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What Are Roof Rafters?

Rafters are basic structural components that are critical for roof construction. These components stretch from the hip or ridge to the external wall, providing a solid foundation for the installation of roof shingles or tiles. Roofers install rafters side-by-side and use materials, such as timber or steel.

While rafters take a good amount of time to be cut, built and assembled on-site, they are usually available at a cheaper price than trusses. However, installing rafters also requires the expertise of professionals. One particular advantage of using rafters is that the frame of the roof can be modified without compromising the structure. A rafter construction is better suited for smaller homes. 

What Are Roof Trusses?

Trusses are a popular alternative to rafters. According to roof replacement specialists, its construction takes the shape of A-frames that are installed as one piece and may be flat to provide adequate space in the attic. Like rafters, trusses are commonly made of steel or wood.

Installing trusses requires exact specifications since these structures are pre-assembled and constructed at a factory. Since trusses are prefabricated, they are usually more expensive than rafters, although the labor involved to build and install rafters is comparatively higher. If you want to alter a truss roof, a qualified engineer’s consultation would normally be needed. Truss construction is more appropriate for bigger structures.

Contact Us for Your Roofing Needs Today!

Mpact Roofing is a premier source of affordable and high-quality exterior improvement services, including roof replacement and storm damage repair. Call our professional team today at 512-535-2053, or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation quote. We work with homeowners in and around Pflugerville, TX.

Every Hailstone Can Be Damaging

There’s no getting around it – hailstones of any size can cause damage depending on the roof’s overall condition and the speed at which the hailstone makes contact with it. Here’s a quick overview of the extent of damage your roof may sustain from different-sized hailstones:

• Dime-sized: Hailstones of this size are not usually harmful, but they can still cause some amount of wear and tear on aging or already-damaged asphalt shingles. 
• Quarter-sized: When hailstones of this size crash against your roof, they can wear away the material and speed up its erosion. Even an asphalt shingle roof in relatively good condition won’t be exempt to the damage these create, especially if they fall at higher velocities. 
• Half dollar-sized: Hailstones that get to this size can pose significant risk to your roofing system. They are large enough to damage newer shingles and break slate and tile roofing. Half dollar-sized hailstones can even dent metal roofing – an option known for being impervious to impact damage. When large hailstones have pelted your roof, make sure to schedule a prompt inspection and storm damage repair from your premier local roofer, Mpact Roofing.

Why Invest in Our Storm Damage Repairs?

For starters, these help prevent further damage to your roofing system. When hailstones crash against your roof, they leave cracks and dents where water can seep inside. Overlooking hail damage results in major leaks, which encourages mold growth and rot. These, in turn, can weaken the roof structure. Not only that: hail can also knock off the protective granules of your shingle roofing, making the system less weather-resistant. You can avoid all these by going for prompt storm damage repairs from Mpact Roofing.

Aside from exterior renovation, Mpact Roofing can also handle your hail roof damage repair in Pflugerville, TX. With our top-tier solutions and professional team, we’ll restore your roof to rights and prolong its service life. We proudly serve the areas in and around Pflugerville and Sulphur Springs, TX. Call us today at 512-535-2053 to schedule your roof evaluation. We’d love to hear from you!

Water Damage

Sloped roofs promote rainwater runoff toward the gutters and downspouts during inclement weather. Over time, however, water can seep through imperfections on the roof surface, causing water damage. The presence of moisture increases the likelihood of mold growth and wood rot. These can wreak havoc on your roof’s structural integrity, causing it to sag.

Excess Weight on Roof

Residential and commercial roofing systems are designed to withstand both live and dead loads to ensure structural safety and prevent the potential of collapse. Live loads pertain to foot traffic, snow and other temporary objects on the roof while dead loads refer to the weight of the entire structure, including the rafters, decking and roofing material. Aging and long-term deterioration can lead to a slight dip in the roofline, requiring an immediate inspection and repair.

Improper Construction

The roof’s structural components, particularly the joints and the rafters, must be constructed correctly to make sure its entire weight pushes down on the ridgeline before being distributed down through the other parts of your home. If not built properly, the whole structure could sag and become unstable.

The good news is that a sagging roof can be fixed without having to entirely replace the roof. Unless it is beyond its expected lifespan, the structure can be bolstered so that it can support its weight. If it is newly constructed and still within warranty, the roofers who installed it may conduct repairs, especially if there’s an installation error.

Mpact Roofing is a local roofing company with the in-depth industry knowledge and experience needed to tackle any project. From simple residential roofing to complex commercial projects, our team of excellent roofers has the expertise you want. Count on us for your other exterior improvement needs, including gutters in Pflugerville, TX and gutter guards installation. Call 512-535-2053 to request a free estimate.

Signs Your Roof Decking is Damaged

Meanwhile, here’s what you need to look for to find out if your roof decking is damaged:

1. Water Spots

Water spots or stains on your ceiling are likely indications that your roof has sustained a leak. However, keep in mind that it may not necessarily be directly above the marks on your ceiling. After all, water can travel along the joists for quite a distance before it finally drips down on your ceiling. If you see water spots on your ceiling or walls, contact a roofing expert right away. 

2. Peeling Wallpaper

If you have wallpaper, you may not see water spots on your walls. Instead, your first indication may be a peeling wallpaper. As the moisture loosens the adhesive on the wallpaper, wallpaper may start bubbling or peeling away from the wall. If you notice this, you need a roof inspection as soon as possible. The roof leaks could be older with more extensive damage than when you spot water stains on your ceilings or walls. 

3. Mold or Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive where moisture is present. Although mold infestations are most common in the lower areas of homes or near leaky pipes or sinks, mold can also grow in the attic beneath a leaky roof. If you find signs of mold or mildew growth in your attic, your roof decking is probably compromised. It’s important to replace your roof decking immediately as mold can be extremely toxic to those with allergies or asthma. 

4. Sagging Ceiling

Rotted roof decking can affect the structural integrity of your roof. Soaked or waterlogged decking can warp, and over time, your roofline or ceiling may start sagging. A sagging ceiling or roofline may be visible from the exterior or interior. Most homeowners will take action when they spot the first sign of sagging instead of waiting for the damage to spread across their entire roofline. 

When it comes to rotting roof decking in Pflugerville, TX, repairs aren’t an option. Instead, it must be fully replaced. For quality roofing services, you can count on Mpact Roofing. Our factory-certified roofers have durable materials, innovative services and competitive warranties to guarantee long-lasting protection for your roof. Call us at512-535-2053 to get a free estimate.

Know Your Options

Two of the most popular roofing underlayment options are felt paper and synthetic plastic sheets. Felt is made from fiberglass or cellulose dipped in an asphalt mixture. It usually comes with an adhesive layer on one side for easier installation. 

Synthetic plastic sheets are made from polypropylene and a mixture of polymers. They often withstand moisture better than felt and don’t weigh as much. Since they are lightweight, professionals can install them faster than felt. This option is ideal for warm climates since it provides ultraviolet (UV) damage protection.  

Consider What Roofing Material You Have

The material covering your roof is a significant factor to consider when choosing your underlayment. For instance, felt is ideal for traditional asphalt shingles. Fifteen-pound roofing felt should give sufficient protection while allowing good airflow. Do you own a metal roofing system? If so, synthetic plastic sheets are the more reasonable choice. It’s because metal roofs absorb heat more quickly than other materials. 

Choose an Option Best for Your Climate

Another essential factor to consider is your location. Synthetic underlayment’s work best in warmer climates. However, high-quality felt is great for areas prone to storms and harsh weather. If you’re still unsure which to choose, you can always consult an experienced local roofer. 

At Mpact Roofing, we are dedicated to providing superior roof replacement and repair services. You can count on our experienced team, regardless of how big or small your project is. Call us at 512-535-2053 (Pflugerville) or (903) 413-3806 (Sulphur Springs) to get a free estimate. Contact us for your roof underlayment in Pflugerville, TX.

More About Policies

This practice is quickly becoming common place and accepted practice by many states and Departments of Insurance.  Unfortunately, most legislatures and DOI’s are not paying attention to what is going on with the world of Property Insurance, sadly, to the detriment of their constituents.  I am by no means an expert when it comes to coverage, however, I can tell you what I have seen happen to the industry since I first started handling insurance claims in 1994.   I fear this trend will continue unless the end users, Policy Holders, wake up and start looking for better coverage.    Many agents have no clue that these policies contain a writer that converts your roof into an ACV policy.   As long as insurance companies are able to change your coverage without your knowledge, this trend will continue.

Please review your policy every year and please ensure that you have a Full Replacement Cost Policy on your entire home.   Getting hit with a $4,000.00 deductible and then finding out that the $5,400.00 depreciation on your roof is non-recoverable will likely end your savings!

Please, let us know at Mpact Roofing if we can help you with your roofing needs like with roof replacement in Pflugerville, TX. Visit our website or call us at 512-535-2053.

Best of Luck with your claim if you decide to handle on your own!

When You Shouldn’t Worry About Granule Loss

It’s common and normal for new roofs to shed some granules. During manufacturing, granules are embedded into asphalt shingles. What falls off during and after installation are likely just the excess from the manufacturing process. These granules may also fall off during packaging, shipping, and when it rains. 

If you’ve noticed shingle granules fall off after your exterior renovation, pay close attention to your roof. You’ll need to get in touch with the installer if it appears that the shingles are shedding a significant amount of granules. It could be that your roof is experiencing premature granule loss due to a product defect. 

When to Call Your Roofer

Granule loss can also occur due to blistering shingles. Extreme weather conditions, aging and wear and tear can cause moisture to penetrate and build up inside the shingles. As a result, blisters will start to rise from their surface. Your roof requires repair if it has blisters and is losing granules. 

Moreover, granules loss is a common indication that a roof is reaching the end of its life. After years of exposure to the elements, granules will naturally loosen from the shingles and eventually fall off. Extreme weather events, especially hailstorms, increase the likelihood of granule loss. 

To determine if you need a roof repair or replacement, contact an experienced contractor for an inspection. At Mpact Roofing, you can count on us for your residential roofing in Pflugerville, TX and storm damage needs. Call us at 512-535-2053 to get a free estimate.

Here’s What You Need To Do

Check for Injuries

When a tree falls on your roof, make sure to check if your family has sustained injuries from the incident. Once you’re sure that they’re safe, you can proceed to inspect the roof. However, if the weather still hasn’t subsided, you need to wait until it’s safe to go out and check your roof. 

Assess the Damage

Depending on the extent of the damage, you’ll probably need to vacate your home safely, especially if you suspect that the tree is going to completely fall through your roof. Once it’s safe to go out, walk around your home, and check your roof from ground level to assess how much damage your roof has sustained from the fallen tree. Never attempt to go up yourself as you’ll risk a roof collapse.

Call Your Insurance Provider and Emergency Services

If the tree took down the electrical lines as it fell, it most likely resulted in a power outage. Make sure to call 911 as soon as possible to avoid risking fire or electrical shock. You’ll also need to get in touch with your insurance provider and discuss how the company will cover the costs for the tree removal as well as the needed roof replacement. 

Call in a Professional Roofer

As soon as you assess the damage on your roof, call in a trusted contractor as soon as possible. The pros will be able to make emergency repairs to mitigate and take care of the damages on your roof. Keep in mind that if your tree fell on your roof after a severe storm, don’t hire contractors or “storm chasers” who are going around the neighborhood offering their services at cheap rates. The prices may be attractive, but it will most likely mean low-quality workmanship.

Roofing contractors should also have the right licenses and credentials to operate so that you can be sure that your roof gets repaired professionally. And with Mpact Roofing, we’ll get the job done right whether you need professional roofing or exterior renovation services in Pflugerville, TX. Reach us at 512-535-2053!

1.  What are sectional and seamless gutters? Sectional gutters are an affordable choice for homeowners looking to save money on professional gutter installations. Because they come in lightweight sections, they’re usually easy to handle, assemble and install. They are, however, more prone to leaking than their seamless counterparts. This gutter system type runs continuously from one end of the roof to the other, reducing the likelihood of leaks.

2.  Which gutter fasteners do you use? Make sure you ask the installer about this when you plan your gutter project. The older method of fastening gutters involves the use of nails or spikes. Each one goes through the outside of the gutter, passes through the inside and attaches to the fascia board and rafter. Over time,  however, the gutters could sag and detach from your home due to the weight of water. Screws, on the other hand, are more reliable because they’re less likely to pull away from the fascia.

3. Should I choose aluminum over galvanized gutters? When it comes to gutter systems, two materials come to mind: galvanized steel and aluminum. The former was the standard for years due to its malleability and ease of installation. It can, however, become prone to decay and corrosion. Later on, the latter became the go-to choice for most gutter installers and is currently the industry standard. Apart from its strength and durability, it can be easily formed by a gutter machine on-site.

Mpact Roofing has full-service gutter solutions in Pflugerville, TX that can protect your property for many years to come. With our experience and skill, we can customize a drainage plan that meets your home’s unique needs. Count on us for your roofing and storm damage needs as well! Call 512-535-2053 to get a free estimate.

What Are Roof Rafters?

Rafters are basic structural components that are critical for roof construction. These components stretch from the hip or ridge to the external wall, providing a solid foundation for the installation of roof shingles or tiles. Roofers install rafters side-by-side and use materials, such as timber or steel.

While rafters take a good amount of time to be cut, built, and assembled on-site, they are usually available at a cheaper price than trusses. However, installing rafters also requires the expertise of professionals. One particular advantage of using rafters is that the frame of the roof can be modified without compromising the structure. A rafter construction is better suited for smaller homes. 

What Are Roof Trusses?

Trusses are a popular alternative to rafters. According to roof replacement specialists, its construction takes the shape of A-frames that are installed as one piece and may be flat to provide adequate space in the attic. Like rafters, trusses are commonly made of steel or wood.

Installing trusses requires exact specifications since these structures are pre-assembled and constructed at a factory. Since trusses are prefabricated, they are usually more expensive than rafters, although the labor involved to build and install rafters is comparatively higher. If you want to alter a truss roof, a qualified engineer’s consultation would normally be needed. Truss construction is more appropriate for bigger structures.

Contact Us for Your Roofing Needs Today!

Mpact Roofing is a premier source of affordable and high-quality exterior improvement services, including roof replacement and storm damage repair in Pflugerville, TX. Call our professional team today at 512-535-2053 to request a free, no-obligation quote. We work with homeowners in and around Pflugerville, TX.