Category: Do It Yourself

RoofCo is a roofing and solar company committed to providing a transparent look at how to do all things roofing! Our goal is to equip homeowners with all the information they need to either make their own repairs or be armed with all the appropriate information to hire the best contractor for their project.

In this video we show the DIY homeowner how to fix the most common roof leak, a leaking pipe flashing. Pipe flashings, also known as pipe boots, are a rubber seal that go around vent pipes on your roof. These seals dry rot over time and eventually crack, leading to a roof leak.

Stay tuned for more upcoming videos for how to fix the most common roofing problems yourself and save huge money instead of hiring a contractor. Or, if you prefer to hire a roofing professional, we also offer tips on how to hire the best contractor for your needs.

If you find value in this video please be sure like the video and subscribe to our channel. If there are other roofing or solar questions you have please contact us and we will be happy to provide a video for you.

Thank you and be safe!

In this video Ryan from RoofCo uses a thermal image camera to show homeowners a simple way to evaluate where your home may be losing heat, and costing you extra money each month.

Astonishingly, 90% of existing American homes are under insulated! That means 90% of existing American homes are wasting money, energy and are not providing their owners with optimal comfort. In addition, an under insulated home will have a higher carbon footprint creating a negative impact on the environment. This is according to Hersindex.com.

Research conducted by Dr. Jonathan Levy, a Professor of Environmental Health at Boston University School of Public Health showed that if all U.S. homes were fitted with insulation based on the updated 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), residential electricity use nationwide would drop by about 5 percent and natural gas use by more than 10 percent.

Dr Levy's research also showed that by increasing insulation in U.S. homes across the country, not only did energy usage decrease but there was also a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as well as other pollutants.

If you find value in this video please be sure like the video and subscribe to our channel. If there are other roofing or solar questions you have please contact us and we will be happy to provide a video for you.

RoofCo is a roofing and solar company committed to providing a transparent look at how to do all things roofing! Our goal is to equip homeowners with all the information they need to either make their own repairs or be armed with all the appropriate information to hire the best contractor for their project.

Thank you and be safe!

In this video Ryan from RoofCo shows what causes and how to prevent one of the craziest roof challenges called Ice Damming.

An Ice Dam occurs when snow and ice from your roof begin to melt, once the melting reaches the gutter line of your home it is susceptible to re-freezing and over time an "ice dam" is created. This is not always a problem; however, in extreme situations this dam can force water back up the roofline resulting in an interior leak.Ice damming is caused by several factors, however, the two biggest factors are a lack of insulation and proper roof ventilation.

Astonishingly, 90% of existing American homes are under insulated! That means 90% of existing American homes are wasting money, energy and are not providing their owners with optimal comfort. This is according to Hersindex.com. Insulation creates a blanket in your attic which keeps the conditioned air inside of your house. An under insulated house will lose heat faster resulting in the snow and ice melting first directly above your conditioned living space. This premature melting causes the water to run down the roof line and refreeze once it hits the non-conditioned section of your roof. (Generally close to the gutter line)

Roof Ventilation is critical to the performance and longevity of your home's roof. A proper ventilation system allows your home's attic to breath resulting in warm/moist being able to escape from your attic before creating a problem. In the warmer months a well ventilated roof allows the excessive heat to escape your attic, resulting in a longer lasting roof!

Another option to help reduce the risk of a leak, should an ice dam occur, is installing Ice and Water shield 3' feet up front the line separating the conditioned living space in your house. Ice and Water Shield is a waterproofing membrane which forms a seal around the nails driven through it providing additional protection over standard roofing felt.If you find value in this video please be sure like the video and subscribe to our channel.

If there are other roofing or solar questions you have please contact us and we will be happy to provide a video for you.

RoofCo is a roofing and solar company committed to providing a transparent look at how to do all things roofing! Our goal is to equip homeowners with all the information they need to either make their own repairs or be armed with all the appropriate information to hire the best contractor for their project.

Thank you and be safe!

Did you know that home improvement contractors rank among the lowest on the list of trusted professionals? That's right, according to Forbes, home improvement contractors rank in the lowest half of trusted professionals. Therefore, how can you be certain you are hiring the best contractor for your project? This video will help ensure that you avoid unexpected and costly surprises so that you have a positive experience for your next project.

By no means is this a full list of all possible questions, rather a guide to help sort through contractors and find the best fit for you.

1. What are some practices you do different from your competition?
2. When doing the work, is there anything different you do from what the manufacturer recommends?
3. How long have you been doing roofing / (any type) work?
4. Can you provide a copy of your Insurance, Workman's Compensation and Bond before beginning the work?
5. How long have you been working with your team who will actually be doing the work?
6. Will a job site supervisor be present throughout the project?
7. How can I expect to be communicated with throughout the project?
8. What are any possible out of pocket expenses that could come up after we agree on a price?
9. In the event something is damaged or broken while on the job, how have you handled that in the past?
10. How are payments handled? When are payments due?

Bonus:
1. Are discounts available for doing work off season or for paying cash?

Another helpful tip when interviewing contractors can actually begin before they show up to your house.

Did the contractor communicate well in advance?
Did the contractor call or communicate to confirm your appointment?
Did the contractor show up on time, act professional and seem confident and competent in their proposed solutions?

These steps may be indicators you can pick up on before making your final decision.

If there are other roofing or solar questions you have please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

RoofCo is a roofing and solar company committed to providing a transparent look at how to do all things roofing! Our goal is to equip homeowners with all the information they need to either make their own repairs or be armed with all the appropriate information to hire the best contractor for their project.

Thank you and be safe!