You may have noticed that your roof has been experiencing some wear and tear. At this point, you’re probably deciding on whether it’s time to replace your roof or do some repairs to it. Most people will hope that they can quickly fix the issue, instead of having to change out the roof completely. However, replacing your roof sometimes is the best and safest option for your household. If you’re having trouble deciding on if you should change your roof, then here are some situations that can help make your choice easier when that time comes. Roof Top Services of Central Florida, Inc. has become one of Orlando’s premier residential & commercial roofing contractor companies by making the customer experience the focus of our services.
Your Roof is Getting Old
The age of your roof is a huge factor when determining if it’s time to replace your roof. If your roof was put on fairly recently, then you shouldn’t have to worry too much about replacing everything and repairing it. On the other hand, if your roof has been up for a long time and has deteriorated into a state of no repair, then as frustrating as it would be, you would need to replace it.
An average lifespan of a roof typically lasts around 30 years, depending on the materials that were used to build it. For example, if you were to purchase asphalt shingles that are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to repair, you might get 15 years out of them. If you decided to get clay or concrete tiles, those are a lot harder, durable and resistant to weather conditions and can last up to 30 years or more.
If you’re unsure about how old your roof is, your best option is to have a professional come out and figure your approximate age. However, if your roof has already fallen into disrepair, no matter how old it is, you’re going to have to get it replaced.
Can You See Any Damage
If you take the time to visually inspect your roof you can spot everything that is wrong is with your roof. Be sure to start outside from the curb in front of your house and look for any visible signs of if your tiles or shingles are cracking, damaging, or missing. These locations on your roof are essential indicators for weak points in the roofs ability to hold against water intrusion and probably the reason if you have seen water leaks on the inside of your home. If you see a lot of damaged areas and missing or broken materials during your visual inspection, then, unfortunately, your roof has been severely compromised and it’s time for a replacement.
What Are You Doing With Your Property
When coming to your conclusion on whether or not to replace your roof, there is one final thing you should think about. Are you planning on selling your house soon? A potential buyer coming up to your home and seeing your roof is worn and out and in bad condition can be a deal breaker for a buyer right out of the gate. Even if you have accommodated for the repairs in the pricing, a lot of people still tend to lean away from properties that need a new roof because they don’t want to deal with the replacement of it.
Investing in your roof before you sell can significantly benefit your chances of selling your home quicker and receiving a higher value on it. Properties that showcase they have installed a new roof shows potential buyers that the house was cared for and has few significant problems with it. Therefore, if you’re thinking about selling your home, consider investing in your roof whether it’s a new one or just fixing the repairs. Having a well-maintained roof can help you earn back into what you put into your roof while also increasing the house’s value.
It’s difficult to envision why a property owner would overlook water spilling someplace in the house; however, it occurs. Most property owners aren’t purposely attempting to evade reality, but life is never straightforward. Work and family frequently expend leisure time to the point where home fixes end up at the back of the line. Water spills are one home issue that shouldn’t be disregarded. Think about the following facts about water stains on roofs. Ideally, you’ll be persuaded that exploring any water stain should outweigh pretty much everything else in your home. It’s important to check on the condition of your roof to make sure everything looks good. A lack of roof maintenance is one of the biggest causes of roofing damage. If you see any issues with your roof or gutter system, you should talk with a roofing specialist to see how you can fix the problems.
Don’t Act like You Can’t See It
Unfortunately, a water stain coming from your ceiling is nothing like seeing a food stain on your kitchen wall. In the kitchen, you can ignore the stain until the culprit has been caught. With a water stain, there is a reason why the stain is there, and if you neglect it, you can have a much more serious issue on your hand. For most people, once you notice the water stain in your house, you’ll be fixated on it until you make sense of the reason and deal with the fix. Other people will deflect eyes each time they stroll into the room, just hoping one day it magically disappears. Well, it’s not leaving anytime soon unless you do something about it. Regardless, of whether it’s the fear of seeing your bank account go down or the fact you’re worried you won’t be able to fix it yourself, you can’t just walk around the house and act like the stain doesn’t exist. If you ignore it, your stain could get progressively worst and then you have a bigger issue on your hands than you did before.
You Might Not Want to Know
No doubt about it, you need to know about your water stain. For starters, you have to research any hole in your house to discover the source and figure out how to do damage control. A water stain on your ceiling could be the result of a pipes spill. It could also be the aftereffect of an issue with your rooftop. Neither one of these problems is going anywhere on their own. On the off chance, you have a water stain. You will need to pay for much more than just a paint job. Leaking water that goes unchecked can harm the structure of your house. Furthermore, if you ignore for long periods, you could ultimately end up with timber decay.
It Could Be a Leaky Roof
A pipes issue is sufficiently awful, yet a leaky rooftop is inherently worst. If you have concluded that the water stain isn’t because of pipes leaking, the next spot to look is the rooftop. Expect to get on a ladder to look at the drains and the roof. You might be surprised by what you see in the gutters. Search for stopped up drains and either get them out yourself or contact an expert. In the event, you don’t discover anything that caused the water stain, call a nearby professional to have to take a look at.
Roofing shingles, unfortunately, are not indestructible even though it may seem that way. It’s important to check on the condition of your roof to make sure everything looks good. If you see any issues with your roof or gutter system, you should talk with a roofing specialist to see how you can fix the problems. Your roof spends its entirety outdoors which makes it vulnerable to the elements like rain, pests, and nests that can get created. Constant maintenance is imperative to keeping your roof in good condition as long as possible. Here is what you need to know about some common causes of roof damage.
Lack of Maintenance
A lack of roof maintenance is one of the biggest causes of roofing damage. Many issues start off small, such as a need to remove any overhanging tree limbs or getting all of the debris that backs up into your gutters. When these problems don’t get taken care of, they can lead to serious long term damage. A routine inspection will help extend the life of your roof and will save you a lot of money in the long term.
Ventilation
Your roof and attic ventilation is a vital part of making your roof last, and usually, vents are placed at the base of your roof (the eaves) and near the top of the roof (the ridge) so that the warm air can leave through the top, and cool air drawing through the bottom. Naturally, warm air rises so there is no need for a mechanical process to create air movement. Proper ventilation will help regulate the temperature and moisture levels in your attic. If you decide to neglect this, heat and moisture will build up and can cause damage to your rafters, sheathing, shingles, insulation, and potentially raise your energy costs. Continually, this can potentially lead to mold and mildew problems.
Weather
When it comes to weather conditions, your roof takes on the elements, so you don’t have to. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable for you to return the gesture by repairing your roof when it’s damaged. Especially, living in the Central Florida area where hurricanes are a constant issue, it’s crucial you pay more attention as the strong winds can pose a real threat to your roofing system. Severe weather can take off your entire roof off the house, so maintaining it to keep it as durable as possible should never be overlooked.
Pests
Animals can become a real problem when it comes to roofing damage. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and rats will have no problem making their way up the siding or through your gutters and can ultimately create nests on your roof. From this, animals can burrow into your roofing shingles and possibly into your house.
You can avoid all of these problems with the proper maintenance routine and care of your roof. If you do start to notice any damage occurring with your roof, take care of it as soon as possible to prevent small damages from becoming larger ones.
Replacing your roof can be an exciting project, but at the same time, it’s one of the trickiest home improvements for a homeowner to do. A lot of people are intimidated by the entire process because they want to get it right the first time. So the key to making this home improvement as easy as possible is adequately being prepared.
How to Prepare For Your New Roofing Installation
The first step you need to take in the process is to gain an understanding of all the different roofing components. Doing the proper research will let you know exactly what is going on with your existing roof and what you want for your new one.
Another important step is choosing the right contractor with the proper qualifications to help install your new roof. Getting the right contractor will take a lot of stress off of you and ensure that the work is getting done to your expectations while also preventing any other issues down the road. Having a knowledgeable contractor will also help you avoid any potential scams.
Before you start the process of installing your new roof, it’s imperative to know how much everything is going to cost. You should make sure that you have accounted for the cost of the materials by their square footage, any permits that may be required, and the labour costs for the installation. Majority of contractors will provide you with a free estimate which is a huge benefit in helping you determine your total cost for your project.
When you decide on the materials you’re going to use for your new roof, be sure to know what maintenance will be required if needed. This process can be challenging, so explore your options with a roofing professional and get a full comprehension of what you will need to do before you make a final decision.
As your contractor prepares to install your roof, be sure to clear space around your house, so if any materials fall off the roof, they won’t end up destroying any of your patio furniture or potted plants. Also, let your neighbours know you’re getting a roof installed. There is nothing worst then being woken up early in the morning by the loud noises that accompany having a new roof installed. Therefore, as a courtesy, warn your neighbours ahead of time, and they will be a lot more patient and understanding during the whole process.
During Your Roof Installation
When the construction of your new roof starts, there are still a few things you need to do to ensure everything is taken care of throughout the installation. Keep in mind that during the installation process, vibrations can travel through your walls. So, remove any hanging items from your walls and loose things on shelves that way your items don’t get damaged. Ideally, you should wait into your new roof is finished before you start putting things back on your wall.
Additionally, make sure your driveway is open and leave plenty of space around your house so that workers will have enough room to move their tools around and keep materials where they need. To help out your contractors, you can park your car along the street, allowing your workers to park any necessary equipment closer to your house while they work.
Warranty
During the process of installing your roof, don’t overlook the importance of making sure your roof is protected with a superior warranty. You want to make sure that your purchase is protected for years to come. Great roof warranties provide the following:
Material defects: You need a roofing system that can withstand the intensity of Mother Nature and other harsh outside elements. If your roofing materials begin to show early signs of deteriorating, this can affect things such as your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Having an excellent warranty will take care of you in situations like this and cover the material defects that are due to wear and tear.
Workmanship: Your roof will need repair once in a while due to minor problems. Perhaps you need shingles replaced because some of them started to warp. Another issue could be your flashing has popped up and needs to be nailed back down. Although these are pretty straightforward repairs, sometimes fixes can go wrong and compromise the condition of your roof. A valid warranty will protect you as a homeowner who has been a victim of poor workmanship or installation.
GAF recently announced its 2016-2017 Triple Excellence Award Winners. We are proud to announce, that we are again among the list. The companies listed have shown an excellent service rating with 90% customers surveyed, stating they would recommend us to their fellow friends and neighbors. Thank you for this honor.
Every year, countless homeowners fall victim to roofing scams. The roof is one of the most fundamental aspects of your home, and you want to ensure it can properly protect you and your family. A large number of homeowners do not have experience handling roof repairs and contractors, leaving themselves vulnerable to fraud. In the state of Florida, unlicensed contractors are targeting more victims each year, resulting in shoddy roof replacements and ever-increasing insurance rates. Scammers are becoming more crafty, not only in their initial approach but their execution as well. There are varying levels of scams taking place every day, all costing homeowners wasted time and money. There are several red flags to be wary of, with the most common including contractors who request money up front, those who neglect to offer installation or manufacturer warranties, or roofers who use subcontractors to complete the work. It is important to always do your research when considering a company for something as significant as a roof repair. Always be sure to read online reviews on consumer driven websites, and make sure the company is in good standing with the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
Roofing Contractor Scams
The Free Roof Inspection: Typically, when business is slow or the economy has been on the decline, roofers will start going door to door seeking potential clients. They will offer to inspect your roof for free, and after the inspection they will claim they observed damage that warrants a new roof or major repair. Some of these roofers will intentionally cause damage to your roof during their inspection, or they might show you a picture of someone else’s roof and allege that it is yours. These roofers will seem polite, knowledgeable, and helpful. They will encourage you to submit a claim to your insurance company. Scammers are well-versed in the proper language to effectively manipulate the consumer, and they will withhold crucial details. They will give you a low estimate for repairs, and have a false sense of urgency. What they will neglect to tell you is that insurance companies will not pay to repair an older roof. You will be responsible for paying the total bill, in addition to having an unnecessary claim against your homeowners insurance.
Insurance Companies Are Getting Wise to The Scammers
Insurance companies are constantly dealing with roofing scams that victimize unsuspecting homeowners. The tricks are constantly evolving, but there are a few tried and true scams you need to watch out for. When a roofer goes door to door to drum up business on behalf of a company, that is usually a telltale sign of fraud. Accredited and insured roofers will typically have an online presence, like a website or social media pages, along with reviews from actual customers. Some out-of-towner roofers chase inclement weather, and prey on homeowners’ emotions. Always choose a local roofer with a physical business location. Many of the fraudulent out-of-towner roofers have a PO Box address, which is a huge red flag. Another scam to be careful of is when the salesman has a sense of urgency and demands immediate action for roofing repairs. Homeowners think time is of the essence and act quickly out of fear. Legitimate roofing companies won’t pressure you. They will give you adequate information to make an informed decision, and allow you the time to decide the best course of action you want to take. Roofing repairs can be expensive. Scammers will initially lowball the estimate, and give you a too-good-to-be-true quote. The costs will quickly escalate after the work begins, and you may find yourself in over your head. If a roofer requests a deposit up front, that is another huge red flag. Some roofers will take that deposit and vanish. Other roofers will request a deposit to cover the materials and then string you along, quickly demanding more money as time goes on. A legitimate roofing company will have the materials and resources to complete the repair. You should NEVER have to pay the roofer until after the job has started.
Hail Damage Claims
Hail damage on shingle tiles.
Insurance claims for hail damage have risen exponentially, yet according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the number of hail storms has been stagnant. The drastic inconsistencies are due to unprofessional roofers making bogus claims of hail damage. How do they trick homeowners into believing hail damage that simply doesn’t exist? The scammers create the evidence themselves in what is described as “manufactured damage.” After these fraudulent roofers charm their way up to your roof under the guise of a generous free inspection, they use dimes and ball peen hammers to replicate hail damage. Another way to manufacture the damage is to pry off shingles and claim it is evidence of wind damage. Some scammers will even show you pictures of a roof similar to yours with weather-induced damage, and allege it is from your house.
Roofing scams have been steadily increasing insurance premiums for all consumers. The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) estimate insurance premiums may rise by as much as 10 percent! It is crucial to protect both yourself and your insurance company from potential threats. When you file a claim, it is added to your insurance record. The claims you make affect all future claims you may need to file. If your insurance company discovers you filed a fraudulent roofing claim, they can immediately cancel your coverage or choose to not renew your insurance. Additionally, consumers across the country have been charged with committing insurance fraud. You may be the victim of a roofing scam, but you are in a legally binding contract with your homeowner’s insurance company. In your contract, you agreed to trade your annual premium for protection against home damages. Your insurance company can hold you liable for submitting false documents on home repairs. Be mindful of all paperwork you are asked to sign. Never sign a contract with a roofer before your insurance company comes out to inspect the damage. Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) contract. An AOB contract gives the roofer full reign to collect all claim money directly from your insurance company. Anytime a roofer volunteers to either pay the deductible or waive it entirely, it is fraud. Contact the FRSA to find a reputable roofer in your area.
Subcontractors
Fraudulent roofers will sometimes use subcontractors to complete the job. These subcontractors may use low quality materials and work hurriedly for a small percentage. In some cases, the subcontractors do not even get paid. Subcontractors may lack the insurance, license, knowledge, and experience to successfully repair your roof. The unqualified subcontractors may leave you with a mess of debris and rusty roofing nails to clean up, and a poorly repaired roof that needs to be redone. The new roof you invested in may have an expiration date of a few years. This is why you never want to pay a roofer up front; it is a huge risk to pay for unrendered services.
Roofing repairs should never be done on a whim. Scammers prey on your emotions, pressure you to make quick decisions, and give you low estimates to trick you into thinking you’re saving money. Remember: roofers going door to door or showing up unannounced is a red flag for fraud. Roofers who claim they will pay your deductible or waive it entirely, roofers who chase inclement weather, contractors who demand money before the project starts, or salesmen who give ever-increasing quotes; these are all major red flags for roofing scams.
Roofing scams have become a lucrative business. Luckily, it is easier than ever before to properly do your research before hiring a roofing company to handle your repairs. You have a great deal of information available at your fingertips. You can investigate local roofing companies, ensure a contractor’s good standing on the BBB website, read over references and reviews on consumer-driven websites, and ensure a company is FRSA approved. It is also beneficial to scope out a company’s physical address. You should be able to request their licenses and insurance, review the manufacturer and labor warranties, and get a good look at how the business operates.
Roof Top Services of Central Florida is a family run business with over 26 years of industry experience. Our expertise and exclusive use of high quality GAF roofing materials guarantee a roof you and your family will enjoy for years. Our team is licensed and insured, and we work diligently to repair your roof within your budget and timeline. We offer direct insurance billing, in addition to no money down financing. We provide you with a complete roof installation warranty, as well as a long-term manufacturer warranty. We never use subcontractors, and all work is completed by our highly qualified staff. Our BBB rating is A+ and we are FRSA approved. If you decide to not work with us, please make sure you work with another local and accredited BBB roofer. Roofing repairs done wrong require more time and money in the end. Save yourself the headache and financial heartache, and always do your research on your contractor. Don’t fall victim to unprofessional contractors robbing you of your money and safety.
