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Roof Types 101

Residential Roof Types 101

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Colorado Homeowner Education: Roof Types 101

No matter the architecture of your home’s roof, it makes up a large portion of the exterior. This post, Colorado Homeowner Education: Roof Types 101, will explain the differences. 

Pitched or Steep Sloped Roofs: 

What is a pitched roof or steep-sloped roof? A pitched roof is a roof with a sloping surface. Typically, the angle is greater than 20 degrees. The pitch of a roof is its vertical rise divided by its horizontal span and is a measure of roof steepness. Most commonly, a residential roof pitch is between a 4/12 and a 9/12; however, most “walkable” roofs are below a 7/12 pitch.  

  1. Gable Roof:

The gable roof is the most traditional style of Residential Roofing. It consists of two sides that come together to form a ridge and creates the iconic triangular, pointed shape. Their simple design makes them extremely easy to build or re-roof. Typically, on the gable ends, a gable vent will be installed for cross-breeze and attic ventilation.  

Benefits of gable roofs:  

  • Easily shed water and snow; there is nowhere for the water to pool.  
  • Provide more space for an attic or vaulted ceilings.  
  • Allows for more ventilation. 
  • Easier and more affordable to build than complex designs and needs fewer building materials. 
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2. Hip Roof: 

A hip roof is easily identified by the slopes from all four sides (typically equal length), which come together at the top to form the ridge of the roof. In many cases, two slopes form a triangle shape, and the other two slopes form a trapezoid without any vertical ends. Hip roofs require a little more experience than gable roofs, and costs can be more expensive as more materials and waste is used for a hip roof replacement.  

Benefits of a hip roof:  

  • Better stability and more durability than gable roofs due to the inward slope of all four sides.  
  • Are better in areas with high wind, rain, and snow.  
  • Are typically seen with lower sloped roofs.  
  • Allows for more of an appealing architectural design. 

3. Gambrel Roof: 

A gambrel or gambrel (a.k.a. barn or Dutch roof) is a modified version of a gable roof, which features a single slope on each side; however, a gambrel roof is modified to have two slopes on each side (the lower slope is typically steeper, and the upper slope is positioned at a shallower angle), which meet to form a ridge. A gambrel roof is also like a mansard roof but has vertical ends instead of being hipped at the four corners of the building. We typically see a gambrel roof on older-style homes or large barns/sheds. 

4. Mansard Roof: 

A mansard roof (a.k.a curb roof or French roof) is a hybrid between a gambrel roof and a hip roof. For a mansard roof, the slopes of the four sides do not meet to form a ridge but can form the perimeter for a low-sloped roofing system. Typically, these roofs are more expensive and have higher costs of replacement, but these higher costs are worth the beautiful architectural design.

  5.  Flat (Low-Sloped) Roof: 

Flat roofs are typically used for industrial and commercial buildings but can commonly be seen on residential roofs as well. Flat roofs do have a slope, which is why the most preferred terminology is “low-slope” roofing, which is typically under a 2/12 pitch. Flat roofs are more susceptible to leaks as they do not shed water or snow off the roof as efficiently as a steep-sloped roof. Installation for a flat roofing system is relatively easy, but proper installation with an experienced roofing contractor will ensure the low-slope roofing system will last years without any issues. Because they are more susceptible to leaks, it is important to maintain your low-sloped roof each year.  

NexGen Roofing is a local licensed, bonded and insured, roofing company.

Joel Massey Roofing Professional

Joel Massey, Owner- Executive Officer

Recent Posts
Denver Green Roof

Denver’s Green Roofing Ordinance for Commercial and Multi-Family Roofing

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Denver’s Green Roofing Ordinance for Commercial and Multi-Family Roofing

If you are thinking about replacing your commercial or multi-family roof in the City of Denver, then here are 5 things you must know to make sure your roof is compliant with Denver’s new Green Building Ordinance! 

1. Minimum Requirements: If your building’s total square footage is over 25,000 sf, then the roof replacement request must go through Denver’s Green Building Ordinance review. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part buildings over 25,000 sf will be subject to review. The review for a Green Roofing permit is a much longer process than pulling a traditional roofing permit for a single-family residence and your commercial or multi-family roofing permit could take up to a few weeks or longer for review and approval.  

2. “Cool Roof”: One of the main requirements for Denver’s Green Building Ordinance is to install a “cool roof” system.  

a. For flat commercial roofs, the roof must meet “cool roof” requirements, such as a highly reflective membrane, appropriate insulation, and air/moisture barrier. The membrane could be TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) or white EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer). If you are getting estimates to replace your roofing system, ensure the estimate includes the above requirements for a “cool roof” in Denver.  

b. For steep-sloped roofs, be careful as Denver may require the use of “Cool Roof” shingles. If that’s the case, the costs for a “Cool Roof” shingle system are dramatically more expensive than traditional shingles and the lead time to have them delivered to Colorado could be weeks to months. For more information on steep slope “cool roof” systems check out Owens Corning Website: https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/shingles/feature/coolcolor 

3. Compliance Options: Additionally, on top of the “cool roof” system, Denver may require you to meet one of the following compliance options: 

a. Green Roofs / Green Space: Very expensive! 

b. Installing on Site or Purchasing Off-site Solar or other renewable energy: Very Expensive! 

c. Energy Cost Savings: Cost-Effective! 

d. Green Building Certifications: Cost-Effective! Check https://energizedenver.org/ to see your building’s ENERGY STAR score.  

e. Payment to the Green Building Fund: Very Expensive and a waste of money in my opinion! 

f. Energy Program: There is not much information on this program as the link on Denver’s website is “404! Not found…” 

To review all of the ordinances check out Denver’s Green Building Ordinance website: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-development-services/commercial-projects/green-roof-initiative.html 

4. Exemptions: There are a few exemptions to the Green Building Ordinance and it is important to work with an experienced contractor to ensure you comply. For example, residential buildings 25,000 sf but 5 stories or less AND less than 62.5 feet in height must still meet the ordinance’s “cool roof” requirement but are exempt from having to choose a compliance option. It is important to read the ordinance in full if you are thinking about replacing your roofing system in Denver. Click here to download the full ordinance.  

5. Alternative Options: There are always alternatives to replacing your roof and the one we like the most is a silicone roof coating system by Gaco. There are many benefits to a silicone roof coating:  

a. Avoid the high costs of fully replacing your roof. Silicone coatings can be a third to half the cost of replacing a roof! 

b. No Green Building Ordinance Review. Roof coatings do not require a permit and silicone coatings are non-invasive as they are applied over your existing roof system!  

c. Tax advantages. Silicone Coatings can be classified as a repair for your building. For more information, we suggest you speak to your CPA on potential tax savings of building repairs.  

d. Silicone is permanent and will not degrade, chalk, or crack under harsh UV rays! 

e. Forms a seamless membrane that withstands permanent ponding water without softening! 

For steep-slope roofs, there may other alternatives your contractor may not be aware of to accommodate your budget while still complying with Denver’s Green Building Ordinance. So it’s important you deal with a Denver Roofing Contractor who knows the code. 

The Denver Green Building Ordinance has a lot of question marks and grey areas since its implementation in 2018. Having an experienced, licensed Denver Roofing Contractor will help guide you through the ordinance to ensure you will not make a costly mistake!

Make sure your estimates include information about Denver’s Green Building Ordinance and potential requirements. If your bids do not include any information on Denver Green Building Ordinance or information that guides you through the process, then chances are you may be dealing with an inexperienced roofing contractor who does not fully understand the code and requirements to replace your roof!

Joel Massey Roofing Professional

Joel Massey, Owner- Executive Officer

Lean more about NexGen Roofing’s Commercial and Multifamily Green Roofing Services:

Commercial Green Roof Consultation

Multifamily Green Roof Consultation

Costly Colorado Roofing Mistakes

5 of the Costliest Roofing Mistakes You Didn’t Know About

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The 5 Costliest Roofing Mistakes You Didn’t Know About  

Problems with your Colorado roof can be stressful. Reduce the stress and be prepared with NexGen’s %  5 costliest roofing mistakes you didn’t know about. 

#5 Waiting to File a Claim

 

Don’t miss out! It’s important to understand your insurance carrier’s statute of limitations for filing a claim. Some carriers require one year to file a claim from the date of loss and others require two years. It is important you know the requirements with your specific carrier in filing a claim as they could potentially deny coverage because the claim wasn’t filed within their regulations, and you can miss out on your insurance benefits altogether!

 

#4 Not Completing Repairs Within Insurance Time Guidelines

 

Some carriers not only require filing a claim within a year from the date of loss, but they could also require the repairs to be completed in that same timeframe as well. It is important to know how long you must complete the repairs and communicate with your insurance carrier of any possible delays in production or other extenuating circumstances. However, if you delay too long, the insurance may not cover material price increases or release depreciation even if the work had been completed.

 

#3 Picking the Cheapest Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

 

Not all insurance policies are created equal. Saving on premiums now can potentially cost you in the future when you need to file a claim. Now, most insurance carriers we work with take great care of their customers; however, from a contractor’s standpoint, there are a few things you should ensure are in your policy otherwise certain exclusions or endorsements could end up costing you in the long run.
– Actual Cash Value Only Policy vs. Replacement Cost Policy: Some carriers are switching to an ACV only policy (more common with wood shake roofs). An ACV policy only covers the use or actual life left of the roof after a deduction of the depreciation. If you have an older roof and an ACV only policy, then more than likely, after your deductible, you’ll pay out of pocket for most of the new roof. Clarify with your carrier the type of policy you have and if you have an ACV only policy. If so, it might be a good opportunity to get a quote for full replacement coverage.
– Code Upgrade Endorsement: If you don’t have a code upgrade endorsement, then you’ll be liable for any new code regulations in your city. For example, some cities are requiring ice and water shield and drip edge (to name a few) to pass new roofing requirements. These additional costs would not be covered by insurance and would be an out-of-pocket expense if you do not have a code upgrade endorsement.
– Deductible: Make sure you are choosing a deductible you can plan for and afford in case you need to utilize your insurance. It’s surprising to us that some homeowners are unaware of how much their deductible is when they file a claim. Some new policies are moving to a percentage deductible, which means your deductible is a certain percentage of your home’s value. With the increase in the housing market, we’ve seen some homeowner deductibles in the tens of thousands of dollars. An appropriate deductible amount is the one you know you can plan for and keep safe in case of an emergency.

 

#2 Choosing the Cheapest Bid

 

“YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!” Buyer beware, when comparing multiple bids and going with the cheapest price, one of two things (or both in some cases) usually happen.
1. The contractor is cutting corners, re-using materials, or taking shortcuts to make the low-ball pricing work.
2. The plan is to Change Order you on the back end of the deal, which means to add onto the original contract for items intentionally (or unintentionally) left off the initial estimate.
To combat this from happening to you, make sure the bid is all-inclusive. Compare apples to apples. If two estimates are dramatically higher than one, the cheap one could be the RED FLAG. Compare bids to make sure they are including the same components, accessories, and warranties. Compare the products used and ask for revisions on the scope of work to match the other two estimates. Read the language in their contract regarding Change Orders and upcharges. Some contracts have extremely vague Change Order terms so ask about potential Change Order items up front. In a lot of cases, choosing the cheapest bid can result in paying a lot more overall. Either the work is shoddy and needs to be fixed, or you get sneaky Change Orders and the final bill becomes way more expensive than the other two bids.

 

#1 Lack of Maintenance

 

Lack of routine or preventative maintenance is the biggest mistake homeowners make when getting a new roof! There is a belief in the roofing industry to just “set it and forget it,” which is a costly mistake! All roofs need regular maintenance just like your car needs new oil or its tires rotated; there are components on every roofing system which are subject to yearly wear and tear. These include certain adhesives, caulking, and sealants that should be “freshened” up each year. With Colorado’s elevation and dry climate, the sealants can dry out, crack, and split and can cause a leak, which isn’t covered by insurance or workmanship warranties, leaving you with costly repairs. Preventative and routine maintenance is only a fraction of the cost of replacement or emergency repairs and when you spend $15-$35,000 on a new roof, then it’s imperative to make sure it’s fully functioning each and every year! 

NexGen Roofing is a local licensed, bonded and insured, roofing company. Call us at 303-800-8258! 

 

Joel Massey, Owner- Executive Officer

Joel Massey Roofing Professional
Google Search for Roofers

I Need a Roofer – 5 Things You Must Do When Before Choosing a Roofing in Metro Denver

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I Need A Roofer - 5 Things You Must Do When Choosing Your Roofing Partner 

Finding a reputable roofing company in a sea of roofers can be a daunting task and sometimes overwhelming. The following are 5 things you must do before choosing a roofer! 

1. Google Search

Start with a basic google search of the company and check to see they have offices located in your area or state. After a hail storm, roofing companies from all over the country swarm the area for a quick buck! If they haven’t been established in your area for some time, they may be a storm chaser and you might not be able to get ahold of them if any issues with your new roof arise. You can always do a business search with the Colorado Secretary of State to view when they started their business and if they are still in Good Standing!  

If you find out their articles of organization are within a year or two, it might be a good choice to find a more established company in your area!

2. Research City’s Licensing Department 

Check your city’s local licensing department. Ensure the company you are working with is actually licensed in the area. In many cities, the requirements are much harder to obtain a license and many contractors perform work in those areas without ever pulling a permit because they don’t meet the criteria to get the license in that city! If they aren’t licensed for in your city, then chances are they won’t pull a permit or may even have another company pull a permit for them.

3. Ask for Proof of Insurance 

Ensure they’re insured! Make sure they’re actually insured in the state they’re working! Storm chasers may have liability and worker’s comp, but it might only be valid in their previous state! It’s always a good idea to ask for a certificate of insurance and be listed as an additionally insured during the duration of the project! 

If getting an insurance certificate or proof of insurance is difficult for them to get, they may still be in underwriting and trying to get insurance for the area. A typical roofing company should be able to get a certificate from their broker within 24 business hours.  

4. Check Reviews and Ask for References

There’s nothing better when choosing a company than to hear from their past customers and references! Get the details from people who actually worked with the company. If they have anything less than 4 Stars on Google, it might be a good idea to find someone else! 

5. Customer Support 

Nothing drives me crazier than calling a company and getting a recorded line or answering machine during business hours! When you call do they have a live answering? How soon can they be out to the property if any issues arise? Ask about warranties and care services after completion of the roof?  

Not all roofing companies are created equal, but if you do these 5 basics steps before choosing your roofer, then you’re increasing your chances working with a reputable roofer in your area who most likely will take great care of you! 

NexGen Roofing is a local licensed, bonded and insured, roofing company. Call us at 303-800-8258! 

 

Joel Massey Roofing Professional

Joel Massey, Owner- Executive Officer

NexGen Blog Post

Snow on the Roof: What You Need to Know About Colorado Heavy Snow

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Snow on your roof is not always the worst thing. There are some advantages to having a light layer of snow on top of your home, but you should be aware of the possible dangers and how to avoid them. 

Advantages of Snow on the Roof 

Snowflakes gathered on top of each other form air pockets causing sound to become muffled. As a result, you experience a sense of quite calm. A layer of snow can act as a form of insulation, protecting your home from losing heat. How quickly snow melts can be an indication of whether you are losing heat through your roof. If you have gaps and cracks in your roof, warm air will rise and escape, causing the snow to melt quicker than conditions should allow.  

 

Problems with Heavy Snow on the Roof 

However, different roofs are designed and manufactured to handle different weight loads. Too much ice and snow accumulations on your home’s roof can put it at risk of collapse. Colorado’s wet, heavy spring snows can cause considerable pressure. Heavy snow, poor roof drainage combined with poor construction can reduce your roofs’ integrity. Over-stressed roofs will begin to creak, leak, and cause ceiling sagging. Do not delay in contacting NexGen Roofing if you see or hear any these tell-tale signs. 

 

What to do After a Heavy Snowstorm 

Colorado’s snow loads plus freeze–thaw cycles can exaggerate existing roof problems. It is a good idea to have your roof inspected for loose, unsecured roof flashing, dislodged shingles, and open gutter seams where caulk has been broken.  

Roof damage can be expensive to fix. Heavy snow accumulation on your roof can lead to severe water damage, which can lead to costly roof repairs. Unfortunately, not doing routine maintenance on your roof can void warranties and homeowner’s insurance will not cover repairs and maintenance.  

Your roof IS your home’s first line of defense against severe weather. Having a roof protection plan can help you avoid costly repairs, leaks and other problems related to roof damage.  

NexGen Roofing’s Peak Protection Plan offers low-cost roof protection, starts with a FREE 25 Point Roof Check-up that gives you piece of mind after a snowstorm.  

 

Watch the video to learn more about our roof protection plan.
NexGen Roofing Peak Protection Plan Video

Book your FREE Roof Check-up today!

Be sure your roof is ready for more spring storms.

Commercial-Roof-Storm-Repair-5d5182a7cfbd4

DOES INSURANCE COVER ROOF REPAIRS?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a home or business owner, you probably know that insurance can protect you from a lot of the costs that storms, debris, and unfortunate events cause to your home or business. In most cases, insurance is mandatory, not only to protect you but to protect those in or around your building if any damage is sustained. This leads to the common questions the NexGen Roofing & Exteriors gets consistently: “Will insurance cover my roof repairs?”

The answer is not as straightforward as most of us would like because it all depends on what your policy states. For most, their home or business insurance policy is very specific on what it will and won’t cover in regards to a roof or building damages. It’s important that you either have your insurance agent educate you or you give your policy a full read-through.

If your insurance does cover your roof repairs, there is a specific process that you want to follow to maximize the payout of your roof repairs. Below, NexGen Roofing & Exteriors is going to share this process so that you can get your roof repaired.

HOW TO BEST APPROACH GETTING YOUR INSURANCE TO COVER ROOF REPAIRS

Roof repairs can be costly. Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to do more than replace your roof. Collateral damage can include structural and aesthetic features of your home or business, which can cost you a ton. Here’s the process to get your insurance to cover your roof repairs:

#1. PROOF OF CLAIM

It’s a tough truth to accept, but your insurance companies do not want to cover your claim. They will work to make sure they don’t have to pay for your roof repairs. This means that insurance companies will scrutinize your claim. To combat scrutiny, you need to have before and after photos, a history of your roof repairs, and a list of receipts and projects for prior roof repair services. Gather proof that your roof repairs are a result of storms, debris, or negligence to increase your chances of getting your claim approved.

#2. REVIEW YOUR POLICY COVERAGE

As mentioned above, you want to know exactly what your policy does and does not cover. You don’t want to spend all your time building a case for yourself when your insurance doesn’t even cover it. On the other hand, your insurance may cover more than you expected. In any situation, know your policy and what you can do to get the insurance in on the repair bills.

#3. THE DECADE MARK

If your roof has aged beyond the 10-year mark, your insurance may give you a depreciated value difference on the roof prior to it being damaged instead of paying for the repairs. While this can help pay for the repair bills, it may not be enough. You can go for the full repair money and chance losing all support or you can take the difference and cover the remaining. Other options include pitching the idea that damages are too serious and you need to replace the entire roof.

#4. INSPECTION AND REPORTING

To approve your roof repair claim, an insurance agent will be dispatched to your home or business to inspect your roof. They will determine if the damage is due to aging or otherwise. If your roof is simply aging, your policy probably won’t cover it. If the damage is due to a storm, debris, or negligence, your policy may cover it. This all depends on what the inspector reports.

#5. ESTIMATES

Your insurance company may require you to get up to five estimates from local roofers in your area. This is for the insurance company to determine what the repairs will cost and who to pay for it. In most cases, your insurance company will pay out less than the cheapest bid in those estimates. So, it’s best to tell your local roofers that it’s for an insurance claim. They will, typically, help you out when it comes to price and getting the claim from insurance.

#6. MATERIALS

In the roofing estimate, you may need to specify which type of roofing material is needed to get the insurance’s approval. Typically, your insurance company will want a specific type of material that follows local wind, load, and durability standards and requirements. In some cases, your insurance company will only pay for the claim if you use a specific type of roofing material. Watch out for this.

#7. KNOW YOUR POLICY

Get with your insurance agent or read your insurance policy. It’s more important that you know the specifics of your home insurance policy than what happened on your favorite TV show. You want to know what your monthly insurance payments actually cover. Many home and business owners read their policies after they’ve purchased them and realize they don’t cover a whole lot. This is why it’s important to know how you’re covered and how you can leverage your insurance policy to cover your roof repair needs.

WHEN TO CALL NEXGEN ROOFING & EXTERIORS

At NexGen Roofing & Exteriors, we will work with you to get your insurance claim approved. Our roof repair services are meant to remove the worry and stress of your roof being damaged. Review our roofing repair services to learn more:

Residential Roof Repairs
Commercial Roof Repairs[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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How to find a roof leak

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You discover a puddle of water in your kitchen. Your first thought is the dog had an accident. As you get near the puddle, you see that it’s not from the dog. You reach over and pull the kitchen sink cupboard open. No water. You look across to the fridge, and you don’t see any water pooling near it. Then the thought pops into your head. You look up and see a discolored spot on the ceiling about the size of a quarter. Now what?

At NexGen Roofing & Exteriors, we want to help you find roof leaks before they become huge problems that leak into your home. Roof leaks can cause thousands of dollars in damage if ignored. For most home and business owners, they don’t even realize they have a roof leak until it’s too late.

In this article, NexGen is going to share the signs of potential roof leaks, as well as where to look for leaks if you’re concerned.

ROOF LEAK CAUSES

A number of roofing issues can cause roof leaks. It could be your roofing material, the flashing, your gutters, or your roofing paper. Age, damage, or installation negligence can be to blame for your roof leaks, and it’s your job to figure out which one is responsible. Here are those roof leak causes again:

  • Material malfunction
  • Flashing failure
  • Gutter damage
  • Paper issues
  • Aging
  • Storm or debris damage
  • Installation negligence

THE SIGNS OF A ROOF LEAK

If you’ve discovered a roof leak in your home or business, you may have found one of these common signs:

  • Water drip
  • Water stains
  • Water spots
  • Mildew or mold
  • Missing shingles or other roof material

WHERE TO LOOK FOR ROOF LEAKS

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to search certain areas of your home or business to discover roof leaks, if they exist. A great way to make sure you don’t have roof leaks is to call a local roofer to inspect your roof, as well as a building inspector to check the inside of your home. Here’s where you can check for leaks:

#1. ATTIC

If you have an attic, you can look for leaks from the roof into the attic space. Most of the leaks run from the interior roof down the trusses into the corners where you cannot necessarily see the water clearly. You may need to move some of your things or some insulation to check for leaks.

#2. INSULATION

Whether in your attic, garage, or basement, insulation can hide dangerous water leaks until it’s too late. What’s more, mildew and mold can pop up in and around insulation. Wet, moist environments are where mold and mildew typically grow.

#3. EXTERIOR

Take a walk around your home. Look along the gutters and the foundation of your home. Water can find its way into your home in various ways. Damage, material failures, or more can allow water inside. Look for broken gutters or roofing materials. Search for areas near your foundation that’s pooling water. Any of these signs could be a potential water leak.

If you find a potential roof leak, give NexGen Roofing & Exteriors a call. One of our expert local roofers will come out and inspect your roof for any potential damages that could cause a water leak. Then, if we find anything, we’ll give you a free estimate on what it would take to fix it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]