Flat Roof Replacement: An Opportunity to Save

If you own a building with a flat roof, it's inevitable that eventually you will be faced with the need for a flat roof replacement. As your roof ages, the elements of the roof system deteriorate and leaks can develop. Damage can occur from years of workers servicing equipment on the roof. Damage can also result from hail, heavy rain, snow, and even the intense rays from the sun. The first few problems you may have can usually be repaired, but at some point it just won't be feasible to fix an aging roof.

Some consider having a flat roof replacement strictly as a necessary expense. In reality, it may be an opportunity to upgrade to a much more efficient roofing system that can save you money in the long run. Advancements in roofing technology have resulted in highly efficient, durable roofing materials that will last for decades. In many cases a flat roof replacement can pay for itself in just a few years, while reducing energy expense for many more years.

Eighty percent of the energy consumption in many buildings is used for heating and cooling. Some owners have reported savings of up to forty percent in energy consumption after a flat roof replacement using the newer energy efficient roofing systems. Even if you only saved 15 to 20 percent of your energy bill, this could pay for itself and then continue to save money for many years to come.

You can finance your Minneapolis flat roof replacement over a period of years. This will let you have a known fixed cost to budget, instead of unpredictable big repair bills while trying to extend the life of a deteriorating, inefficient roof system. With a new roof you won't be faced with any major repair expenses since they would be covered by the warranty.

You'll want to use a qualified, reputable, experienced flat roof replacement company to ensure that the best installation methods and materials are used. You want to be sure that the company you use is likely to be around for many years, so use one that has been in business in your area for several years.

Roofing Inspectors Find Flat Roof Problems, Before Damage Occurs

You might think that roofing inspectors are only necessary when there is evidence of a leak, or after the passing of a severe hail storm, However, it's a good idea to have  qualified roofing inspectors examine your roof about a year after it has been installed, and at least every five years  after that. It is essential to have a comprehensive roof inspection performed prior to buying a new, or old building, and prior to the expiration of your roofing warranty.

Even though you may have a fifteen or twenty-five year warranty, it's much better to catch  any developing problems early and get them fixed, in-warranty, before any damage is caused.  If you do have damage, your insurance policy will cover a portion of the expense, but who needs the hassle of the interruption and loss of productivity.

Knowledgeable roofing inspectors should be able to identify potential problems before they develop into actual leakage that could cause damage to important documents or expensive electronic equipment inside your building.

The most likely areas for leaking on a flat roof are at laps in the membrane that provides the main protection against water infiltration. Other vulnerable areas are anyplace where there is a transition in direction, such as islands where air-conditioning units are installed or at a wall,

Roofing inspectors will be looking at the general condition of the coating materials, as well as for wrinkles, ridges, blisters, and punctures. They will be checking for proper drainage and signs of any ponding of water. Ponding causes the roof to have to support an excessive amount of weight.

Unlike a sloped roof, where a small leak would cause only a minor amount of water to seep in, a small leak on a flat roof can admit significant quantities of water in a short time, which can cause extensive damage to your building and contents. You would be making a smart decision to make a small investment for roof inspection, which will protect the much larger investment in your property and the assets inside.

You can find a qualified inspector in the Twin Cities area by doing an internet search for "roofing inspectors Minneapolis."

Vinyl Membranes Replace Older Flat Tar Roofs

The old standard black tar flat roof is fast being replaced by the more reliable vinyl membrane roofing
materials. The older method relied on black tar to prevent leaks. The tar then had to be covered
with gravel, which was to reflect the sun's heat so the tar wouldn't melt. The gravel also allowed
maintenance personnel to walk on the roof without getting tar all over their shoes.

However, when someone had to walk on the roof, they would actually be grinding the gravel down
into the felt below the tar, jeopardizing the sealing integrity of the roof. If a property owner got ten
years of leak free service from a tar roof, they did well. Anything longer was just living on borrowed
time.

The new membrane roofs have a lot of benefits that make them easy to recommend. They are more
fire resistant than the old tar roofs. Most require considerably less maintenance. And, they are highly
reflective of sun light which can save a large portion of your air conditioning expense.

A membrane roof can often be installed right over the existing roofing materials, whether they are tar
covered or metal roofs. Not having to remove the old roofing material can save a lot on the installation
cost. When properly manufactured and installed, they are far less likely to develop leaks. This allows
the manufacturer to offer 15, 20, and even up to 30 year warranties.

For more information on the improved membrane roofing materials, visit Minneapols flat roof contractor A-Plus Roofing at www.APlusRoofingMN.com.

A Few Flat Roof Benefits

Besides the obvious difference in appearance from a sloped roof, a flat roof has some benefits that can't otherwise be had from any other type of roof.

For instance, did you know that flat roofs are easier to inspect? Because of the flat nature of the roof, tripping and falling is less of a danger, and the roof can be more easily and thoroughly inspected, which means potential problems have a better chance of being discovered and repaired. This can save you money down the line by preventing undiscovered issues from causing expensive damage.

Another benefit is the inexpensiveness of re-coating or installing a flat roof. You don't see this benefit, though, if the roof is not properly checked out and maintained. If a flat roof is neglected, it can actually cost more to constantly fix issues or install replacements than it would be to have a sloped roof.

If you're interested in having a flat roof installed or repaired, give flat roof specialists A-Plus Roofing a call. We have Minneapolis roof inspectors, installers, and repair specialists to help you with every facet of your roof. Get in touch today at (952) 894-5435.

Spring: A Great Time for Roof Repair

It's generally accepted that Spring is one of the best times for a roof repair specialist to climb up onto the roof and check things out. After all, winter is one of the more harsh seasons, especially in the Minneapolis region of Minnesota. Shingles can be torn away from the roof by the rough conditions, and unless they're repaired or replaced in short order, you could experience some serious leaking.

Another benefit to having your roof checked out and repaired in the spring season is the weather. It could be warm out, but it won't be as burning hot as it would be if your repairs were taking place during the middle of the summer. When working on roofs with asphalt shingles, the heat can be especially brutal during the summer.

A-Plus Roofing is a trusted leader for homeowners who are looking for a Minneapolis roof repair company. Whether you just want your roof checked up on after a rough winter, or you're aware of issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible, A-Plus is ready to help. Complete our online form for a free roof repair quote, or give us a call today at (952) 894-5435.

Flat Roof Repair: Finding the Leak

Another rain storm, another flat roof leak. At A-Plus Roofing, we know it can be especially problematic if you don't know where the leak is coming from. If you're having trouble locating the source of the leak(s), here are some ways to find out where it's coming from:

1. Observe
   This may take some planning, but the best way to find the problem is just to pay close attention. Watch the roof's underside when it's raining, and see if you can trace the water tail to the source. 
2. Spray
   Get a garden house and spray water in a patten on the roof. Have someone under the roof pay attention, and spray a small stream over the point where the dripping takes place. As you spray, there will be some runoff, so you won't have to spray in those areas. Take your time in doing this and pay close attention.
3. Infrared Leak Detection
   This will require hiring a flat roof professional, but your roof can be scan with infrared technology to find the leaks. Many will scan and detect every area where water is present, including through, wood, concrete and still. 

Need Minneapolis roof repair? Get in touch with us now by visiting www.APlusRoofingMN.com.

The Importance of a Roof Drain on a Flat Roof

If one inch of rainwater collects on a rooftop that is twenty feet by twenty feet, can you guess how heavy that is?

One ton.

Most roofs, flat or sloped, aren't built to support a significant amount of extra weight over an extended period of time. That's why it's important to have a roof drain installed on your flat roof.

A roof drain allows water to flow from a flat rooftop down through the interior of the building and, eventually, to the ground. If you hire an inexperienced roofer for the job, you run the risk of damaging the interior of your building if the pipes are not installed correctly and a leak occurs.

Trust this important task to the professionals at A-Plus Roofing Co. For over 10 years, A-Plus has served the Twin Cities metro, ensuring that healthy roofs are in place to keep our fellow Minnesotans dry and protected from the elements. Call today at (952) 894-5435.

Recent Roofing Projects by A-Plus Roofing

Whenever we finish up with a roofing project, we like to snap a few pictures. This allows future customers to see some of the work we've done, and helps them determine if we fit with what they're looking for. These completed project photos are published on the Recent Projects page of our website, so they can be viewed at any time.

Here are a few photos from a roofing project we completed for Midway Container in St. Paul, Minnesota.









Trust A-Plus Roofing with your roof replacement or roof repair project today. Call (952) 894-5435 today, or complete our free roofing estimate form online.

Testimonials from A-Plus Roofing Customers

We've served many satisfied Twin Cities roofing customers since we've been in business, and we're thrilled to be able to show off some of our customers' testimonials on our website. You can take a look at our Testimonials page, but here are a few we'd like to share.

Your people were very professional. Great job. I would recommend A-Plus Roofing Co. to my closest friends and businesses.

Thanks again,
Business owner in Maple Grove, MN

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The roof looks great! The guys did an excellent job. They were very professional and they cleaned up everything real well. I highly recommend you guys to anyone looking for a perfect job.

Golf Course manager in Apple Valley, MN

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You guys did excellent and timely work.

Business owner in St. Paul, MN.

Free Roofing Estimate from A-Plus Roofing

Need to get a new flat roof installed on your commercial building? Is your roof in need of repairs? Perhaps you need your flat roof inspected. Whatever the case, you can't go wrong when you put the leading Twin Cities roofing company to work for you. A-Plus Roofing Co. has been operating in the Twin Cities region for nearly 20 years, and offers customers free estimates on roofing installations and repairs.

What's that mean? It means that A-Plus Roofing will send someone to your commercial property to examine the current roof in place, or the building you're planning to construct, and will give you an estimate of what the project should cost absolutely free. A-Plus believes in educating customers and keeping them in the loop about project details and costs, and this is just one way we do it.

If you're interested in receiving your free roofing estimate, contact A-Plus Roofing Co. today at 952-894-5435, or fill out our free roofing estimate form online.

What is a flat roof?

A flat roof is a type of roof that sits more horizontally (rather than sloped) with a slight inclination to allow run-off. This inclination is usually around 10 degrees. These roofs can be built using a variety of different materials, including asphalt, PVC, EPDM synthetic rubber, and more.

As far as pros of having a flat roof as opposed to a normal roof go, flat roofs are much less expensive than sloped roofs to construct. You're also much safer inspecting or otherwise working on a flat roof as opposed to a sloped roof. Lastly, you can gain access to your flat room a lot easier than you can a sloped roof.

Are you interested in having the professionals at A-Plus Roofing install your flat roof? Fill out our form for a free roofing estimate, or call 952-894-5435.