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First comes the gray skies, and as the clouds gather you hear the rain drops, quiet fluttering drops splaashing on the pavement. Then the frequency and volume pick up to a mild roar as the rain begins to pour down in sheets, until the final sting of the familiar "plink", "plink", "plink" announces the arrival of the first hailstones. Each hailstone likes to come with a crowd, bringing thousands of his friends with him. Within minutes, the sound ends, and an eerie calm replaces the rush of noise. In those few minutes, a flash hail storm has caused enough damage that your residential roof requires replacement.

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.

hail-icon-red

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.

 

Published in Residential

The Popularity of Shake Shingles In Residential Roofing

There was a time when cedar wood shakes and shingles were one of the few roofing materials available to the consumer but they have long been a favorite roofing material here in the Midwest. From Nebraska to Texas and from Colorado to Missouri, people love the look of a wood roof. From the bright yellow-orange of the freshly exposed wood upon installation to the weatherd gray patina that eventually sets in, the cedar shake roof has been a staple of residential, new home construction for decades. Wood shakes are frequently chosen because of their aesthetic appeal, ability to blend a structure into its environment, their good insulation properties, and the longevity they provide.

Aside from their aesthetic appeal, they offer a whole host of practical advantages:

  • Eco-friendliness. Cedar shakes are environmenally friendly and they can be turned into residential mulch when they are removed.
  • Durability. Normally warrantied for 20-25 years, if properly installed, maintained and restored, a cedar shake roof can last as long as 50 years.
  • Weather resistant, standing up to variations in temperature and freeze-thaw cycles and they are also earthquake resilient.
  • Hardiness, they are resist mildew and resist bugs.

But cedar shakes have drawbacks too:

  • A cedar shake or shingle roof costs more that roofs made from other synthetic materials.
  • Cedar roofs must be treated to make them fire-retardant, using products specifically approved for cedar.
  • A cedar roof must be installed correctly. A wood roof needs to "breathe" and it must include a substrate that allows for air circulation.
  • Communities are continuing to restrict the use of cedar shakes in residential housing codes because of the higher chance of flammability, and recent droughts in the Midwest have communities concerned about the roofing material.

Consumers Want the Look of Cedar Shakes with Less Investment and More Safety

People want the LOOK of a shake shingle roof without the cost, maintenance and risk of fire. So what is the solution? One product that we like is both realistic and durable; composite shake shingles developed by DaVinci Roofscapes. DaVinci Roofscapes has made a polymer roofing system that has the same residential curb-appeal of a natural cedar shake shingle. It has the lasting beauty and structural integrity of a shake shingle in a roof tile. For those who desire the natural appearance of hand-split shake shingles or machine-sawn shake, their composite shake shingles are reminiscent of the texture of natural cedar, but with unsurpassed durability and a life cycle savings of up to 50% compared to natural shake roofing. DaVinci utilizes a proprietary state-of-the-art engineered polymer to deliver durability and beauty for years to come. They are a beautiful solution for replacing your residential shake shingle roof.

A Synthetic Cedar Shake Solution

It's easy to see that the authentic appearance, durability, and lifetime cost advantages of DaVinci synthetic roof tiles - plus a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty - add up to an exceptional value for any discerning homeowner. If you love the look of a cedar shake shingle, but you are concerned about the the drawbacks that they involve, give us a call and let us talk to you about the DaVinci product. We'll be happy to come and give you an estimate on your residential roofing project.

Published in Residential

emily-videtto-GAFCHOOSING YOUR RESIDENTIAL SHINGLE COLOR

Emily Videtto, Vice-President of Shingles and New Product Development at GAF talked about some of the key points in choosing shingles for your residential roof. A lot of consumers now live in communities where where exterior appearance is mandated by a home owner's association, but if you don't live in a community like that, then you actually have a lot of options when building or replacing your residential roof.

BE DARING WHEN MAKING YOUR RESIDENTIAL ROOF CHOICE

Videtto says "Be Daring – But Don’t Forget Resale Value" she goes on to add "colors in clothing and interiors may change every two or three years, but when you look at exterior color trends, you'll notice that 'bold' typically means much more muted than the trends you see in fashion" A bold green might be popular in the fashion magazines, you would see that color translated into an exterior palette of more subtle warm, earthy green tones. That's Because bold green might not be the 'in' color two years from now (likely not), but you're still going to have the same roof. Videtto said,"Color choices in exteriors are long-term decisions, so make sure the palette that you select is not only one that fits your personality and taste today but also one that you'll enjoy ten years down the road." 

SO MANY CHOICES IN RESIDENTIAL ROOFING

We have so many options in color and materials in residential roofing. Think about your entire exterior. Videtto aks,"Would you choose a new sofa for your living room without thinking about the room’s paint color or accent scheme?" Just like your interior, your roof needs to match the rest of your home’s exterior for a cohesive design. Your roof can represent up to 40% of your home's overall curb appeal, don't underestimate the impact on the overall look and style of your home. All of the parts have to work together. Maybe you want your shingles to match your current paint choice, or perhaps replacing your residential roof is the beginning of a new exterior color scheme that will include a new paint choice? Sometimes a replacement roof is the perfect opportunity to update the whole exterior to a more modern palette. In a National Association of REALTORS® survey, it was discovered that a new Designer roof can increase your home's value by a median of 7%!

In a National Association of REALTORS® survey, it was discovered that a new Designer roof can increase your home's value by a median of 7%

ROOF PITCH PLAYS A PART IN CHOOSING YOUR RESIDENTIAL ROOF

Roof pitch makes texture and overall visible space important elements in your shingle choice. Videtto says, "If your roof has a low pitch, the shingle profile will be more important than the shape;" This is where texture becomes important. You might consider an ultra-dimensional shingle that will add an extra thick appearance on your roof. Videtto suggests GAF’s Grand Canyon®, Camelot®, or Timberline® Ultra HD® Shingles for this purpose. If your residential roof has a steep pitch, then you have more visible surface area and a unique design or color pattern could be a better choice. In this situation, Videtto thinks you should consider a classic look, which can be achieved with either Camelot® II or Sienna® Lifetime Designer Shingles.

IT'S YOUR ROOF, YOU HAVE TO LOVE IT

Trush your instinct! You have to look at your roof every day. Videtto says, "If you absolutely LOVE a specific shingle, don’t settle for anything less. I can’t count the number of times I’ve made a purchase that I thought was practical, but then regretted it every time I pulled up in my driveway (the economy army green door — worst mistake!)." A shingle choice shouldn't kill your budget. Manufacturers offer value options with beautiful, more expensive, designer looks. Videtto suggests the entire GAF Designer Shingle Value Collection as a solution to get that designer look at a fraction of the cost.

hail-icon-red

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.

Published in Residential

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.

hail-icon-red

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.

 

Published in Residential
Friday, April 3, 2015

Newton KS roofing company

We fix Newton roofs. We are a roofing company based in Wichita KS but we serve Newton KS with the same pride and craftsmanship as we do homes or businesses in our own backyard. We have been serving Newton home owners for over 50 years and we will continue to serve Newton KS homes and businesses that need roof repair weather it be from hail damage, storm damage, wear and tear over time or just because a new roof can add incredible value to any home or business. We will look forward to talking with Newton home owners and business owners who want the Highest Quality Service by one of the most trusted names in roofing. Remember, we offer free estimates. We can handle all your insurance worries and headaches. We will walk you through the entire process before any work begins so you can be confident that your new roof will be exactly what you expect.

A Newton KS Roofing Company

Midwest Roofing Systems, Inc. is based in Wichita Kansas since 1955. We were locally 50 years ago and we'll be here 50 years from now. We have been a area roofing contractor and will always be a Kansas roofer. If you have any questions about your roof please call us or visit our website. We are here to help Newton residence with any roofing problem.

PRIORITY HAIL SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR NEWTON 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 Newton, KS. Avoid the risk of more damage from subsequent storms in Newton, and move to the front of line, get your name on the list now!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Consulting

Reporting

Roof Condition Analysis Reports: Knowing the existing condition of your roof system is the first-step and half the battle when it comes to roof maintenance and roof solution development. A large majority of building owners, property managers or administrators do not have the time to research the best roof systems, components, application methods and materials to develop a roof solution program. Our clients choose our services to produce a thorough Roof Condition Analysis report that will allow them to make an informed decision about their roof. Our firm has dedicated staff for gathering the necessary information and data, compiling it to an easy to read and understand format along with digital photographs, CAD drawings, recommendations and supporting data for each report rendered.

Budgeting

Midwest Roofing Services, Inc. can assist in developing a roof maintenance and or roof replacement plan to fit your budget. We will work with the client to establish a priority repair and or replacement schedule based upon the projected remaining useful life of each roof section to fit within the clients budgetary needs.

Thermal Image Scanning

Infrared Thermal Imaging Scans: Building owner’s today are saving hundreds of millions of dollars every year with infrared roof moisture testing. Infrared thermography is a proven scientific method for evaluating moisture contamination in existing roof assembly’s. Our professional staff can substantially reduce your roof repair and or replacement costs by targeting problem areas, creating money saving replacement options, identifying sound roof sections for conservation and specification writing that address the real needs of the facility.

Specification Writing

Specification Writing: Now that you have a very clear understanding of the current roof assembly and other possibilities that fit your needs, Midwest Roofing can provide you with a roof system solution or maintenance program tailored to that criteria. All specifications are custom written to meet your specific needs and budgetary requirements. Our company strives to provide the best possible solution to meet your facility’s needs.

Published in Single Pages
  • Credentials: Midwest Roofing Services has partnered with the top manufacturers in the industry. Midwest Roofing has been awarded the prestigious certification of Master Select by the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, “GAF Materials Corp.”. This certification is reserved for the Top 2% of the roofing contractors nation wide. Midwest Roofing is also certified applicators for the following manufacturers. Versico Roofing Systems, Certainteed Commercial Roofing and Topps Products, Inc. This partnership allows us to provide the following types of roofing applications with extended manufacturers warrantees. Thermoplastic (PVC and TPO), Thermoplastic Fleece Back, Epdm, Modified Bitumen, Built up Roofing, Roof Coatings, Metal Roof Restorations.

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