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Waterproofing Your Commercial Roof

Over the years, the techniques used to waterproof buildings have advanced. Unfortunately, many of those constructed in the last two decades are at risk of failing. Even if your current system is still holding, you’ll likely have to upgrade. If you’re still trying to improve or strengthen your existing waterproof system, you must take the necessary steps to prevent water seepage. 

First, it’s essential to understand the structure of a typical corporate building. Many of its components are prone to water damage, such as flat roofs, terraces, and retaining walls. In addition to these, other areas, such as the basement and lift pits, are also susceptible to water seepage. During a routine inspection, it’s crucial to focus on the most at-risk areas. While neglecting other areas is not recommended, these are the most vulnerable to water damage. 

For a full inspection and a custom solution, our Greensboro roofing specialists are always available.

While you’re checking the condition of your roof and balcony, it’s also a good idea to look at the other areas of the building that are prone to water problems. Doing so could prevent potential issues from arising. One of the essential factors you should consider when maintaining a properly sealed and watertight balcony is water damage from the ceiling. 

Advantages Of Waterproofing Your Roof 

Before considering replacing your commercial roof, you must have a well-installed and sturdy one. A waterproof coating on it could be a great alternative to keep your property looking great for many years. Here are four reasons why it’s a good idea for your commercial property. 

Durability 

A waterproof coating is a resilient barrier that can get used between the elements and the roof’s upper layers. It can provide additional protection from the effects of rain, ice, and wind and prevent decay and wear. 

Adding a waterproof coating can also help prevent ultraviolet rays from damaging the underlying substrate of your roof. It can also keep the chemicals in it intact, which will help prevent the roof membrane from splitting, leaking, tearing, or crumbling. This type of resilient barrier can provide long-term protection and lower maintenance costs. 

A waterproof coating can repair or cover minor defects and damage on your roof. It’s significantly less costly to maintain and repair than your existing roof structure. When repairs arise, they can be carried out in a shorter amount of time and are usually less extensive. Unlike traditional roof repairs, installing a waterproof coating on your roof can be performed directly over it. It can be recoated around every ten years, preventing a full-scale replacement. 

Allows Owner To Save 

You can expect substantial savings on your utility bills and repairs due to having a waterproof coating on your roof. Compared to a complete replacement, this resilient barrier can reduce your expenses by up to 50%. It can also keep your business running smoothly, even during installation.  

You can avoid the various steps and time involved in removing and replacing your roof, such as the landfill, labor, and materials. A properly installed and maintained waterproof coating system can provide you with a 20-year warranty. This resilient barrier can help keep your commercial roof in excellent condition. 

Lower Surface Temperature 

Highly reflective ingredients in the waterproof coating will reflect up to 90% of the infrared radiation from the sun. This barrier will help lower the ambient air temperature within the building, allowing it to remain cool while reducing your cooling bill. It benefits the occupants by allowing them to stay comfortable while reducing their energy consumption.

GAF shingles in Archdale

How to Nail Roofing Shingles

Always install asphalt shingle roofs over solid roof sheathing. The nails you use to secure the asphalt shingles to the roof should be 11 or 12-gauge hot-dipped galvanized or aluminum roofing nails, with the heads having a minimum diameter of 3/8 inch. Depending on the situation, the nails should also be barbed, deformed shanked, or ring shanked, and 1 to 2 inches long.

Use nails that will pierce the sheathing at least 3/4 inches for re-roofing with asphalt shingles. After nailing into the sheathing, check below to make sure your nails are long enough. Per square, you should budget for around 2 1/2 pounds of nails.

 

Materials for Nailing Roofing Shingles

To install roofing shingles, you will need the following tools and materials:

  1. Roofing shingles
  2. Roofing nails
  3. Hammer
  4. Ladder
  5. Chalk line
  6. Utility knife
  7. Roofing underlayment
  8. Ice and water shield (optional)

Steps of Nailing Roofing Shingles

  1. Begin by laying out the first row of shingles along the bottom edge of the roof, starting at the left edge and working your way to the right. Use the chalk line to mark a straight line along the bottom edge of the roof to help you align the shingles.
  2. Nail the shingles in place using roofing nails, making sure to nail through the center of the shingle and into the roof deck. Place the nails about 6 inches apart along the edge of the shingle, and about 3 inches apart along the centerline.
  3. Continue laying out the shingles in rows, overlapping the shingles in each row by about 1/2 inch to create a watertight seal. Use a utility knife to cut the shingles to fit around chimneys, vents, and other obstacles.
  4. Once you have completed the first layer of shingles, apply a layer of roofing underlayment over the top. This will help to protect the roof from water damage and also help to hold the shingles in place.
  5. Repeat the process for the second layer of shingles, starting at the bottom edge of the roof and working your way up. Overlap the shingles in the second layer with the shingles in the first layer to create a watertight seal.
  6. If your roof is prone to ice damming, you may want to consider installing ice and water shield along the eaves and in other areas where water is likely to collect. This will help to prevent water from seeping under the shingles and causing damage to the roof.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to use the correct tools and materials when installing different roofing shingles. It is also important to ensure that the roof is properly ventilated to prevent moisture build-up and to extend the life of the roof. If you are unsure about how to properly install roofing shingles, it is recommended that you hire a professional roofing contractor to do the job. Davis Roofing has many years of experience and guarantees you professional services.

Do You Need Insulation Under a Metal Roof?

When deciding between using metal or shingle, insulation is a crucial aspect to think about during a new roof installation. Surprisingly, there isn’t enough talk about it. It’s very important because it affects how effectively your roofing material conserves energy. Metal and shingle roofs are both frequently exposed to the sun. As a result, both materials are predicted to reflect, absorb, and release heat. However, the pace at which each roofing material performs might assist homeowners in choosing the best option for their properties. For further professional assistance, contacting a Greensboro roofing company would be the best option to help you decide.

Metal Roof Insulation

Stabilizing the internal temperature and assisting in preventing debris from accumulating under the roofing material are the two main objectives that are addressed by metal roof insulation. It is essential to add insulation underneath a metal roof because metal conducts heat more effectively than wood by nature. A home with good insulation keeps warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

Insulation will help limit the noise in addition to regulating the flow of heat and assisting in the prevention of condensation. Particularly during rain, hail, or heavy snowfall (you can consider getting snow guards to prevent it drifting off your roof), metal roofing materials can be noisy. You must take the R-value of the insulation into account when choosing the best insulation for a metal roof. The heat resistance of a particular material is gauged by the R-value. The effectiveness will increase with the R-value rating. The top choices for metal roof insulation are:

  • Fiberglass Batts – One of the easiest and least expensive ways to insulate a metal roof is with fiberglass batts. Fiberglass is made up of small, synthetic components that resemble thin threads that are densely woven together to create a thick insulating cushion. Fiberglass has the advantage of being a very adaptable material, allowing it to be cut into any width or length to cover a surface. 
  • Rigid Board – Anywhere in a house, including the foundation, can use rigid board insulation. Polyurethane and polystyrene panels are used to create rigid boards. The R-value of the material increases with material thickness. These planks need to be put together and placed just beneath a metal roof panel. To give the greatest amount of thermal resistance, the joints must be caulked or sealed.
  • Spray Foam – Because it is so effective, spray foam is the most used insulation material for metal roofs. Condensation and rat infestation can be avoided with its help. This type of polyurethane insulation has an R-value based on inches. Since it can be used to insulate a new or old metal roof without causing any disturbances, spray foam is incredibly simple to work with. Yes, this insulation technique is more expensive than fiberglass.

Metal Vs Shingle Roof Insulation

The insulation value of a metal or shingle roof is identical in theory. Metal roofs are effective at preventing heat transfer, but because they are exposed, they also absorb heat much as shingle roofs do. Because shingle roofs weigh twice as much as metal roofs, they retain twice as much heat. A metal roof faces the danger of transporting that heat to your home, raising energy costs, because it is exposed to the same amount of heat. Due to this, both types of roofs must be adequately insulated. An investment is required to insulate a metal or shingle roof. If you spend money on heating and cooling your property, it is worth it.

Related Articles

Felt vs Synthetic Underlayment

One of the most important things you’ll need to understand when getting a replacement is the various roofing materials that go into your roof. They do, after all, significantly affect the price. Every homeowner has to be aware of the materials they will be paying for because a roof is a significant investment. The underlayment of your roof is one of these crucial roofing components. You’ll learn there are two typical types of underlayment used for residential roofing through your investigation. The question is, though, which is the best. By the end of this post, you will know what roof underlayment is, what varieties there are, and how they compare in terms of important factors like price.

What is a roof underlayment?

The roofing material between your roof decking and your shingles is called a roof underlayment. It adds a layer of weather protection and is put on your roof decking. There are two varieties of roof underlayment, felt and synthetic underlayment. The more traditional underlayment is felt, which is offered in rolls weighing 15 and 30 pounds. The main distinction between the two kinds of felt underlayment is that the 30 lb version is thicker, stronger, and less prone to tearing than the 15 lb version. For over 20 years, polyethylene or polypropylene has been used to make synthetic underlayment, which is woven or spun from these materials. Both underlayment kinds serve a purpose and have a place in the roofing sector. However, there are some important comparisons to keep in mind when deciding which one you want on your roof.

Felt underlayment vs. synthetic underlayment

You should analyze a product’s weight, cost, and other factors before selecting the underlayment for your roof. Let’s compare felt underlayment and synthetic underlayment side by side.

Which roof underlayment weighs more?

Compared to synthetic underlayment, felt underlayment weighs more. You probably don’t consider the material’s weight to be a significant contrast. However, the cost of labor for replacing your roof will be impacted by the weight of your roof underlayment. The heavier product increases labor costs for one key reason. Compared to synthetic underlayment, felt underlayment has less material per roll because it is heavier roofing material. As a result, you end up needing more of it, which requires more time and labor to install on your roof and get up a ladder. Even though it won’t significantly increase your labor costs, it’s still something to keep in mind.

Which roof underlayment is more durable?

Any time you install a new roof, you hope that it will withstand the elements and endure for many years. Thus, synthetic underlayment is more resilient than felt underlayment in terms of durability. Underpayments made of felt are far more likely to rip in strong gusts while being installed. Additionally, synthetic underlayment holds nails more securely and deflects water rather than absorbing it. When exposed to moisture or water, felt underlayment can absorb it and become wrinkled. Because of this, shingles must be put in as soon as the felt underlayment is put down. If there’s one thing to remember from this section, it’s that synthetic underlayment gives your roof more strength and better weather protection.

Looking for a professional to do your roof underlayment, or have further questions? Contact a qualified roofer near you to learn more.

What Happens if it Rains While Your Roof is Being Replaced?

If it rains while your roof is being replaced, it can cause several problems. First and foremost, rain can cause damage to the interior of your home if it can get through the roof. This can lead to water damage, mold growth, and other issues.

In addition, rain can make it difficult or impossible for roofing contractors to work safely. Wet conditions can increase the risk of slips and falls, and can also make it harder for the contractors to handle materials and equipment.

To mitigate these risks, roofing contractors will typically take steps to protect your home from the rain during a roof replacement. This may include installing temporary tarps or covering the opening with a canopy. However, it’s always best to try to schedule your roof replacement for a time when the weather is dry and conducive to working. If you do have to have your roof replaced during rainy weather, make sure that your contractors have a plan in place to keep your home and their workers safe.

Why Roof Work Shouldn’t Be Done in the Rain

Roofing contractors constantly keep an eye on the weather. When it rains, they don’t install roofs because the rain can have a negative impact on the installation’s quality. Rain also makes it dangerous to operate on roofs since it makes the ground slippery. If there is a very high likelihood of rain, the majority of roofing contractors will call their clients to reschedule the roof project. Even on a cloudy day, if there’s a low probability of rain, your roofing contractor will probably proceed with the scheduled roof repair.

Rain is bad during a roof installation because the water can damage the roof decking. A new roof should never be installed over a wrinkled barrier or wet wood because this is against building codes. Also, asphalt shingles may not adhere properly to slick surfaces, particularly if there’s high humidity. As one of the most experienced roofers in Greensboro area, we strongly recommend not installing a roof under these conditions because doing so can void your warranty.

How Roofing Contractors Deal with Rain

What happens if it starts to rain while a roof replacement or repair is being done? Not to worry. Any skilled roofer will ensure there are no gaps or holes where water could enter your home when they work on your roof. They won’t stop until they are confident that your house is protected from water damage. What if the roofer is needed immediately for a roof repair while it is gently raining? Usually, they will apply roof sealant as a quick, efficient remedy. The roofer will return to carry out long-lasting repairs once the weather clears.

Davis Roofing is the team you can count on for premium roofing replacement. We are always careful and ensure that the replacement is done properly. We have years of experience and all the tools required to give you a strong and durable roof.

Atlas Shingles Archdale

What Affects the Cost of a Roof Replacement?

A roof replacement is an important thing that people could have to do. If your roof has outlived its lifespan or has signs of extensive damage that cannot be repaired, it might be time for you to get a roof replacement.  A roof replacement will ensure that you continue getting year-long protection from harmful conditions. However, the cost of a roof replacement is always something that people always fear about the service.

Are you prepared to replace your roof? Are you worried about how much your roof project will cost? If so, you should be aware of the factors that affect the cost of a new roof. But what factors affect the price of a new roof?

Our Greensboro roofers have your back. With us, you won’t have to worry about the condition of your roof. What therefore influences the cost of your new roof? Below are the main factors that affect the cost of roof replacement.

Main Factors Affecting the Cost of Roof Replacement

There are several factors that can affect the cost of roof replacement:

  1. Size and pitch of the roof: A larger roof or a roof with a steep pitch will typically cost more to replace than a smaller, flatter roof.
  2. Materials: Different types of roofing materials have different prices. For example, asphalt shingles are typically cheaper than metal or slate. However, there are premium shingle roofs that come at a premium price such as cedar shake and tile.
  3. Complexity of the roof: A roof with multiple levels, dormers, or other architectural features will be more expensive to replace than a simple, rectangular roof. The harder it is to access your roof the more it impacts the cost.
  4. Condition of the roof: If the roof is in poor condition and requires significant repairs before replacement, the cost will be higher. The more penetrations your roof has, the more time and manpower it takes to work around them to install your new roof.
  5. Location: The cost of roof replacement can vary depending on the location of the home. For example, a roof replacement in a high-cost-of-living area will be more expensive than in a lower-cost area.
  6. Labor costs and time: The cost of labor can vary depending on the region and the availability of skilled contractors. The time that it will take to complete the roof replacement service is usually a huge factor too.
  7. Permits and inspections: Depending on the location, obtaining necessary permits and passing inspections can add to the overall cost of the project.
  8. Amount of roof decking that needs to be replaced: The hardwood planks that make up your roof’s structure are known as decking. Your shingles and other components are put on these boards. The cost of your new roof will depend on how much roof decking needs to be replaced.

It’s always a good idea to get multiple estimates from different contractors to get a better understanding of the cost of roof replacement for your specific situation.

GAF Shingles Archdale

Understanding the Main Types of Roofing Warranties

Whether one is shopping for a vehicle, a cooker, or a cellphone, one gets a piece of mind when a warranty is included during the purchase. For this reason, those sourcing roofing services will always opt for a contractor that offers a roofing warranty. A roof is a large investment in anyone’s life. Those looking to roof their home must settle for high-quality installation, repair or replacement services. A roof warranty ensures that an individual is covered from installation errors, substandard material, and much more. Therefore, it becomes essential for a homeowner or business building owner to understand the existing roofing warranties. This article will take a look at the three main types of roofing warranties available.

Standard Manufacturer’s Warranties

The standard manufacturer’s warranty is one of the common types of roofing warranty that contractors offer to their clients. This is a basic lifetime but limited roofing warranty that covers a homeowner or business building owner for a period of time of the building ownership. This warranty is defined by the ‘limit’ of warranty agreed upon by the insurer and the insured. The warranty may only cover the costs associated with defective materials making the client cater for labor costs. Many roofing companies or manufacturers often cover the replacement of defective shingles in the first years of service. Henceforth, they provide prorated coverage. On the other hand, a standard manufacturer warranty covers roofing materials against factory defects. In most cases, they do not cover products that have failed as a result of installation errors or environmental conditions. Therefore, the standard manufacturer’s warranty level depends on individual manufacturers and roofing contractors.

Contractor Workmanship Warranty

A contractor in charge of installing an individual’s roof is responsible for its functionality as well as durability. Reputable roofing contractors will always stand behind their installation works through the contractor workmanship warranty. The length of this type of warranty depends on individual roofing contractors, with some providing lifetime coverage. An excellent contractor workmanship warranty will protect a homeowner against material failure resulting from errors as well as improper installation. This coverage excludes aspects such as water damage from ice dams, high-velocity wind, strong storms, and impact damages, foot traffic harm, damages from altered installation, and leaks induced by falling trees and debris.

Comprehensive Coverage

The comprehensive, better known as extended manufacturer warranty, is another excellent warranty that homeowners or business building owners can rely on when sourcing roofing services. This warranty ensures an individual receives a lifetime lasting value of their roof and peace of mind. These warranties are often available at an additional cost. They cover aspects such as all roofing components, extended coverage of defective materials, and installation errors by the workmanship. Not only do clients benefit from constantly monitored roofing services, but they also receive new roofing material in case of roof failure.

Homeowners and business apartment owners can receive these three main roofing warranties, depending on the roofing contractor and manufacturer. Different types of roofing warranties also depend on the cost of roofing a client incurs in their project.

Roof Storm Damage Checklist

In many cases, roofs are designed to be replaced once the design period expires. This is often after a period of about thirty years. This might happen in an ideal world. However, in the current world, where unforeseen events can wreck one’s roof, repairs and replacements have become the order of the day. Storm damage is one of the common causes of roof repairs and replacements in America. Regardless of where one lives, periodic storms can visit any state, leaving havoc, including damaged roofs. If one happens to experience a hail, wind, standing water, and debris storm in their area, this is a comprehensive roof storm damage checklist to consider using on a home during a roof inspection, whether you do it on your own or it is done by a specialized roofing company.

Roof Assessment

A thorough roof assessment is the first item to tick off one’s storm damage checklist. It is important to schedule this inspection with a reputable roofing company such as Davis Roofing Co. Inc. This inspection involves walking the perimeter of one’s home and noting any visible damage. While walking around, take note of damaged, missing, or cracked shingles. One might consider getting photographs of these damages for the purpose of insurance compensation.

Assess the Ceiling and Attic

Another critical item to add to one’s storm damage checklist is the ceiling and attic. These are critical components to assess a leaking roof. Some of the key things to look out for include stains on the ceiling, holes in the ceiling and attic, and moisture residues. These will give an insight into the extent of a damaged roof. Since the ceiling and attic are somewhat hidden from the plain view of lighting, one should think of using a flashlight when carrying out the inspection. They will most likely spot all the damages induced by the storm.

Inspect the Vents, Gutters, and Windows

It is equally essential for one to look out for dents and damages on their home’s gutters, vents, and windows. Damaged gutters will mean reduced water channeling to the tank. Windows should also be inspected for broken glass, cracks, torn screens, and loose weather stripping.

External Area

The external area of one’s house is also a critical inspection area after a severe storm. When inspecting the external area of a home, consider looking for fallen trees and damaged fence posts. In addition, consider checking the decks and patios for damage too. There are instances where foreign debris, trees, or rocks might damage these facilities from a storm.

Contact the Insurance Company

Another essential item to include in one’s storm damage checklist is contacting their insurance company to learn the scope of their roof warranty. It is critical to involve the insurance company immediately after a storm to allow them ample time to assess the damage and plan for compensation of the same. Late involvement of the insurance can result in canceled or reduced compensation.

After one experiences a storm, it is essential to make follow-up assessments of one’s home. These assessments are necessary for repairs as well as insurance compensations. Therefore, if one needs their apartment restored after a storm, having a storm damage checklist is essential in ensuring all grounds are covered.

How Long Does it Take to Roof a Commercial Building?

Installing roofs on a commercial building is by no means simple work. These are large projects that require some time to complete. When it is time for commercial roofing, the building owner must inform the employees and tenants of the task ahead. This is so because commercial roofing work will affect the normal order of business, sometimes requiring the total closure of the businesses. Employees and tenants may also have to bear the noise and commotion of roofing work. Therefore, it is important to understand how long it will take to complete roofing the commercial building. This article will explain the factors affecting the completion time of commercial roofing.

Type of Roof

The time it takes to complete a commercial roof project is determined by the installed roofing type. There are different commercial roofs, including low slope, flat, and pitched. Each of these kinds of roofs involves different procedures for installation.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are one of the common types of roofing done to most commercial buildings. This type of roofing is also cheap because it does not require much material during construction. On the other side, flat roofs need a lot of preventive work to maintain them. Since they do not require much work, they are often the easiest to set up.

Low Sloped Roofs

These are common in residential apartments and commercial buildings. They are pocket-friendly and fairly easy to install. In addition, they do not require complex materials for construction, making them fast in installation.

Pitched Roofs

These roofs are commonly found in residential homes and require a lot of material during construction. In addition, the roof is more complicated to install because they have unique designs with different slopping sections. As a result, these roofs take longer to install compared to flat roofs.

The Roof Material

Another factor that dictates the period of commercial roofing is the roof’s material. Both the material currently on a roof and that to be installed affect the roofing time. For instance, a commercial building with shingles is easy to remove and also easy to install the same material. On the contrary, a roof with metal requires more time to remove and will need extended installation time. Therefore, the material currently on a roof and the design to be installed determine how long a commercial roofing project will take.

Permits and Inspections from Third Parties

High Point Roofing companies looking to carry out a commercial roofing project must get proper permits. They are also subject to inspections from third parties to ensure the roofing complies with all regulations. Getting these permits and inspections can take time, often leading to delayed roofing. Therefore, the scheduling of inspections determines how long a roofing project will take.

Weather

Weather is critical in determining how fast a commercial roofing project will take. Therefore, most roofers will consider the time of the year and the weather forecast to determine the period needed to roof a commercial building. For instance, rain is often a major cause of delayed roofing times.

Many factors contribute to the completion time of a commercial roofing project. It takes a skilled roofing company to work out the best timeline estimate based on these factors to determine how long it will take to roof a commercial building.

Certainteed Shingles in Archdale

Can I Replace a Roof Myself?

The frequent hailstorms have many people asking themselves, ‘Can I replace a roof myself?’. With the onset of many DIY websites and video platforms, it has become easy for many homeowners to feel confident about roof replacement. However, the truth is not every homeowner can undertake this task. This is so because, in many cases, residential houses will require about two or three days to do a roof replacement. The first day is usually dedicated to the removal of the old roof, and the other days are used for fixes and/or installation of the new roof. This makes it a relatively ‘simple’ task; however, one requires the necessary material and tools to succeed in the roofing replacement. This guide will take an insight into whether one should replace a roof alone.

Should You Carry Out a Roof Replacement Yourself?

Whether one should carry out a roof replacement project by themselves or employ professional roofing contractors is always a debate, especially when tools and guides are readily available. In many cases, it is recommended that homeowners seek roof replacement services from roofing professionals. Unfortunately, most homeowners have no idea what roofing entails, let alone replacing it. Those not sure of what roof replacement entails are discouraged from attempting to fix their roofs as this can translate to poorly done work that can harm the occupants.

DIYs in Roof Replacement

A common trend that has taken the internet by storm is DIYs. DIYs have helped many people handle tasks in a wide range of aspects with excellent results. This has also found its way into roofing. Many roofing videos online can guide people in handling roof replacement tasks such as fixing a roof leak, for example. However, it is not a walk in the park. Roofing is a skill that has to be studied and internalized before attempts to work on their roofs. This implies that well-understood concepts in roofing must accompany DIYs to guarantee excellent results.

For instance, one may carry out a decent roofing job for a simple home. However, those houses are rare. For simple replacements, one might need to replace and nail two or more new shingles. This is not always the case. There are cases when a whole roof section is damaged and needs more than replacement. Roofing often includes the fixing of its foundation. This can prove to be an undoable task for ordinary people. It becomes extensive and skill-based, requiring expertise from experienced roofers.

Modern Homes

With evolving times comes evolving houses. Modern houses use top-tier technology in roofing, incorporating additional roofing gadgets such as solar systems and alarm systems. When a homeowner with such a roof notices damage on the roof, a normal DIY might not come in handy for the repair. This requires the expert hands of an experienced roofing contractor. Not only will the roof be fixed effectively, but the owner will avoid additional costs that might come with further damage to the gadgets.

Roof replacement might sound like a simple task, but it has a lot in store. Some homeowners can take up the challenge to fix their roofs, provided they understand the art and science behind it. However, this comes with significant risks, such as self-injury and extended damage. This calls for the intervention of reputable roofing contractors to ensure the roof is repaired excellently and no further damage or injury is directed to the owner.