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Before you decide on which way to go, you or your contractor need to verify the local building codes. Some jurisdictions do not allow more than one roof to a structure. Or they may allow two roof coverings, but you’ll need the contractor to verify how many old roofs are still on your home, because the last homeowner may have had a re-roof done already. A new roof installation may be your only option by way of local building codes. 

Is it OK to put new shingles over old?

The decision on re-roof and new roof installation replacement can be a difficult and tricky one to make for most homeowners. Most professional roofing contractors will recommend a full replacement roof installation; however, a re-roof job can be a better choice in certain circumstances, meaning, installing new shingles over existing shingles. Factors that are considered when making this decision are: 

• Age of the existing roof
• Overall quality of the roof structure
• Condition of the house and its foundation

If re-roofing is possible, then why do roofing contractors advise against it? To a homeowner on a budget, and who isn’t these days, re-roof is the better way to go if the three factors listed are good, right? No, and here are seven reasons why a professional roofer with experience will advise any homeowner against taking that option and stay with a new roof installation every time: 

1. Bumpy Surface Difficulties: Asphalt shingles need to be installed on flat, even surfaces. When they are forced instead onto a bumpy or gap-filled foundation, the old flaps will transmit through to the new layer of shingles and make it harder to secure them. As new roof installation progresses, this can lead to problems as the shingles become harder to install accurately and properly.
2. Inadequate Inspections: Leaving the old shingles on will make future roof inspections more difficult. This can leave problems with the decking and underlayment unknown and lead to leaking, mildew, mold, and more. If the homeowner were to file a roofing claim later, the insurance adjuster will see the previous roofing is still in place and the claim could be denied. 
3. Expensive: Re-roofing will cost more than a new roof installation eventually. While you’ll save a thousand dollars or so with re-roof and installing new shingles over old, this puts more weight on the structure of your house which puts more weight on the foundation. 
4. Lack of Leak Prevention or Repair: When new shingles are overlaid on the existing shingles, the roofing contractor is unable to install ice dam barriers. Without these barriers, you’re leaving your roof prone for leaks in the future when the ice melts and that water has nowhere to go but under the newest layer of shingles. 
5. Foundation and Structure Strain: A roof is designed to protect the structure is installed on and nothing more. When a layer of new shingles is installed over existing shingles, it adds weight to the structure, which adds weight to the foundation. When it ices or snows in the winter, even more weight is added.  Roofing problems will begin, foundation problems will begin, and the walls in between the roof and foundation are slowly pressurized. 
6. Warranty Voided: Re-roofing can affect the shingle manufacturer’s warranty on the new asphalt shingles. 
7. Future Plans: If you decide to sell your home in the future, the buyer’s inspector will discover the additional layer of roofing shingles and this could lower the value of your home and make it difficult for the new buyer to get the home insured.  It can also affect your own homeowner’s insurance. 

Is re roofing a good idea?

If there is only a minor issue or leak,  re-roofing with one or two shingle size area is understandable and acceptable. However, when the entire roof, or most of the roof has reached the end of its life, new roof installation in place of trying to save some money is the best option.

One thing you won’t need is a fear of heights!  You can find roof installation steps online, with and without videos. You can visit your local big box home improvement store for assistance too. You do need to keep in mind that a DIY roof installation may void the warranty on the new shingles – most manufacturers require a certified, licensed, and insured roofing contractor to install their product. Contact the professionals at (214) 612-6696 today.

When Is a Rain Gutter System Necessary?

• Red clay: This is a rich ground matter that can be a challenge to work with, and if rainwater can get to the foundation of your home, red clay is like a pipeline. It will carry the rainwater to the same spot and wash it out. A rain gutter system allows you to redirect that water with a drainpipe and gutter line away from your home.
• Upward Sloped Landscaping: When a home is at the bottom of sloping land, rainwater pools up and below ground level around foundation. A rain gutter system will redirect that water towards sloping side going down and keep runoff away from landscaping. 
• Roof Overhang: Roofs that fit close to a house allow rainwater to pour off the roof near the foundation. This can create numerous problems with frequent rains, like creating trenches where the rain steadily hits the ground. This rainwater is absorbed into the ground and begins to cause extensive damage. A rain gutter system will keep this and having a waterfall at each entrance of your home from happening. 

Should gutters match roof or house?

A rain gutter system and the siding are visible from the street with the siding being the dominant feature. Most homeowners choose a rain gutter color that to their accentuate and trim the outline of the roof to add visual appeal and maintain their color scheme. Some homeowners prefer their gutters to be obscured and take away from the roof or siding’s contribution to the home’s curb appeal.

Then there is the option of spicing things up and go with contrasting colors for your rain gutter system. Choose a color that is totally foil to the siding color so that they pop, adding a visual allure of sorts to the curb appeal. Regardless which way you choose to go, don’t be random with the colors. You want a hue that is that you will like looking at for a long time! Ask the roof gutter experts that you choose to work with, they have seen it all and can make suggestions.  You also need to take into consideration any POA restrictions in colors for a rain gutter system.

Are Seamless Gutters worth it?

Seamless rain gutter systems are easier to maintain than the traditional snap together style. They are long sections that connect at the corners and downspouts.  They are more expensive, you’ll do yourself a favor getting a few different quotes, but the maintenance and upkeep after installation are much easier. They are less likely to come loose in mid gutter run like sectional gutters do.

Is it Cheaper to Build a Deck or Patio?

It is always important to speak with a professional contractor with regard to building costs for your home. Across the country, building costs vary depending on location. Generally speaking, however, a patio will be cheaper than a deck. That is because the building materials and labor for establishing a concrete patio are less than for building a deck. However, when distinguishing the difference between the desire for a deck or a patio, it will be important to discuss whether curb appeal and home value have parts to play. Many homeowners chose to build a deck because it can add significant home value.

What is the Best Material to Use for an Outdoor Deck?

There are a number of different materials that are optimal for an outdoor deck installation. In order to find the right one for your household, however, it will be important for you to review all the possible options. Please look over the following bullet-pointed list to find out more.

• Pressure-treated pine. This particular resource is widely available and has a great mid-range price. It’s also quite lovely as far as appearances.
• Mahogany. This decking material has a great natural color and comes with a resilience that increases its longevity and durability.
• Bamboo. This particular outdoor deck material is quite durable and sustainable. The sustainability of bamboo is particularly advantageous for homeowners looking for an environmentally-friendly material.
• Redwood. Redwood is a particularly attractive option for homeowners who would like an affordable option that has a great color.

What is the Longest Lasting Deck Material?

Polymer decks are a very interesting option in terms of being a deck material. These decks are completely made of plastic. Due to the fact that they are not composed of wood or organic materials, they stand resilient against decay. The most popular form of plastic decking material is polyvinyl chloride, known more popularly by the acronym PVC. Another form of polymer decking is polyethylene. Plastic decking is quite durable and easy to maintain. As with any decking material, it will be important to keep it clean, which can be accomplished with a garden hose or a bucket and mop.

How Long Will Non-Pressure Treated Wood Last Outside?

Non-pressure treated wood can last up to two years before showing any signs of rot and decay. Some sources say that pressure-treated wood can last longer than two years. However, it is important to note that weather and ultraviolet rays can severely weather un-treated wood.

How to Clean Patio Deck

If you have a newly installed or existing patio deck, it will be urgent for you to consider routine rituals for cleaning your patio deck. The more routine your cleaning rituals, the longer you can expect your patio deck to last. The process is fairly straightforward. After using a broom to sweep your deck and clear the cracks between the panels, you can clean the wood with a deck cleaner or bleach. You can adjust the ratio of bleach to the warm water to 50/50. For scrubbing, it may be best to use a sponge or scrub brush. You want to eliminate the algae and mildew, and bleach or a deck cleaner with do so.

How to Stain Patio Deck

The best way to move forward with staining a patio deck is to consult a variety of instruction manuals and resources. A professional opinion is also beneficial. Deck stains can be applied in lots of different ways. You can use a pump-up garden sprayer or a roller. These popular methods should be researched. If you are spraying or rolling the stain on your deck, it is preferable to back-brush it with a brush while the stain is still wet. Doing so will equate to a better penetration into the wood.

Patio Deck with Roof

Are you considering a patio deck roof installation? If so, you’re not alone. Many people install roofs over their patios due to the fact that they want to enjoy the outdoors without the ramifications of bad weather. This type of project is best reserved for a professional general contractor or a business that specializes in patio roofs. Such contractors will be able to give an estimate for their services and follow through accordingly.

If you would like to discuss more about your potential patio deck in McKinney, TX, please give us a call at (214) 612-6696. Our team can provide accurate estimates and excellent work.

When people think about roof repair they hardly ever think about their fascia. All too often, homeowners adopt the errant notion that fascia are simply cosmetic aspects of their roofing system. But this kind of thinking can get you into trouble. The fact is that roof fascia plays a vital part to keeping the entire system in check. Oftentimes, it is responsible for bearing the weight of the lowest row of shingles or tiles. 

Since we know firsthand how important fascia is to a roofing system we thought we’d comprise and share this definitive guide to fascia repair including why it so important, some signs that your fascia is in need of repair and steps that you can take to correct the problem. Let’s start with the basics.

Why Your Fascia Should be Repaired

It may be very tempting to overlook cracked or chip fascia boards as cosmetic issues and therefore non-essential. But knowing why you should have your fascia repaired will make it easier to be proactive the next time you notice something wrong with yours. If you are ever unsure about the condition of your fascia, please feel free to get in touch with us here at Nimbus Roofing for more information and an estimate.

First of all, fascia acts as the finishing edge or trim to your roof. It protects your interior walls from water damage. When there is a gap in your fascia or it has become cracked, water can get behind it and leak into the interior spaces of your home. And just in case you don’t have a reference for how much residential water damage repair can cost, the average invoice for this kind of work hovers around $2,879. That is a whole lot of money – especially when compared to the average cost of fascia repair and replacement which is around $15-$30 per linear foot with installation. So right off the bat, you have ane economic reason to repair or replace your fascia.

Health is another factor to consider with fascia repair. Where there is moisture build-up and organic materials like wood, mold can grow. When your fascia board is compromised, moisture may spawn mold growth in the interior areas of your roof and home that are very difficult to see. Not only does mold pose a health hazard to you and your family – especially if you are already prone to allergic symptoms and respiratory issues – it can severely damage your house. Mold eats away at organic materials and it can rot your roof trusses, framing and other important structural features.

A house in need of fascia repair will also be less valuable. Fascia is an integral part of your roofing system so if it is compromised, your entire roof is compromised. If your roof is compromised, your property value takes a nosedive. 

Then of course there are the aesthetic reasons to have your fascia repaired. Aside from functionality, fascia is meant to decorate your home, accent your roof line and contribute to the overall curbside appeal of your property. When your fascia is cracked, peeling or hanging off your roof line like broken tree branch, your home is not looking its best.

When is it Time to Replace your Fascia?

So now that you know how important fascia repair is, you should know the tell-tale signs of fascia damage. You should take a good look at your fascia at least once a year when you clean your gutters. But it’s a good idea to keep a vigilant eye on your fascia as much as possible throughout the year. 

One of the most common and easy to spot signs that your fascia is in need of repair is discoloration. While discoloration may not always warrant fascia repair, it is important that you take a closer look when you notice it. Discoloration can occur when your fascia board has become water logged. The water soaks into the board and distorts the paint or the vinyl finish. If your fascia board has indeed become waterlogged, it will eventually rot out and become useless.

Another obvious sign is chipped paint. If you are seeing chipped or flaking paint on your fascia board it may be time to get it inspected. Chipping and flaking paint may seem like a strictly cosmetic problem but the paint actually acts as a moderate shield against moisture. When the paint begins to peel or deteriorate, your fascia board is that much more susceptible to water damage.

Keep a close eye on your gutters. If they are starting to droop in some areas or have started to leak, the problem could be your fascia. Fascia also acts as a support for your gutter system. So if you are seeing that your gutters are starting to droop or leak, it may be time for fascia repair. 

Taking a peek into your attic every once in a while is another good way to spot potential fascia damage. When your fascia is broken, rodents and other pests may burrow into your home through this break in the roof line. Carefully inspect your attic, keeping an eye out for rodent droppings and signs of nesting. Rodents and pests in the interior areas of your home may have gotten in through broken fascia. You should also listen for abnormal sounds in your house. Strange sounds coming from your attic or in the walls may be coming from rodents.

If you have recently had an ice dam removed from your roof, you should keep a close eye on your fascia. Ice dams are notorious for wrecking shingles but they can also damage your gutters and fascia very easily. Ice dams usually form near the lower rows of your shingles as ice melts, the water runs downward and reforms into ice near the lower roof line – right where your gutters and fascia are. Fascia damage is typical when an ice dam has formed, whether it was professionally removed or not.

How to Repair Fascia

The first thing you will need to do is remove your old damaged fascia. Start by unscrewing your gutters from the board and removing the brackets. Then carefully lift the gutter off and away from the fascia board.

Using a saws-all, you can then make cuts into the fascia board every 3 feet. Make sure the cuts go in between the rafters. 

Then, use a hammer to bang the board off your house with hammer swings directed away from the front of your house. 

You will then need to measure and cut board to be your new fascia. You can use a circular saw to cut the new board along measurement lines that you made with a pencil and according to the length you will need.

You will need to nail your new board into the rafters so mark your new board with a pencil where the rafters will line up with it. 

Holding the board up to the rafters with your non-dominant hand, you can then nail the fascia board along the rafter lines that you made in the previous step. You should use 1-2 nails per rafter line to secure the board.

In order to secure the seams made by the new fascia board you should use a body filler. You can get body filler at your local hardware store and apply it with a putty or drywall knife. Run the body filler over the seams and over the nails with your knife a few times or until the seams have been thoroughly sealed. You will need to wait a day for the filler to set and dry before the next step.

Lastly, you will need to prime and paint the new fascia board to guard it against moisture damage. Use a high quality outdoor primer and apply 1-2 coats of it to the board. Once the primer has thoroughly dried, you can then paint the board your color of choice.

Advice and Tips

When replacing your fascia board, you should start with a naturally decay-resistant wood. Some good woods to consider include California redwood, black locust and cypress. This is the best way to ensure that your repair efforts go the distance.

You can also opt for a synthetic material for your soffit board. Materials like vinyl and UPVC are becoming very popular because of their longevity, good-looks and water-proofing performance.

Another option for fascia longevity is installing a drip edge. A drip edge essentially protects your fascia board from water damage by channeling water off of it. It is a metal attachment that gets nailed into the roof deck and runs in between the lower layer of roof shingles or tiles and the fascia board itself.

You should also be mindful of bee, hornet and wasp nests that may be present on your soffits or fascia. These nests can be damaging to the fascia board and should be removed by a professional.

Of course, if you need any type of fascia repair service or just some help, we would be glad to help here at Nimbus Roofing. Give us a call today

There are benefits to be had by capping an unused chimney:

• It keeps water from coming into the house every time it rains. Besides having a fireplace full of rain, the moisture that gets inside your house and attic isn’t good for the ceilings, floors, walls, and if anyone has breathing issues, that moisture makes it hard.  When the chimney gets too moist too often, the structure gets weak and then you need chimney repair service by a professional.
• Without a cap on the chimney, you’ll experience downdrafts that will fill your house with smoke.
• On a windy day, or in areas that are windy most of the time, a capped chimney cap helps with energy efficiency by keeping those cold blasts of air out.
• Chimney caps with netting prevent animals and critters from getting in the chimney and into your house. Or worse, getting stuck in your chimney and dying, then you have an odor to deal with. Another time that you must call a professional chimney repair service to come to retrieve the dead animal and attempt to remove the odor.
• The wire mesh that comes with chimney caps will keep sparks from flying out when you’re burning your fireplace.

Does a capped chimney need to be vented?

Yes, you need to vent your capped chimney so it can breathe, even if you aren’t planning to use the fireplace anymore. Moisture is a big problem with chimneys that aren’t maintained properly.  They get moisture trapped in them which causes them to deteriorate the structure of the chimney, then you need professional chimney repair service. That moisture also gets into the house, creating mildew, mold, and more problems. 

Seal your chimney either at the bottom or the top, but not both.  Air needs to pass through to keep that moisture to a minimum. Installation does well in sealing a chimney or a hydrophobic mineral wool insulation, a trading name is Roxul, used by almost all professional chimney repair contractors, which dries out should it get wet, as regular insulation will not.

How do you seal a chimney?

A chimney may be one of the most neglected parts of a home. Most homeowners won’t even think about maintenance and upkeep until they have a problem, then they are in a rush to find a chimney repair contractor. Like your roof, the chimney is exposed to the climate and elements 24/7. From rain to snow to sunshine, then back to ice. So, it is important to make sure it has a good sealant to keep it stable and strong. 

You can purchase the sealant materials and do the job yourself. Keep in mind, the chimney is higher than the roofline, so if heights are not your thing, sealing the chimney may not be.  This penetrating sealer is an excellent protector for chimneys from severe weather like rain, snow and hot sun rays. It also provides some protection from moisture. 

This siloxane-based sealer also creates a protective barrier around the chimney surface to prevent moisture without changing the chimney’s appearance. A bonus, it prevents mildew and mold from forming in the chimney too.

How do you repair a chimney mortar?

Mortar is the material that holds the bricks of your chimney together, and when it is fresh and new, it is smooth and solid. As time goes by, the mortar takes a beating and starts crumbling. A professional chimney repair contractor can fix this for you, or you can attempt to do the job yourself. Remember, the chimney is taller than the roof! 

We refer this chimney repair service as repointing and comprises scraping the crumbling mortar out then placing a new mortar in its place. These are the basic steps:

1. With a joint raker, scrape out all the loose mortar.
2. For difficult crumbling mortar, use a chisel and hammer and gently tap till it comes out.
3. Using a wire brush, clear out any remaining bits and pieces of mortar.
4. Spray the chimney with the garden hose, then wait 30 minutes.
5. Mix a batch of mortar until you have a stiff peanut butter type of consistency.
6. Using a pointing trowel, press the mortar you made into areas where you removed the old mortar, making effort to get to match the existing mortar.
7. With the tuck-pointing tools, smooth the joints.

A chimney can be a great feature for a home’s exterior, but if it is cracked and crumbling, it can be an eyesore.  Unfortunately, most chimney repair jobs are at the homeowner’s expense.  If there is damage caused by storms and winds, and there is proof the chimney was in good condition, then chimney repair home insurance will probably cover the repairs. For your chimney repair needs in McKinney, TX, call (214) 612-6696 today.

If they blend in with historic districts and used on homes of a certain age and style, then Who makes architectural shingles today? There are many manufacturers, some are well-known brands and others that are just as good quality, but not as well known.

The more popular Architectural shingles brands are: 

• Atlas Roofing
• Building Products of Canada
• Certainteed
• GAF
• GCP Applied Technologies
• Interlock
• Malarkey Roofing Products
• Owens Corning

Architectural shingles installation 

Architectural shingles, also referred to as designer shingles, have a three-dimensional design and construction. There are several thicknesses to these shingles that create a shadow line, giving the appearance of slate shingles or wood shake shingles. This three-dimensional design enhances the appearance of a roof and provides extra protection. 

 While this can be a DIY project for any homeowner that has construction, craftsman abilities, we always recommend them professionally installed. The reason being, by having a professional roofing contractor install your architectural shingles, you’ll have a guarantee and warranty on the workmanship. They have the proper equipment, supplies, and tools to do the job correctly, including the experience of working on rooftops. 

Architectural shingles colors

The roof of your home should match the style of your home, which extends your own personality. The color of the architectural shingles that you choose will be the welcoming you want to extend to visitors.

It can create a statement that is bold and dramatic. Or perhaps your home is of traditional elegance, ultra-contemporary, or urban chic. Whatever your home’s design is, the color of your architectural shingles should blend, contrast, or match accordingly.

A large part of achieving these looks is choosing the right color. A new architectural shingles roof is a large investment, which can bring a high ROI. It is also something that you’ll see every day for the 20 to 30 years, and so will your neighbors. It is important to choose a color that is you and yet matches the surrounding houses.

Color recommendations for a red house would be black, dark brown, green, or grey architectural shingles. A light grey house would be accented nicely with black, blue, green, grey, or white shingles and a house with white as the primary color would be set perfect with any color of architectural shingles.

Architectural shingles cost

When you have electrical work done, like extending wiring to a garage, or plumbing work is done, like sewer line repairs, you get several estimates.  You should do the same when shopping for a roofing contractor to install your architectural shingles.

The cost for purchasing and having architectural shingles installed on your home will have several factors including:

• Size of your house
• The height, slope, and pitch of the roof
• The brand of shingles 

On average, for a single-story home, architectural shingles on a roof can range from $14,000 to $22,000 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. For a multi-story home or a home with various rooflines, the cost to base your budget starts around $2.00 per square foot and goes up to $200 per square foot. These prices are based on basic asphalt shingles.

For 50-year architectural shingles, the cost is significantly more, ranging from $500 per square foot to $785 per square foot. However, real estate experts confirm that architectural shingles will give the homeowner a 6% ROI and will have a longer lifespan than the traditional shingles.

Architectural shingles warranty

Architectural shingles come with a warranty of 30-year, a 40-year, 50 years or lifetime. Some manufacturers of architectural shingles have changed their warranties. Among them are Atlas, CertainTeed, GAF, Owens Corning, and Tamko. Check each of their websites for more details or ask the roofing contractor that you choose to go with.

Architectural shingles on mobile home

Roofing for a mobile home differs from for a site-built home, primarily because of the weight.  A mobile home is designed to be moved, thus the roofing, siding, and other components of the home need to be lightweight. With that in mind, we do not recommend architectural shingles for a mobile home because they do weigh more than traditional shingles. The other options besides traditional asphalt shingles are aluminum or TPO.

You can find architectural shingles for sale at any big box home improvement store or from roofing contractors that sell to the public.  When you choose a roofing contractor to install your architectural shingles, you can request a quote with and without the contractor furnishing the shingles for the job.  Keep in mind that the contractor’s guarantee and warranty may vary if you supply your own shingles. Dial (214) 612-6696 today for your architectural shingle installation in McKinney, TX.

There Are Many Factors When Deciding On Siding

Before we get into the details of exterior siding, the answer to the question “what type of siding is the best” will be a subjective one. It will depend on the style of property and your personal preferences. With that caveat out of the way, let’s begin with the most basic question.

What is Exterior Siding

As stated earlier, siding has two important functions: to protect the structure and evoke a certain style. Siding is installed on the exterior of a structure in a variety of ways depending on the materials used. You can also install exterior siding with insulation to help prevent heat from escaping your home so it stays warm in the winter. Now let’s get into some specifics.

What Materials are Best Used for Exterior Siding?

The answer to this question will depend on what you value most. For instance, if you want a siding that will last a really long time, brick siding would be a good option. If termites are a concern for you, fiber cement siding may be the best choice. However, the most popular types of siding these days are stucco, vinyl, and metal. Stucco is affordable and allows for the absorption and transfer of heat. Vinyl is easy to install and is easy to clean. Metal offers great protection and is fireproof.

Still, there are many more options when it comes to exterior siding materials such as:

• Stone Veneer
• Aluminum
• Stone
• Engineered Wood
• Wood
• Glass

What is the Cheapest Siding for a House?

You have to consider both materials and installation costs. While vinyl is typically the cheapest material you can find, metal roofing is often the cheapest to install. Overall, metal siding may be the cheapest since the materials themselves tend to be very affordable as well. Just not quite as affordable as vinyl.

What is the Best Low Maintenance Siding?

In our experience, steel siding requires the least amount of maintenance. Other types of siding like wood and vinyl are prone to chipping and warping. Steel is not. In fact, many people install steel siding specifically because they don’t want to have to deal with siding maintenance and repairs.

What is the Most Durable Siding?

Fiber cement, brick, and steel siding tend to be the most durable. Brick can last for centuries if it is undisturbed. But masonry can crack in an earthquake or under other extreme circumstances. Fiber cement can also last for a very long time but it is very heavy and expensive to install. Steel is also very durable and doesn’t crack. It is also light enough so that installation prices don’t skyrocket. We would have to give steel the upper hand in this department.