Finding a trustworthy professional for your building or home repair projects is not easy, but our tips about how to hire a trustworthy contractor will hopefully make the process easier:

• Get recommendations – find out whether there is someone in your family, among your friends and coworkers who worked with a contractor that they found reliable and professional.  When it comes to your roof, look for experts with experience in roofing Dallas TX homes, ask a neighbor for a recommendation.
  

 

• Do a search engine query to find more contractors in your area – check previous clients, service type and reputation, too

 

• Interview potential contractors on the phone or talk to them in person, depending on the nature of your project, it might be a good idea to invite the contractor to take a look at the future job site

 

• Request written quotes from them that you should compare in terms of the services included, material price, labor fees, warranty and proposed deadlines,
• Make the final decision based not only on the price, but on the service quality offered as well

 

• Get everything in writing at the end – the agreement with your contractor should include every major aspect of the job you will be paying for, including details of the materials to be used, the composition of the team that will work on your project, the final completion date and payment scheduling.

Article Source over here: How to Hire a Trustworthy Contractor – Tips to Make the Task Easier

via Blogger How to Hire a Trustworthy Contractor – Tips to Make the Task Easier

It is generally recommended to turn to a professional roofer whenever you encounter a roofing issue, but if you are comfortable working at heights and you are the owner of a large set of mechanical and electric repair tools, you will probably be able to fix a number of small-scale problems – with these DIY roofing repair tips:

• Replacing asphalt shingles – if you notice that one or several shingles on your roof are damaged, you can easily replace them. Cut the damaged shingles with a utility knife, then pry them up using a flat bar, slip the new shingles into place and fix them with 7/8” roofing nails.  However if you need a whole roof replacement hire a Dallas roofing contractor to do the job for you.
  

 

• Tile replacement – if you have tiles with nibs, free the nails that keep the damaged tiles in place, and then fix the new one into place with a new nail; if you have interlocking tiles, your job is even more simple.

 

• Finding a leak – water can do a lot of damage to roofs, so it is a good idea to try and fix leaks the second you notice them. They usually appear around skylights, chimneys, vents and in places where there is a sharp angle in the roof, so start looking in these place first. Examine the roof very carefully because hairline cracks might escape the untrained eye. After you identify the leak source, you need to decide whether you have the tools and the knowledge necessary for the repair – if you don’t, call an expert right away.

First Posted over here: DIY Roof Repair Tips – Easy Jobs that You Can Do On Your Own

via Blogger DIY Roof Repair Tips – Easy Jobs that You Can Do On Your Own

Construction trends are shaped by numerous factors such as the available resources, buying power as well as the climate of a specific area and the trends in construction in Texas are no different – here are some of the most important tendencies right now:

• Energy-efficient construction – even though some areas are less hot than others, Texas is generally considered a hot and dry state, so one of the aspects that has been defining construction trends and will continue to do so in the future is energy efficiency. More and more properties use alternative energy resources such as solar panels to supply their heating, cooling and energy needs

 

• Sustainability – natural materials and sustainable building technologies are becoming more and more the trend.  Some of the best Dallas roofing companies have put a demand on using sustainable products.
  

 

• Modular constructions – modular building take shorter to build and require much less energy and resources to complete, but these aspects do not compromise durability and reliability. Modular buildings are manufactured in factories, then transported to their final location and fixed in place – a quick, easy and cost-efficient way to get a perfectly decent house

 

• Metal buildings – steel constructions are becoming more and more popular and they are no longer used only for storage and for industrial or commercial purposes, but as residential buildings and office buildings as well.

Original Post over here: Trends in Construction in Texas – Materials and Aspects

via Blogger Trends in Construction in Texas – Materials and Aspects

Lon Smith Roofing Honors WWII “Hellcat” Pilot with New Roof

Dallas, Texas--Lon Smith Roofing, the largest residential roofing company in Texas, today honored another veteran with another free roof as part of its “Roof for Vets” program.  The program was begun in 2015 and installs a new roof at no charge once a quarter for a worthy veteran in need. Today, the recipient was James Hurst, a 91-year-old veteran of World War II and Korea who flew F-6 “Hellcats” in combat.

“Thanks to men like this, our freedom was secured,” said Scott Hamilton, Vice President for Sales at Lon Smith Roofing.  “Thanks to heroes like this, America remains the greatest country in the world.”

“I’m so honored Lon Smith Roofing is doing this for me,” said Mr. Hurst as the roof was being installed on his house in Dallas.  “The roof has been leaking and I really had no way to pay for a new roof.”

Mr. Hurst was a US Naval aviator in World War II and Korea.  He flew the F-6 “Hellcat” and became an ace pilot.  After one of the many flights he made, he was landing the plane on the aircraft carrier and the nose gear collapsed.  A fire ensued and he suffered broken bones.  But he survived and continued to serve.

Today, the 91-year-old lives in Dallas and is 100 percent disabled with his military service being the leading cause of his disability.

“Mr. Hurst, on behalf of Lon Smith Roofing, we want to thank you for your valiant service to our country,” Hamilton said as the ceremony in front of the Hurst house concluded. “Providing you with a new roof is the least we can do to say ‘thanks.’”

For more information about “Roof for Vets” and about Lon Smith Roofing, go to www.lonsmith.com.

Originally Posted right here: LON SMITH ROOFING HONORS WWII “HELLCAT” PILOT WITH NEW ROOF

via Blogger LON SMITH ROOFING HONORS WWII “HELLCAT” PILOT WITH NEW ROOF

The entire Lon Smith Roofing family is praying for our friend, Congressman Roger Williams, after this morning's shooting.  Congressman Williams is a principled leader and we have been proud to have him take part in several of our Roof for Vets events.  We are grateful he was not seriously injured this morning.  But we pray for him as well as the others who were wounded.  We ask everyone to join us in praying for all the victims.

Article Source over here: CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL PRACTICE SHOOTING

via Blogger CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL PRACTICE SHOOTING

Hail is an overpowering phenomenon and also one of the major causes of roof damage. In order to keep your roof safe, it is very important to have it regularly inspected and maintained by professionals, but even so, if the inevitable happens and hail damages your Dallas roof, it is very important to document the damage properly to be able to obtain the best possible compensation from your insurer. To make the process of looking for proof easier, here are the 5 most conspicuous signs of hail damage on a roof – check for all of them and make sure you take pictures and videos of everything you find, the evidence will come in very useful during the insurance claims process.

 

Damaged Metal Components

 

The tin, aluminum or steel components and accessories on your roof are the most vulnerable to hail, so start by inspecting the metal vents, the flashing around the chimney, the gutters, the downspouts, the gutter screens and the valleys on the roof. Damaged metal components will have dents that also indicate the dimension of the ice balls that hit it.

 

Damage of the Top of the Roof

 

The ridge cap of the roof – the flat area where the sides of the roof meet and are joined – is also a very sensitive component. Hail will leave it dented or broken.

 

The Sides

 

Hail can also cause components of the roofing cover to bruise and crack, what’s more, hails storms can also sweep off parts or pieces of the roof:

 

• if you have roof tiles, check them for cracks and chipped edges
• if you have a shingle roof, also check for damaged pieces, especially for spots where the granules have been displaced or completely removed by the hail – it is usually where the integrity of the material has been compromised
• asphalt roofs can get cracked by the ice balls, so if you have that type of roof, look for cracks, thick or hairline.

 

Damaged Chimneys

 

Chimneys are also sensitive to hail, so make sure you inspect every inch of these components as well. Damage on metal chimneys takes the same shape as the damage of the other metal components, while the hail might cause cracks to brick chimneys.

 

Damaged Sidings

 

Hail does no fall in a straight vertical line, so a violent hail storm might cause damage to the siding panels as well. Check them for dings, dents, cracks and other signs of impact and make sure you document them as well.

Original Post on: Signs of Hail Damage on a Roof

via Blogger Signs of Hail Damage on a Roof

http://www.bushcenter.org/publications/articles/2017/05/guest-blog-our-way-of-saying-thanks.html

 

Article Source here: Our Way of Saying Thanks

via Blogger Our Way of Saying Thanks

At Lon Smith Roofing there are two things that we know for certain. We know Dallas roofing and, perhaps more importantly, we know that this weekend is Mother's Day and we better not forget it. There is nothing worse than forgetting about your mom on her day, and if you do she will never let you forget. So this weekend make sure you take some time to celebrate with the person who brought you into this world.

Things to do on Mother's Day 2017 in Dallas-Fort Worth | Fort Worth Star-Telegram Homemade cards are sweet and breakfast in bed is a thoughtful touch for Mother’s Day. It’s also certainly OK to go with the standard flowers, chocolates or spa certificate.

But if you really want to impress the mom in your life, send her on an experience she will never forget. After all, what she truly wants is to spend time with the ones she loves most.

Here are some suggestions that will put you at the top of the favorite list:

Mom and the whole family can enjoy the acclaimed “México 1900–1950: Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco, and the Avant-Garde” for free on Mother’s Day during the Dallas Museum of Art’s Family Day. Families can enjoy art-making activities, music, bilingual tours and DMA gallery activities for all ages.
Good to know: At 2 p.m. Sunday, don’t miss the launch of DMA’s film series celebrating the golden age of Mexican cinema, from the 1930s through the 1950s. The event will start with a discussion of gender and identity in Mexican films of the era led by director and film historian Sonia Fritz, followed by a screening of the 193 movie “Distinto Amanecer.”
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 14
Where: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas
Cost: Free
Info: https://dma.org/

Let your mom get her geek on at the National Videogame Museum in Frisco. It is offering half-price admission for moms on Mother’s Day. The museum features a 1980s-inspired arcade full of classic games such as Asteroids, Centipede and Donkey Kong. You can also play the classic game Pong on the world’s largest home Pong console: a giant 15-foot TV replica from the 1970s.
Good to know: The collection of rare artifacts displayed include the only Sega Neptune prototype and the unreleased Barbie edition for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket system.
When: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, May 14
Where: Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Frisco
Cost: $6 for moms, $12 for 11 and older, $10 for 10 and younger, as well as military, educators and seniors with ID
Info: www.nvmusa.org

Has your mom ever wanted to skydive? Give her the gift of flight. The indoor iFLY experience lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes and each flight is the equivalent of 1.5 skydives, but she won’t have to wear a parachute or jump out of a plane and the whole family can watch and cheer her on.
Good to know: Buy a flight voucher or gift package through Sunday, May 14, to save $50. For more information, visit https://www.iflyworld.com/mothers-day/
When: Check the website to book flight times.
Where: 663 Loop 820, Hurst, 817-818-4359; 8380 Texas 121 in Frisco, 214-618-4359
Cost: Packages start at $69.95
Info: https://www.iflyworld.com Read more...

 

Original Post on: Add Mother’s Day Plans To Your Calendar This Weekend

via Blogger Add Mother’s Day Plans To Your Calendar This Weekend

At Lon Smith Roofing we have been roofing Dallas TX homes since 1974. In that time we have come across every question in the book it seems like. We don't mind though, we are experts in our field and we are always happy to share the knowledge we have with our clients. Understanding what we do is helpful for all of us and good communication is important. If you ever have a question please don't be afraid to ask. Without further ado, the answer to our latest question: Are gutters necessary?

Purpose of Gutters - Are Gutters Actually Necessary?  Those new to homeownership and home maintenance may question whether gutters are an absolutely vital component of their homes’ exteriors, or just some sort of decorative element. While it’s true that professionally installed gutters create a crisp, clean edge around your home’s roofline, their main purpose is far from mere adornment. Contractors install a gutter system on every new house they build because its job—guiding rain and storm water off the roof and away from the foundation of the house—is essential to the home’s structural well-being. That is, when the gutter is kept clean and free from debris.

A Little Water Never Hurt Anyone, Did It? No matter how gently rain falls onto your roof, the water builds up as it runs off and creates a powerful surge that, if not diverted, can hammer the ground next to your foundation—and water and foundations do not mix. Pounding water along the foundation line erodes the soil and can seep down along the foundation, increasing the risk of basement leaks and structural instability.

Gutters that safely manage storm water do more than simply protect your house. They also preserve your yard and your neighborhood. Without fully functioning gutters and downspouts to control runoff in a safe manner, rainwater could cut pathways through your yard as well as your neighbor’s, creating ditches, pooling in low-lying areas, and even killing lawns, flowers, and other vegetation.

Maintaining Your Home’s Main Defense When you fail to clean your gutter system you’re inviting problems, because clogged gutters can be nearly as bad as having no gutters at all. Rainwater trapped in a clogged gutter or downspout has nowhere to go but over the edge of the trough, rendering your gutter system virtually useless. And if the leaves, twigs, and other debris remain during winter, snowmelt can pool and refreeze in the gutters, potentially weighing them down so much that they can pull free from the house. Clogged gutters also increase the risk of ice dams forming at the edge of the roof.

If you have traditional gutters on your home, you should clean them at least twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall, before winter arrives. With traditional gutters, you have two maintenance options: You can haul a ladder over to the side of your house and clean out the debris by hand, which saves you money but can be dangerous. Or, you can pay to have a professional gutter-cleaning crew clear the gutters and downspouts.

 

Article Source over here: What is the purpose of the gutters on my home?

via Blogger What is the purpose of the gutters on my home?

At Lon Smith, we take pride in roofing Dallas, TX. We know that you take pride in your homes and we extend that to the work that we do on your roof. Having a beautiful house is about having the whole package and we understand that. The perfect house is well taken care of from the rooftops down to the grass that is around it. We will take care of the roofs and leave the lawn up to you. Do you know what type of grass to use in your lawn?

Types of Grass - Finding the Best Variety for Your Lawn - Bob Vila Everyone wants a lush, green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood, but no one wants to work too hard at it! The secret lies in choosing the grass that suits your locale and climate. Sow the correct seed and, while you’ll have to put in some regular lawn care, you’ll stress less and enjoy your yard more. It comes down to understanding different grasses’ unique growing requirements, maintenance needs, and resistance to wear and tear, disease, and pests. This guide will help you distinguish between the dominant types of grass and the species within each category so you can pick the ones sure to thrive and give you the curb appeal you crave.

WARM-SEASON VERSUS COLD-SEASON GRASSES
Types of grasses found in the United States are broadly classified as either warm season or cool season. These labels indicate the geographic region with the ideal climate for the grass. Each region is further classified into humid or arid zones, with some zones being more hospitable to certain grasses than others.

Warm-season grasses are ideally grown in midsummer at temperatures ranging between 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Once temperatures fall below 55 degrees, these species go dormant and turn tan or brown until spring returns. Because these types of grass originally hail from the tropics, in the U.S. they’re inherently better suited to warm climates of the Deep South and the lower southwest and southeast.

Cool-season grasses flourish in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making early spring and early fall peak growing season. These types of grass are best suited for regions that experience cold winters and hot summers (Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, the upper Great Plains, the upper Midwest, and New England), and they’re hardy—likely to remain green throughout winter, except for periods of freezing temperatures.

If you live in between the north and south, in a region known among turf breeders as the Transition Zone, you can grow either cool-season or warm-season grasses. Among warm-season grasses, Zoysia, Centipede, and Bermuda are winter-hardy enough to flourish in the Transition Zone. Similarly, Tall Fescue, a cool-season species, is suitable for the Transition Zone because of its drought tolerance and adaptability to a variety of soil types.

WARM-SEASON GRASSES (HUMID): St. Augustine, Centipede, Zoysia, Bahia
The sandy soil, brackish air, and high humidity of the Gulf states make for the ideal breeding ground for St. Augustine, a coarse, light to dark green textured grass, and Bahia, resembling a dense sod of tapered, dark green blades. But Southern Californians can also find success growing St. Augustine grass. Along with Bahia, a light green, creeping grass known as Centipede is commonly grown in the southeast, where rainfall is abundant, while Zoysia, a highly drought-resistant grass with thick, soft, light to medium green blades, is more frequently grown in the South.

Warm-season grass species are prized for their ease of maintenance, with requirements typically limited to irrigation every three to seven days, fertilization on a semiannual basis, and regular mowing to variable heights.

Growing conditions can vary among warm-season species. Zoysia, for example, can be grown in partial shade, while Centipede and most varieties of St. Augustine grass require full sun exposure to thrive. Moreover, each grass type can withstand wear, disease, and insects to varying degrees. Zoysia is one of the quickest to mend itself, and is also resistant to weed infiltration. Centipede grass, though rarely plagued by disease or pests, is slow to mend after damage, making it less suited to high-traffic lawns.

WARM-SEASON GRASSES (ARID): Bermuda, Buffalo
If you live in the Deep South, chances are you get enough sun to successfully grow either Bermuda or Buffalo grass. Both varieties of grasses are desirable on residential lawns for their low maintenance and relatively strong resistance to drought, disease, and pests. But because both require full sun exposure for optimal growth, avoid sowing them in shady areas.

Bermuda is one of the rare warm-season grasses that can grow in both arid and humid warm climates. Its dense, dark green blades make it the turfgrass of choice for play areas. Moreover, the deep root system of Bermuda grass allows it to withstand and recover from heavy wear, making it an apt choice for areas where pets and children play. While the thin, softly-colored blue-green turf of Buffalo grass makes it a uniform-looking and attractive lawn option, the species is not well-suited for high-traffic lawns. Read more...

 

 

Article Source here: What type of grass is your lawn?

via Blogger What type of grass is your lawn?