The holidays are here, and chances are, you've seen the stores putting out all the baking needs. Festive sprinkles, colored frostings, chocolate chips, and candies galore adorn the entryway displays, and people are stocking up for Christmas baking.

We have a question for you though; How often, when pulling out those ingredients each year, have you heard the words "Can I help?" asked excitedly by your children? It's no secret that the kitchen tends to draw little ones (and even older ones!) in, but it's also well-known that baking with kids can be messy and take a good deal longer than it would if you were just left to your own devices. After all...isn't it quieter and cleaner to work on your own while the kids watch a favorite Christmas movie?

Maybe. Well...probably.

However, this year, we encourage you to bring your kids into the kitchen! Why? Well, here are some reasons experts say baking together can be beneficial for you and your kids this holiday season (even if the ingredients aren't necessarily on the healthy side)...

Family Bonding. Cooking and baking together gives you a common goal to work toward, and then everyone can enjoy taking pride in the results! Instead of everyone being engrossed in phones, tablets, video games, or the television, you're all engaged together. Some great conversations can take place around the kitchen island!

Hands-On Learning. Cooking offers practical application of math skills through measuring, weighing, following directions (recipe reading) and even reading temperatures! It's a great way for young students to continue what they've learned in the classroom over holiday breaks. For older kids, it helps give hands-on practice with life skills. You won't always be there with them to make the Christmas cookies or Grandma's famous cake!

Passing down traditions. Speaking of Grandma's famous cake, many families have recipes that have been made during certain holidays for generations. Letting your children participate in creating these recipes, and allowing them to see slips of paper in loved ones' handwriting or recipes clipped from old magazines, , you are passing down a love of, and appreciation for, family history without even realizing it. Tradition is often passed through the family line on a plate!

Time to talk. How often are your children attempting to talk to you, or you to them, with a phone, work project, or household task taking part of your attention? Being in the kitchen offers an opportunity to shut out the world around you and just focus on spending time around the mixing bowl with your family.

Share the gift of giving! Baked goods are a great way to show someone you care! Teach your children about the joy that can come from working hard to make something for someone else. It's a wonderful way to incorporate a lesson in what Christmas is supposed to be about.

We hope this year you'll consider making family time in the kitchen a new tradition of your own if it isn't already. Don't consider yourself a "chef extraordinaire"? Don't worry! Your kids won't care if it's a from-scratch recipe, or a box of cookie mix and some pre-made frosting. The memories made together go FAR beyond the results that come out of the oven. As a family owned business, EZ Roofing Systems believes that taking time for the ones you love is important. We encourage you to use this holiday season to make memories with the ones you love, and find ways to share the joy of the season with others.

Merry Christmas to you and yours from everyone at EZ Roofing!

Holidays in Florida always seem to look a little different. Christmas? Sometimes we wear flip-flops and grill out. Thanksgiving? Seafood is a great alternative to turkey! We're used to doing things our own way here. Halloween is around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about how you'll be celebrating. We might not have Fall leaves or chilly air, but we DO have plenty of swimming pools! Did you know, there are lots of ways to make your pool area the hottest party spot in the neighborhood for a scary bash? The best part? You don't have to try very hard or spend much cash to make your pool "spook-tacular".

Here are our favorite ways to bring your pool into the festivities...

Floating Decor

There are SO many possibilities when it comes to items you can float in your pool for decorative purposes. If you want to go all out, carve pumpkins, and float them in your pool after dark with tea-lights flickering inside. Floating jack-o-lanterns take things to a whole new level! If you want something a little easier (and cheaper), opt for the plastic pumpkin buckets available at most stores around the Halloween holiday. Go with all orange for a traditional look, or mix it up and pick an array of colors.

For a spooky glowing effect, blow up balloons with glow sticks inside. Float them in your pool as "glowing orbs". Give it an extra dose of creepy and put glow sticks inside of inflated rubber gloves for glowing hands to disperse in your pool.

Send The Skeletons Floating!
Plastic skeletons are a classic Halloween decoration, but did you know you can kick up the scary fun (and possibly laughs) by taking your skeleton poolside? Pose plastic skeletons in patio lounge chairs with sunglasses, sun hats, drinks, etc. You can even prop one in or on a pool float and send it sailing in your pool. Guests will get a kick out of the newest "swimmer" at the party. The best part? These guests won't eat all the snacks!

Go Big

If you're willing to go farther (and deal with a little more pool cleanup) you can opt for these fun ideas to really impress your guests!

Pool dye won't stain at all, but with one dose you can have a pool full of red "blood", or green "swamp water". After 3 or 4 days, the dye gets filtered out of the system and you're once again left with sparkling blue water ready for swimming.

Fog machines or dry ice are another creepy pool effect that can really amp up the spooky vibe of your party. Place around the exterior edge of your pool and crank up the Halloween tunes, and you'll officially have the best party on your street.

EZ Roofing Systems loves all the aspects of Florida life…even our unique holiday celebrations! We are proud to serve our community here in Polk County with the very best in roofing services. Inspections, repairs, roof replacement…we do it all! Local home and business owners trust us to operate with integrity, honesty, and provide only the best quality in workmanship.

Happy Halloween from EZ Roofing Systems!

When you're facing a roof replacement, the debate between traditional shingles and metal roofing is sure to come up. Some folks are totally sold out on metal roofing with its nostalgic sound on rainy days and its classic look, while others prefer to stay mainstream and stick to the look of shingles that match their neighbors (and are approved by their HOA). We've written plenty of content about shingles and traditional roofing materials, but what are our thoughts on metal roofs? EZ Roofing Systems provides installation services for both types of roofing, so we feel confident when we say we provide a relatively comprehensive list of pros and cons about opting for metal.

So, why should, or shouldn't, you choose metal when you're planning a roof replacement?

Pros

The pros of installing a metal roof, besides the aesthetic component, is the longevity and durability. Metal roofing is known to last up to 70 years, and in Florida's intense weather, that's a big deal! In addition, it can withstand strong winds and resists breakdown and cracking over time, which better protects your home. If that wasn't enough, a metal roof is environmentally friendly! Your new metal roof could lower your energy costs by as much as 25% since it reflects the sun's heat and keeps your home cooler, and since all the materials are recyclable, your roof can be reused at the end of its life cycle protecting your home.

Cons

The primary con when evaluating metal roofs is the COST. A good quality metal roof can be double (or more!) the price of a traditional, shingled roof. This is an important factor for many homeowners, as saving for a roof can take years, and this would add a significant amount of time. If you're already facing a degrading roof and need a replacement fast, a metal roof might not be feasible. In addition to the price, the lack of flexibility (literally and figuratively) could play into your decision. Because metal roofing lasts a long time, you could face having to color match it if you add onto your home or if you end up with an unexpected repair following an accident or hurricane. It's much harder to match metal roofing, especially if it has been years since the original installation.

Do you have questions about metal roofing? Are you wondering what would work best for your budget and your home? We're here to help! Feel free to get in touch with our team and schedule an estimate, where we'll discuss your options and begin the process toward your new roof. EZ Roofing Systems is proud to serve the Central Florida area with roof inspections, repairs, and replacements. We offer competitive pricing, honest and reliable service, and the best in customer care. Call us!

Roofing contractors carry a lot on their shoulders, and we aren't just talking about bundles of shingles. Those who are licensed and insured, with adequate experience under their belts, know that they must take on multiple roles and carry many responsibilities during the roofing process for a client. A few of the other professions they have to tap into during the course of a job include:

Legal Code Enforcement. While roofing contractors are by no means a lawyer, they do need understanding of local laws and codes. In Florida, each county has varying codes and requirements that must be met, and certain types of permits could be required, before work can be done. Hiring a roofer who is familiar with your city with years of experience will not only make this process smoother, but possibly faster, as they already know how to file any and all paperwork quickly, and can get it into the hands of the appropriate people ASAP.

Plumber. Yep, plumbing and roofing actually do go hand in hand every now and then. When plumbing is put in during the construction of a home, there are "stacks" or vents that extend up and out of the roof of your home. These offer positive water flow and help release any gas and pressure buildup inside your drain pipes. If you hire a handyman with little roofing experience to do your roof repair or replacement, you could end up with costly damage to these pipes, and in turn, have to pay for a plumber to fix the mistakes. A licensed and experienced roofer will know what to look for, and how to avoid damaging these areas in the midst of your roofing job.

HVAC Tech. Much like the plumbing mentioned above, your HVAC system often has components that are vented out of your roof. Bumping any of these, or damaging them in any way, could lead to expensive AC repairs. Another reason to call in the pros that know how to avoid these problematic areas when working on your roof!

Pest Management. Roofers see a fair share of pest issues here in Florida. Roof rats and squirrels are two major contributors, as they are notorious for chewing holes in roofing materials to gain access to attic spaces inside your home. During winter months, they use these access points to come and go as they please, using your insulation as nesting material for the cooler weather. A quality roofer will recognize these types of damages, and can make sure they are properly repaired and sealed off before they complete your job. Then, they'll let you know about the issue so you can call a true pest management team in to tackle the problem from the inside.

EZ Roofing Systems is proud to serve the greater Polk County area with quality roofing service and neighborly customer care. We are licensed and insured, and with years of experience under our tool belt, you can count on us to get the job done right the first time, every time. From full roof replacement to minor repairs, we have you covered!

Central Florida doesn’t usually experience cold weather, and that leaves all of us scrambling when the temps drop. Finding jackets, hats, boots, blankets, and the button for the heater are all rare needs for Florida residents, and can be a bit of a hassle when you’re not accustomed to having them as part of your routine! It’s important to note that cool temperatures aren’t just unusual for people…critters feel the cold too, and that can leave some of them running directly for YOUR home to find shelter. While this isn’t a problem if the animal in question is your dog or cat, but what about other creatures that try to take advantage of the warm spaces in and around your home?

Roof Rats are one such creature. Also known as Palm Rats, Black Rats, Ship Rats, or House Rats, they are pretty much what you’d picture when you hear the word “rat” and aren’t exactly the cute, furry friend you want to find in your attic or garage. Not only are they a nuisance, disease-carrying species, but they are one of the leading rodent pests in Florida, and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to people's homes each year. How?

Well, first you have to understand a little about the lifestyle of this rat. Unlike some of their relatives who prefer ground-level living, or even below ground hiding places (like sewers), roof rats prefer to spend their days up in the trees, hence the name "Palm Rats". Fruit is their primary food source, and since Florida is plentiful in fruits of all kinds, they rarely go hungry. Because of this, they are a year-round problem here in the greater Polk County area, with our own nearby city of Tampa being named as one of the top cities in the US with roof rat infestations in recent years. While they’re usually content to hang out in the trees and only use your roof as a bridge to get from one high point to another, they can, and do, sneak into people’s homes frequently. Whether for nesting or hiding purposes, or for warmth in cooler temperatures, they can accomplish an expensive amount of destruction in a short amount of time.

So, what should you expect when it comes to roof rat damage, and how can you protect yourself? Roof rats can fit through very small spaces, sometimes as small as 1/2 inch diameter (depending on the size of the rat of course). This means they can sneak into pipes, ducts that vent outdoors, or poorly sealed areas. Once in, they’re skilled in destroying HVAC ductwork, wires, cables, and insulation in the process. If they can't find a pre-existing space to fit through and gain access to your home, they can chew their way in, leaving your roof vulnerable to the elements and presenting secondary issues like water damage, further infestation of other pests, etc. Once you have roof rats, getting rid of them is a costly and lengthy process, requiring the help of professionals in most cases, so prevention is best. The best way to prevent roof rats is by taking the following measures:

1. Keep all trees and shrubs trimmed back away from the perimeter of your home. Trees with branches extending over, or nearly touching, your roofline are the primary way that rats (and other creatures) gain access to your roof. Take away their opportunity!

2. Stay vigilant when you are in your attic. Watch for any signs of things being amiss, such as rodent feces, insulation being strewn in places it doesn't belong, items in your attic being chewed, and so forth. By catching signs of activity early, you can potentially get help before the infestation becomes severe.

3. Invest in routine roof inspections by a professional. Semi-annually, or at the very least, annually, invest in a thorough roof inspection by a local professional. Roofing contractors will know exactly what to look for, and can spot the telltale signs of rodent activity that others would miss. They can help you formulate a plan of action if they do find evidence of roof rats, and can help repair damage caused by the unwelcome pests, so you don't end up with expensive secondary damage.

These cool temperatures are the perfect time to call for a roof inspection. Not only will your roofer thank you (those shingles are HOT during the summer!) but you’ll also have a better chance of catching rodent damage before it becomes severe and/or has time to lead to further damage inside your roof. If we see any signs of rodent activity, we will alert you immediately, so you can get your pest control team on site and on top of the issue as soon as possible. We will also thoroughly examine your roof for any potential entrance points, any existing damage, and any areas of concern that need attention. Once we give you a detailed report of our findings, we discuss available options and work with you to come to the best solution for your home and your situation. Our expert team of roofing contractors have a reputation of reliability and honesty. We make roof replacements and repairs “EZ” every time!

Hurricane season has officially kicked off here in Florida, and with Cristobal leaving remnants of rain and humidity here in Polk County, we are all reminded that a hit from a storm of our own could be lurking around the corner. When it comes to preparing for hurricanes, many Florida residents focus on stocking up on supplies, purchasing shutters for doors and windows, and making sure their generator is up and running. Protecting your home from damage is another important aspect of preparation though, and if you don't know the threats to watch out for, your roof could pay the price. 

Hurricanes are a unique challenge for your roof with their heavy, sustained winds, and torrential rain. When you add in debris, you could end up with major damage from even a "minor" hurricane. Keep these things in mind when you are preparing this year: 

Remove all debris from around your home.

That harmless pile of stakes from your fence project, or your row of flower pots lined up along the back wall of your home could turn into missiles during hurricane-force winds. Once of these objects when picked up and hurled at your roof could not only damage the surface roofing, but could end up penetrating your home and causing water leaks and extensive damage. When you know a storm is coming, bring everything you can inside. Make an effort to keep your property clear of most debris even when a storm isn't on the horizon, so you won't be scrambling when the clouds start to gather. 

Look up. 

Are your trees looking like something prehistoric? While large, mature trees are a blessing for their shade and their erosion control, they can be dangerous when it comes to storms if they aren't properly maintained. Have your older, mature trees evaluated routinely by professionals and invest in having limbs and dead wood removed as needed. This will not only keep your tree healthier, but will make it less likely to send deadly branches onto your roof during a storm. If the tree shows signs of sickness, it's time to have it removed. A direct hit from a fallen tree will not only destroy your roof, but likely your house underneath as well. 

Have water management in place. 

We know most Florida homes in residential neighborhoods aren't built with gutters nowadays, but that doesn't mean you don't need them! A good drainage and water management system is key to protecting your roof and your home, especially during heavy rain like that seen during hurricanes and tropical systems. Gutters, french drains, and plenty of healthy grass are great ways to keep your roof and the land around your home draining well and free from water retention. 

The best preparation for your roof is routine inspection. Before you are facing down a major storm system, having professionals at EZ Roofing Systems evaluate your roof's condition and make repairs as needed is a smart way to make your roof last longer. If a replacement is needed, they can help you plan for it carefully to make it as seamless as possible. When it comes to roofing in Florida, we make it EZ! 

When it's time to hire a roofer for your home, the options are usually plentiful. From the local handyman down the street, to the commercialized, big-box store roofing "professionals", you can find people willing to hop up onto your roof and replace shingles, repair wood rot, or offer a full replacement in some cases...but does that mean they're the best choice?

Obviously, there are factors to be considered when hiring a roofer that can greatly impact the job at hand. While we understand that cost is a big factor for the homeowner, going with the cheapest guy available usually means you'll end up with sub-par work, potential insurance issues down the road when that repair or replacement starts leaking, and likely, a bad experience all the way around. However, the most expensive roofer isn't always the top choice either. In reality, more than cost, there are two big requirements to look at when you hire a roofer: licensure and experience.

A licensed roofer is one you can trust, since they have been made to pass a myriad of different criteria before acquiring that licensure. Additionally, a listened roofer is usually an insured roofer (the two often go hand in hand) which protects you and your home from damages and/or injuries of the roofer and his team. Licensure alone though doesn't necessarily guarantee a great outcome. A brand new roofer can receive his license, but if you have a particularly tough roofing issue to tackle, he might be a little off put by it and have a hard time coming up with the best solution. That's where experience comes in. An experienced roofing provider has a wide variety of clients backing him or her up, and can offer you a list of references from previous customers. These references not only give you a glimpse of the customer service provided by the roofing contractor, but also give you an idea of what types of jobs he or she has handled in the past. The more experience, the better.

EZ Roofing Systems is proud to be both licensed and insured here in Florida (CCC1328107), and with years of experience under our belts, we are able to provide comprehensive roofing services to the greater Polk County area. When it's time for a roof replacement, or when a leak comes your way, Bob the Roofer is the one to call first. We make your roof problems just a little bit "EZ"er.

Residents in Central Florida celebrate many of the same seasons and holidays that our northern counterparts do, albeit with some minor modifications (like wearing flip-flops to Christmas dinner.) However, there is one season that is pretty much limited to seaside residents, especially Floridians since our beloved Sunshine State is surrounded by water on three sides. 

Any idea what season we're taking about? 

Yep, it's hurricane season. Hurricane season typically runs from June 1st to November 30th. While these dates aren't absolute, they are a pretty accurate estimate of when hurricanes typically roll through the Atlantic and/or into the Gulf. Preparing your home, and yourself, for a hurricane is wise if you live near the water, and even if you don't! We all learned from last year's Hurricane Irma that even Polk County is at risk of severe damage from hurricanes, regardless of our central, inland position. Failing to prepare results in hardships for you and your family, and can have extensive consequences. So, how do you prepare for potential storms that might hit us this season? 

1. Review Your Insurance (and/or Your Lease)

If you rent your home, or live in an apartment-type situation, you need to take a close look at your lease for any hurricane-related details and provisions. If you have personal property damage due to a hurricane, and are assuming your landlord's insurance will cover it, you could be left out in the rain (literally and figuratively!). Make sure you ask questions, and are fully aware of what is/is not taken care of in the event of a natural disaster. 

If you own your own home, you need to review your insurance policy closely, and do a thorough look through the hurricane portion of your coverage plan. Additional policies can be added on to cover your home and property, but might not be necessary based on your main insurance policy. Speak with your insurance advisor and make sure you are ready for whatever comes your way. 

2. Batten Down the Hatches (Prepare Your House!)

There are a few things you can do to give your home a helping hand in withstanding a hurricane or any other strong storm. This includes: 

• Take down any decor that could be blown away in a storm, such as flags, lawn decor, outdoor furniture, etc. Large items (like trampolines) should be taken down if possible, but if not, they need to be anchored and secured. 
• Check your shingles. This seems like a minor detail, but shingles are often not secured down in such a way to stand up to hurricane-force winds. If you notice loose edges, shingles that have already come loose, etc., you need to call us ASAP!
• Secure windows and other glass panes (like french doors) with wind-resistant shutters. Basic plywood also works for this. Make sure that whatever you choose, whether shutters or plywood, is strong enough and secure enough to resist not only the wind, but also flying debris. You can test this by leaning against them and seeing if they "give" at all. If so, they won't be strong enough to hold up. 
• Secure additional openings that are considered "weak points" such as doors, garage doors, etc. Garage doors usually have a "lock" on each side, and fastening these can give some extra support against the wind. If you really want to keep them standing strong, you can reinforce them with wood planks much like the rest of the windows and doors of your house.  

3. Protect and Prepare Yourself 

Protecting yourself, and making sure you're taken care of, during a hurricane is just as important as your home! Make sure you...

• Follow any evacuation orders that are issued. Don't ignore the warnings of danger! 
• Stockpile for the storm if you're not evacuating. This means keeping enough water on hand for several days (for each person in your family) in addition to non-perishable food and other basic necessities of your family (medications, diapers, wipes, etc.).
• Fill up your bathtub with water before the storm is due to hit. In the event that you lose water, this gives you a supply of water for flushing toilets, and other tasks that would waste your clean drinking water. 
• Have plenty of lanterns and batteries, or candles, on hand. 
• If you have a grill, or a camp stove, make sure they are ready and in working order (and that your propane tank is full!). These can be invaluable in the event that you lose power for several days and need to cook food to keep it from spoiling in the freezer or fridge. 

4. Know what to do during the actual storm! 

Obviously, you should STAY INSIDE, but you should also avoid going near windows and doors during the actual storm itself. In the event that one did break, or fly open, you could be in its path and that could be deadly with the amount of force caused by the wind gusts. Additionally, close as many doors in your home as possible. It sounds silly, but even interior doors can help stabilize your home. The more you can "break up" any wind that makes it into your home, the harder it is for the gust to blow through completely and take off your roof. Your best bet is to find the most interior room in your home that has few or no windows to the outside, and hunker down until the worst of the storm is over with your flashlights, your phone, and your radio. 

Of course, the best way to prepare your house for a hurricane is having a thorough check done before we have any storms on the radar. Roof inspections check multiple points on your home, from shingles and gutters, to structural supports and vents. We make sure your roof is up to standard, and ready to face whatever the crazy Florida weather might throw its way. EZ Roofing Systems is proud to serve the Winter Haven area with these options and more, and we work with you before AND after hurricanes and major storms to keep your home at its best. Give us a call to make your appointment! 

It goes without saying that a roof is a very important part of your home. In fact, your house wouldn't even BE a home without a roof overhead, since it offers shelter, protection from elements, insulation from the heat or cold weather, and basically, it just tops off your home (pun intended). Here in Central Florida, those aspects are key, since we have extreme heat and excessive sunshine, and we also endure heavy storms and rain during the summer months. Add in the threat of hurricanes and you see just how important a roof is for Florida homes, and how vital it is that homeowners maintain their roof and replace as needed to protect their investment in their house. 

Maintaining and replacing a roof though is not a wise DIY option. Roofing is not something you just pick up and learn as you go. An oversight, no matter how small, could result in major damage to your roof and long-term issues. Additionally, choosing a roofing expert affects your insurance, since using someone unqualified (including yourself) can mean loss of coverage, or failure to process a claim in the event of an accident or problem. 

So, how should you choose a roofer? 

Licensed and Insured.  This is, hands down, the most important part of choosing a roofer. Ask for those licensure numbers, and check them twice. If your roofer has the proper license and certifications, he or she will (usually) have the appropriate insurance as well, but it's always wise to check. These requirements protect you in the event that something goes wrong, or your roof has issues down the line. 

Experience. Much is learned through hands-on experience, and while a roofer who is new to the field can still do a great job, there is something reassuring about using a provider who has extensive experience. Look for a roofer who has been in business a long time, has experience in a variety of areas (not just maintenance for example, but also in roof repair and replacement), and is very well established in your community. 

Referrals.  Proof of the experience mentioned above comes through referrals. If they aren't provided up front, request referrals from your chosen rooferbefore you sign the deal and let him or her begin work on your home. Hearing from other customers firsthand lets you know what to watch out for with a particular roofing expert. Perhaps your prospective roofer does high quality work, offers great pricing, but is a little slow on the billing and paperwork side of things, or maybe they have crisp, efficient billing and work methods, but their personal demeanor is distinct and doesn't mesh well with everyone. Hearing things like this from others who have used a particular roofer can help you make an informed decision that you can feel confident in. 

If you are local to the greater Winter Haven area here in Central Florida, EZ Roofing Systems is here to help with any and all of your roofing needs. We are fully licensed and insured, have years of experience in our field, and are well-established in the Polk County community and beyond. We offer routine maintenance, repair services, and full roof replacement, so no matter your need, we're ready for it. Give us a call, and we'll personally come out and inspect your situation so we can give you a full and accurate quote. We make the whole process "EZ!"