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.

 

 

 

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.

Three reasons to have a “New” roof inspection after one year.

 

shingle roof on lakeNew shingle roofs installed properly can last over 20 years, so why should homeowners have a “new” roof inspection after only one year? At American Roofing and Sheet Metal we believe this annual roof inspection is essential. So, we now offer a free inspection of residential roofs one-year after installation.

This first one-year inspection helps to identify any defects in materials or workmanship before damage can occur. We also look for areas which may need resealing or caulking. Whether we use drone surveillance or have our inspectors walk every inch of the roof, this preventative maintenance re-inspection is part of our goal of exceptional customer service.

The three most important reasons to have your new roof inspected each year include:

  1. Identify problems while they are small. While damage from storms is obvious and should be dealt with immediately, smaller issues can be hidden for years and can cause major leaks and damage to occur.
  2. Protect your roof warranty. It’s crucial to identify product defects early and problems with installation and workmanship before correction costs become your problem.
  3. Be prepared for tropical storm season. The near hurricane force winds we sometimes experience in Tampa Bay can damage the best installed roofs, whether new or a few years old. Annual inspections will identify areas where shingles or flashing have come loose. Or, they may indicate areas where future storms may easily cause damage. Correction prior to storm season will protect your home.

To schedule a free estimate for a new roof, or to learn more about our re-inspection service, call 813.884.1815.

 

Two signs you need to replace your shingle roof.

shiny shinglesWhile a silver lining around a cloud is a good sign, when you see a “silver lining” around your shingles, beware. The shiny edge you see is a sign to replace your shingle roof.

  1. You may notice the corners look shiny. Or, possibly the edges appear silver when the sun hits them. Both scenarios are giving you notice that your home is no longer protected from rain and storms. Replace your shingle roof before leaks start.
  2. Another sign many homeowners miss is in their gutters. While you may look and see only leaves, look deeper. Do you see granules in your gutters? Do you see granules at the bottom of your downspout? This is a sign that the shingles are no longer maintaining their integrity against the elements.

Shingle roofs are affordable and durable. Whether you go for the highest quality and shapes of designer shingles or the affordability and beauty of more standard dimensional shingles, there are many choices. When shingles wear and lose their granular surface, the hot sun of Tampa Bay can more easily penetrate your roof coating.

Call 813.884.1815 and American Roofing and Sheet Metal will give you an evaluation of your roof for free. If you decide to replace your roof, we will lock you into 2019 prices as long as your roof is scheduled for installation before March 1, 2020.

Florida Humidity and Your Roof

Florida humidity may cause many issues for your home. The condensation encouraged by high levels of humidity can affect not only your level of comfort, but also the longevity of your drywall, attic health and cause increased mold growth and insect infestation. The water vapor held in the air is absorbed into your buildings’ structures, particularly wood. High levels of humidity outside, common in our Tampa, FL area, can also lead to major dents in your wallet due to high home cooling costs. Roof condensation often leads to home humidity problems by allowing in moisture and condensation without being seen. Continue reading “Florida Humidity and Your Roof”

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