Flat Roof Ponding Explained

Flat roof ponding occurs when large puddles of water form on your roof and stay there. Rather than draining away or evaporating within 48 hours, these puddles become areas of standing water. Having ponding on your roof can increase the risk of developing leaks, which can lead to costly water damage. Ponding water can also result in serious structural damage if it weakens your roof. If this damage is severe enough, your roof could end up collapsing.

Ponding can lead to other problems as well when it isn’t fixed. Having standing water on your commercial roof can shorten its lifespan, which means you might need to replace it much sooner than expected. Puddles of water can also attract pests, such as insects, and lead to mold growth. Taking care of ponding on your roof promptly helps reduce these risks and protects against additional damage.

Causes of Flat Roof Ponding 

Ponding on your commercial roof can happen for different reasons. You might have ponding if you have clogged drains. When water isn’t able to drain from your roof, it collects on it instead and might not evaporate quickly enough.

When ponding causes mold or vegetation to grow on your roof, this can make the problem worse. These growths can block drains and make it harder for water to drain away or evaporate, which could cause ponding to occur in multiple areas of your roof.

Low spots on your roof can make it easy for water to form puddles that don’t drain or evaporate. Your roof can develop low spots in areas where it has grown weaker due to water damage or other causes.

Having the wrong roof slope or pitch can allow ponding to occur. Your flat roof should have enough of a slope to let water drain away. Otherwise, water can collect on your roof and form puddles.

Is Fixing a Flat Roof Possible?

Can a flat roof really be fixed? Ponding might seem like a problem you can’t avoid when your building has a flat roof. However, there are ways to fix this problem and make sure it doesn’t keep happening. Fixing flat roof ponding involves finding out what is causing it to occur. Once you know why your roof keeps having areas of standing water, you can take steps to correct this problem.

Repairing Flat Roof Ponding 

When flat roof ponding is due to clogged drains, clearing these out can fix this problem. Keeping drains free of debris allows water to get to them more easily. If your roof doesn’t have enough drains to handle the amount of rain and snow you get, you can have drains added.

Low spots on roofs can be filled to make them more even with the rest of your roof. Roof plaster is the material typically used to fix low spots. If your roof does not have enough of a slope, you can have this corrected. Professional roofers can redo your roof slope or pitch as needed.

Keep in mind that you can take steps to prevent ponding from occurring on your flat roof. This can reduce your risk of needing to have repairs done. Having maintenance done on your commercial roof can stop water from ponding.

Routine roof maintenance often includes having debris cleared from your gutters, drains and downspouts. This allows rain or melted snow to flow off of your roof instead of staying on it. During maintenance visits, roofers can also check for problems that could lead to ponding, such as low spots on your roof. Your roofers can take care of these issues in order to prevent ponding from happening.

Hire Professional Roofers to Fix Ponding 

When your flat roof has ponding, you should hire a professional roofer to make repairs. Professional roofers can identify the cause of roof ponding and recommend ways to fix these problems. Your roofers can then handle the repairs that are needed to stop roof ponding from occurring again.

Roofers have the experience and the right kinds of equipment and tools to handle flat roof repairs. You can also have your roofers perform routine maintenance to prevent ponding from occurring again.

If your building has flat roof ponding, please contact Pinnacle Roofing in the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont. Our roofing experts can fix this problem and provide routine maintenance to reduce the risk of it happening again.

So, here are the three things you need to know before turning your flat roof into a balcony.

1. The Overall Condition of the Roof

You expect your flat roof to bear extra weight, so you must consider the implications before commencing the project. By engaging an expert roofer or structural engineer, you can learn how much extra weight your flat roof can support safely based on the materials used.

Schedule a professional roofing inspection to evaluate the condition of your flat roof to evaluate what is needed to turn it into a balcony.

2. Applicable Planning and Building Permissions 

Flat roof waterproof membranes have gotten more sophisticated. However, working with an experienced roofer and following all the best practices can help you create a lovely balcony without worrying about roof leaks.

Turning your flat roof into a balcony may require building permission depending on the level of work it will take to modify. You can install a balcony under permitted development rights, but there are always exceptions.

Additionally, your balcony is considered a raised platform and will require planning approval. It’s always best to work with an experienced local roofer to understand building and planning regulations before you get started.

3. Project Scope and Cost

Waterproofing is often the most crucial consideration for flat roof projects. You’ll want to know your roof will repel water for several years after installing the balcony. Working with an experienced roofer will help you evaluate the scope of work in adding the balcony and whether or not the extra structural reinforcement and waterproofing works make economic sense. You can install a roof balcony on virtually any flat roof. However, since installing a balcony may require a substantial investment, always work with a knowledgeable roofing contractor. Pinnacle Roofing is a trusted roofing contractor serving the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont. Contact us today for more information about turning your flat roof into a spacious balcony!

1. The Minimum Pitch for Shingles

Shingles need to have a slope to function correctly. This has to do with the way shingles are installed. Shingles overlap from the eaves to the peak, where the final layer of shingles is overlapped by a roof cap.

The pitch is defined by the rise-over-run ratio. This means if a roof slope rises 5 inches when measured along the bottom of a horizontal roof truss, the slope is said to be 5/12. 

As a good rule of thumb, roofs with a pitch of 2/12 and greater are able to have shingles. However, 2:12 roofs are more susceptible to failure than the steeper slopes.

Flat or low-slope roofs are better to be covered with PVC, TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, metal, or other flat roofing materials. 

2. Susceptibility to Leaks and Ice Dams

The challenge with flat roofs is simple. Gravity. When shingles are installed on a flat roof, water drains very slowly, increasing the risk of water leaking through and around the shingle overlaps. Improper drainage can cause the roof to develop leaks and become weak over time.

Winter can create a challenging problem as snow thaws and travels underneath the shingles. Temperature fluctuation and poor roof ventilation can cause ice dams to form as snow melts.

As the melting and freezing cycle repeats, the water quickly ends up underneath the shingles and into the living space.

3. Extra Maintenance Needs

Flat roofs generally require more maintenance than pitched roofs. Because of the low slope, extra care is also needed to ensure water or debris drain from the roof. Frequent maintenance means a low slope roof gets a lot of foot traffic. If shingles are protecting the roof, the mineral granules embedded on the shingle surface will cause them to break down faster.

To learn more about low slope roofing solutions, contact Pinnacle Roofing today. Our expert roofing contractors can help you choose the best roofing material for your roof and provide high-quality installation, replacement, repair, or maintenance services. We proudly service the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont.

Often, the answer depends on the age of your roof, its current condition, and your budget. If the roof is relatively new and shows minor wear, it may only require repair work. However, if the damage is widespread and your roof is near the end of its life, a roof replacement is the best option.

Unfortunately, sometimes the correct decision is not as straightforward. Hence, you need a trusted roofing contractor in New York’s Capital Region or Southern Vermont to inspect your roof and help you decide. If you are facing the roof replacement vs. repair dilemma and are mulling the options, consider the following four factors.

1. The Age of the Roof

If your roof shows signs of aging and has leaks, extensive storm damage, or has suffered several problems over the years, it’s a good idea to replace it. This will help ensure any hidden damage is found and fixed.

If you are unsure of the age of your roof, a local roofing contractor can inspect it and determine how much life it has left. For example, three-tab shingles last for 15 to 20 years, while higher quality architectural ones could last for 40 years. Other roofing materials could last even longer.

Replacing an older, damaged roof near its expiration date is worth the investment whether you plan to move soon or stay in your home for several decades.

2. Ability Matching Shingle Color

It is relatively easy to replace missing, torn, or damaged shingles due to wind damage, fallen limbs, or other natural factors. The downside of replacing missing shingles is they may not match. If you have some spare shingles from the current roof job or your roof is relatively new, a repair could be easier.

What’s more, even if you have shingles from your last installation, they may still not match the ones on your roof due to UV rays fading the color and general aging. 

Alternatively, one section of your roof could be replaced instead of the full roof, if the damage is limited to one section instead of over the whole roof.

3. How Long You Plan to Stay in Your Home

If you plan to sell your home soon and the roof looks old or has extensive damage, a replacement is advisable. Installing a new roof improves its curb appeal and becomes a selling point for your home. Otherwise, you may have a hard time selling. However, if you have no plans of selling your home, you can get by with repairs and regular inspection and maintenance.

4. The Extent of Roof Damage

By the time you are having a roof replacement vs. repair debate, your roof has likely either suffered physical damage or has deteriorated in appearance. Working with a trusted roofer can help you understand the extent of damage and make the right choice for your home.

Signs of roof damage fall into two categories:

• Aesthetic damage where the roofing material looks old, worn, or is infested with moss and algae.
• Structural damage such as: 
  • Curled or cupped edges on wood or asphalt shingles
  • Missing granules and bald spots on shingles
  • Cracked or broken asphalt, wood, or tile shingles
  • Rusted metal panels or shingles
  • Dented or perforated asphalt, wood, tile, and metal roofing

Roof repairs are warranted if they remedy damages covering 30% or less of your roof. Otherwise, a replacement is most likely the best option. Additionally, sometimes mere repair work will not cut it; for example, when a tree falls straight on your home or if leaks are present everywhere.

What’s Ideal for You?

An inspection from a trusted roofing contractor is the best way to make an informed decision between replacing and repairing your roof. Pinnacle Roofing Inc. is a premier roofer in New York’s Capital Region and the Southern Vermont area. We understand your reservations about roofing contractors and aim to change that perception with exceptional roofing knowledge and experience and dedicated service delivery. Contact us today, and let’s discuss your next project.

Payment Options for a Roof Replacement

When your roof has extensive damage and can’t wait to be replaced, you’ll need to consider your payment options. You can pay for a full roof replacement with cash if you have enough available. This is a straightforward way to cover the cost of having your roof replaced.

If you don’t have a large cash flow, you can explore other payment options, such as loans. Home equity loans, for example, allow you to use equity from your house to finance expensive home repairs. The amount you can borrow for this type of loan is dependent on how much equity your home has and has a hefty interest rate.

Other Financing Options

Cash and home equity loans aren’t your only options for financing a roof replacement. You can work with a local roofer who offers financing for this type of job. Some roofing companies offer financing directly through them, while others offer financing through a third-party vendor. Both options can provide you with a convenient way to cover your roof replacement cost and make sure it gets done as soon as possible.

When you work with a local roofer to get financing, the application and approval process can be quicker than getting a home equity loan or another type of loan. You also don’t have to worry about paying for a roof replacement upfront and waiting for your insurance company to reimburse you. Instead, you can provide your roofer with the information they need to start the application and approval process. You can then have your roof replaced sooner rather than later. If you need a new roof, contact Pinnacle Roofing today. Our roofing experts provide roof replacement services for homeowners in the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont.

The Pros of Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar shake roofing offers many benefits, including:

Energy Efficiency

If you need a roofing material with incredible insulation, then cedar shake is your best bet. It not only retains warmth during colder winter months but also reflects heat during hotter summer months. This helps your air conditioning and energy bills from escaping through the roof.

Resistant to Storms

Unlike traditional asphalt shingles that can be dented during hailstorms, cedar shakes won’t bruise when pelted by large chunks of ice or hail. Due to their strength, they also withstand high winds.

Durable

With proper regular maintenance, cedar shake roofs can last as long as 50 years, or even more.

Aesthetics

Although some shingles are three-dimensional in design, their appearance is often flat. Instead, cedar shakes offer a textured appearance to your roof, complementing many architectural styles. The enhanced aesthetics can also boost your home’s resale value and attract potential buyers when you need to sell your home.

Cons of Cedar Shakes

Here are a few notable downsides of cedar shake roofing:

High Cost

Cedar shake roofing is generally more expensive than asphalt shingles. Due to its green aspect, cedar shake is more costly and requires additional expertise for installation. However, the added cost can be offset by increased home value and enhanced energy savings.

Additional Maintenance

If you opt for a cedar shake roofing system, you will need to be proactive in maintaining it. You must regularly clear excessive leaves and other debris from the roof to allow your cedar shakes to breathe and keep looking great. Ice dams may also damage cedar shakes during winter, so you must schedule quick repairs to prevent further damage.

The Verdict

Depending on your area’s weather situation and personal preference, you can weigh the benefits and downsides of cedar shakes roofing and make an informed choice. Overall, the benefits of cedar shake far outweigh its downsides. Working with a trusted local roofer can help shed more light on your best options based on your unique situation. At Pinnacle Roofing, we have decades of experience installing, replacing, and maintaining cedar shake roofs in the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont. Contact us today to learn whether cedar shakes can be ideal for your home!

Choosing a new roof involves selecting the best material to keep your home protected from the elements while also improving its curb appeal. You’ll find several roofing materials to choose from, but which is the right one for your home? Keep the following in mind when comparing roofing materials.

Shingle Roofs

Shingles are one of the more common types of roofing materials homeowners choose. Roof shingles provide a cost-effective roofing material compared to other types. They also come in a wide range of colors and styles, including three-tab and architectural styles, which can boost curb appeal on any home.

Shingles have an easy installation process, which can help keep costs down due to less time and labor. Individual shingles can also be replaced overtime if needed. This allows for simple repairs to be made over the years rather than needing to have your entire roof replaced.

Keep in mind shingles aren’t as durable as other roofing materials, so a shingle roof might not last as long. These roofs can be more vulnerable to damage from high winds, especially if they are not correctly installed. They can also crack when exposed to extreme temperatures since this causes them to expand and contract.

Shingles don’t offer as much energy efficiency as other materials. Instead, they tend to absorb heat, which can lead to higher cooling bills in summer.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are becoming more common among homeowners due to the advantages they offer. These roofs are highly durable, which allows them to last for decades after installation. Metal roofs provide resistance to fire and wind, which can help keep your home well-protected.

Metal roofs offer good energy efficiency due to their design. These roofs can reflect heat from the sun instead of absorbing it, which can reduce your cooling bills when it’s hot out. While installation costs tend to be higher for metal roofs, you can offset this with reduced energy bills over the years.

Metal roofs have a lightweight design, which makes them easy to install. When these roofs are correctly installed, they can withstand a lot of adverse weather without being damaged.

While metal roofs provide significant advantages, they can become corroded or rusted. This can shorten their lifespan and affect your home’s curb appeal. However, there are options available that help lower the risk of rust and corrosion.

Slate Roofs

Slate roofs provide one of the most aesthetically pleasing choices for a new roof. These roofs, which are made from natural stone, have distinctive color variations. Slate roofs can improve your home’s curb appeal.

This type of roof offers high durability due to its resistance to several kinds of damage. Slate roofs are fire-resistant and wind-resistant, which can provide you with greater peace of mind. These roofs can also handle other adverse weather conditions.

When properly installed, slate roofs can last for 100 years or more, making them a good investment for homeowners. They also require low maintenance over the years and can provide some energy efficiency for lower energy bills.

The main drawbacks of slate roofs include their cost and weight. Slate roofs tend to cost considerably more than other roofing materials, although their durability helps make up for this. Since they are also heavy, you might need more support added to your roof before installation.

Cedar Shake Roofs

Cedar shakes offer a rustic appearance, which can help boost your home’s curb appeal. These roofs are made up of thick, irregular pieces of split logs, giving them a natural and aesthetically appealing look.

Cedar shakes are resistant to wind and other kinds of adverse weather due to their durability. However, they do need to be maintained to prevent water damage from heavy or frequent downpours. They also need to be kept clean and maintained to lower the risk of mildew growth.

Cedar shakes can help keep your home more comfortable and well-insulated, which can reduce your energy bills. These roofs can keep the sun’s heat out during summer and prevent cold air from seeping in during winter.

Although cedar shakes provide notable benefits, they do come at a cost. Cedar shake roofs typically cost more than other roofing materials. Keep in mind they last for years and provide energy efficiency for reduced energy bills, which can help offset the higher initial costs. If you need a new roof for your home, please get in touch with Pinnacle Roofing today. We provide high-quality residential roofing installation and other roofing services for homeowners in the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont. Our expert roofing contractors can help you choose the ideal roofing material for your home.

1. Call a Roofer to Inspect the Damage

It does not take someone with 20/20 vision to detect obvious signs of roof damage, such as fallen tree limbs, loose guttering, leaks, or cracked shingles. However, it does take a trained pair of eyes to discover hidden damage, especially to roofing materials sitting below the surface. After the storm, it’s important to call a roofing contractor to carry out a complete, comprehensive inspection.

In essence, you want a roof inspection that details:

• Roof shingle condition
• Flashing condition
• Leaks
• Ice dams
• Chimney condition
• Insulation status
• Attic inspection results
• Gutter condition

The contractor will pinpoint issues and provide a written report with pictures of the damage, recommended solutions, and an estimate on the cost of repairs or replacement. Also, you can share the info with your insurance company when filing an insurance claim.

Scheduling a professional roof inspection as soon as possible reduces the odds of a failing roof damaging your home. Repairs should be made promptly, or the damage may spiral out of control and cause more damage to your home.

For instance, water can penetrate your home through a hole in the roof, soaking into walls, flooring, furniture, and more. Mold can grow and create an unhealthy environment for your family. Immediate repairs can help prevent interior damage and health risk.

2. Stay Away from Storm Chasers

When looking for a contractor to fix your damaged roof, make sure you contact a local, licensed roofing contractor. The reason for this is because bad weather events attract unscrupulous contractors known as storm chasers.

These opportunistic fraudsters often travel door-to-door, using scare tactics to try to convince unwary homeowners they need a new roof and can get one for a discount.

Beware: storm chasers provide substandard workmanship and don’t care about following local codes. They aim to replace as many roofs in your neighborhood for as little cost as possible and then move on to the next town. The lifespan of a roof replaced by these makeshift “companies” may be half of an expertly constructed roof.

Roofing Experts You Can Trust

For over 15 years, the team at Pinnacle Roofing has lent a helping hand to homeowners who have roof storm damage in the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont. We pride ourselves on working with quality, integrity, and longevity in mind. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get your storm-damaged roof fixed.

If you’re considering getting slate for your roof, you may be wondering if it’s a worthwhile investment. Well, this elegant stone roofing has a long and storied history. Some of the oldest homes in the nation have their original slate roofs intact.

Slate is the longest-lasting roofing material on the market, prized for its beauty, low maintenance, and durability. Like all roofing materials, however, it does have its drawbacks. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of slate roofs to help you make a decision that’s right for you and your home.

The Pros

Aesthetically Pleasing

Slate roofing has a gorgeous, rustic look which can enhance the look of any architectural style. The tiles are made of 100% natural stone and are available in various colors, sizes, and levels of thickness. Slate also maintains its distinctive appearance throughout its lifespan and will not fade with sun exposure.

Long Lifespan

Slate roofing is the gold standard for long-lasting roofs. While the typical asphalt shingles have an expected lifespan of 15 to 30 years, slate roofs are routinely built to last at least a century. When properly installed and cared for, it’s not uncommon for a slate roof to last 150 years or more.

Older homes dating back to the later 19th and early 20th-century sport original slate tiles on their roofs. Slate is an excellent option if you want to install it on your “forever” home.

Highly Durable

Because slate roofs are made of naturally occurring stone, they’re the most durable roofing materials out there. Slate is relatively unaffected by inclement weather conditions, including high temperatures, high winds, heavy snow, and even hail.

The high density of slate makes it waterproof and resistant to mold and algae. Also, slate is non-combustible and will protect your home from a fire caused by airborne sparks.

Low Maintenance

In addition to its beauty and durability, a slate roof gets picked over other roofing materials because of its low maintenance requirement. You’ll just need to check for broken or loose tiles, repair flashing, keep the gutters clean, and have an annual inspection done by an experienced slate roofer.

Increase Home Value

The beauty and longer-than-usual lifespan of slate roofs create lasting value and allow a home to stand out in the competitive real estate market. With a slate roof, you can sell your home at a much higher value than a comparable with another roofing material.

The Cons

High Cost

The biggest detraction of slate roofing is its cost. Slate costs more to manufacture and requires specially trained roofers to install, which drives the price up. A fully installed slate roof can cost two to five times more than conventional roofing materials. While the long lifespan and low maintenance generally close the gap, slate may not be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future.

Extremely Heavy

Slate tiles are incredibly heavy, weighing between 800 to 1,000 pounds per square of roofing material. For comparison, a square of asphalt shingles weighs only about 250 pounds. The weight means some homes need extra reinforcement before the roof can be installed.

Despite its high cost and other quirks, slate is an excellent roofing material for residential homes. If you’re interested in installing a slate roof on your home, contact Pinnacle Roofing to learn more about this roofing material or get an estimate for your roofing project. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality roofing services in New York’s Capital Region and Southern Vermont.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. It all depends on your preferences and priorities. Consider the following pros and cons of shingles to decide whether they’re the roofing material for you.

The Pros of Shingles

Affordability

Replacing a roof is a big job, and it can get expensive. Shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials, so selecting them can help keep costs down. The shingles themselves ring in at about a third of the price, or less, of metal roofing. Slate roofing can cost six times as much as shingles, if not more, and clay tiles have a similar price point.

Architectural shingles do cost more than 3-tab shingles, but they are still more affordable than most other roof materials.

Good Protection

Shingles perform decently in hot, cold, wet, and dry weather. Today’s shingles are made to be more wind and rain-resistant than those made several decades ago. As a result, they’re a great, all-around choice in a place like the Capital Region, where weather and temperatures vary throughout the year.

Easy Installation

Most roofers have a lot of experience installing shingles. So, they can do it quickly and efficiently. Installing shingles is less intricate than installing some other roof materials, which means there is less room for error. The quick and easy installation also helps keep costs down.

Multiple Styles

Since shingles are so popular, manufacturers make them in a wide range of colors and styles. You can find anything from standard black shingles to bright blue ones. Choose modern architectural shingles or more traditional 3-tab ones. It’s easy to coordinate a shingle roof with the rest of your home, regardless of its architectural style.

There are also shingle styles to suit various needs. For instance, you can buy algae-resistant shingles for shaded roofs or reflective shingles for roofs that get a lot of sunlight.

Easy Replacement

When your shingle roof reaches the end of its lifespan, it is easy for roofers to tear off, dispose of, and replace. If your shingle roof needs repairs along the way, a roofer can easily replace a few shingles without having to replace the entire roof.

The Cons of Shingles

Vulnerable In Extreme Heat

Shingles can handle the heat, but they’re not the best roof material for extreme heat. Sustained heat can weaken the shingles and make them more prone to cracks and other damage. Dark-colored shingles, especially, can also absorb a lot of heat and raise your attic temperature.

The Capital Region and Vermont don’t typically get temperatures high enough to ruin shingles. However, this is something to keep in mind if you ever move to a hotter area.

Vulnerable to Wind

Today’s shingles stand up to wind pretty well, but powerful gusts may still lift some shingles off your roof. Often, if the shingles’ edges are slightly raised from previous damage, the wind can catch them and tear them off.

If you choose shingles for your roof, you will want to keep a close eye on them after wind storms. Be prepared to call a roofer for repairs before leaks develop due to missing shingles.

Cracks

Shingles can crack. This often occurs due to rapid fluctuations in temperature. It can also happen if water works its way into a surface crack in the shingle and then freezes.

Cracked shingles can be replaced. However, you will need to keep an eye on your roof to ensure you notice cracked shingles before they start leaking or causing other damage.

Shorter Lifespan

While shingles are more affordable than most other roofing materials, they don’t tend to last as long. Most shingles are rated for 30 years. Metal roofs, for comparison’s sake, tend to last 50 years or more. Slate roofs can last 100 years or more with the proper care.

There are lots of steps you can take to extend your roof’s lifespan. You should have it inspected annually. Also, make sure you keep your gutters clear and trim back any nearby trees. Even with these measures, a shingle roof won’t last as long as a metal or tile one. Shingle roofs continue to be an affordable, attractive, easy-to-install option for most homeowners. They might, indeed, be the perfect roofing material for you. To learn more about shingles and other roofing options, contact Pinnacle Roofing. We provide roofing services in the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont.