As you prepare your roofing project, it is important to understand the wide array of roof types available to the modern home owner. We won't go into ALL possible options as there are dozens; that said will take a closer look at the 4 most common. Those are asphalt, tile, slate, and metal, let's find out which of the common 4 may work best for your roofing needs. Asphalt Perhaps the most widely used roof type of all the time, the asphalt roof is a classic option for the thrifty home owner. Available in 3 main styles; Dimensional, Luxury, and 3 tab. While 3 tab is the least aesthetically pleasing, under the right conditions it will be the most inexpensive and last for a decade +. Luxury as you may have guessed can be attractive and styled to match other non asphalt roof types. In the middle we have dimensional asphalt roofs; known for its strength it can be expected to last several decades if maintained right. This diverse nature of asphalt roofs make them very attractive and and a reasonable option, give us a call to @ to see if they make sense for you. Tile Many different materials are used to create tile roofs. From handcrafted clay to metal, copper, and ceramic tile. If your housing project is in the path of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other extreme disasters then tile may be your best option. Not to mention a severe fire resistance, tile roofs can be expected to last a lifetime or more, while widely being regarded as some of the finest looking roofs around! However these roofs are not without cost, and are known to top out at $16.00 per square foot at a national average making them the more expensive choice. Slate Slate roofs are extremely fire resistant and can last a lifetime. Being cut into thin sheets they are essentially waterproof, at the same time great for retaining your home's heat. A slate roof like a tile roof will last a lifetime and beyond, particularly depending on whether 'hard' or 'soft' slate material is utilized. You will add much more value to your home in a sale with this option compared to asphalt, but is definitely going to cost you a little more to install. Metal An argument can be made that Metal roofs are the best value option. The installation will be less than slate or tile, but in most cases more than asphalt. What makes metal a value option is that the price is relatively comparable to asphalt, but widely expected to last 2-3 times longer. Now you may have noticed or not noticed a metal roof in your neighborhood. That may be for a few different reasons. Critics of metal roofs cite the inconsistent coloring, while others point to the noise these roofs make when being rained on. That said the way these roofs are created, you may not need to worry about keeping your gutters clean as you wont need them! Once you know you are replacing your roof, figuring out what type of roof is the next critical step. Contact your friends here at Williams Roofing & Construction at (816)554-2897 to get an expert opinion of what works best for you. We always offer free estimates and are currently running a $200 dollar of discount on all installations. Proudly serving the Metro since 1996, we look forward to helping you plan your next project!
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We have discussed in previous weeks the importance of having a good roof, what exactly that can do for you, and why it benefits you to work with the experienced roofing experts here at Williams Roofing & Construction LLC. One of the more difficult things to know is when does it make sense to replace or update your roof, particularly outside of the home buying/selling process. Whether it's right for your timeline or not, summer and fall (if we get one this year) are certainly the most popular months homeowners choose to complete this project. But be forewarned, as the optimal weather conditions this time of the year provides does not come free; with manufacturing, shipping, and labor costs all tending to rise with the temperature outside. Summer after summer, 7 days a week since 1996 we have offered the Metro the highest quality roofing services with professionalism second to none. Call (816) 985-4008 to speak with a friendly local roofing expert and schedule your free quote, for the RIGHT price no matter what time of the year! Maybe the summer and fall didn't work for you, and now you are facing the harsh winter months with a roof not quite up for the job. Saving our customers money on their energy costs is a major concern for our teams when installing or repairing an existing roof. Don’t hold out for the spring thaw with a bad roof, we will work with you to find a time to complete your winter roofing needs and keep your monthly heating costs down. Additionally, for the same reasons summer projects can cost more, cold month projects may be a way to keep costs down. Combine this with our $200 full roof installation discount (limited time offer), and an ‘out of season’ roof installation may be the way to go for the homeowner looking for a deal! Whatever the time of the year, whatever your roofing needs are; you can trust the experienced pro's at Williams Roofing & Construction LLC to get the job done right, and for a great price! Anyone who owns a home knows that it can be a struggle to keep up with everything that truly needs to get gone around the house. So with all of those projects that could be taking up your time and taking out of your wallet: how do you decide what gets done? Williams Roofing and Construction has been helping the Lee’s Summit and KC Metro answer this question for over 20 years. A lot may have changed during that time, but here are a few things that have not changed in regards to why having a good roof still matters: Sellers Market If you are smart and lucky enough to own a home, then you are probably aware that homes in the metro area are capable of being sold as quickly as any market in America. Give yourself even more leverage in the process, and a higher asking price by ensuring your roof is home sale ready. Whether its a new installation or a simple repair job, stay ahead of the process and take advantage of a free roof assessment and quote at (816) 554-2897. Energy Efficiency Ever notice how you are much warmer in winter with a beanie on? That's because lots of body heat leaves through your head, just like lots of the central heating or wood burning energy leaves through a bad roof! If you pay to make it, you should pay to keep it and come out ahead in the long run. Our local and highly skilled roof and gutter technicians have the experience and training to keep your energy bill as low as it can be. Maintenance Vs. Replacement The day will come when every roof must be replaced - that said you can extend the life of your current roof by periodically performing roof and gutter maintenance. Before rushing into any job, try our free assessment and we can give you an honest judgment on where your roof stands. No roof or client is the same, and we strive to offer the highest level of service and professionalism in the metro across a range of services roof, gutter, and ventilation related. We are also proud to offer a variety of roofing styles that we will work to fit within your budget. Take the stress out of the roofing process and call your friends in the roofing game or submit your information via our website to learn how we can help you today! (816) 985-4008 Summer is one of the busiest times in the real estate market and many families are trying to purchase their new home and move before their kids go back to school. With all of the considerations there are when buying a house, it may be tempting to assume the whole house is in great condition, as well as the roof. But it's best to take some time and get inspections by professionals, especially on the roof as it's one of the expensive parts of a house to replace. Here's a few things to look for when you're house shopping. How old is the roof? The best way to know if a roof is in good condition is if you can ask the homeowner or if this information is on the seller's disclosure form. If you can't get this information, in a case where perhaps the current owner is not the original purchaser of the home, you may want to get a structural inspection from a professional. Even if the roof looks new, a roofing company may have just shingled over previous damaged roofing materials instead of replacing the whole thing. What type of material is the roof? Composite shingles are one of the most common types of roofing materials. Roofs made of composite shingles are usually very durable and do not require a lot of maintenance. A composite shingle roof that was properly installed at the start will last a very long time. If your roof has a roof made from another type of material, for example tin, tile or cedar shingles, these may require more work to maintain them. If you're buying a home with a roof made of another material besides composite, get the condition of your roof inspected and find out what the annual cost of the roof maintenance will be. Roof Leaks One of the biggest problems that can happen if your roof is not in good shape is water leaking into your house. A small water leak can cause big damage to the interior walls and ceilings. Look at all interior roofs and walls and ask any about any signs of water damage. A roof leak can come from gutters, valleys, plumbing vents, and many other sources. Other Roof Considerations A few other items to consider are mold, attic ventilation, and downspouts, just to name a few. Mold can build up on the roof, and it's not always going to be black in color. Also, if the home previously had mold buildup and the owner fixed it, they may not have addressed the source of the mold. When looking at the home, review if there is proper attic ventilation, as improper ventilation can damage your roof from the inside. And always consider whether gutters are draining properly and directing water where it should go. You want all water to drain away from your home instead of seeping directly into the ground around it. These are just a few tips to help you when you're looking for your new home. If you are uncomfortable, call a roofing professional for advice or an inspection. The cost of an inspection before you purchase a new home will be well worth the money spent in the long run. Guest Blog Post by: Jason Lundgren, Young Management Corp. The roof is a building’s first line of defense from natural hazards like snow, wind, rain, fire as well as extreme heat. In addition, it’s arguably a building’s most vulnerable part. Oftentimes, your roof is exposed to punishing weather conditions, and this largely contributes to its deterioration, increasing the risk of damage to everything it protects beneath. This, therefore, implies that as a landlord, you should always ensure that your roof remains in tiptop condition. Besides, it’s your duty to ensure that your property adheres to your state’s habitability laws. Conducting regular inspections is unquestionably the best preventive care that you can take to safeguard your roof from the elements. The inspections frequency and maintenance, of course, mostly depends on the geographical location of your property. For example, if your property is located near the sea or in equally inclement conditions, it’ll likely need routine and greater care than a building situated in an area with favorable conditions. Besides harsh weather conditions, your rental property roof can also get damaged because of:
Poor or faulty installationThis can lead to water damage, the growth of mold and mildew, angry tenants, and other unpleasant side effects. So, how can you ensure your rental property’s roof is always in good condition? Well, here are 6 tried-and-tested roof maintenance tips. 1. Check the insulation. The primary function of a roof’s insulation is to act as a thermal barrier for your building. Keeping the building’s hot air and cold air is its job – and it definitely helps keep bills down and its thermal value up. Proper ventilation and insulation in your attic also help reduce moisture and prevent the formation of ice dams. 2. Re-caulk, if necessary. Flashings may not hold their seal if low-grade caulking was used when the roof was being installed. Roof flashing helps direct the flow of water around openings. Without flashing, water will seep into your home causing structural damage. One telltale sign of a damaged roof flashing is large water spots on the ceiling inside your home. 3. Check for moss and algae. Moss and algae growing on roof tiles and shingles are unsightly. Plus, they are damaging. Left unattended, these organisms can cause damage amounting to thousands of dollars. To get rid of moss and algae growth:
Trees give us oxygen, food, medicine and a whole lot more. However, one good storm can send branches crashing into your roof.
Trees can damage your rental property’s roof in a variety of ways. These include:
5. Clean the gutters. Your rental property’s roof can be just as important as your roof. Gutters help direct rainwater so it doesn’t flood your property. Obstructed gutters can cause:
6. Inspect your roof. Experts recommend that you do this at least twice every year. When inspecting your roof, look for these problem areas:
Properly maintaining your rental property can not only help you avoid costly repairs but can also help you minimize tenant turnover. With summer just around the corner and the weather finally warming up, most people are enjoying this time of year, but hot and humid days in the Kansas City, Missouri area are just around the corner. Did you know that the relentless summer sun and extreme heat can cause stress on your home's roof? Here are some items to consider regarding summer weather, roofs and materials from a local Lees Summit roofing contractor to help you out. Shingle Colors All asphalt shingles will eventually become bleached lighter by sunlight, especially in hotter sunnier climates like Texas and Florida, but even here in Missouri, shingles will be affected by the sun. One simple decision that can make a big difference is the color shingle you select. Automatically a lighter shingle color, such as beige, tan or light gray will looked less bleached or dyed with age than a black or other dark roof shingle. Preventing color loss may also keep your house cooler in the summer. Extreme Heat and Roof Ventilation A small way you can prevent the impact of extreme heat and heat buildup on your roof is from the inside out. A properly ventilated attic will keep the underside of your roof cooler and help the shingles and roof deck to last longer. Getting a yearly inspection from a roofing professional to assess whether your attic is vented appropriately can really help. Proper Attic Insulation As noted above a properly ventilated attic will help keep your roof cool. In the same fashion, an attic that has the proper amount of insulation will help keep an extremely hot roof from transferring that heat into your attic, and then on into your indoor living spaces. So inspect your home's attic for insulation and ventilation in spring or at least before the hottest days of summer arrive, and before your attic is overly warm for inspection. There are more ways to cool your roof and extend its life, a couple options are shade and protective cooling materials, but these can be expensive options for an existing roof. These few simple tips we've provided can be a very beneficial first step in lessening the impacts of summer heat and sun. As soon as it starts to warm up in spring, it's the perfect time to assess your home's roof condition and see if there's anything you need to get scheduled and/or budget for. Here's some information from a professional home roofing contractor to help you out. Get a Professional Inspection If you call a roofing professional and pay them for an inspection, it's well worth your investment. There are many repairs that can't be assessed simply by looking . An inspection by a local roofing company can discover small issues that can be repaired. Many times with roofing issues, small jobs left undone become major issues later causing holes in your roof and water leakage, among other things. Clean Out Your Gutters Cleaning all the debris and accumulation out of your gutters is one of the biggest things you can do yourself to keep water from being an issue at your house. In the spring, we get many episodes of heavy rain, and if your gutters can't effectively deal with all that water, it has no choice but to accumulate close to your house, and possibly flood your basement or crawl space. Check Your Crawlspace or Attic If you are able to access your attic or crawlspace, it's a good idea to make the time to view these areas. Go up in the attic and see if you notice any leaks or holes. Doing this review each spring will keep small issues from becoming large ones and possibly causing you to need a complete roof replacement. If you can get into your crawl space, check to see if there's any water accumulation. And as always, review your basement for any signs of water leaking through the foundation. Review Impact of Trees or Branches Look around your yard for any trees that are close to your house, or branches overhanging it. If branches are constantly swaying against your roof or gutter, they can eventually damage them. They can also provide easy access to squirrels and other rodents who will deposit debris and other things in your gutters. Leaves constantly falling from branches will clog your gutters and make extra work. If you don't feel comfortable trimming trees or branches yourself, there are plenty of professional companies who can do it for you. These are just a few of the simple things you can do to keep your roof and home in decent shape by making spring the time to do an annual review. Add these task to your spring cleaning schedule and you'll be in good shape year round. With all the ice we've had across Missouri lately, as a local roofing contractor I'm concerned about the safety of homeowners across the area and want to share some great information in a series I published a few years ago regarding ice buildup on a homeowners roof and what to do about it. Stay tuned this week for the full series on ice, and if there's any necessity for you to contact an experienced roofing professional to get your questions answered.
Ice Dams Series, Part 1 The recent snowstorm brought us over six inches of new snow in the Lee’s Summit, Missouri area as well as most of Missouri. That snow is very pretty, but it brings in a lot of questions about snow and ice and their impacts on trees, houses, buildings, and especially your roof. How much snow is too much accumulation on your roof? Can you wait for the snow to melt or do you need to actually remove it yourself or get a professional? Read on for some basic advice about snow accumulation on the roof of your house. It’s important to know when referring to snow accumulation what type of snow or accumulation there is. All snow is not created equal. Packed snow weighs a lot more than new snow, and ice weighs far more than both. So if you experience a second snowstorm before old snow has had a chance to melt, the packed snow now topped with new snow accumulation could be more than your roof can handle. And that’s not even counting if you experienced ice on your roof and haven’t had weather warm enough to melt it. The general rule from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to prevent roof collapse is that a house should be able to support 20 pounds per square foot of roof space. Twelve inches of snow is roughly 5 pounds per square foot so your roof should be able to support up to 4 feet. Packed snow of 3 to 5 inches equals about 5 pounds per square feet, so 2 feet of old snow could be too much for a roof, and ice equals 1 foot of fresh snow. Some areas that tend to receive abundant snowfall yearly may have higher loads mandated by your local building department. You can call them to find out what the regulations were at the time your house was built. The best thing to do to put your mind at ease if you can’t tell if your roof can handle the snow accumulation is to safely remove it. For an easily accessible roof, a snow rake can be the right answer. If you have a dangerous, steep or roof in disrepair, or are simply worried, call a roofing professional to discuss. Your local Missouri roofing contractor will have the right answer for your individual home and area. In this blog series, I am trying to explain why I typically recommend a 30-year Architectural shingle and not upgrading to the premium versions (40-year, 50-year, plus, premium, lifetime, or other marketing terms might get used). Many homeowners are concerned about maintaining the value of their homes, and as a house is likely your largest single investment I agree you should be concerned. They (rightly) think that often times if you spend more, you get something better in return. And as you improve your house, quality craftsmanship isn’t just something you live with every day, it will be reflected when it comes time to sell your house in the future.
I would think that when I am looking at a house that I would recognize quality craftsmanship, and appreciation that the former owner took to care for the property, and perhaps that might have value to me. However talking to realtors, most homeowners don’t follow that logic pattern. And this includes the roof that is the primary protection for that home. Prospective homeowners ask a single question, “how old is the roof?” If it is over eight (8) years old, they start to think about the check they will have to write to replace that roof. Like many of us, they don’t think about the insurance discounts I wrote about earlier, only the age of the roof. Beyond what is “typical” for your neighborhood, there is likely no increased house value you can expect from upgrading from the 30-year Architectural shingles. I appreciate that as a homeowner, you are trying to be prudent and upgrade the value of your home, but the market treats your roof as purely a routine maintenance item and values your roof strictly by the age and nothing else. This is unfortunate, but this is also the reality. In summary, as a roofing contractor, I recommend a tried-and-true product that has been real world tested in our Jackson County, Missouri weather; the premium products may last longer but I haven’t seen it. In addition, every time you replace a roof you get to press the “reset” button on your homeowners’ insurance and qualifying for a significant discount on your premiums. And last, the real estate markets simply views a roof as a maintenance item, and this upgrade won’t factor into a potentially higher future sale price. While I often advocate and recommend upgrades, this simply isn’t a place I can support spending more money. |
Bobby WilliamsWe are an experienced Lees Summit roofing company with over 15 years experience in repair, service and installation. Archives
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