Is your roof approaching its "expiration date" in the coming year? Did you recently receive an inspection that suggested a replacement in the near future? We get it, roof replacements are expensive, and you're likely thinking through how long you can put it off. With prices of goods soaring and many people feeling the crunch, replacing your roof probably wasn't on your short list of things to pay for. However, now might actually be the best time to take the leap and have the work done. Why?

• Supply delays are happening. If you've noticed empty spaces on your store shelves, you're not alone! Unfortunately, some of those same supply issues have hit the roofing industry, and sourcing the materials needed to replace your roof will likely take longer than usual. If you're trying to meet a deadline with your HOA, your insurance company, or are experiencing a worsening leak, you might not have time to wait! Getting started now means you're more likely to get the materials you need by the time your new roof needs to be completed.

• Your new roof isn't the only thing going up! Prices of gasoline, food, lumber, and other high-demand items are through the roof (pun intended!) and roofing materials are no exception. Shingles, plywood, and other needed supplies have all increased in price substantially over the last year, and sources say they'll continue to rise. Opting to replace your roof now means you lock in the current price of materials instead of taking the gamble and paying twice as much for your roof in the months to come.

• Hurricane season is still happening. If your roof is aged and weakening, it might not be ready to stand up to one of Florida's storms. If a hurricane comes our way this season, and you opted to put off your roof replacement, you could end up with major damage that necessitates a full replacement immediately. Unfortunately, the two factors above could make that a difficult and expensive process, adding more pressure to an already stressful situation. Being proactive and replacing now means you're more likely to make it through any storms unscathed.

EZ Roofing Systems is Polk County's trusted roofing company, with years of experience serving our community. We operate with honesty and integrity, which is why we want you to be aware of what's happening in the industry and make sure we help you plan accordingly to protect your home. Our affordable inspections make sure you're aware of issues before they become BIG problems, and when it's time for a repair or replacement, you know to call us first for the best in customer care and quality workmanship. Call for your FREE estimate!

Valentine's Day is just a week away, and while singles may be focused on finding the "perfect match" in their love life, for you, the homeowner preparing for a roof replacement, you're probably looking for the perfectly matched shingles you need to get the job done. When it comes to shingles for your roof, all options are NOT created equal. Manufacturers and materials, as well as color, are things to consider when choosing the best possible shingles for your home, and while your roofing contractor will be the one to recommend brands and styles, the color choice usually falls on you (or your HOA!).  

So, can shingle color actually make a difference? 

The answer is still up for debate among many contractors, but here's some important information to consider:

Light colors are scientifically proven to reflect light (and therefore heat). Theoretically that means lighter colored shingles reflect more light, absorb less heat, and leave your roof (and the home underneath it) cooler. What does this mean for you as the homeowner? Less heat means your AC doesn't have to work as hard to cool your home, thus lowering your energy bill over time. It would also stand to reason that they last longer (cooler shingles = less molecular activity and therefore less wear and tear). However, studies have yet to show any significant difference in the lifespan of light shingles vs. dark. so you shouldn't make this your primary deciding factor when choosing a new roof color. 

Finally, regardless of which color you choose, ALL roofers will stress the importance of proper ventilation for your roof under the shingles. Proper ventilation prevents, moisture issues, allows for air circulation to cool your roof during the continual exposure to UV rays and heat from the sun, and will ultimately result in better performance by your roof all around. This is why choosing a qualified roofing contractor is SO important. A poor roof job could cost you thousands over time from water damage, breakdown of shingles and materials, etc. 

If you are in the local Winter Haven area, EZ Roofing Systems is here and ready to help you get the very best when it comes to a new roof. We have been trusted by Polk County locals for years, and will work with you to help you meet your needs, desired look, and budget. Give us a call for your quote! 

So the time has come to replace your roof, you've contacted your preferred roof contractor (if you're in the Winter Haven area, we hope it's us!) and now you're clear and ready to go, right? Not necessarily. Once you choose your roofer, you'll need to work alongside their team to decide on the type and color of shingles (and other roofing materials) you'd like for your new roof. Many neighborhood HOAs in Florida give homeowners a limited list to choose from, but even within a small color palette the decision can be hard. Perhaps the biggest question one must ask is, does the color of your shingles affect their function, or is it simply a cosmetic choice? 

This answer is still up for debate with some roofers, but there are a few facts to consider: 

First, light colors are scientifically proven to reflect light and heat. If you follow this line of thought, that means lighter colored shingles reflect more light, absorb less heat, and leave your roof (and the home underneath it) cooler. What does this mean for you as the homeowner? Less heat means your AC doesn't have to work as hard to cool your home, thus lowering your energy bill over time.

Additionally, if lighter colored shingles absorb less heat and reflect light, it would seem that they last longer (cooler shingles = less molecular activity and therefore less wear and tear). However, studies have yet to show any significant difference in the lifespan of light shingles vs. dark. so you shouldn't make this your primary deciding factor when choosing a new roof color. 

Finally, regardless of which color you choose, ALL roofers will stress the importance of proper ventilation for your roof under our shingles. Proper ventilation prevents, moisture issues, allows for air circulation to cool your roof during the continual exposure to UV rays and heat from the sun, and will ultimately result in better performance by your roof all around. This is why choosing a qualified roofing contractor is SO important. A poor roof job could cost you thousands over time from water damage, breakdown of shingles and materials, etc. 

If you are in the local Winter Haven region, EZ Roofing Systems is here and ready to help you get the very best when it comes to a new roof. We have been trusted by Polk County locals for years, and will work with you to help you meet your needs, desired look, and budget. Give us a call for your quote!