All it takes is one strong afternoon thunderstorm here in Central Florida to cause damage to your roof. Ensuring your roof is prepared in advance will save you money and unnecessary damage to your home. 

“It is very important to note that the seasonal outlook cannot forecast where and when storms will form, let alone if/where they will make landfall and what the impacts would be," said Dennis Feltgen, public affairs officer for NOAA's National Hurricane Center. "It only takes one storm hitting your area to make it a bad year, regardless of the number of storms that are forecast in the seasonal outlook."

What Can You Do To Protect Your Roof?

Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected

A professional roof inspection is definitely worth the time and effort. It’s the easiest and quickest way to know for sure how your roof is doing. It may look okay from the ground, but it may be a different story on top. Loose shingles, worn or cracked boots around piping, rust spots on flashing, popped up nails, excessive shingle granules in the gutter and unseen dangers of a leaking roof, will be seen during an inspection.

Though it may seem like a small thing, replace missing or loose shingles, it can lead to big problems down the road.

Trim Your Trees

Trees near your home can be especially dangerous during a storm. It is important to trim tree branches hanging over the roof. Not only does the debris, leaves, pine needles, and mulch pile on your roof and cause it to deteriorate, it doesn't take much for a branch to break off during strong winds and cause severe 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.

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. Take a good look at your roof. Look for any missing, warped, or broken shingles, rust spots on flashing, popped up nails, buckling or curling shingles and worn or cracked boots around pipes.

If you suspect damage or want to get your roof ready for hurricane season, contact the experts at Schick Roofing. As a leader in the industry, we provide our customers with an honest and accurate assessment of their roof and affordable services.

When replacing the asphalt shingles on your Orlando area roof, it can be difficult to know what type of shingle to choose. Should you just go with whatever a roof tells you, or do a little homework and choose for yourself?

GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, offers high quality roofing systems with great warranties for your peace mind. 

More than just a great looking roofing shingle, with dependable performance, state of the art technology, and advanced protection, they add value to your home. They are also the number one selling shingles in North America, with the Good Housekeeping Seal and the Women's Choice Award.

Why Choose Timberline American Harvest Shingles from GAF?

The advanced optimized construction and color application techniques adds a beautiful dimensional look.

Custom designed color palette, with colors from the Heartland of American, to compliment your home's exterior style.

Highest fire rating, class A, from Underwriters Laboratories.

High performance for superior protection and stain guard protection to ensure your roof looks beautiful, guarding against unsightly stains and blue-green algae.

Equipped with Dura Grip Adhesive seals to reduce the risk of shingles blowing off the roof, even during hurricane strength winds.

Not only are they architecturally stylish, they are affordable and have a lifetime warranty.

Timberline American Harvest Shingles come in a variety of colors. "Designed to complement your home's exterior color scheme, the American Harvest Collection will give you that modern architectural style you want, at a price you can afford! Its custom color palette, designed exclusively for GAF by color industry expert Patricia Verlodt, features subtle blends with contrasting colors that are designed to enhance your home’s exterior and give it unexpected depth and beauty. Nantucket Morning cool gray tones, compliments yellow based brick, browns, and beiges," GAF

Golden Harvest incorporates chocolate hues, tangerine, and light blue, for a warm light color roof.

Cedar Falls is a subtle brown with gray highlights for a polished look.

Appalachian Sky gives your home a touch of serenity with a variety black, brown, and dark grays.

Midnight Blush rich warm hues of brown, gray and terra cotta, for a sophisticated presence.

Amber Wheat full of warm tones, beiges, off white and grays.

Whether it is for your Central Florida home or business, it is important to choose a reputable and honest roofer.

As a leader in the industry, Schick Roofing provides Dr. Phillis and Southwest Orlando with both residential and commercial roofing services. We value every customer and offer appropriate, accurate and affordable long term solutions. We never have any hidden fees.

Contact Schick Roofing for more information and a quote.

Hurricane season is heating up here in Orlando, which is forecasted to have an above normal activity. As you get ready for severe storms, don’t forget about your roof. By taking just a few proactive steps, you can prevent roof damage and save you money in the process. 

Inspect your roof

Take a good look at your roof, use binoculars if you have them. Check for loose or missing shingles, curling, especially around the edges, rust spots on the flashing, popped nails, cracks in the plastic or rubber around vent pipes, and any damp areas.

Look in the attic for the sun shining through, if you can see any light, it indicates a space where water and wind can get inside, compromising your roof.

Look for anything that can damage your roof

Now is the time to trim any branches that have grown close or hanging over the roof. If there is any debris, such as leaves or sticks, these need to be removed. It is also a good time to clean out the gutters, it is important water doesn’t back up or puddle on the roof.

Look through your insurance policy

Now is the time to review your homeowner's policy, see what is covered, what isn't, and what your deductible is.  A higher deductible may make it difficult to afford a new roof, especially with everything going on at the time.

Be prepared for the next storm. A professional roof inspection can save you time and money down the road.

Schick roofing is a leader in the industry, we are proud to provide our customers with an honest and accurate assessment of their roof. Unfortunately, roofing materials can deteriorate quickly in the extreme Florida weather, our experienced professionals can guide you through the proper action to help keep your roof functioning at its maximum potential.

At Schick Roofing our goal is to provide affordable and professional roofing service to both residential homes and commercial business throughout the Dr. Phillips and Southwest Orlando area.

Contact Schick Roofing today to request an estimate.

Though roofing systems in Orlando are designed for long term performance, they require maintenance. Now is the time to prepare your home and business roof from water leaks and damage.

A roofing system in good condition is more likely to withstand strong thunderstorms, hail, and hurricane strength winds, providing the first line of defense for you and your family.

Roofing systems that are regularly maintained typically last 50 to 70 percent longer than those that are not properly cared for, according to a roofing system study.

The savings can be substantial when you consider the cost of proper maintenance (which can practically double the lifespan of a roof) vs how much it will cost to replace your roof.

The best defense if a inspection by the professionals at Schick Roofing. We take pride in serving the Dr. Phillips and Windermere areas of Orlando.

The Storm Damage Center list some important facts about hail damage

Ever been hit by a golf ball or a baseball before? Now imagine a solid ball of ice falling at up to 120 mph from thousands of feet up in the air. Large hail falls with enough force to damage roofs, cars, break windows and more. If a person were to be directly hit with large hail, it could cause serious bodily injury, or death. It is imperative to seek shelter immediately when faced with hail storms, severe thunderstorm watches and severe thunderstorm warnings in order to protect yourself from falling hail.

Hail is defined as starting at a diameter of 0.2 inches or more. Hail can grow as big as golf balls, baseballs, and even soccer balls. Hail larger than 0.75 inches is considered large enough to cause serious damage in the United States. Per NOAA, hailstones can fall at speeds up to 120 mph.

Especially when talking about hail damage to roofs on houses and commercial buildings, often times the untrained eye cannot detect hail damage to shingles, roofing materials, skylights, siding, and other materials. The safest option is to have an experience hail damage repair contractor perform a full hail damage inspection.

Poor quality contractors and scammers can cause permanent damage, devalue your property, steal your money and put you at personal, legal and financial risk… not to mention all the headaches!

We take precautions for our car, home appliances, and even our plumbing pipes, to ensure they are in good working order. Often overlooked is our roof, which can lead to costly damages, especially as we head into hurricane season. 

Your roof protects your home and family from the elements. It is even responsible for keeping your home energy efficient and cool in our hot summer months. Which is why it to your advantage to keep it in tip top shape. The best way to do this is with a roof inspection. 

When is it time for a roof inspection?

The most popular type of roofing material here in Central Florida are shingles. Which has an average lifespan of about 20 years. 

Routine roof inspections will help keep the cool air inside and the hot air outside, cutting down on the electric bill. It also reduces those unexpected leaks.

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!

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.

If you are comfortable, check the attic for any holes. If you check on a sunny day, you shouldn't be able to see sunlight peeking through.

The easiest way to save money on your roof is to have it inspected on a regular basis, it is like having an annual check-up. During the inspection all the components of your roof will be examined to ensure it will last for many years.

Schick Roofing is also 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.

It’s just one shingle missing from my roof, how much damage can it really cause? The fact is, every shingle counts when it comes to the integrity of your roof. Unfortunately, our high winds, heavy rain, and hail can damage and even displace a shingle. 

Many people don’t even realize they are missing a few shingles, while others feel it is an eye sore. But are these damaged or missing shingles causing roof damage? That answer depends on a few factors. 

Does it matter if only part of the shingle is missing?

When it comes to roofing shingle it does NOT matter if it’s the entire shingle or just part of it is missing. Most asphalt shingles have three “tabbed” sections.

Intense weather can rip just one tab off. In this case, repairing part of a missing shingle isn’t really possible, the entire shingle would need to be replaced. 

Does the location of the missing shingle matter?

The location of the missing shingle does play a role when it comes to damage. Roofing shingles are positioned in a staggering pattern, resulting in a staggered pattern. So that the shingles above, cover the seams between the ones below. It is when one of these seams are exposed to the elements that allows water and humidity to seep in and cause damage. 

Another cause for concern is in the valleys of the roof and where two lower areas meet. If part of a shingle is lost in one of these areas, chances of a leak increase because debris and water tend to collect at these points

If I don’t replace the shingle, will my roof leak?

It is just one shingle missing, do I need to replace it? If part of a roofing shingle is missing and a seam is not showing, water may not immediately start dripping from the ceiling. But the integrity of the roof and surrounding shingles will begin to deteriorate due to the exposure to the elements. 

Do I need to hire a professional to replace the missing shingles?

Hiring a reputable roofer will ensure the job is done right, without damaging the surrounding area of the roof. They can also inspect the roof for other issues to avoid future damage.

In last week's blog we talked about repairing your roof yourself. While it may seem like you are saving a couple of bucks now, but it will probably cost you down the road. Having a professional install your roof or make repairs will give you peace of mind the materials are installed right and under warranty.

A few missteps when DIY roof repair include, using the wrong materials, reusing the flashing, and voiding the warranty. Here are a few more:

Underestimating how long the project will take

Most DIY projects, such as painting a room or installing a backsplash, can endure a delay without any issue. But if even a small portion of your roof is left exposed to the elements, rain and sun, it can cause damage. A professional will complete the job in a timely manner.

Using incorrect techniques

Having the right equipment and know how is important. Ripping off old shingles without damage existing ones, properly nailing the shingles, proper underlayment, and techniques, all play an important role. Improper installation can compromise the integrity of the roof.

Finding a roofer you trust can be difficult. According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, a shocking 73 percent of homeowners don’t trust home improvement contracts. So, for those who feel they are pretty handy and can do the work themselves, GAF has a warning.

They may seriously damage their roof. At their most innocuous, improperly nailed roofs can result in ripples, lifted shingles, and leaks. On the more serious side, there is potential for roof collapse and even bodily harm. A DIYer may have replaced a few shingles here and there, but they need to understand that roof work is a whole different animal.

Improper installations result in so many roofing replacements that manufacturers often won’t cover a roof that isn’t installed by a licensed contractor.

It can definitely be tempting to try and repair your own roof, but does it really save you any money in the long run? Repairing or replacing a roof takes the right materials, equipment, building permit, attention to detail, and knowledge of roof construction. 

In the long run, when it comes to roof repairs, hiring a professional can actually  save you time and money. Not to mention, potentially avoiding falling off the roof or injury to yourself. 

Top mistakes when making DIY roof repairs 

Using the wrong materials 

Matching your current roofing material isn’t always easy, typically there is a noticeable difference. Ensuring the new tiles or shingles fit in with the existing ones is also necessary, if not you could end up with a leak on your hands.

Reusing flashing 

Flashing is an important part of your roof. While this strip of metal may look like it is in good shape, it typically won’t last as long as new shingles. Making it difficult to notice the water tight barrier breaking down. 

Voiding the warranty 

Most manufacturers of roofing materials won’t guarantee these materials if not installed by a licensed roofing contractor. Why? A misuse or botched installation with the materials will eventually lead to a damaged roof and costly repairs. 

While you may be trying to save a few bucks, in the long run it may cost you. Roof inspections take proper training and equipment. It can also be very dangerous.

Check back with us next week for reasons why DIY roofing projects don't always save you money.

At Schick Roofing we provide roof inspections to determine your roof’s remaining life expectancy and assessments of how to accurately mitigate future leaks. We give our customers an honest and accurate assessment of their roof and suggest a plan of action to maximize its life.

 

Last weeks intense storms are just a taste of what is in store for Orlando residents in the upcoming months. 

The Storm Damage Center list some important facts about hail damage

Ever been hit by a golf ball or a baseball before? Now imagine a solid ball of ice falling at up to 120 mph from thousands of feet up in the air. Large hail falls with enough force to damage roofs, cars, break windows and more. If a person were to be directly hit with large hail, it could cause serious bodily injury, or death. It is imperative to seek shelter immediately when faced with hail storms, severe thunderstorm watches and severe thunderstorm warnings in order to protect yourself from falling hail.

Hail is defined as starting at a diameter of 0.2 inches or more. Hail can grow as big as golf balls, baseballs, and even soccer balls. Hail larger than 0.75 inches is considered large enough to cause serious damage in the United States. Per NOAA, hailstones can fall at speeds up to 120 mph.

Especially when talking about hail damage to roofs on houses and commercial buildings, often times the untrained eye cannot detect hail damage to shingles, roofing materials, skylights, siding, and other materials. The safest option is to have an experience hail damage repair contractor perform a full hail damage inspection.

Poor quality contractors and scammers can cause permanent damage, devalue your property, steal your money and put you at personal, legal and financial risk… not to mention all the headaches!

Having a game plan in place is the best way to protect your home and loved ones.

Repairing any leaks, loose tiles, or shingles
Securing and bracing gabled roofs
Checking fasteners and flashings, resealing if necessary
Inspecting the gutters, ensuring they are attached properly
Checking to see if the roof meets the new code requirements
Ensuring the roof sheathing is attached properly

If by chance the severe storm comes before you are able to have your roof inspected and damage has occurred, it is important to have the roof covered with a tarp to prevent more damage

Whether you want to prepare your home for the upcoming severe weather or have a roofing emergency, contact the professionals at Schick Roofing.

Schick Roofing is your preferred Dr. Phillips and Southwest Orlando Roofing Contractor providing the Central Florida area with residential and commercial roofing services.

Contact Schick Roofing today with any roofing questions or to make and appointment. 

Severe storm this week brought strong winds and even golf ball size hail, much were over 2 inches in diameter. These storms were expected to damage trees and roofs in the Central Florida area. 

The Storm Damage Center list some important facts about hail damage

Hail causes approximately $1 billion in damage annually in the United States to houses, buildings, cars and crops. The costliest hail storm in US history caused an estimated $2 billion in damage.

Large hail, the size of a tennis ball or larger, can fall at speeds faster than 100 miles per hour and can batter rooftops, shatter windows and “total” automobiles.

Hail damage, like other types of storm damage, is classified as an “Act of God”. As such, you cannot be singled out by your homeowners insurance company for a rate increase because you filed a claim. Insurance companies can increase premiums for everyone in an area that is susceptible to storm damage though, so use your insurance if you have hail damage. 

Roofs are the most commonly damaged part of a home or business when hail storms hit. Hail damage to roofing can be difficult to detect and the longer you leave hail damage un-repaired, the more damage can occur as water leaks through the roof and into walls.

On an asphalt roof, hail damage looks like a dark spot, or bruise, where the roofing granules have been knocked away. In some cases you may find holes, cracking, or missing shingles on roofs with hail or storm damage.

This can result in leaking and serious water damage, which can lead to mold formation and wood rot, which can compromise the structural integrity of your roof resulting in collapse. In severe wind storms, it is common for shingles or sections of the roof to be missing altogether

Poor quality contractors and scammers can cause permanent damage, devalue your property, steal your money and put you at personal, legal and financial risk… not to mention all the headaches

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. Direct 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  estimates and take the time to show you and explain any damage to your roof before asking you to sign anything.