Case Studies – Guardian Roofing https://www.guardianroofing.com Roofing Services Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:48:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Janet’s Leaking Tile And Aging Skylights (Seattle) https://www.guardianroofing.com/2023/05/janets-leaking-tile-and-aging-skylights-seattle/ Wed, 10 May 2023 14:50:19 +0000 https://www.guardianhome.com/?p=31613 It Comes as No Surprise That Weather Can Be the Most Taxing on Your Roof.

The harsh seasons of the Seattle and Portland Metropolitan area are no joke. Choosing a roofing material for your geolocation is imperative to your roof’s longevity. All roofing has pros and cons with a quality installation being just as important as the material being installed. Even a top-of-the-line tile roof will fail prematurely if it’s not properly installed. If your new tile roof isn’t performing well, the first thing you should check is the quality of the installation. A professional contractor will meticulously follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and local regulations. They will consider things like deck protection, leak barriers, and ventilation to ensure that your new roof will last as long as expected once installed.

Guardian takes great care in providing quality installation by trained professionals. Our personalized consultations establish which materials work best for your home solutions, your budget, and your desired exterior aesthetic. 

Roof leak damage

Janet’s skylights were aging beyond repair and her roof was leaking consistently with every rain. Her tile shingles were damaging more than just her roof and it was time for a complete upgrade.

If your roof & skylights are leaking, call Guardian Roofing & Gutters today at 877-926-9966, or request your appointment online »

See how we helped Janet

It was undeniable Janet’s roofing needed an upgrade. Her outdated roofing tiles and damaged skylights had to be replaced correctly and timely so she entrusted her project to Guardian Roofing. Our experts were able to suggest swapping out her tile shingles for since it is easier to maintain long term and is less susceptible to leaks as opposed to  tile. We also suggested Skylights because her existing skylights were leaking. Janet also needed new gutters and decided on white, because they were leaking and the color matched the home.

Roof before replacement by Guardian Roofing & Gutters

It was a 3 day project. First we stripped the current roofing. We checked the plywood for problems, then installed synthetic underlayment. Next, we put ice and water around the perimeter and around penetrations to protect the most vulnerable leak areas. Then we started installing. First we installed the new shingles and accessories followed by the skylights. Lastly, we installed the gutters.

Skylights ready to be installed by Guardian Roofing & Gutters
Skylight interior
 

Thanks to Guardian, Janet and her home no longer need to stress about the forecast. She has a beautiful new Owens Corning roof with water tight Velux skylights, and a 5k continuous gutter system that blends in with the snow and adds curb appeal. Her new roof offers more than just a reliable roof over her head, it offers her a peace of mind.

If your roof & skylights are leaking, call Guardian Roofing & Gutters today at 877-926-9966, or request your appointment online »

New gutters blending in with snow

New skylight installed by Guardian Roofing & Gutters
New roof and new gutters installed by Guardian Roofing & Gutters

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Home Alteration Fails Due To Lack Of Ventilation In Seattle, WA https://www.guardianroofing.com/2023/04/home-alteration-fails-due-to-lack-of-ventilation-in-seattle-wa/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:39:02 +0000 https://www.guardianhome.com/?p=31592 It’s No Secret That Moisture Can Be Your Roof’s Kryptonite.

Moisture can lead to condensation, mold, shingle deterioration, structure damages, and so much more. Poor installation, inexperienced contractors and materials that are less than ideal all can be working against your roofing health and decreasing its longevity. Living in the rainy Seattle area further exposes your roofing to harsh elements that if neglected can cause hazardous living environments and expensive repairs. If your roof is in need of maintenance or repairs, contact our experienced team at 877-926-9966, or schedule a consultation »

As Previously Mentioned, Neglected Moisture Build Up Can Form as a Consequence of Physical Roof Damage.

Flat and low sloped roofing are at high risk for costly damages if not installed correctly and maintained. Leaks cause structural rot namely by cracks on a flat roof. However, the rot may have also been caused by a poorly ventilated attic. This happened to be the circumstance for our customer, Kurt.

Kurt noticed wet spots on the ceiling and realized it was time to call  a  professional. Upon our inspection, we were able to tell that the previous contractor framed an additional flat roof section but had left out one important detail. There was no exhaust ventilation. Poorly ventilated attics often have high moisture levels, and it doesn’t take much moisture to rot wood and other organic materials. In fact, it only takes a moisture level of 20% to start the decaying process!

If your contractor deems a poorly ventilated attic to be the main culprit, installing a ventilation system should remedy the problem. If you notice roof rot, moisture stains, or slumping ceilings, call Guardian for a Consultation today at 877-926-9966!

So your roof has no ventilation. What’s happening?

There are several detrimental situations that can occur if a roof has no ventilation. Here’s a peak of what could be happening.

Mold Growth

Mold loves warm, shaded, moist environments, and an unventilated attic is prime conditions for mold. Not only does mold grow cause decay in your roofing and structures but it is also harmful to your health. If you are experiencing any of these signs, call Guardian right away to schedule your consultation: 877-926-9966

Condensation

When the temperature inside your attic gets too hot, it can cause the air to hold more moisture. This moisture can then condense on the cold surfaces in your attic, leading to mold and mildew growth. Increased moisture can also lead to rust issues with metal components, such as flashing and nails. If you are experiencing any of these signs, call Guardian Roofing & Gutters at 877-926-9966 right away to schedule your consultation »

Shingle Deterioration

Insufficient heat ventilation  can cause one of the more serious problems in one’s house: shingle deterioration. Increased heat can cause the asphalt in your shingles to break down, making them more susceptible to wind and rain damage. And when this happens, you can end up with leaks and other expensive repairs on your hands, not to mention unhealthy gasses that are released into the air. If you are experiencing any of these signs, call Guardian Roofing & Gutters at 877-926-9966 right away to schedule your consultation »

Structural Damage

Structural damage is one of the most serious problems moisture can cause. When warm temperatures build up in your attic from poor ventilation, the framing materials begin to fluctuate with the temperature. This will continue to weaken them over time which could ultimately lead to the collapse of your roof. One major sign of roofing beams sustaining damage is when you spot bowing or sagging. If you are experiencing any of these signs, call Guardian Roofing & Gutters at 877-926-9966 right away to schedule your consultation »

Framing had no air flow

As you can see, there are many problems that can occur if your roof is not properly ventilated. If you’re concerned that your roof isn’t properly ventilated, the best thing to do is to contact Guardian Roofing & Gutters. Our team of trained professionals can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.

Slot in roof ventilation

See How We Helped Kurt

As we mentioned earlier, Kurt was noticing wet spots on the ceiling. Upon our inspection we could see that There was no exhaust ventilation. This was causing the framing to rot and needed to be completely redone. First we opened up an intake slot for air to get in, to draw ventilation into the cavity. Next we installed new exhaust ventilation into the flat area, to promote exhaust. Finally, we performed chimney repairs to keep them safe from top to bottom.

Exhaust ventilation
New chimney crown
 

Ventilation is an important part of roof maintenance, so don’t neglect it! Make sure your roof has adequate ventilation to avoid problems like rot, mold growth, and structural damage. Living in the greater Seattle Metropolitan Area can have wet weather conditions that can be harmful to your roof. Schedule routine maintenance and inspections to keep your roof healthy. Call Guardian Roofing & Gutters at 877-926-9966 today to schedule your consultation »


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Bernadette’s New Twilight Roofing (Edgewood, WA) https://www.guardianroofing.com/2023/04/bernadettes-new-twilight-roofing-edgewood-wa/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:23:37 +0000 https://www.guardianhome.com/?p=31583 Hot, sunny, and somewhat humid summers alternate between cold, snowy winters, challenging your roofing and ventilation systems with every drop of water and ray of sunshine that hits your house. The Seattle Metro area is a prime example from the 90°F days in July to the 15°F nights throughout winter. The fluctuating hot and cold temperatures can damage everything from asphalt shingles to flashing to drainage.

Roof Vent

Roof vents help circulate air and keep your home cooler.

Next to weather and moisture, poor ventilation is the leading cause in decreased roofing longevity. Not only can moist air become trapped and turn to mold and mildew but it can also cause your upstairs to maintain warm temperatures. When your home isn’t adequately ventilated, it’s common for warm air to become trapped since it doesn’t have an effective escape route. 

One of our customers was experiencing an unusual amount of warm air in her home. After contacting Guardian Roofing & Gutters, our experts for an inspection, we went to Bernadette’s home to find not only that her Shiplap roofing was out of code, but that she needed some significant ventilation upgrades.

  • House was incredibly hot in the summer
  • Insulation filled the air cavity and created a lack of ventilation

If you suffer from warm temperatures in your home it could be from poor insulation. Call Guardian Roofing at 877-926-9966 for an inspection today!

So your home is unusually warm. What now?

Your home is warm and it is probably due to poor ventilation. Attic moisture builds up not just from weather and outside humidity but also from cooking, showering, washing the dishes, and any type of water usage.  Without good ventilation, the summer sun can cause an unhealthy buildup of excess heat.  Overheating combined with moisture can crack shingles and damage roof decking as well as cause mold. This means that the attic space not only needs a method for the heat and humidity to escape, but proper intake of fresh air as well. During the winter, efficient ventilation helps maintain a cool roofing system, mixing cool air from outside with attic air and melting less snow on the roof.

Filled Air Cavity

See how we helped Bernadette

Bernadette’s home was unusually warm,  And decided it was time to call a professional. When we arrived at her home we could see that the Shiplap was out of code. Upon further inspection we noticed that The ventilation was inadequate , and the air cavity needed to ventilate the home was completely blocked by insulation. First, we installed a correct ventilation system allowing air to enter the roof cavity low on the home, and exhaust at the ridge. Then we installed cardboard baffles to compress the insulation and create an air space for air to travel through to ventilate the home and lower the temperature.

Air Flow Baffles
Baffled Ridge Vent System

Not only did we give Bernadette a new ventilation system and roofing deck, but we also installed brand new to the market, Owen’s Corning Oakridge shingles in twilight black. Oakridge® shingles provide premium protection and aesthetically pleasing curb appeal. They offer a larger surface for nailing zones to protect against weather and increase the longevity of your roofing. 

If you think your roofing is needing an update, new ventilation, or even routine maintenance, don’t wait! Call Guardian Roofing & Gutters today at 877-926-9966, or schedule your inspection online »


 

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Julie’s Roofing Allergy Solution (Seattle) https://www.guardianroofing.com/2023/03/julies-roofing-allergy-solution/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:30:44 +0000 https://www.guardianhome.com/?p=31444 It’s No Secret That There Are Multiple Variables to Consider When Deciding on Which Roofing Material Is Best for Your Home

Color, longevity, cost and materials all play a role in what could be one of the most costly decisions regarding your home build or renovation. This is especially true for those who have allergies to materials, specifically those with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) allergies. VOCs are gasses that certain products release into the air. These gasses carry harmful effects, from attacking the respiratory system to causing cancer.

Julie's Roof

People living with these allergies have to meticulously screen everything they buy or take into their home for specific chemicals. This is especially true when choosing your housing materials. After all, you have to live with the decision.  This is the reality for people sensitive to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), like our client, Julie, who was severely allergic to VOCs and had a history of hospitalization. We were able to provide a beautiful, functional roof without sacrificing her health. If you have allergies, or other health circumstances that may be privy to your roofing conditions, we can help! Call 877-926-9966 or contact our team of experts for your consultation »

So you’re allergic. What’s next?

Our Team at Guardian takes immense care and pride in choosing the perfect product for our customers. At Guardian, we preach that we make customers for life. After requesting a consultation, Our experienced team then searches our product base to find the exact materials for you.

For our clients with special circumstances such as VOC allergies, we pay special attention to the composition of the material as well as the installation process to guarantee that you and your home are safe from hazardous materials.  Have questions or concerns? Our team has answers! Call 877-926-9966 or contact our team of experts for your consultation »

In particular situations where customers have allergies, our experts know that there are three primary sources of VOCs in building materials: paint, finishes, and sealants. For example, metal roofs use advanced paint systems to reflect heat and retain vibrant color. They also use sealants as a secondary adhesive, specially made to match the color. We work to find materials such as Oxford Shingles and installation techniques to ensure your health is a top priority in addition to reliable roofing. 

Allergy proofing Julie's Roof

Look at how we were able to help Julie!

Guardian’s expert installation team created a custom roofing solution for Julie. They took extra time to understand her VOC allergies and carefully identified and employed VOC-free materials, monitored the jobsite VOC levels, and integrated multiple roofing materials.

Not only were we faced with an allergy challenge, we were also faced with a challenging roofline. Knowing that we were going to be using Oxford Shingles due to the need to have zero VOC’s., with a flat roof required precise skills in order to have it look nice, lay flat, and to insure seams are welded in a manner to never let water in. We know that most flat roofs involve chemical compounds, the welding off gasses, and many of the glues and solvents used can be toxic.  so identifying a safe option was crucial. Guardian experts identified that Tuffdeck was going to be the most successful strategy. They carefully integrated the flat section to the main slope of the roof by correctly overlapping and waterproofing the transition.

Our biggest challenge during installation was removing the old roof. Tearing off the old asphalt filled the air with dust and particles, so Julie relocated for a few days while we finished.

If you have roofing needs that require extra expertise, skills, and precaution, we understand! Call 877-926-9966 or contact our team of experts for your consultation »

Julie's Roof Completed

It’s more than business for us, it’s personal!

Mike Hernandez, a sales technician at Guardian, developed a great relationship with Julie during the project. Here’s Mike’s story in his own words:

“Julie’s project is one of the most detailed and specific systems I have ever built for a customer.

Julie is allergic to VOCs, and her allergies are so severe that she has been hospitalized in the past. So when she began her research, understandably, she had done a lot more than the average homeowner. By the time I visited her home, she was very aware of which products would not work for her.

So, I started by getting a better understanding of her allergies and what materials she was sensitive to. Then, I read the Material Safety Data for several Isaiah Industries products to find the right fit for Julie. Since the coatings used on their products are baked on, most VOCs evaporate before the shingles are stamped, further reducing any possible exposure.

One unforeseen roadblock was checking the sealants, another potential source of VOCs.

Our biggest challenge during installation was removing the old roof. Tearing off the old asphalt created filled the air with dust and particles, so Julie relocated for a few days while we finished.

Often at Guardian, we preach that we make customers for life, but I can’t think of anybody who exemplifies this more than Julie. She is almost like an extra grandmother or auntie to me at this point!”

The roof geometry was particularly challenging, with a flat section connected to the main slope. Integrating the new Oxford Shingle roof with a flat roof required some serious skill. Most flat roofs involve chemical compounds, so identifying a safe option was crucial. Once Guardian found the right one, they carefully integrated the flat section into the main roof.

The entire Guardian team went above and beyond, monitoring on-site VOC levels throughout the installation process, from tear-off to sign-off.

Our team is filled with caring members such as Mike. For your roofing needs and inquiries, call 877-926-9966 or contact our team of experts for your consultation »

Looking Forward

This project, although challenging, was incredibly rewarding! We saw this as an opportunity to give Julie the roof she wanted without sacrificing beauty or functionality for health and safety. The result is something we believe everyone deserves, a solution that will last. The team at Guardian is proud of projects such as this. If you have special circumstances that are as important as your roofing needs, Guardian is here to help. Call 877-926-9966 or contact our team of experts for your consultation »


 

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Halo Project: The Lenihan Family (Enumclaw) https://www.guardianroofing.com/2023/03/halo-project-the-lenihan-family/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:00:59 +0000 https://www.guardianhome.com/?p=31437 At Guardian Roofing & Gutters, We Believe It’s Incredibly Important to Give Back and Take Care of Our Community.

That is why every year since our inception, the Guardian Family takes some time to determine how we can best give back to our community in a way that is unique to us.

In 2018 we found the answer in the Guardian Halo Project, an internal team lead project where one homeowner family in dire conditions would be gifted with a major roof repair or replacement. The local community was encouraged to nominate themselves or someone in need on the Guardian website, with the winner to be announced at the beginning of 2019. The overwhelming amount of nominations as well as support for the program made it an instant success and we have since been dedicated to annually helping our community. If you would like more information, are in need of roofing repairs or you would like to nominate a home, please visit our Halo Project webpage.

Even before the Nomination Platform for the Halo Project 2021 was open, Guardian was receiving calls and emails inquiring about the philanthropic project with a special family in mind. As soon as the platform opened in late 2020, submission after submission was sent in for Sarah and Luke Lenihan, a young couple with 2 little children and one on the way. The family recently purchased a 104 year old home in Enumclaw Washington, and while they knew it would need some fixing up, they never could have imagined the myriad of problems that would be revealed.

One of the major problems was a failing roof, something Luke and Sarah were not prepared for. Fortunately, their local community gathered around them in support and by the time the Guardian nomination platform closed, there were over 100 submissions in their name! The Team at Guardian knew they had found their recipient and that it was time to get to work.

Their roofing went through inspection, and was passed. The second day, Luke was ready to get his hands dirty and start renovating their home and noticed that the insulation was sticking to the roof and molding. As he continued to work until he realized his hand was going through the roofing. This is when they knew this was more than just replacing insulation, they needed an entirely new roof. Since the inspections had been completed there was no more the inspector was willing to do or cover. The roofing damages were so extreme that many other roofing companies would be unable to help. That is, until Guardian Roofing. 

Upon our inspection we noticed the roofing was rotting, the stick framing was rotting, there was no ventilation in the roof and we had a very, very serious task at hand.  The previous owner had cut rafters making the upper level of the home unsafe. In addition the ventilation had been completely covered up . This promoted moisture build up and mold, and the structure needed to be completely reframed to create a safe area.

Insulation Added
Bracing Corrected
 

First we knew we had to reframe the rafters to make the roof structurally sound using 2×6 and 2×6 framing materials, blow in and poly iso insulation. Secondly, we had to tackle the ventilation.  We installed intake ventilation on the low portion of the roof, and exhaust at the ridge. We then installed insulation to keep the space warm. Now air travels between the roof  and the insulation allowing the roof to vent but the room to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This project took our team 3 days and were able to add approximately $32,000 to their home’s value.

Rafter Supports Installed

Photo shows the team rebuilding the rafters to make the structure sound.

The final product was perfect! We were able to give them a new roof, a comfortable room  and curb appeal. Adding more than just value to a home was immensely rewarding. We loved not only being able to help build a beautiful, functioning roof and ventilation system, but also becoming part of their amazing story of restoration, hope, and community involvement. Thank you to the Lenihan family for letting us be a part of your journey!

Completed Lenihan Family Roof

The completed roof

If you have ventilation, insulation, or other roofing concerns, call 877-926-9966 or request your appointment online »

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David’s Mossy Roof Restoration (Auburn) https://www.guardianroofing.com/2023/03/davids-mossy-roof-restoration/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:57:26 +0000 https://www.guardianhome.com/?p=31425 It’s No Surprise That the Seattle Metropolitan Area Is Wet

Rain makes up most of our weather allowing your roofing to be a prime place for moss and other vegetation to grow. If not routinely maintained, your roofing is subject to detrimental damage. Moss thrives in areas that are shaded, cool and damp, if this describes your roof it’s time to take a look and schedule a service today!

Mossy Roof Before
Mossy Roof After Cleaning
 

So There’s Moss. What’s Next?

First, don’t fret. Your roofing is probably salvageable. Contact our team for a consultation to see how we can save your roofing. After booking, we will be able to find a company that has the correct equipment to perform a high volume, low pressure rinse. It is very important to not use high pressure, over 900 psi, or a corrosive chemical. After finding the correct equipment and material for your specific needs we then create a plan.

Look at How We Were Able to Help David!

David noticed he had a thick blanket of moss growing on his composition roofing . A really, really thick blanket of moss. We definitely do not recommend letting your roofing go this long without cleaning and maintenance. After scheduling a consultation with our team, we began by removing the heaviest moss by hand and performed a high water volume, low pressure rinse to remove the rest of the moss. We also removed the chimney crown that moisture and moss had destroyed as the photos show.

Moss & Moisture Destroyed Chimney
Moss taking over a roof
 

We quickly noticed by taking photos, moisture readings and checking the moss adhering to the granules, that the chimney cap and ridge shingles had been destroyed. Luckily trained professionals were able to remove the moss. They also replaced the ridge. Our team lastly restored the chimney by cleaning and replacing the crown.

New Chimney Crown
Moss removed from Roof
 

Thankfully, our Guardian team was able to restore the roof, perform a personalized moss removal cleanse, and replace the ridge to the chimney. They also applied a three year moss treatment adding many years to this roofing’s longevity!

If your roof is in need of cleaning, maintenance, or moss removal, don’t wait! Call 877-926-9966 or schedule a consultation with our experienced team today!


 

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