What Are Some Great Roofing Shingles for Residential Installation?

Of all the roofing materials out there that roofing contractors can install on someone’s home, shingles are some of the best for many reasons.

There are also countless types of shingles that homeowners can choose from, each with different benefits.

Among them all, these are the top products that shingle roof contractors can install on most homes and some great reasons to consider them!

Architectural or Dimensional Asphalt Shingles - Asphalt shingles are possibly the most widely requested shingles installed by shingle roofing contractors and the most cost-efficient. Durable and with a relatively long life for their cost, medium- and premium-quality asphalt shingles look great, are available in varieties with added features like wind and impact resistance, and come in many shapes, styles, and colors.
Cedar Wood Shingles - When the traditional look of a wood roof is desirable, nothing beats cedar shingles installed by an experienced shingle roofing contractor. Cedar is naturally pest-free as well as durable and ages to a beautiful silver patina when left natural. Its deep chestnut color can also be preserved by having a shingle roof contractor periodically apply a wood sealant.
Composite Shingles - Synthetic shingles made from recycled rubber and other materials make cost-effective, highly durable, and attractive roofing. Designed to look like other more expensive materials, shingle roofing companies have access to multiple synthetic and composite shingle products that make a great rot-proof, environmentally-friendly choice that is also durable against extreme weather.
Metal Shingles - Metal shingles are becoming more popular by the day, as they offer the same great benefits as other metal roofs, but in shingle form. Shingle roofing contractors recommend metal shingles for their energy efficiency and durability in most weather and how they are produced to mimic the look of other expensive materials like slate and ceramic tile.
Slate Shingles - One of the most classic and timeless roofs of all, slate shingles are nearly indestructible when properly installed and cared for. Slate is also a natural material that is abundantly available and completely environmentally friendly and recyclable. Although the cost of an installation can be quite high, a slate roof by an experienced shingle roof contractor is considered a lifetime roof that can last generations.

With so many great options to choose from, homeowners can contact a local shingle roofing company to discuss the best shingle choice for their home and their budget.

Shingles make an attractive, low-maintenance, and durable roof that will make any home look beautiful, and any homeowner proud!

Why Is Roof Maintenance So Important?

It’s easy to forget about the roof sitting at the top of a house, at least until problems arise.

Rather than having to call roofers to make repairs after years of neglect, a better idea is for homeowners to provide proper care for their roofs from the start.

Roof maintenance is usually fairly simple and does not cost much.

In fact, proper roofing maintenance usually pays for itself over time as recovered repair bills.

Consider these reasons why good roof maintenance is so important before letting out of sight mean out of mind!

Protects The Investment - Providing proper roof maintenance, including doing semi-annual inspections, ensures a roofing installation lasts as long as it should with as few problems as possible. It is a cost-effective solution to paying for unnecessary repairs or being forced to purchase a roofing replacement prematurely.
Detects Undiscovered Problems - Most issues that progress to become serious roofing problems start off as minor concerns that most untrained eyes are oblivious to. During routine roofer inspections, roofers can detect smaller concerns that, with proper intervention, will not turn into larger, more costly ones.
Saves Money - Roofing maintenance costs much less than expensive roofing repairs or being forced to do a roofing replacement sooner than expected.
Keeps Up Appearances - A well-maintained roof ages more slowly and retains its good looks longer. In contrast, roofs that go without the required maintenance or regular inspections can lose their nice appearance sooner as various problems like UV damage, broken or missing shingles, mold, algae, and water damage become more visible from the outside.
More Environmentally Friendly - Homeowners who ignore roof maintenance frequently end up replacing their roofs sooner than they need to, resulting in more roofing materials ending up in landfills over time. Additionally, a well-maintained roof that keeps its good condition will perform better, playing a role in keeping home heating and cooling costs down.

Damage caused by a lack of roofing maintenance affects much more than just the roof itself; it affects the home’s curb appeal, the environment, and most importantly the homeowner’s wallet.

Instead of risking damage that can go unnoticed until it is too late or problems like overheated attics that can cause widespread shingle failure, owners need only to invest in regular roof maintenance provided by a professional roofer.

In doing so, they can rest assured their roofing investment dollars will go as long as they should and they will have a trouble-free roof for decades to come!

Pitched Roofs – Is Steep or Shallow Better in Texas?

Most homes in Texas are designed with a pitched roof which is one that consists of two or more angles that meet at a point at the top.

When designing the roofing structure, the degree of pitch can differ depending on the architecture of the home, local weather conditions, and more.

Deciding between a steep or shallow roofing pitch requires some understanding of pitch and the pros and cons of each.

What is Roof Pitch?

Pitch is defined as the amount of rise built into the roof in comparison to the length of the space the roof is covering.

It is documented as a ratio, with a shallow pitch being 3:12 or 3 inches in rise for every 12 inches in length and a steep pitch being 5:12 or even 6:12.

The average pitch used for many roofs is 4:12, though there are instances where lower or higher pitches might be more favorable based on the typical weather conditions in a region.

What Are The Pros and Cons of When A Steep Pitch Can Be Used?

Generally, roofers suggest that the steeper the roof pitch, the more desirable it is in regions with heavy rains or where large amounts of snow are expected in the wintertime.

Steep pitches promote snow melt with snow and water sliding off the roof more quickly.

The downside of having a more steeply pitched roof is that they receive greater wind exposure, making them noisier and the roofing is more susceptible to wind damage.

The steep design also makes it more difficult for roofers to work up there, many times requiring scaffolding and other specialty equipment to do so.

What About Pitch on Shallow Roofs?

On the opposite end of the scale, especially shallow roofs are quieter and less likely to sustain wind damage than steeper ones, but they can hold water and snow longer, making leaking more possible.

This can be a concern in many parts of Texas where heavy rains are common.

What Is The Best Option For A Texas Home?

Most roofers recommend a pitch of at least 3:12 but less than 5:12 to achieve a good balance.

In these cases, the roof pitch should be steep enough to reduce the chance of water damage due to the heavy rains that are common, but not so steep that the strong winds that are also common can cause damage.

With this type of roofing architecture, whether a pitched roof is in gable, pyramid, or another pitched form, it should withstand weather conditions in Texas fairly well.

Follow These Steps When Storm Damage Affects Your Roof!

Homeowners in the south see more than their fair share of extreme weather that causes roof and other home damage.

When the damage is substantial, though the initial instinct might be to call for storm damage roofing repair immediately, there are more important things that homeowners should take care of first.

Storm damage roof repair contractors will be there to help after the fact.

Do these things first and then make call storm damage roof repair companies once the storm has passed and the family is safe.

Focus on Safety First - Before doing anything with regard to arranging for storm damage roofing repairs, homeowners should do whatever is necessary to ensure their safety, and that of their family. In worst-case scenarios, that might mean evacuating the home if the damage is severe to the point that the roof is collapsed or has been torn off. If the power is still working, phone the utility company to have it cut to the house, then get everyone, including pets, out.
Assess the Degree of the Damage - While it will be impossible for a homeowner to fully assess all damage, get an idea of the scope and how much of the roof and house is affected. This information will be important, both for relaying to a storm damage roof repair company later and when talking to the homeowners insurance company.
Call the Insurance Company - Though instinct might be to call a storm damage roof repair contractor next, it is the homeowner's insurance company that should be contacted first. Inform them of what happened and how severe the damage seems to be and what steps were taken to keep the family safe. Start the claims process and receive instructions from them on what to do next. Inquire about lodging assistance coverage if that is necessary and whether an adjuster must approve repairs before they are started.
Prevent Additional Damage - After having the power turned off, prevent additional damage if possible by protecting personal property in the home, moving it to a less disturbed part of the home, or making a plan to remove it. If the home is accessible and unsecured, be sure to remove any valuables to prevent theft. If necessary, in the coming days arrange a place to store items removed from the home like a storage unit until a storm damage roof repair contractor inspects the house.
Seek Disaster Assistance If Necessary - If the roof is destroyed or the house is otherwise unlivable, contact the FEMA website to find out what disaster assistance is available for homeowners in the area. FEMA supplies immediate aid in areas that are hit by extreme weather plus there are Federal disaster assistance funds that can help people rebuild.

Once things are more under control, make that call to a local storm damage roofing repair contractor and inform them of what happened.

The storm damage roof repair company will arrange a time to meet at the property to assess the damage and provide an estimate once the storm has passed and all lives have been protected.

What Are the Benefits of Using Slate Roofing Tiles?

Known as one of the most beautiful and historic roofing materials, slate is still installed today by slate tile roof services experienced with this attractive and durable material.

Installed for centuries, slate tile roofing contractors still recommend it for homeowners looking for that timeless appearance and its other positives.

Before choosing the same old thing again, slate tile roofing services recommend taking a second look at slate as a roofing material and the many advantages it provides.

Longevity - Slate is one of the longest lasting materials that has ever been used to protect a home or other structure. When expertly installed by an experienced slate tile roof service, it can last 150 years or more, making it a true lifetime roof. The only other materials that come close in longevity are ceramic and concrete tiles.
Sustainability - The materials installed by slate tile roofing contractors are plentiful and extracted from the earth. There is no shortage of slate, even after centuries of use.
Environmentally-Friendly - Slate is eco-friendly in numerous ways. Its longevity and durability mean it does not have to be replaced by slate tile roof services time and time again as asphalt shingles do. It can be safely disposed of in the earth, which is where it came from, or even recycled in various ways. Slate is also thermal-efficient, absorbing daytime heat without passing it into a building, then releasing it again at night, keeping cooling and heating bills lower.
Fire-Resistant - Properly installed by skilled slate tile roofing contractors, this material is fully fire-resistant, making it an ideal choice for homes in areas prone to wildfires.
Ageless Beauty - Slate tile turns any home into one that could have come out of the pages of history books. A classic roof used in Europe and early America for generations, slate is just as beautiful today.

While it is true that an installation by slate tile roof services do cost more than the average asphalt shingles and are not suitable for all homes, the many benefits they offer tend to outweigh the initial cost faster than expected.

With lower utility bills, insurance discounts due to fire resistance, and durability that makes most repairs unnecessary, slate is a cost-effective roofing choice for a stately home.

Homeowners interested in incredible slate roofing should reach out to a reliable slate tile roof contractor to learn more about this material and whether it is right for them!

Residential Roofing Maintenance – Keeping Up Is Important!

Anyone who owns a car knows that routine maintenance will keep it going longer and with fewer problems and residential roofing installations are not so different.

While they might not have any moving parts, all roofs need regular maintenance performed by residential roofing services to keep them in good, functional condition.

Without regular maintenance, homeowners will spend more on residential roof repair.

As easy as residential roofing maintenance is to forget, homeowners are encouraged to understand how even the simplest maintenance like regular inspections works in their favor to protect their roofs:

Reduces the Need for Costly Residential Roof Repair - The most obvious benefit that regular maintenance, including regular inspections, provides is staying alert to potential problems and preventing them before they turn into residential roof repair issues.
Promotes Energy-Efficiency - Keeping residential roofing clean, periodically testing the attic ventilation, and making minor repairs all help to keep an installation properly energy-efficient, which helps to keep energy bills lower.
Prolongs the Life of the Roof - A roof that is well-maintained by residential roofing services will age slower, ensuring that homeowners get a full life from their roofing installation. Many homeowners who fail to provide required maintenance frequently end up replacing their roofs sooner than they should.
Protects the Appearance of the Roof - Well-maintained residential roofing that is in good repair will retain its good looks longer than one that is ignored for years at a time. A roof that looks like it is aging prematurely or needs attention can detract from the entire look, and value of the house.
Maintains the Warranty - A detail that many homeowners fail to recognize and which can get them into trouble with their residential roofing warranty is required maintenance. Some material manufacturers will only warrant their products when specific maintenance is done over the life of the roof. In these cases, regular maintenance helps homeowners stay compliant with their materials warranties so they are still valid should an actual problem with the roof arise.

For all these reasons and more, it should be easy to see why it is so important for homeowners to work with a residential roofing service to keep up with roofing maintenance.

Only with proper maintenance can any roof continue to stay strong and protective without decomposing due to neglect.

Good maintenance from the start and taking care of small problems before they become residential roof repair nightmares will always help a homeowner get their money’s worth from their expensive roofing installation.

Find A Great Fencing Contractor for a Great Roofing System!

When putting up a new fence, finding the right fence contractor to do it is important.

To ensure a good installation and that the fence will not encounter problems as it ages, fencing contractors must be experienced in their trade and know the correct techniques for installing many different products.

These easy tips can help any home or business owner find a reputable fencing company within their community so they can rest assured that their fence installation will be a great one.

How Reputable and Reliable Are They? - The best place to find out whether a fence contractor is well-known within the community and a reliable contractor to hire is online. Seek out their social media pages, website, and business directory pages and see what past customers are saying about them. Most people can get a good impression of the fencing company by investigating whether they have happy customers or lots of complaints.
Do They Deliver Quality Workmanship? - View example galleries on the fencing contractor’s website and those posted online by past customers. New potential customers can also ask for references from the fence contractor that they can drive by and look at in person, too.
Are They Well-Trained? - Inquire about training and skill levels as well as any special experience the installers have for the type of fence being considered. A great fence demands that fencing contractors use the proper techniques to install it.
How Is the Pricing? - It is always a good idea to compare pricing to see how competitive a fencing company is with others in the area; however, do understand that fencing contractors offering superior work and premium materials will have higher prices than those using cheap materials and untrained workers. Be wary of gouging but know what the service is offering for the money to truly find the best deal and workmanship for the money.
Are They Compliant? - Always confirm that a fence contractor is appropriately insured and that they observe safety practices to prevent injury or property damage. Also discuss local zoning laws with them and confirm whether they will obtain any necessary building permits or if the contractor requires the property owner to get the permit on their own.

Fencing contractors are a dime a dozen in some areas, but that does not mean they are all dependable and skilled.

Before hiring any fencing company, always do the research required to get these questions answered.

The time spent finding a fence contractor who has the skills, experience, and positive reputation necessary to do a good job provides more peace of mind that hiring them is the right choice!

When Should Emergency Roofing Repair Services Be Called?

Roofing emergencies happen and when they do, homeowners should arrange emergency roofing repairs as quickly as possible.

Yet not all damage qualifies as a roofing emergency and can be handled less urgently.

Before calling emergency roofing repair contractors and becoming frustrated that there could be a wait before they can come, homeowners should understand what constitutes an actual emergency that requires immediate attention and what can be scheduled for repair within a reasonable amount of time.

A Hole In The Roof - Any hole in the roof caused by flying debris penetrating it or some other event requires calling emergency roofing repair contractors to discuss the extent of the damage and getting instructions from them. If the hole is large enough, emergency roofing repairs will be scheduled immediately or contractors will show up to help the homeowner protect the area until permanent repairs can be made.
A Tree Falling on the House - When a tree falls and damages the roof and house, homeowners should contact an emergency roofing repair service as well as a tree service and their insurance company to begin the process of getting the damage assessed and repairs made.
Severe and Sudden Leaking - Severe, sudden leaks that cannot be contained require reaching out to emergency roofing repair contractors who can come quickly to reduce the amount of water damage sustained, even by simply applying temporary repairs to stop the water from entering the house.
Damage that Causes Structural Problems - Any type of structural damage to the roof definitely requires a prompt call for emergency roofing repair services, as a dangerous collapse could result.
Anything That Poses A Threat To Home Residents - In general, any type of damage to the roof that becomes dangerous to home residents, whether it is structural, due to something falling on the house or through the roof, or some other problem that involves the roof should be considered a roofing emergency. Residents should vacate the home and an emergency roofing repair contractor called to assess the damage and create a plan for getting the repairs made with the homeowner.

Fortunately, most roof damage that happens over time does not require emergency roofing repairs, though getting repairs done as soon as possible is recommended.

The instances when emergency roofing repair services should be called are those times when sudden, and severe damage happens that a homeowner cannot deal with, even temporarily.

Smaller issues, even if they make themselves known during a storm, can usually be handled through the scheduling of a normal roofing repair service appointment.

Oh the Many Good Things About Wood Roofs!

Wood has been used as a roofing material since biblical times, as it is strong, beautiful, and plentiful.

Today, wood roofing services still install plenty of wood roofs, primarily due to the many positives associated with this material.

When properly prepared and cared for, a wood roof replacement will last as long as most asphalt shingles will, while presenting a beautiful, traditional look.

For anyone considering working with wood roof contractors, here are some of the many good things about choosing wood roofs!

Incredible Beauty - By far, the most noticeable thing about a wood roof replacement is its incredible classic beauty that can transform any home.
Wind and Impact Resistant - Wood shakes and shingles are more rigid than many other types of roofing, which makes them more resistant to wind. They are also more impact resistant than most other types of roofs.
Eco-Friendly - Wood is natural and therefore, it can be sustainably sourced and when disposed of can be recycled or it will decompose with no harm to the planet.
Good Life Expectancy - Surprisingly to some, when it is well cared for with regular coatings of water sealant, roofs installed by professional wood roof contractors can last 25 to 30 years, which is as long as most moderate-grade asphalt shingles.
Many Styles Available - Available as thick wood shakes or thinner wood shingles in various shapes, sizes, and styles, there is much variety for wood roof replacements today.
Lighter Than Most Other Roofing - When weight matters, wood is lighter than even most asphalt shingles, which are the go-to installation that most homeowners choose.
Naturally Insulating - Wood roofing services also find wood shakes and shingles to be naturally insulating, keeping a home warmer in winter and cooler in summer since heat does not pass through it very much.
Comparable In Price - Depending on the wood species chosen and the type and style of the shingles or shakes, some wood roof replacements are actually comparable in cost to premium asphalt shingles or lower-grade metal roofs. For the money, wood roof contractors find them to offer better performance as long as maintenance is kept up.
Easy To Repair - Replacing a rare broken wood shingle or shake is as easy as repairing any other type of shingle.
Increased Value and Curb Appeal - Wood roofing services also find that this roofing not only increases curb appeal, making a house look much more attractive, but it increases home value as well as wood roofs are more desirable.

With all those good things, why not try a wood roof replacement this time?

Contact a local wood roofing services to discuss the possibilities and get a beautiful, strong, new wood roof!

Insulate Roofs More to Stay Cooler in Summer!

Most people know that roofing insulation is important no matter what kind of roof they have.

Insulated attics, which are a part of the roof system, keep homes warmer by preventing the passage of heat into the attic and through the roof, keeping it contained in the living space.

Yet what many do not realize is that insulation is even more important in the heat of the summer for keeping the house cool.

Yes, cool conditioned air descends and is less likely to escape through the roof; however, that does not prevent hot UV rays from entering through the roofing and heating up the house.

Insulation does present cool air from escaping and a sufficient amount of good insulation that roofers install under the exterior roofing material means the home will be cooler in the summer.

How Does Insulation Keep A Home Cool In The Summer?

Insulation acts as a thermal barrier between what is on either side of it.

What defines a properly insulated attic and what type and how much insulation that roof repair services install will depend on the location of the home, the climate, and the type of material on top of the roof.

In hotter climates with milder winters, the focus is on preventing the passage of UV rays through the roofing and into the home.

What Influence Is Climate on Insulation Needs?

In cooler climates or those with distinct winter and summer seasons, the focus must be shared between keeping out UV rays and preventing home heating from rising up into the attic.

When hot summers are the norm, roofers can make a roof system more energy-efficient by adding more and better radiant barrier insulation right under the decking to prevent the passage of the sun’s heat rays through it and into the attic.

The higher the insulation R-value is, the greater its ability is to reflect UV rays right back off the roof as opposed to allowing them to pass through.

Is It Better to Add More Insulation?

Roofing professionals can use multiple layers of insulation to increase R-value or use more expensive, and more effective insulation, whichever the homeowner prefers.

In either case, the goal is to stop the passage of UV rays so they cannot heat up the attic and eventually, the rest of the house.

Combined with a good, natural attic ventilation system, decking insulation is instrumental in keeping homes comfortably cool and utility bills as low as possible.

Invest in Good Insulation For Roofing!

As ironic as it might seem to some, the hotter it gets outside in the summer, the more roofing insulation a home needs.

High-quality, high R-value insulation installed by a qualified roof repair specialist is a wise investment to keep the attic and house cool as well as protect the entire roofing system against the damage that can happen when there is not enough roof insulation!