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What’s Hot in Tampa Bay

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Matthew Housh

Looking at the headline might prompt you to think of hot summer attractions, hot spots for nightlife or even a hot new restaurant in Tampa, St. Pete or Clearwater. There’s no shortage of hotness here on the Gulf Coast now or year round. Imagine if Stefon from Saturday Night Live visited us.

“Tampa’s hottest club is … Mangroves.”

You get the idea. But what’s hot in Tampa Bay just may your house. Okay, maybe the ice cream isn’t melting in the freezer. Maybe the cool beverage you’re sipping stays cool all the way to the bottom of the glass. But if you’re making more trips to the thermostat or lowering the auto setting, something is clearly wrong.

A dramatic change in your cooling bills recently could be an indication that you need a new roof. If it’s been several years since your last roof inspection, at the very least getting a professional to evaluate your roof’s condition is a wise move. This free, no-obligation inspection is the best way to rule out a roofing issue as the reason for higher cooling costs. It’s also a way to remain proactive regarding your home’s most important system of protection.

Arry’s Roofing provides a free inspection and recommends you call a reputable contractor like us to handle it every 3-5 years. Staying a step ahead of developing damage could spare you the expense of total roof replacement prematurely. Beyond changes in cooling (and heating) bills, other key danger signals may include water leakage that appears in the attic or in the ceilings of rooms below the attic space, missing, cracked, worn or damaged shingles, damaged flashing around vents, chimneys, eaves, and skylights, and sagging roof sections or sagging gutters.

Contact Arry’s Roofing at 727.362.2230 to schedule your roofing inspection. Once we’ve finished a project for you, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

Proper Vents and Ventilation for Tampa Bay Homes

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Matthew Housh

Ever heard of a homeowner getting a new roof installed and needing it replaced a year later? It’s happened and not just because of storm damage. Faulty installation is another reason for it. But there is still another issue that can cause roofing (and other) problems for the Gulf Coast homeowner. It’s poor attic ventilation.

If the last roofing “contractor” you hired didn’t discuss attic ventilation with you, it might be because he didn’t have any experience in that area. So before your next roofing project, let’s get you acquainted with the need for roof vents and attic ventilation. It doesn’t need to be a long process since our friends at GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, have made it clear and concise on the company website that you can see by clicking HERE.

As you’ll see, poor attic ventilation can actually damage your shingles, ruin your insulation, and cost you money in higher energy bills. When you read the statistic that 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation, you’ll wonder if you’re in the majority or the minority. If your roofing system has been prematurely aging, that could be a sign that you’re in the majority of that 9 out of 10. That’s when contacting a reputable roofing professional at once is the best step.

A roof replacement project is a major undertaking, no matter how large or small the home. Expertly installing a roofing system involves a thorough understanding of the need for a continual flow of air through the attic. So be sure to protect that investment by hiring a contractor who does more than install shingles.

If you’ve noticed warning signs such as roof deck warping, buckling of shingles or mildew growth, call Arry’s Roofing at 727.362.2230 to schedule an inspection and a free estimate. In some cases, repairs now could spare you the expense of total roof replacement in the near future. Learn more about us by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

Tampa Bay Roofing’s Picture Perfect Proof

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Matthew Housh

Call if proof of a great roof. We’ve had a chance to work on roofs all around Tampa Bay. Perhaps without knowing it, you’ve seen our work on homes in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, and Palm Harbor. But in case you missed it, we want to briefly introduce you to a few examples.

The Arry’s Roofing team, made up of only roofing professionals, has given our customers many reasons to smile for more than two decades. In the areas of both residential and commercial roofing replacement, we’ve documented some of that finished work that’s earned us accolades from Angie’s List and multiple awards from GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. On our website, you can see that photo documentation in all types of roofing material we use.

Let’s start with the most common roofing material. By clicking HERE, you can view the photos we’ve posted of Tampa Bay homes with shingles installed by Arry’s Roofing. These eight photos include ground-level and aerial views of our high quality roofs.

Next we’ll introduce to some samples of the work we’ve done with tile roofing around the Gulf Coast. By clicking HERE, you can view a slideshow of the five photos on this page. A feature available here and on all pages is the ability to share the page on your favorite social media site. It’s a great way to let your friends and followers vote on what options they like or give feedback on a particular style or material.

By clicking HERE, you can view the slideshow of 16 photos of installations we’ve done with metal roofing. As this is a common material for use in commercial applications, you’ll see several examples of our metal roofs on small businesses. But it’s also a terrific material for the homeowner interested in a longer-lasting, more energy-efficient roof.

Finally, we’ve got five examples of our Flat/Low-Slope roofing installations viewable by clicking HERE. No matter which type suits your budget and tastes, enjoy the examples of how Arry’s Roofing can transform a home or business. When you’re ready to make a change, call Arry’s Roofing at 727.362.2230 for a free estimate. You can also learn more about us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

Introduce Light to Dark Gulf Coast Homes

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Matthew Housh

VELUXUSA_Skylights — Photo courtesy of VELUXUSA.com

Where is the darkest spot in your home? It could be a corner of the living room or the entire dining room. Perhaps it’s a guest bedroom that spends most of its time as a large storage closet. Homeowners will spend considerable time and money attempting to light these areas with varying degrees of success, often neglecting a prime source of light that’s free to use.

Here along the Gulf Coast, our tremendous number of sunny days makes skylights a terrific option for introducing light to a dark home. Whether you’re in a decades-old home in St. Pete or a brand new one in Clearwater, skylights from VELUX and installed by Arry’s Roofing, can be a quick and easy way to bring in natural light and lower energy costs incurred by the need for frequent flips of the light switch throughout the day.

Thanks to options for VELUX blinds, the flow of sunlight can be managed as necessary in each home. At times, you may desire less light or no light and VELUX can accommodate that wish. For example, direct sunlight may produce a glare on the computer screen in your home office and diffusing it with a light diffusing blind is easier than changing the location of your work space.

VELUX provides options for traditional skylights and tubular skylights, and Arry’s Roofing can discuss what best serves your needs and your home. These no-leak skylights come with three layers of water protection and glazing options. Flat and low-sloped roof options are available too.

As veteran roofers who have earned multiple excellence awards from GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, we know all about improving the appearance and function of Tampa Bay roofs. Let’s talk about how we can help yours. Call Arry’s Roofing at 727.362.2230 for a free estimate. You can also learn more about us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

Discover the Arry’s Roofing YouTube Channel

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Matthew Housh

It’s likely you’ve been on YouTube in the past week at least once checking out some kind of content. If you’re a DIY-type, maybe you’ve been looking for tips and techniques for some home project. There’s no shortage of helpful sources there, whether you prefer to handle projects on your own or look for outside help. One of those sources is the YouTube channel hosted by Arry’s Roofing.

View the channel here

The content on our YouTube channel is primarily an introduction to our company, our services and the way we approach our work. We also share our credentials within a competitive industry, including our status as a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor. These videos are a terrific way for us to complement the information on our website, and give you a look at the quality work we do for your friends and neighbors in Tampa Bay.

One particular video demonstrates the importance of training within our company. TPO Training shows how Arry’s Roofing trains all installers to perform professional services with consistently high standards. The two-and-a-half minute video features an outdoor workshop that included topics such as welding, proper adhesive, and installation for drains.

When you watch the videos on our channel, feel free to share your comments. Better yet, respond with your own video of a roofing project handled at your home or business by Arry’s Roofing. Be the star of your own video by getting in front of the camera and talking about how the finished project is making an impact now.

After checking out the Arry’s Roofing YouTube channel, feel free to subscribe to receive updates when future videos are posted. Then contact us for a free estimate for your next roof replacement project in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater and surrounding areas. You can also learn more about Arry’s by liking our Facebook page, and following us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

“Greening” Your Roof for Earth Day

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Matthew Housh

A celebration of Earth Day isn’t limited to April 22 as the annual occasion has become a multi-day event in many parts of the country. The scope of Earth Day has also expanded in recent years, with more active corporate and community involvement. One entity supporting the mission this year is GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. As a GAF MasterElite Roofing Contractor, Arry’s Roofing wants to share the GAF tips to “greening” for Earth Day.

GAF Tips for a “Greener” Reroof Project

1. Recycle. The average roof is many thousands of pounds of material—the weight of several years’ worth of household trash. Most roofing material can be easily recycled by your contractor. Find out where to recycle at http://www.shinglerecycling.org—it’s an easy way to make a big difference.

2. Energy audit. A home energy audit is a professional evaluation of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. The start of your reroofing project is a great opportunity to make energy-efficiency improvements to your structure. When the roof is off, your contractor can work from the top down and improve attic air barriers, seal around can lights and bath fans, make sure there isn’t wind wash around soffit vents, and check the overall energy performance of the home. It’s not uncommon to save double-digit percentages on utilities after these improvements. Find qualified auditors at http://www.resnet.us/directory/raters.

3. Proper attic ventilation. Attics should maintain a temperature as close to the outdoor temperature as possible, with vented areas along the eaves (the underside of the overhangs of the roof, in what is called ‘soffit’) bringing in cooler air, which is then vented along the ridgeline of the roof. This steadily moving air keeps your attic from heating up, and clears out any moist air from the living space that does make it into the attic through the ceiling. Many homes were designed without enough of this ventilation; increasing this attic ventilation during your reroof helps make your roof system more effective and helps improve the energy performance of your home.

4. Solar readiness. Most residential solar installations go on the roof. Putting the solar panels up on the roof gets them out of the way, optimizes exposure to the sun, and keeps them close to utility connections. However, it is very common to find a plumbing vent or fan running right through that perfect southern exposure. Even if you’re not having solar PV or solar thermal put on as part of this reroof project, think down the road and get your roof ready by moving this “clutter” to other parts of the roof. You can also add additional leak barrier — the peel and stick self-sealing membrane material that is used in high-stress areas of the roof — in the areas where penetrations for utility connections would go. Making these changes when the roof is being replaced will save additional hassle and cost in the future.

5. Cool roofing. Some options, including Timberline® Cool Series Lifetime Shingles, preferentially reflect the infrared spectrum — the non-visible, heat-carrying portion of the light spectrum. This means your roof can be an attractive, medium or dark color, but still reflect more heat away from your home than conventional roofing. In many parts of the country, for air-conditioned homes (and especially those with A/C ducts that run in the attic), cool roofing can save enough energy to justify the extra expense — and you’ll be doing your part to reduce the urban heat island effect. Learn more about GAF’s Timberline® Cool Series Lifetime Shingles and use GAF’s Roof Wizard to see how these shingles will look on your house at http://www.gaf.com.

6. Last but not least: a durable, efficient, properly detailed roofing system. The number-one job of the roof is to keep the rest of the home dry. It’s tempting to think that you can just get new shingles, but it’s the entire roofing system—consisting of leak barrier, flashing, underlayment, and shingles together—that works to keep the home dry. That’s why a complete roofing system is so important. GAF is the only roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime Roofing System warranty. Make sure that your roofing contractor is knowledgeable about all of the proper components of a full roofing system—selecting a factory-certified contractor is your best way to ensure this. You can find a factory-certified professional at http://www.gaf.com simply by entering your zip code.

In Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, rely on the expertise of Arry’s Roofing for your next roof replacement project. With more than 25 years of award-winning service and a team of licensed roofers, Arry’s is ready to handle your roofing needs, no matter how big or small. Call 727.362.2230 to schedule a free roof estimate, and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

From Home Improvement to Community Improvement

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Matthew Housh

A new survey about curbside recycling reveals that only one-third of Tampa residents actually use the service. That may or may not surprise you, depending on if you’re one of those people who use it. Perhaps you live in South Tampa or southwest Tampa, areas with the highest recycling rates, according to the Tampa Tribune. But those not participating may need some convincing on how simple it is to get started.

Why is a roofing company talking about recycling? Perhaps it’s because roof tear-offs account for millions of tons of landfill waste every year. There’s movement in the industry to increase recycling efforts involving used roofing materials. But even more important are the efforts we can make on an individual level to reduce, reuse and recycle items within our daily reach.

5 Ways to Start Recycling Today

1. Start with a spot.

Pick a place in your home that provides easy access and room to store a container for recyclables. The kitchen is ideal since it’s where most glass, plastic and aluminum items tend to collect.

2. Start with a routine stop.

Leftover plastic bags can be taken back to the grocery store during your weekly (or daily) stop there.

3. Start with the mail.

Place junk mail, flyers, and unwanted correspondence (that doesn’t include personal information) in your chosen recycling spot before setting it down on the closest flat surface. Newspapers and magazines can be collected around the house too.

4. Start with old technology.

Donate or recycle cell phones, PDAs, chargers, and batteries. Cell phone service providers are among the numerous drop-off locations, and recycling one million cell phones saves enough energy to power more than 185 US households with electricity for a year, according to the EPA.

5. Start with the family.

No, you’re not recycling the kids or your spouse. Sit down with them and plan a recycling strategy that involves everyone. Instruct your children to recycle that paper they bring home weekly in the form of assignments, reports and classroom activities.

Finding Your Promising Start in Tampa Bay

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Matthew Housh

You don’t need to be a baseball fan to revel in learning the New York Yankees fell three times in a row to the Tampa Bay Rays. The sweep at home for the Rays included a win for 2011’s AL Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson who also celebrated a birthday. It’s a good time to be a Rays fan, but a promising start as a new homeowner in Tampa Bay takes more than three consecutive good days.

A first-time homeowner has plenty to think about once the move-in is complete. Unpacking and decorating is a given, but finding the perfect painting to hang in the living room is not a critical issue. What becomes critical is the ability to effectively maintain the home over the period of time you plan to live there.

Let’s take a look at five areas to consider as a new homeowner. This won’t be a comprehensive analysis. But it will give you a chance to give some thought to important topics and issues you’ll potentially face in the coming years.

5 Areas for a First-Time Homeowner to Consider

1. Maintenance Costs
The expense of maintaining a home should be part of a monthly and annual budget. This includes cleaning areas such as the roof or a fireplace.

2. Hidden Surprises
Whether it’s a new home or a home that’s new for you, every home has hidden surprises. It could take you weeks or months to discover them. Anticipate a time when some issue about your home, such as hot or cold spots in a particular room, reveals itself.

3. Repair Resources
Repair needs are inevitable. Accidents, storm damage and other events will send you scrambling to find reputable professionals. Before the need arises, make a list of the key types of contractors you’ll need, including roofers, plumbers and electricians.

4. Energy Efficiency
Energy savings is a hot topic, and you can find numerous ways to reduce energy consumption. Newer appliances, better insulation and replacement windows and doors are just a handful of options.

5. Market Value
Sure, you just moved in but treating your home as an investment is aided by remembering that someday you may want to sell it. Whether that day will come five or fifteen years from now keeps you focused on ensuring every area of the home is in tip-top shape.

Arry’s Roofing is an award-winning GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor, serving Tampa Bay for more than 25 years. For a free inspection and estimate, contact Arry’s at 727-938-9565. Also, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArrysRoofingServices and follow us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

Arry’s Roofing Receives Excellence Awards Once Again

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Matthew Housh

Triple Excellence Award — Becky and "Arry" Housh receive Triple Excellence awards at the March 2012 GAF conference in Nashville

For the third year in a row Arry’s Roofing has once again earned a trio of Excellence awards from North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. GAF named Arry’s Roofing as one of the recipients of Consumer Protection Excellence, Training Excellence, and Installation Excellence at a conference in Nashville, Tennessee. “Arry” and Becky Housh attended the conference to graciously receive the honors, including the sixth time the company has earned the Consumer Protection Excellence award.

Arry’s Roofing is proud to be among a small percentage of roofers nationwide who have earned the status of GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor. In fact, only two percent of roofers in the country have this certification. The designation underscores the Arry’s Roofing commitment to high standards for workmanship, materials, customer service and ongoing training.

As part of our mission, our company is dedicated to educating roofing customers in Tampa Bay about roofing systems, warning signs of leaks, the importance of gutters and other roofing-related topics. Helping consumers make informed decisions when considering options for contractors is another aspect of that education. We actively promote the idea of carefully researching all home improvement contractors and relying only on licensed contractors with a proven track record in their respective fields.

When you’re ready for roof replacement, or in need of roof repairs, maintenance or cleaning, we welcome you to rely on Arry’s Roofing. We keep our website stocked with helpful information, such as signs you need a new roof and insurance/mitigation. We also provide free hurricane damage inspection and assessment.

Discover why Arry’s Roofing has earned a solid reputation among your neighbors and accolades many times over from GAF. One call to 727-938-9565 is all you need to schedule a free roof inspection and estimate. Be sure to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArrysRoofingServices and follow us on Twitter @ArrysRoofing.

Testing the Offer of a Mortgage-Free Year

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Matthew Housh

Adzookie-Billboard-House — Imagine coming home to this.

Considering the financial burden of your mortgage, it’s likely you’ve wondered about ways to pay it off early. But without a hefty inheritance, a lottery win or a fairy godmother, you expect to be carrying that burden for years. That’s why the news that a California marketing company wants to offer Tampa Bay residents the chance to live mortgage-free for a year may be getting your attention right now. But it comes with a big and brightly colored catch: you have to willing to allow your home to be turned into a billboard.

For anyone who wants his or her home to stand out from the rest of the neighborhood, this is one sure-fire way to accomplish that goal. The “billboard house” concept has already been tested in one California town. We won’t mention the company’s name; it’s already gotten a great deal of exposure that has led to 40,000 applications through its website, including more than 200 from Tampa Bay. So don’t be surprised when you’re driving around this spring and you see a billboard house somewhere in the area.

Is a billboard house the kind of offer that’s too good to be true? That remains to be seen, pun intended. But here are a few things to keep in mind when you encounter a money-saving offer connected to your Tampa Bay home.

5 Key Aspects of Any Money-Saving Offer
1. Terms of agreement: What is negotiable and non-negotiable? In the billboard house scenario, what extent of input does the homeowner have? Is the homeowner free to reject an advertiser and what is allowable for the basis of that rejection?

2. Expertise: Who is doing the actual work you’re paying for and what credentials do they come with? In this case, a marketing company must hire contractors to handle the painting.

3. Materials: Precisely what type of products are being used on your home?

4. Insurance: Is the company contracted to do the work insured in the event of accidental damage to your home or property or in case of injury to a worker?

5. Potential impact: Does the company providing the services or any company affiliated with the services foresee any issues developing that stem from the original service? For example, are there any restrictions to altering your home in this way? Will neighbors complain and do they have any recourse if they oppose it?

Asking intelligent questions throughout the process will lead to becoming a more informed decision maker. With as much time, effort and money that you’ve invested in your home already, retaining your control over the situation is the ideal place for you to be. Allow the “experts” to provide their expertise, but keep in mind it’s you who has the final say about what does and does not happen at your home.

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