Blog - Alamo Roofing Contractors - Portage Indiana Roofing Company

Winter Roof Maintenance: Removing Snow Without Causing Damage

by Frank Dixon | Jan 28, 2023 | Blog, Roof maintenance, Roof Problems

Snowfall in the Portage, Indiana area averages 39 inches a year. That’s quite a bit of snow! Thankfully it doesn’t fall all at once. Children have a great time playing in all of the snow, building forts and snowmen, and having snowball fights. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling can be enjoyable winter activities as well.

However, the roofs of our home can take the brunt of the winter storms and snow. When the snow begins to accumulate on the rooftops, how can it be safely removed without causing any damage? There are some great steps to take to make sure it holds up the weight of the snow.

snow damage roof

Snow Rake

This tool is extremely useful when it comes to removing snow from your roof. These handy tools can be found at your local hardware store. They are long aluminum poles, with a blade attached at the end. The pole is extended up on your roof and used to gently pull the snow off the edge, to the ground. However, snow rakes should be used with caution. Here are some tips when using a snow rake.

Only use on first-floor homes. They are not intended to be used on second-story homes or those that can’t be safely reached.
Be sure of your footing. Pulling snow from a rooftop can cause you to lose your balance.
Begin pulling from the edge, and extend further back allowing minimal amounts of snow to be removed at a time.
Pull gently. The goal is not to damage the roofing material under the snow.
Dress warmly. While you may begin to work up a sweat, remember it is still winter out there. Wear appropriate clothing to stay warm.
Do not use a snow rake while on a ladder. Once again, you could lose your balance and become injured.

Gutters and Downspouts

Inspect your gutter system. Debris, twigs, and nests from birds can clog up a gutter system, causing complications when the snow melts. The water must have a place to go, and if the gutters are clogged up, potentially dangerous icicles and ice dams can form. An expensive repair in the spring may not be a welcomed event.

Ice dams roof safe portage

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

It is best to avoid salt, and other additives when desiring to clean snow from off the roof. Chemicals can work down and create damage to the shingles or metal roofing. An expensive repair or replacement can be avoided by using different means of removal, besides harsh chemicals.

Avoid Heating Tools

Some DIY-ers have been known to use hair dryers and torches to remove excess snow from a roof. This is just a disaster waiting to happen! These can cause flooding or an avalanche-like situation, not to mention a fire if an open flame is used.

Seek Professional Assistance

The safest and best way to remove snow from your roof is to make a phone call to a trusted and reliable roofing contractor for assistance. Alamo Roofing Contractors in Portage is just the company to call! We have the knowledge and the expertise to effectively and safely work on your roof, and evaluate any areas that have become damaged from the winter months.

We have built our business on honesty, integrity, and reliability. We take great pride in providing excellent customer service and quality workmanship.

Call us today to learn how we can assist you with your roof maintenance, in the winter and all year long.

New Year, New Roof: Why a New Roof is Just What You Need in 2023

by Frank Dixon | Jan 11, 2023 | Blog, Portage, Roof Repair

As the calendar turns to the beginning of a new year, the plan for upgrading and creating new projects becomes a line item on the to-do list. One of those new and exciting projects may be an updated roofing system. How do you know if this should be included in the new year? Let’s review some signs that it may be time for a new roof!

Leaks

Are you noticing discolored spots on your ceilings? Stains on the walls of your attic? This could be an indication of a damaged roof. Perhaps the underlayment and sealants are failing to do their intended jobs and will need replacing.

Missing Shingles

If you have noticed missing or buckling shingles, the repair could be easily fixed. However, if the area is too large, or the shingles have become old, then a new roof should be installed.

Uneven Roofline

This could be an indication of a deeper problem. When the supports no longer are strong enough to carry the weight of the roof, they bend, buckle and break causing the roofline to be jagged. Perhaps rot has taken over and the damage is extensive. Have an inspection done to review what the problems are and the best way to bring a roof back to life.

Bare Shingles

Asphalt shingles are created by ceramic-coated mineral granules applied to a base mat. When the shingles age or are destroyed by fierce winds, the granules no longer adhere to the mat and become bare. This shows signs of future complications. These shingles have come to the end of their lifecycle and a new roof should be considered.

Rust on a Metal Roof

Do you have a metal roofing system? Make sure you keep an eye out for areas of rust or damaged fasteners. This can create huge areas of damage if not addressed properly.

Age

How old is your roofing system? Asphalt roofs can last approximately 20 years, while metal can last closer to 50 years. Tile and slate roofs last closer to 100 years when properly installed and maintained. You may want to consider replacing your roof if the current system is near the end of its life span.

Holey Attic

Are you able to look up through your attic and see daylight? This means you have a large number of leaks and the insulation has deteriorated. After a new roof is installed, your electric bills should diminish and the comfort of your home increase. Not to mention, the peace of mind a secure solid roof can provide.

Take the time to seriously consider the condition of your current roofing system. Contact a trusted local roofing contractor to assess any damage and learn if a new roof should be considered.

Alamo Roofing Contractors in Portage are available to meet and discuss your roofing problems and concerns. We strive to listen carefully and find a reasonable solution to a failing roofing system. It is important to secure your family and possessions with a solid secure roofing system.

We provide every customer with sincere outstanding customer service and we treat each home with the care it deserves. Give us a call today to see how we can help improve your home!

How Much Will a Residential Flat Roof Cost in Portage?

by Frank Dixon | Nov 9, 2022 | Blog, Flat Roofing, Indiana

While not the most popular choice for traditional homes, flat roofs can wonderfully complement modern houses, especially here in Portage. Flat roofs allow easy accessibility for roofing contractors, meaning that getting the job done is quick and cost-effective. Inspections and repairs can be carried out quickly, as well. Flat roofs offer a sleek look to your home, and they are an easy, low-maintenance roofing option.

The cost of installing a new flat roof in Portage can range anywhere from $2,500 to $42,000 on average, depending on the size of your rooftop and the type of Flat you install. A flat roofing installation per square foot costs about $2.50 to $12.00. Installation costs of your preferred Portage roofing contractor may also impact your total cost.

Image via modernize.com

The Cost Of Portage Flat Roofing

Below we’ve provided you with a guide on how much you can expect to pay for flat roofing installation in the Portage area.

This is how much you can expect to pay for your Portage flat roof line:

1,000 sf. roof / 10 squares = $2,500 to $12,000
1,500 sf. roof / 15 squares = $3,750 to $18,000
2,000 sf. roof / 20 squares = $5,000 to $24,000
2,500 sf. roof / 25 squares = $6,250 to $30,000
3,000 sf. roof / 30 squares = $7,500 to $36,000
3,500 sf. roof / 35 squares = $8,250 to $42,000

Request a quote to receive a more accurate estimate for your Flat roof installation.

The Pros and Cons of A New Flat Roof

We understand that the roof you choose for your home or business is an important decision. Below you’ll find some points to consider to inform your choice better.

Pros Of Flat Roofing

Lower construction and repair costs. Flat roofs take up less space and consequently use less material than sloped roofs. This makes initial construction cheaper but also means savings if any extensive repairs become necessary.
Versatility. Some homeowners turn their flat roof sections into rooftop gardens. Flat roofs are also ideal for roof deck construction. Homeowners can use a flat roof to add a beautiful addition that also provides additional weather protection.
Energy efficiency. Flat roofs are fantastic for keeping home utility costs manageable, especially in warmer climates. While sloped roofs can trap unwanted warm air or allow cooled air to escape, a flat roof means less overhead space for air to stagnate.

Image via modernize.com

Cons Of Flat Roofing

Unreliable in cold weather. Flat roofs pose homeowners several issues in colder climates. Water is more likely to accumulate and pool on flat roofs, and ice dams can cause dangerous levels of snow and ice accumulation. If you plan to build with a flat roof in a colder climate, consult your builder for weatherproofing and material options.
Higher chance of early replacement. Most sloped roofs will last 20 or more years with proper care, but flat roofs generally need to be replaced every 10 years or so. The National Roofing Contractors Association reports that many homeowners switch to sloped roofs for this very reason.
“Green” roof concerns. While turning a flat roof into a garden space is a very eco-friendly and aesthetic choice, it can present problems over time with invasive plant roots. Without proper treatment, the plants can penetrate the roof and create leaking issues.

Have questions about whether or not a Flat roof is right for your home? Are you ready to start your Portage home’s new flat roof installation? Don’t delay, give Alamo Roofing Contractors a call today!

What is the Best Siding for My Home in Portage?

by Frank Dixon | Oct 16, 2022 | Blog, Portage, Siding

There are nearly limitless options when it comes to choosing new siding for your home. Between material types, colors, designs, and warranties it can get overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with siding for the first time! Below you’ll find information on all the siding types we offer to help you figure out what’s right for your Portage home.

Portage Siding Options

Portage, Indiana reputable vinyl siding company

Vinyl Siding

If you’re looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance siding option, vinyl is the cheapest and easiest material to work with. Once installed, you won’t have to deal with maintenance again until you’re ready for a new look. Cleaning vinyl is as simple as washing away dirt and grime with just a bit of water, and you won’t have to worry about rust or decay. Plus, vinyl siding is so versatile, coming in various colors and textures, that it can give you any style your heart desires.

Vinyl siding is an affordable material that not only saves money during the easy installation process but also requires little to no maintenance. It’s lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to ship while having the ability to be installed right on top of your current siding. Because vinyl is human-made material, you can pick and choose precisely what you want your home’s siding to look like. Vinyl siding can emulate wood, stucco, brick, and stone in virtually any color under the sun. Similarly, you can easily have it cut into the exact sizes you want, whether you’re going for long planks or small squares. You’ll be able to fully customize the siding on your house when you choose vinyl siding.

Hardie Board Siding

Hardie board has emerged as a popular form of siding in Portage. Its ability to resemble almost any type of material means you won’t have to worry about being restricted when it comes to designing the exterior of your home. Hardie board’s versatility provides homeowners with plenty of unique advantages. You can customize the Hardie board to resemble a wide variety of materials. Whether you want a wood, stone, or synthetic appearance, Hardie board can deliver. This siding is an excellent choice if you want the appearance of a particular material without the burden of sourcing a natural product.

Hardie board siding is also extremely fire and weather-resistant. While this will depend on the type of Hardie board that you choose, it’s an excellent feature that can help you keep your family safe. Many building materials have the unfortunate characteristic of being prone to house fires — Hardie board is an excellent alternative. While many people invest in siding that must be replaced every 10 to 15 years, Hardie board allows you to keep your siding for the lifetime of your home. This is a great way to save money. Also, using building materials that last longer than a decade is an excellent way to stay environmentally responsible.

best Portage, Indiana LP smartsidel siding installation company

LP Smartside

LP SmartSide is a low-cost, low-maintenance siding option that looks just as good as real wood. Installing LP SmartSide not only gives new life to the outside of your home but also protects its contents. LP SmartSide looks like wood but is an engineered combination of wood fibers and resin. It can be cut into any shape and size and comes in several more varieties than natural wood. Our customers love its versatility and customizability, so you’re bound to find the siding style that you desire. When you use LP SmartSide siding, you’re choosing beautiful and cost-effective. Not only are the materials themselves far cheaper than their real wood counterpart, but LP SmartSide installation also takes less time and therefore less money to complete.

While LP SmartSide looks like real wood, it never runs the risk of being infested with termites or carpenter ants and never runs the risk of decay or water damage. It’s designed to endure harsh weather conditions and is completely waterproof, protecting your home from harsh elements. Contrary to real wood, LP SmartSide siding comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles. The sky is the limit in terms of what you can choose.

Give the trusted Portage roofing company Alamo Roofing Contractors a call to get your personalized quote today and find out what siding option is right for you.

How Much Will a New Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost in Portage?

by Frank Dixon | Sep 5, 2022 | Asphalt Shingle Roofing, Blog, Portage

You can expect to pay between $4000 and $10,000 for an asphalt shingle roofing replacement in Portage. On average, asphalt shingles in Portage cost $4 to $5.50 per square foot. The total cost of your asphalt roofing replacement project depends on the size of your home, the type of asphalt shingles you install, and the labor costs of your trusted Portage roofing company.

If you’re looking for exceptional asphalt shingle roofing services for your Portage home, give Alamo Roofing Contractors a call today.

trusted Portage, IN asphalt shingle roofing contractor

The Cost Of Asphalt Shingle Roofing In Portage

Asphalt shingle rooftops have a lifespan of about 15 to 30 years. How long they last are mainly dependent on the type of shingles you choose to install, how accurately they were installed, the quality of your maintenance plan, and the environment in which you live.

If your asphalt roofing system has reached the end of its life, this is how much you can expect to pay:

3-Tab Shingles

A 3-tab shingle rooftop costs about $4000 to $15,000. You can expect to pay $4 to $4.50 per square foot.

1,000 sf. roof / 10 squares = $4000 to $4,500
1,500 sf .roof / 15 squares = $6,500 to $6,750
2,000 sf. roof / 20 squares = $8000 to $9000
2,500 sf. roof / 25 squares = $10,000 to $11,250
3,000 sf. roof / 30 squares = $12,000 to $13,500
3,500 sf. roof / 35 squares = $14,000 to $15,750

Architectural Shingles

An architectural shingle rooftop costs about $5000 to $19,000. You can expect to pay $5 to $5.50 per square foot.

1,000 sf. roof / 10 squares = $5000 to $5,500
1,500 sf. roof / 15 squares = $7,500 to $8,250
2,000 sf. roof / 20 squares = $10,000 to $11,000
2,500 sf. roof / 25 squares = $12,500 to 13,750
3,000 sf. roof / 30 squares = $15,000 to $16,500
3,500 sf. roof / 35 squares = $17,500 to $19,250

Request a quote here (link) to receive a more accurate estimate for your asphalt shingle roof installation.

Here you’ll find some details on the types of asphalt shingles that you can install on your rooftop:

Three-tab Asphalt Shingles

These lightweight and energy-efficient shingles are the most common and easy to maintain and are named for the cutout form that gives them a distinct three-piece look. With proper care, three-tab shingles can last up to 20 years.

Architectural Asphalt Shingles

For the longest-lasting shingles, and for the home where curb appeal matters most, architectural shingles are a great choice. With a wider range of color options, dimension-adding laminated styles, and reflective versions to reduce summer cooling costs, you can enjoy the look and feel of these shingles for up to 50 years.

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

For those who value both style and cost, luxury shingles are a worthwhile investment. Cost-effective premium versions of asphalt shingle roofing, the luxury style is designed to emulate high-end cedar or slate roofing with the benefit of costing only 1/10th of the cost of cedar shingles.

trusted Portage, IN asphalt shingle roof replacement and repair

The Pros and Cons of A New Asphalt Shingle Roof

We understand that the roof you choose for your home or business is an important decision. Below you’ll find some points to consider to inform your choice better.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles

Affordability: Asphalt is the go-to answer for homeowners on a budget. With proper installation and maintenance, a quality roof doesn’t have to break the bank, especially with our financing options.
Color Variety: From neutrals to statement colors, there are a variety of options to choose from. Based on your budget, you can even choose asphalt shingle roofing that emulates wood or slate.
Simple Installation: Asphalt shingle roof repair is simple and the most cost-effective. Should the job require it, new shingles can be installed on top of existing shingles with little difficulty. Asphalt shingles last a lifespan of up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Not Environmentally Friendly: Asphalt shingles are non-recyclable, due largely to the harmful emissions they release. As the shortest roof lifespan, asphalt shingles contribute a lot of waste.
Susceptible to Weather: Wide-ranging temperatures and extreme weather conditions can cause cracks and warping of some asphalt shingle types.

Have questions about whether or not an asphalt shingle roof is right for your home? Are you ready to start your Great Falls home’s new asphalt shingle roof installation? Don’t delay, give Alamo Roofing Contractors a call today!

Seamless Gutter Installation Cost in Portage

by Frank Dixon | Aug 16, 2022 | Blog, Gutters, Portage, Seamless

If you need new seamless gutters, you may be afraid to ask how much this home improvement project will cost. But knowing the average price homeowners pay for professionally installed seamless gutters can help you prepare once the time is right to install your new gutter system.

Seamless gutter pricing extremes range from $172.00 to $268.00. This translates to an average of $3.00 – $5.00 per foot of material. Keep in mind that this does not always take into account the cost of installation and labor or various project costs, so please speak to your roofing company of choice to get a clearer picture when getting an estimate.

Other Factors That Affect the Cost of Seamless Gutters

Think of the gutters on your home as a small-scale version of the Roman aqueducts: Gutters take water from one place (the roof) and channel it to a much more useful place: away from the house or in a rain barrel. Seamless gutters are a relatively inexpensive way to prevent major damage to your home and can be a stylish addition to your home’s façade. They also come in different styles (half-round and K-style) and are available in a plethora of different colors.

Image via barrybest.com

Gutter Materials

Seamless gutters are most commonly made from aluminum but are sometimes made from galvanized steel or copper as well. Vinyl seamless gutters are much less common. The gutter material you choose will affect your total cost more than the length of guttering your project requires, so choose wisely.

Other Considerations

As with any home improvement project, there are often additional pricing considerations. Aluminum gutters account for a large majority of all seamless gutters, but vinyl, galvanized steel, and copper are two other options. You should also ask if options such as gutter guards and gutter cleaning services are available where you live. A well-maintained gutter system can serve your home dutifully for years.

FAQ for Seamless Gutters in Portage

What are the main advantages of seamless gutters?

Seamless gutters are much more aesthetically pleasing than other kinds. If you want gutters that work well and look good on your house, seamless gutters are definitely worth taking a close look at. These days a lot of homeowners in Portage have started to get seamless gutters installed because they work very effectively to reroute rainwater away from the foundation of their homes.

Are seamless gutters expensive?

The cost of seamless gutters varies depending on the material they are made of. Despite what people may think, seamless gutters don’t cost any more than regular gutters, and they look a lot better. If you want seamless rain gutters on your home that will blend in perfectly with the edge of your roof, seamless gutters are definitely worth taking a close look at. It is very important to at least explore this option, especially if you need new gutters on your roof.

Can professionals install my new seamless gutters?

You can and should hire professionals to install seamless gutters around your roof, simply because doing so will guarantee that the job gets done properly. Attempting to install these gutters on your own can be dangerous, so you will want to leave this work up to the local Portage professionals. Alamo Roofing Contractors will be able to ensure that your new seamless gutters are installed properly so there aren’t any problems with them. There are many benefits associated with getting seamless gutters installed on your home, so you will want to carefully consider this option before making a decision.

trusted Portage, Indiana seamless gutter installation services

Have questions about whether or not seamless gutters are right for your home? Are you ready to start your Portage home’s seamless gutter installation? Don’t delay, give Alamo Roofing Contractors a call today!

« Older Entries

Next Entries »