 The roofing industry has a notorious reputation to be full of less than desirable contractors who scam homeowners and leave town before the homeowners even know that they have been scammed. We at Mill Creek Roofing are trying to push for this to change and we want to give you all the tools so that you do not become these contractor’s next victim. Below we go through 5 tips to avoid being scammed.
#1 Limited-Time Offer Don’t be pressured by a “limited-time offer” to hire the roofing company, especially following a damaging storm in your area. High-pressure sales tactics are a tell-tale sign of storm chasers. #2 Non-Local Roofers Be leery of roofers from out of state. Storm chasers look for opportunities and conditions where they can prey upon homeowners who may be distracted or distressed by storm damage. Check for out of state tags, or if their contact information is a non-local phone number and/or a P.O. Box. #3 Paying Your Deductible It sounds good. Get insurance money, get your roof replaced, and never pay a deductible. Disreputable roofing storm chasers will offer to pay for or absorb the homeowner’s deductible to get the business. A homeowner is committing insurance fraud if the contractor pays for the deductible. #4 Fake Damage That “free inspection” from a non-reputable company can end up costing you more than you realize. Roofing storm chasers have a terrible reputation of faking damage in order to file a claim. This can carry large fines and cause them to deny coverage of your roof. #5 Do Your Research Visit BBB’s website to see if anyone has filed a complaint against the roofer. Always check the roofer’s references, insurance, and certifications. If asked, a legitimate roofing company should provide proof of credentials. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free roof inspection with a local, reputable company call us today at 832-840-400!  Leaky chimney problems can quickly become costly, and may include drywall warping, ceiling stains, insulation saturation, mold growth and interior home damage. That’s why we recommend annual inspections handled by a professional to ensure a properly working roof. When you hire a roofing contractor to check the integrity of your roof, they will inspect not only the roof, but also the chimney, vents, skylights, and all areas of flashing, along with your home’s drainage systems. If there are any problems with the chimney, such as broken bricks, loose mortar joints, cracks around the chimney foundation, or deteriorating flashing, prompt repairs should be your priority.
Chimney Flashing Repairs Vs Replacement Chimney flashing needs to be replaced when it becomes rusty, corroded, chipped, or broken. Masonry caulk can seal small gaps or holes on a short-term basis, but is not designed to take the place of the flashing. Depending on the state of the flashing, part of the chimney and surrounding roof shingles may also need replacement. Oftentimes flashing can be repaired. However, if flashing shows signs of rust or other weather wear, your contractor may need to remove shingles to install new flashing. This is not a do-it-yourself undertaking, since improper flashing installation could void your roof warranty. We repair leaky chimneys! If you’d like to schedule a free inspection to diagnose specific problems or evaluate the overall condition of your roof, contact us at 832-840-1400. We’re a family-owned contractor with experience in residential and commercial roofing. We offer affordable, expert roof repair, replacement and installation services to customers.  The roof over your head is your home’s first line of defense against exposure to weather. And living in South Texas, you’re sure to be exposed to all types of extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to heavy rains and hurricanes.
The unfortunate truth is that weather damage is inevitable. Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and it is only natural that it will wear and age over time. Harsh weather is the main reason shingles deteriorate sooner than expected, and the following elements are the most common culprit:
Many consider the fall season to be the best time of the year to complete home improvement projects, including roofing projects. Before anything else, you should prioritize your roof, as it protects the rest of your home. While it’s tempting to do maintenance yourself and save a few bucks, it can be extremely risky and could cost you a lot of money in the long run.
Expertise Matters Hiring a reliable roofing company with well-trained roofing specialist comes with many benefits. These specialists have been on hundreds of roofs and know the right strategies and best practices to diagnose and address issues in a timely and effective way. DIY is Risky DIY roofing projects can pose several risks to your home. Damage to your roof can sometimes look like nothing to an untrained eye. While you might assume that a small leak is insignificant and doesn’t pose much harm to your home, a small leak can quickly grow into a large and costly issue. Guarantee of Workmanship Our experienced project managers are trained to diagnose leaks and other roof problems. After a diagnosis, they will walk you through your options and the fix process. You can count on Mill Creek Roofing and that’s why every job comes with a workmanship warranty. We offer the guarantee of professional, high quality repairs and replacements! Call us today to schedule a free roof inspection at 832-840-1400!  Attic and Roofing
The attic of your home acts as the lungs for your roof. Having attic ventilation allows for the roofing structure to stay properly aired out. Proper ventilation allows fresh cooler air to enter the attic, and allows the hot humid air to escape the attic. Balanced Ventilation Balanced ventilation is important for all roof structures, commercial and residential alike. A properly ventilated roof system receives plenty of fresh air through the eaves, soffit, or fascia. It also needs proper exhaust through roof ventilation. These intakes and exhausts are vital to regulate the temperature of the attic. Ventilation and Heating The most noticeable differences that ventilation makes to a homeowner are possible added heating and cooling expenses. Lack of proper attic ventilation can cause these expenses to skyrocket. Without proper ventilation, your attic traps cool air within it. This causes your central heating and cooling unit to spend more time artificially regulating your home’s temperature. Lack of ventilation can be expensive throughout the year, but can be especially expensive during fall and winter. During the colder months, moisture has a higher chance of damaging your roof. So, Does It Matter? In short, yes! Proper ventilation is a vital part of a complete roof system. Ventilation protects your roof from premature deterioration and helps keep heating and cooling costs low. If you have any questions about proper roof systems, feel free to contact us today at contact@millcreekroofingtx.com or call us today to schedule an inspection to make sure your roof has proper ventilation. Asphalt is the main waterproofing ingredient for many roofing materials, including the majority of shingle products. But many don’t know it is made from petroleum. Asphalt is a black sticky semi-solid form of petroleum made from crude oil. In addition, gas is a huge indirect cost of roofing materials. Both raw materials and finished roofing products have significant transportation cost because of the size and weight. In short, gas and roofing prices are definitely linked. However, while these prices are directly linked, they move slowly. As of June 2019, the gas prices are significantly higher than they were in the fall, and there has been only a slight increase in roofing material prices. So, what is going on? As gas prices rise, the cost to manufacture the roofing materials, and consequently the cost of a new roof, is higher. But don’t sit around and wait for a decrease in costs. There’s been a general trend of rising cost over the last decade. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statics, fluctuation in gas prices varies much more than in asphalt prices, but both trend up to show a general rise in both gas and asphalt. There was no real fall in roofing prices, and based on this history, a drop is unlikely. The best we can hope for is keeping the increases in check.  Call us today to schedule a roof inspection or an appointment to go over the insurance process at 832-840-1400!
Whether you are a new homeowner or already own your forever home, there are a few things you should do to prolong the life of your roof. It’s important to care for whatever type of roof is protecting you and your family. With some simple maintenance and car, you roof can last longer. Timely inspections, roof maintenance, and prompt repairs all factor into the lifespan of your roof.
Trim Your Trees Here in South Texas, it’s common to have strong winds tearing down a tree or knocking down some limbs. If you have low-hanging branches, your roof is liable to take a few hits. Consider trimming back those pesky branches before they have the chance to do damage to your roof. Don’t risk scratches, gouges, or full-blown holes from falling or swaying branches. Clean the Debris Climbing up a ladder and cleaning out your gutters and valleys from time to time can make a huge difference for your roof--not just for appearance, but to extend the longevity of your roof. Debris like leaves and dirt can accumulate in the gutters and valleys and lead to standing water, which can lead to rot and mold. Neither of these is good for your shingles or decking. Shingle Inspections When you have an asphalt shingle roof, a popular roof in our area, it is important to check it every season. It’s easy to skip an inspection and wind up with missing or broken shingles, especially after storm season. Look at your shingles for signs of wear or damage and note any issues or outright missing pieces that require repair. For all residential roofing services, be sure to call Mill Creek Roofing at 832-840-1400!  We are just a month into hurricane season and we are beginning to watch for potential tropical storms. This time of year, many of prepare for storm season by making sure we are prepared with flashlights, water, and non-perishable food. Often the most important things are forgotten such as making sure your home is able to protect you and your family. During a hurricane your roof can be exposed to winds in excess of 155 mph. These winds have the potential to pull off roof shingles, tiles, or even the underlying roof deck. This is why we suggest checking the condition of your roof before a storm happens as well as after. A well-maintained roof is your best bet against hurricane winds.We have some tips to make some you and your home are prepared for the potential storms.
1. Get a Professional Roof Inspection Contact a roof specialist to help you inspect your roof. A specialist has the knowledge and experience to find faults in the roof and determine whether it can handle a hurricane. The contractor will inspect the interior to determine whether the roof has been weakened by moisture and molds. He will also check for loose shingles, leaks and cracked caulk. You will then receive a detailed report after the inspection. The report may include his recommendations, life expectancy estimate and the cost of repairs. 2. Survey Fascia and Soffit Boards Take the time to walk the perimeter of your property and survey the fascia boards and the soffit boards. Fascia boards are located just below the metal trim of the roof and soffit boards are located below the roof overhang areas. Any signs of rotten wood in this area may indicate a potential problem during a hurricane. Making sure these roof areas are repaired will help secure the structure from possible wind damage at the eaves. 3. Fix Any Loose Shingles To reduce the chances of losing shingles by high winds, it is best to give attention to any missing, damaged, or loose shingles as these will increase the likelihood of water penetrating deeper into the roof. 4. Clean Your Gutter and Drainage Systems The drainage system plays a major role in mitigating storm damage. A hurricane comes with rain capable of causing serious damage. You want to make sure your gutters and drainage systems are free to conduct water effectively in the event of a storm. Get rid of all the debris from the drainage systems. Ensure the gutters are clear so that the rainwater can flow through them easily. You may need a roofing contractor to help you clean the gutters effectively. 5. Secure any Loose Yard Furniture Your furniture and yard decorations can easily become flying projectiles that could damage your roof. We suggest tying them down or moving them indoors to the so they don’t get loose and damage the roof. 6. Trim Any Low Hanging or Dead Branches High winds can break even the largest of tree limbs as easily as snapping a toothpick in half. It may seem obvious to trim the trees that overhang your roof, but it is also a good idea to have all off the trees surrounding your home trimmed just in case. 7. Have Repair Supplies Ready After a storm, roofers run into a major supply shortage. Tarps are a rare find during this time and unfortunately, they are a major necessity. Your best bet is to purchase tarps before the storm that way you are prepared. This will also allow you to patch your roof in the event that it gts damage and there are more days of the storm to come. 8. Review Your Insurance Policy You need to review your insurance policy and make sure it will cover the full cost of construction in case you lose the house in a hurricane. Make sure the insurance covers up to the cost of roofing. Some insurance companies do not cover residential roofing, so you need to check with your provider first. Apart from roofing insurance, you need to determine if you are covered by floods. Some people cover their houses against hurricanes and ignore the flood that usually follows.  Like any other system in your home, such as your plumbing, you want to schedule regular maintenance to ensure all is working efficiently and correctly. A roof inspection can prevent large-scale damage that results in costly repairs. A roof inspection should be included in your list of routine maintenance your home needs, but this is often not the case. By adding an annual roof inspection to your home’s maintenance schedule, you can prevent significant damage. If you are worried about the height or making a mistake we would be happy to help.
Roofing Inspection Checklist Protect your home from any unnecessary damage by contacting us or carefully climbing up a ladder yourself and completing the following checklist:
Roof Repairs We don’t recommend doing these repairs yourself. When repairing a roof, it is extremely important to know how to properly preform the repairs. It is easy to further damage the existing shingles and roof accessories when doing repairs if you are not a trained professional. Call Mill Creek Roofing if you believe you have damage and want to have one of our team members come take a look at your roof and proceed to making sure you and your family are safe and comfortable in your home. Call Mill Creek Roofing at 832-840-1400 to schedule your free roof inspection today! |
Cody DarilekOwner
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Mill Creek Roofing24715 Farm to Market Rd 1488 Ste. 5
Magnolia, TX 77355 HoursM-F: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 10am - 3pm Sun: Closed Telephone |