Residential Roofing Services | Premiere Roofing & Gutters

5 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips

January 13, 2022/in Residential Roofing Services/by Garron Lytton

An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. That aphorism certainly holds true for winter roof maintenance. Take care of maintaining and repairing your roof now, before the worst of winter weather hits.

The residential roofing contractors at Premiere Roofing & Gutters can help you with any winter roof maintenance and repair issues. Here are five winter roof maintenance tips to get your roof in condition for cold weather snow, ice, and wind:

1. Clean Gutters

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is perhaps the most critical of all winter roof maintenance tasks. If your gutters and spouts are clogged, the likelihood of developing ice dams increases significantly. These ice dams prevent drainage and lead to ice accumulation.

The ice dam freezing and thawing cycle can cause shingle loosening. It can also introduce moisture into your home.
While gutter cleaning is sometimes a DIY project, professional cleaning is recommended for houses taller than one story. The odds of injury increase substantially when cleaning gutters on taller structures.

2. Repair Damaged Shingles

If there are missing, torn, or loose shingles, have them repaired. If not fixed, these damaged shingles will allow water to leak into your dwelling. Strong winds may blow away loose shingles.
Leaks do more than cause water damage to your home. They also increase the risk of mold development and provide breeding grounds for bacteria and mildew.

3. Attic Ventilation

Roof maintenance also involves your attic. Check your attic’s insulation and ventilation to ensure there is good airflow. If attic ventilation needs improvement, check to see if insulation is blocking the vents. Most homeowners can remove this insulation themselves. Make sure vents haven’t been painted shut in the past.

Installing additional roof vents can alleviate the ventilation problem.
While in the attic, look for signs of leaks, such as water stains on the walls or any water on the floor. If you spot such leakage, schedule roof repairs as soon as possible before the situation worsens. Leaks do not go away on their own.

4. Trim Trees

Are there trees in your yard with low branches hanging over the roof? Get them trimmed to protect your roof. Should snow and ice build up on the branches, they could easily snap off and cause serious damage.
Removing these branches gives the homeowner one less thing to worry about. This kind of work requires a professional for safety considerations.

5. Have the Roof Inspected Professionally

It’s always wise to have your roof inspected professionally before winter weather sets in. There is only so much the homeowner can see from the ground or an upstairs window. A professional on the roof will spot potential issues.

Arrange for repairs to be made before the onset of winter storms. When you know your roof is well-maintained, you can enjoy the occasional snow day!

Contact Us

If you are in need of residential roof maintenance and repair, we invite you to fill out the convenient online contact form or give us a call today. We proudly serve residents of Catawba County, including Hickory, and those in the Charlotte area.

Is a Dark or Light Roof Better?

January 7, 2022/in Residential Roofing Services/by Garron Lytton

While aesthetics play a role in choosing a light roof vs dark roof, looks are not the only criteria. Lighter roofs may save homeowners money, as they are more energy efficient due to absorbing less light. A light roof can result in lower temperatures and therefore less energy usage. However, with today’s advances in roof shingle technology, homeowners can be confident they’re getting a quality shingle no matter the color.

The residential roofing experts at Premiere Roofing & Gutters provide top-quality roofing services for homeowners and commercial clients in North Carolina. We offer HDZ shingles from GAF that come with a 50-year warranty and are available in a variety of colors.

We can advise you on the best roofing materials and colors for your unique residence or commercial building.

The Light Roof

fox hollow gray gaf timberline roofing shingles

A lighter roof is usually better for energy efficiency because it absorbs less light. That lowers temperatures, while keeping energy usage lower. The resulting lower energy bills provide savings for homeowners.

Because lighter roofs absorb less light, they are less subject to heat damage over time. This prolongs the life of the roof, which also saves money.

The Dark Roof

charcoal gaf timberline roofing shingles

The dark roof is usually considered a better choice for cooler rather than warm climates due to its light and heat absorption ability. After all, if there’s snow and ice on the roof, warmer shingles allow easier melting. That’s not a big problem in North Carolina, although snowstorms do occur.

Commercial Roofing

For commercial properties, white roofs are usually preferable due to their energy efficiency and savings. Good commercial roofing shingle choices include White EPDM and White TPO.

Zoning

Depending on your local zoning ordinances, you may have to adhere to certain roof colors or type. If that’s the case, the issue of dark vs light-colored roof shingles may already be decided. You have to go with your subdivision’s or neighborhood regulations. That’s generally the case if you are subject to homeowner’s association rules.

Complementary Colors and Styles

Of course, you want a roof color that complements your home. Based on the architectural style of your house and the color of the exterior, a light or a dark roof may simply look better. For instance, if you live in a log house, a darker roof usually appears more attractive. If your house is white, almost any color roof shingle is complementary.

Most homeowners can change the exterior of their homes with relatively little effort. That’s not the case with facings, such as stone, brick, or stucco. If these elements are part of the exterior, try to match your roof colors to complement them, since they are permanent features.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, a quality shingle that looks good on the house is what matters. The technology of modern roofing shingles, whether light or dark, does not result in big temperature differences. What impacts heat and cold has more to do with attic insulation and ventilation than roof shade.

Contact Us

If you would like more information about residential roofing shingles for your home, fill out our online contact form or give us a call today. We proudly serve North Carolina homeowners in the Hickory, Blowing Rock, Boone, Wilkesboro, Wilmington, and Charlotte areas.

Three Big Differences between Corrugated Metal Roofing and Standing Seam Roofing

August 14, 2021/in Metal Roofing Services, Residential Roofing Services/by Garron Lytton

The three key differences between corrugated and standing seam metal roofing are:

Appearance – corrugated metal roofs have a high-profile wave-like pattern, while standing seam roofs are more flat, tailored, and streamlined.
Fastener system – corrugated roofs are held in place by external fasteners while standing seam roofs use a clip or flange system.
Maintenance requirements – corrugated metal roofing requires inspection of the screws and washers every 3-5 years. Standing seam roofs remain tightly fastened unless there’s a storm or other unforeseen event.

Each material offers its own mix of benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

A standing seam metal roof is an excellent choice for the following reasons:

Beauty – most homeowners prefer the sleek, streamlined look of standing seam roofing to a corrugated roof. Standing seam panels can create great curb appeal and may even boost your home’s value. Plus, it is available in a wide range of colors and styles.
Versatility – standing seam metal roofing works well with a low-pitched roof, unlike corrugated metal. Also, it’s easier to incorporate solar panels and other improvements into a standing seam roof.
Ease of maintenance – a standing seam roof needs less care and fewer inspections than a corrugated metal design.
Resilience – the low profile of a standing seam roof allows it to withstand severe weather better than corrugated roofing.

Disadvantages of a Standing Seam Metal Roof

There are a few drawbacks that come with a standing seam metal roof installation. These are:

Cost – typically, a standing seam metal roof costs more to install than the corrugated version. But the added expense is primarily offset by the design’s greater resilience.
Installation time – the fastener system of a standing seam metal roof is more complex than that of a corrugated roof. You may wait a little longer for the final results.

STANDING SEAM METAL ROOFING
PROS:	CONS:
Weather Tightness	Higher Cost
Long Lasting & Durable	Labor Intensive Installation
Curb Appeal
Less Maintenance
Increase Home Value
Compatitble with Solar Panels
High Wind Resistant
Better UV Resistance (can save you up to 20% on cooling & heating)

Advantages of Corrugated Metal Roofing

A corrugated metal roof does have a few advantages. These include:

Economy – corrugated metal roofing typically costs less than a standing seam roof.
Speed – a corrugated metal roof takes less time to install so that you can get a roof over your head as quickly as possible.
Classic appeal – some homeowners prefer the look of a corrugated roof to a standing seam design.

Disadvantages of Corrugated Metal Roofing

Drawbacks of corrugated metal roofing include:

Expansion and contraction – a corrugated roof will expand and contract over time because it’s joined to the underlying substructure. Eventually, this can create gaps that allow moisture into the home.
Added maintenance – a corrugated metal roof contains thousands of screws and gasket-like washers that must be inspected, tightened, and sometimes replaced every few years.

CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING
PROS:	CONS:
Cost Effective	Exposed Fasteners can cause a roof to be maintenanced every 10 years, which can vary in cost from $250 – $1,200 depending on size
70% ROI (Return on Investment)
High Wind Resistant
Better UV Resistant (can save you up to 20% on cooling and heating)

Still Have Questions about Ribbed Metal Roofing? We Have the Answers

We’d love to tell you more about the benefits of metal roofing. Contact Premiere Roofing & Gutters today for more information. Our rates are fair, and we’re happy to provide a free metal roofing estimate. With our help, you’ll soon be on your way to a better roof and a better home.

What Is Replaced When You Get A New Residential Roof?

August 4, 2021/in Residential Roofing Services/by Garron Lytton

A new residential roof is a top to bottom replacement of your current roofing system. The job includes:

Removing the existing shingles and underlayment entirely.
Performing any needed repairs, like replacing rotten or water-damaged wood.
Installing new underlayment and either shingles or metal roofing panels.
Creating vents for the roof to breathe (in the case of a metal roof).
Replacing your existing gutters (not required but highly recommended).

Once the job is complete, the new roof can last up to 50 years or even longer. We can give you more details about residential roof replacement in North Carolina when you contact us for your free estimate.

Reroofing Versus Roof Replacement: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to know what you’re getting when you hire a residential roofing contractor in North Carolina. Otherwise, you may spend your hard-earned money only to be disappointed with the final results. With that in mind, here are three key differences between reroofing and full roof replacement:

The extent of the work – reroofing is simply adding a new layer of shingles on top of your roof’s existing ones. Roof replacement, on the other hand, removes the old materials entirely.
The benefits to your home’s value – a complete roof replacement may allow you to command a higher asking price when the time comes to sell your home. This isn’t always the case with a simple reroofing job.
The benefits to your home itself – unlike a complete roof replacement, reroofing by itself does nothing to address serious issues like rotten lumber or holes in your roof. These problems remain uncorrected, putting you at risk for a huge repair bill somewhere down the road.

While a complete roof replacement may cost more initially, the benefits to the homeowner usually outweigh the added expense. This is especially true when you consider that a reroofing job can fail within five years, whereas roof replacement lasts for decades.

Why You Should Replace Your Gutters at the Same Time as Your Roof

More often than not, it’s a good idea to replace your gutters at the same time you replace your roof. Here’s why:

Failing gutters can cause water to build up on your roof, leading to mold, algae, wood rot, and even ice dams in the winter.
Every gutter system will eventually fail due to normal wear and tear. So simply cleaning your gutters may not do enough to prevent trouble.
New gutters are the perfect complement to a replaced roof. Together they will give your home a fresh, attractive look that your neighbors are sure to notice.

Want to Know More? Get in Touch With Us Today

Here at Premiere Roofing & Gutters, we provide top-quality roof and gutter services to the people of Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Our rates are affordable and our work is guaranteed. So contact us today for your free residential roofing estimate in North Carolina. You’ll soon have the facts you need to make an informed decision.

How Long Do Residential Roofs Last?

July 30, 2021/in Residential Roofing Services/by Garron Lytton

A residential roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the type of roofing material used:

Traditional asphalt shingles normally last about 20 years, barring high winds or storm damage.
GAF fiberglass shingles can easily last up to 30 years or even longer, even in severe weather conditions.
A modern metal roof can last from 50 years up to the lifetime of the home itself.

As a residential roofing contractor in North Carolina, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about these roofing materials and provide a free roofing estimate. Just give us a call or shoot us an email.

Why Don’t Traditional Asphalt Shingles Last as Long as Other Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material here in the US. They’re attractive, relatively affordable, and easy to install. However, they do not generally last as long as GAF fiberglass or metal roofs because thof their susceptibility to:

Seasonal temperature changes – asphalt shingles expand and contract constantly as the seasons change. Over time this can weaken the fibers that hold them together, allowing rainwater to invade your home and inflict serious damage.
Algae growth – asphalt shingles have internal crevices that can hold moisture, creating the perfect environment for algae to multiply. This is why some asphalt shingle roofs have a greenish-blue tint.
Wind damage – heavy winds can cause asphalt shingles to literally “flap in the breeze” or even blow off the roof entirely.

GAF Roofing Shingles: A Better Option for Today’s Homeowners

The folks at GAF are well aware of the limitations posed by traditional roofing products. That’s why they’ve developed their own premium brand of fiberglass shingles for modern homeowners. They offer these benefits:

Year-round resistance to temperature changes – thanks to GAF’s Duragrip® sealant that holds its Timberline® AH Shingles together in both summer heat and winter cold.
Protection against algae growth – GAF StainGuard Plus roofing shingles contain special algae-fighting copper capsules. They’re backed by a 25-year warranty against algae-related discoloration.
Superior wind resistance – GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingles are designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 130 miles per hour.

As contractors with decades of experience providing residential roofing installation in North Carolina, we are proud to install GAF roofing shingles and associated products on our customer’s homes.

Metal Roofs: Attractive and Durable

For many homeowners, a metal roof is the best choice for long-lasting protection from the elements. Here’s why:

Modern metal roofs are remarkably rust-resistant – due to the special blend of materials used in their construction, including zinc and aluminum.
Modern metal roofs retain their color for decades – thanks to the anti-corrosive pigments used in their baked-on coatings.
Modern metal roofs are quiet – that’s because they’re cushioned by an underlying layer of sound-absorbing insulation.
Modern metal roofs are a true long-term solution – in fact, our metal roofs are guaranteed for up to 50 years. Our customer service experts can give you the details when you get in touch with us.

A North Carolina Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

Here at Premiere Roofing & Gutters, we’ve built a well-earned reputation for excellence throughout the Tar Heel State, with a special focus on Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Our rates are fair and our work is guaranteed. Contact us today for your no-cost residential roofing estimate in North Carolina. You’ll soon have the facts you need to make an informed decision.

Should You Replace Your Gutters When Replacing Your Roof?

July 21, 2021/in Residential Roofing Services/by Garron Lytton

While it is not strictly necessary to do so, replacing your gutters and roof at the same time is generally a good idea. Both your gutters and roof need to function correctly in order to protect your home and foundation from water damage and other hazards. Since gutters are removed during a roof replacement, it is an opportune time to replace them as well.

Why replace your gutters? Because when gutters start to show their age, your entire house may be vulnerable to serious damage.

Three Ways That Old Gutters Can Harm a New Roof

Old gutters can develop internal rust and corrosion that block the flow of rainwater, causing it to stagnate and stay in contact with your roof for an extended period of time. Gutter cleaning is not enough to fix this problem, since it’s caused by failure of the gutters themselves.

When this problem occurs, your roof is put at risk in three ways:

From moisture damage to the roofing materials themselves – standing water weakens the chemical bonds that hold asphalt shingles together, leading to premature failure. It can also cause metal roofs to fade and eventually develop weak spots.
From mold, mildew, and algae – that can give your new roof an unsightly bluish-green color.
From water that finds its way beneath the roofing and into your attic – This can lead to problems throughout your home, including spontaneous ceiling collapse.

The best way to prevent these problems is to replace your gutters at the same time that you replace your roof. But what type of gutter system will give you the most return on your investment? That question leads us to the topic of seamless gutters and the benefits they offer to North Carolina homeowners like you.

3 Big Benefits of Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are made on-site at the customer’s house to match its precise dimensions. They offer three chief advantages to traditional gutters:

Fewer potential failure points – since each section of seamless gutter is a continuous piece of material.
High-quality components – our seamless gutters are built from heavy gauge metal that stands up over time, giving you more value for your hard-earned dollars.
A beautiful, streamlined appearance – which will enhance the beauty of your home and potentially increase its resale value.

Get in Touch With Us Today to Learn More

Are you in need of gutter replacement in North Carolina? Contact Premiere Roofing & Gutters today for a free estimate. We are proud to provide residential roof replacement in North Carolina that is guaranteed to last. Get in touch with us today to talk to one of our customer service specialists.