Handy Exterior Remodeling Blog

One of the most vital components of a home is the roof that protects it. The older a roof becomes, the more it suffers wear and tear from sun, rain, hail, sleet, ice, scorching heat, frigid cold and airborne debris. The lifespan of a roof can vary depending on a variety of factors, but it’s important to know the age of the roof and even more important to know the condition it is in.

The differences might seem negligible from one home to the next, but most have varying degrees of slope to them. While some architectural styles are better suited to a steep-slope roof, others benefit from a low-slope roof.

All components of a home are important, but some more than others. Take the roof as a prime example – without it, everything in the home would go to ruin. That’s why homeowners are so invested in the conversation around reroofing vs. roof replacement. The dreaded thought of moisture entering the home and wreaking havoc is something that will eventually cross the mind of homeowners, especially those whose roof is old or has recently been subjected to a damaging storm.

One of the first questions homeowners have when they think about a roofing project is in regard to how to pay for a new roof. There are situations where the project can’t be planned in advance, which means the homeowner has no time to save up for the roof, but they desperately need a new one to protect their home. If you're wondering how to pay for a roof with no money, we’ve got answers here.

Of all the risks that are associated with shortening the life of a roof, hail is among the most feared. Hail-resistant shingles bring some peace of mind, but how impact resistant are they? When storms with high wind include hail, homeowners are rightfully nervous, because hail doesn’t have to penetrate a shingle to damage it. In fact, rarely does hail do more than bounce off shingles, but there are times when the wind is fast enough that the damage, perhaps barely visible, will be significant enough to require the attention of a roofing professional.

Asphalt roof shingle colors are numerous, giving homeowners plenty of options. This is important, as the roof represents a large percentage of a home’s outward appearance and the color you choose will have a big impact on the home’s curb appeal, but more importantly, making the right decision will impact your level of enjoyment of the home for many years to come.

It’s an unfortunate fact of life, but there are scammers out there finding every possible way to get your money from you, including nefarious folks executing roofing scams. The roof is a popular target because homeowners who have just suffered a damaging storm are vulnerable and can fall for hail storm roofing scams and the tactics of storm chaser roofers who don’t always have the best interest of the homeowner at heart. These hail storm chaser roofing companies have given the industry a bad name, but fortunately, there are contractors like VIS Exteriors working to improve that image.

When homeowners begin researching a roofing project, they have numerous decisions to make. One of the most frequent questions that come up in their research is dark vs. light colored roof shingles – which is best for my home? Sure, there is plenty to consider in the color of your shingles, but there are always light and dark shades that are also part of the decision.

When you hire a roofing contractor to tackle your roofing project, you need assurances that they will stand by the work they do. This is why it’s important to only partner with a contractor that offers a roof warranty. All trustworthy roofers who are focused on keeping a spotless reputation will offer a warranty, and while the warranty will vary from one roofer to another, you should expect yours to work with roofing manufacturers that cover your materials for 30 years. The workmanship warranty from your contractor should be at least 10 years, with longer warranties being prorated.

If your roof needs assistance, you’re in good company. Around 7% of roofs on single family homes are replaced every year. That’s roughly 5.2 million homes! After 20 or so years of service, roofing materials begin to show their age – but worse yet, they start to fail, which means the moisture begins to seep into the interiors. Bringing in a qualified roofing contractor for your roof renovation is necessary for protecting your home and everything in it.

It almost always makes sense to shop local. When you do commerce among the people who live and work around you, you play a role in helping the local economy thrive. But what about hiring a local roofing company in your area?

You’ve landed here because the time has come to replace your roof and you likely have many, many questions about how to begin. First and foremost, you’re looking for the best roofing contractor you can trust – one that will do the work in a professional manner, in a reasonable timeframe for a reasonable price. You need one that has a large and strong portfolio that proves their worth as a contractor.

Durable yet affordable, asphalt shingles are the #1 most popular roofing material on the market today. They are seen on homes throughout North America for many reasons, including the fact that they require little to no maintenance compared to other roofing materials, they are affordable and they will last for a couple decades or more. Furthermore, asphalt shingles come in so many shapes, colors and styles, they suit the tastes of just about everyone.

If your roof is getting on in age, there’s a good chance it will start showing signs of wear. Frequent storms with high wind and debris, as well as heavy snowfall, can damage your roof to the point that it needs major repairs or replacement. To the untrained eye, some of these problems might not even be visible, which is why it’s smart to bring in a trusted roofing contractor to inspect all aspects of your roofing system so you can catch problems that can be repaired, or get the information you need to begin a reroofing project.

Among the most important components protecting a home is the roofing system. All that you hold dear within your home, from your loved ones to your possessions, is under a roof. Unfortunately, roofs don’t last forever. If yours is nearing two decades in age, it’s time to seriously consider an inspection by a professional roofing contractor.

When choosing a roofing contractor, price says plenty about their abilities. The old adage “you get what you pay for” is certainly true, as far too many homeowners have found out that “cheap roofing” turns out to be an ill-advised option in the long run. In most cases, if you pay an abnormally low price you get abnormally poor quality results, which means the roof will fail to protect the home in a short amount of time.

Cedar and asphalt shingled roofs are the predominant materials used across the United States. While other material types, like metal, slate and ceramic tile roofing are options, they pale in comparison to the popularity of cedar and asphalt. If you’re considering a roofing project, you’re likely questioning which would be the preferable material for your home. That’s what we will discuss thoroughly here.

Home remodeling projects can range from small to large, and a roofing job is definitely one of the more extensive and costly projects you can undertake. Depending on the severity of the weather in your area, you can generally count on your roof lasting two decades or longer. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors install roofing systems correctly. When this happens, your roof will not perform as advertised.

When people ask about the average life of a roof, the answer should vary widely because of several factors that make one roof different from the next. While a three-tab asphalt shingled roof will last between 15 and 18 years, that’s not going to be the case with every roof of that material, and this is due to a number of issues, including the quality of the materials being used, weather and the skill level of the contractors who put it on.

We’d like them to last forever, but your roof has a life expectancy, generally no more than 20-25 years (asphalt shingle – other materials, such as slate, which is quite costly, last longer). With some general maintenance, DuPage County residents can prevent leaks, total roof system failure and protect everything under it. However, one day that roof will need a complete replacement, so the big question is – “what will whole roof replacement cost?”

The most popular roofing systems involve asphalt shingles, and most homeowners can count on that roof to remain intact and protecting everything underneath it for at least 20 years, barring massive storms.

The roof system on your house has an important job – it protects everything that makes your house a home. Unfortunately, your roof won’t last forever and there will be signs along the way that prove that your roof has is not immortal, so to speak. In many cases, these are issues that can be repaired, but as your roof ages, it becomes apparent at some point that a new system is in your near future.

Hail frequently rips through the Midwest during the summer months as large storm systems unleash their fury. The first thing you’ll notice following a storm is probably the leaves that have been beaten down and now litter your yard. Maybe you’ll check on your car(s) to make sure the hail hasn’t made dents. At some point your attention is going to turn to your roof. What should you look for, and if you find damage, do you immediately call your insurance provider?

The typical home is built with a wood frame and the roof is a steep slope, covered by asphalt shingles, though a minority of homeowners will choose cedar or other materials. The rafter and attic spaces are typically closed off, which means they could be prone to moisture problems. One of the most common ways to fight moisture buildup is to provide proper ventilation.

As a Midwesterner, you have seen your share of hailstorms, and so has your roof and siding. You might also have an idea of how to spot hail damage. Unfortunately, not all damage can be seen from the ground, or even on the roof if you don’t know what to look for. At VIS Exterior, we know how to spot hail damage on a roof and on siding, because it’s something we’ve been doing for two decades.