By Cotney Consulting Group. 

Learn about planning roof work around an occupied building. 

When a building remains occupied during a roofing project, the work can affect employees, tenants, customers, residents, deliveries, parking, access and normal day-to-day operations. Noise, dust, odors, equipment movement and temporary closures can create problems even when the roofing installation itself is being completed correctly. 

That is why a successful project requires more than an installation plan. It also requires a plan for protecting the people and activities beneath the roof. 

Whether the property is an office, school, retail center, healthcare facility, apartment building or private home, the owner and roofing contractor should discuss how the work will affect occupants before the project begins. Good planning may not eliminate every inconvenience, but it can reduce disruption, improve safety and prevent unnecessary conflict. 

Begin with a preconstruction meeting 

A preconstruction meeting allows the property owner, manager and roofing contractor to review how the project will be performed. The discussion should include the proposed start date, anticipated duration, daily work hours, staging areas, material deliveries, equipment locations, access restrictions and communication procedures. 

The owner should explain how the building is used throughout the day. An office may have peak arrival and departure times. A school may have bus traffic, testing schedules and outdoor activities. A retail property may receive deliveries through the same area the contractor plans to use for equipment and materials. These details can affect the work plan. 

The contractor should identify the activities most likely to cause disruption, including tear-off, deck replacement, mechanical fastening, material loading and work directly above entrances or heavily occupied spaces. The earlier these conditions are discussed, the easier it becomes to develop a realistic plan around them. 

Establish clear points of contact 

Every occupied roofing project should have a clear communication structure. The property owner or manager should designate one person as the primary contact for the contractor. The contractor should also identify the project manager, superintendent or foreman responsible for daily communication. 

This prevents employees, tenants or residents from receiving conflicting information from several different people. The primary contacts should communicate about weather delays, schedule changes, unforeseen conditions, access restrictions and any complaints or concerns that arise during the project. 

For larger properties, department managers, tenant representatives, facility personnel or security teams may also need regular updates. However, the main communication should still move through the designated contacts so decisions remain organized and consistent. 

A good communication process prevents minor concerns from becoming larger problems. 

Plan deliveries and staging carefully 

Roofing materials and equipment require space, and their delivery can affect traffic throughout the property. Shingles, insulation, membranes, metal, dumpsters and lifting equipment may need to be placed close to the building. Delivery trucks can temporarily block entrances, driveways, loading docks or parking areas. The contractor and property owner should agree on delivery and staging locations before materials arrive.  

The plan must account for emergency access, customer traffic, employee parking, tenant access and scheduled deliveries from other vendors. Fire lanes and accessible routes should remain open at all times. Materials should not be staged where they obstruct visibility, create trip hazards or interfere with normal drainage.  

On some projects, deliveries may need to take place early in the morning or during lower-traffic periods. On others, materials may need to arrive in phases because the property cannot safely accommodate everything at once. A controlled delivery plan protects the property and reduces confusion for everyone using the building. 

Protect entrances and pedestrian routes 

People entering and leaving the building should not have to pass through an active roofing work zone. The contractor should identify entrances, exits, sidewalks and common travel routes around the property. Areas exposed to falling debris, equipment movement or overhead roofing activity may require temporary barriers, controlled access, overhead protection or alternate routes. 

Some entrances may need to close temporarily while work is taking place directly above them. When that happens, signs should clearly direct occupants and visitors to a safe alternative. The owner should notify employees, tenants, residents and regular visitors before access changes take effect. 

Accessibility requires particular attention at apartment buildings, senior living properties, medical facilities and other locations used by people with mobility limitations. Temporary routes must remain practical for those using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility assistance.  

The objective is to separate normal building traffic from the roofing operation as much as reasonably possible. 

Prepare occupants for noise and vibration 

Roof replacement is noisy. Tear-off equipment, nail guns, mechanical fasteners, saws, loading activity and workers moving across the roof can all be heard and felt inside the building. The level of disruption depends on the roof system, deck type and activities being performed. 

Metal and concrete roof decks can transmit sound and vibration across large portions of a building. Fastening insulation or roof membranes may be especially noticeable in the spaces directly below the work. 

The owner should identify noise-sensitive areas before the project begins. These may include conference rooms, classrooms, medical treatment areas, call centers, recording spaces or offices where virtual meetings are common. 

The contractor may be able to sequence the work so the loudest activities occur during less disruptive periods. A school may avoid working above testing areas during scheduled examinations. A medical office may adjust appointments while work is taking place overhead. A business may relocate an important meeting to another part of the building. 

The project will still create noise, but planning allows occupants to make reasonable adjustments. 

Address dust, debris and interior protection 

Removing an existing roofing system can release dust and small debris, particularly when the roof deck contains gaps, openings or deteriorated areas. Loose material may fall into attics, ceiling spaces or occupied rooms below. Vibration can also disturb dust that has accumulated above suspended ceilings. 

Before work begins, the contractor and owner should review what is located directly beneath the roof. Sensitive equipment, merchandise, files, furniture or personal belongings may need temporary protection. Ceiling spaces may require inspection, and attic storage may need to be moved or covered. 

Manufacturing facilities, healthcare properties, food-service operations, laboratories and technology environments may require additional controls because even a small amount of dust can interfere with operations. 

Interior protection should be planned before tear-off begins, not after occupants report material falling from above. 

Discuss roofing odors in advance 

Some roofing materials and installation methods can create noticeable odors. Adhesives, primers, coatings, sealants and asphalt-based products may produce odors that enter the building through outside air intakes, open doors or ventilation systems. 

A noticeable odor does not automatically mean occupants are being exposed to a dangerous condition, but it can still cause discomfort, concern or complaints. The roofing contractor should identify products likely to produce odors and discuss their planned use with the property owner. The locations of outdoor air intakes should also be identified before the work begins. 

Work near an intake may need to be scheduled when the HVAC system can be adjusted or when fewer people are in the building. Different products, application methodsor temporary ventilation measures may be appropriate depending on the project. 

The contractor should provide relevant product information when requested, and the owner should communicate honestly with occupants before odor-producing work begins. People are less likely to assume something has gone wrong when they understand what to expect and who to contact with concerns. 

Coordinate with building operations 

Occupied properties often have activities that cannot simply stop because roofing work is underway. Retail stores must serve customers and receive deliveries. Offices may have important meetings. Schools have arrival, dismissal and activity periods. Apartment buildings have residents coming and going throughout the day. The contractor should understand these operational demands when planning the sequence of work. 

Roofing above a restaurant entrance during the lunch rush may create an avoidable conflict. Blocking a loading dock on a major delivery day can disrupt several businesses. Performing the loudest work above occupied hotel rooms early in the morning may generate complaints that better scheduling could have prevented. 

The contractor cannot organize the entire project around every individual preference, but major operational conflicts should be identified and addressed. A reasonable level of coordination can protect both the construction schedule and the owner’s relationship with building occupants. 

Plan for parking and vehicle protection 

Roofing projects frequently reduce available parking because space is needed for dumpsters, material storage, equipment and safety zones. The property owner should determine which spaces will be unavailable and how vehicles will be redirected. Employees, tenants and residents should be notified before parking restrictions begin. Signs, cones or barriers should clearly identify areas that must remain open. 

Vehicles should not be parked near active tear-off areas, beneath material-loading operations or within crane and equipment zones. Dust, nails, falling debris and equipment movement can damage vehicles when work areas are not properly controlled. 

Homeowners should move vehicles away from the house before work begins. Commercial property managers may need to establish temporary employee parking so closer spaces remain available for customers, residents or visitors. The parking plan must also preserve access for emergency vehicles, deliveries and people with disabilities. 

Protect HVAC and other building systems 

Roofing work can affect more than the roofing system. Dust and debris may enter rooftop HVAC equipment if units are not properly considered during the project. Vibration can affect older components, and roofing odors may be drawn into the building through outside air intakes. 

The contractor and facility manager should identify rooftop equipment before work begins and determine what protection or coordination is required. HVAC units should not be covered, restricted or shut down without approval from the appropriate building personnel or mechanical contractor. Improperly limiting airflow can damage equipment or affect indoor conditions. Satellite dishes, communication systems, exhaust fans, pipes and other rooftop components may also require protection or temporary relocation. 

Equipment that must be disconnected, raised or removed should be coordinated with the responsible trade before roofing work reaches that area. The roofing contractor should also be involved whenever changes affect curbs, supports, penetrations or flashing. 

Establish daily cleanup and weather protection expectations 

A professional roofing contractor should maintain the property throughout the project, not only after the final day of work. Debris should be placed in designated containers. Loose materials should be secured. Entrances, walkways and parking areas should remain clear. Magnetic nail sweeps may be needed around driveways, sidewalks and landscaped areas. 

At the end of each workday, the exposed roof should be left watertight and prepared for changing weather. Materials remaining on the roof should be secured against wind and positioned so they do not interfere with drainage. The owner should also understand which areas will remain restricted overnight and whether equipment, dumpsters or materials will remain on the property. 

Daily cleanup is especially important on occupied buildings because people continue to use the property while construction is underway. A clean, controlled site improves safety and gives occupants confidence that the project is being managed responsibly. 

Prepare for weather and schedule changes 

Roofing schedules depend heavily on weather. Rain, wind, extreme heat and other conditions can change the planned sequence of work. The contractor should explain how weather decisions will be made and how the property owner will be notified. 

Occupants should not be given a completion date that assumes every workday will have ideal conditions. A realistic project schedule should include some flexibility. 

Unexpected roof conditions can also affect timing. Wet insulation, deteriorated decking, structural damage or concealed conditions may require additional work before the new roofing system can be installed. The owner should understand how these discoveries will be documented, priced and approved. 

A clear process for managing delays and unexpected work reduces frustration and prevents inaccurate information from being distributed to occupants. 

Communicate before and during the project 

The people using the building should know when the project will begin, how long it is expected to last and how the work may affect them. Notices should explain normal work hours, parking restrictions, temporary entrance closures, anticipated noise, possible odors and whom to contact with questions. 

For commercial properties, tenant notices may need to be distributed several days before construction begins. Apartment residents may require regular updates as the work moves from one section of the building to another. 

Homeowners should also consider notifying nearby neighbors when the project will create significant noise, delivery congestion or temporary access concerns.Communication does not need to be complicated. A brief written notice, email update, text alert or posted schedule may be sufficient. The important point is that occupants are not surprised by activity that could have been explained in advance. 

Occupied buildings require additional planning 

A quality roof installation remains the primary goal, but the way the project is managed around an occupied building matters as well. The owner and contractor should work together to control access, coordinate deliveries, protect building operations, manage noise and odors, maintain safe pedestrian routes and communicate schedule changes. 

The best projects are not necessarily the ones that create no inconvenience. Roofing work will cause some disruption. The best projects are the ones where that disruption is anticipated, controlled and clearly communicated. 

Planning around the people inside the building improves safety, reduces complaints and allows the roofing contractor to work more efficiently. A roof protects the entire property. The project used to repair or replace it should also respect the people who live, work and conduct business beneath it. 

Storm preparation starts when the forecast is clear. 

Home and building owners often ask what they can do to protect a roof before severe weather arrives. After more than four decades in roofing, my answer usually begins with an important distinction: you cannot make a roof storm-proof. What you can do is make sure the roof is in the best possible condition to handle the weather it was designed to withstand.

That preparation matters because severe weather often exposes weaknesses that were already developing. A loose piece of flashing may survive normal conditions for years until high winds finally lift it. A small opening around a penetration may not leak during an ordinary rain but can become a problem during wind-driven rain. A drainage issue that seems minor in normal weather can become much more serious during a major storm. Storm preparation starts by finding those weaknesses before the weather does.

A professional roof inspection is one of the best places to begin. A roofing contractor should evaluate the overall condition of the roof covering along with flashings, edges, penetrations, drainage components and other areas where problems commonly develop.

Wind deserves particular attention because the roof's perimeter and corners experience some of the greatest pressures during severe weather. Loose materials, deteriorated edge conditions and poorly secured components can become vulnerable when wind gets underneath them.

Homeowners should also look around the property. Tree limbs extending over the roof can become impact hazards, while loose outdoor furniture and other objects may become airborne during a storm. Protecting the roof sometimes begins on the ground.

Hail presents a different challenge. There is very little an owner can do once hail begins falling, which makes the condition and selection of the roofing system especially important. After a significant hail event, don't assume the roof is fine simply because there isn't a leak. Some damage is difficult to recognize without knowing what to look for, and different roofing materials respond to impact differently.

Heat is another form of severe weather that receives less attention. Roofing materials are exposed to tremendous temperature changes throughout their service life. Proper ventilation, insulation and drainage can all influence how the overall roof assembly performs. On low-slope commercial roofs, repeated thermal movement can place stress on seams, flashings and penetrations. On residential roofs, attic ventilation and insulation should work together with the roofing system rather than against it.

Cold climates bring their own concerns. Snow accumulation adds weight to the roof, while freeze-thaw cycles and ice formation can expose drainage and flashing problems. Owners in snow-prone regions should make sure gutters, drains and other drainage paths are functioning properly before winter arrives. Removing heavy snow may occasionally become necessary, but roof access during winter conditions can be dangerous and should generally be handled by qualified professionals.

The important point is that storm preparation should reflect the building's location. A roof in Florida faces different conditions than one in Colorado, Minnesota or Texas. Coastal buildings may need greater attention to wind exposure and corrosion. Hail-prone regions place greater emphasis on impact resistance. Northern climates must account for snow and ice. Hot climates create additional concerns around heat exposure and thermal movement. There isn't one storm-preparation checklist that fits every roof.

There is another precaution I encourage owners to take that has nothing to do with physically preparing the roof: document its condition before the storm. Take clear photographs and keep records of professional inspections, maintenance and repairs. Save roofing contracts, warranties and information identifying the roofing materials installed on the building. If severe weather causes damage later, having a record of the roof's condition before the event can be extremely valuable when discussing the loss with your roofing contractor and insurance provider.

After a storm, begin with safety. Don't climb onto a wet, damaged, or unstable roof to investigate. Look from the ground for displaced materials, damaged metal, fallen limbs, or other obvious changes. Inside the building, check for water staining or active leaks. If you suspect damage, contact a qualified roofing professional for an inspection.

Document what you see before temporary repairs are performed whenever it is safe to do so. Photographs, inspection findings, repair invoices and communication with your contractor should all be retained. Insurance policies and claim requirements vary, so owners should also contact their insurance professional to understand the applicable coverage and reporting requirements.

One thing I've learned throughout my career is that severe weather rarely gives you time to start preparing once it arrives. The roof either entered the storm in good condition or it didn't. Regular inspections, preventive maintenance, good drainage, attention to vulnerable details and proper documentation will not guarantee that a roof will survive every weather event without damage. No responsible roofing professional should make that promise. Those steps give your roof the best opportunity to perform as intended.

You can't control the storm. But you can control how well prepared your roof is when the storm arrives.

By Kate Smith, Sensational Color.

Copper is a material you'll be looking at for decades; a few extra days spent comparing samples in your own light is worth the investment of time.

If your home has a copper turret, cupola or dormer that has developed a rich green-blue patina over the years, you already know it's one of the more distinctive details a house can have. So, when a re-roofing project calls for new copper flashing or valleys near that feature, homeowners often ask the same question: Won't the bright new copper clash with the existing copper?

It will, at first. New copper starts a warm salmon-pink and takes years to reach the deep verdigris of an aged roof. But that mismatch isn't permanent, and there are three ways to handle it.

Option 1: Let it weather naturally

Copper doesn't stay bright for long. Most copper elements and accents tone down to a brown-bronze within the first year and show real darkening within two to three years. A full green patina typically takes 5 to 20 years to form. This happens faster in humid or coastal climates, slower in dry ones.

Natural aging is the lowest-risk option: The new copper will gradually catch up to the existing copper, and the result stays authentic because it's the same process that produced the original patina. The trade-off is patience — you'll live with some contrast for a while.

Option 2: Have it chemically patinated

Commercial patina solutions can age new copper to a green-blue finish in a day or two rather than years. A chemical patina can work well, but results vary with the applicator's skill, the weather at the time of treatment and the specific product used.

A chemically induced patina can also look more even and uniform than copper that weathers outdoors for two decades. So make sure to ask to see the treated sample against your existing copper — ideally in daylight — before committing to a full installation.

Option 3: Choose a pre-weathered or alternative material

Several manufacturers sell copper pre-finished to a weathered look, and some will color-match a batch to a physical sample from your home. Lead-coated copper is worth knowing about, too: instead of turning green, it weathers to a soft silvery gray. It won't match an existing patina, but for some homes, that contrast is the point rather than the problem, and it pairs well with light-colored masonry or trim since its runoff doesn't stain the way copper's does.

Which to choose?

For most homeowners with an established patina they want to protect, letting new copper weather naturally is the safest bet. It requires no chemical treatment, no risk of an uneven finish and it ages the same way the original copper did. 

If immediate visual harmony matters more than the wait, send a sample of your existing copper to a manufacturer that offers pre-weathered matching — that route avoids the unpredictability of an on-site chemical patina.

Whichever direction you choose, ask your contractor to bring a sample panel before the full run goes in. Copper is a material you'll be looking at for decades; a few extra days spent comparing samples in your own light is worth the investment of time.

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

New 2026 snow fences and snow guards for different roofs.

When snow and ice collect on a roof, the sudden release can come down like an avalanche, threatening gutters, landscaping, decks, vehicles, entryways and the people walking below. Rocky Mountain Snow Guards is urging homeowners to make snow retention part of their roof safety planning — especially as new products make it easier to match the right snow retention system to nearly any roof type.

Designed to help keep rooftop snow in place so it can melt and dissipate more safely, snow guards and snow fence systems can reduce the risk of dangerous sliding snow and ice. For homeowners building a new home, replacing a roof or upgrading an existing roof in snow-prone areas, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards offers a broad selection of snow retention products engineered for asphalt and metal shingles, synthetic and natural slate, composite roofing, standing seam metal, tile and other roof systems.

“Homeowners often think about snow retention after they have experienced damage or a close call,” says Brian Cross with Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. “The better approach is to have a roofing professional assess the roof before winter conditions create a problem. Installing the right snow retention system can help protect people, property and the roof investment itself.”

New products for 2026

Among the newest and most effective snow retention options from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards are the Rocky Fence and CrossGard II snow fences, and Everest Guard snow guards. Each is designed to give roofing professionals flexible choices for matching a snow retention solution to the roof material, roof design, snow load and project type.

For standing seam metal roofs, the Rocky Fence is a cost-effective two-pipe snow fence using one aluminum bracket and two nominal one-inch aluminum tubes. The bracket bolts to a compatible S-5!® clamp selected for a specific roof panel and seam geometry. The snow fence system is available in mill finish aluminum or with a powder-coated finish, including dark bronze (stocked) and custom colors. The competitively priced snow fence product provides great strength for handling snow loads.

The CrossGard II is also a two-pipe fence-style snow retention system. This product can be used on all shingle-type roofs for retrofit situations. An economical system, CrossGard II snow fence comes in an aluminum mill finish and can also be requested in a powder-coated finish. The compact system requires only three screws per upright bracket, can be attached onto the sheeting and is ideal for lower pitches and snow loads.

“The CrossGard II Snow Fence fits on the face of a single course of shingles,” says Brian. “It was designed as a lower-cost retrofit-only snow fence option. The key selling feature of this product, which has the same load ratings as our snow guards, is its low profile. This is the easiest snow fence in our product line up to install. It’s a very condensed system that shines in effectiveness on retrofit applications for any type of pre-installed shingle roofs.”

While snow fences are ideally suited for many homes, some structures are better suited for snow guards. The new Everest Guard EG10 and EG16 snow guards are ultra-strong, gusset-designed welded steel snow guards that feature pre-drilled straps that allow for easy nail or screw fastening. They’re constructed with a stackable design for trouble-free handling by contractors on rooftops.

The Everest Guard EG10 is 10 inches in overall length and designed for both new and retrofit roof installation projects. It can be used on metal shingle, cedar shake and shingle, synthetic slate and shake and asphalt shingle roof types. The Everest Guard EG16 is 16 inches in overall length and is ideal for new roof installation projects on cedar and shake shingle, synthetic slate and shake and natural slate roofs.

“These are now our strongest, most reliable snow guards,” says Brian. “Best of all, the new stackable design makes it a simpler process for roofing contractors to carry these snow guards up on the roof, handle them during installation and keep their project moving forward.”

Solar panels require snow retention

The United States is experiencing a continued boom in residential solar projects. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a new solar project was installed every 59 seconds in 2025, and the United States has surpassed 6 million cumulative solar installations. As solar installations continue to climb, homeowners should plan proactively for the unique challenges these systems present in winter climates. Solar panels create smooth, slippery surfaces that can warm quickly after snowfall, allowing accumulated snow to slide rapidly down roof surfaces. Without snow retention, this can result in avalanches that put people, property and landscaping below at risk.

To address this issue, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards offers the Drift Solar 4-pipe aluminum fence-style snow guard system. Specifically engineered for installation below solar panels, this 12-inch-tall snow fence acts as a catch basin, holding snow in place until it melts gradually helping prevent dangerous, sudden releases of snow from the roof.

The Drift Solar Snow Fence is compatible with both new construction and retrofit roof applications. Its design calls for the brackets to be bolted directly to the roof support structure flush at the eave, with the tubing side facing downslope — a reversed installation compared with traditional snow fence systems. Each bracket is anchored with five structural lag bolts, and individually sold ice screens must be installed with the Drift Solar snow fence system to impede the movement of snow between the tubing.

All Rocky Mountain Snow Guards products are backed by a No-Maintenance Warranty on products and a 50-Year Product Warranty, giving homeowners added confidence in the long-term performance of their snow retention investment.

For product information, roof-type guidance and snow retention resources, visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

See how the Bain and Irvine team carefully preserved a Category A listed family home in East Lothian. 

Historic roofing work requires more than routine maintenance, especially when the building carries centuries of architectural and community history. In Whitekirk, East Lothian, a Category A listed 17th-century family home recently received specialist roof care from the team at Bain and Irvine. The goal with this project was to focus on preserving the building’s traditional materials and protecting the structure from long-term water ingress.  

The history of the home 

The home has a deeply rooted past. Originally built from the remains of medieval pilgrims’ houses, the property was later extended by the Baird family in the 1600s for use as an agricultural store. Today, it sits in the rolling East Lothian landscape near St Mary’s Parish Church, maintaining a close connection to the area’s historic setting. The exact project location can be viewed on Roofmapping.com. 

The roof itself reflects traditional Scottish craftsmanship, with exceptionally heavy stone Caithness slabs and classic Scottish crow-stepped gables. Because materials like these are central to the character of a listed property, maintenance must be handled carefully and with respect for the original architectural fabric. 

The work 

With this much history on the line, the Bain and Irvine team was brought in. Why them? Bain and Irvine is an NFRC Heritage registered contractor, meaning their team is well versed in the responsibility that comes with caring for historic properties and helping homeowners protect buildings for future generations. 

For this project, their team carried out essential preventative maintenance across the roofline. A key part of the work involved carefully resealing the raggles down all lead watergates using a high-quality polysulphite mastic. This type of heritage roofing maintenance is especially important on Category A listed buildings, where failing seals can allow driving rain and harsh Scottish weather to penetrate vulnerable areas. 

Quality control was also central to the work. Senior craftsmen conducted continuous inspections throughout the project to ensure each slate and lead joint was properly addressed before the team left the site. 

Learn more about the project!

The Coffee Shops®.  

Learn which roofing components are most vulnerable to high winds, heavy rain and temperature swings. 

Spring weather can test every part of a roofing system. In this article, Elite Roofing explains how storms, strong winds and sudden temperature changes can expose small vulnerabilities that may lead to leaks, structural damage and emergency repairs for property owners. 

When it comes to weather resistance, asphalt shingles are the first line of defense. High winds can lift or curl shingles, break adhesive seals and expose the underlayment or roof deck. Elevated, waterfront and densely developed areas may face particularly challenging wind conditions. 

Flashing is another common trouble spot. Installed around chimneys, skylights, dormers and wall transitions, flashing helps keep water out at roof openings and intersections. Temperature changes can cause materials to expand and contract, while wind may loosen seals. Even a small gap can admit wind-driven rain. 

Roof edges also need attention. Fascia boards support gutters but may be weakened by rot, moisture or winter damage. Wind uplift can pull compromised boards loose, potentially contributing to gutter and soffit damage. 

During short, heavy downpours, clogged or unstable gutters can overflow or detach. The resulting water may damage fascia, siding, foundations and basements. Clearing drainage paths is especially important before severe weather arrives. 

Flat and low-slope roofs, common on multifamily and commercial buildings, present additional concerns. Separated seams in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and modified bitumen systems can allow water intrusion. Ponding water may further accelerate deterioration. 

An early spring inspection can identify lifted shingles, loose flashing, gutter problems and membrane separation before visible interior damage develops. 

To learn more about how inspecting shingles, flashing, fascia, gutters and flat-roof membranes can help identify storm-related roof damage, read the full article.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Roof coatings can be a great solution for some projects, but there are cases where deeper damage requires a full replacement. 

As roof coatings continue to grow in popularity due to affordability and ease of installation, it can be tempting to automatically default to using them for every project. And there are scenarios where roof coatings are not just the most convenient solution, but also a long lasting, high-performing one. For example, if a roof is bubbling or cracking, choosing a coating is a good way to extend the lifespan. And even in some small leak scenarios, coatings can be used to seal things temporarily and keep further damage from occurring.  

But it’s important to understand that there are also times where coatings are not the right choice – there are limitations to what they can do. A great example of these limitations comes from the Rooferees at WeatherGuard Inc:  

If a leak or roofing issue develops invisibly or extends far beyond the surface of the roof, such as rotting wood, failing flashing or worn-out insulation, a coating on top will not fix it. In fact, if you just put a coating on top of these issues without properly investigating or resolving them, what might have been an initial cost-saving solution will get a lot more expensive.  

How does it get more expensive? Not only can issues like rotting continue to spread under a coating, but coatings can also delay the work needed by hiding it.  

In the case of these larger, more structural issues, a full roof replacement, while more expensive and time-consuming initially, would produce longer lasting and better performing results. Replacing the roof enables contractors to address hidden damage, improve protection against leaks and help keep the building safe and dry. A new roof can also improve the home’s appearance, support energy efficiency and add value if the homeowner decides to sell. 

Learn more about whether a roof coating or full roof replacement is right for your project.

This homeowner came to our experts for some help understanding a short list of roof maintenance tasks they were given.

When Californian homeowner Scott had their roof inspected, they wanted to make sure they had a full understanding of how the recommended work protected both the roof's performance and the home's curb appeal. They came to our experts, asking:

I recently had my concrete tile roof inspected and was given a short list of recommended maintenance actions. Among these was to “install pressure sensitive weather blocking material at transition areas.” Following this recommendation resulted in what is shown in the attached photos. The roofing company has since painted the tape (referred to by the roofer as a “membrane”) to more closely match the tile color.

Question: Is applying this ‘membrane’ standard practice on a roof that’s never experienced a leak of any kind? The community where I live has 800+ homes, all of which have tile roofs, and I’ve never seen tape/membrane used like this. What would be an alternative to using tape to achieve the same level of waterproofing protection w/o impacting the curb appeal of my house?

After seeing Scott's question, Ruben with Antis Roofing & Waterproofing responded with: 

Hello, my name is Ruben, and I’m a senior estimator. I appreciate you reaching out with your questions regarding the recommended roof maintenance and the membrane installed at the tile transition areas. I’d be happy to provide some clarification. 

The use of a self-adhering membrane at certain tile transitions, including mitered rake and ridge termination areas, can be an accepted roofing practice and is intended to provide an additional weather-resistant barrier at areas that can be vulnerable to wind-driven rain. However, it is not necessarily a requirement on every concrete tile roof, and the fact that a roof has never experienced leakage does not by itself indicate that this type of membrane is required. Concrete tile roofs can utilize different methods of detailing these transitions depending on the original installation and the tile manufacturer’s requirements.

There can also be alternative methods of detailing these areas, including properly installed mortar or other manufacturer-approved materials, depending on the specific tile system and transition being addressed. The important consideration is that the alternative provides the required weatherproofing and is compatible with the existing roofing system.

Regarding curb appeal, I understand your concern. A properly installed and finished transition should generally be integrated into the overall appearance of the tile roof, and painting the membrane to match the tile is one method of making it less noticeable.

Based on the photographs alone, I would not consider the use of a self-adhering membrane at these specific transition areas to be inherently improper or unusual. At the same time, I would not characterize it as a universal requirement for all concrete tile roofs in California. The primary question is whether the membrane was necessary at the specific locations identified and whether it was installed in accordance with the applicable roofing system requirements.

Continue the conversation in our Forum.

By Emma Richardson.     

Experts break down the cost and benefits of metal roofing. 

While all roofs are a long-term investment, this is especially true of metal roofs. Although metal roofs have a higher upfront cost than shingles, they can deliver greater value over time with proper care. For the homeowner looking to explore the benefits of installing metal roofs,  Excel Slate & Copper  has provided an insightful guide full of information about the expenses and benefits of investing in metal roofing. 

Benefits of metal roofing 

Metal roofs have several notable benefits. With proper care, metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, which far exceeds asphalt shingles. When combined with reflective coatings, a metal roof can also effectively reduce energy consumption. They also require less maintenance and offer superior durability in the face of severe weather. 

Metal roof materials and installation 

 Metal roofing materials are made from aluminum, steel, copper or other durable metals and most commonly take the form of panels or shingles. 

 Installation methods will vary depending on the type of metal roof. Standing seam panels are vertical panels secured with concealed fasteners, while metal shingles are designed to mimic traditional roofing materials like slate or tile and are installed similarly. Sometimes, panels are also installed using visible specialized slips or screws. This allows for expansion and contraction.  

In the case of reroofing with metal, the steps are similar to that of a traditional shingle roof. Existing material is removed, the deck is inspected and moisture barriers are installed along with updated flashings. 

Cost breakdown 

The larger upfront cost is the biggest barrier for many. Understanding the cost break down can be helpful when deciding how to invest in your roof. Material quality can increase the price with premium metals such as steel costing more. Additionally, protective coatings and certain engineered panels can bump up the total. Lastly, installation itself can be more expensive as not all roofers are qualified to install metal systems.  

Metal roofs are a great choice for those looking to invest in their home. They are also a worthwhile option for homeowners who are more energy conscious or located in storm-prone areas. Regardless of the reason, precise installation by certified contractors is a must. Contact Excel Roofing & Siding for a free consultation.

Read the full article to learn if a metal roof is the right choice for your home.

AAR Expert Brittany Wimbish says sustainability is about not wasting what you have, while also being realistic about its condition.

When we talk about sustainability in roofing, it doesn’t always mean starting over with a brand-new roof. Sometimes it means getting more life out of the roof you already have. That’s where coatings can be a really good option.

If a commercial roof is still in good, serviceable condition, a coating system can extend the life of that roof without tearing everything off and sending it to the landfill. There’s less waste, fewer new materials needed and typically less disruption for the building owner and tenants.

But coatings have their place. You can’t take a roof that is already failing, coat over it and expect the problems to go away.

We need to know what we’re working with first. Is the insulation dry? Are there active leaks? How much deterioration is there? What do the seams, penetrations and perimeter details look like? Those are the things that help determine whether a roof is actually a good candidate for a coating.

If we’re covering wet insulation or a roof system that has reached the end of its useful life, we haven’t accomplished much. We’ve delayed the replacement and potentially made the problem more expensive down the road.

And sometimes replacement is simply the right call. A full replacement allows us to remove wet or damaged materials, inspect and repair the roof deck where needed, address insulation and start over with a roofing system that makes sense for that building.

To me, sustainability is really about not wasting what you have, while also being realistic about its condition. If we can responsibly get more years out of an existing roof, we should look at that option. If the roof is done, it’s done. Putting more material over a failing system just to avoid a tear-off isn’t necessarily sustainable either. It starts with a good roof inspection and an honest conversation about what makes sense long-term. Sometimes that’s a coating. Sometimes that’s a replacement.

The goal should be to make the right decision for the building and get as much useful life out of the roofing system as we reasonably can.