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What is the Best Season To Replace Your Roof in the Midwest?

Seasons impact many factors on roof replacement. That’s why it’s good to start thinking about replacing your roof before it becomes an emergency. 


Ultimately, the best season to replace your roof should be based on your roofing contractor's inspection results. But if you think it's almost time to replace your roof, here are some pro tips for checking its functionality. 


  • Check the date of your current roof installation and see how much life is left. In the Midwest, many roofs are shingles and can last 15-30 years but roofs installed over a layer of shingles only have a life span of about 20 years. 
  • Check your shingles. Shingles should always lie flat. Common reasons for roof replacement include damaged shingles, mold, fungus, sagging, or leaks. 


Depending on the type of roof and its last maintenance date, you may want to consider what season works best for a roof replacement. While each season has its pros and cons, replacing your roof is a job that can be completed in any season with the right professional roofing contractor. 


We've considered each season's pros and cons for roof replacement so you can determine which is best for you!



Summer Brings the Heat to Roof Replacement


Summer brings long days, a lot of sun, and consistently warm weather making it great for roof replacement. Summer heat is perfect for activating the tar strip on the back of asphalt shingles to adhere correctly. 


Typically, replacing your roof in early summer is better than late summer. Early summer is low humidity, warm, sunny, and not many rainstorms. It provides the perfect conditions for the workers and the roofing material. But it is also a busy time for roofing contractors. Everyone has the same idea about home repairs, and their schedules fill up fast. 


If you wait until the end of summer, the heat, humidity, and summer storms can make the installation unbearable for the workers and the shingles! 


Did you know your shingled roof can heat up to 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient temperature? 


These intense temperatures not only affect the workers but the roofing materials. Shingles are not meant to set in scorching temperatures. Unfortunately, what ends up happening is that asphalt shingles will soften in high heat, making them less durable and more prone to damage during installation. 


And workers will need more breaks because of the heat, and the roof installation could take longer. 


PRO TIP: If you have to replace your roof in the summer, choose early summer but schedule in advance! 




Fall Brings Perfection to Roof Replacement 


Warm days, cool nights, and minimal chance of storms bring the coveted fall weather to the Midwest, making it the ideal time for roof replacement. 


Most roofing professionals agree that roofing installments are best completed when temperatures are between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures are in this range, the shingles are perfect for installment, and your roofers can work longer days and finish the project sooner. 


Fall’s mild temperatures give the shingles plenty of time to properly bond, which will insulate the roof, but it's not too cold that the shingles won't properly adhere to the sheathing. 


The downside to fall roof replacement is that it's a busy season, and it may be hard to schedule a last-minute replacement. Often, summer jobs can often spill into the fall months, so getting a roof inspection and scheduling a roof replacement is essential to get on their schedule. 


PRO TIP: If fall sounds like the perfect time to install your roof, then schedule early! 



Winter Brings the Brrr to Roof Replacement 


Winter roof replacement is not ideal, but it can be done correctly! The best thing about winter roofing jobs is that it's easy to schedule a time because it's not a busy season. However, weather conditions can cause postponements. 


Weather will be a factor when scheduling a roof replacement. Roofing contractors will look at the weather forecast to ensure that the weather will be 40+ degrees Fahrenheit for at least two days so that the shingles have time to properly seal. Otherwise, the colder temperatures can cause the shingles to be brittle and break easier. And because of the tar sealant on the back, it needs warmer temps and sunlight to be activated to adhere correctly. 


Many roofing companies may even have to supplement with hand-sealing techniques, increasing labor costs of the roof replacement. Nail guns and compressors used by the roofer can also be affected by the colder temperatures. And since the days are shorter, the installation project may take longer. 


Thankfully, Kansas City winter weather gives us days of breaks in snow and freezing temperatures, so your roofing contractor will be able to plan your new roof installation on the next stretch of warmer, sunny days. 


PRO TIP: Winter roof replacement will depend on the weather conditions, but it is easier to schedule last-minute installments. Just remember to be flexible on dates getting changed! 



Spring Cleaning and Roof Replacement 


After the cold, dreary winter days, Kansas Citians look forward to the warmer and sunnier spring days. But unfortunately, roof replacement also becomes a must-do for many homeowners after they experience roof issues from the winter. 


Many roofing contractors would agree that the spring is the second-best time to replace your roof with a more open schedule, warmer temperatures than winter, cooler temperatures than summer, and low humidity days. These conditions reduce the risks of moisture damage and are ideal for the roofers. However, early spring can still have super cold and rainy days, so your roof replacement project could see delays. 


PRO TIP: Spring showers tend to slow down in the later months; consider planning your roof replacement for the end of May or early June to avoid excessive rain.



Roof Replacement for Any Season


An experienced Kansas City roofing contractor, like Accent Roofing Group, will know the trade tricks to guarantee quality roof replacement no matter the season. But if you want to stick to the two ideal seasons in Kansas City- stick with late spring and early fall!


If you are ready for a roof replacement, the first thing you need is a roof inspection from a contractor you can trust. 


Accent Roofing Group specializes in roof replacements in any season in the Kansas City Metro- Raymore, Independence, Belton, Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Lenexa, and Spring Hill.


Regardless of the season for roof replacement, accentroofinggroup.com can help.


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Getting A New Roof? Consider These 4 Things

02 Sep, 2022
Summer in Kansas City is hot and humid, and the weather fluctuations can do more damage to your roof than you might think. Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, but it's also one that gets neglected until problems arise. That's why summer is an essential time for roof maintenance. Ensure your roof is operating efficiently. Take a short break from your summer activities and follow our roof maintenance tips. Tip 1: Be Mindful During Rainstorms. Perform a Roof Inspection. Kansas City might go through weeks of no rain, but when that rain does hit, make it a habit of watching for leaks in your home. Summer rainstorms are the perfect time to check for weak spots that allow water to drip through your roof. Check your attic, ceilings, and walls for wet or discolored areas. You can also perform a roof inspection on your roof. A DIY roof inspection should be done using proper gear. Make sure you wear shoes that grip, gloves (because it could be hot), and any other protective clothing you might need. Always have someone hold the ladder you climb, and never climb up on the roof when you are home by yourself. And if you are like many homeowners who don't want to do a DIY roof inspection, call your local roofing contractor to come and inspect your roof and follow up with the needed roof maintenance work. A roof inspection and maintenance will check the following: Check the Eaves for Debris & Nests Once on the roof, you will look under the eaves for debris- such as leaves, sticks, or nests. If you find any debris, clean it up. Be careful of insects and birds as they like to nest in open areas in your eaves. Rodents, insects, and birds' nests can cause many roof problems. For example, bird droppings are acidic and damage shingles over time. In addition, roof rats, squirrels, or raccoons can burrow through your roof and chew through your electrical insulation. And bats can squeeze into the tiniest openings and roost in your attic. When you spot an open space in your eaves, repair them quickly. Check for Shingle Damage Check for loose, torn, dented, or missing shingles. Shingles are exposed to various elements daily and can become worn down or torn off over time. Damaged shingles make your home's interior vulnerable to water seepage and rot. If you find any damaged shingles, call a local roofing contractor for a bid on your next steps for roof repair or replacement . Check the Roof's Flashing Check the roof's flashing. The flashing is the thin material that directs water flow away from critical areas. They are installed to surround vents, chimneys, and skylights. If the flashing is loose, it can cause water leaks when not replaced. If you find cracked or loose flashing, it's essential to replace or repair them right away. Loose flashing can be screwed back onto the framing to resecure it to your roof. Small holes or cracks can be repaired by cutting some flashing larger than the hole or crack and securing it with roof cement. Note: We recommend contacting a roofing expert for roof repair services. Check Your Vents Good ventilation guarantees the balance of air circulating in the house. And it prevents roof materials from reaching high temperatures. So, check your vents. You can do this by checking your utility bill for any increase not related to seasonal changes. A steady increase could mean you have issues with your ventilation system. You will also want to visit your roof and attic to check the vents and metal stripping. Replace any damaged metal stripping to prevent leaks. And it can improve roof ventilation! Check Your Skylight Not all homes have skylights, but if your home has them, they should be checked from the roof several times during the summer. A hail storm could damage the glass or even leave a crack that you can't see from inside the home. You will also want to check the metal stripping around it to ensure it's not leaking. If you see cracks or damaged glass on the skylight, call your local roofing contractor to replace it. And in the meantime, it might be worth covering with a tarp until repaired or replaced. Tip 2: Clean the Gutters No matter what season, gutters should be inspected and cleaned. Gutters and drains direct water away from your home. If they are clogged with leaves and other debris, the excess water may be left sitting on your roof. And that stagnant water will eventually soak through your roof and into your ceiling and walls, putting your home at risk of water damage and mold. Structural damage is something that no homeowner wants to deal with, so take the time to check your gutters before the next big storm. First, check the gutters and drains around your house, and realign and tighten all the bolts. Then, clean out the gutters, drains, and downspouts. On the next rain, check to see that everything is flowing correctly. Or, you can run a hose through the gutter system to check for correct flow. Tip 3: Trim Troublesome Trees You may have trimmed your trees in the spring or fall, but don't stop in the summer. Look at your landscape and check for branches leaning on your roof or within 6 feet of your roof. Tree branches can scratch and gouge your roofing materials or, worse, fall on your home. Trim any troublesome tree branches that are getting too close. Tip 4: Be Aware of Mold, Moss, or Algae Guess what thrives in Kansas City's humid summer days? Mold, moss, and algae. Inspect your home's interior and exterior. When temperatures and humidity increase, mold can spread faster. Check walls, ceilings, and the attic for mold. Look for any discoloration like large black or white spots or off-colored wood. And on your roof, you might find moss or algae. Moss and algae can lead to roof decay. Regular roof checks in the summer can help prevent the accumulation of these microorganisms. If you see any signs of moss or algae on your roof, you will want to treat it as soon as possible. While using a power washer might seem great, the wrong tip or spraying too close can clean off the granules which protect your shingles from the sun. A better option would be to spray eco-friendly cleaning compounds. Or have copper or zinc strips installed on your roof as a natural prevention. Ask For Help From Roofing Professionals Roof maintenance is not a fun summer activity, but it is essential to avoid roof-related issues in the future. Hiring roofing professionals to perform regular maintenance can prevent problems from developing, too. Are you looking for roofing maintenance in the Kansas City metro area? That's where we come in. At Accent Roofing Group , we have provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Kansas City, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Mission, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Raytown, Raymore, Bonner Springs, Spring Hill, and Lee's Summit. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). When you work with us , you will never have to worry about your roof again. Don’t worry…we’ve got you covered.

The Best Tips for Roof Maintenance in the Summer

17 Aug, 2022
Summer in Kansas City is hot and humid, and the weather fluctuations can do more damage to your roof than you might think. Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, but it's also one that gets neglected until problems arise. That's why summer is an essential time for roof maintenance. Ensure your roof is operating efficiently. Take a short break from your summer activities and follow our roof maintenance tips. Tip 1: Be Mindful During Rainstorms. Perform a Roof Inspection. Kansas City might go through weeks of no rain, but when that rain does hit, make it a habit of watching for leaks in your home. Summer rainstorms are the perfect time to check for weak spots that allow water to drip through your roof. Check your attic, ceilings, and walls for wet or discolored areas. You can also perform a roof inspection on your roof. A DIY roof inspection should be done using proper gear. Make sure you wear shoes that grip, gloves (because it could be hot), and any other protective clothing you might need. Always have someone hold the ladder you climb, and never climb up on the roof when you are home by yourself. And if you are like many homeowners who don't want to do a DIY roof inspection, call your local roofing contractor to come and inspect your roof and follow up with the needed roof maintenance work. A roof inspection and maintenance will check the following: Check the Eaves for Debris & Nests Once on the roof, you will look under the eaves for debris- such as leaves, sticks, or nests. If you find any debris, clean it up. Be careful of insects and birds as they like to nest in open areas in your eaves. Rodents, insects, and birds' nests can cause many roof problems. For example, bird droppings are acidic and damage shingles over time. In addition, roof rats, squirrels, or raccoons can burrow through your roof and chew through your electrical insulation. And bats can squeeze into the tiniest openings and roost in your attic. When you spot an open space in your eaves, repair them quickly. Check for Shingle Damage Check for loose, torn, dented, or missing shingles. Shingles are exposed to various elements daily and can become worn down or torn off over time. Damaged shingles make your home's interior vulnerable to water seepage and rot. If you find any damaged shingles, call a local roofing contractor for a bid on your next steps for roof repair or replacement . Check the Roof's Flashing Check the roof's flashing. The flashing is the thin material that directs water flow away from critical areas. They are installed to surround vents, chimneys, and skylights. If the flashing is loose, it can cause water leaks when not replaced. If you find cracked or loose flashing, it's essential to replace or repair them right away. Loose flashing can be screwed back onto the framing to resecure it to your roof. Small holes or cracks can be repaired by cutting some flashing larger than the hole or crack and securing it with roof cement. Note: We recommend contacting a roofing expert for roof repair services. Check Your Vents Good ventilation guarantees the balance of air circulating in the house. And it prevents roof materials from reaching high temperatures. So, check your vents. You can do this by checking your utility bill for any increase not related to seasonal changes. A steady increase could mean you have issues with your ventilation system. You will also want to visit your roof and attic to check the vents and metal stripping. Replace any damaged metal stripping to prevent leaks. And it can improve roof ventilation! Check Your Skylight Not all homes have skylights, but if your home has them, they should be checked from the roof several times during the summer. A hail storm could damage the glass or even leave a crack that you can't see from inside the home. You will also want to check the metal stripping around it to ensure it's not leaking. If you see cracks or damaged glass on the skylight, call your local roofing contractor to replace it. And in the meantime, it might be worth covering with a tarp until repaired or replaced. Tip 2: Clean the Gutters No matter what season, gutters should be inspected and cleaned. Gutters and drains direct water away from your home. If they are clogged with leaves and other debris, the excess water may be left sitting on your roof. And that stagnant water will eventually soak through your roof and into your ceiling and walls, putting your home at risk of water damage and mold. Structural damage is something that no homeowner wants to deal with, so take the time to check your gutters before the next big storm. First, check the gutters and drains around your house, and realign and tighten all the bolts. Then, clean out the gutters, drains, and downspouts. On the next rain, check to see that everything is flowing correctly. Or, you can run a hose through the gutter system to check for correct flow. Tip 3: Trim Troublesome Trees You may have trimmed your trees in the spring or fall, but don't stop in the summer. Look at your landscape and check for branches leaning on your roof or within 6 feet of your roof. Tree branches can scratch and gouge your roofing materials or, worse, fall on your home. Trim any troublesome tree branches that are getting too close. Tip 4: Be Aware of Mold, Moss, or Algae Guess what thrives in Kansas City's humid summer days? Mold, moss, and algae. Inspect your home's interior and exterior. When temperatures and humidity increase, mold can spread faster. Check walls, ceilings, and the attic for mold. Look for any discoloration like large black or white spots or off-colored wood. And on your roof, you might find moss or algae. Moss and algae can lead to roof decay. Regular roof checks in the summer can help prevent the accumulation of these microorganisms. If you see any signs of moss or algae on your roof, you will want to treat it as soon as possible. While using a power washer might seem great, the wrong tip or spraying too close can clean off the granules which protect your shingles from the sun. A better option would be to spray eco-friendly cleaning compounds. Or have copper or zinc strips installed on your roof as a natural prevention. Ask For Help From Roofing Professionals Roof maintenance is not a fun summer activity, but it is essential to avoid roof-related issues in the future. Hiring roofing professionals to perform regular maintenance can prevent problems from developing, too. Are you looking for roofing maintenance in the Kansas City metro area? That's where we come in. At Accent Roofing Group , we have provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Kansas City, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Mission, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Raytown, Raymore, Bonner Springs, Spring Hill, and Lee's Summit. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). When you work with us , you will never have to worry about your roof again. Don’t worry…we’ve got you covered.

How to Know If Your Roofing Contractor Did a Bad Job

22 Jul, 2022
Homeowners are in charge of the repairs and maintenance of their homes. Some maintenance and repair projects are minor, some are special DIY projects, and others require professional input. Roof replacements and installations are one type of home repair that requires some professional experience. Unfortunately, not all roofing professionals provide quality work. Sometimes, roofing contractors incorrectly install roofing systems, which can lead to many problems. Asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 15-30 years. If you had a roof installed and a year or two later are already having problems, you might want to consider that your roofing contractor did a bad job. A new roof might look perfect at first, but the imperfections from a poorly installed roof will begin to show after a year or so. Here are common signs of a bad roofing job to look for to safeguard your investment. 7 Signs of a Bad Roofing Job Your Roof Doesn't Look Uniform. Your Roof Has Damaged or Missing Shingles. Your Roof Has the Wrong Nails, or the Roofing Contractor Used an Improper Nailing Technique. Your Roofer Didn't Check the Roof Decking Before Installing the New Roof. Your Roof is Missing Important Roofing Components. Your Roof's Layers Were Completed in the Wrong Order. Your Roof is Already Leaking. Learn more about each sign of a bad roofing job below. 1. Your Roof Doesn't Look Uniform. A new roof installation or roof replacement should have your roof looking fantastic, and it should all look the same. You don't even need to get on your roof to check this. You can look at each side of your roof from the ground to ensure it all looks the same. If one side looks different, you had a bad roofing job. A roof that is not uniform might have sagging rooflines, mismatched shingles, or reused flashing. Therefore, checking for uniformity after a roof installation or replacement is essential to catching mistakes that must be fixed. What's a Sagging Roofline Look Like? Sagging rooflines will curve or dip. However, a properly installed roofline will always be completely straight and even in appearance. If you notice your roofline is sagging, it could mean you have issues with framing or roof deck rot. Why are Mismatched Shingles Bad? Mismatched shingles are typically different in color. Mismatched shingles are bad because it typically means that your roofer ran out of your preferred material and just used what they had instead of ordering more. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell them you noticed and want that changed! Don't Reuse Flashing. Flashing is the thin piece of sheet metal installed on your roof that prevents water leaks into your home. Expert roofing contractors know that the nails installed in your new roof won't always go through the old holes in the reused flashing. So the only way to ensure you won't have leaks is to replace old flashing with new flashing. Besides, a new roof should mean all new materials. So don't let a bad roofing contractor skimp on costs. Your Old Vents Weren't Replaced with New Vents. Roof vents help your home breathe. Breathing, also known as circulation, helps prevent moisture from collecting, which, if it accumulates, can result in mold or rot. When you have your roof replaced, don't use old roof vents because, just like your flashing, the nails in the roof vents might not line up with the old holes, which can lead to leaks. 2. Your Roof Has Damaged or Missing Shingles. Time and weather can cause shingles to go missing or be damaged. A few lost or damaged shingles do not indicate that you need a new roof, especially if you had it replaced within a few years. Damaged or missing shingles come with time and general wear and tear and should not be present following a roofing job. If, after a minor storm , you already have missing or damaged shingles and your neighbor's roof did not, you likely had a bad roofing job. 3. Your Roof Has the Wrong Nails, or the Roofing Contractor Used an Improper Nailing Technique. Nails are just as important as all other roofing components. The wrong nails could lead to your roof leaking. Depending on the roofing material, your nails will differ in type, grade, and size. And just as important is the nail technique, which is how the nail is driven into the roofing material. An over-driven nail will cut into the shingle, which increases the risk of leaks. An under-driven nail won't penetrate through to the deck, increasing the risk of leaks or even missing shingles. And a nail that is driven crooked will increase the chances of damaged shingles or leaks. Bottom line: the wrong nail or the wrong technique could result in your roof le aking. 4. Your Roofer Didn't Check the Roof Decking Before Installing the New Roof. The roof decking is your roof's foundation; if it's damaged, you can guarantee that you have a roof leak. Every component of a roof is attached to your roof deck. Time and weather, like all things, can eventually compromise the decking. An experienced roofer will check the integrity of the decking and make necessary repairs before installing your new roof. 5. Your Roof is Missing Important Roofing Components. Your roof is more than shingles and nails. The proper hardware works together to ensure a healthy, uniform, leak-proof roof. Roofing components impact the integrity of your roof. Whether the roofing contractor uses the wrong materials or doesn't use them will lead to a premature aging roof or could cause other structural problems. A Missing Drip Edge A drip edge is the metal sheeting installed on your roof to protect the board beneath it. Drip edges keep the water moving in the right direction. A good roofing contractor will install a drip edge between the shingles and the underlayment to ensure your home's structural support stays intact and prevents water leaks. A bad roofing contractor won't install a drip edge. A missing drip edge makes your roof susceptible to mold, flooding, stains, and soil erosion on your foundation. A Missing Underlayment A roofing underlayment is a felt-like material installed below your shingles and above your roof decking. The underlayment helps create waterproofing for your roof system. In addition, it ensures that your shingles work efficiently and keep your home water-free. A missing underlayment makes your roof deteriorate faster, and you will have to replace it before the average lifespan is up. Missing Starter Strips A roof replacement should always be done with an underlying starter layer of adhesive strips. Without starter strips, you have to install shingles directly to the frame, leaving your roof susceptible to wind and other elements. Shingles could blow off just a few months or years into the roof's lifespan without starter strips. 6. Your Roof's Layers Were Completed in the Wrong Order. As you see, your roof is more than just shingles. This is because so many components go into your roofing system. Of course, each part is essential, but what's also important is the order each layer is added. Every roofing contractor expert knows the order of each layer necessary for a successful roof installation. To add one layer out of order could compromise your entire roof and the overall protection it's supposed to provide. 7. Your Roof is Already Leaking. Water leaks in your home are never good. Over time they can hurt the structure of your home. For example, water leaks can cause your roof deck to rot, leading to dangerous breakages or collapses. An easy way to check if you have water leaks is to check for stains on your roof. Stains are dark in color and can be spotted on your roof or attic. Multiple stains across your roof likely mean you need to install a brand-new roof. Even if you have had a new roof installed and it looks great, it's important to do periodic roof checks to ensure it was correctly installed and has no leaks. Avoid A Bad Roofing Job & Hire an Expert Roofing Contractor Finding a roofing contractor expert in your area is crucial to ensuring your investment stays an investment and not a catastrophe. Accent Roofing Group is your local expert roofing contractor who has provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Kansas City since 2015. We work in all neighborhoods throughout the metro like Overland Park, Prairie Village, Mission, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Raytown, Raymore, Blue Springs, Liberty, and Lee's Summit. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). When you work with us , you will never have to worry about your roof again.
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