roofing

Now that summer is almost here, you need to check your roof to make sure it is ready to face the upcoming season. This can be an easy time for homeowners to forget their roofs. No leaves accumulating in the gutters, less rain … the roof is under less stress. Right? Wrong. Keep reading to discover exactly how summer affects your roof.

How Summer Affects Your Roof: 3 Major Ways

1. Wear & Tear

Increased exposure to direct sunlight can damage the roof. Especially if it has been getting on in years. Most asphalt roofing systems are built to last. They usually have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, but even those have their limits.

Once the heat is too much to bear, the shingles can curl and dry up, making them brittle and prone to cracking. If your roof has significant damage and is nearing the end of its life, consider having it replaced before the onset of summer season.

2. High Humidity Levels

Humidity is an uncomfortable reality of living in Tennessee, where the rise in temperature during summer will result in extremely humid conditions. During this time, moisture and condensation can settle in between the shingles and the underlayment, resulting in water leaks. Once the moisture collects, it also gives room for mold spores to grow and endanger your family’s health.

3. Thermal Shock

During the summer, the roof reaches extremely high temperatures during the day and quickly cools off once the sun sets. This causes the roofing system to expand and contract. It’s one of the biggest ways how summer affects your roof.

The constant variation in temperature causes tension in the roofing material and leads to thermal shock, which ultimately weakens the structural integrity of the roof and ages the shingles.

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Most of these roofing problems happen over time, meaning your roof won’t crumble to dust after just a couple of days of warm weather. But if your roof is old and damaged, then you need to keep an eye out for these issues and address them promptly before they worsen.

While you can’t keep the sun from shining down on your roof, there are a couple of things you can do to lessen the damage of summer heat. You can have a professional roofing inspection done to spot problems early on and have them fixed.

Now that you know how summer affects your roof, take action! Simply call the Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 888-0258 for roof inspections and general maintenance. We’ll catch problems early and do repairs if needed.

Ever wondered what makes good roofs go bad? Anyone who has a roof has worried about possible problems at least a few times. However, materials are better now than ever before. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used to build roofs all over the country. These shingles are durable and also relatively inexpensive to install.

An asphalt roof is known to last for 15 to 40 years, depending on the quality of materials used. However, if the shingles loosen up prematurely or if the roof gets easily damaged during a storm, these could be due to a number of reasons. Here’s …

What Makes Good Roofs Go Bad

Let’s start with what they’re made of, and then we’ll move on to how they’re built.

1. Low Quality Materials

Some manufacturers use a cheaper grade of asphalt to cut down on costs and offer a low price to contractors. They even make use of powdered stone fillers during the manufacturing process, resulting to loose shingle granules.

Chattanooga Roofing makes use of the highest quality roofing material to ensure that your roof is stable for the long term and is able to withstand extreme weather disturbances. In addition, we have access to roofing materials at wholesale costs that do not compromise on quality.

2. Lack of Ventilation

A poorly ventilated roofing system will not be able to expel moisture, causing the wood under the shingles to suffer.

The lack of ventilation can also lead to thermal shock and cracking. What you can do to increase ventilation is to hire a roofing contractor to install ridge vents or turbine vents on your roof.

3. Improper Installation

We can’t recall the number of times we’ve been called in to fix botched roofing jobs. Make sure to hire somebody who knows what they are doing.

Chattanooga Roofing has been in the industry since 2009. We hire only the best professionals who have the knowledge to get the job done right. We’ve been in this industry long enough to tackle any roofing job, no matter how big or small.

4. Lack of Maintenance

Your roof warranty may give you a false sense of security, but note that it will not completely protect you. Many of these warranties will be voided if your roof is not maintained.

Roof maintenance is important because it helps catch problems in the early stage. On the other hand, if you don’t fix minor problems right away, you may need to replace your roof sooner than expected.

Your roof is an important part of your home. If you want to avoid what makes good roofs go bad most commonly, it’s time to get involved. To make your asphalt roof last, give us a call at (423) 443-4174. Whether your roof needs maintenance or is starting to deteriorate, Chattanooga Roofing can deliver outstanding results.

Roofing comes in a variety of materials. If you are a homeowner building your first home, or simply replacing an old one, choosing which roofing material to use can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. So, what is the most cost effective roofing material? Because there are plenty of options out there, let’s consider a few of them.

If you are looking for inexpensive yet durable roofing systems, here are the roofing types to look into.

What is the Most Cost Effective Roofing Material?

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are very popular these days. That’s for good reason. Asphalt is the cheapest of all roofing materials in the market and will last you between 15 to 30 years. This is the best option for homeowners facing budgetary constraints.

It is also widely available and comes in a variety of colors. Maintenance-wise, you may be required to replace worn-out asphalt shingles that loosen up over the passage of time.

2. Wood Shingles & Shakes

If you are aiming for a more natural look and want an aesthetic appeal to complement the rest of your home, wood shingles are the way to go. Wood is more expensive than asphalt and will typically last for about 20 years.

Wooden shingles and shakes are typically high maintenance. Since wood naturally expands and contracts, they are prone to moss and mold growth. They need to be regularly cleaned and pressure-washed to allow the wood to breathe.

3. Metal Roofing

If you live in a very windy area, then you may need to spring for a metal roof. Metal roofing can withstand heavy rains, strong winds, and extreme storms. Although metal is more expensive than its asphalt counterpart, it is more durable and will perform better during inclement weather. Metal roofing will last you for about 30 to 50 years.

Since metal roofing is extremely durable, it requires little to no maintenance. It may even last you a lifetime, which means you’ll never have to go through another roofing project again.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

So, now you may know what is the most cost effective roofing material. Once you have determined the type of roofing material your home needs, the next step is choosing the right roofing company to work with. Hire a company that has your best interest at heart and is not out to make a quick buck.

Chattanooga Roofing Company provides you with the best roofing options according to your budget. As an experienced roofer with a customer-focused mindset, we take note of your requirements, budget, and timeframe and strive to meet them. Call us today at (423) 888-0258 or fill out the contact form for immediate assistance!

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.

You don’t want to find pests anywhere inside your home – especially your roof. If your roof has any weak spots, animals will often find a way to burrow inside and hibernate during the colder months. In fact, winter is when most pest damage happens. As temperatures rise and rain falls, unfixed damage can wreak havoc on the walls and roof of your home. So, what should you do if pests damage your roof?

First, let’s look at which pests cause the most roof damage. After all, knowing your enemy is half the battle.

Which Pests Damage Your Roof?

Here in the south, we see lots of problems with pests like squirrels, mice, rats, beetles, termites, ants, and even bees. Each of them can cause different types of damage to your home.

1. Termites

Termites are especially known for invasions around areas where there is mold or rotted wood. Termites will build colonies in and weaken wooden roof structures, leading to loosened roof tiles or shingles.

2. Birds and Bats

Birds and bats will build nests inside your home and can leave unpleasant droppings. They can both get in through rotten fascia boards. You can prevent further incursions by replacing those boards.

3. Hornets and Wasps

Hornet and wasp nests can attract other insects that cause damage to your roof when left alone. Wasp nests also attract termites, leading to extensive wood damage.

4. Squirrels

Squirrels cause issues with electrical materials when they gnaw and chew on wires, pipes, structural supports, or shingles in order to get into your attic. They usually leave behind urine stains and unpleasant odors.

5. Mice and Rats

Like squirrels, mice and rats commonly chew and gnaw on roofing and structural materials. Their presence can expose your family to disease or disgusting droppings and odors.

What Can I Do About Pest Damage?

Get an exterminator – and then call a professional roofer like Chattanooga Roofing Company to fix the damage! When pests damage your roof, we’ll handle all roof and fascia repairs efficiently and effectively. We can repair any damage done and prevent further infestations, so next winter your home will be safe from pests and vermin.

Springtime is just around the corner. It’s time to put away the winter coats and enjoy the sunshine and much-needed rain. As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. But what if spring storms damage your home? Harsh weather like tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and hail storms can cause thousands of dollars of damage to homes during the spring. This damage can be simple, small scratches and dents. But in the worst case, you may even need to repair or replace your roof.

What if Spring Storms Damage Your Home?

You need to know what to do if your roof is damaged following a bad storm, and what steps to take to ensure your home is protected. Here’s what to do if spring storms damage your home.

1. Identify Damage

Your roof is the first place to check after a storm. It’s important to identify the signs of storm damage. These can include:

• Standing water on the roof
• Bent or crooked gutters
• Lifted or curled shingles
• Dents or pockmarks in shingles
• Water stains on walls and ceilings
• Leaks in the attic

Next, you’ll need to examine your windows and siding for damage. Look out for:

• Cracked or chipped glass
• Leaks through window frames
• Holes in vinyl siding
• Mold in wooden siding from water damage

2. Document Damage

When assessing your home for storm damage, don’t forget to document and photograph everything. You also need to check around the home for debris or trees that may have fallen on your roof. This will help with insurance claims and let you know what to expect when your trusted roofer inspects your home. Never climb up on the roof yourself. This can be extremely dangerous, as a roof’s structure can be weak if damaged.

3. Call Your Roofer

Call Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 308-ROOF if you suspect your home has spring storm damage. We can inspect your roof, give you a repair estimate if needed, and work with your insurance company to cover the costs of storm damage. We have an experienced, licensed, insured, and hard-working team to make your home safe again after a bad storm.