6 Qualities to Look For in Local Roofing Contractors

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6 Qualities to Look For in Local Roofing Contractors

March 28, 2024

The value and quality of your home will depend heavily upon the quality of the service providers you bring in for repairs and installation. When it's time to do big home improvements, such as roof work, you want to make sure that you're choosing the best your area has to offer. According to IBISWorld, the U.S. roofing industry employed 254,552 people in 2022. Here are a few good qualities you should look for when searching for one of the best local roofing contractors.

1. Experience

You want to make sure that you're dealing with experienced professionals who have been working in the industry for a while. You can get a good idea about the level of experience a business has by looking into how long they've been around. It's okay to ask questions about their background and experience level. Some people feel intimidated about asking these types of questions, but you should think of this as interviewing people who will be working for you temporarily. This information matters and will make a big difference in the quality of service you receive.

2. Reputation

If the company has been operating in your community for a while, then it will have started to develop a business reputation. You want to pay attention to what other people are saying about the business in order to get an idea of what type of reputation they have. A business reputation is often built upon the quality of service the professionals are providing, as well as the customer service that they show to clients. Those in your community who have already had services done by the company before are a great resource for you to learn more about how the company operates.

3. Pricing

If you aren't a roofing professional yourself, you might not have a clear idea of fair roofing prices. To get an idea of what pricing should look like, you should get at least three quotes from three different companies. You can then compare these prices. You should be able to see a trend. You can also use the price quote meeting as a chance to get to know the business better. Be sure to use the quotes you've received to try to negotiate a better price with each contractor you speak to. This is one way you can help yourself get the best possible deal for your roofing needs.

4. Services

You also want to find local roofing contractors that provide a variety of services. There are many different types of roofing needs you might come up against as a homeowner. You want to make sure that the professionals that you're working with are qualified to provide the work you need. There are a lot of different roofing materials to choose from as well. The roofers you choose need to have experience working with the materials you're interested in. These are all good questions to ask before you hire local roofing contractors.

5. Contracts

When you're getting ready to sign a contract with a contractor, you want to have all the details in writing. Having everything in writing protects both you and the contractor from any kind of surprises when it's time to pay. The work orders, price quotes, and any other information should be discussed in depth in detail and then all of those details should be recorded for you in writing. Be sure to keep all copies of this information. It's also important that you hold the contractor to whatever has been put down in writing. You have a legal right to receive the services and pricing that they put in the contract. Don't be intimidated or afraid to stand up for your rights when it comes to home improvement services.

6. Customer Service

Having roofing work done is expensive and time-consuming. You don't want to add to this already stressful time by dealing with a company that doesn't provide quality customer service. You want to work with professionals who listen to you and respect you. Watch how they respond when you have questions or concerns.

These are just a few good qualities to look for in local roofing contractors. We have been serving the community for over 30 years and can help you with roofing, gutters, and other services. If you require any of these services, please contact Bakeris Roofing today.

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Pests and Your Roof: What Homeowners Should Know

January 29, 2025

Your roof is a vital part of your home’s defense against the elements—but it can also attract unwanted guests like pests. These creatures not only cause structural damage but can also create health hazards if left unchecked. Here's how pests can impact your roof and what you can do to prevent them. Common Pests That Target Roofs • Birds How They Cause Damage: Birds may nest in gutters, vents, or under loose shingles, causing blockages or damaging roofing materials. Risks: Nesting debris can lead to water backups, while bird droppings can damage shingles over time. • Rodents (Squirrels, Rats, and Mice) How They Cause Damage: Rodents chew through shingles, fascia, or soffits to gain entry into your attic. Risks: Their gnawing can damage wiring, insulation, and wood framing. • Insects (Bees, Wasps, Termites, and Ants) How They Cause Damage: Bees and wasps build hives in eaves or attic spaces, while termites and carpenter ants weaken wood structures. Risks: Structural damage, increased repair costs, and potential stings from aggressive insect species. • Raccoons How They Cause Damage: Raccoons are strong and can tear through shingles or vents to enter attics. Risks: They can cause extensive structural damage and leave behind droppings that pose health risks. • Bats How They Cause Damage: Bats squeeze into small gaps in vents or soffits, establishing colonies in attics. Risks: Their droppings, or guano, can harbor harmful fungi and create unpleasant odors. Signs of Pest Problems on Your Roof Visible Damage: Missing shingles, gnaw marks, or holes in the fascia or soffit. Debris in Gutters: Leaves, twigs, or nesting materials can indicate bird or rodent activity. Unusual Sounds: Scratching, squeaking, or buzzing noises coming from the attic or roof. Droppings: Pest waste in or around the roofline. Chewed Wiring: Evidence of rodents accessing the attic. How to Protect Your Roof from Pests • Seal Entry Points Inspect for gaps or holes in the roof, soffits, or fascia and seal them with caulk or metal mesh. • Maintain Gutters Clean gutters regularly to remove nesting materials and prevent clogs that attract pests. • Trim Overhanging Branches Keep tree limbs trimmed away from your roof to limit access points for squirrels, raccoons, and insects. • Install Pest Barriers Use vent covers, chimney caps, and screens to block pests from entering key access points. • Inspect Regularly Conduct routine roof inspections to catch signs of pests early and address potential issues promptly. • Eliminate Attractants Avoid leaving food or trash outside that might lure pests toward your home. • Consult Professionals If pests are already causing damage, contact a pest control specialist and a roofing expert to address both the infestation and any structural issues. Why It Matters Ignoring pest issues can lead to: Structural Damage: Weakening of roof materials, insulation, and framing. Health Hazards: Contaminated air from droppings or potential bites/stings. Costly Repairs: Pest damage can escalate quickly, increasing repair expenses. Protecting your roof from pests is key to maintaining your home's integrity and safety. If you suspect pest-related roof damage, Bakeris Roofing can help inspect and repair your roof to ensure its secure and pest-free! Call us at (515) 207-7949.