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Things You Should Never Do To Your Roof

1/26/2017

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Your roof is a very valuable investment that will last for a very long time if taken care of properly.  While there are numerous things that you should do to help maintain your roofing system, here is our list of things you should NOT do to your roof:

  1. Pressure Washing - Whether you just want your roof to be as clean as the rest of the building or you notice dark algae stains on your roof that are driving you crazy, pressure washing is not the answer!  Sure, it will remove all the dirt and stains…but it will also remove all of the granules from your shingles.  These granules are what protect your shingles from sun, heat, rain, hail, fire, and any other act of nature.  Having non-effective shingles will shorten the lifespan of your roof.
  2. Walk on the Roof - First of all, walking on a roof is pretty dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and even more dangerous if it is wet.  Not only is there a potential for injury, but walking on your roof will also damage it by rubbing the granules off of the shingles.
  3. Install a Satellite Dish - If you’re thinking about having a satellite dish installed on your roof, think again.  A cable technician is not a roofing contractor so they do not understand how to properly walk on a roof without damaging it.  When a satellite dish is installed, bolts are used to screw it into the roof, leaving it vulnerable to leaks.
  4. Ignore Debris - Aside from looking bad, debris can cause your roof some major problems.  When it piles up, it can cause water to pool, leading to leaks, mold, and pests.
  5. Cut Holes in the Roof - This seems like an obvious thing to avoid, but if you decide you want skylights or need more roof vents, it’s best to hire a qualified roofing contractor to do any type of work on your roof.  They know the proper ways to seal around the openings in order to safeguard your roof against leaks and other damage.
  6. Pull up Shingles to Inspect for Leaks - No matter how handy you are, it is definitely not a good idea to pull up any shingles from your roof to check for leaks.  Unless you have experience with roofing, you will more than likely cause more leaks.  You’ll also void your roof’s warranty.  Just call a professional roofing contractor like Bill White Roofing and Specialty if you suspect you have a leak.
  7. Ignore Clogged Gutters - If your gutters become clogged, water will pool up on your roof, leading to leaks and damage to your building structure.  If the gutters have too much weight in them from the debris and pooled water, they can pull away from the roof, causing even more damage.
Bottom line…if you aren’t sure if you should do something to your roof, you probably shouldn’t.  We are available to answer any questions you may have or to help you with any issues that may arise with your roof.  Give us a call at (205) 942-8374.
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So Many Options...Which One is Best For Your Roof?

1/18/2017

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If you haven't had to shop for a new roof in the past decade, you're probably unaware of the fact that there are tons of options when it comes to roofing materials.  A roof typically lasts anywhere from 20-50 years, so chances are, you will have to replace your roof at some point in your life.  Because your new roof will last for years, it is important to choose your roofing shingles wisely so they'll not only last as long as you expect, but also so you don't cringe every time you pull up to your house.  With that being said, here are several factors you should keep in mind when choosing the color of your roofing shingles:

Climate:  The color of the shingles will help keep your energy bills in line because it can affect the temperature in your attic by 20-40 degrees.  Lighter colored shingles reflect sunlight and will help keep your home cool, while darker colored shingles absorb heat and will help keep your home stay warm if you live in a colder climate.

Color of Your Home:  You'll want to coordinate the color of your roof with the other elements of your home, whether it is brick, stucco, or covered in siding.  Dark gray or black shingles look great with a gray, blue, or white house.  If your home is brown, cream, or tan, you may want to go with brown shingles or a mix of cream and brown.  If your home is a different color, such as green, red, or yellow, you will have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a color because they all will compliment your home.

Make a Statement:  What type of statement do you want to make with your home?  Neutral colors such as tan, cream, brown, black, and gray are the safest option and will stay in style the longest.  If you're going for a trendier statement, you can use a color combination such as various brown tones or a mix of blues, blacks, and grays.  

Illusion:  Darker colored shingles will make your home look smaller while lighter colors will make it look larger

Your Neighbors: If you are a member of a neighborhood association, you will need to check with them to see what colors are approved for your roofing shingles.  If there are no rules concerning the color of your roof, you should still take into consideration how your roof will blend with the surrounding homes.  You don't want to choose the exact same color roof as your next door neighbors, but you also don't want the colors to clash.

Consult with a qualified and experienced roofing contractor to help you choose the best roofing shingle for your home.  There are so many options on the market so they should be able to help you narrow down your choices.  Shingle type and color are important decisions that will greatly affect your home's curb appeal as well as resale value.
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Fact or Fiction? Common Roofing Myths

1/6/2017

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The roof is your home or business' first line of defense against sun, rain, snow, or wind...but it is often forgotten about until there is a problem.  As a homeowner, you will probably only purchase one roof in your lifetime.  It is crucial that you make educated decisions on this protective barrier to avoid moisture problems and structural damage.  

There is a lot of information out there about roofing, but not all of it is true.  (You really can't believe everything you read on the internet????) Here are the most common myths about roofing and why they are just that, myths:

Myth #1: All asphalt shingles are the same.

All shingles are not the same.  There are a wide variety of shingle types to choose from, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.  They are rated by durability and wind resistance, and some shingles are created to protect against specific issues such as black mold and algae.  An important point to remember is that the price of the shingles is not always an indicator of their quality.  Some inexpensive shingles are very reliable while other expensive shingles are known to have problems.  At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we will be able to help you determine the best shingles for your particular roofing needs.

Myth #2:  You don't need to replace the flashing

Flashing is the metal material put in place to divert water away from roof openings.  Because it is made of metal, most people think that it is indestructable.  As time progresses, however, it can become loose or knocked out of place, become rusted, crack, or break.  If your flashing is compromised, you will have major roof problems.  It is best to inspect it twice a year to catch any damage at an early stage.  

Myth #3:  Pressure washing won't damage the roof materials

While you may think pressure washing is a great way to clear your roof of dirt and grime, it can actually harm the roof and cause its lifespan to shorten.  High pressure washing will force water underneath the shingles and behind the siding, resulting in mold and mildew.  It will also damage the texture of the shingles, causing them to deteriorate pretty quickly.  

Myth #4:  Insulation in the attic saves energy and aids in roof performance

While insulation in the attic is exremely important, it must be executed properly.  Adding more than the necessary insulation will block ventilation and possibly trap moisture, resulting in mold and mildew growth and damage to the roof decking.  It is best to consult with a qualified roofing contractor to determine the appropriate levels of insulation necessary for your roofing system.

Myth #5:  Gutters are not part of the roofing system

Gutters are actually a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to diverting water from your structure, which is what your roof is designed to do among other things.  The gutter system prevents water from dripping down the exterior walls and onto the foundation of the building.  If the gutters are damaged or full of debris, water will build up and cause serious problems such as leaks and rotting wood in the fascia boards, soffits, and decking.  You should have your gutters cleaned out frequently and inspected for damage to avoid costly problems.

We can't stress enough the importance of regular roof maintenance.  Be sure to contact a reliable roofing company like Bill White Roofing and Specialty to help keep your roof in prime condition.  It is one of, if not the, most important aspects of your building.
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Bill White Roofing and Specialty
3172 Shannon Wenonah Rd
Bessemer, AL 35022
​(205) 942-8374
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  • Home
  • Roofing Services
    • Roof Repair
    • Roof Replacement
    • Gutters
    • Commercial Roofing
  • About
  • Contact
  • For Our Clients
  • Roofing Blog
  • Where We Work
    • Homewood, AL
    • Hoover, AL
    • Mountain Brook, AL
    • Vestavia, AL
  • Privacy