Rain gutters are one of your home’s most important protections against the elements. Gathering the runoff from your roof caused by rain and melting snow and diverting it away from your siding and foundation to where it will do the least amount of harm. Because rain gutters are such an important aspect in maintaining the integrity of any home, it’s important that you make an educated and informed decision as you look at available styles and materials so that you can make the b

After the Storm Prediction Center issued a rare, high-risk for severe weather last weekend, 41 tornadoes were recorded that killed at least 19 people in the southeastern United States. The number of people killed by tornadoes over the weekend was more than the total number of people killed by tornadoes in all of 2016. On Jan. 2, 43 reported tornadoes hit the southeast, killing four people. Another four were killed in Mississippi Jan. 21 and another 15 have been confirmed, so

The right roof gives you the shelter you need for your porch, while the color, height and texture of your ceiling adds to the overall look and feel of the space from the inside. Many homeowners like a classic drop ceiling with painted or stained beadboard for a traditional look. An open ceiling is another option, where the rafters that support the roof are left exposed. This is a more rustic choice, and you can use contrasting planks with the exposed rafters to add dimension

Just once, I’d like a homeowner to call me and say: “A meteorite punched a gigantic hole in my roof. Do I need to repair my roof before selling?” Not only would that be a pretty amazing story, but I’d have a much easier time answering with: “Yes, of course you should repair that giant, gaping hole in your roof! Then again, if you market the home as a tear-down, there’s a case for not doing any work (but the property will understandably sell for less).” Unfortunately, the aver

1. Weathering and Aging. Lifespan for a roof is between 15-30 years depending on the type of roof. Natural wear and tear may cause roofs to require repairs and frequent inspections can help owners fix problems before they get worse, saving money and headaches. 2. Storm Damage. Water leaking into a house or building as the result of storm damage can result in dangerous conditions that are expensive to fix. Have your roof inspected immediately after a storm and routinely to en

While tornadoes can occur all year long, tornado season in Texas runs from March through August. During these months, it is not uncommon for several tornadoes to occur at once. The way tornadoes form is not completely understood, but scientists believe they begin when wind shear causes thunderstorms to rotate. As the winds rotate faster, a funnel cloud is formed, and if this cloud reaches the ground, it is called a tornado. Tornadoes are classified according to the Fujita sca

Although your roof does a good job of protecting your home’s interior when Texas spring storm season hits, your roof itself takes a beating for all its hard work. Spring storms can damage roofs in many different ways. Hail, wind, rain, and lightning can all cause permanent, expensive damage to your roof and home. Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover storm damage to roofs, so in order to protect your roof from storm damage, you need to know your risks and make

Texas is a great state, but it does have its issues. The elements cause a lot of stress on your home, especially the roof. Typically, it seems like there’s a drought in the summer, but this year the rains have been awful. Here are some of the most common roofing problems that happen due to Texas weather. Wind Damage Strong winds low roofing material off your home. It’s not just shingles that are damaged, but the felt and sheathing underneath that protects your house. If you h

Damage from sun and heat to a roof can offer be extreme and can also damage a roof to the point of replacement before its time. If you have a shingle roof, your home is most vulnerable to Texas's relentless summer heat. Here are a few ways the intense sun and heat can affect your shingle roofing. Decaying When exposed to relentless heat and sun like the Texas summers give us, the shingles on your roof can start to experience decaying. Newer shingles will usually hold up just

Most homeowners figure they need a new roof after they spot a leak in their ceiling. This leak could be due to many different roofing problems. But, what factors really determine whether a roof repair will solve the problem or the house needs a roof replacement? Here are some tips to help you determine if you need a new roof: 1. Roof age How old is your existing asphalt shingle roof? Most experts agree that a typical roof will last between 20 and 25 years. It also depends on