Most people don’t think about the roof over their heads until a leak ruins their furniture, electronics, or another item.  One sure way to know you need a roof replacement is if your roof is older than 20 years old. However, age isn’t the only determining factor when considering a roof repair or replacement. While nothing beats a thorough inspection by a professional, here are some of the most common signs that may indicate you need a new roof. 

1) Light Through the Roof Boards

The first place you should check is the interior of your attic if you have one. Look for daylight coming through the interior boards at the top of the house — if light is coming through there, then so is water. Also, look for dark streaks and visibly sagging areas. That also means there is too much moisture and you most likely have a leak.

2) Buckling or Missing Shingles

Take a look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight as well as the “roof valley” — these are the spots where two parts of your roof that are sloping down meet each other. Shingles should lie flat against the roof. If you notice the shingles are curled, buckled, cracked, or losing granules, you should contact a professional to get them repaired or have your room inspected. The area beneath them may have additional damage. 

3) Broken Flashing

Flashing is the material used to cover joints and seams on your roof around chimneys, vents, and skylights to prevent water seepage. Older homes often use roof cement or tar, which tends to crack and break with time and temperature fluctuations. Metal flashing systems are now the preferred method since they’re more efficient and they last longer. Regardless of whether or not your tar flashing is damaged, it’s a good idea to upgrade before it fails.

4) Sagging or Drooping Roof

If you look at your roof’s surface and you see rotting or decaying boards, sagging spots, or missing or broken tiles you should address these issues as soon as possible and have your roof inspected by a professional. Damage such as sagging or dropping can have costly consequences if ignored for too long.

1) Clean Off Debris

Cleaning your roof about every year can decrease the likelihood of bacteria buildup. Make sure to clear your gutters of debris and anything else that can get stuck and restrict the flow of water.

2) Observe Any Changes

We recommend making frequent inspections and observations of your roof in order to not miss any defects that could compromise the integrity of your roof in fully protecting your home. Notice when you see any missing or damaged areas of your roof, and call the professionals at Hercules Roofing to assess the damage and potential threat.

3) Upkeep Surrounding Area

Many homeowners in South Florida have trees and other large plants in the surrounding yard of their homes. The low hanging branches can pose a potential threat when storms strike the area. Lessen the likelihood of roof damage from falling branches and debris, by cutting back the surrounding vegetation.

4) Prevent Roof Breakdown

Check for rust buildup on any areas of your roof that are metal. Rust can lead to roof breakdown and to more frequent repairs if not cared for. If you do notice your roof appears to have small areas with rust, you can use a wire-brush to easily remove it.

5) Prepare For The Future

Hercules Roofing can service all your roofing needs; we offer a variety of services including roof repair, maintenance, replacement, as well as leak detection. We are committed to maintaining your roof to ensure your safety and security inside the home. If you notice damaged areas of your roof, don’t wait to call so we can assess the damage and prevent further breakdown of your roof.

Scrutinize Roof Shingles

The shingles that line your roof are the first line of defense for your roof. Damaged or missing shingles mean a leaky roof. If those shingles are lifting up, it is easier for water to get into the underlayment and into the house. Over time, water and wind from storms beat down on the roof and wear away the grit of the asphalt shingles diminishing their effectiveness.

Not all damaged shingles will be visibly lifting up, but that’s not the only sign they need to be replaced. Torn shingles and shingle creases are two other common signs that those shingles need to be replaced. Hercules Roofing believes that not all roofs need a replacement. Instead, many problems, like shingle replacement, can and should be repaired before the problem turns into a leak.

Inspect Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is usually made from rust-resistant metal, and it is placed around skylights, chimneys, and vents to create a barrier between the roof and the inside. It also runs along the valleys and crevices of the roof to direct water. Caulk is used to create a seal, and this caulk could wear over time.

Monitoring the points of contact on your roof with flashing is another way to take spot problems before they start. Summer heat can cause the caulk to swell and contract over time which wears it away. If you do notice worn-out caulking or leaks, call Hercules Roofing as soon as possible. We offer 24/7 emergency roof repair and inspections. Taking care of the problem before it gets worse could save you a lot of money in repair bills.

Check Your Drains And Gutters

Clogged drains and gutters can create a multitude of problems. Water overflow could accumulate around your home causing erosion at the foundation. Also, leaves and debris in the gutter are great places for pests to hide, and these pests will eventually find their way into your home. But for your roof, it could cause the shingles to rot and leaks inside your home leading to even bigger problems like mold.

Hurricane season 2019 runs from June 1 through November 30th, with more frequent hurricanes in the late summer months. While many residents accept that this is just part of living in a coastal region, hurricane-force winds can be strong enough to detach the roof from the mainframe and cause other long-lasting damage. Luckily, there are many ways you can protect your home:

Professional Roof Inspection

Contact Hercules Roofing and learn about our comprehensive inspection program. One of our qualified roofing inspectors will inspect your roof’s interior conditions as well as any moisture damage that can lead to major issues if left unaddressed. Our professional team will also check for loose tiles or shingles, along with leaks or cracked caulk. From there, you will be given a detailed report after the inspection is finished. The report may include recommendations, the life expectancy of your roof and cost of repairs.

Clean Your Gutter and Drainage Systems

You may also consider hiring a handyman or roofing professional to help you clean your gutters and drainage system. Maintaining these areas of your home can play a major role in reducing storm damage. The goal should be to remove all debris from the drainage systems and ensure that the gutters are clear for rainwater to flow easily.

Install Hurricane Straps

Florida law requires homeowners to install hurricane metal straps or roof tie-downs securely in many cases. These sturdy metal straps keep your roof in place in the face of high winds. They also protect your roof from causing damage to nearby structures and objects. The straps used for residential roofing usually have less than a half-inch gap from the truss. For this reason, it is crucial to have roofing inspector check their condition and make sure they are properly installed.

Check for the Solidity of Gable Ends

The gable ends of your roof structure receive more exposure to high winds, which make them vulnerable to the damage that high winds can cause. Be sure to have your roof inspector check their strength and whether or not they are properly protected.

As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to your residential or commercial roof; maintenance is important. Replacing a roof can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it is critical to inspect your roof at least twice a year – once in spring and once in fall. A well-maintained roof will go a long way to prevent it from damage and can catch simple repairs early which can increase the life of your roof. So this spring, follow these suggestions from Hercules Roofing!

Remove Debris

Debris on your roof causes two problems. First off, it just doesn’t look good. Second, debris traps moisture, and moisture is the prime condition for mildew, mold, and moss. These things can cause your tiles to rot which causes them to need to be replaced. To clean debris, you can use your hand to pick up the big pieces. A soft broom, or a leaf blower if you have one, can remove the rest of the debris that is left over. Be careful with a broom – too much pressure can scrape off the granules or damage tiles which will reduce the life of your roof.

Do Not Pressure Wash

This point is serious enough to include in its own section. Let’s just say you saw your neighbor on his roof pressure washing last weekend, and now it looks brand new. You’ve got a pressure cleaner that you use on your driveway, so why not just haul it up to the roof and get that debris, mold, and moss in one shot? Besides being dangerous, a pressure washer does more harm than good, and you’ll end up replacing the roof sooner than you had planned. The water from the pressure washer damages the tiles by scraping off the granules, and it causes debris and moisture to get lodged between tiles, causing your roof to rot.

Check for Leaks

The best time to check for a roof leak is when it’s raining because that’s when the leaks will be easiest to see. Bring a flashlight into the attic and check for the tell-tale signs: wet insulation, water stain on the wall, puddles on the floor, or mold and mildew growth. Unfortunately, the leak’s origin may not be obvious. Either way, you should always call in a professional as soon as you suspect a leak. At Hercules Roofing, we know the tricks water can play to get through even the best roofing systems. We can replace your shingles and make the other necessary repairs to your leaky roof. We even provide 24-hour, emergency service to stop the leak right away!

Clean the Gutters

You should regularly check your gutters, especially after a big storm. You may think that your gutters hang off your roof, so they don’t affect the roof. However, if your gutters aren’t clean, the water and debris that should be draining through them will be trapped on the roof. At this point in the article, you should be well aware of the dangers of moisture and debris! Cleaning your gutters can be easy with the right tools and a little time, but the reward is not having to replace your roof.

Effectively Maintaining a Commercial Roof

There are many factors/variables to take into consideration that can affect a roof. Natural influences like temperature, moisture, and age can all take a toll over time. Heavy rain and winds (especially the hurricane-force winds found in South Florida) can drastically affect the structural integrity of any roof or building, regardless of how it seems at face value. The necessity for a comprehensive assessment of the condition of a roof is one that shouldn’t be ignored. It’s recommended that commercial roofs be inspected by a professional company a minimum of twice a year. Letting these tasks slip by and shirking off responsibilities can be a drastic mistake, and can possibly lead to a roof deteriorating at a faster rate.

Regular Inspections are the Key to Success

Inspections are an important part of the process of maintaining any roof or commercial building. Staying up-to-date with inspections can make sure that you avoid any expensive problems, such as leaks, the building’s insulation becoming ineffective, or even structural damage. On the inside of the building, you might notice water stains on the ceilings or walls, indicating that there’s an external leak somewhere that needs to be taken care of immediately.

Hercules Roofing Does the Job Right

Preventative maintenance is important to the longevity of any commercial building or residential home. Our maintenance plans are the best way to make sure your roof is cared for. Our licensed contractors are dedicated to providing our clients with top-of-the-line work and care. Your satisfaction is our priority and we know we’ll exceed any and all expectations. Call us today at (561)220-9998 or contact us online today for a free estimate.

Are you building your home from scratch? Maybe you’re thinking about replacing your current home’s roof? We know there are a few options to consider in the whole process… but we don’t want you to spend too much time worrying about the specifics! We went ahead and explained a bit about the life expectancy for both tile and shingle roofs, and why you would want either one!

Tile Roofing

How long is a lifetime? Many lifetime tile roofs are guaranteed for 50 years, but depending on what type of climate you live in, the weather near you, or even naturally occurring events such as hurricanes or hail, your roof’s life expectancy may be cut down. When dealing with tile roofs, there are two main parts; the clay or concrete tiles and the underlayment and flashings. Often times, the underlayment is done with lower quality materials, affecting the total life expectancy of the roof.

The best thing you could do to get real longevity out of your roof is to make sure that your roofer uses the highest quality materials available to them. Standard roof underlayment has a life expectancy of about 25 years, though houses in the desert may have a few less due to extreme temperature conditions. On the contrary, coastal houses have been found to have underlayments lasting around 30 years. The threat of deterioration due to weather will always be there, but at least you can rest knowing that your roof was made to a higher standard and will last.

Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofing, similar to tile roofing, has a long life expectancy but changes greatly depending on the quality and type of materials you choose. Simpler, and cheaper, shingles can last from 15-20 years, but if you choose to use more modern synthetic alternatives, you can usually get about 25-30 years out of them.

Depending on the weather conditions and climate that your home is exposed to, the shingles can show signs of age faster than this. Excessive heat, extreme weather conditions, and even just the shape or orientation of your roof can still affect how long your shingles will actually last. But just remember, whether you’re constructing your home or just replacing your roof, make sure to choose the best quality materials available. It may end up being a little bit more costly but the guarantee that comes along with it is absolutely priceless.

You finally decide to throw a family get together after not seeing your in-laws for a few years. Things have been tense but now there’s a new hope of easing relations and letting the past be the past. That fateful Sunday brunch finally comes and your worst, and unexpected, nightmares come true. As soon as your in-laws get out of the car they see the unsightly black stains on your shingled roof and begin to tear apart all the hard work that went into this gathering. If only you had thought ahead! Avoid this and any other hypothetical disaster by learning how to get those shingles clean today!

Bring Your Roof From Drab to Fab

If you live in a more humid area of the country, you are probably familiar with the black streaks that eventually plague the shingles of any home. But what you didn’t know is that those streaks are caused by a common type of algae: gloeocapsa magma. Given enough time, even rooftops treated with algaecide will eventually fall victim to the effects of nature. Algae, common as it may be, isn’t the only factor in the equation to make a roof look old and unsightly; there’s always mold, vegetation, and just simple dirt to take into account.

Drop That Pressure Washer

Contrary to what you might think, pressure washing your roof is a terrible mistake. “But what about my neighbor, Dominic? I’ve seen him get his roof looking great in just an hour with his pressure washer,” you might ask us. Sure, it will likely clean your roof, but what you are really doing is severely cutting down the life of your shingles. The granules in shingles are what enable them to protect your home from the elements; pressure washing will strip granules from your shingles, effectively making them weaker and more susceptible to the aging process.

Let’s Get Started

So now that you’re ready to clean those shingles, here’s what you’ll need: a standard garden pump sprayer, a cleaning solution that is non-corrosive and bleach-free (bleach products will damage your roof and possibly your yard due to runoff), a garden hose, and of course a ladder. Safety protection is imperative so we suggest you get some slip-resistant shoes and goggles before starting.

Rinse your roof with water before applying the cleaning solution. This will ensure that the solution doesn’t dry out quickly and you have time to let it soak.
Spray your roof with the cleaning solution and make sure you get those heavily affected spots. Do your best to cover every part of your roof or you’ll end up with spotty looking results.
After letting the solution sit for approximately 15-20 minutes, use the garden hose to rinse the solution off your shingles.

Choosing a roof tile color is an essential facet and reflection of your home. A roof is up to 40% of your home's visible exterior, making choosing the color a significant investment for your home. What things should you consider and weigh when choosing a color for roof tiles? Here, we give you a few tips to consider when choosing the right color for your home.

Consider the Climate Your Live In

A significant factor when choosing a color for your roof tiles is the climate and area in which you live. Do you live in more tropical and sunny climates, or those prone to cold and snow? Dark colors tend to hold and retain heat much more readily than lighter colors, which in turn radiate into your home. Leading to your cooling costs rising in warmer months as AC units work harder to keep your home cool. A lighter roof will reflect and absorb much less heat making your home more energy-efficient. Similarly, dark colors in colder climates will help keep your home warmer in colder months.

Color Coordination and Architecture

It’s also important to pay attention to the exterior color of your home and the existing architecture. The right coordinating colors and styles add an incredible amount of depth and curb appeal that can heighten the value of your home. You want to choose a color that compliments the color of your home. Brighter colors tend to accent better with black, gray, or brown colored tiles. Consider painting your house too if the color you like clashes with that of your home.

Just as important as the exterior color is the style of architecture of your home. It’s better to stick to colors that match well with Victorian, Plantation, or Mediterranean homes to keep the aesthetic that these homes create. Clashing colors will take away from the look of these style of homes and the classic appearance they are meant to convey. Choosing the right color can help emphasize flattering portions of your home while concealing unflattering aspects.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Before making the decision, take a second and look around your neighborhood. What are the general trends that you observe from your neighbor’s roofs? You want to pick something that doesn’t clash with your neighbors’ homes, who will have to live with your color choice just as much as you. Look at the natural surroundings too, factoring in seasonal color changes in contrast to your home.

Protecting your home at all costs is the ultimate goal to ensure that you and your family are safe. Roof repairs can cost homeowners a tremendous amount of money each year because of neglected maintenance or simply just wear and tear.

Over time, your roof deteriorates with age and from withstanding harsh weather conditions. For most homeowners knowing when it’s time to replace the roof entirely or to re-roof it can be a difficult decision to make. Deciding as to which solution is the most durable or which one will keep you from breaking the bank is frustrating, but don’t fear – Hercules Roofing is here!

Pros of Re-Roofing

Re-roofing your home can be a daunting task, but can take little to no time. This process is fast and cost-effective. Re-roofing works best when your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or when you want to maintain your already healthy roof that has minor damages. However, it is necessary to contact a professional roofing company like Hercules Roofing to thoroughly inspect your roof to see if re-roofing is the best option for you.

Pros of Replacing

Replacing your roof is a great choice when considering several things such as the material of the roof, the age of the roof, and the damage from a recent disaster. Replacing your roof is the safest option because it guarantees that areas affected by water/moisture damages, sagging shingles and the holes in your roof will get fixed properly.

Cons of Re-Roofing

The major con of re-roofing is that oftentimes this method does not fix the underlying problem. Re-roofing just covers up the problem, leaving your roof exposed from damages within that can potentially be hazardous to the interior of your home.

Hurricane season is not something that you walk into blindly. Being prepared and ready for any and all situations is the only way to fully protect yourself from the unpredictability of a storm. Your house is no longer just the place you live, it becomes your first line of defense. As a homeowner, it is your duty to inspect and ensure that your house is capable to withstand storm force winds and rain. Luckily, the team at Hercules Roofing has provided you with the correct way to inspect your roof as the 2018 Hurricane Season approaches.

Check your shingles

The winds of a hurricane are not a force to reckon with. You need to make certain that everything on your roof that has the ability to come loose won’t budge. Nailing down or caulking your shingles can help secure any shingles that may have the potential to fly off during the storm. If not fully set in place, loose shingles will create a threat to your home and the safety of you and your family.

Clear your gutter

Your drainage system is a big factor of protection during a hurricane. We often forget that clearing out a clogged gutter is vital to ensure that the monstrous loads of rain will be shed from your roof. Before it is too late, clean out and clear your gutters of any debris that has accumulated over time. A clogged gutter will ineffectively drain the rainwater from the storm and cause major problems. Making sure that there is a clear pathway for stormwater to accumulate and drain out will protect your roof from damage.

Get your roof inspected

The most essential and smart way to take on hurricane season head-on is to hire a licensed roofing professional to inspect your roof. A professional has the knowledge and capabilities to check if your roof is prepared for upcoming hurricane conditions. After inspecting all aspects of your roof, a detailed report will be given notifying you of any problems that need your attention. Hiring an experienced team of specialists will take away the uneasy and vulnerable feeling that hurricanes leave us with.

Prepare for this hurricane season with the help of Hercules Roofing

Hurricane season is stressful, to say the least. While you’re off buying batteries and nonperishable food, trust the team at Hercules Roofing to inspect your roof before a hurricane hits. Hiring a professional will help take that stress off your hands. The team at Hercules Roofing takes pride in our ability to use our resources and expertise to find the best solution to your roofing issues. Put your safety in our hands. Call us at 561-562-4992 or contact us here for a free estimate!

A leaky roof can be hard to detect and even harder to resolve. If left unchecked, flaws in your home’s roof can lead to an abundant amount of issues. From risking your home’s infrastructure to costing an arm and a leg on your utility bill, a leaky roof can wreak havoc on your home it goes ignored.

1. Mold and Mildew

As water seeps into a home with a leaky roof, mold and mildew can begin to grow and spread. Not only does this present a serious issue that can result in health concerns like congestion and asthma, but mold spores can also spread through your homes HVAC system, infecting carpets, furniture, and even clothing.

However, the earlier mold and mildew are detected, the easier it is to rid your home of the pesky consequences of roof leaks.

2. Increased Energy Costs

Although unexpected, leaky roofs can make an enormous impact on your monthly utility bill. Water trickling in through a leaky roof can affect your home’s insulation before it’s even visible on ceilings or walls. Insulation saturated with water is no longer effective in keeping your home’s internal temperature regulated.

That means the hot and cool air that your air conditioning system is working hard to produce is escaping through ineffective insulation. In turn, you end up stuck with a bill for more than you bargained for.

1. Your Shingles or Roof Tiles Have Seen Better Days

In South Florida, weather takes a beating on the shingles or tiles that cover your roof. Between blistering sun, hurricane-force winds, and torrential rain, just surviving summers in South Florida add a lot of wear and tear to your roof. If you’re concerned your roof may need replacing, a major indication is the current state of your shingles or roof tiles. Signs of necessary replacement include:

• Missing, bald, torn or cracked shingle tabs or roof tiles
• Curling on the edges of shingles
• Shingle granules are collecting in your gutters
• Loose or missing roof tiles

Spotting deformities within your shingles or tiles is the first sign to needing replacement. If you have shingles, finding granules in your gutters is a good indication that your roof is breaking down over time. If you have tiles, finding chips of tile in your gutters is a sign of roof degradation.

Shingle granules protect your roof’s asphalt coating from UV rays, provide fire resistance, and typically add color to your shingles for an aesthetic touch. Shingle granules resemble grains of sand, and if you’re finding an excess of them in your gutters you should highly consider replacing your roof.

2. Your Roof is Celebrating its 20th Birthday

For most, turning 21 years old is a celebration. For your roof, it could mean that it’s time to be replaced. If your roof is 20 years old or older, it may be time to replace it with a new one.

If you’re unclear on the age of your roof, be on the lookout for other homes in your area that are having their roofs replaced. If they were built during a similar time as your home, chances are it’s time for you to start replacing your roof as well.