Beware of Storm Damage Roofers

By Dave Locklear, Owner
Arrowstar Roofing & Construction

Arrowstar Roofing would like to remind home and business owners to beware of ‘fly-by-night’ or door-to-door roofing companies. These companies travel to hail storms around the country and present themselves as being a local company. Most will do a substandard job with their only intention being to get your money as fast as possible, then moving on to the next storm.

Some ‘fly-by-night’ roofing companies do acceptable work, however, if you have a leak or warranty issue 2 to 3 months down the road, the company can rarely be found as they have moved on to another location.

One giveaway of ‘fly-by-night’ salesmanis that they usually have an out-of-state phone number or an out-of-state tag. However, this may not always be the case as some large storm-chasing companies have the means to furnish their salesman with local phones as soon as they hit town.

Oklahoma is a key state for ‘fly-by-night’ companies because we do not require roofing companies to be licensed. Even though local companies have lobbied our state legislature to make roofing licensing mandatory just like plumbers, electricians and heating and air companies, the fact remains that Oklahoma has yet to act in this important matter. The sad part is, roof licensing in Oklahoma would eliminate homeowners from being taken advantage of.

Remember that Arrowstar Roofing is a family owned and operated company, with a continuous lifelong commitment to quality roofing in Oklahoma since 1942.

“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.