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Skylights vs. Sun Tunnels: Choosing the Best Option for Your Home

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 21:24:40 GMT

Skylights and sun tunnels are both energy efficient ways to invite more natural light into your home. No matter the option you choose, each will create a bright, sun-filled space that is sure to boost your mood and provide your body with much-needed vitamin D.

What Are They?

Skylights

Skylights are acrylic, glass or polycarbonate windows set into the roof of your home. They are usually rectangular and consist of three main components, including:

Glazing – the clear window
Frame – sets the window into the roof
Flashing – helps prevent leaks

Skylights can range in size from 12- by 12-inch squares to larger rectangular areas, though they should never exceed 15 percent of the targeted room’s square footage.

Sun Tunnels

Sun tunnels, also known as solar tubes , are an acrylic or polycarbonate dome installed on the roof to catch the sun’s rays. The sunlight is then reflected down a rigid or flexible sheet metal tube in the attic before shining on the diffusing lens in the room’s ceiling. These are typically 10 to 14 inches in diameter but can be larger.

How Are They Installed?

Sun tunnel installation can take as little as two hours and no more than half a day. The dome is installed on the roof with proper flashing and the tube is extended from the dome to the room’s ceiling. The light diffuser is then set into the ceiling with minimal interior finishing work needed.

Skylight installation is more time-consuming because it requires more carpentry work than sun tunnel installation. One rafter will have to be cut for most skylight sizes, requiring the rafters around it to be doubled.

Even without cutting, the process requires careful work finishing the inside of the room and installing flashing to prevent leaks.

Advantages of Skylights

Unlike sun tunnels, skylights add to a room’s appearance by opening the ceiling for a breathtaking view of the outdoors. In some cases, adding a skylight may add to a home’s resale value. Skylights can be vented or shaded and filtered to partially block UV rays.

Disadvantages of Skylights

Skylights can be gorgeous additions to any home, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Because of their size and appearance, skylights need more interior finishing and are more expensive to purchase and install. Also, skylights are less energy efficient, allow more heat gain and are commonly associated with condensation and leakage problems – unless installed by experienced professionals.

Advantages of Sun Tunnels

Sun tunnels are easier to install than skylights because they require little interior finishing. They are also less expensive overall. Sun tunnels are more energy efficient than skylights and in some cases may qualify the homeowner for an energy tax deduction. They also block potentially damaging UV rays and cause less heat gain.

Disadvantages of Sun Tunnels

While they have a long list of benefits, some are prone to forming water condensation inside the tube, don’t offer outdoor views and likely won’t boost your home’s resale value.

Spokane Roofing Contractors

If you’d like to bring more natural light into your home, skylights and sun tunnels are excellent, energy-efficient options.

The experienced contractors at Alpine Construction & Roofing are up to date on the proper procedures for using a variety of roofing materials and are ready to develop the perfect solution for you and your budget. We can satisfy all your Washington home’s roofing needs.

Get your FREE roofing estimate today by contacting us online or calling 509-448-8099!

Tips for Hiring a General Contractor

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 20:40:58 GMT

One of the first steps in the home renovation process is hiring a general contractor. You or someone you know may have strong opinions about contractors – there are certainly a fair number of people out there who have been scammed in the past . But by doing some research and being proactive, you can rest assured you will be choosing a licensed professional with the experience to provide the final product you envision. These are some tips to help you get started.

Check Reviews and Get Recommendations

The hiring process typically begins with getting some recommendations from friends, family and coworkers if possible. You may also check with a local lumberyard or hardware store. This can give you a good idea of which contractors others have had success with.

You can also search online. Cast a wide net – consider large and small companies. Make a list of possible choices, then begin checking sites like Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Reviews should not dictate your final decision, but they can help you narrow your options further.

Make Some Calls

After you have a list of potential candidates, make some phone calls to learn more about them. Ask questions such as:

Are they registered with the state and insured?
Have they completed a project like yours in the past?
Who are their subcontractors?
Can they provide you with references from clients, suppliers and banks?
Will they be working on other projects at the same time? If so, how many?

Consider how they interact with you – were they professional when answering the phone? Were their answers satisfactory, or did they give you the runaround? Did they take your questions seriously and treat you with respect? These are important factors to keep in mind.

Meet Face to Face

You will want at least three bids , so try to schedule an in-person meeting with four to six contractors if possible. That way you leave yourself options moving forward.

This is a job interview – you should ask plenty of detailed questions to get an idea of their character and previous work history. In addition to the questions you asked over the phone, inquire about:

How long they have been in business – In general, the longer, the better. Pop-up contractors with little reputation could be looking for a quick buck and may not be around if something needs fixing in the future.
Where their business is located – A permanent address means they are less likely to “disappear” when something goes wrong.
How they have handled disputes in the past – Even reputable contractors have complaints made against them. Check with the BBB and find out how problems were resolved.
The details of their insurance coverage – Be sure it includes workers’ compensation, property damage and liability coverage in case of an accident on the job. Ask for copies of the policies.
Their payment schedules – Do they offer financing for large projects and are they flexible? Be wary of contractors asking for large payments upfront – check your state’s down payment limits .
When they can have a written bid completed – This is indicative of how seriously they take deadlines. If they say a certain day or time, they should stick to it.

Request Three Bids

As mentioned previously, you should receive at least three bids. They should be in writing and cover costs for labor, materials and profit margins. They should also outline the payment plan and work schedule. If there is an abnormally low bid, experts recommend you toss it out . That contractor could be desperate for work or not planning on doing a good job.

Drawing Up a Contract

If you did your research and were diligent during the interview process, you should have landed on a general contractor who seems trustworthy and capable of performing quality work. Not all states require written contracts, but you should make sure they provide you with one regardless.

Your contract should include:

Be Diligent While Work is Being Done

Just because you have signed the dotted line and the work has started does not mean your job is done. Most experts recommend taking photographs and writing down any verbal communication you have with your contractor throughout the job to help settle potential disputes.

You should also consider making a checklist of everything that should have been completed according to the contract and go over the list with your contractor before handing over the final payment. Keep all these documents in a safe place.

Roofing Contractors in Spokane, WA

Though hiring a general contractor may seem daunting, it pays to be thorough every step of the way. If you are searching for a reputable roofing contractor in the Spokane area, look no further than Alpine Construction. Our team of contractors have been providing the area with quality roof construction and remodeling services for more than 30 years.

Call 509-448-8099 today or contact us online for a FREE estimate!

6 Dangers of Ignoring a Leaky Roof

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 19:47:06 GMT

While there are many home repair projects that can be left incomplete for weeks, months or even years, replacing a leaky roof is not one of them. Leaks can happen in any roof, but if you live in a rainy area where large volumes of water could enter your home, you should be extra attentive.

How Do I Know If I Have a Leaky Roof?

There are several subtle signs that your roof is leaking in addition to more obvious signs, like:

Mold on attic insulation
Musty smell in the attic
Decreased energy efficiency
Declining indoor air quality
Curling or cupping shingles
Granules collecting in the gutters
Peeling paint around skylights
Darkening ceiling paint
Water spots on ceilings and walls
Water dripping from the ceiling

What Causes a Leaky Roof?

There’s a long list of potential causes of a leaky roof, ranging from harsh weather to improper installation. Some of the most common are:

Broken or missing shingles
Damaged flashing
Clogged gutters
Inadequate roofing materials
Ice dams
Improperly sealed valleys

The Dangers of Postponing Repairs

1. Interior Damage

For homes with an attic, the biggest danger of a leaky roof is damage to wood and stored items. Moisture buildup in the attic could lead to mold and dry rot.

If your home does not have an attic, a leaky roof will ruin the interior ceiling by darkening the paint and causing plaster to bubble and expand. Large leaks will also damage plaster on nearby walls and ceiling-mounted lights and fans.

2. Mold and Mildew Problems

Mold and mildew growth is another issue whenever you have a roof leak. The longer the leak goes untreated, the more serious the growth. Due to its sporous nature, mold can spread throughout your home to your HVAC system, vents, carpets, furniture and even clothing.

In rare and chronic cases, toxigenic black mold can attack wood framing, ceiling tiles and wall and floor coverings.

3. Health Concerns

Mold and mildew intrusions aren’t only an inconvenience; they can cause serious health issues as well. Those with delicate immune systems, respiratory conditions and sensitivity to poor air quality are most likely to suffer. Unless taken care of by a professional, the mold spores will continue to reproduce and could cause someone to have an allergic reaction , asthma attack or more serious health problems.

4. Fire Hazards

Electrical wiring throughout the attic or ceiling could pose a serious fire risk if your roof has sprung a leak. Wet electrical wiring is never a good thing , especially in a rarely visited part of your home. If you notice a leak in your attic or ceiling, turn off electricity to the affected area and call an electrician to examine it.

5. Higher Utility Bills

Another side effect of a leaky roof is wasted energy. Insulation is easily waterlogged, so your home’s energy efficiency will diminish significantly if repair and inspection are put off for a long time. Chronic water intrusion will cause your home to lose hot and cool air, resulting in higher utility bills.

6. Structural Damage

Water is an extremely powerful element that can damage your home’s structural integrity. Rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing and even fascia boards and exterior trim will inevitably be severely damaged by a leaking roof. Prolonged leaks can lead to wood deterioration , rotted roof framing and other problems that will require help from a professional.

Roof Inspections, Maintenance, and Repair in Spokane

If your roof is showing signs of failure, trust the highly skilled roofers at Alpine Construction to fix it. Our roofers have extensive experience installing, repairing and maintaining residential roofs and are up to date on proper procedures for handling a variety of roofing materials. Let us help you find the right roofing solution for you and your budget. Contact us online today for your FREE estimate or call 509-448-8099.

How Gutters Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 17:58:57 GMT

An inch of rainfall doesn’t sound like much but it can cause serious damage. When an inch of rain falls on an average-sized roof without gutters, it allows 1,900 gallons of water to soak into the ground around your home’s foundation.1 Though often neglected, gutters are one of the most important assets your home has to protect itself from all sorts of water damage.

Flood Protection

Gutters collect the rain rolling off your roof and diverts it away from the base of your home. Without gutters, rain can pool near the foundation and eventually cause flooding. Clogged gutters cause similar problems.2

Erosion

When you don’t have functional gutters, rain can erode the soil around your house. Your home’s foundation is incredibly fragile and protected only by a layer of topsoil. If water is not correctly diverted, it will wash the soil away, leaving your foundation vulnerable.

Damage to Landscaping

Many homeowners plant bushes and flowers around the base of their home to enhance its curb appeal. During a torrential downpour, gutters act as a kind of awning and prevents the force of the storm from damaging the plants. Without gutters, a strong storm can destroy your landscaping.3

Exterior Rotting/Rusting

When installed properly, gutters prevent rotting or rusting on your home’s exterior. However, poor gutter installation only causes more headaches, since any water that clings to the eave shingles will slowly drip behind the gutters. Over time, this water will cause the soffit and fascia to develop wood rot.

Paint Damage

If the outside of your home is painted, water damage will show in the form of peeling, bubbling or flaking paint. While it’s almost impossible to prevent all paint damage, having properly installed gutters on your home will help divert excess water and preserve your paint job.

Mold

Homes surrounded by trees are more likely to have clogged gutters, which can cause more problems than not having gutters at all. Clogged gutters do not allow for proper water flow, resulting in pools of standing water. This creates a ripe environment for mold to begin growing and creeping into crawlspaces and basements.

Professional Gutter Installation & Repair in Spokane, WA

Alpine Construction has served homeowners in the Spokane area for more than 30 years. If you’re in need of gutter repair or installation, our highly skilled contractors are happy to help solve your gutter problems. We work with you through each step of the process to ensure you are pleased with the results. Our customers’ happiness is our top priority.

Call 509-448-8099 today or visit us online for your FREE estimate!

Is Your Roof Prepared to Survive the Summer Heat?

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:11:35 GMT

We go to the doctor when we start to feel ill, and we take our car to the shop when it makes an unfamiliar, disconcerting noise, but what do we do when a shingle falls off the roof?

Roof maintenance is often ignored, even though the smallest of problems can lead to extremely costly repairs. Here in Spokane, the ever-present rain can expose leaks that would otherwise go unnoticed until long after the major damage is done.

While a small, drippy leak or a few missing or loose shingles might not seem like a big deal, any issue with your roof could be indicative of a much bigger problem.

Check Your Roof Yearly

Homeowners should have their roofs professionally inspected at least once a year to ensure there are no major issues. This is the best way to catch potential problems early on, saving your hard-earned money in the long run.

Common Roof Issues

· Water spots on your ceiling after rain

· Aging, cracking or missing shingles

· Granules filling the gutters

While these common issues may not seem too alarming, there are several different factors that could be affecting the integrity of your roof. Water spots on the ceiling point to a leak, but if it’s a slow leak, it could be extremely hard to find unless you are a professional whose eyes are trained to identify these issues and trace them to their source.

Replacing a few shingles may seem like a small and simple DIY job, but not having the correct training or materials could result in a mistake with a big price tag attached.

Symptoms of Roofing "Heat Exhaustion"

Rain, snow and hail are all common weather events in the Pacific Northwest that can damage your roof, but they aren’t the only things to watch out for. While our summers here in Washington aren’t as brutally hot as in other parts of the country, the sun can still weaken your shingles.

These common side effects of the brutal summer heat could cause serious issues down the road if they go unnoticed:

· Decaying – Decaying shingles are more commonly found in older homes. They often take on a deformed, rotted look and could be missing chunks. Shingles decay with constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Newer shingles usually hold up fine to this kind of weather, but if you have an older home, you may want to get your shingles inspected.

· Warping – Like decaying shingles, warped shingles appear most often on older roofs, but instead of disintegrating, they curl or bend upwards. Unfortunately, they don’t get better on their own, so it’s best to have a professional inspect them.

· Cracking – Cracks are caused by heat, which creates tension in the shingle, causing it to strain. Homeowners should repair cracks as soon as possible because they let water seep into the underlayment, and eventually, your attic and home. 1

Pricey Problem

Not having your roof professionally inspected could prove to be an extremely costly mistake. Repair pricing does depend on your region and roofing material, but no matter the cost, it’s sure to put a dent in your summer vacation budget.

In 2016, Angie’s List found that shingle roof replacement ranges in price from $4,500 to $10,000 and gave cost estimates for the most common types of shingles.

· Asphalt: $120-$400 per 100 sq. ft.

· Slate: $800 - $4,000 per 100 sq. ft.

· Tile: $600-$4,000 per 100 sq. ft.

· Metal: $500-$1,800 per 100 sq. ft. 2

Professional Roof Inspection in Spokane, Washington

Looking for an affordable roof inspection from a local Spokane roofing company?

For more than 30 years, we at Alpine Construction & Roofing have made providing exceptional service and results to residents in the Spokane area our priority. Our detail-oriented professionals will identify your roof’s problem areas and give you a FREE repair quote. Call Alpine Construction & Roofing at 509-448-8099 or send us a message today.

Why Are Asphalt Shingles the Go-To Roofing Material?

Tue, 01 May 2018 19:08:18 GMT

Asphalt shingles are popular because they are affordable, reliable, relatively long lasting and flexible to install. Although not the highest ranked roofing material in terms of longevity, the 20-year average asphalt roof lifespan makes it a cost-effective option for many homeowners.1 Because asphalt roofs are inexpensive and easy to install, they’re also relatively easy to repair if shingles are blown off or damaged in storms.

Asphalt shingles are also considered very low maintenance compared to other roofing materials. Although occasional maintenance inspections, flashing touch-ups and shingle replacements may be necessary, overall, asphalt shingle roofing is a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

The popularity of asphalt shingle roofing has led many manufacturers to create truly diverse arrays of color choices, making it a customizable option for homeowners. Regardless of what your home’s exterior looks like, there’s likely an asphalt shingle style that will complement it well.

Although asphalt shingles are manufactured using petroleum-based byproducts, they can be recycled relatively easily, which helps nullify some of the ecological impact.

As an added bonus, most asphalt shingles also boast a Class A fire-resistance rating.2

How Asphalt Shingles Are Made

Asphalt shingles get their name because they start life as a rectangular “mat” that is treated with several layers of asphalt before being covered with ceramic granules. Asphalt is extraordinarily water-resistant, and the treatment helps ensure water will run off the roof rather than soak through the shingles.

Most modern mat is reinforced with fiberglass for added durability and longevity. In the past, asbestos was used to reinforce some mats, but the extent of its use in shingle manufacturing was not as prevalent or widespread as it was sometimes publicized to be. Between 1963 and 1970, some companies were using asbestos to reinforce fiberglass mats, but the actual amount of asbestos typically accounted for less than one percent of the material. By now, even if your home did at one point have shingles containing asbestos, chances are it has had a new roof installed since.3

A larger concern was asbestos in roofing materials like asphalt roofing felt, sealants and flashing, although the roofing industry quickly moved away from asbestos-based materials when the danger of asbestos for roofing professionals and families became apparent. Today’s asphalt shingles are virtually asbestos-free.4

Why Ceramic Granules?

The telltale grainy appearance of asphalt shingled roofs is attributable to the ceramic granules that are embedded into each asphalt shingle’s surface. In addition to being colorable, allowing for a variety of asphalt shingle appearances, these ceramic granules also help reflect and protect the underlying shingles from excessive UV exposure from the sun’s rays.

These ceramic granules can also be treated with zinc or copper to make them resistant to algae growth, which is responsible for the streaking sometimes visible on roofs in certain parts of the country. Spokane is, unfortunately, one of the regions where moss and algae growth can affect roofs, so this may be an upgrade to consider if you’re looking at roof replacement material options.

Three-Tab Shingles or Architectural/Dimensional Shingles?

Although still popular thanks to their affordability, three-tab shingles are slowly being replaced by increasingly cost-efficient architectural and dimensional shingles.

Three-tab shingles essentially have three shingles on each sheet, with slits in the lower half of the sheet to create the three tabs. Architectural/dimensional shingles are single shingles rather than three shingles on a single tab. The lower, visible portion of architectural/dimensional shingles are also laminated with an additional layer of asphalt. In addition to improving waterproofing, this additional layer also gives them added dimension, hence the name “dimensional.”

The added protection also increases the roof’s longevity, which is why manufacturers and roofers generally offer longer warranties on dimensional/architectural shingles than they do for three-tab shingle roofs.

Which option you choose should be based on your situation. If you don’t plan on staying in the home for long, it may make sense to choose three-tab shingles. If you are going to stay in the home for a while, you live in a more expensive home or you’re interested in investing more in peace of mind and equity, you may want to choose architectural shingles.5

High Quality Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement in Spokane

If you are looking for roofing estimates from local Spokane roofing companies, call Alpine Construction & Roofing at 509-448-8099. We would be happy to inspect your existing roof and tell you about our various three-tab and dimensional/architectural shingle options.

1 https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/01/06/how-long-can-you-expect-your-roof-or-fridge-to-last

2 https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/types-of-asphalt-shingles

3 http://www.shinglerecycling.org/content/asbestos-asphalt-shingles

4 http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/asbestos/homeowner/roofside.html

5 http://roofroof.com/blog/2014/08/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles-is-cheaper-better/

Attic Ventilation Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 17:41:02 GMT

It’s officially time for spring cleaning, which means you’ll be spending more time in your attic than usual. As you tidy up, you may notice some startling signs like discoloration along your attic ceiling or sweltering attic temperatures. But are these causes for concern, and will attic ventilation solve these problems?

Myth #1: Attic Ventilation Only Helps During the Summer

Attic ventilation is actually more helpful during winter than summer. To understand why, you need to know the relationship between air temperature and moisture.

In the winter, the inside of your home is warm. Meanwhile, the roof and the air around it are freezing cold. As the warm indoor air rises and gets closer to the roof, it begins to cool. Because cooler air holds less moisture than warm air, the moisture begins to condense on the underside of your roof in the attic. This condensation can cause severe problems, including:

· Growth of mold and mildew – Reduces indoor air quality and triggers allergies and asthma in some people

· Wood rot – Weakens your home’s structure, making it more susceptible to additional damage

· Water dripping onto your insulation – Damages the insulation and decreases its R-value, making your home more susceptible to air leaks

Poor attic ventilation can also cause ice dams if you live in a snowy environment. Without ventilation, warm air has no way to escape the attic, so it gradually heats the roof just enough for the snow and ice on top of it to melt. The melted snow then trickles down the roof toward the gutters. As the water rolls down the slope of your roof, it moves farther and farther away from the heat source, allowing it to refreeze around the edges of your roof. This ice dam effectively blocks the path for water runoff to escape the roof, and since the water has nowhere else to go, it seeps back inside your roof causing leaks, water damage, rot and mold growth.

This isn’t to say attic ventilation doesn’t help during the summer; it does allow moisture to escape and air to circulate, thus cooling your attic. But much of the damage attributable to poor attic ventilation will happen during the cooler months and in cold climates like we have here in the Spokane area.

Myth #2: Attic Ventilation Will Slash My Energy Bills in Summer

While attic vents may slightly increase the energy efficiency of your home during summer, that really isn’t the reason you should be installing them. They are much better at letting moisture escape and bringing fresh air into your attic than they are at cooling your home.

If you are worried about the opposite problem – that attic vents will let all your heated air escape during winter – fear not! Good insulation and air sealing prevent this from happening. In fact, improving sealing and insulation is much more likely to increase the energy efficiency of your home than adding a couple of attic vents. You may also wish to switch out your roofing material, whether with better shingles, tiles or metal, to reflect more sun and keep your home cool.

Myth #3: All Vents Are Created Equal

Attic ventilation relies upon a balance of intake and exhaust vents for air to properly circulate. The intake vents are typically soffit vents located along the eaves. The exhaust vents are usually ridge vents located along the peak of your roof, or sometimes gable vents.

When deciding which vents to install, keep in mind that you generally want a 50/50 split between intake and exhaust vents. If there are too few intake vents, the desired air flow may reverse, causing the exhaust vents to function as intake vents. This will make circulation inefficient and make it more difficult for heat and moisture to escape.

Myth #4: Adding More Vents Is the Way to Go

If you want less moisture and cooler air in your attic, it may seem like you should simply add more ventilation. However, most attics only require about one square foot of ventilation for 300 square feet of attic space. Exceeding this ratio won’t necessarily prevent or solve attic ventilation related issues.1 If anything, unnecessary openings make your roof more susceptible to wind, water and fire damage.

Another solution popular with many homeowners is installing a power vent. This vent uses electricity or sometimes solar power to pump air out of the attic instead of waiting for the effects of passive ventilation. While this may be a good solution for a hip roof, an improperly installed power vent can also suck your conditioned air up into the attic, resulting in wasted energy. It’s best to consult a professional before installing any attic vents in your home.

Attic Vent Installation in Spokane, WA

If you’ve noticed signs of moisture in your attic or own a home that isn’t properly ventilated, the team at Alpine Construction & Roofing can help! Our family-owned and operated business has been providing construction services like roof venting, inspection, repair and installation to the Spokane area for more than 30 years. Call us at (509) 448-8099 today for your FREE quote.

1 https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/5-myths-about-attic-ventilation/