What to know before installing solar panels on your roof.

ideal for solar panelsSolar power is gaining popularity, and demand will continue to grow as the economical and environmental advantages become more evident. In Tampa Bay solar panels are often used in swimming pool heating systems. Before installing solar panels on your roof, evaluate the condition of your roof.

Age of Roof

Unless your roof is just a few years old, consider repairing or replacing it before having solar panel systems installed. Not only do they add to the weight on the roof, they change the way the water flows. Installation itself affects the waterproof membrane of roofs approaching the end of their useful life. Shingle roofing can be especially susceptible.

Solar Panels and Warranties

Solar systems for both electricity and pool heaters can last 20 or more years. If your roof is not capable of maintaining its integrity for this same length of time, you could be paying to have your solar panels installed, removed and installed again. The ideal scenario is to install your panels shortly after you replace your roof so that the warranty periods synchronize.

Evaluate Roof Condition

Call American Roofing and Sheet Metal to have a professional evaluation of your roofing system. Prior to spending tens of thousands of dollars to convert to solar power, ensure your roof will serve you well and protect your house while providing a suitable foundation for your solar panels. Both roof replacement and solar power systems will add value to your home, and we can help you select the best roof for your style and budget. We provide options ranging from all shapes and colors of designer shingles to metal roofing styles which are trending heavily.

Call 813.884.1815 for a professional evaluation.

Your roof may be the most important element in your house.

Old shingles needing replacementIs your roof functional or cosmetic? Yes!

Depending on the style of your house, the roof can represent from one-third to one-half the surface area seen from the street. It’s a major component of your curb appeal. If it is aging, stained and dull in color, your house will look tired and unmaintained. A new roof represents both a safer house, as we enter hurricane season, and a whole new look with regard to style and color.

Roof Age

Asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular in Tampa Bay. Beautiful, economical and durable for the first 15 years,  most shingles rated for a 20+ year useful life don’t last that long in Florida’s sun. Insurance companies now require shingle roofs to be under 20 years to pass a 4-point inspection. Tile, concrete and metal roofs offer longer life spans, so insurance companies extend their guidelines accordingly. If your shingle roof is over 15 years and you are thinking of selling, consider getting it inspected or replaced prior to selling. We offer free estimates at 813.884.1815.

Roof Condition

Losing granules and staining can point to a potential leak. Check your fascia and soffits for soft wood or cracking. Rotted wood will be replaced with fresh plywood with a roof replacement. Both the roofing system and the soffit should be free of rot. Fresh flashing around vents and chimney openings can be both aesthetic and functional. Our teams scour the house for any potential openings or soft spots to be repaired. As a roofer in the top 2% of roofers nationwide, our customer service satisfaction outcomes are our best qualifications for your new roof installation.

Colors and Shapes

white shingle roofThe 2021 trend is to contrast the sides of your house with the roof, so if you have a light-colored stucco, paint or brick, consider a dark roof for contrast. We stock shingles in color combinations and shapes to meet any style.  Light or white roofs give a tropical feeling to a house, and they help to reflect sunlight. We have shingles the color of terra cotta as well as metal roofing that looks like barrel tile. There are shingles shaped and colored like slate or wood shake, so the possibilities are endless. Our skilled team will help you pick the shingles, metal roofing or flat roof to match your house, your personality and your budget.

 

 

 

Roof Replacement During Covid19 Crisis

Aging shinglesIt can be difficult to determine if roof replacement is wise during this Covid19 crisis. While our quarantine directives are still in effect for most, some  companies like American Roofing and Sheet Metal are offering specials that would not be possible under normal business operations. Our CEO will do anything to maintain his current workforce and keep the firm’s roofing teams working. This translates into hefty savings to homeowners who take advantage of this offer. We are also employing the newest technologies to keep our staff and clients safe, including the use of drones whenever possible.

Affordable roof replacement with 0% financing during Covid19 Crisis

For those that are still working, albeit remotely, you may be the ideal candidate to finance a brand new roof with zero percent financing. We can give you some options for saving money on the total cost of the roof and for making payments to minimize your cash outlay. However, roof replacement during this pandemic is not wise for everyone. If you lost your job due to the corona virus, you may want to wait until you return to work. Not only do you want to maintain your current savings, it will not be possible to gain financing for a new roof without a job.

Covid19 partnerships help our community

American Roofing and Sheet Metal is trying to keep our residential roofing teams booked solidly for the next three months. For homeowners who book by May 31, even if you do not schedule your installation until June or July, we are offering our lowest roofing prices in years. We partnered with our vendors and suppliers to be able to give homeowners prices that are affordable and customer service that is safe. This is a service to our community with these incredible partnerships. So, if your shingle roof or flat roof is over 12 years old, you may want to schedule roof replacement this spring.

Drones help us social distance

After you decide that roof replacement is wise during this covid19 crisis, we use drones to assess roof condition, make measurements and keep a safe distance from homeowners. We offer virtual estimates, socially distant evaluations and can drop off samples for your review so we never have to be in the same room. Health and safety for you and our staff is our primary concern. Plus, savings that everyone can use during this crisis is a great benefit. Call 813.884.1815 to find out how much you can save on a new roof before hurricane season.

 

 

How long should a flat roof last?

flat roof residential LutzFlat roofs for both homes and commercial buildings last longer than they once did. While flat roofs in the past could only withstand Florida’s sun for 10 years, new technologies have helped stretch durability. A flat roof lasts up to 20 years in some cases.

Instead of traditional tar and gravel flat roofs, we now have many choices. We can choose rubber membranes, rolled tar, and multi layer systems which drastically extend flat roof life. Whether we install torchdown systems or single ply rubber systems, attention to quality workmanship makes all the difference. Our teams are specially trained to maintain the highest levels of quality installation. We evaluate the slope of the roof, plan for superior flashing and coach home and business owners on preventative maintenance of their new roofs.

 

Most commercial building owners opt for plain white flat roofs. They reflect the sun best and are most economical. Flat roofs come in many colors, however. Homeowners can have flat roofs match the color of their home’s walls, shingles or tile roof, or any design factor they want.

As with any major home expense, be sure to choose the right contractor. Ask the right questions to be sure your roofer is competent and has a history of happy clients. Call American Roofing and Sheet Metal at 813.884.1815 for an estimate on the best flat roof for your home or business.

What is the best time of the year to replace your roof?

rotted wood replacementWe all know that President’s Day is a great day to buy new furniture, a new car or even mattresses, right? Advertisements feature our favorite Presidents touting the incredible sales in our blessed country. But, does this belief hold true for the best time of the year to replace your roof?

Our team at American Roofing and Sheet Metal works efficiently throughout the year. However, with little rainfall January through May, we can work even more efficiently with no rain delays. In summer, we contend with daily rain storms and potential hurricanes. By fall, we often address storm damage and roof repairs due to leaks. Consider scheduling your roof replacement in April, the driest time of year, to achieve the best price, fastest installation and a wide variety of options in stock.

Call 813.884.1815 today to replace your roof in the next three months. We book up quickly and can schedule your new shingle roof, metal roof or flat roof for our next open week. Our president, Albert Docobo, wishes you a happy Presidents’ Day. Whether you are off today or working like we are, remember how amazing America is and how fortunate we all are to have gainful employment, safe solid homes and our freedom.

 

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