If you’re having the roof renovated, then the gutters might also require replacement. You’ll have to choose between seamless gutters and traditional gutters. Now is the ideal time for installation. You want it installed in the summer or early fall so that it’s ready by autumn when the rain begins to pick up in the Mukilteo region.

Selecting Between Seamless Gutters and Traditional Gutters

Contrary to belief, seamless gutters are not comprised of one large single piece. There are seams at the corners and outlet tubes.

Traditional gutters – also known as sectional gutters – typically come in 10 to 20-feet sections with multiple seams. They also have separate end caps, corner pieces, and drop outlets for connecting to the downspouts.

Seamless gutters are often preferred over conventional ones. Does this make seamless gutters more beneficial over their sectional counterparts? Here’s the deal about traditional gutters: they’re just as durable as the seamless variety – if properly installed. Due to the multiple sections, it’s easy for an inexperienced contractor to incorrectly connect two seams. Continue Reading →

Bitumen is a common selection for commercial buildings and warehouses with a flat or shallow-angled roof. Bitumen is made from synthetic rubber that’s welded to a single roofing membrane. There are numerous advantages associated with bitumen roofing, and it’s a popular form of commercial roofing due to its durability.

Four Reasons Bitumen Roofing Are Beneficial

1. It Performs Well in Cold Climates

Bitumen performs exceptionally well in frigid weather. The material remains flexible even under sub-zero temperatures. This prevents the material from cracking or leaking. Granted, it doesn’t get super cold in the Edmonds area, but it’s a nice reassurance to have.

2. Slash Your Energy Bill

White roofing is becoming a major trend. This is any type of roofing fitted with a light-colored surface with heat-reflective properties. This means it won’t hold onto heat on a sunny day, thus keeping the interior cool. Bitumen typically comes in a light color for this very reason.

3. Fast Installation

Traditionally, bitumen required a labor-intensive, heat treatment method during application. Nowadays, there are cold-adhesive options that are practically self-adhering. Application is simple; you just unroll the bitumen over the roof membrane as you peel off the back. No, it’s not a DIY job, but the relative ease of installation translates to lower labor costs. Continue Reading →

If you live in or around Mukilteo, then you know the region is prone to high winds every now and then. This is why the shingle wind rating matters. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most overlooked aspects by homeowners. A qualified residential roofer, though, can assist you with the right decision.

Shingle Wind Rating Explained

The ratings indicate the level of wind gust a shingle can withstand. A shingle’s rating is mostly determined by two factors: the material and number of fasteners used.

Shingle Material – Always look at what the shingles are constructed from. 3-tab shingles, for instance, have a wind rating of 60-90 mph. Similarly, laminate/composition shingles are a bit sturdier with a rating of 110-130 mph. Finally, presidential-style shingles, which we highly recommend, have a 130 mph rating. This is more than enough to withstand the occasional high winds of the Pacific Northwest.

Number of Fasteners – The number of nails used is also a deciding factor. Laminate/composition shingles with four to five fasteners will typically have a 110 mph rating. The rating is upgraded to 130 mph if six fasteners are used. By fasteners, we mean nails and not staples. Securing shingles with staples, in fact, will most certainly void the manufacturer’s wind rating warranty. Continue Reading →

Many homeowners are familiar with residential roofing shingles, but very few have heard of roofing shakes. Some homes are fitted with shakes though the homeowner thinks they’re just shingles. Roof shingles vs shakes is a common industry topic that warrants more attention.

Roof Shingles vs Shakes Explained

Shingles are the typical tiles you see on the roof. They’re cut and more precisely milled than a shake. They have a more refined and classic appearance, making them suitable for post-Victorian style homes of the late 19^th century. They’re also an appropriate fit for contemporary homes.

What, then, is a roofing shake? Traditional wooden shakes are made from lumber logs split on one end; this is the side that faces outward. One side is also thicker than the other. Shakes have a grainier and rustic appearance due to their jagged and uneven surface. This makes them a compatible fit for country- and cottage-style houses. Continue Reading →

Convert Your Cedar Shake Roof to Asphalt Shingles in Edmonds

Traditional cedar shake roofing is going out of style and for good reason. In decades past, cedar shake was the go-to roofing choice for most homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. However, traditional cedar shingles made from old-growth Western Cedar are becoming increasingly difficult to come by due to cutting restrictions aimed at preserving this resource. Now is the time to convert your cedar shake roof to asphalt shingle. Find out why this is the smart choice.

Cedar Shakes No Longer Eco-Friendly or Economical

Besides not being a sustainable resource, cedar shake can be expensive to maintain. Naturally combustible, most cedar roofs are treated with chemical preservatives to improve fire resistance. To preserve your wood shake roofing, regular treatments are needed to reduce rotting, warping, moisture absorption, and moss growth. The cost of these treatments can really add up over time.

Wood Shake Wears Faster

The life expectancy of a natural cedar roof is 15 to 20 years, but the material tends to lose its aesthetic appeal after only five to 10 years. What was once a beautiful contributor to your home curb appeal later becomes a major visual detraction. Continue Reading →

When it’s time for a roof replacement, some homeowners may request installing the new shingles on top of the existing ones. Is this a feasible option, or does it just create additional problems down the road? Here’s the truth about installing new shingles on top of old shingles.

Why Homeowners Request Installing Shingles on Top of Shingles

The answer is simple: it’s cheaper. By not having to tear off the existing roofing, homeowners save an average of $1,000 on labor costs. This is off the total installation project and pertains towards the average-size residential roof.

Now, let’s examine why the initial savings from not removing the existing shingles might be counterproductive in the long-run.

Too Much Weight

Homes have a roof weight limit. The typical shingle weighs about four pounds per square foot. By leaving the existing shingles in place, you double the weight, potentially exceeding the limit. Multiple roof layers cause a risk of sagging, especially between the trusses and rafters. Continue Reading →

It doesn’t always snow in the Pacific Northwest. However, when it does, the snow can be problematic for residential and commercial roofs with existing structural problems. This makes winterizing your roof all the more important if you anticipate a significant snowfall.

How Snow Affects the Roof

Snow can damage a roof in several ways. The first is the sheer weight of the icy fluff. Snow may appear light to the touch, but one inch of accumulation per square-foot equals about one-pound in weight. This can quickly add up and stress the roof. A roof weakened by lack of care can collapse under the weight.

Another issue is ice dams. When you fire up the furnace, the heat rises, warming the roof and causing the snow to melt. The melted snow drips down the slope where it collects on the roof edge and forms into ice dams. This can lead to blockages in the gutter or to moisture seeping through penetrations in the shingles. Melted snow can also leak through the flashing around the skylight.

How to Winterize Your Roof

Be sure the gutters are clear and the downspout is pointed directly away from the home. This will prevent the formation of harmful ice dams. Preventive measures also include a heating mat installation that accelerates the melting of snow and ice.

Once the snow arrives, use a telescoping snow rake to remove as much of the snow as you can. Do not get on an icy rooftop. Instead, leave the rest of the maintenance to a professional roofer. Possible remediations include a roof coating, which is useful for preventing the shingle and membrane from becoming too brittle.

Leave Winterizing the Roof to Us

Our additional services include roof fortification to prevent leaks. We do this for both residential and commercial roofs. Give Urbizo Bros Roofing a call today. Winterizing your roof protects your home from the effects of the elements.

Residential and Commercial Roof Winterization

Quality roof replacement & repair in Edmonds, Seattle, Lynnwood,
Mill Creek, Mercer Island, Mukilteo & South Everett

A lot of townhouses line the streets of neighborhoods in and around the Mukilteo area. These residences are often a part of a gated community and belong to a homeowner’s association (HOA). With that in mind, we’ll consider the question: Does the HOA cover townhouse roof repairs, or are you stuck with the bill?

The HOA’s Responsibility

Townhouse and condo owners pay a monthly fee to their HOA. This covers the cost of community maintenance, such as lawn care and upkeep of recreational areas. In some instances, the fees may also include roof repairs of individual residences. Every HOA has its own regulations, so read the fine print of your contract.

Townhouses Vs Condos

A distinction should be made between townhouses and condos. The latter consists of multiple homes physically adjoined together. Homeowners own the interior of the condo but not the outer portion or the surrounding land. The HOA fees for a condo community usually include master liability insurance not unlike that of a conventional home insurance policy. This often includes roof repairs. As such, condo HOA fees tend to be higher. In addition, you may also require permission to make certain roof upgrades, such as changing shingle type or colors.

A townhouse, by contrast, is a single-unit home. You own the entire building and the plot of land. The HOA fees go toward public areas, such as the parking lot, swimming pool, and other areas shared by the greater community. It typically does not cover individual home repairs. As we mentioned, though, every HOA guideline is different; there are exceptions, so always read the fine print.

We do Townhouse Roof Repairs

Aside from commercial roof repairs, we also do repairs for homes located in HOA-run communities. We often do repairs and other services for both townhouses and condos, whether the HOA covers the cost or not. Call Urbizo Bros Roofing if you require townhouse roof repair.

Townhouse and Condo Roof Repair

Quality roof replacement & repair in Edmonds, Seattle, Lynnwood,
Mill Creek, Mercer Island, Mukilteo & South Everett

A ceiling leak is usually, though not always, caused by an opening in the roof. This can be dangerous, especially if the water gets close to the ceiling lights. A ceiling leak around a light fixture is a major safety hazard and warrants your immediate attention.

Why Do I Have a Ceiling Leak?

First, let’s explore the causes of a ceiling leak. As mentioned, this is usually due to a hole in the roof. You will need to consult with a residential roofer. This happens when a shingle peels away and a puncture occurs in the underlying roof membrane.

The water may also be from a plumbing leak. If the leaky water appears dirty, then it’s probably rainwater that entered through a compromised roof. If the water is clear, then it’s probably a plumbing issue. Phone your local plumber to pinpoint the burst pipe.

The Dangers of a Ceiling Leak Around a Light Fixture

Water and electric fixtures are a dangerous combination with the risk of injury and death from electrocution. Minerals from the water can transfer the electrical currents from the fixture to the wiring located at ground level. In addition, wiring exposed to water for prolonged periods is at risk of developing mold and corrosion. This increases risk of a fire or electrical short. Continue Reading →

One of the most common forms of roof damage is peeling shingles. Some homeowners attempt a DIY fix with a hammer and nails. Unfortunately, the fix is not that simple; proper shingle nailing requires a specific process.

Why Nailing Shingles Isn’t a DIY Job

Nailing down shingles actually needs to be done in a manner that conforms to the International Building Code (IBC). All residential and commercial roofers must abide by guidelines set forth by the IBC. The organization has specific regulations regarding how shingles must be nailed down. This includes but is not limited to:

• The number of nails required per shingle, and their placement
• The type of nails, which differs depending on shingle type
• The depth to which nails must be nailed down

Do You Know the Requirements?

The guidelines are quite complex. To give you an idea, most shingles require four nails. However, if you reside in a high-wind area or the roof slope exceeds 60-degrees, then it requires six nails. Nails must also not be within two-inches of a joint of an underlying shingle. Continue Reading →