Tag Archives: roof

The Right Roofing Company Can Help You Save on Insurance

Roofing, , , ,

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?

Roofing, , ,

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.

 

How to Find A Roof Leak

Roofing, , , ,

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.

Tree Fall on Your House? Try Not to Panic

Roofing, , ,

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.

Wild Weather and Your Roof

Roofing, , , , ,

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.

What’s Pitch Got to Do With It?

Roofing, , ,

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

Roofing, , , , , , ,

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.

 

A New Year, A New Roof

Roofing, , , , ,

It’s a New Year…and that means new beginnings. Many people are thinking about starting a new diet, planning new exercise routines, and getting new roofs. Well, maybe not new roofs, but we can hope, can’t we? In all seriousness, there are a few good reasons to consider getting a new roof for your Plano home this year. Here they are:

  1. Your roof is old. Asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 20 years, but the intense Texas sun is very damaging to shingles which may lead to a shorter life for your roof. If you have not replaced your roof in the last ten years, it’s time to put the project on your to-do list for 2018.
  2. Your roof is sagging. If your roof is sagging or drooping, this is a significant sign that it’s time for a replacement. Sagging means that the decking your roof sits on has deteriorated. Sagging is a serious problem that can mean interior damage (and costly repairs) if left untreated.
  3. You have interior damage. Do you have signs of water damage such as streaks, stains, or sagging spots? If you can see these things on your ceiling, you may have a roof leak. While you are looking for signs of roof damage, you should also take a trip to your attic to look for signs of damage there. Look for wood that is warped or stained, and check for wet or damp insulation.
  4. Your shingles are in bad shape. Walk the perimeter of your home and look up at your roof. Do you see shingles that are curling, buckling or cracking? Shingles in disrepair are an indicator that it is time to replace your roof. Check out the color of your roof, too. If the color of your roof appears uneven, it is an indication that you have lost the protective granule covering from your shingles. Peek inside your gutters to see if you have granule buildup there, too.

Do you have questions about replacing your roof? Contact a DFW roofing expert today.

Should You Hire a Roofer or General Contractor for Your Roofing Project?

Roofing, , , , , ,

When thinking about hiring a roofer to replace the roof of your Frisco home, you naturally want to hire someone reliable, someone affordable, and someone professional. But should you hire a roofer or a general contractor? This blog breaks down the benefits of choosing a professional roofing company over a general contractor for your next roofing project.

Why choose a professional roofing company:

  1. Experience. Do you really want a company that specializes in bathroom or kitchen remodeling taking on your roofing project? While a general contractor may be able to build or remodel many things around your home, that does not mean they have the necessary training or expertise to repair or replace your roof. Professional roofing companies specialize in roofs and repair and replace them every single day.
  1. Education. Professional roofing companies have a dynamic and deep understanding of roof construction and roofing code requirements. Understanding these facets of roofing is definitely to your benefit by ensuring that the work that the roofing company you choose does the job solidly and safely.

Contractors without a solid understanding of roofing construction and do not stay informed of ever-changing code requirements may be able to put on shingles, but could lack the knowledge needed about things such as the impact of thoroughly sealing flashing or installing vents correctly. These installation issues can leave you with leaks – and a hefty repair bill.

  1. Certification. Professional roofing companies often go the extra mile to become certified to use specific types of roofing materials. These certifications are given by roofing material manufacturers such as GAF and usually have stringent requirements. Some of these requirements include holding state licenses and maintaining insurance. Having a reputation for quality and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing training is also often a part of these certifications.

If you’re looking for a professional roofing company for your roof repair or replacement, check out these five questions to ask a roofing company before you hire them.

 

 

 

Foundation Problems Can Cause Roof Woes

Roofing, , ,

Did you know that foundation problems can not only cause problems with your home, they can also cause problems with your roof? It’s true. When the foundation of your home shifts, your roof shifts along with it, which leaves you at risk for costly repairs. Foundation problems are not always apparent to the untrained eye, so it is essential for homeowners to learn how to recognize the signs of foundation problems to minimize or prevent problems with your roof.

What causes foundation problems?

Shifting soils are a common culprit of foundation issues for homes in Plano and other North Texas cities. Other contributors to foundation problems include improperly draining gutters or no gutters on the home. The absence of a sprinkler system or failure to water around the home’s foundation can also contribute to foundation issues.

Signs of Foundation Damage:

  1. Damage to walls. Cracked, buckling, or crumbling interior and exterior walls are good indicators that your home has shifted on its foundation. Look for loose concrete or sheetrock, cracked bricks, and gaps in masonry, too.
  2. Problems with doors and windows. Doors and windows that do not open or close properly are a sign that your home has twisted or moved on its foundation.
  3. Funky floors. If you have buckling boards and broken tiles or unexplained moisture on your floors, you could have a foundation issue (and possibly water leak as a result of your foundation problems) brewing beneath your home.
  4. Sagging or warped ceiling. Sagging and warped ceilings are a sign something is happening in your home. A foundation that has shifted can lead to roof leaks that allow water to leak and pool inside your attic and ceiling. If the leaks and pooling water go untreated, you may end up with significant damage or mold.

If you find these signs of foundation damage in your Plano home, you should fire call a professional foundation company for repair and then contact a professional roofing company for a roof assessment. You will need to have your foundation repairs completed before your roof repair can begin. Completing your foundation repair first is critical because repairing your foundation can cause additional movement in your roof and waiting until after the roof replacement could damage your roof all over again.