Your roof is comprised of more than shingles, tiles, or metal sheets. Most homeowners are unaware of the sheet, or membrane which lies beneath the roof. Roof membrane shrinkage is a common problem and can affect your home’s insulation and lead to problems like leaks and mold.

What Causes the Shrinkage?

Oil additives are often used during the roof membrane installation. Exposure to heat and cold can cause the oil to evaporate or harden. This causes the membrane to lose its flexibility and it begins to shrink. For larger homes and businesses, a membrane shrinkage of even 1% or 2% can result in a reduction size of up to several feet.

Damage to the Roof’s Surface

As the membrane shrinks, it can begin to pull away from the flashing, thus creating openings for leaks. Membrane shrinkage can also cause visible damage to the roof surface. This includes cracks, crazing, splitting, and ridging of shingles. In some instances, shrinkage can also damage wall masonry. As the membrane shrinks, it may yank and pull at the wood blocking and gravel stop it’s attached to. The wood block is often attached to the masonry, thus causing some of the brick or stonework to get ripped away as the wood block is pulled by the shrinking membrane.

We’ll Inspect your Roof Membrane in Kenmore

Let Allied Construction inspect your roof. For re-roofing projects, we can also redo the membrane altogether. This includes using more durable material like PVC. You can schedule a roof inspection as part of a bigger renovation that also includes other areas of the home like the deck and fence. Contact us today for expert roofing.

Your Experts for Roof Membrane Inspection and Reinstallation in Kenmore

Quality roofing, decking and fencing services in Bellevue, Bothell,
Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

Posted on July 30, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

A Mediterranean-themed deck is perfect for the summer in Bothell. Now’s a better time than ever to spruce up your outdoor areas. This is, after all, the season when you use your deck most often. Adorn your outdoor living space with fresh décor to give it new life and ambiance.

Add Greenery and an Herb Garden

Line the perimeter of the deck with plant life. Mediterranean plants include a number of evergreen aromatic herbs, such as thyme, sage, lavender, and rosemary. Potted lemon trees and staked tomato plants are great options as well. These plants can also be placed along the perimeter of a wooden or wrought iron fence if you want to extend the look beyond the deck. Plants can also be hung from the overhang of the roof.

Incorporate a Water Feature

Water features are common in Mediterranean designs. Fountains make a great focal point, and a small model can be placed in the center of the deck or in the corner. Look for fountains with sculptures of people, vases, or an animal’s head.

Add Glass Features

Incorporate colored glass wherever possible. If you are expecting guests, set the table with cobalt blue, red, or green glassware. A glass fruit bowl made from Murano glass makes a great table center piece.

Don’t Forget the Lighting

Even if you don’t use the deck in the evening, it’s still a good idea to set up lighting fixtures for the décor aspect of it. Consider stained glass lanterns and wrought iron fixtures. Candle holders with the aforementioned features are also great additions.

Let Us Help with Your Mediterranean-Themed Deck

Even the most lavish designs won’t help the appearance of a deck that’s visibly worn. Let Allied Construction renovate the area before getting started on a Mediterranean-themed deck. Contact us today to get started.

Mediterranean-Themed Deck Remodeling in Bothell

Quality roofing, decking and fencing services in Bellevue, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

Posted on June 29, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Your patio and deck make excellent venues for social gatherings in the summer. Consider adding additional décor to complement this season of fun in the sun in Bellevue. If you really want to wow your guests, spruce up your outdoor living space with affordable accessories and simple modifications. Follow these summer deck design tips for an elaborate yet inexpensive makeover.

Lights and Lanterns

Classic Bistro Lights – A strand or two of Edison bulb string lights can be hung above the patio’s entry way or above the table. The lights provide a gorgeous dim glow, especially as the sun sets. They’re also easily removable, which makes them a great temporary fixture.

Nautical Beach Lanterns – These can be hung or placed on the table. They can also be made at home. All you need is a mason jar, a thick candlestick, and some sand and/or clam shells for visual effects. Click here for an example. 

Vertical Garden Displays and Water Fountains

If you have limited deck space, consider adding a vertical wall planter. These can be hung on the wall and are perfect for adding plants and flowers without consuming space. Summer plants and flowers to consider include: asters, coreopsis, purple fountain grass, moonshines, and caladium. The presence of flowing water brings tranquility and a Zen-like atmosphere. You don’t need to invest in a koi pond or large outdoor fountain. A simple tabletop fountain with a recirculating pump will suffice.

Contact Us for Deck Design Tips in Bellevue

Summer is also a good time for extensive makeovers. Aside from deck construction, we also provide roofing services and fencing for Snohomish homes and business. With our summer-inspired deck design tips, your patio will become the place you want to be all summer.  Contact Allied Construction today.

Deck Design Tips for Patios and Public Venues in Bellevue

Services in Bellevue, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

Posted on May 27, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

An improperly ventilated roof can cause homeowners a lot of trouble. Aside from premature wear and damage, poor roof ventilation can cause more heat to seep into the home during summer months. This, in turn, forces your AC system to work harder, leading to higher energy costs. Having a roofing service ventilate your roof will keep it in tip-top shape and it will last longer.

The Consequences of Poor Roof Ventilation

Simply put, poor ventilation accelerates your roof’s need for replacement. It leaves shingles and slates vulnerable to mold and mildew. Snohomish and surrounding cities have high humidity, which puts homes and facilities with improperly ventilated roofs at risk. Trapped moisture can also cause the slates to crack.

Prevent the Formation of Ice Dams

Too much moisture and air also leads to the formation of ice dams in the winter months. Ice dams create melted water that drips into the insulation and exterior walls, where it can ruin the paint and sheet rock. The ice can also pull apart shingles and gutters. Worst-case scenario, the weight of the ice can cause a roof collapse.

Improving the Ventilation

Ventilation comes in several forms. This includes static, ridge, gable, and soffit vents just to list a few. Most roofers recommend one foot of exhaust and intake ventilation for every 300 square feet of roof. Ultimately, your roofer will make a personal recommendation based on the current condition of your home. For an inspection, additional roofing tips, or other home renovation services like deck rebuilding, contact Allied Construction. Roof vents are just as vital as the shingles, slates, and beams, and we’ll fit your home with the proper ventilation system to ensure proper air flow.

For Help with Poor Roof Ventilation Call the Experts

Serving Bellevue, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

Posted on April 29, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Anyone who lives in Western Washington knows all about moss growth. That’s because the moist, cool climate offers perfect growing conditions. Also, wood shake and composition roofs provide the most ideal places for moss to take hold. Roof moss removal is no fun, but if you allow growth to go untreated, you will need a full roof replacement sooner than necessary.

For safe and effective moss treatment, hire a roofing contractor. Want to try roof moss removal on your own? Here are 4 tips for roof moss removal:

1. Treat Your Roof

Herbicides like Moss-Out can kill existing moss. Depending on how much moss there is, you may need more than one treatment. Also, spring and fall are the best times to do this service.

2. Clean off Debris from the Roof Moss Removal

After killing the moss, a thorough and careful power washing by a roofing cleaning professional will remove all debris.

3. Repair Roof Moss Damage

Roof repairs may be necessary if the moss has been there long. Therefore, to keep leaks from developing, have your roofing contractor look for problem areas. After the inspection, they will recommend repairing or replacing damaged shingles or shakes. The sooner you remove the moss, the less extensive (and expensive) repairs will be.

4. Prevent New Growth

Even with treatment, there’s always the chance moss will come back. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce this risk. A few best practices are regular roof cleaning, installing of zinc strips, and removing overhanging tree branches.

For a permanent solution, especially if your roof needs to be replaced anyway, consider a new metal roof. Metal is resistant to moss growth. Also, metal has the added benefit of curb appeal and energy efficiency. Therefore, a metal roof improves the value of your home and helps you save on energy bills.

Are you looking for high quality residential roofing services in Woodinville, Bellevue & Snohomish County? Call Allied Construction, a roofing contractor serving the Eastside since 1982. We offer with workmanship warranties on everything we do. To get a FREE quote on any other roofing, decking or fencing services, call Allied Construction at (425) 276-7415.

Expert Roofing Contractor in Woodinville since 1982

Quality roofing, decking and fencing services in Bellevue, Bothell,
Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

See our blog for more helpful home care tips and resources

More resources from another home service company in the BestBiz Network

Mobile homes make up a sizable portion of residences in the greater Snohomish area. Like a traditional home, mobile living units require a durable roof. What are your options for mobile home roof materials? Are the selections more limited than those for traditional homes?

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a mainstay in conventional homes with a sloped roof. They are also available for mobile homes. There is one major difference, though. Installing a second or even a third layer over existing shingles is common practice during renovations and repairs on conventional housing. However, only a single layer is allowed in a mobile home. If the roof requires replacement, all of the existing shingles need to be removed.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are beloved for their beautiful natural stone look. By no means do they look out of place for a mobile home. They are also incredibly durable, lasting 80 to 100 years and also hold up well against humidity and wind. Slate is quite heavy, though, so you’ll need to verify that your mobile home can support the weight of this material.

Metal Roofing

Metal is highly durable and requires little maintenance. However, depending on the construction of the mobile home, metal roofing may not be a good fit. If the architecture is composed mainly of 2×2-foot lumber, for example, then metal panels might not work.

Composite Roofs

Composite roof shingles resemble traditional asphalt or slate shingles but are made from composite material like rubber and polymer. They are typically lighter weight and also more affordable. The light weight, though, gives them a lower wind resistance rating. However, if installers adhere to strict installation protocol, this shouldn’t be a major concern.

We Install Various Roofing Materials on Mobile Homes

We service roofs for mobile homes on a regular basis. More homeowners are also enhancing their mobile property with fencing and/or a deck. Contact Allied Construction if you own a mobile home or are having one built. Your mobile home roof material options are quite diverse.

Roofing for Mobile Residences

Quality roofing, decking and fencing services since 1982 in Bellevue, Bothell,
Kenmore, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Snohomish & Woodinville

Most decks are not built directly over the soil or a concrete floor. Most are constructed slightly off the ground or even on the second floor of the home. This gives you a distinct space beneath. What should you do with the space under the deck?

High Deck Use

If your deck is located on the second floor, then you have a tremendous space that should not go to waste. The most logical use is a patio. You can accommodate an entire patio furniture set, and the deck acts as a makeshift awning. Other additions might include lighting, a swinging bench, and wicker furniture. Some owners even install a small playground set or home gym.

Low Deck Use

In most cases, the deck is on the ground floor and no more than one-foot off the ground. Options in this instance are limited, though the space can still be put to good use. Many homeowners use a low deck as storage for items that don’t require climate control. The benefit here is twofold. First, it frees up space in the garage or basement. Second, the presence of the items filling up the space dissuades the growth of weeds. You can create a more solid base below the deck by covering the soil with gravel. Continue Reading →

The Pacific Northwest isn’t the coldest region by a long shot, though it can get quite frosty. Your roof will feel the effects as much as you do. This is why we suggest winterizing your roof. Here are some tips to help you offset the impact.

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection from ground level is insufficient. You actually need to be on the roof to spot any signs of damage. Due to the inherent risks of climbing a ladder to reach the roof, we suggest leaving the pre-winterizing inspection to a professional roofer. However, you may certainly do this on your own if you are comfortable with these types of DIY tasks.

Signs of damage to look for include loose or torn shingles and rot. While seemingly minor, the arrival of snowfall can exacerbate the existing damage. Continue Reading →

Different fences serve different purposes. This is why fence panels come in varying heights. Keep in mind, though, that even if you prefer a taller fence, panels cannot exceed a certain height. Most cities actually enforce a residential limit on fence height.

Residential Fence Height Regulations

Fence height varies greatly. The typical white-picket fence, for instance, is usually no more than three-feet. Full privacy fences, on the other hand, are upwards of five to six feet.

Why don’t you see fences 10 feet high or ones that are level with the home’s roof? Most municipalities have regulations that limit fence height. In most jurisdictions, fences for a front yard cannot exceed four feet, while backyard fences cannot exceed six feet. Fences have to be shorter if they’re in the front of the home because tall panels can create blind spots for motorists.

If your home is part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), the association may have its own set of rules. If the association says front yard fences cannot exceed three feet, then that’s the maximum allowed, even if the city regulation says otherwise. Continue Reading →