Finding an honest and reliable roofer in Central Florida can be overwhelming. How will you choose the best one that will meet your expectations and requirements. The last thing you want to find out before a hurricane, is that your roofer took shortcuts and had poor quality workmanship.
Here are a few questions to ask the roofer to determine if they are suitable
How long have you been in business?
Doing a little homework goes a long way. A local roofer who has been in business for many years, is the best choice. Don’t just take someone’s word, look them up in the BBB. Make sure their information they give you matches with what you find online. You don’t want a company that goes from place to place because of poor quality work.
Do they have the proper license and insurance?
It is important a company has the necessary license and insurance for your city and state. They both should be up to date and active. Without insurance, the home or business owner can be held responsible for any injuries that take place. Which can mean hundreds if not thousands of dollars in medical bills for someone else.
Do they use subcontractors?
Subcontractors are a red flag! This means there isn’t a guarantee of the quality or efficiency of the work. You want to ensure the you know who will be doing the work.
How long will the job take?
An experienced contractor should have a clear timeline and have a good expectation of when the job will be completed. Void any unforeseen circumstances.
What type of warranty comes with the roof?
Make sure your roofer gives you a warrantee on both the materials and workmanship, and what it includes.
What makes Schick Roofing a step above the rest
At Schick Roofing our warranties cover both workmanship and materials. Depending on the roofing material, the length of the warranty may differ. For example, the GAF Golden Pledge Limited Warranty, covers materials for up to 50 years, wind speeds up to 130 mph (which would typically be experienced in a category 3 hurricane), and it also covers workmanship for 25 years.
Finding any type of damage to your roof can be alarming, but having a trusted roofer can make it easier. As a leader in the industry, our goal at Schick Roofing is to repair any water leaks in your roof and install new roofs that can stand up to the wear and tear of the Central Florida harsh weather for decades
"I believe the only way to deliver the best possible product and customer service is to have my finger on the pulse of each and every job. This is why you will see me, the actual license holder, inspect your job daily so that you can expect the highest quality work on your home or business." Paul Schick owner.
The afternoon thunderstorms in Orlando can be very strong, including torrential rain, damaging wind, and even hail. Though roofs in Central Florida are designed for harsh weather, over time, high winds can take its toll. The more damage your roof sustains during previous storms, the less likely it will hold up as well during the next one.
The Hurricane Retrofit Guide by Florida Disaster warns home and business owners:
Sooner or later, all roofing needs to be replaced. If shingles are old and worn, patching or limited repairs won't help when a hurricane strikes. If you know how long it has been since your shingles were replaced, that is a good starting point.
While many of the better products come with limited warranties for 25, 30 years or more, the hot sunny Florida climate conspires to shorten that life span.
Ultraviolet rays break down the asphalt used to bind the stone granules to the top surface and heat bakes the shingles causing the components to break down and the shingles to become brittle and lose strength. The standard 3-tab shingles used in the past were typically rated for only 15 years. In addition, most if not all of the older warranties were voided for hurricanes.
The most vulnerable and exposed part of your home is the roof. During a storm, high winds can lift the shingle, breaking the sealing strip. Though the shingle lays back down after the storm and look fine, if it was compromised leakage can occur. Storms can also cause the protective granules to fall off, making the roof vulnerable during the next storm.
Be Prepared Before the Next Storm Hits
It is important to have a roofing company you can trust. Schick roofing is a leader in the industry, we are proud to provide our customers with an honest and accurate assessment of their roof. Unfortunately, roofing materials can deteriorate quickly in the extreme Florida weather, our experienced professionals can guide you through the proper action to help keep your roof functioning at its maximum potential.
At Schick Roofing our goal is to provide affordable and professional roofing service to both residential homes and commercial business throughout the Dr. Phillips, Clermont, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Lake Nona, and Southwest Orlando area.
Contact Schick Roofing today to request an estimate.
In last week's blog we talked about the steps home and business owners need to take for a healthy roof that operates efficiently. Here are a few more steps to make certain you get a long life out of your roof.
Know where most trouble starts
The typical trouble spots here in Central Florida are leaks around flashing, damage to asphalt shingles and tiles, broken or cracked roof vents, leaky skylights and damage from satellite dishes, and clogged gutters.
Roof flashing is added around openings, such as skylights, chimneys, and valleys, where two sections of the roof come together. Typically made of rubber, plastic, or metal. Weather, corrosion, and debris, can cause flashing to fail. It should be replaced before it is comprised and causes a leak.
Both shingles and tiles protect your roof, but like everything else they don’t last forever. Over time the intense heat, high winds, hail, and tree branches, all take a toll, causing damage. Some indications include, shingle granules on the ground, roofing material that is curling, split, missing, or cracked.
Vents are an important element of every roof. They allow an exchange of air, necessary for proper insulation. Some look like small twirling turbines, others just like pipes popping up out of the roof. They are installed with screws, if they become loose or start to rust, they can cause a leak. Vents made from plastic can crack or break. While metal vents can separate at the seams.
Satellite dishes and skylights can both be very functional, but they are also a common source of water leaks. Whether it is improper installation, corrosion, or decay, they can cause a lot of damage.
It doesn’t take much in our tropical environment for our gutters to get clogged. Instead of taking water away from a building, water becomes trapped, making its way under shingles, causing mold and damaging the plywood underneath.
The importance of being proactive
Even a short delay in our hot, humid environment can turn a small issue into an expensive problem. Exposure to the elements, mold and mildew, decayed materials, higher labor costs, elevated energy costs, interior damage, not to mention the insects and rodents that are attracted to this type of situation.
The cost of emergency repairs is typically three to nine times higher than preventative repairs. Most warranties require proactive maintenance. You can think of it like an oil change for your car's engine. The cost of ignoring it can be without doubt to high to ignore.
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.
A GAF Master Elite contractor means all the screening and research is done for you. You know the contractor you are working with is fully licensed, adequately insured, uphold a quality reputation, and provide expert roofers.
It also means Schick Roofing is highly reputable, dependable, delivers the highest quality installation, and able to offer GAF’s top warranties, which are backed by North America’s largest roofing manufacturer.
As the Coronavirus has many of us staying at home, it's a great opportunity to get a few of those home projects done. With hurricane season just around the corner, it is a good idea to make sure your roof is ready. But where do you start?
Roof Inspection
A roof inspection will catch a problem in the early stages. For example, finding a small leak can be easily repaired, but if is allowed to go undetected, it could end up compromising the integrity of your roof.
During an inspection, basic roofing maintenance can be taken care of, which is required for most warranties. They can also clear any debris off the roof, which can also save tons of money down the road.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
If your roof needs an inspection or you suspect damage, contact the roofing experts at Schick Roofing. As a leader in the industry, we provide our customers with an honest and accurate assessment of their roof and affordable services.
Take A Good Roof At Your Roof Both Outside And Inside
You don't need to get up on your roof and walk around, but if you have a pair of binoculars it may make it easier to look at your roof.
On the outside of the roof look for and broken, warped or missing shingles, nails that have popped up, buckling or curling shingles, rust spots on flashing, and a large amount of granules in the gutter.
On the inside of your home, look for any stains or water spots on the ceiling. In the attic look for any wet insulation or the sunlight shining through.
Clean Your Gutters
Definitely not a fun job, but it is imperative to clean your gutters before a hurricane. Clean all the debris and leaves from the downspouts and gutter. If water starts backing up on your roof, it can end up leaking into your house.
Trim Your Trees
Trees near your home and branches hanging over your roof can be especially dangerous during a storm. It doesn't take much for a strong wind to snap a sick tree limb and damage your roof. These winds can also cause debris to build up on the roof, causing moisture to deterioration. Which can lead to a host of problems, such as roof rot.
Look Through Your Insurance Policy
Now is the time to review your homeowner's policy, see what is covered, what isn't, and what your deductible is. A high deductible may make it difficult to afford a new roof, especially with everything going on at the time.
Know your options when it comes to choose a roofing contractor. It's important to choosing one who is looking out for your best interest. The color, style, and material you choose can affect your investment and resale value of your home or business.
Choosing the wrong roofing contractor can be a nightmare. While choosing the right roofing service can save you tons of money and frustration.
Here Are A Few Questions To Ask
Is the company rated with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? We've all heard the story on the news, a roofing company came in after a big storm promising to fix a roof for next to nothing, then they either use leftover materials, have poor quality workmanship or worse take the money and run. Do some research and look the company up on the BBB website. Make sure they have an A or A+ rating. If they are not certified by the BBB, don't use them.
Does the company have any manufacturer designations? In order for a company to earn a manufacture designation they must pass stringent requirements to become factory certified. It is often considered their badge of honor. Some manufacturers only allow a very small percentage of contractors to be recognized per market.
Does the roofer have local referrals? Choosing a contractor within your community with local referrals will mean less of a chance of being scammed or getting poor quality workmanship.
Does the company have the proper insurance and licensing? Though a license is required, this does not stop many fly by night unlicensed companies from soliciting work. Not having proper insurance can lead to issues down the road, such as litigation if an accident happens on the job site.
Schick Roofing is one of Orlando's most recognized roofing services. With an A+ accreditation from the BBB and GAF Certified. Also, don't forget to check out our reviews on yelp.
When it comes to your Central Florida roof, every home and business owner should know their options. Choose a roofing contractor that is looking out for your best interest not their bottom line, isn't always easy! The material you choose, manufacture, color, and style, all affects your investment and resale value.
Schick Roofing is one of Orlando's most recognized roofing services. With an A+ accreditation from the BBB and GAF Certified. Also, don't forget to check out our reviews on Google.
But don't take our word for it, just look at our latest reviews
I’ve used a few different roofing companies for several of my properties, and Schick was by far the best in terms of professionalism, easy to work with, follow up, communication, and overall quality of work. They completed my roof 2 weeks after my initial estimate meeting and the roof was completed in 2 days. Having kids who play in the yard, their thorough clean up and extensive sweep of the yard for nails was unlike any I’ve ever seen. I chose this company because of their numerous 5 star ratings and there is a reason for it. They are amazing.
Kris Boyce
After careful research and evaluation, we ordered our complete tile roof replacement , with Paul Schick in November 2019. I could not have made a better decision ! Every facet of the job was performed and documented from start to finish. From the quality of the materials, to the professionalism of the work force, and the attention to detail was outstanding. The time frame for completion was exact and when the job was complete the job site was so clean it was as if they had never been here. I seldom write reviews, but in this case I felt obligated to make an exception. The attention to detail (County Permits-HOA Specifications- scrap roof removal- etc ) things I never thought of, were all taken care of. As a business owner myself , I am totally Impressed with the professionalism and workmanship of this company. Kudos
Jack Reddien Granada Villas
As we approach Spring here in Central Florida, the big question many people ask, Should I repair or replace my roof? You may have been putting off those small, not so obvious repairs, hoping they would resolve themselves, but now is the time to take care of them.
The answer, Can I get by with repairing the damage on my roof or do I need to replace it? Depends on a couple of things.
How Old Is Your Roof?
If your roof is over 20 years old and having some issues, it may be wise to invest in a new roof. If your roof is less than 20 years old and is expected to have 10 to 15 more years of service, repairing it may be most cost effective.
What Type Of Damage Does Your Roof Have?
If you have a shingle missing as a result of one of Central Florida's torrential downpours, replacing it may be all that is needed. But if you are missing several shingles, noticed lots of granules missing or some of the shingles are buckling or curling, you may be better off replacing the roof.
What Are Your Budgetary Needs?
Obviously, a repair or patch will be less expensive than a new roof. But if you are looking for an approach that will enable you to 'fix it and forget it', then a new one may be best.
If the damage to the roof is just in one area and a simple patch won't do, you may consider a partial re-roofing. Keep in mind, it may not blend seamlessly with the existing roof and it can end up costing more per square basis than a new roof.
Repair the Problems or Replace the Roof?
An experienced roofer can easily save you money by knowing what can be salvaged and what can't (especially if your home is older). Your roof may just need a few repairs instead of replacing. Schick Roofing provides inspections to determine your roof's remaining life expectancy and assessment.
Knowing Your Family And Home Are Protected Is Priceless!
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.
Contact Schick Roofing Today For More Information
It can be a tough question, should you repair your existing roof or replace it? Your roof is a big investment and plays an important role in your home or business. Here are a few things to consider.
When Is Repairing The Best Option?
If you are contemplating repairing your roof, consider these factors:
Not much damage: in cases where replacing a few shingles is enough to repair the damage. Whether it is damage sustained by a storm, intense wind, or a falling branch from a tree, it is important to have a professional inspect the extent of the destruction. There may be more damage lying beneath, to the felt underlayment, decking, or flashing.
Area that needs repair: A good rule of thumb, if your roof needs less than 30%, repairs may be the economical choice. If the area is larger, you may be better off replacing the roof. Considering it probably won’t cost more and you won’t have to worry about it for many years.
How old is the roof: If your roof is over 20 years old and find yourself having issues, it may be wise to invest in a new roof. If your roof is less than 20 years old and is expected to have 10 to 15 more years of service, it may best to repair the damage.
When Is Replacing The Best Option?
Extensive damage: If there is sizable damage, over 30%, the roofing underlayment has been compromised or several shingles damage over a large area, it may be more cost efficient to replace the roof.
Age of the roof: if your roof is over 20 years old and seen better days, it is probably time to replace it. A roof inspection can let know the life expectancy of your roof.
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.
Our roof plays a big part in protecting our home, family, employees, and guests. Just a small fault, a few raised shingles, a leak in the flashing, using low grade materials, or poor installation, can easily lead to water damage, structural issues, dangerous mold, and increase your heating and cooling cost.
To avoid investing money in costly repairs and make sure your roof stands the test of time, ensure you make it’s done right the first time!
Choose the Right Materials
Though it may not seem that difficult, there are a lot of different variations when it comes to roofing materials. Depending on the type of roof, how big of a slop, and other elements, they all play a part in what type of roofing material is best.
Whatever you do, don’t make the decision based only on the price. Most home and business owners regret skimping on roofing materials. It pays to get a professional opinion, especially here in Central Florida.
Underlayment
The underlayment is the foundation of the roof. It acts as a second layer of protection for the decking, but still allows moisture to be released from inside the home and allows the deck to breath. It also acts as a secondary drainage plane, directing water away from vulnerable places such as joints and seams.
Unlike the traditional felt underlayment, synthetic is designed aid the ventilation process, provides superior waterproofing, and even seals around nails.
Flashing
Also an integral part of your roof, flashing is a weather resistant barrier system placed in valley areas, vents, chimney, and skylights. Due to the intense heat from the sun, high winds, and large amount of water flow, it's typically where water leaks are found.
Poor installation, low quality materials, and cutting corners, is a recipe for disaster, so choose your roofer wisely!
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.
A GAF Master Elite contractor means all the screening and research is done for you. You know the contractor you are working with is fully licensed, adequately insured, uphold a quality reputation, and provide expert roofers.
It also means Schick Roofing is highly reputable, dependable, delivers the highest quality installation, and able to offer GAF’s top warranties, which are backed by North America’s largest roofing manufacturer.
We all know the importance of preparing for a storm or hurricane, but knowing what to do once it has passed is just as important.
High winds don’t just happen in hurricanes, our afternoon thunderstorms are notorious for lifting, curling, tearing and even ripping off roofing shingles. Once a shingle is lifted the bond holding them together is broken. Leaving the underlayment or roof deck exposed to wind driven rain and the destructive elements.
Hail is all too common with strong storms here in Central Florida. Leaving pockmarks and dents in shingles. They also allow the protective granules to dislodge, leaving your roof unprotected against the damaging rain and sun.
Here is a helpful checklist letting you know what to look for after a storm
Start off by walking around your home to access any roof damage. Take pictures of any obvious signs, such as missing, curled, or torn shingles.
Be aware of any hidden roof damage. Though shingles may appear normal, look for dents in roof vents and gutters, they be concealing damage. Be alert to any torn screens, loose weatherstripping, or cracked windows.
Damage can be very sneaky. Then look for any water spots or leaks on the ceiling inside your home. With a flashlight in hand, check the attic, look for wet areas, a musty odor, or any light shining through.
Find a roofer you can trust. There are a lot of contractors in the Central Florida area, but not all of them are the same.
At Schick Roofing, integrity and a high standard work ethic is paramount to our business and the way we treat our customers. Direct customer testimonials say it all.
We are proud to be a GAF Master Elite Certified, have an A+ BBB rating, great reviews, licensed and insured. We're happy to provide estimates and take the time to show you and explain any damage to your roof before asking you to sign anything.