How to Get A New Roof During COVID-19 With Some Digital Help!

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have affected just about every industry out there, all in different ways.

Where roofing is concerned, it has made things a little challenging depending on local social distancing mandates as well as the need for at-risk people to stay isolated.

Yet roof repairs and new installation are not something that should be put off, so it is important that home and building owners still arrange for these services when necessary.

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to get through the roofing process even in times of pandemic when working with today’s connected roofers who are using digital technology to everyone’s advantage!

Screen and Hire Roofers Without In-Person Meetings

When your shingle roof needs repairs or maybe a total replacement, you can get through the entire hiring process online without having to meet roofers face-to-face:

  1. Research Contractors Online - Look up local roofers in your area and research them via reviews, testimonials, and BBB listings. You can also call or email and ask for referrals and drive to see examples of work the contractor has done recently.
  2. Discuss With Contractors - Communicate with contractors via phone, email, or virtual meetings to talk about your roofing needs, the process, the cost, and anything else that needs discussing.
  3. Schedule Estimates - Schedule a day and time for the contractor to come to your home and write a detailed estimate of all roof work you both deem necessary. Help the process by sending photos from inside the house if those are needed.
  4. Review and Finalize - Once you have the estimates, discuss them with the roofer especially warranties, then choose a roofer to take care of roofing needs.
  5. Schedule a Date - After all the discussion and estimating is complete, schedule a work date with the roofer so they can take care of the rest.

Many of these steps concerning a new roof or roofing repairs are no different than what you would normally do.

With the addition of virtual meetings and doing the majority of the communication online or by phone, you can choose a contractor and get service scheduled quickly without ever having to meet face-to-face until the day the roofer comes to actually do the roofing work.

Even then, it isn’t necessary to let anyone into your house, just step outside and maintain social distancing.

Choose Roofing Products Online

An important part of getting a new shingle roof is choosing the shingles.

The good news is that you can also pick out roofing material online:

  • Online Product Information – Most shingle manufacturers keep their products listed online with clear images, color selectors, and important features listed to help you see them and decide which is best for your roofing.
  • Home Design Software - Some of these makers even include free designing software on their sites that allow you to visualize color schemes in 3D to estimate what different colored shingles would look like on your roof.
  • Shingle Color Samples - You can also request printed color samples to be sent from the manufacturer to confirm color appearances to see the true color for your roof in person.
  • Actual Shingle Samples - A shingle roofer may be able to drop off samples of a few shingles to help you make a decision.

Don’t Let A Pandemic Stop Getting A New Roof

COVID-19 may stop us from doing some things right now; however, there is no reason why it should delay roofing repairs or putting on that new shingle roof if it is time.

Delaying this kind of work could result in additional damage to your roof and a more expensive roofing job.

Thankfully, shingle roofers are among those considered to be providing an essential service, so there shouldn’t be any problem finding a contractor to come out and do the work for you.

Where social distancing is concerned, it is very easy to go through the contractor selection, work estimation process, and even choosing roofing materials online or with limited or no face-to-face contact and have the roof you want without delay!

Looking At Shingle Roofing in Conroe Texas?

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Practical Reasons For Having New Roofing Installed!

If you are debating whether to invest in a new roofing installation now or to put it off as long as you can, you should know that there are multiple reasons why hiring roofers to do it now makes more sense than waiting.

Whether your installation is suffering from ongoing roof maintenance issues or is simply nearing its suggested retirement age, consider the less obvious but equally important reasons why replacing the roof on your home or building now is more practical than continuing to put it off.

1. Prevent Unnecessary Damage

An old roofing installation that needs to be replaced could be contributing to undetected structural damage.

Even when regular roof maintenance has been done and repairs have been made as needed, there comes a time when the possibility of accumulating damage due to these repeated minor problems must be recognized.

Rather than end up with a much larger repair bill to fix structural or other issues, invest in a new roof and stop it all.

2. Increase Property Value

The age and condition of the roof is an important factor when determining property value.

The more work a home or building needs, the less it is worth.

When you choose to call roofers before a property value assessment, the appraised value of your building will be much higher, sometimes even higher than the cost of the roof itself.

Alternatively, a bad roof can disproportionately reduce value.

3. Create More Curb Appeal

Appearance matters, whether it is a house in a neighborhood or a business location somewhere.

Newer roofing installations always produce a more attractive and well-kept appearance that stands out and relays the message that a home or building is maintained and there is owner pride.

4. Improve Energy Efficiency

According to experienced roofers, as a roof ages the less energy efficient the materials become as they slowly degrade over time.

Add to this the idea that roofing materials are continually being improved and made more environmentally friendly and energy efficiency could be improved considerably by investing in a new installation sooner rather than later.

5. Better Materials and Warranties

In the 20+ years that even shorter-lived roofing materials may last, many new and improved products that last longer and perform better will be introduced.

Replacing older materials with newer ones reduces your need to hire roofers to do increasing amounts of roof maintenance since today’s materials are of better quality.

Today’s materials also carry better and longer warranties.

6. Sell Faster

If trying to sell your home or building, one of the most attractive features that will help property sell faster is a new roofing installation.

Between the benefits of improved appearance and curb appeal, increased property value, energy-efficiency, and longer-lasting, higher-performing materials, the property will attract more interest and sell faster than if left with an old roof that is already aging.

7. Home Health and Comfort

With a new roof, issues are eliminated like attic dampness and mold growth that can affect indoor air quality, increase allergies, and cause various respiratory illnesses.

An energy-efficient, high-performing roof also makes it easier to keep the interior of a home or building at a comfortable temperature in all seasons.

Ready to Get That New Roofing Installation?

With so many important reasons illustrating the importance and practicality of a new roof, what are you waiting for?

Whether selling, dealing with too much roof maintenance and repairs, wanting to reduce utility bills, or just desiring a home or building to look nicer, all of these things can be resolved at once when you call a roofer for a new roof!

Looking for Roofers in Conroe Texas?

Contact Roofers Conroe for Your New Roofing Installation!

Call (936) 209-2162 for More Info!

Will Your Roofing Material Last A Long Time?

Roofs are expensive, probably the most expensive single component on any building.

Costing tens of thousands of dollars even for a less expensive version, you surely want to invest in a roof that’s going to last a while.

Do you know how long yours will last?

Though every type of roofing material comes with a suggested lifespan, there is a lot more at stake when projecting just how long yours will continue to protect your house or work building!

Roofing Material Lifespan

Different roofing materials have different lifespans, which is a highly important consideration when you’re having a new one installed by qualified roofers because it really is a case of you get what you pay for.

Less expensive roofing materials in most cases are not going to last as long as higher quality but more expensive materials in their class, so keep that in mind when choosing.

To get an idea of how long your roof could last in ideal conditions, start by looking at the suggested lifespan for different popular materials as suggested by the manufacturers:

  • Various Types of Asphalt Shingles - Ranges from 20 to 40+ years depending on product.
  • Wood Shingles and Shakes - Shingles up to 30 years, shakes up to 40 years.
  • Clay, Ceramic, Concrete - 50 years or more.
  • Slate - Up to 100 years or more.
  • Metal Shingles or Panels - 40 to 70 years, sometimes more.
  • BUR Roofing - 20 to 30 years.
  • Asphalt Roll Roofing - 5 to 10 years.
  • Rubber - EPDM roofing 15 to 25 years, TPO roofing 10 to 20 years, recycled rubber shingles 50 to 75 years.

Workmanship

When guesstimating the lifespan of any type of roof, it’s important to understand that projected lifespans as stated by the manufacturer are how long the material should last under ideal conditions.

For starters, this means that the material was correctly applied by skilled roofers who have followed the manufacturer’s installation instructions so the materials are properly laid and stay secure.

Poor workmanship can significantly decrease the lifespan of any roof, which is why it’s so important to hire a reputable and knowledgeable contractor to install yours.

Maintenance and Repairs

The second important factor that can affect how long your roof actually does last in spite of whatever the manufacturer suggests is how well you take care of it.

All roofs need some maintenance, which varies; some like architectural shingles need very little while others like wood shingles need a lot more.

Keeping up with maintenance will ensure your roofing stays in great condition and lasts its full lifespan.

Regular inspections will detect problem areas if followed by prompt roofer repairs to correct those problem areas to maintain your roof and prevent it from wearing out before its time.

Will Your Roof Last A Long Time?

Other than inexpensive asphalt roll roofing, most roofs will last at least two decades.

While that may seem like a long time, time flies before you realize it and replacing any roof whether a home or a business is expensive.

How long will yours actually last?

That will depend on the materials used, how they were installed, and the kind of care your roof receives throughout its lifetime.

If you choose wisely, work with a qualified roofer, and perform proper maintenance, yours should last as long as its suggested lifespan or even longer!

Need To Have A New Roof Installed?

Roofers Conroe Provides Expert Roofing Services!

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Understanding Different Types of Roofing Underlayment!

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From the outside, the roof on a home or building may seem like a simple, protective layer of materials that keep the weather out. Yet in reality, roofing is made up of multiple layers of material that work together to protect the structure.

Underlayment is an important component used by roofing services to create the most watertight barriers over a structure. When used correctly, various types of underlayment ensure that external shingles and other materials are as protective as possible.

What Is Underlayment?

Underlayment is a watertight fabric barrier that is installed between the top layer of roofing material and the wood decking. Underlayment is rolled out over the decking and attached to create a leak-resistant, yet breathable barrier between the various layers of the roof. It is made from a variety of material and comes in different weights. It can also protect against the chemical degradation that may occur when resins in the decking react with manufactured shingles.

Some underlayment requires fasteners, while other types are self-adhering. It is manufactured in a variety of types that conform to certain climate and safety codes. So using the proper one is important to ensure the best roof installation.

Different Types of Underlayment

The primary function of all underlayment installed by roofing services is to act as a moisture barrier underneath shingles, metal panels, and all other external material. Because it is water resistant yet breathable, underlayment promotes good ventilation while helping prevent damage caused by leaks. Some installations require underlayment that possesses additional qualities to keep its moisture resistance while preventing other issues. Following are the various types of underlayment: 

  • Standard Breathable - Provides adequate leak prevention and ventilation to protect the decking and structure in most pitched roof installations. It is available in multiple weights with heavier weight products being more resilient and longer lasting for greater protection.  
  • Waterproof - Waterproof protection is provided for installations on low-slope or flat roofs as well as other areas where there is a greater chance of leaks. This material is generally used where standing or slow-draining water could be an issue or to protect in susceptible leak areas.
  • Fire Resistant - Roofing made of wood shingles or shakes requires special fire-resistant underlayment to help protect the structure in the event of a fire. For any wood roof to receive a Class A fire resistance rating, the installation must include this special fire-resistant underlayment. Besides being more protective, it may also be required by insurance companies and could qualify homeowners for a discount.
  • Ice Barrier - In climates with a lot of snow and ice where ice damming is a problem, roofing services may use a special durable underlayment designed to reduce this issue. Ice barrier underlayment is thicker. It seals and self-adheres to the decking to reduce the chance of leaks around fasteners. It requires a different installation than standard underlayment so it covers more of the decking at the top and bottom. In some instances, multiple layers may be required.

Underlayment is required in all roofing installations and should be chosen based on the local climate, roof design, and type of external material used in the installation. Roofing services should use special underlayment products designed to provide the extra protection required for more challenging usage. When used appropriately, underlayment offers both water tightness and other important protective and ventilation features as well!

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Roofing Material – What Are The 6 Different Types?

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A beautiful, new roof can add curb appeal and value to any home. Fortunately, there are a number of types of roofing materials available that look and function great on various architectural styles. Although not every style is recommendable for every house, homeowners can discuss the possibilities with experienced, local roofing services to make the best decision for their home.

1. Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Architectural shingles are made of layers of felt, fiberglass, and asphalt that are formed into shingles of varying widths, shapes, and colors. These shingles typically last between 25 and 40 years or more and are very durable against severe weather, making them the preferred choice in many regions. They are also readily available and easy to install. Although they may not last as long as other material, asphalt shingles offer homeowners a low-cost, attractive option that has fairly low maintenance requirements.

2. Concrete and Clay Tiles

Tiles made from clay or concrete are popular in warmer regions because they are highly thermal efficient can reduce cooling bills. They are also very beautiful, available in numerous styles and colors that add character to any home. These tiles are weather and fire resistant, although they are prone to breakage if struck by large debris. When properly installed by roofing services experienced with tile, these roofs can last a century or more. The main disadvantages of tile are the fairly high installation cost and a weight that requires sturdy framework for support.

3. Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood has been used as a roofing material almost since the beginning of putting roofs on dwellings. Both shingles and shakes which are basically thicker shingles are still desirable. Wood offers natural beauty, fading to an attractive patina depending on the species used it can also be painted. Shingles can be made in a multitude of attractive shapes and sizes. Wood shingles and shakes are highly durable and long-lived when properly maintained, although they do require quite a bit of maintenance and upkeep. Wood can also be expensive and is not at all fire-resistant. Yet for some traditional homes, wood remains a popular choice.  

4. Slate Shingles

Slate is another material that has been used for a long time due to its availability and favorable qualities. Made into shingles, it creates a durable, fire-resistant, and weather-resistant covering. Slate is also quite beautiful, available in various natural hues. Like concrete and clay, it is also an extremely heavy material that may be prone to chipping and cracking if hit with large debris. Slate is one of the most expensive materials that roofing services can install, although it provides a century or more of protection with little maintenance.

5. Metal Roofing

Made into panels or even pressed to look like wood shingles, metal is an extremely versatile material offering many benefits and used on many homes today. Generally made from aluminum, stainless steel, zinc, or copper, metal is extremely weather resistant and durable when correctly installed by skilled roofing services. It is also lightweight, fire-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. Metal is more costly than architectural shingles but generally less expensive than other options.

6. Synthetic Roofing

There are also a number of synthetic roofing materials available that are very durable, providing many years of watertight protection at an affordable cost. Options include rubber and plastic membranes that are usually used on flat roofs as well as polymer materials shaped to look like expensive tile or wood shingles. Many of these materials offer lightweight protection that can withstand extreme conditions, making them popular choices for a variety of installations.

Choosing the best roofing material for any home installation requires careful consideration by the homeowner as well as a careful assessment by experienced roofing services. With the right choice for the home style and climate conditions, homeowners will get the functionality they need in a look that best complements their house!

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Which Type of Roofing Should Be Used On Flat Roofs?

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Flat roofs can be both a blessing and a curse. They can be easier and less expensive to replace than other types of roofing; however, water resistance depends on the proper installation of the most suitable roof for the home or building. There are many types of flat roofs available to be installed by professional roofing services, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Choice 1 - Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofs are created by using built-up layers of material that form a watertight coating on the top of a building. This material is very durable as it is constructed from three or more layers of watertight material, alternated with hot tar and fine gravel. The main advantage BUR offers is that it is the least expensive option in flat roofing. Its main disadvantage is that it can be very heavy, so it is not suitable for all installations. To be an acceptable option, the building structure must be strong enough to hold the total weight of all the BUR materials plus rainwater or snow.

Choice 2 - Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is a single-ply system that can be quickly and easily rolled on by roofing services, making it a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly installation than BUR. This pre-made material comes with a sticky back, making adhesives and tar unnecessary. The main advantages of modified bitumen are low cost and fast, clean installation. The main disadvantage is that modified bitumen is not very durable and does not properly withstand scratches or tearing.

Choice 3 - EPDM or PVC Membrane

EPDM and PVC are two types of membrane roofs that make very durable and energy efficient choices for flat installations. They are both rolled on in the same way, with seams sealed by using adhesives or special sealing tapes. The difference between the two is that EPDM is actually a rubber membrane, while PVC is one derived from flexible plastic. The main advantages to these roofing options are durability and longevity. The disadvantages include the fact that it can be harder keep EPDM or PVC watertight at the seams, which means more maintenance is needed. In addition, both choices cost considerably more than BUR and modified bitumen.

Choice 4 - Metal Flat Seam Panels

Metal flat seam panels make an attractive and very durable roof when properly installed by expert roofing services. These panels fit together in such a way that water cannot get under the joins, providing a highly waterproof installation. Metal flat seam panels look great on most buildings and are available in many widths and colors. These panels last the longest of all other options. The main advantages of these materials are high durability and longevity with a more attractive roof. Disadvantages are a much higher cost than other options and the tendency to leak at the seams if not correctly installed so that edges fit into each other.

Choice 5 - Spray On Coatings

A newer option for flat roofing is spray-on silicone coatings. These coatings are very easy to apply and highly waterproof, making them a durable and low maintenance option for flat installations. They are especially good for larger buildings and have many favorable attributes which include resisting ponding and high energy efficiency. Besides those already mentioned, the main advantages of spray-on silicone are fast installation, higher durability, watertightness with almost no maintenance, and easy repairs. The main disadvantage is that this material has the highest cost of all available options.

From lowest to highest cost, the installations listed above are the five main flat roofing choices now available to home or building owners. The choice should be made based on the size of the building, local climate, durability requirements, and available budget. To learn more about these choices, home and building owners should discuss their needs with experienced roofing services that can advise the best option!

Have A Flat Roof In Conroe Texas?

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