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How Can Improper Roofing Choices Impact Your Home’s Safety?

Are you tired of the frustration of a leaky roof or drafty rooms after a recent roofing project? These issues often stem from avoidable installation errors. Choosing the right materials, ensuring proper ventilation, and meticulous attention to components like flashing and caulking are critical for a long-lasting roof. If you’re considering a residential roofing project in OKC, safeguard your home and avoid costly repairs by understanding the most common pitfalls.

Incorrect Installation Leads to Trouble

Incorrect installation of roofing materials is a frequent problem in residential roofing. This can cause leaks, drafts, and even damage to your home’s structure. Getting your roof installed right means taking accurate measurements of the area, cutting materials precisely, and then fastening them securely to the roof structure.

It’s also very important to correctly install components like flashing, which is the metal used around chimneys, roof edges, and other transitions to prevent water intrusion. Improperly installed components can quickly cause leaks and undermine your whole roofing project.

Picking the Wrong Materials

Residential roofing involves a wide variety of materials, each with its pros and cons. It’s crucial to weigh all these factors before you purchase anything. Consider your local climate, the style of your house, and your overall budget. Once you’ve got some materials in mind, it’s wise to get several quotes from contractors for the full project. A bit of research and planning at this stage can make a huge difference to your roof’s longevity and performance.

Don’t Skip the Estimate

One of the biggest mistakes people make with residential roofing projects is not getting a professional contractor’s estimate. It’s easy to think you’ll save money by tackling a new roof yourself, but this often isn’t true. Contractors have the right skills and knowledge for the job, plus they can advise you on the best materials for your home. They’re familiar with safety regulations and local building codes, ensuring that your roof meets every standard.

Common Pitfalls in Residential Roofing Insulation

One frequent error during roof construction is the incorrect placement of insulation. Insulation is crucial for keeping a home warm in winter and cool in summer. However, it must be correctly positioned between the attic’s rafters to function effectively. Incorrect installation may lead to reduced energy efficiency, resulting in higher utility costs. In severe cases, it could even cause roof damage due to inadequate protection from temperature fluctuations. To ensure that insulation does its job effectively, always engage a skilled roofing contractor who specializes in precise insulation placement, enhancing your home’s resistance to weather changes.

Don’t Forget Waterproofing

Waterproofing your new roof is often overlooked, but it’s a critical step to prevent major issues like water damage, mold and mildew, and long-term structural problems. Even seemingly small amounts of water getting in can do significant damage over time. The waterproofing process involves applying a sealant or tar to all exposed areas of the roof. Once this is dry, a layer of gravel or rocks goes on top. This extra protection helps the sealant last longer by shielding it from the sun’s harsh rays and heavy downpours.

Adding a good quality underlayment beneath your shingles is another vital waterproofing step. This provides a secondary line of defense if moisture ever does penetrate your primary roofing material. A properly waterproofed roof will give you peace of mind and years of trouble-free performance.

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The Importance of Correct Chimney Flashing

Another common oversight during roof installations involves the chimney flashing, a critical area prone to leaks if not handled correctly. Proper chimney flashing involves a continuous metal strip that should extend a minimum of two inches up the chimney and overlap with the roof’s shingles or other materials. This setup is essential to prevent water from seeping into the house through the chimney junction. Homeowners uncertain about the correct procedures for installing chimney flashing should seek the expertise of a residential roofing professional. Taking the time to install chimney flashing correctly is crucial for safeguarding your home from water damage and ensuring the longevity of your roof.

Don’t Neglect Caulking

Vent pipes and skylights are common points of leakage on roofs, which is why careful sealing around them is critical. Failing to caulk around these areas leaves your roof vulnerable to water intrusion leading to leaks and higher energy bills. Use a high-quality caulk made for exterior use and apply it carefully around all points where pipes or skylights penetrate the roof. It’s also important to inspect caulking regularly – over time, it can dry out, crack, and become ineffective.

Proper Attic Ventilation is Essential

Many residential roofing projects overlook the importance of proper attic ventilation. Looks are great, but a functional roof is a priority! Good attic ventilation keeps temperatures stable and reduces moisture buildup, preventing major issues down the road. Insufficient ventilation creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, plus it can lead to wood rot in your roof’s structure. Extreme heat buildup can even damage roofing materials like shingles.

Before installing your new roof, check your attic carefully. Ensure that enough vents are installed and that they’re the correct size for your space. If you’re not confident assessing attic ventilation, it’s always a good idea to get a professional roofer’s advice.

Your Roof, Your Peace of Mind – Call All American Roofing

Don’t let common roofing mistakes compromise your home’s protection. When you choose All American Roofing, you get expert solutions for all your residential roofing in OKC. From material selection and meticulous installation to flashing, waterproofing, and proper ventilation, we consider every detail. Get a free estimate today and let us create a roof that will last for years to come!

How Ready Is Your Roof for a Thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms require two things to thrive: moisture and warm air. Moisture is often present. Warm air, however, needs a little help to get started. The hot summer sun provides the ideal amount of heat to increase the temperature of large amounts of air. This hot air, in turn, rises rapidly into the atmosphere and the displacement creates areas of low-pressure or, as we call them, storms. Thunder comes from a separation of charges between the clouds and when you mix these two together, you get one of the banes of the residential roofing industry: thunderstorms.

How Ready Is Your Roof for a Thunderstorm?

For over 30 years, our experienced roofers have dealt with countless storms in OK. Here are our best tips to help you and your home survive some harsh weather with as little damage as possible.

Professional Inspections

Your insurance will likely cover most of the damage you incur during a storm but your claim value will depend mostly on their assessment. You can guarantee that your roofing is fully accounted for by having a professional conduct a full inspection for you.

Don’t Wait for the Claim

One of the biggest mistakes many homeowners make is waiting before they get their insurance checks. If another storm hits during this time and your roof is still in bad shape, you could be facing a worse problem than what you had started with.

All American Roofing is your number one local roof insurance claims specialist. Trust our professionals to help you recover from some of the most common storm-related damages on your roofing, siding, gutters and more. OKC homeowners can give us a call at (405) 546-3640, and Tulsa residents can reach us at (918) 877-4004 and (888) 919-6391. You could also fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation with one of our experts today. We serve homeowners in Edmond and Norman, OK, as well as in all neighboring areas around OKC.

Important First Steps in Dealing With Hail-Damaged Roofing

One of the most dangerous aspects of hail storm damage on residential roofing is that its effects are not easy to identify. High-impact forces can crack, break or even knock entire tabs off the roof, exposing the vulnerable underlayment underneath. Before you know it, the whole assembly has been riddled with holes and you’re leaking water throughout your home.

Luckily, this is what homeowners insurance is for. It’s not always easy to deal with filing claims but there are a few important points to remember to ensure that your roof is always protected after a storm. Here are some of the best tips from our specialists at All American Roofing.

Don’t Wait

It’s never a good idea to leave your roof exposed and unprotected. Contact a roofing company and a roof insurance claims specialist immediately following extreme weather conditions, even if you think your roof survived it intact. Some insurance providers will even deny claims on additional damage incurred while you delayed any repairs from the previous storm.

Document Everything

Once the hailstorm has passed, take pictures of its effects on your roof or any other part of your home. Don’t forget to take close-ups of the damaged sites and show the full extent of the storm’s aftermath. If possible, take pictures of the actual hailstones on the ground but include a measuring tape or a clear ruler as a scale. Keep all cost estimates, receipts and invoices and file them safely away for when you submit your claim.

Avoid the “Storm Chasers”

You’ll probably run into these types of contractors after some bad weather. They’ll be knocking on doors offering repair and restoration services for damaged roofing systems. These companies are known as storm chasers and it’s unlikely that they are trustworthy. Don’t sign any contract with them immediately. Ask for a license and check with the Better Business Bureau for their track record. They will try to pressure you into an agreement, but don’t be afraid to say no.

All American Roofing is the area’s number one trusted provider of roof repairs, storm damage restoration and insurance claim assistance. Give us a call at (405) 546-3640 (OKC) or (918) 877-4004 and (888) 919-6391 (Tulsa) or fill out our online contact form to get a quote and request a free consultation today. We serve homeowners in OKC, Edmond, Norman and all nearby areas in OK.

Reasons to Be Proactive With Your Roof Maintenance

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Maintaining your roofing system is one of the best ways you can keep it in top form. By keeping up with your roof’s maintenance, not only will it be in good shape for years to come but it can also exceed its expected lifespan. However, those aren’t the only reasons you need to maintain your roof every now and then. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to do so.

In this post, All American Roofing discusses the main reasons you need to be proactive when it comes to maintaining your roof.

Structural Damage

By maintaining your roof, you can easily avoid any structural damage that often plagues a poorly maintained residential roofing system. If your roof isn’t regularly maintained, leaks can easily cause the steel components to rust and the wood deck to rot, which can greatly compromise the structural integrity of the system and will require a significant amount just to fix.

More Time Between Replacements

Your roofing contractor has no doubt told you that keeping up with your roof’s regular maintenance allows you to prevent any major damage that shortens its lifespan. This is actually one of the main reasons you need to keep maintaining it as with proper maintenance procedures, your roof can easily surpass the 20 year life expectancy that manufacturers often predict for it.

Reduced Liability

If your roof starts leaking due to poor roof maintenance, it can cause some wet spots in your home. Granted, you can leave out some bins to catch the drips until it can be completely repaired but these bins can easily clog the hallways and even spill if they overflow. This creates a hazardous environment for you and your household members as the bins can make you susceptible to tripping while the wet spots can cause you to slip, fall and maybe even injure yourself in the process. By maintaining your roofing system, you can easily avoid that problem.

Make your search for a roofing company easier by turning to All American Roofing. We are your leading provider of roof repair and metal roof installation services. Give us a call at (405) 546-3640, (918) 877-4004 or (888) 919-6391. You can also fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. We serve homeowners in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Broken Arrow and other nearby areas.

How to Prepare Your Walls for Vinyl Siding Installation

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Hiring a professional for your siding installation project is always the best way to go. And while you can trust the experts to carry out the job properly, it doesn’t hurt to learn how the process usually goes. For instance, before the actual installation of vinyl siding, there are a few steps that your contractor should take.

All American Roofing, a reputable siding and roofing contractor, discusses some of the prep work done to walls prior to vinyl siding installation.

Check Your Existing Siding

Inspect your existing siding, especially if you plan on installing a new one over the old one. Look out for loose boards and properly nail them down. If there is rotten wood, replace this part as well. Check the caulking around your doors and windows. Scrape off loose caulk and reapply caulking so that your windows and doors have sufficient protection against moisture.

As an added precaution, you might want to check your roofing and gutters as well. Ensure that these are in good condition and they have no leaks or other problems that may affect your vinyl siding.

Apply Sheathing for the Vinyl Siding

Prior to the installation of your vinyl siding, ensure that your walls have a flat, nailable surface. You can do so by applying weather-resistant sheathing over the old siding. OSB, or oriented strand board, is often used as a wall sheathing material due to its affordability and serviceability.

Take Note of “Furring”

“Furring” basically means adding spaced 1×2 strips across the walls and around the perimeters. This technique is intended to provide a flat, nailable base for your new siding. Keep in mind that horizontal siding requires the strips to be applied vertically, while vertical siding needs to have the strips applied horizontally.

All American Roofing is a locally owned siding and roofing company with over 30 years of experience. With our reliable services, you can rest assured that your project will be done professionally. Call us at (918) 877-4004 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. We serve customers in Broken Arrow, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK.

Essential Roof Maintenance Tips for Fall

Roofing professionals often consider fall a great time to carry out roof maintenance, especially in preparation for winter. With the amount of moisture and harsh weather your roof will be subjected to, the risk of damage increases. 

In this article, All American Roofing shares some essential to-do’s for you this fall.

Check the Gutters

It’s common for trees to shed their leaves during fall, and many of these leaves will probably end up in your gutters. Make sure your gutters are free of fallen leaves, dirt, or any kind of debris. By simply cleaning your gutters, you can avoid or minimize the risk of drainage issues and ice dams, which can later on lead to more serious roofing problems.

If there are trees that overhang your roof, you might want to trim their branches as well. Ice, snow, and high winds can cause these branches to break, and this could damage your roof shingles.

Carry Out Repairs

Damaged or missing shingles are common issues with residential roofing. If left unchecked, these can weaken your roof and expose your entire home to further damage. Have your roof repaired before it gets exposed to extreme weather during the winter.

Watch Out for Roofing Issues

Through regular roof inspections, you can detect and address roofing issues before they become more difficult to fix. Since professionals have the knowledge and expertise in this kind of job, you can rest assured that all bases will be covered. It’s not uncommon for the untrained eye to miss minor damage, so it’s often best to leave this to the experts.

All American Roofing specializes in residential and commercial roofing. Whether it’s a small or large project, our team will always do their best to deliver top-notch workmanship. Call us at (918) 877-4004 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve customers in Broken Arrow, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK.

3 Factors That Affect Roof Repair Costs

Roof repair or replacement can take a considerable amount of your money. That’s why you’ll want to learn more of the crucial factors that can affect the overall cost of the project. This way, you can plan accordingly and set a more suitable budget. All American Roofing, one of the area’s top roofing and siding companies in the area, lists them here.

1. Extent of Damage. The more damage your roof has sustained, the more work needs to be done. This, in turn, means more expenses. This is one of the reasons timing is extremely important in a roof repair. You don’t want to put off repairs until the damage has worsened because this will only lead to costlier and more extensive work.

2. Roof Installation Method. Are you just going to re-roof or invest in a complete tear-off? The former may be more cost-effective because it involves just installing new shingles over the old one. You should note, however, that this has its own downsides, such as a voided roofing warranty, poor attic ventilation and a compromised roof structure. It might be a better idea to invest in the latter. Just make sure to work with one of the trusted roofing companies in the area, All American Roofing, for the job.

A tear-off involves removing the old roofing system and disposing of it, and then installing a new one–with all the necessary components–in its place. This is costlier than a re-roof. However, this also means your new roofing will be sturdier and longer-lasting because it won’t have an old and failing system underneath to hinder its performance. 

3. Roof Size. You’ll want to take into account roof size if you’re planning a replacement. Roofing professionals accurately measure this based on square footage, which they then divide by 100 until they get a roofing square. Most roofing materials are sold by the square. A larger system will require more roofing materials, which will add to the total cost of your project.

Whether you need windows installation or roof replacement, All American Roofing will absolutely deliver the highest quality service. Expect only superior workmanship that leaves no room for mistakes when you choose us to handle the job. We serve Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (405) 546-3640 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.