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Save Money With New Windows

Can new windows really save you money? The short answer is – Yes! When researching, you can be bombarded with a variety of answers and responses, but it is clear that there are numerous benefits to installing new windows. 

New windows are an investment, and few of us consider how many windows we have until there is a price tag attached to it. While it is undeniably an investment, it is a worthwhile one, as it improves both your home’s aesthetic as well as its efficiency. Energy efficient windows can save you money down the road. 

Why new windows?

Insulation impacts numerous areas of your home. While proper insulation in your walls seems like common sense, many overlook the importance of insulation within their windows. When it comes to your home, insulation can impact your overall heating and cooling costs throughout the seasons. If you notice a cold draft coming from your windows, this is a clear sign that your insulation may be less than ideal. 

Even if your windows have been replaced on the tail end of ten years, they are likely not as efficient as windows today. Windows now maintain an IGU rating or insulated glass units, which can include multiple panes of glass. This type of window can help to improve your odds against heat loss and even outside noise. If you’re ready to shave on bills and improve the aesthetic of your home, new windows may just be exactly what you need.

When should I consider new windows?

When it comes to being a homeowner, it feels like the possibilities are endless. When it comes to replacing your windows, there is never a bad time. If you are invested in staying in your home, but you would still like to save on energy bills, installing new windows could be an ideal investment. This investment is also ideal for helping to improve the dampening of outside noises or any risks of draft that can make you uncomfortable. If you are looking to sell your home, installing new windows could improve not only the curb appeal but the overall value of your home. 

The numerous benefits of new windows

At the end of the day, there is truly little downside to installing new windows. The largest benefit is the fact that you will be saving money. Heating and cooling needs can drive up the monthly cost of your home immensely. Installing new windows can help cut these costs by eliminating drafts and providing proper installation. By investing in newer windows, you’ll also help to improve the overall comfort and even the lighting within your home. 

With new windows, you’ll deal with less noise, less draft, and less worry when your monthly utility bills come in. Windows can completely change the overall look of your home, so if you’re ready to save money while also making your home more you, now is the time to update your windows. If it’s time for you to consider new windows for your home, contact the team at Mr. Roof today. 

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What’s the Best Reinforced Weather Protection for My Roof?

No matter what your roofing system looks like, it is important to know how to take care of it. Though weather varies in different areas of the country, each roof needs to employ proper protection against weather, whatever that may look like. Because your roof is so central to your home’s stability and well-being, if it is not adequately prepared for weather events, you are likely to experience damage in your house as a whole. There are many ways to protect your roof against weather and ensure that your investment in your home and roof system is safe for years to come.

Seal your roof

The first thing you can do is make sure that your roof is properly sealed. There are natural seams in a roof, such as where the eaves come together, where the chimney meets the roof, and where the shingles meet the gutter system. Applying proper flashing and sealant to these areas ensures that no leaks occur. This also helps ensure that no moisture makes its way under the shingles and causes mold, mildew, cracks, or ice dams.

Insulate the attic

Insulating your attic and ensuring that it is adequately ventilated help ensure that snow doesn’t melt against the roof’s heat and create ice dams. This also deters mold and mildew growth and allows your roof to remain in a neutral temperature range no matter what is going on outdoors.

Install RoofGuard

By hiring a trusted Mr. Roof specialist, you can have a RoofGuard+ roofing system installed on your home’s roof to protect your shingles from wind, water, algae, and more. This system has been shown to extend the life of your roof without cracking or turning your roof an unsightly color. It is the single best thing you can do to make sure that your roof lasts the maximum amount possible.

Keep an eye on the roof

Make sure to examine your roof at least twice a year to ensure there are no visible signs of damage. If you see any cracked shingles coming off or missing, it is important to contact a Mr. Roof specialist right away. These are signs that there is a larger problem with your roof that could damage your whole home. Your examinations should always be done by the ground or while standing inside and looking through a closed window. If you cannot examine your roof this way, call an expert to do it for you.

Prepare your yard

When severe weather is predicted, or when it is a severe weather season in your area, be sure to clear your yard of furniture, toys, umbrellas, planters, and anything else that could be blown into the air. It may come as a surprise, but roof damage is often caused by flying backyard objects during a storm. Removing or securing these objects can help ensure that unnecessary damage does not occur. Roof damage can cost thousands of dollars, so it is worth taking the time to prepare.

Have your roof reinforced

Ask your local Mr. Roof specialist if roof reinforcement could help keep your home secure. This process involves a high-bond glue that is applied between the roof and the rafters. This helps ensure that the roof can’t blow off or separate from the rest of the house, which would be catastrophic to the home as a whole and lethal to the roof itself.

Review your insurance

It’s best to keep up to date on your policy and what it does and does not cover. Be sure you have proper coverage based on your area, as not all policies cater specifically to the weather patterns near you. Extra hurricane or flood insurance may be necessary but will often pay for itself tenfold in the event of a significant roof disaster. Reviewing your insurance can help you remain calm and focused during an emergency.

Call Mr. Roof

The experts at Mr. Roof are here to help you whenever you have questions or concerns about your roof. For over 50 years, our team has been serving homes around the country and making sure that they are braced for all kinds of weather. No situation is too big or too small for our experts to handle. Don’t wait until tragedy hits; prepare yourself andcontact your local Mr. Roof today.

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Does My Roof Need a Roof Vent?

As a homeowner, it’s likely that you receive a lot of conflicting advice about how to care for your property. Many companies try to fearmonger and trick you into paying for expensive repairs and replacements that you don’t need. When it comes to roofs, it is especially easy to create a false narrative that scares clients into committing to costly repairs. We at Mr. Roof refuse to operate this way, and give our clients only honest, straightforward information about their homes and roofs. This is why we are here to set the record straight about roof vents and whether they are indispensable in your home.

What is a roof vent?

Roof vents are small ventilation areas that allow air to flow freely through a home’s attic. Because there are often no windows, doors, or traffic in attics, roof vents provide circulation to the space and ensure that it doesn’t become too hot or cold.

The need for air flow

It’s difficult to understand why airflow is so necessary for an attic area. Without air movement, attics can reach incredibly high temperatures in the summer and very low temperatures in the winter. The heat encourages mold and bacteria growth underneath the shingles of your roof. Any trapped moisture can also create ice dams in the winter, which can crack and damage your home’s shingles and cause leaks. Keeping the attic temperature consistent and temperate can help your roof last longer and stay in good condition.

Energy costs

Roof vents are among the top ways to keep energy costs low. If your attic is extremely hot or extremely cold, your home’s heating and air conditioning units are forced to work doubly hard to keep the air in your living spaces at a desirable temperature. By allowing air to flow more freely through the attic, you can keep that space at a more reasonable temperature and eliminate the need for your forced air systems to do all the work.

Indoor moisture

Even if you happen to live in an area with few temperature extremes, it is still important to have proper attic ventilation. Many people forget that steam from showers, dishwashers, and even cooking can affect the moisture in the attic. Additionally, the home’s heat from the furnace, clothes drier, and oven naturally rises to the attic, raising the temperature. Without ventilation, the heat has nowhere to go and causes issues similar to what we mentioned above.

Too much is not a good thing

Though ventilation is, in fact, necessary, there is such a thing as too much. If an attic is over ventilated, leaks and damage can easily occur. A good rule of thumb is one square foot of venting for every 150 square feet of attic space. Any more than that creates unnecessary vulnerability, and any less can increase attic temperatures and cause damage to your roof.

Call Mr. Roof

You can always count on the experts here at Mr. Roof to give you clear and honest information about your home’s roof. Over our 50 years in business, we have served over 300,000 satisfied customers, and maintained an A+ rating with the BBB. Don’t hesitate,contact us today. 

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The Anatomy of a Roofing Shingle

When you need a new roof installed on your home, it’s essential to understand the different components you must select for the job to have the results you desire. One of the most important decisions you must make is the type of roofing shingles you want on your new roof. Roofing shingles are the most common choice of roofing material in the United States due to their relatively long lifespan of 20 to 25 years as well as their affordability.

If you want to make the most informed decision concerning your roofing shingles, it’s crucial to understand their construction and what makes a high-quality roofing shingle. Use the following information to help you narrow down your choices for roofing materials to the option that works best for your property.

Understand the types of roofing shingles 

While there are many types of shingles, asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular choice for residential roofing throughout the United States due to their economic viability, overall reliability, and ease of installation. However, there are countless varieties of asphalt shingles that you could select for your roof replacement. It can be difficult to navigate the different options, but your roofing team can help you select a roof shingle material that best suits your property. 

Remember, paying more for higher quality roofing shingles may not always yield the return on investment you expect. Some homeowners make the mistake of purchasing expensive roofing shingles that wind up clashing with their neighbors’ homes. This may make the home more unique, but if the homeowner decides to sell, it sticks out among the surrounding houses and may turn off potential buyers. 

Know the layers of an asphalt shingle

Asphalt shingles are multilayered materials meant to ensure protection against the elements. Asphalt shingles’ construction has evolved dramatically to provide property owners with better, longer-lasting protection over the years. 

Today, the standard asphalt shingle has five layers: 

The outermost layer, visible once the shingle is installed, is made of quarried and crushed stone granules. This layer protects the asphalt underneath from the ultraviolet light of the sun. Otherwise, the asphalt would melt and break down. These granules also provide fire resistance.
Under the top layer is a layer of asphalt. The asphalt layers of a roofing shingle provide cushioning from impact forces and help the shingles resist the force of hail and other debris landing on the roof.
The center layer is a mat core that provides flexibility and more durability. Most asphalt shingles contain fiberglass mat cores. This fiberglass layer is the first component used in the manufacturing of asphalt shingles. The fiberglass core becomes coated with asphalt that adheres to the fibers, creating a more stable surface for the granules on top and the sealant layer below. Beneath the central mat core layer is another layer of asphalt. When the fiberglass mat passes through molten asphalt, the asphalt essentially sandwiches the fiberglass inside it to keep the entire shingle together.
The lowest layer that rests against the roof bed’s surface is the sealant that keeps the asphalt shingle firmly in place once arranged with the rest of the shingles. While roofing shingles require nails to stay attached to the roof bed, the sealant layer allows the asphalt shingles to overlap seamlessly and prevent water from intruding beneath the shingle layer. 

It’s possible to find asphalt shingles with many other types of construction, but this five-layer model is the standard for most asphalt shingles. Most residential roofs use three-tab asphalt shingles that ensure quick and easy installation while making it easy to maintain visual appeal. Staggering these tabbed shingles means a significantly faster roof replacement job in most cases. 

cknowledge the value of asphalt shingles 

There are many different roofing materials available on the market today. While many homeowners invest in composite tile roofs and metal roofs, asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular choice for roofing materials in the United States, thanks to their fantastic overall quality and value. 

If you are planning a roof replacement in the near future and want to take advantage of the practical benefits of asphalt shingles, pay close attention to the types of shingles your roofer offers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions to determine which type of shingles would offer the most value for your home. Mr. Roof has years of experience providing professional asphalt shingle roof installations, replacements, and repairs. Contact us today for more information about the asphalt roofing shingle products we offer, and we will be happy to help you clarify your options. 

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All About Your Dormer Roof

Homes come in all shapes and sizes. Many families choose their homes based on the overall aesthetic rather than focusing on particular features. Though this is perfectly fine, it does reduce one’s ability to appreciate the finer details that go into a beautiful home. When it comes to roofing, it’s not uncommon to overlook design even further. When homeowners consider their roofs, it’s often in relation to their condition rather than their architectural design. This puts many people at a disadvantage when purchasing a new home or building a new construction. The architectural design of your roof can have a significant impact on the roof’s functionality and can be a benefit or a hindrance, depending on where you live. There are many distinct styles of roofs, but the dormer style is absolutely one of the most unique.

What is a dormer roof?

It’s probable that you’ve seen a dormer roof before but didn’t realize that it was a distinct style unto itself. These roofs are characterized by dormer windows, which are windows that stick out from vaulted roofs and have roofing that is separate from the rest of the home’s roof slope. This provides additional space into interior rooms that have vaulted ceilings and can create nooks that are great for beds and other uses. This style dates all the way back to the 1500s in Great Britain, but variations of this style were used as early as the 12th century. Throughout the centuries, this style has been used to bring additional space and light into attic areas that previously had very little. Now that electricity is the standard, they are generally added for additional natural light or to compliment the home’s overall shape and aesthetic.

Types of dormer roofs

The dormer genre has several subcategories that are each a little bit different but still classify as dormer roofs. Remember, these classifications refer to the dormer itself, not necessarily the overall roof. The dormer often has a different shape than the larger roof. Here are a few types of dormer roofs that you may find:

Gabled. This style involves a dormer that has two slopes and one peak on top.

Shed. The shed style is a simple, one-slope roof from the larger roof over the window. There is no roof slope on the sides. Despite the name, this style is often found on homes and not on garden sheds.

Arched. On these dormers, the roof over the window is curved. This style has a French history and has a distinctly European look.

Pedimented. The pedimented roofs have a similar shape to the gabled style but involve a crossbeam that creates a triangle at the top of the window. This detail may seem small, but its roots come from Greek architecture, and this small variation can have a big impact.

Wall. While most dormers exist entirely on the roof of a home, wall dormers exist at least partially on a wall of the home. These can be more aesthetically pleasing for homes that have relatively small roofs. A wall dormer’s roof can be altered, as this style is not defined by the roof shape.

There are several other styles of dormers that are possible for a home. However, these are the most commonly found styles and represent the basics of a dormer roof.

Dormer roof considerations

When looking at a home with a dormer roof, or if you are considering adding one to your home, there are several things you’ll want to think about. As with any home feature, the dormer roof has pros and cons that may sway you in one way or another.

dvantages:

Dormer roofs increase airflow. With the added window, you can get fresh air in attics or upstairs rooms that were previously blocked in by your roof.

Additional light. Dormer roofs create natural light in attics and upstairs spaces, which makes them more livable.

Added space. A dormer may seem like a small feature, but it can bring a significant amount of space into a room. Many people choose to put their bed or a reading area in the space a dormer roof provides.

Curb appeal. Dormer roofs are a desirable commodity for a home and add increased curb appeal to your property.

Disadvantages

Leak risks. Naturally, adding more roofing and window seams raises your chances of leaking. This risk can be mitigated by investing in a quality roofer to install and maintain your dormer roof.

Price. Dormer roofs can be expensive to install. Depending on the style, one window could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000.

You can’t do it alone. Even the most experienced DIYers won’t be able to install a dormer window by themselves and will need to call a professional.

Interior uses for dormer roofs

Dormer roofs don’t just make your home’s exterior look nice, but they add a significant amount of space and variation to inside rooms as well. There are several types of rooms that dormer roofs typically benefit from, and an endless amount of possibility for how to arrange and decorate each one.

Bathrooms. Attic bathrooms are a great way to turn the space from a living space into a master suite or private living quarters. Dormer roofs add enough headspace to move around comfortably and stand at a bathroom sink.

Bedrooms. Adding a window to your attic space can make it an official bedroom on the housing market and makes it more pleasant for you as well.

Living areas. You may choose to continue to use your attic space for a general living area. The natural light helps to make it a desirable place to read, play games, or sip coffee.

Of course, there are an infinite amount of possibilities of what you could do with your dormer roof space. With the additional light, you can customize your attic to function however you’d like.

Contact Mr. Roof

Whether you have an existing dormer or want to install one, the experts at Mr. Roof are here to help. For over 50 years, our professionals have been helping families create and maintain their dream homes. Whether you have a question or want a job done fast, we are always here for you.Contact us today for a free estimate. 

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How to Prepare Your Roof for Tornado Season

Spring brings with it lots of happy events. The flowers start to bloom, the sun feels warmer, and the summer months are almost in reach. Though spring is generally a happy time of year, it is worth remembering that it also brings an increased risk of severe weather. Tornado season extends from March to June in most parts of the Midwest and plains areas. During this time, it’s important to be as prepared as possible in case an emergency does occur. Many people stock up on bottled water and flashlights in case of outages, and many families and schools make a plan in case a tornado strikes. As you are making these plans, it’s beneficial to remember to keep your home safe too. There are several things you can do to protect your home from a tornado and minimize the damage to your roof.

Have your trees trimmed

Maintaining your trees is a common task in the springtime for most homeowners, whether they live in a tornado-prone area or not. Trees that are especially old or tall fracture easily under the pressure of wind and flying debris. Have a landscaper inspect your tree and remove any dead branches or excess twigs that could easily fly off in a storm. By eliminating weak spots, you lower the chances of parts of your tree flying into your home. It’s best to inspect your trees in the spring, even if you had them pruned in the fall, as the weight of snow may have caused new damage to occur.

Secure outdoor furniture

It’s very important to have a plan for patio furniture. In the case of inclement weather or a storm in the forecast, secure your patio furniture or bring it inside. Though patio furniture is sturdier than indoor couches and chairs, it can still be swept up in tornado winds. If your patio furniture is projected into the air, it can crash into your home and cause damage to your walls and roof. The best course of action to avoid extra damage later is to put such items in a secure location.

Clean your gutters

Gutters are a natural gathering spot for debris in the springtime. As the snow melts, it brings every object from your roof down into your gutters. This debris can prevent water from effectively draining off of your roof, which becomes a problem in a storm. Without a clear gutter to direct it, the water can leak into your home, flood your yard or pool on your roof. All of these possibilities have expensive consequences. Clean gutters will direct the water away from your home and into the sewers where it belongs. While the gutters are being cleaned, make sure to secure any loose screws that are holding the metal to your roof. This small detail can prevent your gutters from being torn off by wind gusts.

Have your roof inspected

Tornado season is a perfect excuse to have your roof inspected. This should be done regularly anyway, and having it done in the springtime helps to ensure that your home is prepared for a storm. An expert will be able to tell you if there are any areas of concern or issues that make you particularly vulnerable to storm damages. Some examples of problems are:

Roof deterioration or rot. Excess moisture will eat away at your roofing materials. If left unchecked, these spots are extremely vulnerable to breakage during storms.

Loose nails. As with your gutters, securing all parts of your roof can help to ensure that nothing flies off during periods of strong wind.

Leaks. If there is a leak in your roof, there is the possibility of flooding and excess damage. Sealing leaks ensures that the inside of your home stays dry and protected.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible problems. A professional roofer will be able to thoroughly assess your roof and give you a detailed list of possible weak spots.

Contact Mr. Roof

In situations of extreme weather and potential damage, you need a roofing company you can trust. At Mr. Roof, we have over 50 years of experience in the roofing industry and understand the volatile nature of the Midwest tornado season. We have helped countless families avoid massive damage to their homes and have helped repair roofs for families who got hit especially hard. We give you as much peace of mind as possible during the spring storm season and do quality work on which you can rely. To begin your storm preparations, or for a free estimate on any other roofing or exterior home project,contact us today.

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All About Your Gable Roof

Unbeknownst to many homeowners, the style of your roof can have a large impact on the functionality of your home. While aesthetics generally drive home purchases, it’s important to know how the details of your home may benefit or hinder your family’s wellbeing. When it comes to roofs, many people understand that having a well-made roof is essential to protecting the home as a whole and that replacing your roof is essential every 15 years or so. What some homeowners don’t realize is that the shape of the roof itself may affect how effective your roof is at protecting your family. Discovering the style of roof on your home allows you to look for common issues that crop up with that type of roof and may even affect what kinds of homes you look for in the future. A main category of roofing is the gable roof. You’ve undoubtedly seen this roof style before, though it’s common not to know much about it.

What is a gable roof?

Gable roofs are fairly basic. They consist of two roof slopes that meet at a single seam on the top of the house. This seam runs the length of the home, and there are no slopes on the other two sides of the house. If a child were to draw a simple picture of a house, they would likely draw one with a gable style roof, specifically a side gable. This style is common all over the world, with a particular presence in East Asian architecture. Many Gothic-style homes utilize gable roofs as part of their design as well. There are several subcategories of gable roofs that still fit the general description of a gable roof but with a different twist. These are some examples:

Front gable. In this style, rather than having the roof slopes cover the left and right sides of the home, the slopes come down the front and the back sides instead.

Crossed gable. In these homes, there are several gable roofs whose seams intersect. In the case of a crossed gable home with four peaks, the seams would make a cross shape from the top.

L-Shaped gable. On these homes, the roof comes down farther on one part of one side than it does anywhere else. The low part creates almost an A-Frame style, but only on one portion of the home. It is distinct, but it does happen.

Box gable. In this iteration of the gable roof, there is a crossbeam that goes from one of the eaves to the other. Essentially, this simply completes a triangle on the sides without eaves. It often indicates a distinct attic area rather than a full floor.

Gable roofs do not have to only involve straight edges, but many do. Some gable roofs have curved lines, and they can also have dormers of any kind.

Considerations about gable roofs

As with any home feature or style, gable roofing has some pros and cons. Depending on your family, lifestyle, and the climate in your area, a gable roof may not work. Before making any new home purchases, or before designing a new construction, consider these advantages and disadvantages of gable roofs:

dvantages:

They are effective at removing snow and rain. Because of the steep slope of most gable roofs, snow and rain easily run down the eaves and into the gutters. There is little risk of pooling or accumulation under normal weather circumstances.

They’re easy to make. Because of their basic design, gable roofs are fairly easy to build. This often makes them a less expensive option when building a new construction.

They’re affordable to maintain. For similar reasons, gable roofs are easy to maintain because they are so common. Most roofers will know how to work well with gable roofs.

Disadvantages:

They don’t stand up well to high winds. In weather events such as hurricanes or tornadoes, Gable roofs often don’t do well. In many cases, builders omit adding additional support to a gable roof to maximize living space. In the event of severe weather, a gable roof can easily collapse.

There is the potential for updraft damage. If there is a significant overhang on a gable roof, a strong gust of wind can catch under the lip of the roof and remove the roof from the rest of the home.

They aren’t always well made. Many DIY homeowners try to replace or install their own gable roofs. Because of the simplistic design, many amateur craftsmen believe that they can save money by doing the job themselves. However, this often leads to ill-fitting parts and unreliable support, only adding to the dangers. If you are buying a home with a gable roof, be sure to have it inspected by a professional to identify any homemade roof fixes.

For some people, the advantages of a gable roof far outweigh the disadvantages. For areas of the world that don’t receive hurricanes or lots of snow, gable roofs are an absolutely wonderful choice. For others, a different roofing option may be a better fit and provide more peace of mind.

Differences between a gable, mansard, and hip-style roof

The two other main categories of roofs that you will encounter are mansard and hip. The difference between these types is fairly simple to understand and can help you determine what style to look for. While a gable roof only has slopes on two sides of the home, a hip roof has slopes on all four sides. Other than the number of slopes, the possibilities for customization in hip and gable roofs are the same. A mansard roof is a little bit different. Mansard roofs have slopes on all four sides as well, but each side has two different slopes. The top slope of each side has a more gradual incline downwards, whereas the second portion of the slope is significantly steeper. This creates an angle on the sides of the home, giving it a distinct appearance.

Contact Mr. Roof

It’s never a good idea to attempt roofing projects without a professional to help. The experts at Mr. Roof have been serving American homeowners for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on creating quality, well-built roofs that are dependable and give our customers peace of mind. For any questions about roofing styles, to find a location near you, or to request a free estimate, contact Mr. Roof today.

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Benefits of Owens Corning Roofing Systems

Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or replacing your home’s roof, it’s important to know your options regarding the roofing system you select because it provides the performance and reliability you expect to help protect your home.

Mr. Roof wants to be sure our customers have the information they need to make an informed decision. And a critical part of our roofing systems are shingles from Owens Corning® Roofing.  Owens Corning® is a leading brand among roofing manufacturers in the United States and offers a wide variety of shingle styles and colors to fit any home.

Owens Corning® Roofing Shingles

While a complete roofing system has many components working together to help protect your home, shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. In addition to the long-lasting protection they provide, they also offer curb appeal.

Versatile Design Options: exterior design considerations are important when making any major repairs or upgrades to your home. Owens Corning® architectural shingles have multiple granule colors blended together to add texture, in addition to shadow lines that give them depth and dimension on the roof. These ceramic-coated colored granules also help protect your shingle from UV degradation – damage caused by ultraviolet light from the sun.Superior Moisture Protection: One of your roof’s most important functions is protecting the inside of your home from water damage. A professionally installed roof should provide you the confidence that your home is protected. Owens Corning® shingles feature fiberglass mat at the core saturated with weathering-grade asphalt and are covered with colorful mineral granules to provide a water-shedding barrier to your home.  And Owens Corning® roofing shingles have a proprietary heat-activated sealant on each shingle that bonds the shingles together into a watertight unit.Patented Technology for Advanced Performance: Duration® Series shingles from Owens Corning® feature their patented technology called SureNail®^ , which is a fabric reinforcement in the nailing area to help protect against shingle blow offs.

Roofing System Options From Able Roof 

Every aspect of an Mr. Roof roofing system revolves around protecting your home from water damage and other elements. Mr. Roof offers three roofing system packages, which all include asphalt roofing shingles from Owens Corning®.

RoofGuard Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Oakridge® Shingles>Up to 2x better nail pull-resistance++Limited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡110 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*Available in popular colors

RoofGuard+ Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Duration® Series Shingles>Up to 2.5x better nail-pull resistance++Patented SureNail® Technology^ for reinforcement in the nailing zoneLimited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡130 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*TruDefinition® color platform in a wide variety of colors

ThunderGuard® Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Duration FLEX® Shingles>SBS modified asphalt that makes the shingles pliable and gives them greater flexibility and toughness42% better nail-pull resistance against the wind versus standard shinglesPatented SureNail® Technology^ for reinforcement in the nailing zoneLimited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡130 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*TruDefinition® color platform in a wide variety of colors

Duration FLEX® shingles are the most durable and reliable shingles if you are concerned about having the best possible moisture protection in your roof.

Choose The Best Roofing System For Your Home 

A roof repair or replacement is a big investment for a homeowner. It’s essential to choose a reliable roofing system that offers the value and performance you expect for many years to come. Mr. Roof proudly offers Owens Corning® shingles as part of Mr. Roof roofing systems.  Together we offer you high-quality roofing products and installation of your new roofing system. Contact us today for more information.

*see actual Owens Corning warranty for details, requirements and limitations.

++Owens Corning testing against competing shingles with a wide single-layer nailing zone when following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and nailed through the middle of the allowable nail zone.

^For patent information, please visit www.owenscorning.com/patents. SureNail® Technology is available only on Owens Corning® Duration® Series Shingles. SureNail® Technology is not a guarantee of performance in all weather conditions.

‡‡ For single family residences. 40-Year Limited Warranty on all other projects

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How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Your Roof

Most of us understand basic science concepts whether we explicitly learned them in school or simply encounter them in day-to-day life. You don’t have to be an expert to understand most of these topics, and many times they are so integrated into our daily lives we barely notice how much we know about them. One of these topics is the concept of freezing water. Many of us have ice in our drinking water, use a freezer regularly, or live in an area where winter gets below freezing temperatures. In all of these situations, we have a basic understanding of the science behind water temperatures. As water freezes, it expands. This is why you can’t put cans of sparkling water or soda in the freezer — the expansion of the drink as it freezes will cause the can to explode. If you thaw an ice cube, it contracts and enters its liquid form — water. What many people don’t realize is that this very concept occurs outside naturally, and the effects of it can wreak havoc on your roof.

How freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage

Water and moisture are always in the air. That moisture finds its way into anything it can as a gas or a liquid in the atmosphere. Then, when temperatures drop, the water molecules start to expand. As the water expands, it puts pressure on the object it is inside of. In some cases, like basketballs or plastic buckets, the material that contains the moisture can stretch to accommodate the expansion. However, in things such as concrete or roofing tiles, there is no give in the material to allow it to expand. This means that the freezing water can cause cracks and breakages in the rigid object as it expands. This pressure is created multiple times per week as temperatures rise and fall above and below freezing levels. This cycle puts significant stress on your roof’s shingles and can cause lasting damage.

Signs of roofing freeze-thaw damage

Freeze-thaw cycles can create several problems for your roof, but they don’t all look the same. Here are some signs that your roof is taking a beating from freeze-thaw cycles:

Uneven or small space between shingles. Shingles should be evenly spaced. If they have moved or seem uneven, the expansion and contraction process has moved them loose.Ice Dams. Ice dams happen when the heating on your roof is not uniform or when the freeze-thaw cycle happens with greater frequency. In these instances, snow melts and runs down the roof as water. The water then gets stuck behind shingles and causes pressure beneath the shingles when it freezes again.Flashing is out of place. Roofs have metal flashing sheets that seal the cracks on the sides and seams of a roof. If the flashing on your eaves, peak, chimney, etc., has separated from an area, ice dams have likely created damage. These gaps can easily allow further moisture to enter your home and can even cause flooding if not addressed swiftly.

Though these situations can seem frightening, it’s possible to mitigate the damage they cause by addressing the issue early.

Long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle

There are other ways in which the freeze-thaw cycle can create long-term damage to your home, investment, and even your family’s health. Here are some long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle:

The freeze-thaw cycle brings moisture under your shingles and into your home. This moisture generally collects in the attic but can spread from there. The water that condenses inside is not clean and brings mold and bacteria with it. As these germs reach the warmth of your home, they are free to grow and spread, causing breathing problems, heightened allergies, and other serious health issues.The freeze-thaw cycle speeds up the damage process to your roof. Though all roofs go through wear and tear, if left untreated, the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle could leave you with repairs for which you were not prepared.Ice dams easily damage gutters or even remove them from the sides of the roof. When this happens, runoff cannot be directed to the gutters and often pools in your yard or basement.

How to protect your roof

The effects of the freeze-thaw cycle are extreme, and many people stress after discovering what it can do to their home. Fear not. There are steps you can take to protect your roof from significant damage. Follow these steps to protect your home this winter:

Remove the snow from your roof as soon as you can. Many people call a professional to handle this job safely. This process prevents ice dams.If an ice dam has already occurred, call a professional right away to have it removed. The longer you leave it, the more damage you can cause.The best thing you can do for your roof in the long term is to make sure that your attic is well ventilated. This airflow keeps the temperature of your roof even and keeps ice from forming.Schedule regular roofing inspections. It never hurts to have a professional inspect the state of your roof once or twice a year. If you catch roofing problems early, they are often far easier and less stressful to fix.

Hire a professional

Though technically you can remove ice dams and repair your roof on your own, we really don’t recommend doing so. It is easy to fall and injure yourself or even die when trying to work on a roof without proper equipment and experience. Even ground-based methods such as roof rakes don’t work well and often just create further damage to your shingles. It’s best to call a local, trusted roofer to help you maintain your roof and create a plan for dealing with any issues.

Contact Mr. Roof

For roofers who know all of the ins and outs of the freeze-thaw cycle,contact Mr. Roof. We have been battling ice dams and roofing problems for over 50 years, and there truly isn’t a situation we haven’t seen before. Our number one mission is to give you peace of mind with our craftsmanship and standout customer service. When you hire Mr. Roof, you know that the job will be done correctly and honestly and that the issue was fully resolved. Don’t wait on freeze-thaw cycle issues — call us today.

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3 Ways to Use Copper in Your Home Exterior


3 Ways to Use Copper in Your Home Exterior

Yes, specialty metal roofing is costly, but that doesn’t mean the classic look of copper is out of reach for your home! Here are our 3 favorite ways our customers use copper in their home exteriors that don’t include all-over roofing.

1. Porch Roofs, Dormers and Water Tables

You don’t have to cover your entire home with copper to have a beautiful roof that highlights and protects your home. Porch roofs, dormers, and water tables are great options for homeowners wanting the look of a copper roof while minding a budget! A break in uniform on the roof goes far to highlight a smaller roof section and add timeless flair!

2. Flashing and Drip Edges

Like the previous option, copper flashing is a wonderful way to highlight and add dimension to your home (especially if you have several roof sections varying in size). Flashing aids in waterproofing a roof system that’s made more vulnerable by valleys and sidewalls. If this sounds like characteristics your roof, then consider installing copper flashing!

3. Gutters

Copper gutters are the best of both worlds: beautiful and functional! The attention-grabbing look of copper gutters creates a frame for your home while also serving to direct water away from your foundation and landscaping. Bonus perk: Copper has the longest lifespan of all gutter materials, so you can trust that your investment will go the extra mile!

Ready for a design consultation? Our Home Exteriors by Baker team serves homeowners in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and are ready to answer your questions!>

Click here to request a quote.

By Alex Manring

Alex has worked at Baker for 5 years! When not at work, she loves spending time outside with her Goldendoodle and her husband Cole, hanging out with her family & friends, trying all the new restaurants in Raleigh, and watching a good movie!

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