Contractor Tips Blog

Dec
3

Is Your Roof Ready for Storm Season?

Posted in Roofing

When severe storm season hits, your home can be at risk for damage. Your roof is the main protection for your house, especially during wind, hail and other extreme storms. Before storm season arrives, it is important to ensure your roof is ready to withstand the elements. Here are a few tips to make sure your roof is prepared to weather the storm.

Look for Visible Damage

Have you noticed water stains on ceiling tiles or loose shingles on your roof? If there is any evidence of roof damage, now is the time to have these issues fixed. Visibly inspect your roof, gutters and attic for any signs of leaks or damage to your roof or gutter system.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

Not all roof problems are noticeable to the naked eye. It is a good idea to have a roof inspection performed by a professional to identify issues that may not be obvious to the naked eye. If there is loose shingles, flashing or drainage issues, these can cause more extensive damage during a severe storm.

Get Needed Repairs

If a roof inspection finds issues with your roofing system, do not delay having roof damage repaired. This can prevent leaks and roof failures during heavy rains and wind storms that are common during the late summer, as well as protect your roof during the winter storms.

Check Your Home Insurance Policy

You should make sure you have adequate coverage for roof and other damage to your home during natural disasters like storms. Contact your homeowner insurance agent to discuss your coverage.

A little preparation can help you ensure that your roof is ready to withstand any big storms headed your way. Contact your local roofing professional to schedule an inspection or repairs to protect your home and roof.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Sep
3

Should You Replace Your Roof This Summer?

Posted in Roofing

Most homeowners will only replace the roof on their home once. A quality roof can last for decades but if you own your home for 30 years or buy a used home, there is a good chance you will need to replace the roof at some point. It is a large investment but if you choose the right option, it should be a once in a lifetime purchase. Here are some considerations on whether the time has come to replace your roof.

How Old is Your Roof?

When was your current roof installed? This is a major factor but not the only consideration. If your roof is still in great shape even after 20-30 years, there is no reason to replace it. It also matters what type of roof you have – some quality roofs can last for well over 30 years.

How Often Do You Need Repairs?

If you have had leaks or other problems with your roof that needed repair over the last few years, replacement should be considered. Constantly investing money in repairs can be pointless, especially when a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Will Your Roof Make it Another Winter?

You do not want to have your roof fail you during the coldest or wettest months of the year. Summer is the time to replace your roof if you have any concerns that it will not last through another blast of storms and winter weather.

If you still are not sure if it is time to replace your roof, schedule an inspection with a reputable local roofing company. They can give you an honest opinion on whether it is time to replace your roof.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Apr
16

Storm Damage? Why You Should Have a Professional Roof Inspection

Posted in Roofing

When snow, hail or wind storms hit, they can cause substantial damage to your home. The roof is the most vulnerable, especially when ice, hail and falling debris are hitting the shingles. Once the storm passes, you need to assess your roof and determine whether it needs repair. If you believe there may be damage to your roof, it is best to have a professional roofing company perform an inspection. Here is why it is worth calling in a pro to check for storm damage to your roof.

  • Safety. First and foremost, climbing up to your roof can be dangerous, especially after a storm. There may be slippery or weak areas that can be hazardous. Let a professional that has the training and right equipment handle this risky job for you.
  • Expertise. Roofing experts know what to look for when inspecting storm damage. What may look like just a few loose shingles to your eye may be much worse. A roofing pro knows how to assess the damage and determine what needs to be done to restore your roof. This can help prevent leaks and further damage to your home.
  • Estimates and repairs. If there is damage, you have a professional that can give you an accurate estimate on how much your roof will cost to repair. This will give you a head start on the repair process and information to provide to your homeowner insurance company.

Next time there is a major storm and you think your roof may have been damaged, pick up your phone and call a roofing professional to schedule an inspection. It is the best way to get an accurate assessment of your roof and begin repairs if needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Jan
25

DIY Vs Professional Roofing Replacement

Posted in Roofing

Many homeowners are good with a hammer or power tools, fixing many issues on their home with DIY methods. While this can save money on minor repairs, it is important to consider the pros and cons when attempting major installation projects. The roof of a building is one of the most crucial elements for protecting the structure from moisture and weather damage. Before you consider trying to replace your roof yourself versus hiring a professional roofing contractor to save some money, consider what it may cost you in the long run.

Experience and Expertise

Unless you work for a roofing contractor or did this work in the past, it is likely that you do not have the experience and expertise that is vital to ensuring a roofing system will be properly installed to last. A small mistake can be costly and when it is your home that will be impacted, you want a professional that has the knowledge, tools and training to install your new roof right.

Warranty

Many roofing materials come with a solid warranty, but only if they are installed by a professional. Many roofs can come with 20 or 30-year warranties, even lifetime warranties on materials. Doing it yourself may save you money on your new roof now, but if you have problems down the road, you will be the one paying for repairs or replacements without a warranty.

If you want to fix a loose fence board or replace a door in your home to save money, that is great if you have the skills. But when it comes to your roof, it is worth the investment in a professional contractor for installation to ensure it is done right and guaranteed for years to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Mar
13

Is Your Roof in Danger of Springing a Leak?

Posted in Roofing

A leaking roof can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home, often occurring without your knowledge. A small leak can start as a drip, moistening materials in your attic, without dripping down into your ceiling of your top floor. This can go on for months, allowing that moisture to build and create a hazardous mold problem without any sign of water in your home. By the time a big storm hits and a major leak is detected, you may already have a home with excessive water and mold damage. To prevent this expensive and health-hazardous occurrence, you need to stay on top of your roof maintenance.

When was the last time your roof was inspected by a professional? If your roof is several years old or older, it may be beginning to show signs of wear or damage. Even newer roofs can be damaged during hail storms and other extreme weather conditions. All it takes is for a shingle to become lifted, allowing water to penetrate the material underneath or a screw to come loose on your metal roof. Before long, that water will rot the material underneath and begin dripping into your home.

The best way to prevent leaks and the ensuing damage cause by the water and mold in your home is to have annual inspections of your roof. A professional roofing company can perform a thorough inspection to ensure that your roof is protecting your home from water damage, replacing shingles or tightening screws as needed. This small maintenance step is a solid investment into your home, protecting you against expensive roof repairs, water damage and mold removal expenses in the future.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Jan
28

What to do if Your Roof has Storm Damage

Posted in Roofing

Winter storms are notorious for roof damage. Whether your roof is damaged from a falling limb or tree, or wind and hail do their part to ruin your roof, getting it repaired is crucial. A damaged roof can quickly lead to water leaks and expensive water or mold damage in your home. So what do you do when you think your roof has been damaged from a storm? Here are a few tips.

  • Call your insurance company. In many cases roof damage from a storm can be covered under your home insurance policy. If you think you may have damage from a recent storm, call your insurance agent and find out what coverage you have available.
  • Get coverage for your roof. If there is obvious damage, you need to have protection immediately to avoid water damage to your home. Call your local roofing contractor to have your roof inspected and temporary protection added to your roof. They can also help you negotiate repairs and cost coverage with your insurance company.
  • Avoid storm chasers. There are unscrupulous companies that take advantage of homeowners with roof damage. These ‘storm chasers’ often show up at homes with obvious roof damage and offer to repair the roof quickly and affordably. Unfortunately, they often also take the money and run, or do a poor quality fix on roofs, leaving the homeowner with a large expense.

Having a trustworthy, local roofing contractor on your side is your best option when you have storm roof damage. Make sure to choose a contractor that is located in your area and has a stellar reputation with many years of experience.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

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