Author Archives: The Woodlands Premier Roofing

Do Cool Roofs work?

material for a cool roof

What is a cool roof?

Before we get into how a cool roof works, do you know what that means? A cool roof system has a high solar reflectance and thermal emittance, higher than a standard roof. That means that the application of a cool roof coating can reflect the sun’s infrared, ultraviolet wavelengths, and visible rays, reducing its heat transfer while radiate absorbed solar energy.

In the past, cool roofs have always been a light color, usually white, but with the changes developed over recent years, a cool roof coating is available in dark, rich colors now that are just as solar reflective. So, today, a commercial building owner can reap cool roof benefits like reducing their cooling energy expenses and reducing the effect of urban heat, while keeping the durability of a cool roof, in a variety of colors.

With that explanation, we are going to discuss the benefits between cool roof vs regular roof and cool roof and waterproofing systems in this piece. We’ll answer some common concerns and frequently asked questions that commercial building owners have expressed about having a cool roof.

What is the coolest roof material?

With 90% of the rooftops in American built with materials that are dark, heat-absorbing, and non-reflective, they have become the big contributor to disproportionate heat issues. Rooftops today can reach 90 degrees above the main air temperature, contributing to the “heat islands” in cities that are densely populated. Thus, the drive to create cool roof materials.

Fortunately, manufacturers have created cool roofing materials for different roofing types to combat this, or at least minimize the effect we’re all experiencing.  The EPA has produced a list of over 3,000 cool roof materials that are Energy Star rated. They base each upon the building type and roof type and the location. 

  • Asphalt Shingles have a relatively low SRI with the composition of fiberglass and organic felts. White asphalt shingles are approximately 30% reflective and colored asphalt shingles are even less. 
  • Metal roofs are known to reflect UV rays by over 70%, one reason it has become more popular. Metal roofing is durable, lightweight, weather-resistant, is 100% recyclable.

With that information, it is easy to see that metal roofing is the cooler roofing material between the two. The durability and weather resistance, along with being 100% recyclable, finding why not to choose metal for a cool roof choice would be challenging.

How much energy does a cool roof save?

A cool roof will save you money in several ways. Starting with rebates and incentives to have a cool roof installed. The bigger and longer-lasting is the energy savings to come for years. A cool roof can allow you to downsize your HVAC system, which saves on energy costs, and it will extend the lifespan of the roof as well. Energy costs vary from city to city, region to region. There are online tools that can tell you more precisely how much energy and money a cool roof will save.

Does cool roof paint work?

Cool paint, aka Heat Reflective Paint, absorbs less head while reflecting the sun’s UV rays. Applying this coating has been shown to reduce the temperature on rooftops, which drops the temperature inside the building. It is common for commercial roofing to have a cool roof coating applied. A certified, experienced roofing contractor will guide you to the roof coating, aka roof paint, to choose.

What color roof is the coolest?

Commercial buildings are typically flat-roofed and either silver or white. Studies have proved that dark roof surfaces absorb heat while light, white roofs are the cool roofs. Within the cool roof colors, weathered white can reduce the energy used for cooling up to 55% while the dark grey color will reduce energy use by only 20%.

In residential roof use, color is more desired by homeowners, yet they desire to save on energy costs too. Manufacturers are finding ways to give homeowners both color and energy savers with colorants or pigments that replicate invisible, near-infrared radiation. It is only time before that extends on to the rooftop of commercial structures.

flat white roof

Will the new roof keep house cooler?

The sun’s UV rays are constantly bombarding rooftops every day. That makes it more important to use energy-efficient materials that will protect businesses and homes from the elements and keep the inside cool during the summer and warm in the winter. This is all an easy decision, right?  

We also know that high R-value rated insulation materials help keep heat inside the roof during the winter will lower heating costs for homeowners. A roof that is a low-efficient and poorly insulated will give homeowners large air conditioning bills and heating bills. So, yes, a new roof can keep your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and save you money in the long run. 

Utility costs are the biggest benefit of a cool roof, anywhere from 7% to 15%. There are many other benefits to be had from a cool roof too:

  • Lower building temperature during the hot months.
  • Reduced maintenance expense because a cool roof will extend a roof’s lifespan.
  • Energy costs are reduced because the building needs less air conditioning.  
  • Lessened heat island index in urban areas.
  • Air pollutant emissions are reduced because less air conditioning is used.
  • Air quality is improved because of those reduced emissions.  
  • Utility rebates are available in many areas.

 Building maintenance is all about being proactive. From drain cleaning to cool roof coating, the preventive things a commercial building owner does today will be reflected tomorrow and into the future. Dial 832-246-7884 today for cool roofing from The Woodlands Premier Roofing in The Woodlands, TX.

Does a Metal Roof Add Value to a Home?

Completed Installation of Metal Roof Shingles

Deciding On and Installing a New Roof

If you have been on the hunt for a new roof recently, then you’ll know there are a lot of options on the market. From every type of shingle material out there to tile and shake roofing, the choices for residential roofing can seem endless. One option that is becoming increasingly popular in residential neighborhoods is actually metal. More commonly seen on commercial and industrial properties, metal roofs are favored for their durable and long-lasting qualities. To learn more about metal roof shingles in The Woodlands, TX, contact The Woodlands Premier Roofing today at 832-246-7884.

Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

Of course, what every homeowner wants to know is, “What are the pros and cons of a metal roofing?” A metal roof installation is going to be costly, but there are proven and trusted advantages to this structure.

Pros

  • Longevity: One of the great benefits of metal roofing is longevity. Metal roofing, whether it is in sheet or shingle form, will last upwards of 75 years or longer! To make things better, most manufacturers place a 50-year warranty on their products as well.
  • Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing is incredibly energy efficient. That’s because the material reflects light and heat rather than absorbing it. In doing so, you’ll find your HVAC system is able to work more efficiently in the summer and the winter months.
  • Durability: Another great benefit of this material is durability. Simply put, metal roofing is strong. Most installations can handle wind gusts up to 140 mph as well as smoke, grease, chemical, rain, and sun exposure – all without becoming damaged.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Something many may not know is that metal roofing is very environmentally friendly. Most metal is made with anywhere from 25-95% recycled materials, but it is also 100% recyclable at the end of its time as a roofing material.

Cons

  • Cost: Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks of this roofing structure is the cost. Metal roofing can cost between two and three times more than a traditional roof. Though this roof is an investment, it only makes sense to spend that much if you plan on spending and investment more time in your space.
  • Noise: Another drawback that many homeowners experience is noise. Metal has been known to be louder in regards to the sounds of rain and hail hitting the roof. Even when insulation is installed at the same time, metal roofing can still be relatively loud. 
  • Inconsistency: One problem that homeowners may face later on, well after installation, is inconsistency in repairs. As time goes on, certain materials, colors, and styles may no longer be available, which can result in an uneven and inconsistent appearing roof.
  • Lack of Knowledge: And of course, one of the other biggest disadvantages of metal roofing is simply the lack of knowledge. Unfortunately, there are just not enough roofers and contractors that know how to properly install, repair or maintain this structure.
Installing Metal Roof Shingles

Metal Roof vs Shingles

This biggest concern and the biggest question homeowners have always seems to be, “Which is better metal roof or shingle roof?” Deciding on metal roofing or shingle roofing is dependent on several things. You really have to think about the cost of installation as well as who you are working with. It’s the same when you are needing something like AC service. 

Metal roof shingles cost more than asphalt shingles do, initially. It’s usually that initial cost that turns customers away, but metal roofing is a long-term investment. That being said, if you chose a cheaper metal, such as aluminum, the overall cost to replace your roof could potentially be about the same as if you chose asphalt shingles. Yes, the cost of the actual material is expensive, but you also have to consider the cost of time and labor. When you work with a reliable company like The Woodlands Premier Roofing, you not only get competitive prices for materials but for time and labor costs as well.

So is a metal roof or shingles cheaper? As mentioned, that is dependent on several things. If you are willing to invest more time, money and effort into your home, then metal roofing is the way to go. Otherwise, asphalt shingles are just as dependable.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best metal roof system?
    • Most roofing systems are considered to be the better option for most properties. That being said, the standing seam metal roof system is not only considered one of the better options, it is also one of the most popular for both residential and commercial properties.
  • What are metal roof shingles?
    • Metal roof shingles are investment-grade metal roofing that mimics the appearance of shingle or tile roofing. They can look like slate tiles, but not only cost less, but weigh less as well. They provide all the great benefits of sheet metal roofing but actually look like shingles or tiles.
  • What are the problems with metal roofs?
    • Metal roofs can often be loud. When installed without insulation, the sounds of rain or hail hitting the roof has been known to be louder than other roofs. They can also make spaces hotter or colder. Metal reflects light, which helps lower energy bills, but it can also cause a space to heat up quickly as well.
  • Are metal roofs worth the cost?
    • It really depends on your needs. At the end of the day, a metal roof is an investment. You are choosing to spend thousands of dollars on a structure that will last longer than most other materials. Whether it is worth it depends on your needs, your budget, and what you want from your roof. 
Black Metal Roof Shingles

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For metal roof shingles in The Woodlands, TX, trust the best in your area. Contact The Woodlands Premier Roofing at 832-246-7884 to schedule an appointment for installation today. 

How Do I Know If My Asphalt Shingles Are Bad?

Cracked Shingle Needing Asphalt Shingle Repair

Repairing an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Unless otherwise specified, almost any home built today comes automatically with asphalt shingles. They are a tried and true material, well known for being long-lasting, reliable, and inexpensive. That being said, asphalt shingles are also known for being easily damaged. Even the most expensive version of these tiles can be damaged by things like wind, hail, and other objects. High price does not always mean that you are getting the best version of a material. A truly reliable asphalt shingle roof will be dependent on the quality of the material and the quality of the installation. When you need asphalt shingle repair in The Woodlands, TX, look no further than The Woodlands Premier Roofing. Call us at 832-246-7884 to get started.

Curling Shingles Indicate the Need for Asphalt Shingle Repair

Signs of Damaged Shingles

Owning a house comes with many responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is caring for your roof. It can be easy to neglect and ignore a residential roof because it isn’t always the most important thing. By doing that, however, you run the risk of experiencing serious problems like leaks, mold growth, water damage and more. So taking care of your roof is really one of the best ways to prevent that. To do that, there are several things to pay attention to.

  • Curling: An indication of damaged shingles can be seen at the corners. If they appear to be curling up and away from the roof, they have more than likely experienced some type of damage.
  • Bald Spots: Areas that appear to be bald, or missing granules, are another indication of damage. This could occur because of hail damage or overhanging branches. Either way, you’ll also want to look for granules in your gutters and around your house. 
  • Missing Pieces or Tiles: If looking at your roof you notice actual pieces of your shingles are missing, your roof is damaged. Typically it will happen around the corners and edges of tiles, but when you see actual sections of shingle tiles missing, they are definitely damaged.
  • Bubbling and Buckling: Another sign to look for are shingles that appear to be bubbling or buckling. They aren’t curling away, but it looks as though something is pushing up from underneath.

Repairing asphalt shingles is one of the easier services to complete, but just like bathroom repair, it is something you hire a professional for. While there are many patch kits you can buy in stores, they are not permanent fixes. Those patch kits work great to temporarily prevent further damage from occurring, but they will not protect your roof if another storm blows through. That is why it is important to rely on asphalt roof repair contractors when you need any kind of roof repair done. 

What Causes Shingles to Crack?

The number one reason an asphalt shingle may crack is due to a phenomenon known as thermal splitting. What this means is, the shingles are not able to withstand drastic temperature changes, so the material expands, contracts, and ultimately splits from the fiberglass base. This can result in water damage, leaks, and more, but why would a shingle crack in the first place? There are two reasons for that.

  • Poor manufacturing: The reason a shingle may crack and split under extreme temperature drops has to do with the manufacturing. Poor manufacturing means the tiles are not properly designed to handle the stress of such an occasion.
  • Poor installation: The other reason asphalt shingle could crack is because of poor installation. Roofers that use poor quality adhesives and materials could mean that your roof will not be able to withstand the temperature changes as well.

Asphalt shingles are as reliable as you allow them to be. When you hire an experienced residential roofer to complete the installation, you can be sure you’ll have a durable roof. Talk with your roofer about who and where they source their materials from. Take the time to make sure you are getting the best materials. While asphalt shingles are among the more inexpensive option, they are still an investment. The only way to get the most out of your investment is to know what you are getting into. In addition to taking care of your roof through regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance services.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should you repair or replace your roof?
    • That will ultimately depend on the extent of any damage to your roof. Newer structures that have experienced some storm damage may only need repairs. While an older roof could possibly benefit from a complete replacement.
  • Can asphalt shingles be repaired?
    • Yes, asphalt shingles are among the easiest roofing material to repair. While they can easily be damaged by high winds and hail, the repair is just as easy. You can either remove and replace only the damaged section, or just completely replace a tile at a time. 
  • How do you fix cracked shingles?
    • You can either remove the damaged section or completely remove the shingle. Then replace it with a new shingle. If you are just removing a section, you can adhere a new piece to the damaged section.
  • How long will a roof patch last?
    • If the weather clears up, a roof patch should last only a few days. It should last long enough to allow time for a contractor to come examine and repair your roof. It will not last as long as a permanent or professional fix.
Installing New Shingles for Asphalt Shingle Repair

Connect With Us Today to Repair or Replace Your Residential Roof

For any residential roofing need, there is no other team to rely on. Trust The Woodlands Premier Roofing with all your roofing needs, including asphalt shingle repair in The Woodlands, TX. Contact our team at 832-246-7884 to schedule an appointment today.

Can Heavy Rain Damage a Roof?

A Picture of Gleaming Shingles After Rainfall.

Storm Damage to My Roof

When we think of roof damage after storm, we typically think that our roof is going to be damaged by hail or wind. A lot of people ask, “What is storm damage?” and storm damage is when severe rain, hail, and wind caused by a storm harms something. Hail and wind are usually the biggest culprits when it comes to roof storm damage, but a roof can also be damaged by heavy rain. If the rain is heavy enough, it has the power to damage your roof shingles and even the underlayment of the roof. If water comes into contact with the decking, then it can cause damages to the structure of the house, as well as cause mold growth in your home. In order to ensure that your roofing system is in good shape after a storm, its important to have it inspected. If you do have roof storm damage, an inspection will be able to determine how severe the damage is and if a repair or replacement is needed.

How Do I Know If My Roof Has Storm Damage?

Whether its a tornado, hailstorm, or hurricane, these types of storms have the ability to leave your roofing extremely damaged. The best way for a homeowner to know if they have roof storm damage is to get a professional roof inspection. How do you inspect a roof for damage? While it is wise to call a professional for a roof inspection, there are ways for a homeowner to inspect their roof to see if they need storm damage roof repair or a replacement.

The first area that you can inspect is your attic. What you will want to look for is water damage. Check to see if there are water stains on the walls or the ceiling–if so, then this will require repairs from an experienced roofer. The next place that you can look is outside. You can check your back and front yard to see if there are missing shingles or materials from other roofing components on the ground. In addition to checking the ground of your home, you can also check the exterior walls, windows, mailbox, patio furniture, and other things that are outside for cracks or dents. If you notice that patio furniture or trees have been knocked over, that is a clear sign that your might have roof storm damage.

Is Roof Damage Covered By Insurance?

A Picture of a Man Taking a Picture of a Roof.

Roof Storm Damage Insurance

When it comes to roof storm damage, repairing or replacing a damaged roof can be expensive. Fortunately, most homeowners have roof insurance through their homeowners insurance. Its important to note that while homeowners insurance does cover some roof damage, it doesn’t cover all of it. In order to for your homeowners insurance to cover roof damage, they need to know what exactly caused the damage. The good news is, that most insurance companies will cover roof damage that is caused by lightning strikes, wind, hail, and water damage.

Its a relief that insurance companies will cover these types of peril, but if your roof is leaking due to storm damage, they will want significant proof. If they find that a roof leak is caused by storm damage, they will cover the cost, but if they determine that the roof leak is due to lack of maintenance, you are one your own. A lot of people ask, “How much does it cost to fix a roof leak?” It really depends on the extent of the damage, but repairs can be anywhere from $100 to $3,000. In order for your roof storm damage to be covered, there are a couple of things that you can do when you file your insurance claim.

  • Understand Your Policy: Before you call your insurance company to file a claim, you need to know if your insurance will actually cover the cost of your roof storm damage.
  • Take Pictures: If you want to have your storm damage covered, you will need to provide the insurance company with significant proof that your roof was damaged by a storm. Taking lots of pictures will provide you with the evidence that you need.
  • Document Everything: On top of taking pictures, it doesn’t hurt to write down the types of damages that your roof and home have acquired.
  • Get a Roof Inspection: You will want to get your roof inspected as soon as possible. This is to ensure that your roof is really damaged and so you can know the total value of damage you have.
  • Call Your Insurance Company: As soon as you know that your policy cover roof storm damage and you have had your roof inspected by a reputable, you can call your insurance company to start filing a claim.

If you are needing roof storm damage in The Woodlands, TX for your synthetic shingle roofing or asphalt shingle roofing, call The Woodlands Premier Roofing today! Getting repairs for your storm damaged roof is not only important for your roof and the structural integrity of your home but because water damage can make its way in your home, it can affect your indoor air quality, as well. Contact us at 832-246-7884 to learn more!

Should I Replace or Restore My Roof?

Replacement and Restoration Services

Most commercial roofs are said to last about 10-20 years, of course with regular maintenance and repairs. That being said, sometimes life just happens and there comes a point, well before the end of a predicted lifespan, that a commercial roof needs an update. It’s in those moments that the question arises: which is better to replace or restore a commercial roof? There are several benefits to either choice, but there are several things to consider before making a decision. Choosing a replacement or restoration will all come down to a few important things: what you are willing to pay up front, what the current condition of your roof is, and if restoration or replacement is even worth the cost. For either commercial roof replacement or commercial roof restoration in the The Woodlands, TX area, contact The Woodlands Premier Roofing at 832-246-7884.

Why Restore

For the process of restoration, it sounds like what you may think. Instead of removing the existing roofing material, professional roofers will instead lay or adhere a new material on top of the current roof. This process provides a new layer of protection that may have been worn down by time and exposure. In order to restore a roof, however, it will depend on the current condition of the roofing material and roof decking. If everything is still in a relatively good state, then restoration may be a great investment for you.

When looking at your roof, you may be wondering why it would be beneficial to restore a roof rather than repair or replace it. There are in fact many benefits to restoring a roof, such as:

  • Low cost: The cost to restore a roof is significantly cheaper than replacement, but it does depend on the current condition of the roof.
  • Increase longevity: Restoring the life of your roof can help increase the lifespan by about 5-10 years.
  • More sustainability: Rather than wasting a lot of roofing material through removal, restoration wastes less and helps to be a little more sustainable.
  • Preventative measure: A restoration can help prevent major issues from happening, because the roof decking is inspected and repaired before restoration is complete.

Choosing a roof restoration can definitely help the longevity of your current commercial roof and The Woodlands Premier Roofing are experts with roof restorations. We use high quality roofing materials like single ply membranes. They help to provide excellent protection and durability for a low cost.

Why Replace

A roof replacement may be more costly, but it might be the best safety measure for your commercial roof.

To replace a commercial roof, again, it is like what you may think. Roofers go through and remove existing material all the way down to the roof decking. From there, they repair anything that needs it and replaces the roof with new material. Compared to restoration, or even simple repairs, this process is more costly. But, a roof replacement may be the better option or the only option for a roof. Regardless, there are still many benefits to a commercial roof replacement:

  • Increase Safety: By replacing your roof, you are increasing the safety of your roof and your commercial building. Unchecked damage can lead to water damage, mold, mildew, and more – all of which threatens the safety of the building.
  • Increase energy efficiency: As time goes on, roofing material gets damaged and ages, ultimately losing the ability to be as energy efficient as it was when first installed. Replacing the roof can help with that.
  • Increase storm resistance: As mentioned before, the older a roof is, the more damaged it most likely is. With a replacement, you can better the ability for your roof to withstand storm damage from wind and hail.
  • Preventative measure: Replacement is also considered a preventative measure, to help keep problems from continuing to grow.

While a roof replacement is, comparatively, it still merits consideration. Depending on the overall condition of your commercial roof decking, replacing the roof may be better for the longevity and safety of your roof. Whereas, a restoration could mean dealing with more issues down the road. Ultimately, it will depend on what a roofer finds during their inspection.

Choosing Local Quality

At the end of the day, either a commercial roof replacement or a commercial roof restoration is an investment in your business. Before deciding on anything, make sure you’ve got all the right information. Call The Woodlands Premier Roofing to schedule an inspection. A professional roofer from our team will go over everything and provide a report for your records, all of which is to help you better understand which option is the best for you.

The Woodlands Premier Roofing have established themselves as the very best in the community. For either replacement or commercial roof restoration, we are available for the job. Our team has years of experience and we are dedicated to providing quality service. Call us today, 832-246-7884, for commercial roof restoration services in The Woodlands, TX and the surrounding areas.