Category: Uncategorized

Low slope roofs on commercial buildings provide many benefits. They provide a convenient location for the installation of equipment like HVAC systems. They’re also practical and affordable solutions for large buildings because they use different materials than steep slope roofs. Because of this, they will have different insulation needs.

Common Types of Low Slope Roofs

For you to better maintain your roof, you should know exactly which material it’s made of. Popular flat roof types are:

• Built-Up Roof. Also known as tar and gravel roof. They’re made of 2 to 4 layers of asphalt tar and are often covered with gravel.
• Modified Bitumen Roof. They’re similar to built-up roofs but with fewer layers.
• EPDM Rubber Roof. They’re recognizable because the surface is either black or held down with large stones.
• Spray Foam Roof. It’s often white or gray in color. Over time, the topcoat could degrade to expose a polyurethane foam.
• Thermoplastic Membrane Roofing. It looks like white rubber.

Importance of Roof Insulation

Insulation provides many benefits to your building. The two most important are:

Acting as a Thermal Barrier

Heat moves through a roof via conduction, convection, and radiation. Each has an effect on the building’s performance. Since conduction occurs through solid components, insulating them benefits the entire building.

Convection channels heat via gases and liquids. Installing air barriers and vapor retarders reduces this effect on your roof.

Examples of radiation are heat transfer when sun rays hit the roof, or heat leaving the building at night. One way of insulating against radiation is by installing a reflective roof surface. This prevents sun rays from penetrating and heating the building.

Improving Drainage

Low slope roofs are especially prone to water damage since they don’t channel it as well as steep roofs. Tapered insulation diverts water from walls to gutters, drains, and other outlets.

Professional insulation also increases your roof’s durability by installing walkways. These prevent roof damage from the weight of workers and heavy equipment. They also improve safety; everyone knows which parts of the roof they should step on.

Are you a Commercial Building Owner or Manager in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire? For high-quality low slope roof insulation, J. Carnes & Son Roofing is your go-to contractor. As a GAF Certified Master Elite Roofing Contractor, we offer exceptional solutions. Our passionate and highly dependable representatives are also experts at installing premium insulations. If you suspect an issue with your roof, contact us before it’s too late.

Low slope roofs on commercial buildings have multiple advantages including cost savings over time. But in order to cut costs on maintenance, it’s important to get your roof inspected by an expert every spring and fall.  It’s also crucial that water drains within a few days so ponding doesn’t occur. Here are important points for why water should drain properly on a low slope roof. 

Why Ponding Must Be Prevented

Too much water buildup on a low slope roof can lead to several problems that affect the durability of your roof. The weight of this water can cause the deformation of the deck. Ice dams can cause damage to the roof membrane and too much moisture can attract algae and mold. When dirt and debris are mixed in it creates an unhealthy situation for the roof including clogged drains. 

Drains and gutters must be positioned in proper locations to optimize low slope roofing systems, which should include tapered insulation. Another reason to hire a roofing specialist is to make sure your roof was installed properly. 

Common Reasons for Ineffective Drainage

• the inadequate or incorrect thickness of insulation
• improper wood size in relation to insulation
• insulation should be higher than the wood blocking
• drains are not placed at low points on roofing
• plumbing problems below the deck
• gutters get clogged with tree branches, leaves and other materials

Most commercial buildings are designed with internal drains, as building codes require a primary drain and a secondary drain. A roofing specialist will tell you if the drains have been installed in effective places or if they should be moved. Having a backup system such as overflow drains and scuppers is part of the solution to reducing water buildup. 

The advantage of internal drains over gutters is they don’t freeze in the winter, as the drainage system is protected by the building structure. Internal drains can be customized for the climate and help block debris. The size of the roof will determine the appropriate number of drains to be effective. The best way to approach water management issues for a low slope commercial roof is to hire a roofing specialist to make periodic inspections. Reach out to us at J. Carnes and Son Roofing for more information on water drainage issues affecting your roof. Our family business has been in operation for over 30 years and our crew emphasizes quality over quantity.

You can count on a lot of things in New Hampshire, including natural beauty and unpredictable weather. The latter may bring everything from high winds and hail to snow and ice, and wreak havoc on a home’s roof. In turn, the damage can require repair work and even a full roof replacement. Let’s look at the types of storms you may experience in New Hampshire and the damage they can inflict.

Hail Damage

Hail can cause extensive damage, and the kind of damage varies depending upon the roofing material. Hail damage on a roof with asphalt or composite shingles, for example, can cause a loss of shingle granules and expose the roofing felt underneath.

Fortunately, most homeowner’s insurance policies cover hail damage, which is one of the most common homeowner’s claims.

Wind Damage

High winds can damage roofs whether they’re accompanied by other harmful weather such as hail or not. Damage may include leaks, missing shingles, and more.

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover wind damage, including tree-related damage caused by high winds.

Rain/Hurricane Damage

Heavy rain can cause many types of damage to your home’s roof, including leaks, stains, rot, mold, cracks, and lead to the formation of destructive ice dams. Hurricanes, meanwhile, may cause much more extensive damage and ultimately require a full roof replacement.

Most standard homeowner’s policies cover rain damage (unless leaks are the result of negligence, such as a lack of regular maintenance). Policies usually cover damage caused by Mother Nature, such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

Snow Damage

While snow on a roof provides some insulation from frigid temperatures, too much of it can cause structural damage and lead to ice dams and leaks. Many insurance policies cover roof damage caused by severe winter storms, such as blizzards.

Ice Damage

Ice dams form from melting snow and if left unchecked can lead to leaks that damage the interior of your home. Again, most insurance policies cover damage caused by heavy winter storms – which can lead to ice dams – but several variables, including the condition of your roof, affect the claim.

Tornado Damage

It’s no secret that tornadoes can cause significant destruction. A tornado can have a vacuum effect that sucks roofing material off of the house as flying debris also causes damage.

While homeowner’s policies typically cover roof damage caused by high winds, it may depend on where you live, the type and amount of coverage, and the cause of damage.

Thunder/Lightning Damage

Thunder and lightning can blast shingles off your roof and may lead to a fire if it ignites the wooden beams underneath. The good news is that most policies cover lightning strikes and the ensuing damage.

Insurance and Storm Damage

One of the first things you should do when storm damage occurs is to call your insurance company. Your homeowner’s insurance policy should provide coverage for many types of damage, but your insurance agent will go over the policy with you and its specifics.

The following are some tips for filing a claim:

• Have your insurance policy with you when you call your agent or insurance company. 
• Have a list of details with you that includes what type of storm caused the damage and the time it occurred.
• Discuss the procedures and deadlines for filing a claim.
• Go over all of the details about what repairs – or possible roof replacement – your policy covers. 
• Set up an appointment with the insurance adjuster as soon as possible. Your adjuster will inspect the damage and cost of repairs. Always make sure that your roofing contractor is there at the same time to ensure an accurate claim gets filed.
• Talk to your agent about the claims payment process, including how it will get paid.

The importance of working with a local roofer

Choosing a qualified, dependable roofer is of the utmost importance when storms damage your roof. The roofer should not only be able to handle the necessary repairs – or roof replacement, if necessary – but understand the insurance claim process completely.

Perhaps most importantly, you should choose a local roofer when storm damage occurs. Areas where storms frequently occur are often inundated with “storm chasers” who target homeowners but don’t stick around to support their work after it’s finished.

There are other reasons for hiring locally:

• Local contractors understand and comply with local building codes and requirements.
• It’s easier to choose among contractors near where you live. You can set up face-to-face meetings and get references from other customers who live in the area.
• It’s also easier to develop a long-term relationship with a roofer who’s from the same area. A relationship with a local roofer lasts well after the repair work is done.

You need an experienced, reliable roofer when a storm damages the roof of your New Hampshire home. J. Carnes & Son Roofing has the experience and knowledge you need.

Sometimes the condition of your home’s roof becomes compromised because of things out of your control – like the weather, for instance. New Hampshire’s otherwise beautiful climate can produce volatile weather, which may damage roofs. Those storms include high wind, hail, and rain, all of which may require some roof repair once they’ve passed.

Speaking of high winds, meteorologists at New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Observatory recorded wind gusts of 148 mph in February, the strongest in over a decade. Meanwhile, heavy rain and hail can damage your shingles – extensively when the pieces of hail are larger than usual. How will you know if your roof is damaged by wind, hail, and rain? Here are some clues.

Storm Damage You Can See From the Ground

You don’t always have to be on your roof to see storm damage. It’s always a good idea after a storm to inspect your roof from the ground and look for the following signs of damage.

1. Collection of shingle granules – Asphalt shingles have granules to protect them from UV rays while making them more resistant. If you see an abundance of these granules in your yard and landscaping, then your roof has sustained storm damage.
2. Leaky & Clogged Gutters – Leaking and clogged gutters often indicate roof storm damage and can result in negative consequences for your home and roof. Your roof will begin to leak for one, while mold and water damage may also accumulate. They can even cause damage to your home’s foundation because accumulated water can’t drain properly. The bottom line is that clogged gutters can easily cause severe roof damage over time.
3. Property damage – If vehicles and other types of property show signs of damage, there’s a good chance your roof has also sustained storm damage.
4. Broken, cracked, and missing shingles – You should be able to notice damaged shingles from the ground. Check for missing and damaged shingles, including curled, cracked, or torn shingles. Wood shingles may show signs of splitting, curling, or decay, while flat roofs may have cracks, tears, wrinkles, and blisters. You may even notice shingles on the ground when a storm is particularly fierce.

Signs of Storm Damage Inside the Home

Storm damage to your roof may also become evident inside your home.

5. Water damage on walls and ceilings – Some signs of water damage are easy to spot within the house, while others aren’t so easy. Visible signs include dark or wet spots on the wall or ceiling, drywall that’s flaking or cracking, and wet spots around pipes, toilets, sinks, and taps. You may also notice a musty or moldy smell or even a sewage smell coming from plumbing fixtures. Wet flooring is another sign and may go unnoticed if it occurs in rooms you don’t use as frequently. 
6. Problems in the attic – Your home’s attic is another area to inspect after a storm hits. If you notice water accumulation in the attic, including drips or stains on the underside of the roof or sheathing, or wet insulation, there’s a good chance the storm caused it. Damp and wet framing in the attic is another indicator of storm damage. Just make sure the leaks in your attic aren’t caused by plumbing which may run through it. 

What are the signs of storm damage your roofer will see?

We never advise going up on your roof after a storm. Leave that up to a professional – a knowledgeable contractor who will inspect for further damage you can’t see from the ground.

7. Deeper Damage – Your roofer will check for damage to the layers underneath the shingles, including the underlayment. The underlayment provides a temporary barrier against rain and wind. They’ll also check the decking (typically made from plywood or oriented strand board, but also from other materials such as metal). The decking is attached to the rafters to create the foundation of the roofing system.
8. Gutters – Heavy storms may also damage the roof’s drip edge, which prevents water from building up while guiding it over the eaves and into the gutters. For this reason, your gutters should also be inspected for leaking seams, bending or sagging, as well as missing sections of the gutter system.
9. Hiding Damage – The roofer will also assess the overall extent of missing shingles beyond what you can see from the ground level. Flying debris from branches, hail, and severe rain – all can destroy shingles and pull them from the roof. Another sign of storm damage is loose or missing flashing near chimneys.

In any case, schedule an appointment with your roofing contractor as soon as possible after the storm so that they can assess the damage.

Call J. Carnes & Son Roofing when your roof experience storm damage. The professionals at J. Carnes offer superior workmanship and the highest-quality customer service.

New Hampshire isn’t without its bad weather. We have been known to experience severe storms, which means your home’s roof could potentially experience damage should such a storm hit your area. If this were to happen, it could require expensive repairs or replacement depending on the extent of the damage. Fortunately, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover these costs — but this is all dependent on what kind of coverage you have.

Standard Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Coverage

You would think if you have homeowner’s insurance it would cover any damage caused to your roof, no matter what. Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily the case. Most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover damage caused by wind, such as if shingles are torn off your roof. Debris from the wind also could cause impact damage (for example, if a tree or tree branch falls onto your roof and damages it). Your insurance should also cover damage caused by lightning strikes (which can cause fires) as well as water and ice damage. This is particularly useful during the winter season here in New Hampshire as we are prone to experience winter storms and everything which goes along with them.

However, your policy will not cover flood damage or earthquake damage. Additionally, if you did not maintain your roof properly, the policy may not cover all of the costs associated with damage done during a storm.

Additional Coverage

You may need to purchase additional coverage if you live in an area prone to floods or earthquakes. Earthquakes can cause roof damage if they are severe enough, but you probably won’t have to worry about them here in New Hampshire. However, don’t just assume that your general homeowner’s insurance policy covers everything else. Make sure your policy covers things like wind damage, fire damage, lightning damage, ice damage, and water damage. If it doesn’t, you may need to upgrade your policy or add a rider to it.

Understand What Your Insurance Covers

Assuming your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover all of your roof damage repairs or replacement is risky. What if your roof is damaged and it turns out your policy doesn’t cover the damage? Then you may end up losing a significant amount of money paying for whatever repairs and replacements are necessary. Not to mention it’s never a good idea to leave roof damage be, no matter how minor it might be. It will grow worse over time, which means it will be even more expensive to repair or replace.

Additionally, it will leave your roof more vulnerable to storm damage. Should storm damage result and the insurance company finds out you didn’t make necessary repairs beforehand, they may not cover those damages even if those costs fall under your policy’s protections. Find out what your policy covers and either upgrade it or add the necessary riders to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Steps to Take After Storm Damage Happens

If your roof has been damaged in a storm, knowing what to do afterward can be a bit of a challenge. The following are the steps you should take.

1. Make sure your family is safe – If the roof is structurally compromised, evacuate your household.
2. Document the damage – Take pictures of any damage you can see from the ground. When your roofer arrives, ask for more detailed shots of the roof damage.
3. Contact a roofer – A reputable roofer in your area should be able to provide a thorough professional inspection. They will evaluate the damage and provide a written report, including a detailed estimate you can provide to your insurer.
4. Contact your insurer – Once you have your roofer on the way, call your insurance agent to let them know about the damage and begin the claims process.

Once you’ve contacted your insurance agent, they will send someone to your home to do their own evaluation. You’ll want the roofer to meet with the claims adjuster to discuss the damages and the cost. You should only have your roofer begin work when the claims adjuster has signed off on the work that needs to be done and the amount which will be covered. Once the work is done, you’ll pay the roofer with the check you get from your insurance company.

Dealing with your insurance company can be tricky when it comes to roof damage. It’s why you should understand what your policy covers and why you should hire a roofer with experience dealing with insurance companies. To schedule a roof inspection and obtain an estimate, contact us at J. Carnes & Son Roofing in New Hampshire today.

Having to replace your roof is an inconvenience, to say the least. Unfortunately, if you have to replace your roof, there is no getting around it. Putting it off can be a very bad idea due to safety issues and because it is prone to cause more serious damage. When it is time to replace your roof, odds are you’ll want to know how long it will take so you can plan around the installation accordingly. The time it takes to install your roof will depend on the following three factors.

1. The amount of work that needs to be done

A full roof replacement is going to take a lot longer than a partial roof replacement. Not to mention the size, slope, and material needed will all factor into the time it takes. For example, installing a new tile roof is going to take much longer than it will to install a new asphalt one. Additionally, if a new roof deck needs to be installed, extra time will be needed to complete the project.

2. The weather

The weather can’t always be predicted. Your roof can’t be installed in the middle of a rainstorm, which means certain weather events may delay the work. Delays due to weather may be more likely to happen if your roof needs to be replaced immediately in the middle of winter.

3. The level of roof detail

The level of detail refers to the features on your roof. The more skylights, vents, chimneys, and other details that need to be worked around will add to the time your roofer is up on your roof.

There are many factors that contribute to how long it will take to install a new roof. These are three of the main variables you should keep in mind. A good roofer should be able to estimate how long it will take to install your new roof based on the size of your roof, its slope, the level of detail, and the materials being used. If you need to schedule a roof replacement, be sure to contact us at J. Carnes & Son Roofing in New Hampshire today. 

There’s no question that a roof replacement can be expensive. But what do you do if you have a badly leaking roof – one that’s causing significant damage to your home – but don’t have the money on hand to pay for a replacement?

Can you finance a roof replacement, in that case?

The answer is yes, you can finance it in several ways, including the three we list here.

1. FHA Loan

A Federal Housing Administration loan is an excellent way to fund home improvement projects such as roof replacements. They’re available through FHA-approved lenders and have a fixed interest rate.

The FHA program places limits on what type of improvements you can use the money for, but those that involve structural alterations, reconstruction, modernization, and improvements almost always qualify.

FHA loans are offered by banks and credit unions, which have their own requirements and interest rates. They’re excellent for older homes that need renovation to improve their livability.

The only catch with an FHA loan is the total amount borrowed must be within FHA loan limits for your area.

2. Financing Through Your Roofer

Some roofing contractors, such as J. Carnes & Son Roofing, offer payment plans that help make the cost of a roof replacement more affordable. These plans can help you spread out payments over an extended period but may differ from roofer to roofer. 

Financing through J. Carnes & Son Roofing has several advantages, including that you can get 100% unsecured financing from $1,000 to $45,000 on approved credit. There’s also no application fee, closing costs, or prepayment penalties, plus you’ll get a credit decision in about 10 minutes.

3. Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan allows you to borrow cash against the value of your home. Your existing mortgage remains in place while you take out a new loan with a fixed interest rate.

Among the advantages of a home equity loan is that the interest rate is usually lower than personal loans or credit cards. The biggest drawback to a home equity loan: you could lose your home if you fall behind on payments.

Call J. Carnes & Son Roofing if you’re considering a roof replacement. We can help you review financing options.