Residential roofing is typically made up of a multitude of materials and surfaces.  The primary purpose of your roof is to maintain a barrier between the outisde and interior from the weather.  The most pervasive and difficult weather element to control is water. Roof flashing is usually the last line of defense in the battle against water penetration.

The most common locations for roofing flashing are at the valleys, chimneys, roof penetrations, eaves, rakes, skylights, ridges, and at the roof to wall intersections. Flashing must be configured to resist the three mechanisms of water penetration: gravity, surface tension, and wind pressure. To achieve this, flashing can be lapped shingle style, sodered or sealed to function as a continuous suface or can beconfigured with non- continuous profile to defeat water surface tension.

Flashing materials must be durable, low in maintenance requirements, weather resistant, able to accomodate movement, and be compatible with adjacent materials.  With properly installed flashing in the correct areas, flashing for your roof can help extend the lifetime of your roof as well.  Midwest Roofing Services can help determine which type of flashing is need as well as correctly install flashing to help maintain the lifetime of your roof. If you have flashing that is damaged and needs repair Midwest Roofing Services has certified Service Writers who can help you with the decision to either replace or help with any repair that you may need.  So give Midwest Roofing Services a call for your roofing needs. 

All roofs should be checked periodically to be sure they are free of debris and drains are clear. A quarterly roof inspection will help to keep your roof maintained.  The best preventative maintenance is to inspect and identify problems as they occur.  Roofs get more abuse from the elements and preventative maintenance is a key element to saving money on your roof by providing a longer service life.

How to check and maintain your new roof.

*     Clean debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will advance roof deterioration, especially if the roof is asphalt based.

*     If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips. Keep all algae off the roof surface.

*     Check all flashings and make sure they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.

*     Replace any damaged shingles.

*      Keep all gutter free from debris. Make sure downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.

*     Trim back any overhanging tree branches.

*     Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean area before applying new polyurethane caulking.

*      Check the mortar on chimneys in between brick and on top.  If it is damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck pointed.  Any mason can perform this work.

Quarterly checking of your new roof will help to extend the lifetime of your roof.  Midwest Roofing Services is always here for any additional needs that may arise from wind damage to hail damage or anything in between. Our certified Service Writers are here to assess and help you with your roofing needs. Midwest Roofing Services wants to help you maintain and extend the life of your new roof.

In a emergency situation which may call for some drastic measures. A roof which has suffered damage due to heavy rains, tornado, hail, and storms etc. classify sometime for a emergency repair. The roof is perhaps the most important part of the house, besides the people living in the house. A damaged roof will directly affect the stability of the entire structure of the house and is a cause for prompt action.

An extreme weather condition is more often the cause for emergency repair of the roof. If help is available you should make use of it. In conditions where emergency repair is warranted, it is best to make use of an experienced roofer rather than to try to do it yourself.  Midwest Roofing Services has the capability to come out in the event of a need for a emergency repair.  Our qualified crews and service writers will know how to assess the situation and make temporary repairs.  Temporary repairs are just that temporary.  Midwest Roofing can work with you and your insurance company on going about repairs and or replacement of your roof.  

Midwest Roofing Services has been repairing and replacing roofs for over 55 years. We are here to help educate our clients on the products and services that we provide. Midwest Roofing Services has a 4 step process to help eliminate any confusion. Also throughout the 4 step process we will inform and educate our clients to make the right selection that will fit the clients needs. Customers come first here at Midwest Roofing Services and we offer Priority Service  which will help you get on a list to get your roof fixed fast.  On our website click on the Priority Service icon  located on the left side of the front page of the website.  We will send you a email response immediately and begin all of the necessary steps .  When you sign up for our Priority Service, you will get your roof fixed fast, and you can feel safe and secure that your home or business won't suffer any further damage from subsequent storms. Why Wait? Sign up today.  A New Roof is just a few clicks away!

Midwest Roofing Services Going green One Step at a Time!

With weeks of high temperatures.  Midwest Roofing Services began looking at how to Conserve Energy and Costs. We found some simple tips to reduce energy usage and potentially save on electric bills.

Simple Tips to stay cool, while reducing energy usage and saving on electric bills

1. Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level (78 degrees) when at home. Programable Thermostats are great  to set temps at a higher level when not at home. Lowering themostat setting below the desired temperature will not cool the home faster.

2. To reduce heat and moisture during warmest part of the day, run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or evening hours when it is generally cooler outside.

3. Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed.  About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply drawing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat to your home.  Awnings are even better  and can even reduce heat gain by up to 75 percent.  Window coatings and window film can reflect as much as 80 percent of direct rays from the sun.

*Keep doors to the outside, garage and attics keep firmly closed to keep cool air in and hot air out.

*Use fans to evenly distribute cool air and reduce the air conditioniner's "on" time. Ceiling fans use much lower levels of electricity compared to air conditioners.

*Place window air conditioners on the north or shady side of the house to avoid overworking the unit in the hot daytime sun.

4.Turn off lights and electronics not in use. These devices not only use extra electricity, but they add heat to your home, making air conditioner work harder.

5. Keep the doors to refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible.

We are all trying to stay cool and save and hopefully these few tips will help you stay cool and save energy too!

Midwest Roofing Services Going Green One Step Time!

 Proper Ventilation can help reduce air conditioning costs.  Some regular ridge vents can reduce air conditioning costs with additional vents and a properly vented attic does lower the attic temperature, the only way to dramatically lower the attic temperature is with a power vent.  

Should you install a powered vent?

Powered vents use a fan to force air throught the vent. There are powered roof gable vents available. Some use electricity and others are solar-powered. Most thermostatically controlled, set to run when the attic temp reaches a  defined temp and stop when the air cools by a predetermined amount . (Usually a 15 degree increase)

Power vents do have both benefits and drawbacks. If you are having difficulty cooling your attic with passive vents due to architectural design, lack of venting options, and or too many problems are causing heat to enter the attic.  Powered vents are a good option and possibly your last resort without making drastic changes to your homes design.

Types of Vents

Intake Vents in modern homes are typically located in the soffits under the eaves. Older homes may have been been outfitted with either starter vents or circular vents

Starter Vents are installed when the eaves a top at the wall ad do not overhang to allow for soffits to be installed.

Circular Vents are installed when eaves exist without room soffits. These vents are installed directly into the blocking between the exposed rafters.

Outlet Vents allows the air to escape from your attic and are installed at a higher elevation. Roof vents, ridge vents, and gable vents are used as outlets in the attic.

Roof Vents are water tight units made of light gauge metal or plastic and are installed directly into the roof system. The common various styles and colors and range in size.

Ridge Vents are installed along the top of the ridge of your home, where the two slopes meet, capping the top courses of shingles. A sufficient opening should be made in the sheathing to allow the vent to work without compromising the water tight integrity.

Ridge Vents are the least conspicuous of all venting solutions, they are usually the smae color as the shingles and are held back fromt he gableendsof the house to provide the best aesthetic look and to protect them from wind driven rain. While a lower profile ridge vent may be chosen for aesthetic reasons, it should be chosen to ensure the best air circulation first and foremost.

Gable Vents are installed in the attic at each end, or gable of the house. It is typically a louvered vent cut and installed directly into the siding.  

Drawbacks to powered vents will need to be weighed before a final decision is made.  

After Roofing company installs the correct type of venting of your home. You will need a licensed electrician if you plan on installing electrical powered vents, and your electric bill could increase.

If you do not have a air tight attic, the vent may pull warm air  up from below, increasing heat in the winter in your attic which can cause snow melt faster near the top of the roof . The snow melt can than refreeze near the end of the roof forming an ice dam. 

Midwest Roofing Services would be glad to look at your roof and to help you make decision on what type of ventilation would be beneficial to your homes needs

Midwest Roofing Services Going Green One Step at Time!

Proper Ventilation of your attic has multiple benefits for your home and your health of your family. Building codes have required that ventilation be installed in every region of the United States.

Proper Ventilation:

Will Help extend the life of your roof shingles by keeping the roof cooler in hot weather.

Will Help reduce cooling costs by allowing the heated air to circulate out of the attic.

Will Help prevent moisture build-up and the growth of mold and mildew that can affect your family's health and  rot the framing which can cause expensive damage.

Will Help in the winter to prevent ice damming. In freezing temps during the day, the attic is often warmer than the outside air. Snow will melt in the higher areas of the roof where the heat accumulates in the attic and refreezes when it cools off by the eaves.

How does proper ventilation help your attic to breathe?

We need to breath to get fresh air in and out. For the same reasons your attic needs to breath as well. Most homes have a passive venting system which requires a balance between the intakes  and outlets. Intakes and outlets are placed strategically to allow the greatest amout of circulation. As hot air rise, intake vents placed at lower points in the attic with outlets higher up. As the hot air escapes throught the outlets vents, it creates a minor vacuum that draws in fresh air through the lower intake vents.

Powered vents can also be used. These vents use electric powered fans to force air throught the vents.

Determining how much venting you need?

The size and placement of vents depends on the roof configuration and the size of the attic. Placement of attic vents should be determined by the size and shape of the attic area as well. Care should be taken to verify that the vent locations will vent all attic areas. If sheathing or fire stopping blocks off an area of the attic, additional vents may be recommended.

How do you know if you are having venting problems?

A through inspection of your attic space should be done to determine if you are having any problems that can attribute to poor venting.

Check for frost on the underside of the roof or on the rafters. This is caused by warm moist air that has been trapped and condensened subsequently freezing on the wood.

1. Look for water-stained or blackened wood, signs of mildew, mold, or rot.

2. Check for rusted nails or other metals. This is also a sign of condensation.

3. Is there any matted down insulation? This could be a sign of a roof leak from ice damming or other damage to your roof.

What are the best solutions for creating a well ventilated attic?

Make sure that your shingle manufacture's guidelines and building codes are followed for proper attic vent design layout. This will reduce the amount of condensation and excess heat that can build-up leading to a longer life of your roof and sheathing. Also proper ventilation will help remove the excess heat in the winter reducing the chances or forming ice dam which can backup in your attic causing water damage, mold, and rot.

Midwest Roofing Services can Help

Midwest Roofing Services has been in the business of installing and repairing roofs for 55 years throughout the Midwest. Ventilation is a part of the roof installation process and if your suspect that you are having ventilation problems give us a call.  We will inspect your attic, roof and ventilation sustem and determine what needs to be done to make your home safer and healthier. 

Midwest Roofing Services Going Green One Step at a Time!

As the 4th of July passes we here at Midwest Roofing Services took the Holiday to stop and remember the importance of all the Service Members of our Military that are around the world protecting the Freedoms of this Great Country.  Let us not forget the importance of the Pledge Allegiance and the words of the Star Spangled Banner and how lucky and proud we are to have such a respected military and flag to fly on the day our country was founded.  The words of the Star Spangled banner ring true to the hearts of many.

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawns early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming.

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thru perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly still streaming.

And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

Midwest Roofing Services is proud of America and the Freedoms and Liberty this great country has to offer.   Let us remember and celebrate the beginning nearly 200 years ago and continued future of this Great Country

Midwest Roofing Services teamed up with Creative Design Tees on the making of bright  fluorescent green colored T-shirts for residential crews and embroidered black polo shirts for our sales and Service Writers to wear.  We are excited about the new fresh bold look the T-shirts give our crews and Service Writers while working.   Creative Design Tees out Wichita Kansas did a excellent job on the screen printing  and embroidery of our logo. The company Creative Design Tees has been doing business for 14 years and has been dedicated to providing the highest quality of screen printed and embroidered apparel. The apparel created at Creative Design Tees is printed in house therefore they have complete control over the quality and speed in which the order is produced. Midwest Roofing Services was very happy with the services provided by the team at Creative Design Tees and would use them again.  If you are interested in having shirts created for you or your business you may want to check out the services at www.creativedesigntees.com. Also keep a look out for our Bright fluorescent green colored tee shirts on our crews working in your area and know that they belong to the professionals here at Midwest Roofing Services!  

Damage to your roof can not just occur during a thunderstorm but can also occur during wind storms.  If  you live in areas that are prone to wind storms homeowners often find themselves replacing roofs before their time. Reports show that with continuous high winds, straight line winds, and of course tornadoes can take a toll and break down roofs. The wind damage often starts with one loose shingle that blows off allowing wind to get under the surrounding shingles. Loosening those shingles and leading to more shingles lost in the next wind storm or thunderstorm which could eventually lead to leaks in your roof.  There are several terms that mean the same as straight line winds such as:  Convective wind gusts, outflow, and down bursts.   Straight line wind is wind that comes out of a thunderstorm.  If the winds exceed 58 miles per hour then the storm is classified as a Severe Storm by the National Weather Service. When the National Weather Service does a storm damage survey they distinguish between straight line winds and winds produced by a tornado by debris patterns. It is important to know that straight line wind intensity can be as powerful as tornado and your roof may have incurred damage from the storm like this.  Debris such as limbs from trees or flying debris that occurs during straight line winds can damage your roof.  Often with strong winds these storms can carry heavy rainfall and that can play against the natural flow of water on your roof.  As water blows beneath the shingles the inner of the roof becomes unprotected, making leaks common.  So coupled with wind and just a few lost shingles can suddenly become a waterfall of rain during a storm.  It is so important that homeowners look or have a professional like Midwest Roofing Services take a look at your roof to make sure damage was not incurred to prevent more damage to the home in the next storm.  Midwest Roofing Services has many options for Class 4 rated high impact shingles that  can help withstand high winds and hail. Class 4 shingles can qualify come homeowners for a discount with some insurance carriers.  Let the professionals at Midwest Roofing Services help you make the right decision against the weather in your area to determine what may be the best roof for your home.

WOW ! After a stormy night like June 9, 2011.  Haven and Goddard Kansas were said to have hail stones the size of baseballs! Storm coverage  reported that there was  a deluge of rain coming down in sheets that blanketed the cities of Wichita, Maize, Goddard and Valley Center.  With rain and wind like that, it is important to take a look at the damage that may have been done during this storm.  I live around Goddard and with the hail and intense wind we received that lasted well over a hour. I was even worried about  my roof and of course, my wife was crying over her garden and flowers.  The whines from my wife had me wondering about how at least the roof is covered under our home owners insurance. I cannot even begin to replace all of her hard work in the garden and the money lost in flowers .  

If you received a pummeling of hail or straight line winds from this intense storm last night, be sure to check with your homeowners insurance and have your roof checked out by a professional like Midwest Roofing Services. Your roof is inevitably the most important structure of your home It protects you and all your belongings from mother natures wrath. Your Roof needs to stay in tip top shape for the next round of crazy storms that may blow into Kansas. So if you witnessed the intense storm of last night June 9, 2011 than your roof may need some special attention and we here at Midwest Roofing Services have service writers ready to climb your roof and honestly let you know if you may need any repair. So give us a call here at Midwest Roofing Services and let us help you keep your roof in the best shape it can be for any of Mother Natures next  future storms.