Ah, the winter. Winter in Cincinnati, Ohio, can be cold and dreary. The last thing you want to do is be outside working on your Cincinnati roof. However, sometimes it cannot be avoided. Sometimes, having roofing work done in the winter is not as bad as you may think. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top pros and cons of replacing a roof in winter.

1. Timeline

Replacing a Cincinnati roof in the heart of the winter may seem like a crazy idea, but is sometimes a necessity. Usually, roofs are replaced in the spring and fall, so Cincinnati roofers do not have much work in the winter. One benefit If you have your roof replaced in the winter is that you can usually have it done immediately as there is no waiting. Some of the cons of having a roof replaced in the winter are that it is cold; your heat bill may be more because the heat is escaping when no shelter is overhead to contain it. The chimney can also be damaged during the process causing chimney repairs. The cold weather is also hard on the Cincinnati roofers who have to be on top of your house in icy, cold winds.

2. Temperature

A Cincinnati roof that is being replaced in the winter is not unheard of. If you have a significant leak and the homeowner asks if it can wait until springtime, it cannot wait because that leak is going to get worse over the winter with the added snow and ice melt on the roof. Just like you would not perform power washing on your home in the winter because of the ice, you do not want water to freeze on a damaged roof. On a sunny day with no wind, working on the roof is bearable, as you are not overheating. When roofers are sitting on the roof on a dreary, gusty, below freezing day, they need to wear proper warm clothing, which can slow them down due to the extra weight and constriction.

3. Equipment

Many of the tools used on Cincinnati roofs can be used in either heat or cold. This is great as the Cincinnati roofers can continue to work with tools they are used to and know how to use well. There are some tools and equipment though that have to be used carefully in the cold weather. Nail guns, as well as air compressors, can both be affected by frigid temperatures. Compressors are needed with the use of a nail gun. Because compressed air is being utilized, it can cause humidity when used which in turn can freeze and cause less air to drive the nail in, or worse cause ice in the line. In either case, the nail is not going in all the way which can cause problems down the road with your roof and possibly your gutters due to instability. Your roofer or professional handyman will need to pay plenty of attention to the depth adjuster on the nail gun and act accordingly.

4. Product

Wood and insulation can be used in all types of temperatures, whether it is cold or hot. This is great for winter remodeling work because the wood will not be affected. When working in frigid temperatures though, the shingles that are placed may not have the most significant effectiveness when placed in cold temperatures. Shingles can be placed, but Cincinnati roofers know to be conscious of cutting the shingles in the cold as they can become too brittle and may not have a straight cut. The material in the shingle can lose some of its flexibility, as the temperatures get colder. Most winter roof installs include a heater inside of a makeshift tent or in a heated garage. The shingles should definitely not be stored in freezing temperatures,

As you can see, as with everything in life, there are good sides and bad sides to having a Cincinnati roof replaced in the winter. From a great timeline to cold temperatures and equipment and product failure, you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family on when the roof is replaced. If you follow our advice on the top pros and cons of replacing your roof in winter, you will have the best-looking roof replacement in all of Cincinnati!

Gutter Aprons and Drip Edges: What’s the Difference and Why Are They Important? 

When collecting estimates for gutter or roof repairs, it is helpful to know the terminology and what exactly you are getting. Two such terms that the average homeowner might run into is a Drip Edge and a Gutter Apron. The difference between the two is miniscule so it is not uncommon for the two to be mistaken for the other.  

What is a Drip Edge? 

A Drip Edge is a “T” shaped piece of metal that slips under the roofing material. It is attached directly to the trim and sits behind the back of the gutter. The entire metal sheath fits around the edge of a roof and protects is from any moisture that might seep in under the shingles. 

What is a Gutter Apron? 

A Gutter Apron, also known as L- Metal, is installed above your roof decking and sits over the edge of your gutter. Gutter aprons are installed right under your shingles as well. This directs water straight into the gutter system and also protects your roof line from excess moisture.  

Both of these materials have identical functions. They protect your fascia board from water that could wood rot. In most states, it is not required to have a Drip Edge or a Gutter Apron but it is highly recommended. They are rising in popularity due to it being inexpensive to install and can save a homeowner a lot of money in future repairs. It is highly suggested to have a professional take a look at your gutter system and roof line to recommend what would be best for your home. 

The summer is a busy time in the Cincinnati, Ohio area for roofing contractor. Gutter installation and gutter maintenance along with roofing repairs are a hot commodity and roofing, and gutter crews are out in full force this summer showing excellent customer service skills by helping you as a homeowner. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top five things to look for when hiring a roofing and gutter services contractor.  

1. Recommendations

What is one of the top things you look for when hiring a roofing contractor or gutter specialist? Recommendations of course! Anytime you have interior or exterior work that needs to be done, it is always nice to see if a friend, relative, acquaintance, or neighbor has used the company before and what they think of them as well as their service. Roofing, gutter installation, and gutter maintenance are all tasks that you want to be done right, and referral by word-of-mouth in Cincinnati goes a long way when looking for the right roofing contractor.  

2. High Ratings

Another important point when seeking to hire a roofing contractor is to look for great ratings. This can be from the testimonials of the company website, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, or any of the other rating systems out there today. If you can get a contractor for roofing, painting, gutter installation, or gutter maintenance that is listed at five out of five stars, you know they have superb customer service, and you may have found your winner! 

3. Punctuality

An excellent quality to have as a roofing, gutter installation, or gutter maintenance contractor is punctuality. Nobody likes waiting, and that includes getting your roofing, chimney repair, painting, HVAC, power washing, remodeling, gutter installation, or gutter maintenance performed. You have a set appointment for a set day. You may or may not have had to take work off for the day. If a contractor shows up hours late or doesn’t show at all, that can really get under your skin. Punctuality is critical in keeping clients both happy and satisfied.  

4. Qualifications

Your skills as a contractor need to be spot-on to ensure excellent customer service and customer referrals. Make sure when you are looking at hiring a contractor for anything, but especially roofing, that they are licensed, insured, professional, and have experience. You don’t necessarily want to use the cheapest contractor as they may not have any experience in repairing roofs. Take your time and research all available options before choosing your contractor.  

5. Customer Service

The last and most crucial tip when looking for a contractor is to make sure they have excellent customer service. When looking for a roofing contractor in Cincinnati, Ohio, make sure you are asking questions and take note of how they answer you. Are they short and blunt; do they seem to be irritated by you? Or are they kind and compassionate and explain things in a sensible, simple way? You need to be valued as a customer, and if the contractor takes the time to answer your questions, explain the entire process to you, and assist you in any decision-making, you know you have a winner.  

As you can see, the summer is a busy time for roofing and gutter services in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Whether you are repairing your roof or installing new gutters, it is critical to have the right contractor. If you follow our advice on the top five things to look for when hiring a roofing contractor, you will have the newest gutter installation and best-looking roof in all of Cincinnati! 

Having a roof above your head is an expression that refers to the basics of what shelter is. It’s a place that keeps you safe from the elements. As everything that is exposed, it suffers wear. Sooner or later, you will have to replace your home’s Cincinnti roofing.

Do you really need to replace your roof? Could you just repair it? Will you get your money back if you sell your house? What material should you choose?

All these are important questions you need to ask yourself and your Cincinnati roofing contractor or Cincinnati roofer before making such an important investment. You want to be able to guarantee the work they’re doing can stand the weather from the area.

Here are some things to keep in mind before hiring a Cincinnati roofer.

Is It Absolutely Necessary?

The answer to this question is: it depends.

If your roof is at the end of its service life, then yes, you probably should invest in replacing it. Not doing so can cause additional problems to your home. At this point, repairs are most likely to be temporary fixes. So you may be prolonging the inevitable and wasting a lot of money in the process. Cincinnati roofs last anywhere from 15 to 25 years depending on the materials it’s made of and how well it has put up with the weather. If you’re at this point, the best option is to get an assessment from a reputable Cincinnati roofing contractor.

If you are having leaks that you just can’t seem to get rid of, then you probably need a new roof. Even if you aren’t near the end of the service life of your roof, there could’ve been several environmental elements that caused it to deteriorate prematurely.

If you are considering changing the roof as part of a remodeling, then the aesthetics of the new roof are your main concern. Nowadays, you can find a large variety of materials that can meet your needs.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of a new roof depends on several things, like the materials being used, the type of roof, and your location. A nationwide average sets the cost of roofing between $4700 and $9000, but this can vary depending on your specific conditions.

As for materials, asphalt shingles are the most economical and most widely used material for residential roofing. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are quite expensive in comparison, but they also have the longest service life of all roofing materials.

A team of knowledgeable Cincinnati roofers should install specialty roofs. You want to have the best materials from the market, but ensuring the people who will be installing your roof are properly trained is your responsibility.

They type of roof you have also impacts the overall cost of the project. Ranch style roofs are more straightforward and less complicated. Tudor style roofs are more complicated and need additional time to get done, this makes this style significantly more expensive. Make sure your Cincinnati roofer takes this into consideration before providing you a quote.

The last factor is your location. Some cities are just more or less expensive than others when it comes to contractor services. For example, cities like Denver have a higher average cost of roofing because of their heavy snow year-round falls. The best thing to do is to shop around. Request quotes from several Cincinnati roofing contractors to get an idea of what the pricing in your area is.

Keywords: Cincinnati roofing, Cincinnati roofer

Learn how important your gutter is from the top of your house to the bottom and you will never take it for granted again! Your Gutter and your Cincinnati roof work together to protect your home. Thanks to cleanmyexterior.com for the information!

Keeping a roof above your head, whether it’s in a house or in an apartment building is pretty crucial.

Having a sweet home isn’t just about being able to afford the mortgage. Protecting your family is a priority, and you want to be able to ensure it stays that way. Having the right Cincinnati roofing contractor can protect your home and family.

As a home or property owner, you might know a bit about how your roof should look like, or what to look out for to take care of its fundamental structure. You might know how to use a powerwasher or do the exterior painting  But you don’t know everything.

There are various factors that might affect how long a roof will last before it needs any kind or repair or replacement. You can help it last longer, however, by scheduling regular inspections and maintenance services. Factors such as weather conditions and surrounding structures such as trees or other buildings are things you cannot control. So when you are planning on improving your home, you can start by making sure you have the right Cincinnati roofing contractor.

Find A Contractor with Experience

You might not know specifics about your type of roofing you have or about the materials needed to build and repair it. But worry not, this isn’t crucial in order to find a good Cincinnati roofing contractor.

They will and they should take the burden off from your shoulders and explain to you everything that needs to be done in order to take care of your roof. In some cases they can even extend your roof’s expected lifetime.

Choose a Contractor with Insurance

This is kind of a deal breaker. Making sure that your contractor has worker’s compensation and liability insurance is a must. This will give you peace of mind that the service they will be providing you is protected.

You can ask to see the certificates and you can also make a couple of calls just to make sure the company is legitimate and that they’re covered.

Buy Local

Making this a priority will save you numerous headaches. Do some research on their previous work or read past customer’s online reviews. Look out for poor reviews, but also be cautious about the type of complaint that the customers seem to recur with.

Find out if they have any local reputation with people you actually know. Ask around, and speak to other property owners or neighbors.

Establish Communication Channels

Don’t worry about making a decision over the phone or within a couple of days. Any Cincinnati roofing contractor should not pressure anyone about hiring them. If they work well, their work will speak for themselves and their reviews will reflect that. Take your time finding out more about them.

If whenever you talk with them again, they don’t respond, they don’t send the information you requested, or they don’t return your calls, don’t hire them. You want to be able to voice your concerns; a Cincinnati roofing job, no matter how big or small, is an important investment that you or anyone else shouldn’t take lightly.

If you are a homeowner, then you have probably at one time or another thought about your roof, as well as chimney repair, power washing, and remodeling of your home. A roof, though, is the first line defense to your interior and you want to make sure that your home is protected. In Ohio, Cincinnati roofs take a beating over the harsh winters and sultry summers. One way to verify your roof is in good condition is to contact a Cincinnati roofing contractor for an inspection. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top five clear signs that you need a new roof.

1. Missing/Cracked Shingles

Shingles are of the utmost importance on a roof. They are the first line defense to keeping water out of your home. Shingles, like all other products, have a lifespan. You need to monitor your shingles carefully, because if they reach a certain point where they are cracking and curling, you may not be able just to replace the shingles, you may have to replace the entire roof, especially if water damage has occurred.

2. Water Leaks

Water leaks can cause a great deal of harm if they are not repaired quickly. Standing water on a roof is not a good sight to see. Most of the time when standing water is visualized on a roof it is due to an improperly installed roof. There can be other reasons as well such as a clogged drain or a loose flashing, but sometimes these repairs would be harder to fix, based on their locations, than installing a whole new roof.

3. Visual Damage

If a rain or wind storm and blown through Ohio and, particularly, Cincinnati roofs, you may have been left with apparent damage to your roof. You may see a tree branch that has caused a gaping hole in the roof. If this is the case, you need to get your roof repaired immediately to avoid further damage. A Cincinnati roofing contractor could be consulted to give an estimate and a timeline to when the roof could be repaired or replaced.

4. Roofing Bubbles

Another clear sign that you may need to have a new roof placed is if you notice large bubbles on your flat roofing. Sometimes roofing installations are not performed correctly and can cause large bubbles to appear on the surface of the roof. The bubbles are usually air-filled but can become filled with water if left untreated, which can then cause water leaks into the interior of your home.

5. Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is yet another clear sign that you need to have your roof repaired or replaced. Usually, a wooden roofing deck that sits in between the exterior of the roof and the interior joists will start to sag when water leaks are occurring. The more sagging that is seen, the worse the water leak is. If you have sagging in more than one location, you may need to have your entire roof replaced.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that can determine when you need a new Cincinnati roof. A Cincinnati roofing contractor will be able to give you an estimate of how much the cost would be if you are looking at replacing or repairing your roof. Cincinnati roofs go through the gamut of weather in Ohio, so make sure you are carefully observing your roof and gutters each season. If you follow our advice on the top five clear signs that you need a new roof, your interior will stay as beautiful and new as it is now and well into the future!

Don’t wait to replace your Cincinnati roof until your shingles are blowing in the wind and your gutters and downspouts are on the ground. An emergency roof replacement is expensive. Leaks can cause additional rot and mold problems that require specialist water damage restoration services to reverse. Evaluate your roof every summer and after every major storm to catch the warning signs early.

The age of your roof

You can expect a roof in Cincinnati to last 20-25 years. However, nature isn’t always kind. Cincinnati roofs are exposed to constant sun, rain, and wind. If your roof is approaching its “late teens” it’s time to start checking on it more frequently and making plans for when it needs replacing.
Of course, younger roofs can develop problems as well. Even if you got your roof installed five years ago you should do regular maintenance checks just to be on the safe side.

Warped shingles

Shingles should lie in crisp, flat rows. If you notice that your shingles seem to be curling or falling out of line with the others this is a major warning sign. If only a few shingles are doing this, you may be able to replace them and prolong the life of your Cincinnati roof as a whole. That’s all that you will be doing, however. Even the best maintained roofs eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If shingles are coming loose, or if the asphalt itself is buckling and bowing, your roof has simply reached the end of its useful life.

Damage to the roof valleys

Your roof valleys are the places that receive the most wear and tear on your roof. Water is funneled off of your roof through these depressions; they often make up the angle of a roof where two planes meet. Leaks are a major concern in these areas. If you notice that your shingles here are particularly loose, this could be a warning sign that you may have to replace your roof. Also, check to make sure that the underpinning on the shingles is water tight. Tar or roof cement wears out more quickly than metal fittings. Check for this problem around weak areas on the roof such as a chimney or skylight as well.

What are your neighbors doing

This isn’t a question of keeping up with the Joneses. Most houses in a Cincinnati neighborhood were built about the same time. They’ve been exposed to the same weather patterns in that time. If you notice that more than one or two of your neighbors are replacing their roofs, you should do a thorough inspection of yours. Unless your house is drastically newer than others in the area your roof will be in about the same condition.

The best way to extend the life of your Cincinnati roof, past the average for the neighborhood, is regular cleaning and maintenance. Fixing loose shingles every spring and double-checking for leaks after the first big storm of the year will help you fix small problems before they become major. Even the best maintained roof will need to be replaced eventually. It’s better to heed the warning signs and schedule your roof replacement with Best Cincinnati Roofing; don’t wait for an emergency to arise.

Avoid Storm-Chaser Roofing Contractors

Choosing the right Cincinnati Roofer to hire for your home can be challenging and confusing. We know that. With the alarming number of scams that are related to roofing companies, it’s only understandable.

The Urban Roofing Legend

We’ve all heard the story about the friend of a friend who decided to hire a Cincinnati roofing contractor after they claimed to have noticed something on the roof, and knocked on the front door offering to inspect the roof. Asking for the money upfront, they agree on repairing the house roofs but weeks later they’re unwilling to service or even complete the roofing work that they had promised. There was no contract signed, or if there is one, it’s a scam Cincinnati roofing contractor. Not only is this the most widely-known nightmarish tale about roofers, but sadly, it is actually a true story in many places around the country.

Anyone can say that they can hang up a shingle and they can start calling themselves a roofing company. It’s common to see an influx of roofers that are recently “expanding” into the city after a big storm. These could the feared storm chasers.

Learn How to Identify Storm Chasers

Sometimes there may be locals who have decided to start a roofing business right after a major storm hit the city, with the likes of hail and tornadoes.  Sometimes they are painting contractors that suddenly become roofing contractors. They know that the most vulnerable times for any homeowner is right after possible damage to their Cincinnati roofs, so they will likely contact you or stop by to give you an inspection for free.

It can be a challenge to avoid offers from various roofing contractors at times, but getting contracts and offers in writing can help you analyze them carefully and choose the one that is most beneficial to you. Learn to stop yourself from signing or agreeing to anything before you’ve studied various options.

Other clues that might give them away are lack of license certificates or lack of insurance.  Just like in many other cities and states, Cincinnati roofs are often inspected after major storms.

Every roofing contractor that does this kind of work needs to cover workers from injuries if they go up any and fall down from any roof, whether it was Cincinnati storm damaged or not. It’s the insurance company or the homeowner who becomes liable if something happens to the roofer, so it’s best to ensure that the roofing contractor has a current, valid insurance. This will cover the workers in case anything gets ugly.

I repeat, you don’t want to risk your home just because the roofing company you hired didn’t have insurance. Avoid signing any contingency agreements, unless you have already agreed you want to do business with them. Do some research and find out more about the company online or in Better Business Bureaus.

Storm-chaser contractors might even fail to pay for supplies, making you responsible to pay for them. You need to make sure that all the materials have been paid for, so ask directly and ask to see the invoices for the purchases.

It’s best if you hire someone from the area. Local roofing specialists will know about any state licensing requirements they need to have in order to operate. They will also be available to service your roof later on if you need them to. Hiring local will also help you guarantee their work. They will have to respond to their own work after they have finished it.

As 2017 continues to fly by in Ohio, some new trends have popped up regarding roofing. Cincinnati roofers see more and more requests for items that will help the planet rather than hinder it. This is an excellent way to have a smaller footprint per Cincinnati roofing contractors. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top five modern roofing trends in 2017.

1. Go Green

A hot new trend for 2017 is to go green. No, not literally with green shingles, gutters, or flashing, but with the use of recycled materials. There has been more and more demand from consumers for the roofing industry to come up with green alternatives when it comes to residential and commercial roofing products. Cincinnati roofing contractors are seeing more and more of this in the Ohio area and are impressed with the change that is occurring to use new “greener” products based on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

2. Shingles

Not everyone has the same opinion of the environmental need for greener roofing products. These individuals may stick with the traditional type of roofing products such as asphalt shingles. Cincinnati Roofing contractors have been applying asphalt shingles for many decades now. Asphalt has come a long way over the years, and they are a great, quality product to use on your roof. Not only are they Class A fire-resistant and provide for low maintenance, but they are also inexpensive and ideal for extreme weather including hail, heat, and high winds. Shingles are very trendy currently with property managers and homeowners choosing light colors to assist with energy savings.

3. Solar

When you think of roofs, you think of the outdoor improvements of your home including power washing, chimney repair, and even remodeling. One item that homeowners tend to forget about, but that is quite trendy right now, is the use of solar panels on the roof. If you are interested in solar power, you need to contact any Cincinnati roofing contractor to verify if your home can indeed have solar panels installed on the roof. It is a requirement that your roof has a remaining ten years of wear to be able to install solar panels. If not, you would need to have the roof replaced and the discussion about placing solar panels at the time of the roof replacement.

4. Garden Roofs

If you live in a very populated area and do not have a backyard, this trend may be the next best thing! Garden roofs or living roofs are the next trends to hit the roofing world. Mostly contained in Europe, this trend is making its way to the United States and consists of lush, green foliage on the top of your home. The best benefit, the supportive flora keeps your home cool in the summer and keeps that energy bill inexpensive, what could be better than that?

5. Renewable Energy

Cincinnati roofers love using products that are green and that consist of renewable energies. The newest trends in 2017 roofing products are building-integrated photovoltaics (BPIVs). This is a technology that can make electricity out of sunshine. It is a renewable energy source that causes no pollution, sound, or upkeep. You should contact your Cincinnati roofing contractor if you are interested in this product as it is not sold directly to consumers.

As you can see, there are quite a few roofing trends in 2017 that are emerging according to Cincinnati roofing contractors. Hopefully, these are not just a fad, but rather will catch on and keep the planet and their people healthy. If you follow our advice on the top five popular roofing trends in 2017, you will be amazed at what you as an individual can do to save on your own roofing expenses as well as helping the planet in the process!