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.