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"C’mon,
admit it! Your business has them too. In fact, the more prestigious
your business is the more trade secrets you probably have. Whenever
I go out to buy anything, I’m constantly trying to find out
what the real deal is. I always assume that they are trying to sell
me more than what I really need. And just exactly what are they neglecting
to tell me?
LeakMaster, Inc. is a licensed roofing, waterproofing
and painting contractor in Hawaii. We install and repair
all major brands of roofing and waterproofing materials on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. (including: Aiea 96701, Haleiwa 96712, Hawaii Kai
96825, Kailua 96734, Kaneohe 96744, Manoa 96822, Pearl City 96782, Waikiki 96815,
and all other towns on Oahu.)
We're
an honest company. We’re even happy to point out
the weaknesses of the roofing materials that we do believe in, because no system
is perfect. One size definitely does not fit all. It’s up to you to decide what
roofing or waterproofing system best fits your budget and aesthetic. These
are just my opinions, based on my 23 years as a licensed contractor in Hawaii.
Hey, I could be wrong. If you know of any longer lasting roofing or waterproofing
materials installed on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii, please call us at (808) 254-3648 or
you prefer you contact me at
I
want to check them out.
Thanks for listening."
Frank Rogers, President
Leakmaster Inc. |
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Roof
Coatings (Elastomeric)
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Asphalt Composition
shingles
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These have gained popularity in the last 10 years, especially over
old metal or asphalt roofs. They are elastic, waterproof coatings
that are put down thick (approx. 25 mils), about 12 times thicker
than ordinary paint. Our favorite product in this group is
Hawaiian SunGuard because it has a
premium acrylic polymer with ceramic titanium granules that reflect
heat so well and make
it a much tougher coating.
PROS
• Inexpensive. Often only about half the cost of a new asphalt roof, or about
20% the cost of a new metal roof.
•The bright white coating can lower the surface temperature of a roof by as much
as 60° on a hot day. Large savings in AC bills can often pay for system in 2 to
5 years.
•Ongoing business operations are not disturbed by having to tear off the old
roof.
•Some coating manufacturers will give up to 15-year warranties with factory-approved
contractors.
CONS
• In ponding areas
you need to use a special polyester fabric to keep it from bubbling
up
•More than any other system, you need to make sure that it is put down thick
enough. Deceptions are common. Have the Manufacturer test for proper thickness
and approve job.
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Look
around you-these are, by far, the most popular sloped roofs in
Hawaii. Thethree most common grades are 20-, 30- and 40-year
shingles-which reflect the manufacturer's limited warranty. If
you like the way they look, these are hard to beat. I installed
this on my own home.
PROS
•Least expensive, reliable sloped roof system.
•Proven durability in Hawaii. However, they don't always last as long as their
warranty implies, due to our high UV.
•Fire resistant, rustproof, and can usually be walked on without damage.
CONS
•The 20- and 30-year shingles tend to look like everyone else's roof in your
neighbor-hood. Some of you Lexus owners may want to upgrade to a more unique
system.
•Very likely to mildew, unless you specify the mildew-resistant shingles-which
I strongly recommend. Cost: Only about $150 more for a 3,000-SF roof. Worth it.
•Vulnerable to high winds, especially the 20-year. We recommend using 6 nails
per shingle, instead of the usual 4. Carefully check the wind uplift warranties
from the makers. They vary a lot.
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Wood
Shake / Shingle
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Flat
Roofs
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Some believe that these are dinosaurs. I think they are
superior to the many "shake substitutes" that have plagued
our shores in the last 20 years, and have failed spectacularly.
We feel relieved that we never recommended them to our customers.
That's because they never passed our "wait and see" policy on unproven
systems.
PROS
• Good heat insulation with an `Old Hawaii' look.
• Definitely get the shakes pressure-treated at the factory with a CCA-type treatment
before they are installed. We did this at the Church of the Crossroads. They last much longer, but add about $800 to the price of a 3,000-SF
home.
CONS
•You will get nervous every New Year's and 4th of July. Justifiably
so.
•Nails rust out quickly in the wet wood-stainless fasteners are essential.
•After a dozen years or so, shakes get crispy and will break underfoot.
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In the old days, this meant the dreaded pitch and gravel
roofs. They are put down with hot smelly asphalt and covered with
black gravel, which quickly washes into your driveway, exposing
the thin felts to the sun. You are lucky if you get 10 years out
of them. The new torch- applied systems, such as the Johns Mansville
Apex or Brai GB-SP4 above, are rated to last up to 20 years because
of their tough polyester core.
PROS
•Tough. Proven in Hawaii for over 15 years, and still looking good.
•White granules reflect the sun, keep home cooler.
•Walk on it all you like, even you big termite guys.
CONS
•I
don't like the thin, cheaper versions that are put on with hot asphalt, such
as the Brai Ultra Cap 730, and others. They tear too easily, and their SBS asphalt
causes them to crack pre-maturely in Hawaii's sun.
•Needs to be put down correctly. Best to have it installed by a Factory Authorized
Installer. This can qualify you for a longer warranty (up to 20 years), which
is jointly backed by the Manufacturer.
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Monier
Concrete Tiles
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These are big, heavy mothers that are well suited for our
climate. But is it right for your home?
PROS
•Proven to stand the test of time, with periodic maintenance of cracked tiles
and missing grouting.
•Fireproof, rot proof, and resistant to high winds if clips are properly placed
CONS
•Watch out for falling coconuts and those big termite guys!
•Most older homes can't be reroofed in Monier without extensive bracing of beams,
due to its heavy weight.
•The newer, lighter Monier tiles solve some of the weight problems, but they
crack much easier under foot. A tough tradeoff.
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