Tag: Roofing Companies in Huntsville Texas

Do You Know What Maintenance Your New Roof Needs?

So you just hired a roofing company to install a new roof on your home or commercial building and that structure will be protected from the elements for the next two decades or more - and things are looking good.

Do you know what happens next?

While you may not have to worry about that new roof for years to come, that’s only partially true.

Even new roofs require at least some amount of roof maintenance to ensure they continue to perform well and last their full expected lifetime.

Follow these simple tips to keep that brand new roof properly maintained so you get your money’s worth from your investment!

Roofing Maintenance Is Critical

As perfect as that brand newly installed roof may look today, it starts aging the minute it’s finished and exposed to the elements.

Roofs withstand a lot of extremes that gradually wear them out and break them down.

The only way to slow this process from day one is have a good roofing maintenance program and keep records of all work performed.

Inspection, prevention, and repairs when required are what will protect your roof and insure that it lasts as long as it’s meant to.

Perform Regular Roofing Inspections

A highly important part of roof maintenance and what is most overlooked is hiring a roofing company to perform routine inspections.

Right from the start, it’s critical to keep an eye on the roof to be sure that there are no problems with the workmanship that appear over time, problems with the materials, or unexpected damage.

Any of these concerns if undetected could result in considerable damage to your new roof and might not be covered by warranties or insurance if not detected and remedied when they first occur.

In addition, a routine roof inspection every year will allow your roofer to detect any developing problems and take care of them before they cause more deterioration to the roof.

You may also want to bring your roofer out to do an extra inspection after a bad storm like a hurricane or hailstorm to look for storm damage.

This type of damage can occur to any roof at any time, even if it’s brand new.

Keep It Clean at All Times

Another part of new roofing maintenance is to keep it clean and clear of debris.

Clean the gutters religiously every spring and fall, then check frequently for leaves, branches, and other debris that may be laying on top as there should be nothing on your roof.

If your roof is prone to grow moss, mold, or algae, have your roof company come out and do a professional cleaning periodically, as that kind of growth can gradually deteriorate a roof.

Establish A Maintenance Plan With Your Roofing Company

Your newly installed roof is a big investment in the protection and value of your home or commercial building, so be sure to keep in mind that roofs need maintenance right from the start to prevent unnecessary damage over time.

Create a plan with your roofing company once the roof is installed and work together to get a long, full service life from with few problems!

Just Installed A New Roof in Huntsville Texas?

Talk to Roofers Huntsville About Vital Roofing Maintenance!

Call (936) 228-4697 Today!

How To Tell If Your Roof Leak Is Serious!

Roof leaks are sneaky; small leaks can be deceiving, leading you to believe there is some time before you need to call a roofing service to get them out to take care of it.

While that may be true sometimes, there’s a higher possibility it’s more serious than you realize.

Even seemingly small leaks could reveal a problem much worse than you’d expect, one that ends up needing extensive roof repairs or even a roofing replacement.

Rather than ending up in that type of situation, inspect any leak you find a little closer before assuming there is plenty of time to get it fixed.

If you notice any of these signs, that leak is potentially serious and has likely been there longer than you think!

1. Water Stains or Spots

The top sign that you have a leak that requires the attention of a roofer and it’s been there for a while is the evidence of water stains on the inside of your attic or water spotting on the exterior of your house.

Stains on beams, flooring, and even the contents of your attic suggest an ongoing, sneaky leak that has evaded you for a while.

Spotting on the exterior of the house underneath the eaves is another indication of leaking that’s been happening for a while.

You might be surprised at the extent of the damage uncovered by a roofing contractor if the leak has been present for quite a while.

2. Damage Inside the House

Another big sign that you need to call a roofing company in a hurry is if interior damage appears like

  • Buckling and peeling paint or wallpaper.
  • Sagging or stained ceiling.
  • Moisture or stains on the walls.
  • Attic insulation that’s disintegrating.
  • Other moisture-related damage.

all of which are a prime indicator that you’ve had a leak for some time.

This kind of damage does not happen overnight and should be remedied as soon as possible before it gets worse.

3. Mold, Mildew, and Other Growth

The presence of moisture in your home in spite of a fully-functioning HVAC system is another big indicator of a leak that’s been there for a while.

Unhealthy mold in attic corners or in the insulation as well as mildew on the roofing structure or other surfaces means there’s either water coming in from somewhere or you have a serious attic ventilation problem, both of which need to be repaired by a roofer.

If you see mold, algae, or moss growing on your roof or the exterior walls of your home, this is another sign that there is a moisture problem that needs correcting.

Untended, exterior moisture issues can lead to more leaking that can cause extensive damage both inside and outside the house.

4. Structural Damage to Roof or Foundation

A sagging roof or one that has shifted in any way is another issue that points to leaks that have been there for a while, long enough to allow the structural framework of the roof to soften and change due to rot and other water damage.

Sometimes the first indicator that your roof is causing the problem might be hairline cracks in the foundation if the roof has shifted or become too heavy from water absorption in places that you have no idea are getting wet.

5. Intermittent Leaks In Colder Weather

There’s nothing more annoying than an intermittent leak, especially if the leak is noticeable when the weather is above freezing but seems to go away when it’s below freezing.

This could mean that your shingles are suffering from a destructive condition called ice damming, which could lead to needing to have a new roofing installed.

Ice damming occurs when water gets under the shingles for whatever reason and then freezes, expanding in that small space and further lifting shingles so they leak even more.

If the problem isn’t noticed right away, it could result in widespread damage under the shingles and a very expensive repair.

Even the Little Leaks Can Be Serious

It’s easy to get fooled into thinking that a little bit of water in the attic, a small stain, or an intermittent leak is just a minor roofing problem that can be repaired later rather than sooner.

What you might not know is that the leak is bigger or has been there much longer than you realize, in which case there’s likely a lot more damage than you realize.

Look for these signs above that your leak is more serious than you think, then prevent more extensive damage by calling a roofer at the first notice of any leak at all!

Got Leaks?

Roofers Huntsville Can Fix Them!

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I’m Getting A New Roof – What Should I Consider?

roofing in huntsville texas

 

When the time comes that you need to invest in new roofing for your house, there is a great deal for you to think about. Every home and homeowner has individual needs and no roofing installation is the same. While you are researching the local roofing companies to decide which ones to get estimates from, consider the important suggestions below to ensure you get the best installation for your house with the least amount of hassle.

Choose the Right Contractor

The first step in your roofing project is finding the right contractor. Carefully research local roofing companies online and ask friends and family for recommendations. Find a few reputable choices to contact and request referrals. Have the best candidates come to your house to give you estimates on your roofing installation. Compare these estimates based on price, material quality, what services the job includes, warranties, and any additional fees and relevant details.

Choose the Right Materials

Along with finding the best contractor, spend time researching various roofing material. You have countless options available today that can be installed on your home including asphalt, wood and slate shingles, metal roof systems, ceramic and concrete tile, as well as many synthetic products.

Not every material is suitable for every installation; however, there are still many varieties and qualities offered, each one with different advantages and disadvantages. Discuss these options with your contractor to decide on a system that gives you the great protection that is within your budget.

Consider Climate and Energy Efficiency

When looking into the different roofing installation options, keep your local climate in mind so you purchase a system that can withstand your local weather extremes. In warmer climates, be sure to consider energy efficiency as well so you purchase a system that will help you lower utility bills.

Do Not Forget About Ventilation

Ventilation is one of the most important factors in a good roofing job and yet is commonly overlooked. When discussing and planning your job with a roofing company, be sure to talk about ventilation.

Ensure that your contractor checks the attic to confirm your home has enough ventilation. If not, have them suggest a solution to your ventilation problem. Poor ventilation not only wastes energy, it can cause extensive damage to your brand new roof.

Prepare for Contractors Arrival

Once you decide on a contractor, choose your material, discuss ventilation, and sign the work contract, then make a plan for you and your family. Roof work is noisy, dirty, and disruptive, so try to be away from your home during the days when contractors are working. Just plan to stay close by and be reachable by phone in case you are needed for anything.

If you have pets who will be bothered by all the noise and activity, consider boarding them for the day. Before you leave, you may also want to cover up your bushes and landscaping with sheets or breathable tarps to protect them from the dirt and debris.

From the research stages of finding a great roofing company to the final cleanup, a roofing installation requires a great deal of planning. Yet if you do your homework in advance, you can expect to see the best roofing work without the problems that can happen by making the wrong decisions!

Need New Roofing In Huntsville Texas?

Contact Huntsville Roofers To Handle Your Roofing Job!

Call (936) 213-5770!

Does It Make A Difference If My Roofing Contractor Is Licensed?

Roofing services in Huntsville Texas

 

If you are in need of roofing services for your home, you have many choices. Some roofing companies may employ licensed contractors while others may not. Is there a difference and is this something you should be concerned about? Before you hire anyone to handle roofing repair on your home, read below about why licensing is so important.

How Contractor Licensing Works

In Texas, roofing repair contractors are licensed by the RCAT or Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. This business organization licenses individuals, as opposed to businesses. Licensing is reserved for either owners or part-owners of roofing companies, business partners, or those involved in the daily management of a company. Employees working under principal contractors are not required to be licensed, as their work is managed by the licensed managing contractor.

Although licensing is not a requirement for roofing companies, it is recommended. Considering the many benefits that licensing affords a customer, it really is important to all roofing services that their head contractors be licensed.

What Does Licensing Mean?

Licensing by state organizations like the RCAT provides a basic certification that a contractor is reputable, skilled, and understands safety requirements. It also means their work is done according to ethical business practices. To become a licensed contractor, a person must be a resident of the State of Texas, have a permanent address, and be a principal partner or manager of a business.

They must provide sufficient credit and business references as well as be financially responsible. Roofing repair contractors must prove they carry sufficient liability insurance and workers compensation insurance and that they are bonded. Additionally, they must pass skills tests on roofing techniques as well as business and safety knowledge.

How Does Licensing Protect Consumers?

So what do all these qualifications mean to you, the consumer? They mean that when you work with roofing companies that use a licensed contractor, you gain many important benefits that are not guaranteed with other services. Your contractor is covered in the event of an accident, protecting you and everyone else who could be affected.

These contractors have demonstrated they are able to perform skilled work and effectively manage their employees to do the same. Additionally, licensing ensures that roofing services understand ethical business practices and how complaints could affect their licensing status in the future.

In these and many other ways, licensing offers you important protections that reduce the chance that you will experience problems with a contractor regarding the quality of their work, safety, or their willingness to stand behind their jobs when the work is done. In addition, your insurance company may actually require that you work with someone who is licensed.

Although roofing companies are not required to have a licensed contractor on staff, expert roofing services understand that licensing can be important to their customers. When you need roofing repair and are searching for qualified contractors, be sure to inquire from the start whether a service has a licensed contractor. Even if a licensed roofer costs a little more than others, the many advantages will outweigh the cost in the long run!

Need Qualified Roofing Services In Huntsville Texas?

GMA Restoration Is Licensed And Ready To Help You!

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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!