Archives October 2024

Identifying roof repair needs early, whether you have water stains or other damage, can save you money and frustration down the road. Keeping an eye out for shingles that are missing or damaged, along with other telltale signs of roof damage, can help prolong the life of your roof and protect what lies beneath.

Shingles are the most visible element of any roof and they provide a critical function: protection. Through a careful layering pattern, shingles create a waterproof barrier that keeps water and other elements from penetrating your home. But like anything else, shingles can become damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.

Shingle damage is typically the first sign of a problem with your roof. You can often see the damage by examining your roof (always use caution when climbing on your roof, wear a hard hat and work with a partner). If you do notice shingle damage, it’s important to understand what caused it. Shingles can be damaged by a number of things, including weather conditions, improper ventilation, moisture problems and even age.

The first step in shingle repair is to remove any overlapping roofing material that’s near the damaged area. This prevents damage to the intact shingles and makes it easier to get to the damaged shingle. Once the overlapping shingles are removed, you can start working on the damaged shingle itself. Slide a flat pry bar underneath the shingle above the damaged section and gently lift up to break the glue seal that holds it down. Once the sealant is broken, the shingle will pull up easily and can be removed.

You’ll need to replace the damaged shingle with one that matches in color, texture and style with the others on your roof. Mismatched shingles not only look bad, they’re also more likely to allow water into your home. If you’re filing an insurance claim for shingle damage, the insurer will likely require that the replacement shingles match the existing ones in terms of hue and texture to keep your home’s value high.

If a shingle is simply cracked, rather than torn, you can fix it by applying a bead of roof sealant (about $10 per 10-oz. tube at home improvement stores) to the underside of the crack and weighing it down with a brick until it’s dry. You can then apply another bead of sealant over the top and spread it with a putty knife.

Flashing

Flashing is a flexible yet durable material, usually made from metal, used to prevent water from seeping into a structure through joints or penetrations. It is installed where the roof plane meets a vertical surface such as a chimney, wall, or dormer, and it is also used around areas where the slope of a roof changes, like valleys or around skylights. Flashing is a vital component of your roof that protects it from leaks and helps to extend its lifespan.

A roof leak is one of the most common and severe problems homeowners face, and it can wreak havoc on your home. The moisture that seeps beneath your roof shingles can cause rot, mold, mildew, and structural damage. While sealant can repair some leaks, flashing is designed to prevent them from occurring in the first place and can increase your roof’s lifespan by protecting underlying materials such as the attic floor and ceiling.

While a professional should always inspect your roof for any issues, if the flashing is damaged or rusted, it will need to be replaced. This is particularly important in areas where rain and snow frequently fall, or after extreme weather events that can damage your roof.

There are a number of different types of flashing that can be used in roofing, each with its own purpose. Step flashing, for example, consists of short pieces of metal that are positioned to overlap the shingle course above them. Counter flashing is a type of flashing that is used in conjunction with brick walls or structures and is typically shaped like an “L” to fit the base. Apron flashing is a long piece of metal that slips over a pipe or vent, and it is typically bent over the back side of the shingle course to create a watertight seal.

A specialized type of flashing is an electrical mast flashing, which is designed to provide a waterproof seal around the cable or pipe that carries electricity from the utility pole to your building. This specialized flashing can be used in conjunction with a corrugated metal roof to create a waterproof barrier that will protect the electrical system in your building from water and other debris.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofing (BUR) is a time-tested roofing system that is used in a variety of climates and environments. This layered system provides insulation, waterproofing, durability, and longevity. The system is also flexible, allowing it to accommodate building movements and thermal expansion.

A BUR roof consists of multiple layers of ply sheets or felts and asphalt that are applied over the substrate. The resulting roof is a durable and reliable protective barrier against weather elements, including sun exposure, ice dams, high winds, and other potential damage. The multiple layers also provide a level of protection against moisture and vapors, improving a facility’s energy efficiency and comfort.

The installation process is long and complex, requiring the expertise of a professional roofing contractor. After the layers are applied, the roof is cured and inspected for leaks and other weaknesses. The tar and gravel look may not suit the aesthetic preferences of some building owners or architects, but options like reflective coatings can improve the appearance of the roof.

While BUR roofs are highly durable, they can be damaged by poor installation and improper maintenance. If a problem is not fixed quickly, it can lead to leaking and water infiltration.

When repairs are needed, a multi-ply smooth surface BUR system can be restored by resurfacing the roof with a flood coat of asphalt, a fibered aluminum roof coating, a white or pigmented elastomeric roof coating, and/or a layer of gravel. Unlike shingle roofs, it’s best to call a roofing company as soon as possible to address damage or leaks in a BUR system so that the repair process is shorter and less costly.

As a popular choice for low-slope and flat commercial buildings, BURs are commonly seen on warehouses, industrial buildings, manufacturing plants, parking garages, airport terminals, and sports arenas. The layered construction of this roofing system is ideal for these types of facilities, as it offers a combination of durability and resiliency to protect against heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. With proper maintenance and regular inspections, a BUR roof can last for decades.

Siding

Siding is the first line of defense for your home against rain, snow, hail and other environmental impacts. It also provides insulation, adds a unique aesthetic and curb appeal and contributes to the structural integrity of your house. However, just like the roof, your siding needs repair or replacement due to damage and aging.

It’s important to take proactive steps to maintain your siding, including regular inspections and repairs by a licensed contractor. This will prevent the impact of one problem from traveling to other areas of your home and causing more expensive repairs. In addition, being proactive with roofing maintenance can prevent leaks that can travel down to your siding and cause damage.

When choosing a contractor to work on your siding, it’s important to consider their experience and expertise with the material you want installed. Ask for a list of past clients and reviews and make sure to choose a company that has both a license to work in your area and the necessary insurance. You should also ask for a warranty on their labor and materials to ensure that you’re protected in the event something goes wrong during installation or repair.

While some minor repairs can be tackled by a handy homeowner, larger projects and complete replacements should always be left to professionals. Not only will this protect the structural integrity of your home, it will help keep it in pristine condition for years to come and increase its resale value.

In addition to siding, other exterior components that need repair or replacement include windows, gutters and the foundation. By taking the time to select a quality contractor for your roofing, siding, gutter and foundation repairs, you’ll be making a long-term investment in your home.

A well-maintained roof, gutters and siding not only keeps your home safe from weather damage and pests but can increase its resale value. With a professional installation, high-quality materials and regular maintenance, your siding will last longer, provide better protection against the elements, boost curb appeal and improve resale value. 

Birria is traditionally simmered for hours until the meat is fall-apart tender. It’s then shredded and nestled into warm tortillas that are dipped in a crimson red consomme (called consome) made from the drippings of the braised meat.

This bodega-turned-taqueri, previously a Metro Crust location, offers tacos and mulitas stuffed with the rich shredded meat. They’re served on corn tortillas and dipped in the savory consome broth. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Birria Tacos Houston.

1. Goat Meat

Traditionally Birria is a slow cooked stew made with goat meat (or sometimes lamb) and it’s one of the most savory, tender and delicious dishes you can make. The flavor is so rich and intense that it’s like eating in a warm hug. When someone had the genius idea to dip tortillas into this rich stew and fill them up they created what has become known as Birria Tacos aka “birria de res tacos” – and it’s a part of Mexican cuisine that we should all treasure, celebrate and cherish!

The birria sauce for the tacos is amazingly flavorful and it’s full of tender meat, chiles, tomato, onions, garlic, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, ground ginger, Mexican oregano, bay leaves and salt. It also has a little bit of vinegar and apple cider to balance out the richness.

Goat meat is used for traditional birria but it can be hard to find in the US and there are other cuts of meat that work well, too. Many recipes call for beef chuck roast and/or beef short ribs to help thicken the dipping sauce. You could even use oxtail if you can find it.

When making this birria recipe, it’s important to use meat that is tough enough to hold up to long slow cooking and the bold flavors of chiles and spices. I used a combination of shoulder and neck, but you could also use a leg or rack cut. It’s also important to choose a fresh and vibrantly colored dried chile that is plump and pliable rather than brittle.

Once the meat is tender, it’s shredded with two forks and then added back into the delicious birria sauce. It’s at this point that I usually add some extra vinegar to balance out the richness of the sauce. The consomme style dipping sauce is easy to make and uses leftover cooking juices that are already super flavorful. It makes a fantastic dipping sauce for the tacos and it’s something that people often crave more of! It’s also great for soaking up any remaining birria that isn’t scooped out of the tacos.

2. Tortillas

Ever since Birria Tacos took social media by storm, many of us are wondering what birria is and how to make it. In a nutshell, birria is the name of the soup/stew that’s slow cooked until it’s fall-apart tender and then stuffed into a corn tortilla along with some cheese, then fried like a quesadilla. Birria Tacos are scrumptious and filling, and they’re sure to become your new favorite Mexican dish!

The recipe for birria can vary widely depending on the region of Mexico you’re in, but almost all recipes have several things in common. They include goat meat (or beef) that is cut into large chunks, water, tomato, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, and chiles. Some recipes may also call for a pinch of salt and pepper, but this is optional.

Typically, the stew is simmered for about 3-4 hours to tenderize the meat and to develop rich flavor. Some cooks use an Instant Pot or slow cooker to save time, but the stew can be made on the stove top as well.

Another ingredient that is nearly always included is dried red chiles, such as ancho or guajillo. The chiles are usually toasted or charred on a comal or skillet before being soaked in hot water and then pureed. The chiles add a punch of color, some heat, and lots of flavor.

In addition to the chiles, almost all birria recipes have some form of vegetable or vegetable oil in them, which helps to thicken and flavor the broth as it simmers. Some recipes will also include a bit of vinegar for acidity.

A typical plate of birria tacos is served with a cup of consume, which is the cooking liquid, on the side for dipping. The dipped tacos are then topped with a mixture of onions and cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. They’re finished with a sprinkle of shredded Oaxaca or other melting cheese, which can be anything from cotija to panela. Often, the taquero will press the folded taco against the comal or skillet to harden it a bit and give it some extra crunch.

3. Dipping Sauces

Birria is a slow-cooked stew in which the meat is cooked until tender + flavorful. It is usually made with beef, but can also include goat or chicken. It is seasoned with a rich blend of spices and herbs, which creates a comforting dish that is perfect for enjoying on a cold day. It’s traditionally served with a consomme style dipping sauce that uses the cooking juices, making it an extremely flavorful and filling meal.

You can enjoy the birria by itself, wrapped in a tortilla as tacos or burritos, or even poured over your favorite enchiladas. The dipping sauce is an integral part of the recipe, and helps to balance out the spiciness of the birria by adding some acidity. It’s simple to make, and it is an essential part of the birria experience!

A good birria should have a deep reddish color to it. This is accomplished by using dried chiles, which are typically toasted on a dry comal or skillet, rehydrated in water, and pureed. The chiles add an amazing amount of flavor to the birria, and it is important that you use high quality ones. If you cannot find the right chiles, feel free to substitute with other dried red peppers.

While the birria is simmering, it’s time to prepare the ingredients for the dipping sauce. You’ll need guajillo chilies, which can be found in the ethnic aisle of most grocery stores. These chiles will add the signature spicy, smoky, and sweet flavor to the dipping sauce. The sauce is also flavored with onion, garlic, and cumin, which give it a savory taste.

Once the birria is finished, remove the meat from the broth and shred it. Then, heat a large skilled or griddle to medium heat. Using tongs, dip a corn tortilla into the top of the birria and flip it over when it starts to get crispy and golden. Top with shredded beef and cheese, plus chopped white onion and cilantro (or any other desired toppings). Serve with the dipping sauce and enjoy!

Although this recipe takes a bit of time, it is definitely worth the effort. The result is a delicious, authentic dish that will transport you to the streetside taco stands of Mexico. The combination of the hearty beef, soft tortillas, and tangy dipping sauce is truly out of this world!

4. Sides

While birria is a stew that’s usually served as-is with tortillas, it can also be served in more traditional Mexican dishes like taco soup or ramen. In fact, birria ramen has become so popular that even Mexican fast food chain Del Taco had it on its menu for a short time. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, however, birria is best paired with some form of carbs on the side. The starch-based sides help to absorb the savory broth and craft a complete flavor experience.

Many birria recipes call for dried red chiles such as guajillo or ancho peppers, which add to the spiciness of the consomme. These are often toasted on a skillet or comal before being soaked in hot water and pureed to make the consomme. While not essential to the dish, this step helps bring out more robust flavors and can reduce the amount of liquid that needs to be simmered before the meat is tender.

Some birria recipes also include maguey leaves (also known as hojas de maguey) that provide an earthy, agave-like taste to the stew. Others use pineapple vinegar, which gives the dish a refreshing acidity that helps cut through the richness of the meat and broth.

Other common side dishes that pair well with birria include grilled vegetables and Mexican rice. The smoky undertones of these veggies create a delicious contrast with the soft and succulent meat that’s traditionally used in birria. Grilled bell peppers and onions, for example, pair wonderfully with birria and are sure to satisfy any vegetable lovers in your group.

Beans are another quintessential Mexican side dish that pairs beautifully with birria. The heartiness of beans helps to fill you up and the spiciness of the sauce marries perfectly with the rich, complex flavors of birria to create an authentic and satisfying dining experience.

You can also serve birria with a simple black bean salad that’s high in protein and nutrients. Toss a mix of black beans, corn and any other salad vegetables you have on hand with olive oil, lime juice and coriander to prepare a light and zesty side that will complement the rich flavors in your birria.

Erie Shingles is a painful rash that causes blisters. It can lead to serious complications, including long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia.

You can get shingles at any age, but it’s more common in people over 60. It’s also more likely if your immune system is weak due to medical conditions or medicines like steroids or chemotherapy.

Shingles (or herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox. After you get chickenpox as a child, the virus stays in a part of your nervous system called the dorsal root ganglia for the rest of your life. But sometimes, the virus reactivates and travels along nerve pathways to your skin, causing shingles. It’s most common in people over 50, but anyone who’s had chickenpox can later develop shingles.

When it happens, a shingles rash is a stripe of fluid-filled blisters that wraps around one side of your body or face. The most serious type of shingles is ophthalmic shingles, which can cause permanent vision loss if it occurs near the eye. Shingles around the eye are a medical emergency, and you should seek care immediately.

Signs of shingles include pain or a tingling feeling in a limited area of your body, usually on one side. This is followed by a red rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. The rash is most noticeable on your trunk but can appear on the face or legs. The blisters can be itchy but aren’t contagious.

Typically, a physical exam and your medical history are enough for your doctor to make the diagnosis. But they may swab your rash to collect fluid for laboratory testing. In addition, a simple blood test can show if you have the herpes zoster virus in your body.

You can also receive the herpes zoster vaccine (Shingrix) to help protect against shingles. The vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 who have had chickenpox or who carry the herpes zoster virus. It’s not a cure for shingles, but it can lessen the severity and length of symptoms and reduce your risk of complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

Because of the increased risk of complications, especially in people over 60, doctors recommend you get a shingles vaccine if you have a weakened immune system due to cancer, chemotherapy, AIDS or another illness. It’s also recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. You can find out if you are eligible for the vaccine by speaking to your healthcare provider.

Symptoms

The first signs of shingles are pain, tingling, or itching in a certain area of the skin. Then red blotches and fluid-filled blisters appear. These usually scab over within 7 to 10 days. The rash usually happens around the chest and abdomen, but it can be on the face or genitals. Pain often gets worse after the blisters appear. But the pain usually goes away a few weeks after the rash fades. Sometimes people develop a fever, headache, chills, and stomach upset. In rare cases, a person can have the pain of shingles without the rash. This is called herpes zoster nerve pain syndrome (HSNP).

If the rash is near the eyes, you may have problems with vision and hearing. In rare cases, herpes zoster can cause a complication that looks like brain inflammation (called encephalitis). You may also have a bacterial infection of the rash and blisters (called impetigo or cellulitis).

Shingles is most common in adults over 50. It’s also more likely to happen if your immune system is weak, because of illness, a medical condition such as cancer, or certain medications including corticosteroids. It’s also more likely to happen in children if the mother had shingles or chickenpox during pregnancy.

It’s important to get treatment right away. Your doctor will give you medicine to stop the virus from spreading and reduce your pain. You may also need to take antiviral medicines and pain relievers for a while. If you’re pregnant and get shingles, your doctor will talk to you about whether it’s safe for both you and your baby.

A vaccine is available to help prevent shingles and the painful complications that can occur from it. The CDC recommends that healthy adults over 50 get the vaccine, Shingrix. Ask your doctor if you can get the vaccine. If you do, you’ll get two doses of the vaccine at different times. It isn’t effective for kids under 19 years old. But it’s possible that the vaccine might work for older kids and adults who have a weakened immune system. This includes people with HIV infection or AIDS, transplant recipients, and those who have had chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Treatment

A vaccine against the varicella zoster virus can prevent or lessen shingles and related pain. Most people who get shingles have only one attack, but it can come back, especially in those with weakened immune systems. If you have a rash, cover it up to avoid spreading the virus to others. Home and over-the-counter treatments can help reduce the symptoms of shingles. These include cool compresses, calamine lotion and oatmeal baths. Pain relievers, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also be helpful. Getting treatment early can decrease the severity of symptoms and speed healing.

Usually, symptoms start with itching or tingling sensations in an area of skin on one side of the body. This is followed by redness of the skin and fluid-filled blisters that later scab over. A fever, chills and a general feeling of unwellness may also occur. Some people also experience a headache or a stomach upset.

Pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs, can help with the pain of shingles. Your doctor can prescribe a stronger pain medication if necessary. Antiviral medications are important to take as soon as the rash appears. These include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir). These medications help to shorten the illness and decrease how painful it is.

Other medicines, such as corticosteroids or steroid creams, can help reduce swelling and inflammation of the skin, but aren’t very effective in treating the pain of shingles. Lidocaine patches, available over-the-counter or by prescription, can reduce nerve pain for up to 12 hours. Capsaicin cream, which is applied directly to the rash, can also be used for pain. However, do not apply this cream near your eyes.

Some people with shingles develop a burning pain in the area where the rash was, called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is usually the worst in adults over 60 and can last for years after the rash has gone away. Medicine to treat PHN is very effective and can significantly reduce the intensity of the pain. Medications that work to block the pain signals in the brain, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), are the most common medications that are prescribed.

Prevention

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus goes into your nerve tissues and stays there for the rest of your life — sometimes, years later, it “wakes up” and travels along the nerve fibers to your skin and causes shingles (also known as herpes zoster).

It’s most common in people over 50, but it can happen in any age group or any person who has a weakened immune system, such as from illness or chemotherapy.

The first symptoms of shingles are pain and burning, usually on one side of the body and along a particular area of skin called a dermatome. Then a rash appears, which can be red or dark pink depending on your skin tone. It’s more often seen on the back or chest, but you can get it anywhere else, even inside your mouth. The CDC says if you have shingles in your mouth, it can make eating painful or difficult and could affect your sense of taste.

Usually, the rash is small groups of fluid-filled blisters. The blisters will eventually dry up and form scabs, which clear within a few weeks. But the nerve pain that follows can last much longer, up to a year. This is known as postherpetic neuralgia and can be very severe.

You can’t avoid getting shingles, but you can protect yourself from complications by seeking treatment quickly. That’s especially important if you’re pregnant. There’s evidence that shingles can increase your risk of miscarriage, and the more painful and widespread your rash is, the more likely it is to cause serious complications, including permanent nerve damage.

There are antiviral drugs you can take to shorten the duration and severity of your shingles. And you can get a shingles vaccine. The CDC recommends all adults who’ve had chickenpox get two doses of the varicella vaccine, or a shingles vaccine approved by the FDA called Shingrix. You can also get the vaccine if you’re over the age of 50, and if you have a weakened immune system due to an illness or cancer treatment.