Category: Roofing Companies in Huntsville Texas

Total Roof Protection – Synthetic or Felt Underlayment?

Roofing underlayment is one of many essential components that make up a roof.

Available in multiple types, this seemingly insignificant layer places under the exterior roofing materials actually plays a critical role in how well any roof installation done by a professional roofing company performs.

Before assuming any underlayment product used by a roofer will work on your roof, it is important to understand how they work and which products work better for which applications.

What Is The Purpose Of Underlayment?

Underlayment is a thin protective layer that roofing companies install between the roof decking and external roofing materials.

It is a breathable, water-resistant barrier that protects a roof from moisture that might get under the shingles or other exterior materials.

Although a professional roof installation job would normally be watertight on its own, the underlayment provides secondary protection to the decking in case any moisture does seep under the shingles.

Because underlayment is water-resistant rather than waterproof, it also allows for a certain amount of breathability to aid roof ventilation.

Felt Vs. Synthetic Underlayment - Pros and Cons

There are two types of underlayment used by roofers today: felt and synthetic.

Although they both serve the same purpose, each has definite pros and cons that should be considered before choosing the one appropriate for your roof.

Felt Underlayment - A fabric made of fiberglass fibers and asphalt, felt underlayment is one of the first materials ever used by roofing companies to provide an element of water-tightness to any roof.

PRO

  • Readily available in multiple sizes and thicknesses for nearly any application from most suppliers.
  • Less costly as it is made from less-expensive materials, much more cost-effective for the right roof.

CON

  • Prone to tearing as this less durable material can tear more easily.
  • Heavier and can add significantly more weight when installed on a roof and take longer to install.
  • May absorb water and become wrinkled under the shingles.
  • Slippery which makes it unsafe to work on and more challenging to install.
  • Some warranty Issues as roofers and roofing product manufacturers may void warranties if felt underlayment is used.

Synthetic Underlayment - A fabric made of synthetic polymers, synthetic underlayment has become a popular choice for many roofing companies due to its many positive attributes in comparison to standard felt underlayment.

PRO

  • More moisture-resistant, non-absorbent, and repels moisture.
  • Lightweight and faster to install with 1/4th the weight of traditional underlayment.
  • Durable, strong, and tear-resistant.
  • Non-slip surface that is much safer for a roofing installation.
  • Recommended by most materials manufacturers and professional roofing companies.

CONS

  • Depending on type and thickness, synthetic may be up to four times the price of comparable felt underlayment.

Which Underlayment Is Best for Your Roof?

Underlayment is something that every roof needs, regardless of the type chosen.

Although standard felt underlayment is great to use in drier regions where moisture is not much of a concern or when cost is a limiting factor, synthetic underlayment is much preferred by most roofing companies because of its many positive features.

Discuss the options with your roofer before finalizing any roofing job!

Need A New Roof in Huntsville Texas?

Roofers Huntsville Is The Roofing Company You Need!

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I’m Getting A New Roof – How Long Will It Take To Install?

A common question that roofers get asked by home and building owners is how long their roof replacement will take to complete.

Though it might seem like an easy question, there are many variables that go into how long an installation might take.

If you’re wondering how long your new roof might take to put on, here are a few factors that roofers consider when providing customers with estimates of how long the job will take.

1. Size of the Roof

Naturally, the bigger the roof, the longer it will take your roofing company to install it.

Smaller homes and buildings with easier installations can be completed in as little as a day while larger homes and bigger commercial buildings could take days or even weeks to complete.

Time is directly relative to size as well as the other factors that contribute to how long an installation can take.

2. Complexity of the Roof Design

A flat roof or a simple pitched roof are straightforward roof replacement designs that involve fewer angles, meaning the installations will be easier, and faster to do.

Structures that have more complicated roof designs with lots of angles, corners, and protrusions will take longer because each of those areas needs extra attention to ensure the materials are properly installed and the installation is waterproof in those high-susceptibility areas.

3. Material Being Installed

Some material like asphalt shingles, metal panels, and certain flat membrane installations can be installed fairly easily and quickly.

Others like specialty shingles and some other materials may require a more complicated process to ensure a good installation.

The more detailed or different the roof replacement work is, the longer it usually will take.

4. Tear-Off and Damage Repairs

It’s important to also take the tear-off into consideration when trying to estimate how long roofing companies will take to complete your new roof.

Tear-off time depends on how easily the existing materials can be lifted off; asphalt shingles are fairly quick to remove while other types of shingles and different materials can take longer.

Additionally, don’t forget to add in any repairs that need addressing once the old materials are removed or if the decking has to be replaced.

Repairs can add days or weeks to a job depending on how extensive they are.

5. Size of the Work Crew

The size of the work crew is another very basic factor when trying to estimate the time it will take for a roofer to complete your roof replacement; the larger the crew, the faster the work will be completed.

This is why busier roofing companies usually have at least 4 or 5 people working on most jobs; they can get the job completed in the least amount of time and then move on to the next scheduled job.

6. Weather Conditions

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, any roofing job can get delayed.

It’s always preferable to work in dry conditions, within the temperature range suggested by the materials manufacturer since cooler weather can affect how well different adhesives actually adhere.

When conditions change suddenly, roofing companies may be forced to throw a tarp over the incomplete installation and wait it out.

7. Special Materials or Requirements

If your roof replacement requires anything special, it’s going to slow the process down.

Things like needing specific materials to preserve historic value, different materials or installation processes for especially unique architecture or roof shapes, as well as even extra-tall homes or those with especially steep and tall angles will increase the length of time to install.

Roofs like that require special scaffolding or safety equipment and contribute to a longer completion time no matter how large or small the structure may be.

So How Long Will A Roof Installation Take?

Though it’s impossible to say without actually inspecting a roof, this guide should help you figure out what factors relate to your installation and what a roofing company will need to do to complete it.

Most residential installations on average-sized homes can take roofers anywhere from one to three days; however, with any of these other factors contributing, that could change.

Time for commercial buildings must first look at size as some commercial installations are huge, then look at things like type of materials and the complexity of the installation process for those materials.

For the most accurate time estimate, ask your roofer when they come to do a complete work estimate of your roof!

Need A New Roof in Huntsville Texas?

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Call (936) 228-4697 Now!

Learn How To Prolong The Life of Your Tile Roof!

A tile roof installation is a wonderful addition to your home that can give it traditional character and greatly improve its appearance.

Tile is also a favorable choice for roofing replacement due to its energy-efficiency and durability.

To get a full life out of your tile roof, it’s critical that it receive proper care as if it is ignored, that beautiful tile will deteriorate sooner than it should.

Prolong the roof of your tile roof and reduce the need for costly repair by following these important tile roof maintenance tips!

Tip #1 - Stay Off That Tile!

The number one way to damage a beautiful tile roof is to walk on it as those tiles are a lot more delicate than they may appear; one wrong step can cause them to crack or break under your feet!

When you have a roofing company install tile, do so knowing that you should always call a professional to do close-up inspections and any needed maintenance or repairs as they have the training and know-how to reach all parts of tile roofs without damaging them.

Tip #2 - Keep It Clean

Roof tiles are made from porous, organic material that can hold moisture and other material that promotes the growth of moss and algae which can stain and deteriorate tiles over time.

Dirt and other debris can collect on the tiles and rot after a period of time.

To prevent these conditions and keep your tile roof looking and top-performing, it’s essential to clean it periodically and apply a sealant to preserve the surface.

Since these cleanings must be performed carefully and should never be done with a pressure washer, it’s recommended that you hire tile roofing services to do it for you.

Tip #3 - Keep the Trees Trimmed

Trees are responsible for a lot of the damage that can occur to tile roofs as their branches can rub and scrape the tiles as well as break or lift them, while leaves left behind can add to organic debris that can rot and promote algae growth.

The easiest way to reduce this kind of damage is to keep all trees close to the building well pruned so the branches cannot touch and leaves won't fall on the roof.

Tip #4 - Inspect Tile Regularly

Because tile is more susceptible to damage than asphalt shingles and metal roofs, have your roof professionally inspected at least every two years by a roofing company that can get up high and take a closer look.

In between those inspections, do your own visual inspection after storms; if anything seems unusual, ask your roofer to check it out right away to prevent further roof damage.

Tip #5 - Keep Up With Repairs

If you discover cracked or broken tiles during one of your inspections or any other damage to your tile roof, arrange for roof repair immediately.

Damage left unrepaired can result in additional damage due to leaking and destruction of the adhesive under other tiles in that area.

This can lead to more broken tiles and leaks that can slowly do widespread damage over a much larger area.

Good Care Encourages Tile Roof Longevity

Ceramic and pottery tile roofs can last almost a lifetime when installed correctly by a skilled roofer and then properly maintained afterward.

Failure to maintain tile roofs can lead to serious damage over time, shortening their serviceable life so that you need a roof replacement sooner than you should.

Using these five simple tips, your roof will stay in great condition and remain a beautiful part of your home!

 

What Is The Best Way to Find A Roofer I Can Trust?

Sooner or later, every homeowner or owner of a commercial building is going to need a roofing replacement done - roofs don’t last forever!

When that time comes, do you know how to find a reliable and skilled roofer in your area to hire?

Any roof installation is costly, so it’s important to do your homework when seeking roofing services you can trust to do great workmanship and act ethically.

Use these tips on how to research roofers and find the right one for the job!

Three Ways to Find Roof Services

The first step in hiring a roofing company is compiling a list of contractors to research so you can find the one who suits your needs:

  • Ask for Local Referrals - Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a roofing contractor who does great work. Ask friends, family, and neighbors who they recommend, then do personal research about those roofers.

  • Ask Your Insurance Company - Your homeowners insurance company surely has a list of roof repair contractors they approve and this is a great place to start, especially if you’ll be filing a claim for roof damage.

  • Search Local Business Directories - Search for local contractors on business directory websites like Google My Business, Yelp, Yellow Pages online, and even social media websites like Facebook.

Necessary Roofing Company Qualifications

Once you’ve compiled a list of roofing contractor candidates, do some further research to learn more about them and what qualifications they have to do roof replacement and repair as well as how highly recommended they are as professionals:

  • Manufacturer Designation - Material manufacturers provide free training to ensure that roofers are familiar with their products and know how to properly install them. Awarded in various contractor levels from factory-certified to elite or comparable designations, these ratings mean that a roofing contractor is recognized by the manufacturer as being capable of installing their products and are recommended over a contractor without this designation.

  • Better Business Bureau Scores - BBB scores will give you a good idea about the reputation of a roofer and the type of work they do. Look for roofing companies that have BBB listings with high ratings and avoid those with no BBB listing at all.

  • Local and/or State Licensing - If your state or locality requires roof services to maintain certain licenses, ask to see them and be sure they are current.

  • Proof of Insurance - Always ask to see proof of current insurance before hiring any contractor to work on your roof or any other part of your house or commercial building.

  • Safety Certification - Ask whether the roof contractor’s employees have received safety training and if the company has a safety certification. Not all will but it’s preferable to work with companies that do.

Other Factors to Consider

After checking all of the above information for your candidates, look into these other details to give you a more complete picture of a roofer’s business practices and what to expect from them:

  • Estimates and Warranties - If you ask for an estimate, make sure it includes all details about the work to be done including itemized cost breakdowns, additional fees, and a full explanation of everything you will be paying for as well as the types of warranties and what they specifically cover. Make sure you understand the warranty information before you agree to anything.

  • No Pressure Sales - Don’t let a roofing contractor pressure you into anything, including which material to use. Don't let them handle your insurance claim, as that’s something that is better handled by you personally.

  • Know About Roofing - Know enough about the work you need done on your roof and material choices so you can have informed discussions with roofers and understand what they are talking about.

Ready To Start Your Search?

Though it seems like an awful lot of research to do just to hire a roof repair service, it’s effort that will benefit you in the long run.

You’ll find a local qualified roof company that’s recognized for their expert work and great business reputation so you can hire a good, experienced roofer with confidence!

Metal Roofing – Why It Works So Well!

If you’re in the market for a new roofing replacement for your Texas home or business, you have a lot of materials options to choose from.

Among them, metal is a preferred material to have installed by a qualified roofing company because of the many advantages it gives you over other common roofing materials.

Metal may be a little more expensive than standard shingles but with good reason.

When you appreciate the positives of installing a metal roof on your home, it’s easy to see why so many Texas property owners choose it!

1. Long Life Expectancy

In comparison to shingles, wood, and other common similarly-priced types of roofs, metal roofing outlasts them all by decades.

Properly installed and maintained, a metal roof should last between 50 and 75 years and sometimes even longer, depending on the material quality and manufacturing which is far longer than the 20 to 40 years that most shingles are said to last.

2. Exceptionally Durable and Weather Resistant

Metal as a material is much stronger than even the highest quality designer shingles and exceptionally more so than any wood or tile roofing.

It can withstand extreme weather and even impacts from hail and other storm debris without damage, retaining its water-tightness and protectiveness the whole time.

3. Corrosion and Infestation Resistant

Unlike wood roofing, asphalt shingle roofs, and sometimes even organic materials like tile, all of which can corrode over time due to excessive moisture, wood rot, mold, mildew, and more, metal that has been correctly installed and well cared for is much more resistant to any kind of corrosion.

It’s not attractive to pests and rodents either, so it cannot be infested under most circumstances.

4. Easier and Less Expensive to Care For

Another great feature of metal roofing is how easily it can be cared for compared to other materials.

All that’s necessary to keep a metal roof in great condition and avoid the need for roof repair is periodic cleaning if it gets dirty and an occasional new coat of paint or sealer as recommended by the metal roofing manufacturer.

Much better than the yearly or biennial scrubbing some asphalt roofs require or the regular cleaning, sealing, painting or staining many other roof types need to retain their condition.

5. Higher Fire and Wind Resistance

In areas where wildfires or hurricanes are a threat, metal roofs excel yet again, offering much greater protection.

Blowing embers landing on metal will not catch fire and metal roofing applied by roofers in large panels is less likely to be peeled off and blown away in high winds than are shingles of any kind.

6. Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient

Although a quality metal roof installation will initially cost more than other more seemingly economical materials, that price is more cost-effective when taking longevity, durability, and minimal maintenance requirements into account.

Additionally, metal roofing material is known to reduce energy bills in hotter climates when installed with good insulation as it has a very high R-value or level of UV rays that get reflected off the roof rather than being absorbed through it into the building.

7. Environmentally Friendly

A metal roofing replacement is also an environmentally friendly option for reducing your carbon footprint.

Metal is 100% recyclable as well as biodegradable and most metal roofing materials made today are partially composed of recycled material.

Combined with its energy-efficiency, metal is one of the greenest choices out there.

8. Many Attractive Options

Today, metal roofs are available in countless styles and colors, giving you incredible options for making your structure look more appealing.

From the most basic standing seam style to imitation shingles made to look like wood, slate, tile, and other more expensive and less durable material, metal makes a great faux roof that gives you the look you really want.

9. Lightweight

If the weight of your roof is a concern for your house or building, you can’t go wrong with metal made to look like other preferable and much heavier styles.

Metal installed by experienced roofing services weighs only a fraction of the weight of tile and even many newer decorative shingle types.

Metal Roofing - So Many Reasons to Choose It!

With all so many notable advantages, it’s easy to see why a metal roof installation done by qualified roofers is a great choice for Texas home and building owners.

Whatever look you want for your structure, there is a metal roof out there that meet your needs!

Shingle Roofing – What Are Your 5 Top Choices?

Roofing Companies in Huntsville Texas

Shingles are the most popular type of material installed by roofing companies because they offer homeowners so many roofing options. Although the word shingle is commonly associated with mainly the asphalt type, the word technically refers to the shape and design of the material and how it is attached to the roof. There are actually many types of shingles for homeowners to choose from that can be installed by experienced shingle roofing services.

1. Dimensional or Architectural Asphalt

Layered asphalt shingles are one of the most popular materials used by roofing companies due to its relatively low cost, easy installation, and reasonably long life for the cost. Improved technology in the past few decades has enabled the creation of dimensional asphalt shingles that look much more attractive than their flat predecessors and perform better as well. Available in a multitude of shapes, thicknesses, and colors, asphalt varieties are now more durable and weather resistant and can mimic the look of wood and more expensive materials.

2. Ceramic and Concrete Tile

Created from clay or concrete, tile is technically a type of shingling because of how it is installed, with each row of tiles overlapping the row below it just like all other shingles. Tile offers many positive features including high energy efficiency, elevated fire-resistance, longevity, and a good appearance on the right home architecture. On the other hand, tile is also one of the most expensive options that shingle roofing services can install since it is basically handmade. It is also fairly heavy, so the home must be structurally sound enough to safely support its weight.

3. Wood

Pine, cedar, redwood, and many other types of wood are commonly used to make shingles that produce durable and attractive roofs. Left unpainted, wood will age to different patinas based on the species used; however, many people choose to have their roofing companies paint or stain it. Wood can be more expensive than asphalt yet remains a great option for many classically styled homes or even more rustic ones. It last as long or longer than asphalt, although there are a few disadvantages including higher maintenance requirements and poor fire-resistance.

4. Metal

Metal shingles are actually metal sheets that have been pressed to look like wood, ceramic, or other desirable materials. Metal can last longer than many other materials and is a durable and lightweight roof in comparison. Installed by experienced shingle roofing services, a metal roof can cost considerably more than an asphalt one. Yet between its energy efficiency and durability, this material tends to outlast even the best asphalt and roof shingles.

5. Slate

Like tile, slate is a beautiful material that offers many advantages including appearance, high energy efficiency, and great durability in most applications. Slate is available in natural hues and tints; it is a favorite choice for more traditional style homes. It yields a beautiful, long-lasting roof that can last a century or more. Disadvantages are that it is the heaviest and most costly choice.

Shingles are available from roofing companies in many shapes and sizes, made from a variety of different materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. When considering different choices, homeowners should discuss their needs with shingle roofing services. Professional roofers can advise on the best options for each individual home that fits in designated budgets with the look and protection each homeowner wants!

Need Reliable Shingle Roofing Services in Huntsville Texas?

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