WoodLand Roofers

Tag: Roof Services In The Woodlands Texas

  • Do You Know Important Facts About Natural Cedar Roofs?

    Roof Companies in Kingwood Texas

    Natural cedar is one of the most beautiful types of shingles or shakes installed by roof companies today. It has many unique qualities when put on by roof services that are experienced with wood systems, making it a favorite of many homeowners. Before you invest in this material, you should understand both the advantages and disadvantages of cedar.

    To get the most from this attractive material and avoid the need for unnecessary roof repair means knowing how cedar should be installed and maintained.

    What Makes Cedar Roofing Attractive and Unique?

    Cedar has a natural, rustic look so that when installed by skilled roof companies, it can compliment many types of homes. These shingles are cut from multiple species like red and white cedar and range from a rich reddish-brown to lighter shades of brown and tan.

    They offer an attractive, slightly variegated appearance once installed. They can be purchased as standard shingles cut to various shapes and sizes depending upon your preference or as hand-split, thicker shakes that give a more rustic look.

    Additionally, the cedar shingles and shakes that are installed by qualified roof services are unique from other materials in the way they gradually mature to a smooth, variegated gray patina that looks just as beautiful, if not more stately. Combined with its numerous other advantages such as a long service life and a reduced need for roof repairs, cedar is a great choice to consider for your next roof installation.

    Cedar Has Many Appealing Qualities

    Along with its natural beauty, when cedar shingles and shakes are installed by experienced roof companies, they offer you the following important advantages:

    • High Durability – Cedar is naturally weather-resistant, mold-resistant, insect-resistant, and is not affected by extreme temperature changes even freezing. When correctly maintained, this material can withstand different environmental extremes and is not likely to rot.  
    • Long Lifespan – Although commercial cedar products installed by roof services typically carry warranties up to 25 years, many cedar installations last twice that long. If they are well maintained and any minor roof repairs are made when necessary, cedar systems can outlast asphalt and wood shingle installations.
    • Eco-Friendly – Cedar for roofing and building materials is sustainably grown and non-polluting, making it a preferred choice over many synthetic materials. It also provides natural thermal protection and can be safely recycled as mulch once it has been removed.

    The Few Disadvantages

    The main disadvantage you may face when choosing cedar for your home is a need for regular maintenance to keep it clean. Leaves must be kept off a cedar roof and should be washed with a detergent every few years to remove any mold or mildew that may be growing.To improve fire-resistance, it should be periodically treated with preparations made specifically for cedar.

    Additionally, it is critical that cedar shakes or shingles be installed by qualified roof companies that know to apply breathable substrates necessary to allow cedar to breathe as well as to ensure the home has adequate attic ventilation.

    If you are looking for an attractive, environmentally-friendly and durable roofing material for your home, consider natural cedar shingles or shakes. When installed by experienced roof services, cedar is one of the most beautiful materials available and will give you years of reliable service with little need for roof repair!

    Need An Experienced Roof Company In Kingwood Texas?

    Contact Woodland Roofers For Quality Roof Services!

    Call (832) 410-4633!

  • Does My Roof Need A Turbine?

    Roof Companies in The Woodlands Texas

    Proper attic ventilation is essential to your roof, an important requirement for preventing the need for unnecessary roof repair. Fortunately, there are a number of different vents that roof companies can install on your home to promote good attic ventilation, including turbine vents. When properly installed by roof services as part of a complete ventilation system, turbines can increase the ventilation of your attic, making it easier to keep that important space and cool dry.

    What Are Roof Turbines?

    Roof turbines are a type of air vent that roof companies install near the top of your house to improve attic ventilation and airflow through that space. Turbines are made of lightweight metal and comprised of a circular unit containing spinning vanes that rotate when blown by the wind. They are available in a number of sizes and finishes to serve various needs.

    Roof services typically install turbines on homes that require additional ventilation to improve the efficiency of existing ridge and soffit vents. Turbines can also be a good solution to increase ventilation for homes that do not have ridge vents. They are quiet, efficient, and very effective in releasing hot air and moisture as well as preventing costly roof repair due to ventilation problems.

    How Do Turbines Work?

    Turbine vents installed by roof companies are wind-powered, requiring no electricity to run. When the wind blows and turns the vanes, attic air is drawn up into the vent and exhausted outside the house. The faster the wind turns the vanes, the greater the flow of hot air out of the attic. Turbines also allow rising, hot air to escape the attic even if there is no wind turning the vanes.

    Additionally, when the vanes are in motion and the turbine is drawing air out, the intake of air through the soffit vents and further ventilation through the ridge vents is improved.

    Does Your Roof Need A Turbine?

    Standard roof ventilation consists of ridge vents that release rising, hot air out of the attic and soffit vents that allow fresh air in to replace what has escaped through the ridge vent. Roof services find that for most homes, this system is sufficient to keep a good balance of inflow and exhaust so the attic remains cool and the continual air movement prevents condensation.

    When the ridge and soffit system is inefficient or there are no ridge vents, hot and moist air stays trapped in the attic. This increases cooling costs and allows condensation to form. Over time, unvented heat and moisture can cause a number of problems with your roof resulting in a need for expensive roof repair. Turbine vents provide the perfect solution to this problem since they increase ventilation, promote the movement of air in and out of the existing vents, or provide essential ventilation where there are no vents.

    The best way to find out whether you should consider having a roof company install turbine vents in your home is to arrange for an inspection of your roof and attic. Roof services will measure the amount of air that flows through your soffit and ridge vents, looking for signs of poor ventilation and determine whether a turbine vent or two would be beneficial. Inexpensive and easy to install, turbine vents are a great solution to reduce your cooling bills and prevent damage that requires expensive roof repair!

    Seeking Roof Companies In The Woodlands Texas?

    Contact GMA Restoration About Your Roof Repair Needs!

    Call (832) 410-4633!

  • When The Hurricane Blows – Will Your Roof Be Ready?

    Roofs in The Woodlands Texas

    If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, you know that storm season brings with it the worries of roof damage and the need for expensive roof repair. Fortunately, there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare for this bad weather and reduce the chance that you will need to call for roof services.

    Homeowners who are concerned about hurricane damage to their roofs can apply the tips below with the help of local roofing contractors to make sure their homes are storm ready.

    Get A Professional Inspection Each Year

    If you live in an area where hurricanes are common, it is essential that your roof is in its best condition at all times. Preventing blow offs and other serious damage means ensuring roofs are solid prior to storm season and do not have any type of damage or issues that require attention.

    A few loose shingles or even the smallest hole in your decking could make your home susceptible to devastating damage from hurricane-force winds. The most reliable way to ensure you are not at risk is by arranging for regular inspections from experienced roof services, then promptly arranging for any necessary roof repair to correct these issues.  

    Use Wind-Resistant Roofing Materials

    Not all roofing materials are created equal when it comes to wind resistance. While asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly used materials, they can easily be blown off roofs, along with metal panels that are not properly secured. You can reduce the possibility of hurricane damage by opting for Class 4 impact and wind resistant materials designed to last longer in extreme weather conditions.

    Synthetic materials designed to look like traditional shingles and tiles are one of the most durable, wind-resistant options available today when professionally installed by qualified roof services. These systems may cost more initially; however, they protect your home better and offer greater protection against Category 2 hurricane winds up to 110 mph.

    Although no materials can protect homes against Category 3 or greater winds of 111 mph or more, synthetic roofing systems offer homeowners the best protection available today.

    Install Hurricane Straps

    Besides installing durable materials on your home, you should also consider bracing your roof to provide even greater protection. Galvanized steel hurricane straps that secure trusses to the walls of your home are suggested if you live in a storm area and there is a significant risk of a hurricane. Any roof repair company can quickly and easily install hurricane straps on your home as an added measure of security.

    Hurricanes are very destructive and can cause extreme damage to homes and other buildings. When the storm winds blow, unsecured roofs can suffer. Protect your home as much as possible by considering the tips above and always working with qualified roof services. Efforts taken in advance to prepare for storms can greatly reduce the need for roof repair later!

    Preparing For Storm Season In The Woodlands TX?

    Contact GMA Restoration About Hurricane Preparedness!

    Call (832) 410-4633!

  • The Proper Maintenance of Wood Shake Roofs!

    Roofs in The Woodlands Texas

    A classic wood shake roof can be a wonderful addition to any home, giving it a beautiful Colonial appearance. Shakes made from cedar and other types of wood provide years of protection when well-maintained by experienced roof services and are a more durable option than wood shingles.

    Although this type of installation demands a bit more attention than synthetic shingles, homeowners who know what to expect from wood shake and how to take care of it can expect the longest and most trouble-free life from their wood shake roofs!

    Wood Shakes Appearance

    Wood shakes look similar to shingles but are made with a different process. Where shingles are cut with a saw, shakes are split. They are also not as uniform in size and thickness as shingles, which is part of what gives shakes their distinctive and classic look. When expertly installed by roof services familiar with this type of material, shakes form a beautiful and watertight layer over the top of a home or building.

    Since shakes are frequently left in their natural state, over time the wood will slowly age to various shades of gray or brown depending on the type of wood that is used. With regular maintenance, this slow color change is natural and lends to the beautiful appearance these roofs offer.

    Wood Shakes Maintenance

    When properly installed and maintained, wood shake roofs should last between 25 and 40 years. This is longer than most synthetic shingles installed by roof services. Yet getting a full service life from wood shakes requires good maintenance and the following steps:

    • Keep It Clean – The biggest issue that affects wood shakes and shingles is decomposition due to the presence of mold, mildew, and moss. Water retention is the main reason why organisms grow on shakes, so it is essential to check them regularly for any growth. Shakes affected by this problem should be scrubbed off using a solution to kill the growth and promote drying. It is also important to keep trees trimmed away from the roof to prevent any drying issues.
    • Gutter Maintenance – The most commonly affected areas to suffer from vegetative growth, mold and mildew, or rotting due to saturation are those closest to the gutters. When shakes are submerged due to gutter overflow, they absorb water. This causes expansion, cracking, and warping, which loosens shakes on the roof and encourages mold, mildew, and moss growth. To prevent these problems, it is essential that gutters be properly installed to divert water away from the roof edge. They must also be cleaned regularly to prevent pooling and overflowing.
    • Sealant Protection – In addition to keeping the gutters clean and washing shakes as needed, homeowners can also apply a protective coating to preserve them. There are a number of sealants available for shakes and shingles that help prevent water and UV damage; some are even tinted to retain the original shake shades. There are also sealants available to protect the metal flashing used with shakes to discourage rusting, which could eventually cause leaks.

    When properly maintained, wood shake roofs can last for nearly half a century, providing home and building owners with classic good looks for many years. Gutter and shake cleaning is not difficult for owners to do on their own and is all needed to keep wood shakes in top condition. For those who would prefer not to do this themselves, it is a simple maintenance task that can be arranged with local roof services to ensure the shake roof is clean and in its best condition!

    Looking For Roof Services In The Woodlands Texas?

    GMA Restoration Can Clean Your Wood Shake Roof!

    Call (832) 410-4633!

  • Inspecting Roofs – When And Why Should They Be Done?

    Roof Repair in The Woodlands Texas

    The key to avoiding unnecessary, costly, and preventable roof repair is getting regular inspections done. Although regular examinations may seem irrelevant when there is no obvious damage to be seen, there are many issues that can affect a roof in very unexpected ways. When performed by experienced roof services, routine inspections help homeowners to protect the investment in their roof and their entire house.

    Why Get Regular Roof Inspections?

    The main reason why all homeowners should have regular roof inspections done by qualified roof services is because most major problems start out as minor issues. As such, these minor details that would go unnoticed by the homeowner frequently end up causing more extensive damage over time.

    Small concerns like loose flashing, loss of granules on shingles, and poor ventilation may not be obvious signals that roof repair is necessary; however, if left unchecked little problems can progress into serious conditions.

    After months, or even years without attention, these minor issues can be costly to homeowners even to the point of requiring a new roof or even repairs to the home structure itself.

    What Is Involved In A Roof Inspection?

    Every inspection is different based on the type of home and the type of material used. Still, it all involves professional roof services taking a closer look at the housetop, paying particular attention to looking for the most common problems that can result in a need for roof repair. Contractors will determine the condition of the external materials and ensure it is lasting as long as it should be according to the manufacturer. They will then look inside the attic for evidence of hidden problems.

    Attic ventilation and gutters are a prime concern when gauging the condition of any roof, as is affected by the placement, sealing, and condition of flashing, vent pipes, and other protrusions. If any concerns are noted, a suggestion for repairs will be made so the problem can be corrected before more serious damage can occur.

    When Should Inspections Be Done?

    Generally speaking, roof inspections should be routinely performed according to the different materials used. Shingles of various sorts, as well as tile installations, should be inspected every two to three years; metal should be inspected every four to five years. Flat roofs should be inspected regularly every two years no matter what material is used, since they are the most likely to sustain damage or begin leaking.

    There are other times when homeowners should arrange for roof services to do an inspection even if it hasn’t been that long. Any time there could be some kind of damage, whether due to a big storm or from branches or other debris falling on the house, an inspection is essential. It is important to have someone take a look to determine whether any damage exists and if any repairs are needed.

    The other time when an inspection is usually required is during the sale of a home since most lenders and insurance companies will not work with a buyer unless the whole house – including the roof – has been inspected.

    Based on this simple information, it should be easy to understand the importance of and how often routine inspections should be performed by qualified roof services. With regular inspections, homeowners are alerted of existing issues before they become major concerns that require expensive roof repair!

    Need A Roof Inspection in The Woodlands Texas?

    GMA Restoration Does Inspections and All Types of Roof Services!

    Call (832) 410-4633!