While roofs here in Central Florida don't last forever, they can last a very long time if you follow these 5 steps. In last week's blog we went over the first two, having your roof inspected and working with a reputable roofing contractor.
Know Your Options
There are many new options in today’s roofing options, some are better for your situation. Our climate, price range, and style, all play an important role. You want a roofing material that is energy efficient, impact resistance to withstand extremely strong winds, and won’t cost an arm and a leg, while complimenting your home.
Look Out For Trouble Spots
The typical trouble spots here in Central Florida are leaks around flashing, damage to asphalt shingles and tiles, broken or cracked roof vents, leaky skylights and damage from satellite dishes, and clogged gutters.
Roof flashing is added around openings, such as skylights, chimneys, and valleys, where two sections of the roof come together. Typically made of rubber, plastic, or metal. Weather, corrosion, and debris, can cause flashing to fail. It should be replaced before it is comprised and causes a leak.
Both shingles and tiles protect your roof, but like everything else they don’t last forever. Over time the intense heat, high winds, hail, and tree branches, all take a toll, causing damage. Some indications include, shingle granules on the ground, roofing material that is curling, split, missing, or cracked.
Vents are an important element of every roof. They allow an exchange of air, necessary for proper insulation. Some look like small twirling turbines, others just like pipes popping up out of the roof. They are installed with screws, if they become loose or start to rust, they can cause a leak. Vents made from plastic can crack or break. While metal vents can separate at the seams.
Satellite dishes and skylights can both be very functional, but they are also a common source of water leaks. Whether it is improper installation, corrosion, or decay, they can cause a lot of damage.
It doesn’t take much in our tropical environment for our gutters to get clogged. Instead of taking water away from a building, water becomes trapped, making its way under shingles, causing mold and damaging the plywood underneath.
The Importance Of Being Proactive
Even a short delay in our hot, humid environment can turn a small issue into an expensive problem. Exposure to the elements, mold and mildew, decayed materials, higher labor costs, elevated energy costs, interior damage, not to mention the insects and rodents that are attracted to this type of situation.
The cost of emergency repairs is typically three to nine times higher than preventative repairs. Most warranties require proactive maintenance. You can think of it like an oil change for your car’s engine. The cost of ignoring it can be without doubt to high to ignore.
Why Choose Schick Roofing?
Schick Roofing is proud to be one of the few roofing companies here in Central Florida who have earned the GAF Master Elite contractor certification. It is such a distinguished achievement that only the top 3% of roofers throughout the country have obtained such an accomplishment.
A GAF Master Elite contractor means all the screening and research is done for you. You know the contractor you are working with is fully licensed, adequately insured, uphold a quality reputation, and provide expert roofers.
It also means Schick Roofing is highly reputable, dependable, delivers the highest quality installation, and able to offer GAF’s top warranties, which are backed by North America’s largest roofing manufacturer.
Owning a home is the American dream, but with it comes a lot of responsibility. Taking care of your Central Florida roof, keeping it properly maintained and in good shape may seem like a lot of work, but it will save you a lot of money down the road.
5 Easy Steps To Get The Most Out Of Your Roof
Get it inspected
A roofing systems here in Central Florida take their share of wear and tear! Be on the look out for curling or cracking shingles, dents or missing granules. The extensive sun exposure roofing material gets everyday make them brittle and susceptible to breaking.
Look for any dark streaks or areas on your roof, this typically means excess moisture or algae build up. Which can be detrimental to your roof and wallet.
It is a good idea to have your roof inspected before storm season sets in and after a major storm or hurricane. Catching a small issue before they become big problems can definitely save you in the long run!
Schick Roofing provides inspections to determine your roof's remaining life expectancy and assessment. We have built our reputation on honesty, integrity, and an accurate assessment of your roof.
Work with a reputable roofer
The last thing you want is a roofer who works on your roof and vanishes. You're roof starts to leak and nobody's answering the phone when you call! Hiring an unlicensed contractor is just asking for problems, there won't be any repercussions for mishandled or poor workmanship. You will also be responsive for any injuries or damages. A quality and experienced roofer can easily save you money by knowing what can be salvaged and what can't (especially if your home is older). Your roof may just need a few repairs instead of replacing. They will also know the best material for your roof and the best place to purchase them.
“Master Elite® Certification is GAF's factory certification program that provides ongoing training to roofing contractors and assurance to you that the roof will be completed well and professionally. Only 3% of all roofing contractors have qualified as Master Elite® Choosing a GAF Master Elite® contractor is your assurance that you'll be dealing with a quality, and dependable professional contractor not some “fly-by-nighter”."
Schick Roofing is proud to be one of the few roofing contractors in Central Florida to earn the GAF Master Elite Certification. Ensuring the highest standards and reputation in the roofing industry.
Don't forget to check back with us next week for more steps to get the most out of your roof. Until then, contact Schick Roofing with any questions.
Maybe your Orlando roof has seen better days, but do you need an entire new roof? While it may seem more cost effective to make some roof repairs, it may end up costing you more in the long run.
Take a good look at the outside of your roof
Does your roof have curling or blistering shingles?
Do you see any algae growth on your roof?
Do you notice any broken or missing shingles?
Observe any buckling or sagging in the roof’s structure?
Can you see any dark or dirty areas on your roof?
Is the flashing damaged or are the shingles missing any granules?
Also take a good look inside
Are there any spots on your ceiling?
Is there any visible light when you look in the attic?
Is there ay sagging between the rafters?
Do you notice a musty smell in the attic?
If you notice any of these signs inside or outside your home or business, it is time to contact a reputable roofer.
Finding a reputable roofer to repair or replace your Orlando area roof may not be your idea of a fun time, but it is definitely an important one. We see it on the news just about every week, someone taken advantage of by untrustworthy contractor. And those are just the ones we hear about, they are happening everyday in Central Florida.
It’s more than just a few shingles protecting that protect your Orlando area home and family from the damaging rain and intense heat. A healthy roofing system includes good ventilation, quality underlayment, flashing, and shingles/tiles that can withstand the Central Florida elements. You want durable materials and expert installation to ensure maximum performance.
But nobody wants to spend a small fortune on their roof, which is why they are turning to Schick Roofing. We are proud to be one of the few roofing companies here in Central Florida who have earned the GAF Master Elite contractor certification. It is such a distinguished achievement that only the top 3% of roofers throughout the country have obtained such an accomplishment.
Having a new roof installed in Orlando is a big investment, is it really worth it? Or can you put if off for another year? Unfortunately, delaying the project can put your home at risk of more damage, lead to more costly repairs and even lower the value of your home.
The fact is, replacing your roof at the right time is definitely worth the cost and effort. Here is a list of just a few of the lasting benefits.
Eye catching curb appeal
You can’t hide your roof. So if your shingles are missing, curled, loose, worn, or old, it will reflect on the rest of the property. Making your home look worn, having a new roof installed will dramatically improve the look of your whole property.
Today’s technology has made achieving that custom look easier than ever. When choosing new shingles take into account your exterior colors, architectural style, personal preference, and landscaping.
Boosts your home’s value
A new roof adds significant value, with its protection and beauty, especially if you plan on selling the home in the near future. It’s natural for home buyers to be more attracted to properties that are well maintained. A new roof has a high return on investment
Improves energy efficiency
Today’s technology has created roofing materials that are highly efficient. For instance, passing stringent requirements to earn the Energy Star rating and shingles that instead of absorbing sunlight, reflect it to keep your home cooler during the hot summer months.
This enables your home to say more comfortable all year round without costing a fortune in utilities and your air conditioner won’t run all day.
Inadequate repairs
It may be tempting to just repair your roof as it needs it, but this is only cost efficient when the damage is clearly pinpointed. Such as replacing a few shingles that were blown away in a storm.
Safeguard your investment by installing long lasting and high performance roofing materials
Find a roofer you can trust
There are a lot of contractors in the Central Florida area, but not all of them are the same. At Schick Roofing, integrity and a high standard work ethic is paramount to our business and the way we treat our customers. Our customer testimonials say it all.
We are proud to be a GAF Master Elite Certified, have an A+ BBB rating, great reviews, licensed and insured. We're happy to provide an estimate and take the time to show you and explain any damage to your roof before asking you to sign anything.
Shopping around for an Orlando roofer can be frustrating. With so many of them out there, how do you know you’re getting a quality roofing contractor, durable materials, and not being taken advantage of?
Here are a few questions to ask your roofer before they begin work.
Are you insured and licensed?
It is essential that you vet a contractor’s insurance and licensed before you sign a contract. While it is necessary to have a contractor’s licensed in the state of Florida, many people find an outside licensed holder to get around this legality. The license holder does not oversee the day to day activity.
Equally important is that the company is properly insured. Unfortunately, it is a common practice here in Florida to cut corners to avoid the high cost of insurance. This can end up costing you a lot more than you anticipated.
Do you use subcontractors?
Skilled labor is not always easy to find, which is why some roofing contractors use subcontractors. It can also save them some money. But using subcontractor typically means no quality control, poor workmanship and warranties not honored.
Are you involved in the community?
When a business is involved in the community, it says a lot about them. Schick Roofing is proud to support Helping Hometown Heroes initiative by giving a free roof in appreciation for their dedication to the community.
Why Choose Schick Roofing?
Schick Roofing goes beyond the minimum standards required by the state. We are fully licensed, insured, and have also been selected by GAF to Be in The top 2% in the Country as Master Elite Roofing Installer!
"Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others). GAF strictly enforces their top designation by only allowing 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite Contractors," GAF
Schick Roofing is licensed, FL General Contractor: #CGC1512559 FL Roofing Contractor: CCC1328181. There are never any hidden fees and recommend an appropriate, accurate, and an affordable long term solution.
Your roof is an important element for your home, both aesthetically and protection. As a trusted roofing contractor in Central Florida, Schick Roofing we believe the right shingles can make all the difference.
The right roofing shingles will ensure your roof lasts a very long time, as well as, complement your home’s appearance and add value. Factors include, energy efficiency and architectural style of your home.
The last thing you want is skyrocketing energy bills
The color of your roofing shingles can affect the temperature of your home. Easily increasing the temperature in the attic by 20 to 40 degrees. Which can significantly increase the cost to cool your home.
Light brown or tan shingles are great at reflecting sunlight and keeping your home cooler, when compared to black or dark grey shingles.
What color shingle will compliment the elements of your home?
Gray shingles work well with a blue or gray building.
A mix of tan or brown shingles match a tan or brown colored home.
Dark grey gives a white house a traditional look.
What color shingle will add value to your home
Neutral colored shingles seem to always stay in style and have a high resale value.
For a more modern feel, choose a shingle that has a combination of similar tones.
A shingle that is a similar color to your home will hide any defects. While a shingle that contrast your home will highlight any features.
If you are looking for a trendier colors consider GAF American Harvest or GAF Designer Shingles
The Importance of having Sufficient Attic Ventilation
Whether it's the intense summer humid heat radiating down through your ceiling, increasing the energy and cost to keep your home cool and comfortable. Or, heat getting trapped in the attic in the cooler months, creating condensation and the possibility of mold.
Choose a Roofing Shingles that are Durable and will Lasting a Long Time
When properly installed, roofing shingles are a very durable material that can protect your property from the Central Florida elements for about the next twenty years. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of installation and the grade of shingle.
For instance, GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, offers several types of shingles, from Timberline with a lifetime limited warranty (the #1 selling shingles), Designer shingles with exceptional durability and luxury, Impact-Resistance & Cool/Reflective shingles for specialty performance, and Three Tab shingles which are easy on the wallet. Higher end shingles tend to have better wind resistance rating and have a longer lifespan.
It's almost hurricane season here in Orlando, is your roof ready? 2022 is expected to have a higher than average hurricane season. With 13-16 named storms, 6-8 hurricanes, and 2-3 major hurricanes, according to the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project. Researchers said this is because the ocean temperatures are expected to be above normal.
It is important to ensure your roof is ready before that first storm! By the time you notice a water spot on the ceiling, deterioration has already started and the integrity of the roof could be compromised.
How Can You Prepare Your Roof For Hurricane Season?
A roof inspection is the first place to start. The qualified roofers at Schick Roofing have the experience and knowledge to reveal the life expectancy of your roof, detect any weak areas, go over any repairs that need to be repaired, and talk to you about how to secure your roof before the storms arrive.
Trim The Trees Around Your Home or Business
Trees near your home can be especially dangerous during a storm. According to Storm Struck, "Falling trees and limbs are a big safety hazard during storms. Trim your trees often and look out for older, week or diseased trees that could topple during a storm. Trim branches away from your roof to prevent damage."
Make Sure The Gutters On Your Roof Are Clean
Definitely not a fun job, but it is imperative to clean your drainage system on your roof before a hurricane. Clean all the debris and leaves from the downspouts and gutter. If water starts backing up on your roof, it can intrude into your home.
Take A Good Roof At Your Roof Both Outside And Inside
You don't need to get up on your roof and walk around, but if you have a pair of binoculars it may make it easier to look at your roof.
On the outside of the roof look for and broken, warped or missing shingles, nails that have popped up, buckling or curling shingles, rust spots on flashing, and a large amount of granules in the gutter.
On the inside of your home, look for any stains or water spots on the ceiling, wet attic insulation, peeling paint, or any daylight shining through.
Your roof protects your home but also your family. Unfortunately, many homeowners often neglect their roof, what could have been an easy fix, can end up costing much more and reduce the life expectancy of your roof.
As a leader in the industry, we provide our customers with an honest and accurate assessment of their roof and affordable services.
Contact Schick Roofing today for an estimate
In last week’s blog we talked about what to look for when hiring an Orlando area roofer. GAF, North America Largest Roofing Manufacturer . Makes it easy to find a local budget friendly roofer you can trust. Because a quality roof starts with a reliable local roofer.
GAF suggest asking your roofer these questions:
Understand installation plan, clean up and costs
Local codes and ordinances
Who will obtain the permit?
Are permit costs included?
Will you conduct an inspection before and after doing the work?
Product choices
How many shingle choices do you offer?
Are they listed by the brand and manufacturer’s name?
What warranties can you offer?
Can you tell me the differences (like construction, texture, UL fire rating) between the product options?
Estimates and payment
Does the estimate list the product name and color?
What are the payment terms? (It’s typical to pay one-third of the cost up front. Resist anyone asking you to pay for it all in advance.)
How do you accept payment? (Pay by check or credit card, not cash.)
How do I pay my insurance deductible? (Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without you having to pay your insurance deductible may be committing insurance fraud and/or putting you at risk. Check out more tips for dealing with insurance here.)
Clean-up and inspection
Will you be conducting daily clean up?
How will they make sure your yard and home stay free from stray nails and other debris?
Who will inspect the job and when will that be?
Scheduling
How far out the roofing contractor is scheduling?
How many days will the project take?
What might cause possible delays in the schedule?
Is there a no-later-than finish date?
When you choose a GAF factory-certified roofing contractor*, you know you’re getting the best in the business. Only 2% of roofing contractors in North America are GAF Master Elite®, a certification they renew every year. Plus, every GAF-certified contractor offers superior protection with the GAF Lifetime Roofing System, and have access to enhanced warranties, backed by GAF. This certification requires the contractor to be
Schick Roofing is proud to be one of the few roofing companies here in Central Florida who have earned the GAF Master Elite contractor certification. It is such a distinguished achievement that only the top 3% of roofers throughout the country have obtained such an accomplishment.
The professionals at Schick Roofing can help you make the best cost effective solution for your roof. We are proud to offer accurate and honest roof assessments at an affordable price.
Contact Schick Roofing today for more information and an appointment.
Thinking about having your roof repaired or replaced before the rainy and hurricane season hits Central Florida? If you google “roofer near me” you can get thousands of results, but how do you know which one to choose? You want a quality roof, but you don’t want it to break the bank.
It is important to choose a reputable and honest roofer. Besides being a lot of scam artists in today's industry, a fly by night construction crew can end up causing more damage and end up costing more in repairs.
A Good Reputation Matters
Do your homework, research local roofing companies. Go on line an look up their reviews on Yelp, Facebook, Google, testimonials and their Better Business Bureau (BBB) score. Are they members of any roofing organizations such as GAF, North American's Largest Roofing Manufacturer or Central Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (CFRSA).
Choose a Roofer that is Local
Make sure the roofing business is not only local but has a permanent place of business here in Orlando. Companies who operate out of other cities or even states often times just disappear after a job is done. Which means if your roof starts to leak just a couple of weeks into the rainy season, they are long gone.
Ensure the Company is Insured and Licensed
It is never wise to hire an unlicensed contractor. If something happens there is very little repercussions, from structural damage to a leaky roof, you will have to foot the bill for another contractor to fix their mistakes. Also, make sure they have insurance, all it takes is one worker to slip and fall, then it is you and your insurance company taking care of things.
If it Sounds too Good to be True, it Probably Is.
Price isn't everything. Have you ever bought something and thought it was a fantastic price just to get home and realize why it was so cheap. A quality roof is an investment that can last over 20 years. The fact is, you get what you pay for. So, if you call around and find a roofing service that is significantly lower than anyone else's, it should raise some red flags.
Whether your roof needs replacing or just some repairs, Make sure it is a quality roofing service you can trust. Contact Schick Roofing for more information.
Check back with us next week, as we discuss important questions to ask a roofing contractor before you hire them
A new roof or roof repairs in Orlando is a major investment. It has many people asking themselves if they really need a new roof? Is it really worth it?
When a roof is compromised and the repairs or replacement is delayed, the damage gets worse, making the cost to repair it higher! It also lowers the value of the home.
Making repairs or replacing your roof is well worth the cost. There are many lasting benefits of replacing those old shingles.
Eye catching curb appeal
You can’t help but see your roof, in fact, it’s one of the most visible exterior features. If your shingles are missing, curled, loose, or worn, it really impacts the aesthetics of your home.
Today’s new roof technology and designs, makes it each to achieve a custom look without having to cost a small fortune.
There are a variety of colors and textures to complement your home’s exterior.
Boost the value of your home
A new roof adds protection and beauty. It also has a high return on investment. Home buyers are attracted to properties that are well maintained. It the roof looks properly maintained, it gives the impression the rest of the house will be maintained.
Improves Energy Efficiency
Advanced technology has created very efficient roofing materials. For instance, new shingles reflect the sun’s rays, rather than absorbing all that heat. This will keep your home significantly cooler during the hot summer months. Decreasing your electric bill and who doesn’t like that!
“A possible cause of higher cooling costs could be insufficient attic ventilation, requiring the cooling system to run excessively. In warm weather, inadequate ventilation will trap hot air in the attic, causing air-conditioning systems to work harder, or leaving your home's interior hotter and less comfortable. In both hot and cold weather, moisture in the attic can become trapped and condense on the rafters if it’s not insulated properly. This moisture can drip down onto the insulation and reduce its effectiveness, potentially increasing energy costs.” according to GAF, North America’s Largest Roofing Manufacturer.
Lasting Protection
Your roof is responsible for keeping your home safe from the elements. As the roof ages, it gets worn down, exposed to all the weather conditions, damage from leaks, moisture, and mold occurs.
Schick Roofing is a trusted name in Southwest Orlando. As a leader in the industry, we provide our customers with an honest and accurate assessment of their roof and affordable services.