Category: Roofing

When it comes time to roof your home, you have many options. You can go with a big general contractor for an impersonal experience or choose a friendly local crew specializing in roofing. There are pros and cons to both choices, but in the end, local roofers always come out on top.

Here are 11 reasons why you should choose a local roofer over a big company:

#1 – Superior Workmanship

Local roofers are more invested in their work. They take pride in their craft and it shows in their workmanship. They typically don’t offer too many services and when they do, they’re complimentary to roofing. Big contractors typically offer too many services and they’re forced to outsource to subcontractors where the quality control is lacking.

#2 – More Knowledgable

Local roofers have more experience. Big companies often hire inexperienced roofers and train them on the job. This can lead to mistakes being made that could cost you dearly in the long run. It’s better to hire someone who will do it right the first time, and that’s typically a smaller company.

#3 – Smaller means innovative

Local roofers are more likely to be up-to-date on the latest roofing technology. They stay current with the latest products and techniques so they can offer their customers the best possible service. They know that their reputation and referrals make up a large part of their business, so they can’t afford to fall behind in the times.

#5 – Dependable Warranty

Local roofers usually offer a better warranty than big companies. This is because they stand behind their work and want to make sure their customers are happy. To a bigger company, you’re just another number, to a local roofer, you’re a name to remember.

#6 – Easier to Access

Local roofers are more accessible. If you have a problem with your roof, local roofers are easy to reach and they will come out to fix the problem quickly. Big companies might take months to fix a problem and that’s if they’re willing to acknowledge their faults to begin with.

#7 – Flexible Schedules

Local roofers are more flexible. They can usually work around your schedule to get the job done when it’s convenient for you. Big companies have very tight schedules and if you miss you window, you could be held up in production for months. Ouch!

#8 – They know the area

Local roofers understand the local climate. This is important because they can recommend the best roofing materials and techniques for your area. You wouldn’t want a northwest recommendation from a southeast roofer, they’re totally different demands and requirements. Unfortunately, this kind of problem is very common with large companies.

#9 – Affordability

Local roofers usually charge less than big companies. This is because they don’t have the same overhead costs that big companies do. When you support a local business, you’re not paying for some large fancy office, you’re probably keeping someones lights on.

#10 – Environmentally Conscious

Local roofers are more likely to use green products in their community. They are aware of the environmental impact of roofing materials and they make an effort to use products that are earth-friendly. Big companies buy in bulk, and typically use the cheapest thing they can find.

#11 – Customer Service

Local roofers are typically more friendly and personable. They take the time to get to know their customers and build relationships with them. They understand how important good reviews and referrals are, they know they can’t last if they offer poor service. Big companies are sometimes too big to fail

In Conclusion:

In the end, local roofers are the best choice for your roofing needs. They are more invested in their work, more experienced, and more flexible. They also understand the local climate and can recommend the best roofing materials for your area. So when it’s time to roof your house, be sure to choose local roofers. They’ll take care of you and your roof.

Shingles are an essential part of any roof system, and they play a vital role in protecting your home from the elements. They provide a barrier against wind, rain, snow, and hail, and they also help insulate your home against heat and cold. When choosing shingles for your home, it is essential to select an appropriate type for the climate in which you live. For example, if you live in an area with severe weather conditions, you will need a more durable kind of shingle than if you live in a more moderate climate.

There are many shingle types, including; metal, slate, shake, and ceramic. In this post, we’ll be talking about the Asphalt shingle; it’s the most common one you can find and believed to be the most versatile shingle on the market. We’ll be discussing the benefits, manufacturing process, and average costs of quality installation.

The benefits of Asphalt shingles;

• Durability: Asphalt shingles are one of the most durable roofing materials available. They can withstand high winds, rain, and snow, making them a good choice for climates that experience extreme weather conditions.
• Lifespan: Asphalt shingles typically have a 20-30 years lifespan, making them a good long-term investment for your home.
• Aesthetics: Asphalt shingles come in various colors and styles, so you can find an option that complements the look of your home and neighborhood.
• Affordability: Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials available

The manufacturing process;

It begins with creating the fiberglass mat. Glass fibers are mixed with water and then drawn through tiny holes to form the mat. The mat is then coated with pre-heated asphalt, a sticky, black liquid that seals the fibers together and covers them with a waterproof layer. The shingles are then coated with a mineral granule that protects the asphalt from the sun and weather and is subsequently cut into pieces called shingles.

The price of Asphalt Shingles;

The price of an asphalt shingle roof varies by the size of the home. The quality of the materials and the installation process also dictate how much you’ll have to pay. A new asphalt shingle roof costs between $3,000 and $7,000; this is significantly cheaper than metal or ceramic shingles.

In conclusion, choosing the best roof shingle for your home can be difficult, and it’s essential to consider your budget, the climate in your area, and the style of your home when planning your project. There are various types and styles of shingles available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle and are the most economical option, but we recommend speaking to a roofing professional first to find out what works best for your home.

Before installing a skylight in your home, there are several factors that you need to take into account to ensure the best results. Here are some things to consider before installing a skylight in your home:

1. The location of the skylight. It would help determine where you want the skylight to be in your home and what size you want it to be. This measure will ensure that the skylight is in an area that will get enough sunlight during the day.

2. The type of skylight. There are several different types of skylights, so you need to choose one best suited for your needs. For example, a fixed skylight is best for areas that don’t get a lot of traffic, while a ventilated skylight is ideal for bathrooms.

• Fixed skylights are the most common type of skylight. They typically live in an area of the roof where a hole already exists, such as a chimney. These skylights don’t open or close, so they are not ideal for homes in areas with a lot of rainfall or snowfall.

• Ventilating skylights have a small opening that can open or close to allow air to circulate in the home. This type of skylight is ideal for homes in areas with a lot of rainfall or snowfall, as it helps to prevent the accumulation of moisture in the house.

• Tubular skylights. This skylight is a small round tube that gets installed in the ceiling. It has a lens at the top that helps to direct sunlight into the home. Tubular skylights are ideal for low-ceiling dwellings, as they don’t take up a lot of space.

3. The cost. Skylights can be expensive to install, so you need to make sure you have the budget. 

• Fixed skylights are the least expensive option, but they also offer the least amount of flexibility. If you choose a location for your fixed skylight, make sure it’s the right one.

• Ventilating skylights are more expensive than fixed skylights, but they can open and close to control ventilation. These are a good option if you want the ability to regulate the amount of natural light and air coming into your home.

• Tubular skylights are the most expensive option, but they save face by being energy-efficient. Solar-powered skylights use solar panels to collect energy from the sun; then, they power the skylight’s opening and closing mechanism.

4. Your roof shape and pitch. Knowing these specs will help make sure that the roofing in your home can support the skylight’s weight, which is especially important if you have a tile or metal roof.

5. The installation process. Installing a skylight can be complicated, so you need to make sure that you hire a professional to do it. Otherwise, you could end up without a weather seal and an inevitable leak.

6. The warranty. Once you’ve installed the skylight, you need to ensure that a warranty will cover it; this will protect you from any problems that may occur down the road.

7. The maintenance. Skylights require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the lenses and replacing the sealant around the edges. Be mindful of how much labor and cost to can invest into care.

If you need more information for a custom skylight installation, give us a call, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have.

It’s no secret that a well-built roof is a vital key to a home’s weather protection and overall durability. But what many homeowners may not know is that the angle of your roof pitch matters too. 

So what is a pitch? 

A Roof pitch is simply the angle at which your roof slopes, and it’s expressed as a ratio – like 4:12, for example. That means for every 12 inches of horizontal measurement, your roof will rise 4 inches. A steeper roof pitch is any pitch greater than 3:12, while a shallower roof pitch is anything between 2:12 and 3:12.

Why does the pitch matter?

For one, it affects how well your home can shed water and snow. A steeper pitch will help your roof shed water and snow more effectively, while a shallower pitch may leave your home vulnerable to leaks and other damage. In addition, your pitch also plays a role in the overall aesthetics of your home. A steeply-pitched roof can give your home a more dramatic look, while a shallower pitch may be more subtle.

How can I measure the pitch of my roof?

There are a few different ways to do this. One way is to use a level and a tape measure. First, find the highest point on your roof and place the level down at the ridge. Then, measure from the top-level down to the edge of your roof; the number you get is the pitch of your roof.

Another way to measure roof pitch is by using a protractor. This method is more accurate than using a level and could save you from having to climb on the roof. First, find the center of your roof and mark it. Then, measure from the center point – out to the edge of your roof. Once you have this measurement, you can use a protractor to find the angle of your roof.

*Sidenote – Please use a harness when walking on your roof and if you don’t have one, call us for a free inspection instead.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a steep roof pitch?

Pros:

1. Weather Benefits: The steep angle prevents buildup and supports proper rain flow
2. Resale Value: A steep roof implies durability, appealing to potential home buyers. 
3. Aesthetics: It can be a unique design that stands out in your neighborhood

Cons:

1. Higher Costs: It’s more challenging to construct than a shallow pitch and thus is more expensive.
2. Difficult Maintenence: It is more likely to experience leaks and structural damage problems and is more challenging to fix.
3. Utility costs: A steep pitch is less energy-efficient than a shallow pitch, as it allows heat to escape more easily. 

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a shallow roof pitch?

Pros:

1. Eco Friendly: A shallow roof can help reduce the amount of heat loss in your home during the winter months.
2. Potentially more space: it can add extra living space to your home since you won’t have much attic.
3. Installation: A shallow pitch is easier to walk on and, therefore, easier to maintain.

Cons:

1. Material Costs: you’ll need more roofing material to cover the same area as you would with a steeper pitch
2. More Maintenence: Snow, rain, and debris tend to accumulate faster on a shallower pitch
3. Natural Light: shallower the pitch, the more likely it is that there will be windows near the top of the walls

Even if you don’t plan on installing a new roof anytime soon, it’s still important to know your roof’s pitch as well as all of the pros and cons of different pitches. Consider these insights the next time you plan a major home improvement project, and you’ll save time and money.

The Geometry

A roof is one of the most critical parts of a house; it protects the home from the elements and can cause damage to the interior if not maintained correctly. A roof comprises; different utilities, geometric shapes, and design elements. Each aspect has a unique purpose, and in this series, we’ll be learning about the entire anatomy of a roof and every layer that makes it function.

Understanding roofing systems will help you realize your home improvement goals and will help you communicate with your contractors. First, let’s start with the different shapes you commonly see when looking at a roof; identifying these aspects of the roof system will help you communicate your project goals with your roofer.

The Gables

Gabled roofs are the kind of roofs you probably liked to draw when you were a kid. They have two sloping sides that intersect to form a ridge, and this triangular section is the first line of defense against the elements.

The ridge.

The ridge is the highest point of the roof, and it runs along the entire length of the home. It serves as the gable’s top point, it helps support the roof’s weight, and typically has openings called “Ridge Vents” that let air through the attic.

The Eaves

The eave refers to the edge of a roof that extends beyond the wall face; it forms an overhanging structure that diverts rainwater from the sides of the house. The soffits line the Eaves; we’ll talk about those next.

The Hip

The hip roof is a style of roof that slopes back from all four sides. This roof style is more prevalent in colder climates because it helps keep the house warmer. A hip roof achieves the same goal as a gabled roof in that it also diverts water and snow.

The Valley

The valley is the low point on the roof where two slopes meet. The Valley allows water to collect and flow off the roof, so it is essential it’s clear of debris.

Now let’s move on…

Now that you have a basic grasp of the shapes, we can move on to the individual components of a roof like soffits, fascia boards, and flashings. In the next post we’ll be diving into the utilities that allow a roof system to function.

Home improvement projects can be expensive and stressful, but they don’t have to be. When a homeowner is knowledgeable, has a plan, a budget, and the right team, the job goes smoothly. Before you choose the right contractor, you should have realistic expectations and know all your options. We wrote this guide to help you make an informed decision.

Here are the 5 questions you MUST ask before you hire a roofer.

1) Do they offer a warranty?

Your vehicle has a warranty; why doesn’t your roof have one? Warranties are crucial for helping maintain the resale value of your home. These assurances safeguard you from coming out of pocket for any issues that are likely to pop up after completing your job. These issues can involve labor mistakes, manufacturer defects, or unforeseen weather conditions and can present themselves as leaks or cosmetic blemishes.
Even the most skilled roofers may occasionally misplace a nail, and 1 out of every thousand shingles probably have a defect. Sometimes you won’t know until your roof ages and gets in contact with the elements. The good thing is that these problems are typical and come with the territory, but having a good warranty in your back pocket will save you in the long run.

So what kind of warranty should we expect?
You can read all about our warranty and use it as a reference when you secure bids from other roofers – Click Here to learn about roof warranties.

(P.s. – If a roofer does have a warranty, find out the term limits and if it’s transferable if you decide to sell your home.

2) Are they priced correctly in the market?
Hiring someone because they’re cheap might seem like an intelligent idea upfront, but it can quickly go south and prove to be a big mistake on the backend; we’ve seen it happen countless times.

Here’s an extreme example: A homeowner will hire a contractor who swears they can do the job for a vastly undercut rate, knowing that it’s impossible. In their blind enthusiasm, the homeowner agrees to the roofer’s terms and cuts them a check, only for them to disappear as soon as the deposit clears. If they’re lucky, they may eventually get the roof put on. Still, even then, the workmanship may be so poor, and the materials so secondhand, that the homeowner would have been better off with the original roof.

On the other side of the coin, companies overcharge, which is more worse, especially if the roofers aren’t exceptional. The last thing you want to do is overpay for shoddy work and cheap materials. A good roofer will never overcharge you for supplies because they do thorough, critical measurements and have updated information about the tax rates in Oregon & Washington. Our critical measures include detailed pitch reports, 3D diagrams, and satellite imagery to give us an accurate picture of the roof. We do all this to ensure we give you precise material quotes upfront, without hidden fees once the job starts.

3) Are they certified by their manufacturer?

This is the secret to getting quality work that rivals any model home in a new neighborhood. A certified contractor has to perform exceptionally well or risk losing their certification and eventually their warranty. When a roofing company is certified by a manufacturer, they are subject to random quality control audits to ensure their brand name is lived up to.

A roof without a certification has nobody on the hook for its quality, so the manufacturer has no obligations towards you or your home. Legit exteriors and a handful of other companies are platinum certified by Owens Corning.

Click here to read about Owens Corning’s quality assurances and check out this video of our founder David’s visit to an Owens Corning inspection – https://youtu.be/izy72zQGOTE

4) How long have they been in business?

One of the most giant red flags for any homeowner should be how long the company has been in business. You shouldn’t distrust someone because they’re just starting out, but if they don’t at least have a proven track record of completed projects under their belt, there’s no way of telling if they will ever do a good job or not. Ask your roofer about their experience level and ask to see their past jobs; if you get some images of their work, ask an expert to grade it for you.

As a roofer, there are so many unique case scenarios that can pop up at any time during the job. The only way to navigate them is through past experience, the kind you can only get from having roofed 1000s of homes.

Take, for instance, chimney flashing; if you don’t caulk it correctly, rainwater will enter right into your home, you’ll be right back at square one. Trust us, we do repairs, and we see hundreds of bad installations every year.

5) Do they have reviews & testimonials?

This one is pretty self-explanatory and is surprisingly under-looked by many homeowners. If your roofer has pictures of their completed jobs, ask them if they have any feedback from their previous customers.

Pay close attention to things like;

• communication
• Speed
• Quality of service
• Safety Protocols
• Respect for your home

You want roofers who are attentive, reliable, kind, and efficient. The best way to get this is to ask to read past testimonials.

In conclusion, we hope this was helpful and will help steer you in the right direction when choosing the right contractor. If you’re in the market for an honest quote, please feel free to reach out to us.