Your Tucson Roof: More Than Just Shingles – Why a Pro is Non-Negotiable

From where I stand, often on a roof under that glorious (and intense!) Arizona sun, I observe our lovely city unfolding: the imposing Catalinas, the notable “A” Mountain, the landmark San Xavier del Bac mission. And what shields everything beneath those landscapes? Top coverings. As a professional roofing contractor and insurance claim specialist right here of the Old Pueblo, I want to talk about why it’s unwise to tackle roofing as a DIY project, especially in our specific weather conditions.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Here in Tucson, it confronts relentless UV radiation that can degrade materials, abrupt torrential monsoon downpours that challenge every seal, and sandstorm that can threaten to tear it off. This is not simply about just putting up shingles; it’s about comprehending roofing science.

Looking for a roofer near you in Tucson Arizona? Our roofing services in Southern Tucson, Arizona, include shingle roof installation, tile roof installation, foam roof installation, flat roof installation, emergency storm damage repairs, and insurance claim assistance. Call or text: 623-257-ROOF (7663) or 520-614-ROOF (7663) or schedule an appointment online for a free roof inspection.

The Science Behind a Complete Roofing System:

Decking: This is the robust wood base (usually plywood or OSB) that serves as the anchor for all other parts. It must be reliable.

Read more about Synthetic Underlayment is Replacing Traditional Asphalt Paper.

Flashing: These elements are strategically arranged surrounding chimneys and vents, skylights, and valleys. Water is tricky! It is prone to identify small openings. Proper flashing directs precipitation from these the risk-prone locations and guides it into the eavestroughs. This specific aspect numerous DIY projects may lead to significant problems.

Primary Roofing Material: This is what you see – shingles, tiles, or a flat roof membrane.

Ventilation: Important for Tucson! Proper ventilation permits hot, moist air to ventilate your attic. Without sufficient ventilation, heat grows (think higher AC bills!), and moisture can result in mold or rot throughout your attic structure. It’s a mix of intake vents (usually at the eaves/soffits) and exhaust vents (near the ridge or turbines). The theory? Warm air goes up (convection). We construct a route for it to get out, attracting cooler air from below.

Selecting Your Roofing Choices: Slate, Concrete Tiles, or Level Roofing.

Underlayment: Regard this as a moisture-resistant barrier affixed to the decking. It’s your supplementary barrier if water accesses the shingles or tiles. In our sunny conditions, composite underlayments are often chosen over old-fashioned felt because they are superior and less susceptible to UV damage during the installation process.

Flashing: These elements are typically placed around chimneys and vents, drainage points, which are areas where two roof planes meet. Water is deceptive! It enjoys to seek out narrow crevices. Flashing guides precipitation out of these vulnerable locations while guiding it toward the rainwater collection system. This specific aspect countless DIY initiatives can fail badly.

Asphalt Shingles: These are super common.

• Owens Corning: The shingles in the Duration Series are a popular option. The main advantage in this case their patented SureNail technology – a tough fabric strip that’s woven located in the nailing area. This delivers outstanding power to hold nails, perfect for those gusty monsoon winds begin howling ”A” Mountain. These shingles feature impressive algae protection (StreakGuard™) for those sticky conditions after the monsoon.

• GAF: Timberline HDZ® shingle products function as one more top contender. They include LayerLock™ innovation, that securely connects the layer junction, meaning the shingle layers stay tightly bonded. Also, as with Owens Corning shingles, they offer StainGuard Plus feature which defends against biological growth. Furthermore, they feature a impressive wind protection warranty.

• TAMKO: Their Heritage line stands out as highly regarded. This company provides a classic layered architectural style with strong weathering performance. They focus on a resilient bond and bold color blends to emulate authentic wood shingle patterns.

Read more about Asphalt Shingles: Why Do We Use Them?

Looking for a roofer near you in Tucson Arizona? Our roofing services in Southern Tucson, Arizona, include shingle roof installation, tile roof installation, foam roof installation, flat roof installation, emergency storm damage repairs, and insurance claim assistance. Call or text: 623-257-ROOF (7663) or 520-614-ROOF (7663) or schedule an appointment online for a free roof inspection.

Tile Roofing – The Tucson Classic:

Eagle Roofing Products: These manufacturers create cement roof tiles that are ideal for our Southwestern aesthetic. These tiles are remarkably durable, non-combustible, and deliver exceptional longevity. These concrete tiles can also aid in energy efficiency by establishing an air space in the gap between the tile and the deck, which reduces heat transfer into attic – a significant advantage when it’s sweltering outside! They feature several profiles including Spanish ‘S’ or flat, and a wide range of colors to coordinate with any style, ranging from traditional designs reminiscent of an old hacienda to a modern build in proximity to the University of Arizona.

Flat Roofing – Common in Tucson:

Polyglass Products: When it comes to further low-slope projects, Polyglass provides excellent modified bitumen roofing solutions. These roofing solutions are fundamentally upgraded versions of conventional tar-and-gravel roofs, featuring asphalt products treated with polymers for greater durability and flexibility. Their self-adhered membranes including Elastoflex SA V are favorable because they eliminate the need for installation with hot asphalt or torches, which makes them more secure and usually quicker to complete. These products are tough and deliver effective waterproofing.

Read more about Flat Roofing With Polyglass LS Max Self Adhered Membrane.

Most Common Emergency Storm Roof Damage & How It Is Caused

When monsoon clouds move in over the Rincons or the Tucson Mountains and pour their wrath, your roof endures the consequences of it. We’ve witnessed it all after a major storm. Here are the most typical types of emergency roof damage that occur and how they manifest.

Read more about Monsoon Season: Causes History and Effects.

1. Wind Damage

Missing or Lifted Shingles/Tiles: This is a prime illustration. Gusty winds do not merely affect your roof; they create a pressure discrepancy. Consider an aerofoil: air moves faster over the arch, creating reduced pressure, which causes ascent. The parallel thing happens on your roof. Wind rushing over the boundary of your roof produces less pressure on the upper surface. The more substantial pressure inside your attic (or even under a slightly loose shingle edge) then works to elevate the tiles or shingles. If the shingle’s adhesive strip has broken down due to deterioration or extreme heat, or if nails are loose or placed badly, whoosh – it gets pulled off or yanked off. You’ll typically notice this on the boundaries and tops first, where the wind dynamics are most intense.

Damaged Flashing: Flashing components around chimneys, air vents, and rooftop windows can be lifted or warped by gale-force winds. When the seal is disrupted, it’s an easy entry point for rain.

Soffit and Fascia Damage: Wind forces can find their way under these construction details (the lower side of your overhanging structure and the edging along the perimeter) and pull them away, opening up the rafters and which may allow moisture and insects in.

What you’ll see: Shingles strewn about your yard, exposed black underlayment visible on your roof, bowed metal sections, or hanging soffit and fascia boards. After a powerful wind gust, it’s as if parts of your roof near Kitt Peak just took off unexpectedly.

2. Hail Damage

Dents and Dings (Check both Shingles & Metal Components): Hailstones can be little entities. When they strike yielding metals like lightweight aluminum (which is often utilized for drainage systems, outflow pipes, top vents, and select flashing fixtures), they make impressions. Larger hail might result in notable damage that might even block flow of water in drainage systems.

Shingle Bruising/Granule Loss (Asphalt Shingles): Each shingle made of asphalt is covered in little granules of minerals with a ceramic coating. These granules perform two crucial tasks: to shield the underlying asphalt layer from harmful UV rays which can harm it and contribute to its color. If a hailstone hits, various forms of damage can occur.

Knock off granules: You might see exposed areas along with places where the asphalt can be seen. This heavily impacts how long the shingles last.

Bruise or fracture the shingle mat: {The impact can actually break the underlying composite or bitumen mat of the shingle, even if it’s not evidently noticeable from the ground.|An impact can truly cause cracking the underlying asphalt mat of the shingle, even if it isn’t obvious from the ground.|The pressure can damage the underlying composite mat of the shingle, even when it doesn’t appear clear from the ground.|When impacted can lead to a break in the underlying asphalt mat of the shingle, even if it isn’t immediately visible from the ground. It appears as a weak area or a dark, circular mark. This damage enables water to seep through gradually.

Cracked or Shattered Tiles (Concrete/Clay): Even though tiles are extremely durable, sizeable hail impacting with adequate force can rupture or even destroy them, especially if they are older tiles or those with prior stress. Imagine it as throwing a ceramic plate.

What you’ll see: Indents on your downspouts, AC unit fins. Discolorations or “bruises” on your shingles. Piles of granules at the foot of your downspouts. Shattered tiles on the surface or top structure. Imagine the area around Saguaro National Park after a hail downpour – a lot of pockmarks!

3. Water Intrusion / Leaks

Direct Punctures: A hefty hailstone or a plummeting tree limb has the ability to generate an opening right through the roof shingles along with your decking. Liquid in that case creates a direct entry into your home.

Compromised Seals: Wind can harm the joints around conduits, vents, or flues. Frozen precipitation can also damage these joints. Liquid is exceptionally good at seeking out these little emerging openings.

Wind-Driven Rain: Even if shingles might not be present, severe monsoon winds are known to force rain to higher ground and sideways, pushing it under shingle edges or by means of little gaps in sealant that wouldn’t normally leak a gentle rain.

Overwhelmed Gutters/Drains (Especially Flat Roofs): Should gutters are clogged with debris including twigs and flat roof drains can’t handle the large volume of a monsoon downpour, water begins to back up. On a flat roof, this “ponding” water creates substantial pressure on seams and can detect any weaknesses. With clogged gutters on a sloped roof, water can drain behind the fascia and into the soffit or the interior walls.

What you’ll see: Damp spots on your ceiling and ceilings typically manifesting as yellowish or brownish, water droplets, or even paint that is bubbling. You may detect this several hours or maybe even a whole day after the storm.

4. Falling Tree Limbs & Debris

Punctures and Structural Damage: This may be straightforward. A massive branch from a deciduous tree, energized by strong winds and saturated weight, hitting your roof can readily break through roofing shingles, roof underlayment, and even the wood framework beneath. It can periodically even harm the roof’s rafters (the skeleton) of your roof.

Gutter Damage: Dropping limbs often impact gutters or mangle them from the structural support.

What you’ll see: A noticeable tree branch on the roof, a gap, broken gutters, or dipping sections. This type of damage is often clearly visible, like an enormous item just landed on your roof.

Leaks in roofing signify a significant challenge for property owners in Arizona’s Tucson, notably given the community’s special environment and changing environmental conditions. Grasping the varieties of leaks that can happen and how they differ depending on the roof materials and configuration can empower householders implement proactive steps and spot concerns at an early stage.

Looking for a roofer near you in Tucson Arizona? Our roofing services in Southern Tucson, Arizona, include shingle roof installation, tile roof installation, foam roof installation, flat roof installation, emergency storm damage repairs, and insurance claim assistance. Call or text: 623-257-ROOF (7663) or 520-614-ROOF (7663) or schedule an appointment online for a free roof inspection.

Common Roofing Leaks in Tucson AZ

Metal Roof Leaks: Steel roofs are favored in the state of Arizona due to their longevity. However, they are not free from issues. Typical problem areas associated with metal coverings usually occur from:

Read more about How to Prevent Roof Damage During a Monsoon Storm.

• Seam Failures: Eventually, the areas where metal panels overlap can become compromised, leading to possible water damage during downpours.
• Fastener Issues: Misplaced or rusted anchors can create entry points that enable water, particularly seasonal storms.

Flat Roof Leaks: Horizontal roofs are a frequent choice in Arizona, notably for commercial spaces and modern homes. Yet, they present their particular range of issues.

• Pooling Water: Roofing systems that are flat can at times not drain effectively, resulting in accumulation of water which can ultimately cause water leaks.
• Membrane Damage: The roof covering can crack or sustain punctures due to sunlight exposure and temperature variations.

Tile Roof Leaks: Clay roofs are popular for their elegance and durability, but they can likewise face leakage.

• Cracked or Broken Tiles: Eventually, ceramic tiles can sustain damage due to shifts in temperature or debris impact, which leads to liquid to leak through.
• Improper Installation: improperly laid

Shingle Roof Leaks: Roofing shingles are a common roofing option in Arizona, yet these shingles can have multiple drawbacks.

• Blistering: Extreme temperatures can cause shingles that bubble, when not resolved lead to drips without intervention.
• Granule Loss: The safeguarding granules on shingles often fade due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, which makes them more prone to water infiltration.

Read more about How to Find a Roof Leak and Most Common Roof Leaks in Arizona

We Are Your Emergency Storm Damage Insurance Claim Specialists

Imagine one of our infamous monsoon storms moving across – like the foothills near Sabino or immediately above downtown, past the iconic Fox Theatre. The breeze screams, frozen rain falls, or a mighty mesquite limb snaps and drops onto your top. Suddenly, you’ve got issues, missing roof sections, or more issues. Here’s how that claims process process commonly unfolds, step-by-step, from my viewpoint as a roofing professional who handles this frequently.

Step 1: Safety First & Damage Mitigation (ASAP!)

The most important thing, the safety of yourself and others: Before anything else, check that your surroundings are secure. If a tree hit your residence, is the building stable? Are there visible electrical lines that are down? If you’re hesitant, avoid the area and get in touch with professionals including emergency services, or the electric company.

Document Everything: This is IMPORTANT. Take your device. Shoot wide-angle photos of the exterior of your property, then detailed shots of the problem – hail damage on air vents, shingles that are missing, the broken branch, stains from water damage. Videos also work well. Act as if you’re creating evidence for a case. – which is exactly what you’re doing!

Prevent Further Damage: Your insurance policy necessitates you to execute appropriate steps to stop the damage from deteriorating. This might involve: Putting a tarp across a opening in the roof. Placing buckets under ongoing leaks. Moving valuable items away from water-damaged areas. Keep receipts for any materials you buy (like tarps). The insurance company generally compensates necessary mitigation costs. Neglecting this action can at times risk your coverage request.

Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company.

Get your insurance policy or ID card for your policy number. Get in touch with the claims department via contact number found on your policy. Share the situation, for example, “A monsoon storm destroyed my roof.” Write the assigned claim number and prepare for an adjuster.

Step 3: Meet the Adjuster

The insurance appraisal specialist will likely set up a slot to assess the loss. It is highly encouraged that you likewise contact Arizona Pristine Roofing Company to be present during this evaluation.

What makes having Pristine Roofing of Arizona on your team? The insurance adjuster is employed by the insurance provider. While general can be fair, they could overlook things, especially less obvious hail damage or non-apparent wind lift. We will highlight all the problems, describe local building codes (which can determine restoration techniques), and explain the appropriate way to resolve the problems.

As an illustration, some previously used shingles typically seen in neighborhoods like the Sam Hughes community might not be accessible, requiring a larger section replacement for correct alignment. We understand the jargon as the adjuster (“side damage,” “raised shingles,” “granule loss”) and can ensure a comprehensive analysis.

Step 4: The Adjuster’s Report & Scope of Loss

Subsequent to the roof evaluation, the claims adjuster will develop a “Repair Scope” or damage estimation. This document outlines the identified damages and the anticipated expenses to repair or replace, employing specific software (like the Xactimate tool).

This estimate will usually show two amounts:

• RCV (Replacement Cost Value): The cost to repair/replace with new materials today.
• ACV (Actual Cash Value): The RCV minus depreciation. Depreciation is like how a car loses value over time; your roof, being older, has lost some value.
• Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. This will be subtracted.

Step 5: Review the Scope & Get Your Roofing Contractor’s Estimate

This is the moment when having a Arizona Pristine Roofing proves invaluable. Don’t settle for the first offer from the adjuster! The team at Arizona Pristine Roofing conduct a comprehensive roof inspection and produce an accurate estimate. We compare our estimate to the scope provided by the insurance company in detail.

We look for things like missed Items (Were they remiss in addressing replacing the flashing damage? What of any issues with the gutters? Furthermore, what of interior repairs from leaks?)

Incorrect measurements (Are square footage calculations correct?)

We try to get the best quality roofing materials (Is there sufficient financial allocation for the same quality of tile or shingles that you already use? Or are they considering attempting to use a less expensive choice?)

Code Upgrades that the adjuster may miss. Arizona’s building codes are revised. Should the roofing system has to be modified for current building codes during repairs or replacements, the insurance company will usually handle the costs involved.

Looking for a roofer near you in Tucson Arizona? Our roofing services in Southern Tucson, Arizona, include shingle roof installation, tile roof installation, foam roof installation, flat roof installation, emergency storm damage repairs, and insurance claim assistance. Call or text: 623-257-ROOF (7663) or 520-614-ROOF (7663) or schedule an appointment online for a free roof inspection.

How many times have you watched

A blazing hot summer, or heavy rainstorm come down in a hailstorm from the comfort of your living room, glad you were safely sheltered and dry beneath your homes roof? Every professional roof installation comes with a limited lifetime warranty to protect you and you’re from the scorching hot summer, destroying hail storms and water flooding monsoons.

Our roof is a precious asset that we do not give enough gratitude for. Call 623-257-ROOF (7663) and get a free estimate - and then learn why we are the best choice for your and your home or business.

Step 6: The Supplement Process

In the event of discrepancies between your roofing contractor’s estimate and the insurance estimate (which is quite common!) The team at Arizona Pristine Roofing, LLC. will provide a proposal to the insurance provider.

The supplement includes detailed explanations of the variances coupled with visual documentation and proof supporting the need for further work or altered pricing and citations of local building codes.

This often includes some back-and-forth discussions among your roofing professional and the adjuster. An effective roofing contractor (and that’s what we are) advocates for you to get get what you’re owed under your coverage.

Step 7: Approval & First Payment (ACV Check)

Once all parties reaches understanding about the details of the work along with financial aspects, the insurer generally deliver the first check. The initial disbursement is typically in the amount of the assessed cash value related to the damage, less the amount of your deductible.

Mortgage Company Alert: If you have a mortgage, this financial check might require endorsement from both you and your mortgage firm. This indicates you must reach out to your mortgage company to get their endorsement on the check before you’re able to cash it. There’s a specific procedure they follow for this, that can occasionally take a while.

Step 8: Repairs Begin!

At this juncture you’ll enter into a pact with Arizona Pristine Roofing, LLC. should you choose us for your roofing needs, I certainly hope you will We will get right to the process of repairing or replacing your roof as per the settled parameters. This involves utilizing the best materials such as shingles by Owens Corning, Eagle tiles, and the use of Polyglass on flat roofs, and others tailored to our Tucson climate.

During the roofing process, if unforeseen issues is discovered — including damaged decking which could be unnoticeable beneath old shingles, Arizona Pristine Roofing, LLC. will meticulously document it and submit another notification to the insurance company.

Step 9: Final Invoice & Recovering Your Depreciation (RCV Check)

When the task is finished, your roofing professionals at Arizona Pristine Roofing will present you with an invoice for the completed work and commonly a document certifying completion. You need to provide this last invoice to the insurance provider. This acts as verification that the work has been completed and you have paid the entire expense. The insurance provider will then disburse the portion of recoverable depreciation they were holding initially. This represents the gap between the RCV and the Recoverable Cash Value. In addition, if a lending institution is included, this follow-up check might also need their consent.

Step 10: Claim Closed!

With all payments received and your durable resilient rooftop securing your home from the likely Tucson rainstorm, the claim is formally completed.

It can appear like a hassle, but a skilled local construction professional who is well-versed in insurance claims may support you through each phase, making a potentially tense situation less complicated.

We deal with the documentation process, the adjuster meetings, and the discussions so you can attend to bringing your home back to normalcy.

Read more about How the Roof Insurance Claim Process Works.

Why You Need Arizona Pristine Roofing!

Knowledge & Experience: Our expertise shows the interaction of these materials interact with the conditions in Tucson. We are familiar with the best nailing arrangements for shingles that help against wind uplift, the proper techniques for installing flashing so it doesn’t leak while facing heavy monsoon rains like the ones that flood our washes, and the importance of ensuring adequate attic ventilation to counter the warmth radiating from surfaces similar to the asphalt used in Saguaro National Park.

Safety: Traversing on a structure, notably a angled one, is dangerous. We have the training, equipment (harnesses, lines), and coverage.

Warranties: Warranties from manufacturers (such as GAF’s elite Golden Pledge) alongside the Platinum Preferred program from Owens Corning often prove to be enforceable solely when set up by a licensed roofing contractor. A DIY installation annuls the coverage, leading you to have no recourse should materials fail.

Insurance Claim Specialist: This is the moment that Arizona Pristine Roofing, LLC professionals come in. In case of a monsoon storm damaging your roof (including hail and wind), handling your insurance claim can be quite challenging. I often deal with adjusters. I’m familiar with their expectations, the proper documentation methods for damage (which involves photos and reports). I can help you secure a just settlement to help properly repair your roof using quality materials. I am capable of recognizing damage that might escape a layperson, guaranteeing that nothing gets ignored.

Looking for a roofer near you in Tucson Arizona? Our roofing services in Southern Tucson, Arizona, include shingle roof installation, tile roof installation, foam roof installation, flat roof installation, emergency storm damage repairs, and insurance claim assistance. Call or text: 623-257-ROOF (7663) or 520-614-ROOF (7663) or schedule an appointment online for a free roof inspection.