Roofing contractor – Page 2

Jan8

Roofing Blog

What Kind of Warranty Can I Get for a New Roof?

When you replace your roof with a new one you make a big investment, and naturally you want that investment to be protected. Large projects like roof replacement come with warranties. It is important to find out what kind of warranties are out there so you can make the best choices for yourself, your home, and your investment. For this reason, you should always look into the warranties offered by both material manufacturers and contractors before selecting a material for your new roof and the contractor who will install it.

Whether you are purchasing a completely new home with a new roof or you are replacing your existing roof with a new one, your roof will likely come with a warranty (and if it does not, you may want to look into getting a second or third opinion from a different contractor). Roof related warranties are generally split into two types, and both of these types of warranty should come with every new roof or roof replacement. The first is the manufacturer’s warranty, and the second is the contractor’s warranty. They cover two different aspects of the roof: the materials used and the way they are installed. We will look deeper into both aspects below.

Manufacturers’ Warranties

A manufacturer’s warranty is so named because it is guaranteed and provided by the manufacturer of the material used to cover the new or replaced roof. As we have covered in previous posts, there are many different kinds of roofing material, the most common in central Florida being asphalt shingles, followed by tile and metal roofing materials. All of these come with different warranty periods, guaranteed by their manufacturers.

Asphalt shingles warranties vary in length by type of shingle. Just a decade or two ago the principal type of asphalt shingle in use was the 3-tab shingle, which carried a warranty of 15-25 years depending on the manufacturer. Shingle manufacturing technology, however, is constantly improving. Nowadays, 3-tab shingles, the cheapest kind of shingle, carry a warranty of 30 years. But these are no longer the most common type of shingle used. Instead, we almost always use architectural shingles, which have an improved aesthetic and quality. These shingles come with a 40 year manufacturer’s warranty for the most basic sort and a limited lifetime warranty for the average grade. This warranty essentially translates into 50 years. The highest quality architectural shingles, also the most expensive sort, can carry warranties equal to the lifetime of the roof. Manufacturer’s warranties for asphalt shingles are typically transferable once in the case of property exchanging hands.

Limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranties are also typically guaranteed by tile and metal roofing material manufacturers. A typical explanation of the limited lifetime warranty in these cases is that they are in effect as long as the home remains owned by the same owner who replaced the roof (or purchased the home with a new roof). The good news is that if the home transfers ownership (that is, if you sell your house), the warranty is transferable! However, once transferred, the warranty remains in effect for a limited period, such as 40 or 50 years.

Due to recent technological innovations, manufacturer’s asphalt shingle warranties are now typically equal in length to tile and metal roofing material manufacturer’s warranties. All of these manufacturers’ warranties cover specifically problems that may arise in the roofing material resulting from defects in the manufacturing process. Some examples of these include rapid granule or color loss in shingles (also color change). Splitting and cracking are signs of defects in metal or tile. These are only covered if the cause is manufacturing defect, not poor installation technique or external causes (such as a tree falling down on the roof). Weather events, such as wind or hail, that can damage new and replaced roofs are sometimes nowadays covered under manufacturers’ warranties, but with limitations in factors like wind speed. For example, the architectural shingles that we use at Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. come with a manufacturer’s warranty against winds of up to 130 miles per hour. It is important to remember, however, that weather damages like wind and hail are also typically covered by property insurance policies, and losses can be recouped by filing a claim with your home insurance company. For more details on this, see our earlier post on this topic.

Another thing to keep in mind about manufacturers’ warranties is that it is important to register your new roof with the manufacturer of the roofing material. This will put the warranty into effect. If you have questions about how to do this, consult your contractor, as they likely deal with this process on a daily basis.

Labor or Workmanship Warranties

This is the other side of the warranty coin. While manufacturers’ warranties cover new roof or roof replacement materials, labor or workmanship warranties cover installation. These warranties are provided by the contractor who replaces your roof or puts the roof on a new home. Their length varies by contractor, from 3 to 5 to 10 years, with ten years being the most common. Since it is the contractor who provides the warranty, it is typically only effective if the same contractor is called in to deal with a problem that may arise.

Contractors’ warranties usually cover the labor and material cost involved in repairing a roof under warranty if the repairs are made necessary by problems arising from errors made in the installation process when the new roof was installed or replaced. In the case that you have a roof under a labor or workmanship warranty and you notice a problem or leak, you should call the contractor who guaranteed the warranty to assess the damage and make the repairs. It is also important to note that some labor warranties do not cover material costs associated with repairs, so it is important to clarify what type of warranty you will be getting before signing a contract.

We at Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. offer a 10 year labor warranty on all our roof replacements. If you have any questions about roofing warranties or any other roofing needs in Flagler, Volusia, or St. Johns counties please call us at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Dec7

Roofing Blog

Rare and Unusual Roof Shapes

In our last post we discussed some of the most common roof shapes and styles in the United States (and really across the world). This time we will provide you with information on rare and unusual roof shapes. These shapes are all unique and most often chosen for aesthetic reasons, heightening the impact of a structure’s style. Due to their unique qualities, these types of roofs are often more expensive to repair and replace since they require contractors with very specialized knowledge and skills. Below we discuss nine of these roof shapes.

Bonnet: Bonnet roofs can be like either gambrel or mansard roofs (see our previous post for these), only in reverse. There are two panes on each side, with different slopes. Instead of the upper panes having a lower slope and the lower a steep slope, as is the case with gambrel and mansard roofs, bonnet roofs have steep upper panes and low sloped bottom panes. Bonnet roofs can have two sides (like a spruced-up gable roof) or four sides (like a hip roof). Bonnet style roofs are popular in particular geographic areas such as Cape Cod and other places in the Northeast, but fairly rare elsewhere.

Saltbox: Homes with saltbox roof styles gained popularity in colonial America, but examples can still be seen today across the country and elsewhere. Saltbox roofs have two sides, like a gable shape, but what makes them unique is that these sides are not equal or symmetrical. The two sides meet at the top ridge, but drop down unequal distances. In fact, one side is significantly shorter than the other, but equal in width. Most frequently, the slope also differs between the two sides. One side usually has a much steeper slope than the other side. Either the short or the long side may be steep.

Butterfly: A butterfly roof is a striking shape arising out of contemporary architecture. It is essentially the reverse of a gable roof, the result of which resembles the shape of the insect that lends its name to this roofing style. While two sides rise up to a ridge in a gable roof, the two sides of a butterfly roof actually slope down into a central valley. As you can imagine, this can easily lead to water retention issues and snow pile ups in colder environments, if special care is not taken to ensure positive drainage and snow is not regularly cleared.

Sawtooth: Sawtooth roofs are similar to butterfly roofs in that they have central valleys created by two sides sloping down. However, sawtooth roofs differ in that their valleys are created due to the repetition of components sloping up and then down, which results in a facade resembling the teeth of a saw. The repeating components can be straight or curved and can vary in slope–the only requirement is that they repeat exactly several times. This is a style most often seen in commercial roofing, and as with butterfly roofs, special care must be taken to ensure proper drainage.

Curved: Curved roofs provide a contemporary stylistic alternative to the straight lines seen in all traditional roofing styles. They give a structure a modern, sleek look, but require specialized skills and materials to install. Creating and designing such shapes requires experienced architects, structural engineers, and specialized contractors, which make them expensive to build and maintain, but the aesthetic possibilities are endless!

Pyramid: Almost five thousand years ago the ancient Egyptians figured out that the pyramid shape gives stability to structures of almost any size. The fruits of their labors are still standing today! The balance of weight and tension makes pyramid shapes and pyramid shaped roofs very strong. In this, pyramid roofs are closely related to hip roofs; in fact, they are a subset of hip roofs in which all four sides have equal dimensions and slope.

Jerkinhead: These are also called half-hip roofs. The origin of this terminology becomes clear with a quick glance (or in this case description) of the jerkinhead roof’s shape. The half-hip or jerkinhead roof has four sides. Two are just like those of a gable roof that meet at the top ridge. At both ends of the ridge you will then find a very short hip. This roof shape has the advantage of strength and stability provided by the hip elements and an old-world aesthetic.

Skillion: Skillion roofs are made of one sloped pane. The slope can be steep or low and the shape closely resembles a lean-to. This does not mean, however, that a skillion roof looks cheap or simple. Homes and other structures with skillion roofs often have two or more skillion roofs at varying elevations which give a very contemporary, modern, look and provide opportunities for more windows which allow for a brightly lit interior.

Dome: Dome roofs look exactly like you might imagine: essentially the roof is in the shape of half of a sphere. The force distribution in these roofs, if properly constructed, makes them incredibly strong and long-lasting. This is borne out by the fact that some dome-roofed structures, like the Pantheon in Rome, are still standing after thousands of years under the original roof! For a closer example, you might want to imagine the Capitol building in Washington D.C. Dome roofs are rarely seen in residential structures and require very specialized architects and structural engineers for their construction.

We hope this post has opened your eyes to the variety of shapes and styles that are out there in roofing. As always, for all your roofing needs in Flagler, Palm Coast, Bunnell, Daytona Beach, and Deland call Florida’s Best Roofing at 386-263-7906 for a free estimate!

Nov21

Roofing Blog

Roof Styles & Shapes

Have you ever wondered about why your roof is shaped the way it is? Why is it different from a neighbor’s roof? Whether those differences matter and where they come from? Well here you’ll find the answers. Below we look at some of the most popular roof shapes and their unique aspects.

Gable Roofs

Gable roofs are the most common type of roofing style installed today. They have a simple and classic look, giving the roof a triangular shape when viewed from the front or the back. This type of roof rises up from the eave to the ridge on one side and then goes down from the ridge to the eave on the other.

Gable roofs can look very different from one house to another because they vary in slope. Low sloped gable roofs give a structure a flatter look while high sloped roofs are steeper and taller. As with most roofing styles, gable roofs also vary because most modern structures do not have just one roof, but instead a main roof with multiple sub-roofs. The ways that the main roof and sub-roofs are combined allows for much versatility.

Hip Roofs

Hip roofs are the second most common style of roof for modern residential structures in America today. They have both advantages and disadvantages in comparison to gable roofs. In fact, it is also quite common to see combinations with a main hip roof and gable sub-roofs, or the other way around.

Hip roofs’ main advantage is in their strength. Unlike a gable roof, which only has two sides, a hip roof goes down from the ridge to the eave on all four sides. The intersection of all four sides at the top allows for greater stability and balance.

The downside is that hip roofs can be more expensive to replace, because they have a greater surface area. This is, of course, in a comparison of two houses of the same size.

Like gable roofs, hip roofs can look very different from one house to the next because they can also vary in slope, from relatively flat to steep. In any case, a house with a hip roof and only hip sub-roofs has a square look, since it lacks the triangle created by the gable.

Gambrel Roofs

Gambrel roofs have a very distinct aesthetic, similar to Mansard roofs, discussed below. They were very popular in past centuries and can be found particularly in the Northeast. They are also sometimes called Dutch roofs.

A gambrel is similar to a gable in that both roofing styles only slope on two sides of the house, leaving the other two sides with siding or stucco going up to the roof pitch. The difference in gable and gambrel is that the latter has two panels, with different slopes, on each side. The two panels that join up at the ridge usually have a lower slope, and then two further panels are attached to these with a steeper slope. This gives the house an overall curved look, without actually having a rounded roof.

Just like gable and hip roofs, gambrel roofs are most often covered with asphalt shingles, although metal roof covering is also an option.

Mansard Roofs

In a way, a mansard roof is to a gambrel as a hip roof is to a gable. Basically, a mansard is a gambrel roof, but with four sides. Each of the four sides has two panels, with the top four panels, which intersect at the top ridge, having a fairly low slope, and the attached lower four panels having a very steep slope.

Mansard roofs can have an overall boxy look, but this is mitigated by certain factors. For one, they often have dormers, windows with small gable shaped roof coverings, that jut out from the steep sections of the roof. The dormers lend this French style shape a certain amount of elegance, making it very popular in complex, historic homes. Due to the steep slope of the secondary panels, mansard roofs also allow for a great deal of attic space, or even the top story to be housed within the slopes of the roof!

The disadvantage of a mansard roof is its expense. This results from the complexity of the roof shape, the high slope, the high surface area, and often the delicate nature of working on historic structures. Furthermore, the roofing materials for mansard roofs can be more expensive. Traditionally, mansard roofs were covered with slate, the most expensive and longest lasting type of roofing material. In the modern day, cheaper asphalt shingles are more commonly used, but this can pose a problem of its own. Shingles are great for the steep panels of a roof, but the four low-sloped mansard panels are better suited for flat roofing materials. This results in a choice between a properly covered un-matched roof, or a matched fully shingle roof, which is not as effective in the low-sloped areas.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are most common in commercial roofing, but can also be seen on some residential structures, particularly in urban areas.

Flat roofs should never be completely flat, but their slope is so close to negligible that it is essentially not noticeable by the naked eye. Due to this, to prevent water retention, flat roofs require well functioning drainage systems, as well as special roofing materials that stand up to frequent and consistent water exposure better than standard asphalt shingles or tile.

Flat roofing materials must stand up to water exposure, beating from rain, and being walked on. They must be completely watertight, as leaks in flat roofs are very difficult to find and even more difficult to repair effectively.

These are the most commonly used flat roof materials: PVC membrane, TPO membrane, EPDM rubber membrane, rolled roofing, and gravel and tar.

In the Flagler, Deland, and Daytona Beach area hip and gable are the most common roofs in residential construction and flat roofs in commercial. Whatever your roofing style, if you have any roofing concerns call Florida’s Best Roofing at (386) 263-7906!

Nov6

Roofing Blog

Picking a Roof Color

Choosing the color of your roof is an important decision because a new roof is a big investment and a long term one. Roof colors come in a huge variety, especially when it comes to asphalt shingles, the most common type of roof covering. It is necessary to choose a color that you will be happy with for years to come, since a new roof will serve you for decades into the future. There are many ways to approach this choice which we will discuss here. Whether you are looking to sell your property or live in a home for generations to come, making the right color choice now will take you a long way.

Matching

Roof color makes an impact on the aesthetic properties of any house. Matching a roof color with your home’s stucco, siding, and trim is more than just finding a color that will compliment your siding or stucco. The roof’s color should also go well with the rest of the home’s exterior, like trim, light fixtures, and even landscaping. It is also possible that a variety of colors will correspond to the home in these aspects. Then, it is up to the homeowner to make the aesthetically pleasing choice, after consulting the offerings available from shingle or tile manufacturers. Finding the right roofing material color in today’s world of design can be a challenge, as there is such a diverse selection of colors, but with some consideration you can select a color that will please you for years to come.

There is no reason to get overwhelmed with color choices. Although it is an important decision it falls below that of roofing material and its grade. First, you should choose what type of roof covering (shingle, metal, tile, etc.) you need. Next, find a trusted contractor who will replace your roof. At this point a good contractor will help you with the color choice by providing options and samples. There is a great number of roofing material manufacturers across the country, but each contractor will have their preferred few, typically chosen for the quality of their product. The contractor will have samples from their chosen manufacturers that you can then examine to make a decision. Our staff at Florida’s Best Roofing will be glad to offer you advice, and we have plenty of samples to consider in our office in Bunnell, FL.

Here are some design ideas that can help you decide, which apply across the board and provide a starting point:

Effects of Tone – Tints and shades have particular impacts on the perception of architectural design. For instance, light color used on both exterior walls and the roof can make a small building appear larger. This practice also accentuates stark architectural features which you may need to soften or highlight. On the other hand, the use of darker colors on the exterior walls and roof have a dramatic effect. They make a structure and all its aspects stand out, and they harmonize well with neutral tones. Often a combination of the two, such as a light, neutral stucco tone and a dark roof can provide a pleasing result overall.

Medium Blends – Mid-tone or neutral colored roofs match well with almost any exterior. Colors such as gray, tan, brown, and beige go well with most exterior siding or stucco colors and home styles. Since these are so popular, many variations exist upon them that can compliment smaller details on a home, like the trim and exterior light fixtures or doors. The neutrality of these colors is also appreciated by customers looking to renovate their home in expectation of putting it on the market. People are guaranteed to invest more money in a home with a freshly replaced roof, and a neutral color can be pleasant to the greatest number of prospective buyers.

Exact Matching – It is not necessary and often not possible to match a roof exactly with a home’s interior. Siding, paint, and roofing material manufacturers do not coordinate their colors exactly. Moreover, a structure whose exterior, from ground to roof, is only one color is monochromatic and can be displeasing to the eyes. Rather, it is the use of complimentary colors that is best. Staying in the same color family is also best. A dark grey roof looks great on a house with light grey stucco/siding and white trim. Likewise, a home with a yellow exterior is attractive under a medium to darker brown roof. Melding cool tones with warm is usually not advised. This can be quite jarring and idiosyncratic.

Current Trends – In the present day, siding can be found in a range of colors as well as patterns of brick, stone and wood. Darker colors, such as black and dark grey are rather popular. While in the past these put the home in danger of retaining heat and prematurely ageing the roof, new developments in roofing materials removed this as a concern. Also, white and metal roof colors with designs that embrace energy efficiency and coolness can look great while saving on utility costs, particularly in Florida.

Choosing the color for your roof does not have to be arduous or stressful. Keeping an eye on complimentary colors and the design ideas above should help guide you through the process. Give us a call, and we at Florida’s Best Roofing will be happy to provide further assistance.

Oct30

Roofing Blog

How to Extend the Lifetime of your Roof

The roof over your property is a significant investment and one of the most important, protecting everything beneath it. Because roofs are expensive and so integral to the upkeep of the structure, it is important to routinely maintain the roof over your business or home so that it will last as long as possible.

Here we will discuss some aspects of roof maintenance which can extend a roof’s life expectancy. Life expectancy heavily depends on roofing material. Asphalt shingles, the most popular roofing material, have varying life expectancies from about 15 to 40 years, depending on type. Tile roofs can last about 50 years, precluding outside forces and with proper maintenance. Yet, no matter what kind of roof it is, without consideration of the factors below a roof can deteriorate and sprout leaks prematurely.

Roof Ventilation

Have you ever wondered what all those vents are doing up on the roof? Well, they ventilate the attic, which is integral to insulating the structure and preventing premature decay of roofing materials. In an improperly ventilated attic, summer heat can cause temperatures to skyrocket to up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This heated air not only heats up the interior and makes it more difficult and expensive to cool the structure, but it also cooks the exterior roof covering from underneath. This can cause pitting, bubbling, and cracking. This can be particularly problematic in the South, where it is hot and sunny so much of the year.

During the cold months, conversely, poorly ventilated roofs trap moisture. This moisture can get into the insulation and dampen the roof sheathing from inside. To avoid these issues make sure that your roof has adequate ventilation and that it is properly installed. Poor vent installation is a frequent cause of roof leaks. If you suspect that your roof may have an issue in this area, contact a roofing professional or inspector.

Gutters

While not all structures have gutters and downspouts, they are an important part of the roofing system. A roof’s lifetime can be increased by the addition and proper maintenance of gutters and decreased by a lack of these. Gutters prevent the structure from constantly being drenched by rain, which is especially important in a state like Florida. Vulnerable sections of the edifice and roof can sustain water damage if frequently exposed to it.

If you do not have gutters, it is a good idea to install them. If you do have gutters, make sure to keep them clear of debris like leaves, branches, and pine needles. Debris clogs gutters and prevents them from functioning correctly. It also weighs down the gutter system, which can lead to damage to the soffit and fascia system. Inspect your gutters a couple of times a year to make sure they are clear and that there is no sagging. This should also be done after all severe weather events. Finally, gutter-guards can help with preventing debris deposits and save you from having to clear the gutters frequently.

Debris Removal

Debris is not only a problem in relation to gutters. It often accumulates on the roof itself, especially in the valleys. In the Palm Coast and Daytona Beach areas it is common to see roofs with pine needles lying in the recessed areas. Is this ok? Definitely not. Anything that shouldn’t be on the roof needs to be removed. Pine needles, branches, leaves, and animal droppings retain moisture, pool water, and add weight. Too much accumulation can even cause structural damage.

Avoid expensive repairs by preventing all that. Remove debris by using a broom to either push or sweep off the roof. Do not use anything with abrasive bristles or a power-washer, since both can damage the roofing material.

Inspect Your Flashing

95 percent of leaks are caused by improperly installed or damaged flashing. Pieces installed around skylights, chimneys, and vents should be checked. It is very important that they are tight and secure. If you notice any gaps, add some sealant or hire a professional to seal it.

Moss, Algae, and Fungus

Moss, algae, and fungus grow on almost any surface exposed to moisture, and the humid environment of our area is perfect for them. Many roofing materials are especially made to prevent moss, algae, and fungus growth, but even these succumb in time in high-moisture environments. To remove these elements, mix equal parts bleach and water in a bucket then spray it on the mold and mildew.

Trees and Branches

Do you have trees growing close to your home or business? Falling branches are always a risk. Additionally, trees that block the sun can encourage moss and fungus growth by preventing the roof from drying fully. Finally, in a hurricane-prone area, trees close to the house can pose a danger. Make sure these are appropriately trimmed or removed altogether.

What Else?

The goal here is preventing problems before they begin or at the least catching them early. Make sure to perform regular roof maintenance and checks after severe weather events. If you notice even a minor problem–address it before it gets worse. This will save you time, money, and protect your home in the long run. Call Florida’s Best Roofing, Inc. or fill out the contact form on our website for a free estimate!

Apr3

Roofing Blog

Tips For Choosing The Right Roofer

For most of us, choosing a roofing contractor can be an intimidating experience, especially when we have no prior experience with the work ourselves. How do you know you’re getting quality workmanship? Do you even know exactly what it is you want them to do?

Like any other specialised service, it pays to come prepared when you decide to hire someone. Which is exactly why we’ve brought you today’s six tips for choosing the right roofer, so you get exactly what you’re paying for and nothing less.

Go Local

Do a little investigation into commercial roofing options in your area and pick a company that meets your specific requirements. Project specifications. Budget. These are all real considerations and they dictate the way your project will play out.

Choose a company in your area, and you’ll have quick access to them whenever you need their services.

Double Check Their Credentials

Before committing to a contractor, make sure to do a full background check on their licensing and insurance. You’d be surprised how many companies claim to be professional roofers when they just aren’t. This kind of background check is an important part of the process, ensuring you are protected from damages and, ultimately, getting the most out of your project.

Referrals

One of the benefits of going local is being able to easily access the previous customers of your roofers. Ask family members and friends what they’ve heard. Get on Facebook or ask for references that know the people you know. People love to make recommendations to people they don’t have to see at work or family reunions, so if you go further out in your social circles, you’re more likely to hear the truth.

You’ll also want to read reviews. We live in a digital age, and online reviews can give you the exact information you need to make a proper commitment from their reliability to the quality of their service. Turn someone else’s experience to your benefit, and consider visiting the company’s social media accounts for customer feedback.

Don’t Only Focus On The Expense

A commercial roofing company that fits your budget, is obviously important. But it can be easy to get too wrapped up in the cost of the whole project, but you have to consider more than just that. Compare prices with reviews and the services on offer, and try to see the whole picture. There are plenty of roofers out there who charge world-class prices for less-than-stellar service.

Consider Their Experience

Before hiring a roofer, it’s important to know how long they’ve been in the business for. The company must have enough of a background and understanding of the business, so they can handle any situation that may come up during the installation.

Guarantee

As with any other service that impacts the places we live and work, roofing must be guaranteed if it’s going to be trustworthy. A warranty is important in cases where the roofing is done to a poor standard or fails over too little time.

Choosing The Right Roofer

Getting the best service you can from any contractor comes down to knowing what you want, knowing what they can offer, and knowing what other people think about them. With today’s tips, you’ll have exactly what you need to pick the best roofer for the job, every time.

And, speaking of the best roofers: for professional roofing services from a leading name in the Volusia area, get in touch with us on (386) 263-7906, today!

Apr3

Roofing Blog

Choosing The Right Roof For Your Home

Choosing a new roof for your home? It’s more complicated than just picking something out of a catalog. You’re going to want to factor in various considerations in order to make an informed decision. Climate and weather conditions native to your area (and those yearly natural disasters so common in places like Florida). How long you’d like your roof to last vs how much you’re willing to spend. How much roofing material is going to cost, and how that particular material is going to look on your roof.

With so much on your plate, it can be easy to feel completely overwhelmed. Not to worry, though: here are some choice material tips to help you along your way to roofing greatness.

Metal

If you’re looking for durable roofing, metal is probably the best option going for sheer longevity. It is especially strong, refusing to degrade when in full exposure to the elements, from sunlight to heavy rain. Panels are typically completely coated with zinc or aluminum, or galvalume in the case of galvanized steel. This makes them extremely strong, as well.

Metal also has, by far, the highest wind rating of all common roofing materials. It reflects heat more effectively than its competitors, leaving your home warm in the winter and cool in summer.

It’s also better in a lightning storm than you might expect. When a lightning bolt makes contact with a steel roof shingle, the current is easily spread over the surface of the roof without ever entering the house itself.

Metal is also non-flammable, leaving much less risk of extensive damage during a fire.

Asphalt

This is easily one of the more common and most popular options for roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are built for rugged performance, from felt saturated in asphalt, and coated from top to bottom with a weathering layer.

The top is coated with a layer of mineral granules, which help to shield the roof from elements. These shingles are extremely versatile, suiting almost any style of home or roof. They can also be ordered in a variety of styles, from slate grey to simulated wood.

Perhaps one of the main reasons they’re so popular is their low price point. Asphalt shingles are extremely inexpensive, requiring less work and investment to install and repair, over time. The trade in, however, is that they do have a relatively short service life. They’re also not as environmentally friendly, degrading into fine granules over time.

Tiles

Tile roofing is much more durable than building with shingles. Obviously, this depends heavily on the quality and type of material you choose, but concrete and clay tiles are are extremely durable, as well as being fire-resistant. They’re also available in a huge array of colors and styles, making them extremely versatile.

Tiles are difficult to install, and should only be handled by experts. This is a heavy material to use, so it most commonly features in new buildings with very specific weight restrictions.

No matter your target budget is, ideal style, or the climate you live in, the perfect roof system exists for you. Your roof isn’t just some decorative element to try and get past as quickly and expensively as possible. It’s as important to your house’s functionality as the foundation and support columns. Choosing the right material will provide you with better insulation, protection from heat, and less frequent materials. Going the wrong way…well, that can be costly.

Looking for the right materials, installed by some of the leading roofing professionals in Central Florida? Get in touch with Florida’s Best Roofing Inc., today, at (386 )263-7906!

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.

Tag: Roofing contractor

Go Local

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Consider Their Experience

Guarantee

Choosing The Right Roofer

Metal

Asphalt

Tiles

Stop A Small Problem From Becoming A Serious Disaster

What’s Involved

What To Do When Your Roof Suddenly Leaks Or Is Damaged

Does Your Contractor Have A Permanent Office?

Do They Have Legitimate Insurance?

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

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

How Have They Historically Handled Complaint Resolution?