Miami Roofing

When something goes wrong with your roof, you will need to decide whether to hire a professional to repair it or if you should attempt the repairs yourself. Here are some of the pros and cons of each method.

Fixing things yourself is generally cheaper, so many people think of taking on such projects on their own. It’s important to remember, however, that the initial price estimate usually assumes that the repair person has the necessary skills. If you get up on the roof and find that you don’t know what to do, you will likely also find that you’ve bought the wrong parts or an insufficient amount of them. This will cause extra expense and lost time.

Simply getting onto the roof can be hazardous, and once you’re up there, falling off is the next danger to be concerned with. To make this part safer, you’ll need a proper ladder to get up and down. You’ll also need shoes with the proper grip to avoid slipping once you’re up there. Slipping is more of a problem on roofs with a steep pitch.

Once you’re in position with all of the parts you need, it’s time to make the repair. Some roof repairs are fairly simple, while others are deceptively tricky. Even replacing a shingle or two can be a hassle. This is because shingles are arranged in layers, and the attachment points will typically be below the row of shingles just above the ones you want to switch.

Hiring a company eliminates the grief that can be caused by doing a project for the first time. The obvious cons of hiring a Miami Roofing contractor are the costs that may be associated with doing so. Unlike doing the work yourself, professionals are not going to be free, and they usually have other jobs on their roster. In fact, if a pro’s fees are too cheap or their schedules are too open, there is likely a reason for this and it is usually a red flag that you may want to avoid them.

Despite the downsides of hiring a professional to take care of your roof repair needs, it is almost always the best way to go. By choosing a licensed and insured company, you can get your roof fixed without having to put up with the hassles that go with first time do-it-yourself projects.

Few things can cause more damage or cost more in repairs than a leaky or compromised roof. A flat roof requires extra precautions in climates where rain is regular or a seasonal occurrence. Though there are different types, flat roofs are generally built with a slight slope and several drainage outlets. Protecting the investment in home or business real estate calls for regular maintenance and inspection. Familiarity with the design allows problems to be spotted early, preventing the need for costly repairs.

The best way to ensure proper drainage on a flat roof is through inspection during and after a rain storm, at least twice a year. There are several particular things to watch for, depending on the type. The most important thing to check for is “ponding” or standing water. If there is over a 1/4″ of standing water on your roof within 48 hours after a storm then it may be necessary to re asses your roofs drainage system. Check to ensure the roof drains and scuppers are not clogged, you can also lower wall scuppers to alleviate some of the ponding water but this should only be done by a certified roofing professional. If after doing this standing water still remains, your best option may be to remove the old roofing system and install a tapered insulation system. This works by angling the pitch of the roof toward the scuppers and drains and greatly improves the roofs drainage system.

Worn surfaces, in the case of modified bitumen and single ply roofs, can lead to poor drainage and holes, so these should be repaired quickly. Gravel is often used as a cover to absorb the impact of precipitation and reduce the heat absorption of dark surfaces underneath. If the gravel surface shows holes, this is an easy problem to fix. In the case of a bare surface, blistering is much cheaper to deal with sooner rather than later. Some flat Miami roofing designs rely on copper flashing to seal the joints between the roof and outside walls. Since flashing can be vulnerable to wind damage and corrosion, ensure it is present all the way around the roof and is not rusting or cracked.

The importance of proper drainage on a flat roof cannot be overstated. Besides watching out for common problems, a maintenance routine can keep the water flowing smoothly. Debris should be cleaned from the roof regularly, and experience will show that this should be done more often in certain seasons. Cleaning the drainage holes and pipes is another important step. With regular maintenance and inspection, a flat roof will last for decades.

So, you have owned your own home for a while now, and you have noticed that your roof is looking a little worse for wear. Roofing needs replacing every few decades or sooner if in harsh climates. Years of sun, heat, rain, and cold damage can cause roofing tiles to disintegrate, leading to cracks in your roof’s protection. Putting off replacing a worn-out roof can result in your home losing value or even a leak forming. A leaky roof can be disastrous for your home and possessions within it. Most people do not have insurance for water damage, resulting in costly repairs and replacements.
Now, what are you going to do? Obviously you will need to replace that roof, and soon. There are dozens of contracting services available, but many hire outside subcontractors to perform work. Usually, you do not get to choose who performs work on your home if you hire a contractor who uses subcontractors. Do your homework and hire a contractor who specializes in roofing. They will have customers who can give you real feedback on their work, not just feedback on the subcontractor they used at the time.

If a contractor hires a subcontractor, you cannot be assured of quality. Certain legal rights may be denied to you, or in the worst case scenario, that subcontractor could be uninsured and any claims you make against them will be moot. It is a sad reality that some subcontractors operate without proper insurance, which may be unknown to another company hiring them. Subcontractors are hired on an as-needed basis by contracting companies, exposing you to a potentially subpar quality of work. Most contractors will try to hire subcontractors with excellent track records, but even the best workers can do a bad job.

Hiring a specialized Miami roofing contractor is a smart move when replacing, or even building a new roof. As you will only deal with one company, you can keep tabs on who comes and goes, and who is in charge of what part of the process. If there are ever any concerns after the job, there will be no uncertainty in who you need to call. Without a doubt, hiring a specialized roofing company would be the best choice anyone could make when investing in their home.

Anyone who has ever had to deal with a clogged rain gutter knows how important these contraptions are to the stability of a home and its surrounding yard. Rainwater comes barreling off the roof into unintended areas inundating the foundation and lawn, eroding the ground, splashing mud onto the side of the house and, if not immediately corrected, will collect around the concrete foundation causing it to crack.

Leaks into and through the concrete can incur costly repairs. The edge of the roof can be damaged at the clog site and the siding on the house may be compromised with the possibility of interior walls becoming damp and exposed to mildew and mold. Wet insulation is rendered useless and a hazard. A properly designed and installed gutter system along with routine maintenance is the answer to preventing potentially major problems.

A competent Do-It-Yourselfer is capable of removing a clog from the gutter. But if the gutter has a habit of becoming clogged there may be problems the homeowner is unaware of that are best addressed by a professional Miami roofing contractor who has experience installing gutters and downspouts.

Leaves, seed pods and bird droppings are typical litter that finds its way into gutters. The next rainfall should wash this litter down the spout and away from the house. If the gutter has not been installed properly the water might not efficiently drain toward the spout. In this case the litter builds up in the gutter and eventually finds its way to the downspout in a wad that produces a clog. Replacing a faulty gutter can save the homeowner time, effort and the concern that damage may occur.

A properly designed gutter system takes into consideration the size and slope of the roof, the local extremes of wind and rainfall, the weight of the materials used in the construction of the gutter, and how the pressure these factors exert on the structure of the house will affect the efficiency of the gutter. Another significant consideration is the slant of the gutter itself to effectively carry the water toward the downspout. These are dynamics that should be determined by experienced Miami roofing contractors who have the expertise to accurately design and install the most economical and useful gutter system for your home.

Regular inspections and maintenance of your home’s components, such as its gutter system, by experienced professionals will save time, energy, money and homeowner’s anxiety.

Roofs are one of the most crucial aspects of any property. They serve the vital purpose of protecting the entire building from unpredictable and adverse weather conditions and climate changes. In having to decide on the roofing system you require, elements of durability, quality of materials and the manner of construction must be critically considered as roofs are expected to stand the test of time. Due to this fact, roofs are built with several different layers that possess unique vital functions in order to perform its intended functions.

In today’s construction industry, roofing systems are very highly scrutinized prior to actual installation. Thus, bidding systems are established to adequately be informed of the cost and quality that various Miami roofing companies offer. Customers generally take a look at the price first before delving deeper into the quality of the roofing products and systems that companies offer in there bids. Unfortunately, often times many contractors who propose the lowest bid can not adequately perform the work because inferior products are used to cut corners and make up for the difference in price that slightly higher priced contractors may have estimated.

Delving deeper into this context, companies who opt for contractors with the lowest price often find out that the period of time needs to be extended as the workforce is not sufficiently maintained and in most instances, workers under low price bidding are compromised and not adequately compensated for the kind of work they are doing. Or, it could also be that these contractors try to rapidly finish the project to make profitable gains, without typically checking the overall quality of the work output. Also, choosing lowest priced bidders does not automatically guarantee the quality of materials being used, the extent of durability of the output and the warranty entailed when undesirable circumstances occur in an untimely manner. That is not to say that a low bid automatically means spotty workmanship, however it is always important to compare each estimate you receive very closely to ensure that all items being offered are of equal quality and integrity.

How to Choose the Best Roof Tile Options

When it is time to replace a roof there are many things to consider. For example, the homeowner will want to know the cost, maintenance, and how long it will last before needing replaced again. This article will briefly review and compare the different types of tile options available.

Clay roof tiles are been a good choice for people living in warm areas like Miami. This is because they do not absorb heat from the sun like many other types of tiles do. Unfortunately, people living in areas where there is freezing and thawing will find that this is a poor choice because clay tiles are known to break and cause damage from water. However, for the homeowner who is able to use these rounded tiles, there is great beauty in their warm earthy, terracotta colors. These tiles have been known to last a lifetime on a home but typically carry a 20-30 year guarantee. A disadvantage is that they are also heavy and fragile.

Concrete roof tiles, when compared to clay tiles, are slightly more durable, resist shattering, and can easily handle extreme temperatures. They are long lasting and have been known to remain in good condition on a home for over 50 years. Makers of clay tiles will argue that as far as aesthetics, the concrete tile just does not have the same pleasing colors and can begin to develop a mossy, algae-type color over time.

Other types of Miami roofing tile include a flat roof tile. These are typically interlocking and can be made of clay, concrete, ceramic, or zinc. Another option is the “S” roof tile. It can be made of clay or concrete and combines the cap and pan of a two-piece system into one piece. The advantage of this is that it saves cost, installation time, and uses fewer tiles. There is an all weather version of the “S” tile that tolerates the freeze-thaw cycles of the north. The barrel roof tile has a rolling look than can come in a Spanish or Roman style. Synthetic roof tiles can be made to resemble clay tile, concrete tile, slate, asphalt shingles, metal panels, and wood shingles and shakes. They use recycled material and are light, resist hail, algae, and mold.

Before choosing the type of roof tile, it is important to investigate different types of tile options available. A homeowner’s location and the look they are going after will narrow the choices so that the best roofing material is selected.

Our homes are often our most valued assets. You can greatly cut down on the need to make major, costly repairs when you perform some routine maintenance. It’s critical to periodically inspect a home’s structure in order to protect your investment. You should examine the condition of the roof first, since it’s the first line of defense against rain, snow, hail and other elements.

You can get a good idea if it is time for a new roof even before you examine it. Obviously, if you have water stains on your ceilings or walls you may already suspect roof damage. Take a look around in your attic to check for standing water, wet insulation, mold or a strong musty odor. These could be signs of a leaky roof.

Climb up to the roof if you’re physically able to do so. Check for loose, buckling or missing shingles. Loose and missing shingles can allow water to seep into your home. Buckling shingles can be a sign of improper ventilation and poor insulation in your attic. All of these conditions should be addressed and remedied as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

It may be possible to patch or repair a Miami roofing system if the damage is not excessive. The average homeowner lacks the expertise to adequately repair a roof. Consult a roofing professional to obtain an estimate. Be sure to choose a professional who is properly insured and ask to see proof of insurance. You should also ask for references and thoroughly verify them.

It’s often more advisable to replace, rather than repair if the damage is severe and wide spread.. It’s prudent to replace an older roof. Today’s modern roofing materials are energy efficient and can save money on home heating and cooling bills.

It may be necessary to replace attic insulation at the same time. Improper ventilation and poor insulation can greatly reduce the life of your roof. Most homeowners can tackle this fairly simple process. Check with your local home improvement center for proper insulation R values for your area.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover roof damage costs. Contact your insurance company to ask what your policy covers. The insurance company will send an adjuster to survey the damage and prepare and estimate. The insurance company will then contact you with the cost to repair or replace the roof.

Tips that will help when filing an insurance claim for your roof.

Replacing a roof is an all too common occurrence for many Florida residents with the impact of hurricanes, tropical storms, and humidity. The following tips will help you get through the claims process efficiently and on with your life.

1. An insurance adjuster will need to inspect the roof before approving the claim for work. Be certain to make a note of their name and contact phone number so you can deal specifically with that person in the future. Insurance companies are large institutions that deal with many names and numbers through the course of a day. Dealing with multiple people just over complicates the process while making it harder to resolve the claim and get your roof replaced quickly.

2. It is common for insurance companies to have a determined price for a roof replacement in areas where many claims are made; Florida being a prime example. It may be easier to ask the insurance company for a list of roofers that work in their approved ranges. If you are set on using a particular contractor, send a copy of the quote to the insurance company for them to scrutinize for approval.

3. Different policies will provide a varying amount of coverage for the roof. A total replacement should be exactly that. Ensure that things like plywood and flashing are covered in the cost of the roof and the policy. These details will often be spelled out in paperwork or inquire with your claims adjuster to avoid any surprise expenses.

4. A Miami Roofing insurance claim will often split the payment for the roof for payment before the work begins and when the work ends. Most reputable contractors work with split payments in regards to major contracts such as a full roof replacement. It is never a good idea to make a complete payment from the front-end when working with contractors. The additional money waiting is incentive to get them on your property and working in a timely fashion.

How to Protect Yourself from Unscrupulous Contractors & Scams

If you have found yourself in need of roof repair in Miami, you need to know how to avoid some of the most common roofing contractor scams. The sad fact is that not all companies are reliable. We know that you have a lot of different options, and we aren’t here to discourage you from any particular roofing company, but we can give you a couple of pointers to help you avoid being taken for a ride along the way.

Things to Keep in Mind When You Choose a Roofing Contractor

Especially as we enter peak hurricane season in Miami, it is important that you take care of any roofing problems before they become a significant issue. If you have anything that you aren’t sure about, get it checked out. Because once a storm hits, you will have a lot of problems finding a reliable Miami roofing contractor that isn’t a storm chaser from another part of the country.

Unfortunately, Florida is rife with storm chasers even though the state government has taken a lot more precautionary measures than most other states.

How Can You Tell If Your Roofing Contractor is Scamming You?

One of the most common times for scams is after a storm. You may or may not have roof damage, but you can guarantee that if you get a dishonest company, you will after they get off the roof. It is not unheard of for roofers to kick up a few shingles and report damage after they get back on the ground.

If you can give your roof a once-over before they get there, it’s probably a good idea. Sadly, the demographic that is scammed the most is the handicapped or elderly. If there is anyone you can ask before they get there or while they are checking it out, do so.

Some Other Common Roofing Scams

-Most roofing scams are perpetrated by door–to-door salesmen.
-If the price seems remarkably low, be wary. They may take a deposit and never return again.
-Never give cash up front.
-Always verify that they have a valid contractor license
-Never do business with someone that doesn’t provide contact information, workers comp info, or insurance info for their company.
-Ask if they have a guarantee. If they can’t provide a guarantee, they may either be long gone after the storms or they don’t take pride in their work and don’t want to be called out in a few years for repairs.

Before we go, we’d like to leave you with our most important recommendation. Check with the BBB. Did you know that roofing contractor scams are considered one of the top ten scams reported to the Better Business Bureau with over 8,478 scams reported in 2010 and approximately 32% of them left unsettled? Good luck in your search for a Miami roofing contractor!

It is inevitable when living in Florida that you will encounter bad weather. Hurricanes are a constant threat one half of the year and thunderstorms the other. In the event that your roof is damaged during a storm, it is imperative that you attempt a quick fix so that you do not incur even more roof damage, or worse, damage to the interior of your home.

The most effective way to protect your home from water damage is to tarp your roof. Weatherproof tarps can easily be picked up at your local home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowes. If you are desperate, even WalMart will have a tarp that can handle the job. These tarps are inexpensive and will only be needed to tide you over while waiting for a roofer to repair your roof. You can go with a heavy-duty tarp, but if you have no other uses for it, it makes better money-sense to go with a cheaper version. Purchase a tarp that will cover the entire roof with a bit of extra material hanging off each side. Use stakes in the ground to tether the tarp down.

Another quick-fix is patching the damaged area. Roofing cement is available at hardware stores and comes in a container similar to a paint can. There are formulas for both dry and wet application. Before applying, be sure to brush off any loose dirt or gravel from the area in which you will be working. Using a trowel, apply the cement and cover the damaged area, as well as six inches beyond.

Lastly, if you need to make your repair quickly and can not get to the store for supplies, you can use items that are commonly found around your house. With a hammer and nails, you can affix a piece of plywood over the damaged area. If plastic sheeting is handy, use a staple gun to cover the affected area, while leaving enough sheeting to hang over the side of the roof to allow water run-off.

No matter what solution you choose, be sure to solicit the assistance of at least one friend or neighbor, and wear your gloves to protect your hands. Do not work in foul Miami roofing weather as the medical expenses from a fall from the roof are sure to exceed any damage your home may incur from some water. Keep in mind these solutions are only temporary fixes, and you must have a roofer out to repair the damage as soon as possible.