5 Reasons You Should Install Gutter Guards on Your Roof

Gutter guards installation is one of the major concerns for homeowners. A roof that has no gutter guards is vulnerable to clogging and may cause some serious damage to your roof, resulting in costly repairs. You can opt for gutter cleaning, but it is not a permanent solution. An effective option is to hire professionals to install gutter guards in order to avoid costly repairs in the future. The blog discusses five reasons why you need to hire a residential roofing contractor in Dallas, Texas to install gutter guards on your home. Let’s get started:

1.Check Flooded and Mold Infested Surfaces

If your gutter system has no gutter guards, rainwater will accumulate and flow into the areas  that are meant to be dry and clean like the basement. Water accumulation in these areas can lead to mold and mildew growth causing damage to the property and leading to allergies.  Installing gutter guards plays an important role in preventing these problems. 

2.Prevent Fascia and Soffit Damage

The soffit and the fascia are very close to the gutters and as result are vulnerable to rotting if your roof has no gutter guards. When the gutter guard gets clogged, it becomes difficult for the rain water to pass. The rainwater spreads to the fascia and soffit leading to mold and mildew causing your soffit boards to rot and, eventually, fall. If the situation is ignored for a long time, you may need to repair the gutter and roof. 

3.Protect the Foundation from Damage

Flowing rainwater can erode the foundation of your home causing it to crack. Erosion has an weakens the foundation causing cracks and leakages. Neglecting the problem can damage the foundation and lead to expensive repairs. Installing gutter guards can help you avoid the problem.

4.Prevent Landscape Erosion and Heaving Driveway

If you have a lot of trees close to your property, pay special attention to ensure that the gutter guards are properly maintained. Roots soak up all the water that causes the gutter to get clogged and water accumulation around your property. Growth of complex around your proerty causes serious damage to the foundation and driveway leading to costly repairs. 

Conclusion

Gutter cleaning is a temporary solution, so it is advisable to install gutter guards to prevent costly repairs. Properly maintained gutters play a crucial role in preventing costly repairs. It is advisable to hire roofing professionals to for the regular maintenance and cleaning of the gutters. 

4 Warning Signs you Need a New Roof

Roofing is an essential element of any property, be it a multi-storied building or an apartment. The roof not only protects from a the outside elements such as thunder, lightning, snow that are common in the US but also keeps the building safe for a long period. Good quality roofing also boasts up the curb appeal of the apartment and makes it tough and strong. It is vital to keep it properly functioning and well maintained. Most of us decide to install a new roof after they spot a leak in their ceiling. This can be due to other minute problems that can be repaired without a new roof installation. 

You need to find out the other factors that will determine whether you need a new roof installation or not. Take a look.

1. Roof Age

A typical roof lasts between 20 to 25 years. Although the life expectancy varies depending on the climate and many other factors, there can be many other factors that decide the age of the roof. If a roof is installed using quality products, it will have strong life. The age of roof also depends on the number of layers the roof consists . More the layers, more the life expectancy of your roof will be. You can always seek the help of an expert for roof inspection who will determine the exact condition and the need of replacement.

2. Roof Valleys

Valleys are one of the vital elements of the roof. If the Shingles are deteriorating in the Valley area, it is the indication that you need a roof change. A compromised Valley is always a suspect to roof leak allowing outside elements to enter the apartment. If not checked initially, these small errors can cause harmful mold growth in future.

3. Daylight in the Attic

A healthy and well-made roof will never leak light. If you experience tiny shafts of light between the boards, get ready for further serious damages. If the Valley continued to be exposed to moisture and poor ventilation, it may rot the attic in future. Check out the attic if the daylight enters through the boards and moisture in the insulation and immediately consult a roofing expert.

4. Deteriorating Shingles

Keep a regular check on the shingle tabs. If they are not intact, this can be an another area of concern. Roof loses more granules towards the end of their life cycle. Look into the gutter if it is loaded with the Shingle granules. If it is so, take an immediate step and install a new roof without delay. If the roof is inconsistent or is darker on some parts, it is again a sign of roof granules getting worn out.

The Bottom line

These are the key considerations indicating the need of new roof installation. If you witness any of these, consult a roofing company, be it Dallas, TX or any other US city/state that has expert pools of expert roofer. Make sure the roofer carries a detailed inspection so that you can come up with all the damages in your roof and take precautionary steps accordingly.

Compelling Money Saving Reasons to Inspect your Roof After Storm

Storms and hurricanes cause a lot of damage to buildings and residential structures. While it is easier to spot major structural damages in the property, homeowners may miss out on the small problem areas. Ignoring these minor repair requirements cause a long-term monetary loss and also lead to safety concerns for those living in the house. A roof inspection post-storm is always a step towards securing the structure and life of family members. Even if there's no need for major roof repair, a thorough inspection provides monetary advantages to the home owners.

Roof inspection and monetary gains

1. If you spot a minute damage that might make the home vulnerable to leakage, get it repaired immediately to prevent any major damage in the future. The money spent on minor repair would always be less than what you might need to shell out for a major repair.
2. The sooner you inspect the roof after a storm, the easier it gets to collect the evidence required to claim the insurance. The signs of damage are prominent after a storm, and makes it easier to convince the insurance company that the damage was caused due to storm. Some companies have a fixed time limit within which homeowners can claim for storm insurance.
3. One of the reasons homeowners often do not consider inspecting the roof is that roofing companies offer free roof inspection to clients. Even is the roof has not suffered from any damage, there is no harm in asking a roofing expert to inspect the structure, if the service is free. Inspecting the roof gives peace of mind to homeowners that their family is safe under the roof.

Why you need an inspection expert?

Missing shingles are clear signs of a damaged roof, but there are a few things that only experts can notice. Many roofs look fine from the ground, but there are chances of them having total damage after the storm. The roof may have significant damage, even if not a single shingle is damaged. The two main reasons to go to an expert for inspection are:

1. Homeowners might not be familiar with different types of roofing materials, which makes it difficult for them to distinguish between a damage from the storm from normal wear and tear. Non-professionals may find it to figure out if cracking, shingle rash blistering, and granule loss is because of aging or storm damage.
2. A sealing strip is present between the shingles. Strong storm winds may lift the shingles, break the strip. The shingles might settle back on the roof and look normal, but it would be difficult for a homeowner to find out if the strip is missing. The roof may not show any signs of damage such as leakage for a year or two. Calling an expert is always safe on a homeowner's part to avoid expensive repairs in the future.

Taking a prompt action post-storm prevents the structure from a massive damage and could be economical on a homeowner’s pocket. All that they need to do is, call an experienced and reputable company to do the job.

Summary

Storms might cause damage to structures, but it is not always possible for homeowners to spot even minor loss to the property. The blog talks about advantages of a roof inspection and why you a professional to do the job?

3 Questions to ask When Finalizing a Roofing Contractor

It is important to take steps to maintain and repair your roofing system and get roof insurance. The exposure of the roof to the elements makes it susceptible to wear and tear. The wear and tear gets aggravated if you fail to implement a realistic maintenance regime. You will always get better results if you find a reliable provider of end-to-end roofing services to help with maintenance and filing a roof insurance claim if any damage occurs. Without such due diligence during the selection process, there is no telling the quality of roofer you will land. Getting answers to the following questions can help ensure that you opt for a legit and capable roofer that you can count on for such an important job.

1.Does the Contractor have Insurance?

Homeowners, realty investors and property managers should ensure that the contractor of their choice has appropriate cover in place such as workmen’s compensation. If the opposite is true, chances are you may have to foot the roofer’s medical expenses if their employees sustain injuries due to accidents sustained while maintaining your roof. Further, a contractor should also have liability insurance to protect you against financial losses due to damage caused by the roofer.

2.Are There any Subcontractors?

It is not uncommon for roofers to use sub-contractors to outsource some of their work load. The arrangement works fine for all the three parties involved: the property owner, the contractor, and the sub-contractor. Ask as many questions as possible to gauge the expertise and professionalism of any subcontractors and also make an effort to allay any fears and doubts they may harbor. Establish if they are insured and the actual extent of the cover. Many cities/states require roofing contractors to hold a valid license. Ensure that the roofer has a valid license, and conforms to criteria set by the regulating body.

3.Any Warranties on Offer?

Most roofers usually offer a one year warranty on the projects that they execute, however, some may extend this period. In most cases manufacturers cover the roofing materials while the roofer covers the work done. It is imperative for homeowners to know the extent of these warranties to make sure they receive reasonable warranties.

Conclusion

The cost of replacing a roof can run into thousands of dollars, which is why maintenance should be one of your priorities as a homeowner, property investor, or manager. Homeowners stand to benefit immensely from seeking the services of professional roofers with a reputation for getting the job done on time and within set budgets. The contractor you choose must conform with industry standards and be well-versed with roofing issues. Doing so will help you avoid high maintenance, repair, and replacement costs. Your roofer must also be in a position to help you get the right roof insurance and file a roof damage insurance claim if the need arises. 

5 Factors to Help You Decide When to Replace Your Roofing

Homeowners cannot do with a dysfunctional roof given the significant role that it plays in providing protection against the vagaries of nature to dwellers. Preventive maintenance is therefore, imperative to maintain the functionality of the roof. Owners ultimately have to replace their roofing if it fails to serve its purpose,  and taking steps to restore its functionality is too expensive or if it is nearing the end of its useful life. Professionals adept at providing roof inspection services can help homeowners decide the best way forward and execute the task on time within set budgets. As a homeowner, you should be absolutely sure about the necessity of the investment by looking at signs discussed in this brief blog.

1.Age of the Roof

A typical roof has a useful life of 20-25 years and needs replacement at the end of this period. Homeowners whose roofing uses multiple layers of shingles and is more than 20 years old, need a replacement to make ensure the roofing continues to serve its purpose.

2. Age of Shingles

The useful life of shingles is a factor that also impacts the roof’s structure. Homeowners should consider deformed shingles as red flags, and also look for signs of damage to slopes receiving direct sunlight. Malfunctioning shingles are one of the causes of defective roofing and you need to get professionals to address the issue on an urgent basis.

3. Malfunctioning Roof Valleys

Valleys play a crucial role in the functionality of roofing systems, as through them, snow and water slopes down into the drains. Missing roof shingles in the valley are a sign that the functionality of the valley has taken a hit. When this happens, homeowners should waste no time ordering replacements to avoid a leaking roof.

4. The Material Used in the Chimney Flashing   

Chimney flashings made of cement and tar only provide limited resistance against water damage and leakage. It is, therefore, imperative that homeowners using such flashings replace it immediately with a watertight metal flashing system.

5. Broken Granules From Shingles

Granules start detaching from shingles once the roof gets past its useful life. To be able to take corrective action on time, homeowners must keep an eye on their drains where shingles generally tend to accumulate after falling.

Periodic Inspection is a Must

Apart from watching out for the signals discussed, the homeowner should also climb the rooftop once in a while to walk on it. In case the trampoline bounces, there’s a high chance that the decking structure has sustained damage. Other signs of damage include moisture in the insulation, and daylight escaping through the boards. Homeowners should get in touch with a Texas roofing company to get a roof inspection and discuss the findings pertaining to the best way forward. 

When is the Right Time to Install a New Roof to Save Cost?

Roofing contractors all work year-round, which means a homeowner could reach out to them for new roof installation or replacement anytime. The prices, however, are steep during the peak season and the homeowner may save a lot of money if they get the job done at a time when there is less rush. An effective way to go about roof installation or replacement is to plan ahead, get price quotes and check if there are certain weather-related restrictions with the roofing material. Let’s look at a few essential things to consider so that it doesn’t become an overly priced or out-of-budget construction expense for the homeowner:

What is the Right Time for the New Roof Installation Project?

Fall Season

Fall is the busiest time of the year for roofing companies. There could be a situation, wherein, a homeowner has to wait for even a month to start the roof installation or replacement. As the weather gets more predictable after the rainy season, there is an increase in demand for roof restoration and replacement. Fall is the busiest season and the most expensive time for roof construction and repair-related jobs. Constructing all asphalt shingle and rubber flat roofs take a longer time as these jobs require ambient temperature over 40 F degrees. 

Spring Season

Roof construction picks up pace during spring, the reason being:

- People spend a lot of money in the holiday season preceding new year and are unable to afford roofing construction during winter

- People are hesitant to install a new roof in winter months because of cold weather and snow

Homeowners get a better hold on their finances and some receive tax returns too during spring season. They don’t need to worry about cold and snow, which means it is an ideal time to go ahead with roof construction. The rush, however, increases at the start of the season – so it is advisable to wait until May.

Summer Season

Summer is slow but steady time for the roof construction companies. There is less rush as many people go on summer vacations. The more time a roofer gets, better would be the quality of installation and repair. Try to get in touch with the roofing company before the summer vacations start so that there’s more time to finalize everything and the job is not done in a hurry.

Winter Season

If the geographic location or the roofing material allows, winter is the ideal time to install or repair the roof. Many roofing companies do not have much work during this period and there’s a possibility of getting cheaper price quotes. Though winter is the right time to install metal roofs in southern states, those living in the northern US need to avoid installing asphalt shingles in winters.

Important Considerations

Homeowners need to schedule the roof installation, renovation or repair in advance so that there’s more time to compare the price and choose the right roofing material. Most roof repair companies increase the price of the roofing material in spring and early fall, so consider these factors too when planning for the roofing work.

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.