Penfolds Roofing Inc.

How Copper Fights Algae and Moss Buildup on Your Roof

Green, environmentally friendly roofs are becoming very popular throughout Vancouver. But another kind of green roof, roofing covered in algae and moss, is one of the worst kinds you can have. Fortunately, with the right kind of roofing and trim, you can very easily prevent algae from forming. Here’s a look at effects of moss and algae on your roof, and the role of copper in reducing their growth on your roof.

Algae and moss may seem totally harmless—but prolonged growth can lead to a number of serious issues that can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your roof. Moss and algae can grow between your shingles or roofing tiles, allowing moisture to penetrate the protective material and seep onto the decking.

As moss thickens, its root system will penetrate your roofing materials, which means a greater presence of water at all levels of your roofing system. Because moss and algae absorb water as it falls onto your roof, you’ll almost certainly experience water damage with prolonged moss or algae growth.

While scrubbing with oxygen bleach and specialized chemicals may eliminate your current moss or algae infestation, they won’t prevent future growth. The best way to do this is to use roofing materials made of or containing copper, which is a natural algaecide and fungicide. Many manufactures produce shingles, shakes, trim, and flashing containing copper, designed to keep algae and moss at bay. As water passes over these materials, it carries small particles of copper across your roof, killing any moss or algae that remains.

To learn more about protecting your roof with copper-infused roofing materials, contact Penfolds Roofing Inc. online or at (604) 283-2373. We carry and install a quality selection of algae- and moss-resistant roofing materials. 

Skylight Placement Essentials-DIY

Skylights are a great way to increase the amount of natural light in your home, as well as give your ceiling an interesting, attractive look. Yet skylight placement is often more complicated than simply choosing any spot on your ceiling.

This video discusses some of the different factors to consider when determining where to place a skylight. Watch to learn about choosing the design of your skylight as well as some architectural factors that may restrict placement and size.

For professional skylight installation services as well as other residential or commercial roofing services in the Vancouver area, contact the experts at Penfolds Roofing Inc. Visit us online or call (604) 283-2373 for more information.

Cedar vs. Asphalt vs. Rubber Shakes and Shingles

Vancouver homeowners have a lot of effective, practical options to choose from when picking a roofing material for their homes. However, not every material available is ideal for every home’s location or needs. Here’s a look at three common roofing materials you can have installed on your residential roof by Penfolds Roofing Inc., and some of the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Many different species are used to produce wood roofing, but cedar is the most commonly used. Cedar roofs are unique in many different ways—cedar shakes have a distinct, rustic look, while cedar shingles are a bit more reserved. Both are designed to allow air to circulate through them, which is not necessarily true for other roofing materials. Cedar roofs are also naturally insect-resistant. Given all of these benefits, cedar roofing is slightly more expensive than other roofing options.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material available today. Homeowners choose asphalt shingles primarily for their cost—when compared to other roofing materials, asphalt is very inexpensive and economical. But the most basic asphalt shingles will not give you the longest-lasting protection, averaging only about 15 years. Higher-end asphalt shingles are a little more expensive, but can sometimes last up to 30 years or more. Asphalt shingles are also available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles, giving homeowners total control over the look of their new residential roof.

Rubber Shingles

Homeowners may also consider rubber shingles. Rubber is a great alternative to standard roofing materials because it’s available in a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes. It’s also resistant to fire and wind, and is fully recyclable. Residential rubber roofing may carry warranties of up to 50 years, and can be recycled when it is finally replaced.

If you’d like to learn more about different roofing materials, contact Vancouver’s roofing experts at Penfolds Roofing Inc. by calling (604) 283-2373.

Protecting a Home From Winter Weather? Here Are Some Additional Links From Around The Web

Winter is one of the busiest times of the year for roofers, since cold winds carry ice, hail, and other dangers to a home’s structure. It’s important to fix potential roof leaks immediately before the problem spreads across your home—visit the following resources to learn more:

• AskMen.com Canada shows readers simple tips for protecting a home from winter weather.
  
  
• This National Post article warns that even mild winters can cause damage to a roof.
  
  
• Learn how to remove ice from the top of your house with this article from The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. 
  
  
• FacilitiesNet.com discusses how harsh weather impacts total roof longevity for residential homes.
  
  
• CBC News uses an interactive presentation to explain how you can winterize your home.

Contact Penfolds Roofing Inc. at (604) 283-2373 to explore our home repair services.

How Winter Weather Can Affect Your Roof

Falling frozen objects put your roof at risk during the wintertime. Read this article to learn more about winter weather risks so you can defend against water leaks and heat loss:

• Water Leaks: Frigid winds can quickly cause havoc for your home’s roof. The repeated melting and freezing of packed snow and ice can easily dislodge roofing materials, allowing moisture to seep underneath and enter your home. Improper ventilation of the attic can cause dangerous ice buildup, as can debris from hanging plants, which clogs gutters and roof valleys, blocking water runoff paths. 
  
   
• Shingle Damage: Your current roof material may be particularly susceptible to damage from ice and snow. Investigate the cold-resistant properties of various roofing materials when considering a pre-season replacement. Asphalt roofing is most vulnerable to the chill of winter winds, and brittle slate materials are susceptible to impacts from falling ice. Rubber and metal roofs are durable, yet can be affected by extreme temperature shifts. Metal roofing materials may develop visible dents from falling hail.
  
  
• Health and Safety Risks: Winter weather problems revolve primarily around frozen build-up causing damage to the roof, which can gradually deteriorate materials down to the home’s foundation. Ceilings loosened by moisture can put your family at risk for injury. In addition, the dampness caused by water from melting ice may promote mold growth inside of walls. The toxic spores that result can cause serious respiratory issues for family members. If you notice any signs of discoloration or softened drywall on walls or ceilings, call your roofing company right away for an inspection.

To avoid the need for repairs, remove ice and snow buildup from your home’s roof right away. Trust your winter-damaged roof to the experts at Penfolds Roofing Inc.—call us at (604) 283-2373 to learn more about our services.