Author Archives: Cincinnati Roofing

Is roof cleaning really necessary? 

It may not be ‘the law’, but if you want to keep your home healthy, then yes, roof cleaning should be considered necessary. Your roof is currently durable and protective, but over time, you’ll start to see dark streaks forming caused by algae growth. That algae will be accompanied by assorted debris, dirt, dust, and leaves sticking to it, taking away from the aesthetics of your home. 

So, consider these three primary reasons why you should make roof cleaning part of your spring-cleaning process here in Cincinnati: 

1. Keep Your Home Looking Good

Whether you have an asphalt, metal, or tile roof, you want the beauty of the colors and style to shine! And if your home is in an HOA neighborhood, roof cleaning is most likely required. Regardless of where you’re located, think curb appeal! And if you’re planning on selling your home, a roof cleaning could be the one thing that makes your home stand out above the others.

2. Lifespan Is Doubled

Getting a new roof installed is a substantial investment and you want to take care of that investment so that you can get the most from it. Annual roof cleaning will get the algae, debris, dirt, dust, limbs, and other things off will extend your roof’s lifespan. You can do this yourself or hire a professional who will have the proper equipment, supplies, and methods so that your investment isn’t damaged.

3. Energy Efficiency

A new roof is energy-efficient after it is installed, but it won’t stay that way if it gets coated in algae and other debris. Regular roof cleaning keeps those things that will decrease energy efficiency, saving you money on utilities and keeping your home comfortable inside. 

What is there to know about roof cleaning?

You have a garden hose with a nozzle attached, what more is there to know when it comes to roof cleaning? Well, first of all, that garden hose and nozzle probably aren’t going to do a thorough roof cleaning. Second, unlike a professional contractor, you won’t know the amount of pressure to use if you do have a pressure washer and you won’t know what chemical products to use. 

There are two methods of roof cleaning, each having risks. Those methods are: 

• Pressure Washing: This is done with a pressure washer that sprays water on the roof and is great for removing algae, dirt, mold, and more. 
• Chemical Cleaning: This is often referred to as a soft washing process. This method uses chemicals that remove those harmful elements from the roof. 

What are the risks of roof cleaning?

The risks associated with the two methods of roof cleaning are: 

• Pressure Washing: When done at the wrong pressure, you can do more damage than roof cleaning.
• Chemical Cleaning: The downside to this is the runoff can damage or harm any landscaping around the house if protective measures aren’t taken to protect those areas.

What is the cost of roof cleaning and is it worthwhile?

The cost of a professional roof cleaning will depend on the shape and size of the roof as well as the roofing material. They can start around $300 and go upward, you may find a less expensive roof cleaning service, but make sure they are experienced, licensed, and insured. 

In Closing 

As you consider having roof cleaning done this spring, remember two things: You’ll be extending the lifespan of your roof, a huge investment for any homeowner. And, your home will be outstanding in the neighborhood, a big plus if you’re planning on selling your home. 

Along with the roof cleaning, have the siding cleaned as well. This is just another bright spot to make your home look its best. Along with the siding being cleaned, most contractors will clean any sidewalks and walkways too. 

Cincinnati Gutter & Roof Protection assists with roof cleaning in Cincinnati, OH. Call 513-563-9988 for services. 

What is the least expensive material for a roof replacement?

For the budget-minded homeowner, this is the first question, and with good reason. There are multitudes of roofing materials available, but logic tells you that going with the cheapest may not be the best idea. In addition to saving money upfront, you want to choose something that is going to last beyond the first hailstorm, right? After all, you don’t want to pay for another roof replacement for a long, long time! 

If you drive the streets of Cincinnati, Ohio, or any city in America, you’ll notice that asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. Why? Because it is an affordable material and is still durable. But within the category of asphalt shingles, there are three choices to make your roof replacement: 

• Three-Tab: This is installed in a single layer without any overlap and has a lifespan of up to 15 years and typically holds up well under wind speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
• Architectural: These asphalt shingles are installed with some overlap, providing a home with a slight dimensional look that can last up to 30 years and windspeeds up to 120 miles per hour. 
• Luxury: These are the most expensive asphalt shingles with a lifespan of up to 50 years, withstanding all types of weather better and longer, and they are more fire resistant. This is the top-of-the-line in asphalt shingles and you won’t be looking at another roof replacement probably for the rest of your time in that house.

How often does a roof need to be replaced?

As you can see by the lifespan of the three different asphalt shingles, you may need a roof replacement in 15 years (or less) or you may not need another roof replacement for 50 years.  The average most asphalt shingled roofs in Ohio need replacing between 12 and 15 years.  

What is the best roof for your money?

Metal roof replacement is said to be the best for the money by most roofing contractors. It is more expensive than asphalt shingles, including the architectural or luxury shingles we described above. Going with a corrugated metal roof replacement doesn’t mean your home will look like Grandpa’s old barn either! 

The metal used for roofing homes in Ohio today comes in a wide choice of colors so that you can match your home’s architectural style. It has a lifespan on average of 50 years, but some have lasted 75 years or longer. It is installed in flexible sheets, available in different thicknesses, getting heavier with each increase in thickness. Other advantages of a metal roof replacement include: 

1. Strength: A metal roof replacement can withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour and provide better protection in a lightning strike. 
2. Insect Resistance: A metal roof replacement is insect resistant, including termites.
3. Energy Efficient: With a proper ceramic coating, a metal roof will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. 
4. Recyclable: The metal used for a roof replacement typically is made from recycled metals and can be recycled again with the next roof replacement. 

What type of roof is the most cost-effective?

Again, metal wins! This is your most cost-effective choice for a roof replacement because of the extreme durability it provides. Even though it has a higher cost for installation, it will last two to three times longer than the best asphalt shingle.

Why is algae free roofing needed?

As you drive through your neighborhood, do you notice any houses with those dark ugly streaks on the roof? This isn’t a “green roof”, but instead, it is a living organism that is spreading across the roof, eating away at the shingles.  That organism is called algae and it isn’t something you want.  

Algae’s official name is Gloeocapsa Magma, a blue-green growth that turns black as it takes over the roof. It loves roofs that don’t get much sun, and the more humid and warmer the temperature, the better it likes it.  Because it can do a lot of damage to a roof in a short time, algae free roofing is requested by more homeowners today. 

If the roof on your home is in a damp, shaded, or warm, area, or any combination of these three things, here are the benefits you can expect from algae free roofing: 

• Appearance: No matter what color you choose for your roofing shingles, if an algae infestation starts, the color is going to change to black. With an algae free roofing material, your roof will stay the color you chose, keeping your home’s curb appeal looking good. 
• Energy Costs: Algae may seem like another layer on the roof to protect it from the elements, but it isn’t. It is a layer of live organisms that are eating the shingles. That algae build-up is blocking the reflectiveness that shingles provide, allowing the UV rays to heat the roof, which heats the attic, and then your HVAC system works harder, using more energy, to keep your home comfortable. An algae free roofing material will protect those reflective properties and help keep your energy bills down.
• Moss: Algae, lichen, and moss are all live organisms that will plant their roots into your shingles. Then the roots spread under the shingles, loosening them, and allowing water to penetrate. More moisture seems into the attic, and before long, you’re needing a new roof. 

Can algae hurt your roof?

Once algae get started on your roof, it will grow on the limestone granules that make up the asphalt shingles, consuming the limestone and weakening the shingles. Algae will invite its friends’ fungus, mildew, and mold to a party on your roof, producing a more advanced life formation of lichen. This is a more destructive, hardy, and sturdier growth that will ruin your roof and compromise the structural integrity. 

What is the difference between algae and mold?

Algae is more like a plant that dines on the limestone in your asphalt shingles. It also likes to dine on the siding around your home where it finds other organic matter. Mold is a fungus and requires nutrients for survival, which it gets from the algae. 

Why does algae grow on roofs?

 That blue-green algae that are spreading your roof is doing that by airborne spores because the things it needs are on your roof: 

• Heat
• Moisture
• Nutrients

The humidity caused by the sun hitting your roof gives algae heat and moisture. And the limestone in the asphalt shingles gives it the nutrients. By feeding on the inorganic materials that your roofing material offers, it can continue to grow and spread. With algae free roofing materials, this is one problem you won’t have! 

What are the different types of algae that grows on roofs? 

You’ll find different types of algae in several places, including pond scum, kelp, and seaweed, along with a host of other types.  There are only one algae that your roof needs to fear: Gloeocapsa Magma, the blue-greenish algae that turn black as it eats your roofing shingles. With an algae free roofing material, homes in climates where the summer is humid and warm can enjoy the weather without concern about the roofing being destroyed. 

Can you clean algae off of roofs?

A consistent routine of having your home power washed, including the roof, keeps your home looking good. Where the roof is concerned, it will remove any wet leaves, seeds, twigs, or other debris that causes algae, lichen, mildew, and mold to start growing. 

How long do algae resistant shingles last?

The warranty on asphalt shingle algae free roofing material can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and within their various lines. The average is 20 years, but some of the lower grade quality products with only a 5-year warranty on the algae free roofing. 

Are algae resistant shingles worth it?

Yes, especially when you choose the 20-year warranty algae free roofing materials.  This can extend the lifespan of your roof by another 5 to 10 years.

Maintenance

Yes, regular cleaning is absolutely necessary. This is one home maintenance chore that is crucial to your home and too often overlooked. Yes, before winter sets in, you have a list of must-do things, and if gutter cleaning isn’t on that list, you need to add it there. 

Gutter cleaning services your home by removing debris, leaves, and sticks so the rain, melted ice, and snow can flow freely off the roof on out past your home. This is a crucial step in protecting the foundation and the roof. Here are five reasons why gutter cleaning is so important: 

1. Water Damage Prevention. Keeping gutters and downspouts clean will from debris and leaves allows the gutters to drain as designed and intended. When they are clogged, the water overflows the gutters,  runs down the siding, and causes water damage to the exterior and interior.  
2. Roof Protection. With clogged gutters, the rainwater has nowhere to flow, so it backs up under the shingles, rotting the shingles and the under decking, creating leaks. 
3. Pest Control. Clogged gutters create a desirable home for birds, insects, and rodents. Once they get in the gutters, they find a way into your attic and home. 
4. Foundation Protection. When the gutters are clogged, what water doesn’t back up under the shingles will spill over the sides and pool around the foundation of your home. As the water gets under the foundation, it freezes and thaws through the winter, and will cause the foundation to crack. Then when the weather warms up the ground, your home will begin to sink in places. 
5. Money Saver. Yes, if you don’t clean your own gutters and have a gutter cleaning service do the work, it will cost upfront. Down the road though, it will prevent having expensive and unexpected projects, like foundation leveling and repair or replacing the roof. 

How often should gutters be cleaned?

 Now that you know the importance of why gutter cleaning services are valuable, the next question is when to do gutter cleaning? It depends on the foliage around your home. In most homes, gutter cleaning twice a year is recommended. If there is heavy foliage around your home, like pine trees, three times a year may be needed.

Other factors to consider in determining the frequency and when is the amount of rainfall and snow your home gets during the year. Having a gutter cleaning service at the end of fall and before winter will remove leaves and twigs, other debris that has collected over the fall. Schedule gutter cleaning service after the spring rains is recommended. This gets the bird and critters that have nested out of the gutter runs.

What is the best gutter cleaning solution?

If you want to save money and do the gutter cleaning service yourself, use your water hose with a nozzle that has a strong forced stream with a mixture of water and white vinegar. This makes one of the best gutter cleaning options to clean the gutters and downspouts without corroding the aluminum gutter runs. If the exterior of the gutters needs polishing, use water and cream of tartar to create a paste and gently buff the gutter and downspout exteriors. 

Conclusion

Perhaps you have some more questions, such as whether you should be doing your own gutter cleaning. Or maybe a gutter cleaning service is the better choice? Okay, do some gutter cleaning yourself and you may decide it is worth paying to have it done. Don’t trust the local neighborhood kid for this job, either. Hire a professional gutter cleaning service. And before you make that call, you may want to know – what is the average price for gutter cleaning? The average cost can range between $75 and up to $250, depending on the size of the house, the gutter run lengths, and the number of downspouts. Usually, a company will give you a quote before scheduling your service so you have a better idea of what you’ll be paying.

Cincinnati Gutter & Roof Protection assists with professional gutter cleaning in Cincinnati, OH. Call 513-563-9988 today.

Why is cleaning your roof important?

And what are the benefits of roof cleaning? Your home is one of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make and protecting it should be a priority. Not just with homeowner’s insurance and security lighting.  It needs to be protected from the climate, the elements, and the effects of each season. 

Without a routine schedule of roof cleaning, a roof will not only begin to show wear and tear, but it can be damaged too.  Some issues that skipping routine roof cleaning can cause: 

• Algae, lichen, and moss growth
• Tree debris 
• Clogged and damaged gutters
• Water pooling
• Shingles cracking and shrinking
• Nails and shingles lifting 
• Roof leaks

Your home is your investment, and the roof is an important component and feature of your home. Not only will routine roof cleaning protect your home from the climate and elements, it protects you and your family too. So, you’re asking, “What happens if I don’t clean my roof?”, with routine roof cleaning, you will have the following benefits: 

• Boost the Curb Appeal: Roof cleaning will remove debris, dirt, leaves, algae, lichen, and moss. This clean look will add to the curb appeal of your home, a bonus if you’ve placed your home on the market. 

• Protect the Interior: Yes, the roof protects your home’s interior, and a professional roof cleaning will help it maintain that protection. The climate and elements can begin to weaken the roof’s defense, allowing the debris, dirt, and more to continue sitting on the roof will start breaking down the roof’s strength, causing the shingles to come loose, and leave your roof vulnerable, which leaves your home vulnerable. 

• Money Saver: A roof cleaning will cost, but when you compare that cost to the possible cost of roof repairs and roof replacement, it is much cheaper! Roof cleaning can also help your homeowner’s insurance rates too. When a roof looks dirty and dingy, it looks old and worn out, this can cause an increase in your homeowner insurance rates.

• Prevent Water Damage: Water damage to a roof can lead to hundreds, even thousands of dollars in repairs not only to the roof but your entire home. A regular roof cleaning will keep the debris, dirt, algae, lichen, and moss from weakening the nails, and the shingles, which allows water to get under the shingles and to the roof decking. 

• Healthier Home: With routine roof cleaning, you’ll be protecting your family’s health too. A roof coated in algae, lichen, and moss is allowing bacteria and germ exposure inside your home from the mold. This affects everyone’s breathing, and for anyone in your home that has compromised health, this can worsen their health issues.

• Pest Prevention: Algae, dirt, lichen, and moss left on the roof will attract critters and insects. They’ll make their home there, gnaw through the shingles and into your attic.  

Can cleaning your roof protect it from damage?

Once algae, lichen, moss, fungus, and other debris begin to form on your roof, they will continue to grow, spread across the roof, dislodging, and weakening your roofing materials as they spread. For a home in a humid environment, which during the summers here in Cincinnati can be very humid, the faster they will grow and increase, damaging your roof more each day. A routine of roof cleaning will keep that stuff at bay and remove debris like twigs and wet leaves that cause and feed algae, mold, and those other contaminants. 

Does washing your roof make it last longer?

Absolutely! When done correctly and a regular routine, roof cleaning will extend the lifespan of your roof by approximately another 5 years. 

How often should I clean my roof?

Depending on the number of trees where you live, you should have a professional roof cleaning done every other year. Typically, the end of summer is recommended so that all the debris is cleared off for the winter so that it isn’t left under the ice and snow of winter. 

How can you keep your roof clean?

Keeping trees trimmed back away from the roof is the number one thing you can do!  Using a leaf blower to keep what debris and leaves that do accumulate on the roof will help in between professional roof cleaning jobs. 

Residential Roof Repair

A residential roof repair or replacement is a bigger decision, and more important. Without the roof, the cabinetry in your kitchen won’t matter, right? So, if you can do a residential roof repair and not have to replace the roof, you’ll save money. But if you put on a few new shingles over a damaged area or where shingles are missing, only to find the problem is much worse, you’ve wasted money and time. 

But if you can spend less money and time and do a residential roof repair instead of spending $10,000 or more on a new roof, isn’t it worth it to protect your major investment? Here are some various factors to consider when deciding if residential roof repair is sufficient of if you need a roof replacement: 

• The Roof Age: A roof is built to be durable and protect your home against the elements and weather. Unfortunately, nothing will last forever. The lifespan of any roofing material will determine if a residential roof repair is sufficient or if replacement is the better option. How often do roofs need to be replaced?
• For instance, a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof has a maximum lifespan of 20 years, and an architectural asphalt roof 30 years. Once a roof has reached this lifespan, residential roof repair is not recommended. They have started wearing down and deteriorating, showing their age.
• The Roof Condition: The next factor to consider is the roof’s condition and the extent of the damage. If the roof has a deteriorated appearance or significant physical damage, like a tree limb has fallen through the roof, then a residential roof repair isn’t going to be sufficient. A basic rule of thumb is when the damage affects 30% or more of the roof, replacement is needed. 
• What Area: Not only is how much of the area is affected, but what part of the roof is damaged. If its just one isolated area, residential roof repair will keep your home protected. If the damage is in the middle of the roof, like over the living room or a bedroom, replacement is the better choice. 
• Time Frame:  If you’re considering selling your home soon, replacing the roof is an investment that can increase the value of your home. If you’re needing to relocate quickly for a job or other personal reasons, a residential roof repair can be sufficient. 

How much value will a new roof add to my house?

The overall structure and protection aren’t the only reasons why roof repair is important. The appearance and value of your home are important too. From the foundation to the studs to the roof, if any of it appears old and worn, disintegrating, or neglected, it looks bad and loses value too. 

A little residential roof repair can go a long way in making your home look the value that you may have it listed to sell. Replacing a few shingles and a power wash can do wonders for a roof that is less than 5 years old. 

A new roof can give you an ROI up to 68%, depending on the condition of the old roof and the quality of roofing materials used. Now, you won’t get 100% ROI, but the resale value can be increased by $10,000 or more and is one of the best renovation projects you can do for a healthy ROI. 

How much should roof repair cost?

An average roof repair can cost between $400 and $1700 in the Cincinnati area, based on the type of damage and the type of roofing material needed. The materials typically cost between $200 and $500 with labor by the hour between $50/per hour and $80/per hour when using a professional residential roof repair contractor. 

How long does it take to repair a roof?

Again, depending on the amount and type of damage to the roof and what materials are needed, a residential roof repair can vary. Between a couple of hours up to a full day, with a waiting period for specific roofing materials like slate or other types of tiles. Asphalt shingles are usually ready and waiting at big box home improvement stores and roofing suppliers. 

It is recommended to only use experienced roofing contractors. While searching for a contractor, advise them what type of roofing material you have and if they know “How to fix my roof correctly with that type of roofing material?” 

Why is that important? Because not every roofing contractor has experience in working with metal roofing, ceramic tile, roofing, slate roofing, or other non-asphalt shingle residential roofing repairs. If they don’t have experience and knowledge in the type of roofing materials you have, they could do more damage than help. 

What materials are needed to repair a roof?

To make residential roof repairs done correctly and safely, the following materials and supplies are needed: 

• Ladder, Scaffold, or Lift
• Fall Protection like safety harnesses
• Toe Boards for roof slopes
• Chalk Line
• Crowbar
• Flat Head Shovel
• Hammer or Nail Gun
• Roofing Nails
• Roofing Adhesive
• Roofing Materials like shingles, tiles, metal panels, etc.

Gutter cleaning services your home by removing debris, leaves, and sticks so the rain, melted ice, and snow can flow freely off the roof on out past your home. This is a crucial step in protecting the foundation and the roof. Here are five reasons why gutter cleaning is so important: 

1. Water Damage Prevention. Keeping gutters and downspouts clean will from debris and leaves allows the gutters to drain as designed and intended. When they are clogged, the water overflows the gutters,  runs down the siding, and causes water damage to the exterior and interior.  
2. Roof Protection. With clogged gutters, the rainwater has nowhere to flow, so it backs up under the shingles, rotting the shingles and the under decking, creating leaks. 
3. Pest Control. Clogged gutters create a desirable home for birds, insects, and rodents. Once they get in the gutters, they find a way into your attic and home. 
4. Foundation Protection. When the gutters are clogged, what water doesn’t back up under the shingles will spill over the sides and pool around the foundation of your home. As the water gets under the foundation, it freezes and thaws through the winter, and will cause the foundation to crack. Then when the weather warms up the ground, your home will begin to sink in places. 
5. Money Saver. Yes, if you don’t clean your own gutters and have a gutter cleaning service do the work, it will cost upfront. Down the road though, it will prevent having expensive and unexpected projects, like foundation leveling and repair or replacing the roof. 

How often should gutters be cleaned?

Now that you know the importance of why gutter cleaning services are valuable, the next question is when to do gutter cleaning? It depends on the foliage around your home. For most homes, gutter cleaning twice a year is recommended. If there is heavy foliage around your home, like pine trees, three times a year may be needed.

Other factors to consider in determining the frequency and when is the amount of rainfall and snow your home gets during the year. Having a gutter cleaning service at the end of fall and before winter will remove leaves and twigs, other debris that has collected over the fall. Schedule gutter cleaning service after the spring rains is recommended. This gets the bird and critters that have nested out of the gutter runs. 

What does gutter cleaning include? 

You may be wondering, does gutter cleaning include downspouts? Just what is included in a professional gutter cleaning? A professional gutter cleaning service is usually going to be more thorough because they have the experience (they do this every day, not just once a year). They have the proper equipment and tools to do a more effective cleaning too. 

Most professional gutter cleaning services will use either a truck-mounted vacuum or an industrial-strength shop vacuum that has attachments specific for gutters. This will blast out any debris, leaves, and twigs from the gutter runs and out of the downspouts. 

One they have blasted out what they can using the vacuum, they will use a pressure washer to finish cleaning and make sure there aren’t any more clogs. A professional gutter cleaning service will repair any broken gutters or hangers and fix any seams that have separated. 

What is the best gutter cleaning solution?

If you want to save money and do the gutter cleaning service yourself, use a water hose with a nozzle that has a strong forced stream with a mixture of water and white vinegar. This makes one of the best gutter cleaning options to clean the gutters and downspouts without corroding the aluminum gutter runs. If the exterior of the gutters needs polishing, use water and cream of tartar to create a paste and gently buff the gutter and downspout exteriors. 

Do gutter guards work?        

There are two sides to every story, even with a gutter guard installation story. Some experts will tell you that gutters guards are the newest “must-have” on the market today. Then there are that will tell you a gutter guard installation won’t give your home foolproof protection from all the debris that can clog your gutters. 

The truth is somewhere in between those two sides. There are pros and cons of gutter guards:

The Pros of Having Gutter Guard Installation:

• They can be installed on your existing gutters.
• They prevents debris like leaves, limbs, sticks from clogging the gutters and the downspouts.
• The prevent birds, rodents, and other critters  from building nests in the gutters.
• They prevent insects from breeding in the debris and water build-up common for gutters.
• They will help prevent water leaking in your home by eliminating those build-ups in the gutters. 
• They minimize how often you need to do gutter cleaning.
• They extend the gutter service by prevent debris and water collecting and causing the gutters to rot and rust.

The Cons of Having Gutter Guard Installation:

• They do not keep all small debris out like pine needles and seeds.
• Can enhance issues of ice dam on the roof (there are heated gutter guards now that will prevent these issues.
• Gutters will still need some cleaning even with gutter guard installation. 
• Gutter guards can dent, minimizing their effectiveness.
• Adds weight to the gutters so when gutters are not cleaned when needed, there is additional weight on the gutters and fascia.

What should I look for in a gutter guard?

One thing that all experts will agree on is that if you have the wrong types of gutter guard systems installed, it could make matter worse than if you didn’t have any at all. They don’t have to be installed by a roofing contractor, you can purchase them at a big box home improvement store or local hardware store. The things to look for with your gutter guard installation are:

• Choose an all-aluminum gutter guard, installation of these will last as long as your gutters. 
• Choose one with perforated holes for water to get in but tree stuff is kept out. 
• Choose gutter guard installation that will fit flat in your gutters and can’t be seen from street. 
• Choose a gutter guard installation where you can visually inspect the gutter runs inside easily. 
• If you’re a DIY homeowner, choose a gutter guard installation, maintenance, repairs, and replacements will be easy. 

What is the best gutter guard for leaves?

Perforated gutter guard installation is the best for keeping leaves out of the gutters. These gutter guards have larger holes, allowing a better flow of water but keeping small debris out. Typically an aluminum or metal material that will give you years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance. For areas where snow is almost guaranteed every winter, this is the best type of gutter guard. 

Will a gutter guard stop birds?

Yes, a gutter guard installation will keep the birds out, so they aren’t building nests in your gutters. They also keep other debris out like leaves and limbs. In turn, this can do a lot to keep both your gutters and your home safe and to reduce how often gutter cleaning is necessary.

What are the best gutter guards?

Below are the gutter guards available online that are considered to be the best in certain categories as stated.  A note to keep in mind is that some roof warranties will be voided where there is a gutter guard installation. Check with your roofing contractor before making this investment. 

• Best Overall: Gutterglove – The Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard 
• Best Heavy Duty: A-M  – Aluminum Gutter Guard 
• Best Value: FlexxPoint – Gutter Cover System
• Best Brush: GutterBrush – Simple Gutter Guard
• Best Budget: Frost King  – Plastic Gutter Guard 
• Easy Gutter Guard Installation: Amerimax Home Products – Lock-In Gutter Guard

1. Versatility

Asphalt roof shingles are available in a multitude of angles, forms, and shapes, working perfect with almost any roof type. No matter the size or complexity of your roof, there are asphalt shingles that will provide a seamless coverage.

2. Design Choices

Asphalt shingles come in different architectural styles. From the traditional  3-tab asphalt shingles that work with any home design to the dimensional and premium asphalt shingles in multiple styles. Some even mimic the look of cedar shakes, slate tiles, and other roofing materials, giving you a design advantage without the drawbacks of those other roofing materials.

3. Color Choices 

Asphalt shingles come in a multitude of colors. Choose a color that will improve the curb appeal or provide a totally different look. Other roofing materials won’t offer you as many colors to choose from.

4. Quality with Cost-Effectiveness

One of the top benefits of asphalt shingles is the high performance you get for a lower cost. One of the most cost-effective materials you’ll find that has a long lasting reputation, giving you a high ROI for your dollar.  

5. Energy-Efficient

Today, homeowners are all about energy efficiency and asphalt roof shingles is there for you! With a professional installation that includes underlayment, asphalt shingles will make any home more energy efficient.

6. Impact-Resistant Rated  

A big concern for most homeowners, besides the cost, they want to know, “Are asphalt shingles impact resistant?”. No matter where you live in Texas,  the roof needs to  endure different types of severe weather, with hailstorms at the top of the list.  Asphalt shingles come specially modified to be impact resistant. 

7. High Wind Resistant 

The high winds that blow across Texas can be a problem. Asphalt shingles that are installed correctly are wind resistant because they won’t lift up, making the underneath vulnerable to roof leaks. Asphalt shingles are manufactured today that meet and exceed the required Class F wind rating. 

8. Class A Fire Rated

Not only are asphalt shingles wind rated, but many of them come with Class A fire rating, the highest rating possible, providing homes with superior protection of external fires spreading. 

9. Sound Deadening 

One feature of asphalt shingles that is often underestimated is the sound insulation they provide with their composition.  When it comes to external noises, asphalt shingles are significantly quieter than other roofing materials like metal. With some asphalt shingles, depending on the design, they are a lot quieter in hailstorms and heavy downpours.

10. Algae-Resistant

A tough problem for the roofing industry is algae growth, especially wood based roofs. That ugly black stain can distract from a home’s beauty and is a concern for homeowners as to the damage that this blue-green growth can do to their homes. Asphalt shingles come with an algae-resistant coating to protect your home. 

11. Easy Installation

Asphalt shingles are a favorite for roofing contractors because of the ease of installation. The easier a roofing material is to install, the faster the job goes and that keeps the overhead down.  

12. The Weight

Asphalt shingles are the ideal weight for the structure of most homes, unlike other roofing materials on the market. No special additions or changes are needed to the structure for weight support with asphalt shingle roofing. 

13. Easy Repairs

Having an asphalt shingle roof repaired isn’t as challenging as other roofing materials like ceramic tile. The matching of replacement shingles is easy and the process of repairing the roof is easy too. Stay with the same contractor that installed the roof will make it an easy process. 

14. Integrating with Roof Features

Asphalt shingles are a flexible material that can integrate with chimneys, dormers, gables, and skylights. 

15. Recyclable Material

The asphalt shingles in the years past would be taken directly to a landfill after tear-off. Today, asphalt shingles can be recycled when they have reached their end-of-life on roofs. Old shingles are being used for improved roads and generate power.

What is the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?

The architectural asphalt shingles have an additional layer of asphalt shingles that are laminated along the lower portions without any cutouts. The basic tree-tab shingles have distinguished cutouts that give them the “tabs” along the lower edge.

How thick are asphalt shingles?

What may not seem thick enough, the 3/16” thickness of the average asphalt shingle becomes thicker as they are installed overlapping each other. By the end of the installation, they have doubled in thickness. 

How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?

Each asphalt shingle manufacturer will have their own stated lifetime. When installed on a roof that been properly vented, the average home will get as much as 80% to 85% of the state lifespan from the asphalt roof. For the basic 3-tab asphalt shingle, that equates up to 22 years and for the dimensional asphalt shingle, that equates up to 28 years.

Is there a 50 year shingle?

Yes, and they are ideal for Texas homes!  The 50-year asphalt shingles are more expensive, but with a lifespan of half a century, if they can withstand the climate, weather, and the test of time, you may never have to re-roof your home again. Call 513-563-9988 today for your shingle roofing system in Cincinnati, OH.

• Water Damage

Where there are dark, dingy stains on the ceilings and walls, these are the most obvious you have a roof leak. You may see mold and moisture on the rafters in your attic, another indication you may have storm damage 

• The Shingles

Where there are missing shingles, stones, or other roofing materials, could be from heat and high winds loosened them and they were blown off or fell off. Animals will pull singles up when there is a corner or edge lifted. All of this leaves your roof vulnerable to other wildlife and storm damage. 

• The Fascia and Soffits

When the fascia and soffits start to crack, decay, or have missing wood around them, this is often from storm damage that allowed water damage to create and spread. This can also happen from clogged gutters and downspouts. 

• The Gutters

Asphalt granules will rinse off into the gutter runs and on to the downspouts as they age. The granules also come loose because of other various elements like hailstones, heat, and heavy rains, as well as  basic aging. The bare shingles leave a roof exposed and vulnerable to other damage, including storm damage.

• The Vents

When you have curled shingles and ice dams, you probably have poor attic vent for your roof. These curled edges are waiting heavy rains and high winds leave storm damage behind. Make sure your new roof has proper ventilation to keep this from happening again, aging your roof quicker than it should. 

How much does it cost to repair the roof?

The answer to this can be varied based on several factors. Like the size of the house and the type of roofing material.  On an average, for a house between 1700 and 2100 square feet, to tear off the existing asphalt and install new asphalt shingles, the cost can be from $1,700 and upward of $8,500. 

Should I replace or repair my roof?

It isn’t any secret that a home should have regular maintenance and upkeep. This keeps your home looking good and will make it easier on the bank account to catch small issues before they become big problems. 

When it comes to major home improvements though, the decision isn’t always a cut and dry matter, like the roof. Sometimes, a small repair from storm damage will suffice and other times, storm damage can be so extensive, a roof replacement is the best solution. 

The best way to start this decision process of storm damage repair or replacement is to have get 2 to 3 professional roofing contractors to inspect your roof. Ask them for written estimates and their recommendations. While it may just look like a shingle or two missing, there could be more severe storm damage to the decking or underlayment. 

As you do your storm damage clean up, take pictures of everything before you move anything. Ask the roofing contractors to take pictures on top of the roof and send you copies. Make notes of everything that has storm damages. 

Does a new roof help sell a house?

Absolutely!  Any potential homeowner will be ecstatic about one off the biggest expenses being replaced already. You will get most of your investment back on this upgrade too!  Need storm damage repair in Cincinnati, OH? Call 513-563-9988 today.