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Spring is in the air and people are beginning to open their windows and enjoy the longer and warmer days. And you know what that means – it’s time for spring roof maintenance tips! Spring roof maintenance helps responsible homeowners keep their roofs in pristine condition. But over the winter, many of us forget what to do, and when to do it. When the time comes, simply go over this list and you’ll know what to do.

Keep reading for 4 tips that will help with your spring roof maintenance.

4 Spring Roof Maintenance Tips

1. Inspect the Whole Roof

According to experts, you should have a roof inspection done twice a year. Don’t just assume that if there are no leaks, there’s no damage. Weather damage can be sneaky. Inspect the roof once in the fall and once in the spring. As a homeowner, you’ll want to focus on your roof’s gutters, shingles, and flashing. If you notice a lot of wear, it’s important to call Chattanooga Roofing Company before more damage can be done.

2. Clean Your Gutters

Make sure the gutters are clean and aren’t obstructed or clogged with buildup. If they overflow, you will probably end up with water damage at the top of your wall.

3. Remove Branches and Leaves

It’s important that tree limbs don’t touch your roof. If they do, they can scrape the shingles – thus reducing the effective lifespan of your roof. When it comes to leaves, be sure to take them off the roof if there are enough to hold moisture. This will attract mildew, causing continual damage to the gutters and roof.

4. Banish Animal Nests

Spring also brings out the furry four-legged creatures … who like to make nests. This can be bad because pests can damage your roof by chewing and digging. These pests can also be violent when protecting their young, so remove them before they breed.

Now you know some spring roof maintenance tips that will help you become better prepared. If you find damage, don’t wait! Call Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 308-ROOF or schedule your free estimate online today.

The cold days of winter are slowly starting to fade into the warmth of Spring. Your roof has seen all the types of weather, from snow to strong winds and cold rain. There are several things to keep in mind when it comes time to inspect your roof and do end of winter roof repair. You want to keep you and your family safe from the outside elements. And, of course, the best way to do that is to ensure your roof has not been damaged. Here’s how to be sure all is ready for the warm months ahead.

4 Reasons to Get End of Winter Roof Repair

1. Shingle Wear

Shingles that are missing, curling, or buckled should be repaired. This is a sign they have wear and need to be replaced so leaks don’t start. Shingles in bad condition won’t likely make it through the hot sun of summer. 

2. Gutter Damage

If your gutter is damaged, have it repaired. A leaky, damaged gutter can create a way for water to get into your outside walls. Repairing that kind of damage can be incredibly costly. 

3. Metal Strip (Flashing) Damage

Inspecting all the flashing at the edges of your roof and around your chimney is important. These metal strips help to to seal off junctions and keep water from seeping under the shingles. If there is any damage or missing pieces, leaks will occur. 

4. Attic Leaks

The attic is another important area to check several times a year. Check before, during, and after winter to ensure there are not any leaks. In addition, check your interior walls and ceiling for dark spots or other signs of a leak. Don’t wait to address these problems if you see signs.

Now that you know why end of winter roof repair is important, there is no reason to wait! If you need dependable roofing professionals, look no further than Chattanooga Roofing Company. Call us at 423-308-ROOF today.

The question “Is a Metal Roof Better in Winter?” often comes up because of roof repair issues in cold weather. As we’ve written before, installing a shingle roof in winter can be risky. However, you can install a metal roof year-round with no risk to materials. Read on to discover 5 reasons why a metal roof is better in the winter.

Is a Metal Roof Better in Winter? 5 Reasons Why

Some may not think of metal roofs as being the best option. Most of the time that’s because of price. But, they have many benefits which, as you’ll read, can lead to saved money and a warm home.

1. Better Insulation

The indoor air temperature below the metal roof stays an average of 20° warmer than the air beneath an asphalt shingle roof. This is a great form of insulation during the chilly winter months.

2. Breakage-free Installation

The winter months can be a hard time to install roofing. But, roofers can install metal roofing without material problems in the wintery temperatures. It doesn’t break, crack, or bend. Another positive of this type of roofing is that it sheds water and therefore hinders snow buildup in cold temperatures.

3. Higher Home Resale Value

A metal roof can add 1 to 6 percent to a home’s resale value. It can be more expensive to install this type of roof in the beginning. But, the homeowner can recover up 95.5 percent of their costs on their metal roof in the end.

4. Longer Life Span

Metal roofs can last up to 50 years, which is far better than asphalt shingle roofing. When it comes to pests such as termites and other insects, a metal roof is perfect for deterring them. It is also resistant to very strong winds!

5. Friendlier to the Environment

Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs don’t have to be replaced every 15-20 years. This is very environmentally friendly. They are 100 percent recyclable and are also made from 25 percent recycled materials themselves. Many of those who want to have solar panels and other energy-saving features go the metal roofing route given its eco-friendly status.

Now you know why a metal roof is better in winter. There’s no reason to wait! Call Chattanooga Roofing at (423) 308-ROOF or schedule your free roof replacement estimate online today.

When you have to replace your roof in winter, it’s never an ideal time. In fact, you’ll face more risks than during other seasons. However, if it just won’t wait – because of issues such as leaking or damage – you can protect yourself by taking several factors into account. Now that the holiday season is upon us, scheduling roofers to match your busy schedule will be just one of those factors.

Let’s take a look at 4 risks you’ll face when getting a new roof in the winter. And, how you can lessen the risk to your home.

4 Risks When You Replace Your Roof in Winter

The word “risk” doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, we face risk all the time. We simply have to learn to calculate the value of the return. In your case, the return is a dry, safe home. Worth the risk? You bet – especially if you have a leak right now. Here are 4 risks (and solutions) when you replace your roof in winter.

1. Frigid Temperatures

When the temperatures start dipping, it can be hard to find good help to make those needed repairs. Ice and snow on the roof can make for hazardous conditions. In addition, the comfort of the crew is on the line. Those working on your roof in cold temperatures are often carrying extra weight due to winter gear. We all know that weather below freezing is miserable.

Avoid this risk by: waiting until the temperature rises above 20° F.

2. Winter Tool Malfunctions

When you replace your roof in winter it can pose a problem for the tools being used. The reason is that the crew uses several types of tools, such as nail guns and compressors. A compressor can be negatively affected by freezing temperatures. Cold can cause water (from the humidity of compressed air) to freeze in the airlines. That freezing will create issues with the airflow.

Avoid this risk by: allowing more time for installation so the workers can hand-drive any nails that haven’t been driven properly due to restricted airflow.

3. Installing Shingles in the Cold

The best time to replace your roof in the winter is not when it’s extremely cold. Asphalt shingles will have to be hand-sealed if the temperature is below 40° F.

Avoid this risk by: confirming that the roofing crew will be hand-sealing the shingles.

4. Scheduling Delays

It can take longer to replace your roof in the winter. That’s because roofers have to deal with not only bad weather, but also the days you are available. Many homeowners will clear their schedule for urgent roofing repairs. However, because of the holiday season, it can be a challenge to find the right time that works for both parties.

Avoid this risk by: clearing your schedule and telling your roofing contractor that you’re available anytime. You’ll get the problem taken care of faster.

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The risks of roofing in the winter can be challenging. But, if you need to replace your roof in winter and it can’t wait, here’s the best way to make it a success. Call the licensed, professional roofers at Chattanooga Roofing Company at 423-308-ROOF or contact us online.

Almost everyone knows why your roof needs to be ready for winter. It’s because the cool temperatures of Fall quickly turn into the chilly days of winter. But, as the days grow colder, the risk to your home and roof also grows. People tend to react against winter weather for many reasons. Your home is no different.

Your Roof Needs to be Ready for Winter – and Here’s Why:

Keep reading for 5 reasons to keep your roof in good repair for the winter months.

1. Wind Damage

Wind damage happens when a strong storm blows through. And, many times, wind is accompanied by icy rain or snow. Old and loose shingles can be blown off in winter storms. This opens the roof up to even more damage when storms come – unless repaired quickly and professionally.

2. Water Accumulation

Water damage can be a huge problem if you experience heavy rain. Water accumulates under the shingles. This accumulation could cause water issues in your home, as well as mold and electrical problems.

3. Attic Condensation

Condensation can occur when warm air meets a cold surface in the winter. Attics can easily fall victim to this. That’s because, many times, they are not insulated properly. If condensation develops, it can lead to problems such as mildew and mold. For that reason, a properly ventilated attic is essential. Otherwise, you can damage your roof and may have to replace it well before it was due.

4. Flashing Failure

Flashing leaks begin when the flashings (the metal strips that go along your roof edges, chimney, etc.) become loosened. They are put there to help keep moisture out. But, winter weather and age make flashings susceptible to leaks. Head the problem off at the pass by checking your flashings every so often. Your roof needs to be ready for winter. However, you also need to stay safe. You can! Simply hire a licensed roofer to come inspect your roof.

5. Overhanging Limbs

We all enjoy the shade tall trees cast in the summer – and the beautiful leaves they provide in the fall. But these trees can also have dead limbs. For that reason, they can be a danger in winter when branches often stay wet (and heavy). When a tree branch falls on a roof, if can cause extensive damage.

In addition, overhanging limbs can scape shingles, and limbs too close can encourage small animals to run onto your roof. This is also an issue – the critters will try to make their way into your home during cold weather. Your roof needs to be ready for winter – so make your trees ready for winter.

Now that you know what you need to do, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! Or, if you feel unsafe on your roof, give Chattanooga Roofing Company a call at (423) 308-ROOF or contact us online. Our experienced team can inspect your roof for you. Your roof needs to be ready for winter. And we can help.

Summer is sunny and spring is balmy, but there are more reasons why to replace your roof in the fall. When it comes time to install a new roof, there’s no better season. Not too hot, not too cold, not too wet (usually). It’s a good time to prepare your home’s protection against winter weather.

You’ll want to schedule your roof replacement in advance because your roofing contractor will be busy during this time of year. But why is he so busy? Because homeowners are starting to figure out that fall is the best time for roof replacement. Allow for schedule flexibility and you should enter winter with a snug new roof over your head.

Ready to discover what many homeowners already know? Read on to learn more about why to replace your roof in the fall.

6 Reasons Why to Replace Your Roof in the Fall

If you know your roof needs repair or replacement, you should wait until autumn for this short list of reasons.

1. Stormy Season is Over

Spring and summer have far worse weather than fall, in terms of severe rainfall and winds that can damage roofs. The generally milder weather of fall makes it the perfect time to replace your roof without being interrupted by strong wind and thunderstorms.

2. Conditions Couldn’t Be Better

Roofing professionals consider temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit the best-case scenario for installing roofing. That range is especially important if you’re having an asphalt shingle roof installed. In these conditions, your shingles will be able to form a thermal seal, bonding with each other and the roof. And your roofers will be able to work faster without overheating.

3. Cold Weather Hasn’t Fully Hit

When the temperature drops, shingles get harder to work with. They can become brittle, vulnerable to breaking when your roofer is using a nail gun. That means the job will take longer (and cost more) because brittle shingles require hand nailing.

4. There’s Time for Proper Sealing

Get your roof replaced in fall to give the shingles time to form a proper bond with the roof. They won’t be able to bond perfectly once wet, cold weather hits your area. A better bond means better insulation and protection from damp.

5. Winter Storms May Come

What can make a damaged roof worse? Harsh, cold weather. Over the winter, holes can get larger and leaks can become worse. You’re better off entering winter with a sound roof over your head.

6. You Could Save on Heating

Because roofing gets thinner over its lifespan, its insulation ability gets weaker and weaker. That’s one of the best reasons why to replace your roof in the fall. If you do so, you’ll benefit from better insulation all winter long. After all, who doesn’t want a lower heating bill?

Now you know why to replace your roof in the fall. With such compelling reasons, there’s no time like today to get the job done. Call Chattanooga Roofing at (423) 308-ROOF or schedule your free roof replacement estimate online today.

According to Travelers Insurance, roof damage from wind made up an astonishing 25 percent of all homeowners insurance losses from 2009 to 2015. High winds can damage your roof, especially if it’s older or if your home is often exposed to forceful wind.

Wind can cause a few different kinds of damage to your roof. These include leaks, torn away or broken shingles, and gutter blockage. Asphalt shingle roofing receives the most damage from wind – even though it’s sturdy and rated to hold up under 90 mph gusts. If the wind is sustained, it can wear away at the integrity of shingles and start to damage them at 50 mph. Knowing how to check for roof damage from wind is vital to your home’s long-term health.

What Is Roof Damage from Wind?

Wind is unpredictable. It can damage areas that seem strong while leaving weaker areas alone. That’s because the wind doesn’t hit the entire surface of your roof with the same amount of strength. Corners, edges, and the exposed ridge suffer most frequently from wind damage.

For instance, where shingles hang slightly over the edge of your roof, wind can get under it and curl it up – or even rip it clean off. This is the type of damage that’s easiest to spot visually. Anytime wind removes a shingle, the roof will develop a leak in that spot (and anywhere below it, since water runs downward).

In addition, high winds can “lift” shingles without removing them. Most often, this is caused by suction from the wind passing over the top of the shingles, rather than getting under them. In this case, your roof may look intact from the ground. But all the while, water is seeping underneath the loose, lifted shingles. Lifted shingles lead to broken sealant – and leaks over time.

As another example, debris blown by high winds can tear apart your shingles. Tree limbs are a particularly common culprit here, so make sure you trim away any branches that reach over your roof. If you have trees next to your house, you’re likely to experience this type of roof damage from wind. In fact, high winds don’t cause as much damage as the debris blown by them does. They may look pretty, but those overhanging trees are a hazard.

How Can I Spot Roof Damage from Wind?

Look for these signs of roof damage caused by high wind.

1. Leaky Roof

Leaks in your roof are the easiest way to spot damage. However, a leak is the last thing you want. Don’t wait until your ceiling is dripping to check for damage. After each session of high winds, check for damaged shingles before you have a water problem. And, if a leak does appear, call a trusted roofer right away!

2. Missing, Lifted, or Curled Shingles

You should be able to spot missing and curled shingles from the ground. Look especially at the roof’s stress points: edges, corners, chimney, valleys, and ridgeline. These spots will let water through to the sub roofing – and into your home.

On the other hand, lifted shingles are hard to spot unless you’re on the roof. What may have happened is that the nails have become looser, and the layer of sealant may be broken. You’ll want to have your roof professionally inspected from time to time, especially if your roof has a steep pitch or your home has more than one story.

3. Granules in the Gutter

Extreme wind and pounding rain can strip protective granules from your shingles, washing them into the gutter. After a rainstorm, especially one accompanied by high wind, check the gutter for an excess of granules. If you find more than normal, call a roofer to check the shingles.

4. Damaged Chimney Flashing

This should be a quick check, but you’ll need to be on the roof to do it. Inspect the flashing around the chimney to see if it’s split or missing. Because it’s a vulnerable stress point, your chimney flashing is an especially common location for roof damage from wind.

Like always, a high-quality roof installed by an experienced roofing professional is your best defense against wind damage. Don’t cheap out – you may end up paying more in the long run. Call a licensed and insured roofer with decades of expertise, like Chattanooga Roofing Company. We’d be happy to inspect your roof for wind damage and give you a free estimate!

Knowing what to do if a tree falls on your roof is important. Tree damage to your roof often occurs after events like severe storms or other natural disasters, like earthquakes. In addition, rotten trees can split and break, falling onto your roof. Damage to your roof can vary depending on the event, the size of the tree, and where it fell. You need to know what to do if a tree falls on your roof – and do it in a timely manner.

What to Do if a Tree Falls On Your Roof In 4 Simple Steps

1.    Take Pictures and Document Everything

It is crucial to document and report every bit of damage to your roof or home in the aftermath of a tree falling. This can be useful to provide to your insurance company to cover any costs of the roof or home repairs, as well to your roof repair crew.

If you remember this step and step #2, you’ve got the basics of what to do if a tree falls on your roof.

2.    Contact Insurance Immediately

After you are finished taking pictures, contact your insurance company right away. Your insurance company will know what to do if a tree falls on your roof, and can help guide you through the next steps. Chattanooga Roofing Company can work with most insurance companies to repair your roof during your time of need.

Important: You will need to call a specialized tree removal crew to remove the tree and debris around your home. For your own safety, never try to remove the tree or debris yourself. Do this only after your insurance company has been to your home. Your claim will be put at risk if you start to remove debris before the adjuster has seen the damage.

3.    Contact Your Roofer for Repairs

Your insurance is likely to recommend several roofing companies that can come in and repair your roof after a tree has fallen on it. Repairing your roof is an urgent matter. You need to return to living comfortably in your home. And, quick repairs help avoid problems with the elements or pests potentially getting through damaged areas of your roof.

4.    Be Prepared to Find the Best Contractor

When you are looking for a roofing contractor, always make sure that they are licensed and trusted roofing contractors. Be patient with the process of roof repairs to your home. If a rotten tree split and fell on your home, be aware of any other problems in trees and get them taken care of to avoid more roof damage later.

Don’t let tree damage to your roof wait. In this busy, summer season storms are inevitable. If your home has suffered from roof damage due to fallen trees, depend on Chattanooga Roofing to make the right repairs. Call us today at 423-308-ROOF for help!

The lifespan of a roof ranges between 15 to 30 years. Asphalt roofing is typically the shortest to last, while metal roofing can last up to 50. There are other factors, like roof design and manufacturing, climate, and roof maintenance, that go into the durability of your roof’s lifespan. But even the best of roofs cannot last forever. You’ll need to know when to call for a roof replacement when it has reached the end of its lifespan.

Here are 4 signs your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan

1. Consistent Leaks

Leaks can have several causes, including damage from pests or storms. While these can be easily fixable, leaks can lead to water damage inside your home and weaken the overall roof structure. If a weak and aging roof continues to have problems with leaks, it may be reaching the end of its lifespan.

2. Sunlight

Seeing rays of sunlight through your roof may come as a shock. After all, its supposed to keep the elements out. If light is coming through your roof, there are cracks or exposed parts of your roof that must be addressed. These cracks can come with age, as well as structural damages.

3. Heavy Granule Loss

Granules are the materials that asphalt shingles are constructed out of. These granules are designed to protect the shingles from sunlight. Granules can wear down throughout the years, and the black specks may end up in your gutter or staining your roof. If you’re noticing a significant amount of granule loss on your roof, your roof may need a partial or full replacement.

4. Mold Growth

Mold is never a good sign for your roof. Along with the damage it can bring to your roof, it may seep into your home and cause health problems. When left untreated, mold growth will shorten your roof’s lifespan considerably, or show that the roof’s durability is ending soon.

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Think your roof needs a repair? Do you suspect your roof’s lifespan may be at the end now? Give Chattanooga Roofing a call today at 423-308-ROOF.

Can you spot the signs your commercial roof needs replacement? Professional roofers recommend that you have your roof inspected once or twice a year. You can check on your own roof any time to see if there is anything out of the ordinary. But a more experienced eye may spot problems you don’t see.

Commercial roofs must be inspected regularly to catch problems early. This includes looking for potential signs your commercial roof needs replacement. Let’s look at several of those signs now.

4 Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Replacement

1. Increasing Age

The average commercial roof lifespan falls between 20-25 years. Once the roof approaches this age, potential for structural damage increases. A common aging issue with commercial roofs is blisters – created by buildup of moisture between the shingles. High temperatures can intensify the degree of the roof blisters, which will eventually lead to poor roof ventilation.

2. Questionable Energy Bills

Poor roof ventilation means that your building’s heating or air flow is not being circulated properly. The more your HVAC system must work to heat or cool your space, the higher your energy bills will be. There are instances where your roof could use a repair to combat rising energy bills, but if the roof’s structure is damaged enough, it will take a roof replacement to fix the problem.

3. Roof Rot and Staining

Any rotten areas are obvious signs your commercial roof needs replacement by a professional. A roof can become rotten after any damage to the roof structure. Any gaps created by exterior damage to your roof make way for mold growth or roof staining. A rotted roof will sink or sag, so to avoid any potential dangers you’re always better off calling a certified roofer who can come in and assess the damage.

4. Interior Damage

When left unaddressed, any sort of commercial roof damage or neglect will inevitably lead to interior damage. When outside elements or pests can get through problem spots in the roof, they can lead to more expensive repairs or maintenance. If you’re noticing leaks or water stains in your roof, pests getting inside easily, or even mold growth inside, don’t ignore those signs your commercial roof needs replacement immediately.

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Don’t hesitate. If you spot signs your commercial roof needs replacement, call Chattanooga Roofing today at 423-308-ROOF.