Whether you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option or efficiency for a large or small home, we’ve put together a list of all the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your home. In Gainesville’s climate, proper roof ventilation is crucial. Read on to learn more about roof ventilation and why it’s important. 

Two Types of Ventilation

There are 2 main types of roof ventilation. Namely, passive ventilation and active ventilation. Most roof systems are designed with a passive ventilation approach because it requires a smaller upfront investment. However, active ventilation is a good fit depending on your specific situation.  

Passive Ventilation 

This style of ventilation works through the natural flow of air rather than using energy. By using passive ventilation you’re able to protect your roof without increasing your bill. This type of proper roof ventilation is achieved by installing components like on ridge vents, off-ridge vents, box vents, or whirly-bird ventilation, etc. These vents help release heat and stale air from your home’s attic space. 

Benefits

No Energy Source Needed

Since it uses less electrical equipment, it blends better with your current roof. If you’re worried about having a large fixture on your home you may want to consider passive ventilation.

Doesn’t Use Fossil Fuels

Unlike other options, since no electricity is required for passive ventilation, there are no fossil fuels used, making this the most environmentally friendly choice. This will also save you on energy costs. 

Low Maintenance

Given that the system is not hooked up to an energy source and there are fewer pieces involved, there are fewer problems and maintenance needs.

Downfalls

Specific Placement

Unlike active ventilation, passive ventilation must be used with a large amount of roof space and is restricted when it comes to complex structures.

Active Ventilation 

On the other hand, active ventilation creates negative pressure that pushes any warm air and moisture out through the vents. If you’re looking for high efficiency for a large space, this style of ventilation may be right for you. These active ventilation components are often units like hard-wired powered attic vents. 

Benefits

Weather Conditions Don’t Interfere

Passive ventilation is entirely reliant on the amount of natural airflow. However, with an active system, the wind and rain don’t interfere.

Effective for Complex Structures

Due to energy usage, the flow of air is able to stay consistent, meaning higher efficiency and better care of your space.

Downfalls 

Energy Consumption

One significant difference between the two forms of ventilation is energy consumption. Active ventilation is less environmentally friendly and costs more monthly.

FAQs

What are common signs of poor ventilation?

Having poor ventilation in your home can lead to serious health issues. Common signs are respiratory issues, excessive dust, increased humidity, odors, and uneven temperatures.

How much roof ventilation do I need?

On average, we recommend homeowners have one square foot of roof vent for every 150 – 300 square feet of ceiling space, depending on the building.

Install Proper Ventilation On Your Home Roof With McFall Roofers

If you’re noticing symptoms of poor ventilation or you are unsure if your home has the right system for proper airflow, contact the professionals for an assessment.

When the McFall Roofing team comes to your home we take every stride to find the best solutions to your roofing needs. Give us a call at (352) 415-9098 to schedule an appointment.

Incurring roof damage is frustrating, but determining the best next step after incurring roof damage can be a challenge of its own. As a homeowner, you may feel the tension between wanting to make the best, long-term decision for your family and waterproofing your home quickly — especially in Gainesville, FL. Frequent rainfall can pressure homeowners to act quickly, not taking into account all the benefits of a roof replacement. 

We laid out the pros and cons of getting a roof replacement, as opposed to a roof repair, to help you decide what’s best for your family in a timely manner.

When Should I Get a Roof Repair?

Whether or not you get a roof repair is largely dependent on the material of your roof and the size of the damage. Damaged, torn, or missing asphalt shingles, for example, often only require a simple repair. Other roofing materials, such as metal panels, may be more costly to replace. If you only need to fix a small section of your roof, a repair may suffice. 

It’s also important to consider the age of your roof. Most asphalt shingle roofs only last about 10 to 15 years — if your roof is newer, it might make sense to repair the damaged sections for now and consider full replacement down the line.

Pros of a Roof Repair

• Solution for Common Issues: A quality roof repair can effectively fix common issues such as missing shingles, water leaks, and discoloration.

• Quick Fix: Roof repairs often take less time to complete than roof replacements. If you have a newer roof with a small damaged area and are looking for a quick way to replace a few shingles, a roof repair may be best for you.

• Save Money in the Short Run: As of 2022, the national average for roof repairs was $950. This number is expected to increase with inflation, however, this is considerably lower than a full roof replacement, as less of the roof is worked on.

Cons of a Roof Repair

• Does Not Replace the Need for a New Roof: Repairing your roof helps maintain your roof’s current quality, but does not improve it beyond its original condition. When your roof ages, you will still need to replace it no matter what repairs have been made.

• Mismatched Shingles: Finding shingles that match your original roof is difficult, especially if you are working with an older roof. This mismatch can decrease your curb appeal.

When Should I Get a Roof Replacement?

Similarly, examining the type of roofing material your roof is composed of and the size of the damaged section are great first steps in determining whether or not you need a roof replacement. Additionally, if the type of damage is a sign of aging not tied to a specific weather event, it may be best to replace your roof. For example, if you or an inspector find unusual wear on ridge cap shingles, it’s time to get a roof replacement. This is when the shingles on a steep ridge crack before the balance of the roof.

Pros of a Roof Replacement

• Hurricane Protection: Florida is the most hurricane prone state. It’s important to ensure your roof is durable before, during, and after these strong storms to protect your home. McFall uses shingles that have a 130 mph wind warranty to better protect your home during storm season.

• Save Resources in the Long Run: Getting a roof replacement resets the clock on your roof’s life expectancy. Save yourself the money and time spent repeatedly reaching out to a roofing specialist for small repairs and consider a full roof replacement on older roofs.

• • Curb Appeal: Roof repairs aim to match your current level of curb appeal. Replacing your roof will improve it! Increase the resale value of your home with a sleek new roofing material and uniformly colored shingles.

• Energy Efficient: Is your current roof increasing or decreasing your energy bills? Contact a green home building contractor to find out. Replacing your roof with highly-reflective metal roofing panels or lightly-colored asphalt shingles can lower your monthly energy bills. Additionally, adding environmentally friendly ridge vents during a replacement can extend the life of your roof.

Call McFall for a High Quality Roof Replacement

McFall Roofing was built out of a need for quality roofing in Gainesville, Florida. We have over 20 years of experience serving North Central Florida as the premier roofing contractor. We put emphasis on great quality and attention to detail, offering 10-year warranties on labor. If your roof is in need of a quality replacement, call McFall to discuss your options.

Metal roofs have become increasingly popular in Gainesville and North Central Florida over the last 10-20 years. Many of the reasons cited for the trend include their durability, maintenance, energy efficiency, and value. It’s true that metal roofs last longer in Florida’s harsh climate compared to other roof types like asphalt shingle. However, are metal roofs always best? Read on to learn when it’s best to install a metal roof and when another roof type might be more appropriate.  

When Are Metal Roofs Best and When Is a Different Roof Type More Appropriate? 

The answer to this question depends on variables like budget, your home’s location, and the surrounding environment. 

When Are Metal Roofs Best?

Metal roofs are always best when they’re installed on a home with full sun exposure. One of the greatest characteristics of metal roofs is their energy efficiency. They have tremendous insulating properties and also direct much of the sun’s heat energy away from the home. With Florida’s long, hot summers, metal roofs help homeowners cut down on cooling costs. Therefore, homes that are in open fields away from trees are ideal candidates for metal roofs.

Florida is prone to strong winds from frequent inclement weather – especially near the coast. Homes that are located in areas prone to frequent high winds benefit from the strength that metal roofs provide. Unlike asphalt shingles and other commonly used materials, metal roofing can withstand strong winds and heavy rains. . They’re able to last 2-3 times longer than shingles, even in harsh environments. 

When Should You Avoid Installing a Metal Roof?

Many Florida homeowners are under the impression that metal roofs are always best. However, there are cases when the cost of a metal roof outweighs the benefits. Gainesville, FL is recognized as a Tree City every year by The Arbor Day Foundation. This is a great accolade for the city. However, a dense tree canopy minimizes the benefits of metal roofs for Gainesville homeowners.

If you live in a neighborhood with a dense tree concentration (e.g., every neighborhood in Gainesville), you’re not going to get the most out of a new metal roof. If your home is shaded, the felt benefits from the energy-efficient characteristics of metal roofs are negligible. Additionally, falling limbs and branches will cause dents and dings on the roof surface. 

Maintaining metal roofs in a tree-dense environment is also more challenging than asphalt shingles. For example, most new asphalt shingles contain anti-microbial properties and require less maintenance in shaded locations underneath trees. Metal roofs, on the other hand, require regular cleaning once or twice a year to maintain their appearance. They’re also prone to unsightly green and black stains when homes are underneath trees.

Lastly, if you choose exposed fastener metal roofing, you’ll need to change the screws out about every 10-15 years because the screws are prone to rust. Many homeowners choose exposed fastener over standing seam metal roofing because of its lower cost. However, even in these cases, spending more on a metal roof over an asphalt shingle roof wouldn’t be worth the extra cost. 

Since Metal Roofs Aren’t Always Best, McFall Can Help You Determine What’s Right for You

Working with McFall, a devoted local roofing contractor, ensures you receive the utmost  knowledge and expertise needed to make the best decisions for your home. We follow industry best practices and use high-quality roofing materials to give our customers beautiful roofs that last. 

McFall Roofing in Gainesville, FL knows that metal roofs aren’t always the best. Our experienced team can help you determine what type of roof is ideal for your home based on your budget and the surrounding environment. 

Contact us today to get started on your residential roofing project!

Planning a home addition is exciting! However, one goal with any home addition is to ensure the new space looks like it’s always been a part of the existing home. Even to the untrained eye, new materials tend to stand out next to old ones. The roof on a new addition is no exception. Read on to learn how to make sure your roof matches the existing roof when planning your home addition. 

What Factors Contribute to a Mismatch Between the Existing Roof and a New Addition? 

Before you can understand how to make sure your roof matches, you have to understand what causes a mismatch. The following factors contribute to the mismatch between the roof of an existing home and a new addition.

• Sunlight, wind, and rain
• Aging
• Changes in material availability

Sunlight, wind, and rain

Here in North Central Florida, we are well aware of the elements. Intense sunlight, heat, rain, and wind mark the climate in Gainesville, FL. These conditions lead to changes in your roof. Elements like sunlight break down the color of your roof because of ultraviolet (UV) rays. 

UV rays cause the color of roofs to fade – especially asphalt shingle roofs. Roofs end up being several shades lighter a few years after they’ve been installed. Frequent, heavy rain washes away roof granules, which also alters the color and texture of shingles.  

Aging

Like everything else, roofs age. As they age, shingles begin to curl, crack, and stain. Algae and overhanging trees stain the roofs and/or leave long dark streaks across the surface. Stains make roofs appear much older than they actually are. Many new roofing materials contain anti-algae properties but that’s not always the case for older shingles. 

We will discuss how properly cleaning the existing roof can help with matching the new roof in one of the upcoming sections. 

Changes in Material Availability

Depending on the age of your existing roof and the manufacturer of the roofing material, the roofing contractor might not be able to acquire the exact same material. Manufacturers periodically discontinue certain colors or product lines. Additionally, the same product lines can sometimes have slight differences in granules or other characteristics due to product improvements and advancements. 

How to Make Sure Your Roof Matches Following Your Home Addition

The following are a few practices your roofing contractor can implement to keep your new addition from sticking out like a sore thumb. 

• Matching the existing roof line, pitch angle, and eaves
• Locating the same manufacturer of the existing roof
• Cleaning the existing roof

Matching the Existing Roof Line, Pitch Angle, and Eaves

Additions are usually easy to spot because one or all of these components are often out of alignment. Ideally, you want the roof line of the new addition to match up perfectly with the existing one so it resembles one continuous plane. In many cases, the roof line of the addition isn’t tied in properly and is higher or lower than the rest of the roof, making it look like an afterthought. 

Another common issue with additions is a mismatched pitch angle. The pitch of the roof refers to the rise over the run. It’s the “steepness” of the roof. For example, if the existing roof has a 4/12 pitch, then the addition should also have a 4/12 pitch. 

When it comes to the eaves of the roof, you want to make sure the lengths of the eaves are the same. Roof eaves are the part of the roof that extends past the exterior walls. Like the roof line, you want the eaves of the addition’s roof to line up exactly with the existing ones. 

Locating the Same Manufacturer of the Existing Roof

The easiest way to try to match your roof shingles is to take a sample of your existing shingles to your contractor. The contractor will then attempt to match it with the supplier’s current inventory. If you’re able to find the exact roofing material, you may still have trouble matching the color if the roof is over 10 years old and faded. In that case, instead of trying to match the original color, you want to find a color of roof that’s lighter and has a similar tone to your current roof. 

Cleaning the Existing Roof

Last but not least, once you’ve done your best to follow the other steps, you want to clean your existing roof. Most roofs will clean up effectively with the proper cleaning techniques. Removing dark streaks and other stains will bring your older roof closer to its original appearance. This is one of the easiest ways to match your old roof with your new home addition! 

McFall Knows How to Make Sure Your Roof Matches

Making the roof of your new addition match perfectly with your existing home is nearly impossible. However, At McFall Residential Roofing, we specialize in roof installation and have over three decades of experience in both roofing and construction in Gainesville, FL. 

Working with McFall, a devoted local roofing contractor, ensures you receive the utmost  knowledge and expertise needed to make the best decisions for your home. We follow industry best practices and use high-quality roofing materials to give our customers beautiful roofs that last. 

If you’re looking to add on to your home, McFall Builders and McFall Roofing have you covered! We are 2 distinct brands that can take care of your new addition from the foundation to the roof. Two distinct brands, one commitment to quality.

 Contact us today to get started on your residential roofing project.

Roof systems are surprisingly more complex than just pieces of wood with some shingles slapped on top. Roofs are composed of a variety of parts – each serving a unique purpose. Furthermore, some of these parts have confusing names that you don’t hear outside of the roofing industry. It’s important to educate ourselves as homeowners so we know what to look for and ask when it’s time to replace our roofs. Read on if you’d like to learn about the different parts of a roof system and why they’re important. 

How Many Parts Make up a Roof System?

The following are the 8 primary parts of an asphalt shingle roof system.

1. Roof underlayment
2. Shingles
3. Hip and ridge cap shingles
4. Ridge vents
5. Gutters
6. Fascia
7. Drip-edge
8. Soffit

What Is Each Part of a Roof System and What Do They Do?

1. Roof Underlayment

Roof underlayment generally refers to the material that is placed between the decking and the shingles. Typically, the material used is either plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). This is a key component of the roof system because it serves as a base and structural support for the shingles. Furthermore, it provides more protection from the elements. 

When re-roofing a home, professional roofing contractors check the integrity of the underlayment to ensure they’re free of wood rot or warps. Replacing damaged or worn underlayment is important prior to installing new shingles. Think of the underlayment as the foundation.

2. Shingles

Shingles comprise the roof surface and are the primary barrier between your home’s interior and the elements. There are different types of asphalt shingles like 3-tab, architectural composition, and luxury. Architectural composition shingles are the most widely-used roofing material in Gainesville, FL because of their affordability and appearance. Architectural shingles also come in a variety of colors and styles. 

3. Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles

Did you know that different types of shingles are used for the hips and ridge of a roofing system? Hip shingles are designed to be used on a specific part of the roof called the hip. Roofs have multiple hips. These are areas where the sloping sides of a roof meet. The underlayment of each roof side meet in the hips and have a joint between them. Hip shingles are designed to overlap this area and provide an extra water barrier. They also bend to the shape of the roof in a way that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

Ridge cap shingles are specialized asphalt shingles that are laid over the ridge of the roof. They’re thicker and bent to the shape of the roof’s ridge so they fit securely.  

4. Ridge Vents

Ridge vents are installed on the peak of a roof. These vents allow the home’s attic to exhaust heat without compromising the roof’s waterproofing. Ridge cap shingles are usually laid over ridge cap vents to protect them. Again, these vents help regulate the temperature of the home’s attic space while keeping water, wind, and debris from entering. 

5. Gutters

Everyone is familiar with gutters! Most new gutters are seamless, which means they aren’t installed in sections but are one, continuous piece that is cut-to-fit on site. Gutters are designed to move water away from your home’s foundation as it runs off the roof. Water from the gutters is expelled via downspouts. Keeping your gutters free of leaves and pine needles is important to protect your home. You can have gutter guards installed which minimize debris accumulation. 

6. Fascia

Fascia is the board behind gutters that connects a home’s roofing with its rafters. The fascia usually has a non-corrosive sheet metal attached to it as a barrier. This is what gutters are attached to when they’re installed. When gutters are absent, the fascia gives an attractive, “finished” look to the roof system.

7. Drip-Edge

Drip-edge is a type of metal flashing that roofers install along the sides of a roof line. Drip-edge is designed to move water away from the fascia and to protect the underlayment of the roof system. Drip-edge is essential to keep your roof decking and fascia from rotting – especially in a rainy climate like North Central Florida. 

8. Soffit

Last but not least, soffit is a material used to cover the underside of your roof overhang. Multiple materials are used for soffit but it’s usually composed of vinyl or aluminum. The soffit is most visible from ground level and provides another source of ventilation for your attic. It allows your home to “breath” while simultaneously preventing animals or insects from entering. You must ensure your soffit is securely in place. Otherwise, animals like birds, raccoons, and rats can get into your attic. 

McFall Can Take Care of Any Part of your Roof System

At McFall Residential Roofing, we specialize in roof installation and repair. The benefit of working with a local roofing contractor like McFall is that you get the knowledge and expertise you need to make the best decisions for your home. We follow industry best practices and use high-quality roofing materials to give our customers beautiful roofs that last. 

Contact us today to get started on your residential roofing project.