The residents of Salina are quite familiar with a variety of weather conditions and patterns. Springtime in this area of the country boasts thunderstorms, massive hail, and damaging winds. During the last 12 months, trained spotters have reported 41 on-the-ground hail, 16 severe weather warnings, and Doppler Radar has detected hail on 6 occasions according to research done at Hail Map for Salina, KS.
What is the Smallest Amount of Hail Needed to Damage a Roof?
To properly answer this question, the homeowner must understand and be aware of the age of their roof and the quality of materials used. Obviously, if the roof is nearing the end of its useful life, it may not take much to cause some damage. Likewise, if an inferior product is used, or it was haphazardly installed, the damages can be more severe.
What Damage Occurs to a Roof Based on Hail Size?
¼” hail – Pea-sized – A “safe” hail. This size of hail doesn’t tend to last very long, and the force against the roof is minimal.
½” sized hail – Marble-sized – Most generally, this size of hail won’t cause great damage, unless a storm gains strong winds and intensity. If a roof has some previously damaged areas, the hail can puncture these areas and increase the depth of damage.
¾” to 1” – Now we are beginning to shift the discussion and discuss hail damage to a roof. When stones of hail begin to increase in size, a trusted roofing company should be contacted after the storm has passed. There is a good chance some areas may need repair.
As hail increases in size, damages can occur in the form of dents, cracks, splits, and breaks in the roofing material and/or siding. Leaving these areas unattended after a storm is only asking for trouble when the next storm approaches.
1 ¼” and Larger – Golf ball size and larger – Take a deep breath and have the phone handy because hail this size pounding on your home can cause substantial damage. Not only to your roof but also to any vehicles left outside. These pounding chunks of ice can cause intense rips in the siding, broken windows, ripped screens, and broken shingles.
Hail is just part of the springtime season, and soon it will pass. Be prepared when you see a storm approaching to move all outdoor furniture and vehicles into a safe area. Be sure the children come inside where it is safe, and advise them to stay away from windows and doors. When fierce winds accompany some of these feisty hail and thunderstorms, it is hard to predict the outcome.
Place your trust in a roofing company that will experience that same storm you did. Shull Remodeling is a local contractor ready to assist you with an inspection and any roof repairs that may be needed. Don’t panic, and understand it is just part of the season. We can work together with your insurance company and take the proper steps to repair your home to its former glory.
“Going green” is a popular phrase that has worked its way into our vocabulary. But what exactly does it mean to go green? According to entirelyeco.com, the green movement began in the 1970s when concerns over the health of the environment and the focus to restore, conserve and improve every aspect of the ecosystems for now and in the future. A drive to improve the planet and live a cleaner life became the focus.
How can a homeowner choose a roof that is more environmentally friendly? What are the options to reduce waste and pollution for a healthier and stronger planet?
Metal roofing has become an excellent alternative to other roofing materials for people who strive to have this focus. Here are three ways that a metal roofing system is the smartest and easiest way to go green.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofing is one of the most energy-efficient materials and can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 25%. A barrier is created by the metal which reduces heat loss and maximizes energy efficiency. Ice dams can also be reduced by keeping a constant temperature over the surface of the roof.
Rainwater collection is ideal when the home has a metal roof. The water is collected from the roof in a large container for use now or later. Metal roofs have a lower concentration of bacteria compared to other materials, especially when coated with an antimicrobial paint system. The collected rainwater can be used for lawns, laundering clothes, washing cars, or outdoor ponds. Always use caution when using rainwater for human consumption. It must be filtered and decontaminated first to be safe. This is just another way metal roofing is energy efficient!
Longevity
Metal roofing, when properly installed and regularly maintained, can last nearly 60+ years. Put that in comparison to asphalt shingles which need replacement every 20 years. The value in savings of metal roof is astounding! Here is a brief list of regular maintenance procedures.
Check the flashing to make sure it is still intact
Removal of any debris, limbs, and nests collected on the surface
Clean the gutters – this helps to aid in the longevity of the roof with proper water displacement
Check fasteners for rust and/or corrosion
Check for scratches, dents, chipping, fading
Clean the surface of the roof with water
Sustainable
If a metal roof does need to be replaced, the material can be used for a variety of new items. Unlike asphalt shingles that clog up landfills, metal can be used to create the following items.
Future metal products such as cans, appliances, plumbing fixtures
Create a unique tabletop
Make an outdoor sculpture
Build an outdoor shower
Fencing
Go metal in the kitchen
Make an accent wall
Create a headboard
The ideas are endless when it comes to metal roofing and creativity!
These are just three of the many ways why a metal roofing system can be environmentally friendly. Be sure to trust the professionals at Shull Roofing in Salina to install the roofing surface for you. We have been serving the local community for over two decades with honesty, professionalism, and integrity. You can count on us when it comes to all things metal roofing. Give us a call and let’s discuss your vision for a new metal roof and work together to go green for our planet and the future generations to come.
So you have decided it is time to replace or repair your current roofing system. But where do you turn to hire a contractor? There are so many to choose from in the Salina area, and this decision alone can be a good one or a bad one. Choosing a less-than-perfect contractor can cost you money in the long run. However, working with an exceptional contractor can bring peace and comfort to the whole roofing process. Here are some questions to consider when seeking the best roofing contractor in Salina for your project.
Are You Local?
Trusting a local contractor is one key to success. If there are any complications in the future, you want to be able to contact them and have the issue resolved promptly. Those fly-by-night, storm-chasing roofing companies will buzz into town, make a few bucks and venture off to the next devastated area. How would you reach them if there are complications?
Secondly, by trusting a local contractor, you can rest assured the local permits, laws, regulations, and rules are being followed. If not, extra fines and fees will have to be added to the final bill.
Do You Have Any References I Can Call?
Taking a few minutes to call old customers can ease any doubts you have about a roofing contractor. Typically, people will be honest with their experiences and share the good, the bad, and the ugly, if there are any. People love to talk about how the company did projects well, or what they did wrong. Have a list of questions ready. Such as:
Did they show up on time?
Did they clean up when the job was done?
Were they friendly?
Did they discuss all matters with you before beginning?
Did they inquire about your satisfaction with the job before they left?
These are just a few questions you could ask the references to get the conversation started.
Do You Have Insurance and Licensing?
Before the paperwork is signed, make sure you have these questions regarding insurance answered. A reputable company will be more than willing to share this information with you. If they hesitate or do not offer the information, ask them to be on their way. You want to be sure you can fully trust the company and team that will be working on your property.
What is the Cost of My New Roof?
It is wise to know all costs upfront. How dreadful would it be to think you have everything lined up, only to realize the company starts to “nickel and dime” you? Before too long, the cost of the roof could be much too expensive. Make sure labor, supplies, tear-off, and any other additional costs are accounted for. An honest company will be forthright and trustworthy.
After reading these questions, let’s simplify the decision process. Shull Roofing in Salina can successfully answer each of these questions with confidence. You will be delighted with our honest and truthful answers, complete with respect and integrity. We are fully committed to your 100% satisfaction. We are locally owned and operated, striving to provide the finest quality roofing products, combined with personalized guidance and unmatched service. You will be happy when you pair with Shull Roofing in Salina for your next roofing project. We look forward to meeting you!
Owning a commercial building takes a great deal of work and dedication. Upkeep and regular maintenance on the building needs to be a line item on your yearly to-do list. You must keep your property in tip-top shape for the safety of all those involved. Perhaps you own an apartment complex or assisted living facility and must ensure the safety of the building for your residents who place their trust in you. Perhaps you own a shopping center or warehouse. The stores inside depend on you for helping to keep their products safe. The pressure can be great when owning a commercial property.
One thing to consider, which should be of top priority, is the quality of your roofing system. The roof keeps out the weather elements, ensures quality air temperature indoors, and can also assist with lowering monthly energy bills. Here are some ways to keep your roof healthy and strong for years to come.
Protect Against Leaks
Inspecting your roof for leaks is vitally important and should be done regularly. If caught early, sealants can fill in any gaps, holes, or damaged areas before more complications can occur. This liquid compound can seep into the deepest of crevices, sealing them up and strengthening the bond. Unfortunately, if not addressed promptly, and the damaged area has become too large, there could be other issues that need to be addressed.
Debris Removal
Cleaning out the roof drains, or gutters and downspouts, can help extend the life of your whole roofing system. When debris clogs the system, water can not be eliminated from the roof, and can therefore pool in undesired areas. After cleaning the system, make sure the water flows freely. Look for loose bolts and screws on gutters, and examine sealants and flashings for the drains.
Fix and Repair Quickly
Leaks on a roof can lead to significant damage to the interior of your building, resulting in costly repairs. As soon as you notice a leak or a soft spot, take immediate action to have it repaired. If you have concerns about how to repair a commercial roof, be sure to contact Shull Remodeling in Salina to diagnose the problem and properly fix it.
Keep the Roof Clear
Depending on where the building is located, and the height of the building, there may be trees nearby dropping the occasional broken branch or limb. Also, in the autumn of the year, leaves may collect on the rooftop. It is imperative to keep your roof clear of excess leaves, pine needles, and limbs. If the building owner chooses not to clear off the roof regularly, pools of water can collect in these areas causing potential future damage to the roofing material.
Proper Ventilation
Ventilation throughout your building is essential in keeping the roof healthy. Consider these questions when it comes to ventilation:
Does the roof deck have proper ventilation?
Does the deck sag?
Are there cracks in the wood rafters and supports?
Can you see light streaming in from the exterior?
Does the air smell musty or pleasant?
Do you see areas of mold or mildew on the surface?
Owning a commercial building does have many rewards. However, there is a great deal of work that goes into securing a safe building. Business owners can follow these simple roof maintenance tips to keep their roofs healthy for years to come. Call Shull Remodeling in Salina to assist with regular inspections and let’s work together to keep your business moving forward!
Gutters play a crucial role in the safety and protection of your roof and home. Without a proper gutter system, water will spill over the edge of a roof, and possibly leak into the foundation and basement area. There must be a strong complete system to divert the water away from the roof and home to diminish complications.
Shull Roofing in Salina has been installing gutters on people’s homes for years. After determining the right solutions for you and your budget, we install gutters that fit your home’s drainage system needs in a quick and seamless installation process giving your home a finished look that enhances the curb appeal.
What are the types of gutter systems we offer?
Seamless Gutter
This gutter system is hard to beat. Our knowledgeable team will visit your home, make measurements and determine the amount of seamless gutter needed. The order will arrive and be assembled directly on your home with ease and safe procedures. This system is tops because it will never crack or split. No worries about fasteners or grooves for debris to get cluttered in. This system allows the water to flow through the gutter and to the downspout with ease.
K-Style Gutters
Are you looking for a more classy option? This is for you! These gutters nail into the fascia boards with a need for fewer brackets, allowing for a seamless finish and fewer common leaks. They are designed to look like interior trim and can give any home a sophisticated look. They are shaped as a “k”, hence the name. The flat area of the gutter is what is nailed into the fascia board and therefore no brackets are needed.
Gutter Guard
An additional item to consider is a gutter guard. This type of guard prevents leaves, twigs, and other debris from landing in your gutter, restricting the flow of water. The use of gutter guards will also give your home a complete, finished look which can enhance the curb appeal.
What are some signs of needing new gutters?
Cracks, splits, or separated gutters
Many times, these happen with sectional gutter systems. The individual gutters are assembled with fasteners and can separate or deteriorate with time. Even a small crack or split will grow over time, preventing the gutter from properly doing its intended job. This gives an ideal time to upgrade to either a seamless or k-style gutter system.
Peeling paint or rust
Most gutters are painted or coated to protect them from the weather. When you begin to notice peeling paint, that is an indication that rust is right around the corner. Rust is an enemy of gutters as the weakened spots soon allow water to drip through. Be sure to replace your gutter system when you notice rust forming.
Pulling away from the roof
There are two main reasons why your gutter could be pulling away from the roofing system. Perhaps there is too much buildup in the gutters, preventing the water to flow freely. This buildup could be from leaves, small branches, or nesting material for birds and mice. The weight of the debris and water could be too heavy for your gutters to hold, and unfortunately, they begin to pull away from the roof.
A second reason for pulling away could be that the brackets and fasteners have just worn out. This is an indication that the system has aged, and it is time to replace it before damage to your roof will occur.
Basement flooding
This unfortunate event can occur because the gutter system is not transferring the water away from the home far enough. There is potential for water to overflow after a great deal of rain, causing the water to seep into your foundation and eventually your basement.
When the time comes to upgrade or simply replace your gutter system, trust the roofing professionals at Shull Roofing in Salina! We have the skills and experience to bring the best products to you. We strive for exceptional customer service and desire your complete satisfaction with every job, large or small. Give us a call, and let’s work together to protect your home with a quality gutter system!
According to Kansas records, Salina is a hot spot for tornadoes. In a quick internet search, videos and reports can readily be found showing the different tornadoes and how they have impacted the Salina area. This is a clear indicator that tornadoes will happen at some point if you live in Tornado Alley. Being prepared for the disaster and knowing what to do if your roof sustains damage is imperative during a springtime storm.
Be Prepared
This simple motto has been vocalized for decades by the Boy Scouts of America organization. Being prepared is the same as being proactive. Don’t wait until damages happen before you access some problems. For example, check your gutter system. Of course, in a tornado, your gutter system won’t hold the house together. However, in springtime rainstorms, the gutter system must work efficiently to divert away from the home to a safe location. If your gutters are clogged or blocked with debris, the water will only spill over the edges like a waterfall.
Leaks
After the storms pass, do a thorough check for any areas of leakage. In addition, do you notice discoloration on the ceilings of your attic? What about the walls of your attic, are they discolored with water stains? Water damage can lead to mold, mildew, and rot. Make sure to have these areas addressed and sealed up before the damage increases.
Trim Back Overhanging Trees
This project may require some outside professional assistance. The trees don’t stop growing just because they extend over your home. You need to make sure they are trimmed back so a fierce spring storm doesn’t break off limbs or branches on your roof causing extensive damage.
Buy Some Tarps
This seems easy, but it is indeed essential. When spring storms arrive, shingles have the potential of flying off and leaving the roof open and vulnerable. Have some tarps set aside to protect the area until a roofing contractor can do the storm damage repairs.
Review Your Insurance
Pull out the homeowner’s policy and do a quick review of what to do, and what is covered in a nasty storm. It is wise to have this information ready in case it is needed. Keep the roof warranty information with your insurance policy for easy access as well. Snap a few photos of what your roof looks like on a normal day, so there is something to compare it to after the storms do their dirty work.
Remove Debris From the Roof
This may seem simple as well, but on a nice day, make sure any branches, twigs, nests, or other unessential items are removed from the surface of the roof. You don’t need to add to the damage a storm can do on its own.
Inspect the Roof
Before the storm season, have your roof inspected yearly for areas of weakness or sections to repair. In a storm, these areas could be vulnerable to extensive damage. Place your trust in Shull Roofing in Salina to yearly inspect your roof and fix any areas that need attention.
It isn’t comforting to live in Tornado Alley and understand the potential for nasty storms. However, being prepared for the worst can make the whole situation slightly more bearable. Shull Roofing will be right there with you! We know the weather devastation that can happen because we live right here in this community with you. We can stand arm in arm with you and face roof damage together.
Call today and let’s plan ahead for the upcoming spring storm season with a thorough inspection, and hope the storms pass us by with minimal complications.
