Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

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Leaves and debris have a tendency to build up in your gutters and downspouts. When not cleaned out, this debris prevents water from flowing freely and can cause damages to your roof and fascia board.

So how often should you clean out your gutters and downspouts? AT LEAST once every year, but it would be a good preventative maintenance habit to do so during the spring and then again in the fall. Because fall is here, we’ve offered some helpful tips for tackling your gutter clean out:

  1. First things first- safety is the most important. Make sure that your ladder is the right size and that you and the ladder are properly tied off.
  2. Start with the areas near a downspout.
  3. Remove the large debris first
  4. Flush out the gutters by running a hose at the end opposite of the downspout.
  5. If water is not draining, the downspout may be clogged. Try using a hose attachment with more pressure or use a plumbers snake tool to clear the blockage.

We understand that cleaning your gutters is a daunting task. It can also be very dangerous if you’re not comfortable on a ladder. To avoid the risk, call your premier Florida roofer, Gulf Western Roofing. In fact, our Roof Assurance Maintenance Program (RAMP) includes a gutter and valley clean out with the purchase of our white or blue key levels. We’ll be able to clean your rain gutters quickly and safely, keeping your roof protected from rainwater.

What’s That Stuff Growing on My Roof?

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Most people think it is black or dark green mold, but actually, it is a prehistoric bacterium called Gleocapsa Magma. Gleocapsa Magma is the cyanobacteria responsible for the black and dark green stains often seen on roofs. It is transported to roofs primarily by wind, rain, insects, and animals.

In addition to causing unsightly streaks and stains, these bacteria can also wreck havoc on your roof. The growth of Gleocapsa Magma is most accurately described as colonization. These bacteria grow on and within tiles and shingles, dissolving and extracting the mineral components. Overtime, Gleocapsa Magma begins to break down the contents of your tiles or shingles by feeding off the minerals embedded in them. This negatively impacts the structural integrity of your roof and has also been known to increase air conditioning bills and lead to more frequent roof repair and reconstruction. Continue reading “What’s That Stuff Growing on My Roof?” →

What’d that Roofer Say? Roofing Terminology Defined

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Have you ever wondered what a roofer meant by a ‘hip’ or ‘valley’? Are you confused by the difference between a ‘rake’ and a ‘ridge’? Have you always been curious as to what a ‘gable’ is?

As with specialists in most industries, roofing contractors have developed their own lingo over the years for ease of communication. Doctors, artists, lawyers, and even diner workers use words and phrases that are unique to their line of work simply because it makes things go faster. Continue reading “What’d that Roofer Say? Roofing Terminology Defined” →

Importance of Roof Maintenance

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Home ownership is one of the most expensive investments you will make in your lifetime. Why not take care of your home so that it lasts you longer? Your roof protects your family and most of your other assets.

In order to restore your roofing system to its optimal performance, it’s necessary to have a maintenance strategy in place. Studies have shown that a roof that is not regularly maintained will only last about half of its expected service life. Gulf Western Roofing and Sheet Metal’s Roof Assurance Maintenance Program (RAMP) was developed to help thousands of homeowners extend the life of their roof while preventing costly repairs or re-roofs. Having a scheduled maintenance plan in place to inspect the condition of your roof and act at the first sign of deterioration is vital to extending the life of your roof and saving money. Continue reading “Importance of Roof Maintenance” →

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.

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

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Making the best choice for your roof maintenance begins with hiring the most qualified roofing contractor. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to choosing the most reputable roofing contractor for the job.

Do an Internet Search

These days, the Internet makes it hard for crooks and scammers to get away with treating their customers poorly. Websites like “ripoffreport.com” allow customers to warn others about any rip-offs or scams that may have occurred to them. Also look through any social media or search engine reviews of the company and see if the contractor has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Being an A+ BBB company means that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will put forth the necessary effort to resolve any customer complaints.

Collect References

These days, most companies will include job photos and customer testimonials right on their website. Take the time to review this information to see if this contractor is the right fit for you. If you own a tile roof, yet all the photos on a roofing website present shingle roofs, then chances are this contractor may not specialize in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask the company to present references of their own either. It may be beneficial to call and speak to some of these references before settling on the right roofer.

Ask Around

Talk to your friends, your family, and your neighbors to find out which roofing contractors they trust most. Reading customer testimonials and reviews online can be helpful, but talking to someone that you know and trust about their own personal experience may help you in learning useful information that may not have otherwise been presented to you.

Obtain all Necessary Information

Always make sure that you are hiring a licensed and insured roofing contractor. Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs. With that in mind, you do not want to be responsible for the medical bills if someone is injured while working on your property. You have every right to ask your roofing contractor for their license and insurance information.

Speak to an Expert

It’s true; we’ve all encountered at least one or two shady salesmen at some point in our lifetime. You know which ones we’re talking about… They hardly take the time to explain anything, they present you with false information, and they’re in all too much of a hurry to take your money and run. Make sure the company you’re dealing with takes the time to explain the process to you, goes over the contract details with you before making you sign, and stays in touch with you throughout the project. Knowing exactly what you’re getting for your money is important.

Always take caution when making big decisions for your home. Being able to trust your roofing contractor will make the process go that much smoother. Gulf Western Roofing prides itself on good customer service. We stand by the fact that we’ll always tell you the truth about your roof. If you’re in need of a Florida roof repair or re-roof, take the time to learn more about Gulf Western Roofing!

 

Why Should You Consult a Roofer When Moving?

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If you’ve ever had to do any roofing repairs or replacements, you know just how costly they can be. When looking for a new home, it is best to include a “quality roof” on your list of must-haves. Otherwise, you should ask the sellers to either replace the current roof before closing, or ask them to drop the price beyond the cost of a new roof.

Oftentimes a roof may look worse than it actually is. It is possible that the roof just needs to be cleaned and is in need of a few quick repairs. However, keep in mind that it is possible for a seemingly simple roofing project to turn into an expensive endeavor.

Unfortunately, the cost of a roofing project is dependent upon the square footage of the roof and the materials used. Therefore, it is almost impossible to determine a general estimate on the cost of a roofing project. If at all possible, the best thing to do before committing to a price with the seller is to collect a few quotes on the roofing work that needs to be done.

First, contact the seller and make sure that it is acceptable to have a local roofer come out to do a roof inspection before you purchase the home. Once the roofer does an inspection, they should be able to help you make your decision as to whether or not you should purchase the home. As always, Gulf Western Roofing will tell you the truth about your roof. You can trust us to give you an honest inspection and work with you to get the job done correctly.

We understand that moving is hard enough, but catching costly issues before closing on a new home would be highly beneficial to you and your family in the long run.

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.

Protect Your Roof From Fourth of July Festivities

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Fourth of July celebrations are notorious for barbeques, cold drinks, and fireworks. Although fun and pretty to look at, fireworks can be extremely dangerous and can pose hazard for your home and roof. This year, Gulf Western Roofing, a trusted local roofer, is offering the following suggestions to protect your home from damage caused by fireworks:

First and foremost, fireworks CAN set a roof on fire. Certain fireworks still burn once they hit the ground, and roofing materials made of wood are easily combustible. It is still equally possible for a roof to catch on fire even if it is not made of wood. If the roof is already damaged and there are missing shingles, the roof felt paper, which is easily combustible, becomes exposed.

When preparing for your Fourth of July celebration, make sure to cut back tree branches. A tree branch that is hanging too low on your roof could quickly start a serious fire that will easily spread to the rest of your home. It is a good idea to remove these limbs anyway in order to avoid damage during a storm. Other debris, such as pine needles and leaves are also flammable, which is why it is good to get into the habit of keeping your gutters clean and free of this dry matter.

And finally, as fun and exciting as it may seem in movies, Gulf Western Roofing suggests that you not attempt to climb on your roof to watch the neighborhood fireworks. For starters, climbing onto your roof is dangerous. It is too easy to slip and fall. Not to mention, when you climb onto your roof you always run the risk of causing damage to the materials.

As always, if you have any concerns about the current state of your roof, call the professionals at Gulf Western Roofing. With our years of roofing excellence in Florida, Gulf Western Roofing is uniquely qualified to check the condition or your roof, and make sure it continues to provide the protection and beauty you demand of it. Don’t trust just any roofer, trust the professionals at Gulf Western Roofing.

Happy Independence Day from our family to yours!

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Hurricane Season is Here! Are You Prepared?

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As Florida homeowners, we really ask a lot of our roofs. Year round, your roof is exposed to blazing sun, tropical downpours, hurricane winds, extreme humidity, bugs, birds, and salt air. But even when we take these harsh conditions into consideration, we still expect our roof to provide the ultimate protection.

Truthfully speaking, your roof is your home’s first line of defense against a storm. Winds that accompany tropical storms and hurricanes have the ability to get up underneath tile, shingles, or other roofing components. Once those roof components are compromised, there’s nothing left to slow down the possible destruction of the entire roofing system. Not to mention, the wind-driven rain that accompanies these storms can approach a roof from all angles, increasing the possibility of water intruding into your home. Continue reading “Hurricane Season is Here! Are You Prepared?” →