Orlando Roof Installation

Category: Roof

Does Roofing Material Affect Energy Efficiency?

With rising energy costs and increasing strain on the electrical grid, can a quality roof help save you money on energy bills? The short answer is yes, but let’s explore some specifics of the different roof types as they relate to maximizing energy efficiency for your home or business.

Shingle Roofs

Shingle roofs come in a variety of materials and designs to suit aesthetic preferences, and are the most affordable roofing material on the market. They’re also low-maintenance and energy efficient, making them a popular choice for home and business owners. Florida’s weather brings almost year-round sunshine and extreme conditions like heat, humidity, and fierce winds during tropical storms. Our top-quality shingles from CT Landmark are dual-layered to last for a long time. Made from sturdy architectural and designer shingles, our shingle roofs can withstand rain, wind, and hail. In the event of damage from a storm, shingles are relatively easy to repair.

Tile Roofs

Orlando Roof Installation has been a leading company in tile roof installation since 1985. A lot of research has been done on the energy efficiency of tile roofs, and studies have found that tile roofing can decrease heat flow into an attic by up to 70%. Because tiles are dense and heavy, they provide what is called thermal mass, which enables the tile to absorb and store heat. Tile roofs can be made from Enviroshake, cedar, metal, cement, clay, slate, and synthetic materials. In consideration of energy-efficient options, tile roofing is a top contender. The airspace created by individual, overlapping tiles allows air to easily circulate and acts as a layer of insulation, promoting year-round energy conservation.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs continue to increase in popularity because of their durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. The reflective quality of metal roofs–though they can be hot to the touch–only shows how much of the sun’s energy is bouncing right back off. Thermal resistance determines the heat insulation property of textile materials, and metal roofs are top-rated for their reflective properties. In Florida, we experience tropical storms that have the potential to damage roofs, and metal roofs hold up well to strong winds and rains. For these reasons, metal roofing is on the rise in the US, and Orlando Roof Installation has years of experience helping our customers choose suitable metal and fastener systems.

Quality Roof Repair, Maintenance, and Installation Matters

The best way to ensure maximum savings during times of increasing energy costs is to find ways to conserve, and residential or commercial roofing options are a great place to start. This is an area worth looking into before choosing materials and beginning roof installation. Once you’ve chosen the tile, metal, or shingle roof that best suits your needs, it’s important to maintain functionality with regular maintenance and repairs if damage occurs. At Orlando Roof Installation, we can help you decide which type of roofing material best meets your preferred aesthetic and energy efficiency needs, and our complimentary inspections ensure maximum savings on your energy bills year after year.

September 21, 2022
What Is Included in a Roof Inspection?
Regular roof inspections can help to keep your roof in good repair. It’s also a good way to discover possible problems before they become major issues that could cause a lot of expensive damage. Homeowners can inspect their own roofs, but it’s recommended to have it done professionally because a roofer will better know what they’re looking for.

But what happens during a roof inspection? What comes included in a roofing inspection may differ depending on the contractor, but in general, the following are standard for roof inspections.

Exterior Roof Inspection

During a roof inspection, the inspector will examine the exterior of your home, including the roof itself. In particular, the inspector will be looking for signs of roof damage. Not all of these signs are on the roof itself, so they may also inspect the ground near your home or the exterior walls. They’ll also inspect the surface of the roof, which is dangerous for homeowners to do. Walking on a roof requires proper technique and a professional will have the equipment and expertise to go up on your roof safely without damaging your roof.

Roof Damage the Inspector Will Look for

The following are signs of roof damage that the inspector may look for during the exterior inspection:
- Leaks
- Cracked caulk
- Damaged flashing
- Moss or algae on the roof
- Hail damage around the house
- Water buildup on the ground
- Discoloration on the walls or roof
- Shingle roof damage:
  - Missing shingles
  - Granule loss
  - Curling shingles
  - Cracked shingles
  - Broken shingles
- Tile roof damage:
  - Missing tiles
  - Cracked tiles
- Metal roof damage:
  - Rust
  - Dents
  - Punctures
  - Movement
  - Damaged fasteners
Interior Inspection

Because roof damage can result in leaks that allow water to enter the home, roof inspections may also include interior inspections. Inside your home, the inspector will be looking specifically for signs of water damage. This can look like discoloration or mold and mildew on the ceilings, or even active leaks. The paint on the ceiling bubbling and peeling are also signs of water damage.

Attic Inspection

The interior part of the roof inspection will also involve looking at your attic. The attic is right under the roof, so it’s important for it to be checked for signs of leaks even if there’s no other evidence of water damage in the house. An inspector will look for the following in the attic:
- Openings in the roof
- Light coming in
- Active leaks
- Aging
- Mold
- Moisture
The inspector can also let you know if your attic doesn’t have enough insulation. Insulation can help keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, so it’s important to have enough because it can help to lower your energy bills.

A Free Quote

Often, a roof inspection is completely free of charge. Roofing companies will offer the inspection for free and provide a quote for repairing the damage they find during the inspection. A very thorough inspection may cost money, but it’s common for basic inspections to be complimentary. Orlando Roof Installation, for example, offers complimentary inspections.
August 10, 2022
Questions You Should Ask a Roofer Before You Hire

It’s important to hire the right contractor to handle any of your roofing needs. There could be a lot of roofers near where you live and if you want the best job for the best price, you may need to shop around. Asking the right questions, however, can help you to narrow down your search and hire the right contractor the first time.

Do You Have a License?

In most states, a license is required to operate as a roofing contractor. Florida is one of these states, which means that any contractor you talk to should have a license. The license should also be up-to-date. Anyone without a current roofing license to operate in your area should be crossed off your list.

What Insurance Do You Have?

If something goes wrong during the roofing work, it’s important to know who is liable. If the roofing contractor doesn’t have liability insurance that covers worker injuries, the homeowner could be on the hook. Your contract should have both general liability insurance as well as workers’ comp insurance.

What Is the Warranty on the Roof?

It’s also important to know how long the warranty will be for your roof. The minimum warranty you should look for is 25 years, depending on the material used on the roof. Longer-lasting materials should come with a longer warranty. Too short a warranty may indicate that the contractor knows that the roof won’t last very long and doesn’t want to pay for a replacement.

Do You Provide Written Estimates?

It’s a good idea to get everything in writing before you consider signing. Having a written estimate of what the work on your roof will cost so that you can compare it to other roofers’ estimates can help you to decide between different roofers.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

The longer a contractor has been in business, the more possible reviews you can check out. Additionally, they’ll also be more experienced. That isn’t to say that newer roofers won’t do a good job and that every long-term contractor is excellent, but you can see more examples of other work that contractor has done if they’ve been in business for a while.

How Will You Protect My Lawn?

During your roofing project, there could be a lot of people walking on your lawn to get to the roof. Additionally, there are roofing materials that have to be transported onto and off of the roof. Your roofer should have a plan for how to protect your lawn and any landscaping and plants from traffic and materials.

What Will You Do to Make Sure the Project Is Completed on Time?

While unexpected delays could occur, you’ll want to make sure that your contractor has a plan to complete your project on time. You don’t want to have your roof half-finished when hurricane season rolls around because a contractor was overbooked and kept pushing your project back. Some delays may be unavoidable, but there are problems that a contractor can plan for, such as needing additional materials, weather, and more.

July 11, 2022
Signs of a Roofing Scam

There are a lot of excellent, reputable roofing companies out there. Unfortunately, however, not every roofing company is honest and it’s important for homeowners to be able to tell the difference so that they don’t fall for a roofing scam. The following are signs of a roofing scam that homeowners should look out for.

Door-to-Door Sales

If a roofing contractor knocks on your door and tells you that your roof needs to be repaired, then that’s a sign it might be a scam. Be wary of any unsolicited reports that your roof is damaged. Someone knocking on your door won’t have inspected your roof yet and so any information about roof damage may be inaccurate. If you’re concerned that your roof does actually have damage, it’s a good idea to search for a known reputable roofing company to conduct an inspection.

Storm Chasing

Storms, especially in Florida, which gets seasonal hurricanes, can cause a lot of damage to roofs. However, you should beware of any roofer that knocks on your door after a storm to let you know about damage to your roof. This is because, especially during hurricane season, reputable roofers are too busy repairing roofs to solicit sales door-to-door. If someone knocks on your door after a storm, it’s still a good idea to seek out a roof inspection, but you should shop around for a roofing contractor.

No Website

While not every roofing contractor has a full website, it’s much more common for a reputable company to have an online presence so that you can check customer reviews. A scammer may not have any online presence at all. This makes it easier for them to completely disappear once they’ve got your money.

Asking for Full Payment Upfront

A small down payment is normal for roofing work. This is to cover the cost of materials before the contractor gets started on the roof. However, if the roofer asks for either a large down payment or the entire payment upfront, then that’s a sign of a scam. Many scammers will disappear as soon as they have the money, or partway through the roofing job, leaving you with an unfinished roof. The bulk of the payment should always be paid at the end after the work is complete, just in case the original scope of the project changes part way through.

Low Price

If the price that a roofer quotes seems too good to be true, that’s because it probably is. It’s important to shop around and ask for quotes from several different sources. However, most quotes from reputable roofing companies will be in the same ballpark. The materials and the labor shouldn’t be radically different. If one quote is a lot lower than the others, then it might be a scam in which either the scammer disappears with your money or inflated costs come up later on.

Offers to Handle Insurance Claims

If a roofer offers to handle processing the claim with your insurance company for you, that’s a sign of a scam. This is because the roofer might report more work to the insurance company than was actually done, thus committing insurance fraud. In this scam, the roofer offers to pay your insurance deductible for you. The homeowner should always have a hand in the insurance claim process so that you know exactly what’s being claimed.

June 8, 2022
How to Maintain a Metal Roof

There are many advantages to having a metal roof on your house. They’re typically very sturdy and long-lasting. They’re also more environmentally friendly because they can help to reduce your energy bills. However, just because a metal roof is more durable than some other types of roofing materials doesn’t mean that they’re completely invulnerable. A metal roof can get damaged in something like a hurricane.

Plus, regular maintenance is still required to keep a metal roof in top condition. The following are regular maintenance tasks that should be done to help your metal roof to better protect your home.

Professional Inspections

It’s a good idea to have your roof professionally inspected on a regular basis. After a major weather event, such as a hurricane, it’s recommended to have your roof inspected because a hurricane can damage even a metal roof. Even if there hasn’t been a huge storm that could damage the roof, it’s still a good idea to have it inspected regularly. This can help to identify any damage early on so that it can be repaired before it becomes a problem that could negatively impact your house.

Keep Your Gutters Clear

It’s also important for the health of your metal roof to keep your gutters cleaned out. This should be done at least twice a year, once in fall and once in spring. However, if you have a big storm, it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters afterward because the winds from a storm can deposit debris into your gutters that can clog them. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and get onto the roof instead of draining away. This could result in the metal of your roof corroding or otherwise getting damaged.

Clear Debris off the Roof

Any kind of debris on your roof could possibly cause damage to it. This means that you should keep your roof clear of any leaves, dirt, twigs, tree branches, or other things that can end up on your roof. It’s especially important to keep the valleys on your roof cleared out so that debris doesn’t build up there. This is a place where metal panels join, so it’s important for the integrity of your roof that these areas don’t get damaged.

Trim Your Trees

If you have trees overhanging your roof, it’s essential to keep them well-trimmed. Even during normal weather conditions, trees can drop leaves and branches onto a roof from above. Keeping the branches trimmed back will help to reduce what can fall onto your roof. In Florida, trees near your home are also a risk if there’s a hurricane. The high-speed winds of the hurricane can cause a lot of leaves and branches to fall on your roof. It’s even possible for the tree itself to fall over onto the roof because of the winds.

Clean Your Roof

It’s also a good idea to periodically clean your roof. You can use dish soap and a microfiber cloth to clean the metal panels. Once you’ve finished the cleaning, you can then rinse the soap off with your garden hose.

May 11, 2022
Benefits of a Tile Roof

Tile roofs are a popular roofing option for a variety of reasons. They’re particularly common in warmer climates, such as California and Florida. This is because they can withstand the heat and sunshine that is common in these areas. Homeowners in Orlando, Florida should consider a tile roof because it can be a good choice for heat, humidity, rain showers, hurricanes, and salt air from the ocean.

Tile Roofs Are Durable

One of the main benefits of a tile roof is its durability. This durability means that they’re typically resistant to all kinds of weather conditions, from fire and hail to rain and high-speed winds. Tile is resistant to weather, but is less durable to impacts from debris, such as from falling tree limbs, or from weight on the roof, such as if someone steps on it the wrong way. For this reason, if you have a tile roof, only a professional should walk on the roof.

Tile Roofs Are Long-Lasting

Tile roofs can last for a very long time. This isn’t just because of their durability. Tile also can just last for many years. Homeowners who install a tile roof may never need to get a roof replacement in their lifetimes if they keep their tile roof properly maintained. They can last up to 50 years if treated well. It’s possible for tile roofs to last even longer. For example, there are some cathedrals in Europe with tile roofs that are hundreds of years old.

Tile Roofs Are Extremely Versatile

Another reason for the popularity of tile roofing is that the roofing material is extremely versatile. Homeowners can choose a color, materials, and look that best suits their homes. There are a wide range of styles that homeowners can choose from in addition to different colors. This means that there’s something for everyone and homeowners can shop around to find the material that looks the best with their home’s exterior, increasing its curb appeal.

Tile Roofs Are Environmentally Friendly

The tiles of a tile roof are usually made of either clay or concrete. These materials usually come from sustainable sources. Plus, once the tiles are removed from a roof, they can be recycled and reused. For example, roof tiles can be broken down and then incorporated into building roads.

Tile Roofs Can Help to Reduce Energy Usage

The environmental friendliness of tile roofs can also help homeowners save money. A tile roof can help to prevent heat from entering into the house, instead redirecting it away from the home. With less heat entering the house, HVAC units don’t need to work as hard to keep the home cool. This is especially important in Florida, where summer heat can cost homeowners a lot of money in energy bills. The reduced workload for the HVAC system also helps the environment.

Tile Roofs Are Resistant to Pests

Tile roofs are insect-proof. This means that even if insects and other pests get onto or around your roof, the tile won’t be damaged by them. This can help to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the tile roof and reduce maintenance needs.

April 12, 2022
The Drawbacks of a Metal Roof

Metal roofs have a lot of benefits. They’re sturdy and they can last for a long time. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly and they can help homeowners to reduce their energy bills. But before investing in any type of roof, it’s important to also consider the potential drawbacks in order to ensure that it’s the right type of roof for you.

But what are the drawbacks of installing a metal roof and how can these drawbacks be addressed?

Metal Roofs Are Expensive

One major drawback of metal roofs is that they have higher initial costs than other types of roofing materials, such as shingles. There is a higher up-front cost with a metal roof than there is with a shingle roof, which means that homeowners have to save more at once in order to have a metal roof installed. However, metal roofs last so much longer than types of roofing materials that if you’re able to save the money for the initial costs, you can save money in the long run because you won’t have to worry about replacing a metal roof for up to 70 years. A copper roof can last even longer, with a potential lifespan of up to 100 years.

The cost of a metal roof over time can end up being less due to how much longer they last. You may end up paying more over time for a roof that needs to be replaced more frequently than a metal roof.

Metal Roofs May Get Dented

Another con of a metal roof is that it’s possible for the roof to get dented in strong weather or if someone walks on it. However, this problem can be avoided by opting for sturdier types of metal. Certain metals, such as steel, for example, are less prone to denting than a softer type of metal like copper or aluminum. Plus, you can also get a lower gauge of metal for the roof. The gauge is the thickness of the metal used to make the roof and the lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. Thicker metal panels are sturdier than thinner ones and can help to prevent denting.

Metal Roofs Can Be Noisy

A common complaint about metal roofs is that they can be noisy in weather. In a location like Florida, where rain showers are frequent, even if they are brief, and where hurricanes come annually, this is an understandable concern for homeowners. However, if a metal roof is properly insulated, the noise isn’t usually any worse than with other roofs. If you’re worried about noise, talk to your roof installer to express those concerns and they can work with you to ensure that there are layers of solid sheathing to further insulate the roof.

Metal Roofs Aren’t Attractive

It’s a misconception that metal roofs aren’t attractive. There are many different styles and colors that metal roofs can come in so that you can choose one that complements your home. Additionally, if you prefer the look of shingles, a metal roof can be designed to look like a shingle roof.

March 21, 2022
Benefits of a Metal Roof

Pros and Cons of a Metal Roof

Metal is an increasingly popular material for roofs. If you’re putting a new roof on your home, it’s a good idea to consider metal roofing as an option. There are many benefits to metal roofing, from longevity to durability. Check out these pros and cons of metal roofs before you make a decision.

Pros of Metal Roofing

There’s a lot to like about metal roofing. It’s extremely durable, which makes it ideal for areas like Florida that get heavy storms.

Longevity

A major benefit of metal roofing is that it can last for a very long time. While there may be higher up-front costs to install a metal roof in the first place, the fact that they can last up to 70 years can make that a worthwhile investment. You would spend less over time because you wouldn’t have to worry about replacing the roof for a long time.

Durability

Properly installed metal roofs can withstand extremely high-speed winds, including those of up to 140 miles per hour. This is an important feature in places like Florida that can get hit by hurricanes every year. They’re also more resistant to impacts, which can help a roof to better survive debris that might fall on it during a hurricane.

Easy Maintenance

Metal roofs are also very convenient because they don’t require a lot of maintenance. You should try to keep your roof clear of debris when you see that leaves and branches or anything else has fallen on it. You should also have it periodically inspected by a professional periodically to look for any problems that may need to be repaired. This will help your roof to last as long as possible.

Energy Efficiency

Another way that a metal roof can save you money is by helping to reduce your energy bills. Metal roofs do this by reflecting the sun’s rays away from your home rather than absorbing them as other roofing materials can. With the heat reflected away, your HVAC unit won’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool. This can be significant savings somewhere like Florida, which has very hot summers.

Cons of Metal Roofing

As with any type of roofing material, there are also some downsides to metal roofing. It’s important to consider both the pros and cons before making a decision.

High Costs

Although having a metal roof can save money in the long run because of how infrequently they need to be replaced, they also can have higher initial costs. Many homeowners may not have the money for the initial costs of installing a metal roof. However, if you can get together the money for a metal roof, it can end up saving you money over the long term.

Louder Sounds

Metal roofs may be noisier during rain or hail than other types of roofing. However, so long as they’re properly insulated, the higher noise levels aren’t likely to be noticed. Metal roofs on residential buildings should have the necessary insulation so that they’re not noticeably noisy.

February 22, 2022
Signs That You Need a New Roof

Roofs can be long-lasting. Some may last for decades. However, no roof can last forever. It’s important for homeowners to pay attention to their roofs for signs that it’s time for a roof replacement. Getting a replacement roof in a timely fashion can help to prevent damage inside the home caused by leaks in the old roof. But what are some signs that homeowners should look for that indicate it’s time for a new roof?

There’s Water Damage in the Attic

The most important role a roof plays is keeping water and other things from entering the house. An old roof that’s ready to be replaced may no longer be able to do this well. This means that water might get in. You won’t see this from the outside, but if you inspect the attic, you can look for stains or streaks that indicate water damage.

The Roof Has Extensive Damage

How a roof can get damaged depends on the material used to construct it. Tiles may crack. Shingles can curl up, lose grain, or become cracked. A homeowner should be familiar with what their roof looks like when in good condition so that they can recognize when it’s not anymore. It’s especially important to inspect a roof for damage following a storm. Florida is prone to hurricanes, so there’s a good chance of roof damage after one has blown through. You can also hire a roofer to inspect your roof if you’re concerned.

Your Neighbors Are Getting Roof Replacements

Often, homes within the same neighborhood were built around the same time. This means that the roofs are typically around the same age and are often made of the same material. These roofs would therefore all have approximately the same life expectancy. If you see that multiple of your neighbors are getting their roofs replaced, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to as well, but it’s a good idea to start looking for other signs that it’s time for a replacement.

November 1, 2021
How Does a Roof Protect a House?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. This is because it protects your house. A roof keeps a home safe from the elements and can even help to make your home more energy-efficient, lowering your utility bills.

A Roof Shields a Home from Weather

Because of its position on top of a house, it’s the roof that is the first part of a home to come into contact with the weather. The roof is what protects a house from rain. If a roof has been damaged and its seal against the weather isn’t complete, water can leak into the house below, causing water damage to both the house and the property within. In Florida, roofs play an especially important role because of hurricanes that roll in every year. The rain can be torrential, so it’s essential for Florida homeowners to keep their roofs in good repair so that they can do their jobs of protecting the house from the weather.

A Roof Protects a Home from Fallen Debris

If you live near trees, then your roof also protects your home from debris that falls from the trees. This can include branches, as well as leaves and other debris that could otherwise get inside your home. In Florida, there may still be a risk of tree branches and other debris on a roof even if you don’t live near trees. This is because hurricanes also involve high-speed winds that can lift and transport debris far from its place of origin.

A Roof Helps to Lower Energy Bills

In Florida, air conditioning is a must in the heat of summer. Florida’s temperatures are regularly in the 80s, 90s, and even the 100s. Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing. That’s where the roof comes in. The right roof can help to reflect the sun’s rays away from the house. If less heat is absorbed into the house from the sun, the air conditioning unit doesn’t have to work as hard, which can ultimately lower your energy bills.

October 26, 2021