Ceiling stains are not attractive and can come from an extensive list of probable causes:

• Pest Infestations
• Mold and Mildew
• Chemical Spills
• Water leaks

Keep in mind that ceiling stains are not always a sign of an impending leak. Most people feel anxiety at the thought of expensive repairs, or even an entire roof replacement. Let’s look at a few causes of ceiling stains and what to do about them.

Where Are the Stains Coming From?

Moisture is the number one cause of ceiling stains. The dampness could be from a water leak in your roof, but it could also be coming from a pipe leak in your wall or attic. It is important to locate the source of the dampness, so you can know exactly what is causing the stains.

Here are a few other potential causes of brown spots on the ceiling:

• Malfunctioning HVAC  ductwork
• Shower Pans
• Cracks in Stucco
• Chimney Cracks
• Plumbing Line Faults
• Bad Plumbing Installation

The Importance of Regular Roof Inspections

While many of these issues can be easily addressed, it’s crucial that you let a roofing expert come in and inspect your roof and then complete the repair. They will ensure the job is done right the first time, putting your mind – and your wallet – at ease.

The roofing system is the most important part of your house, doing its job for years on end of keeping you and your loved ones and all your possessions safe and dry. Yet, it’s the least inspected and maintained part of the home. All too often we are unaware that there is any problem growing until a costly repair is needed. All this can be avoided simply by having a professional roofing contractor perform regular inspections.

Your roof is also the biggest investments you will make when it comes to your house, so it stands to reason that it should be protected. The fact is, most homeowners ignore signs of possible leaks or other roof damage, making them even more susceptible to costly repairs. The good news is there are many things you can check for simply by inspecting your roof from the ground. Hiring a roofing professional is wise and can save you a lot of money in the long run. The key is to educate yourself on things you should look for and call in the experts if you find things that concern you.

For more information on ceiling stains and what they might mean, contact us today!

By adding a yearly inspection to your calendar, you can avoid being a homeowner who finds themselves facing expensive roofing repairs. You have the option of inspecting the roof yourself or calling in the help of a roofing contractor.

There are ways you can inspect your own roof without climbing a ladder. We’re pointing out some of the more obvious signs around your home that can point you to potential issues with your roof. A couple of things that you could look for are caulking that has cracked, as well as any shingles that may appears as though they have buckled, blistered, curled, or be broken. If you find grit buildup from asphalt roofing tiles in or near the gutters, you need to have a professional involved immediately. This could be a sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life cycle and needs replacing before other issues arise.

Simple Roofing Repairs

When inspecting your roof, here are a few things you can look for:

• Damaged or Missing Shingles – If you find shingles that are damaged or missing, these should be replaced right away.
• Popped Up Nails – If you find nails that have come up, you should hammer them back into place.
• Seals Around the Flashing – If you find that the caulking around attic vents, chimneys, skylights, and the flashing is missing or peeling, you will want to re-caulk those areas immediately to prevent leaks.

Early Signs of Roof Leaks

It is very important that you check for the early signs of roof leaks. Some of these include:

• Dark spots on the ceilings
• Peeling paint and wallpaper
• Water stains on pipes and gutters
• Damp areas along your fireplace

If you notice any serious signs of roofing leaks, you need to arrange a professional roof inspection to prevent further damage to your home.

When to Call the Professionals

If you notice signs of leaks or other damages, it’s always best to call in the professionals. Most people aren’t comfortable climbing on top of the roof, and don’t have the skills required to perform proper repairs. Hiring a professional roofing contractor is always your best bet to ensure your safety.

When is Roof Replacement Needed

If the time has come to have your roof replaced, be sure to get more than one quote. Make sure the company you choose is fully bonded, licensed and insured. It’s always a good idea to ask friends and family for recommendations and follow up on any references you are given.

For more information on spotting problems with your roofing system, contact us today!

This scenario is much more common with big sites like shopping centers, churches, warehouses as well as other significantly large buildings. Subcontractors could also be employed if the roofing job involves working on a residential property. Some good examples include repairing chimneys, disposing of debris, as well as all-metal flashing.

It’s usually best to hire a roofing contractor who will work on his own to complete the job. If it’s too large a task, he may employ other workers, but having just one contractor usually ensures consistency and quality. Obviously, large jobs require there to be multiple workers, but residential projects can often be completed by one person. Another benefit of hiring the roofing contractor without sub-contractors is the cost involved. It’s almost always cheaper to use only one contractor. If he must pay other workers, that cost will be passed on to you as the customer and make the job more expensive to complete.

Because roofing is such a specialized skill, there are few general contractors who know everything needed to call themselves a roofing contractor and not just a general contractor. Most often, a team of workers is needed to complete a roofing job, so it is often finished ahead of other parts of the house.

By far, the roofing system is the most important part of any building. As such, regular maintenance is essential to get the most out of your roof and keep it in top shape for as long as possible. Roofing contractors know exactly what to look for in their inspections, and can then pass that info to you, the homeowner, so you can make informed decisions.

The weather plays a very large role in a roofing job. Things like heavy rain, snowfall, or wind can all have a huge impact on your roofing system, so it’s important to find a highly skilled roofing contractor who has handled large projects under these conditions.

Selecting a Professional Roofing Contractor

• Hiring a Contractor for a Simple Task – The best method for hiring a roofing contractor is to hire one for a minor repair or simple maintenance task and see if you are satisfied with the work. By getting them to do a basic task, you can learn a lot about them and test the waters a bit.
• Request an Estimate – Many times, an estimate is free of charge or may only require a small fee. This will allow you to ask questions to determine their level of skill, professionalism, and experience.
• Ask a Close Friend or Neighbor – Asking around will give you an idea of a company that may be highly recommended or one that should be avoided. Keep in mind that not all negative stories are true. It is possible that they had an unpleasant experience because they did not ask the appropriate questions before the contractor began.
• Check the National Roofing Contractors Association
• Determine if They Use Subcontractors – If they hire subcontractors to do their work, there is a high probability that the cost of the job will be slightly higher than one who does not.

We hope that this guide will help you make an educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your next roofing contractor. For more information on roofing contractors, inspections or maintenance, call us today!

Here are a few reasons why a metal roof is a growing choice for protecting you and your family.

Benefits of a Metal Roof

• Low Maintenance – A traditional high-quality shingled roof is designed to need regular maintenance, while only lasting approximately 20 years. A metal roof is designed to last much longer, and the number of repairs needed will be nearly none. The most common repair for a metal roof is a simple, low-cost screw that may need to be replaced or tightened.
• Resistant to Weather – The quality and longevity of a metal roof can protect you from the harshest weather conditions. Water penetration is one of the most common – and costly – repairs with asphalt shingle roofs, but this is rarely the case with a metal roof. Water and snow will easily slide off and metal roofs are incredibly heat resistant.
• Very Energy Efficient – A metal roof is coated with a special sun-deflecting paint, making it very energy efficient. This kind of paint usually carries a 25-year guarantee, making it a huge bang for your buck.
• Environmentally  Gentle – The gentleness of a metal roof on the environment is probably not one of the first things that you think about when you choose your roofing system, but metal roofs keep thousands of tons of shingles and other material waste out of America’s landfills. This alone makes metal roofing an incredibly smart choice!
• Increasing the Value of Your Home – Statistics have proven that by installing a metal roof, that you can increase the value of your home. When comparing a shingled roof to a metal roof, a metal roof can increase your home’s value by more than 5%. This is not only a huge benefit to you, but also to any future buyers who may purchase your house.

Quick-Fact Benefits for Choosing Metal Over Shingles

• Has the potential to never have to be replaced
• Maintenance costs are next to nothing
• Incredibly weather resistant, no matter the climate
• Energy efficient and cost effective
• Environmentally friendly
• Can increase the value of your home by up to 6 percent

After considering all these benefits of a metal roof, you are probably wondering why everyone hasn’t made the switch. The biggest reason is cost. It is more expensive to install metal roofing systems, but as with any part of your home, you should consider quality and longevity. You get what you pay for, and a roof is no different. It might cost a little more on the front side to install a metal roof, but you will save a huge amount of money in the long run by avoiding all the costly repairs and replacements that come with asphalt shingles.

• The Bottom Line

If you purchase a home with traditional shingles and live there for 25-30 years, you can expect to have to replace your roof at least once. Between weather, wear and tear, and other leaks or damages, costly repairs are pretty much a given. Even though the initial cost is higher for installation, a metal roof will pay for itself over and over in just a few short years.

Finally, you may be thinking a metal roof just won’t look right or give you the curb appeal that you are looking for, but metal roofs have become very stylish. They are available in many styles, colors, and designs making them resemble more traditional materials.

• Ready to Make the Switch to A Metal Roof?

As we have discovered, a metal roof is a great option for any home, regardless of where you live. For more information on the benefits of metal roofs, call us today and let our experts show you the options!

• • Is the professional licensed?
  • Does the roofer carry liability insurance?
  • Will they do free estimates?
  • Will they provide referrals?

Each state has its own guidelines for what a person must do to be a standard contractor. Making certain that the roofing contractor is licensed and insured, you can have the peace of mind and assurance that the person is indeed a professional. By verifying that the individual or company carries liability insurance, you’ll be protected from any claims that might be filled dues to injuries, property damages, accidents, or mishaps.

Here are a few more tips to help you in your search for roofing contractors.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Roofing Company or Contractor:

• Experience – This is the most important consideration because a person’s experience will ensure that the work you have done on your roof is carried out in a professional manner.
• Look at their portfolio – A contractor’s portfolio will offer you a better understanding of what they can do. Also, this will provide you with a list of references from previous customers.
• Price of the Job – You should get price quotes from various companies and compare them. A good rule of thumb is to get quotes from three separate companies. Cheapest doesn’t always mean better, so it’s important to follow up on asking for referrals along with quotes.
• Evaluate the Skills and Knowledge – When you are looking to hire a roofer who really knows his craft, it is valuable for you to do a little research. Call the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and check to see if there are any complaints or other problems that have been filed against the contractor.

If you want to ensure that your roofing needs are handled by the best, give us a call today. Our experts will get the job done right, the first time. Whether it’s maintenance, roof replacements, or just a simple inspection, we’ve got you covered!

• Water Stains
• Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
• Sagging Ceilings
• Mold
• Wet Spots
• Standing Water
• Damp Odors

Water will typically come into your home through damaged or missing shingles, vents, skylights, near the roofing planes, or any location in which the roof flashing is poorly secured or missing.

What is the Difference Between a Roof Leak and Condensation?

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a roof leak and condensation is the size and location of the stain on you ceiling.

When you are dealing with condensation, you may see several small stains on your ceiling and not just one large stain. Typically, these stains with condensation are close to the exterior walls of your home and can develop without heavy rains or storms. The color of the stain associated with condensation is typically dark with a white center. If this is the case, you are most likely dealing with mold and that is a good indication of a condensation issue.

With a roof leak the stain could be located anywhere on the ceiling, including but not limited to the exterior walls of your home. With a true leaking roof, the opposite is true of the coloring of the stain. In this case, the stain will be darkest in the center and gets lighter as it moves across the ceiling. The darker the stain, the better the indication of how old the stain is and how long your roof could have been leaking. If you see dark stains on your ceiling, don’t delay in reaching out for professional help. The longer you wait to have the problem addressed, the more serious the problem could become.

What Causes My Ceiling to Sag?

If the leak in your roof is severe and allowing rainwater into your home, it will cause the ceiling to sag. This is caused by the build up of water on the ceiling materials. The ceilings in your home are made from a material that will break down when wet. When the water has come through the outer layer of the roof, it accumulates and causes the materials to break down and sag. If this happens, it is very important for the source of the water to be found and the water drained. Only then can the leak can be properly repaired.

Dealing with Mold

Mold is normally a pretty good indication of a roof leak or condensation. During a roof inspection, a professional will inspect the chimney and vents first because that is typically where the mold will start. One of the most common underlying causes of mold is a leak in the flashing of a metal roof. This type of leak is much easier to locate and fix as opposed to the typical leak found in shingles and tiles.

Once the inspector has determined that you have a leak, they will be able to trace the evidence you are seeing to the location of the leak on your roof. If you have traditional shingles, fixing the problem is an easy process. In most cases, the leak is coming from damaged shingles and tiles. In a case like this, you will simply need to replace the tiles or shingles and seal the edges with roofing cement.

Mold can be a serious matter, causing many potential health problems. If you suspect any mold issues, take immediate action and call in a roofing expert to address and repair the problem.

There are many causes for roof leaks, but most can be handled quickly if a professional oversees the job. For more information on spotting leaks or other problems with your roofing system, call us today!

Inspect the roof at least once a year. Every roof will sustain some damage or wear and tear over time. Taking the time to do a roof inspection will save you a lot of money on costly repairs. You can easily do a simple inspection from the ground if you know what to look for.

If a leak is discovered during a heavy rain, wait until it is dry before attempting to repair it. The danger associated with climbing on a wet roof is far greater than doing it on a dry day.

Replace shingles regularly. If you notice any missing or damaged shingles, it’s important that you replace them as soon as possible. Inspecting shingles for signs of damage every so often is simple to do and will save you money on potential repairs.

Mow the lawn before any work is done on your roof. Having your lawn mowed will help the workers spot any nails or other debris that may have fallen from the roof. Obviously, this will help to prevent injuries from not seeing them on the ground as you walk around. There are magnetic nail finders to help with this task.

Don’t settle for the first sales pitch you encounter. If the roofing company seems pushy to you, then you need to consider looking elsewhere. Once that contract is signed, it’s tricky to get out of it.

Do your homework. Take the time to check several companies before deciding on which one to hire. Resist the temptation to settle for the first bid you get. Ask for references and follow up on them. You can also check with the BBB and see if there have been any formal complaints filed against the company or contractor.

Resist the urge to settle for just a quick-fix. While it might seem to be the best thing financially, keep in mind that if you only put a band-aid on the problem, it will come back to haunt you at a later date.

Make sure that the professional roofer has the proper credentials. Find out which credentials are required by law in your area and make sure the roofing company is complying with those.

Be sure they are insured. Any roofing company should have full liability insurance. This will protect you if any accidents or injuries occur while they are working on your home.

For more information on what to look for in a roofing company, call us today and let our experts help!

The Fascia

The fascia is a front board that runs along the line of the roof. This band runs horizontally and can also be referred to as roof trim. Fascia is installed under the edges of the roof and is typically made of sheet metal or wooden boards. These are the finishing touches that run vertically, linking the rafters, trusses, and the parts of the roof that connect to the gutters. This element of your roof serves two purposes: protection and curb appeal.
This band of metal or wood protects the home’s interior from the damaging effects of the weather by preventing rain or other outside elements from getting inside. Also, when it comes to the aesthetic purpose, this band provides a smooth, level appearance along the roofing edge.

With a fascia, the most important thing to remember is protection. Since the job of the fascia is to protect, it is important for homeowners to watch for any indications of decay or damage.

The Soffit

The soffit is the finished area located under the fascia and the rafters. In Latin, the word soffit means “to fix underneath”. Soffits are made from vinyl and are used to improve the flow of air and to draw moisture and heat away from your home. With the pulling away of heat and moisture, properly functioning soffits prevent the sheathing and rafters from rotting.

As a homeowner, you should check your roofing soffits for holes, cracks, and any decaying. If you run across any of these, it is very important to correct those problems immediately to avoid water, insects, and other tiny critters from getting in.

The Flashing

The job of the flashing in a roofing system is to close off any open areas in which water may penetrate and lead to the bigger problem of leaking. Depending upon the roof on your home, the flashing is generally made from steel or aluminum and are located around the drains, walls, valleys, system edges, chimneys, or around the skylights.

The most widespread problem that we see with the flashing is deterioration. This is caused by oxidation and varying weather patterns. Also, there are a few cases in which the flashing just simply comes loose. With that being a possibility, it is important for you to take the time to check these areas to prevent larger issues.

The Gutters

The gutters on your home protect the structure by directing water away from the foundation of your home. It’s important for you as a homeowner to inspect your gutters and make sure that the spout is facing away from the foundation of your home. Stopped up gutters and downspouts are the number one problems that we see. Also, there are some cases in which the gutter may become detached from the fascia. You may also want to consider using extensions on your gutters in or to protect the foundation of your home.

The Shingles

Shingles need to be inspected and fixed as soon as you suspect there might be a problem. Curling, discoloration, and insufficient ventilation can cause a large amount of damage in just a brief time if not fixed and handled correctly. Curling of shingles not only looks bad but allows water to seep in and damage other parts of your roofing system. Discolorations is a big warning sign of a leak in your roof. No matter what size discoloration, it is important to have it checked immediately because a very tiny spot can create a large hole in the ceiling of your home. Lastly, insufficient ventilation can result in buckling.

What should I do if I run across one of these problems?

The key to get the most from your roofing system is regular inspections and maintenance. Most people are not comfortable or qualified to do this themselves, so calling in a pro is your best bet. Call us today for one of our roofing experts to inspect your roof!

Steps for staying safe during a do-it-yourself roof repair project:

• Think Carefully About Your Decision – If you are reading this post, you have probably thought through the various things that could go wrong. If you are not a roofing professional, there are many dangers you may not be aware of, so be sure you feel confident to handle the tools and ladders required for roof repairs.
• Wait for a Sunny Day – When it comes to a leaking roof, it’s always better to fix it sooner than later if possible. However, it’s always best to attempt roof repairs on a sunny and dry day. Even if it has rained earlier, you’ll want to make sure the ground is dry before placing ladders, etc. The risk of a fall is much greater because the roof will be slippery and not safe to walk on. This is also the case with snow and ice. If you have any hesitation about the safety of climbing onto the roof, please let a roofing professional come and do the job.
• Rubber-Soled Shoes Are Best – This may seem like an obvious step, but always make sure that you have shoes on with good traction. Rubber soles are best. Many people fall while doing simple roof repairs, and most of these falls are due to improper shoes.
• Wear a Roofing Harness – The small investment of a roofing harness could save your life. A roofing harness can be purchased or rented and is a must-have when doing roof repairs.
• Find a Friend to Help – We highly recommend that any roof work or repairs be done as a team. The other person will serve as a spotter and a second set of eyes. They may identify issues that you can’t see from your vantage point.

When it comes to roofing repair, your safety is the number one priority. Unless you have experience with roof repair, we suggest that you consider hiring an expert to help. Roofing repairs are not something that a typical homeowner can do, so if possible, allow a qualified roof contractor to come in and help get the job done right.
For more information on spotting roofing problems, please give us a call! We’re here to help.