Product Review: Makita AN453 Roofing Coil Nailer For Roof Repair Orlando

Makita AN453 Roofing Coil Nailer

Pneumatic nail guns for roof repair Orlando come in two styles—the coil and stick types. Coil nailers have adjustable canisters that accept coiled nails while the stick type have long magazines that can load two sticks of nails.

We reviewed one of the pneumatic coil nailers readily-available in the market, the Makita AN453 Roofing Coil Nailer, and evaluated its performance based on what its manufacturer states against actual customer review.

What the Manufacturer Says

The Makita AN453 coil nailer is designed for rugged construction and robust performance at less weight. It is equipped with a magazine that has a capacity to hold up to 120 nails with a size range of 3/4 to 1-3/4 inches.

The lightweight and durable aluminum casing ensures the long-lasting performance of the product. The canister is fully adjustable for easy loading of nail sticks. To provide better control while driving nails to the roof, the product was manufactured with a tool-less depth adjustment and flush nailing. To further extend the tool’s performance life, the nosepiece comes with large carbide inserts.

Other features of the Makita coil nail gun include:

  • Rubberized handle for more reliable grip and extra comfort
  • Tool-less shingle guide for consistent placement of nails and easy adjustments
  • Steel plates to prevent damage from abrasive surfaces
  • Easily-removable nose assembly for cleaning
  • Durable aluminum housing
  • Lightweight at 5.2 lbs but packing more power
  • A limited three-year warranty
  • Package includes a hex wrench, pneumatic nailer oil and safety goggles

What the Customers Say

Buyers’ feedback on the use of the product is mixed. On the negative side, some customers complained that the product was not built with quality because of some irregularities in the shape of the metal casing. Misfires including double nailing were noted as well as failure to sink the flush nails. Users do not recommend using the tool for a complete roof project because the product is more suited for a DIY rather than a commercial project.

Another negative performance noted by users is the inability of the tool to consistently sink nails while doing rapid firing. The nailer has to be held down on each nail before triggering the tool for the nails to properly sink in.

Positive customer review cites that nails load easily while the installed magnet ensures even the last nail gets properly fed. The depth adjuster is easy to use by turning the knob to the proper direction. Using rapid fire trigger is not a problem through the depth adjuster and additional tinkering with the compressor pressure.

What We Say

Based on customer feedback, we say the product is suitable for home use and DIY roofers. It functions as a reliable home tool but is not recommended for commercial and large-scale use.

Things to Consider Before Installing a New or Replacement Roofing in Birmingham Al

Roof Repair Colorado

Whether you are installing a new roof over your house or replacing an old one, roofing is a big project. Roofing Birmingham Al installation costs a lot of money such that homeowners should be certain there is a need for a new or replacement roof to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Before embarking on a roofing project, consider the following factors as these may impact and create unwanted consequences once roofing work begins.

Thorough Inspection

The entire roof must be thoroughly inspected by a licensed and experienced professional. Inspection includes all components of the roof system such as the flashings, decks, rafters and trusses.

Project Cost

Replacing or installing a new roof is expensive. That is why it is always advisable to know beforehand how much you will be spending for the entire project. After all, you do not want to run out of funds midway through the project. A functional and easy-to-use roof replacement calculator can do wonders to your budget management. It will help you obtain a realistic estimate of the costs and prepare you for what lies ahead.

New Roof or Resurface

Homeowners at times have the option of removing the old roof and mounting a new roof or just covering the old roof with the new one. While putting in a new roof without removing the old material cuts completion time, removing the old roof is advisable if its present condition will only weaken the new roof.

Roof Materials

Carefully think about the roof material that you will be using for your new roof. You might have used the old roof to save money but that constraint no longer exists now. Some home designs work better with specific materials.

Roof Age

The average roof lasts about twenty years, give or take a few years depending on the materials used and workmanship. If your roof is considerably less than this age, other factors might be causing your roof problems and not necessarily the roof itself.

Written Contract

A written contract will ensure that both parties to the agreement knows precisely their rights and responsibilities before the project commences. The contract should contain details of the project, including scope of work, materials to be used and costs. New works to be performed or materials to be added must follow the steps outlined in the contract.

Noise

Putting up a new roof requires weeks of noisy work. If a member of your household is having trouble sleeping at night, it might be best to defer work until such time the noise that usually comes from roofing work is tolerated by everybody.

Why You Should Put Skylights in Your Seattle Roofing

skylights in seattle roofing

Seattle roofing skylights are indispensable features of some buildings. They are usually incorporated into the design of the structure and harmonize with the overall style.

Skylights are parts of the roof made from different materials, usually plastic or glass, which allow natural light to enter the structure, but keep the elements (rain and snow) out. They may also be installed on walls or sides of the building.

Benefits of Having Skylights in Seattle Roofing

1. Saves Money

The best benefit of having skylights is saving money since you will be reducing your need to turn on the electricity and gas. With plenty of sunshine coming into the building, there is no need to use electricity to light a room during the day. You will also minimize the use of gas heaters because sunlight adds heat to the room, therefore reducing electricity consumption from the use of heaters.

2. Lowers Energy Consumption

Natural light always provides better illumination within a building. Skylights allow daylight to enter the structure, thereby minimizing the need for additional lighting and energy use. Turning on the light switch is not necessary during daytime when the sun’s natural light can enter the building through the skylights.

3. Preserves the Environment

Solar energy is a clean, sustainable and renewable source of energy. More utilization of this energy source means less dependence on fossil fuels (such as coals, natural gas and crude oil) to generate power, and it produces zero carbon emissions. Skylights are actually consistent with the present trend to construct “green” houses that rely more on the environment to reduce our over-reliance on electricity to heat or cool a building.

4. Increases House Value

Skylights enhance the aesthetic quality of a house and make it more appealing to homeowners and buyers. Its positive effects on energy-saving will also increase the value of the property. You will easily recoup, directly or indirectly, any investment that you put into your house.

5. Benefits Health

Studies have shown that natural light or daylight contributes to the physical and psychological well-being of individuals. A person is said to become more alert and productive when exposed to natural lights. Artificial sources of light are not shown to have the same effects on our bodies.

6. Provides Better Ventilation

A venting skylight allows air to enter the house and acts as a passive air conditioner. Warm air is drawn up into the skylight similar to a chimney or exhaust vent, creating a cooling effect inside the house.

Roofing Repair Product Review: Roto Metals Zinc Armor

roofing repair

Roofs may be constructed from different materials, including metal, wood, clay, shingle and concrete tiles. Whatever your roof type is, the formation of algae, moss and fungus on your roof is unavoidable.

Since moss and algae need water to multiply, places with more rainfall and humidity have higher infestation of these unwanted roof guests. Large trees that produce shade on the roof could advance the growth of moss and algae since water and dew on the covered areas tend to evaporate slower because of their lesser exposure to sunlight.

Different solutions are available for the homeowner affected by these unsightly growths on their roofs. One effective method of preventing moss and algae from growing on the roof is through the installation of a zinc or copper strip just under the ridge of the roof.

One such roofing repair product preferred by buyers is the Roto Metals Zinc Armor zinc roll. It is available in a three-inch wide roll that is 50 feet long. Its manufacturer claims that it prevents the formation of moss, algae, fungus, lichen and mildew on the roof by inhibiting their growth. The product is said to be effective for up to 20 years.

Distinguishing Features of Zinc Armor

These are the great features of Roto Metals Zinc Armor:

  • It can be used on practically any type of roof, which include wood, concrete, metal, asphalt shingles and tiles.
  • It can also be used on other areas of the roof where the growth of moss and algae can occur.
  • Ideal for both professional and do-it-yourself roofer because it is easy to install. Just put the Zinc Armor along the entire length of the roof ridge.
  • It is safer compared to other products such as chemical moss control.
  • Cost-effective as against repairing or replacing your roof. It lasts longer than traditional moss, fungus and algae killing methods.
  • Environmentally-friendly and is not harmful to human, animals and plants.

Positive Customer Review

Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly encouraging. Positive comments about Zinc Armor and suggestions to further improve effectiveness of the product include:

  • The product is easy to use. A two-person crew can do the job.
  • Moss problem has not returned after using the product.
  • Zinc Armor is better than other solutions because it is maintenance-free since you only have to install the zinc strip once, and it will do its work for years.
  • Prevents moss from growing on new roof.
  • Customers suggest carefully following the instructions, particularly nail intervals.

Roofing Repair Review of Black Jack All Weather Roof Cement

roofing cement

Cracks in concrete are fairly common in the construction industry and sometimes unavoidable. There are as many causes of concrete cracks as there are methods to repair or prevent them. Each type of crack has to be addressed and handled individually.

The owners need only to understand that not all cracks affect the structural integrity of the roof and the building, although they may be visually unappealing. In these instances, the owners could address the issue on their own using commercially-available products.

The Black Jack All Weather Roof Cement

One of the most widely-used roofing repair products is the Gardner Gibson 6230-9-34 Black Jack All Weather Roof Cement.

Black Jack is an asphalt-based patching compound designed to fix cracks, holes and seams in roofing materials. It effectively seals cracks and holes and creates a waterproof protective layer on top. The all-weather cement is used by applying it on the roof around chimneys, vents, skylights, exhaust pipes and valley.

Features of the 6230-9-34 Black Jack

Black Jack’s versatility is proven by its suitability for new construction such as setting flashings, roof material edges and drip edges. Its applications extend to being used as underground damp proofer and water proofer. A gallon of Black Jack roof cement can cover a roof area of 12 square feet when applied around 1/8-inch thick. For small and narrow cracks, just apply the product over the surface and force the cement between the cracks while trowelling. For repairing cracks on a larger area, supplementing with a strip of reinforcing fabric is recommended to improve the effectiveness of the product.

After application on the roof, the cement gradually stiffens up and cures through time for that weatherproof coat. Since a can of Black Jack covers a relatively large area of the roof, you just have to reseal the can tightly after each session to preserve its consistency for future application.

This all-weather roof cement cannot be painted or used with brush but applied on the surface using a trowel.

Positive Customer Feedback

Customer feedback consistently found the product to work as marketed. Those who bought and tried Black Jack note that it has the right consistency out of the can for easy trowelling. Others though had to immerse the can in hot water for around 30 minutes to warm the cement before applying it on the roof using a trowel.

The mixture does not drip run while being applied, therefore avoiding a messy experience during application.

Finding Your Ideal Log Cabin Roofing

log cabin roofing

Contractors and homeowners consider different things before deciding on the materials to be used in log cabin roofing. These are the design of the cabin, location, construction budget, and other matters such as the use of green or eco-friendly design and materials.

General Guidelines in Cabin Roofing

Roof Design. A rule of thumb in log cabin roofing is that the design should blend with the topography or surroundings. A well-designed roof should present a challenge for those searching for it among the landscape.

Roof Pitch. The pitch of the roof is also important in roof design. As a general rule, the steeper the pitch, the more expensive and attractive it becomes. Pitch is determined by the vertical rise of the roof over the horizontal run. A common angle for pitched roof is 12, meaning that the roof rises six inches for every foot of horizontal length.

Cold or Hot Roof. Another factor that has to be considered is whether the owner wants a cold or hot roof design. In cities with cold climate (generally in the northern part) a cold roof is desirable for a log cabin. A ventilation is purposely built on the attic, which allows air to escape on the side. This design prevents ice dams from forming on the eaves.

A hot roof design is suited for cabins located in warm climates. Unlike a cold roof design, it has no ventilation on the side for air to escape through. Instead, an insulation is installed on the underside of the roof to prevent the entry of heat into the cabin.

Timber Roof System. Some people prefer timber roof systems on their log cabin for their aesthetic values. This type of roofing can be costly for some homeowners. You can save up to a third of your budget for a timber roof system by opting instead for the conventional truss or rafter roof. You can then add decorative timbers afterward for the same look.

Roof Color. Aside from the material used on the roof of the log cabin, serious consideration is also given in the color of the roof since it affects energy efficiency. Light colors are advisable for hot climates since they reflect sunlight and absorb minimal heat. Dark colors are suited for cold climates because they absorb heat, which is transferred from the roof to the interior of the cabin.

Green Roofs. If you prefer “green” roofs, materials for eco-friendly roofs are available. For instance, a metal roof is ideal if you want to tap rainwater for gardening. Green roofing does not cost more than conventional roofing.

How to Prevent Stray Cats from Climbing the RV Roofing

cats on rv roofing

Stray cats climbing on top of the RV roofing present multiple issues to the owners. They litter the roof with food remnants and emit sounds deep in the night that could keep them awake. Cats also scratch the protective coating on the roof, which ultimately degrade its condition.

There are several steps that you can take to prevent stray cats from climbing on top of your roof.

1. Use Citrus

Cats do not like the smell of citrus. You can use air spray with lemon or citrus scent and spray the whole length of your RV roof to keep stray cats away. If you have lemons or oranges, you can place them on different areas of the roof to make it smell like citrus.

2. Motion-Activated Sprinkler

Install a motion sensor at the top of the RV roof or the sides where stray cats usually pass to climb on top. Connect the device to a sprinkler system that is attached to a hose. Once the motion sensor detects activity on the roof, it will set off the sprinkler system, and water would come out drizzling the cats. After a few times of getting sprinkled with water, cats will remember the experience and avoid going up on your RV roof.

3. Offer An Alternative Place

Another way of keeping stray cats away from your RV roof is by luring them into another place nearby. Look for an unused area near your RV that is suitable for luring the cats into. You can use catnips to lure stray cats into the area. Crush the leaves of the catnip to release the aroma that is irresistible to cats and put them on the designated place. The stray cats would hopefully stay there for good instead of lounging on your roof.

4. Cat-Repellents

Products advertised as cat-repellents are available. Some people attest to the effectiveness of these products in keeping cats away. These are generally sold in spray form, which make them convenient and easy to use. Just spray evenly on the surface of the roof and you have an anti-cat smell floating around your RV roof.

5. Habitat Modification

You might want to find out the reason why stray cats love hanging around your roof. Perhaps something could be found there that attracts them. One way of keeping cats and critters from your roof is through habitat modification. These unwanted visitors could be persuaded to stay elsewhere by introducing changes to the immediate environment such as not leaving food lying around, storing trash in closed containers and removing food and water sources near your RV.

Seattle Roofing Decoration Tips for Christmas

seattle roofing decoration

Christmas is just around the corner with the chilly nights delightfully reminding us that we have to start preparing for the coming Winter Holidays. A wonderfully-decorated home brings joy not only to its occupants but also to passersby and onlookers.

Several options are available towards making your home emit that Christmas spirit. We listed the practical and easy choices of decorating your Seattle roofing for the special occasion below:

Christmas Bulbs

A standard C7 or C9 Christmas bulb strands can do wonders to your roof. They are placed on the portion where your roof meets the gutter, called the fascia. Use gutter clips to install the lights on the fascia. The clips are waterproof and could therefore be left on the roof even when it rains or snows. A spacing from 1 to 2 feet between clips is ideal. A circular opening found on each clip is where the lights are placed.

Icicle Lights

To spice up your Christmas decoration on the roof, you can use icicle lights that come in different colors such as white, yellow, red, green and blue. Unlike the traditional light bulb strands, icicle lights incorporate a drop-down strand every few inches for that icicle effect. An encapsulated icicle-shaped strand of lights that hang down the gutter every few inches add wonder to your roof decoration.

Inflatable Christmas Decorations

Other than the traditional Christmas light strands, inflatable decorations are one the most popular outside decorations during the Holidays. With a wide variety of inflatables to choose from, you are sure to pick those that are perfect for your roof. When the inflatables do not come with ready-made accessories for roof decorations, you can always improvise that would enable you to fasten them on the roof without fuss.

  1. Sandbags. Depending on the type of your roof, sandbags may be used to anchor inflatables to your roof. Just strap them on sandbags weighing around 50 pounds and the inflatables will stay in place. To hide the sandbags, you can paint them to match the colors of the inflatables or your roof. You can also tie the inflatables to sandbags located on the ground. This method is recommended if your roof is pitched, and sandbags placed there could slide off the roof.
  2. Frames. For pitched roofs where sandbags have the tendency to slide to the ground because of the roof angle, try installing a frame on the roof to keep the inflatables in place. The frame acts as anchor for the inflatables, which will then stay up on the roof.

Roof Repair Dallas Scams that You Should Avoid

DIY metal roof

Dallas has a humid subtropical climate. Humidity or moisture in the air is a common cause of rust. If you have a metal roof, it will ultimately experience rust or corrosion. Other roofing materials also experience wear and tear through time. When the time comes for you to restore your roof, be wary of unscrupulous contractors who are only after your money.

We compiled the following guides to help you avoid roof repair Dallas scams:

1. Door Knockers

Be alert for contractors knocking at your door soliciting roof repair work. Reputable companies do not knock from door to door because they are busy and have existing projects to finish. They get their business not from knocking on doors but from referrals of happy and satisfied customers.

2. High-Pressure Tactics

Do not sign contracts immediately with the first contractor to call up on you after your roof sustained damage. Unscrupulous contractors use high-pressure tactics to force customers to sign up for repair work without giving them time to think things through. Remember that you do not have to decide right away.

3. Insurance Assistance

Call your insurance for assistance. Ask the adjuster what the process will be and what you have to do. Take pictures of the roof, including the undamaged parts, before allowing any person to examine it. Request the repair estimates after the adjuster has examined the roof.

4. Deliberate Damage

Do not allow disreputable contractors to go up your roof before it was examined by known and reputable individuals such as insurance adjusters. Some of these contractors deliberately inflict damage to the roof while supposedly examining it. The result is an inflated assessment of damage that would allow the contractors to earn more from the project.

5. Background Check

Find out everything about the background of the roofing contractors you are considering before signing up. The information should include company profile and previous projects going back 12 to 24 months. Research will uncover things that could help you decide whether to push through with the contractor or look for another one.

6. Work References

Get referrals from your neighbors about contractors whose services they engaged in the past. Ask them how the work was done, the terms of the repairs and whether they were satisfied with the finished work.

7. Legitimacy Check

Verify the registration of the contractor with the city government of Dallas. It should be listed and able to apply for a building permit.

8. Verify Subcontractors

For subcontractors, verify from the parent companies to which they are affiliated. Call the company and ask about the status of the subcontractor offering its services to you. You will know if the subcontractor is accredited and in good standing with the parent company.

Liquid RV Roof Coating Pros and Cons

liquid roof rv roof coating

Even the sturdiest RV roof will ultimately develop cracks and weaknesses due to prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions.

To ensure that your RV’s roof remains in pristine condition, regular checkup and maintenance are necessary. In the event cracks develop on the roof, you can select from several RV rubber roof coating products available in the market. However, with so many roof repair products to choose from, people are expectedly confused on which ones deliver on their promise.

One of the well-known products in the market today is Liquid Roof RV roof coating. It is a liquid EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), and therefore, possesses all the characteristics of EPDM when properly applied to the roof. When it cures, it offers the same advantages of an EPDM membrane, including flexibility and stability.

We reviewed the Liquid Roof RV roof coating and came up with its pros and cons. Here are what we found:

Strengths

  1. Versatile. It can be applied to virtually any surface such as fiberglass, fabric, sheet rubber, plywood and metal with the use of a brush, roller or squeegee. Most people prefer squeegee while others opt for a combination of brush and roller.
  2. Convenient. The product becomes water proof instantly after application, although there is a required curing time. The best part is that only one application is needed for total protection. It also self-levels once applied, thus minimizing on labor hours. You have plenty of time to properly apply the product before it cures.
  3. Economical. One gallon of RV roof coating covers 40 to 46 square foot. It lowers interior temperature by reflecting sunlight with its white color, which means huge energy savings.
  4. Total Protection. The product is resistant to ozone and Ultraviolet rays from the sun. It can withstand freezing snow, alkalis, acids and salt water. It also prevents ponding of water on the roof that could lead to leaks.
  5. Durable and Flexible. Liquid Roof remains flexible and durable at temperatures between -60°F to 300°F. The coat sinks into every crack and crevice in the roof, ensuring a water-tight application.

Weaknesses

If you buy a four-gallon container of the product, be sure to use it within a year from opening. Some people found the content separates into a rubbery top coat and white stuff underneath after some time. Others complain that applying the coat is slightly difficult because of its thickness.

Conclusion

The superior qualities and performance of Liquid Roof RV roof coating easily outweighs the very few apparent weaknesses of the product. In truth, these are not flaws that affect the quality of the product but merely the result of its improper use.