Author: Shon Boswell Roofing

This author has written 58 articles

Choosing the Right Roof Repair Company in Florida

Right Roof Repair CompanyHiring a roofing contractor can be stressful, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Roofing repairs are expensive, and mistakes can cost you thousands of extra dollars and extensive damage to your home. Don’t fall victim to unlicensed and disreputable contractors just because they offer a cheap price. Follow these tips to choose the best roof repair company for your project:

  • Licensed, bonded, and insured

All roofing contractors in Florida must be licensed to work in their respective counties. In Pinellas County, the Contractor Licensing Department handles the licensing of all contractors, including roofing contractors. Anyone doing roofing work here should have a license issued by Pinellas County. One requirement of receiving a contractor’s license in Pinellas County is posting a $5000 surety bond and taking out business liability insurance. If you’re considering hiring a roofing repair company and they cannot produce proof of a license, bond, and insurance, move on to the next candidate. (more…)

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Material Used for Roofs in Florida

Roofs in FloridaYour roof makes a big statement about your home and its value. As one of a home’s most expensive and visible features, you want a roof that is sturdy, stable, and attractive. Florida’s hot, humid climate poses unique challenges for roofers, as some roofing materials just can’t stand up to the blazing sun or hurricane-force winds. Roofing materials must meet strict standards set forth by the Florida Building Code, including the unique requirement that all roofing materials be algae-resistant. The most popular materials used for roofs in Florida are:

  • Shingles

Shingles stand strong as the most popular roofing material in Florida. Known for their durability and affordability, shingles can withstand brutal temperatures and high winds. As long as they are installed correctly, shingles can tolerate winds of 150+ mph, are waterproof, and receive up to a Class A fire rating. If you choose shingles for your roofing project, opt for asphalt, fiberglass, or laminate. Consider installing lifetime premium shingles (if money is not an obstacle). Avoid 3-tab shingles as they are too flimsy for Florida’s high winds and heavy rain, especially considering high-quality laminate shingles cost only a little more. Most shingles will last 15-20 years. (more…)

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Which Roof Type Best Supports Solar Panels?

solar panel florida

Decided to get solar panels and if you should get a new roof first? Many people choose to
get a new roof before solar panel installation. Whether you’re considering adding a solar
panel system to a commercial building or a residence, it’s easier than ever to install solar
panels on a roof.
Depending on the type of roof you have will determine how your solar panels are installed,
as each roof type requires a specific solar panel installation process.

See the below popular 4 roof types to learn more.

Shingle

Asphalt shingle roofs last between 15 and 30 years. Solar panels are attached using panel
mounts, the roof is sealed, and flashing is added to prevent water leaks.

Tile

Slate, clay, and concrete tile roofs last between 30 and 40 years. Tiles must be removed to
install solar panels on a tile roof, which are either replaced or modified to accommodate
the panels.

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Tips on Maintaining a Flat Roof

flat rook florida

Flat roofs are common here in Florida on both residential and commercial properties. While part of our love affair with the flat roof is aesthetic only, there are some functional reasons for having a flat roof too. They offer extra living space, more interior living space, are easier to house large appliances like an HVAC system or solar panels, and cost less than a traditional pitched roof. Repairs can also be cheaper since getting on a flat roof is much safer than a pitched roof and flat roof materials are generally inexpensive. However, flat roofs require special maintenance to keep them in their best shape.

  • Inspect it

Crawl up on your roof at least three times per year or more often to inspect the flat roof. Suppose you don’t feel comfortable checking it out; set up a preventative inspection schedule with a local licensed roofer for your roof type. Address all issues found in inspection immediately.

  • Keep it clean

Keep all debris, including limbs and other tree waste, off of your flat roof. If there are trees nearby, consider trimming them back. Flat roofs allow debris to collect more quickly than pitched roofs, but they’re also easier to clean since you can walk on them.

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Why Are Shingles the Most Popular Roofing Material?

shingles roof floridaAsphalt shingles are by and large the most popular roofing material in the great state of Florida. Even with several other roofing materials readily available on the market, asphalt shingles still reign supreme. But why? There are lots of reasons shingles are viewed as the best roofing material in most applications, including:

1. Affordability

Asphalt shingles have long been the gold standard for roofing application and are widely available nationwide, so their cost is lower than all other roofing materials. While the cost of different types of asphalt shingle roofing can vary greatly, it’s hard to beat them overall in terms of cost-effectiveness.

2. Versatility

Asphalt shingles can be used in almost any roofing application and design. They are easily cut into any shape to cover all the creases and dips of your roof seamlessly.

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10 Things to Consider Prior to Hiring a Roofing Contractor

roof contractor st. petersburg

It’s bound to happen to any homeowner…one day, everything is fine, then next, you’re dealing with water pouring into your kitchen from a surprise roof leak. Or maybe a rogue hailstorm came by and made your roof look like it was attacked with a ball-ping hammer. Either way, roofing work can be costly and time-consuming. Save yourself some stress by asking the following 10 questions about any roofing contractor you are considering to work on your home. It might just keep your roofing project from turning into a financial disaster.

  1. Is the contractor licensed, bonded, and insured (as required by law)? If the answer is no, move on to the next option.
  1. Have they done jobs similar to this in the past? Can they provide references and photos? Professional, quality contractors will always have references and photos of their past work to show potential clients.

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Dangers of a Leaking Roof

Leaking Roof St. PetersburgIt should go without saying that a leaking roof is best repaired sooner rather than later. However, sometimes homeowners put off essential repairs like this for various reasons, usually financial. But a leaking roof should not be put on the back burner but should instead be handled with urgency, as the consequences of ignoring the leak can be devastating.

Mold and Mildew

 Numerous health issues can be traced back to mold and mildew lurking inside people’s homes, such as allergic reactions, asthma, eye irritation, and sinus congestion, to name a few. A leaking roof is a perfect catalyst for moisture to get inside your home’s attic, walls, and insulation, becoming a breeding ground for mold spores. Any type of mold is costly to fix, but black mold can run you into the thousands to remediate.

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Benefits of a Metal Roof

flat roof

Is a metal roof the best choice for your home? Many homeowners are surprised by how many roofing options they have to choose from when building or renovating their property. It may be confusing or overwhelming to consider each roofing material’s pros and cons to find the best fit. 

Let’s take a look at the benefits of a metal roof so that you can make an informed decision on the roofing needs for your own home. 

What Is a Metal Roof?

A metal roof system uses structured metal paneling on low slope and steep slope roof styles. Material choices for metal roofing include aluminum, copper, zinc, steel, and tin. You can select metal in many different types, including those that resemble shingles, tiles, shakes, or vertical paneling. 

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Flat Roof Vs. Tile Roof: Which Is Better?

Every roofing material has its benefits and drawbacks. It’s to understand each type of roofing’s unique differences before selecting the best choice for your property. If you’re debating between a flat roof or a tile roof, here’s what you should know. 

What Is a Tile Roof?

A tile roof is traditionally made from slate or fired clay or terracotta products. However, it’s now common to modernize the tile roof concept with molded, tinted concrete instead. Roofing tiles come in many different shapes and sizes, so they’re easy to customize to your exact wishes: curved, flat, flute, and interlocking. 

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Can You Add More Than One Layer to a Flat Roof?

If your roof is having problems, you have two options: rip off your existing roof and install a new one or lay your new roof down on top of your old roof. In some cases, it’s best to add another layer to your flat roof, but not always. Here’s what you should know. 

What Is a Flat Roof?

A flat roof actually isn’t entirely flat, but it’s close. A “flat roof” is installed on a very subtle angle so that it appears flat but actually contains a slight slope. This slope allows rainwater to drain off the roof. It is for this reason that a flat roof is also often known as a low-slope roof. 

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