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?

GMA Restoration Is the Roofing Company You Need!

Call (936) 213-5770!

What To Do When You Need Emergency Roofers!

Roofers in Huntsville Texas

When storm winds blow, some homeowners may unexpectedly find themselves in need of emergency roof repair. Getting repairs made quickly by experienced roofers who can locate and correct the damage fast is essential. Yet sometimes there is a wait involved, especially when there are many storm-damaged homes in the area.

So what should homeowners do in the meantime? Anyone who has suffered roof damage should follow the roofing first response tips listed below to help until emergency roofer repair services can be arranged.

Find the Damage and Call for Repairs

A homeowner should always initially inspect their roof after a storm has raged through or if there is any other reason to suspect some kind of damage. Look on the inside of the attic and outside surfaces to find any areas of obvious damage or indications of water leaks. If damage is found, call for emergency roofer repair, then take steps to protect the home until roofers can get there. If damage is discovered during the storm, protect everything possible on the inside and call afterward. Leave any temporary outside repairs until the storm passes and the rain stops.

Contain the Water to Protect Belongings

Any water leaking into the home should be contained to prevent damage to the  house interior or the items inside. Catch the rainwater in buckets and move everything away from the damaged area. If necessary, cover items in plastic to prevent them from getting wet. Until roofers are able to make needed repairs, look for ways to divert the water to prevent more from coming in.

Tarp the Roof

If there is safe access to the roof, try to cover the area that has been damaged with a tarp. Wait for the roof to dry off, then attach a tarp by screwing it down with pieces of 2x4 planks to hold the edges secure and provide the most protection until repairs can be made. Tarps should only be used until emergency roofer repair can be arranged, as they will help prevent additional water from getting into the house if it starts to rain again.

Apply A Roof Patch

In some situations in the case of flat roofs, a patch compound can be applied to prevent more leaking if the source of the leak can be found. Available at most hardware and home supply stores, the sealing compound can be applied dry or wet and will form a watertight patch over smaller areas of damage. These patches should not be relied upon as the actual repair. Even if the leaking has stopped, it is essential to arrange for professional repair as soon as possible. The patch could fail or hide undetected significant damage. A proper repair is imperative.

Storm damage can happen when people least expect it, although handy homeowners can take a few vital steps to reduce the amount of damage to their homes and expedite the repair process. By locating the damage, protecting the inside of the home, and applying a temporary patch or cover, overall damage until emergency roofer repair is done can greatly reduce further damage. Homeowners should call experienced roofers as soon as damage is found, then get to work protecting the roof until help arrives!

Need Emergency Roofer Repair In Huntsville Texas?

GMA Restoration Will Be There To Help!

Call (936) 213-5770 ASAP!

Tile Roofs – How Do They Shape Up For Your House?

Roofs in Huntsville Texas

Tile is one of the more attractive and efficient types of residential roofing. Tile roofs are very beautiful and add great character to a home. It also provides a number of other benefits for homeowners to consider when deciding on the type of roofing material to use. When installed by experienced tile roof services, homeowners reap all the benefits and get an impressive-looking home, all in one. If a tile roof sounds like a good idea, read the following information to learn more and decide whether it may be a suitable roofing option.

Different Materials

Roofing tiles are made from a variety of materials, each of which have their own positive and negative qualities. Ceramic versions are made from either clay or terra cotta, while others are made from concrete or a mixture of fiberglass and cement. After baking, ceramic tiles retain the color of the material from which they were made, while concrete and cement can be easily dyed or color-coated.

All types can be durable against the elements; however, ceramic may be more susceptible to chips and breaks under certain conditions. As a whole, tile is not recommended where large debris could damage roofs; in most other settings, it does fine.

Styles and Colors

Tile roofing is made by molding different materials into attractively shaped pieces that lay over each other to create an interlocked, watertight surface when installed by experienced tile roof services. They are available in many different styles, including the wavy Spanish and curved Mission styles used on Spanish-influenced architecture as well as the more traditional French and interlocking styles common in Europe.

They are available in their natural state, colored only by the pigments in the clay or colored to look like slate or other material. Some types are even available in a wide variety of decorative colors that are added into the mix before molding or as a colorful coating after mixing.

Economic and Environmental Considerations

Roofing tile offers a number of important benefits in addition to how attractive these roofs can look. It is a very thermal resistant material that is highly effective at containing heat without allowing it to pass through the surface. In colder climates, it keeps the heat within the home; in hotter climates, it prevents heat from entering. Cooling and heating bills are considerably lower as a result. In addition to its great thermal properties, most tile can be safely and efficiently recycled since it is made from natural materials.

The Drawbacks of Tile

The two main drawbacks that homeowners must consider before choosing tile for their home is weight and cost. Ceramic and concrete roofing are exceptionally heavy once installed, so tile roof services must first determine if the structure of the building can safely support the weight. Secondly, it can be considerably more expensive than other types of roofs because the material is basically hand-molded and requires a larger-than-normal initial investment. Still, due to its extreme durability that is much longer than most other material, it may be worth the extra cost.

There are many positives for homeowners to consider when thinking about installing tile roofs. Not only is it very beautiful and available in many different shapes and colors, it is very environmentally-friendly and cost-effective as well. On the contrary, tile does have a high installation cost from tile roof services and may not be suitable for all homes or in all locations. Still, any homeowner who chooses this material will surely be pleased with its performance and how beautiful it looks on their home!

Thinking Of Tile Roofs In Huntsville Texas?

GMA Restoration Offers Experienced Tile Roof Services!

Call (936) 213-5770!

Top 6 Reasons Why Roofing Systems Fail!

Roofing in Huntsville

Although a roof may look like a simple structure, it is actually comprised of a fairly complex system made up of a variety of materials that are combined to create a watertight, yet breathable covering. Because of this, roofing must be done with care to avoid problems.

This important building covering should be installed by experienced roofing companies that know how to prevent serious issues that could affect the entire system over a period of time. Some failures may also be caused by problems with the material itself or even ventilation problems. Following are the six most prevalent roof system failures and why they happen.

  1. Loose or Missing Flashing - Flashing covers areas where various roof structures come together, leaving exposed material edges. Flashing keeps water from entering under those edges and damaging the layers underneath. When the flashing is loose or has come off, important protection is reduced or eliminated. Missing and loose flashing accounts for a high percentage of leaks and water damage that roofing companies must repair.
  2. Roof Penetrations and Punctures - Anything that passes through the surface of the roof, such as a skylight, attic vents, or other exhaust or ventilation pipes, increases the possibility of a leak in that area. All protrusions must be carefully sealed and flashed to prevent water from entering. Similarly, any puncture of the system caused by debris such as branches or people walking on the surface can leave places where water can get in. Over time, even tiny punctures or poorly sealed penetrations can be responsible for a large amount of damage.
  3. Blisters and Wrinkles - Blisters and wrinkles can happen under shingles and membrane roofing systems. In both cases, the culprit is moisture under the roof or within the various layers that may be caused by poor ventilation or improper application of the layers. Blisters that appear on membrane systems can break or shingles can be lifted off the decking with each instance. This invites moisture in which can quickly damage the entire roof.
  4. Splitting and Breaking - Like blistering and wrinkling, roofing systems can also experience splitting and breaking, depending on the quality of the material used and how well it was installed. Both splits in membrane roofs or split and broken shingles reduce water tightness and allow water to seep in, causing serious damage to the building structure beneath.
  5. Poor Sealing - Although the installation of various roofing systems means using different materials and techniques, they all involve using some type of sealant to protect the decking. When sealants are improperly applied by unskilled roofing companies, or when underlayment or adhesives do not thoroughly cover the decking, the result can be slow, hard-to-detect leaks that can cause extreme amounts of damage over time.
  6. General Wear And Poor Maintenance - Even though roofs are designed to withstand the elements for many years, they still face wear and require maintenance. From keeping the surface clean to the prompt repair of small concerns found during a regular inspection, proper maintenance is essential to slow the effects of wear and prolong the life of the entire roof system.

To get the longest life from all roofing systems, home and building owners must provide necessary maintenance and look out common concerns known to cause roof system failure. With the help of experienced roofing companies, home and building owners can detect small issues and make any necessary repairs before they get any bigger!

Need Roofing Help In Huntsville Texas?

Contact The Roofing Experts At GMA Restoration!

Call Us At (936) 213-5770!

Roofing Contractors – The Top Things You Need To Know!

Roofers in College Station Texas

Roofs are one of the most expensive replacement items on any house. Ensuring a quality installment means working with experienced and dedicated roofer services. Since there is so much that can go wrong when installing a roof that could affect its longevity, property owners should carefully screen roofers before contracting with one. Use these helpful tips to find a contractor who can do a good job, thus reducing the chance of future roofing problems.

Make A List of Local Contractors

Begin by searching for local roofer services and create a list of prospects. Search local online business listings, in the yellow pages, and ask friends and families for recommendations. Before adding business names to the initial list, make sure they are a legitimate company with a business address, have been in business locally at that address for a number of years, and have no negative reviews online or otherwise. Avoid fly-by-night “storm chaser” operations that show up after a storm in the neighborhood, as that is a sign of a service that is likely to disappear shortly after the roof work is completed.

Do Some Research

Research all the companies named on the initial list for more detailed information such as the following:

  • Are They Licensed And Insured? - Although licensing may not be required in all states, reputable roofer services will be either licensed and/or certified to install various roofing products. Ask to see proof of these certifications and especially proof of liability and workers compensation insurance. This is important coverage for roofers in the event someone becomes injured during the job.
  • Customer Referrals and Testimonials - Ask roofers to provide the names and contact information of a few customers who can be called for a referral. Also look online at the many local business directories that allow people to leave reviews. Read the comments left by other customers to get an idea about the service and whether they seem honest, skilled, and knowledgeable.
  • How Do They Handle Warranties and Insurance Claims? - There are multiple types of warranties to cover a roofing installation. Some are honored by the materials manufacturers, while others are honored by the roofer service. Before contracting any work, it is important for homeowners to understand exactly how each service handles materials or workmanship problems. Does the service work directly with insurance companies or must property owners pay first and then seek reimbursement from applicable insurance carriers?

Get An Estimate

Obtain detailed estimates from all potential candidates and compare them. Request that all charges and expenses be itemized and explained, including any waste removal fees and anything roofers charges. Request estimates based on multiple grades of roofing material if possible. Compare the estimates from the different companies and gauge how they charge for any material expenses and handle warranties. Keep in mind that the least expensive estimate may not be the best one based on factors like warranties, waste removal, as well as the overall skill and experience of one company versus another.

Choosing the right contractor depends on more than just finding the lowest price. It involves identifying roofers who seem honest, experienced, and are recommended by the local community. After gathering the above information and discussing the installation with different roofer services, homeowners can hopefully make an easy decision on which company offers the best service at an affordable price!

Searching For Roofers In College Station Texas?

GMA Restoration Is Your Best Choice For Residential Roofing!

Call (936) 213-5770!