There are common mistakes people make when they have a bad roofing contractor experience. In this post we will look at the six most common mistakes made by someone hiring a roofing specialist.

1. NOT checking if the roofing company is licensed or not. It’s very important to verify the license credentials of the roofer your use. No Craigslist bargains here. They should be a genuine member of trusted builders association and should hold a construction supervisor license, which is to certify that the companies work complies with all building codes.
2. NOT making sure that the roofing contractor has the proper insurance coverage. Always remember to ask your roofing contracted for an insurance certificate (under their name) before you start working on the project. Accidents are very common to occur at workplace and you can never be liable for such mishaps. Hence it is very important that any roofing company should hold general liability and worker compensation insurance policy.
3. NOT checking if your roof has a warranty and what it covers exactly. A good roofing contractor should always explain to you very clearly about the warranty protection packages offered by the manufacturer as well as the contractor including workmanship as well.
4. Shopping on price alone. Opting for a low bid contractor generally means the quality of product used is lower too. It is important to understand that pricing is labor and materials. Ask not only how fast your roof will be replaced, but with which materials/brands they will use.
5. Neglecting testimonials. It’s always easy to come to a conclusion when you seek advice or suggestions from your neighbors and friends who have recently invested in roofing and roof renovation services. Getting a contractor’s client base and calling a few of them would be very beneficial.
6. Forgetting about roofing contractors with additional services. Rather than settling for a regular roofing contractor, choosing one who offers additional services (like radiant barriers) can save you time when you need something outside of the scope of just a new roof or roofing repair. Once that trust is built up with the roofing job, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to use the same company for stucco or other work?

Keeping these six common mistakes people make when selecting their roofing contractor in mind the next time you need roof repair or roof replacement can save you time, money, and hassle.

For seasoned do-it-yourself home improvement types, replacing your Dallas area home’s roof might be an easy task. With online sources such as YouTube and other home improvement specific sites, learning to replace a roof can be rather easy. However, one of the most overlooked areas of doing a roof replacement the first time is safety. In this post we will provide a few simple warnings and offer some tips to make that roof replacement a safe one.

Falling

Obviously the biggest concern with working on a roof is falling off of it. Sadly, according to Profession Roofing Magazine, six roofers die every month in the U.S. alone. Dying is bad, so please note the following three tips for preventing falls:

• Be mindful of your footwear. You want something that has very good traction.
• If at all possible, use a safety harness or utilize guardrails and/or a safety net
• Be sure to set-up and secure your ladder. This is the most overlooked area related to falling.

Work Area Safety

Common sense goes a long way here. Make sure there aren’t any power lines in your work area. Secure children and pets while performing your roof replacement. Ensure there aren’t any damaged areas of the roof you could fall through. Never work on a wet roof (this includes the morning dew). And don’t forget to always lift with your legs, and not your back.

Tool Safety

Following a few simple tool guidelines can go a long way in preventing any kind of problems. For example, remembering to always cut away from your body with the utility knife is a great start. Next, eye protection is a must with all the hammering you will be doing. Never rest the nail gun against your body. It bares repeating, the ladder is a vital part of the project, so constantly checking that it is secure is just sound advice.

If you are uncomfortable at all with taking on a roofing replacement project, it is probably better to contact a professional roofing company. We are fortunate in the Dallas area to have many good roofers, so there are always options.

Once your roof starts leaking, it can end up being a costly project as there is always a chance that you will need roof replacement and not just roof repair. Chances are that by the time you notice the need for roof repair, you’ve already waited too long and the damage is pretty extensive. In this post we’re going to talk about some common causes of roofing leaks so you can make sure your Dallas area home never gets a leak to begin with.

Hail Damage

While there isn’t anything preventative you can do about hail storms, there are some proactive steps you can take to prevent bigger problems. The first thing to do after a hail storm is to inspect your roof for damage.

An experienced hail damage roofing company is an excellent choice whether you are dealing with an insurance claim or not. It never hurts to have a second opinion.

Common Causes of Leaks

While we cannot control the ice pellets that Mother Nature brings, we can have some control over the following types of leaks. There are two types of leaks that we can talk about; leaks homeowners can spot easily and leaks that a roofing contractor can find.

Examples of three kinds of leak issues that homeowners can see with a visual inspection include: missing roof shingles from a storm, overflowing gutters, and exposed roofing nails.

While getting a roofing inspection, professionals can identify improperly installed pipe flashing, flashing issues around skylights and chimneys, as wells as hairline fractures that could cause leaking of windows.

This is just a sample of the types of roof leaks you can prevent, so don’t be alarmed if your particular leak isn’t listed…just consult a roofing contractor.

The roof of your home deserves a fall inspection. To be ready for winter, routine roof inspections are very important. Before the start of winter, it is recommended that you call a professional who would properly evaluate the state of your roof and advise you on the best way to keep it safe. These routine repairs and maintenance will not only maximize the roof’s lifespan, but they will also help extend the years your roof will last. Other reasons roofing inspections are important include:

Failure to Do Repairs Will Cost You More in the Long Term
Failure to do minor repairs could end up costing so much more than you would have spent if you had called your roofing contractor for inspection and maintenance. It is also possible for the problems in your roof to lead to some energy inefficiencies. For instance, gaps in the roof could hinder your house from effectively retaining heat; this can result into a spike in home heating expenses.

Damage of the Interiors of Your House
A roof that is never maintained is dangerous and can cause serious damage of the interior of your house. Winters in Texas come packed with rain, ice, sleet strong winds and snow. Those minor problems in your roof could turn into overnight disasters when these elements bombard your house. For instance, a snowfall can add a lot of weight on the roof and if it has some weak lines, it can easily give in. Additionally, minor leaks and gaps in the structure of your roof will easily allow in melted snow and rain. These leaks damage the beams in your roof which can degrade the structure or start a mold outgrowth.

In a nutshell, fall roof inspections will give you some peace of mind. You will be avoiding the unnerving frustration that results from a damaged roof.

Proper attic ventilation provides benefits all year–round by creating drier attics in the winter and cooler attics in the summer. In fact, it enhances the efficiency of the heating and cooling system. Homeowners whose utility bills continue to grow each month should consider checking their roofing ventilation. Proper attic ventilation is important, especially for residents of Dallas, TX, a hot and humid region that experiences summer highs of about 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, many homeowners in the area do not understand the importance of a well–ventilated attic.

Roofing ventilation uses a system of intake and exhaust vents to create a flow of air. The exhaust vents let out hot air while the intake vents let in cooler air to replace the hot air. Usually, the cooler air is under the overhangs; therefore, homeowners should place the intake vents in the soffit. To achieve proper ventilation, homeowners should install one square foot of ventilation per 150 square feet of attic space.

In addition to lowering the cooling costs, sound roofing ventilation protects the structural integrity of the roof by releasing moisture that may otherwise collect and cause damage. Moisture can cause any metallic material including nails to rust and even break. In addition, the roof deck itself can deteriorate from dry rot and various types of fungi and mold can develop due to excess moisture.

Signs of Poor Attic Ventilation

• Mold growth
• Frost on rafters, sheathing or other items in the attic
• Massive buildup of heat in the attic
• Water dripping from the tips of nails
• High cooling costs
• Premature aging of the roofing system
• Damage to siding, interior paint and wallpaper

Homeowners experiencing such issues should hire a qualified roofing contractor to evaluate their roof. Roofing ventilation offers its fair share of advantages of which every homeowner should be aware. A Well–laid roofing system is much more than well–installed shingles; proper protection of the system is of significant value to the homeowner.

When it comes to managing your home’s roof, there’s typically three things you need to consider.

1. What repairs to keep an eye out for?
2. When should I replace it?
3. Who to hire to replace it or repair it?

All Roof Repairs are Not Equal

When it comes to roofing repairs, there are two types to concern yourself with. The first kind are repairs that alert you to a problem (e.g. a leak in the ceiling, for example).

The second kind of repairs are preventative, before a bigger problem like the aforementioned leak issue.

If there is already a leak or other signs of damage, your best bet is to contact a roofing profession like Mark Daniel Exteriors to get the damage under control.

As for preventative damage control, an inspection by trained professional (say after a hail storm) or on a yearly or bi-annual basis is a strategy that could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Time to Replace that Roof?

There are five good reasons to replace your roof. The first is if the repair costs are just getting out of hand. That is a simple one. Another reason is increased energy efficiency. If you can also improve your attics ventilation or take advantage of a radiant barrier at the same time, then investing in a new roof is truly an investment.

Sometimes you want to change the materials used for your roof to help better protect your family or gain higher resale value on your home. Both of those reasons are solid reasons for getting a new roof.

The final reason for investing in a new roof tax benefits. In some cases, adding a new roof can have some favorable tax advantages. Please talk to your local tax advisor for specifics.

Roofing Warranty

We have a whole post dedicated to the importance of a good roofing warranty, but it deserves repeating that this is one warranty that you do not want to gloss over. Taking the time to reading, and understanding your warranty, can serve you well long-term if a disaster should strike your home’s new roof. Surely that won’t happen here in the Metroplex, right? Be sure.

A roof is the most important aspect of a home. It protects the home from the elements and can truly make or break a home sale. That is why it is essential to have a good roof on your home. If you suspect that your roof needs repairs consider calling a good roofing company to assist with repairs, put a new roof on your home, or simply to check the roof for any underlying issues.

A good roofing company will be able to come to the home, free of charge, and offer a quote for either a roof repair or even a new roof. A reputable roofing company will offer a variety of roofing options including slanted roofs, metal roofs, and even different roofing tiles. They will be open to questions and help you make the best decision when it comes to providing a stable roof for your home.

It is important to take into consideration what type of material you want for your roof. The material chosen will have a huge effect on the cost of the roof repair or replacement. Obviously if it’s a repair, then you will have to choose material similar to what is already on the roof, so as to not make the repair standout. But if you are replacing the roof entirely you have more options. Different material options include asphalt tiles, shale, slate, wood, metal, and even tile and cement. You may want to consult with the roofing company to determine which material would be best for your roof.

Finding a good roofing company is important when it comes to repairing or replacing your roof. By doing research online and getting roofing quotes you are sure to find the best company to suit your needs. A good roofing company in Texas will offer you good quotes and will be able to offer useful information regarding the best types of roof for the Texas weather and climate.

New manufacturing methods and technologies have given rise to an alphabet soup of roofing options in recent decades. For the past 30 years, the use of single-ply roofing sheets has grown in popularity as more commercial users realize their ease of installation, flexibility, and competitive price. The sheets have the additional advantage of being manufactured in a factory to consistent and strict quality controlled standards that built-up systems cannot match. In fact, this is seen as one of the best selling points for single-ply roofing.

Installing single-ply thermoplastic olephin membrane (TPO) rolled roofing systems uses less material and less labor compared with asphalt-based systems, and is considered more flexible and tougher. TPO also costs less than many other membranes that are hot-air welded. The TPO seams that are hot-air welded are stronger than the material itself when the weld is done properly. Since there is no need for those large kettles to heat up the bitumen, the process also is easier and cleaner than adhesive-based installation. Also, as a single-ply unit, it is lighter and easier to handle than membranes with multiple layers.

TPO also can make a huge contribution to the environment in the locations where it is installed. White TPO is reflective and so is able to better protect the interior from the heat of the sun, even though with time there may be changes in the color and texture of the material. In this way, it lowers utility bills even as it reduces heat islands in urban settings. TPO also can be recycled, unlike the more conventional competition, thermo set rubbers.

The popularity of TPO has grown exponentially until now it is used to cover hundreds of millions of square feet of roofing each year. This makes TPO the fastest growing segment of the single-ply roofing industry in the United States.

When it comes to shopping for a new roof, your roof’s warranty matters. Most consumers simply ask, “How long is the warranty?”, but diving deeper into the details of that warranty can save you a lot of headache down the road.

In this post we’re going to take a look at some of the important factors to be mindful of with your new roof’s warranty.

Is a Warranty Important?

If you are buying a cheap electronic gadget from the local big box store, then a warranty may not be at the top of your priority list. When you are spending thousands of dollars on a part of your home that protects you and your family, then a roofing warranty should be one of the most important factors you consider.

Most Overlooked Part of a Warranty

Before we get further into the discussion of roofing warranties, it is important to get right to one of the most overlooked parts of a warranty…does it cover just materials or materials AND labor.

Labor is a sizable portion of a roofing job. If your warranty covers both labor and materials, that can save you a substantial amount of money in the long run over just material warranties.

Know the Details of Your Warranty

Most people get the details of their warranty after a job is completed, tuck it away without any review, and then just assume anything that comes up will be covered.

A better option is to review your policy prior to getting roof installed, know what is exactly covered (like the aforementioned labor vs. materials), and to call the manufacturer with any questions you may have.

With a few simple extra painless steps, you can guarantee that your warranty is perfectly suited for your needs and avoid any trouble should an issue arise.

When it comes to replacing or repairing the roof on your home, many homeowners have a series of questions to ask before they move forward with the roofing project.

In this post we will take a look at five of the more common roofing questions homeowner’s may have.

What exactly is roof flashing?

Roof flashing is simply a material, commonly aluminum, that prevents water damage to your home. It is most commonly used in roofing joints or valleys as a barrier. Regular inspections should be performed to make sure that the outside elements aren’t oxidizing or shifting this protective barrier.

Why do I have stains on my shingles?

Stains on shingles are typically black stains from algae that is growing on the shingle. A one part bleach, two parts water mixture and very soft brush can sometimes clean the spots off. You want to avoid damaging the shingles with any kind of pressure spray from a garden hose or pressure washer though.

How do I temporarily cover my roof when damaged?

If you just sustained damage to your roof and you are looking to get it patched up before you contact the experts at Mark Daniel Exteriors, cover the damage with a woven plastic tarp that is held in place with 1×3 wood strips. We strongly advise against climbing on an already damaged roof though. Let roof repair experts handle the repair and patching, if needed.

Why can’t I just add another layer of shingles over what I have?

When too many layers of shingles build up on your roof, weight becomes a great concern. Trying to save money by simply layering on another roof layer could end up costing you more money in the long run. Let a professional roofing company assess your current layers and advise if adding a second layer will work or if this will make a third layer or more.

How often should I clean my gutters?

It depends on how many nearby trees you have, but a safe rule of thumb is one time in the spring and twice in the fall. Adding screens to your downspouts or even screens over your gutters can help prevent any kind of clogging issues you may develop.

Have a question we missed? Let us know.