M. Walter Roofing» | M.Walter Roofing Company | Chicago, IL

Specials

Webtech — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:01:20 +0000

Our Current Roofing Specials

Look below to see our current specials we are running. Click on the coupons to enlarge them.

Places On Your Roof Where Leaks Can Happen

Webtech — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:05:18 +0000

Places On Your Roof Where Leaks Can Happen

Have you ever heard someone say something to the effect of “all I need is a roof over my head to be happy”? Across almost all cultures of the world, a roof is considered one of the most important necessity of life. It helps keep intruders out of our dwelling spaces, and protects us from the harshness of nature. Here in Chicago, nature tends to show its harshness most through rain, snow, sleet, etc, and if your roof is not properly maintained, it can ultimately lead to a roof leak.

The fact of the matter is that a roof leak can be difficult to diagnose. Different weather conditions tend to cause leaks in different locations on your roof. Here are some common places on a roof that leaks are found:

Shingles

vertical slits - Vertical slits between shingles are the first places you should look for corrosion that might be causing a leak. Particularly in 3 tab asphalt shingles, it is not uncommon for leaks to develop in the top 3 inches of each vertical slit.

missing granules – These ceramic, color coated pieces of crushed rock protect the asphalt from the destructive ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. When they are over exposed to sunlight, the asphalt within the shingle begins to corrode. However, granule erosion in the vertical slit area” tends to happen when water drips from the shingle above. Since this is a small, narrow area, it’s difficult for the sun evaporate any moisture in here. The granules at the top of each slit receive twice as much energy from the dripping water as the granules on either side of the slit. This might not seem like it would do all that much damage, but over long periods of time, roof leaks due to this are not uncommon at all.

Chimneys

Chimneys contain various types of flashing, and if there is a malfunction with this flashing, a leak is likely to occur. Even a hairline crack above the flashing can allow lots of water to run behind the flashing. Look for soldered corners of your flashing that might have been broken, or have holes.

Skylights

Skylights are a beautiful feature on a home, but their downside is that because they penetrate and interrupt the roof surface, they are a common contributor of a leaking roof. Water flows down a pitched roof (or immediately collects on a flat roof), builds up in the skylight – eventually finds a place around the flashing where it seeps inside, and onto your head.

Valleys

The most important thing you can do to avoid leaks in your roof valleys is to trim your shingles correctly. When you trim a shingle for a valley you end up with a rough point on the end of the shingle. If a second cut is not done to make this point straight, water can travel along the top of the shingle and find its way into your home.

Specific Types of Flashing

wall step – This flashing rests where a roof extends alongside a vertical wall. As each new row of shingles is laid, a step flashing is installed over the shingle next to the wall. Part of the flashing is laid up on the wall, while the other part gets covered by the next row of shingles. Look for corrosion or rust on this flashing. Ideal you should only be able to see a small portion of this flashing.

head wall – While some roofs extend alongside a wall, others stop where a wall has been constructed. In this case, head wall flashing must be installed to direct water streaming down the wall, away from the stopping point of the shingles. This flashing may be behind wood siding, or in front of a brick wall. The flashing should extend over the shingles by three inches, at least. If the wall consists of masonry or brick, the flashing must bend and extend an inch into a mortar joint.

plumbing vent - Many types of plumbing flashing contains a rubber seal with an aluminum flashing. Unfortunately, the rubber seems to have a lifespan of only about a decade. With that said, it’s important to keep an eye out for cracked rubber around the plumbing pipe. Flashing should dive up and under the shingles that extend up the roof from the center of the plumbing vent. The bottom half of the flashing should be exposed, and actually cover all the shingles.

b-vent - B-vent flashing is generally the same thing as plumbing vent flashing, but they tend to have a metal storm collar. The storm collar fits securely around the vertical pipe, but if it’s loosened, a leaking roof can occur.

Whether you want to learn more about places your roof can leak, or if you’re interested in a repair for your leaking roof, don’t hesitate to contact M. Walter Roofing, your south side Chicago area Roofing experts!

Leaking Roof Repair Services

Webtech — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:56:42 +0000

Leaking Roof Repair Services

Your roof is the most important part of your home. It’s what keeps you and your family safe and protected from the elements…except when it has a leak. We at M. Walter Roofing understand the frustration and annoyance that can come with a leaking roof.

Why trust anyone but the best to handle your home’s very well-being?

M. Walter Roofing specializes in inspections for roof leaks. We accurately diagnose your roof’s problem and repair it in an effective and timely manner, so that it doesn’t spread to cause further damage to your home.

We provide you with…

Progressive analysis of you roof’s current conditions
24-hour, tax deductable emergency leak repair services
Repair of your shingles, flashing, gutters, and masonry with the highest quality equipment

M Walter Roofing are fully liscenced and insured contractors, ready to come to your home at a moment’s notice, to meet your leaking roof with a quality solution. We service Chicago’s southside, and many Chicago suburbs.

Whether your ceiling is just damp, or your home is flooded from a massive hole in your roof, M. Walter Roofing are the Chicago roofing contractors for you!
Call today for a free, no obligation estimate!

Green Roofing Options

Webtech — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:35:51 +0000

Green Roofing Options

With every manufacturer on the market telling you that they have the best green roofing product, it’s no wonder why you might be having difficulty deciding which one to choose. Generally speaking, the truth is that most popular roofing materials nowadays have elements that are great for the environment, and some that aren’t so good. Many typical roofing options offer their materials in recycled form, or with long warranties that ensure the durability of their product. Which is the most “pro-enviro?” You be the judge.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Pros:

Can be produced using a small amount of energy.

Recycled wood shingles from bridges and mills are available.

Cons:

It’s very flammable.

The harvest of the trees usually used is not sustainable in the long run.

Slate and Clay Tiles

Pros:

Slate is extremely durable, and can last for hundreds of years.

Clay is particularly fire resistant, because it’s heated in order to be produced

Cons:

Mining and transportation of slate is very energy-intensive

Clay breaks relatively easily

Recycled Shingles

Although many of the common roofing materials offer recycled options, there are other roofing materials made from clean, post-consumer and post-industrial waste, like plastics and other synthetic materials.

Pros:

Reduces the need for raw materials

Helps lessen the waste in landfills

Lowers energy consumption

Some are even fire resistant

Cons:

There are many “unknowns” about these products, because they are newer to the market

It’s not as readily available as more traditional roofing options

Although it’s easier to see that some roofing options are simply better for the planet than others, there really is no all-around best material. Living “green” is a complex matter, and the roofing you choose will depend on the style of your home, your budget, and the climate in which you live. The most important thing is that you have the best intentions in doing your part for the planet.

Whether you have questions about which green roofing might be best for your home, or your green roof just needs some routine maintenance, be sure to contact M Walter Roofing, your Chicago roofing company!

Which is the “Greenest” Roofing Option

MM — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:28:54 +0000

Roofing Shingles and Fire Rating

With every manufacturer on the market telling you that they have the best green roofing product, it’s no wonder why you might be having difficulty deciding which one to choose. Generally speaking, the truth is that most popular roofing materials nowadays have elements that are great for the environment, and some that aren’t so good. Many typical roofing options offer their materials in recycled form, or with long warranties that ensure the durability of their product. Which is the most “pro-enviro?” You be the judge.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Pros:

Can be produced using a small amount of energy.

Recycled wood shingles from bridges and mills are available.

Cons:

It’s very flammable.

The harvest of the trees usually used is not sustainable in the long run.

Metal Roofing

Pros:

It can be easily recycled at the end of its life.

Its long lifespan leads to less need for replacement.

Very durable and fire resistant.

Allows you to collect rainwater for gardening and other uses in your home.

It is usually free of harmful chemicals.

Cons:

Its production and transportation can consume lots of energy.

It’s almost always non-locally produced.

Slate and Clay Tiles

Pros:

Slate is extremely durable, and can last for hundreds of years.

Clay is particularly fire resistant, because it’s heated in order to be produced

Cons:

Mining and transportation of slate is very energy-intensive

Clay breaks relatively easily

Recycled Shingles

Although many of the common roofing materials offer recycled options, there are other roofing materials made from clean, post-consumer and post-industrial waste, like plastics and other synthetic materials.

Pros:

Reduces the need for raw materials

Helps lessen the waste in landfills

Lowers energy consumption

Some are even fire resistant

Cons:

There are many “unknowns” about these products, because they are newer to the market

It’s not as readily available as more traditional roofing options

Although it’s easier to see that some roofing options are simply better for the planet than others, there really is no all-around best material. Living “green” is a complex matter, and the roofing you choose will depend on the style of your home, your budget, and the climate in which you live. The most important thing is that you have the best intentions in doing your part for the planet.

Whether you have questions about which green roofing might be best for your home, or your green roof just needs some routine maintenance, be sure to contact M Walter Roofing, your Chicago roofing company!

Roofing Shingles and Fire Rating

Webtech — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:28:30 +0000

Roofing Shingles and Fire Rating

Even though it’s not something you’d like to think about, it’s necessary to take all precautions for your home, in the case that it ever has to endure a fire. Your roof is no exception here. A series of laboratory tests have been developed to measure how well roofing materials, like shingles, resist fires. These tests are widely accepted by roofers, as well as the building industry, in general.

UL 790

UL 790 is the most widely quoted standard, that tests roofing materials’ resistance to fires from external sources: fires that originate outside of the house – things like lightning. A fire rating is not given merely by the physical properties of the roofing material, but also by installing the material in a way that is recommended by the manufacturer. UL assigns roof coverings a rating that ranges from Class A (the highest level of protection) to Class C (the lowest level of protection).

Class

Roofing material that receives a Class A through C rating ought to maintain its position on the roof following a fire, and is not expected to generate burning or flying shingles. Simply speaking, it ought to stay where it was placed.

class A roof materials afford a high degree of fire protection.

class B roof materials afford a “moderate degree” of fire protection.

class C coverings afford a “light degree” of fire protection.

There is no absolute guarantee however, that even class A will hold up in a fire.

Why choose class A?

although you can’t guarantee the safety of someone inside a burning building, they have a much better chance of escaping unharmed if the building has a more fire-resistant roof.

many building codes require class A roofing materials.

To learn more about fire-rated shingles, or to have them installed on your home, Contact M. Walter Roofing Today. We are Chicago roofing contractors that offer affordable roofing solutions!

Chicago Roof Leak Repair

Webtech — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:31:22 +0000

Have A Leaky Roof? We Can Help

M.Walter Roofing is a licensed and insured leak repair specialist. Leaks can cause many problems and cost a lot of money. We can quickly repair your roof and save you from wasting money on unnecessary repairs. We take a lot of pride in our work and make sure the job gets done right the first time around. We have over twenty years of experience and it shows in the quality of our work.

Our services include:

Residential Leak Repair

Commercial Leak Repair

Pitched and Flat Root Types

Every Kind of Leak

Our goal is to provide excellent customer service before and after we solve your roofing needs! We are fully licensed, bonded and insured and will provide proof of certification upon request.

M.Walter Roofing at a glance

We only use quality materials from top roofing manufacturers

Our foreman average 12-20 years in the roofing industry

We have been serving Chicago for over 97 years

Contact Us Today For Your Free No-Obligation Quote

Please fill out the form below to receive your quote today!

Name *:

Company Name (if applicable):

Project Address *:

City *:

State *:

Zip Code *:

Telephone *:

Fax:

Email *:

How were you referred to M Walter Roofing?*:

Type of Buildling *:

The roof is*:

Approximate roof size:

Type of existing roof *:

Approximate age of roof:

Any siding, gutter, fascia or other needs?

Promo Code:

Chicago Commercial Roofing Contractor

Webtech — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:43:18 +0000

Chicago Commercial Roofing Contractor

Welcome to M.Walter Roofing. We offer the following roofing services:

Complete Roof Replacement

Roof Repair

Roof Maintenance plans

Pitched and Flat roofing

We carefully assess your roofing needs to assure maximum return on your investment, and give you a detailed written estimate, with detailed specifications and costs. Our roofs are installed by experienced tradesmen, according to manufacturer’s specifications.Our foremen average 12-20 years of experience in the roofing industry.

We also provide proper warranty information and we firmly stand behind our work! We have many satisfied customers, both Commercial and Commercial, who can attest to a pleasant experience and job well done.

Our goal is to provide excellent customer service before and after we solve your roofing needs!

We are fully licensed, bonded and insured and will provide proof of certification upon request.

Contact Us For a Free No-Obligation Quote

Fill out the form below to have a representative contact you today

Name *:

Company Name (if applicable):

Project Address *:

City *:

State *:

Zip Code *:

Telephone *:

Fax:

Email *:

How were you referred to M Walter Roofing?*:

Type of Buildling *:

The roof is*:

Approximate roof size:

Type of existing roof *:

Approximate age of roof:

Any siding, gutter, fascia or other needs?

Promo Code:

Chicago Residential Roofing Contractor

Webtech — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:18:47 +0000

Chicago Residential Roofing Contractor

Welcome to M.Walter Roofing. We offer the following roofing services:

Complete Roof Replacement

Roof Repair

Roof Maintenance plans

Pitched and Flat roofing

We carefully assess your roofing needs to assure maximum return on your investment, and give you a detailed written estimate, with detailed specifications and costs. Our roofs are installed by experienced tradesmen, according to manufacturer’s specifications.Our foremen average 12-20 years of experience in the roofing industry.

We also provide proper warranty information and we firmly stand behind our work! We have many satisfied customers, both commercial and residential, who can attest to a pleasant experience and job well done.

Our goal is to provide excellent customer service before and after we solve your roofing needs!

We are fully licensed, bonded and insured and will provide proof of certification upon request.

Contact Us For a Free No-Obligation Quote

Fill out the form below to have a representative contact you today

Name *:

Company Name (if applicable):

Project Address *:

City *:

State *:

Zip Code *:

Telephone *:

Fax:

Email *:

How were you referred to M Walter Roofing?*:

Type of Buildling *:

The roof is*:

Approximate roof size:

Type of existing roof *:

Approximate age of roof:

Any siding, gutter, fascia or other needs?

Promo Code:

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Webtech — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:50:36 +0000