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7 Essential Rules for Roof Maintenance: A Homeowner's Guide

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:26:24 GMT

7 Essential Rules for Roof Maintenance: A Homeowner's Guide

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home - make sure you're following

these essential rules to keep it in top condition!

A roof is one of the most important elements of any property, protecting you from the

elements and keeping your home in good condition.

It goes without saying that taking care of your roof and performing regular inspections is

important.

But how do you do it?

In this quickfire guide, we're covering the seven essential rules of roof maintenance.

Following these tips can keep your roof in good shape and avoid costly repairs.

#1 - Inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage

The most important rule to remember is to check your roof regularly. After all, if you're not

looking, you'll miss any minor problems that appear. Minor problems that can become bigger

and more expensive to repair as time passes.

How often you check, however, depends on how old your roof is. Older roofs are usually built

using older methods and materials and, simply due to their age, will be more likely to

experience damage.

If your roof is over 20 years old, then casually check it every six months, but thoroughly check

it once a year. All other roofs should also be inspected annually.

#2 - Be on the lookout for missing or damaged shingles

When carrying out your roof checks, the first point of call is to look for missing shingles,

cracked tiles, or other signs of wear and tear. If you notice any problems, contact a roofing

professional to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.

If a shingle is missing or damaged, it can lead to water damage and leaks, so it's worth

getting them replaced as soon as possible.

#3 - Keep your gutters clean and free of debris

Your roof's gutters are integral for keeping water away from your home's foundation, so it's

important to keep them clean. If you don't, you risk debris building up and clogging the pipes.

This causes the water in the gutters to stand and eventually overflow. The leaves can end up

rotting (damaging your roof and gutters), and the water can cause structural damage in

surprisingly small quantities.

Simply add cleaning your gutters to your maintenance routine to ensure that they function

correctly.

#4 - Trim any nearby trees or branches

While it's nice to live side by side with nature, you should always keep an eye out for any

potential problems. When trees overhang roofs, the falling leaves can quickly clog your

gutters (see above), turning to rot and decay if left.

This can end up rotting or warping any structural wood in your roof, which can end up being

incredibly costly to repair.

You also risk the tree breaking in a storm and the branches or trunk falling onto your property.

This can be very dangerous and cause a lot of damage in most circumstances.

#5 - Get a professional inspection annually

While you can check over your roof yourself, it's always best to get a professional roofing

service to look over your roof. Since roofers are experienced, they know what they're looking

for, and you can take advantage of their knowledge and expertise.

They'll be able to tell you what damage you're facing, how to repair it for the best costs, and

how to prevent issues from reappearing in the future. They can also help catch issues before

they become major repairs that require costly materials and labor.

While hiring a roofing professional can be an investment, it will undoubtedly help you save

money down the line. A yearly check-up is usually all it takes.

#6 - Keep your attic well-ventilated

Moving into the inside of your home now, proper ventilation is essential for keeping moisture

away from your roof, which can lead to mold growth and other damage over time.

This means it's important to ensure your attic is well-ventilated to help keep your roof in good

condition.

#7 - Repair any issues as soon as possible

If you notice any problems with your roof, don't wait to address them. Contact a professional

right away and get the repairs done quickly. The longer you leave a problem or any structural

damage, the higher the risk is that the problem will become bigger and more costly to fix.

When you consider your roof is above your home, protecting all floors underneath, it makes

sense that you don't want any holes appearing or water getting inside.

By following these seven essential rules for roof maintenance, you can keep your roof in good

shape and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Ready for your own professional check-up? Contact us today and let us take care of all your

assessment and repair work, guaranteeing you're looking after your home in the best possible

way!

What Are Seamless Gutters and Why Do I Need Them?

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:19:45 GMT

What Are Seamless Gutters and Why Do I Need Them?

Seamless Gutters are a gutter system that custom cuts sections fit to your project. Our team of

highly trained, in-house gutter techs custom-cut each piece of gutter to perfectly fit your home or

project. Seamless Gutters are typically offered in two different sizes. We offer Seamless Gutters

in 5” and 6”. Usually, the section gutters (Not Seamless) come in four-foot sections and are

typically used in DIY projects for gutters. That being said, 90% of the DIY gutter installs we've

seen over the years have cost the homeowner more money than it was worth. Each section of

the gutter has a seam that needs to be sealed up properly. So, if you have a home that has 200

feet of gutter, that means without counting the corners and end caps, you have over 50 sections

of gutter that needs to be sealed. If not sealed up properly this will lead to fascia board rot.

Our Custom cut seamless gutters are an aluminum-based material. We do not recommend the

DIY gutter section you can get on the cheap side for multiple reasons:

1. The DIY gutter is made of plastic material and on average is 2 inches smaller than the

smallest-sized gutter we offer. That being said you can not properly install the gutter

under the drip edge which leads to fascia board rot.

2. The longevity of the material. Our seamless gutters will last 20+ years in the natural

elements outside whereas plastic, no thicker than your average white plastic lawn chair,

will eventually get brittle and break.

Even though DIY Gutters might seem like the cheaper option in the beginning, they will

cost you more in the long run. We always say the most expensive job is the job you have to do

twice.

Why do you need Seamless Gutter you might ask?

Seamless gutters are an important aspect of your roofing system. Not only do they catch water

and distribute it away from your foundation, but it also adds good value to your home. One of

the major reasons why homeowners choose to install seamless gutters on their homes or

projects is to prevent water runoff from wearing down the foundation. Over time water will start

creating a trench around your foundation and can eventually weather away your home's

foundation support. This isn't something that happens overnight, but as the years go by you will

start to see these damages.

Another important reason why homeowners chose seamless gutters is to prevent having

to walk through a waterfall while entering or exiting their homes. With seamless gutters being

properly installed on your home, it will help catch the water and direct it to a downspout

preventing the water from getting you soaking wet.

While rainfall is your flower garden's best friend, it can also be its worst nightmare. One

of the most common reasons we install seamless gutters on a customer's home is to help stop

the washout of mulch in flower gardens. Seamless gutters will prevent this by capturing the

water and directing it away from the flower garden and foundation

Water also tends to pool up in low sections of your property. By having Seamless gutters

installed, you guessed it, we can direct the water away from these low spots and help prevent

the pooling of water. If further action is needed on a severe project we offer great

recommendations for a french drain system that ties into the gutter system and directs the water

even further away!

5” Seamless Gutters

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:15:22 GMT

5” Seamless Gutters

5” Seamless Gutters are going to be the most commonly used gutter for the average-sized

American home. That being said, there are multiple factors when selecting the right size gutter

for your home:

1. Pitch of the Roof

The pitch of your roof will be one of the most important determining factors for selecting the

correct size gutter for your home. We at Southern Star Roofing and Seamless Gutters

recommend a 5” seamless gutter to be installed if you have a pitch of 7/12 or less. There are

other determining factors that play into this but this is a good baseline to go off of.

2. Length of Gutter to Downspout Ratio

For a 5” Seamless gutter, we recommend on average a downspout for every 30 feet of gutter.

This way the downspouts don't get overwhelmed with water and start to overflow. Other factors l

such as how many turns/miters there are would shorten the distance, which also needs to be

considered.

3. Downspout Locations

We know that downspouts can be an eyesore on your home. That’s why when our team of

trained professionals installs downspouts, we always install them on the side of the home or

where they are the least visible. Based on the footage of the gutter we are able to strategically

place downspouts, not only where they are the most functional but also where they are the most

cosmetically pleasing. 5” Seamless Gutters depending on other factors such as how many

turns, the pitch of the roof, and how many inside valleys are pouring into the gutter on average

are going to have more downspouts than 6” Seamless Gutter. The smaller gutters can not

distribute larger amounts of water at greater distances.

The 5” Seamless Gutters are going to be 1” smaller in height and width compared to the 6”

Seamless Gutters. They all have the same metal thickness and are backed with the same

warranty for all of our installs. All of our 5” and 6” seamless gutter installs come with 3x4

downspouts for optimal water output. 5” Seamless Gutters are going to be the most common

gutter on your average-sized home. That being said, our experienced estimators will be able to

tell you what sized gutter would be the best functional fit for your home.

Are your Gutters Leaking?

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:12:43 GMT

Are your Gutters Leaking?

It's not uncommon for old gutters to start leaking, but what do you do if they start to leak?

Call Us!

All Jokes aside, not only do we offer new installs but we also offer proper gutter maintenance

services. A leaky gutter, although minor, can lead to expensive repairs. A leaking miter can rot

out the fascia board and cause expensive repairs. Overflowing gutters can cause the gutter to

buckle and become unusable. Although we recommend calling us to come determine if the

leaking gutter is a sealant issue or an overflowing issue, there are steps that you as the

homeowner can do to assess the reasoning behind it:

1. Leaking Miter

If the gutter is leaking at a miter this could mean it's a simple fix. Cleaning the surface over the

sealant is the first step in determining if the seal is leaking or not. If you have determined that is

where it is leaking, simply take a razor blade and cut out the old sealant, and then reseal the

inside of the gutter system with the proper sealant.

2. Leaking End Cap

There are a couple of reasons why an end cap could be leaking. The most common is that the

gutter isn't flowing in the right direction causing water to overflow at the end cap. Re-directing

the flow of the gutter would be required to fix this issue. If the end cap is leaking out of the side

most likely the seal job wasn't done correctly or a cheap sealant was used. Refer to the miter

section for ways to fix a bad seal

3. Water Overflowing the Gutter system

Water overflowing the gutter system can be a variety of issues.

- Improper sized gutter

- Gutters not properly flowing in the correct direction

- Improper leaf guard installed

- Gutters are clogged

- Gutters not installed correctly

- Splash Guards/ Valley guards not installed

- No T-wedges are installed if a 1X2 facia board is present.

These are just a few reasons why your gutters are not working properly. If this is the case

please contact the previous installer or contact a professional for assistance.

How Roofing Contractors Can Help Prevent Future Damage

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:09:38 GMT

How Roofing Contractors Can Help Prevent Future Damage

Having repairs done to your home after a severe storm can be super

stressful if you don't know how the process works. It can all be

overwhelming when dealing with insurance claims, damage control, and

policies. Recruiting a contractor that makes sure to take care of any

prevention for further property damage is a huge thing to consider.

There are usually 5 precautions that reputable roofing contractors will take

to avoid more property damage

1. Special Protective Equipment

With there being many types of equipment contractors can use to

protect your property, Southern Star Roofing, and Seamless Gutters

use tarps to protect the surroundings of your home like your windows,

vegetation, and garage doors. This keeps roofing debris from causing

damage during the roofing installation.

2. Durable Shingle Options

There are two main types of shingles: oxidized asphalt and

polymer-modified shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common type that is used in the

process. We recommend your contractor use architectural (aka:

dimensional or laminated) shingles over the 3-tab shingles due to

their overlapping formation on the roof making them more resistant to

wind and hail damage and they also have a better manufacturer

warranty. The wind rating on the architectural shingles can stand up

to 110 to 130 mph (depending on thickness and weather) and they

usually have a 30-50- year lifespan. The older 3- tab shingles usually

only have a 20-25 year lifespan with a wind rating of maybe 60 mph.

The price difference between the two is small so you might as well go

for the one that is better quality.

Polymer-modified shingles look nearly identical to asphalt shingles

except for them being of much higher material quality. The inside is

made of rubber material that is more flexible and impact-resistant to

protect against hail, falling debris, etc. With this being a higher quality

shingle your insurance policy probably won't want to cover the entire

cost, but we still recommend installing it because:

1. Not having a higher-impact shingle puts you at a larger risk for

storm damage which makes it more likely for you to have to

make an insurance claim typically requiring you to pay your

deductible anyway.

2. Most insurance companies will offer you a discount for choosing

this shingle (usually up to 20% off). Make sure to confirm the

discount with your insurance agent before you choose these

shingles.

Choosing to install a higher-quality shingle, allows your contractor to

better help protect your home from future damages.

3. Offer warranties on new installs

There are a few types of warranties that we recommend you become

familiar with so that you are informed of all your options!

- Manufacturer/ Material Warranties

Make sure your contractor goes over this with you and have them explain

the materials he plans on using. Each manufacturer has their own

guidelines about what falls under their warranties and for how long. Also,

what would VOID their warranty? Your contractor is responsible for

following all instructions from the manufacturer to ensure that the warranty

isn't violated so it can remain valid after installation.

Get familiar with the warranty so you are aware of what the requirements

are. Also, get confirmation from your contractor that they have been

certified for the shingle type as it allows for upgraded warranties. These

types will be more likely to follow the manufacturer's installation

requirements.

- Workmanship Warranty

This is for the quality of the contractor’s workmanship. This is usually a

timed warranty that a contracting company will put in place to guarantee

free repairs for a certain amount of time on their work. We offer a 3-year

warranty on our gutter installs and a 10-year warranty for our roofs. This

allows time for you to notice any problems that could happen over time

from natural causes that you may not have seen in the beginning.

4. Annual roof inspections

We offer free annual roofing inspections! Even if you can't see any damage

or think that there isn't any, it’s a good idea to get it professionally checked

out just to be safe. You do not want to wait until you SEE the damage

because then it might be too late and now you're facing more extensive and

expensive repairs. Being proactive and scheduling yearly roof maintenance

will always be the better and cheaper option.

5. Having reputable experience

We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable and having experience in this

industry. It’s always a good sign when you can trust that your contractors

know what they're doing, what to look for, and aren't trying to cheat or scam

you to make the biggest dollar.

It is vital to have a contractor that is willing to help you with the insurance

claim process and one that will be on your team and advocate for you

instead of taking the lowest estimate insurance provides. You should be

confident that your contractor has experience in working with the insurance

providers in the roofing jobs that deal with storm damage.

Also, a good thing to note is the quality of your contractor’s reputation

within the community. Making sure they are reputable and stable so that if

you need to use their warranty, you are confident that they will come

through.

Is Leafguard Worth it?

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:15:08 GMT

Is Leafguard Worth it?

One of the most common questions we get all the time is “Is Leafguard worth it?” The quick

answer is YES!

That being said, we are firm believers in not trying to sell a customer on the most

expensive gutter package we offer. At the end of the day, we are here to help you solve a

problem, not sell you a service you may not need.

On average, if you were to purchase and install leafguard on your home it will pay for itself at

the same price as paying someone to clean your gutters two times. Leafguard can last 20+

years so the simple answer is yes it is worth it.

If you're anything like me, I have a DIY mentality, and I can clean out my gutters to save a dollar.

But let's be honest, the last thing on our mind is doing a monthly check up on seeing if our

gutters are filled with leaves. Plus the amount of time it takes for you to constantly make sure

your gutters are cleaned over the 20+ years will cost you more than if you were to have a

professional do it. So, we often recommend going the extra step to add our leafguard!

We offer two types of leafguard

1. Standard leafguard:

This type specializes in keeping the larger debris out of the gutter

system, such as leaves, branches, and the neighborhood kids' tennis balls. It is screwed

into the gutter system so it won't blow away or come detached over the years. It is also

an aluminum-based material so you don't have to worry about rusting.

2. Leaf Blaster Pro:

This stainless steel leafguard is the holy grail of leafguards. It comes

with a 40-year manufacturer warranty but it unfortunately also comes with a larger price

tag. We register it through our company, as we are professional installers, for our

personal company records for the warranty. It is also registered through the

manufacturer’s (Leaf Blaster Pro) database system so they also have a record of the

warranty. This leafguard not only specializes in keeping the more oversized items out of

the gutter system but also the small things such as the roof grit. Over time if you have an

abundance of roof grit it can cause your gutters to clog up and add additional weight to

the gutter system. This will eventually buckle the gutter or cause it to rip off the facia

board if left neglected.

Don't Let Your Roof Deductible Bring You Down - Here's How to Get the Help You Need

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:08:56 GMT

Don't Let Your Roof Deductible Bring You Down - Here's How to Get the Help You Need

Worried about your roof deductible? Relax! We have tips on how you can get help and

ensure you can afford the bill.

When it comes to unexpected roof repairs, the worst part can be coming up with the money

you need to get them done.

It's common for homeowners insurance policies to have high deductibles ranging anywhere

from $500-$1,500 or more.

And even though your insurance may cover the costs of the repairs, meeting this deductible is

not always an option.

But options are available to you if you find yourself in this situation. Here are some finance

options you can consider when the roof deductible is too high for your budget:

#1 - Talk to Your Contractor

Many contractors offer payment plans allowing homeowners to spread out the cost of repairs

over an extended period. By spreading out your costs over time, you can save money in the

here and now, giving you more money to pay your initial deductible.

This can make the whole process more manageable financially, less stressful, and ensure the

essential repairs are done without breaking the bank. However, you'll need to talk to the

contractor you're working with to see their available options.

However, you must remember that it's illegal for your contractor or roofing company to pay

your deductible for you. Any company that offers this as a service is not operating within the

confines of the law and are probably best avoided.

#2 - Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit (HELOC)

If you have enough equity in your home, you may be able to tap into it with a HELOC to cover

the costs of roof repairs. A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that you can use to borrow

money as needed, making it perfect for homeowners who may need to make multiple repairs

over time.

These loans use the value of your home as equity, so you can afford to take out large sums of

credit. However, unlike traditional loans and more like credit cards, once you pay some of the

outstanding money off, the credit replenishes so you can use it again.

Generally, you can borrow up to 85% of the value of your property, which will be more than

enough to pay a roof deductible.

#3 - Take Out a Personal Loan

If you want to take the more traditional route, you can take out a personal loan from your bank

or other financial institution and use the funds to pay for roof repairs.

This is usually a good option if you know the exact amount you need to borrow and don't want

to have a revolving line of credit. However, you will have to pay interest on the money you take

out, so it may be more costly if you wait a long time to pay the money back.

#4 - FHA Title I Loan

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a loan program specifically for home

improvements like roof repairs that the federal government funds. With an FHA Title I loan,

homeowners can borrow up to $25,000 for repairs without putting any money down.

These loans are typically reserved for homeowners in low-to-moderate income ranges and

are suitable if you don't qualify for a HELOC loan. These loans are typically fixed rates and will

be paid back in monthly installments.

Summary

It's important to note that you should never let the contractor doing the work pay your

deductible for you. Your insurance may approve the repairs but not be able to reimburse you if

the contractor pays the deductible upfront. So make sure you always pay it yourself or use

one of these financing options if needed.

When it comes to your roof repairs, don't let the deductible stand in your way - plenty of

financing options are available to help you get the assistance you need.

With a little research, you can find the best option for your situation and finally get those

repairs taken care of.

Ready to get your roof repaired?

Reach out to our friendly team today for our affordable service, our decades of expertise, and

a no-obligation quote!

Preventing algae from forming

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:02:34 GMT

Preventing algae from forming

What is algae/ lichen?

Scientifically algae is a broad term for a vastly diverse group of

photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Or in layman's terms, it's a plant that

thrives in humid and warm environments. It's a furry-looking, blueish-green

patch that you may see on your roof or on your neighbor’s.

When algae and specific fungi are together, they morph into an organism

called lichen. These leafy, branchlike, crusty structures are destructive and

harder to remove than the algae itself so it's easier to treat and remove the

algae before it gets to that point.

Algae-resistant shingles

You can help avoid and prevent algae and lichen by selecting certain

shingles with algae resistance during your new roofing process. There are

usually 3 classes of resistance that can withstand the discoloration of the

algae growth over the years. The higher the rating the more durable the

shingles will be against the algae.

- Class I: Highest rating

- Shingles are extremely resistant to algae

- Class II: Second-highest rating

- Shingles are fairly resistant to algae

- Class III: Lowest rating

- Shingles are somewhat resistant to algae

The shingles are identical to regular ones but they're composed of copper

granules that aid in stopping algae growth much better than the regular

shingles. The manufacturer will signify what the lifespan of the algae

resistance is. Annual roof inspections

It's much easier to help prevent algae and lichen than to try and remove

them! Here at Southern Star Roofing and Seamless Gutters, we offer FREE

annual inspections on roofs we have repaired or replaced! Having an

annual roof check-up also allows us to inspect your roof for other problems

or potential issues!

The Don'ts of algae/ lichen removal

If you notice this organism growing on your roof here are a few things you

DON’T want to do:

- Power washing

- Do not power wash your roof!! It may help remove some algae

but in the process, the high pressure is tearing off the protective

granules on your shingles! These particles give weight and

strength to the shingles and help reduce heat absorption by

bouncing the sunlight off of them and in turn, reduce your

energy bill.

- Your roof was not designed to withstand that type of pressure

and could possibly rip the shingles off or cause damage to them

and create leaks.

- Power Washing can actually also have the opposite effect and

spread the algae across your roof instead of getting rid of it!

- Don't wait

- If you notice the algae growth, contact your local roofing

contracture to make sure no moisture is getting trapped under

the shingles and causing potential leaks! Don't wait!

- When lichen forms after years of algae growth, you also risk

other things growing with it like mold or moss causing damage

that WILL need replacement or a whole new roof.

Protect your roof with proper preventative and regular maintenance and it

will continue to protect you.

SCHEDULE AN ANNUAL ROOF INSPECTION

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:57:59 GMT

SCHEDULE AN ANNUAL ROOF INSPECTION

Homeowners usually don't consider an annual roof inspection but it is actually

critical to add to your house maintenance to-do list! It can help you get an idea of

the health of your roof and inform you of possible financial decisions you may

have to make regarding your home. If you haven't had a chance to get it done,

now is a great time to schedule one to kickstart the new year!

Why are they important?

The roof is the protection system of your entire home. If damage is caused to it

and it is left untreated, it can cause additional damage even to the inside of your

home (walls, floors, ceiling, etc). Without the annual inspection, you may never

know that you have damage and then the problem could get bigger as time goes

on.

Southern Star Roofing and Seamless Gutters recommends that you routinely

schedule an annual inspection even if you don't think there is damage. Our

skilled experts are very detailed and notice smaller issues before they can turn
into larger ones. Addressing these issues sooner rather than later, will help not

break your wallet when the issues become more costly and larger down the road.

When should you schedule your annual inspection?

Usually, we recommend scheduling your inspection during the fall due to the

majority of roof damage happening during the winter season with harsher

weather conditions like rain, winds, hail, and snow.

Though, it's never too late to schedule an inspection! It’s always better to

schedule as soon as possible to avoid serious damage in the future. This is

something you don't want to take a chance on, especially because your home is

such a large investment. It only takes one nasty storm to leave your home

exposed to the elements and cause further havoc.

What to look out for during an inspection

We always recommend that you are somewhat familiar with your roof so that you

can catch potential problems and keep an eye out for them. However, it's always

a good idea to bring on a roofing expert at least once a year. They are highly

skilled and knowledgeable in this field to notice small details that can trigger

bigger problems elsewhere or see signs of future damage. For example, you may

not think that cracked shingles are a large problem but they can actually diminish

your roof integrity which could be a catastrophe during a big storm. These things

are what the experts are trained to look for on your roof.

Debris

Debris like garbage, dirt, leaves and dead bugs in your downspouts and gutters

create the perfect environment for all sorts of creatures to nest on your roof. It's

always a good idea to clean out your gutters and keep them clear of gunk and

debris to prevent these critters from becoming unwanted guests!

Physical damage

Remember our cracked shingles example? That is physical damage. Also, nails

that are popping out, and missing shingles or peeling shingles are all physical

damage examples that would need repairing before you get hit with any more

nasty weather.

Drainage issues

Your roofing inspector will also be checking for clogged gutter systems which can

lead to drainage issues. For example, if you get a large winter storm and water is

blocked from draining, it can freeze in your gutters and cause them to rip away

from your roof! Improper water flow and drainage can also make its way INTO

your home and cause damage as well as to the exterior such as foundation

issues! Talk about a stressful, extensive, and EXPENSIVE fix!!

Structural issues

As time goes on, issues like stagnant water on your roof can cause warping or

buckling if they are left alone. This is why it's important to keep your routine

checkups on your roof. We are skilled to spot the potential pooling areas before

they become extreme issues.

Trees and branches

As we know, you can't control the weather or wind so that's why it's always a

great idea to keep the trees and branches around your home pruned away from

your roof to avoid any that could break and fall through it. What an unpleasant

surprise that would be! Take time to groom your landscaping ever so often as

your trees and things grow throughout the year and remove possible problems

before it's too late. When temperatures get below freezing it's common for the

additional weight of frozen water on branches to cause tree limbs to snap and fall

off.

Sloped roofs

Roofers would check for:

- Missing tabs

- Granular loss

- Corrosion of metal elements

- Fading (not crucial but its an aging sign)

Flat roofs

- Coating not intact

- Punctures or holes

- Stagnant water

- Cracks or warping (“alligatoring” when the sun dries out roofing creating

alligator-type skin)

- Blisters (when water vapor gets trapped under the coating and bubbles up)

- Metal corrosion

Additional roof features to inspect

- Leaking skylights

- Chimneys

- Flashing (waterproof material that's on joints and edges)

- Fascia Boards (boards that hang under the roof's edge)

- Soffit (siding that protects rafters from being exposed to the elements)

You shouldn't wait!

The last thing you want is to have a big storm or severe weather and find out the

hard way your roof is damaged. Having your annual roof inspection done asap

takes the stress off of you and your family when nasty weather does come. You

can relax and trust that your roof has been inspected and is structurally sound.

Schedule your annual roof inspection with us!

Southern Star Roofing and Seamless Gutters have a team of highly trained

professionals who you can trust to give you an honest assessment of your roof

and provide you with affordable options for repair or replacement!

Call us today to schedule an appointment!

979-721-9983

The importance of prepping your roof for winter weather

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:41:00 GMT

The importance of prepping your roof for winter weather

It is common for homeowners to neglect their roofs until a problem occurs, but if

you prepare your roof before stormy/winter weather arrives, you may be able to

avoid major repairs. Although prepping your roof can seem like a minor

inconvenience, it is worth it to get ahead of the weather and make sure your roof

is in good condition so you don't have to deal with any headaches (or a lot of

money) later on.

Why It’s Important to Prep Your Roof

The roof is one of the most important factors when it comes to comfort in the

house most of the time. Even a small leak can cause problems, but what about

significant storm damage? Your home may be out of service for a while as a

result.

Winter is one of the most dangerous seasons for homes. Especially if you live in

an area where winter is usually harsh! You might end up filing a home insurance

claim if your roof isn't ready to handle the assault of snow, rain, hail, and wind.

The great news is that you can take small steps to secure the durability of your

roof BEFORE problematic weather happens. This will save you stress and your

wallet in the future.

When should I prep my roof for winter?

The best time to winterize your roof would be just before the temperatures start

to get colder. Even if you forget, it's better late than never to get it inspected and

prepared! It only takes one storm for your roof to experience severe damage! If

you haven't had it inspected in a while, this is your cue to do so!

How to winterize your roof

The bare minimum is just to get it inspected so you can assess and fix any

possible problems before they REALLY become problems!

Have an expert inspect your roof!

Being familiar with your own roof is great! We encourage it, actually, so that you

are aware of potential problems. However, we do recommend that you also have

an expert team like ours at Southern Star Roofing and Seamless Gutters, who

are highly skilled and trained, to look out for things that you might not have even

thought to be a potential risk! We knit pick those fine details to insure that you

feel satisfied with our inspection and to give you peace of mind that your home

can get the proper diagnosis and repairs it needs.

A few things we look for during a roof inspection:

- Shingles that are broken, missing, or damaged

- Leaks or stagnant water/ pooling areas

- Injured or inadequately installed flashing around the chimney

- Damaged or obstructed gutters and downspouts

- Holes or nesting materials from critters

Trim your landscaping and trees

Trimming landscaping and trees near your house and especially above your roof

can save your roof big time! Strong wind gusts can easily break off branches of

trees and send them flying onto and possibly THROUGH your roof! I bet you can

imagine what a headache that could be! Overhanging tree limbs can also clutter

your gutters and downspouts creating drainage issues and ice to solidify in your

gutter system. This can cause your gutters to start to rip away from your roof due

to the weight of the ice and leaves.

Have your gutters cleaned!

Oh, the joys of being a kid! This sounds like a perfect opportunity for those

youngins who are eager to make some extra spending money! Little do they

know the actual importance of doing this boring task!

Ensuring that your gutter system is clean and clutter-free is actually so vital to

protecting the function of your roof. Debris like leaves, dirt, and other gunk can

build up and start to decay causing structural damage to your roof. As well as our

ice-in-gutters example from above!

Adding extra structural support to the roof

Living in the northern areas where there is severe winter weather and heavy

snow, it is important to ensure that your roof can withstand its weight of it. We

would recommend that you prepare your roof for more than your average

snowfall. Weather does what it wants and there's no guarantee that each time

will be like the last. It's better to be safe than sorry! Roofs typically have areas

that are more load-bearing than others and to avoid damage, it's a good idea to

reinforce those areas.

Extra support ideas:

- Adding roof insulation

- Installing snow guard

- Add extra support to roof trusses

- Choosing to add ice and water shield underlayment on your roof

If you think adding roof support is something you'd like to do, contact your local

roofing expert, who can help guide you through your options and point out areas

where they recommend reinforcement.

Prep your roof sprinkler system (If applicable)

If your roof has a sprinkler system on it, it's important to add that to your roof

winterization checklist. Start by draining the pipes and removing the sprinkler

heads, then repair/replace any broken pipes, and lastly cover and insulate the

valve box.

Pay attention to your chimney

Flashing around your chimney provides a waterproof layer protecting your roof

from damage. Before winter hits, ensure that you have inspected the chimney

areas and its flashing and make notes of any damaged areas that need repair.

Ignoring these smaller problems can cause them to grow into bigger problems

down the road and can create more damage, especially during a snow or rainy

season.

Be familiar with your insurance policy

Getting to know your homeowner's insurance policy is highly recommended and

can inform you of your coverage. This relieves some stress if you have

experienced any damages and have to make a claim. Talk with your insurance

agent so you are familiar with your policy and what the claims process entails.

This will help make the process run more smoothly when you have a stressful

incident.

Maintaining your roof could save you an insurance claim!

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:29:56 GMT

Maintaining your roof could save you an insurance claim!

When you just redid your roof, I bet you won't want to have to go through

that again if you have a choice right? Well, even though you have no

control over what the weather does, there is hope in doing a few things that

could help prevent the roof from needing future repair or (dare I say)

replacement.

Selecting Durable materials

When choosing materials for the new roofing process you have the power

to select options that are more durable, high quality, and will have the

longest warranty! Make sure you look for a shingle manufacturer that is

quality but also within your price range. Some shingle manufacturers offer

warranties that last 30 or 40 years and others for a smaller amount of time.

Not all manufacturers will cover all damages so do your research before

making a choice!

Types of Shingles

There are two main types of shingles: oxidized asphalt and

polymer-modified shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common type that is used in the process. We

recommend your contractor use architectural (aka: dimensional or

laminated) shingles over the 3-tab shingles due to their overlapping

formation on the roof making them more resistant to wind and hail damage

and they also have a better manufacturer warranty. The wind rating on the

architectural shingles can stand up to 110 to 130 mph (depending on

thickness and weather) and they usually have a 30-50-year lifespan. The

older 3-tab shingles usually only have a 20-25 year lifespan with a wind

rating of maybe 60 mph. The price difference between the two is small so

you might as well go for the one that is better quality.

Polymer-modified shingles look nearly identical to asphalt shingles except

for them being of much higher material quality. The inside is made of

rubber material that is more flexible and impact-resistant to protect against

hail, falling debris, etc. With this being a higher quality shingle your

insurance policy probably won't want to cover the entire cost, but we still

recommend installing it because:

1. Not having a higher-impact shingle puts you at a larger risk for storm

damage which makes it more likely for you to have to make an

insurance claim typically requiring you to pay your deductible anyway.

2. Most insurance companies will offer you a discount for choosing this

shingle (usually up to 20% off). Make sure to confirm the discount

with your insurance agent before you choose these shingles.

Keep Gutters Clean

Keeping your gutters clean and debris free is important to keep your roof in

good health. Scheduling to clean your gutters at least twice a year can help

you maintain a properly functioning roofing system. You can do this task

yourself with a ladder and the right tools or you can hire a contractor like

our team at Southern Star Roofing and Seamless Gutters to do it for you!

If your gutters are left clogged and unkempt it will lead to restricted water

flow and cause damage to the structure of your roof. Especially if the water

freezes which will weigh down the gutters causing them to rip away from

the roof. Standing water due to a blockage will also start to decay and smell

bad.

Keeping your Tree Limbs and Landscaping Groomed

Add your landscaping to the maintenance list! By keeping the trees around

your roof and home trimmed, you lower the risk of one breaking off and

falling onto or THROUGH your roof in a storm. And I know no one wants to

have to pay for repairs if they knew they could just eliminate the risk by

trimming their trees! Happy trimming

Schedule an Annual Roof Inspection

Several roofing companies, including Southern Star roofing and Seamless

Gutters, guarantee free annual inspections after repairing or replacing your

roof. Even if you don't think there is any damage or problems, it's always a

good idea to schedule preventive maintenance just in case! Some

problems are easily hidden and will sneak up on you when you least expect

them. You don't want to wait on this one unless you enjoy costly repairs!

Preventative maintenance allows for quicker and smaller repairs on

potential problems before they decide to grow into expensive issues.

Trustworthy Texan Roof Maintenance

If you have any questions on maintenance or repair work, call us today to

schedule a time for our team to give you an estimate and assess the

possibilities for your home. You can trust our highly skilled professionals to

give you an honest assessment and their professional opinion on what your

home needs.

How Much Do Seamless Gutters Cost?

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:22:49 GMT

How Much Do Seamless Gutters Cost?

Seamless Gutters are an important aspect of your home, but how much is it going to cost? Each

seamless gutter project varies in its price. Our process is based on the linear footage of the

gutter itself as well as how many downspouts, miters, and end caps there are. That being said,

there is not a “one size fits all” price. Larger homes require more linear footage, downspouts, etc.

which costs more compared to a smaller home. The estimate we provide has detailed line item

pricing so you can see exactly what you're getting and for how much. Our Company takes pride

in not overcharging a customer, compared to some companies out there that will charge the

same amount as a new roof. That's why it's important to get an estimate from Southern Star

Roofing and Seamless Gutters because it won't cost you anything to have an additional quote.

To get a better grasp of what the price range would be, it's good to have an idea of how

much gutter you think your project would need. The majority of our gutter estimates consist of

the full house, but that's not always the case. Some homeowners don't want gutters all the way

around the house or are trying to stay under a certain budget. This is a common theme that we

tend to work with. No job is too small or too large for us. We can offer multiple gutter quotes if

staying under a budget is the main priority. For example, we can provide a full house gutter

estimate, front and back only, or just one section if desired. All of these estimates come as a

complementary service to help us earn your business. THAT MEANS FREE!!

On average, a smaller to medium-sized home with a full gutter package all the way

around the home is in the price range of $1000-$2000. That being said, there are a lot of factors

that determine final pricing. Things like leaf guard, can add to the cost as well as if the gutters

being installed are on the first or second story. Larger-sized homes can be in the price range of

$2000+ depending on what's required for the system to work effectively.

With all that being said, our trained estimators are here to help understand what your

trying to accomplish with the project and provide you with a comprehensive estimate. Seamless

Gutters are an important aspect of your home and we understand budgeting expenses are

important now more than ever these days. We will be able to help provide knowledge on why

and where you need gutters to help fit your budget. We also offer financing services for our

roofing and seamless gutter projects.

6” Seamless Gutters

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:17:04 GMT

6” Seamless Gutters

6” Seamless Gutters are going to be the larger-sized gutter that we offer. The larger-sized gutter

is able to carry more water for longer distances which could decrease the overall amount of

downspouts used in some cases. 6” Gutters have a larger width and length of about 1” each

way. This allows water that's coming off at greater speeds to not overshoot the gutter when

coming off the roof.

Reasons Why you would need a 6” Seamless Gutter over a 5” Seamless Gutter

1. Pitch of your Roof.

If your home's roof has a pitch of 8/12 or greater, that's when we start factoring in the speed and

quantity of the water coming off the roof. The higher the pitch of your roof usually means two

things:

- The roof is taller, meaning more water is being collected and directed to the gutter.

- The greater pitch or steepness means the water is coming off at a faster rate and could

possibly overshoot the gutter.

2. Not Wanting Downspouts in Certain Locations

It's not uncommon for a homeowner to not want downspouts to be in a certain location. That

being said, the easiest solution is to upgrade your gutters from 5” to 6” to eliminate a

downspout. 6” Seamless gutters are able to distribute water at further distances. For example, if

you're not wanting a downspout near your back porch, you can simply upgrade to 6” seamless

gutter and help eliminate an unwanted downspout whereas, with 5” seamless gutters, it would

be necessary to have one.

3. The Amount of Inside Valleys

Some homes have roofs that are more cut up than others (More inside valleys and Hips).

Having a roof that is cut up with inside valleys can cause a higher collection of water coming off

in one concentrated location. The best way to describe this is like two mountains and a river, all

the water from the mountains (Hips of the Roof) will flow towards the river (inside valley). With 6”

Seamless Gutters, it will not only help catch the extra water coming off of the roof but also help

direct the water to where it needs to go. Side note: all of our 5” and 6” Gutters come with

complimentary valley and splash guards for such occurrences.

4. Large Quantities of Water in small Sections of Gutter

It's very common for entryways on homes to have a large amount of roof rushing down to a

small section of gutter. A 5 '' seamless gutter could easily be overwhelmed and overflow. This is

where 6” Seamless Gutter is a must. No one likes walking under a waterfall to get to their car or

walking out of their house.

If you are unsure about your options, our trained estimators will help you determine what your

home needs and will explain their reasoning behind the decision

Rules of Roof Maintenance

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:46:04 GMT

Broken shingles are a sign that your roof needs attention. Pay attention to this early sign and you'll save yourself time and money in the long run.

Make a list
Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly
Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself
When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively
Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Replacing your roof? Read this first.

info@webessentials.org (Alejandro Hinojosa) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:46:03 GMT

Replacing your roof has many benefits, including reduced heating costs and increased home value. Learn about the benefits of roof replacement.

Speak to your audience
You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post
Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images
Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting
Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.