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How to Identify Roof Damage Before It's Too Late

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:48:06 GMT

The roof is one of the most critical components of your home, providing protection against the elements and contributing to the overall structural integrity of the building. However, because it is often out of sight, it can be out of mind, leading homeowners to overlook early signs of damage. Identifying roof damage before it becomes a significant problem can save you a lot of money and hassle. This article will guide you through the essential steps to spot roof damage early and provide subtle pointers on how to take action, such as contacting professional roofing services like Ahlers Roofing.

Understanding the Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of roof damage is crucial for several reasons:

Preventing Further Damage: Minor issues can quickly escalate into significant problems if left unattended. A small leak can lead to extensive water damage, mold growth, and compromised structural integrity.

Cost Savings : Addressing minor repairs is far less expensive than dealing with major damage. Early intervention can save thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

Maintaining Property Value : A well-maintained roof enhances your home's value. Neglecting roof repairs can lead to decreased property value and make it difficult to sell your home.

Ensuring Safety : A damaged roof can pose serious safety risks, including the potential for collapse. Regular inspections can help ensure the safety of your family and home.

Signs of Roof Damage to Look Out For

Regular roof inspections are essential for catching damage early. Here are some signs to watch for:

Missing or Damaged Shingles : Shingles that are cracked, curled, or missing altogether are clear indicators of roof damage. These issues can expose your roof to water infiltration and further deterioration.

Granule Loss : If you notice granules from your shingles accumulating in your gutters or around your home, it's a sign that your shingles are aging and may need replacement.

Leaks and Water Stains : Water stains on your ceiling or walls often indicate a leak. Even small leaks can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly.

Sagging Roof : A sagging roof is a serious issue that can indicate structural problems. If you notice any sagging, it's essential to seek professional help immediately.

Damaged Flashing : Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights can deteriorate over time. Damaged flashing can lead to leaks and should be repaired promptly.

Moss and Algae Growth : While moss and algae might seem harmless, they can trap moisture against your roof, leading to damage and decay.

Gutter Issues : Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to back up and seep under your roof. Regularly clean and inspect your gutters to prevent this issue.

Steps to Inspect Your Roof

Conducting regular roof inspections can help you catch damage early. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visual Inspection : Start with a visual inspection from the ground using binoculars. Look for missing or damaged shingles, sagging areas, and other visible issues.

Check the Attic : Inspect your attic for signs of water damage, mold, or daylight peeking through the roof boards. This can help you spot leaks early.

Inspect the Gutters : Clean your gutters and check for granule buildup and signs of water backup. Ensure the gutters are securely attached and free of damage.

Examine Flashing and Seals : Pay close attention to the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Look for cracks, rust, or any signs of wear.

Look for Moss and Algae : If you notice moss or algae growth, consider having your roof cleaned by professionals to prevent damage.

When to Call in the Professionals

While regular inspections and maintenance can help you catch many issues early, some problems require professional expertise. Here’s when you should consider calling in the professionals:

Extensive Damage : If you notice significant damage, such as multiple missing shingles, large leaks, or structural issues, it’s time to call a professional roofer.

Frequent Repairs : If you find yourself frequently repairing your roof, it may be more cost-effective to have it inspected by a professional to determine if a replacement is needed.

Safety Concerns : Roof inspections can be dangerous, especially for steep or high roofs. If you’re not comfortable performing the inspection, it’s best to hire a professional.

Warranty Requirements : Some roofing warranties require professional inspections and maintenance. Check your warranty terms to ensure you’re in compliance.

Ensuring Your Roof’s Longevity

Maintaining your roof’s health is vital for protecting your home and investment. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, and professional maintenance can extend the life of your roof and prevent costly damage.

If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof or need professional assistance, consider reaching out to Ahlers Roofing . Their experienced team can provide comprehensive inspections, expert repairs, and reliable maintenance services to keep your roof in top condition. By addressing potential issues early, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is well-protected.

For more information on roof maintenance and repair services, visit Ahlers Roofing. Their dedicated team is ready to help you with all your roofing needs, ensuring your home remains safe, secure, and beautiful for years to come.

Your roof is a critical part of your home’s structure and requires regular attention to stay in good condition. By conducting regular inspections and being aware of the signs of damage, you can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from trusted experts like Ahlers Roofing. Taking these proactive steps will help you maintain a sturdy, long-lasting roof and protect your home from the elements.

Remember, the key to a healthy roof is early detection and timely intervention. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start inspecting your roof today and ensure it remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Tips For Choosing A Quality Roofer

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 20:06:23 GMT

Danny’s advice for choosing a quality roofer? Listen to the community! Always check the quantity and quality of reviews that have been left for a potential roofer.

5 Easy-To-Avoid Reasons For Roof Leaks

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 19:06:54 GMT

As the spring rains roll into North Texas, too many of our neighbors are reaching for a drip bucket. Damage from leaking roofs is all too common but often, entirely avoidable! As a trusted roofing contractor, we like to protect your investment. We’ve put together the 5 most common reasons for roof leaks, how to spot them, and how to prevent the damage they can cause.

1. Cracked Flashing

Flashing are thin pieces of metal installed under shingles and on the joints of your roof to create a water-barrier. If weather or wear has caused cracks to your flashing, your roof is vulnerable to leaking! Doing a regular visual check of your flashing after any weather events or changes will help you identify these issues before they escalate into further damage to your home.

2. Clogged Gutters

If leaves and debris have blocked your gutters, they can’t properly help water flow off of your roof. When water pools, it is far more likely to seep through cracks in your roof, causing leaks and internal damage to your home. If you can see debris sticking out of your gutters or if you notice a lack of water trickling out of a downspout during a rainstorm, it’s time to clean them out.

3. Broken Shingles

This one is usually easy to spot! Do a visual inspection of your roof to see if you can identify any missing or cracked shingles. This is especially necessary after a storm accompanied by strong winds or heavy rains. A DIY roof inspection is a crucial step in preventative roof maintenance.

4. Cracked Seals

Cracks along mortar seals can happen on your roof for a few reasons. While intense weather is often the culprit, so are homeowners venturing onto roofs. If you were walking out on your roof to hang up holiday decorations or to retrieve a stray frisbee, you may have accidentally stepped on a crucial element or cracked an already precarious seal. In the future, use ladders and avoid stepping out onto your roof whenever possible. Hire a trusted roofing contractor to do all of your roof repairs as they’re properly trained on how to avoid damaging your roof in the process.

5. Putting Off Roof Inspections

Too often, a professional roof inspection could have spotted a potential issue long before it started causing damage to your home. Preventative roof maintenance is the key to avoiding the need for costly repairs to your home. If you’re in Fort Worth, Plano, Allen, McKinney, or Dallas, we’d love to offer you a free professional roof inspection. Get in touch with us to schedule yours here.

Danny's Advice For Picking A Quality Roofer

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 18:01:20 GMT

Don't take their word for it! Danny explains that a quality roofer shows you pictures along the way.

5 Questions That Protect You From Contractor Scams

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 19:11:21 GMT

Whether you’re in Fort Worth, Plano, Allen, McKinney, or Dallas, knowing the right questions to ask a potential roofer can save you from falling prey to contractor scams in North Texas. Especially in the wake of winter storms, contractors flood North Texas, from Colleyville to Richardson, and present themselves as expert roofers. By asking the following five questions, you can weed out the riff-raff and narrow down to an experienced roofing contractor that you can trust.

1. Are they licensed, insured, and compliant with new legislation?

Don’t let a contractor near your home if they aren’t fully licensed and insured! Ask a roofing contractor candidate for a copy of their 2020 Certificate of Insurance. Read it carefully to ensure that their insurance would cover you and your home should any issues or claims arise. Talk with them about the new Texas roofing laws and make sure that their contracts include the mandatory clauses required for compliance.

2. Do they have an exemplary safety record?

Every quality residential contractor and trustworthy commercial roofing company makes safety a top priority. One way to do this is to provide OSHA safety training for their staff and crews. Ask a potential contractor what their Experience Modification Rate (or EMR) is. If it is less than the industry standard of 1.0, it’s a great sign that this is a contractor who follows the rules and makes safety a top priority on the job site.

3. Are they a well-established local company?

This is an especially important question in the wake of damaging storms! By hiring an established North Texas roofing contractor, you protect yourself from opportunistic roofing scams. By working with a trusted local contractor, whether in Richland Hills, or Denton, you know it will be easy to get in touch with the company should you have any questions or need any warranty service performed in the future. You also have the added protection of being able to seek out first-hand reviews. Your community will help you discover if a local roofing contractor is worthy of your time.

4. Who will be on the job site during your repairs?

If the answer to this question is anyone other than the owner or manager of the roofing company, a licensed contractor, or a trained project manager – this is NOT a company you want to work with. Having experienced roofers in a crew is important but does not ensure that an efficient installation or repair can take place without an industry expert in charge to oversee the work.

5. Can they handle the job?

A quality roofing contractor can’t give a reliable quote if your specific roofing needs are outside their scope of expertise. A local contractor can be the best in town for residential shingles, but if they don’t have a commercial roofing side of their business, they may not be certified to install materials produced by GAF, Johns Manville, Firestone, Carlisle, or other major manufacturers. Make sure that you’re contacting a contractor who is up to the job.

When storms hit, you don’t always have the luxury of time to make a decision about your roofing contractor. Ask these five questions to protect yourself from roofing scams. For peace of mind on any of your residential or commercial roofing projects in North Texas, give us a call at 817-793-2424 or click here to request a quote. We’re located right in the area by North Richland Hills and Southlake.

Questions You Should Ask Your Roofer

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 20:12:27 GMT

Danny shares questions that homeowners should ask a potential roofing contractor.

Danny’s Roofing Recommendations For Changing Weather

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 20:17:55 GMT

Danny Ahlers offers roofing recommendations to care for your property as the seasons shift.

An Important Message From Rod The Roofer

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 19:17:50 GMT

Rod's taking a break from the jokes! Listen in for an important message from everyone's favorite roofer.

COVID-19 Protocols To Protect Our Community

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 18:57:15 GMT

To our beloved customers, employees, and partners,

From all of us here at the Ahlers Family, we pray that you are well and safe. It is our sincere hope that each of you are blessed with the best health you could ask for. These times that we are in are difficult at best, and most of us have never experienced a quarantine or social distancing to this degree. The world around us has changed dramatically in the last few weeks and our decisions and actions must be calculated and intentional so that we can be a part of the solution to the global spread of COVID-19.

It is our desire to ensure that all of our stakeholders are safe when interacting with our employees and vendors. It is because of this desire that we have sought after the most accurate information and guidance from infectious disease doctors to come up with our COVID-19 Coronavirus protocol. We have personally spoken to doctors that are currently in a lab here in the United States working tirelessly to find the medical solution to combat and eliminate the virus. The following is our protocol that all employees, sub-contractors, and vendors must adhere to effective 3/19/2020.

• Before entering a work environment supervisors must verify workers are healthy and have been free of flu-like symptoms for a minimum of 14 days.

• Before beginning work, all supervisors/workers must verify and set-up a handwashing station with soap, hot water, and disposable single-use hand towels.

• All supervisors/workers must have in their possession and must utilize hand sanitizer that is approved by the United States CDC.

• Before beginning work, all supervisors/workers must use personal hygiene protection such as, but not limited to, respirators, disposable gloves, eye protection, and paper/cardboard-based surface protection.

• All supervisors/workers must possess and use a surface sanitation solution made up of no less than 5.25% bleach. (1/3 of a cup of bleach for every gallon of water). If bleach can not be used on the work surface an alcohol-based solution containing no less than 70% alcohol may be used.

• When the last worker has completed the final clean-up for the day in a work area, they will sanitize all surfaces in that area as they leave and may not re-enter that area. This includes all surfaces they have come into contact with especially doorknobs, handles, and other devices used to open and close doors or drawers.

• If the supervisors/workers scope of work was completed and the supervisors/workers never entered the home, they will only need to sanitize commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs or handles.

• Lastly, all supervisors/workers will wash, dry, and sanitize their hands before and after they take a break for lunch or a snack.

All the above-mentioned action items are to be done in conjunction with the World Health Organization’s and The U.S. CDC’s recommendations for social distancing and personal care.

With gratitude and great appreciation,

Daniel R. Ahlers II, Daniel R. Ahlers Sr., and Tabatha R. Ahlers

Danny's Advice For When To Call A Professional

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:57:15 GMT

Are you wondering if it's time for a repair? Get Danny's advice on when to call a professional!

Spring Cleaning & Maintenance For Your Whole Property

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 19:57:15 GMT

Spring cleaning shouldn’t stop at the interior of your home! As a trusted roofing contractor in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas, we’ve created this Spring Cleaning Exterior Checklist for total home maintenance while you’re sprucing up inside for the season.

Spring Cleaning Exterior Checklist:

1. Visually Inspect Your Roof
While you’re outside enjoying the beautiful spring weather, walk around your home and inspect your roof from the ground. Look for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. Take note of any damaged or missing shingles and areas with signs of moss, mildew, or other forms of roof decay. The spring rains around Dallas and Fort Worth are notorious for causing costly leaks and water damage, it’s important to make note of these areas and share them with a trusted DFW roofer.

2. Check Gutters And Downspouts
Is rainwater flowing freely from your downspouts? As you start the season, scoop leaves and large debris that accumulated over the winter out of your gutters and flush smaller debris out with a hose. As the fine materials move with the water, watch the underside of the gutter for leaks and make sure that the water exits freely through the downspout. If water is pooling anywhere on your roof or not flowing well, make a note of these areas to discuss with your preferred roofing contractor as they are high-risk areas for leaks.

3. Inspect Your Woodwork For Mold And Decay
Winter weather often means wear and tear for your woodwork! Walk the perimeter of your property and check both sides of your wooden fence for algae, mildew, and decay. If you have a wooden deck or porch, it needs to be inspected as well! Make note of these areas as they need to be professionally assessed for repairs. Sometimes resealing is enough to protect your woodwork, and sometimes certain boards or sections need to be replaced by a professional local contractor.

4. Test And Reseal Your Deck, Fence, And Railing
Whether you’re in Richland Hills, Frisco, Plano, or Southlake, when it comes to fencing, sealing is the key to defending a wooden fence against the elements. Coating your fence with a sealant will increase its resistance to sunlight, heat, and water. This will prevent the spring rains from causing rot or warping and the summer sun’s heat and UV rays from washing out the color of your stain.

5. Have Areas Of Concern Professionally Assessed
Call Ahlers for a free, professional inspection of any areas you noted in your assessment. From fence repairs, to interior renovation and leak repair, to maintaining your roof to prevent damage, we’re here to get your entire property in tip-top shape! We care for homes from Fort Worth to McKinney, Allen, and Highland Park.
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Taking the time to properly maintain and prepare your home to withstand the coming weather can have a positive impact for seasons to come. Protecting your investment is what we’re all about here at Ahlers, we hope you’re ready to have the most beautiful home in DFW this spring!

Repair Or Replace? 5 Things To Consider When You Have A Damaged Roof

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 20:38:41 GMT

Whether you live in Keller, Frisco, Southlake, Carrollton, Colleyville, or anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the choice to repair or replace is a big decision for homeowners dealing with roof damage. Working with a trusted North Texas roofing contractor can take the guesswork out of the decision. As you talk through this issue with your preferred roofer, here are 5 items you need to consider:

1. How old is your roof?

Depending on what material your roof is made of, the lifespan of your roof will vary. If your roof is getting close to (or is past) 20 years old, replacing it may be more cost-effective than doing repairs. Here is a helpful guide with average lifespans of different roofing materials to use as a guide:

Wood Shake – 15-20 years
Asphalt Shingle – 15-25 years
Metal/Steel – 50+ years
Slate – 50+ years
Tile/Concrete – 50+ years
Foam – 25+ years
Built-Up (BUR) – 25-30 years
Single-Ply – 30+ years

2. Are your leaks localized?

With the recent tornado and storm damage near Richardson, Carrollton, Dallas, Irving, and other North Texas cities, there was a lot of damage done to homes and roofs. If the damage to your roof is isolated to one area, repairs will be simpler than if you have leaks spread over several sections. Often, roofs will leak along flashing points. If this is the case and leaks are localized to one area, a skilled contractor can let you know if a quick repair is all your roof needs. If the damage is more widespread, talk with your local roofing contractor about if a replacement could be necessary.

3. Are there signs of rot?

When your roof shows signs of mold or rot, you have trapped moisture that could be causing serious damage to your property. A trusted contractor can advise you on how extensive the damage is, internal to your home and externally to your roof. It may only require replacing one section, but when you see rot, repairs are certainly in order.

4. How long will you be in this home?

If this is a home that you plan to sell in the next couple of years, replacing the roof may not make sense if it’s still in generally good condition. If you’re planning to live in this home for the next several decades, it may be a better investment, in the long run, to replace it instead of doing several rounds of repairs. Your roofing contractor can help you decide the best way to approach these repairs.

5. Could Your Material Choice Affect Your Home Insurance?

If you do end up replacing your roof, the type of materials you choose can qualify you for significant discounts on your homeowners’ insurance. Often, using shingles that are fire, wind, or hail damage resistant will result in lower rates. Make sure that you are working with a roofing contractor who uses the highest quality materials, both for your insurance rate and for the longevity of your investment.

If you’re concerned about damage to your roof or leaks you’ve noticed in your home, get in touch with us. We’d be happy to give you a free professional roof inspection and have an honest discussion about what would be the best repair or replacement decision for your home. We consider it our mission to protect your home, your family, and your wallet.

Holiday Home Decorating Do’s and Don’ts

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 20:41:55 GMT

All the cold weather we’ve enjoyed the last few weeks has gotten us thinking about decorating for the holidays! We offer professional holiday light installation (click here if you’d like a free quote) but we also know that many families enjoy the tradition of decorating their home themselves.

To keep you on Santa’s nice roof list, we’ve put together a few key Holiday Decorating Do’s and Don’ts to ensure your home or property isn’t damaged as you hang your festive decor.

Holiday Decorating Do’s & Don’ts:

DO Use Clips To Hang Lights

Plastic clips are a handy way to hang lights without damaging your home. They come in several styles and can attach to your gutters, shingles, or eaves without causing damage. Using proper clips that don’t damage your home will prevent the need for professional roof repairs in the future.

DON’T Staple Christmas Lights To Your Roof

You NEVER want to put holes in your roof for any reason! As a roofing contractor in Dallas and Fort Worth, we see a lot of damage caused by staples. As quick and easy as they may make light installation, the holes left behind create weak points in your shingles. These tiny holes can allow moisture to seep in, leading to cracks in your shingles and damage to your home.

DO Use A GFCI Outlet For Outdoor Lights

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet prevents electric shock from systems that could be exposed to wet conditions. For outdoor lights exposed to rain or snow, this acts as a circuit breaker and protects your family and your home from a shock risk.

DON’T Run Strings Of Lights Through Windows Or Doors

Running a light strand or extension cord out of a window or doorway can seem like a simple solution if you have a shortage of outdoor outlets. However, when that door or window is closed, the internal wires can become frayed or damages from the constant pressure. This makes a safety hazard for shocks or electric fires. (Remember, if you need an outdoor outlet installed, we can help!)

DO Use Ladders Appropriately

Falls are the leading injury landing people in emergency rooms during the holidays. It’s important to follow safety precautions as you use ladders to hang lights and other decorations. Make sure that you have a second person as a spotter to hold the ladder for stability at all times. Move your ladder over instead of reaching to prevent tipping and consider using a wooden or fiberglass ladder to prevent electric shock as you work with lights.

DON’T Forget To Turn Off The Lights

Especially if your family is enjoying a live Christmas tree this year, lights should not be left on overnight. Even LED lights can overheat and the combination of overheated lights and a dry Christmas tree could cause a fire. We suggest turning off your lights anytime you go to bed or leave the house.

And finally, DO Call In An Expert if you find any damage to your roof while you’re hanging your lights! Take the time while you’re on the ladder to check your shingles, eaves, and go through a DIY Roof Check. We’re always happy to give you a free repair estimate or a free professional roof inspection to get your home prepped and ready for the winter weather.

We’re wishing you the brightest decorations on the block and the happiest of holiday seasons!

Danny’s Advice For What To Do After A Storm

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 21:06:44 GMT

Danny Ahlers offers advice on maintaining your property after a storm.

Fall Weather Roofing Tips

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 19:46:41 GMT

The temps are finally coming down and fall has arrived in North Texas! As you and your loved ones prepare for the holidays, make sure that your property is prepped for the changing weather and the season to come. Here are Ahlers’ top roofing tips to ensure that your home is ready for fall!

1. Clear leaves and other debris from your roof – Falling leaves and other organic debris can collect in the eaves and valleys of your roof. If these build-ups impede the run-off from your roof, you may be in for trouble. Mold, cracking, and other drainage related issues aren’t always evident until after the damage has been done. Keeping your roof clean and clear is the best way to prevent unnecessary damage to your roof.

2. Clean out your gutters – Fall leaves can fill your gutters and prevent water from properly flowing off of your roof. That can lead to leaks, mold, and the need for professional roof repairs. If you have large trees that hang over your home, consider having a professional roofer install gutter guards to help ensure that downspouts and gutters stay unblocked and fully functional.

3. Trim dead branches off your trees – Now is the time to trim back any dead or damaged branches that are close to your home. Fall weather often brings strong winds and heavy rain, a dangerous combination for weakened limbs. Should a branch fall on your roof it can cause damage requiring extensive roofing repairs. Trimming branches early in the season also minimizes the leaf drop that can accumulate on your roof.

4. Schedule a professional roofing inspection – It’s always a good idea to have a trustworthy roofing contractor look at your roof before winter comes. Don’t wait until a leak shows you that you’re in need of a repair! A professional roof inspector will highlight any areas of weakness that need to be addressed before they turn into a cause for major repairs. At Ahlers, we consider complimentary roof inspections an important part of helping you protect your family, home, and wallet. Contact us to schedule your free roofing inspection today.

The last and final thing to consider for your roof this fall is how you’ll be decorating for the holidays! Consider working with a professional roofer to deck your home for the season with an amazing display of festive holiday lights. Working with a roofing professional ensures that your roof and your property won’t be damaged in the light installation or removal process. It also keeps you off of ladders and inside with your loved ones!

At Ahlers, we love to help you celebrate the season by providing the highest quality work and materials for your holiday light installation. Now is the time to get on the books to let us make your holiday lighting dreams come true. In the meantime, we hope you have the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Danny Ahlers Advocates For Roofing Regulation

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 19:20:37 GMT

Danny Ahlers Advocates for Roofing Regulation to Protect Homeowners.

How The New Texas Deductible Law Protects YOU

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 19:49:22 GMT

Good news, North Texas Homeowners! Texas has passed a new law that helps protect your property and your wallet from shady contractors. As of September 1, 2019, any Texas roofer or contractor who assists a Texas homeowner in avoiding payment of their required insurance deductible can be punished by law. While this was always the intention, Texas roofers and contractors have been exploiting a loophole in the old law since 1989 to make deductible payments an incentive or bonus to working with them.

Previously, trustworthy contractors who refused to break the law couldn’t compete with these “deductible eaters.” Homeowners were lured into signing contracts with shady roofers with the promise of a “Free Roof!” This corner-cutting has caused thousands of Texas homeowners to accidentally commit insurance fraud by submitting a request to their insurance company for replacement costs without disclosing that the deductible portion of their cost had not been paid.

A Texas roofer or contractor is out of compliance with the new law if they pay, waive, absorb, rebate, credit, or otherwise declines to charge or collect a deductible. Going forward, the legal weight of penalty lies with the contractor if they are found to be in violation of the new law. With fines up to $2,000 and up to 6 months of jail time, the consequences will hopefully be enough of a deterrent to end this dishonest practice.

While legal responsibility lies with the contractor, there are still significant consequences for homeowners who allow a Texas roofer or contractor to break this law on their behalf. Should a contractor lose their license over this law, any warranty for work done to a property would be void.

Going forward, any contract that a homeowner enters into with a Texas roofer or contractor will contain required language explaining this new statute. Another big change that homeowners can expect is that insurance companies can require “reasonable proof” of deductible payment before writing a check to cover the cost of a new roof or a repair.

To make sure that your home and your wallet are protected, here are some tips to help you avoid contractor fraud from the Texas Department of Insurance:

Get written estimates on company letterhead with clear contact information.
Get more than one bid to gauge which ones are too high or too good to be true.
Check references and phone numbers.
Beware of those who only have out-of-town references or solicit door to door.
Don’t pay in full upfront and don’t make a final payment until the job is done.
Never sign a contract with blanks on it.

This important change in legislation will both protect Texas consumers from illegal fraud schemes and ensure that trustworthy contractors who collect deductibles can be competitive in the marketplace. If you have any questions about how this new legislation might affect you, or if you need a quote from a North Texas roofer and contractor that you can trust, get in contact with us. We’re proud to protect your property and your wallet.

Your Vision is Our Mission!

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 19:22:48 GMT

Danny Ahlers shares about his passion for making your vision a reality.

Keep Your Trees In Tip Top Shape This Summer!

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 19:52:06 GMT

We’re closing out our Summer Heat Series with your shadiest neighbors, your trees! Shade trees are a staple of North Texas landscaping and as a top North Texas roofing company and storm restoration specialists, we get a front row seat to the damage that can occur to your property when your trees aren’t properly maintained. Caring for your trees is a great way to proactively prevent damage to your home both above AND below ground. If you don’t know of a local landscaper or arborist who is committed to protecting your wallet as well as your trees, reach out to your local contractor for a recommendation.

Let’s talk about caring for your trees in the summer heat!

Underground

Here in North Texas, clay soil is king. Clay soil has notoriously poor moisture retention and the soaring summer temps can create drought conditions that can be detrimental to the foundation of your home. The most commonly planted varieties of large shade trees in North Texas aren’t native to such arid areas. To cope with the extreme heat and the excess evaporation from their leaves, shade trees drink more moisture from your soil in the summer than any other season. This can compound drought conditions and lead to soil compaction or shift if it goes unaddressed.

You might have guessed it, but all of this underground movement can cause your foundation to crack. (For a full rundown of how to assess the state of your foundation check out our previous blog post or contact us for a free assessment.)

Taking care to water your lawn thoroughly and regularly throughout the summer will help prevent drought conditions under your home, and additionally hydrating your foundation with soaker hoses can help get you through the season. Still, if you have large shade trees near your home, that may only be a short term fix. Check with a local arborist or trusted North Texas landscaper to see if your trees need to be moved.

The best time to transplant your trees is early in the fall when they will naturally be entering a period of root growth. This is the optimum window to transplant trees as they will avoid the stress of the summer heat and have time to establish their root system before they are dormant for a period of the winter.

On the Surface

There are a few tell-tale signs of heat stress in trees that can help you stay in touch with the state of their health, both where you can see it and below where the root system is competing for moisture.

Keep an eye out for leaves turning yellow, leaf drop, or excessive dropping of bark and twigs. While this would be normal behavior for a tree in the fall, this signals heat stress in the summer. One factor that commonly exacerbates this issue is radiant heat from hardscaping around trees. This can include sidewalks, brick walls, glass, or water surfaces. Decomposed granite, often used in place of mulch under or around trees, makes radiant heat more intense as it both absorbs heat from the sun and reflects it. The increase in radiant heat can cause stress in otherwise healthy trees.

If you’re seeing summer leaf drop or other signs of stress in your tree this summer, ramping up your watering regimen will go a long way to remedy the situation. Additionally, adding a layer of natural mulch around the base of your trees will aid in moisture retention and create a natural buffer between the root system and drastic heat spikes.

From the Top

Broken or weakened limbs can come loose in the high winds of a summer storm. This can lead to serious damage to your roof and the need for professional storm restoration. Conservative, preventative pruning can help to storm-proof your trees. However, it’s important not to over prune your trees in the summer. Trees rely on their leaves not only for food but also for shade. Younger trees are especially susceptible to sun scalding if too much of their bark is exposed. A tree that is over pruned also requires more water to prevent heat stress and can lead to the drought conditions in your soil discussed earlier.

The summer is the perfect season to spot dead or broken branches on your trees because their lack of leaves sets them apart from the surrounding limbs. Try to limit your summer pruning to dead or damaged branches and leave pruning for shaping purposes for the end of the first growing season (mid-December to the end of January in the DFW area). Executed properly, preventative pruning improves the health of your tree in addition to reducing wind resistance and limb loss during summer storms.

If your trees have been damaged or have caused damage to your property this summer, get in touch with us . As a trusted DFW roofing contractor and construction company, we’ve been guiding homeowners through scorching Dallas-Fort Worth summers for over 30 years. We’re proud to protect your home, your family and your wallet as we get your property ready to beat the summer heat!

Is Your Roof Ready for the Heat?

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 20:09:35 GMT

Temperatures have hit triple digits here in North Texas and it’s the perfect time to make sure that your roof is up to the task of handling the summer heat! As a top roofing contractor, we here at Ahlers recommend that you perform routine roof maintenance checks to help you spot areas of weakness early. To protect your property it’s important to detect and address wear and tear on your roof before it leads to more serious property damage. Here is our breakdown of a DIY roof assessment that you can do at home!

DIY Roof Assessment

Before you get started, keep in mind that it’s important to protect yourself in the summer as well as the winter and stormy seasons! We recommend doing your DIY roof assessment early in the morning before temperatures rise. It’s also important to wear gloves and protective eye-wear while you’re checking out your property.

Step One – Start with a walk around your home intentionally looking for any signs of wear on your roof. Look for shingle lift, damaged or missing shingles, moss or fungal growth, or any kind of debris that has accumulated in the corners or valleys of your roof. It’s helpful to use binoculars if they are available to be able to see your roof more clearly.

Step Two – Check to see if your flashing (the metal strips around your chimney, skylights, vents, etc.) has come loose or deteriorated. Flashing can be blown loose during harsh weather and high winds. Ensuring that it is secured before a storm will help reduce your risk of damage.

Step Three – Check for loose gutters. If you find any that have loosened over time, tighten all the bolts and make sure that they are angled and aligned so that water flows away from your house and doesn’t collect in any corners of your roof.

Step Four – Check the underside of your eaves for insect or bird nests and other debris accumulation that can promote rot and block water runoff. Also, check your gutters to make sure that they are clear. A simple way to do this is to run water through them with a garden hose. If the water flow is restricted, you may have a clog that needs addressing.

Additional Checks After A Storm

The North Texas summer is unique in the intensity of its wear on your roof. With high winds, humidity, soaring temps, and even an occasional hail storm, your roof assessment should have a few more steps after a summer storm.

Storm Check One – If possible (and safe to do so) it’s important to observe your roof during windy conditions. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, and high winds can all deteriorate the adhesive strips under your shingles. If you’ve recently had a summer storm, watching for shingle lift is key to avoid potential leaks and shingle blow-off.

Storm Check Two – Walk around your home and inspect any large trees that are near or over your roof. If any limbs have broken or cracked during a storm they can potentially cause significant damage to your roof. If you see any dead branches hanging or any signs of damage to your trees, it is important to have these weakened limbs removed.

If you discover any damage or deterioration to your roof during your DIY Roof Assessment, it’s time to call in a trusted local roofing contractor. Getting a professional roof inspection will put your mind at ease and give you a game plan for getting your roof back into good operating condition. ( Click here to contact us , we’d love to give you a free professional roof inspection and cover all these items.) By doing routine assessments and needed maintenance, you’re setting yourself on track to meet or extend the life expectancy of your roof. That’s what we call protecting your property from the top down!

We hope you’re enjoying our Summer Heat series, check back in with us next time to address caring for the shade-giving staples of North Texas landscaping, your trees!

Outsmart Summer – Prep Your Foundation for the Heat!

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 20:12:15 GMT

Welcome to the third post in our Summer Heat Series! If you’ve been following along, welcome back! Here at Ahlers, we see ourselves as more than just a quality roofing company. As a professional roofing company, we get a bird’s eye view of your property and we take pride in helping you protect every aspect of your home. In this post, we’ll be getting down to the bottom of it all as we dive into how to defend your foundation as the temps soar!

The Drought Condition Culprit

Foundation cracking is the result of drought conditions in the soil under your home. Soil contracts, compacts, and shifts as it dries causing uneven support for your foundation. This can cause cracking that leads to expensive foundation repairs (and the need for a great local contractor). We suggest, however, that foundation issues could often be prevented by an expert landscaper! Did you know that you likely have several yard elements contributing to drought conditions under your home even with periodic rains?

The biggest drought condition culprits are also the most beautiful staples of your yard – your trees. Large shade trees are a staple of North Texas landscaping, but many of the most commonly planted varieties aren’t native to arid areas. The large root systems of shade trees suck up the moisture in the soil under your home and are often a contributing factor to foundation damage if steps aren’t taken to increase moisture retention around the perimeter of your house.

How to Check In

To see if conditions are a concern for your foundation, it’s best to do a perimeter check early in the season and see how your foundation is faring. Take a walk around your home and check to see if there is a gap where the soil meets your foundation. If you don’t see a gap, that’s good. Your moisture levels are likely right where they should be. If you do see a gap, don’t panic! Investigate further by digging about six inches down into the soil to assess moisture levels below the surface.

If the soil at that depth is dry, you need to moisten your soil to minimize the risk of your foundation cracking and sinking. Don’t drench your soil, start by spending 10-15 minutes a day watering the soil around your foundation. If you’d prefer to set soaker hoses, keep them 6”-18” from your foundation and set them to run in the dark hours of the morning to minimize evaporation.

A Natural Approach

Another way to help naturally retain moisture around your perimeter is to plant shrubs or a bed of flowers around your foundation. Not only are these a great aesthetic addition to your landscaping, but their roots hold moisture in the soil. Putting mulch underneath your new plants will help prevent erosion and also work to prevent evaporation.

Water costs are always something to consider but are minimal in comparison to the cost of foundation repair to your home. If you see any cracks in your walls or in your foundation, don’t panic, call a trustworthy local contractor right away. Remember, we’re always here to help!

Check back with us for our next post in our Summer Heat Series where we’ll help you stay on top of shingle lift, loose gutters, damaged flashing, and other weak points that can shorten the life-span of your roof if not properly addressed. We’ll walk you through the steps to a quick roof inspection you can do yourself (remember, you can contact us anytime for a free professional roof inspection if you find anything of concern). A seasonal roof inspection is vital to ensure that your roof is up to the task of handling the summer heat and storms. Until then, set up those soaker hoses and have fun in the sun!

Enjoy a Lawn That Thrives in the Summer Heat!

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 20:20:27 GMT

Welcome back to our Summer Heat Series! In this post, we’ll be going through our best practice tips for summer lawn care in North Texas! As a top roofing and construction company in DFW, we see a lot of lawns, both good and bad, and we know that keeping your lawn lush and inviting in the summer can be a daunting task. When executed improperly, your efforts can actually harm your lawn. Here are our best practice tips (and the impact they have) for watering and care through the summer heat!

1. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and ensure that your lawn is dry again by nightfall. If you are watering in the evening the blades of grass will still be wet when the sun goes down, making your lawn more susceptible to mold and disease if the water isn’t able to fully evaporate. (Check out the tips from our fencing experts in our previous post so that your watering efforts don’t harm your fencing!) Summer landscaping is even more prone to mold damage than your lawn. Keep all watering of flowering plants to the early morning.2

2. Monitor your lawn as you water. If the water is puddling, running off, or pooling, turn off your tap and let the water soak in. Turn it back on and off as many times as necessary to get a complete watering that doesn’t run off. As a North Texas fencing expert, this is incredibly important to us. Pooling water can cause conditions that encourage rot and warping of your wooden fence. This can be caused by a lack of topsoil, overly dry soil, or soil compaction. Because of the high clay content in North Texas soil, compaction is often the culprit. If it continues to be an issue consider working with a trustworthy local landscaper to aerate your lawn and help with drainage.

3. Know your soil conditions and be consistent with your watering schedule. Depending on what type of grass you have you may need to water more or less frequently each week. Over-watering can be just as tragic for your lawn as underwatering. Waterlogged roots aren’t able to absorb nutrients from the soil and, ultimately, suffocate your lawn. Those stretches of scorching days are the exception here, your lawn will require more moisture when the temps soar.

4. Water deeply, we can’t say this enough. The goal is to moisten the soil down 5 or 6 inches. This will encourage healthy, deep root systems that will be more resistant to drought and pests. Short, daily waterings encourage your grass to grow shallow roots. In the long term, this leaves your lawn vulnerable to stress, disease, and infestation. Whether you are watering with a sprinkler system or by hand with a hose, make sure that every watering is thorough. If you don’t have a suitable sprinkler system installed, work with a dependable North Texas contractor to set your lawn up for success.

5. Don’t scalp your lawn! If a lawn is cut too short it actually requires more water because it can’t retain moisture efficiently. Set your blade higher if you mow yourself or find an affordable North Texas landscaper so that you can work with them on a consistent basis and have healthy expectations for your lawn. Keeping your grass a little longer will allow it to stay healthy and established as the base for your summer landscaping.

With hosting all your block parties, barbeques, and water balloon fights, your lawn gets the most use in the summer! If you follow our North Texas lawn care summer tips you’re sure to keep it in top shape! Check back in for our next blog post where we’ll be talking about what could be causing drought conditions in your yard and how to protect the foundation of your home. As your local roofing and construction experts, we make caring for your property our top priority! We’ll be running our Summer Heat series to carry your home safely through the season. Until then, enjoy some family time out on the lawn!

Beat the Summer Heat and Protect Your Fencing!

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 20:23:21 GMT

North Texas has enjoyed a milder, rainier start to the summer but, with the heat cranking up, it’s time to take action and protect your property! We’re kicking off a summer series taking a look at steps you can take to protect your investment and your home from the weather ahead. As your friendly, local fence contractor, we’ll be looking at preventing fading, warp, rust, and rot to keep your fence looking its best and staying sturdy all summer long!

Wooden Fencing

When it comes to wooden fencing, the key to preserving its longevity is having it stained and finished before it has to stand against the elements.

Start by removing any ivy or vines from your fence. As lovely as vines and ivy may look, they’re invasive and thus destructive to most structures. On a wooden fence, they can attract insects and rodents that can chew or nest in the structure. Climbing plants can also hold moisture against the surface of the wood and increase the chances of rot in your wooden fencing panels.

After you’ve trimmed back other grasses and landscaping, give your fence a good pressure-washing to clean off any mold, mildew, or algae buildup. This will perfectly prepare the wood for a new stain or finish.

There are endless wooden fencing designs to choose from. Staining your fence is all about aesthetics. Choose a tone that matches well with the hardscaping in your yard and with the colors of the exterior of your home.

For North Texas fencing, sealing it is the key to defending a wooden fence against the elements. Coating it with a sealant will increase its resistance to sunlight, heat, and water. This will prevent the sun’s heat and UV rays from washing out the color of your stain and prevent the summer rains from causing rot or warping.

If you have recently stained and sealed your wooden fence, summer prep for you will simply be some light pressure washing, taking care not to wash off the sealing coating. Summer is the season for mold, mildew, and algae to bloom. Removing any growth from your fence at the beginning of the season will keep it bright, clean, and beautiful all summer long.

Metal Fencing

Metal fences are less maintenance on the whole, but there are still steps any fencing contractor would recommend you take to keep their structure uncompromised.

One of the best ways to avoid having to repair a fence is simply to wash it. Removing any debris that has collected on the fence through the winter is the goal. If you’re using a pressure washer and your fence is painted, make sure you stand back to the recommended distance for your pressure washer to avoid blasting off your paint in the process.

Typically the first place to rust on a metal fence is the hinges. Walk the length of your fence and check for any damage. North Texas fence repair is most often necessary because of our high humidity and baking-hot sun. Replacing hinges and other moving parts at the first sign of rust will help you avoid more serious long term problems that could result in expensive repairs to your fence.

Taking the time to properly prepare your property to withstand the coming weather can have a positive impact for seasons to come. Protecting your investment is what we’re all about here at Ahlers, we hope you’re ready to have the best fencing in North Texas!

In our next blog post, we’ll be covering summer care best practices for your lawn. In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine!

The Ahlers Family Legacy

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:25:27 GMT

Hear from Danny about his dedication to the legacy of his business and how he chose to give it his family name.

Materials to Consider When Investing in a New Fence

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Thu, 30 May 2019 20:50:25 GMT

Ahlers Roofing and Construction has been putting up fences around the Dallas/Fort Worth area for decades. We know a thing or two about fences and love to help our customers find a fencing solution that works for their exact needs. You have quite a few choices when you’re putting in a new fence and, with so many decisions to make, it can be intimidating. We are here to help!

The first step is narrowing down what material you’d like to use based on what function you need from your fence. Would a wooden privacy fence be best around your backyard pool or would you prefer an airy wrought iron fence that won’t obstruct your view? Are there any HOA guidelines you need to work within? If you are a business owner, what are your options around your commercial location? We believe there’s a perfect fence for every property.

Let’s consider the different fencing materials to help find the right choice for your family.

Wood

There are plenty of great things to be said about wood fences. Wood offers a high-level of privacy at a low cost. Visually, wood is softer and warmer than options like vinyl or chain link. Wood is also highly customizable. Something to consider with a wooden fence is that it has a lifespan of 10-20 years if it’s treated properly. Being a natural material, a wooden fence will eventually shrink, warp and crack. Fortunately, panels and sections can be replaced with low cost and relative ease. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, customizable and visually appealing fence around your home, consider wood!

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron fences have come a long way since the embellished fences of old Victorian homes. Sleek, modern options are available that bring clean lines and an open feel to your property. Wrought iron is second to none in terms of durability. It’s difficult to find fencing material that will last as long or withstand as much as it can. Some things to keep in mind when considering wrought iron are its cost and its lack of privacy. The materials and the installation cost more than a wooden fence and the majority of iron fences don’t offer much in the way of privacy. Still, the aesthetic addition and protection of your property are well worth your investment.

Pipe Fencing

Here in North Texas, pipe fencing is king. This is a great option if you are looking to contain livestock or love the ranch-style look. Pipe fencing can be painted any color and customized with rolled materials such as Sheffield wire, chicken wire, horse wire or barbed wire to suit your specific needs. Considering the cost of steel and also the cost to install and weld the fence, pipe fences can be quite an investment. In terms of functionality, with a pipe fence, every penny is well spent.

Narrowing down the type of fence material that’s best for your property is the first step towards creating a functional and beautiful addition to your home. Ahlers is proud to walk alongside you every step of the way, making sure that your home, your family and your wallet are protected.

Top DFW Roofer Knows How to Do it R.I.G.H.T.

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Tue, 07 May 2019 20:53:05 GMT

Danny Ahlers, founder of Ahlers Roofing and Construction, goes out of his way to make sure that he treats his customers right. “When people go searching for a roofer near me,” he says, “I want people to understand that Ahlers is a family business. We’re building a legacy meant to last for generations.” And as Danny knows, the best way to make a business last is by building a solid foundation of values. That’s why Ahlers is recognized as one of the best roofing contractors in DFW; because his values are R.I.G.H.T.

Ahlers maintains transparent core values of Respect, Integrity, Generosity, Honor, and Time towards their customers and employees. Those values were chosen from Danny’s own life, where he says no matter the situation, you’ve got to “make it right.” The values actually form the acronym ‘RIGHT,’ so they’re easy for each employee to remember and execute. As Danny explains, “We work really hard every day on making things right for our customers, for our employees, our subcontractors and our vendors.”

What does it look like in practice to have the RIGHT values for a roofing company?

Unlike roofing companies who come to your house and make a mess, the Ahlers’ crew works to keep everything perfect, because they understand the importance of RESPECTING your home. Danny explains that “Whenever I think about respect, I think about the relationship we have with our employees and our customers and what’s bringing us together, whether it’s a roof or just a piece of trim. We want to really respect what our customer’s expectations are and respect the home that they’ve created. We understand that it’s not just a structure that they live in, and so we really put care into what we’re doing.”

More than keeping things clean, doing a job RIGHT means that the work they do is high quality and meant to last. In Danny’s words, that means having INTEGRITY. Specifically, he says, “Integrity really speaks to everything that we do. There are so many different ways you can save money on a roofing or construction job, but what we don’t want to do is jeopardize the integrity of that job. We want to do things right, we want to make sure it’s structurally sound, we want to make sure that everything we do will pass building codes and an engineer can come in and look at something that we do and say ‘Yes this was done correctly.’ That’s work done with integrity.”

When a business is doing well in the community, Danny says that’s the time to be GENEROUS. People don’t always think of roofing companies as the kind of organizations that give back to the community, but Danny notes that with the roofing materials and construction supplies available to them, they are in the perfect position to help others. For example, Ahlers works closely with an organization called “Sunshine Spaces” to help families with critically ill children completely redesign and remodel their bedrooms or homes at no cost, and turn the living space into a children’s fantasyland. They also help those in need with complete roof replacements.

Another reason why Ahlers is able to make such strong connections with their customers is because they take the time to HONOR others. Danny explains, “We strive to honor people and what they’re going through, and where they are in life. We honor their wishes, respect their boundaries and really connect with them. Whenever somebody says ‘This is what I want from a roofing company or a remodeler, this is my vision for what’s going on right now with this project,’ we really want to honor that and see that through to the end.”

Finally, Ahlers understands that TIME is valuable, especially your time. They don’t want to lead you on, and they want to make sure you know what the job is going to entail. Danny notes that “We want to make sure that we communicate with our customers about the length of time it’s going to take to do a project. We want to be realistic, but we also want to communicate all the things that could happen. Because once you get into a project, you could be opening up a wall that has a million different problems with it and you’re not going to know until you open it up. So we like to be really realistic and transparent with people.” This kind of honesty and integrity is what separates Ahlers from other roofing companies and construction companies in DFW.

When you work with a business like Ahlers, that wears its values on its sleeve, you reap the benefits, and can have peace-of-mind that things get done RIGHT.

Meet Danny Ahlers – Your Home Protector!

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 19:30:50 GMT

Danny Ahlers, roofing and construction industry expert, explains what got him into the business!

Make Sure Your Roofer Is Using High Quality Roofing Materials For Your Home

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 20:57:28 GMT

Your roof is what protects your home and family from the elements. You want it strong enough to weather the elements and for it to last as long as possible so it saves you money. It’s important and appropriate to ask where your roofer is sourcing the materials that are being used on your roof. As technology advances, some materials have improved in functionality and strength, but are actually more cost-effective than other options.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used in North America. It is estimated that 70% of single family homes have asphalt shingles and, considering they are often the most inexpensive option, that is not too surprising a fact. However recent advances in metal roofing have made them easier to install and have thus lowered the cost. They may still be more expensive than asphalt shingles, but with a lifetime of 50 to 100 years, they are the most cost-effective option over time.

There are several other roofing options to consider: wood shingles and shakes, concrete, clay, and fiber-cement tiles, natural and faux slate, and the new Tesla solar tiles. It is always a good idea when putting a new roof on your house to consider various materials.

Even with all the options out there, as we mentioned, asphalt is still the most common roof material. One thing to be aware of when buying asphalt shingles or having a roofer buy and install them, is that there are vendors that sell second-hand shingles. Those shingles don’t have a warranty and they’re second-hand because they have a defect from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, some of these defective shingles get into the market. One way to tell if a bundle of shingles are second-hand or defective is to check the wrapper they come in. If you see “No Warranty” stamped on the wrapper or back of the shingles, they are probably not good quality. Find another source or make sure your roofer is not going to use those shingles on your home.

While roofing and shingles haven’t had much of an overhaul in the last 30 years or so, there have been some improvements that allow for a better overall experience. For example, instead of multi-layer laminated shingles being made by hand, they are now produced by machine, which increases the quality, consistency, and price. This also means that shingles are now available in elaborate designs, with enhanced colors and blends!

The roofing industry might not be changing too quickly. But it is important to be aware of what products are out there. Your roof should be built to last, but also should make your house look great. Make sure your house is using top quality materials and keep your home and family safe!

If there are specific materials that are in your price range and make sense for your home, get quotes from roofers who specialize in the type of roof you want. Let them know that they are competing with other companies for the project. Then, get some references, drive by homes they roofed from 5-15 years ago to see how the roofs they’ve installed are look today. Some roofers try and cut corners. This can save THEM money, but cost YOU more down the road. A new roof is a big expense! You want to know it’s being done right and will last.

Protect Yourself from Shady Roofers!

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 20:59:24 GMT

Like many parts of the construction industry, the roofing industry has its fair share of disreputable players. All sorts of roofers are trying to bid on jobs and many aim to do the least amount of work, with the cheapest materials, and in the end it’s the customer that suffers.

According to industry expert Danny Ahlers, “The biggest sign of a bad roofer is if they can’t answer your questions or they can’t answer your questions intelligently or completely about the whole process. That’s a red flag! They should be able to walk you through every single step of the job, the quote, the insurance process, and the insurance estimate.” A lot of these things can get very complicated so it’s extremely helpful to have someone explaining them to you. As Danny says, “The estimates are confusing, I mean there’s a lot of codes on there, there’s a lot of numbers on there that are associated with the different sizes of the roof, the length of the gutter, all these different things. And most people have no clue what that is..” A roofer needs to be able to speak intelligently to any numbers they are presenting, tell you where all the money is going and what the finished product is going to look like. If they can’t…you should be concerned.

“Another thing to look out for,” Danny continues, “is if a roofer can’t tell you what the whole job process will look like, like when the guys show up every morning; what do they do; what does the job site look like in the process; are they going to protect my landscaping; what do you do in case of an emergency, etc” All of these different things need to be disclosed, and if someone can’t answer your questions then you should be a little bit worried.

One of the biggest red flags is if a roofer providing a quote is asking for a really large up-front deposit. “If they want that whole $9,000 check that you just got before they’ll even show up to do the job, then that’s a sign of a potential issue there,” says Danny. “Because we’ve been around for a while and because of our reputation,” Danny explains, “most of our customers do not have a problem handing me a big up-front check, but that trust has been earned.” If you don’t already have a relationship with a roofer or contractor, a small deposit to secure the contract is the safest way to start a job. Then the next payment should occur whenever they actually show up with materials to start doing the work.

Lastly, you can often tell when you’re dealing with an unsavory roofer if someone shows up and doesn’t look like they are prepared to do the job. However, that’s not always the easiest thing to know, because it’s hard to know what to look for. Danny recommends that “If guys are showing up in beat up old trucks and maybe no company logos on them and they just look like they rolled out of bed or didn’t sleep at all last night, there might be an issue.” With a lot of these recommendations, one of the things that is most important is communication. According to Danny, “If your contractor hasn’t communicated with you every step of the way, what’s going to happen, why it’s happening, or they just can’t answer your questions, then you’re probably in a problematic scenario.”

We recommend that you ask a prospective roofer the following:

Ask any questions you can think of that gets into the specifics of the job: “Are they going to remove all the roofing materials? Am I going to have a dumpster in my driveway? Are you going to protect my landscaping? Will you protect my swimming pool?”
Ask what time workers will be arriving and leaving.
Ask where they source their materials, to avoid second hand or defective shingles.

If you don’t see a logo on their shirt or logo on the truck, ask to see identification.

“If you have somebody show up that just doesn’t look professional,” says Danny “ or that you wouldn’t feel comfortable handing a $100,000 check, then you’re probably in that situation where it might not be somebody you want to do business with.”

In summary, don’t feel intimidated about asking roofers questions to make sure that you are confident in your decision to hire them. You should have peace-of-mind in your hiring decision. For them, it may just be a job, but for you and your family, it’s your home. That’s why Danny offers all this advice, he wants to help protect your home, your family, and your wallet.

Lack of Protection is Big Deal for Homeowners in the Roofing Industry

info@sitefire.io (Darrin Savage) — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 21:01:22 GMT

One of the biggest problems in the roofing business today, according to industry expert Danny Ahlers, is the lack of regulations or certifications that can help protect consumers from poor performing contractors. “We are in a market that’s not regulated,” he explains, “so that means roofers don’t have to go get a license by the State Department of Insurance or anything like that. So, in a huge metroplex with a lot of really talented sales people that come up through established roofing companies, they do fantastic jobs, and at some point, after they’ve made a couple of big commission checks, they think ‘Hey I can be a roofing contractor and have my own business.’” Unfortunately these neophyte sales contractors often have little training and business experience, a combination which can have lasting negative effects on their customers and the industry.

As Danny continues, “These contractors get out there and they do a couple of jobs, or we have a big storm and they do lots of jobs, and then all of a sudden the market goes the other direction, work dries up a little bit, and they don’t have work coming in for a long time. Most guys don’t know how to handle those swings in business.” That means that these contractors will come and go, usually lasting only a year or two before closing up shop and leaving the market. These low experience/high turnover companies create a lot of problems for the industry. According to Danny, “They create unrealistic expectations on the customer side, because a customer may say, ‘Hey we love this guy, he’s tremendous. He’s coming to our house and he’s sold us this fantastic new roof!’ But, he hasn’t taken the time to find the right subcontractors, to find the right employees, so the job doesn’t go very well. At our company, we end up with a lot of customers that have had bad experiences and have had to hire us to go back and fix all these problems that were created by those guys.”

Unfortunately, there isn’t a current clear solution to this problem. Open and unregulated markets like the Texas roofing industry allow for a lot of breathing room for new businesses, which can be helpful in fostering growth in the industry. Danny believes that licensing and regulating the industry may not be enough to fix the problem. He says, “I don’t know if licensing here in the state of Texas and regulating all of us is going to cure that or remedy some of it, but I think that’s the biggest threat to our industry right now.”

Danny cares a great deal for peoples’ homes and families, and wants to help homeowners avoid the costly mistakes that come with inexperienced roofers. He says the best things you can do to avoid any issues are to search for a reputable roofer, get estimates from more than one, and ask the right questions.

Remember, your home is where you and your family should feel the most safe and secure. That means making sure all your maintenance and construction or remodeling work is done by qualified professionals who take pride in a job well done. If you have any questions about work for your home or roof, give Danny and his folks a call and make sure that your home, your family, and your wallet are all protected.