Tree Fall on Your House? Try Not to Panic

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Summer in North Texas does not just mean heat and humidity; it also often means sudden and severe weather. These weather conditions often bring heavy rain, hail, and high winds. These winds plus lightning can often cause trees to come down – and trees are not picky about where they land.  What should you do if a tree falls on your house during a storm? Here are some tips from a professional roofing company to handle the situation:

  1. Move to a safe place. If a tree falls on your home, the first thing to do is move to a safe place. If you are on a second floor, get to the main level as quickly as possible. Be careful – a falling tree can cause a lot of damage and debris when it hits your home. Take caution as you move to safety.
  2. Assess damage. Once safe, assess damage as best you can from the ground. Do not attempt to get on to your roof to check for damage – your roof just took a significant impact from a tree and may not be able to support your weight. Do not attempt to remove the tree as moving it may cause more damage and collapse your roof further.
  3. Call a professional roofing company. Instead of trying to assess the damage yourself, you should call a professional roofing company. Professional roofers have dealt with this situation many times before and can help secure your roof to protect your home from more damage. Professional roofing companies also have the skill and experience you need to fix your roof after impact.
  4. Contact your insurance company. Call your home insurance company to begin the claims process. Provide any information given to you by your roofing company and their estimate of damages.

Did a tree fall on your house? Call a trusted, professional Dallas-Fort Worth area roofing company today.

Do You Have to Use Your Insurance Company’s Roofing Contractor?

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Do you need to make an insurance claim for a roof repair or roof replacement for your Carrollton home? If you are starting the claim process, the first thing you will likely do is pick up the phone and call your homeowner’s insurance company. While you’re on the phone with your agent, they may give you the name or names of contractors they recommend for roofing work – but do you have to use them?

The answer is no.

While many insurance companies often give their customers the names of their preferred contractors for plumbing, roofing or even auto body repair. They may also try to pressure you to choose their favored vendors, the truth is you are not mandated to use those companies for your repair work. Instead, you can pick your own professional roofing company to do your repair or replacement project.

If you don’t have a trusted, professional roofing company, the process of finding one may be intimidating. Don’t get overwhelmed and rushed into making a decision. Follow these tips to find a professional roofer you can trust with these guidelines:

Look for warning signs. One of the number one warning signs is an offer to pay your deductible. Waiving deductibles is illegal in Texas. While it may sound tempting, it is a sign of unscrupulous business practice.

Other warning signs to watch out for:

  • Door-to-door roofing sales. Professional and trustworthy roofers do not go door-to-door to solicit business.
  • Asking for money in advance.
  • Out-of-state/out-of-area phone numbers or no local address.
  • No online presence.
  • Not licensed or registered. Although the state of Texas does not require licensing, many municipalities ask roofers to be registered in their city limits. Check your city’s ordinances and requirements for roofers.

Go one step further and do some research on the companies you are looking at by:

  • Calling references.
  • Call your city’s permitting department to check for complaints or prior permitting problems.
  • Search Google Business reviews, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau website for praise or problems.
  • Ask for their insurance certificate and make sure it is valid.

Before you sign on the dotted line:

  • Be sure to review your contract carefully.
  • Ask about your roofing warranty regarding both materials and labor.

Are you in need of a roof repair or replacement? Call a professional roofing company you can trust now.

A Damaged Chimney May Mean Disaster

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Did you know that an old, damaged, or dirty chimney can affect the integrity of your roof and its lifespan? It’s true. One of the most serious hazards to your roof is a chimney in disrepair. Protect your Carrollton home today by learning the signs of chimney damage.

But, why is it important to know the signs of chimney damage? Simply because decaying or damaged masonry, improperly built masonry, and damaged flashing can cause major damage to your roof – ranging from a leak to collapse.

Here are three ways you can find out if your chimney could be causing you roof damage:

Decayed or Damaged Masonry. One of the best ways to find out if you have decayed or damaged masonry on your chimney is to hire a professional roofing company to look at your chimney and inspect your roof. A roof inspection is something you should do every few years to ensure you do not have damage or potential problems that need to be addressed. The inspector should look for red flags such as broken or chipped masonry near the base of the chimney and broken pieces of cement around the bottom, on the roof nearby, or on the ground below.

If there is evidence of damage or decaying masonry, this could mean that water is seeping into your roof. While you may not see evidence in the form of a leak inside your home, you could have damage you don’t see – but could mean a roof collapse. (Learn the signs of a roof collapse in this blog).

Damaged Flashing.  Flashing is the material that goes over the joints of the walls and roof that blocks water from getting into your roof and causing damage. Flashing is usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel. If your flashing is loose, damaged, or not correctly installed around your roof, you could have an access point for water to seep inside. If your roof inspector finds signs of damaged or inadequate flashing, check inside your attic for signs of water damage and schedule repair of your roof.

Signs of Pests. Did you know that a chimney missing its cap is an open door for pests like squirrels, raccoons, birds, and bats? If pests can enter your roof, they can make a home in your insulation and attic – which can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Ask your roof inspector to make sure your chimney had a cap on the roof, and it is in good repair while he is doing your inspection.

A damaged or aging chimney doesn’t just mean roof damage – it also is a fire hazard. Structural flaws in your chimney increase the risk of fire spreading from your fireplace to your roof. While we are talking about chimneys and fire risk, be sure to have your fireplace cleaned and regularly inspected as part of your home maintenance schedule.

Contact a DFW roofing expert today.

Wild Weather and Your Roof

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The roof of your North Dallas home is one of the most critical parts of the structure of your house. Why? It protects you and your belongings from the outside elements like heat, wind, and rain. These elements are often part of the weather forecast in North Texas, so it is that your roof is in good repair. Find out how these elements can impact the health of your roof in this blog.

Heat. As Texans, we know that every year – for most of the year – we can expect high temperatures. But did you know that when the sun is blazing, your roof is at risk of wear and tear? Most people only think of roof damage as things that happen because of hail or wind, but the sun’s rays can also cause damage to your roof by causing roofing materials to swell, stretch, and dry out. These effects leave you at risk for leaks and losing shingles.

Rain. In addition to heat, some years we also get higher than average rainfalls. Rain can also damage your roof because cracks and gaps that develop because of high heat leave you at risk for leaks. Over time (and when we have excessive rain), this water can make its way into your home and cause damage to your roof, attic, ceiling, walls, and even your flooring if severe!

Wind. Did you know that despite Chicago being called “The Windy City,” Dallas is windier? We get a lot of wind in Texas, and at high speeds over prolonged periods, wind can cause damage to your roof by lifting shingles, damaging gutters, eroding roofing components, and causing branches from nearby trees to scrape against your roof – which means more potential for problems.

Hail. If you’ve been in Texas for any period, you probably cringe at the word. Hail can range from tiny pea-size to golf ball to even softball-size as we have seen in recent years. Hail travels at high speeds and hits your roof with a significant impact – leaving you with substantial issues. Hail can even penetrate your roof – leaving with you holes, leaks, and the risk of a roof collapse.

How has the weather impacted your North Texas home? Find out with a roofing inspection from a professional roofing company today.

The 411 on Metal Roofing

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Metal roofs are gaining in popularity across North Texas. They’re durable against the extremes of Texas weather, come in a wide variety of colors and metal types, and look great for many years. But some people are still hesitant about switching to metal roofing, but remember, like anything there are advantages and drawbacks. We break down metal roofing in this blog.

Advantages of Metal Roofing

They’re durable. Metal roofing is extremely durable and can withstand hail and other harsh Texas weather, which gives it a significant advantage over asphalt shingle roofing materials.

They last a long time. Metal roofing lasts on average for 50 to 75 years. When compared to asphalt shingles that last on average 15 to 25 years, you can see metal roofing has a significant advantage.

They are fireproof. Metal roofs are fireproof, which is attractive to many homeowners in North Texas because of the lightning that is often present in severe weather. (It is a myth that metal roofs attract lighting). The fact that metal roofs are fireproof increases your safety and translates into lower insurance premiums. Metal roofing systems also resist wind damage, which helps to keep your repair costs low.

They are recyclable. Metal roofing materials are recyclable at the end of their life, which makes them an excellent way to protect the environment.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing:

They can be noisy. Metal roofing can be noisier than asphalt shingles during hail or heavy rain, but with the proper underlayment materials and professional installation, noise can be minimized.

They are more expensive. Metal roofing can be twice as expensive than asphalt shingle roofing systems, but you should consider your metal roof an investment in your home.

As you can see, the advantages of metal roofing far outweigh its disadvantages. Overall, metal roofing means serious benefits for you and your home. If you’re interested in learning more about metal roofing, call a professional roofing company today.

Learn more about how the pitch of your roof can impact your property by contacting a professional roofing company today.

Say No to Storm Chasers

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Some parts of Carrollton, Plano, and North Texas have seen severe weather with hail already this season. While storms were not too bad, and hail hasn’t been too big just yet, you know that any sign of severe weather brings out another element of spring: storm chaser roofing companies. Find out how to spot (and avoid) storm chasers in this blog.

What is a Storm Chaser Roofing Company?

Storm chasers aren’t necessarily interested in the weather for any other reason as it is an opportunity to make quick money. Storm chaser roofing companies are unscrupulous and often unlicensed individuals the prey upon homeowners with storm damage. They often show up in your neighborhood after severe weather looking to take your money. Many storm chaser roofing companies perform shoddy work, leaving you at risk of additional damage and the costly replacement of having to replace your roof prematurely.

How to Spot a Storm Chaser Roofing Company:

Several signs indicate the roofing company on your doorstep may be less than legitimate. Here are the most notable ones:

No local address or phone number. If the company is from another region or state, avoid them! They are not local and likely do not know the rules of permitting and licensing (if required) for your city or state.

No proof of insurance. Any professional roofing company can provide you evidence of worker’s compensation insurance or liability insurance. Evidence of insurance is important to you as a homeowner because it protects you in case a roof gets hurt on your property or damages a part of your property.

No references. Any roofer (or contractor) that visits your home should be able to provide you with references from satisfied customers. Do your due diligence and call these references to see if they were satisfied with their roofing repair or replacement.

To avoid potentially disastrous and costly complications from using a storm chaser roofing company, use a local, trusted, professional roofing company. Using a licensed professional means you can rest assured that your storm damage will be fixed right the first time.

Learn more about how the pitch of your roof can impact your property by contacting a professional roofing company today.

What’s Pitch Got to Do With It?

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Do you know the pitch of the roof of your North Dallas home? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably not. Roof pitch is likely not something you spend much time thinking about, but it is something that will impact your life from time to time.

Why Does Roof Pitch Matter?

Your roof’s pitch matters because it is a key factor in what type of roof you can have and what kinds of materials can be used on your roof. Roof pitch goes beyond looks and is a major factor into how your roof will hold up over time. It also contributes to how fast water and debris will move off of your roof. For example, a flat roof has a much lower pitch than a conventional roof and does not move water as readily as a conventional roof. As a result, the materials used on a flat roof will be different than those used on a roof with a conventional slope.

Since roof pitch factors into the types of materials used on your roof, it also factors into the cost of your roof repair or replacement because of walkability and safety factor into estimates. Some roofs have a very steep pitch which requires extra safety precautions and scaffolding during repair.

Roof pitch also comes into consideration when you are building a new addition to your home or adding a covered patio. Roof pitch also can increase the cost of your homeowner’s insurance.

Types of Roof Pitch:

Low or flat slopes. Flat or low slope roofs are easy to build, but cost more than conventional roofs because they require special materials (no asphalt shingles!) and more maintenance.

Conventional slope. Conventional-sloped roofs are found on most homes in Plano, Carrollton, and North Dallas. These roofs are easy to walk on, can be constructed of asphalt shingles, and are easy to add on to for new home additions or shingled patios.

Steep slopes. Steep pitches are gaining in popularity in North Texas as new home builders add in different elevations in their design. Consider the future repair and replacement costs of a steep-sloped roof when building a new home.

Learn more about how the pitch of your roof can impact your property by contacting a professional roofing company today.

Four Signs Your Commercial Roof Is Failing

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While the roof of your home may give you some obvious clues it is time for replacement, such as curling or loose shingles, sagging and leaks, the signs that your commercial roof is ready for replacement may not be so clear.

Here are four signs it is time to thinking about replacing your commercial roof:

  1. Leaks. If your business roof is leaking, you likely have a big problem on your hands. Roof leaks are a clear sign that your roof system is failing. When a leak begins in one area, it can quickly spread to other parts of your business. Leaks may not always appear as water flowing into your business; they can also show up as stains or spots on your ceiling or walls, too. If you see signs of leaks or water damage, it is time to call a professional.
  2. Flashing Failure. When commercial roof flashing – the strip of metal used to stop water from seeping into the area of a roof where it meets another component – fails, becomes damaged, or starts to rust, you are at risk of serious damage from wind and water.
  3. Separating Seams. The seams of your roof age along with the rest of your roofing components, leaving weak spots and holes around the edges of your roof. Over time, water can penetrate these seams and travel down the walls of your business leading to costly damage to walls and flooring.
  4. Tar Troubles. As your commercial roof ages, the tar on it shrinks – especially in the heat of North Texas. As it shrinks, it pulls away from the edges and other roofing components, leaving you at risk of leaks. Tar can also blister and bubble in the hot Texas sun, adding the further risk of damage and problems.

If your business is experiencing any of these signs, you should schedule an inspection with a professional roofing company for an assessment to determine if it is time to replace or repair.

 

The Myths and Misconceptions About Roof Replacement

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Just thinking about roof replacement can make many people cringe. This is understandable because replacing your roof can be stressful! It is a major project and significant investment of time and money. It can also be a very confusing process, and there are many myths and misconceptions out there about roof repair. Many of these misconceptions stem simply out of fear and misinformation. Here are five common myths of roof repair:

Roofs Should Last Forever. As much as we wish this were true, it is not true – especially in the extreme weather conditions of North Texas. Scorching sun, high winds, heavy downpours, and golf-ball size hail all impact how long your roof will last. On average, a composite shingle roof lasts about 15 years. Other materials like tile or metal may last longer, but nothing is forever.

I Can Repair/Replace My Roof Myself. Chances are you are not a roofer by trade. This means that repairing or replacing your roof is going to be a long, arduous and expensive endeavor. It may even cost you more if you fail and you must hire a professional roofing company to fix your mistakes.

I Can Skip Replacement and just Need a Repair. Unless you are a professional roofer, you likely are not qualified to make that call. While in some cases repairs are the right thing to do, certain mitigating factors warrant replacement.

A Roof Claim is Bad for My Insurance. Many people are afraid to file a claim for a roof repair or replacement because they think it will cause them to lose their policy. It is not true; insurance company cannot cancel your policy if you file a claim.

I’m Covered Under My Warranty. Warranties are great things to have, but there are limits and terms of many warranties that you may leave you uncovered. Learn the limits of your warrant to understand your options.

What misconceptions do you have about roof replacement? Let a professional roofing company put your mind at ease.

Buy a New Home? Think About the Old Roof

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Searching for a new home? While you are looking at curb appeal and considering carpet allowances, you also should ask a few questions about another one of the home’s features: the roof. The roof is one of the most important (and expensive!) parts of your new purchases, so making sure it’s in good shape before you buy is best.

Factors to Take into Consideration

Keep these things in mind regarding roofs when you are searching for your new home:

Age of the Roof. Before you ask the homeowner how old the roof is, look yourself. Stand back from the home and look for things like fading, worn out spots, and missing or damaged shingles. These factors could indicate that the roof is advanced in age.

It is important to remember that different roofing materials have different lifespans. The average composite shingle roof has a 10-15-year lifespan in North Texas, but a metal roof lasts much longer. The best course of action is to ask the homeowner when the roof was installed and verify by checking their paperwork to show evidence of installation.

State of the Roof. Is the roof in good repair? Are shingles uniform and even? Are they buckling or curling? Spots of mold? If you see evidence of disrepair or neglect, you should point it out to your realtor or home inspector. It is also a good idea to call in a professional roofing company to look for a full report.

Roof Maintenance. Ask the homeowner what their roof maintenance schedule has been like while they have owned the home. Have they had professional maintenance done, maintained it themselves, or have they skipped maintenance all together?

Don’t Undervalue Ventilation. In addition to the roof, also check out the ventilation system. Good ventilation is critical in keeping your heating and cooling costs down.

Don’t Forget Drainage. While investigating your potential new-to-you roof, also take the time to determine the condition of the drainage system if any exists. Some components of the drainage system, such as gutters and downspouts, will be visible from the ground, but drain pipes and other pieces of the system may require a professional look. Look to make sure these facets are in good repair and working properly to move water off the roof and away from the home.

Looking for a new home? Hire a professional roofing company to check out your purchase before you buy.