tile roof
By TAH General Information • Tips and Tricks • • 3 Comments

Tile Roof Considerations Before You Splurge

A tile roof makes a strong first impression. Expensive, heavy, and durable, this roofing material will likely last nearly 100 years.

While traditional roofing tiles were made from fired clay, modern roof tiles are made from concrete. Whether you select curved, fluted, interlocking, or flat shapes, all tiles are an excellent choice for homes located in hot weather climates. This is why they are a popular choice in the Southwest, California, and coastal communities.

While tiles are durable, there are certain conditions that can cause them to break. Here are a few considerations to ponder before selecting this timeless roofing material.

Tile Roof Pros and Cons

Pros of Tile Roofing

Let’s start with the good stuff. There are plenty of advantages to tile roofs. They include:

  • Lifespan: Tiles are crafted to last over 100 years. They can withstand hail, heavy winds, and even fire. Once you apply this roofing material it’s a safe bet you’ll never have to re-roof in your lifetime. In the event you do, most tile manufacturers back up their product for up to 50 years. 
  • Choices and more choices: Concrete, slate and even clay tiles come in a variety of hues and styles, so don’t think you’re stuck with just terracotta. Whether your home is contemporary or medieval in design, there are tile options that will suit it just fine.   
  • No insects, mold, or rot: With tile roofs, you can kiss bugs and decay goodbye.
  • Environmentally friendly: You can feel good about your tile roof because it’s not made from chemicals, but rather from earth’s natural minerals. They can even be recycled once removed. 
  • Energy efficiency: Indoor temperatures are regulated thanks to the heavy thermal mass of the tile.
  • Low maintenance: Roof leaks? What are those? With a tile roof, you’ll probably never know. It’s a rare occasion that your roof will need maintenance or repair.    

Tile Roof

Cons of Tile Roof

Despite plenty of advantages, roof tiles have a few not-so-attractive traits. Let’s take a look:

  • Costly: Certainly not for the budget-minded, clay roofs can average anywhere from $675-$1400 per square. Concrete is more affordable and checks in at around $450 per square. It’s important to factor in their long life if you’re on the verge of being deterred by their price.
  • Installation: Unless you’re a roofing professional, don’t try tile roof installation on your own. They need to be laid specifically to ensure no water can penetrate.
  • Weighty: Tiles are not fit for every roof structure. Your home must be able to carry about 850 lbs. per square, versus asphalt shingles, which only weigh 225-325 lbs. Not every home can support this load. If you need structural reinforcement you’ll have to factor that as an additional cost.
  • Brittle: Even though they’re strong, tiles can break if they are hit with sudden impact. Repairs can be costly if the need occurs.  

Contact Heritage for Your Tile Roofing Needs

Once you consider the advantages and disadvantages of tile roofing you can make a well-informed material decision with confidence. Contact Heritage today for a free roof assessment to see if a tile roof is a good fit for your home. (And pocketbook!)

leaking-roof-repair
By TAH General Information • Tips and Tricks • • • • • • • • • 5 Comments

Leaking Roof Repair: Things to Know About Roof Leaks, Quick!

Does your Austin, TX home need leaking roof repair?

Roof leakage is a common problem for both residential and commercial building owners, AND...roof leaks can cause all sorts of damage to your property if they aren't repaired quickly. Here are 4 facts you need to know about a leaking roof that explains what they are, signs you have them, and what to do about it. (Because you've gotta do something, quick!)

Leaking Roof Facts

Regardless of the sunshine or the rain, a leaking roof is a serious problem. Once the rain begins to fall again a small leak can turn into a house emergency. Here are a few valuable facts about that.

Leaks don't just happen when it rains

Of course, a leak will be most evident during a storm. However, they truly start when it's sunny outside. After the rain naturally drains off your rooftop, anything leftover will be dried up by the sun. And this causes damage that eventually weakens the roof. Once the heavy rains come pounding on the roof again, the mere weight can cause breakage that leads to roof holes and leaks.

The hole can be located somewhere else

The source of a roof leak isn't always located where you see stains and spots. Water can drain from the rafters and spill onto the ceiling in other areas. This is why a professional roof inspection is so important when you're trying to discover where a leak is located.

Rain falls diagonally

It might appear as though rain falls straight down but it's usually directed at an angle. This means it can work its way under the flashing and cause the need for leaking roof repair.

Maintenance is affordable and costs less than repair

Roof maintenance is key in preventing roof leaks before they become major issues. A roof inspector will check your gutters, flashing, shingles and more to diagnose roof problems. The last thing you want is an expensive roof repair, so be proactive and book routine inspections.

Signs of a Leaking Roof

  • Water dripping inside- This is the most obvious sign you have a problem that requires professional assistance. Do not attempt to perform a leaking roof repair as many times the problem isn't always located where the water is coming from.
  • Stains on the walls and ceiling- If you see what looks like a large brown or black puddle on the ceiling then guess what? You have a roof leak.
  • Dripping sounds- Drip. Drip. Drip. Is not good. When you hear a dripping noise, it means there's a roof leak somewhere.
  • Wet and rotten- Prone to damaging the integrity of your roof, rotten wood indicates trouble.
  • Mold and algae growth- Most common in humid and warm climates, algae and mold can begin to form within 24-48. That's why it's crucial a leaking roof repair is done quickly.
  • Missing or damaged shingles-Bucked shingles indicate a movement in your roof deck and curled shingles means water absorption is happening. It's necessary to find the leak right away to prevent future problems.

Leaking Roof Repair in Austin, TX

Heritage Construction is your local Austin, TX leaking roof repair roofing company specializing in residential and commercial roofing. We have locations throughout the State of Texas and offer free roof inspections that will help you stay on top of regular maintenance. Protect your home or business and prevent roof damage. Contact us today to book a free roof inspection. (And you'll be ready for the rain!)

 

re-roof
By TAH General Information • Tips and Tricks • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Should You Re-roof Before Selling Your Home?

Should you re-roof your home before putting it on the market? It's always a consideration and can certainly affect the sale of your home, as well as the buyer's offer. Here's what you should keep in mind before listing your home in the competitive residential sales market.

Curb Appeal

It doesn't matter how beautiful your home is if you can't get a potential buyer to step foot inside. A dingy roof looks neglected and unappealing from the street view. In order to make your home as attractive as possible, you should always look at its external appearance. If you have algae or mold on your rooftop, you'll most likely attract a buyer who considers your home a fixer-upper, or you'll potentially turn off those ready to make a sound investment who don't want to worry about potential home repairs later.

Consider the Current Sales Market

Your real estate agent can help you determine whether re-roofing your home is a good idea in your current sales market. Location, demographics, and market conditions must be factored into the decision. In some cases, it's easier to negotiate the sales price or to split the cost of repairs. However, in a competitive market where other homes in your area have sold quickly, a roof that needs replacement can hinder how quickly your home sells. And don't forget potential buyers might low-call their offer with the intent of repairing the roof themselves.

Re-Roof

Loan Approval

In addition, to curb appeal and sales price, you need to consider the loan approval process for a potential buyer. While minor repairs are usually not a requirement, a damaged roof will likely need to be replaced as a condition on the loan. This means that your buyer will not be able to complete the sale without the seller fixing it first. Because this might not be an expense you planned, especially if you're selling the property "as is" you might be forced to work with cash-only buyers if you don't want to re-roof your home as a condition for loan funding. 

As-is Pricing

If you've decided to nix re-roofing your home you may want to consider as-is pricing and set it lower. This can work to your advantage as it may attract multiple buyers into a bidding war. If you price your home in the mid-to-low range compared to other nearby homes for sale, you may not have to worry about repairs at all.

Need Expert Advice?

Heritage Construction has been roofing Texas communities since 2011. In fact, we've probably been in your neighborhood. If you're ready to list your home for sale you should be aware of any roof damages prior so that you can be prepared to negotiate. Contact us today to book a free 25-point roof inspection. Because sometimes surprises aren't always a good thing! (Especially when you want to sell your home quickly at the max dollar.) We can help.