A tile roof adds a sense of elegance and charm to a home, but as you probably know, the tiles tend to break easily.  Being a tile roof owner, you ought to be pro-active in caring for your roof in order to protect your investment, and keep your family safe from the elements.  This is not a difficult task by any means, but for long-term tile roof preservation, it must be done properly.   

Walk On Your Tile Roof the Correct Way

Although roof tiles are durable against weather, they are delicate to concentrated weight, like your body weight.  Walking on them carelessly can cause them to crack or break.  So, if you need to walk on your tile roof for whatever reason, here’s the proper procedure for getting around up there.

• Make sure you put on sturdy shoes with non-slip soles

• Step on the lower part of each tile, where it overlaps with the tile beneath it.  The tile will be stronger here, and less likely to break.

• Place your foot so that its arch goes over the curve of the tile.

• Walk slowly and delicately, keeping your weight evenly divided between both feet as much as possible.  Make sure your feet are on separate tiles, to minimize the weight you put onto one area.

Inspect It Carefully

Start in one area and slowly look along each row of tiles, watching for cracks or other kinds of damage.  Work your way around the roof so you can get a good look at all of the tiles.  Do this kind of visual inspection at least annually, and also if anything falls on the roof,  like tree limbs.

Contact Your Roofing Contractor

If you spot any damaged tiles, arrange to have them repaired as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack will lead to leaks inside your home and other possible damages.

Give It a Good Clean

The occasional tile cleaning is definitely necessary.  While standing on a ladder, use a pressure washer to spray dirt, mold and other debris from the roof.  Keep in mind not to set the pressure too high, and make sure the nozzle is at least a couple feet from the tile.  If you live in an area like Florida that is prone to moss growth, then you’ll probably need to pressure wash more often than if you lived in arid climate.

Sealants

If you’re not exactly fit to frequently pressure wash your tile roofing, or if you’re just down right lazy, there are sealants you can purchase that will help prevent moss and algae growth on the tile surface.

If you have any questions on how to care for your tile roofing, or if you’ve spotted some tiles in desperate need of repair, don’t hesitate to contact Hercules Roofing, your Florida roofing restoration and installation contractors.  We’re Florida’s strongest roofing company!

When it gets cold outside, it can affect the energy costs of your home, whether you’re aware of it or not.  As you continue to look for ways to keep your energy bill down in the nippy weather, remember that your roof can be a main source of heat loss.  So, why don’t you ask yourself, “is it time for a roof replacement?

The Cost of Your Old Roof

When your hat has holes in it, extreme amounts of heat can escape through those holes, keeping you from being as warm as you ought to be.  Just as you fail to keep warm with a flawed hat, so too does your home fail to keep warm with a flawed roof – and chances are you’re losing tons of money on your energy bills because of it!

Leaky Roof and Your Health

The health of you and your family is another factor to consider, when thinking about doing a roof replacement.  Over time, holes can develop in your roof, causing water to leak into your home…

which can lead to mold and bacteria overgrowth…

which can lead to contaminated air…

which can lead to allergy problems and respiratory infections for you and your family.

What a New Roof is Worth

The main reason why replacing your roof is a smart investment is that it will help lower your energy bills, drastically.  Secondly, it makes the task of selling your home much easier.  It is said that up to 40% of your home’s selling appeal is your roof.  While a roof is a more subtle part of a home, it nevertheless, can be a staple selling point, if it is in great shape.

Generally, a roofing replacement can cost anywhere from $11,000 to $17,000 depending on the climate you live in.

Hiring a Contractor for the Job

Sometimes, contractors can get away with doing mediocre to poor-quality work, because the signs often don’t show on the roof for many years.  This is why you must be extremely cautious when looking for the right contractor.  Be sure to:

• See their qualifications
• See samples of their past work
• Ask for references
• Ask what their warranty covers

Replacement Roofing Accessories

Leak barriers - A good roofing contractor will lay down a waterproof leak barrier, as well as an additional layer of protection from the elements, sometimes called “roof deck protection.” Once this foundation is put down, then your shingles will be installed.

Attic ventilation – Without this key accessories the hot sun has the potential to bake your shingles, and in the winter time, hot moist air can get trapped in the attic, moistening your insulation, and increase your energy bill.

Sky lights – There are special solar sky on the market that can help you save money on your energy bill.  If you were ever thinking of having them installed, now is the time to ask your contractor.

Many homeowners don’t realize that they need a roof replacement, until it’s too late!  If you’re thinking about a roof replacement, don’t hesitate to contact Hercules Roofing, your Florida roofing experts.

Sure, your shingles might look nice, but are they going to last?  Will they help prevent leaks?  Whether you have the most expensive shingles on the market, or some very cost effective ones, practicing proper shingle maintenance is the key to maximizing their lifespan and efficiency.

Clean out your gutters, drain pipes, valleys and downspouts, annually

Build-ups in these areas cause drainage problems, which causing mold and leakage.  Pay special attention to areas where leaves accumulate, because as they decompose, they will cause your shingles to deteriorate. Buildups cause drainage problems which lead to mold and leaks.

Inspect metal flashing

These can become dented over time from falling acorns and rocks, sticks, and other debris.

Have a roofing contractor do an occasional “tune-up”

An occasional “tune-up” by a licensed and qualified roofing contractor can extend the life of the roof significantly, as they can properly deal with curled and rotting shingles.

Avoid fastening items to your roof

Shingles are attached to the timber roof frame by large roofing nails, but they are not always strong enough to hold up satellite dishes and the like.   If you do attach something to the roof, make sure it’s located as close to a flat surface as possible – as this will prevent pulling on the shingles.

Make sure your roof is well-ventilated

A ridge vent installed in the center part of the roof is one way of making it well-ventilated.  If a ridge vent is not installed, your shingles could suffer from mineral loss and mold growth.

First Things to Do When Your Flat Roof Starts Leaking…

• Set up buckets to collect the leaking water, so that it does not cause any more damage to the interior.
• Put a tarp on your roof to prevent water from making contact with the roof in the first place
• Estimate the cost of your flat roof repair: what does it entail?  Can I ignore the problem any longer?  Answering these questions will help you determine whether or not it’s feasible to do the repair yourself, or if you need a professional.

The bottom line is that while sometimes you can adequately repair the flat roof yourself, more often than not, you’re going to need a professional to do the repair, or replace the roof entirely.

“Patching” Is Usually Not a Good Fix

When you begin to see staining on the ceiling in your bedroom, it is the last stage of the leak.  Your roof had been leaking for quite a while, and after a heavy rain, it showed up on that ceiling.  Water had to completely soak the insulation, roof deck and rafters before you could see that ugly yellowish stain. So, if you choose the cheapest and most common solution: a simple patching, your roof will leave behind the moisture trapped under the under your roof. This will cause the rotting of your deck and rafters, since there is no way for that water to escape.  Patching is only a temporary fix and usually won’t last, the roof will keep on leaking, and every time you patch it, you throw away your money.

The Continuous Cycle

Sure, you think a little tar here and there will fill fix the problem, until the tar starts to crack, and new leaks form.  You patch up the holes again, only to find that sooner or later, your roofs continues to leak.  You are now faced with a choice to let the cycle continue and cause further damage to the inside of your home, or…

Take Action!

• Only hire a roofing contractor – not just a handy-man. You need an expert, who knows the aspects of flat roof repair, not a jack-of-all-trades.
• Talk to friends, family and neighbors about the problem – those with flat roofs especially.
• Contact Hercules Roofing, your full-service south Florida roofers!

Few things in home maintenance cost more than a roof replacement. Choosing which shingles to use for the replacement can be overwhelming due to all the factors that need to be considered. Appearance, wind resistance, and how long you plan to stay in your home are three major things you need to take into consideration.

One basic guideline to follow is that shingle weight, thickness and wind resistance increase with the length of the manufacturer’s warranty and price. So, “50-year shingles” are much more durable than a “20-year shingles.” The year indicates the length of manufacturer’s warranty offered.

Shingles By Year

20 Year Shingles

One of the least expensive shingles is the “20-year shingle,” also called the 3-tab composition shingle. They are easy to install and come in three-foot strips with one-foot tabs separated by grooves. The 3-tab lay flat on a roof, adding basically no dimension. It can withstand winds up to 60 mph, and comes with a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty, as its name indicates.

30 Year Shingles

30 year architectural-grade shingles are a bit thicker, and add some depth to the appearance of your roof, and they typically withstand winds up to 70 mph.

40 Year Shingles

Although these can withstand 80 mph winds, some people argue that this warranty is not worth the money, as the majority of people do not occupy the same house for 40 years.

50 Year Shingles

This is the highest rated shingle in dealing with wind, leaks and impact resistance. The 50-year can withstand winds of up to 90 mph, and are the thickest shingles on the market.

Shingles and the Environment

It is crucial to consider what environmental factors will threaten the life of your roof. If you live in an area with frequent winds, wind resistance will be important. Still, you may find that there is little value in selecting a more expensive roof, if wind or ice are not serious concerns. Many manufacturers can afford to offer warranties up to 50 years, as the majority of homes will change owners several times within those years.

Although more durable shingles cost less over time, if you plan on moving within a few years of replacing your roof, the more expensive shingles will probably not be worth it. Keep in mind the real value of an extended warranty and long-lasting roof, and make your decision, acordingly.

Who Should Do Your Roofing Replacement?

Of course, you want to select a quality roofer, which will be worth the extra cost. It’s important to take several bids, as roofing costs vary widely though. Poorly installed shingles can easily deteriorate and lead to expensive damages to your roof and home.

A good roofer should be expected to…

• clean up old nails
• strip and repaint vent casings
• repaint ridge vents and replace felting

Make sure that you understand the difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and a contractor’s individual guarantee policy, before you select your shingles and hire your contractor.

Hercules roofing has been tearing off and installing Asphalt Roof Systems for more than 10 years.

There are lots of roofing companies out there vying for your business, and with the arrival of spring storms, roofing company sales reps will be knocking on your door every chance they get. But with new roofs costing thousands, and even tens of thousands of dollars, it’s important to do a little homework before you hire just anyone eager to do the job.

You want to know that your money (whether it’s coming directly from your wallet or from your insurance policy) is being spent wisely, and that the all-important job of putting a roof over your head is being handled by true professionals who are dedicated to producing quality work that will perform for you reliably for many years to come. A new roof is a real investment, and if you don’t make a wise decision in choosing a roofing company initially, you could be spending a lot more in money and aggravation down the road when that investment begins to fail you.

So how do you find a quality roofing company you can depend on to do the job right the first time? Follow this checklist, based on recommendations from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and you’ll be well on your way.

1. Get a detailed estimate, complete with specifications of the work to be done, dates for the start and completion of the job, and payment procedures from any roofing contractor you’re considering hiring.
2. Ask about, read and compare roofing warranties from all contractors being considered. Study all the fine print and make sure you clearly understand all provisions that would make each warranty null and void.
3. Ask to see the contractor’s financial records to ensure stability. Remember that a roof is an investment, and you don’t want to risk hiring a company that looks like it could be out of business long before your warranty expires.
4. Ensure that every roofing contractor you speak with has a permanent business address and telephone number, along with a business license and tax ID number.
5. Verify the roofing contractor’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Get copies of the contractor’s insurance certificates and call the insurance company or companies to confirm the coverage amounts. Make sure that premiums are up to date so that coverage is effective while the work is being done on your home.
6. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against any roofing contractor you’re considering hiring.
7. Ask if your prospective contractor is a member of any national or regional industry associations like the NRCA, and verify that the contractor’s membership is current with the association. Association memberships indicate a commitment to professionalism and often, ongoing education, on the part of the contractor.
8. Since specific application expertise is required to attain maximum performance from roofing applications, roofing manufacturers often train, license or otherwise approve contractors to install their products. Find out which manufacturers have named your prospective contractor a licensed, preferred or approved installer.
9. Because roofing contractors are only as good as the crews they hire, ensure that all crew members of every roofing company you’re considering hiring are educated on manufacturer installation methods, as well. Inquire about any industry education and safety training programs workers have attended, too, for further proof of a contractor’s commitment to professionalism.
10. Get the name of the person who will be the on-site supervisor for the duration of your roof installation and find out how many crew members will be working on the job. Ask about quality control measures that will be taken during each phase of the project.
11. Check your local resources for reviews and recommendations from previous customers of any roofing contractor you’re considering. Ask for client references and call the references to verify that they were happy with the work done by the contractor.
12. Don’t let price be your primary deciding factor. Remember that your roof is a long-term investment, and cutting corners can cost you down the road. Follow the checklist above and consider all of your findings carefully before you put your home in someone else’s hands.

When you are exploring the topic of green or eco-friendly roofing materials, there are two major factors to consider.  One of them is whether the material is biodegradable and/or recyclable, or if it will spend thousands of years in a landfill when it has to be discarded at some point.  Natural materials and recyclable metal roofing are eco-friendly in this regard, and the industry is doing its part by making these systems readily available.   But the greenest roof, in the the long run, is going to be the roof that lasts the longest.  If your roof lasts you fifty, sixty, or even a hundred years, you are doing your part for the environment.  The longer it stays on top of your home, the better, both for your wallet and for the environment.

Wood shakes and shingles are very long lasting if they are properly installed and maintained, and of course they are a natural, organic material that is biodegradable if you do have to discard the roofing at some point.  Metal roofing generally lasts for at least fifty years and in many cases much longer, so when you are looking for longevity as the best way to go green, it is hard to top recyclable steel, aluminum, and tin roofing.  These days some of the fiberglass reinforced asphalt shingles are warrantied for up to fifty years, so the longevity is there with these systems.  They are also light reflective and Energy Star rated when you select eco-friendly colors, so asphalt shingles can be a green choice as well.

Whatever material you choose, it is up to you to do all that you can to maintain your roof properly.  If you have a professional roofer come out and do a regularly scheduled inspection and any maintenance or repairs that may be necessary, you can potentially add decades onto the life of your roof.

Energy conservation is the other significant point.  Some roofing materials are good insulators that reflect sunlight, and these types of roofs will actually reduce consumption and lower your monthly energy bill.  For flat roofs, the white PVC vinyl single membrane roofing systems do a great job of conserving energy.  The EPA’s Energy Star program publishes a list of approved roofing materials and manufacturers that you can refer to as a resource.  It’s nice to do your homework and have a roof installed that will actually help to pay for itself over time through lower energy costs, and you can feel good about being kind to the environment while you are saving money and increasing the value of your home.

These are a few ideas to consider if you are interested in eco-friendly roofing solutions.  Longevity and reflectivity are the keys to green roofing, and here at Hercules Roofing we emphasize green building practices and use state-of-the-art, durable, long lasting, energy saving materials from the top manufacturers in the industry.  If you are looking for a south Florida roofer who can save you money while you help to heal the planet, give us a call at 561-955-9889 or simply contact us through the website.

When you need some roofing work done here in south Florida, it can be difficult to know how to select the right roofing company.  For one thing, you have to be able to trust your contractor to give you an honest evaluation of the condition of your roof and not recommend total roof replacement when a roof repair will do.  Homeowners also need their roofing contractor to be honest when it comes to materials.  There are roofers who will try to steer their customers toward roofing systems that they prefer to work with rather than offering the full range of options.

Competence is another factor to consider.  There can be a contractor who is as honest as the day is long who simply makes bad recommendations, or who doesn’t know how to install the latest roofing materials.  You need to be able to trust that your roofing contractor knows the trade inside and out and is experienced and professional enough to make the right call and then provide you with state-of-the-art roofing solutions.  Your roof is a big investment and it is protecting everything that you own, so you need to be certain that your roofer is using all of the latest techniques and materials and installing them to the manufacturer’s precise specifications.

How do you find an experienced, honest, and professional south Florida roofing contractor?  There are a few ways of going about it.  One of the best ways to be sure that you are working with someone you can trust is to ask your family, friends, and co-workers for recommendations.  There is no better endorsement than word-of-mouth from a satisfied customer, and if someone does recommend a roofer to you, it might be a good idea to a good look at their roof for yourself.

If nobody that you know has any recommendations, it’s up to you to do your own research.  There are resources online that offer recommendations from real people in your area, and you can also just browse some websites and get a feel for the company that way.  Once you get interested in a contractor that looks good to you, give them a call and ask some very specific questions:

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How much experience do you have?
• What types of materials do you use?
• Are your installers certified?
• Do you give detailed written estimates?
• How long is the job going to take?

When you ask these types of questions and use common sense while feeling out the situation, you should have no problem finding a south Florida roofing company that you feel comfortable with.  Remember, your roof is something that you will be living with for many years and it is important that you choose your contractor wisely.

For maintenance, repair, or installation of any type of roofing system in the Boca Raton-Fort Lauderdale-Palm Beach area, contact Hercules Roofing at 561-955-9889.