Blog – Page 10

Apr3

Roofing Blog

What To Do When Your Roof Suddenly Leaks Or Is Damaged

When it comes to your home, there’s really only so much you can do against the elements. Build an average home, and pit it against a category 4 hurricane, and there’s a good chance you’ll lose a boundary wall, a few windows, or even a whole section of your home. It’s part of the risk when building a home and a big reason why homeowners’ insurance is so important.

And no part of your home is more susceptible to this kind of damage than your roof. Heavy rain and winds, lightning, hail and acts of God can all damage your roof, causing leaks and internal damage.

So, what’s a homeowner in the middle of a hurricane to do? In the event of such damage, quick action is your first order of business.

Stop A Small Problem From Becoming A Serious Disaster

Before we start, it’s important to note one important thing: in the event of an emergency, never try to fix the problem yourself. Even more importantly, never try to do this during a storm. You could seriously injure yourself, but also cause irreversible damage to your roof.

Call in a qualified roof contractor who is going to have the equipment and expertise to handle your repair job safely and efficiently. Make sure you have an exact understanding of what the problem is before you call, or as close to it as you can get. Be prepared to explain, simply, what the damage is over the phone or in an email, so that they have what they need to give you an accurate cost estimate.

With this information onhand, you now have what you need to decide whether the roof needs repairs, and whether those costs are worth it or if they can wait for the storm to pass by.

What’s Involved

For an emergency procedure, measures will typically include some of the following:

repairing tarpaulins on or underneath damaged roofing
building up damaged chimneys
protecting a damaged utility line

Once conditions have lightened up and everything is dry, once more, your contractor can do a complete assessment of the damage, just in case there was something you missed. They’ll want to isolate a damaged section of the roof and repair it without having to replace the rest of the roof itself.

What To Do When Your Roof Suddenly Leaks Or Is Damaged

As a homeowner, you know anything can happen, but that doesn’t make it any easier to predict. That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what to do in the event of a sudden leak or unexpected damage, to minimize damage and any potential risks to yourself.

Always remember: trying to handle an emergency repair on your ceiling on your own could be dangerous, not just to yourself but also to your roof. Isolate the damage, contain any of the moisture that makes its way inside, and get on the phone with someone who knows what they’re doing.

Looking for professional help with emergency roof repair work? Visit Florida’s Best Roofing Inc, or get in touch with us on (386)263-7906, today!

Apr3

Roofing Blog

How to Qualify Your Roofing Contractor?

An important factor in the success of any construction project is in choosing the right contractor. Qualified, professional contractors have the background and experience in the industry to know what they need to turn out in order to guarantee the outcome of a homeowner’s project.

If you take the time to understand your contractor before giving them the contract, you save a lot of potential issues and wasted time in solving unexpected problems. Professional contractors work with a sense of pride, so expect them to discuss your options, their previous work, and and any and all references.

Before making an appointment, decide whether you’re truly qualified. And the best way to figure yourself out in those situations? Well, you can start by answering some of the following questions:

Does Your Contractor Have A Permanent Office?

The selection process can be grueling when it comes to roofing contractors. This means that you need to get the basics taken care of, early on. Start with the following question: do they have the resources to rent and maintain a permanent office? If your contractor isn’t permanently established somewhere, how can they guarantee they’ll complete your roof under deadlines or unexpected developments?

Do They Have Legitimate Insurance?

Trying to decide on a new contractor? You’re going to want specific information about their coverage in the event of an accident or some sort of roadblock. They’ll need to verify your coverage, with names and phone numbers for their provider.

Are They Licensed, Registered, and Part of a Trade Association?

Never trust a contractor just because they can show you their license. You might not expect it, but licensing requirements are actually pretty minimal.Not only that, but the actual laws concerning them aren’t usually very strict.

Ask if they are a trade association member. Then ask for contact details, and make sure to actually reach out and contact the association to confirm their membership.

How Long Have They Been A Part Of The Industry For?

Age within the business speaks volumes, so make sure to get a clear idea of how long they’ve been roofing for. Many businesses will artfully sidestep this question, but don’t let them distract you.

If your contractor has been in the business for fewer than five years, it may indicate some instability. This is why 90% of businesses fail within their first five years of operation. Check their references carefully for long-term validity, and make sure to ask about their older projects if and when you contact them.

How Have They Historically Handled Complaint Resolution?

If a contractor tells you they have never had a complaint during their time in business, do yourself a favor and reject them outright. Every business deals with complaints. It’s not about getting out without any complaints, but about how you handle those complaints.

Ask your potential contractor about the complaints they’ve had, how they handled them, and how they would handle a hypothetical complaint, as well.

Looking for more great insights into the roofing industry? Check out some of our other expert blog content, or get in touch with us today, and find out how Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. can transform your next roofing project.

Apr3

Roofing Blog

Why Is My Roof Leaking? 5 Things to Find and Fix

There’s nothing quite as nerve-racking as the first time you notice that tell-tale water spot blossoming on your ceiling. Luckily, with a brief investigation into how that stain ended up there, you can prevent many more from following!

Irregular Maintenance or Neglect

Your roof needs occasional maintenance to live a long healthy life. The mingling of high temperatures, excessive moisture and seasonal gusts wears heavily on homes here in the Sunshine State. A roof in Florida should be inspected after heavy storms or at least every 2 years. Be sure to address any signs of damage, however small, before they become a massive expense. Keep an eye out for:

Curling or buckling shingles
Peeling paint on ceiling or walls
Wear and tear on the gutters

Improper Installation

A misplaced shingle or the wrong sort of fastener may seem minor, but it can end up requiring extensive repairs. Florida has the strictest building codes in the nation, and some counties take it a step further. Take the time to browse your local roofers; ask questions, check references and make sure your contractor is licensed! The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has a free online search to ensure your contractor is legitimate.

Knowledge and experience
Good references
Reputable business practices

Punctures & Separation

Wind-tossed trees crashing through the ceiling are usually what we think of when it comes to holes. Unfortunately, even a small puncture or gap compromises the integrity of your roof, and can wreak havoc. Buildup of sticks or leaves allows water to pool, and seep through your roof’s protective layers. If moisture makes its way past the underlayment you can end up with a moldy deck and rotten rafters.

What to look for:

Buildup or pooling in valleys
Unusual temperature difference in certain areas of the home
Water stains on ceiling

Poor Ventilation

Improper venting causes destruction from the inside out. In theory, air should be sucked in from under the eaves and drift upward to exit through the top vents. Unfortunately air pressure is a difficult business, and it’s easy to disrupt the process. Some roofs (like those in extremely warm and wet areas) are more vulnerable and are likely to require professional intervention.

Rusting of nails and brackets
Mold or rot in the attic
A/C units working abnormally hard

The Age

Even the most well-maintained roof will degrade over time. Florida’s main culprit is the climate, but everything from the slope to the shingle color affects a roof’s lifespan. If your roof covering is on the mature side you may wish to consider replacing it. This will avoid allowing uninvited guests inside, and incurring significantly greater expenses later on.

Discoloration or streaking
Blistered shingles
Repeated leaking

Rarely do we lend thought to the adversity our roofs contend with daily. Sizzling in the sun, resisting subtropical tempests, defender against drizzle and deluge alike. With all our roofs do for us, it’s important to evaluate their needs and establish a maintenance routine. Information is the best (and cheapest!) protection against leaks. Florida’s Best Roofing offers inspections with free no-nonsense estimates.