PETRUS Roofing and Solar

Rock Solid Roofing and Solar in the Greater Houston Area

Roof Repair

Protecting Your Home

by

Our Commitment to Covering Damages During Roof Installation

When you choose to install a new roof, it’s a significant investment in the safety, comfort, and value of your home. At Petrus Roofing, we understand the apprehensions homeowners might have about the process. One common concern is the potential for damage to the home during installation. We take every reasonable precaution to prevent damage, and if anything does happen, we’ve got you covered.

Picture of a roof from above, stripped of shingles, with new felt underlayment and the ice/water shield laid down on the plywood decking. The pool in back is covered by tarps.
Recent build. This is the underlayment and the ice and water shield that goes in the valleys. This was taken 20 minutes before a freak thunderstorm hit us hard.

Your Home Becomes a Construction Site

From the moment you contact us for your roofing project, our primary goal is to provide the highest build quality while caring for your property. Our crew follows protocols to minimize the risk of damage during the installation process. We use processes and equipment to control the work zone as much as humanly possible.

We also remind our customers that Build Day turns your home into a construction site.

Hundreds of pounds of shingles are ripped off your roof and hundreds of pounds of new shingles will be nailed on with around 10,000 new fasteners used (nails, screws, staples, etc.)! This means 10,000 old fasteners already up there need to be removed. That’s a lot of nails! Also, there will be delivery trucks bringing supplies and dumpsters, work crew trucks, ladders, scaffolding, pneumatic nail guns, 8-14 person teams are constantly working from sun up to sun down. It’s a busy place and an extremely hot environment in Houston to work, so precautions need to be made.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Before we even begin the installation, we conduct an assessment of your property.

  1. Detailed Inspection: We inspect the existing roof and surrounding areas to identify any potential risks or weak spots that could be affected during the installation.
  2. Property Protection Plan: We lay down tarps and plywood to safeguard your lawn, garden, and windows. On many jobs, this includes the Catch-All system, which is specifically designed for roof removal.
  3. Clear Communication: We discuss our plan with you, (Build Day Expectations) addressing any concerns you may have and explaining the steps we will take to protect your property.
  4. Move What You Can: Remove patio furniture, outdoor items, and vegetation that can be moved. “Anything that money can’t replace” needs to be moved far from the construction area as possible. All cars, toys, and other equipment need to be pulled off the driveway, not only giving us access, but protecting your stuff, too.

During Installation

Our team is trained to work with precision and care. Here’s how we ensure your home remains protected during the installation:

  1. Experienced Crew: Our installers are experienced professionals who are skilled in the best practices of roofing installation. They work efficiently and carefully to avoid unnecessary damage.
  2. Proper Equipment Use: We use equipment and tools designed to minimize the risk of damage. This includes using safety harnesses, proper ladders, and equipment that reduces impact on your property.
  3. Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the installation process, our project managers monitor the site to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly and safely.
Work crews with harnesses, ropes, Cougar Paw boots, and pitch mats all aid in safe installations.
Work crews with harnesses, ropes, Cougar Paw boots, and pitch mats all aid in safe installations.

Post-Installation Assurance

After the installation is complete, we conduct a thorough inspection to ensure everything is in perfect order:

  1. Final Walkthrough: We walk through the entire site with you, ensuring that you are satisfied with the installation and that no damage has occurred.
  2. Cleanup: We leave your property as clean as we found it, removing all debris, nails, and materials used during the installation. We use a metal detector throughout the build to continuously scoop up nails on the property.
  3. Damage Assessment: If damage has occurred, we document it immediately and discuss the next steps with you.

Our Damage Coverage

We stand by our commitment to quality. Therefore, if any damage does occur during the installation process, we will:

  1. Promptly Address the Issue: Our team will respond immediately to any reported damage, assessing the situation and determining the best course of action for repairs.
  2. Repair Costs: Working with the homeowners, we will cover our costs associated with repairing the damage, especially for vegetation around the house that could not be moved ahead of time.
  3. Insured Work Crews: All our work crews carry their own insurance, so if an issue should arise, say a truck scraped your fender pulling out, it can be handled directly with them.
  4. Work with Trusted Partners: If specialized repairs are needed, we work with trusted local contractors to ensure the job is done right.
  5. Clear Contracts: Our industry standard contract helps the homeowner understand what is and is not covered by us ahead of time at the contract signing so you have a clear expectation going forward with us.

Peace of Mind for Our Customers

At Petrus Roofing and Solar, we believe in building trust and delivering peace of mind. Our preparation is a testament to our commitment to you. We want you to feel confident in your decision to work with us, knowing that your home is in good hands.

Contact Us

If you’re considering a new roof and want a company that prioritizes your home’s safety and your peace of mind, look no further than Petrus Roofing and Solar. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about our damage coverage policy and exceptional roofing services: 281-204-2248.

3 Essential Roof Maintenance Tips

by

Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, protecting you and your belongings from the elements. Ensuring its longevity involves regular maintenance and timely repairs. Here are the three most important maintenance items to focus on to keep your roof in top condition for years to come.

1. Regular Inspections and Timely Repairs

Regular inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems. Here’s how to conduct an effective roof inspection and what to look for:

a. Biannual Inspections: Inspect your roof at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. These inspections help you catch damage from winter weather or prepare for the stormy seasons.

b. After Severe Weather: Conduct an additional inspection after significant weather events, such as heavy rain, hailstorms, or strong winds. Look for missing shingles, dents, or other visible damage.

c. Key Areas to Inspect:

  • Shingles: Check for curling, cracking, or missing shingles. These signs indicate that shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan and may need replacement.
  • Flashing: Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Ensure it’s not cracked, bent, or separated from the roof surface, as damaged flashing can lead to leaks.
  • Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and securely attached. Look for signs of rust, corrosion, or sagging.

d. Professional Inspections: While DIY inspections are helpful, having a professional roofer inspect your roof every few years can provide a more thorough assessment. Professionals can spot subtle issues that might be missed during a DIY check.

e. Timely Repairs: Address any issues immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage and costly fixes. For example, replacing a few missing shingles promptly can prevent water from seeping into the underlayment and causing structural damage.

2. Maintaining Clean Gutters and Proper Ventilation

Clean gutters and proper ventilation are vital for preventing water damage and ensuring the overall health of your roof. Here’s how to manage these critical aspects:

a. Clean Gutters Regularly:

  • Frequency: Clean your gutters at least twice a year, or more frequently if you have overhanging trees that shed leaves and debris.
  • Method: Use a sturdy ladder, gloves, and a scoop to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. Ensure downspouts are clear and free-flowing.
  • Check for Damage: While cleaning, inspect gutters for rust, corrosion, and secure attachments. Repair or replace damaged sections promptly.

b. Install Gutter Guards: Consider installing gutter guards to minimize the accumulation of debris. These guards can significantly reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning and prevent blockages.

c. Ensure Proper Ventilation:

  • Attic Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup and helps regulate temperature. This can extend the life of your roof and prevent issues like ice dams in winter.
  • Inspect Vents: Check that ridge vents, soffit vents, and other ventilation systems are unobstructed and functioning correctly. Blocked vents can lead to moisture buildup and increase the risk of mold and rot.

3. Managing Roof Debris and Vegetation

Keeping your roof free from debris and managing vegetation around your home is essential for maintaining its integrity. Here’s how to do it:

a. Remove Debris: Regularly clear your roof of leaves, branches, and other debris. Accumulated debris can trap moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and rot.

b. Trim Overhanging Branches: Trees with branches that overhang your roof can pose multiple risks:

  • Physical Damage: Branches can scrape and damage shingles, especially during storms.
  • Increased Debris: Overhanging branches can drop leaves and twigs onto your roof, leading to clogged gutters and additional maintenance.
  • Pest Access: Trees close to your roof can provide a pathway for pests like squirrels and raccoons to access your home.

c. Moss and Algae Control:

  • Prevention: Apply zinc or copper strips along the roof ridge to prevent moss and algae growth. These metals are natural inhibitors and can help keep your roof clear.
  • Removal: If you notice moss or algae, remove it carefully using a soft brush and a mixture of water and mild detergent. Avoid pressure washing, as it can damage shingles.

Conclusion

Maintaining a long-lasting roof requires regular inspections, clean gutters, proper ventilation, and proactive debris and vegetation management. By focusing on these three essential maintenance items, you can protect your home, extend the life of your roof, and avoid costly repairs. Remember, when in doubt, always consult a professional roofer to ensure your roof remains in optimal condition. A little maintenance goes a long way in preserving the safety and value of your home.

Free Inspections? What’s the Catch?

by

Last week I inspected a customer’s home in a very damaged area of Houston from the storms. After I texted him, he replied, “And it’s free, right?”

Many first-time homeowners are fearful about “free”. I get it. Free usually has a catch, a conditional statement attached to it that obligates a person or costs them something. Or “free” means “terribly done”, as in, “you’re getting your money’s worth.”

Not in this case.

See, finding people who need roof replacements is hard. Roofers door knock, send out mailers, buy lists from insurance companies, run paid ads on Facebook and Instagram, etc. But the best way to find a customer is to offer a service that is so outstanding that they would be foolish to say “No.” Then to fix their roof so well that they recommend us to their friends and neighbors without hesitation.

A free roof inspection with Petrus means you will have around 50-100 photos and videos of your roof. Also, you will get photos of problematic areas with your gutters, downspouts, windows, screens, AC equipment, and patio furniture that may show signs of weather damage. We call these elevations or ground-level damage. Finally, in most cases we also enter your attic to look for areas of water intrusion, leaks, or other forms of damage.

Roof, attic, ground- all photographed for your education and for whatever claims you made need years in the future with your insurance company. It gives you peace of mind.

Why would we do this for free? Why would we spend an hour + walking the perimeter, climbing hot roofs in Houston in the Summer, and, worst of all, entering attic spaces, all for free?

In order to give you an offer you can’t refuse.

We want you to see how thorough we can be when no money is on the line so that you can trust us when potentially thousands of dollars are on the line for the actual roof replacement.

Three weeks ago I was at my daughter’s cheerleading practice (shout out to Tomball Christian Warriors). A mom came in telling an annoyed tale about her roof inspection. Before the guy hit the curb he was telling her, “Oh yeah. You got a lot of damage. I can see it from here. We’ll get your insurance to buy it, no problem.”

He hadn’t performed an inspection and was already claiming he’d get it replaced. The roof was only a few years old. She felt from the get-go that he was selling her something she didn’t need. After his inspection, which did not involve the attic and nor ground-level, he told her, “Yup. This is damage beyond saving. Just tell me your insurance company and we will get you going on that new roof!”

The guy lied up and down. She didn’t trust him. He offered no evidence of damage. Just push, push, push, sell, sell, sell. This is an offer you absolutely should refuse!

At Petrus Roofing and Solar, we believe in our product so much that we do the hard work of quality inspections for free so that you can trust us when it comes time to do the actual build. We supply ample evidence if your roof is damaged beyond repair or not, or if your roof is solid and in good condition.

We do not build roofs if it does not need it. We do not push customers into insurance claims if it does not need it. We do not do a spot repair if it is not needed. Anything else would be unethical. And we are Ethical Roofers above all.

Ugly may mean “Unhealthy”

by

Outside of Christmas mantles, chimneys don’t get a lot of love in Houston. Some time (after today’s eclipse) head outside and take a look at your chimney and the pipe jacks sticking out of your roof. Are they old and ugly looking? That may mean dirt, which is no big deal, or it may mean rust, which is a very big deal!

Chimneys have metal pieces that need to resist heat, smoke, wind, and rain. This can wear and tear on the materials, causing them to degrade over time. Rusty chimneys can let in water, which leaks most often into attics or inside drywall. These are spaces that are not designed to handle water and are easily destroyed by the presence of persistent water.

Most systems outside the home are designed to either resist water or to manage it. Chimneys are a combination of both resisting and managing. The enemy is water remaining in place.

If you have brick outside, you’ll see weeping holes near the bottom. This allows water that gets behind the brick to easily make its way out and not cause any damage. A friend of mine didn’t realize this and put caulk in all of those holes. He thought he was preventing bugs from getting into his house, but in reality water couldn’t get out. Thankfully, the weeping holes he plugged were on the other side of the garage. Soon he noticed wet spots that never seemed to dry appearing on his garage drywall. Then, while poking at it, his finger when straight through the dry, revealing “organic growth” everywhere inside his walls.

Your shingles manage water. Behind them are layers of underlayment that pushes water away from the plywood decking. There is drip edge and ice and water shields that keep the water moving off the roof and onto the ground or into the gutters. The angles, the slopes, the materials are all meant to manage the water away from the house and keep it moving.

Now think about your chimney. The chimney is a giant hole and tube that runs from the roof outside all the way down through your attic, inside your walls, to the family room with the fireplace. Getting your chimney cleaned is key to a healthy home. We had our chimney inspected, cleaned, sealed, and painted the month we moved in because my wife loves the romance of a fireplace in the winter. I guess she forgot Winter in Houston is only 2 weeks in February.

But what about the parts of the chimney you don’t see up on the roof?

Most chimneys have a flue made of brick. At the roof level, there is metal flashing that goes under the shingles and up a few inches of the brickwork to keep flowing water out. At the top of the chimney is the painted metal “crown cap”, there is the “cap” that keeps rain out, and there is the “spark arrestor” metal mesh that prevents embers from flying out with the hot air currents.

Flashing, crown cap, cap, and spark arrestor, you need to make sure they are all in working order and are rust-free.

The simple solution: Have one of our roofers climb up and make a visual inspection. If significant damage is found on certain parts, they will have to be replaced, but that is rare. Most of the time, the items are merely worn and have a few elements of rust on them. Our roofer repair technicians will then clean the area, lay down any sealant that needs to be done, and then paint your crown and cap with a color-matched Rust-Oleum product that will create a protective enamel on your metal pieces, stopping rust from becoming a bigger problem.

Chimney companies inspect and seal chimneys from the inside up. Roofers do it from the outside on top of the house, occasionally going into the attic to look for evidence of water damage. Either way, the ugly chimney may not just be normal soot from use, but rust.

Call us to make sure your chimney, and the other pipe jacks and flues, are in full working condition!

Exploitation by Bad Contractors

by

The three groups of people whose vulnerabilities shoddy contractors exploit are day laborers, salespeople, and homeowners. These unethical and immoral practices have stained the industry to no end, ruining the reputation of the whole industry. Ethical contractors must work together to overcome the horrible stereotype and build a business worthy of your hard-earned dollars. 

VULNERABLE WORKERS 

We all know that there are a lot of migrant workers in the roofing industry, some with dubious legal status to be in the country. The working poor, even as “aliens and sojourners” in our country, cannot be deprived of their just wages. The Bible lists this as one of four sins that cry out to God for vengeance. Yet, shady contractors will often take advantage of migrant workers and instead of paying them at the end of the day, will ditch them at the worksite and pocket the hard-earned money. After all, most day laborers are not going to go to the police. 

Another issue with subcontractors and the business owners is the phrase you’ve perhaps seen or heard on contractor ads: “Insured and Bonded.” This means that we, Petrus Roofing and Solar, carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation for our subcontractors. If an accident should happen, God forbid, they will be covered and cared for. The type of contractor who would refuse to pay a person for their labor is probably not going to pay for extra insurance for the same workers. 

VULNERABLE SALESPEOPLE

Another vulnerability the unscrupulous contractor takes advantage of is his own salespeople. Often, the best salesperson will actually out earn the owner of the business, which is OK because a strong salesperson means the whole company benefits. But what many bad actors in this industry do is once the roofs start going up, they fire the number one salesman and refuse to pay their commissions. Again, the pocket the money for themselves. 

VULNERABLE HOMEOWNERS

The vulnerabilities of homeowner ignorance are often exploited. You don’t know what a whole roofing system looks like, so they leave out the water and ice barrier or the drip edge, causing water penetration during the next big storm. You don’t know what’s happening on top of the roof, so inadvertent damage is covered up, but not fixed, making your home no longer worry free. They pull you into insurance fraud by suggesting you don’t need to pay your insurance deductible. You think they are keeping more money in your pocket, but they are cutting corners, committing fraud, and drawing you into it. We are also “bonded”, which means that if for some reason our company folds, the bond ensures your project will still get finished.

ETHICAL CONTRACTORS

None of us know everything about everything, so our ignorance makes us vulnerable to exploitation and scams. This is why in the contractor field it is important to go with a company that values education. In our ethical outlook, more knowledge means more agency. You are an informed consumer and now, armed with knowledge, you have significantly more leverage in hiring a contractor. You have expectations that are clearly communicated and must be met.

Those who work on your roof are skilled, compensated, and protected by insurance. Those who sell to you are valued, trusted, and respected members of our company. And we will never cause you to commit insurance fraud, submit a false claim, leave off required materials for a complete roof, or push you into a project or solution you don’t need.

We educate and never manipulate because we plan on seeing you again in the future. A satisfied customer is a returning and a referring customer! Every roof, every time.

Keeping Roofers Safe!

by

Three types of workers amaze me every time I see them in action: electrical line workers, roofers, and tree cutters.

A few months back after a storm snapped some of my trees, I hired a company to cut about 7 big oaks down (shout out to Cesar B!). My neighbor came over at 9 o’ clock in the morning with a beverage in hand, popped the top, and said to my kids, “Now this is going to be a better show than the circus!” He wasn’t wrong. Watching them scale up trees, tie ropes, swing branches with surgical precision, and topple huge trunks was impressive, to say the least.

One question I was wondering that morning is the same question that people ask us on the job site: How do you keep them safe up there?

The answer is that we rely on safety technology, OSHA requirements, and general safety best practices to keep your roofer firm-footed on those slanted roofs.

It all starts with their physical fitness, as every Houston roofer is basically an asphalt athlete. Scaling ladders while holding huge bags of shingles or underlayment is incredibly exhausting. An extra 20 or 50 pounds can cost someone their lives, but the reality is that once you do this kind of work, especially in the Houston summer, you’ll find it hard to add weight! But if lifting heavy weight and going up and down ladders becomes too straining, a roofer can get lightheaded and that is a dangerous situation. This includes frequent water breaks during the heat of the day.

Speaking of the weather, the second thing we do to protect our workers is closely monitor the weather. Rains and high winds will put their lives in jeopardy, so we make sure that if the chances are high for bad weather, we will be in communication with you to reschedule your work, usually for the very next day.

Another safety item that is crucial is the right footwear. Shoes or boots must have grip, they must have a thicker sole (remember 10,000 nails are used in a new roof!), they must protect the wearer’s toes from dropped tools and materials, and they must fit snuggly. Also, roofers are close to power lines and cables, so protection from electrical shocks is a must. Many hiking boots and work boots will do the job, but the most popular is the Cougar Paw Performer, especially for high-pitched roofs.

top and bottom of the serious roofer shoe, the Cougar Paw Performance.

The two areas that cause the most fatalities are falls and electricity. Others are extreme temperatures, contact with hazardous substances and chemicals, and power tools.

There are a lot of fall-prevention methods to keep your roofer safe:

  • Inspection of the roof to make sure it is safe to walk on (rot, holes, etc.)
  • Proper training on different roof pitches (flat roofs aren’t magically safe)
  • Harnesses and other “personal fall arrest systems” as they are known
  • Guardrails and professionally installed scaffolding (easy to get wrong)
  • Warning lines and coverings around skylights, atriums, and other roof openings
  • Ladder safety and security (seems intuitive, but stability can be tricky)
  • Toe boards that nail into or use friction with the shingles
  • New tech (like the hilariously named The Goat Steep Assist Ladder)

Taking roofer safety seriously is the table-stakes for being a professional roofing company. They are ones who get the job done so why wouldn’t we protect our own people? Protection starts with training- proper ladder and tool use, pre-inspections, and clear communication. An untrained worker is a dangerous variable to himself and others.

Along these lines, one way you can tell a professional roofer from the unprofessional is the orderliness of the job site. Injuries are more likely to occur when tools, shingles, nails, and other items are haphazardly spread throughout the homeowner’s yard. Things happen: tools fall, nails scatter, boots slip. Smart contractors make sure their crews are trained, healthy, the weather is right, and the job site is organized.