We’re proud to offer our clients a wide range of affordable home roof replacement and roofing services. When you turn to Cecil County Roofing Pros, you can rest assured knowing that you are getting licensed, insured, and bonded workmanship. When it comes to roof replacement options for your home, we have you covered. We’re the top local roofing company serving Cecil County Maryland, so can choose from today’s leading brands such as GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning. Our energy-efficient roofing shingles and solutions will not only help protect your home well into the future but also ensure that you are truly getting the best return on investment for your home improvement project.

What are the expertise and financial strengths of the roofing contractor you are considering?

Roofing contractors need to be chosen with great care. The introduction of new roofing materials and application techniques within the past 10 years has led to many changes. A professional roofing contractor should be familiar with different types of roofing systems, to help you make the best decision for your facility, based on your budget.

Ask the contractor if his or her company is a member of a local, state, regional or national industry association. Contractors involved in professional associations generally are better informed on the latest developments and issues of their industry.

Insist the contractor supply you with copies of insurance certificates that verify workers' compensation and general liability coverages. Check that those coverages are in effect for the duration of your roofing job. If the contractor is not properly insured, your company, as the property owner, may be liable for accidents occurring on the property. Also check your state's licensing requirements and find out if the contractor is bonded by a surety company.

The installation of different roofing systems varies considerably. Education and training are the most important elements in the installation of roofing systems. Make sure the roofing contractor you choose has had detailed and ongoing training on the system being installed.

One rule of thumb is to find out if the contractor has installed at least 100,000 square feet of the system you want in the past 18 months. Also, make sure the contractor is approved by the manufacturer to install that specific system.

The quality of workmanship is crucial to good roof performance. The National Roofing Contractors Association offers a professional roofing selection guide. In addition, many manufacturers have approved contractor programs with specific qualifications that roofers must complete before approval.

What is warranted and by whom?

There are two basic categories of roofing warranties. The contractor's warranty typically covers workmanship. The manufacturer's warranty covers at least the materials, though many cover additional items. Even if the manufacturer's warranty is broad, it will not completely protect you if the roof is improperly installed.

Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it. For example, it's nearly impossible to avoid all ponded water. Ponded water can be caused by a clogged roof drain or deflection of the roof deck in between the support columns. Proper roof maintenance can help assure that the warranty remains valid. Be aware of warranty language that voids the guarantee.

Most professional roofing contractors will offer periodic maintenance inspections throughout the year. These inspections help ensure your project complies with the standards specified in the warranty. A typical maintenance program consists of a detailed visual examination of the roof system, flashing, insulation and related components to identify any potential trouble areas.

More important than the warranty, however, is getting the right flexible-membrane roof on your building in the first place. If the roof is correctly designed and installed to meet your facility's needs, building codes and geographical considerations, and the warranty covers those needs, you probably will be enjoying the benefits of a flexible-membrane roof many years after the original warranty expires.

After the roof is installed, what after service and educational programs are available for the facilities management team?

Seminars offered by roofing industry associations like SPRI and manufacturers can be invaluable ways for the building's roofing team to expand their understanding of commercial roofing system types, installation processes and maintenance considerations. Specific courses are available to help building owners and facilities managers learn more about various roofing systems, materials and components; insulation and accessory products; elements of roof design; contractor selection; warranties and maintenance considerations.

Start your questions with what is the building going to be used for. If it's a spec building, maybe you only need a basic roof. But, if the facility has a special use, such as an airline reservation center with computers in it, then your considerations for roofing options are quite different.

Which type of membrane and attachment system are best for the building?

Many factors determine the best system for a particular building. For most buildings, there are a number of options and advantages that need to be weighed against the facility's mission statement. The decision should not be made only on the basis of cost. Other important considerations for membranes are building height, wind exposure, anticipated roof traffic and aesthetics.

The attachment system also depends on the specific building's characteristics. If the roof deck is able to withstand the weight, a ballasted roof may be the best option. But, if the slope of the roof is greater than 2 inches every foot, this system may not be appropriate. There are other limitations to ballasted systems, such as roof height, proximity to shorelines and other high wind zones, and the availability of ballast.A steel or wood deck that easily accepts fasteners makes a good substrate for a mechanically fastened membrane. These systems can be designed to provide the necessary resistance to known wind forces and are not subject to slope limitations.

Another alternative is the fully adhered system, in which the membrane is attached to the prepared substrate using a specified adhesive. Depending on the membrane, the adhesive may be solvent- or water-based or asphalt. The finished surface of an adhered roof is smooth.

For those concerned with building aesthetics, colored membranes can make an attractive contribution to the building's appearance.

Does all roofing material delivered to the job site bear the UL label?

If not, specify that it must. This is the only way you can guarantee that the roofing materials installed on your roof are the same materials tested by Underwriter's Laboratories. Additionally, be sure that the roof assembly you buy or specify, which includes the insulation, is UL-classified and -labeled. Using an insulation other than what was tested with the roofing membrane may void the UL classification. If the UL Building Materials Directory does not list the roofing system you are sold, insist on verification of the classification in the form of a photocopy of the UL's letter of approval.

Make sure that the product you are getting is the actual product that was tested. You don't want something that is similar but not equal. Look for the label at the job site and make sure all components of the system were tested together. You want the membrane tested with the insulation that you are using on your building.

Does the system require a wind uplift rating?

Wind uplift damage can be extensive and expensive. Accepted as an industry standard, American Society of Civil Engineers Standard 7-95, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, can be used to determine the wind zone of the building. Wind uplift testing, such as that performed at Factory Mutual or Underwriters Laboratories, can be used to determine that the selected roof system meets or exceeds the local wind uplift requirements.

How much does the completed system add to the dead load weight of the roof structure?

In choosing any reroofing option, the facility executive should be aware of the load-bearing capacity of the roof deck to make sure the right flexible-membrane option is chosen. In new construction, savings in structural steel can often be achieved by installing one of the lighter flexible-membrane systems.

A ballasted thermoplastic or EPDM roof may require in excess of 1,000 pounds per 100 square feet, while a mechanically attached or fully adhered thermoset or thermoplastic membrane weighs 33 pounds per 100 square feet. A lighter system often allows you to reroof directly over your existing roof, while the heavier ones may require you to tear off the old roof and begin anew. But weight is only one consideration in the selection of a roof membrane and attachment system. A ballasted roof may be the best choice for a given facility. Facility executives must assure that all relevant considerations, including weight, are taken into account in the decision-making process.

There are two basic categories of roofing warranties. The contractor's warranty typically covers workmanship. The manufacturer's warranty covers at least the materials, though many cover additional items. Even if the manufacturer's warranty is broad, it will not completely protect you if the roof is improperly installed.

If you live in an area of the country, such as Massachusetts, with harsh winters you might be wondering why anyone would consider roof replacement in the winter time. Well, it's not as uncommon as you might think. Many roofing contractors offer their services year round even in cold and snowy regions like Massachusetts, which is where I'm from. Roofing Massachusetts homes during the winter is no different for a roofing contractor than doing it any other time of the year, with a few exception, and some roofing contractors and there crews even say that they prefer it. First let's go over what makes roofing more difficult this time of year and the arguments against having a new roof installed right now.

It's too cold outside for a roof replacement.

This argument just doesn't hold any water. It may be cold out now but who cares? Your roof doesn't care. The crew installing your roof doesn't care. Don't worry about the guys doing the installation. If the cold weather bothered them that much they wouldn't be up there installing your new roof in the first place, they would be working an indoor job. I know a lot of guys that prefer roofing in cold weather just because it is cold. Try roofing a black roof in the middle of the Summer. Lots of fun, let me tell ya. In the Summer if it is 90 degrees on the ground it feels like 110 degrees up on that roof (and sometimes is).

There is too much snow on my roof to have it replaced right now.

This, my friend, is why God created snow shovels. It is really not a big deal to shovel the snow off of a roof. It usually takes a half-hour to an hour to remove the snow and most roofing contractors don't even charge you extra for this as long as they are there to replace the roof and not just shovel snow (a service which many roofing companies provide in the North East). Does the crew need to be careful while doing this to avoid falling? Of course. However, the crew needs to be careful in every regard when it comes to roofing a house, this is nothing new. These guys are professionals and safety should always comes first, and does always come first with a responsible roofing company.

Alright, I just gave you 2 reasons why many people think roofing shouldn't be done in the winter and why they aren't really very good reasons at all. Now let me give you the 4 best reasons you should consider having your roof replaced this time of year.

1.) Ice dams causing leaks.

The winter time in Massachusetts tests your home and roof in ways unlike any other time of year. The most common cause of roof leaks during the winter is the dreaded ice dam. An ice dam is formed over the eaves of a house from built up snow melting and running down the roof only to refreeze at the very edge of the roof line. Here in Massachusetts, as well as other cold climate areas, roofing contractors use a product called ice & water barrier together with proper drip-edge flashing techniques to prevent ice dams from damaging your home and causing leaks. This technique, when done properly, provides added protection for at least 3 feet up from all edges of the roof. Many older roofs do not have ice & water barrier installed. If your roof is leaking because of ice dams this could be a great time to have the roof redone properly and insure that ice dams will not be bothering you and your home again.

2.) Winter conditions, in general, make a bad roof worse.

If you had a bad roof before winter hit it is only going to be in worse shape once spring arrives. There are many factors that adversely affect your roof in the cold weather. I already discussed ice dams but there's more. During the winter as the temperature fluctuates it makes your shingles expand and contract causing curling and cracking in older shingles. Now let's say some of your old roof shingles curl a bit, then you get a nice wet, heavy snow and the weight of the snow causes some of those curled shingles to crack. Now you have a potential new roof leak. Also, when that wet, heavy snow then freezes it will possibly cause even more damage to your old roof shingles. The thawing and refreezing that occurs throughout the winter time is nothing but bad for old shingles. Old roofs hate the cold winters.

3.) Faster service on your new roof installation.

It's a simple fact that Massachusetts roofing contractors, and roofing contractors in general, are not as busy during the winter. What this means for a homeowner needing a new roof is that the roof contractor you choose might be able to install your new roofing in a matter of days from the time that you sign the contract as opposed to waiting weeks, or even months sometimes, if you hold off until the spring, summer, and fall months. For many homeowners this reason alone should be enough to have your roof done in the winter time.

4.) Save money by taking advantage of a slow time of year for roofers.

Who doesn't want to save as much money as possible especially when it comes to an expensive home improvement project such as re-roofing. For the same reasons that you may be able to receive faster installation service on a new roof from a roofing contractor during the winter, you will also probably receive a better price than you would during the warmer months. Most professional roof installers will provide you with the same labor warranty for a roof installed in winter time as a roof installed any other time of year. The material warranty is provided by the shingle manufacturer and will be the same regardless of what season the roof was installed. Roofing contractors want to keep their crews busy and will give you a better price just to avoid having to lay off employees during the winter slowdown.

So what are you waiting for? If you have a house with an older roof that needs replacing get in touch with a local roofing contractor and find out for yourself why roofing Massachusetts homes or a home in any other area is a perfectly viable option in the winter time and often a bargain!

Owners who view the roofing system as a one-time expense, and make specification decisions based solely on first costs, run the risk of incurring higher roof maintenance and repair expenditures. The bottom line: Selecting the wrong system is likely to cost a facility executive significantly more than if the right system had initially been selected.

High repair costs can be avoided by installing a high-performance roofing system and conducting routine preventive maintenance throughout the life of the roof. The first cost of a quality roofing system may be higher, but the lower life-cycle costs of the system will more than offset the initial investment.

The initial cost of a roofing system includes materials, labor, overhead, profit and indirect costs associated with the structure. The life-cycle analysis takes the first cost of the roof, then adds to it the future costs of operation and maintenance over the economic life of the roof.

The facility executive that fails to consider the value of a life-cycle costing approach to the purchase of a new roof does the facility and everyone involved with it a financial disservice. First-cost buyers may overlook such important future expense reduction opportunities as:

• Energy cost savings in the heating and air conditioning of the building through the use of white, reflective membranes or coatings and extra insulation.• Extended roof service life for an optimally drained roof.• Enhanced roof fire retardence and wind uplift resistance, resulting in reduced insurance costs.• Extended roof service life resulting from the use of heavier structural framing materials, allowing a heavier roofing system.• Future savings when the roof is to be replaced by using reusable roof component accessories.• Reduced roofing surface repairs through installation of a heavier membrane of walkway pads for high-traffic roofs.• Prevention of roof surface degradation in those roof areas where harmful emissions may occur by installation of appropriate protective devices.

The most cost-effective roof is one that will stand up to the elements and demands of time. Therefore, facility executives should be actively involved in the initial planning stages to determine the best roofing system based on the established criteria for the building.

The cost of a roof replacement project varies depending on where you live. A roof replacement costs less in the Midwest than it does in the Northeast. In places where the general cost of living is higher, roof replacements will cost more as well. If you live in the Midwest, you will need to replace your roof more often. High speed winds, tornadoes, blizzards, and ice storms will all wreck havoc on your roof. Temperature fluctuations can also damage roofs. In the desert the temperature can be over 100 degrees during the day and drop to 50 or 40 degrees at night. 20-year asphalt shingles in Arizona and New Mexico last on average only 15 years, due to sustained damage from temperature fluctuations. Homeowners in regions with mild weather can get away with more moderate roof repairs, putting off full replacements for longer periods of time.  

Make sure the roofing system will meet the needs of the facility by answering the following questions:

• What type of system will provide the best long-term performance and energy efficiency?• How will weather conditions and climate affect the building and roof?• What is the desired service life of the roof?• Is resale value of the building important?• What type of system will incorporate the best drainage characteristics?• What type of maintenance program will be followed?• What are the expectations for the roof?• Are there environmental concerns?• Does the roof need to be wind- and fire-rated?

Once these questions have been answered, start the selection process based on location, physical characteristics, and building structure and type. Then choose quality products specifically engineered to be integrated and installed as a complete roofing system. To do this, form long-term relationships with manufacturers that are financially sound and have a reputation for commitment and experience in the marketplace. Check the track record of suppliers, as well as the quality controls they provide during installation.

Life-cycle costing analysis doesn't do any good if the facility executive chooses a manufacturer that is unable to demonstrate financial stability, experience and roofing system longevity.Successful roofing installations also depend on the expertise of a quality-focused, professional roofing contractor.

Many times, roofing is specified just to get the building covered and protected. Facility executives should realize that the majority of the cost is in labor. Slightly more material dollars up front may save many dollars on premature replacement costs.

It's also important to remember the role of the roof as the first line of defense against the elements. The roofing system is a key investment that helps to protect the interior environment of the building. Focusing on the lowest initial cost can leave facility executives with a system that is unproven and contributes to further difficulties during the life of the building.

Although the roof makes up less than 3 percent of the construction cost of a commercial building, it is among the most critical construction components, considering the consequences if it fails.

When the facility has as its basic purpose the protection of not only humans involved in daily commerce, but also valuable business assets that are critically important to the conduct of that commerce, the roof emerges as more than a cost component of the total building asset - it becomes an asset in and of itself.

The key to life-cycle cost is total system analysis. A roof is a system that requires a broad spectrum of elements working together. When a building owner chooses an asphalt roofing system for a given application, the system should be specified and installed as a whole. The performance of any roofing system can be optimized when all the components are selected based on how they integrate as part of a total roofing system.

A Whole System Approach

As with any investment, the ultimate value of the roof will be determined in large part by the investment term. In this case, the term is the realistic, anticipated life of the new roofing system. The best way to determine how long a roofing system is likely to last is to consider the documented performance of the system in similar applications and environments.

The value of a roof can actually increase if it survives its first few years without incident. A life-cycle curve often has a bump for premature mortality. If a roof survives past the time period of that bump, then the long-term outlook actually improves.

Calculating Life-Cycle Cost

A general formula for calculating the life-cycle cost of a roof is to subtract the estimated salvage cost of the new roof materials from the purchase price and then add the projected costs of maintenance, repair and replacement over the forecasted economic life of the roof. For this calculation, the value of today's dollar must be converted to a future value.

Energy efficiency has become a significant factor in determining a roof's life-cycle cost. Many facility executives are specifying metal-clad or coated modified bitumen membranes and flashings, other reflective membranes or additional insulation as energy-efficient options. A variety of aluminum or white acrylic coatings can be applied to smooth surfaces. Granule-surfaced modified bitumen membranes can be applied to enhance reflectivity. By improving the energy efficiency of the building with reflective membranes or additional insulation, facility executives can often reduce cooling costs.

Before problems occur, preventive maintenance should also be conducted to remove visible debris from the roof, clean drains and perform minor repairs. No matter how thorough the maintenance program is, however, it is necessary to make routine, semi-annual inspections to reduce long-term repair costs. At a minimum, facility executives should have their roofs inspected once in the spring and once in the fall.

The eventual tear-off and disposal of the roofing system is another necessary factor to be included in the life-cycle cost. Some systems require a more labor-intensive removal process, which can add to the total cost, while certain membrane types can be recycled, which may ultimately reduce the cost of the system.

Blistering and/or peeling of outside paint. This is one of the easiest warning signs to spot. But all too often this sign goes on ignored or attributed to something other than what is most likely causing the problem. This blistering or peeling of outside paint is usually the result of excessive moisture or high humidity due to poor ventilation especially in the attic. Inadequate ventilation results in hot air being trapped and built up in the attic. This excess heat can not only cook or in essence bake the roofing shingles but it also cause bubbling, blistering and peeling of the exterior paint around the gables and eaves and even the siding. Having properly working attic fans as well as bathroom exhausts are vital to avoiding this issue in your home and as it pertains to your roof.

What are the expertise and financial strengths of the roofing contractor you are considering?

Roofing contractors need to be chosen with great care. The introduction of new roofing materials and application techniques within the past 10 years has led to many changes. A professional roofing contractor should be familiar with different types of roofing systems, to help you make the best decision for your facility, based on your budget.

Ask the contractor if his or her company is a member of a local, state, regional or national industry association. Contractors involved in professional associations generally are better informed on the latest developments and issues of their industry.

Insist the contractor supply you with copies of insurance certificates that verify workers' compensation and general liability coverages. Check that those coverages are in effect for the duration of your roofing job. If the contractor is not properly insured, your company, as the property owner, may be liable for accidents occurring on the property. Also check your state's licensing requirements and find out if the contractor is bonded by a surety company.

The installation of different roofing systems varies considerably. Education and training are the most important elements in the installation of roofing systems. Make sure the roofing contractor you choose has had detailed and ongoing training on the system being installed.

One rule of thumb is to find out if the contractor has installed at least 100,000 square feet of the system you want in the past 18 months. Also, make sure the contractor is approved by the manufacturer to install that specific system.

The quality of workmanship is crucial to good roof performance. The National Roofing Contractors Association offers a professional roofing selection guide. In addition, many manufacturers have approved contractor programs with specific qualifications that roofers must complete before approval.

What is warranted and by whom?

There are two basic categories of roofing warranties. The contractor's warranty typically covers workmanship. The manufacturer's warranty covers at least the materials, though many cover additional items. Even if the manufacturer's warranty is broad, it will not completely protect you if the roof is improperly installed.

Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it. For example, it's nearly impossible to avoid all ponded water. Ponded water can be caused by a clogged roof drain or deflection of the roof deck in between the support columns. Proper roof maintenance can help assure that the warranty remains valid. Be aware of warranty language that voids the guarantee.

Most professional roofing contractors will offer periodic maintenance inspections throughout the year. These inspections help ensure your project complies with the standards specified in the warranty. A typical maintenance program consists of a detailed visual examination of the roof system, flashing, insulation and related components to identify any potential trouble areas.

More important than the warranty, however, is getting the right flexible-membrane roof on your building in the first place. If the roof is correctly designed and installed to meet your facility's needs, building codes and geographical considerations, and the warranty covers those needs, you probably will be enjoying the benefits of a flexible-membrane roof many years after the original warranty expires.

After the roof is installed, what after service and educational programs are available for the facilities management team?

Seminars offered by roofing industry associations like SPRI and manufacturers can be invaluable ways for the building's roofing team to expand their understanding of commercial roofing system types, installation processes and maintenance considerations. Specific courses are available to help building owners and facilities managers learn more about various roofing systems, materials and components; insulation and accessory products; elements of roof design; contractor selection; warranties and maintenance considerations.