, and even breaking. The Pillar Roofing & Construction roofing team provides expert commercial wood shake roof maintenance to ensure that your building’s roof system is always in optimal condition.

How Does Commercial Wood Roofing Differ From Other Commercial Roof Materials?

Commercial wood shake roofing carries superior strength and durability against problems such as dry air or UV rays. However, moisture, chemicals, and other degrading substances can cause severe damage to your roof system over time. While flat roof materials and metal roofing offer defense against rot, wood roofing is extremely susceptible to the problem. Because of this, it’s important to maintain your roofing system and ensure that even minor damages are repaired in a timely fashion.

Along with roof maintenance, HVAC maintenance and storm drain cleaning are essential for the optimal operation of your structure’s systems. Some of these systems include

• Foundation and Flooring
• Ventilation and Ductwork
• Boilers and Water Heaters
• Driveways and Parking Lots

The proper function of each of these systems promotes a healthy, inviting storefront that can encourage visitors and customers to visit.

Your Commercial Roofing Experts

When it’s time for your commercial wood shake roof maintenance, call the roofing team with the knowledge and know-how to complete the job right. Call the Pillar Roofing & Construction team at (972) 798-8901 to schedule your appointment today.

If you own a home or business, regular roofing maintenance is a necessity. Roofs are big investments. In order to receive the full value of your roofing, you must take care of its needs. Every roofing material has an expected lifespan. Unless you want yours to fall short, and possibly fall victim roofing failure, you should partner with a trusted local roof repair company such as Pillar Roofing & Construction for your roof maintenance in Richardson, TX.

Why You Need Roof Maintenance

As with any component of your home’s exterior, your roof is subject to daily wear from the elements. Not only this, but roofs are particularly subject to damages from high winds and hail. In order to account for these factors, you need regular roof maintenance. If you remain on the fence about whether this service is worth the investment, consider its advantages.

• Longer lifespan for your roof
• Protection for your home’s interior
• Minimizes the costs of repairs
• Forestalls the need for roof replacement
• Improves your home’s appearance
• Prevents the proliferation of mold

A longer lifespan for your roof creates more value for your roofing investment, and forestalls the expense for replacement. You will also save money with fewer, less expensive repairs, as issues are identified and addressed early. A well-maintained roof does a better job defending your home, and makes your interior less subject to damages from leaks. Roofing leaks also create the ideal conditions for mold. A roof that receives scheduled maintenance is much less likely to harbor the hidden leaks that lead to mold’s proliferation, along with its negative impact on your health.

To take care of your roof’s maintenance needs, all you must do is schedule an annual inspection. A professional roofer will closely review your roof, and can then identify maintenance and repair needs. To help maintain the condition of your roof, you should also consider the services of a local TX tree trimmer. Branches that touch the roof of your home or business can heavily damage your roofing materials, and become a serious threat throughout storms.

Schedule a Roof Inspection Today

To schedule a roof inspection in Richardson, TX, contact the expert team at Pillar Roofing & Construction. We work hard to maintain the roofing of our clientele, and provide thorough, attentive inspections that will identify every existing issue. To learn more about roof maintenance or any of our services, simply call (972) 798-8901.

Roof’s play a very important role in the defense of your home, personal property, and your family. That is why it is so important that you keep your roofing system at its best. However, your roof, just like any other part of your house can receive damage, weakening this defense and leaving you vulnerable. There are many things that can lead to damage, from everyday wear and tear to intense storms and the unexpected. Damage can manifest as missing materials, roof leaks, dents and in the most extreme cases sagging in the structure. While this may seem inevitable, there are some steps you can take to safeguard your home from having to deal with roof damage.

How to Protect Your Roof

As a homeowner, you want to do your part in making sure your roof is ready for anything. Luckily, there are a few simple tasks that can be added to your seasonal routine which help!

• Look Up When You Can: Taking the time to look at your roof when returning home can tell you a lot about your roofing system’s health. A quick scan will show if materials are missing, if your roof is dented or sagging, and maybe even show you if there is algae or moss present! All of these are signs of present roof damage.
• Clean Your Gutters: Your gutters carry water away from your roof during storms and light rains. Keeping them clear of debris and blockages will allow them to do their job and disperse the water that hits your roof. This is important as water can warp and damage the materials and structure, weakening it overall.
• Take Care of Your Trees: Having trees around your home can make it feel cozy and even give it a beautiful landscape. However, if your trees have any branches hanging over your roof, or they are beginning to die, having them removed can really make the difference in preventing damage. After all, if it is growing to close to your home, a tree can damage both your roof and your foundation!

Of course, one of the best things you can do is to have any issues dealt with quickly by a qualified roofing contractor. This will renew your defenses while fixing preexisting roof damage. Completing the above steps will allow you to communicate your concerns to them and direct the contractor on what needs to be done for your security.

How Often Do You Need to Get a Roof Inspection?

Many people forgo one of the most important services that could help their roof: a roof inspection. While it may seem unnecessary, a roof inspection can point out roof damage that you may be unable to see due to the materials on your roof. Roofers are trained to find the small details, such as loose materials, small holes from hail, and more that would be otherwise unnoticed. In order to keep your roof at its best, getting a roof inspection at minimum once or twice a year should be done, as well as checking your roof visually. This will prevent damage from spreading along the surface and allowing the outside to affect your home’s structure. In addition, if you suspect roof damage to be present at all, it is important to act quickly and have an inspection by a qualified roofer.

Is Roof Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

When any damage comes to your home, you should review your homeowner’s insurance as soon as you can. It is not uncommon for individuals to be unfamiliar with the terms of the policy and what exactly may be covered. While your policy may cover roof damage, it may have stipulations on exactly what kind is covered and how your roof can be restored. Contact your insurance company and speak with your provider for elaboration on what can be done. If you need to file a claim and need a roofer to assist, Pillar Roofing & Construction is always available to assist! Our roofing contractors are trained professionals who will help you with a thorough inspection, detailed reporting, and expert roofing service. Reach out to our team today at (972) 798-8901 to get started on your roof damage repair service in Richardson, TX.

Like any type of roofing material, an asphalt shingle roof has a limited lifespan. Once your roof has approached or surpassed 20 years of age, you will likely need a replacement. Other factors can also determine the need for new roofing. If your roof suffered from an inadequate installation, or if faulty or low quality materials were used, you could need a new shingle roof much sooner. Stay aware for the following signs, and contact your trusted roofer should they appear.

Missing Shingles

When high winds or other threats strip shingles off your roof, you can typically have a few replaced. If a substantial portion of your roofing material has gone missing, however, you’ll need to replace the whole system. Missing shingles, even one or two, make your roof highly vulnerable to leaks.

Damaged Shingles

Damaged shingles create a scenario similar to that of missing shingles. Hail and windblown debris are common sources of damage for shingles, though tree limbs and pests can also cause harm. If your shingles ever crack, curl, or crease, they need replacement. If something has damaged a large area of your roofing shingles, you likely will need a new shingle roof.

Lost Roofing Granules

If you check your gutters and find them full of roofing granules, the time has come for a new roof. Roofing granules are the fine gravel that cover every shingle. This gravel not only provides for the attractive appearance of your shingles, but also their resilience to impacts and UV radiation. Once you’ve lost your granules, shingles will quickly curl from exposure to sunlight.

If you think you may need a new shingle roof in Richardson, TX, give Pillar Roofing & Construction a call today at (972) 798-8901. We offer exceptional service for new shingle roofs, and are ready for your call today.

Living in Texas, summers are brutal. The highest recorded temperature in Texas was in 1994 when a June day reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It only takes 130 degrees Fahrenheit to fry an egg, so imagine those temperature extremes not only outside, but inside, like in your home and roof. Without proper ventilation in your roof, you will be boiling inside your home, even with your A/C working on it’s highest setting. Here is why getting attic or roof ventilation is so important to extending the life of your home.

Keeps The House Cooler

Probably the most important thing about ventilation is that is keeps the home cool. By strategically placing ventilation in the soffit and at the top of the roof, it helps to circulate air and regulate humidity. This is crucial to helping Texans survive during three out of the four seasons since it is always so hot here.

Lowers Energy Bill

Warm air rises. Without ventilation, the warm air will build up in the attic like a volcano, causing your roof to swell. Because you have ventilation, you air conditioning doesn’t have to work so hard, generating less energy. This means lower energy bills and more money in your pockets to spend on cooling things, like popsicles.

Balanced Air Flow

With air conditioning, filters are required in air ducts which blow out the air. If they get clogged, certain rooms can get less or warmer air than others. With roof ventilation, all air flow is equal since the roof covers the whole house and every room inside it.

 

If you need roof ventilation in Richardson, TX, call Pillar Roofing & Construction at (972) 798-8901 today.

Anyone who’s ever witnessed softball size hail will tell you that hail storms are no joke. Americans are paying billions of dollars every year for replacing or repairing hail-damaged property. Roof top damage alone can cost you hundreds. Homeowners in Richardson, TX can now protect their homes with impact resistant shingles.

Solid Protection

So how sturdy are these shingles? Roofers rate impact resistance on a scale from one to four (four being the toughest). For a roofing material to even be considered class four, it must be able to absorb and deflect 90 mile per hour hail strikes! When we say that impact resistant shingles offer your home the highest level of protection from hail damage, you can be certain that your home will be safe during the next thunderstorm.

Impact resistant roofing is supported by a special layer of polymer or rubber beneath the surface. This support provides excellent flexibility and water-proofing for seasonal downpour. If you’ve had problems with leaks in the past, you’re probably familiar with how expensive water damage and mold growth can be to fix.

Curb Appeal

Now who said shingles can’t have style and substance? Impact resistant roofing has come a long way in the last few decades. New texturing options, such as wood shake, slate, or stylized tile are available for homeowners to choose from. You can have fun picking the colors for your next hail-protected rooftop.

If you’re tired of paying for roof repairs after every hail storm, check out impact resistant shingles. Give us a call at (972) 798-8901 for more information.

 

So many people wait until they have or suspect a problem with their roof to do a roof inspection when this is not the way it should be done. The inspection is there to prevent the problem from happening. If you wait until you have a problem with your roof to have the inspection done, you are missing out on all the money that could have been saved by having one before the big problems started happening. So many people don’t know that they should have a roof inspection once a year. Just like you go to the doctor or the dentist, you should protect your roof and your wallet from getting hit hard later on. If an inspector finds a missing shingle, the damage can be repaired right there. If you have a broken shingle and don’t have it fixed because you don’t know about it, it can end up letting water in and rotting your shingles or even cause water damage to your roof. These kinds of things can get expensive to have fixed but could have easily been prevented, had you gotten a roof inspection done.

Reasons You Should Have an Inspection

You should have an inspection done for peace of mind. You shouldn’t be worried all the time that your roof is going to have a problem or when you need to have something fixed. When you have an inspector out to your home, they will be able to tell you everything you need to know about your roof and what you can do to protect it.

Give Pillar Roofing & Construction a call today at (972) 798-8901 if you need to have an inspection done on your roof.

A roof leak doesn’t have to mean the end of your roof. If you catch it quick enough, it can be taken care of with an easy repair. If you don’t catch it however, it can cause serious damage that can end up damaging the inside of your house. It can be hard to notice a water leak happening right away because it is on your roof, but if you have an inspector out once a year, it can significantly lower your chances of a roof leak. Here are a few things to look out for:

3 Signs Of a Roof Leak

Water Spots – If you notice brown or yellow water stains on your ceiling or walls, it is probably a sign that you have roof leak. This happens when water comes in through your roof and seeps into your drywall. This can cause serious damage to your walls and lead to things like mold.

Mold – Speaking of mold, this is another way to tell if you have a roof leak. If you see mold on your roof or even on your walls it is a sign that you have had a roof leak for a while. This is a good time to call a roofer out to your home before more rain comes so the can fix the damage.

Inspection – This isn’t stressed enough, an inspector for your roof is so important. You should have someone out to look at your roof at least once a year to make sure that you are [preventing and stopping any damage from starting or getting worse. If you wait too long, you may have to have a roof replacement done and those are very expensive.

Let Pillar Roofing & Construction come out and help you with all your roofing needs or give us a call at (972) 798-8901 today to schedule an appointment.