Author Archives: Keystone General Contracting, LLC

What is Storm Damage to Roofing?

Large Bits of Shingle Torn Off Roof

How to Take Action as a Homeowner

As a homeowner, it’s easy to notice when your plumbing or air conditioning service malfunctions. Your roof, on the other hand, is a different story. How do you know if your roof is damaged? Contrary to popular belief, there’s not always clear, visible signs indicating storm damage to roof shingles. Homeowners often find out hidden rooftop trauma only after long-term leaks cost them thousands of dollars in mold removal and water damage. Nobody wants that!

Today, we’re going to discuss how you can identify and respond to damage on your roof. By the end, you’ll know to spot those tell-tale signs that let you know to call for storm damage roof repair. Let’s dive in!

What is Storm Damage?

“I know it when I see it!” is not a dependable standard for identifying storm trauma on your rooftop. Some problems can affect the rest of your home long before the damage becomes evident from the ground level. Considering the frustration and expenses that a single roof leak can cause, it pays to be thorough as you hunt for rooftop damage.

Below, we’ll explore the various signs and sources of roof damage, and how you can respond as a homeowner.

The Signs

How Do I Know if My Roof Has Storm Damage?

Make a detailed inspection of your roof, or let a professional do it. Search for signs of displaced, cracked, or torn roofing materials (shingle, tile, etc.). You’ll likely see pock marks if your roof has been impacted by hail. You’ll also want to keep an eye open for sections torn off by heavy wind.

Especially keep an eye open for bent and dislodged flashing. These metal strips protect the gaps around your chimney, valleys, and other roofing extreme. Otherwise, water quickly funnels down these vulnerable areas and into your attic. Severe weather may also damage your gutters system and pull it away from the fascia boards. If rain tends to splash out of the gutters, there’s a chance they’re either clogged or too loose.

Signs Your Roof Has Storm Damage

  • Cracked and torn shingles
  • Pock marks
  • Displaced flashing
  • Dinked and loose gutters
  • Leaks in the attic
  • Ripped off fascia boards

Causes

What Causes Roof Damage?

When homeowners think of rooftop damage, they usually point to storms as the primary culprit. While severe weather certainly causes rapid trauma, there are plenty other hazards to your roof.

Types of Roof Damage

  • Hail Trauma
  • Wind Tearing
  • Rain Degradation
  • Pest Invasion
  • Corrosion (Rusting & Wood Rot)
  • Tree Impact
  • Algae Growth
  • Solar Radiation

Any of these threats may weaken or even total your roof, so it pays to expand your storm damage roof repair plan to address all of them. Make sure your insurance policy covers them too, or you could be in trouble the next time a tree branch cracks some shingles!

Insurance

Is Storm Damage Covered by Insurance?

In the majority of cases involving rooftop storm damage, the trauma is created as a result of an unforeseeable hazard. For instance, you can’t predict (or stop) when hail is going to strike your roof with enough force to shatter shingles and open a path for rain to leak into the attic. These types of events are generally covered by homeowners insurance.

However, preventable cases of damage may not be covered by your insurance provider. If a termite-riddled tree next to a home falls and lands on the roof, an insurance adjuster may claim that the homeowner should have taken action to remove the weakened tree and that the subsequent damage is a result of their negligence. The homeowner would likely be on the hook for part or all of the repair or replacement expenses. This logic also applies when water leaks into a roof as a result of a homeowner failing to repair long-standing damages.

Storm Damage and Insurance Claims

Now, you might be tempted to call your storm damage repair services and charge straight into fixing the roof. That could be a disastrous mistake if you plan on filing an insurance claim for the work. Whenever your home is seriously impacted by wind, hail, or whatever type of weather covered in your policy, call a roof inspector and start taking pictures!

The photographed damage, along with the repair (or replacement) estimate provided by your storm damage contractor provide excellent evidence towards your claim. If you have an insurance provider that tends to resist paying out on claims, you’ll definitely want this supporting documentation! Your contractor also provides valuable insight to help you make the tough repair or replacement decision.

A Large Tree Fallen on a House

Find Your Trusted Storm Damage Contractor!

Hunting for a highly-rated, reliable storm damage contractor in your community? Our folks at Keystone General Contracting, LLC would love to help you with your storm damage roof repair in Shreveport, LA! We provide a variety of storm-related services, including valuable insurance claim assistance. Our roofers utilize durable TAMKO products, plus we provide 24 hour service in case of emergencies! If you’re ready to find fast relief, call our team at (318) 300-3660 today.

What is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?

Home-With-Standing-Seam-Metal-Roof

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

When people are interested in metal roofing, they typically want to know “What types of metal roofs are there?” There are several types of metal roof materials, as well as styles to choose from. The most common metal roof options are aluminum, copper, steel, tin, and zinc. The cool things about these types of roofs is that they can come in different styles of metal roofs. One of the most popular types of metal roofs for both homes and businesses is a standing seam metal roof. But what is a standing seam metal roof? This type of roof is made from metal panels that are joined together with a concealed fastener. The look of this metal roof is unique, as they have vertical legs, or standing seams, that rise above the flat areas of the panel.

While this roof is known for being a commercial roofing style, standing seam metal roof for residential properties has become more and more popular. Since it is becoming more and more popular for homeowners, a lot of them want to know how-how is standing seam metal roofing installed and other typical questions. A pretty common question that is asked is, “How much does it cost to install a standing seam metal roof?” The cost of standing seam metal roof installation is going to be anywhere between $800 to $1,000 per square inch. Another question that many homeowners ask is, “How long will a standing seam metal roof last?” Depending on the material that is used for a standing seam metal roof installation, will determine how long the roof will last. If the standing seam metal roof is made of aluminum or steel last 50 years, whereas copper and zinc will last 100 years or more.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Issues

While standing seam metal roofs have a lot of great qualities like great warranties, long lifespans, no restriction on thermal movement, energy efficiency, lots of metal roof material options, and unique style, it can also have its drawbacks. Its important that if someone is considering standing seam metal roof installation for their home, they know the cons as well as the pros. We tend to only talk about the advantages of a roof, but its essential to know what could go wrong with a roof or what are some potential setbacks.

  • Can Be Used On Flat Roofs: If you have a roof pitch that is very low, a standing seam metal roof is not going to work with that type of roof pitch. This is because water that gets on the roof won’t be able to flow off properly, causing a lot of issues with the roof.
  • Difficulty Repairing or Replacing: Another thing to be aware of is that this kind of metal roof is harder to repair and replace because the panels will need to be separated as well as have the sealing removed in order to repair or replace one or several panels.
  • More Expensive: Standing seam metal roofs aren’t the most expensive metal roof on the market, but they are more expensive than most metal roofs.
  • Very Complex Installation: Even when you have a roofer who has years of experience installing this type of metal roof, the whole standing seam metal roof installation process requires a lot of attention to detail and it can take a while.

If you are interested in a standing seam metal roof for your home, know that it will be a little more expensive than most metal roofs, you have higher pitched roof, and you actually want a warranty for your roof. Even though one of the downsides for standing seam metal roofs is that it can be hard to repair or replace, hiring a roofer who has experience working with these roofs will make it less of an issue–this can also help if you have a roof warranty.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Vs. Asphalt Shingles

Deciding on a new roofing system for your home can either be really fun or really overwhelming. It’s fun because you are upgrading to a new roof, but it can be overwhelming because there are a ton of choices to choose from. The most classic residential roofing material that homeowners gravitate towards are asphalt shingles. This is because they are cost-effective, they are easy to install, they come in a wide range of colors, and they are pretty durable. However, a lot of homeowners who are looking for something different might be torn between metal roofing, such as standing seam metal roofing and asphalt shingles.

If you are wanting a metal roof installation for your home, it’s important that you call a professional roofer. You wouldn’t call an amateur for AC services in New Orleans, LA, so why depend on someone who doesn’t have the roofing experience needed to install a metal roof? To get the best metal roof installation in Shreveport, LA, call Keystone General Contracting, LLC at (318) 300-3660 to talk with their roofing experts.

When to Repair Roof Shingles

Thermometer in the Snow to Illustrate Roof Repair in Winter.

Low Temperatures Can Have a Definite Impact on Roof Repair in Winter.

Winter comes with many responsibilities for a homeowner. Depending on where you live, you may need to shovel your sidewalk and driveway, attend to ice dams, and regularly scrape your car’s windshield. Though we don’t get much snow here in Norco, LA, heating maintenance plans still represent an important annual requirement. As for your roof, the season doesn’t put repair, replacement, or roof restoration needs on hold. You will still need to tend to roof repair in winter, schedule inspections after heavy storms, and weigh the necessity of replacement for particularly old or damaged roofs.

At Keystone General Contracting, LLC, we aim to keep our customers informed. We get a lot of questions about the necessity, and even the possibility, of roof service once temperatures begin to drop. Safety issues around icy roofs aside, the winter does present some special challenges in regards to roofing. If you ever find yourself confronting the need for roof replacement or roof repair in winter, you will benefit from a little prior knowledge. First of all, however, you will need to know the nature of your need, and whether to pursue repair or replacement.

Do I Need Roof Repair or Replacement?

The need for roof repair in winter is just as plain as in the summer. If you notice any of these signs, you need repair.

  • Missing or Displaced Shingles
  • Cracked, Creased, Broken, or Otherwise Damaged Shingles
  • Damaged Flashing
  • Sagging Roof Line
  • Water Stains on Your Ceiling

Of course, the more significant your repair needs, the more likely that replacement makes more sense. Generally speaking, if any of the above problems have developed to an extreme, you might want to simply spring for a new roof. For example, multiple leaks or an abundance of missing shingles mean you should consider the possibility of replacement. A few of the most common signs for roof replacement include the following.

Multiple or Especially Serious Leaks: Though leaks generally represent an easy repair, multiple leaks can indicate a fundamental problem with your roofing. They can also cause your decking to rot, a serious situation that calls for a new roof.

Roof Repair in Winter Can Become Necessary Thanks to Damage Caused by Ice Dams.

Ice Dams Are a Particularly Problematic Occurrence in Colder Regions.

Ice Dams: If you live in an area with regular snow and ice storms, ice dams are a big problem. They develop due to temperature differences across your roofing, and usually indicate a design flaw. Worse still, they allow moisture to easily penetrate down to your decking and insulation, and create the necessary conditions for rot and mold.

Lost Roofing Granules: If you notice an abundance of roofing granules in your gutters, you likely need a new roof. Granules protect your shingles from sunlight and impact. When the shingles begin to lose their granules, it showcases either defective products, or those that have simply aged beyond the point of usefulness.

Comprehensive Hail Damage: Few things can devastate a roof to the extent of hail. A fairly common winter occurrence, it often batters roofs into a state of uselessness.

Roof Repair During Winter: What Temperature Is Too Cold for Roofing?

If you need winter roof repair for a leak, you may wonder about how the temperature and weather affects the possibility for service. Asphalt shingles become vulnerable in extreme weather. If it’s too hot, the shingles are liable to lose their granular covering. If too cold, they become very brittle. So, if you’ve ever wondered, can roof shingles be installed in cold weather, it simply depends on how cold.

The ideal temperature for the installation or repair of an asphalt shingle roof is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below that, and the adhesive used to seal your roof shingles will not function effectively. The special adhesives used for roofing rely upon heat from the sun to seal. Any temperature below 70 degrees can negatively impact the quality of the roofing job. At lower temperatures, roof shingles can become brittle and difficult to work with. Anything lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and a reputable roofer will not accept the job at all.

Commercial roof repair in winter can also suffer from the season’s low temperatures. EPDM, a popular type of commercial roofing, is especially affected. EPDM relies on a thick adhesive that’s difficult to work with even at high temperatures. If the mercury ever falls below 45 degrees, EPDM becomes virtually impossible to install or repair.

Roof Repair in Winter FAQ

How Long Does a Roof Usually Last?

Roof Repair in Winter Must Begin with the Removal of Snow and Ice.

Shoveling Snow Off Your Roof Is Another Important Winter Requirement.

This depends on your roofing material. Asphalt shingles that receive the benefit of timely repairs and inspections can last 15 to 20 years. If you have an EPDM commercial roof, it can last for 25 to 30 years. Concrete tiles can last for 40 years, while clay tile can last up to 80. Metal roofing can also persist for many years, starting at 40 and increasing with the quality of installation.

Can a Roof Be Repaired in the Winter?

It’s possible to repair a roof in the winter, though it becomes more difficult as temperatures drop. It also depends on the nature of the repair. If your roofer needs to replace a large number of shingles, or a panel of EPDM material, the temperature needs to remain north of 45 degrees Fahrenheit to make the work possible.

Is it OK to Put a New Roof on in the Winter?

This depends on the type of roofing system you want installed. As mentioned above, you should not try to have asphalt shingles installed if the temperature falls below 40 degrees. For EPDM, 45 degrees represent the limit. If you want PVC or TPO, these materials are less affected through cold temperatures. As for metal roofing, it can install at virtually any temperature, as it does not rely on adhesives or sealants.

What Temperature Does it Need to Be to Seal Shingles?

Ideally, between 70 an 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If hotter, the shingles become too pliable and easily damaged. If colder, they will not seal properly.

At Keystone General Contracting, LLC, we’re the local expert for roof repair in winter in Shreveport, LA. Whatever your need may be — and whatever the temperature — don’t hesitate to call us if you need service. We’re always available for the aid of our clients, so give us a call now at (318) 300-3660.

Save Money and Energy With a Cool Roof

white cool foam roof

For Cool Roofing Installation, Call Our Roofing Contractors Today!

If you are looking for ways to save money monthly while also cooling down your building, get cool roofing! Cool roofing is a type of flat roofing that has extreme reflective properties in its white coating that reflect the sun’s UV rays that help prevent your building from getting hot. Cool roofs do more than just cool down your building; they also take the load off of your air conditioning unit from having to do so much work to once cool down the entire place. You will not need to constantly call for air conditioner repair anymore after getting cool roof installation because the reflective roof puts less strain on your HVAC unit by reflecting heat, which cools down your building. For installation of cool roofing in Shreveport, LA, call Keystone General Contracting, LLC at (318) 300-3660 today.

The Benefits of a Cool Roof

    • white coating prevents sun damage by reflecting UV rays
    • reflective coating cools down building, which lowers your energy bills
    • can come in multiple coating or single ply systems with different base materials
    • also available as a green, environmentally-friendly roof
    • quick and quiet installation allows your business to stay open while roof installation is going on
    • all cool roofs have a seamless and waterproof base that help to prevent water ponding and leaks
    • helps to reduce roofing landfill waste as cool roofs can be reapplied on top of each other
    • cool roofing can come in single ply membrane, roof coating, metal roof, or green roof forms

Commercial Roof Coating: Gimmick or Legitimate Investment?

White Flat Roof With Skylights

A Roof Coating Can Greatly Enhance Waterproofing and/or Energy-Efficiency for Your Building.

You may have already heard of commercial roof coatings. While many businesses sing the praises of roof restoration, you have to ask: “Is it really worth the cost?” Let’s find out!

What is the Purpose of a Roof Coating?

Consistent maintenance and seasonal repairs will prevent the majority of problems for your roofing system. There comes a time however, when gradual wear and tear has worn down your material, leaving tears and punctures. You’re left with a difficult choice: do I stick it out and keep scheduling repairs, or do I start looking for a roof replacement?

That’s where roof coatings come into play. A roof coating is the middle option between repairs (which can get expensive over time) and installing a brand new roof (immediately expensive). The restorative coating can mend minor holes, cracks, tears, etc., but there are many other potential benefits as well. Many businesses see a dramatic decrease in their cooling costs as well, because a coating can reflect additional sunlight.

Which Roof Coating is Best?

“What’s best for my business?” is the right question. It all depends on what functional priorities you have. Some of the most popular roof coatings include:

  • Acrylics 
  • Silicone Coatings
  • Polyurethane
  • Butyl Coating

If your business is searching for a stronger waterproofing to combat pooling water on the roof, your best choices will be either butyl or silicone. Both of these can handle weathering hazards extremely well. Polyurethane offers fair water resistance with excellent color protection.

Companies that look for energy-efficiency above all else often go with an acrylic or even a urethane modified acrylic coating. Acrylics (especially whites) are highly reflective, so they can greatly reduce the temperature of your roofing system. Who doesn’t like saving money on heating and cooling costs?

Schedule Your Commercial Roof Coating!

Our team at Keystone General Contracting, LLC is happy to provide estimates and installation for your choice of roof coating in Shreveport, LA and nearby areas. Give us a call today at (318) 300-3660!

How a Cool Roof Could Help Your Company

Cool Roof

White and Other Reflective Colors Help Reduce the Surface Temperature of Your Rooftop.

You’ve probably heard about cool roofing solutions over the years and how they can save you money. How exactly does that work? Well, with a properly installed cool roofing system, you can expect exception energy savings from your HVAC system and lower maintenance costs for your roofing.

How Does a Cool Roof Work?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy,

“Standard or dark roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more in the summer sun. A cool roof under the same conditions could stay more than 50°F cooler and save energy and money by using less air conditioning.”

One of the most literal terms in the roofing industry, “cool roofing” reduces the surface temperature of your system for better energy efficiency. This is usually achieved by making your roof more reflective, either by using alternative roofing materials or via flat roof coatings. As a result, your HVAC unit won’t have to work as strenuously to compensate for extra heat. That means fewer calls to your HVAC company for commercial air conditioner and heater repair.

What is a Cool Roof Made Of?

There’s more than one way to craft a cool roof, such as…

  • Metal roofing materials (especially aluminum)
  • Light-colored single ply material (TPO and PVC are favorites)
  • White roof coatings (acrylics and other elastomeric solutions)

When you’re installing or replacing your commercial roof, the material you pick has a tremendous impact on your building’s energy efficiency. A well-insulated roof will keep cool air inside your building, while a reflective roof will keep the extra heat out. Popular materials for cool flat roofs include white TPO and PVC, while aluminum is a favorite for sloped roofing systems.

However, you don’t have to wait for roof replacement to access the benefits of a cool roof. Many benefits utilize acrylic coatings for their reflective capabilities. In very humid and high-precipitation climates, urethane modified acrylics add enhanced waterproofing capabilities to ensure your coating lasts. Coatings are very easy to install, plus they have minor restorative capabilities perfect for roofs with cracking and abrasions.

Flat Roof Coatings and Commercial Roof Installation

Are you eager to get the ball rolling on your company’s cool roof? We’d love to help you! You’re welcome to call our Keystone General Contracting, LLC professionals at (318) 300-3660 to get an estimate on your roofing system.

3 Shingle Upgrades: Superior Strength & Style

Shingle Upgrades

Find a Shingle Roof That Provides the Style and Strength Your Home Deserves!

Lots of people love their shingle rooftops! Asphalt shingle roofing has its perks, but sometimes your home needs a material that provides stronger protection. Thousands of people are in the same boat, but there are several quality options for homeowners wanting something better. Consider these three amazing shingle upgrades for enhanced roof protection and beautiful style!

Upgrade Option #1: Architectural Shingles

Withstanding wind speeds of up to 120 mph, architectural (or laminate) shingles are much more resilient against extreme weather incidents. The special layering process of architectural shingles also creates a lovely multidimensional look in your roofing system. Who couldn’t use a little extra curb appeal?

Upgrade Option #2: Impact Resistant Shingles

Have you ever had to submit an insurance claim for rooftop hail damage? You probably remember the hassle and the stress if you have. Impact resistant shingles can handle hail strikes of up to 90 mph, without breaking! They come in a variety of colors for your styling convenience, but imagine never having to file another rooftop damage insurance claim.

Upgrade Option #3: Synthetic Shingles

Synthetic shingles allow you to mimic the appearance of luxury wood shakes, tile, and slate! With synthetics however, homeowners get to skip the exorbitant maintenance costs and heavy weight associated with traditional luxury shingles. Synthetic tiles are so light, they don’t even need additional roof supports! Synthetic wood shakes don’t require frequent cleaning like natural wood. With numerous designs and colors to choose from, you’ll see why so many people choose synthetic shingles for their roofing system.

Which of these shingle upgrades appeals to you? For all your questions about premium shingle roofing, you’re welcome to chat with the experts at Keystone General Contracting, LLC. Call (318) 300-3660!

Roof Replacement Vs. Repair

A damaged roof is a damaged roof, but many homeowners wonder when or if they would be saving money and time fully replacing their roof or just getting repairs. Here are some ways to know if roof needs to be replaced or just repaired:

Age

Our Roofers Can Replace Or Repair Your Residential Roof

The type of roofing material you have plays a big factor in when you should opt for replacement. Premium roofing types like slate, metal, and tile can last 80 or more years, while more affordable materials like shingles need to be replaced and repaired more often.

Storms

If you live in a storm-ridden area, consider replacing your roof with a stronger roofing system like impact resistant shingles or metal. That way you won’t have to get so many repairs after every big storm that passes through because heavy rains or winds blew off your shingles.

Moisture

Depending on how big of a leak will determine whether you can just patch your roof and get a few more years out of it or if you need to replace it all together. If you catch the leak quick enough, a simple repair will be fine. If you notice brown water stains on your ceilings or dripping water inside, you need an entire roof replacement as you have a major hole in your roofing system.

How Long Staying in House?

If you know you aren’t going to be staying in this house a long time, repairing the roof for while you are living there is your better option financially. If you have bought a home and are planning on living there for decades or generations, replacing a roof is more affordable in the long run than having to constantly repair the roof.

If you need your roof replaced or repaired in the Shreveport, LA area, call Keystone General Contracting, LLC at (318) 300-3660 today.