Need to go on your roof for awhile? It’s something every homeowner probably has to do on occasion, but the big jobs should be left to the professionals. Still, if you are needing to get on up there yourself, follow these safety tips, courtesy of enlightenme.com:

• Make sure your ladder is on a solid, level surface at all times. In addition, you should wear sturdy shoes or boots with good traction, along with a hardhat and safety glasses.
• Remember to wear a safety harnesss! If you slip off of the roof, a harness that’s tied to something sturdy can prevent you from falling to the ground.
• Try not to walk on the roof when it’s wet, because it can be very slippery. Leaves also make the surface slick.
•  If you’re at all scared of heights, don’t attempt to master your fears on a roof. Call a professional instead.

 

Shingles: Continuing the Cycle

When the time comes that your shingle roof has reached the end of its lifespan, many homeowners simply have their shingles torn off and disposed of. However, shingles account for around eleven million tons of waste in landfills in America every single year! If you are interested in finding a greener solution for shingle tear off, consider shingle recycling. 

Why recycle shingles?

Although shingle roofing is a great, affordable roofing system for homes and businesses, it contributes largely to waste in the U.S. And asphalt shingles can take upwards of decades to decompose. They also compact poorly which leads to dangerous methane pockets in landfills.

However, over time solutions have been found to use recycled shingles. Old recycled shingles can be used in new projects such as all of the following:

• Creating new shingles
• Making hot asphalt mix
• Cold patching roads
• Dust control for dirt roads
• Fuel source
• and more!

How can I recycle my shingles?

Recycling shingles in Dallas is an easy process. The DFW area has many viable resources for shingle recycling including “roof to road” programs. The following links provide further information on where to recycle your shingle roofing products.

• List of Texas Shingle Recycling Centers
• More Information on Texas Roof to Road Programs

Recycling your shingles is a practical way you can help the environment during your roofing project. Let us know at Eclat Roofing if you are interested in shingle tear off and recycling during your next roofing project.

Roofing scams happen all the time to homeowner’s that aren’t experienced in dealing with a roofing contractor. Some roofing contractors will use the homeowner’s inexperience to their advantage and scam the homeowner out of a lot money. Here are a few of the most prevalent roofing scams and what you can do to avoid them.

The Rising Bid

One tactic that shady roofing contractors use is offering a really low bid price. The low bid will jump out to the homeowner when it;s compared to the higher bids and the homeowner will more than likely take the low bid. Once the roofing jobs starts, unexpected costs and problems will start to happen. The contractor will claim that there was additional damage uncovered or an increase in cost of materials. One tactic a contractor will use is removing that old roofing and not put any new roofing on until he gets paid. When the job is finally done, it costs the homeowner substantially more than what was agreed upon.

Always make sure to do research before hiring a roofing contractor for a job. Only hire highly reviewed and trusted roofing contractors. Most roofing contractors will have a section in their roofing contract that will explain how they will handle traditional cost of labor, materials and unexpected damage.

A High Pressure Sale

Some roofing contractors will show up to a consultation promising an incredible low cost special deal for your roof project, but only if you sign up then and make a down payment for the job. The roofing contractor is making a misleading and dishonest claim to get you to sign a legally binding contract. Some roofers do this because they charge a higher rate than most companies and don’t want the homeowner to consult with other roofers.

You can avoid a high pressure roofing contractor by not agreeing to a down payment for the project.  All reputable roofing contractors are not afraid to take on a new roofing project without a down payment. Always take the extra time to do research and compare roofing companies and bids.

Gutters are vital part of your home for protecting it and your roof. Gutters will help immensely with the health of your roof. They help with the direction and flow of water off your roof and home. This helps with the prevention of foundation damage, molding and wood rot.  They will also help keep you and your home clean and dry by preventing water from entering your home through your windows, doors and roof. Gutters are an economical choice in helping provide additional protection for your home and roof.

Benefits of New Gutters

• Prevents Foundation Damage
• Inhibits Rotting and Molding
• Funnels Rain Water
• Prevents Water From Entering Your Roof and Home
• Keeps You Dry
• Keeps Houses Neat and Clean
• Keeps Basements Dry
• Prevents Top Soil Erosion
• Stops Heavy Rain Runoffs From Harming Plants

Installing new gutters is a simple and quick task that can be accomplished in a day. Here is a video that will show you how to install new gutters step by step.

If you need have any question about gutters or need a roof installation, repair or replacement in Dallas, call Eclat Roofing. We are expert roofing contractors that can help you with any of your roofing needs.

There are many varieties of roofing material available on the market today:  Traditional clay-based, wood, asphalt and others… but there’s one “veteran” material that’s been in use for decades in several long-standing structures in the United States – Metal Roofing.

Metal Roofing is a popular selection among contractors for many reasons, not limited to:

• The ready availability of metal roofing sheets
• Increased speed of construction
• Can be secured with fewer screws than a smaller tile-based roofing material
• Comes in large sheets that are manufactured to interlock with each other

Despite these features, there are a few hazards first time installers can encounter… problems that the professionals at Eclat Roofing have been trained to look for and prevent these installation issues:

At Eclat Roofing, we are very proud of our reputation. We have THOUSANDS of happy customers from Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Beaumont, San Antonio, Austin, New Orleans, and more. A member of the Better Business Bureau, we have an A+ rating and boast zero complaints!

We are open 24 hours a day and ready to take your call NOW at 214-373-1500 or 817-800-1881

Dallas Residential Roof Check

Before the summer heat is in full swing in the greater Dallas area, it is important to ensure your roof has been properly maintained. With the extended cold weather and number of ice storms we experienced this winter, it is very important to make sure your roof is ready for the hot summer days ahead. Here are five easy steps to quickly assess if your roof is ready for summer:

1. Visual Check: The first step is extremely straightforward. Walk around your home and visually inspect the roofing elements you can see. Do you notice any loose shingles? Are there any cracks forming in any components of your roof? This part of your Dallas roof check is fairly easy, but can also alert you to bigger issues.
2. Gutter Check: Next inspect your gutters. If your gutters are full of debris from your roof (such as bits of shingle or other roofing material), there is a good chance your roof suffered damages over the winter and early spring. Remember to be careful when inspecting your gutters as insects and animals will use gutters as homes. Ensuring your gutters are clean is very important in the maintenance of your roof. Water overflow from your gutters can cause damages to your entire roofing system.
3. Debris Check: Look around your property for any debris left over from ice storms and spring storms. If you have a lot of debris littering the area, there is a good chance debris has also planted itself on your roof. The removal of debris from your roof is one of the key components of maintaining a well cared for roofing system.
4. Energy Cost Analysis: As the summer months roll in and your energy costs rise, take the time to analyze your energy costs. If your energy costs are increasing, there is a good chance your roofing system is the culprit. A good roof can cut your energy costs drastically. Talk to our expert Dallas roofers if you are interested in exploring energy efficient roofing options for your home.
5. Full Inspection: It can be extremely beneficial before summer is in full swing to have your roof inspected by a professional. Dallas residential roofs are often steep slope and can be very dangerous to climb on. If you haven’t had a roof inspection recently, call our specialists and set up an appointment for your roof. Your roof is a crucial component of your home and repairs should never be neglected.

By following these five easy steps you can ensure your home is a cool oasis this summer that will protect you from not only the heat, but also summer storms. And remember, your friends at Eclat Roofing are always available to help you with all your residential roofing needs.