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Your Shingle Selection is Imperative to the Performance of Your Roof System.

When it comes time to reshingle your roof, you may be taken back a bit at the wide variety of shingles that are available. In order to help you find the perfect fit for your home, consider the protection you’re looking for and the price you want to pay.

Standard Asphalt

These roof shingles are the most popular roofing choice in the country and can be seen on almost every roof you pass. They deliver minimal protection to your home, but they are also the most affordable selection. Asphalt shingles can last up to 15 years, and provide wind, rain, and hail protection, along with resistance to UV rays. However, these shingles are simply a second layer of your roofing system and can fall victim to serious damage.

Premium Asphalt Shingles

When you want the affordability of asphalt shingles, but are looking for a little more protection and dimension, consider premium varieties. These can include impact resistant shingles and architectural shingles and are slightly more pricey than standard versions. While architectural roof shingles provide more depth and dimension to your roof, they don’t provide much extra protection. However, since they have a singular design instead of sheets, they are easily repaired. Impact resistant shingles provide reinforced impact protection but offer no extra resistance to other hazards. These shingles also have wider designs to help them stay in place in severe weather.

Synthetic Shingles

These roof shingles offer the enhanced appearance of slate, tile, or wood, and deliver substantially more protection from the elements than standard asphalt. These shingle varieties are constructed from polymers to increase durability, longevity, and even fade resistance. While these shingles are more expensive than standard shingles, they deliver incredible protection and little maintenance.

Wood Shingles

While wood roof shingles and shakes deliver an unbeatable appearance, they are quite pricey and require heavy maintenance for optimal performance. These shingles provide excellent resistance to UV rays which can decrease your energy costs and can offer unbeatable impact resistance. However, heavy moisture and frequent rainfall can lead to problems with mold and mildew.

Metal Shingles

Though one of the most expensive choices, metal shingle systems offer unrivaled protection and durability. They can resemble the look of wood, tile, and even slate. Lasting upwards of 50 years, these lightweight shingles can stand up to water, UV rays, wind, impact, and more. While you can expect to pay a hefty upfront cost for this roof system, low maintenance and minimal repairs can help to offset the price over time.

Knowing what you want from your roof shingles can help to make your installation process smoother and less stressful. For complete guidance and installation of your new roof, call the Prusak Construction & Roofing, Inc. experts at __PHONE__ to schedule your consultation.

Installing a Metal Roof Can Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal.

If your roofing materials need to be replaced, it is a good time to consider the possibility of upgrading to a stronger, more durable roofing material that will provide excellent protection for your home. The staff at Prusak Construction & Roofing, Inc. recommends installing a metal roof on your home. Metal roofing materials will not only provide the best protection from a variety of elements, but they can also improve the appearance of your house.

Different Metal Roof Styles

Once you have decided to install a metal roof on your house, the next step is to decide what style of roof you want. Here are three very popular styles of metal roofing materials.

Metal Roof Shingles
Metal shingles are easy to install and they can create the illusion of a wide range of more high-end roofing materials for a fraction of the cost. Once they are properly installed, they require very little maintenance and can last for a very long time.

Stone Coated Steel
Stone coated steel roofing material provides the appearance of tile and ceramic tiles with all the durability of steel. It is an incredibly long-lasting roof that provides a unique appearance for your home.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing
If you’re looking for a bold looking roof that will provide excellent protection for home, you can’t go wrong with standing seam metal roofing. This roof is resistant to leaks and water damage because of the design of the raised seams.

For more information about installing a metal roof in Bridgeview, IL, contact our staff at (708) 422-2624. We guarantee a professional installation for a strong durable roof.

Do you have an aging commercial roof system with a lot of wear and tear? No matter what type of roof system you may have, aging will continue to take a toll on the performance of the roof system, leading you to choose between replacement and restoration. Restoration is a great way to extend the life of the roof at a much lower cost than a roof replacement. However, a roof restoration is only a possible choice if utilized within the proper time frame, meaning that if you put it off for too long, you may have no choice but to replace.

Why Do I Need A Roof Restoration?

Have You Considered A Roof Restoration?

Severe weather, along with the sun and even general aging can put a lot of damage on your roof over time. Roof replacements are costly, time consuming, and generally a hassle for many of the people involve. Because of this, it is best if you only choose roof replacement as your last resort. By choosing a roof restoration in lieu of a complete roof replacement, you can avoid spending thousands on labor and materials, as well as the pain of installation times. Restoring your roof system can address issues such as ponding water and mold growth, and even repair issues such as torn roof membrane and cracked seams.

There are several different kinds of roof restoration techniques, the most common of which are roof coatings. To learn more, give our team a call today at (708) 422-2624!

Shingles Become Damaged And Missing Over Time.

Many people only think of their roof during storm season. However, your roof might be getting damaged without you even knowing. It’s good to understand some of the causes of roof damages.

The damages to your roof can take many forms. The flashing, which connects chimneys and vents to the roof, might be missing which could be a sign of roof damage. If the shingles are losing grains, it might be time to change them out. Missing, curling, or lifting shingles are also signs of roof damage.

What causes some of these problems?

Age: A roof’s age impacts it’s resistance to severe weather. Over time, shingles and nails loosen and become less resistant against wind and water. Flashing that connects your roof to chimneys and other fixtures along the roof can wear down and break.

Animals: Squirrels and other creatures can weak the shingles by walking on the roof or by creating openings to nest in the attics.

Hail: Ranging in size from a pellet to a softball, hail can knock shingles loose and make a hole in your roof. The larger hail can create major damage to your roof, especially if it’s an older roof.

Water: When water works its way past the shingles, the layers beneath the shingle can rot and even cause leaks. Moss can aggravate this problem by growing between the shingles and collecting water. As water freezes and refreezes, it can weaken the shingles and flashing.

Wind: As wind picks up, it can carry objects or cause low hanging tree limbs to scrape up against the roof loosening the shingles. Over time, wind can even loosen nails and lift shingles.

If your roof has any damage, you may want professionals to take a look at it. A small problem like a leak can escalate over time. Contact Prusak Construction & Roofing, Inc. and our team of professionals at (708) 422-2624.

If your home has dark, closed in spaces and you want to brighten them up, installing a natural light in the ceiling is always a great option. There are two types of natural light sources. The first is a skylight window. The second option is called a solar tube. Prusak Construction & Roofing, Inc. provides installation and repair services for both skylight windows and solar tubes.

Solar Tubes and Skylights Function Differently to Provide Light for Your Home.

Skylight and a Solar Tube Differences

Many people think that a skylight is the same as a solar tube. While they are similar, there are some very distinct features that allow them to function in very different ways. Here is a breakdown of the differences between a skylight and a solar tube.

Skylight Windows
A skylight window is essentially a window in your roof. It is made from reinforced glass that captures the light energy from the sun and emits it to the room below. These windows can only provide light for the roof in which they are installed and they only work during the daytime when there is light for the window to capture.

Solar Tubes
A solar tube has an acrylic dome that sits on the roof and captures light from the sun. The light is reflected down a metal tube into the attic or crawlspace. From there, the light is captured by a diffusing plate, which is installed in the ceiling of the room below. This manner of capturing and reflecting light allows solar tubes to direct light to many rooms, even rooms that are not directly under the opening. Additionally, a solar tube can be equipped with an electric light to provide light even after dark.

Contact our office at (708) 422-2624 if you would like more information about installing a skylight or solar tube in your home.

A Solar Fan Can Dramatically Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Home.

If you’re looking for a way to increase the energy efficiency of your home and lower your heating bills, you might be wondering about the benefits of a solar fan. Prusak Construction & Roofing, Inc. is ready to discuss the advantages to installing a solar fan in your attic. Give our office a call today at (708) 422-2624.

How Does a Solar Fan Cool Your House?

Solar fans use solar power to lower the temperature of your attic by almost 40 degrees. This in turn lowers the internal temperature in the entire house. There are three basic steps in the process of cooling your house with a solar fan.

Step 1: Heat enters the Attic
When the sun beats down on the roof of your house, a lot of that heat gets absorbed through the roofing material into the attic. In most attics, there are ventilation spaces to allow some of the hot to escape outside, but it is not usually enough to really compensate for the heat coming in.

Step 2: The Solar Fan Spins
Solar fans use the power from the sun to run the motor that makes the fan blades spin. This increases the air movement in the attic, which increases the capacity of the ventilation system.

Step 3: Warm Air Leaves the Attic
As the ventilation in the attic increases, the amount of hot air that is able to escape the attic also increases. This lowers the temperature of the attic, which in turn lowers the temperature of your entire house.

Contact Our Office

A solar fan also keeps your attic from retaining moisture, which can prevent the growth of mold and mildew. If you’re interested in learning more about solar powered fans to cool your home, contact our office at (708) 422-2624 and schedule an appointment today.

With all the different roofing material available, making a roofing choice can seem like a distant goal. However, there is one roofing solution that delivers on almost every level. Metal roofing can supply longevity and durability along with beauty and class. These systems have been growing in the residential market recently because of their incredible resistance levels and cost efficiency.

Impeccable Strength With a Classic Look

Want the strength of metal without the bulky warehouse look? Today’s metal roofing solutions can be made to resemble almost any other roofing material including wood shakes, cedar shingles, clay and concrete tile, and even slate. They are available in almost every color and texture you can think of and can be attached using two separate methods. Metal roofs now come in shingles or planks, and can even be applied in a vertical style over horizontal.

Resistance to… Everything

Metal roofs are known for their strength, but they can also resist almost anything that can be thrown at them. Metal roofing systems are great at resisting water, wind, and hail damage, as well as deterring mold, mildew, and rot. The do not puncture easily or tear, and you will never have to worry about curling, cracking, or warping.

Unique UV Protection

Metal is actually quite resistant to UV rays and can help save you money on energy costs. Because of the way a metal roof is installed air can flow between your roof space allowing heat displacement and resisting water and condensation build up. This allows your home to stay cooler, reducing your energy costs.

When it comes to the total package, a metal roof is a great solution for most areas. When you are considering a metal roofing system, call the Prusak Roofing experts at (708) 422-2624 to find out more about the benefits and drawbacks of a metal roof.

New gutters stand as a fine improvement for any home.

Gutters provide an invaluable service for homes and businesses. Rainfall represents a serious danger for most structures, as they can become susceptible to damage from water. A gutter system redirects water to protect a structure from harm. However, like all components of a house, gutters will eventually need replacement. Gutters become less able to perform their work as they age or absorb damage. Keep an eye out for the following indications that you need new gutters.

Sags and Separation

Gutters that have started to sag under the weight of debris cannot properly do their work. Separation from the house also prevents the proper function of a gutter system. If your gutters have sags or separation, then you need to consider replacement. Excess debris and water will cause these problems for old or improperly designed gutters.

Pools of Water

If water has begun to collect around your house, then your gutters have ceased to properly function. Gutters should channel water well away from the structure. Water that collects nearby can seep beneath the foundation and cause trouble. Mildew serves as another sign of improper drainage.

Rust and Peeling Paint

Rust and peeling paint both indicate water damage. If your gutters have rust, then they have aged to the extent that they need replacement. Peeling paint near the gutters means that the system does not properly contain water. You could have splits or separation in the gutter through which water escapes. Like rust, peeling paint serves as a sign that you need new gutters.

If you need gutter repair or new gutters in Bridgeview, IL, call __PHONE__ today for the experts at Prusak Roofing Inc. We offer timely service for all gutter needs.

When you have roof damage from a storm, there are many questions you may have. Who should I call first? How long will the repair take? Will they be covered by my homeowner’s insurance?

First, most damage caused by storms will be covered on your homeowner’s policy, with the applicable deductible. However, the damage  determined to be gradual or happening over time is usually considered to be a maintenance issue, or normal wear and tear, which is not covered by most homeowner’s policies.

What To Do First

Call your insurance agent first. Go over every detail and every damaged spot that you can find. Take photos of the roof damage if possible. In most cases, an adjuster will be sent to look at the damage, and decide how much the repairs might cost.

After notifying your insurance company, research roofing companies in your area, looking for experience and knowledge of your roofing material and coinsiding roof damage. Prusak Roofing has extensive knowledge of all roofing types and materials and can provide any estimates that the insurance company may require.

Your adjuster may want to have a meeting with your roofing company to hash out costs and material needs. Make sure through every step of your roof repair, you keep receipts, estimate notes, discrepancies, and supplement filings to ensure that your claim is handled properly.

You roof storm damage doesn’t have to be a pain. Proper record keeping, notification, and research will help to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Most homeowners know that water damage is one of the biggest reasons your roof could need to be repaired. However, did you know that another major cause of residential roof damage is a lack of proper ventilation? Your attic should stay at a warm temperature while resisting moisture buildup. Ventilation is necessary for both of those conditions, as regular airflow maintains the temperature and humidity. If the airflow is unbalanced, your attic is susceptible to overheating. When your attic overheats, the extra heat will filter down to the rest of your house, and if your attic accumulates moisture in the cooler months, you can get mildew and other damages to your insulation.

Poor Roof Ventilation Leads to:

• Weakened Insulation
• Mildew And Mold Growth
• Warping Of Your Roof Deck
• Warping Of Your Roof Frame
• Ruined Siding
• And More!

These problems are hard to notice at first, and incredibly costly to repair. The longer these issues go unnoticed, the worse they can become, even going so far as to damage the structure of your home. Yearly roof inspections are a great way to prevent long-term damages to your roof and home, as a qualified inspector can find signs of weakness in your roof with ease. If you’re worried that your home has poor roof ventilation in Bridgeview, IL, give us a call today at (708) 422-2624. Our licensed roofers can repair or replace your roof at an affordable price!

Have Your Roof Inspected Annually!