Bill White Roofing and Specialty
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Roof Maintenance Tips for Spring

4/17/2018

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The azaleas are in full bloom, the birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, and people are enjoying the outdoors more and more.  Spring is a perfect time to clean out your flowerbeds, begin mowing and trimming your lawn and bushes, and also to evaluate the outside of your home for any needed cleaning or repairs.  One part of your home that needs special attention after the dreary days of winter is the roof.

The roof of your home is like an umbrella that protects you during a heavy rainfall or from the blaze of the hot afternoon sun.  Your home’s roof takes a lot of wear and tear from weather elements, and it is wise to inspect it every now and then for any discrepancies.

One easy way to inspect your home is to pull out a pair of binoculars and complete a visual inspection of the roof’s surface.  You should look for any loose or missing shingles.  Also, beware of any shingles that appear buckled, curled, or misshapen in any way.  If you find any shingles that need attention, then it is important to call a roofing contractor for assistance.  A roofer will be able to repair or replace the damaged shingles, as well as inspect the surrounding area for any other potential problems.

Another activity that is beneficial for your roof is to clean out the gutters.  Spring and summer are well known for having strong storms and rain showers.  It is important for the function of your roof to have the gutters and downspouts clear of debris so the rainwater can run freely away from your roof.  If the water cannot escape, there can be potential damage caused by water pooling and leakage.  That could lead to more repairs that could increase damage and price significantly.

Another inspection that should also occur now is the inspection of your roof’s flashing.  Flashing is a building material that is used around the joints, or different edges, on your roof.  You may find flashing around roof vents, skylights, or various pitches along the roof.  If you see any flashing that contains rust or that has become dislodged, then it is important to repair or replace it.

While you are inspecting the flashing, it is also a good time to inspect the soffit vents around your home.  Soffits are sections of wood or metal that run underneath the roof, between the walls of your home and the roofline.  It is a good idea to spot-check them annually to check for rotting wood or dislodged pieces.  These should also be repaired as needed.

Although rough winter damage is unlikely in the Birmingham area, it is always wise to check your roof annually for damage from extreme weather elements.  Since the roof of your home takes the brunt of all weather forces, it is beneficial to keep it in prime condition.  Fix any damage as soon as you possibly can in order to prevent more damage from occurring.  Roof damage will not fix itself and may cause significant amounts of continuous damage if left unfixed.

As always, Bill White Roofing and Specialty is here to help you with any of your roofing needs.  We take pride in our work and our happy customers prove it! ​
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7 Roof Maintenance Tips for Fall

10/24/2017

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roofing company in birmingham al
Performing maintenance on your roof during the Fall will help protect your home and belongings from the cold winter conditions right around the corner.  If you find that your roof has any type of damage, it is time to have it repaired.  Ensure your roof stays in great shape for as long as possible and check out these 7 roof maintenance tips for Fall:

1. Inspect Your Attic

Take a look at the interior surface of your attic.  Use a flashlight to inspect the ceiling, insulation, and wood beams for signs of moisture from any leaks.  Do your inspection on a sunny day so that you can see if sunlight is coming through any holes in the roof.

2. Trim Surrounding Trees

Trim away branches that are getting too close to your home to prevent damage to your roof.  Doing this before all the leaves fall will also help keep the leaves off of your roof and out of your gutters.

3. Clean the Gutters

Clearing your rain gutters and downspouts of debris is necessary to keep water flowing properly off of the roof.  A clogged gutter will make the water pool up on the roof, leading to mold, cracking, shingle damage, and rotting wood.

4. Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are devices that fit over your gutters to help prevent leaves and other large debris from falling inside.  They are typically screens with small holes that still allow water to flow through easily, but keep out anything that can cause clogs.  They are extremely affordable and will keep you from having to clean your gutters so often.

5. Repair or Replace Shingles

Fall is a great time to take care of any damaged, loose, or missing shingles on your roof in order to protect the underlying roof decking from moisture and other weather elements.  Keep in mind that climbing on a roof is dangerous and very easy to cause further damage if you aren’t familiar with walking on a roof, so this job is usually best left to a professional roofing company.

6. Take Care of Chimney Issues

Your chimney and rooftop vents are important components of your roofing system.  If there are any problems with them, it is important to have them repaired before the weather cools and you start using the fireplace.  Missing mortar, cracks in the brick, or metal on the vents make it possible for sparks to land on the roof, which can result in a dangerous fire.

7. Schedule a Roof Inspection

We can’t stress enough how important it is to have a professional roofer inspect your roofing system during the fall.  Not only do they know exactly what to look for, but they can repair any small issues before they turn into much bigger problems during the winter.

If you're looking for a roofing company in Birmingham AL to help with any of these Fall roofing maintenance tasks, give us a call today!
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Mistakes to Avoid When Thinking About Your Roof

7/19/2017

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Do I cut costs by hiring a less experienced contractor?  Can I buy my own materials to save money?  Should I do my own repairs?
 

Your roof is a major investment, so it’s important to weigh your options before making any major decisions.  Avoid these mistakes when making decisions about roof maintenance and preservation:

1.Start a major roofing project by yourself

Unless you are an expert on roofing, it’s best to leave the work up to an experienced roofing professional.  Just climbing up on the roof is dangerous and can cause serious damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.  Tearing off a roof is even more dangerous.  In our years in the roofing business, we’ve seen people start a project and quickly realize they were in over their heads.  This mistake is often made when someone is trying to save some money, but it ends up costing more in the long run due to the damage caused by lack of knowledge. 

2. Purchasing your own materials
We all like to shop around for good deals, but when it comes to roofing materials, it is best to allow a qualified roofing contractor purchase the materials for you.  Many roofing contractors have long-term relationships with suppliers and are able to get a more competitive price than you could.  Not to mention they will know exactly what you need and how much.  Having a new roof installed is typically a package deal, so a reputable roofer will be able to provide a manufacturer’s warranty as well as a warranty on the workmanship.

3. Installing products that can cause damage over time
Just because a product sounds like it’s great doesn’t mean it’s always the best thing for your roof.  For example, rain diverters sound like something every roof should have, but in actuality, they can cause more damage than good by forcing rain water up under the shingles.  Another example is a flush mounted skylight.  While they look great, they typically aren’t very sturdy and are unable to support large volumes of water.  Be sure to consult with a professional roofer about which products will perform best with your roof structure.
​

4. Hiring the wrong contractor
It is extremely important to do your homework before hiring someone to work on your roof.  Price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when it comes to the quality of work being done on your home.  Talk to friends and family, and ask your neighbors and co-workers for names of roofing companies in the area with a good track record of quality work.  Check online reviews, social media reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to get a better feel of what customers say about them.  Your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, so spend the extra time to find a company with integrity and a high quality finished product. 
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Winter Is Coming: Prepare Your Roof For The Cold

12/5/2016

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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:

1. Remove or trim overhanging tree branches

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.  

2. Clean gutters and downspouts

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.

3. Inspect the roof and repair

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.

4. Insulate your attic

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.

5. Look for warped wood

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.  
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Causes for Roof Leaks and How to Prevent Them

11/17/2016

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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

1. Cracked Roof Flashing

roof-leak-repair-birmingham
 Roof flashing are the thin pieces of metal installed around openings and joints in your roof that create a water resistant barrier.  Tar is often used to seal the flashing together, and it will corrode over time. Because the flashing is exposed to the elements it will eventually crack, leaving that area vulnerable to wind and rain.  Flashing can be easily replaced by prying up the nails used to secure it and pulling it out from under the shingles.  Place the new flashing in its place, fasten it in the same way the old piece was attached, and apply a coat of roofing sealant to the nail heads

2. Broken Shingles

roof-leak-repair-in-birmingham-al
Broken shingles are the easiest issue to spot on your roof.  Look for different colored patches on your roof, or look in your yard for pieces of shingles after a heavy storm.  High winds and heavy rains are usually the cause for damaged or broken shingles.  To replace a damaged shingle, pry out the row of nails that connects it to the one below it, put the new one in its place, and secure it with new nails.  If you have a large amount of damaged shingles, it is best to consult a qualified roofing contractor to determine if there is a larger issue with the roof.

3. Improper Sealing of the Valleys

roof-repair-homewood
A roof valley is the area where two planes join together. Because these areas are normally sloped, water can seep inside as it runs down the roof if the seams are not sealed properly.  The main reason for this type of leak is that the sealant was not applied properly to begin with, but excess rain and ice can cause the sealant to erode over time and stepping on the roof can crack the sealant.  In order to fix this type of roof leak, it is best to hire a qualified roofing contractor because of the complexity of the job.  

4. Clogged Gutters

gutter-repair-birmingham
Gutters are designed to channel water away from the roof, so when they become clogged by leaves and other debris, the water will pool up on the roof itself.  When water pools on the roof, it has a better chance of seeping through the cracks. Look for leaves or sticks poking out of the gutter when you step back and look up at your roof, or if it ever rains you will notice that water is not trickling out of the downspouts.  To fix this situation, the simple answer is to clean out your gutters.  You can also opt for guards that fit over your gutters that prevent debris from accumulating but still allow water to run freely.

5. Attic Condensation

roofing-birmingham
Because your attic is the uppermost part of your home, it is prone to condensation and moisture.  Condensation occurs when the indoor and outdoor temperatures clash, especially during hot summers and cold winters.  A leak from the attic will result in mold growth and mildew, and can often be detected by a strong musty odor.  The mold must be treated first, and then proper ventilation and insulation must be installed to allow moisture to escape and to prevent large fluctuations in temperatures.
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.
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Roof Maintenance Tips

9/14/2016

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roof maintenance birmingham alabama
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.
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Bill White Roofing and Specialty
3172 Shannon Wenonah Rd
Bessemer, AL 35022
​(205) 942-8374
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