Not sure if are in need of a new roof? Here are some of the danger signs for which to be on the lookout:
Poor ventilation can cause roof materials to prematurely wear and develop cracks that become leaks which require replacing long before its due.
If there are green/black fuzzy spot son your roof, you’re experiencing a common problem in Western, PA. The existence of algae, moss, or lichens on your roof can be due to poor ventilation, inadequate sunlight, or trees overgrowing your roof line. Sometimes these conditions can lead to mold growth under the roof.
Some areas of wear are obvious. You can see them on your roof, even if you’re not an expert. But, what you may not see is how bad your shingles are decaying underneath the surface. These areas of wear may not show their ugly head until a good gust of wind comes along, a major downpour, snow and ice buildup, or footsteps across the rooftop. Watch for pieces of shingle to appear on your lawn, flowerbeds, or shrubbery.
If there’s a stain on the wall or ceiling, it may be a roof leak that could become serious if left unattended. Most roof leaks will appear brown or discolored from the water penetrating the roof surface and making it through the roof decking. If you notice wet marks that aren’t discolored it may be condensation or a plumbing issue.
Sometimes intense storms can bring hail which, if severe, can wreak havoc on roofing.
Rainwater flows downward, right? Maybe not in a rainstorm. Mix a good heavy downpour with strong winds and you may have water running uphill, or where you least expect it.
Did wind damage strike your roof? Are shingles missing, torn, or lifted? Often, high winds can damage roofing materials and require repair.
Shingle roofs come in a wide variety of types, brands, designs, and colors, which makes them the most popular choice in residential roofing. Shingles are low maintenance and easy to repair should any damage from wind, hail, trees, or animals befall your roof. We are GAF certified installers but also work with CertainTeed and Owens Corning shingles regularly so we are equipped to install any shingle from any brand you choose. There are three main categories of shingles:
This is the oldest and most common type of shingle. They are flat tabs and generally are rated for 25-30 year life expectancy. This is the most economical shingle
This is a modern update to the old-fashioned 3-tab shingle. It is a multi-layer shingle that adds dimension to the roof. Dimensional shingles carry a limited lifetime warranty and are a better looking and longer lasting shingle than the 3-tab for not a lot more money. This is the type of shingle most new and roof replacements are now done with.
These shingles come in various designs to fit certain architectural looks as well as mimic other roofing products at a cheaper cost. There are shingles designed to look like slate, shake, and tile. Each has their own distinct look.
Slate is a natural stone product and it’s the most classic and iconic roof product on the market. We use stone from Virginia Slate Company that comes in various colors and sizes and can be laid out in many different design patterns. Slate roofs require little maintenance and have a very long life expectancy often exceeding 100 years. Slate will not burn, rot, or be damaged by animals. Its only enemy is Mother Nature. Luckily,our professional repair crews can easily switch out damaged slates. Although the investment for a slate roof Is steep, it adds value to your home and outlasts more conventional roof products.
Tile is another classic and iconic roof material that comes in many colors and architectural styles. Often, the lifespan on a tile roof can exceed 70 years and outlasts the other roof accessory products (like flashings and underlayment). Tile roofs are the most energy efficient roofing because the loosely laid tiles allow air to circulate under them. Tile is resistant to fire and moisture which means they will not rot out. Tile is expensive to install, as each piece has to be hand laid. Similarly, repairs to tile roofs can be more costly.
Metal roofing is now very in demand in both commercial and residential settings. Metal roofs come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Metal is energy efficient as it reflects heat and some metal roofs are very eco-friendly being made from recycled materials. Metal roofing can be found in individual shingle designs, standing seam, and flat-lock. We install aluminum, steel, and copper metal roofing and have a custom metal fabrication center to craft the materials needed for even the most intricate and detailed projects. Metal roofing adds value to your home and can last 50-70 years, maintenance free.
E.P.D.M. Rubber roofing is commonly used for low slope and flat roofs. It is found in both commercial and residential settings. It is a black single-ply rubber sheet that is fully adhered over screwed down insulation board. It offers good insulation properties and is resistant to hail and excessive winds. Rubber roofing is easy to maintain and repair. It typically can have a life of 30-50 years and often that usable life can be extended by coating the rubber roof.
As an alternative to rubber for low slope and flat roofs in the residential setting, we install asphalt based rolled roofing. Some customers do not like the black look of rubber and want a product that will match the shingles they have installed on the rest of their roof. The shingle manufacturers have designed rolled roofing products, such as FlintLastic by CertainTeed, just for this application. The product matches their shingle colors so most people don’t even realize it is different from the shingles on the steeper slopes.
This natural wood product is not used as much in the Pittsburgh, PA area any more but offers a classic look that adds character to the home. Shake comes in many colors, thicknesses, and sizes to offer a variety of looks on the house. Shake is energy efficient because it is a natural product that helps to insulate the attic space. Because shake is a natural product, it can decay over time and is often not the best choice for damp or dark locations. The typical life span of a shake roof is 20-30 years.
Shingles, slate, tile, shake, rubber, and metal – we do it all. We professionally install all types of roofing for your home or new construction.
We offer the convenience of a Fall and Spring maintenance program to make sure your roof is ready for the Winter and secure in the Spring.
If you spring a leak or are experiencing issues with your roof system, we run repair service year-round (weather permitting) to get you squared away.
Selling or buying a house? We provide detailed roof inspections to help get the roof into top shape to aid in the negotiation process.
We offer a full compliment of other roof related services including gutters, downspouts, soffit, fascia, siding, skylights, and custom metal work.
We proudly serve all of Allegheny County, PA and the immediately surrounding areas. Contact us if you are unsure if we can service your property or check out the information below regarding specific regions and communities in and around Pittsburgh, PA.
The south hills are central to our customer base. Our office is in the heart of the south hills and we have been maintaining Pittsburgh’s rich slate and tile roof heritage in these communities for over 70 years.
Welte Roofing is fortunate to service several high-end slate and shingle roofs in the east end as well as work on several of Pittsburgh’s colleges and universities. We have repair crews in the east end of Pittsburgh, PA weekly.
From the Mexican War Streets to Sewickley and Allegheny to Fox Chapel we have satisfied customers north of Pittsburgh in almost every community with every type of roofing.
Where it all began – the West End. Our original offices were located in the West End and we have long-standing customers dating back to our first year in business from this region.
