Beware of the Lowest Bidder

Low Roofing Bids: You Get What You Pay For

November 12, 2013

Roof repairs and replacements can be rather expensive. No one could blame you for trying to save a few bucks here and there. Obtaining multiple bids for roof work can be a helpful way to find the right roofing contractor for the best price. But what should your decision be based upon? We admit that the lowest roofing bid always looks attractive. But how low is too low? A roofing bid that’s low for the wrong reasons can wind up costing you a lot more in the long run if it fails prematurely. Here’s what to look out for when you are offered a low roofing bid.

Generic, Poor-Quality Roofing Materials

Watch out for roofing contractors who offer low bids by skimping on quality roofing materials. Using low-quality, generic roofing materials is a way to offer a low cost up front on a roof that will look fine until the shingles begin to fail shortly thereafter. Always ask who manufactured your roof shingles and how long the warranty lasts. Additionally, request that your roofing shingles be algae resistance, wind resistant, and impact resistant to avoid outside influences that could cause premature roof failure.

Shady Business Tactics

Roofing contractors can also save money by skimping on the costs it takes to run a safe and professional roofing business. They may not keep the proper insurance, leaving the liability on the homeowner. They may not have obtained proper licensing. They may not have the proper safety procedures in place. Always ask to see verification of license and insurance, and ask questions about their business practices. Also, be wary of a roofing contractor who does not have a physical address. This could be an indication of a fly-by-night contractor who could disappear at the first sign of a problem.

Handshake Agreements

Remember, nothing is final until it is in writing. A roofing contractor may offer a low bid up front, only to raise the price after the project has been started. Especially if you roof has already been torn off, this tactic leaves the homeowner with few options. Always make sure you have a detailed estimate of all labor and material costs in writing before work begins.

A good rule of thumb is that you should always ask questions about roofing bids that are 15% more or less than the other roofing bids you obtain. A roofing contractor with a verified reputation using verified roofing materials will cause you far fewer problems in the long run. Ask your roofing contractor if he installs the full Manufacturer Roofing System. With a complete roofing system, you can be sure you will receive quality roofing materials that are designed to work together for optimum performance.

Shingle Roofing Repair Mistakes to Avoid

Shingle Roofing Repair Mistakes to Avoid

Homeowner should be aware of some of the common mistakes made in shingle roofing repair:

1.      Inadequate or faulty base: A surface repair does not address problems that arise from damaged decking or improperly installed underlayment. For best results, roof shingles should be removed so that an examination of the deck and sheathing can be conducted.

2.     Incorrectly installed shingles: Proper alignment of shingles, especially the starter course, is critical for a successful repair job. Care should be taken to offset joints and to be sure shingles lay flat. Ignoring these considerations may lead to the development of leaks that are hard to detect until serious damage is done.

3.     Improper or not enough fastening: A good repair job depends on decking, underlayment and shingles that are all properly attached. Inadequate fastening allows wind to raise shingles, moisture to work its way through the layers, and leaks to develop.

4.     Poorly installed flashing: Flashing is needed to channel moisture away from critical areas. Adequate flashing in valleys and around chimneys, skylights, vents, and satellite dish installations keep these vulnerable areas from allowing water to penetrate the roof.

5.     Ignoring manufacturers’ specifications: Failure to follow guidelines may void manufacturers’ warranties. Proper preparation and installation ensures a quality repair job and maintains the warranty.

Hiring a reputable, licensed roofing contractor like Urbach Roofing, Inc. is the best way for homeowners to avoid the pitfalls of a poor shingle roofing repair. With over 40 years of experience in roof repair and installation, we make sure the job is done right, with quality products and following industry-leading standards.

To schedule an appointment, call 760-471-5065

 

Gutters

Is Your Gutter a Fire Hazard?

 

We’ve all heard the basic tips for avoiding accidental fires in the home. Don’t play with matches. Don’t smoke in bed. Make sure that fire hazards like bare electrical wires, unattended hot stoves, or malfunctioning fireplaces are not present in your home.
But what about your gutters? Are they a fire hazard? It’s very possible. Homes in California narrowly averted serious damage after fires were discovered in their gutters. If not for the keen eyes of neighbors, these homes could have gone up in flames – and even claimed the lives of their occupants.
So why exactly do gutters present a fire danger to homes? Because of what may be inside them.
It’s quite common for leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other debris to fall into gutters from the roof or overhanging trees. If this debris is allowed to build up, it’s like having a supply of flame-friendly kindling right in your gutters.
When this happens, it only takes a single spark to ignite the debris inside the gutters and cause a fire. This spark can come from burning trash piles, fireworks, a chimney, or nearby brush fires. Wind in the area can propel embers from the source to a gutter; in fact, firefighters caution that embers from an open fire often travel as far as a mile away from their origination point.
Clogged or debris-filled gutters represent one of the largest fire vulnerabilities for a building. That’s why firefighters and home improvement experts strongly urge homeowners to clean out their gutters regularly, especially if the weather is dry and windy. Scraping, vacuuming, blowing, or power washing the unwanted material out of the gutters usually takes only a few hours of work. For homeowners who don’t wish to clean their gutters themselves, Urbach Roofing as well as other contractors will handle it for a relatively small fee.  It's also been pointed out to us that some homeowners insurance company's offer discounts for cleaning gutters, since the homeowner is actively maintaining them to reduce the risk of fire hazards. We recommend contacting your insurance carrier to inquire about any discounts.
One way to prevent gutters from becoming clogged in the first place is to install gutter guards. These products fit over the top of the gutters and keep debris out, but are designed to allow runoff water to flow easily into the gutters. Gutter guards are an excellent way to eliminate a potential fire hazard.
When you think of gutters, you usually think of water, not fire. However, allowing your gutters to become clogged increases the chances that your home will fall victim to fire. If that’s not a good reason to clean your gutters, we don’t know what is.

Saving Money with Roofing Maintenance

                Saving Money with Roofing Maintenance  

Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about the condition of their roof. But, the old expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly applies when it comes to roofing maintenance. The costs associated with routine maintenance of your roof doesn’t amount to much; the costs of ignoring routine maintenance, however, can be significant.

In the long run, you will save money with regular maintenance done now!

10 Things You Can Do Now

Here are a few tips for keeping your roof in tip-top condition: 

·        Trim back trees. To prevent damage to your shingles, trim back and remove overhanging tree branches or those getting close to your roof.

·        Keep gutters clear. Leaves and other miscellaneous debris can clog your gutter system, allowing water to back up into the attic or living areas of your home. It’s a good idea to check your gutters at least twice per year. Inspect your gutters, too, for sagging or other signs of damage.

·        Check downspouts. In addition to the gutters, make sure your downspouts are also free of congestion. If they are clogged, they can’t channel water away from your home.

·        Remove excess debris. Even a small layer of debris accumulation could potentially lead to moisture build up or a roof collapse. If the debris piles up, carefully remove debris off the roof.

·        Ensure proper ventilation. This is one of the most important elements in extending the life of your roof. Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can accumulate in the attic, leading to roof rot and deteriorating insulation.

·        Ensure adequate insulation. A properly insulated attic space will allow your roof to perform at peak efficiency.

·        Look for storm damage. After a big storm, inspect the interior of your home for water stains. Check the outside for damaged shingles.

·        Check for moss or algae. Have your roof cleaned if your roof is starting to collect moss or algae.

·        Inspect flashings. Many roof leaks begin at flashing points, where the main body of the roof meets up with the home’s siding, chimneys or skylights. Check the flashings for holes, cracks, or other signs of damage or deterioration.

·        Consult with an expert. An experienced roofer, like Urbach Roofing, can provide a no-obligation consultation to help you in maintaining and caring for your roof. Take advantage of our skill and know-how to keep your roof performing its best.

Call your experienced roofing contractor if you need help with roofing maintenance or need a quick inspection. Urbach Roofing, Inc. has been serving customers, all year round, for more than 40 years! Our family-owned business is known for quality and professionalism.

Call San Marcos office at (760) 471-5065 for your roofing estimate today!

From new roof installations to roof leak repairs, we offer reliable, affordable and professional roofing services throughout San Diego County, and we look forward to serving you!

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