Maintaining your Orange County roofing in good condition is not difficult. Since Orange County has more sunny days than other places and less than average rainfall compared to national figures, corrosion may not be as prevalent compared to wetter and colder places in the US. But when the time comes that you need to repaint your roof, we compiled these reference-type guides to safely help your painting job.

1. Put your ladder on solid footing. If it stands on the grass, dig holes at the bottom for more stability. If it stands on solid ground, place a board or other materials behind the legs to support them and prevent slippage.

2. Make sure the worksite is clean and free from clutters that could pose serious hazard. These include nails and other sharp objects lying on the floor, which could injure you if you happen to step on them.

3. If working on steeped portions of the roof, always wear a safety harness to prevent falling to the ground if you slip.

4. Carry one material at a time when climbing up the ladder. Hauling more than what is necessary is dangerous.

5. Equip yourself with the proper work clothes and accessories such as safety goggles and roofing shoes while working on the roof.

6. Do not work alone on the roof. Always have somebody with you at all times in case of accidents and during times when outside help is necessary.

7. Wooden or fiberglass ladders are preferred when working on the roof instead of metal ladders, which conduct electricity.

8. Use ladder stabilizer to attach the top of the ladder to the roof. This will prevent unfortunate accidents associated with the improper use of a ladder.

9. Never walk on the roof when it is slippery. Remember that falls due to accidental slipping is one of the most common causes of roof-related injuries.

10. Check the weather before working on the roof. If the probability of rain is high, call off your work to another day. The same goes for windy days. These are not the best times to do roofing work.

11. Concentrate on your job. Some people get distracted by the view while working on the roof. A momentary lapse of focus could lead to injuries.

12. Know your limitations. If you are not comfortable with working on high places, hiring a professional is the better alternative rather than risking your safety doing something you are not skilled with.

13. Do not work on the roof under extremely hot or cold weather. Shingles and other roofing materials could get damaged under extreme weather condition and prevent proper application of paint.

14. Be careful when working around power lines because they are extremely dangerous. Call the power utility company before working to ensure safety.

15. Do not forget to apply the right type of primer for your roof. Paints will not properly adhere to the surface if you used the wrong primer.

We outlined in very simple steps the process of painting your San Diego roofing to make the job easier and more convenient.

Step 1—Choosing Your Paint

Various roofing materials require different types of paint. You can select from a wide variety of paints depending on your roof and budget. Water-based paint is suited for cement tiled roofs while the oil-based paint is great for metal roofs. Calculate the area of your roof and buy enough paint to apply at least two coats.

Step 2—Cleaning the Roof

Never immediately paint a roof without first cleaning it thoroughly. Paints do not strongly stick to the surface when the latter is ridden with dirt and grime. You will only be wasting precious time and money in repainting a poorly-done painting job.

An easy and relatively-fast way to clean the roof is through the use of a high-pressure water blaster. You must have the equipment to be able to use pressurized-water to clean the roof surface. You can borrow from friends or neighbors if you do not have one, or rent one from your local supply store.

You can also use a broom and a hose to clean the roof. You need to vigorously scrub hardened dirt on the surface or use commercially-available chemicals to soften and remove them. You can use ordinary household detergent to wash off grime and grease. Broom and water hose are good especially for roofs with smooth and flat surfaces. However, roofs with irregular shapes and designs are better cleaned off with high-pressure blaster since the water could get into all nooks and crannies that would otherwise be hard to reach with the use of a broom.

Step 3—Preparing to Paint

After cleaning the roof of dirt, you should now be looking for damaged or broken portion of the roof. For metal roofs, look for worn or rusty areas. Use wire brush to remove and loosen the rust. Next use an electric sander with coarse grade sandpaper and go over the brushed areas. For tiles and shingles, look for any cracked materials and replace them with new ones.

Step 4—Panting the Roof

Airless spraying is a relatively easy way to paint roofs. Do one section at a time. Spray paint an area about a meter wide and work your way down. You can use markings on the roof as guides. Once you finished down a particular section, go to the next one starting from the top. You can also use rollers and brush in painting your roof but it will take you a longer time to finish painting.

The most obvious and immediate benefit of using solar energy is savings from electricity bills. While the initial investment in a solar energy system may seem expensive to some people, the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront cost.

Having a solar power system at home is like owning an electric company. You control everything from installation and maintenance to how you use the power generated. If you live in a city like Miami, known for its hot and humid summers and short warm winters, using solar energy is a wise decision. For those interested in tapping this clean and sustainable energy source, take note of the general tips we listed below for a successful installation of solar panels in Miami roofing.

Sourcing the Materials

Purchasing solar panels is the first step. You can buy from several known solar panel manufacturers. Compare prices from different producers before buying them to get the best price. Remember that prices differ from each seller. Online sites selling solar panels are a good place to start.

Installing the System

Solar panels are generally installed on rooftops where they get maximum exposure to the sun. However, they can also be installed on stand-alone facilities. Wherever you install them, their direct exposure to the sun is vital since you would want them to be fully operational the whole year. Therefore, positioning and orientation of solar panels are important.

Online resources are available that can help you determine the exact position of the sun in your area throughout the year. The information will help you position the solar panels. Some homeowners engage the services of professionals to assess the visibility to the sun at their place and to effectively harness solar energy.

Consider Roof Load

If you plan to install the panels on the roof, make sure that your roof is strong enough to bear the extra weight from the solar panels and mounts. A typical solar array adds approximately 5-6 pounds per square foot.

The roof mounts consist of grids where the solar panels are attached. They serve to secure and anchor the panels to the roof. Look for mounts that are adjustable, which allows you to alter the angle where the panels are facing. A slight tilt could result to more power being produced by your solar power system.

Electrical Components

The next step is wiring the solar modules. This aspect of solar power installation involves connecting electrical cable from the solar array on the roof to the inverter panel inside the house. It also relates to the grounding of the system through the use of a rod driven to the ground. This part of the installation may require you to engage the services of professionals because of the intricate work and inherent danger involved.

Maintaining your roof in good condition so that it lasts for years is not difficult. Periodic inspection and regular maintenance work are all it takes, and it does not cost much. Neglecting to observe proper roof maintenance will prove expensive in the long run.

We strongly recommend performing regular maintenance work on your roof. Immediately replace or repair damaged portions such as cracked shingles. The alternative could be total roof replacement.

We listed below factors that affect roofing costs to give you an idea how or why there are times when Seattle roofing costs could get really expensive.

1. Roof Size

Schedule all roofing jobs to be carried out at the same time. The more square foot of the roof that needs to be worked on, the less is the labor cost per square foot. If you plan to repair a portion of your roof, inspect the other areas to assess whether these could be included in your planned repair. Repairing the roof one area at a time will cost you more in the long term than having a large portion of your roof repaired at one time.

2. No Maintenance

Maintaining a wooden deck on your roof so it stays in tiptop shape costs less than $100 a year. Replacing one from the ground up costs thousands of dollars. Maintaining a deck is easy. Just keep it clean by removing leaves and dirt between the boards and applying sealant to keep moisture out of the wood and prevent rotting. Failure to follow simple maintenance procedure could make a big difference between spending a hundred dollars to throwing away thousands of dollars.

3. Roof Materials

Different roofing materials are available to the homeowners. Each one has distinct installation needs and demands its own equipment, expertise, support materials and method. Of course, prices also vary with some costing more than twice the price of the cheapest roof. For instance, metal roofs are expensive because of its installation cost, which requires special skills and training on the part of the contractors.

4. Complex Roof

Labor costs more and could push up your roof repair expenses if your roof is complex with installed chimney, skylight, dormers and sidewalls. Contractors have to work around these areas and install flashing on each one, which not only slow the progress of work but require more effort on their part.

5. Hiring Inexperienced Contractors

If you are planning on saving money on the repair of your roof, you can choose less expensive roofing materials or simpler designs with less styles and modifications. Never cut down on expense by hiring cheap labor. You may end up with inexperienced contractors and inferior work that would entail additional work – and more expenses – if not a total makeover just to restore your roof to acceptable condition.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain distributed throughout the year. Summers are hot while winters are cool. Extreme weather conditions shorten the lifespan of roofs, particularly those that are not properly maintained.

When you are looking for Atlanta roofing specialists to repair or remodel your roof, refer to our practical guides listed below to help you find the right contractor:

1. Legitimate Contractors

Verify the registration and insurance of the contractors. They must have licenses from the local authority and full insurance coverage over their employees and subcontractors. Potential litigation between you and the contractor will be avoided if insurance can cover injuries sustained by an employee.

2. Certified Contractors

Look for roofing specialists who are certified by manufacturers. You are assured of quality workmanship from these roofers because they have to pass stringent conditions set by companies to be certified.

3. Past Projects

Ask the contractors about their past projects and safety regulations in place. They must have sound safety programs observed throughout their organizations. Your roofing job could be unnecessarily delayed by accidents and injuries on the work site.

4. Shop Around

Talk to at least three different contractors. Do not immediately agree to the first contractor that you met. Learn each roofer’s experiences and past accomplishment. Ask if they had any issues in the past and what were the resolutions arrived at.

5. Try Local

Engage the services of local roofing contractors. They have established relationship with local suppliers and crew and are likely familiar with local rules and regulations.

6. Consider Everything

Avoid signing contract without having thoroughly considered everything, including the cost of repair. Be wary of contractors pressuring homeowners to sign contracts even before the insurance adjusters inspected the roof and estimated the damage.

7. Search the Web

Search the web for contractors’ ratings. A good score and positive review mean there is less likelihood of you contracting illegitimate companies. If possible do not hire contractors whose companies are not listed in legitimate business listing sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

8. Engage Specialists

Engage the services of the contractor who had extensive experience with the type of roof you are installing. For instance, metal roof contractors must have at least three years of work accomplishment in installing metal roofs.

9. Extensive Warranty

Ask for extensive warranty for the contractor’s work. Some mistakes in roof installation are not readily apparent and could take years before they manifest. Unless the contractor agreed to the warranty, you could be paying for the damage since insurance will not pay for it.

Roof repair and replacement are some of the costliest investments you will make to your home. You cannot put them off because of the importance that roof plays on your comfort and safety.

You can make substantial savings from unnecessary charges by knowing the roofing costs and being updated on the expenses associated with roof repair and replacement. To keep yourself updated with roofing costs, you must first know the different expenses associated with roofing jobs.

Labor Costs

Roofers charge for their work based on “squares.” One “square” equals one 10 x 10-foot area of the roof that forms a square. The average residential house has around 22 to 26 of these squares on the roof.

For roof replacement, note that you have to remove the old roof first before you can install a new roof. Contractors will charge you for their services in removing the old roof. Of course, you have the option to lay a new roof over the old one, but the new roof’s lifespan will be shorter.

The pitch of the roof affects labor cost. The steeper the roof, the more expensive contractors’ services will be. Roofers have to use safety harness and equipment for pitched roof. Their work is also slower because they cannot walk on a steeped roof nor put construction materials on top.

Material Costs

Each type of roofing material is priced differently. Asphalt shingle is the most common type of roof material. It costs less than metal roofs, clay tiles and wooden shakes. Metal roofs could cost up to ten times more than asphalt shingles.

Aside from the material used for the roof itself, you also have to buy related parts, including vent covers, gutters, flashing and downspout. These items add to the total cost of roof repair.

Local Rules

Know what the local rules and regulations are affecting roof construction and repair. Your contractor should be familiar with the local codes. Roofing could prove costly if you are required to revise the work later to comply with local laws.

Other Cost Factors

Water damage to the roof could increase the cost of repair. This damage is often noticed only after the outer layer is removed. Working around skylights and chimneys also adds to labor and material costs.

Once you categorized and itemized the different factors affecting roofing costs, you can easily update yourself with the current prices. Go to your local material suppliers and ask for a quotation. You can also do online search for prices of materials. Large manufacturers maintain websites with useful information on prices. The same goes for legitimate contractors and roofers. You can now competently negotiate with contractors because you are aware of the expense components and updated on the current construction material prices.

Wearing the right safety gear while doing construction work is important. You face the risk of injury if you are not properly attired for the task. Equipping yourself with the right outfit should substantially minimize if not completely eliminate some of the dangers associated with your work.

Choosing the right shoes while doing roofing work is important because you are working on an elevated area where falling to the ground and sustaining injuries are possible. A pair of shoes that will keep you securely on the roof will make roofing jobs easier and safer.

Special Shoes for Roofing Work

Using ordinary sneakers while doing roofing work is not recommended. Since roofers have to go up on the roof with heights exceeding several feet above the ground, you need to wear shoes that could protect you from dangerous falls by preventing accidental slips.

Qualities of a Good Pair of Roof Shoes

Good roofing shoes should be able to offer the following advantages to the wearer:

• Comfort to the feet
• Safety while working on the roof
• Prevent damage to the roof
• Extended stay on the roof

In selecting a good pair of roofing shoes, we recommend looking for these qualities before buying any product:

• Suitable for all types of weather by providing protection to the feet against both heat and cold
• Protected shoe lacing design against welding sparks
• High-quality rubber soles that afford superior grip and traction on roof surface
• Adaptability for use on different roofing materials and surfaces
• Insulation against electrical shocks

There are several roofing shoes and boots in the market that you can choose from if you are to engage in serious roofing work. Each one has its own distinct qualities and style. Among the more popular products are the following:

1. Cougar Paws

One of the most popular roofing shoes and boots are Cougar Paws. These shoes are designed specifically for roofers. They come with removable pads designed to prevent damage to roofing materials.

2. Timberland

Considered one of the best roofing shoes because of their toughness and ability to withstand demanding roof work. The thick rubber sole ensures gripping action on most roof surfaces.

3. Thorogood

These shoes are made from sturdy leather and maintain their looks even after grinding roof work. Designed to last through years of hard labor, these shoes also provide comfort to the wearer.

4. Red Wing

These shoes offer both comfort and protection to the feet. Durable leather materials are used to create the shoes so that it could withstand tough working conditions on the roof.

Working on the roof is not an easy task. The job requires balance, skill, concentration and absence of fear of heights. Accidents can happen at any time to anybody, which may result to serious injuries or loss of life. Below are some of the common roof repair Denver accidents that could occur at work.

1. Falls

Fall from high places is a common cause of accident for roofers. These invariably result to injuries and sometimes deaths. Working on a steep slope roofing accounts for more injuries from falls than those working on a low slope roofing.

A major contributor to falling accidents among roofers is the failure to observe a proper fall protection system. Accidents and fatigue also play important roles in falls from roofing work.

The nature of injuries sustained from falls vary depending upon the circumstances such as the height of elevation, the ground surface and parts of the body that hit the ground. The most common injuries sustained by roofers from falls are:

• Broken Bones

  Broken bones are the direct result of fall from a high place. As most professional roofers manage to land on their feet after accidentally falling, broken legs and ankles are very common.

• Back Injuries

  A fall can cause back injuries, particularly when the roofers fall and land on their backs. However, it is not the only cause of back injuries. Carrying heavy objects such as tool boxes, paint containers and ladders may also be the causes.

2. Heat Injuries

Working outdoors on the roof leaves many roofers susceptible to heat-related injuries such as heat stroke, exhaustion and sunburn. These are serious risks and should never be taken lightly by anyone working on the roof exposed to direct sunlight.

3. Repetitive Motion Injuries

Persons doing the same motion at work are apt to suffer from repetitive motion injuries. These include constant hammering of nails and cutting through steel objects with saws. The best known injury under this category is the Carpal Tunnel, which affects even those typing on their computers for several hours.

4. Puncture Wounds

This type of injury is very common in the construction industry where nails, screws and other sharp tools and implements are normally used. Usual culprits for sustaining these injuries are unknowingly stepping on nails, falling to upturned nails and careless use of hammers.

5. Equipment-Caused Injuries

. Roofers use dangerous tools and equipment when repairing roofs such as lifts, cranes, saw, hammer and nail guns. Negligence or improper use of these tools can cause severe injuries to roofers.

Critters are often found in ceilings, under the floor and seldom-used cabinets. One of the most unwanted inhabitants found in the ceilings of Atlanta roofing are rats, which pose both health and safety hazard. They are known to transmit diseases, including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever and plague. They also contaminate household food and water.

Wirings and house insulation are not safe from rodents, which gnaw on them, and therefore, expose your house to fire hazard. The best way to eliminate the danger posed by rodents is to prevent them from taking up residence in your ceiling. However, if critters have already migrated to your house and living under your roof, the ideal method to deal with them is through the use of traps.

Snap Traps

One of the most common methods employed by households to control rodent infestation are snap traps. Snap traps are very effective against roof rats and are recommended for indoor use. To attract rats into the trap, use food baits such as fruit, nuts and peanut butter. Place traps along paths usually travelled by rats. To catch roof rats, which prefer to travel off the ground, you can fix a trap along the horizontal pole of chain-link fences.

Glue Traps

These are made of either paper or vinyl and coated with thick adhesive on top. When rats walk over a glue trap, their feet get stuck to the glue rendering them immobile. Most of the time the struggling rat ends up having its face and body stuck to the adhesive, causing its death. These traps are scented with aromatic compounds to attract rodents.

Inspect the infested area and place the glue rats along the walls since rats prefer to travel near walls. Put the traps in those places where rodent activity is highest.

Electronic Traps

As the name implies, this type of trap electrocutes the rat that enters the box. These are battery-powered traps and disposable, so there is no need for you to remove the rat inside. The product is available to accommodate different rat and mice sizes. Because of its design, this type of trap is more expensive than the common snap trap.

General Trap Use Guidelines

Whatever type of trap you may be using, the number-one rule in using traps is to place plenty of them. Rat population is normally higher than your expectations, so you will be needing a lot more traps than anticipated. Position multiple traps to maximize area coverage and increase the chances of rats crossing over them. Since rats are suspicious of new objects, place unset traps to make them familiar to rats.

Critters living in the ceiling of your Tampa roofing will likely cause damage to your house. A more serious risk is the threat that they pose to the health of your family. There are several ways to keep your roof and ceiling free from rodents and other unwanted critters. We listed the most effective and mentioned those that are not proven to work.

Habitat Modification

Rats are found to be sensitive to changes in their environment. They could move elsewhere and do their activities in other areas by introducing modifications or changes in their habitat. One of the best ways to affect habitat modification is through general sanitation.

• Do not leave food in the open.
• Store garbage in rodent-proof plastic containers.
• Place materials properly.
• Remove food and water sources, including birdfeeders, pet foods and water. Rats require water source, especially during hot weather.

Roof rats travel from one house to another using branches, vines, fences and wires. Drastically reduce their mobility by eliminating these aerial pathways.

• Trim shrubs and bushes that they can use to hide.
• Remove ground plants that reach at least one foot high.
• Prune crowns of palm trees and remove dead leaves.
• Trim the branches so that they do not reach down to the ground.

Exclusion

One of the most effective methods to prevent rats from entering your house and residing in your ceiling is by blocking their points of entry to your home. This is called the exclusion method.

Rodents enter houses through every possible entrance such as an ill-fitting garage doors, utility wires that go through the building or through pipes. They can go through even small openings and easily climb through windows. You must seal all possible entry points to your house.

Seal any openings that might act as entry points for rats. Use copper or steel wool, concrete mortar and wire mesh to seal the opening. A metal flashing for wider openings may also be used. Closely examine your roof to look for possible holes.

Rat guards are effective in foiling rodents from climbing up trees and walls. They are made from metal sheets that are at least 18 to 24 inches wide. They prevent rats from climbing up because of their smooth metallic surface.

Ineffective Methods

Chemical repellants and electronic devices that employ lights, and sounds are not recommended methods to keep away critters from your roof. There is simply no evidence showing that these products, sold as animal repellants, are effective in keeping away critters from your ceiling.