Don’t Make These Mistakes When It’s Roof Replacement Time!

Any commercial or residential roof replacement is a large and expensive investment in your home or building.

Naturally, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend more than necessary on a roof or end up with one that has problems over time or does not last as long as it should.

How can you avoid these problems when a roof replacement is needed?

Be certain to get long-lasting, quality work from a roofing service by being sure to avoid these common roofing mistakes!

1. Putting It Off or Never Get Round To It

If you already know you need to replace your roof due to signs of aging or other problems, delaying the inevitable is probably not going to save any money and instead might actually cost you more.

As the roof condition worsens, it increases the likelihood that there will be undiscovered leaks or other problems that cause additional damage requiring additional roofing services.

You could go from needing a new roof to needing structural work done as well!

2. Hiring the Wrong Roofer

Being a roofer is an exacting job that requires skill, training, and attention to detail.

It’s essential to thoroughly research and interview roofers before hiring to be sure you choose a reputable service that:

  • Has competent, well-trained employees.
  • Is honest.
  • Offers a good warranty.
  • Provides a great new roof at a reasonable price.

The roofer you hire should be:

  • Licensed and have proof of insurance.
  • Trained and approved to install the products they use.
  • Willing to perform a thorough and honest inspection.
  • Able to provide a detailed estimate.
  • Ready to stand behind their quality workmanship.

3. Installing New Materials Over Old

Though it may seem like a money saver to install new materials over the old to avoid removal and disposal costs, it’s a huge mistake.

That will not provide a proper surface to install new roof materials, make getting accurate inspections harder, and cause any future problems to cost twice as much.

In addition, since it is very unlikely that an experienced roofer will do that, so consider it a red flag if a contractor suggests doing that as a way to cut costs.

4. Skimping On Material Cost

There is a huge selection of materials out there to use to install a new roof with a wide range of prices.

You may not be able to afford the highest costing materials; however, don’t settle for the least expensive either.

In terms of roof materials, you definitely get what you pay for.

Installing a roof using cheaper materials with a short life expectancy is a waste of money when compared to the added cost of better materials that will last exponentially longer if well maintained.

5. Not Looking At the Fine Print

Roofing estimates and warranties from roofing services can be complicated, so it’s essential to read them over carefully and understand what you are and are not getting.

Have estimates provided by potential roofers spelled out in detail to include materials and labor, cleanup and disposal costs, as well as any other warranted fees you may be charged.

A warranty should be written in plain language and include details about manufacturer’s warranties, contractor warranties, how they apply, and who pays for what under which conditions.

Know ahead of time your recourse if there is a problem with the roof materials or workmanship, what it will take to resolve it, and what you might do to void the warranty.

Avoid Common Mistakes To Get A Quality Roof

Replacing your roof requires a lot of forethought and research to choose a roofing service that will do a superior job on your roof.

Before you call any roofing service, consider how to avoid these critical mistakes to be certain of getting your money’s worth and a long-lasting, trouble-free roof!

Need A Roof Replacement?

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Learn About The Use of Thermal Imaging To Inspect Roofs!

roofs in the woodlands texas

 

One of the most challenging factors in dealing with flat roofs is detecting leaks and finding their origin. Fortunately, today’s roof services have new tools available to help them find these leaks. By using thermal imaging, roofers can locate the presence of water within the layers of roofing materials non-invasively, then determine the best way to make repairs.

Thermal imaging makes inspection and repairs faster, more precise, and less expensive. This in turn allows contractors to provide efficient and cost-effective service to owners of flat-topped buildings.

What Is Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imaging is the use of an infrared thermal scanner to create images based on the presence of heat in roofing materials. Water takes longer to absorb heat than dry materials and longer to release once it heats up. Based on its ability to read these temperature differences, thermal imaging can be used to detect moisture in different material like decking and roofing insulation. It can also show the depth of the moisture that is present.

How Is Thermal Imaging Used for Inspections?

Flat roofs are designed to be waterproof barriers over buildings such as large commercial units. Since standing and slow draining water is a greater possibility on such roofs, materials must be non-permeable to prevent leaks and serious structural damage. Unfortunately, leaks can occur for a variety of reasons and remain undetected for long periods until the damage is substantial.

Thermal imaging offers roof services an accurate way to inspect buildings for areas of moisture without actually disturbing the surface of the roof. By using heat detection, contractors can scan the entire top of a building looking for problem spots that indicate the presence of moisture under the surface. Once these spots are located, they can then focus on determining the extent of the damage and how it can best be repaired.

Considerations With Thermal Imaging

When performed properly, infrared inspection of roofs offers many important benefits for both contractors and building owners. It allows contractors to get an accurate look at the entire structure faster and more thoroughly than any other method. It also detects water problems without having to disrupt the external material.

It is important this be done by experienced roof services since scans can be affected by various weather conditions and there is some variation as to how different materials show up on the scans. Thermal imaging inspections should be done on a clear, dry, and sunny day to produce the best results. The roofing must be able to absorb heat for the infrared imaging to actually work.

Thermal imaging provides many advantages by allowing roof services to quickly and accurately detect even the smallest problem areas. It is a non-invasive technique that can be used for troubleshooting and routine inspections to ensure there is no unexpected damage. Even though thermal imaging equipment is used mainly on flat commercial roofs, it can also be used to inspect residential pitched installations. It is one of the best diagnostic tools for monitoring roofs and locating water problems before they have a chance to cause serious damage!

Dealing With Leaky Roofs In The Woodlands Texas?

GMA Restoration Provides Outstanding Roof Repair Services!

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What Are The Advantages of Slate Roofs?

roofs in conroe Texas 3260

 

Slate is an attractive material that has been used to make roofs for centuries. Slate roofs look great on many types of homes and provide a number of important advantages, along with being one of the most durable options available. Although initial installation by professional roof companies can be more expensive than other options, the many benefits gained usually make slate a worthwhile investment.

Timeless Classic Beauty

The first thing that most people notice about slate roofs is their classic beauty. Used in Europe for hundreds of years and in the United States since the 19th Century, slate has a desirable old world appearance that can enhance almost any type of architecture. Available as shingles cut to different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, slate has a naturally variegated, earthy color range that gives it character. It can be tinted various darker colors like blue, green, and even deep red. One of the most beautiful types of shingles used today, slate stands out, adding style and value to most homes.

Long Roof Life

Slate is a very hard natural material that can withstand a lot of weather abuse. When expertly installed by skilled roof companies, it protects a home against weather extremes including heavy rain, strong wind, and damaging hail better than most other materials for a much longer time. Highly resistant to damage caused by UV light rays, slate requires little maintenance and can last 100 to 200 years when properly cared for.

Environmentally Friendly Choice

Slate is an environmentally friendly choice to have installed by roof companies. Extracted from the ground, it is readily available and involves a relatively clean production process in comparison to the production of synthetic roofing materials. Slate can be recycled when it is removed and can be safely discarded in the ground as well. When properly installed and insulated, it can help reduce utility bills because of its thermal properties that prevent the passage of heat through the shingles and into - or even out of - the home.

Important Fire Resistance

In addition to being durable and long-lived, slate roofs are also highly fire-resistant. Since slate is unaffected by flying embers that land on it, this property offers important protection to homes surrounded by trees or in areas where wildfires are common. In terms of fire protection, homeowners in vulnerable areas that choose fire resistant roofing like slate may be eligible for home insurance discounts due to the reduced risk of damage that could be caused by wildfires.

Considering its many qualities, slate is a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly roofing choice. While these roofs do carry a higher price tag than most others, slate outlasts all other materials and is often a preferred option for many homeowners. When carefully installed by experienced roof companies, slate shingles provide a lifetime of strikingly beautiful protection for any home, in almost any climate!

Thinking Of A Slate Roof In Conroe Texas?

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How Do You Protect Roofs From Aging?

Roofs in Conroe Texas

 

Most roofs have a fairly long life expectancy. While certain materials definitely last longer than others, they all have quite a few years of service life when properly installed and maintained. Because roofing is so expensive, homeowners should do everything possible to slow the aging process. To get the longest life from a current roof installation, homeowners should follow the helpful tips below offered by experienced roof repair companies.

Arrange Periodic Inspections

The key to keeping a roof in its best condition and lengthening its life is good observation and regular inspections. Besides keeping an eye out on their own, homeowners should arrange for a professional inspection by an experienced roof repair company every year or two. Professional installers know about all different types of material and where to look for potential problems.

With regular and routine inspections, it will be easier to prevent damage that can promote aging. Inspections should include observation of everything from the surface material itself to attic spaces, vents, gutters and downspouts. Roofers should look walk around the entire circumference of the house while looking for evidence of damage, leaks, or other problems.

Provide Proper Maintenance

Some roofs require almost no maintenance, while others require quite a bit. To reduce aging, keep up with any necessary repairs and all items that wear out, like loose or missing flashing. Ensure there is adequate ventilation and check for damage after storms.

Materials that require occasional treatment with paint, UV coatings, or sealants should be taken care of as recommended to preserve these protective layers. Be sure to follow any maintenance suggestions provided by material manufacturers to ensure the roof receives the care needed to stay in good condition.

Keep It Clean

Dirt, debris, and growing vegetation can also cause roofs to age prematurely. Do everything possible to keep the surface free of any debris and if necessary, hire a cleaner to scrub the surface if mold or mildew is present. Keep trees trimmed so branches are away from the house and most importantly, keep gutters clean. Dirty and clogged gutters can cause a number of serious problems that can very quickly age a roof or cause enough damage that it is no longer waterproof.

Quickly Address Repair Issues

Time is the enemy when it comes to roof repair. Even though it might be tempting to ignore smaller concerns that do not seem very serious, it is these smaller issues that can very quickly turn into problems that cause a lot of damage. Whether a problem is discovered by homeowners or by a roofing expert, the issue must be properly corrected. Waiting and hoping that a problem will not get worse is an invitation for damage that can age the roof more quickly than it should.

Learn to Recognize Problems

Based on the suggestions referenced above about seeking prompt repair when any concerns are discovered, homeowners must learn to recognize issues that demand immediate attention. Loose or missing flashing, small leaks noticed inside the home, or missing shingles or panels are the more obvious concerns to look for. Less obvious concerns include shingles that bubble, ones with curling edges, those that are cracked, split, peeling, or chipped, and any that are losing their protective gravel coating.

Roofs are one of the most important, and expensive parts of a home. Although they do not last forever, there is no reason why homeowners should not expect to get a full service life from their current installation with the right attention. To protect roofs from aging prematurely, be sure they are inspected and maintained as suggested by expert roof repair companies and arrange for any required repairs as quickly as possible. Proper inspection and maintenance will allow homeowners to get their money’s worth from their installation and help ensure they have to deal with as few problems as possible!

Need Roof Repair In Conroe Texas?

GMA Restorations Can Keep Your Roof In Great Shape!

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