3 Reasons to Choose a Local Roofing Contractor

Do you worry that your aging roof might fail any day now? This and many other perfectly valid concerns are among the main issues homeowners face when they have a slightly older roof that needs more attention, or that might have to be replaced soon.

To make sure you follow the right knowledge regarding what your roof needs and how you can minimize your roofing costs going forward, you’ll find the support of a local roofer to be the best goal you can aim for.

Practical Reasons for Choosing Local Contractors

When it comes to choosing the best roofing solutions, you’ll want to listen to an experienced contractor that has been operating in your area for a while. Failing to do so could lead to problems down the line, as your new roof might suffer from local stressors that a roofer from out of town doesn’t know about, or your old roof might need a new repair job after an inexperienced roofer failed to account for the strong winds in your area.

Summit County roofing companies

Following are three of the most important practical reasons for choosing Summit County roofing companies:

  1. They have experience dealing with the need for local repairs due to storms, temperature changes, wind damage and a whole host of other problems that might be unique to your local area. Even a skilled roofing contractor that doesn’t know enough about what could go wrong more frequently there, will have a lot of difficulty pinpointing the source of certain types of damage and coming up with creative solutions for it.
  2. Local roofers, like Home Grown Roofing and Contracting, are usually the ones you’d trust the most because they are known in the local community and can be trusted to do a good job. A family-owned business with over 20 years of experience catering to your local area will be far more trustworthy and usually more transparent than an inexperienced roofer from out of town or a big city roofing company whose representatives barely say a word.
  3. Sometimes local fixes require unique, creative solutions that most roofing technicians would hardly even think of applying. Knowledge of how to adhere to building codes and standards in your area will also be necessary in this case, as some roofing upgrades and modifications could qualify as construction work. Depending on the nature of your project – such as the installation of a unique roof that requires significant changes to the decking and underlayment – local roofing experts might be the only ones with the knowledge and experience needed to help you out.

Discounts and Lower Costs

Although not necessarily related to the roofing work in and of itself, money issues are also worth mentioning. Unlike big city roofers, local roofing experts will know all about some of the more complex issues you could run into and how to fix them without much deliberation or difficulty. As a result, the costs associated with such jobs will be lower, and local contractors might also be able to give you an advantageous discount on some of them so you can save a lot of money in the process.

The Best McKinney Roofing Contractors: How to Find the Right One for You?

If you are looking for a reliable roofing contractor in McKinney, you will definitely want to find one that understands your vision and has the expertise and the skills to help you. After all, you invest a lot of money, time and enthusiasm in your project and it is normal to want a team that respects this.

But where do you start looking for a reliable roofer?

McKinney roofing company

Find a local roofer

Hiring a local roofer can have significant benefits. Knowing the local building codes, a prompt emergency response and the fact that a local roofer is actually part of your local community are definitely some pluses that can make a difference.

Find a roofer with good reviews and positive recommendations from former customers

The word of mouth is very often the best advertising. Do not be afraid to ask for a list of previous customers and contact them; a roofer should be happy to provide details if it is confident that it has done a successful job. This will also be the perfect opportunity for you to see other roofing projects completed by the roofer you consider hiring.

Meeting with previous clients is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about other important things, such as:

  • The roofer respects the daily work schedule
  • The workers are polite
  • There are regular meetings between the client and the project manager/ team leader
  • Workers clean up after them and keep the site tidy
  • The project is delivered on time
  • There are extra or hidden costs

Find a roofer recommended by other professionals

If you have used the services of a local electrician or plumber, why not ask them if they can recommend you any good roofer. This way, you can get a whole list of trusted local names.

Find a roofer who communicates well and has the right resources for your project

You cannot underestimate the value of effective communication between the roofing company and customers. This is what makes a roofing project go smoothly and on time.

It is important to choose a McKinney roofing company who is very good at helping clients get ideas out of their heads, put them on paper, and then communicate effectively what needs to be done with all parties involved, to achieve the project goals effectively.

Find a roofer who can deliver valuable ideas

A roofing expert is a professional able to offer a different perspective on the project. This perspective allows them to make specific recommendations on how to build something differently and more efficiently and thus save a considerable amount of money.

Find a roofer who has relevant experience

If you are a homeowner, you will want a McKinney roofing company specialized in your type of roof; if you are a commercial building owner or manager, you will need to look for a company that specializes in flat roofs and waterproofing solutions.

Find a roofer who builds long-term partnerships with its clients

There are many companies out there that create and develop healthy and profitable business relationships with all parties involved in a roofing project.

Why Should I Hire a Residential Castle Rock Roofing Company Who Provides a Roof System Workmanship Warranty?

Castle Rock roofing

Although not all roofers are the same, there are a lot of experts who will tell you not to accept just any standards when it comes to hiring a roofing contractor. Some companies are legitimate, while others are scarcely so. Some roofers don’t even have a license, which is from the start a big red flag.

One of the seemingly less important things that a legitimate Castle Rock roofing company might have is a roof system workmanship warranty. This warranty ensures that the labor is of good quality and that the roof will not be likely to suffer extensive damage in the first few years of its use. Depending on the type of material used for the roof and the experience and skill of the technicians who installed it, the workmanship warranty can remain valid for a few years, decades, or even more. However, the work isn’t always up to par with what the warranty actually says, so in many cases homeowners are glad that they chose a roofing company that actually provides a roof system workmanship warranty. The warranty ensures that the roofer can be held accountable for any mistakes or for the laziness of their technicians.

Some of the other important reasons for having a workmanship or labor warranty also include:

  • Situations when the roof wasn’t installed correctly because of the inadequacy or lack of training of the technicians;
  • Cases when the roof is damaged extensively by a storm and it can be proven that the outcome resulted from a lack of quality work;
  • The use of improper materials, tools or roofing products during the installation process;
  • Roofing systems that cause the homeowner’s electricity or gas bill to skyrocket right after they were installed;
  • Roofing installations that have to be completely scrapped shortly after they were set up (poorly) by a less capable team of roofers.

Of course, it’s hard to know if some of the issues involved are actually the fault of the roofer. Each situation is different, and sometimes the roof can still be severely damaged early on without the roofer doing anything wrong. As a result, it’s important to have someone impartial take a look at the roof to make sure you know exactly what happened. Another roofing expert with the same (or greater) amount of experience compared to the roofer who installed your roof might be needed. Then, depending on the findings, the roofer might agree to a discount or they might even repair your roof for free, depending on the terms of the warranty.

Unfortunately, if there is no warranty, then none of this can happen. In such a case, the homeowner will be left with nothing and they’ll often have to wait before they can save up enough money to repair the damaged roof or replace it again. That is usually the primary reason why every knowledgeable and honest roofing expert in Colorado will suggest that you get a roofing offer which includes a roof system workmanship warranty. Then you can at least rest assured that you won’t have to pay for a new roof twice!

Why You Should Take Advantage of a Free Roofing Inspection

For most homeowners, their property is among the largest investment they will make in their lifetime, so it makes a lot of sense to take care of that investment. One of the largest, most important and most expensive components on any building is the roof, with one of the most important measures of care for that essential element of the building envelope being roof inspection that serves many purposes, including the revealing of any faults while they are still small and easy to remedy. Roof inspections are offered by many Lafayette roofing companies for free – here are the benefits that should encourage you to schedule a free, professional inspection right away.

Lafayette roofing companies

Detecting Damage Early and Saving Money

Most roofing issues start small, but any tiny crack or puncture can turn into a major problem almost overnight. A meticulous inspection can prevent major roof damage by catching tiny faults when they are still easy to fix.

Minor roof damage is not only easier to fix than severe problems – it is also cheaper to handle. A professional roof inspection will reveal even the thinnest hairline cracks and the smallest punctures, then your roofer will make recommendations regarding the best repair solution. Your roofer will also help you plan and schedule the necessary repairs, allowing you to plan your budget as well as your time.

A Roof Inspection Performed by a Professional Simplifies Insurance Claims

If your roof sustains any damage covered by your home insurance policy, your insurance claim file will need to include all the details of the damage. An inspection performed by a professional contractor is very important in such a situation – the roofer who will perform the inspection of your roof will know exactly how to perform the damage assessment, how to document the findings of the inspection, how to provide a detailed and accurate damage report and how to calculate the cost estimate for the necessary repairs correctly.

Longer Roof Life

As roof inspections can be relied on to catch roofing issues in incipient phases, they can also ensure that regularly inspected roofs can provide adequate protection for longer than roofs that do not get that attention. If roof inspection schedules are followed rigorously and any fault found is remedied in a timely manner, the roof will be able to provide good performance even beyond its expected lifespan, which means that roof inspection is an essential task to save you from premature roof replacement.

Peace of Mind

Regular, annual or semi-annual roof inspections can give you the peace of mind that you have done what you have to do to protect your home and your family, which also means that a simple roof inspection can save you not only money, but time as well, what’s more, it can save you from a lot of stress and hassle.

Making it Easier to Sell Your Property

Having a professional roofing inspection report will inspire your potential buyers more trust when you put your property out on a market. The report will prove that you have been a caring homeowner who has been taking good care of the property, including the roof.

What Types of Roofing Repairs Are Necessary on My House Due to Weather?

roofing companies near me

Roofing systems are constantly exposed to the elements – small wonder that most forms of roof damage are caused by the weather. According to roofing companies near me, here are some of the most common forms of damage and roof repairs that become necessary because of the weather.

Damage Caused by the Sun

The rays of the sun bring lots of joy to humans, but they are less enjoyable for roofs – sunshine comes with UV radiation and heat, both being harmful for roofs. Different roofing materials react differently to the exposure to too much sun – shingles might start curling or blistering, membrane roofs might shrink, while clay and metal roofs might fade. The heat coming from the sun might also cause damage in the deeper layers of the roof, making wood components brittle and prone to cracking. Any repair action needed to correct these issues should start with a careful and detailed inspection of the roof from the roof surface as well as from the attic. The most suitable solution is usually the replacement of the damaged components.

Damage Caused by Water

Whether frozen or in liquid form, water can harm roofs in various ways:

  • Leaking – water can penetrate the roof through even the tiniest gap, crack or puncture, then it usually forces that tiny access point to expand. When the gap, crack or puncture becomes large enough, water appears under the roof too, first in the attic in the form of ponds on the attic floor and droplets on the roof’s wooden support structure, then on the ceilings inside the house, too. The excess moisture can also cause the wooden beams and rafters in the attic to swell, causing the components to crack and to rot. Leak repair should start with identifying the source, followed by the replacement of the roof components that have been damaged;
  • Ice damming – the ice dams that form on the edge of roofs are caused by a combination of factors. If the roof is not insulated properly, heated air can rise from inside the house to the underside of the roof. If that happens when the roof is covered in snow, some of the frozen precipitation will melt, then the resulting water will run down on the roof slope and freeze again at the edge, dragging the roof and the gutters downwards. One solution to prevent the issue is the installation of proper insulation in the attic and the installation of heating elements that prevents the formation of ice dams is also an option;
  • Roof sagging – heavy layers of snow can put unbearable pressure on your roof, so whenever you consider that the snow blanket is too thick, take the time to remove it with a broom.

Damage Caused by Winds and Storms

Winds and storms can lift the surface of any type of roof and it can also cause impact damage, by dropping airborne debris onto the roof or through hail. To fix wind and storm damage, inspect your roof when the weather turns fair again – look for missing, mechanically damaged or displaced components and loosened fasteners. Roofing companies near me say that if you have a shingle roof, also look for missing surface granules – strong winds can remove the granules, leaving the shingle mat exposed and the roof vulnerable. Make all the replacements necessary and reattach the loosened fasteners as soon as you can after the storm, to ensure that the next storm finds a strong roof on your home.

Top Shingles to Use on Florida Buildings

Roofing shingles are the most popular roofing materials used throughout the country, very common in all areas, including Florida. However, the Sunshine State’s location along the coastline, in a region prone to extreme events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, requires the people planning to get a new shingle roof to be very careful when choosing their shingles – here are some of the most common shingle types that you should consider for your building in Florida.

commercial roofer Orlando

The Most Common Types of Asphalt Shingles

The type of shingles that comes to mind first is surely the common, inexpensive asphalt shingle variety, composed of a thin mat covered in weather-protective granules. While the solution is certainly the most widespread, it is a material that provides limited protection in front of high winds and other forms of extreme weather, therefore it is not the best solution for Florida roofs. Fortunately, asphalt shingles come in two other, stronger and more resistant varieties that make better, but not much more expensive choices: fiberglass shingles, that use a thicker, more resistant fiberglass mat and architectural shingles that are even more durable and have an attractive, multi-dimensional appearance. Asphalt shingles also come in impact-resistant varieties – these products have been tested and rated for their resistance to the impact caused by hail and other airborne object, therefore they are great for regions that get extreme weather frequently.

Shingles Made from Metal

Metal shingles are also very common these days. Made from steel, copper, aluminum, tin, zinc or coated alloys, metal shingles are available in many colors and textures and they provide durable protection that can last for over half a century. The material is lightweight, easy to install and easy to maintain, making a great solution for buildings that cannot support a heavier roof and need long-lasting protection.

Composite Shingles

These shingles are usually made from recycled plastic material, therefore they are great for environment-conscious building owners looking for a reliable roofing solution. The solution offers durability of up to 20 years as well as design variety – composite shingles are nowadays available in varieties that resemble clay, stone or wood as well as in many colored versions.

Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are among the most modern shingle types used today, the perfect option for anyone looking for a way to harness solar energy in one of the states that get the highest number of sunny days per year. If installed properly, by a qualified and experienced commercial roofer Orlando professional, solar shingles can last for up to 25 years. The material is quite expensive compared to others, but it does more than just protect your building from the elements – your solar shingles will collect solar energy and will heat your water, thus allowing you to save on your energy bills. You can choose to have a roof built entirely from solar shingles or you combine solar panels with conventional roofing materials.

To offset the high costs of the solar shingles, the property owners who choose the material can benefit from lots of tax benefits and other, state-level or federal incentives.

Factors to Consider When Looking for Superior Commercial Roof Products and Materials

If you need a new commercial roof that stands the test of time and will provide the reliable protection that you want for your commercial facility, you need materials of the right type that are also of superior quality. Whatever design you choose for your commercial roof, the types of materials that will make up your new roof probably come in a very wide range of quality and styles and that variety certainly makes the selection of the right products more difficult, so here are some factors to consider when you are browsing roofing materials.

Suitability for Your Climate Area

Not all roofing materials are designed to withstand the same types of weather – some are more suitable for areas that get wide temperature variations, others work better in moderate climate regions. Metal, for example, can resist impact and is able to retain heat very efficiently, while asphalt is more suitable for moderate conditions.

metal roofing Aurora

Durability

Roofing materials are different in terms of longevity as well. Metal stands out when it comes to this feature, too – while most commercial roofing materials can provide the expected performance for around 20-30 years, according to metal roofing Aurora contractors, metal can be relied on to protect your building for up to 50 years.

Maintenance Needs

Whatever roofing materials you choose for your structure, they all need maintenance. With most materials, that maintenance involves yearly inspections and cleaning, followed by the repair of the faults detected during check-up (with regular, six-monthly inspections, the issues found are likely to be minor and easy to fix). With some materials, such as metal and synthetic roofing systems, maintenance sessions should also include the application of coatings – roof coating products can help you further increase your roof’s energy efficiency and will seal the roof surface to prevent the penetration of water.

Accessories and Other Components of the Roofing System

A commercial roof is more than just a surface that closes your building at the top. Your roof has a support structure, usually made from wood, it needs insulation, vents and drainage, too, all these components requiring the best materials. The roof’s drainage system is of special importance – choosing the most suitable type of gutters and downspouts, made from materials of superior quality is essential for ensuring that water is efficiently directed away from the roof and from your walls and channeled into the ground.

Finding the Best Materials

Carrying out some research of your own before picking your materials is very important if you want a durable and resistant roof, but once you have a general idea of what you want, it is a good idea to turn to a commercial roofing Aurora contractor for consultation. Ideally, commercial roofs are installed by roofing contractors – that is the only way to make sure that your high-quality materials are handled correctly and that you benefit from warranties on the material as well as on the labor –, so consulting the roofer who will install your roof about the best materials to use is the best way to ensure the overall quality of your roof as well.

Best Commercial Roof Designs and Materials

commercial roofing Dallas

Commercial roof designs largely depend on whether you plan a circulable or non-circulable roof.

A traditional, non-circulable flat roof consists of a concrete base on which the vapor barrier and protective membrane are installed (PVC and EDPM are the most reliable covering solutions nowadays).

On the other hand, a circulable terrace roof means that you can climb on it freely, you can store various equipment, solar panels, but also arrange a green area, a flower garden, a swimming pool, an outdoor café or even a car park – all this are possible in the space offered by a commercial flat roof. Of course, such a roof must also have a structure strong enough to support extra weight. For this, under the waterproofing layer must exist is a very solid, rigid and strong base, able to withstand significant loads.

If a few years ago commercial roofing materials were relatively few and standard, today they are diverse, with superior properties, providing very good protection in any climatic conditions.

What are the properties of these materials and how are they used?

Depending on the needs of clients, commercial roof materials can be used in several systems that generate different properties.

Here are some examples:

System 1: It involves the application of 2 layers of insulation. The first layer consists of a solution with very high elasticity. This layer is applied on the substrate and covers it completely. The system is continued with the application of a very good quality geotextile material that reinforces the liquid membrane, covering the entire surface.

  • Such a system is very flexible, and can be used to waterproof any commercial roof
  • It has high resistance to ultraviolet rays
  • It has a high elasticity
  • It can be applied quickly, matching the contour of the construction
  • It is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including low temperatures

System 2: It is a liquid waterproofing system, applied mechanically, with a roller, being intended for both very large and small surfaces. The application of this system can be done on flat roofs, on galvanized sheet metal roofs, on fiber reinforced concrete slabs as well as on tile roofs.

The material consists of an unplasticized pasty acrylic dispersion that brings the following advantages:

  • It is elastic
  • It withstands weather well
  • It comes in a light color palette, which reflects up to 70% of solar radiation
  • It has water vapor permeability

System 3:  This is a system for waterproofing attics. It uses a material based on rubber bitumen of a very good quality. This system is often used for fixing joints and for sealing small leaks. The advantages it offers are significant:

  • It adheres to a wide variety of materials, from zinc to wood, concrete, aluminum and OSB boards
  • It prevents corrosion on the underside of the elements
  • It seals very well the surface
  • It has a sound-absorbing effect

All these materials must be combined and applied by commercial roofing Dallas contractors in order to benefit from the maximum protection they can offer, as well as the warranties.

What Are the Advantages of Using Tile Roofing?

roofing companies in Houston install tile roofs

Clay and cement tiles are among the best classic roofing materials, solutions that have been used for centuries all over the world and that enjoy great popularity in our days as well. The material is quite heavy (you need to check whether your building is able to support the extra weight added by the tiles before you choose your tiles) and it is not the cheapest solution, either, but the wide range of benefits that it offers makes roof tiles an excellent solution for any sloping roof and for any climate region. According to roofing experts, like those found at roofing companies in Houston, here are some of the features that make tile roofs so great.

 

Aesthetic Appeal

If you are looking for an elegant roofing material, tiles are your best option. The material comes in many colors and styles, from the classic terracotta color to elegant shades of driftwood grey and from moss green to pale blue, the latest product ranges being available even in shiny black, cream and shades of brown as well.

Prolonged Durability and Enhanced Resistance to the Elements

Roof tiles are among the most durable materials available, many tile products being warranted for an extraordinary 100 years.

Tiles make an incredibly strong solution for challenging environments – the material is resistant to the penetration of water, to fire, to high winds as well as to pest attacks, the only weather-related issue that can harm tile roofs being very strong, direct impact, such as very large hail or very large tree branches that fall onto the roof.

Superior Energy-Efficiency and Ventilation

The materials that clay and cement tiles are made from are excellent heat insulators, making sure that the heat of the sun is kept outside in summer and the warm air that you heated in your rooms in winter is also kept inside. Roofing tiles being such great insulators, they prevent not only the energy exchange between the building interior and the exterior environment, thus reducing the amount of energy needed for cooling and heating the building, but they also prevent the formation of ice dams.

Roof tiles also allow for the efficient circulation of air under the roof and between the tiles – a feature that prevents the appearance of condensation in the attic and the water damage that condensation can cause in the wooden support structure of the roof.

Low Maintenance Solutions

Tile roofs need to be cleaned and inspected every six months, like all other roof types, but the durability and the resistance of the material ensures that the faults that will be detected during the inspections will not be more complicated than a couple of chipped edges or a tile cracked by very severe impact.

Sustainability

Roofing tiles are made from environment-friendly materials that are either recyclable or reusable for new construction. When tile roofs are removed, the tiles are usually taken off one by one, taking care not to damage intact tiles. The tiles that get damaged are recyclable through manufacturing, but even if they are dumped, they are made from non-toxic, mineral-based materials that do not harm our natural environment.

The Best Siding for a Humid Climate

Installation of Siding by Contractors In LincolnThe envelope of your building, including the siding is the ultimate line of defense against the weather, the materials used for creating that envelope being essential for the comfort and the safety of your home. Moisture being the single most destructive element when it comes to building components, if your building is located in a humid climate area, you need to choose the materials of that envelope very carefully, paying special attention to the materials that your siding panels are made from. Start with asking the siding contractors Lincoln NE employs what type of siding they install and recommend.  Here are the siding materials that work best in geographic areas that get humid climate.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride, a strong and versatile synthetic material that is impervious to moisture. Vinyl siding repels moisture and sheds water droplets and it offers homeowners other benefits, including very convenient pricing, low upkeep and durability.

Fiber Cement

The material is a bit higher-priced than vinyl, but its great qualities make it an excellent choice for homes in wet climates. Fiber cement is an extraordinary, versatile material – it is one of the toughest and most durable materials available today and the panels made from it also come in a very wide range of colors and textures.

If you choose fiber cement for your siding, you should know that the material is quite heavy and it requires a professional to install it.

Aluminum Siding Panels

Metal siding panels are popular among homeowners looking for durable protection for their building, but not all metal alloys are suitable for areas in which the panels are continuously exposed to moisture. Aluminum siding makes an excellent choice – it provides all the benefits of more expensive metal panels, including strength, durability, resistance to impact, pest attacks and dents, without the shortcomings, such as sensitivity to moisture. Aluminum is also lightweight and affordable, providing a low-cost and very resistant siding solution for buildings in moist areas.

Brick Veneer Siding Panels

This traditional, time-tested and eco-friendly siding material will not only protect your home against moisture – it will also confer it an elegant appearance. The term brick siding usually refers to panels made from brick veneer and is the preferred choice of many building owners in humid climate regions. The benefits of brick panels include resistance to rot, mold and mildew, to fire and to pest attacks and for the great thermal performance offered by the sustainable material. Brick veneer siding is also very easy to install and to maintain, with a color that will never fade and a surface that will not warp.

Thermally Modified Wood Panels

While natural, untreated wood is not the best choice for wet climates, modern, thermally modified wood siding has been developed to offer homeowners in wet climate zones the beauty and all the other benefits of wood without the sensitivity to moisture. The process of thermal modification changes the structure of the wood by removing the organic compounds that can be blamed for the appearance of rot and mold and it also gives modified wood its characteristic, elegant and attractive dark hue.