Tampa Sears Roofing

Spring technically hasn’t even sprung yet, and much of the country has already encountered severe storms in the early days of March this year. After spring officially begins on March 20, 2023, we’re likely to experience even more severe weather such as severe thunderstorms, hail, intense straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes.

We want to help you be prepared for severe weather with common-sense strategies to keep your home and family safe.

When it comes to replacing your roof, you have a lot of decisions to make. When should I replace it? Should I upgrade to hail-resistant shingles? Should I seek financing for the roof replacement project?

While those decisions stay under your roof, one decision is very public: the roof color. The color you choose can stunningly improve your home’s appearance as well as save money on energy bills.

Climate, house style and siding color influence your roof color selection. Follow this expert guidance as you wade through the color palette to choose the perfect roof color for your home.

Are home improvements tax deductible? Not all of them, but some energy-saving home improvements can earn you tax credits. Tax credits directly lower the amount of tax you owe and can increase your tax refund (if you’re due one).

For example, installing energy-efficient windows can earn you up to a $200 tax credit in 2021. If you earn the entire $200 tax credit, you’ll pay $200 less in taxes. If you’re due a refund, you’ll typically get $200 more when you claim the tax credit.

Energy-saving tax credits currently offered by the IRS are called Residential Energy Property Tax Credits. These credits are valid for qualifying improvements completed before December 31, 2021. Congress often extends these tax credits when they expire, so you may still be able to get tax credits for qualifying home improvements in 2022 and beyond. Because there’s no guarantee that the current tax credits will be extended, check with the IRS, your tax advisor or a home improvement consultant about these tax credits when planning home improvements.

Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, it is always an adventure, especially if you've chosen an old house. It can also be an overwhelming process, but old homes offer a bit of nostalgia and comfort that new homes just don't have.

It's important to know what to check in an old house before buying. Otherwise, you may have a big repair bill down the line. This article covers some red flags to look for when buying an old home.

What can you do to prepare your house and appliances for a hurricane? Read the top hurricane safety tips for keeping your yard, roof, windows, doors and home appliances safe before the storm.

Many people think hurricane damage is limited to those who live near the coast — but the effects can be felt 100 miles inland, according to Ready.gov.

Thankfully, as disasters go, hurricanes often give us some warning. The main thing, of course, is that you and your family remain safe before, during and after the storm. But you should also prepare before the storm to help keep your home safe as well. Here are three areas to pay attention to:

Next time you’re getting bids to replace your roof, don’t jump at the lowest number—especially if you live in an area with frequent hail or intense sun, or have black streaks of roof algae on your roof. Consider investing in a roof that can withstand these tough conditions.

“Choosing shingles that are designed to solve a problem like hail damage, UV damage or the growth of black algae can help your roof last longer and improve the value of your home,” says Laura Blood, a roofing products expert for Sears Home Services.

So consider replacing your roof with one of these problem-solving shingles.