Posts tagged with "roof"

What You Should Do When a Large Tree Falls on Your Roof

It’s an unusual incident, but a tree falling on your roof isn’t entirely unique. Wind damage and storm damage are guilty of dropping tree limbs and even whole trees on top of roofs. When it’s a limb, the damage usually isn’t so bad. An entire tree is rather catastrophic, but it isn’t the end of the world.

Find a Contractor for Emergency Roofing Services

The first thing you need to do is relocate to a safe location. Then you need to find a contractor that offers emergency roofing services. The contractor will have to work quickly to remove the tree, piece by piece, from off of your roof. Then the real damage can be assessed before repairs begin. The contractor will put a tarp over the roof if the tree crushed the roof with enough force to leave large openings. 

Filing an Insurance Claim

This is an “act of God”, something that most insurance companies will cover when you file a claim. File your insurance claim as soon as the tree has been removed so that you can get good pictures of the damaged roof. The insurance company may still send a claims adjuster to your address to see the damage and get an adequate estimate for repairs. It’s the same process even if you only had hail damage.

Replacing the Roof

If the tree was of immense size and crushed the roof, there may be structural damage to the roof and possibly to the walls in your home. After a thorough investigation and determination of the damage to your home, the work begins. The roofer can replace and rebuild the roof, but any structural damage to walls will have to be done before the roof can be replaced. Expect a couple of weeks for really major repairs and roof replacement work to be completed.

What You Should Do When a Large Tree Falls on Your Roof

It’s an unusual incident, but a tree falling on your roof isn’t entirely unique. Wind damage and storm damage are guilty of dropping tree limbs and even whole trees on top of roofs. When it’s a limb, the damage usually isn’t so bad. An entire tree is rather catastrophic, but it isn’t the end of the world.

Find a Contractor for Emergency Roofing Services

The first thing you need to do is relocate to a safe location. Then you need to find a contractor that offers emergency roofing services. The contractor will have to work quickly to remove the tree, piece by piece, from off of your roof. Then the real damage can be assessed before repairs begin. The contractor will put a tarp over the roof if the tree crushed the roof with enough force to leave large openings. 

Filing an Insurance Claim

This is an “act of God”, something that most insurance companies will cover when you file a claim. File your insurance claim as soon as the tree has been removed so that you can get good pictures of the damaged roof. The insurance company may still send a claims adjuster to your address to see the damage and get an adequate estimate for repairs. It’s the same process even if you only had hail damage.

Replacing the Roof

If the tree was of immense size and crushed the roof, there may be structural damage to the roof and possibly to the walls in your home. After a thorough investigation and determination of the damage to your home, the work begins. The roofer can replace and rebuild the roof, but any structural damage to walls will have to be done before the roof can be replaced. Expect a couple of weeks for really major repairs and roof replacement work to be completed.

25 Interesting Facts About Roofs That You Never Knew Before

Installing and maintaining a roof can seem like a daunting process. However, it’s fairly easy when you know what you’re up against. Many new property owners might not know the first thing about roofs, roofing maintenance, who to contact, and other facts about their roof. Fortunately, here is a list of 25 interesting facts about roofs you might not know to help get you started! These facts are not only interesting, but can also help you learn about the history of roofing, popular materials, and even brighten up your day and teach you a bit of knowledge about roofs.

25 Facts About Roofs

  1. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The average lifespan of a roof is between 20-25 years depending on the materials used and proper maintenance.
  2. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The oldest known roof was made using the skin of a woolly mammoth and was found in Siberia, dating back 42,000 years ago.
  3. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The most popular roofing material in the United States is asphalt shingles, accounting for nearly 80% of all roofs.
  4. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>In ancient Rome, rooftops were used as living spaces and gardens due to limited space on the ground.
  5. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The average cost to replace a roof is over $9,000.
  6. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Professional roofers recommend inspecting your roof at least twice a year, usually in the spring and fall.
  7. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The first asphalt shingles were created in 1901 by Henry Reynolds.
  8. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The word “roof” comes from the Old English word “hrof” which means “roof or covering”.
  9. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>A green roof, also known as a living roof, is a rooftop covered in plants and vegetation.
  10. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and energy efficiency.
  11. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The world’s largest green roof is located at The Expo 2023 Doha building covering 4,031 square meters!
  12. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>One of the most expensive roofing material is slate, which can cost up to $30 or more per square foot.
  13. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Over 5 million roofs are installed every year in the United States.
  14. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Almost a third of roofs are replaced due to leaking.
  15. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>While there are many roofing installations, roof replacements on existing homes make up 85% of the roofing market.
  16. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>A roof’s pitch is measured in inches per foot, with a 4/12 pitch being a moderate slope.
  17. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Wind can cause significant damage to roofs, with gusts over 60 mph being able to lift shingles.
  18. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Plastic composite tiles are now common and can last 50 years.
  19. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Professional roofers earn a median salary of over $40,000 per year.
  20. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The roofing industry is expected to grow in the coming years due to increased construction and renovations.
  21. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>It’s important to properly maintain your roof to extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. This includes regularly cleaning gutters, trimming trees that could damage the roof, and inspecting for any potential issues such as missing shingles or cracks.
  22. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>In addition to its functional purpose, roofs also play a significant role in the aesthetics of a building. Different roofing materials and styles can greatly impact the overall look and feel of a structure.
  23. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Roofing technology has advanced greatly in recent years, with options such as solar panels, cool roofs, and energy-efficient materials becoming more popular.
  24. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Roofing renovations are one of the only home remodeling projects with a 100% return on investment, making it a smart financial decision for homeowners.
  25. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Proper ventilation is crucial for a healthy roof, as it helps prevent moisture build-up and reduces the risk of mold or mildew growth.

Get Help for All Your Roofing Needs Now

At Shelby Roofing, we’re passionate about roofs, installation, maintenance, commercial, and residential projects! We’re provide trusted commercial and residential roofing in St. Louis, MO, and are excited to provide our customers with quality roofing services. We can help you choose the right roofing materials and style for your home or business, as well as provide regular maintenance and repairs to ensure your roof is always in top condition. Call us today, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for help with roofing, gutters, siding, soffit and fascia, and more!

Let Your Home Breathe With Better Roof Ventilation

You may discover ventilation problems with your roof if you inspect the attic. Many people first find out about roof ventilation problems when they assess their energy use. A roof that doesn’t ventilate properly will strain your heating and cooling systems. It may be difficult or impossible to heat or cool the building properly altogether. Your contractor may recommend adding certain types of vents to your building to fix the issue. Proper ventilation will keep your attic reasonably cool and keep the roof from wearing out early due to heat issues. 

Use Multiple Vent Types for Great Results

Your roofing contractor can help you assess the issue completely and develop a long-term strategy. Many buildings utilize a combination of ridge vents and soffit vents to get the best results. Some people add turbines or gable vents as well. Box vents are also a great solution for many buildings. Ridge vents are installed near the top of the roof and are considered some of the best vents for releasing heat. Soffit vents are installed near the bottom edge of the roof and help supply the attic with fresh air. Box vents and gable vents can be used alone or in combination to do the same job for other buildings. Box vents can be matched to your shingles and are placed near the roof. Gable vents will often include a mesh screen and are installed right under the roof gable. 

Shelby Roofing and Exteriors has provided quality contracting services for over 40 years. We help residential and commercial clients in the St. Louis, MO and Southern Illinois areas. Contact us today for help with your building. 

Give It Some Air: The Importance of Roof Ventilation for Your Home

Roof vents make your home more comfortable and reduce the need for repairs. These vents come in many styles and keep air circulating through the attic. The extra air cools the roof and helps prevent mold growth. The heat that collects in the attic will escape through the top of the roof without the help of these vents. This highly inefficient process will keep the attic from cooling to the right temperature most of the time. Moisture can’t escape this way, so you’ll end up with a muggy attic and higher energy bills. Here’s what vents do. 

Vents Release Moisture and Prevent Indoor Mold

Most people don’t inspect their attic very often and don’t notice any mold growing for a long time. Roof vents will keep moisture out of your attic that develops over time. The whole house will have cleaner air, and your beams will stay strong longer. 

Vents Help Indoor Heat Escape and Preserve Shingles

Many people don’t think twice about how hot their attic and roof get. Overheated attics and roofs are one of the main causes of prematurely cracked shingles. Attics and roofs without vents will collect extra moisture as they heat up. Prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can damage sealing and waterproofing and shingles. Vents are the best way to avoid this situation.

Vents Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Keeping the attic cooler and drier is one of the best ways to reduce your energy use. You’ll also reduce long-term strain on your air conditioner. 

Shelby Roofing & Exteriors has over 40 years of roofing experience. We offer exceptional roofing repairs, installation, and maintenance to clients in the greater St. Louis, MO area. 

Why Hail Damage Is a Major Concern for Most Roofs and What to Do Next

As a homeowner, you’ve probably heard that hail can cause serious damage to your home. In fact, you’ve probably noticed signs of minor hail damage after a severe storm in your area. While some of this damage can be ignored, hail damage to your roof can be a serious problem and should never be overlooked. Even “minor” hail damage to your roof can lead to long-lasting problems that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, so here’s what you should do after your home has been hit by a bad hailstorm.

Why Hail Damage Is a Problem

The effects of hail damage depend on factors such as the size of the hailstones and the condition of your roof. Newer roofs and those that have been well-maintained usually hold up fairly well to hail and might only sustain cosmetic damage, while damage to an older roof can affect your entire home. That doesn’t mean minor hail damage to a newer roof can be ignored. Asphalt shingles that are hit by hailstones can lose granules, crack, or even fall off completely. This exposes your roof and your home to water damage, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. 

What to Do When Your Roof Is Damaged by Hail

The good news is that hail damage is relatively easy to spot and even repair if you catch it quickly enough. You do have to act quickly though. If you think your roof has been damaged by hail, the first thing to do is to look for signs of damage such as dark spots on your roof, missing granules in your shingles, and splits and tears in the shingles themselves. Obviously, the best way to spot these signs is to climb onto your roof yourself, but that is not recommended if you don’t have the proper equipment and training. Instead, look at your roof from the ground with a pair of binoculars to see if you can spot any signs of damage. In any case, you should contact a roofing contractor to take a closer inspection if there are clear signs of damage.

Contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors Today

If you notice signs of hail damage after a severe storm, don’t wait to have it repaired. Contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors as soon as possible. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors serves homeowners in the Southern Illinois and Missouri area, and they will gladly take a look at your roof after a hailstorm and make any repairs that are necessary. 

Roof Replacement: How Often You Should Replace Based on the Type of Roof You Have

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and keeping it in good condition is important. Depending on your roof type, you may need to replace it more or less often. Here’s a look at how often you should replace your roof based on the type of roof you have.

1. Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the United States, and they typically last for 15 to 30 years. However, the lifespan of asphalt shingles can vary depending on the quality of the shingles and the installation. For example, high-quality asphalt shingles installed properly may last 30 years or more.

2. Metal Roofs 

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and energy efficiency. Most metal roofs will last 50 to 75 years, although some may last up to more than 75 years. Additionally, metal roofs can often be recycled when replaced, making them a more sustainable option than other types of roofing materials.

3. Tile Roofs 

Tile roofs are very popular in warm climates because they can withstand high temperatures. They are also very durable, with most tile roofs lasting 50 years or more. However, tile roofs can be more expensive than other roofing materials and may require more maintenance over time.

4. Slate Roofs 

Slate roofs are considered the most durable type of roofing material, with most slate roofs lasting 10 years or more. Slate roofs are also very low maintenance and environmentally friendly, as they can often be recycled when they are replaced. However, slate roofs can be quite expensive and may not be suitable for all homes due to their weight.

5. Wood Shakes 

Wood shakes are another type of roofing material that is becoming increasingly popular due to their natural look. Wood shakes typically last for 10 to 20 years, although they may require more maintenance than other types of roofing materials.

Conclusion

No matter what type of roof you have, it’s important to keep an eye on its condition and replace it when necessary. By replacing your roof regularly, you can extend its lifespan and ensure that your home is protected from the elements.

Please contact us today if you have questions about roof replacement or would like to schedule a consultation. We offer various roofing services and would be happy to help you find the best option for your home.

Why Hail Damage Is a Major Concern for Most Roofs and What to Do Next

As a homeowner, you’ve probably heard that hail can cause serious damage to your home. In fact, you’ve probably noticed signs of minor hail damage after a severe storm in your area. While some of this damage can be ignored, hail damage to your roof can be a serious problem and should never be overlooked. Even “minor” hail damage to your roof can lead to long-lasting problems that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, so here’s what you should do after your home has been hit by a bad hailstorm.

Why Hail Damage Is a Problem

The effects of hail damage depend on factors such as the size of the hailstones and the condition of your roof. Newer roofs and those that have been well-maintained usually hold up fairly well to hail and might only sustain cosmetic damage, while damage to an older roof can affect your entire home. That doesn’t mean minor hail damage to a newer roof can be ignored. Asphalt shingles that are hit by hailstones can lose granules, crack, or even fall off completely. This exposes your roof and your home to water damage, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. 

What to Do When Your Roof Is Damaged by Hail

The good news is that hail damage is relatively easy to spot and even repair if you catch it quickly enough. You do have to act quickly though. If you think your roof has been damaged by hail, the first thing to do is to look for signs of damage such as dark spots on your roof, missing granules in your shingles, and splits and tears in the shingles themselves. Obviously, the best way to spot these signs is to climb onto your roof yourself, but that is not recommended if you don’t have the proper equipment and training. Instead, look at your roof from the ground with a pair of binoculars to see if you can spot any signs of damage. In any case, you should contact a roofing contractor to take a closer inspection if there are clear signs of damage.

Contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors Today

If you notice signs of hail damage after a severe storm, don’t wait to have it repaired. Contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors as soon as possible. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors serves homeowners in the Southern Illinois and Missouri area, and they will gladly take a look at your roof after a hailstorm and make any repairs that are necessary. 

Why Hail Damage Is a Major Concern for Most Roofs and What to Do Next

As a homeowner, you’ve probably heard that hail can cause serious damage to your home. In fact, you’ve probably noticed signs of minor hail damage after a severe storm in your area. While some of this damage can be ignored, hail damage to your roof can be a serious problem and should never be overlooked. Even “minor” hail damage to your roof can lead to long-lasting problems that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, so here’s what you should do after your home has been hit by a bad hailstorm.

Why Hail Damage Is a Problem

The effects of hail damage depend on factors such as the size of the hailstones and the condition of your roof. Newer roofs and those that have been well-maintained usually hold up fairly well to hail and might only sustain cosmetic damage, while damage to an older roof can affect your entire home. That doesn’t mean minor hail damage to a newer roof can be ignored. Asphalt shingles that are hit by hailstones can lose granules, crack, or even fall off completely. This exposes your roof and your home to water damage, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. 

What to Do When Your Roof Is Damaged by Hail

The good news is that hail damage is relatively easy to spot and even repair if you catch it quickly enough. You do have to act quickly though. If you think your roof has been damaged by hail, the first thing to do is to look for signs of damage such as dark spots on your roof, missing granules in your shingles, and splits and tears in the shingles themselves. Obviously, the best way to spot these signs is to climb onto your roof yourself, but that is not recommended if you don’t have the proper equipment and training. Instead, look at your roof from the ground with a pair of binoculars to see if you can spot any signs of damage. In any case, you should contact a roofing contractor to take a closer inspection if there are clear signs of damage.

Contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors Today

If you notice signs of hail damage after a severe storm, don’t wait to have it repaired. Contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors as soon as possible. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors serves homeowners in the Southern Illinois and Missouri area, and they will gladly take a look at your roof after a hailstorm and make any repairs that are necessary. 

Roof Replacement: How Often You Should Replace Based on the Type of Roof You Have

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and keeping it in good condition is important. Depending on your roof type, you may need to replace it more or less often. Here’s a look at how often you should replace your roof based on the type of roof you have.

1. Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the United States, and they typically last for 15 to 30 years. However, the lifespan of asphalt shingles can vary depending on the quality of the shingles and the installation. For example, high-quality asphalt shingles installed properly may last 30 years or more.

2. Metal Roofs 

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and energy efficiency. Most metal roofs will last 50 to 75 years, although some may last up to more than 75 years. Additionally, metal roofs can often be recycled when replaced, making them a more sustainable option than other types of roofing materials.

3. Tile Roofs 

Tile roofs are very popular in warm climates because they can withstand high temperatures. They are also very durable, with most tile roofs lasting 50 years or more. However, tile roofs can be more expensive than other roofing materials and may require more maintenance over time.

4. Slate Roofs 

Slate roofs are considered the most durable type of roofing material, with most slate roofs lasting 10 years or more. Slate roofs are also very low maintenance and environmentally friendly, as they can often be recycled when they are replaced. However, slate roofs can be quite expensive and may not be suitable for all homes due to their weight.

5. Wood Shakes 

Wood shakes are another type of roofing material that is becoming increasingly popular due to their natural look. Wood shakes typically last for 10 to 20 years, although they may require more maintenance than other types of roofing materials.

Conclusion

No matter what type of roof you have, it’s important to keep an eye on its condition and replace it when necessary. By replacing your roof regularly, you can extend its lifespan and ensure that your home is protected from the elements.

Please contact us today if you have questions about roof replacement or would like to schedule a consultation. We offer various roofing services and would be happy to help you find the best option for your home.