Author: Hold

Hiring a roofing contractor can be a challenging and daunting task. Don’t feel alone, many homeowners share this anxiety over choosing a roofer. The problem is most homeowners don’t really understand how roofing systems really work. Unless you’ve taken the time to educate yourself about roofing products and installation methods you probably don’t know the right questions to ask and can’t tell if a roofing contractor is pulling the wool over your eyes.

Beginning Your Search

In your search for the right roofing contractor, you will find scope and pricing will vary. Figure out what’s most important and set goals. Are you looking for quality and value, is the warranty important, or are you simply looking for the cheapest install and price? Understanding the shingle choices and the accessories of a roofing system prior to interviewing different roofing contractors will help you better reach these goals.

When shopping for a new roof your first step should be to spend some time educating yourself prior to contacting roofing contractors.

• Search the manufacturer’s websites to find products you like. Most roofing manufacturers’ websites provide very detailed descriptions of the products they offer, the anatomy of their roof systems, and warranty options.
• Once you have zeroed in on the roofing material you intend to use it’s a good idea to download and read the manufacturer’s written installation instructions. It’s very important that the roofing company you hire will install all the products exactly according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure you end up with a valid warranty.
• Verify your state requires the roofing contractor to be licensed. Some states like New Hampshire and Maine do not require roofing contractors to carry a state license. This can make it tough for homeowners to differentiate legitimate companies from fly-by-nights.

Roofer Certifications

Fortunately for homeowners, most of quality roofing manufacturers have certification programs that can help relieve the stress and guesswork when deciding on the right roofing contractor to hire.

Hiring a roofing contractor that is certified by the manufacturer of the products they install has many benefits. Most manufacturers offer two levels of certification. One is a basic certification with minimum requirements which allows the contractor to register basic standard warranties and the other is premium certification with a stringent set of standards which allows the contractor to register enhanced limited lifetime warranties.

Not any roofer can be certified by the product manufacturer. A thorough investigation is performed to confirm the company has been in business for a certain length of time, they must maintain a great reputation in the community, and are both financially strong and adequately insured. Installers attend training and are required to pass tests on both product knowledge and installation technique. The majority of roofing contractors do not qualify to take part in these programs. In fact, the manufacturers claim only 2-3% of the entire country is eligible.

Lifetime Warranties Myths Debunked

Most quality roofing manufacturers now offer limited lifetime warranties on their roof systems. This can be misleading and often misrepresented by shady sales sharks who are willing to say anything to make a sale. Regardless of what anyone tells you, asphalt roofing systems are not made to last a lifetime. The limited lifetime warranties the manufacturers offer cover the roof system for life against manufacturer’s defects only. Wear and tear or the service life of a roof system is very hard to pinpoint as it is determined by the type of shingle used, the quality of the installation, geographical location, weather conditions and the energy efficiency of the home.

Most manufacturers offer three levels of warranties using a good, better, premium platform.

1. The good covers the product against the manufacturer’s defects
2. The better and premium offer terms also cover flashings and the contractor’s workmanship.
3. All premium warranties are at risk for onsite quality control inspections by the manufacturer. This is a huge benefit for homeowners as it ensures the contractor is not cutting corners and is abiding by the installation specifications at all times. Poor quality work can result in the contractor losing their certification.

Verify The Roofer’s Reputation

Spend some time searching reviews and verifying the contractor’s reputation online. References are good but can be hand-picked by the contractor. The Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List are good places to start. Not every company is perfect and these resources will provide insight into past complaints if any, and more importantly, whether or not the company interacted with the customer to resolve the issue.

Communication is the Key

Communication is crucial, company phone numbers that constantly forward to a voicemail with lengthy response time is a sure sign communication will be an issue if a problem were to arise. A Company that invests in office staff to answer and field calls should be taken more seriously than one which uses a mobile number and forwards it to voicemail. An actual brick-and-mortar location a customer can visit shows stability and the company’s commitment to serving customers.

Understand Your Estimate

Be wary of vague and non-descriptive estimates. Estimates should be very detailed naming the brand and model of each product and how the contractor intends to install it. Just like roofing shingles, there are different grades of roofing accessories. Product and installation can greatly throw off pricing between competing contractors and mixing and matching brands within a roof system can inadvertently nullify your warranty, so look closely when comparing.

The Roofer’s Insurance

Finally, verify the contractor’s insurance coverage is adequate enough with workers’ compensation and liability. With the power of computer editing, it is very easy for someone to manipulate a canceled insurance policy so it’s always best to have a certificate of insurance sent directly from the contractor’s insurance agent made out specifically in your name and job site address.

Choosing the right contractor to install your new roof system is the difference between a positive and negative experience. When you hire a company like J. Carnes & Son Roofing to install your new roof system you have the peace of mind knowing you hired the best of the best. To learn more search us on the web at www.jcarnesroofing.com or visit our residential roofing showroom located at 153 Lafayette Rd, Hampton Falls NH 03844.

Warranties, in general, can be difficult to understand due to complex legal wording which isn’t readily interpreted by the common person. Your roofer should be able to answer any simple question about a warranty – what it covers or how long it lasts. If not, you need another roofer who communicates more clearly.

Why Warranties Matter

Obviously, if someone promises you a roof with a lifetime warranty you shouldn’t have to worry much about repairs, except that they get done. But sometimes even the best roofers can accidentally install a component incorrectly. The root of many roofing problems stem from improper installation. A major key to a long-lasting roof, besides working with a high-quality roofer who conducts routine maintenance, is to understand the warranty. Since any roofing project involves a large investment, it’s wise to make sure the warranty works in your favor as a homeowner.

Roofing Materials

Every roofing warranty should at least cover the materials involved, whether the roof is made of metal, wood, or other materials. Any type of roofing material is subject to degradation due to environmental or unforeseen factors. It’s standard for warranties to cover material defects, but the details are what determine the exact actions to be taken in such cases. When it comes to reimbursement, homeowners need to build a strong argument by keeping records of all inspections and repairs.  

Prior to the installation, the contractor should inspect the packages of materials to check for any cracked shingles. Once the roof has been installed, you should have photographs taken of the roof in case you have to compare future photos for defects.

Owens Corning is a roofing manufacturer that strives to make warranties easy to read and understand. The company allows you to file a no-hassle claim and get reimbursed quickly. According to GAF, the majority of problems with new roofs are attributed to how the roof was installed, not the quality of the roofing materials. The two types of coverage to be aware of are coverage for material defects and coverage for installation errors.

Even though all roofing manufacturers offer warranties against defects, the amount of coverage depends on the brand. Each product has its own specific terms and conditions, which is why you need to read a warranty carefully before signing a contract.

Parts and Labor

The warranty on components on your roof can last anywhere from a few months to 50 years. GAF offers a third warranty beyond materials and labor to cover your entire GAF roofing system. Be sure to keep track of all the paperwork involved, including the dates when the shingles were installed.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) advises homeowners to make sure the contractor is an NRCA member and explain how they oversee quality control. You should be aware of the member who is supervising the installation, the number of workers involved, and the estimated time frame for completion. Look out for provisions that might void the warranty and be aware of the level of professionalism the contractor exhibits.

In order to use a Parts and Labor Warranty, the work must be well documented in terms of repairs and replacements. If you can show proof that a product was installed improperly, it gives more weight to your argument. Understand that when multiple roofers are involved in an installation, errors may not be covered under the main contractor’s warranty.

Lifetime and Transferrable Warranties

Make sure if you purchase a “lifetime” warranty to have your contractor explain what it means. It may only mean 30 years or may be related to the expected lifespan of components such as shingles. If you come across the term “prorated roofing,” ask what it means, since it may only cover a fraction of repair costs in the future.

A transferrable warranty means you can sell it to another home buyer. This means in theory the new owner will be entitled to the same coverage rights as the original owner. It’s a good idea to notify the manufacturer when such a change in homeownership takes place. Keep in mind there may be requirements to be met within a transfer window such as a transfer fee. Remember the fine print is just as important as the easy-to-digest print. Getting the most from your roofing investment clearly depends on who you choose to work with.

Make sure you choose an experienced roofer who knows the climate and laws of your region. Contact us at J. Carnes & Son Roofing at 603-686-7763 for Owens Corning roof systems to learn more about roofing warranties. Many times the effectiveness of a warranty comes down to the trust and reputation of the contractor and how well they communicate with customers.

Adding a skylight to various parts of your home can bring multiple long-term benefits. Not only can it cut heating and cooling costs, but it can also influence a positive atmosphere, as natural light brings energy to a room. Here are the places where a skylight can provide the most improvements.

1. Kitchen

Your kitchen is a place where an upbeat atmosphere is essential. Natural light can brighten the space, reducing mystery and uncertainty. It’s crucial for an individual working with knives to have sufficient light to see what they are cutting. A skylight in the kitchen is an excellent source of light for cooking, cutting, and for dining.

2. Bedrooms

Since bedrooms are designed for privacy with an emphasis on window coverings, light can be limited, which leads to using electric lighting often. A skylight, however, reduces the need for electric power.  A master bedroom usually requires the most privacy and should be a top consideration for a skylight.

3. Bathrooms

Another private place in the home is the bathroom, which is an ideal place since it should be bright all the time. Letting in light from a skylight creates a positive, clean atmosphere while reducing energy usage.

4. Hallways

When electricity is not being used, the darkest place in a home (other than the attic, closets, or garage) is often the hallways. Hallways tend to not have or be near windows. This is why it’s an effective idea to install skylights in these areas of the home to let in natural light, especially for long hallways.

Work with an Experienced Installer

You should only hire a reputable, certified and insured skylight specialist to ensure installation is done properly. Working with an installer who is passionate about the local community is essential. Furthermore, the more experienced an installer is, the more you will be able to verify their reputation by researching customer reviews.

Where is the best place to install a skylight?

The best place in a home to install a skylight comes down to where light is needed the most to avoid using electric lights. It’s ideal not to let in excessive sunlight because it can cause furniture, flooring, and other items to fade. Strategically placing your skylights in the proper places is a customization aspect to talk over with your contractor after they first inspect your home and assess where natural lighting would bring the most benefits.

J. Carnes & Son Roofing proudly serves New Hampshire’s Seacoast and surrounding areas. Connect with us today with your skylight questions. We can advise on the best place to add a skylight, their benefits, and all the aspects of the installation.

When you look at your roof, it’s easy to assume it’s one big, single piece. It just goes to show you there’s more to a roof than meets the eye. When the roof is manufactured by Owens Corning, it features an integrated system of layers and components that helps it perform in three critical ways: sealing, defending, and breathing.

Why sealing is important

Sealing helps create a waterproof barrier – one of the fundamental goals of any roof. Proper sealing does more than stop driving rain from entering your home. It also blocks the slow drips of water which so often lead to rot and mold – and potentially thousands of dollars in damage.

A waterproof barrier also protects a roof from water which tends to collect in the valleys, vents, skylights, and near the chimney. By blunting water accumulation, a proper barrier can also blunt the formation of ice dams – ice ridges that form when water freezes on a roof.

Why defending is important

Defending your roof and home against the outdoor elements is no small feat. You may think rain is the toughest element a roof must stand up to, but it’s really the constant presence of the wind. Naturally, winds whipped up in storms can tax a roof. You’ve probably seen proof of this in shingles strewn about your yard after a particularly ferocious rainstorm. But it’s those steady breezes and occasional wind gusts that place the greatest stress on the shingles.

An Owens Corning roof defends against shingle “blow-offs,” as well as the ensuing water infiltration which occurs in vulnerable regions, especially the eaves and peaks.

Why breathing is important

It’s easy to forget that a roof needs to breathe – in other words, to be ventilated. Even in cold weather, there should be a consistent flow of air. It not only moderates temperatures but also guards against heat and moisture buildup.

A roof “breathes” with the help of intake vents that bring fresh air into an attic and exhaust vents that usher it out. It can be a delicate balance, but one that can be achieved when you have the right roofing expert working on your behalf.

Hampton Falls homeowners know they can depend on the experts at J. Carnes & Son Roofing to install the industry gold standard: an Owens Corning roof. You can, too, when you choose us to install your Owens Corning roof.

Chimney flashing is an important component of your roof’s construction for many reasons, including the creation of a watertight seal between the chimney and the roof.

Like your roof, however, flashing may deteriorate and need repair during its lifespan, and proper maintenance protects both your roof and your home’s interior.

1. How Does Flashing Deteriorate?

Flashing is a sheet of metal or similar material installed in the area where the chimney meets the roof. As mentioned, one of its most important roles is to help keep water out of the home.

But chimney flashing can wear out over time for a variety of reasons, including these:

• Age
• Weather damage
• Improper installation
• Rust
• Dents and separation

2. How Long Does Flashing Typically Last?

With proper installation, regular inspection, and consistent maintenance, chimney flashing can last up 30 years. But the longevity of flashing depends on many variables, including where you live, the type of material used, the size of your roof, and the type of roof shingles you have.

3. Can Anything Make Flashing Age Faster?

Many factors play into how long chimney flashing may last, including climate, weather damage, and cracked sealant, which blocks water from entering your home between the chimney and the flashing.

Another issue is water damming at the chimney, which can occur when shingles are installed incorrectly. In this case, water dams up behind the chimney and begins to seep into the home.

4. Can Proper Installation Make Flashing Last Longer?

Installation problems not only cause leaks around your chimney but hasten the deterioration of its flashing. Chimney leaks are often the result of faulty installation, which allows moisture to penetrate your roof’s inner structure. In turn, water seepage can cause mold, mildew, and shorten the lifespan of your roof.

5. Why You Should Use an Experienced Contractor For Flashing Repair

Chimney flashing repair and installation are challenging and best left up to the professionals. An experienced, knowledgeable roofing contractor will use proven chimney flashing techniques and make sure that any repair work prevents water leaks in the present and future.

J. Carnes & Son Roofing is the one to call when your New Hampshire home needs new chimney flashing or flashing repair work. Get in touch with us today.

Good attic ventilation is roughly one-third of the formula for a successful roof. The other two factors? Suitable roofing materials and a great roofing contractor to properly install them.

In the hands of an experienced, knowledgeable roofer, ventilation can increase your roof’s life span and lower energy costs. It’s worth considering how ventilation affects human comfort in your Dover, Hampstead, or Seabrook home:

Life Span

Under the harsh conditions of New Hampshire winters, a typical fiberglass-shingle roof lasts 15 to 20 years. You can add to your roof’s life span with adequate attic ventilation. Though no roofer has a crystal ball, with proper ventilation, you could see up to 10 additional years of useful service before normal wear and weathering spell the end of your shingle roof.

Energy Efficiency

A properly ventilated attic has the same temperature as the outside air. With good insulation forming a barrier between occupied space below and ventilated attic space above, your home’s energy bills should stay steady year-round. Furthermore, a well-ventilated attic can actually lower cooling costs in summer by ensuring proper airflow through the attic and out the ridge vents.

In summer, a poorly-ventilated attic = high cooling costs. In winter, it can easily lead to ice dams. Ice dams signal heat escaping from your home up into the attic; that’s wasted energy and unhealthy for your roof.

Human Comfort

Without good ventilation, an attic will build up moisture every season. With condensation in winter and evaporation in the summer, attic moisture damages your roof and leads to miserable living conditions.

Attic moisture in winter will appear as frost on roofing nails, ice on the sheathing, and dripping water around roof piercings (chimneys and sanitary stacks). In spring and summer, showers, stoves, and attic-installed heat pumps or central air conditioners add moisture throughout your home and attic.

The mechanical systems in your home treat indoor air for ideal humidity and temperature. Working against comfortable humidity levels are human activities like cooking and cleaning. Water evaporates upward, or is circulated by your HVAC system, and escapes into the attic. Without good attic ventilation, that moisture builds up, making your family miserable and damaging your roof.

J. Carnes & Son does roofing—and roof ventilation—the right way. We know the purpose of proper attic ventilation. We are your local, reliable roofers ready to solve your problems with water infiltration, poor ventilation, or high energy bills. Please contact us today!

Skylights bring energy and natural light to the indoors, adding comfort to a home. They represent a strong statement to your neighborhood that you care about both energy efficiency and the environment. Here are four specific ways skylights improve home energy efficiency.

1. Bring In Natural Light

Windows on roofs describe skylights in the most basic way. The sunlight shines down into a room during daylight hours, reducing the need for electric lighting. This type of traditional lighting reduces glare in the room, creating a more balanced appearance.

2. Cut Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gases

Using less electric lighting translates into enormous energy savings over time. In the process, you’ll be reducing greenhouse gases from a utility that is powered by fossil fuel. The more you save energy the more you contribute to sustainability. It also amounts to less wear and tear on the environment.

3. Visual Blending with the Outdoors

The aesthetics of skylights are sometimes understated even though they add beauty and the value of modern technology to a home. Skylights may allow you to see the sky, trees, and birds during the day and stars at night. These visual effects help bring occupants closer in touch with nature, as you are constantly reminded of the outside world.

4. Extended Roof Longevity

Some of the ways in which skylights help protect the longevity of your roof is by providing ventilation and reducing moisture. Certain features such as mirrored reflectors with insulated glazing and low-emissivity coatings allow for lighting without heat gain or loss, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Although not all skylights provide ventilation, certain models release air through a small hinged panel. Some skylights have moisture sensors that close the skylight when it rains while others use a slope that helps prevent the buildup of moisture and leaves. Moisture is a major reason for roof degradation.

When you choose to add skylights to your home, you are making an investment in increasing your home value and using energy more efficiently. Contact J. Carnes & Sons Roofing to learn more about how skylights can bring you natural light at lower costs.

Proper attic ventilation is vital for saving money on energy costs and for the health of your family. Your roofing, no matter how well installed, should be periodically inspected, especially after a heavy storm, to catch minor leaks and other issues before they develop into major problems. Here are three key reasons you need to make sure your attic ventilation is in top condition.

1. Ventilation Affects Roof Life

The life span of your roof is directly related to how well you take care of it. Maintaining proper ventilation in the attic is a key factor. If the attic gets too heated in the summer it can lead to moisture that contributes to the degradation of wood and other roofing materials.

Moisture attracts mold and other contaminants, which is unhealthy and causes roof damage to spread. It also causes condensation, which makes metal rust. Adequate airflow is necessary to prevent the buildup of heat and moisture in the attic. Too much heat leads to the cracking of roofing materials.

2. Frozen Gutters in the Winter

If too much heat is trapped in the attic during colder months you run the risk of dealing with problems such as ice dams. A warm attic and roof decking leads to snow and ice melting at the ridge and the resulting water flowing down the gutters and eaves to refreeze. As ice backs up under the roofing system, frozen gutters cause damage to walls and ceilings. It’s best to have a certified professional inspect the roof after a severe storm to make sure ice dams have been cleared.

3. Attic Heat Affects Energy Costs

Letting heat build in the attic not only shortens the lifespan of a roof, but it also leads to higher energy bills, as you tend to use the air conditioning more in the summer. The hotter the attic gets the more heat transfers back into the home. Understanding this process is crucial to preventing costly maintenance bills down the road. Combining this knowledge with energy conservation measures will help keep energy bills to a minimum.

Part of ensuring your roof has a long life is routinely monitoring the temperature of the attic. Preventing the attic from overheating and making sure it has proper insulation and ventilation are keys to your roof’s longevity. Contact us here at J. Carnes & Sons Roofing to learn more about optimizing your home for energy efficiency.

While flat roofs have slopes up to 2 inches per foot, low slope roofs have pitches of 2 or 3 inches per foot. Both types of roofing are subject to leaks, especially as they age. One way to tell if it’s time for a low slope roof repair is to ask yourself when the roof was last inspected. If the answer is “decades ago” or “can’t remember,” it’s time for at least an inspection. 

How Low Sloped Roofs Develop Leaks

Any leak for any type of roof should be taken seriously since it can keep growing if it isn’t fixed in the early stages. Several different factors can cause leaks, such as poor installation, loosely attached seams or flashing, and severe wind damage. Once you notice water drips in your home or moisture on the walls or ceiling, it’s definitely time to call a professional contractor for an evaluation of what needs to be done. 

The more moisture spreads, the more it can degrade wood and attract mold and mildew. By that point, the damage will start to get expensive if you don’t act quickly. One of the problems with a low sloped roof is water accumulation can drain slowly. While modern versions of this roofing are now made to resist water buildup due to membrane coverings, older low sloped roofs still present drainage problems. 

Other causes of leaks and roof damage include UV rays from the sun, the combination of freezing and thawing or frequent expansion and contraction from temperature changes. Excessive water can also accelerate the lifespan of asphalt materials on your rooftop.

Signs Repair Work Is Necessary

One of the key indicators that a low sloped roof needs repair is when it begins to sag and lose its 10 to 14-degree angle. As this angle diminishes, it becomes more difficult for the water to drain, forming ponds. Commercial building owners who allow vehicles to drive on the roof are just adding weight which could lead to or worsen the sagging of the wood supporting the roof. By then you should call a dependable roofing specialist who understands low slopes for a thorough inspection.

Low sloped roofs automatically have slower water drainage systems than sloped roofs. Contact us at J. Carnes & Son Roofing to learn more about how we can preserve the life of your roof.

The proper maintenance of your low slope roof can increase its lifespan and enhance its overall effectiveness. If your commercial building features a low slope roof, there are steps you can follow for maintaining it, ensuring its year-round performance, all while protecting the rest of your structure.

1. Have Your Roof Installed by a Proven Professional

The most common cause of low slope roof damage is poor installation. Make sure your roofing contractor is qualified to install a low slope roof.

2. Limit Roof Traffic

Treat your roof with care regarding foot traffic. Haphazard or overly-frequent traffic on a roof can easily lead to damage.

3. Beware of Ponding Water

“Ponding” water refers to an accumulation of water that doesn’t evaporate or disappear within 48 hours after appearing. The excess water can deteriorate your low slope roof faster than normal conditions due to algae formation or more intense UV rays.

UV rays, among other factors, can break down your low slope roofing membrane and cause cracking. Another common cause of cracking is excess weight on your roof. No matter what the reason, however, cracking can lead to more severe issues in the future.

5. Blistering

Proper low slope roof maintenance includes taking care of blistering, which occurs when a liquid becomes trapped between membrane plies. The trapped liquid causes the vapor to expand as temperatures increase. Blistering can cause serious harm to the integrity of your low slope roof if not maintained.

6. Repair Loose Fasteners

Regular inspection and repair of fasteners is another crucial component of roof maintenance because loose fasteners will no longer anchor your roof to your building as intended. 

An experienced, adept roofing contractor knows what type of fasteners best suit your roofing system.

7. Snow Build Up

Excess snow doesn’t slide off of a low slope roof as easily as it does on a moderate or steep-sloped roof, and it can overload your roof and potentially cause it to collapse. 

Or, the snowmelt can cause ponding when the roof isn’t draining correctly.

8. Report Issues Immediately

Proper low slope roof maintenance also includes calling your roofing contractor at the first sign of leaks or other damage.

If the roof on your New Hampshire Seacoast home needs maintenance or repair, call the experts at J. Carnes & Son Roofing. They’re also experts in installing low slope roofs.