Home Renovation Trends that Are Here to Stay

Home décor trends change constantly, which makes it hard for designers and homeowners to keep up with the latest trends. It is, however, not difficult to find the right balance between eternal and stylish,when decorating your home. There is no dearth of experienced home renovation contractors in Dallas, and other areas of Texas who exactly know what homeowners want and come up with design ideas that never go out of style. Let’s look at the top four trends that are prevalent among the renovation experts:

Four timeless and stylish home renovation trends

1. Brick wall

Homes constructed between the 80s and 90s were squeaky clean and nobody appreciated the idea of a brick wall. Leaving exposed brick wall has become the latest home decor trend. Designers, nowadays, deliberately leave the old brick wall exposed as it adds more value to the room. Brick walls add textural and visual contrast, making the entire space look more appealing and stylish.

2. Tile flooring

Tile flooring has moved from bathrooms and taken a center space in the living areas. Tiles add to the aesthetic appeal, are easy to clean and durable. There are several options available to match the taste of the homeowner and blend well with the style of the property. Those prefer wooden flooring, but want to stay away from maintenance and cleaning hassles, can opt for tiles with wooden looks.

3. Stand-alone shower and tub

Remodelers have designed baths with a combination of bath and shower set-ups. The trend is, however, changing slowly, as there are more options available in stand-alone showers and freestanding tubs. Homeowners prefer fitting showers with multiple sprays and jets options. A freestanding tub has become more of a style statement and it is easy to move inside the bath (if the homeowner wants to change the positioning).

4. Open kitchen

New homeowners and people planning to renovate their property want the kitchen, living and eating space to have a connected feeling. Open kitchen makes the room look more spacious and the cook doesn’t feel isolated, while everyone else is chatting in the living space.

Many of the home decor trends keep changing frequently. There are, however, certain styles that stay for longer than others. When it comes to renovating a house, better stick to minimalistic design and contemporary ideas, so that the space never looks boring.

5 Essential Roof Maintenance Tips That Matter

Many homeowners tend to ignore the regular maintenance and repair of their roofs. A leaky roof causes water to enter into your apartment and leads to mold and other problems. Whether you are in Dallas or any other area, professional roof repair helps you fix the problems before it gets worst. You need to undertake plenty of preventive maintenance measures with the help of a professional roofing company to improve the durability of the roof. The blog post outlines four essential maintenance steps that you need to follow for the proper maintenance of your roof.

Perform Impact Assessment

The first step is to perform a roof audit along with a professional roofing company to check the tolerance limits of your roof. Missing shingles, inadequate drainage and old looks indicate that you need to repair the roof immediately with the help of roof repair specialist.  

Peak Load Testing

Check for new equipment installed on the roof such as chimneys and solar panels. Every time there is a new installation, it is necessary to conduct a load testing of the roof. It’s always a good practice to ensure that you don’t exceed the weighing limits of a roof. 

Adequate drainage

Ensure that the drains and downspouts are free of dirt and debris as these retain moisture content. Water makes the shingles and roof flashing weak, making it more susceptible to wear and tear, thereby reducing its life.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Overhanging tree branches can abrade the roof coating, making the shingles prone to wind and hail damage. Tree branches also provide access to rodents and insects that cause damage to the roof structure. Moreover, the overhanging branches pose a risk of falling on the roof causing damage in the form of cracks incurring additional repair costs. Early damage signs such as soft rotten spots and shredded wood need to be addressed immediately to avoid roof damage.

Professional Snow removal

Heavy amount of snow accumulation on any type of roofing may cause the roof to collapse. It is, therefore, necessary to remove an excessive amount of snow with the help of professionals.  It isn’t recommended to remove snow yourself as improper removal of snow may damage the roof.

The Bottom Line

A roof can withstand the worst impacts of climate in cases of preventive maintenance. People wait to take an action after the visible impact of roof damage, making it a cost intensive affair. A roofing partner doesn’t necessarily offer re-roofing or roof repair in Dallas and US. They have a wide range of services ranging from small fixtures to overall maintenance.

5 Easy Ways to Gauge Roof Damage

Identifying damage to the roofs after extreme weather conditions such as tornadoes and hurricanes may be quite challenging. Roofs are open surfaces and undergo a lot of wear and tear. Inspecting the damages in a roof can be dangerous as they are very delicate and may cause slip-offs. Roof damage scenarios range from detectable breakpoints, leakages and invisible indentations. The strong storm winds may distort the roof shingles and pipes making it vulnerable to thundershocks. Worst cases involve wood rot formation leading to roof collapse resulting in casualties.

Is an individual roof damage analysis possible?

Yes, you can have a close look with binoculars or field glasses, but the results will be vague and inaccurate at the same time. Therefore, professional help from roofing companies in Dallas or any other area becomes inevitable. A roofing technician performs a quick analysis of the damage along with outlining possible costs for the fix.

How will you identify the signs of a storm damage to your roof?

Internal deterioration of the roof needs to be taken care of by a qualified professional. The 5 ways mentioned below help you to measure roof destruction.

• Broken or missing shingles

Strong winds can break and tear off your roof tiles and shingles. It is also advisable to check your chimney, exhaust pipes and roof walls for any visible damage.

• Dents in roof vents

Metal roof vents are susceptible to damage by the blistering winds or hail storm.

• Leaks and water damage

The damp looks of the roof ceiling or walls show the possibility of breakage of water tanks and pipes.

• Check roofing accessories and windows

Broken window panes and debris show a clear destruction of the roof structure.

• Scattered roof granules

Asphalt granules protect the roof against UV rays of the sun. Noticing dispersed or collected roofing granules indicates tearing of the roof.

The Bottom Line

Many people in the US perform individual roof audits to determine the amount of harm caused to the roof structure. It is imperative to have a concrete roof to prevent life hazards arising due to natural calamities as they are quite common in Dallas and across the US. It is , however, a good option to consult a professional roofer instead of estimating the damage yourself.

Essential Factors to Consider in a Roofing Maintenance Plan

Roofs, if not maintained properly and serviced on a regular basis may drastically deteriorate.  In fact,many roofing companies in Dallas, Texas withdraw the warranties they offer if the roof maintenance is not done properly. Therefore, it is advisable to invest a little more on maintenance every year, instead of spending a large amount on a major repair that you may undertake due to lack maintenance or negligence.

The following the factors you need to consider when initiating a roof maintenance project:

1. Regular inspection 

Carry out regular inspections of your roof. Doing inspection at least twice a year is what every roofing contractor suggests. Most damages usually occur before and after the season, and therefore, this is the time when you need to get your roof inspected. The harsh winter and the scorching summer are seasons that post maximum challenges. Besides doing the required maintenance work for these two seasons, it’s imperative to get your roofs inspected after heavy storm. 

2. Periodic cleanups

Keeping your building’s roofs and gutters clean helps prevent any dirt or debris from piling up on the roof or inside the gutters. If you are one of those people who believe in following DIY techniques, can easily clean it on their own. If you can’t, then hire the services of a professional roofing contractor in Texas to do the job. They would look for dirt, leaves, and traces of debris in the gutters and also check if there is any damage on the roof caused by ice damming.

3. Flashing inspection

Flashing is a metal piece used around vents, exhaust pipes, and chimneys, or used at joints in wall construction or roofs. It prevents water from trickling through the joints and causing damage. Mostly water seepage in a house happens due to damaged flashing. A faulty flashing allows snow meltage to enter the interiors, causing damage to the internal walls and infrastructure rot.

4. Attic check

Attic problems are hard to identify and needs regular inspection. Due to this reason, even if your roof apparently does not look damaged, may still need your attention. Attic molds are usually caused by issues such as roof leaks, ventilation problems, and others. To ensure that your roof is free from attic issues, get it inspected on a regular basis to find damage or leakage. If there are any signs of streaks or stains in any unfurnished areas of your attic, you need to resolve them immediately. 

5. Ventilation check

Proper ventilation is necessary to ensure that the roof does not get damaged because of freeze or thaw cycles that occur during the changing seasons. It also helps to maintain the temperature, preventing the attic from getting too hot during the summers as it may lead to the de-lamination of roof sheathing and loosening of the shingles.

6. Drainage system check

Clogging of water can damage your roof severely. In order to prevent water logging or standing water issues, your roofing system must have a proper drainage system. If there is a water logging issue despite having a clean drainage system, it may be an indication that there is a sagging issue.

Conclusion

Every roof inspection needs to be followed by a corrective action plan, or else the roofing issues would aggravate in the long run. If you are, therefore, spending your time, energy, and money in inspecting or getting your roofs inspected, also make sure that the necessary repair work is done on time. If you neglect it, it would only turn into a bigger issue later, and would also burn a hole in your pocket.

5 Roofing Mistakes You Must Avoid

How long your new roof will last is something that depends not only on the quality of the roof that you install, but also the experience and workmanship of the residential roofing contractor who installs it. It is, therefore, important for you to hire a qualified roofer who will not make rookie and costly mistakes. In this post, we discuss some of the most common roofing mistakes whose avoidance helps you get the maximum out of our new roof.

1. Improper Slope

If the materials you choose do not match the slope of the roof, it may lead to water penetration. For example, if one is installing wood, asphalt or tile shingles & shakes, it is recommended to have a minimum slope of four units rise per twelve units of run. 

 2. Ventilation Problems

At the time of laying down shingles, it is necessary to allow ceilings or attics to vent. Failing to do so can lead to build up of moisture leading to the premature weakening of the shingle material. 

3. Layers of Shingles

Many municipalities require old asphalt to be removed before installing the new one. Not adhering to this rule is illegal. Whether your municipality allows it or not, it is highly recommended that old shingles be removed before new ones are installed as the additional weight harms your roof structure and walls. Removing old shingles also allows your residential roofing contractor to inspect, and if need be, repair fragile areas.  

       

4. Improper use of Nails

If nailed incorrectly, or insufficiently, shingles can slip down causing injury to bystanders. A minimum of four nails per shingle is what we recommend. If the roof has a steep gradient then the minimum number of nails used should be even more, preferably six. Make sure that the nails aren’t driven into or above the self-sealing strip.

       

5. Failing to Plan for Ice Dams. 

For those who live in cold climates, it is common to experience ice dams that form along the roofline. If the roof isn’t insulated enough, these ice dams force water down the shingles. To prevent this, it is necessary to install an under layer in the roof to act as an additional layer and protect against the melting ice water. 

Conclusion 

Most roofing mistakes result from inexperienced do-it-yourselfers who have little or no prior roofing experience. The same is true for inexperienced or first-time roofing contractors touting cheap services. You must, therefore, check the roofing contractor’s experience, and if possible, check with their past and current clients about the quality of the contractor’s services. 

5 Reasons Why You May Need a New Roof

A roof is every building’s first line of defense from the elements and natural hazards such as fire, wind, hail, snow, rain, ice, and extreme heat. The fact that it protects the occupants and property in a building makes it the most vulnerable component. Most homeowners neglect their roofs until they spot a leak or some other grave issue. 

Usually, leaks can be repaired without having to replace the roof, but under certain circumstances a  new roof installation  may be the only feasible option available. In this post, we discuss circumstances that would require you to install a new roof.

1. Aged Roof

A typical roof lasts between 20 to 25 years, except under certain unavoidable circumstances where you may need to replace them much earlier. In case you have purchased a pre-owned house and are unable to determine the age of the roof based on the documents you have, consult a roofing contractor to help you.

2. Curling and buckling shingles

Take a look at the slope of your roof exposed to direct sunlight. If you find that the shingles are curling or losing granules, it’s probably a sign that your roof is due for replacement. It might also mean that the roof is defective and can be repaired. For example – a roof that is fairly new may have curled shingles because either they were not properly installed or the roof is defective.

3. Roof Valleys

Roof valleys form when two portions of a roof meet at an inside angle. Such valleys are common to many roofs and are one of the most common causes of leaks. To avoid roof valley issues, hire professional contractors who can eliminate the issue by use of advanced techniques. If, however, your roof’s shingles are falling apart of missing, it’s a sign you need a roof replacement.

4. Missing Shingles

Are the shingles on your house’s roof missing? Do they get lifted or bent when the wind blows? The first impression that people make of your house is based on its exterior condition. Missing shingles not only spoil the appearance of your house, but also lead to leakage. It may also affect your home’s insurability. If the shingles on your roof are missing and getting replacements for the missing shingles is not a feasible option, a new roof installment is what you need.

5. Shingle granules in the gutter

It is common for roofs to lose more granules towards the end of their lifecycle. You need to look into the gutter to confirm whether or not it is loaded with shingle granules. If there is an excessive amount of granules in the gutter, it’s probably a sign that your roof has experienced extensive wear and tear and needs replacement.

Conclusion  

The decision, whether you should go for roof repair or replacement is based on a lot of factors such as cost, reparability, current condition, and more. Remember, if the issue is beyond repair or if repairing the roof is just a temporary solution, it is always advisable to go for a replacement. In fact, if calculated from a long-term perspective, the cost of replacing a roof may turn out to be cheaper than getting it repaired

Roofing System Options for Commercial Spaces

Whether you are a design professional, building owner, or a roofing contractor, choosing the right commercial roofing system for your building or project is one of the most critical decisions you have to make. A right roofing solution protects your investment for decades, and a wrong choice leads to costly repairs, damage to the building and its contents, and depreciation of property value, which in turn, might leads to an early need for re-roofing.

Commercial Roofing Service Texas

In this post, we discuss commercial roofing systems that make it it to a list of the best options with a view to help you make informed buying decisions. 

Thermoplastic Roofing

Also known as TPO Roofing, thermoplastic roofing is one of the most popular options for commercial roofing systems. Thermoplastic roofing material is gifted with high-temperature tolerance and low-temperature flexibility, making it one of the highly favored roofing systems, in terms of durability. Apart from its resistance to a wide range of temperatures including exceptional resistance to fire, the roofing system is also resistant to ozone, ultraviolet light, chemical exposure, high winds, and punctures. The average lifespan of a thermoplastic roof is around 20 years. 

EPDM Roofing

The popularity of EPDM roofs is obvious given the fact that they are part of a few roofing systems that have been around for the past four decades. They belong to the family of long lasting commercial roofing systems that are known for superior durability and versatility. If installed correctly and maintained properly, the roofs can last as long as 30 years, and at times even more. Not only are these solutions relatively inexpensive, they are easy to install, maintain, and repair. The synthetic rubber roofing membrane of EPDM roofs has two primary ingredients, ethylene and propylene, derived from oil and natural gas. The best part about an EPDM roofing solution is that it helps in energy savings and reducing your building’s footprint.

Photovoltaic Panel Roofing

Geared towards mitigating the rising energy costs, Photovoltaic Panel roofing systems are the brainchild of the roofing system construction professionals.  The solar panels installed over photovoltaic panel roofs absorb energy from the Sun that is used for supplying power and for heating buildings. Roofs installed with membrane, roof-mounted tile, or glass, also serve the same purpose. Though Photovoltaic panel roofs do not enjoy widespread usage, the growing interest in renewable energy sources has seen people gradually replacing traditional roofing systems with modern, energy efficient solutions such as photovoltaic roofs.

Green Roofing

Another environment-friendly roofing solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the Green roof. Green roofs are usually installed on flat roofs and partially or fully covered with soil and vegetation, over a waterproof membrane. Not only do green roofs help reduce heat loss and gain by insulating buildings better, they have other added environmental benefits as well. Green roofs are a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife. Though these roofs are comparatively expensive to install, they help save money in the long run.

Word of advice

Make sure you hire the services of a professional roofing services provider, as the good quality of your roofing solution is inconsequential in the absence of a good installation services professional to do the correct work. To find a professional, you may contact the roofing contractors association in your locality. For example, Texas has its roofing contractors association in the name of Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT).