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While not every homeowner is an expert when it comes to roofing, there are easy ways to help maintain the life of any residential roof. Here is a look at the proper measures every homeowner can take to maintain the life of their roofs.

Seasonal Inspections

Inspections can be done visually or by actually walking around on the roof. Be sure to check that all the materials on the roof are fastened securely. Look out for any loose flashing, shingles, nails or screws. Inspections can also extend to hiring a professional roofer to take a look around every year or so. Don’t wait until there is a hole in your roof to call a roofing contractor.

Clean gutters

It is a good idea to use a hose to pour water into the gutter every now and then. This eliminates any leftover debris and it will also let you know if there are any clogs in the downspout. If the water does not drain properly, use a snake to clear the clog or contact a roofer. A backed up gutter can cause a variety of problems.

Stay away from power washing

Over the seasons, weather can cause algae and moss to grow on parts of a roof. The common solution would be to power wash that algae and moss away. However, the life of a roof is decreased with power washing. This method will actually wash some of your roof away, even parts that have not sustained any damage. There are specially made chemicals and DIY solutions that can be used in place of a damaging pressure cleaner.

Do not paint

Painting shingles may seem like a feasible solution when those shingles begin to show signs of wear. But adding paint on top of shingles will cause them to crack and wear down much quicker. If the shingles look that bad, then it may be time to consider roof replacement.

Check the humidity

Excessive humidity can cause quite a bit of damage to a roof as it provides an ideal place for mold to grow. Regularly checking the functionality of any fans and vents is recommended, particularly in the summer, or for people living in warmer climates. Proper ventilation in the interior is just as important as durability is to the exterior of the roof.

Preventative maintenance can always be done by the team of professionals at Rose Roofing. When you are looking for the best roofing contractor Charlotte, NC has to offer, look no further than Rose Roofing. Roof repair and roof replacement is available for all types of residential roofing.

Flat roofing installation in Charlotte NC is becoming more and more popular on residential homes. However, not all flat roofing is completely flat. Some flat roofing contains small slopes which are recommended for drainage purposes. These slopes are sometimes very slight, but they help immensely when it comes to water runoff.

There are also a good deal of reasons why flat roofs are gaining more favor among homeowners and here is a look at the perks that come with flat roof installation.

Easy Maintenance

The reason why flat roofs are easier to maintain is because they do an excellent job standing up to harsh weather. There is rarely ever a need to go up and do any patchwork, which is very different than the maintenance that often comes with shingled roofs.

Cheaper Cost

Shingles tend to cost more money because they provide a decorative aspect. There is no need to pay for that extra curb appeal and the construction cost of a flat roof is usually cheaper. Roofing contractors encounter less complications on a flat roof and rarely have to make specialized adjustments.

Accessibility

There are times that call for someone going up on the roof to fix things like the siding or gutters. With a sloped roof, there is an element of danger involved. That element kind of disappears with a flat roof as one can walk around up there without having to perform a balancing act.

More Rooftop Space

A flat roof enables homeowners to do a lot more on their rooftop. This could make for the simple installation of solar panels or HVAC and air conditioning units. Homeowners can even utilize that extra space for a rooftop garden.

More Interior Space

A flat roof means that the room underneath is going to be more proportionate. An attic will not have the narrow dimensions that are common with sloped roofs. Therefore, finishing off an attic will produce a much more accessible room inside your home.

Better Heating

Throughout the winter months, flat roofs do a much better job of absorbing heat and they generally do not have to heat as much space being as though they do not have unusually-shaped attics underneath them.

Rose Roofing has a team of experienced roofers who can install any kind of roof of your choosing. For the best in Charlotte residential roofing, turn to the professionals at Rose Roofing.

Just like any other business, there are roofing contractors out there looking to make a quick buck by taking advantage of clients. There are a variety of underhanded tactics some roofers will use to squeeze money out of homeowners and businesses. Here’s a look at some unscrupulous roofing tactics to watch out for.

Money up front
Any roofing contractor who asks for payment up front should be looked at with a very skeptical eye. That is because reputable roofing companies have enough supplies to get the job done without having to rely on your money up front.

Roofers who seek you out
Quality roofing companies generally do not try to solicit new business by contacting you directly. That means they will not go door to door trying to sell you a new roof, nor will they conveniently contact you after a storm has just hit your area. Some unscrupulous contractors will even seek out customers by offering a free estimate and then actually do damage of their own while up on your roof.

The roofer/insurance adjuster
Some roofing companies have claimed to be insurance adjusters as well. Their claim is that they will not only fix your roof, but they will also handle your insurance claim. The first thing you should know that this practice is illegal. This is a popular tactic used after an area has been ravaged by a storm as homeowners can be vulnerable during those times.

Overcharging
Most people do not know the cost of roofing materials off the top of their head. That is why it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the cost of supplies. Ask your contractor which brand of supplies is going to be used and also ask if there is a mark-up. You can even ask for receipts and get a price quote directly from the supplier.

Not fully insured
Hiring a roofer that is not fully insured means that you will be liable to pay for any damages that happen to your roof during the repair process. Roofing companies have certificates showing that that are fully insured. This should include general liability and workers’ compensation. To further validate that the certificate is legitimate, contact the insurance company yourself.

Rose Roofing was built on the pillars of honesty and integrity, which is why it has become one of the most trusted roofing contractors Charlotte NC has to offer. When it’s time for roof repair or roof replacement on your home or business, contact the team of experienced, fully -insured professionals at Rose Roofing.

Severe weather can take its toll on all kinds of roofs. However, when most people think of severe weather, visions of harsh winters usually come to mind. While the winter months can cause their share of damage, the summer months can also leave residential and commercial roofs in disarray. Here’s a look at the biggest summer threats to your roof and several ways to combat them.

Sunshine
The most constant danger to roofs in the summer months is sunshine. UV rays from the sun can be very powerful, causing a roof to dry out and crack. There is really no way to keep the sun off your roof, although routine inspections can correct minor problems. Making small repairs every so often can extend the life of a roof, keeping roof replacement costs out of the equation for a long while. There are also protective coatings available which provide an extra layer of protection between shingles and the sun. Homeowners can also install cooling systems on their roof, which function by sporadically spraying a mist which keeps the roof cool.

High Winds
Winds can pick up during summer thunderstorms and really put roofs to the test. There is no way to protect your roof from high winds, but there are certain areas to check during routine summer inspections. The roof’s side walls and gables should be inspected as these are two areas that could be impacted by high winds. If left unattended to, high winds could force a gable to implode.

Hail
There is no way to predict when a hail storm will strike. However, there are ways to prepare for the threat of hail. Durable shingles can stand up to severe hail. There are different kinds of asphalt shingles that are impact resistant. These shingles generally cost a little more, but they can save homeowners costly repairs in the long term.

Trees
A lightning strike or high winds could separate branches from trees, causing them to tumble down onto roofs. Every summer, homeowners should do their own visual inspection of any neighboring trees. Those branches that are deemed a threat should be trimmed by a local tree-trimming service. What you will spend on trimming those trees could dim in comparison to roof repair.

Rose Roofing specializes in roof installation, roof repair and roof replacement on all types of homes. Whatever the issue with your roof, the professionals at Rose Roofing can provide an affordable and effective solution for you.

Selecting a shingle color for your roof might seem like a relatively easy thing to do. However, it can be a little more difficult than most homeowners would tend to believe it to be. When that time comes to install a new roof, here are some tips to help you decide on the right shingle color for you.

Look Around

Looking at a shingle sample in a store, online, or in a catalog does not really provide you with a complete picture. Instead, try driving around through various neighborhoods and take a look at the different shingle colors. Take notice of which ones work well with certain exteriors. For example, certain shingle colors work better with brick facades than they do with a stone facade. Seeing real life examples will help you along in the decision-making process.

Examine a Sample

Before you commit to a certain choice, make sure to get an actual size sample. This will give you a better idea of what it will look like. It will also have a combination of granules within the shingle that contribute to the overall color. Seeing this combination up close will help you match the shingle better with things like trim or shutters.

Ask To See Software

There are a good number of shingle companies who have software that allows you to see a virtual image of your home with that particular color of shingle. There is software that will actually allow you to download a picture of your home and experiment with different shingles and colors. Mix and match different ones until you find a color that best complements your home.

Consider Efficiency

Owning an energy efficient home is very important to some people as it could mean a good deal in savings over the course of a year. Selecting a certain type of shingle could make a huge difference in attic temperatures, sometimes up to as much as 35 degrees. Roofs in climates that are warmer generally use lighter-colored shingles to reflect rays from the sun. In climates where temperatures drop in the winter, a dark-colored shingle works to absorb heat, which helps a great deal when it comes to melting snow on a roof.

Rose Roofing is a widely recognized name among Charlotte roofing services and will help you through the entire roof replacement or roof repair process. If you are in the market for a quality roofing company, contact Rose Roofing today.