Winter Roof Tips

Even though our winter here in Arizona isn’t as intense as other areas in the country, we get surprised with heavy rain fall, hail, and crazy winds. Your home needs to be protected from any type of weather condition. The best thing homeowners could do as winter approaches is to ensure the roof is sturdy and in good condition. Our experienced professionals suggest these tips to prepare your roof for the winter months… 

Over time, your gutters collect leaves, twigs, debris, and maybe even snakes… Let’s hope there isn’t any snakes because tip 1 is to clean your gutters! They should be cleaned out 1-2 times a year. If you don’t want to hire someone to clean them… you can set up a ladder, scoop out the debris, and use a garden hose to flush out the gutters. Ensure the gutters are performing correctly and if they aren’t, hire a professional to repair them.  

If you have tall trees close to the house, tip 2 is to make sure they’re trimmed and sturdy. It would be a shame if that large branch came crashing down on your roof during an intense windstorm. Also, if your gutters are always full of leaves… your tree is probably the culprit. Trim and maintain trees to ensure sturdiness and assist in keeping the gutters clear.     

Winter in Phoenix, Arizona is a little weird because in the afternoon it’s warm and sunny but at night the temperature drastically lowers. The up and down temperature change can actually have a negative impact on your roof. When it’s warm during the day, the roof expands and when it gets cold, the roof contracts. These swift temperature changes can cause damage to the gutters and roof system. This brings us to tip 3… apply roof sealant. Roof sealant helps to maintain a steady temperature so it’s not expanding and contracting. As an added bonus, roof sealant protects from water damage! 

After tips 1-3, tip 4 is to call a roofing specialist to schedule a roof inspection. Experienced roofers can see if there are any areas that may need to be repaired. If you know there is damage to the roof, they can provide options to either repair or replace the roof. This is something you definitely want to have a professional do.

If you need a roofing contractor, Almeida Roofing would love to earn your trust and business. We have trained roofing professionals ready to service your roof to ensure it’s ready for this winter. For questions and more information, give us a call. 602-743-3175 

4 Reasons Your Home Roof Requires Replacement 

As a homeowner, we don’t really pay attention to our roof. We just expect it to protect us from the outside elements without thought of the condition it is in. Overtime, the outside elements, lack of proper maintenance, and age cause damages to the roof that aren’t always repairable. Take a moment to learn and know the signs for when it’s probably time to replace your roof.

Stains:  

Check the interior and exterior walls, rafters, and decking to see if any stains are visible. These water stains normally have a brown or yellowish color. This is a good indication that there is wood rot and moisture damage from a leak in the roof.  

Cracked Or Curled Shingles:  

If you’ve had your shingled roof for more than 12-15 years, inspect your roof closely. Do you see cracked shingles? Or shingles that are curled at the edges? If so, that means you should consider getting quotes on replacement. 

Sagging: 

There are different factors that could’ve led to the roof sagging… Incorrectly ventilated roof, poor workmanship, incorrect installed roofing materials, undersized rafters and extreme weight. Regardless of the reason, a roof that is noticeably sagging should be replaced.  

Light: 

Inspect the roof to check for any light coming through. If there is light, you may have holes in your roof and if that’s the case, it’s time to replace. 

If you find such issues on your roof and feel that now your roof needs replacement then call Almeida Roofing Inc – Arizona’s Roofing Experts now. We have 35 years of experience in roofing industry and would love to help you.

602-743-3175 

Quality Roofing Contractor Tips 

When you’re searching for a roofing contractor, you don’t want just anyone. You want someone who is going to provide the upmost quality. Getting a new roof installed demands professional teamwork and precision. This is why it is so important to really take the time to do your research so you don’t hire an “expert” that does sloppy work. Spending thousands of dollars on replacing your roof is a hard pill to swallow but it makes you feel better knowing quality work is being done on your home. To avoid hiring an “expert” who really isn’t an expert, consider these tips…  

Look at previous jobs they’ve done. Contractors who don’t seem to care about quality, install roofs with ragged-cut edges, wavy rows, and leaks. Step back to look at the roof and compare with the homes nearby. If you see any flaws, it is probably best to continue your search for a professional contractor.  

Next, make sure they clear debris and obstructions from the roof. It is important that while removing the old roof, the nails or staples are pulled out of the sheathing. Some roofing companies save time by hitting the nails into the deck instead of discarding them.  

You also want to verify they aren’t installing the roof over poor sheathing. Homeowners who are interested in replacing their roof should ensure the sheathing is strong and sturdy. Before installing the new roof, get the sheathing taken care of if needed. It may be an additional expense but is crucial in having a quality roof over your head. 

Lastly, verify entire site cleanup is a part of the estimate. That includes old roof materials, nails, extra tiles, and any other debris. Have an area ready to store any extra tiles and ask the contractor to move them. Tiles aren’t the heaviest thing is the world but your back might not like the constant up and down. Plus, there is less of a chance of them getting damaged if a professional is relocating the tiles.  

As you proceed with your search for a quality roofing contractor, Almeida Roofing is available to answer any questions. We do roof repairs and roof installations in the Phoenix, AZ area and would love to put together an estimate for you! For questions or to schedule, give us a call.  602-743-3175 

Do Solar Panels Damage Your Roof? 

Solar has become extremely popular over the years. More and more homeowners are seeking to reduce utility costs and go green… A solar system is a great way to do that. You may now be one of those people considering joining the solar team. As you do your research, different questions will arise like, “What will happen to my roof if I install solar?” This is a fair question considering they will most likely be drilling holes in the roof to properly install the solar.  

Solar panels are not specifically bad for your roof. What makes the difference is how they are installed. The average solar system installation consists of bolting panels to the roof with nails, bolts, and straps. Different solar systems and roof types determine how install will be performed. People get concerned when they find out there are going to be holes drilled because there is an increased chance for water leaks. Water damage and mold growth become more of a possibility from water leaks if there are unsealed holes in the roof. The contractor installing the solar should verify everything is sealed properly. Hire a solar installer based on quality, not who has the cheapest price. You may spend more money on a quality solar installer but that money won’t have to be spent on repairing or replacing the roof!  

Let me take your mind off the holes and bring in some positivity by saying that solar panels actually offer the roof protection. The panels create a defensive barrier between outside elements and your roof. Nature has her beautiful but potentially destructive elements such as wind, snow, and rain. The solar panels aid in protecting the roof from these elements. Also, let’s not forget about that harsh Arizona sun.. Solar panels offer plenty of shade! Providing added protection, extends the lifespan of your roof and saves you money.  

Based off this information, installing a solar system can help in preserving your roof. If you’ve made the decision in moving forward on purchasing solar, spend time finding a qualified installer that demonstrates the value of quality work. For a better piece of mind, you can ask them to show you pictures verifying everything is sealed. By hiring a trusted installer, you should feel satisfied knowing you’ll be saving money and providing the roof more protection from the elements and sun. For any roofing questions, reach out to us at Almeida Roofing. 602-743-3175 

Hire A Professional Roofing Contractor  

Roof maintenance isn’t something the average person actually does… one, it’s not easy and two, it just doesn’t cross a homeowners mind. What is easy though is having a trusted roofing contractor to perform the maintenance for you. Regular maintenance helps in maintaining the value of your home and gives you a peace of mind knowing you have a solid roof over your head.  

What Does A Roofing Contractor Do? 

There are a lot of services a professional roofing contractor can provide you with. The various types of services offered by roofing contractors are roof repair, roof restoration, roof replacement, roof cleaning, roof tile repair, leaky roof repair, and much more.  
No matter what the task may be, it’s best to hire a licensed roofing contractor and here’s why…  

  • Helps in preventing further damage. 
  • Regular roof maintenance helps with property value.  
  • Improved curb appeal. 
  • Longer lifespan. 
  • Strong roof over your head.  

Take care of your home by ensuring the roof is in tip top shape. Do your research on roofing companies to decide which contractor best suits you. Almeida welcomes you to check out our website and if you have any questions, to please give us a call. 602-743-3175 

What To Look for When Choosing a Roofing Contractor  

Getting the lowest price on any quality roof deal is a matter of luck. If your roof demands immediate professional help and care, it is best you start your search ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rushes and wrong choices. Your roof is crucial and pricey so why not pick a contractor that will do it right the first time. The extra time and effort to find the roofing contractor that is right for you will be worth it in the end!  

Many roofing companies will claim they’re the best but are they really? When looking for a trusted roofing company, you need to know what to look for… IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE PRICE. You could get the best deal but if the quality isn’t there, what’s the point? Take a minute to learn what to observe when searching for a roofing specialist.  

  • Workmanship: Pay attention to the quality of their work and the knowledge they express with you. This assures the homeowner they’ll get the safest roof installation that won’t leak and guarantee’s a long life. 
  • Material Quality: If you are choosing tile roof installation in Arizona, make sure to assess the quality of raw material beforehand. Any reputable and reliable contractor will use the material that meet standards and will follow installation standards.  
  • Reputation & Experience: It is wise to confirm how many years they’ve done roofing and if they’re actually good at it. Ask for previous customers testimonials and contact information. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau website to obtain customer’s feedback.  
  • Supervision: Ask them to explain their processes and procedures. If they have a trusted Supervisor on the job, it should put your mind at ease that you don’t have to worry about watching them because there is a trained professional to do that for you.  
  • Maintenance: Get into a detailed discussion with your roofing contractor about regular roof inspections and actions to be taken for special problem spots. 

If you haven’t had any luck finding a reliable and trusted roofing company, reach out to us at Almeida Roofing to see if we are a good fit for you. 602-743-3175 

Shingle Roofs In Arizona – Pros & Cons

Shingle roofs are commonly seen on Arizona homes… Why? With temperatures fluctuating day & night and the crazy monsoon storms during the summer, we need a roof that can handle the conditions Arizona has to offer. Our homes must have durable roofs that can withstand the unpredictable climate variations. Here is a quick review of the pros and cons of using shingle roofs.

Pros:

  • Versatility – Shingle roofs can be made of materials like asphalt fiberglass, wooden shingles, metal, slate, tile etc. 
  • Inexpensive – Shingles are one of the most inexpensive roofing options. Material used for shingles have different costs so you have various options to choose from that works best for you.
  • Easy Installation and Maintenance – Arizona roofing companies can easily and proficiently install shingle roofs. Regular maintenance is recommended to keep shingles clean and safe. 
  • Fire Resistant – Shingles are fairly fire-resistant. Asphalt shingles can last 2 hours before catching fire unlike wooden shingles. Asphalt fiberglass shingles are the most fire-resistant among all other types of shingles.
  • Easily Available – Shingles are easily found everywhere and anywhere. Available in different shapes types and colors too!

Cons:

  • Lifespan – Metal and slate shingles are durable up to 50 years, but few shingles like asphalt, tile and wood are decreased to 30-35 years in life expectancy.
  • Regular Inspection Required – Although the roof maintenance and repair is easy, regular inspection is required to avoid any damage.
  • Vulnerable to Mildew – Improper roof installation, ventilation and leaks can lead to mold, mildew, and fungi.

People choose shingle roofs over other roofing types as it’s inexpensive, durable, and easily available in Arizona.

Asphalt Roof Installation is done by the professional roofing expert, Almeida Roofing. To learn more and get a quote, give us a call! 602-743-3175

Is It Time To Replace Your Roof?

A house wouldn’t be very useful without a roof… it is the most essential part of the home. The roof protects our home from water damage and outside elements. Unfortunately, like with anything else, wear and tear happens overtime. It is important to know the signs when you should replace your roof to avoid property damage and injury. Don’t overlook the condition of your roof!

6 Signs It Is Time To Replace The Roof

1.) Water Damage: Take a peak upstairs or in the attic for signs of moisture. There could be brown, yellow, or grey stains. Peeling paint on the wall and ceilings also demonstrates a roof leak. If there is dampness in the attic, the roof is weakened causing water to get inside.

2.) Life Expectancy: On average, a roof can last 20-50 years depending on the type. Get records on when the roof was installed and if/ when it was replaced so you can guesstimate when it’ll be time to replace.

3.) Sagging: A sagging and droopy roof is an indication that moisture got captured causing boards under the roof to rot. Walk across the street to look at your roof. It’s supposed to look straight so you should be able to see any sagging.

4.) Mold & Fungi: I know, gross right? If you see mold and fungi, check for a possible roof leak. Not only is it absolutely disgusting but it’s not good for you and your family to breath in. Address the water leak and make sure to get rid of the mold and fungi too!

5.) Curling Shingles: If you see the shingles curled, it signals that they’re no longer securely attached and are damaged.

6.) Missing Shingles & Other Material: We have the best monsoon storms here in Arizona and they’re really cool to watch but then the next morning you walk out of your house to a tree on top of your car… not so cool. That wind gets intense! The high winds can cause your shingles to fly off along with the materials that are keeping everything intact.

Take the time to check the condition of your roof. Need repair or replacement, call a professional. If you’d like a specialist to inspect the condition of your roof, Almeida Roofing is always here to help! We will document our findings and walk through them with you. Whether you decide to repair or replace, we can help with that too!

602-743-3175

Why it’s important to keep trees away from your roof.

Why is it important to keep your trees trimmed and away from your roof? Besides the obvious concerns for damage, there are a few other reasons to keep in mind as well. 

Too shaded. Shade here in Arizona usually seems like a great idea, but too much shade in one area of a roof caused by trees that are too close can cause parts of your roof to not dry as quickly after a storm than other areas. It’s not good to let moisture linger too long on roofing shingles; it can cause decreased roof life. 

Debris.  Debris that falls from trees that are too close to the roof can cause damage and block important drainage.  in a large storm, think of all the leaves that fall from trees, even if they aren’t close to your roof; these leaves and small bits of debris would have nowhere to go if trees and other large objects were blocking the drainage.

Animal Access. Allowing trees too close to your roof can allow access to all sorts of small critters; everything from rats, snakes, cats, etc. can have easy access to your roof when trees are close.  Keeping your trees cut back away from the house, and the roof will discourage a whole host of critters from taking residency in your attic space. 

Protecting Your Roof From Sun Heat

We live in Arizona where the sun does nothing but shine! Some of us step outside for 5 minutes and end up with a sunburn. Not to mention the unbearably hot sidewalk you can’t take your dog for a walk on. Don’t get me wrong the sun is great but have you thought about what it could be doing to your roof? Sitting there just baking in that glorious summer sunshine ALL DAY. An unprotected roof can increase the risk for asphalt breakage, fading, warping, and cracking. To get longevity out of your roof, learn how to protect it.

Here are some ways to defend from the sun heat….

1.) Reflective Paint for Flat Roof: Coating the roof in white or silver is the cheapest and easiest option. All you need is paint, rollers, and a ladder. Poor some paint and start rolling!

2.) Gravel for Flat Roof: For increased roof protection, get reflective gravel poured on your roof. As an added bonus, it helps with drainage which is perfect for monsoon season!

3.) Reflective Membrane: Using fasteners, these prefabricated sheets are attached to the roof for protection from the sunlight and heat. For your safety, it’s best to hire a professional!

4.) Solar Panels: Two birds, one stone?… Why not?! Shade your roof and save money on your electric bill by getting solar panels installed.

For any questions regarding your roof, Almeida Roofing is here to help! Take a look at our website or give us a call.

602-743-3175