By Jesse Sanchez. 

The right gutter system can help protect a home’s roofline, siding and foundation when storms put drainage to the test. 

For homeowners, gutters are more than a finishing touch. They are one of the first defenses against water damage, mold growth, basement flooding and costly structural issues when heavy rain hits. Choosing the right system means looking beyond appearance and O'Donnell Roofing can help homeowners evaluate how gutter materials, shape, capacity, maintenance needs and compatibility with the home’s roofline all affect how well water is moved away from the structure. With more intense and unpredictable storms, selecting the right gutter system can make a meaningful difference in long-term home protection. 

K-style gutters 

K-style gutters are among the most common options for residential homes. Their flat bottom and curved front edge allow them to manage more water than rounded gutters of the same width, while their crown molding-like profile fits many modern home designs. For homeowners seeking both performance and curb appeal, K-style gutters offer a balanced solution. 

Half-round gutters 

Half-round gutters provide a more traditional look, especially for older or historic homes. Their smooth shape helps water flow and makes cleaning easier, but they do not handle as much volume as K-style systems, which can limit their usefulness in areas with frequent heavy rain. 

Box gutters 

Box gutters are another high-capacity option. Built into the roof structure, they are commonly used on commercial or high-end custom homes and can manage large volumes of water across wider roof spans. They offer a discreet look but require professional installation and regular maintenance. 

Seamless aluminum gutters 

Seamless aluminum gutters are also well suited for wet climates because they are custom measured, cut onsite and made from one continuous piece of aluminum. With fewer seams, they reduce potential leak points. O'Donnell also installs premium European-engineered Zambelli gutters for architects and homeowners seeking durability, precision and a refined finish. 

Vinyl gutters 

Vinyl gutters remain a budget-friendly option, but they can crack in cold weather or sag under heavy water flow.  

Copper gutters 

Copper gutters, by contrast, offer long-lasting durability, corrosion resistance and strong curb appeal, though they come with a higher upfront cost. 

Improving gutter performance 

For heavy-rainfall areas, seamless aluminum and box gutters tend to perform best, while K-style gutters remain a strong residential choice. Proper installation, debris control and accessories such as splash blocks, downspout extenders or rain chains can further improve performance. 

Learn more about choosing the right gutter system for your home by contacting O'Donnell Roofing Co. for a free estimate and expert guidance!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Understanding common roofing insurance terms can help homeowners move through inspections, estimates and repairs with more confidence. 

For many homeowners, roofing insurance claims introduce unfamiliar terms that make whatever challenges they’re facing – be it storm damage, leaks or unexpected repairs – even more stressful than they already are. But understanding these terms is important, as they can affect coverage, payment and the overall process.  

J&K Roofing has helped lots of home and business owners through this process, both as a professional source of damage documentation and as an unofficial translator of roofing insurance terms. Here are the most important terms, in their opinion, for homeowners to understand:  

• A deductible is the amount a homeowner pays out of pocket before insurance coverage begins. Depending on the policy, that deductible may be a flat amount or a percentage of the home’s insured value. Knowing this number before filing a claim can help homeowners avoid surprises once the project is underway. 
• Actual cash value (ACV) reflects the depreciated value of the roof at the time of damage, meaning age and wear are subtracted from the replacement cost. 
• Replacement cost value (RCV) is the cost to replace the roof with similar materials at current market prices, though insurance companies may release those funds in stages after work is completed and documented. 
• Depreciation also plays a major role in the claims process. Roofing systems lose value over time because of weather exposure, temperature changes and normal use. This can reduce the amount a homeowner receives upfront, especially for older roofs. 
• A supplement is a request for additional funds when the original estimate does not cover the full scope of work. 
• A proof of loss is the formal statement submitted to the insurer with documentation such as photos, estimates and receipts. 
• An insurance adjuster is someone sent to evaluate the damage for the insurance company. 
• A scope of loss outlines needed repairs, materials and labor. 
• Policy limits set the maximum amount an insurer will pay, while exclusions identify damage that is not covered.  
• A denial of claim is when an insurance company determines that damage is outside of their coverage. Homeowners may be able to provide additional documentation or request another inspection. 

Learn more about roofing insurance claims and how professionals, like J&K Roofing, can help document roof damage and support the claims process.

By Emma Peterson. 

From choosing the right roof to learning about innovative products and trusted contractors, these were the articles AskARoofer readers couldn't stop reading last month. 

The team at AskARoofer has had a busy July trying to keep up with all the innovations and news coming out of the roofing industry! Now that the month is coming to a close, we wanted to take a moment to look back at all the articles we’ve published and highlight what caught our readers’ attentions!  

Rounding out our list is an article all about the launch of new colors in Westlake Royal Building Products' Newpoint™ Concrete Roof Tile line. These colors are uniquely designed to look good while handling the heat, humidity and hurricanes of the Sunshine State (Florida). Next up is an article that shares Metal Roofing Alliance’s (MRA) advice about protecting your home from fire during wildfire season.  

Coming in third on our top five list is an article that emphasizes the importance of being informed during the material-selection process of your roofing project. The second most read article shares the story of Campany Roofing, a premier roofer in South Florida founded back in 1990 by Ed Campany. 

The most popular story of the month is an article highlighting the Tremco® Roofing Product's incredibly versatile Vulkem® Pro Series. As Senior Content Developer Emma Peterson writes, “This product line is incredibly versatile with top-performing sealants, superior bond adhesives and durable concrete repair solutions...[Enabling people to] tackle whatever challenges might come [up during a project].” 

The top five article of July 2026 

5 – New roof color blends designed for the Sunshine State by Emma Peterson. 

4 – All it takes is a spark by The Coffee Shops™. 

3 – Smart roofing choices for a stronger home by The Coffee Shops™. 

2 – Campany Roofing is the July Roofer of the Month by Emma Peterson. 

1 – One product line, endless applications by Emma Peterson. 

By Emma Peterson. 

How air handler renewal extends HVAC system life without full replacement. 

HVAC systems are expensive with commercial replacements for large campuses – healthcare, education and manufacturing – being up to $45,000 in some areas. Because of this often steep cost, many facility managers and building owners look for alternatives to replacing their aging equipment – alternatives like air handler renewal. 

Air handler renewal or HVAC restoration is the process of renewing, replacing and refurbishing air handler units (AHUs) rather than replacing the entire system. This is a bit of a complex process, as AHUs are sophisticated mechanical equipment, however it is substantially cheaper and less time consuming than a full HVAC system replacement.  

The cost of an air handler renewal project depends on the size of your system, the age of the mechanical elements and the type of building the unit is in. It is recommended to work with a team that offers total project management for the process as bringing in multiple trades can increase project cost and timeline.  

If you’re looking for an air handler renewal professional to work on your building, a great resource is WTI’s PureAir Services. Their team manages the entire process of refurbishing aging equipment, providing that total project management: 

1. The process begins with a scope of work assessment and then moves into deep cleaning. The WTI team’s cleaning practices utilize a propriety process – the PURE-Steam process – which sees the coils, blower motor assembly and cabinet interior deep cleaned.  
2. Once the cleaning is completed, the team moves on to refurbishing the metal components of the system, such as the drain pan. These are primed and refinished with high performance coatings. 
3. The final step is mechanical upgrades, which are overseen by WTI’s in-house mechanical engineer (who is licensed in all 50 states). These upgrades are determined during that initial scope assessment and can include replacement/retrofit of fan arrays, fiberglass insulation, drain pans, coils, dampers, access doors and filter racks. 

At the end of the process, the building’s HVAC system will have been given new life and the work will be covered under a best-in-class five-year warranty! 

Learn more about HVAC restoration today!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Why metal roofing generally reflects and releases heat better than asphalt shingles. 

Many homeowners don’t realize the impact their roof has on the rest of their home. But from attic temperatures and indoor comfort to air conditioning bills and beyond, the roof on top of a structure plays a direct role in how the rest of the home functions. And in general, if you want the most comfort and efficiency, especially during heat waves, you’ll want to consider metal according to the article, “Are Metal Roofs Cooler Than Shingles” by Mountaintop Metal Roofing.  

Why choose metal? 

Traditional shingles tend to absorb and hold heat because they are made with asphalt and granules. That heat can continue radiating into the attic and living spaces well after peak sun exposure. Alternatively, metal roofing reflects more solar radiation away from the home instead of transferring it into the structure below. 

Not only does this reflection of heat make the home more comfortable, but it can also help the roof itself last longer. Hot climates can cause asphalt shingles to crack, curl and age prematurely. But because the metal roof reflects that heat/UV rays, it tends to withstand high heat better and have a longer lifespan.  

Maximizing the benefits 

When it comes to choosing a roof that will keep your home more efficient and cool, the material the roof is made of is just the start to the decisions you’ll need to make. You will also need to consider aesthetics and ventilation.  

When it comes to picking a color, light-colored roofs reflect more sunlight, while darker roofs absorb more heat. A light-colored metal roof offers a strong combination of reflectivity, fast heat release and curb appeal. Additionally, some metal roofs can be paired with UV-reflecting, cool roof coatings. These make them even more durable and effective and are not available for asphalt shingles.  

As for ventilation, even an energy-efficient metal roof can underperform if attic airflow is poor or insulation is inadequate. It is important that you work with a roofer who evaluates the full system, not just the roof surface, because a reflective roof paired with proper ventilation can help improve comfort during peak summer months. 

Conclusion 

For homeowners considering an upgrade, metal roofing offers cooling benefits along with durability, low maintenance and long-term value. While reflective shingles can help reduce heat absorption, metal roofing often performs better over the full life of the roof. 

Original photo source: Mountaintop Metal Roofing

AskARoofer Expert Brittany Wimbish says it's less expensive to maintain a roof than it is to react to a failure in the system.

When I think about commercial roofing, one thing always comes to mind: it's almost always less expensive to maintain a roof than it is to react to a failure in the system.

As a roofing contractor, we often get calls after a leak has already disrupted a business or affected tenants. At that point, we're focused on stopping the immediate problem, but many of those situations could have been prevented with regular inspections and maintenance. Roof systems naturally age. Sealants dry out, flashing loosens, drains clog and weather takes its toll. None of those issues happen overnight, which is why routine maintenance is so valuable.

One of the biggest benefits of preventative maintenance is the ability to plan instead of react. Rather than being surprised by an emergency leak during a storm, property owners and managers can budget for repairs over time and make informed decisions about when it's time to replace a roof. That not only protects the building, but also helps avoid unexpected expenses and interruptions for tenants or business operations.

I also believe there is real value in having a trusted roofing partner instead of simply calling the first contractor available when something goes wrong. A good roofing company learns your buildings, understands their history, keeps records of previous repairs and provides honest recommendations; not just the most expensive solution. Sometimes a repair is the right answer. Sometimes a maintenance program can add years to the life of a roof. And sometimes it's time to start budgeting for replacement. Having someone you trust to guide those decisions makes all the difference.

At Fields Roof Service, that's how we've always approached our relationships. We don't want to be the company you only call when your roof is leaking. We want to be the team you rely on to help protect one of your property's largest investments. Through regular inspections, maintenance, clear communication and long-term planning, we help our clients make smart decisions that save money and extend the life of their roofing systems.

To me, preventative maintenance isn't just about roofs, it's about building trust, creating partnerships and helping our clients stay one step ahead.

AskARoofer Expert Wendy Marvin says maintenance helps your roof help you.

I get this question all the time, "My roof looks fine, why do I need to have it inspected?" Here's the thing. By the time a roof "looks" bad from the ground, you're usually already past the cheap fix and into the expensive one. Maintenance isn't about babying your roof. It's about protecting the biggest investment in your home before small problems turn into big bills.

How often should you actually do this?

Twice a year is the baseline. Spring and fall. That catches whatever winter beat up and gets you ready before storm season hits. If you get hail, high wind or a heavy snow load, that's an automatic out-of-cycle check. Don't wait for your next scheduled visit. Every few years I also recommend a deeper look that includes the attic and ventilation, not just what you can see from a ladder. Asphalt shingle roofs need this more than metal or tile, which can usually stretch to once a year.

What we're actually looking for up there

When one of our crews gets on a roof, here's the punch list:

• Shingle condition. Curling, cracking, granule loss, anything missing
• Flashing around chimneys, skylights and vents. This is where most leaks start, not the field of the roof
• Pipe boots. That rubber dries out and cracks years before the shingles around it do
• Popped or exposed nails
• Gutters and downspouts and whether granules are piling up (that's your shingles wearing out)
• The attic. Moisture, daylight through the deck, insulation that's shifted
• Ventilation balance. Bad airflow cooks your shingles from underneath and can quietly void your manufacturer warranty
• Soft spots in the decking
• Moss, algae, overhanging branches and any sign critters have found a way in

Why this protects more than your roof

A roof that's maintained doesn't just last longer, it protects everything under it. Structure, insulation, resale value. A ten dollar pipe boot ignored for three years can turn into a five figure ceiling repair.

The paperwork nobody thinks about until they need it

Manufacturer warranties aren't automatic. They require certified installation, a complete product system, proper ventilation and registration within a set window. Skip any of that and your "lifetime" warranty can shrink fast.

Your workmanship warranty is separate and it's on us as the contractor. Keep your signed contract, your invoice and report issues quickly.

For your homeowner's insurance, keep dated photos, permits, invoices and your maintenance records. Insurers are asking for proof of upkeep more than ever and neglect is one of the fastest ways to get a claim denied.

Take care of the roof and it'll take care of you. That's the job.

AskARoofer Expert Henry Staggs says that roof maintenance helps property owners get ahead of wear and tear.

For most property owners, the roof is the ultimate embodiment of "out of sight, out of mind" until water begins dripping through the ceiling. Yet, your roof is easily one of the single largest investments in your building’s envelope. Successfully managing its lifespan isn't about waiting for a disaster to happen and reacting; it’s about shifting your strategy from defensive crisis management to proactive asset protection. 

The golden window: The power of the biennial cadence 

The math behind roof longevity is simple: regular evaluation saves thousands. A professional roof inspection should take place once a year and absolutely no less than once every two years. Additionally, scheduling a brief assessment immediately following major seasonal weather events is vital. 

While winter storms bring obvious weight and moisture, the summer months introduce a quiet, brutal enemy: extreme heat and intense UV radiation. Mid-summer sun can push roof surface temperatures past 150°F. This extreme heat causes materials to expand rapidly, while the subsequent evening cool-down causes them to contract. This daily thermal shock slowly degrades seals, pops nails and splits aging caulking. 

Catching a heat-cracked pipe boot or a loose piece of flashing during a routine late-summer inspection is a minor, inexpensive fix. Waiting until that compromise turns into an active autumn leak can result in catastrophic, hidden costs, from structural rot and ruined attic insulation to mold mitigation. 

Behind the clipboard: What the pros are looking for 

When an experienced contractor steps onto a roof, they aren't just looking for missing shingles; they are evaluating an interconnected system. A comprehensive professional inspection zeroes in on four critical vulnerabilities: 

Flashing and boots: The metal flashing around chimneys, valleys and dormers, alongside the rubber boots surrounding plumbing vents, account for the vast majority of roof leaks. Inspectors check for rusted metal, cracked rubber and failing caulking. 

Shingle integrity: On asphalt roofs, inspectors look for clawing (edges curling under), cupping (edges curling up) and heavy granule loss. Granules protect the underlying asphalt from destructive UV radiation; once they wash away, the shingle degrades rapidly. 

Ventilation health: A roof needs to breathe. Inspectors evaluate ridge vents and soffits to ensure air flows freely. Poor attic ventilation traps oppressive summer heat and moisture, effectively baking the shingles from the underside and slashing their lifespan in half. 

Soffit and fascia: Contractors inspect the wooden or composite boards running along the roofline for signs of water damage, soft spots or animal intrusion. 

Maintenance vs. repair: Playing offense 

The difference between preventative maintenance and reactive repair is the difference between changing your car's oil and replacing a seized engine. One is a predictable, manageable line item; the other is a costly emergency. 

Playing offense means keeping the roof surface clear of leaves, moss and debris, while trimming tree limbs back at least six feet from the roofline to prevent wind-scratches and animal access. It means cleaning gutters twice a year, especially after the spring seed-drop and the autumn leaf-fall, so water flows away from the fascia rather than backing up under the eaves. 

Ultimately, the most critical maintenance tool isn't a ladder, it's a paper trail. By documenting and understanding the lifecycle of your roof, keeping a dedicated folder of initial installation paperwork, annual inspection reports and minor repair receipts, you create an invaluable asset. If you ever sell the property or need to file an insurance claim after a major storm, a documented history of proactive care is definitive proof that your roof was built to last. 

By Emma Peterson. 

A guide to choosing the right roofing products based on your regional weather, performance needs and challenges.  

There are a lot of environmental factors to consider when choosing the right materials for the roof of your home, not to mention the additional considerations for budget and aesthetic preference. While aesthetics and budget constraints certainly matter, climate is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider for the efficiency of your next roof. Depending on the climate of the region you live in, you will need different performance features and strength demands. 

Climate related performance features 

There are a lot of different features that can be incorporated into roofing materials that would make one product more adapted to certain climates than another. Here are some of the common ones you might see: 

• Reflectivity: In areas that get a lot of hot, sunny weather, it is usually a good idea to pick a roof with high reflectivity. This means that the product reflects UV rays from the sun. This not only keeps your roof lasting longer but can also make the interior of a building or home more comfortable as reflecting sunlight can help manage heat absorption. 
• Algae-resistance: Algae not only looks bad but can even lead to higher rates of moss and lichen growth, which can prematurely age a roof. For those in areas that get generally mild weather with a lot of precipitation and moisture foster algae growth, investing in algae-resistant roofing (such as copper-infused asphalt shingles) is a great idea. 
• Impact rating: Across the Midwest, hailstorms are commonplace, and because of these storms, it is more important for homeowners and businesses in affected areas to pay attention to impact ratings on their roofing products. The higher the impact rating, the better a product will perform in the face of hail. 
• Fire rating: Fire ratings, which are ranked from A (best) to C (worst), are ratings based on the results of testing a product’s fire resistance. For home and business owners in the West and other regions that face a wildfire season each year, investing in roofing products with a high fire rating can help keep their home standing. 
• Wind uplift rating: And for areas along the Gulf of Mexico that experience hurricanes and other extreme wind events, wind uplift ratings are a powerful safety feature that not only protects the inhabitants of a building but can also help with insurance coverage.  

A case study: Columbus, Ohio 

So, how do you assess your region and what performance features would be most useful for a roof? Let’s use Columbus, Ohio as an example. The climate of the area is considered continental, with extremely cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers that feature frequent thunderstorms and occasional severe wind events. 

This weather leads to a variety of roofing challenges. The experts at Nitro Roofing and Construction (who have offices in New Bremen, Columbus and Dayton) highlighted a few in a blog post:  

Columbus’s unique roofing challenges include wind damage from sudden storms, hail impact during summer months, ice dam formation in winter and UV exposure during long summer days. 

With these challenges, some of the key features to look for in a roof include a high impact rating (for summer hailstorms), strong reflectivity (to handle UV exposure) and good ventilation (to avoid ice dams in the winter and stagnant air in the summer).  

Learn more about picking out and maintaining a roof by reading Nitro’s full article.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Roof replacements can vary in price depending on the type of materials used. The experts break down the need-to-know essentials about the most common roofing materials on the market! 

For many homeowners, investing in a roof replacement is no small task. It’s a commitment that takes time and consideration, ensuring you get the most protection and lifespan out of it. With that in mind, deciding on the material type for the roof is central to the outcome. 

IKO Industries is committed to providing their customers with high-quality roofing materials and customer service, which means providing in-depth resources that explain the different products within their catalog and how homeowners can decide which product is best for their needs.  

It all comes down to the type of shingle – are you looking for something designer, high-performance, laminate or traditional? Depending on your needs, the answer varies. Let’s break it down:  

• Designer shingles: These shingles are considered premium and come with a more refined visual design for those who wish to make a major aesthetic statement with their roof. Designer shingles offer the aesthetics of cedar shake or slate tile at a more approachable cost than the real deal yet still performing well.  
• Performance shingles: Known for their durability and long lifespans, performance shingles are a great option for homeowners living in areas with severe weather concerns like hurricanes, hail or heavy winds. These shingles are often tear-resistant and created to offer high function rather than aesthetics, but thanks to modern technology and design, there are still plenty of options that look great without sacrificing strength.  
• Laminate shingles: Featuring a thick, two-layer design, laminate shingles were engineered to provide modern aesthetics and visual depth. Shingles are not identical; their uniqueness provides an intriguing visual to the roof, perfect for those who want something unique and full of character without breaking the bank. 
• Traditional shingles: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” For the homeowner who doesn’t have any special considerations in mind and want a reliable shingle that will get the job done, there’s nothing like a traditional shingle. With modern technology and color palettes, traditional shingles can still offer a range of results!  

Learn more about the cost breakdown of different shingle types and how to make the best choice for your roof replacement.