Home and business owners here in Central Florida know just how important their roof is, including maintenance and repairs. Just a small leak can cause significant damage that can cost thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Roofing underlayment acts as a protective shield under shingles. It reinforces the barrier against the elements outside. It also significantly increases the strength of your roof.
What is underlayment?
Underlayment is a water resistant roofing material that is installed on the roof deck before the shingles are installed. While you can’t see it when the roof is completed this extra protection from leaks and harsh weather, increases the life span of your roof.
Types of underlayment
Asphalt-saturated felt
Made from asphalt, polyester and plain fibers to create a water resistant and flexible base. It is also called “felt paper” or “tar paper,” which was very popular before synthetic underlayment was developed. It comes in different thicknesses, determining how resistant it is to water.
Self-adhered
Made from polymers and asphalt, making it water resistant. It comes with a sticky adhesive on the back for easy installation. It also creates a tight seal between the roof deck and underlayment. Often used in areas that commonly get damaged, such as vents, valleys, and chimneys. This material tends to be more costly, compared to the other underlayment.
Synthetic
The popular choice with roofers here in the Orlando area. A synthetic base is saturated with fiberglass and asphalt. A significant benefit is this underlayment is lightweight and flexible. It is also resistant to UV rays, mold, and has a long lifespan. It is well worth the investment.
Roofing underlayment provides an extra layer of protection from the elements. Moisture can easily get trapped under shingles causing mold and leaks. Underlayment is water resistant and can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Central Florida is known for its high humidity, extreme heat, torrential rain, and storms. This severe weather takes a toll on your roof which is why it’s important to have a roof that is dependable to protect your family and home.
What is the lifespan of a roof in Orlando? While the answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of roofing material, damage from weather and routine maintenance. Given that, the average life expectancy is about 15 to 20 years.
It is important to know a trustworthy roofer to handle any roofing issues that come up. This way your roof will be operating at its best and have a long lifespan.
Roofing material
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of material for Orlando area roofs. They have a reliable performance and they are affordable. Asphalt shingles can have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, but our intense weather condition here in Florida can significantly reduce that number. Higher quality shingles, such as architectural shingles, can have a longer lifespan.
Factors that influence the longevity of your roof
In Central Florida, your roof is constantly exposed to high winds, rain, and even hail. This can cause asphalt shingles and tiles to lift, crack and become loose, which can lead to roof damage and leaks.
Poor maintenance
It is important to have your roof inspected on a regular basis. Roof damage is always easily seen by the homeowner. Leaving any issues unattended will accelerate the damage.
Heat
The intense heat your roof experiences everyday causes the shingles to contract and expand, leading to damage.
Bad insulation
The roof underlayment and insulation are very important. If heat and moisture become trapped, it can cause mold and the wood to rot.
Signs your roof needs repair
It is important not to delay when it comes to making repairs on your roof. It will only add to the repair cost in the long run. Look for these signs:
• Damaged or cracked shingles
• Water spots or stains on the ceiling
• Missing flashing or shingles
• Granules on the ground or in the gutter
• Sagging roofline
At Schick Roofing, our goal is to provide the best materials at an affordable price. We pride ourselves in offering the best customer service of any roofing company in Central Florida. We’re so serious about offering excellent service that owner Paul Schick makes daily visits to each and every job, big or small, to ensure that only the highest quality work is being done.
Contact Schick Roofing for more information and an estimate.
Avoid costly roof replacement or repairs. A few raised shingles, a leak in the flashing, using low grade materials, or poor installation can easily lead to water damage, structural issues, dangerous mold, and increase your heating and cooling cost.
To avoid investing money in costly repairs and make sure your roof stands the test of time, make sure it’s done right the first time!
Choose the Right Materials
Though it may not seem that difficult, there are a lot of variations when it comes to roofing materials. The roof type, amount of slope and other elements all play a part in what type of roofing material is best.
Whatever you do, don’t make the decision based only on the price. Most home and business owners regret skimping on roofing materials. It pays to get a professional opinion, especially here in Central Florida.
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 and decrease your electric bill. And who doesn’t like that?
Underlayment
The underlayment is the foundation of the roof. It acts as a second layer of protection for the decking, but still allows moisture to be released from inside the home and allows the deck to breath. It also acts as a secondary drainage plane, directing water away from vulnerable places such as joints and seams.
Unlike the traditional felt underlayment, synthetic is designed to aid the ventilation process, provides superior waterproofing, and even seals around nails.
Flashing
Also an integral part of your roof, flashing is a weather-resistant barrier system placed in the valley areas, vents, chimney, and skylights. Due to the intense heat from the sun, high winds, and large amount of water flow, it’s typically where water leaks are found.
Poor installation, low quality materials, and cutting corners is a recipe for disaster, so choose your roofer wisely!
Schick Roofing is proud to be one of the few roofing companies here in Central Florida that has 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 with whom you are working with is fully licensed and adequately insured, upholds a quality reputation, and provide (or employs) expert roofers.
Is your Orlando area roof in need of repairs or replacement? You need a roofing company you can trust. Should you choose a trusted local company or a big national brand?
As a leader in Central Florida, Schick Roofing gives you the best of both: Discounts a large national brand can offer, and all the benefits of a local company.
Area Familiarity
Local roofers understand the area and the environment. This can be seen in the quick response times and friendly customer service. A local roofer will have knowledge of which type of materials holds up better in Florida’s heat and humidity, as well as high winds and storms. They will also know the building codes in the area and other challenges.
For instance, some roofers still use traditional felt roofing underlayment, while at one time this was considered a good way to protect a roof against the elements, the advancements in technology, has led the way to synthetic underlayment, Designed to aid in the ventilation process and prolong the life of your roof.
Traditional felt underlayment is susceptible to shattering when secured with the impact of a nail gun. When a nail penetrates synthetic underlayment, it seals around it, providing superior waterproofing and significantly extending the lifespan of your roof.
Verifiable Reputation
Reputation is everything for local roofing companies. Schick Roofing has spent years building a quality reputation in the community. We start with a competitive price, friendly customer service, and quality work by knowledgeable professionals.
Buy Local
You support your community when you use local-based companies. Here at Schick Roofing we believe it is important to:
- Evaluate the customer’s specific roof requirements and budget.
- Recommend an appropriate, accurate, and an affordable long term solution.
- Manage the customer’s expectations before and throughout the entire install process and never have any hidden fees.
Finding any type of damage to your roof can be alarming, but having a trusted roofer can make it easier. As a leader in the industry, our goal at Schick Roofing is to repair any water leaks in your roof and install new roofs that can stand up to the wear and tear of the Central Florida harsh weather for decades.
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
Has your Orlando roof seen better days? Do you need to have your roof replaced or just repaired? It can be overwhelming to think about, but don’t worry, Schick Roofing is here to help you through the decision making.
It is important not to put off roof repairs, it is your home first defense against Central Florida’s harsh elements. Here is a quick guide to help you figure out your next steps to take.
Does your roof need to be replaced?
Since climbing on your roof can be very dangerous and it can worsen existing damage on your roof, take these steps to assess your roof.
Outside
Walk around your home and look for any visible damage, possibly from a storm or hail. Also look for any debris, such as tree limbs or leaves.
Check for any missing shingles, curling or cracked shingles. Any sagging or peeling of exterior paint.
Inside
Look in the attic during the day for any outside lighting, this indicates a breach of some type. Also look for any visible damage to the joists or rafters. Notice the smell in the attic, is there an odor of mold or moisture?
Inside your home, look for any peeling paint on the walls or water stains on the ceiling.
What happens if you don’t replace or repair your roof?
If you notice any signs of damage, don’t ignore them or put them off for another time, these types of problems just get worse- and more expensive to fix- with time. Eventually, that little bit of water damage leads to mold, deteriorating wood, and the integrity of your home.
Waiting too long also puts you at risk of losing out on your warranty or insurance coverage, which, if you had acted immediately you may have been eligible for.
What Are the Advantages of a Roof Replacement? According to GAF:
A new roof is more than a new layer of shingles. It's a comprehensive roofing system that's built to last. During an installation, it is recommended that trained contractors completely remove the existing roof and create a weathertight series of layers from the decking up. A trusted pro will likely recommend installing crucial components like drip edge, flashing, underlayment and leak barrier to help lock out future leaks.
New roofs can also qualify for enhanced warranties. One option is the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty available when three or more qualifying GAF accessory products are installed with any GAF Lifetime* shingle. Another advantage of a new roof is the opportunity to upgrade your curb appeal. You can choose exactly the color or style—such as architectural shingles—that you've always wanted for your home.
Owning a home here in Orlando mean responsibility, this includes your roof. It can be overwhelming to keep your roof properly maintained and in good condition. Here are 4 easy steps to ensure your roof last for decades.
Routine maintenance
Just like everything else in your home, your roof needs regular maintenance. Such as, cleaning out debris from downspouts, clearing out the gutters at least twice a year, removing tree branches hanging over the roof and any debris from the roof. Keep an eye out for any dark spots, loose, or missing shingles, which may indicate a leak.
Roof inspection
Having your roof professionally inspected on a regular basis will find any damage or small repairs that need to be addressed before they become expensive repairs. The small cost of an inspection is worth keeping the value of your roof.
Reputable contractor
While it can be very tempting to save money and go with a friend or family member who offered to re-roof your home on the cheap. Unless that person is licensed and insured, it's best to not take the chance. You may save a bit of money, or you may end up spending a lot more money and time because the people doing the work are uneducated and inexperienced or get injured while working on your home. Also, check for any manufacturer designation, they ensure a contractor meets strict requirements. For instance, only 3% of roofing contractors are certified as GAF Master Elite.
Know your roofing options
Today’s market has a wide verity of options when it comes to roofing materials. Each come with their own strong suit, wind impact resistance, price range, style, and energy efficiency. Understanding your options will give you the most bang for your buck.
Knowing Your Family And Home Are Protected Is Priceless!
Whether your roof has damage, leaking or showing signs of age, 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
Wondering how much it will cost to repair or replace your Orlando area roof? You are not alone, but there are a few factors that go into the cost of replacing or repairing a roof. But the fact remains, the longer you allow a problem with your roof to persist, the more expensive it will be to repair.
There are five factors that affect the cost of replacing a roof in Central Florida
First Factor That Affects The Cost
Whether you are replacing the entire roof are just part of it, the biggest cost factor is the size. Often times repairing a section of roof cost the same as replacing the entire roof. Though a small leak will cost less than repairing a large amount of damage from a storm.
Second Factor That Affects The Cost
Your existing roof also plays a role. Small leaks and lack of routine maintenance, may mean you have a secondary problem such as water damage, rot, mold, or loose shingles, this will have to be taken care of before the new roof is replaced and will add to the cost.
Third Factor That Affects The Cost
Roofs with very steep slopes can take can take more time to replace, they may need additional equipment and safety measures.
Fourth Factor That Affects The Cost
The roofing materials and quality also affect the cost. Light colored shingles and tiles tend to cost a little more, but they can cut your cooling costs in our hot environment. The least expensive material is dark grey asphalt. The cost of materials often correlates with their lifespan. A roof that last 100 years tends cost more than one that needs to be replaced every decade.
Fifth Factor That Affects The Cost
The roofing contractor plays a significant role. The cheapest estimate is not always the best way to go, it may mean they are cutting corners and quality. The old saying 'you get what you pay for' certainly applies to roofing contractors. What seems like the most cost effective route now, may prove to be more costly later.
Whether your roof has seen better days or you're dealing with damage from a storm, finding a reputable roofing contractor you can trust, is overwhelming. So, before signing on that dotted line, ask these important questions
Are you properly licensed?
Though a license is required, this does not stop many fly by night unlicensed companies from soliciting work. Not having proper insurance can lead to issues down the road, such as litigation if an accident happens on the job site.
More than just a Florida General contractors license, the service you choose should also have a Florida Roofing Contractors License. They should offer name brand products, provide great workmanship, and material warranty.
If you want to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck, make sure your roofer has a GAF Master Elite Certification. Only the top 3% of roofing contractors qualify for such an elite certification. This ensures you are getting a dependable professional, with the highest quality and ongoing training.
What type of warranty will be on my new roof?
A roofing warranty protects you and your investment. It is a contract with the roofing manufacturer giving you the assurance the materials will perform as stated in the specifications. It can save you money if something goes wrong with either the materials or workmanship. Mistakes made during installation and manufacturing defects can significantly reduce your roof's lifespan and performance.
GAF is North America's largest roofing manufacturer. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, Schick Roofing is proud to be among the top 3% roofers in the United States to receive this special certification.
This allows us to offer our customers the GAF System Plus Limited Warranty and the Golden Pledge Warranty. The strongest warranties in the industry.
What is GAF's Golden Pledge Warranty?
Golden Pledge Warranty, is GAF's best warranty. 100% coverage period for material defects for 50 years (20 years on 3 tab shingles). It covers the entire roofing system, cost of installation and labor are included for a lifetime. 100% coverage period for workmanship defects for up to two years.
GAF's Golden Pledge warranty is the best in the industry. Covering 100% of material defects for 50 years and 100% of workmanship coverage for 25 years. Also included is the cost of installation labor for a lifetime period and disposal costs.
Your roof is a big investment, and though you may not think of it very often, there are a few things you can do to extend its lifespan. In this weeks blog we continue our article on what compromises the life of your roof.
High Heat
Intense heat can be particularly hard on your roof, especially the sealants and caulk. Warping and cracking typically occur, which leaves your roof vulnerable to moisture and damage. The effects can be more evident when the cool nights meet with high temperatures during the day, causing contraction and expansion of metal and other materials.
Wind Damage
Strong winds are prevalent here in Central Florida, it is important to check for misplaced or missing shingles. As the saying goes, “Your roof is only as strong as the weakest shingle”. When one shingle is damaged, the whole roof is compromised.
Hail Damage
Our weather is unpredictable, hail can come out of nowhere and the damage to your roof isn't always visible. Look for dents or depressions (which aren't always evident), on asphalt shingles, metal flashing, chimney caps, siding, and skylight flashings.
GAF, North America's largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing, explains the most common types of hail damage?
Granule loss at points of impact, which may be accompanied by surface depression. Loss of mineral granules as an immediate or gradual consequence of storm damage can lead to the asphalt coating being directly exposed to the elements. This may lead to accelerated aging of the shingle. Therefore, granule loss is NOT just cosmetic damage, and “sugaring” — the process of adding loose granules to damaged shingles with asphalt cement — is not a permanent solution.
Cracks in the granule-asphalt surfacing, which may radiate outward from points of impact.
Cracks may be present especially if high winds blew the shingles back.
Exposed fiberglass mat, where hail shattered the granule-asphalt surfacing causing it to break away from the fiberglass mat.
Fractured fiberglass mat, which may or may not be immediately visible. A fractured mat may result in tears radiating out from the points of impact. Furthermore, hidden damage to the mat may later develop into cracks and tears in time as the shingles age.
Loosening of the self-seal strip. This damage may or may not be immediately visible and may weaken the seal integrity, creating the possibility of future shingle blow-off
Your best protection is a professional roof inspection
Having an experienced roofer inspect every aspect of your roof, ensuring the shingles are in good shape, remove any debris, and check the gutters, can save you time, money, and injury. Climbing up on the roof can be dangerous. In fact, in the United States over 2.1 million people went to the emergency roof for ladder related injuries, according to a study done by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Choose a quality roofing company
As a leader in the industry, Schick Roofing is proud to provide quality roof roof repairs and replacement at an affordable price. Our integrity and a high standard work ethic is paramount to our business and the way we treat our customers.
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.
At Schick Roofing, we have a policy of no hidden fees. This helps to build and maintain trust with our customers, set appropriate expectations for the project, and ensure you are happy with the end result.