Ladder Safety For Roofing

Ladder Safety For Roofing:                  

Any time climbing a ladder is involved, it is a dangerous event. When working on a roof, it is even more dangerous. Being suspended off the ground with your mind elsewhere can turn ugly in a moment. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to help minimize the chance of having an accident.

If you are standing on a stepladder, do not move outside of the sides of the ladder. Keep your body centered in between them or the ladder could fall over. It would also make it easier for you to fall off the ladder if you are not centered.

Always place your ladder on even ground. A slightly off-balance ladder can shift very quickly, causing you to lose your balance and fall off.

Follow the rules. Only climb up the front side of the ladder and never stand on the top of the ladder. It may be tempting to break the rules to get extra reach, but it can result in serious injury.

Do not perch your ladder on icy or wet ground. The ladder can easily slide out from underneath you, causing you to crash to the ground.

Wear a tool belt so both of your hands are free while you are climbing.

Finally, make sure your ladder extends at least three feet above the surface of the roof. This will allow grabbing ahold of something when you are stepping off the ladder to access your roof.

If you have any further questions about ladder safety, feel free to give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles Roof:

Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingle Roof:

Metal roofs and asphalt shingle roofs are both very popular roofing choices. There are pros and cons to both styles of roof, but what are they?

What are some pros for asphalt roofs?
Asphalt roofs, compared to metal roofs, are cheaper. They come in a variety of colors so homeowners can customize their roofs. The installation is typically much faster and is easier. This is the most common roofing material option today.

How about metal roofs?
Metal roofs can be installed over the previous roof. This material is both lightweight and extremely durable. It has a high level of fire resistance and, since it is made from metal, is completely recyclable. It can also be seen as an investment since it will raise the resale value of your home.

Cons of asphalt roofs:
Relative to metal roofs, asphalt roofs are heavier. Due to their weight, their poor ability to withstand wind and other severe weather, and their absorption of heat, they are not as durable as metal roofs.

Cons of metal roofs:
Metal roofs are tougher to install than asphalt roofs. This can raise installation costs on top of having a more expensive roofing material installed. Repairs are also more difficult and costly than those done on asphalt roofs.

If you would like to schedule a roof inspection or a roof repair/installation, give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Allied Contractors Group Inc. is located in Florida

Pros And Cons Of Shingle Roofs

Pros And Cons Of Shingle Roofs:            

Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common type of roof in use today. You would be hard pressed to drive through a neighborhood and not spot an asphalt shingle roof. Why are they so common? Are there any downsides to these roofs?

Asphalt shingle roofs are good-looking roofs with more to offer than appearance alone. These roofs are inexpensive compared to other styles of roofing, but they still provide great protection. They will last for 15-20 years, are very easy to install and remove, are lightweight, and durable. In addition, they can be purchased in many different colors, and the lighter-colored shingles reflect UV rays. This means that your home stays more comfortable and your energy bills will go down.

Unfortunately, these shingles are covered in granules that can come loose, which can lead to premature wear and cause leaks. Cracks can also form in these shingles, causing leaks. Finally, while these roofs can last 20 years, that may not be long enough for those who wish to live in their homes for a long time. Clay tile roofs, for example, can last for 50+ years. Overall, though, the pros of shingle roofs outweigh the cons, which is why they are so popular.

If you have any questions about asphalt shingle roofs or if you would like to have one installed, give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Solar Powered Attic Fans

Solar Powered Attic Fans:                

Your roof, especially in hot climates, can heavily influence the cost of your energy bills. Most notably, darker colored roofs absorb a lot of heat and that heat transfers into your attic space and your home. If replacing your roof is not an option, ventilation can help bring down the cost of your energy bills. One way this has been attempted Is through solar powered attic fans.

Solar powered attic fans are fans that remain in your attic while the solar power source is placed on your roof. Since it is solar, it will not affect your energy bills, and can cool down your attic and any upstairs rooms that get unusually warm during the summertime.

While these fans certainly work to cool off your upstairs living areas, they do not really save you that much money. A solar powered fan, plus installation, can easily cost $400 to $750, and they will typically only save you about $40 a year. Purchasing a more reflective roof will save you much more money each year than a solar powered fan. However, purchasing a new roof is not always in the budget. In that case, a solar powered attic fan is a great solution to cool off your home during the summer without much added cost.

If you have any questions about ventilation, reflective roofs, or solar power, feel free to give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Three Ways To Make Sure Your House Has Great Ventilation:

Three Ways To Make Sure Your House Has Great Ventilation:

Proper ventilation is critical to maintaining comfortable temperatures in your home, preventing ice dams, and keeping your energy costs low. Knowing what ventilation you need can be tricky, but that’s what we’re here for. Here are a few ways to make sure your house has great ventilation.

Firstly, a big warning sign that your ventilation is lacking is unusually high energy bills. Once you have a good idea that your ventilation is lacking, it is a good idea to meet with a professional to have them install proper ventilation.

Have ridge vents installed: ridge vents are very common in modern homes because they are very low profile and do the best job of ventilating the attic space. They do the best job of ventilating because they are situated at the top of the roof where no hot air can get stuck above the vents.

Have gable vents installed: gable vents are situated on a wall of the attic that doubles as a wall for the outside of the home. They work well, but may not expel all of the hot air, as they are not at the top of the attic.

Have static vents installed: Static vents are very common as well. These are the square-shaped vents that are seen on roofs, and they can be placed near the top of the roof. This means they do a great job of expelling the attic of all the hot air trapped inside.

If you have any further questions about proper ventilation in your home or you would like to have ventilation installed, please contact our office at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

What Is Roof Ventilation?

What Is Roof Ventilation?                       

Your roof does more than just protect your roof, it also plays a key role in keeping your home’s temperature regulated. A roof’s ventilation system can either raise your energy bills or lower them, depending on how well it is functioning. Ventilation is rarely seen, but it is a very important part of your home.

Typically, you will have a vent called a soffit vent underneath your eaves to function as an intake vent. This sucks air into your attic and underneath your roof. The vents that get rid of hot air can vary. Ridge vents are probably the most effective vent style. They sit up at the peak of your roof, so no hot air can get trapped above the vent. Other vent styles, such as gable or static vents, sit either on the walls at the ends of the attic or on the roof. These styles are also very effective, but some of the hot air can get trapped underneath the vents since they are not situated at the peak of the roof.

Roof ventilation will help lower your energy costs, help regulate the temperature inside your home, and will help prevent ice dams in the wintertime. If you notice high energy bills, it is probably time to get your ventilation checked. It may either be functioning poorly or you may simply not have enough ventilation. Contact a roofing professional for an inspection.

If you would like to schedule a roofing inspection or if you have any other questions about roof ventilation, give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Common Weather Related Damage To Vinyl Siding

Common Weather-Related Damage To Vinyl Siding

Homeowners are very familiar with weather-related damage to their homes. Most notably, the roof can incur damage due to wind, heavy rain, hail, snow, and ice. However, your home’s siding can also incur damage due to severe weather.

Hail damage is easiest to see in vinyl siding. Decent-sized hail that has been blown into your siding can leave holes. Debris acts in the same way. When strong winds pick up debris, it can be blown into your siding as well. This can cause holes, cracks, and chips and can severely damage your siding.

When damage is done to your siding, it can lead to a whole host of problems. The biggest worry is, that once the siding is penetrated, water can leak through. This can cause extensive damage to your home and cost you a lot of money.

If you have encountered any siding damage from recent storms, make sure to contact us for an inspection to determine the extent of the damage. Allied Contractors Group Inc. can handle your siding replacement needs.

If you have any further questions, give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Allied Contractors Group Inc. is located in Florida

Choosing The Right Siding For Your Home

Choosing The Right Siding For Your Home

Choosing the right siding for your home can be a daunting task. With so much emphasis placed on the type of roof that is right for your home, the siding can be a little bit of an afterthought. However, the siding contributes to the look, durability, and cost of your home. Here are a few things to think about when picking which siding is best for you:

Vinyl siding is very versatile. It comes in all sorts of colors and profiles and can be picked to match the homeowner’s taste. It is also very affordable, easy to maintain, and extremely durable. These attributes show you why vinyl siding is the most common choice of siding for builders and homeowners.

Brick is another excellent choice for siding on a home. While it is more expensive than vinyl siding, it has superior durability. It is able to withstand severe weather, wind-blown debris, and even earthquakes better than vinyl siding. The color does not fade very easily, it is low-maintenance, and it looks great!

Stucco has increased in popularity, especially in the West. It is fairly cheap, requires minimal maintenance, and is very versatile. Additionally, the composition can be adjusted to increase energy efficiency through increased insulation.

If you have any further questions or would like to have your siding replaced, contact our office at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Allied Contractors Group Inc. is located in Florida

Choosing The Best Insulation For Your Home

Choosing The Best Insulation For Your Home

Insulation can make or break a home’s comfort level. Proper insulation will create comfortable temperatures, while poor insulation can cause uncomfortable temperatures and can make your heating or cooling system work overtime. Ultimately, having proper insulation installed is good for the environment and good for your wallet. But how can you know what type of insulation you should have in your home?

The most common type of insulation, fiberglass insulation, is probably sufficient for your home. This pink material comes in sheets and will get the job done, but the fibers can break off and be inhaled. This is usually only a danger for professional installers though.

Spray foam insulation is growing in popularity and works exceptionally well. It is practically fireproof, can be made from more natural materials, and will expand to fit walls and your foundation. This means that it will even block air leaks, which is something other types of insulation are unable to do.

Blown-in insulation is usually fiberglass insulation that is looser than the pink sheets of fiberglass insulation. This is a good option when an area needs to be filled that is oddly shaped or where there are obstructions. It is also a good option when looking to add additional insulation to an existing area.

Ultimately, it is a good idea to call a professional, have them inspect the area needing to be filled with insulation, and then discuss prices and the best options for your home or business.

If you have any further questions or if you would like to schedule an inspection, give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Benefits Of Roof Insulation

Benefits Of Roof Insulation                                

Insulation in your home is vital to maintaining comfortable temperatures. Not only will you stay more comfortable with sufficient insulation, but you will also have lower energy costs. Typically, this insulation is found in the walls of your home, but that is not the only place it can be installed. Roof insulation is another option for the homeowner seeking more comfort. What other added benefits does roof insulation provide?

The most common roof insulation installed is either fiberglass or spray foam insulation. The spray foam performs better than the fiberglass and it also hardens where particles will not float around your attic space.

One of the greatest functions of roof insulation is how it keeps out hot air during the summer. Dark roofs are common and they absorb a lot of the sun’s energy. This can heat up your attic significantly, causing your air conditioner to work harder than usual. One way to remedy this is to have a lighter-colored roof installed, but roof insulation will block that heat from reaching the attic.

Roof insulation will also help during the winter. Heat in your attic can warm up your roof and cause snow or ice to melt, which can create ice dams. Roof insulation will keep the warm air in so your energy costs stay down and your roof stays cold.

If you would like to have roof insulation installed or if you have any further questions for us, give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Allied Contractors Group Inc. is located in Florida

Are There Different Kinds Of Roof Gutters?

Are Black Roofs A Bad Thing?                

There are many ways to spice up your home and add curb appeal. One way that is often overlooked is through gutter styles. While there are many styles of gutters such as K-style gutters, fascia gutters, and half-round gutters, today we will be focusing on the materials used for your gutters. Each material has different properties and provides a different look for your home.

Aluminum gutters are an extremely common choice for homes. Aluminum is very lightweight, relatively inexpensive, resists corrosion well, and can be installed in a variety of colors. These are just a few reasons why aluminum is the most popular gutter material in use today.

Copper gutters are stronger than aluminum, resist mildew, and will last a little bit longer. They also look great, providing a unique look, however they cost more than aluminum gutters.

Galvanized steel gutters are steel gutters that are coated with a layer of zinc. These gutters require more maintenance than the other types. They need either a gutter guard or they must be cleaned out regularly because they tend to rust. If water is not draining at an optimal level, it can rust easily.

Galvalume gutters are steel gutters that are coated in a layer of aluminum mixed with zinc. These gutters do not rust nearly as easily and are much more durable.

Vinyl gutters are very inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install. Since they are vinyl, rusting is not a worry, but they will provide a cheaper look than the more premium materials.

If you have any further questions or would like to have your gutters replaced or installed, contact our office at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Advantages Of Vinyl Siding

Advantages Of Vinyl Siding                  

Vinyl siding is a very common choice for siding in American homes. In fact, it takes up about 30% of the market share. While many homes are using brick and stucco for siding, vinyl still leads the way. But why is vinyl siding so popular?

Vinyl siding has many advantages over other types of siding.

Vinyl can be made into many different shapes, colors, and textures. You can find vinyl siding that looks exactly like wood or other materials but has all the benefits that vinyl provides.

Vinyl is very durable. It can be under warranty for nearly 40 years following its installation and can sometimes last for 50. It will not decay or corrode like other materials and it will keep out moisture.

Vinyl siding is very easy to maintain. It typically doesn’t need to be painted, it doesn’t rot and it keeps out pests. For most homeowners, the only maintenance required is using a power washer to spray down the siding to keep it clean.

Vinyl siding can also come insulated. It will keep heat in during the winter and keep heat out during the summer. Ultimately, this will lower your energy costs and may even qualify you for tax credits.

If you have any further questions about vinyl siding or the services that we provide, give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA.

Allied Contractors Group Inc. is located in Florida