DIY Roof Replacement vs. Professional Roofing Replacement

DIY Roof Replacement vs. Professional Roofing Replacement

Replacing your roofing in Portage, IN, is a major decision, and it begets many questions. For instance: should you hire professionals or attempt to take on the project yourself?

If you’re struggling to make the choice, we might be able to help.

Here’s everything you need to know about DIY vs. professional roof replacement.

Professional Roofing Replacement

The Pros of Going DIY

There is one primary reason why some people attempt to replace their roofs themselves rather than hire a residential roofing company in Portage, IN.

Save Money

If you’re looking to save money in the short term, a DIY roof job seems like the obvious choice. When you install your own roof, there are no labor charges, which is a big way to cut costs.

However, choosing not to use professional roofers in Portage, IN, is usually a bad idea, as they are much more likely to do a safe and high-quality job.

DIY Cons

There are tons of potential danger zones associated with DIY roofing in Portage, IN.

Safety Hazards

From carrying heavy supplies to climbing up and down ladders, there are many dangers associated with roofing that make it unsuitable for amateurs.

Plus, do you have harnesses and all the necessary safety equipment for a roof replacement? If not, renting it will cost a pretty penny – and attempting the job without it is not an option.

Lack of Experience

Roofing contractors in Portage, IN, are trained in all aspects of the industry. As a novice, you don’t have the expertise needed to do the job well.

From removing old panels and laying shingles to getting the job done as efficiently as possible to limit exposure to the elements, the project is a lot more complicated than you think.

This is another reason why it makes a lot more sense for professional roofers in Portage, IN to replace your roof.

Pros of Hiring Professionals

DIY Roof Replacement vs. Professional Roofing Replacement

There are many benefits to having professionals replace your roofing in Portage, IN.

Quality and Efficiency

When you hire a roofing company in Portage, IN, the product will be finished to the highest standards on a schedule that limits inconvenience to your household.

You’re guaranteed a sturdy, safe roof that lasts its expected lifespan or longer – with a warranty, too.

No Property Damage

Roofing contractors in Portage, IN, know what they’re doing, so there’s little chance your property will be damaged.

Every step of the process will be executed carefully, and the best companies are insured to further protect against accidents.

Professional Cons

And for the lone disadvantage…

The Cost

Hiring a roofing company in Portage, IN, will cost you more upfront.

However, it will save you money in the long run, as you will likely have to call a pro for premature repairs if you take on the replacement yourself.

The Takeaway: Always Go Pro

If you want to save money down the line and value a quality roof that will last for years to come, it’s always a good idea to hire professionals.

Hiring roofers in Portage, IN, ensures that your structure is built to last using the best available materials.

Who are the best roofers in Portage, Indiana? – Ratings, Reviews, Prices

Each year at Alamo Roofing, we meet with well over 1,000 households in the Portage area with respect to their residential roofing installation. And because so many  folks know our thoughts and feelings on all things roofing from this website, they often ask us “Who are some of the other contractors and competitors in the area?” Never one to shy away from being blatantly honest about the competition, here is a list of some of the companies that have a solid residential roofing and contracting history in the Portage area.

Armour Construction

Click here to see their project portfolio

 

Service areas listed are – Crown Point, Chesterton, Demotte, Dyer, Griffith, Kouts, Munster, Highland, Hobart, Portage, Schererville, St. John, Wheatfield, Valparaiso

 

Servicing Northern Indiana since 2000, The Armour Team provides high-quality roofing, siding, and gutter work.

4.9 Stars on Google with only one 1-star review that seemed to be a misunderstanding and Armour responded with very polite understanding.

Reviews

 1. (5 Star) “Our home was damaged by a tornado. Josh from Armour Construction came out not long after we contacted him. He tarped the back of our roof and dealt with with our insurance. Our new roof and gutters were done today! The roofing crew were polite and did an A +job! Will definitely use again if needed and we will recommend!”

2. (5 Star) “Chose Armour over 3 other contractor bids. Communication with Jim Dietz from quote til the end of the project was always timely & professional! Armour replaced our roof, soffits, fascia, gutters, gables and shutters! It looks Amazing! Truly Happy with the finished project! Looks like a new home! I would definitely recommend Armour Construction and I already have to my friends on facebook!”

3. (5 Star) “We were very pleased with the service from the initial quote presentation to the actual service. When the roof was replaced their prep and clean up was absolutely the best! The gutter crew was just as amazing and very thorough. I recommended them to my neighbor and she was just as pleased. Would highly recommend!! Thank you Jim”

Onsite listed Certifications

 

DMG EXTERIORS

 

Click here to see their project gallery

 

LocationsGranger Location
50740 Princess Way Suite 700, Granger, IN 46530
(574) 498-7116

Valparaiso Location
3104 Grand Trunk Dr Unit 11N, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 215-5759

DMG has been roofing in Indiana for more than 10 years. They offer Roofing, Siding, and gutters.

4.9 Stars on Google with 330 reviews

 Reviews

 

 

 1. (5 Star) “DMG Exteriors has done gutter repair / replacement for us, and it’s been a great experience. They have been on time every time, are always very courteous on the phone and in person. They have an on-line system for docs and payment to make things easy, and they communicate well by e-mail. The next time we need something done (like a new roof) I will be going to them first.”

2. (5 Star) “Excellent service, very professional with everyone I dealt with. Quality workmanship was great. All work was done in a timely manner. Would highly recommend DMG Enterprises.”

3. (5 Star) “Advanced Roofing did an amazing job with a complete tear down, replacing worn areas of plywood, then installing a new roof. The entire team worked well together replacing the roof, and totally cleaning up as they went along, and making sure the entire area was clean of any debris before they left. Efficient, quiet, respectful and consciences of owner and property.
Thank you for a job well done!”

On-Site Certifications

M&M Home Remodeling Services

Click here for their project gallery

Locations

Arlington Heights, Illinois
525 West Golf Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: (224) 507-7416

 

Crete, Illinois
3488 Eagle Nest Dr.
Crete, IL 60417
Phone: (708) 722-7931

 

Naperville, Illinois
Phone: (708) 722-7931

 

St. Charles, Illinois
100 Illinois St Suite 200
St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: (708) 722-7931

 

5Crown Point, Indiana
1877 East Summit Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 224-3556

 

Indianapolis, Indiana
5733 W 85th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Phone: 317-951-9765

 

Reviews

4.8 Stars at their Crown Point location.

 

1. (5 Stars) “Rachael O’Neill is a superlative Sales Consultant for M&M. She went above and beyond to assist us with an insurance claim due to a neighbor’s tree falling on our garage. They were many cliches within the process and Rachael stayed in contact and worked diligently to assist us with navigating the replacement and repair of the damage.

We would highly recommend Rachael to anyone, for any service provided by M&M as her professionalism exceeds expectations in the field and on a personal working level.

We are so appreciative for all your time and effort, Rachael.”

2. (5 Stars) “The first impression I got from a sales representative with M & M Remodeling was their prompt and friendly professional demeanor. He also took the time to explain the details of the contract with me, which I appreciated very much. They Installed gutters onto my home the work was done excellent. The workers were friendly and considerate of my property.”

3. (5 Stars) “From the initial bidding process M&M employees were courteous and professional. They kept us informed of each next step to ensure a quality job. I especially like how they send a second crew to re-take measurements in order to obtain accurate window and door size. The men who performed the installation worked diligently to complete the project. They have new equipment and all the tools necessary to complete the job. The experience was good… start to finish. Thank you M&M.”

M&M Gives Back

Best Gutter Guards – Reviews, Ratings & Prices

#3 Frost King VX620

This is a good choice for someone who isn’t looking to spend too much money. You don’t have to go anywhere local in Norwest Indiana. Just order it on Amazon and get it in the next day. The key with this gutter guard is that it’s a simple self-installation product. It’s lightweight and slips in your gutter without any fasteners. You will find that you have to work with it a bit to get it to stay as needed, but it will do the trick for a quick and easy gutter guard solution.

The downsides are if you have an area around your home with a truly high volume of leaves building up this product may not be quite sturdy enough for you. Along with the heavy snow that comes through NWI in the winter. Snow builds and ice builds which can way a product like this down. These are plastic pliable gutter guards, they are not the most long-term solution. Over time, the heat from the sun can cause them to curl which will create gaps that allow debris to start forming.

Reviews

  1. (5 Stars) “It worked fine for what I wanted. A little stiff unroll.”
  2. (4 Stars) “I’ve tried a variety of gutter guard products. My problem is I have a tile roof. That makes installing gutter guards a nightmare. I tried 2 different metal guards & it took so long to install them I gave up. I accidentally came across this product browsing on Amazon, read the reviews, & decided to try it out. Of all the gutter guards, this is by far easier to install if you have a tile roof. Some reviewers complain that this plastic guard is too flimsy. Not at all. It’s about a medium flexibility & seems to be just right for the application. It looks & feels quite sturdy. I went to the manufacturers website to try & find out what kind of plastic this is made of because that is pretty important. Many plastics degrade quickly in the sun. But I didn’t find anything. It’s made in China so we immediately have to be suspicious of its quality. It seems there’s gotta be an easier way to install this other than lifting up every tile & bending the strip into the gutter, like rolling it up into a tube, laying the tube into the gutter, then slowly pulling the mesh out, letting it expand in place. I’m just thinking out loud. I’m an old guy & need to have all the help I can get. Cleaning gutters is a nightmare if you have a tile roof. And that’s why I have high hopes for this mesh strip. One & done… I hope! Update: I’ve laid a bunch of it trying my roll-it-up-in-a-tube experiment(I have a tile roof). Don’t try this. This plastic has a fairly decent memory, so after I rolled it up, it wouldn’t unroll! So … my suggestion if you have tile, cut the mesh into lengths 2″ longer than the distance between each gutter reinforcing bracket, slide each piece under the tile overhang, & using long needle nose pliers or a long haemostat, try & move the sheet into a dome shape like you see in a lot of the reviews. Once it forms the dome, it locks in snugly.”
  3. (3 Stars) “Cheap and flimsy. It will work for areas where smaller leaves and fewer of them. It will not work where there are needles and many leaves.

Prices

Single Pack – $8.04

 

#2 WaterLock Micromesh

Starting off strong, this gutter guard is manufactured 100% in the USA. Here in Portage, IN, we love to find products that are American made as often as possible. The fine mesh keeps even the smallest debris out of your gutters while easily letting water flow through. Although this gutter guard solution can’t be seen from the ground it is a very nice-looking gutter guard to be sure. Something specific about this model that we love is that the mesh is reinforced underneath. A big problem that we see with metal/mesh gutter guards is, they often are very easily dented and smashed. With these, you won’t have near as much problem with denting. They will hold up to heavy Indiana weather such as fall leaves and heavy snow.

If you are going the self-installed route we recommend gloves for this product. The screw holes and edges can be very sharp. Honestly, for the price you’re paying, these guards should come with predrilled holes. They do not. This will add to the installation time and tools required. It would be nice to see them add this in the future.

Reviews

  1. (5 Stars) “I needed a good guard for my gutters that would withstand harsh weather conditions and keep pine needles, leaves and roof debris from clogging up the gutters and downspouts. I ordered a sample and the company sent a sample and information on the guards. I ultimately decided to order and needed 335 feet. I ordered them on May 29. Delivery was expected June 1-2, but they actually arrived May 31. They were neatly packaged in 4 packages of 75 feet and 1 package of 35 feet. No damage. They have since been installed. Corners were a little tricky, but our installer figured it out. I am happy with the purchase and recommend the product.”
  2. (5 Stars) “I ordered 35′ of Waterlock Micromesh Gutter Guards and received them the very next day. Installation was easy and only took 2 hours from start to finish. I would buy these gutter guards again.”
  3. (4 Stars) “Definitely value for your money. I bought these and did the entire installation for 100 sq feet within hours, it wasn’t hard and it saved me thousands. Easy to cut to the desired length with a power tool or tinsnips. Comes with enough screws (I recommend having a 1/4” magnetic socket for your driver/ impact driver that way; your screws don’t keep falling). If one isn’t handy or comfortable installing, you can still buy these guards and have someone come do the install for you… saves you a lot! I did a lot of research and after carefully reviewing other systems, this one seemed to be the best and I don’t regret.
    Lastly, I gave a 4 star because the corners on my order came damaged and I had to straighten them with a pliers. I think more pudding or Styrofoam on the top and bottom (inside the box) will help prevent damage.”

Prices

Prices Vary as they offer different sizes. Click here for pricing.

#1 Raindrop Gutter guards

Raindrop gutter guards are made of polypropylene. As we’ve seen, these are the best when it comes to the “self-cleaning quality. They have raised rounded ridges that allow for debris to fall right off. The fact that they are a durable plastic product means they won’t get bent or smashed nearly as easily as something metal. They’re simply more durable. These do come with predrilled holes and screws. The holes are oblong to make up for the known fact that this material will expand and contract as the weather changes from season to season. This is a great feature as Indiana weather fluctuates quite a bit throughout the year. These only come in black. The reason for this is black absorbs heat. The absorption of heat helps mitigate the problem of ice damming in the winter, which will help keep your roof and home healthy longer. These are our preferred product when it comes to quality, doing the job needed, and aesthetics. This is without even mentioning the price. These are a reasonable price though as you’ll see below.

Downsides, well they only come in black. Some people like the idea of a “pretty” gutter guard with lots of color options to match. These have fairly large openings considering how small the actual mesh on other products is. Granules from your roof will certainly penetrate these gutter guards as your roof ages, but granules do not cause clogging or issues. They simply sit in your gutter or flow through to the ground. They are not large enough to make a significant difference. They claim that pine needs will not get through. It seems that the majority of pine needles will flow off, but the openings are certainly large enough for some to fit.

Reviews

  1. (5 Star) “I had these installed on my house. I’m really impressed with the design. I have tons of oaks close to my house, and Raindrop is doing a great job of keeping the leaves out. They just slide right off the top. Happy with the price, too. Great product.”
  2. (2 Star) “Raindrop gutter guards do a pretty decent job with leaves but are terrible with the whirlybirds that fall off maple trees. They advertise showing they will fall off but mine get clogged every year. Not very impressed with the product. Doesn’t do as advertised”
  3. (5 Star) “System has been installed for a few months, so far so good. The crew did a great job installing.”

Prices

Prices Vary as they offer different sizes. Click here for pricing.

The Dangers of a Leaky Roof

Everyone knows leaks are annoying. However, untreated leaks also pose a serious hazard to your home.

Our expert roofers in Portage, IN, advise on the dangers of leaky roofs and what to do next.

1. Structural Damage

Problems start from the top down – in this case, that means that once your roofing in Portage, IN, is compromised, the rest of your home will suffer the consequences.

Leaks can gradually degrade wood, plaster, and drywall. These materials won’t offer the support your home’s structure needs, which can eventually lead to collapsed ceilings or even your roof caving in.

Having a roofing company in Portage, IN, routinely inspect your home for leaks means protecting yourself against significant damage and costly repairs further down the line.

2. Fire Hazards

When does a water hazard become a fire hazard?

Water conducts electricity, and as it seeps through your home, it may touch an unprotected bit of wire, for example, behind a light switch. This can cause sparks to fly and ignite nearby materials, potentially causing a fire.

This isn’t just a call to have roofing contractors in Portage, IN, inspect your property for leaks – it’s also a reminder to regularly have your wiring checked to ensure it’s well-protected.

3. Mold Growth

Mildew and mold are common complications when leaks develop. This starts in the attic but can quickly spread to other rooms.

If mold starts growing on the floor of your attic, it will eat through to the ceilings of the rooms below. It’s extremely hard to get rid of mold that is embedded deeply in plaster without replacing the entire area, which is very expensive.

Mold can also be a serious health hazard. Don’t let it infest your home – contact a roofing company in Portage, IN, for repairs.

4. Compromised Insulation

The materials used to insulate your attic play a vital role in maintaining your home’s temperature and keeping your energy bills down.

Consistent water damage will degrade these materials, reducing their ability to insulate your home. You’ll notice your energy bills going up, and once you identify the problem, you’ll also need to pay to have your insulation replaced.

5. Emergency Situations

A leak is annoying. A flood is a disaster.

What do you do during a downpour when suddenly your home starts leaking in multiple areas or a part of your ceiling collapses? A leak that has been a minor problem for months is suddenly an incredibly stressful and very dangerous event.

Don’t let it get to that point – have roofing contractors in Portage, IN, address the problem as soon as you notice it.

Wrapping Up & What to Do

Your roofing in Portage, IN, is your home’s first and most important line of defense against the elements. Keeping it well-maintained saves you from expensive repairs and awful situations when suddenly a small leak turns into a major issue.

Don’t wait for the heavens to open. Contact Alamo Roofing Contractors in Portage, IN, for advice, inspections, and swift, cost-effective repairs today!

5 Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards on Your Home

5 Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards on Your Home

Cleaning gutters is a filthy job on the to-do list. The job involves climbing the ladder, scooping out the wet sopping leaves, removing the pine needles, and making sure the water flows freely. If only there was a simpler way to complete this job! 

There is! Gutter Guards

This innovative tool is so helpful in keeping the gutters working at their peak! They come by various names including gutter covers, gutter toppers, gutter screens, or gutter filters. But they all do the same thing. Gutter Guards are a mesh or screen that covers the entire gutter, eliminates huge branches and twigs from clogging the channels, and keeps animals from forming homes. 

gutter guard benefits in Portage

What are Some of the Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards? 

Save Time and Money

You don’t need to worry about cleaning out gutters as much when you have gutter guards installed. The gutters will be easier to maintain and the water will have a chance to flow freely away from the home. Rust will not occur as often since there won’t be a debris buildup forcing the water to stagnate in one spot. 

Avoid Animal Infestation

A gutter can make a fabulous home for some small critters. It is a comfortable shape and can hold a small vermin family nicely. But it is only nice for them. Not for the homeowner! Keep bats, squirrels, mice, birds, and other small animals from making their homes in your gutters by installing the guards. 

Improve Gutter Water Flow

As indicated above, with gutter guards, the water can easily flow to the downspout. The likelihood of leaves, branches, and debris is minimized with the guards. This is especially helpful for those with a rainwater barrel connected to the downspout. The amount of debris collected in the barrel is less when the guards do their job properly. 

Improves Gutter Stability

Gutter guards can enhance the overall stability of the gutter system by providing additional support and preventing the excessive weight from debris accumulation. This helps prevent sagging or detachment of gutters from the building. 

Extends Gutter Lifespan

Accumulated debris in gutters can cause corrosion and deterioration over time. By preventing debris from entering the gutters, gutter guards help prolong the lifespan of your gutters and reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements. 

Common Questions Regarding Gutter Guards:

  • Will the gutter guard filter out all kinds of materials? Generally, gutter guards will keep all but the smallest of debris out of your gutter. The screen or mesh-type covers can’t keep all debris out, but the majority will be guided elsewhere.
  • Will roof shingles be damaged when the gutter guards are installed? Great question! The professionals at Alamo Roofing Contractors in Portage are skilled and knowledgeable in the proper techniques of installing gutter guards to avoid damage to the shingles.
  • Can leaves accumulate on top of the gutter cover and block water drainage into the gutter itself? Some gutter guards display this type of problem. Our team will work with you and determine the best guard for your home. It can depend on nearby trees which can drop leaves on the roof.
  • Can the gutter cover become loose or be damaged easily? We, at Alamo Roofing Contractors, only use high-quality products that will be durable and long-lasting under normal weather patterns.
  • Will the leaf filter look good on my gutters? Gutter guards come in a variety of colors so we can beautifully match the guard to the existing gutter and offer a crisp seamless appearance to your home.

Place your trust in Alamo Roofing Contractors when it comes to gutter health. Your new gutter guards will create a more effective and efficient drainage system for your property. Plus with the added curb appeal, this is a wise choice. 

We have a trustworthy team of roofing professionals in Portage dedicated to providing solid results with quality materials and genuine customer service. We look forward to helping you with any and all of your roofing needs. Call Alamo Roofing Contractors in Portage today! 

 

5 of the Most Common Causes of Commercial Roofing Failures

5 of the Most Common Causes of Commercial Roofing Failures

Many of us are familiar with Murphy’s Law, which states that if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong. But did you know there are other “laws” as well? For example, this is Murphy’s Sixth Law:  “If you perceive that there are four possible ways in which a procedure can go wrong, and circumvent these, then a fifth way, unprepared for, will promptly develop.” 

Therefore, we are going to look at five of the most common causes of commercial roofing failures, be prepared for each one, and not be too surprised if something goes wrong. By preparing, perhaps these five just won’t happen. 

Trusted commercial roof damage in Portage

Lack of Maintenance

This is a common reason for commercial roofs to fail. We tend to have a “replace it and forget it” approach to a roofing system. Also, we tend to believe that if we can’t see it, then it must be working. However, without proper regular maintenance, we won’t know if there are clogs in the drainage system, scratches, and dents in the roof surface, or areas of damage that have become compromised. Be sure to do yearly inspections and fix any areas that could become future problems. 

Poor Installation

Place your trust in a worthy professional commercial roofing contractor in Portage when it is time to repair, inspect, or replace your roofing system. By using the least expensive option, you may have to pay more in the long run for repairs. However, using the most expensive contractor could be money wasted as well. Be sure to ask for references when you are considering a roofing contractor, and learn from your friends, family, and neighbors just who this company is, and what they stand for. After all, it’s your building and your money. Protect them both wisely.  

Improper Materials

Just as the contractor is important to screen, be sure to know the proper type of roofing material you need for your building. Using the wrong materials could create issues down the road. For example, restaurants should have a roofing system that can withstand animal fats and grease. The wrong system could break down as the years of cooking and exhaust continue. Have a question-filled conversation with the roofing contractor you are considering using. They should be able to properly provide the answers you need when considering a roofing material. 

commercial roof damage, commercial roof repair, Portage

Standing Water

Be sure your roofing system has proper drainage. If the slope isn’t steep enough, the water will just puddle and weaken the roof. Also, if the gutter system is clogged, the water cannot flow freely which will also create complications. Before too long, animals could find a comfy home on your flat roof if there is water available. 

Punctures

Is the roofing surface walked on regularly? If so, then there could be areas of puncture. Make sure to have a strong enough surface if this will be the case. A thin weak roofing material could puncture easily and more complications can occur. Especially if regular maintenance (see above) is avoided. 

Be sure to place your full confidence in a roofing contractor who will make sure these steps are secure and prepared for what may come their way. It takes a team effort to keep a roof ready to face the elements and keep the building contents protected. Alamo Roofing Contractors in Portage has your best interest at heart. We are a reputable, reliable roofing contractor ready to assist with your commercial roofing needs, and keeping Murphy, and his laws, far from you. 

Give us a call today and let’s discuss your commercial roofing project

(219) 224-2636