By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Hand-split shake siding from DaVinci recaptures authentic cedar siding.

Built around 1914, the three-story water tower on the old Weeks homestead is still standing. And today it’s been given new life. The structure, which is a historical focal point on Lopez Island in Washington state, has just been refinished with DaVinci Hand-Split Shake Siding in a beautiful Aged Cedar color.

Debra Maggiora, current owner of the Weeks homestead in Washington, shared some thoughts:

I wanted to mimic the aesthetic of the 100-year-old shakes that were deteriorated and needed to be removed to keep the historic look of the water tower. I became familiar with the DaVinci products when I worked on reroofing a different historic building. At that time, I sought manmade materials due to their longevity and lower maintenance requirements. DaVinci shared their synthetic roofing materials and I was impressed. Now, they’ve impressed me again with their synthetic siding product.

Surprisingly realistic

Debra currently rents out the water tower to Marleigh Alexander, who runs Haircuts on the Rock inside the tower.

“My customers are fascinated to hear that the composite material is all new, yet honors the age of the building with its visual aesthetics,” says Marleigh. “Many people have been really surprised to find out that the replacement siding isn’t real cedar shake. It’s incredibly authentic looking!”

Adding another century of life

Tackling the re-siding project was Dan Kellenberger, better known as “Handy Dandy Home Maintenance” to area residents. In addition to enhancing the water tower’s exterior, Kellenberger also rebuilt its foundation, replaced shiplap boarding and rebuilt the roof area using DaVinci shake products.

Available in 8” and 10” widths, each tile is 5/8” thick and 18” tall, with thick construction and deep grooves. The realistic grain patterns combine to create dramatic shadows and visual richness. The 10” pieces have a simulated keyway to give the look of 4” and 6” shakes to create a multi-width appearance. All the DaVinci pieces resist fading, rotting, cracking, pests, severe weather and high winds.

“The original cedar materials were way past their lifespan,” says Dan. “They were old and split. The composite materials from DaVinci will hold up much better in the Pacific Northwest weather in the future. Plus, they’re fire-resistant and require almost no maintenance. With DaVinci, we’ve found a long-term solution for keeping the historic water tower looking great for another century!”

AAR Expert John Kenney says the best projects occur when the owner, roofing contractor and other trades work together rather than independently. 

Most home and building owners understand the importance of hiring a qualified roofing contractor when roof work is needed. What many don't realize is that some of the most expensive roof damage I see isn't caused by roofers at all. It's caused by other trades working on the roof. 

HVAC contractors, electricians, plumbers, satellite installers, solar companies, telecommunications technicians and maintenance personnel all regularly access roofs. While these professionals are experts in their own trades, they are not always trained in proper roofing practices. Unfortunately, a small mistake made during another project can lead to leaks, warranty issues and costly repairs months or even years later. 

I've seen situations where a perfectly good roof was damaged simply because someone wasn't aware of how sensitive certain roofing systems can be. That's why owners should take a proactive approach anytime another trade needs roof access. 

The first precaution is understanding who will be responsible for protecting the roof during the work. Before any project begins, ask contractors how they plan to access the roof and what measures they will take to prevent damage. Professional companies should have procedures for protecting roofing materials, controlling foot traffic and handling equipment safely. 

Foot traffic alone can be a concern. Many roofing systems are designed to withstand normal weather exposure, but can be damaged by excessive traffic, dropped tools or equipment being dragged across the surface. Single-ply membranes, coatings and some specialty roofing systems can be particularly vulnerable if workers are not careful. 

Roof penetrations are another common source of problems. Whenever a new pipe, conduit, support bracket or piece of equipment passes through the roof, waterproofing details become critical. Too often, another trade installs its equipment and leaves the roofing details as an afterthought. That's when leaks begin. 

One of the best practices I recommend is requiring coordination between the trade performing the work and a qualified roofing contractor. If new penetrations are needed, the roofing contractor should either perform the flashing work or inspect and approve the final waterproofing details. This simple step can prevent many future problems. 

Owners should also pay attention to warranty requirements. Many roofing manufacturers require specific procedures when modifying a roof. Unauthorized penetrations or repairs may affect warranty coverage. Before allowing work to proceed, it's worth reviewing warranty requirements and confirming that any modifications will not create issues later. 

Equipment placement deserves consideration as well. HVAC units, solar systems and other rooftop equipment should be installed in locations that allow proper drainage and access for future roof maintenance. I've seen equipment placed directly over drains, blocking water flow and creating ponding issues that eventually damaged the roofing system. 

Debris control is another often-overlooked issue. Metal shavings, fasteners, packaging materials and construction debris left behind on a roof can create problems long after the project is complete. Metal filings can rust and stain roof surfaces, while loose fasteners can damage roofing materials or clog drainage systems. A thorough cleanup should always be part of the scope of work. 

Documentation is also important. Before another trade begins work, consider taking photographs of the roof's condition. Once the project is complete, perform a follow-up inspection or have a roofing professional review the work. This helps identify potential concerns early before they develop into larger issues. 

Communication may be the most valuable precaution of all. The best projects occur when the owner, roofing contractor and other trades work together rather than independently. Clear expectations about roof protection, penetrations, warranty requirements and cleanup responsibilities reduce misunderstandings and help protect the investment you've already made in your roof. 

Your roof is one of the most important systems protecting your home or building. While other trades may need access to perform their work, that access should be managed carefully. A little planning and coordination upfront can prevent leaks, preserve warranties and help ensure the roof continues performing as intended for years to come. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Using research to find the perfect contractor for your repair needs. 

With the spring months comes both construction and storm season. In fact, many areas in the Midwest and southern regions of the United States have already experienced severe thunderstorms, hail and even tornadoes this year. And with those storms comes damage to roofs, gutters and siding.  

This can be a stressful time to be a home or business owner, as repair needs can crop up as suddenly as a storm can blow through. But it’s important to make sure that you take the time to find the right contractor to do repairs for you as there are unfortunately people who may try to take advantage of post-storm stress. In fact, Bone Dry Roofing heard about one such story when they were helping rebuild after a storm this March:  

One resident, Ashley Dutton, reported to CBS News that the hail in her neighborhood wasn’t big enough to cause any damage to her home. But that didn’t stop 3 guys in a car from knocking on Dutton’s door selling their roof repair services. The company told Dutton that they were Better Business Bureau accredited. However, the news station did some fact-finding and discovered that they not only were not BBB accredited but were not even licensed in her town. 

This is a good reminder to do some independent research when looking for a contractor to work with. Take Bone Dry Roofing as an example. A quick look around their website and online presence shows their history (established in 1989), their community reputation (five starts on over 12,000 Google reviews) and their actual BBB accreditation. Further digging reveals their listing on Angie’s List and certifications from leading distributors like Owens Corning and CertainTeed.  

All of this to say, storms can be scary and cleaning up after is stressful. But make sure to take some time to explore and research to make sure you are working with a contractor who will take care of your home or business with the same care you do.  

Learn more about finding the right contractor for you in the Roofing 101 section of AskARoofer.com.

MRA unveils new guides with collective advice from leading industry experts.

For homeowners searching for solid, credible online advice from true industry experts, it’s obvious that AI doesn’t have all the answers. In fact, it can be a downright frustrating experience separating trustworthy guidance from all the questionable findings.

That’s why organizations like the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), a leading nonprofit trade organization that consists of some of the biggest and most credible names in the metal roofing industry, are giving homeowners the ability to tap into free, comprehensive resources to make the most educated roofing decisions possible.

That effort includes MRA’s new “mini guides” – entitled “Regional Considerations,” “Preparing for a New Roof,” “Metal Roofing Options” and “Choosing an Installer” – that are designed to give homeowners valuable advice and guidance when replacing their roof and making the best decision for their home.

Now available on www.metalroofing.com, the new guides are a follow up to MRA’s ever-popular “Residential Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide” which covers a wide range of comprehensive topics ranging from everything from metal roofing basics, installation advice, decision making criteria, material comparisons and much more. The new mini guides are meant to augment the larger guide yet give homeowners a way to drill into priority topics that are most important to them – quickly and easily – with each mini guide ranging from just ten to twelve pages.

Filled with inspiring images, essential tips and recommendations that have been vetted by MRA’s U.S. and Canada members, including leading metal roofing manufacturers, suppliers and contractors, each mini guide is a valuable snapshot of some of the most important elements homeowners need to know before investing in a new roof. For homeowners interested in as much information and detail as possible, MRA also still offers its complete Buyer’s Guide for free as a download on the website as well.

“Our new mini guides give homeowners a valuable and credible way to get the customized information they need when it comes to re-roofing their home, specifically for topics they might be most curious about,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “Good research and doing your homework are the keys for making a wise roofing decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come. That’s why we’re so pleased to be able to offer this extensive collection of guides.”

Check out MRA’s wide range of guides and resources available at https://www.metalroofing.com/mra-resources.

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

Join us as we bust seven common roofing myths – and explain how your roof really works. 

Whether you’ve heard the myth that metal roofs will sound like a drum solo in the rain to the idea that solar panels only work on sunny days, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about roofs. Here at AskARoofer, our goal is to cut through these myths and help home and business owners understand the truth about their roofs. In this article, we want to highlight some of the biggest myths we’ve heard – and share the actual truth of the issue.  

1 - Damage is always visible 

When it comes to roof repairs, many people assume that damage is always obvious. And in some cases, damage can be severe enough to be clearly visible. Maybe a tree fell on your roof or there's water dripping into a bucket inside the building. But there are also cases where roof damage is sneaky and invisible. For example, UV (sun) exposure can slowly break down roofing materials like asphalt. 

To catch these less obvious issues, it’s important to have roofing professionals come by for semi-regular inspections of your roof. By doing this proactively, you can catch issues early, long before they become more damaging, dangerous and expensive.  

2 - New roofing = no maintenance 

It’s not uncommon for home or business owners to assume that getting a new roof installed means that they have a two or three-year break before they’ll have to do roof maintenance. And while that new roof will perform better than the old one, it is still susceptible to damage and needs care in order to perform as best as possible. 

3 - Ventilation is a bonus feature, not a necessity  

Too often, ventilation is overlooked for its key role in keeping a roof system healthy. If your roof does not have enough ventilation, excessive moisture and heat will build up and age your roof from the inside out. And if you put too much ventilation in, you can compromise the weather-proofness of your roof.  This is true across climates and seasons.  

If you want your roof to last as long as possible, and perform to its best ability during that lifespan, balanced ventilation is a necessity.  

4 - DIY or professional, it doesn’t matter 

Roofs are expensive, and it can be tempting to try to find a cheaper option – like doing it yourself (DIYing). However, even just climbing on a roof without proper training and equipment is dangerous and sometimes deadly. Further, without the right roofing expertise and knowledge, DIYers can create larger, costlier issues down the road due to incorrect installation.  

Overall, what might seem like a quick, cheaper fix now often costs home and business owners more down the road. It’s not worth it to put yourself or your roof in danger. Hiring a certified professional is the way to go.  

5 - Lifetime warranties cover everything 

Roofs are a big investment and key to keeping both people and property safe, so having a warranty is great. But where many people misstep is when it comes to understanding what a warranty actually covers and how to avoid accidentally voiding it.  

For example, a lifetime warranty almost always comes with specific terms, conditions and limitations attached. A common problem owners encounter is the warranty being prorated, meaning that after a certain number of years, that warranty doesn’t cover everything; it covers a fraction of the roof’s original value. Another common one is exclusion of coverage or voiding of warranty if maintenance is not up to the warranty’s standards.  

Overall, warranties are valuable, but don’t take them at face value. When it says lifetime, it doesn’t mean forever. Make sure to read the fine print to make sure you understand what parts of your roof are covered and how to keep them covered.  

6 - The only value of metal roofing is functionality  

There are many metal roof myths out there, but they all center on the idea that metal roofing prioritizes durability and functionality over comfort and aesthetics. And while there are definitely metal roofs that do this, they’re usually on top of sheds or agricultural buildings. The metal roofing that gets used on homes and commercial spaces are far more advanced than what your grandpa might have had on his farm back in the day.  

Modern metal roofing can come in a variety of forms that emulate traditional roofing materials, whether that’s tile or shingles or something else! They are also always installed in combination with insulation and other structural layers (such as vapor barriers), which means rain doesn’t sound any louder on a metal roof than an asphalt one.  

So, yes, we often talk about the durability of metal roofing, because it truly is incredible (think 40-50 year lifespan), but that performance does not have to come with the sacrifice of aesthetics or comfort! 

7 - Solar panels are overrated and inaccessible 

There is a myth that solar panels are an expensive home renovation that only really benefits you if you live in an area that gets a lot of sunshine all year around. However, these are in fact myths. The truth is, solar is accessible and beneficial for households and buildings in all kinds of areas. 

Solar panels use photovoltaic technology, which takes light and transforms it into electricity. The key word here is light, something that is present even if the sun is hidden by clouds. So, while production is going to be at its peak on sunny, clear days, solar panels still work even if it’s overcast.  

And when it comes to cost, recent technological advances and federal rebates have made the upfront cost for solar energy far more accessible. Further, the energy savings that many households experience after installing solar often recovers that original, upfront cost.  

You can learn more about your roof by reading AskARoofer articles and/or listening to our podcasts!

A homeowner with a flat roof came to our experts to ask about bleed out. 

Adam from California was looking at their modified bitument roof and had some questions about the seams. They asked: 

I have a house with a flat roof. It has a modified bitumen torch applied cap layer. In most places, there is non-existent or insufficient bleed out between seams. What is the recommended mitigation for this? Polyester strips at all seams? Using the same cap layer in strips over all seams? Applying something like Armor Flex Silicone Membrane over the entire roof?

Below is what our roofing expert John Kenney from Cotney Consulting had to say in response to Adam's question:

Adam, insufficient bleed-out at modified bitumen seams is something to take seriously because the bleed-out is visual confirmation that the seam reached proper fusion during torch application. Without it, seams can become vulnerable to water infiltration over time.

That said, before jumping to a coating system, the first step is determining whether the seams are actually failing or simply have minimal visible bleed-out from conservative torching. A qualified contractor should probe and test the laps to verify bond integrity.

The repair approach also depends on whether your cap sheet is smooth-surface or granule-surfaced modified bitumen.

• If it’s a smooth-surface cap sheet, deficient seams can often be successfully heat-welded and reinforced using compatible modified bitumen repair strips or cap sheet strips.
• If it’s a granule-surfaced cap sheet, the granules must first be embedded, removed or properly prepared in the repair area so the new material can achieve proper adhesion and watertightness.

In most cases, I prefer repairing suspect seams with compatible modified bitumen materials rather than relying on polyester fabric and coatings alone. Reinforced liquid-applied systems can work in certain restoration situations, but they should not be used as a substitute for correcting poor seam attachment.

I also would not immediately recommend a full silicone coating system like Armor Flex unless the entire roof is being evaluated as a restoration project. Coatings should enhance a sound roof assembly—not compensate for weak seams.

Bottom line:

• Verify whether the seams are truly unbonded or simply lack visible bleed-out
• Repair deficient seams with compatible modified bitumen materials
• Granule-surfaced caps require proper surface preparation before repairs
• Don’t rely on coatings alone to solve seam attachment issues
• Have the roof evaluated by a qualified modified bitumen contractor or manufacturer’s representative before choosing a full restoration system

That inspection will tell you whether you’re dealing with isolated seam deficiencies or a larger roof restoration situation.

Continue the conversation in our Forum! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Concrete coatings help protect surfaces, support safety and meet the demands of a wide range of commercial and residential spaces. 

Concrete plays a critical role throughout the building envelope and protecting it properly can affect both performance and longevity. In this episode of CoatingsCast™, Karen Edwards spoke with Jeffrey Wells from APF Polymer Surfaces about concrete flooring protection, where coatings fit into the larger building system and what contractors should consider when helping customers choose the right solution. 

Jeffrey has worked in the industry for 30 years and currently manages products used in food and beverage, government and commercial applications. His perspective starts with the structure itself and the role concrete plays before any coating system is applied. “[Concrete is] the footprint of the roof, so you can't have a roof without having a concrete substrate first,” Jeffrey said. “In that building envelope package, we address things like safety. How do we make a concrete pallet safer? How do we make it look better? How do we make it last longer?” 

Those questions guide coating decisions across a wide range of markets. Concrete flooring can serve different purposes depending on the space, and each environment brings its own expectations for durability, appearance and protection. Jeffrey shared, “Some of the areas and markets include airplane hangars. There's food and beverage, residential, commercial facilities, warehouses and hospitality. Each of these different areas require so many different looks, so many different outcomes, yet are all designed to be covered by some type of system.” 

For contractors, that means understanding the demands of the specific application before recommending a coating system. A warehouse, hospitality space or home may require one kind of performance, while an airplane hangar may require another level of protection entirely. “The chemicals needed for maintenance of an aircraft are going to be some of your most caustic chemicals,” Jeffrey said. “You're going to need a lot of protection.” 

From improving safety to extending the life of a surface, concrete coatings help protect both the system and the people who use the finished space. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about how to protect both the concrete system and the people walking on the finished product! 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the company that focuses on the roofs that others run from. 

Every month, we choose a Roofer of the Month – a member of our R-Club contractor program that showcases excellent craftsmanship and customer service. For June 2026, the chosen contractor is Viotell Metal Concepts! To learn more about this company, Megan Ellsworth spoke to Gonzalo Tellez, Viotell’s founder and CEO, as well as Robert ‘Anthony’ Ortega, Gonzalo’s business partner, on an episode of the Roofer of the Month podcast.  

Gonzalo opened the conversation by giving some background on Viotell, sharing, “We specialize in high-end customers or unique projects. We try to focus on the houses with roofs that other people might run away from because of the difficulty.”  

This determination to deliver high quality workmanship and best-in-class customer service no matter the project has led Viotell to a variety of unique projects. Anthony shared a bit about a recent one:  

One that comes to mind is a recent project where we were able to come up with this amazing detail of a boxed fascia convex curved aluminum composite material (ACM) design. We had to do a lot of work to try to figure out how to make it work, to hit the design intent of the architect. But it just turned out freaking awesome. It looks beautiful and hits the mark. 

And their projects are not the only thing that the Viotell team takes pride in – they also take pride in their people. Gonzalo shared:  

All our projects are challenging and bring satisfaction, but what I am truly so proud of is the people on our team. Take Anthony, he never worked in roofing before he came here. But he’s smart and educated and has grown and evolved into an incredible roofing professional. And just seeing people like him change, evolve and become such a key part of the industry – that's what I’m super proud of.  

Listen to the whole podcast to learn more about Viotell and what makes them our June R-Club Roofer of the Month.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

TPO roofing delivers energy efficiency, durability and cost savings for flat and low-slope roofs. 

Selecting a roofing system requires careful consideration of climate demands, building design and long-term performance. With hot, humid summers and winters that bring snow and freeze-thaw cycles, flat and low-slope roofs must perform under constant environmental stress. In that context, companies like CJ Roofing note that thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing has become a widely adopted solution for both commercial and residential properties. 

At its core, TPO is a single-ply membrane composed of rubber and plastic materials, installed in large sheets that are heat-welded together to form a continuous, watertight surface. That construction not only enhances durability but also minimizes the risk of leaks, a common concern for low-slope roofing systems. Its typically light-colored surface further contributes to performance by reflecting sunlight and limiting heat absorption. 

This reflective quality directly supports energy efficiency. By reducing the amount of heat transferred into the building, TPO systems help stabilize interior temperatures and ease the workload on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. For property owners, that often results in measurable reductions in cooling costs during peak summer months. 

Performance extends beyond energy savings. TPO membranes are designed to withstand a range of environmental conditions, including heavy rainfall, snow accumulation and prolonged ultraviolet exposure. Their resistance to mold growth, debris buildup and punctures supports long-term durability while reducing ongoing maintenance demands. In addition, the material’s lightweight nature allows for more efficient installation, which can help control labor costs and project timelines. 

Sustainability is another factor driving adoption. TPO roofing is recyclable at the end of its service life, and many systems meet Energy Star standards, aligning with broader efforts to improve building efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 

Like any roofing system, however, long-term performance depends on proper care. Routine inspections, particularly after severe weather events, along with consistent drainage maintenance, play a critical role in preserving system integrity. With that approach, TPO roofs can deliver reliable performance for more than two decades. 

Learn more about how TPO roofing provides a durable, energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for flat and low-slope properties!

By The Coffee Shops™.

During National Roofing Week, the National Women in Roofing Oregon Council helped coordinate a roof replacement for a Portland homeowner in need. 

For the past three years, the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council has partnered with Catalyst NW during National Roofing Week to provide complimentary roofs for community members in need. This year, the council’s effort brought together contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners to replace the roof of Maria George’s home in Northeast Portland. 

Maria’s home had multiple active leaks and had been tarped several times over the past year, according to information shared by Rachel Garcia of Malarkey Roofing Products®, chair of the NWIR Oregon Council. Her insurance carrier had also set a May deadline for the roof to be replaced or she would face cancellation of her policy, though that deadline was extended. Because of the roof’s steep pitch, the project was not well-suited for a traditional volunteer-based Catalyst build. 

The workday became a clear example of the collaboration the roofing industry can create when companies set aside competition to focus on service. Stephanie Baird of Oregon Roofing Co said this year’s project had more roofers involved than ever before. 

“Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring,” Stephanie said. “For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service.” 

The project included more than 25 people throughout the day, with at least 13 working on the roof and others handling cleanup on the ground. Rachel said the roof had five or six layers that needed to be removed, including cedar shingles. Maria’s grandchildren also came outside to express their gratitude to the volunteers. 

For Melissa Hill of Snyder Roofing, the most meaningful moment came when a neighbor stopped while walking her dog and shared how deserving Maria was of the new roof. 

“She said they both have lived in the area a long time and that she is always taking care of someone at that house,” Melissa said. “It was her turn to be taken care of.” 

Learn more about the National Women in Roofing Oregon Council and its community outreach efforts.