Hurricane Matthew

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

October 7th, 2016

As of the 11AM update from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Matthew was still moving up Florida’s northern east coast as a Category Three hurricane. The storm is expected to continue moving up the coast before weakening and turning out to sea near the Carolinas over the weekend. A Hurricane Warning is still in effect for the Atlantic coast from Melbourne north to North Carolina. All other watches and warnings for our coverage area have been discontinued.

Matthew’s remnants are expected to loop back to the south and west and eventually affect South Florida by the middle or end of next week. At this time, it’s uncertain just how much if any of a threat there will be; more on that later in the weekend.

Our Central Florida office is currently closed until 7:30 AM on Monday, October 10th. All phone calls directed to the Central Florida office will still be answered throughout the weekend.

Our Southwest Florida division is continuing business as usual.

We will continue to monitor the storm and update you with any changes that are made.

The Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan Here
Please find our Hurricane Supply Check-list Here

October 6th, 2016

As of 11AM, Hurricane Matthew was located near Nassau in the Bahamas, where it has restrengthened to Category Four.

Matthew is headed toward Florida’s east coast, where it is expected to either make landfall this evening, or stay just off the coast until Saturday. Damage is expected to be severe and widespread; for this reason the National Hurricane Center has coastal and inland Hurricane Warnings in effect from Miami northward into South Carolina, an area that includes the Florida cities of Melbourne, Orlando, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville. Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are strill in effect for most of Florida’s southern tip and west coast.

Our Central Florida division is currently in Phase III of the Hurricane Response Plan.
Our Southwest Florida division is still suspending all loads and deliveries but is otherwise continuing business as usual.

We will continue to monitor the storm and update you with any changes that are made.

The Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan Here
Please find our Hurricane Supply Check-list Here

October 5th, 2016

As of 5 PM, the National Hurricane Center has placed counties along Florida’s East Coast from North Miami-Dade northward through Volusia under a Hurricane Warning, and counties up to the Georgia/South Carolina state line under a Hurricane Watch. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Upper Keys, as well as the southern tip of Florida from Miami west to around Marco Island, while the west coast of Florida from Marco Island to Cedar Key has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch.

Our Central Florida division will be in Phase III of the Hurricane Response Plan by this afternoon. This means all in-progress installations will cease, all roof-loaded but uninstalled tile will be securely bundled or wrapped, all other remaining roof components (insulation, rolled goods, etc.) will be secured to the roof, any materials stored outdoors will be secured, and all jobsites will be cleared of any remaining roof debris.

Our Southwest Florida division has currently suspended all loads and deliveries but will otherwise continue business as usual. As usual, we will continue to monitor the storm and update you with any changes that are made.

The Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan Here
Please find our Hurricane Supply Check-list Here

October 4th, 2016

At their 11:00 AM update, the National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Florida’s east coast from the Middle Keys north to the Broward County/Palm Beach County line, and a Hurricane Watch for the east coast from the Broward / Palm Beach line north to the Volusia County / Brevard County line.

Due to the change in trajectory of Hurricane Matthew our Central Florida division is currently in Phase I of the Hurricane Response Plan. This means all jobsite and rooftop deliveries will be suspended except as needed to complete key areas, roof installation will continue so that as much roof-loaded material as possible is secured, and our customers will be notified of the suspension of deliveries. We expect to be in Phase II of the Hurricane Response Plan by tomorrow and we will continue to keep our customers updated throughout the course of the storm.

Because the Southwest Florida area will remain largely unaffected, we will continue doing business as usual in those areas.

The Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan here.

October 3rd, 2016

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of Emergency for the entire state of Florida due to the change in trajectory of Hurricane Matthew. Gov. Scott’s emergency declaration notes that, “based on the current forecast, the state’s entire east coast from Monroe to Nassau counties could experience tropical storm force winds, beach erosion, rip currents and heavy rain. This is a slow moving storm and could impact Florida as early as Wednesday and last through Saturday“. Our plan is to conduct business as usual tomorrow. However, we will be sending you regular updates throughout the day beginning early in the morning.

In the event that the storm becomes a greater threat, the Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the Hurricane Response Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Please find our Hurricane Response Plan here.

September 30th, 2016

Gulf Western Roofing is continuously monitoring Hurricane Matthew. At this time, the storm is forecast by the National Hurricane Center to remain off the coast of Florida. As a result of the current storm trajectory, Gulf Western Roofing will continue doing business as usual.

We will continue to monitor the storm closely and notify you if any changes in trajectory occur.

In the event of an approaching storm, the Gulf Western Roofing supervisor overseeing your project will contact you as each phase of the 2016 HurricaneResponse Plan is initiated. However, please feel free to call that supervisor with any questions you may have. If you are having difficulty reaching your supervisor, please call our main office at (800) 277-0647. You can also reach us at customerservice@lambcon.com or storm@lambcon.com.

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

Leaves and debris have a tendency to build up in your gutters and downspouts. When not cleaned out, this debris prevents water from flowing freely and can cause damages to your roof and fascia board.

So how often should you clean out your gutters and downspouts? AT LEAST once every year, but it would be a good preventative maintenance habit to do so during the spring and then again in the fall. Because fall is here, we’ve offered some helpful tips for tackling your gutter clean out:

  1. First things first- safety is the most important. Make sure that your ladder is the right size and that you and the ladder are properly tied off.
  2. Start with the areas near a downspout.
  3. Remove the large debris first
  4. Flush out the gutters by running a hose at the end opposite of the downspout.
  5. If water is not draining, the downspout may be clogged. Try using a hose attachment with more pressure or use a plumbers snake tool to clear the blockage.

We understand that cleaning your gutters is a daunting task. It can also be very dangerous if you’re not comfortable on a ladder. To avoid the risk, call your premier Florida roofer, Gulf Western Roofing. In fact, our Roof Assurance Maintenance Program (RAMP) includes a gutter and valley clean out with the purchase of our white or blue key levels. We’ll be able to clean your rain gutters quickly and safely, keeping your roof protected from rainwater.

What’s That Stuff Growing on My Roof?

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

Most people think it is black or dark green mold, but actually, it is a prehistoric bacterium called Gleocapsa Magma. Gleocapsa Magma is the cyanobacteria responsible for the black and dark green stains often seen on roofs. It is transported to roofs primarily by wind, rain, insects, and animals.

In addition to causing unsightly streaks and stains, these bacteria can also wreck havoc on your roof. The growth of Gleocapsa Magma is most accurately described as colonization. These bacteria grow on and within tiles and shingles, dissolving and extracting the mineral components. Overtime, Gleocapsa Magma begins to break down the contents of your tiles or shingles by feeding off the minerals embedded in them. This negatively impacts the structural integrity of your roof and has also been known to increase air conditioning bills and lead to more frequent roof repair and reconstruction. Continue reading “What’s That Stuff Growing on My Roof?” →

What’d that Roofer Say? Roofing Terminology Defined

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Have you ever wondered what a roofer meant by a ‘hip’ or ‘valley’? Are you confused by the difference between a ‘rake’ and a ‘ridge’? Have you always been curious as to what a ‘gable’ is?

As with specialists in most industries, roofing contractors have developed their own lingo over the years for ease of communication. Doctors, artists, lawyers, and even diner workers use words and phrases that are unique to their line of work simply because it makes things go faster. Continue reading “What’d that Roofer Say? Roofing Terminology Defined” →

Preparing Your Roof for a Hurricane

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

During a hurricane your roof can be exposed to winds in excess of 155 mph. These winds have the potential to pull off roof shingles, tiles, or even the underlying roof deck. This is why we suggest checking the condition of your roof BEFORE a storm happens as well as after. A well-maintained roof is your best bet against hurricane winds.

Have Your Roof Inspected
Gulf Western Roofing does not recommend that any homeowner attempt to get on their roof. With our years of roofing excellence in Florida, Gulf Western Roofing is uniquely qualified to check the condition of your roof. From this inspection, we’ll be able to tell if there are any damages that must be attended to before the storm.

Fix Any Loose Shingles or Tiles
To reduce the chances of losing shingles or tiles by high winds, it is best to give attention to any missing, damaged, or loose shingles or tiles as these will increase the likelihood of water penetrating deeper into the roof.

Secure Any Yard Furniture
Your furniture and yard decorations can easily become flying projectiles that could damage your roof. We suggest tying them down or moving them indoors to the so they don’t get loose and damage the roof.

Survey Fascia and Soffit Boards
Take the time to walk the perimeter of your property and survey the fascia boards and the soffit boards. Fascia boards are located just below the metal trim of the roof and soffit boards are located below the roof overhang areas. Any signs of rotten wood in this area may indicate a potential problem during a hurricane. Making sure these roof areas are repaired will help secure the structure from possible wind damage at the eaves.

Trim Any Trees That Overhang the Roof and Trim Dead Branches off All Trees
High winds can break even the largest of tree limbs as easily as snapping a toothpick in half. It may seem obvious to trim the trees that overhang your roof, but it is also a good idea to have all off the trees surrounding your home trimmed just in case.

Purchase a Tarp and Store as Needed
After a storm, roofers run into a major supply shortage. Tarps are a rare find during this time and unfortunately they are a major necessity. Your best bet is to purchase tarps before the storm that way you are prepared.

Clean Debris From Valley and Gutters
Clearing all leaves and debris from roof areas and gutters will allow rainwater to flow them and prevent water from backing up and entering your home.

Why You Should Never DIY When It Comes To Roofing

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

You depend on your roof to keep you and your family protected from the elements, which is why maintaining your roof and keeping it in top condition is so important. Inspecting and repairing your roof may sound easy enough as long as you have a hammer and some nails. But that’s not actually the case.

According to the Forbes article, America’s 10 Deadliest Jobs, roofing is the fourth deadliest job in America. Whether you are a trained roofer or you have never stepped foot on a roof in your lifetime, it is important not to ignore the possibility of a roofing hazard. The unfortunate reality is that many accidents occur even after implementing proper safety measures. Gulf Western Roofing is an OSHA compliant roofing contractor. We have the appropriate equipment and training to get up and down the roof without causing damage to the roof or ourselves.

With any roofing project it is also important to have an accurate understanding of city by-laws and building codes. At Gulf Western Roofing, our entire operations crew has been trained in the latest Florida Building Code and we have a construction administration team dedicated to meeting the standards required by the local government. Having your roof professionally repaired by Gulf Western Roofing means eliminating any chances of getting into trouble with the authorities.

Hiring a professional contractor instead of doing the job yourself also means that you won’t end up going over budget. Gulf Western Roofing has been in the business for over 17 years, which means that we can find the correct solution for your roof. We also know what materials are required for the job, how much of those materials are necessary, and where we can find the best prices on those necessary materials. Hiring a professional contractor like Gulf Western Roofing will take away the guesswork for you, and allow you to stay within the parameters of your budget.

How many times have you seen something and decided that you could save time and money by doing it yourself? More often than not, you probably end up spending more money than you would have in the first place to purchase all of the correct and necessary materials. Not to mention, the project almost never turns out exactly right. Would you really want to take a risk like that on something as important as your roof?

Call Gulf Western Roofing today for any of your roofing needs, we’ll always tell you the truth about your roof.

What Are The Signs That You Need A New Roof?

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

Once a leak is spotted, it is usually assumed that the house needs a full roof replacement. Truth is, there are many things that can cause a leak. And although a ceiling leak usually means that a great amount of damage has been done, it could also signal the need for a simple roof repair.

First and foremost, Gulf Western Roofing does not recommend that any homeowner attempt to get on their roof. However, there are factors that can determine the need for a roof replacement and do not require stepping foot on the roof.

How old is your roof?
Tile roofs could last over 100 years, but if you can see broken or cracked tiles, it may be time for an inspection and repair. Although shingle roofs are supposed to last 20-30 years, the Florida weather patterns only allow around 10-15 years of life. If your roof was installed in that time frame, chances are you will need to have it replaced.

Damaged Shingles
If you can see physical signs of shingle damage such as curled or buckling shingles, or even missing shingles all together, these could be signs that the roof is beginning to fail. If shingles are especially damaged or missing in the roof valley, consider it a definite sign that you need a new roof. Because rainwater flows through the valley and into the gutters, damage to this area means that you are much more susceptible to roof leaks.

Gutters
Always make sure your gutters and downspouts are securely attached and that all drains are open in order to allow water to exit. Be sure to call in the professionals if you notice an increase in shingle granules in your gutters. These granules are a sign of increased wear and could signal that your roof is at the end of its lifespan.

Depending on the weather, Gulf Western Roofing recommends getting a professional roof inspection done every 1-3 years. Nevertheless, you should always make sure to have your roof inspected before and after a severe storm.

Some storm damage cannot always be seen from the ground but remember, roofing is one of the top ten most dangerous careers, which is why we strongly discourage homeowners from attempting a proper inspection themselves. Gulf Western Roofing has demonstrated industry professionalism for over 17 years. Whether you need a simple roof repair, or a full roof replacement, we’ll always tell you the truth about your roof!

We’ll Tell You the Truth About Your Roof

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

With El Niño causing multiple tornados and severe storms, this winter proved to be a turbulent one for Florida residents. Not to mention, the state kicked off the spring season with a string of storms that brought hail to some parts of Central Florida.

After a severe storm, it is always important to have your roof inspected for damage. In addition, homeowners need to be on the look out for roofing scammers, most often known as storm chasers. Storm chasers are notorious for following the path of a storm looking for homeowners to exploit. Because they’ll be leaving the area soon after putting on your roof, there is no incentive for these “contractors” to do the job the right way. By the time you notice that there’s a problem, they will be long gone!

In order to avoid being caught in a storm chaser situation, or even an insurance scam, Gulf Western Roofing suggests that every homeowner take the following steps:

  1. Do the Proper Research
    Go online and look through the reviews on the contractor. Be immediately wary of anyone with multiple complaints. Don’t be afraid to ask around either. At times, word of mouth can be the best source of information. Seek recommendations from friends, neighbors, or relatives.
  1. Get Everything in Writing
    Make sure to have a detailed list of the work that is to be done. Always read the fine print and never sign the contract unless you understand all of the details. A good roofing contractor should be able to explain the entire process without leaving any holes.
  1. Beware of Red Flags
    If a contractor is not affiliated with any recognized trade association, such as the Florida Association of Roofing Professionals (FRSA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), you cannot be absolutely sure that will have high standards for business practice. Also look out for contractors that are asking you to pay in full before doing the job or making any repairs. Finally, NEVER, under any circumstances, should you hire a contractor whose license or insurance information cannot be verified nor can they provide any references for similar jobs.

Gulf Western Roofing understands how stressful it can be to have to file an insurance claim. Yet the unfortunate circumstance is that there are roofing contractors who will use scare tactics to pressure homeowners into signing a contract with them. All too often have we been called out to a residence with minimal damages, only needing a small repair, yet another roofing company has told the homeowner that their entire roof needs replacement.

In addition to being licensed and insured, Gulf Western Roofing is locally owned and operated, doing business for over 17 years. We are also NRCA and FRSA affiliated and Better Business Bureau accredited. We’re in this for the life of your roof. At Gulf Western Roofing, we value our customer loyalty as well as our integrity. We’ll always tell you the truth about your roof!

Children Come First

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

When it comes to company holiday parties, a solid rule of thumb is to plan on spending an average of $75 per person. But what if companies decided to nix the holiday party and instead opted to put the money towards a charitable cause? That’s exactly what Gulf Western Roofing decided to do last December.

Edgewood Children’s Ranch, originally founded in 1966, is a residential program for youth-at-risk. Their mission has been to house, educate, love, counsel and care for an average of 63 children, ages 8-17, by working closely with their parents in an effort to reunite the family in a healthy, loving, productive unit that functions well in the context of the family and community.

The funding for these programs is made possible by having staff that live on property. Edgewood has cottages for these employees and their families to live in. One of the larger cottages was not being utilized, due to roof issues. Contributions from Roofing Supply Group in Orlando made it possible for Gulf Western Roofing to provide a roof for the building, at no cost to Edgewood.

Gulf Western Roofing made the call, had someone come out right away to see what needed to be done, scheduled a time when it could be done and then came out to see that it had been taken care of. Upon inspection, Gulf Western Roofing found that the shingles were deteriorating and that roof was leaking in several areas. We removed the existing shingle roof as well as the felt underlayment, taking the project down to bare deck. We then re-nailed the deck per the Florida building code and installed a double layer of felt over the entire project. The project was finished with the installation of Owen’s Corning shingles.

Gulf Western Roofing cares strongly about supporting the children in our local community, which is why the decision to support The Ranch was an easy one for Joseph K. Lamb Jr., President of Gulf Western Roofing. In a letter to Mr. Lamb, Stuart Eldridge, Executive Director of The Ranch stated, “You managed to make this happen in a very short time. We are now able to use this home for housing our newest staff member and her family. This is a blessing beyond belief!”

After the project’s completion, Gulf Western Roofing paid a visit to The Ranch where we were given a tour by two young gentlemen. The boys, who had been residents of The Ranch for a little over a year, treated us with the utmost respect as we were given some insight into their daily lives. We were amazed by the quality of life that Edgewood Ranch is providing for these children and found ourselves appreciating the opportunity to lend a helping hand to such a giving organization. As stated by Orlando Division manager, Keith Reece, “It’s always an honor to help anyone in need. Our team looks forward to future opportunities to help Edgewood.”

2015 Golf Magazine National Dream House

Posted by Gulf Western Roofing on

Imagine waking up in your luxurious home, situated on the 14th hole on the Talis Park golf course in beautiful Southwest Florida. That is exactly what Golf Magazine had in mind when they teamed up with Talis Park and developer Kitson & Partners to create the 2015 Golf Magazine National Dream House, located in Naples, Florida.

Gulf Western Roofing & Sheet Metal in Bonita Springs was honored to be chosen as the Roofing Contractor for the house, which is a dream home for any golfer enjoying the Florida lifestyle.

The two story home has four bedrooms, four full baths, a formal living room, large island kitchen, study with dual-sided fireplace, wine room, upstairs game room, two radial wet bars, an outdoor kitchen and a three-car garage, including a separate golf cart garage.  The luxurious home was fit with a flat cement tile roof, perfect for the homes upscale exterior and recommended for long lasting protection from Florida’s blazing sun.

The 2015 Ultimate Golf House was revealed during the Lucas Cup, a popular charity pro-am that takes place in Talis Park. The Lucas Cup, hosted by former PGA Tour professional and Golf Channel analyst Mark Lye, raises funds and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes in honor of Lye’s son Lucas who has Type 1 diabetes.

The Talis Park golf course is regarded as a local legend, being continuously ranked as one of the top residential courses. Opportunities to enjoy the lavish lifestyle offered at Talis Park are hard to come by. All home sites, including the dream home, have been sold. And it’s no wonder; Talis Park is just minutes from the beach and the shopping, dining, and entertainment venues at Mercato, Coconut Point Mall, and Gulf Coast Town Center.

Gulf Western Roofing in Bonita Springs is grateful for the opportunity to undertake such a spectacular project. We pride ourselves on our superior workmanship and eye for detail. We are certain that this new construction project is sure to provide the owners with a lifetime of relaxed comfort and amenities!