roof Archives

Eco-Star Roofs

April 24, 2024April 15, 2024 by Erin Scott

Eco-Star Roofs

Have you ever wanted a cooler roof that would help your house and the environment? Eco-Star tiles may be the way to go.

In the City of Denver, the certification of “green roof” certification, which is Eco-star. A green box with a Big white E and a white star next to it.

Eco-Star roofs are mostly made up of recycled tiles and shingles, that either were scraped off a roof, or not used on one. The impact of not making newer shingles or tiles is a huge benefit to the environment.

There are multiple roofs that can be used to help the environment without compromising on quality, durability, or longevity. The list includes asphalt shingles, clay tiles, metal roofs, and Synthetic Shake.

Eco roofs will have a longer life span than other materials that are out there. Because of the durability, they can withstand and reduce the frequency of roof replacements and maintenance for it overall, saving money and resources over time.

Consider where you live when you would like to install an Eco roof. Here in Colorado, it has up to 300 days of sunlight, and being positioned closer to the sun. Eco roofs may be a good place to start.

Benefits with eco-friendly roofing is the reflection of the sun. If you have a dark toned roof, it will absorb a lot of sunlight, not letting it have a chance to reflect the sunlight so much. Making it much hotter on top of your house. During the summer, roofs can be hotter than the ground with a difference between 20 degrees. In our climate of Colorado, we are closer to the sun, and it makes it harsher because of direct light towards your roof.

Overall, do your research to see if you would like an eco-roof on your house. Decide which material you would like that is energy efficient. Eco-star roofs can save money in the long run, because it will keep your house cool during the hotter months and warm in the cold months.

https://ecostarllc.com/5-key-environmental-benefits-of-synthetic-roofing/#:~:text=DURABILITY%20AND%20LONGEVITY,heavy%20rains%20and%20extreme%20temperatures

6 Essential Safety Requirements for Roofers

April 24, 2024April 4, 2024 by Erin Scott

6 Essential Safety Requirement for Roofers

Roofing can be a dangerous business and there are many ways to prepare yourselves for each job you do as a roofer.

1. Follow the OSHA rules. OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A federal agency of the department of Labor. OSHA is a Private Workers Federal division, that covers most private businesses in the United States. Especially in Colorado. It is important you follow rules because it is for your safety. For more information, please visit their website. (link on the bottom)

2. Check your surrounding areas before you start the job. There could be anything on the roof you may not know about, holes, rocks, loose items and other debris.

3. Using the proper roofing equipment is important for working on a roof. Make sure you are properly dressed. Long pants and short sleeves are a minimum. You want to make sure you’re fully covered and don’t have baggy pants that can get in the way. Wear proper footwear like gym shoes with a good grip, not vans with a super flat bottom. Hard hats, glasses, and gloves are important things to wear to avoid getting hurt from unknown hazards. Preparing yourself for any type of potential hazard that could happen.

4. Bring a ladder that is appropriate, to get to the lowest platform of the roof. Check the ladder is tied off and secure for yourself and others.

5. A safety harness is very important. If you fall or slip, the harness will catch you, potentially saving your life. All harnesses should be tied to an anchor point.

6. Lastly, decide whether the weather is good enough to be out to work, because wet roofs can cause slipping hazards making it even more dangerous to be on top of the roof. Extreme temperatures over 90 degrees, will not be able to be worked on. Roofs absorb and reflect light, making it much hotter than normal. If someone were to work on a roof in hot weather, they would scuff the asphalt from foot traffic. Meaning, moving the gravel/asphalt form the shingles. To avoid this, by not working in hot temperatures. Working in hot temperatures could cause problems like being dehydrated, getting bad sunburn or heat exhaustion. Please be aware of your symptoms if this happens.

Overall, please follow the rules that keep you safe. No job is worth losing your life because you decided not to follow rules. Have fun roofing and for more information please visit our social media sites.

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3755.pdf

https://ohsonline.com/articles/2023/01/31/10-important-safety-requirements.asp

Independent Roof Inspectors Could Be Your Hero!

April 24, 2024March 19, 2024 by Erin Scott

Independent Roof Inspectors Could be Your Hero!

Many times, our clients’ roofs have been damaged, and they get them done by different contractors. The homeowner notices that the roof is being installed incorrectly. They brought us in to see what was done incorrectly. After we have inspected the job, all we can do then is recommend a roof consultation.

As a homeowner have you ever watched a bad roofing project in progress, and you’re not sure of what to do?

Follow these steps to help contact and find a way to get an Independent Roof Inspector.

Benefits of Independent Roof Inspectors

Roof Inspectors are experts who can provide a homeowner with peace of mind that the roof condition is okay. They can do this by checking the roof after a storm or serious damage to the house.

Independent Roof Inspectors go to the site and reevaluate what the contactors have done on the site. The Inspectors will check thoroughly what is being done correctly or not.

What to Do When You Hire an Independent Inspector

Here are some things to Follow while you make your decision.

An Independent Roof Inspector will have an unbiased report of what has been done to the roof.

Keep the report and go over it carefully. This report can be used in court. You can also use the report to come back to any roofing company or be referred to one, and get it done correctly.

Do exactly what is specified in the report. Figure out any additional cost for the new roof or deduct in money for the failed project that could be used for the new project to do it right.

Google and do your research for good Roof Inspectors. You want to get the job done right and hopefully the first time.

Many roofing companies say they have their own roofing inspectors. You DON’T want to use those people. Those are more biased companies that would rather have their company do the work, maybe even take cut shortcuts. Picking separate ones will benefit you, and making sure it’s inspected right.

If you have any questions, call us at Excel Roofing. We are happy to help you with any roof inspection questions or guide you through where to go next. Or if your Roof Inspection leads you here, contact us to replace it the correct way!

Watch our Video for more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_8ATG9Mebg&t=68s

Do I Need to Replace My Roof Before Winter if it Has Hail Damage?

April 18, 2024December 1, 2023 by Ana

Do I Need to Replace My Roof Before Winter?

As winter approaches, many homeowners begin to worry about the condition of their roofs, especially if they’ve experienced hail damage. Hailstorms can be incredibly destructive, leaving behind a trail of dents and bruises on your roof. But IS it absolutely necessary to replace your roof before winter if it has hail damage?

Short Answer: No, no immediate replacement may be required.

The short answer is that you may not need to rush into replacing your roof immediately if it has hail damage. Hail damage can be unsightly, but it doesn’t always mean your roof will start leaking during the winter.

Here are some key factors to consider before making a decision:

If your roof is not currently leaking, it’s a good indication that it can still provide adequate protection during the winter. In many cases, hail damage won’t lead to immediate leaks, as the shingles are designed to withstand various weather conditions.

Typically, an insurance claim for hail damage is valid for one year. If you have recently experienced hail damage, your claim should still be active, and you can replace your roof in the spring. Additionally, you can often extend the claim by notifying your insurance company, giving you more flexibility in scheduling.

If you live in areas like Colorado and Wyoming, where winters can be mild or unpredictable, roofing work can be done throughout the winter months. The key is to evaluate the severity of your local winter conditions before making a decision. A milder winter may allow for roofing projects, while a harsh winter may be more challenging.

Common Winter Roofing Concerns

While it’s possible to roof during the winter, there are a few factors to consider:

Roofing during the winter, especially in open plains areas, can be tricky. Dust and dirt can blow under the shingles, preventing them from sealing down properly. This could lead to problems in the long run. Therefore, it’s important to ensure a clean and dust-free environment.

To avoid complications, ensure that your insurance claim remains active. The last thing you want is for your claim to expire before you get the necessary replacement done. Keep communication open with your insurance company to ensure you have the coverage you need.

If your roof has hail damage, there’s no immediate need to replace it before winter. The presence of hail damage doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is on the brink of failure. The decision to repair or replace your roof should be based on the extent of the damage, your current insurance claim status, and the specific weather conditions in your area.

If you end up having your roof repaired or replaced during the winter, it can be perfectly fine, provided you address the two critical concerns:

1. Ensure that no dust or dirt gets under the shingles during the installation to guarantee a proper seal.
2. Keep your insurance claim active and consider extending it if necessary.

In the end, the best course of action is to consult with your Project Manager who can assess the damage and provide expert advice tailored to your situation. They can help you determine whether a winter roof replacement is feasible or if it’s best to schedule the work for the spring. In any case, addressing hail damage promptly is essential to maintain the long-term integrity of your roof and protect your home.

https://www.coloradoroofing.org/news/how-to-prepare-your-roof-for-winter-in-colorado

Heavy, Wet Snow on Roofs: What You Need to Know

April 25, 2024March 1, 2023 by Excel Roofing

Heavy, Wet Snow on Roofs: What You Need To Know

Winter is here and Spring is around the corner and with its arrival comes greater chances of heavy, wet snow. While a blanket of snow may look picturesque, it can cause serious damage to your home or bodily harm.

Why is heavy, wet snow dangerous for roofs?

The weight of heavy, wet snow is the biggest concern for roofs. As the snow accumulates on your roof, the weight can build up quickly. In the Spring when the snow is wet and heavy, it can put a lot of stress on your roof structure. This can cause the roof line to sag or even collapse. which is a serious safety hazard and will cause costly repairs.

In addition, heavy, wet snow can cause damage to your gutters, shingles, and other roofing materials. When snow melts, it can seep into cracks and crevices, causing water damage to your roof and even making its way into your home. This is what we refer to in roofing as ice dams. Ice damming occurs when snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the edge of the roof. This can cause water to back up and seep into the home through the roof or soffits, leading to water damage. For more about preventing ice dams check out our Ice Dams blog: https://www.excelroofing.com/ice-dams-how-to-prevent-ice-dams-protect-your-roof/

Safety

Heavy, wet snow is not only dangerous for your homes’ health, but also your personal health. Every year people die or are severely injured from snow falling off roofs. Metal roofs are particularly dangerous. Heavy, wet snow easily slides off metal roofs due to no friction between the roof and the snow. Snow guards are highly recommended by Excel Roofing for metal roofs in areas that receive a lot of snow.

What can you do to prevent heavy, wet snow damage to your roof?

Clearing snow off your roof can help reduce the risk of damage. You can use a snow rake to remove snow from your roof or hire Excel Roofing to do the job for you. Excel Roofing does not recommend getting on your roof with snow or ice present.
Snow guards are most common for tile, metal, and composite roofs but can be installed on steep asphalt roofs. The guards are installed to create friction and keep the snow on your roof until is safely melts. Heat cable is installed on all roof types. The heat cable will melt the snow and ice where it builds up which reduces strain on the roof structure.

Regular roof maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and checking for damage, can prevent ice dams from forming and mitigate future damage. This is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow. Keep an eye out for any signs of sagging or cracking and act immediately if you notice any problems. Click HERE for a free roof inspection.

By taking these steps, you can help keep your roof in top condition and protect your home from heavy, wet snow damage. Call Excel Roofing for any roofing questions and concerns. 303.761.6400

Ice Dams: How to Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

April 25, 2024January 19, 2023 by Excel Roofing

Ice Dams: How To Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

Every year when snow begins to fall and we experience sub-freezing temps in Denver, we start to get calls from concerned customers about ice dams. It happens like clockwork, and we are there to answer the call and help.

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams are formed by snow when the temperatures fluctuate between the days and nights during winter. The snow on the roofs will melt during the day and start to drip off the roof and into the gutters. Once the sun goes down the melted snow will freeze and turn to ice overnight creating a barrier and/or icicle on the edge of the roof. North facing parts of roofs in Colorado are more likely to have ice dams because this side of the house receives the least amount of sunlight throughout the day.

Ice dams can be dangerous and damage your roof

Poorly insulated attic space can also lead to the formation of ice dams. The lack of attic insulation will cause the snow to melt faster off the top portion of the roof where the radiant heat escaping from the home collects. The snow then melts slower once it reaches the lower edge of the roof where the radiant heat from the living space is less. Once the snow builds up enough in this areas the snow and water refreeze over and over. The water freezes under the shingles and when it starts to melt again it drips into the soffit and even directly into the home. If a home has bad ice dams, they usually also experience icicles that can cause damage to the facia, soffit, and siding.

Another example of ice dam damage to the roof

Homes with multiple levels and dimensions can be more prone to ice dams. We often find ice dams in valleys of roofs where two faces meet and water drains off. Because of this these areas can be the most problematic. The melted water moves down the roof valley to the gutters (most of the time this drainage point is an inside corner) if the drainage is not adequate large ice build ups form. In extreme cases fascia and soffit can be completely separated and must be repaired or replaced.

What not to do

Excel Roofing has seen many DIY fixes to ice dams, and they do not solve your issue. We’ve heard stories of customers using hot water, ice melt, and torches. While doing this helps speed up the melting process, it will not melt the entire ice dam and will not solve the issue going forward. Ice dams will continue to form if a permanent solution is not installed. There is no quick fix to getting rid of ice dams other than climbing on the roof and chipping the ice away. However, that is extremely dangerous. Let’s leave it to the pros: Excel Roofing.

Ways to protect your roof with ice dams

Ice and water shield is required by building codes in most cities, counties and jurisdictions in Colorado and Wyoming. With proper installation, ice and water shield can help protect your roof from leaks caused by ice dams. When installing the ice and water shield code demands that it be installed 24 inches beyond the heated wall. Ice dams can melt overtime and cause water to get underneath the shingles and into the home. This is your best line of defense from preventing damage. Excel recommends every house have Ice and Water Shield installed on the eaves even if it is not required by the code and as a rule, we do install it in every roof valley on all projects.

Excel also recommends making sure your house is properly insulated and ventilated. This adds many benefits to your home not just helping with ice dams. Proper insulation and ventilation is integral to the roof system as a whole and will help with maintaining the proper ambient temperature during all seasons. Please see our blog post here for more info: https://www.excelroofing.com/attic-ventilation/

Heat Cable

Heat cable is Excel Roofing’s best solution to ice dams. Heat cable is installed directly on the roof close to the eaves. It is installed in a zigzag pattern approximately two feet up the roof, and through the gutters and downspouts to help prevent ice from freezing there as well. If you are having ice damning issues on your home please call us. We would be more than happy to give you a free estimate to install the ice melting system that is right for your property.

YouTube Link:
Check out our YouTube channel for a video about ice dams and heat cable from the owner J Bretz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIgGxW8MMkY

It’s Fall – Time to Clean Your Gutters

April 22, 2024October 21, 2021 by Excel Roofing

It's Fall- Time to Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters in the fall is the best time to do this annual home chore. When the trees are clear of leaves, it’s time to make sure your home’s gutters and downspouts are clean. I have a fall chore list that I group together: clean the gutters, blow out the sprinklers, and drain the evaporative cooler on the roof.

Excel Roofing, Denver’s best gutter cleaner, finds that downspouts are clogged more often than the gutters, so it’s important to make sure both the gutters and downspouts are thoroughly cleaned.

Gutter Covers– Excel Roofing has never seen a gutter cover system that works really well, and they do have some issues. First, they are really expensive, costing between $15 to $20 per linear foot! It’s less expensive to pay Excel to clean your gutters than to buy gutter covers. Other problems include causing water to overshoot the gutters in heavy downpours, making icing and icicle problems worse, and the gathering of debris on top of the gutter. Excel does not recommend that you cover your gutters.

Cleaning gutters is crucial because it helps keep water away from the foundation of your home. Our part of the country has expansive soils that when saturated, can cause foundation damage to your home. Basement flooding is another reason to keep water away from your home. Did you know that basement flooding caused by water coming in from the outside is not covered by your regular insurance? If you do not have flood insurance, which most of us do not, then your basement is not covered if the gutters overflow and water leaks into the basement. Excel has seen a number of flooded basements caused by clogged gutters.

Still more problems caused by overflowing and leaking gutters are damage to wood and paint. It’s easy to see where the water flows onto the wood because the paint will peel and the wood will start rotting. If you notice areas on the soffit or fascia board where the paint is peeling, this is a sign that the gutters are probably leaking, and may be clogged. It’s best to clean the gutters and downspouts, and test the gutter with water to identify the reason for the leak. If a gutter connection needs sealant, clean the area and use gutter sealant to fix the problem. Gutter sealant is different than regular silicone and can be found at most hardware and big box stores.

Cleaning gutters and fixing gutter problems is a dangerous job. If you are not comfortable working from a ladder for several hours, hire Excel Roofing to do this for you. Excel Roofing offers simplified pricing for gutter cleaning:

$199 for a one story home

$299 for a two story home

$399 for a three story home.

Don’t ignore your gutters! A clogged gutter system can easily cause thousands of dollars in damage. It’s easy to get wrapped up in other home projects, but make sure those gutters are doing their job.

Insider Roofing Tips: Hail & Gutters

April 25, 2024January 8, 2020 by Excel Roofing

Insider Roofing Tips: Hail and Gutters

HI, I’M J BRETZ, THE OWNER OF EXCEL ROOFING.

I’ve been in the roofing business for almost 30 years, and I would like to share some insider information with you about hailstorms and roofers.

Pick a local company you can trust. How do you know who to trust? Ask these questions:

How long has the company been in business?
How many jobs have they done?
What is their BBB rating?

Trust: You can trust Excel Roofing. I founded Excel in 1993. We have performed over 32,000 jobs and have always maintained an A+ rating with the BBB.

Cancellation fees: Most roofers charge a 15% cancellation fee to cancel

Local Company: We don’t door knock, and we don’t telemarket; however, this doesn’t mean we’re not interested in your business. We’re just not storm chasers. Excel Roofing are the local guys who were here before the storm and will be here long after the storm chasers are gone.

Repairs: Storm chasers don’t do small repairs. Excel has a full service repair department. This is important because

1) you want the company that installs your roof to be around if there’s ever a problem, and

2) you want them to be good a fixing roofs.

Money Up-Front: Don’t ever pay a roofer/storm chaser money up-front; you’re just asking for problems. If a roofer says they need money for material, it means they have a cash flow problem. The dirty little secret is the salesman wants money up-front so he can get an advance payment on your deal. The other reason they want money up-front is that it makes it almost impossible for you to get out of the deal if you change your mind.

Never pay any money until the job is 100% complete! Don’t give in on this one. No matter how sincere they sound, don’t pay anything until the job is complete.

Q & A: Hail

Q: HOW MUCH MORE DOES HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING COST?

A: Hail resistant roofing material is typically 5% – 15% more expensive than standard roofing. The good news is over the past 10 years, the cost to upgrade has dropped from a 30% price difference. The average price for a new standard asphalt shingle roof is $8125. To upgrade to hail resistant shingles would be $8325.

Q: IS HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING WORTH THE EXTRA COST?

A: I think so. The savings on a homeowners insurance premium will cover the cost. If a homeowner saves $250 a year on the premium, the hail resistant roofing material pays for itself within a few years.

Q: DO HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING MATERIALS ACTUALLY WORK?

A: Yes. They definitely sustain less damage from hail. The manufacturers of hail resistant roofing have done their homework and developed a stronger roofing material. The independent tests that Underwriters Laboratories developed has proven the strength of these materials. And the insurance companies are willing to offer discounts to those homeowners that do have them installed.

Q & A: Gutters

Q: HOW MUCH DO GUTTER SCREENS COST?

A: The best gutter screens can be purchased at your local hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. If you are not a DIY’er (do-it-yourself’er), Excel Roofing can install them for $4 per linear foot.

Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO UNCLOG AN UNDERGROUND (FRENCH) DRAIN?

A: This is a tough question to answer. It really depends on the clog and the design of the underground drain. Because French drains cannot be roto-rootered, often the entire drain will have to be replaced.

A correctly installed underground drain is usually about 15 feet long, the drainpipe needs to be sloped away from the house and completely surrounded by rock.

The average price to remove and replace an underground drain is $500.

Q: MY DOWNSPOUT KEEPS FREEZING. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A: Heat cable should be installed to prevent future freezing. Heat cable can be found at your local hardware store for about $70 per 100 feet and obviously needs a power outlet near the install.

The cable needs to be strung into the gutter, down the downspout and several feet on to the ground. If the heat cable is going into an underground drain, the cable needs to be strung as far as possible.

Excel Roofing can install most 100 foot plug and play heat cable systems for $299.

Eco-Star Roofs

Eco-Star Roofs

6 Essential Safety Requirements for Roofers

6 Essential Safety Requirement for Roofers

Independent Roof Inspectors Could Be Your Hero!

Independent Roof Inspectors Could be Your Hero!

Benefits of Independent Roof Inspectors

What to Do When You Hire an Independent Inspector

Do I Need to Replace My Roof Before Winter if it Has Hail Damage?

Do I Need to Replace My Roof Before Winter?

Common Winter Roofing Concerns

Heavy, Wet Snow on Roofs: What You Need To Know

Ice Dams: How to Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

Ice Dams: How To Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

How Ice Dams Form

What not to do

Ways to protect your roof with ice dams

Heat Cable

It’s Fall – Time to Clean Your Gutters

It's Fall- Time to Clean Your Gutters

Insider Roofing Tips: Hail & Gutters

Insider Roofing Tips: Hail and Gutters

HI, I’M J BRETZ, THE OWNER OF EXCEL ROOFING.

Q & A: Hail

Q: HOW MUCH MORE DOES HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING COST?

Q: IS HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING WORTH THE EXTRA COST?

Q: DO HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING MATERIALS ACTUALLY WORK?

Q & A: Gutters

Q: HOW MUCH DO GUTTER SCREENS COST?

Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO UNCLOG AN UNDERGROUND (FRENCH) DRAIN?

Q: MY DOWNSPOUT KEEPS FREEZING. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

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