Anyone who has lived in Texas for any length of time knows that living in Texas is not for the faint of heart. In fact, the weather in Texas can be downright brutal. In the summer, many towns in Texas can regularly heat up well over 100 degrees. The record high temperature in Texas is 120 degrees. Summer also brings hurricanes to the Gulf Coast of Texas, as well as the Pacific Coast, where they can work their way east from California. Thunderstorms are prevalent in Texas, no matter what the season and Texas is the hailstorm capital of the United States. There are more hailstorms in Texas than in any other state. Texas doesn’t escape winter, either. There have been instances in Texas of ice, thundersnow, and temperatures in the Lone Star State can fall to subfreezing temperatures. It goes without saying that to live in Texas, you need to have a good roofing company.

If you’re in the market for an excellent roofing company, there are some things you need to look out for before you hire a roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof. One of the most important details about a roofing company you need to check is whether or not the company has business insurance. Here is some information about what business insurance is and why you need to make sure your roofing company carries business insurance.

What Is Business Insurance?

Homeowners carry a lot of insurance in order to protect their homes, property, and livelihoods. Businesses are no different. Whether the company is a huge corporation or a sole proprietorship, it is essential that the business carry insurance.

Business insurance protects the business–property, assets, and equipment–from losing everything if the unthinkable happens. Business owners face the unexpected all the time, and they need to prepare for accidents and injuries. For example, if a florist spills water from a vase by the front entry, and a customer slips, falls and breaks an ankle, the business may be liable for hospital bills and other damages associated with the injury.

When a business obtains business insurance, the business owners are protecting their company from any property damage done on a job, from lawsuits filed by clients or customers, theft, and employee illness or injury. Surveys of businesses find consistently that three out of four small businesses have had an illness, injury, theft, or property damage within the last year, but only two out of three businesses carry business insurance. This is important because, without the protection of business insurance, a company can be liable for millions of dollars worth of damage.

Why You Need To Make Sure Your Roofing Company Has Business Insurance

• Without business insurance, your property may not be protected in the event of an accident.

This is important because one of the most common reasons an employee needs worker’s compensation is due to a slip or a fall on a job site. Because roofing a business or a home does not take place on the ground, the risk someone could have an injury at your house is higher. If your roofing company does not have business insurance, you may be liable for the employee’s  medical bills and lost wages from the accident.

Also, if the roofing company has business insurance, any property damage that occurs at your home would be covered by the company’s business insurance. For example, if one of the windows on the top floor gets broken by a ladder falling, the roofing company’s business insurance policy would cover the cost to replace the window.

• If your roofing company has business insurance, you have peace of mind.

Peace of mind is essential to every homeowner, especially when you are undergoing a roof replacement or a roof repair. You have enough to think about without worrying your roofing contractor isn’t insured.

• Business insurance means your roofing company is professional.

In a sole proprietorship (or a business owned by a single person), it can be tempting to cut corners and not carry business insurance. Small roofing contractors may even be able to offer you a cut-rate deal on your replacement roof or roof repair. However, the savings you might acquire for your roof is not going to matter if you have property damage or an employee claim against your homeowner’s policy.

If you hire a professional roofing company, the business will have enough insurance to make sure they –and you– are protected against property damage, theft of materials, fires, and injuries. Professional roofing companies are large enough to make sure they carry enough insurance to guard against any contingency.

• A roofing company with insurance is more reliable and credible.

Everyone has heard the stories about roofing companies that take payment for ½ of the cost of a new roof or a roof repair and then run off without finishing the job. When you hire a roofing company with business insurance, you know you are hiring a company that takes its reputation in the community seriously enough to have adequate insurance coverage.

• Businesses with business insurance are more likely to be licensed as well.

Texas does not require roofers to have a license, which means that anyone can claim they are a roofing expert. Many reputable roofing contractors in Texas belong to a licensing organization, such as the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. These licensing organizations have requirements of their own that they require their members to adhere to. Often, one of the requirements licensing agencies requires is that their members carry business insurance.

How Can I Make Sure The Roofing Company I Hire Has Business Insurance?

It is easy to make sure that the roofing company you want to hire has business insurance. While you are in the hiring process, you can use the question of insurance to weed out roofing businesses you won’t want to hire.

When you make an appointment to have a roof inspection done by a roofing contractor, you can ask them to show you their certificate of insurance. All certificates of insurance will show you what the coverage limits are, the policy expiration dates, and everything the policy covers. If a roofing contractor can’t show you a certificate of insurance, you will want to move on to the next company. Most roofing companies have their certificates of insurance displayed at their business location, but if you don’t see it, you can ask.

Conclusion

Homeowners in Texas have enough to worry about without wondering whether that new roofing company they hired to repair or replace their roof is insured. Before you hire your next roofing contractor, make sure they carry business insurance. That way, you can stop worrying about whether your home is safe in case something happens. If you are looking for a company to repair your roof from the latest storm or replace your old roof with a new one, you need to give Roof Fix a call. We have been working for over 40 years in the San Antonio area, repairing and replacing roofs for thousands of happy customers. Why not reach out to us today and let us schedule an appointment with you so that we can come out and inspect your roof?

Texas has more hailstorms each year than any other state, so it is a good bet your roof will eventually fall victim to one or more of those severe thunderstorms. Hail in Texas can be as large as six and a half inches in diameter, which is the size of a huge grapefruit. In fact, the largest hailstone ever recorded in Texas was in Hondo, which is 40 miles west of San Antonio. If you are worried that your roof has been damaged by a recent hailstorm in the San Antonio area, here is a guide to getting your roof fixed right the first time without getting scammed.

How Prevalent Are Roofing Scams?

Roofing scams are one of the most common scams in the contracting and construction industries. In fact, up to 30% of all contracting scams are related to the roofing industry. Texas does not require roofers to be licensed, so anyone can set themselves up in a roofing business, even if they have no formal training. That’s why it is so important for you to avoid roofing scams. Here are some suggestions so that you can get your roof repaired without getting scammed.

Common Roofing Scams You Need to Avoid After a Hailstorm

These are some of the most common roofing scams you need to steer clear of.

• We will pay your insurance deductible. This practice is illegal in Texas. Usually, an unscrupulous contractor will offer to pay your insurance deductible as a way to get your policy information and work to scam your insurance company without your roof getting repaired.
• We can give you a free roof exam. Many roofing companies will offer free roof examinations. However, reputable roofing companies require you to make an appointment for a roof inspection, while disreputable roofing companies tend to appear on the spot and offer to examine your roof. In many cases, these roofing companies do additional damage to your roof in order to get a bigger insurance company payout.
• We have a limited-time offer, special discount, or refund. Criminal roofing companies often resort to high-pressure tactics in order to get your business. Good roofing companies offer the same competitive pricing all year round without high-pressure sales tactics.
• We can do the work today. No reputable roofing companies can do your roof immediately after they take a look at your roof, especially after a large hailstorm has hit the San Antonio area. Reputable roofing companies have a schedule to keep, and you will know the date your roof can be fixed days or weeks ahead of time.

What’s The Procedure for Getting a Roof Fixed?

If you suspect you have roof damage after a legendary Texas hailstorm, there’s a procedure you’ll need to follow. First, if you have visible holes in your roof, you will want to cover your roof with a tarp to prevent further damage. Your next step is to contact your homeowner’s insurance company to let them know you think you have roof damage after a hailstorm. You will also want to take a closer look at your policy. Your homeowner’s policy should cover hail damage, but you need to make sure. You’ll also want to check how much your deductible is, which is the part of the repair work you’ll have to come up with.

Once you get a look at your policy, you’ll need to get your roof inspected. Nearly all reputable roofing companies will do a roof inspection free of charge. To do a roof inspection, companies either place people on your roof to photograph damage or they can send a drone up to video damage. After the inspection is complete, the company will then give you a quote for your roof repair. Often, the roofing company will work with your insurance company to work out any details or discrepancies.

Once your insurance company and your roofing company are in agreement with the roof repair, you will get a date that your hail-damaged roof will be fixed.

How Can I Make Sure I Get the Best Reputable Roofing Company Possible Even After a Hailstorm?

There are several things you can do to ensure you hire the perfect roofing company for your needs.

• If you have a local homeowner’s insurance agent, ask them if they have any recommendations for a reputable roofing company. If you can find a company that your homeowner’s insurance company is familiar with, it may streamline your roof repair process. Plus, you’ll know the company has a good reputation in the area.
• Ask your friends, neighbors, family members, and co-workers for references on an excellent roofing company they worked with previously. Be sure you ask your colleagues and family members why they enjoyed working with this roofing company.
• If a company comes to your door after a severe storm, check their license plate and their business phone number. This information will help you determine if the company is from out of state. You will always want to hire a local company rather than one from another state that doesn’t have local ties.
• Check how long your prospective roofing company has been in business in the area. The longer the roofing company has been in business locally, the more likely you are to have your roof repaired correctly the first time.
• Get multiple estimates for your roofing job. Of course, this will take additional time and effort on your part, but if you get several estimates, you’ll have a better idea of the actual cost of your roof repair.
• Ask all of your prospective roofing companies for references, as well as whether they are licensed and bonded in Texas. While Texas doesn’t require a license to repair a roof, most reputable roofing companies belong to a licensing organization, such as the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. Bonding is another form of insurance some contractors take out, but if the company has business insurance, that is acceptable. You want to hire a company that can compensate you if they fail to finish the work or if they do shoddy work.
• Never pay with cash or with a debit card. If the contractor does not do the work according to the estimate, and you aren’t satisfied, you have no way to dispute the charges. However, if you pay with a credit card or a check, you have protection from your credit card company or your financial institution.
• Take a look at the roofing company’s website for photos of their work, and check company reviews on third-party sites. All companies are going to get at least one bad review, but if most of the reviews are good, you’ll know the company has a good overall reputation.

Conclusion

Because Texas has more hailstorms than any other state, it is all the more important you find a roofing company with a great reputation for all of your roofing issues. You want to be able to consult with a company that has a long history in the San Antonio area and that makes customer service a top priority. Roof Fix has been in the San Antonio area for over four decades making sure our roofs are the best in the area. If you have been the victim of the recent bad storms in San Antonio, reach out today for a free roof inspection

Have you looked at your roof lately? Roofs are easy for homeowners to forget, because they can go for years without being noticed. In fact, many homeowners don’t notice that anything is wrong with their roofs–until something happens, and parts of the roof end up on your front lawn. Most insurance companies ask you to do a visual inspection of your roof each year, just to make sure there aren’t major problems you need to have repaired. One of the problems you might find through a visual inspection of your roof is lifted shingles. If you aren’t sure what lifted shingles are, here is some information about lifted shingles and how to fix the problems caused by lifted shingles.

What Is an Asphalt Shingle?

The majority of roofs in the United States are made with asphalt shingles. Nearly 80% of all roofs are made from asphalt shingles. An asphalt shingle is usually made with a fiberglass mat. Both the top and bottom of the fiberglass mat is coated with asphalt. The very bottom of the shingle then is coated with backing material, while the top of the shingle has asphalt granules. Asphalt shingle roofs are cost efficient to install, and they are very low maintenance. These shingles comes in a variety of colors. In general, asphalt shingle roofs can last between 20 and 30 years, depending on where you live.

When Do Shingles Lift?

Over time, even the most expertly-installed shingles will begin to break down over time. This is especially true if you live in an area prone to thunderstorms, hurricanes or tornadoes–which expertly describes Texas weather to a tee. There isn’t a year in the Lone Star State where every house in Texas is unaffected by weather. A great time of year to inspect your roof is after a bout of severe weather. If you go outside after a storm, take a good look at your roof. Do you see a layer of wood or material under some of your shingles? You may have a lifted shingle.

With lifted shingles, the edges of your asphalt shingles can lift or curl, revealing the underlayment of your roof deck, which is the surface your shingles adhere to. You might also notice that you have shingles that are missing, cracked or torn. All of these shingles that aren’t straight, flat and natural looking could spell trouble for your roof.

Why Are Lifted Shingles a Problem?

Your roof has a layer of shingles that sit on a roof deck that is made of plywood. Over time, if shingles lift, then rainwater and debris can seep into the wood. Eventually, this will cause leaks and rotting, which can damage the roof deck, as well as the rafters, flashing, and other areas of the roof. If leaky roofs aren’t fixed, they can cause horrific damage to your home, such as buckled walls, leaking around windows, and damp, moldy carpet. In other words, the sooner you spot lifted shingles, the better it is for your home.

What Can I Do About Lifted Shingles? Can They Be Fixed?

You can’t repair lifted shingles. Once the shingle is not laying flat against the roof decking, it must be replaced, rather than repaired. In general, if you only have a few lifted shingles, and no other roof damage, you can have the lifted shingles replaced with new ones.

However, if you notice that your lifted shingles are all in one area, if there are a lot of lifted shingles, or if you notice the granules on your shingles are missing, it may be time to replace your roof. The only way you will know for sure if you need a complete roof replacement is a roof inspection.

In a roof inspection, a roofing company will go up on the roof to inspect all of the parts of your roof. Some companies only do visual in-person inspections, while other companies use drones to inspect the roof. No matter which method the roofing company uses, they will be able to tell you whether you can have a few shingles replaced, or whether you will need a complete roof replacement.

How Are Shingles Replaced?

To replace an asphalt shingle, you’ll need to follow these simple steps. First, you need to find out what type of asphalt shingles you have, so that you can get the same kind of shingle. Second, you will need to break the sealant on the shingle you want to replace using a pry bar. If the shingle is already lifting, the sealant may already be broken, so it should be easier to remove it. One tip, it is easier to remove a shingle from the roof in cooler weather rather than warmer weather, but the shingles are more brittle the colder it is.

Once you have the sealant broken, you’ll need to remove the nails that nailed the shingle down to the roof deck. You can remove the nails with a pry bar. Then you can remove the shingle from the roof deck. Place the new shingle in the same position as the old shingle was in, and nail it to the roof deck with roofing nails. You will then have to apply sealant to finish the job.

What If I Don’t Want to Replace the Shingles?

If you don’t think you can replace the shingles, or shingle repair isn’t your thing, you don’t have to replace the lifted shingles yourself. Instead, you can hire a roofing company. If you live in the San Antonio area, you need to take a look at the reviews for Roof Fix. Roof Fix is a full-service company that can conduct your roof inspection and repair lifted shingles as well. Why not reach out today to set up an appointment?

You may not know this, but Texas ranks as one of the windiest states in the United States. In fact, three cities in Texas: Amarillo, Lubbock, and Corpus Christi, are some of the windiest cities in the nation. San Antonio isn’t too far down the list when it comes to wind, especially during those famous thunderstorms or during hurricane season. If you live in Texas and you own your home, you may want to have a wind mitigation inspection. Here is some information about what wind mitigation is and how to have a wind mitigation inspection.

What Is Wind Mitigation?

The idea of wind mitigation came about because of severe weather. Texas is affected by both hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as straight-line winds from thunderstorms. In areas of the country that can get high winds, wind mitigation may protect your property from damage.

This is important because the winds in Texas, especially during hurricanes, can be extremely high. For example, the highest wind gust from a hurricane hitting Texas was over 180 miles per hour. Tornado winds in Texas have been clocked at over 200 miles per hour.

Insurance companies love wind mitigation because it can save them money on homeowner’s insurance costs.

What Is Involved In Wind Mitigation?

If you want to have wind mitigation for your home, it can take place during two distinct periods of time. You can ask for wind mitigation to be added to your home while you are building it, or you can ask for wind mitigation to be added after the home has been built. Here are some examples of things you can do to mitigate the effects of wind on your home.

• Connections between the roof and the walls of your home. The roof can be attached to your home with stronger fasteners, such as single or double wraps, rather than nails. This makes the roof more difficult for winds to lift off the top of your home.
• Using more nails in the roof deck. The more nails that are used to make sure the roof deck (the plywood underneath your roofing materials) is secure to both the rafters of your roof and the trusses, the stronger the entire roof is.
• Using stronger roof coverings. There are building materials used for roof coverings, such as stone or metal, that resist wind damage more than other building materials, such as asphalt shingles. No matter what is used, the roofing materials should be secured to the roof deck with nails rather than staples because nails offer more wind resistance.
• Making roofing materials more waterproof. Many homes built in 2008 or later have a layer of waterproofing in between the roof deck and the roof coverings. This extra layer helps protect the roof from water damage if you lose shingles due to storms.
• Protecting the openings of your home with extra reinforcement, such as storm shutters, to prevent wind or water from getting in your home.

How Do I Know What I Have On My Home?

If you are currently building a home, you have time to implement some of these wind mitigation strategies. However, what if you purchased a home after it was already built? You can have a wind mitigation inspection done. Many roofing companies, such as Roof Fix in San Antonio, offer wind mitigation inspections to help you determine what else you can do to lessen the effects of wind in your home.

Companies that do wind mitigation inspections will offer you an inspection report that looks very much like a home inspection. Like other home inspections, most wind mitigation inspections are valid for a particular period of time, such as five years. An inspector will come and take a look at your home, especially the roof, the roof deck, and the connections between your roof and the roof deck. They will also want to see how you plan to keep water out of your home in the event of severe weather, such as hurricane shutters. If you have wind mitigation materials in place, you may be able to save a significant amount on your homeowner’s policy. If your home rates highly on a wind mitigation inspection, you could save between 5% to 55% on the wind/weather portion of your homeowner’s policy.

Conclusion

You may not think that a wind mitigation inspection is worth the cost, but if you get information about how to keep your home safer in the event of severe weather, it could save you thousands of dollars on both your homeowner’s policy as well as repairs or replacement costs for your home should high winds hit it. If you are in the San Antonio area and you want a wind mitigation inspection, we can help. Why not contact Roof Fix today, and let us get you on the schedule for a wind mitigation inspection?

If you are thinking about getting your roof replaced, you should know you have a lot of options, and making a decision may be difficult. One of the best roofing options in Texas is tile. Roof tiles are extremely weather resistant, which is great in a state that can get ice, wind, hail, severe thunderstorms, and days of rain. If you are considering a tile roof, here is a quick guide to all of the types and colors of tile you have to choose from.

Metal Roof Tiles

Metal roof tiles are a great choice for any Texan who wants a rustic, farmhouse, or vintage look. Usually, metal roof tiles are made out of copper, steel, or aluminum. Rather than individual shingle tiles–such as asphalt shingles, metal roof tiles come out in large sheets. This allows metal tiles to leave the factory in larger sheets, which means they are lighter and stronger than asphalt tiles. Metal tiles can be painted if you want, or you can leave them in their original colors. Popular color choices for metal tiles include green, brown, and rust. Metal roof tiles also come in several designs, so you can choose one that best fits your decor.

Metal tiles also are highly energy efficient. They reflect sunlight and help to keep homes cool, which is no small feat in Texas in the summer. You can expect a metal roof to last from 40 to 70 years if they are cared for.

While there are a lot of pros with metal roofs, there are also some cons. If you did not grow up in a home with a metal roof, you may find them to be noisy. Many people find the sound of rain on a metal roof soothing. If your metal roof needs to be repaired, it may be difficult to color match. Metal roof tiles can be expensive, and they need to be installed properly so that they last a long time.

Clay Roof Tiles

San Antonio is known for its Spanish-style architecture, and one of the hallmarks of Spanish-style or Mediterranean-style homes is a clay roof. Clay roof tiles are great for Texas living. Clay is very durable, can’t be destroyed by insects or mold, and is fire resistant. Clay comes in a variety of colors as well, such as brown, green, red, gray, and black. Because clay tiles allow air to circulate underneath them, clay tiles are energy efficient as well.  A clay roof can last a homeowner for decades. Clay tiles represent one of the oldest roof types, and it is easy to see why.

Clay tile roofs have some disadvantages. They are more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. Also, if you live in an area that experiences temperature extremes, the clay tiles can become brittle. Clay tile roofs are heavier than the average roof, so if you opt for a clay roof, you may need to get reinforcements done to your roof before installation.

Slate Roof Tiles

Along with clay tiles, slate roof tiles are another type of roofing that has been around for centuries. Slate roof tiles are made of stone mined from a quarry. Because it is made of stone, slate is naturally resistant to mold, rot, and fire. Also, many roofing companies install filtration systems so air circulates underneath the roof, which cuts down on heating bills. For people who are concerned about the environment, slate roofs are built with green, renewable materials. Slate is hand cut by master stonecutters and fitted to your roof, so it can fit a variety of design styles.  Slate does not come in as many colors as other roofing choices, but you can select from gray, black, red, green, and purple, depending on where the stone is mined. Slate roofs can last up to 100 years or longer.

Slate roofs have some of the same disadvantages as a clay tile roof. They are heavy, and they can turn brittle with time and weather extremes. Also, slate roofs are one of the most expensive forms of tile roofs. On average, a slate roof will last for an extremely long time, but it will cost you two to three times more money than a traditional asphalt roof.

What About Concrete?

Concrete has been around for thousands of years as well and is used in all kinds of construction projects, from sidewalks to roads to dams and bridges. There are a lot of advantages to concrete tile roofs. First, concrete is lightweight and strong, which makes it a great roofing choice. Concrete tiles are extremely durable, even against that dreaded Texas hail. Concrete is usually gray, but it can also be colored red, black, or brown. Concrete is another great energy-efficient choice because it allows air to circulate underneath the tiles.

Concrete roofs are cost-effective, but they don’t always react well to weather conditions. If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather with hail, you may not want to invest in a concrete tile roof. Also, concrete is porous, which means it may allow mold or lichens to grow on it. That’s a look you may not want for your home.

Concrete roof tiles are a popular choice for people who are concerned about the environment. They are sustainably made, can be recycled, and are non-toxic, so they are perfect for people who want a more eco-friendly home.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great reasons to love tile roofs. Keep in mind, however, that your roof represents a long-term investment in your home. You will want to choose your tile roof carefully, because once it is installed, you won’t be able to change your mind. There are advantages and disadvantages to tile roofing materials. If you aren’t sure which tile roof is right for you, why not contact Roof Fix here in San Antonio? We have been installing and repairing roofs for nearly a decade. We can come out and take a look at your roof and listen to what you want as a roof replacement. Get in touch with us today.

If you are thinking about getting a new roof, you need to consider several options for roofing. One option that may come to mind is metal roofing. Metal roofs have several advantages–but they also come with drawbacks. Here is some information on metal roofing and what factors can help you make the best decision possible for your new roof.

Types of Roofs Available in San Antonio

Many people who live in San Antonio have asphalt shingles for their roofs. This is the most common type of roofing all over the United States–about 80% of all housing in America has asphalt shingles. You may also find your house has a tile roof, which is common with many Western-themed homes that use adobe, for example. Metal roofs are also another option for homes in the San Antonio area.

What Kinds of Metal Are Used for Roofing?

There are several kinds of metal used in roofing. Your contractor may tell you about copper roofs. Cooper is a beautiful material that lasts a long time, but it is soft and is not a good choice for an area where temperatures can be high. Aluminum is also long-lasting, and is a good material to use if you live by the ocean, as salt does not corrode it. Zinc is a great choice because it is extremely durable as well, but it may be too soft for your needs. Tin is the oldest roof choice, but it can become thin and brittle over time. Steel is an excellent choice, but it may be too heavy to use on your home. You will need to ask a roofing contractor which metal would be great for you to use on your roof.

Pro: Metal Roofs Are Durable

One of the best reasons to get a metal roof is because they are extremely durable. The San Antonio area gets a lot of hailstorms, so a metal roof is a great idea. Also, metal roofs last far longer on average than asphalt shingles. Roofs with asphalt shingles usually last between 15 years and 20 years. However, metal roofs have been known to last for more than 100 years.

Con: Metal Roofs Are Expensive

Metal roofs are very durable, but they also cost more than an asphalt or tile roof. Depending on the size of your roof, it could cost up to three times the cost of an asphalt roof. However, if you consider the longevity of a metal roof, you will be saving money over time when compared to the asphalt roof.

Pro: Metal Roofs Are Versatile

If you are a decorator, having a metal roof gives you a lot of options with regard to painting or staining. Many people love metal roofs if they favor industrial or farmhouse homes, but you can make your metal roof look like whatever design you want. With the right paint and tools, your metal roof can be a simple green roof on a farmhouse-designed home, or it can be painted to look like other materials, such as clay tiles or wood shingles. Metal roofs can be used on any type of home from modern to rustic.

Con: Metal Roofs Can Be Noisy

There is something about the sound of rain on a roof that makes so many people happy they own a metal roof. If you are one of those people who love the sound of rain on a metal roof–then metal roofs are perfect for you. However, if you want a home that is as quiet as possible, a metal roof may not be the right choice for you.

Pro: Metal Roofs Have the Fastest Installation

While tile, wooden shingles, and asphalt shingles take time to install because they have to be installed piece by piece, metal roofs are made using very few pieces. They take far less time to install than other roofs.

Con: Metal Roofs Dent More Easily

Because San Antonio is prone to hail, you need to know that metal roofs can be dented by hail, especially large hail. However, if your roof is sloped, the hail has a far less chance of denting your metal roof than if your roof is flat or slightly sloped.

Pro: Metal Roofs Are Friendly to the Environment

Metal roofs are the “greenest” of all the roof choices because all of the materials used in your metal roof are 100% recyclable. When you are ready to replace a metal roof, there are companies that will melt the metal down and reuse it. You cannot reuse items from asphalt or tile roofs. Many people want to find greener roofs that align with their commitment to the environment, so metal roofs are a great choice.

Con: Metal Roofs Can Cause Problems if They Aren’t Installed Properly

Because metal roofs are in fact made of metal, they expand and contract with the temperatures far more than other roofing types. If your metal roof has not been installed correctly, the expansion and contraction of the metal during summer or winter can create holes or spaces on your roof for water to get in, which can cause a lot of damage. If you opt for a metal roof, be sure you have a roofing contractor who is an expert in metal roofs.

Pro: Metal Roofs Conserve Energy

There is no question that San Antonio experiences some extreme heat during the summer months. Temperatures can soar into the triple digits for much of the summer, so anywhere you can save money on cooling bills, you should. Metal roofs reflect the energy of the sun rather than absorbing the sun the way asphalt-shingled roofs do. This means your roof and your attic will stay cooler, which leads to lower heating bills.

Con: Metal Roofs Need to Use the Best Roofing Metal

Metal roofs are not the area where you want to cut corners. That means you need to make sure that the metal you select for your roof is durable and high-quality. If a contractor makes your roof of less-than-quality metal, it can lead to leaks, corrosion, and rust, especially if the metal is thin. The thicker the metal used for roofing, the more durable it is. Be sure you get the most money out of your roof investment, and opt for the most durable metal roof possible. If you aren’t sure, ask your prospective contractor to bring samples of roofing materials. That way, you’ll be able to determine for yourself which material is best for your roofing needs.

How to Find a Great Metal Roofing Contractor?

It isn’t easy to find a roofing contractor to suit your needs. First, ask your family and your friends for recommendations for a good metal roofer. It is better if you ask people who already use metal roofing for their recommendations because they have experience with metal roofs and contractors. That way, you should get a good list of contractors to interview.

What if you don’t have time to interview? No worries. You can always go with Roof Fix. Roof Fix has been doing business in the San Antonio area for years, and we specialize in metal roofing repairs and installations. Why not give us a call today, and make an appointment for a quote for a new metal roof?

If you have lived in San Antonio for a long time, you already know that your roof can take a beating. There are thunderstorms that can pop up out of nowhere and dump torrential rain and hail on your asphalt shingles. The area also has periods of extreme heat and dry conditions. Don’t forget about the occasional hurricane or even snow and ice! You have to be ready for any weather event when you live in the San Antonio area. Here is a guide to making sure your roof is at its very best no matter what the weather looks like outdoors.

What Is an Asphalt Roof?

Asphalt roofs are the most popular roof type; nearly 80% of all household roofs are made of asphalt. Asphalt is a mixture of oil and sand or gravel. Shingles that cover your roof are usually made of asphalt because it is durable, inexpensive, and can be mixed in many different colors. However, even asphalt shingles, which can last up to 30 years, can become damaged due to weather, age, or poor roofing techniques. If you want your roof to last as long as possible, you will need to practice some roof upkeep.

If you don’t practice roof maintenance on your asphalt roof, it could lead to leaks and water damage–not just on your roof but on the inside of your house as well.

How Do I Keep My Roof Looking Good?

• Keep your roof clean. If you have large branches from trees that could land on your roof, be sure and have them trimmed so they don’t break off during a storm and fall on your asphalt roof, which could damage the shingles or even tear a hole in your roof. Also, make sure to keep your gutters clean to guard against leaks on your roof from debris.
• Check your gutters for leaks. When gutters leak, the constant dripping from gutters can allow mold or other fungi to grow on your roof. Water can also eventually leak through wood or roofing shingles. If you find that one of your gutters leaks, have the gutter repaired or replaced.
• Have your roof inspected at least once a year. Many people either inspect their roofs themselves or they have their roofs inspected by a roofing company. Homeowners who have their roofs inspected each year are less likely to be surprised by an unexpected roof repair or replacement.

What Should I Be Looking For in a Roof Inspection?

When you inspect your roof, you should be looking for several small problems that could become big problems down the road. First, check your shingles thoroughly. If you are inspecting your roof yourself, be sure and take a notepad up with you so you can jot down any problems you see.

Once you have made it up to the top of your roof, check your shingles for any problems. Look to see if any of your shingles are blistered. Blistered shingles can mean that water is trapped in your shingle. When these moist shingles get hot from the sun, they blister. Also, look for signs of curling or cracking on your shingles. Curling or cracking shingles usually mean the boards underneath the shingles are wet, which could mean you have a leak in your roof. You may also have a problem with your attic insulation.

Check and make sure that you can’t see the nails on your shingles, and make sure you don’t have any shingles that are loose or missing. If you see loose or missing shingles, you will want to replace them.

Also, look closely at your shingles. Each asphalt roof shingle is bumpy, because there are granules on each shingle. The granules give your roof extra protection from the weather. If your shingles look smooth, and you notice your shingles are missing a lot of granules, you may need to have the shingles replaced.

Should I Just Check the Shingles to Make Sure My Roof Is in Good Shape?

Your roof is actually made of several parts, and all of them are important for your roof to keep working well. First, you’ll want to make sure the flashing doesn’t have rust or corrosion. Roof flashing is made of many thin pieces of metal that help to protect the edges of your roof, as well as anything that may stick out from your roof, such as your chimney or vents. When flashing corrodes or rusts, water can get into your attic. While you’re looking at the flashing, check to make sure each flashing’s caulk is still watertight with no cracks.

Also, look closely at your shingles. Each asphalt roof shingle is bumpy, because there are granules on each shingle. The granules give your roof extra protection from the weather. If your shingles look smooth, and you notice your shingles are missing a lot of granules, you may need to have the shingles replaced.

You should devote some time to check the soffit and fascia of your roof as well. Both soffit and fascias are on the underside of your roof that hangs over your home. If they are damaged, or you notice mold or mildew growth which could be from water leaks.

Check the Inside of Your Roof

Roofs are not only to protect your home on the exterior but to protect your interior contents as well. You will need to go up into the attic. Check and see that you have enough insulation in your attic. You can do a little research to determine how much insulation you need for your home. Also, check your insulation for rot or mold that could indicate water damage. If you notice droppings from animals on your insulation, you may want to have a company check your attic for animals and remove them if they find some. Look over your head inside your attic at the beams that form the frame of your roof. If you see sagging or bending, they may need replacing.

Write It Down

It can be easy to inspect your roof but forget what you need to have repaired or replaced when you get to the bottom of your ladder, and you are safely on land again. Once you’re down on the ground, take some time to make a sketch of the problems you noticed about your roof. That way, a roofing contractor will know exactly where the problems are and be able to locate them quickly. If you aren’t sure what a specific problem is, a contractor will be able to look at your notes to determine your problem.

What If I Don’t Want to do Roof Maintenance?

Getting on top of a roof can be dangerous, especially as you age. If you are not sure you want to climb on a ladder to check out a roof, there are roofing contractors that can help with roof inspections, cleaning, and repairs. Roof Fix has been in the business of roofs for many years because we always put our customers first. We’ll be happy to make an appointment with you to inspect your roof or to come out to fix problems with your roof. We excel at roof maintenance. Why not reach out to us today?