Your asphalt shingle roof can only take so much, even if it's designed and manufactured to protect your home from the elements for decades. Most homeowners contend with numerous missing shingles that a recent storm blew off. Your asphalt shingles may have lifted and gone missing due to the various factors we have listed below.

Age

Aged asphalt shingle roofs are prone to getting some pieces blown off after a strong hurricane. A 20 or 30-year-old roof would endure much more damage than a newly installed one, even if it had proper installation and maintenance. Old shingle joints have deteriorated seals that loosen their grip and are easily lifted off the roof by strong winds. 

Installation Issues

Manufacturers have a set of guidelines and checks that the roofers they certify must follow to the dot for a proper installation. It also allows them to cover these newly installed roofs with their lengthy warranties. If you hired a roofer who did not get any certification, you would get a poorly installed roof with loose shingles prone to going missing. 

Strip Problems

Roofing contractors must nail the shingle on the narrow nailing strip of the shingles above it. Nailed too high, and the shingle would get blown off easily. Sometimes, the seal strips might also have its own issues. It might not have set properly, made from poor materials, or your local weather disrupted the way it set after installation.

Green Country Roofing has a detailed guide on how to avoid blown-off shingles from your roof. Learn more about it below.

Watching your roof shed shingles can be frustrating and annoying. It’s important to contact a roof repair company as soon as you notice this happening, as missing shingles can leave your roof susceptible to the elements. Keep reading to learn more about why your roof may be losing shingles.

LOSING SHINGLES IN A HIGH-WIND EVENT

Yes, it’s obvious that winds are the cause of shingles blowing off the house. However, the reason why could be traced back to a high-wind event. A high-wind event might not blow shingles off immediately but can simply lift shingles up separating the seals of the shingles known as mastic, or the shingles can pull through the nails that are supposed to hold them in place. If you have experienced a high-wind event of 60 mph or higher in your area—often associated with some thunderstorms, a straight-line wind, or a tornado—it’s possible that your roof has experienced the beginnings of wind damage. After the mastic separates or shingles pull through the nail, shingles are more vulnerable to blowing off as a result of any kind of wind event, even at much lower speeds.

LOSING SHINGLES THAT ARE LOW WIND-RATED

This one is simple. The wind rating for shingles starts at only 60 mph. Here in Oklahoma wind speeds reach 60-70 mph at least once or twice each year. Three-tab shingles have the lowest wind rating of all shingles and are most susceptible to blowing off. If your shingles have a low wind-rating, this could explain why shingles are blowing off your house.

LOSING SHINGLES DUE TO POOR INSTALLATION

It really doesn’t matter if it’s a shingle roof, a kitchen, or even a vehicle when things are installed improperly, problems will occur. How can shingles be installed improperly resulting in blow-offs? The answer is “nail placement.” If shingles are not nailed in the common bond area or are nailed too far from the edges, shingles then lose the ability to withstand high winds.

LOSING SHINGLES DUE TO A WINTER INSTALLATION (Continued)

Slavin Home Improvement is a company dedicated to excellent roofing installations, replacements, and repairs. Many homeowners in your neighborhood trust us because we only bring the highest quality possible in every project we work on. Call us today to get a roof that lasts for decades and protects you from the elements.

High-quality asphalt shingles can withstand extreme weather conditions with the right underlayment, structural materials, and other essential roof system components. The underlayment is an important but commonly overlooked roofing component. Prioritize choosing the right roofing underlayment by knowing the different kinds – we've listed them below.

More About Roofing Underlayment

These are secondary layers placed below asphalt shingles that catch stray moisture due to backflow or heavy rains. If the system has missing shingles, the underlayment will catch stray moisture until the missing shingle is replaced.

Types of Roofing Underlayment

Asphalt Saturated

Asphalt-saturated underlayment offers watertight performance at a good price. Most homeowners prefer them because they're affordable and accessible for newly built properties. Its only downside is the many alternatives available for it in the marketplace.

Rubberized Asphalt

These are a combination of synthetic materials and asphalt with a self-sealing capability to ensure an airtight seal around the seams, preventing attic water infiltration. Homes with plenty of roof structures like chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and dormers use rubberized asphalt to keep them sealed

Non-Bitumen Synthetic

Synthetic underlayment is a dependable material that is at an excellent price and offers exceptional airtight sealing. It has excellent waterproofing, tear and moisture resistance, and density. Furthermore, it weighs less than asphalt-saturated and rubberized asphalt underlayments.

Findlay Roofing has an excellent guide on how to match your underlayment with your roof. Learn more about it below.

Matching the underlayment to your roof

So, how do you go about picking out a roofing underlayment? There are several different factors at play, but one of the most imporant is what type of top layer your roof uses. With traditional shingles, roofing felt is often a good idea – 15-pound roofing felt in particular provides adequate protection while still giving air some room to move around. However, if you have a metal roof them you may want to use a synthetic layer with more heat resistance, because metal roofing may trap heat more easily than other materials.

Climate is also an important factor. Hotter climates or very wet areas may be more conducive to synthetic underlayments, but if you live in location that receives frequent snow and windstorms, heavy-duty felt may be preferable.

Other considerations

If you are concerned about price, roofing felt tends to be more affordable than synthetic underlayments, although this can vary based on both material and labor. Ask a roofing professional what materials work best in your area, and what options can help you save the most! (Continue reading here to learn more)

Slavin Home Improvement is a renowned roofing contractor with decades of experience serving homes in your local area. Many homes and properties trust us for top-notch roofing installations, repairs, and replacements. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Gutters are barely noticeable. They're a system that protects your home by removing moisture and rainwater from your roof. Without gutters, water would travel straight to your yard and dislodge soil, soak your garden, stain your siding, and even cause damage to your basement.

If kept unchecked over time, gutters lose their integrity. They could rust due to the presence of moisture and bacteria. Dust and leaves may encourage small animals to nest in them. Lastly, gutters can accumulate large amounts of snow and start sagging.

Before winter arrives, have a roofer check the state of your gutters to maintain its performance. They can fill in holes, reinforce the gutter's structure, and leave you with enough time to replace the system if necessary.

It's challenging to know if your gutters are still in good shape. You'll need to climb the roof and observe the system. A roofer can do much better in cleaning them. They can observe the gutter and peer inside its downspouts. Then, they can clean them efficiently and ensure rainwater will flow into it without causing backflow that enters your attic.

Bear Mountain Custom Painting has several suggestions on how to upgrade your gutters. Read more below.

When a rainstorm comes out of nowhere, the last thing you want to be worried about is whether your gutters can redirect all the water properly. Proper drainage will be essential to reducing your home’s risk of flooding as well as cutting the amount of damage your property sustains during this period. In fact, the better your gutter system functions, the less cleanup you’ll have to do after the fact. Here is how to improve the drainage of your home gutters and the factors that can affect their performance.

KEEP YOUR SYSTEM CLEAN

To maintain a steady water flow through all your gutter’s components, you first need to make sure that the piping is clean. As you’re probably well aware, gutters tend to collect an assortment of debris throughout the seasons. These items obstruct the channels where the water flows and stop them from draining as efficiently as they should, so regularly clearing this gunk out will be vital moving forward. 

INSTALL GUTTER GUARD ACCESSORIES

You can also improve the drainage of your home gutters by installing an accessory to keep potential blockages out. A gutter guard is a screened device that attaches to the top of your gutter channels and prevents large debris from collecting in them. The screen portion still lets water in—allowing your system to do what it does best unhindered. Professionals can even hook up these products for you and save you the extra work.

USE DOWNSPOUT EXTENDERS

Another step you can take is to equip your downspouts with several extenders. On a basic gutter system, the downspout doesn’t deposit water very far away from your home. Though this is still helpful in preventing floods, you can further increase your odds by making this section of pipe longer. In doing so, the water runs further out into your yard, draining it in a much more effective way. (Continue reading here to learn more)

Need top-notch roofers to improve your roof and gutter's condition before winter arrives? Turn to the best in your local area. Slavin Home Improvement is a trusted roofing company in your local area with decades of experience helping neighborhoods. Call us today to get a free quote.

Gutters and downspouts are a small yet important part of your home. They protect your foundation and roofing material. Despite their usefulness, they might look out-of-place with your exterior aesthetic. You can effectively hide your gutter downspouts using the following methods.

Paint

Paint your downspouts so they blend with your property's primary color. You can imitate the texture of the grass or your siding to hide the downspout in plain sight. This is the most affordable and efficient solution – the acrylic paint can also protect your downspout's physical integrity.

Plants

Plants can hide many undesirable areas of the property, including downspouts that stick out from your property's aesthetic. Place your plants around the downspout by boxing it with potted plants or hiding it inside a trellis system. You can hang plants right next to it to give your downspouts a unique look.

Mosaics

Pebble veneer or mosaic siding materials can hide your downspouts effectively. You can arrange them in a square around the downspouts with a few inches between each pebble. You can also use a single pebble and work it around the downspout in a spiral.

Here are a few more methods from Gutter Professionals.

Trellises and/or Clematis Vines

This is a very decorative way to hide the ugly downspouts from top to bottom. Trellises are designed to fit around vertical items. These will add to your curb appeal, landscape elements, and conceal every portion of the downspout. We recommend clematis vines to add to trellises as they are gorgeous flowering vines that are easy to maintain. They also don’t grow out of control, aren’t too heavy, nor are they invasive.

Blend Them with the Siding

One way to make your downspouts less conspicuous includes painting them a different hue. They don’t necessarily have to be the same color as your siding, although that would look really nice, just ensure they don’t contrast with the house. Metal primer and appropriate paint can match the color of your home and is easy to find. There will be a paint to match any type of your home’s exterior material – brick, stucco, vinyl, etc. This can be cumbersome, but very inexpensive. It will also really help camouflage those downspouts that you despise.

Rain Chain Instead of Downspout

Rain chains are appropriate when downspouts are connected to a permanent awning or something else that is not directly connected to the house. Water will run down the chains, and the homeowner can spruce them up with concrete or cast resin splash guards. This could also be a great way to water a gorgeous plant by attaching it to the end of each chain. (Continue reading to learn more)

The best gutter installations and maintenance ensures your home will have a yard, foundation, and property cared for. Let Slavin Home Improvement's experts handle your roofing and gutter needs. Call us today to learn more.

Roofing contracts protect your rights as a customer. It ensures your roofer fulfills all their responsibilities and sticks with your stipulated budget. 

The contract must set everyone's expectations, set the working hours of roofers, achieve the objectives stated in the contract, and more. 

Here's everything you need to know about roofing contracts.

What You'll See

A well-written contract includes the address, phone number, and email address of your contractor. Furthermore, it will state the project's overview (the problem they've found on your roof) and the scope of work or the details of the solutions they would implement.

Next, the contract should show the roofing materials they'll use, their roofing license number, and liability insurance provider and coverage. It must also include the start and finish dates of the roofing project, penalties for the deadline, payment terms and schedule, payment methods, termination clauses, and warranties.

Be aware that there are two types of roofing contracts:

• Fixed-Price Contracts: Reputable roofers and homeowners prefer fixed-price contracts because it's cost-effective and sets definite times. It is a contract that includes all the estimated costs of the entire project. The amount you see in this fixed-price contract is what you pay – anything else not stipulated but paid for by your roofer is their responsibility.
• Time-and-Materials Contracts: In this contract, homeowners will have to pay for the amount of time and materials the roofer spent throughout the project. The contract is typically undesirable because homeowners are uncertain about the final price of the service.

Contract Counsel has an in-depth post about roofing contracts. Read more below.

What Should Be in a Roofing Contract?

Every roofing contract should contain the following components:

Business Details

Every contract should have basic information about the roofing company's business, including the license number, insurance information, and physical address. This information assures the homeowner about the legitimacy of the business. The contract should also include the name, address, phone number, and email address for the homeowner, as well as where the work will be done if the location is different from the property owner's home address. Every roofing contract should also come with copies of proof of insurance, including:

• Bonding (if applicable).
• Worker's compensation insurance.
• Liability.
• Roofing companies should also provide proof that they are in compliance with local codes and state laws and ordinances, including:
• Licenses, required permits, zoning notices, and inspections.
• Legal jurisdiction governing contract.

Scope of Work

The scope of work defines what exactly the roofer will be doing and the labor and materials necessary to complete the job. If the homeowner ordered a complete roofing system, the contract should specify the accessories that will be used for installation. For example, there may be components on top of the shingles, including ridge cap shingles, leak barriers, vents, roof deck protection, and starter strip shingles.

Duration of Project

Homeowners generally expect the work to start anywhere from two to six weeks after the contract is signed. However, this can vary depending on the time of year and whether the contractor has a backlog of jobs. Regardless of when they can start, the contractor should be straightforward about their availability so that the homeowner has a reasonable expectation. After the contractor begins working on the roof, the job should not be interrupted by anything other than the weather.

While the length of time it takes to install a roof can vary depending on the size of the home, an asphalt shingle roof typically takes approximately one week to complete. Adverse weather conditions can also create unexpected delays that can affect the project duration. In general, though, an experienced roofer should be able to give an accurate timeline for the project. There may be a "no later than" clause required by some jurisdictions. In the event that the contractor failed to start the project on time, this clause would render the contract null and void.

Materials and Services

A roofing contract should list all materials and services included within the scope of the job, in addition to the basic roofing and labor required. If not mentioned in the contract, permit acquisition fees and cleanup and disposal services are topics you should discuss with the contractor. The contract should also include the specific product names and information about manufacturer warranties for those products (Continue reading here to learn more).

At Slavin Home Improvements, you get the best residential and commercial roofing contracts that take care of your current problems. We make sure we get the job done properly before the deadline. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Water damage is one of the most devastating roofing issues any homeowner can encounter. It can leave your sheathing and rafters in poor, softened condition. Fortunately, determining whether you have water damage is easy – just follow the steps below

Ceiling Discoloration

Soaked ceiling plywoods and boards will change into a rust or brown-colored splotch on your roof. Water directly hit these areas in the ceiling. You can assume that your sheathing and rafters are soaked if your ceiling has started to discolor.

Drip Trails on Walls

Rainwater will drip on your walls from the ceiling. You can see this as a dried trail from the ceiling and against the wall. If the drip trails happen much more frequently, it means you have roof leaks that need repairs immediately.

Soaked and Tattered Insulation

Insulation will absorb water leak and weaken its structure. As it loses integrity, it would become torn and tattered. If you see any signs of torn and tattered insulation on your roof, assume that you have water damage and need to have it repaired.

What do you after you diagnose that your roof has water damage? Here are a few more things to do according to Jenkins Restorations. Read more below.

1. Call Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners’ insurance will vary depending on what policies you have. The insurance company will send an adjuster to look at and assess the damage and determine if it is a covered loss.

Document the values of each and every item you can think of and take as many photos as possible before, during, and after cleanup. This will help the adjuster when he or she is able to come assess the damage.

Note: Not all home insurance policies cover flood damage.

2. Protecting Yourself, Appliances, and Valuables

The most important step in any major home disaster like flooding and water damage, is to make sure yourself and your family are safe. There are several things you can do to stay safe in your home.

Turn off the power

Water and electricity obviously do not mix. But, if turning off the power requires you to enter or stand in wet areas it is best to leave it alone and call an electrician. Do not reenter a flood damaged home before turning the electricity off.

Wear Protective Gear

Be sure to wear protective clothing–such as rubber boots and gloves–when you re-enter your home. This will protect you from injuries that can get bacteria filled water in them.

Protect Your Valuables

You can lift wood furniture off the wet carpet areas and insert tin foil under the feet to prevent staining of the carpet. Likewise, remove any rugs that may be on wet flooring.

You may be forced to leave your home if the flooding is bad enough. Make sure it is also safe when you return to your home to begin dealing with the aftermath. Don’t drive through any flooded areas!

3. Start Water Damage Repair Immediately

Before starting the process of water damage removal in a flooded home, be sure to document all of the damage first.  This will help with any future insurance claims you make. 

If possible, water damage restoration should start 24-48 hours after you’ve been cleared to re-enter your home. In many situations, the damage is too extensive for one person or family. Get help from a restoration service to stay safe and ensure the water damage removal process is done correctly.

Be aware that you may need to remove flooring, drywall, and insulation to prevent mold and mildew from spreading in your home. Furniture may also need to be dried out, cleaned or thrown away depending on the level of water damage. Water and moisture can damage hardware floors quickly, so this process should be started as soon as possible. (Continue reading here to learn more)

With Slavin Home Improvements, you have a roofer who has delivered outstanding roofing repairs for residential and commercial properties. Call us today to learn more about our services.

Asphalt shingles are the top roofing material used for most homes today because it's affordable. Asphalt shingles can cost a third less than metal roofing or clay tiles. They also offer plenty of variety when it comes to color and style. Numerous suppliers in your area distribute high-quality asphalt shingles that can last for decades with proper maintenance.

However, asphalt shingle's reputation is still marked by its unconventional and dangerous past. 

In some parts of the past, shingles were accused of having asbestos content. Many also believe that regardless of price, asphalt shingles are made equally and will have the same lifespan and performance.

These statements that people accept are entirely false today, but they might have been true at some point. Today's asphalt shingles undergo a different manufacturing, strengthening, and reinforcing system. The new process ensures no dangerous chemicals will leak into downspouts. The process also ensures no homeowner will breathe and endanger their lives because of dangerous chemicals.

Don't give in to the idea that asphalt shingles today are still full of trouble and problems. Manufacturers continue researching and discovering ways to keep their products safe and reliable. To debunk the common myths about them, here's an explanation from Lyons Roofing.

Putting Roofing Rumors to Rest

There is a lot of bad information floating around about roofing, roofing issues, and roofing services. Whether it’s underqualified contractors assuring you that their rushed methods will work fine or your neighbor down the street insisting that licensed roofers will try to push overpriced and ineffective services, you may have heard a few myths about roofing that are quite simply untrue. We asked our fully trained and licensed roofing team to help us debunk some of the most pervasive myths out there. With their extensive experience, commitment to continuing education, and proven skills, you can trust that the experts of Lyons Roofing can help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to roofing!

1 – Your New Roof Can Be Installed Over Your Old One

Some contractors may try to tell you that your roof can be “repaired” by installing a new layer of shingles over your old, broken roof. But as any licensed roofer can tell you, this won’t get you the results you need. New shingles need to be installed with their own layer of underlayment and support, and that means that your roof will need to be fully replaced to ensure it can still protect your home effectively.

2 – Darker Roofs Mean Higher Bills

It’s a common assumption that darker shingles absorb heat and make your home hotter, causing you to pay higher air conditioning bills to combat the higher temperatures. However, this simply isn’t true. While darker shingles do absorb heat, they won’t make your home any hotter. That’s because your roof ventilation and attic insulation prevent that excess heat from entering your home, keeping your family cool and your energy bills low.

3 – All Asphalt Shingles are Created Equal

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials on the market, but a lot of homeowners hesitate to install them, largely because of the pervasive belief that asphalt shingles are all cheap, plain, and unappealing. But the reality is that asphalt shingles come in multiple colors, shapes, and protection levels, and are in fact the most customizable roofing material on the market. With asphalt shingles, you can easily create a roof that’s customized to your family’s unique aesthetic and needs – you won’t be limited to the plain black roof typically associated with the material. (Continue reading here to learn more)

You can trust Slavin Home Improvement to take your residential roofing to the next level of protection and reliability. Let us help you by allowing us to inspect, replace, and take care of your roof's needs. Call us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.

You've called up your roofer because the roof's condition is about to get worse later in the next five years. These certified roofers only use high-quality asphalt shingles from a renowned manufacturer. Their certification ensures you can make claims on any poor material and construction performance after installing your roof.

The roofer did a great job as you've expected from a certified roofing company. But, from the yard, the roof looks strange – it has a wavy pattern that you're aware it shouldn't have. It shouldn't have ripples because you've just used new roofing materials, not installed over an aged material or poor sheathing. To learn the issue behind it, you should ask your roofer about this occurrence.

In some instances, wavy asphalt shingles are normal after installation. The materials haven't properly set in because of the local temperature. It should look flat within a few days.

When it remains wavy and abnormal-looking after a week, you can call your roofer to examine its cause. Often, the roof material isn't to blame. Sheathing, trusses, nailing, and other factors also come into play. 

If you'd like to learn more about wavy asphalt shingle causes and how to fix them, you can refer to Archer Roofing's post below.

Although the underlying cause is usually excess moisture under the shingles, there are several factors that add to the severity of wavy shingles, including:

• Faulty nailing, where shingles are nailed too tightly together, causing them to buckle, popping up.
• Use of low quality underlayment, such as tar paper that was wrinkled during roof installation or shifts and moves around under the shingles.
• Poorly installed decking, which was installed with inadequate spacing between panels, or the plywood was too thin and comes loose and shifts over time.
• Shifting plywood on the deck due to high moisture levels under the shingles. This deck movement forces the felt and shingles to shift as well due to everything being interconnected by the roofing nails embedded throughout. As a result, the shingles move closer or further apart, causing unsightly buckling in the process.

As can be seen, most of the causes of shingle buckling are excess humidity—which needs to be eliminated first by improving attic ventilation by a qualified roofing company. (Continue reading here to learn more)

You can always count on Slavin Home Improvements for top-notch roofing services in your local area. With our decades of experience and knowledge, we ensure only the best results for all your needs. Contact us today.

For most roof contractors and home renovations, hiding downspouts is a must, unless homeowners like the rustic, old-time look of downspouts in their homes. These components are functionally necessary for any property, but they do not contribute any aesthetic value to the property. However, hiding downspouts can be costly for some properties, especially if you're going for a certain rustic look.

Downspouts can stick out like sore thumbs and can make your property's appearance cluttered. However, for rustic and classic residential looks, downspouts don't need hiding. Exposed downspouts can have the same colors as your trim and siding to contribute aesthetically to the residence's overall aesthetic.

Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in residential rainwater management. These two components lead rainwater away from your yard and gardens and straight to sewer lines or rainwater systems. Over time, gutters can bend and sag, causing trapped water to seep into your roof materials and home. Downspouts can also bend and angle away from your sewer lines, causing possible damage to your yard and garden.

Exposed downspouts are easier to maintain than hidden ones because roofers can easily inspect and identify their existing issues. 

If you want to show your downspouts, Patriot Gutters has an excellent set of tips to help you get started.

To Show or to Hide?

When deciding the color of your gutters and downspouts, you’ll often hear the recommendation of matching it to the color of your trim or your siding. This is usually perfect for those who want to play it safe. But keep in mind that this shouldn’t limit you when designing your home’s exterior.

For instance, you can choose a color that would let your gutters, gutter guards and downspouts pop. Feel free to use copper tones, aged bronze or other fun colors you can think of. The costs, however, may vary, so be prepared for that as well.

Tips for Exposed Gutters and Downspouts

• Customizing the color of your gutters can be a challenge, so here are some tips to guide you in selecting the right color:
• Match your gutters and downspouts to your siding if you want them to fade into the background.
• Match your gutters and downspouts to your trim. This allows them to blend in and seem like an organic part of your exterior design.
• Match your gutters and downspouts to your roof. This effectively hides your gutters from view. However, using the same color for your downspouts may look a bit off.
• Copper and aged bronze gutters make for an interesting curb appeal. Certain architectural styles can benefit from this look. (Continued)

You can always count on Slavin Home Improvements to provide you with top-notch roofing and gutter system installations. Contact us today to learn more about our services.