Are Shingles the Only Option?

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Are you thinking about a new roof for your Plano home in 2019? What kind of roof do you want? Did you know there are more options than asphalt shingles? It’s true. There is a whole world of shingles out there, and some may work for you and your home. Find out what types of shingle options you have and how to find the best roofing company for you in this blog.

Eight Different Types of Roofing Materials to Consider

  1. Asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle material in the United States. Why? The primary reason is that they are durable in any environment and weather conditions and can withstand wind, rain, hail, and sun. This is especially important to homeowner’s living in Texas. Asphalt shingles are also lower in cost compared to other options, which also makes them favorable among homeowners.
  2. Solar tiles. Solar tiles are not shingles, but instead, integrate into existing shingles to collect the sun’s rays and generate energy. Solar options are excellent for individuals living in sunny climates. These tiles do cost more than traditional solar panels, however.
  3. Metal roofing. Metal roofing is an excellent, available in a variety of colors and styles – it can even look like tile and shake. Metal roofing is also a great choice because it is long-lasting (think 40 to 60 years). Metal also can withstand winds and is fireproof. Metal can dent from hail and can be noisy during rainstorms, however.
  4. Stone-coated steel. This type of roofing material is an advanced type of metal roofing that has the color and style options of metal, but can withstand extremely high winds (120 miles per hour), hail, and harsh winter conditions.
  5. Slate. Slate is an excellent option for homes in a wet environment (not Texas). This is because slate is waterproof and resists mold and fungus growth. Slate is also long-lasting (more than 100 years!), but is not resistant to hail. This makes it a no-go for Texas!
  6. Rubber slate. Rubber slate is a manufactured product that looks like natural slate. The benefits of this product include that it can be cut to fit intricate spaces (think historical homes) but is not resistant to hail and installers may be hard to find.
  7. Clay tiles. Clay tiles are a great option for warm and dry climates (think California), but some homes in Texas do have them. Clay tiles can withstand high winds, but are not ideal when a hailstorm hits.
  8. Green roofs. No, we’re talking about green-colored shingles. We are talking about roofs that are covered with plants-type of green. While this is not a mainstream practice in this area, some homes in Frisco, Texas, have green roofs. The purpose of green roofing is to help improve air quality and reduce water runoff. While green roofing is cool – it takes a lot of work and extra structural support to make it happen.

Are you wondering what the best type of roofing is for your home? Call a professional roofing company today to find out!

The Right Roofing Company Can Help You Save on Insurance

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Like many people living in Plano, Carrollton, or other parts of North Texas, you know that we typically experience wild weather in the spring (okay, to be honest, the weather is pretty wild all year). You also probably know that this wild weather can translate into roof damage or roof replacement and usually also mean an increase in your homeowner’s insurance the next year. But did you know that a few small choices you make when replacing or repairing your roof can help lower the cost of your homeowner’s insurance?

Why does a roof affect the price of your homeowner’s insurance? Well, a roof that has been properly installed, built with good materials, and is well-maintained roof can reduce the chance you may file a claim. This means houses with good, solid roofs are a lower risk for insurance companies.

Here are five important things to consider when thinking about your roof replacement and how it can affect your insurance.

Pick the right materials. Ideal materials in this region include asphalt shingles or metal roofing, not wood shake shingles. Picking the right materials for the area and the weather it has can help reduce the chance of claims and could lower the price of your homeowner’s insurance. Professional roofing companies know what materials to use and what not to use on your home and make suggestions about materials that can resist all types of Texas weather.

Proper installation. If your roof is not installed correctly, it has a shorter lifespan, is more susceptible to damage, and can leave the rest of your house at risk of damage, too. Extra damage could mean higher insurance claim costs and premium fees. It can also mean that your homeowner’s insurance company could deny your roofing claims because of poor installation.

Keeping up with maintenance. Keeping up with maintenance on your roof helps to increase its strength and lifespan. Some ways to keep your roof in shape include:

  • Keeping your gutters clean
  • Removing leaves
  • Trimming back trees
  • Addressing broken, worn, or damaged shingles
  • Having your roof inspected annually
  • Checking for pests, such as rats, squirrels, birds, and bats

Keep records. Keeping paperwork and photos of roof maintenance and past repairs can help your insurance company see what you have done to take care of your roof. It also makes their job easier processing your claim. Records to keep include receipts and estimates.

Pick the right roofing company. We cannot stress this enough; pick the right roofing company. A professional roofing company knows how to install your roof so that it is solid, stable, and less susceptible to future damage. Contact a professional roofing company now.

Missing Something?

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The cold of the winter brings a lot of things to North Texas; hot chocolate, cozy blankets and cuddling up next to a fire. If you’re ready to light your fireplace this season, we want to stop you and remind you of something important before you strike the match: it is important to have a safe and well-working chimney before your first fire. Every single component of your chimney system plays a vital role in its function and the safety of your home and loved ones. If a piece is missing or damaged, you could be at risk for property damage and costly repairs. One of the components that is often overlooked is the chimney cap.

What Is A Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap is, well, a cap for your chimney. While that sounds pretty basic, its role is pretty serious. A chimney cap helps to prevent animals and from entering your home, prevents moisture from rain and weather out, and helps to protect your roof from catching on fire from embers from the fires you burn in your fireplace.

When the cap is missing or damaged, you may experience problems such as:

  • Difficulty lighting fires
  • Smoky conditions inside your home
  • Drafts in the room your fireplace is in
  • Rain or leaks in or near your chimney

Rain and water damage can lead to extensive issues inside your chimney that can eventually penetrate your walls and weaken the structure of your home – leaving you with costly repairs and your family at risk of injury.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues we’ve mentioned or notice water in or near your chimney, you may have a missing or damaged chimney cap. We suggest scheduling an inspection with a professional roofing company to check your chimney cap and your roof.

 

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…to Replace Your Roof

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When you think about roof repairs, you probably think spring or summer – after the storms that usually seem to strike the Dallas area each year, right? While it is true that a lot of roofs are replaced during these seasons, did you know that you can replace your roof during the winter, too?

Why Would You Want to Replace A Roof in the Winter?

If you’re noticing leaks, sagging rooflines, damaged soffit or fascia or missing shingles now, you are not going to want to wait until warmer months to replace your roof. Nor should you; waiting could lead to costly damage to your home’s interior.

Can You Really Replace a Roof in the Winter?

Yes, you can. But, with a few considerations. First, you will want to hire a professional roofing company. Professional roofing companies know how to replace a roof in the winter and what factors to take into consideration to ensure the replacement is done correctly.

Second, you will need to know that while you can replace a roof in the winter, the project may be delayed until the weather reaches the ideal roofing temperature. Is that a thing? Yes, it is. The perfect temperature for putting on a new roof is between 40 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for asphalt shingles. Why? Because even high-quality asphalt shingles can crack or break when hammered in temperates that are too cold.

Replacing a roof in the winter likely also means that you will be able to schedule your project sooner than in other seasons, as the winter months are the off-season for the industry. This is a major plus for you, especially if you have noticed signs of damage or have experienced leaks.

Looking for a professional roofing company to replace the roof of your Plano home this winter? Call now to schedule a consultation.

Is It Time to Replace Your Siding? Here Are Some Signs

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Let’s face it, replacing the siding of your Carrollton home is not the most exciting home improvement project, it is one of those things that you may have to do to keep your house looking great and to prevent significant damage from occurring. But, how do you know when it’s time to make a move?

Seven Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Siding

  1. You Have to Paint Often. Are you having to paint your home’s exterior every few years to keep it looking fresh? If so, this is a sign that something may be going on with your siding. Siding in good repair should keep its color for at least ten years. If your siding is chipping or peeling, it is time for replacement.
  1. You’re Paying A Lot to Heat and Cool Your Home. If your electric bill has spiked considerably, you may want to have your siding looked at by a professional siding replacement company. Your siding and insulation may be failing.
  1. Your Siding is Warped or Cracked. If you are noticing large areas of siding that are visually damaged, warped or showing signs of rot, it is time to replace.
  1. Your Siding Is Loose. One or two loose pieces of siding is not a huge deal, but if you’re experiencing missing pieces regularly, you may have damage below the exterior causing pieces of siding to pull away.

If you don’t replace cracked or loose pieces of siding, water can seep behind the affected area and cause rot of underlayment materials.

  1. You Have Interior Damage. Not all issues with siding occur on the exterior; some siding problems can develop on the inside of your home, too. Look for things such as peeling or bubbling paint and loose wallpaper as an indication that you may have something going on outside. 
  1. You Notice Mold or Mildew. If you’re noticing mold or mildew on your siding or at the seams of your siding, you may have water leaking behind the siding. If you see this, do not hesitate to call a professional siding company for a closer look.
  1. You Have Dry Rot. Do you have dry rot? Not sure? Find out by taking a screwdriver and tapping on your siding with the handle to if any of your siding crumbles away. If it does, you are likely facing a case of dry rot and need to get your siding replaced.

Looking for a professional siding replacement company? Contact one now!

These Fall Maintenance Tasks Can Save You Money!

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Have you stayed on top of your home maintenance tasks all year? If you have, that’s great! If you haven’t, fall is your last chance before the weather turns too cold to get things done. Here are a few ways you can tackle your fall to-do list and save a little money, too!

  1. Seal Cracks. We suggest that you seal cracks around your doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping and the cold of winter from creeping in. Sealing up cracks also prevents and moisture from getting into your walls.
  2. Check Your Roof for Debris. Take a look at your roof. Do you have piles of leaves or other debris? Did you know that these piles can affect how your roof drains and eventually cause water to back up into your home? We suggest hiring a professional roofing company to help remove debris and check your roof.
  3. Clean Out Your Gutters. After you remove debris from your roof, we also suggest that you take the next step of cleaning your gutters out. Removing leaves, branches, and dirt from your gutters allows them to move water away from your roof and drain as intended.
  4. Tune Up Your HVAC. Schedule an appointment with your HVAC company to turn up your heating and cooling system before winter. Also, this is a great time to change your unit’s filter, too.
  5. Check Your Chimney, Too! Who doesn’t like a fire when the weather is cold? Make sure your fireplace is ready to go when you are by making sure it is working correctly. Call a chimney sweep for a quick cleaning, too, before you fire it up for the first time.
  6. Take Time to Check Your Smoke Alarms. Take the time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms (and carbon monoxide detector, also!) and make sure these life-saving devices are in good working order.

Taking care of these seasonal tasks can save you a lot of money in the long run! Call a professional roofing company  to find out how they can help today.

Don’t Be Scared of Looking for a Professional Roofer

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We’re going to talk about something scary; it is October after all. No, we aren’t going to talk about witches, ghosts, or the new Halloween movie. What we are going to talk about usually happens as a result of a dark and stormy night, however. In this blog, we are going to talk about the sometimes scary (but really doesn’t have to be) process of selecting a roofer for your North Dallas home.

In all seriousness, we understand that choosing a roofer can be scary. But, we are here to help you make the process easier with these tips.

Look for Local. When a big storm hits, so do roofing scammers (also known as storm chasers) looking to prey upon nervous homeowners. Protect yourself by hiring local roofers with established roots. Using an out-of-town roofing company may make it harder to do business – and harder to find them if there is an issue down the road.

If an unsolicited roofer shows up on your doorstep, do not allow them onto your roof. Instead, ask that they leave you their information and review them online before you hire them. Make sure they have a local address, tax ID number, web presence and read any reviews of their work. Tip: ask any potential roofer for a list of references and call them for feedback.

Know the Law. Many roofing scam companies try to solicit business by offering deals on deductibles as a way to get you to sign quickly. It is actually illegal for roofers to promise you that they will waive your deductible. If they’re willing to cut corners on the law, where else are they willing to cut corners?

Check for Registration. Currently, in Texas, there is no statewide licensing requirement for roofers. However, in many municipalities, roofers must be registered to work and pull permits. Contact your town or city’s building department for a list of registered roofers.

Check for Insurance. Do not, and we repeat, do not hire a roofing company if they cannot produce general liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. Check the certificates for dates of coverage to ensure they are covered through the completion of your project.

Evaluate Estimates. Once you’ve gone through these steps, get estimates from at least three different roofing companies. Allow each company to do an inspection and submit a written proposal. Compare the quotes to pick the best one. Keep all documents related to your roof repair in case you have a future issue or need warranty repair.

Are you looking for a professional roofer? Don’t be scared this October. Call a professional roofing company today.

How to Find A Roof Leak

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The heavy rains experienced across North Texas the last few weeks raised lakes, wreaked havoc on the roads and caused many a roof leak across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Experiencing a roof leak can be scary, and finding the source of the roof leak can be frustrating. This is because in many cases, the leak shows up in a different place than where it began. A professional roofer can help find the source of your leak and repair your roof, but in the meantime, there are some signs you can look for to find out if you have a leak and need a professional roofer.

How to Find a Roof Leak

Leaks can be hard to find, even when it is raining. Here are some tips to help you identify where you leak begins:

Use a flashlight. Using a flashlight while you search can help you find stains and watermarks on your ceiling. Look for any sign of discoloration or water damage. Search your attic if you are able for signs of a leak such as water stains on wood or drywall and wet wood, drywall and insulation.

Start at the leak, but work backward. In many cases, a water leak rarely occurs at the exact spot that you see water damage or active water coming in. This is because water moves to the lowest point and can travel across ceilings and down walls to get to the ground. A leak in your downstairs living room may originate in the roof on the other side of your house on the second floor.

Consider less obvious signs. When you think of a roof leak, you naturally probably think about water dripping through your ceiling, but did you know a roof leak can cause water to come through your walls and floor, too? If you notice lifted tiles, floorboards or wet carpet on your floor or bubbling paint on your walls, water coming through your light switches or outlets, you need to call a professional roofer for a thorough roof inspection.

If you find the signs of a roof leak, we suggest that you call a professional roofing company right away instead of getting on your roof yourself to take a look – especially in severe weather.

Falling Leaves Can Leave Your Roof Damaged

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It may not feel like it, but it’s practically fall. September is here, Starbucks is selling their pumpkin spice lattes, and it’s just a few weeks to Halloween. So, while we are thinking about fall, we naturally want to take a moment and talk about the fall and roof maintenance. Particularly, how to falling leaves can affect the roof of your Plano, Texas, home.

How Leaves Can Damage a Roof

At first glance, fallen leaves on your roof may not seem like a danger, but because these leaves are often wet, they can be a problem. This is because the leaves collect even more water and pile up. Then they begin to rot and collect even more water, which can lead to extra weight on your and also mean leaks and costly damage for you.

How to Stop Leaves from Damaging Your Roof

To prevent damage caused by leaves on your roof you can take a few steps:

First, keep trees growing near your house trimmed regularly. Cut back overhanging branches that would likely be dropping leaves later this year. This action also allows for more sun on your roof, which can dry out some leaf piles that may occur.

Second, inspect your roof regularly. If you can see the leaves on your roof from the ground, it is time to schedule a professional roofer to remove them and check your roof to see if you have sustained any damage from the piles. You do not have to climb up there.

Third, clean out your gutters, too. Cleaning out your gutters allows them to drain water away from the eaves of your home and reduce the risk of a leak developing. Clean your gutters seasonally to remove leaves, branches, and dirt.

Do you need a roof inspection to check for damage caused by leaves or are you thinking about replacing your roof this fall? Call a professional roofing company today.

To Repair or Replace? That Is the Question

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Over the years, have you noticed a water spot or two on your roof or your roof maybe leaked once during a terrible rainstorm? You’re not unlike many people. Things happen to the best of roofs, even though most modern roofs are designed to last you 30 years or more. If you haven’t had your roof inspected and you see more and more spots, leaks or other signs of damage, it may be time to call in a professional. But, do you need a roof repair or total roof replacement for your Dallas home?

What Determines if It Is A Repair or Replacement?

  1. The Degree of Damage. Is a small section damaged or is it a large percentage of your roof? If the damage to your roof is over 50 percent, you are likely going to need a new roof. If the degree of damage is minimal, you could only need a repair. To assess the degree of damage to your roof, you need to call a professional roofer.
  1. Age of Your Roof. If you have a roof that is more than ten years old and has damage, you may be better off replacing it than repairing it. Why? Ten years is just really a lot of time in the Texas sun and other extreme weather conditions such as wind and hail.
  1. What You Can Afford. If you can only afford a repair versus a replacement, you may be able to choose temporary fix while you plan for the full replacement. But, be aware that waiting too long may end up costing you more because of damage to walls, floors, and your foundation, not to mention, heating and cooling costs.

Do you want to find out if you need a repair or replacement? Find out by scheduling a consultation with a professional roofer today.