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  • What Are Some Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing?

    Asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most popular and affordable types of roofing installed today.

    Currently available in many types, styles, and colors, asphalt shingle roofer services advise that it provides a reasonably long-lasting, durable, and cost-effective roof for most homes.

    Learn the pros and cons of this material, then call an asphalt shingle roofer service to handle shingle installation, or to help with the easy maintenance requirements.

    Why Is Asphalt Shingle Roofing So Popular?

    Here are the main advantages of choosing an asphalt shingle roofer replacement over other types of roofing: 

    • Wide Variety of Products – Asphalt shingles are available today in multiple types offering many different styles, colors, and appearances that will compliment nearly any home architecture style. The variety of offerings, including faux slate and wood-look shingles, is one of the reasons why they have gained such popularity.  
    • Easy Installation – In comparison to other roofing systems, asphalt shingles are very easy and fast to install. 
    • Relatively Easy to Repair – Because each individual shingle is separately attached, repairing a few damaged ones or even a whole section of the roof is fairly easy. 
    • Low Maintenance – Asphalt shingle roofer maintenance involves little more than regular inspections, keeping the shingles clean, and providing adequate attic ventilation. 
    • Affordable and Cost-Effective – Considering the performance offered, especially from today’s premium shingles, an asphalt shingle roof is a cost-effective roofing solution for most homeowners that provides great appearance, good performance, and a reasonably long life for the money with proper asphalt shingle roofer maintenance. 

    Are There Any Negatives About Asphalt Shingle Roofing?

    Along with these excellent positives, there are still a few negatives that homeowners should be aware of before investing in an asphalt shingle roofer replacement: 

    • Not As Durable – While asphalt shingles are durable to an extent, they are not as durable or long-lived as more resilient roofing like metal or tile. Shingle roofs typically last between 20 and 40 years depending on the product.  
    • Wind Damage – Although there are premium wind-rated shingles now available, asphalt shingles do experience wind damage more easily than other roofs. 
    • Algae and Mildew Growth – Without routine asphalt shingle roofer maintenance that includes cleaning, shingles in moister climates may experience algae and mildew growth that can expedite decomposition. In these climates, shingles should be periodically cleaned to remove that growth.
    • Lower Energy Efficiency – Although asphalt shingle roofer services are now able to install shingles with improved R-ratings and higher reflectivity, they are overall not as energy efficient as metal or tile. Additional attic insulation may be required. 

    In Summary

    With so many options to choose from, homeowners interested in the important benefits offered by asphalt shingles should talk to an asphalt shingle roofer service to decide which is the best for their home.

    The right asphalt shingle roofer replacement can be a great solution for homeowners looking for something stylish and uncomplicated, while also being affordable and low-maintenance.

  • A Fence Is Only As Strong As Its Posts!

    When choosing a fence to have installed by a fence contractor, customers usually concern themselves more with the looks of the fence than anything else.

    Although this is normal, fencing contractors must also stress the importance of the fence posts and their critical role in the installation.

    A fence can only be as strong and sturdy as the parts holding it up, those parts being the posts.

    An experienced fence company will recommend the best post size for the installation and how they should be put in for the most structurally sound installation.

    What Is The Role of Posts in Fencing Installations?

    While there are different types of posts that correspond with the different types of fencing that fence contractors install, they all serve the same purpose.

    Posts must be strong enough to support the weight of the fence and installed properly to prevent the fence from sagging or falling over.

    Installation practices may differ depending on the fence, its height, and its weight, with heavier and taller fences requiring posts to be set deeper so they can provide greater stability. 

    How Should Posts Be Set In The Ground?

    Metal tubes or posts used for chain link, metal bars, and other metal installations must be set in cement for them to be supportive and prevent the posts from sliding out of the ground.

    Wood posts used for wood and PVC fences may be set directly into the ground in some cases but may require cementing in others depending on the consistency of the soil.

    Posts made of brick or stone to support metal bars or ornamental metal fences can be built directly on the ground, but require careful constriction so they are structurally sound. 

    How Deep Should Posts Be Set?

    When setting posts, the heavier the fence is, the deeper the fence company must set the posts so they remain stable.

    Fencing contractors will set posts 20” to 24” at the minimum, with some opting to set longer posts even deeper on a heavier fence, or if soil conditions warrant it. 

    What Close Together Should Posts Be Set?

    Another factor that can vary depending on the size, height, and weight of the fence is post spacing.

    Most fences are made from sections that are between 6 and 10 feet in length depending on the type and style of the fence.

    In situations that require it, a fence contractor will opt to install shorter sections held up by more posts as opposed to choosing the opposite. 

    What Does All This Mean?

    Installing a fence involves the same basic post-setting process, regardless of the type of fence being put in.

    A fence company will change its approach when variables such as fence weight and height, soil makeup, and other conditions warrant it.

    To ensure a sturdy installation that will stand strong for years to come, fencing contractors recommend not skimping on the most important part of the whole installation – the fence posts!

  • Avoid Commercial Roof Leaks By First Knowing the Causes!

    A leak in the expansive roof atop a large commercial building can cause extensive damage before it is located and repaired.

    That said, the best suggestion from commercial roofing contractors for avoiding leaks is knowing what causes them.

    When dealing with commercial roofing and the potential problems that can occur, prevention is the best medicine.

    What Are The Most Common Reasons for Leaks on Commercial Roofs?

    Commercial roofing services find these to be the most common causes of leaks that building owners can look out for by doing periodic walking inspections on the tops of their roofs.

    • Improper Sealing – Whether commercial roofing companies install a built-up roof, a membrane, or any other system on a large building, if the system is not properly sealed, leaks will occur. Sealing issues occur anywhere there is a protrusion, a corner, at the edges of the membrane, and where membranes are joined together.  
    • Damaged or Poorly Designed Membranes – Any type of damage to the membrane such as perforations, UV damage, or deterioration due to water pooling can cause leaks in those weakened spots. Poorly designed, or lesser-quality membranes that cannot withstand weather conditions are especially susceptible to leaking. This is especially the case with regard to UV damage like dry rot that can happen in climates that experience excessive heat.
    • Damaged or Missing Flashing – The flashing and pipe boots installed by commercial roofing contractors are essential components that protect roofing edges around protrusions, corners, and edges throughout the installation. When these are damaged, or worse yet, fall off, that protection is no longer there. Areas under damaged or missing flashing are some of the most common places where commercial roofers find substantial damage caused by leaks. 
    • Water Ponding – Ponding is what happens when commercial roofing services do not properly level and smooth a BUR or membrane roof and water collects in the low spots. Over time, as those spots continue to hold water, rotting and waterlogging can occur, eventually destroying the membrane and waterproofing. Unrealized leaks that cause extensive damage are common in places where ponding occurs. 
    • Old Age – Every installation made by a commercial roofing company has a life expectancy. The closer the installation gets to its expected age, the greater the chance that leaks will happen. As materials suffer UV damage and other issues, waterproofing qualities are commonly affected. 

    Prevent Commercial Roof Leaks With Observation and Maintenance

    Noting these 5 common causes of commercial roof leaks, commercial roofing services believe that prevention is as easy as being observant and providing good maintenance.

    Inspect the roof routinely, and at the first sign of any of these issues, reach out to a commercial roofing contractor who can make the appropriate repairs.

    Noticing problems before they cause widespread damage is in every building owner’s best interest!

  • What Is A Drip Edge and Why Does your Roof Need One?

    Proper residential roofing installation requires not only applying shingles and underlayment but also the inclusion of certain less obvious trim components to ensure a water-resistant roof.

    Drip edges are one of these components and a part that is commonly left off by less knowledgeable roof contractors or homeowners looking to save a few dollars.

    Experienced residential roof services know the importance of this seemingly insignificant component and why every roof needs one. 

    What Is A Drip Edge?

    A drip edge is an L-shaped strip of metal trim that gets affixed to the bottom edge of a roof, under the shingles.

    The metal sits flat on the top edge of the fascia, then bends over the edge at 90 degrees, protecting the top of the fascia board.

    Residential roof contractors start laying the shingles on with a first row that covers over part of the top of the drip edge, then continuing upward toward the ridge.

    When properly included in a residential roofing installation, only one side of the drip edge is visible, that being the front edge that covers up the top front portion of the fascia board. 

    What Is The Role of Drip Edges?

    Drip edges installed by residential roof services play a critical role in keeping the whole roof installation dry and watertight.

    Based on their shape, they divert water away from the first layer of shingles and away from the fascia, letting drops slide down the metal and then drip off its flared edge.

    According to residential roof contractors, water cannot curl under the end of the shingles and seep into the underlayment, causing massive damage over time due to constant wetness. 

    What Else Do Drip Edge Help With?

    Residential roof contractors advise that keeping the roof dry is not the only benefit that drip edges provide.

    These metal caps can also prevent rodents from accessing the space under the roof by protecting the fascia board and decking, making it impossible for animals to chew through in that location.

    They also provide structural support to the first layer of shingles, preventing the cracking and chipping that occurs when no drip edge is present and maintaining a crisp, clean look to the most visible part of the roof. 

    In Summary

    While some roofers might do an installation without drip edges at a lower cost, experienced residential roof services know the importance of these small pieces and why every roof needs them.

    A correct residential roofing installation will always include drip edges as one of many protective components that help a shingle roof last as long as it should.

  • Shingle Roofing – So Many Kinds to Choose From!

    When the time comes for a new roof, most homeowners usually choose the same old thing, asphalt shingles.

    Though they are very popular and available from every shingle roofing service, asphalt shingles are certainly not the only option for a durable, protective roofing installation.

    For those in search of something a little bit different, consider some of these other systems that shingle roofers can install instead!

    • Architectural or Dimensional Shingles – A more advanced, luxury option in the asphalt shingle category, designer architectural and dimensional shingles come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and thicknesses according to most shingle roofing services, offering a more beautiful roofing solution than the standard variety of asphalt shingles. 
    • Wood Shingles and Shakes – Like luxury asphalt shingles, wood shingles are also available in various shapes, sizes, and wood species, which can create classic looks for different types of home architecture when skillfully installed by professional shingle roof contractors. Shakes, which are considerably thicker and rougher-looking than standard wood shingles, are another option where wood is desired. 
    • Clay, Cement, and Concrete – Whether turned into flat shingles or stylish Spanish or European-style tiles, these natural types of shingles are especially eco-friendly and thermal-resistant. 
    • Metal – Sold in shingle style or as panels pressed into shingle or tile shapes, shingle roofers find that steel, aluminum, and copper shingles offer the benefits of metal with a more appealing appearance over traditional metal roofs. 
    • Composition Shingles – Technically a variety of advanced asphalt shingles, composition shingles are made using a variety of materials that make them more durable, impact resistant, and eco-friendly than standard asphalt, architectural, or dimensional shingles. Shingle roofing services have access to several composition products that mimic the appearance of other materials while providing the resilience of their combined materials. 
    • Rubber Shingles – A mold, insect, and impact-resistant product, rubber shingles are made from as much as 95% recycled rubber, plastic, and other materials. Not only are they a highly protective option for shingle roofers to install, but they are environmentally friendly, keeping waste out of landfills and can be re-recycled endlessly.

    A new roof is a big investment for every homeowner.

    Before assuming the same old asphalt shingles are the best choice, consider this time the many other types of roofing that shingle roof contractors can install.

    Available in a variety of materials and each offering its own advantages, there are countless shingle products available to protect and beautify any home today according to shingle roof contractors, regardless of the architectural style, color scheme, or available budget!

  • Considering A Metal Roof? Here Are the Pros and Cons!

    Metal roofs are a popular alternative to the asphalt shingles that most homeowners choose when the time comes for a roofing replacement.

    Available from metal roof contractors in much more than just the traditional standing seam variety, metal roofing systems offer many advantages over other roofs.

    Yet there are a few disadvantages that metal roof services recommend buyers are aware of as well.

    With a good understanding of both, homeowners can make an informed decision on whether a call to a metal roof company is in their future.

    What Are the Pros of Choosing A Metal Roofing Installation? 

    The installation of metal roofing done by metal roof contractors are a worthwhile investment thanks to the many advantages these roofing systems provide: 

    • High durability and a long lifespan make metal roofing a cost-effective investment that can last half a century or more depending on the product.
    • Environmentally friendly metal is more reflective, keeping utility bills lower, and is a 100% recyclable material. 
    • Available in many styles and types including traditional standing seam, faux shingles, and other faux patterns designed to look like wood, slate, and other appealing materials. Metal roof companies can install these styles in a variety of colors, too. 
    • Installation by metal roof services yield a roofing system that requires minimal maintenance in comparison to most other roofs, making metal an easy roof to own. 
    • Metal roofs are beautiful, giving homes instant curb appeal that stands out positively within any neighborhood.

    What Are the Cons That Come With A New Metal Roof?

    While metal roofs come mainly with great positives, there are still a few negatives that homeowners should be aware of before contracting a metal roof company for an installation: 

    • Higher cost in comparison to asphalt shingles, but with a longer lifespan, less required maintenance, extreme durability, and higher energy efficiency, metal roofs pay for themselves over time. 
    • Metal can be noisy, but sounds caused by the wind and rain can be avoided by insisting on a qualified metal roof service to do a correct, noise-resistant installation. 
    • Metal roofs can be dented by large hail, but most are resistant to smaller hail. The thicker the metal gauge purchased, the more resistant the installation will be. 
    • Metal can corrode, so occasional painting with corrosion-resistant coatings is important to keep the installation well-protected.

    Learn more about the beauty and benefits of a metal roofing installation by calling a metal roof contractor to discuss the options.

    An experienced metal roof service can help a homeowner find the perfect roof for their house!

  • Great Reasons to Choose Drone Roof Inspections!

    Regular inspections by professional roof companies are an essential part of good maintenance and prolonging the life span of any roofing installation.

    Typically, detailed inspections require roof contractors to go up on top of the house or building to get a closer look at all parts of the roof, but there are definitely some downsides to doing so.

    These days, more roofers now are turning to drone inspections since it gives them a bird’s eye view of roofs with a number of added benefits.

    1. Safety – The main benefit that drone inspections provide is total safety, as there is no need for anyone to climb a ladder or scaffolding to get up to the top of the house or building. Drones can be flown over and around roofs as close or far as necessary to capture needed video footage, reaching even the most difficult peaks and corners with ease and safety.
    2. Accuracy – Since drones can easily go places that are frequently difficult for roof contractors to reach on their own, the inspection can be more thorough and accurate. It is easier for contractors to inspect every corner of roofs, giving them a more accurate impression of condition or problems that require repairs. 
    3. Less Time-Consuming – Flying a drone over roofs allows roof companies to complete full inspections in minutes, as opposed to hours. There is no need to set safety gear, ladders, and scaffolding at all as only the drone needs setting up. Drone inspections are especially great for viewing large commercial roofs that would normally take hours to view on foot.
    4. Less Expensive – Since drone inspections can be done so quickly and easily without all of the setup, safety precautions, and the multiple people that must usually be involved, they are less expensive, too. A single person can fly a drone over roofs and record an inspection video. Done manually, inspections typically involve multiple roof contractors to set up and climb to the top of the home or building. All that time, labor, and equipment means a higher cost for the home or building owner. Using a drone, roof companies are able to charge less for this service. 
    5. Easier Work Estimating – Drone inspection footage used with specialty software allows roofers to generate fast, accurate estimates by the way that these programs can measure angles and dimensions of roofs just from the drone-captured videos.

    Whether looking for a semi-annual roof inspection, in need of damage repair, or just shopping for a new roof altogether, a drone inspection is a great starting point.

    Roof contractors using drones to do their inspections and estimating provide a great service to their customers.

  • How to Prevent Oil Canning With Standing Seam Metal Roofs

    Oil canning is a problem that affects standing seam metal roofing in regions where there is high heat.

    This problem is encountered by standing seam metal roofers from time to time and can make an existing roof look unsightly, though it does not actually affect the protectiveness of the installed metal.

    Anyone considering a standing seam roof should know about this issue and what metal roofing contractors can do about it, as there are only two basic options for preventing it.

    What Is Oil Canning?

    Oil canning, also called stress wrinkling, is what happens when a standing seam metal roof starts to look wavy between the seams, taking on the look of an oily surface floating on a container of water.

    Standing seam metal roofers know this waviness to be caused by heat stress and the repeated expansion and contraction of sheet metal.

    It can make a standing seam roof look imperfect, though that imperfection does not affect the function of the roof system.

    Oil Canning Cannot Be Repaired

    The biggest problem with oil canning is that, while some customers of metal roofers find that a small amount of oil canning can give a standing seam roof a bit of older-world character, most dislike it and it cannot be repaired.

    At times, metal roofing contractors can paint a lighter color on the standing seam roof to make the waves harder to see, but that is the only remedy right now.

    The only other option to remove the appearance of this waviness is to replace the affected metal panels.

    Can Oil Canning Be Prevented?

    According to standing seam metal roofers, stress wrinkling can be avoided altogether in two important ways:

    • Metal Gauge – The standing seam panels used by metal roofers in most residential applications is typically the thinnest gauge metal that this roofing is produced in since thicker gauge metals cost more money. Yet it is the thinner gauge metal that is most likely to experience oil canning in hot climates. When metal roofing contractors suggest a thicker gauge metal, it is usually to prevent the possibility of oil canning.

    • Installation Technique – The other common cause of oil canning is poor installation practices such as not flattening the underlayment properly, uneven substrate, fasteners that are too tight or too loose, and damaging the panels during installation. Hiring only the most experienced standing seam metal roofers is the solution in this case.

    Every roofing installation has its issues, as do those installed by metal roofing contractors.

    To ensure a tight, straight, and wave-free standing seam installation, always hire standing seam metal roofers who have experience applying this tricky metal roofing system and know how to avoid unsightly metal oil canning and stress wrinkles!

  • What Emergency Repairs Should Be Made While Awaiting Storm Damage Restoration?

    Hurricanes and other severe weather events can cause extensive damage to many of the roofs in areas hit particularly hard during those events.

    Considering that there are only so many roof damage emergency repair companies out there to handle all that damage, what should a homeowner do once the storm has passed?

    Attempting to mitigate any further destruction by doing some temporary roof damage emergency repairs can help.

    Make a call to a roof repair emergency repairs service to get on their list of damage inspections to be done but in the meantime, prevent more damage by applying these temporary emergency roof repairs.

    1. Tarping – Tarping over any areas of damage on the roof is the first emergency repair that a homeowner can try to do themselves when there will be a wait before roof damage emergency repair companies can arrive. Using tarps, 2×4 boards, and a few other supplies, preventing more water or wind damage with this temporary repair is the goal.
    2. Tree Removal – If a tree or large limb has fallen on the house and caused damage, it must be removed before insurance agents can assess the damage and before any roof damage emergency repair services can get to work. Homeowners should not attempt to remove trees or limbs on their own and should instead call a professional tree service that can do it.
    3. Boarding Up – If there are broken windows or doors or holes through the exterior of the home, board them up to secure the home and prevent additional wind or water damage.
    4. Start Drying Things Out – When damage to the roof, windows, or walls has occurred, chances are that there is some water damage inside. After getting approval from the insurance company, start siphoning up water, removing water-damaged items, and pulling up carpet to aid in the drying process.
    5. Contact Utility Services – Storm damage that has resulted in power loss or affected power lines in any way can be especially dangerous. Call the utility company and inform them so they can send a crew to investigate and either turn off the power so electrical repairs can be made or arrange to get it turned back on if things are safe enough to do so.

    When big storms pass through, roof damage emergency repair companies must provide services to many homeowners at once in the same neighborhoods.

    The time spent waiting can be put to good use by handy homeowners able to do their own temporary roof damage emergency repairs to prevent additional damage during that period.

  • Getting Quality Fencing Services!

    It is likely your chosen fencing contractor will have many years of experience.

    With this in mind, it is important you do not attempt to complete a job such as this on your own, not even with supervision.

    Any attempt at DIY will almost certainly lead to a fence needing repair far sooner than if a professional was used.

    Here are some of the qualities you should look for in fencing services.

    Pricing

    The main thing that you need to look into is the price of fencing.

    This is a huge factor and considering the number of fencing service providers in the area; you are sure to have a healthy amount of competition that you can take advantage of.

    This does not mean that cheap service providers are not really in the way they work.

    A certain amount of bargaining with any fencing contractor is always entertained.

    Value-Added Services

    Some value-added services they can offer are periodic maintenance, tips on how you can help your fence last you a longer time, and any literature on how you can include it in your landscape.

    Several fencing services will also give you a discounted price on their services if you choose to take the whole package from them.

    Warranty

    Once you are comfortable with the price, the next thing to look into is the warranty that they offer. If you want lifetime warranties, you have to understand that these are more expensive as far as installations go. Yet this can be the main thing behind a fence standing up for the rest of your life and one that will fall in 5 years.

    You will also want to look into reviews of the fencing company and their work online and from the best services bureau in your locality.

    This will give you the assurance that you are going with the right company.

    Licensed and Insured

    When you are narrowing down on a fencing company, make sure that you look into their licensing and insurance coverage.

    Licensing is essential so that you know the company has got their fundamentals in place while insurance is essential to take care of any damage to your property or injury to the workman when on your premises.

    In Summary

    Once you are satisfied with the performance of your fencing services provider, it would be best to offer yourself as a reference by way of thanks.