3 - 2020 | Gilstrap Roofing

There is not a single business or community that has not been impacted by the Covid-19 virus. As a family-owned, local business Gilstrap Roofing is heavily invested in the communities we serve. We are not only a contractor, but we are your neighbors and friends who live, work, eat and play in the same places you do. We want you to know that we care about our customers and their families. Providing shelter in safe, reliable and high-performing roofing is something we do every day. As we strive to serve the public during this unprecedented pandemic we are putting into place best practices.

Fortunately, roofing can be done with little, to no entry into your home, which cuts down on personal contact and maintains social distance safe practices. The initial inspection, assessment, and quote for your project can be done within a safe distance, by phone, through our website contact form, online chat, and email. If we have to enter your home to access the attic to inspect some underlying problem or complete a quote, we are asking our customers to inform us if anyone in the home is sick, or has been sick in an effort to protect our team members. If you prefer the worker entering your home wear a mask we will accommodate your request.

In an effort to protect our customers we are asking any team members who are feeling ill, or sick to self-report. We will not knowingly put a team member near your home, or on your roof, if they are sick to protect other team members and your family. We are also asking our team members to practice social distancing with customers and other team members as work allows and to practice regular handwashing.

We are working during this pandemic because our work is outside and we are able to perform our job with limited human contact. We also recognize that many businesses are unable to work due to the nature of their location and operations. We do not take that lightly. As a local employer, we hope and pray that this virus will pass sooner rather than later so that people can return to work, gather, socialize, worship, dine out and work.

However, during this “new” normal we want you to know that we are intentionally abiding by the guidelines set by federal, state, and local governments regarding Covid-19 in an effort to protect our customers and team members.

Please contact us if we can help you with your roofing needs. Estimates are free. Like you, we are concerned about our children, family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and customers. We are confident that this crisis will bring out the best in American innovation, research, ingenuity, and creativity in an effort to provide solutions, relief, viable treatments and ultimately a vaccine.

Brian Gilstrap, President

Gilstrap Roofing

Greenville, SC 29611

864.269.1232

office@gilstraproofing.com

16 Mar. 2020

When You Need to Call a Professional Roofer

Even minor roof repair can be dangerous for homeowners, or laypersons. There is always the risk of a fall when you climb onto a roof and that is one of the most important reasons to call a professional. If you fall off your roof and injure yourself it could put your family, financial and physical health in serious jeopardy. While homeowners can make minor roof repairs it’s risky. When should you contact a professional roofer?

Obstruction From Objects

If a big tree limb, satellite dish, or some other type of heavy obstruction from a neighbor, etc, has fallen on your roof there is the possibility that you have roof damage beyond what you can see from the roof. Damage could be present in the attic and underneath the shingles. A professional roofer can inspect the roof exterior and underneath to see if there is any hidden damage. And never touch, or get near a downed power line on your roof. Contact your utility company if there are downed power lines.

Loose/Curled/Missing Shingles

If you spot multiple missing, or loose shingles it could be the sign of something more serious. If you’ve had your roof replaced in the last couple of years and are experiencing loose and missing shingles with no memory of bad storms, or weather, it could be that you had a poor roof installation and it’s just now showing up. Typically, torn, loose and missing shingles are the result of storm damage which could be recent, or longer and they finally worked loose. If excess water worked its way underneath some shingles and remained it could loosen the nails as well. A professional will walk the roofline and inspect your shingles for proper installation, possible water breach, and repair any loose, or missing shingles.

Poor Ventilation

Most roofs in newer construction are properly ventilated through the ridge, or other eternal vents that allow air to flow properly through the attic. Roof ventilation is vital to prevent moisture and humidity from damaging the roof deck and rafters from mold, mildew and even wood rot. The ventilation also helps your house avoid trapping fungi and mold that can pose serious respiratory problems, and aggravate allergies, asthma, etc. Ventilation also keeps rodents, squirrels, and birds from entering your attic and setting up shop. Faulty ventilation can allow these pests into your attic, or damaging moisture to be trapped inside. A professional roofer will inspect any and all ridge, gable and even soffit venting and make repairs as necessary.

Flashing Gaps

The metal and rubberized material around roof vents, chimneys, roof valleys and other sections where the surface comes together is called flashing and it is used to prevent leaks. If you have leaks near these areas it could be an indication of old or damaged flashing. A professional roofer can repair the leaks and if necessary replace the flashing before coating it and sealing out any water.

Multi-layered Roofing

Multi-layered roofing occurs when a roofer installs new roofing over your old roof to save costs. This practice is not that uncommon but multiple roofs can be a problem over time. Most local/state building codes will allow two layers but anything over is not allowed or advisable. If you have purchased a house and the inspector missed a multi-layered roof it could be the source of problems. Professional roofing companies typically like a single layer roof because they know what is under it and how it was laid by their team. A roofing pro can tell you whether or not you have a single, or multi-layer roof.

Leaks

Ceiling or leaks in your attic are like a warning light on a car dashboard. It is a big indicator that water is intruding into your home and it has to be addressed before it causes further damage to materials, roofing and your family’s health. Leaks can come from multiple sources, but a professional can usually pinpoint the source of entry in a very short time. Do not let water leaks of any kind fester over time. Procrastination in calling for help will only make matters worse and cause more damage. Your roofer can determine if it’s a roofing or plumbing issue.

Clogged Gutters

Water pooling or standing in your roof valley, or other areas is usually an indication of a clogged gutter, or french drain from the downspout that is clogged and backing water up to the roof. A roof professional can determine the root cause but you don’t want standing water on your roof.

Loose Fascia

High winds, excessive rain, and heat can cause your fascia wood/material to shrink and expand pulling away from nails just below the shingle line of your roof. Gaps can allow water to penetrate onto the roof deck and into the attic causing dry rot, mold, mildew and other damaging problems.

Make sure you contact a licensed, insured/bonded and reputable professional roofer. Ask for references and check online reviews as well as the BBB.

At Gilstrap Roofing we have been serving the Upstate longer than any other roofing contractor accredited by the Better Business Bureau, spanning four generations. We live, work and play here so we have a lot at stake when it comes to providing quality roofing with certified crews. We regularly perform roof inspections for these and other kinds of issues. Contact us today.