Author Archives: Author

Yet, to do our own home masonry can be daunting to attempt. Why? Because we have watch skilled laborers laying a perfect layer of mortar before laying brick after brick. They are able to “slap” and cover an entire wall in a short time that is picture-book perfect. 

Why masonry is important still today? 

In a world of technology and the loom of all things going automated (driverless cars!), there is still a need for manual labor, especially skilled masons. In fact, skilled masons are in demand because without those skilled and trained at this indispensable trade, the process of home masonry  wouldn’t exist. There would be no brick, rock, or stone houses and commercial buildings. 

Without those that are skilled at this craft, any new home masonry or repairs to existing structures couldn’t be done. While it may not seem like it, the economic system we all thrive off would cease to exist. With the current shortage of those willing to work in home masonry or masonry of any level, experts in the construction industry are concerned. 

What is involved in masonry construction? 

Home masonry involves building structures from single units like brick, rock, stones, etc.,  that are laid on a layer of masonry mortar and bound together with the next layer using mortar. This technique is used around the world because of the many advantages offered: 

• Non-combustible, a fireproof material, hence the popularity to use on fireplaces.  
• Has a high resistance to natural disasters, insects, pests, rot, and weather. 
• Provides  an attractive elegant or rustic appearance to any structure. 
• Durable to handle large, compressed weight loads.
• Structures benefit from masonry insulation with an increase in thermal mass.
• Buildings and home masonry have longer lifespans over other materials used. 
• Home masonry improves the resale value.
• Home masonry and other structures made of masonry need less labor during construction. 

Masonry ideas can add beauty and grandeur to any structure, business, or home masonry. A home with little to no masonry work can get a hefty upgrade with simple home masonry inside and outside. There are some disadvantages to using home masonry too: 

• Masonry involves the use of heavy materials like bricks, concrete blocks, and stones that can’t be transported in any type of vehicles.
• The foundation is key to the stability of home masonry structures. A weak foundation make masonry susceptible to failure.  A foundation settling can cause mortar to crack and weaken if masonry waterproofing isn’t applied. 
• Because masonry isn’t naturally waterproof, it can’t be installed during rain or freezing weather. 
• Home masonry construction is time consuming, which is why best left to an experienced and skilled worker. 

When planning on a home masonry structure, whether it is the entire house, the fireplace, an outdoor oven, or an accent wall, it is always recommended to hire a professional contractor. The work will be done quicker than doing it yourself and you’ll know that it was done correctly. Call 460-562-1990 today for your masonry needs in Plano, TX.

Before we answer that question, if patching will take care of your home roof repair, it isn’t going to have an aesthetic appeal any longer. The patched are will like show up like a spotlight, and depending on how old the current roof is, you may not be able to match the shingle color either. 

It is understandable though that when the insurance isn’t going to pay for your home roof repair, or not as much as you thought they would, you need to do the cheapest thing possible. A repair roof without replacing is the cheapest way when it’s coming out of your pocket. Is it that best choice though? 

Before you make that decision on your own though, you should have your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor. With a thorough inspection, they can advise you if a patch job is sufficient or if you need a full home roof repair or replacement.  

Depending on how long that spot has been bare of shingles, a lot of damage could have happened under the shingles to the decking and further into your attic. This is what we can’t see from the ground, or even if you get up on the roof, an untrained eye won’t see everything a professional would. 

Other than the sticker shock of a new roof, what is the benefit of a home roof repair vs roof replacement? To determine if a home roof repair is okay or if a roof replacement is the better choice, consider these factors: 

• Roof Age: How old is your current roof? With low-end quality asphalt shingles, if the roof is 15 years old, replacement is the better option. With architectural shingles, you can go 30 years before replacement is recommended. 
• Your Long-term Plans: Is this the place you plan to live forever? Then replace the roof, it’s an investment in your investment. If you’re just passing through or the last kid is about to go off to college and you’re downsizing, patch the roof. However, if you’re putting the house on the market, there will be inspections by potential buyers and if it doesn’t pass, you’ll have to replace the roof or come off your asking price. A new roof will make is easier to sell faster than a home roof repair patch job.
• Your Budget: Maye you don’t have the budget for a roof replacement, and that’s understandable. Do a patch job for now and start a roof fund. You know you’re going to need that new roof sooner or later, may as well get prepared. 

Keep in mind that with a completely new roof, the entire roof is inspected for damage. Andy problems with the decking won’t be visible if you’re only having part of the roof replaced.  It is important to catch problems as soon as possible and have them taken care of before they get worse.

Okay, we discussed patching and partial replacing and total replacing the roof, but what if you just have a leak right now. How do you fix a leaking roof? Fortunately, unless it is a major leak or part of the roof is gone, there are some things you can do to help diminish the damage and minimize the expense.  

• CONFINE THE WATER DAMAGE: Once you notice a roof leak, you need to stop the water damage. Cover everything including electronics and furniture with a plastic tarp. 
• CONFINE THE WATER: Place a towel or tarp on the floor and a bucket or some type of container on top of that directly under the leak so it can catch the water. Put a nail in the area of the hole and tie a string from it, letting it land in the bucket. The water will follow that string down to the bucket. If there is bubbling on the ceiling, that is water pool up there. Poke a hole in that bubble and let that water pour into the budget.
• CALL A ROOFING CONTRACTOR: No, you don’t call the insurance company first. You need to call the person that is going to fix the leak first. Request a written estimate in detail and a picture of the damage. You’re going to need this for filing your insurance claim and home roof repair or replacement. 
• DRY THE FURNITURE AND FLOORING: With the leaking water under control, dry all the carpeting and rugs, furniture, and any woodwork as thoroughly as you can. This will hopefully stop it from staining, mildewing, and growing mold.  For a drenched carpet, you’re going to have to pull it up and let padding dry out, placing fans on it will help it dry faster. If everything is soaked through, your best option is to call a water extraction company. 
• NOW CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY: With the water contained, things drying out, and a roofer repairing and estimating the damage, you can call the insurance company to file your claim. Have notes of the date and time of the weather event, take pictures of the damage, even a video if you can. Your insurance my not pay for a full new roof, they may not pay partial either, but they will pay for damage to your personal effects and maybe enough for a home roof repair job.

Need roof repair or replacement in Plano, TX? JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION is always here to help. Call 460-562-1990 today.

Although it may seem simple in choosing a roofing material, when you’re about to spend that money, as a commercial building owner in Texas, you want the best cool roofing material possible. Cool roofing isn’t the only factor though. Watertight and weather resistance are two concerns too. Today, the cool roof guidelines meet all the other factors that a commercial building owner needs and wants. 

Because most commercial roofs are flat or low sloped, the choices in cool roofing materials are limited, but here the best in cool roofing choices: 

• BUILT-UP ROOFING MEMBRANE – also referred to as BUR, this is the basic tar-and-gravel roof that commercial structures have had for year. Installed in multiple layers, this flexible roofing material cost can vary based on the number of layers installed as well as the square footage. This helps a building owner keep the installation expense down, which is why it is so popular. For cool roofing needs, this isn’t the best material. 

• METAL ROOFING – a popular choice in commercial roofing because of the different types of metal that can be used.  Because metal is susceptible to rust, adding protective layers for protection against the UV rays is recommended for structures in hot climates.  Metal roofing is a pleasing aesthetic, fire resistance, durable, and flexible. However, while different types of metal can provide cool roofing benefits with sufficient insulation, for the budget, metal isn’t the first choice. 

• MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOFING – this type of roofing is built from reinforced roof fabrics which act like “carriers” for bitumen. They are cut and installed in a manner similar to the BUR we described earlier, then attached to the commercial structure in a 2-ply system to give it the stability it needs for providing the building protection against the elements. With annual inspections, maintenance is minimal, and with added tensile strength, it can withstand regular foot traffic, a feature many commercial structures require. This is not a roofing material that is chosen for a cool roofing, although it does have some features in that regard. 

• EPDM ROOFING – this thermoset roof membrane offers a long lifespan of durability, low maintenance, easy repairs, versatility, and easy installation. For cool roofing material EPDM has a strong ozone and UV resistance for a single-ply rubber material. For climates where cool weather is as prone to exist as hot weather, this roofing material remains flexible year round and is a chemically resistant material. 

• TPO and PVC – these to materials are both a thermoplastic membrane that is lightweight and offers a high level of reflectiveness, keeping the heat of the sun minimal for the interior of the building. In areas like Texas where the weather is constantly changing, it is a weather resistant material, puncture and tear resistant, as well as bacterial and chemical resistant. Strong seams created during installation make this a roofing materials that is perfect for second-generation applications, a popular choice for building owners on tight budgets. A great cool roofing material because of its resistance and tolerance of high-temperatures, with a fire resistance and strong in high winds.

• GREEN ROOFING – the number one choice when cool roofing is the goal. This roof type is popular because of its cooling, sustainability, and versatility.  Great for managing water drainage while providing energy efficiency and lending to nature’s beauty, this environmentally friendly roofing material is becoming more common and popular each year. 

What color roof is the coolest?

If going with green roofing isn’t an option for a commercial structure, and engineering inspections are required for green roofing to confirm that, then any roofing membrane in white will be the coolest. If the slope of the roof makes white roofing undesirable, and the desire is for a cool roof and coating, a reflective coating can be installed, making it more aesthetically pleasing. 

What color roof is most energy efficient?

In places like Texas, where the weather dictates the need for cool roofing, a light colored roof is the most energy efficient color. For that light color to provide the cool roofing effect though, the right roofing material is needed along with proper amount and type of insulation during cool roof installation. 

Is a Leaking Roof Covered by Insurance?

For many homeowners, receiving financial coverage for a roof leak is a welcome gesture. Yet the question remains as to whether it will actually be acceptable to the insurance company. If the damage was preventable, as in the case of “wear and tear”, you can expect for your roof damage will not be covered by the insurance company. On the other hand, if the roof damage was caused by an “act of God”, like wind damage, rain damage, and hail damage, then your leaking roof will be covered at least in part by insurance.

Who Can Fix Roof Leaks

There are many things that can race through your mind when you are handling a roof leak. One of the best ways to locate a good roofing company is by using your smartphone or laptop. Simply by typing in the words: “roof leak repair near me,” you can conjur up a list of viable roofing companies near your location. Once you have those companies popped up on your radar, you can then review the services and schedule an appointment with a team member of that company.

Can Leaking Ceiling Collapse?

Is your roof leaking? Do you have an area of your ceiling that essentially looks like an upside down bubble? If so, it is important that you puncture the hole with a knife or similar artifact and hold a bucket or pail underneath the area. That way you will catch the water that falls. By releasing the water, all the other water will gravitate to that area versus being spread around your ceiling. You will also prevent your ceiling from collapsing or at least from accumulating further damage. Roof leaks are emergency situations, and a roofer should be called as soon as possible.

Will My Insurance Go Up if I Get A New Roof?

You may be surprised to find that there are benefits to your insurance if you invest in a new roof. A roof that is newly installed will be less of a risk for your insurance company to invest in. Therefore, the insurance rates for your roof will be lower. As a matter of fact, receiving a new roof will decrease your insurance premium.

Who Fixes a Roof Leak

Your home is important, and some would say, your biggest investment. When your roof needs to be repaired, it is urgent for you to call the experts first. If you have a fallen tree brand on your roof or if you are experiencing a roof leak, a professional roofing contractor will be able to chart a positive course of action for your roof.

Can a Leaking Roof Be Repaired

Whenever the weather is cold, nasty and raining outside, your roof not be fixable until the weather dries out. Even if it’s hot or mild weather if it is raining, it is dangerous for anyone to ascend a roof and try to fix it. Furthermore, it will be impossible to patch it without getting other roofing material wet. 

Roof Leak Reasons

If your roof is leaking, it’s time to understand that there are many reasons for why this has occurred. The follow list comprises a few reasons for why your roof may be leaking.

• Missing or broken shingles.
• Damage to your flashing, resulting in roof leaks.
• Skylight disrepair.
• Chimney flaws.
• Soffit or fascia damage.
• Clogged gutters.

Any of these reasons, or a combination of them, could result in a roof leak for your home or property.

Roof leak repair in Plano, TX is a serious matter and should be dealt with swiftly. Please reach out to us at 460-562-1990 and we will schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

How often should you clean your roof?

Roof cleaning or roof washing is key to keeping your business looking professional and welcoming from the outside. When your building and the surrounding area look good and maintained, it is the first impression of clients and visitors. So, how often should you have a roof cleaning or roof washing service performed? 

Yes, it is true that a flat roof on a commercial structure can’t be seen from the ground, however, when it is not washed on a routine, the dirt and grime will flow over in the rain and run down the walls. The algae, debris, mildew, and mold are left up there eating away at the surface, destroying that expensive roof coating, setting up your roof for cracks, damages, and leaks. 

A regular schedule for roof washing every six months is recommended by experts in this industry, no less than once a year. Buy keeping your roof clean, you are extending the lifespan and avoiding costly repairs and replacement. 

Does cleaning your roof damage it?

It can if not done correctly. A certified professional power washing company with experience in commercial roofing is the best company to hire. Their experience and understanding of water reclamation, they will know at what power to use for your structures roof washing, because using a too strong of a power can do more harm than good. 

Is it good to powerwash your roof?

 There are several benefits of roof washing for a commercial structure. The high pressure blasts of water will not only clean the surface, but the addition of heated water improves the washing effect that removes the algae, mildew, and mold, along with other debris that has been dropped off by birds, critters, and winds. Other benefits for having your commercial structure roof professionally cleaned are: 

1. Improve and Maintain Curb Appeal: Keeping the curb appeal of your business in clean condition never hurts. A regular roof washing and pressure washing the exterior walls and walkways, as well as the parking lot by professional service will improve the value, and your building bill looks appealing and welcoming. 
2.  Prevent Repairs and Replacement: With routine roof washing by a professional, the algae, bird and critter droppings, dirt build up, mildew, and mold growth are removed. When left to sit there, they begin to eat and wear away the roof coating and materials underneath. 
3. Provide Healthier Environment: Pressure washing the building with roof cleaning on a regular basis will make the work environment healthier for your employees and clients. Harmful substances like algae, dirt, dust, mildew, pollen, and pollutants can have negative health consequences. People with allergies will have an easier time breathing with these substances cleaned away.
4. Building Value Increased:  If you are considering selling your commercial property, a professional roof cleaning and exterior power washing will make your building more appealing to potential buyers, more desirable to want to conduct their business in the structure.  

How do I clean my roof myself?

 There isn’t anything better than a professional roof washing, how to do it right with the proper equipment and supplies. However, if the budget can’t afford an outside service, or you want to do a roof cleaning in between your scheduled cleaning, the following are basic guidelines: 

1. Using a power washer on the lowest pressure setting, 2,000 PSI. 
2. Apply a mild, cleaning solution that is non-abrasive and a long handled,  soft-bristled brush, going over the entire surface firm but gentle.
3. With the same 2,000 psi setting on the power washer, rinse the cleaner and dirt from the roofing surface.

• Hardwood: This is very durable and often chosen for its strong aesthetic appeal as it provides a timeless look. It is available either as solid hardwood or engineered and in a variety of wood types like red oak, cherry or maple.
• Laminate: Can be made to look like other types of flooring. It’s easy to install and is scratch-resistant, noise resistant, and waterproof. 
• Vinyl: Available in a variety of styles, it comes in planks and sheets. It is waterproof and scratch-resistant.
• Tile: A large variety of floor tiles are available ranging from ceramic and porcelain to natural stone. It is waterproof and excellent in areas where moisture is an issue.

If you are planning on installing flooring, fencing or need other services in Plano, TX, look to the construction and roofing experts at JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION. Get an estimate or book a service by calling 460-562-1990.

What is the most durable type of flooring?

Along with being very attractive, hardwood flooring is also some of the most durable available on the market today. With proper maintenance, it can last for decades. It can be susceptible to scratches, however, so pets and footwear like high-heel shoes should be kept off it. Place rugs over high traffic areas. If you have pets but want hardwood floors, you might want to consider engineered hardwood which is much more scratch resistant and requires less maintenance.

What is the best low maintenance flooring?

If you’re looking for low maintenance flooring some of the best types include:

• Engineered hardwood: This is much more scratch-resistant than regular hardwood and just needs to be swept or dry-mopped weekly for upkeep.
• Ceramic tile: A hard and durable type of tile that is scratch- and stain-resistant, and easily cleaned with water.
• Vinyl tile: Another durable type of flooring that just needs to be swept regularly for upkeep.

What flooring is best for basement?

Because basements tend to be damp, you’re going to have to select your flooring carefully. You won’t, for instance, be able to put in hardwood floors. The best flooring for basements is below grade, which simply means it can be used below ground level. Keeping this in mind you still have plenty of options, as long as the flooring is:

• Made of a hard material
• Made of a material that resistant to mold and mildew
• Made of a monolithic material that goes down in a single layer and dries quickly

Materials like carpet tiles and ceramic tiles are generally good for basements, as is epoxy-sealed cement.

Flooring when you have pets

When you have cats and dogs, your flooring is going to have to be durable. It will need to stand up to scratches and spills as well as urine or feces. You’ll also have to clean up lots of hair.  Some of the best options when you have pets include tile and stone as well as cork, engineered hardwood, and vinyl flooring.

Can flooring be used on walls?

If flooring looks good on the ground, why not put it on the walls? While most flooring isn’t designed to go on walls, you can install laminate flooring on your walls. In fact, it’s become trendy to put it on walls. It can fit most interior designs, it’s inexpensive, and easy to install. 

Is wooden flooring better than laminate?

If you are looking to install hardwood flooring, you might want to consider laminate as an option, especially if you are on a tight budget. Laminate can give you the look and even feel of hardwood but is often much cheaper and easier to install. You’re also going to find that laminate is water- and stain-resistant, so it’s much easier to take care of. That said, hardwood flooring is also much more durable than laminate, especially if you are looking for a material that will last you a lifetime.

What is better laminate or vinyl plank flooring?

When looking for an alternative to hardwood floors, you might want to consider either a laminate or vinyl floor. Both types of floors are durable and much easier to maintain than hardwood. Comparing the two can be difficult because they are so similar. Laminate is much more susceptible to scratching than vinyl but vinyl can get torn if heavy objects are dragged over it. Vinyl, however, is much more water-resistant than laminate so would work well in areas where moisture might build up. Vinyl can also be cleaned with water, whereas laminate requires special cleansers or a steam mop. Laminate, though, will be less prone to fading.  

You might be wondering exactly how coatings extend your roof’s life. Is roof coating waterproof? Yes. Coatings form a seamless waterproof barrier over the roof that helps it shed water better, which is extremely valuable for flat roofs because they tend to have problems with water collecting on them. Because they help prevent ponding, you may wonder: Does roof coating stop leaks? Coatings can seal up small leaks that are already present, and help prevent new leaks from forming.

You can also apply a roof coating to reduce heat. Coatings are highly reflective and are considered part of a cool roofing system. They improve heat transfer and enhance the overall energy efficiency, so you’ll save money on utility expenses. If you want to experience all the benefits of commercial roof coatings in Plano, TX, get in touch with the professionals at JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION. We offer a full range of coatings for a variety of commercial and industrial applications. Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling 460-562-1990.

What is the best roof coating?

There are several types of roof coatings available on the market today. Among the most common in use are acrylic, silicone, and polyurea. What coating is best often depends on what type of roof you have, and what you need the coating for. But, many building managers are discovering that silicone coatings are some of the most durable and versatile around. Silicone coatings are especially preferred when it comes to UV protection and waterproofing qualities. These coatings erode slowly and do not become hard or brittle. They can also be applied to almost any type of roof, ranging from modified bitumen to metal as well as EPDM. One drawback of silicone roofing is that it attracts dirt fairly easily, which causes it to lose reflectivity if not cleaned regularly. Polyurea coatings also have several advantages but are primarily noted for their impact resistance, an excellent trait in areas where hail is prevalent. Although the least expensive to apply, acrylics are not highly resistant to ponding water but have strong UV protection in extreme conditions. Acrylics are normally at their best on metal roofs. 

Do roof coatings work?

Roof coatings are particularly effective for low-sloped or flat roofs, although each type of coating has different levels of effectiveness. Some, like acrylic, are much better suited for metal roofs and extreme temperatures, while others like silicone are pretty much effective all-around when it comes to waterproofing and UV protection. All, however, will offer varying levels of UV protection and waterproofing. You do need to be careful when selecting coatings, especially if your primary concern is waterproofing. If the coating is professionally applied, roofing contractors will generally use professional-grade materials that offer both waterproofing and UV protection. A roof coating from a big-box store might not be as effective when it comes to waterproofing. If you are applying a coating yourself, check the manufacturer’s websites and other reliable sources for a coating’s waterproofing ability, as it might not be readily apparent on the canisters being sold at stores.

How do you apply roof coating?

Applying roof coatings is actually a fairly easy process. Although you can apply the coatings yourself, it’s usually preferable to have professionals do it, especially on a larger roof. Professionals will also use more reliable coating products than you might find at stores. Installing a coating is rarely disruptive to business operations because it involves no tear-off and normally takes less than three days to complete. The process is as follows:

• The entire surface of the roof is washed. 
• Minor repairs, including leaks, are made.
• Make sure you have at least two to three days of clear weather in the forecast. Ideally, it should be sunny, moderately dry, and moderate temperatures, neither too hot nor too cold.
• Apply the coating. Two coats are ideal for the best results. Each coat should be allowed to fully dry and cure, which takes about 24 hours.

Can roof coating be applied over shingles

A roof coating can be applied over shingles, and some people choose this option especially for the coating’s cool roofing application. Coatings are known to lower roof temperatures by 50 to 60 degrees. There are drawbacks, however, to do so. Coatings can actually cause shingles to degrade faster than normal, and in some cases, warranties are voided if a coating is applied

Moreover, if you are selling your home, you want to get the roof inspected to see what condition it’s in. Your roof’s condition could affect the market value of your home when the price is negotiated with buyers. Buyers will want to make sure the roof is inspected to see what repairs need to be made. The repairs can either be made by the owner or figured into the price of the home. When you need a roof inspection in Plano, TX, count on the reliable professionals at JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION. We offer a full range of roofing services. Schedule an inspection by calling 460-562-1990.

Why do I need roof inspection?

A roof inspection is valuable for many reasons from getting a general picture of the health of your roof to determining its condition as you’re preparing to sell or buy a home. Here are just a few reasons you might want to get your roof inspected:

• Your roof is aging and weathering: Most shingle roofs last at best 25 years with regular maintenance. A roof inspection after about 15 years will give you an idea when it’s best to start planning a roof replacement.
• Damage from routine maintenance: Unfortunately, if you don’t have a quality roofing company like JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION performing maintenance or repairs you can get stuck with more damage than you had. Inexperienced roofers may step in the wrong place or leave debris behind that could damage your roof or just do a poor job on a repair.
• Storm damage: If you’ve had a storm recently that’s involved high winds or hail, you’ll want to get the roof inspected for damage as soon as possible.
• Checking for leaks: Whether caused by storms or just general wear and aging, you want to make sure leaks are found and repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, leaks can cause problems ranging from structural damage to rot to mold and mildew growth.
• Ensuring there’s proper drainage: From damaged flashing to clogged gutters if your roof’s drainage is inadequate you risk leaks and other problems that could lead to costly repairs.
• Moss and algae growth: Shingles are especially prone to moss and algae growth, and where these plants are growing you’ll probably have some moisture damage as well.
• Warranty repairs: An inspection could reveal damage that might be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.

Who can do a roof inspection

A variety of people are qualified to do a roof inspection. Actually, homeowners can do simple inspections such as noting down obvious signs of damage and otherwise checking the condition of the roof. But, for a more thorough roof inspection, you can get a roofing professional like those at JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION to come to take a look. These inspections will pick up problems that can be hidden from untrained eyes. In some cases, roofers will provide inspections as a courtesy if you use their services for repairs or replacement. 

Other professionals like home inspectors also inspect roofs. Home inspectors act on either the buyer’s or seller’s behalf to determine the condition of the roof and note any repairs that need to be made. When you file a roof repair claim with your insurance company, they will send out an adjuster to inspect damages and verify claims. Their purpose is to determine how much the insurance company will pay out for repairs. Many roofing contractors can help you with your insurance claim, including speaking with the insurance company to help you get the full amount of coverage.

What is involved in a roof inspection?

An expert roof inspection will be very detailed, and will involve an examination of both the exterior and interior of the roofing system. Exterior inspections will involve the roofing professional climbing up on the roof to look for areas where there might be damage. This will include your shingles, as well as components like flashing and vents and chimneys. When they inspect the interior of your roof, they’ll go up into the attic to check for damage to the decking as well as to see if you have adequate insulation. The inspector will also check ventilation and look for signs of mold or mildew growth as well as leaks.

How long does roof inspection take?

The length of time a roof inspection will take will vary. An average one-story home takes about 45 minutes to an hour. But an inspection could take several hours, depending on factors like the size of the roof, the type of roof it is, and how steep it is. 

What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?

When you get a roof inspection for insurance from an insurance adjuster, they are looking for a variety of things, while verifying damage reported on the claim and determining what the insurer should pay. Much of this will depend on the circumstances and the type of policy you hold. The age of the roof might affect the payout on some policies, so the adjuster will check that. After a storm, the adjuster may look for and even feel around for dents in the shingles caused by hail. They also look at the flashing to see if the caulk is missing as a sealant and check to see if the shingles appear to be lifted or buckled or otherwise damaged. They’ll also look for signs of rust or corrosion as well as check for missing screws around vents and skylights. Some of this damage may be due to wear rather than from a storm and may not be covered by the insurance.

Roof inspection when buying a house

When you are buying a home, even a new one, you’ll want to make sure to include a roof inspection as part of the home inspection. Even on new homes, flaws may be present on the roof that will need to be repaired. If it is a new home, the builder is often responsible for repairs within the first year of ownership. Otherwise, the owner is normally responsible for any repairs before the home is sold. You may be able to negotiate a better price on the home if repairs are needed and you agree to pay for them.

How Asphalt Shingles Are Made

Asphalt shingles are made of organic felt or fiberglass mats which are then mounted and fed into a dry looper. Here the material is passed through a presaturation chamber which then follows into a saturator tank. This tank is filled with hot asphalt which coats the fibers. After this, the material passes through a wet looping machine.

Will asphalt shingles seal in cold weather?

The best temperatures to install asphalt shingles are between 40℉-85℉. If asphalt shingles are installed in colder climates than shingles may become brittle and more prone to breakage. What’s more, shingles installed in colder weather won’t seal until warmer temperatures are present in order for the sealant to activate.

Why do asphalt shingles curl?

When there is moisture in the attic due to poor ventilation you can see it getting trapped into the roof decking where asphalt shingles can curl as a result and mold can form. It’s best to make sure that there is proper ventilation and insulation with a roof in order to allow for proper temperatures in the changing seasons.

How long do asphalt shingles last?

Asphalt shingles are known to last about 20 years with weather and climate conditions affecting the life span of the roof.

Can asphalt shingles be painted?

Although asphalt shingles can be painted they have to be maintained periodically with a fresh coat.  Paint that’s used should be high-quality 100% acrylic latex paint with a flat finish.

Can asphalt shingles be cleaned?

When cleaning asphalt shingles make sure to use materials that aren’t too harsh to where it can wear the overall quality. What’s more, it’s better to use a standard garden hose than a pressure washer as high pressure can make granules come off of asphalt shingles.

What asphalt shingles qualify for tax credit?

The type of asphalt shingles that can qualify for a tax credit are ones that are ENERGY STAR certified as they will have cooling granules designed to lower heat gain. There is a total combined credit limit of $500 for all improvements or purchases made since 2005.

Are asphalt shingles impact resistant?

Asphalt shingles aren’t considered impact-resistant yet can hold up well with steady climates. For areas with heavy hail or high winds impact resistant shingles are made of aluminum, copper, plastic, and resin and are scientifically tested to hold up against variations of wind speeds and hail size. Class 4 is the highest protection you can expect with an impact-resistant rating of UL2218. This means the roofing material can hold up against 2-inch hail and wind speeds of up to 130 mph.

What is the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?

Architectural shingles could be thought of as the upgraded version of asphalt shingles while asphalt shingles are the basic makeup of roofing shingles. Asphalt shingles come in three-tab varieties where one tab size has three tab separations that are 12 inches wide. They come with a layer of material while architectural singles come in three layers or more. Architectural shingles also differ in that they can come in varying shapes and sizes when asphalt shingles come in that one standard size and color.

Contact Your Local Roofing Company to Get Started

If you’re looking into asphalt shingles get in contact with your local roofing company to set up an appointment for services. They’ll be able to inspect your roof to determine the proper plan of action for your roof and see what materials would work best for your property’s climate and specifications. Asphalt shingles are a great way to maintain roofs that don’t require too much upkeep since weather and climates are steady. If any repairs are needed, they are fairly quick and easy to do as materials are easily obtainable and affordable. If you have any questions regarding asphalt shingles your local roofers will be able to discuss them with you at any time. Enjoy the classic look of asphalt shingles for your home today.

If you’re interested in asphalt shingles in Plano, TX call 460-562-1990 with JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION!

Can you walk on a metal roof?

This is another common question, and the answer is yes, but as a homeowner, if you aren’t experienced with walking on roofs, metal roofing may not be one to try your first time.  However, as a responsible homeowner, you may need to learn for those times when you’re doing a roof inspection, roof cleaning, or hanging holiday decorations. 

With that said, if you need things done and can’t wait for an experienced professional, follow these three basic rules for walking on metal roofing: 

Wear clean, soft-soled shoes – Soft-soled shoes are the best for walking on any slippery surface, like metal roofing. A rubber sole will grip on the roof with great traction that won’t let you slip. 

Be careful not to drop anything heavy while on the roof – Dropping anything heavy, like equipment or tools, will damage metal roofing. While these sound obvious, it’s easy to forget when you start the trek up the ladder.  Wear a tool belt and use lightweight hand tools.

Find the right spots to walk on – there are different techniques when it comes to walking on metal roofing and the type of metal can make a difference too. The different types of metal roofing and how they should be walked on are: 

• Metal Tile: You should only walk metal roofing panels formed like shakes or tiles on the low spots close to the roof deck. 
• Standing Seam Metal Roofs: Standing seam metal roofing is safe to walk and can’t be damaged. The main factor to remember is height and slippery. Be sure to wear safety equipment while on the roof.   
• Corrugated Steel Roofs: You have little risk walking on a Corrugated Steel Roof when installing correctly onto the decking but walking on the low valleys is recommended. 
• Metal Shingle & Metal Shake Roofs: Metal shingle or a shake roofing has an air gap between the metal and the decking, making it easy to bend when walked on.  Inserting a foam backer between the metal and the decking gives it rigidity and safe for walking on.

Do metal roofs keep house cooler?

A popular misconception and myth are that metal roofing is going to be hot, because, as we all know, leave a piece of metal in the hot sun, it heats up. Surprisingly, this doesn’t apply to metal roofing on a house, again, when it has been installed properly. Other factors that determine if metal roofing will be cool is the color, light color is better in areas where the summers are hotter. While a lighter color does absorb less heat, it isn’t as big of a contributing factor as proper insulation and correctly installed metal roofing.

Another contributing factor to metal roofing being cooler than you may expect is the reflecting coating that is applied at the manufacturer. With all the aforementioned factors that go into metal roofing, it is understandable how a house stays cool during the hot summer.

Do you need to vent a metal roof?

Yes, metal roofing is like any roofing material and needs to be ventilated. In many areas, building codes require ventilation. Ventilation helps an attic breath, which keeps a house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, as well as keeps the structure free of mildew and mold.

Want to learn more about metal roofing in Plano, TX? Reach out to the experts at JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION when you call 460-562-1990!