Posts in category: Uncategorized

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!

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.

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.

When Chappell Roofing and Slover Roofing came together to make this giveaway possible, we never dreamed that we would receive as many submissions as we did. Each story touched our hearts. Every submission that was shared humbled us in that people were opening up their lives and sharing their loved ones’ stories with strangers. It was a difficult decision for us to make, but Chappell Roofing is pleased to introduce you to our roof giveaway contest winners.

WL and Ann Medcalf – Kermit, Texas

WL Medcalf is 81 years old, He is a Korean War veteran and is also a 14-year veteran of the Dallas police force. WL has recently spent 72 days in five hospitals due to many medical issues, including an undiagnosed case of appendicitis. His wife, Ann, has been diagnosed with COPD and her health is also failing. They spend all of their social security income on living and medical expenses, so unfortunately, there isn’t any extra money for insurance or the new roof that they desperately need. Their current roof has been patched, the ceiling is starting to cave in, and there’s only a tarp that’s keeping the weather out.

Chappell and Slover met with these homeowners on Thursday, December 10^th to get started on their roof.

“B” – Midland, Texas

Our second winner asked to remain anonymous, so we have chosen to just call her “B”. Her house previously belonged to her mother, who was left the home by her parents after they passed away. On evening of July 4th of this year, B drove herself to the hospital, thinking she had a stomach virus. B was admitted to the ER, but told her mother not to come because she expected to be home in a few hours. Around 10 o’clock that night, her mother became concerned and decided to go to the hospital after finding out that B was still there. Not long after B’s mother and brother arrived, the doctor arrived and everything turned into a nightmare. B was diagnosed with cancer and the doctor said it had been there for at least a year.

B is still on chemo, receiving treatments seven days a week. Her family has been working very hard on repairing the house, both inside and out. However, the roof is in very bad condition and there is no insurance on it. This situation has been life changing. B is 26 years young and is a strong willed young woman. When B moves into the house, she will be rent free. B’s nominator wrote, “I hope and pray God continues to give me the strength to help her in any way I can. God has blessed me and I want to bless her.”

We have been in contact with B and plan to begin working on her roof the week before Christmas.

We cannot express how thankful we are to the West Texas community for their support and kindness during this contest. We are so honored to have been able to help give back to our home with this roof giveaway.

If you are considering getting a new roof, you may be wondering how to choose! With so many different colors, materials, styles, and features, it can be a difficult decision to make. At Chappell Roofing, we want to help you through the entire roofing process, from beginning to end. So today, our roofing company is helping you decide how to choose a new roof!

Roofing Cost

Before shopping for a new roof, it is important to determine how much money you have to spend. So whether it’s based off a claim, or just how much you’re willing to pay, you need to determine a price point in order to explore all your available options.

Shingle Color

There are a wide variety of colors you can choose from, depending on the type of roof you want. You should base the color of roof you choose on the color of your brick and/or trim (keeping in mind you can always paint the trim). The color should not exactly match the brick or trim, but rather compliment each other. For example, if there is a flake of gray in your brick, you could consider a gray color for your roof.

Roofing Materials

Like colors, there are various roofing materials you can choose. From asphalt, to clay, and even stone, the decision is ultimately based on your price point and the qualities you desire. With different materials come different lifetimes. In fact, some roof materials are designed to last up to 100 years! Additionally, different roofing materials offer different features. Some are fade resistant, while others reflect sunlight to save energy.

Styles of Shingles

Ultimately, you want the roof you choose to add to the curb appeal of your home. The roof you choose should compliment the architectural style of your home (traditional, colonial, modern, etc.).

When considering how to choose a roof, it is sometimes best to talk to an expert. At Chappell Roofing, Jeremy has years of experience helping his clients choose the roof that’s right for them and achieving the look they desire. For a free estimate or for more information, contact us today!