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How to Keep Gutters and Drains Clean in the Fall

Ah, fall. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are starting to get a little cooler, and the leaves are starting to turn beautiful hues of orange, red, and gold.

Unfortunately, it won’t be long before those jewel-toned beauties fall from the trees and find their way into your gutter system. When that happens, your gutters and drains can get clogged and unable to redirect rainwater from your home’s structure, which can cause costly damage. The key to stopping this from happening is simple: just keep your gutters and drains clean in the fall.

At Chappell Roofing, we’re here to help!

Collect the Right Tools

Before getting started, make sure you have all the tools you need to do the job properly. That includes the following:

  • Hand Rake
  • Hose
  • Ladder
  • Bucket or recycled shopping bags
  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Rubber gloves
  • Screwdriver

Remove Dead Leaves and Other Debris

Once you have your tools together, you can start near the downspouts. The first thing you do is put on your work gloves and safety glasses, and secure your ladder about a foot from the edge of the gutter. Then grab your hand rake and bags or bucket, and carefully climb the ladder high enough to see into the gutter.

Remove debris from the gutter and the area surrounding the downspout, and put it into the bucket or bag. Make sure it doesn’t fall into the downspout, which can create a blockage in the drainage system.

Once you complete the section of gutters within your reach, climb down the ladder and move it down a foot or two. Then continue until you’ve finished.

Clean the Outside of the Gutter

To get the outside of the gutter clean, wipe away any dirt you see. This will help keep your gutters from acquiring extra weight when wet.

Use the Hose

Your next, and hopefully last, step is to run the hose along the gutter system. This flushes out debris previously overlooked. Plus, it lets you know if your downspouts are clogged.

Unclog the Downspout

If spraying with a hose doesn’t clear the clog, you’ll need to take your downspout apart where it bends. Once you find the clog, switch out your work gloves for your rubber gloves and remove the clog with your hands. Then rinse out the spout with your hose before reassembling it.

Keeping your gutters and drains clean in the fall is an important part of protecting your home against damage.

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3 Reasons for Regular Roof Maintenance and Check-Ups

Whether you live in a newer home or your home’s roof has a few seasons under its belt, it’s wise to have a professional roofer examine your roof regularly. Here are 3 great reasons to have your roof assessed this season.

1. Your roof is too valuable to ignore.

Though a great-looking roof undoubtedly adds curb appeal to a property, it is also an essential part of a livable home. A leaking, damaged roof quickly leads to an uninhabitable house and costly repairs. Prevent any potential disasters by becoming as informed as possible about the proper care and maintenance of your roof. A professional roofer can identify potential weak spots, offer advice on best practices for cleaning of gutters and drains, and help you plan for updates at ideal intervals so you can be proactive rather than reactive when dealing with your roof.

2. Severe weather is unpredictable.

Wind and hail can bear down on roofs with surprising fury, and Mother Nature isn’t broadcasting when her next show will occur. Having your roof assessed before the next big storm will put your mind at ease, knowing that you’ve done everything possible to prevent damage. A professional roofer can also help you understand what to look for after a storm so you can be in the best position to recognize and address any resultant damage to keep your roof strong year after year.

3. Ventilation significantly impacts your roof’s lifespan.

Your roof does more than keep inclement weather out; a well-ventilated roof also allows moisture and humidity to escape. Heated air that is continually trapped in attic space can result in a sagging look to shingles, resulting in diminished curb appeal. Worse, all that trapped humid air can prematurely age your roof. Sadly, sometimes even newer homes lack proper ventilation, necessitating roof replacement years ahead of schedule. A professional roofer can assess and address your roof’s ventilation so that you can maximize the life of your roof.

At Chappell Roofing, we understand how important it is to keep a functional and attractive roof over your family’s head. Contact us learn more about all our services, and to schedule your roof’s check up today.

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Find The Best Type Of Roofing For You

When it comes to roofing your home, it’s important to choose a quality roofing company that knows exactly what you need. Fortunately, Chappell Roofing has a number of different roofing types that offer various benefits depending on the qualities of your home.

Check out the roofing types we offer, and let us help you in deciding which roofing is best for your home:

Timberline HDZ Shingles

  • #1-selling shingle in North America
  • Advanced Protection Shingle Technology
  • Protect and beautify your home
  • Offered in 9 different colors including Barkwood, Weathered Wood, and Mission Brown

Timberline Ultra HD Shingles

  • Offer a wood-shake look with a noticeable thickness that protects your home
  • Featured in GAF’s proprietary color blends
  • Colors include Barkwood, Charcoal, Slate, and Weathered Wood

Grand Sequoia IR Shingles

  • Offer the look of rugged wood shakes
  • Provide the protection of an impact-resistant shingle
  • May qualify for insurance discounts
  • Four available colors include Adobe Sunset and Dusky Gray

Timberline ArmorShield II Shingles

  • The beautiful look of Timberline Shingles
  • Extra protection of Class 4 impact-resistant shingle
  • May qualify for insurance discounts
  • Offered in Charcoal, Slate, Barkwood, and Weathered Wood

Camelot II Shingles

  • Top-of-the-line asphalt shingles
  • Combine oversized tabs with artisan-crafted shapes and an ultra-dimensional profile
  • Gives your home unmatched sophisticated beauty
  • Six colors available, including Royal Slate, Welsh Grey, and Williamsburg Slate

Deciding which roofing is best for your home is more than picking a color. At Chappell Roofing, we use the best roofing products from GAF, which is North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing. We also provide expertise that you can count on!

Let us help you find the best roofing for you and your home. Contact us today to speak with one of Chappell Roofings knowledgeable and friendly roofers, and we’ll help you on your way to a safer, more beautiful home.

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What to do next if you think you​r roof should be inspected

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association roofs should be inspected twice a year — in the spring and in the fall. You may feel comfortable performing an initial inspection on your own, but what do you do if you see something ominous? What should you be looking for?

Warning Signs!

  • Shingles that display buckling, curling or other obvious signs of age
  • Damage around chimneys, pipes or other extrusions on your roof
  • Large amounts of shingle granules in the gutters

Finding the Inspector

You can find roofing specialists to inspect your roof online, in the phone book or by a referral from friends or family. Here at Chappell Roofing we truly believe that finding someone local is critical to the process. A local inspector knows what to look for in your area and at the same time you’ll be helping to support your local economy. Most roofing pros can be reached by email or phone and should get back to you quickly to schedule the inspection.

What to expect during the inspection

Typically the inspector will walk your roof looking for signs of damage like those listed above.

You can expect that the inspector will look at these areas:

  • Roof covering materials (shingles, etc.)
  • Roof structure
  • Underlayment material
  • Flashing (the material, usually aluminum, used to cover joints in the roof to help prevent leaks)

The inspector will probably lift the edges of shingles and may use a camera to capture areas of the roof that are inaccessible.

What are some possible problems?

  • Buckling shingles — usually from improper installation
  • Improper layers — layers of shingles that are too thick and may be too heavy for the roof
  • Damage from storms — storms, especially hail, can cause major problems
  • Exposed underlayment — the underlayment is a felt like material under shingles on the roof. When the underlayment is exposed leaks will develop.
  • Flashing problems — moisture and mold problems can arise from damaged flashing

If the inspector finds any problems you will receive a written report telling you what was discovered. If the inspector works for a roofer you may want to ask for a repair estimate, but we believe it’s always best to get at least three estimates for roofing jobs.

Hopefully this short guide will help you to feel comfortable about your roof inspection. If you’d like assistance with an inspection or any other concerns about your roof, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help!

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10 Easy Ways To Add Curb Appeal To Your Home

Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to refresh the exterior, adding curb appeal is one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home. Not only will your home look more desirable, increasing the curb appeal adds a personal touch that will make your house the envy of the neighborhood.

There are many options when it comes to raising the curb appeal of your home. From DIYs that can be completed in less than a day to long-term investments, here are 10 easy ways to add curb appeal:

If you only have a day:

1. Paint the front door

Painting the front door is one of the easiest ways to add curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint in an accent color will hide any old scratches on your door and draw new eyes from the street.

2. Upgrade your house numbers

Are your house numbers weathered and rusty? Replace them with shiny (or matte) new ones to add a sleek look to your house.

3. Polish the porch lights

Replacing, repainting, or cleaning your porch lights will brighten up the look of your house, both literally and figuratively.

4. Add greenery to your doorway

Adding small potted or hanging plants near your porch will make visitors feel welcome and add a personal touch to your doorway.

5. Clean up the lawn

Make sure your lawn is trimmed and watered so it’s lush and green.

6. Pressure wash

Pressure wash any built-up grime from the exterior of your home. You’ll be amazed at what could be hiding under all that dirt!

If you’re looking for an investment:

7. Repaint the house

A new color can completely revitalize the look of a home. Follow the latest exterior paint trends to add bonus curb appeal.

8. Install a new roof

Like paint, a new roof will do wonders for the exterior, especially if the color compliments the house. This is also a good time to ensure your roof is weatherproofed and upgraded to fit the needs of your home.

9. Spruce up the fence

Repaint, stain and replace any loose or broken boards. If your fence is old or wobbly, consider building a new one.

10. Redo the driveway

Is the driveway cracked or sinking? Are there weeds growing in the cracks? Repave it to add great curb appeal to your home.

If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, contact us. We can help you choose and install the perfect roof for your home at a great price.

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How to Protect Your Roof Against Damage

A beautiful roof doesn’t just add curb appeal to your property, it is an essential part of a structurally sound home. The roof over your head protects your family and belongings from the elements. As a necessary investment, what is the best way to insure your roof against a sudden loss?

Know Your Homeowners Insurance:

A standard home insurance policy protects your structure, including damage to your roof, if you experience one of many unforeseen events, including:

  • fire
  • storm damage, such as wind damage or hail
  • tornado
  • falling tree limb or damage from debris
  • other unanticipated acts of nature

You should be aware that flood damage to a structure is specifically excluded from home insurance policies, but it can be purchased separately, through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program. Though a flood may not directly damage the roof, subsequent water damage throughout the structure can leave your entire home devastated. Talk with your insurance agent about flood insurance rates in your area if you are interested in flood coverage.

Further, you should be aware that any covered loss will be subject to your home insurance deductible. Carrying a higher deductible can help you save significantly on your insurance premiums, but it will also mean that you will have to cover smaller losses out of pocket.

Keep Your Roof Well-Maintained:

Home insurance does not cover maintenance issues. If you suffer a loss due to a failing roof you did not attend to, your insurance company may not cover your damage. Keeping up with roof maintenance and replacing your roof when needed is the best way to avoid this scenario. Not sure if your roof needs attention? Contact us for a no-obligation assessment of your roof’s condition, and recommended next steps, including the best roofing options for your home.

At Chappell Roofing, we understand that your roof is too valuable an asset to leave unprotected. Visit our website to learn more about what to do after a storm, or what to do if you have hail damage. We’ll help you understand what steps to follow after a loss to prevent further damage to your home and set everything right as quickly as possible.

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Three Ways Your Roof Can Keep You Cool This Summer

It is no secret that Texas summers are pretty hot. As summer approaches you might be dreading the higher electric bill in order to keep your house cool. That is understandable, however, you may not need to run the air conditioner 24/7 in order to keep away the heat. As surprising as it may seem, your roof can play an instrumental role in keeping the summer temperature down. So how exactly can your roof keep you cool during the summer?

 

The Color of Your Roof

Along with the material of your roof, the color of your roof plays an important factor in determining the temperature of your home. A darker color roof will absorb more light than a lighter color roof and make your home hotter. While darker roofs do have a fancier look to them, they will also cause the temperature in your home to go up. For a West Texas summer, a lighter color roof can help you keep cooling costs down.

 

Insulation and Ventilation

Proper insulation and ventilation can contribute to keeping your house cool even if you have a jet-black roof made of asphalt. Proper roof ventilation will allow heat to escape your home instead of building up and a well-insulated attic will keep any heat that does enter your home locked up in the attic instead of your home’s most occupied rooms.

 

Type of Roof

Some materials are hotter than others. This applies to clothing and also to roofs. For example, an asphalt roof will deflect less heat in the summer. That is because asphalt is heavier and does not reflect light. Now a metal roof can actually help lower the temperature inside your house because the metal surface will reflect light away from your home rather than trap it. By reflecting light away from your home, your roof can help to maintain a cooler temperature indoors and keep you and your family from sweltering.

 

West Texas summers can be brutal, but that doesn’t mean that you have to raise your electric bill by running your A/C at all times. A light-colored roof made of reflective material that properly vents heat can also keep your home cool this summer. If you would like more information about how your roof can keep you cool this summer contact us today.

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How to Keep Your Roof Healthy in Windy West Texas

At Chappell Roofing, located right here, in the Permian Basin, we understand how the West Texas wind can make keeping your roof healthy a challenge. Regular, sustained, driving winds bear down upon our homes, and expose any weakness. How can you maintain your roof in severe conditions?

Know Your Roof:

Start by developing a better understanding the type of roof you have on your home. Different products are designed to wear differently, and they require varying maintenance schedules. If you aren’t sure how long you can expect your current roof to last, given its current condition, or you’d like recommendations about the best type of roof for your house, contact us. For more information about the types of roofs we offer, visit our Roofing Products and Services page.

Regular Roof Inspections:

Especially after significant winds or a storm, taking the time to inspect for damage to your roof is critical to heading off roofing issues before a bigger problem develops. Examining the inside of your home for any water staining is an excellent first step, but even if the interior of your home remains dry, your roof may have sustained damage that requires action. Check for missing roofing material, inspect for damage near areas that contain flashing, and make sure your gutters are functioning properly. If you’re not sure what to look for, we’re happy to schedule a roof inspection for you. For more information, visit our What to do After a Stormpage.

Proactively Address Roof Ventilation:

If our roofs are not adequately ventilated, hot, humid air gets trapped in our attics. In West Texas, the climate causes this superheated air to prematurely age our roofs, increasing our likelihood of roof failure in severe weather. At Chappell Roofing, we appreciate the importance of proper roof ventilation, and we offer many ventilation alternatives to address this roofing need. Visit our Ventilation page to understand more about the damage caused to roofs by improper ventilation and to learn more about the best ventilation options for your home’s roof.

A great roof is an essential investment, and integral to your home’s value.  Though the West Texas wind is tough on our roofs, Chappell Roofing will help you keep your roof healthy, functional, and beautiful. Contact us today for your roof repair or replacement!

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Tips To Know For Roof Replacements

Does your home need a new roof? If you have leaks or if your energy bill is skyrocketing due to poor insulation, the answer is likely yes. Here are some things to consider:

1. Hire a good contractor and don’t skimp. Very few people are qualified to do roof work themselves – unless you are a professional. You need to hire a contractor who is reputable, listens to what you want, and gives advice. Check out Chappell Roofings reviews here.

2. Choose the right materials. The right materials depend on the following factors:

•The pitch of your roof. Wood shake shingles work only on steeper pitched roofs.
•Budget. Wood is expensive. Metal is very expensive and needs a specialist installer – but can be
aesthetically gorgeous. Asphalt is cost effective and durable, as well as being easy to install.
•Aesthetics. You want your new roof to look good with the rest of the house and the neighborhood. If
you live in a neighborhood with a HOA they may have restrictions on what roofing materials you can
use. Choose a shingle color that goes well with the color of your brick or siding.

3. Get any needed permits ahead of time. Most local governments require that you obtain a permit.
Your contractor will know how to file the paperwork and how long it generally takes. If you have an
HOA, you may need their permission to replace your roof.

4. Don’t “cover over” the roof. Cheap contractors may suggest adding a second roof on top of the old
one. This asks for trouble in the long term:

•It can cause a failure of structural integrity as the underlying framing is unable to support both roofs.
•It causes any existing irregularities to be perpetuated and even exaggerated.
•You may miss a structural problem that would be reasonably cheap to fix now, but which will become
an issue in twenty years.

5. Talk to your contractor about proper roof ventilation. Poor attic ventilation can cause a build up of
moisture in the home, which can then shorten the lifespan of your roof as well as potentially causing
health problems. Also, if you have a radon mitigation system, make sure the contractor knows how it
works so it does not get compromised by the work.

Getting a new roof is expensive – but a quality roof should last thirty years or more and will increase the value of your home, not to mention getting rid of those pesky leaks. If you are in the Permian Basin and looking for a new roof, contact Chappell Roofing today.

Sources:

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/5-helpful-roof-replacement-tips.htm

https://www.thespruce.com/asphalt-wood-and-other-roofing-materials-1821967

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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.