Posts made in July 2022

DIY Roof Replacement vs Professional Roof Replacement

When it comes to your residential roof replacement, you may be wondering if it would be best to hire a roofing professional or take on the project yourself. Both options have their benefits and disadvantages, but it all depends on your own expertise and skills, the amount of funds you have available, and the extent of the project.

The average price to replace a residential Asphalt roof in Missouri can range anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on whether you choose to do-it-yourself or hire a professional contractor. While it may seem best financially to jump into a DIY project simply to save money, there are other things to consider before deciding on a DIY or professional roof replacement.

As a trusted roofing company with over 35 years of experience, Shelby Roofing & Exteriors wants to ensure that you make the best decision for your family and home. Here is what you should consider when thinking about replacing the roof of your home DIY style or with the help of a local contractor.

Deciding on a DIY Roof Replacement

While many homeowners may feel confident in completing minor patches and repairs on their own, whether to fix slight leaks or loose shingles, replacing an entire Asphalt roof is often a different story. If you are considering whether you should tackle your roof’s replacement as your next DIY project, it is important to consider the pros and cons before taking the leap.

There is no doubt that taking on the challenge of replacing your home’s roof yourself will save you both time and money. With no labor costs based on the number of workers, your select choice of roofing materials, and the ability to extend the project’s timeframe at will, can save you thousands of dollars. However, this ability to cut corners also has potential downsides that should be thoughtfully considered.

If part of the project is done incorrectly, you may still need to resort to hiring a professional in the short- or long-term, resulting in greater costs in the future. You must also think about your safety and technical know-how. Do you have the right safety equipment? Do you have a friend that can at least be there in case something happens? Do you have health insurance if something were to happen? Also consider how comfortable you are with heights and the odd angles of sloped roofs, which for some can cause dizziness and disorientation, along with climbing ladders and working in hot weather.

Beyond safety, also consider questions like: How much time do you have available to work on a potentially extensive project? Is money a major factor and is it the main reason you are choosing a DIY project? Do you have the skills and knowledge to take on such a major project? Completing a home roof replacement is often more complicated than most people are used to and that can’t simply be learned by a quick search on Google, Pinterest, or YouTube. Laying shingles requires a strong technical understanding of the process, so you want to ensure that you are well prepared before taking the first step.

If you answer these questions with any doubt or concerns, it may be best to consider hiring a professional residential roofing professional.

Considering a Professional Roof Replacement

Just like a DIY roof replacement, hiring a professional roofing contractor has several advantages and shortcomings to take into consideration. The sole downside that almost every homeowner thinks about is the overall cost, often ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the materials chosen and the company’s labor costs. The benefit that exists here though is that unlike with a DIY project where you must pay for any damages out-of-pocket if damage is done, you may potentially save money if you aren’t savvy about residential roofing.

With a trusted professional roofer, you are guaranteed high-quality and efficient work without the fear of needing any do-overs. The safety of your property is preserved with no risk of damage or other workmanship defects that come from doing the project yourself. Any issues that do potentially occur are guaranteed to be protected by the company hired in your contract, whether it is lawn damage, a broken window, or debris cleanup after the project is completed.

If you are concerned about how long the project will take to complete, this should be part of your initial research when looking to hire a roofing professional. While most roof replacements take a few days, some companies may be willing to work with you to accomplish the project sooner. This may particularly be the case if your roof suffers from storm damage. In such a case, you will need an expert contractor to make sure the repair work is done the right way, and your roof gets back to its reliable and sound condition. 

Is DIY or Professional Roof Replacement Best?

So, should you replace your roof yourself or hire a roofing professional? Ultimately, it all depends on your personal knowledge, what you want to spend, and the timeframe you want to complete the project in. Typically, most homeowners prefer having trusted professionals to do the work for the ease, dependability, and long-term affordability. While the out-of-pocket cost may be slightly more than doing it yourself, consider it an investment in your home. Not only will you ensure that you have a roof that will last you 20 to 30 years, but you will also know that the job will be done seamlessly with the right technical know-how and without having to do the extremely labor-intensive work yourself.

If you have decided to look for a trusted contractor to replace your roof or are still considering your options, contact us to schedule a free consultation or to schedule quality roofing services with our dedicated team. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors proudly serves clients in the St. Louis metropolitan area, including Illinois and the surrounding areas.

Roof Replacement in Arnold, Imperial, Oakville, and Fenton

As a homeowner or other property owner, you may be wondering if recent storm damage or signs of aging mean it’s time to replace your roof. With current inflation rates that are impacting the cost of labor and materials this is a common worry for many families and businesses, so it is good to know what signs to look for when considering the need and potential costs. 

From the roof’s age and lifespan to general signs of wear and tear, here are some signs that it is time to replace your roof.

The Interior Highpoints Show Damage

When was the last time you inspected your attic or the walls and ceiling of the upstairs?

It is a good idea to personally check on the state and appearance of the highest interior points of your home or commercial facility on a consistent basis, especially if you suspect any damage after a heavy storm. 

Telling signs of a damaged or leaking roof in upstairs areas can include peeling paint on the ceilings and/or walls, along with colored stains and moisture marks. Meanwhile, attics can suffer from damp rafters and leaks that can cause damage over time.

Even if you suspect that there is only minor interior damage, a trained professional may pinpoint more extensive damage that isn’t necessarily noticed by the untrained eye. Be sure to also have a professional perform an inspection at least once a year and ask if the attic inspection can be added to your regular roofing and inspection maintenance plan.

There are Signs of Weather Damage

As your roof continues to age, you may start to notice curling and cracking of the asphalt shingles as the result of weather damage over time. First, general weather damage can cause clawing and cupping to asphalt shingle roofing. Clawing occurs when the center of the shingle starts to swell upwards, while cupping happens when the edges of the shingle start to curl upwards. Meanwhile, wind damage can lead to cracking over small or large areas of the roof. Either case leaves space for water to penetrate your roof deck during any storm and potentially cause leaking, rotting, excessive natural growths, or other problems.

Weather can also impact the sealing of chimneys, vents, and skylights, causing flashing that indicates there is an unprotected area or a more serious issue. While also having an impact on the nails that hold the shingles down, causing them to become exposed in the shingles or in the base of your roof that can lead to leaks and cracks as well.

If you notice any form of weather damage across a small part of your roof, a simple inspection and repair should do the trick. But if you or your roofing inspector notice more widespread damage, it may unfortunately be necessary to replace the whole roof. If this is the case and you are considering updating your flashing system, speak to your roofing contractor about an all-in-one metal solution instead of a cement flashing system.

The Roof Doesn’t Appear Straight

Go outside on a nice, sunny day and stand some distance from your house to look at the roof from various angles. What do you see?

A healthy-looking roof should appear straight along its lines, but if you notice drooping or sagging areas, especially at the lowest points of the roof, this could be a major sign that it needs to be replaced. Sagging occurs when moisture becomes trapped within the roof and starts to rot away underlying boards. This is usually very noticeable and should be discussed with a roofing expert to determine the cause and the best approach to fix it. 

Your Energy Bills are Increasing

During the heat waves in the summer months of Missouri, it is expected that your air conditioning will be working overtime and have the electric bills to prove it. To ensure that your home is running as efficiently as possible, have your roofing inspector check for any leaks in the roof that could allow air to escape.

If it is decided that it is time to replace your roof, place special attention on the color and materials of your new roof that can have a significant impact on your home’s energy effectiveness. This can include opting for lighter colored shingles or tiles, selecting a metal roof or other reflective surface, or adding solar panels for optimal cost-savings.

The Lifespan of the Roof is Nearing

Whether you replaced your last roof 20 years ago or are a new homeowner, it is good to know the current age of your roof and how much life it has left. If you aren’t sure, check out the home improvement records for verification or if you see many of your neighbors replacing their roofs, it can be a sign that your home’s roof is nearing the end of its lifespan as well. 

The general lifespan of your roof of course depends on the current type of roofing material installed, which can also determine what type of damages to look out for. More expensive slate, tile and copper roofs have the potential to last over 50 years, while the most common roofing – Asphalt shingles – have an average lifespan between 25 and 50 years, based on the quality, durability and type of material chosen.

Depending on the problems that exist, if your roof is only five years old and there is no detrimental damage, then a better option may be to simply repair or patch the roof. Otherwise, if your roof potentially only has five years left in its lifespan, then a roof repair is likely a more economical option.

A final thought…

Even if you find that you don’t need to replace your roof today, be sure to keep an eye out for early signs of wear that can be easily fixed now to prevent costly repairs in the future. Once or twice a year and after major weather events, check the appearance of shingles and other materials to find beginning signs of cracking, balding or bowing to prevent leaks, along with moss growth that could be a mark of hidden damage.

If you are looking to replace your roof or need an inspection and are looking for an experienced roofing contractor in the Saint Louis, MO area, Shelby Roofing & Exteriors has over 35 years of trusted experience in residential and commercial roofing and exterior renovation. Give us a call today to receive a free online estimate or schedule an appointment for onsite services.

Repair, Patch, or Replace Your Roof

There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when the ultimate roofing question comes to mind, “Does the roof need to be replaced, or will a simple repair or patch do the trick?”

While you hope that the less costly choice is needed, you also want to be sure that the roof is well-cared for to protect your family and personal belongings. At Shelby Roofing & Exteriors, we have this same goal in mind and seek to always offer a quality roof at an affordable price, alongside exceptional customer service. To help you answer such an important question, here are the common signs of whether it is time to repair, patch, or replace your residential home’s roof.

Signs Your Roof Needs Repaired or Patched

How do you know if your roof needs to be repaired or patched, rather than fully replaced?

While every roof needs to be replaced at some point, a simple repair or patch may only be needed if there is minor damage or if only part of the roof has been impacted. The roof’s age is always the number one factor when it comes to assessing what your roof really needs. If your roof is in overall good condition and still has many years left in its lifespan, that is the first sign that you will likely only need a repair or patch.

Next, consider the condition of your roof when you notice any damage. Weather damage from rain, hail, or wind, along with fallen branches or missing shingles in isolated areas of the roof can be easy and inexpensive repairs. Likewise, an isolated roof leak can be a sign that you simply need to have a roofing contractor patch the roof area. Temporary fixes are great for keeping current costs down and prevent more costly repairs later. 

Finally, if you are considering selling your home soon, it is important to also think about if a simple repair or patch will impact the sale value of your property. Buyers will be more motivated if they know the roof has been properly cared for and know that the roof is not at risk of failing soon after their purchase.

Signs Your Roof Needs Replaced

Your roof’s lifespan is the most significant contributing factor of determining whether your roof needs to be replaced. 

The most common type of roofing in Missouri is Asphalt Shingles that have some general warning signs that indicate the 15-to-25-year lifespan is coming to an end. The most common signs that it may be time to replace your residential roof are missing shingles, curling shingles, and if there is shingle debris starting to clog your gutters. Most importantly, if you notice that your roof is starting to sag, this is a key sign that the structural integrity of your roof is declining. Other signs that it is time to replace your roof include:

Missing Granules

If you are standing in your yard and notice discolored patches (dark patches on light shingles and light patches on dark or black shingles) or if you notice granules in the gutters during cleanings, these are signs that the shingles are beginning to wear out. While missing granules are not likely to cause leaking, it can impact the effectiveness of how well your roof is protected from the sun’s UV rays. 

Curling or Cracking Shingles

When shingles begin to dry and shrink as they age, you will notice an increase in curling, cracking, and brittleness, along with a greater likelihood of them blowing off during high winds. Curling shingles can also be a sign of more significant problems, whether they are aging, not lined up properly, or that the roof is layered. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this issue is to replace affected tiles or replace the whole roof if there is widespread damage.

Excessive Moss Growth

While moss growth is a natural occurrence for Asphalt roofing, excessive moss growth across large areas of the roof can cause damage over time. Many homeowners will see the shingles begin to lift as the moss growth expands, which can impact the roof’s ability to drain rainwater and result in roof leaks. As noted, if this is caught early enough you can get away with a simple repair, but left unnoticed the moss will shorten the roof’s lifespan and require partial or full replacement.

Weather Damage

Missouri weather is a common cause for shingles blowing off residential roofs, while also leaving them cracked, dried, or curled. Even if a shingle has simply started to lift, this means that the sealant or nails may have started to loosen and can lead to a leaky roof. If you notice that the rain, wind, or hail from a heavy storm has blown off your roof’s shingles, it may be a sign that your roof will need to be replaced.

All these signs can also be used to determine if your metal roofing, rubber roofing, or flat roofing needs to be replaced. Metal roofing will show rusting or extreme color fading on the metal panels, dents or scratches on the painted finish that result from the damage of heavy hail damage or falling limbs, or wallowed out fasteners. Rubber or flat roofs show signs of needing to be replaced if you see extensive pools of water or large rips and tears in the materials and seams. Keep in mind that some roofing materials may not easily show damage, including for tar and gravel roofs, so it is important to always have an experienced roofing professional look at the roof to determine if the roof will need to be replaced.

To get a better idea of what your home’s roof needs to keep your family and personal belongings safe, you want a trusted roofing professional to understand what your best residential service option is. With over 35 years of experience across the St. Louis, MO area (including Arnold, Imperial, Oakville, and Fenton), Shelby Roofing & Exteriors is guaranteed to offer prompt and comprehensive services. We also offer 24-hour emergency response, no matter what time it is, along with storm damage cleanup. Contact us today to receive a free estimate and to see if your homeowner’s insurance can cover part of your roofing costs.

Cleaning and Maintaining Gutters

There are perks to being a homeowner, but pesky tasks like keeping your gutters cleaned and maintained is not one of them. Home gutters are viewed as a small part of your home upkeep, and are often overlooked. Properly installed and maintained gutters keep water draining away from your home to avoid costly water damage issues.

We have some standard information and 4 tips to make your gutter cleaning activity a tad less daunting. Keeping your gutters well-maintained isn’t difficult, but having some tips to point you in the right direction if you’re a home repair novice, never hurts.

 

How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?

Gutters should be cleaned twice per year. If you happen to have lots of trees around your home, it may be advantageous to have them cleaned out every three months. So now is a good time to consider what you need if you plan to handle your fall cleaning yourself, or to get on the books with a local gutter cleaning company like Shelby Roofing in Arnold, MO. Regular gutter cleaning should be a part of your home maintenance.

An advantage to having a professional gutter cleaning company handle the project for you, is we will be able to quickly spot any gutter repairs that need to be fixed to save you money on bigger issues that will arise from faulty gutters. Cleaning gutters on your own also means having to have good balance, and being able to deal with varying roof heights. Having a roofing company take this off your plate takes a potentially dangerous activity.

 

Pro Tip #1: What Months Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Ideally, in the spring and  fall months. In the spring to remove all debris from the winter months, so spring showers and storms are able to be properly drained with your gutter system. In the fall it should be done again to remove everything from both summer storms, and falling leaves and twigs that have clogged up your gutters and downspouts.

 

Pro Tip #2: What is the Best Way to Keep Your Gutters Clean?

Gutter cleaning can be handled in a few ways.

A- You can absolutely manually pull leaves and other debris from your gutters by hand. It’s probably not the most pleasant or time efficient way to handle it though. Doing it this way will make it difficult to remove leaves and twigs that have become compacted in your gutters and downspouts. This would be the least recommended way of cleaning your home’s gutters.

B-A standard garden hose can also be an option. However, some hoses still won’t be strong enough to fully remove compacted debris while handling your gutter cleaning project.

C-You can also opt to use a power washer, or gutterwand, to force leaves and gutter debris out. This process will definitely be a faster, and a more effective way of getting them more cleaned out.

D-Hire Shelby Roofing & Exteriors to clean your gutters if you live in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Fenton, or the Greater St. Louis Area. When we handle your gutter cleaning project, we not only “just clean” your gutters, but we can do a gutter system flush, and even install powder-coated gutter screens to keep your gutter system working efficiently. At Shelby Roofing we will even add leaf protection to help stop bulky debris from clogging up your system.

Option C is the best way to handle your gutter cleaning to get the junk build up out of there on your own, and ensure your gutters and downspouts are able to work at capacity. Option D would be the most efficient and effective way, and will ensure your system is working at full capacity, and water is being kept away from your home. This will help avoid water damage problems.

 

Pro Tip #3: Install and Check Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are another layer of protection for your gutters. If you don’t currently have gutter guards, we would strongly advise you to either install them yourself, or have a professional come install them for you.

Why do you want gutter guards? Have you noticed before that after a storm, or even heavy rain, dirt and other debris has been splashed up onto the side of your house? You most likely also noticed that the dirt around your home has been disrupted by the heavy rainfall. Splash guards are installed at the bottom of your downspouts, as well as on your roof, to move water away from your home. This helps deter the development of mold and mildew.

 

Pro Tip #4: Ensure Your Gutters Are Positioned Properly

One area that can absolutely wreak havoc on your home, is if your gutters aren’t positioned properly. Both tilt and slope need to be addressed when checking that your gutters are properly positioned. You need to check that your gutters aren’t tilted too far backwards, or too far forward. Either of these incorrect positions will make it so the water going into your gutters doesn’t drain properly.

The slope of the gutters is immensely important. Typically, you want your gutters to be sloped ¼ inch for every 10 feet of gutter.

Keeping your gutter system up to par can save you larger headaches down the road. Contact Shelby Roofing today to get a quote for your gutter cleaning services!