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Blog Home Improvement

How to Choose a Roof Contractor

A roof contractor is not one of the professionals you can choose simply by comparing bids and time frames. There are several other important factors that come into play before you make your decision. Finding the perfect roof contractor is not easy, it takes time and effort, here are some tips for getting the best roofer for you and your home.

Beware the Newcomer

Just as with any contractor, you should never accept an offer to do work from someone who comes to your door offering to help with repairs. Even if a potential roofer has an office and you seek him or her out, you might want to look for a professional with at least five years’ experience.

Check for Reviews

You can ask around for feedback on any candidate’s work, and some might have reviews from previous clients on their websites. Take a look for complaints with the contractors licensing board and the Better Business Bureau. If you see a home near you that is getting repairs done, ask the owners who they liked their provider’s work. Reviews are a great way to gain insight into your roof contractor. This is because if they do a good job, people will gladly tell you about it. Most people do not hold back when giving reviews of projects.

Gauge Communication

If you ask a roof contractor for a bid and then you don’t see them for two weeks, you should look elsewhere. Roof repairs can have a major impact on your living situation, and you do not want to work with someone who is poor at communicating or answering your questions in a timely manner. Also, choose someone who treats your concerns and ideas seriously.

Legal Issues

Don’t hire a roof contractor who does not put the work proposal in writing. If he or she can’t provide proof of insurance, find someone else. Cost is not the most important consideration when choosing service provider, but you still must be able to clearly understand what the ultimate cost is likely to be before you hire anyone officially.

Taking the time to research and meet any potential roof contractors is a vital step in making repairs to your roof. By taking the process seriously, you are more likely to be happy with the roofing contractor you choose.

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Residential Roofing Blog

The Metal Roofing Cost Can Be Worth the Investment

Depending which part of the country you live in, you might be familiar with metal roofs on homes and commercial buildings. Other regions don’t often venture away from asphalt shingles or shakes. But it is worth getting acquainted with metal as a roofing material because there are many upsides to going this route when you are facing a roof replacement. Because of this, the metal roofing cost can be worth the initial investment. The metal roofing cost is between $5.50 and $12.00 per square foot according to a roofing calculator. To get a better estimate, call us today for a free quote!

Although metal roofs cost more than other materials, it pays off in the long run. Let’s take a look at how the metal roofing cost can be worth this investment.

Durable

Durability is the key feature of metal roofing material. It is ideal for areas of the country that get a lot of stormy weather, and it holds up well under the weight of heavy snowfall. Some of the lighter materials, such as aluminum, can help keep your home cooler in the summer. The average metal roof lasts much longer than one with asphalt shingles. Many metals are rated to last 60 years or more. Plus, in high winds you won’t have worry about chasing loose shingles around the yard or climbing a ladder to replace them. Because of its durability, it is a common roofing material for Virginia.

Mold-resistant

One of the biggest drawbacks to other roofing materials is that they harbor the growth of moss and mold. This is an issue in places with a lot of rain, dark skies, and snow. The benefits of metal roofs include resistance to this type of growth due to their flat facades and inhospitable profile. Because the surface doesn’t have any nooks and crannies for the moss to start growing, the organisms look for a different place to call home.

Diverse

Metal roofs come in a variety of materials, colors, and coatings. The sheets can have decorate ribbing or textural patterns. Just because you choose a metal roof does not mean your house’s topper has to look boring.

There are myriad benefits to a standing seam metal roofing option if you wish to explore this option for your next remodel. Think about these upsides when making your decision.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Questions to Ask When Choosing Metal Roofing Suppliers

Metal roofs provide a range of benefits for both homeowners and the owners of commercial property. However, in order to fully gain these benefits, you must work with a reputable metal roofing company that will do the job safely and properly. There are a number of questions you can ask these metal roofing suppliers to make sure your chosen contractor will do good work.

You want to make sure that you ask the metal roofing suppliers a wide variety of questions. Your roof is an important aspect of your house, and you must ensure metal roofing suppliers can succeed.

 

Qualifications

  • Can the prospective metal roofing suppliers provide you with detailed plans for the proposed job?

 

  • Does the company have the highest available certification for roofing work performed in your state.

Safety

  • Does the contractor carry insurance and workman’s compensation specifically geared to roofing companies? Will the contractor provide you with documented proof verified by the issuing insurance agency?

 

  • Can the company provide you with a detailed history of its on-the-job safety record?

 

  • Will the contractor provide you with verifiable references obtained from previous customers?

 

  • Can the company provide you with a list of metal roofing distributors and manufacturers they have worked with in the past?

Scheduling & Training

 

  • Will the company rely on subcontractors to complete roof installation?

 

  • How well-trained are the workers responsible for performing the installation work?

Materials

  • What types of roofing materials (zinc, copper, etc.) does the company offer its customers?

 

  • Will the contractor provide you with a written warranty that covers the quality of the work performed?

 

  • Can the contractor provide you with the manufacturer’s specifications for the roofing material and method in use?

 

  • Will a supervisor personally oversee the work performed on your roof?

 

A reputable metal roofing company will promptly answer all of these questions and take steps to address any concerns you may raise. An unwillingness to answer your questions or respond to your concerns may be a sign for you to switch your focus and choose another contractor for your project.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Four Reasons Quality Metal Roofing Is a Great Option

When you are looking at different roofing materials, you may look at quality metal roofing and wonder how that could benefit your home. There are many reasons that metal is a great option, with the following being just a few:

Weight

When you have a metal roof installed, you do not need to worry that it will cave in every time it snows. In a lot of cases, each square is somewhere between 50 and 150 pounds each. If you are building a new home, the lightweight roof can cut down on the amount of roof supports needed.

Life

Quality metal roofing is a lifetime roof. As long as they are installed and maintained properly, they are expected to last up to 50 years. These roofs are resistant to rotting, insect damage, fire and mildew, which means that there is not a whole lot that can damage the roof. For this reason, they are highly sought after when homeowners are looking to improve their homes.

Energy Efficiency

In order to save on energy bills, there are some common home improvements that could be made. Installing a metal roof is one of those. The heat of the sun is reflected from the metal roof during the day. This makes it unnecessary to run the air conditioner as much as you would otherwise. Additionally, it blocks heat from leaving during the winter. This allows you to cut down on the amount of time the heater is on.

Installation Time

The shingles or panels that make up a metal roof make it easy to install. Most metal roofing contractors have it down to a science and can get repairs done quickly in the aftermath of a storm. When you are short on time, a quality metal roofing might be the right option for your home.

Whether you are building a new home to begin with or replacing the roof on your existing home, quality metal roofing is a great option. Because it is lightweight, lasts a long time, is energy efficient and takes little time to install, many homeowners choose it for their homes.

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Blog Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Benefits of Standing Seam Metal Roof Installation

If you are in the market for a new roof, you may be considering standing seam metal roof installation. Metal roofs have many benefits for the homeowner and provide a different way to cover a house. Standing seam metal roofs take the unique ability of a metal roof one step further.

Before anything else, you will probably look for roofing material that has the strength to withstand heavy winds, snow, or other weather. Metal roofs are notorious for their durability, which is hard for most other materials to match. One of the best parts of standing seam metal roof installation is the seam itself. By neatly locking the panels together, you ultimately end up with a remarkably tight seam that prevents leaks that could cause rot or water damage to other materials.

There are five basic benefits that come from standing seam metal roof installation.

Various Colors

Although color may not be at the top of your list of must-haves for a roof, it definitely plays a part in the selection process. Standing seam metal roof installation can come in colors that range from dark greens and reds to browns and grays. No matter the style of your home, you can get a roof to match.

High Seams

The seams of these roofs are perhaps the greatest benefit. With standing seams, or “high” seams, you do not have the worry of moisture seeping in through them. Because they are raised above the roof, any water runs right down and off, keeping it out of the home. This area is also extra strong because of how it is made, making a commonly weak point a strong one.

Energy Efficiency

All metal roof products create greater energy efficiency for the homeowner. This type of product can be painted lighter colors so that heat is reflected and kept from seeping into the home. When this happens, the air conditioner runs less, and your utility bills go down.

It also helps the environment. Standing seam metal roof installation is suited to hotter, drier climates. The metal, particularly when painted lighter, reflective colors, will cause UV rays to bounce off the roof rather than being absorbed, keeping homes cooler in times of intense sunlight. Metal also tends to fare better than other roofing materials in sunnier climates, because it is not subject to as much damage from prolonged heat exposure.

Great Appearance

Most contemporary homes deserve a contemporary roof. Standing seam metal roofing gives the home that look. Not only contemporary, but many country and other styled homes look great with this modern touch.

Durability

Finally, standing seam metal roofs can give you the durability that you want without sacrificing your love for the environment. As many companies are able to use recycled materials, you can enjoy knowing that you have saved a lot of metal from ending up in a landfill. Also, the coatings specifically reflect harsh sunlight to prevent your home from absorbing heat in the hotter seasons and effectively lower your energy bill.

As you can see, there are some great benefits of having standing seam metal roofing. Whether you are installing a new roof on an old house or a new one, this could be the best option to make your home beautiful, protected and energy efficient.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Roof Leak Repair: Get it Done Quickly

The roof on your home is one of the largest expanses of the house. It takes a beating in all kinds of weather but still keeps you safe and warm for decades with few problems. Still, there are occasions when a roof leak repair is necessary. These repairs should not be delayed, as every day they are not addressed could mean additional damage to your home. Here are the most common required roof repairs.

Roof Leak Repair

By far, leaks are the biggest issue when it comes to problems with a roof. Even a slight amount of water entering an attic can eventually spell disaster for homeowners. There are many ways in which water from rain or snow can get under the roofing materials, resulting in a roof leak repair. These include:

  • Nail holes that are not properly caulked
  • Missing tiles, shakes, or shingles
  • Cracked caulking around skylights, vents, and chimneys

Storm Damage Repair

For people who live in storm-prone parts of the country, maintaining your roof can be a constant challenge. Metal roofs are common in these regions because of their durability in the face of high winds or heavy snow. You might choose to have a roof snow guard system installed to prevent large amounts of the wet stuff from falling on guests as they arrive. Other types of storm damage are:

  • Tree branches – or entire trees – that fall during high winds
  • Missing tiles, shakes, or shingles
  • Pitting from heavy hail

Gutter Issues

Roofs work in conjunction with their gutter and downspout systems. If a roof is damaged, it can affect the gutters, and vice versa. Leaking gutters can cause rotting fascia boards or foundation problems if they go unaddressed. Clogged downspouts mean water is spilling from the gutters and remaining near the base of your home instead of directing away from the house. Regular gutter and downspout maintenance is crucial to the structural integrity of your home.

No one likes to deal with roof problems, but with an immediate response, they can be remedied quickly.

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Blog Home Improvement

Decorate Your Room With These 4 Tips

Looking to spruce up your room a bit? Everyone has different tastes and likes different styles but these four tips will make every room just a little bit better. A room really doesn’t feel like your space until you add these four things to decorate your room.

Decorate your walls

Plain walls are like empty canvases waiting to be painted. Decorate your room with some art will give your room that extra spark. Add some art that means something to you or something that represents your style. Here are a few ideas of how to complete your room with art and other accessories:

  • Hang photos of family and friends
  • Create your own paintings or drawings to display
  • Hang a tapestry across your wall
  • Add a decal wall quote
  • Paint one wall in your room
  • Add some shelves to your wall

Lighting

When decorating a room, we tend to forget about lighting. Lighting is such a small fix that can make the biggest difference. There are different types of lighting (ambient, task, and accent) and using an array of different types can make for the perfect lighting combination. Here are a few ideas of how to decorate your room with lighting:

  • Add some candle around the room – candles can be displayed in so many different ways!
  • Use strings of Christmas lights

Add texture

Adding texture to a room can give it warmth and depth. Here are a few ideas of how to decorate your room with texture:

  • Add an interesting rug or fluffy blanket
  • Add a pattern to a wall
  • Include some wicker baskets
  • Use molding to add texture

Add something you love

After all, it is YOUR room so why not add a little personal touch? Here are a few ideas of how to decorate your room with something you love:

  • Display a souvenir from an awesome vacation
  • Frame a photo of your best friends or family
  • Make art out of your hobby (hang ballet shoes, create a bookshelf, keep your guitar out)
  • Create a goals board

 

Click HERE for the full article on Apartment Therapy.

 

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Residential Roofing Blog

Roofing Professionals: Finding Your Dream Roofer

Having work done on your roof is no small ordeal. Whether the task is mundane or massive, the roof is the hat in the attire of your home or business. Having it inaccurately or inappropriately worked on can have not only financially detrimental results but also hazardous ones. It’s important to do your research and find a reputable contractor. Roofing professionals often offer services such as tile removal, shingle installation, and tar application. Finding the dream roofer for the job is mandatory for preserving the well-being of your building.

How to Find Roofing Professionals

It is not difficult to find roofing professionals who are fully capable and more than happy to provide the service you require, but it does sometimes require a little digging on your part. Here are a few tricks to help you find the perfect roofer for your needs.

Drive-by Inspections

It is possible and in fact advisable to ask about roofing professionals previous jobs and go to inspect them yourself. Qualified roofing contractors who are confident in their good work will have no qualms about having you see previously-accomplished work. Some may even provide pictures themselves to show you what they have done. Be weary of contractors who do not want to show you their previous work.

Reference Check

Similarly, roofing professionals with an excellent history of jobs well done will be able to provide references. These will testify to their professionalism and quality of work. References are important, because you want to hear first hand how their work was.

Estimates

Getting an estimate can be a useful and quick way to gauge who you will potentially be hiring. An estimate is usually free, and should be thorough enough to accurately provide you with a number that is reasonable and appropriate.

Because of today’s technological advances, roofing professionals are more accessible than ever before through online Internet access. Lots of contractors have their own websites, providing you the immediate ability to get a sense of who they are and how they work. Make sure that you read reviews and fully engage with the information they have to offer to find the dream roofing contractor, capable and willing, for the job.

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Blog Residential Roofing

Roofing Company: Why You Will Eventually Need One

Unfortunately, roofs do not last forever. Maintenance is mandatory when it comes to keeping the structure of your home or business fundamentally sound and leak free. A roofing company will provide services that include installation, repair, and renovation of either an existing roof or a new one. Whether your building is brand new or something rather more historic, at some point you will need a roofing company to come and perform construction or repair.

What Will a Roofing Company Do?

A roofing company will provide a wide variety of services, depending on what you need. They will be able to repair any problems, can install new roofing, and can inspect your home for further damage. Below are some common services they provide.

Materials

Buildings used for different purposes often have different styles of roofing that require a variety of maintenance techniques. For instance, commercial buildings often make use of rubber roofs, either completely replacing a preexisting roof or building one new. Other structures make use of shingle, tile, or metal roofing, all of which call for different services. Some buildings have roofs made of wood such as plywood. These eventually demand a full replacement after having become rotten due to weather exposure.

Frequent Tasks

Common jobs that a roofing company performs for building owners are tile removal, shingle installation, rubber roof installation, tar application, replacement of valley and eave flashing, changing out pipe boots, and so on. Roofs in general need a great deal of upkeep. You will need a professional roofing company to perform all the services you require.

Estimations

The estimate is perhaps the most important task of a roof company, one that you should be well aware of, and it is also the first task. Estimates are typically free and usually involve either a lengthy phone conversation or an in-person visit to produce an appropriate cost number. Estimates provide a useful ball-park for the expenses building owners are looking at, and may possibly affect whether or not a client uses one service or another.

Ultimately, you will find yourself looking for a reputable roofing contractor. Make use of online researching tools to find the business which fits your job and keep in mind all of these various tasks that roofers typically perform and can cover.

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Metal Roofing Blog

Three Benefits of Metal Roofing Supplies

Most consumers do not know very much about metal roofing supplies. This is because most homes are use asphalt or cement shingles. These roofing materials are cheap and widely available so they have been historically used on a many homes. Metal roofing supplies have many advantages over asphalt or cement shingles. This is due to its basic design and long lasting quality. This post will outline three benefits of metal roofing supplies over other commonly used roofing materials.

Fewer Seams and High Strength

Metal roofing materials are designed to be long sheets of channeled metal that run from the top of the roof to the bottom. Compared to individual shingles, which each have seams, metal roofing supplies’ lack of seams. This basic design can protect your home from water entry. As asphalt shingles expose to heat, rain, and snow, the outer mineral deposits erode from the surface, requiring replacement. Metal shingles are sealed and are known across the industry as a more durable, long-lasting material.

Lower Heat Retention

Metal roofing supplies can be painted a host of different colors. This includes lighter colors that help the roof not absorb as much heat. This quality of roofing material is solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Especially in warm climates, a cooler roof will reflect the heat from the house and help to maintain a lower internal building temperature. Thus a metal roof can help you save money on your electric bill and help you protect the environment.

Ease of Customization

If you would like to be able to have more customization options for your home, metal roofing supplies can be a great choice for you. This is because you can select from many different color options for the metal roof sheets to fit your taste and design aesthetic. As mentioned above, make sure to consider a lighter color to help save on your electric bill.

With its durability, energy efficiency, and ease of customization, metal roofing is a perfect option for many homeowners.

 

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