Neglecting to follow routine roof maintenance tips can end up costing between $5,000 and $12,000. The final roof cost will depend on the roofing materials used and the size of the new roof. Without a doubt, a roof is a major home improvement expense for any homeowner.

That’s why it’s important to make sure your roof lasts more than 20 years. To help your roof survive its full lifespan, it needs proper maintenance, consistent inspections, and cleaning.

Use these roof maintenance tips to keep your roof in good condition for many years to come. Remember, climbing on your roof is potentially dangerous and should only be done with proper safety equipment. If you are unsure it is best to call the professionals at Gold Star Contracting.

Remove Rotted Sections

To remove rotten sections, pull the shingle roofing and the underlying felt off the entire board. Use a nail and power screwdriver to remove roofing nails and to hold the decking board in place. Additionally, to measure the size of the new board correctly, use a straightedge to mark the cuts.

The new board should have the same material as the old one. After securing the new board in place, cover the decking board with felt and secure it with felt tacks. Lastly, you must cover the felt with new shingles and secure the shingles with galvanized roofing nails.

Ice Dams

An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof or the gutters that act as a dam for the water created by the melted snow. The dam prevents the water from draining into the gutter which eventually leads the water to find its way into the house.

A properly maintained gutter and roof protect your structure from ice dams. Consider the precautions given below.

Clean Your Gutter Before Winter

The fallen snow mixes up with the fallen leaves from autumn and freezes the roof and creates an ice dam. That’s why it’s a good idea to clean the roof before winter. Consequently, clean gutters keep water flowing away from the roof.

Heating of the Attic Space

You also need to make sure the attic is well ventilated so that the high temperature there doesn’t melt the snow on the roof. Furthermore, create an air barrier between the house and the attic with a foil-faced cover to prevent ice dams.

The following may pose heating sources for your attic:

• Uninsulated ceiling can lights
• Folding stair opening
• Heating duct
• Wating heating equipment
• Furnace
• Inadequate bathroom vent fans

Additionally, these sources can melt the snow on the roof and cause ice dams to form.

Before the weather starts to get cold, make sure to check for proper insulation of any potential heat source into your attic.

If an ice dam has formed, here are steps you can take to help prevent further damage:

• Apply ice melting products like calcium chloride onto the ice to melt the ice dams.
• To freeze the water from the melted snow, place a fan box in the attic and direct it under the roof where the water is leaking in.
• For a flat roof or roof with a low slope, use a rake to sweep off the snow.
• Hire professionals if you think the situation is out of your hands. They have special instruments like high-pressure steam to remove the ice dams.

Remove Debris

Sometimes leaves, small branches, and even sticks can cause expensive damage to your roof or house. Over time, they allow water to be trapped and encourage the growth of algae, mildew, and moss which causes wood rot. That’s why it’s important to remove debris off your roof regularly and also trim the trees occasionally. You can also get your roof cleaned professionally for better results.

Removing debris is more important during autumn than any other season. In addition, make sure to clean the gutters, check for loose brackets and gaps in the seam too. If the fallen leaves dammed with water clog the gutter, the water will overflow and cause more damage to your roof. You need to make sure the moisture build up in the attic can escape efficiently.

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters or downspouts can cause major roofing problems for every homeowner. Sometimes clogged gutter systems from twigs, leaves, and debris can cause expensive roof leaks in your attic and interior living spaces. With clogged gutters and downspouts, the water and the snowmelt can’t be directed away from your house. The best practice is to inspect the gutters for any sign of damage whenever you are cleaning out the debris.

What to Do to Prevent Gutter Clogging

Evaluate the gutter angle and make any sloping adjustments as necessary. Rain gutters are sloped toward the downspouts. This allows the water to drain efficiently.

Inspect if water pools in your gutters. The weight of the water can loosen the fasteners and this will allow the gutter to pull away from your structure over time. The water pooled in the gutter will rot or corrode the gutters over time.

Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected

A routine roof inspection is one of the best roof maintenance tips you can follow. Although there may be an upfront cost, it will help save money in the long run. An inspection by a professional roofing contractor will help you find any damages on the roof surfaces, attic and the interior of your house. Consequently, not following key roof maintenance tips such as ignoring small leaks and minor damages can often lead to expensive mistakes.

The metal strips on a roof between the main body of the roof system and the chimneys, skylights and home’s siding known as flashing are prone to cause a leaky roof. Make sure to always check for holes, corrosion, deterioration, or cracks.

If you live in an area with challenging weather, then loose or damaged asphalt shingles are a common problem. High winds, hailstorms, tree branches or debris can damage shingles over time. Therefore, always check after major storms for broken, cracked, or broken shingles.

When you get your inspection from a professional roofer, don’t forget to check for tears, cracks or blisters around the roof edges and vent boot.

Worn or old sealants must be replaced to prevent water stain, seepage and eventually roof damage. Make sure to check for damaged chimney bricks, torn caps, joints or damaged flashing.

Inspecting the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys or the angles of the roof regularly is a good roof maintenance tip that will save you money on roofing repair or replace costs.

Get a Free Estimate

To get a free estimate and consultation service, contact roofing company Gold Star Contracting or call us during business hours at 612-254-0854. Get your free estimate today!

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The best time to schedule a roof repair project is always before there is an emergency. A roofing project is quite time-consuming. You need to consider many factors before you request a contractor schedule.

Let’s take a look at some of the major factors to consider before scheduling a roofing project.

Weather Heavily Affects Roof Repair Scheduling

When it comes to roof repair, the weather is the single biggest factor. And certain seasons are impossible to work in both for the contractors and for laborers.

Rainy Season

From April to May, the heavy rain and severe storms in Shakopee, MN make it impossible to schedule your roof repair. Even if you get them to start the project, they might have to wait for the storm to end in the middle of their work.

Sometimes the waiting may last for days or even weeks for the weather to dry up for them to start working again. So unless you are absolutely sure for the weather to be clear for at least 3-5 days, try to hold off on a roof repair project during the rainy season.

Snowy Season

Another time to try and avoid roof repair is in icy and freezing conditions. Since roofers often have to balance on angled decking and tall ladders, the slick roof surface, especially with metal roofing,  can become a critical path of danger. Even flat roofs can be dangerous for workers to navigate. Additionally, sudden snowfall can also delay your roofing project. So do the best you can to keep ice damming at bay to minimize needing to schedule a roof repair in winter.

Therefore, always make sure to avoid peak snowfall season in your area. Generally, late December to early March is the snowy season. So it’s a good idea to not schedule your roof repair project during this period unless absolutely necessary.

Temperatures Below 40° F:

Adhesive roofing materials do not work if the temperature is below 40° F. For example, asphalt shingle adhesive has to melt in the sunlight in order to seal properly.

This tip is important to follow if you intend your roofing materials to last the 30 years or 50 years they are meant to withstand.

Temperatures Above 90° F:

The roof temperature is often 5° to 20° F higher than the temperature outside. So heat can easily become an issue during the hot summer days. Although roofers are used to working in extreme heat, it’s better to schedule a roof repair project when the temperature is below 85° to 90° F.

When is the Best Time to Request a Contractor Schedule for Roof Repair?

The best temperature and outdoor conditions for roofing are usually between May to October. Although light rain can slow down the roof repair project during late summer, it doesn’t linger on as long as early spring rains do. So for better results, try to schedule your roof repair projects from late spring to mid-summer.

Availability Factors

Material Availability

Delay of your roofing materials deliveries or unavailability can only slow down the whole roof repair process. So always make sure your roofers or contractors have enough time to place the order for your roofing materials ahead of time.

Common types of roofing materials are listed below. Some materials may need to be imported. It is important to factor in these details in your timeline.

• Wood shingle roofing
• Synthetic slate roofing tiles
• Wood shakes roofing
• Steel roofing
• Wood roofs
• Concrete tile roofing
• Clay tile roofing
• Energy-efficient or “green” roofing systems

Make sure your contractors are using a forklift truck to lift the roofing materials onto the roof if you want your roof repair project to be completed quickly. The project will take much longer if workers have to carry each piece up to the site.

Don’t forget the added time for specially-ordered roofing materials. They need to be on the site of the project before the work begins. Otherwise, this could unexpectedly slow down the project.

Contractor Availability

To request a contractor schedule, you must make sure your contractor is available. During the peak season, most roofing contractors have a packed schedule. That’s why it is common to wait two to three weeks to receive an evaluation of your roof.

It is best not to wait until the last minute. Contact your roofing company before there is an emergency. After the evaluation, you are likely to be put in the queue. During this time, you must wait for your contractor to finish up other jobs before starting your project.

Crew Availability

Before scheduling your roof project, you will also need to consider crew availability. Contractors are limited by the number of the crew they have. The later you schedule a roof repair service, the further back you will be put on the crews’ schedule.

A Designated Foreman is a Must for Roof Repair Project

To get the best result, your roof repair project needs a supervisor. A supervisor helps to keep the project on schedule. It is his or her job to keep an eye on the whole project to make sure everything can be done within the set time limit.

A designated foreman can oversee the overall progress, work out a plan ahead of time, and ensure that the project has enough manpower. When you are selecting a roofing company for your roof repair project, ask them if they have a designated foreman or lead to fill this position. Most roofing companies prefer to discuss project issues with a job representative rather than their crew.

Level of Urgency

When a contractor comes to evaluate your roof, they also determine how urgent your repair project is. If your roof has leaks or other significant issues, your priority will be a bit higher than the others.

Note: If you want to get your roof repair job done quickly, take a look at how far the site of the project is from the crew before requesting a contractor schedule. If your house is too far from the roofing company, it will only slow down the overall work progress and might end up crossing the time limit to complete the work.

Clean Your Roof and Gutters Before the Inspection

Your roofing company will send an employee to evaluate your roof. They will very likely be unable to give you enough time due to the busy schedule. And if your roof is filled with debris, they likely could overlook a few cracked shingles.

So before requesting a contractor schedule, hose off your roof to clear the debris and save yourself some time. And while clearing out the debris, also clean the gutters. Otherwise, you may have to deal with lost nails and screws draining out from the gutters and possibly catch in your car tires.

Need a Roof Replacement or Repair?

It’s of utmost importance to have a roof of top-notch quality. It’s also important to have it properly installed to protect your house from further damage. And at Gold Star Contracting, we have years of experience in selecting and installing the best roof for your house or business.

The roof is an integral part of your house or business. So you should only trust the most experienced professionals with your roof repair project. And as a roofing company, we have many years of experience in this industry. We are GAF certified and provide a Zero Money Due Until Completion service.

To get a free estimate, storm damage repair consultation, or for any other inquiry, contact us during business hours at 612-254-1438.

Get a Free In-Home Consultation.

Don’t let common roofing mistakes stifle your daily routine. You have a business to run, customers to care for, a family to feed, and employees under your stewardship. The last thing you need is a failing roof. What are some common roof installation mistakes to avoid in protecting this vital asset for your commercial property? 

Roofing Mistake #1: Choosing a Cheaper Option

We get it. As a property owner, you need a quick and easy solution, one that won’t break your budget. Is it worth it? Simply put, quality brings about quality. If you look for the cheapest roofing job option out there, chances are you’ll end up with the lowest quality as well. 

Many roofing companies do not have the work experience or any certifications to back their “contractor” title. This means that they have learned from trial and error. They cannot accurately assess your problem, recommend the best materials, or determine the best course of action.

The process can be stressful because they lack the expertise to work around your business operations. 

So how to avoid choosing a cheaper option? What are some guidelines to avoid choosing the wrong contractor for the job?

Roofing Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Contractor

Would you hire your kid’s 3rd-grade teacher to build your home or office? Of course not! Hiring the right contractor for a job is fundamental. And when it comes to roofing, it’s more important than the repair itself. The wrong contractor may not know how to provide the right solution.

There is a long list of the types of contractors that provide building services like roofing. Work with professional roofing contractors that are familiar with commercial roofing in your area. They know which materials are suitable for the environmental conditions your building will be withstanding.

The wrong contractor can be on a list among the of the right kind of contractors. You don’t just want any roofing contractor; you want one that will provide quality service. Avoid common roofing mistakes by reading through online reviews left by their past clients gives you a good idea of the contractor overall. Seeing negative reviews that are consistently discussing the same issue may be a red flag. 

Excellent service starts by listening to the clients’ concerns and needs before determining the course of action. Are their clients describing them as such? And don’t forget the questions. Ask lots of questions and ensure that you properly vet anyone that will be visiting your establishment for inspection.

Here are some reliable certifications and recommendations to look at:

1. GAF Certification. GAF is one of the leading roofing manufacturers in North America. 
2. Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, a global leader in roof manufacturing 
3. Recommendations from Angie’s List 

Choosing the wrong contractor can result in shoddy work. Safeguard your business by investing in a qualified professional to get the job done right.

Roofing Mistake #3: Expired Warranty

Roofing warranties usually fall into two categories: manufacturer’s warranty and workmanship or installation guarantee. 

The manufacturer’s warranty protects against defects that cause roofing materials to fail before they should. Most manufacturer’s warranty expires within 20 to 50 years. However, your roof is likely to sustain damages resulting from poor installation. Don’t let incorrect installation violate your warranty.

Another aspect to consider is that your action or inaction can void the warranty. Damage that results from irregular or no roof maintenance can void the manufacturer’s warranty. The resulting damage is likely not a result of faulty manufacturing. 

The workmanship or installation warranty is what the roofing contractor gives for any work associated with your roofing project. The term of the warranty will vary by contractor. Often, a hint of the quality of the service provided by contractors is when their warranty expires. If the roof is improperly installed, the warranty may not cover you.

Typically, a warranty on workmanship lasts 2-3 years. It’s essential to be aware of the terms of the warranty. At times the warranty becomes void if you hire another contractor to fix something on the roof after the original contractor.

Gold Star Contracting is right for you! But why?

A roof that’s in excellent condition safeguards your property and your business. Our goal is to keep your commercial roof system that way! 

Why is Gold Star Contracting a good fit for you? Well, we’re not the “wrong contractor.” We have the certifications mentioned above, great reviews on Angie’s List, and extensive experience repairing commercial roofs. We are not the cheapest option, but our prices are competitive.

All this with friendly, customer-focused service makes us the right choice for your roof replacement or repair.

The first thing we do is listen to you so we can fully understand what you want and need. We explain a plan to complete your project so you can prepare. We know that your business needs to remain in operation, so we try to be flexible and stick to a schedule. 

Our crew of skilled professionals provides high-quality work and a friendly attitude. To top it all off, after we complete the job, we ensure we leave your property as clean as we found it. 

Curious about drip edge flashing, water infiltration, or how your roof deals with high winds? Do you want to know how many layers of shingles you need, or why your roof has been collecting moisture?

 If you have questions, we’re ready to answer them. Don’t fall victim to common roofing mistakes when you don’t have to. We pride ourselves on communicating with our clients every step of the way. Do you have to deal with the complicated process of roof repair or replacement through your insurance company? No need to worry, we can take care of that too.

Let us assess and take care of your roofing needs. Talk to an expert today! Click the button below.

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Icicles hanging from your eves may make your house look like a hallmark postcard, but they are signs of a more serious problem this winter. Ice dams are a common occurrence in the cold Minnesota winters. They can cause damage not only to the roof and gutters but also compromise the structure of the eves. If ignored they can eventually lead to severe water damage and mold growth.

What Causes Ice Dams On Your Roof?

Ice dams form when warm attic air melts the underside of the snow layer on the roof. As the snow melts, the water trickles down to the eves where the roof stays cold because it extends from the house. Once the water running down the eves reaches the cold part of the roof surface, it freezes, gradually building up a large mound of ice. Often it will extend over the gutters and form icicles. Metal Roofs see this problem more often as metal tends to reflect temperature shifts more easily.

It is important to note the flatter your roof pitch is the easier ice dams can form. Gutters at the eves can also help trap ice and snow on your roof. If too much ice builds up in your gutters, it can provide a foundation for the ice dam to start growing.

You See Icicles On Your Roof, Now What?

If you have discovered icicles or an ice dam on your roof, it is not too late.

Treating Existing Ice Dams

• Remove the ice dam using a hammer to break away small chunks of ice until it is completely removed. Do NOT use an ax or sharp tool as you will damage or cut through your shingles. Even if you are careful you can still cause damage to your roof.
• Clear out gutters and downspouts of all ice. Be aware that leaning a ladder against your gutters in extreme temperatures can cause damage to them.
• Use a Calcium chloride ice melter to create troughs through the ice to allow water to flow freely. DO NOT use rock salt as it will damage paint, metals, and plants.
• Hire a professional to come out and take care of your ice dams. Remember climbing on a ladder or the roof when ice and snow are present can be very dangerous.
• While these are great options if ice dams are already starting to form on your roof. There are a few things you can do to prevent them.

Preventing Ice Dams From Forming

If you have not seen any ice dams forming yet there are some things you can do to help prevent them from forming in the future.

•  Using a roof rake clear all snow from your roof so it does not collect. BE CAREFUL as you can potentially bury yourself in snow.
• Ensure your attic access is properly sealed to prevent warm air from your living space to leak into the attic.

While these are great solutions to get through the next winter storm. They are only temporary fixes to preventing ice dams.

Solving Your Warm Roof Woes

To rid your house of this problem you must treat the underlying problem, a warm roof caused by poor ventilation, poor insulation, or a worn roof.

• Increase attic ventilation to rid your attic of warm air. There are several means to do this but the best method is to create continuous airflow from the soffit to the ridge. This requires proper insulation and a soffit and ridge vent system.
• These systems include 3 key pieces; soffit vents, ridge vents, and insulated baffles. If a soffit-and-ridge system is not feasible, focus on creating the proper amount of ventilation through other vent methods.
• Make sure your attic space is properly insulated to prevent heat from the living space leaking into the attic through conduction and convection.
• Seal all points where warm air leaks from the living space into the attic. This would include attic accesses, bathroom vent fans, dryer vent fans, or stove vents.
• Seal and Insulate air ducts with proper foil-faced fiberglass insulation to prevent leaks from the HVAC system into the attic space. Ensure that your roof is not excessively worn, or shingles damaged where water could leak below.
• If creating better ventilation is not an option there are many products on the market to help with the reduction and prevention of ice dams. The most notable is heated cables along the lower part of the roof and Metal ice belt roof panels. Seek a professional for installation.

Remember the best method for treating ice dams on your roof is prevention.

Gold Star Contracting in Minnesota

Gold Star Contracting is proud to have certified contractors who work with homeowners and business owners on a personal level. We do our best to work within your budget and provide an honest estimate for your roof repair or replacement.

If you are concerned that your roof may have issues with ice dams, we can also take care of this for you. Though this article has some do-it-yourself tips, we caution that you use the right equipment and safety measures if you do decide to take on this task yourself.

The best solution is to ensure you have a solid roof system and the tips we mentioned in place, before the snow falls. This way you have a better chance of avoiding the situation entirely.

Let Gold Star Contracting inspect your roof today.

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Unusual weather is affecting more and more parts of the United States. It’s a very serious problem for homeowners and business owners. Whether the damage is during the winter season or sun damage in the summer, there are ways to reduce the impact on your property. It’s important to take preventive measures by making use of the best roofing materials depending on where you live.

Which Kind of Roofing is Best for Your Home?

The roofing system is one of the first line of defenses against outside elements. How do you determine what kind of roofing is best for my property where I live?

1.) Which season spans the longest period of months

2.) Intensity of each season

For example, a homeowner in Arizona knows that hot temperatures reign for 8 months throughout the year. Whereas winter is mild and short. This is a perfect indicator that the the homeowner needs to prioritize sun damage. In contrast, if a person lives in Alaska they know that snowy weather is predominant all year long so they avoid materials that are more prone to leaks.

Does each season bring about harsh weather? Consider temperatures on the coast in Southern California. While there are four seasons, each are so mild that most homes and businesses can choose any type of roofing material.

Best Roofing Material for Cold Weather

Cold weather can be very harsh on roofs. Heavy snow, hail and wind make are ingredients to terrible winter storms. Metal roofing is a great solution against winter damage. It’s sturdy and durable.

Other great alternatives are asphalt and cement tiles. While these are not as sturdy as metal, they do provide the additional benefit of keeping heat in better.

Be sure to consult with a professional roofing contractor in order to make the best decision if you live in a predominantly cold location. Ideally, you want to have your roof condition in the best shape possible by September since cold fronts begin bringing below freezing temperatures in October.

Best Roofing Material for Hot Weather

While the cold can be harsh and difficult to deal with, summer can be an extremely annoying and unbearable season. Aside from that, the sun can cause significant damage to a property’s roof.

Terracotta, slate tiles, EPDM, and green roofs are all very reliable roofing materials to keep the property in the best possible shape. The cost of these materials is going to depend on several factors, but they all provide a solid base of comfort and reliability. It also depends on how hot the weather gets to be in your area.

Some locations have extreme heat and this would usually affect the decision. You can always ask a professional contractor if you are not sure about which type of roof you should get. Sun damage can be relentless on some roofs, so make sure that your property is prepared to handle this type of weather.

Best Roofing Material for Stormy Weather

It’s amazing to think how how much damage winds can cause. While we appreciate a cool breeze on a hot day, it also has the ability to cause destruction.

If you happen to live in any area that is prone to strong winds such as hurricanes, your best bet is to make use of metal sheets. This is going to ensure an optimal performance when wind velocity tries to test out your property.

Slate is also recommended by some contractors depending on the area and the severity of the weather. Hurricane prone areas are bound to have more metal roofs than cold weather or hot weather areas. Don’t’ forget that weather damage is no joke, and it can be devastating for your property.

Finding a Professional Contractor

It is necessary to work with a roofing company that employs professional contractors familiar with the best materials for your local area. Check for online reviews of other property owners who shared their experience working with this particular company. This is always a good hint to their efficiency and it gives you a chance to see if they have enough experience with roof installations.

Don’t be shy about asking questions from your top choices. Check out who will visit your home or business to perform a roof inspection at a free or low cost. Most roofing companies do a free consultation.

Change Your Roof if Needed

Being able to keep your roof condition in the best possible shape is going to be essential. Temperature fluctuations impacts a roofing system. Consider the value of a completely new roof if your existing roof materials are likely to be damaged by the local weather. This might not be ideal for some people due to financial issues but investing now means preventing larger costs on roof repairs. When a roof is ruined by bad weather, the cost of repairs is much higher as the damage often reaches other areas of the property.

Gold Star Contracting in Minnesota

Gold Star Contracting is proud to have certified contractors who work with homeowners and business owners on a personal level. We do our best to work within your budget and provide an honest estimate for your roof repair or replacement.

Talk to an expert at Gold Star Contracting by hitting the button below.

Get a Free In-Home Consultation.

The process of roofing a house is complex and sometimes complicated. It requires careful planning in order to ensure the best results. More than likely, as a homeowner you have a budget to stick to. Making a roofing company aware of your budget is the start in how estimates are created for your roof.

Proper estimates go beyond a phone call. Professional roofing companies send an experienced roofing contractor to scope out the extent of damage, saving you worry. For example, if you see that your roof has storm damage you may automatically assume it needs a full replacement. However, in reality it only needs minor repairs.

A roofing estimate consists of two main aspects: cost of materials and cost of labor. Both of which are based on the condition of current roofing system.

Process of Estimating Roofing Materials

The first step in the evaluation process is confirming the square footage of the entire roof system. A roofing system includes layers of different materials that combine to protect a house from outside elements. What a contractor considers in the square footage of your home is the:

• Decking – foundation of all roofing materials.
• Underlayment – Layer between the decking and roof type. Its purpose is to provide an extra layer of protection in the event of a broken piece of roofing material.
• Drip Edge – Angled aluminum strips placed over the underlayment on the sides of the roof. The drip edge prevents water build up, moving it over the eaves and into the gutters.

In order to obtain this kind of specific measurement, a team of roofing experts measures the width, length and height of every section noted above.

Following the dimensions, the next stage is determining the number amount of material needed.

For example, asphalt shingles come in strips of 36 inches long by 12 inches wide. This is why having the dimensions of the roof available is so important. In order to purchase the right amount, a roof estimator will divide the roof dimensions by the dimensions of the strips. There will also be shingles that are cut to fit certain areas of the roof. The amount of strips and labor to cut some of shingles will go into the total estimate.

There are smaller costs to keep in mind as well. Adding to the estimate is the metal strip that protects the edge of the roof and keep it from rotting. Roofing nails, ridge and hip cap shingles, venting system and ice shielding are smaller items but equally important.

Choosing the Best Products

Estimates involve not only the cost of labor but also take into account the type of roof you’re looking to install.

Both asphalt and wood shingles are the most popular for home improvements. Slate shingles are also an excellent option because of their durability. The layout of the top of your home and style of house are key factors to keep in mind when this decision is made.

A product you may not typically think of for a residential roof is metal. Metal roofs fire-resistant with good longevity. The installation is faster too because the material is surprisingly lightweight.

Roofing Contractors

Homeowners face many challenges when replacing anything on their property. One of those biggest challenges is who to hire. Keep in mind, you are substantially investing into your home. Therefore, you want to work with a company that has an outstanding reputation and truly cares about the outcome to your home.

Naturally, the most affordable contractor is the most attractive option. Is there a reason why a contractor may charge significantly less?

Rushing into a hiring decision is never a good idea. To help, we’ll break down the main things to look for in a roofing contractor.

The first item to ask about is a contractor’s certifications. A certification proves that they have passed state exams to obtain a contractor license. By holding a license they are accountable for the work they perform. It gives you, the homeowner, peace of mind that they use modern techniques and your home is up to code.

Shop around in the local area for the best reviewed contractors. By comparing 3-5 professionals, you can gage each one’s general timeframe, effectiveness, costs and availability. With all of these components needed for a roofing installation, it’s important to work with a reputable company that has a team of professionals contractors. Look at reviews from other customers that specifically mention a businesses’ honesty and trustworthiness.

Final Thoughts on Roofing Estimates

Roofing estimates involve multiple moving parts. Start and completion date, cleanup of construction debris, cost of labor and materials. A solid, experienced roofing company that employs licensed contractors handles those parts with ease.

You’re not only receiving a quote for immediate work but understanding policies if future work is needed.

Ask as many questions as possible. Are there any additional costs not included in this quote? What is being done to prevent the same damage occurring? If my roof continues to leaks after you’re done, am I covered?

Gold Star Contracting is proud to have certified contractors who work with homeowners on a personal level. We do our best to work within your budget and provide an honest estimate for your roof repair or replacement.

Talk to an expert at Gold Star Contracting by hitting the button below.

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Homeowners understand the value of their investment into their homes.  One of the best ways to ensure optimal results when doing any kind of replacement, damage repair or renovations on their property is by using a certified contractor. This has led professionals to get certifications from GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, EPA and BBB.

Being certified is a great way for a business to boost credibility and for potential customers to be able to make an informed decision when searching for a contractor. Not only does it build trust, but it also gives people a chance to make a better decision when hiring someone to work on their property.

We are going to talk about the main reasons why you need a certified contractor and how this is going to ensure an outstanding result when you are working on any property repairs or enhancements.

Experience Ensures A Good Investment

One of the biggest mistakes made by many homeowners is to think that they can hire any contractor and will deliver the right kind of results. The problem is that many contractors available actually have very little work experience and no certifications at all. This means that the little they know comes from a short amount of trial and error.

If you hire someone who is not certified, you are risking your investment because you are unable to get a guarantee from the contractor on their ability to conduct any kind of renovation, replacement or damage repair.

Don’t forget that a cheaper investment is never going to be a good idea when it comes to your home. The best thing to do is always look for someone with experience and with proper certification. They may charge you more for what they do, but you will have peace of mind that the job will get done properly.

Certified Contractors Prove Their Skills

You can think of certifications for contractors as degrees for doctors. You would never trust a doctor without a proper medical degree to perform surgery on you, and in the same way, you should never trust a doctor without certifications to make any kind of modifications to your property.

This is one of the main reasons why certifications are so important. The demand or quality contracting jobs is high, but some people take the first deal they find and they end up regretting their decision.

Taking the time to look for certified contractors is a great way to guarantee that you are going to be hiring a team of professionals that are going to get the job done efficiently.

They Can Offer Proper Guidance and Advice

Another advantage of a certified contractor is that they have knowledge on how to engage in any kind of project with optimal results. This means that they are also in the position of guiding you and giving you advice on what you should do when you are looking to do any kind of repair or renovation on your home.

If you look for a contractor without certifications, you are likely to find someone who has only gathered basic experience and information. This makes it very hard for them to offer guidance and to be efficient in their job. Not to mention that they are more likely not to be able to do the job with optimal efficiency.

Certifications Provide Excellent Value

There are some people who believe that experience in the field is all that truly matters. To a certain extent, it is very true that experience as a contractor is very important, but a solid foundation on how to conduct any roofing task properly is going to allow a contractor to learn how to engage their job with impeccable results.

The following certifications are essential to ensure that contractors won’t be making any mistakes that would take years and maybe even decades to figure out by being in the field and learning from trial and error.

GAF

GAF provides an excellent quality of asphalt shingles for both commercial and residential roofing. They have a certification process with 3 different levels that have several requirements, once someone is certified, they can offer GAF products and the higher-level certification ensures even more perks and benefits for those who hire a certified contractor.

CertainTeed

CertainTeed is a certification that ensures contractors are up-to-date on the last architectural trends, materials and usage. This is considered a highly-respected certification in the industry.

Owens Corning

Owens Corning is an ethical brand of roofing materials. This is another useful and important certification when repairing or installing a roof. It allows people to know that a contractor has received proper training when it comes to roofing jobs and everything that they require in order to be done properly.

EPA Certified

The Environmental Protection Agency certification is a key certification for any contractor to have. It is important to be certified in this because it means the contractors know how to do their job in the safest and most environment-friendly way possible.

BBB Rated

The Better Business Bureau is an excellent accreditation to have. This goes a long way when people have yet to try a service and they need to know if they can trust the venture. The BBB certification is an excellent way to find out which business is worth your time.

A Certified Contractor Is Needed

Now that you know about the most important reasons why a certified contractor is the best choice, you can confidently choose one that meets the requirements. If you decide to work with a contractor who is not certified, you are taking a serious risk. There are no warranties or guarantees that will help you recover your investment.

If you are a homeowner looking for the best contractor services, you are going to get much better results by hiring contractors who have been properly certified. This is going to save you both time and money.

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