What Roofers Look For When Doing An Inspection of Your Roof

There are countless things that a professional roofer will look for when inspecting your roof, however, here are some of the most common. You can also use this information during your own periodic or post-storm visual inspections to determine if you need to call a roofer for repairs or in the worst case scenario, a replacement. More information here in our article: Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?.

Shingle Damage

During an Austin roof inspection, a roofer will look for many different types of damage that shingles can sustain. There may be entire shingles missing after a particularly bad storm, or a period of neglect. They may also be cracked, broken, or loose.

Poorly installed shingles can also lead to issues down the road, as they can let water seep underneath or in between the shingles. There is also the possibility that a nail came loose, which often presents as a small bump in the otherwise flat shingled surface.

To help choose the most durable roof shingle types, please take a look at our article about the best types of shingles.

Signs Of Water Damage

There are countless signs of water damage that a roofing professional will look for during a roof inspection in Austin homes and businesses. One common sign is inspecting the attic for visual signs of moisture. They will also generally get on the roof to check the condition of the decking.

The decking is the flat wooden surface that the shingles or other roofing materials are attached to. If the decking has water damage, it will often feel spongy, and the roofer will recognize this when they step on the damaged area.

Mold

The Austin roofing inspection will always include checking for signs of mold growth in the home. The first place this will often be evident is in the attic, which can be compounded in attics with poor ventilation or where roof ventilation is obstructed or damaged.

This can also be seen in the home, frequently on ceiling and wall materials like drywall or plaster. The mold will often be recognizable as discoloration or spots. Many times these will be on perimeter walls and corners, though this is not always the case.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are something that a roofer will look for as an indication of potential damage since they are so often the cause of water damage. They will look for obstructions, open seams, poor attachments, and more that can indicate possible water exposure over time.

When the gutters become clogged, they begin to fill with water as they back up, which can cause water to seep underneath the shingles. Once moisture has penetrated the roofing layers by backing up underneath the shingles, the water damage can become irreversible.

Signs That Your Roof Could Need An Inspection

There are many signs of roofing damage and deterioration, however, many are hidden from the naked eye and only able to be found by professionals. Here are some signs and indications that you can look for during your own visual inspections that could point to a potentially more serious problem.

Bald Shingles

Shingles are usually topped with grit for two reasons, to give them resistance to UV rays which degrade them quicker and make them brittle, and to give them significant added weight resulting in better wind resistance. This means, however, that bald shingles are broken shingles.

Keep an eye out for any obviously bald shingles. You can also watch the bottom of your downspouts for grit build-up. If your shingles are losing grit, the grit will end up in the gutter and much of it will leave via the downspout, resulting in a small pile of sandy grit where your downspout stream settles.

Read More: What To Do When You Have Roof Damage From Wind?

Cracked, Damaged, or Missing Shingles

These are even easier to spot than bald shingles. Cracked and broken shingles will be able to be spotted by their irregular or jagged appearance. Missing shingles will also be incredibly obvious, being a completely vacant spot in the line of shingles.

All of these situations represent an urgent need to get in contact with a qualified roofer. Not only will the problem lead to much more severe water damage as time goes on, but it become much more expensive to fix as well. Ideally, this is a problem you have fixed before the next rainy day.

Discoloration

Discoloration is a symptom of water damage that you will be able to see from the inside of your home. Slow leaks and moisture infiltration will often result in ceilings and the upper portion of walls getting some of the moisture. Over time, this causes visible discoloration in the plaster or drywall. This is a sign that your roof has had a relatively minor leak for an extended time.

Sagging

Sagging is where overhead materials become wet and spongy and start to sag or buckle under the added weight. When an entire roof begins to sag or any large portion of it, t can often be seen from outside with the naked eye.

Sometimes, however, slow leaks will allow interior overhead materials like drywall ceilings to become wet and sag. This can become noticeable when in the home, and can eventually lead to the materials failing and falling down, potentially causing injury or more property damage.

Roof Leaks

Looking at the inside of your roof can be a simple yet valuable method for being aware of any roof leaks that occur from heavy rain and inclement weather. Most homeowners can view the inside of their roof from their attic or crawlspace. Take note of any spots or discoloration that you see, and be sure to call a roofer if they grow or change shape at all, as this can indicate an ongoing moisture issue.

Read More: What Does a Roof Leak Repair Cost?

How To Tell If Your Roof Needs to Be Fixed

There are many signs that could indicate that your roof is damaged in some way, and will need repair. It is essential that if any of these signs are noticed that you reach out to an experienced roofing professional that can help repair these damages.  Some of these signs include:

Dark streaks on the ceilings. Dark streaks or spots are indicative of a problem that is less severe but has been going on for a longer period. Sagging ceiling material. Whether drywall or plaster, when it gets wet it gets much heavier. Sagging, and eventually falling ceiling material is a positive sign of water damage.Visible water damage. Spots on ceilings. Holes with dripping water. Soft or sagging flooring. All are indicative of water infiltration.Having a roof that is older than 20-30 years. Old roofs need more work, that’s life. If you’ve had your existing roofing in place for 20 years or more, it’s probably due to be replaced. A thorough inspection should be made.

Why You Should Leave a Roof Fix in The Hands of a Professional

Roofing can be complicated, and the consequences of doing a poor job can be catastrophic. It seems like you can learn almost anything on-demand nowadays, but doing a quality roofing job isn’t a “learn it in a YouTube video” task. A slight inaccuracy or missed step could mean you now have a complete interior renovation needed because of mold, or a $50k foundation fix from water that wasn’t handled properly. 

On top of all that, it’s incredibly dangerous, and professional roofers with professional safety gear fall and are injured or killed daily on the job. So when it comes down to it, doing it yourself is one of those instances where the potential risks far outweigh the relatively meager financial savings.

What To Look For When Hiring a Company To Fix Your Roof

There are many factors that you should consider when potentially hiring a company to fix your roof. Not only do you need to make sure that they are properly qualified and permitted, but they should also have a reputation that helps to reinforce your initial impressions. Here are some things to look for in your potential roofing company:

How long have they been operating? While there are certainly capable roofers out there that are new to the industry and don’t have significant history, they are rare. The ideal roofing contractor is one that will have a demonstrable history of not just operating or being in business, but also a history of satisfied customers.Look at their portfolio, past work, or speak to previous customers. For businesses in the construction service industry, reputation is paramount. Lean on the internet heavily, it will give you as close as possible to an unbiased opinion, with it being difficult to delete an unfavorable review or opinion. This will also give you an insight as to how they respond publicly to bad ratings.Be sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. This seems like it shouldn’t be something that the potential client would need to check, since you would think that responsible business owners would keep it all up to date, but that is not always the case. Make sure that your roofer has current licensing and insurance so that if the worst should happen, you will still be able to make an insurance claim to have any damages covered, and if they are hurt they will be able to file a claim with their business insurance and not your homeowner’s insurance.Find out about disposal of the old roofing. Any reputable roofer is going to prep the roof first by removing the old roofing materials to be sure there are no problems with installation. While most contractors will have the cost of materials hauling and disposal “baked-in” to their estimate, this is not a hard and fast rule, and some shadier contractors may spring it on you later, or tell you you’re responsible for it. Be sure you know what is going to happen to that roof’s worth of shingles and nails.Look past the price. While price is obviously going to be an important factor in your final contractor decision, it should not be the sole deciding factor in your choice. There are many times when a lower-priced job bid will reflect a contractor’s lack of quality or damaged reputation, however, there will also be situations where a contractor will heavily overvalue their work. Use your best judgment, but be sure it isn’t your only guiding light.Get it all in writing. All of it. Each point of your roofer’s service should be documented fully and accurately, from the initial estimate to any financing agreements needed, and any additional provisions. The documentation should detail explicitly how long the job will take, how much it will cost, how overages or unexpected situations will be handled, Find out about contingencies. Some important questions to ask your potential roofer are those that cover situations that you don’t plan on. What happens if there are unplanned expenses or repairs that are not detailed in the initial estimate? What happens if there is a scheduling issue or the job isn’t done on time for other reasons? What if the job is finished and there is a problem, or you aren’t otherwise satisfied? These are all critical inquiries to make, particularly before the team is halfway into the job and hits a hiccup, or there are extenuating circumstances that delay the completion of the job.Be sure your installer is able to provide a warranty. Most roofing materials will have a guarantee, but only when installed by an authorized agent. If the materials you are having installed have such a requirement, be sure that your installation professional is able to satisfy those requirements. 

What Do Roofing Companies Look For When Providing An Estimate?

There are many things that a potential roofing company will look at when creating an Austin roof estimate for you. While some may be rarely used, others will be far more common, here is a list of the most common elements a roofer will look at during an inspection.

• • Existing Attic Ventilation: The attic ventilation will often be one of the first things that a roofing company looks at when they perform an inspection. Making sure an attic is properly ventilated helps the entire house breathe. The expected lifespan of a roof can be significantly reduced by the effects of trapped air and moisture.

• • Look For Obvious Signs Of Damage: This may be something that you have already done, or it may be done for the first time during your inspection. You should check for roofing damage as a result of inclement weather like wind, heavy rain, hail, etc. Also, looking for stains or discolorations in ceilings and walls can help the roofer determine if there are any small leaks that may be more difficult to see, as well as help locate the leaks by a vent pipe or other area on the roof.

• • Layer Removal: Once the roofer can get onto your roof, they will inspect how many layers your roof has versus how bad the problem is. In some cases, the problem will be bad enough, or severe enough, that the entire roof must be replaced, and so all of the layers will need to be removed. Any layers needed to complete your repairs should automatically be included in your roof estimate.

• • Decking Condition: Another thing that the roofing company will check is the condition of the roof’s decking. If the decking is still solid, then it likely won’t have to be repaired. On the other hand, however, if the decking or structural wood is spongy then it will need to be removed and replaced. In some situations, the roofer will not be able to inspect the decking without a more invasive examination.

• • Vent Inspection: Regardless of the type or style of the roof vents, they will need to be inspected along with the rest of your roof. This will include gable vents, as well as ridge vents and soffit vents. The roofing company will inspect that they are free from obstructions, as well as make sure that they are still firmly installed after the expansion and contraction that occurs during heating and cooling cycles.

• • Shingle inspection: Just as important as proper ventilation, is proper roofing material installation. If you have a shingled roof and the shingles are not installed correctly, not only will they not perform to their full life expectancy, but there is a far greater chance for moisture penetration and intrusion. Signs of shingle damage can be as small as a bump underneath indicating that the nail backed out, or as large as blistered, cracked, or even entire missing shingles. (More here on the best shingles for your roof).

• • Skylights & Other Penetrations: Just like any other location, areas where the continuous nature of the roof is broken need to be kept leak-free. All pipes will have boots that help seal against moisture penetration.

• • Chimney Transition: There is a lot to go wrong with a chimney, so there are many things to inspect. A good roof inspection will make sure that your chimney’s flashing is still creating an effective seal, as well as checking the condition of the mortar and the chimney cap. Some chimney issues will require a chimney company to come out for many repairs.

• • Flashing: Your roof flashing is a metal strip that is used to seal the seams where shingles butt against any other surface like a wall, windows, chimney, and more. During an inspection, the roofer makes sure that it can still do its job, and has the structural integrity to protect against the elements.

• • Gutters: No matter what type of roof you have, your roofing solution should include properly sized and installed gutters. The roofing company should make sure that the gutters are securely attached, and that there are no cracks or split seams. They should also check them for blockages and standing or pooling water.

Related: How Much Does A New Roof Cost?

Tips for Looking for a Roof Estimate in Austin, TX

With so many roofing companies operating in the local area, it can feel a little like a shot in the dark when you try to pick one out without a plan. Sometimes, the sheer number of companies can make the task of calling to schedule a roof estimate in Austin seem monumental.

Here are some tips for getting the best estimate that can help you make a more confident choice, and choose a roofing company that you can trust for your roof estimate in Austin, TX.

Get Trusted Recommendations

Even in the digital age, one of the most respected and trusted sources of professional referrals for a roof estimate is word of mouth. Regardless of the type of roofing materials involved, or whether it’s a residential asphalt or a commercial metal roof, asking other people you trust about their experiences with, and recommendations for roofing companies can be incredibly helpful.

You can ask friends and family that live in the same area, as well as co-workers or other business owners. Not only can you get first-hand accounts of roof estimate experiences, but you can ask additional questions as well, which isn’t something you can do with most online reviews.

Research Online

Dig around on some of the larger and more decentralized platforms for reviews and experiences of other customers. Just remember to take the bad with the good, and be mindful of where the information is coming from.

For instance, reading reviews on the company’s website will certainly give you a snapshot of their best and most glowing reviews, but you can also be relatively confident that they will have removed any highly critical or negative feedback. This isn’t something that can be done with platforms like Google, Facebook, or other similar platforms.

Check Their Insurance, Licensing & Permit Needs

Be sure your potential roofing company has all of the necessary business licensing and insurance that they need, to operate legally in your area. This is also a prime time to discuss how permits are to be handled if needed for the roofing work that is to be done.

Some areas will require any roofing work to have appropriate permits ahead of time, and if they are not obtained the homeowner can face stiff fines.

Get Referrals

It’s a little more work and a few more phone calls, but ask your roofer for a list of referrals. This will be a short list of customers that the roofer has performed exemplary work for.

These customers can give you excellent first-hand accounts of their good experiences.

Have The Inspection Done

Once you feel you have found a company that you feel comfortable getting your roof estimate from, make the call and schedule the roof inspection. Any respectable roofing company will provide free inspections, without any further obligation. The roofing company should also be ready and willing to discuss anything from the inspection – including the new roof cost, materials, detailed list of recommended fixes, how to work with the insurance company, future maintenance plan, etc.

They should be able to answer any questions you have, as well as to be able to clearly explain what they found and the impact it has on your roof. During this stage, they should also detail for you which repairs they feel are more urgent or pressing matters, and which may be able to be postponed. In cases where an entirely new roof is needed, they should be able to easily explain why a series of smaller repairs is not a better option than a whole new roof.

Read More: Why Choose a Professional for Your Residential Roof?

1. Missing Granules

Wind, hail, and impacting debris can cause a loss of the sandy granules that adhere to the shingle surface to protect it and give it wind resistance. An easy way to spot this kind of damage is to simply check the areas where your downspout flows exit and look for an excess of a gritty or sandy material that will be washed off the roof by the rain. More information here about the different types of shingles and how to choose the best shingles for your home.

2. Peeling Or Curling Shingles

One of the most common ways for water to begin intrusion is being blown under shingles that are peeled up or curled from damaging winds. Shingles extend out over edges and flashing, so when they are peeled or curled up, they allow water to enter into sensitive areas. This can also happen when the winds cause the nails to loosen or back out a little, which can make multiple shingles loose or damaged.

3. Missing Shingles

Missing shingles are one of the easiest items on a roof damage checklist for homeowners to find. They are usually simple to spot since they expose the materials under the shingles and can be seen, in most cases, by a simple post-storm walkaround of the home. Missing shingles are common after high winds, and can be one of the simpler and more affordable repairs. Here are some of the best shingles for your roof.

4. Damaged Flashing

Roof flashing is a material that is used to prevent leaks anywhere a roof slope meets a vertical surface. Common locations for flashing are around chimneys and dormers, and it allows the roof to help route water from the vertical surface down the roof and to the gutters and downspouts. If you see damaged flashing, either with holes, cracks, or peeling away from a surface, that is roof damage that will need immediate attention.

5. Damaged Soffit & Fascia

Soffit and fascia help keep water away from the roof and the wall underneath it, and if the wind or storm debris damages it, water can begin to infiltrate as well as small animals or vermin. This is one of the leading causes of moisture getting into interior walls and causing visible damage.

6. Damage To Gutters

Gutters are arguably just as important as your roof because while your roof keeps water from damaging your home from the top down, gutters help route the water away, so it doesn’t begin damaging your home from the ground up. If storms have damaged your gutters, it can lead to water accumulation around your foundation, which can lead to serious foundation damage.

7. Cracks, Tears, & Ponding On Flat Roofs

Flat roofs can be unique in their damage checks. You will need to get onto the roof and look for tears or cracks in the roof coating that has been applied. Another sign will be ponding, which occurs when there is a slight depression in the flat roof that allows a small amount of water to pool and eventually soak in, where it causes damage.

8. Indoor Leaks & Water Damage

One of the ways that you will find out that you have roof damage is by having the results of long-term water intrusion start showing up. This can be water-damaged drywall or plaster that sags and eventually falls, weak ceilings or floors, or it can be the development of mold spots. 

Read More: 10 Tips for Choosing a Roofing Company

Downfalls of Waiting to Repair Your Roof

It goes without saying that once your roof has been damaged by the wind, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. But we all know that an expense like that might not be something that can be immediately incurred, and it might have to wait a pay cycle or two. However, waiting too long can have extensive, and expensive effects on the health of your roof.

It Will Only Get Worse

The majority of roofing problems don’t start as major issues. They can often start with relatively minor damage like a missing shingle or two, or some loose flashing that causes a small but persistent leak. While it may take a significant amount of time for the results of this to become apparent in the home, by the time you see those effects, the damage to the roof can sometimes be catastrophic.

The Repairs Will Become More Expensive

Once the water has begun to infiltrate the roof it immediately starts the clock for much more costly and extensive repairs. In the right (or perhaps wrong) conditions, a leak can travel up to ten feet from the source.

If leaks go on undetected or ignored for too long, not only can it begin to affect the health of the remaining roofing materials, it can lead to structural damage like rotted decking, or joists that have softened and begin to sag. This can also result in costly interior repairs like stud and drywall replacement. More information about repair or replacing your roof here.

Leaks Can Lead To Mold

Mold needs a warm, moist environment to grow, along with just enough warmth. A well-sealed roof prevents water intrusion, but when that roof isn’t functioning properly that water can find itself between walls, and in ceilings and floors. These create the perfect conditions for mold to grow. 

If certain dangerous molds take hold in your home, not only can they be very expensive to remediate, but in some conditions that mold may also be toxic enough to cause health problems. In extreme cases, the home may even be declared uninhabitable until the problem is resolved.

Delays Can Lead To The Need To Replace The Entire Roof

If a roof is damaged enough, and the problem goes unaddressed long enough, it can require the entire roof to be replaced. This is generally seen to happen where a damaged roof is ignored or otherwise neglected long enough that the roofing materials, the roof decking, and the underlying structural components are damaged too extensively to be effectively repaired. 

It Can Tank Your Home’s Value

A roof leak that is either unknown or purposely delayed can result in a drastic reduction in a home’s appraised value. This will often come out during the inspection stage, and it will generally give the buyer significant leverage to lower their offer by the estimated amount of the roof replacement. If the seller will not accept a reduced price they may find it nearly impossible to sell their home.

It’s not hard for a storm to reach wind speeds of 45mph or more, no matter where you live, so making sure your roof is ready to stand against those winds is crucial. One of the most important things you can do to prevent the majority of roof damage from wind is to ensure that a qualified professional repairs or installs your roofing.

Many people consider the  DIY route after considering the expense of some roofing projects. Usually, this is because they feel that they can’t trust a roofing company to give them an honest estimate, or they think that they can do it just as well themselves. In almost all cases these are the farthest one can get from the truth.

Even if you are a skilled craftsman, or have even done roofing before, there are still a number of reasons that you should leave it up to a professional. If you’re on the fence about using a roofer, hopefully, we can set your mind at ease. We’ll also give you some tips on finding the best, most reliable roofer in your area.

Why You Need a Professional Roofer & Why You Need To Stop Trying To Do It Yourself

If you are considering a homebrew or DIY roofing solution, you should be aware of some of the drawbacks of a self-service job. Some can be more significant than others, depending on your situation and what is important to you.

DIY Can Be Incredibly Costly

A large portion of people that attempt a DIY roofing job do it because they see an estimate, look at supply prices, do a little math, and think they’re getting taken for a bunch of extra money. While a portion of the estimate for a roofing repair is obviously for materials, a large percentage of it helps subsidize other costs.

Sure, you may be able to get a great deal on a pallet of shingles, but once you have them, do you have all of the tools and expertise to install them? If you have a two-story or larger home, you may need special scaffolding or expensive ladders to be able to safely mount your roof. Expenses like these can easily outstrip the cost of basic materials. 

Insurance May Not Pay Out

If you are attempting to fix an issue caused by an event that your homeowners’ insurance may normally cover, you should be very careful of their reimbursement requirements for situations involving roofing repair. 

In many situations, the insurance company may only deal with the roofer regarding the repairs and the cost estimates. Even if they do not deal directly with the roofer, they will often require some proof of job completion by a qualified party. This means that if you fix your own roof, and you aren’t a licensed and insured roofer, the adjuster may decide not to pay your claim.

Potential For Future Issues

One of the reasons that insurance companies will generally not cover DIY roofing repair, is the potential for future issues. This can be from any number of reasons like the roof problem was not fully identified, located, diagnosed, or repaired initially. 

If the repair was completed, but not done up to proper industry standard and building code requirements, it could lead to the leak reappearing or causing more damage. If the roofing repair was a DIY job, and it results in more damage to the home, it is nearly assured that the homeowners’ insurance policy will not cover the costs of repair due to negligence.

Getting It Done Safely

Let’s face it, most of us could never safely complete an entire roof repair job solo in any sort of reasonable time frame, even in the prime of our life. You get that great deal on materials and happen to have all the tools you need, and now the final hurdle of getting your roof fixed comes: getting help.

Even if you happen to have a few friends or neighbors that might be available to help you out on a weekend, you have to worry about their safety too. This means making sure they know how to safely navigate a roof while doing necessary work. If anything happens to this ad hoc crew, the homeowner is liable, and it’s their insurer that’s going to cut checks for injury claims.

What You Need To Look For When Hiring a Professional Roofer

Ask Those Close To You

It’s the age-old word of mouth reference, and it’s worth its weight in gold. Ask your nearby family and friends if they’ve ever needed roofing work, who they used, and if they’re happy with the process and results. 

This is a great way to get information on local companies that have a history of working with people you know. This is also perfect for finding out who not to work with because once someone is dissatisfied they will not forget it.

The Internet Never Forgets

Look at the online reviews, such as via Google, for any companies that you’re looking at. Look at the good reviews as well as the bad. It’s important to use a service like Google since the company cannot delete unfavorable information.

Ensure Licensing & Insurance

This is often just a formality to prove that they have the required coverage and are operating within the law. The business licensing and insurance information are often already printed and listed on an info sheet or pricing guide, customers need only ask for it.

Ask For Referrals

If you feel close to picking a company, ask them for a list of referrals. Many companies will have a list of customers that have been agreed to be contacted to serve as a referral, should someone want it. A referral should give an honest first-hand account of their experience with the company.

Have Your Roof Inspected

Once you have decided on a company, have them come out and perform an initial roof inspection. This will often be done free of charge and can be scheduled at your convenience. This will show a baseline of everything that may need to be addressed with your roof.

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6 Points to Consider for a Clay Tile Roof Installation

There are many attractive qualities to a clay tile roof. With that in mind, there are several considerations to keep in mind when it comes to a clay tile roofing installation for your home.

Overall, when it’s time to replace a roof, or there’s enough storm damage that an emergency roof fix can’t resolve, many homeowners choose clay tile roofing because of its classic appearance and incredible durability. While clay tiles are heavier than other roofing materials, they can last 50 years or more.

On the downside, roofing systems such as clay tile roofs represent a significant initial investment that can be destroyed if not installed and taken care of properly.

The process of installing roof tiles is lengthy and requires a lot of pre-installation setup, such as finding appropriate underlayment for the specific type of tile and measuring all of the materials. From there, once the actual installation starts, the roof tiles must then be installed in a specific pattern to make sure they stay in place and the roof will not leak.

Here are some key requirements for long-lasting clay tile roofs.

1. Upfront Cost

When compared to other types of roofing, keep in mind that clay tile roofing will be a bigger investment than some. However, when you consider a clay tile roof’s lifespan (which is estimated at between 50 and 100 years), you’ll find that the investment is worth it.

If you have questions about a clay tile roof’s upfront cost, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at LOA Construction! Find out about the different types of tile roof and the best way to install them here.

2. Weight

Another important consideration is the weight of clay tiles. Compared to a roofing system such as asphalt, your clay tile roof will be much heavier.

It will be important to have your roof structure inspected by a local roofing company in Austin to ensure that your home will be able to support the extra weight that comes with a clay tile roof.

Read More: 4 Tips For Choosing A Roof Type

3. Materials Used

Now, let’s talk about the materials required for a clay tile roof installation.

Clay tiles tend to vary in their performance, and many roofs show damage not long after they were installed. A good rule is that the tiles should have a high success rate in the climate where they will be installed. For example, if you live in a colder climate, be sure to check if the clay tiles you are tested and perform well for your area. The materials and tiles should be tested for impact, wind, and heat resistance.

4. Underlayment

Clay tile roofs are designed to shed water when it is raining or snowing. Although, it is almost inevitable that some water run-off will find its way underneath the roofing material. Experienced roofing companies will assemble a layer of self-adhered waterproofing membrane, which sticks to the roof deck and prevents a leaking roof when water backs up behind ice dams and also seals around roof fasteners.

One important caveat to keep in mind for clay tile underlayment: self-adhered membranes can invite condensation in some buildings and climates.

5. Gutters and Flashing

During the roof installation process, the other components should have the same life span as the clay tile material. For clay roofs, it’s important that the perimeter flashing and gutters are made with durable materials such as heavy-gauge copper or stainless steel.

6. Attachments

For clay tiles to adhere securely to the roof deck, use rust-resistant copper or stainless steel nails. This will help to prevent noise created when tiles rattle against each other when it’s windy. For along the roof perimeters, look for nose clips that restrain the front edge of the tiles. 

Read More: What is the Best Time of Year to Install a Roof?

Vinyl windows are one of the most popular window installations in Austin. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing for any home, but they also are very durable. There are a couple of things you have to consider while picking vinyl windows. Our window contractors in Austin lists four things you have to consider when choosing vinyl windows, starting with: