Houston Roofing News

How to Maintain Your Houston Roof to Avoid Early Replacement

How to Maintain Your Houston Roof to Avoid Early Replacement

Your Houston roof will eventually need to be replaced; it’s inevitable. Some roofs may need to be replaced in 15 or 20 years, and others may need to be replaced in 30 or 40 years. Factors that determine when your roof needs to be replaced include the kind of shingles you use, the climate, and how well you maintain your roof. Here are some things you can do that will prolong its life before it’s time for a new one.

Keep Your Tree Branches Well Trimmed

Trees add natural beauty to your yard, so we understand keeping them around. However, if you live in a longer-established area of Houston, then chances are that your trees show it and are quite large with long, heavy branches. If your tree’s branches hang low enough that they rest on the roof, you need to cut them, otherwise, your shingles will buckle and compromise the integrity of your roof.

Remove Piled Leaves

Branches at or near roof-level will easily cast leaves and trees onto your roof valleys and gutters, which can clog them. With incoming rain as spring nears, clogged gutters are extremely dangerous, as this prevents water from flowing downward and away from your house. Instead, the accumulated water will overflow and put stress on your shingles, potentially causing rot and breakage. If not addressed, this can put your house and your family in danger.

You may remove leaves in your gutters by climbing onto a ladder, grabbing them, and throwing them away. For leaves in the valleys, you may be able to utilize a leaf blower. However, we don’t recommend climbing onto your roof unless you have the proper training and equipment, so it’s a good idea to hire someone who can safely remove them.

Amstill Roofing Will Meet Your Houston Roof Repair Needs

If you are worried about the leaves and branches hurting your roof and putting you at risk, then please contact our roofing experts. We offer free inspections so that we can check to see if your roof has been damaged by any of the aforementioned factors. By getting an inspection, we can address any potential concerns before they become severe and keep you safe.

How Long Different Shingles Last For Your Houston Roof

How Long Different Shingles Last For Your Houston Roof

Roof replacements in Houston are a big deal. On average, your roof should last about 20 years, but this depends on weather damage as well as the types of shingles you used. After we’ve completed a free roof inspection and determined that you are in need of a roof replacement, it’s a good idea to research what shingles may be best for you. Amstill Roofing in Houston offers three types of shingles to Kingwood, Katy, Sugarland, and other Houston-area suburbs, all of which are high quality and competitively priced. Here is how they compare.

3-Tab Shingles

3-tab shingles are the most common type, but there has been a decline in their usage in favor of higher-end options. That said, they are still a viable and economical option.

3-tab shingles are single layer fiberglass, which makes them lightweight and inexpensive. They are coated with different colored granules, which creates a natural, multi-tone appearance to your rooftop and easily matches with the rest of your house. These typically last 15 to 20 years. Because they are so lightweight, though, 3-tab shingles are prone to blowing away with strong winds like those we experience during Houston’s hurricane season.

Laminate Shingles

Laminate shingles are similar to 3-tab shingles, but they are a bit stronger because they are enhanced with an extra layer or two, which means they can withstand rougher weather conditions for a longer period of time. With laminate shingles, you may expect your roof to also be natural-colored and last for about 30 to 50 years. For a bit more money, they are a wise investment.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are the most advanced, high-end option for your Houston roof. Thickness and weight directly impacts price, so you can imagine that even though these shingles are pricier, then they must be superior in quality. They are far heavier and thicker and are laid down differently than laminate or 3-tab shingles. Because of this, they can protect your home anywhere between 50 years to a lifetime while adding dramatic appeal to your roof, thus increasing its value.

Amstill Roofing Offers Expert Guidance When Picking Your Houston Roof Shingles

If you feel like your roof has endured plenty of damage or it’s about to meet the end of its lifetime, please contact us. We will first complete a free inspection and then advise you on what type of shingles meet your needs.

Picking a Local Roofer - Amstill Roofing Proudly Serves Families All Over Houston

Picking a Local Roofer - Amstill Roofing Proudly Serves Families All Over Houston

Local Houston roofers like Amstill are a great choice when it comes to meeting your roofing needs, including roof repair, roof replacement, and even maintenance or inspection. Here’s why Amstill Roofing will gladly be your go-to roofer.

Local Houston Roofers are Familiar With the Area

The greatest benefit to hiring a local roofer is that no one knows Houston better than Houstonians themselves. We are very familiar with the neighborhoods in the greater Houston area, including Sugarland, Katy, and the Energy Corridor, as well as the year-round weather conditions.

When we complete a free roof inspection, we know what caused certain holes, curled shingles, and buckling. We also know how much longer your roof may last relative to the upcoming weather Houston will experience. When we recommend a roof repair or roof replacement, we know which service will best protect you, your family, and your home.

Amstill Roofing Will Always Ensure Compliance

Different states have different compliance regulations when it comes to safe roofing. Local roofers will keep up with Houston’s building codes more than big-name companies that operate in different states. The roofer you choose to hire is in charge of signing the relevant permits. This is great news for you as a homeowner because we will ensure your brand new roof doesn’t have to be taken down again due to a dangerous code violation. This keeps your family safe while also ensuring your roof will last for many more years to come.

You Know Who You’re Hiring to Work on Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, so you want to make sure that only the most qualified roofers are working on it. When you hire Amstill Roofing, it is far easier to obtain our license and insurance information, and you may even visit our references in person to see our work.

Our Qualified Team at Amstill Roofing Strives to be Your Go-To Houston Roofer

We’re proud Houstonians who are passionate about making your roof protective and dependable, especially with the crazy weather Houston is known for. If you are in need of a free inspection, a roof repair, or a roof replacement, then please contact us so we can ensure your roof does its job. We make an effort to build a trusting relationship with you by being transparent throughout the entire process because, as local Houston roofers, we also want what’s best for your home.

Does Your Houston Home Not Feel as Warm as Your Thermostat Says it is? It Could be Your Roof

Does Your Houston Home Not Feel as Warm as Your Thermostat Says it is? It Could be Your Roof

As Houstonians, we know that December and January are the colder months. Although we don’t get drastic temperatures very often, the colder outside air can still have an effect on the temperature inside your home. If you turn your heater on and feel like your house isn’t as warm as it should be, then it may be time for a roof replacement or roof repair.

A Problematic Roof May Let Cold Air Into Your Houston Home

You might think of your roof as your first defense against the elements. If your roof has sustained any damage and now has cracked, buckling, or missing shingles, and if your chimney flashing is loose, then it has created several openings through which the cold air from outside can make its way inside your home. If it rains, for example, and the insulation just beneath your roof gets wet, then this can lead to rapid corrosion of roofing components, such as fasteners and studs. In addition to that damage, accumulated moisture can encourage bowing, warping, and/or mold and bacteria growth. This puts your home’s entire structure at risk, as well as your family’s health and safety.

A Compromised Roof May Lead to Higher Energy Bills

Early on, these signs of damage may not be obvious, but what you might notice is your energy bill skyrocketing. When the outside cold air makes its way into your house, then you and your family will start to feel it, even if you have the heat on. When this happens, you will want to make the house significantly warmer for longer periods of time just to stay comfortable inside. As many of us know, this will hike up your energy bill.

Contact Amstill Roofing Today For A Free Roof Inspection Before a Roof Repair or Replacement

If your home isn't as warm as your thermostat suggests and you think your roof might be the culprit, please contact us for a free inspection. Our well-trained inspectors will determine whether a simple repair or a full roof replacement is necessary. Doing this not only helps us pinpoint the cause of the problem, but it will also help you save you money on your energy bill and help us ensure your family is comfortable again.

Houston Roof Repair Versus Roof Replacement: Which is Better?

Houston Roof Repair Versus Roof Replacement: Which is Better?

Now that Houston’s hurricane season has ended, it’s time to check up on your roof to see if you need a roof repair or replacement to ensure its longevity. Although Amstill Roofing offers both services to Houston, Katy, Sugarland, and other nearby neighborhoods, we understand that you want to be absolutely sure that the decision you make is the best one.

Is A Roof Repair Better Than a Roof Replacement?

Some customers think a roof repair is better than a replacement because it saves money and does just enough to last them until they can afford a full roof replacement. Other customers think a roof replacement is best because they can have a brand new roof that is guaranteed to last for years to come. However, one is not better than the other, as it depends on the case.

A roof repair is ideal if only a handful of shingles are cracked or curled, but have yet to affect the neighboring shingles. For example, if we find that a couple shingles are slightly curled but have not begun loosening the shingles that neighbor them, then we may most likely recommend a simple repair.

On the other hand, if several shingles are buckling and have sunken, and a chain reaction has begun compromising more and more shingles, then a replacement is absolutely necessary because the entire structure has sustained significant damage. If your roof has sustained this level of damage, then it has likely already put your family and the structure at risk of both water and mold damage.

Let Amstill Determine What’s Best For Your Houston Roof With an Inspection

The best way to know for sure if you need a roof repair or replacement is to contact us for a free roof inspection. Through our inspection, we will take a thorough look at your rooftop and check your shingles and flashing for cracking, buckling, and excessive water damage. After completing our inspection we will discuss our recommended course of action as well as roofing financing. Most of our roofing jobs can be completed within the day so you can enjoy your brand new roof and feel safe and secure knowing it will protect you for years to come.