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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.

 

 

 

 

Watching Sandy from the Sidelines

 

Image courtesy of NOAA and Associated Press

It’s likely you know someone affected by the superstorm still moving through the Northeast. Although Hurricane Sandy made landfall on Monday in New Jersey, the massive weather system continues to impact millions of people a day later. From power outages to closed transit systems, residents of multiple states are experiencing the impact often reserved for Florida and states in this part of the country.

As the storm passes, its immediate effects will be lessened. The strong winds will subside. Water from flooded areas will recede. Power will be restored. But the longer lasting results of Sandy may felt by homeowners and commercial property owners for months.

One challenge for these residents will be securing help to repair their homes and businesses and restore normalcy to their lives. Even before the storm is done pounding states like New York, New Jersey and West Virginia, residents are turning to home improvement contractors for help protecting their property and their assets. These emergency services are critical in sparing future expense related to roof and structure damage caused by Sandy.

Once the emergency period is over, a full assessment of key areas, such as the roofing system, is necessary. Not all damage caused by high winds is visible, and leaks can begin showing days after the storm has passed. An expert evaluation can tell a homeowner what hidden damage to the roof exists, if any, and the extent of that damage.

For some homeowners, repairs by a reputable roofer may be sufficient to restore a roof’s integrity and return it to good condition. Yet some of these homeowners may fall prey to unethical roofers who unnecessarily recommend a roof replacement simply for the sake of profit. That’s why protecting your home and protecting your bank account demands finding reliable roofers with a track record of doing business in the community in which you live and work.

In Tampa Bay, we see this kind of situation when tropical storms, hurricanes and other severe weather conditions hit the Florida and the Gulf Coast. We caution our neighbors to be aware of deceptive or bad business practices. Now you can help us caution your friends and family members who may be dealing with damage and devastation caused by Sandy. Let them know good roofing companies with solid reputations are always the place to turn to for both emergencies and long-term roof repair and replacement needs.

 

Fall Roofing-To-Do List

 

You probably don’t need anyone to give you more chores at home. It’s likely you don’t have time to get the ones on your current list done, especially if football watching takes up your weekends and family obligations tie you up during the rest of the week. But a little preventive care of your roof can go a long way this season and next.

Homeowners who neglect the roof year round may find trouble developing that could have been prevented easily. Certainly you can’t be vigilant every day of the week, but scheduling time to assess your roof’s condition and potential needs takes very little time and could save you a great deal based on the cost of future repairs. Those repairs could become more costly if the damage compromises the roof’s ability to provide even minimal protection during a severe storm.

To minimize the time it takes and the effort necessary, think simple when tending to your roof’s needs. A visual check is an easy step. You can also look for signs inside and out that suggest the roof and gutters aren’t functioning at their best. Then if you notice something doesn’t look right, don’t change your weekend plans; call in a roofing expert accustomed to handling a variety of roofing systems.

Assess the obvious
Look for debris on the roof that could mask damage to shingles or conceal missing shingles. This is a simple visual check you can do by walking around the home, without climbing a ladder.

Look for subtle signs
Look for any sign of where water flowing from the gutters. Clogged gutters and downspouts can redirect water and ruin landscaping or affect the structure of the home.

Call in the experts
Stay off the ladder, especially if you are using the wrong ladder for the job. Standing on top of a step ladder is a terrific way to injure yourself. Instead of risking your health, call Arry’s Roofing at 727-938-9565.

We’ll come assess your roof’s condition no matter where you live in Tampa Bay. Then we’ll provide a written evaluation and estimate AT NO CHARGE. That will give you time to focus on more important things, like watching the Bucs beat the Cowboys on Sunday.

 

 

A Change in Isaac’s Path

When the weekend arrived, the threat of Tropical Storm Isaac seemed imminent. At that point, the forecasted track appeared to take it into Tampa Bay as of this morning. But, as often happens with tropical storms and hurricanes, the path has shifted and it looks like Isaac will take aim further west, perhaps making landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane.

While we may breathe a sigh of relief here, and hope for the best for those in the path of Isaac, we’re still going to be dealing with stormy weather here today. The outer rain bands of Isaac were already making their impact in Florida yesterday, flooding streets in some areas including Key West. Much of that same type of rain will fall on Tampa Bay today and be joined by thunder and lightning.

It’s certainly less of an impact than we expected a few days ago but we’re certainly not in the clear in Tampa Bay. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t take direct impact of a tropical storm to create conditions that can threaten your safety and damage your home. Heavy rains on a roof that may have a leak already can be disastrous. It can also be a serious problem if your gutter system isn’t working properly or has been clogged by debris.

Should the widespread storms affecting our area today lead to trouble at your Tampa Bay home, particularly with the roof, we encourage you to call Arry’s Roofing right away. The damage may be easy to spot. If not, we can work quickly to determine the problem spot(s) and make emergency repairs. In some cases, the damage may be hidden and take weeks or months to reveal itself, leading to more issues later on.

If you suspect your home’s best system of protection has been damaged or compromised in any way during severe weather, give us a call at 727-938-9565. We’ll be on the job quickly to make emergency repairs, document the damage for insurance claims, and ensure the contents of your Tampa Bay home remain protected. Then we’ll arrange another visit to create a plan to restore your roof—and your peace of mind.

 

Tropical Storm Preparations

Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to hit the Tampa Bay area early on Monday morning August 27.

 

As your fellow Tampa Bay residents, our concern during the approach of a tropical storm turns to the personal safety of our family, friends and neighbors. The news that Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to arrive here after the weekend makes preparation a priority in the next two days. For people who have experienced this type of situation before, they may have already begun getting ready for the potential damaging winds and heavy rains. But there are still a great many people who have yet to get started so we want to take a moment to help you get started.

There are three phases to consider. Understanding your responsibility during each phase is important in protecting yourself, your family and your home. The following material was carefully prepared by the weather experts at the Weather Channel as a helpful resource for situations like the one we’re about to face. Take a few minutes to reach about each phase today.

BEFORE THE STORM
Click HERE to read an article about how to effectively prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaac in Tampa Bay.

DURING THE STORM
Click HERE to read about how to safely protect yourself and your property while the Tropical Storm Isaac is passing over Tampa Bay.

AFTER THE STORM
Click HERE to learn how to respond to storm damage and related situations once Tropical Storm Isaac has exited Tampa Bay. 

Once your preparations are done and you have time, be sure to check in on others on your street to make sure they are prepared for the damaging weather conditions that accompany a tropical storm. Your neighbors, especially ones with a disability or the elderly, will appreciate your thoughtfulness. If you don’t have your neighbor’s phone number already, make sure you get it in order to check on them in the hours following the worst of the tropical weather.

The family at Arry’s Roofing will also be using this time to prepare for a worst case scenario but we are available to take your calls if you have urgent questions. We want you to be safe, first and foremost, and as informed as you can be. To reach us, call 727-938-9565.

A Shingle Standoff in Tampa Bay

Preparations for roof replacement cover a lot of areas, including budget, but one area that may cause some confusion for homeowners is selection of the optimum shingle style. If the project has two decision makers, the debate over which shingle to choose could be endless. Instead of protecting your home and improving curb appeal, you could be taking weeks to move forward with your contractor. But Arry’s Roofing can help you move past the dilemma and find the best possible solution.

Even before you call us for a free consultation and estimate, you can get better informed on your options through the company we partner with to supply Tampa Bay with the highest quality roofs. GAF, North America’s largest manufacturer, provides an overview of housing designs and the shingle options that best suit each design. In less than 20 minutes, you can review the entire page and bookmark it for future reference.

Whether your home is a Victorian, Colonial, Ranch style, you can get helpful tips from GAF about choosing the ideal shingle style. For example, the roof of a ranch-style home can have a bigger impact on its overall look than a Colonial-style design. Neutral roof colors are recommended and GAF shingle products to consider first include the distinct and dimensional Grand Sequoia, premium wood-shake option Grand Canyon, and the popular look of wood-shake Timberline Shingles. Modern and contemporary designed homes will benefit from a clean, streamlined look available in a variety of products, such as Grand Slate and Slateline.

Once you’ve reviewed your shingle options, you can remain on the page to find a professional contractor to handle the work. Type in your Zip Code to the right and you’ll discover contractors who are 10, 20 or 30 miles within your home. Scroll down to Arry’s Roofing and take note of our 128 reviews by real homeowners and our 5 awards and certifications.

Swimming Safety Tops Summer Priority List

Swimming Sisters

 

Two young members of the Arry’s Roofing family are getting water-wise this summer thanks to professional swim instruction. Leyton and Brylee, daughters of Stephen and Heidi Housh, have been learning all the necessary skills at a facility known as the Seal Swim School. The goal of creating strong swimmers for a lifetime is what prompted their mother to enroll the girls in these summer sessions and there’s an incentive for any parent in Tampa Bay to do the same.

Water fun is common in the summer, of course, but also can become a threat to the inexperienced swimmer. That’s why it’s important for young students like the Housh girls to becoming more aware of the dangers related to being in the water, develop skills to become strong swimmers, and learn how to make quick decisions if a problem in the pool (or any body of water) develops. Beginning this training early and continuing it throughout a summer and in successive years can help children avoid the fate that many others encounter.

The Seal Swim School staffs American Red Cross safety instructors who are certified in CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard Training. These experienced instructors also receive ongoing training to ensure they’re providing the best possible instruction. They can even teach children with all levels of abilities, including students with special needs.

We’re proud of Leyton and Brylee for their ongoing efforts to become superb swimmers. We’re also proud of their parents for ensuring the girls remain enrolled in every session throughout Seal Swim School’s swimming season. As they know, safety is not an occasionally important; it’s valuable every day of the year. That’s a lesson we know the girls will remember for a long time to come.

Congratulations to Tampa Bay’s Graduating Seniors

In the month of June, many Tampa Bay high school seniors will be bringing to a close one important chapter of their education. Whether those students and their families gather at Spronger Field, Ruth Eckerd Hall or Bayside Gym, there celebrations will be great ones. But the reality is, the future challenges will be even greater.

These graduating seniors, many earning academic and athletic honors for outstanding achievements, are now preparing to move forward with plans to continue their studies, enter the workforce or serve their country. Some may take the summer off; many may work during the next two and a half months in order to pay for school or other expenses.

The reality of reaching a point of freedom will begin settling in, if it hasn’t already. We wish each one of them the opportunity to safely pursue their dreams. May they be guided by wise parents, professors, mentors, friends and employers. May they learn from each challenge along the way.

For those graduating seniors in Tampa Bay who aspire to run their own businesses someday, may they learn to do so with integrity. May they remain ambitious in learning all they can to continuously improve their companies. May they deliver their service at the highest level of excellence possible.

Arry's Roofing Earns Its 7th Super Service Award from Angie's List.

No successful path in life is created alone. Role models shape and influence our development in any field, and finding strong role models now can create momentum in a career that takes today’s graduating senior to levels not yet reached. May these role models be available to the young minds who need them most.

Arry’s Roofing wishes graduating seniors in Tampa Bay all the best in transitioning from this accomplishment to the ones that will follow. Keep your standards high, your mind open, and your inner fire burning. We look forward to serving you when you need us and relying on your expertise when we need you someday.

Proper Vents and Ventilation for Tampa Bay Homes

 

Ever heard of a homeowner getting a new roof installed and needing it replaced a year later? It’s happened and not just because of storm damage. Faulty installation is another reason for it. But there is still another issue that can cause roofing (and other) problems for the Gulf Coast homeowner. It’s poor attic ventilation.

If the last roofing “contractor” you hired didn’t discuss attic ventilation with you, it might be because he didn’t have any experience in that area. So before your next roofing project, let’s get you acquainted with the need for roof vents and attic ventilation. It doesn’t need to be a long process since our friends at GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, have made it clear and concise on the company website that you can see by clicking HERE.

As you’ll see, poor attic ventilation can actually damage your shingles, ruin your insulation, and cost you money in higher energy bills. When you read the statistic that 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation, you’ll wonder if you’re in the majority or the minority. If your roofing system has been prematurely aging, that could be a sign that you’re in the majority of that 9 out of 10. That’s when contacting a reputable roofing professional at once is the best step.

A roof replacement project is a major undertaking, no matter how large or small the home. Expertly installing a roofing system involves a thorough understanding of the need for a continual flow of air through the attic. So be sure to protect that investment by hiring a contractor who does more than install shingles.

If you’ve noticed warning signs such as roof deck warping, buckling of shingles or mildew growth, call Arry’s Roofing at 727.362.2230 to schedule an inspection and a free estimate. In some cases, repairs now could spare you the expense of total roof replacement in the near future. Learn more about us by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.