You want your new roof to last for decades, which means you need to choose the right materials in terms of durability, cost, warranty, and aesthetics.
Asphalt shingles are very popular here in Central Florida, and with good reason. They come a variety of styles, textures, and colors. They are also very cost effective, but there are two main types.
Architectural shingles vs 3 tab shingles
Physical Composition
Architectural and 3 tab shingles are similar in composition. They both combine asphalt, adhesive, an outermost layer of granules and fiberglass backing, for a durable material.
The difference between the two products are the quality and amount of material used. Architectural shingles are about 50 percent heavier, have a thicker base mat, comprise a stronger adhesive, and have more top surface granules, than 3 tab shingles. This makes Architectural shingles sturdier that the 3 tab.
Aesthetics
The appearance of the two shingles is different. The 3-tab shingles are uniform with a single tab shape, which makes them look flat on the roof.
Architectural shingles are also called dimensional shingles because they consist of multiple layers which give them a more dimensional appearance. They can also resemble slate or cedar shakers, enhancing the home’s curb appeal.
Wind Ratings
The typical 3-tab shingles have a wind rating of about 60 miles per hour. Architectural shingles have a higher quality and thickness, therefore they have a higher wind rating, between 80 mph and 120 mph.
Lifespan
Because of the higher quality and durability, architectural shingles stand up better to Central Florida’s harsh weather conditions, therefore they have a longer lifespan. In optimal conditions they can last up to 30 years, but the average is 18 to 20 years. 3-tab shingles have a lifespan closer to 10 years.
Cost
The cost is relative to the shingle. Architectural shingles may cost a little more, but they have a longer lifespan, therefor they won't need to be replaced as soon as 3-tab.
Finding the right match for your home or business
The team at Schick Roofing can help you determine which shingle is best for your property, both in the short and long term.
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
Instead of waiting for the signs of roof damage to creep into your home this Halloween, it is important to have it professionally inspected. With our extreme heat and rain here in Orlando, Schick Roofing has a few things to keep your eye out for. Making small repairs early can save you a lot of money in the long run.
After an intense storm, wind driven rain, or hail, take a good look at your ceiling and your attic for signs of a water leak. Discoloring, watermarks, and stains can be an indication of mold.
Roof leaks can be caused by a number of things, deteriorating flashing, inadequate underlayment, damage or missing shingles. Poor ventilation creates excess moisture trapped in the home, can cause the exterior paint to blister and peel.
If you are not comfortable climbing on their roof to look for damage, binoculars from the ground also work.
Here are a few common roofing issues to look for:
Check the edge of roof for damage, as well as the edging of skylights and the chimney.
Examine overhangs and under eaves for damage.
Look for any warped, torn, curled, cracked or missing shingles.
Check the joints and seems for any openings
Look for rusted or popped nails, as well as any stains around the nails.
Examine the roof for any sagging or unsound areas.
Check for any rotten eaves or fascia
Make sure the gutter is cleaned out regularly
Look for insect or rodent damage
Check for dark streaks or patches on the shingle
Examine the flashing around vents, pipes, seams and joints. This waterproof barrier breaks down over time and can compromise the roof’s integrity.
Look near down spouts for any roofing granules. The tiny stones on asphalt shingles are there for protection.
Check the vent boots for any cracks. These are air tight rubber boot is placed around the pipe to ensure moisture or rain water doesn’t get through. Over time, the heat of the sun and intense rain, can cause the boot to decay and crack.
When it comes to your roof, being proactive and taking action when you first notice signs of wear and tear, will save you money. Waiting until your roof has a water leak or damage, could end up costing more in repairs.
It may start out as a small stain on the ceiling or a few drops of water when it rains, but it typically means there is unseen trouble lurking.
Ignoring Central Florida household maintenance can lead to much bigger problems. Most property owners don’t make these routine repairs, because they don’t seem urgent or necessary, cost money, too much time, or out of procrastination. But they are there just the same. Possibly hiding behind an attractive facade, just waiting for the perfect time to turn your dream home into a nightmare.
In the article, “7 Ticking Time Bombs in Your House—And What To Do Next,” in Bob Vila, you should fix this spot before it’s too late:
A roof can appear completely fine from one side of the house while crumbling on a different side. That's why most people end up making the tragic mistake of waiting until they see water leaking through the ceiling to identify roofing issues.
Water usually enters the attic first, so regularly inspect for stains around the chimney and vents. To be on the safe side, have your roof inspected every five years.
Get An Inspection
A good place to start is with an inspection by a licensed roofing contractor. While a home inspector is great before you purchase a home, they don’t specialize in roofs. This way you will be certain if any upgrades were done properly and any repairs that need to be addressed. Identifying and repairing small problems now, will save you the expense of big problems down the road.
Ensure Your Roofer Is Reputable
This is vital, 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.
Understand 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.
How long can you expect your roof to last?
The article goes on to explain, “Materials and workmanship—as well as the weather elements in your location—determine the lifespan of a roof. While many types of roofs last longer than 15 years, some can hold up well for 50 years or longer, barring a serious storm or a large fallen tree. Not surprisingly, cheaper roofing materials won’t last as long as more expensive types, and the price range is quite broad
Save money on your roof inspection and repairs
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.
In appreciation to our teachers, who selflessly sacrifice their time and energy to educate our children, Schick Roofing wants to relieve one of these hometown heroes of the financial stress that comes with needing a new roof.
Nominate a Deserving Teacher
Anyone can nominate a deserving teacher by submitting a nomination form and a brief story about the nominee today through September 30,2021.
Schick Roofing is hosting its Helping Hometown Heroes annual initiative to give away a free roof to a deserving teacher in Central Florida. In appreciation for those who have selflessly sacrificed to teach our future leaders during a pandemic, the company wants to relieve one of these heroes of the financial stress that comes with needing a new roof on your home.
Anyone can nominate a deserving teacher by submitting a nomination form and brief story about the nominee today through September 30, 2021. Schick Roofing will select one deserving recipient from among all eligible entries and provide him/her with a brand-new GAF shingle roof complete with installation. Click on the Helping Hometown Heroes link at Schickroofing.com to nominate.
Schick Roofing will select one deserving recipient from among all eligible entries and provide him/her with a brand-new GAF shingle roof complete with installation.
For additional information on the inaugural Helping Hometown Heroes initiative, including terms and conditions, please visit the website here.
About Schick Roofing
Schick Roofing is a locally owned and operated roofing contractor that has served the Orlando area since 2004. Schick has upgraded more than 3,500 homes with high-quality roof replacement, repairs, maintenance and surface cleaning. The company holds GAF Master Elite Factory certification, of which only 2% of companies across the nation qualify.
Schick provides top-notch workmanship with its own team of professionals, providing consistent communication throughout all jobs from initial consultation through cleanup. For more information about Schick Roofing, visit OrlandoRoofingPros.com.
Having your Orlando area roof replaced and be overwhelming and stressful. There are so many types of asphalt shingles on the market, which one is best for your roof and is affordable?
There are basically 3 types of asphalt shingles. Here at Schick Roofing we want to make the process easier for you. So we are going to explain each type, and going over some key factors such as warranties, lifespan and cost.
The 3 types include 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.
While 3-tab was once the most popular on the market, dimensional shingles are not giving them a run for their money.
3-tab asphalt shingles
As the name suggests, these shingles have 3 tabs on each shingle, they are the most popular type of roof in the United States. They are also the most affordable and maintain. While there are different types of asphalt shingles, they made up of a sturdy fiberglass base, coated with waterproof asphalt, and tiny granules of ceramic coating mineral.
They typically have a manufacturer’s warranty of 25 years and if properly, installed, maintained and with adequate attic ventilation, it should last about 25 years.
Dimensional asphalt shingles
Dimensional shingles have a more random pattern, They may cost a little more, but they have a longer lifespan. For example, Timberline shingles from GAF offer a LayerLock Technology for extra protection, making it the best selling shingle in America.
Timberline offers the best combination of beauty, performance, and reliability, at a very competitive price.
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. They include a lifetime warranty, Duragrip adhesive for wind protection, multilayer design improves durability, great value, and have a great color selection.
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.
Before you have new shingles put on your Orlando area roof, underlayment is put down to protect the roof decking against the elements, encourages water drainage, and to dampen the sound.
Synthetic underlayment is a combination of polypropylene and polymer that is water resistant. When it's installed correctly, it has better water protection than the traditional felt. There are two main types, rolls and peel-and-stick membranes.
The underlayment is the foundation of the roof. It acts as an extra 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.
“Moisture resistance and hardiness make synthetic underlayment a good choice as a secondary weather-resistant barrier under roof cladding,” according to the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH). “Polypropylene and similar synthetic materials resist moisture, tearing, and degradation from UV rays, making them a durable, relatively long-term covering that can be used for disaster response. Fire-rated synthetic underlayments can provide added protection against fire spreading through the roof in multifamily housing and/or in regions of the country that are prone to wildfires.”
Your Central Florida roof endures a lot, harsh weather, extreme heat, damaging storms, and debris. It is important to give it the best protection.
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 offer 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.
It may be pretty easy to spot obvious roof issues. You may not even have to climb on the roof to see a missing shingle. Unfortunately, most roof damage isn’t visible to the untrained eye, which is why a professional opinion is so important.
What to expect from a professional roof inspection
During an inspection a roofer will look for any leaks, organic growth issues, damage caused by windblown debris, unusual wear and tear, and problems that may have happened during subsequent repairs or installation.
There are four basic aspects of a roof inspection, workmanship, interiors, materials, and structure.
Material Inspection
During this phase the inspector will be looking for any curling, missing, or loose shingles, missing fasteners, or flashing, seals around vent pipes, rubber boots, rust, moss and stains. The shingle’s aggregate will checked in the gutter downspouts and roof valleys. If shingles have lost a considerable amount of aggregate, they may be close to the end of their lifecycle.
Structural Inspection
During this phase of the inspection, the gutter system, fascia, and soffit, will be examined. As well as any signs of sagging, for uneven roof planes, damage to the chimney caps, and cracks in the chimney grout. The venting in your attic may also be checked. Improper venting can lead to moisture and heat buildup, both of which can significantly reduce the life of your roof.
Workmanship Inspection
It is important to catch any workmanship issues early. Red flags include incorrect flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Poor workmanship can lead to big issues down the road, such as leaks.
Interior Inspection
It is important to check the interior of the home. Such as the attic, interior walls and ceiling for water stains or mold.
Protect Your Home
A roof that has been compromised can put you and those around you, at risk for property damage. Our storms in Orlando have the potential for high winds, which can easily cause roofing materials to come loose and blow off. The last thing you want is to be liable for damage to your neighbor's car.
Save On Insurance Costs
Many insurance companies allow you to save money on your policy with regular roof inspections.
Most of all, regular roof inspections give you peace of mind. It is easy to put your roof on the back burner and just forget about it, but it is the first line of defense for your home and deserves the maintenance it needs.