Flat Roof vs Sloped Roof for Commercial Properties: The Pros and Cons

It’s no secret that flat roofs look completely different from sloped roofs. 

While roof designs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, flat roofs are far more common for commercial property. However, sloped roofs are the more traditional, better-looking option to consider as well. 

This is why the flat roof vs sloped roof debate is so interesting to look into. The kind of roof you choose can play a major role in the design and look of the entire property, with maintenance also being a factor to keep in mind.

Trying to decide between a flat or sloped roof for your commercial property? You’re in the right place. Here are the pros and cons of each style of roof. 

Flat Roof

If you’re thinking of installing a new roof for your commercial property, flat roofs are a great option. Here are some of the pros and cons of a flat roof installation for your property. 

Flat Roof Pros

One of the most notable pros of installing a flat roof is that they require a lot less material than sloped roofs. This means that the roof is simpler to install and significantly more affordable as well. Flat roofs are also easier to maintain and can be upgraded in a very short span of time.

Flat Roof Cons

While flat roofs are more affordable, they also have a shorter lifespan than pitched roofs. They also require regular maintenance as they don’t have a slope to naturally get rid of debris. 

Sloped Roof

Sloped roofs are some of the most popular roofs around the world. While these roofs are popular for residential property, they can also be used to give your commercial property a unique look. Here are some of the pros and cons of installing a sloped roof.

Sloped Roof Pros

Sloped roofs are durable, versatile roofs that are perfect for both residential and commercial property. These roofs have a natural pitch, allowing for rain, snow, and debris to naturally fall off the roof. This makes it a lot easier to maintain throughout the year. 

Sloped Roof Cons

While sloped roofs have their advantages, they are also costly to build. These roofs take a lot longer to construct compared to flat roofs, meaning that your business will need to close its doors for a lot longer during the construction process. 

Flat Roof vs Sloped Roof

As you can see, the flat roof vs sloped roof debate is filled with pros and cons for both kinds of roofs. While sloped roofs may be more pleasing to the eye, they are also more expensive to build and maintain. Flat roofs are quick and easy to install, making them a simpler option for commercial properties.

Whether you decide to build a flat or sloped roof, we’re here to make it happen. If you have any questions or want to know more about how we can help build and maintain your roof, feel free to contact us today. 

The Pros and Cons of Drone Roof Inspections

Did you know experts recommend homeowners conduct a roof inspection at least once a year? And homes that experience extreme weather events will call for more frequent inspections.

Yet, with different roof inspection methods, which should homeowners and property managers choose?

In this article, you'll learn about the pros and cons of drone roof inspections. Let's dive in.

How Do Drones Work?

Drones use rotors to hover above the ground. The rotors consist of a propeller attached to a motor. When the rotors increase speed, they produce an upward force greater than gravity, allowing them to fly. 

Many drones come equipped with 4K resolution technology for capturing high-quality photos and videos.

How Do Drones Inspect Roofs?

Home inspectors often use binoculars to inspect a roof from the ground. They may also go into the attic to check the roof from the underside or climb a ladder to the eaves. 

This is for the safety of the roof and the inspectors. It's not smart to walk on a roof, especially if it has problems.

But with a drone, inspectors can view hard-to-see areas and inspect the roof in its entirety.

A lightweight drone can pivot quickly to see different angles and take photos or videos to review.

Drones designed for enterprise work can use an autonomous flight path to ensure inspectors don't miss any area of the roof. They can always make adjustments to the course during the inspection as needed. 

Drone Roof Inspections: Pros

There are several benefits of a roof inspection via drone. Improved accuracy is one of them.

Since drones can see more areas than a person with binoculars on the ground can, drones allow inspectors to identify problems easier. Examples include lifting shingles or bent flashing.

Automated flight paths further help improve accuracy and reduce human error. 

This allows homeowners and property managers to make more informed decisions about the roof repairs they need.

Additionally, drone inspections take far less time than manual inspections. The inspector stays in one place while the drone does all the work. They don't have to take measurements from the ground or worry about climbing up different sections to view the whole roof. 

And with less ladder climbing, there's increased safety for inspectors.

It's much safer to capture photos with a drone than to climb up to get the best view of the area in question. 

Drone Roof Inspections: Cons

Of course, drones are not magical tools and have some downsides.

It takes proper care and experience to fly a drone without crashing it. And since drones are expensive, a crash would be a costly mistake. 

It's best to hire a professional to conduct your roof drone inspection rather than attempting it yourself. A drone inspection will cost more than a physical inspection, but the cost is worth it to gain more information about the state of your roof. 

Moreover, drones aren't perfect, and it's still possible for them to miss a problem. So some manual inspection from inside the home may still be necessary. 

Schedule an Inspection

Drone roof inspections have more pros than cons, and they are becoming an industry standard for inspectors.

For more roof inspection tips, contact us at Signature Exteriors. We'd be happy to set up a roof inspection for you or assist with an ongoing project.

Do’s and Don'ts of Roof Repairs: Best Practices on How to Fix Them

Imagine for a second that you are a roof.

You sit there, day and night, getting pounded by wind, by rain, by all sorts of weather. Not to mention the birds that like to roost upon you.

Day in and day out, you are expected to stay intact. However, like everything that is left exposed to the elements, you are bound to need repairs.

Repairing a roof is tricky, and you want to make sure that you do it correctly if you are faced with the situation. Here are some do's and don'ts when it comes to roof repairs.

Roof Repair Do: Use Matching Shingles

Just like how nobody likes a patchy haircut, nobody likes a patchy roof. Mismatched shingles are an eyesore that can greatly cut into the property value and eye appeal of your property.

Even if you only have to replace a few shingles, make sure you're using the same kind that is already up there. Whether you have a regular shingle roof or something more exotic like a clay tile roof, it's important to match shade, texture, and style.

Replacing shingles is an easy fix when performing roof repair, but don't confuse an easy project with something you don't need to pay attention to.

Roof Repair Don't: Leave Exposed Nail Heads

This is basically a tip for life in general. Almost no good can come from leaving nail heads exposed unless you're trying to hang up a picture, and it's highly doubtful that you're going to want to hang a family portrait on top of your house or commercial property.

Leaving your nail heads exposed makes them more likely to rust. Not only that, but exposed nail heads are likely not totally sealed, meaning water can seep in and damage your shingles, your roof, and your house itself.

It seems simple, but it's an important roof repair tip.

Like a child during a thunderstorm, keep your head covered.

Roof Repair Do: Wear Proper Clothing

While it might be enticing to try and fix your roof while dressed in your nicest wedding clothes, that's probably not the best idea.

When it comes to roof repair best practices, this is an easy tip that you don't even need to be on the roof to do. There's a reason that professionals typically wear jeans and long sleeve shirts.

Most importantly, when performing your roof repair, wear rubber-soled shoes. Those type of shoes offer good grip, which is important on unusual surfaces. Falling off a roof can be deadly, so be sure to wear the proper attire to prevent falls.

Ready for Roof Repairs?

Follow these tips to ensure that your roof repair process is a smooth one.

Repairing a roof is a difficult process, and it's important to know what you're doing before you jump in.

Even with these tips, it's still the best practice to put your roof repair work in trusted hands. Contact us today and we'll make your roof repairs work beautifully.

Cost-Effective Ways to Pay for a New Roof

Financing Options

If you own a home or commercial property, you know that repairing or replacing a roof is a necessary and costly purchase. At Signature Exteriors, we know that roofs can cost individuals several thousand dollars. We also know that the average person does not have thousands of dollars to spare out of pocket.

 If you wonder how you will pay for your roof, we want to share insight on payment techniques. Choose the most cost-effective strategy for you.

Payment Plans 

Some roofer companies offer payment plans to make costs more affordable and accessible. Payment plans allow consumers to spread out payments over several months or years. Most plans charge interest rates alongside monthly payments. Contact the roofing company for more information on programs, requirements, and interest rates.

Insurance Coverage 

If you have insurance for your property, you might be able to use your insurance policy to pay for a new roof. Usually, insurance policies cover roof replacements or repairs if the damage came from a fire, theft, or natural disaster. For more information, contact an insurance agent.

Loans 

A loan is a borrowed amount of money that the borrower will pay back with interest. There are three main loan options for roof repairs and replacements you can use to pay the cost.

1.       FHA Title 1 Home and Property Improvement Loan 

2.       Home Equity Loan 

3.       Personal Loan 

 Each lender has its requirements and interest rates. Depending on your financial situation, some loans are smarter to take out than others. For example, if you have equity built up in your home, a home equity loan is the best option.

If you are ready to discuss roof pricing, payment options, and services, reach out to our trusted company today. At Signature Exteriors, we provide roofing services to counties surrounding St. Louis, MO. Just call (314) 827-5376 for more information!

Navigating Roof Replacement

The details of roof replacement sometimes can be unclear for homeowners. Evaluating proposals, viewing evaluations, negotiating project specifics and costs can be overwhelming. However, some basic knowledge can make the process easier and more accessible for anyone. Here are a few things to know about replacing your roof.

How To Choose a Roofing Company 

Labor, materials, and expertise cost money. While trying to save money, you can easily be swayed into picking the least costly bid. Look for reasonably priced offers from reputable companies with good reviews. Ask questions about your specific concerns and have contractors sign off on their answers. Remind yourself that you get what you pay for, and an outrageously low-cost roof generally means high-cost repairs.

How To Plan for Your Roofing Project 

Ask practical questions regarding your specific project. Do not task yourself with understanding the nuances of roofing. Check the roof out for yourself first. Not every homeowner is apt to get on a ladder and scale their home, nor should they, but take as close a look at the roof as you can. Check for areas that look damaged and communicate your concerns to the contractor to avoid similar occurrences next time.

When a roofing company provides you with an estimate, they have a contractor or a similar professional evaluate your roof. Ask for a walkthrough of the professional assessment to determine if you should have any other areas of your home inspected for damages and to understand the process. 

How To Communicate During the Project 

Contractors will keep you informed of any changes in timing or cost. If you need more updates than that, request the kind of communication you require for adequate peace of mind. Often, while a conversation may be difficult to schedule, a quick email exchange is enough to set your mind at ease.

For commercial and residential roofing in Saint Louis and the surrounding areas, contact Signature Exteriors today; we’ve got you covered!

Ways to Prevent Roof Damage This Winter

Depending on your preferences, winter can be a beautiful time of year. Still, the frigid temperatures, unpredictable snowfalls, and icy weather patterns can wreak havoc on a property, often resulting in damage if you are not meticulous. The way to protect any property during the winter months is about diligence and know-how. However, many property maintenance issues that safeguard a structure from wintertime-ills occur in the fall.

The maintenance schedule doesn't change for a roof. Homeowners and commercial property owners will need to take steps starting in the fall to protect their roofs in the winter.

Fall Maintenance

Two of the primary components of a roof are the eavestroughs and gutters. These devices help water navigate off the roof to the ground away from the structure. However, if gutters and eaves are blocked, the water can seep under the roofline, resulting in roof and building damage.

Before the winter months arrive, clean the gutters and eaves. If leaves and other gunk are left to block the drains, your property will likely experience ice dams, which can also damage the roofline.

Winter Routines

During the winter, you will want to make sure you avoid allowing snow to build up on the roof. After every snowstorm, hire a professional to clear away snow on the roof or use a roof rake or other tool to remove excess snow safely.

Additionally, you will want to watch for excess ice building in gutters and around downspouts. You will want to take extra caution when removing icicles from your roof and gutters because they can be dangerous.

Taking care of your roof in the winter is not only a seasonal job. The maintenance you perform in the fall and year-round can affect the risks you face in the winter. Contact Signature Exteriors for more information about roof maintenance and winter damage prevention.