Roof Replacement | Best Practices
Admin • January 16, 2018
Homeowners do a Roof Replacement, or Siding / Gutter Replacements once every 15 – 25 years on average.
Hence, it is difficult to know what to look for in a trusted Contractor. Pros who do this work daily will do Roof Replacements. They typically offer larger Restoration and Remodeling Services in Louisville, Kentucky as well.
The life expectancy of your Roof / Siding / Gutters depends on several factors including:
- type of materials used
- quality of materials, and
- exposure to harsh weather elements
- With regular maintenance and normal weathering factors, a Roof can last anywhere from 10 – 100 years.
Common roofing material such as:
- built up roofing usually lasts 12 – 20 years
- metal roofing 15 – 40 years
- wood shake or shingles 10 – 40 years
- asphalt shingles 15 – 20 years, and
- specialty material like slate up to 100 years under good conditions
Below are several keys to look for in a reliable Contractor for your project:
Owners want a Trusted, Qualified Roofer to Cover Your #1 Asset – your home. Keys to research:
* Think Local & Long-term:
Is the Contractor Incorporated in Kentucky ? Check out: Kentucky – Secretary of State Many Contractors are not Incorporated (“Buck in a Truck”), or are Incorporated in other States. Therefore, if you have a roof leak issue 6 to 9 months later, will they travel back to fix the issue ? If they are not Local, the chances are very low that they will return to repair the issue.
* Groups of “Storm Chasers” will swoop into an area where storms hit.
Once most jobs are done, Storm Chasers next move on to another storm in another state. Key: Check to see if they have KY License Plates.
* Do they have Local References / Reviews
(Angie’s List, Better Business Bureau, Google, Facebook) / their own Website / Professional Business Cards / Product Samples ? Some Contractors do have reviews, however they are mainly bad reviews – not a good sign of future work – especially on your home.
* Are the Workers Certified in Key Areas (Roofing, Siding, and Gutters) ?
Check to make sure the Contractor has the skills needed to tackle your Home’s issues. Owners are typically frustrated & unsatisfied when Roofers do Gutter or Siding Repairs. And, you certainly don’t want a Gutter Guy putting on your Roof.
What kind of Warranty do they offer on their Labor ?
Longer Warranties = Better work up-front on your home.
The Products: Shingles, Siding, Gutters all have comparable warranties, however the Labor Warranty can range from “We don’t Warranty Labor” to long-term support.
What are their standard home protection, installation, and debris removal practices?
We have heard horror stories from homeowners, where 3rd-party Contractors:
- don’t pickup their messes daily
- leave stains on driveways
- tear up landscaping and worse:
- customers don’t receive regular communication & project updates
- there are major scheduling delays after a deposit is made
- critical supplies are missing, or they ask to use the homeowner’s tools
Enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of your home with a Roof Replacement, New Siding, and New Gutters.
And, make your home look better than ever with help from a trusted, local provider. Many Product categories range from Good, to Better, to Best.
For instance, Dimensional Shingles (the new standard) cost a little more, however hold up almost twice as long as 3-Tab shingles and the Warranty is double vs Wind and storm damage. Therefore, ask about options to best meet your needs and budget. Know your future: if you plan to move in a few years, don’t over-do the upgrades or you may not be able to get those $’s back at Closing.
Roof, Siding, and Gutter Replacement is an important investment. So, research who you are working with to make sure they are up to your standards.
Trouble-shooting Issues
Leaks start as small cracks in roofing material that may not be visible or noticeable. Some times water may collect in an adjacent area. To detect such damage, a close inspection of the roof may be necessary.
A Certified Roofing Contractor can be called to avoid further damage to the roof, or personal injury to the homeowner caused by trying to inspect it his or her self. A roof inspection should be performed annually; constant weathering by sun, heat, rain, snow, hail, wind, and cold can cause roofing material to break down. A certified roofing contractor will know what to look for.
A roof and soffit system should be properly vented to prevent over-heating and moisture retention, two factors that can cause a roof to break down prematurely.
Hence, a certified contractor is knowledgeable of roof system types, materials, and installation procedures best suited to each project, and will ensure there is adequate ventilation so the roof can “breathe” properly.
Final Thoughts
Long-term, you want to feel confident in the quality of the services and the standards of the customer care.
Guard yourself against shady contractors by taking into account:
- the # of reviews
- authenticity of reviews
- complaints
- time in business (locally)
- correctness of information and more
Depending on the Roof Size and Weather, we install most roofs in just one day and provide a lifetime warranty.
The Home Run Improvement team pushes for perfection on every project we undertake. We get the job done right the 1st time. Home Run Improvement is your trusted Local Contractor in the Louisville, Kentucky and surrounding counties area.
Contact Us today for a Free Home Improvement Estimate. We look forward to helping make your home your castle.
A well-built deck creates an inviting outdoor living space that adds value, functionality, and curb appeal to your home. If you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood, TimberTech composite decking is an excellent choice. Designed to resist moisture, fading, staining, and splintering, TimberTech products provide the appearance of natural wood with significantly less upkeep. This guide walks through the major stages of building a TimberTech deck, from planning to the final inspection. Home Run is an official TimberTech Gold installer with specialized TimberTech training and access to enhanced warranties. Planning the Project Every successful deck begins with careful planning. Determine how the deck will be used, whether for entertaining, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing. Consider the size, shape, and location of the deck while taking into account access points from your home and the surrounding landscape. Select the TimberTech decking collection and color that best complements your home's exterior. At this stage, establish a realistic budget that includes materials, hardware, permits, and any specialized tools you may need. Before construction begins, verify local building codes and obtain any required permits. Preparing the Site Once the design is complete, prepare the building site by clearing vegetation, removing obstacles, and marking the deck layout with stakes and string lines. Confirm that the area is level and that drainage directs water away from the home's foundation. Accurate measurements during site preparation help ensure the framing and decking install smoothly later in the project. Building a Strong Foundation The strength of any deck depends on its foundation. Install concrete footings below the local frost line according to building code requirements. Secure support posts to the footings before installing beams and floor joists. Carefully check that all framing members are square, level, and properly spaced. Solid framing provides the support needed for the composite decking and helps prevent movement over time. Installing TimberTech Deck Boards With the framing complete, begin installing the TimberTech deck boards according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many TimberTech products use hidden fastener systems that create a clean, fastener-free surface while maintaining consistent spacing between boards. Work methodically across the deck, checking alignment frequently. If your design includes a picture-frame border or decorative patterns, install those features as you progress. Take extra care when constructing stairs to ensure uniform rise, run, and secure fastening. Installing Railings Railings enhance both safety and appearance. Install railing posts securely to the deck framing before attaching the top and bottom rails. Complete the system by installing balusters and any gates required for stairways or access points. Choose railing styles and colors that complement your decking for a cohesive finished look. Adding the Finishing Touches Complete the project by installing fascia boards to conceal the framing and create a polished appearance. Many homeowners also choose to add deck lighting, post cap lights, stair lighting, or under-rail illumination to improve safety and extend the enjoyment of the deck into the evening. After construction is complete, clean the deck surface and remove any remaining debris. Final Inspection Before putting the deck into regular use, perform a thorough inspection. Verify that all fasteners are secure, railings are solid, stairs are stable, and the structure complies with applicable building codes. A careful final inspection helps ensure the deck is safe, attractive, and built to last. Maintaining Your TimberTech Deck One of the biggest advantages of TimberTech decking is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood, composite decking does not require annual sanding, staining, or sealing. Routine maintenance typically includes: Sweeping away leaves and debris. Washing the deck periodically with mild soap and water. Cleaning spills promptly to prevent staining. Inspecting railings and fasteners during seasonal maintenance. With proper care, a TimberTech deck can maintain its appearance for many years while requiring significantly less maintenance than a wood deck. Conclusion Building a TimberTech deck is an investment that enhances both your home and your outdoor lifestyle. By carefully planning the project, constructing a solid foundation, following proper installation techniques, and performing regular maintenance, you can create an outdoor space that is beautiful, durable, and enjoyable for years to come. Whether you're building the deck yourself or hiring a professional contractor, choosing quality materials and following best practices will help ensure a successful project and lasting results. Not sure how to proceed? Call to schedule a free Deck assessment with our team today.
How often to clean gutters depends on your trees, climate, and gutter type. Louisville homeowners guide — schedules, signs, and when to call a pro.
Metal roofing has gone from a niche product to one of the most talked-about options in residential roofing over the last decade. You've probably seen it on newer builds, heard it mentioned by a neighbor, or come across it while researching a roof replacement. And then you ran into the price tag. That sticker shock is usually where the research stops — or where homeowners start looking for reasons to justify it. This guide doesn't do either. It gives you the honest metal roofing pros and cons and a clear framework for deciding whether it makes sense for your specific home in Louisville. What Is Metal Roofing? Before getting into pros and cons, it helps to understand that "metal roofing" covers several different products that perform and cost very differently. The two most relevant for residential homes in Louisville: Standing seam metal roofing — panels run vertically from ridge to eave with raised seams that interlock. No exposed fasteners. This is the premium option you see on high-end custom homes. It's what most people picture when they hear "metal roof." Metal shingles / stone-coated steel — metal panels shaped and coated to look like traditional shingles or tiles. Lower profile than standing seam, easier to retrofit, and less expensive. There's also corrugated metal — the classic ribbed panels more common on agricultural buildings and outbuildings. You'll occasionally see it on residential homes for a specific aesthetic, but it's not what most Louisville homeowners are evaluating. Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roof Since both come up in residential conversations, here's a direct comparison:
