If you've been a victim of extensive hail storm damage, we can often replace it for you within a day, all while ensuring the integrity and safety of your Houston home. However, there are a few key steps involved in the process.

First, hail can cause severe damage to your roof. This can put your entire house and your family at risk, so it's imperative that you file an insurance claim with your home insurance company after a storm.

Schedule an Inspection Date When Both the Insurance Adjuster and Our Roof Inspector Are Present

Know that there is a limited amount of time to make claims after a storm. We highly recommend allowing our roof inspector to be present with your adjuster so that we can ensure you get a full claim of all hail damage. Adjusters complete their roof inspections during business hours, so if you are unable to make the appointment yourself, we can represent you if you allow us. You may think of us as your second pair of eyes.

Replacing your Roof

Once a claim is made and we are cleared to begin work, we will arrive with the correct roofing materials. When we arrive at your house, we will start by preparing and protecting the surrounding area. Roof replacement can be a bit messy, which is why we protect your windows and landscaping with plywood and tarp. 

Tearing Down Existing Roofing

Now the real work begins. We will strip your old roofing all the way down to its current decking. This allows us to start with a blank canvas and ensure the utmost quality for years to come. Once we get to the very base layer, we will apply high-quality waterproofing to all of the valleys on your roof. Once this is done, we will lay 30-pound felt over the rooftop.

Replacing Your Shingles

Next, it's time for all-new shingles to go onto your roof. Whatever type we use will have already been factored into the claim as determined by your insurance company. Once we lay down the shingles according to manufacturer guidelines, we will apply enhanced high profile ride shingles on top of the ridges. This complements the rest of the roofing and adds more protection.

Bringing Your Vents and Chimney Up to Code

Over time it's common for regulations and requirements to change, which is why we take advantage of your need for roof replacement and we'll check on the integrity of your vents and chimney. If needed, we'll replace them and re-paint them to match the color of your shingles.

Contact Amstill Roofing For One Day Roof Replacement

Our Houston roofing team is highly experienced, so 95% of our jobs are completed within the day. If your roof has undergone severe hail damage, please contact us today so that we can help you get a brand new roof that will last for years to come.

Here in Houston, we know all too well that hurricane season brings storms, wind, and excessive water that has to go somewhere. If your house isn't regularly checked on, your roof can become punctured, which can cause leaks that go unnoticed until they become severe and drain into your house. Often times, leaks are caused by not taking the time to perform preventative maintenance on your roof. Unsurprisingly, hurricane season is the time of year when leaks are most common.

Where Can Roof Leaks Be Spotted?

First off, it's important to know where to keep an eye on in order to find a leak and deal with it. The most common place we recommend checking is your attic, but water will flow in all directions until it finds a way out, which can typically be through a light fixture. Corners are also good places to keep an eye on, as they can be very prone to letting leaks out. It's important to know that sometimes, leaks can escape into multiple places, even though they are flowing from one single source. This can make it appear worse than it actually is.

Deal With Leaks ASAP

Since we are right in the middle of hurricane season, if you notice a leak you should immediately contact Amstill Roofing. We will be more than happy to make our way to your house and solve the problem as soon as possible. Here's what you can do in the meantime:

Once a leak is spotted, try to control it with kitchen pots and bowls, any buckets you may have, or even your outdoor trash bin. If you see bulging anywhere in the walls, we recommend poking a small hole in the middle to let the leak drain. This way you are also able to collect it.

Finding the Source of Your Houston Roof Leak

This is the hardest part when dealing with a leak. Just because the water is coming from a corner in your walls does not mean it formed anywhere near that area. Some common culprits for leaks during a storm include pest infestation and clogged gutters. If at all possible and you have the proper experience and training and can exercise extreme caution, you may want to cover your roof with a tarp when the storm passes and your roof dries down. However, it may be safest to continue collecting the water until our roofers can get to you. 

Amstill Roofing Can Complete Emergency Roof Repair

Rest assured that our experienced crew can complete any necessary repairs within the day of our initial visit. We will also take the time to check on the overall integrity of the rest of your roof to let you know if any other issues may arise, at no extra charge.

On average, your Houston roof should be replaced every 20 years or so, although this depends on the type of shingles you use. It's important to regularly check up on your roof and it becomes even more important during Houston's hurricane season, as accumulated storm damage can be severe. Here are some things you can do to help your roof last as long as possible in between the inevitable repairs, and also to maintain its integrity before it's time to fully replace it again.

1. Trim Your Tree Branches

If you live in an older area, it's likely that your trees show it. Trees that have been around for a while are very heavy, and so are their branches. Overarching tree branches can weigh down your roof and cause your shingles to buckle, so be sure to trim them as needed to avoid this. Additionally, branches that are too long can drop leaves and twigs into your gutters, which can clog them. With heavy rains at this time of year, clogged gutters are extremely dangerous. If your gutters are clogged, this will prevent water from flowing downward and, instead, it 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.

2. Get Your Roof Inspected Twice a Year by Amstill's Roofing Experts

Completing a roof inspection is much easier with a tidy roof, so once the tree branches are trimmed, be sure to get rid of stray leaves and other debris in your gutters. However, we don't recommend you climb onto your roof if you don't have experience or sufficient training, which is why we offer free roof inspections. In these inspections, we will climb onto your roof and check everywhere for curling and dents. We will also ensure nothing is trapped underneath any shingles that have been lifted from wind and storm damage. When our Houston roofing crew inspects your roof, we can catch things that the homeowner may not see from below or at the height of their gutters. 

3. Amstill Roofing Will Meet Your Roof Repair Needs

When we complete our free inspection, we will take note of any repairs that need to be made before they become bigger problems. For example, we will check your flashing to see if it's loose or corroded and may also check on the integrity of your gutters and downspouts. If we come across missing, broken, or buckled shingles we will take note of them and repair them for you.

If you are in the market for a roof replacement as a result of storm damage or an expired warranty, picking the type of shingles for your roof is more than just a matter of aesthetics. Sure, finding some nice looking shingles to complement the exterior of your house is important, but cost and protection are essential. Most shingles provide an average of 20 years of protection, but there are alternatives. Our Amstill Roofing crew in Houston offers three kinds of shingles to Houston, Katy, and Sugarland, as well as other neighboring suburbs. Read on to learn the differences between each type in order to make an informed decision about the best rooftop shingle to meet your needs.

3-Tab Shingles

3-tab shingles are the most common type of rooftop shingle, but there has been a decline in favor of higher-end options, which will be discussed later on. That said, 3-tab shingles are still a viable and economical option. They are single-layer, which makes them lightweight and inexpensive. Typically, these kinds of shingles are made with fiberglass and then coated with different colored granules, which can create an overall appearance of varied tones. This makes the rooftop look more natural, which matches them to almost any rooftop. They last between 20-30 years depending on the manufacturer and the weather conditions. Because they are so lightweight, however, 3-tab shingles are prone to blowing off when faced with strong winds.

Laminate Shingles

Laminate shingles are an enhanced version of the typical 3-tab shingle. Whereas 3-tab shingles are made up of a single layer, laminates have an extra layer that provides extra thickness. This means they can withstand stronger winds and rougher weather conditions over time. On average, laminate shingles provide a warranty of around 30-50 years of protection, making them a more enticing option than the common 3-tab shingle. 

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are among the best and highest quality market offerings. Because they are higher-end, they do cost more than 3-tab and laminate shingles, but they are a very attractive option for your roofing. These shingles are made up of even thicker and heavier slabs which, as we have seen, are two factors directly correlated with how long your rooftop shingles last. There are two main reasons why architectural shingles are such an attractive option, despite their price tag. The biggest benefit of these shingles is that they last 50 years to a lifetime. Another benefit is that these shingles are typically layered in such a way that dramatically changes the look of your roof, thus adding more value to your home.

Amstill Roofing Will Offer Expert Guidance When Picking Your Rooftop Shingles

If your rooftop warranty is about to expire, contact us at Amstill Roofing so that we can complete a free inspection. After the inspection, we will advise you on what type of shingles meet your needs for safety and appearance.

The 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season is in full swing and we still have a ways to go before it's over at the end of November. Although Houston hasn't been impacted by any major hurricanes just yet, it is still possible. Additionally, the greater Houston area still experiences heavy storms at this time of year. With heavy storms, tropical storms, and hurricanes comes aggressive winds that can compromise the integrity of your roofing.

How Does Wind Damage Your Houston Roofing?

The biggest issue with heavy winds is that they toss around debris, such as garbage, branches, and even lawn decor. This kind of debris can easily puncture your rooftop shingles, which can then leave room for water leaks and allow for outside air to seep into your home. An often overlooked issue with wind is that it blows unevenly over surfaces, which can result in broken seals between shingles and the underlying plywood. This can create a chain reaction in which nearby shingles will also come loose and tear off, which can expose the rest of the structure to water damage, rot, and mold.

Telltale Signs Your Roof Has Sustained Wind Damage

If you're experiencing a period of heavy winds, inspect your roof as soon as possible and take note of any of the following issues.

Leaks

Leaks are the most obvious sign that wind damage has taken place on your roof, but sometimes the signs of wind damage are not as obvious. Be on the lookout for leaks in the attic, as this is the easiest way to help you find the source.

Curling Shingles

Another method to find out if your roof has experienced wind damage is to check the shingles. Are they laying flat or have some curled? It may be hard to notice curling shingles on top of the roof, so a better way to check is to look at the roof from below, since corner and edge shingles are most prone to curling.

Chimney Flashing

One more easy method to tell whether or not your roof has faced wind and storm damage is to check the chimney flashing. Chimney flashing is the material that encloses the space between the roof and the chimney and helps prevent water from entering it. The four most common types of flashing are aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper. The kind of flashing used depends on the roofing material and the climate. Keep an eye out for any tears and/or buckling.

Repairing Your Wind-Damaged Roof 

Ensuring that your roof is intact is essential all year round, but with the increased risks for damage during the hurricane season, it is especially important. Our roof repair experts in Houston will gladly conduct a free roof inspection to determine whether you are in need of storm repairs. Our trained eyes will catch any compromised spots and offer the best, most affordable course of action for you.

Contrary to popular belief it doesn't have to be chilly, icy, or snowy outside for a hail storm to occur. As it turns out, a majority of hail storms in the United States actually occur between the months of May and September. Coldness is still a factor at play in hail events, but only relative to the temperature at the height of the cloud-layer. Hail begins to form in storm clouds when the clouds sit at a temperature at or below freezing. Just because it's nice and warm outside, does not mean that it's just as warm higher up in the sky. Read on to learn about some little-known facts about hailstones, how they can damage your roof, and most importantly, how to deal with the damage.

Some Alarming Facts About Hail

1. The United States averages over 5,000 reports of large hail every year. To offer some more perspective, there is an average of only 1,000 reports of tornadoes each year.

2. Hailstones are far too light to fall to the ground at first. Hail forms as droplets inside storm clouds with the help of some wind that blows upwards. This wind pattern is known as an updraft and allows tiny hail droplets to fling around without falling, collecting more and more water as they move around. Eventually, these droplets grow bigger to a point where the updraft can no longer support their weight. Only then do these hailstones fall onto the ground, rooftops, and cars.

3. While we may not see large pieces of hail as often in the greater Houston area, all it takes is 1-inch hail to start causing damage to our rooftops. Visually, this is about the size of a quarter.

Identifying Hailstorm Damage on Your Roof

In order to assess the damage your home sustained during a hailstorm, it is best to check roof vents, shingles, chimneys, and skylights. When analyzing these areas, look for dents and chipping. Keep in mind that some signs are far more subtle than others, so look closely. When checking shingles for hail damage, wood shingles will tend to split, metal shingles will have obvious dents, and clay shingles will have visible cracks. Typical asphalt shingles will be a bit harder to examine. In some cases, you will notice large dents or spots where some surface granules are missing. In other cases, it will take a trained eye to see where hail damage has occurred. If missed or overlooked, this can lead to serious leaks.

Amstill Roofing Can Assess Roof Damage Caused by Hail

Although it is a good idea to wait out a storm and check on any damage your house may have faced, it is an even better idea to allow for trained eyes to take a look as well. Contact our roofing experts so that they can complete a free roof inspection for you after a storm, which will help when making insurance claims. Afterward, we will happily repair your roof to ensure long-lasting safety and protection.