Shingle Roofs vs Metal Roofs

Shingle Roofs vs Metal Roofs

by | May 3, 2021 | Roofing Tips

Let Our Roofing Experts Guide You

Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR has been installing both shingle roofs and metal roofs for years. We are familiar with the unique roofing needs of homeowners in Austin and are ready to give you the information you need to make the right decision for your home. At Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR, we believe in quality craftsmanship and customer service. That’s why the homeowners of Austin have trusted us with their shingle and metal roofing projects, no matter how big or small.

Let Our Roofing Experts Guide You

 

When choosing the right roofing system for your home, there’s a lot to consider. Both a shingle roof and a metal roof have pros and cons. The ideal choice of roof for your home depends on several factors. Over the years, our experiences have led us to understand which roof style works best for each neighborhood and area of Austin. Let our roofing experts guide you to a roof that will leave your home safe and secure for years to come.

The Benefits of a Shingle Roof

Asphalt shingles are the number one choice of roofing material in North America. Shingles are constantly manufactured and, therefore, readily available. This makes them a cost-effective option for your roofing project. Though they are budget-friendly, shingles offer many appealing benefits to the discerning homeowner.

Safety Benefits

Shingles have been used in roofing for decades. This has allowed the manufacturers to upgrade the design and functionality of each type of shingle. A properly installed shingle roof will protect your home and withstand many environmental factors.

High Wind Resistance

You don’t have to live in the East Texas area for long to understand that winds are a factor you should consider when installing or replacing a roof. Typically, a shingled roof can withstand 110-130 mile per hour winds.

High winds can not only remove shingles completely but can cause shingles to shift making your home vulnerable to water damage. Selecting the right asphalt shingle for the high winds in our area is our specialty. We take the time to install each shingle properly to ensure they can stand the high winds and frequent hail storms common in Austin.

Class A Fire Rating

A Class A fire rating means your asphalt shingles can help protect other parts of your home from damage or destruction. Not all shingles are rated this highly but there are a wide variety of affordable shingles that fall into the Class A category. Our experienced contractors know how to install a shingle roof to meet the highest level of fire safety possible with your home.

 

Class A Fire Rating

 

Sound Protection

This might not be top on your priority list but shingles provide a surprising amount of protection from outside noise. Depending on where your home is located, noise control may be something to reconsider.

Read more: Mold Remediation

 

 

Design Freedom with a Shingle Roof

There are a wide variety of shingles available to today’s homeowner. At Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR, we can help guide you through the wide selection to fit your required aesthetic. Whether you need us for a budget-friendly roof repair or a full roof replacement, we have the shingles to fit your home perfectly.

Shingles come in 3 main categories; 3 tab, architectural, and designer. Each type meets our high quality standard but only one type is right for your home.

3 Tab Shingles

The most affordable option, 3 tab shingles are available in earth tones including tan, grey, white and black. Usually accompanied with a 25 year warranty, this style of shingle is made to be extremely durable and functional.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural Shingles are moderately priced with a wider aesthetic selection available. They are also longer-lasting and more durable so you may see some limited lifetime warranties with architectural shingles.

Dimensional, Designer or Premium Shingles

Available at a higher cost, specialty asphalt shingles are usually rated a grade higher than architectural shingles. If you desire a unique look for the roof of your home, designer asphalt shingles are the right choice for you.

 

Quality and Value

Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing system available. You aren’t substituting value for cost with the variety of asphalt shingles there are to choose from. Because asphalt shingles have been used for years and are so common, installation is easy and the cost to install is low.

 

The Benefits of a Metal Roof

When properly installed, a metal roof is a strong, protective barrier against the powerful storms common in the Austin area. A sturdy metal roof secures your investment against the heat, heavy rains, hail, and high winds. You also have a choice in the type of metal roofing available. There are benefits to each type of metal roof and the expert contractors at Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR can install them all!

The Benefits Of A Metal Roof

 

Types of Metal Roofing

The two most common types of metal roofing available are corrugated metal roofs and standing seam metal roofs.

Corrugated Metal Roofing

Corrugated metal roofs are thinner than standing seam roofs making them less resistant to the hail storms of the East Texas area. Corrugated metal roofs also have a higher roof pitch requirement than other materials, making it unusable for a flat roof home.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roofing can be more visually appealing while simultaneously being more protective. The panels of the standing seam system are thicker, which provides your home a higher level of protection. They can also be installed on low pitch homes.

 

Weather Resistant

No matter the type of metal roof, a metal roof provides excellent protection from the elements. The slick surface of a metal roof naturally forces rain, and even the occasional ice or snow, off the roof. Metal roofs reflect the heat of the sun away from your residence. It seems simple, but reflecting the sun in Texas helps lower the workload on your air conditioning system. This, in turn, helps reduce your energy costs.

 

Environmentally Responsible

Metal roofs are a smart environmental choice. Typically, a metal roof is made from recyclable materials and can itself be recycled. Because it is so long-lasting, a metal roof means less traditional roofing materials end up in a landfill. Installing a metal roof can create the perfect foundation for solar panels or water collection implements. A metal roof also helps contribute to your property’s energy efficiency.

 

Affordable and Long Lasting

Even though installing a metal roof requires a higher initial investment, that investment pays out in the end. Not only do metal roofs last a long time, up to 70 years, but they provide superior protection against weather and premium energy efficiency within your home. We’ve installed hundreds of metal roofs over the years and can help you choose the right one to fit your budget.

 

Which Roofing System is Right for You?

There are pros and cons of each roofing system so it’s important to have your home inspected by our roofing professionals. We can walk you through the best options available for your roofing project. Every home is different with different needs. Our expert team has seen it all when it comes to roof projects and can handle any roofing job.

Which Roofing System Is Right For You

 

Shingles are a tried and true, budget friendly option. Over the years, manufacturers have improved and modernized shingle design to accommodate today’s homeowners. You can rest assured that, with a properly installed shingle roof that gets regular maintenance, your home will remain safe and secure.

A metal roof provides a higher level of protection but with a higher price tag. Considering the money-saving capabilities of a metal roof, you may choose to make the upfront investment. Metal roofing requires less maintenance than a shingle roof and can easily accommodate modifications like solar panels.

Whatever your choice, Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR can help. From selection to installation to maintenance, our friendly staff is there for each step ensuring you make the right roofing choice for your home. Your initial roof inspection is always free. Give us a call today and we’ll get started on your roof repair or replacement right away!

Austin Local Vs. Out-of-Town Roofing Contractors: After the Storm

Austin Local Vs. Out-of-Town Roofing Contractors: After the Storm

by | Apr 27, 2021 | Roofing Tips

2021 has brought Austin unpredictable and record-setting weather. Austin homes have taken a beating from ice storms in February to hail storms in April. This unprecedented and damaging weather brings in roofing contractors from out-of-town and even out-of-state. While it may seem like these transient roofing companies may be able to help the increased demand for roofing services such as roof repairs or roof replacement, homeowners may not be aware of many pitfalls to hiring out-of-town contractors.

Read more: HOW TO REPAIR ROOF SHINGLES BLOWN OFF?

Here are a few reasons why the best roofing contractors think homeowners should consider when choosing between local roofer or out-of-town contractors:

Local contractors can honor long-term warranties.

As out-of-town contractors flood the Austin area in search of new work, they often leave homeowners with limited ways to receive warranty work. Oftentimes issues with a repaired roof may not manifest until years down the road. These out-of-town contractors may not be available or willing to travel and repair your roof. Local contractors, like Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR, will be able to maintain your roof and provide extended warranty service work.

Out-of-town contractors are sending salesmen, not workers.

With unprecedented weather events like Austin has experienced, we often see a flood of salesmen selling new roofs to Austinites. The workers and laborers for these out-of-town contractors can be states away. It is unpredictable to know when they’ll be able to start and if they will even be able to find the right people for the job. Local contractors, like WDR, have a team of vetted and proven laborers to get the job done right. Out-of-town contractors will be forced to experiment with a new labor force. Do you want the contractor to experiment with your roof?

Out-of-town contractors have limited access to building materials.

Ever since the COVID pandemic, Austin, like most of the country, has experienced a shortage of building and roofing materials. When you couple the shortage with the multiple major weather events, materials become even more scarce. Out-of-town contractors do not have relationships with local vendors to quickly provide the materials needed to repair your roof. It’s oftentimes cost-prohibitive to import roofing materials from out-of-state, thus driving up the cost of your new roof.

Local contractors will be able to repair your roof faster.

If a damaged roof is left damaged for too long, it can cause extensive damage throughout the home. Time is of the essence when repairing a roof. Out-of-town contractors have many factors stacked against them that prevent them from fixing roofs promptly. Local contractors have the labor, materials, experience, and knowledge of the nuances in our community to be able to expeditiously repair your roof.

roofing contractor repairing a roof

Local contractors have relationships with local insurance companies.

Many Austin homeowners have homeowners insurance that will cover some or all of their roof repairs. Local contractors have experience with local (and national) insurance companies and the processes it takes to successfully file a proper claim. At Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR, we work with insurance adjusters to streamline this process and save you, the homeowner, the most time and money possible.

How to Remove Debris From Your Roof

How to Remove Debris From Your Roof

by | Oct 10, 2020 | Roofing Tips

Roof Maintenance

Roof Maintenance
 

 

Maintaining the integrity of your roof helps you keep your home or business protected. A well-maintained roof ultimately costs you less and can last a long time. Regular roof inspections allow you to keep up with minor roof repairs and catch major repairs before they turn into emergencies. The first step to maintaining healthy roofing is regular debris removal.

Here’s a quick guide by Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR.

 

The Importance of Debris Removal

 

If you live in the Austin or Central Texas area, you know the weather can be unpredictable. High winds, hurricanes, hail storms, and high temperatures can all become contributing factors to the health of your roof. Regular inspection of your roof can help you determine if severe weather has caused damage or accumulation of debris on your roof.

It’s perfectly normal for debris to land on your roof. If you live underneath or near a tree canopy, leaves, pine needles, sticks, and branches are common sights on your rooftop. Even if you live in a more open neighborhood, storms can bring in debris from other areas. It isn’t actually necessary to remove every single leaf the moment it lands on your roof. However, if you allow organic debris like this to accumulate, over time, it can cause roof damage that can be expensive to repair.

Seasonal inspection of your roof will make you aware of any areas of debris accumulation. These piles of debris should be removed to avoid damage like a leaky roof, degraded shingles, or algae growth. If left for too long, these issues can turn into emergencies and can cause more extensive damage than you’d think.

 

Related Article: 8 Signs That You Need a Roof Repair

 

 

Roof Deterioration

If your rooftop accumulates a lot of organic matter, you run the risk of algae growth. Algae can appear as black stains on your roof and can cause major damage to shingles if left untreated. The bacteria in the algae slowly eat away at the composition of your shingles.

 

Roof Deterioration

 

When leaves and dirt collect on your roof, it creates the perfect environment for the growth of moss, lichen and fungi. Lichen can eat into your shingles. Piles of leaves and patches of moss absorb water and create potential leak spots on your roof.

 

Gutter Leaks

When your gutters fill up with organic material, it prevents them from functioning properly. Gutters move water away from the structure of your building in order to protect from water damage. When storm water is unable to flow freely through your gutter system, It can spill over onto the siding of your home. If this continues for some time, the integrity of your home could become compromised.

 

Reduced Efficiency

Most domestic roof construction is designed to repel the heat. In Austin, that’s a must-have feature. Organic matter retains heat. When excess debris remains on your roof, it can cause your roof to absorb heat instead of repel it. When heat is absorbed into your building, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep the interior of your home or business cool. This can cause a strain on your system and result in higher energy costs over time.

When your roof is clear of debris, it repels the heat as it should. This ensures that your HVAC system will be working at peak performance even during those hot Texas summers. Remain cool and secure under your properly maintained roof.

 

 

Tips to Remove Roof Debris Safely

A simple way to make sure your roof is free from damaging debris is to call us at Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR. Our professional roofing contractors can safely and efficiently maintain your roof’s life and health. We know some of you out there in Central Texas prefer to do things for yourselves. If you’re set on removing debris from your own roof, we’d like to give you some tips on how it can be done safely and efficiently.

 

Tips To Remove Roof Debris Safely

 

 

Safety First

At Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR, our experience has taught us that safety matters and it should always come first. When removing debris from the roof of your home or business, you want to consider your safety and the roof’s safety. Always ensure you have the proper tools and safety equipment to clean away debris from your roof.

  • Wear protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and nonslip footwear.
  • Make sure you have a ladder that is safe and secure.
  • Always have someone with you to steady the ladder as needed.
  • Ensure all tools are properly secured and easily accessible.
  • Always be aware of wet spots or loose and rotting shingles. Avoiding these can save you from a painful slip and fall.
  • Avoid stepping on your roof, if possible. There may be vulnerable spots that are difficult to see. You could cause further damage to your roof – or worse – to yourself if you step in the wrong spot.

The Weather Matters

Even though the weather can be unpredictable in Austin, try to plan your roof debris removal on a clear day. If it’s just rained, your roof can be slick and unsafe. If it’s windy, gusts could compromise your balance leading to an accident. Make sure to choose a cool or slightly overcast day to avoid overexposure to the heat.

 

Proper Tools for Roof Debris Removal

Proper Tools for Roof Debris Removal

 

The tools you use to clean your roof depend on the amount of debris present. You may be able to use a broom if you have light debris like pine needles or dry leaves. Typically, a leaf blower is the preferable tool for the job. If you don’t own a leaf blower, you can usually rent one from your local hardware store.

A leaf blower can quickly and easily remove most debris from your roof. It can help you remove debris that’s difficult to reach, ensuring you remain safe. The powerful airflow from the leaf blower can help remove debris that is wet or stuck. It’s important to remember to aim the leaf blower in a downward direction in relation to the slope of your roof. Also, aim any debris removal away from chimneys, windows or skylights.

 

Examine and Treat Stains or Growths on Your Roof

After you’ve removed the debris from your roof, the next step is to inspect your roof for stains or growths. If you are performing regular roof debris removal, you hopefully won’t see any organic growth on your rooftop. If the debris has been there for a while, you may see black stains, moss, algae or lichen. If any of these are present, you’ll have to continue with a more thorough cleaning process.

You may want to call in the professionals at this point. If you’re intent on seeing the job through yourself, here’s our best DIY for troubling stains or growths on your roof.

 

Algae Growth

  • Mix a solution of 50/50 water and detergent.
  • Apply liberally to spots of algae growth.
  • Allow penetrating for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Rinse away solution with your hose.

Black Stains or Moss Growth

  • Mix a solution of 4-1 bleach and water with a bit of detergent.
  • Treat black stains and allow to sit for 20 minutes.
  • Rinse away the solution with your hose.

If black stains persits, you may want to call us. At Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR, we specialize in weatherproofing your roof. We can help you install bacteria-resistant shingles or strips that contain copper or zinc.

 

Clean Gutters for Maximum Efficiency

We recommend cleaning your gutters as the last step in your roof debris removal project. When blowing debris from your roof with a leaf blower, it’s likely some debris will end up in your gutters. Taking the time to remove all debris from your gutter system ensures it functions properly.

  • Ensure your ladder is secure and wear protective gloves.
  • Remove debris from gutters a handful at a time.
  • When your gutters are free from all debris, rinse through with your hose.

Professional Roof Debris Removal

Professional Roof Debris Removal

 

If roof debris removal sounds like too big a job, Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR has you covered. We are local, experienced contractors that can handle any of your roofing needs. From debris removal to full roof replacement, we can help you get your roof back to where it should be. Our professional team will assess and repair your roof quickly and efficiently. Our initial roof inspection is always free. Call us today at (512) 820-6505 and one of our friendly staff will happily schedule your appointment.

5 Signs You Need A New Roof

5 Signs You Need A New Roof

by | Sep 10, 2020 | Roofing Tips

We’ve been providing homeowners with expert roof installation and replacement services in Austin and the surrounding Central Texas area for years. We understand the unique environment of Central Texas and can replace your roof using materials that can withstand the elements.

5 Signs You Need A New Roof

The roof over your head plays a vital role in protecting your home. At Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR, we know that your home is one of your primary investments. Our experienced, local roofer can help you maintain your roof or replace it if necessary.

We get the job done within your budget and around your schedule. We always provide you with a free initial roof inspection. Call Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR today at (512) 820-6505.

Signs Your Roof Should Be Replaced

You may not pay regular attention to your roof. Because they typically last so long, it’s easy to forget that your roof needs occasional maintenance and, sometimes, to be replaced. Paying attention to some telltale signs will give you the information you need to determine if your roof needs to be replaced. Perform both an interior and exterior inspection of your home to identify if your home shows any of these potential signs.

Your Roof is Old

A properly installed and well maintained roof should have a long life span. An asphalt shingle roof can last 20 – 25 years while a metal roof can last 50 – 70 years. You may already know the age of your roof or you may have to check some paperwork to determine its exact age. If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, it’s time to call the expert roofing contractors at Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR.

Interior Leaks or Water Damage

Interior Leaks or Water Damage

It’s just as important to inspect the interior of your home as it is the exterior when determining if you need to replace your roof. Leaks inside of your home can be obvious, like in an emergency situation where a pipe bursts or there is structural damage from a storm. Most of the time, leaks in your home aren’t so easy to spot. If you notice water marks or bubbling spots on your walls or ceiling, it’s likely you have water leaking into your home.

Related Article: Roof Repair Information

 

Signs in the Attic

If your home has one, the attic is a great place to start looking for signs of water damage. Be sure to look down at the floor of the attic. If you notice water or water stains on the floor or floor insulation of the attic, you may have a leaky roof. Looking up at the ceiling of your attic, notice if you see any sunlight coming from between any cracks or gaps. If you can see light, your roof is not sound and needs to be replaced or repaired.

Shingle Damage

Many people have an asphalt shingle roof. Shingles can be damaged by storms, high winds, hail and other bad weather. Your shingles may have been improperly installed and could be coming loose one by one. It’s simple to check your shingle roof for any damage or degradation. Make sure you have a sturdy ladder and a friend to spot you when you check your shingles.

Shingle Damage

When you’ve gained a secure vantage spot, inspect your roof to see the status of your shingles. Shingles can be cracked or broken from things landing on the roof. An area of shingles may be buckling from water damage. Make sure to look for warped or curled up shingles. Shingles could also be missing entirely.

Once you’ve taken note of the roof, be sure to check your gutters and gutter spouts. You may see pieces of broken shingles in the gutter. If you happen to notice a large amount of shingle granules in the gutter, this means your shingles are deteriorating. This is a sure sign that your roof likely needs to be replaced.

Flashing Damage

Flashing is roofing material that seals areas of your roof that creates corners. These spots, like chimneys, skylights and vents are more vulnerable to wear and tear if the flashing isn’t installed properly. If the flashing on your roof is cracked or has broken away from the structure of your home, you need to have an inspection from a professional roofing contractor to determine if your roof should be repaired or replaced.

Compromised Roof Structure

If your roof is visibly drooping or sagging, you’ll absolutely need a roof replacement. The structural stability of your roof is vital to securing the safety of your home. Look for sagging in low points on your roof. This could be a sign of extensive water damage. Trapped moisture can rot away at boards and other building materials, compromising your roof. At the first sign of a sagging roof, call our professional roofing contractors. The sooner you tackle the issue, the less damage will be done to the structure of your home.

Organic Material Growth

If you see green moss growing in the nooks and crannies of your roof, you have a moisture problem. It may look quaint, but organic material growth on the roof of your home only causes damage. When organic material like leaves, dirt, or sticks accumulate on your roof, an environment is created in which moss, algae and lichen can grow.

Organic Material Growth

When moisture is trapped in your roof, it can lead to roof rot and even mold growth. To ensure the safety of your home, all organic material should be promptly removed from your roof. Patches of moss typically like to grow in corners and in cracks making it challenging to remove. Our experienced roofing team can help you remove any organic growth from any area of your roof.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Some roof issues can be easily repaired, particularly when you’ve been diligent with the upkeep of your roof. In some cases, repairs only serve to delay the inevitable. There are certain types of damage that leave no other option than to replace the roof. Water leaking into your home, for example, likely means it’s time for a roof replacement.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs indicating that you need a new roof, call the expert roofing contractors at Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR. We can send one of our local roofing contractors to your home to give you a free initial roof inspection. We present you with our analysis and all costs upfront. We want to work within your budget and at your convenience. We’re available to serve you 24/7 at (512) 820-6505.

10 Signs of a Roof Leak

10 Signs of a Roof Leak

by | Aug 20, 2020 | Roofing Tips, Water Damage Repair

Avoid Further Roof Damage with Early Detection

Avoid Further Roof Damage with Early Detection

A solid roof protects your home from significant and expensive damage. Your home is a long-term investment, so it pays to be aware of the signs that it’s time for repairs. Sometimes, your roof will be damaged in unexpected circumstances, like a hurricane. Most of the time, however, familiar sources of a roof leaks can be less noticeable.

Routine checks of your roof are vital and can reveal underlying roof issues. Having advance notice of potential problems can save you money. A qualified technician from Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR could give you a free roof inspection and will thoroughly inspect your roof to determine what issues could be causing your current leak or problems that may lead to a leaky roof in the future.

Related Article: How to Remove Debris From Your Roof

Ignoring these 10 indicators of needed roof leak repairs can lead to extensive damage to your home and more expensive repairs.

#1 Mold

When you have a leaky roof, mold can infest many parts of your home. When water spreads to different parts of your house, it carries with it the potential to spread mold. Mold causes damage to your home by weakening building materials, like wood and insulation. Mold thrives in the dark, warm, wet environments. When these factors are present, mold can spread quickly without you noticing.

Mold

Inhaling mold spores can be harmful to your health. This is especially true if you or your family members have respiratory conditions or allergies. Even if you don’t suffer from these conditions, mold present in your home can cause itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, and cough.

If you notice mold on your exterior walls, it could be a sign of a leaky roof. Measure from the mold spot to a reference point, like a window or door, and check for mold in the same spot on the other side of the wall. You can also check to see if mold is present where your exterior wall meets your roof. If you see any of these signs of mold, it’s important to give us a call at (512) 820 6505, so one of our technicians can assess your situation and solve your mold problem at its source.

 


 

#2 Flashing Damage

Flashing is essential to reducing the effects water has on the exterior parts of your home. Most of the corners and joints in your roof – like around the chimney – should be protected by flashing. Step flashing is used where the walls of your house intersect the roof. Wherever there is flashing on your roof, there is potential for a weak point. When step flashing becomes weak or is damaged, it can be the cause of a leak in your roof.

If you don’t have kick-flashing, water runs off of your roof and down your exterior walls. Depending on the integrity of your exterior wall, water could be leaking into the wall itself. If there is a door or window present where the water flows down from the roof, water can seep beneath the trim. If this isn’t taken care of promptly, rot can spread to the sheathing and framing of your home.

Regular inspection of the flashing on your home can reveal cracks, splits, or loose pieces of flashing. Careful checking could also reveal spots of rust in the flashing. It’s a good idea to have the flashing on your roof checked seasonally to ensure you catch any potential damage before a leak can wreak havoc on your home.

#3 Stains

Stains

If you notice discolored spots or stains on your ceiling or walls, you could potentially have a leak in your roof. Stains in the middle of the ceiling or wall may be noticeable, but there are other, more hidden, places to check. When we inspect your home, we pay close attention to window and door seals, around light fixtures, and in corners. We also inspect your vents and bathroom ventilation fans. Look for signs of discoloration in these spots around your home.

The discoloration you may see is a direct result of mold or algae growing inside your walls. It’s essential to pay attention to these stains, regardless of their size. A small, visible stain could indicate a much bigger problem behind the stain. If you can, you should investigate the possible sources of the visible stain. If the source isn’t apparent to you, you may have a leak in your roof. Puddles of water can form from even the smallest leak, spreading damage to a more significant portion of your walls or ceiling. If you notice a dark ring around the outside of the leak, it may be time to give the roofing professionals at Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR a call.

#4 Shiners

If you don’t notice any water flow marks or if the ceiling stain in your home is fairly small, look at the underside of the roof for ‘shiners.’ A shiner is a nail that missed the framing member. Moisture that escapes into your attic from the rooms below often condenses on metal nails. Sometimes you can spot this if you climb up into your attic on a cold night. The nails will look white because they’re frosted. When the attic heats up a bit during the day, the frost melts and drips, then the nails frost up at night again, and so on.

#5 Distorted, Lost, or Damaged Shingles

A sure sign that you have a roof leak is distorted-looking roof shingles. If you notice shingles that are visibly warped or twisted, you’ve found a spot where water is possibly entering your home. When water enters at a point like this on your roof, it can travel throughout your home before it shows any visible leak signs anywhere else

.

Distorted Lost or Damaged Shingles

When you routinely have your roof inspected, our inspectors may find lost or damaged shingles. Lost or damaged shingles are often the source for leaks. It’s important to have your roof inspected after severe weather, like heavy winds or rain, to see if any of your shingles are missing or have been damaged. Hail has been known to actually puncture shingles, creating small holes where water can leak through. Damaged shingles are an easy fix. If you get the damage repaired quickly, you’ll be protecting your home from water damage.

#6 Damp External Walls

If you see mold or moss growing on your external walls, this may indicate a continuous water leak. Physically touch the wall where growth may be present. If you feel dampness, it may be the first indication you have that there is a leak present. A damp external wall can lead to water issues inside the wall. One of our experienced technicians will check above the wall for blocked gutters, downpipes, or other problems that may be causing the dampness on your wall.

#7 Gutter Issues

Leaking Gutters

If you see water dripping out of a portion of your gutters, there is likely a leak present. A dripping gutter is a clear sign that your gutters aren’t functioning properly. The purpose of a gutter is to move the rainwater away from the roof and walls of your home. When a drip is present, water isn’t being fully removed from the areas of your home, it could potentially damage. Leaking gutters allow rainwater to leak into the structure of your home, where it can cause damage long after the rain has passed by.

Blocked Gutters

Your gutters may become blocked with plant matter – like pine needles, pinecones, leaves, etc. If your gutters aren’t routinely cleaned, they will become blocked. Blocked gutters overflow, causing drips. When we inspect your gutters, we may find roofing material. If the roofing material is present in your gutter system, it’s indicative that you have damage somewhere on your roof that could be contributing to a leak.

Rusted Gutters

If not maintained, rust can build up on your gutters. Gutter leaks can start at rusty spots or at seams that have separated because of expansion and contraction. Our roofing professionals will inspect your gutter system for rust spots and separated seams.

Rusted Gutters

 

Missing Gutter Apron

When water flows off the edge of your roof, some of it clings to the underside of the shingles and dribbles toward the structure of your home. If you have gutters but no gutter apron to stop the water, it will wick behind the gutter. Eventually, this will cause a rot problem. You may see water stains below the gutter on the fascia and soffit. This is a sure sign that you’re missing a gutter apron.

#8 Holes Left in Your Roof from Previous Installations

You may have tiny holes in your roof that you don’t even know about. These tiny holes are left over from items previously attached to your roof. Things like satellite dishes, antennas, and mounting brackets are all drilled into your roof. When those items are removed, small holes are left where the screws were. These tiny holes can slowly leak water into your home. We’ll thoroughly check for these holes and other holes that may be present in your roofing.

#9 Damaged Plumbing Vent Boots

Plumbing vent boots can be all plastic, plastic, and metal, or two-piece metal units. We’ll check the plastic bases for cracks and the metal bases for broken seams. Our technician will also examine the rubber boot surrounding the pipe. The rubber can be rotted away or torn, allowing water to seep into your home.

#10 Dirty, Clogged Soffits

Attic ventilation is critical to the health of your house. Soffit vents inhale outside air which is necessary to create airflow that moves warm attic air out of the roof vents. Once the air enters the soffit, it moves through an air chute or some other opening along the underside of the roof into the attic. Clear soffits help to prevent moisture buildup and ultimately mold growth on your roof’s framing. Even the roof vents themselves may have cracked housing or broken seams. During a professional inspection, our conscientious technicians will examine your soffits and check for any damage.

Dirty Clogged Soffits

Protect Your Roof with Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR Professionals

Many of the above sources for roof leaks are obvious to the naked eye. Others are silent signs that your roof has damage. Silent damage is the most concerning because it can go unnoticed for weeks, or even months. Repairing your roof can protect your home from major and expensive damage.

When your roof needs repair, you should always look for a reputable and reliable roofing contractor. A leaking roof is a critical situation, one that should be taken seriously. It’s vital that you take action as soon as you notice signs of a roof leak.

Call Water Damage & Roofing in Austin at (512) 820-6505 for your FREE initial roof inspection. Our experienced technicians can take care of any roofing issues, large or small.

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Roof Repair Information

Roof Repair Information

by | Jun 21, 2018 | Roofing Tips

Roof Repair

Let us inspect your home’s roofing system. We have tradespeople who are highly skilled at repairing roof damage with a new and durable material that will protect your home from the elements. By taking the time to learn about the Roofing Repair process and how to find a qualified roofing contractor, you can protect your property.

Call Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR immediately when you notice roofing damages.

Roof Repair
Inspect Roofing System for Roof Repair
Assess Damages
Install Roofing Material
Clean Up and Roofing Inspection

Roof Repair Steps

Inspect Roofing System for Roof Repair

  • If you have experienced a water leak in your home or noticed missing or deteriorating roof shingles, we will come out to your home and visually inspect your roofing system.
  • Things that a roof repair inspector will review
    • Age
    • Granule Loss
    • Hail Wind Damage
    • Tree Damage
    • Gutter Damage
    • Correct Pitch on the Roof to let the water cascade
    • No dead valleys where water can collect and deteriorate your roofing materials
    • Crickets and diverters are adequately installed to divert rainwater away from the chimney
    • Flashing is installed correctly near the chimney and vent stacks

Related Article: 10 Signs of a Roof Leak

 

Assess Damages 

  • If we discover a problem with your roof, we first want to repair it. We don’t want you to have to spend any money if you don’t have to

Install Roofing Material

  • Roof repairs on various types of roofs
    • Asphalt Shingle Roof
    • Barrel Tile Roof
    • Snap-lock Metal Panel Roof
    • Flat Roof
  • Technicians should install your roofing material in a way that follows industry-leading best practices
 

Clean Up and Roofing Inspection

  • Using heavy professional magnets, we find and clear all debris from your home’s roof, driveway, and yard
  • Thoroughly inspect the installation of the roof repair and the durability of the material
  • Meet with customer to finalize job and receive full payment for work and materials

Warranty 

  • The manufacturer should warrant your roofing materials by the roofing contractor that repaired your roof.

Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR has a solid reputation for local roofing repair expertise. We operate on the golden rule and offer each homeowner fairness and honesty. We also offer a roof repair warranty on our work.