What It Takes to Become an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor — And Why It Matters for You

Keep Water Flowing and Big Problems Away Your gutters may not be the flashiest feature of your home, but when they’re working right, you probably don’t even notice them. And that’s exactly the point! A good gutter system quietly does the heavy lifting—protecting your roof, foundation, landscaping, and more from the damage water can cause. But when things go wrong? It doesn’t take long for a small gutter issue to become a much bigger (and more expensive) headache. At Allstate Exteriors, we’ve seen it all—from clogged-downspouts that flood basements to sagging gutters hanging on by a thread. Below, we’re sharing some of the most common gutter problems homeowners face—and the simple solutions to help you avoid serious water damage and costly repairs. 1. Clogged Gutters The Problem: Leaves, pine needles, twigs, and even roofing granules can quickly pile up in your gutters—especially in the fall or after heavy storms. Over time, these blockages prevent water from draining properly. Why It Matters: When water can’t flow through your gutters, it spills over the sides and starts soaking into places it shouldn’t—like your fascia boards, soffits, siding, or even your basement. The Solution: Gutter cleaning should be part of your regular home maintenance, ideally in spring and fall. Want a lower-maintenance option? Gutter guards help keep debris out and water flowing. 2. Sagging or Pulling Gutters The Problem: If your gutters are starting to dip, bend, or pull away from your home, it usually means they’re carrying too much weight (often from debris or standing water) or the fasteners have come loose. Why It Matters: Sagging gutters don’t just look bad—they also fail to channel water where it needs to go. Worse, they can eventually collapse or damage your home’s trim. The Solution: Reinforce the hangers or brackets and make sure the gutter slope is correct. If the gutters are old or badly damaged, a professional replacement might be the safest (and smartest) move. 3. Leaking Gutters or Seams The Problem: Leaks at seams, holes, or cracks in the gutters may seem small—but they’re often signs of aging materials or poor installation. Why It Matters: Over time, even a slow drip can erode your landscaping, damage your home’s foundation, or cause mold and mildew near your walls. The Solution: Apply gutter sealant to small cracks or leaks, or replace damaged sections. Looking for a leak-free future? Seamless gutters are a great investment that eliminate the most common leak points. 4. Incorrect Gutter Pitch The Problem: Gutters need a slight downward slope to guide water toward the downspouts. If the pitch is off—even just a little—water can start pooling. Why It Matters: Standing water can rust your gutters, attract pests (hello, mosquitoes!), and eventually cause them to sag or overflow. The Solution: Rehang the gutters or adjust the brackets to ensure proper pitch. As a rule of thumb, gutters should slope about ¼ inch for every 10 feet. 5. Downspout Dilemmas The Problem: Downspouts that are clogged, disconnected, or too short can’t do their job—which is to direct water away from your home. Why It Matters: If water pools near your foundation, you risk basement leaks, cracks, and major structural issues over time. The Solution: Make sure your downspouts are clear and properly connected. They should extend 4 to 6 feet away from your home. You can also add splash blocks or underground drainage for extra protection. 6. Ice Dams and Winter Woes The Problem: In colder climates, snow and ice can build up in your gutters, preventing water from draining. This leads to ice dams that force water back under your roof shingles. Why It Matters: Ice dams can cause roof leaks, damage to your insulation, and even mold growth inside your home. The Solution: Keep your attic properly insulated and ventilated to minimize heat loss that melts snow unevenly. In areas prone to ice, you might want to invest in heated gutter systems or schedule regular winter maintenance. Your gutters may not demand much attention—but when they do, it’s best to listen. Ignoring minor issues can lead to costly water damage, mold, foundation cracks, and more. At Allstate Exteriors, we provide expert gutter inspections , repairs, and full gutter replacement services for homeowners across Ohio and Florida. Whether you're dealing with a leaky joint or an aging system that just can't keep up, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Metal Roofs That Look Like Shingles At Allstate Exteriors, we know homeowners want more than just protection—they want a roof that looks great, lasts for decades, and stands up to the elements. That’s why we’re proud to offer metal roofs that look just like traditional shingles. You no longer have to choose between durability and style. These modern roofing systems give you the aesthetic of shingles with the long-lasting performance of metal. Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Metal Roofs That Look Like Shingles ✅ Long-Term Durability Our shingle-style metal roofs are built to last 50+ years, easily outlasting traditional asphalt options. They resist wind, hail, heavy rain, and snow—making them ideal for both Florida hurricanes and Ohio winters. 💡 Energy Efficiency Metal reflects solar heat, helping you save on cooling costs—especially important in Florida's heat. It’s a smart move for energy-conscious homeowners. 🌱 Environmentally Friendly Most metal roofing materials are made from recycled content—and they’re recyclable again at the end of their life. 💸 Cost-Effective Over Time While the upfront cost may be higher than asphalt shingles, you’ll save money in the long run with lower maintenance, fewer repairs, and longer life. Curb Appeal Without Compromise Shingle-style metal roofs match beautifully with many home styles—from classic Craftsman homes to modern farmhouses. 🏡 Boost Your Home's Value A sleek, durable roof increases your resale value and curb appeal. Many of our clients say their neighbors can’t even tell it’s metal—until they mention it. Types of Shingle-Look Metal Roofs We Install At Allstate Exteriors, we offer a wide range of metal roofing options tailored to your style and budget: 🔷 Metal Shingle Panels Made from aluminum, steel, or copper, these panels closely replicate the look of architectural shingles. 🌊 Corrugated Panels with a Shingle Profile A textured, modern twist that’s perfect for rustic or industrial-chic homes. 📐 Standing Seam with Shingle-Inspired Design Clean lines meet traditional texture—great for contemporary homes with a classic touch. 🪵 Shake & Tile Metal Replicas Get the look of cedar shakes or Spanish tile—without the maintenance headaches. Design Options & Customization Whether you want subtle, earthy tones or a bold color pop, we’ll help you choose: Color options from matte black to terracotta Embossed textures for added realism Panel sizes to match your home’s style Professional Installation & Maintenance 🔧 Expert Installation You Can Trust Metal roofing requires precision. Our certified crews ensure proper underlayment, fastener placement, and ventilation—so your roof performs and looks its best. 🧽 Low Maintenance, Long-Term Payoff We recommend: Annual roof inspections Removing debris and checking for scratches Occasional re-coating to keep it looking like new What’s the Cost? We offer competitive pricing with financing options available. Most metal roofs come with 30–50 year warranties—some even lifetime. When properly maintained, you may never need another roof again. Real-World Results: See the Difference Our clients are often amazed at the before-and-after transformation. We’ve installed metal roofs that blend beautifully with historic homes, commercial buildings, and brand-new properties across Ohio and Florida. Let’s Get Started 🏠 Serving homeowners across Ohio and Florida 🔍 Free, no-pressure inspections 📅 Flexible scheduling that works for you 💬 Friendly, knowledgeable team ready to help 📞 Call Allstate Exteriors today or Schedule Your Free Estimate Online →

Water Dripping from Your Ceiling? Here’s What It Really Means—and Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix It Picture this: you’re relaxing at home when you notice a faint stain on your ceiling… or worse, you hear the slow drip drip drip of water. If you're like most homeowners, your first instinct might be to ignore it and hope it stops on its own. Unfortunately, ceiling leaks don’t go away—they get worse. At Allstate Exteriors, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you understand what a ceiling leak could mean for your home—and what to do about it before it turns into a much bigger, more expensive problem. What Does a Ceiling Leak Really Mean? A ceiling leak is almost never just a ceiling leak. It’s a warning sign that something behind the scenes isn’t right—and it’s usually related to your roofing system, gutters, or even attic ventilation. Common causes include: Damaged or missing shingles Improper roof installation Clogged or overflowing gutters Worn flashing or cracked vent boots Ice dams (in colder climates) Poor attic insulation or ventilation Regardless of the cause, the longer you wait, the more damage can occur to your ceiling, walls, insulation, and even your foundation. Signs of a Ceiling Leak Even if you haven’t noticed a full-on drip, your ceiling might be warning you that water is getting in. Watch for: Yellow or brown discoloration on the ceiling Bubbling or peeling paint Sagging drywall Musty smells or signs of mold Water stains that seem to grow over time These small signs can lead to big headaches—like mold growth, structural rot, and ruined insulation—if not handled quickly. What to Do if You Spot a Ceiling Leak If you see any of the signs above, don’t panic—but do act fast. Here’s your action plan: 1. Contain the water – Place a bucket under any active drips to prevent floor damage. 2. Protect your belongings – Move furniture, electronics, or anything valuable out of the way. 3. Call Allstate Exteriors – Our team will inspect your roof, attic, and exterior to find the *true source* of the leak—not just patch it up temporarily. 4. Get a detailed, free estimate – We’ll walk you through exactly what needs fixed, why, and how we can prevent future issues. Why Choose Allstate Exteriors? With over 20 years of experience in roofing, siding, and gutter systems, Allstate Exteriors is your trusted partner when your home’s been compromised. We're family-owned and operated, and we treat every home like it’s our own. We offer: ✅ Honest inspections ✅ Fast, professional repairs ✅ Owens Corning Platinum Preferred quality ✅ Insurance claim assistance ✅ Long-lasting peace of mind From small repairs to full roof replacements , we’re here to protect your home—and everything inside it. If you’ve noticed discoloration, drips, or water damage in your ceiling, now is the time to act. A ceiling leak might feel like a small inconvenience today, but it can lead to thousands of dollars in damage if left untreated. 📍 Serving Ohio and Florida homes with expert care and craftsmanship. Call us or request an estimate online—we’ll be there before the next drop falls.

Why That “Too Good to Be True” Price Might Be Exactly That From Allstate Exteriors | Roofing Experts You Can Count On in Florida & Ohio We get it — shopping for a new roof isn’t exactly fun. And when you're staring down a stack of quotes, one of them usually jumps out: 💥 A super low price. Maybe $5,000 for the full job. Sounds like a win, right? Not so fast. At Allstate Exteriors, we’ve had way too many homeowners call us a few years after going with the cheapest bid, saying, “I wish we would’ve known.” And honestly? We wish they would’ve too. So, let’s talk about what’s really going on behind those lowball roofing quotes — and how to protect your home from future headaches. What’s Usually Missing From a $5K Roof? If a quote comes in way lower than the others, there’s almost always a reason — and it usually means something essential got left out. Like: ❌ No Premium Underlayment Quality roofs need a protective barrier under the shingles. Many cheap quotes skip the synthetic underlayment or ice & water shield altogether — opening the door for future leaks. ❌ Old Flashing Gets Reused Flashing is what seals areas around chimneys, vents, and valleys. When it’s reused instead of replaced, it can let water in behind the scenes. ❌ Ventilation? What Ventilation? Proper attic airflow is critical to a roof’s lifespan. A lot of budget contractors won’t even check your vents, let alone upgrade them — which can cause mold, heat damage, and early shingle failure. ❌ Cover-Ups Instead of Tear-Offs Some roofers just install new shingles over the old ones to save time and labor. It’s faster, cheaper, and totally voids most manufacturer warranties. No thanks. ❌ Questionable Crews We’ve seen some shockingly low quotes come from crews with no insurance, no licensing, and no long-term plan to stick around. That’s not just a risk — it’s a liability. What That Cheap Roof Can Actually Cost You Let’s say you go with the $5,000 roof. It looks fine at first. But within a few years: The shingles are curling Water starts leaking in during storms You find soft spots in the decking The original roofer? Gone. No warranty. No support . Now you're looking at a $15,000 tear-off and redo — on top of the original cost. That “cheap” roof just got very expensive. What a Quality Roofing Quote Should Actually Include At Allstate Exteriors, we don’t cut corners to win bids. We build roofs that last — and we’re transparent about everything included. When you get a quote from us, here’s what’s part of the package: ✔️ Full tear-off (no cover-ups!) ✔️ Ice & water shield in all the right places ✔️ Premium synthetic underlayment ✔️ Upgraded ventilation and intake systems ✔️ Brand new flashing and drip edge ✔️ Manufacturer-compliant install (to keep your warranty valid) ✔️ Our 2-year workmanship warranty We’re not here to be the cheapest. We’re here to be the most trusted. Smart Questions to Ask Any Roofer Before You Hire Whether you go with us or not, here’s what you should always ask: What underlayment are you using? Will the old roof be torn off or shingled over? Are you upgrading attic ventilation? Will all flashing and drip edge be replaced? What kind of warranty comes with the work? If they hesitate, dodge, or brush you off — trust your gut. Final Thought: Pay Now or Pay Later A new roof is a big investment — and it should be one you only have to make once. A bargain quote might feel good today… until the leaks, the rot, and the bills start adding up. So take a breath. Ask the right questions. And choose a roofing partner who’s in it with you for the long haul. 📞 Schedule your free roof inspection with Allstate Exteriors today — and let’s build something that lasts.

Roofing FAQs: What Homeowners Are Asking in 2025 Roofing isn’t something most homeowners think about—until there’s a leak, missing shingles, or storm damage. At Allstate Exteriors , we talk to homeowners every day who have questions about their roofs. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the top roofing FAQs of 2025—and our expert answers to each. 1. How do I know if I need a new roof or just a repair? Look for signs like: Missing or curling shingles Water stains on ceilings Granules in your gutters Visible sagging or soft spots If your roof is over 15 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Our team offers free inspections to help you decide. 2. How much does a new roof cost in 2025? Costs vary based on roof size, materials, pitch, and complexity. On average, a roof replacement can range from $8,000 to $20,000+ in 2025. Insurance may cover storm damage—ask us about your options. 3. What roofing materials are best for my home? It depends on your location and budget. In 2025, these are the most popular: Asphalt shingles: Affordable and durable (especially Owens Corning Duration®) Metal roofing: Great for longevity and energy efficiency Architectural shingles: Stylish, layered look with better performance We’ll help you compare the pros and cons during your estimate. 4. Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof damage? Usually—if it’s caused by a sudden event like hail, wind, or falling debris. Wear and tear over time isn’t typically covered. If you’re unsure, we can help you understand your policy and assist with the claims process. 5. How long does it take to replace a roof? Most homes can be re-roofed in 1–2 days, depending on the size and weather. Our crews are quick, clean, and efficient—minimizing disruption to your home and routine. 6. How long does a new roof last? Average lifespans: Asphalt shingles: 20–30 years Architectural shingles: 30–50 years Metal roofing: 40–70 years Proper installation and ventilation make a big difference—so does choosing a certified roofing contractor like Allstate Exteriors. 7. What is a roofing warranty , and what does it cover? There are typically two types: Manufacturer’s warranty: Covers defects in materials Workmanship warranty: Covers installation issues We offer both—including options backed by Owens Corning for added peace of mind. 8. What should I ask before hiring a roofing contractor? Ask about: Licensing and insurance Local experience References or online reviews Warranties offered Whether they work with your insurance company. (Pro tip: Allstate Exteriors checks all those boxes.) 9. Can I finance my roof replacement? Yes! We offer flexible payment options and financing plans to fit most budgets—plus guidance on using insurance or grant programs when available. 1 0. What time of year is best to replace a roof? Spring and fall are ideal, but our crews work year-round. In emergencies (like leaks or storm damage), we act fast no matter the season. Got More Roofing Questions? We’ve Got Answers . At Allstate Exteriors, we believe in keeping homeowners informed. Whether you need a full replacement, a small repair, or just a second opinion, we’re here to help. Book your free estimate