1. Be energy efficient and keep the cold out by installing storm windows or covering your windows with sturdy plastic.
2. Fill in any cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
3. Insulate pipes and remove hoses from outdoor water faucets.
4. Be sure to have a good snow shovel and keep plenty of rock salt or sand on hand for slippery driveways and walks.
5. Look around the yard to determine if any trees might pose a hazard to the house if they were to fall. Consider having them removed by a professional tree service.

Remember, if you already have damage to your roof contact us.  We can come out to cover your roof with an emergency tarp to prevent further damage from occurring. Have a tip about winter roof maintenance?  Share your experience with us!

1. STORM CHASERS HAVE NO ACCOUNTABILITY…if a local contractor does a roof, he is not able to hide from bad workmanship. Storm Chaser companies have no accountability and know it is hard to find them in another state if they have problems down the road.

2. STORM CHASERS OFTEN ENGAGE IN INSURANCE FRAUD…insurance fraud is most likely to happen with storm chaser contractors. This is why some companies come to a disaster area and purchase rights to a local company. The company sells their soul and let’s the company run with their local name…disgraceful.

3. HIRING STORM CHASERS DEPRIVES LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS…when you use local contractors, you support people who shop in local supermarkets, little league coaches and people in your churches. Best of all the income earned stays in the Virginia economy.

PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL CONTRACTORS.

5.  Q:   How do modern solar energy systems work?

A: The solar array is made up of panels that collect energy from the sun and micro-inverters which convert the electricity from DC (flashlight battery type) to AC (household current). The clean, conditioned electricity is used all day in the home to offset what is required from the utility company. A special meter is installed that will spin backward when the system is making more power than is needed to run the home. As the meter spins backward, it is subtracting from the amount of electricity that the utility company will bill for that month.

4. Q:    What incentives are out there to help me purchase a solar energy system?

A: Major savings are through a federal tax credit that provides 30% off the entire system cost that carries over annually until the entire credit has been used. Numerous financing options are also available and because of the energy savings, you can finance and still remain cash positive until the system is paid for.

3. Q:    How much energy will a solar system produce for my home?

A: It depends on the size of the home, but fifteen to twenty panels can reduce the electric bill by 50% or more. Over 25 years of escalating energy prices, a tremendous amount of money can be saved.

2. Q:    Can my homeowners association prevent me from installing solar on my home?

A: In most cases,Virginia state law prohibits homeowners and community organizations from denying approval to install solar energy systems.

1. Q:    How do I know how much I can save with a solar energy system?

A: Pyramid Roofing will send a solar energy specialist to your home to provide a solar evaluation at no charge for you to see what benefits you can expect.

high bills to keep your home comfortable and warm!  Learn how in the Fall 2011 Edition of Pyramid Roofing’s Roof Report!

WHAT ABOUT SHINGLE WARRANTIES? 

Some shingle manufacturers are offering NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranties for added costs of around 4.5 cents to 6.5 cents per square foot. These warranties may or may not cover all damages and labor costs.

Shingle manufacturers will not warrant their products against “Acts of God or Nature” such as hurricanes, hail storms, severe winds usually in excess of 50 mph, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. Nor will shingle manufacturers honor their material warranty if the products are improperly installed, if there is improper roof ventilation, if there is equipment installation or structural changes after roof completion, or if there is heavy foot traffic on or over the roof.

For specific warranty information, ask your contractor to provide a sample warranty of the materials he installs.

Types of asphalt shingles include, but are not limited to:

• Basic Three-Tab Shingle
• No Cut Out Shingle
• Dimensional Shingles
• “T”-Lock or Interlocking Shingle
• Angle-Lap Shingle
• Many specialty shingles such as those imitating the appearance of cedar and slate roofing.

WHAT ABOUT SHINGLE WARRANTIES? 

Some shingle manufacturers are offering NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranties for added costs of around 4.5 cents to 6.5 cents per square foot. These warranties may or may not cover all damages and labor costs.

Shingle manufacturers will not warrant their products against “Acts of God or Nature” such as hurricanes, hail storms, severe winds usually in excess of 50 mph, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. Nor will shingle manufacturers honor their material warranty if the products are improperly installed, if there is improper roof ventilation, if there is equipment installation or structural changes after roof completion, or if there is heavy foot traffic on or over the roof.

For specific warranty information, ask your contractor to provide a sample warranty of the materials he installs.

Types of asphalt shingles include, but are not limited to:

• Basic Three-Tab Shingle
• No Cut Out Shingle
• Dimensional Shingles
• “T”-Lock or Interlocking Shingle
• Angle-Lap Shingle
• Many specialty shingles such as those imitating the appearance of cedar and slate roofing.

Slate Roofing

Slate is a fine-grained gray, green, or bluish metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat pieces.  Slate’s smooth-surfaced layers are used in steep slope roofing applications.

Although slate is an expensive choice, it offers a very natural look and can be laid out in a variety of patterns.

The benefits of slate are identical to those of tile: a very long lifespan, good fire protection, low maintenance, and an invulnerably to rot and insects. It comes in a good selection of sizes and colors, although colors are limited to those found in nature.

Like tile, slate can be very heavy, sometimes requiring expensive extra support.  Also, it’s breakable enough that walking on it is difficult for a non-professional, complicating such tasks as rooftop maintenance, gutter cleaning and painting.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the fastest growing parts of the roofing industry. Its popularity is increasing everywhere due to its many positive attributes. While a premium metal roof costs more initially than many other roofs, it can be a good investment in the long run. Not only are metal roofs long lasting, they can also increase a home’s resale value, decrease a home’s energy consumption (by up to 40%!), and in some areas, reduce the home owner insurance premiums immensely.

Slate Roofing

Slate is a fine-grained gray, green, or bluish metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat pieces.  Slate’s smooth-surfaced layers are used in steep slope roofing applications.

Although slate is an expensive choice, it offers a very natural look and can be laid out in a variety of patterns.

The benefits of slate are identical to those of tile: a very long lifespan, good fire protection, low maintenance, and an invulnerably to rot and insects. It comes in a good selection of sizes and colors, although colors are limited to those found in nature.

Like tile, slate can be very heavy, sometimes requiring expensive extra support.  Also, it’s breakable enough that walking on it is difficult for a non-professional, complicating such tasks as rooftop maintenance, gutter cleaning and painting.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the fastest growing parts of the roofing industry. Its popularity is increasing everywhere due to its many positive attributes. While a premium metal roof costs more initially than many other roofs, it can be a good investment in the long run. Not only are metal roofs long lasting, they can also increase a home’s resale value, decrease a home’s energy consumption (by up to 40%!), and in some areas, reduce the home owner insurance premiums immensely.

Asphalt shingles are currently the most popular type of residential roof material for a variety of reasons. They are relatively inexpensive. They come in a variety of colors and styles, are fairly durable (some have been tested and have achieved a class IV hail rating – the highest available!), and can be easily repaired and maintained.

Things that determine cost are

1. geographical location,
2. slope of the roof,
3. height of the building
4. ease of access to the premises
5. complexity of the project
6. the particular type of shingle

Consult your Pyramid Client Adviser about the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding shingle installation.  This is especially important because improper installation could void the manufacturers warranty.

Asphalt shingles are currently the most popular type of residential roof material for a variety of reasons. They are relatively inexpensive. They come in a variety of colors and styles, are fairly durable (some have been tested and have achieved a class IV hail rating – the highest available!), and can be easily repaired and maintained.

Things that determine cost are

1. geographical location,
2. slope of the roof,
3. height of the building
4. ease of access to the premises
5. complexity of the project
6. the particular type of shingle

Consult your Pyramid Client Adviser about the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding shingle installation.  This is especially important because improper installation could void the manufacturers warranty.