Roofing Contractor Blog: Roofing Tips, Repair Advice, & Local Roofing Information

Spotting the first clues that your roof needs some work can save you from serious issues down the line and a lot of unexpected repairs to your Detroit, MI home. Here's a few signs to look for that indicate a professional roof repair. Early Clues That Roof Repair Is Necessary for Your Detroit, MI Home Problems With the Shingles Look at your roof regularly for missing shingles and bare spots where water can reach the underlayment. Cracked shingles also often split along the tabs after repeated expansion and contraction, and if you see curling edges lifting away from the surface, your deck is exposed. When you see even a handful of these issues in one section, schedule a closer professional look before that next big storm comes. If your roof isn't new, and you see piles of dark sand-like material or bald patches that show the black mat underneath after a storm, that means the ultraviolet shield on your shingles is basically gone. Once that layer wears away, the shingles grow brittle and crack faster. Indoor Stains If your ceilings or walls have yellow or brown ring-shaped stains appearing after storms or prolonged wet periods, water has already moved past the roof deck and into the living space. Peeling or blistering paint near the eaves can indicate the same thing. Up in the attic, look for damp insulation, dark water marks on the underside of the sheathing, or daylight showing through gaps in the boards. Sagging A sagging line along the ridge or a soft dip between the rafters signals that the decking itself has taken on moisture or lost strength. Step back far enough to sight the entire plane of the roof; any wave or uneven stretch that was not present before needs to be looked at right away. Algae or Moss Dark streaks of algae or patches of moss can take hold on your north-facing slopes and in shaded spots under trees. The roots can both pull up shingles and speed the loss of their granules. Clear that off the instant you see it starting, but if it's taken hold, call for help to make sure it hasn't damaged something. Flashing Issues Flashing is the metal that's around your chimneys, vents, skylights, or valleys, and it's another frequent weak point. Metal pieces that have pulled away, rusted through, or lost their sealant leave open seams, so take a look from the ground for any issues like that. Localized flashing failure is often repairable if you catch it before the deck underneath gets so wet that it starts to soften. Excessive Energy Bills Lots of things can cause higher energy bills, so if you suspect the roof, throw a thermometer up in the attic and see if the temperature is higher than it should be. A roof that has lost flexibility and sealing performance can allow more heat transfer, which shows up as higher cooling costs in summer and uneven temperatures upstairs. Schedule your free roof inspection today with us at Revive My Roof. We service families and businesses in Detroit, MI, Dallas, TX, and Tampa and Jacksonville, FL.

In Florida, our properties face constant challenges from rain and sun. Roof sealing helps homeowners and businesses here in Jacksonville, FL by boosting your roof's defense against moisture and cutting down on unwanted heat buildup. Roof Sealing in Jacksonville, FL What Is It? Sealing is when a protective coating or treatment is applied to your roof surface to create a continuous barrier that blocks pathways for water. Why Do I Need It? Over the years, small cracks, gaps, and worn spots tend to develop on your roof from weather exposure. The sealant fills those openings and bonds to the existing surface. This stops rain from reaching the decking or interior spaces below. How Else Does It Help? Keeping Things Flexible Elastomeric versions of these treatments can stretch and recover when the temperatures rise and fall throughout the day. That makes your roof more flexible and keeps the barrier intact even when the roof expands and contracts in the heat. If your roof gets too rigid, then the temperature swings can cause cracks. Protecting the Shingles The coating that your asphalt shingles originally had when they were put on holds all the granules in place and sheds water. As the natural oils in the asphalt degrade, you slowly lose these benefits and the shingles get brittle and can't keep out water. Treatments replenish those oils and restore their pliability. Stopping the Heat Reflective coatings and membranes bounce a substantial portion of the sun's visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation away from the building, and the roof surface therefore stays cooler than a dark, non-reflective surface would under the same sunlight. That means you've got less heat moving downward into the attic and living areas. In air-conditioned residential buildings, higher solar reflectance can cut peak cooling demand by 11% to 27%. Cool-roof surfaces have been measured as much as 60 degrees cooler than traditional dark roofs during summer conditions. Is It Worth It? Getting a full-surface treatment rather than making repeated small repairs is often more effective when the roof starts to show widespread signs of aging. Spot fixes only address the visible trouble spots while leaving the rest of the surface vulnerable. A complete application restores performance across every shingle or panel. How's It Done? We'll start with a thorough inspection to confirm that your roof is a good candidate. If things are too far gone, it's probably best just to get a new roof put on: a sealing treatment would just waste your money. Next, the surfaces are cleaned so the material can bond properly. The treatment is then sprayed or rolled on in even layers so it will penetrate or adhere. After the sealant has had time to cure, your roof will look refreshed to the eye and you'll quickly notice measurable improvements in both water shedding and thermal performance. Reapplication every few years can extend those gains further and help your roof last as long, or sometimes even longer, than its warrantied lifespan. Schedule a free inspection at Revive My Roof in Jacksonville today to evaluate your roof's condition. We also serve clients in Orlando and Tampa and in Detroit, MI, Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, and Richmond, VA.

Deciding to replace the roof on your home is a major expense. It also can't help but be a disruption to daily life, so it's very important to ask pointed, specific questions before you sign any contract. The right questions are going to reveal whether your Orlando, FL contractor truly understands your house, the demands of central Florida weather, and what will actually protect your investment with this roof replacement. Questions to Ask Before Roof Replacement About Your Contractor and Their Plan Start with basic questions about their qualifications and business stability: How long has the company been operating under its current name and ownership? Are they properly licensed and insured in Florida? (That includes having current workers' compensation and general liability coverage) Will they remove the existing roof completely or install overtop your shingles? Will they replace all flashing, drip edge, step flashing around chimneys and vents, and valley metal, or simply reuse what is already in place? What does the manufacturer's material warranty actually cover, and what additional protection does the contractor's workmanship warranty provide? How long are both warranties valid, and are they transferable to a new owner if you sell the house? What's the wind uplift rating on the roof you propose and does it meet current Florida Building Code requirements and my specific wind zone? Why These Matter A company unable to produce current proof of their insurance and licenses may leave you personally exposed if there's an accident or if damage occurs during the project. A company that just layers a new roof over the old one could have a legitimate reason for doing this (sometimes metal roofs can be done this way, for instance), but layering can also hide underlying deck damage, past leaks, or rot and may void the manufacturer warranty. As for your wind rating, lower-rated or minimally compliant roof might cost less initially but can lead to premature failure in storms or complications with your insurance claims and premiums later. Timeline and Contingencies How many working days will the actual installation take once crews begin? What happens if afternoon thunderstorms or other weather delays occur Will they properly tarp and secure the house each evening? How will they protect landscaping, existing gutters, skylights, solar panels, or attic ventilation? Contractors who have clear written plans for these situations tend to cause far fewer headaches than those who improvise as problems arise. Other Questions to Ask Will every scrap of old material, nails, and packaging be hauled away at the end of each day and at project completion, or is that up to you to arrange? Can you provide a written change-order policy for any issues that get discovered once the old roof is removed? Do you recommend any ventilation improvements or insulation upgrades? What maintenance plan do you recommend? When you are ready to have your roof thoroughly evaluated by people who prioritize extending the life of what you already have whenever it makes practical sense, contact us at Revive My Roof for a free inspection and an honest assessment of your Orlando home. We also serve Detroit, Dallas, Tampa, Jacksonville, Nashville, and Richmond.

In Tampa, FL, we're never too far from the next hurricane season. Preparing your roof for heavy rains and wind starts with getting regular roof maintenance, and the practical steps you take now will pay off later when the storms roll in. Roof Maintenance for Tampa, FL Generally, here's what you want to be doing to ensure your roof is always ready: Keeping an eye on the roof all year Checking and clearing gutters and downspouts regularly Sealing any holes Trimming nearby tree branches back Replacing or repairing damaged areas Checking the Roof Regularly walk around your property and look up at the roof from several angles. Look for missing or curled shingles, cracked seals around vents, or gaps in the flashing. If you're able, climb up (or use binoculars) to spot where junk has collected in valleys or around a chimney. All those leaves, twigs, and dirt hold moisture and add weight, which can cause sagging or leaks when the heavy rains arrive. Remove all this if you can do it safely, or call a professional to make sure it's done right. Care for Your Gutters Clogged gutters force rainwater to overflow and run down the side of your house or back up under the roof edge. You can clean these out yourself with a ladder and gloves, but if heights make you uncomfortable, you don't have the right ladder, your house is more than one story, or you have any other concerns, call us. Seal Any Holes Have a professional regularly examine the seals around all your roof penetrations, like chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, and exhaust fans. These are all natural openings where water loves to enter. We can apply fresh roof sealant or caulk to any cracked or missing spots, and we'll make sure it bonds well and creates a watertight barrier. Trim the Trees High winds can turn those tree branches that hang over your house into battering rams that can punch holes in the roof or scrape away shingles. You should trim any limbs that come within ten feet of the roof so they cannot touch the roof during a storm. Hire a certified arborist if the branches are large or if they're near power lines. Replace or Repair any Damage Check the condition of your roof's edge and any exposed fascia boards. If it's an emergency and the storm is coming soon, you can secure any loose sections with exterior screws or nails driven into the solid wood, but beware that this can cause long-term damage as water seeps around the nails or screws, so call a professional if you have time or get us out there after the storm to deal with it thoroughly. If you notice soft or spongy areas, replace the damaged wood before the next rain. At Revive My Roof, we have helped countless homeowners get their roofs storm-ready through our eco-friendly cleaning and restoration methods. Call us today at 248-266-5169 for a free roof inspection. We serve most of Florida from our bases in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando. We also serve Detroit, MI, Dallas, TX, Richmond, VA, and Nashville, TN.

When a sudden leak hits your home in Dallas, TX, you need clear answers fast. Knowing which ones call for urgent roof repair versus those that can wait a little helps you protect your property without overreacting or spending more than you need to. Leaks That Require Emergency Roof Repair Active Dripping or Streaming If you see water actively dripping or streaming into your living space, treat it as an emergency. This means the roof barrier has a significant breach, and the water can spread quickly through your ceiling, walls, and insulation. That's going to be some very costly interior damage, and within hours. Grab buckets or plastic sheeting to catch it temporarily, and call a professional immediately to stop it at the source. Sagging If you've got sagging ceilings or walls, that usually means water has soaked into the structure long enough to weaken it. You might notice the ceiling bowing downward or feel soft spots when you press gently on drywall. Now you've got a risk of collapse, and it's not safe to ignore it even a day or two. Stay out of the affected room if possible and get a roofing expert on site fast. Electrical Danger If there's water coming in near electrical fixtures, outlets, or wiring, you have to act fast. Even a small drip hitting a light fixture or switch could create a fire or a shock hazard. Turn off the power to that circuit at the breaker if you can do so safely, and then stay clear until help arrives. Leaks traveling along wires often hide in attics or wall cavities, so visible drips are often just the tip of the problem. Minor Leaks That Can Wait Single Small Stains A single small water stain on the ceiling that appeared after one rain event but has since dried can usually wait a day or two. If no new moisture appears, and the stain does not spread, the leak may have sealed itself temporarily as the roofing materials swelled with moisture. Still, it's best to schedule an inspection soon because these intermittent leaks usually return with the next heavy rain and slowly but surely get worse. Minor Roof Damage Minor granule loss or a couple of slightly curled shingles, with no signs of interior leaks, fall into the “monitor and schedule” category. These are usually the response of normal aging of the roof. Mark the spots, take photos for your records, and have a roofer check during your next routine visit instead of rushing to make an after-hours call. Overflowing Gutter A clogged gutter can sometimes cause an overflow onto the fascia. If there are no ceiling stains or attic dampness, this can usually wait for routine maintenance. Clean it yourself if you can do so safely, or note it for your next service appointment. Ignoring it forever is never a good idea, but it's not an emergency. Roofing Help in Dallas, TX Contact Revive My Roof today in Dallas for a thorough inspection or emergency repair. We'll give you straight answers. We also service roofs in Detroit, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Richmond, and Nashville.

Preventive roof maintenance keeps your Jacksonville, FL home secure. You can just focus on a few key areas to catch problems early and maintain performance, and then enjoy peace of mind all year round. Roof Maintenance Steps to Include Annually Every year, plan for a professional inspection to be scheduled at least twice: once in spring and once in fall. A qualified roofer will safely climb up and examine the entire surface, checking your shingles or tiles for cracks, curling edges, or places where granules have worn away. They'll also look closely at the flashing to be sure that the seals remain tight. These are the spots that usually develop issues first, so spotting them early allows you to get a minor, inexpensive fix before any water gets in. Your roofer will also look at the gutters and downspouts for blockages or damage that could stop water from draining properly. Consistent inspections like these help you track changes to the roof over the years and have a strong sense of just how healthy it is and how many years it has left. Between Inspections Clean Gutters Between those professional visits, clear your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year or have your roofer come do it for you. You would be surprised at how quickly leaves, twigs, and dirt collect up there. You can do this yourself with a ladder if you feel comfortable doing so, or hire help to keep the job quick, safe, and thorough. Clear Roof You'll also need to remove any organic debris from the roof surface whenever it builds up. Use a long-reach tool from a second-story window or deck if possible, and always avoid walking on your roof unless you have no other choice. Foot traffic can loosen granules on asphalt shingles. Again, your roofer can do this for you quickly and safely. Trim Back Trees Trim any tree branches that hang over or touch the roof, because branches hanging too close to the roof will drop extra leaves onto the roof; plus, they create shaded spots that encourage the growth of algae and moss in our damp climate. Deal With Algae Quickly When dark streaks or green patches appear, get these dealt with right away. These hold moisture up against the roofing material, which destroys it more quickly than it would otherwise degrade. Call us about professional washing with a low-pressure mixture that can remove this safely without stripping away the protective layers. Inside Maintenance Inside the house, check the attic or crawl space for ventilation and insulation once or twice a year. While you are up there, look for dry insulation and any stains that might hint at a small leak. Catching those from inside gives you another layer of early warning. Get Experienced Jacksonville, FL Maintenance Call us today at Revive My Roof to get a free estimate. We serve Jacksonville, Orlando, and T ampa, FL as well as Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, Detroit, MI, and Richmond, VA.

Can roof rejuvenation make your old Detroit, MI roof shingles last longer? The good news is: absolutely. On average, you can get about five more years of life per application and up to 15 years with repeated treatments and regular roof maintenance, provided the roof is still structurally sound and not severely damaged. How Roof Rejuvenation Adds Years to Your Roof Asphalt shingles naturally lose their petrochemical oils over time. This is because they're constantly exposed to harsh UV rays from the sun, heat, bad weather, and the temperature fluctuations of winter and summer. As these oils are lost, the shingles get brittle and lose those granules that are the protective coating on top. So it makes sense that if you can find a way to restore some of the oils, you can extend the life of the roof. That's exactly what roof rejuvenation is all about. It's a specialized spray treatment where you put plant-based oils onto the shingles to protect them. The Process: The basic process of rejuvenation follows these steps: Inspection Cleaning Application First, we come and inspect the roof to make sure it's eligible for this treatment. Unfortunately, if the roof has already suffered extensive damage and the shingles are too far gone, it might not be appropriate to add a rejuvenation treatment. Assuming the roof is eligible, we would then clean off all debris, moss, and algae to make sure that the surface of the shingles is ready to properly absorb the treatment. To apply it, we use a low-pressure spray to evenly apply the rejuvenating oils to the shingles. The low pressure is important so the rejuvenator can penetrate deeply into the layers, which happens over hours. As it penetrates, it restores the lost oils and resin in the shingles and makes them more flexible. It also seals up micro-cracks, helps the granules stay stuck to the shingles, and makes them more weather resistant overall. The Results The first result you'll notice is that your whole roof will look darker and more uniform. That's because the oils have restored a fresh look. But looks don't mean much in themselves: the real benefit is that the shingles become immediately more pliable and waterproof, and the rejuvenation costs way less than a full replacement. When Rejuvenation Doesn't Work A rejuvenation treatment is not a miracle cure for roofs that actually need to be replaced. If you have significant leaks, serious curling, or have lost too many granules off the shingles, the rejuvenation treatment is going to help a little bit, but it will only delay your replacement by a very short time and ultimately means you'll be paying for a new roof, plus the treatment. The rejuvenation treatment is most valuable on roofs that are 10 to 15 years old and that are starting to dry out but are otherwise in good shape. Rejuvenation and Roof Maintenance in Detroit, MI For all things roof, including rejuvenation treatments, talk to us at Revive My Roof today. We restore and protect roofs in Detroit, Dallas, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Nashville, and Richmond.

If your roof is getting a little old, you've got a dilemma. Should you do targeted spot repair, do a comprehensive roof sealing, or just leave it all alone until the whole thing needs to be replaced? If you have the money for it and your roof is already at the end of its lifespan, then getting a new roof is usually your best bet. But if there's still a few years on that roof, repair or sealing makes sense. Here's when to choose which for your Dallas, TX roof. When Does Roof Sealing Make More Sense Than Spot Repairs? A spot repair means we are fixing specific damage in a specific area, and this usually the method you want to use when you have a minor, very localized issue. What a spot repair cannot do, however, is deal with larger symptoms of aging. In that situation, a spot repair is like playing whack-a-mole: you fix one bit, but you're going to have another leak next month and another spot to repair the month after that. That's when a sealing treatment makes a lot of sense. Roof Maxx Rejuvenation Sealing treatments like Roof Maxx work by replenishing lost oils in your asphalt shingles using a bio-based formula that's derived from soybeans. This restores their pliability and water-repelling quality. The formula is applied with spray after the roof has been thoroughly cleaned, and it covers the entire roof uniformly and prevents you from developing future issues. Making Your Decision Making Your Decision Again, if the roof is experiencing uniform aging across the surface, getting it sealed is a smarter move than trying to fix every little area of damage. But if you've experienced localized damage because of a specific event, spot fixes are cheaper. How Much Damage Does the Weather Usually Do? Although everyone in Dallas tends to experience the same weather events, not every roof is exposed to the same stresses. How much sun exposure does it get? If it's shaded, how often do limbs fall on it? Do you faithfully get it cleaned so that sticks, debris, and leaves don't erode the shingles? Sealing gives you enhanced overall weather resistance and will often be a good option, but if your roof is typically well protected except for one corner, a spot repair of that section might be in order. What's the Cost Overall? A single, simple spot repair could cost from $200-$500, depending on what exactly needs to be repaired, and more extensive repairs easily run close to $2,000. Roof Maxx runs something like $3000-$6000, depending on the size of your roof and other factors. Getting a completely new roof is going to cost anywhere from $20,000 up. So as you are figuring costs, calculate how quickly spot repair is going to add up to more than the cost of getting the roof sealed. It likely won't take long, and getting sealant can extend the life of your roof by up to 15 more years. To find out what's best for your roof, contact us today at Revive My Roof here in Dallas, TX. We also serve customers in Detroit, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Richmond, and Nashville.

It's no secret we get a lot of rain here in Orlando, FL, and algae and lichen both thrive in our warm and moist environment. These can quickly turn your shingles ugly and steal from your home's curb appeal, and they also can shorten the lifespan of your roof. Regular roof cleaning will take care of this problem and help you get the most out of your roof investment. Safe Roof Cleaning Methods for Algae and Lichen on Orlando, FL Homes Avoid These Common Mistakes Unfortunately, too many homeowners grab a pressure washer to get rid of grime and algae. This is actually a recipe for disaster if you've got asphalt shingles. The intense force of a pressure washer blows away the granules in your shingles that protect them from UV rays and rain. In some cases, you might even blast shingles right off, but even if that doesn't happen, destroying the integrity of the shingles means they will fade faster, start cracking, and begin leaking long before they should. Another big mistake to avoid is using the wrong cleaner, like undiluted bleach or anything with strong acid. This is especially dangerous for corroding the flashing and valleys but can also damage the shingles themselves. And again, if you go scrubbing with a brush, you risk gouging the surface of the shingle and pulling off granules that your shingles need for protection. Proven Safe Methods The gold standard for removing algae and lichen is soft washing, which is a low-pressure technique where we use a specialized cleaning solution to gently lift and kill growths. Unlike power washing, which blasts water at your roof at thousands of PSI, soft washing only uses 500 PSI or less and relies on the specially formulated chemistry of the cleaning mix to do the real work. Doing It Safely We always recommend getting professional cleaning services for your roof. Not only can we offer proven methods that are safe for your roof and the environment, but we also know how to stay safe ourselves up there and have all the necessary tools and equipment. Falls from a roof are killers, and they're very common when people try to do DIY roof projects. Adding liquid into the mix also makes the roof slick, which only makes it more likely that you'll have an accident. Prevention Tips Once we've cleaned your roof, there are some ways that you can prevent this problem from getting bad again. First, we can install zinc or copper strips along the ridges of the roof. These will release ions during the rain that will go down onto the roof and inhibit the growth of algae and lichen naturally. We also recommend that you trim any overhanging branches that are keeping parts of your roof in constant shade. You can also get algae-resistant shingles the next time you replace your roof, and getting inspections twice a year will allow you to catch issues early and make cleaning faster and cheaper. If you've got unwanted growth on your roof, contact us now at Revive My Roof. We serve clients in Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa, FL; Detroit, MI; Dallas, TX, Richmond, VA; and Nashville, TN and surrounding areas.

Tampa, FL's heat, humidity, and frequent rain make roof algae (Gloeocapsa magma) very common. We see those black streaks faster here than almost anywhere else in the country; in fact, you'll often see them in just 1–3 years on a new roof. Here's our straightforward schedule to protect your shingles: How Often Should You Schedule Roof Cleaning to Prevent Algae Streaks? If you're in South Florida, clean that roof every 12–18 months. The intense year-round humidity, regular afternoon thunderstorms, and our salty air create nonstop algae food. If you've waited until the streaks appear to get a cleaning, you might need switch to annual cleaning until preventive treatments build up some protection. If you're in Central Florida, plan on a cleaning at least every 18–24 months. Conditions in some areas are slightly less brutal than in the south, but lake-effect moisture and oak shade still push aggressive growth. And in North Florida, cooler winters may slow things a bit, but summer monsoons and pine trees keep the algae thriving. Plan on getting a cleaning every two years or so, but be ready in case it has to happen once a year. If your roof already shows black streaks longer than a couple of feet, green moss in the valleys, or you're seeing heavy granule loss in your gutters, book a cleaning immediately. Waiting even one more rainy season is going to let those organisms burrow ever deeper and lift your shingles. The Process First, we'll soft-wash your roof with low pressure and ARMA-approved biodegradable algaecides that are safe for Florida plants and pets. Pressure washing is a no-go, as it strips the granules and can void the warranties on roofs from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed, so don't be tempted to try that yourself! Our treatment kills spores on contact and leaves a residual that slows algae regrowth for 2–4 years. We'll also add a treatment specifically to stop algae growth. You might also consider adding zinc or replacing zinc/copper strips along the ridge of your roof, which can then carry metal ions down the slope with every rain. The point of those is to poison new spores before they can colonize. What Happens When You Skip Cleanings? Your asphalt roof is typically going to be rated for 20–30 years, but if you've got unchecked algae, you can cut that time to 10–15 years, no question. Algae traps moisture and overheats the shingles, which means they crack much more quickly. A professional cleaning is just a tiny fraction of the cost of a full tear-off and replacement, so it's a no-brainer. Talk to Us Today About Your Tampa, FL Roof Cleaning If you're seeing the first streaks, get things cleaned right now! After that initial deep clean, plan on getting the roof cleaned every 1 to 2 years, depending on where exactly you live and the kind of tree cover you have. Call us now at Revive My Roof in Tampa, Jacksonville, or Orlando so we can do an inspection and take the best approach. We also take care of roofs in Dallas and Detroit!