Best Ways To Keep Your Gutter Clean

Gutters and downspouts are frequently clogged with leaves and other debris, and this situation causes poor rainwater drainage. Water that does not flow properly through the gutter system may infiltrate through the ceiling, generating damage at various levels.

The accumulation of leaves, twigs and dirt in the gutters maintains moisture, which leads to rapid degradation and rust.

What is the solution?

Put your gloves on and solve the problem quickly and easily! Cleaning the gutters and the downspouts is not so complicated and can be done without professional assistance.  However if you have fears of climbing a ladder, contact a Dallas roofing contractor near you to do it.

The first operation consists in cleaning the gutters with a brush, to remove debris, followed by using a garden hose and water to check whether the downspout is clogged or not. If it is, you must not introduce sharp metal objects or force it too hard because its joints tend to break quite easily and a pierced downspout will not accomplish its purpose, not to mention that the holes will actually facilitate clog formation.

In order to attempt to unclog the downspout, put the hose alternatively at the bottom end and at the top of the pipe and use water at high pressure. In most cases, this operation will work and the problem will be solved. However, if the downspout remains clogged, you may need a specialist to disassemble it in order to clean it properly.

However, keep in mind that regular cleaning f the gutters and downspouts using water pressure can prevent more serious blockages and damage.

Tips For Choosing a Top Rated Commercial Roofer

Choosing a commercial roofer is not so different from choosing a roofer specialized in residential projects, but you must look for a company with experience and workers specialized in the commercial roofing. That`s because commercial roofing involves different approaches, materials and even styles.

As an owner of a commercial property, you are probably interested in finding a reliable contractor, with service consistency, communication assets and resources that guarantee a long-time professional relationship. Look for a roofing company that has permanent employees instead of hiring sub-contractors. You need a dedicated partner, able to respect your time, providing 24/7 quality services, answering questions and offering you the most convenient options to keep your roof in good shape.

Choose a licensed, bonded and insured contractor, but not before checking its history and its portfolio. Ask for estimations and payment options, but remember to prioritize quality over cost, or at least find the right balance them.

If you have a sophisticated project in your mind, look for a contractor with the expertise in roofing Dallas TX homes and businesses, and let them create your vision.

Last but not least, make sure the company that you hire works in compliance with the legal requirements in your state.

 

 

How To Locate Roof Leaks The Right Way

Finding and fixing a roof leak is not a simple operation, because leaks typically originate far from the area where water is spotted in the house. Water infiltrates along the topside of ceilings until it finds a weak spot to penetrate.  Hiring the help of professional Dallas TX roofers makes the job easier.

There are specific methods to find the location of a roof leak; they are not so complicated but may require the implication of two persons.

1. From inside the attic. Look for any area where the daylight comes in – it may indicate missing or damaged shingles. The next step is to use a flashlight and look for wetness along the secure framing members or on the insulation, as well as for stains or discoloration that may have been caused by older leaks.
2. If you cannot find anything unusual, you should consider climbing the roof (or call for specialists, if you do not have the skills, knowledge and necessary safety equipment). Check the fittings and then divide the roof into several areas and flood them, one by one, using a hose. Somebody else should stay in the attic and notice the exact spot where the water appears. You should mark the problematic area, determine the damage and start the necessary repairs immediately.

The Advantages of Metal Roofing

If you have been wondering whether metal roofing is a suitable solution for your property, ask the roofers who have been busy roofing Dallas homes for decades, and keep reading for more features and advantages that will surely convince you:

• Longevity – metal roofs live much longer than other types of roofs. While asphalt roofs are known to resist for around 15-20 years, metal roofs can last for at least 40 years,
• Durability – metal roofs don’t rust, don’t corrode, they can sustain winds roaring 140 miles an hour, they are resistant to impact and they don’t ignite, so they are suitable for any geographical area and any climate,
• Energy efficiency – metal roofs provide excellent insulation by minimizing heat loss and reflecting back solar heat, thus keeping the temperature inside the house even when it is very cold or very hot outside,
• Easy installation – metal roof panels are easy to install, too. It is important to follow the installation instructions to avoid creating areas where water could accumulate, but the process does not require any special knowledge or tools,
• Low maintenance needs – metal roofs don’t require the frequent and expensive regular maintenance that other types of roofs need. All you need to do is to inspect the roof every few years to make sure everything is alright up there.

 

An Explanation of Composite Roofing

Composite roofing is among the most popular types of roofing systems used today. Composite is appreciated for its resistance, its durability, the low costs and the long lifespan, so if you are interested in using the material on your roof, here are some more details about composite systems.

Composition roofing consists of individually installed shingles made from a fiberglass mat in the center, coated with asphalt and other fillers. Composition shingles come in various types:

• 3-tab shingles – these shingles are the thinnest and the most affordable of all shingle varieties. Even so, the material used is very resistant, flexible and durable and the manufacturer’s warranty these shingles come with range between 20-30 years.
• Laminate shingles – these varieties are thicker than 3-tab shingles and they are also more durable, warranted for 30, 40 or even 50 years.
• Premium shingles are the thickest, heaviest and largest of all shingle varieties. They are also the most expensive types of shingles, but even so, they are much more affordable than other types of roofing systems that are recommended by experienced roofers Dallas TX employs.

All types of composite shingles come in wide arrays of shapes and colors, allowing homeowners to choose the variety that best suits the style of the building as well as the climate zone where the building is located.

Which are the signs that you need a new roof?

A roof protects primarily from weather effects. Depending on the nature of the building and its structure, roofs can provide protection from heat, sun, cold or wind. The characteristics of a roof depend on the intended purpose of the building, but also on the local geography. Roof resistance is important because it is often the least accessible part of a building, in the case of repairs and renovations; at the same time, its destruction may have devastating effects.

Signs indicating the necessity of a roof replacement are:

• Large roof areas with curled shingles.
• Poor ventilation in the attic, which may be the cause of damaged sides of the roof and cracking paint on the outside or inside the house.
• Discoloration and stains in the attic, on the interior ceilings and on the walls. Stains may be caused by water infiltrations and mold formation and may indicate that the waterproofing of the roof tiles is defective or inadequate.
• Shingles lost their granulation  (the granules can be found in the gutters).
• Roofing repairs are not efficient anymore, as problems keep occurring, your roof will need the work of a professional Dallas roofing company that is located near you.
• The age of the roof (the roof is older than it should be).
• The energy bills (when they go up without increasing comfort, it is wise to consider the reasons – and the reasons can be related to a roof that needs to be changed).

Why using concrete roof tiles instead of other materials?

If you have reached the stage where you have to choose the type of material for your roof, then you already know that you have a variety of available options, from the classic ones to the more exotic and rarely used. In this article, we propose you to consider the choice of concrete tiles and here is why.

Concrete tiles have a few great advantages.

The first advantage is the impermeability. Concrete has a high density that does not allow rainwater to penetrate into the pores of the tiles. Moreover, high density provides resistance to freeze-thaw and, at the same time, it increases the life of the roof.

The next advantage is the homogeneous color of concrete tiles, and the smooth surface that guarantees the uniformity of the roof and the good resistance to wear.

If you choose concrete tiles, you will also gain a better protection against bad weather. In the process of making the concrete tiles, manufacturers add special substances that ensure color uniformity, protection, stability over time, as well as resistance to various weather conditions.  Contractors say roofing homes in Dallas TX is rewarding, depending on the type of roofing products used.

Finally yet importantly, concrete tiles do not break because of snow or ice formation and present high wind resistance.

 

 

Fire-Retardant Roofing Shingles

There is no such thing as a completely fire-proof roof, but having a roof with fire-retardant features that are as good as can be is essential for the safety of your home, your family and your belongings, even if you don’t live in a region prone to fires. Shingles are currently among the most popular and most common types of roofing materials, appreciated by homeowners because they are lightweight, easy to install and to maintain, durable, attractive and affordable, so here are a few examples of fire-retardant shingle varieties:

• Metal shingles – this type of roofing cover retains fire-resistant features for the entire life of the roof without requiring owners to reapply coatings or to do other type of maintenance on the roof,

 

• Slate shingles – made from a heavy material and therefore recommended only for buildings with a structure sufficiently robust to uphold its weight, slate shingles also have superior fire-retardant features, 

   

  asphalt roofing shingles

• Asphalt shingles – preferred for their light weight, affordability and variety of designs, asphalt have excellent fire-retardant features. You should have a licensed Dallas roofing contractor inspect your roof at a minimal of every two years, or sooner,

 

• Concrete shingles – suitable even for buildings located in fire-prone areas, concrete shingles offer safe and affordable roofing solutions and they are available in various different shapes and colors – small wonder they so popular among homeowners and constructors alike.