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Spring Roofing Tips from Top Tampa Roofers

Photo courtesy of pbs.org
Photo courtesy of pbs.org

The arrival of spring in Tampa Bay has been accompanied by a cloudy sky and the threat of a thunderstorm. Roofs recently inspected or repaired by expert Tampa roofers should be able to handle the wind and rain of an early spring storm, but a great number of Tampa Bay roofs will go without attention this season despite how simple it is to create and execute a preventive maintenance plan.

The goal of a preventive maintenance plan is to ensure a serious problem doesn’t occur. By serious, we mean the kind of issue that could force you to call for emergency help in the middle of the night while your home’s furniture and other items are getting soaked with rain. Now that’s not to say all prevention plans eliminate the chance of an emergency, but they certainly can reduce the risk.

Due to our warm climate, roofs in Tampa Bay won’t experience the same damaging conditions, such as freezes and significant icing, seen in other parts of the country. At the same time, other types of wear and tear on a roofing system can affect a Tampa Bay roof during the winter months. Wind, tree debris and even air pollution can leave their mark on the surface of your roof. So let’s look at a few areas of immediate concern as spring gets underway.

If your roof hasn’t been inspected in several years, this is a smart time to get a licensed Tampa Bay roofer on the job. If you’re confident your roof is still providing adequate protection, begin your spring roof inspection with a look at the gutter system. Is everything working properly? Is there any debris blocking the flow of water? Are any parts of the system loose or rusty? If you’re unsure of how to make any minor repairs necessary, consult a local expert who is familiar with both installation and repair of gutter systems.

When moving your attention to the roofing components, go beyond the shingles. You’ll quickly notice if shingles are missing or if tiles are cracked, but often a developing problem will come from issues with flashing. In fact, flashing around the chimney, in valleys and around skylights are considered the three most common leak locations, prompting a call for roof repair in Tampa.

Before wrapping up your inspection, allow some time to review your rooftop ventilation and attic insulation. Poor ventilation can damage roofing systems prematurely and homes older than 10 years typically lack sufficient attic insulation. Of course, you can skip all of these steps by simply contacting a licensed Tampa roofer to provide the necessary inspection and cleaning as part of your preventive maintenance plan.

 

No Tampa Bay Roof Left Behind

noRoof

September 9, 2013 is a very important date. While it’s more than six months away, it’s the day when Arry’s Roofing will announce the name of one lucky winner of a free roof in Pinellas County. It’s part of our affiliation with a national coalition known as No Roof Left Behind.

Nominate Your Own Roof

Starting Friday March 1, you can nominate your roof as the most deserving in Pinellas County. It’s important to prepare to explain why you deserve a new roof and show evidence of your roof’s current condition in a photo. The nomination period ends July 19 so you have time to work on your story and take a photo that best represents the trouble with your existing roof.  Other people are welcome to nominate you as well and complete the submission process found by clicking on the link below.

 CLICK HERE FOR SUBMISSION DETAILS

Determining the Finalists

After the nomination process for a roof is completed, the story and photo will appear on the Arry’s Roofing page of the No Roof Left Behind website. A team of local volunteers will review all nominees and carefully select the finalists. As of August 2, the public is welcome to vote and you can share the link with friends and family members anytime.

Eligibility Requirements

Nominees must reside in Pinellas County and must own the home they are living in. Also, each homeowner must be current on mortgage payments to participate in the contest. A homeowner may nominate himself or herself, but others are welcome to nominate a needy family in the area. 

Free Roof Winner Announced

The winner will be announced on Monday September 9 and the roof replacement work will be provided at a time determined by Arry’s Roofing.

We encourage all of our loyal customers all over Tampa Bay to consider who you might know in Pinellas County who deserves a new roof installed by Arry’s Roofing. We invite you to share the link on your social media pages too and help us spread the word. You could be the one who connects the winning homeowner with the opportunity of a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

New GAF App for Tampa Bay Roofing Customers

 

Hand holding smartphone

A new social media app launched by GAF is available as of this month, and with it comes a chance to win a terrific weekly prize and a much sweeter grand prize.  If you like GAF on Facebook or follow the company on Twitter, you might have heard about the new app. We expect some of you may have missed the news about it so we want to make sure all of the Arry’s Roofing customers are in the loop.

The new app first introduces documentary videos with families talking about what they treasure most under their roofs. In fact, the entire GAF campaign is called “What You Treasure Most” to change the way homeowners think about their roofs. The documentary videos were directed by James Minchin III, a filmmaker and photographer who has worked with music artists such as Adam Levine as well as Mumford and Sons.

Another aspect of the new app is encouraging homeowners to share their own videos and photos for the campaign. The app will automatically upload your content to a designated Facebook page. Best of all, you’ll have a chance to win the weekly prize of a $100 Home Depot gift card and the grand prize of a $2,000 Home Depot shopping spree. You can learn more about the campaign by clicking on the link below.

 CLICK HERE FOR MORE GAF APP INFO

As a GAF Master Elite Roofer, Arry’s Roofing has been installing GAF roofing systems around Tampa Bay for years. Our crews have helped people from St. Pete to Pinellas Park make informed decisions about their home’s most important form of protection. We continue to introduce new customers to GAF every month by recommending the GAF’s Weather Stopper 3-Part Roof Protection System.

We encourage our customers, past or present, to share what you treasure most under the roof we installed at your Tampa Bay home. Download the new GAF app and take some fun family photos. We want to see them too so feel free to share a link to the Facebook page once your photos are uploaded there via the app.

For anyone who hasn’t discovered the benefits of hiring a Master Elite roofer, give us a call at 727.362.2230. We’re fully licensed and adequately insured. Also, we happily offer a free inspection and estimate for Tampa Bay roofing repair and replacement jobs.

 

Tampa Attic Insulation Upgrade

You may have noticed February weather in Tampa can be a bit unpredictable. While we’re not getting the harsh winter conditions affecting other parts of the country, our temperatures can change dramatically like they will between now and the end of the week when we move from lows in the 30s to highs in the 80s. If you’re noticing an unwelcome change to the comfort in your home, it may be time to consider an attic insulation upgrade.

Attic cat

Attic Insulation Prevents the Great Escape

On cool mornings like we just experienced on Sunday, you turned the heat on and stay warm. In some homes, the heat has to run longer just to get to your desired temperature or the heat seems to be on continuously. Several factors may be contributing to that issue, but aging insulation is one to address quickly. The heat loss due to aging insulation could be costing you money now and will do the same when it’s time to turn to A/C on again very soon.

Replace Aging Insulation Fast

The age of your home is one indicator of a potential insulation problem. Let’s say you moved into your Clearwater home in 2003. This year marks 10 years since then, and homes that age and older most likely have inadequate and ineffective insulation. Making the attic insulation upgrade a priority before winter’s end and getting blown-in insulation provided will help minimize how much the furnace or air conditioner has to run.

Even Newer Homes Need Help Sometimes

Tampa Bay homes built in the last few years aren’t necessarily properly insulated either, but how would you know if that’s a problem at your home? You could be spending more on heating and cooling costs throughout the year and not able to pinpoint the reason. Getting a reliable contractor on the job to provide a quality product, such as Owens Corning, can solve that mystery and provide immediate energy saving benefits.

Your attic insulation upgrade in Tampa Bay is available through Arry’s Roofing. We can provide a free estimate for both insulation and attic ventilation, and introduce the benefits of the Owens Corning AttiCat system. Just call us this week at 727.362.2230 and visit us on Facebook or on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

A Special Night in Heritage Springs

Every roofing project handled by Arry’s Roofing is important. But some of our experiences as a company go beyond the work and give us a chance to help contribute to our local communities in other ways. We had one of those experiences this weekend in Heritage Springs thanks to our involvement in a fundraiser to support Special Olympics of Pasco County.

For those who don’t know, Heritage Springs is a community in Trinity and we’ve spend a lot of time there. Arry’s Roofing has been busy working on many re-roofing projects in the area, ensuring each property we step foot on has a roof in excellent condition before we leave. It’s the same high quality workmanship we bring to every community in Tampa Bay and why we’re proud to share a special night with the folks there.

Due to a prior commitment, the Housh family was unable to attend the fundraiser, but we made sure Arry’s Roofing was well represented. Jayson Hansel and his wife attended the charity event on Saturday, which has been hosted by Heritage Springs Association at Trinity’s Heritage Springs Country Club every year since 2000. Jayson shared his appreciation with us in writing.

“Hey guys! We did good tonight. We helped out a great cause —the Special Olympics. Thank you for letting me be a part of it!”

The Special Olympics has been a part of Pasco County since the 1970’s and we’re thrilled to join forces with other companies and individuals who support its mission. Every year, Special Olympians in Pasco County compete in a wide variety of sports, including bowling, softball, golf and sailing. More than 500 volunteers come together to make it all possible too.

These athletes compete at no cost to themselves or their families so support of the community is vital to ensure the program can continue to operate effectively every year. We’re proud to have the opportunity to help, and encourage anyone else interested in discover how to do the same, whether it’s through the Pasco County program or any of the programs around Tampa Bay. You can learn more about Special Olympics of Pasco County by going to the link below.

http://www.specialolympicspasco.org/

Jayson Hansel of Arry's Roofing at the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics of Pasco County on February 2, 2013
Jayson Hansel of Arry’s Roofing at the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics of Pasco County on February 2, 2013

 

Roofing Praise from a Solar Community Member

Clearwater’s Andrew Karpinski loves his solar power and making music. When he sent a review of the work done by Arry’s Roofing, he included a link to one the songs he created for a cartoon band. It’s not about roofing; it’s about a guy dating a zombie. We’ll get to that later. First, let’s look at how we helped this Tampa Bay roofing customer.

“I want to thank you for the way your company accommodated my special needs with regards to my solar photovoltaic installation. You did the work when you said you were planning to. You also did the whole removal, dry-in, and tile installation in less than four days. This resulted in my solar electric system being shut down for less than six days, which includes the removal of the solar panels and their re-installation. Your men also allowed me to re-install the standoffs on the bare roof deck and then your men waterproofed the standoffs and their corresponding flashings, as well as the electrical feedthrough box, in the normal course of the roof dry-in, which results in a better waterproofing job than I or any solar contractor could have done and pleased the building inspectors.”

Andrew goes on to explain a serious problem he had with a previous roofer after he acknowledges one of our Tampa roofing experts by name.

“I also want to thank you for the help your people, particularly Dave Braund, gave with quotes and working with the insurance people in getting the settlement  for my damaged roof, which was damaged by another roofer who had materials delivered to the wrong house. I used your firm nine years ago when I first replaced my tile roof. Then I was very happy with the dry-in and flat roof but not so happy with the tile job. This time both jobs were well done!”

We are so pleased to hear this kind of feedback from a satisfied customer. We do handle this type of work from time to time as well. On this particular job, Arry’s Roofing didn’t install the actual solar products, but we worked with the solar contractor and made sure everything is waterproof.

As our thanks to Mr. Karpinski, and to provide you with some musical entertainment, here’s a link to an animated music video for his band Stone Marmot. Fans of zombies will especially like the song. Enjoy!

My Girlfriend Is A Zombie

The Return of a Military Rebate

In 2012 you may have seen our blog posts, Facebook updates and Tweets about the Roofs for Troops program from GAF. The program has returned in 2013 for homeowners here in Tampa and nationwide. It all begins with contacting a GAF Factory-Certified Contractor.

Of course, you’ll need to qualify for the program first. The rebate is intended for active military, veterans and retirees living in the United States. Last year, thousands of military families took advantage of the offer from GAF through their local roofing contractors. Their commitment to installation of an exceptional roofing system came first, of course, which is why they chose to hire GAF Factory-Certified Contractors.

There are a few necessary steps to qualify for the rebate and GAF has made it simple to understand what’s involved. On a page dedicated to Roofs for Troops, you can find the rebate form to download, and even locate a GAF Factory-Certified Contractor. Also, you can see other important details, such as when the rebate period ends and the limit of one rebate per qualifying individual.

Installation of a Lifetime Roofing System is a key part of the offer. You’ll need to provide proof of your military status as well. Active Military will need to submit photocopies of a current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), and veterans and retirees need to submit a DD Form 214. Your contractor’s form is another essential part of your submission materials.

While the roof installation needs to take place during this calendar year, you will have some extra time to submit your rebate materials. As the terms and conditions state, the submissions must be receieved by January 31, 2014. Your rebate check will arrive within 8 weeks, but you can track your rebate by email or online.

We know many of the brave men and women who have served our country are from Tampa Bay or have settled here. As a Master Elite Roofing Contractor, we invite those individuals and families to contact us to discuss roofing needs and the Roofs for Troops rebate. We can schedule a time to inspect your existing roof and provide a written estimate for roof replacement.

 

 

Congrats to GAF, Builder Magazine Brand Leader

Today we share some terrific news about our roofing partner, GAF. Roofing customers all over Tampa Bay are familiar with the name, thanks to the installation of GAF roofing systems by Arry’s Roofing. The sterling reputation of GAF as a company along with the high quality of its products makes its latest award no surprise to those of us in the industry.

In December, the announcement about Builder magazine naming GAF a Brand Leader winner in the category of Roofing: Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles. It’s familiar territory for GAF, which has won the same award eight times in the last nine years. GAF has also earned recognition as the highest ranking company in the categories of “Brands Used in the Past 2 Years” and “Brands Used the Most.”

As a residential roofing customer in Tampa Bay, this is the kind of information that can help you make an informed decision about who to rely on for your next roof replacement project. This Brand Use Study is the largest within the residential construction market, and speaks to the consistent level of product performance. A commitment to innovation is a key part of that product performance, as mentioned in a GAF press release.

With a continuing focus on innovation, GAF incorporates its proprietary Advanced Protection Technology into all its laminated shingle products. This results in shingles that offer improved performance—including superior durability and wind resistance—while reducing the use of precious natural resources. All GAF Lifetime Shingles also pass ASTM’s two toughest wind tests—ASTM D3161 Class F 110 mph and ASTM D7158 Class H 150 mph—and carry GAF’s Lifetime limited warranty.

At Arry’s Roofing, we bring the same approach to the industry, always seeking to improve how we do business. It’s part of what earned us the designation of a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor. When you consider only 3% of roofing contractors nationwide qualify to use that title, it’s apparent not all roofers are created equal.

To learn more about the GAF difference, click HERE. When you’re ready to take advantage of the exceptional product performance of a GAF roofing system installed by a leading Tampa Bay roofing expert, call us at 727.362.2230. We’ll schedule a free inspection and estimate that works for your tastes, timeline and budget.

 

Thankful in Tampa Bay

 

You may have noticed some people using their Facebook status every day to tell you what they’re thankful for. It may be the love of family or the birth of a new grandchild. It could be good news related to their health or a job offer finally came through. Whatever the reason, we hope November has been a month with many good things happening for you too.

As the holiday season starts making demands on you and your time, it’s possible you haven’t taken a moment to consider what you’re thankful for. But if you get started, you may find your list grows quickly as you pause to think about each area of your life. You could start with your family, move on to your work and then continue on to your community.

Family
Do any of the following apply to you?
I’m thankful for my spouse.
I’m thankful for my children.
I’m thankful for my parents.

Work
Do any of the following fit you?
I’m thankful for steady employment.
I’m thankful for a satisfying job.
I’m thankful for being able to pay my bills.

Community
Can any of these be added to your list?
I’m thankful for good neighbors.
I’m thankful for the peace in my city.
I’m thankful for excellent resources nearby.

As one of those nearby resources for home and business owners, Arry’s Roofing is thankful for our valued customers who rely on us in a time of need. Whether they are dealing with a roof damaged by a storm or needing to replace one due to aging, each decision maker’s choice to begin working with Arry’s allows us to provide a residence or commercial building with an exceptional roofing system in Tampa Bay. Our commitment to roofing excellence is only possible due to the customers who entrust us with installing the most important system of protection for a home or business.

Many of these customers have acknowledged their gratitude in writing and we’ve shared those thoughts on our Reviews page. Others have told us on camera why they trust Arry’s Roofing and return time after time. For their time and effort to share their experiences, we are thankful. All year long.

 

A Return to Tropicana Field

 

Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Home Show

It’s offseason at the home of the Rays and they don’t return until April 2 when they host the Baltimore Orioles in the 2013 season opener. But long before the ump yells “play ball” again, another winning team will take the field. This week, you’ll have three chances to see the team from Arry’s Roofing at the Tampa Bay Home Show.

The Home Show opens on Friday November 9 at 10 am. That’s when Tampa Bay homeowners will first come face to face with a world of resources, experts and celebrity guests. The helpful tips, techniques and introduction to new products come free of charge, along with free parking for the event too. You’ll also have a chance to win some terrific prizes throughout the weekend. 

A team from Arry’s Roofing will be at the Home Show once again to answer questions about your home improvement needs. Replacement roofing will be a hot topic, and we’ll introduce many potential customers to the GAF roofing systems available through Arry’s Roofing. Also, we look forward to helping other homeowners discover the benefits of turning to Arry’s for skylights and new gutter systems.

Visitors to the Home Show can discuss an upcoming home improvement project with an Arry’s Roofing representative, learn signs that a roof needs replacing, and see what new options for roofing materials are available through Arry’s and our roofing partners, including GAF. We’ll be on site daily at 10 am as the show gets underway and we’ll be there until the last minute to answer your questions until 6 pm on Friday, 7 pm on Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday.

During our last visit to the Home Show, we had the good fortune of seeing many familiar faces, including past roofing customers. Some of them shared thoughts about pleasant past experiences with Arry’s Roofing, which we’ve shared on our website. We hope to get more of these video testimonials over the weekend so we encourage our satisfied customers to share a few thoughts with us when they stop by our booth.