Metal roofs are sturdy and last several years compared to other types of roofing materials. They are weather resistant and generally retain their looks much better than shingle roofs. Because of the durability and strength of metal, you will replace your roof less often and ultimately save on repair expenses.

Rust, however, is an unavoidable occurrence in all metal roofing. Since most if not all metal roofs have iron contents, rust inevitably appears especially in humid areas since air moisture is a common cause of rust. Rust is, in fact, a typical problem for most Chicago roofing because of the city’s humid climate and extreme weather conditions.

Rust is not only unsightly but also destructive that could lead to more damage if left untreated. If rust develops on your roof, there are steps that you could take to remove them.

Sanding/Brushing

Use sandpaper or steel brush to remove the rust from the surface. Wire brushes can easily scrape off rust and other dirt that accumulated through time. Sanding the area after wire brushing is required if you intend to paint a smooth finish on the roof. For sandpapers, use an 80 grit grade for the initial rough sanding followed by a 120 grit sandpaper for smooth sanding. Be sure to fill in gaps, holes and cracks with filler materials before painting to avoid those rough surfaces.

Acid Chemical

Acid easily removes rust from metal. One pound of oxalic acid to a gallon of water will do the job. Load the acid solution into a spray container and spray the affected areas with hose. Let it sit for a while before rinsing with water until the acid mixture is washed away. Any sign of rust left could be removed with wire brush.

Sandblasting

This is probably the quickest and easiest way to get rid of rust from metal. Sandblasting is the process of cleaning a surface by bombarding it with fine materials at high-velocity. Sand is the most common material used for sandblasting, but other materials are also available. You will need an air compressor for this task aside from the blaster nozzle and abrasive.

Rust Converters

These are products that convert rust into a harmless chemical compound. They also coat the surface with protective film that prevents rust from setting in. Sanding or wire brushing the rusty areas is not necessary before applying a rust converter. No preparation is necessary before the product is used to remove rust. Just apply it wherever rust is found, and it will neutralize rust.

Rust is a perennial problem for structures with iron roofs. All metals containing iron are susceptible to rust when exposed to air and water. Rust is actually a kind of corrosion that applies specifically to metals with iron content. Roof damage is always the result of rust.

It is advisable to keep a regular inspection of your roof as well as conduct periodic repair and recoating with paint and primer if necessary. A metal roof that is not properly maintained has a significantly shortened lifespan. Rust has several effects on metals, all of which are not good.

Rust Produces Holes on Sheet Metal

You often see the effect of rust on metal through bodies of poorly-maintained and junked cars showing patches of holes eaten by rust. The same effect can be seen on roofs. Should you fail to properly protect your roof by scraping off rusted metal and coating the roof with paint, your roof will develop holes. Holes are the passageway through which rainwater goes inside the house. If left untreated, water could ultimately damage the integrity of the whole structure.

Rust Weakens Metal Objects

Rust is usually seen as an orange powder on the surface of corroding metals. Rust, in fact, replaces the strong steel or iron with this flakey powder. Since rust has considerably less mechanical strength than the iron or steel that it replaced, it weakens the whole object. As a result, the strength of the entire object is compromised by the presence of rust. A roof weakened by rust in turn affects the whole structure on which it is a part of, thereby weakening the whole building.

Rust Expands Affected Parts

Rust possesses more volume than iron such that its formation on the affected area will push away adjacent or adjoining parts. This development, called rust-smacking, renders structures susceptible to damage caused by gravity, impact, movement and the weather. A whole bridge in Pennsylvania collapsed from this process when its bolts on the central base were heavily corroded by rust.

Metals Become Stuck When Rust Occurs

It becomes harder for two sliding metal parts to interact with one another because of the presence of rust. The basic examples of this are rusty nut and bolt. The more rust there is the harder it is to turn the nut around the bolt. Applying strong force on the rusty metal object could potentially damage it and render it unusable. Always observe caution when repairing metal roofs with rusty bolts and nails. You may inadvertently create holes and cracks by forcibly separating rusted parts.

There was a time when homeowners avoided flat roofs because of the negative reputation associated with this type of roof. Water ponding and leaks are the most common problems for flat roofs. Water tends to pool on the roofs, which ultimately cause water to seep into the interior of the house and ruin furniture and valuable materials inside.

The usual cause of leaks is damaged or improperly-installed waterproofing layers at the top of the roof. Damaged or cracked concrete tiles may also be the cause. Flat roof solutions, however, are available to patch up these cracked and leaky roofs. Just follow these steps in identifying and ultimately solving the problem.

1. Locate Leak Source

Homeowners normally fail to notice problems on their roofs until a leak occurs. A wet spot on the carpet or floor does not indicate that the leak occurred directly above. Water has the tendency to zigzag as it winds down various layers of the roof. Better to go up and inspect the roof and look for occurrence of ponding, where water gathers in one area of the roof. Once you identified the exact location of the crack, you are ready to fix the problem.

2. Check Weather Forecast

Check what the weather will be in the coming days before performing any actual work. Repairing cracked roofs require dry weather for the sealants, paints, cements and adhesives to properly stick to the surface. Furthermore, allow for a few days of dry and sunny weather before commencing work to make sure the roof is dry.

3. Replace Damaged Tiles

The first thing you have to do is check the condition of the concrete tiles, which tend to break with the passage of time. They may also be damaged by hail and ice or through human intervention, as when people repairing other areas of the roof inadvertently stepped on and damaged weak tiles. The best way to fix the problem is to replace the cracked tiles with new ones. A common source of leakage often overlooked by homeowners is exposed nails. Re-caulking them should solve the problem.

4. Use Sealant or Roof Cement

If cracks appear on the flat concrete roof itself, just apply roof sealant on the cracked portion. The sealant has waterproofing qualities that effectively eliminates the seepage of water. This method works best if the cracks are small and isolated. However, if the cracks are larger and the gaps wider, the application of roofing cement or mortar on the cracks is advisable before coating them with elastomeric sealant.

Roofs absorb all the brunt from the cold winter weather. Therefore, it should be sturdy enough to withstand the harsh condition of winter with its ice and snow. In fact, cold weather demands special requirements for roof materials, design and maintenance. A strong and solid roof above give comfort to your family knowing that your home is safe.

While the incorporation of a durable roof is basic in roofing Denver home construction, homeowners still have to perform maintenance work to keep roofs in tiptop shape even during the harshest winters. Some of the problems you may encounter if you reside in the snowy areas of the US such as Denver, and their practical solutions are:

1. Ice Dams. One of the common problems associated with cold weather is ice dam formation on the eaves. Heat from the roof melts snow, which runs down the roof to the eaves. Ice dam forms on the eaves if the water cools before draining from the roof. Large ice dams could damage the roofing, flashings, gutters, downspouts, roof drainage system, building structure and interior.

Solution. Make sure there is sufficient insulation and ventilation on your attic. You can also install membrane underlayment below the roofing material to prevent water leaks to the house.

2. Obstructions on Downspouts. Dirt and debris could mix with ice and snow on your roof and eventually find their way down the gutter and downspout. These materials accumulate over time and could potentially block the downspout, preventing melting snow and ice from draining down to the ground.

Solution. Regularly check the areas around the downspouts and clear away dirt and other debris that could block the passage.

3. Snow. Snow and ice formation on roofs is a common occurrence during winter season. Depending on the weather, the volume of snow could exceed the load-bearing capacity of your roof, posing a serious risk of collapse.

Solution. A special tool called a roof rake, purposely created for this purpose, could be used to scrape off snow and ice accumulation on the roof.

4. Gutter Ice. Ice normally builds up in gutters during the cold winter months. If the buildup of ice becomes too heavy, your gutter could give in and totally rip away from your house.

Solution. The solution is fairly easy. Just use chisel or hammer to chip away the ice formation. Be careful not to damage the gutter to avoid costly repairs. You could also call your local roofing contractor to make sure the work is properly done.

The use of asbestos in roof repair and construction started way back in the 1800s. Several characteristics of asbestos made its use prevalent in manufacturing such as heat resistant, durable, fire-proof and flexible. Because of these features, asbestos was found in almost every product when possible.

The extensive use of asbestos in construction started during the industrial revolution. Most of the asbestos mined then were used for construction materials. The fire-retardant quality of asbestos made it very popular among manufacturers such that it was found in almost all construction products, including roofing materials.

Asbestos as Roofing Material

The use of asbestos for roofing started in the 1920s until the 1980s. Nearly 80% of materials used on structures built before 1981 contained asbestos. Asbestos is found in roofs, floors, furnaces, appliances, windows caulking and plumbing. Identifying the presence of asbestos is difficult by physical appearance alone. The best way is to have samples tested by a laboratory.

Roofing materials with asbestos contents, such as asbestos cement roofing, had a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years. Since roofs are required to be fire-resistant and insulated from heat, asbestos was incorporated into roofing products.

Harmful Effects on Health

Unfortunately, asbestos was subsequently found to have harmful effects in the health of those exposed to it. In early 1900s, a rise in cases of respiratory diseases was noted from people living in towns associated with asbestos mining. In the 1940s, the disease mesothelioma was formally associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is an illness almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer is another illness also caused by asbestos exposure.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), direct occupational exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of asbestos-related illnesses, which number around 107,000 workers annually. Indirect or secondhand exposures are responsible too. The victims are families of workers who unintentionally brought asbestos home. The WHO reports that the mortality rate from asbestos poisoning is around 43,000 annually.

Workers in at least 75 different jobs in the US were exposed to asbestos. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, workers in the construction industry were hardest hit.

Latency period is around 10 to 50 years between exposure and manifestation of mesothelioma. In the US alone, 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are recorded every year. Australia, Japan and Western Europe combined produce 10,000 cases annually.

CPSC and EPA Banned Asbestos

In 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned specific products with asbestos. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned most products containing asbestos. Unfortunately, the Court of Appeals in New Orleans reversed the EPA ruling in 1991.

Because of the negative publicity associated with asbestos, manufacturers looked for suitable alternatives for the harmful product. The most common are polyurethane silica fabric, cellulose fiber, flour fibers and thermoset plastic flour.

Roofs are integral components of every house. They not only protect the integrity of the whole structure but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the house. Many owners, however, fail to notice them until a problem crops up such as leaks.

The traditional reasons people choose a particular roof are its durability, affordability and appearance. However, in some areas a fourth element should also be considered in choosing roof paint color—the attraction of pests.

Pests can negatively impinge the way you use and enjoy your property. They may also affect the integrity of your house. While different kinds of roofing materials are available in the market, the colors that you choose for your roof could deter any potential pest infestation. Of course, since each insect has its own unique behavior and affinity to colors and shades, you have to adjust your roof colors depending on your local pest problem.

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps are by nature attracted to brightly-colored flowers. The brighter the flower, the more bees and wasps are attracted to them. However, they tend to ignore light colors and pale shades. A research in China on a specific wasp species shows that yellow or green traps are the most effective. This study confirms earlier thinking that bright colors attract bees and wasps. If you are having bees and wasps problems at home, change your roof color to light or pale shades.

Whiteflies, Aphids and Scales

Whiteflies, aphids, scales and other insects locate plants through visual cues, including colors. They gravitate toward any source, such as plants, giving off the brightest light. Yellow is a major component of light reflected from plants. Studies reveal that objects reflecting light in the 500 to 600 nm range are attractive to insects. If you find your home attracting these types of pests, simply remove the yellow color of your roof for some other colors.

House Flies

House flies are attracted to near-ultraviolet light and blue light. On the other hand, UV-reflecting surfaces or those with green-yellow reflectivity repel them. If your pest problem consists of house flies, paint your roof green-yellow to repel them or coat them with UV-reflecting materials. Unfortunately, while yellow repels house flies, bees and wasps are attracted to it.

Experienced hikers believe biting insects are attracted to dark colors such as black and blue. This confirms tests that wasps and bees interpret dark colors as natural predators and are more inclined to attack. Painting your roof black does not appear to be a good idea insofar as repelling pests is concerned.

Green roofs are gaining popularity among businesses and homeowners because of the benefits they impart to the environment and solution they present to conventional roof problems. A common issue with green roofs, however, is pest infestation.

A viable pest control program can help eliminate most if not all pest problems affecting green roofs. Just follow these simple steps toward a pest-free vegetated roof:

1. Know the Common Types of Pest Visitors

A green roof attracts animals because they provide their three basic needs, which are food, water and shelter. Understand that there are different types of pests that could infest your roofs. The most common are mosquitoes (attracted to a stagnant pool of water), insects (spiders, ants, wasps and hornets), cockroaches (which may include beetles and earwigs), and termites (less common).

2. Assess Risks to Building Occupants

Pest infestation poses three distinct problems that must be acknowledged if you are to provide a solution. The first is the structural issues they present. Rats and mice could make their way down and inside the structure by gnawing on roof parts, wiring, irrigation system and other sensitive components. The second is the potential for pests to spread out. Your business operations could be severely impacted by the unexpected presence of pests. The third is the unavoidable outcome of pests scaring occupants.

3. Watch for Signs of Pests

You have to be proactive in dealing with pest infestation. Watch for normal signs of pest presence such as droppings, footprints, plant damage, burrowing and nests. People frequenting the roofs could also be a reliable source of information. You can adopt the inspection method that you already use for ground vegetation to your green roofs. Frequency of inspection depends on the size of the roof – a small area could be inspected once a month while a large roof should be examined every two weeks.

4. Integrated Pest Management

The best way to deal with pest infestation is through an integrated pest management (IPM). This system focuses more on prevention rather than reaction and employs low-impact measures to solve the problem. Instead of prioritizing the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, IPM tries to control pests by using anti-roosting devices, traps, sealing cracks and similar methods. It involves selecting the right types of plants for your area to minimize attraction of local pests, inspecting soil before they are used, maintaining the correct volume of mulch and awareness of overwatering that leads to water pooling.

Denver’s climate can be very erratic. It can get very hot in summer and too cold in winter. These contrasting extremes  can put roofing in Denver to its toll. Thus, it is important to plan carefully when choosing a roofing in the area. You should also ensure that the laborers you hired are really knowledgeable in roof installation.

There is a new trend going around in terms of this subject though, that is the use of green roofs. According to sources, this is sweeping Chicago and Portland like a storm.

Benefits of Green Roofing in Denver

What makes it very ideal for dwelling places is it serves as a filter, insulation, and protection to the roof. This is also a great alternative for health-conscious  homeowners and for those who truly care for the environment.

Here is a quick discussion of the key benefits of green roofing in Denver homes:

1. Insulation

A green roof is particularly handy during seasons where the heat can be unbearable. The vegetation in the roof will help absorb some of the hot temperature. It produces a heat island effect. This will, of course, trickle down to the structure below to the benefit of the members of the household.

2. Filtration and Protection

The green lush in your roof also function as a water trap. It effectively absorbs rain water, together with all its impurities. Then when the sun is scorching, it helps shelter the roof from immediate decay. Studies say that it will increase the life of a roof three times over.

3. Effects in Health

Aside from protection from harsh weather, a green roof shields the health of homeowners by filtering the contaminants present in the air. Research has shown that a green roof can effectively take in 95% of the heavy metals in the atmosphere.

4. Contributes to the Environment

A green roof helps promote a healthy ecosystem. It attracts birds, bees and butterflies. This could be a negative thing though because it can be a magnet for other insects and critters. However, this is something that a regular maintenance can address.

5. Adds to the Beauty of a Home

Lastly, a green roof contributes to the aesthetics of a home. This aids in increasing the overall appeal as well the value of a house.

Downsides of a Green Roof

Much like every good thing in this world, a green roof has some disadvantages to the homeowner. In addition to being an insect magnet, it does require regular maintenance, it is costly to install, and it presents difficulty in servicing the roof when needed.