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! 

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!