Dallas Roofer or DIY?

I was reading a few stories the other day where something in the person’s day goes horribly wrong. The reason behind the misadventure and disaster is sometimes caused by unfortunate luck, but most of the time, it’s because of a miscalculation, poor judgment or stupidity. Because I work in the roofing industry, I began to search for stories about accidents on the roof. I wasn’t surprised to find that there were quite a few results. I thought I would write about what I read and how to help you all avoid those situations.

A gentleman from Canada decided to fix his roof leak instead of hiring someone in order to save some money. As he climbed onto the roof, the ladder fell. Somehow, as it was falling, it broke three windows and ripped the siding off his house.

This may have been avoided by tying off the ladder onto something stable, but overlooking minor details like that usually ends up costing more money than the savings from doing the project yourself. Like this next guy from California…

He, too, decided to fix some leaks of his own. He worked from home and enjoyed little projects around the house. At the end of a long day on the roof, he stepped inside to rest in his home office. As he sat at his desk, he saw that pesky leak at it again (this time onto his drenched laptop). $2500 worth of damage to save $500.

The problem with this situation is that there are too many possible causes of the leak. While he was sure the leak began in the area above where the water was leaking into his home, it could have actually started feet away. In fact, it might not have even been a roof leak at all! If he would have called a roofing specialist to give him a free estimate, he might have found out that it was a busted pipe.

Other stories I read include:

A woman sitting on the edge of her roof, only to fall off along with the gutter; a man trimming his trees who ended up with a branch through his roof; and animals in the attic keeping a family awake night after night.

All of these scenarios could have been avoided with either better planning or hiring a professional. That’s not to say these people weren’t capable, but their mistakes cost them more in the long run. When you find a professional to perform the work, you’re getting more than just quality results… you’re getting a promise. You can’t guarantee or warranty your own work, but a contractor can. Just be sure to weigh the risks and rewards before you decide to take a chance on causing more damage to your home.

JSurface

Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade

It wasn’t originally known as Mardi Gras, but this mid-winter celebration of the Roman god of fertility, Lupercus, spread throughout Europe and into the Americas. Since early Christians realized that it was better to incorporate pagan beliefs into their religion than to completely abolish them, celebrations such as Mardi Gras live on.

This fantastic holiday adorned with bright colors and beads was originally brought to the Americas by the French. During Spanish rule, the celebration was briefly outlawed, but by 1827, street masking was once again legalized!

Enough with the history lesson! Let’s talk about what’s relevant now.

This year’s Mardi Gras party in Oak Cliff brought hundreds of spectators and tens of krewes down W. Davis St. The crowds were wild with “bead-lust”, and fortunately for them, there were plenty of beads to go around. Some krewes were so anxious to satisfy the crowd’s demand for the plastic jewelry that they left the giant crowd at the end of the parade empty handed.

There were floats by all kinds of organizations around Oak Cliff. Our friends at The Well, Dallas Zoo, Arrington Roofing (of course), the hippie tribe from Winnetka Heights and Krewe La Rive Gauche, to name just a few, were all there for the grand finale parade.

Overall, this year’s Oak Cliff Mardi Gras parade was a great success! Make sure you come to next year’s carnival and catch some beads from Arrington Roofing!

Check out our entire photo gallery on Facebook!

Dallas Roofer in Las Vegas

Most independent contractors probably know of  Success Group International. Those who are roofers are likely to know their sub-organization, Roofers’ Success International, but those who don’t are missing out on a fun time in Las Vegas this week!

Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World, is the destination for roofers across the U.S. this week who belong to RSI. During this week’s conference, business owners (and sometimes their employees) will share success stories, learn the best defensive and offensive tactics in today’s market, network and even enjoy the great entertainment the city has to offer.

Although the RSI conventions have a lot of educational benefits, what makes the biggest difference is the energy brought home by the members. Everyone leaves these gatherings ready to take on the world; it reminds you of why you got into roofing in the first place. This boost in morale and optimism is key in maintaining forward momentum. This ultimately leads to many minor changes (and maybe a major change) in policy to increase our customer service, productivity and overall efficiency.

However, all of that talk about “synergy” and “bottom line” can get a little overwhelming, but that’s not a problem when you’re surrounded by an abundance of fun! Whether you prefer musicals, magic shows, plays, comedy or blackjack, there’s something for everyone in Vegas.

It looks like this week will be all work and all play for America’s roofers. We’re expecting big things in the weeks to come! Give us a call to see how we’re modifying our business to better serve Dallas.

The Roof Is On Fire!

Gloria’s Restaurant is on fire!

Native to Oak Cliff, Gloria’s has offered an award winning cuisine for over two decades. Everything on their Salvadoran/Mexican menu is absolutely delicious. Whether it’s the black bean dip, the papusas, their famous margaritas or (my personal favorite) platanos fritos, there is something for everyone at Gloria’s.

But unlike many of their newer locations, the original location has seen better days. The building probably couldn’t seat more than twenty tables, and the parking is found wanting. This would cause a lot of people to turn around if they didn’t know the glory (excuse the pun) that awaits inside.

However, this is all about to change. Gloria’s is getting a major upgrade; they’re converting an old fire station into what is being called “the new Number One location”. The “new Number One” will be located on the corner of W Davis St and N Bishop Ave. Complete with a firepole, fountains and a rooftop dining area overlooking Oak Cliff with a view of Downtown Dallas, the new Gloria’s is guaranteed to bring visitors from all across the Metroplex!

Although the end result will be extraordinary, the process to achieve all of this is no easy task. For this reason, the great people at Gloria’s have asked Arrington Roofing to re-roof the old fire station. Our part in this project is to rebuild and expand the existing rooftop so that everyone can enjoy margaritas under the stars in the spring for the Grand Opening.

I know that I’ll be there on opening night enjoying a margarita and platanos fritos. You should come by, say “hello” and admire a beautiful roof on a beautiful building. Salsa dancing, anyone?

— Josh Surface

ARRINGTON ROOFING HAS BEEN GOOGLED!

Anyone who has known Arrington Roofing knows that we have been on Google, but now we’re spreading the word!  Find us on Google Places by entering “Arrington Roofing” into Google or scanning our QR code with your smart phone. Go ahead and give us a review while you’re there.

Change in Oklahoma Law – Texas Next?

Recently in Oklahoma, a woman was nearly killed when a “roofer” scammed her out of $6000. This thief took her money and ran, but not before he covered her exhaust vents, trapping carbon monoxide inside of her home. In response, local roofers teamed up with area suppliers to replace her roof for free.

Incidents such as this have led to a new Roofing Contractor Registration Act in the state of Oklahoma. The act aims to protect homeowners and prevent future scams. The new law requires contractors to register with the state every year, prove they have workers’ compensation insurance and at least a half a million in liability insurance.

Government regulation is usually frowned upon, but legitimate roofers welcome this new law. The qualified contractors will now be able to differentiate themselves from the “fly by night” scam artists. Hopefully, this will lead to a more professional image for roofers and rebuild trust between contractors and homeowners.

Unfortunately, Texas has no regulations when it comes to roofing and roofing contractors. Anyone can grab a hammer and call themselves a roofer in Texas! Professional roofers in Texas take steps to become certified by private companies and organizations, but Texas  still has no official requirements to be a roofer. Be wary of unprofessional contractors, for they may take your money and run. ALWAYS ask for references and proof of insurance.

For a more permanent solution, write your congressman or congresswoman and let them know you want roofing license requirements in Texas. Protect yourself from fraud and theft!

*http://www.ok.gov/cib/Roofing_Contractors/
*http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/segment_2/new-oklahoma-state-law-protects-homeowners-in-need-of-roof-repair

TOP FIVE REASONS TO ENERGIZE YOUR ATTIC

This second section of the ABCs of Attic Energy Savings addresses the five ways that savings can be found using the methods listed last week:

• Reduced Energy Usage – Energy use reduction will result in savings on monthly utility bills that can range up to 30% in summer and up to 10% in winter.

• Mechanical Equipment Replacement Costs – Reduced run time on mechanical equipment means that the equipment will have more years of life.  Simply put, if equipment runs half as much it should have twice as many years of useful life.  Furthermore, while the attic equipment is designed to run in a heat saturated environment, not having to start up and overcome the residual temp of an additional 30 or 40 degrees means much less mechanical stress on the equipment. Excessive moisture in the attic will cause premature deterioration of metal and copper components in your air handling unit.

• Roof Replacement Costs – The life of a roof can be reduced by as much as half due to improperly vented attics.  This happens in three primary ways – The cool air on the underside of decks helps keep the shingles cool lengthening their useful life; The temperature swings from night time lows to daytime peaks and the speed at which that takes place puts a lot of thermal expansion stress on roofing and decking.  This can “loosen” a roof at fasteners as well as at seal tabs, making the system more subject to wind uplift. Finally improper ventilation can lead to build up of moisture in attics which deteriorates mechanical equipment, decking and in worst cases, structural framing.

• Energy Incentive Tax Credits – Up to a $1500 (calculated at 30% of cost of materials – not labor) tax credit is available to offset the cost of products designed to prevent heat loss or gain AND are considered insulating materials. The types of blown fiberglass insulation, gap sealer, attic stair tent and radiant barrier we use, all meet the criteria for this tax credit.

• Peak and Tiered Energy Rates – Peak and tiered energy rates will continue to be a way that energy companies motivate property owners to upgrade their homes.  It is speculated, as energy prices rise and some homeowners continue to maximize the efficiency of their homes, energy providers will make it more and more expensive not to have efficiency measures in place that minimize use during peak periods and help keep total use toward the lower end of tiered rates.

*Thanks to James Townsend and Rick Lawson for this informative article*

Chris Arrington Is A Happy Camper

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010.

It was a beautiful evening in Dallas, TX. The Texas State Fair was booming as UT and OU were battling it out. But something even more exciting was happening that Saturday. The Well Community, a non-profit organization focused on helping those recovering from mental illness, was having their weekly Saturday Night Life at Cliff Temple Baptist Church, but with one exciting addition:  The Happy Campers.

The Happy Campers are Chris Arrington, Rick Lawson, Tom Emery, Dave Rodriguez, Lee Sellers and Steve Pogue. This isn’t their first venture there either. Everyone loves the Happy Campers at the Well. As soon as the community members saw Chris Arrington and the gang, they complimented them on their performance last year.

While the service began with a special Happy Campers worship service, hamburgers made from Nitschke Natural Beef were being grilled to perfection outside.

Once the worship service was finished, burgers went fast! While everyone enjoyed their meal, they were entertained by the amazing comedian Max Katz, a Well member.

After eating, the Happy Campers got back up and played some classic rock tunes everyone enjoyed. “Wow, they’re great!” said Cat Surface, wife of the cook that night, “they sure know how to put on a good show.” It was her first time to see the Campers play, but it’ll surely not be her last.

“What a fun night — band, burgers, joy!” says Joel, a Well director, “Thanks for putting it all together.” Everyone clearly had a great time with Chris Arrington and the Happy Campers. Next year is sure to be even better.

THE ABC’S OF ATTIC ENERGY SAVINGS

Here is some general energy conservation information that should help in making educated decisions regarding energy saving upgrades to your home.  The first section describes the three systems that can be used to improve energy efficiency in the attic listed in the order of priority (not the sequence of the construction process) and some general information.

A.   ATTIC VENTILATION – We find that very few homes have proper attic ventilation.  They usually are under vented and almost always not in balance (providing an appropriate amount of roof top exhaust equal to net free square inches of soffit intake vents).  It is also important to keep moisture from accumulating in your attic space, preventing the creation of a favorable environment for mold & mildew. This item is ranked NO. 1 because its benefit is seen year round.

B.   ATTIC INSULATION– The International Code Council Energy Code (ICCEC) new home minimum is R-30 (12” of blown fiberglass) and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends R-49 (20”) in the North Texas region.  Insulation provides equal benefit year round… keeping heat in during winter & heat out during summer.  Prior to insulation installation, it is recommended to gap seal attic holes in top plates, around flues/pipes and beside chimneys.  Also, we have a product that forms a sealed insulated tent over attic stair openings so that drafts, dust and heat are controlled around stair openings (see attached scan of brochure). Baffles should be installed to allow proper airflow from soffit vents over the top of the insulation.

C.   RADIANT BARRIERS– We use a dual layer reinforced foil, which reflects 93% of radiant energy. To work better with the total system, we install the foil to the underside of the rafters.  This method allows for an air space between the rafters, through which we pull cooler fresh air from the soffit intakes and exhaust the heated air through properly sized attic exhaust vents.  The radiant barrier essentially allows us to isolate the heated air away from the main attic space and then remove it totally from the attic system, rather than have it trapped in a feedback loop between deck and radiant barrier.  We prioritize radiant barriers as third because to maximize the function of radiant barrier, you first need to have proper ventilation.    FYI  – Due to recent legal action, sprayed on type systems can no longer be referred to as Radiant Barriers but rather Interior Control Coating Systems (IRCCS) if they can reflect 75% or more of the radiant energy in tests.  The Reflective Insulation Manufactures Association (RIMA) recently tested 17 different coatings that performed in a range from 77% reflected to 11% reflected.  Out of the 17 tested only 4 reflected 75% or more, so only 4 were qualified to IRCCS, the other 13 failed this test. When it comes to coatings, the buyer should demand test results demonstrating at least 75% or more reflectance (test may list results as 25% or less emittance).

*Thanks to James Townsend and Rick Lawson for this informative article*

Roofs and Christmas

Other than your roofer and Santa Claus, who gets on top of your roof? Certainly not you! If you’re like most homeowners, the roof is one of the last places you want to be. Not only can it be dangerous, but it can also be scary. Unfortunately, having the Christmas spirit calls for being on the roof.

Arrington Roofing now offers a way to keep you in the Christmas spirit without the unpleasant task of getting on the roof. In addition to last year, we have packages to help you present your home as the most beautiful on the block!

• O Christmas Tree
  Up to 3 trees wrapped. Up to 10 feet high.
• Silent Night
  One line of lights (any color) on the front of the house. Up to 50 feet.
• Holly Jolly Christmas
  Bushes and pathways decorated. Up to 150 feet of lights.
• Deck the Halls
  All edges, ridges and eaves decorated. Any color up to 300 feet of lights.
• Blue Christmas
  The King’s Christmas package. Decorate your home in blue lights. Up to 300 feet.
• Griswold Family Christmas
  Our most spirited package! Decorate every surface of your house and really show your neighbors who has the Christmas spirit! Up to 750 feet of light.

No matter how simple or extravagant you want your home this Christmas season, Arrington Roofing can make it beautiful.

Don’t wait until the last minute to start decorating. Call us, email us or drop by the office to schedule an estimate.

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