Articles featuring tag: roofing blog

All About Ice Dams and Your Roof: How to Fix, Prevent and Repair

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.

Unfortunately, winters in the upper Midwest can offer some pretty severe weather that do significant damage. Among the worst culprits are ice dams. What are they? How do they form and what do they do to your roofing system? Furthermore, how can you prevent them from happening, and how do you approach making repairs when they do occur? Let’s ...

Cedar Shingle Roof vs. Asphalt Shingle Roof: Which Is The Right Roofing Material For Your House?

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.

As Chicagoland’s go-to roofing contractor, we’ve installed cedar and asphalt shingles on many, many homes. We have established a reputation for our customer-centric services and our attention ...

Common Roofing Problems and Warning Signs to Replace Your Roof

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.

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Dark vs Light Colored Roof Shingles: Which is Best for Your Home?

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.

Things to keep in mind when choosing light or dark shingles is that lighter shingles are more prone to showing dirt and grime, algae or ...

Hail Resistant Roof: Are Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth The Investment?

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.

How Old Is My Roof? 10 Simple Ways to Determine the Age of Your Roof

certainteed vinyl siding gaf shingle roofing

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.

certainteed vinyl siding gaf shingle roofing darien

If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve probably asked yourself, “how old is ...

How to Avoid Roofing Scams: Local Storm Roofers vs Storm Chasers

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.

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How to Choose the Best Color for Asphalt Shingle Roof?

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.

Architectural roofing shingle tiles on display in store

The best color for roof shingles depends on a variety of factors, the most significant of which is the homeowner’s personal tastes. And because ...

How to Choose The Best Roofing Contractor to Replace Your Roof

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.

We’ve established plenty of useful information about planning a roofing project, why it’s important to hire a local roofing contractor, red ...

How to Know Whether To Repair, Patch or Replace Your Roof?

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.

The inspection will reveal if you have damage, where it is located and how severe it is. In some cases, your roof might only need simple repairs, or if it is older and ...

How to Pay for Your New Roof with “No Money” (10 Roof Financing Options)

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.

Replacing a roof is one of the more expensive home improvement projects a ...

How to Spot Hail & Wind Damage on Your Roof and Siding (How Much Does a Repair Cost)

Roof replacement project installation in Naperville

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.

Roof replacement project installation in Naperville

Reroofing vs. Roof Replacement: What is The Best Option for Your Home? (Complete Comparison)

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.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the ...

Roof Renovation: Reasons, Benefits, Permits & Cost

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.

Before you can identify the best contractor for your roofing project, you’ve probably ...

Roof Replacement, Repair and Installation Costs in DuPage County

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 average cost of installing a new roof in DuPage County can vary widely ...

Signs of a Bad Roofing Job & How to Avoid It (Visual and Structural Problems)

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.

vinyl siding roof replacement after hail damage naperville

Let’s take a look at ways to determine if your roof was installed correctly and how to avoid getting ...

Steep-Slope vs. Low-Slope Roofing (The Differences, Pros & Cons)

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.

In the low-slope vs. steep-slope roof discussion, there are pros and cons that need to be considered. For a homeowner who is committed to one style or another for aesthetic reasons, there also needs to be a discussion about the functionality of the roof, as this is the structure that will protect everything ...

The Standard Roof Warranty Explained: What It Covers and How Long It Lasts

Old roof replacement installing Owens Corning architectural shingles and new gutters in Homer Glen project photo 5

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.

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What are the Best Rated Shingle Roofing Brands on the Market? (Top Manufacturers in {{current_year}})

When it comes to choosing the best asphalt shingle roofing for your home, understanding the strengths of top-rated roofing brands is essential. The right choice can impact not only your home's protection but also its overall appearance and long-term value, making it crucial to evaluate each brand carefully.

In 2024, industry leaders like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, TAMKO, IKO, Malarkey, and Atlas continue to stand out. Each roofing manufacturer offers unique advantages, from durability to aesthetic appeal, and roofers have valuable insights into which ...

What is the Average Life of a Roof?

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.

What Type of Asphalt Shingles are The Best: Three-tab vs. Architectural vs. Luxury Shingles

3 types of shingles three-tab, architectural and luxury shingles

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.

Three of the most popular types of asphalt shingles are three-tab, ...

Why and How to Hire Affordable 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.

Does paying top dollar for roofing services mean you’ll get the ...

Why is Roof Ventilation So Important?

House photo after roof replacement and proper ventilation

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.

The moisture factor

In an improperly vented roof, moisture is allowed to rise up and condense in the attic. This will damage insulation and studs and any other material that has prolonged contact with the ...

Why Should You Hire a Local Roofing Company in Your Area?

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?

When a local roofing contractor serves the immediate region, they’re providing services to their fellow community members. In some ways, local contractors are more inclined to provide top-quality services to their neighbors, as there is more on the line. But they also know more about the architecture and various other elements ...

You’ve Experienced a Hail Storm, Now What?

Roofing contractor inspecting roof after hail damage

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?

shingle roof replacement after hail damage naperville

Spotting the signs of shingle damage

Before ...