Category: Roofing

Last year, residents of Lake Charles faced Hurricane Laura and suffered its devastating aftermath. Many people that live on or near the coast know the risk of hurricanes and understand how important it is to prepare accordingly. However, not everyone knows what to expect as far as damage goes.

While there is no sure way to predict the exact amount of damage that will be done to your roof, you can get a general idea. Hurricanes are placed into one of five categories based upon the severity of sustained winds.

Below, we’ll explore the most common effects of the various categories of hurricanes on roofs and homes.

Category 1 – Potential for Damage

If your home is faced with a Category 1 hurricane, you should be prepared for some minor damage to your roof. The wind may rip off some shingles and falling debris such as tree limbs may cause damage to your shingles, roof vents, or skylights. Continue reading “Know How Different Hurricane Categories Will Affect Your Roof” →

The structural integrity of your roof is important. A properly maintained roof is essential to your home’s overall value, but what do you do when you experience bad weather—or even a natural disaster like a hurricane?

Weather Damage to Your Roof

There are many ways that hurricanes and other types of bad weather can affect your roof. Let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits.

Although some homeowners save up and plan for a new roof, sometimes the need comes up suddenly. When that happens, it can be tempting to go with the cheapest contractor around. Unfortunately, these cheap roofers are often unprotected by insurance, may not be a registered business, and will most likely cut corners. 

Whatever roofer you hire, monitor their progress and make sure they aren’t doing the following things.

Using Staples

Some roofers use staples to fasten on new shingles. Stapling shingles is faster and cheaper. However, staples are also much less reliable. Florida is prone to severe weather conditions, including very strong winds that can blow off your shingles if they aren’t fastened down properly.

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. The roof doesn’t just keep rain from coming into your home. It also protects your home by acting as a fire and wind break. Your home is only as safe and secure as your roof, so it’s important to take its condition seriously. As such, you should have your roof inspected from time to time. Here’s a guide to help you.

When you buy a home

Anytime you buy a new home you should have the roof inspected. The roof inspection will confirm the age of the roof and let you know if you need to think about replacement. It will also bring to light any problem areas so that they can be repaired before they become big problems.

If you have owned your home for more than 20 years, or if you recently bought a home and aren’t sure of the last time the roof was replaced, you may be wondering if it is time to replace your roof. Most roofs last a minimum of 20 years, depending on the type of roof. Here are four common types of roofs and when they need to be replaced.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roof, largely because the shingles are affordable and easy to install. They are also fairly durable and protect your home from the elements. Most asphalt roofs last about 20 to 25 years. However, with additional wear due to weather, your roof may need to be replaced sooner. When the shingles are turning upward at the corners, have lost their grit, or are missing in several areas, it is time to consider replacement.

Summer is over, and the rainy season of fall has begun. Before we get too much rain, it is important to protect your home against the heavy storms that can blanket the area. If your home is in disrepair at the beginning of this season, you are likely to face some major repairs in the future. Here are three things you should do for your home to prepare for the stormy weather.

Roof Inspection

You should get a roof inspection before the rainy season starts, especially if your roof is over a decade old. A complete inspection of your roof could turn up loose or damaged shingles, holes, or other issues that need to be resolved. Getting these problems taken care of now will keep them from becoming worse throughout the fall and winter. If you do not get the necessary roof repairs before the storms hit, you could be facing more extensive repairs or a complete replacement of your roof later on.

Your roof is your home’s protector. Without a sturdy roof, your possessions and the rest of your home becomes vulnerable to weather damage, particularly when there is precipitation. It is important to keep your roof in good working order and replace it as necessary. But when is a complete roof replacement necessary? Here are four signs that you need a new roof.

Age

How old is your roof? If your roof is more than 20 years old, it is probably time for a replacement. While shingles are made for durability, most roofs expire within about 20 years. Weather damage and other factors may also make your roof last a shorter amount of time. If your roof is over 20 years old, you should start with a roof inspection to see if it’s time for a replacement.

Signs of Wear

There are several signs of wear that mean it is time for a new roof. If the majority of the shingles are curling or cupped, it means that the shingles are worn and need to be replaced. There may also be bald spots where granules are missing or cracked shingles. The roof may also just look old and worn from the outside.