Roofs/Overhang
Looking for a new roof, or roofing contractor. Asphalt shingles, slate or tile shingles, cedar wood shingles, metal & copper roofing, or rubber roofing, the most important part of a new roof is the installation. Roofing is not rocket science, There are, in fact, some basic fundamentals of design which, when properly applied, virtually guarantee the success of your roofing system.
The critical factors of concern are:
Code Compliance-Weather Exposure-Termination Details-Thermal Expansion & Contraction-Moisture Condensation-Sealant Composition-Overflow Capacity-Surfacing & Coating Materials.
Building codes generally consist of minimum standards, but they are a good place to start, they are primarily devised to prevent the most serious types of losses, and complying with them is a legal requirement, here in Massachusetts it depends where you live, as defined in the Mass State Building Code 780 CMR 5301 Design Criteria &5301.2(4) Basic Wind Speeds Zones which are:
90 MPH ***90 MPH***100 MPH***110 MPH
So the zone you live in, defines which code you must comply with.
Regardless of which zone you live in or which style roofing you select, there is a lot more which should be going on under your style of roofing i.e. underlayment, flashing, ice & water shield, are just a few which makes the big difference for your particular roofing needs. All these issues probably sound like insurmountable tasks, but with a little help from Colony Home Improvement Inc., we can make it all come true for you.
Colony Home Improvement Inc. can handle all your home remodeling needs.
Request a Quote Now!
We use all the Major Roofing Product Lines
Roof Shingles
Roof shingles are one of the most common roofing solutions for many residential and commercial buildings alike. Roof shingles are an affordable option for many people who have slanted roofing systems especially since the shingles help get rid of accumulating water. Roof shingles are an essential and simple way to waterproof your roof, and Colony Home Improvement Inc. is very much aware of this, which is why we specialize in roof shingle installation.
Colony Home Improvement Inc. is a premier General Contractor in South Eastern Massachusetts.
We not only service South Eastern Massachusetts but many of its surrounding areas.
We are happy to come out to provide you with a free estimate and quote and while we are on the premises, we will be glad to discuss all of your roofing options.
We know that the roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so we want to make sure our customers know all their options when it comes to protecting their home and loved ones.
Whatever your roofing needs, Colony Home Improvement Inc. is ready and willing to help you.
If you are in need of shingle replacement or installation, we should be your number one choice!
We can help you decide between the various shapes, sizes, color, and durability of all the roof shingles out there.
We can also help you decide between the types of roof shingles that would be best for your home. Roof shingles are actually made from many different materials including ceramic, fiberglass asphalt, organic asphalt, metal, cypress, cedar and slate. Colony Home Improvement Inc. knows just how important installing the best roof shingles and maintaining a strong roof is to the safety of your home or business.
This is why we take our roofing services very seriously and only offer the best quality roof shingles and roofing materials available. We also take every safety precaution so that you, your family, your home, and the surrounding areas are protected during the roof repair or shingle installation.
Roofing Questions and Answers
How can a homeowner recognize when a roof has problems?
While leaks are an obvious clue that your roof needs attention, the condition of the shingles will determine whether a repair or replacement roof is appropriate. When worn out, shingles sometimes curl, warp or lose granules and may have missing or damaged shingle tabs. Pay particular attention to any visible signs inside your home such as discoloration spots on the wall, loose wallpaper, peeling paint on the ceiling and drips.
What are my options if I decide to reroof?
You have two basic options. You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of the old roof, or a re-cover over the existing roof, involving only the installation of a new membrane and surfacing.
My roof leaks. Do I need to have it totally replaced?
Not necessarily. Leaking can result because some flashings have come loose or because a section of the roof has been damaged. A roof failure, however, is generally irreversible and could also be results from improper installation or choice of materials, or from the installation of a roof system inappropriate to the building.
What will the estimator look for when inspecting the roof of my home?
Colony Home Improvement Inc will inspect the roof covering, the drainage systems, the flashing (around skylights, chimneys, and vent pipes), the ventilation systems, and the roof's rafters and trusses. See roof diagram.
How long will a new roof last?
The condition and lifespan of your roof will depend on the type of roof you have, the effects of your local environment and the maintenance which the roof has received. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, asphalt shingles generally last 15-20 years; wood shingle/shakes, 10-40 years; clay/concrete tiles, 20+ years; slate, 30-100 years; metal roofing, 15-40+years. Roofing product manufacturers off a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations they will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lifetimes.
Can a new roof lower my energy bills?
A properly insulated attic and a well-ventilated roof will help you reduce heat loss and moisture condensation in the winter and heat retention in the summer enabling you to conserve energy. Adequate ventilation and insulation in your attic will also help reduce the possibility of ice dams from occurring caused by uneven roof temperatures and melting snow.
What is an ice dam?
Melting snow often refreezes on the roof's overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. Ice dams block proper drainage into the gutter and can cause water to backup underneath roofing components triggering wood rot of decking and rafters. During heavy snow periods, an accumulation of snow, ice and water may clog downspouts and gutters, damaging them beyond repair or tearing them off the house. While there is no guarantee against ice dams forming, the following preventive measures will reduce your risk:
Make sure your attic has adequate insulation and check that insulation does not cover your soffit vents. If you don't have soffit vents, consider adding them. Install sufficient ventilation to expel heat and moisture. Ridge vents combined with soffit vents will improve attic air flow and validate most manufacturersÂ’ shingle warranty requirements for ventilation.
What preparation do I need to make inside my home before the work begins?
Please make sure that any valuable items are covered in your attic because a certain amount of saw dust and debris will unavoidably fall. If we are removing skylights, we will make sure a drop cloth is placed under the opening to catch any falling debris.
There will be vibrations during a roofing job so it is recommended that ceiling fixtures are protected and that all pictures and other items of value are removed from the walls. If you need assistance, please be sure to ask us before the project begins.
Will you protect the garden and shrubs around my home?
Colony Home Improvement Inc. takes every precaution to ensure that the home and surrounding areas are protected during the roof installation process. Please mark any underground sprinkler heads and make sure outdoor furniture is protected and barbecue equipment is covered. We would be happy to assist in moving any items that you would like protected.
Do I have to be home during the roofing project?
Not unless you want to. Roofing is a noisy, messy project, but when we are through, you should not be able to tell we were there. If you have children, please make sure they remain inside during the installation. If you have pets, please keep them indoors. After the completion of the job, your property will be raked and a nail magnet will be used to pick up any debris.
How can I determine my annual cost?
When mulling over your roofing options, the following formula may help:
Total Cost (materials and labor)/Life Expectancy of Roof (in years) = Annual Cost
How can I see different kinds of shingles and roofs?
We can bring shingle samples to your home, or if you would like to see how they look when installed, we can also provide you with addresses of completed home roofing projects in the style you are considering.
Colony Home Improvement Inc. offers everything from the standard 3-tab shingle to the textured look of architectural shingles. We also work with standing seam metal roofs (copper, steel, stainless and aluminum), shake, slate, EPDM (a synthetic rubber membrane used on flat roofs) we will carefully inspect the condition of your roof and consult you on your roofing needs.
When selecting a roof shingle, it is equally important to consider a proper ventilation system which will exhaust excessive heat and moisture. Condensation and heat build-up in the attic can reduce the effectiveness of insulation and damage roofing components causing rafters and sheathing to rot and shingles to soften, curl and buckle. When replacing or installing a new roof, it is an excellent time to evaluate other roofing projects such as a gutters and downspouts, and skylights and sun tunnels. It is more economical and convenient to have these enhancements installed with a new roof.
VENTILATION
Colony Home Improvement Inc. installs ridge vents, soffit vents and attic fans to save you seasonal heating and cooling expenses and to protect the integrity of your home roofing system.
The Importance of Ventilation
A roof ventilation system (combined with adequate attic insulation) prevents heat and moisture build-up in the attic. During the summer, trapped heat in the attic can radiate down into the home, making the top floor uncomfortable and more difficult to cool.
Excessive attic heat may also damage roofing components and reduce shingle life.
During winter months, proper roof ventilation will help draw out excess moisture rising from the home into the attic, which if trapped, can cause mildew, mold and promote dry rot of decking Poor attic ventilation in the winter also creates uneven roof temperatures. As a consequence, melting and freezing snow can form ice dams which may block water from draining off the roof.
SKYLIGHTS & Sun Tunnels
Skylights-Use in Living Room, Office, Studio
Skylights bring in natural light and can ventilate living areas with fresh air. Colony Home Improvement Inc installs Velux domed skylights as well as fixed and hinged flat glass skylights.
Colony Home Improvement Inc. can assist you with determining the appropriate placement of the skylights for attaining the best light without compromising the home or roof structure. Included in the installation of the skylight, Colony Home Improvement Inc. will build the interior well, framing, insulation, drywall, and complete the job with one coat of primer two coats paint.
Sun Tunnels(r)-Use in Hallways, Bathrooms
Sun Tunnels(r) channel outdoor light into your home and are suitable anywhere a view Is not required. Colony Home Improvement Inc. installs Velux Sun Tunnels(r) having 14-inch and 22-inch diameter sizes.
Colony Home Improvement Inc. can assist you with determining the appropriate placement of the Sun Tunnel(r) for attaining the best light. Installation requires minimal construction. Colony Home Improvement Inc. will cut through drywall and install the Sun Tunnel(r) and dome.
SIDING
To complement that new roof and add curb appeal to any home, we offer a vast array of economical to high end specialty sidings. If you are looking for durable vinyl, fiber cement or the natural beauty of wood, Colony Home Improvement Inc. has the products and accessories for a truly professional installation. We carry a complete line of siding and siding accessories from leading manufactures like Crane, James Hardie, Heartland, LP.
GUTTERS
Seamless Gutters and Downspouts-Aluminum, Copper, Wood
Colony Home Improvement Inc. installs and will custom fabricate seamless aluminum gutters and downspouts to the exact measurement of your home.
Sagging, rusted, and damaged gutters will eventually lead to significant problems around the home. Landscape erosion, visible mortar cracks, or a flooded basement may be an indication that your gutters are not properly draining rain water away from the home.
Unlike PVC gutters, our seamless aluminum gutters are made to the exact length of the roofing area. Colony Home Improvement Inc. fabricates your gutters on-site, slopes them for proper drainage and then spikes the gutters to the fascia boards (or installs them to rafters with brackets). Downspouts are connected last and sealed. Gutter Guard protection systems are also available.
GLOSSARY
Built-up Roof:
A low-slope or flat roof covered with alternating layers of roofing felt and hot-mopped asphalt and topped off with a layer of gravel.
Cornice:
The wood or metal finishing at ends or edges of building, including a fascia, frieze, or rake.
Counter Flashing:
The flashing that is embedded, or attached, and sealed at its top in a wall or other vertical structure and is lapped down over base flashing.
Courses :
Horizontal rows of shingles or tiles
Drip:
The strip of metal extending out beyond the eaves or rakes to prevent rainwater from curling around the shingles back into the wooden portion of the house.
Eaves:
The lower edge of a roof (often overhanging beyond the edge of the house).
Eave, Ice, and Snow Guard:
A 3-foot wide rubber membrane adhered to the sheathing at the roof's edge that attempts to stop migrating water from entering your home during severe ice dams.
Felt :
The bituminous paper used by roofers, usually made of a combination of asphalt and either paper or rags.
Fascia:
A decorative board extending down from the roof edge either at the eave or at the rake.
Flashing:
Sheet metal or other material used at various planes on a roof to prevent water leakage.
Frieze Board:
A board at the top of the house's finished wall, forming a corner with the soffit.
Rafter:
Structural wood, usually slanted, to which sheathing is attached.
Rake:
The slanting edge of a gable roof at the end wall of the house.
Ridge:
The horizontal line at the top edge of two sloping roof planes.
Sheathing:
Boards or sheet materials that are nailed to the rafters to which shingles or other outside roofing materials are secured.
Shingle Flashing:
Flashing that is laid in strips under each shingle and bent up at the edge of a chimney or wall.
Pitch (slope):
The number of inches of vertical rise in a roof per 12-inches of horizontal distance.
Soffit:
The area that encloses the underside of that portion of the roof that extends out beyond the sidewalls of the house.
Square:
One hundred square feet of roof or the amount of roofing material needed to cover 100 square feet when properly applied.
Underlayment:
The material (usually roofing felt) lay on top of sheathing before shingles are applied.
Valley:
Where two sloping roof sections come together.
Valley Flashing:
The metal or fabric in valleys, extending in under the shingles on both sides.
Contact Colony Home Improvement Inc. and we can make it all come true for you.
Request a Quote Now!