Preparing Your Roof for a Hurricane

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During a hurricane your roof can be exposed to winds in excess of 155 mph. These winds have the potential to pull off roof shingles, tiles, or even the underlying roof deck. This is why we suggest checking the condition of your roof BEFORE a storm happens as well as after. A well-maintained roof is your best bet against hurricane winds.

Have Your Roof Inspected
Gulf Western Roofing does not recommend that any homeowner attempt to get on their roof. With our years of roofing excellence in Florida, Gulf Western Roofing is uniquely qualified to check the condition of your roof. From this inspection, we’ll be able to tell if there are any damages that must be attended to before the storm.

Fix Any Loose Shingles or Tiles
To reduce the chances of losing shingles or tiles by high winds, it is best to give attention to any missing, damaged, or loose shingles or tiles as these will increase the likelihood of water penetrating deeper into the roof.

Secure Any Yard Furniture
Your furniture and yard decorations can easily become flying projectiles that could damage your roof. We suggest tying them down or moving them indoors to the so they don’t get loose and damage the roof.

Survey Fascia and Soffit Boards
Take the time to walk the perimeter of your property and survey the fascia boards and the soffit boards. Fascia boards are located just below the metal trim of the roof and soffit boards are located below the roof overhang areas. Any signs of rotten wood in this area may indicate a potential problem during a hurricane. Making sure these roof areas are repaired will help secure the structure from possible wind damage at the eaves.

Trim Any Trees That Overhang the Roof and Trim Dead Branches off All Trees
High winds can break even the largest of tree limbs as easily as snapping a toothpick in half. It may seem obvious to trim the trees that overhang your roof, but it is also a good idea to have all off the trees surrounding your home trimmed just in case.

Purchase a Tarp and Store as Needed
After a storm, roofers run into a major supply shortage. Tarps are a rare find during this time and unfortunately they are a major necessity. Your best bet is to purchase tarps before the storm that way you are prepared.

Clean Debris From Valley and Gutters
Clearing all leaves and debris from roof areas and gutters will allow rainwater to flow them and prevent water from backing up and entering your home.

Why You Should Never DIY When It Comes To Roofing

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You depend on your roof to keep you and your family protected from the elements, which is why maintaining your roof and keeping it in top condition is so important. Inspecting and repairing your roof may sound easy enough as long as you have a hammer and some nails. But that’s not actually the case.

According to the Forbes article, America’s 10 Deadliest Jobs, roofing is the fourth deadliest job in America. Whether you are a trained roofer or you have never stepped foot on a roof in your lifetime, it is important not to ignore the possibility of a roofing hazard. The unfortunate reality is that many accidents occur even after implementing proper safety measures. Gulf Western Roofing is an OSHA compliant roofing contractor. We have the appropriate equipment and training to get up and down the roof without causing damage to the roof or ourselves.

With any roofing project it is also important to have an accurate understanding of city by-laws and building codes. At Gulf Western Roofing, our entire operations crew has been trained in the latest Florida Building Code and we have a construction administration team dedicated to meeting the standards required by the local government. Having your roof professionally repaired by Gulf Western Roofing means eliminating any chances of getting into trouble with the authorities.

Hiring a professional contractor instead of doing the job yourself also means that you won’t end up going over budget. Gulf Western Roofing has been in the business for over 17 years, which means that we can find the correct solution for your roof. We also know what materials are required for the job, how much of those materials are necessary, and where we can find the best prices on those necessary materials. Hiring a professional contractor like Gulf Western Roofing will take away the guesswork for you, and allow you to stay within the parameters of your budget.

How many times have you seen something and decided that you could save time and money by doing it yourself? More often than not, you probably end up spending more money than you would have in the first place to purchase all of the correct and necessary materials. Not to mention, the project almost never turns out exactly right. Would you really want to take a risk like that on something as important as your roof?

Call Gulf Western Roofing today for any of your roofing needs, we’ll always tell you the truth about your roof.

What Are The Signs That You Need A New Roof?

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Once a leak is spotted, it is usually assumed that the house needs a full roof replacement. Truth is, there are many things that can cause a leak. And although a ceiling leak usually means that a great amount of damage has been done, it could also signal the need for a simple roof repair.

First and foremost, Gulf Western Roofing does not recommend that any homeowner attempt to get on their roof. However, there are factors that can determine the need for a roof replacement and do not require stepping foot on the roof.

How old is your roof?
Tile roofs could last over 100 years, but if you can see broken or cracked tiles, it may be time for an inspection and repair. Although shingle roofs are supposed to last 20-30 years, the Florida weather patterns only allow around 10-15 years of life. If your roof was installed in that time frame, chances are you will need to have it replaced.

Damaged Shingles
If you can see physical signs of shingle damage such as curled or buckling shingles, or even missing shingles all together, these could be signs that the roof is beginning to fail. If shingles are especially damaged or missing in the roof valley, consider it a definite sign that you need a new roof. Because rainwater flows through the valley and into the gutters, damage to this area means that you are much more susceptible to roof leaks.

Gutters
Always make sure your gutters and downspouts are securely attached and that all drains are open in order to allow water to exit. Be sure to call in the professionals if you notice an increase in shingle granules in your gutters. These granules are a sign of increased wear and could signal that your roof is at the end of its lifespan.

Depending on the weather, Gulf Western Roofing recommends getting a professional roof inspection done every 1-3 years. Nevertheless, you should always make sure to have your roof inspected before and after a severe storm.

Some storm damage cannot always be seen from the ground but remember, roofing is one of the top ten most dangerous careers, which is why we strongly discourage homeowners from attempting a proper inspection themselves. Gulf Western Roofing has demonstrated industry professionalism for over 17 years. Whether you need a simple roof repair, or a full roof replacement, we’ll always tell you the truth about your roof!

We’ll Tell You the Truth About Your Roof

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With El Niño causing multiple tornados and severe storms, this winter proved to be a turbulent one for Florida residents. Not to mention, the state kicked off the spring season with a string of storms that brought hail to some parts of Central Florida.

After a severe storm, it is always important to have your roof inspected for damage. In addition, homeowners need to be on the look out for roofing scammers, most often known as storm chasers. Storm chasers are notorious for following the path of a storm looking for homeowners to exploit. Because they’ll be leaving the area soon after putting on your roof, there is no incentive for these “contractors” to do the job the right way. By the time you notice that there’s a problem, they will be long gone!

In order to avoid being caught in a storm chaser situation, or even an insurance scam, Gulf Western Roofing suggests that every homeowner take the following steps:

  1. Do the Proper Research
    Go online and look through the reviews on the contractor. Be immediately wary of anyone with multiple complaints. Don’t be afraid to ask around either. At times, word of mouth can be the best source of information. Seek recommendations from friends, neighbors, or relatives.
  1. Get Everything in Writing
    Make sure to have a detailed list of the work that is to be done. Always read the fine print and never sign the contract unless you understand all of the details. A good roofing contractor should be able to explain the entire process without leaving any holes.
  1. Beware of Red Flags
    If a contractor is not affiliated with any recognized trade association, such as the Florida Association of Roofing Professionals (FRSA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), you cannot be absolutely sure that will have high standards for business practice. Also look out for contractors that are asking you to pay in full before doing the job or making any repairs. Finally, NEVER, under any circumstances, should you hire a contractor whose license or insurance information cannot be verified nor can they provide any references for similar jobs.

Gulf Western Roofing understands how stressful it can be to have to file an insurance claim. Yet the unfortunate circumstance is that there are roofing contractors who will use scare tactics to pressure homeowners into signing a contract with them. All too often have we been called out to a residence with minimal damages, only needing a small repair, yet another roofing company has told the homeowner that their entire roof needs replacement.

In addition to being licensed and insured, Gulf Western Roofing is locally owned and operated, doing business for over 17 years. We are also NRCA and FRSA affiliated and Better Business Bureau accredited. We’re in this for the life of your roof. At Gulf Western Roofing, we value our customer loyalty as well as our integrity. We’ll always tell you the truth about your roof!

Children Come First

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When it comes to company holiday parties, a solid rule of thumb is to plan on spending an average of $75 per person. But what if companies decided to nix the holiday party and instead opted to put the money towards a charitable cause? That’s exactly what Gulf Western Roofing decided to do last December.

Edgewood Children’s Ranch, originally founded in 1966, is a residential program for youth-at-risk. Their mission has been to house, educate, love, counsel and care for an average of 63 children, ages 8-17, by working closely with their parents in an effort to reunite the family in a healthy, loving, productive unit that functions well in the context of the family and community.

The funding for these programs is made possible by having staff that live on property. Edgewood has cottages for these employees and their families to live in. One of the larger cottages was not being utilized, due to roof issues. Contributions from Roofing Supply Group in Orlando made it possible for Gulf Western Roofing to provide a roof for the building, at no cost to Edgewood.

Gulf Western Roofing made the call, had someone come out right away to see what needed to be done, scheduled a time when it could be done and then came out to see that it had been taken care of. Upon inspection, Gulf Western Roofing found that the shingles were deteriorating and that roof was leaking in several areas. We removed the existing shingle roof as well as the felt underlayment, taking the project down to bare deck. We then re-nailed the deck per the Florida building code and installed a double layer of felt over the entire project. The project was finished with the installation of Owen’s Corning shingles.

Gulf Western Roofing cares strongly about supporting the children in our local community, which is why the decision to support The Ranch was an easy one for Joseph K. Lamb Jr., President of Gulf Western Roofing. In a letter to Mr. Lamb, Stuart Eldridge, Executive Director of The Ranch stated, “You managed to make this happen in a very short time. We are now able to use this home for housing our newest staff member and her family. This is a blessing beyond belief!”

After the project’s completion, Gulf Western Roofing paid a visit to The Ranch where we were given a tour by two young gentlemen. The boys, who had been residents of The Ranch for a little over a year, treated us with the utmost respect as we were given some insight into their daily lives. We were amazed by the quality of life that Edgewood Ranch is providing for these children and found ourselves appreciating the opportunity to lend a helping hand to such a giving organization. As stated by Orlando Division manager, Keith Reece, “It’s always an honor to help anyone in need. Our team looks forward to future opportunities to help Edgewood.”

2015 Golf Magazine National Dream House

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Imagine waking up in your luxurious home, situated on the 14th hole on the Talis Park golf course in beautiful Southwest Florida. That is exactly what Golf Magazine had in mind when they teamed up with Talis Park and developer Kitson & Partners to create the 2015 Golf Magazine National Dream House, located in Naples, Florida.

Gulf Western Roofing & Sheet Metal in Bonita Springs was honored to be chosen as the Roofing Contractor for the house, which is a dream home for any golfer enjoying the Florida lifestyle.

The two story home has four bedrooms, four full baths, a formal living room, large island kitchen, study with dual-sided fireplace, wine room, upstairs game room, two radial wet bars, an outdoor kitchen and a three-car garage, including a separate golf cart garage.  The luxurious home was fit with a flat cement tile roof, perfect for the homes upscale exterior and recommended for long lasting protection from Florida’s blazing sun.

The 2015 Ultimate Golf House was revealed during the Lucas Cup, a popular charity pro-am that takes place in Talis Park. The Lucas Cup, hosted by former PGA Tour professional and Golf Channel analyst Mark Lye, raises funds and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes in honor of Lye’s son Lucas who has Type 1 diabetes.

The Talis Park golf course is regarded as a local legend, being continuously ranked as one of the top residential courses. Opportunities to enjoy the lavish lifestyle offered at Talis Park are hard to come by. All home sites, including the dream home, have been sold. And it’s no wonder; Talis Park is just minutes from the beach and the shopping, dining, and entertainment venues at Mercato, Coconut Point Mall, and Gulf Coast Town Center.

Gulf Western Roofing in Bonita Springs is grateful for the opportunity to undertake such a spectacular project. We pride ourselves on our superior workmanship and eye for detail. We are certain that this new construction project is sure to provide the owners with a lifetime of relaxed comfort and amenities!

Gulf Western Roofing Providing a Safe and Healthy Workplace

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Gulf Western Roofing is committed to conducting routine training to ensure proper compliance and to uphold our mission for providing a safe and healthy work environment. We value all of our employees both on and off the job as we are committed to providing the necessary training for a healthy workplace. This is why, at Gulf Western Roofing, we are dedicated to providing OSHA compliance training. Continue reading “Gulf Western Roofing Providing a Safe and Healthy Workplace” →

Gulf Western Roofing: Our Story, Our Commitment

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Who is the go-to contractor of choice for Florida’s leading homebuilders? The answer is simple: Gulf Western Roofing.

Since 1999, Gulf Western Roofing has been providing high-quality residential and commercial roofs in tile, metal, shingle, EPDM, and TPO. From flat roof assessments and repairs to installation of virtually every type of commercial roof, Gulf Western Roofing is committed to excellence, superior customer service, and exceptional results. Gulf Western Roofing is a full-service roofing contractor.

So what is our story?

Gulf Western Roofing, Inc. was founded in Naples, Florida, in 1999 by Joseph K. Lamb Jr. Sensing a need for a contractor who was both familiar with high-quality roofing and also based in the local area, Mr. Lamb forged to make Gulf Western Roofing and its superior standards the leader in the fast-growing Southwest area for contract roofing. Mr. Lamb made it his mission to become the most respected roofing contractor in the area.

Fast forward 16 years later, Mr. Lamb’s vision has allowed Gulf Western Roofing to fulfill its promise and build its reputation, providing quality professionalism, service, and support in a manner seldom seen anywhere.

But why choose Gulf Western Roofing?

Gulf Western Roofing is all about creating lasting relationships. Many of the largest and most prestigious builders in the state — and the nation — have entrusted their work to Gulf Western Roofing. Our commitment and agreements with builders is all built on trust and collaboration. From major residential homebuilders such as Pulte/Cenex, Stock Development, and Del Webb, to commercial contractors such as T.W. Friers, Owens-Ames-Kimball, DeAngelis Diamond, and the Henning Group, Gulf Western Roofing continues to build an impressive roster of clients.

Whether you’re a residential home owner looking to replace a weathered roof or a commercial builder in need of roofing repairs, Gulf Western Roofing is committed to uploading their promise of high-quality practices, core values, and standards of excellence. We provide unbiased, customized solutions based on your specific needs, bringing years of experience with every possible roofing situation. When you work with Gulf Western Roofing, you can expect extensive surveys, life expectancy models, repair Return on Investment (ROI) analysis and repair versus re-roofing evaluations.

If you are in need of a roof replacement, Gulf Western Roofing provides detailed information for each type of roof, while assisting you in deciding which commercial roofing solution is best for your facility. You can expect prompt and proficient customer service, dedicated service crews, and extensive before and after documentation. Gulf Western Roofing installs approximately 2000 roofs per year. Each roof we install receives a five-year warranty with an optional upgrade to our amazing 20-point assurance maintenance program (RAMP).

So that’s our story.

It’s a simple one and that’s for a reason. Gulf Western Roofing is about providing excellence through simplicity. We love residential and commercial roofing. It’s that passion and dedication to our clients that have made Gulf Western Roofing an industry leader in contractor roofing within the state of Florida.

We will have more information to share in our blog space and on our social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest in the coming weeks and months. The Marketing team at Gulf Western Roofing is committed to bringing our story to everyone who will listen. We are proud of the company Gulf Western Roofing has become and want to extend our mission to the entire industry. There will be helpful hints about roofing, more insight into the quality standards upheld by each and every member of the Gulf Western Roofing family, and other little goodies and nuggets that will have the entire industry talking. We look forward to your continued support and as always, we appreciate your service!