Shopping around for an Orlando roofer can be frustrating. With so many of them out there, how do you know you’re getting a quality roofing contractor, durable materials, and not being taken advantage of?
Here are a few questions to ask your roofer before they begin work.
Are you insured and licensed?
It is essential that you vet a contractor’s insurance and licensed before you sign a contract. While it is necessary to have a contractor’s licensed in the state of Florida, many people find an outside licensed holder to get around this legality. The license holder does not oversee the day to day activity.
Equally important is that the company is properly insured. Unfortunately, it is a common practice here in Florida to cut corners to avoid the high cost of insurance. This can end up costing you a lot more than you anticipated.
Do you use subcontractors?
Skilled labor is not always easy to find, which is why some roofing contractors use subcontractors. It can also save them some money. But using subcontractor typically means no quality control, poor workmanship and warranties not honored.
Are you involved in the community?
When a business is involved in the community, it says a lot about them. Schick Roofing is proud to support the Helping Hometown Heroes initiative by giving a free commercial roofing service in appreciation of their dedication to the community.
Why Choose Schick Roofing?
Schick Roofing goes beyond the minimum standards required by the state. We are fully licensed, insured, and have also been selected by GAF to Be in The top 2% in the Country as Master Elite Roofing Installer!
"Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others). GAF strictly enforces their top designation by only allowing 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite Contractors," GAF
Schick Roofing is licensed, FL General Contractor: #CGC1512559 FL Roofing Contractor: CCC1328181. There are never any hidden fees and recommend an appropriate, accurate, and an affordable long term solution.
Your roof is an important element for your home, both aesthetically and protection. As a trusted roofing contractor in Central Florida, Schick Roofing we believe the right shingles can make all the difference.
The right roofing shingles will ensure your roof lasts a very long time, as well as, complement your home’s appearance and add value. Factors include, energy efficiency and architectural style of your home.
The last thing you want is skyrocketing energy bills
The color of your roofing shingles can affect the temperature of your home. Easily increasing the temperature in the attic by 20 to 40 degrees. Which can significantly increase the cost to cool your home.
Light brown or tan shingles are great at reflecting sunlight and keeping your home cooler, when compared to black or dark grey shingles.
What color shingle will compliment the elements of your home?
Gray shingles work well with a blue or gray building.
A mix of tan or brown shingles match a tan or brown colored home.
Dark grey gives a white house a traditional look.
What color shingle will add value to your home
Neutral colored shingles seem to always stay in style and have a high resale value.
For a more modern feel, choose a shingle that has a combination of similar tones.
A shingle that is a similar color to your home will hide any defects. While a shingle that contrast your home will highlight any features.
If you are looking for a trendier colors consider GAF American Harvest or GAF Designer Shingles
The Importance of having Sufficient Attic Ventilation
Whether it's the intense summer humid heat radiating down through your ceiling, increasing the energy and cost to keep your home cool and comfortable. Or, heat getting trapped in the attic in the cooler months, creating condensation and the possibility of mold.
Choose a Roofing Shingles that are Durable and will Lasting a Long Time
When properly installed, roofing shingles are a very durable material that can protect your property from the Central Florida elements for about the next twenty years. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of installation and the grade of shingle.
For instance, GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, offers several types of shingles, from Timberline with a lifetime limited warranty (the #1 selling shingles), Designer shingles with exceptional durability and luxury, Impact-Resistance & Cool/Reflective shingles for specialty performance, and Three Tab shingles which are easy on the wallet. Higher end shingles tend to have better wind resistance rating and have a longer lifespan.
In last week’s blog we talked about what to look for when hiring an Orlando area roofer. GAF, North America Largest Roofing Manufacturer . Makes it easy to find a local budget friendly roofer you can trust. Because a quality roof starts with a reliable local roofer.
GAF suggest asking your roofer these questions:
Understand installation plan, clean up and costs
Local codes and ordinances
Who will obtain the permit?
Are permit costs included?
Will you conduct an inspection before and after doing the work?
Product choices
How many shingle choices do you offer?
Are they listed by the brand and manufacturer’s name?
What warranties can you offer?
Can you tell me the differences (like construction, texture, UL fire rating) between the product options?
Estimates and payment
Does the estimate list the product name and color?
What are the payment terms? (It’s typical to pay one-third of the cost up front. Resist anyone asking you to pay for it all in advance.)
How do you accept payment? (Pay by check or credit card, not cash.)
How do I pay my insurance deductible? (Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without you having to pay your insurance deductible may be committing insurance fraud and/or putting you at risk. Check out more tips for dealing with insurance here.)
Clean-up and inspection
Will you be conducting daily clean up?
How will they make sure your yard and home stay free from stray nails and other debris?
Who will inspect the job and when will that be?
Scheduling
How far out the roofing contractor is scheduling?
How many days will the project take?
What might cause possible delays in the schedule?
Is there a no-later-than finish date?
When you choose a GAF factory-certified roofing contractor*, you know you’re getting the best in the business. Only 2% of roofing contractors in North America are GAF Master Elite®, a certification they renew every year. Plus, every GAF-certified contractor offers superior protection with the GAF Lifetime Roofing System, and have access to enhanced warranties, backed by GAF. This certification requires the contractor to be
Schick Roofing is proud to be one of the few roofing companies here in Central Florida who have earned the GAF Master Elite contractor certification. It is such a distinguished achievement that only the top 3% of roofers throughout the country have obtained such an accomplishment.
The professionals at Schick Roofing can help you make the best cost effective solution for your roof. We are proud to offer accurate and honest roof assessments at an affordable price.
Contact Schick Roofing today for more information and an appointment.
Thinking about having your roof repaired or replaced before the rainy and hurricane season hits Central Florida? If you google “roofer near me” you can get thousands of results, but how do you know which one to choose? You want a quality roof, but you don’t want it to break the bank.
It is important to choose a reputable and honest roofer. Besides being a lot of scam artists in today's industry, a fly by night construction crew can end up causing more damage and end up costing more in repairs.
A Good Reputation Matters
Do your homework, research local roofing companies. Go on line an look up their reviews on Yelp, Facebook, Google, testimonials and their Better Business Bureau (BBB) score. Are they members of any roofing organizations such as GAF, North American's Largest Roofing Manufacturer or Central Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (CFRSA).
Choose a Roofer that is Local
Make sure the roofing business is not only local but has a permanent place of business here in Orlando. Companies who operate out of other cities or even states often times just disappear after a job is done. Which means if your roof starts to leak just a couple of weeks into the rainy season, they are long gone.
Ensure the Company is Insured and Licensed
It is never wise to hire an unlicensed contractor. If something happens there is very little repercussions, from structural damage to a leaky roof, you will have to foot the bill for another contractor to fix their mistakes. Also, make sure they have insurance, all it takes is one worker to slip and fall, then it is you and your insurance company taking care of things.
If it Sounds too Good to be True, it Probably Is.
Price isn't everything. Have you ever bought something and thought it was a fantastic price just to get home and realize why it was so cheap. A quality roof is an investment that can last over 20 years. The fact is, you get what you pay for. So, if you call around and find a roofing service that is significantly lower than anyone else's, it should raise some red flags.
Whether your roof needs replacing or just some repairs, Make sure it is a quality roofing service you can trust. Contact Schick Roofing for more information.
Check back with us next week, as we discuss important questions to ask a roofing contractor before you hire them
If you are thinking about having your Orlando home or business re-roofed, there are many things to think about. One of them is roofing underlayment. Your roof is a big investment and protects your home against Central Florida's thunderstorms, so make sure you know what's going on it.
Roofing underlayment protects your home from wind driven rain and rising moisture
Hot moisture is created in every home from everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and laundry.
Exhaust fans take most of the moist air into the attic, then vents in the attic take it outside. The rest of the heat rises and ends up going through building materials and your roof deck.
Some of this warm moisture escapes completely through the asphalt roofing, while the rest is trapped between the roof deck and asphalt shingle. This consistent wet environment can wreck havoc and rot the wood roof deck. That's where roofing underlayment comes into play, it acts as a vapor barrier, protecting your roof. It is also an additional layer of protection against wind driven rain that can end up under asphalt shingles.
Traditional felt roofing underlayment was at one time considered a good way to protect a roof against the elements. With the advancements in technology, it has led the way to synthetic underlayment, such as GAF's Tigerpaw, Certainteed Diamond Deck and Atlas Summit 60. Designed to aid in the ventilation process and prolong the life of your roof.
For instance, traditional felt underlayment is susceptible to shattering when secured with the impact of a nail gun. When a nail penetrates synthetic underlayment it seals around it, providing superior waterproofing and significantly extending the lifespan of your roof.
Synthetic underlayment with long lasting polymers offers a higher degree of weather protection, durability, strength, long lasting and enhanced water resistance.
When it comes to your roof, being proactive can save you tons of money. There is a lot to consider if you're thinking about replacing your roof.
Contact Schick Roofing for more information and an estimate on affordable residential & commercial roofing services.
Schick Roofing is Orlando's premier roofing service, we believe an educated consumer is not only the best consumer, but also saves the most money on quality roofing. Understanding the basics can help ensure your roof functions properly. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our clients.
How will I know my roof needs to be replaced?
Inspect your roof, look for any curled or missing shingles, and for any loose granules. Also look for any signs of damage or wear and tear around the chimney, vents, flashing and valleys. Look inside the attic for any water damage or discoloration on the ceiling. Just because you find a leak, it doesn't necessarily mean the entire roof needs replacing. If you have any questions when inspecting your roof, feel free to contact Schick Roofing.
Will my roof last longer if I have light colored shingles?
Though lighter color shines don't attract as much heat as darker colored shingles, as long as the roof is well ventilated it should have a long life span. Today's technology is leading the way roofing materials that have a longer lifespan, energy friendly, can withstand Central Florida's extreme weather, they can even keep you and your family safe during a disaster.
When is the best time to have my roof replaced?
Typically the cooler months in Central Florida are the best time to have your roof repaired or replaced. Though a roof can be successfully installed any time of year, fall and winter months in Central Florida tend to be a dryer time of year, keeping your roof dry during installation, lending to a longer lifespan.
With routine maintenance, the average roof in Orlando should have a life span between 20 and 25 years. It is important to regularly inspect your roof and repair any damages before they become big problems. As a roof ages, severe weather and poor installation, can all cause costly problems.
If you have any questions about your roof, please contact Schick Roofing.
Is your Orlando area roof showing signs of age? Have you noticed a water leak, but don’t want to spend the money on replacing your entire roof. Maybe you don’t have to.
When it comes to replacing or repairing your roof there are a few points to consider.
Your first choice as a homeowner maybe to just patch or repair the damaged section or leak and hoping for the best. But this may not be the best solution for your roof or wallet.
Ask yourself these few questions about your roof
What is your roof made of, is it more than 15 years old?
Has your roof needed several repairs over the last couple of years?
Does the roof have a substantial leak?
Is the roof exposed to extreme sunlight?
If you have answered yes to even one of these questions it may be more cost effective to have your roof replaced.
Today's energy efficient and advanced roofing materials will not only protect your roof better, it can save you money on the utility bill.
So, the question, should you replace or repair your roof?
If you ask many roofing contracts here in Central Florida they may talk you into replacing the entire roof. That isn't the case with Schick Roofing. We have built our reputation on quality and honesty.
Though repairs can extend the life of your roof a couple of years, it can also lead to more damages down the road.
Before spending tons of money on your roof ensure you hire a reputable roofing company.
You can rest assure the professionals at Schick Roofing are just that, we are not going to pressure you into a new roof you don't need or can't afford. We will give you an honest opinion of what is going on with your roof and the best way to service your roof.
Whether your roof needs replacing or just some repairs, Make sure it is a quality roofing service you can trust. Contact Schick Roofing for more information.
You notice damage to your Orlando roof, it could be a missing or lifting shingle, or discoloration on your ceiling, it is important to get it checked out sooner than later. The longer you wait, the more it will cost in repairs. It is always a good idea to take the time and walk around your home or business and visually look for any damaged or missing shingles. If you notice anything not right, it's time to contact Schick Roofing.
Don't wait until the damage gets worse
Those small gaps between shingles, missing or damaged shingles, and other issues, only gets worse with time. Eventually, the water will damage the decking underneath the roofing shingles, insulation, the attic, drywall, and even the foundation. The more severe and widespread the damage, the more expensive it will be to repair.
All this water damage can allow mold spores to grow and rapidly spread. Leaving your home susceptible to mold infestations behind the walls and in the attic.
If you are thinking about having your roof replaced, not is the time to take advantage of the Tax Credit
You can claim a $500 energy tax credit or 10% of the cost of the roof (not including the installation cost) just by installing a heat efficient asphalt or metal roof. There are a few details you need to know, according to House Logic.
- You must use either metal or asphalt roofing materials that are designed to reduce heat gain — the amount of heat transferred into a home.
- Metal roofs must have appropriate pigmented coatings.
- Asphalt roofs must have appropriate cooling granules.
- Asphalt materials can be either traditional shingles or modified bitumen (rolled asphalt sheets).
Don't let a leaky roof steal your holiday spirit! Whether you need a new roof, a roof replacement, or a roof repair, you can count on Schick Roofing for all of your roofing needs.
While decorating your Orlando area home for the most wonderful time of year, avoid damaging your roof. Year after year homeowner unknowingly end up causing harm to their shingles when hanging lights and decorations on their roof.
The Experts at Schick Roofing share a few tips to avoid damaging your roof this holiday season
Avoid using nails
Though a few nails in your roof may seem harmless, it can cause significant damage to your roof. Nails leave behind holes that rain water will eventually find. Instead, invest in plastic hooks or clips with adhesive on the back, it will be a lot less expensive than repairing your roof
Before installing decorations, it is a good time to clean your gutters and roof of any debris, leaves or branches. Also, test any lights or electrical decorations first to ensure they are safe to use.
When installing decorations or lights on your roof, never lift or move the shingles, the seal can easily be broken. You will quickly realize how important that seal was when the next time it rains.
Avoid walking on the roof
If you plan on hanging lights from the outside of your home avoid walking on shingles. The granules on the asphalt shingles are a layer of protection. Walking on the shingles can loosen the granules and even make them fall off.
When the holidays are over and it's time to take the decorations down, it can be very tempting to just pull it down with a few tugs. Since that can damage the roof, it is worth the time and effort to do it right
The Schick Roofing family wishes you and your family a safe and happy holidays. Contact us for all your roofing needs throughout the year
At Schick Roofing, our goal is to ensure your roof is properly protecting your home or business, extending the life of your roof, and provide our customers an honest and accurate assessment of their roof.
Your home’s roofing system should last for decades, with routine maintenance. Taking the time to inspect your roof, especially the problem areas, and making any repairs, can extend the overall lifespan of your roof.
Here is a list to help you identify vulnerable areas on your roof
Fascia
The fascia is the metal or wood trim that runs the length of the lower edge of the roof. It is typically looks like a flat piece of trim, just a little wider than normal trim, but from the same material. The fascia is known as the last line of defense, protecting your rafters and roof line from the elements. It helps keeps the wind and rain from getting under the roof line.
Soffit
The overhang extends past the walls of the house adds an extra layer of protection. The soffit covers under the overhang, without it you would see the eaves and rafters.
It protects the attic and roof deck by blocking moisture, rain, and wind from entering the attic, which can cause significant damage.
Soffits are typically perforated to enable air to circulate and reduce moisture. By eliminating condensation you can avoid issues such as wood rot and mold. Without a soffit, rodents, insects and other pets would gain access to your attic.
Flashing
Most residential and commercial roofs have walls, valleys and other types of edges. These areas are sealed with a product called flashing. Protecting these vulnerable areas from the harsh elements, UV rays, rain, and wind.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, “The primary function of roof flashing is to shed or direct water away from roof edges and penetrations to prevent infiltration into the building. Where visible, it frequently is also an aesthetic component of the building. Flashing can be made from a variety of materials including both metallic and non-metallic ones.”
Whether your roof has damage, leaking or showing signs of age, the professionals at Schick Roofing can help you make the best cost effective solution for your roof. We are proud to offer accurate and honest roof assessments at an affordable price.