Dale's Blog

Repairing the Roof in the Cold Weather

showalterroofing — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:07:36 +0000

We have so far experienced the elements of winter…except for the snow. Never fear, we live in Chicago, you can be sure it will arrive.

However, many companies each year question if roof repairs can be done in the winter…or with snow on the roof. The answer is yes. Dale Showalter of Showalter Roofing Services discusses our process for fixing leaks in the winter.

Condensation Build Up: Is it a roofing or humidity Issue?

showalterroofing — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:58:00 +0000

Each year, Showalter Roofing receives numerous calls for condensation problems. Many times after we visit the home and inspect the attic, we find it to be a humidity issue.

When temperatures plummet as typical Chicago weather proves each year, homeowners begin to notice moisture in the attic. Most times it’s due to the humidifiers directly installed on furnaces. If the humidity level on the inside…is above the level on the outside, condensation builds in our attics.

Take a trip up to your attic early in the morning. If you see a layer of frost on the underside of the plywood, it’s most likely condensation. As the outside temperature rises this frost will melt and water spots may occur on your ceiling.

If you notice moisture confined to a specific area of the roof decking, that’s most likely going to be a roofing problem. Call Showalter Roofing at 630.499.7700 to conduct a complete evaluation to verify a roofing issue.

Here are the Top 3 Ways Homeowners Can Combat Condensation Issues:

Turn the humidifier down on your furnace especially when it’s really cold outside. It doesn’t seem logical, however the furnace is turning on more frequently causing an increase of humidity in the air. To see a chart for setting your humidistat go to: http://www.showalterroofing.com/Condensation.php
Check your clothes dryer. Your dryer may not be hooked up properly. If warm moist air is getting into your home from the clothes dryer, it will end up in the attic.
Check if your bathroom fan is connected properly. If there is a problem, the warm moist air will quickly reach the attic.

Was this entry helpful on condensation? Let us know.

Types of Roofing Systems

showalterroofing — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:25:09 +0000

As budgets continue to be a concern, and justifications need to be made, we wanted to help in your decision making process by explaining the roofing systems available to you by Showalter Roofing. We’ve chosen these systems as they are the most reliable and long lasting systems found in the industry today.

TPO Roof

TPO

Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing system that can be fully adhered, mechanically fastened or ballasted. The white TPO material helps to reduce the heat

in the building and is many times the popular choice for ‘Green’ or energy efficient buildings.

Metal Roof

Metal

Metal roofing systems are increasing in popularity due to their durability and long lasting wear. It is a larger cost upfront, but lasts the longest from all roofing systems out there.

Modified Bitumen Roof

Modified Bitumen

Modified Bitumen is asphalt based that has modifiers added to give it a plastic or rubber like finish. It is a durable roofing system that has a very long track record. It has either an aluminum coated or granulated surface.

What makes the roofing system last is the maintenance. By caring for the roof, you extend the life of the roofing system. The cost to maintain it continues to be cheaper and more cost effective than an early replacement. Roofs are easily forgotten, but if a leak in the roof begins, damage on the inside is inevitable.

Tree Branches Touching the Roof? Not Good.

showalterroofing — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:07:24 +0000

Tree Branches on Roof

Trees are certainly an important part of our landscape. It beautifies as well as keeps our homes cool during the summer months. We are aware of the downfalls too. Each fall, we climb the ladder and pull the leaves from the gutters.

But one area remains unattended…the tree branches. Tree branches are harmful to roofing systems. As the branches sway in the wind, they scratch on the surface of the shingle causing the particles to come off. These granules are critical as they protect the roof.

Take time to get those branches off the roof.

It will extend the life of your roof.

Showalter Roofing Expands Residential Services, 3 Sales

showalterroofing — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:31:40 +0000

Officials from Showalter Roofing Services announced Jason Mayes, Luis Trejo and Jeff Rosier as the company’s new residential sales consultants covering the Chicago and Chicagoland area.

The new representatives brings a wealth of roofing knowledge as all three have first hand experience installing roofing systems.

“Jason and Louis are long time employees of Showalter Roofing and have proven their abilities, knowledge and have fully embraced the Showalter ‘7 Reasons’” said Ty Thiel, Director of Residential Roofing. “Jeff enhances our team with practical experience and long time installation experience. They all have seen a variety of situations and are able to help identify solutions that are most optimal for our customers.”