Important Tips To Choose The Right Roof Company!

With the number of unqualified contractors out there doing substandard work on both residential and commercial roofs alike, finding a reputable roof company can be a real challenge.

Roofing work is expensive and a roofer who doesn’t care about their customer can leave you footing an expensive and unnecessary repair bill later on.

If you need a new roof or some other work done, use these tips to find the best roofer to take care of it.

Screen contractors carefully so you find one that will be easy to work with and do a great job for you

Referrals and Testimonials

Start your search by seeking referrals from neighbors, friends, and family who may be able to recommend a local contractor who did a good roofing job for them.

Check online business listings for your community as well.

When you visit the roof company’s business pages, look for reviews and testimonials left by others that can give you an idea of which roofers are worth pursuing further and which to skip over.

Licensing and Designations

Visit a roof company’s website and look for designation seals from different manufacturers and an indication that they have whatever local or state licensing may be required for the business to operate.

Manufacturer designations indicate that the contractor has received training on how to properly install certain products and has passed the requirements.

This can be important in instances where roofing products require specific procedures to apply them correctly.

Better Business Bureau Rating

Investigate the company with the BBB and review their rating.

Roof companies with low ratings and lots of complaints should probably be avoided for obvious reasons

Proof of Insurance

Once you’re in direct communication with a roofing service, ask for proof of insurance.

All roofers should carry insurance that covers their employees and any subcontractors they may hire to work with them.

Look for liability coverage as well as workers' compensation coverage and call the insurance company to ensure the policy is valid.

Warranties Offered

You can tell a lot about roofing services by the warranties they offer.

A good warranty should include not just the manufacturer's warranty on the products but also a warranty on the roofing workmanship.

A reputable roofer who does quality work is not afraid to warrant their services.

Check the fine print to understand details regarding labor, materials, repairs, and all other stipulations.

Safety Practices

Inquire about the safety protocols this roofing services uses and whether all employees have been trained on these practices.

Since roofing can be a dangerous job, be sure they take safety seriously and take steps to minimize accidents and injuries.

Do The Research to Find A Great Roof Company

No matter what kind of roofing services you need, it’s critical to hire a reputable and experienced roof company to take care of it.

Using these points as a guide, research all the possibilities to find a trusted roofer with a history of excellent work so you can hire in confidence!

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Roofers Advise Whether To Re-Roof or Tear Away Existing Roof!

Roofers in Conroe Texas

 

Re-roofing over an existing installation is a technique used by many roofers to save a homeowner money. The method is simple and involves little more than putting a new roof layer over one that is no longer serviceable without removing the damaged surface.

Unfortunately, most homeowners eventually realize the initial savings is temporary and often costs them more later, when more extensive roofing services are needed.

What Is Re-Roofing?

Re-roofing is a method of covering a damaged roof with a new layer without actually tearing away the damaged layer. Although most roofers agree that this is not the best way to handle leaks and other damage, many offer this service as it gives homeowners a less expensive option than tearing off and replacing the whole roof.

Adding a new layer over the old one is less labor-intensive and can be a temporary repair when there are no funds for a complete tear-off and replacement. Unfortunately, in most cases the savings is short-lived.

The Problems With Re-Roofing

The biggest problem with covering damaged materials with an overlay is that it is not usually possible to know for sure the extent of the damage that could be present. Adding more layers without repairing problems with the decking or structural components could leave homeowners at risk for worse damage later on.

In addition, when roofers apply a second layer over existing materials, it increases the possibility of new leaks since shingles and other materials are made to be applied directly onto the decking.

Most states only permit roofing services to install a second layer and no more, since each layer adds more weight to the structure. Based on these facts, re-roofing is not generally the best option when repairs are needed.

When Does Re-Roofing Make Sense?

Despite the fact that most roofers do not recommend this practice, there are situations when re-roofing may be applicable. These circumstances include when there is damage to one side or section of the surface that can be easily remedied with an overlay. It also applies to damage limited to the surface material with no damage under the shingles.

Provided the repairs are done properly, it may be possible to avoid the need for roofing services that include a new installation. Yet if an overlay is done improperly and unseen damage is simply covered up, homeowners could wind up with a bigger problem than what they had initially.

What Do Roofers Think?

The general consensus among reputable roofers is that re-roofing can provide cost savings today; however, it should be avoided in most cases as it can lead to more substantial damage later. If an overlay is being considered, homeowners should work with experienced roofing services what will perform a thorough inspection and only apply a second roofing layer if there is no evidence of damage to decking or structural parts.

The best way to prevent unforeseen roofing issues in the future is to always have a complete tear-off and replacement done!

Need Roofing Services In Conroe Texas?

Contact The Roofers At GMA Restoration!

Call (936) 209-2162!

Learn How To Recognize Hail Damage To Your Roof!

Roofers in Magnolia Texas 3261

 

In its various forms, hail can cause severe damage to roofs, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the chance of material degradation. Occurring as anything from small, sharp crystals to huge balls of ice, hail can cause varying degrees of destruction to different materials, sometimes to the point that roofers should be called to make repairs. Homeowners may not even realize they have sustained hail damage, yet it is important to identify it so that appropriate repairs can be planned.

Hail Damage on Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are fairly durable in most conditions; however, they can suffer hail damage. Generally speaking, hail must be about 1 inch in diameter before it causes damage to asphalt roofs.  Age and condition can make shingles more susceptible, even with smaller hail. Impact from larger hail can cause dents in the surface, creating cracks and splits underneath and loosening shingle adhesive, increasing the possibility that leaks will start.

Hail can also wear away the protective granule coating on asphalt shingles. Asphalt granules collecting in the gutters are one of the primary signs of hail damage, as are many little impact dents across the surface of the shingles. If either of these symptoms is noticed, homeowners should call to have roofers inspect the damage and determine whether repairs are necessary.

Hail Damage on Metal Roofs

Hail damage is usually much easier to see on metal roofs; however, it is also much more destructive. Depending on the thickness and type of the metal, ice balls of various sizes can cause substantial damage to metal panels and even durable metal shingles. This can disrupt the way sheets lay against the underlayment and decking.

Metal roofing can also suffer scuffs and discolorations due to hail splatter, which is slushy precipitation mixed with ice. Not only is this damage on metal unsightly, as dents and discolorations are easy to spot, it can increase the chance of corrosion at the impact points. Dented metal panels are also more susceptible to leaks or wind damage.  

Hail Damage on Other Roof Types

Asphalt shingles and metal are not the only types of roofing material that can suffer hail damage. Hail can leave dents and splits on wood shingles and shakes, causing loss of water tightness. It may chip, crack, or break shingles and tiles made of concrete and ceramic. Dents and cracks in BUR and membrane roofing may be an indicator of damage from hail as well.

Even slate, which is one of the strongest materials used by roofers today, can sustain chips, cracks, and breaks when hit with larger diameter ice balls. Flashing, trims, and gutters on any home can be damaged to where it must be repaired to function properly.

Although smaller hail may not affect any of these materials, anything above an inch in diameter can be highly destructive, leaving cracks, chips, splits and dents that can drastically affect the performance of different roofs. Hail damage can be deceiving, appearing to affect only the top surface of the roof; however, leaking and other problems frequently follow. Homeowners who recognize any of the above signs or suspect they could have hail damage should contact local roofers that can climb up and take a closer look!

Got Hail Damage In Magnolia Texas?

The Roofers At GMA Restoration Can Repair Hail Damage!

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Roofers Advice On Making Your Shingle Roof Last Longer!

Roofers in Conroe Texas

 

Shingled roofs installed by experienced roofers are attractive, long lasting, and very economical in comparison to other, more expensive material. Yet shingles do require a certain amount of maintenance for them to last as long or longer than the manufacturer's advice. By using the following tips from professional roofer services, any homeowner can easily provide the maintenance necessary to keep their shingled roof in the best condition with fewer problems and a longer roof life.

Keep the Gutters Clean

Gutters are an essential part of every roof system; however, they tend to fill with dirt and vegetation fairly quickly. When this happens, water pools up in the gutters instead of flowing into the downspouts. It can also cause serious problems with shingles if water build-up is enough that the ends of the shingles become submerged. This can lead to shingles soaking up water and damage to the underlying adhesive and underlayment as well.

Shingles will begin to loosen and in colder temperatures experience ice damming as the water under the shingles begins to freeze, pushing them up off the decking. Although it may appear minor, roofers know that dirty gutters have the ability to ruin an entire shingled roof.

Keep Branches and Leaves Cleared Away

Branches can damage shingles in a variety of ways, from scraping and cracking them to pushing them up off the decking or chipping the edges. Large branches can penetrate the shingles, making a hole in the entire roofing system. On the other hand, leaves can lay on the surface of the shingles or collect in the gutters, causing them to retain water or grow moss and mildew.

To prevent these types of problems, roofer services recommend keeping all trees trimmed back from the house so that branches and leaves cannot affect it.

Clean Off Vegetative Growth

Moss, algae, and even mildew will grow on shingles in wetter areas, creating a fuzzy or slimy coating that can become damaging after a while. Any growth can prevent shingles from drying out sufficiently and over enough time, cause the shingles to peel, swell, or decompose in other ways. When moss or some other type of growth is discovered on a shingled roof, it is important for homeowners to call expert roofers to remove this growth by scrubbing the shingles clean.

Inspect the Roof Often

Homeowners should inspect their roofs often and look for potential concerns that need attention. View the surface from afar, looking at all sides to see if anything seems out of place, then try to take a closer look. Before climbing a ladder for that closer look, roofer services stress that homeowners should never walk on the top of their house, just observe from the ladder. Look for missing flashing, damaged shingles, and anything else that seems to be in disrepair. Check for evidence of leaks in the attic and try to get an idea of the overall shingle condition. When this is not possible, hire roofers to inspect the shingles instead.

With the helpful suggestions from professional roofers referenced above, homeowners can keep their shingles in great condition year after year. Naturally, if any of these tasks are too difficult or if any other problems with shingles are an issue, homeowners should make a call to local roofer services who can help!

Looking For Roofer Services In Conroe Texas?

Contact The Experienced Roofers At GMA Restoration Today!

Call (936) 209-2162!

The Best Ways To Find A Great Roofing Contractor!

Roofers in Conroe Texas

When the time comes for a roof replacement, homeowners want to find the most qualified roofers to do the installation. There are many roofing companies that offer services; getting the right one requires hiring a qualified and reputable contractor. Use the following tips to weed through the competition and find a company that will provide skilled services and a trouble-free installation that will last for many years.

Is the Contractor Licensed and Insured?

Many states require roofers to hold trade licenses that prove the contractor has met important training and skill requirements as well as provides good services in their local community. Research what licenses or certifications may be necessary, then request that information when interviewing potential candidates for any kind of roofing work.

In addition, request to see proof that a contractor carries business liability and workers compensation insurance. This protects homeowners if an employee becomes injured while working on the job.

How Long Has the Contractor Been In Business?

There are many roofers who either do not have sufficient experience or make a habit of staying in an area long enough to do a few jobs, then leave town before anything can go wrong. Avoid these situations by confirming that roofing companies have had a local business address for a number of years for the roofing service.

Newly established contractors may be fine to work with; however, use extra caution when vetting them to ensure they have the right experience. Request past customer referrals from candidates and search online for reviews to ensure the contractor has a positive local reputation.

Skills and Training

In addition to know about the company itself, it is also a good idea to ask which employees or subcontractors will actually do the work. Inquire about employee training and how the contractor hires subcontractors. Confirm that everyone who will be working on the roof has the training necessary to provide quality work.

Estimates, Warranties, and Contracts

Request a written estimate that breaks down all costs, supplies, fees, and other details. Inquire about any warranties offered, as there are multiple types; roofing companies may interpret them in different ways. Before agreeing to any work, request a detailed written contract reflecting all previous discussions and agreements, warranty information, work fees, and a work plan.

Such a plan should outline project start dates, all materials to be used, and an estimated finish date.  All of this is important information that reputable roofers should be willing to provide before the work actually begins.

The process of interviewing roofers and getting work estimates may take a little while; however, the time spent selecting the right contractor is very important. To ensure the best work and a long-lasting roof, homeowners must find confident about choosing roofing companies with the required skills and qualifications. After gathering the information mentioned above, homeowners should be able to find a reputable local contractor that can handle all their roofing needs!

Looking for Roofers in Conroe Texas?

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Roofers – What Safety Measures Should They Take?

Roofers in Conroe Texas

Roofing can be a dangerous job when the right precautions are not taken. It is one of many professions that falls under OSHA’s protection, whose policies state that all roofers must have the proper protection to safely perform this essential job. Roofer services must ensure their employees adhere to these regulations that are designed to prevent or reduce the number of serious accidents occurring in this profession each year.

Provide Proper Training

Before climbing up onto the top of any homes or other buildings, roofers must be thoroughly educated on roofing safety and how to prevent falls. Besides learning the job itself, employees must also learn the many ways to keep themselves safe while working and how to use fall prevention safety gear. The company they work for should provide training so the worker knows how to plan and perform each job and understands the importance of fall prevention and protection before ever climbing up onto any roof.

Provide the Right Safety Gear

Along with safety training and a good work plan, roofer services must provide employees with the safety equipment necessary to prevent falls. Every worker should be equipped with the right Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) and trained about proper setup. When a full body harness and secure anchorage is used correctly, it protects workers by stopping a fall in progress.

In addition to a PFAS, employers should also provide fall restraint systems, such as guardrail systems, which stop falls by preventing workers from reaching the edge of the work areas where they could fall or slide. Other systems such as warning lines, warning alarms, and even safety nets can be used to protect employees from falls.

Plan Jobs Ahead of Time

Good planning should be an essential part of every job performed by roofers. Without a plan, accidents are more likely to occur. To prevent falls and other injuries, a preliminary inspection must always be done of any building where employees will work. Then generate a work plan addressing any challenges that are present, while maintaining employee safety through the use of fall arrest gear. Part of this planning must also include where and how to set up PFAS so there is no question about attachments or fall distances once the work begins.

Create A Rescue Plan

Planning ahead also means creating a rescue plan in the event that an accident does happen. Workers should be trained in what to do if a worker falls while wearing a PFAS as well as how to handle any other safety emergencies. To reduce injuries that could still occur with a PFAS, all roofers should understand that the fast rescue of fallen workers is important to prevent suspension injuries. All workers should know how to reach a fallen worker and get them to safety as well as what to do if an injury does occur during a job.

Teach Safe Use of Equipment

In addition to all of the above-mentioned measures, roofer services must also ensure that workers have safe and usable ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and any other necessary equipment. They must also know how to properly use all of this equipment. Instruction on how ladders can be used during rescues should be provided, along with training on how to securely set up scaffolding and guardrails plus the safe use of aerial lifts if they are required.

Although many roofers may be highly skilled at their jobs, accidents are always still possible. To prevent potentially deadly falls and other accidents, roofer services must provide essential work and safety training to all employees. Workers must be provided with safe, stable equipment and gear designed specifically for fall prevention or arrest. With proper planning that includes the above safety measures, employees can achieve job efficiency with the least amount of risk!

Need Roofer Services In Conroe Texas?

Contact The Professionals At GMA Restorations!

Call (936) 209-2162!