Replacing a roof is a major investment, and if not done correctly, can turn into a giant money pit. With so many factors to consider and an abundance of roofing contractors on the market, it’s important to stay informed on what to look for in a roofing estimate. Whether you need a roof replacement, repair, or maintenance, you need to keep an eye out for a few things.

Here’s what you should look for in a roofing estimate:

Dive Deeper

Many roofing contractors provide estimates based solely on the shingles. As a professional roofing contractor, it’s more accurate to inspect all elements of the roof system. There is so much more to a roof than just the outermost layer. Each component of a roof is designed for a specific job, meaning when one element is compromised there can be repercussions.

When going over your roof estimate, dive deeper into the details. Your roof inspector should not just be looking on the exterior parts of the roof. It’s their job to understand the complexity of the roof and know exactly how to maneuver it for the most accurate roofing estimate possible.

Breakdown of Cost

Often times you will be handed a roofing estimate that has no explanation for the price. Our family at Aastro Roofing understands the importance of breaking down cost and explaining to the client the importance of each detail. Whether it be labor, materials, permits, or cleanup, our free roofing estimate is thorough and meticulous. Here’s what costs you should expect to see in a roofing estimate:

• The project outline
• Labor
• Materials
• Permits
• Cleanup
• Type of materials, warranty, etc.
• Contractors license
• insurance / workman’s’ compensation

Contact Information

This may seem obvious, but getting in touch with your roofing contractor is crucial. If there is ever an emergency or a change of plans, the correct contact information will save you a lot of time. Having the business’ number, the contractors’ direct line, and email address will be your best bet for discussing plans, costs, and possible future projects.

Guarantee of Work

Roofing contractors are trained to detect issues prior to beginning work. However, there are instances and problems that are difficult to anticipate. It’s not uncommon for a roofing contractor to discover a deeper problem in a roof. This is when a guarantee of work is necessary for a roofing estimate. If an issue is detected, this guarantee ensures the client that their contractor will take care of it.

Be Unique

Customers will always go with the contractor who has great customer service, awesome recommendations and goes above and beyond with their quality of work. Including insurance and their contractors’ license is definitely important, but also including special certifications or involvement in organizations resonates trust in the customer. Look out for these special details in your roofing estimate, these aspects will set average roofers apart from spectacular contractors.

A roofing estimate is the first step towards a healthy roof. If you’re in need of a professional roofing contractor, contact the Aastro Roofing family. With over 30 years of experience and superb customer service, we promise to always have your back.  Drop us a line for a free roof estimate today. (561) 409-3280

You’ve heard it time and time again – your home’s roof is one of the most important features of your home. The roof is designed to keep water out and away from the home’s foundation, protect the inside from all outside elements, and keep you and your family safe. These 5 most common roof problems can be easily repaired on your own or by a roofing expert.

Backed Up Gutters

Your home’s gutter does a lot of heavy lifting. In order to keep your home’s foundation technically sound and healthy, water needs to be diverted. Gutters work to provide a place for water to flow away from your home and off of the roof. Without properly working gutters, your roof can be subject to mold and mildew growth and even larger structural issues.

The most common rain gutter issues are easily repairable and preventable. When a gutter gets clogged with debris, the gutter becomes useless. The weight of excess debris, leaves, sticks, or water, can cause the gutter to become loose from the facia. Once a gutter is clogged and the hangers are sagging, the gutters can no longer divert water off of the roof and away from the house.

Missing Shingles

Shingles are the first line of defense for your roof’s system against the weather elements. Missing, loose, or cracked shingles can result in structural damage. The wood underneath the shingles is prone to rotting, mold and mildew growth, and even holes. If your roof is missing shingles, rain has an easy access point to your home, which leads to roof leaks.

Loose Flashings

Flashing is one of the most important components of the roof. This water-resistant material is either manufactured from galvanized steel, aluminum or plastic. Flashing is used to seal off the roof edges, perimeters, walls, drains, and valleys. Its main job is to prevent water from entering any areas in the roof.

Weather is your roof’s worst enemy, and this includes the flashing. If not inspected regularly, the flashing can become loose or deteriorated. To replace flashing, professional roofing contractors tend to cut the material on their own, but if you’re handy, it is available pre-formed and ready for installation.

Ventilation

Roof ventilation is a fundamental part of making a roof last as long as possible. Proper roof and attic ventilation keeps the moisture levels at bay and maintains a cool temperature. Heat and moisture will increase your energy bill, cause mold and mildew growth, and can even lead to loose shingles, insulation, and sheathing.

Lack of Maintenance

We can’t stress this enough. Monthly roof maintenance is key to preventing major roof problems, therefore, preventing costly repairs and replacement. Keeping a monthly checklist and being consistent is the most effective way to make your roof last. Here are some monthly tasks you can perform to maintain your roof’s integrity:

• Inspect your roof from the ground, binoculars are helpful.
• Clean out the gutters
• Inspect the attic’s ventilation
• Clean and seal your roof if necessary

Your home’s roof is a big investment. Now that you’re aware of the 5 most common roof problems, be vigilant in preventing them. If you come across any of these roofing issues, drop us a line for a free estimate. The Aastro Roofing family has your back.

During the hustle and bustle of moving into a new home, homeowners often tend to forget to educate themselves on the importance of their new home’s roof system. New homeowners are excited and joyful about their new purchase, but the amount of responsibility and upkeep can be quite shocking. One of the most surprising responsibilities is the home’s roof.

Here are 5 things new homeowners need to know about their roof:

Roof Inspection

Too many times new homeowners realize their biggest purchase has just become a money pit. Before you even purchase a house, a professional roof inspection is a must. Be sure that your inspector climbs up to the roof instead of doing just a ground inspection. Every angle and aspect of a roof system should be inspected to prevent larger issues down the road. If you’ve already purchased a home that needs roof repairs or replacing, make sure to keep up with the monthly maintenance. Prolonging your roof’s life is always the goal.

Pay Attention to the Gutters

Your home’s gutters are probably the last thing on your mind. However, the gutters are one of the most important factors to your roof system. Rain gutters are designed to keep water away from your home’s foundation. If your gutters are clogged with leaves, sticks, and debris, they can’t effectively do their job. Gutters also play a key role in providing a place for water on the roof to run off, keeping the roof dry and preventing mold and mildew growth.

Previous Roof Documentation

If your new purchase is an older home, documentation of the roof’s replacement and maintenance is extremely important. If it’s not a new roof, inquire about the kinds of repairs that have been done, how often roof maintenance was completed, and if there have been any recurring issues. This allows for a smoother process in the future if you ever do need any repairs or are experiencing problems with your roof.

Preventative Maintenance is Key

Maintenance can be a hassle and if your roof has no current issues, it can seem unnecessary, but it’s always better to catch a small issue before it leads into a major one. A small leak or repair can lead to a whole roof replacement if you let an issue go on for too long or if you fail to catch it in the beginning stages. New homeowners should create a monthly roof maintenance checklist to help with consistency.

Find a Roof Inspector you Can Trust

Your roof is one of the main elements of your new home. Failing to have a trusty roof professional by your side can result in costly repairs and larger problems. The Aastro Roofing family has over 30 years of experience and we are driven to provide quality maintenance and impeccable service. If you’re looking to buy a new home or just became a new homeowner, contact a roofing professional for an inspection.

New homeowners need to be educated on the importance of the roof system and always keep an eye out for minor issues that could lead to serious problems. If you’re on the market for a professional roofing contractor you can trust, drop us a line. (561) 408-3280

Hurricane season takes up half of the year in South Florida. Once it’s passed, its right around the corner again. This year, we are expecting near average hurricane activity. Colorado University suspects 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. Be proactive this hurricane season and prepare your commercial building for any possible storms with this hurricane tips.

Here’s our hurricane preparedness checklist for commercial buildings:

Be on the Lookout

Hurricanes don’t appear out of the blue. Fortunately, we are lucky enough to have technology and information at our fingertips. Whether you keep up with the weather reports through your phone, radio, or television, knowing when a hurricane is coming is your greatest advantage. The four key elements of a hurricane are high-speed winds, storm surges, torrential rains, and tornados. All of which can result in devastating damages to your commercial building. Hurricane readiness is a must in the wake of a hurricane.

Disaster Plans

A major commercial building will have its own disaster response in place, but it’s always a good idea to make sure a solid emergency strategy is in effect. Once you hear news of a possible storm, make sure you do these 5 things:

1. Review your insurance policy. Be sure the building is covered against storm damage. Take images of the outside of the building, the perimeter, and inside if necessary. Taking video is also an effective way to document the integrity of the commercial building before the storm hit.
2. If you have the means, advise employees to go home and prepare their own homes for the storm. In case of emergency, remind those in charge of their roles and responsibilities.
3. Stock up on all emergency supplies – batteries, generator, tools, water, and anything else that might be needed during a power outage or flood.
4. Back-up all electronics in your building with important data and files that your business can’t function without.
5. Most commercial buildings in Florida have impact windows and flat roofs, but if needed, shutter the windows.

Double-checking that these plans are in place will prevent any possible issues with your insurance company, protect your commercial building and all of your valuables.

The Calm Before the Storm

With the ability to know the exact time and day a hurricane is supposed to hit, there are no excuses for not properly securing your commercial building. Once you have been alerted of a hurricane, it’s crucial you take cautionary measures.

• After backing up all electronics, disconnect all wires except for refrigerators.
• Ask your employees to clear their desks, bring home their work, or put it in a safe-kept place.
• Move desks, furniture, and equipment away from windows, into the innermost rooms of the commercial building.  
• Bring in and store all valuables and displays located outside the building.

Once the Storm Has Passed

Once the storm has passed, authorities have concluded it’s safe to be outside and return to your commercial building, you can look for any damages. If you or emergency services have identified any hazardous conditions, these need to be restored before employees can begin to work again. Inspect your commercial building roofing material, check the windows for cracks or missing glass, and look for any roof leaks or flooding.

Hurricane season is officially among us. Be alert and prepared this season. If you experience any roof damages or leaks to your commercial building, give Aastro Roofing a call. Our family has over 30 years of experience and is dedicated to building and repairing quality roofs. Drop us a line for a free estimate! (561) 409-3280