Things Every Florida Homeowner Should Know for Hurricane Season

Let’s be honest—roofing isn’t cheap. So when you get multiple quotes and one of them is way lower than the others, it’s hard not to consider it. A new roof is a big investment, and who doesn’t love saving money? But here’s the truth : when it comes to your roof, cheapest doesn’t mean best. In fact, going with the lowest bid could end up costing you way more in the long run—and not just in dollars. At Allstate Exteriors, we’ll always give you a fair, honest price—but we’ll never be the cheapest. That’s not who we are. Because we believe your roof should be done right, not rushed. And by the time you hit your first storm or spot your first leak, you’ll be glad you chose quality. Here’s why 1. Cheap Materials Don’t Protect Your Home Long-Term The fastest way to slash a roofing estimate? Cut corners on materials. Some contractors use the cheapest shingles, low-grade underlayment, or skip important components like ice and water shield—all to keep that number nice and low. But in Florida’s heat or Ohio’s ice and snow, those shortcuts fall apart fast. You might save a couple thousand today… but when your “new” roof starts shedding shingles in a storm or leaking by year five, the regret sets in. We only use materials we trust—products that stand up to weather, time, and everything in between. 2. Low Labor Costs = Rushed, Unskilled Work Let’s talk about labor. When a company offers the “lowest price in town,” ask yourself: how are they paying their crew? The truth is, cheap roofing jobs often mean underpaid, inexperienced, or even uninsured workers. And when that happens, it shows. Shingles go on wrong. Flashing gets missed. Ventilation is an afterthought. It may not be obvious right away, but give it a few months—or one good storm—and the flaws come to the surface. At Allstate Exteriors, our crews are trained, professional, and proud of their work. We don’t cut corners, because we know what’s at stake: your home, your family, and your peace of mind. 3. What You Don’t See Can Hurt You Here’s the thing—most roofing issues aren’t obvious until they’re really obvious. By then, you're dealing with water damage, mold, soft spots in the decking, or rotted fascia boards. Many low-cost bids skip or rush the details you can’t see: They don’t check for hidden decking damage They reuse old flashing They ignore ventilation issues They skimp on cleanup and disposal That means more repairs (and stress) later. A proper roof replacement is more than just what you can see from the ground—it’s the work behind the scenes that keeps your home safe. 4. We're Not in the Business of "Good Enough" We’ve been in this business a long time, and we’ve seen it all. We’ve been called to fix the “cheap jobs.” We’ve heard the stories of roofs that failed after just a few years. And we’ve seen homeowners forced to pay twice for a job that should have lasted decades. That’s not what we want for you. We’re not here to be the cheapest—we’re here to be the team you trust to do it right the first time. Because that’s what you, your home, and your family deserve. Final Thoughts: A Roof Is an Investment—Treat It Like One We’ll always be transparent with our pricing. We’ll walk you through every line item. And we’ll never push upgrades you don’t need. But we will give you the best options to protect your home long-term—and we’ll stand behind every nail, every shingle, every decision we make. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about getting a roof—it’s about getting it done right. Ready to Talk? Let’s schedule a free inspection and walk through your options. No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest advice from a team that truly cares. 👉 Schedule Your Free Inspection – and find out why quality really does matter.

Allstate Exteriors Explains What Homeowners Should Expect When it comes to protecting your home, few things are more important than your roof. But how long does a roof actually last in Columbus, Ohio ? The answer depends on the materials used, the quality of installation, and how well it’s maintained over the years—especially in a place like Columbus where we see all four seasons (sometimes in the same week!). At Allstate Exteriors, we’re here to walk you through what you can realistically expect from your roof and how to get the most life out of it. First, Columbus Weather Plays a Big Role From humid, stormy summers to snowy, freezing winters, our Ohio weather puts roofs to the test. The freeze-thaw cycles, hail, high winds, and UV exposure all take a toll—meaning roofs in our region often wear faster than in milder climates. Roof Material vs Lifespan Here’s what we typically see for central Ohio homes: Roof Types & Expected Lifespan Asphalt 3‑tab shingles : 15–20 years Architectural (dimensional) shingles : 25–30+ years Metal roofing: 40–70 years Slate, tile, or concrete roofs: 50–100+ years Wood shake roofs: 20–30 years (with upkeep) At Allstate Exteriors, we specialize in high-quality asphalt and metal roofing solutions—and we’re a proud Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, which means our architectural shingles come with enhanced warranties and long-term durability. What Shortens a Roof’s Life? Even the best shingles won’t last forever if a few key things are ignored. Here's what we see that causes premature wear: Poor ventilation – This leads to moisture and heat buildup in your attic, which damages decking and curls shingles. Inadequate installation – Sadly, we’ve seen it all: Improper nail placement, skipped underlayment, or flashing errors. That’s why our trained installers never cut corners. Clogged gutters and overhanging trees – Keep your roof debris-free! Storm damage – Hail, high winds, and heavy snow buildup can slowly chip away at your roof’s lifespan. Signs It’s Time to Replace (Not Just Repair) Wondering if your roof’s at the end of the road? Keep an eye out for: Curling or cracked shingles Missing sections of shingles Granules showing up in your gutters Moss or dark streaks (a sign of algae) Sagging rooflines or ceiling stains inside If your roof is 15+ years old, it’s smart to get a professional inspection every 1–2 years so you can plan ahead—rather than react to leaks or damage after the fact. How Allstate Exteriors Can Help We’ve been helping homeowners in Columbus and surrounding areas protect their homes since 2002. When you choose Allstate, you’re getting: Local expertise on Ohio weather and roofing codes Certified, in-house installers Honest roof evaluations (we’ll never sell you something you don’t need) Options to fit your budget—including flexible payment options Extended warranties through our Platinum Preferred partnership with Owens Corning Whether your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or you just want peace of mind, we’re here to help you make a confident, informed decision. Ready for a Free Roof Inspection?

If you live in Florida, you already know that hurricane season isn’t a maybe—it’s a matter of when. While we love the sunshine, ocean breezes, and afternoon thunderstorms, that warm tropical air can flip from peaceful to powerful real quick. Every year, as the forecasts roll in and storm names start popping up, homeowners across the state scramble to “get ready.” But even with the best intentions, it's easy to overlook a few crucial things that could make a world of difference. So let’s talk about the top six mistakes Florida homeowners make when preparing for a hurricane—and more importantly, how to avoid them with confidence. 1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Prepare We’ve all been there. One minute you're watching the weather casually, and the next you're in a mile-long line at the hardware store, fighting over the last pack of batteries. Spoiler alert: Hurricane prep doesn’t work well when it’s rushed. What to do instead: Treat hurricane prep like spring cleaning—it’s just part of your routine. Stock up early on water, flashlights, batteries, canned food, and yes—don’t forget the wine (because let’s be honest, you’ll want it). Also, get those inspection appointments on the books before everyone else does. Roofers, inspectors, and tree trimmers get backed up fast once a storm is named. 2. Ignoring the Roof Because It “Looks Fine” If it’s not leaking, it’s fine… right? Not quite. Your roof is the only thing standing between your home and Mother Nature’s worst mood swings. And unfortunately, some of the most dangerous damage is the kind you can’t see from the ground. What to do instead: Call in a local pro ( like us 😉) for a free roof inspection. Even minor damage—like a lifted shingle or loose flashing—can turn into major leaks once 100 mph winds start ripping through. Preventive care now saves you money, stress, and that awful feeling of dripping water in your living room later. 3. Overlooking the Small Stuff: Soffits, Gutters, and Vents You boarded your windows, stocked your pantry, and reinforced the garage door—but did you check your soffits? Or clean out your gutters? Or make sure your attic vents are properly sealed? What to do instead: These little details can be your weakest link during a storm. Loose soffits or clogged gutters can lead to wind uplift or water backing into your home. A quick exterior inspection can make all the difference. Better yet—have a pro do it so nothing gets missed. 4. Relying Too Much on Insurance Without Proof Here’s a tough truth: insurance companies don’t always make it easy. Especially when you can’t prove the damage happened after the storm, and not before. What to do instead: Take 15 minutes and do a walkaround video of your home before hurricane season. Capture the roof, windows, soffits, gutters—everything. Even better? Schedule a professional inspection and get documentation. Having photos, reports, and dated notes makes filing a claim way easier if you ever need to. 5. Skipping Professional Help Until It’s Too Late We get it—you’re busy, and it’s tempting to just “eyeball” your roof or rely on the neighbor who used to be a contractor 10 years ago. But DIY doesn’t always cut it when hurricanes are involved. What to do instead: Call in a professional and let us do the heavy lifting. We’ll check your roof, your soffits, your gutters, and everything in between. No stress, no obligation—just peace of mind. Final Thought: Be Proactive, Not Panicked At the end of the day, preparing for a hurricane shouldn’t feel like chaos. With a little planning—and a trusted local team by your side—you can protect your home, your family, and your sanity. Don't let these common mistakes catch you off guard. The earlier you prep, the better you sleep when that cone of uncertainty heads your way. Ready to get your home hurricane-ready? Allstate Exteriors is here to help—whether it’s a free roof inspection, storm prep guidance, or just an honest second opinion. We’re local, we’re experienced, and we genuinely care about helping Florida homeowners stay safe. Schedule your free inspection today

What Happens If You Say ‘Let Me Think About It’—and Wait 2 Years (The honest truth your future self will thank you for) We’ve all done it. You get a quote, take a deep breath, and say: “Let me think about it.” Totally fair. Replacing your roof or siding isn’t something you impulse buy like a new throw pillow. It’s your home. Your safe place. And making a big decision—especially one involving shingles, soffits, or surprise price tags—deserves a little time. But here’s the thing: When “Let me think about it” turns into two winters, three storms, and a whole lot of putting it off… what started as a simple project can slowly evolve into something a lot more complicated (and expensive). Let’s walk through what actually happens when you wait a little too long. 1. Your Roof (or Gutters or Siding) Keeps Aging… Even If You’re Not Ready Water doesn’t wait. Neither does mold. And that tiny leak you meant to “keep an eye on” while you thought things over? It might now be rotting the decking under your shingles or creeping into your attic insulation without making a sound. We’ve had customers come back to us after 18–24 months and say: “I wish I hadn’t waited… it was fine before. Now I need wood replaced too.” Delays lead to damage. And damage = more materials, more labor, more time. 2. The Price You Remember? It’s Probably Not the Price Today. Two years ago, your quote might’ve been $12K. Now? That same project—if the scope hasn’t grown—might be closer to $14K or more. Why? Because roofing materials, fuel, underlayments, labor rates, and even supply chain disruptions all shift season by season. That original quote wasn’t just for fun—it was based on real numbers at that moment in time. We do our best to keep things fair and transparent. But unfortunately, waiting almost always costs more in the long run. 3. Insurance Coverage May Not Work in Your Favor Later A lot of homeowners assume their insurance will save the day no matter what. But insurance companies are sneaky smart—and they look at how long you’ve let something sit. If that leak from 2023 turned into ceiling stains in 2025, your claim might be denied because the problem is now considered “gradual wear and tear” rather than sudden storm damage. That means you're paying for it out of pocket. No one wants that surprise. (Especially not when it’s followed by mold remediation bills.) 4. Curb Appeal Starts to Crumble (Even If You Don’t See It Yet) We all stop noticing the slow stuff: the lifted shingles, the warping siding, the gutters barely hanging on by a bracket. But guess who does notice? 👀 Your neighbors. 👀 Every guest pulling into your driveway. 👀 Potential buyers if you list your home. A lot of customers say: “I didn’t realize how bad it looked until we fixed it—and now I’m obsessed with the new roof !” There’s nothing like a fresh install to breathe new life into your home’s curb appeal. 5. You’re Not Alone (And You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers Yet) We’re not here to rush you. You deserve to feel confident and informed before jumping into a project. But if it’s been a year or two since your estimate, we encourage you to reach back out—not because we’re chasing a sale, but because you deserve to know where things stand today. We can: Rewalk your property to see if anything’s changed Update your pricing based on current costs Talk through financing or phased options Help you feel in control again Because your roof doesn’t need to be a stressor. It can be one of the smartest, most empowering decisions you make for your home and your peace of mind. 💬 Final Thoughts from Team Allstate You don’t have to feel bad for waiting. Life gets busy. Projects get pushed. But if your “think about it” moment is turning into year two (or more), let’s reconnect and revisit your options—before Mother Nature sends a not-so-gentle reminder through your ceiling. Click here for a free estimate!

Why Orlando Homeowners Trust Allstate Exteriors Professional. Local. Dependable. When you live in Orlando , your home is constantly exposed to a mix of blazing sun, heavy rains, and the occasional tropical storm. It’s not just about making your house look great—it’s about protecting what matters most. That’s where we come in. At Allstate Exteriors, we help Orlando homeowners take care of their homes with high-quality roofing, siding, and gutter solutions built to handle Florida’s climate. We’re a family-owned company with deep roots, high standards, and a strong belief in doing things the right way—every time. Here’s why so many of your neighbors choose to work with us (and why we’d love the chance to work with you, too). We Understand What Florida Homes Really Need Let’s be honest—Florida is beautiful, but the weather can be brutal on your home. The materials you choose (and the team who installs them) matter. At Allstate Exteriors, we know what works here and what doesn’t. We help homeowners choose products that: Stand up to strong winds and heavy rain Resist UV damage from constant sunshine Hold their color and curb appeal longer Keep your home cooler and more energy-efficient Because we’re local, we don’t just install and walk away—we’re here long after the project is done. You’ll Always Be Treated Like a Neighbor (Because You Are) As a family-owned company, we take pride in treating our customers the way we’d want to be treated—honestly, respectfully, and with clear communication every step of the way. From your very first call to the final walkthrough, we focus on: Quick, courteous responses to your questions Clear timelines and expectations Respect for your time, your home, and your family Professional crews who leave the job site clean and safe No pressure. No surprises. Just good people doing great work. Trusted Credentials. Proven Results. We’re proud to be an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, a status held by only a small percentage of roofing companies nationwide. That means: We meet rigorous training and installation standards We can offer exclusive extended warranties on materials and labor You get peace of mind that the job will be done right the first time We don’t cut corners, and we don’t believe in “good enough.” Our goal is excellence—from start to finish. What Our Customers Are Saying We’re grateful that so many Orlando homeowners take the time to leave us kind words after a job well done. Here’s just a few things our customers have said: “Knowledgeable team, very professional, they’ll work hard to find any storm damage if it’s there, they help you pick the right colors, and get you financed. Highly recommend !” “Very professional presentation with all relevant facts, answered all my questions. Showed important steps in roofing process, felt well informed at end.” “Allstate Exteriors is an outstanding roofing company. They are an Owens Corning platinum preferred contractor. I will be referring them to my neighbors.” Reviews like these mean the world to us—and we work hard every day to earn them. A Little Extra Heart in Everything We Do Yes, we take our work seriously—but we also love what we do. And that shows in the little things: a thoughtful thank-you card after a project, a post-install check-in call, or a helpful update text to keep you in the loop. And if you happen to meet our company mascot, Joe Bob Cat, along the way… well, let’s just say he’s got a real talent for making job sites a little more fun. 🐾 Schedule A Free, No-Pressure Estimate Let’s protect your home the right way—with care, craftsmanship, and a company you can count on.