Selecting A Qualified Roofing Contractor

April 16th, 2009

When the time arrives and you need to have your roof replaced, there are many things you should ask before selecting a roofing contractor. It is extremely important to ensure they are qualified to take on the responsibility that comes with removing and replacing an entire roof system. Everyone in Miami has heard at least one or two horror stories of homeowners who hired unqualified roofers and were left with sub par work that resulted in a worse roofing system then the original one that needed replacing. Don’t let this happen to your family, the first thing you must verify is that the contractor is licensed and insured. Just because the business card says they are doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. Have each company provide you with a copy of there state license and insurance policy. Once you receive this information, you can confirm there license is indeed valid by going to www.myflorida.com and inputting the contractors information. Also be sure to contact there insurance carrier and verify that the policy they have is up to date and has not expired or been canceled. Next, you should request a list of references from recent projects and follow up with each homeowner, inquire as to the quality of there work, as well as the companies professionalism and punctuality. All roofs differ in degree of difficulty, however an average sized roof from start to finish should take roughly 1-2 weeks and certainly no longer than 30 days. As stated all roofs are different and some may require intricate detailing that can extend the project time by varying amounts. Lastly, you should read the contract thoroughly and have anything altered that you are not completely comfortable with. This includes things such as deposit amounts, length of warranty and project time lines. We at Roof-Tech know that selecting a qualified Miami roofing company can be a daunting task, give us a call and we’ll show you why we have become one of the most trusted and well respected roofing contractors in the Sunshine State!

Preparing For Rainy Season

April 6th, 2009

With so many things going in our daily lives, we often put preparing for rainy season on the back burner until ultimately it is to late. Living in Miami, everyone knows that the seasons can be unpredictable, and the jump from dry weather to wet weather can seemingly happen overnight. Don’t be caught off guard, the worst thing a homeowner can do is leave there roof vulnerable during the stormy months in South Florida. Your roof is the single most important aspect of your property and it is the primary thing standing between your family and mother nature. Luckily there are simple steps you can take to prepare for the inevitable rainy season we Floridians often experience. The first thing one should do is a quick survey of the roofs current condition, this means checking for weak spots needing attention such as cracked shingle, loose tile and blistering in flat roofing systems. If you suspect your roof may not be ready for the upcoming rainy season, we would recommend you have a certified roofing professional come out and do a thorough inspection of the roofs current state. There may be small areas that only require minor attention and repair work, however putting these off can ultimately leave your roof susceptible to severe damage during heavy storms which will cost a lot more down the road. This can also cause problems to interior areas beyond the roof such as rotting wood, sagging drywall and possible damage to personal belongings. Roof-Tech is a fully licensed Miami roofing company and upon request we can provide you with roof inspections and reports to help keep you dry this rainy season.

Choosing The Right Shingle

March 29th, 2009

If you own a home in South Florida then there is a good chance you have a shingle roof. When the time comes for you to re-roof your home there are many different options to choose from. The most popular type is a 3-Tab asphalt shingle system, it is available in numerous colors but for the most part generally looks the same regardless of the brand. 3-Tab Asphalt shingle is lightweight and relatively thin, however because of this it is the most economical choice but still has a fairly long life expectancy. A slightly more expensive alternative is a Dimensional shingle, these are little thicker than a standard 3-Tab however they are usually preferred because of the aesthetically pleasing effect there 3-D design provides. To create this effect, additional pieces are laminated on to each unit creating a more random design, therefore giving the look and feel closer to that of a tile roof. Other shingle options include Wood Shake and Slate, these are far less common in Miami however because of this choosing one will certainly make your home stand out. Wood Shake shingle are manufactured from split logs and can typically be found on more rustic homes not usually seen in Florida. Slate Shingle is generally going to be your most costly alternative and like Wood shingle is far less commonly found in tropical climates such as Miami. If you would like more information and assistance choosing the right shingle system for your home, please contact Roof-Tech for a free consultation and quote.

Artezanos Introduces New Hybrid System

March 25th, 2009

Artezanos Inc, best known in Miami for manufacturing high quality, hand made Barrel and Spanish “S” roofing tile have unveiled there new “Green” Hybrid System. This innovative design is the first of it’s kind. It utilizes Artezanos high end Barrel tile and integrates it with there brand new Universal Pan Tile to create a truly one of a kind roofing system. When used together, this system is almost half the weight of a traditional Barrel tile roof and actually uses less pieces than an “S” tile roof would require. The Universal Pan Tile also allows for the integration of Solar Panels uniquely designed to provide the benefits of “Green” technology without compromising the aesthetically pleasing and traditional look of a Barrel tile roof. Whats even more exciting is that this system can also be installed over one’s current shingle roof without the need to tear down the existing roofing material. This allows for an upgrade from a standard shingle roof to a high end Barrel tile roof at a fraction of the cost. The owners of Artezanos Inc have consistently recommended Roof-Tech to install there many roofing products, if you are interested in any of there products for your home, contact us today!

Roof Maintenance

March 23rd, 2009

There are many different roof systems, and certainly some require more maintenance than others, however it is recommended that all homeowners check there roof every three months to ensure it is clear of debris and roof drains are not clogged. It is also a good idea to trim any trees that are growing to close to the roof, these can cause a number of problems from puncturing roofing systems to clogging gutters. If you have a shingle roof, check for sings of cracking and blistering, if there are only a few damaged pieces then it can generally be repaired. However if the majority of the roof shows significant signs of damage, than it may be time to start thinking about re-roofing. In tile roofs, you certainly want to be on the look out for loose and broken tile. This is not only a warning of possible underlying problems, it can also be dangerous during hurricane season when heavy winds can easily dislodge loose tile from the roof. Flat roofing systems are generally the most problematic, regularly check for standing or “ponding” water, these sections may need to be sloped towards the drains to help prevent potential leaks. Also check for blisters or “bubbling” in your flat roofing system, this occurs when water has penetrated the roof and the heat steams and raises the paper up off the deck. If you have any more questions, contact South Florida’s most trusted Miami roofing company, Roof-Tech, for a thorough inspection and report.