Roof Blog

July 26th, 2023

Metal roofs are increasingly popular due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and longevity. However, that doesn't mean they are completely immune to damage and leaks. A metal roof is not designed to be waterproof, rather it is designed to shed water easily. That means there should never be standing water for an extended period of time on the metal roof. Think ice dams, clogged gutters, or poor roof design.

Searching for a leak in a metal roof can be overwhelming but is much easier when you know where to look and what to look for. This guide is meant to help you identify weak areas in your metal roof that may need maintenance and demonstrate how to find a leak in a metal roof.

Signs That May Indicate a Leak in a Metal Roof

1. Rust on the Surface of the Roof

Metal roofs have a lot of pros, but one con is staying on top of rust. rust on the surface of a metal roof is not a guarantee there is a leak. However, rust can destroy the roof's protective coating, leaving holes which can lead to a leak in the metal roof. If you notice rust on your roof, be sure to inspect for leaks and consider applying a rust stopper to prevent it from spreading.

2. Improper Roof Movement

Like lots of elements of a properly built home, a metal roof is designed to move a bit. It is imperative for a roofing contractor to ensure the proper design of the entire metal roofing system. Thermal expansion is incredibly important for metal roofs installed in an area like Montana where temperature fluctuations can be extreme. Incorrect install, repair work or damage to panels can inhibit this movement and cause water to penetrate the metal roof.

3. Issues with Fasteners

Clips and fasteners with rubber grommets are the two types of attachments used on metal roof panels. Clips fasten directly to the purlin, where the fasteners are more concealed after the panels are seamed and crimped together. This is the more ideal way to keep water out of your home, used in standing seam metal install. Exposed fasteners (with rubber washers) fail over time. The rubber cracks and wears down between the metal panel and the washer over time due to exposure to the elements. If not properly maintained, the gaps between the metal panel and washer exposes the roof to water leaks. 

4.  Holes or Dents in the Roof

Foot traffic can end up creasing or denting the metal panels. This can cause water to pool and eventually leads to rust, holes, and leaks if not properly repaired or maintained. 

5. Improper Materials or Installation

It is very important when having a metal roof installed to use skilled contractors who know which materials and techniques are required for proper installation. If improperly installed, the seams along the metal panels can lift up and allow water to drip under your roof. This not only causes leaks, but can lead to severe structural and interior damage to your home.

Finding the Leak in a Metal Roof

As we've learned above, metal roofs can leak for different reasons, but you'll most likely find the source of a leak in a few key places: the body of the roof, the transition points of the roof, near penetrations, or in the termination details. 

Body of the Roof

Check for:

• Puncture holes from weather or debris

• Rust damage

• Missing, misaligned, loose or overly tightened screws

• Metal roofing panels that have shifted out of place

Transition Points

Where one section of roof connects with another. Pay close attention to the valleys of your roof and check for:

• Missing sealant or missing butyl tape

• Loose trim or gaps

• Missing, misaligned, loose or overly tightened screws

• Misalignment where panels overlap

Roof Penetrations

Penetrations of a roof include any place where pipes, vents, skylights, chimneys, or any other type of mechanical support pass through the roof. Check for:

• Cracked seals on flashing

• Gaps in trims around corners of penetrations

• Decaying sealants

Termination Details

A place on a metal roof where the metal roofing stops. This includes the gaps and trims of the roof. Check for:

• Loose or missing caps

• Water running under the caps

• Gutter damage

• Flashing damage

• Decaying sealants

Have Questions? Reach Out and Ask!

If you're worried about a leak in your metal roof, reach out to the experts at Fly Roofing, LLC. We have experience installing and repairing a variety of types of metal roofs. If you're interested in scheduling a roofing consultation, visit us online today!

Sept 12th, 2023

Flathead County is no stranger to hailstorms. Weather events such as hail can cause significant damage to a roof and plenty of homeowners can find themselves at a loss on what to do first in the aftermath of the storm. We'd like to offer a few tips to help homeowners know what to do both before and after a hailstorm comes to town.

Before the Storm

Sometimes the best route is avoiding a problem all together. With extreme weather events that can be hard to do, but with some good planning, not altogether impossible. 

1. Review Your Home Insurance Policy - Is Hail Damage Covered?

From our experience, it is possible that an insurance company will replace a roof with hail damage without many questions but this is not the common response. Chalk it up to a nice adjuster, or one who has somewhere they'd rather be! Typically your insurance company will send a claim adjuster out who should be trained in identifying hail damage -- they are looking for the density of hits (number of hits per square) to determine if a repair or replacement is needed. As a general guideline, many insurance companies consider 8-10 impact points per 100 square feet (10x10 foot area) as indicative of significant damage and potentially grounds for total roof replacement. There are times when your policy does not cover hail damage if it is cosmetic damage only -- particularly in reference to metal roofs. It is very important to clarify these items when comparing insurance policies, the last thing you'll want to deal with after experiencing hail damage to your home is a fight with your insurance company. 

2. Impact Resistant Shingles?

If you are considering avoiding the problem all together, you may be considering impact resistant shingles. IR shingles are engineered to withstand hail, wind, sleet, and other extreme weather conditions. These impact resistant shingles have deeper embedded granules with greater adhesion vs standard asphalt. These shingles do carry a higher upfront cost due to the additional costs of manufacturing the specialty products but can offer significant savings in the long term. Some insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install impact resistant roofing, especially those who live in hail zones. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are entitled to a discount for impact resistant shingles.

After the Storm

As we've mentioned above, there are typical steps an insurance company will take after weather related claims are started. The homeowner is expected to initiate any claim process which can be overwhelming. We can help! 

1. Document the Damage

Your first order of business after a hailstorm is to inspect the roof for damage. For most people it's best to call a professional to get on the roof. We offer free roof inspections, hail storm or not, as do most roofing contractors in the area. Taking photos of the roof and marking impact spots with chalk will come in handy when filing a claim with your insurance company. Take note of the date and time of the hail storm. Most insurance companies have an expiration when it comes to filing hail roof damage, so don't wait too long to start your claim. Another important reminder to know your insurance policy and what it will cover before choosing a policy that is right for you.

2. Inspection

Most, if not all, hail damage is not going to be seen from the ground. If your insurance adjuster or local roofer is only doing a ground level inspection it's time to call someone else. There are certain colors of shingles that make impact spots hard to spot if the sun is not directly shining on the fiberglass mat. A local roofing contractor should note the number of impacts per 100 square feet as noted above, this will help move your claim along faster. Pictures are always required. Look for dents on the shingles, vents, gutters, flashing, and other features around your roof. Insurance companies, and roofers with morals, know the difference between hail damage and a hammer head -- so best to leave that strategy at the door. Once your inspection is complete get ready to start your insurance claim. Knowing ahead of time the extent of your damage can help rule out unnecessary claims as well as prepare you for the possible cost to repair or replace your roof.

3. File Your Insurance Claim

Most insurance companies will have you reach out directly to your local agent to start your hail damage claim. They will send an insurance adjuster out to perform their own assessment of the damage. They may want the adjuster to get in contact with the roofing contractor you have been working with, your roofer should be more than happy to make that happen. Pictures and documents will be reviewed and your insurance company will make their determination on whether your roof is eligible to be replaced and what they will cover. If your roof is approved for replacement some companies write one big check for the total cost to replace your roof, while some hold back a small portion of the cost as incentive that the homeowner complete the replacement and not spend the money on say ... a new boat LOL. Roofers know that when a homeowner is using insurance to get a new roof, the payment is sometimes out of their hands directly upon completion -- this should be outlined in your contract to keep you protected from any immediate demands for payment. 

Have Questions? We'd Love to Help!

If you're worried about hail damage to your roof or how to handle the insurance process, reach out to the experts at Fly Roofing, LLC. We have experience inspecting hail damaged roofs and working with insurance companies to get the job done as smoothly as possible. If you're interested in scheduling a roofing inspection, contact us today! 406-203-2482. 

December 15th, 2023

Should I might be the better question here. Should I DIY my roof? Well ... ehh, it depends. 🤔 Listen, we bought an absolute skunk of a house in 2022. We understand not only the desire but the need to save money where you can. After absolutely gutting the place, we realized it would need new plumbing, new electric, drywall (thank you floor to ceiling paneling), a roof, new siding, the list goes on. With a two year old and a baby on the way we needed to get this house back together again ... FAST! There is only so much HGTV and Youtube can teach you before you're back to square one. As a family who knows how to roof, professionally, we were able to save ourselves a good chunk of money on an integral part of the renovation. But we still had to hire out the other big ticket items. It really would be a money saver if your spouse was a certified electrician, plumber, roofer, drywaller, and beef rancher -- but alas. Saving money on the front end by Youtube-ing how to update plumbing and rewire a house had some serious potential to cost us ... well the entire house on the backend if the pipes burst from using Elmer's glue or if there was an electrical fire from getting distracted by a 2 year old while sorting through all the fancy new wires. 

Anyways, back to the question at hand. The one you actually asked about. Should I DIY my roof? Even if you are a proficient handyman, tearing off and replacing a roof is a large task. It is the kind of task that once you start, you better be ready to finish. Especially when replacing a roof in Montana. You need to have the man power and materials to get what you have torn off dried back in before a 2 o'clock shower comes that wasn't and still isn't on the radar. Thanks Google. Depending on the shingles you choose (looking at you Home Depot) you may void all warranties by installing them yourself or by mix matching the different elements of the roof. For example, CertainTeed has an industry leading warranty on their shingles BUT ONLY IF they are installed by a certified roofer. Not just a professional roofer with a license, certified by their own company standards. 

Here's a list of things to consider before you go rogue and start tearing shingles off your house: 

1. Maybe tearing off a roof is something you are capable of. You've got 7 grandsons and a dump trailer, well hey safety aside you might be on to something. It is possible to save money by doing the tear off yourself, but we wouldn't recommend it. A roof never looks as scary from the ground. Even some of the most seasoned mountain men we know develop a higher pitched voice on a roof. 

2. Many shingle manufactures require a licensed roofing professional to install their products in order to honor their warranty. 

3. Detail work like installing flashing and keeping penetrations water tight can be difficult for a professional, taking this on yourself can cause some serious water issues. 

4. Time. As we've mentioned above, you want to get your roof covered back up as quickly as possible. A good crew can tear off a roof and replace it in a day or two. A homeowner who is not used to the intensity of the work may not be so lucky. 

5. Saving money on the front end by doing it yourself and buying shingles from Home Depot has serious potential to cost you a lot more money than biting the bullet of hiring a professional. 

There are many pros and cons when considering a DIY project. A roof is perhaps one of the items you have to put on the professional side of the to do list, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing! Call us for a free and reasonable estimate. We understand money doesn't grow on trees and we'd love to earn your business. 

Oh and yes, we did get our house together in time for the baby. Babies don't care about siding, right?

Have Questions? We'd Love to Help!

Have a leaking roof or another problem with your roof that needs repairs? If you’re in the Kalispell area, reach out to Fly Roofing for all your roofing needs. Whether it’s a completely new roof, or storm damage repair, we’ll get the job done.

To get in touch with us, head over to our contact page. Or, call us at 406-203-2482!

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

January 8th, 2024

New Year, same blog, new topic! You've decided it's time for a new roof, now it's time to decide what material you want to use. Choosing from the various roofing materials can be overwhelming. To help narrow down the decision, we’ve compiled the three best roofing materials used in Montana below.

The Best Types of Roofs in Montana

Metal Roofing 

Metal roofing is an increasingly popular roofing material in Montana that can last for decades. Metal roofing comes in a variety of types, colors, and styles. Some types of metal available—standing seam, corrugated, tuff rib are the most popular— options to fit your home’s aesthetic while staying within your budget. Beyond outlasting a shingle roof in function, a metal roof maintains its visual appeal as it experiences minimal damage, so your roof will look new for many years to come.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Metal Roofing

Benefits                                         Drawbacks

Can last 50 years or longer                                 Higher upfront cost

Can increase resale value of your home           Metal roofs with exposed fasteners need regular upkeep

Resistant to fire                                                    Lack of qualified roofing contractors

Can withstand extreme weather                        Noise*

*You will likely hear noise from your metal roof during a storm. Although some people find the sound of rain hitting a metal roof calming, this is something to consider, especially if you’re sensitive to certain noises. An experienced roofer will know how to reduce the noise effectively by installing the proper insulation to minimize sound.

Shingles

Asphalt is the most common type of shingle, but they come in a range of materials. The best roof shingle depends on your home’s style, your roof’s layout, and your area’s weather conditions.

Shingle material has the biggest impact on your roof’s performance, durability, and cost. Asphalt shingle roofs are the most affordable, while clay tile, natural slate, and solar shingles are the bigger investments. Asphalt shingles are some of the most common roofing materials used in Montana, and much of the US.   

Benefits and Drawbacks of Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Benefits                                                       Drawbacks

Come in a variety of materials, styles, patterns,                 Shorter lifespan

and colors to fit any budget                                                   Susceptible to wind damage

Offers protection against most weather                               Not as durable as other roof types

elements                                                               

Easy to repair and replace           

Designer Shingles

Architectural asphalt shingles are the standard in the roofing industry. However, luxury shingles -- or designer shingles-- are just as heavily marketed and their popularity keeps increasing. Because of this, homeowners keep asking, “What’s the difference? Are they comparable? Is one better than the other?” True to their name, the design sets them apart, luxury asphalt shingles are bigger and thicker than other types of asphalt shingles. This is great for durability but has the potential to make the installation take longer and more difficult. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Designer Roofing Shingles

Benefits                                           Drawbacks

Curb appeal                                                            Higher upfront cost of both material and labor

Can increase resale value of your home             Potentially longer install time 

Generally thicker than architectural shingles     Heavier shingle weight                                            

Can withstand harsher weather                        

The best type of roof is different for everyone. Some roofing options aren’t suitable for every home. We recommend weighing the pros and cons before making your decision. You want your roof to complement your home’s style and withstand the local climate.

Have Questions? We'd Love to Help!

Want to spitball what the best material is for your roof? If you’re in the Flathead Valley, reach out to Fly Roofing with all your roofing questions. Whether it’s a single question or a 30 minute conversation, we're only a call away.

To get in touch with us, head over to our contact page. Or, call us at 406-203-2482!

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

March 21st, 2024

Seamless Gutters vs. Traditional Gutters: Which Is Right for Your Home? 

You've decided it's time for new gutters, now it's time to decide what style you want to use. This decision can lead to a head first dive into the rabbit hole of Google. To help you make the best informed decision, we’ve created a short blog to explain the differences between traditional gutters and seamless gutters and what is best suited for the Flathead Valley. 

When protecting your home from water damage, gutters are your home’s first line of defense (maybe second, you don't want any holes in your roof either). Your gutters have the vital job of protecting your home against rainwater damage.

With two popular gutter options, you may consider which is best for you and your home. Seamless gutters are gaining popularity from traditional gutters as they are low maintenance, have a longer lifespan, and are more aesthetically pleasing. 

What are Gutters For?

The Basics

Gutters are channels or troughs that attach to your house to collect rainwater and direct it away from your home's foundation. Rain gutters help prevent water from pooling on your roof, overflowing, and causing damage to your siding, landscaping, and foundation.

Gutters can prevent:

• Damage to your home's foundation - excess water in the soil around your home creates pressure on your foundation walls, over time the water can push through openings like cracks or gaps.

• Damage to your siding - wood rot, paint damage, and discoloration are common issues stemming from too much water on your siding.

• Mold and pests - pooling water is a haven for mold growth, it can also invite pests like ants, bees, and beetles - all of which can cause structural damage to your home.

What are Traditional Gutters?

Traditional, sectional gutters have been around much longer than seamless gutters and therefore have always been a popular choice among homeowners. These aluminum or vinyl gutters are pre-cut in sections that are then pieced together during installation. 

Benefits include:

• Cost-Effective Upfront: one-size-fits-all, keeping the cost lower.

• DIY-Friendly: pre-cut gutters come in standard sections, can easily go to Home Depot or Lowes, pick your color, and install them yourself.

• Availability: Easy to find in local big box stores or from local installer. 

Drawbacks include:

• Prone to leaks at their seams where the different pre-cut sections connect.

• Significantly lower life span due to seams wearing out and lower quality materials.

• Pre-cut sections can create awkward gapping or odd fitting sections of gutter on your house.

• Can require regular maintenance to avoid clogs, pulling away from the house or sectional sagging. 

What are Seamless Gutters?

Seamless gutters are just what they sound like, one continuous stretch of material custom-made to fit your home. Seamless gutters provide a clean and streamlined appearance to your home.

Benefits include:

• Eliminate Water Leaks: Traditional gutters are prone to leaks at their seams. Seamless gutters are installed in one piece, significantly reducing the risk of leaks. 

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Clean and streamlined appearance to your home. Comes in various and custom colors to complement your home.

• Low Maintenance: With no connecting sections, seamless gutters have much lower likelihood of clogging, pulling away, or sagging from your home.

• Custom: Seamless gutters are cut on-site to ensure precise measurements to match your home.

• Longevity: Seamless gutters are made from thicker aluminum, making them stronger than traditional gutters, and when properly installed, they can last for decades.

Fly Roofing offers typical 5-inch gutters and an option for 6-inch gutters. 6" gutters can carry 20% more water than traditional gutters and are clog free. During a particularly rainy Montana Spring or Fall, 6" gutters can keep up with the volume of water without overflowing and dumping water near the foundation.

Have Questions? We'd Love to Help!

Thinking about gutters? Ready to say goodbye to clogged and overflowing gutters? If you’re in the Flathead Valley, reach out to Fly Roofing with all of your gutter questions. We're only a call away.

To get in touch with us, head over to our contact page. Or, call us at 406-203-2482!

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!