(386) 263-7906 floridasbestroofing@gmail.com
Is Now a Good Time for Roof Replacement
Roofing Blog

Is Now a Good Time for Roof Replacement?

The question above is one that occurs at some point to every homeowner. Roof replacement is a big undertaking. It is a costly home improvement, it takes a lot of planning, and it is a major change and renovation for your home. It is also, however, essential for the upkeep and integrity of a property. An old, worn out, or leaky roof is a huge liability for many reasons. Firstly, it starkly lowers a home’s resale value, even in the robust real estate market of today’s economy. Whether or not you plan to sell your home, maintaining its value is always a wise investment. Secondly, aged or damaged roofs can strikingly raise home insurance premiums. In some cases, a bad roof can lead to insurance policy cancellations or even make a home close to uninsurable. Finally, damages to the roof, or even regular wear and tear over time, can easily lead to interior leaks or other further damages to the house. To avoid these liabilities, as well as the stress and cost that comes along with them, it is vital to the regular upkeep of a property to maintain a roof within its life expectancy and in good condition. 

This may leave you asking, when exactly should I start thinking about roof replacement? Is now a good time for it? Well, the simple answer is that if you are worried about your roof now or you think you should be worried, then yes, now is a good time. This does not mean that you need immediately to sign a contract. What it means is that there must be a reason you are considering roof replacement now. Maybe you know that your roof is reaching life expectancy (about fifteen years for most shingle roofs). Or maybe you have noticed your insurance premiums climbing, or, worse, you have gotten an insurance cancellation notice. Maybe your neighbors or friends are replacing their roofs, or at least talking about it. Maybe you are thinking about moving or putting your home up for sale and you want to make sure that it is in peak condition. If any of these circumstances apply, or if you have any other reasons not mentioned here, you should consider looking into roof replacement as soon as it begins to weigh on your mind, since there is likely to be a very good reason for that. 

Since the first step to roof replacement is simply getting a couple of estimates, it is an easy one to take. Any reputable roofing contractor would be happy to give you a free estimate within a couple of days of you requesting one, usually after a brief roof inspection (which you do not even need to be present for). After such an inspection, reputable contractors will also be happy to discuss your roof’s condition with you and explain whether or not your worries are reasonable or unfounded. Our representatives can tell you whether you have any outstanding problems on the roof, whether the roof has reached its life expectancy, and how long you can expect your current roof to last and function without replacement. Taking this simple measure can be an easy source of stress relief, as it will put your mind at ease if you do not need roof replacement and it will give you the comfort of having taken the first step if you do need it. 

With hurricane season coming up residents of central Florida may be reluctant to dive into roof replacement until the potential dangers have passed. This is not necessarily true though, as it is best to replace a faulty roof before a storm blows through. A new roof will stand up much better to tropical storm force winds than an old one, which will prevent leaks or other damages to the interior and personal property. Moreover, there is no season in central Florida that is completely without rain and windstorms. Even outside of hurricane season these tend to occur once or twice a month, albeit with less intensity. All this is to say that if your roof needs replacing now, waiting out the rainy season or the storm season is not a great reason to procrastinate. 

If you want to make sure that you and your roof are prepared for the future, just give us a call and we would be happy to help you out. Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with decades of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate! 

Spring is the Time to get your Roof Ready for Hurricane Season
Roofing Blog

Spring is the Time to get your Roof Ready for Hurricane Season

As spring is just around the corner, there is a lot to look forward to: warm weather, beach days, grilling and whatever else you may associate with spring and summer in Florida. One thing that we may not be looking forward to, but which is nonetheless just around the corner, is hurricane season. As the last couple of weeks have shown, even outside of hurricane season spring and summer in Florida are the seasons of frequent and often heavy storms that bring with them strong winds, rain, and even stronger wind gusts. All of this brings with it strain and pressure on your roof, which is why now is the perfect time to make sure that your roof is ready for hurricane season. 

 

Small Steps

Although storm preparedness is not a particularly fun topic, it bears thinking about now as small steps in the present can ensure that you save yourself headache and hassle in the future. There are two steps you want to take first which you can do yourself.

The first is to make sure that you have proper and up to date insurance coverage for your home or property. Hurricane season has the potential to be incredibly destructive, and although you may not need it, you want to make sure that you have proper coverage to get your home back to a pre-storm condition and avoid significant out of pocket costs. Make sure that you stay on top of any insurance renewal or cancellation notices and make on time payments to prevent lapse of coverage. Also, be sure to check out what your hurricane deductible amounts to. If that number is too high, which it often is as the hurricane deductible is separate from your other perils deductible, you may want to think about changing it or at least keeping in mind what sort of costs you could be facing.

The second is to take a quick look at your roof and ceilings. You can do this from the ground, so there is no need for climbing or ladders. Walk around your house paying particular attention to the ceilings to make sure there are no leaks. Even small water damage spots indicate that repairs need to be made to ensure roof integrity in the future. Outside, walk around the perimeter of your house, paying particular attention to the roof. Look for missing or torn shingles, uplifted areas, debris on the roof, and any trees with branches that may be brushing the roof or are near enough that they could pose a hazard if thrown by the wind. Trees growing near the roof should be trimmed as any rubbing during wind can cause damage to the roof surface and any heavy branches thrown by wind gusts can be a potential danger. 

 

Consult a Professional

If your cursory inspection reveals any problems, or even if it does not–especially if your roof is getting old–, you should next consult a professional. Contact a contractor to do an inspection and get a free estimate for any recommended repairs, big or small. Small maintenance jobs can be done quickly, easily, and are usually fairly cheap. They may involve things like tree trimming, cleaning gutters, removing accumulated small debris from the roof, or adding hurricane straps. If your roof needs a larger repair (for anything that can result in a leak) or full replacement (if it is past its life expectancy), this is also the best time to do it. Once we get closer to hurricane season and the beginning of summer, roofing companies will get busier as their schedules fill up. This is a great time to get ahead of the crowd and avoid having to wait months for a contractor’s schedule to open up, all the while stressing about being unprepared for a coming storm. 

If you want to make sure that you and your roof are prepared for the coming storm season, contact us for an inspection. Just give us a call and we would be happy to help you out. Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with decades of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Insurance Claims for Roof Damage
Roofing Blog

Insurance Claims for Roof Damage: 5 Tips

When your home or property gets damaged by a storm or other natural event, you want to be confident that repairs and restorations will be covered by your property insurance. After all, this is why you pay your yearly insurance premiums to avoid hassle when your property sustains damage. For those unfamiliar with the insurance claims process, however, it can pose some challenges and present frustrations. This is why we are here to help you get prepared and make your way through filing a roof damage claim and getting your roof back to its original undamaged state. Here are five tips for dealing with the insurance and claims process that will help to make it quick and easy.

 

  1. Know your policy

While most people are content simply knowing that they have an insurance policy and leave the details to their insurance agent, it is essential that you are familiar with certain parts of your policy. The first is the policy period. Insurance will only cover damage sustained during the period that the policy is active, which can be found under the heading “policy period” at the front of the policy. Make sure that you renew your policy before any deadlines so that it stays current and you have coverage at all times.

Regarding roofs, it is also important to watch out for policy endorsements that may limit roof coverage. A list of endorsements can be found in the Declarations Page section of each property insurance policy. Some insurance companies are adding an Actual Cash Value roof assessment endorsement. This may not seem like a big deal normally, but when it comes to wind or hail storm coverage for the roof, it results in a depreciated payment for roof repair or replacement. This typically amounts to an insurance payment that is only a percentage of what it will actually cost you to repair or replace the roof (somewhere around fifty percent). While ACV coverage endorsements can lower your premiums, they will bite back with significant out of pocket costs in the event of storm damage.

 

  1. File your claim in a timely manner

In Florida, you have, by law, two years from the day that damage occurred to file a claim. While this timeline gives you significant leeway, it is always best to file the claim as soon as you notice the damage and as close as possible to the date of loss (the date of the storm). This will get the process started and prevent any further damage from occurring, which may increase your costs in the long run. Additionally, insurance policies typically require the policyholder to take any possible measures to mitigate damages while the claims process is happening. This means that if there is a delay in the filing of a claim, and a leak resulting from a storm damaged roof worsens, then an insurance company may refuse to pay for any interior damages or mold issues resulting from the worsening of that leak. Avoid extensive interior damages and repairs liability by filing the claim as soon as possible.

 

  1. Maintain open lines of communication with your insurance company

Throughout the claims process you will be in extended communications with your insurance company, from filing the claim, to getting in touch with your adjuster, to scheduling an inspection, to receiving their acknowledgement of the filing, to receiving their estimate and settlement letter, and so on. This process will be much quicker and easier if you have open lines of communication with your insurer. Make sure that your property insurance company always has your updated physical address, an updated phone number, and ideally an updated email address which you check frequently. You may also want to sign up for text/SMS alerts. While your insurer will mail you physical copies of their correspondence letters if necessary, the process will proceed much faster if this can be done electronically. 

 

  1. Keep organized and document the process

Your adjuster will conduct an inspection of your property after you file a claim. It is always good, however, to have your own documentation as well. Make sure to photograph any property damage and note the cost of any damaged or destroyed items. Note also the dates of damage and dates of the photographs. Keep a running list of anyone with whom you speak about the claim (adjusters, inspectors, contractors, etc). On this list, note the date and time of conversation, the name, title, and contact information of the person with whom you spoke, and a summary of what was discussed. While you may not need any of this, it will make your life much easier if any problems do arise.

 

  1. Consult a professional in case of difficulties

When starting a claims process, it is always good to talk to someone who has been through it before. This may be a friend, family member, or neighbor who can give you an idea of what to expect. In the case that your claim is denied or it seems to you that the insurer’s estimate does not match the damages, you always have the option of contacting a professional. A public adjuster or even a contractor will likely have dealt with dozens or hundreds of claims. They will be familiar with local statutes that govern insurance estimates and will be happy to send their own estimate to your insurance company. Do not be afraid to look for help, and make sure that you contract with a reputable company.

If you suspect that your roof sustained damages covered by your insurance, we will be happy to do an inspection and advise you through the claims process. Just give us a call and we would be happy to help you out. Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with decades of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate! 

Roofing Problems
Roofing Blog

The Most Common Roofing Problems and Leak Causes II

In our last post we provided an explanation of the origins of the most common roofing problems and roof leaks. Turns out that origins of common problems are more extensive that we could exhaust in one post. Consequently, today we return to go over yet more common issues that eventually lead to roofing problems if left unchecked or unnoticed. As always, a timely roof inspection could forestall any such causes before they develop into leaks or other roof damages that may require costly repairs.

 

Nails:

Most of the material covering your roof was fastened there by specialty roofing nails. Although roofing nails are specifically designed to prevent water entry and associated leaks, no system can be perfect. The underlayment layer, whether felt or synthetic, is always attached by nails and so are the shingles, tile, or metal that provide the exterior covering. (Peel and seal underlayment sticks straight to the decking and does not require nails, but it was not in widespread use until only the last few years; even nowadays it is considered an upgrade and comes with extra costs). The first potential issue with nails is installation. If the nails were improperly installed, as when they are driven in too low so that they are not covered by the course of shingles above, they can remain exposed to the weather. Exposed nails begin to quickly rust, especially in the hot, rainy, and humid Florida environment, and rusty nails are prone to failure and water entry as they warp beyond their original form. Even when properly installed, nails can back out or stand high due to continued heat and moisture (again, both common in Florida). When deck nails, the ones installed in the deck sheathing, back out, they can lift the shingles above them, eventually allowing water entry. When shingle nails stand high these are called nail pops and can be easily observed on the surface of the roof. While common, nail pops can be a sign of an aging roof with extensive wear and tear, which may require repair or replacement in the near future.

 

Starter Course

When laying shingles, roofers begin from the bottom by laying down a starter course along the perimeter of the eaves. This starter course serves as a sort of anchor for all the courses laid above it. If a starter course is damaged, then it can cause big problems–rot tends to set in along the eaves and fascia. The soffit on the bottom of the eaves can also show this damage through discoloration. Starter courses can be damaged in a variety of ways from incorrect installation to nail pops to improperly attached gutters that might interfere with the drip edge (a metal strip that bridges the starter course and the eave of the roof). 

 

Ventilation

As we have extensively explained in previous posts, proper attic ventilation is crucial for a well-functioning and long-lasting roofing system. Adequate ventilation occurs when air enters vents located around the eaves of the roof, usually in the soffit, and exits vents located at the top of the roof–ridge or off-ridge vents. Because hot air naturally rises, if this system is properly installed and remains unobstructed, the ventilation system works appropriately. If any of the vents are improperly installed, missing, or obstructed, or if the attic is improperly insulated, the ventilation system may malfunction. This can cause the roof to overheat, damaging the shingles, or moisture to build up in the attic, which can rot the sheathing or the rafters/trusses holding up the roof. Mold and mildew problems often result from lack of proper ventilation and can become a health hazard and significant expense. Animals, such as bats, squirrels, mice, birds, and others can enter the attic and obstruct vents, as well as causing other damages. Any critter infestations are best identified quickly and evicted as soon as possible.

Again, these are only some of the major issues to watch out for to prevent roof damages. If you have not had a roof inspection in a long time, then it may be a good idea to get one now to prevent any future problems. Just give us a call and we would be happy to help you out. Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with decades of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Roofing Problems
Roofing Blog

The Most Common Roofing Problems and Leak Causes

Because roofing problems can be difficult to see, they are often ignored or go unnoticed until a major issue develops. Most homeowners do not bother paying attention to their roofs until they notice a leak on the inside of the house, at which point the problem could result in great expense. To avoid issues like this it is important to keep an eye on the most common causes of roofing problems and roof leaks. For this reason we want to provide a quick informative list of problems and causes to watch out for related to your roof before any serious damage happens.

 

Maintenance: 

Make sure that proper maintenance is performed on your roof, including roof inspections. These should be done ideally once a year and more frequently after serious storms. Maintenance may involve things like minor repairs, gutter cleaning, removing pine needles or leaves or other debris from the roof, and removing any tree branches that overhang the roof. Any build-up of foreign material on the roof can wear down the exterior of the shingles (or metal or tile) that is meant to be the protective layer for the roof. This is especially true of tree branches that overhang and rub against the roof. If this process is left unattended it will inevitably result in a roof leak. Branches close to the roof are also dangerous because a storm may break them off of the tree and cause them to fall onto the roof, potentially creating a hole directly into the interior. In Florida, which is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, it is generally a good idea to remove any trees that are too close to the house, particularly if they look dry, to avoid major storm damages.

An inspection by a qualified roofing professional can get in front of any potential damages before they progress too far. It is best to hire a trusted contractor to do the inspection, as they will know exactly what to look for. Here are some of the issues that an inspector will look out for:

 

Flashing

Flashing is a material, typically metal, that is put in particularly vulnerable parts of the roof. These include cuts in the roof for plumbing or HVAC vents and anywhere that a ninety degree corner appears on the roof, like at a chimney or elevation change. Flashing is meant to protect these vulnerable areas, but if it was improperly installed or is separating from the roof surface due to age, then it creates an easy and most effective point for water penetration.

 

Valleys

A related vulnerable area is the valleys of the roof surface. Because water tends to run down the valleys, they can get worn away faster than other areas. For this reason, valleys are usually lined with extra protection, like valley metal or rolled roofing or peel and seal underlayment. If one of these were installed improperly, or if they fail due to wear and tear (which is especially harsh in valley areas), then a leak is inevitable. In fact, dead valleys, as these are called, are one of the primary causes of roof leaks.

 

Storm Damage

Relatively minor storm damage often goes unnoticed by the homeowners; however, even minor storm damage is a gateway to bigger problems. Once there is a vulnerable area on the roof, normal wear from the elements (heat, wind, rain, etc…) is exacerbated and leads to leaks and sheathing damage. Minor storm damage includes creased or missing shingles, lifted up by wind storms, as well as hail damage, which presents as small spots on the roof. These spots damage the exterior surface of the roofing material, which allows water from following rain storms to seep under the exterior layer and cause leaks and other damages.

These are only some of the major issues to watch out for to prevent roof damages. If you have not had a roof inspection in a long time, then it may be a good idea to get one now to prevent any future problems. Just give us a call and we would be happy to help you out. Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with decades of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

The Basics of Roof Safety
Roofing Blog

The Basics of Roof Safety

Home improvement projects can be a lot of fun, and many people choose to take them up on their own instead of hiring a contractor. Roofing projects, however, are generally not so fun and most often require hiring a professional. And yet there are instances, involving minor damage, that you might decide to undertake repairs yourself. From roof cleaning to cracked flashing to a couple of missing shingles, small jobs like these are often performed (or at least attempted) by homeowners to save costs and to avoid having to wait for a contractor to schedule their repair. In these cases, it is of utmost importance to take all possible safety precautions. For this reason we are laying out here some basics of roof safety to keep in mind when attempting any repair (or anytime you decide to climb onto your roof at all).

 

Overall Safety Tips

There are some general safety tips to keep in mind. Never work on your roof when it is wet or slippery. This can be after or during rain or even early in the morning when the dew still has not evaporated. Even when the roof is not wet, it is important to wear soft-soled and ridged shoes for proper traction. Also avoid working when it is either too hot or too cold out. Temperatures like these can warp the shingles and make them dangerous to step on. It is also very easy to get dehydrated and dizzy during hot weather, which is exacerbated by the heat coming from the roof surface itself. Additionally it is important to keep your work area clean to avoid creating a tripping hazard and make sure that nothing falls off of the roof, as this can seriously injure someone or cause property damages. Keep children and pets away from the surrounding area when you are working. 

 

Ladders and Electrical

To get up on the roof you are going to need a ladder. The type of ladder and its set-up are both incredibly important. Make sure that it is a vertical ladder, not an A-frame. Also, be sure that the ladder is long enough to reach up to and beyond the edge of the roof; otherwise, it is not safe to use. Ladders should be set up at an angle so that they rise vertically four feet for every one foot they extend horizontally. Ladders should also be stationed on a level surface, making sure that both feet are at the same elevation. When climbing the ladder, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and keep at least three points of contact at all times with the ladder. 

When setting up the ladder, find a clear area of the roof well away from any electrical fixtures, especially power lines, and even satellite dishes. Not only will these obstruct your ascent onto the roof, but they also create a hazard of electrocution. Another electrical hazard is a metal ladder. Make sure that your ladder is made of fiberglass (or wood, although that is rare nowadays) so that electricity cannot jump from the powerlines to your ladder. And, always, avoid touching any hot wires with either your hands or your tools.

 

Nail Gun Safety

Nail guns are an essential tool for roof repairs, but they are also a dangerous instrument that can potentially turn into a weapon. When using a nail gun make sure to follow all safety instructions that come from the manufacturer. Particularly, never point the nail gun at any part of the body or any other person. When discharging nails, make sure that the nail gun’s barrel is pressed right against the surface and avoid “shooting” nails. Make sure that all the safety mechanisms of the gun are in place and never tamper with any of them. Finally, disconnect the air supply to the gun as soon as you are finished using it and never attempt to clean or repair or do any work on the nail gun while it is connected. 

 

If you do not feel confident taking on roofing repairs yourself, no problem. Just call us! Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with decades of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

5 Steps
Roofing Blog

5 Steps to Take When You Notice a Leak

Suddenly finding a leak on the ceiling of your home can be a very stressful experience. You may immediately start imagining the stress of dealing with contractors, the costs of repairs, the disruption to daily life of having repairs done on your roof or in your home, and visions of mold and other complications if the repair is not done in time. Not to worry. We are here to offer an easy step-by-step guide to dealing with a leak that can take all the stress out of the process. We have thought of everything so that you do not have to.

 

Step 1: Finding the Source

The first step after finding a leak is to identify its source. The source will determine what immediate actions you need to take next and who you will need to call for repairs. You might think that finding the source involves climbing on the roof or into the attic, but this is unnecessary and potentially dangerous. Instead, simply consider what a leak is. A leak is water getting into a place it should not be entering. There are two water sources: weather on the exterior and plumbing. If it is a plumbing issue, then it will leak regardless of weather. If it is a roofing issue, it will leak only when it is raining.

 

Step 2: Documentation

No matter what the source of the leak is, it is important to document it for insurance and liability purposes. You should take photos of the leak and the room it is in when you first discover it. You should continue to take photos throughout the process whether it gets worse or not, including once repairs begin and after the repairs are finished. While you may not need these photos, it is very important to have them in case you do. You should know that if you decide to contact your property insurance company and file a claim (in the case that the leak is caused by damage covered by insurance, like a windstorm) they will expect you to have taken steps to mitigate the leak even before they arrive. 

 

Step 3: Hiring a Contractor

The next step is to hire a contractor. As we have mentioned in previous posts, it is best to contact a local, experienced, licensed and insured contractor. A simple internet search will pull up a number of local contractors whom you can sort by their ratings and reviews of previous customers. A roofing contractor will come out to identify the source of the leak and provide an estimate, usually the day after you call them (if the first available appointment is more than a day or two out you may, having an active leak, consider a different contractor). Once the representative arrives and inspects the problem, he will provide you with an estimate. It is important that you ask this person to identify the specific cause of the leak if they do not immediately do so. The reason for this is that some causes will be covered by property insurance while others will not. The contractor’s representative will be able to tell you, typically, if the source of your leak is covered by insurance. If they cannot, you can call your insurance agent and name the source of the leak. If it is covered by insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company at this point. Even if the repair estimate is under your deductible, you should still file the claim since the deductible only applies once during a policy period. If it applies now and you have another issue within the policy period, you will be fully covered for repairs then.

 

Step 4: Repairs

Once you have hired a contractor and agreed on a price, it is time to schedule the repairs. In the case of an active leak, you will usually be scheduled within a week. If the leak is particularly bad, your roofer will typically tarp it or take some other mitigating measures the same day that you agree to their estimate. If you did file an insurance claim, make sure that the repair is scheduled after an adjuster has had a chance to come out and take a look at the damage. If this is not possible, it is imperative that your contractor takes photos before, during, and after the repair so that you can provide your insurance company with the documentation. They will not pay for damages if they do not see evidence of them themselves. 

 

Step 5: Clean-up and Payment

Once the source of your leak is repaired, you will want to hire a drywaller/painter/handyman who can fix the damages caused by the leak on the interior and have your ceiling looking like new again. A good roofing contractor will be able to refer you to a quality company who does interior work for a reasonable price. Once payment is made you’re all set!

Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with decades of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Warranties & Insurance
Roofing Blog

Warranties & Insurance

There are many factors to consider when looking into roof repair or replacement, but two of the most important are often overlooked. These are warranties and liability insurance. Before choosing a contractor make sure to check on their warranty policies and confirm that they are properly insured. Why, you might ask? Well here is a brief explanation of why these two factors should be among your top priorities when choosing a roofing company. At Florida’s Best Roofing, we want only what’s best for our clients. For this reason we are fully insured and we offer a 10 year labor warranty on all roof replacements and a 1 year warranty on all roof repairs.. Here are a couple of reasons why warranties are an important factor to consider when choosing a contractor.

 

Warranties protect the homeowner

Replacing or repairing a roof is an investment, oftentimes costly, in your home. Warranties protect that investment. They guarantee that the materials and workmanship are of a high quality. Manufacturers most often provide material warranties while contractors provide labor or workmanship warranties. In the case that the materials or labor are not up to par or have some sort of quality issue, the warranty guarantees that the manufacturer or contractor will make things right free of charge, provided that a proper warranty claim is filed within the allotted time period. 

 

Home Value

A new and freshly replaced roof will greatly improve your home’s value, whether you plan to sell or not. However, if the roof came without a warranty, this sends a red flag to potential buyers or investors, as it is an indication of potentially shoddy work. A roof with proper warranties will both protect and increase your home’s value. Warranties are also frequently transferable to new buyers. Manufacturers’ warranties can typically be transferred once, from one homeowner to another, but Florida’s Best Roofing’s labor warranty stays active for 10 years, no matter who owns the property.

 

Liability Insurance

You may be wondering why exactly you need to make sure that your contractor is adequately insured. Well, when you need your roof replaced, you want to make sure that you work with the best and most experienced contractor who will give you a finished product of the finest quality. Experienced contractors know how important insurance is in the business, because they want to make sure that everyone is protected, from their customers to their employees.

 

Accident Protection

Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs out there, and it is consistently rated so by the Department of Labor. The old adage “if something can go wrong, it will” may not apply in every case, but as in any dangerous business, accidents are liable to happen. However, as the homeowner, you should not be liable for any accidents. Liability insurance exists to protect contractors and homeowners and cover any accidents or property damage that may occur on the jobsite. 

 

Protecting the Homeowner

Following this logic, you can see how contractors’ insurance is designed to protect their customers. If you take a chance on an uninsured contractor (or end up using one unknowingly) you can be held liable for any accidents or damage that occurs while work is taking place on your property. Because of the involvement of heavy machinery, heights, and dangerous tools like nail guns, this can include anything from hospitalizations to damaged automobiles or air conditioner units, all of which are quite expensive. 

Experienced and trustworthy roofing contractors are aware of all of these factors. For this reason, they would not dream of performing a job such as roof replacement without adequate insurance coverage. Insurance is a sign of a contractor’s integrity, professionalism, and a guarantee of their work’s quality, alongside their warranties. Do not get caught up in the headache of extra costs and liability claims. Make sure to choose a contractor with up to date insurance and a reasonable warranty policy with a local office, who can be reached easily in the case of potential problems or issues while work is taking place and in the future.

Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with over a decade of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Florida's Best Roofing
Roofing Blog

Holiday Lights and Your Roof

Now that we are well into the beginning of the month of December and the Thanksgiving holiday is in the rearview, for many it is the time for holiday decorating, including the hanging up of Christmas lights and related accoutrements on the exterior of the house. Whether we celebrate one, all, or even none of the upcoming holidays, most of us like to have the exterior of our homes reflect the festivities in the interior. Children love looking at the lights on a walk or drive through the neighborhood and adults, even though some may not admit it, delight at the glittering decorations. So why is a roofing company interested in holiday lights? Well, that is because most frequently many of these exterior decorations end up being attached to the roof. If the fastening of garlands, twinklers, light icicles, or any of a dozen different decorative elements is done improperly, especially year after year, they can cause unintended damage to the roof covering, and even result in leaks later on. So, we have decided to take this time to briefly educate you on the dos and don’ts of hanging up your holiday decorations.

Firstly, safety should be the topmost consideration. You may think that a one story roof is not all that high, but even with a low-sloped one story roof caution must be taken. Make sure that you are not putting your home’s holiday aesthetic over your own health by using a well-functioning and properly set ladder. Follow all the instructions from the ladder’s manufacturer in its set-up and use, which are typically printed on the ladder itself. Also, if you do not have much experience in climbing up to your roof, make sure that you do not carry or hold too many things at once, as this can easily make you lose your balance. When decorating the exterior of the home, it is always best to have a partner or helper who will hold on to materials and pass them up to you. When working with electric lights also make sure that they are not plugged into an outlet while they are being placed or hung on and around the home. It is best to check them first, then unplug and hang, and then plug everything in at the end once it is in the appropriate place. Always carefully read and follow all the safety directions on any of the decorations, electrical and otherwise, that you purchase. 

Second, it is important to consider the method of attachment. The electric lights that are typically hung around the eaves of the house, whichever shape they may take, are frequently the main culprit here. These are sometimes sold with variously shaped hooks that are meant to aid in attachment. If they are not sold with hooks, separate kits of plastic hooks are easily found in the holiday decoration department of any hardware store or supermarket. While these can sometimes seem clumsy and awkward to use, they are in fact your best bet. Because they typically come in a shape with a variety of differently formed attachment points, it is always possible to attach them to the woven lights cord. Then, it is necessary to find an attachment point on the roof. This is easiest with gutters, since the hooks can clamp straight onto the gutter. If your house does not have gutters, another attachment point, like the drip edge or soffit, will have to suffice. When attaching the hooks it is very important to take great care and do so softly and patiently, as while gutters, for example, can take the weight of an electrical light garland, they cannot take even a fraction of the weight of a human being. Although it may seem at first that the easiest way to attach decorations to the roof is by stapling or nailing them directly to the shingles, this is wrong. Shingles perform best while maintaining integrity of the surface and the granules. If this is disturbed in any way, like by a nail or staple, which may seem minor and harmless at first, then integrity fails and the shingle becomes less and less effective as weather events exacerbate the damage already introduced. This is exactly how hail damage (as described in an earlier post) leads to eventual leaks, although the hail typically never breaks through the roof covering. 

All in all, when it comes to putting up your exterior holiday decorations, follow common sense, take all necessary safety precautions, and be sure to avoid damaging the integrity of your roof covering. Find another way to attach light garlands along the eaves, using the appropriate attachment hoods and avoid attaching garlands along the hips and ridges of the roof, as there is no way to attach decorations there without it leading to additional roof damages. Decorate safely and happy holidays!

Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with over a decade of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement or repair and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Roofing Price
Roofing Blog

Choosing a Roof Replacement Estimate: Is the Lowest One Always the Best Choice?

Roof replacement is an integral home improvement project. It is not a matter of making your home look better (although it accomplishes this also) but a matter of making sure that your home continues to be a safe and comfortable living space. Roof replacement is a project that most homeowners will undertake at least once, and perhaps even two or three times, depending on how long they own the home and what kind of roof is installed. Most roofs have a life expectancy of about 15 to 30 years, depending on weather conditions, which is especially precarious in Florida considering the frequency of tropical storms in our area. 

While necessary, roof replacement can also be a confusing and expensive procedure. Even if you are well informed about the steps of roof replacement, roofing procedures, and roof types, you may be faced with a difficult decision when choosing a roofing contractor. Ideally, as a homeowner you will contact several contractors in your area and get a detailed estimate from each. At this point, it is up to you to choose which contract to sign. 

Because roof replacement is an expensive process, costing thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars (depending on the type of roof and the size of the home), a homeowner’s first instinct may be to select the cheapest estimate and sign with that contractor. This is perfectly understandable, but you should know that the cheapest estimate may come with hidden costs. Here are five reasons why choosing the lowest estimate may cost you more in the long run.

 

  1. Expertise

Some contractors claim to be experts in just about everything. They might claim that they can do not only roof replacement, but also replace your windows, siding, remodel your bathroom, and throw in landscaping services. This may turn out well and good, but oftentimes it can be a red flag.

When replacing the roof on your home, you do not need a handyman, you need an experienced roofing professional. This is not someone who is just good with a hammer, but educated in the requirements of roof replacement and building codes. 

 

  1. Warranty

The cheapest prices are often offered by companies or contractors with no office or physical location in your area. They may come up with a nice looking finished product, but you will not know if the roofing system underneath the top layer is of top quality. Be aware especially of anyone who tells you they can save you money by simply putting another layer of roofing on top of your old roof. A roof is an integrated system of layers from the sheathing to the cover, with roof-specific flashing and ventilation systems. 

If your roofer does not check the lower layers of your roof, you may end up with a fresh roof layer covering rotting plywood sheathing, which will require repair or replacement within mere months. Then, if your roof develops a leak within a month or a year of replacement you will begin trying to hunt down that out of town (or worse yet, unlicensed) contractor for their warranty. This will prove to be a difficult, if not impossible, task.

 

  1. No Worries

When you hire a reputable, licensed, local contractor with a physical address and dedicated employees you will save yourself a ton of worries. These contractors have a local reputation to maintain and can be easily tracked down at their local address. For this reason they will make sure you have the best experience possible. You will not have to worry about them not showing up or doing shoddy work and disappearing. Once you sign the contract, your roof will be scheduled and all work will be done within days of the scheduled date. It will also be done in accordance with all local and state building codes. If you ever have any questions or concerns you will easily be able to get in touch with this type of contractor.

 

  1. A Gamble

Choosing the lowest price is always a gamble. After all, prices are not taken out of thin air. So, if you see one estimate that is lower than all the others, you should ask yourself how this is possible. All roofers have to purchase materials, pay their employees, and cover overhead costs. Very low prices often mean that there may be cost cutting going on either on materials or labor. In either case, you do not want low-grade materials installed on your roof or for the workers doing the installation to be either unqualified or underpaid. Both of these will lead to a low quality product that will leave you paying in the long run.

 

  1. Liability

If the company with the low-ball offer does not have a license, liability insurance, or worker’s compensation insurance, you may be stuck with the costs usually covered by these policies or a lawsuit. Roofing can be a dangerous process. It can cause damage to the surrounding area (like air conditioning units, landscaping, etc), and workplace accidents are possible even when all precautions are taken (which may not be by a shoddy contractor). A responsible, licensed, and insured contractor will have safeguards in place to handle these issues. They will fix any damage to the surrounding area and will have liability insurance coverage and worker’s compensation to cover any accidents. Saving money by choosing an unscrupulous contractor at the start could leave you liable for these types of costs later on down the line.

 

Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed (CCC 1325974) and insured, local roofing contractor with over a decade of experience. If you are interested in roof replacement and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give us a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Florida's Best Roofing
Roofing Blog

An Explanation of Common Terms Used in Roofing

Like any other profession, the roofing business uses jargon: certain terms that may not be immediately familiar to those not involved in the profession or that might have different meanings from their normal usage. For this reason, discussing roof repair or roof replacement may put the customer at a disadvantage or at the very least a state of confusion. To help prevent this, we want to share with you the meanings behind some common terms that you will hear if you call or hire a roofing contractor. With this information, you’ll be able to discuss roofing like a pro!

Algae Discoloration: This is a type of roof discoloration caused by algae, usually taking the form of dark streaks. It is often mistaken for fungi growth.

Asphalt Shingles: Fiberglass shingles with a bituminous waterproofing material applied during manufacture.

Architectural Shingles: Also called Laminated or Three dimensional shingles. These are shingles that have more than one layer for extra thickness and protection.

Base Flashing: That portion of the flashing attached to or resting on the deck to direct the flow of water onto the roof covering.

Base sheet: A product intended to be the base or middle ply in a residential self-adhering roll roofing system used to cover flat or very low sloped roofs.

Blisters: Bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.

Built-Up Roof: This is a roof covering method that consists of multiple layers of ply sheets embedded in hot asphalt. It is used for flat or low sloped roofs.

Bundle: This refers to the way shingles are packaged. There are typically 3, 4 or 5 bundles per square.

Cap Sheet: A mineral surfaced material that is used by itself or as the top layer of a multi-layer rolled roof covering system.

Chalk Line: A line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. This is a method for aligning shingles in roof installation.

Counter Flashing: That portion of the flashing perpendicular to the base flashing attached to a vertical surface preventing water from migrating behind the base flashing.

Course: This refers to a row of shingles or roll roofing running the length of the roof.

Coverage: The number of layers of material between the exposed surface of the roofing and the deck.

Cricket: A peaked saddle construction at the back of a vertical feature on the roof (like a chimney) that prevents accumulation of snow and ice and to deflect water around the feature.

Deck: This is the surface of the roof that is attached over the frame. It can be made of plywood or OSB.

Drip Edge: A corrosion-resistant, non-staining material (typically metal) that is installed along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction.

Eave: This is the horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof.

Felt: Fibrous material saturated with asphalt and used as an underlayment.

Flashing: Pieces of metal used to prevent the leaking of water into a structure around any vulnerable place in a roof such as vents, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys. 

Granules: Crushed stones applied to the top of asphalt roofing shingles to form a protective layer.

Overhang: That portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.

Peel and Seal: A self-adhering waterproofing underlayment designed to protect against water infiltration due to ice dams or wind driven rain. 

Soffit: This is the finishing on the underside of the eaves, typically metal or vinyl.

Square: This is the unit for measuring the roof surface, equalling to 10ft. x 10 ft.

Starter Strip: Asphalt roofing applied at the eave that provides protection by an additional layer of material under the cutouts and joints of the first course of shingles.

Synthetic Underlayment: An underlayment product that is typically manufactured using polypropylene and is used as an alternative to felt underlayment.

Valley: The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Vent: Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck such as a pipe or stack. 

If you have any questions regarding roofing terms, don’t hesitate to contact us. As your contractor, we will always work as hard as we can to make sure you are pleased with your new roof. If you are interested in roof replacement and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give Florida’s Best Roofing a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Permits
Roofing Blog

The Deal with Permits

If you are looking into making any large alteration on your home or property or undertaking a large renovation project you may have run into the question of building permits. Building permits are required not only for the construction of new commercial and residential structures, but also for major changes made to existing structures. The precise rules governing building permits vary by location. Which alterations require a permit and how the permitting process works, including inspections and paperwork requirements, as well as permit prices, varies by location. Local building departments, whether city, county, or municipal, make their own rules in accordance with federal, state, and local statutes and building codes. New construction, roof replacement, building additions, sheds, fences, and paving (like driveways for instance), usually requires a building permit. So, you may wonder, why are building permits necessary? And what are the procedures for getting one? We are here to answer these questions.

 

Why Permits are Necessary

The building permit system is designed to protect the property owner and regulate contractors. This protection is twofold. First, it ensures that construction, alteration, and renovation is performed according to all applicable building codes. This guarantees that the final construction product is as safe as possible for human use and habitation. It seeks to prevent shoddy or inept building practices that may result in a structure that is prone to collapse, fire, and other hazards. One example of these hazards is prohibition against the use of toxic substances that have been banned in home construction, even those that may have been considered suitable in the past, like lead or asbestos. Building codes also attempt to make sure a structure is as durable as possible for the environment that it is in. This pertains to various natural hazards like earthquakes or flooding and weather events like winter icing and snow accumulation, rainfall, and wind. In Florida building codes are designed to mitigate damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. 

 

The second way that building permits protect property owners is through the regulation of contractors. Contractors, whether building, roofing, electrical or any other, must register with local building departments in order to be listed on or granted a permit. During the registration process the building department reviews each contractor’s license and insurance compliance. Going forward, the building department ensures that licenses and insurance policies remain up to date and in good order. This means that only licensed, insured, qualified contractors in good standing are granted building permits, which weeds out deceptive contractors who operate illegally, are liable to do shoddy work, and may cheat their customers. For this reason, you should always make sure that any contractor you hire is registered with the local building department and is issued the appropriate building permit. If your contractor does not apply for a building permit, you should check their license status and may want to find a new contractor.

 

The Permit Process

The permit process, determined by each local building department, varies by town, city, or county, but a general outline can be summarized here. For every new construction or major renovation at every property a separate permit is required. Before a contractor can start work, they must apply for and be issued a permit. For new constructions, plans must be submitted to the building department and approved by them. For renovations, like a roof replacement, paperwork must be submitted and approved, such as a Notice of Commencement, which lists the type of alteration, the owner of the property, and the contractor. This form needs to be signed and notarized by the property owner and recorded and certified at the local courthouse before its submission can be approved. For this reason, a contractor will ask you to come to their office to sign and notarize this form or sign it, notarize it, and mail them the original copy to be taken to the courthouse. Sometimes additional paperwork is required for the homeowner to sign, like a Lien Law Affidavit, which pertains to the acknowledgement of the local construction lien law. 

Once the permit is issued, a copy of it alongside other relevant paperwork, as required by the building department, must be present on the property throughout the construction process. It is reviewed by building inspectors, who are sent out by the department to ensure that construction proceeds in accordance with all building codes. Several inspections occur throughout the process, depending on the exact nature of the construction project. The project and permit cannot be closed out until it passes final inspection, which shows that all work has been completed according to building codes and approved by the building department. 

As your contractor, we will always work as hard as we can to make sure you are pleased with your new roof and ensure a smooth permitting process. If you are interested in roof replacement and you are in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give Florida’s Best Roofing a call at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate! 

Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc is a Palm Coast-based roofing contractor, providing professional roofing services in Flagler and Volusia County Areas.

Newsletter

We promise not to spam!