As a Team Member for Cole Roofing, I am constantly asked why roofs are so expensive. Logistics, materials, access, and a whole laundry list of reasons contribute to the cost of a new roof or maintenance repairs. Even something as simple as removing debris for general housekeeping can take a small crew a substantial amount of time on larger buildings. It all adds up. At Cole Roofing, we understand what goes into a property budget, and we take pride in finding ways to work with that budget, whether it’s a capital expenditure or just preventative maintenance.  Is there a way to minimize future costs and avoid surprises that will ruin a budget? The answer is “Most Definitely”, and it consists of a Roof Evaluation. 

 In-person roof evaluations provide pertinent information about your roofing system that wouldn’t otherwise be noticed. It’s easy to forget about the roof until a leak occurs, and roof evaluations assist with identifying issues before they turn into that leak or a more serious problem. Preventative maintenance repairs identified during a roof evaluation are less expensive than being reactive to a leak which may damage underlying insulations, roof decks, and the computer on someone’s desk. Also, the information gathered during a roof evaluation, with the completion of maintenance items, may extend the life of the roof and allow that costly capital expenditure to be deferred for a couple of years!

 The team members at Cole Roofing have vast experience and education in the industry which allows us to provide thorough and accurate roof evaluations. Call Cole Roofing at 410-242-0600 for more information about roof evaluations, and schedule your evaluation today!

Why did we always avoid stepping on cracks in concrete when we were kids? Lovely superstitions!
Just like those superstitions, the cracks in the concrete made no sense to most. How does something
that tough form cracks? There are a number of reasons, but a common one involves freeze and thaw
cycles. Water typically follows the path of least resistance, and if there is the slightest existing crack
in the concrete maybe due to earth movement or a defect like an air bubble between the aggregate
in the concrete, water will find its way in. Under normal circumstances, that would normally not
create a significant issue, but add Winter and freezing temperatures into the equation, and those
cracks and defects will widen and perpetuate the problem as frozen water, aka ice, expands if there
is no intervention.

So, what does this have to do with roofing? Some older roofing systems contain materials, although
typically strong and durable, that become brittle with freezing temperatures and may be susceptible
to fracturing, splitting, and cracking due to building movement, roof traffic, or a drop of a tool. Add a
freeze/thaw cycle to those fractures and cracks, and just like concrete, those defects will continue to
get worse without intervention.

As the season “slowly” changes from Winter to Spring, now is the time to start planning a Spring
Preventative Maintenance Roof Evaluation. Luckily, we haven’t experienced many freezing days this
Winter, but for the ones we did have, it doesn’t take much to make a small issue a large problem.
The team members at Cole Roofing can assist you with identifying potential issues and preventing a
much larger problem.

Call Cole Roofing at 410-242-0600 to discuss what Preventative Maintenance Roof Evaluations can
do for you and schedule your evaluation today!

Your roof is most notably impacted by direct sunlight. During the summer, the temperature of the air is warmer, and your roof’s total sun exposure is extended. The daily sequence of temperature variation can create stress points where roof components connect to each other. Routine roof system inspections should include checking on these areas of concern and advising when repairs are necessary.

Any type of major storm is a concern for your roof.  Following a large storm, it is highly recommended that you have your roof inspected for potential damage. While you might not observe any immediate physical damage, your roof may still be compromised and develop problems over time.

If you have a significant downpour in a short period of time, your roof is also at risk of ponding. If large amounts of water remain on your roof for more than 48 hours after a storm, it’s a cause for concern. Catastrophic consequences such as collapsed roofs have been observed due to major ponding.