Owning a home or business is a huge responsibility.  Maintenance must be done throughout the year to ensure your investment is protected.  As winter is quickly approaching (thank goodness for some cold weather finally!), there are several things you can do to winterize your roof.   Performing preventative maintenance will save you from a roofing emergency.  By checking and repairing these parts of your roof, you can cruise through the winter knowing that your roof is in good shape:

Branches can cause a lot of problems for your roof, so they need to be trimmed or removed.  Large overhanging branches will become very heavy with snowfall and will break and fall onto your roof.  Low hanging branches will scrape your roof and damage your shingles.  

We can't stress enough the importance of keeping your gutters and downspouts clear of debris.  Rainwater and melting snow need to be able to drain properly in order to prevent water damage to your roof, siding, foundation and other parts of your home or business.

Repair loose, damaged and missing shingles to prevent leaks.  Check the roof flashing (the material placed around joints and openings in your roof) for signs of wear or damage.  Cracked caulk should be removed and replaced.  Have a qualified roofing contractor in Birmingham inspect and repair any issues that are found.

Your attic should be properly ventilated and insulated in order to prevent heat loss as well as the formation of icicles and ice dams.  Be sure to consult with the experts at Bill White Roofing and Specialty on proper insulation levels and ventilation techniques.

Inspect the woodwork around your home or business especially around the roof and in the attic for warping and mold growth.  These are signs of water damage, usually pointing to a larger problem like a leak.  

While it hasn't rained here in Birmingham in quite some time, it's still important to safeguard your home or business from potential roof leaks.  If it ever does rain again, the last thing you want is a bunch of drip buckets strategically placed throughout your living room or office.  

Whether your roof is 3 years old or 30, a roof leak needs to be taken care of immediately so as to prevent further damage.  Repairing a small leak could save you a lot more money by preventing the need for a roof replacement or major remodeling job.

At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we are your roof repair experts.  We've compiled a list of the most common causes of roof leaks, what they look like, why they occur, and what needs to be done to fix them

Roofs take a beating from heavy storms, strong winds, and extreme temperatures.  If proper care and maintenance is put into place, a roof will keep you safe and dry for many years.  Review this list of common causes for roof leaks and be sure to add these areas to your maintenance plan so you can avoid major damage to your roof and home.  As an experienced roofer in Birmingham, Bill White Roofing and Specialty will be glad to assist you with inspecting and maintaining all of your roofing elements.

Just as in selling a home, there are numerous things to take into consideration when buying a home.  If you find a home you love, it is extremely important to have a home inspection performed by a qualified contractor to determine if it is worth it for you to make such a large investment.  Unless it is a brand new home, chances are there will be a list of items suggested by the inspector that need to be addressed before purchasing the home.  You can ask the seller to repair things on that list or lower the purchase price of the home to cover the cost of repairs.  So what happens when the inspector tells you that the home you are thinking about buying needs a new roof?

Before you decide to move on to another house, keep in mind that you have several options, and that you have some negotiating power in this particular situation.  Insurance companies typically won't issue a policy on a home with a roof that is at the end of its lifespan, and most mortgage lenders require homeowner's insurance before approving the loan.  That results in the seller only being able to sell the house to someone who can pay cash, and they would have to discount the sales price of the home significantly.  It is in the seller's best interest to work out a deal with you to replace the roof, especially because the same issue will come up with anyone else interested in buying the house.  Your options at this point are:

1.  Ask the seller to pay for the new roof, without changing the sale price of the home.  This is obviously the best option for you as the buyer, but not all sellers are going to agree to this.
2. Split the cost of the new roof with the seller.  You can either pay your part in cash at closing or agree to increase the sale price of the home by the amount you owe for the roof.  You can negotiate the percentage of the cost that you want to pay.
3. Pay for the new roof yourself.  Just like the last option, you can pay the seller in cash at closing or increase the sale price of the home.  Keep in mind that increasing the price by too much may put you above the appraised value of the home, causing the mortgage company to reject the loan application.
4. Obtain a renovation loan to pay for the new roof.  You can apply for extra financing along with your mortgage to repair or remodel the home you are planning to buy.  The lender will hold the extra money aside until it is time to pay the contractor.  Most insurance companies will approve a policy on a home with an older roof if they know you are getting financing for a replacement.

Don't let a bad roof cause you to change your mind on a home you are interesting in buying.  Ask your realtor to help you figure out the best way to move into a home with a brand new roof that will last for years to come.  At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we will be glad to help you in any way we can.   

If you're planning on selling your home, you probably have a mile-long list of things that need to be taken care of in order to get the most money out of the sale.  When someone is looking to buy a home, one of the biggest expenses they worry about is whether they are going to have to replace the roof in the near future.  
If your roof has a huge gaping hole in it, then you already know you're going to have to replace it before selling your home.  Most homeowners, however, are faced with a less obvious decision to replace the roof before selling, and find themselves asking questions like:  Will replacing those shingles help me sell my home?  Do I really need to repair my roof or can I sell it as is?  Do potential buyers really care about the moss on the roof?  If you find yourself in this second category and are having trouble making a decision about your roof before putting your home on the market, you definitely need to have a roofing contractor do a thorough inspection to assess the overall condition, scope of repairs needed, and the projected lifespan of the roof if left alone.  If the roofing contractor determines that a roof replacement is necessary, then you can consider the following things before making a decision:

1. Do you have a large mortgage?  Your decision about replacing the roof will depend on how much money you are hoping to make on your home.  If you own the home outright, you may not need as much of a return as that of someone who still owes a lot of money on the home.
2. Can you afford to replace the roof or will you need to obtain a loan?  You can apply for a home-equity loan to make repairs on the home and replace the roof, but the loan will have to be paid in full when the house is sold.
3. What is the competition like in your neighborhood?  Is the housing market in your area competitive? Are you likely to receive multiple offers on your home?  Check to see what other houses in your area are for sale in your price range and what condition they are in.  If there are a lot of homes on the market, a new roof is often a great incentive to buyers.
4. Will leaving the roof as is cause further damage to the home?  If your roof is leaking, you need to act quickly.  A potential buyer will have a hard time obtaining a mortgage if the roof is in extremely poor shape.
5. Will insurance pay for a new roof?  If your roof is missing shingles due to storms or has damage caused by other events covered by insurance, you might be able to file a claim and have the cost covered or at least partially covered by insurance.
6. How quickly do you need to sell your home?  A well-maintained home has the potential to sell faster because it shows better in person and gives potential buyers confidence that there are few things to be concerned about.  A new roof will improve the curb appeal and make your home stand out among the rest.
7. Selling your home with your roof as-is will result in a reduction of the final sale price.  If you can't afford to replace or repair the roof, or simply don't have the time, know that it will definitely be a bargaining factor with the potential buyer.  It all depends on the market, however, because in a highly competitive market, buyers are more willing to overlook minor issues with the roof in order to land a deal.  You can also lower the price of the home to compensate for the roof and attract multiple buyers, resulting in a bidding war that can raise the price of the home.

Be sure to discuss your options with a professional roofer as well as your realtor.  As discussed above, there are numerous factors that will be in play when it comes to selling your home.  The best decisions are always educated decisions, and you don't want to spend more money than you have to.  If you are in the Birmingham area, give Bill White Roofing and Specialty a call for roof inspections, roof repairs, or roof replacements.

Now that the weather is starting to cool off, most homeowners in Birmingham are starting to tackle all of those outdoor projects they've been letting pile up over the excruciatingly hot summer.  If you're one of those homeowners who loves to take on DIY projects, be sure to continue reading to learn about why roof repairs should be left for a professional roofing contractor.

Keeping your roof in top condition is extremely important in keeping you and your family protected from the elements.  Sure, you might think that regular inspections and repairs sound fairly simple, but that's not actually the case.  Roofing is a very dangerous job.  According to Forbes, roofing is the fourth deadliest job in America.  Over 2000 people a year die from falling off of a roof, whether that be an amateur or a professional.  Even with the strongest safety precautions, there are still many dangerous situations that can occur up on a roof.

Aside from falling, someone who is not experienced with working on a roof can be injured by twisted ankles, bruises, and back injuries.  They can also miss weak, soft spots in the roof decking, step on them, and cause more damage than before.  Then there are insects like wasps and bees that build nests, and if you disturb them, you'll more than likely be stung.  Weather plays a factor in the dangers of working on a roof.  A brief rain shower will transform your roof into a slick, slippery surface and quick wind gusts will make you lose your balance.  So no matter how safe you think your roof may be, it's actually a very dangerous place to spend your time.

Quality roofing jobs require skill and precision, and the only way to develop these skills is through lots of practice.  At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we have over 45 years of experience in the roofing industry. When someone uses the wrong tools or techniques to install shingles, severe problems will pop up in the long run.  Trust an experienced roofing contractor to get the job done correctly so you don't stress yourself out every time it rains or storms.

Another reason roof repairs should be left to professionals is that not all roofing problems are obvious or easy to spot.  Some issues will lead to major damage of the rest of your home if not detected and repaired properly in a timely manner.  A good roofing contractor will do a thorough inspection to determine all areas that need to be addressed, and will be able to detect conditions that could lead to future problems.

If you're still considering an attempt at DIY roofing, keep in mind that it's probably not going to be as cost effective as you think.  A reputable roofing company buys materials in bulk from the manufacturers, lowering the cost significantly, and the roofing crew works quickly and efficiently to get the job done in a timely manner.  Do you really want to spend your time working on a project that is not only dangerous but can cause more damage if not completed correctly?

Give Bill White Roofing and Specialty a call for all of your roofing needs.  We always say "Your roof is our roof" and will do the job right, the first time.

When it comes to your roof, making the right decision is important for both the lifespan of the roof as well as your bank account.  The most common decision we see that homeowners have to make about their roofing in Birmingham is whether to repair a damaged area or replace the roof, either partially or completely.

Damaged or missing shingles are relatively easy to replace, as well as inexpensive.  The damaged shingles can be removed and new shingles can be applied very quickly.  One thing to consider is the age of your roof and whether you have extra shingles available.  If your roof is relatively old and you do not have any spare shingles, the repair job will probably not match your existing roof.  This may not be a big deal to a lot of people, especially if the shingle replacement will extend the roof's life by 10-15 years, but if you are planning to sell your home in the near future, a huge eyesore can make or break the deal.

If the damage to your roof is more significant than the shingles but is only found in a small area of the roof, a partial roof replacement is a much less expensive option than reroofing the entire house.  The replaced section can easily be blended with the older roof and will keep your home safe from the weather elements.
An important factor in partial roof replacements is how many layers of shingles your roof already has on it.  If your roof has several layers, they will all have to be removed in order to complete the work, resulting in additional costs and an uneven roof due to the extra layers of the old roof meeting up with the new part of the roof.

Whether your roof has a small area that needs to be replaced or several areas, it is important to consider the age of the roof.  What is the life expectancy of your shingles and how long has it been since they were replaced?  If they only have a few years left in their lifespan, it may be best (and cheaper) to replace the entire roof all at once.

If you decide to have your roof completely replaced, you then have to decide whether to tear the old roof off or install the new roof over the old roof.  You can either save money now but face the risk of bigger expenses in the future, or spend more money now, get the job done correctly, and lessen the chance of future problems.

If your roof already has two layers of shingles on it, you have to tear off before adding more.  Your roof structure cannot handle the weight of another layer of shingles.  Sure, they may not seem heavy when you're holding one in your hand, but covering the roof with 1500 square feet is almost the same as parking an SUV on top of it.
If your roof only has one layer of shingles, the decision is up to you.  You'll want to consider the fact that shingles hold better when attached directly to the roof decking, so if you live in an area that sees high winds, you'll probably want to tear off the old before applying the new.  Another point to keep in mind is the fact that the entire roof deck can be inspected and repaired if the old shingles are torn off first.  This is important because not only can all of the damage be spotted at once, small repairs can be made, and the roof decking can be reinforced, but extra water shields and other protective layers can be installed.
A complete roof replacement is expensive, but will last for decades.  If you find yourself in a situation requiring some form of roof repair, do not hesitate to contact us so we can help you make an educated decision.

If it's time for a new roof, there are many different things to focus on such as brands, materials, and colors. Many people fail to realize that proper insulation and ventilation are also critical for an effective roofing system.

A solid roof will not only protect your home or business from harsh weather conditions, pesky intruders, mold and mildew, but will also help keep your energy costs lower.  Adequate roof ventilation and insulation is necessary for comfort as well as efficiency.

Proper ventilation in your roofing structure helps to manage the airflow in your home or business.  During hotter temperatures, a poorly ventilated roof will cause your attic to become extremely hot, which will damage your shingles and shorten the lifespan of your roof.  During colder temperatures, a poorly ventilated roof will cause excessive moisture to build up, resulting in wood rot, mold, and mildew.  Ensuring your roof is able to breathe properly will lengthen its lifespan and help keep your building protected during extreme temperatures.

Insulation is yet another key factor of the roofing system.  A poorly insulated attic, which is very common in older homes because building codes did not require much insulation, will result in much higher energy costs.  Without proper insulation, all of the warm or cool air running through your building will escape through the roof, resulting in extremely high energy costs.  

If you aren't sure if your roof has the proper ventilation or insulation, it's best to contact a reliable roofing contractor to determine what is best for your particular roofing system.  The professionals at Bill White Roofing and Specialty are just a phone call away from helping you keep your roof in tip top shape.

Your roof is one of, if not the, most valuable aspects of your property, but is often taken for granted until it is too late.  Just like any other large investment, regular maintenance of your roof will help it lengthen its lifespan.  Here are several maintenance tasks that homeowners can handle on their own:

1. Remove loose debris:  Leaves, branches, and other debris that accumulate on your roof need to be removed regularly in order to prevent mold growth and structural damage.  If you are able to climb up on the roof to remove everything, be sure someone else is around to help, and always do it on a day that is sunny and the roof is dry to avoid slipping.
2. Clean your gutters:  As part of the roofing system, gutters help channel water away from the building.  When they become clogged and full of debris, water backs up on to the roofing materials and the extra weight pulls the gutter away from the roofing fascia.  We suggest cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, especially after the fall months when all of the leaves have fallen.
3. Perform general inspections:  Check your attic for water stains, sagging boards, and damaged rafters.  If you are able, get up on the roof and look for missing or damaged flashing, missing nails, and loose or damaged shingles.  Be sure to contact a professional roofer if you are unsure what to do about the damage you encounter.  Curling and peeling shingles are often times a sign that it is time for a roof replacement.
4. Remove mold and moss:  Purchase a roofing moss remover and spray it on affected areas.  Once you have given time for the cleaning solution to work, use a soft bristled brush to gently brush away the mold and moss.  Using anything harsher will remove the granules from the shingles, causing more damage than good.
5. Inspect the soffits and fascia:  Check for missing caulk, peeling paint, rotten wood, holes, cracks, or other damage.  Make minor repairs, re-caulk and re-paint, or call a roofing contractor to handle the larger repairs.
6. Inspect chimneys, skylights, and vents:  If any of these openings into your home are not sealed correctly and maintained, you risk the likelihood of water damage, pest infestation, and a spike in utility bills.  

Roof maintenance is a large undertaking for most homeowners, but it is extremely important and must be done regularly.  The sooner a problem is detected, the easier it is to repair and the less expensive it will be.  At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we are here for all of your roofing needs.  Whether you find some minor repairs that need attention or you realize that your entire roof needs to be replaced, we will help make sure you have a solid and safe roof over your head well into the future.