Archive for the ‘Roofing’ Category

Pricing Comparisons Between Different Roofing Tiles And Shingles

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

There are many types and styles of roofing that appear on Georgia homes.  The decision on which type of roofing to select may be made for style that matches home’s design, color choice, appearance, durability, and cost, to name a few.  These decisions are made when building new, adding additions, repairing or replacing an older home’s roof.

Georgia Roofer Cornerstone

Most Georgia roofs are made to last 15 to even 100 years depending on the material and quality of the workmanship. A call to Dawsonville roofer, Cornerstone, for a free roofing inspection and estimate will help you make your decision.

Cost Estimates For Roofing Materials

Knowing some general cost estimates may help with your initial as well as final decision on which roofing material to choose. You can discuss each of the options below with your Cumming roofer during a free roof inspection.

Asphalt Shingles: $50-$150 per square, easy to install with variety of colors, life span of 15-30 years, high maintenance

Wood Shingles and Shakes: $100-$165 per square, difficult to install properly, long lasting, high maintenance, fire hazard, poor weathering

Metal: $100-$650 per square, difficult to install if not by professional contractor, high upfront cost, durable, recyclable, low maintenance, and can be installed over existing roofs

Spanish Tile:  $300-$600 per square, life span to 70 years, very high upfront costs, heavy

Clay Tiles: $300-$600 per square, long lasting, variety of colors, complex to install, high upfront cost

Slate Tiles: $450-$1550 per square, long lasting to 100+ years, fire proof, low maintenance, very high upfront costs, heavy

Free Roofing Inspection in North Metro Atlanta

If you are considering a new roof, or need an older roof repaired or replaced, call your Roswell GA roofer, Cornerstone Roofing, for a free roofing inspection. During their visit, get answers to any questions you may have and discuss all of the options available for your specific needs.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Put On A New Roof?

Friday, March 30th, 2012

If you are thinking of replacing your roof, putting on a new roof with new construction or making roofing repairs, you may wonder what time of year is the best time to work on a roof.  For some, with new construction, the roof will go on while the construction is occurring, which can be throughout the year in Georgia.  For those who want to replace or do major repair work you may want to plan the job for when the temperatures will be above freezing and when wind and rain are least expected.

Georgia Roofing Contractor

In Georgia, roofing contractors are able to work twelve months out of the year. There may be some days that are just too stormy, rainy or windy to work on the roof or expose the under-structure to the elements or the North Metro area of Atlanta may see some days of snow, ice and freezing temperatures where work is generally not scheduled to begin or work is put on hold  until the weather cooperates. In the event of bad weather during a roofing job, special measures will be taken to protect the home from damage at all times.

Cummings and Dahlonega Area Roofer

If you need to have major repairs made to your roof, or need a failing roof replaced when the weather is bad, our North Georgia roofer will work with you to provide immediate coverage and protection until the needed work can be accomplished. Your Cumming roofing contractor, Cornerstone, is available for free consultations and would be happy to plan out a work schedule with you that not only meets your needs but takes the weather into consideration as well.

Atlanta Roofer Cornerstone

Our North Georgia roofer, Cornerstone, works with each individual homeowner and family to meet their needs. They will provide a free evaluation and inspection of your roofing needs.  Don’t worry about the weather – your Georgia roofer has over 15 years of experience in the area and they will keep your home safe during any kind of weather situation. Call Cornerstone Roofing today for a free visit!

Serious About Buying an Older Home? Having a Roof Inspection is Critical

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

If you are in the market for buying an older Georgia home you will more than likely have a general inspection of the house performed. Having the roof inspected by a roofing contractor is critical to know for certain if there are damages to the roof and interior structures, and what it may cost to have them repaired.

Georgia Home Buyer Roofing Inspections

The selling price of the home is expensive and you do not want to discover big problems and put down thousands more to replace or repair a bad roof after the paperwork is signed. The roof may appear fine from the ground and the sellers may not have had any problems with the roof in the past giving you a false sense of security. Having a professional Georgia roof inspection can find hidden issues that can lead to structure failure and big expenses down the road.

Cumming Roofer Provides Roof Inspections For Home Buyers

Our Cumming roofer team looks at the condition of the roofing materials, their age, signs repair, and the probable remaining life span of the roof.  In addition your Atlanta area roofer will inspect for proper venting, hidden mold or mildew, poorly installed flashing, dry rot, water stains in the attic, ill repair of gutters, the presence of vermin, and many other defects that can lead to extensive roof damage or allow water and mildew to enter your home and damage the structure and the main living areas of your home.

Home Buyer Atlanta Roofing Inspections

If you want to have a Georgia roof inspection prior to buying a home, call your Dawsonville roofer for a roof inspection. Get the answers you need before making an offer or signing any paperwork; you may make an offer pending a clean “bill of health” from your home inspection and roofing inspection. Cornerstone Roofing has been providing quality professional services to the North Metro Atlanta area for over 15 years. Call today to arrange for your roofing inspection on the home you are serious about buying. What you can’t see can hurt your wallet!

Can I Put More Than One Layer Of Shingles On My Roof?

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Check with your local ordinances before putting another layer of shingles on to your existing roof. Most local communities will only allow two layers of shingles on a roof, although there are some areas that do allow up to three layers. Be sure to check your local building codes to be sure you are in compliance if you plan on doing the work yourself.

Cumming Roofer Provides Free Roofing Inspections

There are several things to consider before adding a second (or even third if permissible) layer of shingles onto your home’s roof:

  • Most roof structures are able to support the weight of two layers of shingles. Inspecting the structure and framing before starting the job would be advisable.  There may be inadequate support, or wood that is compromised from dampness, mold or rot.  Call your Cumming roofer, Cornerstone, for a free roofing inspection so that you will know upfront how to make sure your structure is strong and secure.
  • Inspect for any existing leaks.  Adding a new roof over another roof does not always fix the underlying issues.  The area of concern may be around the flashing or vents and these will need to be repaired before you install an additional roof.  Georgia roof repairs are too important to the security and protection of your home to only partially correct a problem.
  • Get a thorough Dawsonville roof inspection to assure that all of the shingles lay flat.  Shingles added on top of old warped or curled shingles will take on the shape of the shingles underneath. Not only will the life span of the new shingles significantly decrease, but the warranty may be void as well.
  • Get a good evaluation of the roof decking and structure from your attic or crawl space. For example, are the boards and wooden support warped, soft, damp and moldy? Adding another layer to your Georgia roof will not fix the problems below.

Dawsonville and Roswell GA Roofer

Protect your home and your family and save wasted expense from trying to cover up a problem instead of properly repairing the concern.  Call your Cumming and Roswell roofer, Cornerstone, for a free roofing inspection today.

What Are The Five Most Common Roofing Problems?

Monday, January 16th, 2012

There are many problems that can occur with any roof and the earlier you catch the problem the more likely you are to save money.  Letting a known issue go leads to further structural damage which turns into a more expensive repair job.

Five Most Common Roofing Problems – Cumming Roofer

l.  Roof Leaks and Moisture Build-up – Leaks can occur for a number of reasons, such as loose or missing shingles, damage to the flashing, improper seals around vents, age and deterioration of the roofing material, poor installation, growth of moss or algae, a inadequate gutter system, and so on. Call your Cumming, GA roofer, Cornerstone, for a free roofing inspection.  Find out if you have a problem with your roof now before time allows further damage to occur.

2.  Shingles Blowing Off or Tearing – Shingles are a major protection barrier for your roof structure and the inside of your home. Shingles that become worn, have blown off, torn, or lifted up during a storm, or shingles that were improperly installed provide an open invitation for water to enter your Cumming area home.  You may not notice the water entering into your attic or crawl space until it finally reaches your ceiling leaving stains and possibly dripping down into the room.

3.  Improper Installation of Roofing Materials –  During tear off of the old materials, inspect prior problem areas and make sure that all the flashing is tight around vents, chimneys or skylights you may have.  Replace any damp or rotted areas with new materials – Letting damp wood remain leads to continued deterioration, mold growth and decay. Call your Atlanta roofer, Cornerstone, for a free roofing inspection.

Dahlonega Roofing Contractor

4.  Maintenance Not Performed in Timely Manner – Take a walk-around and check all sides of your North Metro Atlanta roof. A lopsided or missing shingle, water splashing out from the sides of your gutters, debris on the roof, or dark stains on the roof are examples of potential problem areas.  Receiving a Cummings area Free Roofing Inspection is a quick and easy way to know for sure if there are any issues that need correcting now before the problem grows more expensive.

5.  Improper Roofing Repairs – The key is to use the right quality materials for the job and know how to properly repair the problem.  If you do not know which is the right shingle or underlay for your roof, or have never put a shingle on a roof, it may be a wiser choice to find a reputable roofing contractor who can provide a quality job in short order, and clean up all the discarded materials too! Dahlonega roofer Cornerstone today for a free roofing inspection.

What is Flashing and How Does It Protect a Roof?

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Flashing is used on the roof to provide a watertight junction between the roofing material and structures that extend up and through the roof such as pipes, vents and chimneys.  Flashing also provides protection where different sections of the roof come together.  Flashing can be the most vulnerable part of a roof and many early roof problems are actually issues with the flashing itself.

Atlanta and Gainesville GA Roofer

Calling your Cumming roofer, Cornerstone, for a free roofing inspection can help you find and repair a roofing problem early on.  A competent roofing contractor can determine if a leak is the result of open joints in the masonry behind the flashing or from inadequate flashing design for your roof’s needs.  Your Atlanta roofer may find that repairing minor issues is all that is required to make your roof watertight again.

Some of the problems that may occur with flashing include insufficient protective coatings that allow for deterioration of the material, open seams or overlaps from improper sealing methods, improper fastening of the flashing to the roof surface or wall, loose insulation, and numerous other issues. Call your Gainesville, GA roofer, Cornerstone, to schedule a free roof inspection today.

Cumming and Dawsonville Georgia Roof Inspections

Properly fitted and maintained flashing is important to the health of your roof.  Small openings between the flashing and roof, improper installation, and other roof imperfections allow water to find a way in to the roof structure itself.  Leaks and stains may appear on the interior ceilings or dampness in the roof structure may lead to mold, rot and extensive damage before you become aware of a problem.

Cornerstone, your North Metro Atlanta roofer has been providing quality services and free roofing inspections for over 15 years.  We are a highly rated company and are more than happy to provide references near you.  Call your Cumming and Gainesville Georgia Roofer to schedule a free roofing inspection today.

Will the Moss or Algae Growing on my Roof Damage it?

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Moss and algae grow in damp and shady places.  In order to bring more sunlight to your roof try to remove any leaves or debris laying on the roof, and cut back any tree branches that hang over your roof.  Both of these plant growths can damage not only the roof shingles, but the roof structure as well.  Call your Cumming, GA roofer, Cornerstone for a free roofing inspection to be sure damage has not already started to occur.

Atlanta and North Georgia Roofer

Algae damages the roof as it will actually feed on the limestone filler that is part of shingle construction.  The longer algae is on your roof, the more granules that protect the surface of the shingle loosen and wash away.  Once the shingles lose part of their protectant, it shortens the shingles life span and does not reflect the sun’s heat as well; this in turn increases what you pay in air conditioning bills. In addition, the presence of algae on your roof will encourage the growth of both lichens and roof moss which also damage your roof.  Find out if damage has already occurred with a free roofing inspection.

Moss and lichens that appear on the roof actually anchor into the top layer of your shingles. As they dig into the shingle they cause granules to loosen and fall away.  Moss and lichens also cause the edges of the shingle to lift up which makes your roof more susceptible to both wind damage and water leaks. Since moss and lichen retain moisture, they keep the area where they are growing damp, inviting more plant growth.

Cummings, Dawsonville and Dahlonega Roofer

Leaving plant growth on your roof will eventually lead to leaks and rot. The roofing material that is affected may need to be removed and replaced.  Catching damage early can save you thousands of dollars.  Call your North Georgia roofer, Cornerstone to schedule a free roofing inspection.  Don’t delay and let “nature take its course” on your roof!

What Are The Top 10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Roofing Contractor?

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Having your roof replaced, repaired or installed as new construction is a major project that deserves thought and planning. You want your home to have a roof that will not only finish off the look of your home, but will be constructed with quality workmanship and materials.

There are several questions to ask your roofing contractor when you are comparing companies and obtaining an estimate.

What Questions Should I Ask The Roofing Contractor I’m Considering?

1. Can you provide references for roofing work you have completed?

2. Are you a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association?

3. Are you insured? A company’s comprehensive liability and workers compensation insurance would protect you in the event of an accident on your roofing job.

4. Does your company have a license? If you know a company’s license number you can also check out their track record with the Better Business Bureau.

5. How much of a down payment do you require? When is the rest due?

6. What is the best type of roof for my house?

7. What type of warranty comes with the roofing material that you select?

8. What is the overall life expectancy of the material being used on your roof?

9. How long is the work expected to take?

10. Does the job include cleanup and removal of debris?

Trusted Dahlonega Roofer

Your Dahlonega roofer, Cornerstone Roofing, has been providing quality service for the past 15 years to the North Metro Atlanta area. Cornerstone is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, and is proud to provide you with customer references.

Your Gainesville area roofer, Cornerstone Roofing, offers a free roofing inspection and estimate. Cornerstone would be happy to discuss your concerns in the repair or replacement of an existing roof, or help you plan for the construction of a new roofing system. Call Dahlonega area roofer, Cornerstone, today to ask for your free roofing inspection and estimate.

What Can I Do To Prevent Roof Damage?

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Prevention and proper repair or replacement of any problems is the best way to keep your home secure and safe from damage from wind, rain and snow.  There are a number of things that you can do that will help to prevent roof damage.  If you do notice any problems you can take immediate steps to repair or replace any concerns before they become a major problem.

Top 10 Roof Damage Prevention Tips:

  1. Keep your roof free from the collection of leaves, twigs, moss, and other items that could block proper drainage.
  2. Check to be sure that air can flow freely through all the soffit and roof vents to prevent heat and moisture buildup.
  3. Replace missing shingles.  Replace shingles that are curled, broken or cracked.
  4. Trim overhanging branches from the edge or top of your roof so no branches hang on or scrape against the top of edge of the roof.
  5. Check to be sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and allow good flow of water off of your roof.  Look for rust, holes, pulling away from the house, and for areas of water backup or spill over.
  6. Examine the roof flashing around roof vents, skylights, the chimney, valleys and connecting roof areas. Flashing should fit tight to the house.
  7. Look at the edge of your roof for loose or missing shingles. Damage to the edge can allow water back up as well as create a weak spot for high winds to cause further damage.
  8. Check inside your attic or crawl space for signs of leaks or if points of light can be seen through the roof decking.
  9. Examine all the roof vents and flues to be sure they are clear and are working properly.
  10. Consider hiring a professional Georgia roofing contractor for expert inspections.  Your Cumming area roofer, Cornerstone, provides free roofing inspections and would be happy to schedule a time to discuss any concerns you may have.

Protect your investment in your home.  Call Cornerstone Roofing today for a free roofing inspection.

 

Why should I use a GAF Certified Master Elite Roofing Contractor?

Friday, July 29th, 2011

What is a GAF Certified Master Elite Roofing Contractor?

The title sounds good, but what does it really mean? According to GAF Materials Corporation, only 3% of all roofers in this country are certified Master Elite roofers. In order to be called Master Elite, the contractor must be fully insured while maintaining a positive reputation within the community. Furthermore, ongoing training and a factory inspection of the completed roof is also required. Master Elite’s roofing contractors are among the best in their trade and Cumming’s Cornerstone Roofing has earned the title of Master Elite.

By choosing a Master Elite roofing contractor, like your Dawsonville roofer, Cornerstone Roofing, you will be assured that you have chosen a professional contractor that has met and exceeded the industries high standards of excellence. Cornerstone Roofing is focused on quality, dependability, and reputation. Using a Master Elite roofer, your roof will be professionally installed and factory inspected so you can be sure you are getting the highest quality product and installation. GAF is also backed by the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

What’s Different About GAF Certified Roofing Contractors?

A Master Elite roofing contractor has received extensive training developed by GAF’s technical experts; these roofers with their specialized training stay current in the latest roof installation techniques. In addition, every Master Elite Contractor, like Cornerstone, is required to train their foremen using GAF’s Quality Assurance Roofing Educational Program.

You can rest easy knowing that the training and certification earned by Cornerstone Roofing will be in place on your roofing job. Cornerstone has over 15 years of experience in the North Metro Atlanta area. They are also a member of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

Cumming GAF Certified Master Elite Roofers

Don’t trust your biggest asset to just any contractor. Factory-certified Master Elite contractors are your best and safest choice. Call your Cumming roofer, Cornerstone Roofing with any roofing questions, concerns, or to receive a free roofing inspection.