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3 Simple Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Roof

What if you could extend the life of one of the most expensive parts of your home? You would do it in a heartbeat, right? Add in the fact that it’s super simple to do makes it even more appealing. Here we will talk about 3 simple ways to extend the life of your roof!

Number 1: Maintain Regularly

What do we mean by maintain? Remove debris that has collected on your roof from recent storms or crazy winds. Leaves, water, dirt, and other debris like sticks can collect and cause damage to your roof if not taken care of. Combine debris with water from recent rain storms and you’ve got a recipe for mold, mildew and other harmful agents to your roof.

Number 2: Venitlate Properly

If your attic ventilation is poor, you can expect a shorter liefspan of your roof. Many homeowners may underestimate the importance of adequate attic ventilation. The common misconception is that roof vents are to keep attic space from getting to hot in the summer. While this is true, their primary function is to let excess moisture and humidity escape from the home. Good ventilation allows for cool air flow underneath the roof deck and cools the shingle.

Number 3: Inspect Thouroughly

Frequent and thorough inspection is one of the best ways to extend the life of your roof. Especially after a major storm, it’s important to take a look to make sure everything is in place. By frequently taking a look at your roof you’ll be able to spot issues as they come up, before they become a bigger problem!

With how much you invest in a roof, it is vitally important to consistently make an effort to extend its life. Need an inspection? Chappell Roofing proves FREE inpections! Contact us today! 

 

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The Hidden & Unexpected Dangers Of A Leaking Roof

The Hidden & Unexpected Dangers Of A Leaking Roof

Painting the front door, replacing the carpet, re-decorating the family room. These are all home projects that can wait. What’s one that can’t? A leaky roof! Why? Putting off repairing or replacing a leaking roof opens the door to hidden and unexpected dangers! What kind of dangers exactly?

Let’s first identify what could have caused your roof to leak. A leaking roof can be caused by various factors such as improper roof installation, wind or storm damage, and lack of maintenance. Whatever the cause, the issue should be taken care of as soon as possible. A professional roofing contractor can help you identify the damage.

Ceiling & Attic Damage

A leaking roof left alone will severely damage items in your attic. Say goodbye to the memories you have worked hard to preserve. If the leaking persists through your attic or you don’t have an attic, expect water to come through your ceiling, making water marks, stains, and affecting your lighting. Sounds like a mess. A mess that could all be avoided just by repairing a leak right away!

Interior Mold & Mildew

Here’s where it can get kind of scary. Mold and mildew are inevitable when it comes to letting water set for a long period of time. The heat here in West Texas and standing water are a recipe for disaster. Mold can travel and grow throughout the home’s structure, and even through the home’s HVAC system. That means you could be breathing harmful and mold-polluted air, which can cause some serious health issues.

Wasted Energy

When water gets a hold of your insulation, it’s bad news and detrimental. Saturated insulation cannot and will not do its job. That means you will be paying a lot more to heat and cool your home due to wasted energy.

Threat Of Fire

A persistent leak and shorted wires can cause a big problem. You guessed it…fire. If you have electrical wiring in your ceiling or attic and you have a leak, the leak must be repaired as quickly as possible.

If you even suspect your roof is leaking, call Chappell Roofing today! Choose your trusted and local roofer, Chappell Roofing, to get the job done!

Painting the front door, replacing the carpet, re-decorating the family room. These are all home projects that can wait. What’s one that can’t? A leaky roof! Why? Putting off repairing or replacing a leaking roof opens the door to hidden and unexpected dangers! What kind of dangers exactly?

Let’s first identify what could have caused your roof to leak. A leaking roof can be caused by various factors such as improper roof installation, wind or storm damage, and lack of maintenance. Whatever the cause, the issue should be taken care of as soon as possible.

Ceiling & Attic Damage

A leaking roof left alone will severely damage items in your attic. Say goodbye to the memories you have worked hard to preserve. If the leaking persists through your attic or you don’t have an attic, expect water to come through your ceiling, making water marks, stains, and affecting your lighting. Sounds like a mess. A mess that could all be avoided just by repairing a leak right away!

Interior Mold & Mildew

Here’s where it can get kind of scary. Mold and mildew are inevitable when it comes to letting water set for a long period of time. The heat here in West Texas and standing water are a recipe for disaster. Mold can travel and grow throughout the home’s structure, and even through the home’s HVAC system. That means you could be breathing harmful and mold-polluted air, which can cause some serious health issues.

Wasted Energy

When water gets a hold of your insulation, it’s bad news and detrimental. Saturated insulation cannot and will not do its job. That means you will be paying a lot more to heat and cool your home due to wasted energy.

Threat Of Fire

A persistent leak and shorted wires can cause a big problem. You guessed it…fire. If you have electrical wiring in your ceiling or attic and you have a leak, the leak must be repaired as quickly as possible.

If you even suspect your roof is leaking, call Chappell Roofing today! Choose your trusted and local roofer, Chappell Roofing, to get the job done!

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Roofing Tips For The Warmer Months

In the West Texas heat, it’s important to make sure you are properly maintaining your roof. Check out these roofing tips for warmer months. Knowing how to care for your roof during the hotter times of the year will increase the lifespan of the most expensive part of your home, your roof.

Check Your Roof And Check It Often

Spring brings showers…or as it goes here in West Texas, dust storms, heavy winds, and hail. As a homeowner, it’s critical to inspect the quality of your roof and to make sure it’s withstanding the weather. Things you should look for include missing shingles, dents, and exposed areas usually covered by flashing or ridge lines. If you’re concerned about getting on your roof, be sure to give us a call…Chappell offers inspections to help you determine any problem areas.

Clean Clean Clean

Make sure your gutters are consistently cleaned out. Leaves, asphalt particles, and (especially in West Texas) dust can clog gutters. Dirty or clogged gutters can create unnecessary pressure on your roof. In additional to allowing water to pool along the edges where your roof touches, fascia, eaves, and shingled edges can also get damaged from heavy storms.

Rid Your Roof Of Debris

Warmer weather means branches, pollen, and little critters. It’s critical to keep all of these things away from your roof in order to maintain it properly. Many local trees, particularly mulberries and oaks, can leave tiny little presents on your roof in the form of pollen and acorns.

Animal mating season usually coincides with rising temperatures, and you don’t want to let them find a way to use your roof as their nursery. This includes squirrels, birds, and sometimes even cats! Protecting your roof by closing off holes and making sure there are no chewed edges can definitely help.

Hire A Pro

No one can help assess and prevent damage like a professional. We know you’re busy, which is why we offer free estimates, timed around your schedule. It’s important to keep your roof well-maintained and your home protected.

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Smart & Simple Home DIYs

Smart & Simple Home DIYs

When you hear the phrase “home project”, it’s not uncommon you would immediately think of cost. It’s true, a lot of home projects cost a pretty penny, which can make you hold off or wait longer than you need to when starting a project. Here, we will discuss some home DIYs that are smart but small. These  simple home DIYs will help improve your home without the crazy costs that come along with big projects most times.

Work SMARTER Not Harder

The following projects may seem small but carry some heavy weight when it comes to importance and convenience.

Weather Stripping

Keep unwanted bugs and pests from coming through the gaps by fixing the weather stripping along your windows and doors.

Downspout Extensions

When it rains here in West Texas, it pours. Your home’s foundation and standing water typically won’t get along very well. A simple solution? Install downspout extensions! This is a simple fix, and if not done, could lead to costly repairs.

Make The Switch To LED

Change out your current light bulbs for LED bulbs! Two benefits: they use less energy and last a lot longer. This will save you money on your energy bill and also save you some trips to the utility store!

Repair Concrete Cracks

Repair unsightly cracks in your concrete with exterior concrete urethane caulk! This will make it look a lot better but also prevent the areas from cracking more!

Clean Faucet Aerators

This quick fix goes a long way. Increase your water flow from your faucets instantly by giving them a quick clean! Simply twist them off and soak them in vinegar. It’s that simple!

That’s our quick list of smart yet simple home DIYs that will make a big difference in your home! For more advice on home-related topics, and for all of your roofing needs, contact Chappell Roofing  today!

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5 Steps for Checking your Roof for Hail Damage

5 Steps for Checking your Roof for Hail Damage

Oh Hail No!

Did you know the largest recorded hailstone in U.S. history weighed 1.94 pounds? Lucky for us, it wasn’t here in Midland. We all know West Texas has some crazy weather which unfortunately for home owners includes hail storms (womp womp). As we’re in the beginning of the rainy season here in Midland, home owners should form the habit of checking your roof for hail damage. New to home ownership and don’t know where to begin? We’ve compiled the first steps in checking your roof hail indicators.

Step 1

Try to stay off your roof and leave that to the professionals. Look at your gutters and downspouts. Hail can cause asphalt shingles to lose granules and their shine, causing a buildup on mineral deposits in your gutters. If you don’t see mineral deposits don’t write off damage yet, there are other signs that may lead to proof of damage.

Step 2

After you finish celebrating from not finding any deposits in step 1 take a closer look at your gutters. This time you’ll be looking for dents or punctures for those of you with metal gutters. But if you have plastic or vinyl gutters you’ll want to look for cuts or scrapes. These are strong indicators of hail damage.

Step 3

Grab your ladder and lean it against your house. No, you aren’t getting on the roof we said leave it for the professionals. This time we’re looking at your shingles that are close to the eaves. Try to look for signs of damage, depending on what material your roof is made of the signs are a bit different. Asphalt shingles will become dingy and less shiny, and like we said before, hail can cause loss of granules. Metal roofing will have dents or punctures similar to your gutters. Wood shingles will have splits or chips in the wood and possible discoloration where the hair struck. And finally, clay tiles would have cracks or fractures usually close to the edges.

Step 4

Call the professionals! If you found any indicators of hail damage, now it’s time to call an inspector. Your insurance company requires a professional inspection report before you follow through with a claim. This way, you can tell the inspector that you’ve investigated, show him your findings, and hopefully help in the process.

Step 5

Call Chappell Roofing! Chappell Roofing is locally owned and operated and we use only local suppliers so your money stays here in the Permian Basin. They are fully insured, you’re covered from minor residential repairs, to large commercial roof replacements. Click here to read more about the start of Chappell Roofing and why you should choose them!

TERMS

Roofing Terms Defined

In the roofing business, there are many terms and phrases that can seem confusing to a customer. At Chappell Roofing we want you to feel as educated as possible when discussing your roof. It’s true what they say: knowledge is power. That’s why we’ve put together a glossary of sorts to help explain and define roofing terms for you!

Let’s get started!

Algae

Rooftop fungus that can leave dark stains on roofing.

Angled Fasteners

Roofing nails and staples driven into decks at angles not parallel to the deck.

Apron Flashing

Metal flashing used at chimney fronts.

Asphalt

A bituminous waterproofing agent used in various types of roofing materials.

Asphalt Concrete Primer

Asphalt based primer used to prepare concrete and metal for asphalt sealant.

Asphalt Plastic Cement

Asphalt based sealant material, meeting ASTM D4586 Type I or II. Used to seal and adhere roofing materials. Also called mastic, blackjack, roof tar, bull.

Back Surfacing

Granular material added to shingle’s back to assist in keeping separate during delivery and storage.

Blistering

Bubbles or pimples in roofing materials. Usually moisture related. In shingles blisters are caused by either moisture under the material or moisture trapped inside the material.

Blow-Offs

When shingles are subjected to high winds, and are forced off a roof deck.

Buckling

When a wrinkle or ripple affects shingles or their underlayments.

Closed Cut Valley

A shingle valley installation method where one roof plane’s shingles completely cover the other’s. The top layer is cut to match the valley lines.

Counter Flashing

The metal or siding material that is installed over roof-top base flashing systems.

Crickets

A peaked water diverter installed behind chimneys and other large roof projections. Effectively diverts water around projections.

Cupping

When shingles are improperly installed over an existing roof or are over-exposed, they may form a curl or cup. May also be due to a manufacturing defect.

Deck

The substrate over which roofing is applied. Usually plywood, wood boards, or planks. 

Dormer

A raised roof extending out of a larger roof plane.

Drip Edge

An installed lip that keeps shingles up off the deck at edges, and extends shingles out over eaves and gutters, and prevents

Eaves

The roof edge from the fascia to the structure’s outside wall. In general terms, the first three feet across a roof is termed the eave.

End Laps

When installing rolled products in roofing, the area where a roll ends on a roof, and is overlapped by the next section of rolled material.

Exposure

The area on any roofing material that is left exposed to the elements.

Fasteners

Nails or staples used to secure roofing to the deck.

FHA

The Federal Housing Authority sets construction standards throughout the U.S.

Fiberglass Mat

Fibers condensed into strong, resilient mats for use in roofing materials.

Flange

Metal pan extending up or down a roof slope around flashing pieces. Usually at chimneys and plumbing vents

Flashing

Materials used to waterproof a roof around any projections

Flashing Cement

Sealant designed for use around flashing areas, typically thicker than plastic cement.

Gable Roof

Traditional roof style; two peaked roof planes meeting at a ridge line of equal size.

Granules

Crushed rock that is coated with a ceramic coating and fired, used as top surface on shingles.

Hand-Sealing

The method to assure sealing of shingles on very steep slopes, in high wind areas, and when installing in cold weather.

High Nailing

When shingles are nailed or fastened above the manufacturer’s specified nail location.

Hip Legs

The down-slope ridges on hip roofs.

Hip Roof

A roof with four roof planes coming together at a peak and four separate hip legs.

Ice Dam 

When a snow load melts on a roof and re-freezes at the eave areas. Ice dams force water to “back-up” under shingles and cause leakage.


“L” Flashing

Continuous metal flashing consisting of several feet of metal. Used at horizontal walls, bent to resemble an “L”.

Laps

The area where roll roofing or rolled underlayments overlap one another during application (see also side laps and end laps).

Mansard

A roof design with a nearly vertical roof plane that ties into a roof plane of less slope at its peak.

Mats

The general term for the base material of shingles and certain rolled products.

Mortar

Mixture of sand, mortar, limestone and water used in bonding a chimney’s bricks together.

Nail Guide Line

Painted line on laminated shingles, to aid in the proper placement of fasteners.

Nail-Pop

When a nail is not fully driven, it sits up off the roof deck.

Nesting

Installing a second layer of shingles aligning courses with the original roof to avoid shingle cupping.

Open Valley

Valley installation using metal down the valley center.

Organic Mat

Material made from recycled wood pulp and paper.

Organic Shingles

Shingles made from organic (paper) mats.

Overdriven

The term used for fasteners driven through roofing material with too much force, breaking the material.

Overexposed

Installing shingle courses higher than their intended exposure.

Quarter Sized

Term for the size of hand sealant dabs, size of a U.S. 25¢ piece.

Racking

Method of installing shingles in a straight up the roof manner.

Rake Edge

The vertical edge of gable style roof planes.

Release Film

The plastic sheet installed on the back of WeatherWatch® and StormGuard® underlayments. Used for packaging and handling. Remove before installation.

Rigid Vent

Hard plastic ridge vent material.

Roof Louvers

Rooftop rectangular shaped roof vents. Also called box vents, mushroom vents, airhawks, soldier vents.

Roof Plane

A roofing area defined by having four separate edges. One side of a gable, hip or mansard roof.

Sawteeth

The exposed section of double thickness on Timberline® Series shingles – also called dragon teeth. Shaped to imitate wood shake look on the roof.

Self-Sealant

Sealant installed on shingles. After installation, heat and sun will activate sealant to seal the shingles to each other.

Selvage

The non exposed area on rolled roofing. Area without granules. Designed for nail placement and sealant.

Shed Roof

Roof design of a single roof plane. Area does not tie into any other roofs.

Side Laps

The area on rolled material where one roll overlaps the rolled material beneath it. Also called selvage edge on rolled roofing.

Side Walls

Where a vertical roof plane meets a vertical wall. The sides of dormers etc.

Soffit Ventilation

Intake ventilation installed under the eaves, or at the roof edge.

Starter Strip

The first course of roofing installed. Usually trimmed from main roof material.

Steep-Slope Roofing

Generally all slopes higher than 4/12 are considered steep slopes.

Stepflashing

Metal flashing pieces installed at sidewalls and chimneys for weatherproofing.

Tab

The bottom portion of traditional shingle separated by the shingle cut-outs.

Tear-Off

Removal of existing roofing materials down to the roof deck.

Telegraphing

When shingles reflect the uneven surface beneath them. Ex: Shingles installed over buckled shingles may show some buckles.


Transitions

When a roof plane ties into another roof plane that has a different pitch or slope.

Underdriven

Term used to describe a fastener not fully driven flush to the shingles surface.

Underlayments

Asphalt-based rolled materials designed to be installed under main roofing material to serve as added protection.

Valleys

Area where two adjoining sloped roof planes intersect on a roof creating a “V” shaped depression.

Vapor

Term used to describe moisture laden air.

Warm Wall

The finished wall inside of a structure, used in roofing to determine how far up the deck to install waterproof underlayments at eaves.

Warranty

The written promise to the owner of roofing materials for material related problems.

Waterproof Underlayments

Modified bitumen based roofing underlayments. Designed to seal to wood decks and waterproof critical leak areas.

Woven Valleys

The method of installing valleys by laying one shingle over the other up the valley center.

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Is Your New Roof Failing You?

So you did it. You spent the money for a brand new roof. You got a great price. You feel like you’ve won. Fast forward three months and your roof is failing you. Leaks, torn shingles, you name it, it’s happening. How could this be? The contractor you used seemed great. His prices were better than anyone. He came all the way from out of town to do your roof. Is your new roof failing you? Let’s discuss reasons why this could be happening.

Incorrect Installation

When installing a roof, there are proper steps to take to ensure the new roof will withstand the elements for years to come. Even the best material will fail without proper installation. Find a roofer that works specifically with a well known manufacturer. This will ensure the contractor knows how to install this specific material.

Issues With Ventilation

The best roof installation out there will not hold up when paired with poor ventilation. No matter the climate, inadequate ventilation can and will severely affect the life of your brand new roof.

Going Cheap On Materials

Especially in the roofing business, you get what you pay for. Cheap materials are not going to get you the benefits of the roof your home deserves.

Chappell Roofing Won’t Fail You

The sad fact is, “fly-by-night roofers” come and go, and the jobs they complete fail to last like they should. A contractor in from out of town right after a storm who is offering crazy cheap rates should rise some red flags. These roofers sometimes don’t even complete the job.

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2 Main Factors To Achieve Proper Attic Maintenance For Your Home

The state of your roof has a huge impact on the condition of your attic, and in turn, your attic can affect many factors of your roof. It’s important to understand attic maintenance for your home and the most effective ways to keep it in tip top shape.

Insulation

Insulation is the most effective way to control the temperature in your attic. Without proper insulation, if it’s too cold or too hot, your energy bill will through the roof…literally. Avoid mold and mildew with a well controlled and maintained insulated attic.

Ventilation

Adequate attic ventilation is extremely important and often times overlooked.The primary function of ventilation is  to let excess moisture and humidity escape from the home.

Moisture fills the air in our home from cooking, showering, and running appliances such as, dishwashers and clothes dryers. This warm humid air migrates upward and eventually into our attic space. If there is no place for this moisture to escape, it becomes trapped in your attic. This trapped hot and moist air can have a detrimental effect to the integrity and aesthetic appeal of your home. It could even decrease the life expectancy of certain building materials.

Absence or lack of proper attic ventilation forces this trapped moisture to permeate the roof decking and rafters. When the moisture content of wood in your attic reaches a certain level, rafters and decking begin to sag. As a result, you end up with a drooping or sagging look to your roof, which greatly impacts the appearance or “curb appeal” of the Home.

Inadequate attic ventilation can also decrease the life of asphalt composition shingles by as much as 50%. Good ventilation allows for cool air flow underneath the roof deck and cools the shingle. Shingle manufacturers will not warranted their products without the minimum required “Net Air Flow” for your attic size.

Gutters that are a bit on the older side may have worn down and developed leaks or holes, which defeat the purpose of gutters all together. For more information on attic ventilation and what we offer, click here!

Need A Quote?

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Quick Fix: Cure Common Gutter Problems

Water damage to your home is something you want to try and avoid at all costs. What’s the solution to keeping water damage at bay? That’s right, gutters! These quick tips will help you solve common gutter problems with ease!

Define Gutters

First, let’s define the function of a gutter. It’s main purpose is to channel water AWAY from your home. Without gutters, a simple rainstorm can leave you with water inside! So here’s a fact: gutters are essential to maintaining the life of your home.

Here’s The Good News

Most gutter problems can be fixed pretty easily by the home owner. Maintain your gutters, and you’ll be choosing to maintain the life of your home.

Problem: Clogs

Clogs are one of the very common gutter problems. Debris from trees, wind, and rain can cause your gutters to clog up. Especially around here in the Permian Basin, we’ve got a little bit if a dirt problem as well. That’s enough to keep you busy clearing those gutters out.

Solution: Get Up There Or Cover 

If your home isn’t too terribly tall and you feel comfortable on a ladder, hoist yourself up to clear the debris yourself. Tired of getting up there? Another option is to partially cover your gutters. Think of a strainer, on your gutters. This will keep leaves, sticks and other unwanted stuff out, allowing water to flow freely.

Problem: Leaks & Holes

Gutters that are a bit on the older side may have worn down and developed leaks or holes, which defeat the purpose of gutters all together.

Solution: Caulking 

Leaks and holes can easily be fixed by caulking the inside of the joint with gutter sealant. Large holes can be fied with a patch.

Problem:Water Draining Too Close To Foundation

Your gutters should extend several feet away from the foundation of your home.

Solution: Gutter Extensions

Gutter extensions are easy to install and inexpensive. A simple solution for a problem that could cost you big money one day!

These quick, cost effective fixes can be completed quickly and on your own! Should you need some assistance, choose Chappell today!

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Roofing FAQs

Most times, your roof is one of the most expensive components of your home. With that kind of value, you want to be well versed in the ins and outs of your roof and its parts. Let’s go over some roofing FAQs to help you better understand every aspect of your roof!

“A Roof Is Expensive…How Often Should It Be Replaced?”

On average, and depending on the type of materials, a roof needs to be replaced ever 20-30 years.

“Which Roof Covering Is Right For Me?”

Slate-This material is durable, but may require structural support.

Asphalt Shingles– This material is the most popular choice because it is affordable. It is also easy to install!

Wood Shake– This material is extremely high maintenance and requires consistent upkeep and care.

Clay Tile-This low maintenance material requires little upkeep but its weight may require structural support.

Metal– Very lightweight, this material is also extremely durable low maintenance

Architectural Shingles– These are asphalt shingles that mimic the look of other material.

“What Are The Main Causes Of Roof Damage?”

In one word: weather. Rain, condensation, wind, snow/ice, sun damage, moss, and trees are all factors that damage your roof significantly. After a storm, your roof should be inspected immediately to repair any damage that the storm may have caused.

How Important Is Ventilation?

Ventilation is a critical factor when it comes to the life of your roof. Structural airflow is made possible with proper ventilation. Proper ventilation can also decrease your energy costs and increase the life of your roof!

“So, Who Should I Choose To Work On My Roof?”

This one is easy! Choose Chappell Roofing!