The Pros and Cons of Drone Roof Inspections

Did you know experts recommend homeowners conduct a roof inspection at least once a year? And homes that experience extreme weather events will call for more frequent inspections.

Yet, with different roof inspection methods, which should homeowners and property managers choose?

In this article, you'll learn about the pros and cons of drone roof inspections. Let's dive in.

How Do Drones Work?

Drones use rotors to hover above the ground. The rotors consist of a propeller attached to a motor. When the rotors increase speed, they produce an upward force greater than gravity, allowing them to fly. 

Many drones come equipped with 4K resolution technology for capturing high-quality photos and videos.

How Do Drones Inspect Roofs?

Home inspectors often use binoculars to inspect a roof from the ground. They may also go into the attic to check the roof from the underside or climb a ladder to the eaves. 

This is for the safety of the roof and the inspectors. It's not smart to walk on a roof, especially if it has problems.

But with a drone, inspectors can view hard-to-see areas and inspect the roof in its entirety.

A lightweight drone can pivot quickly to see different angles and take photos or videos to review.

Drones designed for enterprise work can use an autonomous flight path to ensure inspectors don't miss any area of the roof. They can always make adjustments to the course during the inspection as needed. 

Drone Roof Inspections: Pros

There are several benefits of a roof inspection via drone. Improved accuracy is one of them.

Since drones can see more areas than a person with binoculars on the ground can, drones allow inspectors to identify problems easier. Examples include lifting shingles or bent flashing.

Automated flight paths further help improve accuracy and reduce human error. 

This allows homeowners and property managers to make more informed decisions about the roof repairs they need.

Additionally, drone inspections take far less time than manual inspections. The inspector stays in one place while the drone does all the work. They don't have to take measurements from the ground or worry about climbing up different sections to view the whole roof. 

And with less ladder climbing, there's increased safety for inspectors.

It's much safer to capture photos with a drone than to climb up to get the best view of the area in question. 

Drone Roof Inspections: Cons

Of course, drones are not magical tools and have some downsides.

It takes proper care and experience to fly a drone without crashing it. And since drones are expensive, a crash would be a costly mistake. 

It's best to hire a professional to conduct your roof drone inspection rather than attempting it yourself. A drone inspection will cost more than a physical inspection, but the cost is worth it to gain more information about the state of your roof. 

Moreover, drones aren't perfect, and it's still possible for them to miss a problem. So some manual inspection from inside the home may still be necessary. 

Schedule an Inspection

Drone roof inspections have more pros than cons, and they are becoming an industry standard for inspectors.

For more roof inspection tips, contact us at Signature Exteriors. We'd be happy to set up a roof inspection for you or assist with an ongoing project.

Do’s and Don'ts of Roof Repairs: Best Practices on How to Fix Them

Imagine for a second that you are a roof.

You sit there, day and night, getting pounded by wind, by rain, by all sorts of weather. Not to mention the birds that like to roost upon you.

Day in and day out, you are expected to stay intact. However, like everything that is left exposed to the elements, you are bound to need repairs.

Repairing a roof is tricky, and you want to make sure that you do it correctly if you are faced with the situation. Here are some do's and don'ts when it comes to roof repairs.

Roof Repair Do: Use Matching Shingles

Just like how nobody likes a patchy haircut, nobody likes a patchy roof. Mismatched shingles are an eyesore that can greatly cut into the property value and eye appeal of your property.

Even if you only have to replace a few shingles, make sure you're using the same kind that is already up there. Whether you have a regular shingle roof or something more exotic like a clay tile roof, it's important to match shade, texture, and style.

Replacing shingles is an easy fix when performing roof repair, but don't confuse an easy project with something you don't need to pay attention to.

Roof Repair Don't: Leave Exposed Nail Heads

This is basically a tip for life in general. Almost no good can come from leaving nail heads exposed unless you're trying to hang up a picture, and it's highly doubtful that you're going to want to hang a family portrait on top of your house or commercial property.

Leaving your nail heads exposed makes them more likely to rust. Not only that, but exposed nail heads are likely not totally sealed, meaning water can seep in and damage your shingles, your roof, and your house itself.

It seems simple, but it's an important roof repair tip.

Like a child during a thunderstorm, keep your head covered.

Roof Repair Do: Wear Proper Clothing

While it might be enticing to try and fix your roof while dressed in your nicest wedding clothes, that's probably not the best idea.

When it comes to roof repair best practices, this is an easy tip that you don't even need to be on the roof to do. There's a reason that professionals typically wear jeans and long sleeve shirts.

Most importantly, when performing your roof repair, wear rubber-soled shoes. Those type of shoes offer good grip, which is important on unusual surfaces. Falling off a roof can be deadly, so be sure to wear the proper attire to prevent falls.

Ready for Roof Repairs?

Follow these tips to ensure that your roof repair process is a smooth one.

Repairing a roof is a difficult process, and it's important to know what you're doing before you jump in.

Even with these tips, it's still the best practice to put your roof repair work in trusted hands. Contact us today and we'll make your roof repairs work beautifully.

Cost-Effective Ways to Pay for a New Roof

Financing Options

If you own a home or commercial property, you know that repairing or replacing a roof is a necessary and costly purchase. At Signature Exteriors, we know that roofs can cost individuals several thousand dollars. We also know that the average person does not have thousands of dollars to spare out of pocket.

 If you wonder how you will pay for your roof, we want to share insight on payment techniques. Choose the most cost-effective strategy for you.

Payment Plans 

Some roofer companies offer payment plans to make costs more affordable and accessible. Payment plans allow consumers to spread out payments over several months or years. Most plans charge interest rates alongside monthly payments. Contact the roofing company for more information on programs, requirements, and interest rates.

Insurance Coverage 

If you have insurance for your property, you might be able to use your insurance policy to pay for a new roof. Usually, insurance policies cover roof replacements or repairs if the damage came from a fire, theft, or natural disaster. For more information, contact an insurance agent.

Loans 

A loan is a borrowed amount of money that the borrower will pay back with interest. There are three main loan options for roof repairs and replacements you can use to pay the cost.

1.       FHA Title 1 Home and Property Improvement Loan 

2.       Home Equity Loan 

3.       Personal Loan 

 Each lender has its requirements and interest rates. Depending on your financial situation, some loans are smarter to take out than others. For example, if you have equity built up in your home, a home equity loan is the best option.

If you are ready to discuss roof pricing, payment options, and services, reach out to our trusted company today. At Signature Exteriors, we provide roofing services to counties surrounding St. Louis, MO. Just call (314) 827-5376 for more information!

Navigating Roof Replacement

The details of roof replacement sometimes can be unclear for homeowners. Evaluating proposals, viewing evaluations, negotiating project specifics and costs can be overwhelming. However, some basic knowledge can make the process easier and more accessible for anyone. Here are a few things to know about replacing your roof.

How To Choose a Roofing Company 

Labor, materials, and expertise cost money. While trying to save money, you can easily be swayed into picking the least costly bid. Look for reasonably priced offers from reputable companies with good reviews. Ask questions about your specific concerns and have contractors sign off on their answers. Remind yourself that you get what you pay for, and an outrageously low-cost roof generally means high-cost repairs.

How To Plan for Your Roofing Project 

Ask practical questions regarding your specific project. Do not task yourself with understanding the nuances of roofing. Check the roof out for yourself first. Not every homeowner is apt to get on a ladder and scale their home, nor should they, but take as close a look at the roof as you can. Check for areas that look damaged and communicate your concerns to the contractor to avoid similar occurrences next time.

When a roofing company provides you with an estimate, they have a contractor or a similar professional evaluate your roof. Ask for a walkthrough of the professional assessment to determine if you should have any other areas of your home inspected for damages and to understand the process. 

How To Communicate During the Project 

Contractors will keep you informed of any changes in timing or cost. If you need more updates than that, request the kind of communication you require for adequate peace of mind. Often, while a conversation may be difficult to schedule, a quick email exchange is enough to set your mind at ease.

For commercial and residential roofing in Saint Louis and the surrounding areas, contact Signature Exteriors today; we’ve got you covered!

Ways to Prevent Roof Damage This Winter

Depending on your preferences, winter can be a beautiful time of year. Still, the frigid temperatures, unpredictable snowfalls, and icy weather patterns can wreak havoc on a property, often resulting in damage if you are not meticulous. The way to protect any property during the winter months is about diligence and know-how. However, many property maintenance issues that safeguard a structure from wintertime-ills occur in the fall.

The maintenance schedule doesn't change for a roof. Homeowners and commercial property owners will need to take steps starting in the fall to protect their roofs in the winter.

Fall Maintenance

Two of the primary components of a roof are the eavestroughs and gutters. These devices help water navigate off the roof to the ground away from the structure. However, if gutters and eaves are blocked, the water can seep under the roofline, resulting in roof and building damage.

Before the winter months arrive, clean the gutters and eaves. If leaves and other gunk are left to block the drains, your property will likely experience ice dams, which can also damage the roofline.

Winter Routines

During the winter, you will want to make sure you avoid allowing snow to build up on the roof. After every snowstorm, hire a professional to clear away snow on the roof or use a roof rake or other tool to remove excess snow safely.

Additionally, you will want to watch for excess ice building in gutters and around downspouts. You will want to take extra caution when removing icicles from your roof and gutters because they can be dangerous.

Taking care of your roof in the winter is not only a seasonal job. The maintenance you perform in the fall and year-round can affect the risks you face in the winter. Contact Signature Exteriors for more information about roof maintenance and winter damage prevention.

Popular Trends in Siding

Brick and stone have been traditional staples amongst more prominent suburban neighborhoods, but now more and more Home Owner Associations are including siding within their CC&R inclusions. Siding is easily maintained and updated, increasing curb appeal and keeping the neighborhood desirable. Learn more about popular siding trends homeowners love.

Material

Traditional siding has moved on to high-quality vinyl siding. It comes in a wide variety of designs, patterns, presses, and colors. It’s an easy answer to modernize the home and add curb appeal while on a budget. It’s low-cost, low-maintenance, and versatile. Another popular trend on the rise in recent years is fiber cement siding. It offers a wood-like finish and is low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and durable. Using fiber cement adds another layer of texture and color to the home’s exterior and creates visual texture.

Environmental

Due to the very nature of the materials used for vinyl siding, you can sometimes find options made of post-consumer recyclable materials. Using eco-friendly siding is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and embrace being environmentally sustainable. It would be best to investigate the availability to dispose of your siding should you need to make repairs or updates. Reducing your impact on the environment is a growing trend within the industry. 

Mix and Match

Trend spoiler alert: you can mix and match siding however you want. Consider choosing vinyl paneling for the front of your home while using stone on the entryway and fiber cement board for a charming exterior cottage core design. You have complete control over an endless range of mix and match options, no matter the aesthetic. 

Color

Bring on the bright blues or deep charcoals and rusty oranges or emerald greens because new siding gives major contrasting color vibes to keep it modern and fresh for homeowners. Using intense color options that contrast with bright white or dark black trim creates stunning curb appeal. Complete the look with a custom roof, and your dream home will be a hit.

Learn more about how you can incorporate the latest siding trends into your exterior home design by contacting the professionals at Signature Exteriors in the St. Charles area to schedule a consultation today.

How to Safely Clean Your Gutters This Winter

Winter Gutter Maintenance

As winter quickly approaches, it's a good time to think about any gutter maintenance projects needed for your home. Some professionals say that you should start this process during the fall season as it can get more challenging to remove leaves or debris from the gutters. However, winter also poses a threat to your gutters if you're not staying on top of frequent maintenance. At Signature Exteriors, we understand how important it is to maintain your gutter during the winter season.

Winter Gutter Cleaning 101

In the spring and summer months, gutters are much easier to clean and maintain. Leaves and debris can be removed without the need for tools, whereas tools may be necessary during the winter. Scoopers and other tools are used to break through any ice or cold water stuck in the gutter, which will prevent any cuts or falls while working to clean your gutters.

Safety Gear Preparation

Being safe is one of the most critical aspects of gutter cleaning, especially in the winter. While we always practice safety on ladders and working around gutters, it is essential to be even more careful in the winter. Contractors need to wear rubber-soled shoes and practice ladder safety at all times, and this will limit any slippage or sliding while working.

Tools for Gutter Maintenance

To maintain your gutters, tools are used to chip away any icicles that are hard to remove. Never use your hands while removing icicles unless the proper glove protection is worn. Additionally, using a professional can help you make sure your gutters aren't damaged. They'll be able to spot any damage or potential leaks that may be detrimental to your structure. If there are any holes, rot, or signs of pooling water, a contractor can devise a plan for the best course of action to resolve the damage.

Do not attempt to clean your gutters alone this winter. You could easily slip on the ice or fall from a ladder and injure yourself. Gutters can easily be cleaned with the help of professionals. Contact Signature Exteriors to learn more about how to maintain your gutter and roofing system through the winter.

How to Prepare Your Gutters for Winter

Gutter Maintenance

As winter weather rolls in, you may not initially think about your gutters. However, it is essential to have your gutters in good shape before the colder months kick in. When snow and ice wreak havoc on your roofing and gutter systems, it can lead to severe damage.

Inspect Gutters

We suggest that you inspect the gutters before the colder weather hits. Be sure there are no cracks or loose fasteners. In addition to inspecting the gutters, check the fascia, foundation, and siding for any signs of rotting or water damage. The gutters can be the cause of water damage to your business or home. An inspection can catch damage early and prevent future damage from occurring.

Clean Gutters

One of the hallmarks of gutter maintenance is cleaning the gutters regularly. Not only do you need to check gutters often in the fall, but you also need to do it regularly in the winter too. Snow can accumulate and weigh down gutters. You will also want to pay attention to the junctions and corners where leaves build up the most.

Install Gutter Guards and Downspout Extensions

If you want to avoid a lot of hands-on maintenance, you can use a gutter protection system. These types of systems prevent debris from entering the gutters. Additionally, you may need to realign your gutters to make sure you have no standing water.

Another tip for maintaining your gutters is to install a downspout extension to send the ice and snow away from your building. When you send water about three to five feet away from the building, it can prevent the water from seeping in. When it comes to damaged gutters, water often seeps into the basement and causes severe water damage.

No matter the time of year, gutter maintenance is critical to the safety of your building. At Signature Exteriors, we understand the importance of clean gutters and roofing solutions. Contact us today to find out more about how to prep your gutters for winter!