What Do Roofers Do?

Roofers In South Jersey install, replace and repair roofs on homes and commercial buildings. Their workplace environment may vary depending on the nature of the project.

Roofers

Installation projects involve installing underlayment and roofing materials such as shingles, tiles or metal panels. Roofers also perform standard maintenance tasks like repairing leaks and filling holes.

Roofers offer a variety of services for residential homes, including installation and repairs. They often work directly with homeowners, helping them navigate insurance claims and finding financing options. They also have an understanding of a wide range of roofing materials and can advise homeowners on what types would best suit their needs.

Some Roofers are what’s known as “storm chasers,” traveling to areas that have been hit hard by weather to offer their services. They typically pitch their services during or right after a storm, and they can help homeowners through the insurance process. They may also provide a sales person who will be your point of contact until the job is done.

Commercial

Commercial roofers work on large-scale buildings and may use different materials than residential roofs. These can include steel, aluminum, concrete shingles or tiles. These roofs are usually designed to withstand heavy winds, snow and rain.

A commercial roofer often works with engineering firms, roof consultants and property managers who demand specific flat roofing products such as EPDM, PVC or TPO. In addition, commercial roofers are experienced with the complexities of high-rise buildings that require special equipment to hoist material and tools to the roof’s surface.

Keeping strong relationships with clients is key to winning business. Skujins says he avoids projects where the client will give out his number to several different people for quotes. He tells his point of contact he’ll deal with them directly, which helps him maintain a solid relationship and prevents confusion on the job site.

Unlike residential roofers who are typically paid by the hour, many commercial roofers are paid per square foot. This means it can be easier for an inexperienced commercial roofer to lose money on a job and go out of business. This is why Skujins suggests new commercial roofers start bidding on smaller jobs that are less expensive to win.

Storm Chaser

If a roofing contractor shows up at your door uninvited and claims to have seen damage to your roof, that is a major red flag. Roofing contractors typically work through referrals or advertising, and they do not just randomly show up after storms. If you get a call from someone claiming to have seen your damage and wants to do an assessment, tell them you will reach out to your insurance company and preferred local roofer for a quote.

Storm chasers are opportunists who travel around the country following natural disasters to make money on repair jobs. They typically prey on people’s emotional and financial vulnerabilities in a stressful situation. These opportunists will often arrive in town after a storm and offer to fix roofs for low prices. They will usually accept insurance claim checks and may use cheap materials or shoddy workmanship in order to quickly turn around their jobs and leave the area.

Some of these companies will even go so far as to create false damage on the spot in order to inflate an insurance claim. For example, they might try to stomp on the roof with their feet or use golf balls or other heavy objects to create dents and damage. These opportunistic companies are also known to overcharge for their services and take advantage of homeowners who are stressed after a storm.

One of the most significant issues with storm chasers is their lack of knowledge of local building codes and regulations. Since they are typically working in unfamiliar areas, their repairs are frequently not up to par and do not comply with industry standards. This can lead to additional problems down the road for the homeowner, such as leaks or other serious issues that could have been prevented with proper installation.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most of the time, when a storm chaser comes to do an inspection, they are not going to be able to offer any type of warranty for their services. This is because they are not a permanent fixture in the community, so they won’t be around to help if you run into any problems with your roof down the line. In contrast, a local roofer will be able to provide you with a warranty that you can depend on.

Retail Sales

Some roofers offer a service layer on top of the standard roofing services. They provide a dedicated point person who will answer your questions and interface with the crew for you. They also offer zero-interest financing. This type of roofer is large enough to have a customer service department and multiple crews available. They often offer a variety of materials at different prices and are flexible with pricing.

During the sales process, learn about your customers’ goals for their homes. For example, a new kitchen may encourage home chefs or an added deck might make outdoor entertaining easier. Helping them understand how your roofs can help them reach those goals makes the sale easier for you.

Storm chasers are roofing companies that follow storms. They travel to areas that have been hit by a hurricane, tornado, hail storm or other natural disaster and offer roof inspections. Once they have a lead, they’ll give the homeowner an insurance estimate and help them through the insurance process. This type of roofer is typically not as competitive with pricing as other roofing companies. They also aren’t able to serve you after your roof has been fixed since they are focused on working with insurance companies.

The Importance of Roofing Maintenance

Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. Without regular maintenance, small problems like leaks and shingle damage can become major problems that require costly repairs.

Roofing

A roof inspection helps nip these issues in the bud. These include identifying and repairing areas of energy loss, removing moss growth, and addressing blocked gutters. Contact Palm Coast Roofers for professional help.

The gutter system is one of the most important components of the roof. It protects the foundation of the house, prevents water damage, and helps control erosion. Regular inspections of the gutter system should be made to ensure they are functioning properly.

A thorough inspection should include checking the following:

Examine Debris: The inspector should check that there are no clogs in the gutters and downspouts by running a hose over the system. They should also examine the gutters for signs of rust, looseness, and separation. If necessary, the inspector should clean the gutters and downspouts using a ladder and a scoop. The gutters should be free of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt that can cause blockages. A good quality gutter scoop makes this job much easier and safer.

Observe Water Flow: The inspector should inspect the downspouts to make sure they are working correctly and are directing water away from the house. If they are not, the gutters may need to be extended or redirected. The inspector should also look for any areas where the downspouts are leaking into the fascia board and recommend repair or replacement as needed.

Inspect Leaks: The inspector should look for any leaks around the gutter seams, joints, and end caps. If there are any cracks or gaps, the inspector should repair them with caulking or sealant. The inspector should also examine the flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights, and any other area where the gutter meets the structure of the home.

Pest Infestations: The stagnant water and moist, softened debris in clogged gutters often become attractive hangouts for pests. These pests can cause a variety of problems, including rodent infestations that lead to health and structural issues, as well as mold and mildew.

When the gutters are clogged, they can overflow and force water down onto the roof and into the walls of the house. This water can cause rot and leaks that will require expensive repairs. It can also create puddles that can seep into the basement and saturate the soil around the foundation, resulting in basement flooding. The extra moisture can also stain the side panels of the house. The best way to avoid these problems is to have the gutters cleaned regularly.

Trim the Trees

Trees are a beautiful part of any landscape, but they can also cause damage to your roof if left unattended. Many homeowners do not realize the potential risks of trees that overhang their home, but these branches can scrape against roofing materials during storms, damaging shingles and causing leaks. The best way to protect your roof is by regularly trimming the trees surrounding your house, but this is a job that is better left for professionals rather than homeowners who don’t have the proper tools and training.

A properly trimmed tree will allow the maximum amount of sunshine to reach your roof, which will help prevent moss growth and speed up the time it takes for your roof to dry after rainstorms. It will also reduce the risk of pests using trees to access your roof, and it can prevent moisture from building up underneath shingles or on the surface of your roof.

If you have any overhanging or obstructive tree limbs, it’s best to contact a professional, as this is a dangerous job that requires the use of a ladder and safety equipment. A skilled arborist can safely remove these limbs without harming the health of the tree or causing structural damage to your roof.

In addition to reducing the risk of damage, proper tree pruning will also increase your home’s curb appeal and add value to your property. By keeping the trees around your home well-trimmed, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of natural shade and windbreaks while maintaining the safety and integrity of your roof.

Aside from the potential for physical damage, overhanging tree branches can also make it difficult to clean your gutters. This can lead to clogged gutters and water running off your roof, which in turn can lead to ice dams that damage your roof over the winter. In addition, some branches can break off during a storm and fall onto your roof, which is why it is important to keep an eye on the growth of the trees near your home on a regular basis and trim them as needed.

Inspect the Flashing

The flashing is a key component of your roof and is the only barrier between the interior of your home and the elements. This is why it is important to inspect the flashing on your roof regularly. During your inspection, look for signs of cracking or warping of the metal flashing. Also, check that it is secure and not loose, as this can allow water to penetrate the roof. You should also check for gaps in the areas of the flashing where it meets other materials like shingles or skylights.

Flashing is typically made of rust-resistant aluminum or galvanized steel and is a series of thin strips of metal that run along the junctions of your roof and walls. Flashing is especially important at the joints where the roof meets a wall, a chimney or vent, and around skylights.

If you find that the flashing is damaged or has a leak, it will need to be replaced immediately. Leaking flashing can cause extensive damage to the roofing system and your home. You should be able to identify the source of the leak by looking for water stains directly below the area of the roof where the flashing is located, or you may see water stains in your ceilings or walls, depending on where the leak is coming from.

Leaking flashing is a common problem and can be caused by a variety of issues. Some common causes include improper installation, corrosion of the metal, and weather damage. Improper installation may occur when the flashing is not angled or sloped properly to ensure proper water flow and drainage. Additionally, corrosion of the flashing can be caused by corrosive chemicals from algae and other plant growth, which can degrade the sealant.

Another common cause of flashing leaks is when the flashing is not secured to the roof or the wall. This is usually due to the installer not using the right type of fastener or caulking. Flashing should be secured with caulk or roofing nails to keep it in place and prevent it from lifting or separating from the roof. The best way to prevent leaks in the flashing is to conduct regular inspections and make repairs as needed. By doing this, you can catch small problems before they turn into major repairs that could cost you thousands of dollars.

Inspect the Attic

An experienced Phoenix roofer doesn’t stop with the shingles; a thorough inspection includes the attic. Inspecting the attic provides valuable clues as to how well your roof was constructed. It’s essential that it be properly ventilated to prevent heat and moisture from damaging the rafters and sheathing. Poor construction, lack of ventilation, or both can lead to mold and rot – all serious roofing problems.

Insulation is vital to a healthy roof system, not only because it keeps living spaces comfortable, but also because it prevents energy loss and reduces the strain on your heating and cooling systems. An experienced roofer will look for signs of improper insulation, such as gaps or bald spots. Also, they’ll check the condition of the attic framing to ensure that it’s adequate for the weight and structure of the roof.

Inspecting the attic should always include looking for signs of pests, especially rodent droppings and chewed materials. Rodents and other pests can damage insulation and cause structural problems. They can also contribute to a clogged attic drain, which can cause ponding and other serious issues.

A good roofer will also examine the attic floor for water stains and mildew, which are indications of leaks. In addition, they’ll check the attic vents to make sure they’re intact and properly directing moisture and fumes to the outside. They’ll also inspect the valleys of your roof and the areas around skylights and chimneys.

The attic is a dangerous place for the uninitiated, so it’s best to have an experienced roofer conduct the inspection. However, if you must go into the attic yourself, be sure to wear a dust mask and exercise extreme caution. Also, be sure to clear any debris from the attic floor such as insulation, leaves, and twigs, which can retain water and promote mold growth. If you find any rotting or warping in the attic floor, it’s crucial that you call a roofer right away to address these issues. The longer they are left unchecked, the more severe the problem will be.