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 in Orlando.
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.
Want the roof on your Orlando/ Dr. Phillips home to last forever! Your roof goes through a lot of wear and tear in Central Florida's harsh weather. Unfortunately, it will have to be replaced at some time. How many years your roof will last depends on many factors, such as routine maintenance and the materials used.
The most commonly used roofing materials in the Orlando area are tile, metal, asphalt shingles, and slate. Tile and metal roofs should last 50 years or more, while asphalt shingles can last 30 years.
How Can You Make Your Roof Have a Longer Lifespan?
Roof Inspection
Annual roof inspections are important. Catching and repairing problems early can keep your roof in good shape. The end of summer is one of the best times to inspect your roof. Hail storms and heavy rain storms can cause significant damage, it is a good idea to inspect your roof shortly after they have passed. Look for any dips, curled up edges or cracks.
Clean the Gutters and Roof
Clogged gutters cause water to accumulate and cause major damage. If leaves are allowed to build up, water can get into the rafters and cause them to rot.
Tree Care
Trees hanging over the roof can prevent it from drying out, which can lead to problems and reduce the lifespan of the roof. Our humid climate can also cause algae and moss to corrode the roof. During the sunny and dry season, trees can shade the roof, preventing damage.
Debris Removal
Increasing the lifespan of your roof can be as easy as cleaning any debris than can end up on your roof, which can cause the roof to rot.
Stay Proactive
If you notice any damage ensure it is repaired in a timely manner. Proper roof maintenance can increase the longevity of your roof, it can also save money on remodeling and even utility cost.
If you have any questions, need a roof inspection, repairs or even a new roof, contact the professionals 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 it comes to your Central Florida roof, whether it is for your home or business, it is important to know your options. Choose a roofing contractor that is looking out for your best interest and not their bottom line! The material you choose, manufacture, color, and style, all affects your investment and resale value.
Schick Roofing is one of Orlando's most recognized roofing services. With an A+ accreditation from the BBB and GAF Certified. Also, don't forget to check out our reviews on yelp.
But don't take our word for it, just look at our latest Facebook reviews
I was impressed from the start when phoning Schick's office; they returned my call quickly that same day to set up the appointment. A few days later, George came out to assess the roof. He was on time, very professional, and provided us with excellent advice. WJS
Very detailed, professional assessment of roof condition and explanation of new roofing options. Timely, clean, quality work delivered at a competitive price. Strongly recommended! Jim M
If you are looking for a roofer, then look no further than Schick Roofing. I did a lot of research into roofing companies and I now understand why everyone in the area referred me to Schick Roofing. Replacing our roof was a big decision, but the staff made me feel comfortable every step of the way. The workers were friendly, respectful, and hard working. Best of all, the project was on time and within budget! Adam L
This was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Worked with Paul the owner who provided expert guidance on all roofing requirements to a Florida new owner. The quote was competitive, the roof installation was quick and efficient even with adverse weather conditions. I was kept up to date on all aspects of the project during the duration and all my questions were answered quickly. Paul also provided a solution to fix gutter issues complicated by the pool screen at the property. Cannot recumbent Schick Roofing enough for all your roofing requirements. Jim Quinn
Wow - could not be more impressed with Schick Roofing. I'm a new homeowner living in my first home with a tile roof. George Dubois came out to do an inspection when I identified we had a slipped tile - George not only accessed the situation, but completely schooled me on the ins and outs of a tile roof - I feel he prevented me from making years of costly mistakes, like - don't pressure wash, don't walk in the valleys and so much more. He was such a wealth of knowledge. My roof is in good shape so I did not need any extensive work done - but if i EVER had an issue with my roof, I would call Schick Roofing - from the moment I called, they immediately scheduled my visit from George, followed up with a reminder day of and George arrived on time, professionally dressed and so easy to talk to - Totally a 5 STAR organization! Thank you. Jim
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.
Though roofing shingles in Central Florida may all similar, it couldn't be further from the truth. Manufacturers are constantly developing new technology and trends that set shingles apart. The quality of contractor repairing or replacing your roof is also important.
What do you need to know about asphalt roofing shingles?
A new roof is a big investment and since it should last 20 to 30 years of protection from the elements, it should be carefully considered. The style, texture, and color of the roofing material that fits the personality and character of the home and neighborhood.
In Orlando on average, four out of five homeowners make the decision to have asphalt shingles.
Shingles are made from crushed durable igneous rock, coated with a clay silicate mixture, in which pigment is added, fired at a high temperature, then cured the coating into a ceramic.
These granules add a unique depth and visual appeal, they are also the source of color and add to the longevity, durability, and UV protection.
GAF Shingle Comparison Chart and Reviews from Research Roofing
GAF makes a gigantic assortment of shingle lines/models to choose from. There definitely exist something for everybody here from the inexpensive but decent to high end luxury requiring specific architecture. Ruberoid was their first roofing product ready to lay starting in 1892 that rich history has led to GAF operating at least 2 dozen manufacturing plants in the United States. If you ever need a GAF shingle a dealer/supplier isn’t far away. They started the “lifetime warranty” trend back in 2011 and every major asphalt shingle producer followed suit shortly there after.
Favorite Shingles From GAF
Timberline: A huge color selection, energy efficient and impact resistant options. The Timberline is often the best selling shingle in America with nationwide distribution and a lifetime warranty. It’s a solid choice just make sure you hire a competent contractor to install them.
This is the thickest and highest end dimensional shingle offered by GAF. Also comes with great color options and a Lifetime Warranty. A true winner.
Pros include:
Very thick and heavy long lasting
Great colors
Multilayer design improves durability
Duragrip adhesive helps give 130 MPH wind warranty
Slateline: While an expensive asphalt product not too bad when compared to real slate. Of all the imitation slate shingles out there this one shines
What do you need to know about the roofing contractor?
The quality of the roofing contractor plays a significant role in the lifespan of your roof. GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, their roofing contractors and roofing companies are factory certified.
Schick Roofing is proud to be a GAF certified shingle installer in Central Florida, we offer Systems Plus lifetime warranty system. Contact us today for more information.
Whether you are replacing a roof or repairing one here in Central Florida, the question of what roofing material is best, asphalt shingles or tiles? There are Pros and Cons for both. Either one you choose, make sure you contact a reputable roofer.
Tile
Tile roofing material is the most popular worldwide, it can be dated all the way back to the 14th century. Tile is known for its durability and attractive look.
Pros include:
Long Lifespan - A tile roof can last 40 to 50 years.
Energy Efficient - Roof tiles are efficiently placed, allowing for easy airflow and resisting heat, both of which are very important here in Central Florida. This allows your home to have an easier time staying cool.
Heat Resistant - Tiles won’t rot in our hot and humid environment, they are also fireproof.
Designer Element - Tiles have a unique feel. The aesthetics can range from a southwestern flair or a tropical paradise.
Cons Include:
Heavy - Tiles can get pretty heavy, so your home or business will need to be able to support the weight. New lighter tiles are becoming available.
Fragile - If someone walks on your roof, clay tiles are likely to crack and break if not very careful.
Cost - From an appraisal standpoint, tile roofing materials have the best value. On that note, they are also a more expensive roofing option.
Maintenance - The felt underlayment, that goes under the tiles, will need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. This is because the tile roof is not waterproof.
Keep in mind, some communities and HOAs have rules and regulations to follow when it comes to a new roof or repairs.
Check back with us next week when we go over the pros and cons of asphalt shingles. Until then, if you have any questions or want to make an appointment, contact Schick Roofing.
Our Dedicated and service-oriented staff is here to provide you with top notch workmanship and consistent communication to ensure roofing your home or business is a pleasant experience.
Does the thought of repairing or replacing your Orlando roof make you worry? How much will it cost? How do a find a reputable and honest roofer who will offer affordable solutions?
"Some home repairs, you can put off indefinitely. A leaky roof is not one of them. Cracked, curled, or missing roof shingles demand immediate attention. If you neglect them, they can lead to severe water damage that can seriously drain your savings account," according to Consumer Reports: Roofing Buying Guide.
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.
"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 one of most respected and trusted roofing company in Central Florida. An A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2009. We have built our reputation on providing our customers with an honest and accurate assessment of their roof and suggest the proper action that will keep their roof functioning at its maximum potential.
Sure, you can try and save a couple of bucks by doing it yourself, but there is a lot that goes into repairing your roof. You need the proper tools, equipment, and know what you’re doing. Contacting Schick Roofing ensures your roof is done right and will last for years to come, without breaking the bank
The Schick Roofing family wishes you and your family a safe and happy holidays. Contact us for all your roofing needs throughout the year.
Just a Reminder
When the holidays are over and it's time to take the decorations down, it can be very tempting to just pull it down with a few tugs. Since that can damage the roof, it is worth the time and effort to do it right.
With many of us spending more time at home, DIY projects are higher than ever. But which project should your tackle yourself and which ones should you leave to a professional?
While the thought of saving a few dollars sounds tempting, repairing or replacing your roof takes experience and the right materials. Not to mention difficult and dangerous.
In the long run, enlisting the help from a professional roofer cost less than doing it yourself. Here is why:
Purchasing your own roofing materials
Shopping around for the best deal on roofing materials may seem like a good idea, but it usually ends up taking a lot of time and costing more. A qualified contractor will know exactly how much roofing material you will need, access to better quality materials, at a wholesale price. Along with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Choosing the right materials
Not all materials are created equal and some can even cause damage to your roof. The products you choose makes all the difference. For instance, the type of underlayment you choose can determine the lifespan of your roof. Quality synthetic roofing underlayment is a critical extra layer of protection for your home. It prevents rain water and moisture from penetrating under the shingle. Which can cause significant damage to the structure of your roof.
Hire a reputable local roofing contractor
It is important to have a roofing company you can trust and understands our tropical weather conditions. A few ways to check the authenticity of a roofing service is to look for their accreditations and certifications:
Better Business Bureau
GAF Weather Stopper Roofing Contractors
Florida's Association of Roofing Professionals
Central Florida Roofing Association
Florida Licensed General Contractor
Find the Affordable Roofing Solution
The big question, how much will it cost to repair or replace your roof? You can count on the experienced technician at Schick Roofing to give you an honest and affordable solution.
At Schick Roofing we assist our clients in selecting the best roofing materials for their home or business. From the style, specific requirements, aesthetics of the property, to the budget, we ensure you get the highest quality workmanship and value for your money. .
The thought of a leaking roof with our afternoon thundershowers and record number of hurricanes, can be overwhelming. While a new roof would give you peace of mind, repairs would be less expensive.
The lifespans of the roof depends on the quality of installation and that of the materials installed. Neglecting a roof with missing, curled, or cracked shingles can quickly lead to severe damage to both the building and your wallet. You also don’t want to worry about your roof making it through the next big storm.
If the roof just started leaking and only affects a small portion, a better choice may be to repair. But choosing to save a few bucks by just having your roof repaired when it needed to be replaced may end up costing you more in the long run.
If the leak has been going on for some time and you just noticed or the roof is older, the better choice may be replacing. Unfortunately, it is not always an easy choice, the professionals at Schick Roofing can help you make an informed decision, based on the damage, roofing material, and cost effective.
You’ll likely be able to repair your roof if there is a leak from an easily-identifiable source or there are only one or two shingles missing. Unfortunately, there are also signs that you’ll most likely need a replacement roof. You should talk to your roofing professional if:
- There are multiple leaks over a widespread area
- There are water stains on the ceiling or walls in multiple rooms
- Asphalt shingles are curled or warped or there are many shingles missing
- Roofing tiles are chipped, cracked, or missing
- You want to give your home a facelift
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. The lowest bid isn't always the best one, quality installation and materials are what makes a roof with a long lifespan.