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5 Ways To Spot Roof Leaks This Summer

Roof leaks can be a homeowner’s nightmare. Water dripping into your house is not only annoying, but can potentially damage electronics and cause major damage to the structure of your home. By the time you have water dripping into your home, you may already have a problem — it’s best to avoid that problem with early detection. Here’s a few signs roofers look for.

  1. You find debris from shingles in your downspout or yard.Finding shingles or pieces of shingles after a rain is a sure sign that your roof needs work. Patchy roofs develop leaks quickly and leaks may be developing in your attic.

  2. You can see missing shingles on your roof. Another sign that your roof needs work. If you can see spots of the roof under the shingles you may have leaks that you can’t see yet but that are almost certainly developing. Call a roofer for an inspection as soon as possible.

  3. Water stains.Water stains on your ceiling or walls may look like a large puddle or a small discoloration. Look for mold, moisture and other signs of a leak.

  4. Bulging or drooping ceilings and walls. Sheetrock ceilings and walls can absorb water and show signs of drooping or buying even before water stains are visible. These bulges may feel moist to the touch.

  5. After a heavy rain look in your attic.Look for signs of water or moisture. You can follow trails of moisture up the roofline to find the source of the leak. We all know that water runs downward and so leaks can always originate higher than the point that you first find them.

 

When you find a leak it’s always best to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Early detection of roof issues save money, time and hassle for you.

If you like to talk about possible roof leaks or other issues, please contact us!

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8 Roofing Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

If you don’t know much about roofing, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Most homeowners don’t give much thought about the roof over their heads until they need to replace or repair it. It helps to have a basic understanding of your roof and what goes into protecting your home from the elements, however, just in case you ever need to hire someone to fix or replace it. Understanding these terms will help you to better ask informed questions and find the right contractor for you. 

1. Squares

Roofs are measured in “squares.” A square simply means 100 square feet. For example, if you are told that your roof is 15 squares, this means that your roof is 1500 square feet.

2. Deck

This is the surface that your roofing will be applied to. It is usually made of either plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The deck is attached to the rafters in your home.

3. Underlayment

This material is rolled out and laid on top of the deck before the shingles are installed. The underlayment provides extra resistance to water.

4. Slope

This is the incline of your roof. The slope is a ratio that is calculated (in inches per foot) by how high the roof rises to how far across it runs horizontally. For example, if your roof has a slope of “8 in 12,” that means your roof rises 8 inches for every 12 inches it runs across.

5. Low-Slope

A low-slope is a roof with little incline. Low-slopes are usually “4 in 12” or less. They may need special products to protect from ice and water, as they are more prone to buildup from both.

6. Penetration

A penetration is anything that sticks up out of your roof, like a chimney or skylight. Penetrations are the areas most at risk for leaks, because water runoff can get under shingles easier in these areas.

7. Flashing

This is a piece of metal material that is applied around penetrations to keep water from running under your shingles and causing leaks. Making sure your flashing is in good repair is critical to preventing leaks.

8. Dormer

This is a window that comes up out of the slope in a roof. Dormers have their own roofs and are usually built to give homeowners extra storage.

Contact Us

Whether you’re remodeling, replacing your roof, or you are in need of roof repairs, Chappell Roofing can help. We offer services for residential and commercial projects in the Permian Basin. For more information on Chappell Roofing and why you should choose us, contact ustoday!

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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!

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3 Factors To Consider When Replacing A Roof In The Winter

3 Factors To Consider When Replacing A Roof In The Winter

You can never anticipate when a roof problem will happen. Leaks and damages are sometimes unavoidable especially when the weather turns for the worst. Here are three factors to consider when replacing a roof in the winter.

Crew

Its important to consider the crew when deciding whether a job is possible or not. The risk of falling increases when there is a possibility of ice. In addition, the amount of handy work that does into installing a roof requires the crew members to wear very thin gloves. Not ideal for freezing temperatures. The morale of the crew is also likely to be better the better the weather is. Some jobs may be possible but it’s important to consider all factors.

Tools

Some tools, like compressors and nail guns may be affected by the cold, which will affect the overall roof installation. A roof cannot be properly installed without the complete functionality of the tools.

Materials

The asphaltic materials in shingles have a tendency to lose their flexibility as the temperatures drop making it more difficult for crew members to bend and cut them straight. Along with other issues with sealant and placement, special considerations should be taken when it comes to roof replacements.

Chappell Roofing always has your service and best interest in mind. Choose Chappell Roofing,  a company you can trust to deliver quality roofing services to you and your family.

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Your Roof Safety Questions Answered

Roof Safety Questions Answered

Climbing on top of your roof for any reason, whether it’s to grab a frisbee or to hang Christmas lights, can be dangerous. Chappell Roofing wants to be the one doing the dangerous work for you. However should the time come where you need to climb up there, we wanted to answer roof safety questions!

Is it okay to work on my roof when no one is home?

It’s recommended that you are not alone when on top of the roof. Should an accident occur, you’ll have someone there to help you.

How do I make sure my ladder is stable enough?

The surface your ladder is on may vary. We suggest setting up you ladder on a solid, level surface, however sometimes that may not be an option. If your ladder has to be on dirt, consider digging holes for the ladder legs to keep it stable. If your ladder is on a deck, attach a board to the back of the ladder to ensure it will not slip through cracks.

Is it safe to get on my roof after it has rained?

You should be extra cautious being on your roof when it is wet, simply because it puts you at a higher risk of slipping and falling off of the roof. Remember to watch for debris like sticks or leaves too, as they also increase your risk of slipping.

Should I wear a certain type of shoes on the roof?

You should wear shoes with some traction or grip of some sort to avoid a slip or fall. For extra safety, some people wear a harness, too!

What are the ideal weather conditions?

Choose a cool, non-windy day, and make sure no storms are on the horizon. You’ll want to avoid strong winds along with thunder and lightening.

What about cleanup? 

Don’t leave it all until the end. Clean up as you go to avoid slipping on nails, screws, and other debris.

For any and all of your roofing needs, call Chappell today and leave the climbing up to us!

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Identify Roof Damage After A Storm

A storm blows in and from the inside of your home it sounds like a wrestling match is happening on the roof. Your mind stars wandering about what kind of damage has just been done, what your roof looks like, and mostly about how much it’s going to cost you! The next morning your roof looks seemingly fine, but how could that be? Here, we will lay out exactly how to identify roof damage after a storm, and how Chappell can help you with the next step towards repair!

Roof Damage

Damage on asphalt shingles will appear as dark spot or bruise, which is a result of granules on the shingles being torn away by the storm. If the storm was particularly strong or involved high winds or hail, you may notice chipped, torn, or missing shingles. In this case, these shingles should be replaced to prevent future leaking and wood rot.

In addition to shingle damage, on other types of roofs (metal, tile, etc,), be on the look out for dents, collected debris, and uneven or split seams.

Exterior Damage

The exterior of your home takes a serious hit when the weather takes a turn. Look for cracks or holes in stucco or chipped paint. These can be signs that may lead you to discover even more damage that will need to be repaired.

Window Damage

With a wind storm, your windows are at great risk of being smashed or cracked by flying debris. BE sure to check the status of your window panes after a storm also, as there is a possibility they can crack or break in bad weather. Also, be sure to board up windows until they can be repaired.

Now that you know how to identify roof damage after a storm, we hope you’ll call Chappell to take a look, and make the proper repairs and/or replacements.

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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!

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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!

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Basic Roof Anatomy

You know that you need a new roof, but do you know the details about what you need? Chappell Roofing works hard to make sure that our clients understand exactly what we’re working on for your home or business prior to the job beginning in order to eliminate confusion. However, there are some basic roof anatomy terms which will help you understand your estimate, what your insurance covers, and so that we’re both speaking the same “language”.

*All terminology is based on the diagram above

Dormers

Dormers are a protruding portion of the roof, which usually protects a window or an area of useable space. They are most similar to sky lights as far as design, but are very prominent in homes where the attic has been converted to a living space

Eaves

A roof’s eaves serve as protection for the structure. They hang over the edge of a building and are intended to keep water from running directly down the sides of a structure.

Gable

Gables are a vertical portion of a roof. Whenever children draw a house, the gable is the triangular part they draw on the sides. There are several different types of gable, but most modern residential roofs are front- or side-gabled.

Hip

The roof hip is the flat portion of the roof that slopes downward in a plane. A ridge can originate at a point or a ridgeline and can be with or without gables. The most accurate shape comparison would be to compare this roof type to a pyramid.

Rakes

A rake is the slanted edge found on a gabled roof at or near end wall of the house.

Ridge

The ridge is the topmost horizontal line of a roof. It is the usually the portion of the roof that looks like a “seam” between two roof planes.

Soffits

This is the “exposed” portion of your roof beneath the eaves. Soffits are either made of “breathable” (with tiny little holes) panels or out of solid ones with proper ventilation built elsewhere. These are used to help ensure proper airflow to your roof.

Valley

The valley is the portion between two hips or between a hip and a dormer. Essentially, it is the line where two planes meet.

We hope we’ve been able to give you a little roofing vocabulary lesson with today’s blog. Getting a new roof can seem overwhelming, which is why Chappell Roofing is always here to answer your questions. We strive for amazing customer service, not with just the quality of and warranty on our work, but with making you more comfortable with the entire process. Give us a call today!