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  • Asphalt Shingle Thickness – Does It Matter?

    When hiring asphalt roofers to install a new shingle roof, homeowners may be interested in luxury dimensional or architectural shingles, premium wind-resistant shingles, or other types of high-performance products.

    Although it seems as though a shingle is a shingle and any shingle should be installable on any roof, this is not always the case.

    Shingle thickness matters, especially when asphalt roofer services are installing a premium product.

    In these instances, shingle performance must be balanced with shingle thickness, which is determined by other critical factors.

    Why Does It Matter?

    The shingles applied by asphalt roofer contractors perform better and look more appealing when they are thicker.

    While standard 3-tab shingles lie fairly flat on a roof, dimensional and architectural shingles have an attractive shape and profile, looks that are gained by creating a thicker, molded shingle.

    Similarly, high-rated wind-proof and impact-proof shingles are also thicker, so they are not so easily blown off a roof or damaged by hail.

    Thicker shingles are heavier and therefore cannot be installed by asphalt roofers on every rooftop.

    How Does Shingle Thickness Affect The Installation?

    As already mentioned, thicker shingles are heavier, but that is not the only concern.

    To install thicker shingles, asphalt roofer services must first calculate the per-square weight of the total roofing installation, then determine whether the support structures can safely support it all.

    That gets calculated by determining the following:

    • Rafter Thickness – Rafter board sizes usually range from 2×4” to 2×12”. The thicker the rafters are, the larger the load, and the thicker the shingles they can safely support. 
    • Decking Thickness – Decking strength and weight must also be calculated. The thicker the decking is, the thicker the shingles can be supported; however, thicker decking adds more load onto the rafters according to asphalt roofers.

    Ultimately, asphalt roofer contractors must accurately calculate the weight limit that a roof is capable of safely supporting based on rafter size and decking thickness, then limit shingle varieties to those that come in under that amount.

    In some cases where thinner rafters were used in the construction of the top of the house, thicker asphalt shingles like some dimensional or performance shingles may be too heavy.

    If installing thicker, premium shingles such as wind-resistant roofing in hurricane-prone locations is a priority, asphalt roofer services may need to add structural support to the roof to make that possible. 

    Seek The Advice of Experienced Asphalt Roofers!

    Always work with an asphalt roofer contractor who knows about shingle thickness and how it relates to the structural soundness of shingle roofs!

  • What Should You Do After Suffering Roofing Storm Damage?

    A huge storm has passed, leaving damage in need of storm damage roof repair.

    Now what?

    It will likely be impossible to get a to the house immediately, but that does not mean all is lost.

    In the meantime, storm damage roofing repair contractor suggest that a homeowner put the time to good use protecting their property and making other plans to facilitate the repair process.

    These tips can help them get that done.

    • Assess the Severity of the Damage – Once it is safe to do so, assess the severity and type of damage present to get an idea of how urgent storm damage roof repair must be. Some damage, like hail damage to shingles or a few broken or missing shingles, is less pressing while holes in the roof or entire sections of shingles blown off are more urgent. Don’t forget to look in the attic as well to find evidence of damage that might not be visible from the outside. 
    • Call the Insurance Company – After getting an idea of the amount and type of damage, phone the insurance company to let them know. They will begin the claims process and schedule an adjuster to come to inspect the damage and interpret policy coverage. Ask for any special instructions that they may have and confirm ahead of time whether storm damage roofing repair contractors must be approved by them and if repairs can be started as soon as possible. Be prepared to submit damage photos if necessary. 
    • Check for Leaks Inside – When inspecting the attic for potential storm damage roof repair, pay particular attention to whether there are active leaks or any evidence of water coming into the house. Inspect ceilings on upper floors and along walls throughout the house, as unseen leaks may show up as water-damaged drywall. 
    • Protect Property As Needed – If the attic is wet, there are holes in the roof, or water is noticed anywhere else in the house, protect the home interior and personal property by moving items, covering the floors and furniture and catching leaks in buckets. Do what is necessary to prevent more property damage inside.  
    • Call A Storm Damage Roof Repair Contractor – Lastly, after taking care of these preliminary steps, call a local storm damage roofing repair service and let them know what happened. They will arrange a time to come to inspect the damage, and then develop a repair plan from there.

    When bad storms happen, storm damage roofing repair contractors end up very busy catering to homeowners throughout their communities.

    These assessment and preparation steps will help customers get faster storm damage roof repair service from roofers and insurance companies without risking additional property damage.

  • What Can Cause Asphalt Shingles to Fail?

    Asphalt shingles are the most commonly installed roofing material today, as they create a relatively durable and long-lasting roof at an affordable price point in comparison to many other roofing systems.

    Used for more than a century by asphalt roof services, the quality of these shingles continues to improve over time.

    The variety of shingles continues to expand as well, giving homeowners more style, feature, and color options every year. 

    What Causes Problems with Asphalt Shingle Roofs?

    The shingles installed by asphalt roof services are far from indestructible and they can definitely fail.

    The trick to preserving any roof or preventing a need for costly asphalt shingle roofing repair is understanding how they fail and what can lead up to that failure.

    • Age – A prime and very natural cause of asphalt shingle failure is advanced age. Each shingle product is designed to last a certain amount of time when proper care is given. As shingles reach their projected materials age, asphalt shingle roof contractors recommend replacing them, as leaks, breakage, and other problems will become more probable. 
    • UV Damage – The UV rays from the sun backing down on a roof year in and year out contribute to the eventual deterioration of even the best asphalt shingles. As this process is inevitable, many premium materials installed by asphalt roof services have more granules and more reflective protective coatings to slow that damage. Still, over time and simply due to continuous exposure to the weather, those coatings will start to wear off and the UV energy will do more damage, drying out the shingles and making them more brittle and prone to cracking and breaking. 
    • Moisture – Since shingles installed by asphalt shingle roof contractors may also experience a high amount of moisture from severe storms and light rains to frost and dew in the morning, moisture is yet one more thing that will eventually cause shingles to fail. Moisture can contribute to the wearing down of the protective coatings and granules on the shingles while also making it easier for mildew and mold to grow and slowly disintegrate them. 
    • Poor Ventilation – A major cause of failure that requires significant asphalt shingle roofing repair is poor attic ventilation beneath the roof deck. An attic that gets too hot can destroy the shingles from the underside, causing them to curl, bow, and buckle, and lose their adhesion, ruining their water tightness.

    Asphalt shingles offer homeowners economical, stylish protection for their homes.

    When professionally installed by an experienced asphalt roof service, high-quality shingles can last 30 to 50 years depending on the product.

    Good maintenance and watching for the above-mentioned problems is the key to avoiding expensive asphalt shingle roofing repair and having a trouble-free roof!

  • Tile Roofing – An Amazing Option for Discerning Homeowners!

    Of all the roofing materials that contractors can install for homeowners, none is more beautiful and offers such amazing qualities than tile.

    Available in many types, installations done by tile roof services can transform the look of a home instantly, giving it an impressive and exotic appearance.

    Before opting for the same old asphalt shingles, homeowners should consider contracting a tile roofing company after learning these great reasons why tile is such a desirable roofing choice!

    • Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable – Made from a variety of sustainably available natural materials, ceramic and concrete tile installed by professional tile roof companies is also environmentally friendly, as it can be either recycled or safely disposed of without damaging the environment.  
    • Energy-Efficient – Tile roof services know that tile roofing is highly energy-efficient, as these materials absorb UV heat rays without transferring them into the building below, then release that heat upward once it cools down outside. That means a naturally cooler home and lower power bills. 
    • Strong and Durable – There is little that tile cannot withstand. These strong, sturdy tiles are great protection against wind and heavy rain, making them an ideal choice in most climates. 
    • Fire Resistant – One of the most significant qualities that an installation done by tile roof companies offers homeowners is strong fire resistance. Natural tile is an ideal roofing option in regions where wildfires are prevalent or homes are close together. 
    • Long Lasting – Durable tile has a lifespan that can extend nearly a century or more when it is correctly installed by a skilled tile roof contractor and properly cared for.  
    • Stylish and Colorful – While the traditional Spanish tile remains a favorite product that tile roof services install regularly, ceramic and concrete tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and in a variety of natural shades, as well as glazed in beautiful colors for homeowners who desire more than the traditional terra cotta or natural appearance. 
    • Timelessly Beautiful – A roof installed by skilled tile roof contractors is timeless in its beauty while also standing out from every other home in the neighborhood. Even in areas where tile roof companies do more installations, homeowners can choose styles and colors to make their installation unique and their property more valuable.

    A roof installed by experienced tile roof services is one of the most beautiful, energy-efficient, and characteristic roofing systems a homeowner can invest in.

    Learn more about installing beautiful tile by contacting a local tile roof contractor today!

  • Know How to Maintain That Metal Roof?

    When it comes to prolonging the life of a metal roof, the best thing any homeowner can do is hire the right roofing contractor to install it to start off on the right foot.

    After the fact, homeowners need to provide the necessary roofing maintenance to keep it in good shape.

    Metal roofs do not require much in the way of maintenance, but these tips from metal roofing companies will help a homeowner make sure their metal installation lasts for decades without issues!

    • Keep It Clean of All Debris – First and foremost, keep up with roofing maintenance for a metal roof by making the effort to diligently remove any debris that ends up on the roof. Branches can scratch the protective coating and leaves on the panels or clogging the gutters can allow mildew to form or cause rusting on the edges or surface. Roofing contractors recommend twice-yearly gutter cleaning and removing other debris whenever it collects as the main type of maintenance that will keep metal roofs in their best condition.
    • Periodic Washing Is Good – Dirt and grime layers on metal roofs can, over time, degrade the protective coating and make the metal more susceptible to surface rust. Periodic washing that removes this grime layer will make the roof look bright and clean while reducing the damage to the painted protective coating. 
    • Know How to Do It – The best way to wash a metal roof without damaging it is using a soft bristle brush, a sponge, a washrag, or a non-abrasive pad. Roofing companies recommend using either plain water or a mild solution made from ½ cup of dish soap to 1 gallon of water, letting it sit for 10 minutes, then rinsing it off. Naturally, do it on a low sun day so the soapy solution does not dry on the surface too quickly.
    • Check for Problems – Lastly, roofing contractors recommend simply paying attention to metal roofs and watching for problems like loose fasteners, missing flashing, and anything else that seems incorrect. Roofers will happily discuss with their customers what to look for with these types of installations and when repairs should be made.

    Though they do need some roofing maintenance, metal roofs are some of the most durable and easy to care for roofing systems out there.

    Following these four simple steps suggested by professional roofing companies, any homeowner can provide this easy maintenance and help their roof last its full expected life.

    For help with these tasks, contact a skilled metal roofing contractor to handle regular gutter cleaning, periodic washing, and routine roof inspections!

  • Top Fence Installation Mistakes Made by DIY Installers!

    A new fence installation is a project best left to the professionals.

    While there are some handy homeowners that have the tools and know-how to put in their own fence, these top mistakes that homeowners make illustrate perfectly why hiring a professional fence company is the best choice.

    These common mistakes can make the difference between having a fence that lasts a decade or two or starts to weaken after only a few years.

    An experienced fencing company can get the job done without these critical pitfalls.

    1. Property Line Errors – Before any fence installation is done, it is essential to have the property surveyed to avoid property line issues. Most DIY installers skip that very important step and end up with neighbor issues later on in terms of whose land the fence was actually installed on.
    2. Fence Post Holes Too Shallow – One of the most common mistakes that fence companies find being made by novice installers is failing to dig the post holes deep enough. Digging the post holes is the hardest part of the whole job, especially without the right equipment to do it. A post that is not set deep enough will fail due to the weight it is holding up above the ground not being properly balanced by a deep post that can support that weight.
    3. Cement Not Used When Needed – Another cheat that fencing companies find to be common is not filling post holes with cement for added support when needed. From the inability to dig the holes deep enough due to the soil makeup to a need for extra stability for an especially heavy installation, skipping the cement in some cases is a recipe for a fence that will become loose and start to sag in a short amount of time.
    4. Elevation Changes Not Accounted For – Doing a fence installation on uneven ground can be especially challenging, requiring the installation to be racked in certain ways to keep it sturdy. The best people to handle this type of installation are those from a reputable fence company, as they know how to correctly put up a straight fence on unlevel land.
    5. Poor Gate Hanging – Gate hanging is another fencing task that requires some skill and knowledge to prevent the gate from sagging, dragging, and weighing down the fence line. A professional fence company can install a fully operational gate that will remain so using the right techniques and hardware.

    So before trying to save money with a DIY fence installation, homeowners should first consider these five common and serious problems, then talk to a professional installer.

    The hassle, whether today or in the future, is not worth the savings.

    A sturdy, beautiful fence put up by a skilled fencing company is worth the extra money paid.

  • Why You Need A Storm Damage Restoration Specialist After The Storm Passes

    Most communities have plenty of roofing contractors ready to take care of whatever work homeowners need to be done, whether that is a new installation of shingles or repairs for a leak that started in the attic.

    Many of these contractors are experienced and will do a great job, while others might leave customers out on a limb paying for shoddy or unskilled workmanship.

    None of them should be handling major storm damage unless they are home storm damage restoration specialists that are trained in that kind of roofing work.

    Which Type of Contractor Should You Use?

    Why does it matter which contractor you call?

    There is more to repairing severe storm damage than just taking off the old shingles and putting on new ones.

    Storm damage like crushed roofs caused by fallen trees, roofs and rafters blown off in hurricane winds, and other problems occurring in severe weather all require attention from expert home storm damage repair services that understand roofing from the eyes of a construction contractor.

    It is more like a reconstruction project than simply a roofing contract, so it requires different types of skills.

    Structural Damage Needs Skilled Home Storm Damage Repair Companies

    When the repairs will involve more than just decking, but also rafters and trusses and structural parts of the house, this is many times outside of the realm of what the average roofing contractor can handle.

    These are repairs that home storm damage repair companies experienced in roofing restoration should handle the job to get the best results.

    It involves not just covering things back up, but first analyzing the whole structure and rebuilding the damaged parts from the walls, upward.

    Only then, once the entire roofing support system is once again intact, can the decking and roofing material go back on.

    Know When to Call Storm Damage Restoration Pros

    Hopefully, you won’t ever need these kinds of extreme roofing services but if you do, be sure to call the right home storm damage repair service that can fix it right.

    Here in Texas, we see many instances of homes being severely damaged by hurricanes and other extreme weather.

    This kind of roofing damage demands a more experienced repair from a home storm damage restoration contractor that can make the structural and cosmetic repairs necessary.

    Whether your roof has wind damage, hail damage, or a huge tree fell on your house, be sure to call a home storm damage repair company that knows how to properly assess the damage and repair it so it is like new!

  • Important Things To Keep In Mind When It Comes To Your Roof

    When it comes to your own roof, chances are you don’t know too much about how to maintain it properly; however, investing some time and energy into performing annual roof inspections and other common roofing procedures can save you from a lot of future troubles.

    Read on and learn what steps you need to take in order to take care of your roofing needs.

    A Damaged Roof Can Impact Your Home’s Foundation

    While damaged shingles on your roof are sometimes the cause of leaks, it is also a good idea to check with your home’s foundation as well.

    If your home has dry rot in the outside walls, water can enter there.

    Look for ever potential entry area, rotten wood included, to be sure you get the problem permanently fixed.

    Don’t Overlook Protruding Pipes On Your Roof

    When installing a new boot on any pipes which extend through your roof, make sure they fit as snug as a bug in a rug.

    If they’re even slightly loose, water can seep inside of them, causing you a roofing headache you don’t need.

    Choose the right size to spare yourself from problems down the road.

    Cracking Shingles Cannot Be Ignored

    When there is a crack in a shingle, you must replace it.

    In fact, any cracking of shingles on your roof usually means that you’ll have to replace all of the shingles as they’re likely to start cracking too.

    Whether it be from inferior materials or improperly installed shingles, you’ll save yourself many problems by getting it all replaced.

    How to Safely Repair Leaks

    Always make safety your first priority when it comes to fixing your roof because trying to get a leak repaired when the weather is bad is something that could really hurt you.

    Put a bucket beneath any leaks until the weather improves, then go inspect the roof and see if it’s possible for you to repair it.

    What We Have Learned

    As was mentioned earlier, taking proper care of your roof is extremely important.

    Use the information provided in the article above to handle any and all of your roofing needs and save some money in the process.

    You will learn a valuable skill and your bank account is sure to appreciate it.

  • Tips For Choosing A Professional Roofing Company

    Most people ignore the roof until it develops a problem. It can even be intimidating in terms of what to do next since people have such limited knowledge on roofing. Read on and learn what you steps you can take to keep your roof in pristine shape.

    Roof Safety is Vital

    Always be safe when you’re up on your roof. If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t go up there! Wear the right safety gear and don’t do anything that puts your body at risk. Remember to bring along the right tools for the job as well to ensure you do the work right.

    Make Some Roof Repairs DIY

    Consider fixing small roof problems on your own. There is a wealth of information available regarding projects that you can complete on your own without prior experience. If you have the time available to learn about the problem and the remedy you can save yourself a lot of money and gain some experience on how to maintain your home yourself.

    Choose Roofing Material Wisely

    When you’re planning on installing a new roof, choosing a material mainly comes down to how long you plan on staying in the home. If you plan on selling the house soon, material that lasts 20 years may be appropriate. If you plan keeping the house and living in it long term, you’ll save money in the long run by choosing materials that last 40 years or longer.

    Use an Experienced Contractor

    When replacing your roof, always use a knowledgeable contractor. Make sure to find someone with experience and a good reputation in your area. While you might find that a less experienced roofer is also less expensive, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Go for a professional, and your new roof will last!

    Be Ready For Roof Maintenance

    Now you know what it takes to maintain your roof. Proper maintenance of your roof will result in fewer future problems. Remember this advice, and you’ll be prepared to handle any issues that may arise.

  • Important Information About Hip Roofs!

    A popular roofing design feature for many Texas homes, hip roofs are attractive and functional.

    Different than the typical pitched style roofing, hip roofs offer a number of benefits that make them desirable.

    If you are just putting up a home or other building and find this type appealing, or even if you want to change an existing roofline, talk to an experienced roofer about adding a hip installation to the design.

    What Is A Hip Roof?

    A hip roof is one that all four sides of the structure slope upward toward the ridge, which is the highest point on any pitched or sloped roof.

    This is different from a standard pitched roof, which has two sloped angles and two completely vertical sections that appear at either end of the slopes.

    It is a fairly simple change in design that can greatly improve the aesthetics of any home or building, but it does require a skilled roofer to get those angles correct so they are stable.

    What Are Some Advantages to This Type Of Roofing Installation?

    Although the most striking aspect of a hip style roofing installation is its looks, there are many other features that make it a good choice for homes and smaller buildings alike:

    • Sophisticated Appearance – More attractive than plain pitched design and increases curb appeal.
    • More Stable In Extreme Weather – Self-bracing and sturdy, making it stronger against heavy winds or heavy snow loads.
    • Increased Wall Protection All Around – All four walls are protected by overhangs, fascia, and gutters, unlike the unprotected vertical ends on plain pitched installations.
    • Allows For More Creative Building Design – Hip roofs look great on the inside, too, making way for beautiful vaulted ceilings. The downside is that there are no attic spaces in these areas, unlike the large attic spaces beneath the angles on pitched designs.

    How Are Hip Roofs Constructed?

    Hip roofs are built based on the standard sloping structure, but with some additional rafters and beams installed to support additional two angled sides.

    While pitched designs utilize mainly common trusses and rafters to support the two sloping sides and connect them to the ridge, a hip roofing installation uses those, plus others.

    To build these second sloping sections that come to a point at the ends of the ridge, roofers must utilize hip rafters at the corners, which serve the same purpose as the main ridge rafter board does, and then brace using jack rafters.

    It is a more complex design on the underside to ensure all four sides of the structure are well-supported, but the end result is strong, useful, and beautiful.

    Like The Looks Of A Hip Roof?

    Whether you need a sturdy roof that can withstand Texas winds and rains well, or you just like the looks of it, a hip roof is a great alternative to the common pitched and sloped design.

    This roofing does involve a financial investment that is higher than that of a standard roof, but it can also increase the value of the home or building.

    The most important factor when choosing this architectural design is that you find skilled, qualified roofers that have experience doing this type of installation.