Professional Roofing Processes Part Two (Proposal)

     We arrived on time for our scheduled appointment, briefly discussed any questions or concerns about your project, performed a thorough evaluation of your current roof system, now its time to put all that information together and present a Professional Roofing Proposal.
     The scope of the project obviously affects the price. Just putting a second layer over existing shingles is going to be much more affordable than performing a complete tear off of the entire roof system. But is that really the best option for your client? The key here is providing options that will suit the customers needs and thoroughly explaining the differences and advantage or disadvantage of each option. Too many roofing contractors concentrate so much on being the cheapest option that they often do an injustice to the customer by selling and installing an insufficient solution to the clients needs.
      It has been proven that lack of communication is the #1 reason why homeowners have a bad experience with the contractor. This why we take the time to sit with our customers, provide a detailed proposal, and explain each step in the process thoroughly. When we leave, our clients feel comfortable in their decision to have Built-Right Home Improvements install their new roof system.

www.built-righthomeimprovements.com

 

Professional Roofing Processes Part One (Evaluation)

     With the exit of a far too long and brutal winter upon us, it's time to start thinking of repairing or upgrading the look and functionality of your home's exterior. While this could involve many different projects, I'm going to focus on roofing today.
      You have done your research and come to terms that it's time for a new roof. After calling a few contractors, most of which did not answer their phone or call back, you scheduled your Free Roofing Consultation with Built-Right Home Improvements. This is what you can expect throughout the process of the initial meeting.

 

The Built-Right Roofing Evaluation

 

- We will begin by asking you a few questions about your home. You live here and experience the changes in weather and seasons, and the resulting effects on your home.

- Next, we will perform a thorough evaluation of your existing roof system, if the conditions allow.

- While we are inspecting your roof we are measuring, checking for additional layers, identifying potential problem areas, making note of access around the home, planning for landscape protection, checking the condition of the current gutter system, determining what type of delivery (Rooftop conveyor or ground drop).

- Our inspection is focused on three main areas that affect roof performance.

 

Insulation- When possible, we will look into the attic space of your home. For our climate, it is recommended to have a minimum R-38 or 12 inches of insulation. Any less and the resulting heat loss can cause ice damming and potential leaks.

 

Ventilation- While in the attic we can inspect the effectiveness of your ventilation system. All modern roofing needs to have a proper intake and exhaust to maximize the performance of your roof and protect your investment. Poor ventilation leads to mold, condensation, ice damming, and premature roof failure.

 

Preparation- While on the roof, we can inspect the condition of your current roof system. We can determine if proper flashings are installed, identify potential problem areas, feel for damaged plywood, and begin the plan to install a roof to last for years to come.

We have now gathered all the information necessary to provide the homeowner with a few different options for installing a new roof system. In the next post we will discuss the Professional Roofing Proposal, and how communication here is key to both customer satisfaction, and problem free installation.

www.built-righthomeimprovements.com

 

 

 

How To Assess Your Home For Damage After A Long Winter

     Winter is coming to a close. It seems like forever since the last time you looked at your home, or could even see it without being covered in snow. A lot of homes sustain damage from the winter weather. Most is minor, but in some instances, the damage can be severe. A proper assessment of your home's interior and exterior will help you find any potential damage. Then you can contact a professional to develop a plan to make the necessary repairs.
      Let's start on your home's exterior. First, take a walk around the perimeter. Look for any missing shingles on your roof. The wind is brutal in some areas, and the shingles get brittle when cold. If not properly installed or sealed before the onset of the cold, windy weather, the shingles are prone to blowing off. Look on the ground for pieces of shingles. A few small chunks usually isn't much to worry about, especially if you had ice dams removed, but if you are seeing large pieces all over your yard, you may have a bigger problem looming in the near future. Also look for missing or damaged siding and overhang trim. The wind and ice sometimes loosen these as well.
      While walking around your home, you will want to check for icicles too. Icicles should be on the front of gutters, and smaller in size. If you notice icicles behind your gutters, in your overhang, or coming out of your siding, this means the water has penetrated your roof and underlayments. If the icicles are tinted brown, then you have sustained some damage to the sheathing  in the area and should be looked at by a professional as soon as weather allows.
      As the snow melts and your gutters thaw, while walking around your home, you will want to check where each downspout drains into your yard. If you find large piles of granules, or small chunks of shingles, this indicates excessive wear of your roof shingles. It is important to have a professional inspect your roof for possible replacement.
     There are some things to look for on the inside of your home too. First, look at all the perimeter walls and ceilings. You may not have noticed a small leak this winter. Bubbling or peeling paint and small water marks will show you the way. Check window jambs and sills for water marks. Check all of your windows for cracks. Older windows with single panes are vulnerable to cracking in extreme cold temperatures or high wind.
     If you have attic access, you can check for leaks at your eaves, around pipes protruding through the roof, chimneys, flashing areas, etc. Now is a good time to check your insulation as well. A minimum of 12" of attic insulation is recommended in our northern climate. Be sure your insulation is not blocking airflow from your eaves, and if it is, pull it away (you should be able to see light coming from your eaves in your attic).
     This is just a few ways you can help keep your home in good shape to enjoy for years to come. If you would prefer a professional survey of the damages, if any, on your home from this winter, call 716.316.1831 to speak to me directly. Or visit our website, www.built-righthomeimprovements.com to contact us.