Central Florida is well...a unique place. From the unique flora and fauna to the ubiquitous and somewhat notorious "Florida Man," we have our share of oddities in the Sunshine State. The fact that we live in such an amazing and interesting location means that we also face certain challenges. Storm damage in Central Florida can be brutal. Choosing the right materials for your roof is a must when installing, re-doing, or making repairs. Today we take a look at a few different materials that are popular in our area and how the right roofing contractor can help you make your Florida home look and function at its best.

By far the most popular material used in roofing today are asphalt shingles. Shingles are usually the most affordable option. They also last a long time and look nice on most houses. Houses with sloped roofs look especially attractive when covered in shingles. While shingles are prone to storm damage, they usually hold up fairly well in inclement weather. Another advantage to choosing shingles is that if one or two are damaged or fall off during a storm, you don't need to replace the entire roof. It is totally possible to replace individual damaged asphalt shingles as needed.

Red-tile roofs are often found on Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes. The beautiful color of red-tile roofs really bring out the best in these style homes and look amazing with stucco siding. Larger, ranch-style homes can also be outfitted with tile roofs completely changing their look in the process. While tile often gets a bad reputation for being easily damaged, it is actually quite resilient. The shape and construction of tiles allow for much greater wind resistance than other materials.

In addition, consumers are no longer limited to clay or slate tiles. Synthetic tiles look every bit as attractive but often come at a fraction of the cost. That, coupled with lower maintenance, repair, and replacement costs create a real win for the homeowner and helps the environment, too.

Whatever your  choice of materials, tile is so strong that a properly installed tile roof can withstand winds of more than 150 miles per hour. 

Metal is an attractive and versatile material when it comes to roofing. In addition to being affordable to install, metal roofing can actually save homeowners additional money on energy costs. As we noted here, metal roofs reflect more sunlight than asphalt or tile roofs. Metal roofs that are painted using special colors and coatings (these are often referred to as "low-glare" roofs) will reflect even more harmful UV rays. The result is a cooler house and a lower energy bill when the weather is hot. In other words...all year round in our neck of the woods.

While mostly found on commercial buildings, flat roofs have been incorporated nicely into contemporary residential architecture plans in the last few years. Gravel is an excellent choice for covering flat roofs and protecting your structure from critter damage. A TPO (or thermoplastic polyolefin) roof is another excellent choice if you're looking for durability. TPO is not really a plastic as its name suggests but rather a blend of different types of rubber. This substance forms a membrane over the roof that is ultra-strong and made to last.

No matter what material you decide on for your next roof, Nations Roofing & Construction LLC has you covered. We work with all brands and products. Please give us a call today at 813-485-4440 to schedule your free consultation. 

Choosing a new roof can be can be overwhelming. You find yourself asking: What materials should I choose? How much can I afford to spend? Will I be able to find the right roofing contractor to complete the job on budget and on time? All of these questions are bound to come up in the process.
A question that ​we often hear is: "Won't metal roofing make my house hotter?" The answer to this question is a resounding...NO! If anything, the inverse of this is true. Let's take a look at a bit of the science behind roofing materials and why choosing a metal roof for your Florida home or business is most likely in your best interest.

.The basic fact is that even unpainted metal roofs will reflect more sunlight than asphalt roofs. This phenomenon is amplified when metals roofs are painted using the proper coatings and colors. These roofs (often referred to as "low-glare" roofs) mostly reflect UV rays. These are the most damaging type of rays, not only for your roof but also for your skin. This is good news for home and business owners who have metal roofs. In addition to looking spectacular, metal roofs may actually keep your structure cooler. Who doesn't want their house to be as cool as possible, especially in those scorching summer months?

Would you describe your energy costs during the Summer as going "through the roof" compared to the other times of year? Costs may actually be high because of your roof. Shoddy installation techniques and cheap materials can make your roof extremely energy inefficient whereas, many metal roofs are so energy efficient that they can be called ENERGY STAR-qualified. These are known as "cool roofs." Cool roofs are given the title based on their total reflective and thermal emittance abilities or the amount of absorbed energy a material absorbs and releases back into the atmosphere.  Cool roofs are able to release the maximum amount of energy back into the atmosphere instead of causing temperatures in the structure to rise. These roofs are so efficient, in fact, that they may be able to lower roof temperatures by as much as 50 percent! Think about how much cooler that would make your structure.

Proper installation of your new metal roof is also a key factor in keeping your home or business cool. Appropriate ventilation and proper insulation can also have a drastic effect on inside temperatures no matter what the weather outside is like. Be sure to check building codes in your area to ensure that the insulation you are using meets or exceeds basic standards. Also make sure that your roofing contractor is using the highest quality materials. Doing so can save you big money, up to 40 percent on annual energy costs in some cases.
If you've decided that a metal roof is right for you, we here at Nations Roofing & Construction, LLC would love the chance to earn your business. Give us a call today at 813-485-4440 to speak with one of our helpful customer service professionals. A cooler roof is in your future! 

Your home's roof is a lot like your left arm: you don't really think about it until it isn't working properly. Most homeowners do not prepare for major replacement projects and are therefore caught off guard when it comes time to replace the roof. Roof replacement can be costly. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average roof replacement cost in the United States will cost between $5,000 and $11,000. That's no small sum! Even if you do have this kind of money lying around, chances are you will want to minimize costs. Here are some tips and tricks to keeping costs down for your next re-roofing project. 

​As the old saying goes: success is 90% preparation and 10% perspiration. From taking successful vacations to having a new roof installed, preparation is key. Failing to plan can mean higher costs in the long run. Before your project begins, take time to consider a few different considerations with regard to your roof. The pitch of your roof, the size of your house, and what materials you would like your roofing contractor to use should all be thought about ahead of time. Getting estimates from several different roofing companies will allow you to compare prices and find a plan that fits your budget. As always, only work with licensed roofing contractors and never with unlicensed ones.

In many cases, roof replacement projects are unforeseen and cannot wait to be repaired. If your roof is damaged by inclement weather during a storm, it will need to be replaced without delay. Do you have a method for roof financing in place? It is always best to have a plan in place before it becomes an issue. It is also recommended that you avoid making any changes to your plan once work has begun. Any alterations made are likely to delay and/or add considerable costs to your project. The only changes you need to make to your plan should be ones involving issues that may not have been discovered during the planning phase of your project. 

You've formed a meticulous plan. You know what your budget is and how you're going to pay for your new roof. Now you need a professional roofing company in Hernando County to get the job done right! The right company for your project should conduct a thorough inspection and provide you with a detailed estimate before work begins. This company should also work with you on developing a plan that fits your budget. Be sure to discuss what materials will be used, how many laborers will be working on the project, and how long the project will take ahead of time.

If you've decided that it's time for a new roof, give us at Nations Roofing & Construction Company, LLC a call today at 813-485-4440. We are standing by to take your call and provide the best service possible. Don't wait until it's too late, we would love the opportunity to help with your next roofing project.

You're in business to make money. You're good at what you do. You try and minimize costs and maximize profits. After all, you wouldn't be a good businessperson if you didn't. While cutting costs is part of your job, doing so in the wrong places can ultimately lead to disaster. It may be tempting to forgo preventative roofing maintenance. It's a cost that doesn't yield immediate results and it can seem pointless at times. Hey...if there's no water coming through the roof when it rains, what's the point?

While roofing maintenance projects may not seem like an important expenditure, failure to properly maintain your commercial building's roof can have a terribly detrimental impact on your budget in the future. This is especially true for roof maintenance in central Florida, where storms can cause severe damage to commercial roofs. Having a plan for preventative roof maintenance is not only necessary from a safety standpoint, it WILL save you money in the long run!

In a recent interview with Buildings Magazine, Cushman and Wakefield's Senior Director of Reliability Engineering David Auton was quoted as saying:

“Run to fail or repair easily costs somewhere between three and 10 times as much as a good maintenance program. When the equipment does fail, the actual repair costs are exorbitant, and you typically didn’t plan for them so there’s a financial issue." 

You may have heard of commercial property company Cushman and Wakefield. They did over 8 billion dollars worth of business last year.

Auton went on to say:

“The equipment also usually doesn’t live to its expected life, so you’re having to do capital replacement sooner than if you had maintained it well to begin with. You’re also not getting productivity. If a piece of critical equipment fails, are you just going to send everybody home for a few days while you find the parts to fix it? You’re not helping your company by having all these unexpected severe events.”

That's an excellent point...

You depend on your car and it needs to be reliable. Regular maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations are absolutely vital to keep your car running smoothly. Think about what would happen to your car if you didn't change your oil for example. Your engine would cease to function and you would be stranded without a ride! The roof of your building is similar. If you devise and abide by a regular preventative maintenance plan, you will keep your roof intact and your employees dry when it rains. 

In 2005, the United States Department of Energy (DoE) enacted a roof maintenance program for multiple buildings that they occupy around the country. As of the date of this writing, the DoE has saved over $7 million in construction costs, increased the average remaining life of their roofs by 25 percent, and eliminated $46 million in deferred maintenance costs. I would say that's a resounding success!

If you are looking for a commercial roofing contractor who can help you develop a preventative maintenance plan for your building, look no further than Nations Roofing. We would be happy to speak with you about your needs as soon as possible. Please give us a call today at  (813) 485-4440 and let us know how we can help!

Just about every homeowner who has experienced storm damage in central Florida can tell you how terrible it is. Weathering storms can be a scary ordeal, and damage to your home is something no one wants to deal with. To make matters worse, heavy storms also seem to bring scam artists out of the woodwork. We here at Nations Roofing would hate to see anyone get taken for a ride by these unsavory characters. In an effort to help you avoid being swindled, today we take a look at how you can identify and avoid scam artists looking to make a quick and dirty buck.

Never, and we mean never, hire a roofing contractor who is not licensed and insured. Always ask for a copy of their most recent Certificate of Insurance and review this document to ensure that it provides enough coverage if claims are made or other issues occur.

All roofs are different. While some may appear fairly similar, every roof has its own unique characteristics and idiosyncrasies. A reputable roofer would not dare to give you a quote for fixing storm damage without thoroughly inspecting it and analyzing it first. If you are contacted by someone who tells you that they can provide you an accurate quote without physically inspecting your roof first, chances are they intend to try and raise their prices during, or after, the job is finished. 

A dishonorable contractor may tell you that they can finish the job in a timely manner, but subsequently lack the time, materials, and workers to do so. A quick Internet search will certainly yield testimonials from past clients. Be careful if you see any reviews that mention taking a lot longer than expected to finish the job.  It's a good idea to state in no uncertain terms that you want the work to your house finished by a certain date, and insist that this date be placed into your contract. The last thing you want is to hire a contractor who can't complete their work on time.

Finding the right contractor after a storm can be stressful. The process can be even more stressful if you don't find the right contractor and end up hiring a scam artist. By doing a bit of research and asking the right questions, you can avoid disaster and hire the right company for the job.

If you're looking for a solid and dependable roofing company, look no further than Nations Roofing. Give us a call today at (813) 485-4440 and let us know what we can do for you!

Everyone enjoys watching squirrels scamper and scurry around the yard. After all, what's not to like? Squirrels are cute and entertaining to observe going about their business.  While it may be fun to have them around, squirrels can also cause major damage to the various parts of your roof. Since a squirrel's teeth and claws are constantly growing, they need to chew on wood and other materials to keep them from getting too long. Your house and roof are perfect for completing this task, and any damage done may necessitate the need for a professional roofing contractor to make repairs. In addition to damage caused by biting and scratching, squirrels may leave urine and feces in your attic or other parts of the house if they are able to make a hole big enough to get through and gain access...yuck!

So...what can we do to stop our furry little friends from damaging our roofs in a humane and responsible way? First and foremost, we recommend that you have your trees trimmed on a regular basis. Squirrels are excellent jumpers and can cover incredible distances between tree branches and structures. Branches should be trimmed back so that they are at least ten feet away from your roof. We also recommend that you keep any bird feeders as far as possible from your roof. Bird feeders are an easy source of food for squirrels and will attract several if you aren't careful about proper placement.

If you've noticed that squirrels have already taken a liking to your roof, you can apply a repellent such as capsaicin to the areas that the squirrels are frequenting. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in pepper spray and is sold in the form of an animal repellent in most hardware stores. The pungent and unpleasant odor from this spray may be enough to drive away any unwanted guests. Another option is to use a sonic repellent device that emits a high-pitched sound to keep squirrels away. Fortunately for us, these noise that these devices make are too high in pitch for humans to hear so you will not be annoyed as well.

It is a good idea to check your roof and walls periodically for holes that squirrels could potentially use to get into your home. It is also a good idea to go into your attic from time to time and look for any bite or claw marks, missing insulation, or other damage that may have been caused by squirrels. Always remember to take a flashlight and a dust mask with you when doing so.

Too late for prevention? Squirrels have chewed and scratched up your roof and made your attic their new home. What should you do? First and foremost, call an exterminator or other animal specialist and have them removed from inside your house. Any repair work will be accomplished for nothing if there are squirrels living inside your actual home. Once this is done, give us a call at (813) 485-4440 to set up an free roof inspection. We will be happy to come out and let you know how we can help repair the damage, and what can be done to prevent additional damage in the future. Don't let your furry friends become your worst enemies!

A new roof will add new life to your home. Whether damaged by nature or just worn out over time, your old roof can be much more than just an eyesore. In addition to making your house susceptible to leaks and water damage, your old roof is probably costing you money in wasted energy. Today we take a look at some of the advantages of installing new roofing, and how hiring a licensed and responsible roofing contractor can add major value to your home.

If you're thinking about selling your home, a new roof can be a tremendous asset. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer. Would you be more likely to buy a home with a brand new roof or a home in need of a roof replacement within the next few years? A new roof can also add a great deal of "curb appeal" to your home and thus increase its potential sales price. Take a look at this shake shingle roof installation in Hernando County that Nations Roofing recently completed. Can you imagine the difference in seeing a roof like this versus an old roof could potentially make with a prospective buyer?

A new roof can also save you the massive headache of dealing with building inspection issues. A home's roof is one of the most visible components of the structure, and is likely to be heavily scrutinized during the inspection process. Installing a new roof on your home can help you avoid potential roadblocks when selling.

In addition to the added value to your home, a new roof installation will save you money and help to alleviate stress in other ways. As we mentioned previously, your old roof may be costing you big money in wasted energy. The asphalt roof shingles featured in the photo above are designed with "cool roof technology" and even have an ENERGY STAR® rating. These shingles reflect heat from the sun instead of absorbing it. The end result is less heat being trapped in your home...and a reduction in your energy bill.

​You will have to pay for a new roof. While I realize this is a shocking revelation, it is the truth and it is important to understand what your costs will be going into any project. According to this survey conducted by HomeAdvisor.com, most homeowners in the United States can expect to pay between $5,347 and $10,539 for a brand new roof. This number can fluctuate of course, depending on the pitch of the roof and the materials used. We here at Nations Roofing realize that this is no small chunk of change, which is why we do our best to provide you with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship in the business.

​Without doubt, having a new roof installed is a major investment, but it will increase the value of your house dramatically. It can also save you money on your energy bill and a great deal of stress when going through the inspection process. We at Nations Roofing realize that you have a choice when it comes to roofing companies. We would like the chance to provide you with the best possible service at the best possible price. Please reach out to us today at (813) 485-4440 and let us know what we can do for you!