The Frog Blog: The lighter side of being a roofer…

By Dave Locklear
Owner, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction

Not that this has anything to do with roofing, but last week we started the process of re-opening our family’s swimming pool for the summer.

With months of no chlorine and foreign debris floating in the pool, it was a painstaking job to say the least!

With rain falling 20 out of 21 days, frogs seemed to have taken over our pool. The croaking at night was becoming unbelievable.

We started adding chlorine and shock. No effect. Nothing seemed to keep these new family members from their concrete-and-tile oasis… and from taking over the Locklear family’s pool!

For a while, the frogs would jump in without realizing they couldn’t get out. We felt it our duty to rescue them with the skimmer net to save their lives, but time and again they jumped right back in.

One night while standing by the pool, my wife said, “Look Honey, that frog is letting that other frog piggy-back rided on his back! He’s trying to save his life by getting him out of the pool!”

We both started thinking about what we had witnessed, amazed at experiencing this rare occurrence of nature and full ready to give the bottom frog a ‘Valor of Bravery’ award.

The next day my wife recounted the brave, life-saving story to her sister, who in turn told her brother-in-law.

He had a good hearty laugh.

“They’re were mating!” he said.

I like my wife’s and my version better, though. Don’t you?

Property owners urged to be ‘Patient’, says Oklahoma City roofing contractor

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction - Oklahoma Tornado and Storm Damage Experts

By David W. Locklear
Owner, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction

Due to the recent extreme wind and hail in various sections of the Metropolitan Oklahoma City area, Arrowstar Roofing would like to remind property owners to be patient in getting roof estimates from local contractors.

Our city has be inundated with out-of-town and ‘fly-by-night’ roofing companies, some from as far East as New Jersey.

These companies specialize in hailstorms around the United States. Some have unlimited advertising dollars, and many even rent local offices to provide more local legitimacy.

It’s important to deal locally, particularly when severe weather has residents in their most vulnerable, emotional states.

Key giveaways for spotting these ‘hail jumpers’ include out-of-state license plates on their vehicles, companies you’ve never heard of or companies in ‘close partnership’ with more local corporations, and – obviously – estimators’ accents that don’t quite seem to be Oklahoma native.

Most out-of-state companies will give from 3 to 5 year warranties, just like local companies. However, an important fact to remember is… when another hailstorm hits elsewhere in our great nation… these fly-by-nights will likely be gone upon hearing that first Weather Channel report.

What’s the downside to all this? You’re left with a worthless warranty… and often times a job that has used substandard (or used) materials or unqualified labor.

Remember to never pay more than one third to half of the total estimate as deposit prior to the work being started. Another good tip is to check area telephone books… a technique that allows you to assess whether or not the corporation has an established presence in the state of Oklahoma. Fly-by-night roofers almost never have Yellow Page or Business Directory ads.

Tornado Damage Strikes Oklahoma: Don’t let sever roof damage deteriorate your structure further

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction - Oklahoma Tornado and Storm Damage Experts

With recent catastrophic weather events lambasting our state, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction offers its heartfelt condolences to those individuals in the Lone Grove, Oklahoma area that have lost their entire livelihoods. We will keep them in our prayers… particularly those that have suffered tragic life looses with friends and family members..

We also realize that significant damage has struck the Yukon, Edmond and Northwest Oklahoma City. The thought of losing one’s home can be earth-shattering.

Please let us assure you that Arrowstar is fully committed to assisting Oklahoma residents during these difficult times.

In addition to emergency repairs, Arrowstar also offers complete commercial and residential roof replacement, repair and maintenance in the state of Oklahoma… particularly in the greater OKC Metro area. We’ve had over 30 years experience dealing with tragic acts of mother nature, and are fully committed to handling your needs in a quick, professional manner.

From hot tar, tar and gravel, TPO/PVC, EPDM, all types of shingling and more roofing options, we are more than happy to get your job done as soon as possible in a professional manner, using only experienced journeymen roofers.

Arrowstar offers free estimates, written warranties on all reasonable jobs, and is fully insured for your protection.

Don’t allow your roof to deteriorate further after this week’s catastrophic storms.

For a free estimate, or for more information on how we can assist you in this time of need, please log on to www.arrowstarroofing.com now.

“Green Roofs” help students make the grade

Though we strongly advocate eco-friendly roofing systems, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction strongly advises against attempting to plant a large garden atop your roof due to the potential of severe structural damage if work is not performed correctly. However, we found this article interesting (to say the least) from a roofing standpoint, and it does make a few good points. Enjoy!

NAPSI – From starting school-wide recycling plans to cleaning up area parks, today’s students get high marks when it comes to helping the environment. Now a new program may help their grades go through the roof.

The initiative teaches students in grades 6 to 8 about green roofs—a roof that replaces traditional roofing with a living environment of plants and soil.

Among the benefits they offer, green roofs remove pollutants from storm water and reduce the amount of water that flows into sewer systems. The plants also store excess carbon from the atmosphere, lower radiant heat in the summer and create habitats for local wildlife. Additionally, green roofs provide extra insulation to buildings and last two or three times longer than traditional roofs.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) runs the program, called “The Roof Is Growing!” It provides a lesson plan, workbook and an online interactive program designed to engage students on how green roofs cool cities, clean the air, create habitats and control storm water.

Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the initiative is meant to inspire young students to think creatively and use their imaginations as future landscape architects or on any path they choose.

Of course, there are ways by which parents can get kids thinking green at home, too. Try these tips:

Make It Fun

Let your child decorate the recycling bins you have at home as you explain to her what items can and can’t be recycled. You might even arrange for you and your child to tour the area recycling facility.

Take A Walk

Take your child for a walk in the woods to help him gain a greater appreciation of nature. If he has a favorite animal or habitat (deserts, jungles, etc.), encourage him to learn more at the library, at school and online.

Lead By Example

Be sure to recycle and take steps to protect the environment on your own. Setting a good example at home can help build Earth-friendly habits in kids that last a lifetime.

For more information, visit www.asla.org/greenroof.

A new program teaches students about the environmental benefits of a “green roof.”

Brought to you by
Arrowstar Roofing & Construction

Cutting Home Energy Costs: Tips for Oklahoma Homeowners

While not necessarily a roofing article, we found the following at a great content service that is of definite interest for all Central Oklahoma owners looking to get their dwelling ready for winter. Enjoy!

If you’re looking to cut back on energy consumption, make sustainable choices and save up to 20 percent a year in heating costs, think about air sealing your home.

As temperatures rise and fall, homes tend to expand and contract, creating gaps that leave an incomplete “building envelope.” Air sealing is simply closing those holes and gaps. Sealing this envelope means you use less energy to heat your home while reducing your carbon footprint derived from energy-intense HVAC systems.

CHECKING FOR AIR LEAKS

A quick and easy do-it-yourself home energy audit includes:

• Inspecting where two different materials meet. Examine all door and window frames.
• Shutting doors and windows on a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out without tearing it, you have a leak.
• Examining electrical and gas service entrances, outdoor water faucets and where dryer vents or cable lines pass through foundation walls.
• Holding an incense stick in front of windows, doors and where exterior meets interior. Drifting smoke indicates an area that needs to be sealed or insulated.

SEALING AIR LEAKS

Once you determine where the leaks are located, you need the proper sealant to do the job. DAP’s Dynaflex 230 or Alex Ultra 230 sealants work well for sealing smaller gaps both indoors and out. They’re permanently flexible, making them excellent sealants to handle joint movement. They’re also latex-based, paintable, low odor, low VOC-content and clean up easily with water.

A foam sealant can be used for larger holes and gaps, except around heat sources such as chimneys and stoves, which require a specialty sealant.

Use it in a variety of locations including around windows, doors, pipes and vents. It’s designed to not over expand, so windows or sockets won’t pop out. Plus, it’s tool-able, and cleans up easily with water.

As temperatures change, homes expand and contract, creating gaps. Certain sealants are designed to seal those gaps, both indoors and out.

Brought to you by
Arrowstar Roofing & Construction.

Is your Oklahoma City roof leaking? Here’s what you need to know on fixing it…

Just because Oklahoma’s spring storm season has passed does not necessarily mean you can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to your home’s most vital element: its roof.

Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner here in the Oklahoma City Metro or surrounding area, now may be the best time to think about potential winter and fall roof leaks.

Central Oklahoma’s notorious winds, combined with the hundred-plus degree temperatures we’ve experienced in the summer of 2008 could spell for trouble when fall brings about late-year Oklahoma showers and thunderstorms.  Even the best roofs are subject to cracking, shingle slippage and water pooling that could cause water to enter your home or office.

That’s not even to speak of winter, when snow and ice, regular freezing and unfreezing of water atop your structure can turn a minor leaks into major repair issues.

If you find your property leaking, give us a call at (405) 365-6577 or request a free estimate at arrowstarroofing.com. Arrowstar Roofing & Construction has over 35 years experience in roofing, repair and maintenance in Oklahoma’s tricky climate. Single leak repairs begin at only $175, and are guaranteed through written warranties for a full year. We can also assist you with deteriorating roof flashing, replacement of vents and skylights, and even vinyl siding for equally cut-rate fees.

David Locklear, owner of Arrowstar Roofing & Construction, clarifies the importance of regular roof repair and maintenance.

“We believe the biggest problem in the roofing industry is the lack of companies stressing the importance of regular roof maintenance,” Locklear says. Regular roofing maintenance and repair, he states, has shown to prolong the lives of most roofs as much as 50 percent.

Even if your home isn’t currently leaking, you still have options for ensuring the continued integrity of your Oklahoma City property’s roof. A quarterly, biannual or annual maintenance contract through a reputable roofing company can prolong the life of your roof and provide you regular, detailed information about its status.

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction’s maintenance contracts can be negotiated for a nominal fee to include automatic quarterly, biannual or annual inspection of your residential or commercial property. Under Arrowstar’s maintenance contracts, a trained professional will come and inspect your property’s roof at the recurrence of your choice and perform a full, detailed inspection. Also included in Arrowstar’s maintenance contracts are minor repairs performed to roof drains, vents, wall and pipe flashings, and full cleaning of debris from the roof that can clog drains and gutters.

At the end of a maintenance contract inspection, Arrowstar will e-mail or deliver full written summaries and technical reports to the customer along with photos of potential problems, if any, and recommendations/estimates for additional maintenance work if required.

As a bonded and insured company with its family roots in Oklahoma, you can also trust that Arrowstar will stick by its promises. We live here. We’re Oklahomans just like you. Arrowstar Roofing & Construction will still be here when you do have a warranty or service-related issue, and generally ensure your overall satisfaction as an Arrowstar Customer.

The point, however, is that fall and winter as just as important seasons for Oklahoma roof maintenance as is the spring storm season. If your roof is leaking, or if it’s just been a while since you last checked its condition, Arrowstar advises regular maintenance and/or inspection through a qualified Oklahoma City roofing contractor to ensure the continued well-being of your home or business roof… and ultimately… all that rests beneath it.

For more information, call (405) 365-6577 or visit arrowstarroofing.com.

OKC Homeowners: Is your roof ready for winter?

Your Central Oklahoma home’s roof is the first line of defense against rain, snow, cold air and harsh weather. To keep it in top shape, experts recommend performing a roof inspection twice a year.

Look for missing shingles or deteriorated flashing (the metal that seals bends and joints on skylights, chimneys, etc.). More than 90 percent of roof damage occurs in these two areas and catching it early can be key to preventing bigger problems. Try these additional tips:

When To Inspect

Check your roof in spring, and then again in the fall or winter, before the worst weather seasons set in.

What To Look For

• Examine the roof edge for wind damage or damage caused by driving rain and ice dams. The dams occur when water freezes and backs up under the roofing system.

• Inspect your roof for signs of mold, algae and mildew growth. Signs include dark spots and discoloration on the shingles.

Roof Maintenance

Leaves, sticks and other debris can cause water to back up and flow under a roof, so be sure to clean out your gutters and roof drains regularly. Also be sure to check that all gutters are securely fastened to the house and that downspouts are pointing away from your home.

If You Spot Damage

If your inspection reveals roof damage, be sure to work with professional roof contractors who are bonded, insured and use quality materials. They can keep you from having to spend money on costly future repairs and prolong the life of your roof.

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction is fully bonded and insured, offering free estimates for home and business owners in the Metro Oklahoma City and surrounding area. With over 35 years experience as third-generation roofing professionals, Arrowstar is more than capable of identifying key roof and structural problems that it can address through budget-friendly repair, maintenance and re-roofing options.

Inspecting your roof twice a year can protect your home from serious Oklahoma weather damage. If you’re not confident—or unable—to inspect your roof personally, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction also offers annual maintenance contracts. According to your needs, Arrowstar will come out yearly, biannually or quarterly to inspect your roof for damage. In addition to providing you with a detailed written report of your roof’s condition, we’ll also clear your roof and gutters of all debris and perform minor repairs as part of your maintenance contract… informing you if more serious work is potentially needed.

For a free estimate, or more information on Arrowstar’s annual maintenance contracts, log on to www.arrowstarroofing.com or call us today at (405) 365-6577.