Hurricane Matthew

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

October 7th, 2016

As of the 11AM update from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Matthew was still moving up Florida’s northern east coast as a Category Three hurricane. The storm is expected to continue moving up the coast before weakening and turning out to sea near the Carolinas over the weekend. A Hurricane Warning is still in effect for the Atlantic coast from Melbourne north to North Carolina. All other watches and warnings for our coverage area have been discontinued.

Matthew’s remnants are expected to loop back to the south and west and eventually affect South Florida by the middle or end of next week. At this time, it’s uncertain just how much if any of a threat there will be; more on that later in the weekend.

Our Central Florida office is currently closed until 7:30 AM on Monday, October 10th. All phone calls directed to the Central Florida office will still be answered throughout the weekend.

Our Southwest Florida division is continuing business as usual.

We will continue to monitor the storm and update you with any changes that are made.

The Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan Here
Please find our Hurricane Supply Check-list Here

October 6th, 2016

As of 11AM, Hurricane Matthew was located near Nassau in the Bahamas, where it has restrengthened to Category Four.

Matthew is headed toward Florida’s east coast, where it is expected to either make landfall this evening, or stay just off the coast until Saturday. Damage is expected to be severe and widespread; for this reason the National Hurricane Center has coastal and inland Hurricane Warnings in effect from Miami northward into South Carolina, an area that includes the Florida cities of Melbourne, Orlando, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville. Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are strill in effect for most of Florida’s southern tip and west coast.

Our Central Florida division is currently in Phase III of the Hurricane Response Plan.
Our Southwest Florida division is still suspending all loads and deliveries but is otherwise continuing business as usual.

We will continue to monitor the storm and update you with any changes that are made.

The Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan Here
Please find our Hurricane Supply Check-list Here

October 5th, 2016

As of 5 PM, the National Hurricane Center has placed counties along Florida’s East Coast from North Miami-Dade northward through Volusia under a Hurricane Warning, and counties up to the Georgia/South Carolina state line under a Hurricane Watch. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Upper Keys, as well as the southern tip of Florida from Miami west to around Marco Island, while the west coast of Florida from Marco Island to Cedar Key has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch.

Our Central Florida division will be in Phase III of the Hurricane Response Plan by this afternoon. This means all in-progress installations will cease, all roof-loaded but uninstalled tile will be securely bundled or wrapped, all other remaining roof components (insulation, rolled goods, etc.) will be secured to the roof, any materials stored outdoors will be secured, and all jobsites will be cleared of any remaining roof debris.

Our Southwest Florida division has currently suspended all loads and deliveries but will otherwise continue business as usual. As usual, we will continue to monitor the storm and update you with any changes that are made.

The Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan Here
Please find our Hurricane Supply Check-list Here

October 4th, 2016

At their 11:00 AM update, the National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Florida’s east coast from the Middle Keys north to the Broward County/Palm Beach County line, and a Hurricane Watch for the east coast from the Broward / Palm Beach line north to the Volusia County / Brevard County line.

Due to the change in trajectory of Hurricane Matthew our Central Florida division is currently in Phase I of the Hurricane Response Plan. This means all jobsite and rooftop deliveries will be suspended except as needed to complete key areas, roof installation will continue so that as much roof-loaded material as possible is secured, and our customers will be notified of the suspension of deliveries. We expect to be in Phase II of the Hurricane Response Plan by tomorrow and we will continue to keep our customers updated throughout the course of the storm.

Because the Southwest Florida area will remain largely unaffected, we will continue doing business as usual in those areas.

The Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan here.

October 3rd, 2016

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of Emergency for the entire state of Florida due to the change in trajectory of Hurricane Matthew. Gov. Scott’s emergency declaration notes that, “based on the current forecast, the state’s entire east coast from Monroe to Nassau counties could experience tropical storm force winds, beach erosion, rip currents and heavy rain. This is a slow moving storm and could impact Florida as early as Wednesday and last through Saturday“. Our plan is to conduct business as usual tomorrow. However, we will be sending you regular updates throughout the day beginning early in the morning.

In the event that the storm becomes a greater threat, the Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan here.

September 30th, 2016

Gulf Western Roofing is continuously monitoring Hurricane Matthew. At this time, the storm is forecast by the National Hurricane Center to remain off the coast of Florida. As a result of the current storm trajectory, Gulf Western Roofing will continue doing business as usual.

We will continue to monitor the storm closely and notify you if any changes in trajectory occur.

In the event of an approaching storm, the Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the 2016 HurricaneResponse Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

What’s That Stuff Growing on My Roof?

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

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

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

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

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

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

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

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

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

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?

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

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.

Protect Your Roof From Fourth of July Festivities

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

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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Tornado Hits Cape Coral

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

Extreme weather can be unpredictable. This became especially clear in Saturday’s tornado, which touched down in Southwest Cape Coral. According to the National Storm Damage Center, there are 5 factors that determine storm damage:

  1. Wind Speed
  2. Wind Direction
  3. Wind Duration
  4. Flying Debris
  5. Strength of the Structure

The tornado that touched down in Cape Coral on Saturday evening was measured as an EF-2 on the Enhanced F-scale, creating winds that reached 132 mph. EF-2 tornado’s create winds between 111 and 135 mph, placing Saturday’s tornado at the top of the EF-2 classification.

Although the storm was only on the ground for seven minutes, it traveled 3.5 miles, spanned 182 yards at its widest point, and left considerable damage in its aftermath.

During a storm, your roof is one of the most vulnerable components of your home. Obvious signs of roof damage that can be seen from the ground include tree branches or other debris that have fallen on top of your roof, missing shingles that can be seen laying in your yard and bent, and missing or damaged rain gutters.

While you may think that any structural damage after a tornado would be obvious, unfortunately, that is not always the case. After a severe storm, roof damage may not be visible from the ground and such damage often only becomes noticeable once costly leaks have occurred.

Gulf Western Roofing does not recommend that any homeowner attempt to inspect their roof themselves, especially after a severe storm. To ensure your safety, we are offering free inspections for home and business owners who have been impacted by Saturday’s storm in Cape Coral. As a licensed general contractor, we are able to inspect the exterior of your home as well as your roof. Our experienced professionals specialize in inspecting your home and roof, documenting any weather related damage, and working with your insurance company to determine the best possible result for you.

If you are in the Cape Coral area and were impacted by Saturday’s tornado storm, contact us today to schedule a free inspection.