Friday, December 6, 2013

5 Ways You Can Start Saving On Your Electric Bill Today!


5 Energy Saving Tips for Your Home!

If you were to ask most people you talked to if they would like to save money on their electric bill, they would say yes. Electricity is one of those life necessities that you can't really live without and given the opportunity to lower that cost, most people would take advantage.

For most, it doesn't take a major overhaul on their home to start saving money on their electric bill. Just by making some quick and simple changes, you can start to save energy and see a difference on your monthly bill. Here are 5 easy ways you can start saving immediately:

1. Change your lightbulbs to LED or energy saving bulbs. (Some electricity providers even offer rebate programs to help off-set the cost of the bulbs, all you have to do is call or check their website.)

2. Lower the thermostat on your water heater(s) to 120° F

3. Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when he equipment is not in use. TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power.

4. Just by using the auto sleep function on your computer, you could save up to $30 a year on your electricity bills!

5. Make sure all of your doors and windows are actually closed shut and consider air sealing your home by weather-stripping your windows and sealing air leaks with caulk.

There are a few more ways that you can save on your monthly electric bill. You can install a programmable thermostat to manage your heating and cooling systems more efficiently. Just turning your thermostat back from its normal setting by 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling costs.

Another great way to save on energy, is to have an energy audit performed of your home and ensure you have the recommended amounts of attic insulation. The Department of Energy has R Value recommendations for various zones of the county (see map below). In the north Texas area, it is recommended that homes have an R value of R30 to R60. It is estimated that roughly two thirds of homes in the U.S. are not properly insulated. Do you have any areas or rooms in your home that are not comfortable or you have a hard time keeping cool in the summer or warm in the winter? If so, you should consider having a Home Energy Audit conducted on your home to determine the cause of the discomfort and recommended solution. Outback Roofing is a certified Top of the Roof Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning and is authorized to install Owens Corning Atticat Insulation products. Call us today at 972-930-9990 to schedule your complimentary audit and inspection!

In addition to saving on your monthly electric bill, you may also be eligible to take advantage of a Federal Tax Credit that can save you up to 10% of the cost of materials for qualifying insulation projects throughout 2013 (before 1/1/2014), up to a maximum of $500. See www.irs.gov or talk to your tax specialist to determine eligibility.

Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood-framed buildings.

Source: EnergyStar.gov
                                       ZoneAdd Insulation to AtticFloor
Uninsulated AtticExisting 3–4 Inches of Insulation
                              1
R30 to R49
R25 to R30
R13
                              2
R30 to R60
R25 to R38
R13 to R19
                              3
R30 to R60
R25 to R38
R19 to R25
                             4
R38 to R60
R38
R25 to R30
                              5 to 8
R49 to R60
R38 to R49
R25 to R30
For more information on the tax credit or additional ways to save
energy, go to www.EnergyStar.gov. For information on how to claim the tax credit, go to www.irs.gov. Circumstances vary widely, so homeowners should consult with their tax advisor for further guidance.
- Jennifer Crutcher




Jennifer is a licensed insurance adjuster in the state of Texas, a Haag Engineering Certified Residential Roof Inspector and is passionate about consumer protection and education. She works at Outback Roofing, a family owned and locally operated company, where she is responsible for daily office operations. Jennifer resides with her family and two German shepherds in the Dallas area. A little known fact is that she secretly aspires to be an ice dancer!


Saturday, November 30, 2013

10 Tips to Winterizing Your Home

Making Sure Your Home is Ready for Winter's Arrival

Here are 10 tips to prepare your home for winter:

1. Gutters



Clean your gutters and remove any leaves and debris that may have collected; spray down the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are all clear and that water is draining properly. Doing this will ensure that rain and melting ice will have a place to go and avoid creating an "ice dam" in freezing temperatures. An ice dam can form when water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline. The ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining off the roof. The water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make its way inside your home, causing damage. Wet leaves and debris can also get heavy in the gutters and increase the chances of damage. 


gutters full of leaves and debris
Image credit: © 2013 Jennifer Crutcher
2. Roof


Check your roof for any missing, damaged or lifted shingles. Replace or reseal. Check all flashings and penetrations (around pipe jacks, vents, etc.). These are most often the source of leaks or potential leaks. Reseal around all penetrations. 


3. Insulation


Have your attic inspected to make sure you have the proper amount of insulation. Regardless of where you live in the U.S., you need at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic. If you can see the ceiling joists in the attic then you most likely do not have enough insulation because ceiling joists are at most 10 or 11 inches.  Hot air is aggressive and is constantly seeking out cooler air. Therefore in the winter, the warm air in your home will be seeking the colder air outside and in the summer the warmer air outside will be trying to find a way to get to the colder air inside. Proper insulation can help you keep your home at the appropriate temperature year round and also help you save on your electric bill.


Owens Corning Atticat Insulation Installation
Owens Corning Atticat Expanding Blow-In Insulation


4. Furnace and Heating System


Have your heating system checked and tuned up by a qualified professional each year. Check your filters and change them. If you have a gas furnace, you should have it checked every year for carbon monoxide leaks and consider installing a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home. Install a programmable thermostat. The Department of Energy says you can save as much as 1% on your energy bill for ever degree you lower your home's temperature during the winter. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can control the temperature while you are not at home during the day or during extended periods while on vacation. Some electricity providers have programs where they will even provide you with a free thermostat.

5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Many of us forget this one small thing, but reversing the direction of your ceiling fans will help to push the warm air from the ceiling down towards the floor.  When looking up at the moving fan, it should be moving in a clockwise motion (counter clockwise for summer).

6. Fireplace & Chimney

While it may not be necessary to have your chimney swept every year, it should be inspected for foreign objects, wildlife, creosote or soot buildup and to make sure your damper is working properly. If you see any missing mortar between bricks or in the joints, it should be fixed immediately as a fire can spread through these openings into the stud wall. Consider installing a chimney cap or screen to keep foreign objects and wildlife out of your chimney.


7. Flush Your Waterheater


Sediment can collect over time in the bottom of your water heater and affect its efficiency.  Flush the water through the drain valve to clear out any particles and help keep your heater working its best.

8. Eliminate Drafts


Check and seal any gaps around your windows, doors, ducts, electrical outlets by using weather stripping, foam sealant or caulking. Use draft dodgers at the bottoms of your doors. There are some you can buy that are two sided and slip underneath the door. According to EarthWorks Group, the average American home has leaks that add up to a nine square foot hole in the wall!


9. Pipes and Plumbing

If you have ever had your pipes freeze or burst, you know, it is not a fun thing to deal with! Know where your water main is should you need to shut off your water in an emergency. Drain and disconnect all unused water hoses. Insulate all exposed plumbing pipes and spigots. If you have an automatic water sprinkler, consider installing a freeze sensor. (Some cities have an ordinance requiring this device. Check with your local municipality if you are unsure.)

10. Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Now is a good time to check to make sure all of your alarms and detectors are in good working order and replace all the batteries. 





Please note these tips are for homes that are occupied. Homes that are vacant should undergo a more advanced winterizing that includes draining the plumbing, etc.




Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!


From all of us at Outback Roofing, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!


May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!





Saturday, November 23, 2013

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Weather in Texas be like....


Winter storm warnings are already in effect for parts of Texas and moving East. Stay warm and safe y'all! 

Friday, November 15, 2013

Elves in Disguise 2013

We are grateful for another year and another opportunity to be a part of a holiday home makeover event for one special family through Elves in Disguise (New Hope Foundation). If you would like to learn more or get involved, you can contact New Hope Foundation through their website at www.newhopefoundation.com.




 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Toys for Tots



Outback Roofing is an official drop off location for Toys for Tots. Bring us your unwrapped toy from now through December 13, 2013. Mention this post and we will match your toy donation, toy for toy!

17618 Davenport Road, Suite 2
Dallas, TX 75252

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Fall Family Fun Day


Be sure to bring your family to the Fall Family Fun Day on Saturday, November 9th at First Community Bank in Richardson, TX located at 1755 N. Collins Blvd. We will be there from 10am to 3pm, along with some other great vendors. There will be games and prizes for the kiddos as well as some gift basket give aways for mom & dad!



Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Safe Room Rebate Program for North Texas


tornado safe room

Were you one of the lucky 825 people who were able to submit an application for the Safe Room Rebate Program today? We tried, but unfortunately the portal was already closed by the time we were able to get online.  In a press release issued today, the NCTCOG states they will reopen the portal in approximately two weeks so people can be added to the waiting list. In an interview that Molly Thoerner, the director of emergency preparedness for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, gave on WFAA Channel 8 (click here for video clip), she explained that limited funding is being provided to North Texans and even if you were not able to receive one of the initial rebates, they urge people to get on the waiting list so they can provide information to the state and FEMA to show the demand and hopefully get additional funding for future rebates.

Please help us in spreading the message so we can get as many people as possible on the waiting list so we can help get more funding!

Thanks!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Do you have a Storm Safety Kit ready emergencies?

It is that time of year when all of the severe storms start rearing their nasty head. Along with a family safety plan it is a good idea to have a storm safety kit prepared. At our house, we keep our "safe closet" cleaned out and ready to use at a moment's notice during storm season. We stock the closet with an extra phone charger (our closet actually has an electrical outlet) along with our helmets, extra water, flashlights and safety kit. There is also a ton of information and informative videos that can be found on the internet on how to stay safe during a severe storm and how to determine the best place to take shelter in your home. We like this entertaining video from The Weather Channel.

We would love to hear what you have done to prepare for severe weather!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Is your business ready for the next generation of consumers?


outback roofing social media thought bubble
Recently, a friend shared an article on Facebook about how kids these days (aka Generation Z or digital natives) are determining their social rank, popularity and even self worth by the number of followers, friends, and likes they have compared to their peers on various social media sites such as Facebook & Instagram. As a mother of a tween who is caught up in the throws of social media, the article totally hit home and is something that has been on the back of my mind ever since. (Click here to read article.) While the article didn't really have a concrete solution for parents, it encouraged having meaningful discussions with your children regarding the true valuations of self worth.
 
As logical thinking adults, you and I both know that no amount of friends, likes or followers establishes who you are or determines your self worth over another person. But, like it or not, our children are growing up with this subconscious mindset and it made me start thinking about how it applies in a business context. When these children grow up, graduate college, get a job, buy their first home and become consumers of my service, are they going to determine my worth as a business using these same social media principles? It only seems logical that they will "go with what they know." If that is the case, am I preparing my business now for that new generation of consumers?
 
As a roofing company, I wrestle with what is truly needed in regards to my online and social media presence. I am bombarded daily with offers by companies trying to sell me their service to make sure I am number one on the Internet and in social media. I am not selling an article of clothing that can be easily returned, nor am I trying to get you to come buy a cup of $5 coffee. I am selling a roof. A roof that will protect you, your home and belongings. Even more than that, I am selling you a service. Call me old school, but I do not think the roofing business will ever be totally reduced to online sales. This is a service that relies on me coming face to face with my customers, developing a good relationship, and then  consummating it with a handshake, as antiquated as those have become. As I slowly move into the social media generation (kicking and screaming at times, albeit!), I have come to accept the fact that you have to keep up with the times or you will get left behind. 

So... I sit, read, watch and update. I look at each Facebook like and celebrate over the total amount of likes and follows and lament when there is a lull.  I twit and tweet and pin. I even look at my competitors and colleagues who jumped on the social media bandwagon before me and, despite knowing better, my inner child takes over and questions my self worth against our number of respective likes and followers. Despite all this, I am not too worried. I figure I have a little bit of time before this new Generation Z of digital natives comes knocking on my door needing a roof. In the meantime, I will work on getting those numbers up so I will be ready for them when they do! 
 
Oh, and one more thing before I forget, can you help a mother out and go like my Facebook page!
- Jennifer Crutcher

Jennifer is a licensed insurance adjuster in the state of Texas, a Haag Engineering Certified Residential Roof Inspector and is passionate about consumer protection and education. She works at Outback Roofing, a family owned and locally operated company, where she is responsible for daily office operations. Jennifer resides with her family and two German shepherds in the Dallas area. A little known fact is that she secretly aspires to be an ice dancer!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Current Promotion...Save on Attic Insulation

From now through the month of May 2013, Outback Roofing is offering $200 off attic insulation. You can triple your savings by taking advantage of a tax credit (up to $500) and save up to 20% off your heating and cooling bill. Contact Outback Roofing to schedule your free attic inspection and start saving!




For more information on the tax credit, go to www.EnergyStar.gov. For information on how to claim the tax credit, go to www.irs.gov. Circumstances vary widely, so homeowners should consult with their tax advisor for further guidance.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Celebrate Earth Day & Save Money Too...

One way that you can celebrate Earth Day is by pledging to conserve energy. An easy way to do this, is to make sure you have proper ventilation for your roof and adequate attic insulation. An added benefit is that by doing this, you will also reduce your electric bill!

Most roofs that we inspect do not have the proper amount of ventilation. Proper ventilation is important as it helps to keep attic temperature and moisture at their optimum levels for the season.  It allows the hot air to escape from the attic and not only helps to keep your house cooler in the summer, but it also helps to preserve the life of your composition shingle. Ventilation is also necessary in winter, especially where snow accumulations stay on roofs for extended periods of time, as it helps to remove excess moisture from the attic, thus preventing condensation that can damage roof sheathing and preventing ice dam formation.

Proper ventilation can also help your insulation to do its job. Most homes do not have the recommended amount of attic insulation. The Department of Energy recommends up to R-49 for attics in most areas. This is equal to approximately 16" of fiberglass blanket insulation. Most older homes have between 3" and 6" of insulation. To determine your home's current R-value, simply measure the thickness of your current insulation with a ruler. Take the insulation thickness and multiply by 3.14 to get the approximate R-value of the existing insulation.
 
 


Recommended R Values by Zone
 
1          R30 to R49
2          R30 to R60
3          R30 to R60
4          R38 to R60
5 to 8   R49 to R60


 

An added benefit to insulating your home is that you can qualify for a tax credit for 10% of the cost of materials for qualifying insulation projects throughout 2013 (before 1/1/2014), up to a maximum of $500. Contact Outback Roofing today for your free inspection and evaluation to see how we can help you save some money, protect your home and do your part to celebrate Earth Day!      
       
For more information on the tax credit, go to www.EnergyStar.gov. For information on how to claim the tax credit, go to www.irs.gov. Circumstances vary widely, so homeowners should consult with their tax advisor for further guidance.
 
Article sources: Energy Star & Owens Corning.

- Jennifer Crutcher
 
 Jennifer is a licensed insurance adjuster in the state of Texas, a Haag Engineering Certified Residential Roof Inspector and is passionate about consumer protection and education. She works at Outback Roofing, a family owned and locally operated company, where she is responsible for daily office operations. Jennifer resides with her family and two German shepherds in the Dallas area. A little known fact is that she secretly aspires to be an ice dancer!


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Spring storms got you saying "Oh Hail?"



U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture photo by Gus Wilson
As spring approaches, so do the storms (and storm chasers!) that come with it. When hit by a hailstorm, some homeowners may wonder about the best course of action to take and it can get confusing when being bombarded by storm chasers telling everyone to make a claim with their insurance company. I just had a friend tell me today that last week his wife had seven different roofing companies knock on their door, in just one day, offering a roof inspection (some even offered to waive or "eat" the deductible, which is illegal!). We recommend obtaining a roof inspection from a local, qualified roofing contractor PRIOR to making an insurance claim. In some circumstances, the damage may not really warrant a valid claim and only minor repairs may be required.

How can you find a reputable roofing company? You can visit the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) or the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) to find a member in your area. (Check your local/state roofing association or BBB if outside of Texas.)  NTRCA has a wonderful list of questions you need to ask to help you in making your selection. And remember, if a roofing contractor offers to waive your deductible, BEWARE, this is illegal and can make you a party to committing insurance fraud. It is the law that you must pay your deductible!

If a claim is warranted, it should be made in a timely manner. Most insurance companies allow you one year from the date of loss to make a claim, while some have even lowered that window down to six months. We recommend making a claim while the hail damage is "fresh" and clearly visible. After time, UV and weather exposure can begin to affect the hail damage. Markings on wood and metal can begin to fade. Excess granular loss on the shingles can occur leaving the matting exposed to further weathering and damage. Such damage can even begin to appear as what is called "blistering". True shingle blistering is usually caused by either a manufacturer's defect or improper ventilation and is not covered by homeowners insurance policies. If a claim is made several months after the hail damage has occurred, the insurance adjuster may have a hard time determining the true cause of loss. We have seen instances (while often rare), where insurance companies have denied older hail damage claims due to "blistering" or "manufacturer defect", leaving the homeowner to replace the roof at their own expense to avoid cancellation of the policy.

At Outback Roofing, we are Haag Engineering Certified Roof Inspectors and are members of the North Texas Roofing Contractor Association (NTRCA) and Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT), as well as the Dallas Better Business Bureau (BBB). We work with several local insurance agents to provide free roof inspection services to their clients, to determine whether making a claim is necessary. While we cannot act as a claims adjuster, we educate our customers on the insurance process and we go over all the property damage that was found, so they can make sure all damage is accounted for in the claim. Call us today to schedule your free roof inspection and see how we can help you.
 
- Jennifer Crutcher
 
 Jennifer is a licensed insurance adjuster in the state of Texas, a Haag Engineering Certified Residential Roof Inspector and is passionate about consumer protection and education. She works at Outback Roofing, a family owned and locally operated company, where she is responsible for daily office operations. Jennifer resides with her family and two German shepherds in the Dallas area. A little known fact is that she secretly aspires to be an ice dancer!


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Open House & Helmet Drive Reminder...


Just a reminder that our big Open House & Helmet Drive event is today from noon to 4. We hope you can stop by for some food and fun. We will be giving away prizes every half hour (no need to be present to win). Here is Katie Campbell explaining why she decided to start a chapter of the Sarah Jane Brain Club at her school. Katie is setting such a fine example for her peers and Outback is proud to support her in her endeavors!

For more information on how you can get involved with the Sarah Jane Brain Project, click here.

See you later today!

Friday, March 29, 2013

You're invited to our Open House & Helmet Drive...

 
You are invited to attend our Open House and Helmet Drive benefitting The Sarah Jane Brain Club. This is the first chapter in the Dallas area, founded by Miss Katie Campbell of Parish Episcopal School. Miss Campbell was inspired to start this chapter after a friend passed away from a brain injury he sustained in a skateboarding accident, while not wearing a helmet. The purpose of the Sarah Jane Brain Club is to help prevent, identify and treat brain injuries. Brain injuries are the #1 cause of death and disability in the U.S. in children, adolescents, and young adults.
 
Please stop by and join us for food, fun and prizes in supporting this great cause! We will be accepting donations for the purchase of helmets that will be donated to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.

When:   Saturday, April 6th from 12pm to 4pm

Where:  Outback Roofing
              17618 Davenport Rd., Suite 2
              Dallas, TX 75252

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

First Indoor Hail Simulation

Pictures taken from the first ever indoor hail simulation study that was performed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center on February 20, 2013:

Photo credit from Flickr: State Farm
1. Hail stone exploding on impact, 2. Hail damage on metal roof, 3. Hail damage to aluminum gutter, 4. Dent to a car from hail


Visit www.disastersafety.org to learn more about how this first indoor hail simulation in the world came to be and what you can do to reduce catastrophic damage from hail. State Farm is one of the founding members of IBHS.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center is a unique, state-of-the-art, multi-risk applied research and training in Chester County, South Carolina. This facility is a tangible, very public demonstration of the property insurance industry’s deep commitment to reducing and preventing losses that disrupt the lives of millions of home and business owners each year. The scientific research conducted here will influence residential and commercial structural design and construction for decades to come, and will significantly advance building science by enabling researchers to more fully and accurately evaluate various residential and commercial construction materials and systems.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Chicago, we have a problem!

So last night, I was awakened at 1:30am by the annoying wind chime and tarp that is over one of our skylights, being blown by the wind. (Yes, we have a case of the shoemakers children needing shoes here!) It sounded like it was going to take the entire roof off the house. This went on ALL night! It sounded so bad, I kept wondering about the debris that I was going to wake up and find strewn about the neighborhood. Surprisingly, the aftermath in our neighborhood was not as bad as it sounded. (The picture to the left was taken in April 2008 after a wind storm in our neighborhood downed many Bradford Pear trees.)

When I was taking the Haag Engineering Residential Roof Inspector Course, we learned some interesting things about butt rott, the ever-fabulous ice ball launcher and the instructor pointed out that Chicago wasn't actually the windiest city*. Gasp, I know! Did you know that Dallas, TX ranks as #5 in the windiest cities in the U.S. and Chicago doesn't even make the top 10? Even more gasp, I know! Since I have lived most of my life in Dallas, I never really thought it to be "out of the ordinary" windy, but ever since the instructor pointed it out, I have been more aware and have noticed how windy Dallas actually is!

I googled the top windiest cities in the U.S. and found the following chart at CurrentResults.com with information tabulated from NOAA National Climatic Data Center, regarding the average annual wind speed of the windiest US cities (in miles per hour and kilometres per hour):

City
MPH
KPH
Boston, Massachusetts
12.3
19.8
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
12.2
19.6
Buffalo, New York
11.8
19.0
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
11.5
18.5
Dallas, Texas
10.7
17.2
Kansas City, Missouri
10.6
17.1
San Francisco, California
10.6
17.1
Cleveland, Ohio
10.5
16.9
Minneapolis, Minnesota
10.5
16.9
Virginia Beach, Virginia
10.5
16.9
Providence, Rhode Island
10.4
16.7
Chicago, Illinois
10.3
16.6
Detroit, Michigan
10.2
16.4
If you live in a windy city, here are some things you can do to keep your roof and property safe:
  1. Annually inspect your roof - make sure all flashings, chimney covers, vents, siding, etc are secure and reseal all penetrations and any lifted shingles. (Or, better yet, have Outback perform a Roof Tuneup!)
  2. Keep trees trimmed and clear of any dead or large limbs that protrude over the roof.
  3. Secure any objects that maybe become flying debris, such as patio furniture and umbrellas.
Most insurance policies do not have a provision to cover wind damage, leaving homeowners to make what can sometimes add up to very costly repairs, depending on the extent of the damage. At Outback, we install Atlas Signature Select roofing systems, that come with a built-in wind policy of up to 130 mph wind. We also offer Roof Tuneup maintenance plans to help keep your roof in tip-top shape, come rain, wind or shine! For more information on our roofing systems that keep you covered, please contact your Dallas roofing company, Outback.

(*Legend has it that Chicago is called the Windy City because of the hot air bellowing from the local politicians!)

- Jennifer Crutcher 

Jennifer is a licensed insurance adjuster in the state of Texas, a Haag Engineering Certified Residential Roof Inspector and is passionate about consumer protection and education. She works at Outback Roofing, a family owned and locally operated company, where she is responsible for daily office operations. Jennifer resides with her family and two German shepherds in the Dallas area. A little known fact is that she secretly aspires to be an ice dancer!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Hail Fascination

Hail_01 by swingtan
Hail_01, a photo by swingtan on Flickr.

Hail in various shapes from the land down under!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What has your roofer done for you lately?

As a homeowner, when was the last time you actually got on top of your roof? Or, when have you had a qualified Dallas roofing contractor inspect your roof? If you are like most of us, probably not in a very long time, if ever! Many of us neglect our roof, even though it is there for us, day in and day out, 365 days a year, throughout all of the seasons, covering our head and protecting us from the elements.  Some might say, "Well, my roof is a 20 year, 30 year, lifetime roof..," expecting it should last forever with little to no maintenance. However, that is not the case. The health of a roof should be taken care of and maintained to optimize those manufacturer ratings. All roof systems, regardless of the type or rating of the roof, should be inspected on a regular basis.

A roof takes a beating by the sun and seasons, moreso than any other part of a building. Tree limb and natural debris left on a roof is a haven for standing water, bugs, algae and rot. Over time, even the best sealants begin to break down and wear out and should be replaced. Repeated exposure to wind can loosen flashing and shingles, exposing the roof to possible leaks.

Outback Roofing is a roofing contractor Dallas that offers a Roof Tuneup maintenance program to help keep your roof in good health. Whether you purchase a one time roof tuneup or a maintenance package plan, we have what you need to keep you covered and in good roof health!

During our roof inspection and roof tuneup we will, among other things, clear all debris from the roof, identify and repair any leaks, secure loose flashing and shingles, re-seal all vents and penetrations, check and seal valleys (if necessary) and replace missing/damaged shingles.

Your roof serves to protect you and your family, day in and day out. Show your roof a little love with regularly scheduled checkups!  Click on the link for more details on Outback Roofing's Roof Tuneup program. To schedule an appointment, contact us!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Got bad roofers? We need to hear your story...

We are trying to get the roofing industry regulated in the State of Texas. A bill to support licensing has been filed in both the Texas House and Senate. We are now getting ready for hearings on the bill and we need your stories.

We are looking for people to come to Austin and testify about their experiences with unscrupulous roofing contractors. If you have  ever had dealings with a bad roofer in the State of Texas where they put your roof on poorly or took your money and never showed up to do any work, we would like to hear about it.
 
Please contact Outback Roofing to submit your story about bad roofing contractors Dallas. See also North Texas Roofing Contractors Association NTRCA for more information.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Understanding deductibles...

It is common in our area to run across roofers that will offer to "eat your deductible." What most homeowners do not know, is that this practice is actually illegal and can put them as a party to committing insurance fraud! The deductible is the amount that the insured has agreed with the insurer to  "share in the loss" of an insured event and therefore, must be paid. Reputable roofing contractors will not make any claims or offers and will ensure the deductible is paid.

At Outback Roofing we are committed to providing quality roofing services without making any claims that we can eat or discount your deductible. We are licensed insurance adjusters in the state of Texas and while we cannot act as an adjuster on your behalf, we can help to educate you and answer any questions you may have regarding the claims process to ensure it is completed as smoothly as possible. In addition, Outback Roofing is one of the few certified roofing contractors Dallas that are actually certified by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. Outback Roofing supports proposed legislation to enact a roofing contractor licensure requirement in Texas.

If you are in need of Dallas Roofing, please contact Outback Roofing for your free roof inspection and detailed report. If you live outside the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, contact the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas to find a certified local roofing contractor or contact your state's roofing contractors association.

For more information regarding illegal insurance deductible scams, please see FreeRoofScam.org and this report from the Better Business Bureau.