Ten Questions You Should Ask Your Residential Roofing Contractor
A wetter than normal spring in the Midwest has meant lots of work for local roofers. Customers have leaks that are out of control, and that's when the work begins. Whether you need a repair or a replacement, you want to get on a list with a roofing company, but finding a reputable roofing company can be like trying to find a fully inflated football at Gilette Stadium. We put together 10 questions that we thought homeowners should ask a residential roofing contractor before they have a new roof installed on their home.
1. Can the roofing contractor Write A Bid or an estimate for my roof?
Get bids from several companies, but don't take the lowest bid. The lowest bid might be low because the comapny uses poor quality materials or does sub-standard work. It's possilbe that he just has low overhead and is able to do quality work, but you should ask how he is able to deliver the same product at a lower cost.
2. How long has the roofing contractor been in business?
A well established company is bound to be around long after your roof has been installed. If they offer a warranty, you need to feel secure that the company will be around to honor the warranty if a problem arises.
3. Is the roofing company licensed and insured?
In most states, it's illegal for a roofing contractor to operate without a license. You need to know if your state requires a license and ask the contractor for proof. Find out whether the company carries insurance, specifically liability and worker's compensation. Uninsured roofers leave you open to all kinds of risk, from damage to your property or personal injury to those working on your property. ALWAYS find out about licensing and insurance.
4. Can you provide me with references?
Any reputable roofing contractor will be more than happy to provide you with a list of previous customers. Just be aware, that the list is a list of satisfied customers. If you've heard or read a negative review, ask them about it. An honest company will probably be both, aware of the situation, and have a logical explanation that will make you feel confortable in choosing them.
5. What is your Better Business Bureau Rating?
This is where any unhappy customers would file a complaint. Remember that any company that deals with a large volume of customers across the spectrum of the population is going to get a few complaints, what's important is HOW they dealt with those unhappy customers' complaints.
6. Who is my contact person?
How are your roofer's communication skills? You want someone who can discuss your project with you and answer all of your questions. Poor communications can lead to misunderstandings, and may bring some unwelcome surprises when the bill comes.
7. do you offer a guarantee?
Although the materials manufacturer usually includes a warranty on its products, that warranty doesn not cover installation. If a problem arises with the installaion or materials, you need to have a written guarantee from the roofing contractor that he will back up his work, and remedy the problem.
8. are the roofing company Employees trained?
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, you've heard that before? A company is only as good as its employees. What kind of training or skill levels does the company demand of its employees? Does the company provide safety training?
9. Does the roofing company's crew clean up the job site?
You may think you're getting a bargain by choosing a less expensive roofer, but if there are old roofing materials to clean up, you don't want that to be your responsibility. It's just not worth it. Some contractors are very good at cleaning up, and will do so as they go, others may wait until the job is complete before they pick up anything. How do you want your property to look while the project is being completed? One stray nail in the yard could injure you or a family pet. Ask questions before the project starts.
10. Do you offer a Written contract?
ALWAYS GET A WRITTEN CONTRACT! We used to conduct business with the shake of a hand, but these days require that you have everything in writing. Make sure that your contract covers the scope of the project to be completed, the materials to be used and their specifications, the dates that the work will begin and the date when the work is expected to be finished. You should also have an itemized list that shows the cost of all of the materials used and the labor involved.
You may not choose Midwest Roofing Services for your residential roofing job, but we stand behind this list and would encourage you to find a residential roofing contractor that meets all of these criteria. We feel confident that we meet or exceed all of the items on this checklist. We would love to be able to offer you a bid on your residential roofing project. Our home base of operations is centered in the Wichita, Kansas area, but we have crews that respond to storms all over the midwest, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri and Arkansas. When a community has been hard hit, we like to come in bring our brand of expertise and knowledge, along with over 60 years of being a family owned business. We couldn't be in business that long without being a trustworthy, ethical company that prides ourself on our workers and their training.
PRIORITY HAIL DAMAGE SERVICE
Fill out the form and you will automatically be added to our listing for priority roofing service for hail damage, storm damage and tornados. Avoid the risk of more damage from subsequent storms, and move to the front of line, get your name on the list now.
Residential Roof Repair: Hire A Professional Roofing Company Or Fix It Yourself?
Every Spring, the Midwest is bombarded by storms, from Texas to Oklahoma; from Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. We all weather the onslaught of Spring's fury. If you're lucky, you have no damage, but if you didn't escape the the hail and high winds, you now own a storm damaged roof.
But My Friends Work For Beer?
So your residential roof has been damaged in a storm, and you have an insurance check in your hand. You're thinking about just replacing it yourself. You have a bother-in-law and some college friends that can knock out your residential roof in a weekend. You might save money, you might get it completed quicker, but is that going to be the best choice to protect your home and your family? Do you have enough knowledge and experience to replace your residential roof on your own? Is saving a few bucks worth the price of problems you might cause down the road? There's a difference between 'getting it done' and 'getting it done RIGHT'.
We Thoroughly Inspect Each Residential Roof
We inspect all decking for splits or breaks when removing old shingles. As a homeowner choosing to replace your own roof, you might not see all the sublte clues and flaws that we see because we replace residential roofs on a daily basis. Small indicators of a looming problem might be overlooked or seen but ignored. We do a thorough inspection with a well trained crew and then we replace or re-nail decking as needed and we clean decking or loose debris.
We Install The Proper Felt Paper
We install 15lb or 30lb felt paper. Quality roof deck protection, or “felt paper”, provides an extra layer of protection between your shingles and your roof deck. It helps prevent wind-driven rain, or water in general, from getting in under your shingles and causing damage to your roof structure or the inside of your home. It also helps allow shingles to lie flat and uniform which will result in a better-looking roofing job.
There's a difference between 'getting it done' and 'getting it done RIGHT'.
We Implement Proper and Uniform Standards for Residential Roofing Jobs
We install shingles with 4 nails per shingle, no more than 5 5 / 8 inches from the bottom of the shingle. Different roofing materials require different types of roofing nails, whehter you are installing a metal roof, a shake shingle or traditional asphalt shingle, we have 60 years of experience in knowing our tools and our industry. We'll make the appropriate choice for your residential roofing project.
We Avoid Shortcuts And Novice Cost-Cutting Tactics
We never use staples on fiberglass or asphalt shingles. It's silly to think that people would use staples, but you might be surprised what we find on old, non-professionally installed, residential roofs. You do not want to cut corners in Midwestern states where we experience the worst of all four seasons. Leave it to the professionals to protect your home and your investment.
We Follow Municipal Residential Roofing Codes and Manufacturer Instructions
We follow municipal codes and manufacturer suggestions when intalling residential roofing. City codes and manufacturer warranties require different standards for the number and placement of air vents on roofing. We have special formulas and calculations that assist us in determining how many air vents and where they should be placed on a residential roof. The last thing you want to do is void the manufacturer's warranty because you didn't do someting correctly. We stay abreast of all of our manufacturers rules and when we enter a community, we find out and abide by the local city or town codes. That's our job.
Midwest Roofing has been in business for 60 years. We've been putting roofs on businesses and homes since Eisenhower was in office! We have crews that know what they're doing, and know how to replace almost any kind of roofing system, commercial or residential. Your brother-in-law, he's an accountant, right? And as far as quick service. We offer our Priority Service. If you need a residential roof replaced quickly, we can do that.
PRIORITY HAIL DAMAGE SERVICE
Fill out the form and you will automatically be added to our listing for priority roofing service for hail damage, storm damage and tornados. Avoid the risk of more damage from subsequent storms, and move to the front of line, get your name on the list now.
Roof leaks we fix, commercial and residential, part 1
Roof leaks cause damage to your home or business if the underlying cause isn't diagnosed or repaired quickly. Water can drain or drip outward from the spot where the leak occurred, we can pinpoint the exact cause and fix your leak. In our 65 years we have seen and fixed every kind of leak. Some common leaks we fix.
Excess Moisture leaks that we fix
Draining upper roof gutters directly onto a lower roof can lead to the lower section becoming overly saturated, which can cause leaks. Better planning of your entire guttering system and elevate the problem.
Debris leaks that we fix
Buildup of twigs, leaves or pine needles can trap water against the roof allowing water to soak in by capillary action. Itʼs vitally important to keep the roof clear so water can run off quickly. Cutting overhanging tree branches will make it easier to keep your roof clear of problems and potential leaks.
Flashing leaks that we fix and prevent
Metal roof flashing seals roof transitions where large amounts of water pour down or where unwanted absorption can occur. Flashing is placed around likely areas for leaks: where the roof joins a dormer, where a chimney penetrates the roof and around the edges of skylights. Flashing sections can slide or move out of proper alinement if nails are missing and caulk has become dry, cracking over time.
Age leaks that we service
Even the best roofing materials deteriorate over time and become and can cause problems with your residential or commercial roof. Temperature changes and
extreme weather conditions may cause roofing materials to become hard and crack with age and exposure to direct sunlight may melt the tar that seals shingles together.
Ridge Cap leaks that we prevent and fix
The ridge cap covers the gap at the peak of a roof where the two slopes meet. Contractors who use rope and harness systems without protecting the ridge cap with temporary covering can cause holes in the roof material, allowing water from rain to enter.
We are a Wichita Roofing Company specializing in stopping leaks and in leak prevention.
Midwest Roofing Systems is a Wichita roofing company, based in Wichita Kansas with over half a century of experience in leak prevention and repair for commercial roofs or residential roofs. We were locally owned. If you have any questions about your leak or preventing leaks please call us or visit our website.
PRIORITY HAIL DAMAGE SERVICE
Fill out the form and you will automatically be added to our listing for priority roofing service for hail damage, storm damage and tornados. Avoid the risk of more damage from subsequent storms, and move to the front of line, get your name on the list now.
Wichita Roofing Company With A Higher Standard Of Excellence
“Midwest Roofing Services has been a family owned and operated business since President Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House. That's when my father started this Wichita roofing company. But, he did more than that, my father left a legacy that I'm proud to accept. He taught me the value of hard work, respect for every customer and that the job is not finished until the customer is completely satisfied. I have carried that legacy forward and it will always be the foundation of Midwest Roofing Services' Wichita roots. But, advancements in technology have changed the roofing industry, so every year we educate, train and re-train our staff and employees on the most recent technologies, materials, roofing systems, safety procedures and roofing techniques to insure your roof, not only looks great, but exceeds all industry standards for roofing quality.”
"A Higher Standard Of Excellence" is our history and is our future. You have my word on that."
A Wichita Roofing Company
Midwest Roofing Systems, Inc. is proud to be a Wichita roofing company, based in Wichita Kansas since 1955. We were locally owned right here in Wichita 60 years ago and we'll be here 60 years from now. We have been a Wichita roofing contractor and will always be a Wichita roofer. If you have any questions about your roof please call us or visit our website.
PRIORITY HAIL SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR WICHITA KANSAS
Fill out the form and you will automatically be added to our listing for priority roofing service for hail damage, storm damage and tornados in Wichita, KS. Avoid the risk of more damage from subsequent storms in Wichita, and move to the front of line, get your name on the list now!
Hail Storm and Your Roof
WOW ! After a stormy night like June 9, 2011. Haven and Goddard Kansas were said to have hail stones the size of baseballs! Storm coverage reported that there was a deluge of rain coming down in sheets that blanketed the cities of Wichita, Maize, Goddard and Valley Center. With rain and wind like that, it is important to take a look at the damage that may have been done during this storm. I live around Goddard and with the hail and intense wind we received that lasted well over a hour. I was even worried about my roof and of course, my wife was crying over her garden and flowers. The whines from my wife had me wondering about how at least the roof is covered under our home owners insurance. I cannot even begin to replace all of her hard work in the garden and the money lost in flowers .
If you received a pummeling of hail or straight line winds from this intense storm last night, be sure to check with your homeowners insurance and have your roof checked out by a professional like Midwest Roofing Services. Your roof is inevitably the most important structure of your home It protects you and all your belongings from mother natures wrath. Your Roof needs to stay in tip top shape for the next round of crazy storms that may blow into Kansas. So if you witnessed the intense storm of last night June 9, 2011 than your roof may need some special attention and we here at Midwest Roofing Services have service writers ready to climb your roof and honestly let you know if you may need any repair. So give us a call here at Midwest Roofing Services and let us help you keep your roof in the best shape it can be for any of Mother Natures next future storms.
Hail Season is Here
Spring and Summer brings the clear skies and sunshine, but it can also brings a darker side of the season. We have all been outside on a beautiful warm day when you begin to here the low rumble of thunder off in the distance. Thunderstorms with hail can damage one of our most important investments, our homes or businesses. When it comes to selecting a roofing contractor in the aftermath of a storm "Caution" is the key word. Many fly by night un-reputable roofing contractors could be knocking on your door after a hail storm. When people do come knocking here is a checklist you should have to tell the difference between a un-reputable storm chaser and a good catastrophe specialist.
*Does the company have a permanent place of business.
*Does the company have a proper certificate of insurance for your state and able to provide a copy
*Does the company have a proper certified licensed for your state and able to provide a copy
*Does the company have a website for referencing
*Does the company have a Better Business Bureau Rating
*Does the company have a insurance specialist on staff
*Does the company inspect the work after completion
Be a informed consumer. Ask questions and do some research before signing a contract. Midwest Roofing Services has been in business since 1955 and is still family owned. We have helped over 30.000 people with damaged roofs. We are here to help you. Here is a list of what we do for our customers.
*We assess the damage to your home.
*We explain how the insurance claims process works with your insurance company.
*We explain all of the insurance paper work and our estimates so you clearly understand.
*We check to make sure your insurance company is compensating you appropriately for your damage.
*We will assign a project manager to you. He will be your contact. He will supervise the crew, perform inspections, and keep you informed at every step and answer any of your questions .
*Our installation crews leave your property the way it was before we started. We install each roofing system to meet or exceed manufacturers specifications and regional codes.
*We do not take Quality Control lightly. Your Project Manager will conduct a final inspection before you are invoiced.
WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL. So Trust your home with the professionals here at Midwest Roofing Services where "A Higher Standard of Excellence" is our history and is our future.