Roofing Contractor | Mitchell and Sons Roofing

4 Common Reasons Why Your Roof Might Be Leaking

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 17:02:44 +0000

Roof leaks are not something any homeowner wants to deal with because it means their roof needs repair, which may get a bit costly. However, if the roof is indeed leaking, the important thing is to understand why it might be happening.

While leaks do start appearing overtime in ageing roofs, there are also a few other reasons for perfectly young roofs to face this issue too. So why would a seemingly healthy roof start leaking all of a sudden?

4 Causes of Roof Leaks

There are many reasons why this would have but we have listed the 4 most common causes of roof leaks below to help guide you.

1. Broken Shingles

Broken shingles allow moisture to accumulate and seep into the structure, which is extremely damaging. Not only does it cause molding, but it also leads to structural damage that sometimes takes the form of roof leaks.

2. Damaged Vent

The main purpose of ventilation is to push out the excess moisture and heat from the house. If the vent sustains damage, it won’t be able to get rid of the moisture completely and that may end up causing a roof leak.

3. Clogged Gutters

One of the most common causes of roof leaks are clogged gutters. This is especially relevant in Florida, where winds and storms carry debris and end up depositing them in house gutters. When the gutters become clogged with debris, it restricts their flow. This leads to molding due to the excess moisture and eventually leads to roof leaks.

4. Damaged Flashing

Flashing is made up of metals placed below the shingles to help create a water-resistant barrier in the roof. They keep the moisture out of the roof. However, they are usually sealed together with the help of tar, which corrodes over time.

The corrosion causes cracks in the flashing, which allows water to seep inside and cause roof leaks.

What You Need to Do

To avoid roof leaks from happening too often, you need to take the following measures:

Regular Roof Inspections:

You need to get your roof regularly inspected. This will allow you to stay updated on the state of your roof and detect any damage early on.

Roof Repair

If the inspection reveals that the roof is in need of repair, schedule the earliest possible appointment with roofers to get the necessary repairs done.

If you have a roof leak or need any other roof damage repaired, get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.

The post 4 Common Reasons Why Your Roof Might Be Leaking first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

Your Roof Needs to Vent – Important Details About Roof Ventilation

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 18:03:39 +0000

Roofs come in different shapes and sizes, but the one thing they should all have is proper ventilation. Just like there is a need for your houses to be properly ventilated, the same is true for your roofs.

However, before making any major decisions about roof ventilation for your house, there are some important details you need to know and consider.

Why Does Your Roof Need Venting?

The first important detail is to understand why your roof needs ventilation. Following are some benefits of roof ventilation to help you:

Roof ventilation mitigates heat and moisture to avoid them getting trapped in your attic. Not doing so will lead to molding.
In the absence of good ventilation, shingles are at risk of damage due to the possibility of moisture accumulation.
It ensures proper air circulation and keeps the house from becoming hot and stuffy.

Types of Vents to Choose From

When you are in the process of selecting the right ventilation for your roof, there several options to choose from.

1. Power Vents

A power vent essentially uses a motor and fan combination to push the hot air out of the attic. This type further has 2 different categories which you can choose from:

Solar-Powered Roof Vents
Hardwired Power Roof Vents

Both are alternate energy solutions to power the motor which operates the fan.

2. Cupola Vents

A vent that is typically positioned at the ridge, the cupola has been in use for centuries. The cupola vent is effective for ventilation but can be somewhat expensive for buyers.

3. Ridge Vents

If you don’t want the roof ventilation to stick out too much, choose the ride vent. As a result of recent innovation, the ridge vents are positioned on the top edge of the roof and cover the entire attic instead of having a singular region of focus.

4. Box Vents

A box vent is usually fitted in the roof in a space especially cut out for it. It uses the soffit style ventilation to keep the moisture and heat from getting trapped in the attic. Since this doesn’t encompass the entire roof like the ridge vent, multiple box vents can be installed in the roof of bigger houses to cover more area.

More About Roof Ventilation

Aside from the details mentioned above, here are some extra information to keep in mind

Ensure the house has good insulation to keep the house temperature at the desired amount when hot air is pushed out through ventilation.
Inspect it regularly, just like the rest of the roof. Regular inspections will help you see if there is damage that needs repairs.

Conclusion

Roof Ventilation is a necessary part of roofing and can contribute towards the life of the roof by keeping both excessive heat and moisture out of the attic. You can also select the type of vent from a range of options based on your budget and your house style.

Make sure you keep it maintained to help your roof stay healthy.

The post Your Roof Needs to Vent – Important Details About Roof Ventilation first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

4 Things New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Roof

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 13:49:54 +0000

Being a new homeowner is one of the most exciting feelings! It is not only an incredible achievement, it also comes with a number of benefits, like no lease or rent payments, security, freedom etc.

However, aside from the benefits, being a homeowner also entails certain responsibilities. As a homeowner, you are the one responsible for all the upkeep and maintenance of the house. Quite a few aspects are mostly obvious but roofing can be a tricky subject.

While they acquaint themselves with the new homes, following are the 4 things new homeowners need to know about their roof

1. It Needs Inspection

You roof will need inspection every now and then especially when you are first moving in. While house inspectors give an evaluation, it is mostly generic. Once you have purchased the house, make sure you book an appointment with a roof inspector to get your roof checked out.

The evaluation will help you know all the details about your roof; any weaknesses, the quality of material, possible damage, life remaining etc. This information is important when making any future decisions regarding your roof.

2. Delaying Repairs Will Inflate Costs and Damage

A common mistake many homeowners make is delaying roof repairs. A minor leak or a broken shingle may not look like a huge concern but leaving them unaddressed is likely to drastically increase the damage and inflate the repair costs.

Therefore, instead of scheduling your roofing repairs with the rest of the maintenance, it is better to get the damage inspected soon as it is noticed. The professional repair cost of minor damages is minimal compared to the repair cost for major damages.

3.Follow Through With Regular Maintenance

One of the most important things new homeowners need to know about their roof is that it needs regular maintenance. Roofs are our first line of defense against all external factors like heat, cold, windy weather etc.

Schedule regular maintenance work for them to avoid missing out on minor damages and cleaning. Maintenance also adds a few years to your roof’s life so that is an added benefit.

4. Use the Right Materials for Your Roofing

Always use the right materials for your roofing projects because they have the biggest impact on the roof’s durability. The best way to make the optimal material choice is by consulting professional roofers.

Roofers will be able to give you a list of the best materials which fall in your budget and source them at discounted prices from suppliers. This is immensely helpful and saves a lot of your roofing cost.

Conclusion

To sum up, all of the 4 things new homeowners need to know about their roof involve basic inspection and maintenance. Ensuring you stay updated about your roof’s health will help you care for it more effectively which will essentially elongate the roof’s life.

These basic actions will help you avoid any major damage to your roof which will effectively save repair expense you would have otherwise incurred.

The post 4 Things New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Roof first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

How Roof Replacements Affect Tampa Bay House Values When Buying or Selling

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 20:04:13 +0000

Many homeowners spend a lot of money on their houses overtime to keep them in their best condition. However, they don’t give their roofs the same attention even if they do clean or repair them occasionally.

When it is time to sell a house, this decision becomes a problem. A roof’s condition has a significant impact on the house value, and a less maintained or older roof can drive down the price.

Roofing Decisions That Affect your House Value

There are several roofing decisions that affect the overall market price of the house. Some of the most important ones are listed below:

Roof Replacement

If you are considering not replacing your roof before putting it up for resale, you will likely see a significant drop in your house value. Most new homeowners want to buy a house they will not have to spend extensively on from the get-go since the house purchase itself will be a huge expense.

Therefore, if you want to drive up the house value, invest in a replacement. You are likely to get back the money and more due to the boost it gives to the price.

Follow the Neighborhood Trends

When getting a roof replacement, you need to ensure it meets the neighborhood standards. Having a fancier roof or an underwhelming room than the neighborhood norm will negatively affect the price.

Roof Maintenance

If you have a relatively new roof, make sure it is well maintained. It is customary for the buyer to request an inspection, and if the roof’s condition is not up to the standard, it will either drive down the price or drive away from the buyer.

Roof Design and Materials

The design of the roof also has a significant impact on the house’s resale value. The roofs with better aesthetics are generally more popular than their plainer counterparts. Additionally, the quality of materials used can also have a significant impact.

Using high-quality shingles that come with up to 50+ years of warranty with regular maintenance will give the house value a good boost. Just ensure to not go overboard, or the asked price might not remain affordable for most buyers.

Roof Insurance

Roof insurance is very important, especially for Florida residents who have to get storm insurances for their roofs. A roof with high premium insurance will negatively impact the house value as the buyer might not want to incur such a hefty expense every month.

Try choosing a more regular insurance that covers the basics and is moderately priced.

Conclusion

The roof’s condition strongly impacts house values. For older roofs, consider getting a replacement before resale. Choose moderate options for insurance and roof types, and don’t stray too much from the area trends to boost resale prices.

If you need roof replacement or maintenance before putting your house up for sale, please contact us. Our teams will ensure your roof extensively boosts both your house’s appearance and its value.

The post How Roof Replacements Affect Tampa Bay House Values When Buying or Selling first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

5 Simple Hacks to Prevent Regular Roof Damage

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 18:36:53 +0000

Roofs are our first line of defense against most weathers, be it rain, wind or heat. Hence, it is our roofs that end up bearing the brunt of the extreme conditions and external forces.

While it is natural for roofs to depreciate over time, there are steps we can take to prevent roof damage. Follow these 5 simple hacks to prevent regular roof damage and get longer lasting roofs:

1. Keep the Roof Litter Free

Winds bring along litter they picked up along the way which not only ends up in the yard but also the roof. Because the roof doesn’t always come within our range of vision, it ends up forgotten during our regular cleaning sessions.

This litter ends up molding over time and ends up damaging the roof. To elongate the roof’s life, it is important to schedule regular clean ups to ensure it remains litter free and, hence, damage free.

2. Clean the Gutters

The drainage system of your house runs along the edges of your roof. If your gutters get clogged, your roofs are at risk. Clogs or leaks are likely to lead to molding at the top of your roof and may also cause moisture to collect under the shingles.

3. Trim the Trees

Trees look beautiful on the property but can also cause roof damage. The fallen leaves from trees can block your drainage which will subsequently clog your gutters. As mentioned above, clogged gutters can molding and damage to the roof.

Trees also cause harm during storms or windy weather. The branches fall off and hit the roof with force which can break the shingles and damage the roof.

4. Maintain a Pest Free House

Pests pose a serious threat to your roof. While the larger pests like rats and squirrels damage the roof by chewing away at its materials, the smaller pests like insects end up nesting inside the structures and damaging it from the inside.

This makes it necessary to have proper pest control in your house to ensure your home doesn’t become a pest nest.

5. Get it Professionally Inspected

Lastly, it is very important to have your roof professionally inspected regularly. It will help you be aware of any damage that might need repairing or a potential damage that can be prevented.

Regular roof inspections can help you save money by highlighting minor issues before they become expensive repair problems.

Conclusion

To sum it up, it is important pay regular attention to your roof in the form of cleaning or minor roof repairs. A common feature of the simple hacks to prevent regular roof damage is that all of them are fairly affordable compared to the cost of roof repair a serious roof damage entails.

So follow this simple preventive measure and add a few extra years to your roof’s life.

Please contact us today and we will schedule a time to come give you a free roof inspection or an estimate for your home’s roof replacement if needed in New Port Richey, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas in Tampa Bay.

– Ryan Listerman, Project Manager

The post 5 Simple Hacks to Prevent Regular Roof Damage first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

4 Main Causes of Roof Damage

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 01:49:02 +0000

Reasons Why Your Roof Is Damaged

Most of our belongings need some maintenance to stay in their best shapes and forms and our houses are no exception. While we do our best to keep our houses well maintained, a few key areas, like the roof, end up getting missed sometimes. A little leak, damaged shingle or a completely missing shingle are just some ways in which our roofs tell us that they are in dire need of repair.

Roofs play an important role in keeping the house safe from most weather conditions. Having a weak roof might contribute to damage to the rest of the house. Hence, in order to help you understand the topic further, we have mentioned the 4 main causes of roof damage below:

1. Weather Conditions

Extreme weather is a key driver of roof damage especially in regions like Tampa where the weather is humid and there is likelihood of strong winds every now and then. The moisture from the humidity chips away at the roof and the battering from the wind tends to weaken them.

2. Improper Installation

Having the roof professionally installed is the best recommendation. Improper roof installation not only puts the home owner at risk, it is also costly in terms of the damage it causes to the roof and, potentially, the house.

In case of repair, the proper way is to first get it inspected before deciding how to go about the repair process.

3. Maintenance

Neglecting to check the roof and maintain it can lead to avoidable damage to the roof. It is always best to be pro-active when it comes to roof maintenance rather than reactive because of the sheer difference in damage and the cost it entails.

Maintenance usually involves getting the roof regularly inspected. This can help the home owner save money in the long term as a sturdy roof is less likely to need frequent overhauling.

It is also best to leave bigger maintenance projects to professional roofing companies as DIY without the correct knowledge might cause more damage than repair.

4. Ageing

As with everything, roofs depreciate over time even with regular maintenance. As a general rule, you are likely to see cracks on your roof appear at around the 20-25 year mark. If the roof has not been well maintained over the years, this level of damage will likely happen sooner.

The only solution to this damage is getting your roofing done again from a professional roofing company.

Conclusion

Your roof is an integral part of your home and needs regular inspection and maintenance. There are a number of factors like weather, wind, poor installation, ageing etc. which can lead to roof damage. However, the most important part is getting the damage fixed in time.

Delaying maintenance or damage repair is likely to increase the cost of damage repair in addition to the extra (and avoidable) damage it might cause to the roof. While things might look like an easy fix, it is mostly recommended to get the repair work done professionally or do extensive research before taking on seemingly small roofing projects on your own.

The post 4 Main Causes of Roof Damage first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

Divorcing From Your Emotion & Pursuing the Logic During Your Roofing Project

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 22:54:32 +0000

Whenever you make a decision, it is either going to be more logical or emotional. As you may remember from psychology, the left side of the brain leans more towards logic and understanding while the right side of the brain is more focused on creativity and emotion. Whenever it comes to deciding on how to move forward on your roofing project, you must divoce from your emotion and pursue logic.

This is much easier said than done. Any large purchase, like a roof, tends to initially pull on the right side of your brain (a.k.a your emotions) rather than the left side of your brain (a.k.a your logic). While difficult to do, you must focus on facts and figures over anything else when it deals with your roofing project.

Your Left Brain & Right Brain Affect Your Roofing Project

Take this scenario into consideration. The holidays are right around the corner. You have invited your whole family over and begin to decorate. Then, you see it. Water damage is on the ceiling and wall of your guest room. You go outside and see your roof needs repairs fast.

Unscrupulous roofing contractors know that unexpected roofing project costs can cause homeowners to think and make rash decisions. They will play on your emotions and focus on getting the highest profit margin possible. They will not worry about doing the best job for your home’s roof because they know you need the repair or replacement as soon as possible.

Now, let’s slightly chance the scenario. The holidays are still right around the corner, but you hold off on finalizing plans with your family. You let them know you need a moment to check out the house and ensure everything is in working order. You see the same water damage and repairs that are needed on your roof. You let your family know it might be best to do the holidays at their home again this year.

The same unscrupulous roofing contractor will be unable to play on your emotions because you are not invested in having an amazing holiday dinner at your home. Instead, you are logical and rational because you know you do not have additional stress on the timeline of getting the repairs. You can shop around and find the best roofing contractors in the area.

The same time, care, and attention you would put into the second scenario needs to be what you would do in any scenario. Whenever your right brain takes control of your decisions, you are no longer focused on logic. Your emotions will allow you to look past red flags and small details. This can allow you to make impulsive decisions that are incredibly costly a few years down the road. You must train yourself to always take a step back and allow your left brain to take.

We Guide Your Through the Logic of Your Roofing Project

We understand that some roofing projects are planned. In fact, most of the time roof repairs and full roof replacements are not a project homeowners expected to take on this year. However, that doesn’t mean that your right brain needs to take control and make impulsive choices. Your left brain should always analyze the information provided by roofing contractors and make the best, most logical choice.

At Mitchell and Sons Roofing, we are happy to go over all of your available options for your roof with you during your no obligation estimate. Whatever questions you may have, we have detailed answers to give you. They won’t be answers you can find online. They will be full of facts that pertain to your home’s exact roof so that you can make the logical choice for your roofing project.

Please do not hesitate to contact us today with any questions you may have about how to schedule your roofing estimate. We will work with your available schedule and show up on time to your appointment in New Port Richey, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas in Tampa Bay.

– Ryan Listerman, Project Manager

The post Divorcing From Your Emotion & Pursuing the Logic During Your Roofing Project first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

Tracking Down The Right Roofing Contractor By Following Their Footprints

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 22:32:02 +0000

When it comes to finding the right roofing contractor, it isn’t all that different than dating. If you wouldn’t settle down with the first person you meet, why would you settle for the first roofing contractor that comes your way? You need to understand your roofing contractor’s history, their performance, and how well their work withstands the test of time.

One of the easiest ways to do that is to follow their footprints in the community and online. With the information that is available at the tip of our fingertips, it has never been easier to fully vet roofing contractors and decide who is best situated to handle your roofing project.

Highly rated roofing contractors will be easy to find online. Those who aren’t easy to find likely are not going to be the best choice for your home’s roof. Let’s go over the two paths you can use to track down the right roofing contractor.

What Is Your Roofing Contractor’s Community Footprint?

We’ve covered a plethora of information about what separates a good roofing contractor from a bad one. One thing we have yet to cover in detail is how you can get enough information from your community to make the right choice for your home.

A roofing company produces a physical product that can easily be seen from the street. They can’t hide behind a computer like some shady online stores that “lost the package in processing” or any other excuse. Your roofing contractor has to have some presence in the community. It’s your responsibility as a homeowner to go out and find those footprints.

One of the best places to start is asking if you can speak to their past clients. The best roofing company and contractors will have no issue with you speaking to these individuals and taking a look at their past work. You can learn a lot about how your potential roofing contractor handles the job. From the initial estimate and on time arrivals to cleanliness of the area and the final product, past clients can give you insights you won’t be able to access anywhere else.

Another area of the community you can use to learn about roofing contractors is other trades people. Plumbers, electricians, general contractors, pest control, and other services homes of all ages need should have met your roofing contractor at least once. These individuals you trust to work on your home can let you know if the roofing contractors you are considering are trustworthy.

The final area of your community you can learn a lot about roofing contractors is the code enforcement office. In order to complete any roofing project, permits must be in place. A highly rated roofing contractor will know local code enforcers very well since they are stopping into the office weekly. If your local code enforcement does not know of your roofing contractor or does not have any positive comments about them, this is a huge red flag.

What Is Your Roofing Contractor’s Online Footprint?

Other than speaking with individuals and professionals in person who have worked with your potential roofing contractor, online resources can help you learn quite a bit about who you are about to trust with your home’s roof. Tracking down your roofing contractor online is a crucial step that can save you thousands in the long run.

Your first step with online vetting is to check their reviews. While you may have spoken to past clients who gave glowing testimonials, what do the rest of their clients have to say? You should be able to find reviews on Angie’s List, Home Advisor, social media, Google, or other online profiles most roofing contractors have available.

If they do not have good reviews online, you may be better off talking to another contractor. However, don’t let only one or two bad reviews completely turn you away. If there are more positive reviews than negative ones, you can always ask them about these reviews. The best roofing contractor will have no problem going over what happened.

The second step with your online vetting process is to look up information about their license and/or LLC. As we have mentioned many times, most roofing contractors will change their LLC every three years. If their LLC is not very old or their license issue date is too recent, this could mean you are speaking with a roofing contractor that does not intend on keeping your labor warranty. They may be out of business before you can get a hold of them for any issues.

The final step is to look at the Better Business Bureau. You can easily access information about roofing contractors 24/7. Any highly rated roofing contractor or company will be verified through the BBB. This provides you peace of mind you are working with a professional who is willing to be reviewed by a national organization and judged on how well they satisfy clients.

Knowing More Information About Your Roofing Contractor Saves You Money

The more you know about your roofing contractor, the better decision you will make. If you find your roofing contractor is not one that can be trusted, you will have saved yourself thousands in the long run.

When you vet Mitchell and Sons Roofing, you will find we have been dedicated to serving our community for decades. We are open about our performance and have many satisfied customers. Please find our most recent reviews and rewards on our Home Advisor profile.

While it is your responsibility to fully vet your roofing contractor, it is our responsibility to give you the highest qualified work for the best price. We will always go over every aspect of your roofing project and fully answer your questions during your no obligation roofing estimate.

Please contact us today and we will schedule a time to come and do a free roof inspection or give you an estimate for replacing your home’s roof if needed.

Proudly serving New Port Richey, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas in Tampa Bay.

– Ryan Listerman, Project Manager

The post Tracking Down The Right Roofing Contractor By Following Their Footprints first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

The A to Z Guide of Roofing Terms You Need To Know in Tampa Bay

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 18:51:31 +0000

We recently covered how knowing just enough about your roofing project can save you thousands in the long run. In addition to knowing about the roofing project itself, it’s important to learn roof terms and definitions as well.

With this information in hand, you will be able to better understand what your roofing contractor is talking about and make an informed decision on who to trust.

With the more information you have under your belt, the better you can vet your roofing contractor. Without further ado, let’s get to started on the A to Z guide of roofing terms:

Asphalt: A common agency used in many roofing materials due to its bituminous waterproofing properties.
B

Back surfacing: When applied to the back of shingles, this fine mineral material prevents them from sticking to one another.

Built-up roof: Asphalt and ply sheets are layered on one another to create a flat or low-slope roof.

Bundle: The shingles package that comes in 3, 4 or 5 per square.
C

Counter flashing: Used to prevent any water from getting behind the base flashing. Often attached to a vertical surface.

Course: A horizontal row of shingles running across the length of the roof.
D

Decking: Sheet material attached to your attic’s rafter that will serve as the base of the for your roof’s underlayment and shingles.

Downspout: A pipe attached to your gutters and moves water to a different location away from your home.

Drip edge: This metal strip prevents water run off from dripping into the decking, eaves, or siding. This prevents moisture from building up in the fascia boards.
E

Eave: The area on your rood’s underside that goes from your fascia boards to the exterior walls.

Edging strips: Provides secure edge during process of removing wood shingles and reroofing with asphalt shingles. Boards are attached to eaves and rakes after the wood shingles are removed.
F

Fascia: These exposed boards encase the end of your roof’s rafter and allow the gutter to be attached to your roof.

Flashing: Installed metal prevents water from moving into intersections or projects in your roof’s system, such as joints, valleys, etc.
G

Gable: On the ridge of a sloping roof, this is the exterior wall that comes to a triangular point.

Granules: These crushed rocks are applied to the outer surface of asphalt products. Their color comes from ceramic coating.
H

Hip: Running from the ridge to eaves, an inclined angle is formed at the intersection of sloping roof planes.

Hip roof: This roof type has the same sloping planes on all sides of the roof and does not feature gables.
I

Interlocking shingles: Shingles are mechanically fastened to one another and offer superior wind resistance.
L

Laminate Shingles: Rather than a single cut, two pieces of shingle are laminated to one another.

Louvers: Slants and/or strips are installed in gables to ensure ventilation is available below the roof deck.
M

Mansard roof: A type of roof where each slope becomes steeper halfway down the side.
N

Natural ventilation: This ventilation system features vents installed in openings to allow natural air flow to create ventilation in the attic.
O

Overhang: An extension of the roof beyond the exterior walls of your home.
P

Peel and Stick: A self-adhering roof membrane that can be used directly on roof decks or utilized to secure an underlayment.

Pitch: The ratio of rise to span (in feet) that describes the degree of roof incline.
Q

Quick-setting cement: An asphalt-based cement used to secure shingles and roofing laps.
R

Rafter: The roof deck is attached to this supporting frame. Often visible in unfinished attics.

Ridge: The top edge of two intersecting sloping roof surfaces. This is the edge of roof surfaces that have interesting slopes.

Rise: Often in feet, this is the vertical distance between your eaves and ridge.
S

Self-sealing shingles: Manufacturer applies self-sealing adhesive to the shingles in strips or spots.

Shed roof: This single sloping plane roof does not feature any valleys, gables, ridges, or hips.

Soffit: Visible only when looking up, this is the finished underside of your eaves.

Starter Strip: Fills in spaces created by cutouts and joints on the first course of shingles. It provides extra protection to your roof.
T

Tab: These are exposed strip shingles that are defined by their cutouts.

Telegraphing: A shingle distortion that may arise when a new roof is applied over an uneven surface.
U

Underlayment: Installed beneath shingles, it adds an extra layer of protection from inclement weather.
V

Valley: A “V” shaped depression is formed when sloped roof planes intersect. .

Vent: Protrudes from the roof deck to provide an outlet for air during ventilation. Often installed on the roof itself, gable, or soffit.
W

Woven valley: Shingles on both sides of the valley extend from one end to the other and are overlapped together in a woven pattern. This prevents the valley flashing from being exposed.

Use Your Newfound Roofing Terms Knowledge To Your Advantage

Now that you have a better understanding of the common roofing terms you will hear your roofing contractor mention, you can make the most information decision on who to trust with your roofing project. You should keep this post bookmarked, so you have it handy when you need it.

Our team is still open and working on residential or commercial projects during this COVID-19 era, and we are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe.

Contact me to get started on your free no obligation quote in New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, and beyond today!

– Ryan Listerman, Project Manager

The post The A to Z Guide of Roofing Terms You Need To Know in Tampa Bay first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .

The Nuts & Bolts: How A Roof Replacement Process Goes

MitchellAndSonsRoofing — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 17:14:01 +0000

The average roof needs to be replaced every 15 to 20+ years. Depending on the age of your home, your roof very well may be at the age where it is time to consider a roof replacement. When it comes to a roofing replacement project, you will likely have a lot of questions. This type of home improvement project can cost thousands of dollars, so you need to be comfortable with the roofing contractor you are thinking of hiring. Anyone who isn’t willing to take time to speak with you in detail and answer your questions is a huge red flag. When a project this large comes to play, any salesperson at a reputable roofing company will do everything they can to win you as a client. Don’t fall for freebies or gimmicks, however.

The better educated you are with the process and who you are working with, the more at ease you will feel. You will be able to arrive at the best decision for you and your home. It’s always advised to get at least two quotes for any roofing project to ensure you are getting fair pricing. This blog will describe the importance of betting your salesperson and go over the 10 steps involved in a roof replacement.

Vet Your Salesperson

The first part of any roof replacement process is interacting with the salesperson. This individual should be incredibly knowledgeable in your roofing project and be able to explain it in detail. It always helps if you have a good understanding of what your roof may need.

When you are vetting your salesperson, this is the time to ask as many questions as possible. You need to understand your warranty coverage along with your financing options. In addition, you need to know the answers to the following questions:

Do they require a large down payment?
Is their labor covered by a warranty should a leak occur?
What about the manufacturer’s warranty for the roof materials?
Will your roof survive a hurricane?

While you ask your questions, pay attention to the answers you are being given. If the salesperson doesn’t have answers or is giving general statements, it is safe to assume that you will not get the best quality roof possible. Take the necessary time to vet your salesperson and understand what kind of contract you are getting into.

10 Steps To The Roof Replacement Process

Before you begin your roof replacement or installation project, you need to understand the process itself. If you don’t understand the process, you may end up singing a contract with a company that doesn’t provide a quality job.

Remove Existing Roof Material: Your roofing company’s team will come in and remove existing shingles, tiles, or other materials from your roof. Any damaged flashing or drip edging will also be disposed of at this time. The best roofing companies will do everything to protect your home and surrounding vegetation in addition to using magnetic tools to pick up any metal objects (like nails) that may have fallen.

Make Necessary Repairs: Roofs in good conditions may or may not need minor repairs. Roofs that are in poor condition will need new wooden sheets installed in order to create a solid base for the new roof.

Install Roofing Paper Over Sheathing: Roofing paper creates a barrier between your home and the elements. This prevents leaking and water penetration. Roofing paper is overlapped and tacked/stapled into place.

Apply Metal Drip Edging: This edging is installed on the eave sides, gable sides,and edge of the roof. It is nailed into place to control the flow of water.

Apply Valley Flashing: Wherever necessary, valley flashing is installed and sealed with roofing caulk. This further helps control rainwater flow.

Install Roofing Material: Whether your new roof will have shingles, tilles, or another material, it will more often than not, be installed by starting at the eaves and working toward the peak.

Begin Flashing Installation: Any areas that are prone to leaks (e.g. chimney, skylights, stack vents, etc) need flashing. This will help prevent any costly damages from water leakage in the future.

Install Ridge Vent: To help with air circulation in the attic, a ridge vent must be installed along the peak of the roof. It helps exhaust hot air during Florida’s summer season.

Complete Clean Up: Any remaining debris should be picked up and removed. A final walkthrough should be conducted to ensure no tools, nails, or materials remain.

Roof Inspection: Your building inspector should come out and approve your roofing project. Otherwise, you may not be able to sell your home in the future. If your inspector doesn’t come out in a few days, give them a call or contact your roof contractor.

It’s incredibly important to ensure your roofing contractor is not only licensed and insured, but also obtaining your permit. Make sure the permit is visible before anyone starts step 1. Without a permit that is approved once the job is complete, you may end up paying to have a complete roof replacement completed when it comes time to sell your home.

Best Roofing Company In Tampa Bay - We're Here When You Need Us

When you need a quality roof replacement, roof installation, or roof repair, you can end your search with Mitchell and Sons Roofing. We understand that roofing projects and roof replacements are not your specialty. That’s why we have a sales team that is willing to answer every question you may have during your roof inspection. We can educate on what to expect with your roofing project so that you understand what is going to happen every step of the way.

We encourage homeowners in New Port Richey, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and other areas in Tampa Bay to contact us today for your no obligation free quote. We will provide you with a quality residential or commercial roof for the best price and within a reasonable timeframe.

-Ryan Listerman, Project Manager

The post The Nuts & Bolts: How A Roof Replacement Process Goes first appeared on Mitchell and Sons Roofing .