Most people don’t think about the roof over their heads until a leak ruins their furniture, electronics, or another item.  One sure way to know you need a roof replacement is if your roof is older than 20 years old. However, age isn’t the only determining factor when considering a roof repair or replacement. While nothing beats a thorough inspection by a professional, here are some of the most common signs that may indicate you need a new roof. 

1) Light Through the Roof Boards

The first place you should check is the interior of your attic if you have one. Look for daylight coming through the interior boards at the top of the house — if light is coming through there, then so is water. Also, look for dark streaks and visibly sagging areas. That also means there is too much moisture and you most likely have a leak.

2) Buckling or Missing Shingles

Take a look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight as well as the “roof valley” — these are the spots where two parts of your roof that are sloping down meet each other. Shingles should lie flat against the roof. If you notice the shingles are curled, buckled, cracked, or losing granules, you should contact a professional to get them repaired or have your room inspected. The area beneath them may have additional damage. 

3) Broken Flashing

Flashing is the material used to cover joints and seams on your roof around

1) Clean Off Debris

Cleaning your roof about every year can decrease the likelihood of bacteria buildup. Make sure to clear your gutters of debris and anything else that can get stuck and restrict the flow of water.

2) Observe Any Changes

We recommend making frequent inspections and observations of your roof in order to not miss any defects that could compromise the integrity of your roof in fully protecting your home. Notice when you see any missing or damaged areas of your roof, and call the professionals at Hercules Roofing to assess the damage and potential threat.

3) Upkeep Surrounding Area

Many homeowners in South Florida have trees and other large plants in the surrounding yard of their homes. The low hanging branches can pose a potential threat when storms strike the area. Lessen the likelihood of roof damage from falling branches and debris, by cutting back the surrounding vegetation.

4) Prevent Roof Breakdown

Check for rust buildup on any areas of your roof that are

Scrutinize Roof Shingles

The shingles that line your roof are the first line of defense for your roof. Damaged or missing shingles mean a leaky roof. If those shingles are lifting up, it is easier for water to get into the underlayment and into the house. Over time, water and wind from storms beat down on the roof and wear away the grit of the asphalt shingles diminishing their effectiveness.

Not all damaged shingles will be visibly lifting up, but that’s not the only sign they need to be replaced. Torn shingles and shingle creases are two other common signs that those shingles need to be replaced. Hercules Roofing believes that not all roofs need a replacement. Instead, many problems, like shingle replacement, can and should be repaired before the problem turns into a leak.

Inspect Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is usually made from rust-resistant metal, and it is placed around skylights, chimneys, and vents to create a barrier between

Hurricane season 2019 runs from June 1 through November 30th, with more frequent hurricanes in the late summer months. While many residents accept that this is just part of living in a coastal region, hurricane-force winds can be strong enough to detach the roof from the mainframe and cause other long-lasting damage. Luckily, there are many ways you can protect your home:

Professional Roof Inspection

Contact Hercules Roofing and learn about our comprehensive inspection program. One of our qualified roofing inspectors will inspect your roof’s interior conditions as well as any moisture damage that can lead to major issues if left unaddressed. Our professional team will also check for loose tiles or shingles, along with leaks or cracked caulk. From there, you will be given a detailed report after the inspection is finished. The report may include recommendations, the life expectancy of your roof and cost of repairs.

Clean Your Gutter and Drainage Systems

You may also consider hiring a handyman or roofing professional to help you clean your gutters and drainage system. Maintaining these areas of your home

As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to your residential or commercial roof; maintenance is important. Replacing a roof can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it is critical to inspect your roof at least twice a year – once in spring and once in fall. A well-maintained roof will go a long way to prevent it from damage and can catch simple repairs early which can increase the life of your roof. So this spring, follow these suggestions from Hercules Roofing!

Remove Debris

Debris on your roof causes two problems. First off, it just doesn’t look good. Second, debris traps moisture, and moisture is the prime condition for mildew, mold, and moss. These things can cause your tiles to rot which causes them to need to be replaced. To clean debris, you can use your hand to pick up the big pieces. A soft broom, or a leaf blower if you have one, can remove the rest of the debris that is left over. Be careful with a broom – too much pressure can scrape off the granules or damage tiles which will reduce the life of your roof.

Do Not Pressure Wash

This point is serious enough to include in its own section. Let’s just say you saw your neighbor on his roof pressure washing last weekend, and now it looks brand new. You’ve got a pressure cleaner that you use on your driveway,

Effectively Maintaining a Commercial Roof

There are many factors/variables to take into consideration that can affect a roof. Natural influences like temperature, moisture, and age can all take a toll over time. Heavy rain and winds (especially the hurricane-force winds found in South Florida) can drastically affect the structural integrity of any roof or building, regardless of how it seems at face value. The necessity for a comprehensive assessment of the condition of a roof is one that shouldn’t be ignored. It’s recommended that commercial roofs be inspected by a professional company a minimum of twice a year. Letting these tasks slip by and shirking off responsibilities can be a drastic mistake, and can possibly lead to a roof deteriorating at a faster rate.

Regular Inspections are the Key to Success

Inspections are an important part of the process of maintaining any roof or commercial building. Staying up-to-date with inspections can make sure that you avoid any expensive problems, such as leaks, the building’s insulation becoming ineffective, or even structural damage. On the inside of the building, you might notice water stains on the ceilings

Are you building your home from scratch? Maybe you’re thinking about replacing your current home’s roof? We know there are a few options to consider in the whole process… but we don’t want you to spend too much time worrying about the specifics! We went ahead and explained a bit about the life expectancy for both tile and shingle roofs, and why you would want either one!

Tile Roofing

How long is a lifetime? Many lifetime tile roofs are guaranteed for 50 years, but depending on what type of climate you live in, the weather near you, or even naturally occurring events such as hurricanes or hail, your roof’s life expectancy may be cut down. When dealing with tile roofs, there are two main parts; the clay or concrete tiles and the underlayment and flashings. Often times, the underlayment is done with lower quality materials, affecting the total life expectancy of the roof.

The best thing you could do to get real longevity out of your roof is to make sure that your roofer uses the highest quality materials available to them. Standard roof underlayment has a life expectancy of about 25 years, though houses in the desert may have a few less due to extreme temperature conditions. On the contrary, coastal houses have been found to have underlayments lasting around 30 years. The threat of deterioration due to weather will always be there, but at least you can rest knowing that your roof was made to a higher standard and will

You finally decide to throw a family get together after not seeing your in-laws for a few years. Things have been tense but now there’s a new hope of easing relations and letting the past be the past. That fateful Sunday brunch finally comes and your worst, and unexpected, nightmares come true. As soon as your in-laws get out of the car they see the unsightly black stains on your shingled roof and begin to tear apart all the hard work that went into this gathering. If only you had thought ahead! Avoid this and any other hypothetical disaster by learning how to get those shingles clean today!

Bring Your Roof From Drab to Fab

If you live in a more humid area of the country, you are probably familiar with the black streaks that eventually plague the shingles of any home. But what you didn’t know is that those streaks are caused by a common type of algae: gloeocapsa magma. Given enough time, even rooftops treated with algaecide will eventually fall victim to the effects of nature. Algae, common as it may be, isn’t the only factor in the equation to make a roof look old and unsightly; there’s always mold, vegetation, and just simple dirt to take into account.

Drop That Pressure Washer

Contrary to what you might think, pressure washing your roof is a terrible mistake. “But what about my neighbor, Dominic? I’ve seen him get his roof looking great in just an hour with his pressure washer,” you might ask

Choosing a roof tile color is an essential facet and reflection of your home. A roof is up to 40% of your home's visible exterior, making choosing the color a significant investment for your home. What things should you consider and weigh when choosing a color for roof tiles? Here, we give you a few tips to consider when choosing the right color for your home.

Consider the Climate Your Live In

A significant factor when choosing a color for your roof tiles is the climate and area in which you live. Do you live in more tropical and sunny climates, or those prone to cold and snow? Dark colors tend to hold and retain heat much more readily than lighter colors, which in turn radiate into your home. Leading to your cooling costs rising in warmer months as AC units work harder to keep your home cool. A lighter roof will reflect and absorb much less heat making your home more energy-efficient. Similarly, dark colors in colder climates will help keep your home warmer in colder months.

Color Coordination and Architecture

It’s also important to pay attention to the exterior color of your home and the existing architecture. The right coordinating colors and styles add an incredible amount of depth and curb appeal that can heighten the value of your home. You want to choose a color that compliments the color of your home. Brighter colors tend to accent better with black, gray, or brown colored tiles. Consider painting

Protecting your home at all costs is the ultimate goal to ensure that you and your family are safe. Roof repairs can cost homeowners a tremendous amount of money each year because of neglected maintenance or simply just wear and tear.

Over time, your roof deteriorates with age and from withstanding harsh weather conditions. For most homeowners knowing when it’s time to replace the roof entirely or to re-roof it can be a difficult decision to make. Deciding as to which solution is the most durable or which one will keep you from breaking the bank is frustrating, but don’t fear – Hercules Roofing is here!

Pros of Re-Roofing

Re-roofing your home can be a daunting task, but can take little to no time. This process is fast and cost-effective. Re-roofing works best when your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or when you want to maintain your already healthy roof that has minor damages. However, it is necessary to contact a professional roofing company like Hercules Roofing to thoroughly inspect your roof to see if re-roofing is the best option for you.

Pros of Replacing

Replacing your roof is a great choice when considering several things such as the material of the roof, the age of the roof, and the damage from a recent disaster. Replacing your roof is the safest option because it guarantees that areas affected by water/moisture damages, sagging shingles and the holes in your roof will get fixed properly.

Cons of Re-Roofing

The

Hurricane season is not something that you walk into blindly. Being prepared and ready for any and all situations is the only way to fully protect yourself from the unpredictability of a storm. Your house is no longer just the place you live, it becomes your first line of defense. As a homeowner, it is your duty to inspect and ensure that your house is capable to withstand storm force winds and rain. Luckily, the team at Hercules Roofing has provided you with the correct way to inspect your roof as the 2018 Hurricane Season approaches.

Check your shingles

The winds of a hurricane are not a force to reckon with. You need to make certain that everything on your roof that has the ability to come loose won’t budge. Nailing down or caulking your shingles can help secure any shingles that may have the potential to fly off during the storm. If not fully set in place, loose shingles will create a threat to your home and the safety of you and your family.

Clear your gutter

Your drainage system is a big factor of protection during a hurricane. We often forget that clearing out a clogged gutter is vital to ensure that the monstrous loads of rain will be shed from your roof. Before it is too late, clean out and clear your gutters of any debris that has accumulated over time. A clogged gutter will ineffectively drain the rainwater from the storm and cause major problems. Making

A leaky roof can be hard to detect and even harder to resolve. If left unchecked, flaws in your home’s roof can lead to an abundant amount of issues. From risking your home’s infrastructure to costing an arm and a leg on your utility bill, a leaky roof can wreak havoc on your home it goes ignored.

1. Mold and Mildew

As water seeps into a home with a leaky roof, mold and mildew can begin to grow and spread. Not only does this present a serious issue that can result in health concerns like congestion and asthma, but mold spores can also spread through your homes HVAC system, infecting carpets, furniture, and even clothing.

However, the earlier mold and mildew are detected, the easier it is to rid your home of the pesky consequences of roof leaks.

2. Increased Energy Costs

Although unexpected, leaky roofs can make an enormous impact on your monthly utility bill. Water trickling in through a leaky roof can affect your home’s insulation before it’s even visible on ceilings or walls. Insulation saturated with water is no longer effective in keeping your home’s internal temperature regulated.

That means the hot and cool air that your air conditioning system is working hard to produce is escaping through ineffective insulation. In turn, you end up stuck with a bill for more than you bargained for.

3. Water Damage

Some of the most costly repairs to your home can be caused by water damage. Water entering your home

1. Your Shingles or Roof Tiles Have Seen Better Days

In South Florida, weather takes a beating on the shingles or tiles that cover your roof. Between blistering sun, hurricane-force winds, and torrential rain, just surviving summers in South Florida add a lot of wear and tear to your roof. If you’re concerned your roof may need replacing, a major indication is the current state of your shingles or roof tiles. Signs of necessary replacement include:

• Missing, bald, torn or cracked shingle tabs or roof tiles
• Curling on the edges of shingles
• Shingle granules are collecting in your gutters
• Loose or missing roof tiles

Spotting deformities within your shingles or tiles is the first sign to needing replacement. If you have shingles, finding granules in your gutters is a good indication that your roof is breaking down over time. If you have tiles, finding chips of tile in your gutters is a sign of roof degradation.

Shingle granules protect your roof’s asphalt coating from UV rays, provide fire resistance, and typically add color to your shingles for an aesthetic touch. Shingle granules resemble grains of sand, and if you’re finding an excess of them in your gutters you should highly consider replacing your roof.

2. Your Roof is Celebrating its 20th Birthday

For most, turning 21 years old is a celebration. For your roof, it could mean that it’s time to be replaced. If your roof is 20 years old or older, it may be time to replace it with