admin – Page 6 – Chappell Roofing

Spring Clean The Outside Of Your Home: Part 2

In this second part of our blog series highlighting how to spring clean the outside of your home, we will discuss the final items to check off your list to take to get your home sparkling for spring!

Gutters

On a safe and stabilized ladder, begin scooping large debris items near the downspout of your gutters with a trowel or plastic scoop. Once the large debris is cleared, locate to a space far from the downspout and use a hose to clear the finer debris through the gutters. Running water through the gutters will also help you spot a leak!

Garage

A large step when attempting to spring clean the outside of your home is tackling the garage. A lot of times garages are filled with everything from trash to treasure, so it’s best to sort it out, dump the trash, and either sell or store the treasure. When going through your garage, create three piles in which to designate your belongings. These three categories should be a “keep” pile, a “toss” pile, and a “donate” pile. You could also create a “sell” pile if you are interested in having a garage sale after the cleaning process. If you don’t already have one, install a shelving unit along your garage wall to store bins of your remaining items after sorting. Be sure to label your bins to easily access them.

Paint The Rough Spots

Did winter leave your house looking rough around the edges? Slapping a new coat of paint on the trim of your house and doors is the perfect way to get a clean, fresh look for spring.

Repair your Roof

Last but not least, repair your roof! Spring brings a lot of showers, so a leaky or damaged roof just won’t do. This is where we come in! Whether you need a repair or complete replacement, we can help! Please call us today for all of your roofing needs to ensure your home is ready for spring! Give us a call or fill out an online quote form today!

Spring Clean the Outside of Your Home: Part 1

Spring is almost here and that means it’s time to spruce up your home inside and out! Winter weather can take a toll on the outside of your home with cold and moist temperatures, high winds, and falling leaves/ branches. Now that the weather is heating up, there has never been a better time to get outside and start cleaning. In this two part series, we will discuss the checklist of what and how to spring clean the outside of your home!

Clean or Repair Screens

Dirt shortens the life of your screens, so make sure and keep them clean to avoid the hassle of replacing them. Remove screens from doors and windows, and spray gently with the hose outside where you will have plenty of space. If necessary, gently scrub the screens with a toothbrush and soapy solution. Rinse gently, dry them down with towels, and replace them back to their original location.

Wash Windows

Let that spring sunshine beam in streak-free! Use your favorite solution or create your own! Most people say all you need when you wash windows is two parts water to one part vinegar and one part soap. Lather solution onto windows, removing stuck-on dirt and grime, and then use a squeegee to avoid streaks. Wipe the squeegee blade clean with each swipe to avoid leaving behind marks and streaks. Dry with a static-free cloth and enjoy clean and gleaming windows!

Brighten Bricks

With a garden hose, begin from the top of your brick and work your way down, lingering on darker, dirtier spots. For spots especially dirty or moldy, mix one cup of chlorine bleach with one gallon of water in a bucket and apply it to the bricks using synthetic-bristled, or natural brush. Rinse solution off with the hose. Your bricks will be sparkling!

Dust Off That Deck

First, sweep up the debris off your deck because once the surface is wet, removing debris will be more difficult. Wet your plants and greenery around the deck, so that soap will slide off of them. If you are still worried about the plants, cover them with plastic drop clothes. When choosing a solution, be sure to use one that is the most beneficial to your deck whether it is wood, concrete, or any other surface. Scrub deck gently with water and solution, and rinse off.

Remove Leaves & Weeds From Lawn

Nothing says fall and winter like fallen leaves, but you are ready for spring! Gather all fallen leaves from your lawn and remove all unsightly weeds. Either pull weeds from the root or kill with a weed-killing solution to ensure they will not return. This will give your yard the spring pick me up it needs!

In our next blog, we will discuss even more ways to spring clean the outside of your home! Nothing says spring-cleaning like repairing a damaged roof! Please give us a call or fill out an online quote form so we can help you today!

Add Curb Appeal To Your Home

First impressions go a long way when it comes to making decisions like buying a house. As a buyer, you can be totally turned off by damaged shingles, unkempt yards, dirty windows, and paint colors that don’t match. As a seller, this is completely avoidable by taking a few steps to ensure your home is as inviting on the outside as it is on the inside. Here we will discuss tips to add curb appeal to your home that will decrease sell time, and command higher prices. Whether you are selling your house or not, a little curb appeal never hurt anyone!

Step 1: Give Your House A Bath

First things first: clean the outside of your house. Just like we spend time cleaning the inside of our homes, the outside is equally as important not only for looks, but to prevent potential damage caused by built-up dirt and grime.

For the walkway, consider renting a power washer to blast away dirt and stains quickly and effectively.
Use a soft-bristled brush with a long handle and scrub your house with soap and water. This will gently remove dirt off your brick, siding, vinyl, etc.
Don’t forget to wash the inside and outside of windows, as well as the garage door to really give your house the shine it needs to catch some attention from potential buyers.

Step 2: Fresh Paint For A Fresh Look

A fresh coat of paint is certainly a must when attempting to add curb appeal to your home!

It’s recommended that you match the paint you currently have. Scrape off a piece, take it to a local paint store, and have them give you their best match! Remember, less is more, so stick with neutral colors to appeal more to buyers.
Don’t forget the door! Slap a fresh coat of an inviting color on your front door to really draw eyes to your home.

Step 3: Landscape

Let’s face it: overgrown grass and dead shrubs are not appealing. Besides getting on your neighbors’ last nerve and landing you a ticket from the city, an overgrown lawn can and also lose the interest of a potential homebuyer.

Mow your grass, leaving crisp edges with no weeds in sight to achieve that freshly groomed look.
Try planting leafy plants or colorful tulips to add a lush feel and pop of color to the front yard. Potted plants on the porch can add some appeal as well.
A healthy, green lawn makes a huge difference in the look of a home, so make sure to water and mow regularly!

Step 4: Details, Detail, Details

Small touches like lighting and address plaques can make a big impression!

Replace door hardware to add to the look of your freshly painted door.
Add new porch lights to illuminate your entryway at night, increasing the welcoming and inviting look of your home.
Add a simple yet chic address plaque to easily and creatively distinguish your home.

Step 5: Here’s Where We Come In!

A damaged-looking roof can turn away potential buyers in a hurry! Roof condition is a huge factor that buyers consider and can sometimes be a deal breaker on making a final decision.

Roofing Tips For Warm Weather

Punxsutawney Phil, the omniscient weather groundhog, didn’t see his shadow this year, heralding that winter is over and warmer weather is on the way. Just so you’re prepared, check out Chappell’s roofing tips for warm weather!

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.

Keep The Flora & Fauna Off Your Roof

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.

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.

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.

3 Winter Roof Damage Problems You Should Know About

With the beautiful spring-like weather we’ve had lately, it’s easy to forget that it’s winter! Of course, you think to protect your plants and pipes during harsh winter temperatures, but winter can be especially harsh on a house’s roof, too! Check out these 3 winter roof damage problems that you should be aware of and how to manage them.

(1) Icicle Formation

While icicles may look pretty and seem harmless, they can actually damage gutters and shingles. You can reduce icicle formation by eliminating roof-top air leaks and better insulating walls and attic space. However, if icicles do form, you can dislodge them with a rake or broom. Be careful not to cause damage to your roof by knocking them too hard. If you need a ladder, be sure that is securely footed on a dry surface.

(2) Attic Condensation

When your roof holds snow and ice during the winter there is a good chance that the attic ceiling will have excessive condensation. This build up of moisture can lead to wood-rot and mold. Proper ventilation can prevent this buildup. But before proper ventilating, it is crucial to plug any leaks in the insulation on the attic floor where moist air from below might enter.

(3) Existing Problems

Unfortunately, winter weather and the snow and ice that come with it can make existing problems to your roof worst. For example, gutter seams can be pried open, shaky shingles can be dislodged and unsecured roof flashing can be further loosened. Because of this, it is always best to have a roof inspection/maintenance job done before winter weather is expected.

These winter roof damage problems can affect every homeowner, but taking the time to properly care for your roof will protect the investment you have in your home. If you need further roofing advice or if you would like to have someone give you a free estimate on repair or replacement, think of Chappell Roofing first!

Identifying Shingle Damage

Shingles are a critical component of any roof and, over time, they will receive wear-and-tear damage. However, it’s critical to understand the different types of damage, particularly when discussing these items with your insurance company. Chappell Roofing wants to share some helpful tips on identifying shingle damage.

Direct Strikes

This damage is usually caused after a hail or wind storm. It occurs when something hard, whether hail or rocks, pelt the asphalt shingle. These are normally identified because they look like “bruises.” The indentations are usually darker in color than the surrounding shingle and are normally round. Direct strike dents compromise the durability and protection provided by your shingles.

Cracking

Time and extreme temperatures can cause cracked shingles. Hot and cold temperatures can cause shingles to expand and contract, much like wood. Over time, the asphalt base in them becomes worn and the damaged shingle surface begins to crack. Cracking allows water into the rest of the shingle and, therefore, into the underlayment. Over time, this causes many more problems.

Cupping

This kind of damage occurs when the edges of your shingles begin to curl inward, making a cup-like shape. Heat from an improperly ventilated attic is usually the main culprit for this type of damage. This issue is particularly bad, because the little “bowls” lead to pooling water, which can significantly damage your roof by allowing water to seep into your attic.

Blistering

If you encounter blistered shingles, which look exactly as they sound, this problem is caused by a combination of poor workmanship and excessive heat. Fly-by-night companies often use unskilled labor and poor quality materials, which can cause a blistered roof.

Flaking Granules

Over time, the granules on shingles begin flaking off. This is not normally caused by anything other than time or age of the shingles (though the damage may become more advanced by falling branches, storms, or other damage). However, it does increase the likelihood of leaks and other damage over a period of time.

Chappell Roofing is skilled is “diagnosing” and repairing or replacing your roof. We work hard to provide quality workmanship and reliable materials so you are less likely to have to worry about these situations happening. If you’re concerned about your roof having any of these conditions, please give us a call or fill out an online quote form so we can help you out today!

Our Insurance Has You Covered

Did you know that the state of Texas does not require roofing companies to carry insurance? But never fear…Chappell is here and our insurance has you covered!

Protect Yourself And Your Home

Choosing a company is a critical step in the new roof decision-making process. Once you’ve determined you need a new roof, whether it be to age deterioration or after a bad storm, one of the first and most important questions you should ask is whether or not the company carries insurance. Most fly-by-night, storm-chasing roofing companies do not carry insurance to protect their customers. Shoddy work, injuries, or property damage won’t be covered. This is a terrifying thought.

So What’s Covered By Chappell?

Our insurance coverage is posted on our website. We have a general liability policy which covers personal injury, products, and damages. We encourage our customers to read it closely and feel free to ask any questions regarding what all is covered by our insurance.

Why Did We Choose To Be Insured?

Not only does insurance protect us as a company, Chappell chooses to provide as many safeguards to our clients. In addition to our great workmanship, we feel that it’s important to give our customers additional security and peace of mind. Reducing the financial risks for our customers is incredibly important to us.

Companies Who Cause Suspicion

Salesmen who only provide out-of-state references
Significantly lower costs, which is usually indicative of shoddy work, no insurance, or poor quality of materials
Extensive money required upfront prior to materials being purchased
Companies claiming “special, limited time offers” or “cheap work”
Cash-only contractors

We hope we’ve been able to give you some insight on why it’s so important for roofing companies to carry insurance. Chappell is proud to provide insurance coverage for all of our clients.

The 411 On Roofing Types

In recent years, there have been several developments on the types of material used for roofing. Chappell is here today to give you the 411 on roofing types so you have a better idea of what you’re looking for in your new roof!

Wood Shakes

Also known as wood shingles, this type of roof covering was very popular until recent years. Thin slivers of wood are used to roof a home. However, some insurance companies prefer not to offer wood shake roof replacements and instead have new roofs done with asphalt shingles (mainly due to fire hazards). However some homes, older homes in particular, still employ using shakes in order to keep a historically accurate look.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are actually the most common material used for roofing. They were invented in 1901 and have been used extensively in thousands of homes across the United States. There are two different types of asphalt shingles: organic- and fiberglass-based. Chappell uses Timberline High Definition architectural shingles for every job. They offer a streamlined look in a variety of colors.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have been primarily found in commercial structures but in recent years, they’ve made their way into the residential home market. Metal roofs are known for their durability and fire-resistance. Some home insurance companies even offer discounts to policyholders with metal roofs because they hold up better to wind and hail damage than the asphalt singer counterparts.

Stone Coated Metal Roofs

This type of roof is sort of a hybrid of asphalt shingles and a metal roof. Metal “shingles” are coated with sand, ground stone, or other natural materials. They offer the look of a shingled roof instead of solid panels with the durability of a metal roof. These types of roofs are often utilized in areas where earthquakes are common, as they are lighter than shingles per square foot.

We hope we’ve been able to give you a little insight about the types of roof offered by Chappell. We have extensive experience with all of these varieties, as well as expertise in dealing with your insurance company. Chappell’s focus is on making sure you are satisfied with our workmanship and the appearance of your roof, regardless of the type of material!

Indicators Of A Leaky Roof

Your roof hasn’t been replaced in some time and you start to have a sneaking suspicion your roofing may be leaking somewhere…but how do you know for sure. Chappell Roofing is here to discuss some of the indicators of a leaky roof.

Water Puddles

Roofs are created to prevent water from getting into your home or business. There are many particular designs created to direct water off of your roof via downspouts and gutters but as roofs age, the likelihood of water pooling increased. Pooled water is exactly as it sounds…it’s basically a little puddle of water that sits on your roof. During summer months, the West Texas heat generally evaporates it quickly so it doesn’t affect the sustainability of your composite shingles. However, in cooler months or in humid conditions, that water can ruin shingles and create leaks.

Torn Or Cracked Shingles

Did you notice a shingle or two in your yard after the most recent wind storm? We highly recommend getting those replaced as soon as possible. While it doesn’t seem important to do so, each and every shingle prevents moisture from entering your home. A leak is not likely to occur immediately, it will happen eventually. Think of a missing shingle like the spot you miss rubbing sunscreen on…the rest of your body is protected but the one spot you missed is exposed to the elements and is “weakened.”

Bubbling

Water is a bit of an opportunist when it comes to finding places to hide. Droplets can enter your roof through cracks or other small tears to get underneath shingles. This trapped water creates a humid environment and increases the possibility of bubbles forming. Roofs are designed to lay flat and when they aren’t, high West Texas winds are more likely to be able to tear off the raised shingles.

Flashing Damage

We’ve talked about flashing in previous blogs, but we wanted to bring up again how important it is that they’re maintained. Flashing is used on angled parts of your home to cover any joints, kind of like a metal Band-Aid. When flashing is damaged, there is a higher chance for water to enter into the joints and form leaks.

Chappell Roofing recommends that you call us to access any damage to your roof, regardless of how minor you think it is. Just like a small cut can get infected quickly, water will find a way into the weak points on your roof.

Chappell also wants to wish you a very happy 2016! Last year was great for us and we’re looking forward to what the upcoming year will bring.

Things You May Not Think About When Getting A New Roof

One of the first things that comes to mind when a roofer comes to look at your house is “what color of shingles should I get?” This is sort of like focusing on the color of a car instead of safety and performance. Today, Chappell Roofing is focusing on things you may not think about when getting a new roof.

Underlayment

Think of underlayment as a raincoat. It is placed beneath shingles and is used as a protective barrier against moisture and helps regulate temperatures. Underlayment is a critical part of building a structurally sound roof. It can be constructed from organic material, fiberglass, rubberized asphalt, or synthetic matter. Chappell Roofing can determine the most effective options for your home or office!

Flashing

Flashing is kind of like a metal “bandage” for your roof. Usually made from steel or aluminum, it covers the joints of a roof, usually where the roof angles, in order to protect your new roof from water damage. Typically, these are found around chimneys, pipes, or valleys. Any damage to these areas is used called to oxidization or weather damage.

Proper Drainage

Roofs that don’t have a proper slant or gutter system can have water damage that accumulates over time. Chappell Roofing wants to make sure that your roof has proper drainage in place to ensure your new roof’s workmanship and durability.

Multiple Layers

Overlaying shingles on top of each other is always a bad decision. Adding multiple layers ruins not only the aesthetic of a roof, but it also changes your roof’s structure. Shingles and other roofing materials are designed to lay flat and should not be layered. Chappell Roofing’s experience is also that no insurance companies are likely to insure multi-layer roofs.

Chappell Roofing hopes we’ve been able to help you get an idea of things you may not have thought of up until now. We’d also like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!